Six years. The thought hung in the air between you and Ava, a warm, familiar comfort. You watched the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, the same way it had on that rooftop bar where you first met. Back then, you were a fresh-faced 24-year-old, captivated by the beautiful, intelligent woman six years your senior. Tonight, at 30, you were still captivated, but the emotions had deepened, layered with the comfortable intimacy of shared years.

Ava leaned into your side, her head resting on your shoulder. "Remember this view?" she asked, a playful glint in her eyes.

You chuckled, pulling her closer. "How could I forget? You were practically glowing under the fairy lights."

She swatted your arm playfully. "Oh, stop it. You were the one who couldn't take his eyes off me."

"Guilty as charged," you admitted, a smile tugging at your lips. "Though, in my defense, it was hard to look away."