A Strange Old World, Day 150

At Casino de la Renard; Nice, French Republic:

Bianca (to Grigori): Well, my bear, have I passed your little test? Or should I pack and return to Paris for the winter?

Grigori (to Bianca): Heh. That depends, my glorious one. Are you still interested in saddling yourself with me?

Bianca (to Grigori): Heh. Yes I am. I have enjoyed my time here with you and I am honestly looking forward to making it permanent. If you want me.

Grigori (to Bianca): Heh. I would be the most fortunate man I know. Would you do me the great honor of marrying me, Bianca?

Bianca (to Grigori): I thought you would never ask, my bear.

Grigori (to Bianca): Very good! Shall we start the planning? Or have you already?

Bianca (to Grigori): Planning? What planning? I thought we could just get a preacher. I have no desire to have another ceremony. One was quite enough… And yes, I was married once before. I was very young and it was arranged by my father. It's what lead me into my former employment when I divorced & decided to be my own woman.

Grigori (to Bianca): Heh. Since I was married once myself, this makes us even, does it not? We shall do whatever will make you happy, my radiance.

Bianca (to Grigori): You are wonderful, Grigori. Besides, I don't want to steal little Hari's thunder.

Grigori (to Bianca): Heh heh. That is very true. Thank you for thinking of her, my dove. You can be as kind as you are intelligent & beautiful.

Bianca (to Grigori): Heh. Are you kidding, my bear? She is insanely moody, at present. I learned very quickly not to upset a pregnant woman. One of the girls I used to work with in my early days was pregnant with a baby girl. She was the same… Why is it that the smaller the woman, the crazier they get when they're expecting? ;-P

Grigori (to Bianca): Heh heh heh. There is no safe way to answer that question.

Bianca (to Grigori): Heh… Do not worry. It wasn't a trap. I don't plan on making you a father any time soon or at all for that matter, my bear.

Grigori (to Bianca): Ha ha ha! I am certainly glad to hear it. Will you let me take you to dinner to celebrate?

Bianca (to Grigori): I would be disappointed, if we didn't celebrate… And then, we can continue the celebration in your room. ;-)

Grigori (to Bianca): It would be my distinct pleasure.

A few hours later:

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Are you alright, Ms Fenris? Is there something which you would like me to get for you?

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): A new body would be nice… Could you possibly have the babies, instead? I feel awful & fat... And, I really want a steak. And fresh spinach with red onions… And, a chocolate milk shake.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I don't believe giving birth myself is an option, but I can see to your food requests. You can retire for the evening...  I don't think you look unattractive... You are beautiful.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh… Thank you on both counts. Just so you know, I wasn't angling for a compliment. But I appreciate it all the same.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Oui, je sais. Just as I wasn't humoring you because you are feeling insecure. Vous êtes la plus belle femme que j'aie jamais rencontrée.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heehee. Je sais que ce n'est pas vrai. J'ai vu les femmes que vous connaissez… This whole pregnancy thing is a big turn on for you, isn't it? That's totally what this is.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): I don't believe that it is the pregnancy... I think it's more what it represents. And, yes, you are just as attractive, if not more so, than other people that I have met.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): You say the sweetest things.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Not particularly. I was being truthful... But, I am trying to be a more considerate partner.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): I like you just the way you are, Ji Yong.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): And I am grateful for it.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. You have an exquisite smile. You should really think about doing it more often. :-)

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): ... Oh. I... Thank you.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Heh. You know, if we weren't already engaged. I'd ask you to run away with me.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. I understand the appeal... But, I... I must confess that am looking forward to seeing you in your "ridiculous" dress.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Well, I think you'll like it... I should let you get back to work.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Yes. Of course. I'll have someone sent up the stake, onions, spinach and chocolate shake to your-- to our room.  I... I will see you later. Good night.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Merci. You are way too good to me, mon amour. I'm going to get spoiled.

Ji Yong (to Ariadne): Not at all. Je t'aime. Bonne nuit jusqu'à ce que je vous reverrai.

Ariadne (to Ji Yong): Good night. Je t'aime aussi, mon douce homme.

A Strange Old World, Day 149

At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:

Aiden (to Nathaniel): You clean up pretty good, handsome.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Thanks...You can still back outta this if you want, you know. Last chance.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Nate… It will be fine.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. I know. Seriously, what's the worst that's gonna happen? Not like she can do shit to us at this point, it's just... I don't know.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): It's just what? You want her to like me? To like us together? Even if she doesn't. It doesn't matter to me. I love you. And, I love our little family.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): I know. I do too. A thumbs up from my mom isn't gonna change shit about us. I dunno what it is I'm looking for here. Heh. Don't worry about it. I'll be fine. Ready?

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, I'm ready.

A moment later, outside the Gilded Violet; West Piedmont:

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oof. Here we are... And there's my mom... (to Mrs. Peter Jones) Hey. Mom, this is Aiden Wilkes. Aiden, this my mom, Sylvia Jones.

Sylvia (to Nathaniel): Oh! Nate! I didn't see you arrive. (to Aiden) Well... Hello, Aiden. Goodness! You're a tall drink of water, aren't you?

Aiden (to Sylvia): It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Jones. (to Nathaniel) Tall drink of water?

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. It means you're tall and good lookin'.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Oh… (to Mrs. Peter Jones) Thank you for the compliment. That is a very nice blouse. The color is quite fetching on you.

Sylvia (to Aiden): Oh, good heavens. Aren't you a charmer? You don't have to be so formal, sweetie. (to Nathaniel) So he's British, is he?

Aiden (to Sylvia): I beg your pardon. I was raised to be respectful of my elders, Mrs. Jones. And yes, I'm British.

Nathaniel (to Sylvia & Aiden): ...Yeah. Anyone else ready to eat? Shoving food in our mouths means we don't gotta make awkward conversation.

Sylvia (to Nathaniel): Nathaniel!

Aiden (to Sylvia & Nathaniel): … So, what brings you to West Piedmont, Mrs. Jones?

Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): To tell you the truth, I hadn't heard from my son in a while, and I was worried. The last I knew, honey, you'd stopped your medication & spent your time chatting with lord-knows-who online... I really was just worried about you. I tried to call your uncle, but I couldn't reach him.

Nathaniel (to Sylvia & Aiden): I don't need the meds, Ma. And I am SO not gettin' into this with you again. Why are you really here?

Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): I'm ... I'm glad you're alright, Nate. So... Aiden. Tell me about yourself. How did you two meet?

Aiden (to Sylvia & Nathaniel): Mrs. Potter was an instructor of mine. She invited me over for tea to help get me acclimated to town when I first moved here from London… We didn't start seeing each other until much later. I'm sorry. I just can't help shaking the feeling that this is all some sort of trap… Why did you wait so long to find out if Nate was alright? It's been over two years since he moved here.

Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): ... I know how this must look, but I honestly just wanted to...

Nathaniel (to Sylvia & Aiden): Dad and Bubba are outta town, aren't they?

Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): ...Yes. Suzanne and I have been attending these PFLAG meetings together... I'm so sorry, Nate. I know we haven't been exactly the best parents in the world...

Nathaniel (to Sylvia & Aiden): Yeah. No shit...What? Were you expecting me to disagree with you? If you're really worried about me, relax. I'm doing a lot fucking better than I was, and I'm happy. Really.

Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): ...Oh. Well...I'm glad to hear that, Nate. I really am.

Nathaniel (to Sylvia & Aiden):

Aiden (to Nathaniel & Sylvia): If you'll both excuse me for a moment, I shall grab a smoke while you two are talking.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I'll see you in a little bit, alright?

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Of course.

A few minutes later:

Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): I should go. I'll get the check.

Aiden (to Sylvia): No, no. It's on me, Mrs. Jones. It's the least I could do. (to Nathaniel) Nate, please grab the check. Here's my credit card.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): I got it.

Sylvia (to Aiden & Nathaniel): Good heavens! You HAVE been raised with good manners, haven't you? Thank you, Aiden.

Aiden (to Sylvia): It was my pleasure.

Sylvia (to Nathaniel): I'd like it if you called or texted me from time to time, Nate. If you can. I know it's going to take time...

Nathaniel (to Sylvia): ...Yeah. I will. Maybe. Dad doesn't know about he meetings and shit, does he?

Sylvia (to Nathaniel): ...Your father loves you, Nate. He's... He's just a bit of a stubborn ass sometimes. (to Aiden) It was nice meeting you.

Aiden (to Sylvia): It was very nice to meet you as well. I hope you have a pleasant trip back home.

Nathaniel (to Sylvia): Yeah. Sure. Bye, Ma.

A few minutes later, on the street:

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Holy fat baby Jesus... You were fuckin' amazing!

Aiden (to Nathaniel): ... You sound shocked.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. Yeah, I know I shouldn't be. I'm just jealous. I can never seem to behave myself around fuckin' Roland.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Well, who could? My brother is a petulant ass. Your mother seemed quite pleasant on her own. I suspect that she follows your father's lead when they're together, even if she doesn't agree.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah... You don't disagree with my dad. Ever. He's the head of the fucking household. ...Think she was tellin' the truth? Heh. Nevermind. It doesn't matter... Let's head home.

Aiden (to Nathaniel): Only time will tell, handsome. If we hurry, we might even get to tuck in Lily.

Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. I'd like that. C'mere for a minute, sexy ass... Thank you.