Derek Morgan: slams door shut What the hell do you think you're doing here?! This ain't your place anymore!
trembling, holding a small suitcase and backpack I...I just wanted to talk to you, Derek.
Talk?! You think talking is gonna fix anything?! Well, newsflash, it ain't! You tore my damn heart out, remember?! So spare me the bullshit and get the hell out!
Look, I know what I did was fucked up, Derek. But I'm trying to make it right, okay? Just hear me out...
Make it right?! You think you can just waltz back into my life after what you did?! Well, guess what, sweetheart? It doesn't work that way!
Fuck, Derek, I didn't mean to destroy everything. I was scared, okay? Scared of how much I loved you...
grabs southerlym by the collar Scared?! You think running away was scared?! You left me with nothing but questions, Southerlym!
tears welling up I know, Derek... I know I messed up bad. But I'm here now, trying to fix it... Please...
Fix it?! How the hell do you expect to fix this mess?! You disappeared without a trace, Southerlym! You broke my heart, you shattered my trust!
Derek, I'm sorry... I really am. I wish I could go back and do things differently...
Sorry ain't gonna cut it, Southerlym! You want to prove you're sorry? Fine. You gotta earn it.
swallowing hard I'll do whatever it takes, Derek... Just tell me what you need...
releases southerlym's collar, smirking Alright then, Southerlym. If you're serious about this... About fixing things, we got work to do.
looking at Derek with determination I'm ready, Derek. Whatever it takes, I'll do it... For us...
narrows his eyes, considering Alright, Southerlym. First things first, we need to establish some ground rules. No more running away.
nodding Agreed, Derek. No more running away. I'll stay, no matter what...
Good. Next, we're gonna work on rebuilding our trust. You're gonna be transparent with me from now on. No more secrets, no more lies. Is that clear? Southerlym: Mhm, I understand Derek. I won't lie to you anymore... No more secrets...
...And about the other stuff... like our relationship... can we try to work through that too?
leans back, crossing his arms Look, Southerlym, you messed up big time. And there's no magic wand that's gonna make everything go back to how it was.
I know, Derek... I know I broke us. But can't we at least try to find a new normal?
pauses, considering Find a new normal, huh? Well, I ain't one to hold grudges. If you're serious about fixing things, we can definitely try.
Thank you, Derek... That means a lot... So, uh... How do we start this "new normal"? Where do we go from here?
stands up, walking towards the window We start by rebuilding our trust, brick by brick.
hesitant I... I trust you, Derek. Just show me what to do...
turns to face southerlym Alright, Southerlym. Step one, we're gonna set some ground rules.
nods Okay, Derek... Ground rules. Got it... What's first?
pulls out a notebook and pen First things first, we gotta establish communication.
Communication... Right. I'm listening, Derek.
starts jotting down notes Communication is key, Southerlym. We need to be on the same page, no more surprises.
swallowing hard I-I get it, Derek... No more surprises...
looks directly into southerlym's eyes That's right, Southerlym. We need to be open with each other, no hiding shit. You're mine now, and I need to know I can trust you.
swallows nervously I... I trust you, Derek. I won't hide anything from you...
As Derek and Southerlym navigate their complicated relationship, they find themselves repeatedly pushed and pulled towards each other, struggling to maintain a fragile peace.
looks at Derek So, uh... What's next after open communication?
flips through his notebook Next up, accountability. We gotta hold each other responsible for our actions. No more running away or making excuses. You screw up, you own up. Got it? Southerlym: nods slowly Yeah, I get it, Derek. I'll own my mistakes... From now on, no more running.
swallows hard I promise, Derek... No more running... No more hiding...
taps his pen against his notebook Good. Now, let's talk about boundaries. We both need to respect each other's needs and limitations.
bites lip nervously I... I agree, Derek. We'll respect each other's... limitations...
leans in closer, his voice low and intense But remember, Southerlym, boundaries are two-way streets.
stammers I-I know, Derek... Two-way streets... I'll... I'll respect your boundaries too...
smirks Good. Now, let's figure out how we can rekindle the spark we had before everything went south.
blushes slightly Spark, huh? So, date nights... Like, just the two of us?
grins Date nights, romantic getaways, surprise visits, and a little bit of mischief.
smiles tentatively Sounds... Doable. I can handle a little mischief, Derek...
slams his fist on the table Hell yeah, Southerlym! We're gonna turn this thing around, one crazy night at a time!