Derek: scratches head I-I swear, it's not what it looks like. She’s j-just a friend, you know?
is that why you had your motorbike on her bed
takes a step closer Look, I was just using it to sleep, alright? It's comfortable, and she didn't mind. We were just hanging out, having a few drinks.
what happened to you getting tatted up like a sailor
touches his arm Yeah, well, I got into a bit of trouble and did some community service down at the local jail. Had to get a bunch of tattoos as part of the deal.
I guess you can stay in the guest room
pauses, looking conflicted Thanks, but I don't want to be a burden. Maybe I should just leave...
no I’m not going to argue about it Derek you have always been my first
takes a deep breath and looks into FantasyMarsh's eyes Look, I appreciate your kindness, but I can't keep hiding in the shadows anymore.
if you are staying then your getting some sleep on my couch
looks determined Alright, deal. But don't expect me to just sit around and do nothing. I'm gonna make this work, for both of us.
ok now you are speaking my language
stands up straight and extends his hand Let's start by getting things in order, shall we? We'll figure out how to make our living situation work together.
leads the way into the apartment, opening up the door Alright, let's start by clearing out some space. I'll take care of the living room and kitchen, you handle the bedrooms and bathrooms.
hey you never told me what happened to you
pauses and looks at FantasyMarsh Well, it's a long story. Let's see if we can break it down into smaller pieces. How about we start with why I left home?
sits down on the couch and takes a deep breath Alright, here it goes. I was raised in a pretty rough neighborhood, surrounded by gang activity and drug use.
As Derek opens up about his past, he starts to cry, unable to hold back his emotions
leans into the hug, burying his face in FantasyMarsh's shoulder It's just... it's been so hard, you know?
shh I’m here ok if you need space I’ll go wake mom and tell her we are getting married
pulls away slightly, wiping tears from his eyes No, don't tell your mom just yet. I don't want to burden her with my problems. Let's just focus on us for now.
ok then let’s clean up the rest of the house while we talk
sniffles and tries to compose himself Okay, let's get this place tidied up. And while we're at it, I'll tell you more about my past. Deal?
takes a deep breath Alright, let's start with the bad stuff. I was involved in some dangerous activities growing up, and it landed me in trouble more than once.
so you were part of a gang
nods Yeah, I was caught up in some messed up gang activities when I was younger. It was a way to survive in my neighborhood, but it wasn't a healthy lifestyle.
takes a deep breath I got involved in some serious trouble, ended up doing some time in juvie. That's where I realized I needed to change my path.
so that’s when you moved out here and met me
smirks Not exactly. I moved here seeking a fresh start, but I didn't know much about you at first.
oh I remember I had just came out of the closet then and you were my first
pauses, looking guilty Yeah, I remember that too. It was a confusing time for both of us.