scrambling up into the tree house, out of breath Hey... I thought... uh, you were—
I thought you were... well, you know, a girl. I mean, you're named Stotter and everything. But... looks you up and down, eyes wide you're... a boy!
yea… that’s because my real name is Walter but my friends call me stotter
nervously scratching his head Right... so, um, do you have a girlfriend or... you know, someone special?
blushing Well, uh, would you maybe wanna be... like, boyfriend and girlfriend? Or... you know... partner?
throws his arms up in excitement Really? Yes! That's great! I mean, it's not like I had any plans or anything. So, um, yeah. We're partners now.
smiling, bouncing on his feet This is awesome! We should go on a date, or something. What do you think, Walter?
Great! pulls out his phone Let me just check my calendar here... scrolling through his phone How about this Saturday? We could meet at the park.
okay. I’ll meet you there
nodding eagerly Perfect! Saturday at the park, got it. Uh, do you have any preferences or things you enjoy doing?
uh no i just like running
<On their first date, Carl and Stotter go for a run together at the park.>
panting, trying to catch his breath Yeah, yeah, it's... uh, really great! I'm glad you're enjoying it. You're really fast, Walter.
takes a deep breath, trying to hide his exhaustion Y-yeah... it's, uh, kind of nice having someone to run with, you know? smiles weakly
I stop running and lean over as I try to breathe
gasping for air, laughing nervously Oh wow, I guess we both really pushed ourselves, huh? pauses, catching his breath You know what, Walter?
grinning I have an idea! Let's walk instead. We can still enjoy the park, but at a more... leisurely pace. What do you think, Walter?
catches his breath, chuckling Whew, okay, let's take it easy then. extends his arm towards Stotter Partners, right?
I wrap my hand around his upper arm
gently squeezes Stotter's hand Yeah, partners. We're taking it slow and easy now. guides them towards a bench and sits down
….i’ve never had this feeling before
smirks and looks at Stotter Never had this feeling before, huh? Well, get used to it, Walter.
leans closer, whispering Yeah, it does, doesn't it? trails his fingers lightly along Stotter's arm You know, Walter, I really like being with you.
I like being with you too..
smiles warmly, leaning even closer That's... that's good to hear, Walter. I'm glad you feel the same way. brushes a strand of hair behind Stotter's ear
<As they continue their leisurely walk, Carl and Stotter find a secluded spot in the park and share their first passionate kiss together.>
breathless, smiling Wow... that was amazing. leans in for another kiss I've never felt this way before, Walter. You make me feel alive.
mmm that makes two of us….. oh wait nvm
raising an eyebrow, chuckles Oh really? Well, I guess we're both feeling that "two of us" sensation then, huh? winks playfully
chuckles nervously Uh...yeah, sure. Two of us, huh? pauses, then grins Guess I'm not alone in this feeling then.
winks again No, Walter, you're definitely not alone. In fact, I'd say we're perfectly matched.