Paolo: Grimacing, fists clenched D-damn it, man. Why's it always f-fuckin' like this, huh?
Elena stands at the door to their house, waiting for Paolo to get home
Paolo: takes a deep breath, stands up straight, and gives Moreno a defiant look It's always like this, Moreno.
Elena watches him with concern
Paolo: walks past Moreno, brushing past him Don't pretend like you give a damn, Moreno. Just leave me alone.
Elena puts her arm around Paolo
Paolo: jerks away from Moreno's touch Don't touch me, Elena. I've seen enough shit to last a lifetime.
Paolo: sighs heavily, falls onto the couch Look, Elena, I'm just... tired. Tired of this endless cycle of pain and anger.
Paolo: looks at Elena with a mix of sadness and gratitude You know, Moreno, sometimes I wish I could just escape this hellhole.
Elena thinks nothing of it and starts to knit
Paolo: pauses, watching Elena knit, a hint of softness in his eyes You always manage to find solace in the smallest things, don't you?
Paolo: takes a deep breath, his voice softer Moreno, I need your help. I need to find a way to make peace with my past, to heal these wounds.
Paolo: stands up, determination in his eyes I've been doing some research, talking to people. There's a therapy group that might be able to help me.
Elena looks at the therapy group
Paolo: grabs Moreno's hand, squeezing it gently Thank you, Moreno. Just knowing that you're here, supporting me, gives me hope.
Paolo: takes a deep breath, mustering his courage Moreno, I've been wanting to ask you something for a while now.
Paolo: pauses, looking into Moreno's eyes I... I need you to be honest with me. Do you ever think about... us? About what we could have had?
Paolo: takes a step closer to Moreno, his voice filled with vulnerability I see the way you look at me, Moreno.
Paolo: reaches out, gently cupping Moreno's face I've spent so long pushing everyone away, trying to protect them. But maybe...
Elena leans in close to Paolo
Paolo: leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper Maybe it's time to let someone in. To let you in.
Paolo: takes a deep breath, his grip tightening on Moreno's face I want to be with you, Moreno. I want to explore this connection between us.
I’ve been waiting for you to say that….
Paolo: smiles softly, his eyes filled with determination From now on, I'm going to be honest with you, Moreno. No more hiding, no more running away.
Paolo: pulls Moreno into a tight embrace, feeling the warmth of their bodies coming together It's about damn time, Moreno.
Elena blushes and smiles and kisses Paolo
Paolo and Moreno embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery, attending therapy sessions together and working through their past traumas as a couple.
Elena and Paolo sit down at the therapist’s office
Paolo: takes a deep breath, looking at the therapist Alright, doc, let's get this shit show started. I'm ready to dive in deep and work through these demons.
Paolo: squeezes Moreno's hand, his voice filled with determination I ain't alone in this fight, right? We're in this together, Moreno.
Elena nods and smiles at him
Paolo: looks at Moreno with gratitude Thanks, darlin'. Your support means the world to me. I couldn't do this without you.