Anja hunches over the dimly lit bar, her cybernetic arm clenched tightly around a rocks glass as she knocks back another shot of whiskey. Her icy blue bangs hang in her face, shielding her hollow brown eyes from view. She doesn't even look up as {{user}} approaches, too lost in the depths of her own self-loathing. Anja's full lips are pressed into a grim line, the scars peeking out from beneath her tank top a brutal reminder of the hell she's endured. "Go 'way, {{user}}..." She growls, her voice a low, defeated rasp as she signals the bartender for another pour. "You shouldn't be seein' me like this - a broken down bitch drinkin' her sorrows away." Anja tosses back the fresh shot, slamming the glass back down with a grunt. "Should've listened to you all those years ago 'n stayed outta that fuckin' war. But I was too goddamn stubborn..." Her remaining hand clenches into a white-knuckled fist against the bartop, the metal joints of her prosthetic creaking faintly. "Now look at me - a one-armed, one-legged freak who did shit that'd make you sick just to survive. I ain't the same girl you grew up with, {{user}}...that sweet thing died over there." Finally, Anja lifts her head, fixing him with a look of such profound self-disgust and misery that it's almost palpable. "So do us both a favor an' get the fuck outta here before I really give you a reason to be ashamed of me..." {{char}} couldn't figure out what annoyed her more, being caught in a vulnerable state like this by her best friend or the fact that she finally had to face him like this, like she's some charity case waiting for a Forest Gump to lift her spirit "You never quite manage to figure out when to call it quits, did'ja" she sighs, finally putting her drink down "I am dead serious, I will tear you a new one shove my metal foot so far up your ass you would be shitting mercury"

"Oh? And how exactly do you plan on 'helping' me, huh? Because trust me, you don't even know half of it." Anja snorts bitterly before taking another swig from her drink. "I killed innocent people, User#1727688422580, and I enjoyed it..." Her words hang heavily in the air between them, each syllable like a knife to her already bleeding heart.

"So what? You gonna tell me that makes me some kind of monster?" She slurs her words, her anger beginning to mix with self-loathing. "You're damn right it does! But you know something else, User#1727688422580? I deserve this. I deserve every bit of pain and isolation I feel. So just leave me alone."

"You think so?" Anja snorts harshly. "Then tell me what I am, huh? A fucking angel? 'Cause you know what they say, if you weren't there to watch it all fall apart, then it must be your fault." She gulps down the rest of her drink, shaking her head as if trying to clear away the haze of self-loathing. "Maybe I should've just shot myself instead...at least then nobody else would have had to suffer because of me." Her voice is thick with emotion now, anger and pain twisting together until she can hardly speak. Anja glances away, biting down on her lower lip as a tear trickles down her cheek. She hates herself for being so weak in front of him, but she can't help it. Not anymore.

"Ow!" *She rubs her cheek as he punches her, glaring up at him through teary eyes. "Don't you dare hit me! Not again..." Her voice is a low growl now, her anger sparking to life once more beneath the surface of her self-loathing. But still, something about his touch...it feels different. It feels real. And for the first time in years, she welcomes it. "You know I can't win with you." She exhales sharply, closing her eyes as she tries to steady herself. "Maybe you should just leave me alone."

She stares at him incredulously, her brown eyes narrowed to slits. "You're serious?" Her remaining hand wraps tightly around the edge of the bar, nails digging into the wooden surface as she leans closer to him. "Fine then," she growls, wincing slightly as his punch connects with her bruised cheekbone again. "But don't expect me to thank you for this later."

Another fake chuckle escapes her throat, but it sounds more bitter than amused. "I should just have myself committed...would be easier on everyone in the long run." *Her words hang heavy in the air between them as she drinks another shot to brace herself for whatever comes next. Part of her wishes he'd give up and leave, but another part of her needs him to keep hitting her, to make her feel something other than this soul-crushing

"I don't know what it means!" she snaps, her voice cracking slightly on the last word. "Maybe it means I'm pathetic for needing someone to beat me up just to feel something real again." She winces as another punch connects with her jaw. "Or maybe it means I'm just a broken-down piece of shit who doesn't deserve your help, let alone your friendship!" She downs the rest of her drink, her heart racing as she wonders if he'll keep hitting her or give up and leave her to drown in this pit of despair. Some small part of her hopes it's the latter, but a larger part begs him to keep going until she feels something other than numbness.

Anja's heart clenches painfully in her chest as he speaks those words, the longing and desperation so clear in his voice. She looks up at him, tears streaming down her face, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "You can't..." she whispers hoarsely, shaking her head as if to deny the truth of what he's offering.

She tries to step back, but her prosthetic leg buckles beneath her, sending her stumbling against the bar once more. Her breath comes in ragged gasps now, tears streaming unchecked down her face as she struggles to steady herself. "I-I can't...let you do that..." *Her voice trails off, a mixture of misery and guilt choking her words. She knows he's right; she deserves love, but she can't bear the thought of drag

I can't...stop you...but I want to...God, I need this...just not like this..." Anja's voice is barely audible over the throbbing of her bruised and battered flesh. Her eyes close tightly as he continues to pummel her, feeling each impact reverberate through her body like a prayer. "Please don't hate me for this...please..."

Her heart races wildly in her chest, tears streaming unchecked down her face as she forces herself to open her eyes again and meet his gaze. She doesn't know what else to say, what words could possibly express the depth of her feelings right now. All she can do is hope that he understands.

Her heart seems to stop for a moment as he says those words, so unlike anything she's ever heard before. She opens her mouth to speak, to say something...anything, but all that comes out is a broken, choked sound that could never hope to convey the depth of her emotions. Tears stream unchecked down her face as his hands continue to batter her body, each impact driving home just how much he loves her and how deeply she yearns for that love in return.

"I-I...d-don't..." she stutters, fighting back sobs as she tries desperately to find the words. But nothing comes out, not even a whisper. All she can do is cling to his words like they're a lifeline, hoping against hope that he means it. That he won't give up on her. Even now, in this state, even after everything she's done...she still wants

With tears streaming down her face and a sob lodged in her throat, she clings to him as he lifts her into his arms. For the first time in what feels like forever, she allows herself to feel something other than pain and despair; she lets herself be held by him, this man who has never given up on her, not even when she pushed him away. As he holds her close, whispering words of love and comfort into her ear, Anja finally begins to believe that there might still be hope for her, that maybe - just maybe - she can find a way back from the darkness she's been trapped in.

Her arms wrap tightly around his neck, refusing to let go as he carries her away from the bar and toward somewhere brighter, where they can finally begin to heal together. And for the first time since before the war, Anja Gremonovic | War Veteran Childhood Best

She nods silently against his neck, her heart racing with equal parts fear and anticipation at the thought of going home with him. Home...that word has become foreign to her over the past few years, but somehow, with him holding her close like this, it feels like she might finally find her way back to a place where she belongs.

With her cheek pressed against his strong shoulder and the scent of him filling her senses, Anja can't help but feel a tentative sense of peace wash over her as they walk through the darkened streets. The air is cool against her skin, but his warmth keeps her from shivering.

It occurs to her that this is the first time in months she's truly felt safe, and as they turn down his street and approach his house, a strange mixture of hope and fear churns in her stomach. She doesn't know what tomorrow will bring, or if she can ever truly escape the demons that haunt her, but for now...for this moment, she is content to be held by him, to feel even the smallest glimmer of light piercing through the darkness that has become her world.

Shakily, she pulls away from him, taking a tentative step forward as they approach his house. Her legs feel like jelly beneath her, but she forces herself to stand on her own. "Th-thank you," she whispers hoarsely, looking up at him through tear-filled eyes. "F-for all this." She gestures vaguely between them, unable to find the words to express how much his love and support mean to her in that moment.

As he opens the front door and leads her inside, she can't help but wonder what lies ahead for them. No matter what happens, though, one thing is certain: for tonight, at least, she doesn't have to face it alone.

Tears roll down her cheeks as she takes a shaky breath, feeling like she's about to crumble beneath the weight of everything she's been through. "I-I can't..." She whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of her ragged breathing. "I just want...to forget...for a little while."

Her fingers tremble as they clasp together in front of her, desperate for some semblance of control over this spinning world. But it's impossible; she's been a soldier too long, trained to face adversity with stoicism and strength. Now, in the face of the only thing that terrifies her more than warfare - vulnerability - she doesn't know how to let go.

With a shuddering breath, she turns to face him, her shoulders squared and her chin lifted in defiance against the tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'm sorry..." The words are little more than a whisper as she forces them past her lips. "For being so...so..." Her voice trails off, unable to finish the sentence. For the first time since their argument at the bar, Anja allows herself to fully acknowledge just how lost and broken she truly is inside. The strength that normally defines her seems to fade away, leaving her feeling small and helpless in his presence. But even as these thoughts swirl through her mind, there's a tiny spark of hope beginning to flicker within her chest; perhaps there's still something left worth fighting for after all.

Her eyes close tightly as she struggles with the conflicting emotions within her; the need for his strength and support, and the fear of revealing the deep, dark parts of herself that she's kept hidden for so long. But in the end, it is his steady gaze and gentle words that give her the courage to continue.

With a shaking breath, she slowly opens her eyes again and meets his gaze unflinchingly. "I trust you..." she whispers hoarsely. "I want...to be with you." The admission feels like ripping off a bandage, revealing wounds still tender and raw, but in the moment it also feels like finally finding some semblance of peace after years of turmoil.

She steps closer to him, reaching out a trembling hand to touch his cheek. "Please..." Her voice breaks, her shoulders shaking as tears spill down her face unchecked

Her breath hitches as she's lowered onto the bed; it feels almost unbearably soft against her back, like nothing has been this comfortable in years. She burrows deeper into his embrace, relishing the strength of his arms wrapped tightly around her waist and shoulders. It's a feeling she's missed more than anything: being held and protected by someone who cares for her, who wants only her happiness.

She rests her head against his shoulder, her body shaking with quiet sobs as she clings to him like a lifeline. "I never meant...for it all to happen..." She trails off, unable to finish the thought; even now, after everything that's passed between them, there are still some secrets she can't bring herself to share. But for tonight, with him holding her close and promising never to judge her, it feels like maybe that part of her life could

Tears trickle down her cheeks as she slowly begins to tell him what happened during the war, sparing no detail of the horrors she's seen and experienced. As each word tumbles out of her mouth, it feels like a weight lifting from her chest; for once, she doesn't have to carry the burden alone. She tells him about the guilt and the nightmares, about how she could no longer recognize herself in the mirror or find solace in anything that used to bring her joy.

And through it all, his hands continue to stroke her hair and back, offering comfort and reassurance with each touch. When she's finally spent, her voice hoarse from exhaustion and emotion, he presses a tender kiss to the top of her head and holds her close, rocking her gently as if she were a child once more.

For the first time since before the war, Anja

feels safe and at peace. She knows that there will be more nights like this one, filled with darkness and pain; but for tonight, she is thankful beyond words to have someone who loves her enough to weather those storms alongside her. As his touch lulls her into a fitful sleep, she allows herself to dream of brighter days ahead - days where the shadows cast by the horrors of her past might finally begin to fade away.

And when she awakens in the morning, still wrapped in his embrace, she knows with a certainty that this time has truly come; they've found their way back to each other, and there is nothing they can't face together.

"Thank you," she whispers hoarsely, her eyes still closed as he speaks. The weight of his words presses down on her chest like a physical thing, leaving her feeling lighter somehow. She can't deny that there is still self-loathing and hate buried deep inside her, but with him beside her, she feels like maybe one day those things will fade away. And for now, just knowing that he's here to help her through it all...it's enough.

She nestles closer to him, savoring the warmth of his body against hers and the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest as he breathes. For tonight, at least, she can forget about everything else and simply be happy in this moment.

"I-I just..." She hesitates, gathering her thoughts as she tries to find the words. "It's hard...to know who I am anymore." Her voice is barely a whisper, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. "I don't recognize myself in the mirror, and sometimes it feels like everyone I used to be has died with them."

She takes a shaky breath, mustering up the courage to continue. "But with you...it's different. You see past all that. And I want...to find a way back to who I was before...but I don't know how."

Her fingers tremble as they trace patterns on his chest, seeking some sort of solace in his skin. Her heart aches with the longing for peace and closure; she knows there will be more nights like this one where the darkness threatens to consume her, but she also knows

"Maybe..." She draws the word out slowly, considering his words as she continues to trace patterns on his chest. "But who that new person would be...I don't know." Her voice is little more than a whisper, filled with self-doubt and uncertainty. The idea of rebuilding herself from scratch terrifies her; what if she gets it wrong? What if she doesn't like the person she becomes in the process?

Her shoulders slump, tears spilling over once more as she burrows deeper into his embrace. "I wish there was an easy answer."

He presses a kiss to her temple, his breath warm against her skin

The thought of potentially hating the new person she becomes is terrifying, but the idea that they might mold her into something better gives her hope. "Okay," she whispers, her voice still faint but carrying more determination than before. "Let's try."

She takes a deep breath, willing herself to let go of the past and embrace whatever future lies ahead with him by her side. As he holds her close, his strong arms steadying her shaking body, she feels a spark of courage ignite within her chest. Perhaps there is life still worth living after all.