Vincent (to Poppy): Hello, beautiful. How are you feeling this morning?
Poppy (to Vincent): Wondering who came up with this whole nine month gestation thing... this blows, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): My guess would be a cruel and unusual god. At least you don't have to do it for a full nine months. Can I get you anything?
Poppy (to Vincent): I know I should feel thankful that I don't but it still seems like a long time. I'm good for right now, honey... I'm sorry I'm a little mopey, I tried to put on my favorite blouse and it doesn't fit... too tight. Apparently, the boob fairy came in the night and gave me a present... which I would very much like to give back.
Vincent (to Poppy): Right. Of course. ... Ahem.
Poppy (to Vincent): What is it? Are you okay, honey? You know, my eyes are up here, Captain Potter.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Hee hee. Sorry, Ms Meriwether. You, ah, you'll forgive me my wandering attention, I hope. You just look... Damn, woman. What do we have to do today, nothing, right? Nothing more important than letting me fawn all over you?
Poppy (to Vincent): Hmmm, I could totally learn to like this, lover. Now, I kinda wish I had boobs before, I had no idea what I was missing. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, it's not all the boobs, hun. You look... Uh... Yeah. You look amazing right now. Heh. And I seem to have lost the ability to speak in complete sentences.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, it's flattering to know that despite the fact that I feel like a giant hippo, you still find me attractive, honey... Oh no, I just remembered I had promised Molly I would help her in the inn today. There's a wedding party & she needed another set of hands... I should get a move on, if I don't want her to yell at me.
Vincent (to Poppy): Goddamn it! I was hoping to prove to you exactly how attractive I still find you... Do you two want any help? I know I'm useless in the kitchen, but I can serve... Wait. Did you tell Bernard yet?
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, I told him a few days ago when I realized I was starting to show... We could always use some help... Plus, we might be able to hide somewhere during the ceremony, while everyone is in the garden. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Well, when you make an offer like that... How did your brother take the news?
Poppy (to Vincent): He got really quiet for a bit and then, he simply said, "Hmmm, well... At least, he's a decent bloke." I'm not quite sure what that means, but he didn't say anything about hunting you down... so hurrah... I think.
Vincent (to Poppy): He said I was a decent bloke? Are you sure he realized *I'm* the father? Hee hee! I'm just kidding hun. Don't go swinging at me like that. You might have hit my face. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, stop making me want to slap you, honey... Heehee, I should have told him that I didn't know who the father was & you were being nice enough to act as a surrogate dad... Then, you wouldn't know how to act around him. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. How is that any different than usual? I don't mind telling you, I NEVER know how to act around your brothers.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh... Well, Percy & Thaddeus are the only two I'm closest to in age, the rest are a decade or more older than me... And Bernard, Franklin & Peter were the only ones that ever showed much concern about me or the other brothers. But, they were always busy trying to get their own lives sorted... Honestly, I'm not ever sure how to act around them. After finding out about Percy when I woke up, it kind of made me want to reconnect with them. Which sounds a bit sappy.
Vincent (to Poppy): I'm glad you did, hun. They all care about you, Even Thaddeus in his own way... And it's tough, not having family, I mean.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, well my Dad certainly didn't set a good example for any of us, but I think we're all figuring it out... some better than others. :-P Speaking of family... um... Do you think your sister & Eep would agree to be Victor's godparents?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Wow. You, um, you want Eep and Mouse to be Victor's godparents? Really? I mean, I'm sure they'll agree, and we already know Mouse can more than handle a cocky would-be pirate... Oh. When I put it like that, maybe she's had her fill of cocky, would-be pirates.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, it was just a thought... I was thinking either them or Bernard & Molly. I mean, I know it's probably not necessary but I like to be prepared for any contingency... I'd like to make sure he's with people who love him, in case something happens to us... I know, it's a plan & you hate those things. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Not the dreaded P word! Hee hee. Well, if you don't have an objection, I'd prefer to ask Mouse and Eep. Bernard and Molly know what I do... But, Eep and Mouse will at least know they're getting themselves involved with a kid who has weird portal-jumping powers. God, that is so strange to say...
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, yes it is... Heck, talking about our future child is still kind of weird to me, honey. Oh, and the look on Eep's face when we ask them to be his godparents will be priceless, I bet. Let's ask after he's born, though so I can be there.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Absolutely. I wouldn't dream of denying you that, lover.
A short time later:
Vincent (to Poppy): We're coming up on the Inn now, hun. Oops. And there's Molly in the garden. Uh oh. Is it just me, or does she look agitated?
Poppy (to Vincent): Uh oh... yes she does. We're not late, so I hope it's not because of us.
Vincent (to Poppy): You and me both.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh before we go, I just have to say that you look very handsome today, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Heh. Don't I always? Thank you.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well yes, you do, honey... Okay, let's go see what's got Molly in such a tizzy.
Vincent (to Poppy): I think I'd rather stay here and hear about how handsome I am, but alright. ;-}
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, if you're not careful, I'll send you out alone... ow... Oh, heh... I don't think Victor liked that joke.
Vincent (to Poppy): Is he...? He's kicking? I want to feel.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh, I'm not sure he'll do it again, but put your hand right here.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Isn't he just like his mother? He doesn't want to be told what to do... Oh! I felt that! Poppy!
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee... He told you. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Indeed... Heh. Wow.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, are you okay?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hmmm? Oh. Of course! I'm... I'm fine, hun. I'm fine. Who's that standing with Molly?
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh no... Honey, this isn't good... Damn it... grab your sword & please give me one. That would be my brother Gideon... the one that's been missing for over a year.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, I think we know why your sister-in-law is agitated. Sweetie, breathe. You're providing oxygen for two, remember. Let's go see what he wants.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm sure whatever he wants isn't good... Typical Gideon... Always showing up when things are going well for everyone. Jerk!
Vincent (to Poppy): Whose getting married today? I don't suppose we've lucked out and he's just a guest?
Poppy (to Vincent): I don't know, honey, Molly didn't tell me their names... I doubt he's here as a guest, that would mean he had friends.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. From what I've heard about him, hun, you can't blame me for hoping.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, let's get this over with & see if we can help Molly get him out of here before guests start arriving.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hey. It'll be alright, lover. Don't worry. Let's go remind your asshole brother where he can find the door.
Meanwhile:
Mouse (to Ripper): Hey there! Are you busy?
Ripper (to Mouse): Oh, not at all. I was just heading home. What can I do for you?
Mouse (to Ripper): I had a bit of an odd request... Do you think you could bring me with you the next time you crossover?
Ripper (to Mouse): Missing your brother, huh?
Mouse (to Ripper): Yes, and I'd like to check on Poppy for myself. If you don't mind bringing me that is...
Ripper (to Mouse): Oh yeah, it's no problem... I'll probably head over in the next few days. I can let you know.
Mouse (to Ripper): That would be great! Thank you. I'll talk to you later, then.
Ripper (to Mouse): Most definitely. See you later!
A couple hours later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, did you grab the meat pies that were sitting on this table?
Vincent (to Poppy): No. I was passing out what can only be described as "fish puffs." Are we missing a tray?
Poppy (to Vincent): I could have sworn that I set two meat pies here... I hope it was just Molly sneaking in & grabbing them.
Vincent (to Poppy): No doubt. How are you holding up, lover?
Poppy (to Vincent): As good as can be expected, honey... Wasn't that a nice ceremony? I mean, the part we saw of it. ;-) I know the whole Gideon was upsetting, but I'm just trying to get through this wedding, first.
Vincent (to Poppy): It was very nice.
An hour or so later:
Poppy (to Vincent): What's wrong, lover?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Nothing is wrong, hun. I'm sorry if I seem off. I was just thinking.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, about what, honey? We've got a lull for a few minutes before we have to start tidying up.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. It's nothing important, hun. Just silly fluff.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh. I could use some silly fluff, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. It's nothing. Really. I don't want to bore you. I was just thinking that with all these weddings... Heh. I find my opinions on marriage shifting a bit.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh...
Vincent (to Poppy): I know. It's silly. Heh. And heaven knows my parents are the worst people in the world to base ANYTHING on...
Poppy (to Vincent): What are you saying, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Heh. I always thought marriage was kind of an old-fashioned institution. Something people used to trap each other. I'm an idiot.
Poppy (to Vincent): You're not an idiot, honey... You had a terrible example of what a marriage could be growing up. I think marriage is what the couple makes of it, honey... Heaven or Hell.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. Well, that's something I think I might be learning. You know how I loathe to admit I'm wrong, lover. ;-)
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, that is true... Oof... I think I need to sit down for a minute...
Vincent (to Poppy): Good heavens! Sit down, hun! Do you want something to drink?
Poppy (to Vincent): I have a glass of lemonade on the table, honey... I'm just glad we got everything done, so we can relax.
Vincent (to Poppy): Here you go, lover. Do you want something to eat?
Poppy (to Vincent): Food would be lovely, honey... You're really very sweet, you know... I'm very lucky.
Vincent (to Poppy): You know I can't disagree with you when you're complimenting me. Here you go. How is our Victor treating you?
Poppy (to Vincent): Currently, he's doing gymnastics or dancing in there. It is the strangest sensation. It's also a bit exhausting... Honey, can we go sit by the pond for a little while?
Vincent (to Poppy): That sounds lovely. Heh. Good heavens. He really is having a dance party in there, isn't he?
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm hoping the walk will quiet him down...
A few minutes later:
Poppy (to Vincent): It's so peaceful out here.
Vincent (to Poppy): It really is. It's nice out tonight, isn't it? Heh. This is the place Persephone said all the patrons of the inn come to makeout, isn't it?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, Or to simply have a quiet moment, honey...
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, you can't blame a lad for trying.
Poppy (to Vincent): That's one of the reasons why I love you, honey. And, if you would please tell your son to simmer down, I will kiss you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Victor, calm down young man. Heh. Did that do the trick?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, strangely I think it did, honey... Now, c'mere you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. With pleasure.
Poppy (to Vincent): ... Now, that I have your attention, honey. Can I ask you something?
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Well, you could have asked me without the attention grabber, but I can't fault your technique. What is it, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): Maybe, it's all the talk from earlier and the events of the day, but um... Will you marry me, honey? I mean, if you want.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Wait. Are you... You're... You're serious, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): As a heartattack, honey... I realize it's funny coming from me, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that you're the person I want to grow old with & that when I'm with you... it just feels right. I'll understand if the answers no. I mean, joking about getting married is way different than actually doing it. But, I wanted you to know that I'm completely committed to being with you... and, I'll wait, if that's what you want to do.
Vincent (to Poppy): Wow. I...uh... Wow. I love you, Poppy. And I can't think of any person with whom I'd rather spend my life.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... Heh... I didn't realize I was holding my breath right then... I love you too... and I'm very glad.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. I guess Victor was right about us being married and all.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, he's clearly very clever and takes after his mother, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. God, let's hope so.
Poppy (to Vincent): You want to know something funny... for a brief moment when we arrived, I thought the wedding was going to be ours... Especially when I saw Molly all agitated & then Gideon showing up... I was actually in a panic & planning my escape routes. And then you asked about the couple & I realized didn't know the names... I could have died right there, I was so nervous.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. I wondered about that. Hee hee. Honestly, I half expected to show up and have Bernard shove a shotgun in my gut and march us both down the aisle.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, Clearly I think we might have been the only ones who were having reservations about us being together, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. I think you may be right... Oh good heavens... I wonder how Percy is going to take the news. Yikes.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, do you really expect it to be worse than telling him that I'm having your baby? Besides, I think I have a really big magnet somewhere, if he acts up. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Honestly, I'm expecting the news of the marriage to be a little more, um, awkward since he and I WERE technically married at one point. You may want to have that magnet handy, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Wait... What!?! Oh god... I need to sit down. Why am I surprised? I shouldn't be surprised... I mean, everything else he did first...
Vincent (to Poppy): I... Oh sweet Jesus. I didn't tell you that... Hun, I'm sorry. I'm SO very sorry. I thought I told you that. I swear I thought I told you that.
Poppy (to Vincent): No, honey, I think you left that small detail out... I have no words...
Vincent (to Poppy): It was around Christmas. We were both very drunk... Well, *I* was very drunk... We wandered into a 24 hour wedding chapel... Did I mention we were drunk? Black out, massively drunk? This was before I knew Percy was an automaton.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, that certainly explains SO much... So, what you're telling me is that you got really drunk & got hitched to my doppelganger, whom you then broke up with when she admitted she had stronger feelings for you...Meanwhile, you've been all hemming & hawing over it with me whom you love? I seriously wish I could drink right now...
Vincent (to Poppy): I... Um...
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I don't even have a clue as to what to say, right now... It certainly explains why Percy acted like he wanted to kill me at times... So, um... Should I assume that you two hooked up after you broke up, too?
Vincent (to Poppy): ... Um, yes.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alrighty then... Thank you for telling me... Please imagine me storming off in a huff, at this moment, instead of the slow walk I'm about to do...
Vincent (to Poppy): Hun, I know this is all...Fuck. It's more than a bit much! Why do you think I was hemming and hawing so much? It wasn't like I thought, 'Oh, hey! A human! Let's hop into bed with that!' I was TRYING to stay single for a reason.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I am trying desperately hard to stay calm & not yell... Honestly, I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at Percy... He managed to take important moments in my life & ruin them... I didn't think there were anymore left, but I was wrong. I just feel slightly foolish...
Vincent (to Poppy): Please understand, lover, I don't mean this as bitchy as it's going to sound. Why do you feel foolish?
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, for not assuming there was more to your relationship with the electric mayhem than what you told me. I seem to have a bit of blind spot when it comes to you...
Vincent (to Poppy): Hun, there WASN'T more to our relationship than what I told you. Yes, I was an utter idiot when it came to Poppybot slash Percy. I liked her, him. But I wasn't IN love with him. I never was. That marriage was annulled as soon as we realized it happened.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, you don't have to defend or explain yourself... I am honestly not mad at you... I found your ISS file in box of my things when I got them back from Percy... Did you know that he read up on you? Everything he did was because of some plan. His systems may have gotten corrupted along the way, but there was still a semblance of a plan in place. And, to find out about this... well frankly it pisses me off, but I'm trying to be calm for the baby.
Vincent (to Poppy): He had a file on me, eh? Well, that doesn't really surprise me. He mentioned he was programmed to get close to me in order to fulfill his mission. Of course, the Davenport sisters said they never programmed him to date me, either... So ISS had a file on me did they? Heh. I'll bet that's some interesting fiction.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, it's a little more accurate than you might think... but I um, now have the only copy.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Really? Well, that's a surprise. I take it you read it then. Dare I ask why you didn't turn it back into the ISS, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): Well... because I figured it would be better for you, if they didn't know you existed, honey. You were considered a "person of interest"... which means they were interested in possibly recruiting you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Wait... WHAT? They were interested in possibly recruiting me? Ha ha ha! That's... That's just... That's hilarious.
Poppy (to Vincent): Yeah, they probably would have contacted you if they thought there was something that required your "talents", honey or they needed you simply for a cover for one of their agents.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Well, that would have been a disaster waiting to happen. Thank you for watching out for me, lover. I do appreciate it.
Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, honey... I'll always have your back... And, on that note, I need to go to bed. I am exhausted.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ah. Of course, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Before I head in that direction... I really do love you, you know?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh thank God! I, uh... Heh. I was more than a bit afraid I had managed to make you rethink the whole thing.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm sorry if you thought I was upset with you...
Vincent (to Poppy): You had reason to be, lover. I know the whole situation with me and Percy is... Complicated doesn't seem to do it justice. Heh. Well, thank goodness for that! I'm sorry I upset you, hun. I really did think you knew.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, you are very much stuck with me. I was just a bit shocked when you told me, that's all.
Vincent (to Poppy): I love you too, Poppy. I've never felt like this about anyone before. I know you think Percy got everything "first", hun. But in my not so humble at all opinion, all the important stuff I've wanted to do with you.
Poppy (to Vincent): C'mere, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. Heh. As enjoyable as this is, I should really put you to bed, Ms Meriwether. A woman in your condition, out at night, no chaperone in sight... It's disgraceful, is what it is.
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes... Truly terrible. Someone might come along and take advantage of little ole me, honey... Lead the way, my Captain.
Poppy (to Vincent): Wondering who came up with this whole nine month gestation thing... this blows, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): My guess would be a cruel and unusual god. At least you don't have to do it for a full nine months. Can I get you anything?
Poppy (to Vincent): I know I should feel thankful that I don't but it still seems like a long time. I'm good for right now, honey... I'm sorry I'm a little mopey, I tried to put on my favorite blouse and it doesn't fit... too tight. Apparently, the boob fairy came in the night and gave me a present... which I would very much like to give back.
Vincent (to Poppy): Right. Of course. ... Ahem.
Poppy (to Vincent): What is it? Are you okay, honey? You know, my eyes are up here, Captain Potter.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Hee hee. Sorry, Ms Meriwether. You, ah, you'll forgive me my wandering attention, I hope. You just look... Damn, woman. What do we have to do today, nothing, right? Nothing more important than letting me fawn all over you?
Poppy (to Vincent): Hmmm, I could totally learn to like this, lover. Now, I kinda wish I had boobs before, I had no idea what I was missing. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, it's not all the boobs, hun. You look... Uh... Yeah. You look amazing right now. Heh. And I seem to have lost the ability to speak in complete sentences.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, it's flattering to know that despite the fact that I feel like a giant hippo, you still find me attractive, honey... Oh no, I just remembered I had promised Molly I would help her in the inn today. There's a wedding party & she needed another set of hands... I should get a move on, if I don't want her to yell at me.
Vincent (to Poppy): Goddamn it! I was hoping to prove to you exactly how attractive I still find you... Do you two want any help? I know I'm useless in the kitchen, but I can serve... Wait. Did you tell Bernard yet?
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, I told him a few days ago when I realized I was starting to show... We could always use some help... Plus, we might be able to hide somewhere during the ceremony, while everyone is in the garden. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Well, when you make an offer like that... How did your brother take the news?
Poppy (to Vincent): He got really quiet for a bit and then, he simply said, "Hmmm, well... At least, he's a decent bloke." I'm not quite sure what that means, but he didn't say anything about hunting you down... so hurrah... I think.
Vincent (to Poppy): He said I was a decent bloke? Are you sure he realized *I'm* the father? Hee hee! I'm just kidding hun. Don't go swinging at me like that. You might have hit my face. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, stop making me want to slap you, honey... Heehee, I should have told him that I didn't know who the father was & you were being nice enough to act as a surrogate dad... Then, you wouldn't know how to act around him. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. How is that any different than usual? I don't mind telling you, I NEVER know how to act around your brothers.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh... Well, Percy & Thaddeus are the only two I'm closest to in age, the rest are a decade or more older than me... And Bernard, Franklin & Peter were the only ones that ever showed much concern about me or the other brothers. But, they were always busy trying to get their own lives sorted... Honestly, I'm not ever sure how to act around them. After finding out about Percy when I woke up, it kind of made me want to reconnect with them. Which sounds a bit sappy.
Vincent (to Poppy): I'm glad you did, hun. They all care about you, Even Thaddeus in his own way... And it's tough, not having family, I mean.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, well my Dad certainly didn't set a good example for any of us, but I think we're all figuring it out... some better than others. :-P Speaking of family... um... Do you think your sister & Eep would agree to be Victor's godparents?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Wow. You, um, you want Eep and Mouse to be Victor's godparents? Really? I mean, I'm sure they'll agree, and we already know Mouse can more than handle a cocky would-be pirate... Oh. When I put it like that, maybe she's had her fill of cocky, would-be pirates.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, it was just a thought... I was thinking either them or Bernard & Molly. I mean, I know it's probably not necessary but I like to be prepared for any contingency... I'd like to make sure he's with people who love him, in case something happens to us... I know, it's a plan & you hate those things. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Not the dreaded P word! Hee hee. Well, if you don't have an objection, I'd prefer to ask Mouse and Eep. Bernard and Molly know what I do... But, Eep and Mouse will at least know they're getting themselves involved with a kid who has weird portal-jumping powers. God, that is so strange to say...
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, yes it is... Heck, talking about our future child is still kind of weird to me, honey. Oh, and the look on Eep's face when we ask them to be his godparents will be priceless, I bet. Let's ask after he's born, though so I can be there.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Absolutely. I wouldn't dream of denying you that, lover.
A short time later:
Vincent (to Poppy): We're coming up on the Inn now, hun. Oops. And there's Molly in the garden. Uh oh. Is it just me, or does she look agitated?
Poppy (to Vincent): Uh oh... yes she does. We're not late, so I hope it's not because of us.
Vincent (to Poppy): You and me both.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh before we go, I just have to say that you look very handsome today, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Heh. Don't I always? Thank you.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well yes, you do, honey... Okay, let's go see what's got Molly in such a tizzy.
Vincent (to Poppy): I think I'd rather stay here and hear about how handsome I am, but alright. ;-}
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, if you're not careful, I'll send you out alone... ow... Oh, heh... I don't think Victor liked that joke.
Vincent (to Poppy): Is he...? He's kicking? I want to feel.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh, I'm not sure he'll do it again, but put your hand right here.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Isn't he just like his mother? He doesn't want to be told what to do... Oh! I felt that! Poppy!
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee... He told you. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Indeed... Heh. Wow.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, are you okay?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hmmm? Oh. Of course! I'm... I'm fine, hun. I'm fine. Who's that standing with Molly?
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh no... Honey, this isn't good... Damn it... grab your sword & please give me one. That would be my brother Gideon... the one that's been missing for over a year.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, I think we know why your sister-in-law is agitated. Sweetie, breathe. You're providing oxygen for two, remember. Let's go see what he wants.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm sure whatever he wants isn't good... Typical Gideon... Always showing up when things are going well for everyone. Jerk!
Vincent (to Poppy): Whose getting married today? I don't suppose we've lucked out and he's just a guest?
Poppy (to Vincent): I don't know, honey, Molly didn't tell me their names... I doubt he's here as a guest, that would mean he had friends.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. From what I've heard about him, hun, you can't blame me for hoping.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, let's get this over with & see if we can help Molly get him out of here before guests start arriving.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hey. It'll be alright, lover. Don't worry. Let's go remind your asshole brother where he can find the door.
Meanwhile:
Mouse (to Ripper): Hey there! Are you busy?
Ripper (to Mouse): Oh, not at all. I was just heading home. What can I do for you?
Mouse (to Ripper): I had a bit of an odd request... Do you think you could bring me with you the next time you crossover?
Ripper (to Mouse): Missing your brother, huh?
Mouse (to Ripper): Yes, and I'd like to check on Poppy for myself. If you don't mind bringing me that is...
Ripper (to Mouse): Oh yeah, it's no problem... I'll probably head over in the next few days. I can let you know.
Mouse (to Ripper): That would be great! Thank you. I'll talk to you later, then.
Ripper (to Mouse): Most definitely. See you later!
A couple hours later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, did you grab the meat pies that were sitting on this table?
Vincent (to Poppy): No. I was passing out what can only be described as "fish puffs." Are we missing a tray?
Poppy (to Vincent): I could have sworn that I set two meat pies here... I hope it was just Molly sneaking in & grabbing them.
Vincent (to Poppy): No doubt. How are you holding up, lover?
Poppy (to Vincent): As good as can be expected, honey... Wasn't that a nice ceremony? I mean, the part we saw of it. ;-) I know the whole Gideon was upsetting, but I'm just trying to get through this wedding, first.
Vincent (to Poppy): It was very nice.
An hour or so later:
Poppy (to Vincent): What's wrong, lover?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Nothing is wrong, hun. I'm sorry if I seem off. I was just thinking.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, about what, honey? We've got a lull for a few minutes before we have to start tidying up.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. It's nothing important, hun. Just silly fluff.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh. I could use some silly fluff, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. It's nothing. Really. I don't want to bore you. I was just thinking that with all these weddings... Heh. I find my opinions on marriage shifting a bit.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh...
Vincent (to Poppy): I know. It's silly. Heh. And heaven knows my parents are the worst people in the world to base ANYTHING on...
Poppy (to Vincent): What are you saying, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Heh. I always thought marriage was kind of an old-fashioned institution. Something people used to trap each other. I'm an idiot.
Poppy (to Vincent): You're not an idiot, honey... You had a terrible example of what a marriage could be growing up. I think marriage is what the couple makes of it, honey... Heaven or Hell.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. Well, that's something I think I might be learning. You know how I loathe to admit I'm wrong, lover. ;-)
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, that is true... Oof... I think I need to sit down for a minute...
Vincent (to Poppy): Good heavens! Sit down, hun! Do you want something to drink?
Poppy (to Vincent): I have a glass of lemonade on the table, honey... I'm just glad we got everything done, so we can relax.
Vincent (to Poppy): Here you go, lover. Do you want something to eat?
Poppy (to Vincent): Food would be lovely, honey... You're really very sweet, you know... I'm very lucky.
Vincent (to Poppy): You know I can't disagree with you when you're complimenting me. Here you go. How is our Victor treating you?
Poppy (to Vincent): Currently, he's doing gymnastics or dancing in there. It is the strangest sensation. It's also a bit exhausting... Honey, can we go sit by the pond for a little while?
Vincent (to Poppy): That sounds lovely. Heh. Good heavens. He really is having a dance party in there, isn't he?
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm hoping the walk will quiet him down...
A few minutes later:
Poppy (to Vincent): It's so peaceful out here.
Vincent (to Poppy): It really is. It's nice out tonight, isn't it? Heh. This is the place Persephone said all the patrons of the inn come to makeout, isn't it?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, Or to simply have a quiet moment, honey...
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, you can't blame a lad for trying.
Poppy (to Vincent): That's one of the reasons why I love you, honey. And, if you would please tell your son to simmer down, I will kiss you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Victor, calm down young man. Heh. Did that do the trick?
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, strangely I think it did, honey... Now, c'mere you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. With pleasure.
Poppy (to Vincent): ... Now, that I have your attention, honey. Can I ask you something?
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Well, you could have asked me without the attention grabber, but I can't fault your technique. What is it, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): Maybe, it's all the talk from earlier and the events of the day, but um... Will you marry me, honey? I mean, if you want.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Wait. Are you... You're... You're serious, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): As a heartattack, honey... I realize it's funny coming from me, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that you're the person I want to grow old with & that when I'm with you... it just feels right. I'll understand if the answers no. I mean, joking about getting married is way different than actually doing it. But, I wanted you to know that I'm completely committed to being with you... and, I'll wait, if that's what you want to do.
Vincent (to Poppy): Wow. I...uh... Wow. I love you, Poppy. And I can't think of any person with whom I'd rather spend my life.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... Heh... I didn't realize I was holding my breath right then... I love you too... and I'm very glad.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. I guess Victor was right about us being married and all.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, he's clearly very clever and takes after his mother, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. God, let's hope so.
Poppy (to Vincent): You want to know something funny... for a brief moment when we arrived, I thought the wedding was going to be ours... Especially when I saw Molly all agitated & then Gideon showing up... I was actually in a panic & planning my escape routes. And then you asked about the couple & I realized didn't know the names... I could have died right there, I was so nervous.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. I wondered about that. Hee hee. Honestly, I half expected to show up and have Bernard shove a shotgun in my gut and march us both down the aisle.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, Clearly I think we might have been the only ones who were having reservations about us being together, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. I think you may be right... Oh good heavens... I wonder how Percy is going to take the news. Yikes.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, do you really expect it to be worse than telling him that I'm having your baby? Besides, I think I have a really big magnet somewhere, if he acts up. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Honestly, I'm expecting the news of the marriage to be a little more, um, awkward since he and I WERE technically married at one point. You may want to have that magnet handy, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Wait... What!?! Oh god... I need to sit down. Why am I surprised? I shouldn't be surprised... I mean, everything else he did first...
Vincent (to Poppy): I... Oh sweet Jesus. I didn't tell you that... Hun, I'm sorry. I'm SO very sorry. I thought I told you that. I swear I thought I told you that.
Poppy (to Vincent): No, honey, I think you left that small detail out... I have no words...
Vincent (to Poppy): It was around Christmas. We were both very drunk... Well, *I* was very drunk... We wandered into a 24 hour wedding chapel... Did I mention we were drunk? Black out, massively drunk? This was before I knew Percy was an automaton.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, that certainly explains SO much... So, what you're telling me is that you got really drunk & got hitched to my doppelganger, whom you then broke up with when she admitted she had stronger feelings for you...Meanwhile, you've been all hemming & hawing over it with me whom you love? I seriously wish I could drink right now...
Vincent (to Poppy): I... Um...
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I don't even have a clue as to what to say, right now... It certainly explains why Percy acted like he wanted to kill me at times... So, um... Should I assume that you two hooked up after you broke up, too?
Vincent (to Poppy): ... Um, yes.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alrighty then... Thank you for telling me... Please imagine me storming off in a huff, at this moment, instead of the slow walk I'm about to do...
Vincent (to Poppy): Hun, I know this is all...Fuck. It's more than a bit much! Why do you think I was hemming and hawing so much? It wasn't like I thought, 'Oh, hey! A human! Let's hop into bed with that!' I was TRYING to stay single for a reason.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, I am trying desperately hard to stay calm & not yell... Honestly, I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at Percy... He managed to take important moments in my life & ruin them... I didn't think there were anymore left, but I was wrong. I just feel slightly foolish...
Vincent (to Poppy): Please understand, lover, I don't mean this as bitchy as it's going to sound. Why do you feel foolish?
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, for not assuming there was more to your relationship with the electric mayhem than what you told me. I seem to have a bit of blind spot when it comes to you...
Vincent (to Poppy): Hun, there WASN'T more to our relationship than what I told you. Yes, I was an utter idiot when it came to Poppybot slash Percy. I liked her, him. But I wasn't IN love with him. I never was. That marriage was annulled as soon as we realized it happened.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, you don't have to defend or explain yourself... I am honestly not mad at you... I found your ISS file in box of my things when I got them back from Percy... Did you know that he read up on you? Everything he did was because of some plan. His systems may have gotten corrupted along the way, but there was still a semblance of a plan in place. And, to find out about this... well frankly it pisses me off, but I'm trying to be calm for the baby.
Vincent (to Poppy): He had a file on me, eh? Well, that doesn't really surprise me. He mentioned he was programmed to get close to me in order to fulfill his mission. Of course, the Davenport sisters said they never programmed him to date me, either... So ISS had a file on me did they? Heh. I'll bet that's some interesting fiction.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, it's a little more accurate than you might think... but I um, now have the only copy.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Really? Well, that's a surprise. I take it you read it then. Dare I ask why you didn't turn it back into the ISS, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): Well... because I figured it would be better for you, if they didn't know you existed, honey. You were considered a "person of interest"... which means they were interested in possibly recruiting you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Wait... WHAT? They were interested in possibly recruiting me? Ha ha ha! That's... That's just... That's hilarious.
Poppy (to Vincent): Yeah, they probably would have contacted you if they thought there was something that required your "talents", honey or they needed you simply for a cover for one of their agents.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Well, that would have been a disaster waiting to happen. Thank you for watching out for me, lover. I do appreciate it.
Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, honey... I'll always have your back... And, on that note, I need to go to bed. I am exhausted.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ah. Of course, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Before I head in that direction... I really do love you, you know?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh thank God! I, uh... Heh. I was more than a bit afraid I had managed to make you rethink the whole thing.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm sorry if you thought I was upset with you...
Vincent (to Poppy): You had reason to be, lover. I know the whole situation with me and Percy is... Complicated doesn't seem to do it justice. Heh. Well, thank goodness for that! I'm sorry I upset you, hun. I really did think you knew.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, you are very much stuck with me. I was just a bit shocked when you told me, that's all.
Vincent (to Poppy): I love you too, Poppy. I've never felt like this about anyone before. I know you think Percy got everything "first", hun. But in my not so humble at all opinion, all the important stuff I've wanted to do with you.
Poppy (to Vincent): C'mere, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmm. Heh. As enjoyable as this is, I should really put you to bed, Ms Meriwether. A woman in your condition, out at night, no chaperone in sight... It's disgraceful, is what it is.
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes... Truly terrible. Someone might come along and take advantage of little ole me, honey... Lead the way, my Captain.
