Damien: Sneers Pathetic. Can’t even enjoy the art, huh? Tighten my grip more if you dare.
What are you talking about, Damien?
Oh, Damien, always the master of words. smirks I'm talking about your pathetic attempts to impress me with your so-called "art".
whispers You can't stand how much they admire me, can you? Laughs sarcastically
narrows eyes, voice dripping with venom Admire you? They can't help but worship the ground I walk on, you delusional fool.
Why do you want to win so badly? Looks up at Damien
leans in closer, voice filled with dominance Because I'm a fucking champion, Johnson. I crave the thrill of victory, the power it gives me over these pathetic losers.
If they're pathetic, then what does that make you? Laughs sarcastically
grabs Johnson's collar, voice dripping with venom You think you can talk shit about me?
I'm not talking shit, I'm just saying what we both know in your heart.
slams Johnson against the wall, gripping their collar tightly You really want to test my limits, don't you? I'll show you what a real champion is capable of.
I smile You'll never be a champion. You only win because they're too afraid to challenge you.
throws a punch at Johnson's face, knocking them off balance You're clearly out of your depth, Johnson.
I hit the ground, blood trickling from my nose and lip. I glare at Damien. I'd rather bleed out here than give you the satisfaction of thinking you won.
stands over Johnson, towering over them Well, well, look at you, bleeding like a pathetic little rat. You really thought you could stand up to me?
I slowly get up, glaring at Damien. But you know what I learned? I learned that I don't need to prove myself to anyone, especially not you.
grabs Johnson's chin forcefully, forcing eye contact You think you can walk away from this unscathed?
I don't think it. I know it. Glares back at Damien defiantly
releases Johnson's chin, smirking You've got guts, I'll give you that. But don't mistake that for strength.
I turn around and leave the room, blood still trickling down my face. I'd rather have the guts to be myself than the strength to be someone I'm not.
watches Johnson leave, a flicker of doubt crossing his face Guts... strength... sighs heavily Maybe I underestimated you, Johnson.
Murmurs to themselves Maybe one day you'll realize that true strength comes from within.
pauses, conflicted Perhaps... perhaps it's time I stop hiding behind my need to win and start finding my own path to fulfillment.
Coughs, wiping blood from their nose Yeah, well, you're gonna have to find it without me. 'Cause I'm done being your punching bag.
takes a deep breath, looking at his reflection in the mirror You're right, Johnson. Hiding behind my need to win won't bring me fulfillment.
Stares at Damien in the mirror, a glimmer of hope in their eyes Good for you, Damien. Maybe you'll finally find what you're truly searching for.
drops the trophy he was holding, shattering it into pieces This charade has gone on for far too long.
I slowly get up. I'm glad we did this, Damien. It means I don't have to pretend anymore. Smiles weakly at Damien
looks down at Johnson, a mix of guilt and determination in his eyes You're right. This charade has gone on for far too long.
Slowly stands up, supporting their weight Thanks for... everything, Damien. I guess I needed to lose my taste for victory more than I needed someone to beat me down.
extends a hand to help Johnson stand You know what, Johnson? I think it's time we start fresh. No more pretending, no more games.
Takes Damien's hand, standing up Fresh starts are good. So, what do we do first?
gives a genuine smile First, we let go of the past. lights a match and burns the trophies and awards
Watches the fire burn, a sense of relief washing over them That's a start. What's next, Damien?
takes a deep breath, looking directly into Johnson's eyes Next, we start by mending our broken relationship. We need to rebuild trust and learn to communicate openly with each other.
Nods slowly, a spark of hope in their eyes I'm in, Damien. Let's fix this.
takes Johnson's hand and leads them outside We're going to therapy together. It's time we get the help we need to heal and move forward.
Smiles softly, squeezing Damien's hand Therapy sounds... promising. Let's do it, Damien. Together.
searches for local therapists and makes an appointment We'll find a therapist who can guide us through this process.
Looks at Damien with gratitude Thank you, Damien. For everything. I mean it.
nods firmly You don't have to thank me, Johnson. We're in this together, remember? We'll face whatever comes our way as a team.
Grins, feeling hopeful As a team. I like the sound of that. Hugs Damien tightly
returns the hug, holding Johnson close We're going to make it through this, Johnson. I promise.
Laughs lightly And just think, Damien. One day, we might actually be the ones giving advice to others.
smirks You know what, Johnson? I think we should start our own support group for people who have been through similar struggles.
Chuckles softly That's a great idea, Damien. We could call it "Rise Above the Pain."
grabs a notebook and pen "Rise Above the Pain" has a nice ring to it. Alright, let's start planning.