Ripper (to Robert): Just barely... Come on in, if you dare.
Robert (to Ripper): I'm a brave soul. Do you think you can stomach coffee or food?
Ripper (to Robert): Well, I just tried to do food & that was a bad idea, so I think just coffee... I'm sorry I'm such a mess.
Robert (to Ripper): I've dealt with messier in my time, though usually not you. What's going on?
Ripper (to Robert): I-- I just saw something... I'm not sure I want to talk about it or even, if I should. Have you ever seen something that just totally fucked with your head? I thought that I had seen everything you could possibly see in Britannia & that I was capable of handling anything... Turns out I was completely wrong... Come to find out, I'm an idiot. I-- I just don't know.
Robert (to Ripper): That's what reality does to us sometimes. Just when you think you have everything figured out, it comes along and slaps you in the face. That's why reality is a bitch. You never know how you're going to react to something, REALLY react to something, until you do. That doesn't make you an idiot. Drinking West Piedmont's entire supply of gin, on the other hand, that might make you an idiot.
Ripper (to Robert): Yeah, I know... But, whenever I close my eyes, I-- I just keep seeing him standing over her... with all that blood. I just don't want to remember it.
Robert (to Ripper): Jesus Christ, Jacob, you're shaking. Whatever happened sounds horrible, and I know it's no help right now, but you'll get over it. I think you have the potential to be much stronger than you think you do. However, the drinking will not help. You should probably dry out for a few days. Are you sure it's nothing you want to talk about? Festering inside your own head is rarely a good thing.
Ripper (to Robert): I don't know... It was-- Vincent. He did it... Oh god, I think I'm going to be sick.
Robert (to Ripper): Come on. Up we go. Head under the tap. Take some deep breaths. You're alright. It's alright. What did Vincent do?
Ripper (to Robert): He-- he killed her... I didn't see it happen, but-- he looked crazy when I found them.
Robert (to Ripper): Easy, Jacob. Breathe. You're OK. Who did Vincent kill?
Ripper (to Robert): Hiiri.
Robert (to Ripper): Here. Hold this on the back of your neck. It will help with the nausea. Come on. Come sit down.
Ripper (to Robert): Thank you... You're a good boyfriend.
Robert (to Ripper): Heh. I'm trying. It's alright, you know. Violence isn't ever something that's easy to see. You're allowed to freak out.
Ripper (to Robert): I know that rationally, but it's still a little disconcerting.
Robert (to Ripper): No shit, and it's never any easier when it involves a friend. How are you feeling? You've got a little color back in your face.
Ripper (to Robert): Physically? A bit better. Mentally, still a ball of nerves... Thanks for coming over and checking on me.
Robert (to Ripper): Stay out of the bottle tonight, and you'll start to feel a lot better physically. Unfortunately, mentally will take time. You'll be alright. You've been worrying me the past few days.
Ripper (to Robert): Really? I was? I'm sorry.
Robert (to Ripper): Like you said, you've been a barely sober bundle of nerves, although after what you told me, it's understandable.
Ripper (to Robert): Oh god... I didn't do or say anything really dumb, did I?
Robert (to Ripper): A few things. Don't worry if I were going to hold grudges against people for their stupid actions while drunk, I'd have to stop talking to 80% of my family. Besides, the knowledge that you drunkenly told me your mother's opinion of me is surely punishment enough. :-P
Ripper (to Robert): I did? God, that had to be embarrassing... The whole wishing I had been a girl, so we could make babies. I'm so sorry... And, uh, that was all I said?
Robert (to Ripper): Don't you wish it was. Don't worry. I'm not freaked out. You think I haven't heard the same thing from my family?
Ripper (to Robert): No, honestly I picture your family saying far worse... Ummm, what else did I say?
Robert (to Ripper): Ha ha ha! This is very true. And that's before they start drinking. Don't worry about what else you might have said. You've got enough going on in your head right now.
Ripper (to Robert): Oh thanks! Way to make me paranoid.
Robert (to Ripper): What? I'm just trying to give you something else to fixate on for a while. :-P
Ripper (to Robert): Well, it's definitely working... So, I didn't say or maybe, ask you anything?
Robert (to Ripper): You said a lot of things. What is it specifically that you're afraid you asked me or said?
Ripper (to Robert): I'm not afraid of it, per se. It was just something that I would have preferred to ask when I was sober. I was just concerned that I asked if you wanted to move in together. I mean, we've been dating for over a year & I love you, so you know, that was all. If I did that while I was drunk then how would I know what your reaction was.
Robert (to Ripper): Heh. You tried to ask me that, but you were far too wasted to get the words out properly. I think. You muttered a lot, said something about putting our shoes in the same closet and then smooshed my face.
Ripper (to Robert): Well, I can definitely see why you'd want me to forget about it. I think I may need to never drink again.
Robert (to Ripper): Never drink again? Hush your blasphemous mouth, heathen! And so you're not sitting there fretting, I'd like for us to move in together, but not just yet. I love you too, Jacob, but I'm still a little hesitant about getting too serious too fast.
Ripper (to Robert): I understand & I wasn't expecting it to be tomorrow or anything, just so you know. We just seem to always be at each other's apartments. But, slow is good... I like slow.
Robert (to Ripper): Good. I promise I'm worth the wait. How are you feeling? Are you up to being distracted?
Ripper (to Robert): I know you're worth the wait. I wouldn't have asked, otherwise. And, I think I could handle another distraction.
Robert (to Ripper): I know you do. I just want to make sure you remember. Speaking of which, let's go distract you.
A couple hours later:
Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, are you up for company? Your sister called & she wanted to come by. I told her you were in disposed & I'd call her back. She seems to be under the impression that you're mad & avoiding her.
Vincent (to Poppy): What? Christ, I didn't think about... Alright. I'll give her a call. (to Mouse) Hey, sweetie. Poppy mentioned you called.
Mouse (to Vincent): Yeah, I did... You didn't get any of my messages, did you? I've been worried sick about you. Storming out of here & not a single word from you for days. And then, I have to hear from Robert that something happened in Britannia but we don't know what exactly. Because, you're not talking to me & Jacob is in a drunken haze. What's going on?
Vincent (to Mouse): It's... I'm sorry. I've been avoiding you. There's too much to explain over the phone, sweetie. Where do you want to meet?
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, can you come over to our place? Mars is taking her nap & Eep went to pick up some groceries.
Vincent (to Mouse): Of course. I'll see you soon. (to Poppy) Hun? I'm going to visit with Mouse a bit. This should be... This should be fine. Do you need anything while I'm out?
Poppy (to Vincent): We're fine here, honey... You go see your sister.
Vincent (to Poppy): Alright, hun. I'll see you and the little man soon. I love you.
Poppy (to Vincent): I love you too, honey.
A short time later:
Vincent (to Mouse): Hey, hun. Here I am as promised.
Mouse (to Vincent): Hey little brother... So, are you going to tell me what's going on?
Vincent (to Mouse): Hiiri's dead.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... Well, that's good news. So, why do you look like shit, then?
Vincent (to Mouse): Cause I was the one who did it.
Mouse (to Vincent): Oh.. I'm sorry you had to deal with that, little brother. I'm sure she didn't leave much of a choice. Do you want some tea?
Vincent (to Mouse): I-I don't know. I really don't know, hun. I keep telling myself that, but I'm not sure. It happened so fast... I just acted. How the hell are you so calm about this?
Mouse (to Vincent): Why shouldn't I be calm about it? You just told me that the woman that kidnapped and tormented me & my child for the past five years is dead. I'm sorry that it was you who did it because I know how you deal with things, but I'm not sorry that she's dead. Besides, I'm just glad it's not you or anyone else I care about, And now, we can all go back to having a somewhat normal and peaceful existence. Were you expecting me to be broken up about it?
Vincent (to Mouse): Over Hiiri? Of course not! I doubt even Carver will care she's gone. I thought... I don't know. I'm just waiting for the ax to fall on me. I killed someone, hun. I don't know how I feel about that.
Mouse (to Vincent): You didn't kill someone, you killed Hiiri, little brother. She shouldn't have existed in the first place. And, if the Empire had realized what she was, she would have been destroyed right away. Smythe broke lots of laws to create her. And then, Maladori went against the natural order of things by making those damn clones. So, I'm sorry to say you're not going to find much in the way of retribution. But, I'm sure if you wanted to turn yourself into the authorities in Britannia, I'm sure they'd be happy to find something to pin on you. You're just going to have to deal with your guilt like everyone else, I'm afraid. Besides, you've been acting like Ahab since you found out Hiiri was back. What were you expecting to happen?
Vincent (to Mouse): You're right, hun. I know you're right. the problem is that I'm a hard time shaking off how much she looked like you. And don't yell at me for that. Poppy's already done it. I know y'all aren't the same person, but after everything... It rattled me. It's rattled me big time.
Mouse (to Vincent): I know... Imagine how it feels to know that your child jumps on occasion when she sees your reflection because she thinks it's Hiiri or that your own face is a prominent feature in your nightmares... then, tell me about killing the psychotic clone of your sister is disturbing. I feel for you, really I do but, you shouldn't torture yourself... And yes, I know that's exactly what you're doing so don't try to deny it. I know you better than that.
Vincent (to Mouse): God. I'm so sorry, hun. I know things were a lot worse for you than you've been letting on. And I'm not sorry Hiiri's dead... If I was in the same position tomorrow, I'd do the same thing. I can't pretend I wouldn't. I just got so--so OBSESSED. Poppy is furious with me. Rightly so, too. She'll barely look at me right now.
Mouse (to Vincent): Awww, I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure she was just worried about you. She'll snap out of it.
Vincent (to Mouse): I hope so.
Mouse (to Vincent): C'mere you.
Vincent (to Mouse): Oh God...I'm sorry. I don't mean to be a blubbering idiot, I just... God.
Mouse (to Vincent): It's okay. That's what family is for, little brother.
Vincent (to Mouse): Thank you, sweetie. I'm sorry I was avoiding you.
Mouse (to Vincent): It's okay... Well, it's not okay but it makes sense as to why you were doing it.
Vincent (to Mouse): I promise, next time I kill a clone of yours in an alternate reality, I won't avoid you for half a week.
Mouse (to Vincent): It's a deal, little brother. Now, why don't you go home & make peace with your wife? I suggest flowers & a bottle of wine.
Vincent (to Mouse): Good heavens, I think SEVERAL bottles of wine might be in order. Thanks, sweetie. I love you. I'll see you later.
Mouse (to Vincent): I love you, too. See you later. Good luck!
A short time later:
Vincent (to Ripper): Oh. Professor! I wasn't expecting to see you here. Um, how are you?
Ripper (to Vincent): Just fine... I uh, wasn't expecting to see you, either. I should really be going.
Vincent (to Ripper): Wait. Jacob, wait a second. I wanted to... I don't know. Apologize, I guess. I'm sorry you had to see...
Ripper (to Vincent): Don't fuckin' touch me! I can't really handle this right now.
Vincent (to Ripper): Woah. Woah. Easy! I wasn't trying to... Jacob, are you afraid of me?
Ripper (to Vincent): Damn right, I am... You-- you killed her with one stroke. No hesitation, no nothing. I just can't be around you, right now.
Vincent (to Ripper): I know that! Do you think I'm exactly super thrilled with that fact right now? Christ, Professor! I don't know what kind of person you think I am, but I have never, EVER done anything like that in my goddamned life! But if I hadn't, you, Miranda and I would all be dead right now! What the hell do you think she was gonna do?
Ripper (to Vincent): That might be true, but you certainly came looking for a fight. I saw that look in your eye when you walked into the house. You looked like a man possessed. I think you wanted to kill her. I was getting over seeing all of that & then you had to show up... Just leave me the fuck alone.
Vincent (to Ripper): I... I'm sorry, Jacob. I really, really am. For what it's worth, you're right. I knew that if I kept chasing Hiiri, one of us would end up dead. I just didn't really expect, I'd be... Nevermind. I'm sorry.
Ripper (to Vincent): Wait... What were you going to say?
Vincent (to Ripper): Come on, Professor. I'm good at what I do, and I'm damned, fucking lucky, but me head to head against Hiiri? I'm not THAT good.
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh yeah, that's right... Little innocent Vincent couldn't or wouldn't do anything like that... I know about the Reliant. I read the reports and put two & two together...You were on that ship. Has anything out of your mouth ever been completely true? You seem an expert at lying by omission, so why should I believe you? ... Don't make that shocked face at me.
Vincent (to Ripper): You want to know about the Reliant? Do you REALLY want to know about the goddamned Reliant, and all about that royal family of which you're so goddamned fond? Drake hired Alistair to help him take the Reliant. You know why he accepted the contract? Because SIR Drake and the crowned prince were such good buddies. We... No. *I* took out their security systems. There was no warning, and all their goddamn weapons were useless. Drake's crew boarded first, and slaughtered, SLAUGHTERED,eleven people. Don't you dare lecture me about that night.
Ripper (to Vincent): Fine... No, lecture. Just get the fuck out of my way. I'm done talking to you, it would be pointless, anyway. Since you already know so goddamn much. Just lose my number, my address & forget my fucking name. Don't come asking me for my help again with whatever stupid ass bullshit you get yourself in... Enjoy your fucking life.
Vincent (to Ripper): I risked my life to help you, Jacob. I risked my life to help Miranda, who tried to kill me, in case you've forgotten. My kid, MY SON, risked his damn existence by coming back in time to keep Hiiri from slitting your throat.
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh right and that's supposed to make up for the fact that if I hadn't met you I wouldn't have been involved in that mess in first place. Allow me to throw myself at your feet & sing your praise... Get out of my way. Don't make me move you, Vincent.
Vincent (to Ripper): I know that! You think for one second I don't know that? Christ almighty! Why do you think I was willing to die to keep Hiiri from hurting y'all? Fine. You know what? Go ahead and take a swing if it makes you feel better, big man. I'm not gonna stop you.
Ripper (to Vincent): Shit...
Vincent (to Ripper): You done? You feel better now?
Ripper (to Vincent): I'm sorry... I didn't know.
Vincent (to Ripper): What? What did you think I was expecting to happen?
Ripper (to Vincent): Honestly, I didn't think about it... I'm sorry I lost my temper.
Vincent (to Ripper): ... I'm not a murderer, Jacob. Or... I wasn't. Until now. It's not something I'm proud of, but I'm not sorry Hiiri's dead and I'm not. You hit harder than I was expecting, by the way.
Ripper (to Vincent): I'm sorry... Here, let me take a look at it.
Vincent (to Ripper): Don't fuss. It's fine. It's not like this is the first time someone has wanted to punch me in the face, after all.
Ripper (to Vincent): I've got an ice pack, if you want to come in... I'm sure we've created quite a spectacle for my neighbors as it is.
Vincent (to Ripper): Oh good God, no doubt. No, it's alright. Seriously, man. Stop with the fussing. It's... um, it's fine...
Ripper (to Vincent): Don't be an ass, I'm not fussing...
Vincent (to Ripper): If you're not fussing then what the hell are you...
Two minutes later:
Ripper (to Vincent): Oh god... What the hell was that!?! Um, shit...
Vincent (to Ripper): That...uh, that was a mistake.
Ripper (to Vincent): You're absolutely right. Let me grab you that ice pack & then I think you should probably go... Let's not make this any more awkward.
Vincent (to Ripper): No. No. I should definitely go. Don't worry about the ice, Professor. It really is fine. I'll, um, I'll see you around.
Ripper (to Vincent): Yeah, see you later.
Vincent: Fat fucking Christ...
Ripper: Damn...
A short time later:
Poppy (to Vincent): There's Shepherd's Pie baking in the stove, if you're hungry. It should be ready in 10 minutes or so, honey.
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Um, that sounds good. Can you hand me a ziplock bag, hun?
Poppy (to Vincent): Of course... What in the world happened to your face, honey!?!
Vincent (to Poppy): Why? What... Oh. Um, Jacob and I got into an argument, and he, uh, he punched me.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... That's terrible, honey... Is that why your shirt's all disheveled, too?
Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Um. No. After he finished screaming at me, and he punched me, he, uh, I mean we ended up, um... We kissed. It was a TOTAL mistake, I mean, neither... Poppy. POPPY! Wait a minute. Please!
Poppy (to Vincent): That is it! I am so done with this... You are a selfish, immature brat! I can't believe that I fell for your bullshit.
Vincent (to Poppy): Sweetie, please. You have to believe me, I didn't mean for... Oof!
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm not upset about the kiss, you idiot... It's everything else... Where's Victor's toy elephant? ... There it is.
Vincent (to Poppy): Stop. Just stop for a minute, hun. I know, I've been an idiot. I know that. Will you stop packing and listen to me for a minute, woman?! I am trying to apologize!
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well, this ought to be good... I'm listening.
Vincent (to Poppy): I'm sorry. I was being pig-headed, and reckless. I wasn't... I wasn't thinking. I wasn't trying to leave... I wasn't trying to leave you and Victor behind, I was... You know, this would be a whole lot fucking easier, if you didn't keep rolling your eyes every time I opened my damn mouth.
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh, I'm sorry I didn't realize that I was supposed to be making this easy on you.
Vincent (to Poppy): God in heaven, Poppy, what do you want me to say? I'm sorry, I really am! I know why you're mad at me, hun, but I have no idea what you want me to say or do to make it up to you.
Poppy (to Vincent): Really? Do you know awful it feels to know that the man you love is rushing head-long to his doom & that he hasn't even bothered to tell you what he's doing? And, that it makes you question everything he ever said to you? Because, that's what your little suicide mission has done. I love you, but I don't think I can be with you, right now.
Vincent (to Poppy): Sweetie, please... Please don't go. We can figure this out.
Poppy (to Vincent): What's there to figure out? You were willing to sacrifice yourself to stop Hiiri. It was very noble... and, stupid. Now, that she's dead, you want to punish yourself for being the one who did it. Well, here. You get your wish... I'm taking our son and going to the inn. When you've decided to stop beating yourself up, come find us. We'll be waiting for you.
Vincent (to Poppy): Poppy, wait! I... God DAMN her and that fucking portal trick! I...! Ooooo! I'm fucking fuming at an empty fucking room. I need a drink.
An hour or so later:
Percy (to Poppy): Poppy! What on earth are you doing here?
Poppy (to Percy): I could ask you the same thing, honey... You don't have to stay here any longer now that Hiiri is gone.
Percy (to Poppy): I know, honey, but I like it here. It's comforting. And, I was actually on my way to the other side. I've got a date with two very lovely ladies. And, speaking of which I should really get a move on. See you later!
Poppy (to Percy): Oh okay... See you later, honey.
Robert (to Ripper): Hey. I thought you were going to spend tonight getting caught up on paperwork, and I was "too big a distraction" to be... What's wrong?
Ripper (to Robert): I did something stupid... I ran into Vincent outside my apartment, we got into a big argument, then I punched him & well, we kissed... I felt shitty about it, so I thought I should come over and confess.
Robert (to Ripper): You punched Vincent. And then you made out with him. You know there are better ways to flirt with someone, right?
Ripper (to Robert): Very funny... I wasn't trying to flirt with him. In fact, when the kiss was over, I realized that I felt absolutely nothing for him. I just felt guilty for doing something so stupid. I'm really sorry.
Robert (to Ripper): Well, I appreciate your sense of loyalty, but there's nothing to feel guilty about. It was just a kiss. And not even a good one, from the sounds of it. There's no need to apologize. Not to me at any rate.
Ripper (to Robert): Well, it was a complete mistake, heat of the moment type thing . It'll never happen again. I figured you wouldn't be upset but since I've been a drunken ass lately & after my declaration of love, I didn't want to screw things up by keeping secrets.
Robert (to Ripper): Nothing's screwed up. It's fine. How are you holding up? I have some leftovers if you're hungry.
Ripper (to Robert): Leftovers actually sound pretty good right about now...
Robert (to Ripper): Then sit down and relax. If you clench your jaw any tighter, you're going to bite your tongue in half. Do you want a beer?
Ripper (to Robert): No thanks, I think I'll stay away from alcohol for the rest of the day. It's probably better that I deal with this stuff in my head while I'm sober. And, if I have one beer, I'll probably want a second.
Robert (to Ripper): Fair enough. If you want to spend the night tonight you can, you know. You still seem a little shaken.
Ripper (to Robert): Thanks, I'd actually like that.
Robert (to Ripper): It's not a problem. I should warn you, though, Percy and Lulu are over.
Ripper (to Robert): Two of them together is bad enough, but the three of them, goody... I suppose that means I should stay & entertain you.
Robert (to Ripper): Damn. You've discovered my nefarious plan. I only asked you to stay to act as a buffer between me and the hyperactive trio.
Ripper (to Robert): I knew it! I figured it had nothing to do with the fact that you like it when I lounge around in your bed.
Robert (to Ripper): Yes. What could I possibly enjoy about a good looking, buff guy lounging in my bed?
Ripper (to Robert): I'm not sure... Perhaps, we should find out.
Robert (to Ripper): Good idea.
A few hours later:
Mouse (to Eep): Did you get the little monster tucked in alright?
Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. Tonight she wanted to know all about moose before I tucked her in. The animal. I hope the animal. If not, I just told her a lot of shit that doesn't make sense about the dessert.
Mouse (to Eep): Heehee... I'm sure she'll figure it out eventually. Here, have a drink... We're celebrating.
Eep (to Mouse): Oh yeah? What are we celebrating?
Mouse (to Eep): The fact that Hiiri's dead... Vincent came over and told me earlier today. Normally, I wouldn't be happy about anyone being dead, but she's the exception.
Eep (to Mouse): What? Oh my God! Dead dead? Like ding dong dead? Not smashed robot with fucking clones? Oh my God. Oh my fucking God... Oh holy shit. I feel like all the oxygen just came back into the room. Good fucking riddance!
Mouse (to Eep): I know I shouldn't be as happy about it as I am... The bad thing is that it was Vincent who did it. I'm not sure he's coping all that well with it. Not to mention, he said something about Poppy being mad at him.
Eep (to Mouse): Fuck that! I'm happy she's dead, and I'm not sorry about it at all. I hope Vincent is doing OK, though. I can't imagine that was fucking easy. Did he say why Poppy's mad at him? I can't imagine she's sorry Hiiri is gone either.
Mouse (to Eep): He just mentioned that she was furious with him & rightly so. I think it has to do with him being obsessed about stopping Hiiri. I just hope they're both okay. They've been through a lot.
Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I feel kinda bad celebrating now. Christ... I was seriously worried your brother was gonna snap there for a while. I mean, I've seen what a nervous breakdown looks like. Firsthand. That's pretty much it.
Mouse (to Eep): Ooh merde, I'm sorry for ruining the mood. Me & my big mouth.
Eep (to Mouse): You're not ruining anything. C'mere. Besides, we shouldn't revel too much in the death of someone. Least not where people can see us.
Mouse (to Eep): Heh. Fair enough...
Eep (to Mouse): Don't worry. It'll all be alright. Everything those two survived? They're not gonna let this undo them, right? Let's go put something on the TV with content not suitable for minors, and ignore the plot.
Mouse (to Eep): I do believe you are being rather suggestive, Mister Eep... At least, I hope you are. ;-)
Eep (to Mouse): Could be. Stranger things have happened.
Mouse (to Eep): So true.
