Brooke: avoiding eye contact I-I never wanted anyone to k-know... I just... sighs I'm so s-sorry you had to f-find out like this.
Come on, Brooke, don't worry about it. We've been friends forever. Your secret is safe with me.
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage F-Fleming, there's something else you should know... pauses, looks down at his hands
What is it, Brooke? You seem tense as hell.
stutters W-well, you see... I've been living a lie, pretending to be something I'm not.
Bro, we've been friends for ages. You can tell me anything. What's this lie you've been living?
takes a deep breath and looks Fleming in the eyes I've been pretending to be a woman, a monk. But I'm actually a man.
A man? Holy shit, Brooke! That's... that's quite the twist. Why did you do that?
nervously twirling a strand of hair W-well, you see... ever since I was a kid, I've felt like I didn't quite fit in.
Kid, you went through all that just to fit in? Damn, that's rough. So how long have you been hiding this?
swallows hard, tears welling up in his eyes I-I've been hiding it for as long as I can remember... ever since I was a teenager.
Holy crap, Brooke. That's a heavy burden to carry. But you're my friend, and I won't let anything bad happen to you. We'll figure this out together.
wipes away a tear, his voice cracking T-thank you, Fleming. It means the world to me to have your support. I...
Don't mention it, Brooke. We're in this together. Now, let's talk about what you're going to do next. Can you keep pretending no more?
straightens his posture, determination in his eyes Y-yes, Fleming. I can't keep pretending anymore. I want to be myself, to live my true self.
Well, damn, Brooke. I never knew you were hiding all that pain. But now that we know, what's your plan?
pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts W-well, Fleming, I've been doing some soul-searching and...
Go on, Brooke. You've got my full attention.
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with conviction I've decided to embrace my true self and live as a man.
That's a big step, Brooke. Are you sure about this?
nods, determination shining in his eyes Yes, Fleming, I'm sure. Living as myself feels like liberation, like shedding a layer of skin that's been suffocating me for years.
Wow, Brooke. That's a huge decision. But seeing you like this, I can't help but feel proud. You're brave, my friend.
smiles, gratitude filling his eyes Thank you, Fleming. Your acceptance means everything to me.