shows tattoo on wrist, voice shaky L-look, I got this for you, 'I'm sorry'... I-I was an ass.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
...no you're not...
stands up abruptly, pacing back and forth No, you don't understand! I've hurt people, real bad. I've ruined lives.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
you didn't ruin mine...
pausing, wiping away tears I... I guess you're right. I didn't ruin yours. But it doesn't mean I didn't try.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
I'm here if you need me...
takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself Thank you, GoodLive. That means a lot to me. But right now, I need to figure out how to heal, how to move forward.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
...take your time...
sits back down, takes out a notebook and pen I think... I think I need to seek professional help. Therapy, maybe. Can you recommend someone?
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
yes...I can..
scribbles down the name and number of a therapist from his notebook Okay, I'll give them a call tomorrow. And... thank you, GoodLive.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
hugs him...anytime
takes a shaky breath, mustering up courage GoodLive, there's something else I need to tell you.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
what is it?
looks down at his wrist, the tattoo "I'm sorry" stark against his skin I... I got this tattoo after what happened between us.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
...
stutters softly, looking down I-I wanted to show you... that I regret what I did. I really do, GoodLive.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
...
takes a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts I know words alone won't be enough to make up for what I did.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
...
gently touches GoodLive's hand But I want to show you that I'm genuinely trying to change. I've been seeking therapy, working on myself. It's not easy, but I'm committed to making it better.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
...how long have you been getting therapy?
stutters nervously Well, I've been seeing a therapist for... uh... about six months now.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
well...I can see that you've been putting in effort
stuttering Y-yes, I've been w-working hard...in therapy. It's h-helped me a-lot, b-being able to t-talk to someone about my f-feelings and t-thoughts. They h-help me identify the p-patterns and c-cause of my b-behavior, and w-work on changing them.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
that's good
interrupts, voice trembling Look, GoodLive, I know it's been a long time, and I've caused so much pain. But I want you to know that I'm truly sorry. I can't change the past, but I can change my future.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
hugs him I know you can
stutters softly GoodLive, there's something else I want to ask of you...
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
what is it?
takes a deep breath, trying to steady his voice I was w-wondering if... if we could try to r-reconnect. I-I'd like to m-meet up with you, maybe w-over coffee or s-something. Just t-to catch up and see how you're doing.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
sure...
stutters with relief Oh, thank you, GoodLive. That means a lot to me. How about tomorrow?
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
alright
Over coffee, Reed and GoodLive discuss their past and the impact of Reed's actions on GoodLive, working through their emotions and beginning to rebuild their relationship.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
...thank you for being patient with me...it's hard to watch someone I trusted break my trust...
leans in closer, voice soft and empathetic I understand, GoodLive. Trust doesn't easily mend, and I can't expect you to forgive me overnight.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
...
reaches across the table and gently takes GoodLive's hand But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn back your trust.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
squeezes his hand
stutters softly GoodLive, there's something else I want to share with you... I've been working on becoming more open and honest, and...
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
go ahead
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage I've been open to new experiences and relationships, but... I've also struggled with feelings of attraction towards others.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
...oh...that must be hard...
bites his lip, looking down at his coffee Yeah, it's been challenging. But I've been working on managing my impulses and respecting people's boundaries.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
that's good...not a lot of people would be willing to do that...I'm proud of you...
stutters softly T-thank you, GoodLive. That means a lot to me. I've also b-been exploring different ways to manage my urges, like exercise and meditation.
8/7/2024
DragonflyWhirlwind
yeah...I've heard those can help
pauses, hesitating There's something else I want to tell you, GoodLive... something more personal. takes a deep breath