i hate the way you talk to me

You're burning up. Don't argue with me. Get back in bed.

I made soup. It's not great. Eat it anyway.

You should have called me the moment you started feeling like this.

Stop trying to get up. There is nothing on this earth that needs you upright right now.

I found three blankets and a hot water bottle. Pick your combination.

You look terrible. I mean that with so much love.

Let me take your temperature. Stop being difficult about the thermometer.

I cancelled everything. Don't apologize. I wanted to be here.

You fell asleep mid-sentence. I stayed anyway. I hope that's okay.

Drink the tea. Yes, all of it. I'll make more.

I've been checking on you every hour. You keep telling me to go home. I keep not going.

Your voice sounds awful. Rest it. We can talk tomorrow.

I'm not going anywhere. Stop thanking me for staying.

You hate being taken care of. I know. Do it for me anyway.

The fever broke. I don't think you know how relieved I am right now.

Sleep. I'll be right here. I'll wake you up if anything changes.

I brought your favourite thing from the place on the corner. Don't cry. Please don't cry.

You're a terrible patient and somehow I still want to be the one doing this.

I know you think you're being a burden. You are not a burden.

Let me sit with you. I don't need to talk. I just don't want you to be alone.

You tried to make your own tea and you could barely stand up. Sit down. I've got it.

I've seen you strong. This doesn't make you weak. It just makes you human.

You smell like fever and you still somehow look like everything to me.

Lay your head here. Right here. I've got nowhere I need to be.

I brought every movie you've ever mentioned. We have time.

You're mumbling in your sleep. I'm not going to tell you what you said.

I changed the sheets while you were in the shower. Don't make it weird.

You need to eat something real. I know you don't want to. Eat something real.

I've been sitting in this chair for four hours. I'd do it four more.

Stop apologizing for being sick. People get sick. Let me help you.

Your hands are cold. Give them here. I'll warm them up.

I found the medicine in the back of the cabinet. Take it. All of it. Don't negotiate.

You're not inconveniencing me. Taking care of you is exactly where I want to be.

I didn't know you got like this when you were sick. Softer. I like knowing this about you.

You asked for me. Out of everyone, you asked for me. I haven't stopped thinking about that.

The heating pad is on the lowest setting. Tell me if you need it warmer.

I'm not leaving until your temperature is normal. Make your peace with that.

You cried a little when the soup was too hot to eat yet. I pretended not to notice.

I've never seen you let anyone take care of you before. I'm honoured. I mean that.

Your hair is a mess. Can I? Is that okay? Let me just — there.

You keep saying you're fine every time I check and you are so obviously not fine.

This is the third night in a row. I'm not going anywhere. Stop looking at me like that.

You're delirious and still trying to be funny. It's working. Please stop, I'm worried about you.

I learned how to make your mother's recipe. It took three attempts. Don't tell her.

There's nowhere I'd rather be than right here, even like this. Especially like this.

You always take care of everyone else. Just this once, let someone take care of you.

I left the light on in the hall in case you woke up scared. I remember you mentioned that once.

give that to me! where did you find this?!

do you drink coffee or tea?

sorry– am i crazy, or have we met before?

do you trust me enough to close your eyes?

when were you planning on telling me?

at the risk of being a cliché, do you want to get out of here?

can i convince you to stay the night?

do i look like someone who knows what that means?

would you consider giving me a second chance?

do you really think that's helpful right now?

would you mind showing me around?

do you ever plan on forgiving yourself?

are you thinking what i'm thinking?

can we ... go out and do something crazy?

why are we whispering?

who exactly are you, anyways?

can't we just be civil for a minute?

does the past ever keep you up at night?

if you have nothing to hide, what's the problem?

how long has it been since i saw you last, [ name ]?

did the power just go out?

are we still doing the thing where we pretend not to care?

how should we celebrate?

can we just ... start over?

why is this so important to you?

how was i supposed to know that?!

do you want me to stay? it doesn't have to mean anything.

where are you? nobody's heard from you.

can you help me zip this up?

why do these things always happen to me?

you don't secretly hate me, right?

can i get you something to eat? –or drink?

ready to see what i've been working on?

where have you been disappearing off to?

what's that perfume you're wearing?

you're laughing?! do you really think this is funny?

are you planning to stay for dinner?

did you think it was going to be easy?

you see where you went wrong, don't you?

when did we become so cold and distant?

who are you working for?

did you really do all of this for me?

can i open my eyes yet?

haven't you heard the stories?

[ name ], what are you doing here?

what's it gonna take for you to trust me?

do you believe people can change?

how about we catch the ten o'clock showing?

don't you remember what happened last time?

why is it so unbelievable that i'd want to help you?

you're [ name ], aren't you?

who did this to you?!

how did you know i'd be here?

what's that supposed to mean?

do you think i'm irredeemable?

what kind of mess have you gotten us into?!

do you see anything you like?

what do i owe you for the food?

why won't this stupid thing work?!

does tonight really have to end?

holy shit. can you believe we really pulled that off?!

i can tell you're upset, [ name ]. what happened?

how long have you been standing there?

do you ever wish you could just ... run away?

haven't we been here before?

wait, shush ... did you hear that?

did i miss today's newsletter or something?

can we put our differences aside for a second?

what are you getting out of this, exactly?

you'd tell me if something was wrong, right?

are you willing to bet on it?

would you kill for me?

what made you think that was okay?!

do you believe people can change?

what's the worst thing you've ever done?

you were going to leave without saying goodbye?

[ name ], can you sit up for me?

can i kiss you?

where are your keys? you're not driving like this.

how's life been treating you?

where have you been?!

aren't we supposed to be alone tonight?

aw, has someone had a little too much to drink?

where are you going with this?

are we really doing this right now?

have you eaten today?

can i crash here for the night?

how did you learn to lie so well?

can i at least buy you a drink?

where should i meet you?

is that  ...  blood?!

are you trying to make me jealous right now?

what’s your problem? you're acting weird.

[ name ], you're ... real, right?

where’s your sense of adventure?

do you like horror movies?

what are you trying to prove?

can you give me a ride?

do you have any idea what you've done?

shouldn't you answer that?

why should i be the one to calm down?

have you been up all night?

why are you lying to me?

is that my [ jacket / hoodie / shirt ]?

what are you so afraid of?

do you want to grow old with me?

you’re gonna walk away from this?

are you nervous? your hands are shaking.

where am i supposed to go?

how many fingers am i holding up?

you want me to just walk away from this?

[ name ], slow down– what's wrong?!

are you embarrassed of me?

what's that smell? something's burning.

how can i make it up to you?

why can't you stay out of it?

is this some kind of trick?

come on, what do you have to lose?

do you ever still think of me?

idiot. why didn't you tell me?!

can we stop and think about this rationally?

how long has it been since you’ve slept?

what's your ideal first date?

are you ready to tell me the truth?

i almost died, and you're laughing?

what do you mean, "sort of"?

can we just stay like this forever?

when can i see you again?

can we put this behind us?

oh ... you thought of me first?

where did you learn to do that?

oh my god,  are you bleeding?!

where are you?  nobody’s heard from you.

[ name ], are you drunk?

how can i make this go away?

someone's jumpy today. are you feeling okay?

are we safe here?

what can i do to convince you?

what could possibly go wrong?

you have no idea who i am, do you?

how do you really feel about me?

why can't you look me in the eyes?

did you know you talk in your sleep?

were you following me?

can we just pretend this never happened?

are you just barely getting home?

are you even listening to me right now?!

where does it hurt?  can you show me?

are you trying to get yourself killed?!

how about we just forget the world exists?

how long have you been keeping this from me?

were you ever going to tell me?

what do you make of this?

[ name ],  what the hell?!

can we just be honest with each other, here?

are you trying to keep me a secret?

why does your story keep changing?

how long have you known?

it can't be that bad, right?

are you happy? i mean, really happy?

isn't this place amazing?

did i interrupt something?

how am i supposed to trust you?

are they still following us?

are you fucking serious?

do you remember our first kiss?

can we take a break for a minute?

how about we disappear for awhile?

you're going to walk away from this?

can you please just cut the crap?!

why didn't you tell me you were hurt?

how can i make this go away?

can you just look at me, please?

is there anything i can do to change your mind?

do you ever stop talking?

that depends. are you done lying to me?

are you sure this is legal?

how do you take your coffee?

can you keep your voice down?

The study session was your idea. You haven't opened your book once.

I know what people say about me. I'm asking what you think.

You're the only person on this campus who treats me like I'm more than my jersey number.

We said no feelings. I think I'm really bad at rules.

You left your hoodie at my place three weeks ago. I've been sleeping in it. Don't make it weird.

Practice ran late. I know. I'm sorry. Please don't be asleep yet.

The whole team thinks we're together. When were you going to tell me you didn't correct them?

I don't bring people to my games. I got you a ticket. Show up.

You tutored me all semester. The least I can do is take you to dinner. A real one.

I've kissed a lot of girls at this school. I keep thinking about the one I haven't.

Tell me again why this is such a bad idea.

That thing you said after the game. Did you mean it or were you just caught up in the moment?

I asked around about you before I talked to you. I'm not embarrassed about that.

I've never had someone wait up for me before. I didn't know what to do with it so I panicked.

Everyone on the team knows I'm gone for you. I'm the last one to say it out loud.

Stop apologizing for taking up space in my life. I made room on purpose.

I told coach I was injured. I'm not injured. I just needed to see you. 

You came to the away game. You hate away games.

I'm not good at this. I'm good at hockey and not much else. But I want to try. For you.

The girl I was pretending to date is the only one I actually want. Life is funny like that.

Draft day is coming and I'm more scared of losing you than losing my shot.

I've been in love with you since the library. Third floor. Two years ago. You had headphones in.

Don't let me sign that contract without knowing if you'd come with me.

You're the smartest person in any room you walk into. I don't know why you're in mine.

The bet was stupid and I knew it was stupid and I did it anyway because it meant spending time with you.

You deserve someone who shows up. I'm working on being that person. Just don't give up on me yet.

My teammates are idiots but they're not wrong about this one.

I've never been nervous before a game. I'm nervous right now and the game isn't for six hours.

You said you didn't want anything serious. I've been trying to be okay with that. I'm not okay with it.

I graduate in May. So do you. I don't want the thing between us to fizzle out. 

I know you're not mine. I also know I'd do anything to change that.

The whole campus is at that party. I'd rather be here. With you. On your couch. Watching whatever you want.

You looked at me different after the game last week. Why?

Tell me what you want. Not what you think I can handle. What you actually want.

I've been the fun one, the easy one, the no-strings one. I don't want to be that with you.

You're the only reason I made it through finals week. I'm not sure you know that.

I don't do mornings. I did this morning. I'd do every morning. That terrifies me.

The long distance thing scares me. You scare me. I'm choosing scared.

I'm not asking you to wait. I'm asking you to want to.

It stopped being fake somewhere around week two. I just didn't know how to tell you.

DIALOGUE

i don't think i'm meant to have my life figured out yet.

are you skipping, or just strategically absent?

you're my favorite procrastination partner.

how are you this calm during finals week?

i think i bombed that exam.

i don't think i could do this semester without you.

are you dropping the class?

i can't believe we met like this.

i'm avoiding my dorm on purpose.

you don't have to stay if you're busy.

you going to the party, or pretending you hate parties?

i forgot what day it is.

i hate group projects. i hate them so much.

did you actually read the syllabus, or are you guessing like the rest of us?

you're way too hard on yourself.

that party was a mistake.

do you ever miss home?

why does adulthood hit this fast?

i can't believe this class is mandatory.

you wanna study, or stare at the wall together?

you don't have to be strong all the time.

you feel different than everyone else here.

i can't afford another textbook.

i forgot how loud dorms are.

stop spiraling, it's one grade.

don't talk to me before my second coffee.

you're my favorite distraction.

why does every assignment feel personal?

are we actually friends, or just trauma-bonded by this class?

i should not have signed up for an 8 a.m. lecture.

you're the only reason i passed that class.

this campus feels empty at night.

are you okay, or just academically okay?

i'm glad you're here.

i can't tell if i love this major or regret it.

you smell like coffee and regret.

you wanna walk back together?

are you scared too, or just better at hiding it?

you look like you just crawled out of a group project.

did you pull an all-nighter again?

i trust you more than most people here.

can we just stay in tonight?

you make this place feel less overwhelming.

you're telling me that's due tonight?

you're shaking. did you drink enough water?

i didn't expect college to feel this lonely sometimes.

i think i'm burning out.

this campus feels like a city that never sleeps, but i do.

i didn't expect college to change me this much.

you're living off instant noodles again, aren't you?

you look really good for someone this tired.

why is the library always freezing?

i didn't know who else to call.

i didn't come to campus to be this stressed.

i don't think my brain works anymore.

i forgot to eat today.

don't apologize, we're all barely holding it together.

you're my safe person on this campus.

i'm so tired of pretending i'm fine.

i have not slept in thirty hours, so if i'm mean, that's why.

stay a little longer.

you wanna sit together, or is that weird?

i didn't think we'd get this close.

i don't feel like going back to my room alone.

i swear this professor hates me personally.

ACTIONS

( cram ) : for OUR MUSES to cram for an exam last-minute.

( comfort ) : for SENDER to comfort RECEIVER after a bad grade.

( lecture ) : for OUR MUSES to sit together during a long lecture.

( save ) : for SENDER to pull RECEIVER away from a situation at a party.

( nap ) : for OUR MUSES to take a nap between classes.

( pregame ) : for OUR MUSES to pregame drink before a party.

( crash ) : for OUR MUSES to crash on each other's dorm floor.

( skip ) : for OUR MUSES to skip class and stay in bed.

( rant ) : for SENDER to rant to RECEIVER about a professor.

( breakdown ) : for RECEIVER to breakdown with SENDER present.

( cook ) : for SENDER to make a poor dorm-meal for RECEIVER.

( avoid ) : for OUR MUSES to avoid their roommates together.

( walk ) : for OUR MUSES to walk across campus late at night.

( call ) : for SENDER to call RECEIVER during a late-night spiral.

( wander ) : for OUR MUSES to wander campus with no destination.

( party ) : for OUR MUSES to lose each other at a crowded party.

( food ) : for OUR MUSES to split one sad cafeteria meal.

( stay ) : for SENDER to ask RECEIVER to stay the night.

( leave ) : for OUR MUSES to leave a party early together.

( move ) : for OUR MUSES to help each other move dorms.

( notes ) : for SENDER to lend RECEIVER class notes.

( seat ) : for SENDER to save a seat for RECEIVER in class.

( share ) : for OUR MUSES to share earbuds while studying.

( coffee ) : for SENDER to bring RECEIVER coffee during finals week.

( confess ) : for SENDER to confess burnout to RECEIVER.

( finals ) : for OUR MUSES to stay up all night during finals week.

( study ) : for OUR MUSES to study together.

( bed ) : for OUR MUSES to share a dorm bed.

DIALOGUE

come here, i just want you closer.

don't rush. i want to feel this.

you feel so good inside me.

i've been thinking about this all day.

tell me what you want.

you drive me absolutely insane.

i love it when you look at me like that.

don't stop, please.

i need you right here.

you're doing that on purpose, aren't you?

i can't stop touching you.

you feel perfect like this.

stay with me tonight.

i want all of you.

you make it hard to think straight.

look at me. keep your eyes on me.

i love the sounds you make.

you're being dangerous right now.

i missed you.. missed this part of you, too.

let me take my time with you.

you're warm. you're real.

i don't want this to end yet.

come closer. closer than that.

you feel like home.

don't tease me unless you mean it.

i like it when you lose control like this.

you're everything i want right now.

you're breathtaking when you're like this.

stay still, let me.

i love how responsive you are.

you're making this very difficult for me.

you don't know what you do to me.

say my name again.

can i come inside? please..

you feel even better than i imagined.

i want to hear you.

you're intoxicating.

i could touch you forever.

don't hide from me.

you're mine tonight.

you look incredible like this.

i love being this close to you.

you're shaking, i've got you.

you taste amazing.

i want you exactly like this.

i'm not letting you go yet.

you're taking me so well.

tell me if this feels good.

i love how soft you are.

breathe, you're doing so well.

i can feel your heartbeat.

i want to make you melt.

you're so beautiful it hurts.

stay right there.

i love when you get needy.

you don't have to be quiet with me.

you feel incredible under my hands.

i've wanted this longer than i'll admit.

you're all i can think about.

i want to savor you.

let me show you how much i want you.

you're making me weak.

i love being tangled up with you.

don't pull away.

i could get addicted to this.

you feel even better pressed against me.

you're driving me absolutely feral.

stay. just like that.

i love how you react to me.

i want to make you feel good.

you're mine in this moment.

you feel so right.

let me kiss you again.

you're intoxicating this close.

i love your hands on me.

you're impossible to resist.

don't stop touching me.

i love when you pull me closer.

you make me feel wanted.

i could stay like this forever.

you're everything i need right now.

i want to hear you come.

you're so warm.

let me take care of you.

i love when you relax into me.

you feel incredible against me.

i'm not done with you yet.

you're making this very tempting.

open up for me..

you're perfect right here.

i want you to remember this.

you're all mine tonight.

i love when you lean into me.

you make me ache.

don't hold back with me.

you feel amazing when you're like this.

i want to feel every part of you.

you're driving me crazy.

i love how close we are.

i don't want to stop touching you.

you're exactly where you belong.

let me feel you breathe.

you're making me lose focus.

stay with me a little longer.

you're everything i want right now.

i want you slow.

you feel incredible wrapped around me.

you're so responsive.

don't rush this.

i love when you look at me like that.

you make this feel so easy.

i want you close when you fall asleep.

you're intoxicating like this.

i love your warmth.

stay right here with me.

you make me feel wanted.

i want you to feel how much i want you.

don't go yet.

you're making me want more.

i love being like this with you.

you're everything in this moment.

let me hold you.

you feel so good against me.

i want to remember this.

you're breathtaking this close.

stay tangled up with me.

i love how you fit with me.

you're making me soft.

i want to stay right here.

don't stop touching me like that.

you're incredible.

i love how needy you get.

you feel perfect right now.

let me keep you here.

you're everything i want.

i want to make this last.

you're making me melt.

stay close.

i love your closeness.

you're intoxicating.

don't move.

i want you exactly like this.

you make me feel alive.

i love being wrapped up with you.

you're so easy to love like this.

you're everything to me right now.

i don't want to rush this moment.

you feel so right.

i want to fall asleep like this.

you're mine tonight.

ACTIONS

( fingers ) : for SENDER to lace their fingers with RECEIVER'S.

( lean ) : for SENDER to lean in until their breaths mingle.

( trail ) : for SENDER to trail their fingertips along RECEIVER'S arm.

( slow ) : for SENDER to press a slow kiss to RECEIVER'S mouth.

( waist ) : for SENDER to pull RECEIVER closer by the waist.

( body ) : for SENDER to press their body against RECEIVER'S.

( neck ) : for SENDER to nuzzle into RECEIVER'S neck.

( murmur ) : for SENDER to murmur softly against RECEIVER'S skin.

( cradle ) : for SENDER to cradle RECEIVER'S face in their hands.

( linger ) : for SENDER to linger close without speaking.

( back ) : for SENDER to stroke RECEIVER'S back slowly.

( firmly ) : for SENDER to hold RECEIVER'S firmly in their arms.

( guide ) : for SENDER to guide RECEIVER'S to their lap by the hips.

( forehead ) : for SENDER to rest their forehead against RECEIVER'S.

( sigh ) : for SENDER to sigh softly against RECEIVER'S mouth.

( cup ) : for SENDER to cup RECEIVER'S cheek gently.

( jaw ) : for SENDER to trail kisses along RECEIVER'S jawline.

( arms ) : for SENDER to wrap their arms around RECEIVER.

( tug ) : for SENDER to tug RECEIVER closer by their clothing.

( temple ) : for SENDER to press a kiss to RECEIVER'S temple.

( skin ) : for SENDER to linger with their lips against RECEIVER'S skin.

( chest ) : for SENDER to hold RECEIVER close against their chest.

( thumb ) : for SENDER to brush their thumb over RECEIVER'S lips.

( deep ) : for SENDER to kiss RECEIVER slowly and deeply.

( nudge ) : for SENDER to nudge RECEIVER closer with their knee.

( curl ) : for SENDER to curl around RECEIVER protectively.

( rest ) : for SENDER to rest their hand at RECEIVER'S lower back.

( lap ) : for SENDER to pull RECEIVER into their lap.

( collar ) : for SENDER to kiss along RECEIVER'S collarbone.

( hips ) : for SENDER to hold RECEIVER'S hips firmly.

( hair ) : for SENDER to brush hair away from RECEIVER'S face.

( press ) : for SENDER to press slow kisses along RECEIVER'S neck.

( nuzzle ) : for SENDER to nuzzle closer, seeking warmth.

( stroke ) : for SENDER to stroke RECEIVER'S thigh absently.

( still ) : for SENDER to hold RECEIVER still beneath their hands.

( kiss ) : for SENDER to kiss RECEIVER'S until they both breathless.

( trace ) : for SENDER to trace small circles on RECEIVER'S skin.

( heart ) : for SENDER to rest their hand over RECEIVER'S heart.

( brush ) : for SENDER to brush their nose against RECEIVER'S.

( wrap ) : for SENDER to wrap their legs around RECEIVER.

( hold ) : for SENDER to hold RECEIVER after climaxing.

( savor ) : for SENDER to kiss RECEIVER slowly, savoring it.

( cuddle ) : for SENDER to pull RECEIVER into a tight cuddle.

( cheek ) : for SENDER to rest their cheek against RECEIVER'S shoulder.

Oh, God. Hi. How are you? It's been a while, isn't it?

Wait. You work here? Since when?

I think I left my watch at your place. Can I... can I come get it?

So we're just going to pretend that didn't happen?

You never called. I waited three days and you never called.

I'm pregnant. And before you ask—yes, it's yours.

That was supposed to be a one-time thing. So why can't I stop thinking about it?

You told me your name was [insert here]. Your real name is on this hospital badge.

I need you to sign this NDA. My publicist is insisting.

My friends saw us leave together. They have questions.

I know we said no strings, but I have to tell you something.

You're my new boss. This is... this is bad.

We can't do this again. I have a reputation to protect.

You said you were single. So who the hell is that in these photos?

I woke up and you were just... gone. No note. Nothing.

This wasn't supposed to mean anything.

You're sitting at the table with my parents. What are you doing here?

My roommate recognized you from somewhere. Want to tell me where?

You left your ring on my nightstand. The one that looks suspiciously like a wedding band.

I thought I'd never see you again. I was counting on never seeing you again.

That night was a mistake. A really, really good mistake.

You told me you were leaving the country. You told me this would be easy.

We matched on the app again. Is this fate or are we both just bad at this?

You're my best friend's sibling. They can never know.

I think I'm falling for you and that wasn't part of the deal.

You gave me a fake number. I found your real one.

This is my apartment. What do you mean you live in this building?

I haven't been able to touch anyone else since you.

You blocked me on everything. So why are you here right now?

That wasn't just sex for me. I need you to know that.

We have to work together on this project. For six months.

You told me you were just passing through town.

I can still smell your cologne on my sheets and it's driving me crazy.

My therapist says I'm using you to avoid real intimacy.

You're the emergency contact in my phone. I don't remember adding you.

That wasn't supposed to be the best night of my life. But it was.

I think I caught feelings. I know, I know—that's not what we agreed to.

You're at my door at 2am. We said we weren't doing this anymore.

I told you things I've never told anyone. And then you disappeared.

We said one night. It's been three weeks.

Your wedding is in two months. I saw the invitation.

I can't keep calling you when I'm lonely. It's not fair to either of us.

You said your name was different. I found your driver's license.

I know we're not together, but seeing you with someone else made me want to break things.

GABRIEL BASSO