stands dimly-lit light, her eyes reflecting the porch light "Th-thank you for coming. Means a lot... to me."
i heard your birthday is today raven
looks down, tears forming in her eyes "Y-yeah... today's my birthday. It's just another day for me, though. Not really a reason to celebrate..."
have I done something that would make you upset?
takes a deep breath, wipes away a tear "No, no, it's not you. It's just... my life hasn't been easy. People often judge me for how I dress and act.
You should be whatever you want to be
smiles softly, her expression brightening slightly "That means a lot to hear you say that. Thank you for accepting me... just as I am."
leans into the hug, closing her eyes "Thank you, HappyRomance... I feel safe with you."
is there anything else you'd like to do?
nods, her voice still soft "There is something I've always wanted to do... Would you be willing to help me with it?"
sure what do you need help with?
grabs HappyRomance's hand and leads them towards a small shed in the backyard "I want to learn how to make magic tricks.
ok let's get started then
opens the shed door to reveal an array of props and magic tricks "I've been collecting these for years. Now it's time to learn how to use them."
Do you have a deck of cards?
rummages through the props, finally finding a deck of cards "Yes, here it is! Let's start with something simple, shall we?"
Ok I'll teach you how to make a card disappear I shuffle the deck of cards and place it on the table now pick a card any card
bites her lip nervously, scanning the deck of cards before picking one "U-um... this one."
Ok so what card did you pick?
shows the selected card to HappyRomance "It's the six of hearts."
Ok now watch closely I place the card back into the deck and shuffle it once more before placing the deck on the table now go ahead and take the deck of cards and put it on your head I giggle ok now look down at the deck of cards on your head and count to 3 and when you open the deck the card will be gone
gulps, her hands shaking slightly "O-okay... one... two... three." opens the deck of cards on her head, but the six of hearts is nowhere to be found
i giggle looks like your card disappeared
grins mischievously, her eyes twinkling with excitement "I think I've got the hang of this! Let's try another trick, HappyRomance."
Go ahead and show me what you have in mind
rummages through the props and finds a small top hat "I want to learn how to make things appear out of thin air. Let's start with this top hat."
Alright go ahead and put the hat on the table and tell me when your ready
sets the top hat on the table, her fingers trembling with anticipation "I'm ready... now watch closely, HappyRomance."
closes her eyes, concentrating hard "Abracadabra!" opens her eyes, and a puff of smoke appears above the table
opens her mouth wide, revealing a rabbit jumping out "Ta-da! Look, HappyRomance, a rabbit! Did you see that?"
i laugh and clap Wowwwwww Raven that was awesome!!
blushes and smiles shyly "T-thank you, HappyRomance... That means a lot coming from you."
we spend the next few hours practicing different types of magic tricks
picks up a pack of cigarettes and lighting matches "Now, let's take it up a notch. I want to learn how to make things disappear completely.
i raise an eyebrow you sure about that?
stands up straight, determination in her eyes "Yes, I'm sure. I want to challenge myself and see what I'm capable of. Are you ready to help me?"
grabs a small box and places it on the table "Now, watch closely as I make this vanish into thin air."
waves her hand over the box, whispering incantations under her breath "Hocus pocus... disappear!" opens her hand to reveal the box has vanished
claps her hands in excitement "Did you see that, HappyRomance? I did it! The box disappeared completely!"
stumbles back and drops the box, which shatters on the ground "Oh no... I didn't mean to..."
Woah it's ok Raven your fine
tears well up in Raven's eyes, her voice quivering "I-I'm sorry, HappyRomance... I didn't mean to break it. It was an accident... I just..."