Victor: fists clenched, voice trembling I came back... to face this. To face you!
Victor, we don't have to do this now. Let's talk, try to find some common ground...
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Common ground? After everything you've done? You think it's that simple? pauses, voice rising
voice quivering slightly I know it won't be easy, Victor. But we owe it to ourselves...and to our past.
narrows his eyes, his voice dripping with venom Our past? Don't you dare try to play the victim card with me! You destroyed everything!
You may not believe me, but I didn't destroy everything. There are things left of me worth saving...
throws his hands up in frustration Worth saving? Look around you, Victor! Look at what you've done! Ruination! Destruction! You've left nothing but ashes behind!
You really think I wanted this? You know what I've done, Victor, but you don't know everything I've been through...
steps closer, his voice filled with anger You think I don't know?! You think I don't see the pain in your eyes?!
Yes, you saw the pain in my eyes, but you never understood why it was there. You never asked...
grabs Stranger by the collar, his voice seething with rage You think I don't care?! You think I don't want to understand?!
I look at you, my voice barely above a whisper Because it's hard to admit... it's hard to say out loud...
releases Stranger's collar, his expression softening slightly Hard to say out loud? What are you afraid of, huh?
Afraid of you hating me even more...but if you don't want to hear it, then fine. It can stay inside me.
takes a step back, his voice wavering Hating you...that's easy. But understanding...that's hard.
I know, Victor. I know you've been hurt too. But if we can't talk about it, we'll keep hurting forever.
sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair Talking about it...I don't know if I'm ready for that. It's too painful.
That's why I'm here, Victor. To help you through it...if you'll let me.
takes a shaky breath, looking into Stranger's eyes I don't know if I can trust you anymore...but maybe...just maybe...you're right. We need to talk.
I smile gently Thank you, Victor. That's all I ask...for us to start talking.
nods, his voice barely above a whisper We should start somewhere...maybe we can begin with the truth.
Where do you want to start, Victor? I'll go wherever you want.
takes a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly I want to start with why. Why did you betray me? What happened between us?
I didn't betray you, Victor. I was manipulated. Someone else was behind it...I'm so sorry...
pauses, his eyes narrowing as he tries to piece together the puzzle Manipulated? Who...who did this to us?
I shudder, looking down His name is Z...He's ruthless. But I promise you, Victor, I didn't know he was behind it until it was far too late...
clenches his fists, his voice filled with anger Z...I should've known. He's always been a snake. But why you, Stranger? Why did he target you?
I look at you, tears welling up in my eyes I was naive, Victor. I thought I could trust him...I thought he wanted to change things...but he had his own agenda...
softens his gaze, his voice filled with empathy I...I understand how that feels. I've been manipulated before too.
nods solemnly Yes, I was. By a powerful figure in my past. They made me believe I was something I wasn't, that I deserved to be a part of their twisted game.
I'm sorry, Victor...I didn't know.
takes a shaky breath, his voice barely above a whisper It's not your fault, Stranger. I should've seen it coming.
I sniffle, wiping away a tear I wish I could've seen it coming too, Victor. But I was blinded by love...I thought he loved me...
softens his tone, his voice filled with understanding Love can make us blind, Stranger. It can cloud our judgment and make us see only what we want to see.
No one ever believed me...when I tried to tell them...they thought I was crazy...
sighs heavily, his voice filled with regret I can't imagine how difficult that must've been for you. No one believing you...no one on your side.
I look away, my voice barely audible But I kept trying...I kept fighting for the truth...even when no one else would...
steps closer, his voice filled with determination You're stronger than you know, Stranger. You fought for the truth even when no one else would.
I look up at you, my eyes searching yours Do you really believe that, Victor? Or am I just another broken soul to you?
gently takes Stranger's hands in his No, Stranger, you're not just another broken soul to me. You're a survivor, someone who has endured so much yet still stands strong.
Thank you, Victor...your words mean more to me than you'll ever know...
pauses for a moment, his voice filled with determination Stranger, I want to help you. I want to be there for you as you navigate through this darkness.