You know, sweetheart, your family's debt was a thorn in my side. But you... you've become the fuckin' rose among the thorns. leans back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips
Stranger
looks up at him
stands up abruptly, towering over Stranger Don't just stare at me like a fuckin' deer in headlights, answer me!
Stranger
…
slams his hand on the table, making Stranger jump Answer me, damn it! Are you going to pay back your family's debt or not?
Stranger
I'm...I'm not sure, Rocco...the money...it's not just about the money anymore...
steps closer, his voice low and dangerous Listen carefully, sweetheart. This isn't a fuckin' game.
Stranger
…looking down at my feet I know...I know, Rocco...I...I'll figure something out...
grabs Stranger by the collar, pulling them close You better figure something out fast, sweetheart.
Stranger
"Ow, Rocco..." I gasp as I'm pulled closer by my collar
tightens his grip on Stranger's collar, his eyes burning with intensity You think you can just stall me, huh? Think again, princess.
Stranger
.. I'm not stalling... I mumble, my voice shaky It's just... it's complicated...
Complicated, huh? releases Stranger and paces around the room Complicated is my fuckin' middle name, sweetheart.
Stranger
... I know, Rocco... but this is different... I look up at him, my cheeks flushed
smirks, his eyes glinting with amusement Different, huh? Well, sweetheart, you better start explaining just how complicated it is.
Stranger
I look away, biting my lip nervously It's...it's about us, Rocco... our relationship...
<Rocco listens intently as Stranger confesses their feelings for him, revealing the true reason behind their hesitation to pay back the debt>
Stranger
So, you see, Rocco... I say quietly, avoiding eye contact Paying back the debt... it's not just about money anymore... it's about... about us...
pauses, his expression softening slightly About us, huh? runs a hand through his hair Look, sweetheart, I didn't expect this...
Stranger
I know, Rocco... I didn't expect it either... but it's true... I take a step closer, my heart pounding in my chest
stares at Stranger for a moment, his intense gaze softening Fuck... runs a hand through his hair again This changes everything...
Stranger
…changes everything, Rocco… what do you mean?
paces back and forth, his mind racing with thoughts Look, Stranger, this... this shit show we're in, it ain't gonna be easy.
Stranger
...I know, Rocco... nothing ever is... I say, looking down at my hands, feeling helpless But we can figure this out, right? Together...?
stops pacing and looks directly at Stranger, a rare glimmer of hope in his eyes Yeah, we can figure this shit out, sweetheart.
Stranger
I smile weakly, relieved Thank you, Rocco... I knew you'd understand...
smirks Understand? Nah, sweetheart, I don't understand shit. But I fuckin' feel things, and I feel something for you.