A Strange New Day: Day 21

Poppy: A Ginger Ale!?! What the hell is this doing here?

Mouse (to Poppy): I think you drink it.

Poppy (to Mouse): By itself, honey? Somehow, that just seems wrong to me.

Mouse (to Eep): How's work, Mister Man?

Eep (to Mouse): It's just yog-tastic… I'm being sarcastic. It's boring and slow. How are you doing?

Mouse (to Eep): Good, I suppose... I had a really weird dream last night.

Eep (to Mouse): Oh yeah? Do you wanna talk about it?

Mouse (to Eep): It's probably just from all the talk about bad dreams from Vincent, Delia & Leon. The only part I remember is looking in a mirror & half my face was a skull and then, I woke up & my sheets were drenched in sweat. It kinda freaked me out.

Eep (to Mouse): Jesus! I can see why. You feeling OK?

Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, other than that, I feel fine... speaking of which, Vincent's feeling much better, too.

Eep (to Mouse): That's good. He looked pretty rough when I saw him last. I was pretty worried. About you both, I mean.

Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, we talked about that, last night... We've been a collective of two for so long, We just thought it was nice that you were worried about us.

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Yeah. You guys all got drugged. It could have been nasty. REALLY nasty. The one time I got dosed I was sick for like 10 days. So... Um, yeah. I was worried.

Mouse (to Eep): You got dosed? That's terrible. And, yeah I'm glad no one got badly hurt. Though, we probably weren't the only ones hit with it.

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. You and me both. Yeah. Well... and I kinda like you guys, so, you know. And, yeah, I got drugged once. It, uh, it was when I was living w/ the creep.

Mouse (to Eep): Ugh, why does that not surprise me that HE was somehow involved with it? jerk. I'm really glad that he's crawled back under his rock...

Eep (to Mouse): Anyway... Has anyone heard from Sasha? Did he find anything behind the bar?

Mouse (to Eep): The last thing he said was that he was filing a police report, that he was getting the water analyzed & that he was really pissed.

Eep (to Mouse): Wow. Not that I can blame him. If anyone got sick or hurt from this... God. He could get his ass sued.

Mouse (to Eep): Yeah... I've never seen him so upset. Ever. He's usually very calm & levelheaded. I'm just nervous about what he's going to do when he finds the culprit.

Eep (to Mouse): If the police are involved, he can't do anything too stupid. Right?

Mouse (to Eep): True, but if it's Satanica, this could get ugly.

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Yeah it could. Christ. I didn't think about that.

Mouse (to Eep): This could be uglier then when Satanica thought she wanted to be a stripper.

Eep (to Mouse): Satanica thought she wanted to be a stripper? That's... That's actually not surprising at all. Gross. But not surprising.

Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, it was going on right when I was hired... she was taking pole-dancing lessons. Jules said she was prepping for meeting the new DJ, little did she realize that it was me...

Eep (to Mouse): Guh! She just tries to sleaze on every male thing that comes into the club, doesn't she?

Mouse (to Eep): Yes she does... And after, the story that Vincent told me the other day, I really would like her to go away.

Eep (to Mouse): Well, I doubt she'll be back to the club any time soon. What did Vincent say about her?

Mouse (to Eep): That when he started to work at the bar, she tried to drag him into a stall to makeout. Jules caught her & then, he got dosed the next night. We all thought it was this crazy blonde chick who did it, but Vincent always suspected it was Inga.

Eep (to Mouse): God, that's just... Creepy. Really creepy. Vincent was a teenager when he started there, wasn't he?

Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, he had just turned 18, he started working there as a barback on weekends, when he was a senior in high school. Apparently, there was someone he liked who came into the club from time to time.

Eep (to Mouse): She tried to sexually assault a kid who must weigh like 115 soaking wet, and then may have drugged the guy who stopped her. Christ! Too bad we can't hook her up with Asher. They'd deserve each other.

Mouse (to Eep): I think she did that deejay gig for the movie Asher was working on here, but I never heard anymore about it... thank god.

Eep (to Mouse): Oh, sweet Jesus! I do NOT want to think about Satanica in one of Eddie's films. That's just... Guh! First the idea of her stripping, and then... I think I may actually be sick. God, maybe something will catch on fire on the movie set, and they'll both be hideously maimed.

Mouse (to Eep): God, I just had a hideous thought... what if Asher is involved with Satanica's new club?

Eep (to Mouse): Fuck. ... God. It wouldn't surprise me. No, you know what? Fuck her. I hope the creep is involved, because sooner or later he'll dick Satanica over, and leave town. She'll get stuck with the fallout, and she'll fucking deserve it! Plus, then there's always the possibility the club will catch fire and they'll both be hideously maimed. I'm not giving up hope for a possible maiming.

Mouse (to Eep): Ok, we need to stop talking about this or we're going to both end up really upset or angry & irritated...

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Good plan. So... change of subject. What are you doing tonight?

Mouse (to Eep): Probably, wishing that I had something to do...

Eep (to Mouse): Do you wanna come see the Muppet movie with me? I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to, but I, um, thought you might want to and I wanted to see it with you, so...

Mouse (to Eep): Really? I would love to see the Muppet movie! And, with you makes it even better... I'm sorry I got a little excited. I love the muppets... in case, you couldn't tell.

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. I noticed. Me too. So, it's a date, then. I'll, um, I'll look up the movie times and give you a call after work?

Mouse (to Eep): Sounds great!

Eep (to Mouse): OK. Cool. I'll see you tonight, then.

Poppy (to Vincent): Hi there, honey, how are you feeling?

Vincent (to Poppy): Better than Sun, thank goodness, but still a bit worse for wear. I haven't worn make up or combed my hair for days! Can u imagine? How do u feel, sweetness? Srry I've been scarce 4 days.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh honey, I'm sorry you're still feeling under the weather... I'm fine.

Vincent (to Poppy): Glad 2 hear it. I remember u mentioning feeling sick & having bad dreams Sun nite. Apparently we all had nightmares. R u sure ur feeling alright, darling? U seem a bit off.

Poppy (to Vincent): I, uh, just feel a bit weird about the whole thing, honey... I know I talk a big game. But, I don't like feeling like I may have done something & not know what it was.

Several hours later:

Delia (to Vincent): Hey sugar butt. Are you up for doing ice cream and a movie this evening or are you still recovering?

Vincent (to Poppy): Srry, sweetie. I haven't been able keep myself awake lately. I'm so srry. I wish I knew what 2 tell u. (to Delia) Hun. What do u think? I want details abt ur date last nite. Bsides, I'm starved 4 company.

Poppy (to Vincent): It's alright, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): Do u want company?

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh honey, I would actually love some company. It might help me get out of this funk.

Vincent (to Poppy): Want 2 meet me @ the cafe in a few? Just... try not 2 b 2 shocked. I'm not quite back up 2 pretty yet. (to Delia) I'm going 2 have 2 ask u 4 a rain check, hun. Sounds like my gf cld use some company.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh honey, you're always pretty to me.

Delia (to Vincent): girlfriends come first. We'll do it another night. Besides, maybe I'll go see Leon again. Ya know.. since I'm his gf now.

Vincent (to Poppy): Awww. Just remind urself u said that. (to Delia)Awwww! Ur dating now? O.M.G. Squeeeeeee!

Delia (to Vincent): yeah heh. We decided upon that last night. Also.. other things. It was a good date.

Vincent (to Delia): OTHER things, eh? Hee hee. Bout time! U definitely owe me a long gossip session.

Delia (to Vincent): definately. We can make a night of it. Start thinking about what silly movie you want. (to Mouse) Are you back up to feelin' normal? Is there any news with the police report?

Mouse (to Delia): Hey. Sorry, we just got out of a movie. I'm feeling fine, now, I hope you are too. I haven't heard back from Sasha yet.

Delia (to Mouse): I'm back up to normal again. Date last night went a long way to setting things right. What'd you and Eep go see?

Mouse (to Delia): Well, that's good to hear on all counts. We went & saw the muppets at the bargain theatre.

Delia (to Mouse): That's.. kinda adorable. Something about the thought of the pair of you at a kids flick. But muppets are for everyone.

Mouse (to Delia): heehee, I love the muppets. I can't help it. Sooo, the date with Leon went well?

Delia (to Mouse): Yes. Very much so. Took me to a brazilian place and asked me to actually be his girlfriend.

Mouse (to Delia): Awww, that's very cool! You two make a cute couple.

Delia (to Mouse): heh.. thanks. We'll see how it goes. Although I get the feeling that's something new for him. He said he's been hesitant about that in the past because of the dreams.

Mouse (to Delia): Yeah, I totally understand where he's coming from... I was really worried to date anyone for awhile after my "incident".

Delia (to Mouse): Oh yeah? I don't think you ever really told me about that.

Mouse (to Delia): I'll tell you all about it over coffee tomorrow morning, if you want.

Delia (to Mouse): Sounds good. I think I'm gonna head over and see Leon again this evening. Nothing fancy, just hangin' out for a while.

Mouse (to Delia): Have fun! Well, if you're here in the morning, I'll make breakfast & we can chat. :-)

Delia (to Mouse): I'll be sure to be back in time for that. Say, 10:30ish?

Mouse (to Delia): Sounds good. I'll see you then.

An hour or two later:

Vincent (to Mouse): Sweetie, can I ask 4 some advice?

Mouse (to Vincent): Of course. What's going on?

Vincent (to Mouse): I'm ovr w/ Poppy's at the mo. She fell asleep w/ me on the couch. I don't think she's been sleeping. She's rlly shaken up ovr being roofied & not remembering what she did Sat nite. I don't know what 2 say 2 her. :-{

Mouse (to Vincent): God. That's rough. hmmm, she probably just needs some reassurances & that it'll be ok. I don't really know. I mean, it sounds like everyone else is fine & that if anything happened, nobody's pointing fingers at each other. Just be there for her… I wish I knew what else to say.

Vincent (to Mouse): I do 2. I wish I hadn't spent the past 2 days 1/2 asleep. I shld have checked in w/ her sooner.

Mouse (to Vincent): I know this may be weird, but Eep could possibly talk to her... he mentioned earlier that the reason he was so worried was that he had been dosed when he lived with the Creep. Or maybe, I'll mention it to him & see what he says.

Vincent (to Mouse): Rlly? Asher drugged him? Good gracious...

Mouse (to Vincent): He didn't say it was Asher, he just said it happened when he lived with him. I assume it was the Creep... simply because well, he's the creep.

Vincent (to Mouse): Yea gads. That's terrible. Poor lad. Do u think he'd talk 2 Poppy? Shld I ask him?

Mouse (to Vincent): I don't know... The more I think about it, the more I think he'd likely talk to you. Poppy has a way of getting under his skin fairly quickly.

Vincent (to Mouse): Hee. I'm sure she does. That's prolly b/c she likes him. She likes u both, actually. I don't know if she knows quite how 2 deal w/ that.

Mouse (to Vincent): God... well, now I just don't know. I think you may need to play it by ear, little brother. Maybe, she'll feel better after some sleep.

Vincent (to Mouse): I will. Thank u, sweet sister o mine. I appreciate u listening 2 me.

Mouse (to Vincent): You are so very welcome. I wish that I could offer some better advice to you.

Vincent (to Mouse): It's alright. U don't know what 2 do in this whole situation any more than I do. (to Eep) Hi handsome. Can I ask u 4 a favor?

Eep (to Vincent): That depends on what it is.

Vincent (to Eep): It's abt Poppy. I was wondering if u cld talk 2 her 4 me. I think she's a little freaked out abt getting drugged in the club Sat. Mouse said she might talk 2 u abt it since u had been drugged once before & u weren't 1 of the people she made out w/ that nite.

Eep (to Vincent): Uhhhh, I don't know what makes you think she'll talk to me.

Vincent (to Eep): Pls? I'm RLLY worried abt her, but she keeps insisting everything is fine.

Eep (to Vincent): Ehhhhh. Fine. I'll see if she wants to talk to me tomorrow. Just... Don't get your hopes up. If she won't talk to you about it, I really doubt I'm going to be able to get her to open up.

Vincent (to Eep): THANK U. Ur a gentleman as well as a sex machine.

Eep (to Vincent): Wha... Vincent. What the fuck? Wow. You know, you're REALLY making me not want to do this. (to Mouse) Your fucking brother... He's feeling better, I think.

Mouse (to Eep): Well, that's good... I take it he just talked to you about Poppy? I was going to talk to you about it in the morning.

Eep (to Mouse): He beat you to the punch. He then thanked me and called me "sex machine." Jesus!

Mouse (to Eep): Well, I can't argue with that assessment. :-p But all funny business aside, little brother is not very good with patience, so yay he's feeling better...

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah, he needs to learn some fucking tact as well.

Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, I don't think he's ever had any of that...

Eep (to Mouse): Sure as shit doesn't seem like it. Anyway. I'll see what I can do with the female half of the Perv Duo tomorrow.

Mouse (to Eep): I had actually told him that it might not be a good idea to talk to you about this, which was why I was going to do it... He must be really worried if he bugged you about it.

Eep (to Mouse): He is. I think it's unsettling him she won't talk to him about it. I will NEVER understand those two, or their relationship. But, at least they both seem to care for each other. Besides, I kinda owe Poppy one, so...

Mouse (to Eep): Huh, what for?

Eep (to Mouse): Oh, um, she was one of the one of the first ones to, uh, kinda ream me out for calling it off with you. Believe it or not, she made a lot of sense. Which really pissed me off at the time. I was kinda a dick to her. I WAS a dick to her.

Mouse (to Eep): Really? That surprises me... And makes me want to make her cookies or something to show my thanks.

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Like I said. I owe her an apology at least. You know you're being a tool when Poppy calls you out on it. Anyway... I get the impression tomorrow is gonna be a VERY long day. I'm gonna head to bed. I'll see you tomorrow, Killer. Love you.

Mouse (to Eep): I love you too, Felix. Sleep sweet.

A Strange New Day: Day 20

Poppy: Oooh, how dare you call me just an assistant!?! That's like saying Fluevogs are just shoes or vodka is just a morning beverage!

Delia (to Poppy): ... do I want to know? Also what are Fluevogs? They sound uncomfortable.

Poppy (to Delia): They are wonderful! These are my favorite -Delia (to Poppy): ... they look slightly more comfortable then they sound.

Poppy (to Delia): They are incredibly comfortable, honey... I can wear them for days.

Delia (to Poppy): I'll take your word for it. So what has you up in a fuss this morning?

Poppy (to Delia): Oh honey, it's just one of my assignments for work... I have to practically babysit these two spinster radio personalities. They're really quite demanding... if they weren't some of our oldest clients, I'd tell them off.

Delia (to Poppy): ... I hesitate to ask how old you think a spinster is. lol

Poppy (to Delia): Oh well, honey, they go around in bustles & corsets and seem to think it's 1899... clearly they're going a bit dotty.

Delia (to Poppy): Hello pot. Have you met kettle? He says you're black.

Poppy (to Delia): Big difference, honey, I dress vintage... it's all the rage. C'est tres chic!

Delia (to Poppy): So they're a bit more vintage then you are. Its not all that different. They just prefer a different time period.

Poppy (to Delia): Oh honey, they are so old their memories are in sepiatones.

Delia (to Poppy): oh... why I am I now lead to believe they're not even 40? lol

Poppy (to Delia): I think, honey, when you get to be that old, age just becomes a number.

Delia (to Poppy): That happens sooner then that dear. I'm only 10 years from it myself. You make it sound like 10 yrs to a walker and the home.

Several hours later:

Delia (to Vincent): I got your pants cleaned. You can get them when you're feeling better. Also, I'm going on a date tonight! Super excited!

Vincent (to Delia): Hanging in there, hun. U have a date u say? Tell me more.

Delia (to Vincent): yeah... Leon asked me out on a proper date. The drugging was an incidental catalyst it seems.

Vincent (to Delia): Well at least some good came out of it. Leon, eh?

Delia (to Vincent): Yes Leon. Why so surprised? You know the kind of men I like. Not often you find one built like him in the goth scene.

Vincent (to Delia): I do. I do. I'm just trying 2 tease u. I'm not quite back up 2 my usual charming self yet.

Delia (to Vincent): I know silly. How are you feeling? Do I need to bring ice cream and a bad movie tomorrow?

Vincent (to Delia): I wldn't say no 2 a terrible movie & ice cream. I'm glad ur going on a date, hun. U deserve 2 have some fun.

Delia (to Vincent): Aw thanks sugar butt. I'm gonna finish getting' ready. Just got a call that he's on his way.

Vincent (to Delia): Have fun! I expect a complete report 2morrow.

A couple hours later:

Mouse (to Vincent): How you feeling, little brother?

Vincent (to Mouse): I spent the day cleaning the gutters & repainting the apt.

Mouse (to Vincent): HAHA! Smartass.

Vincent (to Mouse): I wonder where I learned it from. I'm doing better. I still feel a bit like I have a nasty flu, but the vertigo is gone.

Mouse (to Vincent): Well, that's good. I know someone who will be happy to hear it, besides me. :-)

Vincent (to Mouse): Awww. Was Mr. Gloomy Gus worried abt me?

Mouse (to Vincent): No... Yeah, maybe, a little.

Vincent (to Mouse): Yes, no, maybe? So that's a yes? Or is it *U* that's been freaking out, sister dearest?

Mouse (to Vincent): For one, there's been no freaking out, just normal concern. The whole not being able to walk thing was a little worrisome… And, um, he was worried because I was worried...

Vincent (to Mouse): U 2 r sweet, but I'm fine. I did a little research & apparently the vertigo is a normal reaction to being roofied. & yes. I'm sure the only reason Eep was worried was b/c u were. Tell him I'm fine.

Mouse (to Vincent): I'll pass the message along to him or you could just tell him yourself. :-)

Vincent (to Mouse): Honestly, I expected him 2 b joined 2 ur hip. He was worried abt u 2.

Mouse (to Vincent): I think he was hiding it well. He seemed more concerned about me not being mad at him anymore.

Vincent (to Mouse): No kidding. When he was ovr here, he mentioned that. Several times. But, he was more worried abt what drug we might have in our system & whether or not that was going 2 make u as sick as it's made me. I think he felt bad he had 2 leave.

Mouse (to Vincent): Well, he went back to his place to paint early in the day & I haven't heard from him, so I think he knows I'm ok, now. :-) That or he's decided I'm annoying. :-P

Vincent (to Mouse): Oh, I doubt that. ;-}

Mouse (to Vincent): So, have you heard from Poppy? I think everyone has been accounted for, except her.

Vincent (to Mouse): Oh. No, I haven't, actually. I haven't spoken 2 her since Sun. I've been a bit in & out all day, so I haven't chkd w/ her.

Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... well, I'll just assume that she's ok. I'm not sure I want to deal with Poppy when she's not feeling good.

Vincent (to Mouse): I know she was feeling rotten & was having bad dreams like the rest of us. She was actually a bit subdued & seemed a little... I don't know. Subdued?

Mouse (to Vincent): That's a bit unexpected...

Vincent (to Mouse): Mmm. Indeed. I'm... Well, I'm wondering if it had anything 2 do w/ her waking up w/ Leon & Delia on Sun.

Mouse (to Vincent): That could do it... I mean, I know she's got a mouth on her, but she's a lot more innocent than she lets on.

Vincent (to Mouse): She is. It's 1 of the things we have in common… Ooo. I MUST still b sick 2 say something like that. If u ever tell any1 I said it, I'll deny it it 2 the death! :-P

Mouse (to Vincent): Your secret is safe with me. :-)

Vincent (to Mouse): Well thank goodness. I have a reputation 2 maintain. Ugh. I need 2 go 2 bed. I'm just hoping I don't have any more bad dreams 2nite.

Mouse (to Vincent): What kind of bad dreams have you been having?

Vincent (to Mouse): Leon seems 2 think it's due 2 some medicine man frm his fam's past, but... Well, I only saw his Aborigine friend once. He gave me a beer & seemed nice 2 me. My bad dreams were a bit more personal.

Mouse (to Vincent): Oh? Do you want to talk about it?

Vincent (to Mouse): Just bad, old memories, sweetie.

Mouse (to Vincent): Awww, little brother, that's terrible. If I could make them stop, I would.

Vincent (to Mouse): It's OK, big sister o' mine. In a way u did. That place & that time r in the past b/c of u. So, thanks. :-} Goodness gracious. I rlly do need 2 go 2 bed. I'm maudlin. I'll talk 2 u 2morrow, sweet sister.

Mouse (to Vincent): Alright, get some sleep, little brother. I love you. Sleep sweet.

Vincent (to Mouse): Love u 2! Sleep sweet urself.