Penny (to Vincent): Thank you for flirting with my sister last night, Vincent. She's been a bit down in the dumps, lately.
Vincent (to Penny): It wasn't any trouble; it's not as though flirting with a lovely lady is all that heavy a burden. She did seem more than a bit morose.
Penny (to Vincent): She's pining... It's really quite ridiculous if you ask me.
Vincent (to Penny): Ah. Well, everyone needs to pine now and again. How else does one cultivate a tragically romantic mystique? ;-P
Penny (to Vincent): I think I'd feel more sympathetic to her plight, if she would just tell him that she likes him.
Vincent (to Penny): Heh. That can be tricky for some people; not everyone is as forward as you, hun. Who's the focus of her unrequited love?
Penny (to Vincent): Her friend, Oliver. He's been all mooning over Poppy. Though, I think she gave him his walking papers the other day.
Vincent (to Penny): Ah. I thought that might be the case. And yes, Poppy did indeed tell him she wasn't didn't want to see him anymore. I almost feel sorry for the lad.
Penny (to Vincent): Well, I didn't even think that Oliver liked girls until he showed interest in Poppy... And, I think that's why Collette is so upset. Because, he never showed any interest in her.
Vincent (to Penny): Ooch. Friend-zoned. That's never soothing on the ego. Well, I don't know a lot about Oliver, but I know he and Poppy had similar backgrounds. Or at least, he thought they did. Maybe he became smitten with her, because he thought he'd found a sympathetic soul.
Penny (to Vincent): Hmmm, maybe... Wait, if she's so wonderful & a sympathetic soul. Why aren't you dating her, anymore?
Vincent (to Penny): That is a very long, and very complicated story, and has more to do with yours truly being a hot mess than with Poppy.
Penny (to Vincent): Ooh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry. Sis is always telling me I'm a little bit too nosy.
Vincent (to Penny): Hee hee. That's alright. I'm the same way, so I can't really fault you for asking. Not without being a huge hypocrite. :-P
Penny (to Vincent): Oh good... And, I don't think you're a hot mess... Hot, yes. Mess, no. :-) And, now that I've said that I need to go. Schoolwork waits for no man, you know?
Vincent (to Penny): Hee hee. Well, thank you. Have fun with your book learnin'.
An hour or so later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Hey honey, I have some good news. It looks like I'll be out of your hair, tomorrow, my apartment is ready. Of course, it's a big empty apartment, but at least, we won't have to share couch duties anymore.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ah. If the truth is to be told, I'll be a bit sorry to see you go, hun. I've enjoyed spending time with you. And, of course, you know if you need to stay at least until you have a bed on which to sleep, you're more than welcome.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, honey, I've enjoyed it, too. And, a couch is definitely better than the floor... It'll be weird not being here.
Vincent (to Poppy): It is indeed! I know it's been a bit weird at times, but I'd forgotten how nice it is to have someone else in the house. I moved out of Mouse's apartment as soon as I was able to support myself. I wanted to make sure I didn't wind up burdening her more than necessary, but I missed having someone else around, I suppose.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, my apartment has a second bedroom so you're always welcome to spend the night, honey. Frankly, I like the company too. And, I really wish that you & I had met under different circumstances, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Awww. I'm sorry for that, hun. I can't say the same thought hasn't passed through my head. But, instead, I'm making a valiant effort to be grateful for the time we have spent together. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well, in that case, honey. Any chance I can get you to cuddle up with me on the couch and watch Sci-Fi shows with me?
Vincent (to Poppy): You say that as if you had a doubt about what my answer would be.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, it never hurts to ask... Honey, did you just hear a knock on the door?
Vincent (to Poppy): I did. I'll be back in a flash. Not to sound paranoid, but there's a bat under the couch if you need it, hun.
Percy (to Vincent): Hi there, honey! Did you miss me?
Vincent (to Percy): Oh, fat Christ!
Percy (to Vincent): Well, that's no way to greet me. And, here I was thinking you'd be happy to see me.
Poppy (to Vincent): Who is it? Do I need the bat?
Vincent (to Percy): Of course! I'm sorry, hun. This is just... Well. It's a shock.
Percy (to Vincent): I've been sent with a message for you, honey. Can I come in?
Vincent (to Percy & Poppy): Oh, where are my manner? Of course. Come inside. Poppy, you can put the Louisville Slugger away. It's, uh, it's Percy.
Poppy (to Percy): Oh, it's YOU. I should use this bat on you, you tin-plated floozy. And, where do you get off using my brother's name? I oughtta scramble your circuits.
Vincent (to Poppy): Poppy, POPPY, calm down, please. Just sit down, hun. Let me get you something to drink. I feel like we all could use it.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm sorry, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy & Percy): It's alright. Here. Percy, I thought you'd want one as well. We only have bourbon at the mo, I'm afraid.
Percy & Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, honey.
Vincent (to Percy & Poppy): Good heavens. Stereo. That was one of the most surreal moments of my life.
Percy (to Poppy & Vincent): Look, sweeties, I didn't mean to invade your state of domestic bliss... I have a message for Vincent. (to Poppy) And, he was my brother, too.
Vincent (to Percy): Don't get catty, hun. What kind of message, and why are you delivering it in person?
Percy (to Vincent): We've been having problems with the communicators, lately. We're still working on triangulating the correct frequency and it was just faster to send me. Plus, I wanted to see you, honey. Though, I didn't realize SHE was going to be here.
Vincent (to Percy): What's the message, hun?
Percy (to Vincent): Alistair has woken up, he's still not fully recovered, but he'd like to see you, honey.
Vincent (to Percy): Really? ... Well, I'm glad he's awake. I'm a little surprised he wants to see me, in all honesty.
Percy (to Vincent): Well, he wanted to thank you properly... and I think he wanted to explain.
Vincent (to Percy): Hmm. Well, that's good, because there are some questions I'd like answered. When will he be well enough to receive me?
Percy (to Vincent): Within the next day or so, honey.
Vincent (to Percy): Right. Thanks, hun. Let him know he can expect me in the next day or so. I'll need to take some precautions before I leave.
Percy (to Vincent): Alright, honey, I'll give him the message. Is there a reason why she's glaring at me like that?
Poppy (to Percy): Oooh, as if you don't know!
Vincent (to Percy & Poppy): Ladies, please. As sexy as it might be to see you two wrassle, I don't think my furniture would survive.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I need to step outside for a bit & clear my head. I'll have my phone with me, so let me know when RoboTramp leaves.
Vincent (to Poppy): Of course, sweetie. I'll see you later.
Percy (to Vincent): Oh good, I thought she'd never leave, honey.
Vincent (to Percy): Don't give her a hard time, Pop--er--Percy. It's been a rough couple of weeks for her.
Percy (to Vincent): Really? Try being cast aside like an old shoe, honey, and then put in a box.
Vincent (to Percy): Honestly? That can't be any more confusing than to find out the automaton who doesn't remember your past relationship the one you've been trying to keep from discovering she's a "clockwork creation," is actually a human... One more thing, hun. Why are you delivering the message for Alistair? Please tell me the wizard didn't get you and the Davenport sisters mixed up in this whole fiasco.
Percy (to Vincent): Oh honey, they were involved long before all of this recent hulabaloo, but in this instance we just happened to be closest. And, I asked to be the one to deliver the message. I thought you might have missed me. Clearly, I was wrong. Plus, I needed to check on Oliver's reformatting... So, what's going on with you two? You seem awfully chummy.
Vincent (to Percy): I told you, she's been staying with me. That's all. Where else was she supposed to go, hun?
Percy (to Vincent): Well, a hotel... That's where I stayed, honey.
Vincent (to Percy): Oh for... She was running out of money. It's not as though you didn't stay with me last time you were here, hun. I'm sorry, Percy. This has all been... Well, it's been a bit of a clusterfuck if you must know.
Percy (to Vincent): Why is it, I get the distinct impression that you are not happy to see me, honey?
Vincent (to Percy): Things have been awkward enough between Poppy and I. This is not going to improve the situation. I'm sorry I'm being surly. Thank you for delivering the message, hun. Despite my bad behavior, it was nice to see you.
Percy (to Vincent): Oh... well, then I guess I should go. I still have to check on Oliver before I head back & Emmett made it very clear that I wasn't supposed to dilly dally. I'm sure we'll see each other again, honey. So long!
Vincent (to Percy): I'm sure we will. Good bye, Percy.
Mouse (to Eep): Hey sweetie, your phone's ringing, it looks like it's from your dad. Uh, do you want me to answer it?
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Shit. No. I got it. It's fine.
Mouse (to Eep): Ok, I'm going to finish making dinner, then.
Vincent: It is officially a tragedy that the liquor stores are not open on Sun. I'm starting to think this half bottle of bourbon won't do the job. (to Poppy) Percy is gone, hun. The apartment is automaton free.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank god, honey, I'll be right there. I picked up some wine while I was out. I'm not sure about you, but I could use it.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hun, you are a savior! I've already started on my 2nd bourbon, which is NOT something I usually drink. Clearly I'm desperate.
Poppy (to Vincent): So, the rest of your visit didn't go so well?
Vincent (to Poppy): Good heavens, no! For an automaton who supposedly deleted her, I mean, his "human programming" along with his feelings for me, he was certainly acting like the very model of a jealous ex. Of course, I don't think it helped that it was you, hun. I think he felt like he had been replaced.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well, I hate to break it to you, honey. If the human program was deleted, he would be acting like a very simple robot... There wouldn't be a personality of any sort. He probably just turned off the emotion function, but that doesn't mean the original thoughts aren't there. And, I know how he feels... sort of. He had my life for a year & I'm having to deal with the aftermath.
Vincent (to Poppy): I'm... I'm afraid I'm a little lost, hun. So, Percy was fibbing to me about having his "human programming" deleted... in order to get me to sleep with him again? I don't... I...
Poppy (to Vincent): Probably not for that reason, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, thank heavens for small favors! I wouldn't even know where to begin unpacking that.
Poppy (to Vincent): I do think that some files got corrupted, possibly during a data transfer. Because, she doesn't act like me or if that's how I act, I'm going to need to bake a lot of people apology cookies.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ha ha ha! No, no, no, hun. Don't worry. Hee hee. You two are VERY similar, but you're definitely different. The more time I spend with you, the more obvious that difference is. And I could use a glass of wine. If I'm forced to endure more bourbon, I will be sick.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, thank heavens... And, here's a glass of wine.
Vincent (to Poppy): Thank you, hun. Hee hee. You can always gauge how desperate I am for a drink, if I'm willing to resort to bourbon.
Poppy (to Vincent): Are you still up for cuddling & watching TV or has the mood been ruined?
Vincent (to Poppy): At the moment, I think vegging out on the couch may be the only thing for which I have the mental capacity.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, you pick what we should watch. I've watched Star Wars, Firefly, Star Trek: the original series, and Farscape, so far.
Vincent (to Poppy): Have you seen Stargate?
Poppy (to Vincent): I don't think so, honey. I'll watch it.
Vincent (to Poppy): Sounds good, hun. We can watch the movie first, and then the TV show they based on it. Both are fun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Perfect. I'm going to throw on my pajamas while you get that setup. No sense being uncomfortable.
Vincent (to Poppy): I think I'll do likewise. Skinny jeans make for a sexy little man, but they were not designed for comfort.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well honey, there's something to be said for your pajamas. I've never seen anything like them before I came over here.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Hee hee. Well, I wouldn't imagine. I could use some comfort tonight, and to me, comfort equals Batman footie pajamas.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, are you sure you don't mind me staying here? I mean, after the whole visit with Percy, I'd completely understand, if you want me to stay somewhere else.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hun, don't worry about it. I'm not going to pretend that it hasn't been confusing as Hell sometimes... But, I meant it when I said I enjoyed having you here. Don't worry about it. I'll talk to Percy next time I see him. Let's just watch Stargate and relax for the evening.
Poppy (to Vincent): Okay, honey... Can I cuddle up next to you or should I sit at the other end of the couch? Gah, all this craziness has really made me second guess myself, honey. I swear I'm not usually this wishy-washy.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. It's OK, hun. BELIEVE ME. I understand. I haven't been my usual overconfident, pervy self for months. You can cuddle with me if you want, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): I do want, honey, thank you.
Vincent (to Poppy): For what it's worth, hun. I'm sorry this is all so confusing for me. Hee hee. Well, let's just forget about everything for right now, and just enjoy each other's company.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh honey, it's alright. It's confusing for me, too... At least, we can be confused together. Though, I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing, to tell you the truth.
Twenty minutes later:
Eep (to Mouse): Hey. I'm about to head on the porch. I need a cigarette. Can I get a hug before I go?
Mouse (to Eep): Of course, you can. Is everything alright? Want some company or is this a solo porch journey?
Eep (to Mouse): I guess I wouldn't mind some company. Sorry. It's just my pop. He called to basically bitch me out. And then he asked for money.
Mouse (to Eep): Aww, man. I'll grab you a beer, too. Dinner can simmer for a little while. What was he bitching about?
Eep (to Mouse): Carlos, my brother. Guess who ELSE got a credit card opened in his name? Whatever. And a beer would be awesome.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh geez, that sucks. I'm sorry you had to deal with that & we were having such a nice day... Your beer, sir.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Thanks. I'm alright. It's nothing new. Really.
Mouse (to Eep): You know what? I think you're getting another hug.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh! Well, I'm not gonna complain, but what was that for?
Mouse (to Eep): Because, it made me sad that this family stuff is nothing new.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Um, it's alright. I mean, it could be worse. My pop is a dick, but at least he's a harmless dick, you know?
Mouse (to Eep): I suppose. Did you mention to him about visiting or was it not the right time to bring it up?
Eep (to Mouse): I didn't. I should have. I really should have, but... I dunno. He drives me CRAZY when he asks for money. Every time he does it, he has some crazy sob story to accompany his request. I guess I didn't want him thinking I believed him. That I was coming to bail him out. I know. It's more than kinda fucked up.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh sweetie, I understand.
Eep (to Mouse): I know you do, thanks.
A couple hours later:
Vincent: Oh dear. I forgot about how amazing Jaye Davidson looked in this movie. I think I may need the coldest of all showers.
Mouse (to Vincent): Watching Stargate again, little brother?
Vincent (to Mouse): Mmmm. Poppy and I are working our way through a large bottle of red wine, and we just finished up the Stargate movie. I really should have thought this through before we started it. Today was confusing enough without a movie with a gender-bending theme.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, did something happen? Are you okay?
Vincent (to Mouse): Percy showed up to deliver a message. It did not go well.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh god... are you two alright?
Vincent (to Mouse): I'm OK. Well, mostly OK. But, Poppy... Poppy's been uncharacteristically quiet. I thought it best not to push her.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, it's got to be weird for her... She's really lucky to have you for a friend, little brother.
Vincent (to Mouse): I can imagine. Honestly, hun, I'm not sure that I'm making it any easier.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, why do you think that?
Vincent (to Mouse): I think being around me is more than a little confusing for her. She's interested in me, but...
Mouse (to Vincent): But, 'I'm not interested in her because I already dated her... sort of'? Or is it 'I'm interested in her but I'm afraid to do anything because I made such a big mess of it with her doppelganger"?
Vincent (to Mouse): It's more the latter, sweetie. I'm trying to relax, get to know this Poppy, and think of her as someone completely different, but... Well, I can't stop thinking about what I mess of things I made. I certainly don't want to hurt Poppy like I did Percy. I think it's better for everyone if we just remain friends. Even if it does get massively confusing. And it DOES seem to make automaton Percy jealous.
Mouse (to Vincent): Wow... that is definitely a fine pickle you've gotten yourself into, little brother. I don't really know what to tell you. I mean, I encouraged you to date Pop... Percy the first time. And, that didn't seem to go very well. But, at the same time, broken hearts are a part of the process. And, hopefully, the next time you get involved with someone, you will have learned from your mistakes.
Vincent (to Mouse): Good heavens, let's hope so! Poppy at least seems to understand, so that makes things a little easier. Speaking of learning from my mistakes... I'm going to have to cross back over at some point in the next few days. Alistair wants to see me.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, do you want some company?
Vincent (to Mouse): Is that a rhetorical question, or are you actually willing to let me go without you?
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, since you might lock me in a closet again. I'm willing to let you go alone... It's not going to be dangerous is it?
Vincent (to Mouse): Well, it shouldn't be. I left Alistair with the Wizard, so that's where I'll be headed. Hopefully, I'll be in and out before any disreputable individuals realize I'm in the neighborhood.
Mouse (to Vincent): Alright then, I won't force you to bring me with you. So, can I ask you a question about the whole you & Poppy thing?
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Well, yes. Of course. Are you sure you don't want to argue about me crossing over without you instead?
Mouse (to Vincent): I've decided that if you wanted or needed me to go with you, you'd ask me... I just want to know if you like Poppy because of who she is or if you're letting your past feelings cloud your brain? I mean, she seems nicer than Percy. And, I'd just hate for you to miss out on something good...
Vincent (to Mouse): Well, human Poppy is most definitely different than her clockwork counterpart. But, I don't know if I can answer your question, sweetie, because I don't know.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, maybe you should think about it?
Vincent (to Mouse): Truthfully, I, uh, I think I like human Poppy a bit more. Which I feel like a TERRIBLY heel about.
Mouse (to Vincent): Really? Why?
Vincent (to Mouse): Why do I feel terribly about it or why do I like her more?
Mouse (to Vincent): Yes.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oooo. I hate it when you do that! Well, Poppy and I aren't as competitive as me and "Percy" were, and she's more... human, I suppose. And I feel terrible about it because it's like dating someone, and liking her twin sister more.
Mouse (to Vincent): But, you didn't know about Poppy, until after you broke up with Percy.
Vincent (to Mouse): I know, sweetie. I'm not sure that makes me feel any better.
Mouse (to Vincent): So, you're going to torment yourself until your feelings go away or she does?
Vincent (to Mouse): Sweetie, I haven't the foggiest idea what I'm doing. Right now, I'm just trying to be Poppy's friend.
Mouse (to Vincent): Alright, little brother, you go back to your Stargate watching with Poppy. I have a movie to watch myself.
Vincent (to Mouse): I will, hun. Someday, I'll do something other than yak your ear off with endless complaining. :-P I love you, sweet sister o' mine. Good night. I'll talk to you later.
Mouse (to Vincent): I love you, too. Talk to you, later!
