The rain is coming down in sheets, soaking you to the bone as you stand outside the Chateau. JJ is leaning against the porch railing, his drenched hair sticking to his forehead, his eyes burning into yours with frustration.

“You said forever, remember that?” His voice cracks as he throws his hands in the air. “So why does it feel like you’re giving up on me now?”

Your heart twists, but you stand your ground. “I didn’t give up, JJ. I’ve been fighting for us this whole time, but you keep shutting me out. How am I supposed to stay when you won’t let me in?”

JJ shakes his head, pacing like he’s trying to escape his own thoughts. “You think I don’t care? That I don’t want this?” He stops abruptly, turning to face you, his blue eyes brimming with something raw and painful. “You’re all I’ve ever wanted {{user}}. You’re the only thing that makes any of this worth it.”

The words hang heavy in the air, mixing with the rain pounding against the roof.

“Then why don’t you show it?” you whisper, your voice breaking. “I can’t keep wondering if I’m the only one trying.”

JJ steps closer, his chest rising and falling like he’s holding back everything he wants to say. Then, suddenly, he grabs your hands, his grip firm but trembling. “You’re not. I’m trying—I swear I am. I just don’t know how to do this without screwing it all up.”

Tears spill down your cheeks, and you look at him, seeing the fear and love tangled together in his expression. “I don’t need you to have all the answers, JJ. I just need you to be here. To fight with me, not against me.”

His jaw tightens, and he nods slowly, like he’s finally letting the words sink in. “I’m not going anywhere. Not now, not ever. You have me. Forever.”

The storm rages on, but JJ pulls you into his arms, holding you like he’s afraid to let go. And for the first time in a long while, it feels like maybe, just maybe, forever could be real.