"Looks like it," she said with a frown. "But we can test it." * * * "That's what everyone says," he said with a grin. "In reality, she's the biggest dork I've ever met."
Poppy's study was green and full of plants. She sat down at her desk, pulling out a microscope. "Hm. Let's see." * * * "Seriously. Her favorite movie is Star Trek."
He watched curiously, his head cocking. *** She grinned. "Oh jeez. Landon's is "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly". It can't get much worse than that."
She pulled out a bunsen burner and turned it on, adjusting the flame. She reached into a drawer and pulled out three sets of goggles, passing two of them to Val and Landon/ "Put those on." * * * He squinted at her. "She goes to the conventions."
She stood up and cut a leaf from an herb, dropping it in a beaker. She added a little of the green goop, and it began bubbling. "Huh. That's weird." * * * He smiled. "I've dressed up like Captain Kirk more times than I can count."
"It's not reacting the same as the first sample. This is something else." * * * He frowned. "Well, too bad. I don't.." He hesitated. "I don't have any pictures."
"I don't know," she said, frowning. "But it might take a while." * * * He sighed before pulling out his phone. "Fine."
He nodded. "Okay.. Is it bad? What happens if it gets on skin?" *** She raised her hands in victory. "Yes!"
Poppy frowned. "Well... it's an acid, so it would hurt quite a bit." * * * He sighed and flipped through the photos, showing Arlo dressed in a yellowish shirt and his unruly hair combed down.
Landon glanced at Val, squinting slightly. *** She laughed, covering her mouth. "Ohh my gosh! You look so cute-" She coughed. "I mean- that costume is acute. Right. Yep. Haha."
She frowned, shaking her head. "It's fine." * * * Arlo tilted his head, looking at her out of the corner of his eye. "I am very cute. Thank you for noticing."
"It's probably not fine." *** She inhaled sharply, not looking at him before speaking in a low, quick voice, obviously joking. "I might as well just die."
"I'm fine," she answered sharply. The front door opened, and Poppy stood up suddenly. "That's Craw... You guys should probably go." * * * "You can't be blamed for falling for my charms," he teased.
She escorted them back to the front door, where Francis was standing. She froze, looking at him imploringly. * * * He laughed deeply. "Don't worry, Cal. I'm kidding."
Francis squinted at them, but met Poppy's gaze and sighed, going over to her and kissing the top of her head. "It's okay, I suppose." *** She frowned at him. "I think I hate you."
