Alma and Rilly attempt to greet their new guest, who is currently writhing in Allen's tail. Dawn trots unceremoniously out the door.

Dawn
* Yeh I'm off

—Rilly—
Whoa... what's your name?

FUCK YOU

Alma
* Would that be "Mr. You" or just "Fuck"?

You think you're so fucking smart!!?

Alma
* I thought it was funny.
* More tea, anyone? Maybe some Milo...?

Tea, please!

WHY DID YOU BRING HIM HERE!?

Why, he could use some tea and biscuits,
don't you agree?
EAT SHIT
And, besides.
This is a fine occasion for a reunion.

NO!!! IT ISN'T!!!
NOT WITH HIM!

We are kin!

The elevation of one
is an opportunity to rise together.

All of you
get fucked
SO MUCH

Alma comes back around to hand Allen their tea. She's giving an uncertain smile. Cliff is watching without speaking in a way that has Rilly a little worried for him.

Alma
* Here we are, ahem...

Most wonderful!

Alma
* Now, Allen, not that I mind a few guests...
* But your, um, kin, I'm not so sure he wants to be here?
* Maybe we should let him... go on his merry way?

You don't fucking know me,
fFFUCK you!

Alma
* Well, Mr. Fuck, I tried...

You really must try this "tea", my kin!
Like so!

FUcking-- NO!!
Don't--
fucking--!!!


Allen pours the tea down the Bastard's face. He pouts.

Go on! Imbibe!


.........



This is pathetic.

Is that really his fault?

OF COURSE IT IS.

HE'S WEAK.

You

little

shit

Don't you
lecture me
about fucking WEAKNESS

I'm not doing this.
He couldn't even save HIMSELF!


Did you
save
yourself?

YES, I--

Nix's mind snags on memory of light and smoke and rose petals. She can't finish the sentence.

--

Enough.

Cliff Mason, get rid of him.

  Cliff Mason
I don't know if...

No, no, little one. This affair is beyond him.
Let him have his peace.


  Cliff Mason
...


'Beyond him'. Cliff feels a little wounded. He turns away.

  Cliff Mason
...I'll be right back.




—Rilly—
Hey... Allen, that wasn't really fair.
Back on the island we had a rogue angel and Cliff handled it like a champ! Really got us out of a bind.
I think you're underestimating him!

How delightful!
But our kin here...
...his binding is more difficult than most.
Go FUCK yourself.
Why should we CARE!?
LEAVE HIM TO ROT.
That's what he deserves!!

You must have some sympathy,
little one.
FUCKING--!!
STOP.

He is in pain.

STOP TRYING
TO MAKE ME FEEL SOMETHING
I DON'T WANT TO!

His burden cannot be lifted
so cleanly
as the nail from my chest

SHUT UP!!

Can't you sense it?
His binding is in his mind.

GGHHHHHHH--

The Bastard with a jolt of white-hot rage manages to breaks from Allen's grip, shrieking, claws flying. He wrecks the front room, flips the table, tea and biscuits scattering all about. Rilly rapidly leads Alma away.



GRAAAAAAGGGGHHH!!



The Bastard lunges for Allen's throat, snatching it with both hands.



DON'T YOU

FUCKING

PITY ME!!!



He squeezes with all his might, breath heavy and desperate.







Allen looks back at him with a bemused smile.



What are you trying to do?








  Cliff Mason
YOU

Cliff returns with violence in his eyes! Fully armoured and a gun in his hand he slams into the Bastard with a running tackle.

  Cliff Mason
LET GO OF HIM!!!