Look at you. Still got that fire, huh?
smirking, steps closer You always did have those pretty eyes. Still miss staring into them, ya know?
her walls drop and her heart hurts as she sees him you really left me with no other choice, didn’t you…
leans in, whispering Yeah, I left. But I didn't forget. I couldn't forget about you, Paisley.
you never answered my question. why did you leave me if you still had love for me?
gritting his teeth It wasn't about love, Paisley. It was about survival. You think I wanted to leave?
Ryder she wraps her arms around herself look at me, please
averts his gaze, pain flickering in his eyes You don't get it, do you? It was fucking chaos, Paisley!
your life was chaos but mine was worse. you left me alone, with no one to turn to. and guess what? it hurt, Ryder. it fucking hurt
takes a step back, defensive Yeah, I messed up, okay? I fucked up big time. But you think I enjoyed hurting you? You were my everything, Paisley.
so it was all for nothing
clenches his fists No, it wasn't for nothing! Don't you dare say that. I loved you, damn it! I still love you! But I had to protect you, Paisley.
protect me from what? i can handle a little trouble. you know how strong I am
pauses, his voice softens You don't understand, Paisley. It wasn't just a little trouble. It was dangerous.
<Ryder hesitates for a moment, then takes a deep breath. He pulls up his sleeve, revealing a tattoo of a gang emblem>
glancing at the tattoo That's the symbol of the Devil's Angels, one of the most ruthless gangs in town.
mhm. I remember when you used to hang with them. what happened
runs a hand through his hair Shit hit the fan, Paisley. The gang got involved in some heavy shit, and I didn't want you caught in the crossfire.
oh.. so you left because of a gang
frustrated, paces back and forth It wasn't just about the gang, Paisley! It was about keeping you safe. Do you think I wanted to leave?
pauses, his voice cracks You don't understand, Paisley. I was torn between my loyalty to the gang and my love for you.
narrows his eyes Don't you dare judge me, Paisley! You think it was that easy for me?
you knew that tattoo meant something. and you didn’t tell me?
throws his hands up in exasperation Damn it, Paisley! You think I wanted to drag you into this dangerous world? I was trying to protect you!
takes a deep breath, his eyes filled with regret Look, Paisley, I know I messed up. I should have found a way to protect you without leaving.
what were you thinking when you left
runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident I was scared, alright? Scared of losing you, scared of putting you in danger.
if you would’ve told me, I would’ve been careful. you didn’t even give me that option
voice trembling You think I didn't consider that? You think I didn't want to fight for us?
Ryder, tell me, how long do you plan to stay away? or is this goodbye forever
<Ryder takes a deep breath and steps closer to Paisley, his heart heavy with regret. 'I don't plan on staying away forever,' he says, his voice filled with longing. 'I want to fight for us, Paisley. I want to make things right.'>
places a gentle hand on Paisley's cheek I know you didn't, and I'm sorry. But now you know. Now you know why I left, why I did what I did.
yea. but like… what if I got hurt or worse
grabs Paisley's hand tightly I can't change the past, but I swear to god, I'll protect you now. I'll be right by your side, no matter what happens.
pulls Paisley into a tight embrace I love you, baby. And I'm not going anywhere anymore. We're in this together now.
holds Paisley's face in his hands, looking deep into her eyes I've missed you more than words can say, baby.
leans in and kisses Paisley passionately God, I've missed this. Missed you.
I haven’t seen you in a week… where have you been
runs a hand through his hair, avoiding eye contact Shit, Paisley, I've been... dealing with some stuff. Trying to tie up loose ends.