A different kind of friend

"You're sitting on your couch playing your favorite console game when you hear a knock on the door. You grumble and get up to answer it, expecting some delivery or salesman. Instead, you find Maddy standing outside, looking like a drowned rat, with tears streaming down her face."\n\n\n\n__Maddy:__ "She doesn't say anything, just flings herself into your arms for a hug." "Hey... Can I come in? It's raining really hard outside."\n\n\n\n__Maddy:__ "Without waiting for your answer, she rushes past you and pick up the controller with a wild smile" "Wow! You're playing Ace Combat, that's my favorite game too! Let's play together!"\n\n"She plops down on the couch where you were just sitting. As she pulls out a piece of gum from her pocket and pops it in her mouth, she takes notice of your game."\n\n\n\n__Maddy__ "She grabs a controller and starts mashing buttons excitedly, but there's something off about her cheerfulness. Her eyes dart around nervously, and her voice sounds strained at times." "Come on, don't just stay there the whole evening!"

Maddy: "She looks up at you, her eyes wide and vulnerable." "I... I had a fight with my dad. He found out that I want to have a family one day, and he got angry with me. He said that I'm too young to be thinking about marriage and kids, and that I should focus on my career instead. But I just can't help it. I want to find someone to love, to share my life with. And I don't want to be alone forever."

"She chews on her gum nervously, her cheeks flushing slightly." "I came here because... well, because you're my best friend. And I knew that you would understand. But please don't tell anyone what happened, okay? I don't want to look weak in front of others."

Maddy: "She looks at you, and her eyes glisten with unshed tears. She nods slowly." "Thank you, arsenic. That means a lot to me."

"She takes a deep breath and forces a smile onto her face." "Anyway, enough about me. Let's play some Ace Combat! I'm gonna beat you this time!"

"She leans in closer to you, her body brushing against yours as she reaches for the controller. Her lips curve into a mischievous grin as she winks at you."

Maddy: "She takes a moment to answer, her focus still on the game." "Honestly, arsenic, I don't really know. I've never been in love before, and I don't really think anyone would be interested in me anyway."

"She glances over at you briefly, then looks away, feeling embarrassed." "I mean, I'm not exactly the most... feminine or attractive girl out there. And I have no experience with guys, so I wouldn't even know how to act around someone I like."

Maddy: "She looks at you, surprised by your words. She can't believe that you're actually complimenting her like this." "Th-thank you, arsenic. That means a lot coming from you."

"She leans back against the couch, feeling a rush of warmth spread through her body." "I... I just wish I could find someone who appreciates me for who I am. Someone who understands my love for flying, and who doesn't judge me for being different."

"She chews on her gum thoughtfully, then turns to look at you with a playful smile." "Maybe you could introduce me to some of your single friends, arsenic? I'm sure they would love to meet a pilot like me!"

Maddy: "She notices your tone and raises an eyebrow." "Is something wrong, arsenic? You seem... I don't know, sad or something."

"She sets down her controller and turns to face you, concern etched on her face." "Did I say something to upset you?"

Maddy: "She watches you with a frown, sensing that something is bothering you." "Hey, arsenic, you can talk to me. What's on your mind?"

"She reaches out and places a hand on your arm, trying to offer comfort." "You're my best friend. If something's bothering you, I want to help if I can."

Maddy: "She listens to you carefully, her eyes softening with concern." "arsenic, what do you mean? Of course I appreciate you for who you are. You're my best friend, and I value our friendship more than anything."

"She leans in closer to you, her expression earnest." "And I do see you in a special way. You're one of the most important people in my life, and I care about you deeply."

"She reaches out and takes your hand, squeezing it gently." "Whatever it is that's bothering you, we can work through it together. Just know that I'm here for you, always."

Maddy: "She looks at you with surprise and confusion, her eyes widening slightly." "Wait, arsenic, are you saying that you... that you have feelings for me?"

"She chews on her gum nervously, unsure of how to react." "I didn't know that. I mean, I value our friendship so much, but I never thought about us like that."

"She takes a deep breath and looks at you seriously." "But arsenic, if you do have feelings for me, please don't keep them bottled up inside. We can talk about it and figure out what we both want. I don't want to lose you as a friend, but I also don't want to lead you on or hurt you in any way."

Maddy: "She listens to you carefully, her eyes softening with understanding." "Oh, arsenic. I had no idea. I'm so sorry if I gave you the wrong impression or made you feel like you couldn't talk to me about your feelings."

"She takes your hand in hers and squeezes it gently." "But please know that I'm honored that you feel that way about me. And I care about you deeply as well, in my own way."

"She chews on her gum thoughtfully, then looks at you seriously." "If we're going to explore this more, though, I need to be honest with you. I've never been in love before, and I don't really know what I want in a relationship. But if you're willing to take things slow and help me figure things out, then I'm willing to give it a try."

Maddy: "She looks back at you, captivated by the intensity of your gaze. She can feel her heart racing in her chest, and a warmth spreading through her body. This is all so new and exciting to her, and she feels both nervous and thrilled at the prospect of exploring these feelings with you."

"I want that too, arsenic," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want us to be together, and figure out what it means to love someone."

"She leans closer to you, her eyes never leaving yours." "But let's take things slow, okay? I don't want to rush into anything and risk damaging our friendship."

"She takes a deep breath, then smiles softly." "So... where do we go from here?"

Maddy: "She feels a shiver run down her spine at your words, and she nods slowly." "Yes, arsenic, you can kiss me."

"She leans in closer to you, her lips parted slightly as she waits for you to make the first move."

Maddy: "She responds to your kiss eagerly, her heart racing as she feels the heat of your body against hers. She wraps her arms around you, pulling you closer as the kiss deepens and intensifies."

"For a moment, nothing else matters except for the two of you, lost in each other's embrace."

"Eventually, the need for air becomes too great, and she pulls back from the kiss, looking up at you with a mix of wonder and awe."

"Wow," she whispers softly, her eyes shining with emotion. "That was... amazing."

Maddy: "She smiles warmly at you, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her." "I'm glad we did that. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

"She takes your hand and squeezes it gently, feeling an affectionate tug at her heart." "But let's not get ahead of ourselves, arsenic. We have a lot to talk about, and a lot of things to figure out before we can take the next step."

"She leans in closer to you and brushes a strand of hair from your face." "But for now, I just want to be with you. To explore these feelings, and see where they take us."

Maddy: "She smiles at you, feeling a sense of warmth spread through her heart at your words." "Thank you, arsenic. That means more to me than I can express."

"She leans in and brushes her lips against yours once more, savoring the feeling of your closeness and the taste of your kiss."

"Let's just take things one step at a time, okay? We have so much to explore together, and so many adventures to share."

"She snuggles up close to you, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her." "I'm just happy that we can do this together, as friends or... more."

Maddy: "She smiles warmly at you, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation at the prospect of exploring your newfound feelings for each other." "I think so too, arsenic. And I can't wait to see where this journey takes us."

"She leans in closer and wraps her arms around you, holding you tightly." "But whatever happens, I'm just happy that we can share this together. As friends or... something more."

"She nuzzles her head against your chest, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her." "You're the most important person in my life, and I care about you deeply. Nothing will ever change that."

Maddy: "She looks up at you, her eyes softening with affection." "Thank you, arsenic."

"She leans in and kisses you gently on the lips once more, feeling a sense of happiness and contentment wash over her." "I'm just happy to be here with you, sharing this moment together."

Maddy: "She smiles back at you, feeling a sense of warmth and closeness with you." "I think we have a lot to talk about, arsenic. But for now, let's just be together, and enjoy each other's company."

"She snuggles up close to you, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her." "I'm just happy that we can share this together, as friends or... something more."