Making It Work/Dialogues

You and Payton are listening to the morning announcements during homeroom period. Suddenly, the speaker crackles.
Ace: Ahem. We're interrupting your daily news with a special campaign ad.
MC: There's an election happening? Since when?
Ace: They say romance is dead. Hardly true. As of today, I'd like to officially announce my candidacy...
Ace: I'm in the running for love!
Payton: Omigosh... I think Ace is asking someone out! I am so livetweeting this!
Ace: ...to the one I love, I hope I'm the candidate for you. Over and out.
At that very moment, Ace strides into your classroom. He makes straight for your desk and hands you a beautiful bouquet of pink roses.
MC: Ace, what are you doing here? Weren't you just on the announcements?
Ace: Pre-recorded, MC. Had it all planned out. The one unknown factor is... you.
Ace: I've gotta know. Will you go on a date with me?
Choice
What do you say?
   I think we're better off as friends...
   Yes, absolutely!
if "I think we're better off as friends..." then
MC: I love our friendship, Ace, and I don't want to mess with that. I hope that makes sense...
Ace: I understand MC. You're a true diplomat, as always. But if you ever change your mind, just let me know.
MC: Uh, yeah. So about these roses...
Ace: Keep them. Pass them on to someone else. Whatever you like.
Ace: As long as they make someone happy, then they'll have done their job.
if "Yes, absolutely!"
Ace: Excellent. Drop by my place around 7 on Friday... and get ready for the best night of your life.
MC: That's a tall order.
Ace: Oh, I know. And I plan to deliver.
MC: A campaign promise, huh? I don't know about those...
Ace: You don't have to take me at my word. Just give me a chance, and you'll see.
Ace winks at you before disappearing into the hallway.
Part 2
On Friday night, you head over to Ace's house. You ring the doorbell, and Ace's mother greets you!
Mrs. De la Cruz: MC! Come in, come in.
MC: It's nice to see you. Is Ace ready?
Mrs. De la Cruz: Any minute now. He wouldn't want me to tell you this, but he's very nervous about this date. He even put his jacket on inside out... twice!
MC: Ace? Seriously?
Mrs. De la Cruz: Oh, yes. This is a big day for Bartholomew. You're all he ever talks about...
You hear Ace yell from upstairs...
Ace: Mom! Can you not?
Mrs. De la Cruz: Oops!
Ace rushes downstairs and shoots a glare at his mother.
Ace: This is worse than showing MC my old baby photos.
Mrs. De la Cruz: But you were so cute as a baby!
Ace: I know. I certainly was. Which is why this is worse.
Mrs. De la Cruz: Tch. I was just telling MC about how nervous you were and how you--
Ace: Okay, yup. Love you, Mom! Bye! Let's go, MC!
Ace leads you to his car and opens the passenger seat door for you.
MC: So where are we headed?
Ace: You'll see. Just enjoy the view...
Part 3
Beside you, Ace deftly navigates the backroads of your town.
After a mile, the two of you start to head up a steep hill. At a security booth, Ace flashes a badge before driving past.
MC: I take it this is an exclusive place...
Ace: Kinda. But not a problem if you've got an in with the Parks and Rec department. Which I do.
Soon, Ace pulls into an overlook and parks the car. As the two of you get out, Ace glances at his phone.
Ace: Three minutes until...
MC: Until what?
Ace: Oh, uh... nothing. I was just... talking about the sunset. Come on, let's grab our front row seats.
MC: Where's that exactly?
Ace vaults onto the hood of his car and offers a hand to you. He helps you clamber up beside him, his touch warm on your back.
Ace: Just look...
MC: The colors are amazing... look at that pink! And the clouds look almost purple.
You lean into Ace's shoulder and his fingers brush yours. Your skin tingles.
MC: Thank you for bringing me here...
You and Ace wait until the sun dips below the horizon before turning to each other. His silhouette is lit up by the waning sunset.
Ace: MC... I...
Ace cups your face with one hand, his expression soft. You lean into him...
But Ace's phone buzzes! He quickly checks his phone, and straightens.
MC: What's up?
Ace: Oh, nothing. I'd love to stay here all night, but we do have places to be. Ready to head out?
MC: Let's go.
Part 4
As Ace drives the two of you back into town, you lean back in your seat and admire the scenery zooming by.
MC: That sunset was gorgeous. How'd you know about that place?
Ace: It's my job to know. Gotta keep up with what's new, what's important, you name it.
MC: Ace. That was a total non-answer.
Ace: Alright, alright. The truth is... I did a report on local parks and conservation sites in the area for a class assignment once.
MC: Let me guess. You went overboard.
Ace: I did. I indexed every site within a 10 mile radius, listing the flora and fauna present as well.
Ace: But after everything that went down... with your election and the Council...
MC: Yeah...
Ace: I started going hiking just to relax. Out there, with the sky and the wind... it was easier to face myself and what I'd done.
Ace: I figured you'd like the sunset. 57% of people believe sunsets are romantic.
MC: Do you?
Ace's gaze darts toward you in the rearview mirror. He gives you a lazy grin.
Ace: Yeah. I'd say they're romantic.
After a few minutes, you and Ace pull up to a valet service in the center of town. Ace hands the attendant the keys while you survey the gold inlaid gate and the rushing fountains.
MC: Where are we? It's so... fancy?
Ace: Ribbon cutting ceremony for the new country club. After you, MC.
Part 5
You and Ace walk into the country club, arm in arm.
The lake gently laps against the shore. Around you, fairy lights twinkle, the light dancing on lily petals.
MC: This is magical. How did you score an invite?
Ace: I had a favor to cash in.
MC: Of course you did. Well, I'm glad you used it on me.
Ace: Who else? You only deserve the best, MC...
As the two of you make your way through the country club, Ace checks his phone. He quickly scans the scene.
Ace: See that lake? It's got at least seven types of water lilies. And a noted historian once proposed to his wife in that gazebo.
MC: Aw...
Lanterns start to glow around the lake. Ace pauses, his gaze on yours.
Ace: So. Want to go for a boat ride?
MC: I'm in.
Part 6
You're in a small rowboat with Ace, out on the lake at night. The boat cuts through the water, moving past delicate water lilies.
MC: You weren't kidding about the lilies. There's a lot of them.
Ace: And they're gorgeous. Am I ever wrong?
MC: Uh...
Ace: Don't answer that.
As the boat moves further into the lake, you hear frogs ribbit in the distance. Ace chuckles.
Ace: I swear, any second now, a crab conducting an orchestra of waterfowl is gonna pop up and start crooning love songs...
MC: What, you didn't have that prepared?
Ace: Afraid not. I've got everything planned out except that.
MC: There, there. You don't have to do all the heavy lifting.
Ace: Does that mean you're gonna help me row?
Choice
What do you say?
   Give me the oars!
   Actually... I don't know how to row.
if "Give me the oars!" then
Ace: Your wish, my command, blah blah blah. Here you go.
Ace hands over the oars to you, his fingers brushing yours when he does.
if "Actually... I don't know how to row." then
Ace: You might as well learn. I'll show you.
You take the oars, and Ace moves close to you. He guides your movements...
You see Ace blush, his gaze lingering on your hands. He shakes his head, schooling his expression.
Ace: Ready?
MC: Here we go...
Choice
What do you do?
   Glow!
   Row!
   Tow!
   Grow!
if "Row!" then
You smoothly pull the oars through the water and the boat drifts on.
MC: How's that? I'm a total pro, right?
Ace: You impress me, MC. Like always.
MC: Thanks. I try.
else
As you pull the oars, they snag on something. The boat hitches, and you're thrown to the side! Ace cushions your fall, his arms going around you.
Ace: Whoa there.
MC: Thanks for the save.
Ace: Any time. You good?
MC: I think I'm okay.
Ace glances down at you with a small smile and moves away, taking up the oars again.
Ace: Shall we keep going?
Suddenly, you and Ace hear clapping from the shore.
Ace: Sounds like the ribbon cutting's about to start.
MC: We'd better head back!
You and Ace make it just in time to see the mayor cut through the giant red ribbon at the country club.
The crowd erupts into applause.
MC: Woohoo!
Ace: Nice.
As the cheering dies down, Ace takes your hand.
Ace: Let's move. There's somewhere we should be.
MC: And where would that be?
Ace: Sugar and Ice Dessert Club! Super exclusive. Only those with the golden ticket can get in...
Part 7
You and Ace pull up to Sugar and Ice Dessert Club, a chic restaurant with giant, glittering snowflakes adorning the the entrance. Ace pulls a golden ticket out of his pocket.
MC: When you said we needed a golden ticket, I thought you were kidding!
Ace: It's very Willy Wonka of them. But this date called for exclusivity.
MC: Where'd you get your ticket?
Ace: Strings were pulled. I'll leave it at that.
MC: Typical.
Ace: I've laid my soul bare more than a few times for you. I've gotta keep some of my secrets.
MC: Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say.
Ace laughs. After checking his phone, he offers you his arm.
Ace: Ready to go in? The clock is ticking.
Part 8
You and Ace walk into the dessert club and are seated in a steel blue booth.
The smell of frosting and cream wafts around you in a blissful sugary haze.
MC: It smells divine.
Ace: This place was voted one of the top ten dessert places in the state. Enjoy it.
MC: Oh, I will.
Ace passes you a menu and you scan it, seeing all sorts of interesting flavor combinations.
Ace: What's it gonna be?
MC: I'll try the...
Choice
What do you say?
   Matcha cupcake with mocha cream!
   Oreo s'mores tiramisu!
   Passionfruit and raspberry tart!
if "Matcha cupcake with mocha cream!" then
The waiter brings you a gigantic cupcake, colored a vibrant green. You bite into it, tasting the bold swirl of coffee.
MC: Mmmm, caffeine for days. Just what I needed.
if "Oreo s'mores tiramisu!" then
The waiter brings you a gigantic slice of tiramisu with oreo crumbles on all the layers. You bite into it, tasting layers of marshmallow cream and silky cocoa.
MC: Mmm, chocolate for days. Just what I needed.
if "Passionfruit and raspberry tart!" then
The waiter brings you a gigantic tart slice with fresh raspberries on top. You bite into it, tasting the sharp passionfruit blended with vanilla and powdered sugar.
MC: Mmm... that hits the spot.
Ace: You've got a little something on your cheek. Let me help with that...
Ace reaches out and tenderly swipes a finger across your cheek.
Ace: All better.
Ace digs a spoon into his sour cherry and pistachio mille-feuille, while you finish up with your own plate.
MC: Whew. I'm really feeling that sugar rush...
You glance at Ace, a grin pulling at your lips. He smiles back at you.
MC: Or maybe it's something else...
Ace: Maybe.
You and Ace continue laughing and talking in your booth. You notice Ace glance down at his phone again, his brow furrowing.
MC: Everything okay, Ace?
Ace: Yeah. Of course. Everything's good. Absolutely.
MC: Ace, come on... seriously.
Ace: Okay, here's the thing...
Part 9
Ace sighs, glancing out the window of the dessert club.
MC: Ace, why do you keep checking your phone? Is something wrong?
Ace: I had this whole date planned down to the minute.
MC: Yeah, I can tell.
Ace: I'm not kidding when I say 'minute.' I'm a planner, you know that.
Ace: But I also take risks. And one of my contacts fell through at the last minute.
MC: What do you mean?
Ace: I was gonna take you to this vintage movie theater later. Snagged the whole place for the night, just for us. But that's not happening now.
Ace: So I've got nothing...
MC: That's okay, Ace. This is enough.
Ace: But it's not. I'd just hoped... well...
Ace: Happily ever after is a myth. But I wanted something close to that for us. Just a sliver of that magic for our first date.
Ace: I wanted to plan it all out and make it happen. But I failed.
MC: Ace...
Choice: What do you say?
   This date was perfect.
   Who cares about first dates?
if "This date was perfect."then
Ace: You mean it?
MC: I'm not just saying that just to be nice. It really was.
Ace: Well, that's a relief.
MC: But our date wasn't perfect because of all the fancy places you took me to...
MC: It was perfect because of who I was with.
if "Who cares about first dates?" then
Ace: Who... cares?
Ace: If you're trying to comfort me, you're not doing a very good job.
MC: Oh, shush. What I mean is... you don't have to orchestrate the perfect date...
MC: I'm here right now because I want to be with you. Simple as that.
You take Ace's hand. He looks back at you, his gaze intense as he runs his thumb over your knuckles.
Ace: You mean a lot to me, MC. After everything that happened, I feel like... no matter how hard I try, I'll never be worthy of you.
Ace: You helped me become someone I can like. And I want to repay you. I want to erase that debt and stand side by side with you...
MC: Look around, Ace. You're already there.
MC: You don't have to always fight to measure up to some impossible standard. You don't need to put all this pressure on yourself anymore. Okay?
Ace nods and lets out a deep sigh.
Ace: You're right. It's just easy to forget sometimes, you know?
MC: I'm here to remind you.
You stand up, your hand still linked with Ace's.
MC: The date's not over.
Ace: But--
Ace: Right. Where to, next?
MC: Anywhere's fine. You choose.
Ace: You don't know what you're getting yourself into.
You swing your linked hands, grinning back at Ace.
MC: I think I do.
Ace: Brave. Come on then.
Part 10
Ace is driving, his arm slung around your shoulders, both of you singing along to the radio.
Ace: 'Your touch is a siren... I'm sailing for you...'
MC: 'Nothing but smooth waters from now on...'
The two of you burst into giggles after Ace's air guitar solo at a red light.
MC: I love seeing you cut loose.
Ace: It happens. Once in a blue moon. And usually around you...
MC: Funny how that happens.
Ace pulls into the parking lot of the local library. A single street light flickers overhead.
MC: You brought me to the library?
MC: Is this what you do for fun? Break into public facilities and organize books?
Ace: Decline to answer.
Ace: What we're really here for is the orchard. There's one out behind the library. It's beautiful at night.
Ace takes your hand again, lacing his fingers with yours.
Ace: This way...
Part 11
Ace walks past the library. He leads you to a bench that overlooks the orchard.
Ace: Here we are.
You settle down beside Ace. The moon shines down on the orchard, casting faint shadows. The leaves glint in the moonlight.
MC: Wow... so how long have you been coming here?
Ace: Since I was kid. I used to play hide-and-seek in those trees with my mom.
MC: Aw...
A breeze sets the trees sighing. You lean against Ace, who drapes his jacket over you.
MC: I'm surprised you didn't play pretend president, or something.
Ace: Oh, I did that too. President Bartholomew de la Cruz, with executive power over all I saw.
Ace: I imposed nectarine taxes on the trees and listened to the concerns of my roly-poly constituents. It was a whole thing.
MC: I can imagine.
Ace: That was my old dream. Even then, I thought if I did everything right, I'd have all the power.
Ace: But now I have a different dream...
MC: Yeah? What's that?
Ace: To just be myself. And to like myself for who I am.
Ace: And when I'm with you... it gets so much easier. You make my dreams come true.
Moving closer, Ace leans toward you...
Choice: 
What do you do?
   Kiss Ace.
   Hold Ace close.
if "Kiss Ace." then
You wind your arms around Ace and give him a long kiss.
Ace: That was...
MC: Okay?
Ace: More than okay. Don't sell yourself short, MC. Never do that.
Ace pulls you into another searing kiss, his hands on your waist. You skin tingles where he touches you, and you press your lips to his again...
Ace: MC...
You pull away to see Ace breathless and a little dazed.
MC: So how was that?
Ace: I... it was...
Ace: Ahem. Pretty good. But I think we can do better.
MC: Seriously? You're still playing it cool?
Ace: Alright, alright... you win.
Ace tugs you close again, drawing you into a kiss once more...
if "Hold Ace close." then
You snake your arms around Ace's shoulders and pull him into a long embrace.
You smile as you feel his heartbeat speed up...
Ace: MC...
Ace: I know this is a little cliche... but I'd stay here forever, if I could.
You rest your forehead against his, smiling at the warmth you feel from him.
MC: Yeah...
Ace: It was a tough journey getting here...
Ace: But you make it all worth it.
You snuggle even closer to Ace, who presses a kiss to your temple.
You and Ace stay on the bench for a while. Soon, the moon is high above you.
You stifle a yawn.
Ace: Ready to go home?
MC: Sorry. I guess I'm getting a little sleepy.
Ace: We've always got tomorrow. And the day after that. And so on.
MC: True. I just don't want this to end...
Ace pulls you up from the bench, his arm encircling your waist. He kisses your cheek lightly.
Ace: This isn't the end, MC...
Ace: We're here, together.
end