Alex: fidgeting with a loose thread on their sleeve Heard something weird, y’know. Rumor mill says you've been into me... three years?
TigerCascade
she walks over Hey, look who’s still haunted by old nightmares…
looks up at TigerCascade, eyes wide with surprise Oh, damn... It's you. takes a step back, stammering I mean, I knew you were... but, wow...
TigerCascade
yeah, yeah, it’s not what you think
takes a deep breath, trying to calm down No, seriously, what the fuck is going on here? Why would you... wait, scratch that, why did you stay quiet all this time?
TigerCascade
because I don’t want to hurt you
crosses arms, pacing back and forth Hurt me? You think keeping this from me was the best way to "not hurt" me? That's some twisted logic there, TigerCascade.
TigerCascade
no, it isn’t, I wanted to tell you but I didn’t want you to push me away or get mad at me
pauses, takes a deep breath Look, I appreciate the sentiment, but you can't just drop something like this on me and expect me to act normal.
TigerCascade
I know, but I was scared and—
interrupts TigerCascade, voice trembling with anger Scared? You think being scared excuses this?
TigerCascade
I’m sorry! okay?
stops pacing and locks eyes with TigerCascade, voice filled with hurt You know, sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of lies and secrets.
TigerCascade
I didn’t want to lie to you, I thought I could protect you by keeping it to myself, but I was wrong
takes a step closer to TigerCascade, voice softening Protect me? By keeping something like this from me? That's a twisted way to show affection, TigerCascade.
TigerCascade
i know, I know I’m a shitty person, but please believe me when I say that I love you
takes a deep breath, looking directly into TigerCascade's eyes Love doesn't always mean protecting someone from the truth, TigerCascade.
TigerCascade
I know, I just—I wanted to be the one to fight the monster so you could be safe and live a normal life without having all of this on your shoulders
takes a step back, shaking their head Normal life? You think any of this is normal? This shit is far from normal, TigerCascade.
TigerCascade
yeah, I guess we’re not normal
Alex and TigerCascade share a moment of understanding and acceptance, realizing that their relationship can survive despite the secrets and lies.
TigerCascade
hey, if we are stuck with this deal, at least tell me your favorite color or something
laughs softly Fine, fine. My favorite color is actually chartreuse. Bright, vibrant, and full of life.
TigerCascade
Mine’s deep red, the color of blood. Not as cheery as yours, but it’s unique to me
smirks Well, I guess that makes us quite the contrasting pair, huh?
TigerCascade
yeah, I guess we are.
grins mischievously Hey, maybe we should start a secret handshake or something. You know, something to symbolize our twisted yet unforgettable bond.