Vincent (to Mouse): Look at you, using a communicator like an old pro! The address is coming in now ... Wait. Is this... is this in VEGAS? Hee hee. What are you planning, sister dearest?
Mouse (to Vincent): It's a surprise... Can Poppy & Victor travel yet? I'd love it if they could be there, too.
Vincent (to Mouse): Poppy is up, about, and already training, hun. And routinely kicking my ass, I might add! I think Victor should be able to crossover. We were planning on heading home soon at any rate.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh good, we've missed you. Well, I'll see you soon, I hope. Our flight is about to board. Sorry, I'm a little scatterbrained... nerves I guess.
Vincent (to Mouse): See you soon, sweet sister. Love you!
Mouse (to Vincent): I love you, too, little brother!
Poppy (to Vincent): What's got you all a-buzz this morning, lover?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee hee. Are you and the little man feeling up for a trip to Vegas, hun? I think the Gloomies are getting married.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oooo, I think we can manage it. Dr. Thorne gave us both a clean bill of health at our check up yesterday, so we should be okay to travel. Ah, the little man's first wedding and he's not even out of diapers. Did they say they were getting married, honey? I hope they're getting married... Victor needs some cousins. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): No. She said it was a surprise, but she was acting nervous and scatterbrained, and asked us to "dress nicely." A mystery, dressy occasion in Vegas that she really wants us to attend? What else could it be? And you! Not even a mother a month, and already itching for other women to get knocked up. Hee hee.
Poppy (to Vincent): Why should I be the only one to suffer, honey? :-P Since we're crossing over, should we make arrangements to wrap up our affairs here? I wouldn't mind going home after Vegas. I do have to admit, I have enjoyed living on the airship... But, maybe, it's just the company & tight quarters, though.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, I certainly can't complain, though I fully admit I would just about kill for a bath right now. Heading home sounds wonderful, hun. We don't have any outstanding contracts to finish up, so it should be simple enough. Ooo. Molly is going to be none-too-pleased we're leaving, methinks.
Poppy (to Vincent): You are probably right. I think she's enjoyed having us around for these past few months... You know, free labor. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Good heavens! Don't I know it? She also liked how off-balance it put your brother, I'd wager. Hee hee. He doesn't know what to do with us, does he?
Poppy (to Vincent): Not at all... He's holding onto a lot of guilt towards me, I think. But, he's so stoic... He won't talk to me about it. Every time, we've been alone & I try to have a heart to heart talk to him, he always find some excuse to run off... "Pardon me, Poppy, I hear the door" or " I need to go and shoe that horse." It's so frustrating, honey. And you confuse the hell out of him... with your poofy ways, but clearly we love each other and you're the father of my child & husband.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I do what I can to utterly befuddle the masses. Honestly, the men in your family have ZERO fashion sense. If you want to have a heart to heart with him, hun, I think you're going to have to use Molly's tactic: emotional terrorism.
Poppy (to Vincent): So, what you're saying is I should hand him Victor and then hit him with a barrage of questions, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Yes. It's what she did to me when she found out you were pregnant. "Oh, Vincent can you hold Persephone for a moment"... "Now, young man, what are your intentions towards my sister-in-law?" It's shockingly effective.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, and what did you tell her, lover?
Vincent (to Poppy): Don't look into it, but I was very suave. I do believe it was one of my most rousing speeches. Pity I don't remember it.
Poppy (to Vincent): Hmmm, that is a pity honey, as I'm feeling much better and could use a bit of a suave rousing speech. ;-)
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, I hate to disappoint a beautiful woman, but in reality I believe I sputtered for a good five minutes, turned bright red, and finally managed to stammer out that I loved you. Of course, I could just make something up instead if you would rather.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh. No, that works much better than your silly flowery nonsense anyway, as I know it's true. C'mere lover... Oh dear, saved by your son. Let me go see what's the problem, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Saved isn't the word I would use.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh... Nor would I, honey, but it's not his fault that he has inherited his father's impeccable timing.
Vincent (to Poppy): Ooo. Oh dear. I just got a very clear idea of what out future holds. Many, many interrupted moments.
Poppy (to Vincent): Here, hold your son for a minute, while I go start his bath, honey. He's made a bit of a mess of himself.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh good heavens! I should say so. How can someone so tiny and cute produce such VOLUMES of pure biological horror? Huh?
Poppy (to Vincent): I have no idea, honey... This is truly foul.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hmmm. Maybe he's not actually our son. Maybe he's been replaced by a demon or a changeling. (to Victor) How about it, Little Man? Are you a fairy? You look like you could be one of the fair folk. (to Poppy) Ahhh! Oh God! Leaking baby! Hand me a diaper! Quick! Wait. Forget the diaper. Hand me a towel!
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee... Here, you go honey... I think it may be shower time for you both.
Vincent (to Poppy): I should say so. Guh. There must be some chemical in baby poop that makes you love them more. Like cats. Why else would anyone endure it? Come on, Little Man. Let's go get cleaned up before we make your mother flee, screaming.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'll go tidy up Victor's bed while you're in there.
Vincent (to Poppy): I vote for burning it. Clearly it is now a bio-hazard and unfit for human habitation.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, go get Victor and yourself cleaned up, lover...
A little while later:
Vincent (to Poppy): OK, I think we're fit for human interaction again. One clean baby. One clean husband.
Poppy (to Vincent): You both look very handsome, honey... Hand him over, I'm sure he's hungry. We should probably start getting ready to meet up with your sister... unless, you have another idea.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hmm? Oh. Heh. Sorry. You're right. I'll get everything ready to dock the Falcon for a while. Are you going to try to ambush Bernard before we leave?
Poppy (to Vincent): Quite possibly, honey... What's got you distracted?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hmm? Oh nothing, hun. I was just thinking, and you know how little I enjoy doing that.
Poppy (to Vincent): About what exactly, honey? You know, you can tell me anything.
Vincent (to Poppy): I know I can. It's one of the things I love about you. Don't worry. It wasn't anything dire. Hee hee. It's hard not to reflect on how radically different our lives have become lately. I'll be glad to go home, honestly. I've been feeling a bit anxious here, to tell the truth. Something stirring behind the scenes. I'm not sure what... But I'm sure I don't like it.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh... I'll make a spy of you, yet, honey... Something is going on around here & I'm not sure what it is, at the moment... but I agree, it'll be good to be out of it and back home on the other side where the most exciting thing is what boy is flirting with you at the bar.
Vincent (to Poppy): I don't know that I have any talent for spying, hun, but I'm an expert at getting the heck out of Dodge. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I have faith that you'll keep us safe, my husband.
A few hours later:
Mouse (to Eep): So, here we are... in Vegas. I guess it looks more impressive at night.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. There are a lot fewer Elvi than I was expecting. And less Tom Jones playing. I think all my expectations for Vegas may have been formed by Mars Attacks...
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, I think I'm in the same boat... Let's go get checked in. Oh wait... Look to your left, it's an Elvis... Oh no it isn't, it's just a fatman in a jumpsuit.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Maybe he's an off-duty Elvis. Holy shit... Is this where we're staying? Wow.
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, I wanted a hotel that didn't have a casino. I didn't realize it was going to be all Gothic with a whole Vampire theme, though... the vampires better not be sparkly.
Eep (to Mouse): Ha ha ha! You know like 90% of them are gonna be wearing body glitter, don't you? We should invent a drinking game... Oh shit... There's one now. Never mind we should definitely NOT invent a drinking game. We'll never survive.
Mouse (to Eep): Wow... Did you see that? She totally just winked at you.
Eep (to Mouse): Who did? Morticia, Vampira, or... whoever the fuck that's supposed to be.
Mouse (to Eep): I think that's supposed to be Lucy from Dracula... It was the Morticia... I am not letting you out of my sight.
Eep (to Mouse): That's alright. Shirtless werewolf guy over there was checking out your ass when we were checking in. Oh... Oh Holy shit! He has a TAIL. Ha ha ha! This hotel is amazing!
Mouse (to Eep): Do you think when they have a day off, they all wear pastels?
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Probably. They go out tanning and look for stores selling discounted glitter.
Mouse (to Eep): This is almost as weird as when Vincent dragged me to that sci-fi convention... I'm glad you like it.
Eep (to Mouse): Vincent dragged you to a sci-fi convention? Dear God... That sounds terrifying.
Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, he did... I dressed like Aeryn Sun from Farscape and he was Han Solo, of course... It was his first one, his parents never let him go to those type of things. So, I took him.
Eep (to Mouse): Han Solo? Why am I not fucking surprised? Heh. You're a better person than I am.
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee... Want to go to our room or should we find the bar and people watch some more?
Eep (to Mouse): I wouldn't mind people watching for a while... but it's up to you. You're, uh, you're the bride-to-be.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh... right... Well, I can bring the bags to our room and meet you in the bar. How does that sound?
Eep (to Mouse): Um, that sounds fine, but don't you want help with the bags? I mean, you don't have to take them up on your own.
Mouse (to Eep): I don't mind bringing them both up. They're not heavy... I was just going to freshen up a bit before I came back down.
Eep (to Mouse): Alright. But only if you hurry. Madre de Dios... Look at this bar. Do NOT leave me here alone.
Mouse (to Eep): I promise, I'll be back in two shakes...
A few minutes later:
Eep: Christ... I picked the wrong day to wear a Bauhaus t-shirt...
Poppy (to Eep): Seriously, honey... a Bauhaus t-shirt in this place? You are just asking for it. That's like catnip for these people.
Eep (to Poppy): Hi, Poppy. Nice to see you too. In my defense, I had no idea where we were staying. I, uh, I don't think Mouse did either. Where are Vincent and Victor?
Poppy (to Eep): Heehee, it's okay... Give me a hug, you big grump... They're checking into our room. I saw you sitting all alone and I thought I should come and bother you. Where's Mouse?
Eep (to Poppy): Oh. Uh, OK. We're hugging now... Right. Mouse is in the room, uh, freshening up. She should be back shortly.
Vincent (to Poppy & Eep): Oh my good heavens! Have you seen this place? It's like every Hammer Horror and Underworld film threw up in here. (to Eep) And you! Give me a hug, future brother-in-law. Mind the baby. He's already exploded body fluids on me once today.
Eep (to Vincent): Ewww. That is.... Why would you tell me that.
Poppy (to Eep): So, are you guys getting married or what, honey? Vincent & I have a bet.
Eep (to Poppy): Oh, uh... I, uh... I don't really... I mean...
Vincent (to Poppy): Told you!
Poppy (to Vincent): You win! I'll give you your prize later, lover.
Eep (to Poppy & Vincent): I so don't want to fucking know.
Poppy (to Eep): So, are you excited? Happy? Nervous?
Eep (to Poppy): Um, yeah.
Poppy (to Eep): Heh. That sounds about right... You'll be fine. (to Eep & Vincent): Hand me Victor and I'll go put him down for his nap. I'll see you both later, I'm sure... (to Eep) We're in room 212, if Mouse wants to come by and say hello to me and Victor.
Vincent (to Poppy): You couldn't get rid of me if you tried, lover. You know that. Watch your rear on the way up. These vampires are pinchers!
Eep (to Poppy): I'm sure she will. See you later.
Vincent (to Eep): So...
Eep (to Vincent): So what?
Vincent (to Eep): So what? You're about to get married, Slim! You can't tell me you're not excited. I can very nearly see you smiling. And Oh. Em. GEE! You're about to be a member of the family. Legally. Hee hee hee! I'll bet you never thought when we met in that pumpkin patch all those years ago that I would one day be your brother-in-law.
Eep (to Vincent): You mean when you started stalking me?
Vincent (to Eep): Stalking is such an ugly word!
Eep (to Vincent): And yet so fucking accurate.
Vincent (to Eep): Hee hee hee. Maybe just a little bit. I'm going to go wrangle us up some drinks.Stay here and watch your bum. Sparkle pants over there has been eyeballing you.
Eep (to Vincent): Oh Christ...
Mouse (to Eep): Hey, I'm sorry it took me so long... It was like running an obstacle course of pervs to get to our room and back. Apparently, we may never need to buy a drink in this place ever again... And, I had a marriage proposal from a Gary Oldman Dracula, the young one, in the elevator. At least, I think that's what he said, his accent was terrible, probably from the fake fangs.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Should I be worried? I know how much you like fake fangs. And shit accents. Your brother's at the bar getting drinks.
Mouse (to Eep): Yes, fake fangs & shit accents are a real turn-on for me... Heh... I think you have nothing to fear. Besides, I think you're way sexier than that guy. You're stuck with me, I'm afraid. And, I'm glad Vincent & the family made it. I know how much he would kill me if he missed this.
Vincent (to Eep & Mouse): Darn tooting I would have! Picking up marriage proposals on the day of your wedding? What scandal!
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, you know, I'm not as young as I used to be... Not all of us can be child brides. :-P
Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. Darling, I HAD to get married young before my looks went. What would I be left with then? Give me a hug, woman! I'm so happy for you too! Poppy's upstairs taking a nap with Victor before tonight.
Mouse (to Vincent): It's wonderful to see you, little brother. I've missed you so much. (to Eep) Has he been tormenting you for very long?
Vincent (to Mouse): Tormenting? Me? Never! Eep knows he's missed it. Good heavens! Who else has he had to scowl at all this time? Don't tell me he's taken up smiling.
Mouse (to Vincent): Only when he's alone and it's dark, so no one can see. :-) (to Eep & Vincent) I'm going to grab a drink... Anyone want anything from the bar?
Vincent (to Mouse): That sounds terrifying. And, sit yourself down! I bought your husband a drink, I can get you one as well. I'll bet I can even get it free. Back in a flash!
Eep (to Mouse): And here I was thinking he had changed...
Mouse (to Eep): He has... Has he even once implied that he wanted to sleep with you or try to get you to kiss him?
Eep (to Mouse): Uh, no. I guess he hasn't done that in a long time.
Mouse (to Eep): I'm sure I could ask him to, if it would make you feel better. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Uh, no. I think I'll survive without it.
Vincent (to Eep & Mouse): Behold my bounty! I come back with not one, but three free drinks. Bride, Groom, wave to the nice bartenders!
Eep (to Mouse & Vincent): Um, why are they giggling like that?
Mouse (to Eep): I don't know... (to Vincent) What did you say to get the free drinks, little brother?
Vincent (to Mouse & Eep): Don't look like that, Mr. and Mrs. I didn't say anything. Well, anything much! I just mentioned how my ridiculously gorgeous sister and her equally attractive boyfriend were getting married. I MAY have mentioned how awkward it is when hot people date, & all you can think of is what they look like making out.
Mouse (to Vincent): And?
Vincent (to Mouse & Eep): And then I MAY have showed them a picture of Poppy and Victor.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh well, that's fine then... I was worried you had said something horrible. :-P Heehee, so married life and fatherhood seems to suit you, little brother... You seem happy.
Vincent (to Mouse): Heh. I don't doubt it. I am happy. And VERY happy to be home. No one on this side wants to shoot at me for one. You two seem like you're doing well. How are you feeling, sister o' mine? I was worried about you when you left the Monastery.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... I just wanted to be home. It felt like it should be a happy occasion with Victor being born... not making everyone worry about me. Plus, Tesla & Klaude were getting a little annoying with the poking & prodding.
Vincent (to Mouse): Worrying about you wasn't going to diminish my excitement over Victor, you know. Hee hee. But I understand the need to get away from the brainiacs... (to Eep & Mouse) Ooo! Another round of drinks! For us? Thank you, cutie! If you're not careful, you'll get the bride and groom drunk!
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, being drunk might make me less nervous. (to Vincent & Eep) Don't get me wrong... I want to marry Eep more than anything. But, now that we're here, it's a little scary.
Eep (to Mouse & Vincent): I'm still not real thrilled that you got free drinks by making the bartenders think about us naked.
Vincent (to Eep): Hush you. Don't complain. You probably won't pay for a drink all night. And I never mentioned naked, naughty man! (to Mouse) Hee hee. Of course it's scary. It's what makes it worth doing. Hee. Don't make me marry you in this reality as well, young lady!
Mouse (to Eep): You've got a nice body... enjoy the free drinks, mister man. (to Vincent) Heh... I don't think you have any authority over here.
Eep (to Mouse): I... What? How strong are these drinks?
Vincent (to Mouse): This place has free wifi. Don't make me become an internet minister, miss!
Mouse (to Eep): Pretty strong, I'd say... But, it IS true.
Eep (to Mouse): I... um... You, uh... (to Vincent) Stop grinning at us like that!
Vincent (to Eep & Mouse): What? It's not my fault that you two are totes adorbz! Hee hee hee. Oh, good heavens. These drinks ARE strong.
Mouse (to Vincent): He hates it when I'm flirtatious in public with him... I think he doesn't like people to know that he likes me. It ruins his reputation as a hater of people. :-P
Vincent (to Mouse): He doesn't want to lose his street cred. He'll start smiling and wearing colors, and heaven knows what else! What if he bought, dare I say it, polo shirts? And started wearing fashionable glasses?
Mouse (to Vincent): Too far, sir... That is a truly frightening idea... I like what he wears... and when he's not wearing it. Oops... I'm drunk. And now, he's glaring at me... (to Eep) I'm sorry. (to Vincent & Eep) See, it's moments like this when I wonder what the hell he sees in me? Well this & all the other crazy shit.
Eep (to Mouse): Gee, I dunno. Maybe it's that you're funny, and smart, and talented and one of the nicest people I know, and damn fucking sexy... and kinda goddamn amazing, and... Christ! I'm drunk too.
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, ditto. :-P
Vincent (to Mouse): And he damn well loves it when we tease him, because it means we like him. He'd never have put up with me for all these years if he didn't. :-P
Mouse (to Vincent): That is probably true... God, I remember when I first called over to the apartment and talked to Wanda about you being over there all of the time, because I was concerned... This was after I found out about you skipping school. And she said that nothing fishy was going on & that you were a good kid.
Vincent (to Mouse): I didn't know you did that!
Mouse (to Vincent): Yeah, well, if roles were reversed you'd have done the same thing. That was actually how I met Wanda, sort of... I didn't realize it was her until a little while later when she came to the club a few times & I actually heard her voice.
Eep (to Mouse & Vincent): Heh. Yeah, she did. Wanda told me about it later. She said you had an "adorable" overprotective older sister.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh... She just said I was adorable because the first time she came to the club she tried to make out with me... Which I probably shouldn't have said out loud, because I had promised her I wouldn't tell you... Oops.
Vincent (to Mouse & Eep): WHAT? Well, look at you, sexy sister! Why am I the only one Wanda HASN'T kissed? I'm insulted!
Mouse (to Vincent): I didn't say she kissed me... She TRIED to kiss me. She didn't succeed.
Vincent (to Mouse): Nope. Too late. Still insulted.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, I'm sure you could ask her to do it... Of course, then you'd have to deal with your wife... and Percy.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh good heavens NO! I'm not trying to get her murdered. Or ME murdered for that matter. Besides, I doubt she's a better kisser than my wife. Or her roommate for that matter. Hee hee.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, Percy seems to like it... which is just weird on so many levels.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh, good heavens! Don't I know it? The less I think about that, the better. (to Mouse & Eep) Speaking of... What time is the wedding, kids?
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... right! The reason, we're here... in a couple hours. We should probably go and get ready.
Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. Don't worry, hun. It'll be fine. I'll see you soon two soon enough. Speaking of wives, I should really get back to mine. Come fetch me if you need a swift kick in the ass.
Mouse (to Vincent): Heehee, will do... (to Eep) Come on, handsome...
Eep (to Mouse): Hey. Come here for a sec... Um, I don't know if it helps, but I don't have any doubts about marrying you, you know. Heh. I mean, I'm still half expecting you to come to your senses and run for the hills.
Mouse (to Eep): Really? You don't have any doubts? You are wonderful... c'mere you...
Eep (to Mouse): Um, doubts about marrying the beautiful woman I love? Weirdly, no. Heh.
Mouse (to Eep): I'm really very lucky to have you... Thank you. I feel much better.
Eep (to Mouse): Hey. You know we don't have to do this now, if you don't want to, you know. I can wait. I'm not planning on going anywhere.
Mouse (to Eep): No, no... I was actually looking forward to it & then, I started thinking about all of the crap I've put you through & I felt bad. I mean, you had a nice, simple life before I came along... and it's been one weird thing after another. I just don't want you to regret being with me... I'm being stupid, I'm sorry.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I had a nice, simple life in which I was completely fucking miserable. I know it's all been... madmen and Bizarro Land... and other, uh, you know, stuff. But, I have never, ever regretted any of the time I've spent with you. I meant it when I said that. I'm not gonna pretend I like the crazy shit, but it's not like my life has ever been uncomplicated. Besides, of all the stupid, shitty stuff I've done in my life, you really think YOU'RE gonna be what I regret?
Mouse (to Eep): Okay, okay... I give. I'm sorry I'm an insecure idiot a little while before we get married.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah, well, being an insecure asshole is my gig, lady. Don't forget it! So, uh, you ready to go get prepped?
Mouse (to Eep): Yes, I am.
Eep (to Mouse): Well come on then. And watch my back while you're at it. I don't like the way Sparklepants is looking at me. I think she's planning on murdering me in my sleep.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh, I'll watch your back, alright... It's a nice back. And if Miss Sparklypants tries anything, I'll punch her.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Um... Heh. Thanks. I think.
Mouse (to Eep): Sorry, I think I need to get some coffee.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Sure. Let's get you some coffee.
Mouse (to Eep): Hey. Give me a kiss before you become a married man... Please?
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Wow, it sounds so lascivious when you put it like that. How can I say no?
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, At least, I didn't ask for more than a kiss.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I feel like I should tell you that I'm about to be a married man, madam. And I... Um... That's YOUR hand on my ass, right?
Mouse (to Eep): Yes it is... Sorry. I thought it was funny & it's a nice ass.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh thank God. Heh. You, uh, you are REALLY drunk, aren't you? Let's go get you something to sober you up. We've got a wedding to attend, you know.
Mouse (to Eep): Sorry, I'll try to behave... I bet people have had sex in this elevator before... Did I say that out loud? Oops.
Eep (to Mouse): Um. Ahem. Yeah. Yeah you did.
Mouse (to Eep): I should really stop talking before I get myself in trouble.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Um... Oh, uh, yeah. God, I'm totally fucking distracted now. What floor is our room on?
Mouse (to Eep): It's on the 12th.
