Chapter Text
FADE IN:
1. INT. THE FOLLY — DAVID’S LAB — AFTERNOON
Abigail is cleaning out the ruins in a sombre solitude when a knock comes at the door and Nightingale peeks inside in his all three-piece suit glory. Abi glances at him sheepishly.
NIGHTINGALE
(with a faint smile)
May I?
She nods, wordlessly, and goes back to the task. She winces when one of the tables falls into pieces in the grip of her impello and casts a cautious glance at the Master of the Folly, who asserts the devastation with a nonchalant curiosity.
ABIGAIL
(quietly)
I’ll pay for the restoration.
NIGHTINGALE
(simply)
No need.
(beat)
No integral damage was done. And this old furniture was long due for replacement.
She looks at him warily.
ABIGAIL
Are you pitying me?
Nightingale arches a surprised eyebrow at her.
ABIGAIL
Even Molly scoffed at me when she saw this.
NIGHTINGALE
And left you to clean up the mess alone. That’s the harshest punishment you could receive from her.
(beat)
Would you like to be punished more?
His sympathetic gaze makes Abigail gnaw at her lip, fighting emotions.
NIGHTINGALE
For what? Grief?
(beat)
Do you really believe that I will be the one to punish you for that?
Abi lowers her gaze.
NIGHTINGALE
Have you ever wondered why there were only eight tables in this lab, not twelve as in the other one?
Abigail swallows tightly… and then, unable to hold back everything she has intended to bottle up, rushes to hug… her personal Dumbledore. Thomas doesn’t hesitate to put his hand on her back.
ABIGAIL
(quietly)
Don’t do that again.
Nightingale smiles tightly.
NIGHTINGALE
(softly)
You know I can’t promise you that.
(beat)
But I have to try—
(smirking)
Otherwise, Peter will murder me himself.
Abigail chuckles.
NIGHTINGALE
I shall ask you for one thing, however.
Abi looks up, Nightingale meets her eyes.
NIGHTINGALE
Mend the bridges with the rest of the team.
The Head Girl nods slowly, thoughtfully.
ABIGAIL
(quietly)
The integral damage…
NIGHTINGALE
Precisely.
ABIGAIL
(quietly)
I will.
And so they just stand there, in the middle of the thrashed laboratory, holding each other tightly.
2. INT. THE FOLLY — ATRIUM — LATER
Nightingale comes down the stairs to the sight of the team, minus Abigail and suspiciously Peter, hanging around the table, which is already sagging slightly under the weight of the food Molly has fetched by this time.
Adelaide smiles at him, then glances at the table and shrugs.
ADELAIDE
(to Nightingale)
I couldn’t stop her.
NIGHTINGALE
(with a smile)
No, I don’t believe that would be possible.
A tall man with a friendly smile is standing beside Adelaide, awkwardly trying not to stare at the God of magic.
NIGHTINGALE
Mr Huckleberry, I presume.
The man flinches slightly, but quickly extends his hand.
MICHAEL HUCKLEBERRY
(smiling)
Please call me Michael.
(beat)
It’s an honour to finally meet you, sir.
They exchange a handshake.
NIGHTINGALE
The honour is mine.
(beat)
And please call me Thomas.
Michael’s sheepish smile indicates clearly that calling the Nightingale by his given name will require some getting used to. He checks the inside pockets of his blazer and then retrieves a chain with a thin, round piece of metal, the British Army dog-tag. Nightingale narrows his eyes at it.
MICHAEL HUCKLEBERRY
It’s my granddad’s. I’ve been carrying it around… You know, for good luck.
He hands it over to Thomas. But the wizard hesitates, looking at Michael indecisively.
MICHAEL HUCKLEBERRY
He wanted you to have it. As a token of… Respect and gratitude.
Nightingale reaches for it slowly… And blinks as his own signare attacks him instantly.
NIGHTINGALE
(with a chuckle)
I’ll have to admit, I might have gone a little overboard with that shield. The metal is still emitting vestigia.
Adelaide smiles at him.
ADELAIDE
Why do you think I was so determined to properly interrogate you on how powerful that shield was exactly?
(beat)
That—
(nods at the dog-tag)
Has always been beyond my comprehension.
Thomas secures the dog-tag in his jacket pocket.
NIGHTINGALE
(to Michael, emphatically)
I will cherish it.
It sounds a bit more than a promise to look after a piece of metal. Both men instinctively glance at Amelia, who blushes at the attention.
PETER (O.S.)
(cheekily)
Oh, Molly has started coping. Great!
Thomas turns around to greet his husband… And falls silent, basking in the sight of him descending in his full bespoke armour.
PETER
(smiling)
Should we call Abdul and the team, just in case?
NIGHTINGALE
(jokingly)
And risk another bed rest order?
Peter arches an eyebrow at him.
NIGHTINGALE
(with a smile)
I’ve already called them. They promised to visit after their shift ends.
Peter grins.
ABIGAIL (O.S.)
(to Peter, cheekily)
Since when do you dress up for dinner?
She appears from behind Peter, who squints at her suspiciously.
ABIGAIL
(to Peter, clearly messing with him)
Enjoyed being the Master of the Folly? Or is it a hint for him to keep going with the Savile Row suits?
Peter gives her the look. The light blush on his cheeks makes Thomas laugh fondly.
DISSOLVE TO:
3. INT. THE FOLLY — READING ROOM — EVENING
After the first act of the hearty dinner, still waiting for Abdul and his team to arrive, Thomas, Peter and Adelaide have sneaked out into the reading room to discuss some serious matters over the tea.
Adelaide takes a seat in the chair. The wizards settle on the sofa opposite her.
ADELAIDE
Okay, the marriage lawyer is in. What’s the objective?
Thomas glances at his husband, who looks rather uncomfortable, toying nervously with the handle of his tea cup.
NIGHTINGALE
Essentially… To secure Peter’s rights.
Adelaide studies them thoughtfully.
ADELAIDE
And marriage is not an option, because…?
(beat)
I mean, with the soul-bonding, it will be just you signing some papers.
The wizards exchange a look.
NIGHTINGALE
True. However… Call me old-fashioned, but I would prefer it if it meant something.
(beat)
And right now… The shadow of the past crisis is just obscuring everything.
PETER
We agreed that we would like… A proper wedding. On a day that would be free from anxieties and unwanted memories.
ADELAIDE
Fair enough.
(beat)
A civil partnership, then.
NIGHTINGALE
(confused)
What? As a dress rehearsal?
PETER
My mum will skin me alive.
Adelaide chuckles.
ADELAIDE
(smiling)
That might actually be a possibility.
Peter shudders.
ADELAIDE
Well… Then I suggest a cohabitation contract.
The husbands grimace.
ADELAIDE
(with a smile)
Sure, that sounds cynical. But no one has to know about this, for a start. And it will give you pretty much similar legal rights. Although, you will have to renew your wills, of course.
NIGHTINGALE
(serious)
Could it help in avoiding… The funeral situation?
ADELAIDE
If the government wants to bury you? I doubt anything could help with that, even a legal marriage.
(beat)
However… Depending on how hard you push your… Home Office contact, the official next of kin status can be achievable.
(beat)
I don’t think the lack of it will be a problem for UCH, though. As much as I understand, Dr Walid’s team has never been too bashful about revealing medical information to whomever wanted to know within the Folly…
(pointedly)
However illegal that might be.
Both wizards laugh lightly.
ADELAIDE
However, I also have to warn you that a cohabitation contract won’t exempt you from the inheritance tax.
(beat)
Which, in your case—
(she glances at Thomas)
I understand, might be a bit of a bugger.
Thomas suppresses a grimace.
ADELAIDE
And given the main purpose of all of this… I still think that a civil partnership would be a more prudent option.
(beat)
No one should know about it except you two and a register at the City Hall. Think about it as a cynical exchange of signatures. And then, when you feel ready, have your proper wedding on a special day. It’s not mutually exclusive, you know.
(beat)
It’s just a way of telling the government, “Don’t fuck with this person, he’s mine.”
Thomas and Peter share a conspiratory look.
NIGHTINGALE
(to Adelaide)
We shall think about it.
ADELAIDE
Sure. Whenever you are ready.
(beat)
And Peter, speaking of the government and… You know, fucking things up. I still suggest you sue their arses.
Peter bites his lip, conflicted by the proposition. Thomas glances at him, there is a spark of a revengeful mischief in his eyes. Peter blinks at him in surprise.
PETER
(to Thomas)
You actually approve of that?
NIGHTINGALE
(simply)
They tried to use you.
PETER
(with a shrug)
That’s the government.
Thomas gives him a pointed glance.
NIGHTINGALE
They certainly will not hesitate to sue you if you try to do to them what they have done to you.
Peter swallows tightly.
NIGHTINGALE
Honestly, Peter… I’m, for one, still struggling with the desire to punch every single one of them. And I’ve been serving this country for a hundred years.
Despite his visible discomfort, Peter cannot keep his face straight as a touched smirk rises on his lips.
PETER
(to Adelaide, smirking)
Well… If only to save the PM’s life.
Nightingale chuckles.
ADELAIDE
(jokingly)
But of course, why else.
(beat)
I will call my former team.
NIGHTINGALE
Thank you so much, Adelaide.
ADELAIDE
(smiling)
Oh, please. We are a dysfunctional family now.
Peter beams at his husband.
NIGHTINGALE
(with an amused sigh)
So true.
4. EXT. THE FOLLY — BACKYARD — LATE EVENING
Nightingale sneaks out for a quick smoke. It was a tiring day. But before he ignites the cigarette, he spots the light coming from the tech cave… and the sounds of gunfire.
He puts the cigarette into his pocket and rushes up the spiral stairs.
5. INT. TECH CAVE — CONTINUOUS
There is only Kyle here, playing some shooter game on Peter’s PlayStation. He presses a pause and turns around, surprised to see his boss.
KYLE
Sorry, I just needed something to… You know…
NIGHTINGALE
Perfectly understandable. And it is I who should apologise for the interruption. But I've been seeking an opportunity to speak to you alone.
Kyle clears his throat nervously, he knows exactly why Nightingale would want to speak to him alone.
KYLE
Right…
NIGHTINGALE
Have you managed to find anything?
Hesitantly, Kyle dives into his jeans pocket and fishes out a small flash drive.
KYLE
I was planning to dump it to my secured drop spot tomorrow.
Nightingale extends his hand. Kyle places the usb-stick in the wizard’s palm obediently.
NIGHTINGALE
I believe my safe will be sufficient for that purpose.
(beat)
And if not, I know how to destroy these sorts of devices inconspicuously.
(beat)
Providing that you had the forethought to secure the backup, of course.
Kyle smirks smugly. Nightingale smiles at him.
NIGHTINGALE
Is it damning?
KYLE
Oh, yes.
NIGHTINGALE
(with a pleased smile)
Good.
And with that, the Master of the Folly steps outside and closes the door. Kyle chuckles in a dark amusement. His boss is a dangerous man.
6. INT. CHRISTIAN'S OFFICE — DAY
TITLE: NEXT DAY
When Thomas walks into the office, both Christian and Alexander rise from their respective seats.
Nightingale glances at the two of his friends, without menace, but rather dismissively. No pleasantries follow. Everyone just settles on the chairs, trying not to grind their teeth. Seawoll seems to be the most unsettled by the tense atmosphere, as he keeps giving Thomas an apprehensive side-eye. But the God ignores him.
NIGHTINGALE
(business-like)
I would like to warn you, Christian, that with the Met's lease being up for re-negotiation this October, it will not be a done-deal as it has always been in the past.
(beat)
We are going to negotiate. I want you to be ready for that.
CHRISTIAN
(falsely nonchalant)
Fair enough.
(beat)
A few tips, perhaps? Something I could work towards in the meantime?
Thomas studies the man's… professional mask.
NIGHTINGALE
(to Christian, calm)
You realise, of course, that I am going to do everything that is required to ensure Peter's right to anything I own in case of my—
(with a cheeky smile)
Untimely demise.
CHRISTIAN
Yes. I have foreseen this course of action. And I find it extremely wise.
Despite his crisp and brave tone, Christian still frowns at the Master of the Folly, trying to figure out the catch.
NIGHTINGALE
(with a straight face)
I intend to buy out the building.
Christian's frown increases. Seawoll blinks in confusion and glances at Dahl, hoping for the explanation.
CHRISTIAN
(hesitantly)
I'm sorry, Thomas… From whom do you intend to buy it out?
Nightingale smiles at him.
NIGHTINGALE
Why, the Society of the Wise, of course.
CHRISTIAN
Which is… you.
Nightingale smiles.
SEAWOLL
Whoa! Hold on, Thomas. That is… technically… a fraud.
NIGHTINGALE
(to Seawoll)
No, it is not. The Folly is an independent legal entity. A limited company, in fact, with a few of the key stakeholders on the board.
(beat)
I talked to Tyburn and Oxley. Both Father and Mama Thames agreed that this would be a reasonable precaution. Tyburn's lawyers are dealing with the procedure.
CHRISTIAN
(disappointed)
You are monopolising the power of authority.
NIGHTINGALE
(simply)
I am.
CHRISTIAN
Do you think it's wise?
NIGHTINGALE
Can you promise me that the next government will not attempt to pull off what the current one did?
Christian doesn't respond.
NIGHTINGALE
Tories or Labour, it doesn't matter. The interest has arisen, and to be honest with you, I don't like it.
CHRISTIAN
(tense)
Are you aiming for the independent Folly?
NIGHTINGALE
That rather depends, doesn't it? If any future Commissioner will ever entertain Folsom's grandiose ideas… I might be forced to think about severing our connection with the Met.
SEAWOLL
(stunned)
You are not serious!
NIGHTINGALE
(to Seawoll, calmly)
We don't have to be a part of the system to provide our expertise. That's been proven historically.
Alexander stares at him.
SEAWOLL
(hopelessly)
That's insane, Thomas…
NIGHTINGALE
It scares you, doesn't it? Good. Then it will scare everyone else.
Seawoll exhales in relief and looks at Christian, who is looking at Thomas.
CHRISTIAN
(to Nightingale)
So, this is your bargaining chip.
Thomas nods.
CHRISTIAN
What do you want in return? Respect?
Thomas smiles at him leniently.
NIGHTINGALE
They did not insult my honour, Christian. They have betrayed my trust.
(beat)
Not for the first time, mind you, but this time it wasn't just me… or rather… my death they tried to use for their advantage, but my people…
(emphatically)
Whom I consider family.
CHRISTIAN
So, it is personal.
NIGHTINGALE
Everything essentially is personal.
(beat)
I want insurance that what happened recently and with Folsom will never occur again.
Christian holds the wizard's gaze, but doesn't say anything.
NIGHTINGALE
(to Christian)
Do that, and I promise to forget about your forcing Peter to attend the fake funeral.
(beat)
And the way you did that.
Alexander swallows tightly and looks at Christian with a touch of disapproval in his gaze.
NIGHTINGALE
Adelaide told me about your initial decision to take a shortcut with him, until she pushed you into revealing the true reasons.
CHRISTIAN
(quietly)
I was trying to protect him.
NIGHTINGALE
You were trying to manipulate him, that's different. You would never try something like this with me.
CHRISTIAN
Peter is not you, obviously. He wasn't aware of all the politics surrounding the Folly.
NIGHTINGALE
And I take the blame for that. But just so we are clear, he is to be taken seriously. And not to be patronised.
(beat)
Or intentionally traumatised, for that matter. I am familiar with your methods, Christian. Please reserve them for other people.
CHRISTIAN
(trying to save his dignity)
Does he want an apology?
NIGHTINGALE
I don't know, why don't you ask him? I'm his husband, not his father.
And with that, the god of magic stands up and turns around.
NIGHTINGALE
Alexander, a word, please? In private.
SEAWOLL
Of course.
When the two detectives leave the office, Christian sags into his chair and covers his face with his hand.
7. INT. THE HOME OFFICE — LATER
Thomas and Alexander stroll down the corridor in a silence that seems pretty amicable, yet still unnerves the DSI.
SEAWOLL
(falsely nonchalant)
Are you going to… Vetinari me as well?
Nightingale chuckles lightly.
NIGHTINGALE
Christian requires an occasional reality check. He would make an excellent Folly wizard. His hubris and sense of power are exceptional. That's why he is the best man for the task of protecting the Folly. But he has two significant shortcomings. His loyalty to anything Folly-related comes solely through me. And he doesn't understand the concept of a chosen family.
(beat, then emphatically)
But you do.
SEAWOLL
(wryly)
Why, thank you.
NIGHTINGALE
It was a compliment, Alex.
SEAWOLL
You know I can't stop him… If anything happens to you again.
NIGHTINGALE
I'm not asking you to stop him. I am asking you to control the damage. Protect Peter…
(emphatically)
Like you did.
(beat)
He told me all about it. I am extremely grateful.
Alexander shrugs.
SEAWOLL
(with a sigh)
I should've reacted sooner.
(beat)
He came down at Peter like a tonne of bricks.
NIGHTINGALE
Well… If something happens to me in the near future while everyone is still around… You might want to consider warning Adelaide the moment Christian expresses his desire to visit the Folly.
(beat)
And perhaps taking Abdul as a backup.
Alexander nods in understanding.
SEAWOLL
(after a pause, sombrely)
How hard did it hit Peter?
Thomas sighs gloomily.
NIGHTINGALE
As far as I know, he is still trying to unpack it with his therapist.
SEAWOLL
(under his breath)
Damn…
(beat)
I'm sorry, Tom.
NIGHTINGALE
No need. You were pressed by the circumstances and the powers that be. Not to mention your controversial relationship with Christian himself. I understand that. And I'm not expecting you to take the unnecessary risks for me.
(emphatically)
I have never expected you to take the unnecessary risks for me.
SEAWOLL
(sardonically)
Yeah, I remember.
(beat)
But I will if I have to.
Thomas fixes him with a stern gaze.
NIGHTINGALE
Don't do that, Alex.
(beat)
Just… promise me you will help Peter to avoid… turning into me. No one would want that.
Seawoll grimaces.
SEAWOLL
Yes. Of course.
NIGHTINGALE
(with a smile)
Thank you.
Thomas squeezes Alexander's shoulder affectionately, and together they proceed down the stairs.
8. INT. DR GREEN’S OFFICE — DAY
Dr Green is studying her patient, who is looking rather relaxed in his usual chair.
DR GREEN
Are you experiencing problems with processing the whole situation?
PETER
Nope.
(beat, then with a shrug)
I guess I'm still high on serotonin. I was right.
DR GREEN
And if, God forbid, something happens again… Are you sure your behavioural strategy is the most… rational?
Peter chuckles lightly.
PETER
Well… That will depend on the circumstances.
(beat)
I mean, there is a fireball through the sternum. And there is getting stuck in another dimension. In the second instance, I will have to bring him back, dead or alive.
Dr Green makes a note.
DR GREEN
You admitted that your relationship with a few of your friends had suffered because of your… Belief.
PETER
My relationships with my friends suffered because I expected my friends to back me up… And they didn’t.
DR GREEN
What did it make you feel?
PETER
(with a sigh)
I neglected to consider our differences.
DR GREEN
Which are?
PETER
Understanding of magic, basically. The limits of what we can accept. Some might say, “Nah, that’s a bit too much.” And I’d say, “Yeah, sure, let’s try that.”
(pause)
I’m soul-bonded to Thomas. I am used to feeling his pain, hearing his voice in my head… Being attuned to him in the broadest sense possible. And yes, for someone who has never experienced anything like that, it might sure be an extremely confusing concept, bordering on madness, perhaps. For me, the fact that I was still alive was enough proof. I can imagine that for Sahra and Danni that might not be the case. There is practically no way to determine whether the soul-bonding really works like that, whether our… deaths are connected as well. We’ve been running on a more or less logical assumption. And I think we should continue. Better safe than sorry.
DR GREEN
So, you understand why your friends reacted the way they did.
PETER
I do now. But it took me a few days of relative peace and quiet with Thomas by my side to gather enough mental capacity to even think about it. He’s not impressed with some of his friends, either. But as he put it, it wasn’t Ettersberg. And I agree with him.
DR GREEN
Didn’t he forgive David?
PETER
(with a faint smile)
That’s exactly the point.
Dr Green nods while making another note.
DR GREEN
I have to warn you, Peter, that one day this serotonin high will cease and the lack of conscious processing of your concealed grief might catch up with you. Whether you feel it right now or not, what you have gone through was an extremely traumatic experience.
PETER
Not only for me. For everyone.
DR GREEN
True. But I don’t want you to underestimate the potential consequences. Keep an eye on your people, but please don’t forget about yourself.
Peter chuckles.
PETER
Soul-bonding, remember? Thomas won’t let me do that. And vice versa.
Dr Green smiles at him.
DR GREEN
Any sign of unexpected depression, moodiness, nightmares, flashbacks — you call me.
PETER
(with a nod)
Of course.
9. EXT. OUTSIDE DR GREEN’S OFFICE BUILDING — LATER
The Jag is already there when Peter exits the office building. Thomas is waiting for him outside. Peter doesn’t hesitate to run up to his husband and hugs him tightly.
Thomas wraps his arms around Peter and kisses him on the forehead.
NIGHTINGALE
(tentatively)
Are you all right?
PETER
Yeah. And I’m so ready to go to Cam’s.
Thomas laughs.
NIGHTINGALE
We might have a slight detour.
Peter arches an eyebrow.
NIGHTINGALE
I am meeting Frank on our way there.
Peter stifles a grimace as he grabs the door handle.
PETER
(reserved)
‘kay.
Thomas watches his husband settling into his seat with a conflicted expression. But Peter shakes him out of his reverie by beaming at him happily, having found his impossibly colourful coffee concoction.
Thomas smiles back and rounds the car to get to his side… when he sees her. LESLEY MAY is leaning on the wall of the building on the opposite side of the road. There is no hoodie, and even her mask shows off her real face.
She catches Nightingale’s gaze and nods to him rather emphatically. Thomas nods curtly in return… and then watches as she disappears in the crowd of pedestrians.
10. INT. LITTLE CHALFONT — PUB — DAY
Nightingale walks into the pub and looks around. He spots Frank sitting at a corner table, nursing a half-full pint of bitter. Judging by the colour of his face, it's not his first one. He doesn't wave to catch Thomas's attention, just watches him from under his brows.
Nightingale approaches the table and takes a seat without asking. The Para sips at his beer, waiting. Thomas studies him thoughtfully.
NIGHTINGALE
(after a pause, calmly)
What happened?
Frank blinks at him in confusion.
FRANK
Pardon?
NIGHTINGALE
Between you and Peter?
The Para huffs a dry chuckle.
FRANK
(ironic)
So, where is the tattle-tale?
Nightingale fixes him with a stern look.
NIGHTINGALE
(reserved)
In the car.
Frank barks a sarcastic laugh and shakes his head.
FRANK
(quietly)
Figures.
NIGHTINGALE
(serious)
Frank. Please don't.
Frank bites back a snarl.
FRANK
(trying for calm)
Look… I'm not going to apologise for believing in your death. I don't care if Peter thinks that I've betrayed you.
Nightingale watches him intensely.
FRANK
He pulled the Master of the Folly rank on me. I obeyed the order, that's it.
NIGHTINGALE
(with a sigh, slowly)
He said that he was baffled by, and I quote, your lack of confidence in magic, given your family history.
Frank chuckles dryly.
FRANK
You know how it goes, Thomas. You see a fallen man, you try to help him, if you can't, you let go.
(beat)
You fell unconscious from fifty metres into the Thames. Had I been there, I would've definitely jumped after you. But they did, and they didn't find you.
(beat)
I'm not dealing with magic on a daily basis like you guys. I'm dealing with fires, ruined houses and scorched corpses. Believing in miracles has never been my thing.
(beat)
And yes, I genuinely thought that Peter was in shock. I was worried about him. He didn't take it well, obviously.
Nightingale massages the bridge of his nose.
NIGHTINGALE
I will be honest with you, Frank, I wasn't particularly amused by the growing tension between the two of you. It didn't start that day, you know.
FRANK
I have no beef with him.
NIGHTINGALE
Then why did you judge him?
FRANK
I didn't—
NIGHTINGALE
(wearily)
Frank…
Frank suppresses an eye-roll.
FRANK
(after a pause)
Permission to speak freely?
Nightingale nods.
FRANK
(with a deep breath)
I think you're distracting him from doing his job. He is focused on your safety and not on an objective. And in turn, that distracts you. Which ironically might lead to what he is so afraid of.
Nightingale ponders over Frank's words carefully.
NIGHTINGALE
(after a pause)
In other words, you think we are emotionally compromised.
Frank doesn't respond.
NIGHTINGALE
(simply)
Well, we are. How could we not be?
(beat)
Did I seem distracted in the desert? Or in the castle? Did Peter abandon his post in the dungeon?
FRANK
He ran out of the UCH lobby despite my protest and almost got himself killed. I remember you weren't amused by that either.
Nightingale grimaces.
FRANK
He is not going to listen to me. If anything happens to you again.
(beat)
And you know how hard it is to protect someone who doesn't listen to you.
NIGHTINGALE
(thoughtfully)
Are you saying that you will not work with him if something happens to me?
FRANK
(with a shrug)
Depends on him, really. Me and the boys are sworn to the Folly. Our agreement was ratified by the Rivers. Only he can change it. I'm not going to.
Nightingale exhales heavily, his expression is deeply conflicted.
NIGHTINGALE
(after a pause)
I heard you, Frank. I shall speak to him and pass your concerns. However, I will appreciate it if you from now on avoid making comments in regard to his character… At least where he can hear it.
FRANK
Wasn't my finest moment, was it? As he of course pointed out.
(beat)
I will apologise to him when he's ready to listen.
(beat)
If he is ready to listen.
Nightingale nods and rises from his seat.
FRANK
(sincerely)
I'm glad that you are back.
NIGHTINGALE
Thank you.
He offers Frank a small salute, which the Para reciprocates, and leaves the pub.
11. INT. THE JAG — LATER
Peter stops playing with his phone when the door opens and a not, so pleased Nightingale gets inside.
PETER
(falsely indifferent)
How did it go?
Thomas lets out a weary sigh.
NIGHTINGALE
(hesitantly)
At some point, the two of you will have to talk.
PETER
(with a frown)
Or what?
NIGHTINGALE
(simply)
Or you are going to have a proper fallout… If something happens to me.
Peter winces.
PETER
(after a pause)
What's his problem with me?
NIGHTINGALE
He will appreciate it if you consider his tactical advice more serious in the future.
PETER
Tactical advice?
(narrows his eyes suspiciously)
Is it about UCH?
Thomas nods. Peter groans quietly.
NIGHTINGALE
And in this case, I'm inclined to agree with him.
PETER
(quietly)
Yeah… I know.
(pause)
Does he have a son?
Thomas arches a surprised eyebrow.
PETER
Well, I'm hoping that nothing will happen to you in his lifetime.
Nightingale chuckles dryly.
NIGHTINGALE
He is unwed.
PETER
Ah… The last Caffrey…
(pause)
Okay. I will speak to him…
(beat)
But right now I would like to go somewhere we don't have to speak at all, if you don't mind.
Thomas offers him a soft smile and starts the engine.
12. INT. CAM'S HOUSE — AFTERNOON
Cam has just poured three tumblers of Scotch when the knock finally comes. Whistling innocently, he goes to open the door… And blinks at the two wizards, who look like they were run over by a lorry. Thomas is tense and Peter is definitely sulking.
CAM
Blimey! You two need some serious unwinding.
PETER
(vehemently)
We do.
And then they all but pounce on the river god.
13. INT. CAM'S HOUSE — BEDROOM — LATE EVENING
Obviously, Thomas has been the centre of attention in this particular unwinding session. And now, in the darkest hour of the night, he's relishing in a heady feeling of being thoroughly loved. His mind is pleasantly quiet as he is lying between Peter and Cam, a soft, lazy, satiated smile playing on his lips. His husband is snuggled against his side, his life-long friend's head is resting on his shoulder.
Peter observes Thomas dreamily.
PETER
(quietly)
What are you thinking about?
Thomas's lips curve further upwards.
NIGHTINGALE
What a lucky bastard I am.
Peter smirks cheekily.
PETER
Well, you got lucky just now, that's true.
Thomas laughs softly, feeling Cam huffing a chuckle into his skin. He glances at the river god rather nostalgically.
NIGHTINGALE
(quietly)
Thank you, Cam.
CAM
(with a smile)
Pleasure.
(beat)
Literally.
Thomas grins at him.
NIGHTINGALE
I meant to say… for being patient and forgiving…
(beat)
And rather self-sacrificing, I believe.
Both Cam and Peter look at him seriously.
NIGHTINGALE
I don't want you to think that I've never noticed, acknowledged or appreciated it.
Cam swallows quickly, hiding his emotions.
CAM
(lightly)
You know, if I ever seek help from a professional therapist in order to unpack my… feelings towards you… I'll either end up being charged or sanctioned.
Thomas chuckles a bit ruefully.
CAM
But I rather you avoid setting sail on a guilt trip on my account.
Thomas casts a glance at him.
CAM
Certainly not now.
(beat)
I'm a river god, Tom. We are not too big on self-sacrifices, believe me. Had I been indeed suffering, I would've done something about it.
(beat)
But honestly, seeing you like this, happy, being able to shake off the past that was haunting you, having finally settled down with an incredibly understanding partner…
Peter smiles sheepishly as Thomas looks at him affectionately, his hand caressing Peter's sweaty back.
CAM
(with a smile)
I consider my job well done.
Thomas huffs a laugh.
CAM
(to Peter)
And I'm extremely grateful for being allowed to enjoy the fruits of my labour on occasion.
He and Peter share a knowing glance.
NIGHTINGALE
(fondly)
You two are impossible.
Peter looks up at him.
PETER
Says basically the most impossible man in existence.
Thomas smiles. A blush creeps up his cheeks. Quite simultaneously, both Peter and Cam decide to kiss it away.
FADE TO BLACK