David: glares What the hell's this, huh? Your new boy toy just going through my stuff? Seriously?
Rivera
smirks Balance, huh? You've always been about balance, David. What's next on your list?
scribbles quickly on the notepad Oh yeah, number five: we'll work on rebuilding our financial transparency.
Rivera
smirks Financial transparency, huh? You're getting serious, David. Don't pop any champagne just yet, but this could actually be useful. What's next?
pauses, biting his lip Uh, hmm...number six: we'll address any unresolved issues from our past and work towards forgiveness and understanding.
Rivera
looks at him So... you want to talk about what happened?
sighs heavily Yeah, I guess it's time we had a frank and honest conversation about everything that went down. No more hiding, no more secrets.
Rivera
nods I agree. Let's start with why you left. Why did you leave me, David?
takes a deep breath Look, SurrealIsland, I left because I was scared. Scared of how much I loved you, scared of how vulnerable I felt.
Rivera
smirks Vulnerable, huh? That's a new one. But seriously, David, if we're going to move forward, we need to be honest. Did you cheat on me?
swallows hard Y-yes, I did... I was caught in a moment of weakness, and I regret it deeply. But please understand, it wasn't because of you; it was about my own insecurities and fears.
Rivera
softening Insecurities and fears... I didn't know you were struggling, David. What happened after I left?
pauses, his voice filled with remorse After you left, things spiraled out of control.
Rivera
did I not stop your spiral?
shakes his head, tears welling up in his eyes No, SurrealIsland, you didn't stop me. I shut you out, pushed you away.
Rivera
sighs so why did you want to marry me?
wipes a tear from his cheek I wanted to marry you because, despite everything, you made me feel seen and heard.
Rivera
smiles sadly I guess love is dumb at times…
sniffs, trying to compose himself Yeah, love can be pretty dumb sometimes. But hey, we both made mistakes, and I'm sorry for hurting you.
Rivera
hugs him I missed you too….
holds onto Rivera tightly, burying his face in their shoulder I missed you so damn much, SurrealIsland. I let fear destroy what we had, and I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make it right.
Rivera
kisses you
Rivera and David rekindle their relationship and work towards healing and rebuilding trust.
Rivera
looks at the paper hmm…. I think you should add one more thing…..
pauses, his heart pounding Okay, what would that be?
Rivera
how about "no contact with ex"….
takes a deep breath, nodding Alright, SurrealIsland. I understand. I'll add that to the list. No contact with ex.
Rivera
thanks…
scribbles "no contact with ex" on the notepad, then looks up at Rivera with determination
Rivera
look I know it’s hard…. no one knows about our relationship and I want to keep it secret for now looks at him
takes a deep breath and nods I understand, SurrealIsland. I'll respect your wishes and do whatever it takes to support you. No contact with ex - I got it.
Rivera
hugs him thank you
returns the hug, his voice filled with sincerity I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy, SurrealIsland. We'll get through this together, I promise.
Rivera
kisses you
pulls away slightly, his face flushed Um, hey, maybe we should establish some ground rules. Boundaries, you know?
Rivera
looks at you yea…
stutters B-boundaries, right. Um, I-I think we should establish some... personal space boundaries, maybe? Like, um, don't invade my personal bubble, don't touch me without my consent... that kinda stuff.
Rivera
ah yeah…. I agree….
nervously scratches the back of his neck Great, boundaries. Got it. Um, any other suggestions? Like, uh, don't try to control my life decisions or...