At the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
George: <yawn> ... (to Charles) Good morning, Charlie. I'm sorry I fell asleep... Heh. You could have moved me. I wouldn't have been offended.
Charles (to George): Hmmm? Oh. Heh. S'alright, gorgeous. I didn't mind. <yawn> Oh! Um. Excuse me. I wasn't quite awake yet. How are you feeling?
George (to Charles): Heh. I like it when you call me gorgeous... Honestly, I feel awful & want to stay in bed for the rest of my life... Do you think anyone would notice?
Charles (to George): Heh. Yeah, I think they might notice if you stay here forever, but I don't think anyone will mind if you stay here today. Are you hungry?
George (to Charles): Not really but, I probably should eat something.
Charles (to George): Do you want me to fix you anything? ... Mrs. Potter wants me to introduce her to Smitty, and I thought it might go better if we had food. Um, not that I'm particularly inclined to go anywhere right this moment.
George (to Charles): Just stay here for a little bit longer. I'm comfortable and don't want you to move... You don't suppose we're going to get in trouble for you sleeping in here, do you?
Charles (to George): I think under the circumstances, anyone who takes offense will just have understand. Heh. Besides, who is any position to criticize?
George (to Charles): Heehee.... I still can't believe about Eva & Mr. Vadrouiller. Una walked in on them the other day completely non-plussed... I'm sorry. I don't like gossiping. I'm just trying not to think about my father.
Charles (to George): Heh heh. Somehow, it doesn't surprise me Miss Eva and Mr. Vadrouiller are interested in one another. They are both rather... Um, they're a bit odd, aren't they? Not that I'm one to judge, really... We can talk about whatever you like.
George (to Charles): Is Smitty the bloke I used to see you talking to in the alley by the Inn? I wasn't spying on you or anything. I was on my way to visit you one time & saw you, that's all. Heh. That made me sound a bit suspicious, didn't it? ... I may have been watching you for a few minutes. I saw you speaking to a pretty young lady earlier and I may have been a tad jealous.
Charles (to George): Oh! I, uh, I didn't realize you saw me with Smitty. Heh. Most likely Smitty didn't either. He's a bit dodgy. That must have looked ruddy suspicious. Um, when I worked at the Inn, I would give some of the kids from the neighborhood the day-olds, and a bit of extra food every week.
George (to Charles): ... You are a real sweetheart, Charles.
Charles (to George): Not really. I mean, I remember what it's like to feel hungry and desperate, and, uh, the Inn's on the edge of the Tombs. And the best way to keep the local kids from causing you trouble, is to make sure they want you around. I'm, um, I'm not that big a sweetheart, really.
George (to Charles): If you say so. But, there's an awful lot of people who wouldn't look back if they got off the street.
Charles (to George): ... I thought about it, but... Well, if Ms Poppy or Mr. Longfellow pretended they'd never had a hard time of it, I'd be in much worse straights, wouldn't I? I, uh, heh... I didn't think it'd be right.
George (to Charles): I do see and that's why you're sweet.
Charles (to George): Heh. I'm not gonna argue with you. Especially when you kiss me like that...
George (to Charles): Good.
Charles (to George): Wow. I, uh, I think I... Wow. Heh. You always make forget what I was about to say... Thank you for staying with me so long. Through all of the drama with my ankle and Charlie. I know you're probably anxious to get out of this bunker.
George (to Charles): … I'd rather be with you than any other place on earth, Charles… Besides, where else would I go? I have had a huge crush on you from the moment I saw you… I think you were peeling potatoes. Heh. I'm sorry I was such a jerk to you when we first met.
Charles (to George): Heh. I thought you bloody well hated me.
George (to Charles): Sorry to disappoint you.
Charles (to George): I'm not disappointed. Not in the slightest. I dunno if I'd have been able to get through all this rot without your help. I think I... What I mean is that I know that I, um, I... I-I'm more than a bit fond of you.
George (to Charles): … I love you too, Charles. Oh… Um, was that presumptuous of me to assume that's what you meant?
Charles (to George): No! Um, excuse me. No. Heh... I, uh, I was afraid to say it aloud. I'm over the moon about you. Heh. Have been for a while. I knew it for sure when you stayed with me when Miss Eva cut that ruddy device out of my back. I, uh, heh heh... I don't know what to say, now.
George (to Charles): … Let's go sneak into the kitchen and make something to eat. I'm suddenly starving.
Charles (to George): Heh. Of course. Come on.
George (to Charles): You're really getting the hang of those crutches… Hold up, speedy.
Charles (to George): Heh... I had to, didn't I? Hopefully, I'll be off them soon. Miss Eva said I might have to use a cane for a while. Heh. She keeps tutting at me for taking my cast off too early.
George (to Charles): Heh. I think she likes you, Charlie. She only does that to people she likes…I'm not sure what Una does for people she likes. Actually, I'm not sure if she likes anybody except her sister.
A couple hours later:
Zoe (to Luc): So, you and Eva, huh? That's not a bit weird… at all. Nope. Not at all.
Luc (to Zoe): … Why do you say that, big sister?
Zoe (to Luc): … You're humoring me. You only call me big sister when you're trying to butter me up. What do you want?
Luc (to Zoe): I want for nothing, little big sister. Honest. Did you come all this way to torture me?
Zoe (to Luc): Heh. As much as I enjoy tormenting you. I came for Charles. Dad said it's time for me to lend some healing help.
Luc (to Zoe): … Heh. Well, have fun with that. I have work to do.
Zoe (to Luc): Okay. I'll see you later.
A few minutes later:
Zoe (to Charles & George): <knock, knock> Charles? George? Is it safe to come in?
Charles (to Zoe): Oh! Um... Yes. Just give me a moment, please.
George (to Charles): Should I hide?
Charles (to George): No. It's alright. I'm not embarrassed, that we're seeing each other... Are you?
George (to Charles): No, not at all… It's just you don't have a shirt on.
Charles (to George): Oh! Heh heh. Uh, I was going to fix that, of course.
Zoe (to Charles & George): Are you guys done nattering on? I thought Charles might like to walk normally for a change…
Charles (to Zoe): Miss Zoe! Uh... One moment, please. I, um, I was under the impression that I locked the door.
Zoe (to Charles): Heh. I'm sure you did. I don't care what you guys are doing. I'm just here to fix your ankle. (to George) George, you can come out of the closet. You're not fooling anyone.
Charles (to Zoe): <ahem> Um... I'm a bit more decent now. I'd like being free of crutches, but I'm not sure what can be done.
George (to Zoe): … Yes, Miss Zoe. Can you really fix his ankle?
Zoe (to George & Charles): I think so. I have a "magic trick"… Um, George, do you think you can touch me without hurting me?
George (to Charles): Possibly. The last time I touched Victor, it seemed alright. I think you'll be fine. Why?
Zoe (to George): If you supercharge me, I won't be down for the count and then, I can head home after. If not, I'll be sleeping on the floor with you guys. (to Charles) Are you willing to let me fix your foot?
Charles (to Zoe): ...Yes, miss. I'd appreciate anything you can do for me.
Zoe (to Charles): I thought you might be… Sit down. Stretch out your leg. I'm going to touch your ankle. Don't worry, this might feel weird. (to George) George, touch my shoulder.
George (to Zoe): Yes, miss.
Zoe (to Charles): Relax… Charles, take a deep breath.
Charles (to Zoe & George): Bloody 'ell!
Zoe (to George): Woo! George, you are better than an energy drink… (to Charles) How you feelin', Charles?
Charles (to Zoe & George): Miss Zoe! It's... That is... Bloody 'ell! It feels better than new! How did you do that? WHAT did you do? Are you both alright?
Zoe (to Charles & George): Heehee… I feel I bit loopy.
George (to Charles & Zoe): I think I might need to sle--
Zoe (to Charles & George): Shit. Man down… What have you two been doing all day to wear her out like that, I wonder? ;-P
Charles (to George): George! (to Zoe) Miss Zoe! That's not funny! ...Will she be alright?
Zoe (to Charles): Calm down. If it's anything like what happens to me after I do things, she'll be fine after some rest.
Charles (to Zoe): She didn't sleep well last night. She and Ms Eva and Ms Una went back to her father's house to look for something yesterday. She didn't have a very good trip. ...Bullocks! I'm supposed to be introducing your mother to someone tonight. You're sure she'll be alright?
Zoe (to Charles): … Do you want to stay here and watch over her? I know Mom will understand if you feel the need to stay with your girlfriend. Meeting up with mysterious strangers can probably wait until tomorrow. Or would you rather go and I'll stay with George?
Charles (to Zoe): I... I don't know. Mrs. Potter is trying to convince some kids I know to get off the streets. We're trying to find their boss. But, I don't want to leave her. She didn't leave me when I passed out...
Zoe (to Charles): Don't worry, Charles. You stay. I'll go tell Mom. George will be okay. I promise.
George (to Zoe & Charles): … You don't have to worry about me. I'm awake… Ow… My head.
Charles (to George): George... Can I get you anything? What do you need?
George (to Charles): … I'm not sure. How's your ankle?
Charles (to George): It's fine. Thank you for helping me... (to Zoe) Um, thank you for your help as well, Ms Zoe.
Zoe (to Charles & George): You're welcome… I'll leave you guys to fuss over each other. Good night.
George (to Zoe): Good night, Miss Zoe. (to Charles) … I think I need to lay down.
Charles (to Zoe): Good night. (to George) Come on, Wildcat. Lemme help you to your room. Do you want me to fetch you some headache powders?
George (to Charles): Oh? Do I have to go? Can't I just stay here? I'll willingly take off all my clothes. Heehee... Ow... Though, headache powder might be nice.
Charles (to George): Oh! I... I... Um. <cough> I mean, of course you can stay. You, uh, you can keep your... Um, you know. If you want. Heh heh. Not that I'll complain if you... Um, I'll go fetch you those powders, shall I?
George (to Charles): If you like... I'm feeling a bit better after teasing you. :-)
Charles (to George): I, heh... I never know how to respond when you do that.
George (to Charles): Do what?
Charles (to George): Tease me like that. Heh... Mostly because, part of me hopes you're not kidding. ;-) Are you sure you don't want me to get you something for your head?
George (to Charles): I'm not kidding... A jot or a bit. Here. See? Clothes are bad, anyway. I think you're what I need for my head, Charles.
Charles (to George): ...Wow. So I see. Then, I should help you. Um, for the good of your head.
George (to Charles): ... I'd like that a lot.
Charles (to George): I would too.
