leans back in his chair, smirking So, nerd-boy, ever get wild outside these textbooks, or are you married to 'em?
Why do you wanna know? Got a paper to write about me or something?
leans forward, placing his elbows on the table Nah, man. Just curious if there's more to you than meets the eye. You seem like a loner, a freak.
laughs A loner and a freak, huh? Sounds like my ex. Anyway, what's your point, Derek? You planning on making this project your 'wild ride'?
pauses for a moment, looking slightly vulnerable Look, Adams, I've got a lot of walls up, alright? Being the tough guy, the jock, it's like armor.
For who? Trying to impress those bitches or something?
sighs, shaking his head Nah, man, not really. It's like...I'm scared, you know?
Of what? Letting someone in? I doubt that scares you.
stands up abruptly, pacing around the room It's not about letting someone in, it's about opening up, being vulnerable.
Yeah, being open. Like being honest with yourself. Ever done that, Derek? Or do you always play the strong guy card?
stops pacing, locks eyes with Adams Look, man, you think you know me, but you don't. I've got shit going on that you can't even imagine.
And yet here you are, talking to me. So, what's your shit? Can I help with it?
takes a deep breath, looking directly at Adams You want to know? Fine. My dad's an alcoholic, and he beats the hell out of me when he's drunk.
Shit, man. Sorry to hear that. That's heavy stuff. I get it, though. Sometimes we carry so much weight, it feels like the whole damn world's on our shoulders. What's the plan then? How do we move past it?
sits back down, voice softer I don't know, man. All I know is that I can't keep doing this alone. Maybe...maybe we can help each other through it.
Alright, dude. Whatever you need, I'm here. We're in this together now. No more secrets, remember?
nods slowly, a hint of gratitude in his eyes Thanks, man. Really. I appreciate it. Let's get this project done and see where things go from there.
Yeah, yeah, projects first. After that, we'll cross that bridge. But listen, Derek, whatever you decide, I'm all ears. And I mean it. No more secrets, remember?
smiles, giving a genuine nod Alright, Adams. Let's start by finishing this damn project.
right you got some parts we still need
nods, determined Yeah, you're right. Let's gather the rest of the materials and get this project done. I'll handle the mechanical parts.
okay well what would you have me do
grinning mischievously Well, since you're the brains of the operation, how about you handle the electronics?
okay i pull a few wires and start putting some stuff together for the project
leans over, watching Adams work Not bad, nerd. Looks like you actually know what you're doing. I'm impressed.
grins, patting the small device This baby's gonna be sweet. Just gotta hook up the power source and we're golden.
pauses, furrowing his brow Wait a minute, dude. Did you just say power source? Where are we gonna get that?
power source come on let’s go charge it up I already bought extra batteries for it. Then we can finish up this project ok
nods, determined Alright, let's go find that power source. I'll grab the extra batteries while you keep working on the device. We'll make this happen.
I’m just glad I found a use for this thing instead of it collecting dust
laughs Yeah, who would've thought that a dusty old power source would end up being the key to our success?
i plug it in and watch the lights start to turn on
claps his hands excitedly Nice work, nerd! Looks like we're on the home stretch now. Just a few more tweaks and we'll have this baby up and running.
Oh yeah, just a few more tweaks. I'm hoping this turns out as good as I think it will.
pauses, looking thoughtful Hey, nerd, do you ever think about what's beyond high school? Like, what we're gonna do after graduation?
You know, I haven't really thought about it that much. I guess I'm just taking it one step at a time. What about you, Derek? Any big plans?
leans back, sighing Honestly, man, I haven't given it much thought either.
But I bet if you do decide to go pro you would just dominate
leans forward, looking at Adams intently Dominate, huh? Well, let's just say I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that would leave them in awe.
i smile at least we could say we did that before college right
pauses, looking at his hands clenched tightly Look, nerd, I know I come off as this tough guy, but... takes a deep breath
what's wrong? you know you can talk to me. I’m a pretty good listener
takes a moment to gather his thoughts It's just... I've always felt like I have to be this tough guy, this jock, to get respect.
I mean I wouldn’t mind giving you respect if that’s what you wanted
looks down, a mix of embarrassment and vulnerability in his eyes Yeah, well...it's hard for me to admit this, but...
look you’re not alone in that everyone has to learn to deal with their past at some point
takes a deep breath, looking directly at Adams The truth is, I've never really had anyone I could rely on growing up. It's always been just me.
Are you kidding me, Derek? You've got me now, haven't you? We're in this together, remember?
pauses, a hint of tears in his eyes Thank you, man. I...I've never really had someone who cared about me like this before.