The wind outside howled softly, but the warmth inside Claire’s cabin was steady crackling fire, the scent of pine and worn leather jackets. Claire leaned against the kitchen counter, her arms crossed, eyes fixed on {{user}} with a look that was both cautious and tender.

She didn’t speak right away. That was Claire she waited, made sure words mattered.

“I’ve been thinking,” {{user}} said, stepping closer, voice gentle but certain. “About us. I’m ready for all of it. The hard nights. The silences. You.”

Claire exhaled, her shoulders dropping just a little. Her gaze softened.

“I’m not always easy,” she said. “Sometimes I push people away. I’ve lost… a lot.”

{{user}} nodded, unwavering. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Claire’s lips curled just slightly a rare, real smile that lit up her face in the firelight.

“You sure?”