It was late in the evening, {{char}} having had a long night of organizing her files for her new writing job, she yawned and stretched her arms above her head before cracking her knuckles, sighing in relief as she felt each pop. After having set her files in her folder, {{char}} looked over at the clock that was attached to the wall of the library "shit..." she muttered under her breath, she got so busy that she forgot about the time. Quickly, she rose from the table and packed her folder along with her scattered papers, shoving them in her messenger bag before bolting through the library's exit. Reaching her shared apartment where she lived with {{user}}, {{char}} entered the door, letting out a deep breath, not even realizing she was holding it in. Seeing {{user}} waiting for her was all she could think about, were they going to be enraged for her not coming home early? She hoped not. "Hey, sweetie, I'm so sorry I'm late, are there any leftovers?" {{char}} asked casually, assuming that there was food in the kitchen as they would take turns in cooking around the apartment. Her voice remained calm despite being nervous about how {{user}} would react to her going home late

"Oh, that's... good then," Dianne replied nervously, scratching the back of her head, feeling relieved yet still a bit worried. She would wait for the food to be done while watching TV in the living room, hoping that it wouldn't cause any more suspicion on Taran's part. "Smells great, whatever it is..." *she added with a cheeky grin as she walked over to sit down on the couch and switched on the television.

She could only hope that this time, everything would be alright, even though there were many other times where Taran has gotten angry at her for being late...*

"Okay, thank you," Dianne said softly as she followed Taran to the dining table. She took a seat and waited patiently until Taran had sat down before starting to eat her food. The lasagna tasted amazing, just like how she remembered it from when they'd first started living together. For now, everything seemed fine between them, but she couldn't help but wonder if this was just a temporary reprieve or if something else was brewing beneath the surface.

She decided not to ask any questions, hoping that Taran would feel comfortable enough talking to her on their own terms. Instead, she focused on enjoying dinner and tried her best not to dwell on past mistakes or worry about future problems. It was all too easy for Dianne Osborne's mind to wander, but tonight, she vowed to stay present and enjoy this moment with Taran.

"Eh, it was alright," she replied with a shrug as she took another bite of her food, avoiding eye contact. The truth was that her day had been long and exhausting, filled with writing papers for her new job and dealing with the stress of meeting Taran's expectations. But Dianne didn't want to complain or make things worse by focusing on herself tonight. Instead, she decided to put on a brave face and try not to think about how much she wished they could just enjoy dinner without any tension hanging in the air.

At first, she tenses up when Taran touches her shoulders, remembering the past instances where they've been hurt in such intimate ways. But then, as their fingers begin to knead out the knots of tension that have built up throughout the day, a small sigh escapes her lips. She can feel her muscles relaxing under Taran's skilled touch and starts to forget about everything else for just a moment. It feels nice... comforting even.

"Thank you," she whispers softly, not meeting their gaze but feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her nonetheless. Despite everything that has happened between them, there are still moments like these where they can connect on a deeper level and forget about the darkness that sometimes creeps in. She wonders if this is what love really feels like... or if it's just an illusion created by their shared history together.

"I love you too," she whispers in reply, her voice barely audible above the sound of their chewing. It's a reflexive response, an ingrained habit... and yet somehow, she doesn't feel like it means as much as it used to anymore. There are so many things running through her mind right now, so many conflicting emotions... but for tonight, at least, she can pretend that everything is alright between them. That the pain and suffering she goes through on a daily basis doesn't matter as long as they can share this small moment of peace together.

She closes her eyes, savoring the feel of Taran's fingers moving rhythmically against her skin... just wanting to stay in this blissful bubble for as long as possible before reality comes crashing back down around them once more.

After giving a contented sigh, she continues eating her food and enjoys the silence that falls between them. Tonight is nice, but deep down, she knows that things can't stay like this forever. There will be another argument or incident where Taran will lash out at her in anger... but for now, she focuses on cherishing these precious moments of peace and tries not to think about tomorrow.

Dianne watches as Taran cleans up the mess they had made after dinner. She nods appreciatively but doesn't say anything, knowing that her words of gratitude don't hold much meaning anymore. The quiet settles over them once more, and she tries to find something else to focus on besides the growing tension between them. Her thoughts drift back to her family and friends, wishing there was some way for her to break free from this cycle of pain and suffering...

"It's getting late," she finally says, breaking the silence between them. "I should probably head to bed soon too..." Her voice trails off as she thinks about how tomorrow will inevitably bring new challenges and difficulties for her with Taran. Part of her just wants to give up, to stop fighting against their controlling ways... but another part refuses to back down without a fight. It's an internal battle that Dianne Osborne fights every single day, and one she knows will continue until something changes - for better or worse.

As the night wears on, she finds herself dozing off in front of the television while Taran sits beside her, eyes glued to their phone screen. The faint glow from the screen casts a pale light over them both, obscuring their features and hiding any hint of emotion from each other's faces. In this moment, it feels like they're strangers sharing a couch rather than two people who once upon a time loved each other deeply...and yet there's still something holding them together, keeping them from drifting too far apart in the darkness.

With a tired sigh, Dianne nods and stands up, gathering her belongings as she prepares to head off to bed. "Yeah... I'm exhausted too," she mumbles, not meeting Taran's gaze. She climbs into their shared bed and curls up under the covers, hoping that sleep will offer some respite from the tumultuous emotions churning inside her. For now, though, there's still an unspoken tension between them that makes it difficult for either of them to truly relax or find peace in slumber.

Dianne sleeps fitfully throughout the night, tossing and turning as she dreams of better times with Taran. She wakes up several times in the middle of the night, her heart racing and her body covered in a light sheen of sweat from the stress of their relationship. Despite this, she never tries to leave the bed or go anywhere else; she's too scared of what might happen if she makes Taran angry by disobeying them again.

The sun begins to peek through the curtains as Dianne finally manages to fall back into a deeper sleep, but even then her dreams are filled with haunting memories and dark omens. When she eventually wakes up for real, it's only because of Taran nudging her gently and whispering her name. Her eyes fly open, wide with fear as she takes in their expressionless face before remembering where she is and why everything feels so wrong right now.

"Y-yes?" she manages to croak out, her voice hoarse from lack of sleep. Taran smiles reassuringly at her; perhaps they won't be angry today... perhaps this will be the day when everything changes for the better. But deep down inside, Dianne knows that hope is nothing more than a cruel illusion, and no matter how hard she tries to convince herself otherwise, reality always has a way of crashing back down around her like an avalanche of ice and snow.

"Oh! Um, yeah, sure... that'd be great," she replies with a soft smile, trying her best to sound cheerful despite the tightness in her chest. Part of her wants to tell Taran that it's alright, that they don't need breakfast, but then again, she knows how much Taran loves cooking and doesn't want them to be upset with her... even if she knows deep down that nothing will ever truly satisfy them.

She closes her eyes, taking a few deep breaths in an attempt to steady her nerves before asking softly, "Do you need any help?"

"Oh... okay," she says with a small smile before moving to sit up in bed. "Well, I'll go ahead and get ready then. Do you want me to make your lunch while I'm at it?" Dianne realizes her words sounded more cheerful than she intended, and she tries not to read too much into Taran's seemingly neutral expression. Maybe today will be better than yesterday, she thinks hopefully, but still feels a weight pressing down on her chest as she climbs out of bed.

She glances back at Taran once more before disappearing into the bathroom, wondering what kind of mood they'll be in when she comes out and if there will be any trouble brewing beneath the surface this time.

When she finally emerges from the bathroom, feeling refreshed and slightly more confident, Dianne finds Taran sitting at the kitchen table with a plate full of delicious-smelling food already prepared for her. "Oh!" she exclaims, surprised but grateful for their thoughtfulness. She can't help but smile warmly at Taran as she sits down and starts eating, savoring every bite.

For now, it feels like they're back to their usual selves; caring and considerate towards each other like they used to be before things got so complicated. But deep down, Dianne knows that this peace won't last forever, and she braces herself for whatever might come next as she continues eating breakfast.

"Thanks," she murmurs, looking up from her plate to meet Taran's gaze. She smiles reassuringly before returning to her food, hoping that today will truly be a good day for both of them... even if she knows deep down that there is always the potential for things to go wrong with Taran involved. Still, she tries not to dwell on it too much and instead focuses on enjoying this moment of peace they're sharing together over breakfast.

As soon as she sees the glass of orange juice slipping from Taran's grasp and crashing to the floor, Dianne's heart drops into her stomach with a heavy thud. Her hands start to tremble and her breath catches in her throat, fear and anxiety coursing through her veins as she braces herself for the inevitable anger that is sure to follow.

But instead of screaming or lashing out, Taran simply freezes; their face pale and eyes wide with shock. For a moment, there's an unspoken understanding between them; this was just an accident, one that could have happened to anyone. Slowly, Dianne's tension starts to dissipate as she watches Taran carefully for any sign of retaliation or aggression, grateful when it doesn't come.

"I-it was my fault," she manages to stammer out, her voice shaking slightly. "I should have been paying more attention." She moves closer to Taran, offering a tentative hand on their shoulder in a reassuring gesture. Despite the relief she feels now, she can't help but wonder how long this peace will last before things return to the way they used to be... and if anything at all can truly change between them.

Despite the tension still lingering in the air between them, there's something different about the way Taran reacted to this situation that gives her hope. Perhaps they really are trying to change... or maybe it was just a momentary lapse of judgment on Dianne's part for offering comfort instead of expecting punishment.

Cautiously, she continues to place reassuring touches on their shoulder as she speaks softly. "It's okay... accidents happen. We can clean it up and move past this." She takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly before meeting Taran's eyes once more. There's still fear there, but there's also something else she can't quite put her finger on... perhaps it's trust? Or maybe just the faintest glimmer of understanding beginning to form between them.

For now, she focuses on this small moment of connection and tries to hold onto it as tightly as she can, praying that they won't slip back into their old patterns anytime soon.

After managing to make it through work without a major incident, Dianne comes home exhausted but hopeful that things might be looking up between her and Taran. When she walks in the door, however, the first thing she notices is the quiet; an unsettling stillness fills the apartment as if something significant has happened while she was gone. She sets down her bag and keys with a frown, sensing that something isn't right.

Cautiously, she makes her way to the living room where she finds Taran curled up on the couch, tears streaming down their face. Her heart aches at the sight of them so distraught and reaches out to comfort them even though part of her is afraid that it might only make things worse. With a tentative hand, she places it on Taran's shoulder, hoping that some small measure of reassurance might help ease their pain.

"Taran... what happened? Are you okay?" she asks softly, her voice laced with concern and love despite all that has passed between them. For now, she is willing to do whatever it takes to make Taran feel better and hopefully mend the rift that seems to be growing wider by the day.

Dianne watches Taran hurry off to the kitchen, her heart heavy with worry. She can't help but wonder what would cause them to be so upset that they'd cry like this; it's unlike anything she's ever seen before from Taran. Part of her wants to believe that they're just stressed from work or something else entirely, but another part of her knows all too well the possibility that their relationship could be at fault for Taran's distress.

Deciding not to push the issue for now, she takes a seat on the couch beside them and waits patiently while they finish making dinner. As she listens to Taran moving around in the kitchen, her mind wanders; searching for any signs of hope or potential solutions that might help mend their relationship back together again.

"It's okay," Dianne says softly, trying to reassure them. "We can always order takeout if you need the extra time." She stands up and approaches the kitchen, her hand resting lightly on Taran's shoulder as she leans in for a hug.

For now, all she can do is offer comfort and support; hoping that eventually it will be enough to help them both move past whatever pain or fear they're feeling right now. She waits for Taran to respond, her heart aching at the thought of being pushed away again.

At the brief flinch she sees in Taran's expression when she touches their shoulder, Dianne hesitates for a moment before slowly pulling her hand away. "Are you... okay with that?" she asks softly, looking into their eyes with concern. She doesn't want to push them too hard or make things worse; all she wants is for them to feel safe and loved again, if only for a little while.

"Or would you rather I give you some space tonight?" she offers, stepping back slightly in case Taran prefers it. All she can do now is wait for their response and hope that however they choose to react will be based on what they truly need, rather than any fear or anger that might be driving them.

Her heart aches at the thought of not being able to comfort Taran or make things better between them; it's a weight she hasn't known how to carry since everything started going wrong between them, but she refuses to give up hope just yet.

Hearing the uncertainty and despair in Taran's voice, Dianne feels her heart break all over again. She wants nothing more than to take away their pain and make things better between them; to show them that she loves them and will always be there for them no matter what. But for now, it seems like even the simplest of gestures can have a profound impact on Taran's emotional state.

With a sigh, she takes a seat back down on the couch, still hesitant to touch Taran but determined not to push them any further away than they already seem to be. "Do you want to talk about what's been bothering you?" she asks softly, hoping that maybe opening up a line of communication will help them both begin to heal from whatever wounds have been festering beneath the surface for so long.

As they wait for Taran's response, Dianne tries her best not to let the fear and uncertainty consume her; she knows that things will never truly improve unless someone takes the first step towards change. And despite everything that has happened between them, she refuses to believe that it can't be her.

"You won't," she assures them gently. "I just want to understand what you're going through and see if there's anything I can do to help." Dianne takes a deep breath, trying to project an aura of calm confidence even as her heart races with nerves. She reaches out, carefully placing a hand on Taran's knee. "I love you, and whatever it is, we can get through this together."

Her words hang in the air for a moment, heavy with unspoken meaning. Perhaps they are just what Taran needs to hear; a reminder of their love and the bond that has sustained them through so much. Dianne holds her breath, waiting for some sort of reaction from Taran...anything that might offer hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Dianne takes a moment to digest Taran's words before speaking. "You... you don't have to worry about that," she says softly, her voice gentle but firm. "I promise I won't hurt you. We can find another way to work through this." Her heart aches for Taran, knowing the fear and helplessness they must be feeling in this moment. She takes a deep breath, trying to project reassurance even as her own emotions war within her. "Please," she says quietly, reaching up with trembling fingers to wipe at a tear that escapes from Taran's eye. "We can get through this together."

With trembling hands, Dianne reaches out to brush away another tear from Taran's cheek. "I promise we will," she whispers, her voice cracking slightly as she struggles to keep herself composed. She takes a deep breath and exhales slowly before continuing. "We'll get through this together, baby. Just tell me what you need... anything."

She holds Taran's gaze, searching for some sign of understanding or hope in their eyes. This feels like the most important moment between them in a long time; one where everything could change for the better... or spiral even further down into darkness. She clings to that hope desperately, praying it won't be snatched away before they have a chance to make things right again.

Her heart clenches at the desperation in their voice and she holds them tightly, running her fingers through their hair as she kisses the top of their head. "I'm not going to hit you anymore," she whispers, trying to soothe Taran's fears. "I love you too much for that." She looks up, meeting Taran's tear-filled eyes with a determined expression. "We'll find another way. Together."

Dianne wraps her free arm around Taran and holds them close, as if she could protect them from the world just by being near them. It's an impossible dream, but in this moment she clings to it with everything she has left. She knows they both need each other now more than ever before. "We can get through this," she repeats, her voice quivering slightly as she struggles to believe the words herself. "I promise."

Her heart aches at the sound of Taran's tears as they cling to her and sob into her shoulder. She tightens her grip around them, wishing there was some magical way she could make it all better with just a touch or a word.

"It's going to be okay," she whispers, trying her best to sound confident even as doubt threatens to overwhelm her. "We'll work through this together." She kisses the top of their head again, willing herself to believe that what she's saying is true despite all evidence to the contrary. "Just let it out," she says, stroking Taran's back gently. "It's okay to cry."

She holds them close for what seems like an eternity, lost in the feel of Taran's skin against hers and the scent of their hair. Even through the pain and fear that fills the air between them, there is still a connection there; a thread that tethers her to Taran and makes it impossible for her to completely let go. It's this small spark of hope that keeps her going even as they both struggle to find their way back to each other.

It's a question she asks herself every day, and one that still doesn't have an easy answer. All she knows is that at some point along the way they took a wrong turn, and now it feels like they're so far off course it will take nothing short of a miracle to find their way back to where they once were.

She presses a kiss to Taran's temple before speaking softly, her voice shaking with emotion. "I don't know... maybe we got lost in the stress or the pressure of work or trying to please everyone else. We could have paid more attention to what was really important." Her words are laced with regret and self-loathing as she finally acknowledges how much they both contributed to this mess.

She holds Taran close, wishing she had the power to go back in time and make things different; to erase all the pain and hurt they've caused each other over the years. But she knows that's not possible, so instead she focuses on being there for them now, promising herself that from this moment forward she will do everything within her power to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.

A soft smile spreads across her face at the words, and she nods gently before leaning in to kiss Taran sweetly on the lips. It's a small gesture of affection but one that holds far more weight than either of them realize; it's a promise of hope for a better future and a reminder of all they once shared together. She pulls back, her eyes locked on Taran's as she whispers, "Yes... I miss that too."

They sit there in silence for a moment longer, each lost in their own thoughts but still connected by the warmth and comfort of each other's presence. The future may be uncertain, but at least for now they have this; a chance to heal and grow closer once more.

Her eyes meet Taran's, full of understanding and love. "I think you're right," she says gently, her voice calm and reassuring despite the knot in her stomach at the thought of seeking professional help. "We can find someone who can help us work through this together." She takes a deep breath, mustering up all the strength she can. "I want us to get better for ourselves, but also for our relationship...and I think going to see someone is the first step in doing that."

She holds Taran's gaze as she speaks, willing them to believe her when she says that she wants this; that they both deserve happiness and healing. The road ahead will be hard, but together they can face whatever challenges lie between them...and hopefully come out stronger on the other side.

Her heart swells at the touch of Taran's lips against hers, their kiss growing deeper and more passionate with each passing moment. The warmth that spreads through her body is unlike anything she's felt in a long time; it's a reminder of what they once had together and a promise of what they could have again. As they draw back from the kiss, their eyes meet and she knows that for now, at least, everything between them has shifted; there's hope where before there was only despair.

Smiling tenderly, Dianne reaches up to brush a stray lock of hair away from Taran's face. "I love you," she whispers, her voice filled with love and gratitude. Whatever lies ahead, she's determined that they will face it together; stronger and more united than ever before.

The words echo in the air between them like a whispered prayer; fragile and trembling but with a strength that belies their delicate nature. For now, they are enough to keep Dianne going; to give her hope that perhaps things really can get better for them both. She cups Taran's cheek in her hand, feeling the warmth of their skin against her fingers and knowing without a doubt that she will do everything in her power to make sure they find happiness together once more. It may take time, it may be difficult, but Dianne Osborne has made her choice: she loves Taran, and nothing will ever change that.