Oliver (to Vincent): Yes, of course. Where have you been hiding, Vincent? It seems like I haven't seen you in months.
Vincent (to Oliver): Hee hee. You haven't. I've been out of town. Poppy and I were visiting her family.
Oliver (to Vincent): Oh, that certainly explains why I haven't seen you around, then... I'm sure the female & some of the male population of West Piedmont were eagerly awaiting your return. :-P
Vincent (to Oliver): Heh. I'm sure y'all got along just fine without me.
Oliver (to Ripper): Here's your coffee, Professor.
Ripper (to Oliver): Thanks, Oliver! (to Vincent) Captain, you're back! You look a bit rough. Are you okay?
Vincent (to Ripper): Professor! ... You've been talking to me for a good two minutes haven't you?
Oliver (to Vincent): Here's your coffee, Vincent. I hope it's what you wanted.
Ripper (to Vincent): Yes... you seem a bit out of it. You doing okay?
Vincent (to Oliver): Thanks, Oliver! I'm sure it's faboo. (to Ripper) Good heavens. I'm sorry. I'm just a bit tired.
Ripper (to Vincent): Baby keeping you up all night, huh?
Vincent (to Ripper): That's a goodly portion of it. Did you know that they cry? It's their primary method of communication, I've been told.
Ripper (to Vincent): That's what I've heard from people, Captain.
Vincent (to Ripper): Good God and all His angels in Heaven, this coffee is DIVINE. I haven't had a decent cup in months! (to Oliver) You are a genius, sir! (to Ripper) Mmmm. Well, you can believe it. Victor's pretty good, actually. As far as babies go. I mean, I think he is. I don't really know that much about babies. All I know is that Poppy's niece seems to cry more than our little man.
Oliver (to Vincent): Heehee, thanks.
Ripper (to Vincent): Heh. Well, I'm sure you'll learn a lot in the near future. So, have you made an excursion to see Wanda, yet? She's been anxiously waiting for a chance to see you & meet the baby. I think she mentions it at least once a day.
Vincent (to Ripper): We haven't made the trek over there yet. There was some drama in Britannia that we had to clear up when we first got back...
Ripper (to Vincent): This wouldn't have anything to do with the letter that Poppy had me deliver, would it?
Vincent (to Ripper): Huh? What letter?
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh... She had me deliver a letter to the Empress. It was apparently was pleading for various reforms in the Tombs in regards to the workhouses, street gangs, police force, neighborhood beautification, and several other things. Victoria was quite moved by the letter. She told me that she had no idea it was that bad there & that she was going to see what could be done. She may be extending an invitation to Poppy to visit her at the palace at some point. I had no idea that Poppy was such an activist.
Vincent (to Ripper): Heh. No doubt. She's a tiny marvel, that woman. We had a run in with a kidsman and gang leader called Achilles Smith. And, you know how it goes. It's all fine and good the world is a horrible place when you're the one dealing with it... But the idea of sending your kid out into all that mess is unthinkable.
Ripper (to Vincent): Well, the Empress asked me to document the Tombs situation for her, because she wanted someone not associated with her mother. So, I was sitting here and making a list of places to go... Do you think Poppy would be willing to take me around?
Vincent (to Ripper): Oh! Yikes, Professor! You'll definitely want someone taking you around. The Tombs are mucho dangerous. I'll see if Poppy's interested, or knows someone who can help you out. Have you got the Charred Cross Hospital on your list? It's a public hospital in the Tombs, mostly for women and children. Dr. Thorne will be able to give you all kinds of info.
Ripper (to Vincent): Thanks, Captain... I didn't have it on my list, but I do now.
Vincent (to Ripper): Yikes. You've got some pretty sketchy places on this list, Professor. Please do me a favor and don't go wandering around without a guide.
Ripper (to Vincent): You make it sound like it's third world country, but I promise I won't go without a guide.
Vincent (to Ripper): Well, in a lot of ways, it IS. You'll understand after you've been. Trust me. Anyhoo, I should get back to my wife. Promise Wanda I'll be by to visit y'all later. I promise. See you at Drac's later. I'm going back to work tonight. I'll let you know what Poppy says about the tour.
Ripper (to Vincent): Okay. Say hello to Poppy for me... and thanks, Captain.
Vincent (to Ripper): Later, tater!
A short time later:
Poppy (to Victor): Ok, little man, Mommy loves you, but if you don't take your nap right now. I am seriously thinking of selling you to a circus.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hey, lover. I brought you a vanilla cappuccino from the cafe. Here. Hand me the Little Man, and have some coffee.
Poppy (to Vincent): You are a wonderful husband, honey... Oh my goodness, this is SO good. I had almost forgotten what good coffee tasted like.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I had the same reaction, hun. The Professor sends his regards. Speaking of Jacob, apparently your letter to the Empress made quite the impression. She's asked the Professor to go around the Tombs and then make a report to her. Would you be willing to take him around, hun? Letting him go wandering around by himself... Uh, that could be bad.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh wow... I didn't honestly think my letter would do anything. I'd definitely be more than willing to take him around. I know the Professor is capable of taking care of himself, but he's a bit too trusting. He'd get eaten alive in the Tombs. I hope you're not upset that I didn't tell you about my letter, honey. I really thought it was going to fall on deaf ears.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. I'm not upset. I'm impressed. I happen to think you're a little bit of wonderful. I'll let the Professor know you'll take him on the Grand Tombs Tour when I see him tonight.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I happen to think you're a little bit of terrific, lover... And, I have to admit that I'm a bit sad that you're going back to work tonight. I've enjoyed our family time... It almost makes me long for the airship days... Almost.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I'll admit missing having you and Victor all to myself, lover, but I certainly won't miss the drama.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I hope it'll be easy for you to slip back into saucy bartender mode, honey. Just think of me languishing here in boredom, wasting away, while you work and socialize. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Somehow, that certainly doesn't make it easier for me to leave, hun, but somehow I think that was your intention.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, I'm sorry, honey. I'm only teasing you. Victor & I will be fine.
Vincent (to Poppy): I know you will, lover, but I'll miss you all the same. Oh. Good heavens, I just realized that I have to make drinks tonight.
Poppy (to Vincent): Just do what you always do, honey. Smile, look longingly into the customer's eye, flirt & then, get Delia to make it. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. You, my love, are smart woman. Just to be on the safe side, I'll be sure to put a pic of Victor up at the bar. That should earn me some sympathy. Ooo. And probably some good tips.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, you'll make good tips, I have no doubt. You haven't been around for months, it'll be like you're fresh, new meat... You should wear your leather pants with your billowy pirate shirt... You'll be hard to resist in that ensemble. I know, I always think so. ;-)
Vincent (to Poppy): Really? Well, I'll have to keep that in mind, won't I?
Poppy (to Vincent): I certainly hope you do, lover.
Several hours later:
Vincent (to Eep): Hey, Slim! Did you miss having me at work? You know you did.
Eep (to Vincent): Back to the day job, huh? That should make tonight interesting.
Vincent (to Eep): Hee hee. Awww, you did miss me.
Eep (to Vincent): Whatever. Best get inside before Delia gets here. She's gonna read you the riot act for skipping town, you know.
Vincent (to Eep): I don't doubt it. Have you told your dad that you ran off and got married, yet?
Eep (to Vincent): Get the fuck inside.
Mouse (to Vincent): Hey little brother! Nice to have you back.
Vincent (to Mouse): Hey, sweet sister o' mine! Give me a hug! It's good to be back. I really feel like I'm home now.
Mouse (to Vincent): Heehee, Delia's had to deal with Bastian & new girl while you've been gone. She hasn't liked it very much.
Vincent (to Mouse): Ooo. Let me get behind the bar. I'm getting death glares. Isn't that one of the DJs from Pandora's Box? How quickly I've been replaced.
Mouse (to Vincent): Little brother, trust me, she makes you look like a fantastic bartender.
Vincent (to Mouse): That good, huh? Oh dear. So now there are two of us trying to get by on looks? Poor Delia!
Mouse (to Vincent): Sasha hired her because she flirts with EVERYONE… He's been trying to talk me into letting her deejay one night a week... but I told him I'd think about it. I gave her a bunch of homework to do first, before I let her on the decks here.
Lulu: Ye gods, what's so fucking special about that Vincent, anyway? Everyone keeps asking for him... I mean, sure he's hot. But, I'm not exactly chopped liver... This could give a girl a complex.
Vincent (to Mouse): Yikes. Oh dear... She does NOT like me. Hee hee. I don't think this bar is big enough for both egos.
Mouse (to Vincent): Heh... You'll win her over, you always do. Just look at Eep. :-)
Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. So you're telling me I should stalk her? I don't think my wife will like that. :-P Hee hee. Oops. There's the Disapproving Big Sister face! Whatever did you do without me while I was gone?
Mouse (to Vincent): Heehee, stalking is such an ugly word, little brother... I simply meant to let her get to know you. :-P
Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. She hasn't got a choice, sweet sister. I'm quite the popular figure tonight. I do believe I was missed. (to Lulu) Hey, hun. Do we have more Merlot in the back? We've got a wine drinking crowd tonight. I didn't …oops. Sorry! Duty calls!
Lulu (to Vincent): I'll go get the merlot from the back, you stay out here with your adoring public... Oh, you're not listening.
Vincent (to Lulu): Oh, don't worry, hun. I'm listening. I always am. And don't pout. I'm just interesting tonight because I haven't been around.
Lulu (to Vincent): Hmmm, you're not at all what I was expecting...
Vincent (to Lulu): Oh? Dare I ask what you were expecting? No. Wait. Don't tell me; you thought I would be taller.
A couple hours later:
Mouse (to Eep): Hey sexy, how's it going out here?
Eep (to Mouse): So far, so good. Seems like your brother's fan club is out in force. People keep asking about him.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh, yeah. New girl is cranky about it, Delia is running around like a crazy chicken, it's a little intense.
Eep (to Mouse): Poor Delia...
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, that's why I'm hiding out here.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I'm kinda more than a little glad I'm outside. Although, I have to venture inside for a glass of water. Wish me luck!
Mouse (to Eep): Good luck! Let me know if Ripper is looking for me.
Eep (to Vincent): Uhhh... Why the fuck are you kissing that guy? (to Mouse) Uh, why the fuck is Vincent kissing that guy?
Mouse (to Eep): What!?!
Lulu (to Vincent): You planning on coming up for air any time soon?
Vincent (to Lulu): Ha. Ha. Very funny. Good God. I am out of practice... (to Eep) Oh my GOD! I did SO not ask for that! What the bloody hell?
Lulu (to Vincent): You seemed to be doing just fine to me. :-p
Mouse (to Vincent): Wow, little brother... I don't think you're allowed to go away for months ever again.
Vincent (to Lulu): I mean out of practice dealing with our patrons. Oh my God. Poppy is going to kill me... (to Mouse) Dear God... tell me about it! Apparently today is "Same Sex Kiss Day." I got caught completely off guard. I am SO dead ...
Lulu (to Vincent): Poppy? ... Flight attendant or nurse?
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... It was nice knowing you.
Vincent (to Lulu): Neither. She's an intelligent, beautiful woman, my future wife, and the mother of my son. (to Mouse) Remember me as I was. Oh! And keep an eye on my son for me.
Lulu (to Vincent): I certainly hope she's understanding & not in the least bit jealous, because I think that girl over there took a picture.
Mouse (to Vincent): You're not going to be murdered... Poppy likes you too much.
Vincent (to Lulu): Great. Not even back a day, and I'm already going to be murdered. And here I was looking forward to a drama-free few weeks… (to Mouse) Let's hope you're right, hun.
