Got your back

'So, Suzie... you have anything to do with Jude these days? I don't think she's with Masters any more. Did she ever come back to you?'

'Did she fuck. Whatever, she's not my problem any more. Kid's 18, she can take care of herself. Doubly so if she's been smashing people's faces in in the ring.'

'Ah, thought so. I didn't like to say, but it never looked like you really bonded with her.'

'Yeah, well, we both know she was a mistake.'

'Oh well.'

'On another note... Austin seems to have worked his way up quite quickly, don't you think? At least, I get the impression he's become quite close to you.'

'He does seem loyal enough. Can't find anything bad to say about him, as it stands. Obviously that could change, but he'd be a fool to try anything.'

'No, not if he knows what's good for him, which he seems to. How close are you, anyway? On a personal level.'

'I've had a drink with him a few times, but mostly it's all business. I would've thought you'd be a lot closer, since you're an item, and all.'

'Well yeah, safe to say I'm much more intimately acquainted with him than you are!'

'Glad to hear it! I don't want to know him as well as you do, not in that way, at least.'

'No... Well, the reason I bring it up is I've been hearing some things about his past. Now you know me, I don't judge people's personal lives, and I'm not going to go psycho when it comes to things and women he used to do before me.'

'But...? I sense a “but” coming.'

'...But it does worry me ever so slightly that he apparently used to beat his ex.'

'Ah. You're worried he might do it to you too?'

'You know I'd throw him out on his ass if he tried it, but nevertheless, I'd rather it didn't happen at all.'

'Well, of course, Suzie. Nobody wants that.'

'So Blake, I just want to know... do you have my back on this?'

'You know you do. We've got a far longer history together than I do with him. Of course I'd choose you first, if it came to it.'

'Thanks. I'm glad to hear it.'

'You want me to have a word? Nothing heavy-handed, just a little warning'd do the trick, I reckon. Make sure he knows not to start shit.'

'Well, if you don't mind...'

'Not at all. Don't worry – I won't drop you in it.'

'Fantastic. Thanks a lot, Blake.'

'Don't mention it. We look out for each other, don't we?'

''Course we do.'

'I can't believe Nari. Managing to get two of us pregnant at the same time... Only someone like him could do that.'

'He's certainly fertile... I'm almost kinda surprised he's only got three kids total.'

'It fucking sucks. My baby will barely know her siblings... The worst thing is that he waited all this time to say something. Why didn't he sooner? I would have been over it by now.'

'Oh, God... Roza, I have an awful confession to make. I... We already knew. Me and Stan.'

'What? He told you? When was this?'

'...Last Christmas.'

'Christmas?! Nyla, it's fucking July! What the hell?'

'His brother, Feleti, and his wife announced their pregnancy, so Nari took the opportunity to tell them all about Julianna as well. And he told them about you too, once Julianna left the room...'

'That fucking snake! And just what the fuck were you thinking as well? You knew all this time and never said anything to me! How could you?'

'I know, I'm sorry! I should've told you...'

'Damn right you should have! What kind of friend are you?'

'They – him and Stan – they told me not to say anything until he did-'

'That was months ago! You don't think you gave him plenty of time to tell me? What the fuck were you all waiting for?'

'Because he was a coward, and couldn't tell you sooner. We kept telling him to tell you! Neither of us wanted to go against his wishes and do it first so we were trying to make him do it. I know, Roza, we let it drag out too long, and I'm sorry. I wish I'd just gone ahead and done it anyway. I just didn't want to drop this bombshell... I never wanted to be put in this position in the first place. He never should've admitted it in front of me.'

'Sounds like just about everyone fucking knew before I did.'

'Just his family, and they don't know you... You're right, Stan and I should have had an obligation to tell you instead of keeping it from you. I never wanted to. I was wrong to try to prioritise Nari above you. I'm so sorry.'

'…Ugh. This is all Nari's fault. Who does he think he is, knocking two different women up and not telling either of us for six months?! Dragging other people into it and making them stay quiet! He's shit.'

'I hated it, Roza. You deserved to know sooner, and I really apologise for letting you down.'

'...I forgive you. Just don't... ever do that again.'

'Well, hopefully something like that won't happen again.'

'No, it fucking won't. That I am sure of. But I might just have to punch Stanley as well.'

'Oh, please don't... I feel bad for landing him in it too.'

'He is supposed to be my friend as well, but he still chose to cover for his loser cousin. Idiot.'

'We're all idiots in this, Roza, please don't single Stan out.'

'I won't hurt him, I was not being serious about that. I will still talk to him, though. It will not be very polite, either.'

'...That's fair.'