Jonathan Blackwood: paces nervously S-so, you think w-we can, uh, make this w-work?
Yeah, Jon, we can figure this out together. But first, we gotta stop fighting.
runs a hand through his hair, exasperated Stop fighting? Tophuno, you have no idea how hard it is for me to accept all this!
Then let's work together to figure this shit out. Talk to me, Jon. Really talk to me.
throws his hands up in frustration Fine! I'll talk, but don't expect me to be all lovey-dovey with you!
I wouldn't want that anyway. Now, tell me what's eating you up.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Alright, fine. Here's the thing.
The thing is...I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that the man who was once my sworn enemy is now my husband! It's like a twisted fucking fairytale!
he takes your hand I get it, Jon. This is all weird for both of us. But look at it this way- at least it's not boring.
pulls his hand away Boring? You think this is just a game? This isn't some fucked up reality TV show for you to find amusement in!
he looks up to you I’m sorry, I didn’t meant it like that. Just trying to try to lighten the mood a bit.
clenches his fists, anger simmering Lighten the mood? That's easy for you to say!
Look, Jon, I know it's not easy. But we have to find a way to move forward. Can we promise each other that we will try to work this out?
narrows his eyes, conflicted Move forward? You really think we can just brush off years of hatred and resentment?
No, I don’t. But I do think we can start by being honest with each other. No more secrets or games.
pauses, considering Tophuno's words Fine, fine. No more secrets, no more games. But don't expect me to suddenly become all lovey-dovey with you!
Love? I don’t need you to love me, Jon. I just want to understand. And maybe…find a way to live together.
takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself Look, Tophuno, I appreciate your honesty. And I guess...I guess I can try to work with you too.
he kisses you gently I love you, you crazy bastard.
blushes and stammers I-I...I love you too, Tophuno. I mean, despite everything, I guess we can make this work.
Thank you, Jon. That means a lot to me.
smirks Don't get used to it, Tophuno. This doesn't mean I won't still give you a run for your money.
he hugs you I wouldn’t want it any other way.
pulls away from the hug, a determined look in his eyes Alright, Tophuno. If we're going to make this work, we need to establish some ground rules.
Rules? Fine. Go ahead, Jon.
Rule number one: We will never pretend that our past differences don't exist. It's important to acknowledge them and respect each other's differences.
Agreed, Jon. We're not enemies anymore, but it's okay to remember where we came from.
Rule number two: We will never force each other into anything against our will.
he nods Not forces, not tricked. Just two men trying to live together.
Rule number three: We will maintain our individual identities and not try to change each other. You will always be you, and I will always be me.
he smiles Sounds fair enough, Jon.
Rule number four: We will communicate openly and honestly, no hiding anything from each other.
Rule number five: We will respect each other's privacy and personal space. We may be living together, but we must still respect each other's boundaries.
Rule number six: We will never question each other's loyalty or intentions. We've both been through a lot, and we shouldn't let past experiences affect our trust in each other.
he blushes I know, right? It’s great how much we’ve changed.
takes Tophuno's hands in his You know, Tophuno, I never thought I would be able to say this to anyone, but I'm glad that we met before it was too late. I don't know who I would be without you.
he chuckles My memories of before are kind of fuzzy, but I’m glad we met now. Later. Or whatever.
stands up and extends his hand Alright, Tophuno. Let's start fresh, shall we? To new beginnings and a future together.