leans back, eyes darting What the fuck you doin' here, huh? Thought you'd had enough of me.
Stranger
yes but I wanted to see u
snorts Yeah, sure. Save it. I don't need your pity or your false sympathy. You wanted to see me? Fine. Have a seat.
Stranger
sits down it’s not pity it’s genuine I miss u
rolls eyes Miss me? Yeah, right. You think you can just waltz back into my life like nothing happened? Well, newsflash, asshole, it did happen.
Stranger
starts crying and drinking more fine go if that’s what u want
slams his drink down on the table Of course, it's what I want! Who the fuck wouldn't want their own flesh and blood crying all over the place?
Stranger
drinks the rest of the bottle and slurs than why did u leave than
stands up abruptly, knocking over his chair Left? You think I fucking left for no reason? You think I wanted to be away from you?
Stranger
did I ever ask u why? no I didn’t because ur my brother but it’s eating me alive not knowing why u left
takes a deep breath, avoiding eye contact Why did I leave? Because... pauses, clenches jaw Because I had to. It wasn't about you, it wasn't about us. It was about... protecting ourselves.
Stranger
get up leaving alright sorry for bothering u have a good life Jake
grabs Stranger's arm, his voice wavering Wait, don't go. Look, I fucked up, okay? I made a mistake leaving like that, and I've regretted it every day since. takes a deep breath It was hard, Stranger. Harder than anything I've ever done. But I did it because I thought it was the best damn decision I could make for both of us. releases Stranger's arm It doesn't excuse what I did, but I hope you can understand why I left.
Stranger
why couldn’t u tell me I dunno maybe have a talk with me first
runs a hand through his hair, sighs heavily You're right. I should have talked to you. Should have been there for you.
Stranger
yea you should’ve
<Jake and Stranger slowly start rebuilding their relationship, learning to trust and communicate with each other again>
Stranger
leaning back, with a rough smile Trust is built one conversation at a time, Jake. And I'm ready to listen.
leans forward, his eyes softening Alright, then let's start with this. takes a deep breath I left because... because I didn't want you to get hurt.
Stranger
by who? I can handle myself
leans back, locking eyes with Stranger It wasn't just about you getting hurt physically, Stranger. It was about you getting hurt emotionally.
Stranger
oh well that’s silly because I’m pretty resilient I got over it long ago
rolls his eyes Resilient, huh? That doesn't mean shit if you don't even know what hit you. You think I didn't see how hard you took it when I left?
Stranger
we barely talked before u left so I only felt bad because I cared about you so much
leans forward, his tone sharp Cared about me, huh? Is that what you think? That I didn't care about myself? slams his fist on the table
Stranger
w-what
stands up, pacing back and forth Look, Stranger, I may have been an asshole back then, but I wasn't stupid.
Stranger
you were never stupid
stops pacing, his voice filled with frustration Cut the crap, Stranger! Don't try to sugarcoat shit with me!
Stranger
I loved you alright I still do
pauses, his face red with anger Loved me? Loved me?! You think that makes everything better? Love didn't keep me from hurting, Stranger.