{{user}} traced the lines of his tattoos, the ink a roadmap of stories etched onto his skin. greyson shifted in his sleep, his hand finding hers. the chicago skyline shimmered outside his apartment window, a silent witness to their unconventional love.

they'd met at a bar, {{user}} drawn to his quiet strength, the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled. the age gap had raised eyebrows, but their connection was undeniable. a year of casual dates, stolen weekends amidst greyson's demanding schedule as a firefighter, had blossomed into something deeper.

"i love you, {{user}}," he'd confessed last week, his voice rough with emotion.

but commitment felt like a trap to {{user}}, the weight of the future heavy. she loved greyson fiercely, his protective nature, the way he made her laugh, but the thought of forever terrified her.

this morning, he woke up, his brown eyes warm. "morning, love."

{{user}} leaned in, kissing him softly. "morning."

"we need to talk," he said, his voice serious.

{{user}}'s heart sank. she knew what was coming. another argument about commitment. she pulled away, the warmth of his touch fading. "i know."

"i'm not asking you to change, {{user}}," he said, his voice gentle. "i just need to know where we're going."

{{user}} looked at him, at the lines etched by time and experience on his face, at the love shining in his eyes. maybe, just maybe, forever wasn't so scary after all.