"I... I don't really know," she admitted, her voice tinged with regret and self-doubt. "I guess I was just... overwhelmed. With everything that's been going on lately, I just... I lost control."
Lotte nodded in understanding, her expression softening with sympathy as she listened to Azure's confession. "I get it," she murmured softly, her voice filled with warmth and compassion. "We all have our bad days, our moments of weakness. And I know your life is... complicated. But that doesn't excuse what happened. You hurt me, and you hurt Katie. And that's not okay."
Azure winced at Lotte's words, the weight of her guilt and remorse pressing down on her. She knew that she had let her emotions get the better of her, that she had lashed out in a moment of weakness and hurt the ones trying to help.
"I know," Azure replied softly, her voice tinged with regret as she met Lotte's gaze with a mixture of shame and remorse. "And I'm truly sorry for that. I never meant to hurt you or Katie, and I hate myself for letting my emotions get the better of me." She explained. "I... I know I'm not being the best teammate right now, but I'm trying. I'm really trying. To be a good friend, to be a better person."
Lotte smiled softly at Azure's words. "I know you're trying. We all see it. And we really appreciate that, Azure. I know coming here to apologize must've been hard for you. But you did it, and I'm very grateful for that." Lotte assured. "Oh, and that was a joke, by the way, I do like chocolate."
A sense of relief washed over Azure as she realized Lotte's words were meant to ease the tension between them. She couldn't help but let out a nervous chuckle, a weight lifting off her shoulders as she felt the first glimmer of hope flicker back to life within her.
"Thank you," Azure murmured gratefully, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she relaxed into her seat. "I'm really glad to hear that. And I'm glad we could talk about this... I was afraid you might never want to speak to me again after what happened."
Lotte shook her head at Azure's words, laughing softly. "Don't be silly, Azure. Do I look like someone who holds grudges for long? And it's not like you actually ended up punching me." She replied, shrugging.
Lotte's laughter was like music to Azure's ears, lifting her spirits and dispelling the lingering tension that had hung in the air between them. She couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Lotte, for her forgiveness and understanding, and for giving her a second chance when she felt like she didn't deserve it.
"I guess not," Azure replied with a soft chuckle, her heart feeling lighter than it had all day. "You definitely strike me as someone who knows how to let things go and move on."
Lotte grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she leaned back in her chair. "Life's too short to hold onto grudges," she declared, her voice filled with conviction. "Besides, we've all got better things to do than waste our time being mad at each other," Lotte said, and Azure nodded in agreement. "Anyway. Tea?"
Azure shook her head at Lotte's offer. "I can't, I don't have the time. But thanks for the offer." Azure replied, standing up from the couch, followed by Lotte.
"Of course. You can come by anytime. My door's always opened." Lotte said, and they made their way to the front door.
"Thank you. I appreciate it." Azure said sincerely, earning a smile from Lotte. "Could you do me a favor, please?"
"Sure, what do you need?" Lotte replied, her tone warm and accommodating.
"Could you maybe... not tell Katie I came here? I don't want her to think that I apologized to you just so I could get back to her." Azure requested, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
