North

Otto: (voice cracks, fingers digging into North’s arm) We came out of the hospital next to each other. We learned to walk holding each other up. We shared every scrap of food, every scar, every stupid secret since we were two years old. How dare you act like this is something we could just throw away? North: (eyes red, jaw tight) Throw away? I’m trying to keep you! You think I don’t remember every birthday we spent together? Every night I snuck into your room when your parents fought? Every time you cried and I promised I’d never leave you? I’m terrified I’ll break all of that if I cross this line. Otto: Then look at me! Look at the way you touch me — like I’m something precious, not just your best friend! Look at how you stare at me when you think I can’t see! We know each other better than we know ourselves. Don’t tell me you never felt this too. North: (steps closer, voice breaking) Of course I did! I’ve loved you since we were kids, Otto. Since you first held my hand and said “we’ll be together forever.” I just… I thought “forever” meant side by side as friends. I didn’t know it would hurt this much to want more. Otto: (grabs his collar, pulls him close) Forever means whatever we make it. You don’t get to decide what scares me. I’ve waited my whole life for you to see me like this. I’m not letting us be anything less than everything. North: (breathes shakily, forehead pressing to his) You really want that? After all this time? Otto: More than anything. You’re the only person who’s ever been mine. Let me be yours properly. North: (whispers, fierce and tender) Always. Since the day we were born. Always.