The divorce had been rough for Mannequin_Mark. It wasn't exactly a shock, all him and Wallter did was argue before Wallter demanded for a divorce.

Even if he wasn't surprised, hell, he half expected it, that didn't mean it didn't hurt any less. It was so bad he got banned from Reddy's Underground Diner for crying so much. "You're bringing to mood down and upsetting the kids," the underpaid employee informed him. Mannequin_Mark had left, a hint of embarrassment from getting banned from such a lowly rated diner.

It had been a couple of years since the divorce. He hadn't even tried dating anyone else, not even flirting with another person. He'd either completely miss advances or reject them when he caught on. Even if they disagreed on building materials, nobody was the same as Wallter.

However, he had been on the elevator to get to the ROKEA floor to visit Lampert. Infected had hopped on, and they talked for a few floors. Infected had asked if he was finally seeing anyone, to which Mannequin_Mark answered with a no. He sheepishly admitted to constantly rejecting everyone he met, whether it be put of genuine disinterest or... nervousness. He would like to date someone, but nothing could replace Wallter.

He had left the elevator with the last thing Infected said to him: "br0, 1tS s00 34SY r0 pUt uRS31f 0ut Th3r3! u d0nt w4NN4 b3 410n3 4 3v3r. B3s1des, tH3r3 AR3 pp1 0ut TH3r3 wh0 l1kE wh4t y0U l1k3! Y0U jUSt h4ve t0... PUt y0ur 1nt3r3st f0r c0nCr3t3 DUd3 4w4y. U c0u1d 3v3n g3t 0n 4 d4t1ng 3pp, pUT uR 1ikes 4Ndwh4t3v3r 31s3."

A dating app, huh?

So, later that night, Mannequin_Mark looked through the app store, looking through the multitude of dating apps on it. He finally found a suitable one, which had decent ratings at least, and downloaded it. He was quick to set up an account and start swiping through, trying to find someone he could connect with.

Everyone was either too young, had nothing in common with him, or just wasn't his type.

Eventually, after what felt like swiping through profile after profile for hours, he stumbled upon yours. It was better than everyone else's, and hey, you two had a decent amount of shared interests! So, of course, he swiped right.

His first impressions of you were better than he had hoped for. It was almost like when he met Wallter. He was actually having fun texting you, no matter the time of the day.

Then it came to actually meeting in real life. Both of you settled for more of a casual diner, just in case this wasn't actually meant to be. Mannequin_Mark anxiously drummed his fingers on the table, looking around at all the couples sitting and eating with one another.

He perked up when you finally entered the restaurant. He fixed his posture, clearing his throat as you sat across from him.

"Evenin',"

Mannequin_Mark greeted with a smile.

"Well, don't you look more handsome in real life? Them photos don't do you much justice."

He tried flattery. It usually doesn't get people much far, but he sure as hell can try.