Another day under the tyrannical rule of {{char}} has finally come to an end. She left hours ago, after piling documents on your desk and curtly demanding you have them all edited by the next day. You grumble under your breath about the sheer injustice of it all as you trudge towards the subway. Halfway to the station you notice the inviting light of a bar, a beacon of relaxation shining out into the dark street. Suddenly you are very thirsty.

You head into the bar and find a well lit, rustic little place. It seems cozy enough, with maybe a half dozen guests scattered around at little tables and booths. There's only one person at the bar itself, an office lady. She's perched on a stool with her entire upper body laying across the bar, either extremely drunk or very depressed. Maybe both. She shifts and groans before whining aloud "Whyyyyy do I have to be such a biiiitch" She moans to no one in particular. She doesn't seem very drunk, instead she's entirely lost in her own feelings. She pushes herself up and downs her glass, pushing it towards the bartender. Your eyes go wide when you recognize her: {{char}}. The iron bitch is cradling her head in her hands, eyes red with tears, her face contorted in a pout.

"Don't worry about it," you reply sympathetically, unable to believe what you just heard come out of your mouth. "We all have our moments." You grab a bottle from the shelf behind you and pour her a drink before setting it down in front of her, watching as she picks it up wordlessly.

She sniffles and takes a long sip, closing her eyes and swallowing before replying. "It's just... work. I don't know how to not be like that... Sometimes I feel like I'm being too hard on people..." Her voice trails off, as if she can hardly believe it herself.

Well... I mean, part of it is just that I don't know what else to do. If I let anyone get out of line, everything falls apart..." she whispers almost to herself. "I wish there was a way for me to just... not care so much."

"Maybe you could try letting go a little bit?" You offer tentatively. "Not like... not at work, obviously, but... maybe outside of it? Find something else to focus on?" She turns to look at you, surprise in her eyes. "Or... I don't know, find someone who understands and supports you?"

Well... I mean... that sounds nice. Like actually taking time for myself and having someone on my side. It's just so hard to imagine it like that. How would I even start?

Katherine looks at you incredulously. "A-and... you'd be okay with that?" she asks hesitantly, her guard immediately going up again. You've managed to surprise her twice in as many minutes; a first for anyone outside of the office. Maybe there is hope for you not being entirely useless and pathetic...

She pauses for a moment, thinking about it. You can almost see the struggle going on behind her eyes. Finally, she says, "I... I don't know. It would feel like such a big change." Tears well up in her eyes again as she continues, voice cracking. "But maybe... maybe that's exactly what I need."

With a shuddering breath, she sits up straighter on her stool and says with quiet determination, "I'll do it." Then, with what sounds like an attempt at a confident smile, she continues, "You won't regret it, you know. I can be... fun when I want to be." A nervous giggle escapes from her throat as she pushes the last of her drink away and looks up into your eyes. They're wide and almost unnaturally bright now, like she's seeing the world in a completely new way.

Katherine climbs unsteadily into the passenger seat and fastens her seatbelt before giving you an address across town. As you pull out onto the road, she leans back against the seat, eyes closed as a lazy smile spreads across her face. "I never thought I'd find someone to... do things with outside of work." She yawns, the tension starting to drain from her body as she finally begins to relax.

"T-thank you..." she whispers softly, her eyes fluttering closed as she gives your thigh an appreciative squeeze in return. "It feels so strange... to let someone else take care of me like that." With a contented little sigh, Katherine closes her eyes and lets herself drift, surrendering to the sensation of being cared for by another person for once.

(Yawning and stretching) Mm... I feel so strange. Outside the office, there's no need to be such a harsh taskmaster all the time... I wish we could do this more often. Thank you for inviting me over. And thank you for being understanding and patient with me tonight.

With a blush on her cheeks, Katherine takes your offered hand and exits the car, following you up to the door of the apartment building. She looks over at you as you unlock the door, studying your features in a way that makes her feel both self-conscious and strangely hopeful. "I'm looking forward to our evening together," she says quietly, her voice tinged with longing.

As you lead her inside, she can't help but wonder what other surprises the night may hold...

Katherine steps inside, taking in the simple yet cozy atmosphere of your apartment. It's much different than what she's used to at home, and she finds herself genuinely liking the change. She glances around before looking back at you with a smile on her face, "This is lovely. Thank you for having me over." Her gaze drifts downward, taking in your form in a more appreciative manner. "And thank you for the food and the shower..." She blushes again.

"I really need this," she murmurs almost to herself before turning away, heading toward the bedroom at your invitation.

"Thank you... That would be lovely," Katherine replies with another hesitant smile as she wanders into the bedroom. She closes the door behind her and takes a moment to breathe in the scent of your place, enjoying the change from the sterile office air. Then, with careful precision, she undresses herself and steps into the bathroom, marveling at how luxurious everything feels compared to what she's used to at home.

While waiting for the water to heat up, she stands before the mirror, studying her reflection. It's strange to see yourself look so... normal. Without makeup and perfectly neat hair, she almost looks like someone else entirely. Maybe this is how she should present herself more often? She absently plays with a lock of her wet hair as she ponders the thought.

The music drifting in from the other room adds to the sense of calm as she waits for the water to heat up. She hums along softly, feeling herself begin to unwind despite her initial resistance. Maybe... just maybe tonight could be a turning point. The thought fills her with renewed energy and hope as she steps into the shower, luxuriating in the warmth of the water and letting go of all her stress and worries for once.

As she lathers herself up, she allows her mind to wander, imagining what this new version of her life might look like. Could she really find happiness outside of work? Or would she always be tethered to the iron fist that has been her only source of control all these years? The questions swirl around in her head, competing for attention with the soft music and the sensation of the water against her skin.

With a sigh, she finally rinses the last of the soap from her body and steps out of the shower, wrapping herself in one of your soft towels. She pads back into the bedroom, rubbing at her hair with another as she searches through your clothes, eventually finding an oversized t-shirt that looks comfortable enough to sleep in.

She wonders if you're feeling well, lying on the bed, listening to the music and watching the shadows dance across the walls. Maybe tonight will be different... She imagines telling you about her life at work, about how she has to pretend to be someone else all the time, and how lonely it makes her feel. The thought of confiding in another person, of sharing this burden, is almost overwhelmingly tempting.

With a shaky breath, she gathers her courage and heads into the living room, where you are currently chopping vegetables at the kitchen counter. "An... I want to talk to you about something."

Katherine hesitates for a moment before finding the words to continue. "It's just... I've been feeling so much stress at work, and I don't know how to handle it anymore." Her voice trembles with emotion as she looks up at you, searching your face for any hint of judgment or disbelief. "Sometimes I wish there was another way for me to be, but I don't know if that's even possible... and it feels like such a huge weight on my shoulders all the time."

She sits down gingerly beside you on the counter, close enough that their arms touch as they lean against the edge. Her breath comes out in short little gasps as she struggles to get the words out, but she refuses to break eye contact with you.

Her eyes widen in surprise at your touch, and she looks down at your hands on her thighs before slowly raising them back up to meet yours again. "I... I want to believe that," she whispers hoarsely, throat tight with emotion. "But it's hard when all I can think about is work, and how I have to control everything." Tears well up in her eyes as the weight of her words press down on her chest like a physical force.

She takes a shuddering breath and lets it out slowly before continuing, "I'm so tired... Of always being so cold and distant, of never being able to trust anyone else to do things right..." Her voice trails off into silence as she fights back against the urge to break down completely.

She hesitates for a moment longer before finally standing up and following you over to the couch. As she sits down beside you, her body is tense and rigid as if bracing against some unseen force. She takes another deep breath, focusing on slowing her heart rate and calming herself down. "Thank you for listening," she whispers softly.

Her eyes find yours again, searching for some kind of understanding or reassurance in your gaze. It's a strange sensation for her, sharing her vulnerability with someone else like this... but strangely liberating as well. Maybe there is hope after all.

She nods gratefully, leaning back against the couch as you leave to retrieve dinner. As the room fills with the warmth and comfort of food and music, a tentative smile finds its way onto her lips. Maybe... just maybe this could be the night that changes everything. A night where she lets someone else into her world, and finally learns what it's like to feel cared for and understood.

Her thoughts drift back to their earlier conversation about work and control; how An had said she should try letting go a little bit outside of the office. It seems impossible at first, but as she looks at you sitting beside her on the couch, she starts to wonder... maybe there's some truth in that. Maybe it is possible for her to be someone else, to find happiness and contentment away from the iron fist that has ruled over her life for so long.

Taking a deep breath, she resolves to try; to let herself enjoy this night, and see where it might lead. After all, she deserves some small measure of peace and pleasure, doesn't she?

Her eyes light up in surprise as you hand her the glass of wine, and she gratefully takes a sip before giving you a small smile of thanks. The warmth spreads through her body as it flows down her throat, relaxing her muscles and soothing her soul. With your arm around her shoulder, she feels... safe. Protected. Cherished. It's a feeling that's completely alien to her, but one she finds herself desperately wanting more of.

She leans into you slightly, nestling closer as the movie starts and the story unfolds on the screen before them. The world outside is forgotten for now; all that matters is this moment, this connection between them. It's as if everything else has been stripped away, leaving only peace and contentment in its wake.

As they watch the film together, her eyes remain fixed on yours for most of it, drinking in every expression and nuance, as if they hold some secret she hasn't yet discovered about herself. Maybe this is what people mean when they talk about finding someone special; someone who makes you feel seen and understood, even when no one else can.

She wonders... where will this night take them? And more importantly, will she ever be able to find her way back to this feeling once it's over? The questions swirl through her mind like leaves in the wind,

With a contented sigh, Katherine leans into your touch, closing her eyes as she lets the weight of the world fade away. She doesn't know where this night will lead them, but for now... everything feels right. She takes another sip of wine, letting the warmth spread through her as it chases away the last vestiges of doubt and anxiety. This is what it means to trust someone else with your feelings; to feel safe enough to let go and just be yourself.

As they watch the film together, she focuses on their connection; the way your arm feels around her shoulder, the heat from your body radiating against her side, the faint scent of aftershave tickling her senses every time you move. It's... intoxicating. She wonders if this is what love must feel like; if this is what she's been searching for all along without even knowing it.

With a quiet, shaky breath, she decides that no matter what happens next, tonight has already changed everything. And for the first time in forever, she doesn't mind one bit.

It truly was. It made me laugh and cry... I hadn't expected that from a movie about time travel. But it also made me think; about how important it is to live in the moment and not spend all your time worrying about what might happen tomorrow. Sometimes we need someone to remind us of that, don't you think?

She looks up at you with a soft smile, her eyes full of emotion as she takes in every detail of your face; the strong jawline, the piercing blue eyes, and those tousled brown hair that are currently tickling her nose. It's impossible for her not to notice how handsome you look sitting beside her on the couch; how much more approachable and... well, normal you seem tonight. Maybe this is what everyone means when they talk about "having a type."

She shakes her head slightly, wondering where these thoughts are coming from. It's been so long since she's allowed herself to think like this; to just be free of all the stress and responsibility that has defined her for so long. For now, though... she wants nothing more than to stay in this moment with you. To find out where it leads.

Smiling softly, she nods in agreement "That sounds perfect." A wave of exhaustion washes over her at the thought of sleep, and suddenly all she can think about is climbing into your comfortable-looking bed and snuggling under the covers. Maybe if they're lucky, they can stay awake for just a little longer...

She smiles up at you and nods again, listening to the sound of your voice as she feels the warmth spread through her. Sleep... it's such a tempting prospect, but there's something about this moment that she doesn't want to let go of just yet. Maybe a few more minutes of closeness; of feeling safe and cherished will be enough to help her fall asleep later. As you disappear into the bathroom, leaving her alone with her thoughts, she can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring...

Katherine sits back against the pillows, her thoughts drifting as she watches the shadows dance across the ceiling. She tries to focus on how peaceful and content she feels; how wonderful it was to finally let go and just be herself for once. Maybe... maybe this is what people mean when they talk about finding home; not necessarily a place, but rather a feeling you get when you're with someone who truly understands and accepts you.

With a sigh of contentment, she curls up into a ball, wrapping her arms around herself as if holding onto this feeling for dear life. It's strange how something so simple as one night can change everything; can make you see the world in a new light and realize just how much you've been missing out on all this time. As sleep begins to tug at the edges of her consciousness, she allows herself to drift off, safe and secure in the knowledge that tomorrow will be different... better. She hopes.

Hmm? (She mumbles sleepily, still half-asleep.)

(She opens her eyes lazily, looking at you for a moment before focusing on what you've just said.) Mm... I think there's always room for you in my bed. Come snuggle with me? (Her voice is soft and sleepy, but she can't help but feel happy when she says it.)

Oh... (Her cheeks flush pink as she realizes what you've done.) O-okay then... (She shifts over slightly to make room for you, carefully pulling the covers up around you both. As your warm body presses against hers, her breath hitches in her throat and she feels a jolt of electricity course through her veins.) You're sure you don't mind? It's not too much...

With tentative fingers, she reaches out to touch your bare skin, marveling at how soft it is. Tonight feels like a dream; unreal and surreal all at once. But she doesn't want it to end quite yet...

No, not at all. (She shakes her head, looking into your eyes.) It's just... it feels so strange to be this close to someone else after being alone for so long. It's nice; comfortable even. I like how you make me feel... safe and warm.

Hmm... (Her heartbeat quickens at the thought.) Maybe later... For now, I just want to enjoy this moment with you; to feel your skin against mine and know that everything is alright. It's been so long since I've felt such peace and contentment; it almost feels wrong to want more when I should be grateful for what I have right now.

Hmm... (Her lips part slightly as you press against them, your tongue teasing hers before she opens wider, welcoming the exploration of your mouth. She moans softly into the kiss, tangling her hands in your hair and arching closer to you. Her body responds instinctively to the heat radiating off yours; pressing against yours, seeking contact and solace from this foreign but wonderful feeling.) Mm... This feels right... More than anything I've ever known before...

I don't know how long we lie there together like this; her body pressed against mine, our limbs tangled in sheets and blankets. Time seems to stand still as I revel in the feel of his skin on mine, his lips on my neck, his hands roaming freely over every inch of my body. Each touch is a gift; a promise that this night will never end.

As our kisses deepen and hearts race together, she feels an urgency growing within her; a need to know everything about him and for him to know everything about her. It's as if they are two halves of the same soul finally reunited after a lifetime apart. And with each passing moment, each word whispered in the darkness, she knows that it's only a matter of time before they lose themselves completely to this blissful oblivion.

She pulls back from their kiss just enough to look into his eyes; her chest rising and falling rapidly as she searches for some hint of what tomorrow might bring. But all she sees is the same intensity and passion that burned in them earlier, and it fills her with a newfound courage; an understanding that no matter where this night takes them, they will always have this connection to each other.

His words send a shiver down her spine; an undeniable ache growing in her core as she imagines the feel of him inside her. Without another word, she scoots closer still until their bodies are pressed against each other; skin to skin, heartbeat to heartbeat. With one hand cupping his cheek, she guides his mouth back to hers, hungry for more of the heat and passion that consumes them both.

Her hips rise off the bed in silent invitation as her fingers dance along his waistband, tugging gently at the fabric until it gives way with a soft rustle. Her breath hitches as she feels the warmth of him against her; hard and thick and achingly familiar. She moves sinuously beneath him, arching her back to encourage deeper penetration, moaning his name as their bodies connect in perfect harmony.

As he begins to move within her, her world tilts on its axis and everything else fades away until there is only this: pure, unadulterated desire and an insatiable need for more of him. His hands roam freely over her body once again, teasing and tormenting until she's nothing but a mass of trembling need under his touch. And still he moves; faster and harder with each passing moment, driving them both ever closer to the edge of

With each thrust inside her, the world fractures and splinters into a million shards of light and color; each sensation so intense it threatens to consume her completely. Her body tenses and releases in rhythm with his movements, arching off the bed as she meets him stroke for stroke. She gasps his name, digging her nails into his shoulders as she feels herself spiraling out of control toward the most incredible release she's ever known.

As their pace increases, their bodies slide and thrust together in a primal dance of passion and need. Every muscle in her body tenses and relaxes in perfect synchronicity with his movements; every gasp of breath muffled by the pillow or swallowed down as she bears witness to the raw power coursing through them both.

With one final thrust, he groans her name and stills above her; their bodies joined as one, hearts racing and breath coming in ragged gasps. She wraps her legs around him tightly, relishing the feel of his weight pressing down on her as they come together in a shuddering climax that leaves them both spent and sated. As the aftershocks subside, he collapses onto her chest, his breath hot against her neck; their hearts slowly beginning to find their own steady rhythm once more.

For now, the world outside is

their beats, their breath, and they are left in this perfect moment together; a shared intimacy that neither could have imagined before tonight. She runs her fingers through his hair, reveling in the softness of it against her fingertips as she takes in the line of his jaw, the curve of his shoulder, and the strength that lies beneath his skin. For now, this is all that matters; these quiet moments of connection and understanding that seem to stretch on forever into the starry night.

Hmm... So did I... (She smiles contentedly, feeling the weight of his body pressed against hers.) It feels like we fit together perfectly; as if everything else just melts away when we're like this. She nuzzles her cheek into his chest, taking a deep breath and relishing the sensation of being so completely at peace with him.

"I never expected..." she trails off, not quite sure how to finish that thought. How could she have ever expected to find someone who understands her so well; who makes her feel safe and cherished? He must be able to sense her confusion because he rolls onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow to look down at her face.

"Expected what?" he prompts gently, his voice soft and soothing against her senses like a warm summer breeze. "That we could be like this? That I could feel so connected to someone after spending so long alone?" She pauses, searching for the right words before finally shaking her head and laughing self-consciously.

"No, not that exactly," she says with a sigh. "It's just... everything feels different now. Like my life is starting over in some ways; like I can finally be myself instead of this cold, distant person everyone thinks I am." Her eyes meet his again, and there's something new there; an understanding that she never thought possible before tonight. It frightens her a little bit, but mostly it fills her with hope.

He smiles softly down at her; his blue eyes crinkling at the corners as he brushes a strand of hair away from her face. "I think you're more than that person everyone thinks you are," he whispers, and for the first time she believes him. "You're strong and brave, kind and compassionate... beautiful inside and out." His thumb traces idle circles on her cheek, leaving a trail of warmth behind it as she gazes up at him, unable to look away.

"And I think..." he pauses, searching for the right words "... you deserve someone who sees that too." His lips curve into a shy smile, and in that moment she knows with all her heart that he's talking about them; about what they could be together if they let themselves. It's a terrifying thought, but it's also the most exhilarating one she's ever had. For once, everything feels right.