Percy (to Poppy): Hey there, honey... Should you be waddling around in your condition?
Poppy (to Percy): HAHA, you are SO incredibly funny, honey. I came to pick up an order from Trubshaw's. What brings you this way?
Percy (to Poppy): Oh, pretty much the same... The Davenports needed supplies. Do you know how hard it is to find samosas in this city?
Poppy (to Percy): Hmmm, I hadn't really thought about it... Damn, now I want samosas. Thanks, Percy...
Percy (to Poppy): Oops... Sorry, honey. If I find some, I'll bring you a couple.
Poppy (to Percy): Thank you, but don't trouble yourself on my account... I'm actually glad I ran into you, I have some news for you.
Percy (to Poppy): Oh?
Poppy (to Percy): Yes... Vincent & I are engaged, honey. I hope you'll be happy for us.
Percy (to Poppy): Oh... well. I'm not really surprised... I really should be going...
Poppy (to Percy): Oh honey, I didn't mean to upset you.
Percy (to Poppy): Oh no, you didn't upset me... I am so over Captain Tightpants, honey. I just really need to finish my supply run. I'll see you.
Poppy (to Percy): If you say so, honey... See you later.
Meanwhile:
Eep (to Ripper): Oh! Hey. Sorry. I was kinda lost in space there for a minute. Thanks for grabbing my coffee for me.
Ripper (to Eep): Heh. No problem. How you been?
Eep (to Ripper): Busy, actually. I'm surprised Mouse hasn't started hanging up missing fliers. Heh.
Ripper (to Eep): Oh yeah? Has the bookstore been keeping you busy?
Eep (to Ripper): Not really. I'm only working there like 10 to 15 hours, so it's not all that strenuous. I've been painting. I think this is the first time I've left the apartment for something that isn't work in... Jesus. I have no idea.
Ripper (to Eep): Wow... I'd love to see what you've been working on, if you don't mind showing me.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Uh, really? Yeah, I guess so. Heh. You have to keep in mind I'm WAY out of practice, though.
Ripper (to Eep): Heh... I work at an art school. Trust me, I've seen all manner of skill levels.
Eep (to Ripper): Ha ha ha! Yeah. I'll bet! So, how've you been? I feel like I've been in a cave. You and Robert still seeing each other?
Ripper (to Eep): Heh... Yeah, we're still seeing each other, though I think he's about to dump me. Heh, It's okay... It wasn't anything serious, I knew that going in. It was fun while it lasted, though.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Yikes. Jesus! I'm sorry. I really stepped right in that, didn't I? What makes you think he's gonna dump you?
Ripper (to Eep): Oh well, it's just a feeling, I suppose. I mean, we've been seeing each other for a couple months now & well, Robert has made it pretty clear that he's not looking for anything serious. I like what we've got but, I think he's getting a little wigged out. We were out having dinner the other night and someone referred to me as his boyfriend & he got very quiet.
Eep (to Ripper): Huh. I wish I could offer you some insight, but I have no idea what's going on inside Robert's head 90% of the time. I dunno if it's any consolation, but you lasted much longer than most.
Ripper (to Eep): Heh. Thanks for that. I do appreciate it. Besides, I could just being paranoid. My luck with relationships has been kinda of bad, lately. So, I probably should just see how it goes. How are you and Mouse doing? Everything good?
Eep (to Ripper): Yeah. She's been sleeping a lot better with Hiiri gone, and she's less anxious now that she got to check on Poppy & Vincent. Thanks for taking her over with you yesterday. She was trying not to freak out, but you know...
Ripper (to Eep): It was no trouble at all. She seemed really concerned when she asked, so I thought it best to make the run as soon as possible. I was actually a bit surprised you didn't go with her.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Heh. Yeah. I wanted to give her and Vincent some time together. And, uh... I guess she's not the only one sleeping better these days.
Ripper (to Eep): Well, if you ever want to run over to see him on your own... I'll gladly take you. I'm fairly certain he'd be happy to see you.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh yeah? Thanks. I might take you up on that. Sounds like they're doing alright. Mouse couldn't quit talking about how round Poppy is, and baby kicking...uh... stuff. Heh. And she thinks Vincent got taller.
Ripper (to Eep): Really? He still seemed short to me... but then again, I'm not his sister. So, what would I know?
Eep (to Ripper): I doubt he's suddenly gotten tall. I think it's just he's crossed some threshold in her head from "little kid" to "adult." I mean, kids, pending marriage... It's all Big Grownup Shit. Or, it could be, knowing Vincent, he was wearing shoes with heels.
Ripper (to Eep): Heh... you're probably right... Oh god, shit... Is that really the time? I need to run. I'm going to be late for my lecture. Sorry to run out the door, but.. shit... I'll talk to you later.
Eep (to Ripper): Later!
Wanda (to Eep): Hey! Oh em gee! You're out of your cage! I was starting to worry you'd died and decomposed in there and no one knew.
Eep (to Wanda): Could have. I could be a zombie.
Wanda (to Eep): Don't be stupid. Zombies have dead corpse complexions. So whatcha up to? Getting out and about for a bit?
Eep (to Wanda): Yeah. I thought I should remind myself what sunshine looks like.
Wanda (to Eep): Hee hee. Well, soak it up, Gloomy Puss! I've got to go. I'm running late for work. See you later, tater tot!
Eep (to Wanda): What the fuck? Do I offend or something?
Mouse (to Eep): Well, maybe if you didn't sit glaring at people, they wouldn't feel the need to run away. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I'm not glaring. This is just what my face looks like.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh really? My mistake... I'm just teasing you. It's a nice face. I like it alot.
Eep (to Mouse): Well, I'm glad you like it. How was shopping?
Mouse (to Eep): Good. I got stuff to make dinner... Hey, are you going to be around for a bit? There's something I wanted to talk to you about.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. What's up?
Mouse (to Eep): Well, it's probably all this stuff with Vincent & Poppy but... I uh, want to get married for real. On this side.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Heh. I wondered when you were gonna say that.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh... Am I that predictable? I feel like I should be offended. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. You're not predictable. I just know you.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh well, I have nothing to say to that... So, um, what do you think?
Eep (to Mouse): Well, the logical part of me is telling me to wait, cause we haven't been dating even a year yet... But, the rest of me is telling that part of my brain to shut the fuck up. Heh. When do you want to do the deed?
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, so this is one of those "Screw logic" moments, huh? ... Well, I'm game whenever you are. Heh. You wanna run away to Vegas?
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Tempting, especially if we had Elvis do it, but I think your brother might kill us if we ran off to Vegas to get hitched.
Mouse (to Eep): Honestly, I think he's got his hands full & I have a strong feeling that he's been expecting it... I just realized that I don't want to have a traditional wedding. Just you, me, and our closest friends. But, if you want to wait until after Vincent & Poppy get back, we can do that... I suppose. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I'd rather pull out my toenails than have a traditional wedding, but, um, I'd kinda like everyone to attend. Everyone that we want to, anyway. Oh. Shit. I guess you should probably meet my pop.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh. You've been saying that for months. I was beginning to think you didn't want me to.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I kinda don't. We're civil to each other, but it's...uh... Huh. Complicated, I guess.
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, I know. But, I'm going to have to meet him eventually. It'll be okay, I'm not going to love you any less, because of him.
Eep (to Mouse): I know. Hell, if my brothers didn't scare you off, my dad isn't gonna do it.
Mouse (to Eep): Yep, you're going to try much harder if you want to get rid of me. :-p
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Well, thank God for that. So, when do you want to get this ridiculous thing done.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, whenever you want to make the drive, I guess.
Eep (to Mouse): Fuck. Right. Sooner is better than later, I guess. The longer I wait, the less I'm gonna want to do it.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh... Way to sell it. :-p
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. I'm a pile of excitement about it. Well, I don't have work this week until Thursday at Drac's. Or we can just wait.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, it's not Vegas, but you know how much I love roadtrips. Can we head out tomorrow, then?
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Sure. Jesus. Florida in June... Heh. I hope you like rain, humidity and mosquitoes.
Mouse (to Eep): Hmmm, I don't like any of those things, but it won't be for too long. Besides, I want to see where you grew up. It's only fair.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah, I suppose so. Alright, lemme call my dad and find out who he's shacked up... Be right back.
Mouse (to Eep): Alright, I'll start making dinner.
A short time later:
Eep (to Mouse): Madre de Dios, mi padre es un idiota. Hablé con mi... Oh. Uh, sorry. I spoke to my dad. He's living downtown by the beach. With someone named Krystal. With a K.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh, stripper or Dental Hygienist?
Eep (to Mouse): It's south Florida. Probably both. Guess we'll find out when we get there. So, good news is that we can stay by the beach when we get there. Like tourists.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, I am a tourist... I have never been that far south before.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Heh. Yeah. Well, alright, then. We'll be obnoxious tourists, then. We'll walk on the beach and eat Cuban food. Maybe we'll get you one of those neon, airbrushed t-shirts.
Mouse (to Eep): Oooh, can I get one of those mirrors with a unicorn drawing on it or a fringy beach coverup? Do they still make those? I haven't been to the beach since I was a kid & it was in Massachusetts, so I have no idea what happens at the beach.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Well, it's been a while for me too, so if memory serves, there will be a lot of sunburned tourists. Heh. I'm sure we can find one of those fringe, beach coverup things if you want one.
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, I don't really but it's something funny to go look for... Am I going to need a bathing suit or a ton of sunblock?
Eep (to Mouse): Ton of sunblock, yes. Bathing suit, maybe. It's the rainy season, so we might not get any sunshine. Yes, you'll probably still need sunblock.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh... Clearly I know nothing about south Florida...
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Well, it's hot and humid, there's a lot of strip clubs, and the food is good. Everything else, you'll learn first hand. :-P
Mouse (to Eep): It's sounds terrible. Heehee. I can't wait.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Well, I'm glad you're excited. It'll be an experience, that's for sure.
Poppy (to Percy): HAHA, you are SO incredibly funny, honey. I came to pick up an order from Trubshaw's. What brings you this way?
Percy (to Poppy): Oh, pretty much the same... The Davenports needed supplies. Do you know how hard it is to find samosas in this city?
Poppy (to Percy): Hmmm, I hadn't really thought about it... Damn, now I want samosas. Thanks, Percy...
Percy (to Poppy): Oops... Sorry, honey. If I find some, I'll bring you a couple.
Poppy (to Percy): Thank you, but don't trouble yourself on my account... I'm actually glad I ran into you, I have some news for you.
Percy (to Poppy): Oh?
Poppy (to Percy): Yes... Vincent & I are engaged, honey. I hope you'll be happy for us.
Percy (to Poppy): Oh... well. I'm not really surprised... I really should be going...
Poppy (to Percy): Oh honey, I didn't mean to upset you.
Percy (to Poppy): Oh no, you didn't upset me... I am so over Captain Tightpants, honey. I just really need to finish my supply run. I'll see you.
Poppy (to Percy): If you say so, honey... See you later.
Meanwhile:
Eep (to Ripper): Oh! Hey. Sorry. I was kinda lost in space there for a minute. Thanks for grabbing my coffee for me.
Ripper (to Eep): Heh. No problem. How you been?
Eep (to Ripper): Busy, actually. I'm surprised Mouse hasn't started hanging up missing fliers. Heh.
Ripper (to Eep): Oh yeah? Has the bookstore been keeping you busy?
Eep (to Ripper): Not really. I'm only working there like 10 to 15 hours, so it's not all that strenuous. I've been painting. I think this is the first time I've left the apartment for something that isn't work in... Jesus. I have no idea.
Ripper (to Eep): Wow... I'd love to see what you've been working on, if you don't mind showing me.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Uh, really? Yeah, I guess so. Heh. You have to keep in mind I'm WAY out of practice, though.
Ripper (to Eep): Heh... I work at an art school. Trust me, I've seen all manner of skill levels.
Eep (to Ripper): Ha ha ha! Yeah. I'll bet! So, how've you been? I feel like I've been in a cave. You and Robert still seeing each other?
Ripper (to Eep): Heh... Yeah, we're still seeing each other, though I think he's about to dump me. Heh, It's okay... It wasn't anything serious, I knew that going in. It was fun while it lasted, though.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Yikes. Jesus! I'm sorry. I really stepped right in that, didn't I? What makes you think he's gonna dump you?
Ripper (to Eep): Oh well, it's just a feeling, I suppose. I mean, we've been seeing each other for a couple months now & well, Robert has made it pretty clear that he's not looking for anything serious. I like what we've got but, I think he's getting a little wigged out. We were out having dinner the other night and someone referred to me as his boyfriend & he got very quiet.
Eep (to Ripper): Huh. I wish I could offer you some insight, but I have no idea what's going on inside Robert's head 90% of the time. I dunno if it's any consolation, but you lasted much longer than most.
Ripper (to Eep): Heh. Thanks for that. I do appreciate it. Besides, I could just being paranoid. My luck with relationships has been kinda of bad, lately. So, I probably should just see how it goes. How are you and Mouse doing? Everything good?
Eep (to Ripper): Yeah. She's been sleeping a lot better with Hiiri gone, and she's less anxious now that she got to check on Poppy & Vincent. Thanks for taking her over with you yesterday. She was trying not to freak out, but you know...
Ripper (to Eep): It was no trouble at all. She seemed really concerned when she asked, so I thought it best to make the run as soon as possible. I was actually a bit surprised you didn't go with her.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Heh. Yeah. I wanted to give her and Vincent some time together. And, uh... I guess she's not the only one sleeping better these days.
Ripper (to Eep): Well, if you ever want to run over to see him on your own... I'll gladly take you. I'm fairly certain he'd be happy to see you.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh yeah? Thanks. I might take you up on that. Sounds like they're doing alright. Mouse couldn't quit talking about how round Poppy is, and baby kicking...uh... stuff. Heh. And she thinks Vincent got taller.
Ripper (to Eep): Really? He still seemed short to me... but then again, I'm not his sister. So, what would I know?
Eep (to Ripper): I doubt he's suddenly gotten tall. I think it's just he's crossed some threshold in her head from "little kid" to "adult." I mean, kids, pending marriage... It's all Big Grownup Shit. Or, it could be, knowing Vincent, he was wearing shoes with heels.
Ripper (to Eep): Heh... you're probably right... Oh god, shit... Is that really the time? I need to run. I'm going to be late for my lecture. Sorry to run out the door, but.. shit... I'll talk to you later.
Eep (to Ripper): Later!
Wanda (to Eep): Hey! Oh em gee! You're out of your cage! I was starting to worry you'd died and decomposed in there and no one knew.
Eep (to Wanda): Could have. I could be a zombie.
Wanda (to Eep): Don't be stupid. Zombies have dead corpse complexions. So whatcha up to? Getting out and about for a bit?
Eep (to Wanda): Yeah. I thought I should remind myself what sunshine looks like.
Wanda (to Eep): Hee hee. Well, soak it up, Gloomy Puss! I've got to go. I'm running late for work. See you later, tater tot!
Eep (to Wanda): What the fuck? Do I offend or something?
Mouse (to Eep): Well, maybe if you didn't sit glaring at people, they wouldn't feel the need to run away. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I'm not glaring. This is just what my face looks like.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh really? My mistake... I'm just teasing you. It's a nice face. I like it alot.
Eep (to Mouse): Well, I'm glad you like it. How was shopping?
Mouse (to Eep): Good. I got stuff to make dinner... Hey, are you going to be around for a bit? There's something I wanted to talk to you about.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. What's up?
Mouse (to Eep): Well, it's probably all this stuff with Vincent & Poppy but... I uh, want to get married for real. On this side.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Heh. I wondered when you were gonna say that.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh... Am I that predictable? I feel like I should be offended. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. You're not predictable. I just know you.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh well, I have nothing to say to that... So, um, what do you think?
Eep (to Mouse): Well, the logical part of me is telling me to wait, cause we haven't been dating even a year yet... But, the rest of me is telling that part of my brain to shut the fuck up. Heh. When do you want to do the deed?
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, so this is one of those "Screw logic" moments, huh? ... Well, I'm game whenever you are. Heh. You wanna run away to Vegas?
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Tempting, especially if we had Elvis do it, but I think your brother might kill us if we ran off to Vegas to get hitched.
Mouse (to Eep): Honestly, I think he's got his hands full & I have a strong feeling that he's been expecting it... I just realized that I don't want to have a traditional wedding. Just you, me, and our closest friends. But, if you want to wait until after Vincent & Poppy get back, we can do that... I suppose. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I'd rather pull out my toenails than have a traditional wedding, but, um, I'd kinda like everyone to attend. Everyone that we want to, anyway. Oh. Shit. I guess you should probably meet my pop.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh. You've been saying that for months. I was beginning to think you didn't want me to.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I kinda don't. We're civil to each other, but it's...uh... Huh. Complicated, I guess.
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, I know. But, I'm going to have to meet him eventually. It'll be okay, I'm not going to love you any less, because of him.
Eep (to Mouse): I know. Hell, if my brothers didn't scare you off, my dad isn't gonna do it.
Mouse (to Eep): Yep, you're going to try much harder if you want to get rid of me. :-p
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Well, thank God for that. So, when do you want to get this ridiculous thing done.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, whenever you want to make the drive, I guess.
Eep (to Mouse): Fuck. Right. Sooner is better than later, I guess. The longer I wait, the less I'm gonna want to do it.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh... Way to sell it. :-p
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. I'm a pile of excitement about it. Well, I don't have work this week until Thursday at Drac's. Or we can just wait.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, it's not Vegas, but you know how much I love roadtrips. Can we head out tomorrow, then?
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Sure. Jesus. Florida in June... Heh. I hope you like rain, humidity and mosquitoes.
Mouse (to Eep): Hmmm, I don't like any of those things, but it won't be for too long. Besides, I want to see where you grew up. It's only fair.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah, I suppose so. Alright, lemme call my dad and find out who he's shacked up... Be right back.
Mouse (to Eep): Alright, I'll start making dinner.
A short time later:
Eep (to Mouse): Madre de Dios, mi padre es un idiota. Hablé con mi... Oh. Uh, sorry. I spoke to my dad. He's living downtown by the beach. With someone named Krystal. With a K.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh, stripper or Dental Hygienist?
Eep (to Mouse): It's south Florida. Probably both. Guess we'll find out when we get there. So, good news is that we can stay by the beach when we get there. Like tourists.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, I am a tourist... I have never been that far south before.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Heh. Yeah. Well, alright, then. We'll be obnoxious tourists, then. We'll walk on the beach and eat Cuban food. Maybe we'll get you one of those neon, airbrushed t-shirts.
Mouse (to Eep): Oooh, can I get one of those mirrors with a unicorn drawing on it or a fringy beach coverup? Do they still make those? I haven't been to the beach since I was a kid & it was in Massachusetts, so I have no idea what happens at the beach.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Well, it's been a while for me too, so if memory serves, there will be a lot of sunburned tourists. Heh. I'm sure we can find one of those fringe, beach coverup things if you want one.
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, I don't really but it's something funny to go look for... Am I going to need a bathing suit or a ton of sunblock?
Eep (to Mouse): Ton of sunblock, yes. Bathing suit, maybe. It's the rainy season, so we might not get any sunshine. Yes, you'll probably still need sunblock.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh... Clearly I know nothing about south Florida...
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Well, it's hot and humid, there's a lot of strip clubs, and the food is good. Everything else, you'll learn first hand. :-P
Mouse (to Eep): It's sounds terrible. Heehee. I can't wait.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Well, I'm glad you're excited. It'll be an experience, that's for sure.
