Daniel: fidgets, looking around nervously Man, this wedding stuff, huh? Crazy. So, what’s up, dude?
...I've been in love with you for years-
snorts Dude, you gotta be joking, right? I mean, look at me, I'm like the poster boy for commitment-phobia!
leans back, crossing his arms Look, man, I appreciate the honesty, but you gotta understand, I ain't exactly built for relationships like that.
Alright, I need to go...and don't even try to stop me
grabs King's arm, pleading Wait, wait, wait, hold on a sec, man! Don't go just yet!
takes a deep breath Look, I know this is gonna sound crazy, but maybe we can figure this shit out together.
No, it doesn't sound crazy. It sounds fucking miserable. I'm leaving before you make things worse
desperately Hey, man, don't go! Please! Let's talk this through, seriously. I mean, think about it, we could make this work, we could be a real team, you know?
rolls eyes A team? I'm the only one trying here!
frustrated Fuck, man, I get it. I haven't been the best at handling shit, I know that. But seriously, I want to try, I want to make it work.
grits his teeth, clenches his fists Dammit, why does everything have to be so fucking complicated? paces back and forth, muttering to himself
stops pacing, takes a deep breath Alright, alright, calm the fuck down, Daniel. You can't let this get to you. Think, think.
runs his hand through his hair Look, I know I've fucked up in the past, but this time, I really want to make it right.
sighs heavily Fine, fine, I'll back off. Just...just give me some time to figure shit out, alright?
Over the next few weeks, Daniel works tirelessly to reflect on his actions and considers couples therapy to save his marriage
He keeps seeing Daniel hanging around his wife
notices King and approaches him Hey, man, can we talk? I've been working on myself, trying to be a better partner.
takes a deep breath Look, I know I've been a fuck-up in the past, but I'm serious about turning things around.
Chuckles Turning things around, huh? That's a tall order, Daniel.
smiles nervously Yeah, I know, but I'm determined to do it. I've been attending couples therapy, learning how to communicate better, and...
And what? Don't bullshit me, Daniel. What have you learned?
leans in closer, speaking earnestly Well, for starters, I've learned that it's not about me, it's about us.
It’s not about you….but since it’s your fault it’s still about you
takes a step back, visibly hurt Look, I get it, you're pissed at me. But I'm trying to own my shit and become a better person for you. Can't you see that?
I can see that Daniel, but are you able to see it?
runs a hand through his hair, frustrated Damn, you're right. I've been so focused on trying to fix things that I haven't taken a step back to see my own flaws.
sighs heavily You know, it's like this whole damn marriage thing has become a goddamn battleground.
Laughs That's one way to put it, Daniel. A battleground.
pauses, then looks determined Fuck it, King. I'm tired of feeling like I'm always on the defensive.
Chuckles So what's your next move, Romeo?
grins mischievously Oh, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve, my man. First things first, I'm gonna show you that I'm willing to put in the work.
Alright, show me what you got, champ.
pulls out a notebook and pen Alright, listen up, King. I've been doing some research, and I think I've come up with a game plan to turn our marriage around.
Chuckles A game plan, huh? This should be good.
starts flipping through his notebook, pointing at various notes First, I'm gonna work on communication. No more assumptions, no more surprises. We're gonna talk shit out, eye to eye.