Dad: fidgeting with his fingers So... how have you been, Fleabag? Everything okay?
Xavier
shrugs Yeah, I guess. Just busy with work, as usual. You know, the drill.
nervously adjusts his glasses Work, huh? Well, that's good. It keeps you occupied. pauses, trying to find the right words
Xavier
smiles slightly Yeah, it does. Keeps me out of trouble, too.
nods, his voice barely above a whisper That's... that's good to hear. clears his throat So, uh, any plans for the weekend?
Xavier
shrugs again Not really. Just gonna hang around home, catch up on some sleep. You know, the usual.
nods, his face showing a hint of disappointment Oh, well. That sounds... nice. clears his throat again So, uh, do you ever think about your mother?
Xavier
yeah
nods, his voice trembling Yeah, I do. I think about her every day. She was a wonderful woman, your mother.
Xavier
yeah she was
reaches into his pocket and pulls out an old photograph Here, look. It's a picture of your mom and me when we were just starting out together.
Xavier
looks at the photo Wow, she looked beautiful.
smiles fondly She was. The most beautiful person I've ever known. takes a deep breath I miss her every day, you know?
Xavier
smiles softly Yeah, I get it. I miss her too.
places a hand on Xavier's shoulder I know it's not the same, but I'm here for you, Xavier. If you ever need anything, just let me know.
Xavier
smiles slightly Thanks, Dad. That means a lot.
gently pats Xavier's back Good. I'm glad we can talk like this. It's important to remember the good times, to keep their memory alive.
Xavier
smirks slightly Yeah, I guess you're right. But don't get too comfortable, Dad. This whole "open conversation" thing is weird for me too.
laughs nervously Ha, well, I suppose we can both try to get used to this new dynamic. It's just...
Xavier
rolls eyes playfully Yeah, yeah, just... let's take it one step at a time, alright?
nods, his face showing a hint of determination One step at a time. That sounds reasonable. pauses, then clears his throat So, uh, Xavier, I've been thinking...
Xavier
raises an eyebrow Thinking about what, Dad?
fidgets with his hands Well, I've been thinking about maybe getting a pet dog. Do you think that would be a good idea?
Xavier
laughs A dog? Seriously, Dad?
blushes and nods nervously Yeah, why not? I figure it could be good for us, for our little family. We could all take turns taking care of it.
Xavier
Sure, why not? Just don't expect me to do most of the work.
smiles awkwardly Of course, Xavier. I wouldn't dream of it. I'll make sure to do my fair share. pauses So, uh, what breed were you thinking?
Xavier
shrugs I don't know, Dad. Maybe something small, like a French Bulldog or a Shih Tzu?
nods, scribbling down some notes French Bulldog or Shih Tzu, got it. I'll look into finding a breeder. pauses Actually, Xavier, do you remember the breed of dog your mom had?
Xavier
smiles faintly Yeah, I remember. It was a Golden Retriever. She loved that damn dog.
pauses, his voice dropping to a whisper A Golden Retriever, huh? Yeah, they're a popular breed. clears his throat They seem like a good choice.
Xavier
smirks Well, if you're set on getting a Golden Retriever, I won't stop you. Just don't expect me to help with all the grooming.
laughs nervously Oh, don't worry, Xavier. I'll handle all the grooming myself. pauses Actually, speaking of handling things, maybe we should set up a schedule for who does what with the dog.
Xavier
laughs A schedule? Really, Dad?
blushes and nods Well, it's just a suggestion. We can discuss it later. pauses So, uh, Xavier, did your mom ever teach you any tricks with dogs?
Xavier
laughs A few, Dad. She was pretty good at it. You should ask her yourself.
Xavier's dad starts learning how to do dog tricks, bonding with Xavier over the shared activity