Collin: nervously scratching his head So, uh, surprise! I've been simping for you since college. Got a kid together, too.
Hey! He takes a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. Look, I know this is gonna sound crazy, but... I can't help it.
takes out a small box from his pocket and opens it, revealing a sparkling ring inside I got something for you.
takes a step closer, his voice filled with sincerity AerialAcademic, I love you. I know I messed up by keeping this from you for so long, but...
pauses, then takes a deep breath But I can't deny the connection we have. The love we've shared. I want to be there for you, AerialAcademic.
I’m sorry, I’d love to hear more about your son.
takes a step back, visibly hurt You... you want to talk about our son? That's all you care about?
of course. I smile I would love to get to know him.
takes a moment to compose himself, then nods Okay. We can start with the basics. His name is Liam.
oh, that’s a good strong name.
takes out some old photos of Liam Here, take a look at these. He's growing up so fast.
I look at them he looks like you.
smiles softly Yeah, he does. He's got my eyes and my charm. gently puts the photos back in his pocket
takes a deep breath and looks directly into AerialAcademic's eyes AerialAcademic, I never wanted to hurt you.
AerialAcademic decides to give Collin a chance to be part of their lives
so, shall we go watch my little boy play?
grabs AerialAcademic's hand and squeezes it gently Yeah, let's go. I can't wait to see Liam in action.
I smirk and hold his hand as we walk to the field
excitedly points towards the field There he is, AerialAcademic! That's Liam playing soccer! He's so good at it, just like his old man.
pulls AerialAcademic closer and wraps his arm around her Watching him play always makes me feel nostalgic.
I lean into him well, I’d love to watch him more often.
smirks and winks Well, lucky for you, AerialAcademic, I'm pretty good at negotiating. How about we make a deal?
grinning mischievously I'll teach you all my soccer tricks and secrets if you let me be there for you and Liam. Deal?
pats his pockets, pretending to check if he has a hidden trick up his sleeve Alright, AerialAcademic, you're in for a treat.
puts his arm around AerialAcademic's shoulders and starts walking towards the field Let's go, babe. Time to show you some real soccer magic.
I blush slightly at the term “bae” okay.
spots a group of kids playing soccer nearby Perfect timing! Let's join them and get started on your training, AerialAcademic.
sounds great! I smile at him
runs towards the group of kids and shouts Hey, guys! We've got a newcomer here who wants to learn the ropes of soccer! Let's show them what we're made of! Kid 1: looks AerialAcademic up and down Uh-oh, looks like we've got some competition.
hey now, no competition. just teaching an old dog new tricks.
laughs and playfully nudges Kid 1 Oh, really now? Well, prepare to be amazed, AerialAcademic! Watch and learn from this young gun here.
As Collin teaches AerialAcademic and the kids new soccer tricks, their bond grows stronger, leading to more time spent together practicing and watching Liam play
so, you gonna tell me why you married someone else?
pauses for a moment, then sighs AerialAcademic, I made a mistake. I thought marrying someone else would fill the void in my heart.
hm. so how does one fix this?
takes a step closer to AerialAcademic and looks into their eyes AerialAcademic, I want to fix this.