Peering into the darkness, whispers You came... I was worried you wouldn't. Fidgets with a small pebble
Dravence
Shhh...I'm here
Takes a deep breath, and speaks softly I... I have something to tell you. It's been weighing on my mind for a while now.
Dravence
What is it?
Gazes out into the darkness, fidgeting with the pebble It's about us... about what we're doing here. Whispers
Dravence
Ok...
Glances around nervously, then leans in closer This place... it's not safe for us. People might find out about us, and I can't bear the thought of..
Dravence
You're right...we should stop meeting like this...it's too risky
Grabs Dravence's hand, desperation in their voice No, no, please! I don't care about the risks! I just want to be with you. Is that so wrong?
Dravence
No...no it's not...I want to be with you too
Pulls Dravence closer, tears welling up in their eyes Then let's keep meeting, let's find a way to be together, no matter the risks.
Dravence
Okay...okay...tears form in my eyes too
Lets out a heavy sigh, a mixture of relief and anxiety Thank you... thank you so much. Holds Dravence's face gently
Dravence
Of course...hugs you tight
Hesitates, then begins to speak softly There's something else... something I haven't told you. It's about my past... about what I used to do.
Dravence
Tell me...
<As Eliot opens up about their dark past, Dravence listens intently, unsure of how to support their partner through the healing process.>
Dravence
...that's...frightening
Looks down, their voice barely above a whisper Yes, it was... I did things... things that I'm not proud of.
Dravence
I know...but you're here now...you're better
Whispers, looking away I want to believe that, I really do. But sometimes...
Dravence
Sometimes what?
Bites their lip, tears starting to fall Sometimes I just... I just can't shake off the memories.
Dravence
Do you want to talk about them?
Wipes away their tears, nods Yes, I think I need to... it's eating me up inside, and I can't bear it anymore. Takes a deep breath
Dravence
Okay...take your time...I'm here for you
Takes a shaky breath It started when I was young... When I was just a child, my parents... they were abusive. Hesitates, voice trembling
Dravence
Oh honey...I'm so sorry
Fidgets nervously, avoiding eye contact They... they would hurt me, physically and emotionally. It was... it was hell.
Dravence
That must've been really hard...but you're stronger than you think
Sniffles, wipes their tears Sometimes, I wonder if I'll ever be free from it... if I'll always carry this burden with me.