12.19.2013

When Strange Worlds Collide, Day 55

At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:

Charles: Did you notice, Charles? That old woman locked us in again last night... Under the circumstances, I can't exactly say that I blame her. HA! You can tell that lie to the ladies, if you like, but don't waste it on me. I'm in your head, Charles. I know exactly what you think. You feel all hurt. Betrayed even. Heh heh. You stupid git! Did you really go and let yourself think we belonged? That we had a home here? ... You are such a bleedin' sap! This is why you get us in to trouble, you fucking little... SHUT UP! Please... Please just be quiet...

Mrs. Esterly (to Charles): Charles? Are you quite all right in here? I heard shouting.

Charles (to Mrs. Esterly): Mrs. Esterly! I--I didn't mean to disturb you, ma'am. I... I was... What I mean to say is that I was... I--I'm not sure what I was doing. Um, I apologize for causing a fuss...

Mrs. Esterly (to Charles):  Shhhhh. Come here sweetie. It's fine. Everything will be just fine I the end. Don't fret...

Charles (to Mrs. Esterly): ...Thank you for saying so, ma'am. I, um I hope so.

Mrs. Esterly (to Charles): I know so, dear. Why don't I go see about getting you some breakfast?

Meanwhile, in the kitchen:

Persephone (to Zoe): Zoe! You're here! Thank goodness! ... It's Charles. He's been acting a bit odd.

Zoe (to Persephone): Yes, I gathered from the call at the ass crack of dawn. You know, some of us stay up late and enjoy sleeping in?

Persephone (to Zoe): Oh well, poor you... I just figured if anyone knows about having a second personality in your head, it would be you. What with Hiiri having occasionally taking up residence in there... Or have you forgotten about all of that?

Zoe (to Persephone): No, I haven't forgotten about ALL that. How could I? Fix some tea and tell me everything.

Persephone (to Zoe): Fine... And, thank you.

A little while later:

Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone & Zoe): Good morning, girls. Would you be a dear, Persephone, and pour me a cuppa as well? Thank you. I've got Charles calmed down for the moment. Would either of you like some breakfast?

Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly & Zoe): Breakfast would be lovely, Mrs. Esterly. I was just telling Zoe about the Charles situation. She has some personal experience with this sort of thing.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe & Persephone): Any help you can give us will be greatly appreciated, darling. Poor lad has himself worked up into quite a tizzy. He's not being very forthcoming, either. I can't tell if it's embarrassment, fear, or both.

Zoe (to Persephone & Mrs. Esterly): Heh. Actually, it sounds a bit different than my experiences, Seph but I can see why you'd think so. And, I think I'll pass on breakfast, Mrs. Esterly. The tea is just fine.

Persephone (to Zoe): Oh? How is it different?

Zoe (to Persephone): Well, it sounds like Charles made another personality as a coping mechanism. Hiiri implanted herself in my head with the intention of taking over. I think Charlie is just trying to keep Charles safe.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe & Persephone): Well now... That would explain why he showed up after Mr. Turner was snatched by Maladori.

Zoe (to Persephone & Mrs. Esterly): I'll take a tray of food up to him & see what I can do. If it doesn't work, I'll get Mom to come by. He's always been pretty sweet on her. Not that anyone blames him. She's a sucker for broken kids. :-P

Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone & Zoe): Hee hee. Yes, she is. As are we all. Thank you, dear.

Persephone (to Zoe): Heehee. Come see us at the carriage house when you're done, Zoe. I'm sure Joseph would love to see you.

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly & Persephone): Heh. Okay... I guess I should get this show on the road. Wish me luck!

Persephone (to Zoe): Good luck!

Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Don't worry, Persephone. He'll be fine. Charles is made of sterner stuff than this.

Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): I know.

A short time later:

Zoe (to Charles): <knock, knock> Charles, may I come in? I brought you breakfast...Heh. Possibly, second breakfast judging by the tray here.

Charles (to Zoe): Yeah? Well... Heh. I'm eating for two now, aren't I? Oh! ... I, um, I'm very sorry, Ms. Zoe. There was no call for that kind of behavior. Thank you for bringing me something.

Zoe (to Charles): Heehee. It's okay... So, what are your plans, both of you? I imagine you've got something cooking, Charlie while Charles patiently waits for the "grown-ups" to decide what to do with you.

Charles (to Zoe): Heh. Isn't that just how he is? Charles hasn't got the sense God gave a wet rat. He wants to stay here. An' do what, Chaaarles? Wait to get chucked out for being a loon? For that daft doctor to finish whatever it was she started? She'll break both legs next time. Or worse. You know that. I-- I'm not sure. My apologies, Ms. Zoe. This is very confusing...

Zoe (to Charles): First off, no one is getting chucked out for being a loon. If our family did that sort of thing, I wouldn't be standing in front of you, right now... I would have been standing next to the professor or possibly, worse... How would you two feel about staying onboard the Wicked Sister? You know, just until it's safe to go back to the Inn.

Charles (to Zoe): ...There aren't two of us, Miss. I-- it's just me. I... I don't know what help I could possibly be in my current state and I... The bloody hell there aren't two of us! It was all well an good for you to think on ne as someone else when I was doing all the ugly shit that needed doing, but now that I'm disturbing the quiet little lie you built up for yourself, I'm just some messy bloody side effect that don't get a say!?! That's ruddy typical.

Zoe (to Charles): ... Charles, I need you to sit quietly, for a moment and just listen, alright?

Charles (to Zoe): Y-- yes, miss. Of course.

Zoe (to Charles): Thank you... Now, Charlie, what do you wanna do? Run off and join a gang again? Or let Charles determine your fate? Because, the way I see it, you're not going to be all to keen on either option & I'm not sure if Charles will survive a gang, again. So, whatcha want to do?

Charles (to Zoe): Isn't that the bloody truth? Even if twinkle toes had the stomach for it these days, and he don't, if Achilles lays mitts on us again, we're gutted. Son or no. If you're offering us a better option, I'm interested in it. He isn't gonna like it though. You can stop that pining after your little sweetheart you're doing, Charles. Don't go thinking she'll want to punch her ticket with you, you bloody mess.

Zoe (to Charles): Hush, Charlie... You clearly haven't been paying that much attention when George is about. She's crazy about Charles. I doubt this whole thing will make her change her mind. She's smarter than that.

Charles (to Zoe): Perhaps, it should, miss. He isn't... I mean, I'm, um, I'm not that nice a person, really. I... I thought that if I got away from the gang, and from everything, then maybe I could be one.

Zoe (to Charles): Charles, you are as nice as you want to be. And, everyone has done bad things at one time or another. Anyone who says otherwise is a liar or trying to sell you something. Besides, last I checked George had been in the Smith Gang, too... I'm actually surprised you never ran across each other before... Or did you, Charlie?

Charles (to Zoe): ...Who the hell remembers? There were a lot of us in the gang, sweetheart. Kids were getting killed or collared every week. New faces were being added all the time.

Zoe (to Charles): Heh. Fair enough... So, Charlie, what do you think of coming with me? I leave it up to you. If you say no, I won't be offended. We'll just have to figure out something else to keep you fellas safe... And, just so you know, Charlie, we have every intention of keeping you around, no matter how "crazy" you might be. I hate to break it to you but we love you & you're part of the family. Mom wouldn't have taken you in , if she planned on ditching you at the first sign of weirdness.

Charles (to Zoe): ...Whatever you say. Be quiet! ... Thank you,Ms Zoe. I, um... thank you.

Zoe (to Charles): Heh. It's okay. When you've made a decision, just let Mrs. Esterly know & she'll get a hold of me. Now, I gotta run & say an awkward hello to Joseph and Seph all the while trying not to vomit about their cutesy relationship. ;-P

Charles (to Zoe): I'll consider your offer. I mean, we'll both think about... What I meant to say was... You know what I mean. Thank you.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen:

George (to Mrs Esterly): Good morning, Mrs. Esterly. Is it okay if I visit with Charles for a bit?

Mrs. Esterly (to George): Not right this moment, dear. Sounds as though things are getting a bit heated. Have a seat. We need to talk. Would you like some tea?

George (to Mrs Esterly): ... Tea would be lovely, ma'am... Is Charles alright?

Mrs. Esterly (to George): I'm afraid not, sweetheart. Charles has had some sort of personality break, and we're not quite certain why. It might be because of Maladori or it might be as Zoe suspects, and he built another personality years ago to protect himself. Either way he's having a bit of a hard time. Zoe's upstairs talking to him now.

George (to Mrs Esterly): Personality break? I'm sorry, ma'am, I don't quite understand. I'm just going to sit with my tea until my head quits spinning.

Mrs. Esterly (to George): I'm not sure how else to explain it, dear. It's as though he has another person living in his head. Did he do anything that seemed a bit odd or strange when he was with you?

George (to Mrs Esterly): Oh, um, yes... It's a little embarrassing, ma'am... I kissed him and he thanked me and said it was nice, like we had never done it before... And, he didn't really kiss me back. I didn't really think much of it at the time.

Mrs. Esterly (to George): Do you want to see him after Zoe has finished speaking with him?

George (to Mrs Esterly): If that would be alright. I don't want to cause him any distress, ma'am.

Mrs. Esterly (to George): I think he could probably use all the friendly faces he can get right about now.

George (to Mrs Esterly): Oh good... I really like him, Mrs. Esterly.

Mrs. Esterly (to George): Hee hee. I know you do, dear. I can tell. And he likes you just as much. Don't let him say anything stupid just because he's frightened.

George (to Mrs Esterly): ... I'll try my best, ma'am.

Zoe (to George): Hello, George! (to Mrs. Esterly) Mrs. Esterly, I've offered to take Charlie onboard the Sister... Which I should have asked the captain about...Well, he'll just have to deal with it. Heh. That's what he gets for having a giant ruddy ship.

George (to Zoe): Heehee. Hello, Miss Zoe... (to Mrs. Esterly) Is it alright if I go up, now?

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): Hee hee. And for crewing it with family, no doubt. (to George) Go on up, dear.

George (to Mrs Esterly & Zoe): Thank you for the tea... Goodbye, Miss Zoe.

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): Heehee... I take it you told her about Charles?

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): I did. She's a capable young lady, and mad about the boy. I saw no good reason to keep her in the dark. Not to mention I was worried he'd try to chase her off without saying why. What did you think of Charlie, dear?

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. He's something... I don't think he means any harm, at least, not right now. But, if we hold onto Charles too tight that might change. He's worried that we're going to kick Charles to the curb. I tried to assure him that's not going to happen but I'm not sure if he believes me. Not that I can blame him. The poor kid's been through the ringer.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): He has, hasn't he? When he talks like that, he reminds me of another young man I took off the streets once... Never you mind. Getting all maudlin about old ghosts isn't going to help Charles. We'll do what we can for him, and loosen out fists a bit. I'll even let him keep that key he lifted off me, though I daresay, he'll be disappointed when he discovers the only thing it opens is the root cellar.

Zoe (to Mrs. Esterly): Heehee. You are a real peach, Mrs. Esterly. <hug> I should get out of your hair. Holler when Charlie's decided something.

Mrs. Esterly (to Zoe): I will dear. Thank you for your help.

A few minutes later, in the guest room:

George (to Charles): Charles, are you decent?

Charles (to George): George! I, um, yes. I-I'm dressed. Get rid of her, Charles... Hush. Sorry, George. I'm, um, still a bit slow on my leg.

George (to Charles): Heh. Talking to yourself again, Charles? ... I'm just kidding. And, if you don't want me around, you can damn well ask me yourself, Mister. You totally said that middle bit out loud, just so you know.

Charles (to George): If I don't talk loud, he don't listen. Fine! You want me to do it this way? I will. Get lost, girl! Oh good heavens. I-- I didn't mean that! Please don't listen to me right now. I'm...There's something wrong. That professor...

George (to Charles): Why should I? You planning something scandalous?

Charles (to George): Sure. The professor... You think it couldn't be something scandalous? Ha! Don't let his act fool you. He's not as innocent as all that. If you knew the kinda things Charles thought about YOU, for example...

George (to Charles): I'm sure they're no worse than anyone else's... So, you're the one that worked with the gang. I was always wondering how a sweet lad like him could do some of the things I heard tell that he did. I thought for sure it was just storytelling. You're not going to scare me off. He means too much to me. So, you can just shut your yap & let me talk to Charles.

Charles (to George): ... So long as you know how things are. I, um, I don't know what to say.

George (to Charles): Heh. Me neither... But, I did mean what I said.

Charles (to George): You mean a lot to me too, George. And if all this--whatever this is--is all more than you care for, I, um, I'd understand. I-- if you didn't want to... I mean, if you wanted to wait to see me until I'm a bit more...

George (to Charles): What!?! Just when you were starting to get interesting? Heh. Not bloody likely. You're stuck with me. Just one question, though... It was the other one that's been flirting with the girls, wasn't it?

Charles (to George): I was NOT flirting with the girls at the Inn! I wasn't! Not even other, crazy, whatever me... I wasn't, was I?

George (to Charles): Heehee. I'm just teasing you, Charles.

Charles (to George): You were... Oh good heavens! Hahaha! I think... Heh heh. I think that's the first good laugh I've had in a while. Thank you.

George (to Charles): See? There are good reasons to keep me around.

Charles (to George): I can think of plenty of good reasons to keep you around. Oh! I-- I didn't mean it in an un-- untoward manner... He did a bit.

George (to Charles): I would certainly hope so. ;-)

Charles (to George): ... Ha ha! Bloody hell... It's a good thing we're smart looking, Charles, or you'd never have gotten this one's attention.

George (to Charles): ... Judging by the once over, you're having second thoughts about kicking me to the curb, huh?

Charles (to George): Heh. Yeah. More than a few... I'm also wondering how I missed you for what you are in the gang... Because I was an idiot when I was with the Smith Gang. I'm sorry, George.

George (to Charles): Oh? And, what exactly am I?

Charles (to George): Heh. Take it easy, wildcat. I just meant you're as pretty a girl as Charles thinks you are. I can see why he's spends so much time imagining what you look like in your... That's QUITE enough Charlie! Be quiet!

George (to Charles): Oh! Look, we clearly need some ground rules if we're going to date, boys.

Charles (to George): I... I-- I am so very sorry, George. I, um, I am utterly and completely ashamed. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.

George (to Charles): I'm not uncomfortable, Charles. I just realized that I'm practically dating two boys… Only, in one body. Heh. Marjorie Hanson was dating two boys and it got ridiculously complicated. So, we should probably have some rules now… You know, before it gets more serious… Ms. Dvorak says practicality in the present lessens the likelihood of foolishness later.

Charles (to George): Oh. Um, yes. Of course.

George (to Charles): Good... Do you agree, Charlie?

Charles (to George): ... Sure. Why the bloody hell not?

George (to Charles): Excellent! My only rule is that while we're dating, you only date me... And that goes for both of you. Is that acceptable?

Charles (to George): Of course, I only want to date you, George. You know that I don't have any interest in anyone else. ...Heh. For once I think I agree with Charles. You are something else, Wildcat.

George (to Charles):  I'm glad we're in agreement… I should go and let you rest. I'll come by tomorrow & check on you.

Charles (to George): Yes, all right. Thank you for everything today. I-- I don't know how to properly express how much it means to me.

George (to Charles): I certainly can think of something… C'mere.

Charles (to George): Heh... I'll see you tomorrow.

George (to Charles): Yes, you will.

A moment later, in the hallway:

George: Bloody hell, George! What have you gotten yourself into?

Mrs. Esterly (to George): Is that you leaving, George? Stop by the kitchen, and I'll put you together something for you and Margaux. 

George (to Mrs. Esterly): … Oh, thank you, Mrs. Esterly. That's very kind of you.

Mrs. Esterly (to George): Not at all, dear. Here you are. I imagine you might want a stiff drink after all that. And I know Margaux is never in the mood to cook.

George (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. That is very true <cough, cough> My apologies. I don't normally drink whiskey… It's, uh, nice.

Mrs. Esterly (to George): Hee hee. No, it isn't, but it gets its job done. Here you are... Are you alright, sweetie?

George (to Mrs. Esterly): … Yes? No. Maybe. I did what you said & stood my ground. And, I believe I may have just become his-- uh, their girlfriend. I think I may have just bitten off more than I can chew. However, I hate the idea of Charles having to deal with this on his own and he looked so sad when he thought I wanted to push off. Charlie seems to be fine with me now… Actually, more than fine if that kiss was anything to go on. Charles never kissed me like that before… I'm sorry that was completely inappropriate.

Mrs. Esterly (to George): Oh dear. Would you like another whiskey, sweetie? I know I would want at least one more if I were in your shoes. I'm sure Charles appreciates your concern, dear. We all do.

George (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, Mrs. Esterly, I think I just might like another.

Mrs. Esterly (to George): I'm quite sure he wouldn't want you doing anything, for his sake that makes you uncomfortable. And don't worry about being appropriate around me, dear. In this house? I wouldn't know what to do with appropriate behavior.

George (to Mrs. Esterly): That's just it, ma'am. I'm not uncomfortable about it at all. That's why I'm upset... I like them both.

Mrs. Esterly (to George): ... It makes sense, dear. They are, after all, both part of the same young man. I would imagine that if he hadn't suffered such misfortune early in life Charles would be very much like the young man we know. If he had stayed in the Smith Gang, I daresay he would be much more like Charlie. Probably worse, if my past experience is any example.

George (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, good... I was concerned that my experiences with Ms. Dvorak and the Smith gang had made me jaded and warped.

Mrs. Esterly (to George): Hmmm. That's a possibility as well. Hee hee hee. I'm afraid I'd hardly be a good one to judge that, dear.

George (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh… May I ask a question, Mrs. Esterly?

Mrs. Esterly (to George): You can ask anything you like. I may not be able to answer, but I'll do my best.

George (to Mrs. Esterly): He clearly can't go back to the Inn or stay here… If he runs off, do you think he'll take me with him or just leave without saying goodbye? Or am I being presumptuous to even think that?

Mrs. Esterly (to George): I don't think you're being presumptuous at all.

George (to Mrs. Esterly): Heehee. Thank you, Mrs. Esterly... Woo... Oh my, I feel a little unsteady. I should get home. Good evening, ma'am.

Mrs. Esterly (to George): Good night, dear. Be careful on your way home.

George (to Mrs. Esterly): I'll do my best... Heehee.

A short time later, on the street:

George: ... Stop following me, whoever you are! I am armed & extremely dangerous.

Ms. Dvorak (to George): I wouldn't have it any other way, dear. But, it's not really proper to shout that sort of thing in an alley.

George (to Ms. Dvorak): Oh! Ms. Dvorak! I'm so glad it's you. I've had a trying day &--

Ms. Dvorak (to George): You smell like a distillery... Agatha's been using her whiskey as medicine again, hasn't she?

George (to Ms. Dvorak): Heehee… A bit, yes. I am very glad to see you, Ms. Dvorak. Oh! She sent some food for dinner with me.

Ms. Dvorak (to George): Well, I suppose I shall have to forgive her, this time, dear… Come along, I have an exciting evening for us planned. I do hope you know how to scale a building, George.

George (to Ms. Dvorak): …

A few hours later, onboard the Wicked Sister:

Zoe (to Victor): Victor! Victor! Victor? VICTOR?

Victor (to Zoe): What? Were you calling for me, Zoe? You're so shy and retiring, I can't be sure.

Yukiko (to Zoe & Victor): Who died? What's with all the bloody shouting!?! Someone better be dead.Or they soon will be.

Zoe (to Victor): … Remember how you were saying that you could really use some more crew but you don't want to just have any ole pirates onboard since we're all family and skippers and junk?

Victor (to Yukiko & Zoe): Zoe is implying she's found us some help aboard the Sister, but she's up to summit sneaky.

Yukiko (to Victor & Zoe): … Oh, joy.

Zoe (to Victor & Yukiko): I did find someone. It's funny you should mention that… It's Charles. He needs some place else to be after the whole Maladori thing… Whatcha say?

Victor (to Zoe & Yukiko): What? Charles? On a PIRATE ship? Ha ha! I suppose if he needs someplace to be... What aren't you telling us, Little Sister?

Zoe (to Victor & Yukiko): … Nothing.

Yukiko (to Zoe & Victor): Zoe, you are a terrible liar just like your brother.

Victor (to Zoe): Do you want me to put bells on before you pull the other one? Come on. What is it? What kind of trouble could Charles be in? (to Yukiko) And for your information, I can be a terrific liar.:-p

Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. Not that I have seen.

Zoe (to Yukiko & Victor): I'm not lying… I'm just trying to avoid saying the wrong thing. He seems to have a companion sharing his headspace with the name of Charlie… He's the one that was in the Smith gang.

Yukiko (to Zoe & Victor): HAHAHA! That is a grand tale, Zoe. You should think about writing that down.

Victor (to Zoe): Charlie? What did Maladori jab him with? Wait. What do you mean he was the one... Oh! Charlie Turner. From the Smith Gang... Shit.

Zoe (to Victor): You remember him , don't you? (to Yukiko) See? Not making it up.

Yukiko (to Zoe): I stand corrected.

Zoe (to Yukiko): … Does it hurt?

Yukiko (to Zoe): Hush… Or it might hurt you.

Zoe (to Yukiko): Heehee. You hate it when you're wrong.

Victor (to Zoe & Yukiko): Yeah. They called him The Gent, or Lord Charlie, or something, cuz of how proper he'd speak... He was with a group Achilles sent sniffing around after me. Good thing he wasn't that tall back then. But, I thought Mum got him out of the gang ages ago. What's all this Charlie business happening now?

Zoe (to Victor & Yukiko): She did. I think getting nabbed by Maladori & not being able to go back to the inn triggered Charlie to come out to protect Charles. And no, he's not a skipper.

Victor (to Zoe): Oh. Well, that explains it... Zoe, I don't know if... No. Never mind.

Zoe (to Victor): What? If you know something about this spit it out… and then you're coming with me to see Mrs. Esterly.

Victor (to Zoe): No, I don't. That was another life. This go around, he's one of ours. If he wants to come aboard, course he's ruddy welcome. Now, what are we going to see Mrs. Esterly about? Ooo! Is it for dinner?

Zoe (to Victor): Thank you… And, no, you're eating whatever I made and you'll like it… It's gumbo, by the way.

Victor (to Zoe): You say that like I wouldn't eat both.

Zoe (to Victor): Heh. Come on, dinner should be ready… Where the hell has Yuki disappeared to?

Victor (to Zoe): I dunno where she's disappeared to. Sneaky ruddy ninja. I'll go track her down.

Meanwhile, on deck:

Liesel (to Luc): Luc! Fancy meeting you here. I haven't seen you in ages. What are you doing on an airship?

Luc (to Liesel): … Oh hello, Miss Rotmensen. You are looking quite lovely this evening… I was just exploring the ship. It has a very interesting design.

Liesel (to Luc): Flatterer… I have a few interesting design myself. Let's have dinner.

Luc (to Liesel): Heh. I'm sure you do, which makes me regret what I'm about to say, but alas, I already have dinner plans.

Liesel (to Luc): … You are-- (to Yukiko) Miss Sato, I am more than a little impressed.

Yukiko (to Liesel): No, I don't think you really are, but you will be. (to Luc) Luc, go below deck and make sure we're not disturbed.

Luc (to Yukiko): Are you sure you know what you're doing?

Liesel (to Yukiko & Luc): … He does have a point… Shutting up, I'm shutting up.

Yukiko (to Luc): Go. NOW.

Liesel (to Yukiko): That was very melodramatic, Miss Sato.

Yukiko (to Liesel): Yes, I'm a huge fan of the theater… Your scene is now over, Miss Rotmensen. I warned you what would happen if I saw you again.

Luc: Damn…. Remind me to never piss off Yuki.

Victor (to Luc): Hullo, big little brother. Yuki up top?

Luc (to Victor): Yes… But, I don't think now is a really good time. Why don't we go grab some food and have a drink?

Victor (to Luc): ...Do we ALL look that shifty when we're trying to change the subject? Bloody hell! We CAN'T lie, can we? What's going on?

Luc (to Victor): I'm not sure. Liesel stopped me when I was coming on board and then, Yuki had her. She told me to keep you all busy.

Victor (to Luc): What!? Oh hell...

A couple minutes later:

Yukiko: … What the hell is this? 

Victor (to Yukiko): Yuki? YUKI! Are you all right? Bloody hell...

Yukiko (to Victor): I'm fine, Victor… It seems, however, that Miss Rotmensen was not… She was dying. That's why she had been egging me on... It was in this letter… She didn't want to waste away with her illness…

Victor (to Yukiko): You... You... WHAT THE RUDDY 'ELL DID YOU DO?!

Yukiko (to Victor): What I had to. She tried to kill Mister Park. I had warned her not to show her face anywhere that I could see her… She had an inoperable brain tumor…  Just read the letter.

Victor (to Yukiko): ... Ruddy 'ell. All right. Go inside. I'll get rid of Liesel... the body, I mean.

Yukiko (to Victor): No. I'll deal with it. I have experience in this sort of thing, Victor.

Victor (to Yukiko): ... I don't doubt it, but can you get her to a sketchy alley in the Tombs and back in a few seconds with no witnesses?

Yukiko (to Victor): Oh, right… I'll just clean this up.

Victor (to Yukiko): I'll be right back.

A couple minutes later:

Victor (to Yukiko): Oof! Right. There's that sorted... Time for dinner, isn't it?

Yukiko (to Victor): Yes. I believe it is.

Victor (to Yukiko): Yeah... Just... C'mere for a moment, awright?

Yukiko (to Victor): Alright… Are you mad at me?

Victor (to Yukiko): No... I know this is whatcha do, Yuki. But... Well, it's one thing to know sumfin', heh, an' sumfin' else to dump the body.

Yukiko (to Victor): … I understand.

Victor (to Yukiko): Mmm. It's a good thing I love the ruddy 'ell out of yo, an' plan to marry you, innit?

Yukiko (to Victor): Heh. Yes, I suppose it is…

Victor (to Yukiko): Damn straight it is. Go get some food. I'm gonna go wash the Tombs off me.

Yukiko (to Victor): Want some help? I could use a shower.

Victor (to Yukiko): Well, saying no to the idea of you naked IS awfully hard... Especially when you do that...

Yukiko (to Victor): C'mon, my husband to be.

Victor (to Yukiko): ...What? Husband to be? Really? Did you... Did you really just say that? Come here you!

Yukiko (to Victor): Oh! Heh. I didn't realize you were going to be that excited about it… I've been wearing the ring for two weeks. Didn't you notice, koibito?

Victor (to Yukiko): Of course I noticed. I was... Heh. I was afraid to mention it.

Yukiko (to Victor): I love you, Victor. I'd be honored if you would be my husband.

Victor (to Yukiko): You would? Truly? Cuz you know how utterly mad I am for you... Wait. This isn't because you've suddenly realized I'm aces at hiding a body, is it? ...I'm just joshing by the way.

Yukiko (to Victor): Heh... You ARE very good at it. But no, that's not why. While I was gone it made me realize how much I want to be with you.

Victor (to Yukiko): I missed you too...