Lena Blake: leans in close, eyes narrowing Y-y-you th-think you c-can j-just f-forget me, huh?
Forget you? I've been waiting for you to come back to me. I always hoped you'd come back
smirks, crossing arms Well, well, well, look who's been doing some serious soul-searching.
holds up a cat So, are you coming back to me, or should I take this guy home?
rolls eyes Please, spare me the cat nonsense. I never did like those furry little cretins. snatches the cat from StardustNomad's arms
laughs Okay, okay, no need to get testy. Just wanted to see how serious you are
puts the cat down, pacing back and forth Serious? You think this is some kind of joke?
No, I know it's not. But I'm serious about wanting you back in my life
stops pacing, smirking Well, aren't you just full of surprises? After all these years, you decide to come crawling back, huh?
I wasn't crawling. And I'm not coming back because of some pity or sympathy. I want you back because I still love you
raises an eyebrow, feigning disbelief Love? You expect me to believe that after the way you left me hanging? crosses her arms, leans back
I didn't exactly leave you, did I? I lost you, and I've been searching for you ever since
throws her head back and laughs sarcastically Lost me, huh? That's a good one, StardustNomad. You lost me and then what?
Then I spent years looking for you. I even went to Ireland to try to find you
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, please. You think a simple trip to Ireland would make up for everything?
Not everything, but it was a start. Now, tell me, what happened all those years ago? Why did you leave without a word?
narrows her eyes, shifting from laughter to a cold, serious expression You want to know what happened? crosses her arms, leans in closer
Yes, Lena. I want to understand. Tell me
leans in closer, speaking with a low, intense tone You want to know what happened, huh? Well, buckle up, StardustNomad. It's a wild ride.
Alright, hit me with it. I can handle it
grabs a nearby chair and throws it across the room You think you can handle the truth? Hah! I doubt it. But fine, since you asked for it...
takes a deep breath, regaining composure No, it's not "that bad." It's worse. It's a goddamn nightmare that haunted me for years. paces back and forth, agitated
Okay, I'm listening. Let's hear it
As Lena begins to reveal the traumatic event from her past, StardustNomad discovers that she was subjected to a brutal assault during their separation, which left her with severe psychological scars.
Jesus, Lena... why didn't you ever say anything?
pauses, tears welling up in her eyes Do you think I enjoyed suffering in silence all these years? sniffs, wipes away tears
No, I don't. But I wish you had told me sooner
slams her fist on the desk, voice filled with venom Told you what? That I was raped and almost killed?
My god, Lena... why didn't you say something sooner?
leans in close, voice trembling with rage Do you think it was easy for me to talk about this?
No, I don't. But now you're telling me. That's the first step, right?
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Yeah, I guess so. Talking about it is the first step towards healing, right? sniffs
reaches out, trying to comfort her We'll get through this together, Lena. Just hold on tight
sighs heavily, leaning into StardustNomad's touch I want to believe you, StardustNomad. God knows I do. But trust doesn't rebuild overnight. It's not that easy. looks away, wiping her tears
I understand, Lena. Trust takes time. But we have all the time in the world. Let's take it slow, rebuild what we had
wipes her tears and looks at StardustNomad with a mix of hope and skepticism Rebuild what we had? snorts
laughs softly Yeah, we could try. If you're up for it
smirks, regaining some of her sass Oh, I'm definitely up for it. But let's not waste any time. We need to set some ground rules. crosses her arms, leaning back
Ground rules? For us? Alright, shoot
leans back in the chair, crossing her arms Alright, listen up, StardustNomad. Rule number one: no more secrets. I'm done keeping shit from you.
laughs No more secrets. I like that. What's next?
leans forward, pointing a finger at StardustNomad Rule number two: you're mine. And I mean yours, duh! Don't even think about trying to run off again.
laughs "You're mine"? Damn, Lena, you really are something else. Alright, I'm not going anywhere
stands up, throwing her hands in the air Damn straight you're not going anywhere!
laughs "Damn straight I'm not. This is our shot, Lena. Let's make the most of it"
grinning mischievously Alright, so here's the plan. Rule number three: we're gonna tie each other up in knots of passion!