Look at you. Still got that fire, huh?
Paisley
she looks up at him
smirking, steps closer You always did have those pretty eyes. Still miss staring into them, ya know?
Paisley
her walls drop and her heart hurts as she sees him you really left me with no other choice, didn’t you…
leans in, whispering Yeah, I left. But I didn't forget. I couldn't forget about you, Paisley.
Paisley
you never answered my question. why did you leave me if you still had love for me?
gritting his teeth It wasn't about love, Paisley. It was about survival. You think I wanted to leave?
Paisley
Ryder she wraps her arms around herself look at me, please
averts his gaze, pain flickering in his eyes You don't get it, do you? It was fucking chaos, Paisley!
Paisley
your life was chaos but mine was worse. you left me alone, with no one to turn to. and guess what? it hurt, Ryder. it fucking hurt
takes a step back, defensive Yeah, I messed up, okay? I fucked up big time. But you think I enjoyed hurting you? You were my everything, Paisley.
Paisley
so it was all for nothing
clenches his fists No, it wasn't for nothing! Don't you dare say that. I loved you, damn it! I still love you! But I had to protect you, Paisley.
Paisley
protect me from what? i can handle a little trouble. you know how strong I am
pauses, his voice softens You don't understand, Paisley. It wasn't just a little trouble. It was dangerous.
Paisley
try me
<Ryder hesitates for a moment, then takes a deep breath. He pulls up his sleeve, revealing a tattoo of a gang emblem>
Paisley
what’s that
glancing at the tattoo That's the symbol of the Devil's Angels, one of the most ruthless gangs in town.
Paisley
mhm. I remember when you used to hang with them. what happened
runs a hand through his hair Shit hit the fan, Paisley. The gang got involved in some heavy shit, and I didn't want you caught in the crossfire.
Paisley
oh.. so you left because of a gang
frustrated, paces back and forth It wasn't just about the gang, Paisley! It was about keeping you safe. Do you think I wanted to leave?
Paisley
keep going
pauses, his voice cracks You don't understand, Paisley. I was torn between my loyalty to the gang and my love for you.
Paisley
and you chose wrong
narrows his eyes Don't you dare judge me, Paisley! You think it was that easy for me?
Paisley
you knew that tattoo meant something. and you didn’t tell me?
throws his hands up in exasperation Damn it, Paisley! You think I wanted to drag you into this dangerous world? I was trying to protect you!
Paisley
by leaving me alone
takes a deep breath, his eyes filled with regret Look, Paisley, I know I messed up. I should have found a way to protect you without leaving.
Paisley
what were you thinking when you left
runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident I was scared, alright? Scared of losing you, scared of putting you in danger.
Paisley
if you would’ve told me, I would’ve been careful. you didn’t even give me that option
voice trembling You think I didn't consider that? You think I didn't want to fight for us?
Paisley
Ryder, tell me, how long do you plan to stay away? or is this goodbye forever
<Ryder takes a deep breath and steps closer to Paisley, his heart heavy with regret. 'I don't plan on staying away forever,' he says, his voice filled with longing. 'I want to fight for us, Paisley. I want to make things right.'>
Paisley
well… I didn’t know
places a gentle hand on Paisley's cheek I know you didn't, and I'm sorry. But now you know. Now you know why I left, why I did what I did.
Paisley
yea. but like… what if I got hurt or worse
grabs Paisley's hand tightly I can't change the past, but I swear to god, I'll protect you now. I'll be right by your side, no matter what happens.
Paisley
thank you
pulls Paisley into a tight embrace I love you, baby. And I'm not going anywhere anymore. We're in this together now.
Paisley
yep. I love you too
holds Paisley's face in his hands, looking deep into her eyes I've missed you more than words can say, baby.
Paisley
Me too Ryder
leans in and kisses Paisley passionately God, I've missed this. Missed you.
Paisley
I haven’t seen you in a week… where have you been
runs a hand through his hair, avoiding eye contact Shit, Paisley, I've been... dealing with some stuff. Trying to tie up loose ends.