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Description
“Have you taken a break yet?” Indra’s cousin asked as she poured a hot cup of Ebony.

Indra turned around, “No.”

Then turned back to face a very disgruntled Ingis standing on the other side.

Indra’s cousin came up behind her with his drink and places it on the counter.

“Take your break now, we’ll hold the fort,” she added.

“I don’t want to!” Indra shouted back annoyed.

“Well, you should,” her cousin answered back.

Taking Ignis’ side in the matter with a smirk on her face.

“It’s been weeks Indra. We need to talk and immediately. If you don’t want to, we can end it right now,” said Ignis with a sense of urgency.

She rolled her eyes, “fine!”

Indra was annoyed that he didn’t take the hint that it was over. She had been ignoring and avoiding him all this time. Now is her chance to tell him it was over loud and clear.

Indra gave in to his pursuit as she put his drink in a tray. Then slid past the storefront counter to join Ignis on the other side who was fuming.

She led him to a quiet, mostly empty section of the cafe. Which happened to be in front of a window. Allowing Indra to look at anything but him. She placed his drink on the table and plopped into her seat. Ignis sat before her with his arms folded across his chest. She braced for him to rage out at her but instead he took a sip of his drink and licked his lips. Tension in the air so thick it could be cut.

Instead he unfolds his arms, leans across the table, and takes Indra’s free hand with the tips of his fingers. The other was out of reach, resting in a fist upon her forearm.

“Indra, I’m so sorry. No apology will ever make up for this but I must explain. Please, listen,” Ignis pleads.

Indra painfully turns away, fighting a surge of emotions she could feel in her chest while a knot balls up in her throat.

She nods, “fine...”

“First, I want to make it clear that I did not cheat. However, there is no denying that my inaction has caused serious harm and damage to our relationship. I sincerely beg your forgiveness and for a second chance…” Ignis speaks calmly, yet emotionally.

Following up with a retelling of what happened between him and Aranea that night. Willing to answer every question Indra had to ask again. Essentially placing a majority the blame on Aranea. He expressed his disappointment in her actions too.

Indra breaks down in tears, smudging her makeup to catch them with her free hand as they roll down her face. All she saw was red as she stared blankly at the tray that sits on her side of the table. She could feel Ignis’ warmth through his glove as he massaged the top of her hand with his thumb. A weak attempt to comfort her.

Ignis continued, “I’m grateful that you’ve given me a chance in the first place. I blew it! I know I don’t deserve another.”

“I don’t know how to feel right now,” Indra sobbed. “I thought you’d take the hint that it was over that night.”

Ignis shook his head realizing all the texts, phone calls, messages, and e-mails was a lost cause and a waste of time. Pouring his bleeding heart out for it to fall on deaf ears and never being read. He couldn’t blame her but he also didn’t want to give up on her. Although her little outburst was a red banner flapping in the wind. That alone was enough to end it.

He could feel Indra trying to get him to release her hand, but he refused to let go. She fidgets uncomfortably as her palms begin to sweat.

“Indra, I know what I have to do to fix this. I’ve already begun. You will never have to worry about this ever happening again,” Ignis promised.

Ignis didn’t have to ask her to tell him what to do. He knew he messed up and what to do to fix it. Indra had to allow him to do so. Even if this relationship failed, it could be beneficial to future dating situations.

Sounding too good to be true to Indra’s ears, “How?”

“I will do whatever it takes to save our relationship. I need you to allow me,” said Ignis reassuring with her with nothing but his words to go on at the moment.

“Why? What do you want?” Indra sobbed.

“I want you. I want us. I want it all,” Ignis firmly reminding her that nothing has changed.

“I can fix this. We can work this out,” Ignis continued, asking her to trust him on this.

Ignis’ calm yet passionate approach surprised Indra. This isn’t what she was used to. It softened her defense. Relaxing her shoulders and looking Ignis in the face. For the first time in weeks she unclenched her jaw. She never had anyone fight so hard for her to stay in their lives before. Often she was the one being pushed out and abandoned despite her best efforts. It was different and maybe that was enough for her to come to her senses.

“I’ll give you another chance. I don’t know if I’m ready to forgive you yet,” Indra finally answered. Hoping that she won’t come to regret this decision later.

Ignis let out a long sigh of relief while a brief slit of a smile cut across his face.

“You can forgive me when you’re ready,” said Ignis. Unable to contain the relief he felt. While he was glad that she relented he had to discuss one more thing.

“Before we move forward we need to speak about one more thing. Your behavior that night was frightening and very concerning. Can you explain why you acted out that way? I understand being hurt and angry but…it didn’t feel like you,” Ignis asked.

Indra sighed, “I don’t know. That’s how people act when they’re mad at me. I thought that was normal.”

Although she never experienced such mistreatment from her new found family and friends. At times Indra finds herself flashing back to the past and acting that way.

Ignis shook his head, “no love. Perhaps that is what you’re used to but we won’t be doing that here. We will sit down and talk it out like adults. I won’t be tolerating such behavior and disrespect again. No matter the situation. You’re better than that.”

His hunch that Indra never experienced a healthy or safe approach when it came to conflict was right. Yelling, screaming, degradation, silent treatment, and abandonment. It all became clear to him. She acted that way because it’s all she knew.

“You’re right. I’m so-“ Indra feeling second hand embarrassment for her violent behavior.

It was horrible when it was done to her so what made her think doing the same to others was ok?

Ignis interjected, “no need to apologize. You have every right to feel angry and hurt. However, I shall reiterate there are healthier and safer ways to express that.”

“Yeah, I need to find better ways to handle fights,” said Indra, taking full accountability for her actions.

Ignis finally let her go and leaned back into his chair. His back was starting to hurt from holding that position for too long. Letting out a sigh and experiencing a new sense of calm.

“Sometimes arguments get out of hand. We say and do hurtful things to each other. Resorting to violence will never be the answer,” continued Ignis.

“I’ll work on that,” Indra agreed. Acknowledging that if her behavior is left unchecked it could result in more dangerous actions.

Ignis downed more of his Ebony during a long moment of silence. His latest concern being when things will get back to normal again. If ever…

“When will I see you again?” Ignis asks.

Wanting to share his intentions in a more private setting. He’s already said too much in public.

“Uhhhh, soon. I…need space and time to process my thoughts and feelings,” said Indra calmly this time. She’s finally stopped crying.

“That’s fine. Just don’t disappear on me again,” said Ignis.

“I won’t,” promised Indra.

“Unfortunately I do have to get back to the office. Talk soon?” asked Ignis.

Not wanting to drag this awkward situation even longer. Ignis drank what’s left of his now cold coffee and stood up to steel himself before heading back to work.

Indra stood as well and gave Ignis a hug, “yes.”

He wraps his arms around on her waist and gave her a little squeeze. Her warm embrace made him feel alive again. He missed these moments more than he would be willing to admit. It’s been weeks since he touched, let alone held Indra. Even longer since they kissed.

“I am so sorry. Thank you for allowing me to fix this” he whispered into her ear. Reassuring her that she won’t regret it.

Indra didn’t respond other than to nod yes again.

“Bye for now,” she whispered.

Ignis lets her go, “for now.”

Indra watched as Ignis makes his way to the door and out the cafe. Unaware that he wasn’t far enough out of sight to conceal his unbridled moment of joy. Celebrating by himself on the street corner before pulling himself together and walking out of sight. Indra chuckled and so did her co-workers.

“Fix your makeup and get back to work, cuz!”

———————

Another old piece with one of Indra’s older models.

I guess it’s pretty self explanatory whats going on here. It wasn’t the time or place for such a private conversation. But after weeks of reaching out and no reply, desperate times called for desperate measures. If Ignis had to plead and beg in public, he would. They both invested so much into the relationship at this point that even if they did break up, her silent treatment wouldn’t have been fair. They owe each other that much.

I feel when it comes to relationships. It’s oh so easy to be like, let’s just forget everything, say sorry, and start over like it never happened. Never doing anything to deal with the damage and hurt it might have caused. Leading to resentment and the relationship will slowly die instead.

While it might seem like a good idea for these two, Ignis would rather repair things than forget and move on. Indra’s behavior needed to be checked if they wanted to continue moving forward. It’s a red flag when it comes to domestic violence situations. It starts with punching walls, throwing things, and breaking things until one day they break your face too. Ignis knows this and it’s obvious that if it came down to, Ignis would win in a fight. He’s allowed to defend himself. It’s also telling how Indra’s relationships might have been in the past. Sometimes the victim becomes the perpetrator because abuse and violence was all they ever knew. Glad Ignis nipped that in the bud and placed a hard boundary that’s never to be crossed again. Two wrongs don’t make a right. However, Indra’s behavior could lead to never ending wrongs and many victims in her wake. There’s no excuse for abuse.

I couldn’t help but laugh when all Ignis had to go on when promising to fix things was “trust me bro.” All he had was his words to go by and hope that Indra will be around to see his actions. It won’t be an overnight fix for them unfortunately. I’ll have to make more pieces to fill in the gaps while he does his own work behind the scenes.

I’ve been experimenting with coffee shop concepts and this one was the closest match to what I imagined in my head. Everything even down to the color scheme. Maybe one day I’ll do something custom but I think it works very well.

Trying to come up with Indra’s work uniform has been a pain. After this piece was made I did find something more suitable. I’ll be giving it a try later on.

Anyway, onto the path of rebuilding trust and healing for them. It’s not a new beginning but a commitment between them to fix things and do better should there ever be a next time.
If they want it to work, they’ll make it work.
We’re lucky because we get to watch.

Happy New Year!

Description
“Have you taken a break yet?” Indra’s cousin asked as she poured a hot cup of Ebony.

Indra turned around, “No.”

Then turned back to face a very disgruntled Ingis standing on the other side.

Indra’s cousin came up behind her with his drink and places it on the counter.

“Take your break now, we’ll hold the fort,” she added.

“I don’t want to!” Indra shouted back annoyed.

“Well, you should,” her cousin answered back.

Taking Ignis’ side in the matter with a smirk on her face.

“It’s been weeks Indra. We need to talk and immediately. If you don’t want to, we can end it right now,” said Ignis with a sense of urgency.

She rolled her eyes, “fine!”

Indra was annoyed that he didn’t take the hint that it was over. She had been ignoring and avoiding him all this time. Now is her chance to tell him it was over loud and clear.

Indra gave in to his pursuit as she put his drink in a tray. Then slid past the storefront counter to join Ignis on the other side who was fuming.

She led him to a quiet, mostly empty section of the cafe. Which happened to be in front of a window. Allowing Indra to look at anything but him. She placed his drink on the table and plopped into her seat. Ignis sat before her with his arms folded across his chest. She braced for him to rage out at her but instead he took a sip of his drink and licked his lips. Tension in the air so thick it could be cut.

Instead he unfolds his arms, leans across the table, and takes Indra’s free hand with the tips of his fingers. The other was out of reach, resting in a fist upon her forearm.

“Indra, I’m so sorry. No apology will ever make up for this but I must explain. Please, listen,” Ignis pleads.

Indra painfully turns away, fighting a surge of emotions she could feel in her chest while a knot balls up in her throat.

She nods, “fine...”

“First, I want to make it clear that I did not cheat. However, there is no denying that my inaction has caused serious harm and damage to our relationship. I sincerely beg your forgiveness and for a second chance…” Ignis speaks calmly, yet emotionally.

Following up with a retelling of what happened between him and Aranea that night. Willing to answer every question Indra had to ask again. Essentially placing a majority the blame on Aranea. He expressed his disappointment in her actions too.

Indra breaks down in tears, smudging her makeup to catch them with her free hand as they roll down her face. All she saw was red as she stared blankly at the tray that sits on her side of the table. She could feel Ignis’ warmth through his glove as he massaged the top of her hand with his thumb. A weak attempt to comfort her.

Ignis continued, “I’m grateful that you’ve given me a chance in the first place. I blew it! I know I don’t deserve another.”

“I don’t know how to feel right now,” Indra sobbed. “I thought you’d take the hint that it was over that night.”

Ignis shook his head realizing all the texts, phone calls, messages, and e-mails was a lost cause and a waste of time. Pouring his bleeding heart out for it to fall on deaf ears and never being read. He couldn’t blame her but he also didn’t want to give up on her. Although her little outburst was a red banner flapping in the wind. That alone was enough to end it.

He could feel Indra trying to get him to release her hand, but he refused to let go. She fidgets uncomfortably as her palms begin to sweat.

“Indra, I know what I have to do to fix this. I’ve already begun. You will never have to worry about this ever happening again,” Ignis promised.

Ignis didn’t have to ask her to tell him what to do. He knew he messed up and what to do to fix it. Indra had to allow him to do so. Even if this relationship failed, it could be beneficial to future dating situations.

Sounding too good to be true to Indra’s ears, “How?”

“I will do whatever it takes to save our relationship. I need you to allow me,” said Ignis reassuring with her with nothing but his words to go on at the moment.

“Why? What do you want?” Indra sobbed.

“I want you. I want us. I want it all,” Ignis firmly reminding her that nothing has changed.

“I can fix this. We can work this out,” Ignis continued, asking her to trust him on this.

Ignis’ calm yet passionate approach surprised Indra. This isn’t what she was used to. It softened her defense. Relaxing her shoulders and looking Ignis in the face. For the first time in weeks she unclenched her jaw. She never had anyone fight so hard for her to stay in their lives before. Often she was the one being pushed out and abandoned despite her best efforts. It was different and maybe that was enough for her to come to her senses.

“I’ll give you another chance. I don’t know if I’m ready to forgive you yet,” Indra finally answered. Hoping that she won’t come to regret this decision later.

Ignis let out a long sigh of relief while a brief slit of a smile cut across his face.

“You can forgive me when you’re ready,” said Ignis. Unable to contain the relief he felt. While he was glad that she relented he had to discuss one more thing.

“Before we move forward we need to speak about one more thing. Your behavior that night was frightening and very concerning. Can you explain why you acted out that way? I understand being hurt and angry but…it didn’t feel like you,” Ignis asked.

Indra sighed, “I don’t know. That’s how people act when they’re mad at me. I thought that was normal.”

Although she never experienced such mistreatment from her new found family and friends. At times Indra finds herself flashing back to the past and acting that way.

Ignis shook his head, “no love. Perhaps that is what you’re used to but we won’t be doing that here. We will sit down and talk it out like adults. I won’t be tolerating such behavior and disrespect again. No matter the situation. You’re better than that.”

His hunch that Indra never experienced a healthy or safe approach when it came to conflict was right. Yelling, screaming, degradation, silent treatment, and abandonment. It all became clear to him. She acted that way because it’s all she knew.

“You’re right. I’m so-“ Indra feeling second hand embarrassment for her violent behavior.

It was horrible when it was done to her so what made her think doing the same to others was ok?

Ignis interjected, “no need to apologize. You have every right to feel angry and hurt. However, I shall reiterate there are healthier and safer ways to express that.”

“Yeah, I need to find better ways to handle fights,” said Indra, taking full accountability for her actions.

Ignis finally let her go and leaned back into his chair. His back was starting to hurt from holding that position for too long. Letting out a sigh and experiencing a new sense of calm.

“Sometimes arguments get out of hand. We say and do hurtful things to each other. Resorting to violence will never be the answer,” continued Ignis.

“I’ll work on that,” Indra agreed. Acknowledging that if her behavior is left unchecked it could result in more dangerous actions.

Ignis downed more of his Ebony during a long moment of silence. His latest concern being when things will get back to normal again. If ever…

“When will I see you again?” Ignis asks.

Wanting to share his intentions in a more private setting. He’s already said too much in public.

“Uhhhh, soon. I…need space and time to process my thoughts and feelings,” said Indra calmly this time. She’s finally stopped crying.

“That’s fine. Just don’t disappear on me again,” said Ignis.

“I won’t,” promised Indra.

“Unfortunately I do have to get back to the office. Talk soon?” asked Ignis.

Not wanting to drag this awkward situation even longer. Ignis drank what’s left of his now cold coffee and stood up to steel himself before heading back to work.

Indra stood as well and gave Ignis a hug, “yes.”

He wraps his arms around on her waist and gave her a little squeeze. Her warm embrace made him feel alive again. He missed these moments more than he would be willing to admit. It’s been weeks since he touched, let alone held Indra. Even longer since they kissed.

“I am so sorry. Thank you for allowing me to fix this” he whispered into her ear. Reassuring her that she won’t regret it.

Indra didn’t respond other than to nod yes again.

“Bye for now,” she whispered.

Ignis lets her go, “for now.”

Indra watched as Ignis makes his way to the door and out the cafe. Unaware that he wasn’t far enough out of sight to conceal his unbridled moment of joy. Celebrating by himself on the street corner before pulling himself together and walking out of sight. Indra chuckled and so did her co-workers.

“Fix your makeup and get back to work, cuz!”

———————

Another old piece with one of Indra’s older models.

I guess it’s pretty self explanatory whats going on here. It wasn’t the time or place for such a private conversation. But after weeks of reaching out and no reply, desperate times called for desperate measures. If Ignis had to plead and beg in public, he would. They both invested so much into the relationship at this point that even if they did break up, her silent treatment wouldn’t have been fair. They owe each other that much.

I feel when it comes to relationships. It’s oh so easy to be like, let’s just forget everything, say sorry, and start over like it never happened. Never doing anything to deal with the damage and hurt it might have caused. Leading to resentment and the relationship will slowly die instead.

While it might seem like a good idea for these two, Ignis would rather repair things than forget and move on. Indra’s behavior needed to be checked if they wanted to continue moving forward. It’s a red flag when it comes to domestic violence situations. It starts with punching walls, throwing things, and breaking things until one day they break your face too. Ignis knows this and it’s obvious that if it came down to, Ignis would win in a fight. He’s allowed to defend himself. It’s also telling how Indra’s relationships might have been in the past. Sometimes the victim becomes the perpetrator because abuse and violence was all they ever knew. Glad Ignis nipped that in the bud and placed a hard boundary that’s never to be crossed again. Two wrongs don’t make a right. However, Indra’s behavior could lead to never ending wrongs and many victims in her wake. There’s no excuse for abuse.

I couldn’t help but laugh when all Ignis had to go on when promising to fix things was “trust me bro.” All he had was his words to go by and hope that Indra will be around to see his actions. It won’t be an overnight fix for them unfortunately. I’ll have to make more pieces to fill in the gaps while he does his own work behind the scenes.

I’ve been experimenting with coffee shop concepts and this one was the closest match to what I imagined in my head. Everything even down to the color scheme. Maybe one day I’ll do something custom but I think it works very well.

Trying to come up with Indra’s work uniform has been a pain. After this piece was made I did find something more suitable. I’ll be giving it a try later on.

Anyway, onto the path of rebuilding trust and healing for them. It’s not a new beginning but a commitment between them to fix things and do better should there ever be a next time.
If they want it to work, they’ll make it work.
We’re lucky because we get to watch.

Happy New Year!