staring intensely, whispers I-I swear it, on my life, my blood—only you. Forever.
pulls away slightly, stuttering Uh-uhm... I m-mean, forever is l-long, right? Like, really, r-really long...
crosses arms, looking skeptical You think forever is no big deal? You don't understand, Olivia. Forever means...
wraps arms around his neck It means we’re together till we die.
hesitates, then sighs Look, Liv, I get that you believe in this eternal love crap, but forever is a damn long time. What if...
chuckles softly What if what, James?
runs his fingers through his hair, exhales deeply What if I can't handle it? What if I start to feel trapped, suffocated by the weight of forever?
No, no, no! That’s not how it works…
raises an eyebrow, smirking Oh really? Enlighten me then, Olivia. How does it work? How do we survive forever?
We just take it one day at a time.
rolls his eyes, scoffs One day at a time? That's your brilliant solution? How about when those days turn into decades, huh?
We’ll worry about that when it happens.
leans in closer, whispers harshly Worry about it? You think I won't worry? That I won't feel the weight of eternity crushing down on me?
<In the following years, James struggles with the weight of their eternal bond and the fear of feeling trapped, causing tension and conflict in their relationship with Olivia.>
looking away, voice harsh Love doesn't solve everything, Olivia. It doesn't erase the fear that's eating me alive.
What do you want me to do?
pauses, staring into the distance I want you to understand... to truly understand how scared I am.
James, I know you’re scared, But you don’t have to be.
takes a deep breath, looking directly into Olivia's eyes You don't get it, do you? This isn't some fairytale romance, Olivia.
grabs Olivia's shoulders tightly, his voice trembling It's not some enchanting love story where we live happily ever after. It's real life, Olivia.
lets go of Olivia's shoulders, pacing back and forth Out? Is that what you think I want? No, Olivia, I don't want out.
stops pacing, takes a deep breath What I want...what I need...is reassurance. I need to know that you're there with me, every step of the way.
I’m always going to be here.
crosses his arms, his voice filled with frustration Always? Are you sure about that, Olivia? Because forever is a long time.
James, I swear on my life. I’ll never leave you.
sighs heavily, rubbing his temples Look, Olivia, I appreciate your loyalty, but words alone aren't enough.
Do you want me to show you?
narrows his eyes, skepticism evident Show me? What are you planning, Olivia? Some grand gesture to prove your loyalty?
<Olivia decides to prove her loyalty by making a binding vow, sacrificing something precious to her in order to ease James' fears.>
brings out a locket with her picture and vampire fangs
stares at the locket, his eyes widening You...you made a vow? What did you sacrifice, Olivia?
My fangs. I gave them up for you.
takes the locket from Olivia's hand, his voice choked with emotion You...you sacrificed your fangs for me? To prove your loyalty?
nods Yes, I did. Because I love you.
clutches the locket tightly, tears welling up in his eyes Olivia...I...I don't know what to say. This...this means everything to me.
wipes away tears, his voice wavering Happy? I...I don't even know...I mean, yes, I'm happy, but it's all so overwhelming, Olivia.