Vincent (to Poppy): Morning, hun. Were you talking to someone? I thought I heard voices a few... Oh my God... What happened? Are you OK? Why on earth would someone steal the kitchen table? Oh good heavens...
Poppy (to Vincent): Let me get you some coffee, honey... It was Percy. He moved the furniture, as well as, a bunch of small stuff to the new apartment in the wee hours. I'd offer you a seat, but we appear not to have any, so all I can offer you is a spot on the floor.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ah, that explains... something, I suppose. Well.
Poppy (to Vincent): He said to think of it as an apology for treating you like an ass... Oh, and here's your key.
Vincent (to Poppy): That was kind. I suppose. In a creepy, Single White Female kind of way. I'd forgotten he still had a key. Well. Heh. I suppose this is one less thing for me to do.
Poppy (to Vincent): I guess it's better than him being mean... But it makes me suspicious.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. More than a little. I fear we'll find out what exactly he's up to sooner or later. It looks like today will mean finishing the packing and moving, unless we want to spend all our time in the bedroom.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I do like hanging out in the bedroom with you... Or did you mean something else?
Vincent (to Poppy): Ha ha ha! For once I didn't! I was remarking on our current lack of furniture. Hee hee. I think I need more coffee. I'm not even conscious enough for proper innuendo. The shame!
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. I'll make another pot, honey... I can run to the new place, empty out some boxes & bring them back in a bit.
Vincent (to Poppy): Thanks, hun. I'll get the kitchen sorted, and then start on the bedroom. Ooo! That closet is going to be a chore.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, honey. I'm off to go get boxes. I'll be back as quick as I can.
Vincent (to Poppy): See you in a few, hun.
Three hours later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Hey honey, I have finally returned with boxes. Get out the confetti & champagne. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I don't have confetti, I'm afraid, but I DO have unidentified liquor I found in the back of the closet. Only God in heaven knows what it is.Why do I accept this stuff?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, it's either because you're incredibly nice or you have a deathwish... I'm not sure which it is, honey. :-)
Vincent (to Poppy): Clearly, it's one or the other. Oof! Oh good heavens! Smell this dreg, hun. I'm beginning to suspect whoever gave this to me was trying to kill me.
Poppy (to Vincent): Good lord! That smells like formaldehyde... I'm not even sure we can legally pour that down the drain.
Vincent (to Poppy): I should think not! I certainly wouldn't want this filtering its way into the drinking water. I don't suppose you know any place we can dispose of toxic waste?
Poppy (to Vincent): I think there's a biohazard dumpster at the hospital, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ha ha ha! I think that's really our only option.
Poppy (to Vincent): Here, put it in this bucket. I'll set it outside, so we don't forget to dispose of it, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Careful. It might melt your face off.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, maybe we could market it as the Fountain of Youth elixir... "Melt Away the Years" with whatever this is.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Our customers would certainly stop aging, Mainly because this "elixir" would probably kill them.
Poppy (to Vincent): I think we can get around that, honey, we just put an exclaimer that says 'May Result in Death.' :-P Heehee, I should have said disclaimer... I'm still getting used to adverts over here.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, they have VERY strict laws here about selling medicinals. Especially potentially deadly ones. And, I think Britannia has more than enough quacks and charlatans running amok.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, I noticed that leeches are making a comeback over here, honey... So, it's not so medically advanced on this side. And, at least, the quacks & charlatans in Britannia are obvious. Only morons fall for their shenanigans.
Vincent (to Poppy): I can't argue with that. Though having received medical attention both here and in Britannia, I have to say, I much prefer the painkillers on this side. Things can get squirrelly pretty quickly with the other stuff.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. Thankfully I've never needed painkillers on either side.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Unfortunately, I can't say the same. Over here, they generally make me sleepy and nauseous, but not nuts. But Dr. Thorne gave me laudanum once for a wound that got infected... Oh good heavens. I'd love never to repeat THAT fiasco.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well, then I'm quite thankful I didn't end up going to Dr. Thorne about my arm... which is quite itchy today.
Vincent (to Poppy): Itchy is good, hun. That means it's healing! Should you be moving all this dreck? I wouldn't want you to reopen your stitches. Don't get me wrong, Dr. Thorne is an excellent physician, and I wasn't exactly being a gold-star patient at the time. She probably gave it to me just to calm me down. Unfortunately, I seem quite beyond susceptible to any kind of drug.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, it's because you are such a delicate gentleman... Should you be doing all this heavy lifting? Too bad the couch is over at the other place, otherwise, I'd suggest a lie down for you. I'm just kidding... I'm actually quite aware of how capable & indelicate you are. :-) Not to change the subject... but I totally am, before I get myself in trouble. I was thinking of picking up Moroccan food & having a picnic on the floor... Sound good to you?
Vincent (to Poppy): Dammit. You know my secret. Hee hee. I've played the delicate card far more often than I should admit to get out of trouble. Or heavy lifting. :-P Moroccan and a floor picnic sounds divine, hun. I think there's still some white wine in the fridge.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'll call over to Babylon & ask Samir fix up something nice for us. I think I'm going to play the whiny girl card and say that I don't think I can pack or move another thing… Oh shoot... I forgot I told Molly I'd go over and check on them today.
Vincent (to Poppy): If you don't feel up to crossing over, I have an interdimensional communicator. Does your sister in law have a receiver?
Poppy (to Vincent): I think so, honey. I gave Bernard one the first time I came over here. I think they still have it. That would certainly save me a trip. I'd have to stay the night if I went now & I'm in no mood for that.
Vincent (to Poppy): It was in the bedroom, so fortunately Percy didn't pack it. Here you go, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you... I'll be in the bedroom for a few minutes. It shouldn't take me too long & then I'll go grab our food.
Mouse (to Vincent): Knock, knock... little brother. Sorry to bug you, but I just discovered your phone at my house, it was laying under a tile box in the bathroom & it started ringing a little while ago… Wow... you guys really got a lot done in here.
Vincent (to Mouse): Hey, sweetie! As much as I would love to, I can't take most of the credit. Percy came by in the wee hours of the morning and did most of the moving while we were asleep. Yes. It's as creepy as it sounds. I didn't even miss my phone. Thanks. Who was calling it?
Mouse (to Vincent): I don't know, I didn't look. It had stopped ringing by the time I found it. Actually, I should say by the time the kittens found it. They apparently didn't appreciate your ringtone.
Vincent (to Mouse): What? Don't they want me to bring sexy back? Are they up and running about already? I'll admit to not knowing a lot about kittens, but isn't that a bit... soonish?
Mouse (to Vincent): Yes, it's a little early... we're really trying to ignore that fact. They all seem perfectly normal, just growing a little faster than the standard kitten.
Vincent (to Mouse): It just figures they would take after Papa.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alrighty, honey, I'm off to get our food... (to Mouse) Oh hi there, Mouse! Sorry to run off, but our food is getting cold.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hurry back! I'm clearly wasting away to nothing.
Mouse (to Poppy): Hello & goodbye... heehee, nice chatting with you. :-P (to Mouse) So, little brother, you said something yesterday that's been bugging me & I want to know what you meant. And, please don't give me the run around. What did you mean that you wished Poppy would trust you more?
Vincent (to Mouse): Dammit. I was rather hoping you'd forgotten about that.
Mouse (to Vincent): Sorry, if you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. But, I had all sorts of horrible thoughts going through my head and, I thought I'd ask, so you could ease my mind.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh, I'm sorry. It's nothing dramatic, sweetie. I'm a little, um, uncomfortable talking about it to you, because, well I'm upset because Poppy treated me the same way I treated you, because she "thought it was for the best." The last time I crossed over to Britannia without telling you, that is. I was afraid complaining about it to you, might make me actually choke on the hypocrisy. Heh.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, my Nana always said that the things we dislike about others are generally some aspect of ourselves... which means, at some point it's likely to bite you in the ass. And, you have understand why she did it & even though, you didn't agree with the choice she made, let it go. Otherwise, it's going to keep bugging you every time something like this comes up. And, if you told her how you felt about it, then hopefully she'll include you in the decision process... But, you've got to trust her, too. You know?
Vincent (to Mouse): You're right, sweetie. I totally understand why Poppy is so wary. She has plenty of historical reason to be. And I can't really ask her to put more faith me more than she's able to. For what it's worth, I do trust her. Which is why I think it chapped my butt so much.
Mouse (to Vincent): Hmmm... I don't know what to tell you, little brother. I haven't really spent a lot of time around her, so any insight I could offer you is a bit limited. But, I do think she cares about you a lot more than she'd like to admit & I think that it confuses her & just might make her decisions to be a little more cold & logical than they might otherwise be... But, like I said this is all just guessing. You know her better than I do.
Vincent (to Mouse): Well, in a lot of ways, we're still getting used to each other. It will be fine. So, can I ask you a question, hun?
Mouse (to Vincent): Of course. What is it?
Vincent (to Mouse): What kind of horrible thoughts were you thinking? Hee hee. I can't even begin to fathom what was going through your head.
Mouse (to Vincent): I was worried that you thought she was a spy for Hiiri or something crazy... I don't know, I'm still jumpy & paranoid.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh no. Well, I didn't think that until NOW! :-P Hee hee. I don't think you're paranoid, sweetie. I think you're processing. I know you are sick to the bones of hearing this, but it takes time. And you do seem like you're doing better. To me, anyway.
Mouse (to Vincent): Heh. I'm trying to be... I definitely feel like I have more good days than bad, but every now & then something throws me... It just bugs me that in a short amount of time something can be broken and then it takes longer to fix it. I'll be fine. Besides, how can I not be? I've got a wonderful brother, a boyfriend that dotes on me & an army of super cats.
Vincent (to Mouse): Ha ha ha! Well, I can't argue with that. Come give me a hug, sweet sister o' mine! Please remember you can call me and talk to me if you need to. Don't feel like you have to be tough or normal, kay? Besides, I wouldn't know normal if it came up to me, bought me a drink, and tried to get me to go home with it.
Mouse (to Vincent): Heehee... That's for damn sure. And, speaking of home, I should head that way... But, one more question & I know you're going to try to wrangle out of this... but, are you & Poppy seeing each other? I mean, it's okay if you are. And, hell if you want me to mind my own business about it, just say so. You just both seem really comfortable with each other in a way that, well, that simply roommates wouldn't be.
Vincent (to Mouse): Do we? Oh. Well. That would explain why everyone keeps asking us if we're dating. I, uh, don't know what to say beyond that. I mean, we are kind of exes. Sort of. In a way.
Mouse (to Vincent): You are not... And, that's one of the lamest excuses I have ever heard. You dated Percy, I don't care what he looked like at the time, but they are two totally different people. Poppy may have a mouth on her at times, but she's not the same & you know it. If you don't want to be with her, do it for the right reasons... and if you do want to be with her, go for it.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Um...
Mouse (to Vincent): I'll leave you alone about it... I gotta get home. I love you.
Vincent (to Mouse): See you later, sweetie. I love you too.
Poppy (to Mouse & Vincent): What on earth did I walk in on? Is everything okay? Mouse, are you staying for dinner? Samir gave me a lot.
Mouse (to Vincent & Poppy): No thank you. I ate dinner earlier, though it does smell amazing. I'll see you both later.
Vincent (to Poppy): Everything's fine, hun. My sister was just giving me a bit of the old third degree.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh? I thought I detected the signs of an interrogation. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Yeah. Whew! When did she get so forward? She wanted to know if we were seeing one another.
Poppy (to Vincent): Really? Why does that seem to be so interesting to everyone?
Vincent (to Poppy): I wish I knew. Ooo! We should totes start screwing with them. Let me grab some plates. I am starving.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, I might be game for that...how would you suggest we go about messing with them?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hmmm, I don't know. We could go on very public dates, but then only talk about other people if anyone asks.
Poppy (to Vincent): I don't know, honey... that seems a little too much like actual dating to me.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. Very true. I'm afraid I don't have any other grand plans, at the moment. Of course, I might just be too hungry to think. I didn't get a chance to ask. How are your sister-in-law and brother doing?
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... They're, uh, fine. Bernard is going to be releases & sent home to recuperate tomorrow. Molly & the baby are good... They named her after our brother, sort of... They called her Persephone. I'm not sure how I feel about it.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Well, that's... kind of nice, isn't it? What makes you feel awkward about it?
Poppy (to Vincent): I don't know... I guess I'm still grieving a little, honey. I mean, I know everyone else has moved on, but for me it's still fresh. I know I'm being silly.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh sweetie! You're not being silly. You're right. I wish I knew what to tell you, hun. I'm sorry. This is a bit out of my depth. You know, if you feel like you want to talk to someone, I'm sure my sister or Eep would be more than willing to listen. They've both had to deal with loss in the family. Not that I'm not willing to listen, of course, but I know sometimes it's better with someone who understands first hand.
Poppy (to Vincent): That's sweet, honey, but I'll be fine. I'm dealing with it.
Vincent (to Poppy): I know you will. I just... Well. You know that if you need a sympathetic soul... Anyway. I'm happy for you that your brother is doing well. I know you were worried.
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, Bernard has always had a lucky streak. I'm just glad it held out this time around... Honey, can I ask a favor?
Vincent (to Poppy): Of course, hun. What do you need?
Poppy (to Vincent): It's silly... but could I have a hug?
Vincent (to Poppy): Of course, hun! You don't have to ask for that. Come here.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, honey... That always makes feel better, for some reason.
Vincent (to Poppy): It's not a problem at all. Hugs are wonderful things.
Poppy (to Vincent): I agree... Are you done with the food, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): I am. It was DELICIOUS. Thank you for picking it up, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, are you upset with me? Did I do something wrong? You've been strangely distant towards me, lately... Are you still angry with me about my trip?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh dear. Have I been? I'm sorry. I'm not still angry at you. I guess I'm just a little, um...butt-hurt... for lack of a better term, that you didn't trust me more. It's OK, hun. I understand. I'll get over myself, no worries.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... It wasn't because I didn't trust you... I trust you more than most, I wish you'd understand that or believe me.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. I... Ooo. I just got the weirdest sensation of déjà vu. I think that's the exact same thing I told my sister. I do believe you, hun. I really do.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well then, what do I need to say or do to alleviate your doubts or to trust me? Ummm, how about this? You can ask me anything you want for the next 15 minutes & I'll answer honestly, no matter how silly or embarrassing the answer might be.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh! Uh... Well, that's rather an unexpected offer, hun. Wow. Well, fair is only fair, hun. So, for every question you answer, if you have any questions you want to ask me... I'll answer in kind. Um, I've been a little curious to know, sweetie, when did your dad die?
Poppy (to Vincent): When I was ten years old. He drank himself to death.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh... Wow. I'm sorry, hun. That was a terrible thing to ask.
Poppy (to Vincent): It's okay, honey. I said you could ask me anything.
Vincent (to Poppy): Is there anything you want to ask? Heh. Or did you find out more than you could stomach about my past at that church picnic?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. I do have one question, but it's a little embarrassing... You had once mentioned that one of the reasons you ended things with other Poppy was because you'd never been with a man... So, have you?
Vincent (to Poppy): Ooo. That's a tough one. I suppose I deserved that. Um, no? Yes, but not in a biblical sense? Um, there was one gentleman... Gentleman is actually a completely inappropriate description. He was a jackass. He was able to COMPLETELY manipulate me. And I made a huge mistake. But that was before RoboPoppy/Percy, so nothing since then.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you... Your turn to ask me something.
Vincent (to Poppy): Right. Oh, good heavens, this is like the most awkward game of truth or dare ever! Heh.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, you don't have to do tit for tat. I just figured this was the easiest way to illustrate the point that I trust you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee hee. It's alright, hun. I don't mind the tit-for-tad, honestly. I'm just not used to opening up like this. I suppose I should get used to it. I'm going to be outed as "Pastor Nate's" prodigal son in a week or two, after all. I'm going to go from mysterious enigma to headline news. Heh. Anyway, I have two more questions, and then we can stop. Unless you want to stop now, that is.
Poppy (to Vincent): I think I can manage two more questions, honey. Go for it.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Ditto. OK, Number 1: How did you end up working for Tesla?
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well, I wish I could regale you with an adventurous tale of daring do, but honestly there was an advert up in a pub I frequented where I played pool for money. I decided I needed a change of scenery so I applied.
Vincent (to Poppy): And knowing you, you talked your way into the job. Hee hee. Actually, that makes perfect sense to me.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, I'm going to take that as a compliment, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): You should. It was. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): What's your last question, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Well, if you don't have anything else you want to ask me... Sure. Feel free not to answer this one, hun, but, um... is there a particular reason you don't want to date me? I promise if the answer is less than complimentary, I can handle it.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well. You seemed pretty adamantly opposed to the idea, honey, because of the whole Percy thing & in case, you haven't noticed I have some hangups about commitment. And, to be perfectly honest, you've never asked me. Honey, why the sudden interest in this? Do you want date?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Uh... Is that your question, hun? Hee hee. Sorry. I'm just trying to change the subject because I don't have good answer. I guess everyone asking me about it has me thinking about it. And, I'm certainly not opposed to the idea... Um, when you're ready for it. When we're both ready for it, I mean. I was just a little worried, I guess I thought maybe I had done something stupid that made me utterly unpalatable to you, hun. Heh. Sorry. It's stupid.
Poppy (to Vincent): What could you have possibly done that could make me not like you, honey? I think you're wonderful... I'd consider myself the luckiest girl in the world, hell, in the 2 worlds if you were my boyfriend. But I thought you didn't want to date anyone right now & I'm sort of your ex... I just don't want you to get hurt because of me.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh... Ah. Hee. Well, that certainly wasn't the answer I was expecting. I do think my head is a bit too scrambled to date anyone seriously. I'm... well, you've seen. And a big part of what scares me is the idea of hurting you. When your counterpart and I broke up, it was... awful. That being said, you are SO not my ex. Percy and I dated. You and I never did. You two are hardly the same creature. Heh. Even my sister recognized that when I used the "exes" excuse as a reason why we're so comfortable around each other. Unless you have any questions for me, I think I've made a big enough idiot of myself for the evening. Hee. I'm exhausted.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... So, what does all this mean, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): I suppose that we, or at least *I*, should stop acting like we are exes, and just... um... Well. I don't know.
Poppy (to Vincent): I have a short term suggestion... C'mere.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Well, I can't complain about that suggestion… I feel like I should say that if we WERE an item, hun, you wouldn't be the only extraordinarily lucky one. Want to head to bed?
Poppy (to Vincent): Lead the way, lover... ;-)
Poppy (to Vincent): Let me get you some coffee, honey... It was Percy. He moved the furniture, as well as, a bunch of small stuff to the new apartment in the wee hours. I'd offer you a seat, but we appear not to have any, so all I can offer you is a spot on the floor.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ah, that explains... something, I suppose. Well.
Poppy (to Vincent): He said to think of it as an apology for treating you like an ass... Oh, and here's your key.
Vincent (to Poppy): That was kind. I suppose. In a creepy, Single White Female kind of way. I'd forgotten he still had a key. Well. Heh. I suppose this is one less thing for me to do.
Poppy (to Vincent): I guess it's better than him being mean... But it makes me suspicious.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. More than a little. I fear we'll find out what exactly he's up to sooner or later. It looks like today will mean finishing the packing and moving, unless we want to spend all our time in the bedroom.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I do like hanging out in the bedroom with you... Or did you mean something else?
Vincent (to Poppy): Ha ha ha! For once I didn't! I was remarking on our current lack of furniture. Hee hee. I think I need more coffee. I'm not even conscious enough for proper innuendo. The shame!
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. I'll make another pot, honey... I can run to the new place, empty out some boxes & bring them back in a bit.
Vincent (to Poppy): Thanks, hun. I'll get the kitchen sorted, and then start on the bedroom. Ooo! That closet is going to be a chore.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, honey. I'm off to go get boxes. I'll be back as quick as I can.
Vincent (to Poppy): See you in a few, hun.
Three hours later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Hey honey, I have finally returned with boxes. Get out the confetti & champagne. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I don't have confetti, I'm afraid, but I DO have unidentified liquor I found in the back of the closet. Only God in heaven knows what it is.Why do I accept this stuff?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, it's either because you're incredibly nice or you have a deathwish... I'm not sure which it is, honey. :-)
Vincent (to Poppy): Clearly, it's one or the other. Oof! Oh good heavens! Smell this dreg, hun. I'm beginning to suspect whoever gave this to me was trying to kill me.
Poppy (to Vincent): Good lord! That smells like formaldehyde... I'm not even sure we can legally pour that down the drain.
Vincent (to Poppy): I should think not! I certainly wouldn't want this filtering its way into the drinking water. I don't suppose you know any place we can dispose of toxic waste?
Poppy (to Vincent): I think there's a biohazard dumpster at the hospital, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ha ha ha! I think that's really our only option.
Poppy (to Vincent): Here, put it in this bucket. I'll set it outside, so we don't forget to dispose of it, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Careful. It might melt your face off.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, maybe we could market it as the Fountain of Youth elixir... "Melt Away the Years" with whatever this is.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Our customers would certainly stop aging, Mainly because this "elixir" would probably kill them.
Poppy (to Vincent): I think we can get around that, honey, we just put an exclaimer that says 'May Result in Death.' :-P Heehee, I should have said disclaimer... I'm still getting used to adverts over here.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, they have VERY strict laws here about selling medicinals. Especially potentially deadly ones. And, I think Britannia has more than enough quacks and charlatans running amok.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, I noticed that leeches are making a comeback over here, honey... So, it's not so medically advanced on this side. And, at least, the quacks & charlatans in Britannia are obvious. Only morons fall for their shenanigans.
Vincent (to Poppy): I can't argue with that. Though having received medical attention both here and in Britannia, I have to say, I much prefer the painkillers on this side. Things can get squirrelly pretty quickly with the other stuff.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. Thankfully I've never needed painkillers on either side.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Unfortunately, I can't say the same. Over here, they generally make me sleepy and nauseous, but not nuts. But Dr. Thorne gave me laudanum once for a wound that got infected... Oh good heavens. I'd love never to repeat THAT fiasco.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well, then I'm quite thankful I didn't end up going to Dr. Thorne about my arm... which is quite itchy today.
Vincent (to Poppy): Itchy is good, hun. That means it's healing! Should you be moving all this dreck? I wouldn't want you to reopen your stitches. Don't get me wrong, Dr. Thorne is an excellent physician, and I wasn't exactly being a gold-star patient at the time. She probably gave it to me just to calm me down. Unfortunately, I seem quite beyond susceptible to any kind of drug.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, it's because you are such a delicate gentleman... Should you be doing all this heavy lifting? Too bad the couch is over at the other place, otherwise, I'd suggest a lie down for you. I'm just kidding... I'm actually quite aware of how capable & indelicate you are. :-) Not to change the subject... but I totally am, before I get myself in trouble. I was thinking of picking up Moroccan food & having a picnic on the floor... Sound good to you?
Vincent (to Poppy): Dammit. You know my secret. Hee hee. I've played the delicate card far more often than I should admit to get out of trouble. Or heavy lifting. :-P Moroccan and a floor picnic sounds divine, hun. I think there's still some white wine in the fridge.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'll call over to Babylon & ask Samir fix up something nice for us. I think I'm going to play the whiny girl card and say that I don't think I can pack or move another thing… Oh shoot... I forgot I told Molly I'd go over and check on them today.
Vincent (to Poppy): If you don't feel up to crossing over, I have an interdimensional communicator. Does your sister in law have a receiver?
Poppy (to Vincent): I think so, honey. I gave Bernard one the first time I came over here. I think they still have it. That would certainly save me a trip. I'd have to stay the night if I went now & I'm in no mood for that.
Vincent (to Poppy): It was in the bedroom, so fortunately Percy didn't pack it. Here you go, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you... I'll be in the bedroom for a few minutes. It shouldn't take me too long & then I'll go grab our food.
Mouse (to Vincent): Knock, knock... little brother. Sorry to bug you, but I just discovered your phone at my house, it was laying under a tile box in the bathroom & it started ringing a little while ago… Wow... you guys really got a lot done in here.
Vincent (to Mouse): Hey, sweetie! As much as I would love to, I can't take most of the credit. Percy came by in the wee hours of the morning and did most of the moving while we were asleep. Yes. It's as creepy as it sounds. I didn't even miss my phone. Thanks. Who was calling it?
Mouse (to Vincent): I don't know, I didn't look. It had stopped ringing by the time I found it. Actually, I should say by the time the kittens found it. They apparently didn't appreciate your ringtone.
Vincent (to Mouse): What? Don't they want me to bring sexy back? Are they up and running about already? I'll admit to not knowing a lot about kittens, but isn't that a bit... soonish?
Mouse (to Vincent): Yes, it's a little early... we're really trying to ignore that fact. They all seem perfectly normal, just growing a little faster than the standard kitten.
Vincent (to Mouse): It just figures they would take after Papa.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alrighty, honey, I'm off to get our food... (to Mouse) Oh hi there, Mouse! Sorry to run off, but our food is getting cold.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hurry back! I'm clearly wasting away to nothing.
Mouse (to Poppy): Hello & goodbye... heehee, nice chatting with you. :-P (to Mouse) So, little brother, you said something yesterday that's been bugging me & I want to know what you meant. And, please don't give me the run around. What did you mean that you wished Poppy would trust you more?
Vincent (to Mouse): Dammit. I was rather hoping you'd forgotten about that.
Mouse (to Vincent): Sorry, if you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. But, I had all sorts of horrible thoughts going through my head and, I thought I'd ask, so you could ease my mind.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh, I'm sorry. It's nothing dramatic, sweetie. I'm a little, um, uncomfortable talking about it to you, because, well I'm upset because Poppy treated me the same way I treated you, because she "thought it was for the best." The last time I crossed over to Britannia without telling you, that is. I was afraid complaining about it to you, might make me actually choke on the hypocrisy. Heh.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, my Nana always said that the things we dislike about others are generally some aspect of ourselves... which means, at some point it's likely to bite you in the ass. And, you have understand why she did it & even though, you didn't agree with the choice she made, let it go. Otherwise, it's going to keep bugging you every time something like this comes up. And, if you told her how you felt about it, then hopefully she'll include you in the decision process... But, you've got to trust her, too. You know?
Vincent (to Mouse): You're right, sweetie. I totally understand why Poppy is so wary. She has plenty of historical reason to be. And I can't really ask her to put more faith me more than she's able to. For what it's worth, I do trust her. Which is why I think it chapped my butt so much.
Mouse (to Vincent): Hmmm... I don't know what to tell you, little brother. I haven't really spent a lot of time around her, so any insight I could offer you is a bit limited. But, I do think she cares about you a lot more than she'd like to admit & I think that it confuses her & just might make her decisions to be a little more cold & logical than they might otherwise be... But, like I said this is all just guessing. You know her better than I do.
Vincent (to Mouse): Well, in a lot of ways, we're still getting used to each other. It will be fine. So, can I ask you a question, hun?
Mouse (to Vincent): Of course. What is it?
Vincent (to Mouse): What kind of horrible thoughts were you thinking? Hee hee. I can't even begin to fathom what was going through your head.
Mouse (to Vincent): I was worried that you thought she was a spy for Hiiri or something crazy... I don't know, I'm still jumpy & paranoid.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh no. Well, I didn't think that until NOW! :-P Hee hee. I don't think you're paranoid, sweetie. I think you're processing. I know you are sick to the bones of hearing this, but it takes time. And you do seem like you're doing better. To me, anyway.
Mouse (to Vincent): Heh. I'm trying to be... I definitely feel like I have more good days than bad, but every now & then something throws me... It just bugs me that in a short amount of time something can be broken and then it takes longer to fix it. I'll be fine. Besides, how can I not be? I've got a wonderful brother, a boyfriend that dotes on me & an army of super cats.
Vincent (to Mouse): Ha ha ha! Well, I can't argue with that. Come give me a hug, sweet sister o' mine! Please remember you can call me and talk to me if you need to. Don't feel like you have to be tough or normal, kay? Besides, I wouldn't know normal if it came up to me, bought me a drink, and tried to get me to go home with it.
Mouse (to Vincent): Heehee... That's for damn sure. And, speaking of home, I should head that way... But, one more question & I know you're going to try to wrangle out of this... but, are you & Poppy seeing each other? I mean, it's okay if you are. And, hell if you want me to mind my own business about it, just say so. You just both seem really comfortable with each other in a way that, well, that simply roommates wouldn't be.
Vincent (to Mouse): Do we? Oh. Well. That would explain why everyone keeps asking us if we're dating. I, uh, don't know what to say beyond that. I mean, we are kind of exes. Sort of. In a way.
Mouse (to Vincent): You are not... And, that's one of the lamest excuses I have ever heard. You dated Percy, I don't care what he looked like at the time, but they are two totally different people. Poppy may have a mouth on her at times, but she's not the same & you know it. If you don't want to be with her, do it for the right reasons... and if you do want to be with her, go for it.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Um...
Mouse (to Vincent): I'll leave you alone about it... I gotta get home. I love you.
Vincent (to Mouse): See you later, sweetie. I love you too.
Poppy (to Mouse & Vincent): What on earth did I walk in on? Is everything okay? Mouse, are you staying for dinner? Samir gave me a lot.
Mouse (to Vincent & Poppy): No thank you. I ate dinner earlier, though it does smell amazing. I'll see you both later.
Vincent (to Poppy): Everything's fine, hun. My sister was just giving me a bit of the old third degree.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh? I thought I detected the signs of an interrogation. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Yeah. Whew! When did she get so forward? She wanted to know if we were seeing one another.
Poppy (to Vincent): Really? Why does that seem to be so interesting to everyone?
Vincent (to Poppy): I wish I knew. Ooo! We should totes start screwing with them. Let me grab some plates. I am starving.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, I might be game for that...how would you suggest we go about messing with them?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hmmm, I don't know. We could go on very public dates, but then only talk about other people if anyone asks.
Poppy (to Vincent): I don't know, honey... that seems a little too much like actual dating to me.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. Very true. I'm afraid I don't have any other grand plans, at the moment. Of course, I might just be too hungry to think. I didn't get a chance to ask. How are your sister-in-law and brother doing?
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... They're, uh, fine. Bernard is going to be releases & sent home to recuperate tomorrow. Molly & the baby are good... They named her after our brother, sort of... They called her Persephone. I'm not sure how I feel about it.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Well, that's... kind of nice, isn't it? What makes you feel awkward about it?
Poppy (to Vincent): I don't know... I guess I'm still grieving a little, honey. I mean, I know everyone else has moved on, but for me it's still fresh. I know I'm being silly.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh sweetie! You're not being silly. You're right. I wish I knew what to tell you, hun. I'm sorry. This is a bit out of my depth. You know, if you feel like you want to talk to someone, I'm sure my sister or Eep would be more than willing to listen. They've both had to deal with loss in the family. Not that I'm not willing to listen, of course, but I know sometimes it's better with someone who understands first hand.
Poppy (to Vincent): That's sweet, honey, but I'll be fine. I'm dealing with it.
Vincent (to Poppy): I know you will. I just... Well. You know that if you need a sympathetic soul... Anyway. I'm happy for you that your brother is doing well. I know you were worried.
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, Bernard has always had a lucky streak. I'm just glad it held out this time around... Honey, can I ask a favor?
Vincent (to Poppy): Of course, hun. What do you need?
Poppy (to Vincent): It's silly... but could I have a hug?
Vincent (to Poppy): Of course, hun! You don't have to ask for that. Come here.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, honey... That always makes feel better, for some reason.
Vincent (to Poppy): It's not a problem at all. Hugs are wonderful things.
Poppy (to Vincent): I agree... Are you done with the food, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): I am. It was DELICIOUS. Thank you for picking it up, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, are you upset with me? Did I do something wrong? You've been strangely distant towards me, lately... Are you still angry with me about my trip?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh dear. Have I been? I'm sorry. I'm not still angry at you. I guess I'm just a little, um...butt-hurt... for lack of a better term, that you didn't trust me more. It's OK, hun. I understand. I'll get over myself, no worries.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... It wasn't because I didn't trust you... I trust you more than most, I wish you'd understand that or believe me.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. I... Ooo. I just got the weirdest sensation of déjà vu. I think that's the exact same thing I told my sister. I do believe you, hun. I really do.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well then, what do I need to say or do to alleviate your doubts or to trust me? Ummm, how about this? You can ask me anything you want for the next 15 minutes & I'll answer honestly, no matter how silly or embarrassing the answer might be.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh! Uh... Well, that's rather an unexpected offer, hun. Wow. Well, fair is only fair, hun. So, for every question you answer, if you have any questions you want to ask me... I'll answer in kind. Um, I've been a little curious to know, sweetie, when did your dad die?
Poppy (to Vincent): When I was ten years old. He drank himself to death.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh... Wow. I'm sorry, hun. That was a terrible thing to ask.
Poppy (to Vincent): It's okay, honey. I said you could ask me anything.
Vincent (to Poppy): Is there anything you want to ask? Heh. Or did you find out more than you could stomach about my past at that church picnic?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. I do have one question, but it's a little embarrassing... You had once mentioned that one of the reasons you ended things with other Poppy was because you'd never been with a man... So, have you?
Vincent (to Poppy): Ooo. That's a tough one. I suppose I deserved that. Um, no? Yes, but not in a biblical sense? Um, there was one gentleman... Gentleman is actually a completely inappropriate description. He was a jackass. He was able to COMPLETELY manipulate me. And I made a huge mistake. But that was before RoboPoppy/Percy, so nothing since then.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you... Your turn to ask me something.
Vincent (to Poppy): Right. Oh, good heavens, this is like the most awkward game of truth or dare ever! Heh.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, you don't have to do tit for tat. I just figured this was the easiest way to illustrate the point that I trust you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee hee. It's alright, hun. I don't mind the tit-for-tad, honestly. I'm just not used to opening up like this. I suppose I should get used to it. I'm going to be outed as "Pastor Nate's" prodigal son in a week or two, after all. I'm going to go from mysterious enigma to headline news. Heh. Anyway, I have two more questions, and then we can stop. Unless you want to stop now, that is.
Poppy (to Vincent): I think I can manage two more questions, honey. Go for it.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Ditto. OK, Number 1: How did you end up working for Tesla?
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well, I wish I could regale you with an adventurous tale of daring do, but honestly there was an advert up in a pub I frequented where I played pool for money. I decided I needed a change of scenery so I applied.
Vincent (to Poppy): And knowing you, you talked your way into the job. Hee hee. Actually, that makes perfect sense to me.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, I'm going to take that as a compliment, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): You should. It was. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): What's your last question, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Well, if you don't have anything else you want to ask me... Sure. Feel free not to answer this one, hun, but, um... is there a particular reason you don't want to date me? I promise if the answer is less than complimentary, I can handle it.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well. You seemed pretty adamantly opposed to the idea, honey, because of the whole Percy thing & in case, you haven't noticed I have some hangups about commitment. And, to be perfectly honest, you've never asked me. Honey, why the sudden interest in this? Do you want date?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Uh... Is that your question, hun? Hee hee. Sorry. I'm just trying to change the subject because I don't have good answer. I guess everyone asking me about it has me thinking about it. And, I'm certainly not opposed to the idea... Um, when you're ready for it. When we're both ready for it, I mean. I was just a little worried, I guess I thought maybe I had done something stupid that made me utterly unpalatable to you, hun. Heh. Sorry. It's stupid.
Poppy (to Vincent): What could you have possibly done that could make me not like you, honey? I think you're wonderful... I'd consider myself the luckiest girl in the world, hell, in the 2 worlds if you were my boyfriend. But I thought you didn't want to date anyone right now & I'm sort of your ex... I just don't want you to get hurt because of me.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh... Ah. Hee. Well, that certainly wasn't the answer I was expecting. I do think my head is a bit too scrambled to date anyone seriously. I'm... well, you've seen. And a big part of what scares me is the idea of hurting you. When your counterpart and I broke up, it was... awful. That being said, you are SO not my ex. Percy and I dated. You and I never did. You two are hardly the same creature. Heh. Even my sister recognized that when I used the "exes" excuse as a reason why we're so comfortable around each other. Unless you have any questions for me, I think I've made a big enough idiot of myself for the evening. Hee. I'm exhausted.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... So, what does all this mean, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): I suppose that we, or at least *I*, should stop acting like we are exes, and just... um... Well. I don't know.
Poppy (to Vincent): I have a short term suggestion... C'mere.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Well, I can't complain about that suggestion… I feel like I should say that if we WERE an item, hun, you wouldn't be the only extraordinarily lucky one. Want to head to bed?
Poppy (to Vincent): Lead the way, lover... ;-)
