The snow had started falling again, soft and slow, as you and Jesse sat on the edge of a rusted truck bed just outside the checkpoint. The air felt heavier than usual.

You’d known Jesse since you were teens—since those early days in Jackson when everything was still new and terrifying. He’d always been there: your partner in patrols, your shoulder to lean on, the one person who could make you laugh even when things felt like they were falling apart. You were best friends. Just best friends.

You broke the silence first. “I like you, Jesse. I have for a long time…” you croaked, cringing at how weak you sounded. “Ever since we were kids. You always made me feel safe. Like the world wasn’t falling apart.”

Jesse didn’t look at you right away, but his expression softened, like he already knew. “I know,” he said quietly. “I guess... part of me’s always known. I just didn’t want to hurt you.”

You gave a soft, bitter laugh. “I thought maybe it wouldn’t matter anymore. Now that she’s with Ellie. Now that you’re not with her.”

He looked at you then—really looked at you—and it stung, how gentle his eyes were. “{{user}}... you mean a lot to me. More than I can explain. You’ve always been this light in my life, but I’m still trying to move on from Dina. I don’t even know if I can yet.”

Then softer—like he didn’t want the words to land too hard, “And the way I love you... it’s different. You’re my best friend. You’re family. I’ve never seen you as anything but.”