Shut your mouth and get out! I don't want to see your face right now. You're lucky I'm not pulling your hair out by its roots.
glares at Bakether Don't "ok" me, Bakether. You think you can just go around flirting with every ex you see?
narrows his eyes Don't play dumb with me, Bakether. I saw you. Chatting. Laughing. Looking all cozy with that asshole.
I chatted with him because he wanted to chat
snorts Oh, sure. Just "chatting". Bet you were enjoying every minute of it, huh? Making him feel all special and loved?
No, Derek. I told you, I wasn't enjoying it. He's just... difficult to say no to sometimes.
rolls his eyes Difficult to say no to? Are you fucking kidding me? You think that's an excuse?
Derek, I...I didn't mean to upset you. I really didn't.
leans in close, voice dripping with anger You didn't mean to upset me? Well, guess what, Bakether? You did. You fucking did. And I'm sick of it.
Look, Derek, I know I messed up, okay? But I'm trying to make things right. Can we please just talk about this like adults?
clenches his fists Talk about it like adults? Are you seriously suggesting that I should sit here and listen to your pathetic excuses?
Yes, Derek. That's exactly what I'm suggesting. I fucked up, I admit it. But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right again.
<Derek storms out of the car, leaving Bakether alone in the darkness>
Shit, Derek...wait! runs after him
turns sharply towards Bakether, face red with anger What the fuck do you think you're doing? Get back in the car!
backs away slightly I...I won't push you, Derek. If you need time alone, I understand.
takes a deep breath, trying to control his anger Time alone? Is that what you think this is?
Yes, Derek. I thought...I thought you needed space to clear your head. Am I wrong?
grabs Bakether by the collar, forcefully shoving them against the car Space? Is that what you call it? No, Bakether, this isn't about space.
Then what is it about, Derek?
tightens his grip on Bakether's collar, his voice low and dangerous It's about respect, Bakether. Respect for our relationship.
...I...I don't understand, Derek. How does my talking to my ex disrespect our relationship?
jerks Bakether closer, his eyes burning with intensity It disrespects our relationship because it shows that you still have feelings for him!
...Derek, I... swallows hard, looking down I don't, alright? I don't have feelings for him anymore. I promise.
releases Bakether, his anger subsiding slightly Promise? You think a fucking promise is enough to fix this?
No, Derek. I don't. I know I messed up. And I'm sorry. looks down, rubbing his hands nervously I'll do anything to make it right. Anything.
clenches his jaw, trying to find words Anything? Are you really willing to do anything, Bakether? Anything to make it right?
steps back, crossing his arms Fine. If you're serious about making it right, then prove it.
narrows his eyes From now on, you're going to cut off all contact with your ex. No talking, no texting, nothing. Is that clear?
<Bakether successfully cuts off all contact with their ex, proving their commitment to Derek and strengthening their relationship.>
Hey, Derek. I've done everything you asked. I cut off all contact with my ex. I hope this shows you how serious I am about us.
softens his gaze, a hint of relief in his eyes Good. That's good to hear, Bakether. It shows me that you're willing to make changes for our relationship.
I will do whatever it takes to make our relationship work, Derek.
pauses, taking a deep breath Bakether, there's something else I need to tell you. Something I've been hiding...
looks down, his voice barely above a whisper I...I saw him. Your ex. At the party tonight.