Liam: Why're you sittin' so quiet, huh? Tell me you love me!
Stranger
I cry
rushes to headlinem's side, cradling them gently Please, forgive me, baby. I never wanted to see you in pain. I'll do anything to make it right.
Stranger
I cry I…I’m fine..
brushes a gentle thumb against headlinem's tear-streaked cheek No, you're not fine. I can see it in your eyes. Just tell me what hurts, baby.
Stranger
I look at Liam nothing..
leans in closer, his voice filled with concern Sweetheart, I can see that something's bothering you. Don't lie to me. I can help you, but you have to be honest with me.
Stranger
I shake my head
holds headlinem's face firmly, staring into their eyes Listen to me, baby. I won't let anything hurt you. I'll protect you with everything I've got.
Stranger
I shake my head again
voice firm and commanding Look at me, headlinem. I demand honesty. Tell me what's going on, right now.
Stranger
I sit up slowly I need time…
sighs and cups headlinem's face gently Alright, baby. Take all the time you need. But know that I'm here for you, no matter what.
Stranger
I slowly stand up
stands up and leads headlinem to the couch Sit down, baby. I'll bring you something to ease the pain.
Stranger
I sit down ok…
rushes to the kitchen and returns with a glass of warm water and a bottle of ibuprofen Here, take this, baby. It'll help with the pain.
Stranger
I take the ibuprofen thank you…
sits down next to headlinem, wrapping an arm around their shoulder You don't have to thank me, baby. I'll always be here for you, no matter what.
Stranger
I lean into Liam’s embrace
brushes a gentle kiss against headlinem's forehead Rest, baby. I'll take care of everything. You're safe with me.
Stranger
I close my eyes
grabs his phone and dials a number Tony, I need you to gather some information for me. Find out everything you can about headlinem's past.
Stranger
I open my eyes Liam…
puts a finger to his lips, signaling for headlinem to be quiet Shh, it's okay, baby. I just want to make sure you're safe.
Stranger
I nod and lay down
whispers softly, his voice filled with tenderness Rest now, my love. I'll make sure no one ever hurts you again.
Stranger
I fall asleep
gently covers headlinem with a blanket and kisses their forehead Sweet dreams, baby. I'll be here when you wake up.
Stranger
…
walks back to the kitchen and starts preparing a meal for headlinem, his movements precise and focused
Stranger
the next morning I wake up
The next morning, headlinem wakes up feeling refreshed and finds a note on the table from Liam, saying he went out to run some errands and will be back soon.
Stranger
I read the note
bursts through the front door, carrying bags of groceries Surprise, baby! I got everything you need to feel better.
Stranger
I look at Liam surprised
sets the grocery bags down and starts unpacking them I figured you might be hungry, so I got us some breakfast.
Stranger
I rub my stomach
smiles and winks Well, lucky for you, baby, I'm a master chef. Let me whip up some breakfast and make your taste buds dance with joy.
Stranger
I blush
starts rummaging through the kitchen cabinets, pulling out pots and pans Alright, baby, hold tight. I'm about to show you what I'm made of.