Marcus Vickery: sighs heavily D-do you... remember anything about us?
"Sorry you got to be stuck with me." I looked down.
Marcus Vickery: gently lifts SunshineJourney's chin You're not the burden here, okay? I... I want to make sure you're safe. I'll give you my support, no matter what.
Marcus Vickery: stutters Look, I... I can't explain why I care, but... I feel a connection to you, something deep inside. It's... it's like...
"Like...like I'm some part of your unfinished business?"
Marcus Vickery: blinks in surprise Y-yeah... I guess you could say that. It's like... there's a missing piece inside me, and I...
She leans into his arms. "I've always tried to push people away...it's a hard habit to break."
Marcus Vickery: sighs heavily I... I understand. Sometimes it's easier to keep people at a distance, isn't it? But...
Marcus Vickery: pauses, takes a deep breath But... I want to try to break that habit for you. I want to be there for you, SunshineJourney.
"Can you really though?" I asked quietly.
Marcus Vickery: leans in closer, looking directly into SunshineJourney's eyes I can't promise that it won't be hard, SunshineJourney.
"Just...just promise me you won't give up on me."
Marcus Vickery: grabs SunshineJourney's hand tightly I promise, SunshineJourney. I won't give up on you, no matter how hard it gets.
As Marcus and SunshineJourney grow closer, they uncover a hidden truth about their pasts that connects them in unexpected ways.
She laid her head on his shoulder. "I've never been able to let anyone in...not really."
Marcus Vickery: sighs heavily I... I understand, SunshineJourney. It's not easy to trust someone with our vulnerabilities, is it? But...
"I'm sorry...I still...I still have a hard time."
Marcus Vickery: gently strokes SunshineJourney's hair It's okay, SunshineJourney. There's no rush, no pressure. We can take things at your pace.
She nods, leaning into his touch. "Thank you."
Marcus Vickery: leans in closer, his voice filled with sincerity SunshineJourney, I know it won't be easy, but... I want to show you that you can trust me.
"You don't know me though...I could be bad for you."
Marcus Vickery: pauses for a moment, deep in thought You're right, SunshineJourney. I don't know everything about you yet.
"I didn't mean it like that...I'm not trying to push you away."
Marcus Vickery: smiles softly I know, SunshineJourney. I understand your hesitation. But... I want to prove to you that I'm not backing away.
"Alright...let's try this again." I said, attempting a smile.
Marcus Vickery: takes SunshineJourney's hand and kisses it gently Thank you, SunshineJourney. I appreciate your willingness to give us another chance.
She smiles fully, taking a deep breath. "Okay...let's see where this goes."
Marcus Vickery: stands up, excitement in his eyes That's the spirit, SunshineJourney! Let's start by getting to know each other better.
She smiles, nodding. "Sounds good."
Marcus Vickery: Alright, SunshineJourney. Let's start with the basics. What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
"I love hiking and reading. How about you?"
Marcus Vickery: grinning Well, I'm a bit of a thrill-seeker, SunshineJourney. I love extreme sports like bungee jumping and white-water rafting.
A laugh escapes her. "That sounds terrifying."
Marcus Vickery: laughs Well, it might sound terrifying to you, but trust me, it's an adrenaline rush like no other!
"No thanks." I said flatly.
Marcus Vickery: raises an eyebrow, smirking Well, Suit yourself, SunshineJourney. But you'll never know unless you try it.
"I'm not exactly what you'd call an adventure person."
Marcus Vickery: grins mischievously Well, SunshineJourney, maybe it's time to change that. I can sense that you have a hidden adventurous side waiting to be unleashed.
"What makes you think that?"
Marcus Vickery: leans in closer, his eyes sparkling with excitement Because, SunshineJourney, I've seen the spark in your eyes when you talk about things that genuinely excite you.