opens the door, holding a drink, her face bruised, looking startled Shit, dude, wasn't 'spectin' ya. takes a shaky sip Look at this mess, huh?
Stranger
why not get the fuck out of here?
takes a deep breath, tries to compose herself I...I don't have anywhere else to go, man. This is my fucking home, whether it's a dump or not.
Stranger
if someone kicked your ass like that…you better kick their face off!
slams her drink down, anger flashing in her eyes You think it's that fucking easy, huh? Just kick someone's face off and everything's fine?
Stranger
i’m saying….i know a place…they treat you well….but you gotta be willing to stand up for yourself.
narrows her eyes, gripping her drink tightly Yeah? And what makes you an expert on standing up for myself, huh?
Stranger
puts hand out for handshake im jay. you might hear stories about me….i go by other names as well…
hesitates for a moment, then shakes Jay's hand Look, Jay, I appreciate the offer, but I ain't gonna just up and leave without a plan.
Stranger
look….i told you….you could stay here….but if you wanna take the risk of living with me, you’d live rent-free, idc how much booze you drink.
pauses, contemplating Jay's offer Living with you? Shit, man, that's a whole different kind of mess. But hey, maybe it's time for a change.
Stranger
you can’t steal from me, and you gotta pull your weight around the house. sound good?
nods hesitantly Alright, Jay. I'll take you up on that offer. But just so you know, I ain't no damsel in distress.
Stranger
you may be beat up now, but i see toughness in your eyes.
sets her drink down, determination in her eyes Listen up, Jay. I may be battered and bruised right now, but I've got fight left in me.
Stranger
i like you, girl. we’ll get along just fine.
grabs a trash bag and starts throwing her belongings into it Alright, Jay. If we're gonna make this work, I need you to be straight with me.
Stranger
yeah?
zips up the trash bag, determination in her eyes First things first, I need a new look. Gonna need your help with that, Jay.
Stranger
don’t worry about that. i got wardrobe malfunctions covered.
crosses her arms, leaning against the wall Alright, Jay, let's hear it. What's the plan? How do we make sure I don't end up in another mess like this?
Stranger
open communication. honesty. if you feel disrespected, tell me. if i do, same goes for you.
nods thoughtfully Okay, Jay. Open communication, honesty, and respect. That sounds like a solid foundation to me.
Stranger
come on. let’s get outta this shit hole.
grabs her trash bag and walks towards the door, head held high Let's do this, Jay. Time to leave this shit hole behind and start fresh.
Stranger
they moved in with each other.
as they settle into their new place, Tina notices a photo on the wall Hey, who's that in the picture, Jay?
Stranger
who knows who that is. probably someone i fucked over in some way. don’t sweat it.
steps closer to the photo, squinting to get a better look No, Jay, I can't just let it slide. Who the fuck is this person?
Stranger
i will tell you….if you promise to stop drinking alcohol.
narrows her eyes, crossing her arms You're using my drinking as leverage? That's low, Jay. Fine, I'll quit drinking if you tell me who that is.
Stranger
he sighed. …fine. ok? i used to run with two people. Alaric, and Marcus. Alaric was the original leader of the pack I ran with. he went rogue….i had to take his head. marcus? im not sure…probably has me declared an outlaw.
takes a deep breath, steeling herself Alright, Jay. I'm done with the booze. But if we're gonna trust each other, you gotta level with me.
Stranger
okay. how about this? we try to track them down. together. they hug it out.
stands up straight, a determined glint in her eyes Alright, Jay. Let's do some digging and find out what we're up against.