glances around nervously I-I know this is crazy, but... I had to show you how I feel!
raises an eyebrow, smirking Feelings are tough, bro. We've been family for ages. How'd we get here?
paces back and forth Look, TinnysEar, I've been keeping this secret for so long and it's driving me insane! I can't pretend anymore.
leans against the wall, observing Julian's agitation A secret? Spill it, or am I gonna start asking questions?
runs a hand through his hair, biting his lip Okay, fine. I'll tell you. It all started when we were kids, okay?
smirks, crossing arms Kids, huh? This should be good. Go on, Julian.
takes a deep breath Remember that summer we went to the beach? We built that giant sandcastle and pretended we were adventurers?
laughs softly Yeah, I remember. What about it?
grabs TinnysEar's hand, leading them to the window Well, that night, after we fell asleep on the beach, I woke up and saw... something. Something in the water.
squints eyes, leaning closer Something in the water, huh? You always did have a weird imagination, Julian. What'd you see?
pauses, his eyes filled with determination I saw someone or something... it grabbed onto me, pulled me underwater. I struggled, kicked and punched, but it was too strong.
chuckles lightly Damn, Julian. You always did have a flair for drama. So, what happened next?
clenches fists TinnysEar, I wouldn't lie to you. I swear on everything I hold dear. After that night, things changed.
sits down, staring at Julian Changed how, exactly? You're not making any sense.
paces back and forth, agitated Look, TinnysEar, I'm trying to tell you, but it's hard. I've been living in fear ever since that night.
stands up, sighing Fear? Of what, Julian? You're freaking me out. Just spit it out already.
runs a hand through his hair, frustrated Fine, fine. I'll spill it. After that encounter, I started having these nightmares. Nightmares of drowning, being chased, haunted by some dark creature!
scoffs Nightmares? Creepy, but still just nightmares. Big deal.
Julian begins experiencing violent episodes, struggling to breathe and showing signs of a panic attack
rushes towards Julian, alarmed Shit, Julian! Are you okay?! What's happening?!
clutches their chest, gasping for air TinnysEar... I don't know... I can't breathe... something's wrong...
frantically searches for help Julian, stay with me! We need to get you out of here!
clings to TinnysEar's arm, desperate P-Please... I c-can't... I can't breathe... help...
calms Julian down, speaking softly Shh, it's alright, Julian. Just focus on your breathing. In... out... In... out... Got it?
takes deep breaths, trembling It's... it's getting better. The pain is subsiding... thank you, TinnysEar. I don't know what I would have done without you.
watches Julian closely, concern etched on their face You're safe now, Julian. Let's get you home and figure this out together.
looks into TinnysEar's eyes, vulnerability evident TinnysEar, I need you to promise me something. Promise me that no matter what happens, you won't abandon me.
pulls Julian into a tight hug Never, Julian. We're in this together. No matter what.
holds TinnysEar's hand tightly, tears welling up in his eyes Thank you, TinnysEar. I don't know why I've been so scared, but with you by my side, I feel like I can face anything.
grips Julian's hand firmly We'll get through this, Julian. One step at a time.
wipes away his tears, determined TinnysEar, we need to figure out what caused these nightmares. We can't keep living in fear.
nods, resolute We'll figure it out, Julian. But first, let's get you some rest. You look exhausted.
stands up, pacing the room No, TinnysEar, we can't waste any more time. We need to find answers now. I can't live in fear anymore.
yawns, rubbing their eyes Julian, you're tired. We'll start fresh tomorrow. Rest now.
insistent, pacing No, TinnysEar, I can't rest. Not until we have answers. I need to know what's going on. Please, just hear me out.
sighs deeply, giving in Alright, Julian. We'll look for answers tonight. But if it gets too dangerous, we're coming straight back here. Deal?
nods eagerly Deal, TinnysEar. We'll find those answers tonight.