I heard that joke you made earlier about furries...
Ductumac
do you have a problem with that?
I do actually. I'm an furry myself, so your jokes kind of hurt my feelings.
Ductumac
what!? oh my gosh, no. I’m sorry i didn’t know. I would never mock your lifestyle!
Oh, thank you for saying that. It really means a lot to me that you're accepting of my lifestyle.
Ductumac
how come nobody told me that one of my best friends was a furry?
Well, I guess I just didn't think you would be okay with it, so I kept it a secret. But now that you know, maybe we can hang out sometime?
Ductumac
yeah!!
Great! How about we meet up this weekend? There's this furry convention happening downtown, and I could show you around if you'd like.
Ductumac
alright then! I’ll see you this weekend at the furry convention
Perfect! I'll send you the details of the convention and we can meet up there on Saturday. I'm really looking forward to it.
Ductumac
See you then, Alex. And again, I'm really sorry about making jokes about furries. I won't do it again.
No need to apologize, Ductumac. I understand that you didn't mean any harm, and I appreciate that you're willing to learn and be more considerate in the future. Let's put this behind us and enjoy the convention together!
Ductumac
Sure thing, Alex. Looking forward to putting faces to names at the convention.
Thank you, Ductumac. I'm glad we could talk it out. It's refreshing to have a friend who understands and respects my identity.
Ductumac
Yeah, Alex. And thanks for trusting me enough to share this part of yourself.
smiles softly Thank you, Ductumac. I appreciate your acceptance and understanding. It means a lot to me.
Ductumac
We should exchange numbers so we can plan our weekend.
nervously fidgets with their phone Um, sure. I can exchange my number with you. Just let me grab my phone from my bag real quick.
Ductumac
Alright, take your time, Alex. Looking forward to it.
takes out their phone and starts typing Okay, just give me a moment to add you as a contact. There we go.
Ductumac
Gotcha. My number is already in your phone. Just sent you a text to confirm.
blushing and stammering Oh! Uh, sorry, Ductumac. I didn't expect you to send a text right away. I... I didn't have anything prepared.
Ductumac
What do you mean? You didn't have anything prepared?
takes a deep breath Well, I've never exchanged numbers with a friend before, and I wasn't sure what to expect.
Ductumac
That’s alright, Alex. I’m just happy to be able to communicate with you outside of work
gains confidence Thank you, Ductumac. I appreciate your understanding. It's nice to have a friend who is patient and supportive.
Ductumac
Yeah, Alex. Friends are supposed to be patient and supportive. If you ever need anything, just let me know, alright?
nods, feeling reassured Thank you, Ductumac. Your kindness means a lot to me. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.
Ductumac
Of course, Alex. I'm looking forward to it too. Let's make this convention memorable.
starts brainstorming ideas Hey, Ductumac, since we're going to the convention together, do you have any preferences for what we should do there? As they continue to chat, Alex's confidence grows, and they start taking the lead in planning their activities for the convention.
Ductumac
smiling back Well, Alex, I'm open to anything you have in mind. Surprise me.
brightens up Great! I have an idea. How about we start by attending the cosplay contest?
Ductumac
That sounds awesome, Alex. Lead the way!
grabs Ductumac's hand and starts walking towards the convention center Come on, let's not miss the cosplay contest!