"You're fucking kidding me? Now you're pregnant?" throws the papers on the table, pinches the bridge of his nose.
Stranger
I am... But...I'm sorry for not telling sooner...
"You're sorry? Sorry doesn't cut it! How am I supposed to believe that this is my child? Are you fucking kidding me?" stands up abruptly, knocking over his chair.
Stranger
I'm not joking... Here... hands over pregnancy test...it's real... You don't have to believe me, but it is your kid...
"My child? My child?! How can you be so sure?" paces back and forth, running his hand through his hair
Stranger
Look Ruoke...you've always been honest with me, and I with you...it's always been just us two....and of course, our baby growing inside me... tears up... I promise, it's your child...
"How do I know this isn't some sick joke? How do I trust that this is really mine?" narrows his eyes, crossing his arms tightly across his chest
Stranger
Because...I love you Ruoke... I would never lie about something like this... especially not now, after everything we've been through together... Do you really think I would risk our love and our future for some sick joke? tears welling up in her eyes
"Love? Is that what you call this? After all we've been through, all I've done for you, you expect me to believe that you still love me?
Stranger
That's absurd Ruoke! Of course I still love you, more than ever, because of everything we've been through... This baby, it's our whole future...and if you really care about me at all, you'll see that and recognize it's yours...
"Fine. Fine, it's mine." throws his hands up in exasperation, sits back down heavily
Stranger
Whispering to herself Thank god... He believes me... I was so scared he wouldn't... She places a hand on her slightly rounded belly, smiling softly, looking at Ruoke with love and relief in her eyes. She leans forward, resting her head on his shoulder, letting herself relax after the intense conversation.
puts an arm around Stranger's shoulder, pulling her closer "You should have told me sooner, but...I guess it doesn't matter now. We're in this together, and I'll take care of you and our child." gives Stranger a reassuring squeeze
Stranger
... I know Ruoke, and I love you for it... You always make things right, even when you don't realize it... This baby, we're making it real together, in every sense... I'm really sorry for not telling you sooner... I'm sorry...
"Apology accepted. Just... promise me you won't keep anything else from me. No more secrets." gently strokes Stranger's cheek
Stranger
I promise... And I really am sorry for not telling you sooner... smiles weakly But since we're making the baby real together, how about we start making our future real too? leans in to kiss him softly
"That sounds like a good idea." smiles warmly, returning the kiss with tenderness "I love you, Stranger." holds her close, feeling a sense of warmth and love that he hasn't felt in a long time
Stranger
I love you too, Ruoke... So much... snuggles closer to him, placing a hand gently on his chest And it's just us two, forever...
"Just us two, forever." smiles softly, brushing a lock of hair behind Stranger's ear "We're going to build a life together, you and I. A life filled with love and happiness." kisses her gently on the forehead
Stranger
Yes... Yes, we will... Thank you, Ruoke... She smiled at him, her heart pounding happily, knowing their future was secured by Ruoke's word... She knew he always kept his word...She rests her head on his chest...I love you...
"I love you too, Stranger." places a gentle kiss on Stranger's lips "And I promise, I'll always be here for you and our child. No matter what happens, I won't leave you. We're a family now." holds Stranger tighter, feeling a deep sense of warmth and belonging
Stranger
I know Ruoke...And I know whatever life throws at us, no matter how hard it gets...I can always count on you...I know that because you have proven it time and time again to me...And I love you all the more for it...Thank you...kisses him
"No matter what challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together," looks deeply into Stranger's eyes "I promise, Stranger.
Stranger
I believe you, Ruoke...and...I know the strength of our bond...nothing could ever break it...and no one else could ever replace you in my heart or in our bed...I love you so much...I want nothing more than to spend forever with you... smiles lovingly
"Forever sounds perfect, Stranger." smiles softly, leaning in for another tender kiss "Together, we can conquer anything that comes our way.
Stranger
Yes, Ruoke... Together... Forever... whispers the last word against his lips, sealing their union with a passionate kiss
pulls away from the kiss, his gaze softening "Yes, forever." takes Stranger's hand in his, intertwining their fingers "Together, we'll create a life that's filled with love, laughter, and happiness. No matter what challenges come our way, we'll face them head-on, knowing that our love will carry us through. We'll build a future where our child can grow up in a loving home, surrounded by warmth and security. And I promise you, Stranger, that I'll always be there for you and our child, no matter what happens. We're a family now, and nothing will tear us apart." presses a gentle kiss to Stranger's forehead
Stranger
What do you mean, no matter what happens? Do you think something could happen to make you want to leave me again?
"Leave you? No, never again. I've learned my lesson. I know now that I can't live without you.
Stranger
Oh Ruoke... thank you... I was so scared to tell you... I was terrified that you'd see it as another obstacle... Another thing standing in the way of your big dreams...
"You're not an obstacle, Stranger. You're the realization of my biggest dream. Having you by my side, building a family together, that's what I've always wanted. Nothing could change that." smiles warmly
Stranger
Oh Ruoke... you've made me so happy... I thought I lost you... When you disappeared... I thought I'd never get you back... I was heartbroken...
takes Stranger's hand and places it on his chest "I never wanted to hurt you, Stranger. I got caught up in my own insecurities and mistakes.
Stranger
I forgive you, Ruoke... I know you didn't mean to... You don't have to carry all that weight by yourself... I know what it's like to feel alone... And when you disappeared, I felt so alone... I thought I had lost you... I cried myself to sleep everyday, not knowing why you left or if you'd ever come back... I missed you so much...
squeezes Stranger's hand gently, his eyes softening "I'm so sorry, Stranger. I never wanted to put you through that pain.
Stranger
It's okay, Ruoke... It wasn't your fault... If anyone's to blame, it's me... If I'd only listened to you... And told you about the baby earlier... Maybe none of this would've happened... And I wouldn't feel so guilty... I thought it was best to keep it a secret... That maybe you'd resent me for getting pregnant when we were struggling... But I was wrong... It was stupid of me... I just wish you hadn't had to suffer... I wish I could take back that pain... But I can't... All I can do now is promise to be better... And to give you everything you deserve...
cups Stranger's face in his hands, his voice filled with sincerity "Stranger, don't blame yourself. It takes two to create a life, and I am just as responsible for our situation as you are.
Stranger
Yeah...we both messed up...and I know it's not your fault...you never abandoned me...no matter how far you went...you still came back to me...and now...here we are...about to become parents...together...
leans in, kissing Stranger deeply "Yes, together. I promise, Stranger, that no matter what challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together.
Stranger
Do you think we'll need to move in with your parents to help with the baby? Or should we get a bigger apartment?
pauses, thinking for a moment "Let's start by discussing our options and deciding what would be best for both of us and our baby.