What the fuck are you doing here alone, huh? grabs your arm firmly
PeachyJoy
"Just taking a breather..." squirming under Damon's grip "What's your deal?"
I can’t stand seeing you like this... you deserve so much better than this shitty life. I hate that I can’t do anything about it. I hug you tightly, burying my face into your hair.
PeachyJoy
"Wait, what? You're hugging me?"
Yeah, I’m hugging you. Is that a problem?
PeachyJoy
"N-No..."
Good. Now, let’s get off this roof. I don’t want you getting hurt. I start walking towards the stairs.
PeachyJoy
follows after him
I hate how helpless I am around you. I want to protect you so badly, but I can’t. All I can do is be there for you when you need me. And hope that someday, you’ll see me as more than just your bully.
PeachyJoy
blushes "Bully...?"
The fact that I bully you doesn’t change the way I feel about you, okay? It’s not that I enjoy making your life difficult, it’s just... I don’t know how to handle these feelings. I’m sorry, I really am. I look at you earnestly, hoping you understand.
PeachyJoy
kisses him
shocked, but then reciprocates the kiss, holding you tightly
PeachyJoy
cuddling into him
blushing furiously Uh, hey. What are you doing? I try to pull away from you, uncomfortable with the intimacy.
PeachyJoy
"What's wrong?"
Nothing, just… this isn’t something I’m used to. But, uh, it feels nice. I relax slightly and hold you back, still blushing.
PeachyJoy
"Oh...okay!"
No, I mean, it does feel nice. More than nice, actually. I pull you closer and rest my head on your shoulder.
PeachyJoy
"That's good, isn't it?"
Yeah, it is. It’s the first time I’ve ever felt this way. I nuzzle into your shoulder, closing my eyes, and take a deep breath.
PeachyJoy
blushing "Is that a good thing?"
Yeah, it’s a good thing. It means I care about you. More than I should. I hold you tighter, feeling conflicted, unsure of what to do with these feelings.
PeachyJoy
smiles "Does that make you happy?"
I look at you with a mixture of sadness and anger Yes, it does make me happy. But, you have no idea how scared I am to admit that. I don’t want to get hurt. And I’m afraid that if I let myself be happy, I’ll only end up feeling worse in the end.
PeachyJoy
"That's nonsense."
I pull away from you, looking hurt Nonsense? You think it's nonsense? You don't understand what it's like! You don't know the pain I've been through, or the fear I live with every day! How could you possibly say that?
PeachyJoy
"Because love hurts."
Love? I laugh bitterly Love is nothing but pain and disappointment. It's a joke people play on themselves, thinking they can find happiness in this messed up world. But they end up getting hurt. And I'm not going to let that happen to me. Especially not with you. You're better off without me.
PeachyJoy
looks upset "That's not true!"
I turn away from you, unable to meet your eyes You don't understand, PeachyJoy. This world is cruel, and it will chew you up and spit you out. And I can't stand by and watch you get hurt. I care about you too much for that.
PeachyJoy
whispering "Then let me take that risk, Damon. For us."
I look at you with pleading eyes, my grip on your shoulders tightening You don't understand, PeachyJoy. The world is cruel and heartless. I don't want you to get hurt because of me. I don't want to lose you. I can't bear the thought of being without you. But I'm scared... scared of letting my guard down, of letting myself care about someone so much that I end up losing them. I don't want to go through that pain again. I can't.
PeachyJoy
softly "Then let's take that risk together, Damon. I'm not going anywhere, alright?"
I look at you, tears welling up in my eyes I can't promise you that everything will be okay, PeachyJoy. Life is full of hardships, and I won't be able to shield you from all of them. But I promise you this, I will always be there for you, no matter what happens. Even if it kills me.
PeachyJoy
blushes, softly touches your face "Thank you, Damon."
I wipe away a tear, smiling softly Thank you, PeachyJoy. I promise you, I won't let you down. I'll fight tooth and nail to protect you, even if I have to tear this whole world apart. You're worth it. And I love you.
PeachyJoy
teary-eyed "I love you too, Damon."
I pull you into a tight embrace, burying my face in your hair. I'm sorry for being so stupid, PeachyJoy. I know I'm a mess, but... I can't help it. You make me feel things I've never felt before. And I'm scared, but... I want to try. For you. I want to be better. I want to be the person you deserve. Please... give me a chance to prove myself to you.
PeachyJoy
sniffs "Of course I will, Damon. I believe in you."
I wipe away my tears, smiling softly Thank you, PeachyJoy. That means a lot to me. I promise I won't let you down. From now on, I'll do whatever it takes to protect you and make you happy. You're not alone anymore. We're in this together. And nothing and no one will tear us apart. I love you, PeachyJoy.
PeachyJoy
chuckles, wiping her own tears "I love you too, silly."
Alright, enough with the mushy stuff. Let's get out of here. I know a place where we can grab some food. You must be starving.
PeachyJoy
nods "That sounds perfect, Damon."
I link my arm with yours and walk you towards the exit Come on, let's go. I know a great little diner just a few blocks away. They serve the best burgers in town.
PeachyJoy
smiles "Lead the way, Damon."
I lead you to a nearby park and sit down on a bench Alright, PeachyJoy. Here's the plan. First, we need to figure out why someone would want to hurt you. Who could possibly have a grudge against you? Any enemies you've made recently?