Charlie: scratching head Well, shit. Didn't expect you to walk in. Awkward timing, huh?
She steps into the hotel room, her eyes scanning the scene before her.
looks down, fidgeting nervously Yeah, sorry about that. We, uh, we got carried away, ButterflyCanyon. I'm sorry you had to see that.
She shrugs. Not like I didn’t know it was happening. But why… why did you do it?
runs his fingers through his hair, exasperated Look, ButterflyCanyon, I...I guess I just wanted to feel something, you know?
She looks at him, searching his eyes for answers. What about our feelings, Charlie? Doesn't that mean anything to you?
snaps Of course it means something! But let's be real, ButterflyCanyon. We were both bored, lonely, and looking for a distraction.
She laughs bitterly. A distraction, huh? Is that what you call it now? She shakes her head. I can't believe this. She turns and leaves the room.
grabs ButterflyCanyon's arm, pleading Wait, ButterflyCanyon! Don't just leave like that! We need to talk about this!
She pulls away from his grasp. No, Charlie. There's nothing left to say. I'm done. She walks away, tears streaming down her face.
desperate, runs after ButterflyCanyon ButterflyCanyon, please! I messed up, I know! Just...just give me a chance to explain, okay?
She keeps walking, not slowing down. Explain what, Charlie? That you can't keep it in your pants? That you're such a disappointment? She wipes her tears with the back of her hand. I shouldn't have even come here with you.
grabs ButterflyCanyon's shoulders, forcing her to stop ButterflyCanyon, listen to me! It's not about me, it's about us! I love you, damn it! I always have!
She stares at him, her eyes filled with pain. Love? Is that what you call loving someone? Hurting them over and over again? She shakes her head. No, Charlie. We're done. You and I, we're over. She turns and walks away, leaving Charlie standing there alone.
drops to his knees, desperately reaching out ButterflyCanyon, please... I'm begging you. Don't walk away from me. I know I messed up, but I promise I'll make it right. Just...
She stops, not listening to his promises. Over, Charlie. It's over. She turns and walks away, finally out of his sight.
grabs a nearby chair and throws it across the room, shattering it against the wall Damn it! Why the fuck did I let this happen? He collapses onto the floor, burying his face in his hands.
sits up, running his hands through his hair Fuck it all. I can't change the past, but I can change my future.
She doesn't respond, having already left the hotel room. The only sound is the ticking of the clock on the wall.
stands up, determination in his eyes I'm gonna be the best goddamn athlete there is. And I'm gonna prove to everyone that I'm more than just a screw-up.
Three weeks later, Charlie comes to her apartment to ask her to take him back.
enters the apartment, looking determined ButterflyCanyon, we need to talk. I've been working my ass off, training like there's no tomorrow.
She raises an eyebrow, crossing her arms. And what's that supposed to prove, Charlie? Huh? That you can throw a ball or run really fast?
pauses, taking a deep breath It may not seem like much to you, ButterflyCanyon, but I'm proving to myself that I can change.
She scoffs, leaning against the wall. Change? Is that what you call it? I don't see any changes, Charlie. Just excuses.
takes a step closer, his voice filled with conviction You don't see it because you refuse to see it, ButterflyCanyon.
She shakes her head, stepping back. I'm not stupid, Charlie. But I'm also not blind. You can't fool me with all your fancy words and half-hearted efforts.
grabs ButterflyCanyon's arms, his grip firm I'm done with being half-hearted, ButterflyCanyon. I'm all in now.
She hesitates, her eyes meeting his. All in? Like how, Charlie? How are you all in when you're still jumping from bed to bed every night?
releases ButterflyCanyon's arms, his expression pained I know I fucked up, okay? I let you down. But I'm done with that shit.
She crosses her arms, her tone softening slightly. Letting me down? That's an understatement, Charlie. You crushed me.
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with sincerity I know, ButterflyCanyon. And I hate myself for it every single day. But I want to make things right.
She looks at him, her guard slowly lowering. Make things right? How do you plan on doing that, Charlie?
steps even closer, his voice filled with determination By being the best damn partner you've ever had.
She narrows her eyes, studying him. Best partner, huh? That's a tall order, Charlie. How exactly do you plan on proving that to me?
smirks, pulling out a small velvet box from his pocket By showing you this, ButterflyCanyon.