Wanda (to Ripper): Morning! What's with the face? You're making a face. Why are you making a face? Do you want coffee?
Ripper (to Wanda): Yes, actually that was what I was trying to do, but I can't seem to find any mugs...
Wanda (to Ripper): Oh! Sorry. I was up early this morning and rearranging stuff. Here ya go.
Ripper (to Wanda): So, was that Lulu I saw slipping out of here earlier, again?
Wanda (to Ripper): Yep. She had to work at the bookstore this morning so she was up and out the door early. Dude. She should talk to her boss about not working mornings, like, ass early after you guys have an event. That SUCKS.
Ripper (to Wanda): Heh... So, you guys are hitting it off, huh? That figures.
Wanda (to Ripper): That's the same thing Percy said.
Ripper (to Wanda): Really? Is Percy jealous?
Wanda (to Ripper): I don't think so. He always seems like he's enjoying himself. I know it can get a little tricky with more than one person... Oh em GEE, do I know THAT for a fact, but we're not really serious or anything and so far every time he's... Am I TMI-ing you?
Ripper (to Wanda): Heh... Am I making that face? I have had my share of wild evenings... and it is really too early for this sort of discussion. I'm sorry if I seemed judgmental. It's just Lulu & I have some history.
Wanda (to Ripper): Ohhhh! That explains it. I didn't really think you'd be too scandalized. I mean, you're a DJ in an art school town. C'mon dude!
Ripper (to Wanda): Don't let Mouse ever hear you say something like that... She'd make that scowly face at you...
Wanda (to Ripper): Hee hee hee! YEAH she would. She's so old-fashioned sometimes. How does that work? Look where she works. Look at her BROTHER. It's too cute! So, did it end poorly? When people say "we have a history" it's never a happy history is it?
Ripper (to Wanda): It was just a fling right after Marco & I broke up. We were working at Pandora's... Let's just say, I was glad to get the job at Drac's for several reasons.
Wanda (to Ripper): Oh! No. Wait. I don't get it. If it was just a fling, why all the drama? She seems more than willing to keep things cas with me. She's not gonna get all Single White Female or something, is she? I do NOT wanna go through that again. Having someone steal and wear my dirty laundry once is PLENTY, thank you.
Ripper (to Wanda): No, no... It's just having 2 DJs in a booth who have a relationship even a casual one, well, it just got a bit competitive on many levels. It's one of the reasons why I'm often attracted to other DJs but at the same time, I know I shouldn't date them.
Wanda (to Ripper): Ohhh! OK. That makes sense. Hee hee. Guess I've never really run into that since I never really had much of a career.
Ripper (to Wanda): Wait... You actually had someone do that whole single white female thing?
Wanda (to Ripper): Huh? Oh. The dirty laundry thing? Yeah. It was CREEPY. I was living in student housing at the time... Super shitty, no a/c, all girls, you know how it goes. And this one girl just, like, FIXATED on me. She wanted me to join her Sailor Moon cult, or something. Anyway, we all kept our doors open, right? And she snuck in my room, and she grabbed an armful of random shit out of my hamper. Not even like sexy stuff, like underwear or socks, or something weirdos normally want. It was like a t-shirt and a pair of overalls and PJ pants. I dunno. Next time I see her... She's got it all on. ALL OF IT. PJ pants under the overalls and everything. Then she says, and THIS is the really icky part, she says, "tonight you'll have a visitor from the stars." Then she and her two creepster besties all STARE at me.
Ripper (to Wanda): Dear god... That's just... You're not pulling my leg, are you?
Wanda (to Ripper): Who would make something like that? Hee hee. Why do you think that Percy being a robot or whatever didn't even phase me?
Ripper (to Wanda): No, no I believe you, it's just that you have lived a very weird existence, Wanda.
Wanda (to Ripper): Yeah. A little bit. I'm gonna write a novel one day. Watch.
Ripper (to Wanda): Heh. I'm sure it'll be a best seller... Oh damn, is that the time? I need to get home & start packing up stuff. My landlord is supposed to be redoing my floors & a bunch of other renovations to the building & I need to make sure everything is boxed up and then, head over to my parents. God, I haven't lived with my parents since I was 18... this is going to be a fun month.
Wanda (to Ripper): Oh, man. Dude. That's gonna be fun on a bun, I'll bet. Good luck!
Ripper (to Wanda): Heh, yeah... on the plus side, I may make Robert meet my folks. Though, they'll probably love him. They really disliked Marco, my Dad thought he was a bit of a meathead... which he was.
Wanda (to Ripper): Hee hee. You should totes do it! It will make Robert SO uncomfortable, I'll bet. He'd never admit it, but it totes would.
Ripper (to Wanda): Unlike you, I don't generally like to torment my boyfriend... You really think he'd be uncomfortable?
Wanda (to Ripper): Prolly. He hasn't been in a relationship in a long time, you know. Though, maybe not. Robert's hard to figure sometimes.
Ripper (to Wanda): Well, we have been dating for quite awhile now & my Mom keeps dropping hints that she'd like to meet him... I guess I should just ask him if he'd like to come with me sometime while I'm staying there.
Wanda (to Ripper): DO IT! Stop looking like you've doomed yourself and just do it! I bet it'll be great! No go! Go pack up your shit!
Ripper (to Wanda): You're right. Well, I think I've procrastinated enough, I should get going. (to Robert) Here's your coffee. I'm gonna head over to pack. Up for dinner at my place, tonight? We can dine pizza ala cardboard boxes.
Robert (to Ripper): How can I refuse an offer like that? That sounds fine. Was Wanda yakking your ear off out there?
Ripper (to Robert): Heh. Just a bit... Though, strangely she sometimes makes sense, interspersed with the bizarre babblings. So, how would you feel about coming to meet my folks while I'm crashing there for the month? She seemed to think you wouldn't want to do it.
Robert (to Ripper): Heh. She has her lucid moments. I could understand why she might think that, but I really don't mind. I figured family meetings were part and parcel of the whole exclusive dating package. You know what that means, don't you?
Ripper (to Robert): Oh good, I'm glad you don't mind... Wait... What does it mean?
Robert (to Ripper): At some point you're going to have to meet the O’Reilly clan. You poor, poor man.
Ripper (to Robert): Heh... I'm beginning to regret my decision, already... I should get going. I'll see you tonight.
Robert (to Ripper): I'll see you later! Give me a call, and I'll bring the pizza and beer.
Ripper (to Robert): Will do! (to Eep) Hey Eep! Sorry, for almost knocking you down... I can't chat, gotta run.
Eep (to Ripper): Christ! Oh. Uh, yeah. Later.
Ripper (to Eep): See ya! Say hi to Mouse for me.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Yeah. Sure.
A few minutes later:
Mouse (to Eep): Are you okay out here? You have that look of annoyance on your face.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Everyone has been barreling out of next door like fucking bulls with their asses on fire. Ripper just almost knocked me on my ass, and Lulu slammed face first into me earlier this morning.
Mouse (to Eep): I think it's probably just the apocalypse... You know, you could go smoke on the kitchen stoop, instead of up here if you wanted. I mean, I prefer it out here because of the swing, but you hardly ever use it.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Yeah. I guess I could. Heh. I guess I'm used to everyone sending me as far away from the windows and doors as possible.
Mouse (to Eep): So, it's not that you actually like seeing people coming & going while you're out here? It's that you think the front porch is all hidden and secluded... Hmmm... :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. OK. Maybe I like to people watch. Maybe a little bit. So?
Mouse (to Eep): I'm just teasing you... You can people watch all you want, besides if anyone gives you a hard time about smoking out here, you can just tell that you're the landlord & you'll raise the rent. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. Well, you, Robert and Wanda are all used to it, so it's really only the upstairs folks we gotta worry about.
Mouse (to Eep): That's true... So, how are you feeling other than a bit trampled? You got out of bed awfully early.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh, yeah. Sorry. Um, guess I'm a little nervous since the show opens next week, and all.
Mouse (to Eep): I figured as much... Oh, I forgot to ask earlier. Do you need me to make food for the opening or is the gallery handling that?
Eep (to Mouse): No, I'm supposed to do that if I want. You don't have to go out of your way.
Mouse (to Eep): Honestly, I don't mind & I'd like to help. I can't do much in the way of de-stressing you about the show, but I can, at least, make some finger food so you don't have to.
Eep (to Mouse): Thank you. I don't even know what to think right now.
Mouse (to Eep): Come on, take my hand... You need to relax. Let's go curl up on the couch & watch a stupid movie.
Eep (to Mouse): That sounds like a good idea to me.Thanks for putting up with me.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, you deserve good stuff to happen for you, you know... I'm just glad that I get to be here & a part of it. And, you don't have to thank me. You put up with me, so it seems only fair. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): You are the good stuff. Everything else is just kinda extra.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh... wow...
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Um, shit. Sorry. I didn't mean to... Sorry.
Mouse (to Eep): No, no... That was just the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Heh. I meant it, but, um, pretend I was more suave about it.
Mouse (to Eep): Of course. You are so suave, you are like a modern day Casanova.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah, yeah.
Several hours later:
Vincent (to Lulu): Good gracious, hun. You look ready to drop.
Lulu (to Vincent): It's my own fault... I stayed up to late after work & then I had to open the store because I had offered to cover a shift. What brings you over this way? Wait... Did I walk all the way to the cafe? Damn it... I meant to walk home, which is in the opposite direction. Wow. I am tired. I wonder if anyone will mind if I sleep here.
Vincent (to Lulu): Do you want a ride home? The Little Man and I were picking up Poppy a vanilla cappuccino. Can you walk as far as our apartment?
Lulu (to Vincent): Heehee, yeah I think I could manage. Thank you. I know I should have gone home straight away but I was having too much fun.
Vincent (to Lulu): Hee hee. You're not the only member of Drac's Daughter that's had a rough time of it the day after.
Lulu (to Vincent): Oh? You seem to be holding your own okay.
Vincent (to Lulu): Heh. Well, that's because I head home after work these days, but believe me, I've been carried home a few times.
Lulu (to Vincent): Heh... Well, to be fair. I didn't actually go home or drink anything but ginger ale, last night. But, you don't want to hear about my escapades. You're practically a married man. I won't bore you.
Vincent (to Lulu): Mmm. Sure. Somehow, I get the distinct impression you're DYING to tell me, and you just want to make me ask.
Lulu (to Vincent): Well, I'm not one to usually kiss & tell, but oh my god... the last two nights have been wild. That's all I'm going to say. I mean, just wow... I never would have done something like that before. I mean, I'm into hedonism but geez... Wanda is something else.
Vincent (to Lulu): Wanda?! Oh good heavens. Why doesn't that surprise me? Hee hee. Victor thinks it's funny. Yes he does! You're not allowed near her when you're older, young Mister Blue Eyes. He doesn't need some filthy deviant corrupting him. He has his parents for that.
Lulu (to Vincent): Heehee... So, it is true. I had heard stories about the youngest bartender at Drac's. I had assumed it was someone else. I mean, from the stories you were quite a flirty little thing, but you seem pretty domesticated to me. No offense. So, let me guess. You got Poppy knocked up & now, you''re settling down and changing your wicked ways? Boring.
Vincent (to Lulu): Ha ha ha! Well, for one, I didn't mean anything by calling Wanda a deviant. I've known her since I was 17. Hee hee. She'd be the first one to label herself as such. Secondly, you're very nearly right. You're not, but you're close. :-P
Lulu (to Vincent): Oh no, I know Wanda is a deviant... I think if she could get away with it, she'd tattoo that on herself somewhere. She seems to be quite proud of it, though she does honestly seem a bit weirded out that Percy is so willing to go along with her crazy schemes, but at the same time likes it... I don't know but, I do like hanging out with them both, so whatever. Ye gods, I'm a babbling incoherent mess. I hope my roommate is out at her boyfriend's, so I can lay on the couch like a vegetable tonight.
Vincent (to Lulu): Hee hee hee. Well, that's probably because she hasn't had much luck in finding anyone who could keep up with her. And Percy... He's never met a crazy scheme he doesn't like. Well, he's ALMOST never met a crazy scheme he doesn't like. She's probably a bit shocked because he's new to dating girls. Whew! Here we are. Come on, Little Man. Let's get coffee to mom.
Lulu (to Vincent): Oh... Should I wait here?
Vincent (to Lulu): Good heavens! Are you afraid of my tiny, petite wife? Hee hee. I'm just teasing you. Come inside. I'll be right back.
Lulu (to Vincent): Okay... and yes, I'm a bit afraid of your wife. When she looked at me, I felt like I was being judged & I didn't measure up. My advisor in school used to give me that look. It freaked me out when he did it, too.
Vincent (to Lulu): Heh. That's because she's more or less a human lie detector. As someone who was used to being a bit creative with the truth that took some getting used to. (to Poppy) Hey, hun. Here's your coffee, here's your son, and here's a kiss from your future husband. I ran into Lulu at the cafe. She looks like death warmed over. I'm going to give her a ride home.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, thank you... and, good. I mean, oh that's a shame. You're very nice to offer, honey. And, how did the little mister behave? Still being a bit fussy or has he settled down?
Vincent (to Poppy): He was fussy on the walk over, but he settled down once we hit the cafe. He was even smiling on the way home. Weren't you?
Poppy (to Vincent): That's good... I suppose I should go and say hello to our guest before you bring her home. I don't want to be rude.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Be nice. You scare her, lover.
Poppy (to Vincent): Really? That's adorable... and she should be. She's hiding something. I don't know what it is, but until I know that it's nothing bad, I'm keeping my eye on her.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, of course she should be. You, madam, are quite the bad ass. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): You just can't help it, you actually like her, don't you?
Vincent (to Poppy): I like everyone. Make that ALMOST everyone. I'm still working her out. There's more to her than she wants to let on. And I can't help but think of how well I know that feeling.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I trust your opinion, but you'll have to forgive me if I'm a little less trusting of her.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I trust your opinion more than my own. Come on. I think we've let the poor girl sweat in our living room long enough.
Poppy (to Vincent): Lead the way, honey.
Vincent (to Lulu): Sorry to keep you waiting, hun, but... Lulu? (to Poppy) Oh dear. I think we waited too long. She's asleep.
Poppy (to Vincent): Go get a blanket & a pillow, honey... (to Lulu) Lulu, honey? Would you like to move to our guest room?
Lulu (to Poppy): Huh? What? Mom, I'm fine... Shhh... sleeping.
Poppy (to Vincent): I think she's going to be crashing on our couch for the night, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy & Lulu): Hee hee hee. Mom.
Poppy (to Vincent): Hush you! She's clearly older than I am.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I think she's there the rest of the night. (to Lulu) Hun? Should we call someone to let them know you're here?
Lulu (to Vincent): Huh? What? Oh... Did I fall asleep? I'm sorry... I guess I'm more out of it than I thought. I just have a roommate, Velvet... Yes, that's her real name. She's usually in & out of the apartment. She won't worry.
Vincent (to Lulu): Hee hee. I wasn't going to ask. Honest. You can crash here tonight if you need to, hun.
Lulu (to Vincent & Poppy): Oh... that would be nice, but I don't want to impose.
Vincent (to Poppy): I think she's afraid you might stab her in her sleep, lover. (to Lulu) Poppy would never do anything like that. She'd want you to see it coming.
Lulu (to Vincent): ... Is that really a possibility?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee! Ouch. No hitting! What are you teaching our son, woman!
Poppy(to Vincent): Honey, are you enjoying making our guest uncomfortable?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Maybe just a little.
Poppy (to Lulu & Vincent): I'm going to fix some dinner. Lulu, you are more than welcome to stay here & if you don't want to, Vincent can drive you home. But, don't worry, you're not imposing. We have a guestroom & everything.
Lulu (to Vincent & Poppy): Oh, that's really nice of you & I appreciate the offer but, I should probably head home. Thank you.
Vincent (to Lulu): Heh. Come on. We'll get you home. (to Poppy) I'll see you in a few, lover. Want me to take the Little Man so you can cook?
Lulu (to Vincent): Thank you... I'm sorry for falling asleep. I just closed my eyes for a second & then BAM! Out like a light.
Poppy (to Vincent): No, he's fine, honey. I like the company.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, he is an excellent listener. I'll be back before either of you can miss me.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, lover. See you shortly.
Vincent (to Lulu): It's not a problem, hun. Since we don't have Victor, we can take the Impala.
Lulu (to Vincent): Ooh... Is this a '67 or a '68?
Vincent (to Lulu): Close. It's a '69. I tried to find a '67, but it was not to be. Hee hee. Not that I should complain.
Lulu (to Vincent): It's cherry... Did you get it like this or rebuild it yourself?
Vincent (to Lulu): I had to rebuild most of the engine, and the interior was a mess, but the body was in good condition. Heh. Which is why she is still in desperate need of a paint job.
Lulu (to Vincent): Well, I'm still impressed.
Vincent (to Lulu): Thank you. And you don't have to sound so surprised you know. :-P
A few minutes later:
Vincent (to Lulu): This is you, hun. I'll see you next time I'm working.
Lulu (to Vincent): Thanks for the lift, munchkin! I'll see you later.
Vincent (to Lulu): Later, tater.
A short time later:
Vincent (to Poppy): Did you miss me?
Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, lover...You're back just in time. Dinner's ready.
Vincent (to Poppy): It smells delicious. Hee hee.
Poppy (to Vincent): What's so funny, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Not funny. Just nice. C'mere. It was sweet of you to offer to let Lulu crash on the couch, you know.
Poppy (to Vincent): It would have been rude of me not to, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): I still think it's sweet.
Poppy (to Vincent): You're sweet.
Vincent (to Poppy): Of course I'm sweet, lover. I've got to do something to impress you, don't I?
Poppy (to Vincent): Not at all, honey. You always impress me.
Vincent (to Poppy): I do have to say that I'm very glad to hear that. Hee hee. Apparently, Lulu thinks you've gone and domesticated me.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh really? Do you think I've domesticated you, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. That depends. If by "domesticated" you mean I've stopped perving all over everyone I see, then yes. If you mean that I'm now going to be rational and well behaved... You should be so lucky.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I do have to admit that I kind of miss the pervy adventurous boy pirate that I first met, honey... you have been acting a bit reserved since we've been back. I know, we have a child now & need to be careful, but it's a lot quieter on this side than I remembered.
Vincent (to Poppy): Do you? Hee hee. I think you're the only one, lover. So, you've lost all interest in me now that I'm just a boring husband?
Poppy (to Vincent): I would never call you "just" anything, honey... I think I kind of miss our life on the Falcon a little bit. It's probably just because I've been cooped up since we've been back... I'm not sure I'm cut out for normal domesticity.
Vincent (to Poppy): I have to admit, I do a bit too. Heh heh. I suppose I've been a bit ridiculously well behaved lately. That whole thing with Achilles was terrifying. I'm just not sure how to keep doing what we've done in the past and keep Victor safe. At any rate, you know you don't have to stay cooped up in the house all day, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): I know I don't, honey. I'm just not sure what to do. I don't really know anyone other than our small group of friends & I tried to have a conversation with some other mothers I met in the park... that went horribly pear-shaped. I hate to admit it, but I think I'm a little bit homesick.
Vincent (to Poppy): Yikes! Moms at the park? I can only imagine how that went. I can't blame you, lover. When do you start work at the ISS?
Poppy (to Vincent): Not for another month, honey... And, I can tell I'm getting antsy. Yesterday, I caught myself casing a jewelry store looking for weaknesses in the security system & the day before that I grabbed a man's keys from his pocket... I put them right back, as soon as I realized what I did.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I guess neither of us knows what to do with ourselves if no one is threatening to kill us.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh... It would seem so, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): I suppose we could take a few easy peasy jobs until you start work, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, that would be wonderful, honey, thank you. I know that would help me not go mad.
Ripper (to Wanda): Yes, actually that was what I was trying to do, but I can't seem to find any mugs...
Wanda (to Ripper): Oh! Sorry. I was up early this morning and rearranging stuff. Here ya go.
Ripper (to Wanda): So, was that Lulu I saw slipping out of here earlier, again?
Wanda (to Ripper): Yep. She had to work at the bookstore this morning so she was up and out the door early. Dude. She should talk to her boss about not working mornings, like, ass early after you guys have an event. That SUCKS.
Ripper (to Wanda): Heh... So, you guys are hitting it off, huh? That figures.
Wanda (to Ripper): That's the same thing Percy said.
Ripper (to Wanda): Really? Is Percy jealous?
Wanda (to Ripper): I don't think so. He always seems like he's enjoying himself. I know it can get a little tricky with more than one person... Oh em GEE, do I know THAT for a fact, but we're not really serious or anything and so far every time he's... Am I TMI-ing you?
Ripper (to Wanda): Heh... Am I making that face? I have had my share of wild evenings... and it is really too early for this sort of discussion. I'm sorry if I seemed judgmental. It's just Lulu & I have some history.
Wanda (to Ripper): Ohhhh! That explains it. I didn't really think you'd be too scandalized. I mean, you're a DJ in an art school town. C'mon dude!
Ripper (to Wanda): Don't let Mouse ever hear you say something like that... She'd make that scowly face at you...
Wanda (to Ripper): Hee hee hee! YEAH she would. She's so old-fashioned sometimes. How does that work? Look where she works. Look at her BROTHER. It's too cute! So, did it end poorly? When people say "we have a history" it's never a happy history is it?
Ripper (to Wanda): It was just a fling right after Marco & I broke up. We were working at Pandora's... Let's just say, I was glad to get the job at Drac's for several reasons.
Wanda (to Ripper): Oh! No. Wait. I don't get it. If it was just a fling, why all the drama? She seems more than willing to keep things cas with me. She's not gonna get all Single White Female or something, is she? I do NOT wanna go through that again. Having someone steal and wear my dirty laundry once is PLENTY, thank you.
Ripper (to Wanda): No, no... It's just having 2 DJs in a booth who have a relationship even a casual one, well, it just got a bit competitive on many levels. It's one of the reasons why I'm often attracted to other DJs but at the same time, I know I shouldn't date them.
Wanda (to Ripper): Ohhh! OK. That makes sense. Hee hee. Guess I've never really run into that since I never really had much of a career.
Ripper (to Wanda): Wait... You actually had someone do that whole single white female thing?
Wanda (to Ripper): Huh? Oh. The dirty laundry thing? Yeah. It was CREEPY. I was living in student housing at the time... Super shitty, no a/c, all girls, you know how it goes. And this one girl just, like, FIXATED on me. She wanted me to join her Sailor Moon cult, or something. Anyway, we all kept our doors open, right? And she snuck in my room, and she grabbed an armful of random shit out of my hamper. Not even like sexy stuff, like underwear or socks, or something weirdos normally want. It was like a t-shirt and a pair of overalls and PJ pants. I dunno. Next time I see her... She's got it all on. ALL OF IT. PJ pants under the overalls and everything. Then she says, and THIS is the really icky part, she says, "tonight you'll have a visitor from the stars." Then she and her two creepster besties all STARE at me.
Ripper (to Wanda): Dear god... That's just... You're not pulling my leg, are you?
Wanda (to Ripper): Who would make something like that? Hee hee. Why do you think that Percy being a robot or whatever didn't even phase me?
Ripper (to Wanda): No, no I believe you, it's just that you have lived a very weird existence, Wanda.
Wanda (to Ripper): Yeah. A little bit. I'm gonna write a novel one day. Watch.
Ripper (to Wanda): Heh. I'm sure it'll be a best seller... Oh damn, is that the time? I need to get home & start packing up stuff. My landlord is supposed to be redoing my floors & a bunch of other renovations to the building & I need to make sure everything is boxed up and then, head over to my parents. God, I haven't lived with my parents since I was 18... this is going to be a fun month.
Wanda (to Ripper): Oh, man. Dude. That's gonna be fun on a bun, I'll bet. Good luck!
Ripper (to Wanda): Heh, yeah... on the plus side, I may make Robert meet my folks. Though, they'll probably love him. They really disliked Marco, my Dad thought he was a bit of a meathead... which he was.
Wanda (to Ripper): Hee hee. You should totes do it! It will make Robert SO uncomfortable, I'll bet. He'd never admit it, but it totes would.
Ripper (to Wanda): Unlike you, I don't generally like to torment my boyfriend... You really think he'd be uncomfortable?
Wanda (to Ripper): Prolly. He hasn't been in a relationship in a long time, you know. Though, maybe not. Robert's hard to figure sometimes.
Ripper (to Wanda): Well, we have been dating for quite awhile now & my Mom keeps dropping hints that she'd like to meet him... I guess I should just ask him if he'd like to come with me sometime while I'm staying there.
Wanda (to Ripper): DO IT! Stop looking like you've doomed yourself and just do it! I bet it'll be great! No go! Go pack up your shit!
Ripper (to Wanda): You're right. Well, I think I've procrastinated enough, I should get going. (to Robert) Here's your coffee. I'm gonna head over to pack. Up for dinner at my place, tonight? We can dine pizza ala cardboard boxes.
Robert (to Ripper): How can I refuse an offer like that? That sounds fine. Was Wanda yakking your ear off out there?
Ripper (to Robert): Heh. Just a bit... Though, strangely she sometimes makes sense, interspersed with the bizarre babblings. So, how would you feel about coming to meet my folks while I'm crashing there for the month? She seemed to think you wouldn't want to do it.
Robert (to Ripper): Heh. She has her lucid moments. I could understand why she might think that, but I really don't mind. I figured family meetings were part and parcel of the whole exclusive dating package. You know what that means, don't you?
Ripper (to Robert): Oh good, I'm glad you don't mind... Wait... What does it mean?
Robert (to Ripper): At some point you're going to have to meet the O’Reilly clan. You poor, poor man.
Ripper (to Robert): Heh... I'm beginning to regret my decision, already... I should get going. I'll see you tonight.
Robert (to Ripper): I'll see you later! Give me a call, and I'll bring the pizza and beer.
Ripper (to Robert): Will do! (to Eep) Hey Eep! Sorry, for almost knocking you down... I can't chat, gotta run.
Eep (to Ripper): Christ! Oh. Uh, yeah. Later.
Ripper (to Eep): See ya! Say hi to Mouse for me.
Eep (to Ripper): Oh. Yeah. Sure.
A few minutes later:
Mouse (to Eep): Are you okay out here? You have that look of annoyance on your face.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Everyone has been barreling out of next door like fucking bulls with their asses on fire. Ripper just almost knocked me on my ass, and Lulu slammed face first into me earlier this morning.
Mouse (to Eep): I think it's probably just the apocalypse... You know, you could go smoke on the kitchen stoop, instead of up here if you wanted. I mean, I prefer it out here because of the swing, but you hardly ever use it.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Yeah. I guess I could. Heh. I guess I'm used to everyone sending me as far away from the windows and doors as possible.
Mouse (to Eep): So, it's not that you actually like seeing people coming & going while you're out here? It's that you think the front porch is all hidden and secluded... Hmmm... :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. OK. Maybe I like to people watch. Maybe a little bit. So?
Mouse (to Eep): I'm just teasing you... You can people watch all you want, besides if anyone gives you a hard time about smoking out here, you can just tell that you're the landlord & you'll raise the rent. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. Well, you, Robert and Wanda are all used to it, so it's really only the upstairs folks we gotta worry about.
Mouse (to Eep): That's true... So, how are you feeling other than a bit trampled? You got out of bed awfully early.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh, yeah. Sorry. Um, guess I'm a little nervous since the show opens next week, and all.
Mouse (to Eep): I figured as much... Oh, I forgot to ask earlier. Do you need me to make food for the opening or is the gallery handling that?
Eep (to Mouse): No, I'm supposed to do that if I want. You don't have to go out of your way.
Mouse (to Eep): Honestly, I don't mind & I'd like to help. I can't do much in the way of de-stressing you about the show, but I can, at least, make some finger food so you don't have to.
Eep (to Mouse): Thank you. I don't even know what to think right now.
Mouse (to Eep): Come on, take my hand... You need to relax. Let's go curl up on the couch & watch a stupid movie.
Eep (to Mouse): That sounds like a good idea to me.Thanks for putting up with me.
Mouse (to Eep): Well, you deserve good stuff to happen for you, you know... I'm just glad that I get to be here & a part of it. And, you don't have to thank me. You put up with me, so it seems only fair. :-P
Eep (to Mouse): You are the good stuff. Everything else is just kinda extra.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh... wow...
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Um, shit. Sorry. I didn't mean to... Sorry.
Mouse (to Eep): No, no... That was just the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Heh. I meant it, but, um, pretend I was more suave about it.
Mouse (to Eep): Of course. You are so suave, you are like a modern day Casanova.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah, yeah.
Several hours later:
Vincent (to Lulu): Good gracious, hun. You look ready to drop.
Lulu (to Vincent): It's my own fault... I stayed up to late after work & then I had to open the store because I had offered to cover a shift. What brings you over this way? Wait... Did I walk all the way to the cafe? Damn it... I meant to walk home, which is in the opposite direction. Wow. I am tired. I wonder if anyone will mind if I sleep here.
Vincent (to Lulu): Do you want a ride home? The Little Man and I were picking up Poppy a vanilla cappuccino. Can you walk as far as our apartment?
Lulu (to Vincent): Heehee, yeah I think I could manage. Thank you. I know I should have gone home straight away but I was having too much fun.
Vincent (to Lulu): Hee hee. You're not the only member of Drac's Daughter that's had a rough time of it the day after.
Lulu (to Vincent): Oh? You seem to be holding your own okay.
Vincent (to Lulu): Heh. Well, that's because I head home after work these days, but believe me, I've been carried home a few times.
Lulu (to Vincent): Heh... Well, to be fair. I didn't actually go home or drink anything but ginger ale, last night. But, you don't want to hear about my escapades. You're practically a married man. I won't bore you.
Vincent (to Lulu): Mmm. Sure. Somehow, I get the distinct impression you're DYING to tell me, and you just want to make me ask.
Lulu (to Vincent): Well, I'm not one to usually kiss & tell, but oh my god... the last two nights have been wild. That's all I'm going to say. I mean, just wow... I never would have done something like that before. I mean, I'm into hedonism but geez... Wanda is something else.
Vincent (to Lulu): Wanda?! Oh good heavens. Why doesn't that surprise me? Hee hee. Victor thinks it's funny. Yes he does! You're not allowed near her when you're older, young Mister Blue Eyes. He doesn't need some filthy deviant corrupting him. He has his parents for that.
Lulu (to Vincent): Heehee... So, it is true. I had heard stories about the youngest bartender at Drac's. I had assumed it was someone else. I mean, from the stories you were quite a flirty little thing, but you seem pretty domesticated to me. No offense. So, let me guess. You got Poppy knocked up & now, you''re settling down and changing your wicked ways? Boring.
Vincent (to Lulu): Ha ha ha! Well, for one, I didn't mean anything by calling Wanda a deviant. I've known her since I was 17. Hee hee. She'd be the first one to label herself as such. Secondly, you're very nearly right. You're not, but you're close. :-P
Lulu (to Vincent): Oh no, I know Wanda is a deviant... I think if she could get away with it, she'd tattoo that on herself somewhere. She seems to be quite proud of it, though she does honestly seem a bit weirded out that Percy is so willing to go along with her crazy schemes, but at the same time likes it... I don't know but, I do like hanging out with them both, so whatever. Ye gods, I'm a babbling incoherent mess. I hope my roommate is out at her boyfriend's, so I can lay on the couch like a vegetable tonight.
Vincent (to Lulu): Hee hee hee. Well, that's probably because she hasn't had much luck in finding anyone who could keep up with her. And Percy... He's never met a crazy scheme he doesn't like. Well, he's ALMOST never met a crazy scheme he doesn't like. She's probably a bit shocked because he's new to dating girls. Whew! Here we are. Come on, Little Man. Let's get coffee to mom.
Lulu (to Vincent): Oh... Should I wait here?
Vincent (to Lulu): Good heavens! Are you afraid of my tiny, petite wife? Hee hee. I'm just teasing you. Come inside. I'll be right back.
Lulu (to Vincent): Okay... and yes, I'm a bit afraid of your wife. When she looked at me, I felt like I was being judged & I didn't measure up. My advisor in school used to give me that look. It freaked me out when he did it, too.
Vincent (to Lulu): Heh. That's because she's more or less a human lie detector. As someone who was used to being a bit creative with the truth that took some getting used to. (to Poppy) Hey, hun. Here's your coffee, here's your son, and here's a kiss from your future husband. I ran into Lulu at the cafe. She looks like death warmed over. I'm going to give her a ride home.
Poppy (to Vincent): Thank you, thank you... and, good. I mean, oh that's a shame. You're very nice to offer, honey. And, how did the little mister behave? Still being a bit fussy or has he settled down?
Vincent (to Poppy): He was fussy on the walk over, but he settled down once we hit the cafe. He was even smiling on the way home. Weren't you?
Poppy (to Vincent): That's good... I suppose I should go and say hello to our guest before you bring her home. I don't want to be rude.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Be nice. You scare her, lover.
Poppy (to Vincent): Really? That's adorable... and she should be. She's hiding something. I don't know what it is, but until I know that it's nothing bad, I'm keeping my eye on her.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, of course she should be. You, madam, are quite the bad ass. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): You just can't help it, you actually like her, don't you?
Vincent (to Poppy): I like everyone. Make that ALMOST everyone. I'm still working her out. There's more to her than she wants to let on. And I can't help but think of how well I know that feeling.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I trust your opinion, but you'll have to forgive me if I'm a little less trusting of her.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I trust your opinion more than my own. Come on. I think we've let the poor girl sweat in our living room long enough.
Poppy (to Vincent): Lead the way, honey.
Vincent (to Lulu): Sorry to keep you waiting, hun, but... Lulu? (to Poppy) Oh dear. I think we waited too long. She's asleep.
Poppy (to Vincent): Go get a blanket & a pillow, honey... (to Lulu) Lulu, honey? Would you like to move to our guest room?
Lulu (to Poppy): Huh? What? Mom, I'm fine... Shhh... sleeping.
Poppy (to Vincent): I think she's going to be crashing on our couch for the night, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy & Lulu): Hee hee hee. Mom.
Poppy (to Vincent): Hush you! She's clearly older than I am.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I think she's there the rest of the night. (to Lulu) Hun? Should we call someone to let them know you're here?
Lulu (to Vincent): Huh? What? Oh... Did I fall asleep? I'm sorry... I guess I'm more out of it than I thought. I just have a roommate, Velvet... Yes, that's her real name. She's usually in & out of the apartment. She won't worry.
Vincent (to Lulu): Hee hee. I wasn't going to ask. Honest. You can crash here tonight if you need to, hun.
Lulu (to Vincent & Poppy): Oh... that would be nice, but I don't want to impose.
Vincent (to Poppy): I think she's afraid you might stab her in her sleep, lover. (to Lulu) Poppy would never do anything like that. She'd want you to see it coming.
Lulu (to Vincent): ... Is that really a possibility?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee! Ouch. No hitting! What are you teaching our son, woman!
Poppy(to Vincent): Honey, are you enjoying making our guest uncomfortable?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Maybe just a little.
Poppy (to Lulu & Vincent): I'm going to fix some dinner. Lulu, you are more than welcome to stay here & if you don't want to, Vincent can drive you home. But, don't worry, you're not imposing. We have a guestroom & everything.
Lulu (to Vincent & Poppy): Oh, that's really nice of you & I appreciate the offer but, I should probably head home. Thank you.
Vincent (to Lulu): Heh. Come on. We'll get you home. (to Poppy) I'll see you in a few, lover. Want me to take the Little Man so you can cook?
Lulu (to Vincent): Thank you... I'm sorry for falling asleep. I just closed my eyes for a second & then BAM! Out like a light.
Poppy (to Vincent): No, he's fine, honey. I like the company.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. Well, he is an excellent listener. I'll be back before either of you can miss me.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, lover. See you shortly.
Vincent (to Lulu): It's not a problem, hun. Since we don't have Victor, we can take the Impala.
Lulu (to Vincent): Ooh... Is this a '67 or a '68?
Vincent (to Lulu): Close. It's a '69. I tried to find a '67, but it was not to be. Hee hee. Not that I should complain.
Lulu (to Vincent): It's cherry... Did you get it like this or rebuild it yourself?
Vincent (to Lulu): I had to rebuild most of the engine, and the interior was a mess, but the body was in good condition. Heh. Which is why she is still in desperate need of a paint job.
Lulu (to Vincent): Well, I'm still impressed.
Vincent (to Lulu): Thank you. And you don't have to sound so surprised you know. :-P
A few minutes later:
Vincent (to Lulu): This is you, hun. I'll see you next time I'm working.
Lulu (to Vincent): Thanks for the lift, munchkin! I'll see you later.
Vincent (to Lulu): Later, tater.
A short time later:
Vincent (to Poppy): Did you miss me?
Poppy (to Vincent): Of course, lover...You're back just in time. Dinner's ready.
Vincent (to Poppy): It smells delicious. Hee hee.
Poppy (to Vincent): What's so funny, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Not funny. Just nice. C'mere. It was sweet of you to offer to let Lulu crash on the couch, you know.
Poppy (to Vincent): It would have been rude of me not to, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): I still think it's sweet.
Poppy (to Vincent): You're sweet.
Vincent (to Poppy): Of course I'm sweet, lover. I've got to do something to impress you, don't I?
Poppy (to Vincent): Not at all, honey. You always impress me.
Vincent (to Poppy): I do have to say that I'm very glad to hear that. Hee hee. Apparently, Lulu thinks you've gone and domesticated me.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh really? Do you think I've domesticated you, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. That depends. If by "domesticated" you mean I've stopped perving all over everyone I see, then yes. If you mean that I'm now going to be rational and well behaved... You should be so lucky.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I do have to admit that I kind of miss the pervy adventurous boy pirate that I first met, honey... you have been acting a bit reserved since we've been back. I know, we have a child now & need to be careful, but it's a lot quieter on this side than I remembered.
Vincent (to Poppy): Do you? Hee hee. I think you're the only one, lover. So, you've lost all interest in me now that I'm just a boring husband?
Poppy (to Vincent): I would never call you "just" anything, honey... I think I kind of miss our life on the Falcon a little bit. It's probably just because I've been cooped up since we've been back... I'm not sure I'm cut out for normal domesticity.
Vincent (to Poppy): I have to admit, I do a bit too. Heh heh. I suppose I've been a bit ridiculously well behaved lately. That whole thing with Achilles was terrifying. I'm just not sure how to keep doing what we've done in the past and keep Victor safe. At any rate, you know you don't have to stay cooped up in the house all day, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): I know I don't, honey. I'm just not sure what to do. I don't really know anyone other than our small group of friends & I tried to have a conversation with some other mothers I met in the park... that went horribly pear-shaped. I hate to admit it, but I think I'm a little bit homesick.
Vincent (to Poppy): Yikes! Moms at the park? I can only imagine how that went. I can't blame you, lover. When do you start work at the ISS?
Poppy (to Vincent): Not for another month, honey... And, I can tell I'm getting antsy. Yesterday, I caught myself casing a jewelry store looking for weaknesses in the security system & the day before that I grabbed a man's keys from his pocket... I put them right back, as soon as I realized what I did.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I guess neither of us knows what to do with ourselves if no one is threatening to kill us.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh... It would seem so, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): I suppose we could take a few easy peasy jobs until you start work, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, that would be wonderful, honey, thank you. I know that would help me not go mad.
