Jey didn't realize how much he needed this until he was stretched out on the couch, Natalia curled up beside him, their bodies perfectly molded together like they were always meant to be this way. The weight that had been pressing down on his chest the past few weeks had eased, if only for a little while.

Natalia absentmindedly traced small circles on his arm, her head resting against his shoulder as the movie played in the background. Neither of them was really paying attention, but that didn't matter. The silence between them wasn't awkward-it was comforting.

"You good?" Natalia asked softly, tilting her head to look at him.

Jey sighed, running a hand down his face before turning to her. "Yeah. Better now."

She smiled, her fingers still brushing against his skin. "Good. That's the point of today."

He studied her for a moment, his heart tugging in a way he couldn't explain. She had always been his peace, even when he didn't deserve it. And now, after everything, she was still here-still holding him together when he felt like he was falling apart.

"You always know what I need, huh?" he murmured, reaching up to tuck a stray curl behind her ear.

Natalia smirked. "It's a gift."

Jey chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, it's just you."

Their eyes locked, the moment stretching between them. There was something different about today-about this quiet space they had created for themselves. It wasn't just about escaping the family drama. It was about them, about what they were building.

Jey lifted his hand to cup her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek. "I ever tell you how much I love you?"

Natalia's smile softened. "All the time."

"Good," he murmured, leaning in. "But I'ma say it again."

His lips met hers, slow and deep, the kind of kiss that said everything words couldn't. He wasn't just grateful for her-he was in love with her, completely and irreversibly.

When they finally pulled apart, Natalia rested her forehead against his, her breath mingling with his. "We're gonna be okay, Jey."

And for the first time in a long time, he truly believed that.