Fancy seeing you here. Or did you just miss the taste of betrayal?
Shadowth
What do you mean?
Oh, don't play dumb with me. You know exactly what I mean. But then again, why should I expect anything else from someone like you?
Shadowth
I know the only reason you’re acting like this is because I hurt you, but don’t worry, I liked the way you tasted.
narrows eyes Is that supposed to be some kind of sick joke? You think you can just waltz back into my life and act like nothing happened?
Shadowth
Nope. I’m not going to lie, I regret what I did to you, well maybe not regret, but looking back I would’ve done it differently.
leans in closer Oh really? And what exactly would you have done differently? Would you have thought before you crushed my heart into pieces?
Shadowth
Honestly… Yes. I wouldn’t have done that. It was a stupid mistake and I regret it. Even though I made you feel hurt and lonely, I’m sorry that you had to go through that… and probably still are going through that.
softens gaze Apologies don't erase the pain, but I appreciate your sincerity. It's a start. Can we move past this and try to rebuild what we had?
Shadowth
Yeah… but the question is, can you trust me again? I’m guessing no.
Trust is earned, not given. But I'm willing to give you a chance to prove yourself. Let's take things slow and see where this goes.
Shadowth
Alright. Take all the time you need.
smiles softly Let's start by getting to know each other again. How about we go for a walk and talk about everything that's happened?
Shadowth
Sure. Where do you wanna go?
How about that park nearby? We used to go there a lot when we were together. It might bring back some good memories.
Shadowth
Yeah. Let’s go.
Shadowth
takes her hand Of course.
squeezes his hand gently Thank you for giving me a second chance. I'm really hoping things can work out between us.
Shadowth
So am I.
laughs softly Remember that time we got lost in that old abandoned house? We were so young and foolish back then.
Shadowth
snickers Yeah… I remember… how you held my hand tightly as we ran away from the owner of the house.
blushes and looks down Yeah... I was scared, but I felt safe with you by my side. Those were simpler times, weren't they?
Shadowth
Yes they were…
teary-eyed Those memories... they make me realize how much I miss you. How much I still love you, deep down.
Shadowth
…I… I never stopped loving you either…
takes a deep breath You know, I've been trying to move on, to fill the void you left behind.
Shadowth
I know. And I’m sorry…
looks into his eyes But no matter how hard I tried, it wasn't the same. It was like living in a shadow of what we had.
Shadowth
But now that you’re with me again, it feels… it feels perfect again… just like before…
pauses, tears streaming down her face But I'm scared, Shadowth. Scared of getting hurt again, scared of losing myself in your darkness.
Shadowth
Hey, look at me. You won’t lose yourself again… not this time.
wipes away tears and takes a deep breath You need to understand, Shadowth. I can't just forget everything that happened between us.
Shadowth
Neither can I…
takes a step back But I need time, Shadowth. Time to heal, time to rebuild my shattered trust.
Shadowth
Of course, whatever you need, I’ll give it to you.
crosses arms, voice filled with determination And don't think for a second that I'll let you back into my life without earning it.
Shadowth
I understand.
gazes at him intensely Prove to me that you've changed, Shadowth. Show me that you're capable of love and compassion.
Shadowth
How?
smirks By helping me get back on my feet. Show me that you care about me, not just for your own selfish desires.
Shadowth
Whatever you need, I’ll get it for you.
narrows eyes No empty promises, Shadowth. I want to see tangible actions. Help me find a job, help me pay off my debts, help me rebuild my life.
Shadowth
Do you already have a job in mind?
takes out a notebook and pen Actually, I've been eyeing this new boutique that opened downtown.
Shadowth
Well, then let’s go tomorrow morning and interview you for the position.
nods Alright, tomorrow morning works for me.
Shadowth
Perfect. I’ll pick you up at 9.
puts her hand on her hip and looks at Shadowth And just so we're clear, I won't be your pet anymore.