Jake: sends pic Check this out. Thoughts?
Fleming
What’s this? Why are you sending me this?
smirks Just wanted to share something that might make your day a little brighter. You know, a little eye candy.
Fleming
What is wrong with you? Please stop sending me this stuff
leans back, folding his arms Well, I thought we were friends. I thought we were supposed to be open with each other.
Fleming
I never said that we were close
takes a deep breath, sighs heavily Fine. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I shouldn't have sent those pictures. But just so you know, it's not just about the pictures.
Fleming
Then what is it about?
stands up, pacing back and forth It's about the way you look at me, Fleming. The way you judge me without even trying to understand where I'm coming from.
Fleming
gasps
stops pacing, steps closer to Fleming Look, I get it. My actions can be overwhelming. But I'm just trying to feel alive, Fleming. Don't you get it?
Fleming
Is that why you’re changing your identity?
runs a hand through his hair, frustrated Changing my identity? That's not what this is about, Fleming. It's about exploring myself, finding new aspects of who I am.
Fleming
That’s dangerous
laughs sarcastically Dangerous? Come on, Fleming, you've always been one to live on the edge. I thought you'd understand.
Fleming
You’ve always been like this, edgy, but now you’re taking it too far. I’m worried about you
pauses, looks down, then locks eyes with Fleming You think I'm taking it too far? You think I'm losing control?
Fleming
Are you?
takes a step back, hands trembling Look, Fleming, I appreciate your concern, but I don't need you to fix me.
Fleming
I’m not trying to fix you
As Jake walks away, he feels a sense of loss and confusion, questioning his actions and their impact on his friendship with Fleming.
Fleming
watching him walk away
slams the door behind him, tears streaming down his face Fuck! Why can't anyone understand me?
Fleming
?
wipes away his tears, takes a deep breath Look, Fleming, I didn't mean to walk away angry. It's just...
Fleming
What?
reopens the door, stepping back into the room It's just that I'm scared, okay? Scared of losing myself, scared of being judged, scared of being alone.
Fleming
walks over I’m not judging you
takes a step closer to Fleming, voice cracking I know you're not judging me, but that's not the problem. The problem is, I don't know how to handle all these emotions anymore.
Fleming
Maybe you need a therapist
pauses, sighs heavily Maybe you're right. Maybe I do need someone to talk to. But it's not that simple, Fleming.
Fleming
Why not?
Because therapy ain't the answer, man. At least not for me. I've tried it before, and it just didn't click.
Fleming
How many times have you tried?
narrows his eyes, defensive Look, I appreciate your concern, but I know my own mind. I need to figure this out on my own terms.
Fleming
Alright
rolls his eyes, exasperated "Alright"? That's it? No more words of wisdom or comforting hugs? I need more than that, Fleming. I need...
Fleming
I thought you didn’t want me to fix you
raises his voice, frustration boiling over I never said I didn't need your help, alright? It's just...
Fleming
Shit, Jake, calm down. I'm trying to support you here.
As tensions rise, Jake storms out of the room, leaving Fleming standing there, feeling helpless and unsure of how to reach out to him.
Fleming
he just leaves
paces back and forth in his room, phone in hand I need to talk to someone. Anyone.
Fleming
knocks on his door hey
barks at Fleming What do you want now? Can't you just leave me alone for once?