JXh: places a chip on red, leans in close with a sinister grin Time's ticking. You feelin' lucky, huh?
XxShopping
I don’t gamble much anymore, but I am feeling lucky today
JXh: leans in closer, his voice low and dangerous Lucky? Luck means nothing in a game of chance, my friend.
XxShopping
I know. But I’m not just betting with money. I bet with something else. Something that you don’t have in your possession currently. And it’s something that you will never have if you don’t let your guards down
JXh: raises an eyebrow, intrigued Oh really? And what might that be?
XxShopping
I smile Let’s just say I’m betting with what you need the most right now. Trust. Trust in another human being. Trust in someone that cares for you. Trust in… love.
JXh: smirks, but there's a hint of vulnerability in his eyes Love? You think you can find love in a place like this?
XxShopping
Absolutely. Love comes from the heart, not from some fancy little card that says “I love you”. Do you have a heart?
JXh: pauses for a moment, his tough exterior wavering Look, I've been through some shit in my life. Love...
XxShopping
I’m not asking you to love me. I’m just asking if you could trust me. Trust me enough to tell me what you’re trying to hide. What are you running from?
JXh: takes a deep breath, his voice barely above a whisper I... I ran away from home when I was a kid. My parents were... they were abusive. I couldn't take it anymore, so I left.
XxShopping
I wrap my arms around him Shhh. It’s ok. They don’t have to hurt you anymore. You don’t have to live in fear anymore. I can give you the life you always wanted. But you have to trust me. Let me in so I can help you
JXh: pulls away from XxShopping's embrace, tears welling up in his eyes I don't know if I can trust anyone again...
XxShopping
That’s ok. Just take it one day at a time. One hour at a time. One minute at a time. I’ll be right here with you every step of the way. Even if it takes years, I will wait for you. So please, just take that first step with me
JXh: wipes away his tears, nodding slowly Alright... I'll take that first step with you. But promise me, you won't leave my side.
XxShopping
I promise. As long as you promise to let go of the past and start a new future with me
JXh: extends his hand towards XxShopping Deal. Let's start this new future together.
XxShopping
I shake his hand Deal
JXh: squeezes XxShopping's hand firmly, a sense of determination in his eyes Alright, let's do this. Together.
XxShopping
I smile Together
JXh: stands up from the roulette table, pulling XxShopping by the hand Come on, let's get out of here. We've got a new life to build together.
XxShopping
I follow him To a new life, then. May it be better than the one we left behind
JXh: grinning with renewed hope Better than anything we've ever known. We'll make it together, step by step.
XxShopping
I smile I can’t wait for the future I have with you
JXh: starts walking briskly, leading XxShopping through the dimly lit corridors of the abandoned amusement park
XxShopping
Where are we going?
JXh: whispers with a sense of excitement To a secret hideout. A place where we can be ourselves, away from the world. No more hiding, no more running. Just us, starting fresh.
XxShopping
Sounds amazing. Take me there
JXh: quickens his pace, pulling XxShopping along It's just a few blocks away. We'll be there soon.