EXT/INT. BOARDING HOUSE - LONDON -DAY.
We're looking through a window to the stairwell of a seedy looking boarding house. An anonymous pair of mens boots appear climbing up the stairs. We move across the exterior wall of the building to find an open window through which Fai and Asura can be seen.
Fai and Asura sit, snuggled close beside the fire in their room in a humble lodging house. They're eating a meal with relish. Giggling, Fai feeds him a mouthful.
A knock at the door. They freeze, like naughty children.
EXT. GARDEN - LONGBOURN - DAY.
The boys have a letter. Yuui grabs it from Lelouch, Mokona grabs it from Yuui, before he has a chance to open it, Lelouch grabs it from Mokona.
LELOUCH
It's to Daddy. It's in Uncle's writing.
Mr Clow snatches the letter.
MR CLOW
As it is addressed to me...
He tears it open and begins to read, squinting because he has forgotten his glasses.
MR CLOW
He's found them.
YUUI
Are they married?
MR CLOW
(squinting at the letter)
Just wait. I can't make out his script.
Kimihiro snatches it.
KIMIHIRO
Give it to me. (he reads)
YUUI
Are they married?
KIMIHIRO
They will be, if father will settle a hundred pounds a year on him. That is Asura's condition.
YUUI
A hundred pounds!
KIMIHIRO
You will agree to this, father?
The letter is passed around the other boys.
MR CLOW
Of course I will agree. But how much your uncle has laid on this wretched man already is anybody's guess.
YUUI
What do you mean, father?
MR CLOW
No man in his senses would marry Fai on so slight a temptation as a hundred a year.
KIMIHIRO
Ah, I see.
LELOUCH
See what?
MR CLOW
Your uncle is very generous.
KIMIHIRO
Do you think it is a large sum?
MR CLOW
Asura's a fool if he takes him for less than the thousand pounds. I should be sorry to think so ill of him in the very beginning of our relationship.
LELOUCH
Ten thousand! Heaven forbid!
INT. MR & MRS CLOW'S BEDROOM - LONGBOURN - DAY.
Close on Mrs Clow's face as she springs out of bed. Pure triumphant joy.
MRS CLOW
Fai married! And at sexteen too! Ring the bell, Yuui! I must put on my things and tell Lady Mihara! Oh to see her face! And tell the servants they will have a bowl of punch!
The other Clows are assembled.
KIMIHIRO
We should thank our uncle, Mama.
MRS CLOW
And so he should help! He's much richer than us, and he hasn't got any children.
KIMIHIRO
(angrily)
How can you talk like that?
His mother gets to her feet.
MRS CLOW
A son, married!
KIMIHIRO
Is that all you think about?
MRS CLOW
"Mr Fai Asura" - how well it sounds -
KIMIHIRO
(in desperation)
You don't know what he's like -
MRS CLOW
Now where will they live? Purvis Lodge might do. Ashworth is vacant of course, but it's too far off, I couldn't bear to have him ten miles form me -
MR CLOW
Before you take an of these houses, Mrs Clow, let us be clear. Into one house she will never be welcome.
Mrs Clow stares at him.
INT. HALLWAY - LONGBOURN - DAY.
Fai's triumphant face. The cat that's got the cream. He comes into the house with Asura. His mother kisses him, effusively. Mr Clow coldly bows.
FAI
- and then we passed Sarah Sims in her carriage so I took off my glove and let my hand just rest on the window frame, so she might see the ring, and then I bowed and smiled like anything!
Yuui shrieks with envy. Kimmy moves away; he cannot bear it. Asura catches his eye, but he ignores him.
INT. DINING ROOM - LONGBOURN - DAY.
They are taking their seats for dinner. Fai moves to the head of the table.
FAI
Lelouch, I take your place now, and you must go lower, for I am the married man.
He sits down and giggles at his brothers. The maid brings in the food. Fai holds up his hand, to display his ring to the maid.
FAI
You must all go Brighton, for that is the place to get husbands! I hope you have half my good luck.
KIMIHIRO
(furious)
Fai!
CUT TO:
Asura looking uncomfortable. He's talking to the stony face Mr Clow.
ASURA
I've been enlisted in a regiment in the north of England, sir.
MR CLOW
(nods coldly)
I'm glad to hear of it.
ASURA
Near Newcastle. We shall travel there next week.
YUUI
Can I come and stay with you?
MR CLOW
That is out of the question.
CUT TO:
Fai rattling on to Kimmy.
FAI
Well, Monday morning came and I was in such a fuss -
KIMIHIRO
I don't wan to hear -
FAI
- there was my aunt, preaching and talking away just as if she was reading a sermon, she was horrid unpleasant -
KIMIHIRO
Can't you understand why?
FAI
- but I didn't hear a word because I was thinking of my dear Asura. I longed to know whether he would be married in his blue coat...
CUT TO:
Mokono turning to Asura
MOKONA
The north of England, I believe, boasts some spectacular scenery...
CUT TO:
Fai burbling on, to a stony-faced Kimmy.
FAI
- and then my uncle was called away from the church on business and I thought - who is to be our best man if he doesn't come back? Lucky he did come back or I would have had to ask Mr Doumeki -
KIMIHIRO
(stares)
Mr Doumeki?
FAI
(clasps his hand to his mouth)
I forgot! I shouldn't have said a word!
KIMIHIRO
Mr Doumeki was at your wedding?
FAI
(whispers)
He was the one that discovered us! He knew where to find Asura, you see.
(hisses)
But don't tell anyone! He told me not to tell!
Kimmy stares at him. Doumeki at his wedding? Fai turns away, to talk to the others.