Chapter Text
FADE IN:
14. INT. UCH — ABDUL'S OFFICE — DAY
TITLE: TWO DAYS LATER
Thomas, in his best suit, follows Abdul into the office.
The good doctor places a stack of medical files onto his desk and gestures for his guest to take a seat. Nightingale does.
Abdul browses through one of the files.
ABDUL
The tests results came back normal—
(beat)
Within your parameters, of course. Your functional immortality wasn't affected. Your god powers…
(with a smile)
If it wasn't obvious before, it wasn't affected. Your lungs are as clear as they could possibly be. Your stab wound has healed beautifully.
(beat)
So, I can officially declare you the healthiest 45-year-old-appearing man, who has ever been admitted to this hospital.
Nightingale smiles.
NIGHTINGALE
Thank you.
(pause, then serious)
What about Peter?
Abdul looks up, holding his friend's inquiring gaze.
NIGHTINGALE
(without judgement)
Abigail told me.
ABDUL
Ah…
NIGHTINGALE
She also noticed him starting speaking like me.
ABDUL
And, did you?
NIGHTINGALE
No.
Abdul shrugs.
ABDUL
It might have been a symptom, of course, but it might as well have been his subconscious desire to imitate the connection. It is impossible to tell by now.
NIGHTINGALE
And the scarring? Has it sustained?
ABDUL
No. By the time I put you two in my MRI that day, the scars had already disappeared. He is back to his normal self.
Nightingale gnaws nervously at his lip, despite the reassuring news.
NIGHTINGALE
(after a pause, hesitantly)
He believes the soul-bonding can give me the power to possess him.
(beat)
He actually gave me permission to do that.
(beat)
And not in a fun way, either.
Abdul studies the worried wizard sympathetically.
ABDUL
Well, we could experiment on that, if you want. In order to have at least some control over the possibilities.
(beat)
I remember him mentioning something about you two speaking via some sort of telepathy while he was in the Nazi bunker, and you were lying unconscious.
Nightingale sighs.
NIGHTINGALE
But I haven’t the faintest idea of how I managed to do that.
ABDUL
(with a faint smile)
Is an educational field trip in order?
Thomas chuckles lightly.
NIGHTINGALE
Perhaps. But I'd still prefer it was a medical facility. For Peter's safety.
ABDUL
Of course.
(beat)
I shall ask Harold to provide some tips on the known techniques.
NIGHTINGALE
You are of course aware that they are most likely just the stories of the unexplained.
ABDUL
(with a cheeky smile)
There is only one way to find out.
15. INT. UCH — BASEMENT — DAY
TITLE: NEXT DAY
The basement is divided in two halves by a set of plastic walls, some of which have windows. Through them, Thomas and Peter can observe nervously how each of them is getting prepared for the upcoming experiment.
They are reclining in what looks like a pair of dentist chairs, wearing their training gear, as their medical team and an eager Abigail, who is visibly struggling to contain her excitement, are hovering over them. Abdul and Damien are taking Thomas's and Peter's blood pressure and hooking them up to the sets of portable heart monitors and EEGs. Jennifer is calibrating the machines. She pinches Nightingale with a small needle and smiles approvingly when Peter's yelps quietly.
The wizards look rather tense. Especially Thomas. He seeks Abdul's eyes and leans over.
NIGHTINGALE
(to Abdul, quietly)
I hope you have taken under consideration Peter's previous traumatic experience with possession.
(beat)
And in all honesty, Abdul… Given the circumstance of the previous occurrences… Perhaps I need to be unconscious for that.
ABDUL
(with a comforting smile)
Perhaps it doesn't depend solely on you. Perhaps it's Peter, who allows you to… get in. We are here to figure that out.
(beat)
And yes, I am mindful of Peter's experience. That's why Catherine is here.
DR HADLEY peeks out of her quiet corner where she is sitting, hidden from Nightingale by the makeshift wall.
DR HADLEY
(to Nightingale)
Actually, I'm here for the both of you.
NIGHTINGALE
(to Dr Hadley)
Thank you.
He looks at Peter, who beams at him, equally excited and nervous.
ABDUL
And about your being unconscious as a seemingly important aspect… Would you like some light sedatives?
Again, Thomas casts a glance at his husband.
NIGHTINGALE
(thoughtfully)
Peter wanted to know if it would work as a… tactical solution. So, I suppose, we should at least try to see whether it is even possible while we are… fully present.
Abdul nods and takes his place in front of the monitors.
ABDUL
(to everyone)
Ready?
NIGHTINGALE/PETER
No.
Abigail and Dr Hadley chuckle at their synchronised timing and identical wary tone.
ABDUL
(smiling)
In your own time, gentlemen.
The wizards take a deep, steady breath that is also eerily synchronised. Then they wriggle in their chairs a bit, settling down more comfortably, and close their eyes.
For a few very long moments, nothing happens. Abigail begins biting her nails as she observes them in a creepy silence.
16. INT. SOUL-BONDING
A dark, empty space, lit by an unsteady green light that is coming from the boiling Fae Queen's cauldron placed in the middle.
Two figures step out from the deep shadows. It's Thomas and Peter, still dressed in their training gear.
Peter looks around, equally unsettled and awestruck. Thomas nods, having recognised the place.
THOMAS
Yes, this is where I've been wandering that whole week.
PETER
This looks like a hub.
THOMAS
Indeed.
Peter takes a cautious look inside the cauldron.
PETER
This is our soul-bonding.
THOMAS
The spell that powers it, yes.
PETER
(in awe)
Fuck me…
Thomas smirks.
THOMAS
(quietly, mischievously)
I hope that is not actually required?
Peter blinks at him.
INTERCUT WITH:
17. INT. UCH — BASEMENT — DAY
Nightingale's EEG doesn't show anything. But Peter's starts spiking a bit… And then he chuckles… a touch salaciously.
PETER
(smiling)
Focus, Thomas.
(beat)
Blimey.
Thomas grins as everyone else stares at them.
ABIGAIL
(to Abdul, mouthing)
Are they trolling us?
The chief cryptopathologist shrugs, eyes still on his patient… who suddenly laughs. Damien blinks at Jennifer.
Peter is still studying the bubbling green liquid inside the cauldron.
PETER
Something tells me this goo is the key.
Thomas glances at it sceptically.
THOMAS
May I suggest a test before you start sticking your fingers into it?
PETER
A werelight?
THOMAS
A werelight.
Peter grins at his husband.
The wizards lift their hands at the same time and with an identical gesture produce two identical werelights… which fly over the makeshift walls, gravitating towards each other, and then merge in one big ball of light… and disappear.
The images and sounds of their merged signares dies down as the ball sinks into the cauldron goo.
PETER
Now can I stick my fingers in it?
Thomas smiles at him and then offers him his hand. Peter takes it with a soft smirk, and together they put their joined hands into the boiling liquid. Both hiss. And when they look at each other, their eyes are shining green.
END OF INTERCUT
18. INT. UCH — BASEMENT — DAY
Peter's EEG is all over the charts. Thomas's finally has started showing some effort as well… before it spikes.
A playful grin falls from Peter's face suddenly as he stirs lightly. His heart rate picks up. Damien casts a concerned glance at Abdul, who raises his hand, indicating that they should wait a bit.
To everyone's wary surprise, Peter climbs down from his chair slowly with his eyes still closed, and strides towards the firing range. Abigail follows him. Peter stops at the line, extends his hand and shoots a powerful fireball… that turns into a waterball before hitting the wall.
Abigail covers her mouth with her hand.
ABIGAIL
(muffled, in disbelief)
Oh, my God!
Nightingale's pulse has reached a hundred twenty, which alarms Abdul. He pats the god of magic on the cheeks.
ABDUL
Thomas, I think that's enough for now.
There is no response. Dr Walid frowns.
ABDUL
(worried)
Thomas! Do you hear me?
He jerks away when Nightingale sits bolt upright and gulps a sharp breath, as if he's just resurfaced from deep water.
Peter does the same at exactly the same time. Only afterwards, he sways on his feet and lands into Damien's arms. He blinks twice, getting back to reality, spots Abigail and instantly averts his gaze. There is a light blush creeping up his cheeks. Abigail notices the reason for his embarrassment as she and Damien carry Peter back to his chair, but stoically ignores it.
Meanwhile, Abdul is checking Thomas up, shining his pen-light into the god's eyes.
NIGHTINGALE
(with a touch of annoyance)
I am completely fine, Abdul.
PETER
(sheepishly)
Well… I might need a blanket.
Damien quickly provides him with it. Peter nods to him gratefully, and pulls the blanket up to his waist.
Dr Hadley, with her eyes wide, is struggling to digest what has just happened.
Thomas rubs his offended eyes and finally focuses on his husband, whose face is a bit too tense for his liking.
NIGHTINGALE
(to Peter)
How are you feeling?
Peter doesn't meet his eyes.
PETER
(awkwardly)
Inappropriately excited.
Thomas smiles and arches a flirty eyebrow, the bastard.
Damien and Jennifer share a knowing glance. Abigail bites back a smirk. Abdul clears his throat.
ABDUL
(to Nightingale)
Did you figure it out?
NIGHTINGALE
Umm… Yes… In a way, I suppose.
(beat)
But I don't think it could be a beneficial tactical solution.
(beat)
It requires a lot of focus… Which I understand is just a matter of practice… However, I would not like it to be… weaponized.
(beat)
It is indeed a bit too… exciting… Intimate.
He catches his husband's intense gaze. The way Peter is gnawing at his lip only increases its effect.
Abigail turns to Dr Hadley.
ABIGAIL
(in a hushed whisper)
That's mind sex.
Dr Hadley's eyes dart between her two patients.
DR HADLEY
(whispering)
I believe it is.
19. INT. UCH — ABDUL'S OFFICE — LATER
Abdul has generously lent his office to Dr Hadley for a quick briefing with her patients.
The wizards still look rather stunned. Thomas even seems to be conflicted.
DR HADLEY
So, what was it like?
The pair share a glance.
PETER
(hesitantly)
Not the way Abigail imagined it.
Catherine chuckles.
DR HADLEY
You heard her.
PETER
(with a shrug)
She saw the state I was in, it was easy to conclude.
(beat)
But… yeah… it was hot… and pleasant…
NIGHTINGALE
But it wasn't a possession in a classical term.
DR HADLEY
(to Nightingale)
No?
Thomas shakes his head.
PETER
(getting excited)
We merged. Like you know this thing they do in anime when a group of heroes sends their powers and… pieces of themselves to their leader, so he could fight the big baddie?
Catherine nods.
PETER
Well, I was feeling like I was ready to fight any big baddie.
He glances at his husband, and so does Dr Hadley.
DR HADLEY
(to Nightingale)
Then why do you think it can't be beneficial for your work?
NIGHTINGALE
(hesitantly)
It can be beneficial, of course. But no one should know about this.
Catherine blinks at him and then frowns.
NIGHTINGALE
If someone, even the government—
(beat)
Especially, the government finds out that I can just… lend my powers to Peter via—
PETER
A magical Wi-Fi.
NIGHTINGALE
Thank you.
(beat)
It won't be Abdul they appoint to experiment on us.
Peter grimaces. Dr Hadley holds the god's serious gaze.
DR HADLEY
(slowly)
I can see your point.
(beat)
But wouldn't it give Abdul more insights into the inner workings of the soul-bonding.
PETER
(grinning)
Oh, it definitely would. I already somewhat figured it out. It's like the core of our connection is kept inside some fae allokosmoi space, like a back-up storage, towards where our consciousness gravitates when we're asleep or… unconscious. Now I know where to go to look for him if he disappears again.
He casts a glance at Thomas, who stiffens a grimace.
PETER
(with a smile)
And we don't need phones anymore.
Thomas laughs at that.
NIGHTINGALE
I will speak with Abdul, of course, but in private. Him I trust completely. Dr Dahl on the other hand…
(beat)
And Abigail… will certainly become too excited. I have one easily excitable brain box to deal with already.
Peter smirks at him.
NIGHTINGALE
I can hear you thinking, love.
Peter pouts, although still touched by the love part.
Dr Hadley smiles at them.
DR HADLEY
And the experience wasn't at all disturbing or traumatic?
She looks specifically at Peter.
PETER
No. I knew exactly what's going on.
(beat)
Or… Had a very good idea, at least.
(beat)
Not to mention that I was there with Thomas.
NIGHTINGALE
(to Dr Hadley)
I would have severed the connection immediately, had I sensed Peter's discomfort.
Peter smirks cheekily.
PETER
(to Dr Hadley)
In that way, it is a bit like sex.
Thomas shakes his head at him affectionately. Dr Hadley chuckles lightly.
20. INT. THE FOLLY — TEACHING LAB — DAY
TITLE: NEXT DAY
Thomas is sitting sideways to a lab table in the dimly lit corner of the lab, holding a book in one of his hands, while his other hand is continuously opening and closing to produce a werelight every time Abigail presses a button of a lux-meter. The device of course is wrapped in a layer of a transparent magic-proof fabric, so Abi can see the display that is showing the numbers. She writes them down carefully.
A knock comes to the door, and then Peter barges in, carrying a stack of leather-bound ledgers.
PETER
(to Nightingale)
Adelaide found these in a hidden corner of the Magical Library. They are yours.
Abigail squints at Peter over her shoulder.
PETER
She wants to know whether you prefer them being left alone or… restored somewhere.
NIGHTINGALE
(to Peter, simply)
Why don't you take them?
Peter blinks in surprise.
PETER
Seriously?
Abigail rolls her eyes.
ABIGAIL
(quietly)
Oh, please…
Peter frowns at her, observing sceptically the table, the equipment and most importantly, Thomas's arm, bend in the elbow at the edge of the table.
PETER
(to Abigail)
Did I say something about you using my husband as a lab rat?
Abigail turns around to give him the look.
ABIGAIL
That was the gentlepersons agreement.
PETER
(offhandedly)
A distraction, more likely.
ABIGAIL
(unimpressed)
Whatever.
(beat)
You don't want me to poke into your soul-bonding thing. I still have to do something, right?
Thomas smiles at Peter reassuringly.
NIGHTINGALE
You needn't worry, Peter. I am yet to develop a permanent disfigurement of my wrist.
(beat)
Just an acute tunnel syndrome.
He glances wryly at his crooked wrist. Abi glares at him… then at Peter, then shakes her head and gets back to her measurements.
PETER
(to Abigail, suspiciously)
What?
ABIGAIL
(flatly)
Too married. Way too married.
The two bastards laugh. Peter approaches the table.
PETER
(to Abigail, cheerfully)
Okay, I'll bite. What are you doing?
ABIGAIL
(grumpy)
Trying to figure out how many luxes are in Thomas's average reading Lux.
PETER
(thoughtfully)
Reading Lux?
Nightingale waves the book at him.
ABIGAIL
(patiently)
The amount of light that is comfortable for Thomas to read in a dimly lit space, considering his 20/20 vision.
PETER
(curious)
And?
Abigail shows him the notes.
ABIGAIL
See for yourself.
The numbers are impressively precise, varying just slightly and on average reaching for 800+.
PETER
(under his breath)
Blimey…
ABIGAIL
That is more or less comparable to the amount of light an old-fashioned 60 watt bulb produces.
PETER
(musingly)
Riiight…
(beat)
You realise of course that it might not be comparable to an average Lux in a vacuum?
Abigail kisses her teeth in a mild indignation, like, "Who do you take me for?"
ABIGAIL
(deadpans)
Yes. That's why next time I'm going to blindfold him.
Peter glances at the stoic expression on his husband’s face and then fixes Abigail with a stern look.
PETER
Mind his hand. Or we're gonna have words.
Abi huffs and presses the button. Thomas conjures another werelight obediently.
21. INT. TECH CAVE — AFTERNOON
Having been released from his experiments duties, Thomas is watching rugby highlights, enjoying the rare moment of a tranquil silence in the tech cave while all of his apprentices are busy with their daily chores.
The absence of his husband at his side doesn't bother him… much. Even in light of the fact that he has surrendered his journals for Peter to look at.
And right on cue, Peter storms into the tech cave.
PETER
(in astonishment)
Thomas! What the bloody hell is this?!
Thomas turns around sharply, concern is prominent on his face. Peter is standing at the threshold, holding one of Thomas's leather-bounded journals in one hand, and an old photograph in the other. Thomas narrows his eyes at the picture.
It depicts what appears to be a scene from an amateur performance. In this scene, three… performers in women's dresses are sitting at a café table. The pair at one side are wearing doll-like numbers with silly flower patterns and pieces of laces here and there. They are sporting bonnets as well. But the lady on the opposite side is clad in a proper evening attire, a floor length Hollywood star silk garment, with no cleavage or sleeves, accompanied by a pair of elbow-length gloves and some serious heels. Her hair, although rather short, styled in a way that it curls playfully at the ends. All she is missing to complete the 1930s femme fatale image is a string of pearls. She already has a rather long mouthpiece with a seething cigarette in it, which she holds in an elegant if slightly defiant manner. Her head is tilted up as she looks quite condescendingly at her companions, smiling at them with a suspiciously familiar thin smile, accentuated by her lipstick.
Having recognised what he is looking at, Thomas laughs.
NIGHTINGALE
These, if you must know, are Private Oswald and Lieutenant Caffrey.
He points at the pair with the bonnets.
PETER
(smiling cheekily)
And this lady of my dreams?
Still grinning, Thomas glances at his husband mischievously as Peter looks back at him in something close to awe.
PETER
(sincerely)
You look gorgeous, by the way.
NIGHTINGALE
(smiling)
Why, thank you, Peter.
PETER
How did they talk you into that?
Thomas sighs somewhat nostalgically.
NIGHTINGALE
I led those men into battles, Peter. There was absolutely no way I could refuse to participate in their fun times.
(beat)
And besides, when Barry MacMillan, one of the platoon's medics, managed to find this, and I'm quoting, "exquisitely elegant number of posh goodness", everyone looked at me and my fate was sealed.
PETER
How the hell did he find the heels?!
NIGHTINGALE
(smiling)
Oooh! The heels required a special covert operation for all I was told. But Barry took it upon himself and he provided.
He glances at the photo once again when Peter settles on the sofa beside him.
NIGHTINGALE
I do look rather good in these heels, don't I?
Peter laughs at him.
PETER
(jokingly)
If you want to retire with a career change, you might want to consider.
Thomas laughs back.
NIGHTINGALE
Imagine Tyburn's face when she learns about it.
Peter all but roars in laughter.
PETER
That might actually be the entire point of the whole endeavour.
Thomas laughs so hard he has to wipe the tears from his eyes.
PETER
I will keep it, if you don't mind.
NIGHTINGALE
By all means.
(beat)
I am not going to ask what you are going to do with it, though.
Peter grins at him cheekily. Thomas matches his grin.
The sight of his husband actually laughing at a funny story from the war, without shying away to remember it or closing off, melts Peter's heart a bit. He returns the photo into the ledger and leans on Thomas's shoulder.
PETER
(quietly, softly)
You know, I'm glad that despite everything, there were still fun moments to remember.
NIGHTINGALE
(with a soft smile)
Yes. So am I.
PETER
(quietly)
Did Barry make it?
Thomas hums.
NIGHTINGALE
Unscathed, if you believe it. The lucky bastard. And not in a cowardly manner, either.
PETER
(quietly)
Good.
For a few long moments, they are enjoying the comfortable silence. The smiles are still lingering on their lips.
NIGHTINGALE
(after a pause, emphatically)
Don't you dare buy me a dress.
Peter manages not to gape at him and just groans instead.
PETER
(mumbles grumpily)
Bloody soul-bonding.
Thomas cannot help but laugh.
22. INT. THE FOLLY — ATRIUM — EVENING
TITLE: NEXT DAY
The entire flock of apprentices, Adelaide and even Molly and Foxglove are floating happily above the atrium. They are flying past the master wizards, who are moving slowly in the air to a light jazz tune that is coming from Peter’s phone, tucked into his breast pocket. The music is muffled by the merry, if something tipsy, laughter that is happening around.
Samantha and Amelia are chasing each other and the big, beautiful “Happy 21st” balloon that Adelaide is pushing across the atrium with a casual impello. Kyle is following them, but doesn’t participate in the chase, too busy impersonating Super-Man.
The birthday girl, Abigail, floats to Thomas and Peter, an enormous grin is threatening to crack her face.
ABIGAIL
(to Thomas and Peter, excited)
That is the best birthday ever! Hands down.
The pair smile at her softly.
NIGHTINGALE
I’m glad we succeeded at making it memorable.
ABIGAIL
(grinning)
You kidding me?!
Peter chuckles at her.
ABIGAIL
(to Peter, cheekily)
I’m still blindfolding him.
Peter makes a face, but rather jokingly.
PETER
I thought I already gave you your present.
Abi smiles at him leniently.
ABIGAIL
(mockingly)
That’s my job, Peter.
(beat, then with a grin)
And I love my job!
She makes a pirouette and joins the girls. The wizards are watching her go.
PETER
(to Nightingale, quietly)
Am I the only one worried?
NIGHTINGALE
(with a light chuckle)
It might be a good opportunity for me to sell her the idea of working with Catherine.
PETER
If you are sure.
Toby’s excited yaps makes everyone look down… Kyle is hanging on to one of the columns, just above the “Happy Birthday, Abigail” banner. The poor sod looks lost and shaken as he casts nervous glances down.
KYLE
Umm… A little help, please?
Thomas and Peter share an affectionate eye-roll and rush to Kyle’s rescue.
23. INT. THE FOLLY — READING ROOM — LATE EVENING
Peter finds Nightingale reading a book in front of the fireplace. Having noticed his husband’s arrival, Thomas looks up.
NIGHTINGALE
(with a soft smile)
Have they settled down?
PETER
They have retreated to the tech cave.
Thomas’s smile becomes rather mischievous. He all but jumps to his feet.
NIGHTINGALE
Good enough.
PETER
(confused)
For what?
NIGHTINGALE
Well… I thought you were wondering about a certain Chagall painting.
Peter laughs.
PETER
You’re serious?
(beat)
Where is the cider?
NIGHTINGALE
We don’t need the cider, Peter.
Peter blinks.
PETER
You mean—
NIGHTINGALE
(uncharacteristically excited)
Yes.
He leans into Peter’s ear.
NIGHTINGALE
(quietly)
I am going to teach you how to fly.
(beat)
Come on.
He grabs a beaming Peter by the arm and drags him out of the reading room.
24. EXT. THE FOLLY — ROOF — LATER
They climb out of the hatch. Peter chuckles at the memories of his recent venture of sneaking out via the roof. He faces his grinning husband and can’t help but smile fondly at him.
PETER
Okay, I remember you saying that it was a similar principle to the descending technique.
NIGHTINGALE
(smiling)
It is… Only the exact opposite.
PETER
(amused)
Of course.
NIGHTINGALE
Actually, there are two ways. It’s either a combination of Aer and Scindere or Aer and Impello. The basic principle is that you are pushing a cushion of air, which supports your body. But Impello can give you more… flexibility.
PETER
(musingly)
But don’t you like have to steer yourself manually with Impello?
Thomas fixes him with a lenient glance, trusting his husband to deconstruct a workable technique.
NIGHTINGALE
If you can’t trust your control of the formae, perhaps.
Peter arches a puzzled eyebrow.
NIGHTINGALE
It is not as if magic is assigned to a particular set of body parts, Peter. We, humans, use hands simply because it is convenient to us. Strictly speaking, hands have no crucial purpose in the process. They just allow us to aim more efficiently.
(beat)
For instance…
He straightens up, almost at attention, and looks at a spot right between them. Peter can sense his signare as a small globe of light appears on the spot, growing bigger, until it becomes a proper werelight.
PETER
(under his breath)
Bloody hell…
Thomas chuckles as he keeps showing off by moving the werelight around them.
PETER
And it’s not your god thing?
NIGHTINGALE
No.
(beat)
David and I… We were working on a solution for… the amputees… When we had this epiphany.
Peter nods sombrely.
PETER
So… You can steer yourself with your feet, is that what you’re saying?
(beat)
Like a hoverboard?
NIGHTINGALE
(with a smile)
Pretty much.
PETER
(mischievously)
You realise that from now on, I’m not going to walk ever again?
Thomas laughs.
NIGHTINGALE
That’s exactly why I’ve been reluctant to tell you about this.
(beat)
But I was hoping that now when you are a master and have a reputation to maintain in front of your apprentices, it would stop you from overindulgence.
Peter squints at him suspiciously.
PETER
I’m still going to experiment on this?
NIGHTINGALE
Don’t forget to take Abigail. At least, she will make sure you both survive the experiments.
Peter sticks his tongue at him in a mock indignation. Thomas smiles at him fondly.
PETER
Alright, then. Show me.
Nightingale points his open palms down and then smoothly ascends two metres up. He holds Peter’s curious gaze, folds his arms on his chest and starts swaying left and right, like a clock pendulum.
PETER
Show off…
NIGHTINGALE
(with a shrug, smiling)
You asked for it.
PETER
Okay…
He repeats Thomas’s manipulations, frowns slightly, aligning the formae in his head, and then… Whoosh! He surges up like a rocket.
PETER
(panicky)
WHOA!
He manages to stop his ascending, but not the rotation. He blinks when Thomas materialises in front of him, his brows furrowed in concern. A steady arm weaves itself around Peter’s middle, halting him.
PETER
(with a sheepish smile)
Too much juice.
NIGHTINGALE
(quietly, velvety)
Balance is the key, Peter.
PETER
(quietly, flirty)
Riiight… And you are distracting me to help me find my balance?
NIGHTINGALE
(flirty)
Am I? Distracting you?
The warmth of his body and the way his gaze darts between Peter’s eyes and lips are extremely distracting. But Peter applies all his will-power to test out the leg-steering technique in the safety of Thomas’s embrace. He waves a bit to and fro and then smiles, content with the results.
PETER
(quietly)
Okay, I guess I’ve got a grasp of it.
NIGHTINGALE
(quietly, with a smile)
Good.
He wraps his other arm around Peter, leans in and kisses him sweetly. Only a few moments later, Peter realises that they are going up slowly.
Not being a god with an impossible control of the formae, Peter allows himself to be carried for a bit, before he catches up with his own spell. At some point, he even risks to cup Thomas’s cheek with one hand as they are steadily gaining altitude, going higher than the Hotel Russell, seemingly aiming for the clouds, still linked in a rather passionate kiss.
25. INT. TECH CAVE — THE SAME
Abigail turns away from a close up of a sinfully hot Father Marcus in a dirty vest, and frowns at the door.
ABIGAIL
Did I sense Peter’s signare?
Amelia narrows her eyes… And then nods. Abi jumps off the sofa and rushes for the door.
ABIGAIL
(grumbling)
I am going to kill him for casting this close to the tech cave.
26. EXT. TECH CAVE — CONTINUOUS
She charges out of the door, looking for the perpetrators… But the backyard is empty. She furrows her brows in confusion and only then looks up…
ABIGAIL
Oh!
Amelia peeks out of the door and follows Abi’s line of sight.
AMELIA
(quietly)
Oh…
Sam joins them.
SAMANTHA
Blimey!
27. EXT. THE FOLLY — CONTINUOUS
The two wizards are floating in the air, a good distance above the tallest building in the immediate vicinity. And they are not bothered about anything.
When they finally part, Peter is so dazed that Thomas has to hold him up.
PETER
(breathing heavily)
Should we take a go around the square?
(beat, then cheekily)
I’m sure Christian will be ecstatic about the fuss it might cause.
Thomas laughs at him.
NIGHTINGALE
(softly reproachful)
He apologised to you.
PETER
(with a shrug, innocently)
Yeah, but it doesn’t mean I have to make his work easier for him.
NIGHTINGALE
(with a cheeky smirk)
We could always say it was an odd cloud.
PETER
(grinning)
Or a mass hallucination.
Thomas gives him a loving peck on the lips and, clutched together, they fly away into the night.
DISSOLVE TO:
28. INT. THE FOLLY — ATRIUM — EVENING
This time, it is a “Happy Birthday, Peter!” banner that is stretched between two columns behind the birthday boy back as he sees his mother out.
Rose kisses her son on the cheek a bit awkwardly and then looks over his shoulder, at an empty atrium.
ROSE
(loudly)
Goodbye, Thomas. It was a lovely dinner.
Peter stifles a chuckle when no response comes. Rose squints at him suspiciously.
ROSE
Is the mighty god afraid of me?
PETER
I suppose he’s trying not to push his luck. Considering that you are about to become his mother-in-law.
Rose ponders over his words.
ROSE
(after a pause)
Maybe that’s wise.
PETER
(biting back a smile)
See.
ROSE
(sincerely)
Just be careful… Both of you.
Peter nods.
PETER
Tell dad…
(awkwardly)
I love him.
Rose can’t help but smile fondly.
ROSE
I will.
She waves at him as she walks out. Peter closes the door and leans on it, letting out a tired breath.
Thomas peeks out from one of the columns.
NIGHTINGALE
I will admit, the evening turned out to be surprisingly civil.
PETER
(a bit wearily)
I know, right?
Thomas hurries to comfort his husband with a hug.
PETER
I swear to you, I could hear the doomsday clock rushing to midnight when you mentioned the civil partnership.
Thomas chuckles softly, pressing his lips to Peter’s forehead.
NIGHTINGALE
Your mother is trying, Peter. And I, for one, appreciate it.
PETER
No, I know. And I do, too. Appreciate it, I mean. But I’m still wondering what the hell Tyburn told her.
NIGHTINGALE
Does it really matter?
PETER
(emphatically)
It’s Tyburn.
Thomas smiles.
NIGHTINGALE
Well, if you want, I could find out. Our collection of Châteauneuf-Du-Pape might even survive it.
PETER
(with a chuckle)
I would love you to.
NIGHTINGALE
(softly)
Your wish is my command.
Peter kisses his god with so much feeling it almost chokes them both.
PETER
(trying to regain his composure, jokingly)
So, where is my reward?
NIGHTINGALE
(seemingly unfazed)
Ah, yes. I happened to keep your present hostage, didn’t I?
PETER
(in a mock reproach)
You did!
NIGHTINGALE
(with a soft smile)
Please, follow me.
He doesn’t let go of Peter’s hand as they head towards the stairs.
29. INT. THE FOLLY — MASTER STUDY — LATER
With a soft click, Thomas closes the door behind them.
NIGHTINGALE
If you don’t mind, I would like to show you… Something.
Peter frowns, sensing Thomas’s nervousness as his husband approaches the safe and starts opening it in a manner that gives Peter a clear view of the combination.
PETER
(quietly)
Oh-kay…
Thomas retrieves an A4 manila envelope out of the safe and passes it to Peter, who glances at it suspiciously, but takes it and opens it.
There is a single piece of expensive paper inside.
“Last Will and Testament of Thomas Edward Phillip Nightingale of 70 Russell Sq, London WC1B 5DA.”
Peter looks up cautiously before his eyes can go further. Thomas nods. Peter starts reading the will.
NIGHTINGALE (V.O.)
I appoint as executors and trustees of my Will: my partner, Peter Amadu Grant; and my life-long friend, Cyril Robert Cam. I give the residue of my estate after payment of my debts, taxes, funeral and testamentary expenses to my partner Peter Amadu Grant. If my partner Peter Amadu Grant shall predecease me or die within 45 days follow my death, I give 50% of the residue of my estate to Cyril Robert Cam, 30% to the Society of the Wise Trust Fund, 10% to University College Hospital Research Program and 10% to Bodleian Library, Oxford. I revoke the previous agreement with Dr Abdul Haqq Walid of University College Hospital in regard to the donation of my remains to scientific research. Any further agreement shall be negotiated with my partner, Peter Amadu Grant. Shall my partner, Peter Amadu Grant, predecease me or die within 45 days following my death, I appoint the succeeding Headmaster of The Society of the Wise as guardian of my remains.
Peter swallows dryly and stares at his husband.
NIGHTINGALE
(seemingly unfazed)
It is just the first draft. I am open to suggestions.
Peter clears his throat.
PETER
I— I don’t know what to— say…
NIGHTINGALE
(gently)
Peter, it’s not a suicide note.
PETER
No, I know. It’s just…
(thoughtfully)
I guess I should start thinking about mine, too.
(trying for cheerful)
May I copy it?
Thomas offers him a faint smile.
PETER
(still shaken, a bit with a smirk)
Please tell me this is not my present.
Thomas’s smile broadens.
NIGHTINGALE
(softly)
Of course not.
He reaches in his desk drawer and produces a leather-bound box with an engraved Jaguar logo. Peter blinks in surprise. Thomas opens the box… Inside there are car keys. Peter stares at them, his mouth slightly agape. Then he looks up at his husband.
PETER
Is it what I… Hope it is?
The god smirks smugly.
NIGHTINGALE
(devilishly smooth)
Well, I’ve always found only one of the classical models fully suitable for a young, active, slightly reckless man as yourself.
Peter grins in disbelief.
PETER
You are crazy.
NIGHTINGALE
(amused)
Thank you.
He watches Peter hesitate to touch the keys, admiring them in awe. The suspense becomes rather unbearable. Finally, Thomas tosses the keys to his lost husband.
NIGHTINGALE
(rather impatient)
Shall we, then?
Peter beams at him and rushes to the door.
30. INT. THE FOLLY — GARAGE — LATER
Peter pulls the tarpaulin aside… and freezes. It is indeed an authentic Jaguar E-Type with the classic dark-green paint job. And it’s shining like a supernova, so Peter is afraid to touch it when he finally shakes off his shock. His fingers are hovering above the smooth curves of the masterpiece.
PETER
(in a shaking voice)
Did I mention that I love you?
NIGHTINGALE
(with a shrug, lightly)
Once or twice.
PETER
Can we just go down to the City Hall and get married already?
Thomas laughs and glances at his watch, quite seriously.
NIGHTINGALE
I’m afraid the City Hall is closed by now.
PETER
Too bad.
NIGHTINGALE
(suggestively)
There are many other destinations.
Peter squints at him.
PETER
You want to get a taste of her as much as I do, don’t you.
Thomas’s lashes flatter innocently. But his expression is not innocent at all.
NIGHTINGALE
(deadpans)
Now we both can say that we are marrying each other for our cars.
Peter barks a laugh.
PETER
(affectionately)
You are impossible.
NIGHTINGALE
(flirty)
I do my best.
They share a mischievous glance and finally get inside.
31. INT. THE E-TYPE — CONTINUOUS
Peter literally moans when the seat leather squeaks under him. He closes the door and caresses the varnished wood of the steering wheel.
Thomas buckles the safety belt and opens the glove compartment… From which he of course produces a pair of driving gloves and passes them to Peter, who beams at him.
PETER
(sheepishly)
You promise to shield us in case… I have a shortage of blood in my brain?
Thomas smirks knowingly.
NIGHTINGALE
It’s just a car, Peter.
PETER
(vehemently)
No-no-no. For you, who have lived through the 60s, it might be just a car. Although, I doubt it. But for us, the poor sods of the 1990s… It’s a wet dream.
NIGHTINGALE
(smiling)
Ah… That explains…
He fixes Peter’s safety belt and leaves his hand to rest on his husband’s thigh.
PETER
(stiffly)
You are not helping.
NIGHTINGALE
(deadpans)
No.
Peter groans jokingly and starts the engine… It purrs heavenly.
PETER
(stiffly)
Oh, god…
Thomas smirks and squeezes Peter’s knee.
NIGHTINGALE
(quietly)
Breathe, Peter.
Peter does breathe. Once, twice. Then he stretches his neck, and finally wheels the car out of the garage doors.
32. EXT. LONDON — LATE EVENING
The E-Type is cruising around central London. The traffic is not exactly great, but the mood and the vibes of the town in its tourist nocturnal attraction mode certainly are.
One of these attractions is the Jag itself. Every time the car pauses at the red light, a few people hurry to snap a picture of it.
Peter cannot hide his grin, full of child-like excitement.
33. INT. THE E-TYPE — CONTINUOUS
Thomas is basking in the sight of his husband's happiness, biting his lips lightly. He is experiencing a shortage of blood in his brain, as well.
PETER
You should expect a call from Tyburn tomorrow when all those photos hit the Internet.
NIGHTINGALE
(lazily)
Do I look like I care?
Peter laughs, a careless, joyful sound. Thomas grabs his hand that is clenching the gear stick and interlaces their fingers.
34. EXT. PARLIAMENT HILL — LATE EVENING
They have ended up parked against all the regulations on one of the narrow roads in the middle of Hampstead Heath Park's meadow.
Peter's Jag is doing an eerily believable impression of a wide-eyed puppy, stunned by the distant lights of Central London.
Inside the car, however, no one gives a damn about the iconic panorama.
35. INT. THE E-TYPE — CONTINUOUS
Peter is straddling Thomas in the passenger's seat, lowered half the way down, and devouring his god hungrily. Not that the God is any less enthusiastic, with both of his hands kneading possessively at Peter's Savile Row clad buttocks.
They are clearly on their way to violation of the Public Decency Act, engrossed by their heated making-out session to the point of being completely oblivious to their surroundings… Until a powerful, searching beam of a torchlight startles them. Breathing heavily, they look outside. A dark figure in the ground keeper's uniform is approaching the car cautiously.
Thomas sighs in annoyance, reaches for the window handler, lowers the glass, sticks his hand out, and clicks his fingers.
A loud roar of a tiger comes from the nearby trees. The figure stumbles in confusion, the torch jerks in the keeper's hand, blinding Peter for a second. The man frowns, looking around in fear. Another roar follows. The keeper shakes his head and runs back to where he has come from. It doesn’t seem like he is eager to investigate the strange sounds.
Peter laughs out loud.
PETER
(lovingly)
Wicked, wicked God.
(with a mischievous smirk)
You almost gave the man a heart attack.
Thomas shrugs. The smile he flashes him can outmischieve Peter's smirk easily. Peter leans in to kiss his wicked god again… but before he even reaches Thomas's lips, he moans hoarsely… and gapes at the grinning bastard, who even has the audacity to raise his hands from Peter's backside and wriggle them innocently. There is nothing innocent in his shining eyes, shrouded by the veil of a searing desire, nor in the way he nibbles at his lower lip.
Peter growls and all but launches himself at Thomas, eager to snog the smug grin off his face. Using the leverage of Thomas's grip on his arse, Peter grinds their hips as much as the confined space allows him. And the second later, another jolt of arousing magic surges through him. He doesn't have a chance to suppress a desperate whimper.
But this time, the echo of Peter's magic-induced pleasure has hit the show off himself. Peter chuckles breathlessly at the way Thomas's eyes roll slightly back. Peter sucks at the God's earlobe.
PETER
(panting)
Do you really want me to ruin this suit?
NIGHTINGALE
(hoarsely)
A portal back?
PETER
(smiling)
A portal back.
36. INT. THE FOLLY — ATRIUM — LATER
Fortunately, it's only Molly and her trusty dust brush who are present in the atrium to witness the stealthy arrival of the E-Type through a giant portal and into the Folly's backyard.
She sniggers knowingly at the way the two master wizards sneak rather impatiently into yet another portal, which leads right to the Master Bedroom.
DISSOLVE TO:
37. EXT. SMALL COLA BEACH, GOA, INDIA — LATE AFTERNOON
TITLE: JUNE 2021
A rather small, horseshoe-shaped bay, washed by the gentle waves of the Arabic Sea. A narrow line of the warm, peach-yellow sand. A set of neat and cosy wooden villas, one and two stories tall, hidden in the shadow of palm trees. A comforting picture of a simple paradise.
A stocky, broad-shouldered Indian man with the Salvador Dali-esque moustache and beard is sitting on a wooden lounge, putting a floral wreath on top of his white turban. He looks in a pocket mirror and smirks cheekily.
KELLY, wearing cargo shorts and a tank top, emerges from one of the villas, carrying a crate full of snacks and pastry that look suspiciously like Molly’s experiments. And true to the point, Molly, in a stunning colourful dress, follows the river goddess, a crate of bottled drinks in her hands.
Cam and ILM are carrying out tables, adjusting them one against the other.
Foxglove, in a monokini, runs past them towards the other end of the beach where MOSEL, the apprentices, Bev and Danni are messing with the sound equipment for an open-air discotheque.
Adelaide and Michael Huckleberry are enjoying the sun and cocktails, resting on the lounges, a few feet away from where the river deities are busy preparing the feast area.
Kelly puts her crate on one of the tables and glances at the man in turban.
KELLY
Have you finished worshipping the flowers?
SON
(with a broad mischievous grin)
These flowers were given to me by the Eternal Guardian of the British Empire.
KELLY
(flatly)
Okay, a) there is no Empire anymore. B—
She grabs one of the bottles from Molly’s crate and shoves it to him.
KELLY
Drink your absent and keep your mouth shut in front of the kids.
ILM
(with a chuckle)
If you want him to keep his mouth shut, you do not give him Absinthe. Trust me.
Kelly groans. Son smiles at her charmingly.
SON
I shall save the absent for later, when it’s only Thomas, Peter and I. And we can reminisce about our past exploits in peace.
KELLY
(sceptically)
I’m sure Peter is gonna love that.
Cam clears his throat.
CAM
(quietly)
He actually might.
Kelly massages the bridge of her nose.
KELLY
Molly, if at some point I express a desire to strangle all of them, please stop me.
Molly smiles at her knowingly as Kelly looks around.
KELLY
(to Molly)
Where are your wizards, anyway?
And right on cue, the newly-minted civil partners emerge from the tree-palm-infested patch of the beach. Both are wearing sarongs and open shirts. Both are sporting a new pair of gold bands. Both are laughing at something.
KELLY
Ah! There you are! I was worried you got lost in the jungles.
THOMAS/SON/ILM
It’s not jungles.
Kelly fixes all of them with an unimpressed look.
KELLY
You can enlighten me later.
CAM
(jokingly)
Oh, these ones—
(points at Thomas, Son and Ilm)
When they get drunk will enlighten every one of you whether you want it or not.
Peter giggles.
PETER
Oh, I believe you.
THOMAS
(a bit whiny)
I’m not that bad when I’m drunk.
PETER
(grinning)
You certainly are.
Thomas shoots him the look.
PETER
(quietly)
And speaking of enlightenment. You still owe me that story about… Alexander’s go-to place.
THOMAS
Trust me, Peter, that story will have a competition today.
He looks pointedly at Son.
SON
(in a mock indignation)
I haven’t said anything yet!
THOMAS
(to Son)
Keep going.
Son pouts at him.
KELLY
(to Son)
Give us a hand, will ya?
Son rises from his seat reluctantly and starts helping Molly arrange the goodies.
THOMAS
(to Molly)
Is the portal still holding?
Molly nods.
KELLY
(to Thomas)
Will it still be holding when you are sloshed?
PETER
(smiling)
Not if he’s completely shit-faced, but otherwise… yes.
THOMAS
(indignantly)
I haven’t been that drunk since… The 70s.
He and Molly share a quick glance.
KELLY
(to Thomas, emphatically)
You have these three to help you with that.
She points at the river gods.
THOMAS
(quietly)
Fair enough.
ILM
(with an innocent shrug)
Yeah, Tom, it was supposed to be your bachelor party, but then I thought it wouldn’t be fair to Peter.
(beat)
But the main objective remains the same. It’s not like any of us ever anticipated to give you away properly.
THOMAS
(deadpans)
I appreciate the sentiment.
Peter is trying not to laugh… Too loudly.
Bev and Danni approach their company.
BEVERLEY
(smiling)
It’s good to know that competitive bickering is universal for all the rivers. Not just my family.
KELLY
(to Bev)
You should see us arguing.
(beat)
At least, Ilm and I.
ILM
Better not.
Bev chuckles knowingly.
BEVERLEY
Let us help you, guys.
KELLY
Deal with the drinks?
DANNI
Sure.
Kelly pushes the crate towards the pair as she takes over Molly, who rushes to the villa, apparently in order to bring more supplies.
Thomas and Peter leave the commotion and walk up to Mr and soon-to-be Mrs Legendary Swordsman. Sahra gives Thomas a look full of ironic understanding.
SAHRA
Relatives, huh?
Peter frowns at her slightly, unsure of his husband’s reaction. But Thomas just smiles in amusement.
THOMAS
Yes.
(beat)
And yes, they are.
Peter smiles at him softly, content with the absence of sadness in the god’s eyes. Thomas snuggles Peter closer, and Peter comes willingly, wrapping his arms around Thomas’s middle.
The sound system comes to live with a loud, startling boom that evolves into a set of fast, broken beats — a rather distinct intro of a late-90s/early-00s trip-hoppy euro dance track.
The grown-ups look up with slight frowns and grimaces. Mosel grimaces as well, expressing a cringy distaste for a music a few decades older than herself, as any 14-15 year-old would do.
MOSEL
(to the apprentices, whiny)
You guys are so old!
Sam smiles at her.
SAMANTHA
Nah! Just wait for it. You’ll get it.
She shares a knowing look with her colleague. Abigail rolls her eyes at them… In a surprisingly fond manner. Amelia is smiling softly, watching their bosses at the corner of her eye.
The loud intro subsides and a deep female voice starts singing.
I've been swallowed by your kindness
Every part of me is breaking down
You have let me feel so helpless
As if I couldn't drown
It was only love
You understood the need in me
So much tenderness
You wrapped me in Humanity
Peter chuckles, having recognised the tune, and glances up. He catches his husband really listening, a faint, amused smile is playing on Thomas’s lips. His grip on Peter’s shoulder somewhat tenses up.
You touched my soul
My very being
You made me whole
Now life has new meaning
Got a second chance
You can see the change in me
And as we dance
You wrap me in humanity
Mosel’s grimaces have dissipated a bit, but now she is frowning, wondering why the hell the Folly’s flock is looking at their masters with such mushy expressions. She looks around and spots a rather stunned Kelly, also looking at the pair of wizards strangely… And then it dawns on her…
MOSEL
Aaaaah…
SAMANTHA
(grinning)
Told you, you’d get it.
MOSEL
(smiling)
You guys are saps.
Abigail smirks at her.
Others walked on by in their blindness
But you refused to let me be
My disguise you saw behind this
You pushed on in and set me free
And it was in protection
You held on with such certainty
Embraced by your affection
As you wrapped me in humanity
The Folly’s scientific adviser is proud herself on not being prone to the sappy things, but even she cannot tear her eyes away from the sight in front of them.
Peter embraces Thomas properly, gazing into his eyes with so much… everything. Thomas presses his lips to Peter’s brows and lets their foreheads rest on each other as they breathe in the liberating smells of the sea and the sand, the comforting aromas of Molly’s cooking and good wine… and of course each other’s vestigia… It’s intoxicating…
And it’s too much for Abigail.
ABIGAIL
Okay, ducklings! Let’s slam!
You touched my soul
My very being
You made me whole
Now life has new meaning
Got a second chance
You can see the change in me
And as we dance
You wrap me in humanity
The lyrics and the apprentices’ happy yelps are carried over the simple paradise.
The two wizards, left alone on the beach, are enjoying the moment of tranquillity, clarity… Humanity of the entire endeavour. With their… family being happy for them.
THE END