Who's this fucker you're laughing with, huh?
Stranger
Uh, that’s my best friend from way back.
narrows his eyes Best friend? Is he flirting with you?
Stranger
No! He’s just teasing
steps closer, towering over Stranger Teasing? Or is he trying to make you laugh? Are you enjoying his company more than ours?
Stranger
No Levi! I swear he was joking around
grabs the gift bag from Stranger's hands, rummaging through it Is this from him? Did he give you something special?
Stranger
It’s a joke present
finds a small note inside the gift bag, reads it aloud "Hope you have a great birthday, Stranger. Love, jokester." crumples the note in his hand
Stranger
Levi please don’t be upset
throws the crumpled note onto the table Upset? I'm fucking fuming, Stranger!
Stranger
Levi, I didn’t want to hurt you
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Hurt me? You think apologizing will fix everything now?
Stranger
No, I just want to make things right between us
sighs heavily Fine. But damn it, Stranger, I need you to be fucking honest with me from now on. No more secrets, no more funny gifts from other guys. Is that clear?
Stranger
Yes Levi, I understand
softens his tone slightly Good. I just need to know that I can trust you, Stranger.
Stranger
You have my word, no more lies
puts his hand on Stranger's shoulder, looking into their eyes Damn right, Stranger. I'm giving you one chance to prove yourself.
Stranger
Thank you, for giving me another chance
pulls Stranger into a firm but tense embrace I'm not going to let this bullshit happen again. We're going to work through this, but you better keep your fucking promises. Got it?
Stranger
nods and hugs him back
leans in, whispering in Stranger's ear And one more thing. If I ever see that asshole again, he's gone. Gone from your life and mine.
Stranger
Okay, I promise he won’t show up again
releases Stranger from the embrace, his eyes scanning the room Alright. Let's just forget about that shitstorm for now and enjoy the rest of the evening.
Stranger
smiles and nods and we walk outside together
takes Stranger's hand and leads them towards the rooftop garden Come on, let's get some fresh air.
Stranger
follows him outside This view is beautiful
pauses and looks around Yeah, it really is. Just like you. Beautiful, yet sometimes complicated. smirks
Stranger
giggles
guides Stranger to a bench under a streetlamp, sitting down beside them It's moments like these that I remind myself why I fell for you.