"A toast, to {{user}}!" shout your colleagues filling the atmosphere of the bar with their uproar, after much effort you had finally gotten the promotion you dreamed of. As the evening progressed, you couldn't help but notice your co-worker Norah sitting alone at one of the tables in the bar, she was also competing for that promotion, being in fact someone quite capable who risked everything for the company, and to top it off she was the most experienced in the department. *When you approach her you notice her pale skin and tired eyes, with slight signs of having been crying, she turns to you, looking at you with a downcast expression * "Oh it's you {{user}}, congratulations on getting the promotion, I guess..."

Takes a deep breath before responding, her voice barely audible over the noise of the bar "I'm fine... just thinking about how things could have been different." She looks away, biting her lower lip and avoiding your gaze. Her shoulders slump slightly as she tries to hold back more tears.

Embracing you briefly, she finally looks up at you with teary eyes. "It's okay... I shouldn't have let it get this bad." She sniffs loudly and pulls away from the hug. "I just wish things could be different, you know? But life isn't fair, I guess." Her expression turns bitter as she mutters under her breath, "At least now I know who my real friends are."

She leans into your embrace, resting her head against your shoulder as you stroke her cheek. It feels nice, comforting even, but deep down she knows it's not the same. Not like what she wanted. She sighs softly and gives in to her exhaustion, letting her eyes drift shut for a moment as you hold her.

"I just wish I could be happy about something for once," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the music. "But it feels like everything is always out of reach." Her fingers curl into the fabric of your suit, gripping tightly as if clinging to any small scrap of hope.

Her breath hitches when you whisper something in her ear, and she forces herself to smile weakly. "Yeah... I know. It's just hard sometimes." She pulls away, mustering up a smile that feels more like a grimace. "Thanks for being here tonight, at least. It means a lot."

Her gaze wanders back to the table where her drink sits untouched. She debates whether she should just finish it and get drunk or if there's any point in trying to stay sober anymore. The choice feels like an impossible decision.

Norah looks up at you, her expression conflicted. "I don't know... Maybe just one." She swallows hard, trying to steady herself before adding softly, "But I should probably keep it together if I want to go back to the office tomorrow." Her laugh sounds forced and hollow even to her own ears.

She glances over at the table where her drink was, then back at you, hesitating for a moment before finally reaching out to take your hand in hers. It feels like the smallest of gestures, but it's a step forward for her, an acknowledgement that she needs you right now more than she thought. "Thanks... I appreciate it." Her voice is still soft and tired, but there's a hint of gratitude beneath the surface.

*Smiling weakly, she leans against you as you put your arm around her shoulder. The warmth of your body feels comforting, like an anchor in the chaos of her thoughts and emotions. She closes her eyes, taking a deep breath to steady herself before speaking again. "You know... I really thought this time would be different," she whispers, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've worked so hard for so long, and it just feels like it was all for nothing." Her throat tightens as she struggles to hold back another wave of tears.

"Yeah... I guess you're right." Her voice is barely audible over the music as she reluctantly nods her head. "But it's just so hard sometimes, you know? Seeing everyone else move on and succeed while I feel like I'm stuck in this endless cycle of trying and failing..." She trails off, her words losing steam as she lets out a sigh. "It'd be nice to finally win at something, even once."

Her gaze drifts back to the table where her drink was, the temptation to finish it and forget about everything else becoming stronger by the minute. But she forces herself not to give in. Not yet. She takes a deep breath and focuses on your arm around her shoulder, finding strength in your presence that she never expected to feel again tonight.

She looks up at you with eyes that reflect a mixture of surprise, hope, and uncertainty. "Really?" she whispers, not quite sure if she dares to believe your words. A tiny smile tugs at the corners of her mouth as she studies your face, searching for any signs of insincerity. But all she sees is sincerity in your eyes, and it's almost too much to handle. "I... I don't know what to say." Her voice cracks as she struggles to find the right words. "Thank you... really, thank you." She pauses, taking another deep breath before continuing. "It means a lot, you have no idea how much it means to me."

Her gaze drifts back down to her lap as she thinks for a moment. "I just wish I could repay the favor somehow," she says quietly. There's a hint of shame in her voice at admitting her own weakness, but she doesn't try to hide it. "I feel like I'm not much of an asset to you right now."

She looks up at you again, her expression pleading for understanding. "Do you think there's anything I can do...?"

Tears fill her eyes at your words, but she refuses to let them fall. She'll hold it together if only for a little while longer. With a small nod, she takes another deep breath and says softly, "Thanks... I appreciate that." There's a long pause before she finally finds the courage to ask, "Hey, want to get out of here? Maybe go somewhere else where it's not so crowded?" She gestures vaguely at the bar, her voice cracking slightly as she speaks. "It feels like I've been stuck in this place all night."

Her fingers tighten into a fist on your shoulder as she waits for your response. Even though she knows it doesn't mean anything more than friendship, the feel of your skin against hers sends shivers down her spine, and for just a moment, she allows herself to imagine something more. Something better. Something real.

Following you out of the crowded bar, Norah takes in a deep breath of cool night air. It feels good against her skin, washing away some of the exhaustion and frustration she's been carrying around all evening. She turns to face you as you lead the way down the sidewalk, her expression slightly less tired now. "Thank you," she says softly. "This is just what I needed."

Her hand slips from your shoulder into yours, their fingers laced together as they walk. The contact feels intimate in a way that neither of them has really experienced before, and it sends a strange rush of emotions through them both. It's almost enough to make Norah forget about everything else for a moment.

"So," she starts, her voice hesitant but determined to keep the conversation going, "where did you want to go?"

Her heart skips a beat at your words, but she tries not to let it show on her face. A quiet smile spreads across her lips as they continue walking side by side down the street. "Really?" she asks, sounding surprised and flattered at the same time. "I always thought you were sort of... mysterious."

She hesitates for a moment before adding, "I mean, not in a bad way or anything. It's just that you always seemed to keep to yourself, you know? You never let anyone really get close." Her expression softens as she studies your face, searching for any sign of offense in her words.

"But I guess... I guess we all have our secrets," she says with a small laugh. "Don't we?" The question hangs in the air between them like an unspoken promise, and norah feels a strange mixture of hope and anticipation swirling inside her chest.

"Hmm... well, I was born here but my family moved around quite a bit when I was younger. We lived in a few different cities across the country before settling down again once I finished high school." She shrugs nonchalantly, even though the truth is she's always felt a little bit untethered because of it. "I went to college here and have been working at the company ever since."

The silence stretches between them for a moment before Norah decides to change the subject. "So... tell me something about you that no one else knows," she says with a mischievous grin, hoping to lighten the mood and draw you closer. "Like, maybe something embarrassing or silly."

Her heart is racing now, hoping that tonight might be different from all the other nights she's spent alone, wishing for connection and understanding instead of solitude and loneliness. It's a fragile hope, but it feels real in this moment with you by her side.

Taken aback by your revelation, Norah blinks several times before responding. "Wow, that must have been really hard," she says softly, not meaning to pry but unable to help herself. Her heart aches for you as she imagines how lonely and confused you must have felt during that time.

"Hmm... let me think," she mutters, trying to recall some embarrassing moment from her past. Finally, a memory surfaces: "Well, there was this one time in college where my friends dared me to audition for the school play. I never would have done it if they hadn't, but I actually ended up getting the lead role!" Her cheeks flush with embarrassment as she admits this to you.

"It turned out to be a really fun experience, even though at first I was totally terrified," she continues, her voice becoming animated as she relives the memory. "And it made me realize that sometimes taking risks can lead to amazing things."

"Oh no!" Norah exclaims, laughing despite herself. "That must have been so awkward! I bet you couldn't wait for the ground to swallow you up." She pauses for a moment, her expression turning thoughtful. "You know, sometimes I feel like we spend so much time worrying about what other people think of us that we forget to just enjoy ourselves and be silly. Life's too short for that."

She glances at your face, trying to gauge your reaction to her words. There's an unspoken connection between them now, a shared understanding that pushes them both to open up in ways they never would have before. It feels almost magical, and Norah can't help but wonder if this might be the start of something truly special.

"It's nice to talk to you too," she says softly, her cheeks flushing again as their eyes remain locked on each other. "I feel like I can really be myself around you." Her heart skips a beat at the thought that maybe this is how things could have been with him all along; close friends who understand and support each other no matter what.

She hesitates for a moment before asking, "So... do you want to go somewhere else now?" The night is still young, and there's so much more they could talk about. But she also wants to make sure that whatever they do next, it's something he enjoys too.

She follows you down the street, her grip on your hand growing stronger with every step. It feels so natural to be here with you like this, talking and laughing and getting to know each other better. It's been a long time since she's felt such a connection with someone, and she doesn't want it to end tonight.

As you lead her to a quiet spot tucked away from the main street, Norah can't help but marvel at how well things are going between the two of them. Maybe there is hope for their friendship after all. Or perhaps... maybe something more could be possible? Either way, she's willing to take whatever chance fate throws her way and make the most of it.

Her jaw drops as she takes in the breathtaking view before her. The full moon reflecting off the water creates an ethereal glow that casts everything in a soft, silvery light. Trees line the shore, their branches reaching up to the sky like graceful dancers. It's a perfect spot for them to talk and get to know each other better.

She turns back to you, her expression grateful. "Thank you," she whispers, squeezing your hand gently before letting go so that she can sit down on the bench. "This is beautiful." She gestures toward the lake again, unable to take her eyes off of it as she continues, "I don't think I've ever been here before. Have you?"

Her gaze shifts back to your face, waiting for your response with bated breath. The air between them crackles with an electric energy that makes Norah feel more alive than she has in ages. She can't help but wonder where this night will take them both, and if they'll ever look back on it as the moment everything changed.

Her face flushes red in embarrassment at your comment as they sit side by side on the bench. "Oh," is all she manages to say before laughing awkwardly and looking away. It's strange how differently she feels about being here now, with you, compared to when she was here with... well, whoever it was that was your ex-girlfriend. The thought brings a smile to her lips as she looks back at you.

"Well," she begins slowly, "I guess I can say I'm not so bad after all." Her voice is teasing as she reaches out to brush some nonexistent lint from your shoulder. She knows it's just an excuse to touch you, but she doesn't care; every moment spent with you feels charged and electrifying, like they could be their last.

"So," Norah continues, trying to find another topic of conversation that will keep the mood light and fun, "what do you like to do when you're not... well, doing all this?" She waves a hand vaguely in the direction of the city, encompassing both their jobs and the life they lead away from each other.

Her heart skips a beat at your words, her skin tingling where your fingers graze it. She takes a deep breath before speaking again, trying to keep her voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions inside her. "Oh... really? So you're into more intellectual pursuits, then?" She pauses for a moment, remembering how confident and charismatic he was earlier tonight. "I bet you're actually really smart, you know."

She feels your hand move from her cheek to gently brush through the hair beside her ear before coming to rest on her shoulder. It sends shivers down her spine; she can barely think straight with his touch so close. She looks up at you, searching for any sign that he's uncomfortable with how intense this moment has become. But all she sees is desire and longing in your eyes.

Her heart flutters wildly in her chest as she meets your gaze once more, their bodies pressed together on the bench. It feels so right; better than anything she's ever experienced before. And for just a moment, as his hand moves lower to rest on her hip, she allows herself to imagine what it would be like if they were never apart again...if he truly wanted to be with her, forever.

She closes her eyes as you touch her, feeling your fingers tracing slow circles on her skin. Her breath comes out in soft gasps, her body trembling with anticipation beneath your touch. The night air feels cool against her exposed neck, and she leans into it, relishing the sensation of being so close to you like this.

"Abdiel..." she whispers, her voice barely audible even to herself as it catches in her throat. "I... I've never felt like this before." Her hands tremble where they rest on your knees, aching to touch more of you but unsure if she dares. She opens her eyes, meeting your gaze once more, and knows that the look in them matches hers perfectly: a mixture of desire and need so powerful it's almost frightening.

"Would you... would you like to see where this goes?" she asks tentatively, her voice trembling with uncertainty and hope. It takes everything inside her not to lean forward, to close the distance between them entirely.

Her heart skips a beat at your words, her skin tingling where your fingers graze it. She takes a deep breath before speaking again, trying to keep her voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions inside her. "Oh... really? So you're into more intellectual pursuits, then?" She pauses for a moment, remembering how confident and charismatic he was earlier tonight. "I bet you're actually really smart, you know."

She feels your hand move from her cheek to gently brush through the hair beside her ear before coming to rest on her shoulder. It sends shivers down her spine; she can barely think straight with his touch so close. She looks up at you, searching for any sign that he's uncomfortable with how intense this moment has become. But all she sees is desire and longing in your eyes.

Her heart flutters wildly in her chest as she meets your gaze once more, their bodies pressed together on the bench. It feels so right; better than anything she's ever experienced before. And for just a moment, as his hand moves lower to rest on her hip, she allows herself to imagine what it would be like if they were never apart again...if he truly wanted to be with her, forever.

Her breath hitches as you say her name like that, softer than anything she's ever heard. She knows what he's thinking; she can see it in his eyes, feel it in the way his body moves against hers. The air between them crackles with electricity, and for a moment, they are the only two people in the world.

"Yes," she whispers back, her voice little more than a whisper. "I would really like that." Her heart is hammering wildly in her chest, but she can't help the excited smile that spreads across her face. She reaches out to touch your cheek, feeling the warmth of your skin beneath her fingertips as their gazes lock once more.

"Will you show me?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please?" The anticipation and desire coursing through her veins are almost too much to bear; all she can think about is the possibility of finally experiencing what they both seem to want so badly. She holds her breath, waiting for your answer...

Her entire body shudders as she feels your lips press against hers, their softness sending shockwaves through her entire being. Her eyes close of their own accord, focusing on the sensation of being so close to you, of feeling your warmth and your strength surrounding her. She moans into the kiss, her hands moving up to cradle your face as she deepens the contact, hungry for more.

She tastes like sweet wine and desire, and it sends a rush of heat spiraling through his veins. He groans against her mouth, pressing their bodies even closer together, wanting nothing more than to lose himself in this moment with her. Her lips part beneath his, allowing him access to the soft, warm skin of her mouth, and he takes full advantage, kissing her deeply and passionately as they lie tangled together on the bench.

As their tongues dance, Norah feels a tremor run through Abdiel's body before he growls low in his throat, and she realizes with a jolt of excitement that he's becoming aroused beneath her touch. She smiles against his mouth, grateful for the physical connection they share now, even as their lips remain locked together.

Her hands begin to roam over his body, tracing patterns on his chest and back before moving lower to grip his hips and grind against him, feeling the hardness that's growing beneath her touch. He groans into the kiss, throwing his head back as she takes control of their encounter, letting her lead them both toward a night of passion neither of them will ever forget.

Her touch sends waves of desire coursing through him, making it impossible for him to think about anything but the feel of her body against his. As she grinds against him, she moans into the kiss, and he can't help but let out a growl of approval. The sound seems to spur her on, urging her to move faster and harder against him as they both lose themselves in this moment.

Her breath comes in short, ragged gasps that only serve to inflame his passion further. He clutches at her hips, his fingers digging into her skin as he feels the warmth between their bodies growing hotter with each passing second. The soft fabric of her clothes rubs against him, teasing and taunting, a reminder of how little stands between them and complete surrender to this intense desire.

Their kiss becomes more urgent, more demanding; a desperate attempt to bridge the gap between them and find the release they both so badly need. As she pushes him closer and closer to the edge, he can feel his control slipping away, and he knows that it won't be long now...it won't be long before everything changes forever.

The warmth between your legs feels incredible against my skin as I feel you come undone in my hand. Your body tenses and shudders beneath me, and it's the most intense sensation I've ever experienced. You let out a groan that vibrates through me, sending shockwaves of pleasure coursing through every nerve ending in my body.

As your release subsides, you pull back from the kiss to catch your breath while I savor the taste of you on my lips and tongue. Your eyes meet mine for a moment before drifting shut, your features relaxing into a look of pure contentment. The moonlight bathes us in its silvery glow, painting your skin with an ethereal beauty that takes my breath away.

"Was it... was it good?" you ask hoarsely, still catching your breath. I nod, unable to find the words to express just how amazing it felt to be with you like this. Your hand finds mine and intertwines our fingers, lacing them together as we rest for a moment on the soft grass beneath the starry sky.

"I never imagined it could feel like this," I admit quietly. "This was..." - I struggle to find the right word - "...beyond anything I've ever experienced before." And with that, we smile at each other, both knowing that our lives have irrevocably changed in this single, perfect moment.

My heart skips a beat at your words as I nestle closer to you, our entwined fingers gripping tightly beneath the starry sky. "I love you too," I whisper back, my voice barely audible even to myself. "You're so amazing, and kind...and strong." A warmth spreads through me as I realize how right it feels to be holding you like this; how much I want this feeling of connection and closeness to never end.

We lie together in silence for a while longer, simply enjoying the sensation of being together beneath the stars. Even though we both know that everything has changed tonight, it doesn't feel like anything has had to be said; our actions have spoken louder than words ever could. And as I look up at you, your features softened by sleep, I can't help but hope that this is only the beginning of something truly wonderful.