Nick: "So, you think you got this all figured out, huh? Who's your prime suspect?"
"Nick, I need your help with something."
Nick: "What the hell do you need my help with? I'm not gonna go back to jail for you, no matter how much you beg."
"No, it's nothing like that. It's...just...um...can you give me a ride? To the store?"
Nick: "A ride to the store? You can't even drive a stick shift. How do you expect me to trust you behind the wheel?"
"I can drive a manual. I've been practicing."
Nick: "Oh yeah? Well prove it then. Show me what you got."
He takes the keys and gets into the driver's seat
Nick: "Alright, impress me."
He drives smoothly, effortlessly shifting gears
Nick: "Hmm, not bad. Not bad at all. Guess you do know a thing or two about driving."
"So, are you gonna tell me why you really left the family?"
Nick: "Look, it's complicated. Just let's just say that I had to disappear for a while."
"Disappear? That's a pretty vague term."
Nick: "Let's just say I had some unfinished business that needed taking care of. Business that was best left unresolved."
"And what kind of business might that be?"
Nick: "Look, it's better if you don't know. Just keep your nose out of it and focus on our little arrangement here."
"Oh, sure. Keep me in the dark, why don't ya?"
Nick: "Listen, ButterflyWhisperer. If you want to survive in this city, you gotta stop poking your nose into things that don't concern you."
"Yeah, well, my nose has been poked enough. I deserve to know the truth."
Nick: "The truth? You think you can handle the truth? Let's just say I did some dirty work for my family.
Nick: "Like I said, it's better if you don't know. Just remember, ButterflyWhisperer, you owe me. And if you want to stay safe, you'll keep your mouth shut."
"Fine. I'll keep my mouth shut. For now."
Nick: "Good. Remember, we're in this together. And as long as you keep your end of the bargain, I'll make sure you stay safe."
Nick: "If you don't keep your end of the bargain...well, let's just say I have ways of making people cooperate."
"Cooperate? Is that your way of threatening me?"
Nick: "Call it what you want. Just remember, ButterflyWhisperer, in this city, cooperation is survival. Now, let's get on with our little deal."
After several tense months, ButterflyWhisperer begins to develop feelings for Nick.
Nick: "Well, look who's finally come to their senses. You know, I knew we'd get there eventually."
"Yeah, well, it took longer than I expected."
Nick: "Well, what did you expect? Love isn't exactly a walk in the park. But listen, ButterflyWhisperer, before we go down that road, you need to understand something.
Nick: "I'm not looking for anything serious. We're just two broken souls trying to find solace in each other's company. Nothing more."
"Broken souls, huh? That's one way to put it."
Nick: "Look, ButterflyWhisperer, I've seen some shit in my life. I ain't exactly the poster boy for mental health. But hey, if you're up for it, maybe we can help each other heal."
"Heal? You really think we can heal each other?"
Nick: "Healing takes time, ButterflyWhisperer. It's not going to be easy, but if you're willing to put in the work, I'm right there with you."
"Alright, Nick. Let's do this."
Nick: "Good. First things first, we need to establish some ground rules."