You found Claire sitting out on the little balcony of your apartment, hoodie zipped halfway up, knees pulled to her chest, hair tucked behind her ear by the wind. She looked peaceful. Tired, but peaceful. You stepped out quietly, holding two mugs of tea. She glanced over her shoulder, her expression softening the moment she saw you.

“You’re perfect,” she murmured before you even said a word, reaching for her mug. You sat beside her, shoulder to shoulder, and let the breeze fill the silence. The city below was alive, but your little balcony felt like its own world. Claire leaned her head against your shoulder, sighing. “You know what I realized today?” she asked quietly. “Every time something good happens, or I see something funny, or even something dumb— I wanna tell you first.”

You blinked, surprised by the sudden sincerity in her voice. “Yeah?” She nodded against you, fingers curling around your wrist gently. Her thumb brushed over your pulse like she needed to feel that you were here — really here. “It’s just… I didn’t think I’d ever have something this easy. This…safe. You make me feel like I can breathe.” You turned to look at her. She was already watching you, eyes warm and vulnerable, lips curved in the smallest smile.

You leaned in without thinking, pressing a kiss to her temple. She closed her eyes like it physically soothed her. Then she shifted, setting her mug down and curling up beside you more fully, arms looped around your waist, face buried against your chest. “Just let me stay like this a little longer,” she whispered. “I don’t wanna think. I just wanna feel you.” Your hands ran through her hair, slow and gentle, and for a long time, neither of you said anything. You didn’t need to. Because with Claire — this silence meant everything.