Mouse (to Eep): Hey, I think I just saw Ripper a few minutes ago on our porch.
Eep (to Mouse): What? That's weird... ... Well, he's not here now.
Mouse (to Eep): Did you hear a knock on the door? I didn't... Oh. Do you think he hooked up with Robert?
Eep (to Mouse): What? No! Well... maybe. Know what? I don't wanna know.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, they do have a lot in common... Did you actually go outside to look, you big weirdo?
Eep (to Mouse): No! .... Maybe. Yes. ... OK, so maybe I'm more nosey than I let on.
Ripper (to Robert): Thanks again for the breakfast & coffee.
Robert (to Ripper): It was my pleasure. I hope you're still interested in my offer to go over the treatment for your novel. If I had known you were connected to those romance novels Wanda reads, I would have been more diplomatic. Mea culpa.
Ripper (to Robert): Don't even worry about it! And, I was serious about having dinner sometime. As soon as I have the first draft complete, I'll drop off a copy to you.
Robert (to Ripper): And, I was serious when I said I would accept. Do I look like a man who makes a habit out of skipping meals?
Ripper (to Robert): You look like a man who enjoys life, which is quite refreshing.
Robert (to Ripper): If by that you mean I eat too much, drink too much, and spend too much time on my ass in front of a computer, then yes I am.
Ripper (to Robert): Worried you're going to be a bad influence on me?
Robert (to Ripper): Not at all. I pride myself on being a profoundly bad influence on people.
Ripper (to Robert): Well, good... Want to have dinner with me tomorrow night?
Robert (to Ripper): Absolutely. Do you have some place in mind, or are you willing to be surprised?
Ripper (to Robert): Oh, I didn't have anything in mind. I'm willing to be surprised.
Robert (to Ripper): Good. Then dress casually and meet me here. Is 7 a good time for you?
Ripper (to Robert): Tomorrow at 7pm sounds good to me. See you then!
Robert (to Ripper): I'll see you tomorrow. Until then, I'm off to Lafayette chop a certain chain smoking coworker of yours. (to Eep) Are you out there smoking on the porch with no shirt on? Oh the scandal! What will the neighbors think?
Mouse (to Eep): You could probably just ask Robert... or should I?
Eep (to Robert): The same thing they thought every other time I've done it. It's not your property value I'm fucking up. What do you care? (to Mouse) I am. I mean, I will. I'm getting around to it.
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee... I'm going to make some coffee.
Robert (to Eep): I don't want it looking like I live in a disreputable neighborhood.
Eep (to Robert): It's too late for that. The area went downhill the second we moved in. No man in a 5 mile radius is safe from you.
Robert (to Eep): That's not true. I've never hit on you, have I? I have standards.
Eep (to Robert): No you don't! You're a man-whore.
Robert (to Eep): And you're a prude. What's your point?
Eep (to Robert): Ha ha ha! Man. I got nothing. You burned me.
Robert (to Eep): Don't mess with a master, son.
Eep (to Robert): Ouch! Hey! Watch it! You hit fucking hard, you dick.
Robert (to Eep): As my dear ol' mom says, don't do something to deserve getting smacked, and I won't smack you.
Eep (to Robert): Yeah. Yeah. Hey, was that Ripper I saw leaving earlier? What the fuck was that about?
Robert (to Eep): We were bitching about the publishing industry, and discussing the finer points of genre fiction.
Eep (to Robert): Uh, OK. You could just say, "none of your damn business."
Robert (to Eep): I would if I needed to do so. We really were discussing fiction. He's writing a novel, and wanted to pick my brain. You can tell the rumor mill to slow its roll until tomorrow night when we go out to dinner. Save your gossip until then.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh! You brewed me my own pot of coffee. You are amazing!
Mouse (to Eep): I hope I made it right.
Eep (to Mouse): So, I talked to Robert. He says Ripper was asking him about book stuff. Ripper's writing a novel, I guess.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh, well that's cool. God, are they both early risers?
Eep (to Mouse): Well, I know for a fact Robert is. I'm kinda surprised Ripper was up early since he worked last night... Oh. Ohhhh... Oh God. He left a little early. You know what? I really don't wanna know. I thought I did, but I don't. And the coffee's awesome.
Mouse (to Eep): I'm glad you like the coffee... And, I think I'm going to lay on the couch & watch cartoons. Wanna join me? There's a new episode of MLP... that I bet you wanna watch. :-)
Eep (to Mouse): Oh my God. You... You! How long did you...
Mouse (to Eep): Since, you moved in with me... You should really clear off the history on the browser if you want to hide something.
Eep (to Mouse): Shit! I... uh, I like kids' shows. Clearly. It's not some creepy, weird thing like some dudes have. I just... the writing is clever and the color pallets and backgrounds are really impressive... I should stop talking now. Forever.
Mouse (to Eep): Sweetie, it's okay. I watch some embarrassing things, too.
Eep (to Mouse): Anything talking, pastel pony bad? Heh. It's fine. Are you SURE you wanna watch this with me, though?
Mouse (to Eep): Uh, no... I was just trying to be nice. I'll watch it with you, though I have no idea what's going on.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeeeeah. That's what I thought. Don't worry. I won't make you sit through it. Looks like it's a Rarity heavy episode anyway. We can watch something else instead.
Mouse (to Eep): I have no idea what any of those words mean... Have you ever seen Avatar: the Last Airbender?
Eep (to Mouse): I've seen a few episodes here and there. It looked pretty good.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, then we'll watch it from the beginning...
Eep (to Mouse): You sounded WAY too excited when you said that... Is this a trap? Do I need an ax?
Mouse (to Eep): No, it's not a trap. I just happen to really like it.
An hour or so later:
Eep (to Mouse): I can see why you like it. Holy shit! This show is awesome.
Vincent: Huzzah! My arm has been freed early from its blue, nylon imprisonment due to properly healing tendons & a promise of good behavior from me! Time to carry ALL THE THINGS!
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh honey, that's wonderful news.
Vincent (to Poppy): Isn't it just? Personally, I think the sling was overkill, but Dr. Addison insisted. She's a might overprotective of me. Hee hee. Probably, because every time she sees me, I'm beat up. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Aww, pudding, you do really need to stop getting yourself beat up.
Vincent (to Poppy): Believe me, it's not something I seek out. But, don't fret; I don't make a habit of being battered. I do fine.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, honey, while you were gone, I tidied up your apartment, I hope you don't mind... I felt like I should do something.
Vincent (to Poppy): Tidied my apartment? It was dirty? And don't feel obligated to do anything, hun. It's fine. Really.
Poppy (to Vincent): It wasn't dirty per se, honey. But, there were some dust bunnies the size of volkswagons under your couch.
Vincent (to Poppy): You cleaned under the couch? That's just madness!
Poppy (to Vincent): I don't mind, honey. I don't like feeling beholden to anyone... I mean, you're being nice & letting me stay here. So, tidying up doesn't seem like that much to do to say thank you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, I certainly don't want you to feel beholden to me, hun. But, honestly, I owe both the Davenport sisters and your counterpart a huge debt for helping us track down Smythe and rescue my sister. Not that she really needed rescuing at that particular point... Regardless, this is the least I can do.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well, when you put it like that, honey... does that mean you don't want me to make dinner?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I certainly won't complain if you do, but like I said, you're not beholden to do anything, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Sorry, I'm still getting used to things on this side...
A few hours later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I was looking around your apartment & I had a weird question.
Vincent (to Poppy): What's that, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): What on earth is a Boba Fett?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Hee hee. It's a character from a movie called "Star Wars." I'm afraid you're currently shacked up with a sci-fi nerd.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... I have no idea what any of those words meant, honey. What's a sci-fi?
Vincent (to Poppy): It's short for science fiction a type of fantasy story set in the far-flung future. I LOVED sci-fi movies & books growing up. Hee. I really I shouldn't really use past tense there, as I still love sci-fi movies and books.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... Can I watch one?
Vincent (to Poppy): If you'd like to, of course. Star Wars is one of my favorites, but feel free to watch anything that strikes your fancy.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, honey. I'll try out that one, since it's your favorite.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, I hope you enjoy it, sweetie. The sequels, "Empire Strikes Back" & "Return of the Jedi" are there too,
Poppy (to Vincent): One thing at a time, honey. And, dinner is ready, I hope you like it.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hun, this is DIVINE! It's like living with Mouse all over again. I'm going to get chubby. Just leave the dishes in the sink. I'll wash them when I get back tonight. And take the bedroom tonight. I know I woke you up when I was tramping all over the apartment when I get in last night. We can trade off. You can take the chaise on the nights I don't work down at Drac's.
Poppy (to Vincent): That's fair, honey. Thank you. I might wander down to the club tonight, if you don't mind.
Vincent (to Poppy): Not at all. You're always a hit at the club, hun. I'll see you tonight if you grace us with your presence. I've got to run.
A couple hours later:
Poppy (to Eep): Hey honey, you look in a surprisingly good mood. Did you get a little before work?
Eep (to Poppy): Did I ... What?! What the fuck is wrong with you? Jesus, Poppy. Go suck the blood out of a puppy or something.
Poppy (to Eep): Oh honey, it's not Tuesday...
Eep (to Poppy): I... You... Get in the fucking club.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I am completely enamored with those Star Wars movies... What else should I watch?
Vincent (to Poppy): I knew you had wonderful taste. :-P Well, hun, I have A LOT of sci-fi. If you liked Star Wars, you'll probably like Firefly or Star Trek. My favorite Trek is the original, though it's probably pretty dated... And the Klingons are MUCH sexier in Next Generation. Oh... hee hee. I'm probably not making much sense to you, right now.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, I'll have to watch those tomorrow. I've never seen anything like it before. It's fascinating. Will you show me all of this stuff, honey? Is there an order should watch them in?
Vincent (to Poppy): Really? Generally, when I start talking about sci-fi, people tell me to shut the hell up.
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, please. And, I'd love to hear any book suggestions you might have.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, I'd be thrilled. We can watch Star Trek or Firefly tomorrow. Firefly was a better show, IMHO, but Trek is just fun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, that sounds lovely... You know, that Han Solo fellow reminds me a little of you, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Dear God... I need to sit down.
Ripper (to Vincent): Are you blushing?
Vincent (to Ripper): Oh lord... Am I?
Ripper (to Vincent): Are you okay?
Vincent (to Ripper): I'm fine. Poppy is inadvertently flustering me. Don't talk sci-fi to a nerd.
Ripper (to Vincent): I understand, it always makes me weak in the knees when someone uses a semi colon properly.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, honey, I'm heading back to the apartment. Do you need me to heat up some food for you?
Vincent (to Poppy): No, that's fine, hun. Thank you, but I'll forage for myself when I get home. See you later. (to Ripper) Oh... Good heavens. The universe just does not want me to behave myself tonight. I'm just going to put my head on the bar and not move for the rest of the night.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh okay, honey.
Ripper (to Vincent): Well, should I turn off the lights when I leave then, Captain?
Vincent (to Ripper): Yes. Throw a towel over my head when you go. It will keep the buzzards from pecking out my eyes.
Ripper (to Vincent): Ok, crazy man, I'll throw a towel on you when I leave.
Vincent (to Ripper): Thank you. I shall remember your small kindness. Remember me as I was. No scratch that. Remember me as I pretended to be. It's more interesting that way.
Ripper (to Vincent): Wow, melodramatic much?
Vincent (to Ripper): Really, Professor. Is this the first time you've met me? This is my modus operandi. I'm sorry. That was rude. I'm just annoyed with myself.
Ripper (to Vincent): Hmmm... Has anyone ever told you that you are a bit of an idiot when it comes to people & relationships? Don't get me wrong, I like you but you seem to want to sabotage any possible relationship that comes your way. If I were you, I would go home & enjoy the beautiful woman's company that's there. And count my blessings.
Vincent (to Ripper): Well, no. No one has ever said those exact words to me, but to be fair, it's not like I have a whole lot of experience. But, you're right. It dawned on me, tonight, behind the bar, while I'm working, that the only people I've EVER pursued have either had no interest in me, or have had no vested interest in my emotional well being. If someone is actually concerned about me, or isn't scared off by my behavior, I photon torpedo the shit out of it. Hence letting the buzzards have their way with my eyes. Anyway, I am actually leaving. I'm going to drive around to clear my head. I am sorry, Professor. For my behavior tonight...
Ripper (to Vincent): Well, I'd like to think you & I are friends. And with that in mind, can I just give you a word of advice?
Vincent (to Ripper): Sure.
Ripper (to Vincent): When you finally think you might like someone, tell them so, even if it scares you. Otherwise, you'll regret it forever. Now, I'm heading out, too. I've got a date tomorrow & I want to be well rested.
Vincent (to Ripper): Thanks. Both for the advice, and for listening to me whine. Have a good night, and a good time tomorrow.
Ripper (to Vincent): That's what friends are for, Captain.
Poppy: Tried watching something called Lexx... That made absolutely no sense. Need to wait for Vincent to suggest shows to watch. Clearly, I can't be trusted on my own.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh heavens! That show is terrible, hun. There's plenty of good sci-fi out there, but there's even more that's horrible crap. Go with Firefly. Trust me.
