Poppy (to Vincent): Do you want to really test that theory, Vincent?
Vincent (to Poppy): Ouch. Still calling me by name, I see. And, no, I'd rather not test that theory at all. It would be painful, I'd imagine.
Poppy (to Vincent): I just can't believe that you did such a foolish thing... You almost got Margaux killed, not to mention made me a widow.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hun, I know. Believe me, I know. But, it worked out, didn't it? We got good information about Hiiri, didn't we? And sure, the O'Malleys may have been reminded that they severely don't like me, but no one was killed, and no one got hurt. Um, relatively speaking, that is. And I'm SURE they can rebuild the home estate. It's not like the WHOLE THING burned down. Just an itsy-bitsy corner of the east wing.
Poppy (to Vincent): Yes, and whose idea was that, exactly? I can't seriously imagine Margaux suggesting 'Hey, you know what might make for a good distraction? A fire in the home of the crazy pirate queen."
Vincent (to Poppy): She thought it was a good idea! Granted, I didn't really mention that's what I was doing BEFORE I threw the Molotov cocktail. But she sure thought it was hilarious afterwards. You should have heard her cackling! I think she might be a bit insane, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): Ooooo, you are infuriating! Of course, Margaux is insane. She's a spy, honey. She has a deathwish, most of them do.
Vincent (to Poppy): And how was I to know they had a whole closet full of Captain Birdie's rum? Honestly! Who KEEPS that stuff?
Poppy (to Vincent): And, they're pirates! Of course, they have that stupid rum on hand. Everyone uses it. No one ever actually drinks that stuff. I just wish you'd think... on occasion.
Vincent (to Poppy): To degunk engines! Who keeps it in their home? That's a fire hazard! Uh, case in point. I was thinking! We needed a distraction so that we could get out without getting shot. Again! Thank God, Old Lady O'Malley's eyesight is going!
Poppy (to Vincent): Being reckless and lacking forethought is not sexy despite what those idiotic dancing girls might tell you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hun, honestly, I wasn't trying to be reckless. It wasn't as though I went into this saying to myself... "Hmmm. You know what would be fun? Setting the O'Malley's house on fire. I haven't caused an arson in YEARS!"
Poppy (to Vincent): I still can't believe I agreed to let you go without me. And on top of all that, the gloomies managed to get their daughter back from Drake with not a scratch on them... which just seems weird to me.
Vincent (to Poppy): I'm well aware of who the O'Malley family are, and how royally I've screwed myself by pissing them off a second time. But Grace wasn't going to let me leave alive, hun. I was desperate, and I didn't have a whole lot of options. And the thing with Drake... I have some suspicions about that, and I'm not sure I like any of them.
Poppy (to Vincent): I AM glad that you came back in one piece, I hope you know... You just scared the hell out of me. When Margaux came out of Falcon looking forlorn, I thought for sure she was about to tell me that you were dead... and it was my fault for not going with you... Don't you ever do that to me again!
Vincent (to Poppy): Ouch! Still a bit sore there, you know. Come here, lover. I promise, next time I do something incredibly stupid like walk into a pirate stronghold, I'll make sure that you're there.
Poppy (to Vincent): Don't patronize me, honey... I'm being serious.
Vincent (to Poppy): I know you are, hun. I wasn't patronizing you. I was just trying to get you to smile. You know I can't stand it when you're mad at me. I was an idiot. I'm not trying to deny it. The truth of the matter is... I utterly panicked. I was terrified, hun. All I could think about what it would be like for you and Victor if I died.
Poppy (to Vincent): I would be... heartbroken, lover.
Vincent (to Poppy): I know, sweetie. I know exactly how I would feel if something happened to you. I'm sorry I scared you.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, honey, I forgive you... But, I swear if you ever worry me like that again. I will-- Nevermind. Just give me a hug.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. What? You'll kill me? :-P
Percy (to Poppy & Vincent): I hate to break up the foreplay, sweeties. But, the gloomies have arrived and are docking now.
Poppy (to Percy): Percy, do you purposely wait to interrupt us or is it just a talent, honey?
Percy (to Poppy): Awww, honey, I'd rather chalk it up to one of the great mysteries of the universe. :-P
Vincent (to Poppy & Percy): In other words, he waits.
Percy (to Vincent): Spoilsport... Anyway, I'm heading back to West Piedmont for a date. Is there anything you'd like me to do while I'm there?
Vincent (to Percy): I think we're alright, hun. Thanks for your help.
Percy (to Vincent): You are very welcome, honey. (to Poppy & Vincent) I'll see you both again soon, I'm sure. Try to stay out of trouble until then.
Vincent (to Poppy): Shall we go meet our niece, lover?
Poppy (to Vincent): I suppose we should, honey... Unless, you'd rather wait.
Vincent (to Poppy): Not at all, hun. Let's go.
A short time later:
Mouse (to Eep): You know, Mars is capable of walking. You don't have to keep carrying her if she's getting too heavy & wiggly. :-)
Eep (to Mouse): Wiggly, I'll give you. You sure she's a kid? She might be a monkey. (to Marlena) Are you a monkey? Huh?
Mouse (to Eep): I don't know... She does like to go to the zoo a lot. And she really likes bananas. She might be a monkey.
Marlena (to Eep): ... I'm not a monkey, I'm a little girl.
Eep (to Mouse): Yep. Definitely a monkey. (to Marlena) Your mom has some monkeys in the family on her side, you know.
Marlena (to Eep): Really? ... Is that true? (to Mouse) Mommy, is that true?
Mouse (to Marlena): Yes, it's absolutely true.
Eep (to Marlena): It's true. Here comes one now. Your mom's brother is a monkey. Take a look.
Mouse (to Eep): I'd smack you, if I didn't think it was so damn funny.
Eep (to Mouse): Don't look at me. There aren't any monkeys in my family. Just jackasses. :-p
Marlena (to Eep): Heehee, he does look like a monkey.
Vincent (to Eep): I've been called many things, but a monkey? That's new. (to Marlena) Hello! You must be Marlena.
Marlena (to Vincent): I am... What happened to your tail?
Mouse (to Marlena): HAHAHA! Mars, honey, your uncle isn't really a monkey. Your dad & I were just joking.
Marlena (to Mouse): Oh... That's too bad. I like monkeys.
Vincent (to Marlena): Don't believe a word she says. I'm a were-monkey. I only have a tail on full moons. Your mom doesn't like to tell people.
Poppy (to Mouse & Eep): Heehee. While my husband amuses himself. How are you both doing? It's nice to see you all in one piece.
Eep (to Poppy): We're OK. We're, uh, we're good.
Marlena (to Vincent): REALLY? Can I be one, too?
Vincent (to Marlena): Maybe. We'll have to talk about it when your mom isn't around, so she can't make that face at me.
Marlena (to Vincent): That's her mom face. She makes that all the time... Usually, when I do something wrong.
Vincent (to Marlena): I know. She makes it at me a lot too. Usually, when I've done something REALLY wrong.
Marlena (to Eep & Mouse): Can I go play?
Mouse (to Marlena): In a minute, sweetie. Why don't you go get Barrymore from the airship?
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I still don't know quite what to do when she asks me if she can go do something.
Mouse (to Eep): It's okay, I sometimes don't know, either. You're doing fine.
Vincent (to Mouse & Eep): Hee hee. She's quite the firebrand, isn't she?
Mouse (to Vincent): She doesn't seem to be afraid of much, that's for sure...
Eep (to Vincent & Mouse): Uh, yeah. You can say that again.
Mouse (to Vincent): So... Can I get a hug before the firing squad, little brother?
Vincent (to Mouse): You scared the bloody fucking hell out of me, young lady! Come here! God, I was worried. Ooch! Easy on the shoulder there, sweetie.
Mouse (to Vincent): I'm sorry... What happened to your shoulder?
Vincent (to Mouse): Occupational hazard. So, are you going to tell me exactly how you managed to waltz into Drake's Parisian hidey hole & out again?
Mouse (to Vincent): Not really much to tell, little brother. I got an airship from someone that owed me a favor, we flew to Drake's hideout thanks to Eep's memory and navigation skills, and we got Marlena back. Pretty simple... Is that coffee right there? I could really use a cup. (to Eep) How about you?
Vincent (to Mouse): I spoke to Grace O'Malley, hun.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... What exactly did she tell you?
Eep (to Mouse & Vincent): Uhhh, what's going on?
Mouse (to Eep): It's a long story, Eep. (to Vincent) Little brother, whatever she told you, please take it with a grain of salt.
Vincent (to Mouse): Hun, you don't think for one second I believed her version of things, do you? Pirates are a self-serving lying lot.
Eep (to Vincent): So says the...
Vincent (to Eep): Yes, yes. Present company included. Hush. (to Mouse) I'd like to hear the story from you, hun.
Mouse (to Vincent & Eep): Fine, little brother, but first you have to understand that I didn't realize that Hiiri had put me into the past, at least, not at first. A couple things happened that made me suspect that was the case, but I wasn't sure. Hiiri made arrangements for me to meet several folks to "teach" me various things. She said she wanted me to be her companion & friend. That I was the only person she could trust, because she knew what was in my head. Grace O'Malley & Walter Drake were two of those people. Grace taught me how to pilot an airship, Drake taught me how to handle swords & pistols. Mind you, this was before he was banished from the empire & became such a--
Vincent (to Mouse): Tool?
Mouse (to Vincent & Eep): I was going to say a terrible bastard. He was also one of the gentlemen who tried to court me, but I said no. When everything went ass up between Hiiri & the two of them. I sort of stayed in touch with them. Because, I had a feeling that having a pair of criminals as friends might come in handy down the road.
Vincent (to Mouse): Mmmm. Hence the reason he gave you back Marlena without a fight. That was smart thinking, on your part, hun. Why didn't you tell us this sooner, sweetie? It would have saved me a lot of worry, at least.
Mouse (to Vincent): I'm sorry, I was a bit embarrassed that I had thrown such a fit when you told me you were a pirate & then I turned around and had to make friends with the likes of them. Plus, you seemed quite adamant about going after Hiiri and I just wanted to find Marlena. I mean, when we left you were talking about going to Edison. I had no idea you were going to go see O'Malley.
Vincent (to Mouse): There was a bit of a change of plans, hun. Poppy went to see Edison, and I went to see The Pirate Queen. Of course, if I had known you two were BFFs, I could have avoided getting shot, and, um... setting her house on fire.
Mouse (to Vincent): Wait... You did what?
Vincent (to Mouse): Just a small one! It was either that, or get slaughtered painfully. I opted for the fire.
Mouse (to Vincent): So, I take it you've now got a bounty out for you?
Vincent (to Mouse): Don't tell Poppy, but more than likely. I wasn't in Grace's good books before this little fiasco.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, little brother, Poppy is going to be livid... I'm not even sure I can fix this with Grace. She loves that house.
Vincent (to Mouse): You say that as if she wasn't livid before. And, I wouldn't expect you to fix this, hun. It's my mess. Not to change the subject, but I'm totes changing the subject; I'm sure Hiiri told you some rather interesting stories about me.
Mouse (to Vincent): I actually didn't need Hiiri to tell me any stories about you, little brother. I was on this side for most of your exploits. I've heard all about the Dandy & the Dainty Dandy. Anything that Hiiri told me was usually told to annoy me.
Vincent (to Mouse): I wasn't talking the rumors. I was talking about my involvement with Drake. I know he gave you back Marlena without a fight... I didn't think he was still capable of that kind of charity.
Mouse (to Vincent): Drake & O'Malley never knew I was related to you, little brother. Hiiri & I both made a point of never telling them. For very different reasons, I'm sure. Uh, I told them my last name was... um, Estevez.
Eep (to Mouse & Vincent): You did what?
Mouse (to Eep): I had told them my last name was Estevez... It was right after I found out about Marlena. I wanted to make sure she had your last name.
Vincent (to Mouse & Eep): Heh. Alright, hun. If you don't want to talk about it, we won't. I'll go rescue my wife from your daughter, shall I?
Mouse (to Vincent): If you really want to talk about it, little brother. How about you come over to the house sometime, okay?
Vincent (to Mouse): I will, hun. After we get this whole Hiiri business sorted. Give me a hug.
Mouse (to Vincent): Okay. I just want you to know that I love you no matter what, little brother.
Vincent (to Mouse): I know you do, sweet sister o' mine. Likewise.
Mouse (to Eep): So, now that Vincent's gone & we have a free moment before we have child again... Do you want to yell at me?
Eep (to Mouse): What I really want is a fucking cigarette. Shit! Should I quit now? I mean... kids. We've got kids. I don't want them smoking. What am I yelling at you about?
Mouse (to Eep): I don't know, not telling you about O'Malley & Drake... or the fact that they and my neighbors all knew me as Emmeline Estevez. And, you still only smoke outside, right? Well, then you're fine.
Eep (to Mouse): From what Vincent's told me about those two, I can't blame you for not wanting to brag about the company you've been keeping. You did what you had to do, you know?
Mouse (to Eep): Okay, then... Wow... You really are wonderful, you know that?
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I'm alright. I just seem good to you cause you been hanging around murders, rapist and thieves. Um, thanks, by the way.
Mouse (to Eep): Thanks for what?
Eep (to Mouse): For wanting Marlena to have my last name, and, um, telling her about me and shit. I know it probably would have been easier... Anyway, thanks. I mean, I know I'm not the most reliable guy and all, and I have no idea what I'm doing and all, but I...
Vincent (to Mouse & Eep): Whoops! (to Marlena) Hey, Mars, why don't we go to my ship and find where we can build our Secret Were-Monkey blanket fort?
Mars (to Vincent): Ooooo... Can Poppy come, too?
Poppy (to Mars): I'll join you in a bit, little one. (to Vincent) I've got to go and check up on Victor, first. He'll be driving Emmett crazy by now & she'll be wanting to get back to her own ship.
Marlena (to Poppy): Okay. (to Vincent) Do you live on this ship?
Vincent (to Marlena): Sometimes. We also have an apartment. Did you know you have a baby cousin named Victor?
Marlena (to Vincent): What's a cousin? Is it like a puppy? I always wanted a puppy. Mommy said I have to wait until I'm this many before I can have one. I want a big one that I can ride.
Vincent (to Marlena): Oh dear. Poor Victor is going to have his hands full with you and Persephone, isn't he? When you have an aunt or an uncle, and he or she has a baby, that's your cousin. Poppy and I are your aunt and uncle, and Victor is our baby. He's too little to ride on.
Marlena (to Vincent): ... Oh. Mrs. Higgins down the street had a baby, she cried all the time. Are we all going to live in the house together? I'll share my room... as long as the baby doesn't cry too much.
Vincent (to Marlena): Heh. I know. Babies aren't as exciting as puppies. Your dad has a place you and your mom can live. But Poppy and I live close by, so we can have our Secret Were-Monkey Meetings all the time.
Marlena (to Vincent): ... That's good. I missed my daddy. I'm glad he's going to live with us now. Mommy said he would find us. And, he did. I like having a family.
Vincent (to Marlena): Me too, kiddo. Speaking of family, the little cat climbing on your shoulder is named Max. I think he likes you.
Marlena (to Vincent): Heehee. He's funny.
Mouse (to Vincent & Marlena): There you are. Sorry to break up your playtime, but it is time for food, bath & then bed for you, little missy.
Marlena (to Mouse): Ooooh, mommy, Vincent was showing me and Max how to be monkeys. I'm not sleepy, yet. I'll be good. I promise.
Vincent (to Marlena): Your mom's right, shortie. Don't worry Agent Bananas. We can have more monkey time tomorrow.
Marlena (to Vincent): Awwww, okay.
Mouse (to Vincent): Thank you, little brother. (to Marlena) Say goodnight and thank you to your uncle.
Marlena (to Vincent): Good night and thank you for playing with me. Bye Max! (to Mouse) Mommy, can I have a piggie back ride & hear the tower story?
Vincent (to Marlena): Later, tater!
Mouse (to Marlena): You can have a piggy back ride... I just told you the tower story last night, you sure you don't want a different one?
Marlena (to Mouse): Tower story, please... with funny voices?
Mouse (to Marlena): We'll see.
Eep (to Mouse & Marlena): I wanna hear the Tower Story. With funny voices,
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): See, Daddy wants to hear it, too.
Mouse (to Marlena): So, I've heard... If you don't make a fuss, I will tell you the tower story complete with funny voices.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Sorry. I was intrigued by the promise of funny voices.
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): Yay! ... I'll be good.
Mouse (to Eep): They're not really all that funny. I just made up voices for the characters. She just thinks they're funny, because Mrs. Gardner never made voices when she would read to her. (to Marlena) Well, eat your dinner... Your daddy made it.
Marlena (to Mouse): Oh... (to Eep) What is it?
Mouse (to Marlena): You'll like it, I promise.
Eep (to Marlena): Uh... It's Monkey Chow.
Marlena (to Eep): Silly daddy, monkey's eat bananas.
Eep (to Marlena): Monkeys don't just eat bananas, you know. They're omnivores. They eat EVERYTHING. I'll bet your Uncle Vincent would eat it.
Marlena (to Eep): Oh…
Mouse (to Eep): Heh... And, you thought you'd be bad at this stuff.
Eep (to Mouse): What? I did a lot of babysitting in high school.
A short time later:
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): All done!
Eep (to Marlena): Oh. Hey. So you are. (to Mouse) Does that mean it's story time, Mom?
Mouse (to Eep): No, not just yet. Are you in a hurry? She needs to get cleaned up for bed, first. (to Marlena) Go get cleaned up, sweetie.
Marlena (to Mouse & Eep): Okay.
Mouse (to Eep): Why do I get the feeling that you both are going to gang up on me from now on?
Meanwhile:
Vincent (to Poppy): Hey, hun. How is the Little Man? Emmett wasn't too freaked out by her babysitting duties, was she?
Poppy (to Vincent): They were both fine, honey. Though, Emmett did run off quite quickly. But, Bernard & Molly were both appreciative of the extra help minding the children while there was that wedding at the inn. How are you doing, my sexy man?
Vincent (to Poppy): Sexy man, eh? I HAVE been forgiven, haven't I? Or have you been drinking? :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. It may be a little of both, honey. Bernard gave me a sampling of the new wine he's thinking of carrying in the inn and some of it was a bit strong... Oooo. And, I just realized he was checking up on me, while he did.That sneaky bastard!
Vincent (to Poppy): Checking up on you? What was he doing, lover?
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, you know how he is, honey, with his asking questions & then quietly judging your answers. I think he was concerned.
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, you DID hook up with a reprobate, hun.
Poppy (to Vincent): That may be true, lover, but our whole family is made of reprobates.
Vincent (to Poppy): Reprobates? US?! Hee hee hee. That is very, VERY true, hun. More than you know.
Poppy (to Vincent): Did you have fun playing with your niece today? It was nice to see you relaxed for a change. You've been so tense lately.
Vincent (to Poppy): I did. She's a cute little kid. And SO my sister's daughter.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. I wonder how Eep is really handling all of this instant fatherhood, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): I don't know. He seems to be doing all right, all things considered. He really seems to enjoy Marlena's company. Which, by the by, is SO totes adorbz, I don't even know how to process it.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, that's good. Do you think he & your sister are doing okay?
Vincent (to Poppy): I think they'll work it out, hun. She spent 5 years pining for him. Besides, even if she were inclined to move on... I think seeing Eep with their daughter would make my sister reconsider. Did you know she said her name was Emmeline Estevez?
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh my, honey. They're both such hopeless romantics, aren't they?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee hee. For all their anger, bitterness, and suspicion, they are stupid romantics for one another. It's cute.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. Speaking of cute & romantic, I'm going to climb in the bunk with our son while he falls asleep. Care to join me?
Vincent (to Poppy): The answer is a resounding YES, lover. Besides, I owe you a proper apology. ;-)
