Vincent (to Mouse): Hey hun, um... Do you have a moment to talk?
Mouse (to Vincent): For you, little brother? Of course. I'm fixing dinner, want to hang out while I cook. You can be my taster. What's up?
Vincent (to Mouse): Ooo! Taste testing! Hee hee. You know how to get my attention. So, um, I'm going to have to be out of town for a little while.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... How long? Is everything okay?
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Um, yes. I'm fine. We're all fine. It's just that... Well, you're going to be an Aunt.
Mouse (to Vincent): Wait... What? Oh, I am both excited & terrified.
Vincent (to Mouse): Yeah. Heh. Join the club.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh...um... Can I organize a baby shower for you guys?
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Um... Baby shower?
Mouse (to Vincent): Well yeah, you're going to need baby stuff... And since we already know it's a boy, that'll be easy.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Yeah. Oh God, we ARE, aren't we? ... Anyway, Poppy doesn't want to crossover just yet.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, what do you need us to do? Oh... What about Max?
Vincent (to Mouse): I'm going to have to take him with me. THAT should be interesting. I've asked Sasha for a leave of absence... And, I've got the bills all sorted out for the next few months. I just... I just may need to call you from time to time to freak out. Um, actually, I may need to call you A LOT to freak out.
Mouse (to Vincent): You can call me anytime you want, little brother... Um... Can I ask you a weird question?
Vincent (to Mouse): Yeah. Sure. What is it, hun?
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, I know you're a bit freaked out. I mean, I would be, too. It's a big step... But, are you at least a little bit excited about the prospect?
Vincent (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. I am.
Mouse (to Vincent): Heehee, good... Now, taste this.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh good heavens! That's delicious, hun. Hee hee. Your beau is going to end up chubby.
Mouse (to Vincent): Are you kidding? He's hardly been touching his food lately... He's been on a big painting kick. I'm hoping this will entice him to actually eat something... I've been bringing him food & he's been ignoring it.
Vincent (to Mouse): Really? Is he OK? Is everything alright? Or is this good manic painting?
Mouse (to Vincent): I think it's good. He says nothing's wrong, he's just been inspired. He made a painting for me... well, of me. It's over the mantle in the living room... Heehee, you should go tell him about his future as an uncle. He's going to die.
Vincent (to Mouse): He DID? Ooo! I want to see! And yes. I really should tell "tío Eduardo" all about his upcoming nephew. Heh.
Mouse (to Vincent): While you're bugging him, could you tell him dinner will be ready shortly?
Vincent (to Mouse): Can do, sister dearest.
A few minutes later:
Vincent (to Eep): Hey, Slim. Are you ever going to rejoin the realm of the living, or are you working on becoming a hermit?
Eep (to Vincent): Huh? What? Oh. Hey. What did you say?
Vincent (to Eep): You ARE in the zone. Well, I have two things to tell you. One: Mouse said dinner is ready, so get your fine Latino ass upstairs. Two: You're going to be an uncle, stud.
Eep (to Vincent): Oh. Right. OK. Tell her I'll be up in a few, I just wanna get this... Wait. What did you say? Oh. You mean Victor. I already know he's going to be... Wait. WAIT. Do you mean now? Like right now, now? POPPY'S PREGNANT?
Vincent (to Eep): Heh. Yeah. She is.
Eep (to Vincent): Woah. I mean... WOAH. Huh. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. So. You freaking out, or what?
Vincent (to Eep): No. Not really. I mean, a little bit, but I'm... um. I'm kind of excited. Crazy, huh?
Eep (to Vincent): Kinda. But it's not all that nuts. Neither of you guys really have much of a family. It kinda makes sense you kinda wanna start your own. Wow. So... Victor, huh?
Vincent (to Eep): Hee hee. Yeah. Victor. Come on, Uncle Eep. Mouse is cooking an amazing dinner. She's worried you're not eating. And I think I've properly distracted you enough that you can take a break.
Eep (to Vincent): Yeah. Seriously.
A couple minutes later:
Vincent (to Mouse): Hey, hun! I emerge from the Batcave with your beau in tow. QUICK! Stuff him full of food before he can disappear again.
Mouse (to Vincent & Eep): Heehee, you have perfect timing. I was just taking the foccaccia out of the oven. Are you staying for dinner, little brother or do you need to run off?
Vincent (to Mouse): Ooo. You tempt me with foccaccia. You tempt me SO HARD, but I should get back. I stopped by to grab Max, get some antibiotics and give you two the happy slash terrifying news. Heh. I'll be in touch, and I'll see you both as soon as I can. Hugs!
Mouse (to Vincent): I love you, little brother, stay safe... And, give Poppy a squeeze for me.
Vincent (to Mouse): I will. I love you two, sister o' mine. And you too, Slim! See you soon, gang.
Ripper (to Vincent): Hey Captain! Funny running into you here... Everything okay?
Vincent (to Ripper): Oh! Hey, Professor. No, no. I'm fine. Heh. I mean, other than the busted up face and the stitches. I'm actually good. I'm glad I ran into you. I've got, um... Well, I've got some good news.
Ripper (to Vincent): Heh. Have you thought about another line of work, Captain? Oh yeah? You're not being chased by a horrible monster or anything, are you? I'm sorry... I'm always a little nervous when you say you have news.
Vincent (to Ripper): Ha ha ha! Well, usually when I have news, it involves someone trying to kill me. Heh. No, nothing so terrible. Or maybe worse, depending on your opinions. I'm, um, I'm going to be a dad.
Ripper (to Vincent): HAHA... Wait... You're serious? ... Wow, I was not expecting that at all. Well, congratulations are in order... Um, do you need anything?
Vincent (to Ripper): Heh. I know. Kinda... wow, right? Um, yeah. We probably do. Baby stuff, I suppose. Oh lord... I don't know what that involves. You'll have to talk to my sister. She's the one organizing a baby shower. Which is a concept that fills me with horror.
Ripper (to Vincent): Heh... Do you really think Mouse would organize a shower that you wouldn't like? Besides, weren't you the one that was all excited about organizing her wedding? Heh... Your child will probably be born before those two ever get married over here. Oh god, you haven't told Wanda yet, have you? She is going to flip.
Vincent (to Ripper): Oh God... No. I haven't. I just found out yesterday. I mean, I KNEW Poppy and I were going to end up with a kid some day. I just didn't expect it would happen so soon.
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh! So that's what Eep meant the other day... He was talking about you guys. Wow, I feel a little slow, now.
Vincent (to Ripper): Heh. Yeah. Apparently when two people who can travel across the portals have a kid, there are unexpected consequences. FYI.
Ripper (to Vincent): Well, I guess that makes sense... So, um, please don't take this question the wrong way, but are you happy about this? I mean it seems like not too long ago you were freaked out about relationships & now, you're going to be a dad.
Vincent (to Ripper): Heh. No, believe me, I know. I KNOW. You're not the first person to ask me that, either. It might sound strange, Professor, but part of what made me so stupid and terrified was the fear that I was too big a fuck up for family & relationships & such. Heh. I don't have the best guidance in that area. But making a clean break with my parents, sort of, and meeting Victor. Heh. Well, I don't screw it up too bad do I?
Ripper (to Vincent): Well sure you don't have a traditional example of a family but you've got a ton of folks that care about you like a family. I mean, that's what is important... Hell, you & Poppy are going to have practically an army willing to help raise your kid, you realize that don't you? Probably on both sides.
Vincent (to Ripper): Heh. Don't I know it? Hell, we had a small army of people that helped get me away from Drake.
Ripper (to Vincent): Well, I'm very happy for you & Poppy, Captain. And, if you need anything just give me a holler.
Vincent (to Ripper): Will do, Professor. Thank you. I'm... Heh. Well, we're both pretty chuffed. Speaking of Poppy, I should head back.
Ripper (to Vincent): Take care!
Vincent (to Ripper): Oh! I'm going to be out town for a while. I'll see you when we get back. Later, tater!
Eep (to Ripper): Hey, Ripper. Headed home?
Ripper (to Eep): I was... Can I bum a smoke off of you?
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Uh... yeah. Sure. Here you go. I didn't know you smoked.
Ripper (to Eep): Heh... I haven't since I was a kid, but I kinda need the distraction for a minute.
Eep (to Ripper): Everything OK? You look kinda pale. You alright?
Ripper (to Eep): Yeah, I'm fine... Just a little in shock. Vincent told me about the baby... Heh... To be honest, I expected the first couple to have a baby would be you & Mouse.
Eep (to Ripper): Wha---WHAT? You expected what?
Ripper (to Eep): Oh... Did I say something wrong? I just figured you guys are older, you're already married in Britannia, I just figured it was the natural next step... I'm sorry if I upset you.
Eep (to Ripper): No. No. I'm not upset. It's alright. I just...
Ripper (to Eep): God, forget I said anything... I'm sorry. Clearly this isn't a topic you want to talk about.
Eep (to Ripper): S'OK. I guess I just didn't really think about it. I mean, I DID, but I figured we'd get married and all that shit first. Sorry. Heh. I'm still trying to get my head wrapped around this "in a stable relationship" shit sometimes, you know?
Ripper (to Eep): Heh... I'm not sure any of my relationships could ever have been called stable.
Eep (to Ripper): Yeah. Likewise. Jesus. I was single for almost 10 years before Mouse, and the two before that. Christ! Heh. One ended me with me in the hospital, and one was more like a hostage situation.
Ripper (to Eep): Yeah, I understand... I sometimes felt like I was in a hostage situation when I was dating Rebecca.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh yeah?
Ripper (to Eep): Heh... It was more like a mutual hostage situation. We fought like cats & dogs, we shouldn't have dated for as long as we did, but we kept a tight grasp on each other, I think mostly out of fear.
Eep (to Ripper): God. Yeah. That's how Maddie and I were. We made each other nuts. I was desperate for some semblance of stability. And Mad.. Heh. Well, she wanted to piss Daddy off. The other guy... God. I don't even know what I was thinking there.
Ripper (to Eep): Wait... a guy? Huh? You're like the straightest guy I know. Am I missing something?
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Shit. Uh, yeah. To be fair, I was drinking a lot. Um, A LOT, a lot, and I didn't realize he was, uh... interested.
Ripper (to Eep): Oh shit... That sounds rough.
Eep (to Ripper): Yeah. Um, I kinda flunked out of school, and I needed someplace to stay, so I didn't think anything of it when Asher offered. I was kinda an idiot. No. I wasn't kinda an idiot. I was a HUGE idiot.
Ripper (to Eep): Oh geez, I'm sorry to bring up another sticky subject. I think I may need to head home and take a vow of silence. :-P
Eep (to Ripper): Heh. Nah. It's alright. I'm actually, huh, I'm actually more over it than I thought I was. And it was a long time ago.
Ripper (to Eep): Well, that's good... I should still head home, I've got a seminar to teach in the morning.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Sorry! Didn't mean to keep you. See you later, Ripper. Take it easy.
Ripper (to Eep): No worries! It was nice chatting with you. I'll see you later!
A few minutes later:
Mouse (to Eep): Hey man o' mine, what's with the odd look on your face?
Eep (to Mouse): Huh? Oh. Uh, nothing, I guess. I was just talking to Ripper. He, uh, smoked a cigarette with me.
Mouse (to Eep): Really, I take it Vincent talked to him, huh... And, that's what's got you all contemplative?
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. He ran into your brother when he was leaving. Yeah. I guess so. He said that he expected you and I to be the first couple to have kids.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh... That's a little surprising.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. He seemed a little shaken. We ended up talking about the fucked up relationships we'd had in the past. Heh. I can honestly say I've never done that before.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, I hope I wasn't one of them you mentioned.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Oh yeah. You were the first one I mentioned.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh... I don't blame you. I mean, I'm terrible. I don't know why you put up with me. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. Terrible. Not wonderful at all. Nope. Not you.
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, I have no response to that. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. You'll just have to agree with me then.
Mouse (to Eep): What is it? You know you can tell me anything, sweetie.
Eep (to Mouse): Um, believe it or not, I actually mentioned the Creep. I mean, accidentally, but... Heh. Nevermind. It's dumb.
Mouse (to Eep): Whatever it is, I'm not going to think it's dumb.
Eep (to Mouse): I know you won't think it's dumb. Even if it is a little dumb. Heh. I'm just surprised. At myself, I mean. For mentioning it. And not like, utterly freaking out.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, you're a slightly different person in a lot of ways than when I first met you, Felix. I'm not surprised.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I guess so.
Mouse (to Eep): For one thing, you're a lot more relaxed than you used to be, that's for sure.
Eep (to Mouse): Ha ha ha. Fuck yeah, I'm a lot more relaxed. Wonder why that is.
Mouse (to Eep): Probably because I slip muscle relaxers in your food... I'm just kidding. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Oh really? Huh. I thought it tasted more like anti-depressants.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh right... that's what they are. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Sorry I've been kinda MIA lately. How are your sucker marks doing?
Mouse (to Eep): Healing... Thankfully they're not as sore as they were. I understand that you've been busy with painting.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Heh. Yeah. Sorry. I haven't painted this much in... Christ. I dunno. A long time. Anyway. Glad you're feeling better.
Mouse (to Eep): It's nice to see you being so productive, I certainly don't want to discourage it... I just worry about you sometimes.
Eep (to Mouse): You worry about me? How come?
Mouse (to Eep): Cuz I love you, you silly man...
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Heh. Right. So, if you think you can stand me hanging around all night, I can try to make it up to you for being so scarce.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh. I'd like that.
Eep (to Mouse): C'mere you.
Mouse (to Vincent): For you, little brother? Of course. I'm fixing dinner, want to hang out while I cook. You can be my taster. What's up?
Vincent (to Mouse): Ooo! Taste testing! Hee hee. You know how to get my attention. So, um, I'm going to have to be out of town for a little while.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... How long? Is everything okay?
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Um, yes. I'm fine. We're all fine. It's just that... Well, you're going to be an Aunt.
Mouse (to Vincent): Wait... What? Oh, I am both excited & terrified.
Vincent (to Mouse): Yeah. Heh. Join the club.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh...um... Can I organize a baby shower for you guys?
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Um... Baby shower?
Mouse (to Vincent): Well yeah, you're going to need baby stuff... And since we already know it's a boy, that'll be easy.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. Yeah. Oh God, we ARE, aren't we? ... Anyway, Poppy doesn't want to crossover just yet.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, what do you need us to do? Oh... What about Max?
Vincent (to Mouse): I'm going to have to take him with me. THAT should be interesting. I've asked Sasha for a leave of absence... And, I've got the bills all sorted out for the next few months. I just... I just may need to call you from time to time to freak out. Um, actually, I may need to call you A LOT to freak out.
Mouse (to Vincent): You can call me anytime you want, little brother... Um... Can I ask you a weird question?
Vincent (to Mouse): Yeah. Sure. What is it, hun?
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, I know you're a bit freaked out. I mean, I would be, too. It's a big step... But, are you at least a little bit excited about the prospect?
Vincent (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. I am.
Mouse (to Vincent): Heehee, good... Now, taste this.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh good heavens! That's delicious, hun. Hee hee. Your beau is going to end up chubby.
Mouse (to Vincent): Are you kidding? He's hardly been touching his food lately... He's been on a big painting kick. I'm hoping this will entice him to actually eat something... I've been bringing him food & he's been ignoring it.
Vincent (to Mouse): Really? Is he OK? Is everything alright? Or is this good manic painting?
Mouse (to Vincent): I think it's good. He says nothing's wrong, he's just been inspired. He made a painting for me... well, of me. It's over the mantle in the living room... Heehee, you should go tell him about his future as an uncle. He's going to die.
Vincent (to Mouse): He DID? Ooo! I want to see! And yes. I really should tell "tío Eduardo" all about his upcoming nephew. Heh.
Mouse (to Vincent): While you're bugging him, could you tell him dinner will be ready shortly?
Vincent (to Mouse): Can do, sister dearest.
A few minutes later:
Vincent (to Eep): Hey, Slim. Are you ever going to rejoin the realm of the living, or are you working on becoming a hermit?
Eep (to Vincent): Huh? What? Oh. Hey. What did you say?
Vincent (to Eep): You ARE in the zone. Well, I have two things to tell you. One: Mouse said dinner is ready, so get your fine Latino ass upstairs. Two: You're going to be an uncle, stud.
Eep (to Vincent): Oh. Right. OK. Tell her I'll be up in a few, I just wanna get this... Wait. What did you say? Oh. You mean Victor. I already know he's going to be... Wait. WAIT. Do you mean now? Like right now, now? POPPY'S PREGNANT?
Vincent (to Eep): Heh. Yeah. She is.
Eep (to Vincent): Woah. I mean... WOAH. Huh. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. So. You freaking out, or what?
Vincent (to Eep): No. Not really. I mean, a little bit, but I'm... um. I'm kind of excited. Crazy, huh?
Eep (to Vincent): Kinda. But it's not all that nuts. Neither of you guys really have much of a family. It kinda makes sense you kinda wanna start your own. Wow. So... Victor, huh?
Vincent (to Eep): Hee hee. Yeah. Victor. Come on, Uncle Eep. Mouse is cooking an amazing dinner. She's worried you're not eating. And I think I've properly distracted you enough that you can take a break.
Eep (to Vincent): Yeah. Seriously.
A couple minutes later:
Vincent (to Mouse): Hey, hun! I emerge from the Batcave with your beau in tow. QUICK! Stuff him full of food before he can disappear again.
Mouse (to Vincent & Eep): Heehee, you have perfect timing. I was just taking the foccaccia out of the oven. Are you staying for dinner, little brother or do you need to run off?
Vincent (to Mouse): Ooo. You tempt me with foccaccia. You tempt me SO HARD, but I should get back. I stopped by to grab Max, get some antibiotics and give you two the happy slash terrifying news. Heh. I'll be in touch, and I'll see you both as soon as I can. Hugs!
Mouse (to Vincent): I love you, little brother, stay safe... And, give Poppy a squeeze for me.
Vincent (to Mouse): I will. I love you two, sister o' mine. And you too, Slim! See you soon, gang.
Ripper (to Vincent): Hey Captain! Funny running into you here... Everything okay?
Vincent (to Ripper): Oh! Hey, Professor. No, no. I'm fine. Heh. I mean, other than the busted up face and the stitches. I'm actually good. I'm glad I ran into you. I've got, um... Well, I've got some good news.
Ripper (to Vincent): Heh. Have you thought about another line of work, Captain? Oh yeah? You're not being chased by a horrible monster or anything, are you? I'm sorry... I'm always a little nervous when you say you have news.
Vincent (to Ripper): Ha ha ha! Well, usually when I have news, it involves someone trying to kill me. Heh. No, nothing so terrible. Or maybe worse, depending on your opinions. I'm, um, I'm going to be a dad.
Ripper (to Vincent): HAHA... Wait... You're serious? ... Wow, I was not expecting that at all. Well, congratulations are in order... Um, do you need anything?
Vincent (to Ripper): Heh. I know. Kinda... wow, right? Um, yeah. We probably do. Baby stuff, I suppose. Oh lord... I don't know what that involves. You'll have to talk to my sister. She's the one organizing a baby shower. Which is a concept that fills me with horror.
Ripper (to Vincent): Heh... Do you really think Mouse would organize a shower that you wouldn't like? Besides, weren't you the one that was all excited about organizing her wedding? Heh... Your child will probably be born before those two ever get married over here. Oh god, you haven't told Wanda yet, have you? She is going to flip.
Vincent (to Ripper): Oh God... No. I haven't. I just found out yesterday. I mean, I KNEW Poppy and I were going to end up with a kid some day. I just didn't expect it would happen so soon.
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh! So that's what Eep meant the other day... He was talking about you guys. Wow, I feel a little slow, now.
Vincent (to Ripper): Heh. Yeah. Apparently when two people who can travel across the portals have a kid, there are unexpected consequences. FYI.
Ripper (to Vincent): Well, I guess that makes sense... So, um, please don't take this question the wrong way, but are you happy about this? I mean it seems like not too long ago you were freaked out about relationships & now, you're going to be a dad.
Vincent (to Ripper): Heh. No, believe me, I know. I KNOW. You're not the first person to ask me that, either. It might sound strange, Professor, but part of what made me so stupid and terrified was the fear that I was too big a fuck up for family & relationships & such. Heh. I don't have the best guidance in that area. But making a clean break with my parents, sort of, and meeting Victor. Heh. Well, I don't screw it up too bad do I?
Ripper (to Vincent): Well sure you don't have a traditional example of a family but you've got a ton of folks that care about you like a family. I mean, that's what is important... Hell, you & Poppy are going to have practically an army willing to help raise your kid, you realize that don't you? Probably on both sides.
Vincent (to Ripper): Heh. Don't I know it? Hell, we had a small army of people that helped get me away from Drake.
Ripper (to Vincent): Well, I'm very happy for you & Poppy, Captain. And, if you need anything just give me a holler.
Vincent (to Ripper): Will do, Professor. Thank you. I'm... Heh. Well, we're both pretty chuffed. Speaking of Poppy, I should head back.
Ripper (to Vincent): Take care!
Vincent (to Ripper): Oh! I'm going to be out town for a while. I'll see you when we get back. Later, tater!
Eep (to Ripper): Hey, Ripper. Headed home?
Ripper (to Eep): I was... Can I bum a smoke off of you?
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Uh... yeah. Sure. Here you go. I didn't know you smoked.
Ripper (to Eep): Heh... I haven't since I was a kid, but I kinda need the distraction for a minute.
Eep (to Ripper): Everything OK? You look kinda pale. You alright?
Ripper (to Eep): Yeah, I'm fine... Just a little in shock. Vincent told me about the baby... Heh... To be honest, I expected the first couple to have a baby would be you & Mouse.
Eep (to Ripper): Wha---WHAT? You expected what?
Ripper (to Eep): Oh... Did I say something wrong? I just figured you guys are older, you're already married in Britannia, I just figured it was the natural next step... I'm sorry if I upset you.
Eep (to Ripper): No. No. I'm not upset. It's alright. I just...
Ripper (to Eep): God, forget I said anything... I'm sorry. Clearly this isn't a topic you want to talk about.
Eep (to Ripper): S'OK. I guess I just didn't really think about it. I mean, I DID, but I figured we'd get married and all that shit first. Sorry. Heh. I'm still trying to get my head wrapped around this "in a stable relationship" shit sometimes, you know?
Ripper (to Eep): Heh... I'm not sure any of my relationships could ever have been called stable.
Eep (to Ripper): Yeah. Likewise. Jesus. I was single for almost 10 years before Mouse, and the two before that. Christ! Heh. One ended me with me in the hospital, and one was more like a hostage situation.
Ripper (to Eep): Yeah, I understand... I sometimes felt like I was in a hostage situation when I was dating Rebecca.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh yeah?
Ripper (to Eep): Heh... It was more like a mutual hostage situation. We fought like cats & dogs, we shouldn't have dated for as long as we did, but we kept a tight grasp on each other, I think mostly out of fear.
Eep (to Ripper): God. Yeah. That's how Maddie and I were. We made each other nuts. I was desperate for some semblance of stability. And Mad.. Heh. Well, she wanted to piss Daddy off. The other guy... God. I don't even know what I was thinking there.
Ripper (to Eep): Wait... a guy? Huh? You're like the straightest guy I know. Am I missing something?
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Shit. Uh, yeah. To be fair, I was drinking a lot. Um, A LOT, a lot, and I didn't realize he was, uh... interested.
Ripper (to Eep): Oh shit... That sounds rough.
Eep (to Ripper): Yeah. Um, I kinda flunked out of school, and I needed someplace to stay, so I didn't think anything of it when Asher offered. I was kinda an idiot. No. I wasn't kinda an idiot. I was a HUGE idiot.
Ripper (to Eep): Oh geez, I'm sorry to bring up another sticky subject. I think I may need to head home and take a vow of silence. :-P
Eep (to Ripper): Heh. Nah. It's alright. I'm actually, huh, I'm actually more over it than I thought I was. And it was a long time ago.
Ripper (to Eep): Well, that's good... I should still head home, I've got a seminar to teach in the morning.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Sorry! Didn't mean to keep you. See you later, Ripper. Take it easy.
Ripper (to Eep): No worries! It was nice chatting with you. I'll see you later!
A few minutes later:
Mouse (to Eep): Hey man o' mine, what's with the odd look on your face?
Eep (to Mouse): Huh? Oh. Uh, nothing, I guess. I was just talking to Ripper. He, uh, smoked a cigarette with me.
Mouse (to Eep): Really, I take it Vincent talked to him, huh... And, that's what's got you all contemplative?
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. He ran into your brother when he was leaving. Yeah. I guess so. He said that he expected you and I to be the first couple to have kids.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh... That's a little surprising.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. He seemed a little shaken. We ended up talking about the fucked up relationships we'd had in the past. Heh. I can honestly say I've never done that before.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, I hope I wasn't one of them you mentioned.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Oh yeah. You were the first one I mentioned.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh... I don't blame you. I mean, I'm terrible. I don't know why you put up with me. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. Terrible. Not wonderful at all. Nope. Not you.
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, I have no response to that. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. You'll just have to agree with me then.
Mouse (to Eep): What is it? You know you can tell me anything, sweetie.
Eep (to Mouse): Um, believe it or not, I actually mentioned the Creep. I mean, accidentally, but... Heh. Nevermind. It's dumb.
Mouse (to Eep): Whatever it is, I'm not going to think it's dumb.
Eep (to Mouse): I know you won't think it's dumb. Even if it is a little dumb. Heh. I'm just surprised. At myself, I mean. For mentioning it. And not like, utterly freaking out.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, you're a slightly different person in a lot of ways than when I first met you, Felix. I'm not surprised.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I guess so.
Mouse (to Eep): For one thing, you're a lot more relaxed than you used to be, that's for sure.
Eep (to Mouse): Ha ha ha. Fuck yeah, I'm a lot more relaxed. Wonder why that is.
Mouse (to Eep): Probably because I slip muscle relaxers in your food... I'm just kidding. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Oh really? Huh. I thought it tasted more like anti-depressants.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh right... that's what they are. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Sorry I've been kinda MIA lately. How are your sucker marks doing?
Mouse (to Eep): Healing... Thankfully they're not as sore as they were. I understand that you've been busy with painting.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Heh. Yeah. Sorry. I haven't painted this much in... Christ. I dunno. A long time. Anyway. Glad you're feeling better.
Mouse (to Eep): It's nice to see you being so productive, I certainly don't want to discourage it... I just worry about you sometimes.
Eep (to Mouse): You worry about me? How come?
Mouse (to Eep): Cuz I love you, you silly man...
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Heh. Right. So, if you think you can stand me hanging around all night, I can try to make it up to you for being so scarce.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh. I'd like that.
Eep (to Mouse): C'mere you.
