Mouse: Note to Self: To avoid distraction when teaching boyfriend self-defense moves, probably best to leave the grappling moves to your brother...
Vincent (to Mouse): Ooo. We're leaving grappling to ME, are we? Do go on... ;-}
Mouse (to Vincent): The boxing with the bag went fine. I was trying to show him some easy escape maneuvers, we didn't get very far... Well, that's not true, we got pretty far... just not with the training. ;-)
Vincent (to Mouse): You're *admitting* the night devolved into sexiness? Who are you, and what have you done with my real sister? (to Leon) Sorry I didn't reply to your text earlier, big man. I collapsed when I returned home & didn't regain consciousness for hours. Please do me a favor, and let me know if you have any other odd visitors in your dreams over the next couple of days, kay?
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... Right... I used to not like to admit to that sort of thing. I think I'm over being shy about it.
Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. I'd say so. How did Gloomy Gus do last night? With the training I mean. Leave salacious parts of the story for coffee sometime.
Mouse (to Vincent): I'm not sure I'm THAT willing to share... He was actually fine with the punching bag, he's got a good instinct for it... He just needed some direction with hand positions and stances. I think it's the dealing with actual people that's the problem. If we can help him get over that, I think he'll be okay.
Vincent (to Mouse): That's what I thought. The soft-hearted lunkhead isn't comfortable with the idea of actually hurting someone.
Mouse (to Vincent): I think he'd do it to save someone he cares about, but overall I think he might get himself hurt or worse... Because Smythe & his henchmen, well, most of his henchmen will have no qualms in pulling the trigger...
Vincent (to Mouse): I have no doubt. Sweet mother of God... we'll just have keep extra sharp until this all over, I suppose. I'm putting out feelers where I can, but... Well, I didn't find out about Smythe in time the first go around. Shit. I don't like this, hun. Not a bit.
Mouse (to Vincent): I know, neither do I. But, I've got Otto keeping an eye on Eep while he's at work today.
Vincent (to Mouse): I'm surprised Eep agreed to leave you alone all day. Or does he not know he's being cat-sat?
Mouse (to Vincent): Um... He doesn't know I sent Otto. And, I told him that I'd be here in the house all day & that I'd check in with him. I got Poppy to set up an alarm in the apartment, it'll detect anyone that has residue from Cross-dimensional travel.
Vincent (to Mouse): Well, that was a stroke of brilliance, sweetie! Uh, when Poppy was over at your house, was she acting like herself?
Mouse (to Vincent): Actually, now that you mention it, she was acting nice... Not one single rude or inappropriate comment. It was kind of like how she acted when I first met her before she went all mean & pervy.
Vincent (to Mouse): I know. It's terrible, isn't it?
Mouse (to Vincent): I have to admit, I liked it, she was pleasant company & I didn't feel like I had to be on guard with her... So, you miss her, huh?
Vincent (to Mouse): I guess I do. Even more confusing, she keeps flirting with me.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, emotions are a tricky thing, maybe, they didn't get completely wiped out.
Vincent (to Mouse): Good heavens... Just when I think I've got everything sorted out.
Mouse (to Vincent): Little brother, I wish everything could be cut & dry, but it's sadly not. But, what can you do?
A couple hours later:
Delia: Damn door to door people. Why on earth would I want to take your survey? Religion peddlers, I get. Little girls selling cookies, I get. People dressed like weirdos at this time on a Monday wanting to know about where I work? Really? Must be something for college. Or a scam. Probably the second.
Mouse (to Delia): Geez, how were the weirdos dressed? I know how you feel, I always get excited when the door rings & thinks it's a delivery or a present and then I get so disappointed when it's one of those survey people.
Delia (to Mouse): Like a clock shop threw up on them.
Mouse (to Delia): Huh? What do you mean?
Delia (to Mouse): I think they were trying for steampunk? I dunno. Gears and whatsits everywhere. Looked like they were trying too hard. Too early for that anyway. S'why I figured they were college kids.
Mouse (to Delia): Yeah, you're probably right... What are you up to today? Want to grab some coffee or something? (to Vincent) I think they're here... Delia just had a couple of "Survey takers" that were dressed oddly.
Vincent (to Mouse): Well... Shit. Where are you? Are you safe?
Delia (to Mouse): I was sleeping in. But coffee sounds good since the weirdos woke me up. They banged on my door a good 5 minutes till I got up. Really, if I find out who sent them...
Mouse (to Delia): Want to come over here or meet at the café? (to Vincent) I'm fine... but it's Delia, Leon & Ripper I'm worried about...
Vincent (to Mouse): Good heavens. Right. You take care of Delia, I'll see if I can round up the boys. (to Ripper) Professor, what are you up to right now?
Delia (to Mouse): I can meet you at the cafe. Just give me a couple minutes to put on... pants. Damn. Maybe that's why they looked at me funny.
Mouse (to Delia): I'll meet you there in 15 minutes. (to Vincent) Will do! I'm meeting her at the cafe in 15 minutes.
Ripper (to Vincent): Sitting in a classroom reading a book while my students take their midterm. Trying not to fall asleep. I got woken up early by some weird survey takers... I told them to fuck off but then I couldn't get back to sleep.
Vincent (to Ripper): Well, that's terrible! Can I ask you a HUGE favor? Would you meet me at the cafe after your class? Please? It's kind of an emergency. (to Mouse) Should we all meet meet up there? It's a central location and in public. It might be easier to keep an eye on everyone.
Mouse (to Vincent): I think that's a good idea... Little brother, I have a weird question... do weapons from the other place work here?
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh, sure... That sounds serious. I'll be done in an hour or so... unless, by some miracle they all finish early.
Vincent (to Ripper): Thank you! I'll meet you there in an hour. Text me if you can meet earlier. (to Mouse) I don't know. I never tried to cross over with anything energy based. I didn't want to take a chance it would be unstable.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, Smythe hit me with his zappy walking stick when he took me... I'm just wondering if these guys are armed or not? (to Poppy) We think Smythe's people are around, is there anything you can do to track them down?
Vincent (to Mouse): Eep said Smythe did the same to him. I think we should assume they are. (to Leon) What are you up to, Big Guy?
Leon (to Vincent): Just got back to my phone. Needing to be off my feet does not keep me from attending boring safety meetings.
Poppy (to Mouse): I may be able to scan for the residue from the crossover, it usually takes 48 hours to completely dissipate...
Mouse (to Poppy): That would be a big help. Thank you! (to Eep) Hey handsome, how's work?
Eep (to Mouse): Slow. Shockingly, people don't want frozen yogurt when it's cold and raining outside. I let Otto into the shop, by the way. I doubted he wanted to sit outside in the rain.
Mouse (to Eep): Shit... I'm sorry, I asked him to keep an eye on you.
Eep (to Mouse): For a cat, he's terrible at being stealthy, by the way. He really shouldn't smoke when he's trying to be "incognito."
Mouse (to Eep): I suggested a nicotine patch to him, but then I'd have to shave him somewhere & I think he was a little offended by the idea.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I guessed. I'm not thrilled you're by yourself right now, you know.
Mouse (to Eep): I got Poppy to set up an alarm & I'm heading to meet Delia for coffee. Two strange looking guys knocked on her door with a "survey". You & Otto keep your eyes peeled. I love you. Be careful.
Eep (to Mouse): Shit. Yeah. You too. God, please be careful. I love you too, Killer.
Fifteen minutes later:
Poppy (to Vincent & Mouse): I've scanned the city for residue, there appears to be 2 points of high concentration... One I believe is the crossover point at the old Piedmont Inn, the other is presently heading west on Peabody Ave.
Vincent (to Mouse & Poppy): Shit!
Mouse (Poppy): Shit! That's the street Eep works on... Could you please go to the café to meet Delia? Tell her I'll be there shortly. (to Eep) Get the hell out of there, now! Use the back door.
Poppy (to Mouse): Of course... what are you going to do?
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Yeah. I locked the front door, and let myself out the back. What the fuck is happening?
Mouse (to Poppy): Probably something really stupid...
Vincent (to Mouse): Sister o' mine, don't do something stupid, hun. Not before I get there.
Mouse (to Eep): Are you okay? I'm heading there, now. Poppy detected the goon squad heading in your direction... (to Vincent) I'm just going to check on Eep & then I'll head to the café...
Eep (to Mouse): What? Shit! That's why Otto has been insisting we take the back alleys.
Vincent (to Mouse): God damn it, Mouse! I knew you were going to do something stupid. Be careful! I'll rendezvous with you in a few.
Mouse (to Vincent): I'll be careful... (to Eep) Where are you? I'm on Boundary about to turn onto Aylesbury... Can you get to The Malcontent?
Eep (to Mouse): Uh, I'm not sure where we are. I'm a little turned around. I'll be there as soon as I can.
Mouse (to Eep): Be careful!
Eep (to Mouse): Shit. Looks like we overshot. I'm on Boundary. I'll be over at the Malcontent in a little bit. Yeah, no. We're being careful. We're keeping to the... Oh. Shit.
Mouse (to Eep): What!?! I'm on foot heading towards Boundary.
Eep (to Mouse): No! Don't! I think I see them, but they haven't spotted me yet.
Mouse (to Eep): Just stay where you are & don't make a sound. please… Oh good, it looks like it's Hench 1 & 2, my favorites.
Vincent (to Eep & Mouse): Where are you two?
Eep (to Mouse): What are you doing? (to Vincent) Boundary. Get over here quick! Your sister is trying to take on two of Smythe's henchmen! What the fuck do I do? Vincent!
Mouse (to Eep): I'm using the element of surprise... and a garbage can lid. Shhh.
Vincent (to Eep): Stay there! You're their target, and you're useless in a fight! (to Mouse) Where are you?
Mouse (to Vincent): I'm listening to the goon squad talking... it sounds like Smythe has a third agent here. Eep's presently ducked down behind a dumpster & trashcans. I'm actually right above him on the fire escape. They haven't noticed us yet.
Vincent (to Mouse): Thank God! I'll be there in a second. Stay put until you have backup.
Mouse (to Eep): Don't move... they're right along side you.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh the roof, hun. Coming down, as quietly as I can.
Ten minutes later:
Delia (to Mouse): Hey, as both weird and nice as new Poppy is, if you're busy, we can do this another day. (to Poppy) Nice as it was catching up, I think I'll just try catching Mouse another time since she seems busy...
Poppy (to Delia): No, please stay... it's important.
Eep (to Mouse): Fuck! Well, we could have kept hiding if Otto hadn't... Holy shit that's a lot of blood.
Mouse (to Eep): Sorry, it got a little messy. Those two goons were there in the room with Smythe... (to Delia) I'm sorry, I'll be there in a couple minutes... I got a bit tied up. Vincent & I need to tell you something important.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. OH. They were there during the... Really?
Delia (to Mouse): Ummm.. okay. I'll stay I guess. Polite Poppy is weirding me out though. I mean.. she always kinda weirded me out, but still. (to Poppy) Oooookay. So, uh, those nuns, huh? Seems like they.. reformed you? Or..
Mouse (to Delia): Thank you, I promise, I'll be there just as quick as I can.
Poppy (to Delia): Yes, I learned a lot from my short time away.
Vincent (to Eep): Eep! EEP! Stop kicking the unconscious. (to Emmett Davenport) Do you think you can pick up a package at the Old Piedmont Inn in my home-time? We've subdued a couple of Smythe's men.
Emmett Davenport (to Vincent): Oh really? We'll take care of them, tout de suite.
Vincent (to Emmett Davenport): Thank you, Madam. I'm afraid they're a little messy. Otto got to them first. And Mouse got to them second.
Emmett Davenport (to Vincent): We'll clean them up before we question them... because we're nice like that.
Vincent (to Emmett Davenport): I know you are, ladies. Which is why I trust you with this. Honestly, I don't know how safe they would be left alone with my sister. Or her cat. Or her boyfriend for that matter.
Emmett Davenport (to Vincent): Well, after watching the memory scans she sent us, I wouldn't much blame her, but we are the 'good guys' and must conduct ourselves as such.
Vincent (to Emmett Davenport): Believe me. It took more restraint than I thought I had not to pay them back in kind. But, we're not the baddies.
Emmett Davenport (to Vincent): We're probably going to want you four to return within the next few days... things are coming to a head with Smythe.
Vincent (to Emmett Davenport): Name the time and place, Ms Davenport. We'll be there.
Emmett Davenport (to Vincent): As soon as we have something solid, I'll let you know.
Poppy (to Delia): Oh, look it's Ripper!
Ripper (to Delia & Poppy): Hi there? Uh, Vincent asked me to meet him here after my class... what are you two doing here?
Delia (to Ripper): Got woken up for a survey by weirdo students during which I apparently forgot pants. Mouse asked me here then got tied up and I guess sent Poppy to meet me? I dunno.. days been weird.
Ripper (to Delia): Really? That's quite a coincidence. I was woken up by survey people & I mentioned it to Vincent and then he asked me here.
Delia (to Ripper): Huh… I was gonna bail but Mouse said she had something important to tell me. Weird. (to Leon) Hey.. are you having a weird day too? Everyones acting a little off it seems.
Leon (to Delia): Aside from Vincent asking odd questions, the day has been pretty dull so far. Had a strange message on my desk.
Ripper (to Delia): Wow. Vincent said something about it being important to me, too... What the hell is going on?
Delia (to Ripper): Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe someone got knocked up? (to Leon) Huh.. I just had weirdos wake me up for a survey. Rippers here too. Apparently we're getting told something important.
Ripper (to Delia): Well, that would explain Mouse's sudden leave of absence...
Delia (to Ripper): Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Its what I'll choose to believe till they say otherwise. (to Leon) We've decided that until they say otherwise Mouse is pregnant. It fits with her taking a leave of absence.
Mouse (to Delia & Poppy): I'm pulling up now... I'm so sorry for running late. (to Eep) How are you holding up?
Eep (to Mouse): I, uh... OK. I think. How are you? You seem, uh... I dunno. Are you OK?
Mouse (to Eep): I'm okay... actually, I feel fine... Should I be fine? I'm going to try not to think about it. (to Delia & Poppy) Just grabbing my coffee.
Vincent (to Ripper): Running a little late, Professor. I'll be there in a heart beat. (to Mouse) I'm on my way to the cafe now. Emmett is going to pick up our "package."
Mouse (to Vincent): Alright... Delia & Ripper are looking at me funny?
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh okay, I just got here, found Delia and Poppy, so I'm in good company.
Poppy (to Mouse, Eep & Vincent): Delia & Ripper seem to think that the reason you're all acting weird is because Mouse is pregnant... I hope you have a good story to tell them.
Mouse (to Poppy): Fat Christ.
Eep (to Poppy): Wait. WHAT? What the fuck?
Poppy (to Eep): They think it's because of Mouse's sudden leave of absence, you moving in with her "temporarily" & everyone's weird behavior.
Eep (to Poppy): Jesus motherfucking Christ!
Vincent (to Eep & Mouse): Dear me. I'm almost hesitant to correct them. >;-} (to Leon) Can you meet us at the cafe? It's more than a little important. Life and death.
Leon (to Vincent): Damn. Is that what the note on my desk was about? I swore that looked like Greg's scrawly gothic handwriting. On my way.
Vincent (to Leon): Huh. Well, to borrow a phrase from Eep, "Fucked if I know." My sister might be able to shed a little more light on it than I can.
Mouse (to Vincent & Eep): Yeah, I love how it's the first conclusion everyone jumps to. If it was up to everyone else... I think they'd have Eep & I married with a bunch of children... this day just gets better & better.
Eep (to Mouse): I think I'd rather go back to the goons in the alley than face all these people smirking at me.
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, me too.
Vincent (to Mouse): O.M.G. I know this isn't the time or place, but that is the SWEETEST mental image... (to Ripper & Delia) Thanks for showing up, you two. I'm just grabbing a coffee now. As soon as Leon gets here, I'll explain.
Delia (to Vincent): No problem. We'll have the full crew then?
Ripper (to Vincent): So, is everyone okay? Is this a good meeting or a bad meeting?
Mouse (to Vincent): I am so going to kill you...
Vincent (to Mouse): You are so welcome to try. ;-} Oh, and as an aside, hun. Apparently, Leon got some kind of note from Greg. He hasn't told me about what yet. (to Ripper) I'm afraid a bad meeting. I'm sorry. (to Delia) Think of it as a staff meeting. :-P
Mouse (to Vincent): That's weird.
Ripper (to Vincent): Well, that doesn't bode well at all.
Delia (to Vincent): Riiiight. Sure. Staff meeting. To talk about work stuff, I'm sure.
Two hours later:
Mouse: Well, that was extremely awkward & Vincent making comments about "my bun in the oven" was not helping matters.
Vincent (to Mouse): Sorry, hun. I was trying to diffuse the tension. There's no easy way to tell people that you've put them in danger. Even when you leave out the cross dimensional time traveler bit.
Mouse (to Vincent): I know, I was just watching the color drain from Eep's face... and on top of the stuff earlier. I think he's a bit freaked.
Vincent (to Mouse): Do you think he's OK? You're with him now, right? Hench 3 & 4 might be out there still.
Mouse (to Vincent): Yeah, I'm at the Yog hut at the moment. He was worried about getting in trouble if he ducked out completely. He's been really quiet & just doing chores around the shop...
Vincent (to Mouse): I never got a chance to check in on you, sweetie. How are you?
Delia (to Vincent): So... lemme see if I got this right. You guys bought something that might have been stolen and the owners are, after you?
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, I'm fine... Strangely, I feel better then I have in days. I may have gone completely mad & come out the other side.
Vincent (to Mouse): Really? Hmmm. I'm not sure if that's cause for concern or celebration. I suppose we should go with celebration for now. (to Delia) I did, I'm afraid. Poor Eep got roped into this whole thing because he was with me at the time of purchase, & Mouse. Well, she's connected to both of us, and these individuals are obviously of an unsavory sort. :-(
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, if you could get Eep out of his fugue state, that would be lovely... he just keeps saying 'uh huh' whenever I ask him if he's okay. (to Eep) I'm going to go for a walk around the building, my legs are cramping a bit from sitting in this hard-ass chair. If you need anything, let me know.
Vincent (to Mouse): I'll see what I can do.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Course. Be careful!
Delia (to Vincent): Sooo.. why not just give whatever it was back to its rightful owners?
Ripper: Wow. So it looks like Vincent is our very own Indiana Jones, complete with bad guys... never would have thunk it.
Vincent (to Ripper): Clearly, I need a fedora. I really am very sorry for all this trouble, Professor. I feel like a cad. (to Delia) Unfortunately, the original owners aren't the rightful owners, and they're about as savory as our "survey takers." I'm trying to find the right people now, but it takes time. Meanwhile, my life has gone all shades of Indiana Jones... Hopefully, it will all be sorted soon. In the meantime, just be careful.
Delia (to Vincent): Hmm.. alright. If you need help let me know. Also, I want to go on record on saying this whole thing is bunk. I mean... YOU get to be Indiana Jones? How many kinds of unfair is that? It's half the reason I studied history! I want my whip and hat, damns it.
Ripper (to Vincent): It's okay, I mean how could you know that you were buying something stolen from someone you thought was reputable? And, that the original owners were not the kind of people who appreciate that sort of thing... it's all very cloak & dagger. But, I appreciate you warning us & I'll keep my eyes out.
Vincent (to Ripper): Sorry, Professor. I'd give you more info if I thought I could, but the less you know about the whole fiasco, the better. Don't worry. I'll clean up after myself. Hopefully, the whole thing will be sorted shortly. (to Delia) Ha ha ha! Oh hun, you've no idea how much I needed a laugh. You should have gone into the EXCITING world of antiques. Usually, it's estate sales & second-hand shops, but occasionally there's daring do. Apparently. TRUST ME, I had no idea.
Delia (to Vincent): Hey, hey, hey.... I kinda do that already. Albeit on a much OLDER scale.
Ripper (to Vincent): Well, if you need help or a place to hide, all you have to do is ask. :-)
Vincent (to Ripper): Oh dear. Hide out at your place? That doesn't sound very safe at all. Oh Lord. I'm sorry. I said I wouldn't do that, didn't I? Heh. I'm stressed, so I'm on autopilot a bit.
Ripper (to Vincent): It's okay... it's totally understandable.
Vincent (to Ripper): You know, y'all are being massively understanding about this. Almost to a maddening degree. I expected far more hysterics. I don't think I'd be this understanding if someone told me they accidentally put me in harm's way. I'd be pissed.
Ripper (to Vincent): I think I'm still in a little bit of shock & honestly, until I'm actually in harm's way, it's still a little unbelievable.
Vincent (to Ripper): Fair enough. Let's hope it all stays unbelievable, then. And did I seriously let "y'all" slip out? Fat Christ, I AM stressed. (to Eep) OK, Slim. What the hell is up?
Eep (to Vincent): Nothing. I'm cleaning up the Yog Hut and praying I don't get fired. Why?
Vincent (to Eep): Do you really give a shit about whether or not you get fired from the Yog Hut? After everything that happened today?
Eep (to Vincent): No! Of course not! I could give a flying fuck about this job. I just needed something to do that would keep me busy, keep me from thinking too much, you know?
Vincent (to Eep): I know the feeling. So, what's up? Don't bother telling me you're OK, because clearly you are not.
Eep (to Vincent): It's just... when those two guys were right by Otto and me? I knew they were there... And I KNEW Mouse was gonna try something, but I... I just FROZE.
Vincent (to Eep): No one is expecting you to be Rambo. It's OK if you were scared & didn't know what to do. We already know you're not a coward.
Eep (to Vincent): No. No. It's not that. It's... Did you know Mouse has been having nightmares? Like bad ones?
Vincent (to Eep): No, I didn't. She hasn't mentioned it to me.
Eep (to Vincent): Yeah. She hasn't mentioned it to me either. But she's... she's been talking in her sleep a lot lately. And... crying. She's woken up screaming once or twice. And when you told me what that Tesla thing did... felt like... I froze because I wasn't sure if I... I was afraid I was gonna kill one of them. I think I might have if I had a chance. I mean, if you hadn't pulled me off that one guy... I dunno. I never, EVER wanted to be that kinda guy. I HATE that guy. My brother is that guy. Every bullshit thing that's happened to me, every time I was dicked over, every ass kicking I got... I could always tell myself that I wasn't that guy. But tonight ... I don't know. I just really don't know.
Vincent (to Eep): Wow. I wish I knew what to tell you, Eep, but I don't. I understand. I truly understand. And, honestly, I wasn't entirely sure I could be trusted around Smythe's men myself. You don't know this about me, of course... But I have a reputation in my profession for NOT being a violent thug. I was more than willing to change that. But, we're not the baddies; we shouldn't act like them. I don't think you would have tonight, no matter how angry you were. If you don't think you can trust your own judgment, then trust mine. I'm a VERY good judge of character, you know.
Eep (to Vincent): Yeah. OK. Whatever.
Vincent (to Eep): Now, STOP MOPING! You're scaring your girlfriend. You just watched her beat the snot out of two goons. She might be feeling a little bit like a huge weirdo at the moment.
Eep (to Vincent): What? No! It's not... That wasn't...
Vincent (to Eep): Not me, slugger. HER.
Mouse (to Poppy): Poppy, can I talk to you for a minute?
Poppy (to Mouse): Of course, honey, what is it?
Mouse (to Poppy): Smythe's goons mentioned a third agent being here but, you didn't detect them. Could they have already been here? And, that's how they knew about me and the others?
Poppy (to Mouse): Those are both very good questions, honey, and it sounds like a definite possibility... I'll see what I can find out.
Mouse (to Poppy): Thank you.
Poppy (to Mouse): Can I ask you a question, honey?
Mouse (to Poppy): Uh sure, I guess.
Poppy (to Mouse): How are you feeling? I'm a bit concerned, you've been through a lot recently & i know you don't want to worry Eep & Vincent, but you should really talk to someone.
Mouse (to Poppy): Wow. Are you actually offering to be my shoulder to cry on? I think I really have gone insane...
Poppy (to Mouse): Well yes, I suppose that's what I'm offering. If this didn't involve interdimensional travel I'd recommend you see a therapist, but since they'd think you were crazy, I thought this might be a solution. I can record the sessions, then dump them if you like
Mouse (to Poppy): Thank you, I'm going to need to think about this for a bit.
Poppy (to Mouse): Okay, honey, I'm here when you need me.
Eep (to Mouse): Um, hey, Killer. How are you? How's your walk going? I'm almost done, by the way. I've got maybe 30, 45 more minutes.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh ok, I was just smoking in the alley. I had a weird chat with Poppy... Which seems to have caused the need for some thinking.
Eep (to Mouse): You OK?
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, I think so... I don't think I should be, though. I freaked myself out a little bit back there. I didn't have a moment's hesitation. The only thing stopping me from killing those two, was the fact that I knew we needed information from them... I'm sorry... I don't know how to put everything into words. Are you okay?
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I'm fine. Fuck! Don't worry about me. Seriously. And... Well... It's OK. I understand. I really do.
Mouse (to Eep): Of course, I'm going to worry about you. I love you. Besides, those jackasses were coming for you...
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I know. I don't suppose I can convince you to stay the fuck away from me for a while, huh?
Mouse (to Eep): What do you mean 'by stay the fuck a way for awhile'? Hours? Days? Months? Or forever? I wouldn't blame you. I mean, I was a weirdo before...
Eep (to Mouse): What? NO! Shit. No! No, not like that. Fuck. Me and my goddamn mouth... I just... There are 3 of them, right? So guy 3 is still out there. I don't mean stay away from me, I just mean... Jesus! I just... I'm worried about you. I don't want those guys going anywhere NEAR you. If any one of them ever laid a hand on you... I don't want to break up. I want to be with you. I'm more convinced of that now more than ever. It's just... Did you know you've been talking in your sleep? I've been... Well, I haven't been sleeping much, and I've been hearing... stuff.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh god, I have? Shit. Why do I have the feeling I'm not talking about rainbows & puppies? Look, you & Vincent are the only things keeping me stable... I know you want to keep me safe, but I feel the same about you. I keep thinking about going back without you guys, but I know you'd come after me, so I'm preparing & trying to be normal again.
Eep (to Mouse): I know. And I know I can't ask you to sit at home under lock & key, but the idea of them hurting you again... I wasn't kidding. I would rip out Smythe's windpipe with my canines if that's what it took to keep him from laying a finger on you. It's why I didn't move in the alley. I wasn't scared. I was fucking PISSED. I didn't know what I was gonna do. I'm sorry.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh my sweet Felix, I think we're stronger together. I know I feel better knowing that you're next to me where I can see you.
Eep (to Mouse): God, I know. I'm... Fuck. I sound like a crazy macho dickhead, don't I? Sorry. Besides, like I'm gonna be able to do shit.
Mouse (to Eep): Give me a break. I've seen you at the bar manhandle people out. And, you were doing fine last night... before we got distracted. And, I'll be okay, eventually. Poppy has offered to be my "therapist"... I think I might take her up on it.
Eep (to Mouse): That's… weirdly decent of Poppy. Whatever you need, Killer, I'm for it.
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, the new/old Poppy is nice & is taking a little getting used to... and of course, Vincent is now missing her, the pervy her. I thought I'd be able to deal with it on my own, but now that I know I'm talking in my sleep, clearly I need to do something... And, honestly, I can't tell you & Vincent. You both are already upset, enough. So, it looks like it's Poppy.
Eep (to Mouse): Well, as odd as it is that it's Poppy, I'm glad you're not dealing with it on your own. And, it doesn't shock me Vincent misses the old Poppy. She was the only one who ever encouraged him to be a perv. And that's like his safety blanket. Shit's bugging him, and he goes into full-on pervert mode. He was really worried about you. He gave me a hard time about being too worried and all, but he was scared shitless. His accent kept coming out and everything. I mean, all this time I knew him, and I never knew he was from the South.
Mouse (to Eep): Yep, he once told me that he grew up a few towns over from here, he never told me which one, though. I always wondered if he was concerned I'd go and hunt down his real family. I probably would... mind you, but I'd yell at them, not ask them to take him back.
Several hours later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Hey honey, how are you holding up? It's been quite an eventful last few days...
Vincent (to Poppy): That it has. It's been... Well, it's been shitty, hasn't it? But, you know me. I'm surviving. :-} Are you OK, hun? You're keeping yourself safe?
Poppy (to Vincent): Aw honey, just surviving isn't all that much fun. Thank you for asking, honey, I'm just peachy.
Vincent (to Poppy): Surviving may not be fun, but it's better than the alternative.
Poppy (to Vincent): True as that may be, honey, I can't help but wonder what's bothering you? You've been pensive & distant since your return. I realize that I'm not the same as I once was, but that doesn't mean I don't care what's going on with you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Thanks, hun. I really do appreciate it, and I wish I could talk to you about it. I really do... I can tell you this much, it's my fault Smythe, Eep and Mouse's paths crossed. And what Smythe did to my sister...
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh honey, stop torturing yourself, that's my job... I'm sorry, I don't know where that came from.
Vincent (to Poppy): Good God... That sounded like the Poppy I first knew… I have to ask you something, sweetie. I'm too tired for mixed signals, &, well... Let's not think about it. I spoke to Emmett. She said they never programmed you to be my girlfriend. Did you lie to me about that?
Poppy (to Vincent): I was ordered to get close to you, that just seemed the logical choice. I'm the one who decided to wipe the "human Poppy" program... I couldn't handle the emotions, anymore. I'm sorry I lied about the Davenports programming me to be your girlfriend, I thought it would make it easier for you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ah. I wondered. It's OK, hun. I'm not angry. We all do stupid things when matters of the heart are involved. Thanks for telling me. That... Well, that was bothering me a bit, and if something happens to me…
Poppy (to Vincent): What is going to happen to you, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): And hopefully, nothing will happen to me. But, we're going up against a dangerous madman. I've been collecting intelligence on Smythe ever since Eep returned from his first little cross-dimensional trip. Seems like "Smythe" isn't the only name he's gone by. Did y'all ever hear of Dr. Homes, AKA the Back Alley Butcher?
Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, honey, who hasn't heard of him?
Vincent (to Poppy): Yes. Well, you can see why the doctor wouldn't want to go by that moniker when he sailed aboard the Hispaniola. And good heavens! That's the second "y'all" I've let slip this evening. I must be more exhausted than I thought.
Poppy (to Vincent): Wait, why are you just telling me this now? We can start cross referencing Homes' known hideouts with Smythe... As for the y'all, I find it endearing coming out of your mouth.
Vincent (to Poppy): I had my suspicions, but I couldn't confirm anything. Smythe was VERY good at covering his tracks. I didn't want to pass along what could have been faulty information. It would have wasted too much time if I was wrong. But one of the henchmen we captured today had a pain inhibitor surgically grafted to his neck. That's the Butcher's handiwork. I'm almost certain.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, that's a terrifying thought if they're one in the same.
Vincent (to Poppy): And, I suppose I shouldn't be too shocked you don't mind the y'all. You always did like it when my accent slipped out.
Poppy (to Vincent): What can I say, honey? I've always liked a cunning linguist. ;-) … I beg your pardon...
Vincent (to Poppy): Unless I've started generating some kind of perv proximity field, I think you may have missed a few files, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Looks like I'll have to run a diagnostic scan of my systems... Thank you for pointing it out to me, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): If it's not bothering you, it wouldn't be terrible to leave a little bit of the human Poppy, you know. I miss her. I know we wouldn't have worked out as lovers, well... aside from the physical that is... Good heavens, there were NO problems with the physical... Oh. Excuse me. Sorry. Distracted myself a bit there. What I was trying to say is that I miss Poppy my friend. But, I understand if being human was a little too... human for you.
Poppy (to Vincent): You miss her personality? And the physical closeness? Despite the fact that you didn't want to be with her? I think this is why I had to wipe the program. It's way too confusing.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, I can't argue with confusing, hun. And, yes, I miss the friendship. More than the physical closeness.
Poppy (to Vincent): And I am fully functional & anatomically correct... If the mood strikes your fancy. ;-)
Vincent (to Poppy): Though, if you keep talking like that, I think I'll need to excuse myself and take a very long, very cold, shower.
