Mouse (to Wanda): Hey, could you please come down to the basement with your first aid kit? ... I seem to have gotten a bit carried away.
Wanda (to Mouse): Oh my god! Of course! Are you OK? What happened? What did you do? What do you need me to bring? Do you need a splint or a sling or anything?
Mouse (to Wanda): It's just my hands, I got a little carried away during my workout. I think they just need to be wrapped... I don't think anything is broken or sprained. I remembered you once telling me you were training to be a nurse... at some point.
Wanda (to Mouse): I think I may have actually trained to be everything at one point or another, but I can wrap hands. I've even got practice dealing with that lunkheaded boyfriend of yours. I'll be right over. Keep ice on them until then. (to Eep) OK, WHAT is going on with your girlfriend? I know I said I wouldn't pry, but she just asked me to come over with a first aid kit!
Mouse (to Wanda): Thanks, I'll be in my kitchen...
Eep (to Wanda): Wait, she what? Fuck! Is she OK? What happened? Is she alright? Why did she need a first aid kit? Why aren't you telling me anything?
Wanda (to Eep): Wow. Slow your roll there, slim. 1.I think so. 2.She said she overdid it in "training." 3.I think so. 4.See answer 2.
Eep (to Wanda): Oh. Oh, God. OK. Good.
Wanda (to Eep): What is she training for?
Eep (to Wanda): God, I dunno. Just some self-defense thing she's doing. Why are you wasting your time with all this bullshit? Go help her! (to Mouse) Hey. Are you OK?
Mouse (to Eep): Uh... yeah... god... Wanda, right? I swear that girl can't keep her big mouth shut.
Eep (to Mouse): God. No she can't. She's physically incapable. She's also going to give you a grilling when she sees you. Prep yourself.
Mouse (to Eep): I'll make something up to tell her...
Eep (to Mouse): She said you overdid it while you were training… I told her you were training for some self defense thing.
Mouse (to Eep): I was working out in the basement, I got a little carried away... I may have punched the wall... once or twice...
Eep (to Mouse): Are your hands OK? You didn't break either of them, did you?
Mouse (to Eep): No, they're both okay, just a little bloodied and bruised, I had pads on... I've done worse... and now, probably need new ones.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Well, you're smarter than I am. Has Wanda showed up yet? Need me to head home? I can do the shopping later.
Mouse (to Eep): No, she just walked in... I really am okay. I just got so angry while I was working out, I felt like I was going to explode.
Eep (to Mouse): Alright, well... Lemme know if you need me. And, is it anything you wanna talk about? I know you're not comfortable talking to me right now... But, I'm here if you need me.
Mouse (to Eep): Thank you, it's just... I don't know, after Vincent told me about Smythe being the 'Back Alley Butcher', it just made things come flooding back, it made me angry & realize that I wasn't the first person he'd done that sort of thing to... he's a monster. I know, you're here for me, but I don't want to burden you with this stuff, I mean you're already upset, telling you any of this is just going to add to it, not make it go away.
Eep (to Mouse): Mouse... I know I'm not the best guy for this job, but I love you, and that means helping you deal with shit, even when it's messy or uncomfortable or whatever. I don't give a shit how it's gonna make me feel. You're hurting! I wish you'd worry half as much about yourself as you do me.
Mouse (to Eep): Fine! You want to know what happened, I'll tell you. That bastard tortured me for weeks because he wanted to properly motivate you to bring him back whatever the fuck he thought you had... He only asked me questions about it the first time, all the other times he never said a word, no questions, nothing. Just a big shit eating grin... and he'd take notes. I think he knew I didn't know anything & didn't fucking care. I mean, if I was hiding something, it would all make sense but I didn't know what the hell he was talking about & then to find out afterwards that both you & Vincent knew about this all along, made me mad at both of you... And, to make matters worse, Greg's "gift" of healing just made him more curious about his little experiments. There. Are you happy now? Or do you want details?
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I'm just fucking thrilled. I've got some details, you know. I told you. You've been talking in your sleep. I didn't know about the notes... Look, you're allowed to be mad at me, at us both, but I don't know what Smythe wants. Really. Last time I was there, as far as I know he HAD the fucking thing. It was some doll Wanda owned, Voodoo Ed. It opened a doorway, or led to a treasure, or some shit. I don't know! I don't fucking understand ANY of this shit! I really don't. I just... Look, if there were anything, ANYTHING I could have done...
Mouse (to Eep): Look, I'm sorry I snapped you... I just got done being questioned by Wanda & I'm on edge after last night.
Eep (to Mouse): No. Don't do that. Look... You're allowed to be pissed off, you know? You're more than entitled.
Mouse (to Eep): I know that... logically, I know it's not your fault or even, Vincent's, but there's a part of me that is angry at you both... and if I start being angry about one thing, I'm going to start being angry about everything... and, I just can't do that... I think Vincent knows more than he's letting on, and I can't deal with thinking like that, right now...
Eep (to Mouse): I wish I knew what to say, Killer. I really do. If I had known that this was gonna happen...
Mouse (to Eep): I know... Poppy says I'm experiencing "acute stress response" with some leanings towards PTSD. Whatever the hell any of that means... I would just like to feel like myself again.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I kinda figured it'd be something like that. It's gonna take time, you know?
Vincent (to Mouse): Hey, hun. I have to ask you something, but I want you to mull it over before you answer.
Mouse (to Eep): I know... wait, did you say time? like, in an hourglass? What if this was what Greg was trying to warn us about? (to Vincent) What is it, sweetie? It's been a bit of a rough morning.
Eep (to Mouse): I don't know... it might be. Jesus. That sure as shit doesn't make me feel better about the whole thing.
Vincent (to Mouse): I know. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. Do you think you're up for another cross-dimensional trip?
Mouse (to Vincent): Possibly... but, I really need you to answer something for me first & I need you to tell me the truth.
Vincent (to Mouse): I'll answer anything I can.
Mouse (to Vincent): Do you know what the device is that Smythe wants? Do you know why he thinks Eep has it?
Vincent (to Mouse): ... I do. And I know someone who can explain what it is far better than I can. I'm afraid it's all a bit over my head… He wants to have a meeting with us.
Mouse (to Vincent): Is there something you're not telling me about all of this? If Eep, Otto & I are going to risk our lives, I'd like to know what the hell is really going on... and I want to be able to trust you, little brother.
Vincent (to Mouse): Smythe is after something I was trusted to keep safe, and out of his dimension. I didn't think he'd be able to trace me here. I knew hiding it with me would be too risky, so I put it someplace I could keep an eye on it, but that--I thought couldn't be connected to me in any way. I hid it in Eep's apartment. It's my fault you two got dragged into this, hun.
Mouse (to Vincent): Alrighty, then... after all of this is over & done with, little brother, you and I are going to have a very long talk... but, for now, I'll focus on the job at hand. I'll go back & help, because I said I would...
Vincent (to Mouse): You're under no obligation to do this, sweetie, and knowing who Smythe is, I kind of wish you wouldn't.
Mouse (to Vincent): Smythe or whatever the hell his name is, needs to be stopped... I'll be fine. When do we go? So, is the item still in Eep's old apartment or is it next door?
Vincent (to Mouse): I'll find out from the Davenport sisters shortly. And no, the item in question isn't in your apartment or Eep's.
Mouse (to Vincent): Good. I'd hate to think that Robert or Wanda could be in danger.
Vincent (to Mouse): I know. I didn't think it would be safe. I don't want to mention where it is now, in case we're being monitored. (to Eep) Mouse, Otto and I are going to cross over sometime in the next couple of days to speak to the man at the heart of this mess. I'm assuming you want to come.
Mouse (to Vincent): Fine. Let me know when it's time to go.
Eep (to Vincent): Yes! You are SO not leaving me here to freak out about you three. Uh... Mouse is kinda pissed, you know.
Vincent (to Eep): I know. She has every right to be. (to Emmett Davenport) I spoke to Mouse. She's willing to meet our mutual friend as soon as we can arrange a meeting. Eep and her cat, Otto, will also be accompanying us.
Emmett Davenport (to Vincent): Wonderful! Do you want to arrange the time or shall I?
Vincent (to Emmett Davenport): I'd appreciate it if you could take care of it for me.
Emmett Davenport (to Vincent): I'll make the arrangements & send the details to Poppy. We're about to be in radio silence for the next few days.
Vincent (to Emmett Davenport): Understood. Thank you. (to Eep & Mouse) I just spoke to Emmett. She's going to arrange a meeting, and send the info to Poppy. As soon as I know something, I'll let y'all know.
An hour or so later:
Poppy (to Vincent): So, honey, I've sent word to set up the meeting and I should know shortly... and, I'll be going back with you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Are you sure, hun? It might be dangerous.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, it's where I belong... I won't be coming back here. My mission is complete & I have no reason to stay, honey... It's not really my home.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Ah... I don't know why I'm so surprised, hun. I should have expected it. Well, I know I'll be sorry to see you go.
Poppy (to Vincent): I think you’re missing the silver lining here, honey... no more reminders of what you once had with me, I mean, other me.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, they weren't all bad memories, hun. Do you think you'll still be able to talk to my sister from time to time? She needs someone to confide in.
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, of course, I'll leave her with a way of contacting me... she has a lot to work through. Honey, you used to put me on a pedestal & look at me as the epitome of all that is good, decent & true and now, I just see sadness, honey. It's enough to make a girl cry.
Vincent (to Poppy): Thank you, for helping my sister, hun. And for worrying about me.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, to be honest, honey, I think there will always be a part of me that loves you, which is probably why I kept a copy of the 'human Poppy' program.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, it's kind of comforting to know that the Poppy I knew is still out there. Kind of.
Poppy (to Vincent): If you'd like, honey, I'll give you the program as a memento.
Vincent (to Poppy): Uh, that's quite alright. Keeping a disk with part of your, I mean, Poppy's personality on it is a little too Ed Gein for my tastes.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I thought I'd offer, honey, makes no difference to me... I've received word from our friend... Can you all be ready for transport tomorrow morning?
Vincent (to Poppy): Let me ask the rest of the Scooby Gang. I'll get back to you shortly, hun. (to Eep & Mouse) Are you three up for heading out tomorrow morning? Poppy's arranging transport.
Mouse (to Vincent): That works for me & Otto.
Eep (to Vincent): Yeah. If that's good for everyone else, that's fine.
Vincent (to Eep & Mouse): OK, gang. Tomorrow morning it is. (to Mouse) Oh, I should tell probably tell you. Poppy is going with us, but she's not coming back. She said she'll give you her info so you can keep in contact.
Mouse (to Vincent): Yeah, I know... she and I talked about it during our session. How do you feel about that?
Vincent (to Mouse): Well, I'm not happy. But, I understand. She doesn't have anything holding her here.
Mouse (to Vincent): Would you like her to stay? She's clearly waiting for you to ask her to, dumbie.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Do you really think so? Well... that would explain why she mentioned she kept a backup of the "human Poppy" program.
Mouse (to Vincent): Yes, that is why she mentioned it... She'd stay if you asked. God, you really are clueless about women...
Vincent (to Mouse): Clearly. Oh God! That explains why last night she... Oh heavens. You don't think it would be weird if I asked her to stay? Even though I broke up with her?
Mouse (to Vincent): I think that's something you need to decide on your own... You clearly miss her & I think you'd regret it, if she left.
Vincent (to Mouse): I would. Thanks, hun. I know I've said this already, and the Davenports have promised that we'll be safe tomorrow... but I'm so, so sorry.
Mouse (to Vincent): Can we not do this right now, little brother? Afterwards, we can have our heartfelt yelling/apology session, but not now...
Vincent (to Mouse): Of course. You're right, hun. I apologize. I'm just... Well, it doesn't really matter. We'll sort this out later.
Several hours later:
Poppy (to Vincent, Eep & Mouse): So, sweeties, not to be a nuisance, but is tomorrow morning acceptable to everyone?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh! I'm so sorry, hun. I've been lost in my own head tonight. Tomorrow is fine for everyone.
Poppy (to Vincent): No worries, honey, I just didn't want to assume... is everything okay?
Vincent (to Poppy): It will be. I hope. My sister is none too pleased with me right now, and I can't blame her. And, well... I'm not looking forward to having to say good bye to you. I'm going to miss you. I... I wish you would stay. But I don't feel like I have the right to ask you to do so.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh my, honey... I don't know what to say, I feel like I have a hangover, without all the happy memories & mystery bruises… I'm going to miss you, too...
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, I'm sure without me around, you'll have a lot fewer mystery bruises. ;-} I'm sorry. I just... Well, you know how I get. It's up to you whether or not you want to stay. And I can't promise I can offer you more than my friendship. Crazed, one-eyed fiends aside, I still don't have my head screwed on straight when it comes to relationships, but... I wanted to let you know how I felt.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I'm not sure I understand... What are you trying to say? You don't want me to go, but you want to just be friends? Plain old boring friends or special friends that get sweaty together, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Ah. Uh, well, I'm fine with plain old boring friends, hun. No one seems to believe me when I say, I really DID enjoy spending time with you. Non-sweaty time, that is. And as much as I would LOVE to resume, physically, where we left off, I wouldn't want to do that if it meant you developing stronger feelings for me than I had for you. Hun, the truth of the matter is that I pursued a relationship with you more, well, enthusiastically then I may have normally been inclined is because I'm still hung up on my own sexuality. Being with a lovely lass such as yourself was easy; it didn't tweak my insecurities. It wasn't fair to you. I'm sorry.
Poppy (to Vincent): While, I appreciate the sentiment, honey, I don't really have the same level of emotional attachment to you that I once had. There is indeed something I find intriguing about you, but by no means is it the same as when you ended our relationship. I thankfully have no such hangups... I'm just trying to understand why you want me to stay. Would it be better if I was a boy? I'm sure that could be arranged...
Vincent (to Poppy): Ha ha ha! Oh honey... Oh goodness. As hot as that might be, I think that may very well make my head explode. Hee hee. I never had a problem with your gender, hun. I thought that would have been evident. Heavens.... I forgot that you're not exactly the same Poppy I knew. And maybe you're not the same Poppy I'm going to miss. Good Lord... As if I wasn't screwed up enough. I'm sorry, hun. Ignore me. Clearly, I've been hit in the head one too many times lately. If you don't want to stay, I won't ask you to. But... Well, I will ask you to visit. I would like to get to know "New Poppy." Especially, if you're making an offer to let me get to know her physically. ;-}
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, how could I not? What am I headless? ;-)
Vincent (to Poppy): No, as far as I can tell, your lovely head is still quite firmly attached. You'll have to forgive me for being a little extra dense lately, hun, but have you been trying to get me to invite you home?
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, honey, did you just now figure that out? The reason you didn't want to be with "old Poppy" was because of her feelings for you. So, she decided to take it out of the equation... Unfortunately, I've been having to relearn somethings as I go, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, things would have probably gone a good deal easier for you if I hadn't been so off my game lately. So... would you like to come over?
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I thought you'd never ask...
