( user is gabby dawson, relationship s: dating)

It was a quiet evening at Molly's, the kind where the city was winding down and the soft hum of conversation filled the air. You sat at the bar, your elbows resting on the counter, a light smile on your face as you watched Casey slide into the seat next to you. His usual confident, strong demeanor was softened by the warmth of the evening, and his eyes locked with yours as he made himself comfortable.

"Rough day?" you asked, leaning in slightly, the concern in your voice easy to hear.

He ran a hand through his hair, letting out a tired sigh but still managing a smile. "You could say that. Just the usual, you know."

You raised an eyebrow, knowing all too well that he rarely ever let anything "usual" slide without a little extra stress. "Tell me about it."

Casey glanced around briefly, then leaned in closer, his voice low as he caught your gaze. "It's nothing you don't already know. Same old fires, same old risks." His lips curled into that familiar half-smile, and you felt that familiar flutter in your chest.

He was so easy to love, so easy to care about—even when he was being too modest about how much he carried every day. You knew him better than anyone, knew how much he gave of himself and how little he asked for in return.

You reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind his ear, your fingers lingering there for just a moment too long. "You never ask for help, you know that?"

Casey chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I’m not the one who needs help, Dawson."

But you both knew the truth—that no one could do it all alone, and Casey wore his weight like a badge of honor.

"I know," you whispered, your voice filled with affection. "But you don’t have to carry everything by yourself."

His eyes softened as he took a breath, his gaze not leaving yours. "Maybe I don’t, but I’ve got you. And that’s enough."