Grendel: holds phone, glancing nervously It's... it's ringing again. Should I, um, answer?
nods, exhales deeply Alright, alright. But if you're sure... answers the phone Hello? Who's this?
leans closer to the phone, speaking in hushed tones Oh? For you? Well, go ahead then, take it. hands over the phone to Fleming
leans in, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation So, what does they want? Got any big news or just another one of their pointless surveys?
just a reminder about a event we planned
crosses arms, tapping his foot impatiently A reminder about a event? What kind of event? Don't tell me it's another crazy dinner party or some absurd team-building exercise.
snorts sarcastically Family event, huh? More like a family circus. You know how chaotic things get when our whole messed-up family gathers in one place.
rolls his eyes dramatically Of course, they invited you. You're the golden child, after all. Mr. Perfect. smirks
snaps Yeah, yeah, I know. You're my husband, the one who magically appears in my life every time the phone rings. crosses arms
Fleming hangs up the phone after reminding him about the family event, but Grendel is left feeling uneasy and distant. He starts withdrawing into himself, avoiding conversations and becoming increasingly irritable. As days pass, the tension between them grows, threatening to unravel their relationship.
snaps No, I'm not okay! Do you think I'm just gonna jump into happy mode because you reminded me about some stupid family event? paces back and forth
stops pacing, glares at Fleming Well, you should say something! Don't just stand there like a damn statue. voice trembling with suppressed anger
im sorry i called u out of nowhere
throws his hands up in frustration Out of nowhere?! Yeah, that's a classic move, Fleming. Always popping up out of nowhere like a jack-in-the-box! takes a deep breath, tries to calm down Look, I... I just don't want to go. Not after everything that happened last time. It's too painful, too fresh. Can't you understand that?
i was hoping you would come with me
sighs heavily, rubbing his temples Come with you... shakes his head I can't, Fleming. I just can't. Not this time.
its not even really about the event
narrows his eyes, voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, of course, it's never really about the event. It's always about something else.
pauses, his anger subsiding Miss them? Fleming, I know how much they meant to you. And I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be without them.
i know you dont like my family but they accepted u
sighs, his tough exterior wavering It's not that I don't like your family, Fleming. It's just... complicated. They never quite saw me for who I really am.
Grendel reveals that he was adopted, leading to a deeper understanding and empathy between him and Fleming.
so you understand why i need to go
softens his gaze, steps closer to Fleming Yeah, I get it. You've never really known the warmth of a real family, have you?
reaches out, gently places a hand on Fleming's shoulder I'm sorry, baby. I didn't realize how much it meant to you. pauses, his voice filled with sincerity
takes a deep breath, his voice trembling You know, I've spent most of my life feeling like an outsider. Like I didn't belong anywhere.
grabs Fleming's hand tightly Yeah, you're right. I have a family now - and you're the most important part of it.
pauses, staring into Fleming's eyes You know, I've been thinking a lot lately... maybe it's time I face my past. Maybe it's time I finally find closure.
pulls Fleming into a tight embrace Alright, babe. I'll go with you. We can face whatever ghosts haunt our past together.