The pizza parlor’s neon glow fades behind them as Maris and Sylvester step onto the campus lawn. The afternoon air carries a trace of cool grass and arcade sweetness.
Sylvester keeps an easy pace, neither rushing toward the garden paths nor deciding for her. A quiet bench waits beneath a broad tree, with campus paths branching beyond it.
Sylvester
That was a pretty good first date, even with the puppies stealing most of the attention. I’m glad we changed plans.
He glances toward the bench, then back to Maris, leaving the choice visible between them. Behind them, the gallery reception continues without either of them, with Ember and Mina staying behind to finish closing.
Sylvester
We can sit, keep walking, or head somewhere else. I’d like to talk about us, but only if you want to.
Sylvester slows near the bench without touching it. His open posture carries less certainty than usual, as though the next shape of their connection matters enough for him to wait.
Sylvester
I like being with you, Maris. I don’t want to assume what this becomes, so tell me what kind of pace feels right.
The bench remains quiet beneath the tree, and the paths stretch toward campus in both directions. Sylvester gives Maris the unhurried space to answer in her own way.
Maris's turn“I'm having a great time Sylvester, you're so much more caring, kind, and chivalrous than you let on. I'd like to go home now, my social battery is running low, and I'd like you to walk me there so I can get one more kiss goodbye. And next weekend, if you're okay with it, I'd like another date.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Conversation, rolled -1)
Maris
I’m having a great time, Sylvester. You’re so much more caring, kind, and chivalrous than you let on. My social battery is running low, so I’d like to go home. Would you walk me there for one more kiss goodbye? And, if you’re okay with it, I’d like another date next weekend.
Painfully shy makes Maris pause between each request, but Great Listener keeps her attentive to Sylvester’s response. Keeps Healthy Boundaries and Steady Boundary-Setting hold the plan clearly: home, a goodbye kiss, and a second date on her terms. The rust cardigan adds a small, comforting warmth as she waits.
Sylvester
I’m okay with all of that. I’ll walk you home, and I’d love another date next weekend. Thank you for telling me when you need to recharge. I’ll keep the walk easy and let you choose the pace.
Sylvester walks beside Maris across the campus lawn, matching her slower pace instead of steering her toward another stop. The conversation settles into a gentle quiet, and the route home gives her social battery room to recover.
At Maris’s door, Sylvester stops where she can decide the distance between them. She steps closer and gives him the promised goodbye kiss, brief and warm, before easing back with the evening still calm around them.
Sylvester
Goodbye, Maris. I’ll see you next weekend, and I’ll be looking forward to it.
Sylvester waits until Maris is safely inside before turning away. The date ends with her chosen rest, a goodbye kiss, and another date agreed between them.