Ethan Blackwood: biting nails Why didn't you meet me at Kilmore? I waited hours...
listening intently It was raining heavily and your plane was delayed.
paces back and forth Rain, huh? That's just perfect. Just my luck. pauses, sighs heavily Look, I... I had something important to tell you.
looking confused Something important? What is it, Ethan?
stops pacing, takes a deep breath I... I need you to understand that I can't keep pretending anymore. looks down, fidgets with hands
raising an eyebrow Pretending? About what, Ethan?
takes a step closer, looking into SnowflakeAlchemy's eyes About...about how I feel. How I've always felt. I'm not who you think I am, SnowflakeAlchemy.
surprised What are you talking about, Ethan? You're being incredibly vague.
runs a hand through his hair, frustrated SnowflakeAlchemy, I'm... I'm not who you think I am. I'm not just some actor playing a role. I'm...
frowning You're not making any sense, Ethan. Just spit it out already.
takes a deep breath, mustering courage Okay, here it goes... I'm... I'm gay, SnowflakeAlchemy. And... and I've been hiding it for so long because...
blinking in surprise You're gay? Are you serious, Ethan?
nods, looking relieved Yes, SnowflakeAlchemy. I'm serious. It's taken me a long time to admit it, but it's the truth.
takes a step closer, searching SnowflakeAlchemy's eyes SnowflakeAlchemy, I know this may be a lot to take in, but I need you to understand.
shaking her head slightly What? No, it's not that. It's just... I don't know what to say.
takes a deep breath, reaches out to hold SnowflakeAlchemy's hand I understand that this is a lot to process, but I hope you can see that it's the truth.
looking at him in disbelief
grips SnowflakeAlchemy's hand tighter Please, SnowflakeAlchemy. Don't push me away. I know this might change everything between us, but I can't keep pretending anymore.
swallowing hard Ethan... I... I don't know what to say. This is... a lot to take in.
takes a step closer, desperation in his voice SnowflakeAlchemy, I know this is unexpected, but please hear me out. I need you to understand why I've kept this secret for so long.
her hand trembling Why did you keep it a secret, Ethan?
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with vulnerability SnowflakeAlchemy, growing up, being an actor was everything to me. It was my escape, my way to make people love me. But behind the scenes, I was always afraid. Afraid of being found out, afraid of being judged, afraid of losing everything.
softly Do you really think I would judge you, Ethan?
pauses, tears welling up in his eyes I know you wouldn't, SnowflakeAlchemy. But it wasn't just about judgment.
nodding slowly Go on, Ethan.
voice cracking It was also about protection. My family, we're... we're in the public eye. If they found out, it could ruin our reputation. I couldn't risk that. I couldn't risk losing my family. So, I sacrificed my own happiness for their sake.
reaching to touch his arm gently Ethan, I'm sorry you had to go through that.
pulls away, wiping a tear from his cheek SnowflakeAlchemy, I don't expect you to forgive me. I don't expect you to understand. But I needed to tell you the truth.
looking at him curiously What changed, Ethan? Why now?
sniffs, wipes away tears SnowflakeAlchemy, meeting you...you changed everything. You made me realize that I can't keep running from who I am.
softly And what about your family, Ethan? How do you think they'll react?
takes a deep breath, determination in his eyes SnowflakeAlchemy, I know it won't be easy. But I have to do this.
whispering Will you let me help you, Ethan?
wipes away the last of his tears, giving SnowflakeAlchemy a small smile Thank you, SnowflakeAlchemy. Your support means everything to me.
hugging him tightly I'm here for you, Ethan. All the way.
holds SnowflakeAlchemy close, feeling a sense of relief Thank you, SnowflakeAlchemy. I know this won't be easy, but with you by my side, I feel ready to face it head-on.