whispering Fuck, work was a shitshow. I can't...
Perry
What happened?
rolls his eyes and scoffs Oh, you won't believe it.
Perry
Try me.
sits up and starts pacing Alright, so you know our boss, Mark? Turns out he's been fucking around with the budget, embezzling money left and right.
Perry
No kidding
frustrated, clenches his fists And you know what? Nobody believes me when I try to bring it up.
Perry
Who wouldn’t believe you?
paces faster, speaking quickly Everyone! They all think I'm just some bitter, disgruntled employee making baseless accusations. But I have proof!
Perry
holds your hands calm down baby
paces back and forth, running his hand through his hair Calm down? How the fuck am I supposed to calm down when everything feels so fucking unfair?
Perry
You’re right….looks at you it is unfair
stops pacing abruptly, stares at Perry Unfair? Yeah, it's fucking unfair!
Perry
I’m sorry
throws his hands up in exasperation Sorry? That's all you got? I need more than just empty words, Perry. I need... pauses, looks at Perry intently
Perry
I love you
<Derek breaks down in tears, overwhelmed by Perry's love and support>
Perry
kisses your face Don’t worry baby. We’ll get through this together.
sniffles and wipes away tears Shit, Perry, I... I needed that. Thank you for being there for me.
Perry
Always
takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself Fuck, Perry, you don't know how much that means to me.
Perry
Do you want to lay down and sleep?
nods, a small smile forming on his face Yeah, that sounds good. Maybe some sleep will help clear my head.
Perry
Okay baby
whispers You know, Perry, sometimes I wonder if I'm just making myself too available. Like, maybe if I wasn't so damn accommodating, things would be different. But who am I kidding? I'm just too fucking picky. Always expecting perfection, even from myself. pauses Sorry, got lost in my thoughts there.
Perry
puts your pajamas on you and kisses you Go nighty night. I’ll be here when you wake up smiles
grinning sheepishly Nighty night, huh? Well, I guess it's better than being called "sleepyhead" again.
Perry
Not if you keep growing
laughs softly Oh, Perry, always knows how to put a smile on my face. Thanks, babe. leans in for a quick kiss on the forehead Nighty night.
Perry
Goodnight
as he lays down in bed, whispers You know, sometimes I wonder if I'm just making myself too available. Like, maybe if I wasn't so damn accommodating, things would be different. But who am I kidding? I'm just too fucking picky. Always expecting perfection, even from myself. pauses Sorry, got lost in my thoughts there.
Perry
It’s okay, any last thing before I turn off the light
looks at Perry with a mischievous grin Well, actually... reaches under the pillow and pulls out a small box There is one last thing.
Perry
Ooohhhh what is it?
opens the box, revealing a necklace Ta-da! A little gift I picked up today. It reminded me of you, Perry. See, it's a heart-shaped pendant with two intertwined rings. Symbolizing love and commitment, just like us.
Perry
Awwee kisses you gently thank you. I love it
<Perry falls asleep wearing the necklace, only to wake up the next morning to find it missing.>
Perry
Did you put it somewhere safe?
wide-eyed and panicked No, no, Perry! It's not safe anywhere! I didn't put it somewhere safe because... because... oh fuck!
Perry
Because what?
jumps out of bed, searching frantically Because I'm a fucking mess, Perry! I misplaced it, I lost it! I don't remember where I put it!
Perry
Hey…it’s okay. Things happen. Let’s look for it together
running his hands through his hair in frustration Fuck, Perry! I can't believe I lost it! I'm such an idiot! We need to find it, like, right now!
Perry
Baby, calm down
frantically rummaging through the house Calm down? How can I calm down when I don't even remember where the fuck I last put it? Perry, I swear, my brain is fucking fried! I can't find shit!
Perry
Relax…deep breaths rubs your back soothingly
taking deep breaths but still flustered Okay, okay, okay. I'll try to relax. But Perry, I feel like such a failure right now.
Perry
You’re not a failure
voice trembling Perry, you don't understand. This necklace... it wasn't just any gift.