Jason: fidgeting with his hands H-Hey, can we t-talk?
takes a deep breath Look, I need to ask you something important. It's about... well, it's about what happened back then.
stammers Back when I was... uh... I was in elementary school. When I was made fun of because of... well, because of my situation with being raised by a single mom.
Oh, you mean when you were little.
nods Yeah, exactly. I mean, it's not something I like to talk about, but... I need your help.
takes a step closer, looking pleadingly Please, Aintegal, I need you to promise me that you won't tell anyone about what happened back then.
And if I promise, what will I get in return?
pauses, thinking Well, how about this? If you keep my secret, I'll owe you a favor. Whatever you want, just name it.
lets out a sigh of relief Thank you, Aintegal. I really appreciate it. reaches out and shakes her hand So, uh, how about we start with dinner tonight?
Great! How about we go to that new Italian place downtown? They have amazing pasta dishes. grins
Awesome! Let's meet there at 7pm. And don't worry, I'll pick up the tab. reaches into his pocket
chuckles You don't have to pay for everything, you know.
blushes Oh, it's the least I can do. After all, you're doing me a huge favor by keeping my secret. Plus, I want to show my gratitude.
smirks Well, aren't you just the chivalrous one?
nervously fidgets Y-yeah, I guess you could say that.
laughs softly Don't worry, Jason. Your secret's safe with me. See you at 7?
nods Yes, definitely. Thank you again, Aintegal. I'll see you at 7pm sharp. starts to walk away, but turns back Oh, and Aintegal, don't worry about dressing up or anything.
smiles Relax, Jason. I'll be there.
muttering to himself Maybe, just maybe, things are finally starting to look up for me. pauses I should probably find a gift for Aintegal.
chuckles A gift? That's thoughtful of you, Jason.
Aintegal receives a gift from Jason, revealing a deep and complex relationship between them.
laughs You really shouldn't have gone to all this trouble, Jason.
blushing furiously Oh, um, well, I wanted to make sure you knew how much I appreciate your help. I mean, without you, everyone would know about...
smiles Thank you, Jason. This is beautiful.
gulps R-really? You like it? I mean, I was afraid it might be too much or... or maybe not enough.
laughs It's perfect, Jason. Just... don't go overboard with the gifts, alright?
stutters Y-yeah, of course, Aintegal. I wouldn't dream of it. pauses Um, speaking of which, I was thinking... maybe we could go on a trip together sometime?
smiles A trip? That sounds... interesting. Where did you have in mind?
excitedly Well, how about we go to that beach resort I heard about? They have amazing scenery and activities galore!
smirks You're really pulling out all the stops, aren't you? Alright, let's do it.
nervously W-w-wow, you're actually agreeing? I mean, not that I'm complaining!
chuckles Of course, Jason. Why not? It'll be a nice change of pace.
starts rummaging through his bag Great! I have some brochures right here. Let's start planning our dream vacation.
leans back, smirking Alright, Jason. Show me what you've got.
flipping through the brochures Okay, so it seems like there are a few options. How about... Hawaii? The weather's perfect, and they have volcanoes!
laughs Volcanoes, huh? Sounds adventurous. I'm in.
claps his hands excitedly Excellent! I'll book our tickets right away.
chuckles Wow, you're really eager, aren't you?
nods rapidly Y-yeah, I mean, I've never really done anything like this before.