Poppy: Well, this is just embarrassing... I apparently have no self-control or self-esteem. No matter, I've got to finish packing for my trip, tomorrow.
A few hours later:
Vincent: I never thought I'd utter these words, but I'm beginning to agree with Eep's opinion on Valentine's Day.
Mouse (to Vincent): Little brother, what happened?
Vincent (to Mouse): Hi, hon. How's your mountain retreat going?
Mouse (to Vincent): It's really nice, I've only seen Eep scowl once & that was because some lady asked him to smoke somewhere else. How are you doing?
Vincent (to Mouse): I'm just about ready to lock myself in the bathroom with a stack of Sci-Fi novels & a bottle of bubble bath for a couple of days. Wait, you mean Eep's been smiling the whole time? What a terrifying thought.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, don't get too waterlogged... And, no, not smiling, just not scowling. He did smirk a couple times when I asked the waiter a bunch of questions about the menu.
Vincent (to Mouse): I'll try not to get too pruned. Sister o' mine tell me you didn't grill the waiter about the entreés. Oh my. Going out to eat with you is always interesting.
Mouse (to Vincent): I didn't so much grill them as just ask for clarification on a couple things... The Chef came and talked to me while we were having dessert, Eep almost fell out of his chair laughing when he saw my face, I was nervous that they were going to yell at me, he ended up being really nice & had a couple drinks with us.
Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. Only you, Mouse... I'm glad you two are having a good time. Though, I'll admit I'll be glad to have you home.
Mouse (to Vincent): Why did something happen?
Vincent (to Mouse): I won't bore you with details you don't want to know. I'm just having to face the fact that I'm rubbish at relationships. I know. I'm young. I just really expected, or hoped at least, that I'd do better. I guess good intent doesn't always win the fight against base instinct.
Mouse (to Vincent): You're only human, little brother, don't be too hard on yourself. And, to be honest, I was actually quite surprised & proud of how you were handling the relationship with Poppy. I'm sorry it didn't work out, but I don't think you're a lost cause. It just means she wasn't the right person for you or you for her.
Vincent (to Mouse): Don't be too proud just yet.
Mouse (to Vincent): hat doesn't bode well... What did you do?
Vincent (to Mouse): I haven't slept well for two days and I'm tired of dancing around the subject. Poppy & I got into another fight last night. She went for a walk to blow off some steam, and ended up at my apt. And I... we... well, I didn't send her home.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... OH... well, I don't really know what to say. Well, actually I have a lot of things going through my head... but none of them seem very helpful... Wow, you guys really can't keep your hands off each other... Well, at least, it was only the one time & she's leaving tomorrow.
Vincent (to Mouse): Yeah... Second time. The same thing happened Mon night. At least that time we both had the excuse of being drunk. Last night... Well, I'm not sure what to say about last night. Logically, I know you can't just turn off how you feel, but she's really broken up. I shouldn't think late night hate-fucks aren't going to help.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, uh... I think I am... wait, I know I am, way out my depth with this one, sweetie. I wish I knew what to say. Are you absolutely, positively sure you don't have deeper feelings for her? I mean, you were like two peas in a very pervy pod. Besides Eep & I , I'd say she was one of your closest friends. Could that just be why you keep doing that? Because she's your friend & she's hurting?
Vincent (to Mouse): Honestly, I don't know, sweetie.
Mouse: God, this has to be one of the most awkward conversations I think I've ever had with my brother.
Delia (to Mouse): That... sounds complicated. Emotionally awkward or head stuck in the banister awkward?
Mouse (to Delia): I'm feeling like it's a little bit of both.
Delia (to Mouse): ... alright. If I need to go over there with the grease I'd like to know what I need to remove from where. lol
Mouse (to Delia): I don't even know where to begin... I think I'm going to go back to relaxing with Eep.
Delia (to Mouse): Yeeeah.. that's probably a good idea. I take it it's more a foot in mouth situation, then. Not enough grease in the world...
Mouse (to Delia): I think it's definitely a something in mouth situation...
Delia (to Mouse): ... oh lord. (to Leon) So.. sorry about Tesla. He gets extra zappy in the winter.
Leon (to Delia): Yeah…I actually ordered one of those Zen humidifier fountains today for you and Mr. Statikitty. Hope he enjoys the lights!
Delia (to Leon): Aw, well that was certainly sweet of you. I would say you shouldn't have, but I suspect its because you don't want any actual sparks flying during sex, lol. I'm sure he'll like it. I just hope he doesn't decide to try to drink the water when I'm not here.
Leon (to Delia): I bought the one with a grounded plug just in case. For safety. Might be able to make a special delivery out of it, too.
Delia (to Leon): oh yeah? Are you going to bring it by in your uniform?
Leon (to Delia): I'd be happy to show you what brown can do for you...
Delia (to Leon): well I already had a fair idea. But, I don't mind reminders. Why do I have a feeling you're going to make this as cheesy and porn like as possible?
Leon (to Delia): By saying something terrible like 'I always know precisely where your box is and exactly how to handle it'.
Several hours later:
Eep: Fucking "designated smoking area" is a shack. In the woods. I'm freezing my ass off and likely to be eaten by a bear. (to Mouse) If I get eaten by a bear, you can have my CD collection.
Mouse (to Eep): You won't get eaten by a bear. A mountain lion, maybe.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh good. At least with a mountain lion it'll be over quick. Fang to the spinal column. I'll never feel a thing. Anything else you wanna call dibs on before I start back and a lion or bear or Jason Voorhees gets me?
Mouse (to Eep): I would like to call dibs on your dessert, it just arrived at the table & it looks fantastic.
Eep (to Mouse): Well, if I don't make it back, it's yours.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, it's a good thing I own a lot of black clothes.
Eep (to Mouse): Remember me as I was. Unmaimed by lions, bears and Jason.
Mouse (to Eep): Don't worry, I will... Feel free to take your time, your dessert is delicious.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Yeah. Eat all my dessert, and I flush your cloves down the toilet.
Mouse (to Eep): Oooh... I will drink my coffee & stare at it, then or I can just order another since you're taking sooo long to get back.
Eep (to Mouse): All right. All right. I'm headed back. Keep your fork to yourself.
Mouse (to Eep): I'm fine, apparently the waiter thinks I'm cute, she brought me another drink. So, take your time.
Eep (to Mouse): Well, she's right.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh my, I think your dessert is safe after that comment.
Leon (to Poppy): Don't forget to drop by and get that pendant. No spiritual journey should start without some kind of compass…
Poppy (to Leon): Oh yeah honey, what time would be good for you? And, where?
Leon (to Poppy): Not going to be at the club again until Friday night, so you can swing by my place when you want a break from packing.
Poppy (to Leon): Honey I finished packing ages ago... You wanna meet up for coffee?
Leon (to Poppy): Sounds good. How about Black Dog down the street from my place? Probably have live music tonight.
Poppy (to Leon): That sounds good, honey... I'll head there now.
An hour later:
Poppy (to Vincent): I know we're supposed to be ignoring each other, but I just wanted to apologize for last night. I don't know why I did that. I shouldn't have ended up at your place, I guess I just missed you.
Vincent (to Poppy): I'm sorry too. I should have sent you home. Poppy... We can't keep doing this.
Leon (to Poppy): Didn't want to say it out loud, but this beatnik guitarist is terrible. Couch at my place instead? Pete likes company.
Poppy (to Leon): Yeah, he's awful, must be related to someone... I need to finish my drink. (to Vincent) No, no, you're right. I'll be out of your hair tomorrow... Oh, it looks like Leon wants to leave this bar...
Vincent (to Poppy): I'll bet. Hun, I know I'm not your favorite person right now, but I really do mean it when I say I don't want to see you get hurt. Do yourself a favor, and head home.
Poppy (to Vincent): What are you talking about?
Vincent (to Poppy): He likes you and he wants to take you back to his apartment, I'll bet.
Poppy (to Vincent): What!?! He doesn't.
Vincent (to Poppy): Yes he does, and you know it.
Poppy (to Vincent): No, no, he's seeing Delia. I may be a lot of things but I do not get involved with people who are spoken for so don't worry. (to Leon) Thank you, honey, for the pendant & for the company, but I'm going to head home. Long, busy day tomorrow.
Vincent (to Poppy): I wasn't trying to imply you would get involved with him if he's spoken for, but I know you're feeling vulnerable right now.
Poppy (to Vincent): I might be vulnerable to YOUR charm but I'm not stupid.
Vincent (to Poppy): I didn't SAY you were stupid. I was just worried about you. I'm so sorry for being concerned.
Poppy (to Vincent): That's all very sweet, but I think you gave up the right to be concerned about me after you broke up with me.
Vincent (to Poppy): Yes. Absolutely. Because if I'm not actively having sex with you, I shouldn't give two shits about your well being. Sure. I would have thought you knew me better than that, but hey... We're not together.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, if you must know, I'm home. By myself. So, you can stop being all "concerned".
Vincent (to Poppy): Fine then! Do whatever the fuck you want or whoever you want. Go nuts! See if I care.
Poppy (to Vincent): But honey, you're the only one I wanna do... Which is apparently my big problem... I mean, I can probably get over the emotional stuff, but ye gods, I'll miss the wild monkey times.
Vincent (to Poppy): Good... Good God... There is nothing I can say to that.
Poppy (to Vincent): Then don't speak & just come over...
Vincent (to Poppy): This isn't going to help matters, you know. I think I should stay here.
Poppy (to Vincent): Fine, I'll go there.
Vincent (to Poppy): No. No. You should stay there, and I should stay here.
Poppy (to Vincent): Shhhhhhhhh too pretty.
