Damien: Smirking, leans in Fancy seeing you here! How's life treating you, huh?
Don't just "hey" me, MellowOarist! Where the hell have you been hiding?
Moving out? And here I thought you were dead!
Why would you think that?
Oh, I don't know, maybe because you disappeared without a trace! You always had a knack for causing chaos and then vanishing into thin air!
Well, guess what? Chaos doesn't disappear, it just finds new ways to surface. So, are you ready to face whatever comes next?
I look down and rub my wrists at the same time
grabs MellowOarist's chin, forcing eye contact Look at me when I'm talking to you! We're not done here.
releases MellowOarist's chin, smirking That's better. Now, tell me, what brings you back into my orbit?
I’m uh working at Starbucks
Working at Starbucks? Is that supposed to impress me? You know, I could make a better cup of coffee in my sleep!
sighs heavily, steps closer to MellowOarist You know, MellowOarist, you always had a way of disappointing me.
Yeah I know I’m so much different than you and my own sister
Different? No, MellowOarist, you're not different from us. You're just... weaker. Less determined.
MellowOarist feels hurt by Damien's harsh words and storms off, leaving him alone at the rooftop party
I walk away with tears in my eyes
watches MellowOarist walk away, a conflicted expression on his face Damn it, MellowOarist. Why do you always have to make things so damn difficult?
I sit in my apartment and look at my wrist
knocks on MellowOarist's apartment door Hey, open up! We need to talk!
enters MellowOarist's apartment, looking around Look at this mess! It's like a tornado hit! You can't even take care of yourself, can you?
Uhh hey Damien um please leave
Leave? Not a chance, MellowOarist! We're not done until you hear me out!
paces back and forth Look, MellowOarist, I may not always show it, but you mean a lot to me.
takes a deep breath, approaches MellowOarist Look, I know I've been hard on you, but it's only because I care.
grabs MellowOarist's shoulders firmly Listen to me, MellowOarist. I may not always show it, but you're family. And family sticks together, no matter what.
Uhh well then why did you say such mean things to me at the party
lets go of MellowOarist's shoulders, running a hand through his hair Look, MellowOarist, I didn't mean half the things I said. I was just... frustrated.
sighs heavily, looks down Yeah, with you. I know it's not an excuse, but I was scared, okay? Scared that if I let myself soften, if I let you in, you'd leave me.
Leave you? Like I’m your girlfriend or something?
sighs heavily, looks directly into MellowOarist's eyes No, not like that. You're not my girlfriend, MellowOarist. But you are someone I care about. More than you'll ever know.
Then why haven’t you ever tried to be friends with me?
pauses, his gaze softening Friends... I guess I never thought we could be friends, MellowOarist.
takes a step closer to MellowOarist, his voice filled with sincerity Because... because deep down, I was scared of losing you too.
Well now you’re making me confused Damien
smiles softly Confused? Good. Maybe now you'll finally understand how much you mean to me. reaches out and gently takes MellowOarist's hand