Eep (to Mouse): What are you making in here? It smells fucking amazing!
Mouse (to Eep): Just some cinnamon rolls. They should be ready shortly. Want some coffee? How'd you sleep? You seemed a little restless.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I kinda tossed and turned last night. I'll survive. Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up.
Mouse (to Eep): It's okay, it's not like I haven't done it to you before. Anything you want to talk about?
Eep (to Mouse): I'm alright. Just bad dreams mostly. Probably cause of what we talked about before work.
Mouse (to Eep): Aww, I'm sorry. Come here, you big lug. Do you want a roll? It's guaranteed to make you feel better...
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I'll bet. I'm OK. Really. I'm just... well, you know how it is.
Mouse (to Eep): Yes, I do... I also know that you're a grump & like to make yourself miserable. Especially, when you've got no reason to be. :-P And, you're sexy when you're being all broody & grumpy. :-)
Eep (to Mouse): I don't like making myself miserable, you know. Though, I guess I should just count myself lucky you have such weird taste.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh. Well, I'm glad you've got weird taste too... Did I just hear a knock on the door? Can you get it?
Eep (to Mouse): Hey. Um, weird question... What did Vincent's last name used to be? Smith?
Mouse (to Eep): No, it was Jones... Why do you ask?
Eep (to Mouse): Huh. I was afraid you were gonna say that. Some lady was at the door looking for Paul Jones.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh, who was she? What did you say?
Eep (to Mouse): I dunno. She was young, mid-twenties or so. Said she was looking for Paul Jones and had this listed as his address. I told her she had the wrong place. What else was I gonna say?
Mouse (to Eep): You were fine, I'm probably just being paranoid. Did she look familiar? A few weeks back, Vincent was going to speak to a reporter about his Dad... but he decided against it.
Eep (to Mouse): Familiar? Uh, no. Not really. Don't think I've ever seen her before. A reporter? What? Why the fuck would he talk to a reporter about his dad? Paranoid? About what? I'm fucking lost.
Mouse (to Eep): Vincent found out his parents moved to FL & his dad is Pastor Nate. Who happens to run a bunch of pray out the gay type camps. The main message of his ministry is 'hate the sin, not the sinner'. Vincent was feeling angry & wanted a little payback. I talked him out of it, but now I'm wondering if that woman had something to do with it. No one here knows him by that name.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. OH! Jesus! Nothing can be uncomplicated with that kid, can it?
Mouse (to Eep): I'm going to grab a smoke & think for a minute. Wanna join me?
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Sure. Is this Pastor guy a big deal?
Mouse (to Eep): Vincent seemed to think he was. I had only vaguely heard of him. I think Ripper mentioned to me that he went & protested one of the camp openings a couple years ago.
Eep (to Mouse): Really? Christ. Are you gonna tell Vincent?
Mouse (to Eep): I don't know. Should I bother? I mean, it could be unrelated.
Eep (to Mouse): I dunno. Could be unrelated, but chances are it is. It's probably better to let him know and have it be nothing than let him get blindsided.
Mouse (to Eep): True...
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, would it be terrible of me to suggest that we should lounge around in bed all day? :-)
Vincent (to Poppy): It would be dreadful of you, which is why we should do it. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, should I go grab one of the bottles of bubbly I brought home last night, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): That sounds like the second best idea I've heard all day! The first was, "Let's not get up at all today."
Poppy (to Vincent): Do you want anything from the kitchen while I'm up, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Ooo yes! There's cut up fruit in the fridge. If you could bring it with, I'd appreciate it. I should probably eat something.
Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, honey. I'll be right back.
Mouse (to Vincent): Hey little brother, sorry to disturb you on your day off. But, something curious happened today & I thought you should know. A young woman came asking for Paul Jones. She asked if she lived here & Eep told her simply no. It's probably nothing, but Eep suggested I let you know just in case.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Well. That's rather... unexpected. Thank you, sweetie. I appreciate you letting me know.
Mouse (to Vincent): No worries, I hope you're having a nice, lazy Sunday.
Vincent (to Mouse): I am. So far, I have yet to get dressed or leave the bed.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... Are you feeling okay? Do you need some soup?
Vincent (to Mouse): No, no. I'm fine, sweetie. I'm not sick, I'm just being lazy.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh alright, I'll leave you to it, then. Have a lovely lazy day.
Vincent (to Mouse): Thanks, sweetie. I will. Love you, sweet sister o' mine. I'll see you later.
Mouse (to Eep): Alright, I let him know... What's your work schedule like this week? Do you want to go somewhere?
Eep (to Mouse): Uh, I picked up an extra couple of shifts at the bookstore Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and then the usual hours at Drac's.
Mouse (to Eep): Of course, I was just feeling like doing something different. No worries, some other time.
Eep (to Mouse): You alright? If you really wanna do something, I can see if I can switch shifts with someone so we can.
Mouse (to Eep): That's sweet of you, but it's okay. We can have fun here & besides, you're now the main bread winner in the family. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Am I? Jesus. That's a terrifying thought.
Mouse (to Eep): I'm just teasing... but it did just dawn on me that I shouldn't be spending money on a trip while I'm in between jobs, right now.
Eep (to Mouse): Guess you'll just have to deal with me all week instead. However will you survive?
Mouse (to Eep): Well, I think we're both reasonably intelligent people, I'm sure we can come up with something. :-)
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright honey, I've got everything... Now, whatever shall we do? :-)
Vincent (to Poppy): Hmmm? Oh. Thanks, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Uh oh... what's wrong, honey? You've got that pensive face. Did something happen in the few minutes I was gone?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh, do I, hun? My sister called. Apparently, someone was asking about "Paul Jones" over at her apartment.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... What do you think it could be about, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): I'm honestly not sure.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well then, eat some fruit, drink champagne, & relax, honey. There's no point in worrying about it until you know.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Hun, I can't argue with that kind of logic.
Poppy (to Vincent): I know, that's why you keep me around. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. One of a multitude of reasons. Thank you, Poppy. I appreciate you keeping me from being horribly morose.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, it's for purely selfish reasons, I assure you... I just hate to see you like that.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, I certainly can't say that I blame you. *I* don't like myself when I'm behaving like this. And I normally love myself.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, honey, should I leave? Am I third wheel in this lovefest? :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Ha ha ha! No, no. Trust me, hun. I much prefer your company to my own. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, that's good, honey, because I like your company, too... Can I ask you a teeny, tiny favor, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Of course, hun. What can I do for you?
Poppy (to Vincent): Will you come with me to my work on Wednesday & meet the girls? I mentioned you to them & they all want to meet you. And, uh, just so you know, I may have accidentally referred to you as my boyfriend. I'm not sure I did, though. But, if it comes up, I don't want you to be shocked.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh! I certainly don't mind coming to meet your coworkers, hun. And, I suppose in a manner of speaking, we did kind of date. Sort of.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you for saying you'll come with me & not being upset about my silly slip of the tongue. It was one of those moments where I answered a question while I was busy doing something & then wasn't sure what I said. And, then it was too late.
Vincent (to Poppy): It's alright, hun. To be brutally honest, it IS a little bit odd. Your counterpart and I didn't part on the most amicable of terms, and even though I KNOW you're completely different. it's still a bit of a shock to hear you refer to me as your boyfriend, even as a mistake. Sorry, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm sorry, honey, if I did indeed say it, I'll correct the error. I'd hate for anyone to get the wrong impression. I'm sure I was just thinking that you were male & my friend, and didn't even think about how it sounded... Oh, and there I go ruining our nice Sunday... I should have a muzzle.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. No need to be quite so drastic, sweetie. I'm not upset, and I'm certainly not insulted. It's just one of those things that's a little complicated for me, I'm afraid. I, uh, I still feel guilty for how things ended between your counterpart and I.
Poppy (to Vincent): I understand, honey, and I'm certainly not expecting you to jump up & say that you want me to be your girlfriend... It freaked me out when Truly got so excited about meeting you & it dawned on me that I may have given her the wrong idea. And knowing how weird it is between us, I just wanted to give you fair warning.
Vincent (to Poppy): No, that's fair. Thank you for warning me, hun. I... I, uh, I wish I knew what t say. Oh dear... Once again, you prove to be the one person exceptional adept at flustering me.
Poppy (to Vincent): I don't mean to fluster you, honey. I'm sorry.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I know you're not trying to do it, hun. I think it might be one of the reasons you can.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, maybe you should make a list of all of the topics that I should avoid mentioning to you... Of course, that might not leave very much for you & I to talk about, which leads to potentially other problems.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ha ha ha! Please don't. When have safe topics ever been interesting ones? Oh good heavens. I think... Yes. I am a bit more drunk than I was planning to be. Hee hee. Family'll do that to you.
Poppy (to Vincent): Silly, how drunk were you planning on being? I never plan on being drunk at all... it just sort of happens. You are preaching to the choir... You are quite handsome, honey... Oops, I seem to be drunk, too.
Vincent (to Poppy): I know you do, hun. Aren't we quite the wayward pair? And you're plenty easy on the eyes, yourself, sweetie, but you know that already.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, but I like it when you say it, honey... makes me feel all tingly... or that could just be the champagne.
Vincent (to Poppy): Do you want another glass? Or do you think we've had enough?
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, is there any left in the bottle? If there is, let's finish it, if there isn't then we stop...or grab the other bottle.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, looks like there's enough for us to each have about half a glass, hun. Cheers!
Poppy (to Vincent): Cheers to you! ... Honey, can I ask you a personal question? Feel free to say no.
Vincent (to Poppy): Sure, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Why exactly do you feel so guilty about the whole thing with RoboPoppy? I mean, after everything you've told me about it. It sounds like you did the right thing & you weren't in love with her. Besides, it seems like she's a bit glitchy. It just makes me wonder if that's my future and I'm doomed to be miserable & bitter like her.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. We were also superdy, duperdy, weirdly competitive with one another. Heh. I guess that's what happens when two people used to being the prettiest princess in the room hook up. And for what it's worth, I don't think you're doomed to end up like RoboPoppy, hun. You two are similar, it's certain. But you're hardly the same. I didn't realize it at the time, because... Well, I don't think I really wanted to. But your counterpart isn't very good at being human.
Poppy (to Vincent): But, why do you feel bad about it?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Sweet Lord. I am FAR too drunk to be able to evade this question properly, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): You don't have to tell me, honey... it's okay. I'm sorry I asked.
Vincent (to Poppy): It's a fair question, Poppy. I can't quite explain it without sounding superbly pathetic and ridiculous, I'm afraid. I wasn't ready to be in a relationship. I knew that, but I got caught up, I suppose. And by the time I realized it... Well, it was too late not to hurt her. I behaved like... Well. I was a cad. I'm not ready for a relationship... And, heh, as dumb as this sounds, I hadn't been with a guy, hun. It's... It's, um, hard to explain. I feel guilty, because I knew all this, and still... I hold myself up to pretty high standards, I suppose.
Poppy (to Vincent): Hmmm... you want to know what I think? I think that you're too rough on yourself & that the other me is just as much to blame. She should have told you the truth. I think a part of you knew that she wasn't being honest with you... but, it was easier not to find out. I don't think there's some special sign that lights up when you're ready for a relationship, honey. I think it just sort of happens. You are a sweet, caring, intelligent, handsome man & I think when the right person comes along you'll know. And, I'm a babbling fool when I get some champagne in me. I'm sorry, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Well... Hee hee. Far be it from me to tell you to stop saying nice things about me. Um, thanks, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): You're welcome. And, I'm not just saying this stuff to stroke your ego. I like you, Vincent. You just seem like lately you've been all tied up in knots about a lot of things. There's a big wide world out there, so much to see & do, it's a shame to waste time brooding.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Once again, hun. I can't argue with you when you're speaking sense.
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, sense or very good sounding drunken logic... either way, I'll probably ignore my own advice. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee hee. Well, I can't say I'll be able to abide by it always either. What are you brooding about, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, uh, while I was talking to you about relationship stuff, I had an epiphany... and, I'm not sure how I feel about it. I think I'm still processing it in my brain.
Vincent (to Poppy): Is it anything you want to talk about, hun? You certainly listened to me twat on and on enough.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, honey, I don't think I'm ready to talk about it, just yet. But, when I am, you'll be the first to know. I think I'm gonna go read on the couch for a bit & then go to sleep, honey. Thank you for the lovely lazy day.
Vincent (to Poppy): If there's anything I can do, hun. Let me know. It's only fair.
Poppy (to Vincent): It just dawned on me that I might be an idiot, honey. A big dumb, oblivious idiot... Not sure there's a lot you can do.
Vincent (to Poppy): Are you sure there isn't anything you want to talk about?
Poppy (to Vincent): Vincent, I like what we have, and I'm afraid that if we talk about this, it will change... so no. I'm good with the not talking.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ah. Well, then perhaps we should just say good night, then. If you want anything, hun, let me now. And for what it's worth, Poppy, um... Thank you.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm feeling a bit like a cad & a coward, so why are you thanking me?
Vincent (to Poppy): You're hardly a cad or a coward, hun. Thank you for listening to me. I...um, well, it's not easy for me to trust people. Opening up to people is hard for me, and after what my sister told me... Well, what you said to me was welcome reassurance.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh honey, it's okay... I understand. I try as a general rule, not to lie to the people I care about... You're really trying to get me to talk about what's bothering me, aren't you?
Vincent (to Poppy): All I'm doing is sitting here and listening, sweetie. You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, have you ever thought of getting a job as an inquisitor? Because, I think you're a natural.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. I've heard that complaint before.
Poppy (to Vincent): Look, Vincent, I don't really think this is a conversation we should have, right now... quite possibly ever. Like I said, I'm feeling a bit of a coward... Ask me anything you like, but please leave this alone.
Vincent (to Poppy): Alright. Alright. It's fine, hun. If you don't want to talk about it, I'm not going to force you. I really don't want to make you uncomfortable. Honestly. I just know that sometimes I need an extra little push... Even if it's something I want to talk about. We can just leave it here, hun. I don't mind.
Poppy (to Vincent): No, no... You want to know what it is so badly. Fine. I'll tell you... I think the reason that you feel so guilty about RoboPoppy is because you weren't ready for a relationship with her, but you're having one with me... Yes, and I know we keep saying we're just friends, but clearly we're more than that & everyone can see it, but us.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. I... Oh dear. Oh God. Oh good God. You're right, hun. I, uh... Oh dear.
Poppy (to Vincent): So, I guess I should pack my stuff up, tomorrow. I understand if you don't want to move in to my place with me under these circumstances.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh? Oh. Right. I suppose that's prudent. I... Well, I'm sorry, sweetie. I certainly didn't mean to do this all over again.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm fine, honey. Unlike, my counterpart, I'm a bit more pragmatic about these kind of things. Wait. What do you mean again? I didn't declare my undying love for you... This isn't about my feelings...
Vincent (to Poppy): I'm sorry, hun. I'm drunk. I may not be thinking clearly... I know we aren't planning our wedding or anything of the sort, I just mean that once again, I find myself a little more... Um, involved than I intended. I... I don't know what else to say, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, you're not the only one... Though, I have to admit, that despite my intentions or my feelings about relationships, I uh, was actually enjoying it... which was why I didn't want to talk about it. And now, it's done. No sense in making this more awkward for both of us. Should we shake on it & call it a day? I think I may just grab a cab & head over to my place right now. I've just got the one box & my bed is already there.
Vincent (to Poppy): Sweetie, it's late, and we're both a little drunk. Don't run off. I know it's awkward, but I think we can both handle sharing space under the same roof for one more night. For what it's worth, I really enjoyed our time together as well.You can take the bed tonight if you like. I mean, if you want to stay.
Poppy (to Vincent): No offense, honey, but you're an idiot. Don't worry, I'm an idiot, too... because of course, I want to stay... I enjoy your company more than anyone else's in the world.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. I... Um. What?
Poppy (to Vincent): Why do you want me to stay? Why do you always want me to stay? Don't use some lame excuse...I want you to tell me the truth. Please... because, if I walk out the door right now, that's the end. I mean, we'll still be friends, but that'll be it.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh... Um, wow. I... I like living with you, hun. I like having someone around who understands me. Not that Mouse and Eep and the rest don't try to understand... But, well, they don't, do they? I'm sorry, Poppy. I know I'm an idiot. I keep saying I'm not ready for a relationship, and I know I'm terrified of the prospect of having one... Um, but that doesn't mean that somewhere, I didn't hope maybe someday we might revisit the issue. But... well, there are an awful lot of maybes and mights in that sentence.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, honey...
Vincent (to Poppy): For what, hun? Being a confused mess of a little man?
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, I suppose... I guess I was expecting you to say something else... I should go.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh... I, um, I'm sorry, hun. For the record, I, uh, I'm not discounting any of the physical reasons I enjoyed having you here either... I didn't want to be crass.
Poppy (to Vincent): You are such a boy... It's not you, it's me. I got caught up in a romantic notion & then, I remembered myself. You deserve someone way less messed up, honey, to have your prospective relationship with, especially not someone that looks like your ex. So, I'm going to save you the trouble of dealing with all of this angst and go away.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh, good heavens! Is that what you're worried about, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): I just sometimes feel like I'm the copy especially, when you talk about things happening again... I mean, this is all new to me. I've never been in a relationship before real or otherwise...
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh, well I meant that more in a "I seem to keep making the same mistakes over and over again" way. I certainly don't think of you as a "copy," of anyone. But, if you want to head out, sweetie. I certainly wouldn't blame you.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you... So where does this leave us? I mean, is there an us? I mean, i'd really like to continue on as we were, but I'd understand if that's too weird for you.
Vincent (to Poppy): I'd like you to stay, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Ok. I promise at some point, I'll stop acting like such a girl about this type of thing.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee. And I promise I'll stop acting like such an idiot. :-P
Mouse (to Eep): Just some cinnamon rolls. They should be ready shortly. Want some coffee? How'd you sleep? You seemed a little restless.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I kinda tossed and turned last night. I'll survive. Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up.
Mouse (to Eep): It's okay, it's not like I haven't done it to you before. Anything you want to talk about?
Eep (to Mouse): I'm alright. Just bad dreams mostly. Probably cause of what we talked about before work.
Mouse (to Eep): Aww, I'm sorry. Come here, you big lug. Do you want a roll? It's guaranteed to make you feel better...
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I'll bet. I'm OK. Really. I'm just... well, you know how it is.
Mouse (to Eep): Yes, I do... I also know that you're a grump & like to make yourself miserable. Especially, when you've got no reason to be. :-P And, you're sexy when you're being all broody & grumpy. :-)
Eep (to Mouse): I don't like making myself miserable, you know. Though, I guess I should just count myself lucky you have such weird taste.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh. Well, I'm glad you've got weird taste too... Did I just hear a knock on the door? Can you get it?
Eep (to Mouse): Hey. Um, weird question... What did Vincent's last name used to be? Smith?
Mouse (to Eep): No, it was Jones... Why do you ask?
Eep (to Mouse): Huh. I was afraid you were gonna say that. Some lady was at the door looking for Paul Jones.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh, who was she? What did you say?
Eep (to Mouse): I dunno. She was young, mid-twenties or so. Said she was looking for Paul Jones and had this listed as his address. I told her she had the wrong place. What else was I gonna say?
Mouse (to Eep): You were fine, I'm probably just being paranoid. Did she look familiar? A few weeks back, Vincent was going to speak to a reporter about his Dad... but he decided against it.
Eep (to Mouse): Familiar? Uh, no. Not really. Don't think I've ever seen her before. A reporter? What? Why the fuck would he talk to a reporter about his dad? Paranoid? About what? I'm fucking lost.
Mouse (to Eep): Vincent found out his parents moved to FL & his dad is Pastor Nate. Who happens to run a bunch of pray out the gay type camps. The main message of his ministry is 'hate the sin, not the sinner'. Vincent was feeling angry & wanted a little payback. I talked him out of it, but now I'm wondering if that woman had something to do with it. No one here knows him by that name.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. OH! Jesus! Nothing can be uncomplicated with that kid, can it?
Mouse (to Eep): I'm going to grab a smoke & think for a minute. Wanna join me?
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Sure. Is this Pastor guy a big deal?
Mouse (to Eep): Vincent seemed to think he was. I had only vaguely heard of him. I think Ripper mentioned to me that he went & protested one of the camp openings a couple years ago.
Eep (to Mouse): Really? Christ. Are you gonna tell Vincent?
Mouse (to Eep): I don't know. Should I bother? I mean, it could be unrelated.
Eep (to Mouse): I dunno. Could be unrelated, but chances are it is. It's probably better to let him know and have it be nothing than let him get blindsided.
Mouse (to Eep): True...
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, would it be terrible of me to suggest that we should lounge around in bed all day? :-)
Vincent (to Poppy): It would be dreadful of you, which is why we should do it. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, should I go grab one of the bottles of bubbly I brought home last night, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): That sounds like the second best idea I've heard all day! The first was, "Let's not get up at all today."
Poppy (to Vincent): Do you want anything from the kitchen while I'm up, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Ooo yes! There's cut up fruit in the fridge. If you could bring it with, I'd appreciate it. I should probably eat something.
Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, honey. I'll be right back.
Mouse (to Vincent): Hey little brother, sorry to disturb you on your day off. But, something curious happened today & I thought you should know. A young woman came asking for Paul Jones. She asked if she lived here & Eep told her simply no. It's probably nothing, but Eep suggested I let you know just in case.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Well. That's rather... unexpected. Thank you, sweetie. I appreciate you letting me know.
Mouse (to Vincent): No worries, I hope you're having a nice, lazy Sunday.
Vincent (to Mouse): I am. So far, I have yet to get dressed or leave the bed.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... Are you feeling okay? Do you need some soup?
Vincent (to Mouse): No, no. I'm fine, sweetie. I'm not sick, I'm just being lazy.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh alright, I'll leave you to it, then. Have a lovely lazy day.
Vincent (to Mouse): Thanks, sweetie. I will. Love you, sweet sister o' mine. I'll see you later.
Mouse (to Eep): Alright, I let him know... What's your work schedule like this week? Do you want to go somewhere?
Eep (to Mouse): Uh, I picked up an extra couple of shifts at the bookstore Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and then the usual hours at Drac's.
Mouse (to Eep): Of course, I was just feeling like doing something different. No worries, some other time.
Eep (to Mouse): You alright? If you really wanna do something, I can see if I can switch shifts with someone so we can.
Mouse (to Eep): That's sweet of you, but it's okay. We can have fun here & besides, you're now the main bread winner in the family. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Am I? Jesus. That's a terrifying thought.
Mouse (to Eep): I'm just teasing... but it did just dawn on me that I shouldn't be spending money on a trip while I'm in between jobs, right now.
Eep (to Mouse): Guess you'll just have to deal with me all week instead. However will you survive?
Mouse (to Eep): Well, I think we're both reasonably intelligent people, I'm sure we can come up with something. :-)
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright honey, I've got everything... Now, whatever shall we do? :-)
Vincent (to Poppy): Hmmm? Oh. Thanks, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Uh oh... what's wrong, honey? You've got that pensive face. Did something happen in the few minutes I was gone?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh, do I, hun? My sister called. Apparently, someone was asking about "Paul Jones" over at her apartment.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... What do you think it could be about, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): I'm honestly not sure.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well then, eat some fruit, drink champagne, & relax, honey. There's no point in worrying about it until you know.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Hun, I can't argue with that kind of logic.
Poppy (to Vincent): I know, that's why you keep me around. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. One of a multitude of reasons. Thank you, Poppy. I appreciate you keeping me from being horribly morose.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, it's for purely selfish reasons, I assure you... I just hate to see you like that.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, I certainly can't say that I blame you. *I* don't like myself when I'm behaving like this. And I normally love myself.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, honey, should I leave? Am I third wheel in this lovefest? :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Ha ha ha! No, no. Trust me, hun. I much prefer your company to my own. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, that's good, honey, because I like your company, too... Can I ask you a teeny, tiny favor, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Of course, hun. What can I do for you?
Poppy (to Vincent): Will you come with me to my work on Wednesday & meet the girls? I mentioned you to them & they all want to meet you. And, uh, just so you know, I may have accidentally referred to you as my boyfriend. I'm not sure I did, though. But, if it comes up, I don't want you to be shocked.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh! I certainly don't mind coming to meet your coworkers, hun. And, I suppose in a manner of speaking, we did kind of date. Sort of.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you for saying you'll come with me & not being upset about my silly slip of the tongue. It was one of those moments where I answered a question while I was busy doing something & then wasn't sure what I said. And, then it was too late.
Vincent (to Poppy): It's alright, hun. To be brutally honest, it IS a little bit odd. Your counterpart and I didn't part on the most amicable of terms, and even though I KNOW you're completely different. it's still a bit of a shock to hear you refer to me as your boyfriend, even as a mistake. Sorry, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm sorry, honey, if I did indeed say it, I'll correct the error. I'd hate for anyone to get the wrong impression. I'm sure I was just thinking that you were male & my friend, and didn't even think about how it sounded... Oh, and there I go ruining our nice Sunday... I should have a muzzle.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. No need to be quite so drastic, sweetie. I'm not upset, and I'm certainly not insulted. It's just one of those things that's a little complicated for me, I'm afraid. I, uh, I still feel guilty for how things ended between your counterpart and I.
Poppy (to Vincent): I understand, honey, and I'm certainly not expecting you to jump up & say that you want me to be your girlfriend... It freaked me out when Truly got so excited about meeting you & it dawned on me that I may have given her the wrong idea. And knowing how weird it is between us, I just wanted to give you fair warning.
Vincent (to Poppy): No, that's fair. Thank you for warning me, hun. I... I, uh, I wish I knew what t say. Oh dear... Once again, you prove to be the one person exceptional adept at flustering me.
Poppy (to Vincent): I don't mean to fluster you, honey. I'm sorry.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I know you're not trying to do it, hun. I think it might be one of the reasons you can.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, maybe you should make a list of all of the topics that I should avoid mentioning to you... Of course, that might not leave very much for you & I to talk about, which leads to potentially other problems.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ha ha ha! Please don't. When have safe topics ever been interesting ones? Oh good heavens. I think... Yes. I am a bit more drunk than I was planning to be. Hee hee. Family'll do that to you.
Poppy (to Vincent): Silly, how drunk were you planning on being? I never plan on being drunk at all... it just sort of happens. You are preaching to the choir... You are quite handsome, honey... Oops, I seem to be drunk, too.
Vincent (to Poppy): I know you do, hun. Aren't we quite the wayward pair? And you're plenty easy on the eyes, yourself, sweetie, but you know that already.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, but I like it when you say it, honey... makes me feel all tingly... or that could just be the champagne.
Vincent (to Poppy): Do you want another glass? Or do you think we've had enough?
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, is there any left in the bottle? If there is, let's finish it, if there isn't then we stop...or grab the other bottle.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, looks like there's enough for us to each have about half a glass, hun. Cheers!
Poppy (to Vincent): Cheers to you! ... Honey, can I ask you a personal question? Feel free to say no.
Vincent (to Poppy): Sure, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Why exactly do you feel so guilty about the whole thing with RoboPoppy? I mean, after everything you've told me about it. It sounds like you did the right thing & you weren't in love with her. Besides, it seems like she's a bit glitchy. It just makes me wonder if that's my future and I'm doomed to be miserable & bitter like her.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. We were also superdy, duperdy, weirdly competitive with one another. Heh. I guess that's what happens when two people used to being the prettiest princess in the room hook up. And for what it's worth, I don't think you're doomed to end up like RoboPoppy, hun. You two are similar, it's certain. But you're hardly the same. I didn't realize it at the time, because... Well, I don't think I really wanted to. But your counterpart isn't very good at being human.
Poppy (to Vincent): But, why do you feel bad about it?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Sweet Lord. I am FAR too drunk to be able to evade this question properly, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): You don't have to tell me, honey... it's okay. I'm sorry I asked.
Vincent (to Poppy): It's a fair question, Poppy. I can't quite explain it without sounding superbly pathetic and ridiculous, I'm afraid. I wasn't ready to be in a relationship. I knew that, but I got caught up, I suppose. And by the time I realized it... Well, it was too late not to hurt her. I behaved like... Well. I was a cad. I'm not ready for a relationship... And, heh, as dumb as this sounds, I hadn't been with a guy, hun. It's... It's, um, hard to explain. I feel guilty, because I knew all this, and still... I hold myself up to pretty high standards, I suppose.
Poppy (to Vincent): Hmmm... you want to know what I think? I think that you're too rough on yourself & that the other me is just as much to blame. She should have told you the truth. I think a part of you knew that she wasn't being honest with you... but, it was easier not to find out. I don't think there's some special sign that lights up when you're ready for a relationship, honey. I think it just sort of happens. You are a sweet, caring, intelligent, handsome man & I think when the right person comes along you'll know. And, I'm a babbling fool when I get some champagne in me. I'm sorry, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Well... Hee hee. Far be it from me to tell you to stop saying nice things about me. Um, thanks, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): You're welcome. And, I'm not just saying this stuff to stroke your ego. I like you, Vincent. You just seem like lately you've been all tied up in knots about a lot of things. There's a big wide world out there, so much to see & do, it's a shame to waste time brooding.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Once again, hun. I can't argue with you when you're speaking sense.
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, sense or very good sounding drunken logic... either way, I'll probably ignore my own advice. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee hee. Well, I can't say I'll be able to abide by it always either. What are you brooding about, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, uh, while I was talking to you about relationship stuff, I had an epiphany... and, I'm not sure how I feel about it. I think I'm still processing it in my brain.
Vincent (to Poppy): Is it anything you want to talk about, hun? You certainly listened to me twat on and on enough.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, honey, I don't think I'm ready to talk about it, just yet. But, when I am, you'll be the first to know. I think I'm gonna go read on the couch for a bit & then go to sleep, honey. Thank you for the lovely lazy day.
Vincent (to Poppy): If there's anything I can do, hun. Let me know. It's only fair.
Poppy (to Vincent): It just dawned on me that I might be an idiot, honey. A big dumb, oblivious idiot... Not sure there's a lot you can do.
Vincent (to Poppy): Are you sure there isn't anything you want to talk about?
Poppy (to Vincent): Vincent, I like what we have, and I'm afraid that if we talk about this, it will change... so no. I'm good with the not talking.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ah. Well, then perhaps we should just say good night, then. If you want anything, hun, let me now. And for what it's worth, Poppy, um... Thank you.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm feeling a bit like a cad & a coward, so why are you thanking me?
Vincent (to Poppy): You're hardly a cad or a coward, hun. Thank you for listening to me. I...um, well, it's not easy for me to trust people. Opening up to people is hard for me, and after what my sister told me... Well, what you said to me was welcome reassurance.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh honey, it's okay... I understand. I try as a general rule, not to lie to the people I care about... You're really trying to get me to talk about what's bothering me, aren't you?
Vincent (to Poppy): All I'm doing is sitting here and listening, sweetie. You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, have you ever thought of getting a job as an inquisitor? Because, I think you're a natural.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. I've heard that complaint before.
Poppy (to Vincent): Look, Vincent, I don't really think this is a conversation we should have, right now... quite possibly ever. Like I said, I'm feeling a bit of a coward... Ask me anything you like, but please leave this alone.
Vincent (to Poppy): Alright. Alright. It's fine, hun. If you don't want to talk about it, I'm not going to force you. I really don't want to make you uncomfortable. Honestly. I just know that sometimes I need an extra little push... Even if it's something I want to talk about. We can just leave it here, hun. I don't mind.
Poppy (to Vincent): No, no... You want to know what it is so badly. Fine. I'll tell you... I think the reason that you feel so guilty about RoboPoppy is because you weren't ready for a relationship with her, but you're having one with me... Yes, and I know we keep saying we're just friends, but clearly we're more than that & everyone can see it, but us.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. I... Oh dear. Oh God. Oh good God. You're right, hun. I, uh... Oh dear.
Poppy (to Vincent): So, I guess I should pack my stuff up, tomorrow. I understand if you don't want to move in to my place with me under these circumstances.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh? Oh. Right. I suppose that's prudent. I... Well, I'm sorry, sweetie. I certainly didn't mean to do this all over again.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm fine, honey. Unlike, my counterpart, I'm a bit more pragmatic about these kind of things. Wait. What do you mean again? I didn't declare my undying love for you... This isn't about my feelings...
Vincent (to Poppy): I'm sorry, hun. I'm drunk. I may not be thinking clearly... I know we aren't planning our wedding or anything of the sort, I just mean that once again, I find myself a little more... Um, involved than I intended. I... I don't know what else to say, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, you're not the only one... Though, I have to admit, that despite my intentions or my feelings about relationships, I uh, was actually enjoying it... which was why I didn't want to talk about it. And now, it's done. No sense in making this more awkward for both of us. Should we shake on it & call it a day? I think I may just grab a cab & head over to my place right now. I've just got the one box & my bed is already there.
Vincent (to Poppy): Sweetie, it's late, and we're both a little drunk. Don't run off. I know it's awkward, but I think we can both handle sharing space under the same roof for one more night. For what it's worth, I really enjoyed our time together as well.You can take the bed tonight if you like. I mean, if you want to stay.
Poppy (to Vincent): No offense, honey, but you're an idiot. Don't worry, I'm an idiot, too... because of course, I want to stay... I enjoy your company more than anyone else's in the world.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. I... Um. What?
Poppy (to Vincent): Why do you want me to stay? Why do you always want me to stay? Don't use some lame excuse...I want you to tell me the truth. Please... because, if I walk out the door right now, that's the end. I mean, we'll still be friends, but that'll be it.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh... Um, wow. I... I like living with you, hun. I like having someone around who understands me. Not that Mouse and Eep and the rest don't try to understand... But, well, they don't, do they? I'm sorry, Poppy. I know I'm an idiot. I keep saying I'm not ready for a relationship, and I know I'm terrified of the prospect of having one... Um, but that doesn't mean that somewhere, I didn't hope maybe someday we might revisit the issue. But... well, there are an awful lot of maybes and mights in that sentence.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, honey...
Vincent (to Poppy): For what, hun? Being a confused mess of a little man?
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, I suppose... I guess I was expecting you to say something else... I should go.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh... I, um, I'm sorry, hun. For the record, I, uh, I'm not discounting any of the physical reasons I enjoyed having you here either... I didn't want to be crass.
Poppy (to Vincent): You are such a boy... It's not you, it's me. I got caught up in a romantic notion & then, I remembered myself. You deserve someone way less messed up, honey, to have your prospective relationship with, especially not someone that looks like your ex. So, I'm going to save you the trouble of dealing with all of this angst and go away.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh, good heavens! Is that what you're worried about, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): I just sometimes feel like I'm the copy especially, when you talk about things happening again... I mean, this is all new to me. I've never been in a relationship before real or otherwise...
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh, well I meant that more in a "I seem to keep making the same mistakes over and over again" way. I certainly don't think of you as a "copy," of anyone. But, if you want to head out, sweetie. I certainly wouldn't blame you.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you... So where does this leave us? I mean, is there an us? I mean, i'd really like to continue on as we were, but I'd understand if that's too weird for you.
Vincent (to Poppy): I'd like you to stay, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Ok. I promise at some point, I'll stop acting like such a girl about this type of thing.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee. And I promise I'll stop acting like such an idiot. :-P
