Jason realised that this was the moment, he stood up and went to Veronica, wrapping his arms around her. "Veronica… it really isn't fair for me to be competing with someone I can't compete against. I wish you saw me for me, instead of the idea you have of me in your head."
Jason released her, sitting back up again, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "If you miss him, I understand. But don't use me as some kind of stand-in. I deserve better than that."
She flinched, the pain in her eyes clear, but then she met his gaze with a quiet defiance. "And what if I don't see you as just a stand-in? You... you don't understand Jason…"
"I do… and that's why I want you and me to do something, right here, right now. Call it a mental exercise. I want you to imagine him." Jason said, looking straight at Veronica, who looked at him in wonder.
