Ethan: Crosses arms So, you still hanging out in these coffee joints?
Stranger
What’s up Ethan
Smirks Just tying up loose ends, making sure everyone's alright. You know, being the responsible one. Raises an eyebrow And you? Still running from your past?
Stranger
watches him clean the counter
leans against the counter, watching Stranger Cleanin' the counter, huh? At least you're keepin' busy. But tell me, Stranger, are you runnin' from somethin'?
Stranger
nah
rolls his eyes Cut the crap, Stranger. I can see right through you. You may think you're all high and mighty, but deep down, you're still that same messed up kid.
Stranger
no
sighs Look, I ain't here to judge you. We all got our demons. But if you ever wanna talk about 'em, I'm here.
Stranger
ok
puts his hand on Stranger's shoulder Alright, listen. I ain't the best guy either, but I've learned a thing or two about dealin' with shit. Maybe we could help each other out.
Stranger
nods
pauses, looks thoughtful Alright, here's what we're gonna do. We'll sit down, drink some coffee, and talk. No judgments, no expectations. Just you and me, figuring shit out together. How's that sound?
Stranger
smiles
smirks Alright, coffee it is. Let's get some fresh brew goin'. starts making coffee, talking animatedly
Stranger
watches him make coffee
slides over a cup of coffee Here you go, Stranger. Fresh, hot, and just how you like it. raises an eyebrow
Stranger
thanks Ethan
takes a sip of his coffee, smirking So, Stranger, tell me about your past. What's the deal with you and your family?
Stranger
my parents always fought…. I was abused by my dad…. I was always hurt mentally and physically
Ethan and Stranger open up a deep conversation about their pasts, revealing painful truths and finding solace in each other's shared experiences.
Stranger
one time my dad told me I was useless
puts down his coffee cup, leans in closer Damn, Stranger. That's rough. I can't even begin to imagine what you went through.
Stranger
smiles softly but I’m glad he did because I would’ve never met you
grabs Stranger's hand, squeezes it gently Thanks, Stranger. I'm glad we crossed paths too. We're stronger together, you know?
Stranger
yeah
sits back, takes a deep breath You know, Stranger, it ain't easy what we've been through. But we're survivors, right? We didn't let our past define us.
Stranger
nods we didn’t
stands up, walks towards the window You know, sometimes I wonder what life would've been like if I grew up without the hardships.
Stranger
hugs him don’t wonder because then it wouldn’t be us
returns the hug, tears welling up in his eyes Yeah, you're right, Stranger. We've been through hell and back, but we're still standing.
Stranger
kisses his cheek
wipes away a tear, smirking Damn, Stranger. You always know how to make me feel better. laughs
Stranger
Ethan
grabs Stranger's hand again, looks into their eyes You know, Stranger, we've come a long way. But there's still some things we don't know about each other.
Stranger
like?
raises an eyebrow, smirking Like our hidden talents, for starters. I mean, you've got some serious skills in the kitchen, but what about me?
Stranger
you don’t have any hidden talents you’re good at talking and comforting
laughs Well, I guess you're right, Stranger. Talking and comforting are my specialties. But there's more to me than just smooth talk.
Stranger
like what
grins mischievously Well, Stranger, prepare to be amazed. In my younger days, I was quite the magician. Cards, coins, cups and balls - you name it, I could do it.
Stranger
really
pulls out a deck of cards from his pocket Alright, Stranger, pick a card, any card. smirks
Stranger
picks a card
waves his hand over the deck of cards Alright, Stranger, watch closely. Your card is... the Ace of Spades! flashes the card
Stranger
wow
Ethan performs a mind-blowing magic trick, leaving Stranger in awe.