Poppy: When a love comes to an end, weaklings cry, efficient ones instantly find another love & the wise already have one in reserve. - Oscar Wilde
Mouse (to Poppy): I know I'm one of the last people you probably want to hear from, but I thought I should check on you. Are you okay?
Poppy (to Mouse): I'm fine. Nothing to see here.
A couple hours later:
Poppy: A girl can wait for Mr. Right to come along, but that doesn’t mean she can’t have a wonderful time with all the wrong ones.
Delia (to Poppy): Well said. You're young and beautiful. You have plenty of time to have fun and figure out who and what you want.
Poppy (to Delia): Honey, I'm just trying my best to have a stiff upper lip about all of this...
Delia (to Poppy): I know. I heard a bit about it. Doesn't make it suck any less but at some point we all get burned.
Poppy (to Delia): Hmmm... why is it when Eep broke up with Mouse, everyone ran to try & save him from making a big mistake? And, when Vincent breaks up with me, everyone just says c'est la vie? Honey, was everyone waiting for this to happen? Was I foolish to think this relationship meant anything from the get go?
Delia (to Poppy): No. You weren't. However please do not presume to know exactly what I said to Mouse and Eep when they had a break. There are a lot of factors involved. Including age, reason and who broke up with whom. Yes.. I spoke with Eep, but I didn't outright tell him he should get back with Mouse. I did go over everything with him, making sure he really actually thought about what he was doing and why. Mouse however got something similar to what I'm telling you. It hurts. It sucks. But that's love and I gave her my love and sympathy. Matters of the heart are rarely, if ever, easy. Especially when you're young.
Poppy (to Delia): Well, thank you for that.
Delia (to Poppy): The only advice I can give is to take this and an opportunity to figure out what it is you actually want.
Poppy (to Delia): Yeah, Leon said something similar to me last night.
Delia (to Poppy): Then after that, how you go about getting that. Also, not surprised Leon said that. He's a smart man.
Poppy (to Delia): That's all well & good, honey, but I liked what I had with Vincent. I didn't want anything serious & he didn't believe me. No matter, I'm just not used to dealing with this kind of emotional baggage... I'll be fine. Thank you for the chat.
Delia (to Poppy): No problem. I'll have a talk with Vincent. Not gonna promise that'll change anything, but for what its worth... (to Vincent) Okay fancy pants. What on earth happened?
Vincent (to Delia): Hey, hun. My... Word travels fast in our little troupe, doesn't it?
Delia (to Vincent): Yes. Yes it does. So, dish. What happened?
Vincent (to Delia): I broke up with Poppy, but I suspect you already knew that.
Delia (to Vincent): Yes, I deduced that. I suppose a more succinct question than is why?
Vincent (to Delia): She told me she was falling for me, and I don't feel the same way.
Delia (to Vincent): Fair enough. She also told me that despite that she only wanted the casual thing. You feel she's lying to herself?
Vincent (to Delia): No. I believe her. But, if you fall in love with someone, how long are you going to want to keep it casual? I took the lesser of two evils. Break up with now and hurt her, rather than wait until things got to serious.
Delia (to Vincent): That's a valid concern. And you don't see yourself ever falling in actual love with her is the point, yes? Well, I'm not about to tell you what you should or shouldn't do. Honestly I think you did a very grown up thing. Poppy won't see it that way. Maybe not ever. But if you don't think there's a chance you'll ever be in love w/ her then there really isn't anything for it.
Vincent (to Delia): I don't know. I'm sure I could have fallen for her. Easily. It's not as if I had no feelings for her at all. But I'm also a 21 yo bisexual with a short attention span and validation issues. Who was also, until recently, a virgin. Any way you look at it, it's going to end poorly.
Delia (to Vincent): Well, if that's the case then maybe you were too hasty. Why deny yourself the chance to figure that out? All of those are good points. All I'm saying really is you're young. You're not supposed to have it figured out yet. Hell… I haven't figured it out yet. Who knows what the future holds? Just do yourself a favor and don't exclude options. That said, I love you... in a platonic way. If you friend break up w/ me I'll punch you in the butt. lol
Vincent (to Delia): I could have waited it out, but her feelings for me could have gotten stronger. And what if I didn't fall for her?
Delia (to Vincent): Love, dear heart, is risk. Don't be afraid of what might happen. The future isn't set. It might end up the other way around. I know. Which is why I thought what you did was very grown up and reasonable of you. All I'm trying for is for you to consider all sides. That's all. In the end, it's your call.
Vincent (to Delia): Believe it or not, I've thought a lot about it. Shocking, I know. In the end, I don't think I was ready for exclusive. But... Well, it was so nice to be wanted for a change. I took a chance, and I ended up hurting someone for whom I care.
Delia (to Vincent): Fair enough. If that's what you want than you should know I support you. You've got plenty of time to figure all this out. No way around that unfortunately. Someone usually gets hurt when you add love to the equation.
Vincent (to Delia): I could have avoided this whole fiasco if I had just paid attention to why I was so reluctant in the beginning...
Delia (to Vincent): Nothing ventured nothing gained. At least you learned something about yourself it seems. Whatever else, I'm proud of you sugar butt.
Vincent (to Delia): Thanks, hun. It's nice to hear.
A couple hours later:
Poppy: Aaah, I almost embarrassed myself in a meeting... I had completely forgotten that tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I think I need to go home.
Ripper (to Vincent): Hey, I heard about you & Poppy. How are you doing? I tried to check on her last night & she pretty much blew me off.
Vincent (to Ripper): I'm the one that did the dumping. I should be fine, right?
Ripper (to Vincent): That all depends... I'm guessing, you're not?
Vincent (to Ripper): Eventually, I'll be fine, I'm sure. Right now... Well, I'm just trying not to feel like too huge a jackass. So far, I have been unsuccessful in my endeavours. Therefore, forthwith I shall be pouting in my sister's living room.
Ripper (to Vincent): I understand... if you need someone to talk to, I'm always available. How about I distract you & we go grab some coffee? I've got a couple hours before my next class.
Vincent (to Ripper): Thank you. I appreciate the offer, but I'd hate to bore you with young love angst. I think everyone at Drac's has had her/his fill.
Ripper (to Vincent): Well, as a recently dumped myself, I may be able to give you some perspective or simply just a distraction. But, it's totally your call. Just don't pout for too long.
Vincent (to Ripper): Sure. Why the hell not? If nothing else, it'll give Mouse a break from me. I could use a decent coffee, besides. I can't drink the swill Eep brews.
Ripper (to Vincent): I'll be there in 15 minutes.
Poppy: Just found several items of Vincent's in my apartment... I should put them in a box for him or possibly, chuck them out a window. I feel absolutely ridiculous... I should be glad that he chucked me to the curb if he didn't love me... This sucks.
Mouse (to Eep): How's the Yog? Can we run away from home, yet?
Eep (to Mouse): Eh. It's yog. I've got two and a half more hours and I'm free. Vincent getting to be a bit much?
Mouse (to Eep): I think I've aged 20 years in a day, dealing with young love angst is exhausting & I'm about to run out of cloves. He's been sitting in the living room, being pouty.
Eep (to Mouse): It's a good thing your hair's already white. :p I'll make sure to pick up some more cloves on my way home.
Mouse (to Eep): HAHA, it's a good thing I like you. :-P And, that would be super nice of you, thanks!
Eep (to Mouse): And let me tell you, quiet, calm Vincent is freaking me the fuck out.
Mouse (to Eep): Trust me, it's freaking me out a bit, too... This is actually how he acted when I first met him. I've been told that you deal w/the breakup of your first love like you're 15 no matter how old you are I just think most people are actually in their teens when it happens. (to Vincent) Hey little brother, Ripper's out on the porch with me.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Thanks, hun. I'll be right there. He's taking me off your hands for a bit.
Eep (to Mouse): Well, he's doing a better job handling than I did, I guess. Course, I'm not hard to top. If no-one is hospitalized, you win! Still, I hate to see him like this. I wonder how Poppy's holding up?
Mouse (to Vincent): Yeah, he was just telling me... (to Eep) She told me that she was fine & that there was nothing to see here. However, I keep seeing her posts & I don't think she's ok. I don't really know what to say to either of them... I mean, I really thought he wanted to be with her. He had been so torn up when he thought it was over before, that I just assumed he was hiding deeper feelings for her. And, despite my personal feelings about her, I feel bad for Poppy. I think she really did love him in her own very weird, possibly unhealthy way.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I think you're right. I'd imagine she's pretty torn up right now. (to Poppy) Hey. Um, just kinda checking in on you to see how you're doing. You OK?
Poppy (to Eep): Really, honey? But, you don't even like me...
Mouse (to Eep): Well, Vincent just left with Ripper... and, I'm not really sure what's going on there.
Eep (to Mouse): What? I thought Vincent drove Ripper nuts. (to Poppy) You're alright. You're more decent than you pretend to be. I think. But, I've been where you've been right now and it sucks. So, I wanted to see if you're OK. OK?
Poppy (to Eep): That's really sweet of you. Thank you. To be honest, I feel awful, I've been trying to be ok but, I just want to curl up & die. I keep seeing things that remind me of his stupid face & it makes me cry.
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, I don't even know, anymore… Ripper asked Vincent out to dinner, then Vincent freaked, then Ripper canceled, then they kissed, after the kiss they hardly made eye contact & then Vincent breaks up with Poppy & now, Ripper's here for Vincent. It's like a freakin' soap opera or circus. I should sell tickets.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. No shit. I feel like I need a flowchart to keep track of all that. (to Poppy) Yeah. I'll bet. And I'm sure everyone is telling you it'll be OK, and you're young, and a bunch of other shit. I wish I could say something nicer, but it's gonna hurt and be really shitty for a while. You'll get over it, but it'll suck ass til you do. I'm really sorry.
Poppy (to Eep): Yes, I want them all to die in a fire & fuck off. That actually helps a bit, at least, it's more honest... Why do people put themselves through this shit?
Eep (to Poppy): And, having been the guy who loved someone more than she loved me, trust me. It's not the kinda relationship you want.
Poppy (to Eep): But, why did he keep coming back? It could have been over months ago. I mean, it was mutual pursuit most of the time & not to be graphic, but you can't be that enthusiastic in bed if you don't care. I think that's what I'm having the hardest time with... Is why didn't he end it before?
Eep (to Poppy): Wow. Did NOT need to know that. ANYWAY, I wish I had an answer for you, but I don't know. I'm just sorry you're hurting.
Poppy (to Eep): Well, thank you... if you see him, could you please let him know there's a box of stuff for him at the lobby desk along with key?
Mouse (to Eep): I just don't want another Vincent/Asher incident... I'm fairly certain Ripper's not like that, but Vincent's in a delicate state. And, he clearly has no idea what he wants.
Eep (to Mouse): Sorry. Talking to Poppy. Which is... yeah. Weird. She's feeling pretty beat up. I don't think Ripper would try anything with Vincent right now, do you? I mean, he doesn't seem like that big a dick. The creep, yes. He be on it like white on rice, but he's another... another THING all together. Ripper seems OK. (to Poppy) Sure. Look, if you need someone to talk to, you can text me or whatever. I'm crap at relationship bull, but I know all about feeling like shit.
Poppy (to Eep): Do you have any suggestions for how to deal with it? Or is wallowing adequate?
Mouse (to Eep): Awww, poor kid... Actually, I'm not really worried about Ripper, as much as, Vincent wanting to prove something to himself.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh Jesus... Well, let's hope he has more fucking sense than that. (to Poppy) I dunno. You've got plenty of reason to wallow, so have at it. Just... don't do it too long.
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, yeah, Ripper's great...
Poppy (to Eep): There's a time limit on wallowing? What's too long? How will I know? What'll happen if I wallow too long?
Eep (to Mouse): Well, compared to Asher. Course, so's Atila the Hun. What's up? (to Poppy) You'll end up a bitter, chain-smoking asshole who spends the next 10 years celibate. I wouldn't recommend it.
Mouse (to Eep): Huh, what do you mean, what's up?
Poppy (to Eep): But, you found somebody... so there's hope.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Uh, I dunno. You just seemed annoyed when I mentioned Ripper, I guess? (to Poppy) Yeah. Even for weird, celibate jackasses. You'll do fine.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh, it's just everyone seems to be a member of the Ripper Fan Club... I just don't see the appeal.
Poppy (to Eep); Thank you... and, I don't really think you're a jackass.
Eep (to Mouse): Well, I think with Delia and Vincent, it has a lot to do with his looks. What? Is he a jerk or something? (to Poppy) Gimme time. I'm sure I'll do something to change your mind.
Mouse (to Eep): No, no... He's probably fine, now. I've just known him for awhile. He used to be a lot like Vincent when he was younger… Actually, I'm the jerk, I think I'm still feeling a bit guilty for something that happened with him years ago.
Eep (to Mouse): Anything you wanna talk about?
Mouse (to Eep): Um, I don't know... I guess I should. Four years ago, Ripper came to guest DJ. He was very outgoing, flirtatious & I was feeling lonely... we slept together. It was a mistake, but it was just once. He then asked me out on a real date, I panicked & made up some lame excuse... I think I said something about how he reminded me too much of my brother. He seemed genuinely upset. We've run into each other over the years & we've remained acquaintances, but usually there's always someone else around, so I've never really apologized... I think I've been feeling like an ass & the fact that everyone seems to think he's great makes me feel bad.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Uh... wow. OK. That's not what I was expecting. Well, that explains the awkwardness between you two. Oh. And I don't think you're an ass.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, that's good. I'd hate it if you thought I was an ass. I think he was trying to get me to talk about it a couple times... and I just didn't know what to say.
Eep (to Mouse): Course not. I just, uh... heh. I guess this is how you felt about having to deal with Maddie, huh?
Mouse (to Eep): I guess so... I didn't even think about that.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Shit. I just realized I went on and on and on to him about you when I was drunk. Wow. I, uh, I seem to make a habit of that. Jesus. I'm not allowed to drink. Clearly I can't be trusted.
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, he mentioned that to me...
Eep (to Mouse): And, um, please don't take this the wrong way. I'm not stupid, or blind. I know you've dated and been with other guys. It's just... Damn. Do they ALL have to be stupidly good looking?
Mouse (to Eep): Oh, uh I never really noticed. I honestly, think you're pretty damn good looking & I happen to like you for more than your looks.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Uh, heh. Thanks. I think. :p
Several hours later:
Poppy: Oh god, there's some kind of Sci-Fi thing going on in the hotel next to my building. I have seen 2 Amidalas, 3 Cylons, & a Sith Lord... And, I may have tripped a Han Solo & made out with a Wookie... I may need to keep this Slave Leia costume. Oh my god, why do I even know the names of these things? Oh yeah, because of that scruffy little nerfherder… Oh look there's a Picard... I wonder if he'll buy me a drink. Make it so number one! Oh my.
Vincent: I love it when people use fandom to cover up Daddy issues. Sure, Picard had a nice body, but he was still an old, bald man.
Poppy: I feel like Inara all dressed up, nowhere to go, waiting for Mal to get his shiny brown boots out of the dirt. Oh, and all those times you thought it was Warp Factor 10, it was only Warp Factor 6.
Vincent: People can try to remaster history all they want, but some of us remember the way things were. We remember Han shot first. We know the truth.
Poppy: Well, just when you think you've got Worf, then you suddenly realize it's Wesley Crusher.
Delia: ... oh for fucks sake. -.-
Vincent: QI'yaH.
Poppy: Oh, you know, only a lowly Ferengi wouldn't have the lobes to tell me something to my face.
Vincent (to Poppy): I never put much stock in hokey religions or ancient philosophies. I'm no Jedi, hun. Is there something you want to say?
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm sorry, honey, I think we'd need a Vulcan mind meld to get through that thick skull of yours.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hun, I don't think a bucket of Guinness and an Imperial interrogation droid could make heads or tails of whay you're saying. I have one of those things, and I'm still confused.
Poppy (to Vincent): "If you can't take a little bloody nose, maybe you oughtta go back home and crawl under your bed. It's not safe out here. It's wondrous, with treasures to satiate desires both subtle and gross; but it's not for the timid."
Vincent (to Poppy): All right. I've been trying to be nice and adult about this whole thing... but I dare you to say that to my face, you Clara Bow wannabe.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, did your finely honed Jedi skills tell you that? You just name the time & place, I'll say it to your face, you womprat!
Vincent (to Poppy): I am drunk. I am not going anywhere. You know where to find me. Bring. It. You still have my key, I believe. Like I said, bring it. I DARE you.
Poppy (to Vincent): Fine... I'll be there. I should probably take off this stupid Leia costume, first... Oh, fuck it.
Vincent (to Poppy): Fine. If you show up in that, I'll answer the door in footie pajamas.
Poppy (to Vincent): Fine... They're not the Batman ones, are they?
Vincent (to Poppy): What of it?
Poppy (to Vincent): Dirty pool, old man... No matter, I'm immune to your Jedi mind tricks, now.
Vincent (to Poppy: Prove it.
Three hours later:
Mouse (to Vincent): Hey little brother, you're probably passed out & sleeping... but in the morning, could you just let me know you're okay?
