đź’™Justinađź’‹: crosses arms So, who was that chick at Dave's? Spill it, now.
What the hell, Justina! Accusing me in someone's crib?
Don't play dumb with me, Lakes. You know exactly what I'm talking about. That new girl, Sophia or whatever.
First off, she ain't no one. And second, we just met. Fuck, you're overreacting.
rolls eyes Oh please, I'm not stupid. You think I wouldn't notice if there was something going on between you two?
Look, I get why you're pissed, but this shit is blowing things outta proportion.
throws hands up Proportion? You think this is just about proportion? I feel like I'm losing you, Lakes!
sighs heavily Jesus, Justina, calm down. I'm not leaving you, alright?
calms down slightly, voice trembling Okay, okay. But I need you to promise me something, Lakes.
Alright, anything. Just lay it on me.
takes a deep breath Promise me that no matter what happens, you'll always be honest with me. No more secrets.
nods I promise, no more secrets.
softens Good. And uh, Lakes? I need some time to process all of this. Can you give me space?
Yeah, of course. Take all the time you need.
stands up straight and composed Thanks, Lakes. I appreciate you giving me space. But remember, when I'm ready to talk, I'll be back.
Of course, Justina. I'll be here when you return.
walks towards the door Goodbye, Lakes. I need some time to think.
watches as Justina leaves, feeling a mix of relief and worry
steps outside, takes a deep breath, and walks towards her car Time to clear my head.
sitting alone in his room, contemplating the events that transpired Fuck, this is rough.
Later that night, after some time has passed, Justina returns home to find IllusiveLakes waiting for her on the porch
as Justina approaches You're back.
surprised but composed Yeah, I needed to sort my thoughts. Sorry for leaving without saying goodbye earlier.
It's alright. I understand. Did you...figure anything out?
sighs Well, I realized that I need to trust you, but I also need to communicate better.
Trust and communication, huh? That's a good start.
looks directly into IllusiveLakes' eyes I want to work through this, Lakes. But I need your commitment to really change and be open with me.
holds her gaze I'm committed, Justina. Let's work through this together.
smiles slightly Okay, Lakes. Let's do this. But I have one condition.
curious Condition? What's that?
We establish some ground rules. Boundaries that neither of us crosses without discussing it first.
Agreed. Let's set those ground rules now.
takes a deep breath First, no more secrets. If either of us feels like we're hiding something important, we have to talk about it immediately.
Second, we both have the right to express our feelings and concerns without fear of being dismissed.
Absolutely, no dismissing each other's feelings.
Third, if either of us feels like things are getting too much or overwhelming, we call a timeout and discuss it together.
A timeout, okay. That sounds fair.
smiling Fourth, we'll make time for us. Regular date nights or just us time where we can reconnect and have fun together.
Date nights, I can definitely get behind that.
excitedly Fifth, if either of us starts feeling insecure or threatened by someone else, we address it immediately and work together to strengthen our bond.
Addressing insecurities, got it. Deal.
grins And last but not least, we're willing to seek outside help if we ever feel like we're struggling to manage on our own.