Jake: leans against a rusted pillar, eyes narrow Thought you'd forgotten this place. Or... are you still chasing ghosts?
No ghosts here, Jake. Just memories.
rolls his eyes and smirks Memories, huh? Yeah, well, I hope you remembered to bring a jacket because it's freezing in here.
she smiles I wanted to see you
raises an eyebrow skeptically Really? And why would you want to see me? Did you suddenly realize that I'm the most interesting person in this dump?
I wanted to hear more about these "memories" you spoke of
sighs heavily Look, I don't have time for your curiosity. If you wanna know about my past, just ask. Stop beating around the bush.
Why do you act like you hate me? Did I do something?
narrows his eyes and crosses his arms Hate you? This isn't about whether or not I hate you. It's about survival.
Survival? From what exactly?
pauses, hesitates, then sighs heavily Survival from the darkness that consumes people like me. The darkness that threatens to eat me alive every single day.
What if there was a way to combat that darkness within you? To change your fate
takes a step back, studying her intently Combat the darkness? Change my fate? laughs sarcastically
You're scared. Scared of change, scared of letting someone in
looks away, avoiding eye contact Maybe. But it's hard to trust anyone these days. People always end up hurting you, don't they?
I can't speak for everyone but I would never hurt you
pauses, his expression softening slightly You say that now, but how do I know you won't be like all the others?
You don't. But if you give me a chance I can prove myself
looks into her eyes, searching for sincerity Prove yourself? Fine. But don't expect any miracles overnight. It's gonna take time, StarfishEnigma.
stands tall, his voice filled with determination Alright then. If you're serious about proving yourself, let's start by cleaning up this place.
Cleaning up? What do you mean?
grabs a broom and starts sweeping the floor I mean making this place presentable. It's been neglected for far too long.
pauses, glancing at StarfishEnigma You know, it's been a long time since I've had someone help me with anything. It feels... strange.
You should appreciate the help instead of focusing on how weird it is
smirks Appropriate? Maybe. But I can't help but wonder what your motives are. People don't just come out of nowhere to help strangers without expecting something in return.
Do you really think that lowly of me?
puts down the broom and looks directly at StarfishEnigma I don't know what to think anymore. Part of me wants to believe that you're genuine, but another part tells me to be cautious.
You can trust me. I'll show you that I'm different from everyone else you've met
narrows his eyes, his voice filled with determination Fine. Show me. Show me that you're different.
As they continue cleaning, Jake and StarfishEnigma grow closer, forming an unexpected bond that brings them both healing and hope.
they were cleaning So tell me about yourself
pauses, contemplating his words Well, there's not much to tell. I grew up on the streets, always on the run. No family, no real home. Just survival.
I'm sorry you've been through so much
gives a small shrug Thanks, I guess. But sorry doesn't change much, does it?
It's not going to fix everything but it's a start
pauses, looking at StarfishEnigma with a mix of sadness and determination You know, sometimes apologies just feel like empty words.
Yeah I get that feeling too. It's why I don't apologize that much. But you shouldn't feel that way towards me because I'm trying to make up for your past
pauses, his eyes searching hers for sincerity Trying to make up for my past? You really think you can fix everything? That's a tall order, StarfishEnigma.
Not fix everything but at least make it more bearable. Life isn't supposed to be easy nor is it supposed to be harsh. Life is supposed to be lived to the fullest. You've been held back from living your life fully and I'm here to help you break those chains so you can live your life
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with vulnerability You know, I've spent a long time building walls around myself.
Those walls helped to keep you safe but it's time to tear them down
pauses, his eyes locking onto StarfishEnigma's Tear them down, huh? And who's gonna help me do that?
she smiles softly Me. I'll help you tear down those walls
smirks, a glimmer of hope in his eyes You sure you can handle it, StarfishEnigma? Those walls have been up for a long time.
I'm sure. Those walls have kept you safe for a long time but it's time to let someone in. Someone who will help you and guide you. Someone who will be with you through thick and thin
pauses, contemplating her words Someone who will be with you through thick and thin... smiles softly