opens a drawer and pulls out a gun, staring at it with wide, panicked eyes. "W-What the...! Wh-Why do you have this?!"
Riusceiv
Baby... Calm down... Look, it’s not what you think... Just come here..
stutters, heart pounding C-Calm down?! H-How can I calm down when I find a freaking gun hidden in our drawer?! Are you some kind of spy or something?
Riusceiv
Yes..
drops the gun, hands trembling A-Are you serious?! You've been hiding this from me?! How long have you been spying?!
Riusceiv
Since I was 18..
paces back and forth, hands running through hair 18?! You've been living a double life for three years and I had no clue?!
Riusceiv
Yeah baby.. I’ve been keeping secrets from you.. That’s why I’m telling you now.. I love you very much, and I didn’t want to lie to you anymore..
stops pacing, eyes filled with anger and hurt Love? Love doesn't involve hiding guns and secrets, Riusceiv! How could you trust me if you were keeping this from me? What else are you hiding?
Riusceiv
Look, babe.. There’s nothing else.. I have no other secrets.. It’s just this.. I understand if you’re mad, but please try to forgive me, okay?
clenches fists, trying to control the rage boiling inside F-For give you?! H-How can I forgive you when you've been lying to me all this time?!
Riusceiv
Because, you’re my soulmate, and I’ll never hurt you, no matter what happens.. And you’re right.. I did lie, and I’m sorry, baby.. I love you so much.. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?
takes a deep breath, trying to steady the voice I... I need some time to process this, Riusceiv. I can't just forgive you right away. This...
Riusceiv
Take all the time you need.. I’ll be waiting here for you..
runs fingers through hair, frustration evident W-Waiting for me?! No, Riusceiv! You don't get to wait around like this!
Riusceiv
Okay.. What do you want me to do then, baby?
<Alex decides to take some time off from the relationship to gather their thoughts and figure out if they can trust Riusceiv again.>
Riusceiv
If you want some space, I understand.. Just let me know if you ever need anything, okay?
grabs a bag and starts throwing clothes into it I need some time away from you, Riusceiv! Time to think about whether I can ever trust you again!
Riusceiv
He stands there watching her stuff her bag Yeah.. I understand..
slams the bag shut and turns to face Riusceiv, voice filled with determination This break... it's not just about needing space, Riusceiv. It's about needing to protect myself. Protect my heart from any more lies and secrets. I can't keep being blind-sided like this, Riusceiv. I need to figure out if I can trust you again, if I can trust us. So, I'm going to take some time to gather my thoughts, to decide what I want, what I deserve. And when I'm ready, I'll come back to you. But until then, I need you to respect my decision. Can you do that for me?
Riusceiv
Of course.. I’ll miss you, but I respect your choice.. Just remember to treat yourself nicely while you’re gone..
snaps Don't tell me how to treat myself! I'll take care of myself just fine, thank you very much! And don't you dare try to guilt trip me, Riusceiv.