Eliot: crosses arms, glaring What the hell, why'd you bring this up now? You sniffin' around my business?
Stranger
Whispers to Eliot I want to tell you that I didn't mean to go through your phone, it's just...
leans in closer, his eyes narrowing What the hell are you trying to say, huh? Spit it out!
Stranger
Blushes deeply Look, I saw something on your phone...it was a video of you dancing. And it made me... feel things. Things I shouldn't feel
grabs Stranger's wrist tightly You think you have the right to judge me? You think you can just waltz in here and tell me what's what?
Stranger
Stares at Eliot, visibly shaken No, I-I'm not saying that... I'm just... confused.
pulls Stranger closer, his voice low and dangerous Confused? You think confusion is an excuse for meddling in my shit?
Stranger
Swallows hard, eyes darting I...I didn't mean to upset you, Eliot. I just... I needed to know... if you were happy.
softens his grip on Stranger's wrist, sighs heavily Look, I appreciate your concern, but I don't need you meddling in my personal life.
Stranger
Looks down, voice barely above a whisper Okay, Eliot... I understand. I won't do it again.
releases Stranger's wrist and steps back, his expression softening You know what? Maybe I was too harsh. I appreciate your honesty, even if it hurt me a bit.
Stranger
Bites lip, looking at Eliot with a mix of fear and determination I just wanted to see if...if we could talk about it. Together.
takes a deep breath, his voice still tinged with hurt Yeah, I guess we should talk. But remember, Stranger, my feelings are fragile. Don't break them again.
Stranger
Nods, voice shaky I-I won't, Eliot. I promise.
sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair Alright then, let's sit down and talk. But no more secrets, got it?
Stranger
Nods quickly, taking a seat across from Eliot Got it, Eliot. No more secrets.
leans forward, his eyes searching Stranger's face Alright, let's start with this. Why did you really come into my life, Stranger? What's your real motive?
Stranger
Gulps, avoiding eye contact I...I didn't have any motive, Eliot. I just... I saw a chance to be with you. To make you happy.
narrows his eyes, leaning back in his chair Don't lie to me, Stranger. There's something you're not telling me.
Stranger
Swallowing hard, whispers Okay, okay... I'll be honest. I was...afraid of losing you. I thought...if I didn't get close to you, I'd lose my chance.
leans forward, his tone softening Afraid of losing me? Why would you be afraid of losing me, Stranger? We've been together for so long.
Stranger
Laughs nervously It's just... I've been hurt before, Eliot. Badly. And I didn't want to go through that pain again.
reaches out and takes Stranger's hand, his touch gentle I understand your fear, Stranger. But you have to trust me. Trust that I won't hurt you.
Stranger
Looks at Eliot, a mix of fear and hope in their eyes I...I trust you, Eliot. I really do.
smiles softly, squeezing Stranger's hand Good. Because I'm not going anywhere, baby. I chose you, and I want to make this work.
Stranger
Smiles weakly, eyes shimmering with unshed tears That means...everything to me, Eliot.
pulls Stranger into a tight embrace, his voice filled with sincerity I love you, Stranger. And I promise, no matter what happens, I'll always be there for you.