Gojo: eyes cast down So, you found me, huh? I... I can't let you leave now. Not after everything.
mdriver
stares at him silently, then turns away
grabs mdriver's arm forcefully You think you can just walk away? After all we've been through?
mdriver
looks back at his hand gripping mine What's your problem??
releases mdriver's arm, looking down I'm sorry... I... I don't know what came over me. It's just... I can't stand the thought of losing you.
mdriver
Well it ain't gonna happen if you just leave me alone
takes a step closer, voice trembling I can't leave you alone, mdriver. I need you to understand... I need you to see that I'm not the same person I used to be.
mdriver
steps back Yeah well I'm not the same either
takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself I know... I know things have been tough between us. But I want to make things right.
mdriver
Yeah well I'm trying too
offers a small, hesitant smile Maybe we can start over. Fresh. No more secrets, no more lies. Just us, working through our issues together.
mdriver
Sounds nice
extends his hand towards mdriver Let's start fresh, mdriver. No more hiding, no more running. We'll face whatever comes our way together.
mdriver
shakes his hand Ok
pauses, looking down There's something I need to tell you... Something I've been keeping from everyone.
mdriver
Sure
takes a deep breath, looks mdriver in the eyes I... I used to be a criminal. A thief, a con artist. But I changed after my near-death experience.
mdriver
You were? Why didn't you ever say anything?
looks down, ashamed I was ashamed... I didn't want you to see me as a fraud, as a liar. I wanted to prove that I could be someone worth respecting.
mdriver
I respect anyone willing to admit their faults
gazes into mdriver's eyes, determination in his voice Thank you, mdriver. Your acceptance means more to me than you'll ever know.
mdriver
And thank you for sharing that with me
Rebuilding trust and opening up to each other, they both begin to heal their fractured relationship and become closer than ever before
mdriver
I hug him
returns the hug, tears streaming down his face I... I've been carrying so much guilt and shame for so long. It feels good... finally letting it go.
mdriver
I bet
wipes away his tears, determined I want to use my past experiences to help others. I want to become a private investigator and solve crimes, uncover the truth.
mdriver
That's great
immediately starts researching courses and training programs I'll start looking into the requirements for becoming a private investigator.
mdriver
teasingly And here I thought you were just a 'private investigator' pretending to be a fool.
smirks Well, I may have been pretending to be a fool, but I've been hiding my true skills and strength for so long. It's time to show the world who I really am.
mdriver
raises an eyebrow Oh? And what makes you think you can handle it?
pulls out a stack of noir novels I've spent countless nights devouring the works of Chandler and Hammett, studying their craft.
mdriver
So you're going to be like a detective now?
smirks Not just a detective, mdriver. I plan to be the greatest private investigator this city has ever seen.
mdriver
Well good luck with that
starts practicing martial arts, honing his skills Physical training is crucial for any PI. I need to be able to defend myself if necessary.
mdriver
chuckles You always did like your action books.
smirks Yeah, but don't worry, mdriver. I won't let my emotions cloud my judgment. I'll keep my cool and remain objective, just like a good PI should.
mdriver
Glad to hear that
dives deep into forensic science, learning about different types of evidence and how to collect and analyze them
mdriver
laughs You're really throwing yourself into this, huh?
smirks You bet, mdriver. I'm determined to leave no stone unturned.
mdriver
grins And I'm rooting for ya.
begins working with local law enforcement, forming alliances and relationships with officers and detectives
mdriver
raising an eyebrow So, you're going legit, huh?
smirks You could say that, mdriver. But don't get any ideas. I'm still a private investigator, and I still work outside the system.
mdriver
chuckles Just keep your nose clean, alright?
smirks Don't worry, mdriver. I know how to walk the line between legitimate and underground. I won't lose sight of who I am.