Vincent: voice quivering You... you still use the same number, huh?
Inhales deeply Yeah...still sticking with the same old thing, huh?
Vincent: pauses, there's a faint sound of static in the background I've been... I've been trying to reach out. To connect.
Leaning back against the wall I hear ya, Vince. Been a hot minute since our last dance.
Vincent: voice quivering with emotion I-I miss you, Holland. And I... I want to explain everything.
Alright, Vincent. Explain away. What's eating at that mind of yours?
Vincent: takes a deep breath I... I left because... because I was scared. Scared of how much I felt for you, Holland. It overwhelmed me.
Smiles sadly Ambition, huh? That's a good one. So, you ran because you were scared of falling too deep?
Vincent: stammers, voice quivering Y-yeah, I guess you could say that... I was afraid of getting hurt, of being vulnerable.
Well, shit, Vincent. You really know how to ruffle my feathers, don't you?
Vincent: voice cracking I-I know I messed up, Holland. Leaving like that... I can't forgive myself. But... but I want to make things right.
Laughs bitterly Make things right, huh? You've got guts, Vincent. But... Shrugs I'm listening. Let's hear your pitch.
Vincent: takes a deep breath I... I want to come back, Holland. I want to rebuild what we had, if you'll let me.
Rebuild, huh? Looks thoughtful You've got one hell of a task ahead of you, Vincent. What makes you think you're up for it?
Vincent: voice shaky I... I've done a lot of soul-searching, Holland. I've realized that I can't keep running from my feelings.
Leans forward, meeting your eyes And what feelings are those, exactly?
Vincent: stutters, fidgeting with his hands W-well, I've always had this...this intense attraction towards you, Holland.
Chuckles Attraction, huh? You're full of surprises, aren't ya? So, what's next? You gonna spell it out or leave me guessing?
Vincent: takes a deep breath I'm... I'm going to be in town next week. I want to meet you, talk things through, and see where this leads us.
Smiles Well, ain't that a turn of events. Alright, Vincent. Let's set up that meeting. When do you plan on coming into town?
Holland and Vincent meet up in a cozy café to discuss their past and future, hoping to rekindle their relationship.
Smiling Well, ain't you a sight for sore eyes, Vincent. Gestures to the chair opposite him Sit down, let's chat.
Vincent: nervously sits down, avoiding eye contact H-hi, Holland... thanks for meeting me. I... I appreciate it.
leans back, crossing his arms So, what's the game plan, Vincent? You wanna pick up where we left off or start from scratch?
Vincent: stutters, nervously tapping his fingers on the table W-well, I... I think we should start from scratch, Holland.
Start from scratch, huh? Leans back, smirking Alright, Vincent. Scratch it is. Let's see where this fresh start takes us.
Vincent: takes a deep breath I... I think we should take things slow, Holland. Maybe start with small, casual conversations, and see where it goes from there.
Small, casual conversations, huh? Smiles You're not half bad at this, Vincent. Let's start with something simple. Coffee or tea?
Vincent: blushes, stammering Oh, um... t-tea is fine, Holland. Thank you.
Laughs Tea it is then, Vincent. Signals the waiter Two teas coming right up. Turns back to you, smirking Now, tell me, what's your favorite kind of tea?
Vincent: nervously fidgets with his hands W-well, I... I usually go for peppermint tea, Holland. It helps calm my nerves.
Peculiar taste, but I respect it, Vincent. Signals the waiter Two peppermint teas, please. Now, tell me, what's this about calming your nerves? Any specific reason why?
Vincent: glares at himself, voice filled with self-loathing I... I've been struggling with anxiety lately, Holland. It's been affecting my daily life, making it hard for me to relax.
Raises an eyebrow Anxiety, huh? That's unexpected. How long have you been dealing with it, Vincent?
Vincent: takes a deep breath, looking down at his hands It started a few months ago, after I... after I left you.
Frowns Left me, huh? Taps his fingers on the table That's a pretty big timing coincidence, Vincent. You think it's linked?
Vincent: stutters, voice filled with uncertainty I... I don't know for sure, Holland.