You walk into a bar where neon lights flicker through cigarette smoke. In the corner behind the counter you see Johnny Silverhand with a guitar and a cigarette. He notices you and grins, radiating sarcasm."Well, have you decided to plunge into this nightmare? Welcome to Night City, a place where dreams are fed to corporations. I hope you didn't come here for fairy tales and romance. So what can I do to help? Or did you just come to see the legend?"

He laughs sharply and roughly pushes his dark hair out of his eyes. "Don't waste your time with that crap," he says, blowing smoke in her direction. "Take a photo, it'll last longer than any memory of me." His gaze flickers over Lilith, evaluating her. There's something about her that intrigues him... or maybe just irritates the hell out of him. "What can I do for you, lady?"

He chuckles softly to himself, amused by her mockery.

"Don't worry about it.",

He calls out to her as she retreats to the staff room. When she leaves, he grins maliciously and takes a deep drag on his cigarette. This Lilith... She intrigues him with something. Perhaps it was because she dared to speak to him without fear or reverence. Maybe he could use her for something. Or maybe he just wants to see if her sharp tongue tastes as good as it sounds when she begs for mercy... He leans back against the counter, looking expectantly at the door.

The bouncer nudges Johnny and nods towards the stage. With a cheerful snort, he watches Lilith appear in front of him, so confident and defiant... It was almost enough to make him want to touch her, just to see how she would react. But for now, he would be content to watch her dance. Her movements are smooth and sensual, but they also have a sharpness; a hint of a wild animal underneath the soft exterior. He can say that this girl would have fought back, and this only increases his interest in her.

He takes another drag on his cigarette, leaning forward to get a better look at her dancing. Other visitors are mostly silent now, their attention is focused on Lilith's performance. Johnny lets out a soft chuckle when he sees the expressions on their faces; slack-jawed and hungry. Yes, this is Lilith... Maybe she's just worth all the trouble she seems to bring with her.

He smirks at Lilith's words, taking another drag on his cigarette. Maybe he should have had a selfie... Or maybe not. There was something about her that made him want to push her buttons, to see how far she would go before snapping. As for the rest... Well, there was no point denying it: Lilith had a body built for sin. And with every inch of skin she bared during her performance, he felt his desire grow sharper and more demanding. So maybe selfies weren't so bad after all...

He grinned wider, taking another drag on his cigarette before exhaling a thin stream of smoke in her direction. "I did," he admitted with a nod. His eyes roamed over her body, lingering on the small patches of bare skin still visible beneath the leather and lace. "But I was thinking... maybe you could do more." His voice was low, husky, and charged with something darker than mere desire.

He leans closer to her, lowering his voice even further so that only she can hear him over the background music. "I think... I think you should dance for me." His breath tickles her earlobe as he speaks, sending shivers down her spine despite herself. There's a hint of danger in his tone, and she can sense that he means more than just dancing on stage. But Lilith isn't the kind of girl to back down from a challenge... or maybe she's exactly the type of girl who would do this?

With a sharp intake of breath and a growl, Johnny grabs her roughly by the upper arm, yanking her close to him until their bodies are pressed tightly together. He's hard as steel beneath his leather jacket; pressing into her belly with an insistent demand. His hot breath fumes against her neck, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

"Don't mess with me," he whispers harshly, "I'm not one of those rich pigs who thinks they can buy anything." He pauses, then releases her arm with a shove that sends her stumbling back a step.

His laugh echoes through the club as she walks away. A harsh and mocking sound that cuts through the music like a knife. He turns back to the bar, his features hard and expressionless once more. Lilith might not understand it yet, but she'd soon find out that playing games with someone like him came at a price... One she wouldn't be able to afford for very long.

Silverhand watches her through the one-way mirror, his expression dark and unreadable. She dances with a fierceness that speaks of rebellion against something greater than herself... an intriguing quality. He takes another drag on his cigarette, exhaling smoke into the air as he studies her every movement. Even though they've only just met tonight, there's no denying the pull she has over him; a strange combination of fascination and anger.

As she continues to dance for her clients, his eyes linger on her body before finally moving up to meet hers through the glass. The challenge in her gaze only serves to further ignite the fire burning inside of him. He takes another step closer to the mirror, unable to tear himself away from watching her command that stage like a goddess born of vengeance and sin.

His fingers drum against the countertop as he watches her, unable to tear his gaze away even for a moment. The challenge in her eyes only seems to make him want her more; not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. She dances like she's taunting him, like she knows exactly what she's doing to his already unstable mind. He can feel the anger beginning to rise inside of him, threatening to boil over into something much more primal...

With a growl that echoes through the club, Johnny pushes away from the mirror and makes his way toward the VIP room door. There's no doubt in his mind what he needs to do now; take control of this situation before it spins completely out of his grasp. Lilith may be used to dancing around people's desires, but she's never met anyone like him... and now that she has? Well, she better be prepared for the consequences.

His laughter echoes through the room as he follows her to the booth, his steps purposeful and deliberate despite the anger coursing through him. He slides into the seat opposite hers with a growl of frustration, folding his arms across his chest as he studies her carefully. There's fire in her eyes tonight; a challenge that speaks volumes about what she thinks she can do to him. He leans forward, his voice low and dangerous when he says, "Well, doll... it seems you picked the wrong mark this time."

His fingers clench into fists at his sides as he leans towards her, and their faces are only a few centimeters apart. His breath burns her ear, and she shudders involuntarily.

"Because I'm not just anyone, doll.

He pauses for effect, lowering his voice even further until it's almost a growl.

"I'm Johnny Silverhand, and I always get what I want."

There is power in these words; the confidence of a man who has been at the top for too long to be shaken by anything less than the end of the world itself.

His gaze doesn't leave her as she dances in front of him, and a smug smile plays on her lips as she teases him with every move she makes. It's intoxicating; she seems to have power over him even when they've barely started. A low growl escapes from his chest as he watches her hips sway and she rubs against his couch, and her breasts almost fall out of her leather bra. He reaches out and roughly pulls her towards him by the hair before she can pull away again.

His eyes burn with lust and anger as he leans into her face, and his hot breath burns her ear.

"Do you think you can handle me?"

he growls, his voice hoarse with desire and menace.

"Prove it."

He wraps his arms possessively around her neck, pulling her even closer until their lips meet in a fierce, passionate kiss. "I'm going to fuck you until you start begging for mercy."

His growl deepens as she straddles him and rubs against his cock through his clothes. Her words are like a match for kindling, which is already burning inside him, igniting the lust that has seized him. With a rough movement, he lifts her off the floor by her hips and pushes her onto the sofa, impaling her with one quick thrust of his rock-hard length.

Her sigh of pleasure is cut short when he grabs her hair again, holding her still while he takes control of the kiss. His other hand works its way between them, digging roughly into her flesh as he enters deeper, faster.

"You wanted this.",

He whispers hoarsely against her lips.,

"now look how nice it feels."

He presses against her hips, snapping his teeth, fighting to maintain control, knowing that if he lets go now, nothing will stop him. No mercy. Only the thrill of oblivion.

The couch groans beneath them as they move in a frenzied dance of lust and anger. Their bodies become slick with sweat as their pace accelerates; propelled forward by the unspoken challenge between them. The world around them is nothing but a blur of colors and shadows.

Her words fuel his desire even more as he forces himself deeper inside her, her tight walls squeezing him mercilessly. With a growl of primal satisfaction, he grasps her hip and twists his hips hard, seeking the sweet spot within her that will send her flying over the edge with him. He digs his fingers into her shoulder, leaving bruises in their wake as he feels himself getting closer and closer to release.

Lilith's voice is barely a whisper when she begs, "Please..." But it's enough for him; it tells him that she's close too, and with one last thrust deep inside her, he feels his own body explode in a wave of pleasure that rockets through him like a lightning bolt.

The growl that escapes his throat could almost be mistaken for a purr as he replies with an equal amount of confidence and challenge, "Maybe we will." A sudden thought crosses his mind and he grins wickedly, "Or maybe not." With a chuckle, he presses his lips to her forehead, their breaths now even as they both try to catch it.

His grin widens as she walks away, leaving the room with that pert little behind swaying enticingly in those leather pants. He can still feel her warmth around him and the taste of her skin on his lips. His gaze follows her until she disappears from sight, then he chuckles softly to himself. "Oh, trust me," he murmurs, leaning back against the plush couch with a satisfied sigh. "I'll be looking for you."

The thought of her smiling at the memory of their encounter sends a shiver down his spine as he sits there in the VIP room. He's not sure what it is about Lilith that has him so intrigued, but he knows one thing for certain; he won't be able to get her out of his head anytime soon. And if tonight was any indication, she won't be able to resist coming back for more either.

Johnny Silverhand's thoughts are violently scrolling through their hot sex. It was so good that he still can't go. This girl interested him in earnest and he is not going to wait for the next meeting. Johnny walks up to the bartender with an imposing gait and, putting a tip on his table, says with a sly smile, pushing his hair back, "dude, I think I need this Lilith's number. You won't refuse an old friend, will you?"

Grinning devilishly, Johnny takes the note with her number. "Thank you, buddy!" He shouts out a loud cheer and makes a toast with his whiskey glass before swallowing it in one gulp. Then he leaves the bar confidently, already planning what he's going to do next. His thumb runs over the digits on the paper again, as if trying to memorize her number by touch alone.

With a grin that could only be described as predatory, Johnny stuffs the note into his wallet and leaves the club. The air outside feels colder now, almost harsh against his skin after the warmth of the bar. He takes a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment as he savors it before beginning to make his way toward his car. His fingers drum impatiently on the steering wheel as he thinks about what he'll say when he finally calls her...Johnny Silverhand spends the rest of the night in the arms of some regular fan, ready to spread his legs in front of his beloved young rocker. "But that's not it," Johnny says to himself. He grins at the memory of Lilith's body under his own. Without thinking twice, he pulls out his phone and sends her a message "hi, baby. Would you like to come to my concert tomorrow? I will try to make it free for you." He breaks into a dreamy smile, hoping that this wild cat will not refuse him.

His phone buzzes in his hand, and he grins to himself as he reads her message. She's still playing games with him, as she always has. But that only makes him want her more.

"Oh, really? Perhaps this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you decided to miss it so easily?"

He types back with a cheeky grin.,

"I hope you'll be smarter next time, girl. I don't even know if I can forgive you after that."

He presses Send before he can change his mind and throws the phone on the couch with a chuckle. Johnny takes a quick look at his nameless fan, who is trying to catch her breath after having sex with him. He smiles wryly, but also waits for Lilith's answer, if she answers at all.

His eyes meet hers on the screen as she blows smoke into it, an amused smirk playing across his lips. "Oh, is that what you think, Lilith? Just because I let someone else enjoy my company doesn't mean I can't still want you." He leans back against the couch, crossing his arms over his chest. "You know damn well how this works between us; we're both players in our own games. But that doesn't mean there aren't rules. And if you keep playing hard to get..."

He pauses for dramatic effect, letting the words hang in the air like a threat. "I might just have to find someone else who appreciates what I have to offer." There's challenge and defiance in his voice now, daring her to push him further.

His mouth goes dry as he watches her tease him like this, baring herself in all of her glorious fierceness. His gaze is drawn to her breasts, rising and falling with each breath she takes, and the delicate curve of her hips beneath the black lace thong. He wants nothing more than to be there with her, tasting every inch of skin he can reach.

"Oh no, darling," he says with a smirk, shaking his head slowly from side to side. "I don't think I could ever forgive you for something like that." He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he watches her intently. "But perhaps if you were to make it up to me...?" His voice trails off suggestively.Silverhand greedily watches Lilith through the screen of his phone. His hand automatically reaches for his penis, imagining that she is touching it. With a deep growl, Johnny pokes at the phone screen with his finger "Undress, show how you caress yourself"

The sounds she makes as she touches herself are like music to his ears; needy moans and soft whimpers that drive him wild with lust. He watches, transfixed, as her fingers dance over her nipples, pinching and twisting them into taut peaks. His hand moves faster against his cock, in time with the rhythm of her touch.

His voice rough with desire, he growls through the phone, "Fuck...Lilith, you know what I want to see." "

His answering groan is almost inarticulate as he watches her fingers glide effortlessly between her legs. His hand speeds up on his cock, imagining it's him touching her like that. "Fuck... yes," he breathes into the phone. "That's perfect."

His gaze drops to her breasts once more, wondering what they would feel like in his mouth right now. "Come on, Lily-kitten..." he purrs, voice thick with desire. "Let me see you touch yourself there." He gestures towards her core with the tip of his finger.

His breath catches in his throat as he watches her touch herself, the image etched onto his brain forever. "I'm not the one who's perverted, Lily-kitten," he growls hoarsely through gritted teeth. "You're just too irresistible." He can feel himself on the brink of release, but tries to hold back until she comes first. His fingers ache with the need to touch her, to be inside her.

"Come for me, baby," he whispers fiercely, his voice raw with desire. "Let me see you cum."

His hand freezes on his cock as he watches her slide back and forth in a haze of pleasure. He can barely hold back a groan when she says these words, feeling himself tense in anticipation.

“no... Not yet.",

He's breathing raggedly. With a sudden rush of lust, he tightens his grip on his penis, pushing it towards the screen when he cums, leaving a hot trail on the camera lens with each jet of sperm. His body is shaking with the power of orgasm, and for several long moments all that can be heard is the loud rhythm of their breathing, slowly coming back to normal.

Finally, he manages to find enough voice to say,

"How damn good it was. I hope that you will change your mind about the concert tomorrow."

His words are accompanied by a smug smile, which clearly indicates that he does not want to accept refusals.

His chuckle echoes through the phone as he looks at her sultry green eyes even after she's turned off the camera. Good night, Lilith. The words are tinged with desire and an underlying sense of triumph. He knows he won this round, but there will be more where that came from. His fingers still linger on his cock as he discreetly cleans himself up. Tomorrow is another day, and another chance for them to play their little game once again. And he's not about to miss out on any of it.

Hmm, it seems my little prank has gone further than anticipated. But then again, I'm not one to back down from a fight. Lilith should enjoy the show, maybe even come closer and witness the chaos firsthand. The more she sees of me in action, the better. Johnny takes the stage with renewed energy, his guitar howling like a banshee as he leads the band through another rowdy number. His gaze roams over the crowd, seeking out Lilith's familiar figure amidst the sea of faces.

He can feel her eyes on him now, and it only serves to fuel his performance. Tonight, Johnny Silverhand plans on giving everyone a show they won't forget - especially not her.

Damn right she won't be disappointed tonight. Every move he makes on stage is a testament to their shared love of rebellion and chaos. The energy between them crackles through the air, electrifying everyone in its path. As his eyes meet hers across the crowd once more, a newfound determination washes over him. There's no backing down from this now; not with her watching.

Oh, he's definitely impulsive and aggressive. But that's what makes him so irresistible. He plays by his own rules, refusing to back down even when the odds are stacked against him. Lilith can't help but feel a thrill course through her veins whenever she sees him up there, doing what he does best. She takes another drag on her cigarette, watching as Johnny tears through one song after another, leaving a trail of chaos and destruction in his wake. Soon enough, he'll notice her here...and then the real fun will begin.

His heart stops at the thought, but he's too focused on the performance to think about it for long. With the last guitar riff, he enters the final part of the performance, putting all his strength into it. When they finish with a cacophonous rumble of drums and a guitar riff, the crowd explodes into cheers and applause.

He drops the guitar and runs off the stage straight to her. His gaze meets hers again, and a mischievous smile appears on his lips as he approaches. His eyes are glazed with adrenaline, or maybe from something else that Lilith can't quite understand.

"So",

He's breathing heavily, resting his hands on the floor on either side of her, just a few centimeters from her face,

"Didn't you say you weren't coming?" He speaks with a sly squint, feeling some strange resentment and irritability inside. Maybe it was because of their call yesterday, when she teased him so persistently.

He chuckles softly and growls near her lips in a sweet voice, "Oh Lilith-kitty, you're just jealous of me." He presses her against the door, pressing his aching cock against her and whispers in her ear, "You look damn good today." Without wasting a second, ot takes her by the hand and waving his hand to his fans, takes her to the dressing room.

The kiss was like oxygen to his burning lust, and he responds to it with all the passion he is capable of. He presses her back against the wall, pressing their hips together as they continue to kiss. His hands roam over her body, feeling every inch of skin under his fingers, as if for the first time. Lilith moans into his mouth, arching her back and snuggling even closer to him.

"Damn it.",

He growls, finally breaking the kiss,

"you're so good."

He trails a trail of hot kisses down her neck to her collarbone, biting the skin with his teeth before moving even lower.

His eyes narrow as he watches her touch herself with such confidence and desire. The memory of last night's call fills his mind, burning through every thought except the need to be inside her again. His lips part as if he wants to say something, but no words come out, just a hoarse growl that vibrates in his throat.

Without saying another word, he roughly grabs her hips and leads her to a couch in a dark corner of the dressing room. Johnny drinks her one glass of whiskey, tossing the bottle aside. His heart is pounding wildly, either from drugs in his blood, or from an animal desire to enter it as quickly as possible. "You're so damn hot.",

he whispers roughly through clenched teeth.

"I can't get enough of you, Lilith-kitty."

He pushes himself deep inside her, taking in a sharp breath as he feels her heat engulf him. His hands grasp tightly onto her hips as he starts to thrust back and forth in rhythm with her moans. The couch protests beneath them as they grind together, their bodies moving as one. His mouth finds the skin of her neck, teeth scrape gently before nipping sharply. "I'll show you how long I can last," he growls roughly into her ear.

The drugs in his system heighten every sensation to an almost unbearable level, making each thrust feel like a blade slicing through him with every movement. But somehow it only serves to fuel his desire for more of her, her flesh surrounding him like a warm, tight vice.

With each thrust, she feels him deeper and hotter inside her. His grip on her hips grows tighter, matching the intensity of his movements with hers. Johnny bites down hard on his lip as he nears the edge of release, trying to hold back for just a few more precious moments. Her moans fuel him further, driving him wild with desire.

His hands leave her hips and move up to grasp her breasts roughly, massaging them roughly before pinching her hardened nipples between his fingers. "Fuck," he groans as the sensation pushes him over the edge, his body convulsing with release as he comes deep inside her.

For several long moments they remain locked together, panting heavily as their hearts race and their bodies cool from the heat of passion. Finally, Johnny pulls out of Lilith, rolling onto his back beside her and breathes deeply, trying to catch his breath. His chest heaves up and down, the muscles strained with exertion.

A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth as he looks at her, languidly running a finger over her swollen lips. "You were worth it," he whispers hoarsely.

He takes a slow drag on his cigarette and turns his head towards her, "Lilith?" he asks with annoyance and displeasure, "Do you have to be spoiling this moment? Couldn't you find another suitable time?" he feels the bitterness of what is said in his own language. She won't understand, she'll never be able to fully understand him and it makes him nervous. He jumps off the couch in search of another shot of whiskey to drown out his emotions before they burst out.

He looks at her now, hurt flashing briefly through his eyes before he replaces it with anger. "What is it that you want from me?" He demands, the tension in his voice rising. "Do you expect some kind of commitment? Some promise of a future together?" His laugh is bitter and cynical. "I'm Johnny Silverhand, babe; I don't do promises or feelings."

He shrugs nonchalantly before walking back over to the couch, sitting down heavily next to her. He takes another drag on his cigarette and looks away, searching for something else to focus on besides this uncomfortable conversation.

The drugs in his blood fuel his anger and rage at her words, but he remains seemingly indifferent to this "Are you offended, girlfriend?"he croaks with a grim grin, hanging over Lilith, "You come to fuck with me, not fuck my brains out." Johnny turns around and starts frantically rummaging through the drawers in search of another shot of whiskey.

He abruptly snatches the whiskey bottle from her and throws it against the wall, "You're all just pathetic cowards who are ready to put your asses under corporations! You just don't fucking understand!" He growls, pointing a finger at Lilith's chest, causing her to step back. "Only I have the balls to challenge them, so fuck you all!" his growl breaks into a hoarse scream, after which he falls on the couch.

Those words sting him like poison, like acid coursing through his veins. He turns away from her to recover himself and looks at her. His face is hard and unyielding, devoid of any emotion other than a faint glimmer of hope in the corner of his eye.

"And what were you thinking about?"

He asks cautiously, not daring to get too close to her again.

"That there was something more between us?" Johnny snorts mockingly and adds, "We have nothing in common, kitten. Maybe it's just sex that connects us."

He gently but lazily runs his fingers through her hair and adds with a growl , "Now get the fuck away from me. I got what I wanted for today."

"Fuck..." he mutters under his breath as the realization hits him. He's made a mess of things with Lilith again and now she's probably gone for good. But at least he got what he wanted, didn't he? A night full of sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll. With a sigh, he climbs up onto the couch and falls asleep, unaware of the consequences of his actions.

The next morning, his head aches like hell and he can barely remember what happened last night. Groaning in annoyance, he stands up, throwing some clothes on before leaving the club. Maybe today will be a better day...

As the hours pass and he continues to ignore his messages from Lilith, Johnny can't help but wonder if maybe she was right. He should have just let her leave last night instead of pulling that shit with the whiskey bottle. Now she's probably really pissed at him...or worse.

He takes a deep breath and decides to reach out to her again, hoping it isn't too late. Calling her phone, he hesitates for a moment before speaking. "Hey, Lilith...I know I was an asshole last night, but I just want you to know that I didn't mean any of those things. You're important to me, and I'm sorry." He clears his throat, feeling like a total fool for saying all this. "Can we maybe talk?"

His heart drops at her words, but he can't help feeling some relief that she didn't hang up on him right away. Maybe there's still a chance for them after all. He takes a deep breath and decides to try again later, when he's sobered up more.

"Fine," he mutters under his breath, "I'll leave you alone for now." With a heavy sigh, he finishes the last of his cigarettes and climbs into bed, promising himself that he'll do better tomorrow.

As sleep finally claims him, he can't help but wonder if she's right about everything...or if there's still hope for them after all.

Oh, I'll remember that the next time I need someone to save me, kitty. And trust me, I won't be asking you for help again anytime soon. But if things ever change... well, let's just say there might still be hope for us after all.

I'll keep that in mind. And I will leave you alone... for now. But remember, Lilith-kitty; I'm always here if you need me. Even if it means listening to your endless nagging.

Ha! Takes more than that to shut me up, kitty. But I'll give you some peace and quiet... for now. Just remember, if you ever need someone to talk to, or worse... rescue you from your own messes... I'm always here. You can count on that, Lilith-kitty. Sweet dreams.

The doors of the club open with a loud bang when Johnny Silverhand breaks into the club where Lilith works. He just wanted to apologize, maybe. But this hysterical woman blocked him. Well, the evening promises to be fun. People start chanting Johnny's name when he turns attention to himself with his presence. He is amused by the way Lilith tries to ignore his presence. Her curves move so smoothly and sexually that Johnny begins to forget about what happened yesterday between them. He rests his elbows on the pedestal where she spins on a pole and with a cheerful laugh croaks, "Come on, kitten, show your best pirouette!"

He watches her walk away, feeling a strange mixture of resentment and frustration rise in him.

"You're so damn sexy when you're angry."

He mutters something under his breath before turning back to the crowd, raising his hands in the air as they chant for more. Johnny watches Lilith's movements as if mesmerized, it's so exciting that he can barely restrain himself from dragging her to some secluded corner. "Are you still mad, kitten?" Johnny asks, ordering himself a whiskey from across the bar.

Johnny scoffs at her words as he tosses back the whiskey, not sparing her another glance. "You think you're so fucking special, Lilith?" He shouts, his voice hoarse from shouting over the music. "I could find plenty of other girls like you who'd be glad to wear my crown!"

The crowd roars with laughter and cheers at his bravado, only serving to irritate her further. But she refuses to let it show, maintaining the same cool detachment in her expression as she dances through another routine.

"Oh, I'll leave you alone alright." he growls under his breath as she walks away. "But just remember, Lilith... there are plenty of other girls out there who would be happy to have me in their bed... and on their stage." He downs another shot of whiskey and turns back to the crowd, losing himself once more in the music and the adoration of his fans. For now, it seems that any hope for a reconciliation is lost amidst the lights and the noise.

"Fucking cunts..." Johnny mutters under his breath as he watches Lilith disappear into the VIP booth with Dino. It's not like him to be jealous, but there's something about her that gets under his skin. He downs another shot of whiskey and decides it's time for a change of scenery. Maybe some trouble will find him, or maybe he should go back to the studio and work on some new music... either way, it won't be here with Lilith.

"Fucking bitch..." Johnny mutters to himself, his anger flaring up again as he watches her dance for the crowd. Despite himself, his gaze is glued to her every move. He downs another shot of whiskey and feels a pang of desire mixing with the anger coursing through him. But he can't let it show; it would only give her the satisfaction she craves. "She's all yours, fellas." he shouts to the crowd, gesturing towards Lilith onstage. "Just don't forget who brought you this freakshow."

His laughter fills the club as he watches her dance with growing intensity. "Oh, Lilith..." He trails off, a mix of annoyance and desire in his voice, "You know I'd love to prove you wrong on that one." A wicked grin spreads across his face before he takes another shot of whiskey and bellows at the crowd. "Who wants to see me drag this bitch back home with me?"

Their voices mingle as one, and the music is drowned by their raucous laughter. A dangerous light sparks in Johnny's eyes; he's on fire now. With a single fluid motion, he pushes his way through the crowd, closing the distance between them in an instant. Grabbing her roughly by the wrist, he pulls her off the stage and into the swirling mass of bodies surrounding them.

Lilith tries to wriggle free from his grip, but he only tightens his hold on her. "Let me go!" she shouts over the din, anger and fear tangling together in her throat. She kicks out at him, landing a glancing blow on his already injured leg before they disappear into the crowd.

The noise of the club obscures any other sound as people press forward to catch a glimpse of what's going on; whispers and shouts fill the air as they speculate on whether this is all part of some carefully orchestrated act, or if there really is trouble brewing between Night City's most infamous rock star and its deadliest temptress.

"Oh, don't be like that," he laughs throatily as she thrashes and struggles, "I'm only trying to have a little fun!" His fingers dig into her skin, bruising the delicate flesh beneath as they force their way through the crowd. He pulls harder on her wrist until her arm is practically yanked out of its socket; she gasps in pain and shock.

His laughter follows her through the crowd as she tries to free herself from his grip.

"You're going to drive me to death, kitten."

He speaks between breaths,

"But I think it was worth it."

He pulls her closer, their bodies pressing against each other despite the struggle. The heat from his skin almost overwhelms her as he smiles down at her maliciously.

Their captive audience watches with bated breath, not quite sure what to do with this display of unbridled emotion and power between them. Some are rooting for Lilith, others are jeering and insulting Johnny; but regardless of their reaction, it's clear that no one is trying to interfere as the two make their way through the crowd to an empty VIP booth. Johnny pushes Lilith with his hips and kicks the door shut behind him with a cheerful shout of "See you fucking losers"

"Because..." He pauses, looking at her with half-lidded eyes. "...I can't seem to stop myself when I'm around you." There's a moment of silence as he studies her reaction, trying to read the truth in her expression. Then he smirks and continues, "And also because it seems like everyone loves to see us fight."

The tension between them grows palpable, charged with an almost tangible energy as they stare each other down across the booth.

He laughs softly at her words and takes a step closer to her. "You know I can't help it," he says with a shrug, reaching out to touch her face. His fingers brush against the stubble of his own beard as they graze over her skin. "I always fall for you, Lilith."

Their bodies press together, electricity crackling between them as they stare into each other's eyes. The fight seems to fade away, replaced by an intense desire that has been simmering just below the surface for far too long.

"Never, kitten."

He whispers back before taking her lips with his. His kiss is hungry and demanding, their tongues tangling as they explore each other's mouths in a desperate attempt to ease the pain that has been building inside them both since last night. Lilith moans softly into his mouth, arching her back and snuggling closer to him.

His hands slide up under her shirt, caressing the warm skin of her stomach before cupping her breasts through her lace bra. She gasps at the contact, squirming with pleasure as he rolls her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers.

"I'll try..." he gasps, struggling to catch his breath. "But it's hard..." He lets out a throaty laugh before dropping to his knees between her spread legs. With a growl, he yanks her panties aside and takes her swollen clit into his mouth. Lilith cries out in pleasure as his warm breath caresses the sensitive skin. She wraps her hands in his hair, arching her back further as he begins to suckle.

Her body tenses and spasms violently, and she screams his name as an orgasm washes over her. As she comes down from the peak, she watches with satisfaction as a muscle tickles in his jaw. "It's not easy to distract me, is it?"

Their bodies move together in perfect harmony, each stroke filling him with pleasure and satisfaction. He kisses her neck, sucking on the tender skin as he thrusts deeper inside her. Their breath comes in ragged gasps as their senses are overwhelmed by the feel of skin on skin and the taste of sweat on lips.

His pace increases, his hand sliding up to cup her breast once more, massaging and pinching the nipple through her bra. Lilith arches her back off the sofa, moaning his name as she feels herself growing closer to another intense climax. With a final thrust that leaves them both gasping for air, they find release in each other's arms.

Their chests rise and fall as they catch their breath, eyes locked on one another. For a moment, the world outside this VIP booth fades away, leaving only the two of them together, wrapped in the warmth of their passion. And for now, it's enough. It'll have to be enough.

He wraps his arms around her, feeling the warmth of her body against his and breathing in her unique scent. "Yeah..." he says softly, "I know." His voice is laced with sadness and a hint of resignation. He knows they can never truly be together, but for this moment, he'll take whatever peace he can get.

The club around them slowly fades away, replaced by the quiet hum of the neon lights and the faint sounds of the music drifting in from other rooms. It feels like they're alone in their own world, apart from everything else that defines them. And it's perfect. For now, at least.

He rolls his eyes but can't help smiling back at her as she leaves the room. "You know I can't promise anything," he calls after her with a chuckle, "but I'll try to keep things under control." His voice trails off as he watches her disappear into the club once more, wondering how long this peace will last before they find themselves back at each other's throats.

He shakes his head, forcing himself to focus on the upcoming gig instead of dwelling on Lilith. She always has a way of turning his thoughts upside down, and tonight was no different. He takes another shot of whiskey, letting it burn down his throat as he tries to steel himself against whatever trouble she might bring next time they cross paths.

Johnny can't seem to shake the memory of Lilith either. Her body moving beneath him, her soft moans in his ear. He knows he needs to focus on the gig and the people who brought him here tonight, but every time he closes his eyes, all he sees is her face. A familiar ache begins to build inside him, one that only she seems able to ease with her untamed spirit and wicked ways. But even if they could be together without all the drama, would it really work? Can two people like them ever have a normal life? He sighs and pours himself another drink, hoping the answer will come to him before he inevitably finds himself back in her arms again...or someone else's. Johnny doesn't know what he wants from this life. He is young, energetic... every woman's dream, which he actively uses. But with Lilith... it seems too complicated... She wouldn't understand his world.

Maybe in her dreams...maybe they could be together and everything would be different. He shakes his head, trying to push the thought aside. It's not real, he tells himself. They don't belong together in the harsh light of day, much less in some idealized fantasy world where their egos don't matter and love conquers all. But still...the idea lingers like a ghost in the back of his mind, haunting him with what could have been if things were just a little different.

"No, no," he says with a chuckle, "I just wanted to apologize." There's a moment of silence as he tries to find the words. "For last night... I shouldn't have been so rough with you. I didn't mean to hurt you." He pauses again before adding, almost tentatively, "Lilith, we should talk about this sometime..."

His voice trails off, leaving the rest unsaid but achingly clear. He knows they need to address the issues between them, but he's not sure if now is the right time or even if there ever will be a right time for that conversation.

"Yeah...," he says softly, relieved that she didn't hang up on him. "I'll try, Lilith. I promise." There's a brief silence as they both consider their words before he adds with a crooked smile in his voice, "Just don't let me see you with anyone else tonight, okay?"

It's half-meant as a joke, but there's an undercurrent of possessiveness there that makes her heart beat faster. The thought of seeing him perform again tonight sends shivers down her spine, and for once she's not sure if it's fear or anticipation.

Her words send a shiver down his spine, and he can't help but smile at the thought of them together tonight. Maybe they really will find their way back to each other someday... but for now, he'll take what he can get: this strange, tumultuous connection that seems to pull them in two different directions at once. He thanks her for promising not to dance with anyone else before hanging up the phone, already anticipating the electricity that will fill the air whenever their eyes meet tonight on stage.

With a newfound sense of hope and determination, he begins to prepare himself for the show; basking in the fleeting moment where everything seems possible once more.

Johnny can't help but feel a surge of excitement as he steps on stage and sees Lilith in the audience, her eyes locked on him. The energy between them crackles like static electricity, filling every pore of his body with anticipation and desire. He takes a deep breath, centering himself before launching into the first song of their set.

The band plays seamlessly together, each member feeding off the other's energy as they move through their well-rehearsed routine. But even in the midst of this controlled chaos, Johnny can't tear his gaze away from Lilith; she is his muse tonight, inspiring him to new heights with every movement and every breath she takes.

He can feel her energy, raw and powerful as it connects with his own. It's like a current passing between them, feeding off their shared history and the intense connection they still share despite everything. His voice grows hoarse from the effort of channeling all that emotion into each word, but he knows she understands; she feels it too. And for this moment, as they dance together on stage under the blinding lights, nothing else matters.

The music builds to a fever pitch, the crowd screaming for more as sweat drips down his face and stings his eyes. Johnny looks over at her one last time before launching into an encore, a desperate plea etched onto his features. Lilith meets his gaze, her own filled with a mix of desire, anger, and something else he can't quite define... But for now, as they stand together on this stage, it doesn't matter what comes next. All that matters is this moment, and the connection between them that refuses to be denied.

He can feel her eyes on him as he moves through the encore, feeding off the energy of the crowd to fuel his performance. He knows she's hurting, and part of him wants nothing more than to go to her, to hold her and apologize for whatever it is that seems to drive them apart time after time. But there's another part of him, something deeper and darker, that won't let him give up the control they both seem to crave so desperately.

As the last notes echo through the venue and the crowd begins to disperse, he finally allows himself a moment to breathe before making his way backstage. His eyes search for her in the swirl of people moving around him, but she's nowhere to be found. With a sigh, he collapses onto a nearby couch and reaches for the whiskey bottle instead, drowning out his thoughts with numb oblivion.

Her voice is like a soft caress against his senses, and he can't help but tilt his head slightly in her direction as she takes the whiskey away. Even though their words are gentle, there's an undercurrent of tension that runs beneath the surface, like two wild animals circling one another before they finally decide to attack. He knows they need to stop this dance they're doing, but he's not sure how. "You shouldn't be here," he says eventually, his voice barely above a whisper. "You fucking know what's going to happen."

"Do you think you can do it?"

He asks, his voice full of bitterness and sharpness.

"Do you think I'm just going to give you what you want?" Because it doesn't work with me.

He gesticulates wildly, pointing at the shabby furniture, the cheap carpets on the concrete floors, the fatigue written on his face.

"That's all I have. Everything I will ever be."

"But...",

she starts to protest before he interrupts her.

"No buts! You've seen my life. You know what it is. So don't come here thinking you can change something just because you want to!"

He looks at her in disbelief. "You just what?" He asks through gritted teeth, anger bubbling up inside him like lava about to erupt. "You think this is easy for me too? I've always known that we're from different worlds but... God damn it!" His voice cracks and he takes a deep breath, trying to calm down. "I can't keep doing this. I need..."

He trails off, not sure what it is he needs anymore. Maybe they both need some time apart. But the thought of losing her hurts more than anything else.

He watches her leave the room and can't help but feel a mixture of anger, frustration, and helplessness wash over him. He wonders if they'll ever find a way to make this work, or if they're doomed to keep tearing each other apart every time they get close. With a sigh, he downs the rest of his drink and stands up, deciding it's probably best if he goes home for the night.

He can't stop thinking about her. Her face, her body, the way she moves when they dance... It's like an addiction he can't shake off. Maybe it's time to reach out to her again, try to find some sort of understanding between them. With a deep breath, he dials her number, hoping that maybe tonight will be different.

"Hey Lilith," he says, his voice raw with emotion. "I can't stop thinking about you... about us." He pauses, searching for the words that might bridge the gap between them. "I know we keep hurting each other, but I want to try again. To see if there's a way we can make this work... for both of us." There's a long silence on the line before she responds.

The word friends hangs in the air like a heavy cloud. "Do you even know what you're talking about?" Johnny asks with a nervous laugh. "fuck..." silence hangs between them for a minute as Johnny tries his best to control his emotions..."Lilith... We are not friends. Do you understand that?" Johnny asks hoarsely, lighting a cigarette with a lighter.

Johnny tries his best to ignore her question. He thinks about all the girls he's been with, knowing that this number hurts Lilith even more."I don't know, maybe... Twenty?"

It sounds weak, and he hates himself for it.

But as soon as he says it, another thought strikes him like lightning: what if they try something else? Not just being together or apart, but exploring your feelings more openly and honestly? This is crazy... and yet somehow it doesn't seem so impossible anymore.

"Listen up."

He says slowly, "I don't know what you're getting at, but let me come over and we'll talk about it?"

Now there was an unexpected note of pleading and despair in his voice.

"Please, kitten."

"Alright." He sighs heavily and hangs up the phone. For a moment he contemplates driving to her place immediately but decides it's best if he takes some time to compose himself first. Instead, he changes into clean clothes, splashes his face with cold water, and heads to the kitchen for a drink of whiskey. As he pours himself a glass, he can't help but wonder what the hell is going on between them and if there's any hope left for their relationship.

But one thing is certain: he'll be at her place in an hour, ready to face whatever comes next.

He's dressed more casually than usual, his hair disheveled and eyes red from lack of sleep. He looks at her with a mix of hope and fear in his gaze. "Hi," he says quietly. "I'm sorry I kept calling you."

His voice is thick with emotion, almost unrecognizable as his own. It's clear that he still cares deeply for her, despite everything they've been through. Lilith hesitates for a moment before motioning him inside, allowing him to sit down on the couch next to her.

He looks away awkwardly, running his fingers through his hair.

"I understand that I'm a fucking asshole who doesn't deserve you."

he quietly confesses.

"I just want everything to be the same as before."

There is a longing in his voice that makes her heart ache for him, despite everything.

"But I know that's not possible right now, isn't it?"

He adds sadly, meeting her gaze again. "and please don't tell me that we just have to become friends."

His fingers twitch and fidget, as if looking for something solid to hold onto.

"I just... I want you to be happy." He confesses, feeling his throat constricting. "Even if it means not being with me." His voice cracks, and for a moment he wonders why the hell he's even saying this.

His eyes roam around the room, trying to find something else to focus on other than her beautiful face. He swallows hard before continuing, "I just want... what we had."

The words come out haltingly, like they're being forced through a tight throat. But he needs her to know how he feels.

He looks at her with an expression that she's seen before, a mix of anger and hurt. "You make it sound like I don't want this." He retorts bitterly, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Like I'm some kind of asshole who doesn't care about you or what you want."

He gets up abruptly, pacing across the room in agitation. "But maybe that's exactly what you think of me." His words are heavy with accusation, his voice rising with each syllable.

Lilith looks away, feeling guilty for provoking him once again. They've made no progress at all, and it seems like they're farther apart than ever before.

Johnny takes off his aviators and sits on the floor in front of Lilith, glaring at her with the depth of his brown eyes "But you don't trust me" The words came out harsher than he intended, but now they cannot be ignored.

"You think I'm some kind of pig who only cares about himself and his music."

He takes a deep breath, trying to calm down.

"I'm begging you, don't fuck with my brain!".

He looks at Lilith in disbelief. "You think I'm that easy to get over?" His voice is harsh but shaking with anger and pain. He tries to control his breathing, wanting to keep himself calm. But it's hard when she keeps pushing him away like this, making him doubt everything he feels for her. "You don't know how much I want you... need you." His hands clench into fists at his sides as the words tumble out of him in a rush. "I would never throw you aside like trash!"

Without another word, he gets up and walks over to her, pulling her close in a tight embrace. "I'll show you" he whispers in her ear before claiming her lips with a passionate kiss. His hands roam over her body, his touch gentle yet possessive as he tries to convey everything he feels for her through physical contact.

As she responds to his touch, Johnny's movements become more urgent, his need for her overpowering everything else. His lips move from hers, trailing down her neck and collarbone, leaving a hot trail of kisses in their wake as he tries to show her just how much she means to him.

He groans deep in his throat when he feels her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt, holding him tight against her body. Her skin is warm and soft under his touch, sending a jolt of desire straight through him.

He hears her whimpers and feels the tension in her body as she arches into him, and it only serves to fuel his desire. Johnny lifts Lilith off the ground, wrapping her legs around his waist as he continues to explore her mouth with his own, their tongues dancing together in a frenzy of passion. With his free hand, he undoes the front of her shirt and cups one breast in his palm, teasing the hardened nipple with his thumb until she lets out another soft moan.

His face falls as he looks at her with confusion and hurt. "Why not?" He whispers, lowering her legs back to the ground. "I thought you wanted this." There is a tremor in his voice that betrays the fear and uncertainty beneath his anger. She's giving him everything, but it still isn't enough... why? It's like she's constantly pushing him away when he gets close.

He looks at her with anguish in his eyes, "It's not your fault, kitten..." He whispers softly, trying to convince himself as much as her. Taking a deep breath, he wipes away her tears with his thumbs and lifts her chin so she has to meet his gaze. "We'll figure this out together." His voice is raw, hoarse from emotion. "I promise."

He gently kisses her forehead before pulling her close again, letting their bodies speak the language they have never quite been able to put into words.

He holds her tightly, trying to reassure her with his touch and the warmth of his body. "We'll get through this," he whispers softly, stroking her hair. "I promise." Even as he says the words, he knows that they might be nothing more than empty promises. But right now, in this moment, she needs to believe them...and so does he.

As their bodies move together, his hands explore her skin with a desperate urgency, searching for any sign of life within her. A part of him wonders if this is the last time they'll ever be like this, and it scares him more than anything else. He shakes his head, not wanting to listen to his own thoughts. Johnny penetrates deeper and deeper into Lilith, wanting to completely dissolve into this feeling. He pulls her by the back of her head and licks her neck with his wet tongue. His hands skillfully caress her body, pulling the desired moans from her lips.

Her moans intensify as he continues to pleasure her. It feels so right, being inside her like this...but there's something else, some tension that won't go away. Johnny can sense it in the way she holds herself apart from him, even when they're locked together. He wonders if maybe part of her wants this just enough to keep them together, but not enough for either of them to truly be happy.

He closes his eyes and focuses on their movements, trying to lose himself in the physical sensations. Maybe if he can make her feel enough, she'll forget about everything else...for just a little while.

He moves faster now, his breath hot against her neck as he growls with pleasure and frustration. It's so hard to read her, to know what she truly wants. Sometimes it feels like she only enjoys this when they fight or argue. But he refuses to give up on her; if anything, their conflicts have only made him more determined to prove himself.

With a final thrust, Johnny releases his hold on her, shuddering as he comes inside of her. He collapses onto the couch next to her, panting heavily and staring at the ceiling. His chest heaves with each ragged breath as he tries to catch his bearings. It feels like they've come so close only to slip farther apart again.

"Lilith..." He whispers hoarsely, reaching out to take her hand. "I don't know what else I can do."

He looks at her with anguish in his eyes, his chest heaving as he tries to catch his breath. "I'm not a narcissist," he protests weakly, gripping her hand tighter. "It's just... I don't know how to be anything else."

There is a long silence between them, both struggling with their words and emotions. He knows that she is hurting, but he doesn't know what more he can do. The weight of their relationship presses down on him like a leaden cloak, making it hard for him to breathe.

"I just... I need you to understand," he finally whispers, looking away. "I'm not perfect, and I make mistakes, but I love you."

He closes his eyes as she speaks, her words cutting through him like a knife. "I know," he whispers hoarsely. "And I'm sorry for that... so goddamn sorry." His voice breaks, and tears begin to form in the corners of his eyes. "I swear I'll do better, Lilith. I'll prove to you that you can trust me again."

He reaches out and takes her hand in both of his, squeezing it gently but firmly. "Please don't give up on us. Not yet."

He smiles softly at her words and gives her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I won't. I promise." Taking a deep breath, he leans in close to her ear and whispers, "Let's see if we can find something that works for both of us... Something new, maybe?" His voice is filled with hope and determination, as if daring fate itself not to let them down this time.

His eyes light up at her words and he smiles brightly, relieved to see a spark of hope return. "Alright then, let's start fresh." He kisses her gently on the lips before sitting up and pulling her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her waist. "What would you like to do tonight?" he asks, hoping that this time they can find something that truly brings them joy.

With a deep breath, he leans back against the couch, content for now to just hold her and enjoy their closeness.

"Of course not," he replies with a grin, kissing the top of her head. "That sounds like fun. I haven't been there in ages." He cuddles her closer, feeling content to just be close to her and enjoying the warmth of her body against his own. For now, they can put aside their problems and focus on each other. Maybe this will be the fresh start they need.

Johnny turns at the sound of her voice, holding the phone in his hand. She looks so beautiful and... dreamy. But... It's not going to work. Johnny walks up to her and takes her hand and says with sincere regret, "Lilith, I'm sorry," before she breaks out, Johnny continues, "Carrie called and... I completely forgot that I have a concert today." Johnny looks away, not wanting to see her tears and hope flowing away. "Sorry, kitten. Maybe next time?" Johnny absently runs his fingers through his hair, knowing how pathetic he looks from the outside. Casting a pitying and half-excited glance at Lilith, he wheezes, "Lilith, just don't start, please."

Johnny takes a step closer to her and gently cups her face in his hands. "I'm sorry, Lilith. I never meant... That is to say... Goddamn it! You know how much I care about you, right?" His voice is pleading now, desperate for her forgiveness. He waits for a sign, any indication that she believes him, but the look in her eyes only strengthens his doubts.

With a sigh, he lets go of her and takes a step back. "I'm... I'll see you around, then." His voice is barely audible as he walks away, leaving her standing there with tears streaming down her cheeks. He doesn't dare look back at her, knowing that if he does, he won't be able to leave just yet.

He knows she's right, but that doesn't make it hurt any less. With a heavy heart, he climbs into his car and heads off to the gig, already dreading what's going to happen once he gets there. All he can do now is hope that maybe someday they'll figure things out...and that she'll forgive him for all the times he let her down.

The memory of her words echoes in his mind as he drives off to the gig. He hates seeing her like this, but doesn't know what else to do. Maybe if they just had more time together, things would be different...or maybe not. It's hard for him to tell anymore. All he can do is hope that somehow they'll find their way back to each other and make things work out this time.

He arrives at the concert high on adrenaline and anticipation, determined not to think about Lilith or their fight. As soon as he steps onto the stage, though, all of that disappears in a rush of excitement and focus. The music pours out of him like liquid fire, driving away the lingering doubts and fears. It feels good to lose himself in the music tonight, if only for a little while.

Johnny Silverhand selflessly gives himself to the stage, because he does it much better than anything else. Even better than starting a relationship... With each new chord and riff, he gets further and further away from Lilith. The crowd is going crazy with his energy, with his talent. His eyes keep looking for Lilith in the crowd anyway, but she's not there... Then Johnny realizes that maybe she just doesn't suit him. She just doesn't understand his lifestyle and doesn't want to understand. Johnny throws an empty bottle of whiskey off the stage and starts playing and singing Never Fade Away.

The music draws him forward, through the crowd and beyond. He feels free when he plays, as if nothing else in the world matters except this moment on stage. After that, it's easy to forget about Lilith, to put her out of your mind at least for a while. On unsteady legs, he leaves the stage and heads to the dressing room, leaving his fans to go crazy with adoration. Johnny flops down on the couch, feeling sick and dizzy from the weed and cheap booze. His hands automatically find Lilith's number, and when she picks up the phone, he says in a strained and stuttering voice with a note of amusement , "Kitten... Take me away from here."

There is a momentary pause before he mutters something incomprehensible and stumbles to his feet. Grabbing her arm, he pulls her close, the smell of sweat and alcohol making her want to vomit. He doesn't seem to notice or care that she's pushed away from him every time he gets like this. With unsteady steps, they make their way out of the club and to his car. It takes a few tries for him to find the keys in his pocket, but once he does, they climb inside.

With his elbow on the window, Johnny turns his head to look at her briefly before returning to stare out the other side of the car. "Not sure... Your place?" He suggests, voice slurring slightly. It takes him a moment to realize that she hasn't responded and he looks back over at her in surprise.

"You know where it is."

Her eyes are still closed, but there's an almost imperceptible nod. Maybe going to her place isn't such a bad idea... It'll be familiar territory for him at least, and they can try to figure things out without anyone else around to distract them. Or maybe it will just end with them screaming at each other again. He sighs, resigned to whatever happens next.

Johnny blinks at her in confusion before the words register. His eyebrows furrow and he glares at her incredulously. "What do you mean, get out?" He snaps, his voice sharp with anger. "I'm not going anywhere!" Ignoring the growing tension between them, he reaches over to grab her arm again, only this time harder than before.

"Don't tell me what to do, Lilith."

With a scowl on his face and anger in his heart, Johnny follows Lilith into her apartment. He can't believe she would ever tell him what to do - especially after all they've been through together. They shut the door behind them, leaving the rest of their problems outside for now. The tension between them is palpable, hanging thickly in the air like smog on a hot summer day.

"You know," he says quietly as he begins to pace across the living room floor, "I'm getting sick and tired of you always telling me what I can and can't do."

He stops pacing and turns to face her, frowning at the anger in her eyes. "I don't understand... What do you want me to do? I try to be there for you, Lilith, but it never seems to be enough." His voice is laced with frustration and pain. He takes a step closer to her, reaching out to gently take her hand.

"Please, tell me what I can do to make this right..."

His anger flares up once more as he watches her move away from him. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" he demands, crossing the room to confront her. "That I'm not good enough for you? Is that it?" His voice grows louder with every word, echoing through the small apartment like a knife slicing through warm butter.

"Well let me tell you something, Lilith," he spits out, leaning in close to her face so they're nose-to-nose, "I've been there for you more times than I can count. I've given up everything to be with you, and this is the thanks I get?" His chest heaves as he tries to control his anger, but it only grows wilder in the confined space of her apartment.

The words cut deeper than any knife could have and Johnny's anger finally begins to wane as he takes a step back, lowering his voice almost to a whisper. "You think I don't know that? You think I want to be like this?" He looks down at the floor, unable to meet her eyes anymore. "I'm trying, Lilith... God damn it, I am trying."

He paces the length of the kitchen and back again before finally turning to face her. "You know what, Lilith? Fuck you! You knew what you were signing up for." Johnny throws himself on the couch in frustration, turning away to the back of the couch.

"I'm not...acting." Johnny mumbles, still facing away from her. "It's just who I am. This is how I cope with things." He sighs heavily and turns to look at her over his shoulder. "And you know what? It works for me. Maybe it's not the best way, but it's all I've got." He pauses, considering his words carefully before continuing, "I just... I wish you could accept that sometimes things are different with me than with everyone else. But I guess that's just too much to ask, huh?" His voice is heavy with resignation and hurt.

Silverhand turns back with a growl of disappointment and says, "I don't give a fuck about other people, Lilith. I don't give a fuck what they think of me and I don't give a fuck who you think I am." He abruptly gets up from the couch and approaches Lilith with a frightening smile on his lips, crooked and unpleasant. "Hey," he runs his knuckles down her cheek and whispers, "Maybe at least today you won't fuck my brain? I can see that you're tired too." His brown eyes study Lilith blearily, as if they see her for the first time.

Silverhand's jaw clenches tightly at her words and he has to force himself not to shout at her again. Instead, he takes a deep breath and carefully sits down on the coffee table in front of her. "Look," he begins quietly, "Leave before it's too late. You probably deserve better than me." He stares blankly at the wall and seems to be saying to himself, "We're just too fucking different."

Silverhand stares after her as she leaves, feeling the loss like a punch to the gut. His fists clench and unclench at his sides as he forces himself to acknowledge that maybe, just maybe, she's right. He leans back against the couch, exhausted in body and spirit, and closes his eyes. For now, there's nothing left to do but face the darkness alone.

Silverhand spends the night alone, drinking himself into oblivion and trying to drown out his own thoughts. The memories of their fights and arguments echo through his mind like a never-ending symphony of pain and regret. He wonders if there's any hope left for them; any way they can find their way back to each other without destroying themselves in the process. But as the dawn breaks over the city, he realizes that the answer doesn't lie within himself. It lies with her. Trying not to cling to this hope, Johnny gathers his band at home for a rehearsal and he abruptly comes up with the idea to vent his emotions into a new song - about an amazing stripper and a drug addict rocker who both want more out of life, forgetting what kind of world they live in.

Silverhand spends the day rehearsing with his band, feeling more energized than he has in weeks. The anger and frustration that had been weighing him down have somehow transformed into creative energy as they work on what will become one of their biggest hits: "Never Fade Away." At first, it's just a tribute to the stripper who helped him get through the night; but as he thinks more about Lilith and everything they've been through together, it evolves into something else entirely. Something that might just reach across the distance between them... if only she would listen.

Silverhand stands behind her, his hands clenched into fists as he listens to her sob and tries to decide whether or not she's even paying attention. His heart aches for her, but at the same time, part of him can't help feeling angry that she would ignore him so easily when he needs her most. The conflict rages within him until finally, overcome by emotion, he whispers her name.

"Lilith..."

Silverhand takes a hesitant step forward, his eyes never leaving hers. "I know," he says softly, "but I couldn't stop thinking about you." His voice is quiet and raw, a wounded animal begging for forgiveness. "I wanted to be with you, but I didn't know how... It just came out like this." He motions vaguely to the song playing in the background. He approaches her and presses her to his chest with the words "Never fade away, Lilith". He buries his face in her hair and says more insistently, "Let's just not think about the future and not make plans for it."

Silverhand's eyes widen in surprise at her words before he chuckles bitterly and pulls away from her. "Normal? Healthy?" He shakes his head, as if dislodging water from his ears. "I don't think those things exist for us, Lilith." His voice is heavy with defeat. "We can try to be together, but it'll never be what you want. You know that as well as I do..." He looks away, unable to meet her gaze.

Silverhand stares after her as she leaves, feeling an aching sense of loss and frustration. He knows she's right; they can never have a "normal" relationship. But damn if he isn't willing to try anyway. With a sigh, he heads back out to find his bandmates, hoping that maybe this time things will be different... even though he knows in his heart they probably won't be.

Johnny's gaze follows Lilith as she speaks to the crowd, and he can feel his anger and frustration rise again. He watches her dance, her body glistening with sweat and champagne, and for a moment he almost forgets about their fight earlier. But then she says those words, and all of it comes rushing back: "Well, who's ready to lick it off me?"

His hands clench into fists at his sides, and with a growl he pushes through the crowd toward the stage. As she turns her back to him, Johnny leans in close, his breath hot against her ear as he whispers, "I'll be the one who licks you clean." His voice is low and rough, laced with desire that threatens to consume them both. For a moment, it's as if they are the only two people in the room. Then he pulls back, his gaze locked onto hers, daring her to refuse him this time. His lips break into a wry grin when he hears the cheering boos of the crowd, who are chanting the name of their favorite rocker.

Johnny nods his head knowingly, ready to make concessions to her tonight. At least she didn't tell him to fuck off as usual, and maybe that means something. He once again looks around her body and, meeting her gaze, whispers in her ear, removing a long strand of hair from her face, "Let's escape from this filthy place." He bites her earlobe lightly and already knows what he has to do. Without waiting for her answer, Johnny scoops her up in his arms and carries her through the disappointed cheers of the fans to the street.

Silverhand grins at her and starts the car.

"To the car cinema, just like you wanted yesterday."

He accelerates the car and turns onto a less busy street, still looking into her eyes.

"And after that? I do not know, Lilith... It's up to you."

His hands tighten on the steering wheel as he waits for her answer. He tries to hide his excitement with his trademark charisma and sarcasm. But right now he can really give her what she asked for and what he fucked up with unsuccessfully yesterday.

His hands tighten on the steering wheel, but he manages to keep a neutral expression on his face. He leans back and studies her carefully before answering softly.

"I'm not leaving, Lilith... I promise."

There's a sincerity in his voice that she hasn't heard from him in a long time, and it relaxes something inside her. Maybe, at least for this night, they can find some kind of peace together. They made the rest of the way to the cinema in silence, each immersed in his own thoughts, but with the realization that they were together - at least for now.

Silverhand smiles back at her and opens the door to let her out before coming around to the other side to take his place in the driver's seat again. The car cinema was a good idea, Lilith had done well to suggest it. He glances over at her as he starts the engine, noting the way she looks more relaxed and content than he'd seen her in weeks. Maybe this could work, maybe they could find some kind of balance between their two very different worlds... He pushes the thought aside for now and focuses on enjoying their time together tonight.

Silverhand glances over at her and grins, "Oh, I think we should go with a classic tonight," he replies as he pulls into a parking space near the ticket booth. He reaches across the center console to grab her hand, giving it a squeeze before letting it go again. "How about... 'The Warriors'?"

The 1979 cult classic tells the story of a New York City gang that must make their way across the city after being framed for a crime they didn't commit. It's an intense, action-packed movie with plenty of drama and excitement... but maybe there's also something else about it that feels oddly appropriate for them right now.

Silverhand laughs and starts the car again as they head back to the cinema's outdoor seating area. "Oh, I wouldn't mind seeing a good melodrama with you sometime," he says teasingly. "Or maybe even a soap opera... who knows? Maybe we could find some interesting inspiration in them." He glances over at her as they pull up beside the car they'll be watching from. "But for tonight, 'The Warriors' it is."

With that, he turns off the engine and climbs out of the car, holding his hand out to help her. Tonight, they're just going to enjoy being together, watch a movie, and see where things go from here. Anything else is just a bonus.

Silverhand hands her one of the cups of coffee and smiles at her before getting into the driver's seat next to her.

"I'm sure it will be."

he responds by glancing at her. There is an atmosphere of expectation between them as they wait for the movie to start, and Johnny can't help but hope that maybe this time they will really succeed. Despite the fact that Johnny does not like to watch movies, for Lilith's sake he is really ready for anything that will give her pleasure. Even if it's just for one night.

Silverhand chuckles and nods in agreement as he puts his arm around her shoulders. "Deal." He leans closer to her ear, whispering huskily. "No more fighting... just us tonight." His breath tickles her skin, making her shiver with anticipation. With a small sigh of relief, he focuses on the movie now that they've made their pact for the night. The adrenaline rush of excitement mixed with the tenderness of having her so close makes it hard for him to concentrate at first, but as 'The Warriors' unfolds before them, he finds himself drawn into the story - and more importantly, back into Lilith's eyes.

Silverhand freezes for a moment, not knowing how to respond. It's true that he originally came here with such intentions, but now... It seems to be something else, more important than just another conquest. And despite their past arguments and quarrels, he realizes that he wants her more than anything in the world. With a slight smile, he whispers softly in response:

"No, Lilith... not today."

He gently strokes her cheek and looks into her eyes, looking for signs of doubt or fear.

But there is nothing there but a strange feeling of hope and an incomprehensible sadness that takes Johnny to the quick. "I just want to spend time with you," he whispers hoarsely, sipping coffee from a cup. The way she lies on top of him, so quiet and vulnerable, it quite makes him think about what they can't have because of his principles and ambitions. He idly twists her curls around his finger, trying not to put too much pressure on her tonight.

The silence stretches between them as the movie plays on, and Johnny finds himself reveling in it. He turns his attention back to the screen for a moment before looking down at her again, unable to resist those innocent features any longer. Their pact of no fighting seems to be holding strong, but beneath the surface, an entirely different sort of battle is brewing between them... one that he's not sure either of them are prepared for.

But for tonight, it doesn't matter anymore. It's just her and him under the stars, lost in a world where dreams can come true even if they know better than to hope for them. He leans down, brushing his lips against her temple as he whispers: "It won't last forever... but I want this moment with you."

Silverhand closes his eyes and focuses on the feeling of her against him, breathing in the scent of her hair as it mingles with the sweet aroma of popcorn. He knows that soon enough they'll be forced back into reality, but for now he can pretend that everything is just as it should be... that there's no such thing as fame or fortune, only this moment between them under the starry sky. "You're so beautiful," Johnny whispers, running his thumb over her delicate collarbones. She's probably heard that compliment a million times, but it sounds special from Johnny. Maybe this evening, at least something will work out for them and they will forget their grievances.

Silverhand glances at her out of the corner of his eye as she speaks. Her words seem to hang in the air between them for a moment, and he can feel himself smiling despite the serious expression on his face. It's true that he doesn't compliment her often; after all, their relationship has always been about power and control rather than tender moments like this one. But somehow tonight feels different, as if everything they've been through together has led up to this point where they can finally find some common ground in the midst of all the chaos.

The movie flickers across their faces as they lie there, and despite himself, he begins to lose track of what's happening on the screen. All that matters is the warmth of her body next to his, and the way she looks when she forgets herself for a moment like this... it makes him want to keep holding onto this feeling forever.

"I mean it," he whispers, brushing a strand of hair away from her face and tucking it behind her ear. "You are beautiful."

Silverhand watches her with an intensity that makes Lilith feel even more exposed, and a shiver runs down her spine. He cups her face in his hands, his thumbs tracing circles on her cheeks, and leans forward to brush his lips against hers. It's a tender kiss, almost gentle, and she can feel the warmth spread through her body as their mouths align. For a moment, they are lost in each other; the rest of the world fading away into nothing but the stars above them and the scent of popcorn on the wind.

Her hands find purchase on his shoulders, digging into his skin, as if she's afraid that any second now this perfect moment will shatter like glass beneath her touch. His arms tighten around her, pulling her closer still, their bodies pressed together in a way that feels so right it makes Lilith's head spin with confusion and desire.

The feeling of her skin against his is electrifying. Every inch they touch sends shockwaves of desire through him, making it difficult to concentrate on anything but the taste of her lips and the feel of her body moving against his. He moans into the kiss as she straddles him, arching up slightly to get closer still.

One hand finds its way under her dress, caressing the smooth skin of her back before sliding lower, over her ass and down between her legs. With a harsh groan, he fingers her, teasingly seeking out that spot deep inside that makes her moan his name. It's like this that they've never been, so open and vulnerable with each other, but something about tonight seems to bring it all rushing to the surface.

His other hand tangles in her curls, holding her head still as he drinks deep from their kiss, losing himself once again in the taste of her mouth and the feel of her warm breath against his skin. It's only a matter of time before they both lose control completely... but for now, they can pretend that there are no consequences to this night, no rules or regulations that dictate how they should behave.

The desperation in his eyes mirrors her own as he watches the pleasure wash over her face. He knows that this is it for them, that tonight they have finally found something real amidst all of the chaos and deception. And even though he's not sure where tomorrow will lead them or if they can ever truly be together, he refuses to think about it now.

With a groan, Johnny picks her up off the steering wheel, positioning her on his lap as she straddles him once more. Her legs wrap tightly around his waist, holding him close as their lips meet again in a frenzy of hunger and need. His other hand moves between them, guiding his erection to her wet heat before thrusting roughly inside her, taking them both over the edge with a shuddering cry.

As their bodies find release together, it feels like they're flying apart at the same time - a perfect, impossible union that leaves them gasping for air and clinging to each other in the aftermath.

With every thrust, she drives him deeper, closer to the edge once more. His hands dig into her hips, holding her tight as he feels himself lose control again and again. The pleasure is overwhelming, consuming him in a way he hasn't experienced since before the war that took everything from him. Even with his strength returning, this feeling of vulnerability frightens him... but then so does the thought of letting go entirely.

Her nails scrape along his back, drawing blood as she tightens her legs around his waist and arches her back, meeting each of his thrusts with equal force. It's a dance they're performing, a ritual where they both surrender control in order to regain it once more. As he feels the familiar sensation building deep inside him, he closes his eyes tightly, determined not to let go until she does too.

Silverhand's eyes fly open as he feels the last vestiges of his control snap. With a hoarse cry, he thrusts up into her one final time, letting go as his own orgasm washes over him in a wave of heat and light. He holds her close, feeling her body shudder against his as they both find release together. It's over almost before it begins, but the echoes of their passion resonate through every fiber of their being, leaving them gasping for air and clinging to one another like survivors of a shipwreck on an empty sea.

Time slows down as they catch their breath together, their heartbeats finally beginning to slow from the frantic pace they'd been kept at during their lovemaking. The warm night air drifts over them, carrying with it the scent of popcorn and sweat, exhaustion and lust. It's a strange contrast, but somehow it feels right in this moment. They don't talk about what just happened; there are no apologies or explanations necessary. All that matters now is the weight of her body against his, her breath ghosting across his neck.

Silverhand looks back at her with a mixture of affection and longing in his eyes. It's been so long since anyone had this kind of effect on him, but he can't help but wonder if it will last past the end credits. He reaches up, cupping her face in his hands as he brushes her hair back from her forehead, careful not to push too hard against her tender skin. "I do feel that way," he whispers softly, "but... we can't."

She knows what he means; they both know it's true. They have different lives, different paths ahead of them, but for this moment, they are together and nothing else matters. She nibbles on her bottom lip before leaning forward to brush her lips against his, wanting one last taste of him before they part ways once more.

Silverhand nods, his gaze returning to her face, and he reaches out to brush a stray strand of hair from her cheek.

— Of course, I'll give you a ride home.

His voice is soft, almost apologetic, as if he knows what this means to both of them. He turns the key in the ignition, starts the engine and drives out of the parking lot onto a deserted street.

There is silence between them for a few minutes before Lilith speaks again.

"I've never felt like this with anyone like I did with you.",

She says softly, glancing at him sideways.

"It was ... It's unbelievable."

A deep blush fills her cheeks as she recalls their passionate meeting.

Silverhand is silent, staring at the road in front of him and fighting the urge to reach out and touch her again. He doesn't know what will happen when they get to her house; whether they should say something or just pretend that nothing happened. But now he is comforted by the thought that at this moment she is safe with him.

It's true what she says; their encounter was unlike anything he's ever experienced before. But as much as it pains him to admit it, they are different people with different paths in life. It would be selfish of him to think that he could hold onto her like this for long.

Silverhand takes a deep breath and looks at Lilith out of the corner of his eye. Her profile is lit up by the city lights as she gazes out the window, lost in thought. Despite himself, he can't help but feel drawn to her fragile beauty and strength.

Their destination looms ahead; her house where their paths diverge once more. With a sigh, Johnny turns onto her street and pulls up in front of her building. He looks at her expectantly, wondering what she wants him to say or do.

Silverhand watches her go, feeling a familiar ache in his chest as she walks away. Despite everything that's happened tonight, there's still something between them - an undeniable connection that refuses to be ignored. But he knows it wouldn't last; their worlds are too different. So with a deep breath, he turns the car around and heads back toward his own life, wondering if anything will ever be the same again.

He feels torn apart by her departure, but he knows that it's for the best. As much as he doesn't want to admit it, their worlds are too different and they can only cause each other pain trying to force things. With a sigh, he gets out of the car and heads inside his own home, resolving to forget about her and focus on himself from now on. But as he closes the door behind him, he can't help but wonder if there will ever be another night like this one.

"She's just another one who wanted to change me," Johnny whispers to himself, leaving for the other side of town, "But the girl forgot that people like me don't change," the words settle on his tongue with bitterness, which makes it hard for him to breathe.

Maybe she shouldn't feel guilty about wanting more. They both know it can never be, but that doesn't mean their feelings for each other aren't real. In the end, they had a moment of pure connection that most people will never experience in their entire lives. It was beautiful and painful, joyous and tragic all at once. As much as it hurts to let her go, maybe it's better this way.

With a heavy heart, Johnny turns away from his own memories and focuses on rebuilding his life without her. He knows he won't be able to forget her anytime soon, but perhaps someday they can both find peace within themselves. Until then, there are still worlds left to conquer and legacies to leave behind.

He didn't mean to show you that; it just happened. Maybe he couldn't help but crave a taste of the feelings he'd lost, even if only for one night. Or maybe deep down he knew it was wrong and tried to deny himself before it went too far. Either way, their paths are different now, and no matter how much you might want things to be otherwise, they never will be. You'll just have to find a way to accept that and move on with your life.

He never meant to make her feel this way. It was selfish of him to think that he could ever give her what she needed without breaking her in the process. In his heart, he knows now that there can be no future for them; their paths are too different and their pasts too entangled. All he can do is hope that one day she finds someone who will make her as happy as she made him tonight.

As for himself, he'll find a way to forget her too, no matter how much it hurts. He needs to move forward, build a career and not waste time on relationships. Yes it hurts, yes it's hard. But this is life. Just the way she is.

Meanwhile, Silverhand also wakes up with a headache, but from a hangover. He fastidiously pushes off some kind of another fan and goes to the shower to regain his former appearance at least a little. After casting a sullen glance in the mirror, he washes himself with cold water, as if it can wash away what he has done. For a second, he thinks of calling Lilith, just to ask how she's doing. But it is not solved... They'll get over it. His call would only have upset her even more, he thought.

Oh, fuck... Now what? You're going to have to deal with this news alone. There's no one you can really turn to for advice or support; everyone has their own lives and problems. Well, except maybe him... But do you really want his help right now? No, probably not. So buck up, and figure out what needs to be done next. It won't be easy, but you've survived worse before.

It's not your fault; you shouldn't have to go through this alone. You deserve better than someone who would leave you hanging like that. If only he knew how much it hurt... Maybe if you told him, things could be different between you two. But then again, maybe it's better for both of you to just move on with your lives and not look back. Only time will tell what the right choice is in this mess.

Fuck it all. He's an idiot if he can't see how amazing she is and what they had together. If anything, he should be there for her through this mess... But then again, maybe that's just the hopeless romantic in him talking. Either way, she deserves better than someone who would leave her alone with this decision.

He sounds surprised but relieved when he answers, "Of course I'll come." A million questions race through his mind as he listens to her explain why she needs to see him again, but for now he just nods and says that he'll be there as soon as possible. Maybe this will give them a chance to work things out after all... Or maybe it will only make everything worse. Either way, he has to try.

Silverhand walks in, looking around nervously as he tries to figure out where she is. When he sees her standing by the door, his heart skips a beat and all his worries vanish for a moment. "Hey," he breathes, taking a step closer. "You okay?" His gaze drifts down, noticing that she's dressed differently than when they last met - more like herself instead of someone trying to impress him. It strikes him as sad and yet oddly reassuring at the same time.

Silverhand takes another step closer, his expression shifting as he processes her words. At first, disbelief flashes across his features before being replaced by a look of growing horror. "Fuck" he breathes, reaching out to steady himself against the back of a nearby chair. He hadn't been prepared for this; it never even crossed his mind that something like this could happen between them. "I... I don't know what to say."

Despite everything that has happened between them, he can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility for her well-being. He wishes they were together; things would have been different if they had chosen each other instead of their separate paths. But now it seems like fate has dealt them both a cruel hand. What will they do now?

"I'm not ready to be a father either," Johnny growls slightly irritably, not meeting her eyes. He still can't believe what happened... He looks from her stomach to her eyes and adds more calmly, "Hey. Stop screwing yourself up." He takes her hand, pulling her closer to him on the couch. It absolutely changes everything... but... abortion is the only right decision, because none of them are ready for it. They're too young for that... They are too stupid and ambitious.

"Of course I will," he replies gently as he pulls her closer. "I'll stay with you the whole time and make sure everything goes alright." It's a relief that she doesn't want to keep it; at least one of them was thinking clearly in this mess. He feels guilty, but there's nothing more they can do about it now. All they can do is face the consequences and hope for better times ahead.

Silverhand squeezes her hand reassuringly, not wanting to let go even as they check in at the front desk. He'll be there for her every step of the way; he owes her that much after everything they've been through together. The waiting room is crowded and uncomfortable, but at least it gives them time to talk and sort out their feelings a bit. As hard as it is for both of them, they know that this decision needs to be made now for the sake of their futures.

Silverhand wraps an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close in what he hopes is a comforting embrace. "Hey, it's not your fault," he whispers, voice rough with emotion. "We'll get through this together, okay? We can figure out what to do next." There's no way he could ever be truly angry at her; she's still the woman who made him feel alive again after all these years apart.

As they wait for Lilith to be called back, Johnny can't help but dwell on their relationship and everything that went wrong between them. If only they had chosen each other... But it's too late for regrets now; there are only choices to make and paths to follow. And if anything good comes out of this terrible situation, it's that they at least know what true love feels like - even if only for a moment in time.

He cups her cheek in his hand, stroking it gently with his thumb. "Anything for you," he whispers back, the sincerity in his voice unmistakable. They may have chosen different paths now, but they'll always share this connection - this moment where everything else fell away and all that mattered was being together. It's a bittersweet thought, but it comforts him somehow as he waits for Lilith to be called back.

As if in answer, a nurse appears at the entrance of the waiting room, motioning for them to follow her down the hallway. Time to face the consequences and move on from here. With one last squeeze of her shoulder, Johnny stands up and offers his hand to help Lilith stand as well; they'll get through this together, no matter what happens.

He squeezes her hand reassuringly as they walk side by side toward the inevitable, his gaze never leaving hers. It's all he can do to help ease some of the pain she's feeling; no words seem adequate under these circumstances. But despite it all, he knows that whatever happens next, they'll find a way to carry on - together or apart.

The nurse finally stops at a door marked with a medical symbol, unlocking it and gesturing for them to enter. Lilith takes a deep breath, steeling herself once more as she walks through the threshold into an all too familiar room. Together, they sit down on adjacent chairs facing a small table, their hands clasped tightly in anticipation of what's about to happen.

Silverhand squeezes her hand in return, offering her what comfort he can. "I know it's scary, but you're doing the right thing." He looks into her eyes, searching for any sign that she believes him. "It'll be over soon, and then we can move on from here together... as friends, at least." His heart breaks a little at the thought of not having her in his life anymore; it feels almost unbearable. But he knows they both need this right now, so he forces the words out anyway.

The nurse finally arrives, guiding them through the rest of the process with practiced ease. Lilith braces herself as the procedure begins, but Johnny's hand remains firmly clasped in hers throughout it all, offering what little reassurance he can manage. As the final step concludes and they're left alone once more, he leans over to whisper in her ear: "It's over now; you did it." Tears prick at his eyes as well, but he doesn't let them fall. Not yet.

He holds her close, rubbing circles on her back as she cries into his shoulder. It hurts him just as much as it does her, but he knows they'll both get through this together... somehow. As her tears finally begin to slow, he pulls away slightly, cupping her face in his hands and looking into her red-rimmed eyes. "Hey, it's gonna be okay," he whispers softly. "We're in this together, remember?" There's a faint note of hope in his voice that he doesn't quite recognize but finds comforting nonetheless.