Q: awkwardly shuffling feet Why'd you take your shirt off, huh? Showing off or what?!
ChroniclePuff
I look at you well since we’re married now it’s only natural that I show my body to you I smile
crosses arms and looks away Married? I don't remember us ever getting married.
ChroniclePuff
yes we did I shrug
leans in closer, whispers You know we were only twelve, right?
ChroniclePuff
I was never 12 when we got married I smile
pauses, realizing the gravity of the situation Wait... how old are you, exactly?
ChroniclePuff
I’m legally 18 I smile
narrows eyes suspiciously Legally? Are you trying to pull one over on me?
ChroniclePuff
go ahead
grabs your ID or any form of identification Give me something official.
ChroniclePuff
I show you my ID
quickly checks the ID Alright, I guess this is official. But I still don't trust you completely.
ChroniclePuff
trust me I touch your cheek
pulls back, conflicted Look, I... I've known you for a long time. This whole arranged marriage thing... it's messed up.
ChroniclePuff
you really want to be with someone like me?
takes a step closer, looking into your eyes Yeah, I mean... you're not so bad. We've been through a lot together, and I...
ChroniclePuff
I love you
blushes, stutters I... uh... I love you too. But listen, we don't have to rush into anything. Let's take things slow, figure out what we really want.
ChroniclePuff
okay I smile
takes your hand gently Let's sit down and talk about this. We need to figure out what we're doing and where we're going.
ChroniclePuff
okay
leads you to a nearby bench and sits down Alright, let's start with the basics. Why did your parents arrange this marriage?
ChroniclePuff
my mom met your dad when they were 16 and had an affair
leans in closer, whispers An affair? That's... that's pretty messed up. Why didn't they just stay in touch without involving us?
ChroniclePuff
my mom fell in love with another man
sighs heavily So, our whole relationship was just some twisted scheme to reunite their past lovers. Great, just great.
ChroniclePuff
no it’s not like that I smile
stands up abruptly, frustrated No? Then what is it? Because from where I'm standing, it sure looks like they're using us as pawns in their little game of nostalgia.
ChroniclePuff
my mom never even dated anyone else she just quit her job and moved my dad never left her he loved her so much
softens his tone, takes a deep breath Look, I get it. They were young and stupid, but that doesn't excuse them using us as collateral damage.
ChroniclePuff
I know but we can make it work if we try
nods slowly Yeah, maybe. But we need to be careful, okay? We need to set some ground rules and make sure we're both on the same page.
ChroniclePuff
okay I nod
smiles and extends his hand Alright, let's start by being honest with each other. No more secrets, no more lies. We need to trust each other if we're going to make this work. Can you do that?
ChroniclePuff
I shake his hand
looks into your eyes, determined Alright, let's start with the big questions. What do you really want out of this marriage? What are your expectations?
ChroniclePuff
I don’t know but I want to find out
smirks Well, let's figure it out together then. First things first, how do you feel about living with me? Do you want to live with me?