Strange Ways Here We Come: Day 64

Poppy (to Vincent): Hey honey, I made coffee and muffins... I've been called in to ISS. I've got to crossover in an hour.

Vincent (to Poppy): Boo hiss! And here I was trying to devise ways to get you to stay in bed all day. I suppose duty calls. Is everything OK?

Poppy (to Vincent): Sadly, I won't know until I get there... You could come with me. I mean, if you want. The debriefing shouldn't take long & then, we could go check on Bernard & Molly.

Vincent (to Poppy): I wouldn't mind going. It will keep me from sitting here all day fuming and fretting.

Poppy (to Vincent): Besides, don't you owe your sister a trip? You could show her around while I'm at ISS...

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh! That's a good thought, hun. Hee hee. Look at me! Doing something with forethought. :-P

Poppy (to Vincent): Heh, it's a Christmas miracle. :-P

Vincent (to Poppy): It's practically a Lifetime movie of the week. (to Mouse) Hey, sweet sister o' mine. Are you up, about and feeling like a bit of interdimensional travel today?

Mouse (to Vincent): Sure, little brother! Eep is in the studio, painting like a fiend, so I doubt he'll miss me.

Vincent (to Mouse): Excellent! Time is short, I'm afraid. We'll be crossing over in less than an hour.

Mouse (to Vincent): Oh okay... I'll throw on my gear and be ready shortly. (to Eep) Hey sexy man, I'm going on a run with Vincent. I'm taking Otto with me. We'll be back as quick as we can.

Vincent (to Mouse): See you soon, sweetie.

Eep (to Mouse): Huh? Oh. Oh! OK. Just, be careful, alright? And keep your idiot brother out of trouble. Love you, pretty lady.

Mouse (to Eep): I love you, too... And, when I get back, are you going to finally show me what you've been working on in here?

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Yeah. Maybe. If you're lucky. Or bring me a present. Or both. I'm just kidding. Course you can see it if you want to.

Mouse (to Eep): Heehee, I'll bring you back something, anyway...

Eep (to Mouse): See you soon, lady. (to Otto) Keep an eye on them, old man. You know the Potters can't be trusted.

Otto (to Eep & Mouse): Mraow!

Twenty minutes later:

Poppy (to Mouse & Otto): Hey there, sweeties. All set to go? Sorry it's such short notice, totally my fault.

Mouse (to Vincent & Poppy): Yeppers, I'm all set.

Vincent (to Mouse): Do you have your stabilizer on, hun?

Mouse (to Vincent): Yes, I do.

Vincent (to Mouse, Poppy & Otto): OK, kids, let's saddle up and ride out!

Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, are you going to talk like that the whole time? Because, if you are, I'm leaving you here.

Vincent (to Mouse): Oh, and you probably shouldn't use my real name if you can avoid it while we're over there. Just in case. (to Poppy) How can you not like cowboys? It's like there's no poetry in your soul!

Poppy (to Vincent): I have no words...

Mouse (to Vincent): Huh? What am I supposed to call you?

Vincent (to Mouse): I was going to suggest "Tex," but apparently that cause Poppy to leave me home. "Little brother," "hey you," "His Lordship," whatever you like. Ms. Meriwether took to calling me Perfect Tommy for a while, but somehow I think you'll object to that moniker.

Mouse (to Vincent): Alright, Lord Fancypants...

Vincent (to Mouse): Ooo. Lord Fancypants. I like it. (to Poppy) Hun, you should totes start calling me Lord Fancypants!

Poppy (to Vincent): Yes... I'm sure you think that. (to Mouse) Honey, why do you encourage him?

Mouse (to Poppy): Heh. I'm sorry, it's just so funny.

Vincent (to Poppy): You know you think it's adorable.

Poppy (to Vincent): I think you're trying to bait me in front of your sister, honey & it's not going to work.

A short time later:

Mouse (to Vincent & Poppy): What is that building? It looks like a monolith.

Poppy (to Mouse): That's the Imperial Secret Service building, honey... They like to invoke a sense of fear and awe. (to Mouse & Vincent) I'll meet you two back at the Falcon in a couple hours.

Vincent (to Poppy): Right. Be careful, lover. We'll see you shortly.

Mouse (to Vincent & Poppy): Heehee... lover.

Vincent (to Mouse): Hush you. So, what do you want to see?

Mouse (to Vincent): I don't know. Everything... Give me the tour of your favorite places.

Vincent (to Mouse): Mmmm, probably best to avoid some of those for a little while. We can hit some of the more crowded spots for today.

Mouse (to Vincent): Do I even want to know why we're avoiding places, Captain Tightpants?

Otto (to Vincent): You've got a hit on yer head, don't you?

Mouse (to Otto): What are you talking about, old man?

Otto (to Mouse): Either that or he's got a warrant out for his arrest. I been out with this joker before. He ain't usually this subdued.

Mouse (to Otto & Vincent): Is that true, little brother?

Vincent (to Mouse & Otto): For your information, I DO NOT have a warrant out for my arrest OR a contract out on my life...ahem...that I know of.

Mouse (to Vincent): That you know of? How about we go get a drink and you explain EVERYTHING to me?

Vincent (to Mouse): Ooo. I think you're probably going to need a couple of drinks. Let's head this way. The Flag and Falcon Pub isn't too far.

Mouse (to Vincent): Lead the way, el Capitan. (to Otto) And, while we're at it, old man, you're going to tell me about your kids.

Otto (to Mouse): Whaddya wanna know? They're great kids.

Mouse (to Otto): Yes, I agree wholeheartedly and I love them... but what are they going to be able to do when they get older? I mean you're not like other cats back home... I just want to be prepared.

Otto (to Mouse): Yeah, they got their mom's looks, but got my brains that's fer sure. I dunno what's gonna happen as they get older. Tough to say.

Mouse (to Otto): Fair enough... Thanks.

Vincent (to Mouse): Otto's right. There aren't too many cases of animals getting naturally mutated by the portals. There's not a lot of data.

Mouse (to Vincent): Heehee, I figured it was going to be something like that.

Vincent (to Mouse): Nothing. Well, nothing new. There was a contract out on my old captain's head. The rest of the crew might be targeted as well. Now, spill your guts... What's going on with you?

Mouse (to Vincent): So, you might be a target, huh? How do you find out for sure?

Vincent (to Mouse): Poppy's going to check the records to see if there's any of my old crew has turned up dead... And hopefully any of the lads and ladies with whom I'm friendly will let me know if they hear anything. And then there's the whole thing with the O'Malleys...

Mouse (to Vincent): The O'Malleys?

Vincent (to Mouse): Grace O'Malley is the matriarch of a big, ol' pile of pirate children and relations. When Hiiri had the crew of the Siren's Kiss board us, the acting captain was apparently engaged to one of the O'Malley girls.

Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... um, I don't mean to alarm you but... by any chance, are any of the O'Malley's redheaded women? Or do you know any redheaded women that are your friends? Because there's one heading this way...

Vincent (to Mouse): Shit! ALL the O'Malley girls are redheaded women. If she asks, you don't know me. I'm going to try to slip out the back. Meet me at the Falcon in like 30 minutes. Otto knows the way.

Miranda O'Malley (to Mouse): Well, well. Miss Hiiri, I don't think I've ever seen you out this way without your little friend. He's not around is he?

Mouse (to Miranda O'Malley): Oh no, I don't believe so... Shouldn't you be off doing pirate things, Miss O'Malley?

Miranda O'Malley (to Mouse): I did what you asked and Drake is willing to meet with you face to face, but he's a few days away. When do you want to leave?

Mouse (to Miranda O'Malley): I have some things to get in order. Tomorrow, perhaps? I should really see where little brother has wandered off to?

Miranda O'Malley (to Mouse): Alright then, be at Pier 45 no later than 3pm tomorrow. There's supposed to be a storm blowing in after that.

Mouse (to Miranda O'Malley): Of course, uh, Captain... Until then... (to Otto) Oh god... Let's get out of here, old man and get back to the ship.

Otto (to Mouse): C'mon! What is getting into trouble a family trait with you guys? Yeesh!

Mouse (to Otto): Not my fault, old man! She mistook me for Hiiri.

A short time later:

Vincent (to Mouse & Otto): Thank heavens! Are you two alright?

Mouse (to Vincent): Yes... She apparently thought I was Hiiri. Who's Drake, little brother? She said something about arranging a meeting with Drake & that it was a few days voyage to meet him face to face. I told her that I, meaning Hiiri, would be ready tomorrow. She's got a ship at Pier 45 & wants to head out before 3pm tomorrow.

Vincent (to Mouse): She thought you were Hiiri and mentioned Drake?! Oh. That's great. That's just peachy. Good God. They should call up Mary and my parents and throw a barbecue for everyone who'd like to see me dead in a ditch. Drake is the one who put a hit out on Alistair. If he remembers me, he probably doesn't like me very much.

Mouse (to Vincent): It is SO the opposite of good.

Vincent (to Mouse): This isn't good...

Mouse (to Poppy): Oh hey Poppy, welcome back... uh, you don't look so good. Are you okay?

Vincent (to Poppy): Hun?

Poppy (to Mouse & Vincent): It's uh, nothing... I'm fine. What's going on with you two? Why the serious faces?

Vincent (to Poppy): I'll tell you my tale of woe after you convince me you're alright. What's wrong, sweetie?

Mouse (to Poppy): Are you sure? ... Here let me go get you some water.

Poppy (to Mouse): Actually, some water would be lovely. Thank you, honey.

Mouse (to Poppy): Here's your water. (to Vincent) I'm going to go up to the bridge, little brother & give you two some time to talk. (to Otto) Come on, old man... you don't need to be here for this.

Otto (to Mouse): Is this about the baby?

Mouse (to Otto): Huh? What baby? What are you talking about, cat?

Poppy (to Vincent): I don't know if I want to talk about it, honey... You've already got enough to deal with at the moment. I'll be fine.

Vincent (to Poppy): I think I can survive. What is it?

Poppy (to Vincent): I've been pulled from active duty for medical reasons... I can return to field service once it's been "dealt with"...

Vincent (to Poppy): Medical reasons? What kind of medical reasons? Are you OK? You're not hurt, are you?

Poppy (to Vincent): No, no, honey, I'm not hurt...

Vincent (to Poppy): Maybe we should stop in and see Dr. Thorne before we leave. We're not that far from the Charred Cross. Geez, I don't know if Mouse will wanna see the Tombs, but she's the best doctor I know in Britannia...

Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, it's nothing like that... I can deal with it.

Vincent (to Poppy): I don't doubt that you can, lover. I just... Well. You look terrified. I wish you would tell me what's wrong.

Poppy (to Vincent): Fine... You want to know why I'm terrified... because I'm pregnant.

Vincent (to Poppy): OK. Fine. If you don't want to tell me, you don't bloody well have to, I just... Wait. You're not kidding are you?

Poppy (to Vincent): I wish I was.

Vincent (to Poppy): OK. Wow. I, uh, wow... Well. That's a thing.

Poppy (to Vincent): I have no idea. I seriously don't know. I can go see Constance, she's a courtesan & has dealt with this kinda thing before.

Vincent (to Poppy): What do we do now? I mean, what do you want to do?

Poppy (to Vincent): I'll figure it out, honey. I don't expect you to have to deal with it...

Vincent (to Poppy): Well, sweetie, unless you've become the vehicle for the second coming of Christ without telling me, I'm kinda involved here.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well then... what do you want to do, honey? Because, I seriously am at a loss. I don't want you to hate me for whatever I decide, so what's your solution? I am all ears.

Vincent (to Poppy): Calm down. Honestly? I don't think either one of us, or our relationship, is ready for a kid right now. I know I'm not. The idea of fatherhood scares the shit out of me. Literally. I feel ready to soil these pants. That said, if you want to keep the baby, hun, I'm here for you.

Poppy (to Vincent): I need to think, honey... Why don't you take your sister home? I'll get back on my own... I'm sorry about this.

Vincent (to Poppy): Yeah. OK. Do you want me to drop you off at Bernard and Molly's?

Poppy (to Vincent): No, that's okay... I think the walk will do me good. I'll see you later, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): Alright, hun. Let me know if you need anything. For what it's worth, I love you. We'll figure this out.

A few minutes later:

Vincent (to Mouse): Ready to head out, hun?

Mouse (to Vincent): Yeah sure, are you okay?

Vincent (to Mouse): Huh? Oh. Yeah, or no. Maybe? I'll be fine, though. Probably.

Mouse (to Vincent): Um, is Poppy going to be okay? I can't believe you let her go off alone.

Vincent (to Mouse): Normally, I wouldn't, but I don't think she wants to be around me right now.

Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... Did you guys have a fight?

Vincent (to Mouse): No. Not really. Poppy is pregnant. Christ... That's the last time I buy condoms on sale. I should've realized something was screwy. They said, "Pope approved" on the package.

Mouse (to Vincent): Oh... Wow... Now, I know what Otto meant.

Vincent (to Mouse): Otto knew? Fat Christ. Why does that not surprise me?

Mouse (to Vincent): I'm sorry, little brother... What do you need me to do? Want a hug?

Vincent (to Mouse): I don't know, hun. Let's just head home for now.

Mouse (to Vincent): Okay... I'm sure you don't want to hear this right now. I know you don't think you're ready for this sort of thing but I think you'd be a swell dad, little brother. You've got such a big heart & you always mean well. Sure, you make a lot of dumb mistakes, but everybody does... I'll shut up, now.

Vincent (to Mouse): Yeah... Well... let's hope so.

Mouse (to Vincent): Sweetie, drop us off & then go find Poppy. This isn't something she should do alone.

Vincent (to Mouse): Do you think I should? I mean, that's what I feel like I should do, but she's always saying I'm stupidly overprotective and...

Mouse (to Vincent): Little brother, do you love her? Because, if you do, you need to go find her. I know how I felt when I had that scare and she DOES needs you. Trust me.

Vincent (to Mouse): ...Yeah. Right. OK. Do you ever get tired of being right, sweetie?

Mouse (to Vincent): Hmmm... not really. :-)

Vincent (to Mouse): Heh. Somehow, I didn't think so. Thank you. Can you make your way home from here?

Mouse (to Vincent): Of course. Be safe... I love you, little brother.

Vincent (to Mouse): I love you too. I'll be careful.

A short time later:

Mouse (to Eep): Hey sexy man... is there any beer in the fridge?

Eep (to Mouse): Hey! Yeah. Lemme get you one. How was your trip?

Mouse (to Eep): I have no idea how to explain it... It was a nice trip, well, except for some drama with Poppy & Vincent.

Eep (to Mouse): Isn't there always drama with those two? Here you go. What's going on now?

Mouse (to Eep): Thanks... Um, it looks like Poppy's pregnant.

Eep (to Mouse): Oh, well, that would be... Wait. WHAT? Poppy is what? Jesus fucking Christ!

Mouse (to Eep): Yeah... That's pretty much how I feel about the whole thing. Heh... Can I have another beer?

Eep (to Mouse): YES. I think I might need another one myself.

Mouse (to Eep): Can I have a hug?

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. Course. How you holding up, pretty lady?

Mouse (to Eep): Heh. I'm fine. I'm just worried about Vincent & Poppy.

Eep (to Mouse): Yeah. I... I am totally at a loss for what to say.

Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, me too. I think I'm going to take a bath.

Eep (to Mouse): Alright. You know it'll be OK, right?

Mouse (to Eep): I know it will...

Strange Ways Here We Come: Day 63

Mouse (to Poppy): Hey Poppy, what brings you this way? You brought Max... you're not returning him, are you?

Poppy (to Mouse): No, no. It's nothing like that, honey. He just wanted to tag along. I was just out for a walk... How are you & grumpy doing?

Mouse (to Poppy): Good... I'm not sure where he is, at the moment. He mumbled something at me while I was sleeping & then got up.

Poppy (to Mouse): Heehee, just follow the smoke, I'm sure you'll find him. :-)

Mouse (to Poppy): Heh. So, how's everything with you? I hate to say it, but it looks like domesticity suits you.

Poppy (to Mouse): What on earth are you talking about, honey? Yes, we have a pet and live together, that is no reason for you to say such a thing.

Mouse (to Poppy): Poppy, it's okay... I didn't mean it as an insult. You guys are good together and I've never seen Vincent so happy... What's wrong? Something obviously has gotten you in a tizzy.

Poppy (to Mouse): I'm sorry, honey... There was topic of conversation last night that was a little awkward & I'm still processing it, I suppose. I'm just wondering if we're doomed... I mean, our relationship is so twisted & convoluted. In some ways, we've known each other for a long time & then again, we haven't. We keep getting caught up in craziness, but what if it stops? And, we're normal... Will the attraction wear off? I mean, you & Eep had some craziness, but you both enjoy the quiet... It drives me insane. I told Vincent that I was going to retire from my other job, but I'm not really sure that I can.

Mouse (to Poppy): Oh munchkinhead, come here... I think your brain might explode with all that thinking. I don't know if I have the answers for you. Heck, I'm not even sure of the questions.

Poppy (to Mouse): Heh. I didn't really think you could help, honey. I guess, I just needed to let it out... You're the closest thing I have to a female friend. Even if you ARE Vincent's sister.

Mouse (to Poppy): Well, thank you for not holding that against me... So, what was the uncomfortable topic that got you all worked up or is it something you don't feel comfortable talking about with the dreaded sister?

Poppy (to Mouse): Oh, it was nothing special, honey... We were talking about my little niece and Vincent made an odd slip of the tongue. It was unimportant, I think I was just fixating on it because of all of these other thoughts in my brain.

Mouse (to Poppy): Oh, okay... Well, I've got some work to do in the studio. So, you're more than welcome to stick around, if you'd like.

Poppy (to Mouse): Oh no, I don't want to intrude. I should head back, anyway. Thanks for letting me brain dump on you, honey. I'll see you later.

Mouse (to Poppy): See you later. Bye Max.

Eep (to Mouse): Hey, pretty lady. Food time. Want something?

Mouse (to Eep): Hey there, handsome... Food would be great. What have you been up to, today? I'm sorry to say that I have no idea what you said to me this morning.

Eep (to Mouse): Heh. Sorry. I couldn't sleep. Too many ideas rattling around in my head. I was painting.

Mouse (to Eep): Oh well, you carry on with that then. I'll make us some lunch.

Eep (to Mouse): It's alright. I need a break. I've been hunched over too long. My back is PISSED. I was gonna make a sandwich, if you want one.

Mouse (to Eep): A sandwich would be perfect. If you want, I'll give you a backrub, your shoulders are probably all knotty.

Eep (to Mouse): Uh, yeah. That would be awesome!

Mouse (to Eep): So, Poppy came by... She is keeping Max.

Eep (to Mouse): Oh yeah? Heh. Nice.

Mouse (to Eep): I thought you'd be happy about that. I'll miss the little buggers, but it is nice to have the house to ourselves again...

Eep (to Mouse): They're not all that far. I caught Thomas "visiting" this morning when I was painting. I sent him home.

Mouse (to Eep): Heh. I thought I saw Camille out on the porch when Poppy was over, but she disappeared before I could be sure... I've been thinking about asking Poppy or Vincent to take me over with Otto, so I can talk to him, so we know what we're in for with the kittens.

Eep (to Mouse): Christ. Probably not a bad idea. Especially since they're living with one.

Mouse (to Eep): Yeah, I know the old man has an idea of what they can do and I hate it when he tries to talk here, it's so creepy.

Several hours later:

Poppy (to Vincent): Hey honey, what have you been up to, today?

Vincent (to Poppy): I am... just completely riled up at the moment. I'm fixing to go hit some things in the gym for a good long while. I am so over and done with those people. Just DONE.

Poppy (to Vincent): What people, honey? Who's got you riled up? I can't help, if you don't tell me everything.

Vincent (to Poppy): You know she accused me of HIRING Mouse as part of some extortion scheme? Said I was probably beat up by one of my JOHNS! 'Cause, of course, looking like I look, and working where I do, OF COURSE I'm turning tricks.

Poppy (to Vincent): What!?! Who is SHE?

Vincent (to Poppy): Sorry. Sorry, hun. I'm just... OK. Deep breaths. I ran into Mary. My sister. The biological one. I have apparently "ruined" all their lives with my outrageous lies and petty vindictiveness. Yeah. I'm a right Biblical plague unto the Jones family!

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... I am so sorry, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): Better smear blood on your doors in atonement, y'all! The bisexual is coming to town to claim your first born sons.

Poppy (to Vincent): You really are riled up, honey... Come on, you need to blow off some steam.

Vincent (to Poppy): You're right. You're right. I'm sorry. I'm just so very... Ooo! I don't really give a shit what they say about me... but Mary had some choice things to say about my sister... my REAL sister. And that just... It's not... It's alright. I'm alright. I'm fine.

Poppy (to Vincent): You're a terrible liar, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): I know. Alright. Let me rephrase that. I WILL be fine. I doubt we'll see Mary, or any other members of the clan, after this. I told her if I caught so much as a glance, as a whisper, as a SUGGESTION, of any of them in West Piedmont... I'd show them what a ruined reputation really looks like. I'd do interviews, photo shoots, write a tell-all book... Stand on the goddamn roof of the theater with a megaphone, if I had to! You don't say shit like that about the woman... OUCH! Ouch! Hey! MAX! That's my head you're trying to find footing on.

Poppy (to Vincent): I think he might be trying to tell you something, honey...

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. I think it might be "shut the fuck up, biped." Sorry. I may have gotten a bit carried away there.

Poppy (to Vincent): It's alright, honey... You clearly want to be alone. If you need me, I'll be in my room.

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh! I, uh, I don't, really. I was hoping that you wouldn't mind just sitting with me for a little bit. But, you don't have to. Heh. I can't really blame you for not wanting to be around me right now. I was kind of a ranting lunatic for a bit there.

Poppy (to Vincent): I wanted to sit with you, honey. Come here and cuddle with me on the couch or do you still want to punch something? Heh. You sounded like you were giving a villain speech in a movie... it was a little scary.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee. I don't doubt that I sounded a bit unhinged, but scary? ME? Come on, lover. I'm about as terrifying as Max over there.

Poppy (to Vincent): I've just never seen you worked up like that before, honey. You know, it doesn't matter what those people think of you or Mouse... And, I'm sure your sister would agree. The best revenge is just to be yourself and be happy, honey...

Vincent (to Poppy): You're right, hun. And had this happened a year ago, I probably wouldn't have flown off the handle like that. But with everything that's been going on, and all the drama I seem to be attracting lately... I think Mary and her self-righteousness was a bit more than I could handle at this exact mo. I feel like an exposed nerve. Hee hee hee. You know the worst part? Telling her off felt SO GOOD. And, the look on her face was more than a bit hilarious.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I'm sure it was a lifetime coming, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. The first part of a lifetime, anyway. I like to think the best bits are yet to come. The company has certainly improved.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I'm going to fix some dinner, honey. Any requests?

Vincent (to Poppy): Something plentiful. I'm suddenly very, very hungry. Oof. And a bit tired.

Poppy (to Vincent): I think I've got the fixings to make beef stew. Why don't you curl up and take a nap with Max?

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. I'm not sure if I have a choice in the matter. I fear I'm sliding headlong into sleep whether I want to or not. Thanks for listening to me rant, sweetie. And for making food. I'm a damn lucky lad...

Poppy (to Vincent): You're welcome, honey... I'll wake you up when dinner's ready.

An hour or so later:

Poppy (to Mouse): Hey Mouse, can you come over here?

Mouse (to Poppy): Oh sure, we're just tidying up after dinner. I can be over shortly.

Poppy (to Mouse): Wonderful. Thank you, honey.

Thirty minutes later:

Mouse (to Poppy): Hey Poppy, what's going on? I came over as quick I could. Is he okay?

Poppy (to Mouse): Vincent had a run-in with his biological sister. It got a bit heated... I just thought he could use a visit from you.

Mouse (to Poppy): Oh okay… (to Vincent) Hey sleepyhead...

Vincent (to Mouse): Oh... hey! What are you doing here, sweetie? God, I was out.

Mouse (to Vincent): Poppy told me you had a rough day and could use a visit, little brother. So, I came over to give you a hug or punch someone. You know, like I do. :-P

Vincent (to Mouse): Hee hee. It's one of your better qualities. A hug would be wonderful.

Mouse (to Vincent): Well, come on. Do you want to talk about it? Or will the hug suffice?

Vincent (to Mouse): I ran into Mary today. She accused me of being a liar, an extortionist, a sodomite, oh, and of being a rent boy. She also had some choice things to say about you, which is about when I completely lost my cool.

Mouse (to Vincent): I'm sure she did, honey. I got quite an earful when she came to the house the other day.

Vincent (to Mouse): I know I shouldn't let it bother me so much, but... Ooo! I just could not stand hearing her talk about you like that.

Mouse (to Vincent): Oh, you were defending my honor, little brother. That's sweet & completely unnecessary. I could care less what that woman has to say about me.

Vincent (to Mouse): I know you don't, but that doesn't mean you should have to be subjected to it. Not that it matters. I doubt we'll see her again. I threatened to REALLY embarrass the family if I ever saw any of them ever again.

Mouse (to Vincent): Well, thank goodness for small favors... Little brother, why would you want to waste your energy on that? The people that love you, know that you're not the person those idiots think you are, please don't prove them right.

Vincent (to Mouse): I don't. I really don't. It's bad enough the whole town knows I'm related to those...people. I really just wanted to scare them. But, you're right, hun. I was being an upset idiot.

Mouse (to Vincent): Heh. I love you, little brother... Now, I'm going to leave you to your dinner & your lady. :-) (to Poppy) Bye Poppy, he's all yours... you may want to bring him some food.

Vincent (to Mouse): Thank you, sweetie. For everything. I love you, big sister o' mine.

Poppy (to Mouse): Oh okay, honey... um... What's the hug for?

Mouse (to Poppy): Because, you worried about him. I'll see you later.

Poppy (to Mouse): Oh... I'll see you later. (to Vincent) Hey honey, here's some dinner. You look like you could use it.

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh. Thank you, hun. I'm sorry I was being such an idiot earlier. Heh. I seem to apologize to you for being an idiot a lot. Thank you for calling my sister as well. I promise I'm done being a terror for the day.

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, that's good... I hate seeing you upset like that, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. I wish I had something clever to say in retort. This stew is delicious, by the by.

Poppy (to Vincent): I'm glad you like it, honey... Can I ask you a question?

Vincent (to Poppy): Sure, hun. What is it?

Poppy (to Vincent): How would you feel if I didn't quit working for ISS? I know I said I was going to, but well... I don't know if I can.

Vincent (to Poppy): Ah. Can I ask you something? How come you don't think you can quit, hun?

Poppy (to Vincent): I think I like it too much, honey... I don't know if I can be "normal". I can play at it, just fine but I don't know if I can sit around on the sidelines... I'm sorry.

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. I thought you were going to say that.

Poppy (to Vincent): You did?

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. It's not often that I catch you off guard, is it, hun? Well, I know how I felt when I was going to retire. I wasn't sure I could handle sitting here like a "normal" person, either.

Poppy (to Vincent): After our awkward conversation last night, it made me think about it. And, about us... what if it's the crazy stuff that makes us interesting to each other?

Vincent (to Poppy): What? You mean you're not just interested in me for my hot little body?

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I DO like your hot little body... But, that's not the only thing, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I know. I'm just kidding. I'm not too worried about it. I mean, I did kind of date a kind of version of you that wasn't a spy. I mean as far as I knew. Plus, well, the weird stuff IS part of who we are.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heh... So, you won't mind? I was worried that you'd be upset.

Vincent (to Poppy): I can't pretend I won't worry, lover. Because, I will. But it isn't like dating me is exactly worry free. Good heavens! How many other people do you know that manage to inherit royal title, AND get a warrant issued for treason... AND get a pirate death contract put out on his head all within the same year?

Poppy (to Vincent): Only you, honey...

Vincent (to Poppy): And you worried you would get bored with me. :-P

Poppy (to Vincent): Actually, I was worried that you would get bored with me, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): What? Hun, that's ridiculous. YOU are interesting, hun. Spy stuff or no.

Poppy (to Vincent): Oh... That's nice of you to say, honey. I'm sorry if I've been a little ridiculous, this is new territory for me.

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. Well, in addition to the weird stuff, I think we both have a heaping helping of ridiculous.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heh... Yes, we do. You want to know something ridiculous. Your sister implied that domesticity suited me... She said that I was positively glowing... She's a hoot. If she wasn't your sister, I probably would have shot her. :-P

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh she is just a laugh riot. She's just loving this, isn't she?

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, she's mentioned to me before that you gave her & Eep quite a hard time when they started dating, so maybe it's revenge.

Vincent (to Poppy): Ooo. It probably is. Damn. Who would have thought my old bad behavior would come back to haunt me?

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, she also gave me a hug when she left earlier... she said it was because I worried about you. Whatever that means. I don't think she's ever hugged me before.

Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. I told you she liked you.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee. Well, that's good... Though, I have to say that there's only one Potter's attention that I want, at this moment.

Vincent (to Poppy): Oh? Really? Well, you certainly have my attention., lover.

Poppy (to Vincent): Good... now, come with me, honey.

Vincent (to Poppy): That's the best idea I've heard all day, hun.