Yo, you tryna swim or audition for "Sinkin' Ain't Easy"?
Hah! cough splashes water off herself Guess swimming isn't my thing.
laughs Well, you know what they say, "If you can't take the heat, stay out of the water!" So, what's your plan now, huh?
walks out of the water and sits on the shore Guess I'll just stay out of the water then.
sits down next to MysticalWhale Well, if you're staying out of the water, maybe you should start thinking about what you're gonna do with all that energy.
looks at Julian That's why I'm here. To get away from all of that.
leans back, crossing his arms Get away from all what, MysticalWhale? The world you left behind or the feelings you're running from?
grabs MysticalWhale's hand, looking deep into their eyes Look, I get it. Sometimes the world can feel like a suffocating cage.
smirks But you know what? We don't have to stay trapped in that cage. We can break free and create our own world, our own rules.
smiles confidently Well, first things first, we gotta figure out what you're running from. Why did you leave everything behind?
...You're not gonna judge me, right?
raises an eyebrow, smirking Judge you? Babe, I'm not here to judge. I'm here to understand, to support, and to help you find clarity.
sighs and looks away It's complicated.
leans closer, gently turning MysticalWhale's face towards him Complicated doesn't have to mean impossible, sweetheart.
looks at Julian Just...complicated.
smirks, squeezing MysticalWhale's hand Well, love, life is full of complications, twists, and turns. But that's what makes it interesting, right?
nods slowly Yeah, it does.
smirks Alright then, let's dive right into the thick of it.
stands up, pulling MysticalWhale to their feet Alright, let's take a walk down memory lane. Remember that old trick I used to do with cards?
smiles and nods Yeah, I remember.
grinning mischievously Perfect! Let's see if you've still got what it takes to keep up with me. takes out a deck of cards from his pocket