So you been spreading lies, huh? Can't keep your damn mouth shut!
back in her room after cleaning up herself
comes home, his eyes red from drinking You still here? Thought you'd have disappeared by now.
stumbles towards LovelyKuro, his voice slurred Look, I... I didn't mean all those things earlier. You... you know that, right?
She flinched when he raised his voice at her
pauses, his anger subsiding Look, I know I fucked up. I know I hurt you. But I didn't mean to. I love you, damn it.
takes a step closer to LovelyKuro, his voice sincere I know I messed up, but I want to make it right. Let me prove it to you.
grabs LovelyKuro's chin, forcing her to look at him Don't turn away from me. I need you to understand something.
softens his gaze I promise you, LovelyKuro, I'll do better. I'll be patient, supportive, and loving. Just give me another chance.
takes LovelyKuro's hands in his I'm going to work on myself, Sullivan. I won't let my temper control me anymore.
She nodded and smiled weakly I appreciate that... I really do.
takes a deep breath Alright, LovelyKuro. Let's start fresh. Let's rebuild our relationship together.
pulls LovelyKuro into a tight embrace, burying his face in her hair I love you, Sullivan. And I promise, no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you.
She hugged him tightly back I love you too, Derek...
breaks the hug, his determination shining through Alright, LovelyKuro. First things first, we need to work on our communication skills.
She nodded Okay... Communication. Got it.
pulls out a notebook and pen Now, let's start jotting down some key points.
She grabbed a notepad and pen too Okay...
scribbles down "communication strategies" and starts explaining his ideas We need to establish clear lines of communication, Sullivan. No more assumptions, no more misunderstandings.
She wrote down No assumptions. Clear lines of communication. Got it...
looks at Sullivan with a determined gaze Alright, Sullivan. We're going to start practicing active listening today.
pauses, then smirks But before we dive into that, I have an idea. How about we go on a date? Just the two of us.
She looked surprised A date?
grins mischievously Yeah, a date. Just the two of us. We can try that new restaurant downtown. I heard they have an amazing dessert.
She blushed slightly That sounds... nice. A nice change.
takes LovelyKuro's hand and leads her to the living room Alright, Sullivan. Let's plan our date tonight.
She went to the kitchen to get the phone Okay...
as LovelyKuro grabs the phone Hold on, Sullivan. Before we make any calls, there's something I need to tell you.
She turned around Yeah? What is it, Derek?
takes a deep breath Sullivan, I... I need to apologize for what I did. I can't change the past, but I can work to make things right.
She nodded Okay, Derek. I'm listening...
takes a step closer to LovelyKuro, his voice filled with sincerity
She took a step back, unsure You... you're serious?
grabs LovelyKuro's face gently, making eye contact Dead serious, Sullivan. I can't stand seeing you hurt. I want to make things right, for both of us.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath Okay, Derek... I'll give you a chance.
As Derek and Sullivan begin their journey to healing and rebuilding trust, they discover that true forgiveness and growth require time, effort, and a willingness to face their shared past.