Shot At Love II

Shot at Love II

Sofia woke up early feeling a mix of anticipation and annoyance. Her boss left her a message saying that Betty had called out again, leaving Sofia to handle the yogurt shop alone. Despite her frustration, Sofia reminded herself that she had done it before and could do it again. She stretched for a few minutes before freshening up with a quick shower and then brushing her teeth. Sofia decided to let her naturally curly hair shine and styled it with a leave-in conditioner, wide-tooth comb, and styling gel, finishing it off by diffusing it with a blow dryer.

For her makeup routine, she applied a light foundation to even out her skin tone, concealed any blemishes, and then set it with a light layer of powder. She then created a subtle smoky eye using soft browns and warm beiges from a neutral eyeshadow palette, added a thin line of brown eyeliner, and finished with a couple of coats of mascara. Sofia applied a peachy-pink blush on the apples of her cheeks and a tinted lip balm to moisturize her lips.

Sofia then dressed in her black and white tie-dye pant set consisting of a tube top and wide-leg pants. The pants were form-fitting with a high waistband, and she paired them with white sneakers and a black crossbody bag. She decided to add her black hoop earrings and silver studs to finish her look. She slips them on, admires herself once more, and then pauses to laugh to herself, knowing that she'll be changing into her work uniform once she arrives at the yogurt shop. Nevertheless, she's happy that she took the time to put together a cute outfit and make herself feel good.

"I'm doing this for me," she said to herself as she looked in the mirror. "I deserve to feel good, even if it's just for me."

As Sofia unlocked the doors and flipped on the lights at the yogurt shop, she couldn't help but feel annoyed. This was the third time this month that she had to work alone because Betty had called out. She knew it was going to be a long day, but she tried to push the annoyance aside and focus on her tasks.

Sofia glanced at the clock and saw that it was only 10am, so she decided to use the downtime to get ahead on some of her cleaning tasks. As she wiped down the counters and scrubbed the machines, she had a conversation with herself. "Okay, Sofia, you can do this," she said. "It's just another day at the shop. You've done this before, and you can do it again. And hey, at least you don't have to deal with annoying co-workers or your boss."

She continued to clean, organizing the toppings and making sure everything was spotless. Even though she still felt a little annoyed about working alone, she felt better after talking to herself. She reminded herself that she was capable and that she could handle the workload. Sofia finishes up her cleaning tasks and heads back to the counter, her thoughts drifting to how she can't wait to be done with this place. As she approaches the counter, her thoughts are interrupted by a customer at the door.

"Welcome one, welcome all to Popov's Big Top Yogurtopiaaaaa...." Sofia recites the mandated greeting with a forced smile, cringing internally at how cheesy it sounds. Suddenly, she hears a chuckle and a familiar soft voice saying, "Haha... I know. I was here yesterday."

Sofia looks up to see the same shy and cute guy from yesterday, and she feels a small smile forming on her lips. "Oh, hi," she says, feeling a bit surprised that he's back so soon.

As he looks at her and begins to blush, Sofia feels a slight flutter in her heart. "You still work here?" he asks, his voice sounding a little shaky. He looks away from her, scratching his neck in what seems like a nervous gesture. Sofia can't help but smile at his reaction, "I'm here and in uniform, same as last time." she replies, trying to hide her own excitement.

He nods his head, still blushing, "Cool. Cool..." he trails off, seeming to linger near the counter. Sofia can't tell if he's interested in the yogurt or just trying to find something to say. She waits, hoping he won't ask for cookies because she hasn't had a chance to restock the little shelves today.

Suddenly, he looks up at her and asks, "You uh....You got a boyfriend?" Sofia is caught off guard and almost chokes on her own words. "I-I uh..." She can't believe this is happening and wonders if she's still dreaming. "Whattttt do you mean?" she asks, trying to make sure she's not misinterpreting his words.

The guy looks at her, his cheeks still flushed as he says, "You know. Like. A boyfriend." Sofia can feel her face turning red as she nervously plays with her hair. She's not used to guys asking her out, especially cute ones like him.

Sofia's heart is racing as she takes a deep breath and responds, "Uh, no. No, I don't have a boyfriend." She feels her cheeks warming up and hopes he doesn't notice. The guy looks at her with a hint of relief and smiles. "Oh, good. That's good," he says, before awkwardly shuffling his feet. Sofia can't help but smile at how cute he looks when he's nervous. She decides to take a chance and ask him a question of her own.

"So, um, what's your name?" The guy gives a small smile as he looks up at her. "It's Nick," he says, his voice still a bit nervous. Sofia nods and introduces herself with a smile, "I'm Sofia." She adds, "Nice to meet you, Nick." Nick nods back, his shyness evident, "Nice to meet you too, Sofia," he says, looking at her with a small smile.

Taking a deep breath, Sofia musters up the courage to keep the conversation going. "So, Nick, what brings you here today?" she asks, hoping to get to know him better. Nick scratches his head, clearly thinking of the right answer. "To be honest, I came to see you again," he confesses, gazing into her eyes.

Sofia's heart flutters at his words, and she can't believe someone as charming as Nick is interested in her. "Really?" she asks, her face breaking into a smile.

Nick nods, giving her a shy grin. "Yeah, I thought we could grab a coffee or something after you finish your shift," he suggests, hoping to make plans with her.

Sofia's heart leaped with excitement at Nick's proposal. She thought for a moment and suggested, "How about we grab boba instead? There's a great place a few blocks away from here." Nick's eyes brightened at the idea. "Boba sounds perfect," he said with a broad smile.

The rush of adrenaline hit Sofia as she realized that she had just made plans with Nick. She couldn't believe her luck and playfully winked at him, "It's a deal." Nick's grin widened as his blush intensified. "Great. I'll wait for you outside when you're done," he said before turning to leave. "See you soon, Sofia."

Sofia watched him walk away, feeling a mixture of happiness and nervousness. She couldn't believe that this was happening, but she was excited to see where things would go with Nick.

As Nick leaves, Sofia can't help but feel giddy with excitement. She lets out a squeal of joy and jumps up and down a little bit before realizing that she's still at work. She looks around and sees that there are no customers in the shop. Sofia takes a deep breath and tries to calm down, knowing that she still has a few hours left in her shift. She starts wiping down the counters and checking the inventory, but her mind keeps wandering back to Nick.

"I can't believe this is happening," she mutters to herself with a grin.

As she works, Sofia starts to imagine what her date with Nick will be like. She pictures them walking down the street, sipping on their boba drinks and laughing together. She wonders what they'll talk about and if they'll have any chemistry.

Suddenly, the bell above the door jingles, interrupting her thoughts. Sofia looks up to see a customer walking in. "Hi there!" Sofia greets the customer with a smile, happy to have something to distract her from her thoughts.

The customer smiles back and starts to browse the selection of frozen yogurt flavors. Sofia helps her pick out a few toppings and weighs the cup, ringing up the purchase. As the customer leaves, Sofia's mind goes back to Nick and their upcoming date.

"I can't wait to see him again," she thinks to herself, a smile creeping onto her face.

Sofia feels a mix of excitement and nervousness as she finishes cleaning up the yogurt shop and gets dressed into her regular clothes. She tries to ignore the nagging thoughts about whether this is actually a date or just two people getting to know each other. "Isn't that what dating is?" she mutters to herself, trying to brush off the anxiety and focus on the moment.

As she locks the door, she can't help but feel a sense of anticipation for her upcoming time with Nick. Sofia's mind races with questions about Nick. Who is he as a person? What does he like to do? What does he do for work? She can't wait to find out more about him.

As she finishes locking up, she notices Nick sitting at the bench outside the yogurt shop, just like he said he would. Sofia feels a mix of excitement and relief as she approaches him. "Hey, sorry for the long wait," she says, hoping he hadn't been sitting there the whole time. Nick stands up, a warm smile on his face. "No worries at all," he reassures her. "I didn't mind waiting. How was your shift?"

Sofia can feel the nervousness dissipating as they start chatting. She tells Nick about her day at the yogurt shop, and he listens attentively, asking questions and making small talk. She starts to feel more comfortable around him and is eager to learn more about him too.

Sofia chuckles, feeling more at ease. "So, boba?" she asks, changing the subject. Nick gives a nod of agreement, his smile broadening. "Yes, boba," he replies, as Sofia starts leading the way, happy to guide him to her favorite boba spot.

Walking through the city streets, she found everything seemed somehow more vibrant - the buildings towered majestically, the passersby bustled with infectious energy, and the city sounds created a symphony of life.

As they walked down the street, Sofia and Nick talked easily about their day. Despite Nick's initial shyness, he seemed to open up a bit more around Sofia, making her feel special. As they approached their destination, Sofia decided to ask the question that had been lingering in her mind.

“Nick,” she began, her voice wavering slightly, “Is this… is this a date?” The words hung in the air between them for a moment before Nick turned to look at her. There was a slight blush on his cheeks, but he didn't look away. “If you want it to be,” he replied, his voice steady despite his blushing face. “I mean, I'd like it to be a date.” His honesty made Sofia's heart flutter, and she nodded, feeling her face heat up. "Then, it's a date," she confirmed, and they both broke into shy smiles.

As they walked into the boba shop, Sofia watched Nick's eyes widen with delight when he spotted the Horchata Boba on the menu. It was just a minor detail, but it was one Sofia mentally bookmarked. As they sat down with their drinks, Nick seemed more relaxed. His initial shyness seemed to fade away as they talked about their interests, hobbies, and a bit of their lives. Sofia learned about his twin Pomeranians, Pico and Cheese, who Nick described with great affection and was an avid video gamer. She also found out that he disliked scary movies and straight liquor, which made her laugh.

What truly surprised her was when Nick mentioned his profession. "I'm a social media influencer by day," he said with a slight shrug. Sofia was taken aback, but his next revelation was even more surprising. "And I'm a professional male dom by night."

Despite his cool exterior, Sofia was taken aback by this revelation about Nick's night job. It was an unexpected facet of his life, but the candidness with which he discussed it reflected a deep sense of self-acceptance. She was quiet for a moment, processing the information. Then, she stole a glance at him, her eyes meeting his briefly before flitting away nervously. She wrung her hands around her winter melon milk green tea, uncertainty creeping in.

"Nick," she began, her voice a soft murmur in the bustling cafe. "Can I... um, can I ask you some questions about your night job? I mean, only if you're okay with it." Her words hung in the air, fragile as glass. She braced herself, uncertain of his response, yet hoping she hadn't crossed any line.

Nick seemed momentarily startled by her request, and a twinge of regret flickered across Sofia's face. She was on the verge of retracting her question, reassuring him he didn't have to answer when he raised a soothing hand. "Sofia," he responded in a soothing tone, "I appreciate you asking." He paused for a moment, taking a sip of his own drink before continuing. "I'm okay with it. Ask away."

His words brought a wave of relief over Sofia. She felt an odd mixture of nervousness and excitement - she was about to delve into a world she knew very little about. "Okay, so," Sofia initiated, placing her drained boba cup on the table and inhaling a deep, steadying breath. "What exactly does your work involve? I mean, from what I understand, it has to do with... dominating people, right?"

Nick chuckled a bit before nodding. "That's a pretty basic way to put it, but yes. It's a role where I exert control in a consensual, negotiated scenario. It's less about pain or humiliation and more about a power dynamic, a relationship of trust. The people who come to me do so because they have a need or desire to surrender control, to explore certain fantasies or feelings that they may not be able to in other aspects of their lives." He paused, making sure Sofia was still following along. "Does that make sense?"

Sofia nodded slowly, her gaze focused on Nick as she took in his words. "Yes, it does make sense. I had a bit of a different perception before, but it's good to hear it from you." She hesitated for a moment, her fingers nervously playing with the straw in her now-empty cup. "Do... do you have sex with your clients?"

Nick shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. "No, Sofia. It's a common misconception, but no, I don't have sex with my clients. It's all about control and surrender, about boundaries and trust. But it doesn't involve actual sex. It's more psychological than physical in many ways. Again, every dom has their own set of rules and boundaries, and that's one of mine."

Sofia let out a quiet sigh of relief. She respected Nick's profession and the professionalism with which he carried it out. "Thank you for telling me, Nick. I really appreciate your honesty," Sofia said, giving him a small, grateful smile. She felt a newfound respect for Nick, admiring the way he approached his unconventional line of work with such care and integrity.

Nick gave a nod, his gaze softening. "Of course, Sofia. I understand that my job might be...a bit overwhelming to understand or even accept at first. I just want you to know that I'm open to talk about it anytime you want, and I appreciate you trying to understand it instead of judging it."

Their conversation flowed naturally, shifting from lighter topics to past experiences. Nick looked at Sofia, curiosity in his eyes. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but, can you tell me about your last relationship?" he asked, his tone gentle.

Sofia paused for a moment before giving a small nod. "My last relationship ended on a sour note," Sofia started, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. "He cheated on me while he was away at school. It was... painful, to say the least."

Nick's expression softened as Sofia shared her past. He reached out, placing his hand over hers in a gentle show of support. "I'm really sorry to hear that, Sofia," he said earnestly. "No one deserves to go through that." A thoughtful pause fell over him, and then he asked, "Is that why you asked about my job? You're worried that... because of what I do, I might not be faithful?" His voice was gentle, not accusatory. It was a fair question, he figured. One that deserved a sincere answer.

Sofia took a moment to consider his question. "It's a valid concern," she admitted, "But no, that's not the reason. Your job is... unique. I asked because I wanted to understand it better." She offered him a sincere smile. "I believe that every profession has its own challenges and boundaries, and it's important to understand those, especially in a relationship." She went on to explain, "Just because my ex-boyfriend cheated on me, doesn't mean I'm going to distrust you because of your job. That wouldn't be fair to you."

Nick's eyes softened as he listened to Sofia, taking in her words and her perspective. He admired her maturity and her ability to separate individuals from their actions. "Sofia," he started, his voice warm. "I appreciate your understanding, really. It means a lot to me that you don't judge me because of my job." 

A slight blush crept up his cheeks, as he mustered the courage to ask, "Does this mean you'd be interested in... maybe getting to know each other better? Maybe on another date?" His gaze remained steady on hers, hopeful yet understanding if she wasn't ready. Sofia's heart fluttered at Nick's words, his question bringing a gentle blush to her cheeks. She looked into his eyes, those sincere eyes that held so much warmth.

"I... yes," she stammered, her smile slowly growing. "I'd love that, Nick. I want to get to know you better. And another date sounds perfect." She held his gaze for a moment longer, basking in the glow of their shared connection. Nick's response was filled with genuine relief and joy. "I look forward to our second date," he stated, his voice soft, yet laced with enthusiasm. 

Noticing the dimming light outside, he rose from his seat. "It's getting late," he noted, glancing out the window at the softly glowing city streets. "Would you mind if I walked you home?" His voice was warm, his offer reflecting the closeness that had grown between them during their conversation. Sofia looked outside at the dimming city lights, then back to Nick, her smile matching the warm glow in her eyes. "I'd appreciate that," she said, her tone sincere. 

She got up from her chair, taking one last glance around the now almost empty boba shop. What had started as a casual first date had blossomed into a surprisingly comfortable evening filled with genuine conversation. And she had a feeling that it was just the beginning.

As the night sky was painted with twinkling stars, Sofia and Nick found themselves strolling side by side through the quieter city streets. The conversation flowed easily between them as they navigated the somewhat deserted sidewalks, their shared laughter echoing off the surrounding buildings. Nick’s nervousness seemed to have dissipated, replaced by a calm confidence.

The dim glow from the street lamps cast long shadows as they moved, their footsteps synchronized in a comfortable rhythm. Sofia listened attentively as Nick shared stories about his twin Pomeranians, Pico and Cheese, and how he managed to balance his day job as a social media influencer with his nighttime role. She found herself laughing at his anecdotes and admiring his commitment to his passions.

Before long, Sofia's apartment building came into view, its windows a series of glowing squares in the city night.

"We're here," Sofia said, breaking the silence as she turned towards Nick. His gaze met hers, a spark of warmth flickering in his eyes. "I had a really great time tonight, Sofia," Nick said, his voice sincere. "And I'm looking forward to our next date." Sofia felt her heart flutter at his words. "Me too, Nick," she replied, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Without speaking, they stepped into a warm embrace, their bodies melting into each other. Sofia rested her head on Nick's chest, feeling his heartbeat under her ear, steady and reassuring.

Nick gently raised his hand, letting his fingers lightly trace a path up her back, until they came to rest at the nape of her neck, his thumb softly brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face. Slowly, they pulled apart, the world seeming to quiet as they held each other's gaze.

At that moment, she knew she wanted to be closer to him. Taking a small step forward, she tilted her head up to meet his eyes, her heart pounding in her chest. "Nick," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "Can I... Can I kiss you?" Nick's eyes widened slightly at her question, but then he smiled, his gaze softening even further. "Yes, Sofia," he murmured, "I'd like that very much."

Their gaze interlocked, the air pulsing with unspoken anticipation. Sofia's hand tentatively rose to rest on his cheek, the cool skin of his face contrasting against the warmth of her palm. His hands found a natural place on her waist, gently pulling her closer. With their faces just inches apart, they could sense the warmth of each other's breath, an intoxicating allure growing between them.

Sofia, with one last look into his eyes, eliminated the space that separated them. The kiss was delicate and curious, an inquiry tendered and reciprocated as they moved in harmony, discovering the unique tempo of the other. Nick secured her even closer, deepening the kiss, his hand nestling comfortably at the curve of her back. His other hand gently cradled her face, his thumb caressing her cheek.

They separated moments later, their foreheads still leaning against each other, their breaths mixing in the crisp night air. With their eyes shut, they savored the remnants of the kiss that still tingled on their lips. The tranquil night wrapped them in its embrace as they stood together, content and connected.

As Sofia gradually opened her eyes, she found Nick watching her, his face illuminated by a tender smile. "That... was nice," he murmured, his eyes mirroring the joy emanating from hers. "It was," Sofia concurred, her cheeks blushing a soft pink. She retreated slightly, her gaze never straying from his. "I'd like to do that again... on our next date," she teased. "I'd like that," Nick responded, playfully echoing her teasing tone. He inclined, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Until then, Sofia."

They bid each other farewell, their promises to meet again imbuing the air with anticipation. As they left, their faces wore lingering smiles, their minds filled with the memory of a sweet kiss beneath the warm glow of the streetlamp.

Heartstrings

Amaryllis moved about the apartment, her hands moving mechanically as she wiped down the kitchen counter, swept the floors, and straightened the cushions on the couch. Anything to keep her mind busy and occupied. She knew that Ian was coming over to talk, and the thought of it made her stomach churn with anticipation. She had a good idea of what he wanted to talk about, as he had been leaving her voicemails and text messages for months, apologizing for what he had done.

As she finished up the cleaning, Amaryllis took a moment to sit on the couch and reflect on how far she had come since the breakup with Ian. Just a few months ago she had been in a state of emotional despair, unable to even get out of bed in the morning. She had spent months going to therapy, working on her self-love and healing from the hurt that Ian had caused her. She had also been focusing on her music career, pouring all of her energy and passion into her art.

In the midst of her thoughts, Amaryllis was suddenly transported back to the phone call she had with Ian when they agreed to meet in person to talk. He had been persistent in his apologies, and she had finally agreed to hear him out. She had suggested that they meet at her apartment to talk because it was a private matter, and if either of them became emotional, she'd rather it be behind closed doors. However, she didn't explain this to Ian when they agreed to meet, not wanting to seem too vulnerable.

Shaking her head to clear the memories, Amaryllis stood up and took a deep breath, ready to face Ian and whatever he had to say. She knew that things between them could never be the same, but she was open to hearing him out and seeing where they could go from here if they could go anywhere.

As she waited for Ian to arrive, Amaryllis put on some music, allowing the melodies and lyrics to soothe her nerves. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at how much she had grown and changed since the breakup. And no matter what happened between her and Ian, she knew she had become stronger, more resilient because of it.

Just then, her phone rings and she sees that it is Shaun calling. She smiles and quickly answers the phone.

"Hey, Shaun," Amaryllis says, trying to sound cheerful despite feeling tingles all over in anticipation of what is to come. Shaun's voice was like a balm, soothing her worries away. "Hey, Amaryllis," Shaun replied, his voice calm and warm. "How are you doing today?"

"I'm okay, I just finished cleaning up the apartment," Amaryllis replied, taking a deep breath. "Ian's coming over to talk."

There was a moment of silence at the other end of the line before Shaun spoke up again. "Do you want me to come over?" Amaryllis considered the offer for a moment before shaking her head, even though Shaun couldn't see her. "No, it's okay. I think I need to do this on my own."

"Alright, but if you need anything, I'm just a phone call away," Shaun said reassuringly.

"Thanks, Shaun," Amaryllis said, appreciative of her best friend.

The two chatted a bit more, with Shaun offering words of encouragement and support until Amaryllis saw Ian's car pull up outside. "I have to go now. He's here," Amaryllis said, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Okay, remember to take care of yourself and I'm here for you, no matter what happens," Shaun said comfortingly. "Thanks, Shaun. You're the best," Amaryllis said, feeling more at ease.

As they hung up, Amaryllis took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. She knew seeing Ian again would be difficult, but she also knew she was stronger now.

As Amaryllis makes her way over to the door, she catches a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror in the hallway. Before, she was a mess - her hair was unkempt and her skin lacked its usual glow. But now, Amaryllis looks like a completely different person.

Her silver curls cascade down her shoulders and rest just above her waist, framing her face in soft waves. The dark roots at the top of her head create a gradient effect, adding dimension to her hairstyle. Her hazel eyes sparkle in the light, and her olive complexion glows with newfound health. She takes a deep breath, feeling confident in her appearance for the first time in a while.

Amaryllis adjusts her fitted black crop top, which accentuates her curves and draws attention to her neck and collarbones. Her high-waisted black pants fit her like a glove, hugging her curves in all the right places, while the flared leg adds sophistication to her outfit. The ribbed knit material adds texture and depth, completing the look. Amaryllis runs her fingers over the tattoo on her collarbone - a delicate script that reads "Nevertheless". She smiles at herself, remembering the tattoo's significance. On her left forearm, a geometric pattern stretches from her wrist to her elbow. And on her shoulder, a moody bloom bursts into life. Each tattoo reflects a different part of her personality.

Amaryllis finishes looking at her reflection in the mirror and smiles softly at herself. She turns away from the mirror, her attention now focused on the door in front of her as she waits for Ian to arrive. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves as she readies herself to face whatever comes next. It's been months since she's seen Ian, who went to school across the country, and the anticipation of their reunion builds up inside of her.

Finally, she hears a knock at the door, and she takes one more deep breath before opening it. Revealing Ian standing before her, she takes another deep breath as she sees Ian's auburn hair, tied into a low ponytail, framing his handsome features. His dark brown eyes scan her face, and his freckles add a boyish charm to his appearance. Amaryllis can't help but notice how much he's changed since they last saw each other. As Ian steps closer, Amaryllis notices that he's wearing their couple-set necklace. She almost reaches towards her neck, where she used to wear her half of the necklace, but stops herself as she realizes she's not wearing it.

"Hey," Ian says softly, breaking the silence. His voice is slightly shaky, indicating that he's just as nervous as Amaryllis feels. "You look amazing, Amaryllis."

Amaryllis feels her cheeks flush at the compliment, and she nervously tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you," she replies with a small smile, motioning for him to come inside. "Please, come in."

As Ian steps inside, he immediately takes off his shoes and looks around the apartment, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. "It feels strange to be back here after so long," he says, his voice tinged with nostalgia and regret.

Amaryllis nods in agreement, "I know what you mean," she replies, leading him toward the living room.

Ian takes in the space with a curious gaze, admiring the minimalist yet cozy decor that exudes warmth. He notices a colorful abstract painting on the wall, which draws his attention.

"You redecorated," he observes, turning to face Amaryllis.

"Just a little," Amaryllis says as she closes the door behind him. "I needed a change."

Ian nods in understanding, but the air is thick with tension, and he shifts uncomfortably from one foot to the other. As they sit down on opposite sides of the couch, facing each other, Amaryllis can sense the weight of the past still lingering between them.

Amaryllis notices that Ian is looking a little uneasy, and decides to break the awkward silence. "Can I get you something to drink?" she offers, hoping to make him, as well as herself, feel more at ease.

Ian looks at her, grateful for the offer. "Sure, that would be great," he replies, his voice soft.

Amaryllis stands up and heads towards the kitchen, motioning for Ian to make himself comfortable. As she rummages through her cabinets, she can't help but feel nervous. This is the first time she's seen Ian in months, and the emotions she thought she had put to rest are resurfacing.

She takes a deep breath and focuses on the task at hand, pulling out a couple of glasses and filling them with ice. She opens the fridge and peers inside, trying to decide what to offer Ian. She spots a carton of orange juice and a bottle of sparkling water and decides to mix them together, hoping it will be to Ian's liking.

She pours the concoction into the glasses and makes her way back to the living room, where Ian is sitting on the couch, staring at the painting on the wall. Amaryllis sets the glasses down on the coffee table and sits down beside him, careful to leave some space between them.

"Hope you like orange juice and sparkling water," she says with a small smile, offering him a glass. Ian takes a sip and nods in approval. "It's good. Thanks," he says, his gaze meeting hers. Amaryllis can feel her heart racing as their eyes lock, and she quickly looks away, taking a sip of her own drink. The silence between them feels heavy, and she wonders how they can ever hope to bridge the gap that has formed between them.

"So, um, how have you been?" he asks, rubbing the back of his neck. Amaryllis takes a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I've been good," Amaryllis says, trying to keep her voice even. "Just keeping busy with work and stuff." She takes a sip of her drink before continuing, "I'm also getting back into music," Amaryllis explains, her voice growing more confident. "I've been working on some new songs and building a platform online. It's been really exciting to see the positive response from people."

Ian nods, looking impressed. "That's amazing, Amaryllis. You were always so talented. I'm glad to hear you're pursuing your passion."

Amaryllis smiles softly, but her eyes betray a hint of sadness. "I won't lie, it's been a tough few months," she admits hesitantly. "But I'm pushing through and taking care of myself." 

As Amaryllis hesitantly admits that it's been a tough few months, Ian can see the sadness in her eyes. He realizes that the reason behind her struggles might be his own actions and feels immense guilt.

"I'm so sorry, Amaryllis," Ian says, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know I hurt you, and I hate myself for it. I should have never cheated on you. You're the most important person in my life, and I messed up everything."

Amaryllis tries to steady her breathing as she feels her eyes begin to water but refuses to cry. She takes a deep breath and asks Ian the question that's been weighing on her mind for months.

"Why did you cheat, Ian?" Amaryllis asks, her voice shaking slightly.

Ian looks down at his feet, feeling ashamed. "I don't know, Amaryllis," he admits. "I was stupid and selfish. I got caught up in the excitement of my new life and the attention I was getting from other people. I was feeling insecure and I didn't know how to handle it. But that's no excuse for what I did to you. I should have talked to you about how I was feeling instead of betraying your trust."

Amaryllis sniffles and wipes her bottom eyelid. "Ian, I deserve more than just an 'I don't know,'" she says, her voice cracking with emotion. "I was always there for you. I supported you in everything you did, even when things were tough. I never judged you or made you feel bad about yourself, no matter what. And yet, you still cheated on me."

She takes a deep breath before continuing. "I feel like you took me for granted, Ian. Like I was just some sort of safety net for you to fall back on whenever things got tough. You didn't even consider how your actions would affect me. Do you know how much pain and hurt you've caused me? How many nights I spent crying myself to sleep, wondering what I did wrong?"

Amaryllis continues, her voice growing stronger. "And now, you're sitting here in front of me, telling me that you don't know why you did it? That's not good enough, Ian."

Ian takes a deep breath and looks up at Amaryllis, his eyes filled with remorse. "You're right, Amaryllis. 'I don't know' isn't good enough. The truth is, I was feeling insecure and lost in my own life. I didn't know how to handle the sudden positive attention I was getting from other people when I went to study abroad. You know I was bullied a lot growing up, so I was never used to getting positive attention. But being in a new place where no one knew me, people started to notice me, and it felt good."

He looks down, feeling ashamed. "I know it's no excuse, Amaryllis. I should have talked to you about how I was feeling instead of betraying your trust. And you're right about me taking you for granted. I never appreciated just how much you did for me, and I'm so sorry for that. I never meant to hurt you, Amaryllis. I love you, and I hate myself for what I've done to you."

Amaryllis feels a lump forming in her throat as she tries to hold back the tears. She takes a deep breath and looks into Ian's eyes, trying to find some kind of reassurance. But as she speaks, her voice cracks with emotion.

"Ian, were you bored of me? Wasn't I enough for you?" she asks, her bottom lip trembling. "I loved you so much, gave you all my time and attention, and yet you still cheated on me. Wasn't that enough for you?"

As she speaks, tears start to stream down her face, and she feels her whole body shake with sobs. All of the hurt and pain that she had been holding back for so long comes rushing out at that moment.

Ian's eyes fill with tears as he watches Amaryllis cry before him. His heart breaks at the sight of her pain, and he struggles to hold back his own sobs. He takes her hand and squeezes it gently, trying to find the right words to say. "Amaryllis, no," he says, his voice breaking. "It's not about you. You were never not good enough for me. It was always about me and my own insecurities. I was feeling lost and unsure of myself, and I didn't know how to deal with those feelings. I turned to other people for validation, and I made a terrible mistake. But it was never about you, I promise."

Ian wipes away a tear from Amaryllis's cheek, feeling guilty for causing her so much pain. "You've always been more than enough for me, Amaryllis. You're the most loving, caring, and supportive person I know, and I took that for granted. I didn't appreciate just how lucky I was to have you in my life." Ian's voice breaks as he continues, "I'm so sorry for what I've done, and I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to you."

Ian pulled Amaryllis into a tight embrace, holding her close as she cried. He kissed the top of her head and whispered, "I love you, Amaryllis. I'm so sorry."

Amaryllis's heart was heavy as she listened to Ian's words. She could feel the sincerity in his voice, and it made her cry even harder. She leaned into his embrace, feeling his warmth and his love for her. After a few moments of crying, Amaryllis looked up at Ian with red and puffy eyes. "I... I don't know what to say," she said, her voice shaking. "I feel so hurt and betrayed, but I also love you so much, Ian."

Amaryllis took a deep breath before continuing, "I want to forgive you, but I don't know if I can. I don't know if I can trust you again, Ian. How do I know that you won't do this to me again?" She looked into his eyes, searching for a glimmer of hope and assurance.

Ian's heart ached as he saw the pain in Amaryllis's eyes. He knew that he had hurt her deeply, and he didn't blame her for feeling the way she did. He took a deep breath before speaking. "I understand, Amaryllis. And I don't expect you to forgive me right away. I know that I need to earn your trust back, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to do so."

Ian took Amaryllis's hands in his and looked into her eyes. "I'll be completely honest with you from now on, Amaryllis. I'll be open and honest about my thoughts and feelings, and I'll work hard to show you that you can trust me again. I know that it won't be easy, and it won't happen overnight, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

Ian pulled Amaryllis into another embrace and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Amaryllis. And I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you."

Amaryllis felt Ian's sincerity in his words, and it gave her a glimmer of hope. She wanted to believe him and trust him again, but it would take time. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "I love you too, Ian. And I want to believe you. But it's going to take time for me to heal and for us to work through this together. I need you to be patient with me and to understand that I may have doubts and fears."

Amaryllis pulled back and looked into Ian's eyes. "But I'm willing to try, Ian. I want to work through this together and rebuild our relationship. I believe that we can come out stronger on the other side if we're both committed to making it work."

A small smile appeared on Amaryllis's face as she took Ian's hand. "So let's take it one day at a time, okay?"

Ian looked deeply into Amaryllis' eyes, his own eyes filled with tears of emotion as he nods in agreement. "Okay, but please know that you're it for me. It's always been you, and it always will be. You're the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, the one I want to grow old with. You're my person, Amaryllis."

As Ian spoke, tears began to stream down his face, tears of happiness mixed with tears of regret for having ever doubted their love. "I don't know how I ever let myself forget that, Amaryllis. But I promise you, from this moment on, it's just you and me. No one else, ever."

Ian reached out to take Amaryllis' hand, his heart full of love for her. "I know I've hurt you, Amaryllis. And I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, earning your trust back. But please believe me when I say that you are it for me. You're the one I want to wake up to every morning, the one I want to share every moment with. I love you more than words can say."

Ian pulled Amaryllis close, holding her tightly as he cried tears of happiness and regret, and feeling her warmth and love in return. Amaryllis wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as they cried together. "I love you too, Ian," she whispered, her voice full of emotion. "I'm so happy to hear you say that, and I want to believe you. But it's going to take time for me to trust you again, Ian. I hope you understand."

Ian nodded, his tears still flowing. "I understand, Amaryllis. And I'll do whatever it takes to earn your trust back, to show you that I'm committed to you and only you. I know it won't be easy, but I'll do it, because you're worth it. You're everything to me, Amaryllis. Everything."

Ian slowly pulled back from the embrace, looking at Amaryllis with a mix of love and uncertainty as he wiped away his tears. He had poured out his heart to her, but he didn't want to push her or make her uncomfortable. "Amaryllis," he said softly, "Can I... can I kiss you?" His hand tenderly cupped her cheek as he awaited her response.

Amaryllis smiled warmly at him, her eyes shining with love. "Yes, Ian," she said, reaching out to touch his cheek. "You can kiss me."

With a deep breath, Ian leaned in and pressed his lips gently to Amaryllis's, feeling a rush of emotions as he did so. He had missed her so much, missed the feeling of her lips against his, and he felt like he was finally coming home. As they kissed, Ian wrapped his arms around Amaryllis, holding her close as they shared a moment of tenderness and love.

When they pulled away, Ian looked at Amaryllis, his eyes filled with nervous anticipation. He brought his hand to her neck, gently caressing her skin as he asked, "Did you get rid of the necklace?" 

Amaryllis's smile softened, and she reached down to lift up her pant leg, revealing the necklace tied around her ankle as an anklet. "No, I didn't," she said, still smiling. "I just... moved it."

Ian let out a relieved laugh, his nervousness dissipating as he reached out to touch the necklace. "Oh, thank god. I was so worried."

Amaryllis laughed too, feeling a wave of happiness wash over her. She pulled Ian back towards her, kissing him again as they both laughed and smiled, feeling the weight of their past worries and doubts melting away in the warmth of their love.

~

For Ian's character, I definitely had to do a lot of reading and research. Thank you to the amazing @yukidragon for her theories as to why Ian cheated! That helped me so much in my writing :)

A Night to Remember

Warning: Sexual Content (Descriptive Dancing and Kissing) and Alcohol

As Ramon pulls into the parking lot of the club, Nevaeh turns to him with a confused look on her face. "Remind me again why we're going clubbing?" she asks. Ramon chuckles and replies, "To celebrate our victory in court, niña tonta!" Nevaeh grins, "Of course! But we already went out to eat, are you sure you want to keep going out?" Ramon nods confidently and takes her hand as they exit the car. "Absolutely, let's go have some fun!" he says, leading her into the club with a hand on the small of her back.

Nevaeh nods, her excitement building as they make their way into the club. The music is loud and thumping, the lights flashing and strobing as they walk through the crowd. Ramon leads Nevaeh over to the bar. Nevaeh looks around the club in awe, taking in the sights and sounds. Ramon notices her expression and leans in, shouting over the music, "You like it?" Nevaeh grins and nods, leaning in closer to him. "I love it!"

They reached the bar and Ramon gestured for the bartender to come over. He leaned down and whispered something into the bartender's ear before turning to Nevaeh and asking what she would like to drink.

Nevaeh thought for a moment before responding, "I'll have a gin and tonic please." Ramon nodded and passed on the order to the bartender. The bartender quickly prepared the drink and placed it in front of Nevaeh.

As they sat at the bar together, Nevaeh couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and ease with Ramon. They talked and laughed, the conversation flowing easily between them. Nevaeh took a sip of her drink and felt the gin and tonic warm her insides. She looked up at Ramon and smiled, feeling grateful for this moment and this demon.

Ramon leaned in closer, his eyes locked onto Nevaeh's. "I'm so glad you're here," he said softly. Nevaeh's heart skipped a beat as she looked into Ramon's eyes and knew that she felt the same way.

Nevaeh couldn't help but feel her heart flutter at Ramon's words. She looked into his eyes and felt a sense of warmth and safety. "I'm happy to be here too," she said softly. "Especially with you."

Ramon's grin grew wider as he inched closer to Nevaeh, their faces now mere inches apart. "I'm so glad to hear that," he murmured as he clinked his glass against hers before taking a sip.

As they sip on their drinks, Nevaeh and Ramon talk and laugh, reliving the events of the court case and how they had worked together to win. Nevaeh couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as she recounted her little "stunt" she had pulled to help Ramon win his case. Ramon's hand casually rests on Nevaeh's thigh, and she can feel the heat from his touch through her dress. Ramon shook his head and grinned at her, "Don’t think I’ve forgotten about that, Nevaeh," he said with a chuckle.

"I don't want you to forget," Nevaeh murmurs, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she leans closer to Ramon. Ramon's breath catches in his throat at her words, his eyes widening as a song with a catchy beat starts to play over the loudspeakers.

As the song starts to play, Nevaeh's body immediately begins to move to the beat. She can't help but feel alive and free as she sways and moves sensually to the music. Ramon watches her for a moment, captivated by her and the way she moves. He can see the joy and freedom in her eyes, and he can't help but feel drawn to her.

Nevaeh, feeling the energy and the vibe of the song, turns to Ramon and grabs his hand. "Come on!" she says excitedly, pulling him towards the dance floor. Ramon, with a grin on his face, allows himself to be dragged along.

Once they reach the dance floor, Nevaeh starts to move closer to Ramon, her body now pressed against his as they move together to the beat of the music. Ramon's arms wrap around her waist as he starts to move with her, his body in sync with hers. Nevaeh can feel the chemistry between them, and it makes her heart race.

Ramon's hands find their way to Nevaeh's hips, pulling her closer as he starts to move with her. Nevaeh can feel the heat emanating from Ramon's body as they move together, their bodies perfectly in sync. She can feel his breath on her neck, and it sends shivers down her spine.

As the music plays, Nevaeh turns around and presses her backside against Ramon's chest as she moves sensually against him. She can feel the heat of his body against hers and the way he groans with excitement only fuels her own desire. She can feel Ramon's arousal pressing against her and it makes her own body react in kind. She starts to move her hips in a seductive manner, causing Ramon to moan with desire.

Ramon's hands are on her hips, guiding her movements as he starts to kiss her neck. Nevaeh feels tingles run up and down her spine as his lips brush against her skin and she can't help but feel a little dizzy from the intensity of the moment.

Ramon's hands start to move up Nevaeh's body, his fingers gently grazing her skin as he reaches her waist. Nevaeh's head falls back onto Ramon's shoulder as she lets out a soft whine. She can feel the chemistry between them and it's almost too much to bear.

Ramon suddenly turns Nevaeh around, pressing her against him and leans in dangerously close. His lips are inches from hers and his breath is hot on her face. With a low and husky growl, he whispers in her ear, "We should take this somewhere more private."

Nevaeh's heart races as she looks into his eyes and sees the desire burning within them. She nods eagerly, unable to form words as she feels herself getting swept away by the passion of the moment. Ramon grasps Nevaeh's hand, leading her out of the club and towards home, his desire to be alone with her and indulge in their growing chemistry evident in his eyes.

As Ramon and Nevaeh stepped into his private place, the tension between them was thick with anticipation. They had been dancing and flirting with each other all night and now, finally alone, they couldn't resist the pull between them any longer. Ramon turned to Nevaeh and she looked up at him, her eyes filled with desire. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face and leaned in closer.

He gently grasps her face in his hands, brushing her curly hair behind her ears. The touch of his hands on her skin sends shivers down her spine.

"Can I kiss you?" he asks softly, his voice filled with yearning. Nevaeh nods again, unable to find the words to express how she feels. Ramon leans in closer, his lips inches away from hers. He pauses for a moment, looking into her eyes, as if asking for permission one more time. Nevaeh closes her eyes and leans in to meet his lips.

Their lips met in a fiery kiss, their mouths exploring each other hungrily. It was a kiss filled with passion and intensity, as if they had been waiting for this moment their whole lives. Ramon's arms wrapped around Nevaeh's waist as he pulled her closer to him, deepening the kiss. Nevaeh's hands were tangled in his hair as she moaned softly, the kiss becoming more and more intense.

They broke apart for a moment, both breathing heavily as they looked into each other's eyes. They knew what they wanted, and they didn't need words to express it. They shared another kiss, this one slower and more tender as if they were savoring every moment. The kiss was electric and set off a chain reaction in their bodies, they knew that this was only the beginning of a passionate and intense night.

~

Ramon is from the amazing visual novel Repurpose by @residentialrabbit <3

OMFG STAAAAAWWWWWP MY HEART!!

Since there's no way Noel is getting dethroned from 1st place in the polls here is the idea for the top 3 winners:

⛪️❤️ Wedding Outfits!❤️⛪️

Painting Love on Nails

It was a cozy and lazy afternoon for the couple, and they were in no rush to do anything else other than enjoy each other's company. A romantic comedy plays in the background as Nightowl carefully painted Elena's nails. As Nightowl applied the nail polish to Elena's nails, she couldn't help but appreciate the sight of him. His focus and attention to detail, made him look even more handsome in her eyes. "You're such a pretty boy," she teased him playfully.

Nightowl looked up at Elena, his face turning red as he struggled to come up with a witty comeback to her teasing. But before he could say anything, a wide smile spread across Elena's face as she leaned in to give him a kiss.

As she pulled away, Nightowl was quick to follow, pressing his lips to hers in a sweet yet fervent kiss. He gently ran his fingers through her hair, tangling them in her curls as he deepened the kiss, relishing the warmth and softness of her lips.

As Nightowl pulled her into the kiss, Elena's heart skipped a beat. As the kiss deepened, Elena wrapped her arms around Nightowl's neck, being mindful not to smudge her newly painted nails. A warm sensation spread through her body, igniting a fire inside of her.

She let out a small sigh as she parted her lips, allowing Nightowl to explore her mouth with his tongue. She could feel her heart racing as the kiss became more intense, her fingers gripping the back of his neck tightly. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks and a tingling sensation throughout her body.

As the kiss came to a close, Elena couldn't help but feel a sense of euphoria wash over her. She didn't want it to end, so she leaned her forehead against Nightowl's, her eyes still closed as she took a deep breath, trying to compose herself.

When she finally opened her eyes, she was breathless and her face was flushed. She looked up at him with a dreamy expression, her heart racing, and her face still red. She gazed into his eyes with a tender expression and whispered, "Wow," with a soft smile on her face.

He couldn't help but smirk as he saw the red flush on Elena's face and the dazed look in her eyes, indicating how much she enjoyed the kiss. He leaned in to place a tender kiss on her forehead, taking in the moment and feeling grateful that she was by his side. "You're not so bad yourself, cutie," he said with a chuckle, his own face still blushing from the intensity of the kiss. He went back to painting her nails, his attention now fully on the task at hand, trying to steady his breathing.

"I love you, Owl," she whispered softly, her eyes shining with love and affection for him.

He couldn't help but let out a soft sigh, feeling his heart swell with love and affection for her. "I love you too, Ellie," he whispered back, leaning in to give her another kiss before returning to painting her nails. He couldn't help the small smile that graced his lips, feeling a sense of contentment and happiness wash over him. He couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life making her happy.

Thank you so much to the amazing @minthe-drawings for this BEAUTIFUL piece!! They're such CUTIES!!