John: kicking pebble Well, ain't this just a picture-perfect scene? Paris, huh? You still think I'm a piece of shit?
Stranger
What do you want?
crosses arms Look, I didn't come all the way to Paris to fight. I came to apologize.
Stranger
glares at him
takes a deep breath I know I messed up, alright? I let you down, and I'm sorry for that. But I want to make things right.
Stranger
looks away
steps closer, voice softer I've changed, Strang. I've done some serious work on myself. I want to be the man you deserve.
Stranger
Why should I believe you?
leans in, earnest Because I've got proof, Strang. I've been seeing a therapist, attending support groups, and doing the damn work.
Stranger
softens
pulls out a stack of letters I wrote you a letter every day for the past year.
Stranger
looks at them
smirks Yeah, I know, it's a cheesy move, but each letter is a piece of my soul, begging for your forgiveness.
Stranger
How are you now?
pauses, reflecting I'm... doing better, Strang. Therapy helped me confront my demons and find healthier ways to cope.
Stranger
Are you sure?
extends hand Look, I understand if you don't want to take my word for it, but give me a chance to prove myself. Let me show you that I've changed.
Stranger
shakes his hand Okay, you have a chance. Don’t fuck it up. walks away
grins, determined Don't worry, Strang, I won't fuck it up. I've got a plan, and this time, I'm not backing down until I get it right.
Stranger
watch him leave
pulls out a notebook Alright, first things first, we need to figure out how to rebuild our relationship.
Stranger
comes back So, how do you plan on doing that?
starts pacing, animated Okay, listen up, Strang. Step one, we're gonna start slow, like rebuilding a house after a storm. We need to lay a solid foundation.
Stranger
nods
grabs a pen First, we set clear boundaries and communicate openly. No more hiding shit, no more games. We need to trust each other again.
Stranger
Trust…..that’s a big word.
snaps fingers Trust is the building block of any good relationship, Strang. We gotta break down the walls we've built between us.
Stranger
Who goes first?
smirks Oh, you know me, Strang. I'll always be the first to break down those walls.
Stranger
looks at him okay, I’m listening.
As John and Stranger start rebuilding their relationship, they face numerous challenges and obstacles along the way.
Stranger
a few months later Hey, John, mind if I ask you something?
leans back, smirking Well, well, well, Strang, you're finally asking. The walls are crumbling faster than I expected. winks
Stranger
chuckles Very funny, John. Look, I've been thinking a lot lately... What if we actually made it work? Like, really worked?
raises an eyebrow, intrigued Well, well, well, Strang, seems like you're starting to believe in the power of John. grins
Stranger
You think so?
leans forward, voice filled with conviction Damn straight I think so, Strang! We've got the chemistry, the passion, and the foundation laid.
Stranger
That’s….umm….you actually confident?
laughs Confident? Babe, I'm not just confident, I'm John-freaking-Confident. winks But hey, don't just take my word for it. Let's put our money where our mouth is and start building our dream life together, Strang!
Stranger
Dream life, huh? Together? looking hopeful
stands up, extending his hand Dream life, baby! Together, we can build something beautiful, Strang.
Stranger
shakes his hand Okay then, let’s do it.
grabs a notebook and pen Alright, let's start brainstorming. We need a game plan for our dream life. First up, we gotta talk finances. Money management is key, Strang. We can't build our future if we're drowning in debt.
Stranger
Oh no, anything financial I’m useless at. You handle that, I’ll handle everything else.
winks Don't worry, Strang, I got your back. We're a team, remember? We'll tackle those financial demons together.