Mouse (to Poppy): I think she did. I only just sat down a few minutes ago & she told me to have coffee and not to bother her in the kitchen.
Poppy (to Mouse): She does have a way with words, doesn't she? So, honey, I know you & I don't really know each other, what with the whole copy and all, but if you need someone to talk to...
Mouse (to Poppy): Oh... OH... Thank you. That's really nice of you, Poppy. Really it is. I'm just trying to wrap my head around everything. But, if I find myself needing someone to talk to, you'll be the first person. I promise.
Poppy (to Mouse): Heh. I know that's not true, honey, but it's nice of you to say. I'll leave you alone for your morning ritual. :-)
Mouse (to Poppy): Oh, thanks, Poppy. I'll see you later.
A couple hours later:
Vincent (to Mouse): Good heavens. Sweetie, do you ever look at me and think to yourself, there's a boy built for physical labor?
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh thank goodness! If you think Eep's swill is unpalatable, you should try Bernard's.
Vincent (to Mouse): Exactly! I've spent years cultivating that image! Apparently, to Bernard, I look like someone who can help him build a fence. If he wants to kill me, he should just bash me over the head and be done with it. Is that coffee? Excellent! Wait. Who made it?
Mouse (to Vincent): So, what you're saying is that he doesn't fall for your little helpless fae act? I think I like that guy. :-P And, Molly made the coffee. It's safe.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh thank goodness! If you think Eep's swill is unpalatable, you should try Bernard's. Are you and the rest of the Estevez crew going to head back to West Piedmont soon?
Mouse (to Vincent): I think that's the plan. Though I'm not quite sure what we're going to say to people about the sudden appearance of Marlena. Otto says that I should just not worry about it, but you know it's going to come up at some point.
Vincent (to Mouse): No kidding. Well, you can tell Robert, Jacob, Delia, and Leon the truth. Heck, you can probably tell Wanda as well. She IS dating Percy, and knows he's an automaton, AND that he and I dated when he was going by Poppy. We may need a chart.
Mouse (to Vincent): Wow... Well, that's at least something. So, when are you going to head home? Please, tell me you are going to go home.
Vincent (to Mouse): Of course, I always head home, hun. No one in West Piedmont wants to shoot me, for one. I think.
Mouse (to Vincent): But, I mean, sooner rather than later. You're not going to keep hunting for Hiiri, are you?
Vincent (to Mouse): We have to, hun. She's unstable and dangerous. God only knows what kind of horrors she'll get up to if allowed to run loose.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well then, I'm coming with you. Eep can watch Marlena, they need some one on one time, anyway. It'll be good for them both.
Vincent (to Mouse): Sweetie, are you sure?
Mouse (to Vincent): Little brother, who else do you know that has spent the last five years having a "friendship" with Hiiri? I'm not crazy about the whole idea of hunting her down, but I hate to admit it but I may be your best resource.
Vincent (to Mouse): Shit. I like the idea of this even less, hun, but you're right.
Mouse (to Vincent): You said something yesterday about O'Malley giving you some information about Hiiri. What did you find out?
Vincent (to Mouse): Poppy found out from Edison, that one of the copies was housed in New Jersey and woke up at about the same time... Well, she woke up recently. O'Malley said someone has been mucking with the portals lately. Some of them have been closed or rerouted all together. So far, just small, local ones. Whatever Hiiri's been using to jump the portals and time, she's found a way to make it control outside portals. We think we've worked out how she can cross the threshold, well sort of, but I can't figure out how she managed the time trick.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh well, she's a tricky one... Wait, you said one of the copies woke up. Meaning there's another me walking around? Or do you think it's Hiiri?
Vincent (to Mouse): Judging by the fact that she's been trying to control the portals, I'm guessing it's Hiiri.
Mouse (to Vincent): But, that means she's human, now... That's going to make her a bit more dangerous, I think.
Vincent (to Mouse): God, Hiiri with a survival instinct.
Mouse (to Vincent): On the plus side, that also makes her vulnerable. She's going to need to eat, sleep & she can be harmed. So, yay?
Vincent (to Mouse): Heh. We Potters take our victories where we can, eh? Well, let me go coordinate our next move with the missus. She's the thinker. You should talk to Mr. Tall, dark & scowly.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh right... Could we possibly trade jobs? I'm fairly certain-- No, I know this is going to lead to an argument.
Vincent (to Mouse): Heh. Have fun. I'd probably have more sympathy if Poppy and I hadn't had a HUGE row when you and Eep disappeared.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, just remember that I'd like Calla lillies at my funeral...
Vincent (to Mouse): Stop being a chicken! Go!
A few minutes later:
Mouse (to Eep & Marlena): Good morning, sleepyheads. I brought coffee for Eep and orange juice for Marlena. There's probably still breakfast if either of you are hungry.
Marlena (to Mouse): Ooh, I like juice. Thank you, Mommy.
Eep (to Mouse): Just coffee's fine. Thanks. (to Marlena) You hungry?
Marlena (to Eep): A little. Can I go get some cereal? I'll come right back.
Eep (to Marlena): Yeah. Sure. Ask Molly for help. And don't call her Mrs. Frankenstein again!
Marlena (to Eep): I'll try not to.
Mouse (to Marlena): Sweetie, why don't you stay in the inn & eat your cereal? We'll come get you in a bit, I need to talk to your dad.
Marlena (to Mouse): Okay.
Mouse (to Eep): She called Molly Mrs. Frankenstein? I'm sure that went over like a ton of bricks.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. She said Molly was married to Frankenstein, so she must be Mrs. Frankenstein. I think Bernard thought it was kinda funny, actually. It's hard to tell. So... You're gonna tell me you want to stay in Britannia, aren't you?
Mouse (to Eep): What!?! No... It's nothing like that. I want to be with you. I want us to be with you. But-- Wait. Why would you think that?
Eep (to Mouse): Oh good! I just thought... I mean, you have a life here, and friends and shit, and now we have a three year old to explain... And you've got something to tell me I won't like.
Mouse (to Eep): Yes, I do. But, it's not that. God, this is harder than I thought... I need to go with Vincent & Poppy to stop Hiiri. I want, no that's not right, I need you to take Marlena through the portal. I want you both somewhere safe. Otto can go with you.
Eep (to Mouse): ... Fine. But I want Otto with you. Marlena and I aren't gonna be trying to track down some fucking psycho in West Piedmont.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh... That was not what I was expecting at all. I was all prepared for an argument... I'll definitely bring Otto with me, then.
Eep (to Mouse): I'm not happy about this. I fucking HATE this, in fact, but if Hiiri's around again... She's not gonna stop trying to hurt us. You're not safe, Marlena's not safe... Neither is your brother, or Poppy, or any of our friends. I hate it, but you spent 5 years with her, and I know you. You weren't sitting on your ass learning macrame the whole time. You're gonna have to help find her.
Mouse (to Eep): I know, but I would much rather have had those five years with you, instead of with that crazy robot.
Eep (to Mouse): I wish that too. I wish I could have been with you both. I missed so fucking much with Marlena.
Mouse (to Eep): It's okay. I'm assuming that my copy got all the legal papers sorted when you got married. When you crossover can you make sure that Marlena's name is on whatever's appropriate? I'm planning on coming back, but you never know. And, Marlena doesn't care, she's got you now and, that's what counts. I love you, Felix.
Eep (to Mouse): I love you too. You'd... You'd better fucking come back.
Mouse (to Eep): I'm going to my best... As long as my little brother doesn't try to set anything on fire or showoff, I should be fine... Besides, we think Hiiri is human now. That means she has limitations she didn't have before. We just need to make sure that stays a plus in our favor.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah? Just means she'll be extra crazy if you ask me, so be extra careful. What are Poppy and Vincent gonna do with Victor?
Mouse (to Eep): Probably, leave him here with Molly & Bernard. Though, I imagine she might want to send them somewhere safe.
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. I doubt they'll get Molly to leave the inn. I can take Victor home with us if they want.
Mouse (to Eep): I'll mention it to them, I'm sure they'll appreciate the option. Uh... When I get back-- No, nevermind. It's silly.
Eep (to Mouse): What?
Mouse (to Eep): Oh. I was just wondering, if you would show me the wedding photos. I told you it was silly.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Yeah. Of course. Hey, um, I understand if you don't wanna, or if it's too weird or anything, but, um...would you... I mean, if you want to, that is, um, would you wear my mom's engagement ring when we get back? I mean, I know that we're not...
Mouse (to Eep): Married? I thought we were or did you want to change that when we got back? I just wanted to look at the photos, since I didn't get to actually be there. I thought I should know what I missed.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. No. Of course I didn't, I thought... I though cause you didn't actually say yes, and so much time has passed for you... I mean, I haven't even taken off the ring or anything. I just thought... Now I feel like a fucking asshole.
Mouse (to Eep): Hush... I'd wait for you forever, you big ninny. Eduardo Estevez-Palacio will you be my husband, again for the first time?
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. For the second, you mean. Your brother married us once already. And we don't have to do any paperwork when...
Mouse (to Eep): Fine. You're really going to milk this for all it's worth, aren't you? Will you marry me again for the 2nd time in both places?
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Sorry. The answer is yes. It's always yes. You know that.
Mouse (to Eep): Good. Now, shut up & kiss me. Then, let's go get our daughter before she drives Molly insane.
Eep (to Mouse): I think I can handle that.
A short time later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, look honey, Eep & Mouse are holding hands with Marlena. So, either the talk went well or she didn't tell him... Which do you think it is?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. He has to stoop to hold her hand. That's adorable. I'm thinking it went well. Look how tense his shoulders are.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, I swear if I could, I would just follow them around all day & giggle. It's just too cute for words.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh my goodness, I KNOW! It's too much.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey... That just gave me a thought. What if the reason Hiiri put Mouse in the past was to try & effect the outcome of the future? If Mouse was over here 5 years ago then she wouldn't be in West Piedmont for you. But she took the wrong Mouse. And when she realized her mistake, she replaced her with the copy. This is just pure speculation, of course.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hmmmm, it's definitely a possibility, hun. But, if just getting rid of me was her end game... Why not just have gone back 6 years and shoot me in the head before I even met Mouse? No one would have come looking for me.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm not sure, honey, but I don't think we have all of the pieces to the puzzle just yet. But, I get the distinct feeling that she wants you alive... And, that scares me. But, what if Mouse hadn't found you five years ago, but Hiiri. Would you have gone along with her to win her approval if she did all of the nice things that Mouse had done?
Vincent (to Poppy): There's a terrifying thought... I hate to say it, but I probably would have, hun. Goodness knows I let Alistair talk me into doing an awful lot of stupid, horrible things.
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm sorry, lover... I keep feeling like I've got her plan almost figured out, then something comes along & pops holes in my theory. I just get the impression that you've a more pivotal part to play in her plan than we think.
Vincent (to Poppy): But what? And why now, hun? She was more than happy to try and murder me in horrible ways before. What's changed?
Poppy (to Vincent): The only thing that's new, honey, is... Damn, it was right under our noses. I'm an idiot.
Vincent (to Poppy): What? What is it? Poppy? Are you alright?
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, it's Victor... The Mouse copy was the one who learned about what Victor can do.
Vincent (to Poppy): You think she's after VICTOR? That crazy...
Poppy (to Vincent): Calm down, honey... I'm totally guessing here, but if you consider it as possibility, it fills in the most gaps.
Vincent (to Poppy): You're right, hun. You're right. I'm calm. The idea of that monster getting anywhere near our son makes me physically ill.
Poppy (to Vincent): I know, honey. I think we should take Victor through the portal... I can stay with him if need be.
Vincent (to Poppy): You're right, hun. I hate to not have your help, but the further Victor is away from Hiiri, the better I'll sleep at night. I know we think Hiiri might be able to move through the portals because of the gene splicing, but... Oh my God.
Poppy (to Vincent): You just thought of something, honey. What is it?
Vincent (to Poppy): Hiiri moved through time, AND moved my sister through time, hun. Maybe it's not our genes the clones were spliced with.
Poppy (to Vincent): OH... That sneaky, conniving rust bucket!
Vincent (to Poppy): Just one more reason to keep Victor as safe and far from harm as possible.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well then, there's no time to waste, lover. I'm going to get Victor packed up & safely over on the other side... I'll come say goodbye before we leave. You may want to let the gloomies know I'm heading that way.
Vincent (to Poppy): I'll go talk to them now. It'll be OK, hun. Don't worry.
A few minutes later:
Vincent (to Mouse & Eep): Hey, Gloomies. I hate to interrupt family time, but I wanted to let you know Poppy is headed back home with Victor.
Mouse (to Vincent): So soon? I was expecting to have one more day, at least. What's happened?
Vincent (to Mouse): Nothing yet. We think we just filled in a few blanks in Hiiri's plan, and they're all Victor-shaped.
Eep (to Vincent): What? Why would you think Hiiri... Oh. Oh! Cause of the time travel. How the fuck did she figure that out? I was actually gonna ask you. I'm taking Marlena back home with me while you guys are looking for Hiiri. Want me to take Victor too?
Mouse (to Eep & Vincent): Wait... Because of the what the what? I'm clearly missing something.
Vincent (to Eep): Oh my GOD! Eep, that would be amazing! Thank you! (to Mouse) You know how I'm not fixed in one place, and that's how I can travel through the portals without a device? Poppy is the same. Apparently when two portal jumpers have a kid, there are some unexpected consequences.
Eep (to Vincent): Yeah. Yeah. Enough with the fucking hugging already.
Mouse (to Vincent): Why would Hiiri want your son, though? He's just a baby... Ooooh, suddenly something she said makes sense.
Vincent (to Mouse): Victor can open portals any place & in any time. He was the one who warned us she was going to kill Persephone's parents & Jacob. What did she say, hun?
Mouse (to Vincent): She had said something about everything being in place... And now, we'll see just how much two wrongs can make a right. I'm guessing she meant you guys.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh God...
Mouse (to Vincent): Are you okay, little brother? What's wrong? I mean, besides the obvious.
Vincent (to Mouse): No. I mean, yes. I'm fine. I just had a passing moment of paranoia. It's fine. We're all fine. So, now we have confirmation that Hiiri knows about Victor and what he can do. And I thought I wanted to stop her before.
Mouse (to Vincent): Well, I can be ready to go fairly quickly, but where do we go?
Vincent (to Mouse): We can try to locate the other copy. That might give us some clues about what her original plan was, and what the copy's next move will be.
Mouse (to Vincent): Didn't someone say that she stopped in Scotland on the way to NJ? There was a nasty piece of work named MacTavish that she told me lived in Aberdeen. He was supposed to come and give me lessons about something but he had been arrested.
Vincent (to Mouse): Good. If he was arrested, he'll have a record, and that means Poppy can dig up some information on him. Do you know his first name or why he was arrested, sweetie?
Mouse (to Vincent): I think she said his name was Colin. He was arrested for attempting to steal a horse & drunken disorderly conduct.
Vincent (to Mouse): It's a start. How many drunken Scottish horse thieves named Colin MacTavish can there be? Let's go find my wife and get the kiddies someplace a bit safer.
Mouse (to Vincent): Can I have a moment to say goodbye to Eep & Marlena before we go?
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh, good heavens. Of course, hun. I'm sorry. I'll go find Poppy. You take as much time as you need.
Mouse (to Eep): This was not how I pictured our family reunion. I'll go wake up Mars from her nap & say my goodbyes.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Just... Just one second, OK? C'mere. I'll miss the shit out of you. Be careful, OK? Fuck that. Be more than careful.
Mouse (to Eep): I will. I'll miss you, too. I promise we'll be back as quick as we can.
Mars (to Eep & Mouse): Mommy? Daddy? Why do you look sad? Are we going somewhere?
Mouse (to Marlena): Sweetie, I was just coming into wake you. You, your dad & your cousin, Victor are going to our new house. I have to stay here for a little while longer. I have an errand to run with Vincent & Poppy. But, we'll be back soon.
Marlena (to Mouse): Oh... Do I get my own room or do I have to share with Victor?
Eep (to Marlena): Uh... Heh. Victor's just visiting. You get your own room.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh... Well that's okay, then.
Eep (to Marlena): You and I can decorate it while your mom's helping Uncle Vincent.
Marlena (to Eep): Ooooo, can it be a purple room with dragons? I like dragons. Barrymore & I will ride on them.
Mouse (to Marlena): Whoa, whoa there, before you get too excited about it. Give me a hug.
Marlena (to Mouse): Okay. You can have a kiss, too.
Mouse (to Marlena): That's very generous of you. (to Eep) She's all yours. Don't let her boss you around.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I think I'm pretty doomed in that department. (to Marlena) Come on. Let's go get the baby.
Mouse (to Eep & Marlena): I love you both. I'll be back as quick as I can.
Eep (to Mouse): I know. We love you too.
Marlena (to Mouse): Love ya, see ya, bye, Mommy. (to Eep) Can we carry the baby in a basket like in the stories?
Eep (to Marlena): I think we should probably carry him in the baby carrying thing. Babies don't stay in baskets very well, and if we drop him, Aunt Poppy will be mad.
Marlena (to Eep): Oh... Poppy has a funny voice, it's like the puppets at the market.
Eep (to Marlena): Heh. She does have a funny voice, doesn't she?
A few minutes later:
Eep (to Poppy): Hey. Did Vincent tell you the plan?
Poppy (to Eep): Yes, honey. I'm flying you & the children to the portal, getting you all situated and then, heading back to rendezvous with them. All of Mouse & Marlena's boxes are on the airship Mouse "borrowed" from her friend, so no one will be without anything. Vincent & Mouse are heading to Aberdeen to check out the MacTavish lead... Thank you for offering to watch Victor.
Eep (to Poppy): No problem. I can't do much, but I can do that. I know you wanna keep Vincent out of trouble.
Poppy (to Eep): That is the understatement of the year, honey. I love that man, but keeping him out of trouble is a full-time job.
Marlena (to Eep): Heehee.
Eep (to Marlena): Heh. Hush. (to Poppy) Have you thought about a shock collar?
Marlena (to Eep): Sorry.
Poppy (to Eep): Honey, knowing him, he'd probably build up a tolerance & start to like it... So, are you both already to go?
Eep (to Poppy): Yep. We're all set.
Poppy (to Eep & Marlena): Alright then, let's get this show on the road.
Marlena (to Eep): Daddy, can I go play with my toys in the cabin? I won't make a mess, I promise.
Eep (to Marlena): Uh, yeah. Sure. Keep the door open, though.
Marlena (to Eep): Okay. Thank you.
Eep (to Poppy): Jesus, that's gonna take getting used to.
Poppy (to Eep): And here I was thinking that you had taken to the whole instant fatherhood thing like a duck to water, honey.
Eep (to Poppy): What?! Seriously? Every time she asks me a question or calls me daddy, I feel like I'm gonna have a heart attack. I have no idea what I'm doing. But what am I gonna do? She's my kid. I gotta figure it out, right?
Poppy (to Eep): And those very questions are why you're going to do just fine, honey. From what I've heard about your father, you could have very easily just followed in his footsteps & not given two figs. Besides, I can already tell that you love that little girl.
Eep (to Poppy): I couldn't have done that. I mean, I could have, but I wouldn't. And yeah... She's, heh, she's something. She looks like Mouse. In the eyes, I mean. Heh. She got that crazy hair from my mom's side. God... My mom would've loved her.
Poppy (to Eep): Heehee. I guess Mouse picked a good name for her, then.
Eep (to Poppy): Heh. Yeah.
Poppy (to Eep): So, speaking of Mouse... How are you two doing, honey? I don't mean to pry, actually I totally mean to pry, but I'm trying to be polite about it.
Eep (to Poppy): We're doing OK. I mean, it's still kinda weird sometimes, & she was super awkward around me for a while. We're working at it. But, um, she said she still wants to be married, which was a huge fucking relief.
Poppy (to Eep): Honey, she was pining for you for five years. Of course, she wants to be with you. I think she just wants to know that it's her specifically you want to be with & not the idea of her, because of the woman you married.
Eep (to Poppy): I... I don't know what to say to that. I mean, if it was the idea of Mouse, or whatever, I wanted, I wouldn't be here. I'd have left when this is all got weird, and scary, and confusing as fuck. And I don't really give a shit.
Poppy (to Eep): Well, maybe she finally realized all that. I don't know. She still seems a little standoffish with me, probably because of Percy. Just keep doing what you're doing, honey, and you'll be just fine.
Eep (to Poppy): Yeah. Hope so. Thanks, Poppy.
Poppy (to Eep): Don't mention it, honey. We're family, that's what we're here for... I think.
Eep (to Poppy): Heh. Guess we're all trying to work that one our, aren't we?
Poppy (to Eep): I think you might be right... Hold onto your seats. We're hitting the jump point that will take us right to the portal entrance.
Eep (to Poppy): God. That always... Jesus. That always makes me feel like I got kicked in the molars. Huh. Victor doesn't even wake up, huh? Be right back. I'm gonna check on Marlena.
Poppy (to Eep): Okay, honey. We should be at the portal in fifteen minutes or so.
Eep (to Poppy): Heh. She was passed out on the floor clutching that polar bear of hers. Guess she slept through the jump too.
Poppy (to Eep): Awww, I bet she looked adorable. I feel bad about having to wake her to move her to the car.
Ten minutes later:
Eep (to Poppy): Marlena's pretty passed out. I've got her and the bear, and she hasn't even stirred. There's just the two boxes of stuff, right? If you wanna get her and Victor settled in the car, I'll get everything in the trunk.
Poppy (to Eep): Sounds good, honey. (to Victor) Oh, hello my sweet little man. Shhh. Don't wake your cousin.
Eep (to Poppy): Alright. I think that's everything. She still conked out?
Poppy (to Eep): Yes, I think she could sleep through a marching band, honey.
Eep (to Poppy): Thanks, Poppy. I'm gonna go deposit Mars on the bed. I'll be right back for Victor.
Poppy (to Eep): Let's get you guys home...
Thirty minutes later:
Eep (to Poppy): OK. She's all settled in. I've got a copy of your key in the apartment so if I need anything I can... Uh, are you crying?
Poppy (to Eep): What? No... I had something in my eye, honey.
Eep (to Poppy): You, uh, you need another couple of minutes to say goodbye? I can sit on the porch and wait.
Poppy (to Eep): Thank you, honey. I know, I've left him with other people before, but I'm feeling a little squishy about him right now.
Eep (to Poppy): No, it's OK. I get it. I really get it now. Take as much time as you need. I'm gonna grab a quick smoke.
Ripper (to Eep): Hey there... Wow, you look like you've been through the ringer. How many days on the other side were you gone?
Eep (to Ripper): Huh? Oh. Hey, Ripper. Two weeks. It's been... Jesus. I don't even know what the fuck to say. It's been a fucking nightmare. Have we been gone from here long?
Ripper (to Eep): Not really. It's only been a day or so. You were at work on Saturday and it's Monday evening. Wanda was looking for you yesterday but Robert & I covered.
Eep (to Ripper): Jesus. Thanks. Oh shit. I'm gonna have to take the next couple of days off from the bookstore. Fat Christ. I think everything that's happened just fucking caught up with me. I need to sit down.
Ripper (to Eep): Shit... What do you need, Eep? You know, Robert & I will help out however we can.
Poppy (to Eep): Okay, honey. I said my goodbyes. I'll see you soon. Thanks again. (to Ripper) Hi there, Professor. Can't stay. Duty calls!
Eep (to Poppy): Yeah. No problem. Just be fucking careful, OK?
Poppy (to Eep): Will do, honey!
Eep (to Ripper): I'll be OK. It's just been... yeah. Thanks. Heh. Remember you offered to help. I'll probably need it. I'm on babysitting duty. I've got Victor here and, um, I've, uh, got my daughter for a couple of days solo.
Ripper (to Eep): Oh well, Victor is easy enough to hand-- Wait. What? Did you just say daughter? Oh my god, when did that happen? Did some crazy woman from your dark sordid past come out of the woodwork with your kid? ... Why are you making that face? What's so funny?
Eep (to Ripper): Heh. No. It's not funny, I mean... Heh heh. Of all the weird shit that's gone on, me having some other woman in my past is still way more unlikely than the fucking truth. Ha ha ha! Oh! Oh shit! I'm sorry! It's not fucking funny, but... HA HA HA! Heh. God, I'm gonna wake Mars. Sorry. No. No other woman. It's our kid. Me and Mouse, I mean.
Ripper (to Eep): Well, I'm just confused as all get out, now.
Eep (to Ripper): Yeah. It's, uh, complicated. Hiiri grabbed Mouse when we all crossed over to get Delia. She replaced her with some kinda, uh... clone, I guess. She was pregnant at the time, but none of us knew any of that. Like the pregnancy or the clone. She stranded Mouse 5 years in the past, and was trying to groom her to be her sidekick or some shit. She's been living in Britannia, five years behind everything, with Marlena. Um, that's our daughter.
Ripper (to Eep): Oh, wow... That is messed up.
Eep (to Ripper): Yeah. It gets worse. When they discovered some, you know, abnormalities with the copy, it triggered some kinda self-destruct...
Marlena: Where am I? Mommy? MOMMY!?!
Eep (to Ripper): SHIT! That's Mars. Later.
Ripper (to Eep): See ya.
Eep (to Marlena): Hey, hey. It's OK. Your Mom's helping Uncle Vincent with something, remember? You're at my house right now.
Marlena (to Eep): Oh... I woke up, it was dark, Barrymore was gone. Oh, there he is on the floor.
Eep (to Marlena): It's OK. It can be scary waking up someplace dark and new. I've gotta feed Victor. Do you wanna help, or watch a cartoon with a purple dragon in it while I do that?
Marlena (to Eep): Oooh, I like purple dragons. What's a cartoon?
Eep (to Marlena): It's where somebody draws a bunch of pictures, and then puts them all together in a film to make them move. It's got funny voices too. Grab Barrymore and come on.
Marlena (to Eep): Oooooo.
Eep (to Marlena): Alright. You sit down and watch that, and I'm gonna get Victor fed... AND answer the fu... I mean, the bloody door.
Marlena (to Eep): Heehee, Daddy almost said a dirty word.
Eep (to Marlena): How do you know what I almost said, hmmm? (to Robert) Oh. Hey. (to Ripper) You told him about Marlena, I take it?
Marlena (to Eep): Mommy says it under her breath when she's upset, sometimes.
Ripper (to Eep): Sorry, but I knew he'd want to see, I mean, meet her.
Robert (to Eep): Damn straight! I mean, you. You with CHILD.
Eep (to Marlena): Yeah. Well, Daddy says it a lot. It's a special word for grownups. (to Ripper & Robert) Alright, alright. Come in you da...um, bloody gawkers. Just, take it easy, OK? It's been a weird day.
Marlena (to Eep): I'm not a baby, I know. That's what Mommy says, too.
Eep (to Marlena): Does she? Well, uh, she's right. Mars, this is our neighbor Robert and his boyfriend Rip, um, Jacob. They wanted to say hi.
Marlena (to Eep, Robert & Ripper): Oh... Hello. (to Ripper) You have pretty hair.
Ripper (to Marlena): Thank you. (to Eep) Wow. She looks a lot like you, Eep. There is no way she's not your kid. Not to mention that look on her face... Though, that could be from Mouse, too.
Eep (to Ripper): Heh. Yeah. She makes a lot of faces like Mouse. She looks a lot like my mom, actually.
Robert (to Marlena): What are we watching?
Marlena (to Robert): It's a cartoon. I've never seen one before. Daddy put it on for me. I like the dragon, it's purple. That's my favorite color.
Robert (to Marlena): Your dad has a lot of shows for kids. I'll bet if you asked nicely, he'd let you stay up late and watch a bunch of them.
Marlena (to Robert): Really? Mommy never lets me stay up late... Are you trying to get Daddy in trouble with Mommy?
Robert (to Marlena): Your dad doesn't need my help with that. He gets in trouble all by himself.
Marlena (to Robert): I don't want Mommy to be angry with Daddy. He might go away. And that would be bad.
Robert (to Marlena): Don't worry about that, Sprite. Your dad won't go away, even if your mom gets mad, or yells, or for any reason at all.
Marlena (to Eep): ... That's good. I like you. You're funny.
Robert (to Marlena): That's good. I like you too.
Eep (to Marlena & Robert): What are you two whispering about over there?
Robert (to Eep): Nothing! I was telling Marlena that you might let her stay up late because it's a special occasion.
Eep (to Robert): What?
Robert (to Eep): Psst. She's a little freaked and probably won't sleep well tonight. If you make it a "special occasion" she'll feel better. AND, if you let her stay up late, she'll wear herself out. Trust me.
Eep (to Robert): Oh. That's, uh, that's a good idea.
Marlena (to Robert): This is Barrymore. He's a polar bear.
Robert (to Marlena): Hello, Barrymore. It's very nice to meet you.
Ripper (to Marlena & Robert): Can I sit down here on the floor with you two?
Robert (to Ripper): It's OK with me, if it's OK with Marlena.
Marlena (to Ripper): It's okay, but you have to hold Barrymore.
Robert (to Ripper): Ha ha ha! You heard the lady.
Eep (to Robert & Ripper): Heh. Will you two watch her for a second? I'm gonna go put Victor to bed.
Ripper (to Marlena): Yes, ma'am. Why doesn't Robert have to do anything? (to Eep) Sure, no problem.
Eep (to Ripper & Robert): Thanks. Be right back.
Marlena (to Ripper): Oh... Because, he has to wear this hat.
Ripper (to Marlena): Heehee, that seems fair.
Marlena (to Ripper & Robert): Victor's a baby. But, he's a good baby. He hardly ever cries. He's going to stay with us for a little while.
Robert (to Marlena): Oh yeah? He is a good baby. We've watched him before and he didn't cry for us either.
Marlena (to Robert): That's good, because if you're too noisy Auntie makes a mean face at you and is mean to Mommy. I don't like that.
Robert (to Marlena): Which Auntie? Poppy?
Marlena (to Robert): No, Auntie looks like Mommy with white hair. She made Mommy put me in a box, like in Snow White. Mommy was sad. But Mommy & Daddy saved me... and now, Mommy is gone. She went to stop Auntie, I think.
Robert (to Marlena): Don't worry. I know your Mom, and she'll be back before you know it. And no one here will yell at you if you're too loud. Ask your dad if you can come over to our house tomorrow, and we'll have a singing and dance party. How about that?
Marlena (to Robert): Really? I'd like that.
Robert (to Marlena): If it's OK with your dad. Maybe we can get Jacob to come over for the party too.
Marlena (to Robert): Heehee, he's making a funny face at you.
Ripper (to Marlena): No, I'm not. That's just my face. :-P
Marlena (to Ripper): Heehee, you're silly. I like you.
Ripper (to Marlena): Well, I like you, too.
Eep (to Ripper, Robert & Marlena): Hey. How we doing in here? Sorry to be so long, Victor-- Robert. What the hell is on your head?
Ripper (to Eep): That would be his hat.
Eep (to Ripper): Uh, right. Of course. How silly of me.
Ripper (to Eep, Robert & Marlena): I hate to break up this cartoon party. But, I need to head off to bed. I've got work in the morning. (to Robert) If you want to hang out here, I don't mind. I can always go to my place.
Robert (to Ripper): No, I'll head out with you. I think we should give Mars and her dad some time to themselves. (to Marlena) It was very nice to meet you. Come by our place tomorrow, and we'll have our song and dance party. (to Eep) See you later, Eep. Call if you need anything.
Marlena (to Robert & Ripper): Good night. It was nice to meet you, too.
Eep (to Marlena): So, Robert suggested that we stay up late tonight and watch cartoons since it's the first time we've been in our new house, and it's a special occasion. Do you wanna watch more My Little Pony with me? We can make popcorn.
Marlena (to Eep): Can I put on my pajamas and bring out a blanket?
Eep (to Marlena): Yes, of course. Do you want to make a blanket fort? Your mom showed me how to build one.
Marlena (to Eep): Ooooo. Yes, please.
Eep (to Marlena): Come on. We'll have to go to the second bedroom, cause Victor is sleeping in my room. This, uh, this is gonna be your room. We can start putting your stuff in it tomorrow.
Marlena (to Eep): Oh... Is that a picture of Mommy?
Eep (to Marlena): Yep. We have a lot of pictures of Mom here. We have some of Uncle Vincent and me when we were little too.
Marlena (to Eep): Oh... Daddy, is Mommy coming back?
Eep (to Marlena): OF COURSE Mommy's coming back. She loves me, and she loves you even more. She'll be back soon. I promise. She just had to help Uncle Vincent and Aunt Poppy. Come on. Let's grab all these blankets and pillows and make a fort.
Marlena (to Eep): Okay.
A few hours later:
Mouse (to Marlena & Eep): Boy, I leave you alone for a little while & you build a blanket fort without me. (to Poppy) I found them!
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Um, yeah. We were watching cartoons. Is everything OK... I mean, I was kind of expecting you to be gone longer.
Poppy (to Mouse): Oh good! I'll just grab the baby & leave you guys to get sorted. (to Eep) Thank you again for watching Victor.
Mouse (to Eep): Oh... The time thing. We've been gone for a couple days. Poppy had to sedate Vincent. It's been rough.
Eep (to Poppy): It's, uh, it's fine. You weren't gone more than a couple of hours. (to Mouse) Uh, what happened? She had to what? Is he alright? What the hell happened?
Marlena (to Mouse): Mommy! Can we go home now?
Mouse (to Marlena): Sweetie, we are home. Scoot over & you can be the baby turtle. (to Eep) He'll be okay... I think. He was in shock, ranting, and shouting y'all everywhere. I think the whole sitting up with the copy affected him more than he was letting on... We found the other copy, at least what was left of it. This isn't really a conversation for in front of Mars.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh? Oh, Jesus. So you guys came back. Got it. We're having a cartoon party. (to Marlena) Tell your mom about what we've been watching.
Marlena (to Mouse): We've been watching My Little Pony, but I like the Spyke the dragon the best. Did you know that drawings can move? Why didn't we ever watch cartoons at home? I like them.
Mouse (to Marlena): Oh... Well, that's because our old house didn't have a television, sweetie. We went to see the puppets or we read. Clearly, this house is way better than our old one. So, now that I'm home & it's way past your bedtime...
Marlena (to Mouse): I should go to bed?
Eep (to Mouse): Oh. Um. That's my fault. I told her we could stay up late watching cartoons.
Mouse (to Eep): It's okay. As long as it doesn't become a habit.
Eep (to Marlena & Mouse): Nope. This is a special occasion. Come on. We saved you a spot in the Blanket Fort.
Mouse (to Eep & Marlena): Well, since it's a special occasion. I will make an exception.
A short time later:
Vincent (to Poppy): Poppy? Poppy? Hun? Where are we? Where... Where's Victor?! HUN! Oh. Wait. He's with Eep. Right. Right. Right. Got it.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, we're all home safe. Victor's in his crib sleeping soundly. I'm carrying you up to our apartment.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Uh, right. I should able to get my bloody... Jesus Christ! Why don't my damned legs work?
Poppy (to Vincent): I don't know, honey. I think you might have bumped your head.
Vincent (to Poppy): Mmmm. So, completely unrelated to the needle y'all jabbed me with earlier. Shit, woman. I'm not a damn fool, you know.
Poppy (to Vincent): I know, honey. But, you were jabbering like some crazy hill person & we couldn't make sense of anything you were saying. And, you wouldn't calm down. So, when Mouse was distracting you, I stuck you with a sedative. I made sure it was a small dosage and that it wasn't any of the ones you're sensitive to. I'm sorry.
Vincent (to Poppy): So that's why I can't think st...str... What was I sayin'?
Poppy (to Vincent): You were yelling at me, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): I was? Why on earth was I doin' that? Oh. No. Cause you drugged me. Cause I was mad about Hiiri killin' the other clone. Oh God... I think I'm goin' t'be sick.
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, we're almost next to the bathroom. Just a few steps more. Please don't be sick in the hallway.
Vincent (to Poppy): No, no. That'll never come outa the carpet. I'll be fine. I'm... Oh Christ. Get me to the bathroom.
Poppy (to Vincent): Damn it! Here you go! I'm so sorry, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Not as half as sorry as you're gonna be sleeping next to me, lover.
Poppy (to Vincent): Judging by your face I can assume that wasn't some kind of innuendo... I'm doomed.
