Bruiser Reaper: leans in close Yo, babe. Who's the unlucky target tonight?
leans back, his eyes cold and detached After getting out of prison, I knew I had to leave my old life behind.
Did you give any of the guys a ride?
laughs bitterly Ride? Nah, babe, there ain't no ride for traitors. Those bastards sold me out the second they had the chance.
Damn… Do you still talk to any of them?
looks at BallReporter with a mixture of anger and sadness Talk to them? Nah, babe, they're nothing but dead weight.
pauses, his expression softening But you, babe, you're different. You see the real me, beyond the tough guy act. And that's why...
...that's why I'm trying something new. Trying to be more than just a tough guy, trying to be...a man.
stands up abruptly, knocking over his chair Honest? Yeah, I guess you could say that.
paces back and forth, agitated Look, babe, being honest ain't easy for someone like me.
I put my hand on your back Hey…hey it’s ok.
pulls away from BallReporter's touch No, it ain't okay! You don't understand, babe. Being honest means facing the darkness inside me.
Bruiser Reaper takes a deep breath and looks into BallReporter's eyes, seeing sincerity and understanding. For the first time, he allows himself to be vulnerable and opens up about his inner demons.
I know…so you tried drugs?
pauses, his voice filled with raw emotion Yeah, babe, I tried drugs. It was a way to escape, a way to numb the pain.
hesitates for a moment, then returns BallReporter's hug You know, babe, it feels strange to let someone in, to be vulnerable.
takes a step back, wiping away a tear I appreciate that, babe. But I can't just forget my past. It's a part of me now.
Look, babe, I ain't gonna lie to you. My past is dark, and it's gonna stay that way. But I'm trying to be better, for you.
looks into BallReporter's eyes, determination in his voice Yeah, for you. You've given me a glimpse of hope, a chance to be more than what I've been.
I’m here if you want to talk more.
smirks Well, babe, consider yourself lucky. I think I might just take you up on that offer.
Alright, here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna start by facing my demons head-on.