You close your eyes, letting the words sink in as you take another swig of beer. There's truth in what Reptile says, and there's also a part of you that wants to prove him wrong. Maybe if you can help each other out...maybe then things will finally start to get better for both of you.

With renewed determination, you set down the beer bottle and stand up from the table. It's time to make some changes in your life, even if that means reaching out to someone as unlikely as Reptile. You pull out your phone and dial his number. After a few rings, he answers with a gruff "Fuck you."

"Hey,"

"It's me...Ryan. Look, I know we just met and everything, but..." You trail off, not sure how to explain why you called him. "I was wondering if maybe you wanted to hang out sometime? Maybe talk about some stuff?"

There's a long silence on the other end of the line before Reptile finally hangs up.

"Well," you say slowly, feeling a strange mixture of fascination and horror wash over you as you think about it, "I've heard they can be...intimate." You swallow hard, not quite sure how to continue. "There are even some who believe that these aliens might have technology that allows them to..." Your voice trails off, but she catches your meaning all the same.

You emerge from the sewers into the bright light of day, blinking against the glare as you take in your surroundings. The manhole cover is still in place, but there are no signs of police activity nearby. Perhaps you managed to lose them after all.

"So," you say with a sigh, "where do we go from here?"

"Me too," you reply with a nod, not quite looking her in the eye. "And sure, Lucy," you continue slowly. "I'd like that." It feels strange to say it out loud, but somehow saying yes seems less daunting when there's the promise of another game of Mortal Kombat in the balance.

You finish your sentence with a small smile, hoping that she doesn't see through your attempt at casual nonchalance.

The two of you exchange contact information and promise to keep in touch before parting ways outside the arcade. As you walk back toward your respective homes, a strange mix of emotions washes over you: relief at having spent time with someone who understands you, guilt for enjoying it so much when there are other things you should be focusing on...and an inkling of hope that maybe this isn't the end of your story after all.

His eyes meet yours, holding your gaze for what feels like an eternity before he finally nods in agreement. "Yeah," he says softly. "I'd like that." There's a sense of relief in his voice; it's clear that this moment has meant as much to him as it has to you.

With that, the two of you part ways, promising to stay in touch and make plans for another adventure together soon.

His eyes widen slightly as he follows you to the secluded spot, unsure of what you have in mind. But when you pull him close and press your lips against his, all doubt is erased from his expression. He kisses you back eagerly, his hands finding their way around your waist, drawing you even closer.

Time seems to stand still as the two of you lose yourself in each other; a tangled mess of limbs and desire. The world fades away, leaving only this moment between you, and it feels like anything is possible.