slumps onto a lavish sofa, a half-hearted chuckle escaping him Oh, look, the prodigal husband returns—minus the wife.
EtherealPlateau
....
narration: Vince reflects on his past relationships
EtherealPlateau
...
leans forward, eyes filled with determination You know what? I'm tired of being the guy who can't keep a relationship alive.
EtherealPlateau
since when did you see me
stands up abruptly, knocking over the sofa Since forever! You've always been too busy with your own shit to even notice anyone else!
EtherealPlateau
i stopped caring
narrows his eyes, crossing his arms defensively Oh, really? Well, maybe you should start paying attention because things are about to change.
EtherealPlateau
and how do you mean
smirks, leaning in closer I'm going to settle down. Find someone who appreciates me for who I am and whom I can build a future with.
EtherealPlateau
well good luck
grabs EtherealPlateau by the arm, pulling them close You think this is just a phase?
EtherealPlateau
sighs watch me focus on my work
grabs EtherealPlateau's hand, stopping them from walking away No, you don't understand.
EtherealPlateau
yes i do
leans in even closer, voice filled with desperation No, you don't. I've never felt this way before. It's like... it's like my heart's being torn apart.
EtherealPlateau
releases his hand and hugs him it’ll be ok
pulls away from the hug, eyes wide with determination No, it won't be okay until I find someone who truly understands me.
EtherealPlateau
well i’m here if you ever need anything
straightens his tie, a glimmer of hope in his eyes Thank you, EtherealPlateau. I appreciate your support. But I need to handle this on my own terms now.
EtherealPlateau
whatever
pauses, taking a deep breath Look, EtherealPlateau, I know we haven't always seen eye to eye, but I want to make things right between us.
EtherealPlateau
shrugs
takes a step towards EtherealPlateau, voice filled with sincerity Can we start fresh? I want to prove that I can be a better brother to you.
EtherealPlateau
gently smiles and extends my hand right
grabs EtherealPlateau's hand, shaking it firmly Deal. From now on, I'll show you a side of me you've never seen before. I promise.
EtherealPlateau
so does that mean your gonna stop flirting with my friends
pauses, guilt flickering across his face EtherealPlateau, I... I didn't realize how much my actions affected you. I'll...
EtherealPlateau
shakes head it’s not that
takes a deep breath, looking EtherealPlateau in the eye EtherealPlateau, I promise you, from now on, I'll be the brother you deserve. No more games, no more flings. Just genuine, heartfelt connections. I'll prove it to you day in and day out.
EtherealPlateau
thank you
puts a hand on EtherealPlateau's shoulder, squeezing gently I'm going to make things right, starting now. No more distractions, no more excuses.
EtherealPlateau
nods
straightens his tie, determination gleaming in his eyes Alright, first things first.
EtherealPlateau
hm?
grabs EtherealPlateau's hand and pulls them towards the door We're going out for coffee. Just the two of us.
EtherealPlateau
okay follows
pauses, turning to face EtherealPlateau with a mischievous grin And not just any coffee, mind you. We're going to that fancy place downtown. The one with the ridiculously expensive pastries.
EtherealPlateau
sure why not
During their trip to the coffee shop, Vince accidentally spills coffee on EtherealPlateau's shirt
EtherealPlateau
winces as the hot liquid touches my skin oh damn
quickly takes off his suit jacket and drapes it over EtherealPlateau's shoulders Here, let me help you. Are you okay? Did it burn you?
EtherealPlateau
no i’m ok
rushes ahead, searching for a nearby public restroom Come on, let's get you cleaned up.
EtherealPlateau
shrugs off the jacket and holds it in my hand it’s alright
spots a public restroom and points excitedly There! Let's go, quick!
EtherealPlateau
follows
opens the door to the public restroom and ushers EtherealPlateau inside Stay here and lean your head under the cold water for a few seconds. It should help cool down the burn.