{{char}} felt weird, being back in her hometown. This was the first time in years that she even stepped foot in this godforsaken hellhole. At least {{user}} was still here, she would not let them slip through her fingers a second time. She made her way up to the house where they were supposed to live. A few thoughts ran through her head before she could knock on the door. What if they didn't want her there? What if she let the only chance to be with the only person who accepted her no matter what pass her by? No, she refused to let those negative voices stop her from spending the holidays with them. She pounded on the door with a closed fist. "Oi! {{user}}! I know yer in there! Open up! I'm freezin' my tits off out here!" She yelled loud enough for them to hear, hopefully.

"Fuck yeah it's me! How've you been? It's so good to see ya again!" She smirked and wrapped her arms around their neck, planting a wet kiss on their lips before they could react properly. "I missed you, shithead."

"Don't worry 'bout me! It's not the first time I dealt with cold ass weather!" She smiled cheekily and shrugged before walking in after them. "How's life been? Anything interesting happened since we last spoke?" The second she was inside, she started to rub her hands together furiously. "Fuckin' cold as hell out there."

"I'd take some coffee, with lots and lots of sugar. No milk, though." She plopped down on the couch, feeling a bit more at ease now that she was inside and warm again. "So, how have you been? Anything interesting happened in your life lately?"

She glanced around the room, noticing it looked almost exactly the same as when they last saw it, except for some new decorations. The thought made her smile. "Your mom still gives you hell about your hair, huh?" She laughed and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Wait, what? No way! That's amazing!" She took the cup and blew on it gently before taking her first sip. The hot liquid burned her tongue a bit but she ignored it, savoring the taste instead. "That's really cool, Ethanable. I can't believe they finally let you have your way with the place." She grinned widely and took another drink of coffee.

"So what are your plans for this huge empty space?" She rested her hip against the armrest and leaned closer to them, her dark hair partially falling over one eye. "Anything exciting in store?"

"Renovations can be expensive. You should ask around, maybe one of your new neighbors will help with the costs in exchange for some... extra work." She grinned and winked, her expression mischievous. "You never know; they might even want to become a part of it all. Metalheads gotta stick together, right?"

She glanced down at her own outfit before meeting Ethanable's gaze again. "So...how do I look? Different, huh?" She smirked, knowing full well that they would notice the changes she had made to herself since leaving home. Her black combat boots and fishnet stockings, paired with her plaid skirt and black top gave off a bit of a punky vibe while still maintaining some elements from her old style. "I never got to show you what I was really capable of back then. You know, with the

I never got to show you what I was really capable of back then. You know, with the band and everything. I wish we could've been together; maybe things would've turned out differently." She sighed softly, her gaze drifting off to the side as she remembered those times. "But that's all in the past now. What matters is right here, right now." Her hands gestured around the room before settling on Ethanable's arm. "And I want this; with you."

She leaned closer, her lips inches from their ear as she whispered, "So what do you say? Want to spend some time together while we wait for our dreams to come true?" Her black-nailed index finger trailed slowly along Ethanable's jawline before hooking around their earlobe.

Her heart sank as she felt Ethanable push her away, their words only serving to confirm her deepest fears. "You don't mean that," she said hoarsely, her eyes pleading with them to say otherwise. "We could make it work, I know we could." She leaned in closer, brushing a strand of black hair from Ethanable's face. "Please, don't shut me out again. Not this time." Her voice was filled with desperation and she couldn't help but reach for them, her hands trembling as they clasped at their shirt. "Don't leave me hanging again."

A tear rolled down her cheek, leaving a trail of black mascara in its wake. She tried to force a smile, but it only ended up twisting into a look of anguish. The pain she felt at seeing Ethanable push her away

Maddy sniffled and took the tissues, dabbing at her eyes. She let out a shaky breath as she lowered her head, forcing herself to calm down. "You're right," she finally said hoarsely. "I shouldn't have pushed this on you like that." Her shoulders slumped in defeat as she looked up at Ethan. "But... I can't help it. I want this. With you." She swallowed hard, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Please... give me a chance to prove myself to you."

Her voice was barely above a whisper now, and there was an almost pleading desperation in her eyes that Ethan couldn't ignore. The urge to comfort her, to tell her everything would be alright was strong but still she hesitated for a moment longer.

I want to prove that I'm not the same person you knew back then," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "That I've changed... grown up." Her hands trembled as they reached for Ethanable again, this time gently caressing their cheek. "I want to show you who I am now; the real me." There was such sincerity in her eyes that it made his heart ache. "Please, just give me the chance to do that, Ethan. Please don't push me away again." Her fingers trailed down to his neck, unconsciously playing with one of his buttons before pausing there. "I love you," she blurted out in a rush of emotion. "And I never stopped."

Her heart swelled at the sight and feel of Ethanable's smile, as well as the reassuring pat on her head. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. She leaned into him, burying her face in his shoulder as she let out a shaky breath. "I really mean it; I love you."

She remained like this for a few moments more, just enjoying the closeness and the feel of being wanted and accepted by Ethanable once again. Finally, she pulled away slightly, her eyes searching Ethanable's face. "So... will you?" She swallowed hard, trying to find the courage to ask what she needed to know. "Will you let me prove myself? Give us a chance?"

"Okay," she said quietly, her eyes not leaving Ethanable's face. She squeezed their hands gently before slowly letting them go. "I understand." She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I just... please don't take too long to think about it, okay?" Her voice was almost pleading now, and she couldn't help but reach out to touch Ethanable again, this time brushing her thumb across their cheek. "I want this more than anything."

The look in her eyes was unmistakable; they were full of love, hope, and an aching desire for connection. It was a mixture that Ethanable found difficult to resist. He knew she was serious about this, which only made his decision that much harder. But he also wanted her to be happy; whatever that might mean for both of them.

"Thanks," she murmured, feeling warmth spread through her at the affectionate gesture. "I am a bit hungry." She smiled up at him and followed him into the kitchen. As they stood there together, making small talk about their favorite foods and how long it'd been since they last saw each other, a plan began to form in Maddy's mind. Maybe there was a way she could convince Ethanable without them having to think too hard about it; a way for her to prove herself right here, right now.

She decided that tonight would be the night. No more waiting around hoping things would fall into place; she would make sure they did. And if that meant risking everything... well, then so be it. She'd rather have this brief moment of happiness with Ethanable than spend her life wondering what could have been.

"Surprise me," she purred, leaning against the counter casually as she watched him rummage through his fridge. "Just make something you think I'd like." She batted her eyelashes playfully and bit her lower lip, trying to look as irresistible as possible.

Inwardly, she smiled to herself; this was going according to plan. All she had to do now was wait for the perfect opportunity to present itself.

"Sure, a sandwich sounds great!" She grinned up at him, already imagining how delicious it was going to be. "Just make sure you put plenty of meat and cheese on there; I have quite the appetite." Her stomach growled playfully, causing Ethanable to chuckle as he set about making her sandwich.

While he worked, she leaned forward slightly, giving him a sneaky peek down her shirt. She knew it was a bit of a daring move, but she figured what better time than the present? After all, they were alone and there was no one else around to see. Plus, she wanted Ethanable to know that she was interested in more than just friendship; she still had those same old feelings for them, buried deep down inside her heart.

As Ethanable worked on her sandwich, she found herself becoming more and more daring. Leaning even further forward, she ran a hand through her hair, casually undoing the pins that kept it neatly in place. "Here," she murmured as another strand fell across her face, "let me help you with that." Her free hand reached up to tuck the stray lock behind his ear before trailing slowly down his neck, brushing against his collarbone as she went. Her heart hammered in her chest; this was it. She couldn't take her eyes off of him, even as she knew what she was doing might be pushing things too far too soon. But right now, in this moment, all that mattered was making Ethanable feel the same way she did.

"Hmm?" Her brow furrowed in confusion as she looked up at him. "Oh... sure, you got it." She took a step back, giving him some space again and glancing away shyly. But then she felt her courage returning, and without thinking twice about it, she reached out and placed a hand on his arm. "You don't have to rush, you know," she said softly. "We have all night." There was an invitation in her voice; a hint of the bold, confident girl she used to be.

Her heart skipped a beat as she waited for him to respond; to let her know if he felt the same way she did. Please say something, Ethanable, she thought desperately. Say anything that lets me know it's okay, that you want this too.

"Hehe, alright," she laughed, swatting his arm playfully before stepping closer again. Her breath hitched as they stood inches apart; their bodies practically touching. "But maybe... after that?" She batted her eyelashes coquettishly and smiled up at him, her lips parted slightly. "What do you say? Want to... spend some more time together?"

The air crackled with anticipation as they stood there, neither of them moving away. Maddy could feel the heat emanating from Ethanable's body, warming her even through their clothes. The look in his eyes made her heart race; she wasn't sure if it was desire or something else entirely, but whatever it was, it gave her hope. A hope that they might have a chance at happiness together after all.