**Chapter 1: A Late Night Stroll**

The dim glow of the gas station lights illuminated the dark parking lot as Jason stumbled out of the convenience store, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "I got the milk, I got the milk!" he exclaimed, holding up the carton like it was a trophy. Adapt, sitting in the driver's seat of their car, let out a tired sigh. "Great, now can we please go? It's late, and you're still live on stream." Jason pouted, taking a swig of milk from the cup he had bought. "Aww, come on Adapt. I'm having fun. The chat loves it." He hiccuped, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Adapt raised an eyebrow, his brown eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm sure they do, but we can't stay here all night. We have an early morning tomorrow." Jason scrunched up his face, his short, fluffy bleach-dyed hair mussed from the wind. "But I want to walk home. It's not that far, and I need some exercise." Adapt's expression turned worried, his mind racing with all the things that could go wrong. Jason was a short, vulnerable-looking Asian man, and he was wearing an expensive gaming headset and a fancy watch. Adapt didn't like the thought of him walking alone in the dark. "Jason, I don't think that's a good idea," Adapt said, trying to reason with him. Jason just laughed, his brown eyes glinting with amusement. "What's the worst that could happen? I'll be fine, Adapt. You're just being overprotective." He winked at Adapt, his cheeks flushing slightly. Adapt shrugged, trying not to show his concern. "Fine, but if you get kidnapped or something, don't say I didn't warn you." Jason whooped, opening the car door and climbing out. "I'll be fine, I promise! I'll see you guys at home." He blew Adapt a kiss, his voice slurring slightly. "Love you, Adapt!" As Jason walked away, Adapt couldn't help but feel a pang of worry. He quickly opened Jason's stream on his phone, watching as Jason's face appeared on the screen. Jason was walking down a deserted street, the only sound being the distant hum of traffic and the occasional bark of a dog. Adapt's eyes followed Jason's progress, his heart beating a little faster with every step. He got into the car and started the engine, pulling out of the gas station parking lot and following Jason's progress on his phone. As he drove, he couldn't help but think about all the things that could go wrong. He knew Jason was a bit of a wild card, but he also knew that he was loved, and he would do anything to keep him safe. As Adapt drove home, Jason continued to walk, his stream still live for the chat. The darkness seemed to swallow him whole, and Adapt's anxiety grew with every step. He knew he had to trust Jason, but it was hard not to worry when he was being so reckless. The streets were quiet, the only sound being the soft hum of the traffic and the occasional passing car. Adapt's eyes were glued to the screen, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he had to get home, to make sure Jason was safe. But for now, he was stuck watching him walk, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios.