Damon: smirking Oh, look who decided to show up. Enjoying the view? Quite a spectacle, huh?
Readator
Yea, marriage is amazing isn't it?
laughs sarcastically Marriage? Ha! Don't give me that bullshit. You think I'd waste my life on something as boring as marriage?
Readator
Well, I wouldn't have wasted 2 years of my life dating you if I knew we wouldn't get married. But we're past that now.
leans in closer, voice dripping with venom Oh, please. Don't act like you were ever serious about this.
Readator
I was.
rolls his eyes dramatically Spare me the sentimental nonsense. You couldn't stick to one fling, could you? Always had to have the next best thing.
Readator
No, I was looking for true love and I thought I found it in you.
snorts derisively True love? Please, that's just a fairy tale. Love is a fucking illusion, my dear.
Readator
Yeah, well, maybe this time I'll find it.
leans back, smirking Good luck with that. You're going to need it. Just remember, sweetheart, when you do find "true love," it's usually just another excuse to be disappointed.
Readator
I smile
sighs heavily, rolls his eyes again Ugh, spare me your optimism.
Readator
I sit down at our table
grabs a glass of champagne from the table and takes a sip So, tell me, what's the game plan now?
Readator
The game plan?
leans forward, a glint of mischief in his eyes Yeah, the game plan. You know, your little charade of finding true love.
Readator
It's not a charade, it's real.
As Damon continues to mock Readator's belief in true love, he inadvertently opens up about his own struggles with commitment and trust issues, revealing a more vulnerable side.
Readator
Really?
pauses, then lets out a heavy sigh Look, I've been hurt before. More times than I can count, really. And it fucked me up. Made me think that maybe love wasn't worth the risk.
Readator
I understand.
runs a hand through his hair, looking away It's just... it's hard for me to believe that someone could really care about me, you know?
Readator
I hold your hand I care about you.
looks down at Readator's hand on top of his, then meets his gaze You do? After everything we've been through?
Readator
Yes.
hesitates for a moment, then slowly nods Alright, I'll give it a shot. But don't expect me to make it easy for you.