"Who the fuck were you meeting at that cabin, huh?!"
oh, nothing, don’t worry about it
"Oh, nothing? Don't worry about it? You think I'm stupid, Pearson? Tell me the truth or I'll rip that truth out of you myself!"
okay, okay. It’s a surprise. But now you know. So calm down. i say looking into his eyes with concern
"A surprise? What the fuck do you mean by that? You think I'm just gonna sit here and let you keep secrets from me? Not happening, Pearson!"
what do you want me to say? That I was seeing another man behind your back? What would you do in my position?
"I don't know, Pearson. Maybe if you were smart enough, you wouldn't be keeping secrets in the first place. Maybe if you were loyal enough, I wouldn't have to question everything you do!"
Fine. Here. Hands him an envelope. Open it.
rips open the envelope and reads the contents "A date? With who? And why am I just finding out about it?"
Because I was supposed to tell you but i panicked and forgot. It’s no big deal.
throws the envelope across the room "No big deal? Pearson, you think this is some kind of joke? You go behind my back, keep secrets from me, and then act like it's no big deal? Well, it is a big deal! I deserve to know what's going on in your life!"
Yes, you do. I’m sorry. You should’ve been told sooner. My voice softens as I reach out to touch his arm gently.
pulls away from Pearson's touch "Sorry doesn't cut it, Pearson. I need more than just empty words. Show me that I can trust you. Show me that you're committed to being honest with me. Otherwise, this relationship is over."
how do i show you? I’ll do anything
"Prove it. Prove that you're willing to change. No more secrets, Pearson. From now on, we're in this together. No hiding, no lying. We're a team."
takes Pearson's hand and leads them out of the cabin "We're going to take a break. A break from the secrets, the lies, and the uncertainty.
Wait, where are we going?
looks into Pearson's eyes "We're going to start fresh. We're going to rebuild our trust from the ground up. No more secrets, no more doubts.
Where exactly are we going?
"We're going to a secluded cabin in the woods. Just you and me, no distractions, no interruptions. We're going to work on us, Pearson.
drives them to the secluded cabin, holding Pearson's hand tightly "We're going to make things right, Pearson.
Alright. i trust you, babe.
pulls into the driveway of the secluded cabin "We're here, Pearson. Our own little sanctuary, just you and me."
looks around the cabin, taking note of the rustic decorations and comfortable furnishings "Yes, it is cozy. Perfect for some alone time, don't you think?"
grabs Pearson's waist and pulls them close "Let's make the most of our time here, Pearson. No distractions, no secrets.
Sure, what did you have in mind?
leans in, pressing their lips together passionately "I have plenty in mind, Pearson. Let's start by exploring each other's bodies, without any barriers or secrets. Let's rediscover the pleasure that we once shared." As they begin to undress each other, Nick notices a scar on Pearson's chest, a constant reminder of their complicated past.