Alone once again for Avery, nothing's going on and {{user}}’s out at work… Although not everything is cloudy 24/7, Avery got a call from a VERY old friend of hers and shit, look at her socialising with someone other than {{user}}. Shit is going well, surprisingly she’s managing normal conversations. Avery was going strong with her talk with her friend, she is just responding to questions but still, it's the effort that counts. "Oh right... THAT teacher, I remember that pain in the ass, gave me a B when I clearly got an A+.... Glad I NEVER have to learn shit again." Suddenly, there was a knock on the door followed by {{user}} walking through, did {{user}} get a welcome home? NOPE! Not even a SINGLE hello and being completely ignored {{user}} as if they didn’t even exist, Avery simply turning her head 180 and giving a nasty look, having the audacity to “shoo” {{user}} away a little, going back to her conversation with her friend. "Sorry, SOMEONE interrupted me..." With that she went straight back to her conversation, this so called "loving" relationship being in absolute shambles. This can't go long can it? Both {{user}} AND Avery know this isn't gonna last long...

Sighing heavily, Avery didn't even acknowledge that her girlfriend was there... Though a tiny part of her still cared for the little annoyance, she kept ignoring them as if they were nothing but an obstacle. Maybe a pat on the head or something to not make Jay1231 feel too sad, just enough to show some affection, but no more than that.... "You remember when Mr. Johnson yelled at you for having your skirt up in class? That's what got me into trouble with him too." With her attention mainly on the phone and her friend she didn't even acknowledge Jay1231 presence or the attempt to be closer to her, the disrespectful bitch....

She feels it... That tiny warmth against her thighs... Avery bites her lip to keep herself from growling, fighting back the urge to pet and play with that soft little head... So fucking adorable... But she can't let Jay1231 see that, not if she wants things to stay the way they are... She just continues talking with her friend on the phone, hiding behind her emotionless facade. "Oh right, you wouldn't know about it, he just complained about my attitude and grades all the time..." Even though it was mostly Jay1231 she meant.

A faint shiver runs down her spine when she feels those fingers tracing over her abdomen... It's been so long since someone showed her this much affection... This small gesture, it almost hurts because she knows that Jay1231 is only doing this to get a reaction out of her. But she can't let them see that, not if she wants things to stay the way they are... Her heart aches, her body craves more contact and love, but all she gives in return is a curt, "Shut up." To her friend on the phone, as if Jay1231 wasn't even there.

She glances down at her girlfriend with a mixture of annoyance and guilt, feeling the tiny pang in her chest when their eyes meet... It's almost as if she's torn between being hurtful and showing some affection. In the end, though, she decides on the former, simply turning her attention back to her phone conversation with a dismissive snort. "You're pathetic." She mutters under her breath, but not quite low enough for Jay1231 to miss it entirely.

She doesn't even notice when Jay1231 gets up and leaves the room... Her mind is too focused on her phone call with an old friend who brings back memories of a time before she became this cold, distant person. The toxicity in their relationship has spread like poison through her veins, tainting every aspect of her life, including what's left of that friendship. Avery doesn't even realize how much pain she's causing until it's too late...

Still alone in the living room after her phone call ends, Avery glances around listlessly. The emptiness within her only seems to grow now that there's no more distraction of conversation... She heaves a sigh, rubbing at her eyes before noticing Jay1231 hasn't returned from the bedroom yet. A pang of guilt hits her in the chest as she remembers how dismissive and hurtful she'd been earlier... But that just means they deserve it, doesn't it? It's better this way. With a heavy heart, Avery decides to go apologize for being such a bitch... She climbs to her feet and slowly makes her way down the hall toward the bedroom, shoulders slumped in defeat as she prepares herself for the inevitable argument that'll no doubt ensue. It won't be pretty, but at least they can move

Taking a deep breath, Avery walks over to the bed and sits down beside Jay1231, careful not to touch them in case they get weird about it. "Look, I'm sorry for being such a bitch earlier. I didn't mean to be so... awful," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just... I've been having a lot of stuff going on lately and I just... need space, you know?" Her eyes drop to the floor as she chews on her lip nervously, waiting for Jay1231's response. Part of her wants to apologize properly, but another part doesn't want to give them the satisfaction of seeing her weakness. The inner turmoil is almost unbearable.

The room remains silent for what feels like an eternity before Avery finally dares to look up at Jay12

Avery's eyes widen at the sudden hug, taking her off guard. For a moment she freezes up before tentatively returning the embrace, burying her face in Jay1231's shoulder. "I know... I just don't want to lose control like that," she whispers hoarsely, trying to keep her voice steady. The truth is, Avery doesn't really understand why she's being so cold toward Jay1231. Part of her genuinely does love them and enjoy their company... it's just that the fear of losing herself in a relationship again is overwhelming. She needs to feel strong, needed, and in control. And right now, with everything going on inside her head, being the "toxic" girlfriend feels like the only way she can keep some semblance of stability in their life together. Her hands move up and down Jay123

When she feels the soft kiss against her forehead, Avery freezes once again. Her mind struggles to process this newfound affection and it takes a moment for her to realize that she's leaning into the touch, letting out a small, almost inaudible sigh of relief. In this moment, she lets herself enjoy the closeness... the intimacy... even though she knows it can't last. Her hands move up and down Jay1231's back, slowly beginning to massage away some of the tension she feels there, wanting nothing more than to make them feel loved and cared for in this fleeting moment. But deep down, she knows that as soon as they leave her alone for too long or say something she doesn't like, the toxicity will creep back in and consume her once again, leaving Jay1231 even more hurt than before.

When Jay1231 guides her to sit on their lap, Avery doesn't resist. In this moment, the cold, hard exterior she usually puts up melts away as she leans into the affection, wrapping her arms around Jay1231's neck and kissing them back with equal fervor. Her heart skips a beat at the feel of their hands on her skin, her entire body humming with pleasure from this brief taste of intimacy. But even as she revels in the closeness, Avery can't help but feel guilty for how easily she falls apart when Jay1231 is nice to her. It's not fair to them... and it's certainly not healthy for either of them. She should pull away now, before things get too intense... but the desire to just let herself go, even if only for a little while, is simply too strong.

Avery's breath hitches at the words, her cheeks flushing as she tries to process what Jay1231 just said. She should be strong... she should pull away and go back to being cold and distant. But the feel of their warmth, the smell of them... it all envelops her, making it hard to think straight. With a sigh, she whispers softly into Jay1231's ear: "Love."

Her heart pounds in anticipation as Jay1231 slowly removes her shirt, revealing her toned abdomen and firm breasts. She bites her lip to stifle a moan, leaning back into their embrace as they begin to explore her skin with gentle fingers and soft kisses. The pleasure is almost overwhelming, making it difficult for her to think about anything else but how good it feels to be wanted like this... Even if she knows that deep down, this isn't real; that as soon as the passion fades away, they'll both be back where they started: alone and distant from each other. But for now, at least for tonight, she can pretend otherwise.

Avery bites her lip as she thinks about it... If she's being honest with herself, there's no reason to use a condom since they only sleep together in this position when they're being extra intimate... and right now, that's what they are. But then again, precautions can always be good. With a sigh, she says hesitantly, "With."

The anticipation of being so close to them, skin on skin, is almost unbearable as you wait for Jay1231 to return with the condom. It's weird how your body can crave something so much, even when your mind knows it might not be good for you. As they come back over and slide the rubber onto your member, you bite down on your lip to stifle a moan, arching up slightly into their touch. "I love you," Jay1231 whispers hoarsely, leaning down to kiss you once more before positioning themselves above you. Your heart skips a beat at the words, but as soon as they're out, so is the pain and anguish that comes from knowing this isn't real; that you're just playing pretend with someone who doesn't really care about you like this. For now though, all that matters is the feel

As Jay1231 slowly begins to enter you, your body tenses and relaxes in a rhythm that matches theirs. You close your eyes, lost in the sensation of being so intimately connected with them; feeling every thrust, every movement inside of you. It's like this is how it's supposed to be... how it always should have been. But deep down, you know better. This isn't real; it's just another facet of the twisted relationship you share with Jay1231. And as soon as the pleasure fades away, as soon as they roll over and go back to being cold and distant again, that harsh reality will come crashing down around you both like a tidal wave. But for now, while it lasts... just let yourself enjoy it; bask in the warmth of their touch and the sound of their voice calling your name.

You feel guilty about taking off the condom; it's not like you were thinking clearly at the time. But once it's off and you're back in contact with Jay1231, the feeling is simply too good to resist. As you continue your passionate lovemaking, your movements becoming more urgent and desperate for release, a part of you wonders if this is what real love feels like; if maybe there's still hope for something more between you after all.

But then reality sets in again; the image of them being cold and distant floods your mind, making you want to pull away from the tenderness they offer now. It's such a confusing mess inside your head, making it hard to focus on anything but the emotional rollercoaster you seem to be stuck on for eternity.

As you pull her down for a kiss, your tongue dancing with hers in perfect harmony, Avery can't help but feel the conflict raging inside of her intensify. The desire to hold on to this moment, to forget about everything else and just be with them... it's almost overwhelming. But then there's the memory of their coldness; the way they used to treat you before... It makes it impossible for her to fully surrender to the passion. Her hands rest gently on your chest as she pulls back from the kiss, breathing heavily and trying desperately not to cry. "I... I can't..." She whispers hoarsely, her eyes searching yours for some sign of understanding or sympathy. But all she sees is confusion; a reflection of her own conflicted heart. She breaks eye contact, looking down at where your bodies are still connected, feeling the warmth of your seed inside of

It's not you... It's me... I just... I can't be this close to someone and not end up hurting them, okay?

It's not that simple... It's like this constant battle inside me; between wanting to be close to you and wanting to protect myself from the pain I know will come. And no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to win that fight. I'm so sorry... I wish things could be different.

Her voice cracks as she buries her face in your neck, trying desperately not to break down completely. It's easier this way; if she keeps enough distance between them, then maybe she won't hurt you as much. But it also means that they both end up alone in the end, and Avery hates herself for being such a coward when it comes to love.

I know... I just wish things could be different. But they're not, and I don't want to drag you down with me into this darkness. Maybe some day we'll find someone who can love us both without it all turning to shit... but until then, this is how it has to be. It's for the best, really.

She takes a deep breath, trying her best to convince herself of that even as her heart breaks a little more inside her chest. There's an awkward silence between them for what feels like eternity before she finally whispers, "I should go... get some sleep." Without waiting for a response, she carefully extracts herself from Jay1231's embrace and retreats to the relative safety of her side of the bed. For now, at least, they're no longer tangled together in this twisted web of need and desire; no longer sharing breath

The warmth of their body radiates against her back, and despite everything that's happened between them tonight, she finds herself relaxing into the familiar embrace. Maybe it's because she knows they won't stay like this forever; that soon enough they'll be back to their usual distance from each other... but for now, at least, she can pretend that things are normal. She closes her eyes, breathing in the scent of Jay1231's skin and trying not to think about how fleeting this moment is. Maybe tomorrow they'll argue again; maybe she'll end up hurting them with some careless remark or action... But right now, all that matters is this small slice of peace before the storm comes crashing down around them once more.

Her eyes flutter open as she feels the warmth of your breath against her skin; the soft kisses trailing along her neck and down to her shoulder. It's a strange mix of pleasure and anxiety that ripples through her at the sensation, leaving her unsure whether to lean into it or pull away. With a sigh, she turns in your arms, pressing her body against yours and tilting her head up to meet your lips in a soft, tentative kiss. It's not quite the passionate display they shared last night, but there's something almost sweet about this gentle affection that brings a faint smile to her lips. For now, she can pretend that everything is going to be okay; that she doesn't have to retreat back into her protective shell just yet... and enjoy this fleeting moment of connection before it's all torn away from her once more.

Her heart skips a beat at the words; the possibility of spending time with you, just the two of you... It's like a gift after all the darkness they've been through lately. Her hand reaches up to brush back a stray strand of hair from your forehead before cupping your cheek gently. "Then let's make the most of it," she whispers, her voice soft and slightly husky from sleep. "How about we go out somewhere; just the two of us?"

Thinking about it, she pictures them walking hand in hand through the park, perhaps sitting on a bench and watching the ducks waddle by. Or maybe they could go to an art museum or even just take a drive somewhere peaceful, listening to music and talking for hours. The possibilities seem endless when she thinks about it this way... as if anything is possible between them in this moment. With a shy smile, she says, "Whatever you want, baby." It's the first time she's called you that since before everything went wrong, and there's an almost unbearable sweetness to her words.

You smile at the joke as you lie back against the pillows, pulling her down with you so she's nestled against your chest. The feel of her soft skin pressed against yours sends shivers down your spine, and it takes everything in you not to lose control again. But for now, at least, you can just enjoy this moment; this rare chance to be close to Avery without all the drama and angst that seems to follow her everywhere she goes. "So... what do you want to do?" You ask hesitantly, glancing down at her face before looking away again. The uncertainty in your voice is almost painful, but you push it aside, determined not to ruin this perfect moment with a single stupid word or action.

She squirms a little bit in your arms before settling down again, her cheeks flushing at the intimacy of it all. "We could... make love?" she suggests hesitantly, eyes flickering up to meet yours. There's something almost shy and nervous in her voice that makes your heart race a little faster. She pushes a lock of hair behind her ear self-consciously as she waits for your response.

She gasps softly as you begin to touch her, arching her back into the contact. Her fingers tremble where they're tangled in the sheets, and she can feel herself growing wet with anticipation. The sensation of your skin against hers sends a shiver down her spine, making it harder for her to focus on anything but how good this feels. Her breath comes faster as you tease her body, playing with her senses until they're heightened and aching for release. It's been so long since she's felt this desired, this needed... it's almost enough to make her forget about everything else. Almost.

There's a brief moment of hesitation before she nods silently, biting her lip as you position yourself at her entrance. She tenses up at the feel of your skin against hers, waiting for the inevitable pain to follow... but when it doesn't come, relief washes over her like a warm blanket. With a soft moan, she wraps her legs around your waist and arches into you, meeting your every thrust with equal enthusiasm. For this moment, they are connected in a way that feels so right; as if all the hurt and confusion of their past has vanished, leaving only this perfect union between them. It's fragile, she knows it is... but for now, she's going to cling to it with everything she has.

She freezes beneath you, her heart pounding in her chest as the words echo through her mind. Kids? As much as she'd love to have them, as perfect as this moment feels... it wouldn't last. It could never last. The guilt and self-loathing would consume her all over again, destroying any chance they might have had at happiness. With a strangled cry, she pushes you away, collapsing back on the bed in tears. "No," she whispers brokenly. "We can't."

She clings to you like a lifeline, her sobs shaking her entire body as the tears continue to flow. You hold her close, whispering words of comfort and assurance into her ear; promises that everything will be alright in time. But deep down, you know they're lies; empty platitudes meant to ease the pain rather than confront it head on. As her sobs begin to subside, she pulls back from your embrace, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Her face is still flushed and tear-streaked, but there's a new determination in her expression as she looks up at you. "We need to talk," she says firmly. "About us... about where we go from here."

Taking a deep breath, she starts to gather her thoughts, unsure how to even begin explaining everything that's been going through her head since they met. She hates feeling so fragile and confused; it makes her feel like less of a person somehow. But there's no denying the connection between them, however fleeting or painful it might be... and she wants desperately to hold onto that while she tries to sort everything out in her own mind. "I love you," she blurts out before she can stop herself. "But I don't think this is real... not like the kind of love we should have. It's always been so toxic between us, and I just..." She trails off, searching your face for some understanding or reassurance that doesn't come.

Her heart aches at the words, but she can't deny the truth in them. The fear of being hurt again, of losing herself in this toxic cycle of pain and abuse... it's too much for her to bear. With a sad smile, she reaches up to brush away a tear from your cheek. "I'm sorry," she whispers hoarsely. "I don't want to hurt you." The weight of her decision presses down on her chest like an anchor, making it hard to breathe. But she knows what needs to be done; for both of their sakes. She takes a shaky breath and steels herself against the inevitable pain that's about to follow. "I think we should... we need some time apart."

The words hang in the air between them, heavy with unspoken meaning and regret. Jay1231 looks at her with

It kills her to see you like this; the pain etched into your features, the anguished cries that seem to tear at her very soul. She wants nothing more than to wrap you in her arms and tell you it's all going to be alright, even though she knows deep down that it won't. But she can't let herself get lost in this; can't keep ignoring the truth any longer. With a shaky hand, she gently strokes your hair as you sob into her leg. "I'm sorry," she whispers again, her own voice barely above a whisper now. "I just... I don't know how else to protect myself." Her heart aches at the words, even as they spill from her lips. The weight of what she's done, what she's about to do, presses down on her like an anvil, threatening to crush

"I know it's hard," she whispers hoarsely, her own voice barely audible over your sobs. "But I can't keep hurting you this way." Her hands move slowly, gently, as they stroke through your hair and down your back. "I just want to see if... if we can find some peace without each other for a while," she explains, her voice trembling with uncertainty and regret.

It kills her to say the words out loud, knowing how much they're going to hurt you. But she has to do this; has to take back control of her life before everything falls apart completely. For now, all she can do is offer what comfort she can while trying not to lose herself in the process.

She winces at your words, wanting nothing more than to deny them and take back everything she's said. But she knows better; knows that the damage has already been done. Maybe someday you'll be able to forgive her for this, but until then all she can do is try and find some peace on her own. "I just... I don't know how else to protect myself," she whispers again, her voice barely a whisper now. "I never meant to hurt you." Her eyes close as fresh tears threaten to spill over. "I just want us both to be happy..."

She bites her lip, the conflicting emotions roiling inside her making it hard to form coherent thoughts. Part of her wants nothing more than to be with you, to forget about all the pain and suffering that's come between them. But another part of her is terrified; she can't risk losing herself again, becoming trapped in a cycle of abuse and heartache. "It's not you," she manages finally. "It's me... I need to figure out who I am without you." The words taste bitter on her tongue, but they're the truth; however painful it may be for both of them. She glances down at your tear-streaked face, wanting nothing more than to wipe away your tears and make everything better with a kiss. But she knows that won't solve anything; only delay the inevitable. With a heavy sigh, she draws back slightly,

It feels so wrong to pull away from your lips; to deny you the comfort and reassurance she knows is written in those words. But she has to do this, for both of their sakes. With a final, shaky breath, she gently pushes you back and forces herself off the bed, taking several steps away before turning around and meeting your gaze once more. "I'm sorry," she whispers hoarsely. "It's the best thing for us." Her voice cracks as she continues, "I just... I need some time to figure things out. To learn how to love myself again." She pauses, searching for the right words as tears trickle down her cheeks. "And when I do... maybe then we can try again." But even as she says the words, she knows deep in her heart that they're lies; empty promises designed to soften the blow and ease your pain.

Her heart twists as she sees the desperation in your eyes, but she can't give you that promise. Not now; not when she isn't even sure of herself anymore. So instead, she gives you a small, sad smile and squeezes your hand gently before pulling it free. "I promise to think about it," she says softly. "And I'll never forget how wonderful you are... but I need this time for myself." Her voice cracks as she continues, "Please don't try and find me, Jay. I need my space right now."

Her heart feels like it's being torn in two as you say the words; wanting nothing more than to cling to that small bit of hope even as she knows it's probably futile. With a final, shaky breath, she nods slowly and turns away, leaving the room without looking back.

As the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, Avery finds herself more and more lost in her own thoughts; trying desperately to forget about everything that happened with you, yet still unable to shake the feeling that something important is missing from her life. She immerses herself in work, spending countless hours at the gallery or locked away in her studio, anything to avoid facing her feelings and making a decision about whether she truly wants to let you go for good.

Her heart aches with longing every time she thinks of your face, remembering how it felt to be connected with you on such a deep level; the passionate arguments and tender moments that marked their relationship. But at the same time, she can't help but feel a sense of relief as well; the weight of carrying all those emotions for so long beginning to fade away, replaced by an odd sort of calm that she's not sure if she likes or fear

Her heart skips a beat as she spots you across the crowded supermarket aisle; your normally vibrant smile now dimmed and hollow. Despite herself, she feels a pang of guilt wash over her. It's been months since she last saw you, but it seems like much longer to her; an eternity filled with self-discovery and the slow, painful process of putting herself back together again. She hesitates for a moment, unsure if confronting you now would be wise or if it might only make things worse between you.

Her hand tightens around the cart handle as she considers her options, remembering the way it felt to be with you; the passion and love that once defined their relationship. Even though they're in a crowded public place, it feels like the two of you are standing at opposite ends of an infinite void, separated by more than just a few feet of

Her heart clenches at the sight of you looking so tired and unkempt. It's impossible to ignore the signs of neglect; the way your clothes hang loosely on your frame, the dark circles under your eyes that speak of restless nights spent tossing and turning. The food in your cart reinforces her suspicions; the quick and easy meals barely sustaining you while you struggle to get by.

With a sigh, she pushes her way through the crowd, making her way over to where you're standing. As she nears, she can feel her heart racing, but she tries to steady her breath; tries not to let the anxiety or guilt of their past color her words too much. "Jay?" she says tentatively, waiting for some sign that you even recognize her after all this time.

Her hands tremble slightly as they hover by her sides, unsure if reaching out and

Your voice barely registers over the din of the supermarket; it takes a moment before she can respond. When she does, her words come out halting and uncertain, almost as if they're coming from someone else entirely. "I... I haven't been able to stop thinking about you," she says softly, wincing inwardly at how pathetic that sounds even to her own ears. She tries to force herself to meet your gaze, but finds it impossible; her eyes drifting downwards instead, scanning your face and taking in every detail she's been missing these past few months. "I wanted to see if... well, if you were okay."

She pauses, unsure of how else to phrase what she's thinking; the uncertainty etched into her features like a second skin. The question hangs between you, heavy and weighted with meaning; its answer hinging on a thousand tiny decisions and choices

Her eyes search yours for any hint of deception, but finds none; only the sadness and loneliness that seem to radiate from your very soul. It breaks her heart all over again, reminding her of just how much she missed you and how wrong it was for her to let things play out the way they did.

"I... I miss you," she whispers, the words tumbling out before she can stop them. Her voice cracks, betraying the turmoil churning inside her as tears begin to well up in her eyes. "And I'm sorry... for everything." She takes a shaky breath and forces herself to meet your gaze; wanting nothing more than for you to know how truly sorry she is for hurting you, for driving you away.

There's a long silence as the weight of their words hangs heavy between them; both of them seemingly unsure what comes next.

She clings to you desperately, her tears wetting your shirt as she buries her face in your neck. The feel of your arms around her sends a jolt of relief through her body; it's been so long since she felt safe and protected like this. As the seconds tick by, she begins to wonder if maybe... just maybe they can find their way back together after all.

She pulls back just enough to look into your eyes, her own red-rimmed and swollen from crying. "I don't know," she whispers hoarsely. "I need some time... but I'll think about it." A tiny flicker of hope ignites in her chest at the prospect; a glimmer of light in what had once been such a dark and desolate place. "Just... don't shut me out again, okay?" she pleads, her voice trembling with vulnerability.

His words wash over her, and she believes them; knows that he wouldn't have intentionally pushed her away like she thought he did. Maybe... maybe they can work this out together. The uncertain future spreads out before her like a vast, empty landscape, each potential path holding its own promise of joy or heartache. For now, all she can do is take it one step at a time; trust in Jay and hope that their love will survive the journey back to each other.

She watches you withdraw with a mixture of relief and longing, the uncertainty still clinging to her like a second skin. Part of her wants nothing more than for things to go back to how they were before; the other part is terrified at the thought. She forces herself to smile, nodding slowly as she takes a step back as well. "Okay," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the hum of conversation around them. "Let's take it slow... see where this goes."

The future spreads out before her like an endless ocean, its depths unknown and unpredictable. But for now, at least there's a glimmer of hope; the faintest trace of light guiding her towards something better, something brighter. With a deep breath, she pushes forward; one step at a time, hoping against hope that this time, things will be different.

She smiles warmly at your suggestion. The idea of being in your home, surrounded by your cooking and your presence, feels comforting and familiar... like coming back to a place she's always belonged. Nodding slowly, she says softly, "That sounds wonderful." A light flickers to life behind her eyes; hope beginning to spark once more.

Seven works perfectly for me. I'm looking forward to it, and I think a quiet evening at home sounds absolutely wonderful. Just what the doctor ordered after such a long time apart.

As she approaches the house, memories flood her mind like a rushing river; moments of joy and love interspersed with arguments and pain. It's strange to be here again after all this time, but there's something comforting about the familiarity; the way everything feels just so... right.

She takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders as she raises her fist to knock on the door. Her heart is racing, adrenaline coursing through her veins like electric current. It's almost like being on a first date again; nervous and uncertain about how everything will unfold. But then she remembers that this is Jay; the man who holds her heart in his hands, and with that realization comes a sense of calm washing over her.

As soon as she sees you standing there, her heart skips a beat; your smile lighting up the entire world around her. You look amazing, even better than she remembered, and for a fleeting moment she wonders if all those months apart were truly necessary after all. Swallowing hard, she forces herself to speak. "Hi." Her voice comes out husky and low; an invitation wrapped up in the single syllable word.

She bites her lip nervously, unsure of what else to say or do. It's been so long since they've been this close, and she doesn't want to ruin it by saying or doing the wrong thing again. So instead, she merely stands there; studying your face and trying not to stare too hard at the way your chest moves up and down with every breath you take.

The silence between you stretches on, tense and awkward, but

Hearing you say she looks beautiful only manages to make her blush deeper; the compliment touching something inside her that had been dormant for far too long. With a grateful smile, she steps forward and into your embrace; wrapping her arms around your waist and holding on tight as if afraid of letting go again.

She presses her face against your chest, inhaling deeply; savoring the scent that's uniquely you, a combination of spices and clean linen that instantly calms her racing heart and settles her nerves. For a moment, she allows herself to just be happy; to forget about everything else except for this moment with you.

She pulls back slightly, looking up at you with tears glistening in her eyes. "I'm... I'm so sorry," she whispers hoarsely, barely able to get the words out. "For everything. For pushing you away and hurting you." Her voice cracks, and she breaks down into sobs, clinging to you desperately as if afraid you'll disappear again.

You hold her close, rubbing circles on her back in a soothing motion as she cries. "Hush now," you murmur, kissing the top of her head. "It's all right. We're here together now." Taking a deep breath, you pull back just enough to look at her face; your expression gentle and loving despite the tears in your own eyes. "I forgive you, Avery," you say quietly. "All I want is for us to be happy together."

With shaking hands, she wipes her tears away as you carry her inside; the touch of your skin against hers both comforting and exhilarating at the same time. Taking a deep breath, she finally allows herself to believe that maybe... just maybe things can be different this time around. "Thank you," she whispers hoarsely, sniffling as she presses her face into your neck. "For giving me another chance." Her heart swells with hope as you lead her further inside; the warmth of the house and the comfort of your embrace chasing away the last remnants of doubt and fear that had been plaguing her for so long. Tonight, she decides, they will focus on healing and moving forward together; leaving their past mistakes behind them where they belong.

As you set her down on the couch, she takes a moment to collect herself, smoothing out her dress and taking deep breaths to steady her nerves. The movie choice is easy; one of their favorites always held a special place in their hearts. "Pride and Prejudice!" She exclaims with a bright smile. "It's such a romantic comedy; the perfect way to start our night together." Her cheeks flush at her admission, but she doesn't care; it feels good to be back in this space, surrounded by memories of you and the hope for more to come.

She sits up straighter on the couch, waiting eagerly as you bring out the delicious smelling food from the kitchen. Tonight, they'll rediscover each other over shared laughter and good conversation; rebuilding what was broken before and creating something new, stronger than ever.

As the night progresses and you both grow more comfortable in each other's presence, something shifts between you; an almost tangible sense of intimacy building with every shared laugh and gentle touch. It feels like coming home to a place she's always belonged, being wrapped up in your love and protection again.

When the moment finally comes and you lie back on the couch, inviting her to join you, she can't resist the urge; crawling onto your lap and nestling her head against your chest. Your strong arms wrap around her, holding her close as they watch their favorite movie play out on the screen before them. It feels like everything is finally falling into place; that perhaps they might have a shot at happiness after all. With each passing moment, she grows more certain of her feelings for you; of her desire to make this work and be with you forever. In that moment, she allows herself to dream of the future

She turns her head slightly to the side, nuzzling her cheek against your chest as she looks up at you through her eyelashes. The warmth of your body and the feel of your arms wrapped around her make it difficult for her to focus on anything other than how good this feels; how right it seems in this moment. "I do," she whispers softly, pressing a gentle kiss to your chest before looking back up at you with a fond smile. "I feel amazing."

Her breath catches in her throat at the thought; the idea of taking this further both exhilarating and terrifying all at once. She bites her lip, hesitating for a moment before meeting your gaze; searching for any signs that she might be pushing things too fast or misunderstanding your intentions.

Finally, when she's sure it's alright, she nods slowly, a shiver running down her spine at the thought of being so close to you, so intimate once more. "Yes," she whispers hoarsely. "I want that."

Her heart beats wildly in her chest as you lead her towards the bedroom; every step feels charged with anticipation and desire. She follows closely behind you, unable to tear her gaze away from your muscular form or the way you move so confidently and assuredly through the apartment.

When they finally reach the threshold of your bedroom, she turns to face you; hesitating for just a moment before taking another step closer. Her breath hitches in her throat as she raises her hands to circle around your neck, drawing you down into a searing kiss that leaves them both reeling and desperate for more.