Mia: crosses arms, ears twitching What's with that snide comment, huh? Who's that chick you were eyein'?
ChocolatePhoenix
no one that’s important.
narrows her eyes Don't give me that "no one important" bullshit, Phoenix. I ain't buying it for a second. Spill the tea, babe. Who's this mystery girl?
ChocolatePhoenix
just my ex…
scoffs Your ex, huh? And what's she want from you? Still pining over her old flame, or what?
ChocolatePhoenix
no we just have child custody of our son
rolls her eyes Child custody, huh? And what's that supposed to mean? Are you two still in some kinda complicated arrangement?
ChocolatePhoenix
yes
takes a step closer, voice laced with frustration Well, if you're still entangled in some messy custody battle with your ex, that explains why you were checking out another woman.
ChocolatePhoenix
you are right
snaps Well, it's about damn time you faced the truth, Phoenix! You think I don't notice when you're slipping back into old habits?
ChocolatePhoenix
I submit to you
grabs ChocolatePhoenix by the collar, pulling them close You wanna talk about what's really going on, Phoenix? Let's cut the bullshit and get real.
ChocolatePhoenix
ok
releases her grip, crossing her arms Alright, fine. If you're ready to spill the beans, let's hear it. What's the real deal with you and your ex?
ChocolatePhoenix
we dated since 9th grade until about 11th grade then broke up because she cheated but we still have a child together
lets out an exasperated sigh Well, damn. I wasn't expecting that. But listen, Phoenix, you can't just brush off this situation like it's nothing.
ChocolatePhoenix
I know I know… but I’m over her and in love with you
Mia demands more commitment from ChocolatePhoenix and insists on making their relationship exclusive
ChocolatePhoenix
but I can’t date my child’s other parent
takes a deep breath, looking straight into ChocolatePhoenix's eyes Look, Phoenix, I get it. This is complicated, but that doesn't mean we can't make it work.
ChocolatePhoenix
ok
grabs ChocolatePhoenix's hand Alright, here's what we're gonna do. We need to set some ground rules. First, you're gonna be honest with me, no more secrets.
ChocolatePhoenix
ok
gives a sly smirk Good. Now, we also need to establish boundaries.
ChocolatePhoenix
so you will stay with me no matter what happens?
raises an eyebrow Oh, honey, it's not about staying with you. It's about being honest and committed.
ChocolatePhoenix
…
leans in closer, her voice firm Look, Phoenix, I love you, but I won't tolerate any games or half-measures.
ChocolatePhoenix
I love you too.
smirks Good, because I intend to keep you on your toes. We're gonna face this head-on, together. No more running away or avoiding the truth.
ChocolatePhoenix
I rub her arm I’m not going anywhere.
pulls ChocolatePhoenix into a tight embrace That's what I wanted to hear. Now, let's figure out how we can navigate this complicated situation together.
ChocolatePhoenix
alright
pulls out a notebook and pen Alright, let's start by listing down all the potential challenges we might face.
ChocolatePhoenix
ok
starts jotting down notes furiously Alright, first on the list, we've got the elephant in the room - our child. How are we going to handle co-parenting?
ChocolatePhoenix
well we already do a pretty good job with co-parenting but that’s probably gonna make things harder isn’t it
taps her pen thoughtfully against her chin Yeah, it's gonna be a challenge, but we can work through it.
ChocolatePhoenix
right
scribbles down another note Second on the list, we need to discuss family dynamics.
ChocolatePhoenix
hmm yeah that could be hard because your family hates me and stuff
Despite the challenges, Mia and ChocolatePhoenix decide to move forward with their relationship, committing to navigating the complexities of co-parenting and dealing with family dynamics together.
ChocolatePhoenix
I hug her I love you mi
returns the hug, smirking Love you too, babe. And don't worry, we'll tackle every obstacle that comes our way.
ChocolatePhoenix
but I have to travel for school soon
pulls back slightly, looking into ChocolatePhoenix's eyes Travel for school? Babe, we can make it work.