5.08.2012

Strange Ways Here We Come: Day 49

Vincent (to Poppy): Good gracious, woman! What are you doing out here? It sounds like you're playing drums for Tom Waits on pots and pans. Are you...baking?

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, sorry... I was making treats to take with us to Bernard & Molly's. There's coffee made & you can have a scone.

Vincent (to Poppy): A scone? You make the apartment smell like the most delicious of bakeries, and I'm allotted one sad, lonely scone? You are a cruel mistress.

Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, you can have a scone & something else, if you like. But, that's it. :-P

Vincent (to Poppy): Sweet God in heaven. This is *divine*! If I were an atheist, hun, this scone might make me rethink my position.

Poppy (to Vincent): That is high praise, indeed, honey... And, I saw that.

Vincent (to Poppy): What?

Poppy (to Vincent): I saw you take that other scone & the cookie, honey. Seriously, honey, did you just shove a whole cookie in your mouth?

Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm mmmph.

Poppy (to Vincent): HAHAHA... Okay, you win. Eat as many as you want, just don't do that anymore. I'm worried you might choke, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): At least I would die happy. Hee hee. Sorry, hun. I'll behave.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, it's okay honey. What's got you in such a good mood?

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh... Well, I slept well nice and soundly last night. I'm sure you can guess the reason.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well, isn't that a coincidence. I woke up feeling bright-eyed & bushy-tailed myself. :-)

Vincent (to Poppy): Mmmm. Glad to hear it, hun. As tempting as it is to stay here and shove cookies in my face all afternoon... I've got a few errands to run before we go. Do you need anything while I'm out?

Poppy (to Vincent): No, but thank you for asking me, honey. Have fun on your outing.

Vincent (to Poppy): I'll be back soon. I'm sure I doubt I'll be able to stay away long.

A short time later:

Vincent (to Mouse): Knock, knock! Please, PLEASE tell me I'm not interrupting again. I tried to call, but your phone's still off the hook.

Mouse (to Vincent): Heehee, it's safe, little brother... Eep's in the studio painting. Can I get you something? Water? coffee? chapstick?

Vincent (to Mouse): No thank you, sweetie. I've eaten, coffeed, and since I stopped hanging out with the Moth Man, I've needed far less chapstick. You're hilarious, by the by.

Mouse (to Vincent): I know, I learned it from you. :-P What can I do for you, little brother? Or did you come over to confess?

Vincent (to Mouse): Confess? What sins could I ever have to confess, sweet sister of mine? I am innocence personified.

Mouse (to Vincent): Oh? Yes, I forgot. I must have been thinking of my other brother who likes to think of himself a pirate rogue ala Han Solo. He's nothing but trouble, going around kissing girls on his sister's porch... But, not you, you're an innocent angel. :-P

Vincent (to Mouse): Ooo. He sounds dreadful. Or hot. I can't decide which. I see Mr. Giggles has been spreading rumors.

Mouse (to Vincent): I hardly think this counts as a rumor... but, if you two want to keep pretending that there's nothing going on between you. Fine. But, I think it's kind of silly.

Vincent (to Mouse): Awww, now. Don't get all huffy, hun. It was nothing. It was just a kiss.

Mouse (to Vincent): I know, it was just a kiss. A kiss with Poppy... whom you like. I know, you didn't come over here to have me harass you about this, so what's up, little brother?

Vincent (to Mouse): I've got to cross over to meet the Empress of Britannia. You know...like one is wont to do.

Mouse (to Vincent): Well, aren't you Mister Fancypants... How long do you think you'll be gone?

Vincent (to Mouse): It shouldn't be long. The timelines are back to normal, so we should be able to come back pretty close to our departure point.

Mouse (to Vincent): We? Oh, did you want me to go with you? Because, I could probably be ready to go shortly.

Vincent (to Mouse): Actually, I asked Poppy to come with me to watch my back. Alistair left me a letter, and named me in his will. The Empress has promised safe passage, but the Queen Mum is none too pleased, apparently. She doesn't like me. :-P

Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... So, you're going off with Poppy again? And, to meet an Empress no less? I have to admit, I'm a tad jealous.

Vincent (to Mouse): Really?

Mouse (to Vincent): Well, yeah, logically, I understand why you're taking her, she IS the better choice, but it doesn't mean I'm not jealous.

Vincent (to Mouse): Well, we were going to visit Poppy's family while we were there, she wants to check in on her brother...

Mouse (to Vincent): No, no. It's okay. I don't mind staying behind. Besides, if you're going to meet Poppy's family, you certainly don't want me tagging along, getting in both of your ways.

Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Well. I don't know what to say. I'm a little concerned it could get sticky, and I didn't want Eep to worry. I really owe you a proper trip off world, don't I?

Mouse (to Vincent): Poppy took me shopping in New London one day that was fun. But, I'd love to see more of Brittania, sometime. I could definitely see the appeal as to why you like it there.

Vincent (to Mouse): Well, it's an interesting place to visit, and I do like my work, but I have to say I MUCH prefer living here.

Mouse (to Vincent): Well, that's good because I'd miss you if you were over there all of the time.

Vincent (to Mouse): Awww. I'd miss you too, sweetie. This is my home. Oh! Speaking of which. These are for Otto. How are the kittens doing?

Mouse (to Vincent): Thanks, I'm sure he'll appreciate them... the kittens are a little worrisome. They're not like normal kittens. Also, we've only got one of them named, the other two are being a bit shy & retired. Eep caught them watching Adventure Time yesterday, I caught the little girl reading a magazine or at least, that's what it looked like... I'm tempted to name her Hermione.

Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. You realize if you name her Hermione, she'll be almost unbearably smart, don't you?

Mouse (to Vincent): Well, we already made the mistake of naming the gray one, Max, and he's nothing but trouble. So, maybe we should name them Thomas & Camille. That sounds all good and calm, right?

Vincent (to Mouse): I like it. What kind of trouble could a Thomas and Camille get into?

Mouse (to Vincent): Exactly.

Vincent (to Mouse): Of course, now that we've said that...

Mouse (to Vincent): Well, I think the parents will approve of the name selection & that's all that matters. So, speaking of kittens... um, would you & Poppy like one or possibly, three?

Vincent (to Mouse): Oh ho! No you don't! Besides, aren't they too little to be away from mom?

Mouse (to Vincent): One would normally think so, but they're as big as Otto was when I got him. Come into the studio & I'll show you. They like hanging out with Eep while he's painting. It's actually pretty cute.

Vincent (to Mouse): Oh my goodness, you weren't kidding. That's ADORBZ!

Mouse (to Eep): Hey handsome, didn't mean to disturb you, just wanted to show Vincent the kittens.

Eep (to Mouse & Vincent): Huh? Oh. Hey. You guys been there long? The kittens are in here?

Mouse (to Eep): Heh. Not long at all. Lost in your own little world, huh?

Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Heh. Yeah. Sorry.

Mouse (to Vincent & Eep): I just remembered there's bread rising that I need to go punch. I'll be right back.

Vincent (to Eep): So, what are you working on? Can I see?

Eep (to Vincent): Uh, yeah. If you want. It's... uh... Well, you can see.

Vincent (to Eep): Wow, Slim. You're getting better. You've been painting more lately, haven't you?

Eep (to Vincent): Oh, uh. Yeah. I guess so. So, two questions.

Vincent (to Eep): Is either one of them about Poppy? I already got that speech from my sister, thank you.

Eep (to Vincent): No. I don't need to ask about that. I already saw.

Vincent (to Eep): You two are a regular laugh riot. What do you want to know?

Eep (to Vincent): You going over to Bizarro World?

Vincent (to Eep): Oh. Yes. We are. How did you know?

Eep (to Vincent): You get this weird giddiness when you're about to do something super stupid.

Vincent (to Eep): Hee hee. I'd love to deny that, but I don't think I can. What's your second question?

Eep (to Vincent): What's with the voice?

Vincent (to Eep): The voice? Huh? What do you mean?

Eep (to Vincent): Usually you pretend your voice is higher than it really is. Not bothering with that anymore, huh?

Vincent (to Eep): Oh. I didn't really notice. I guess not? Oh crud! It's later than I thought. I've got to get going, Slim. Have fun with the Itty Bitty Kitty Art Committee. I'll see you guys when I get back. (to Mouse) See you later, sweetie! I'll be back before you even miss me!

Mouse (to Vincent): Be safe!

A little while later:

Vincent (to Poppy): Hey, hun. I'm back! I picked up some sushi if you're hungry.

Poppy (to Vincent): That sounds great, honey! I'm actually starving. When do you want to head out?

Vincent (to Poppy): I'm ready whenever you are, hun. I got a bit of money, and said our goodbye to the Gloomies.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh? How painful was it, honey?

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. My sister was a bit jealous you were going to the court with me instead of her.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... Well, honey, if you'd rather take her, I don't mind. I hate all that pomp & circumstance, anyway.

Vincent (to Poppy): Sorry, hun. You're not getting out of a royal visit that easily. I'll feel a whole lot better knowing you're there.

Poppy (to Vincent): Fine, honey, but if I get whisked away by a handsome royal, you have only yourself to blame. :-P

Vincent (to Poppy): All I will ask in return is an invite to the wedding and a generous royal stipend.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, you don't really have anything to fear, honey. Most of the royals I've ever met were a little bit too much like cold fish, if you ask me.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, I certainly couldn't blame some nobleman for trying to snatch you up, hun.

Poppy (to Vincent): I'm ready to go now, honey. Basket of goodies all ready for the family.

Vincent (to Poppy): Let's go. I certainly hope this trip is less interesting than last time. I think I could go for something boring and mundane.

Poppy (to Vincent): Really, honey? I think if you wanted boring & mundane, you'd be in a different line of work.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Oh alright. That might be a slight fib. Can I rephrase that to "I hope we don't get kidnapped by pirates this time?"

Poppy (to Vincent): Yes... And, I hope we're able to get in & out of the palace without the Queen mum declaring war on us.

Vincent (to Poppy): Or one of your brothers shooting me because I'm not good enough for you. Or Hiiri getting us. Or Carver. Or Other Carver. You know what? I think I take back what I said earlier about not wanting boring and mundane. :-P

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I'm sure after a day of helping Molly & Bernard, you'll be longing for the wild life once more, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): We'll see. You never know. Maybe I'll show a latent talent for domestication. Ha ha ha! Maybe I'll open a restaurant. I'll call it "Biscuits and Sauce" and all your meals will be served to you by gorgeous men in tiny shorts.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, you do make mean biscuits and gravy, honey. Heehee, I'd be there all of the time. I would turn into a beachball, .

Vincent (to Poppy): It's my retirement plan. If you keep baking the way you did this morning, and I'll need it. I'll be too fat to be a pirate.

Poppy (to Vincent): Don't worry, I don't normally bake that much. I think it's from being in stasis, it's made me long for homey things.

Vincent (to Poppy): Well, I don't know if my taste buds will be happy about that, but I'm sure my waistline will be. Any time you want biscuits and gravy again, hun, feel free to ask. I might even wear tiny shorts for you. ;-P

Poppy (to Vincent): I think that should be a requirement...We're in range on New London, honey, should I see about scheduling that appointment?

Vincent (to Poppy): Might as well, hun. The sooner we get it taken care of, the better I'll feel about it.

Poppy (to Vincent): Will do, Captain. :-)

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. My. I think that's the first time you've called me Captain in a non-sarcastic tone, hun. Ooo! I'm tingly! I do believe you've given me the vapors, Ms Meriwether.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well, then I should probably go back to saying it sarcastically, honey. I mean, I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself… It looks like we've gotten a response... It says Her Majesty, the Empress Victoria III would be tickled if you were to visit the palace this evening for after dinner drinks on the verandah. Please Dress Accordingly.

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Well, that's rather sooner than I expected. I suppose that's a good thing. It's less time the Queen Mum to plot something. Mmm. I agree. And dress accordingly? I know she's royalty, but really. We're only picking up a letter. I'd rather wear something in which I can run. Ooo. I'm liking this less and less.

Poppy (to Vincent): Yes... She seems a little too eager if you ask me, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. I agree. And dress accordingly? I know she's royalty, but really. We're only picking up a letter. I'd rather wear something in which I can run. Ooo. I'm liking this less and less.

Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, but she's invited you for drinks... on the verandah, honey. Don't worry, I'll pick you out something nice & appropriate... Do we have time to make a stop? I know just the place.

Vincent (to Poppy): We should. Where on earth are we going to find formal wear you can use to storm a castle?

Poppy (to Vincent): At Trubshaws, honey... It's where I get all of my gear & where I brought Mouse to outfit her for her new job as your crew. We might have to settle for something off the rack, but it should be fine. Can you land somewhere near Gramercy, honey?

Vincent (to Poppy): Gramercy it is, hun. Hee hee. If they have anything on the rack that will actually fit me, it will be a miracle!

Poppy (to Vincent): You'd be surprised, honey. They have all sorts of things.

Vincent (to Poppy): I could always wear an evening gown. Oh...Drinks on the veranda with the Empress of Britannia and me in an evening gown... Oh my God. Now I REALLY want to do that...

Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I thought you wanted to stay out of trouble? I know you're nervous, but it'll be fine, honey. I've been to these types of things before. One day, I'll tell you about the first time I went to a fancy society ball & ended up upsetting the wizard because I hung out in the kitchen all night.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, Nicola was always uptight. Don't worry. I'll just do what I do in every situation that makes me nervous. I'll smile a lot and try not get shot. ;-P I've met the Empress once before, so let's hope she still has the warm fuzzies for me.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, good, I was worried you were going to say something else. And, I think she has VERY warm fuzzies for you or she wouldn't have been so anxious to see you.

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh? What did you think I was going to say, hun?

Poppy (to Vincent): Something about flirty mercilessly and removing clothing, honey... Or is that only under certain circumstances?

Vincent (to Poppy): That's Plan B.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, at least, you have a plan this time. :-P

An hour or so later:

Vincent (to Poppy): Well, hun? What do you think? It's either this or an evening gown.

Poppy (to Vincent): I think that's perfect, honey. Though, I do have to say that I'm sad that I won't get to see the empress's face when you walk in. As I'm going to be coming in a different way. But, put this in your ear & wear this around your neck, so we can communicate.

Vincent (to Poppy): Oooo! Poppy! This is spy stuff!

Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, honey. I'm going to be your contingency plan. Don't worry, you'll see me shortly... I'll be at the party, just not arriving with you. Just think, you can flirt with me mercilessly, and pretend we've never met.

Vincent (to Poppy): Too bad. I wouldn't mind seeing more of you in that dress tonight. Or more of you and less of your dress. ;-P Heh. I can use my Plan B on you.

Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, yes, and if you're lucky I'll go home with you. Look your cab has arrived, honey. I'll see you shortly.

Vincent (to Poppy): OK, hun. See you soon. Watch your back.

Poppy (to Vincent): Wait, honey... Here's a kiss for good luck.

Vincent (to Poppy): Wow. I feel luckier already.

Poppy (to Vincent): See, you shortly. And, remember we can use these to talk, so give a holler if you're in trouble. Not literally a holler... Just clue me in quietly & I'll get you out.

Vincent (to Poppy): No yelling. Don't get shot. Don't get thrown in the dungeon. Don't get naked. I think I've got it all.

Poppy (to Vincent): Let me know when you've arrived in the party, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): I'm pulling up now. Ooo! That's a lot of armed guards. A LOT of armed guards.

Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, that's normal. Don't be nervous, just be yourself. Remember you're the Dandy.

Vincent (to Poppy): Thanks, hun. Heh. Well, I guess we're about to see if I'm as good at charming aristocracy as I am at charming show girls.

Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, my escort has arrived, I'll be there shortly, honey.

Twenty minutes later:

Vincent: Hmmm. Well. A lad could get used to this kind of service.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, well. Less than an hour in the party & already you're the belle of the ball. Try not to forget why you came here. :-)

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Hardly, hun. I've been wisely avoiding the high muckity-mucks and sticking to the easier to charm. The dour looking gentleman in the white wig, the valet I believe, said he would fetch me when the Empress is ready for me. Until then, he advised me not to steal anything.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, protocol you've gotta love it... Oh, duty calls. I wonder if this Walrus can actually dance?

Vincent (to Poppy): Good luck!

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, if you want to cause a scandal, you could come save me from my "dance partner", he's as big as a house & about as light on his feet.

Vincent (to Poppy): You had me at the word, "scandal." … I am so sorry I distressed your dance partner by cutting in, miss, but I simply couldn't help myself.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, that's alright, sir, I think Stepka needed a break.

Vincent (to Poppy): Well, Stepka's loss is my gain. I'm more than willing to provide him with a break any time he may need one. And sir, is FAR too formal. Please, call me Vincent. I really do insist.

Poppy (to Vincent): It's nice to meet you, Vincent, you can call me Patience. I don't believe I've seen you at the palace before. And, you are quite a dancer... ... Oh, it looks like her majesty is ready for you.

Vincent (to Poppy): Ah! Duty calls. It was my pleasure, Patience. I hope to see you again some time. Thank you for the lovely dance.

Poppy (to Vincent): The pleasure was all mine, Vincent.

A short time later:

Vincent (to Poppy): Pop--Patience? Hun? If you feel like getting me the hell out of here, now would be an EXCELLENT time.

Poppy (to Vincent): Will do....  Cover your face with that fancy scarf, honey. it'll protect you from the gas. Stepka, do it, now!

Vincent (to Poppy): Best backup EVER. Wow. Just... WOW, hun. Hold on. I'm going to lay the Empress on her bed, and I'll be right down. Sorry, your Majesty.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, say thank you to Stepka... Now, let's you and I get the hell out. He's got some vandalism to perform.

Vincent (to Poppy): Thank you for your help, Stepka. I appreciate it & my unflogged hide appreciates it even more. Have fun with your vandalism!

Minutes later:

Poppy (to Vincent): Get in this buggy. It'll take us back to the ship. There's a duffle bag with clothes under the seat, I suggest you change. And, could you please throw the other set of clothes to me, honey?

Vincent (to Poppy): Here you go, hun. Oh. Oh. Oh. My. God. Hee hee hee. That was a thing, wasn't it?

Poppy (to Vincent): What happened, honey? Did you get the letter? ... Damn zipper.

Vincent (to Poppy): I got the letter, a deed to, um, something or another, a fancy ring that fits none of my fingers, and...uh... Well, I believe I'm about to be tried for treason. Do you need help with that zipper, hun?

Poppy (to Vincent): Treason? Whatever for, honey? ... And, yes, help would be great, I can't seem to get it started.

Vincent (to Poppy): There you go. I can keep unzipping if you'd like. I know, *I'd* like to keep unzipping. ;-)

Poppy (to Vincent): Later, honey... we're trying not to look people who just ran out of the palace in very obvious clothing. What did you mean by treason?

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Um... Well, apparently if you're a commoner, it can be considered treason to, er, well to kiss Her Royal Highness of the British Commonwealth & dominions, colonies, protectorates & outer territories of Britannia. Who knew?

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh. Can you hand me my boot?

Vincent (to Poppy): Don't look at me like that! She asked! It was closed mouthed, hands at my sides the whole time, I swear!

Poppy (to Vincent): What do I care, honey? You're not my boyfriend... I just didn't expect you to do something so stupid.

Vincent (to Poppy): You don't have to tell me it was stupid, hun. Believe me, I KNOW. Oh, and in case I DIDN'T realize it immediately... The guards who began firing at me kind of reinforced that notion. Thanks.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, if I had known that you were going to incite the guards to fire by making out with a trollop-y royal, I would have stayed back at the ship.

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh, for... They were THERE to shoot at me, hun. We could have been playing Parcheesi and I would have shot at me. I'm sorry, hun. I REALLY am, but she was... At that moment? She just seemed like a lonely, confused 17 year old girl.

Poppy (to Vincent): And, that makes it better, somehow, honey? Do you realize how difficult this is going to make it for us here? The city watch is going to have your picture posted everywhere, not to mention the zeppelin patrols are going to be on the lookout for the Falcon. This is not good, at all.

Vincent (to Poppy): I know. BELIEVE ME, I know. OK. When we slow down, hop out, and get to your brother's place. I'll go back to the Falcon. I'll draw them away from the city, and make my way back home. No one knows you were with me.

Poppy (to Vincent): No, honey, we're in this together. Besides, your best bet is to leave the Falcon where it is & we head to my brother's… We'll think of something... Besides, I don't want to be stuck here with no way to get back to the portal.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hun, I don't want to put you or your family in danger.

Poppy (to Vincent): Fine... You know what, have it your way, honey. You want to be the big man & take care of this all by yourself. Be my guest ... Hey driver! Stop the ride... I'm getting out here. Vincent, if you could leave my bag & baked goods outside the ship, I'd appreciate it...

Vincent (to Poppy): Fine. FINE. And you know what? This isn't about being a Big Man, whatever the fuck that's supposed to mean. I don't know what to do, Poppy! I have NO DAMN IDEA. Do you know what I do now? I know that I'd very much like to stop seeing people I care about get hurt, because of some stupid ass mistake I've made, OK?

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, it's simple, honey. You get the Empress to rescind the decree against you.

Vincent (to Poppy): Sure. OK. I'll just walk back up to the palace and do that.

Poppy (to Vincent): Shut up, you ass. You get someone else to do it. Someone that the Queen Mum & the Empress likes.... Know anyone like that?

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh for... I'm a pirate and a bartender, Poppy! Who do I know with royal connections... Oh. Wait. I DO know someone like that.

Poppy (to Vincent): As for people getting hurt because of your mistakes, stop making them. Next time some jailbait queen asks you for a kiss, you say NO... I mean, it's just an idea. Honestly, you're lucky it's only treason.

Vincent (to Poppy): And... Yeah. OK. You're right. Sorry. It was stupid. Incredibly, incredibly stupid. For a mo, I just wanted to give a 17 year old girl a nice ending to the night.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I'm sure you've given her a night she won't soon forget... lucky her. Now, if I'm going to make it all the way across town to Bernard's place, I need to start hoofing it... Just keep the goodies & my stuff on the Falcon. I doubt I'll make it back this way for awhile.

Vincent (to Poppy): God... I'm so sorry, Poppy. I really am. I... We're not going to see each other for a while, are we?

Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I told you to come with me... and I meant it. But, if you go off in the Falcon, then yes, it's probably going to be awhile.

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Um... I don't exactly want that either, hun. I just...

Poppy (to Vincent): What is it? ... I don't mean to rush you, but it's late and I've got a fair amount of walking to do. And, honestly, my feelings are a bit hurt... and I'm going to need to find a place to collect myself.

Vincent (to Poppy): Your feelings are...What? I... What? I'm so sorry, hun. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.

Poppy (to Vincent): No, no. It's fine. Unexpected, but fine.

Vincent (to Poppy): It's not fine. I'm sorry, Poppy. I really am. If, um, if I promised to not kiss anymore members of the royal family and I apologized profusely, would you let me stay?

Poppy (to Vincent): I suppose, honey... Though, we may want to hole up in the Falcon for the night. So, we can hide it better in the morning.

Vincent (to Poppy): No. That's a good idea. I know a few places she shouldn't be noticed.

Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, let the driver know we're continuing on as planned.

Vincent (to Poppy): Right.

Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I, uh… nevermind.

Vincent (to Poppy): What is it, hun? Believe me, I cannot feel like a bigger idiot than I already do.

Poppy (to Vincent): No, I don't have any right to ask it of you, so just forget it.

Vincent (to Poppy): After the way I behaved tonight, and considering you saved my narrow goth ass... I think you have the right to ask me just about anything.

Poppy (to Vincent): It's just uh, I don't think I like the idea of you kissing any other girls. royal, common or automaton.

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh? Oh! I, uh... Well. I, uh, didn't know you felt that way.

Poppy (to Vincent): I know it's ridiculous... It's probably just the adrenalin rush. I mean, we don't have any claim on each other, at all.

Vincent (to Poppy): I, uh, I have to admit, hun. I wasn't crazy about seeing you dance with that Walrus, even if he was just part of your cover.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... I had no idea... Is that what prompted you to kiss the empress?

Vincent (to Poppy): What? No! Well...maybe a little bit.

Poppy (to Vincent): Come on, honey, let's get inside & curl up. I suspect that tomorrow is going to be a long day.

Vincent (to Poppy): That sounds like a good idea, hun. A VERY good idea. I'm beat.