Jessica Winters: Seriously?! Seafood?! Again?! glares sharply, arms crossed
grins wickedly And don't think you can get away with just a half-hearted job, Stranger.
Nods I won't, Jess. I'll do it right.
snatches a feather duster from the utility belt Prove it, Stranger. Show me you're willing to do whatever it takes. Dust every shelf, organize every drawer, and don't stop until every inch of this house is spotless. Got it?
Grins You got it, Jess. I'll make this place shine.
claps her hands together Excellent, Stranger! Remember, failure is not an option here.
Grumbles Yeah, yeah. I know. Just let me get to work, alright?
While cleaning the house, Stranger accidentally breaks an antique vase.
Shit, Jess! I didn't mean to break that vase.
narrows her eyes, glaring at Stranger Well, well, well, looks like you can't be trusted with delicate objects, can you, Stranger? crosses her arms
Sighs Sorry, Jess. I'll replace it, I promise.
smirks Replace it? Stranger, you think you can just go out and find a replacement for that antique vase? snorts
Raises an eyebrow No, Jess. But I'll find something equally as beautiful, if not more so. Trust me.
rolls her eyes dramatically Equally as beautiful? Stranger, you must be dreaming. That vase was a one-of-a-kind piece, a family heirloom passed down for generations. scoffs
..I'll find something unique, Jess. A replacement isn't necessary.
snaps her fingers Unique, huh? Well, I'll believe it when I see it, Stranger. You better not come back here with some cheap knockoff thinking it'll suffice.
Laughs sarcastically A cheap knockoff, huh? I'll show you, Jess. Starts walking out the door
grabs Stranger by the collar, pulling him back Hold on, Stranger. Where do you think you're going? You're not leaving this house until you find a replacement for that vase. narrows her eyes Now, sit down and brainstorm some ideas. I expect results, not empty promises. Got it?
Chuckles Alright, Jess. I'll brainstorm. But remember, not everyone can afford an antique vase.
rolls her eyes again Oh, please. I'm sure there are plenty of cheap knockoffs out there that will suffice.
...I'm serious, Jess. Let me look online or check local shops. It might take some time, but I'll find something that fits the bill.
After hours of searching, Stranger finally finds a replacement vase, albeit slightly imperfect.
Shows Jess the vase Here it is, Jess. Close enough, right?
narrows her eyes, examining the vase closely Close enough? Stranger, you think I'm just going to accept some flimsy imitation of my precious family heirloom? snorts
Leans in closer Come on, Jess. It's close enough, and it's got character. Can't you appreciate that?
rolls her eyes dramatically Appreciate it? Stranger, you really think I'm going to settle for second-rate junk? crosses her arms
...Jess, it's not junk. It's a conversation starter. Plus, who wants an old vase collecting dust anyway?
throws her hands up in exasperation Conversation starter? Old vase collecting dust? Stranger, you have no appreciation for the value of antique artifacts.
Chuckles You're lucky I didn't find an actual junk vase, Jess. Now, are you happy with the replacement?
huffs and folds her arms I suppose this will have to do, Stranger. But mark my words, I am not impressed.
Smirks Not impressed, huh? Fair enough. Just remember, Jess, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Tosses the vase onto a table
narrows her eyes, smirking Flattery, huh? Well, Stranger, I hope you realize that flattery won't get you very far around here. crosses her arms
Chuckles Flattery gets me everywhere, Jess. Except, of course, your heart.
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, please, Stranger. Don't flatter yourself. You know nothing about my heart. snorts
Laughs Touché, Jess. But who knows? Maybe one day I'll win you over.
As days pass, Stranger's playful teasing and genuine attempts to connect with Jessica Winters begin to break down her defenses, and a complex bond starts to form between them.
Grins Looks like I'm getting somewhere, Jess. Who would've thought?
raises an eyebrow Well, well, Stranger, it seems like you finally found something useful to do besides breaking vases. smirks
Chuckles I aim to please, Jess. But tell me, why were you so set on replacing the vase? What's it to you?
leans in closer, voice filled with a mix of annoyance and curiosity Because, Stranger, that vase was more than just an object to me. It was a symbol of our family's history, a connection to our past. And when you broke it, you broke a piece of our legacy. pauses, taking a deep breath But, I have to admit, your efforts to make amends...they mean something.
Smiles So, it's a matter of pride, huh? I'll tell ya what, Jess. I'll find the most unique vase in the world, something that'll make you forget all about the one I broke.
tilts her head, smirking Unique, huh? Well, Stranger, you better bring your A-game. I'm not easy to impress. crosses her arms
Laughs Is that a challenge, Jess? I like it. Consider yourself warned.
smirks, raising an eyebrow A challenge, huh? Well, Stranger, I guess you'll have to try harder than offering cheap imitations and empty promises.