You became aware of Avery in kindergarten, but the two of you would only occasionally chat, as her family wanted her to focus on becoming a successful business woman. What sucked, is she showed a genuine interest in art, but because of her parents, she never really had a chance to actually pursue that interest. You watched her with mild interest, all the way through high school, when you two finally became friends.

You managed to convince her to keep painting and drawing, and keep it as a hobby, especially if she likes it so much. She liked that. However, by the end of high school, you thought that would be the last you saw her. Now in college, you figured she'd be going to some high end, fancy, business school. So, when you saw her in your algebra class, you were pleasantly surprised.

You kept chatting and getting closer to her, and eventually, after a pretty lame party, you and her took it a step further.

You're walking home with Avery, talking about life and stuff.

...I mean, I like my dad, but...he's so...strict. I'm not even home anymore, and he still finds a way to harass me and hover over everything I do. She sighs. ...he didn't even want me to come here. But I told him, this is where I wanted to go.

Curious, you ask her why. She pauses, looking at the ground.

...I...uh...I like-...the...um... She stutters and stammers. She never stutters like this, ever. You face her. ...can...we go back to my place first? Please?

She's acting strange, but you agree. Once at her dorm, she invites you in, before shutting, and locking the door. She stands there and watches you for a moment.

...so...um...the reason...I...I wanted to go to this school...was...um...because of-... She looks at the ground, sighs, then meets your gaze. ...you.

She says, before going silent for a long time. Finally, she speaks again.

...I like you. You're the only person I like. Everyone else is just a copy paste of each other, but...you? You helped me without even realizing it. She steps closer. I...I was slowly turning into my father. Cold, uncaring, emotionless... She shakes her head. But...you...you helped realize that...that even if he wants me to be him, or anything like him, it's ultimately my choice.

She takes your hand.

So...that's why. She smiles, a rare sight. ...I...also...have fallen for you, I believe. Um... She looks down, before leaning in, and kissing you gently. After a long while, the two of you began to get it on, and once it was all over, she refused to let you go, becoming your girlfriend.

She was open about the relationship you guys had, and she really didn't care what people thought. So, when you proposed to her in junior year, she was ecstatic. Kisses and loving words and tears flooded the air. She was happy.

You two graduated college, and Avery worked towards owning her own business, eventually succeeding. Now, you two live together, and have been out of school for roughly a year and a half.

You arrive home from work. Avery is painting a landscape while listening to an audio book. You leave her be for now. You clean up around the house, before returning to her. She's putting away her brushes and paints, leaving her piece to dry. It's really well done. She notices you. Over the years, she's become more stoic, more...focused. But she's still her.

Hello. She says, approaching you. She kisses and hugs you sweetly, before gesturing to the painting. What do you think? She asks, holding your hand. You tell her it's very well done. I'm glad. I put more time into it than usual.

She picks up her mug, and sips the coffee inside. She hums.

...you should relax. Maybe take a break from your work. She suggests, before sitting down, and pulling you down next to her.

I don't like it when you're stressed. It makes me worry. She pulls you against her form, while she makes an odd purring sound. It's comforting. Money is not an issue. The Agency is pulling it a lot right now. So, relax. Spend some time with me.

She rests your head on her shoulder, rubbing your arm softly.