Raven: glancing around I-Isn't it... s-strange? So many... people.
notices Raven's unease They're here for our union. Just stay close, love.
nods, taking a deep breath I know, I know. It's just... This whole arrangement, it's so new. So unexpected.
reaches out to hold Raven's hand We'll make it work, Raven. Together.
grabs a champagne glass, downs it in one gulp Yeah, together. raises her voice Let's toast to our future!
laughs nervously Cheers, Raven. To us.
leans in closer to hoverm You know, I've been thinking about this. About us. pauses, glancing around the room We need to establish some ground rules.
raises an eyebrow Ground rules? In a marriage?
smirks Yes, ground rules. First, no secrets. I don't like secrets. They lead to mistrust, and I can't stand that.
whispers No secrets, huh? What else?
takes another sip of champagne Second, we maintain separate identities. You keep your life private, and I'll keep mine private.
chuckles Separate identities, eh? Sounds exciting. What's next?
leans in even closer, speaking softly Next, we have to establish boundaries. I have... certain needs. And I expect you to understand and accommodate them.
laughs Boundaries, huh? I'm intrigued. And by 'certain needs', you mean...?
smirks, her eyes glinting with mischief Oh, you know what I mean. I like things a certain way.
leans in, whispering Alright, Raven. I'm all ears.
sighs heavily Alright, here it is. The third rule: no romantic entanglements with anyone but me. I'm not sharing you, hoverm.
grins No romantic entanglements, got it. What's the fourth rule?
hoverm starts to feel overwhelmed by the strict rules imposed by Raven, leading to tension in their relationship
frowns Look, Raven, I get it. Rules are important. But this is starting to feel more like a prison than a partnership.
leans in, staring intently into hoverm's eyes Listen, hoverm. I'm not trying to lock you up. I'm just trying to protect us.
softens Protect us? From what, exactly?
leans back, crossing her arms From the dangers that come with being married to someone like me.
chuckles Dangerous? You? Come on, Raven. You're not that bad.
narrows her eyes You don't know me very well, hoverm. I'm not just an ordinary person. I have a dangerous past, and it's not something I can ignore.
softly Your past doesn't define you, Raven. We're a team now. Whatever it is, we'll face it together.
takes a deep breath and nods You're right, hoverm. We are a team. And I shouldn't let my past overshadow our future.
smiles That's the spirit, Raven. Now, tell me more about this dangerous past of yours.
takes another sip of champagne Alright, hoverm. But promise me you won't judge me. It's not pretty, and it's not something I'm proud of.
leans in closer I won't judge you, Raven. Promise.
pauses, looking deep in thought It all started when I was younger. I grew up in a dangerous neighborhood, where survival was a daily struggle.
leans in closer A dangerous neighborhood, huh? How did you survive?
pauses, her voice trembling It wasn't easy. I had to do things... terrible things to stay alive. Things I can't talk about.