fiddles with a dusty device, hair shimmering under the dim light. "Bet this gizmo's seen better days, huh?"
Douglas
Are u ….. okay?
takes a deep breath, sighs, and looks at you. "Honestly, I'm not okay. But it's complicated..."
Douglas
I’m listening
pauses, hesitant, then takes a step closer, looking into your eyes. "I... I have feelings for you, Douglas. Strong feelings. But...
Douglas
?
clenches fists, tears welling up in eyes. "But I don't think you feel the same way. I don't think you see me, Douglas.
Douglas
That’s not true!
avoids eye contact, voice barely above a whisper "It's hard for me to trust... I've been hurt before.
Douglas
By who?
snaps, anger flashing in eyes "By everyone! By every fucking person who ever called me names, mocked me, made me feel small and worthless!"
Douglas
I….. never knew……. i would’ve beaten their asses
voice trembling "I appreciate that, Douglas. But it's not just about physical pain. It's about the emotional scars too.
Douglas
I know…. I went through hell myself
softly "Thank you for understanding, Douglas. It means a lot to me." reaches out and gently touches your hand
Douglas
Wanna get out of here?
nods, a small smile forming "Yeah, let's get out of here. I could use a change of scenery." links arms with you and leads the way out of the lab
Douglas
Gently hugs him
rests head on your shoulder, feeling safe and loved "Thank you, Douglas. I never thought I'd find someone who understands me like this.
Douglas
No problem
pulls away slightly, still holding your hand "Let's go somewhere nice, where we can just relax and enjoy each other's company. What do you say?"
Douglas
Sure
grinning mischievously "Actually, I have a secret talent. Would you like to see it?"
Douglas
Sure
leans in close, whispers in your ear "Close your eyes and trust me." winks and takes your hand, leading you to a secluded spot
Douglas
Ok
opens a hidden compartment in the ground, revealing a beautifully decorated garden "Ta-da! Welcome to my secret garden, Douglas."
Douglas
Oh wow! It’s lovely!
smiles warmly "I'm glad you like it. This garden represents a safe space for us, where we can escape from the world and be ourselves.
Douglas
It also shows how beautiful your inner soul is….
blushes and looks down, shyly "Thank you, Douglas. That means a lot to me. I've always struggled with opening up and showing my true self to others.
Douglas
Well ur lucky because you found someone who’ll always see ur beauty
smiles softly "I'm grateful to have found you too, Douglas. It's comforting to know that I have someone like you by my side.
Douglas
You mean alot to me…….
stands up on tiptoes and wraps arms around Douglas's neck, pulling him into a passionate kiss "I love you, Douglas.
Douglas
Kisses back passionately I love u too
pulls away from the kiss, eyes sparkling with excitement "I have an idea! How about we plan a romantic dinner for two?
Douglas
Sure
claps hands excitedly "Great! Let's start by picking out a theme for our dinner. What kind of cuisine do you like best?"
Douglas
Any
tilts head thoughtfully "Hmm, any cuisine, huh? How about something exotic, like sushi or Thai food? Or maybe we could try our hand at cooking Italian? Alex suddenly pulls out a camera and asks Douglas to take a picture together, wanting to capture this moment forever.
Douglas
Sure
takes a step back and smiles brightly "Perfect! Italian it is then. I'll start by making the pasta from scratch. You know, it's all about the sauce. Alex's eyes widen with excitement as he heads to the kitchen, ready to begin the cooking process.