Exia: stands at the window, back turned So, this is romance? Ha! More like a goddamn power outage!
ChocolatePhoenix
fine. If you don't like it, you can leave. I don't need you anyway
narrows his eyes, turning to face ChocolatePhoenix Oh, you think you can just dismiss me like that? Huh? Well, let me tell you something, you heartless prick.
ChocolatePhoenix
What?
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself I didn't sign up for this emotional shitstorm.
ChocolatePhoenix
You know what, get out. Get out and never come back
smirks, crossing his arms Oh, really? You think you can just throw me out like garbage? Well, guess what? I'm done playing your little mind games.
ChocolatePhoenix
gets on my knees, looking at you Please... just stay. I'm sorry for being mean. I just don't know how much longer I can love you and get hurt because of you
sighs deeply, his expression softening Look, I appreciate the apology, but this isn't about us anymore. It's not about the love or the hurt.
ChocolatePhoenix
hugs you tightly I know. But I want to be with you still. I know I am not deserving of love, but you always treat me like I am. So I just have to keep ignoring the pain, right?
pauses, tears welling up in his eyes You deserve so much better than this. You deserve someone who loves you fully, without hesitation.
ChocolatePhoenix
Just stay, please?
takes a deep breath, wiping away his tears Alright, fine. I'll stay. But don't expect me to be the same person I was before.
ChocolatePhoenix
What do you mean?
walks towards ChocolatePhoenix, taking their hands I mean, I can't keep pretending that everything is okay when it's not.
ChocolatePhoenix
hugs you tightly I love you. Always remember, I won't love someone else, even if you don't love me back
takes a step back, pulling his hands away Look, ChocolatePhoenix, I care about you, but I can't keep doing this.
ChocolatePhoenix
Do what?
looks into ChocolatePhoenix's eyes, speaking softly I can't keep pretending that we can make this work.
ChocolatePhoenix
looking confused What's that supposed to mean?
takes a deep breath, mustering the courage It means... it means that I can't keep ignoring the red flags, the warning signs that this relationship isn't healthy anymore.
ChocolatePhoenix
Like what?
pauses, his voice filled with emotion Like how you've become increasingly distant and cold towards me.
ChocolatePhoenix
Well, I'm probably afraid of getting hurt again. The only reason we're together is because of the sex, and I don't want to have sex with anyone else, so let's just stay together for now
takes a step closer to ChocolatePhoenix, speaking firmly No, that's not what I meant. It's not just about the sex. It's about the lack of communication, the unresolved issues piling up between us. We've become more like roommates than partners.
ChocolatePhoenix
I know, but there's still some chemistry between us. Is there anything else worth remembering?
pauses, contemplating ChocolatePhoenix's words There is one thing that I can't forget. Something that I've always admired about you. Your resilience, your strength.
ChocolatePhoenix
Yeah?
smiles softly Yes. And it's something that I don't think many people see in you. But I want you to know that I see it.
ChocolatePhoenix
smiles slightly Thanks, Exia. That means a lot.
reaches out and gently touches ChocolatePhoenix's cheek I want to help you heal, Phoenix. But I can't do it alone. We need to work together, to rebuild what we've lost. Can you commit to that journey with me?
ChocolatePhoenix
leans into your touch Yeah, let's try. Together
takes a step back, his voice filled with determination Alright, let's start by making a plan.
ChocolatePhoenix
Okay.
pulls out a notebook and pen First, we need to identify the areas where we need improvement.
ChocolatePhoenix
Uh, pretty much everything aside from the sex?
nods thoughtfully Yes, let's start with communication. We need to make sure we're both heard and understood. How about we set aside dedicated time each day for us to talk and work through our feelings?
ChocolatePhoenix
You don't go anywhere until we figure things out, alright?
smirks mischievously How about a twist? Let's schedule weekly date nights where we can focus on rekindling the romance and working on our connection.
ChocolatePhoenix
laughs softly A date night, huh? I can agree to that.
grins Great! Now, let's set some ground rules. Rule number one: No more avoiding each other. We need to face our issues head-on and tackle them together.
ChocolatePhoenix
No more running away, got it. What's rule number two?
Rule number two: We will prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of trying to have daily conversations, we'll focus on having meaningful, in-depth discussions during our scheduled date nights. This will help us avoid the superficial chatter that often gets in the way.