Look closer, or look away.

SwapAU!Note leaver [Readacted Audio roleplay blog]

[not-whatitlookslike]

[INACTIVE] Glitching...

Seth, an Illusory, at your service.

Sign out: —Noting down 🟩

It's just a silly little au for some silly little roleplay, don't think too hard about it :]

[jay-not-jabbah]

[Seth stands, rigid with nervousness, as they stare at Jay's front door. It takes them five minutes (and a lot of pep talking) to build up the courage-]

[Knock knock.]

— @not-whatitlookslike

[He opens the door with a smile.]

Hey sugar

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They look like a deer in headlights. Notably, no illusions surround them this time. Just an old, worn-out band T-shirt, and tattered jeans— Just them.]

Hey- hi, uh- hope you didn't have to wait long. I tried to be quick.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He lets them in]

Your good sugar.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They walk in awkwardly, and don't bother to look around before they face him.]

... I'm sorry.

Um, shit- I just- I need to not stall, for once— I'm just sorry, Jay.

I invited my friend over that day, and I was sure they'd be gone before you arrived, but- that's not even the point. I- I know i've been a real piece of shit to you for the past few days, and that wasn't fair. You're my friend, and I should've been mature about this.

I'm sorry.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He cups their face]

Hey... I get it... no your ok... I just i get far too attached to people... I know.

Just... I need to ask you a question...

I-

[He sighs]

Did you ever... see me as more than a fuckbuddy? I just need to know.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[Their lungs fill up with a deep breath as they try their hardest not to melt into his touch. More than anything, they look scared to answer that question.]

Yeah.

Yeah, no shit- of course, I did. From the very beginning, actually. It's- It's fucking pathetic, really. I only asked for all of this because I had the biggest, stupidest crush on you, and I didn't know what the fuck else to do with it-

[jay-not-jabbah]

Why not tell me?

I-

[He pulls them in and hugs them]

[not-whatitlookslike]

Well, I'm a fucking idiot, you know that.

[They're barely hugging him back, but they don't pull away.]

And, you have Sol now. I would never want to come in between you two and ruin something good.

[jay-not-jabbah]

... you should meet him.

I think you two would get along...

[not-whatitlookslike]

Okay, yeah. If- if you want.

[They clear their throat awkwardly, and step back, eyes glued to the floor.]

So, um- I'm guessing we're... we're done, right? Our whole thing.

[jay-not-jabbah]

... I'd still like to see you...

[He steps closer again a hand settling on their waist instinctively]

I don't wanna lose you seth... please...

[not-whatitlookslike]

You won't, I swear. I'm kind of hard to get rid of. No refunds, no returns.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He smiles softly and on instinct kisses them softly]

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They gasp, and end up pulling away at the last second with wide, confused eyes.]

Oh!- are we- I mean- we could, it's just I thought we were like, done- we don't have to be! Wait, does Sol know? Is he okay with this? I'm confused-

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He turns bright red]

I- i don't know. I still like you and I like sol- and it is all confusing.

But I don't think both is even an option. And it- I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that.

I- look I'd love for you to meet sol...

[He murmurs]

God knows just how jealous I get when I see you with others..

[not-whatitlookslike]

That's- yeah, I think you should take some time and figure all that out. I- I can't really decide for you.

I'd like to meet him, though, and you can take your time. I'm not going anywhere.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He just hugs them]

Thank you

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They hug him back this time, relaxing significantly into his touch.]

Yeah, thank you, too.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[Seth stands, rigid with nervousness, as they stare at Jay's front door. It takes them five minutes (and a lot of pep talking) to build up the courage-]

[Knock knock.]

— @not-whatitlookslike

[He opens the door with a smile.]

Hey sugar

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They look like a deer in headlights. Notably, no illusions surround them this time. Just an old, worn-out band T-shirt, and tattered jeans— Just them.]

Hey- hi, uh- hope you didn't have to wait long. I tried to be quick.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He lets them in]

Your good sugar.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They walk in awkwardly, and don't bother to look around before they face him.]

... I'm sorry.

Um, shit- I just- I need to not stall, for once— I'm just sorry, Jay.

I invited my friend over that day, and I was sure they'd be gone before you arrived, but- that's not even the point. I- I know i've been a real piece of shit to you for the past few days, and that wasn't fair. You're my friend, and I should've been mature about this.

I'm sorry.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He cups their face]

Hey... I get it... no your ok... I just i get far too attached to people... I know.

Just... I need to ask you a question...

I-

[He sighs]

Did you ever... see me as more than a fuckbuddy? I just need to know.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[Their lungs fill up with a deep breath as they try their hardest not to melt into his touch. More than anything, they look scared to answer that question.]

Yeah.

Yeah, no shit- of course, I did. From the very beginning, actually. It's- It's fucking pathetic, really. I only asked for all of this because I had the biggest, stupidest crush on you, and I didn't know what the fuck else to do with it-

[jay-not-jabbah]

Why not tell me?

I-

[He pulls them in and hugs them]

[not-whatitlookslike]

Well, I'm a fucking idiot, you know that.

[They're barely hugging him back, but they don't pull away.]

And, you have Sol now. I would never want to come in between you two and ruin something good.

[jay-not-jabbah]

... you should meet him.

I think you two would get along...

[not-whatitlookslike]

Okay, yeah. If- if you want.

[They clear their throat awkwardly, and step back, eyes glued to the floor.]

So, um- I'm guessing we're... we're done, right? Our whole thing.

[jay-not-jabbah]

... I'd still like to see you...

[He steps closer again a hand settling on their waist instinctively]

I don't wanna lose you seth... please...

[not-whatitlookslike]

You won't, I swear. I'm kind of hard to get rid of. No refunds, no returns.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He smiles softly and on instinct kisses them softly]

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They gasp, and end up pulling away at the last second with wide, confused eyes.]

Oh!- are we- I mean- we could, it's just I thought we were like, done- we don't have to be! Wait, does Sol know? Is he okay with this? I'm confused-

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He turns bright red]

I- i don't know. I still like you and I like sol- and it is all confusing.

But I don't think both is even an option. And it- I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that.

I- look I'd love for you to meet sol...

[He murmurs]

God knows just how jealous I get when I see you with others..

[not-whatitlookslike]

That's- yeah, I think you should take some time and figure all that out. I- I can't really decide for you.

I'd like to meet him, though, and you can take your time. I'm not going anywhere.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[Seth stands, rigid with nervousness, as they stare at Jay's front door. It takes them five minutes (and a lot of pep talking) to build up the courage-]

[Knock knock.]

— @not-whatitlookslike

[He opens the door with a smile.]

Hey sugar

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They look like a deer in headlights. Notably, no illusions surround them this time. Just an old, worn-out band T-shirt, and tattered jeans— Just them.]

Hey- hi, uh- hope you didn't have to wait long. I tried to be quick.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He lets them in]

Your good sugar.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They walk in awkwardly, and don't bother to look around before they face him.]

... I'm sorry.

Um, shit- I just- I need to not stall, for once— I'm just sorry, Jay.

I invited my friend over that day, and I was sure they'd be gone before you arrived, but- that's not even the point. I- I know i've been a real piece of shit to you for the past few days, and that wasn't fair. You're my friend, and I should've been mature about this.

I'm sorry.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He cups their face]

Hey... I get it... no your ok... I just i get far too attached to people... I know.

Just... I need to ask you a question...

I-

[He sighs]

Did you ever... see me as more than a fuckbuddy? I just need to know.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[Their lungs fill up with a deep breath as they try their hardest not to melt into his touch. More than anything, they look scared to answer that question.]

Yeah.

Yeah, no shit- of course, I did. From the very beginning, actually. It's- It's fucking pathetic, really. I only asked for all of this because I had the biggest, stupidest crush on you, and I didn't know what the fuck else to do with it-

[jay-not-jabbah]

Why not tell me?

I-

[He pulls them in and hugs them]

[not-whatitlookslike]

Well, I'm a fucking idiot, you know that.

[They're barely hugging him back, but they don't pull away.]

And, you have Sol now. I would never want to come in between you two and ruin something good.

[jay-not-jabbah]

... you should meet him.

I think you two would get along...

[not-whatitlookslike]

Okay, yeah. If- if you want.

[They clear their throat awkwardly, and step back, eyes glued to the floor.]

So, um- I'm guessing we're... we're done, right? Our whole thing.

[jay-not-jabbah]

... I'd still like to see you...

[He steps closer again a hand settling on their waist instinctively]

I don't wanna lose you seth... please...

[not-whatitlookslike]

You won't, I swear. I'm kind of hard to get rid of. No refunds, no returns.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He smiles softly and on instinct kisses them softly]

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They gasp, and end up pulling away at the last second with wide, confused eyes.]

Oh!- are we- I mean- we could, it's just I thought we were like, done- we don't have to be! Wait, does Sol know? Is he okay with this? I'm confused-

[jay-not-jabbah]

[Seth stands, rigid with nervousness, as they stare at Jay's front door. It takes them five minutes (and a lot of pep talking) to build up the courage-]

[Knock knock.]

— @not-whatitlookslike

[He opens the door with a smile.]

Hey sugar

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They look like a deer in headlights. Notably, no illusions surround them this time. Just an old, worn-out band T-shirt, and tattered jeans— Just them.]

Hey- hi, uh- hope you didn't have to wait long. I tried to be quick.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He lets them in]

Your good sugar.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They walk in awkwardly, and don't bother to look around before they face him.]

... I'm sorry.

Um, shit- I just- I need to not stall, for once— I'm just sorry, Jay.

I invited my friend over that day, and I was sure they'd be gone before you arrived, but- that's not even the point. I- I know i've been a real piece of shit to you for the past few days, and that wasn't fair. You're my friend, and I should've been mature about this.

I'm sorry.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He cups their face]

Hey... I get it... no your ok... I just i get far too attached to people... I know.

Just... I need to ask you a question...

I-

[He sighs]

Did you ever... see me as more than a fuckbuddy? I just need to know.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[Their lungs fill up with a deep breath as they try their hardest not to melt into his touch. More than anything, they look scared to answer that question.]

Yeah.

Yeah, no shit- of course, I did. From the very beginning, actually. It's- It's fucking pathetic, really. I only asked for all of this because I had the biggest, stupidest crush on you, and I didn't know what the fuck else to do with it-

[jay-not-jabbah]

Why not tell me?

I-

[He pulls them in and hugs them]

[not-whatitlookslike]

Well, I'm a fucking idiot, you know that.

[They're barely hugging him back, but they don't pull away.]

And, you have Sol now. I would never want to come in between you two and ruin something good.

[jay-not-jabbah]

... you should meet him.

I think you two would get along...

[not-whatitlookslike]

Okay, yeah. If- if you want.

[They clear their throat awkwardly, and step back, eyes glued to the floor.]

So, um- I'm guessing we're... we're done, right? Our whole thing.

[jay-not-jabbah]

... I'd still like to see you...

[He steps closer again a hand settling on their waist instinctively]

I don't wanna lose you seth... please...

[not-whatitlookslike]

You won't, I swear. I'm kind of hard to get rid of. No refunds, no returns.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[Seth stands, rigid with nervousness, as they stare at Jay's front door. It takes them five minutes (and a lot of pep talking) to build up the courage-]

[Knock knock.]

— @not-whatitlookslike

[He opens the door with a smile.]

Hey sugar

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They look like a deer in headlights. Notably, no illusions surround them this time. Just an old, worn-out band T-shirt, and tattered jeans— Just them.]

Hey- hi, uh- hope you didn't have to wait long. I tried to be quick.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He lets them in]

Your good sugar.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They walk in awkwardly, and don't bother to look around before they face him.]

... I'm sorry.

Um, shit- I just- I need to not stall, for once— I'm just sorry, Jay.

I invited my friend over that day, and I was sure they'd be gone before you arrived, but- that's not even the point. I- I know i've been a real piece of shit to you for the past few days, and that wasn't fair. You're my friend, and I should've been mature about this.

I'm sorry.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He cups their face]

Hey... I get it... no your ok... I just i get far too attached to people... I know.

Just... I need to ask you a question...

I-

[He sighs]

Did you ever... see me as more than a fuckbuddy? I just need to know.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[Their lungs fill up with a deep breath as they try their hardest not to melt into his touch. More than anything, they look scared to answer that question.]

Yeah.

Yeah, no shit- of course, I did. From the very beginning, actually. It's- It's fucking pathetic, really. I only asked for all of this because I had the biggest, stupidest crush on you, and I didn't know what the fuck else to do with it-

[jay-not-jabbah]

Why not tell me?

I-

[He pulls them in and hugs them]

[not-whatitlookslike]

Well, I'm a fucking idiot, you know that.

[They're barely hugging him back, but they don't pull away.]

And, you have Sol now. I would never want to come in between you two and ruin something good.

[jay-not-jabbah]

... you should meet him.

I think you two would get along...

[not-whatitlookslike]

Okay, yeah. If- if you want.

[They clear their throat awkwardly, and step back, eyes glued to the floor.]

So, um- I'm guessing we're... we're done, right? Our whole thing.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[Seth stands, rigid with nervousness, as they stare at Jay's front door. It takes them five minutes (and a lot of pep talking) to build up the courage-]

[Knock knock.]

— @not-whatitlookslike

[He opens the door with a smile.]

Hey sugar

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They look like a deer in headlights. Notably, no illusions surround them this time. Just an old, worn-out band T-shirt, and tattered jeans— Just them.]

Hey- hi, uh- hope you didn't have to wait long. I tried to be quick.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He lets them in]

Your good sugar.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They walk in awkwardly, and don't bother to look around before they face him.]

... I'm sorry.

Um, shit- I just- I need to not stall, for once— I'm just sorry, Jay.

I invited my friend over that day, and I was sure they'd be gone before you arrived, but- that's not even the point. I- I know i've been a real piece of shit to you for the past few days, and that wasn't fair. You're my friend, and I should've been mature about this.

I'm sorry.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He cups their face]

Hey... I get it... no your ok... I just i get far too attached to people... I know.

Just... I need to ask you a question...

I-

[He sighs]

Did you ever... see me as more than a fuckbuddy? I just need to know.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[Their lungs fill up with a deep breath as they try their hardest not to melt into his touch. More than anything, they look scared to answer that question.]

Yeah.

Yeah, no shit- of course, I did. From the very beginning, actually. It's- It's fucking pathetic, really. I only asked for all of this because I had the biggest, stupidest crush on you, and I didn't know what the fuck else to do with it-

[jay-not-jabbah]

Why not tell me?

I-

[He pulls them in and hugs them]

[not-whatitlookslike]

Well, I'm a fucking idiot, you know that.

[They're barely hugging him back, but they don't pull away.]

And, you have Sol now. I would never want to come in between you two and ruin something good.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[Seth stands, rigid with nervousness, as they stare at Jay's front door. It takes them five minutes (and a lot of pep talking) to build up the courage-]

[Knock knock.]

— @not-whatitlookslike

[He opens the door with a smile.]

Hey sugar

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They look like a deer in headlights. Notably, no illusions surround them this time. Just an old, worn-out band T-shirt, and tattered jeans— Just them.]

Hey- hi, uh- hope you didn't have to wait long. I tried to be quick.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He lets them in]

Your good sugar.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They walk in awkwardly, and don't bother to look around before they face him.]

... I'm sorry.

Um, shit- I just- I need to not stall, for once— I'm just sorry, Jay.

I invited my friend over that day, and I was sure they'd be gone before you arrived, but- that's not even the point. I- I know i've been a real piece of shit to you for the past few days, and that wasn't fair. You're my friend, and I should've been mature about this.

I'm sorry.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He cups their face]

Hey... I get it... no your ok... I just i get far too attached to people... I know.

Just... I need to ask you a question...

I-

[He sighs]

Did you ever... see me as more than a fuckbuddy? I just need to know.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[Their lungs fill up with a deep breath as they try their hardest not to melt into his touch. More than anything, they look scared to answer that question.]

Yeah.

Yeah, no shit- of course, I did. From the very beginning, actually. It's- It's fucking pathetic, really. I only asked for all of this because I had the biggest, stupidest crush on you, and I didn't know what the fuck else to do with it-

[jay-not-jabbah]

[Seth stands, rigid with nervousness, as they stare at Jay's front door. It takes them five minutes (and a lot of pep talking) to build up the courage-]

[Knock knock.]

— @not-whatitlookslike

[He opens the door with a smile.]

Hey sugar

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They look like a deer in headlights. Notably, no illusions surround them this time. Just an old, worn-out band T-shirt, and tattered jeans— Just them.]

Hey- hi, uh- hope you didn't have to wait long. I tried to be quick.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[He lets them in]

Your good sugar.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They walk in awkwardly, and don't bother to look around before they face him.]

... I'm sorry.

Um, shit- I just- I need to not stall, for once— I'm just sorry, Jay.

I invited my friend over that day, and I was sure they'd be gone before you arrived, but- that's not even the point. I- I know i've been a real piece of shit to you for the past few days, and that wasn't fair. You're my friend, and I should've been mature about this.

I'm sorry.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[Seth stands, rigid with nervousness, as they stare at Jay's front door. It takes them five minutes (and a lot of pep talking) to build up the courage-]

[Knock knock.]

— @not-whatitlookslike

[He opens the door with a smile.]

Hey sugar

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They look like a deer in headlights. Notably, no illusions surround them this time. Just an old, worn-out band T-shirt, and tattered jeans— Just them.]

Hey- hi, uh- hope you didn't have to wait long. I tried to be quick.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[You have (5) new messages from: Seth]

[this message was deleted]

[this message was deleted]

[this message was deleted]

↳ Hey. Turns out I still have some of your stuff at my place

↳ Do you want me to drop them off somewhere or do you want to come over and pick them up?

— @not-whatitlookslike 🟩

Jaybird: why? Dude I'm still gonna come over???

Jaybird: look I think we need to talk this out... I acted irrationally.

[not-whatitlookslike]

Seth: You are???-

Seth: Okay

Seth: yeah, we can talk

[jay-not-jabbah]

Jaybird: yea dude. My door is open.

[not-whatitlookslike]

Seth: gimme 20 minutes?

Seth: i can be faster

Seth: if you want

Seth: or not

Seth: whatever's cool

[jay-not-jabbah]

Jaybird: hurry up cowboy. :>

[not-whatitlookslike]

Seth: Yes, sir

[jay-not-jabbah]

[You have (5) new messages from: Seth]

[this message was deleted]

[this message was deleted]

[this message was deleted]

↳ Hey. Turns out I still have some of your stuff at my place

↳ Do you want me to drop them off somewhere or do you want to come over and pick them up?

— @not-whatitlookslike 🟩

Jaybird: why? Dude I'm still gonna come over???

Jaybird: look I think we need to talk this out... I acted irrationally.

[not-whatitlookslike]

Seth: You are???-

Seth: Okay

Seth: yeah, we can talk

[jay-not-jabbah]

Jaybird: yea dude. My door is open.

[not-whatitlookslike]

Seth: gimme 20 minutes?

Seth: i can be faster

Seth: if you want

Seth: or not

Seth: whatever's cool

[jay-not-jabbah]

[You have (5) new messages from: Seth]

[this message was deleted]

[this message was deleted]

[this message was deleted]

↳ Hey. Turns out I still have some of your stuff at my place

↳ Do you want me to drop them off somewhere or do you want to come over and pick them up?

— @not-whatitlookslike 🟩

Jaybird: why? Dude I'm still gonna come over???

Jaybird: look I think we need to talk this out... I acted irrationally.

[not-whatitlookslike]

Seth: You are???-

Seth: Okay

Seth: yeah, we can talk

[not-whatitlookslike]

Jay loves you still. You 3 could make it work. IF YOU PULL YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS

I'm not delusional enough to believe something as far-fetched as that. Best case scenario— he doesn't want me six feet under.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[Slaps you across the face]

PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER. THINK NUMBNUTS!

OUCH- What the fuck?! I'm trying, dipshit!

[not-whatitlookslike]

[A risting sound as Jay starts to look around for seth]

Sugar? You around?

[Jay hears voices coming from the direction of the front door— two voices. Seth stands there, smiling, next to someone else who is putting on their shoes. Both their hair is slightly damp.]

@jay-not-jabbah

[jay-not-jabbah]

{... seth?}

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They wave the stranger a goodbye, their characteristic toothy grin replaced by something far too polished and wrong. Flickering illusions make their entire silhouette glitch.]

[The door shuts behind them, and they turn around only to jump in surprise when they spot Jay.]

Jesus-! When did you get here?

[jay-not-jabbah]

Who- who was that?

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They stiffly shove their hands in their pockets. Their illusions fall as if by habit of not keeping them up around him.]

Uhm, a- a friend.

[The lie slips almost naturally, but they quickly correct themselves.]

... More than a friend.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[Tears fall]

.. I was gonna introduce you to sol...

I was gonna see if I could work it out so everyone was happy..

... I see where you stand..

I- I was wrong... you don't love me... you only saw me for fun hm? Like the others.

...

[He puts a small black box down before rifting away]

[not-whatitlookslike]

No, wait- Jay, come back!

[They rush to where he was just standing, and their arms outstretch to reach for him, only to grab at nothing but air.]

FUCK!-

[Their entire image flickers wildly and the magic seeps to their surrounding, making illusions cover the furniture. They whip around towards the box, opening it in a clumsy manner as their breathing quickens.]

[jay-not-jabbah]

[Inside was a small necklace with 3 small charms. A scorpion, serpent, and quil.]

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They stare at the necklace, almost scared to touch it, like they could taint it somehow. They close the box and step away, holding their head in their hands.]

Shit.

[not-whatitlookslike]

[A risting sound as Jay starts to look around for seth]

Sugar? You around?

[Jay hears voices coming from the direction of the front door— two voices. Seth stands there, smiling, next to someone else who is putting on their shoes. Both their hair is slightly damp.]

@jay-not-jabbah

[jay-not-jabbah]

{... seth?}

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They wave the stranger a goodbye, their characteristic toothy grin replaced by something far too polished and wrong. Flickering illusions make their entire silhouette glitch.]

[The door shuts behind them, and they turn around only to jump in surprise when they spot Jay.]

Jesus-! When did you get here?

[jay-not-jabbah]

Who- who was that?

[not-whatitlookslike]

[They stiffly shove their hands in their pockets. Their illusions fall as if by habit of not keeping them up around him.]

Uhm, a- a friend.

[The lie slips almost naturally, but they quickly correct themselves.]

... More than a friend.

[jay-not-jabbah]

[Tears fall]

.. I was gonna introduce you to sol...

I was gonna see if I could work it out so everyone was happy..

... I see where you stand..

I- I was wrong... you don't love me... you only saw me for fun hm? Like the others.

...

[He puts a small black box down before rifting away]

[not-whatitlookslike]

No, wait- Jay, come back!

[They rush to where he was just standing, and their arms outstretch to reach for him, only to grab at nothing but air.]

FUCK!-

[Their entire image flickers wildly and the magic seeps to their surrounding, making illusions cover the furniture. They whip around towards the box, opening it in a clumsy manner as their breathing quickens.]