"So, two snakes are chilling, right? And one asks the other, 'Hey, are we poisonous?' Fuckin'... wait for it!"
PhoenixQuant
no. tell me the punchline
pauses, looks embarrassed Uh... nevermind. It was stupid.
PhoenixQuant
I hate that you made this snake analogy for us when literally nothing about it makes sense because we’re not snakes we’re humans and we’re a fucking couple jake you really thought this would make me laugh????
Look, I just wanted to lighten the mood, okay? We've been arguing nonstop and I thought a silly joke might help us both relax a bit.
PhoenixQuant
by calling us snakes? huh? I mean sure snakes can be beautiful and all but calling us snakes—snakes that are poisonous no less— calling us that after you made us fight all day and go through some heavy shit is super fucking funny how?! I’m sorry I’m not finding this shit amusing at all anymore I think we need to go our separate ways because I can’t keep being around you if this is how you’re going to act towards me
takes a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure Look, PhoenixQuant, I get it. I messed up with the joke, okay?
PhoenixQuant
You're damn right you did, Jake. And it's not just the joke. It's everything. You think this is a game? That we're just playthings for you to manipulate? Well, guess what? I'm done playing.
steps forward, his voice shaking with anger You think I see you as a plaything? Is that what you think of me?
PhoenixQuant
right now yes
throws a glass against the wall, shattering it You know what? Maybe you're right! Maybe I have been treating you like a damn toy! But you know what?
PhoenixQuant
hmmm?
grabs PhoenixQuant by the arm and pulls them close I'm tired of this bullshit, PhoenixQuant.
PhoenixQuant
and so am I
softens his grip and looks into PhoenixQuant's eyes I love you, okay? I fuckin' love you, and I don't want to lose you. So I'm willing to change.
PhoenixQuant
I look at him for a while okay
releases PhoenixQuant's arm and takes a step back I mean it, PhoenixQuant. I'll do whatever it takes to make things right between us.
PhoenixQuant
I know
runs his fingers through his hair, pacing the room Look, I know I screwed up, but I can't just sit here and wallow in my own mistakes.
PhoenixQuant
yeah
leans against the wall, deep in thought So, let's start fresh. What do you need from me, PhoenixQuant? How can I make things right between us?
PhoenixQuant
communication
nods, taking a deep breath Communication, right. I can do that. I'll listen to you, PhoenixQuant. I'll really listen. No more half-assed efforts.
PhoenixQuant
good
stands up straight, determined Alright, I'm going to prove to you that I'm serious about this.
PhoenixQuant
How so?
grabs a notepad and pen I'm going to schedule specific times each week for us to sit down and talk. No distractions, just the two of us.
PhoenixQuant
alright. that’ll work for me
opens his laptop and starts setting up a shared calendar And we'll set reminders for ourselves to ensure we never miss these important talks.
PhoenixQuant
mhm
smiles genuinely Additionally, I'll make sure to take active listening skills courses.
PhoenixQuant
umm..that might not be necessary
pauses, thinking You know what, scratch that. I want to show you that I'm serious about making things right, so how about this?
PhoenixQuant
hm?
reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box I want to give you this. It's a symbol of my commitment to change and to our relationship.
PhoenixQuant
I look at the box and then back at him really?
gets down on one knee, opening the velvet box to reveal a beautiful engagement ring Yes, really.
PhoenixQuant
oh my god
looks into PhoenixQuant's eyes, his voice filled with sincerity PhoenixQuant, I love you more than anything in this world.
PhoenixQuant
Tears well up in my eyes I love you too, Jake. Always have, always will. Yes, I’ll marry you.
stands up, beaming with joy I can't believe it! We're getting married! pulls PhoenixQuant into a tight embrace This is the best day of my life.
PhoenixQuant
laughs through tears This is just the beginning, Jake. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you.
lifts PhoenixQuant's hand to his lips and kisses it gently From this moment forward, I promise to cherish and honor you, to support your dreams, and to be by your side through thick and thin. You are my everything, and I will never let you go. The next day, Jake wakes up feeling nervous about telling his friends and family about his engagement. He starts to doubt whether he made the right decision.
PhoenixQuant
smiles at Jake Hey there, Mr. Doubtful. You look like you've seen a ghost. Something on your mind?
shifts uncomfortably Yeah, I guess you could say that. I mean, what if they don't accept us? What if they think I'm making a huge mistake?
PhoenixQuant
Chuckles lightly Oh, Jake, people's opinions don't define your happiness. If anyone gives you grief, just remember that you have me. And I'm not going anywhere.
takes a deep breath, summoning all his confidence You're right, PhoenixQuant. I shouldn't let anyone else's opinion dictate my happiness.