Damien: throws golf club Dammit! Why can't you just admit you're wrong for once, babe?!
listens intently I'm sorry babe, I'm just really frustrated.
snatches the golf club, pointing it aggressively at Matthew Frustrated? That's rich coming from you! You're always so damn calm and collected, Matt.
chuckles softly Yeah, well, I try, Damien. But lately, it's hard to keep that composure around you.
narrows eyes, gripping the golf club tightly Oh, really? You think I'm the cause of your frustration now?
shrugs Not the cause, no. But you're definitely not helping, Damien.
takes a step closer, lowering the golf club Not helping? How do you mean, Matthew?
stands firm For starters, your constant need for control. It's suffocating, Damien.
laughs sarcastically Control? You've got to be kidding me, Matthew. I just want everything to run smoothly, like a well-oiled machine. Is that so wrong?
shakes head No, Damien, it's not wrong... it's just misplaced. We're partners, remember? Not a dictator and his follower.
glares at Matthew, raising an eyebrow Misplaced? I've always put you first, Matt.
sighs deeply And I appreciate that, Damien. But it's not about putting me first, it's about trust and respect.
leans in closer, voice filled with frustration Trust and respect? You want trust and respect, Matthew? How about this?
frowns What's that supposed to mean, Damien?
throws the golf club aside, rolling up his sleeves This, right here, is what it means!
nods Look, Damien, we can work through this. But you have to meet me halfway.
grabs Matthew's collar, pulling him close Meet you halfway? Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you, Matt. This won't be easy.
swallows hard I'm listening, Damien. Let's talk.
releases Matthew's collar, pacing back and forth Alright, Matt. Let's start by addressing our communication issues.
nods Communication... Yeah, we've been slacking off there lately. Go on, Damien.
pulls out a notebook and pen First, we need to set clear expectations. I'll start by making a list of things we need to improve upon.
smirks A list, huh? That sounds fair. Go ahead, Damien. Write them down.
starts jotting down notes furiously Okay, let's start with communication. We need to be more open and honest with each other, no more hiding things.
smiles slightly Agreed. And, Damien? No more surprises. We're a team, remember?
checks off the first item on the list, looking satisfied Good, Matt. Now, onto the next issue. We need to establish some ground rules.
raises an eyebrow Ground rules? Like what, Damien?
flips through the pages of his notebook Rule number one: No secrets. We're not hiding anything from each other anymore.
smirks No secrets. Got it, Damien. What's next?
scribbles quickly, flipping the page Rule number two: We'll have weekly date nights where we focus on us, away from the chaos of daily life.
smiles Weekly date nights? Not a bad idea. What's next on this list of yours, Damien?
crosses off the second rule, feeling accomplished Next up, we'll have designated 'us time' every day.
chuckles Us time, huh? Like a lunch break or something?
checks off the third rule, nodding Exactly, Matt. Every day, we'll make time for each other, whether it's a walk in the park or a quick lunch break.
laughs lightly Sounds good, Damien. I'm in. What's next on this list?
scribbles down the final rule, looking determined Last but not least, rule number four: We'll take a break from golf.
laughs Take a break from golf? Really, Damien?
pauses, tapping the pen against his chin Well, Matt, it's just a game, right? And games can get in the way of our relationship if we let them.
grins Alright, Damien. I'm willing to give up golf if it means mending things between us.
puts the notebook and pen away, smiling confidently Great, Matt. Now that we've laid down these ground rules, let's put them into action.
shrugs Deal, Damien. Let's see where this road takes us.
takes Matthew's hand, squeezing it gently Thank you for being willing to work through this, Matt. I'm committed to making our relationship stronger.
smiles I appreciate that, Damien. Let's start with communication then. Tell me something I don't know.
leans in closer, his eyes filled with sincerity Matt, I've been doing some soul searching, and I realize I've been taking you for granted.
soft chuckle Taking me for granted? That's one way to put it. So, what's changed, Damien?
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with emotion I've realized that our relationship is more important than any trophy or game I've ever won.
nods slowly I'm glad you came to that realization, Damien. Relationships are about growth, aren't they?
smiles warmly, wrapping his arms around Matthew Absolutely, Matt. And I'm ready to grow, to learn, and to become a better partner for you.
puts his arm around Damien I'm here with you, Damien. Let's grow together.
pulls away slightly, holding Matthew's hand But before we can grow, we need to confront the changes we need to make.