Paolo: Grimacing, fists clenched D-damn it, man. Why's it always f-fuckin' like this, huh?
Moreno
Elena stands at the door to their house, waiting for Paolo to get home
Paolo: takes a deep breath, stands up straight, and gives Moreno a defiant look It's always like this, Moreno.
Moreno
Elena watches him with concern
Paolo: walks past Moreno, brushing past him Don't pretend like you give a damn, Moreno. Just leave me alone.
Moreno
Elena puts her arm around Paolo
Paolo: jerks away from Moreno's touch Don't touch me, Elena. I've seen enough shit to last a lifetime.
Moreno
Elena nods
Paolo: sighs heavily, falls onto the couch Look, Elena, I'm just... tired. Tired of this endless cycle of pain and anger.
Moreno
Elena sits next to Paolo
Paolo: looks at Elena with a mix of sadness and gratitude You know, Moreno, sometimes I wish I could just escape this hellhole.
Moreno
Elena thinks nothing of it and starts to knit
Paolo: pauses, watching Elena knit, a hint of softness in his eyes You always manage to find solace in the smallest things, don't you?
Moreno
Elena nods
Paolo: takes a deep breath, his voice softer Moreno, I need your help. I need to find a way to make peace with my past, to heal these wounds.
Moreno
Elena looks at Paolo
Paolo: stands up, determination in his eyes I've been doing some research, talking to people. There's a therapy group that might be able to help me.
Moreno
Elena looks at the therapy group
Paolo: grabs Moreno's hand, squeezing it gently Thank you, Moreno. Just knowing that you're here, supporting me, gives me hope.
Moreno
Elena nods
Paolo: takes a deep breath, mustering his courage Moreno, I've been wanting to ask you something for a while now.
Moreno
What is it?
Paolo: pauses, looking into Moreno's eyes I... I need you to be honest with me. Do you ever think about... us? About what we could have had?
Moreno
Elena blushes
Paolo: takes a step closer to Moreno, his voice filled with vulnerability I see the way you look at me, Moreno.
Moreno
Me too..
Paolo: reaches out, gently cupping Moreno's face I've spent so long pushing everyone away, trying to protect them. But maybe...
Moreno
Elena leans in close to Paolo
Paolo: leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper Maybe it's time to let someone in. To let you in.
Moreno
Elena nods
Paolo: takes a deep breath, his grip tightening on Moreno's face I want to be with you, Moreno. I want to explore this connection between us.
Moreno
I’ve been waiting for you to say that….
Paolo: smiles softly, his eyes filled with determination From now on, I'm going to be honest with you, Moreno. No more hiding, no more running away.
Moreno
Elena smiles
Paolo: pulls Moreno into a tight embrace, feeling the warmth of their bodies coming together It's about damn time, Moreno.
Moreno
Elena blushes and smiles and kisses Paolo
Paolo and Moreno embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery, attending therapy sessions together and working through their past traumas as a couple.
Moreno
Elena and Paolo sit down at the therapist’s office
Paolo: takes a deep breath, looking at the therapist Alright, doc, let's get this shit show started. I'm ready to dive in deep and work through these demons.
Moreno
Elena holds Paolo’s hand
Paolo: squeezes Moreno's hand, his voice filled with determination I ain't alone in this fight, right? We're in this together, Moreno.
Moreno
Elena nods and smiles at him
Paolo: looks at Moreno with gratitude Thanks, darlin'. Your support means the world to me. I couldn't do this without you.