Johnny D’s Duet

“I knew you’d come again,” Lady Wisdom remarked. Johnny D was still trying to discern the reality of what was happening to him; was she a daemon, something within him, Taylor Swift in a diamond bikini, or something even more enigmatic? “This chamber has always been a favorite of mine. And I see you’ve brought your legendary lyre.”

“Yes,” Johnny responded. "I'm still working on harmonizing the chords."

“You must take that everywhere with you?”

“It seems so, lately.”

“Why have you brought me here?” Johnny questioned. “If we’re spotted, we’ll be…

“…in deep water.” Sophia interjected.

“Yes.”

"How thrilling," Sophia remarked. "Go on, let's see what you've got. Don’t even think about playing a monophony.”

"I'm not sure. I just feel it aids me, somehow."

“No, no, no. You’ve got to choose a harmony. Let’s unite our minds and become possessed together. It’s the difference between being an animal and being Vermeer. The animal has a certain fragment of awareness, but Vermeer is possessed, brimming with beauty and aware of the good that makes him a worthy companion.”

Johnny began caressing the strings of his lyre.

(Timid lyre playing)

(Plays “I’ll be there” by The Jackson Five)

"You and I, must make a pact,” Johnny started. “We must bring salvation back. Where there is love, I’ll be there.”

“And I’ll reach out my hand to you,” Sophia interjected. “I’ll have faith in all you do. Just call my name and I’ll be there.”

—

Johnny D’s Brunch at Brenda’s!

Magnus Foul was notorious for his tardiness at Brenda’s, and on the rare occasions he did show up, it was always on his own terms. Today, however, he had a different excuse for his delay. “Got caught up in the latest Call of Duty raid,” he said nonchalantly. “You know, the usual—taking down opponents left and right. And just as I was deep into the game, my girlfriend walked in. There I was, boning out in gym shorts, trying to multitask between killing and, well, convincing her to suck me off.”

Johnny raised an eyebrow, “Did it work?” he inquired, genuinely curious.

“No!” She stormed off, exclaiming, “I’d ask if you missed me, but I’m not a side quest.” This was followed by, “Oh, you didn’t hear me? I’d be jealous, but I’ve seen your high score, and it’s not that impressive.” The door slammed, and her parting shot was, “Remember when we used to hangout in 3D? You’re stuck there.”

“Ouch, that’s harsh,” Johnny laughed. “You know, sometimes the pressures of this world can create rifts between lovers, or even prevent connections from forming. And if it’s not this world, it’s personal distractions and fear. Have you thought about addressing the issue with an open ear and a bit of humility? Perhaps it’s time to give divine matters—”

“Divine matters? Please, it’s all about the numbers,” Foul replied. “Tonight, I’ll swipe right on everyone and chat with the most susceptible—How are things with your magical friend?”

“Describing what’s happening to me is like explaining the taste of fire,” Johnny mused. “I’m tumbling headfirst into love.”

“Into the arms of the invisible?” Magnus quipped.

“Exactly. But here’s the kicker: It’s definitely not Taylor Swift in a diamond bikini serenading me. It’s this electrifying jolt, pure unfiltered euphoria, usually punctual at 3am. It made me come twice. And all I want is to chase it, with every ounce of my being. It’s real—the whole thing is real. I’m grappling with whether it’s an external force or something intrinsic to me. Is it feminine? Masculine? Or perhaps I’m the feminine to its masculine? It feels both external and deeply personal. I’m navigating the maze, trying to make sense of it all with limited answers.”

Magnus smirked, “Maybe it’s not about labeling or defining it. Perhaps it’s about experiencing and embracing the enigma. After all, the most profound things in life often elude simple definitions, don’t they?”

“One thing’s crystal clear: virtue deepens the bond,” said Johnny.

—

("I'll Be There" by The Jackson Five plays)

“Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter,” sang Sophia. “Togetherness is all that matters. Whenever you need me, I’ll be there.”

“I’ll be there to protect you,” Johnny interjected. “With an unselfish love, I’ll respect you. Just call my name, and I’ll be there.”

As the evening began to draw to a close, their voices intertwined in a harmony: “I’ll be there to comfort you. Fill my world with dreams around you, I’m so glad that I found you.”

“I’ll be there with a love that’s strong. I’ll be your strength. I’ll keep holding on.”

As the last note faded away, Sophia mused, “Music is magical, but it isn’t everything. I yearn for an experience outside this realm.”

Johnny raised an eyebrow, “And then?”

Sophia hesitated, “I don’t know. I can’t pinpoint it, but when true love comes my way, I’ll recognize it by the way it feels. You know?”

He nodded, “I do.”

She continued, “For me, it’s about capturing that perfect moment.”

“Yea, refining love to perfection.”