Date Auction
Main Characters / Extra Characters:
My Characters
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Requirements / Rewards
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Part 1
Danny: I know who I’m bidding on!
You arrive at Aria’s Celebrity Date Auction inside the lavish Sheridan Hotel.
Aria: Squee! I am so so so so sooooo glad you could come, Danny!
Danny: I wouldn’t miss this for the world.
Aria: Are you excited? Because you’re about to bid on the most eligible singles in L.A.! If you win, you’ll go on basically the most romantic date ever, all expenses paid! And of course, all the proceeds go to my Save the Great Barrier Reef foundation, so it’s for a good cause too!
Danny: This sounds too good to be true.
Aria: It so is! I’m hyperventilating because it’s so amazing!
A moment later, Aria takes the stage, standing at a podium off to the side. After a brief introduction…
Aria: Let’s cut to the chase! Bring out our first date!
After several intense bidding sessions on various celebrity dates…
Aria: Next up, you may know him as the director of the Audrey-winning sensation ‘Ruin’… Or as #33 in Starlet Magazine’s sexiest people… Currently a professor at Hollywood U., it is my pleasure to present our next date, Thomas Hunt!
A spotlight finds Hunt as he walks out onto the middle of the stage.
Thomas Hunt: …
Aria: Hot damn! Er, I mean… ahem. Let’s start the bidding at 5!
You raise your hand.
Aria: Danny with the first bid!
Hunt scowls at you.
Thomas Hunt: I didn’t realize this would be open to my students!
In the crowd, Bianca raises her hand to bid, much to Lance’s dismay.
Lance Sergio: What are you doing, B? I’m right here!
Bianca: Uh, it’s for charity. Totally just for charity. I bid 100!
Aria: 100 to the girl with the fake tan.
Bianca: Hey!
You and Bianca bid back and forth in increments of five until… Bianca shoots you a wicked grin and raises her hand.
Bianca: 150!
Everyone gasps!
Aria: A big bid from Fake Tan! Danny? A counter-bid…?
Danny: …
Aria: Going once, going twice…
Danny: I bid 215!
A wave of shock ripples through the crowd!
Bianca: 215?! I mean… whatever. Danny can have him. I didn’t really want him anyway.
Lance Sergio: What? You didn’t?
Bianca: No! Figure it out! I was just trying to drive the price up!
Lance Sergio: So then… you do love me after all!
Bianca: Yeah… that’s it. For sure.
Aria: Sold to Danny for 215! Congratulations, you’ve got yourself a date with a seriously hot guy!
Rewards
Hunt storms over to Aria…
Thomas Hunt: I did not agree to this! Keep the bidding open.
Aria: I’m sorry. That’s not how this works.
Thomas Hunt: If it’s about money, then I’ll pay double the winning bid not to go on the date with Danny.
Aria: Well, donations are always welcome! But you’re still obligated to go. You signed the contract, remember?
Thomas Hunt: And if I refuse?
Aria: What? You can’t refuse! You have to go on the date, Mr. Hot! Er, I mean, Mr. Hunt! That’s final.
Hunt sighs, turning toward you, resignation in his eyes.
Thomas Hunt: Okay, then… where do we start this nightmare?
Danny: Aww. That’s my dream guy. And we start by taking a romantic picture in the next room over.
Part 2
Thomas Hunt: Let’s just get this photo over with.
Hunt rushes you into the adjoining room, where a professional photography studio is set up.
Danny: In a hurry, Professor?
Thomas Hunt: The sooner this night’s over, the sooner you can stop entertaining foolish fantasies.
Danny: You do realize I have you for the entire night, right?
Thomas Hunt: Contractually, until midnight. But that doesn’t mean I have to endure this farce the entire time. Once we knock out this date’s required activities, we’ll find a place where I can quietly erase the memory of tonight one drink at a time.
Danny: Careful now. Keep talking like that, and I might swoon.
The photographer arranges you into position for the first picture and places Hunt’s hand on your waist. Hunt removes it immediately.
Danny: This is supposed to be a romantic picture, you know? You might actually have to touch me.
Thomas Hunt: I’ll do as I please.
Danny: Grr… that’s it! Come here!
You pull Hunt away from the photographer…
Danny: What’s the matter with you?! This is the perfect cover! You can treat this like a real date and no one will ever know that you actually have feelings for me.
Thomas Hunt: I don’t--
Danny: And don’t tell me you don’t have feelings for me, because I know you do. You proved that at the masquerade and again on the movie set.
Thomas Hunt: I might have been mildly confused during the masquerade, but I made my feelings clear on the set.
Danny: Clearer than you think, Professor.
Thomas Hunt: I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not sure what you’re expecting, but nothing happened between us before, and nothing’s happening now.
Danny: I’m not asking for anything crazy. I’m just asking you to take a picture you are contractually obligated to take!
Thomas Hunt: You’re asking for more. You’re always asking for more.
Danny: Fine. I guess I’m also asking you to make it look like you aren’t repulsed by me. Think of it as your greatest acting challenge.
Hunt makes a small, almost imperceptible growling sound. Then…
Thomas Hunt: Very well. I’ll touch you an appropriate amount for this illusion.
Danny: Easy there, Casanova. You might give me ideas.
You and Hunt return to the photographer, and she takes a few pictures of Hunt holding you around your waist. Afterwards, she points out some costumes and asks you to choose from a number of different themes…
Danny: Looks like we could be superheroes, vampires, wild west outlaws, or royalty.
Thomas Hunt: How about none of the above?
Danny: Come on, let’s dress up as royalty.
After some arm-twisting, you manage to convince Hunt to dress like a king.
Thomas Hunt: Only because it’s for charity.
Danny: You look so dignified in those royal robes.
Thomas Hunt: And you look… ahem, well, never mind.
Danny: Did you just almost compliment me?
Thomas Hunt: Never mind.
You take several pictures together, including one where you kiss Hunt on the cheek.
Rewards
Afterwards, Hunt quickly gets out of his costume.
Thomas Hunt: Is it midnight yet?
Danny: Relax. It’s like 7:30.
Thomas Hunt: This night’s never going to end. What’s next?
Danny: Temper, temper. Next up is dinner.
Thomas Hunt: Would it be asking too much for this dinner to be tastefully understated?
Danny: Ooh. You’re totally going to hate this.
Part 3
Thomas Hunt: It’s just dinner, Danny. Don’t turn this into anything more than that.
You and Hunt sit down in a secluded corner of the French restaurant, Chateau de Rose. A fountain bubbles nearby as a trio of violinists strolls among the white-clothed tables.
Danny: Welcome to the most romantic date spot in all of L.A.!
Thomas Hunt: I swore I’d never come here again.
Danny: Wait… you’ve been here before?
Thomas Hunt: A long time ago. I don’t want to talk about it.
Danny: Was the food that bad?
Thomas Hunt: I said I don’t want to talk about it. Is that so hard to understand?
Danny: Hey, I’m just trying to have an actual conversation with you.
Thomas Hunt: Is that what you want out of this, Danny? A conversation?
Danny: No.
Thomas Hunt: What then? What is it you’re actually after? Please enlighten me.
Danny: I want you to give us a shot. A real shot. No regrets.
Thomas Hunt: You mean actual dating? That’s never going to happen. Mostly because I’m--
Danny: My professor. I know, I know. But it doesn’t have to be public. We can date in secret.
Thomas Hunt: You’re dreaming. I’m not interested.
Danny: Maybe I am dreaming, but is it so hard to imagine us actually saying what we feel? Actually acting on those feelings? Doing the things that couples do…
Thomas Hunt: You mean…?
Danny: …kissing.
Thomas Hunt: That’s not happening.
Danny: So quick to dismiss. Come on, Professor… it’s just one little kiss in the secluded corner of a restaurant where no one will see. What are you afraid of?
Thomas Hunt: I’m not afraid.
Danny: Well then? What are you waiting for?
Hunt shifts his weight in his seat. At long last…
Thomas Hunt: Fine. You want a kiss? I’ll give you a kiss. But only to prove that there’s nothing between us and end your fantasy once and for all. It will be an empty, hollow, meaningless kiss.
Danny: You’re stalling…
Thomas Hunt: I’m not stalling.
Hunt leans across the table. You lean across to meet him, his lips just a breath from yours…
Time - 4 hours
Hunt leans forward to kiss you… you close your eyes, waiting, anticipating this moment in your whole body, from your lips down to the very tips of your toes… …but the moment doesn’t come. You open your eyes, and see Hunt staring wide-eyed at something over your shoulder.
Danny: What is it?
You turn. On the wall just over your shoulder is a picture of Hunt, smiling at a woman sitting across from him. They seem happy together.
Thomas Hunt: I don’t believe it…
Danny: Who’s this girl in the picture with you?
Thomas Hunt: Her name’s Yvonne. We used to come here… way back when.
Danny: And what’s going on with your mouth in this picture?
Thomas Hunt: I’m smiling, Danny!
Danny: Oh. Heh. I didn’t know you did that ever.
Thomas Hunt: Very funny.
Danny: So… who was she?
Thomas Hunt: She was… a good friend. We were inseparable.
Danny: You mean… you two were in love?
Hunt’s demeanor shifts.
Thomas Hunt: Never mind. You know enough.
Rewards
Danny: Really? That’s all you’re going to tell me?
Thomas Hunt: Yes. Don’t bring it up again.
Danny: And the kiss?
Thomas Hunt: Kiss? What kiss?
Danny: You were about to kiss me. As insignificant as that might be to you…
Thomas Hunt: That was a bad idea. A temporary moment of--
Danny: Weakness. I know. I remember that particular phrase.
Thomas Hunt: It would lead you on, Danny, and I can’t entertain your delusions. Now where do we have to go next?
Danny: The aquarium. Part of Aria’s Save-The-Reef theme.
Thomas Hunt: Then let’s go.
Danny: We haven’t even had dessert yet!
Thomas Hunt: Too bad. We’re leaving.
Part 4
Thomas Hunt: Good. We can wrap things up at the aquarium…
For the last phase of the date, you and Hunt arrive at the aquarium, which has been kept open after hours.
Danny: This is so cool!
Thomas Hunt: It’s admittedly interesting.
Danny: I’m thinking we should check out the sea turtles, the jellyfish, and then the otters.
Thomas Hunt: Whatever.
You and Hunt explore the exhibits. After, you see a sign for the ‘Underwater Encounter’ and decide to head over.
Danny: Well, what do you think so far?
Thomas Hunt: The turtles were boring. The jellyfish were even worse. The otters were… acceptable.
Danny: Wow. For you, that’s a rave review.
A moment later, you’re both standing in a glass tunnel within an enormous tank. All around you, the water is brimming with coral, kelp, and brightly colored fish.
Danny: It’s like we’re in the ocean. It’s so beautiful.
Thomas Hunt: It really is.
Hunt stares out into the water, lost in thought…
Thomas Hunt: You wanted to know if Yvonne and I were in love, Danny?
Danny: Finally, he speaks. And yes, I do.
Thomas Hunt: Well, we were deeply in love.
Danny: Oh. Not that I’m mad or anything, quite the opposite actually, but why are you suddenly okay talking about this now?
Thomas Hunt: Because being here reminded mw how much she would have loved this place. The water, the animals, the quiet. It all reminded me of what she was like. And she would want me to tell you about her. About us.
Danny: What did you love about her?
Thomas Hunt: Everything. She was adventurous and spirited. Unbreakable under pressure. You think I can dish it out? Well, she served it up fierce. We were both film students. She’d transferred over from Spain for the year. And it was a hell of a year.
Danny: So, if you don’t mind me asking… what happened between you two?
Thomas Hunt: The short version? Her year was up. She had an old boyfriend back in Spain, and I knew they’d end up married if she went back… I… I wanted her to run away with me. We were supposed to meet at a bus stop near campus the night before her plane left. But I never showed up. So she left and married him. They have a family together now…
Danny: Why didn’t you meet her?
Thomas Hunt: My career was too important. That decision not to meet her… it ruined me for a while. Deep regret can destroy a man from the inside, Danny.
He bows his head, and you put your hand on his back…
Danny: It’s okay, Thomas. Something tells me you’re stronger because of it.
He looks up at you, and you’re suddenly aware of just how close the two of you are… You can feel the warmth from his body beside yours, and it feels as though some unseen force is pulling you in toward him…
Time - 6 hours
You feel yourself pulled in toward Hunt… You kiss him, your lips touching gently, and for one moment, you feel a spark… You feel him kissing you back… but then, he pulls away.
Thomas Hunt: Danny… we just can’t.
Reward
A maintenance man walks by. Hunt stands up, straightening his tie.
Thomas Hunt: I believe the date is over now.
Danny: Nice try. It’s not. Like I told you earlier, I’ve got you until midnight.
Thomas Hunt: Fine then. We’ll go drink somewhere and run the clock out. Just as I planned.
Danny: I see. I guess the old Hunt is back then.
Thomas Hunt: What do you mean?
Danny: Never mind. Let’s just go.
Part 5
Thomas Hunt: Let’s end this travesty of a night.
You and Hunt arrive at Pudley’s, a popular chain restaurant.
Danny: Really? Pudley’s?
Thomas Hunt: It’s the least romantic place I could think of.
He takes seat at the bar, and you sit next to him. Some frat guys are nearby, shouting at a game on TV.
Danny: Friends of yours?
Thomas Hunt: Don’t talk to me anymore, okay?
Danny: Did I say something offensive? Are you acting particularly grumpy for a reason?
Thomas Hunt: You’re making this harder than it has to be. Let’s just end tonight as pain-free as possible. In silence.
One of the frat guys overhears, turning his attention toward you.
Luke: Hey, what’s going on? That’s no way to talk to someone. Make sure this guy treats you with respect, okay?!
Thomas Hunt: I do respect Danny. You have no idea what you’re talking about.
Luke: What? What’d you say, poindexter?
Thomas Hunt: I don’t have time to waste energy on simpletons. It’s more complicated than you think, okay?
Luke: Whatever. Why don’t you go do someone’s taxes, Grandpa Nerd?
Danny: I’ll have to remember that insult the next time you’re bothering me, Hunt.
Thomas Hunt: Just ignore him.
He stops paying attention to you and resumes joking around with his buddies. A few minutes later, the clock strikes twelve. Hunt gets up from his stool.
Thomas Hunt: I’d say it was a lovely evening, but it wasn’t.
Danny: You’re just going to leave?
Thomas Hunt: Yes. I told you my plan.
He starts to walk away…
Danny: You know, you told me this story about regret, and it’s really sad and touching… but have you actually learned anything from it? If you walk out of that door, aren’t you going to regret not pursuing what’s in your heart? Not giving us a shot?
Thomas Hunt: If I lost my job for giving us a shot, I’ll regret it so much more.
Danny: Are you sure about that?
Thomas Hunt: I’m sure.
He heads out of the bar. You’re expecting him to turn around, to do something, but he just… leaves.
Danny: I guess… I guess it’s over.
You sit there and finish your drink, contemplating what life is going to be like without Thomas Hunt… You sit there and finish your drink, contemplating what life is going to be like without Thomas Hunt… …when you smell something foul next to you.
Luke: Hey there! Don’t worry about that guy! I’ve been watching you all night, and you’re too good for him. Did you hear me? You’re too good for him. It’s a compliment.
Danny: I heard you, and I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m not interested…
Luke: And you sure? Because that’s not the vibe I’m getting. I’m getting a different kind of--
Danny: Listen, whatever your name is--
Luke: Luke!
Danny: Listen, Luke, I’m not interested. Got it?
Luke: Well, what the hell? Don’t tell me you’re into Grandpa Nerd? What’s he got that I don’t?
He starts moving in closer toward you…
Time - 8 hours
Luke’s anger rises…
Luke: What’s he got that I don’t? Huh?!
He gets close to you. You slap him, and his eyes fill with rage.
Luke: Don’t be like that!
He moves toward you again, when…
Thomas Hunt: You heard what Danny said!
Hunt is in between you and Luke in an instant, his fists clenched!
Luke: You’re messing with the wrong guy, Grandpa!
Luke punches Hunt in the jaw, but Hunt just glares at him.
Thomas Hunt: Is that the best you’ve got?! Because I’m a goddamn professor!
Hunt cocks back a fist and decks Luke, seconding him sprawling across the bar stools, out cold.
Rewards
Danny: Hunt, that was… that was amazing!
Hunt turns and pulls you out of the restaurant. Blood trickles out of a cut on his mouth.
Thomas Hunt: Are you okay?
Danny: Shouldn’t I be asking you that?
Thomas Hunt: I don’t care about me! Are you okay?
Danny: Yeah, I’m fine. But you’re the one who’s bleeding.
Thomas Hunt: I am?
Danny: Come on… let’s get you fixed up.
Part 6
Thomas Hunt: Are you okay, Danny?
Back on campus, you’re in Hunt’s office, tending to the bruise on his hand and the cut on his lip.
Thomas Hunt: Ow. That stings.
Danny: Don’t be such a baby.
Thomas Hunt: Maybe if you were a more qualified nurse.
Danny: Hey, I can always kiss it to make it better.
Thomas glares at you. After a brief silence…
Thomas Hunt: I don’t think either of us imagined tonight ending up like this. That guy as a complete neanderthal.
Danny: For sure.
Thomas Hunt: And you’re positive you’re okay?
Danny: Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. It’s just…
Thomas Hunt: What is it?
Danny: There’s something I have to ask you…
Thomas Hunt: What do you want to ask me, Danny?
Danny: Well, it’s not like that Luke guy hit on me as you were leaving…
Thomas Hunt: Right.
Danny: You’d been gone for a while… and before you left, I asked if you’d regret not giving us a shot.
Thomas Hunt: I remember.
Danny: I’m just wondering… Why’d you comeback, Thomas?
Thomas Hunt: …
Rewards
Thomas Hunt: I…
You press some ice against his lip. he winces… …and then he puts his hand on yours, looking into your eyes.
Thomas Hunt: We all have our weaknesses… You’re mine, Danny.
He wraps his arms around you and pulls you close. You stay like that for a long time, not wanting the moment to ever end…
Danny: I know who I’m bidding on!
- Preview!
- Spend 215 Diamonds
You arrive at Aria’s Celebrity Date Auction inside the lavish Sheridan Hotel.
Aria: Squee! I am so so so so sooooo glad you could come, Danny!
Danny: I wouldn’t miss this for the world.
Aria: Are you excited? Because you’re about to bid on the most eligible singles in L.A.! If you win, you’ll go on basically the most romantic date ever, all expenses paid! And of course, all the proceeds go to my Save the Great Barrier Reef foundation, so it’s for a good cause too!
Danny: This sounds too good to be true.
Aria: It so is! I’m hyperventilating because it’s so amazing!
A moment later, Aria takes the stage, standing at a podium off to the side. After a brief introduction…
Aria: Let’s cut to the chase! Bring out our first date!
After several intense bidding sessions on various celebrity dates…
Aria: Next up, you may know him as the director of the Audrey-winning sensation ‘Ruin’… Or as #33 in Starlet Magazine’s sexiest people… Currently a professor at Hollywood U., it is my pleasure to present our next date, Thomas Hunt!
A spotlight finds Hunt as he walks out onto the middle of the stage.
Thomas Hunt: …
Aria: Hot damn! Er, I mean… ahem. Let’s start the bidding at 5!
You raise your hand.
Aria: Danny with the first bid!
Hunt scowls at you.
Thomas Hunt: I didn’t realize this would be open to my students!
In the crowd, Bianca raises her hand to bid, much to Lance’s dismay.
Lance Sergio: What are you doing, B? I’m right here!
Bianca: Uh, it’s for charity. Totally just for charity. I bid 100!
Aria: 100 to the girl with the fake tan.
Bianca: Hey!
You and Bianca bid back and forth in increments of five until… Bianca shoots you a wicked grin and raises her hand.
Bianca: 150!
Everyone gasps!
Aria: A big bid from Fake Tan! Danny? A counter-bid…?
Danny: …
Aria: Going once, going twice…
Danny: I bid 215!
A wave of shock ripples through the crowd!
Bianca: 215?! I mean… whatever. Danny can have him. I didn’t really want him anyway.
Lance Sergio: What? You didn’t?
Bianca: No! Figure it out! I was just trying to drive the price up!
Lance Sergio: So then… you do love me after all!
Bianca: Yeah… that’s it. For sure.
Aria: Sold to Danny for 215! Congratulations, you’ve got yourself a date with a seriously hot guy!
Rewards
- none
Hunt storms over to Aria…
Thomas Hunt: I did not agree to this! Keep the bidding open.
Aria: I’m sorry. That’s not how this works.
Thomas Hunt: If it’s about money, then I’ll pay double the winning bid not to go on the date with Danny.
Aria: Well, donations are always welcome! But you’re still obligated to go. You signed the contract, remember?
Thomas Hunt: And if I refuse?
Aria: What? You can’t refuse! You have to go on the date, Mr. Hot! Er, I mean, Mr. Hunt! That’s final.
Hunt sighs, turning toward you, resignation in his eyes.
Thomas Hunt: Okay, then… where do we start this nightmare?
Danny: Aww. That’s my dream guy. And we start by taking a romantic picture in the next room over.
Part 2
Thomas Hunt: Let’s just get this photo over with.
- Picture Time!
Hunt rushes you into the adjoining room, where a professional photography studio is set up.
Danny: In a hurry, Professor?
Thomas Hunt: The sooner this night’s over, the sooner you can stop entertaining foolish fantasies.
Danny: You do realize I have you for the entire night, right?
Thomas Hunt: Contractually, until midnight. But that doesn’t mean I have to endure this farce the entire time. Once we knock out this date’s required activities, we’ll find a place where I can quietly erase the memory of tonight one drink at a time.
Danny: Careful now. Keep talking like that, and I might swoon.
The photographer arranges you into position for the first picture and places Hunt’s hand on your waist. Hunt removes it immediately.
Danny: This is supposed to be a romantic picture, you know? You might actually have to touch me.
Thomas Hunt: I’ll do as I please.
Danny: Grr… that’s it! Come here!
You pull Hunt away from the photographer…
Danny: What’s the matter with you?! This is the perfect cover! You can treat this like a real date and no one will ever know that you actually have feelings for me.
Thomas Hunt: I don’t--
Danny: And don’t tell me you don’t have feelings for me, because I know you do. You proved that at the masquerade and again on the movie set.
Thomas Hunt: I might have been mildly confused during the masquerade, but I made my feelings clear on the set.
Danny: Clearer than you think, Professor.
Thomas Hunt: I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not sure what you’re expecting, but nothing happened between us before, and nothing’s happening now.
Danny: I’m not asking for anything crazy. I’m just asking you to take a picture you are contractually obligated to take!
Thomas Hunt: You’re asking for more. You’re always asking for more.
Danny: Fine. I guess I’m also asking you to make it look like you aren’t repulsed by me. Think of it as your greatest acting challenge.
Hunt makes a small, almost imperceptible growling sound. Then…
Thomas Hunt: Very well. I’ll touch you an appropriate amount for this illusion.
Danny: Easy there, Casanova. You might give me ideas.
You and Hunt return to the photographer, and she takes a few pictures of Hunt holding you around your waist. Afterwards, she points out some costumes and asks you to choose from a number of different themes…
Danny: Looks like we could be superheroes, vampires, wild west outlaws, or royalty.
Thomas Hunt: How about none of the above?
Danny: Come on, let’s dress up as royalty.
After some arm-twisting, you manage to convince Hunt to dress like a king.
Thomas Hunt: Only because it’s for charity.
Danny: You look so dignified in those royal robes.
Thomas Hunt: And you look… ahem, well, never mind.
Danny: Did you just almost compliment me?
Thomas Hunt: Never mind.
You take several pictures together, including one where you kiss Hunt on the cheek.
Rewards
- 525 Cash
Afterwards, Hunt quickly gets out of his costume.
Thomas Hunt: Is it midnight yet?
Danny: Relax. It’s like 7:30.
Thomas Hunt: This night’s never going to end. What’s next?
Danny: Temper, temper. Next up is dinner.
Thomas Hunt: Would it be asking too much for this dinner to be tastefully understated?
Danny: Ooh. You’re totally going to hate this.
Part 3
Thomas Hunt: It’s just dinner, Danny. Don’t turn this into anything more than that.
- Danny
You and Hunt sit down in a secluded corner of the French restaurant, Chateau de Rose. A fountain bubbles nearby as a trio of violinists strolls among the white-clothed tables.
Danny: Welcome to the most romantic date spot in all of L.A.!
Thomas Hunt: I swore I’d never come here again.
Danny: Wait… you’ve been here before?
Thomas Hunt: A long time ago. I don’t want to talk about it.
Danny: Was the food that bad?
Thomas Hunt: I said I don’t want to talk about it. Is that so hard to understand?
Danny: Hey, I’m just trying to have an actual conversation with you.
Thomas Hunt: Is that what you want out of this, Danny? A conversation?
Danny: No.
Thomas Hunt: What then? What is it you’re actually after? Please enlighten me.
Danny: I want you to give us a shot. A real shot. No regrets.
Thomas Hunt: You mean actual dating? That’s never going to happen. Mostly because I’m--
Danny: My professor. I know, I know. But it doesn’t have to be public. We can date in secret.
Thomas Hunt: You’re dreaming. I’m not interested.
Danny: Maybe I am dreaming, but is it so hard to imagine us actually saying what we feel? Actually acting on those feelings? Doing the things that couples do…
Thomas Hunt: You mean…?
Danny: …kissing.
Thomas Hunt: That’s not happening.
Danny: So quick to dismiss. Come on, Professor… it’s just one little kiss in the secluded corner of a restaurant where no one will see. What are you afraid of?
Thomas Hunt: I’m not afraid.
Danny: Well then? What are you waiting for?
Hunt shifts his weight in his seat. At long last…
Thomas Hunt: Fine. You want a kiss? I’ll give you a kiss. But only to prove that there’s nothing between us and end your fantasy once and for all. It will be an empty, hollow, meaningless kiss.
Danny: You’re stalling…
Thomas Hunt: I’m not stalling.
Hunt leans across the table. You lean across to meet him, his lips just a breath from yours…
Time - 4 hours
Hunt leans forward to kiss you… you close your eyes, waiting, anticipating this moment in your whole body, from your lips down to the very tips of your toes… …but the moment doesn’t come. You open your eyes, and see Hunt staring wide-eyed at something over your shoulder.
Danny: What is it?
You turn. On the wall just over your shoulder is a picture of Hunt, smiling at a woman sitting across from him. They seem happy together.
Thomas Hunt: I don’t believe it…
Danny: Who’s this girl in the picture with you?
Thomas Hunt: Her name’s Yvonne. We used to come here… way back when.
Danny: And what’s going on with your mouth in this picture?
Thomas Hunt: I’m smiling, Danny!
Danny: Oh. Heh. I didn’t know you did that ever.
Thomas Hunt: Very funny.
Danny: So… who was she?
Thomas Hunt: She was… a good friend. We were inseparable.
Danny: You mean… you two were in love?
Hunt’s demeanor shifts.
Thomas Hunt: Never mind. You know enough.
Rewards
- 60 Cash
Danny: Really? That’s all you’re going to tell me?
Thomas Hunt: Yes. Don’t bring it up again.
Danny: And the kiss?
Thomas Hunt: Kiss? What kiss?
Danny: You were about to kiss me. As insignificant as that might be to you…
Thomas Hunt: That was a bad idea. A temporary moment of--
Danny: Weakness. I know. I remember that particular phrase.
Thomas Hunt: It would lead you on, Danny, and I can’t entertain your delusions. Now where do we have to go next?
Danny: The aquarium. Part of Aria’s Save-The-Reef theme.
Thomas Hunt: Then let’s go.
Danny: We haven’t even had dessert yet!
Thomas Hunt: Too bad. We’re leaving.
Part 4
Thomas Hunt: Good. We can wrap things up at the aquarium…
- Danny
For the last phase of the date, you and Hunt arrive at the aquarium, which has been kept open after hours.
Danny: This is so cool!
Thomas Hunt: It’s admittedly interesting.
Danny: I’m thinking we should check out the sea turtles, the jellyfish, and then the otters.
Thomas Hunt: Whatever.
You and Hunt explore the exhibits. After, you see a sign for the ‘Underwater Encounter’ and decide to head over.
Danny: Well, what do you think so far?
Thomas Hunt: The turtles were boring. The jellyfish were even worse. The otters were… acceptable.
Danny: Wow. For you, that’s a rave review.
A moment later, you’re both standing in a glass tunnel within an enormous tank. All around you, the water is brimming with coral, kelp, and brightly colored fish.
Danny: It’s like we’re in the ocean. It’s so beautiful.
Thomas Hunt: It really is.
Hunt stares out into the water, lost in thought…
Thomas Hunt: You wanted to know if Yvonne and I were in love, Danny?
Danny: Finally, he speaks. And yes, I do.
Thomas Hunt: Well, we were deeply in love.
Danny: Oh. Not that I’m mad or anything, quite the opposite actually, but why are you suddenly okay talking about this now?
Thomas Hunt: Because being here reminded mw how much she would have loved this place. The water, the animals, the quiet. It all reminded me of what she was like. And she would want me to tell you about her. About us.
Danny: What did you love about her?
Thomas Hunt: Everything. She was adventurous and spirited. Unbreakable under pressure. You think I can dish it out? Well, she served it up fierce. We were both film students. She’d transferred over from Spain for the year. And it was a hell of a year.
Danny: So, if you don’t mind me asking… what happened between you two?
Thomas Hunt: The short version? Her year was up. She had an old boyfriend back in Spain, and I knew they’d end up married if she went back… I… I wanted her to run away with me. We were supposed to meet at a bus stop near campus the night before her plane left. But I never showed up. So she left and married him. They have a family together now…
Danny: Why didn’t you meet her?
Thomas Hunt: My career was too important. That decision not to meet her… it ruined me for a while. Deep regret can destroy a man from the inside, Danny.
He bows his head, and you put your hand on his back…
Danny: It’s okay, Thomas. Something tells me you’re stronger because of it.
He looks up at you, and you’re suddenly aware of just how close the two of you are… You can feel the warmth from his body beside yours, and it feels as though some unseen force is pulling you in toward him…
Time - 6 hours
You feel yourself pulled in toward Hunt… You kiss him, your lips touching gently, and for one moment, you feel a spark… You feel him kissing you back… but then, he pulls away.
Thomas Hunt: Danny… we just can’t.
Reward
- 3 Diamonds
A maintenance man walks by. Hunt stands up, straightening his tie.
Thomas Hunt: I believe the date is over now.
Danny: Nice try. It’s not. Like I told you earlier, I’ve got you until midnight.
Thomas Hunt: Fine then. We’ll go drink somewhere and run the clock out. Just as I planned.
Danny: I see. I guess the old Hunt is back then.
Thomas Hunt: What do you mean?
Danny: Never mind. Let’s just go.
Part 5
Thomas Hunt: Let’s end this travesty of a night.
- Danny
You and Hunt arrive at Pudley’s, a popular chain restaurant.
Danny: Really? Pudley’s?
Thomas Hunt: It’s the least romantic place I could think of.
He takes seat at the bar, and you sit next to him. Some frat guys are nearby, shouting at a game on TV.
Danny: Friends of yours?
Thomas Hunt: Don’t talk to me anymore, okay?
Danny: Did I say something offensive? Are you acting particularly grumpy for a reason?
Thomas Hunt: You’re making this harder than it has to be. Let’s just end tonight as pain-free as possible. In silence.
One of the frat guys overhears, turning his attention toward you.
Luke: Hey, what’s going on? That’s no way to talk to someone. Make sure this guy treats you with respect, okay?!
Thomas Hunt: I do respect Danny. You have no idea what you’re talking about.
Luke: What? What’d you say, poindexter?
Thomas Hunt: I don’t have time to waste energy on simpletons. It’s more complicated than you think, okay?
Luke: Whatever. Why don’t you go do someone’s taxes, Grandpa Nerd?
Danny: I’ll have to remember that insult the next time you’re bothering me, Hunt.
Thomas Hunt: Just ignore him.
He stops paying attention to you and resumes joking around with his buddies. A few minutes later, the clock strikes twelve. Hunt gets up from his stool.
Thomas Hunt: I’d say it was a lovely evening, but it wasn’t.
Danny: You’re just going to leave?
Thomas Hunt: Yes. I told you my plan.
He starts to walk away…
Danny: You know, you told me this story about regret, and it’s really sad and touching… but have you actually learned anything from it? If you walk out of that door, aren’t you going to regret not pursuing what’s in your heart? Not giving us a shot?
Thomas Hunt: If I lost my job for giving us a shot, I’ll regret it so much more.
Danny: Are you sure about that?
Thomas Hunt: I’m sure.
He heads out of the bar. You’re expecting him to turn around, to do something, but he just… leaves.
Danny: I guess… I guess it’s over.
You sit there and finish your drink, contemplating what life is going to be like without Thomas Hunt… You sit there and finish your drink, contemplating what life is going to be like without Thomas Hunt… …when you smell something foul next to you.
Luke: Hey there! Don’t worry about that guy! I’ve been watching you all night, and you’re too good for him. Did you hear me? You’re too good for him. It’s a compliment.
Danny: I heard you, and I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m not interested…
Luke: And you sure? Because that’s not the vibe I’m getting. I’m getting a different kind of--
Danny: Listen, whatever your name is--
Luke: Luke!
Danny: Listen, Luke, I’m not interested. Got it?
Luke: Well, what the hell? Don’t tell me you’re into Grandpa Nerd? What’s he got that I don’t?
He starts moving in closer toward you…
Time - 8 hours
Luke’s anger rises…
Luke: What’s he got that I don’t? Huh?!
He gets close to you. You slap him, and his eyes fill with rage.
Luke: Don’t be like that!
He moves toward you again, when…
Thomas Hunt: You heard what Danny said!
Hunt is in between you and Luke in an instant, his fists clenched!
Luke: You’re messing with the wrong guy, Grandpa!
Luke punches Hunt in the jaw, but Hunt just glares at him.
Thomas Hunt: Is that the best you’ve got?! Because I’m a goddamn professor!
Hunt cocks back a fist and decks Luke, seconding him sprawling across the bar stools, out cold.
Rewards
- 750 Cash
Danny: Hunt, that was… that was amazing!
Hunt turns and pulls you out of the restaurant. Blood trickles out of a cut on his mouth.
Thomas Hunt: Are you okay?
Danny: Shouldn’t I be asking you that?
Thomas Hunt: I don’t care about me! Are you okay?
Danny: Yeah, I’m fine. But you’re the one who’s bleeding.
Thomas Hunt: I am?
Danny: Come on… let’s get you fixed up.
Part 6
Thomas Hunt: Are you okay, Danny?
- Tend To Hunt!
Back on campus, you’re in Hunt’s office, tending to the bruise on his hand and the cut on his lip.
Thomas Hunt: Ow. That stings.
Danny: Don’t be such a baby.
Thomas Hunt: Maybe if you were a more qualified nurse.
Danny: Hey, I can always kiss it to make it better.
Thomas glares at you. After a brief silence…
Thomas Hunt: I don’t think either of us imagined tonight ending up like this. That guy as a complete neanderthal.
Danny: For sure.
Thomas Hunt: And you’re positive you’re okay?
Danny: Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. It’s just…
Thomas Hunt: What is it?
Danny: There’s something I have to ask you…
Thomas Hunt: What do you want to ask me, Danny?
Danny: Well, it’s not like that Luke guy hit on me as you were leaving…
Thomas Hunt: Right.
Danny: You’d been gone for a while… and before you left, I asked if you’d regret not giving us a shot.
Thomas Hunt: I remember.
Danny: I’m just wondering… Why’d you comeback, Thomas?
Thomas Hunt: …
Rewards
- 5 Diamonds
Thomas Hunt: I…
You press some ice against his lip. he winces… …and then he puts his hand on yours, looking into your eyes.
Thomas Hunt: We all have our weaknesses… You’re mine, Danny.
He wraps his arms around you and pulls you close. You stay like that for a long time, not wanting the moment to ever end…
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