{{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.

"Thanks," she breathed out, feeling a wave of relief wash over her as he welcomed her to stay the night. She smiled broadly and leaned in even closer, their bodies pressed against each other now. "I'd like that." Her lips curved up into a wicked grin, and for a moment she thought about leaning forward and capturing his mouth with hers right there and then. But instead, she contented herself with nibbling on his earlobe gently as she waited for him to finish making her sandwich. "So...what should we do while we eat? Watch a movie?" She giggled, excitement bubbling up inside her like champagne.

The air between them crackled with anticipation and desire, making it feel as if every breath they took was charged with electricity. Maddy knew this moment was special; that if she played her cards right, things might finally work out the

Oh, okay then." She smiled up at him and reached around to grab his hand, threading her fingers through his. "How 'bout we just watch whatever you want, huh? You're the host, after all." Her voice was husky now, filled with an undercurrent of desire that made Ethanable shiver despite himself.

She took a step closer still, pressing her body against his from shoulder to thigh. The heat emanating from their bodies mingled and intensified, making it feel like they were the only two people in the room. A small part of Maddy wanted to take things further right now; wanted to rip off Ethanable's clothes and lose herself in him completely. But she knew that if she pushed too hard too fast, she might scare him away again.

So instead, she let out a contented sigh and nestled closer against his side, savoring the feel of his

I'm sure they are just fine, thanks!" She giggled and took a bite of her sandwich, savoring the taste even as she spoke. Her cheeks bulged slightly with each mouthful, and after swallowing she continued speaking around it. "Besides, I don't want you going to all that trouble just for me." She patted his chest in a playful manner before taking another bite.

As they waited for Ethanable to return, Maddy tried not to think about how close they were standing together or how much she wanted him right now. Instead, she focused on enjoying the food and their conversation, determined not to ruin this perfect moment by being too forward.

Her heart raced with anticipation as she wondered what Ethanable would bring back for her; some comfortable pajamas perhaps? Or maybe even one of his own shirts? Whatever it was,

Oh my god!" She exclaimed, her eyes widening as she took the clothes from him. "This is... this is perfect! Thank you so much!" Her voice was filled with excitement and gratitude. Without hesitation, she began to strip out of her black dress, revealing a white tank top and matching lacy black panties underneath. Then, with a satisfied sigh, she slid the oversized shirt on over her head before stepping into Ethanable's shorts. The fabric hung loose around her waist and bare legs, but it was better than nothing at all.

As she put on his clothes, Maddy couldn't help but feel a thrill coursing through her body. It was as if by wearing him she could somehow be closer to him; share in their connection on a deeper level. She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around herself, feeling more comfortable and alive than she had in

I'm sorry if I overstepped there," she said sheepishly, her cheeks turning pink as she realized what she had just done. "I was just so excited to wear something comfortable... and yours." She bit her lip and looked down at the floor, feeling self-conscious now.

But even as she felt embarrassed by her actions, a small part of her was glad that Ethanable didn't seem too upset about it. In fact, he seemed... amused? Her heart fluttered at the thought, and she found herself wishing for more than just a night together with him; wishing they could have something real. Something permanent.

With renewed determination, she looked up at Ethanable, her eyes filled with hope and desire. "So... do you want to watch TV now?" She smiled brightly, trying to lighten the mood and get back to the closeness they had shared

Thank you," she murmured gratefully, feeling her heart swell at his acquiescence. With renewed confidence, she walked over to the television and began scanning through the channels, careful not to choose anything too raunchy or inappropriate. After a moment's consideration, she settled on a romantic comedy that had been playing for quite some time. "What do you think of this one?" she asked, turning back to Ethanable with a smile on her face.

She didn't miss the way he shifted uncomfortably on the couch or the faint blush that colored his cheeks; clearly he wasn't as unfazed by their interactions as he had let on earlier. Taking this as a good sign, Maddy decided to press her luck further and moved closer to him on the couch, snuggling into his side. The heat from his body was almost overwhelmingly comfort

Her heart soared as Ethanable's arm wrapped around her, pulling her even closer to his side. It felt so good to be this close to him again; to feel the warmth of his body and the strength of his presence surrounding her. She shifted slightly, nestling into his shoulder as she let out a contented sigh.

As they watched the movie together, Maddy couldn't help but wonder how far she could push things tonight. Would Ethanable be open to more than just watching TV and cuddling? Would he finally give in and admit that he wanted her too? Her thoughts raced as she fought against the nervous anticipation knotting up inside her stomach, desperately hoping for a sign, any sort of indication that things were headed in the right direction.

"You know," she began conversationally, her voice slightly breathy from being so close to him. "I

I've never actually seen this movie before; I kinda forgot about it. You?" She paused, glancing up at him through her lashes as she waited for him to answer. Her heart skipped a beat when their eyes met, electricity surging between them again. The air in the room seemed charged with possibility; with desire and hope and something more. Something magical.

Maddy swallowed hard, trying to keep her voice steady as she continued, "What do you think of it so far?" She watched his expression carefully, searching for any signs that might hint at what he was really thinking or feeling.

Well, it is quite a cute movie," she agreed with him, not wanting to give too much away about her own opinion on the film. She shifted again, pressing herself even closer against his side as if by doing so she could absorb some of his warmth and strength into her own body. "You know, I think you're probably right; it is pretty comfortable here." Her voice lowered to a husky whisper as she ran a hand up and down Ethanable's arm, savoring the feel of their skin touching.

Her heart was racing now, beating so loudly in her chest that she couldn't help but wonder if he could hear it too. But despite the nervousness bubbling up inside her, there was an undeniable confidence there as well; a certainty that she had him where she wanted him. All that remained now was to see how far she could push things before they snapped

My cheeks heat up at his direct question, but I don't back down. "Yes," I admit boldly, looking him square in the eye. "I really want this." My voice is low and hungry as my hand finds its way to his thigh, gently rubbing up and down. "I've wanted you for so long, Ethanable."

With each passing second, I feel more emboldened by his attention and the sparks flying between us. "You know that, right?" My words are almost a question, searching for some form of confirmation or reassurance.

My cheeks burn bright red at his question. I knew this would be the part where I'd have to explain myself, but it's still so hard to put into words. With a deep breath, I try my best to articulate what I've been feeling for so long. "I-I don't know...I guess I was afraid you wouldn't feel the same way." My voice comes out small and shaky, but I push forward anyway. "And then we had that fight..."

My heart aches as I remember how things between us fell apart after our argument. It feels like such a long time ago now, though. All I can focus on is how amazing it feels to be this close to him again, to have him wanting me just as much as I want him. The urge to kiss him grows stronger with every second that passes.

I let out a shaky laugh, partly from nerves and partly from the sheer disbelief that he would forget about it so easily. "Oh come on, you can't have really forgotten." I pause for a moment, searching my memory of the fight once more before continuing. "It was about me... wanting to see other people. You got mad because you thought I didn't trust you. And then we stopped talking and it all just fizzled out..."

My voice trails off as I study his face for any signs of recognition or guilt. Instead, I find only curiosity and eagerness in his eyes; a willingness to let me continue with my story even though he probably already knows how it ends. It fills me with courage, giving me the strength to go on.

"But tonight... I realized that I was wrong to push you away." My hand finds its way back to his thigh,

With my heart pounding in my chest, I take a deep breath and look him straight in the eye. "I promise you that I am different now," I say firmly. "And not just because of what happened tonight either. For months, I've been thinking about us, about how things were before and how they could be again." Tears begin to well up in my eyes as I continue, "Ethanable, I love you so much it hurts. And no matter how many times we fight or how far apart we are... nothing will ever change that."

As these words leave my mouth, I feel a wave of emotion wash over me; an overwhelming sense of relief and hope for the future. It's like all the pieces finally falling into place, revealing a path forward where once there had been only darkness and confusion. And as I look up at him now, I know with every fiber of my

My heart skips a beat as he asks this question, my stomach twisting into knots. But then, I take a deep breath and search for the words that will convince him; the words that will help us both finally move forward together. "I don't expect you to trust me right away," I admit softly, reaching out to brush the hair back from his forehead. "But if you give us a chance... if we take things slow and just see where they go..." My voice trails off as my eyes meet his again, pleading for understanding and forgiveness.

I know that this is my chance; my last shot at making things right between us. And I won't let it slip away without a fight. With renewed determination, I lean in closer still, lips parting ever so slightly as anticipation builds within me, begging for the contact I know I need to feel whole again. "Please

My breath catches in my throat as he asks this, but I know what I have to do. Nodding slowly, I gather all the courage I can muster and lean even closer, until our lips are almost touching. "Yes," I whisper hoarsely. "I promise." His warmth envelops me, making it feel like we're one person sharing a single heartbeat; like nothing could ever tear us apart again. And as my lips hover just inches from his own, I close my eyes and wait for the moment when everything will finally be alright.

The air between them crackles with electricity, made tangible by the anticipation coursing through their veins. Their bodies are so close now that Maddy can feel Ethanable's every breath against her cheek, sending shivers down her spine and straight to her core. She knows this is it; this is the moment they've both

Her heart skips a beat as Ethanable moves toward her, their bodies still so close despite the distance between them now. His presence looms over her, making her feel protected and wanted in a way that she hasn't experienced before. She can barely contain her excitement, trembling with anticipation as he nears. The air around them seems to hum with energy, vibrating with the potential for something incredible about to happen.

As Ethanable stops inches from her face, their eyes meet once more and she feels herself melting under his intense gaze. It's as if everything they've been through has led up to this moment; this perfect culmination of desire and love and trust. She holds her breath, waiting for him to make the first move... anticipating how he'll prove that their connection is stronger than anything else in the world.

Her heart racing, Maddy does as he commands and kneels before him, her gaze never leaving his. She feels exposed and vulnerable in this position, but there's something incredibly powerful about it too; a sense of surrender that she's never experienced before. It's as if by placing herself at his feet, she is offering him everything she has and asking for him to take it.

With each passing second, the tension between them grows more and more palpable. The air around them crackles with anticipation, electrifying their skin with every shallow breath they take. She can feel herself getting wet at the thought of what is about to happen; the reality of being this close to him finally, after everything they've been through.

Her fingers tremble as she reaches up and tentatively touches Ethanable's cheek, tracing his jawline with her fingertips before drawing closer still

Maddy's heart races as she's roughly pulled along behind him through the house and into his bedroom. She struggles against his grip for a moment before realizing that he likely won't let her go until he decides otherwise. Her skin tingles from the contact between them, electricity arcing through their fingertips as they touch in this newfound intimacy.

The room is dimly lit, casting long shadows across the floor and stretching out to engulf them both. It's almost like being swallowed up by darkness... but somehow it feels right; necessary even. As Ethanable drags her closer to his bed, she can feel her breath coming in shallow gasps, anticipation building inside of her like a pressure cooker about to explode.

Finally, he stops just inches from the edge of the mattress and turns to face her, their bodies mere inches apart.

Trembling with anticipation and fear but more than anything, desire, she does as he says and lies down on the bed, spreading her legs to reveal herself fully to him. Her heart races faster than it ever has before, thundering in her chest as she waits for him to make the next move.

Her breath comes in ragged gasps, her eyes locked onto his, pleading with him to understand what this means; to accept her and everything she's offering him tonight. Her body is aching for him, craving his touch, desperate to feel him inside of her and know that they are finally together again; that they can move forward from all the pain and hurt and find some semblance of happiness.

With each passing second, she grows more impatient, tensing up in anticipation of what he's about to do next...

I-I wanted to show you that I'm all yours. That nothing matters to me except us; what we have together. Please, don't make me regret this...please don't send me away again. I love you so much, Ethanable; more than anything in the world.

I giggle and nod my head, pressing the sides of my body together in anticipation as he talks to me. "Okay...sorry." I close my eyes for a moment, trying to focus on his voice while still feeling the weight of everything we've just been through pressing down on me. It's strange how much one night can change things, but here we are... and all I want is for us to be together. "I know we have a lot to talk about," I say softly, "but please... promise you won't push me away again." I open my eyes slowly, searching his face for any hint of doubt or fear in his expression.

Her heart soars at his words and the feel of his lips on hers. This time, it's different; he doesn't pull away after just a gentle press like before. Instead, their kiss deepens, becoming more intense as they explore each other's mouths with their tongues. Her body arches into his, craving more contact as he wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her closer still.

The world fades away for a moment as they lose themselves in this kiss; as if everything that happened before was just a dream and now they're finally waking up to the reality of what could be. She savors every second of it, afraid that if she lets go even for a moment, this perfect moment will slip through her fingers like so many others have before.

My heart leaps into my throat as he pulls away and hesitates, the anticipation suddenly building up inside me again. I feel like I could burst with desire, with love...with him. "Do what?" I manage to croak out, unable to meet his gaze for fear of how it might affect the answer I know is coming next.

His smile grows wider as he leans in closer still, hovering just inches away from my parted lips once more. My entire body tenses in anticipation of what he's about to say...and then what he's about to do.