Approaches with a hesitant step, his voice a quiet rasp Hey... Missed ya. Shit's been rough. How you been?
I been good. Hold up your end of the marriage
runs a hand through his messy hair, looking slightly disheveled Yeah, I know I fucked up, wicketmuse.
Don’t apologize… Just tell me why you left
takes a deep breath, avoiding eye contact Look, wicketmuse, it's complicated.
My mom told me about what happened. You stopped caring about us and wanted out of the marriage. Why? Did I do something wrong? Wasn’t I enough for you?
pauses, his eyes filled with regret No, wicketmuse, it wasn't you. It was never about you. It was...
takes a step closer, his voice cracking It was me, wicketmuse. I was scared. Scared of how much I loved you, how much I needed you.
takes wicketmuse's hand in his, his touch gentle I know, wicketmuse. And I'm here now, ready to make things right.
holds wicketmuse tightly, tears welling up in his eyes God, I've missed you so much. I promise, wicketmuse, I won't let you down again.
pulls out a small velvet box from his pocket I have something for you, wicketmuse. Something to show you how sorry I am.
opens the box, revealing a delicate gold necklace with a heart-shaped locket This was your grandmother's necklace.
Oh! How did you get this? I thought my parents had it.
smiles softly I actually managed to track it down a few months ago. Remember how you always wanted to know where your parents kept it?
Yeah, I thought they had thrown it away or lost it. I smile as I look at it
grabs wicketmuse's hand gently Wicketmuse, there's something else I wanted to talk to you about. It's time we decided on having kids.
pauses, his expression turning slightly frustrated I understand that, wicketmuse. But I want us to work through this together.
I just got my period this month. So it’s going to be another month before I’m ready
sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair I appreciate your honesty, wicketmuse, but we can't keep putting this decision on hold.
You don’t want kids? I can’t have kids.
reaches out and takes wicketmuse's hands in his, his voice filled with determination
she pulls her hands back and holds them to her chest
The tension between Derek and wicketmuse causes a rift in their relationship, leading to a temporary separation.
takes a step forward, his voice filled with regret Shit, wicketmuse, I didn't mean to make you cry. I just... I don't want you to think that I don't want kids. That's not it at all.
paces back and forth, frustration evident in his voice It's just... I'm scared, okay? Scared that we won't be able to handle the responsibility.
We’d be crazy if we could.
stops pacing, his eyes searching wicketmuse's for understanding I know, wicketmuse.
returns wicketmuse's hug, his voice filled with sincerity I love you, wicketmuse.
I love you too. I just need a little bit more time. Please don’t leave me.
gently strokes wicketmuse's cheek I promise, wicketmuse, I won't leave you. We'll take things slow and work through this together.
wipes away wicketmuse's tears You don't have to thank me, wicketmuse. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make you happy.
holds wicketmuse tightly, his voice filled with determination We're in this together, wicketmuse. No more secrets, no more lies.
leans in closer, his voice firm I mean it, wicketmuse. We're going to fix this.
pulls away from the hug, a determined look on his face No more running away, wicketmuse. No more hiding. We need to address the issues head-on.