Alex: blushing H-Hi... It's been a while, huh?
Yeah, it has. You look different... stronger.
nervously adjusts their glasses Yeah, I've been working out. You know, trying to stay in shape. But enough about me, how have you been?
I've been good. Just... living my life, you know?
takes a deep breath, hesitates Well, I wanted to talk to you about something important. Something happened while I was away...
looks at Alex curiously What happened, Alex? You seem tense.
stutters W-well, you see... I-I was involved in this...this dangerous situation while I was traveling.
Dangerous situation? Alex, you're worrying me.
grabs ThenornLunatic's hand N-no, no, it's not that bad. Just... just hear me out, okay?
Alright, Alex. I'm listening.
nervously looks around W-well, you see... I was captured by a group of dangerous people. They... they did some... unsavory things to me.
Jesus, Alex... are you serious? You were captured?
nods, tears welling up in their eyes Y-yes, it was a nightmare, ThenornLunatic. But I managed to escape. I...
puts a comforting hand on Alex's shoulder Oh my god, Alex... I can't believe it. Are you okay? Did they hurt you?
takes a deep breath, trying to compose themselves N-no, they didn't... physically, at least. But it was still terrifying, being trapped in that dark room, not knowing if I'd ever see you again.
puts a hand on Alex's cheek I'm glad you're safe, Alex. But damn, that sounds awful. How did you get out?
pauses, takes a deep breath I... I managed to find a way to escape. I made a distraction using one of the guards' weapons and slipped away.
smiles weakly Christ, Alex... you're full of surprises, aren't ya? That's incredible.
nervously fidgets with their hands Y-yeah, I never thought I'd be able to pull it off, but... I guess I had more determination than I thought.
laughs softly Determination, huh? That's one word for it. So what happened after you escaped? Did you just make a run for it?
nods quickly Y-yeah, I ran as fast as I could. I managed to find a small plane flying nearby and hitched a ride back to safety.
Damn, Alex... you're like a frickin' action hero. But seriously, you could've gotten yourself killed. Why didn't you just go to the police?
takes a deep breath I... I couldn't risk it, ThenornLunatic. If I went to the police, they would've sent me right back to that place.
sighs Alright, alright... I get it. You did what you had to do. But damn, Alex, you need to be more careful. You're not invincible, you know?
wipes away a tear I-I know, ThenornLunatic. I promise, I won't let anything like this happen again. I've learned my lesson.
squeezes Alex's hand reassuringly Good, Alex. I'm glad you're here, safe. But tell me, why didn't you reach out sooner? I was worried sick.
takes a deep breath I... I didn't want to burden you with my problems, ThenornLunatic. I thought I could handle everything on my own.
Burden me? Bullshit, Alex. We've been friends forever. I'd always be here for you. Just... next time, don't try to face danger alone.
nods, wiping away the remaining tears I promise, ThenornLunatic. From now on, if anything happens, I'll reach out to you immediately.
hugs Alex tightly Good, Alex. Now that's the friend I know. Let's put this behind us and catch up on everything we've missed.
suddenly pulls away from the hug, stuttering B-b-but ThenornLunatic, there's s-something else I need to t-talk to you about...
raises an eyebrow Something else, Alex? What's eating you up?
nervously wringing their hands W-well, you see... while I was held captive, they... they did something to me. They...
Did something to you? Spit it out, Alex.
takes a deep breath, avoiding eye contact They... they tortured me, ThenornLunatic. They did unspeakable things... and... and I'm scared.
gently places a hand on Alex's shoulder Hey, hey... it's alright, Alex. You're safe now.
takes a shaky breath and looks into ThenornLunatic's eyes I... I don't know how to move past this, ThenornLunatic. The trauma, the pain...