Mouse (to Vincent): Little brother, are you feeling up for a visit?
Vincent (to Mouse): Mmm. I am. Want to meet for coffee in 10? I'm even willing to risk getting poisoned by Oliver for a decent cup.
Mouse (to Vincent): Sure, that sounds good. I'll see you soon.
Vincent (to Mouse): See you soon, sweet sister.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, why'd you let me sleep so late?
Vincent (to Poppy): Sorry, hun. You had a rough couple of days. You looked like you needed the rest. There's tea and biscuits in the kitchen if you're hungry.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, thank you for that. I don't think I've ever slept so well. I need to head out & see if I can find myself a more permanent place to stay, so I can get out of your hair.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. That's not surprising. You always did pass right... Oh. Good heavens. Sorry. I'm glad you slept well, hun. Take your time. I'm working this weekend, so if you need someplace to stay for a few, it's fine. You'll barely see me.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, that's awfully nice, honey... Thank you. I'll try not to get in your way. Should we talk about last night or should we pretend that nothing happened?
Vincent (to Poppy): No, no need to make it more awkward than it already is. I'm sorry, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): No, no. I agree wholeheartedly. Well, I'm off to see what I can see, honey. I'll see you later.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. That's not what I... Nevermind. You're right, hun. I'll see you later. I'm running late for coffee with Mouse, as is.
Twenty minutes later:
Vincent (to Mouse): Sorry I'm late, sweetie.
Mouse (to Vincent): No problem, sweetie. How are you?
Vincent (to Mouse): Heh. Does the fact that sounds like a trick question answer you?
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, that good, huh?
Vincent (to Mouse): Mmm. I don't even know where to start... Important parts first, I suppose. Hiiri has captured someone who knows the connection between Prince Alistair, the pirate Alejandro, and yours truly. The only person I can think of who would have known all that AND about the locket is Alistair himself.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, wow.
Vincent (to Mouse): Wow, indeed. He's been missing for almost 2 years. Most people presumed he was dead. I know I did.
Mouse (to Vincent): So, what does that mean? Are you going to try and rescue him?
Vincent (to Mouse): I have to try. If it is Alistair, I can't leave him with Hiiri. I owe him too much. Of course, I don't know where she is, what she's up to, OR what kind of forces she's managed to amass... God... I fear I may be a bit out of my depth here.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, can we do anything to help? I mean, if you need me to help, I'm willing & I've promised Eep to drag him everywhere.
Vincent (to Mouse): As soon as I figure out what to do, I'll let you know. You and Gloomy Gus were able to patch things up, I take it?
Mouse (to Vincent): Of course, we love each other.
Vincent (to Mouse): I know you do, sweetie, but that doesn't mean you're immune from doing something completely boneheaded.
Mouse (to Vincent): So, did you find out anything else of importance?
Vincent (to Mouse): Well, CLANNG knows all about your Evil Twin and her plans, but are taking a "wait and see" approach. They seem to be of the opinion that they can deal with Hiiri whenever they may need to do so. Also, Poppy is human.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, uh, really?
Vincent (to Mouse): Why don't you seem all that surprised, sister dear? Good heavens! Was I really the only one who didn't notice?
Mouse (to Vincent): No, I didn't know for sure. I suspected that might be the case after one of our therapy sessions since we've been back. She seemed different to me, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it & then, Otto sat on her lap & fell asleep, which he never did before...
Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. Well, trust Otto to know. She's staying with me at the moment. She got some bad news about one of her brothers, and probably could use the company. Though, I doubt she'd admit that.
Mouse (to Vincent): Wow, so she really is an actual real person... with brothers & everything? Does that mean she's going to stop being so awful or is that really how she acts?
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh come now, she's not that bad. Of course, if I grew up in the Tombs, I might be a bit more brusque, myself.
Mouse (to Vincent): What are the Tombs? ... and, did you guys actually talk about yourselves?
Vincent (to Mouse): As shocking as that seems, yes. Albeit, very briefly. And rum was involved. And, the Tombs are a neighborhood in New London. Well, I use the term "neighborhood" loosely. They're kind of like WWII era Stalingrad, as imagined by Charles Dickens. Only without the charm.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... and, that's where she's from? It all starts to make sense, now.
Vincent (to Mouse): It's no stranger than me being a pastor's son from the Bible Belt.
Mouse (to Vincent): I know & that's weird, too. So, she's staying with you for a little while, how's that working out?
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh good heavens... as awkward as you might expect. I really don't mind having her there, but... You could use the tension to thicken gravy.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, I bet it's weird for both of you. I mean, you've got history with her, but at the same time, you don't.
Vincent (to Mouse): Yeah. She wasn't too thrilled her automaton got to have "sexy fun times" while she was stuck in stasis.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... OH... Oh my...
Vincent (to Mouse): Yeah. Tell me about it.
Mouse (to Vincent): Um, little brother, why do you have a slightly guilty look about you? What did you do?
Vincent (to Mouse): Do you really want to know the answer to that question, sweetie? She, uh, she didn't want to stay at my apartment last night after we got in, and we started arguing about it...
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, little brother...
Vincent (to Mouse): Yeah. I know. As I said before... tell me about it.
Mouse (to Vincent): So, what are you going to do about it?
Vincent (to Mouse): I don't know. I tried talking to her about it this morning, but I just ended up with severe foot-in-mouth disease.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, what to do you want to have happen?
Vincent (to Mouse): I don't know. I'd like to be friends with her, but I'm beginning to wonder if that's possible.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, what would be the alternative to that? And, are you really willing to stop being around her?
Vincent (to Mouse): I don't know, hun. I'm open to suggestions.
Mouse (to Vincent): Gee, I don't know. I think you have to look at her as a different person from the Poppy you dated & see how you feel... And, since you've kind of done this before you have the advantage of not falling into the same problems as last time. Heck, it's kind of like you have a second chance... and this time with a real girl. I gotta head home to spar with Ripper.
Vincent (to Mouse): Mmm. We'll see how things go. Thanks, sweetie. Don't beat Ripper too soundly. The male ego is a delicate thing, you know.
Ripper (to Mouse): Hey, I'm on my way over to your place & I ran into Poppy. So, I hope you don't mind her tagging along.
Mouse (to Ripper): Oh yeah, that should be fine. I hope an audience doesn't make you nervous. (to Vincent) I'll try not to, but he makes it so hard to go easy on him. And, it looks like Poppy is joining us...
Ripper (to Mouse): Heh. I think I can handle it. If I couldn't, I would have stopped sparring with you already.
Vincent (to Mouse): Everyone's lining up for the show, eh? Dammit. Now you've got me curious. I'm wandering over too. Poppy and I will have to face each other sooner or later.
Mouse (to Eep): Hey sexy, I'm on my way home for my sparring match with Ripper before work & Poppy is joining us. You interested in watching?
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I should feel bad for saying yes, but, um, yes.
Twenty minutes later:
Poppy (to Mouse & Ripper): Do you mind if I give it a shot?
Ripper (to Poppy): Oh, sure... Did you want to spar with me or Mouse?
Poppy (to Ripper): With you, honey. If Mouse & I spar, we'd have to charge admission. ;-)
Mouse (to Vincent & Eep): Hurry down here! Poppy is about to spar with Ripper.
Vincent (to Ripper): Uh-oh. It was nice knowing you, Professor.
Ripper (to Vincent): Why am I suddenly really worried? And, why is everyone grinning?
Vincent (to Ripper): Because, I'm afraid you're in trouble.
Ripper (to Vincent): But, she & Mouse just told me she's a real girl. Wait... I'm being played, aren't I? Am I about to spar with a robot?
Vincent (to Ripper): No. No. She's not a robot. You'll find out in a minute...
Poppy (to Mouse): Here, honey, hold my shoes & my purse.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Jesus. Poppy kicked his ASS.
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, she did. Is that what it looks like when I spar with him?
Eep (to Mouse): Kinda. Only you're not as nasty. Poppy looked like she might actually hurt Ripper for a second.
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, she's had a rough few days. She just found out about the death of one of her brothers, according to Vincent.
Eep (to Mouse): Really? Jesus!
Mouse (to Eep): Not to mention, that this is the real Poppy, not a robot. And, she's been in stasis for awhile.
Eep (to Mouse): Holy shit. That's... wow. That's fucked up.
Poppy (to Ripper): Awww, honey, I'm sorry.
Vincent (to Ripper): Ooch. Do you want some ice for your eye, Professor?
Ripper (to Vincent): Yes, and do you think I could just lay on the floor for a few more minutes? (to Poppy) How on earth did you dodge that swing so fast?
Vincent (to Ripper): Hee hee. I did try to warn you.
Poppy (to Ripper): Honey, I grew up with seven brothers.
Ripper (to Vincent): Yeah, and she was nice enough to get me in the same eye that Mouse had gotten me before... Alright, I need to head to work.
Vincent (to Ripper): Oop. You and me both. (to Poppy) Well, slugger, I've got to get ready for work. Here's a key to the apartment in case you need it.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, thank you, honey. Is it alright if I use your kitchen? I'll tidy up afterwards.
Vincent (to Poppy): Of course, hun. Make yourself at home. Did you have any luck finding an apartment?
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, actually. The old apartment that "I" had before was owned by the Davenports, so they're letting me have it unfurnished but it won't be available until the end of the month. So, if that's too long, honey, I can get a hotel room.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, you don't have a job yet do you, hun? That should be fine. I can camp out in the living room if you want the bedroom.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, that's very sweet of you, but I can sleep on the couch. Just say the word & I'll get a hotel room.
Vincent (to Poppy): It'll be fine, hun. We can argue about sleeping arrangements later.
A couple hours later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Do you think you'll be hungry when you get home from work, honey? I can make sure to make extra food, if you'd like.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. If it's not too much trouble, hun. I'm usually fairly ravenous when I get home. You can cook?
Poppy (to Vincent): Don't sound so shocked, honey. I can actually do a lot of things. Oh, wait. Am I being compared to Poppy-bot, again?
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Guilty as charged. Sorry, hun. (to Ripper) How are doing up there Professor? Your eye looks pretty rough. Do you want some ice frm behind the bar?
Ripper (to Vincent): That would nice, thanks. So, how you holding up, Captain?
Vincent (to Ripper): Here you go. I'm... um, well, more confused than ever, I suppose. Don't feel too bad about Poppy kicking your ass, by the by. She grew up in The Tombs.
Ripper (to Vincent): Really? I've never met any women from there that wasn't a lady of questionable virtue... That would make a good character.
Vincent (to Ripper): Bad writer! Bad! Besides, after this afternoon, do you really want to piss off Poppy? :-P
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh. Well, I don't want her mad at me... So, this has got to be a bit weird for you.
Vincent (to Ripper): Oh no. Not at all. It bypassed weird ages ago. I believe this qualifies as "really fucking weird."
Ripper (to Vincent): Uh. Yeah. Well, If you want somebody to talk to about it... You know.
An hour or so later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I made a Quiche, a salad, & a crumble. It's all in the fridge for you. Now, I'm off to take a hot bath.
Vincent (to Ripper): You're not working on another novel, are you? (to Poppy) Wow, that sounds better than what I usually fix myself. Thank you, hun. There's wine on top of the fridge. Help yourself.
Ripper (to Vincent): Uh, possibly but not a romance... I was thinking something more along the lines of speculative fiction. It's still in the idea phase, so don't worry.
Vincent (to Ripper): Hee hee. Calm down. I'm just kidding.
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh, good... So, do you think I can wrap it up for the night? I've kinda got somewhere to be shortly...
Vincent (to Ripper): I'll bet you could. It's late, and the rain has killed most of the crowd. Just pop on one of those mix CDs Mouse left.
Ripper (to Vincent): Perfect, I'll see you later, Captain. And, don't stress yourself out too much over the whole Poppy business, it'll work out.
Vincent (to Ripper): So everyone keeps saying. Later, tater.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, If I'm not curled up on your chaise lounge when you get home, I may have drowned in your tub. It's bliss.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Isn't it, though? I got a break on my rent for refurbishing the bathroom. I think I did a pretty good job.
Poppy (to Vincent): You did this, yourself? With your own two hands? Incredible!
Vincent (to Poppy): Not all of it, just the impressive parts. :-P Honestly, I really didn't do anything that amazing. All it took was time and materials, both of which I had.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, we all know you're quite handy with tools, honey... Oh. Sorry. That was totally inappropriate.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee! No, that's alright, hun. It's kind of comforting in a strange way. I know ALL about being inappropriate. Trying not to make us both feel awkward about last night seems to be a skill that eludes me, however.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, are we supposed to be awkward about last night? I mean, don't get me wrong, I liked it, honey, quite a bit, but I was just figuring it was a heat of the moment kind of thing.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, that's just ME feeling awkward, then. Heh. I'm sorry, hun. It's still a little odd for me. Don't worry. I'll get my knickers out of this knot soon enough.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm sorry, honey. You had made it pretty clear that you had a hard time of it with "me" before & I just figured that was why last night happened. I mean, we don't really know each other. And, I'd offer to help you with the knicker problem, but I'm trying to be a lady. ;-)
Vincent (to Poppy): You're right, hun. And I'm sure I can handle my knickers myself. Though, I'll let you know if anything changes. ;-}
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I'm curling up on the chaise, honey. Don't try to argue. I hope you like the food. Sweet dreams.
Vincent (to Poppy): After seeing you trounce Ripper, I wouldn't dream of arguing with you. I'll try not to wake you when I get in. Good night!
