Back in the Future, Day 25

At Vincent & Poppy's apartment, West Piedmont:

Nathaniel: Mmm. Hey, I thought... Oh. Oh shit. Hiiri. Right. It's Hiiri. Oh... Fuck. Fuck!

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Hmmm... What's going on?

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Nothing. I didn't... Nothing. I'm going to... Don't worry about it. Go back to sleep. Sorry I woke you.

An hour or so later:

Victor (to Nathaniel): Oops! Sorry! You really should start to lock the bathroom door. I'm not used to people... Are you OK?

Nathaniel (to Victor): Yeah. Great. Just fucking great, and you're JUST the guy I wanna see right now. Fuck off, Victor!

Victor (to Nathaniel): Are you sure? I know you aren't exactly crazy about me, but if you need help...

Nathaniel (to Victor): I said BACK THE FUCK OFF!

Victor (to Nathaniel): Holy shit! Whoa. Easy. What on earth is wrong?

Nathaniel (to Victor): Go! Just fucking go! Alright? I'm fine! Why the fuck... You fucking pain in the ass. Why won't you just go? Please...

Victor (to Nathaniel): Yeah. Clearly, you're fine. I'm not leaving, and you obviously can't strong arm me out of here, so either we can both sit in the bathroom all morning, where, I'm sure, someone will bumble in sooner or later, or we can go in the kitchen.

Nathaniel (to Victor): You're seriously going to sit in here with me? What if I start taking a shit?

Victor (to Nathaniel): I work as a pirate with my parents. It won't be the worst thing I've seen. You should see the East Gardens in New London.

Nathaniel (to Victor): Jesus Christ... Fine.

Victor (to Nathaniel): Do you want something to eat? You haven't had anything since... OK. I'm going to assume that means no.

Nathaniel (to Victor): You are always fucking hungry, aren't you? What are you expecting here? That I'll spill my guts and then we become besties?

Victor (to Nathaniel): If you want, but somehow I think that's very unlikely. And yes, I'm "always hungry."

Nathaniel (to Victor): Just in time for Christmas. Won't that be a heartwarming tale? So why are you bothering with me?

Victor (to Nathaniel): Because you're upset, and we're family. Isn't that reason enough? Besides, you looked desperate. I'm worried. Do you want me to see if Hiiri's awake?

Nathaniel (to Victor): No! No. I mean... no. She hasn't been sleeping well lately, so, you know... No need to bother her. I don't think she's gonna wanna talk to me much after this, anyway.

Victor (to Nathaniel): Why wouldn't she? What happened? Why were you crying?

Nathaniel (to Victor): God, yeah. Rub that in my fucking face, why don't you? I... Hiiri's been sleeping in my room. She's freaked out. I had a dream. About my boyfr--, um, ex-boyfriend. I wasn't quite awake, and she was laying next to me... Why the fuck am I telling *you* this?

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Nathaniel Jones! Where the fuck are you!?!

Nathaniel: Shit. (to Yukiko) Kitchen.

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): You have got a lot of fucking nerve, Mister. I don't know what you did to get Hiiri so upset, but I just spent the last thirty minutes trying to comfort her while she was crying. The only thing I got out of her was your name. She worships you & she deserves better. Anata no kirainahito Kyojin.

Nathaniel (to Victor): I know.

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Really? That's all you have to say for yourself. 

Victor (to Yukiko): Yoyo. Yoyo, calm down. It was a mistake. He didn't do it maliciously. (to Nathaniel) Nate, are you alright?

Yukiko (to Victor): Do what maliciously? She wouldn't tell me what happened. I just assumed he was being an asshole to her.

Nathaniel (to Victor & Yukiko): No, I... I'm sorry.

Victor (to Yukiko): He, uh, apparently got a little overly familiar with Hiiri in his sleep.

Nathaniel (to Victor & Yukiko): Overly familiar?! That's a real fucking nice way to sanitize it! I'll just say THAT from now on. I wasn't fucking raped, I was overly familiarized! Christ! That sounds almost pleasant!

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Whoa! Wait... What!?! We're not talking about what just happened with Hiiri, are we?

Nathaniel (to Victor & Yukiiko): If we're not, we should be! I don't want to... I didn't mean to upset her, or hurt her, OK? Really. It was just a stupid dream, and I thought it was Tim next to me... And I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. Tell her. I don't know why the fuck I tried to stay here. I don't know why I thought... I knew this wouldn't work!

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Nate, one thing at a time here! Calm the fuck down! We can't help, if you don't tell us what happened... You didn't have sex with Hiiri, did you?

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): What? No!

Victor (to Yukiko): Why don't I go check on Hiiri? (to Nathaniel) It's alright. I know you don't want me here.

Yukiko (to Victor): Okay, she was sitting in the corner of your bedroom sleeping, when I left. (to Nathaniel) Well, you're talking about rape and acting hysterical. Hiiri's crying herself to sleep. What else am I supposed to think? Kami wa chikushō, Nate. Just talk to me.

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): I--I didn't mean to do it. I swear to fucking God. I would never, ever, ever, EVER touch anyone without their permission... Especially, not Hiiri. She--She asked me not to tease her about liking me, because it got too confusing with all those other memories in her head, and I...

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): And you what?

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Does it matter? I fucking upset her. I'm a piece of shit.

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): It does matter, you dumbass. Stop acting like you're the worse thing in the world... You're not Hitler... Do you actually have feelings for her or was it really just an accident?

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): It was an accident. I swear to god... I--I kind of leaned up against her, kissed her neck, and... oh God... I--I kind of stuck my hand down her pajamas. Which kind of clued me in it wasn't my boyfriend, you know? I like Hiiri, but just as a friend. And she... She trusted me, and I just, fucking...

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Well, you do realize that there's only one way to fix this, right?

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): You really think I can fix this? They don't make a "Sorry I molested you in your sleep" Hallmark card. 

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Fine. Then, don't try to fix it and potentially lose your best friend, because you're too much of a stubborn jackass. I don't know why I'm surprised by that. You stomp & sulk around here like you're the only one with any problems. The only person you seem to show an iota of compassion for is Hiiri. But, fine. Just throw her away because it got messy & complicated.

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): I don't want to throw her away! Jesus! How the fuck could you even... Do you realize what I just did to her? She TRUSTED me. She fucking trusted me! How do I say I'm sorry for that? How do you even fucking start?

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): I don't know. But, I think not saying anything is worse. If it really was an accident and that's all that happened. It's going to be an uncomfortable conversation. But, if you don't talk to her about it. She might never trust you or anyone again. And, if you just take off rather than dealing with it. Then, you deserve whatever horrible thing happens to you.

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): I'll talk to her, because she deserves AT LEAST that fucking much from me. You're right about that. And yeah. I know everyone here has worse problems than mine, alright? I get it. I know I'm the only one who can't hold together his shit. So save the righteous act. I've had enough of that fucking shit to last ten lifetimes.

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): I am NOT being righteous. I know you've had a rough time of it, but at some point you might want to think about your present and future, not just the past. Whoever hurt you is never going to apologize or fix it. That sucks, I get it... But, you just did something fucked up & you have the chance to make sure it doesn't fuck up Hiiri. And, at the moment, that's who I'm worried about. When and if she decides to forgive you and things are back to whatever counts as normal around here. Then, you can act all righteously indignant about my treatment of you.

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): I... I'm sorry. I am. I'm just so... So fucking pissed at myself I can't even fucking stand it, and I'm taking it out on you. I'm sorry. I'll try to talk to Hiiri.

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Good. Because, if you don't, I'll know. Then, you and I are going to have a totally different kind of conversation.

A few moments later:

Nathaniel: Jesus… (to Hiiri) Hiiri? Are you awake?

Hiiri: Huh? What? (to Nathaniel) Don't fucking touch me! What the hell do you fucking want!?!

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I'm not. I'm not! I'm on the other side of the room. I swear! I'm not coming anywhere near you. I swear!

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I don't care, if you're sorry or not. You gave me such a hard time for thinking that I did that to you the other day & then turn around and actually do it to me. I may be broken and messed up, but there's no excuse for that. If you thought it was a possibility, you fucking should of told me to go sleep somewhere else... I thought I was dreaming until I woke up & realized what had happened... Just leave me alone.

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I... Christ. I don't... I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry. I didn't mean to... I was having a dream... I was asleep and didn't realize it was you lying next to me... I thought... I thought it was Tim, and I... Oh Christ. I'm sorry. I'm so, so fucking sorry. I didn't think it was a possibility. I didn't think it was the remotest of fucking possibilities! I swear to fucking god! And I know there's no excuse, and I know there's no forgiving it. I just... I just wanted to tell you what happened. I--I'll leave you alone. I--I just... I know you don't care. I know it doesn't matter. But I AM sorry. I really am. I would never, EVER touch anyone without their OK... I mean, I didn't think I would. I...

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Go to hell, Nate... Tell everyone I'm sorry & I appreciate everything they've done for me. I can't be here, anymore. I'll be better off on my own.

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): No, no you fucking won't! Jesus, Hiiri, I'm the fucking broken one, OK? Everyone here is worried about you. Yoyo already threatened me. I'll go. I wasn't going to stay. You won't see me. I'm sorry. I'm... It doesn't matter. Bye.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Nate, wait a minute, you ass! This is your family. You have nowhere else to go & you know it... Damn it! You can't even let me be mad at you without making me feel bad. You instantly act like an abused puppy... This is so fucked up. You do realize that, right?

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): You don't have anywhere else to go either! How the fuck else am I supposed to act? I fucking... I HURT you, Hiiri! In the worst possible way! You can't expect me to let you go off to nowhere and no one because of some stupid thing I did! 

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yes, actually I do.

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Well, I'm not! I fucked up enough for you, alright? Let me do ONE good for you, OK?

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Well, see that's where we have a bit of a problem... Why on earth would I want you to do something for me?

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Don't then. I'm still fucking leaving, so you may as well stay.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Have fun, Nathaniel... Toodles.

A minute later:

Hiiri: Finally... I thought he would never leave... I probably should have thanked your little boyfriend for giving me the opening I needed, but he seemed to be so engrossed in his apology and torment, I just couldn't bring myself to do it...Wait. What's that? You're going to stop me? Not this time I'm afraid. Your little freakout seems to have put me firmly in the driver's seat & I plan on taking full advantage of it. Who knows how long it'll last?

Victor (to Nathaniel): Where the hell are you going? Nate? Nate!

Nathaniel (to Victor): I'm leaving. I should have done this fucking weeks ago!

Victor (to Nathaniel): Nate, just... just hold up. Don't go! Everyone is upset right now. No one is thinking clearly. How about we all calm down...

Nathaniel (to Victor): FUCK OFF, Victor! And get the fuck out of my way! Where the fuck IS it? How can I lose something...

Victor (to Nathaniel): If you're looking for that bottle of pills you had this morning, don't. It's not in here.

Nathaniel (to Victor): WHAT? You... you had NO fucking right to...

Hiiri (to Nathaniel & Victor): Oh, just let the little cry-baby off himself... It's not like he doesn't deserve it after what he did.

Victor (to Nathaniel & Hiiri): Hiiri?

Hiiri (to Victor & Nathaniel): Boo... Did you miss me?

Victor (to Hiiri): Hello, Hiiri. Not particularly. (to Nathaniel) Nate, get behind me.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel & Victor): That hurts my feelings, Victor. Nate, don't look so surprised. The little mistake isn't the most emotionally stable at the moment & your little escapade just knocked her for a proverbially loop, giving me the chance to slip in. So thank you. And if you really want to end it all. I'd be more than happy to help you with that.

Victor (to Hiiri): Cute. So what do you want to do here, Hiiri? We've still got you out-manned and very outgunned.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel & Victor): Oh my, aren't you the brave little soldier. Calm down. You and the family are very low on my list at the 'mo. I have some business to take care of in Britannia with a certain former lackey of mine. Then, maybe if I survive all that, we can have a nice family reunion... I'll even bring cookies.

Victor (to Hiiri): Sure. That sounds splendid. (to Yukiko) Yoyo! NOW, please!

Yukiko (to Victor): On it!

Hiiri (to Yukiko, Victor & Nathaniel): Wait... What!?!

Victor (to Yukiko): Oh my GOD, you were AMAZING. Is Hiiri alright? That should have just knocked her out.

Yukiko (to Victor): Thank you. I had a good teacher. She's breathing. She's okay. (to Nathaniel & Victor) Are you two alright?

Victor (to Yukiko): Oh god... I think I'm still shaking. (to Nathaniel) Nate? Oh no, no! You're not going anywhere. (to Yukiko) You steer Nate. I'll put Hiiri on the couch. Poor thing.

Yukiko (to Victor): Will do. (to Nathaniel) Come on, Nate... Sit your butt down.

Nathaniel (to Victor & Yukiko): I don't... I...

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Come on, Nate. I know it's a bit of a shock, but use your words.

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): How did you... How did you know that... that the other...

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): That it was the other Hiiri? I had my suspicions earlier, but when I overheard her say that you should kill yourself that was what cinched it.

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Oh.

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Poppy told me that extreme emotional events can sometimes trigger the switch... I'm surprised she didn't say anything to you about it.

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): No. She didn't. I'm so... Never mind. Um, do you think was it the Other Hiiri I apologized to?

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Possibly...

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Oh. So I'll have to tell her I'm sorry again. Shit... Or maybe I shouldn't. I should just go.

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Just sit down... Don't make me shoot you, too. For one, we don't know when the switch happened & two, don't be such a self-centered ass. I think the fact that the other Hiiri made an appearance is a bit more important than you doing something accidentally, right now. (to Victor) Right?

Victor (to Yukiko): Absolutely. (to Nathaniel) Listen to Yoyo, Nate. She's giving you more of a choice than I was planning. I was going to knock you out.

Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Fine.

Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Good boy.

Several hours later:

Hiiri: Huh? What happened? How'd I get out here?

Victor (to Hiiri): Hey! How are you feeling? What's the last thing you remember?

Hiiri (to Victor): Ummm, Nate telling me that he wouldn't let me leave because of something dumb that he did.

Victor (to Hiiri): Your Other Half made an appearance.

Hiiri (to Victor): Oh... Is everyone okay?

Victor (to Hiiri): Don't worry. Everyone is fine. Nothing happened. She didn't seem all that interested in hurting any of us, and Yoyo zapped you before you could leave.

Hiiri (to Victor): Oh, that's why I feel so awful... Is Nate okay? He was really freaking out.

Victor (to Hiiri): He's... I'm not sure, actually. He was pretty upset, and I'm sure the Other fucking with him didn't help matters. He's been acting a bit like a zombie since then.

Hiiri (to Victor): I should go talk to him before he does something stupid. (to Nathaniel) Nate, are you in here?

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Yeah. You feeling alright?

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yeah. Sort of... I wanted to apologize to you for whatever SHE said. And, I'm sorry for overreacting this morning... Nothing really happened. It just scared me a little bit. I was worried that I had done something to instigate it & I felt bad... and then, you were all freaked out. It's not really important.

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): You... What?

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Nate, you kissed my neck & when you realized it was me, you stopped. Really, no big deal. If you keep acting freaked out, I'm going to start worrying that there was more to it than it was.

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): No, no. It's not. It's not OK, it's... I--I know I didn't mean to, but, there's no excuse for that. I-I'm really sorry. But... I--I started to stick my hand down your top! I... You're not upset? Really? You're not just saying that because I... Never mind. It's not important.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): No, you are not allowed to do that. You owe me that much.

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Look, I'll tell you whatever you wanna know, I just need you to tell me if you're OK.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): I'm exhausted, I have a headache coming on and I got shot but, aside from that I'm just fine.

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): But, you're OK? Like, mentally, you're OK? I didn't... I mean, if I fucking upset you, I don't want you to spare my feelings.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): God, Nate, why are you beating this horse? It's very much dead... I'm fine. Am I supposed to be more upset? I have no experience with this sort of thing.

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Oh god... OK. OK. I'm sorry. I know I'm obsessing. It's just... That's... I'm sorry. It freaked me out. Bad associations. I was... I got upset, and it brought up a lot of bad memories, and I was being an idiot.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Nate, could you please just talk about something else? Seriously, my head is killing me & now, I have to sleep on the couch. I liked curling up with you, it was honestly the only place I could get any sleep.

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Oh. God, you're right. I'm sorry. I'll shut the fuck up. Look, you can have the bed if you want it. I'll sleep on the couch.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): It wasn't the bed, you idiot. It was being next to someone... besides you seem to have a history of grabbing my boobs in your sleep. It was the kissing that freaked me out.

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): I... You... Jesus, Hiiri. Ha ha ha! I'm sorry. It's not funny. It's not funny at all. Heh heh. Oh god... Of course it was the fucking kissing. Christ... I'm a fucking idiot.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Yes, I keep telling you that... You know, you might want to think about liking girls because it would certainly make things a lot easier for you... You know, someone to be your beard. What? I'm just kidding... a little.

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): Heh. No, you're right. God, are you ever fucking right. You're exhausted. I'll leave you alone, OK?

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Alright, thank you... Nate, are we okay? You're not going to leave or do anything stupid, are you?

Nathaniel (to Hiiri): You mean stupider than the shit I've *already* done? No. I promise I'll behave.

Hiiri (to Nathaniel): Good.

A Strange & Winding Road: Day 103

Robert (to Ripper): Knock, knock. Hello? Jacob? Are you vertical yet?

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.