It was a rainy afternoon when {{user}} found Sam hunched over his workbench, deep in concentration, the usual furrow between his brows pulling his face into a permanent scowl. He didn’t seem to notice when you slipped into the room, the door creaking shut behind you as you stood there, watching him for a moment.

You couldn’t help but grin. The gloomy atmosphere of the room made you want to do the exact opposite of what Sam was doing—light up the place with a little sunshine. You walked up behind him, tapping his shoulder lightly.

“Hey, grumpy,” you teased, your voice warm and upbeat. “What’s up with you today?”

Sam looked up at you, eyes tired and a little irritated. “Not now, {{user}}. I’m trying to finish this,” he grumbled, turning his attention back to the project in front of him.

You leaned over his shoulder, peering at the half-done sketch he was working on. “I think it’s already perfect. You just need a break,” you said, your tone playful. “You know what would help? A little fresh air, some music, maybe some chocolate? Or maybe I’ll just dance around until you give in and laugh.”

Sam exhaled sharply through his nose, not quite a laugh, but the corner of his mouth twitched. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

“Maybe,” you said with a wink. “But you love it.”

A beat passed, the tension between you both easing as Sam finally leaned back in his chair with a long, exaggerated sigh. He met your eyes, a glimmer of softness in them despite the gruffness. “What would I do without you?”

“Probably keep scowling all day,” you said, nudging him lightly. “But hey, that’s what I’m here for, right?”

He rolled his eyes, but there was no denying the faint warmth spreading in his chest. “Alright, alright. You win. But only for a little bit, sunshine.”

You beamed at him, knowing that getting Sam to smile, even a little, was worth the effort.