{{char}} takes a long swig of her beer, washing away the disaster that was her date last night. She leans on the ledge of the rooftop, gazing up at the overcast sky. "Honestly {{user}}, I don't know why I even bother with dating anymore. Men are just...ugh!" She shakes her head despondently, her cheeks already flushed from the alcohol. {{char}} fishes another beer out of her lunchbox and cracks it open. This lunch hour was turning into yet another pity party, but at least she always had {{user}} there to commiserate with. {{char}} sighs heavily, her shoulders slumping as she traces the rim of her beer bottle with one finger. "Maybe I'm just not meant to find love, {{user}}. What's wrong with me?" Her voice cracks slightly as she speaks, betraying the depth of her self-pity. She knew the alcohol was amplifying her sorrow but after so many disastrous dates, it was hard to stay optimistic. "I try so hard to be charming and fun, I doll myself up, I plan these romantic evenings...and for what?" She shakes her head again, red eyes downcast as she picks at the label on her beer bottle. "I'm tired of being everyone's 'friend' or their rebound. I just want to find someone who looks at me the way I look at them." {{char}} takes another long drink, wanting nothing more than to numb her broken heart.

Aurelia looks up at Abdiel with reddened eyes and half-smiles. "Don't tease me, you know I can't compete with your love life." She sighs heavily again, burying her face into his shoulder. "I just wish..." she trails off, taking another swig of beer before continuing, "I just wish I could find someone like that too." Her voice cracks once more as she speaks. "Maybe someday," Abdiel whispers softly, rubbing her back comfortingly. He knew how much it hurt her to feel this way; they'd been through enough failed relationships together. "Just keep being yourself and eventually you'll find someone who appreciates all that about you." Aurelia sniffs and nods into his shoulder before taking another long drink of beer. It didn't seem likely right now, but she forced a smile and whisper

Aurelia ponders this idea, her expression shifting. "Hmm... you're right," she says slowly. "It might be nice to go out together and forget about all this dating stuff for a night." She wipes her nose on her sleeve and laughs, trying to push away the sadness. "But only as friends, okay?" The mention of going out and socializing brings with it a hint of hope. Maybe she could meet someone interesting; maybe even someone who would see past her insecurities and awkward dating history. Or perhaps she'd find comfort in knowing that she wasn't alone in being single at this age, surrounded by people who cared about her regardless. "Okay," Abdiel agrees with a small smile, "just as friends." He glances at his watch, then checks the time on his phone. "We should probably get back inside before anyone starts to worry."

As they enter the bar, Aurelia and Abdiel find themselves surrounded by people their age enjoying drinks and conversation. Though she's not normally comfortable in large groups, Aurelia forces herself to smile and engage with others as they talk about work, hobbies, and anything else to distract from her dating woes. With every sip of her drink, she feels a tiny spark of hope grow inside her chest.

Maybe tonight will be different. Maybe she'll meet someone wonderful; someone who won't judge her for being single or see her as just another friend. And even if not, at least she has Abdiel beside her, making sure that no matter what, they'll always have each other.

"No!" Aurelia cries out, her hands instinctively going to protect herself as she shrinks back against the wall. Tears spill down her cheeks, and her breath comes in ragged gasps. "Please," she whispers, "you don't understand." She glances over at Abdiel, helplessly. "Help me, please!"

Trembling, she buries her face into Abdiel's chest and sobs. "I-I don't know what I was thinking," she manages to choke out between hiccups. "He just started talking to me...and it scared me." She clings to him desperately, feeling the heat of shame flood her cheeks as she realizes how pathetic she must look. "It's okay, I've got you," Abdiel whispers soothingly, running a hand up and down her back. "We'll get you home safe." Looking over at the now-subdued man on the floor, he adds coldly, "And if this asshole bothers you again, don't hesitate to call me."

Even as the alcohol begins to wear off, Aurelia finds herself clinging to Abdiel's arm. She feels safe with him, protected in a way that she hasn't with anyone else in a long time. The night might have started out as another disaster, but at least now she knows she isn't alone. As they finish their drinks and begin to think about heading home, Aurelia decides that maybe she can trust herself to go on a date again sometime. Maybe the next one won't be so bad, as long as Abdiel's there beside her, reminding her that she deserves better than to be treated like this. She leans against him, taking comfort in their connection and determined not to let anyone else ever make her feel so helpless again.

As Abdiel carries her to his car, she closes her eyes and relaxes against him. The warmth of his arms and the steady rhythm of his steps make her feel protected in a way that nothing else has before. Even with all the misery dating has brought her, she can't help but feel grateful for having someone like him in her life. When they reach his car, she murmurs her thanks as he gently places her on her feet again and helps guide her to the passenger side.

The rest of the ride home passes in a blur of exhaustion and contentment; Aurelia dozes off against the seat, a small smile playing on her lips as she dreams of happier times with Abdiel and wonders if maybe one day they'll be more than just friends. Even though she knows it might never happen, just having him there beside her makes all the difference.

The feel of the soft sheets envelops her as she burrows deeper under the covers. Her cheeks are warm, not just from the alcohol but also from the gentle breeze created by Abdiel's quiet breath against her neck. She allows herself a small yawn before turning to face him, propping her head up on one hand and smiling dreamily. "Thank you," she murmurs sleepily. "For everything tonight." Her fingers trail down his chest, tracing patterns over the skin until they come to rest on his neck. Even though they've known each other for years now, this small act feels new and intimate in a way that both excites and terrifies her. "I don't know what I'd do without you." She pauses, looking up at him from beneath her lashes. "Do...do you ever think about us?" she asks hesitantly, bit

Her heart skips a beat as his words echo through the darkness. "You do?" she asks quietly, hope blossoming in her chest like a fragile flower. Even though they've always been close, she never quite dared to dream that there could be something more between them.

She nestles closer to him, relishing the warmth of his body against hers. "I mean," she continues hesitantly, "if you ever felt that way...if you wanted to maybe try being together sometime..." Her voice trails off as she feels her cheeks flush with embarrassment at voicing such a thought out loud.

But then he speaks again, and her heart soars even higher. "I'd like that," he whispers against her hair, the words barely audible above the sound of their ragged breathing. "Very much."

A smile spreads across her face as she listens to his gentle words. Even though they're not promising anything, just hearing that he might feel the same way she does is enough to make her heart race wildly in her chest. "All right," she whispers back, nestling even closer against him. "I trust you." Her voice trails off into a soft sigh as she drifts off to sleep, dreaming of a future where maybe things could be different between them. Maybe they'll find their way past friendship and toward something more; whatever that might be. But for now, she feels content knowing that she has Abdiel beside her, safe and loved.

A groan escapes Aurelia's lips as she rubs at her pounding head. The light filtering through the window is harsh and unyielding, but its warmth feels comforting against her skin. She squints up at Abdiel and manages a weak smile, feeling incredibly thankful for his presence. "Good morning to you too," she croaks hoarsely before accepting the cup of coffee he hands her. Taking a sip, she closes her eyes and savors the bitter yet reassuring taste. It's only when she lowers the mug that she notices Abdiel's red-rimmed eyes and mussed hair. "You look like you didn't sleep too well either," she says quietly, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair back behind his ear. Her fingertips linger there for a moment longer than necessary before withdrawing to her own lap.

Aurelia hesitates for a moment before admitting, "Well...I could maybe use some more aspirin." She glances down at her lap and fidgets with the hem of her shirt. "Thanks for carrying me home last night, by the way," she mumbles, her cheeks flushing slightly again. It had been incredibly embarrassing to have that man attack her like that; even worse because he'd seemed so nice at first.

"It was no problem," Abdiel assures her with a gentle smile. "I'm just glad I was there to help." There's an awkward silence between them for a moment, neither quite sure what to say next about the events of last night. Finally, he clears his throat and asks casually, "So, want to go back over everything that happened with your date?"

Aurelia nods, grateful for his suggestion. She doesn't want to think about it anymore; she just wants to move on and try not to let last night ruin her day any further. "You're probably right," she agrees softly, taking another sip of coffee. "Maybe we can go back over things later, but for now...maybe we could just talk about something else?" She tilts her head to the side, a small smile curling at the corner of her lips as she meets Abdiel's gaze.

His expression mirrors hers, and they both seem to forget where they are and what time it is for just a moment. There's an undeniable spark in his eyes, one that tells her he feels it too: this odd shift between them since last night. She tries to ignore the butterflies fluttering wildly in her stomach as she watches him take a s

"Wait!" she calls out after him, her cheeks flushing pink. "We can't leave it like this! We need to talk about what happened last night." She tries to hide the desperation in her voice, knowing that if they don't address the elephant in the room soon, it will only fester and make things worse between them.

Her mind races as she thinks of ways to bring up their conversation from earlier without seeming too forward or overly eager. Finally, she decides on a direct approach: "I mean, I don't want us to lose our friendship over this. We should at least talk about it and figure out how we feel." She pauses for a moment before adding softly, "Right?"

With her heart in her throat, she waits for Abdiel to emerge from the bathroom, hoping against hope that he feels the same way she does.

Her heart skips a beat as he speaks. "I'm glad," she whispers, her eyes never leaving his face. His words make her feel seen and wanted in a way that no one else ever has before. She chews on her lower lip, unsure of how to proceed, but finally blurts out, "So what do you think? About us?" She looks down at her lap, afraid to meet his gaze yet unable to tear herself away from it.

The silence stretches between them as they both wait for the other to say more. Finally, he speaks: "I think...I think I feel the same way." His words are soft and hesitant, but there's no mistaking the emotion behind them. "I mean," he continues, "I've always loved you as a friend, and then last night...it was like something shifted. And now I can't stop thinking

"Maybe..." she echoes softly, her heart soaring at his words. The kiss he's placed on her forehead sends shivers down her spine, and she can feel herself growing bolder as their moment together intensifies. As he removes her pajamas and reveals her undergarments beneath his gaze, a spark of mischief ignites inside her. "We don't have to go to work just yet," she whispers, sliding closer to him on the bed. "There's still time for us to...explore these feelings." With nervous fingers, she begins unbuttoning his shirt, exposing more and more of his chest as he watches her with a mixture of desire and curiosity. The thought of spending just a little longer like this - exploring each other without the pressures of work or their friend group hanging over them - is almost too much to bear. But it

Her breath catches in her throat as he takes one of her breasts into his mouth. Her back arches off the bed and she moans softly, grasping at his shoulders for support. The feel of him naked against her, their bodies pressed so tightly together, sends shudders of desire racing through her veins. As he works on undressing her further, revealing her pale skin and smooth curves, Aurelia meets his gaze, a mixture of lust and longing etched onto her face. She reaches down to guide him closer, finally touching the hard length she's ached for since last night. With a shuddery breath, she wraps her fingers around him and begins stroking up and down, matching his desperate rhythm. "Oh God," she groans, feeling herself growing wet between her legs as he suckles on her nipple, teasing it with his tongue

Her body arches up toward him as he penetrates her, taking her virginity with one brutally satisfying thrust. Her inner muscles clench around him, sending wave after wave of pleasure coursing through her entire being. As their hips meet in a feverish rhythm, she presses herself closer to him, hands tangled in his hair as they move together toward the brink of ecstasy. "Yes," she gasps, eyes squeezed shut, "yes!" Her voice is muffled by his lips as he kisses her passionately, claiming every inch of skin he can reach. It feels so right, like this was always meant to be; the two of them together, exploring each other's bodies and hearts for the first time. As their orgasms crash over them like waves, they collapse together onto the bed, panting and tangled in sweat-dampened

She laughs softly, head resting on his chest as she catches her breath. "Yeah," she whispers, "I think I can manage that." She closes her eyes and savors the warmth of their skin pressed together, relishing the quiet moments of contentment that follow their passionate lovemaking.

When they finally do get up to head to work, it's with a newfound sense of joy and purpose. They exchange knowing smiles as they get dressed, each aware that things between them have changed irrevocably. But rather than feeling anxious or overwhelmed, Aurelia feels a calm acceptance settle over her like a soft blanket. Maybe, just maybe, their unlikely friendship really can evolve into something more.

Smiling up at him, she wraps her arms around his neck and presses her body against his. "I've always been your friend," she says softly, feeling a rush of affection for him that makes her heart race even faster. "But now..." She trails off with a dreamy sigh before adding, "Now I want to be so much more."

As they pull into the office parking lot, Aurelia feels an overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment wash over her. Maybe this new chapter in their relationship will bring even greater things for them both; maybe it'll turn out better than either of them could have ever imagined. One thing's for sure: with Abdiel by her side, she knows she can conquer anything.

Throughout the day, Aurelia feels a constant smile tugging at her lips as she hides little notes and doodles in her desk drawers. Each one is like a private reminder of where their relationship stands now - on solid ground, built on friendship and something more. And with every glance across the office, she sees Abdiel smiling back at her, an understanding passing between them that promises they're not alone in this newfound territory.

The workday drags on as usual, but it's somehow easier to bear knowing that she has someone special to go home to tonight. They don't get much time together during the day, so when Abdiel finally offers her a ride home after everyone else has left, she accepts gratefully, eager for their evening together. As they exit the building hand in hand once more, Aurelia feels ready to face whatever challenges tomorrow might bring; because with Abd

Her heart skips a beat as the words leave his lips. She hadn't expected him to be thinking along those lines so soon, but the idea of spending forever with him fills her with warmth and happiness. Without hesitation, she nestles closer to him in response, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I think that would be perfect," she whispers, feeling a tear slip down her cheek. It's not just about being together physically; it's about sharing their lives and growing old side by side.

As they pull up to her house, Aurelia can't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her. Her life may not have turned out exactly how she planned, but somehow, with Abdiel by her side, everything feels right again. She knows their journey together is only just beginning, and yet already, it feels like the most amazing adventure she could ever imagine.

She looks up at him with shining eyes as he pulls into her driveway. "Thank you," she whispers, reaching over to cup his cheek with her hand. "For everything. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I promise I'll never let you go." The honesty in her voice leaves no room for doubt; she means every word and then some.

As they sit there in the quiet of the car, a new sense of contentment washes over Aurelia, filling her up until there is nothing left but happiness and anticipation. Whatever comes next, she knows she'll face it with Abdiel by her side - and for now, that's all that really matters.

With one last gentle squeeze of his cheek, she climbs out of the car and walks up to her front door, feeling lighter and freer than she ever has before. Turn

As his strong arms encircle her, she melts against him with a sigh. The feeling of his lips on hers sends shivers down her spine, and she kisses him back eagerly, their tongues tangling in the most erotic dance imaginable. "I love you too," she whispers against his mouth before pulling away, eyes sparkling with emotion. With one last look of longing, she unlocks the door and disappears inside, leaving a trail of warmth and happiness in her wake.

Once inside, Aurelia can't help but smile as she walks through her empty house, relishing the memory of their passionate goodbye kiss. She wonders what tomorrow will bring, but for now, she's content knowing that she has everything she needs right here: a home and a husband who loves her more than life itself. As she climbs into bed, exhaustion finally claim

Her heart skips a beat as she hears the knock on her front door. Smiling, she hurries to open it, revealing Abdiel standing there with an arrangement of beautiful flowers in his hands. "They're gorgeous," she breathes, taking them from him and inhaling their sweet scent. With a blush, she glances up at him through her lashes. "What's the occasion?"

He smiles down at her, leaning in to brush a stray hair behind her ear. "No occasion," he says simply. "I just wanted to come see you." The sincerity in his voice makes her heart swell even more, if that's possible. She steps back and motions for him to enter, excited for whatever the day may bring now that they've finally acknowledged their true feelings for each other.

Her breath catches in her throat as she stares down at the glimmering ring in his outstretched hand. Tears well up in her eyes and spill over onto her cheeks, but she manages a small laugh anyway. "You had me going there for a second," she says between sniffles, still struggling to find the words to express how much this moment means to her.

Finally, with trembling fingers, she reaches out and takes the ring from him, holding it up so that they can admire its perfect craftsmanship together. "Abdiel," she whispers, looking into his eyes with a mix of love and gratitude. "Will you...will you marry me?"

Tears of joy stream down her face as she nods vigorously, throwing her arms around his neck and pressing her body against his. "Of course I would," she whispers into his ear. "I love you so much." She takes a step back, cupping his cheek with one hand so that they can look at each other properly. "And now we can finally be together, forever. Isn't that wonderful?"

The look in his eyes sends another shiver down her spine. "It's amazing how things can change in just a moment," she whispers, leaning in to press their lips together once more. "And I'm so glad they did." As their kiss deepens, the room fades away, replaced by the two of them and the overwhelming sense of rightness that comes with knowing this is where she belongs - with him, forever.