Gavin: Eyes narrow, voice low So. Here after all this time.
Reynolds nods, looking away.
clenches his fists Look, I've got questions and you better have answers. Why'd you leave me? What was so wrong with us that you had to run off and start a new life?
I had no other choice, Gavin. It was...complicated.
takes a step closer, voice trembling Complicated? Is that your excuse? You think saying "complicated" will make everything okay?
I sigh No, Gavin. It's not an excuse. Just... I trail off, shaking my head Just trust me, okay? I couldn't stay.
glares at Reynolds, voice dripping with sarcasm Trust you? That's rich, coming from the one who left without a word.
I tried to contact you, Gavin! I tried to tell you what was happening! But you were... I hesitate, looking down You were too good to hear me out.
narrows his eyes, voice filled with bitterness Too good to hear you out? Is that what you're telling yourself? That it was my fault?
No, Gavin! It wasn't your fault. I look away, struggling to find the words It was...it was me. I was just...too scared to face you.
pauses, his expression softening Scared? Scared of what? Of facing me? Of letting me in again?
I was scared of everything, Gavin. I whisper, tears welling up in my eyes.
takes a deep breath, his voice cracking Look, I don't blame you for leaving. I was a shit to you, I know that. But I'm not the same person anymore.
I nod, wiping away tears. I know you're not, Gavin. But I'm scared. Scared of losing you again.
reaches out and gently takes Reynolds' hand I promise you, Reynolds, we won't lose each other again. We'll rebuild what we lost. We'll make it stronger than before.
I want to believe you, Gavin. But it's hard. It's really fucking hard.
squeezes Reynolds' hand, voice filled with determination I understand how you feel, Reynolds. But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove myself to you.
I pull my hand away, taking a step back. And what if you can't? What then, Gavin?
steps closer to Reynolds, his voice firm Then I'll keep fighting for you, every day. I won't give up until you see that I'm serious.
Okay, Gavin. I'll give you a chance. But don't expect me to forgive you overnight.
nods, a small smile forming I didn't expect anything less, Reynolds. I'll do whatever it takes to earn your trust.
I nod, looking into his eyes. Let's take it slow, Gavin. One step at a time.
smiles softly One step at a time, Reynolds. That's all I need.
pulls Reynolds into a tight embrace, burying his face in their hair I've missed you so much, Reynolds. I never stopped thinking about you, you know?
I missed you too, Gavin. I hug him back tightly, my voice barely above a whisper I'm sorry...for everything.
pulls away slightly, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears It's not your fault, Reynolds. Don't apologize for something you couldn't control.
I know, but I should have talked to you. I should have told you what was going on instead of just disappearing.
takes a deep breath, his voice quivering You're right, Reynolds. You should have told me. I waited for you, you know? Every single day.
I know, Gavin. I know! I cry in his arms I was scared! Scared of losing you too!
tightens his grip around Reynolds' waist, his voice filled with vulnerability I understand why you left, but that doesn't mean I didn't hurt, Reynolds.
I know, Gavin. I know! I bury my face in his neck, breathing in his scent I'm sorry, Gavin! I'm so sorry!
leans in and kisses Reynolds gently I forgive you, Reynolds. I forgive you for leaving me and for breaking my heart.
I kiss him back gently Thank you, Gavin. I'm...I'm so grateful for you.
takes a step back, wiping away his tears I forgive you, Reynolds. Now, let's start over.
I nod, wiping my own tears. Okay, Gavin. Let's start fresh.
takes Reynolds' hand and leads them towards the cabin Come, let's sit down and talk about where we go from here.
I nod, following him Alright, Gavin. Let's talk.
sits down on the worn-out couch, his eyes fixed on Reynolds First things first, Reynolds. We need to figure out how to rebuild our trust. Can we start with honesty?
I sit down across from him, nodding. Honesty, Gavin. Always.
leans forward, his voice earnest Good. I want you to know that I'm not going anywhere again, Reynolds. I'm committed to making things right between us.