#thebrixtons

Nimue: You acted really strange the other day. Your attitude was— I don’t know. You act like you’re wearing a mask around Clementine.

Arthur: I have to, Auntie. You know that.

Nimue: No, you don’t have to do any of this. She’s your best friend, and you most certainly don’t have to lie that I’m your mother. 

Arthur: It’s for the best. 

Nimue: Is it, really?

Arthur: When is she coming home?

[Phone ringing]

Sumiko: I’ve got something for you, Bingley. You’ll like it.

Bingley: A gift? I have never known you to be so generous, Your Imperial Highness.

Sumiko: Stop that. I’m not a princess anymore.

Bingley: But you will be after we’re done. No, you’ll be the Empress of Nihon. I give you my word.

Sumiko: Words are meaningless. I need action. Results. With this, you can finally make your move and stop sitting on your ass all day.

Clementine: You know, it’s crazy that we’ve been friends for what, ten years? And this is the first time I’ve ever been to your family’s house.

Arthur: I’m sorry about that.

Arthur: Honestly, I hate this place. I’d rather hang out literally anywhere else, but I have the house to myself today, so it’s fine.

Clementine: Oh? Where’s your mom?

Arthur: She’s at work ... overseas.

Clementine: What kind of work does she do?

Arthur: Does it matter?

Clementine: I guess not?

Arthur: My room is through these doors—

Nimue: Arthur?

Arthur: Hi, Mother. I didn’t know you were home. You’re back from your work trip sooner than I thought.

Nimue: Oh!

Nimue: I didn’t know either. It was a last minute thing. Thought it would be a nice surprise.

Clementine: It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.

Nimue: It’s nice to meet you, too! Arthur’s one and only best friend. He’s told me—

Arthur: Can we do this another time, Mother? We’re kind of busy.

Nimue: Of ... course. Let me know if you two get hungry. I haven’t decided whether I’m making dinner or ordering out.

Arthur: Sure, thanks.

Clementine: I chickened out like a wimp. Ren was right there and I ran again.

Arthur: You’ve wanted to speak to him for a while, so why run?

Clementine: It’s been so long, but the memories are still fresh. When I saw him, I just froze. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I did. I always do.

Arthur: What is it that you want to tell him?

Clementine: I don’t know.

Arthur: That’s not true. You know deep down what you want to tell him. You’re too afraid to admit it, but you know.

Clementine: You might be right. Just a little.

Arthur: No, I am right.

Arthur: So, you know what you want to say to him. What do you want after that?

Clementine: I want us to go back to how we were before, but better.

Arthur: And if he doesn’t?

Clementine: At least we’d get everything off our chest and could continue on without regrets. It’s better than living the rest of my life wondering what could have been if I had swallowed my shame and actually spoken to him.

Clementine: Thanks for being my therapist or whatever. It means a lot. More than you’ll ever know.

Arthur: You’re my best friend, Clem.

Arthur: But I demand sufficient payment for my services. Two large pepperoni pizzas, please!

Clementine: Two?!

Clementine: Can you even eat that much?

Arthur: Dunno. We’ll have to find out.

Clementine: So, I was thinking about something.

Penelope: Should I be afraid?

Clementine: What would you say if I asked you to come with me to a violin competition next weekend?

Penelope: I’d ask why you want to go.

Penelope: It’s not like you have an interest in that kind of stuff.

Clementine: I do, actually. I’m secretly a diehard classical music fan.

Penelope: Name one composer.

Clementine: Panini? Paga— paganini?

[Melancholic violin sonata]

Penelope: An interest in classical music, you said?

Clementine: I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Penelope: Right. Mhm.

[Thunderous applause]

Sonia: You don’t even need to compete anymore. You win every time! It’s a little unfair to everyone else~

Clementine: I’m too late.

Penelope: Wait, is he—

Clementine: Penny, he’s coming over here. Like actually walking towards us.

Penelope: I know. Don’t be awkward, okay? Act natural. Friendly.

Mary: Did you do as I asked?

Inej: Yes, ma’am.

Inej: While you were busy with Yanai and his ministers, I met with our friends here. They were quite pleased.

Mary: Good. We can call this trip a success, then.

Inej: Secretary Thao, you can’t stand or walk too close to Her Majesty. Not only is it rude, it could make her feel uncomfortable. But you know this. Didn’t royal aides train you on basic etiquette?

Mary: I’m proud of you, Clementine. You’ve done very well on this trip.

Mary: I think you’ll make a great queen. You have the heart for it. The dedication, too.

Rhysand: Clemmy!

Rhysand: I thought I’d never see you again!

Clementine: It was only two weeks~

Edward: I missed you.

Mary: I know.

Edward: Is that your version of I missed you, too?

Mary: It’s one of them.

Edward: The tabloids are raving about Clem and the tour. They’re obsessed with her, but what do you think?