Wanda (to Eep): Hey roomie, where have you been hiding yourself? I haven't seen you in days!
Eep (to Wanda): Oh. Hey. Yeah. Sorry. I've kinda been hanging out with Mouse a lot lately. Um, I actually meant to talk to you guys about that, but the past few days have been kinda nuts.
Wanda (to Eep): Wow. Are you guys getting serious?
Eep (to Wanda): No. No. It's not that. I'm, um, well, I'm gonna move in with Mouse for a little bit. Temporarily. I mean, I'll still make my rent and everything, so I won't screw you guys. It's just, um...
Wanda (to Eep): Testing the waters? Awww, that's adorable.
Eep (to Wanda): Testing the... What? No!
Wanda (to Eep): Robert & I were taking bets as too how long it would be before you guys moved in together... I mean, we live right next door. It was only a matter of time.
Eep (to Wanda): Real fucking nice. Why don't you two get a hobby that doesn't involve my personal life?
Wanda (to Eep): Calm down, I'm only teasing you. Besides, I think it's sweet. You two are cute together. It makes me wonder why it took Vincent so long to introduce you two... he probably just didn't want to share. :-)
Eep (to Wanda): Heh. Maybe. Maybe not. He's not as pervy as he like to pretend.
Wanda (to Eep): Wow. Who are you and what have you done with Eep?
Eep (to Wanda): You caught me. I'm an alien. What the fuck are you talking about?
Wanda (to Eep): You not only said something nice about Vincent, but it was in his defense. You used to constantly complain about him.
Eep (to Wanda): Oh. Well, I guess I got to know him better since I started working with him and dating Mouse. Plus, he doesn't sleaze on me as much any more. That goes a long way.
Wanda (to Eep): Well, that makes sense... So, why are you only moving in with Mouse temporarily? Why not make it permanent? I mean, we'd miss you, but it's not like you wouldn't be right next door.
Eep (to Wanda): Um. Well, it's kinda hard to explain. She's had some rough shit happen lately and could use the company.
Wanda (to Eep): Is she okay? Are you okay? Are you both okay?
Eep (to Wanda): God... Honestly? I dunno. But I think she will be.
Wanda (to Eep): Well, that's good. You know, if you need any help or just need someone to talk to, I'm always here.
Eep (to Wanda): Ha ha! You keep hoping that if you keep offering, one day I'll take you up on that. Heh. I'm OK. Thanks fo asking.
Wanda (to Eep): A girl can dream... besides, since you've been dating Mouse, I've seen a different side of you. So, it never hurts to offer. :-P
Eep (to Wanda): Yeah. Yeah. So everyone keeps saying.
Wanda (to Eep): Hey, I don't think it's a bad thing... You were way to hermit-like, you were actually a hermit crab.
Eep (to Wanda): Yes. I've become quite the socialite. I gotta say... You're handling this WAY better than I thought you would. I was kinda expecting you to freak out and ask like a million super personal questions.
Wanda (to Eep): Oh, I want to, don't get me wrong. But, I was chastised by Robert about doing that & I'm trying to be tactful... But, I really do want to know everything... and if you'd start talking, I'd just sit here quietly and absorb. Plus, I like it better face to face, this twitter thing is weird. And, getting punched in the nose has a way of helping one to learn about boundaries.
A few hours later:
Ripper: Sunday meal with my family... today we finally get to meet my brother's girlfriend. I wonder if Mom is going to show her the photo album?
Vincent (to Poppy): I hate to be sand in your knickers, hun, but did you ever manage to decode that message from Emmett?
Poppy (to Vincent): I sure did, honey. Would you like me to tell you what it said or for me to bring it to you?
Vincent (to Poppy): I don't want you to have to go through any unnecessary trouble. You can just tell me.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, honey. The message basically said that it looks like Smythe may have sent agents here & to be on the lookout...
Vincent (to Poppy): Shit. Thank Emmett for the info, and give her my regards, won't you, sweetie? And keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious.
Poppy (to Vincent): Will do, honey!
Vincent (to Poppy): I'll be damned to hellfire before I let any of Smythe's goons get anywhere near anyone I care about again. Thanks, hun. (to Mouse & Eep) Hi, kids. Not to cause any undo stress, but Emmett just sent me a warning that Smythe may have agents in the area.
Eep (to Vincent): Shit. That's... shit. I'll stay close to Mouse.
Vincent (to Eep): Do me a favor, Gloomy. Don't leave my sister alone for 1 second longer than you can help.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, that's not something I wanted to hear, but we'll keep our eyes peeled.
Vincent (to Mouse): Please, please be careful, hun. And keep a close eye on your beau. I get the feeling he's their target this time. Tell me if you need anything or notice anything weird.
Mouse (to Vincent): Of course, little brother, and you do the same. I've told Otto to be on guard. (to Eep) Hey handsome, I know you might not be comfortable sparring with me, but I'd really like to show you a few things...
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Uh, yeah. That's probably not a bad idea. Um... I'm just not sure that I could actually throw a punch or something at you.
Mouse (to Eep): We'll just use the punching bag for now. I want you to be able to protect yourself.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Yeah. Fuck... I'm... Yeah. Where do you wanna do this? The basement?
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, I spent today getting the basement ready while you've been at work.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh! Wow. That was... that was fast. Um, OK. I'll be done tonight at 9. Do you wanna start tonight, or tomorrow?
Mouse (to Eep): If you're up for getting sweaty, I think tonight would be good.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Uh, wow. I HAVE been hanging out with your brother too long, cause the first thought in my head... Yeah. Tonight's fine.
Mouse (to Eep): ... That's afterwards, anyway. ;-)
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Uh... This is not gonna help me concentrate, you know.
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, I'm sorry.
Eep (to Mouse): Uhhhh... Heh. I, uh, I have nothing to say to that.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, I'll see you soon, sexy.
A couple hours later:
Vincent (to Leon): Hey my fellow black eye enthusiast! Text me when you get a chance. I have an odd question for you when chance to chat. (to Ripper) How did your day of family togetherness go, Professor?
Leon (to Vincent): Had plenty of weirdness in my life, so what harm could another weird question do? Fire away my friend…
Vincent (to Leon): Have you stopped having dreams with that Australian shaman in them?
Leon (to Vincent): As you might imagine, I've been reluctant about saying much. Post surgery pain killers and all. Yes…it does seem over.
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh, it was fine. I got to meet Ben's girlfriend, Dad sat watching sports, Mom doted... So the usual. How's the eye?
Vincent (to Ripper): Wow. That sounds slightly terrible. The eye is still swollen & terrible looking, but I'm sure I'll be up to par by next shift.
Ripper (to Vincent): Yeah well, it is what it is. I did like hanging out with Ben & Regina. And, I'm glad your eye is healing.
Vincent (to Ripper): Hee hee. Sometimes, I'm SO glad that I'm a pariah. :-P But, it's nice that you and your brother get along, though. And as long as I keep from getting another black eye, I should be fine.
