Steph moves in.

The apartment is cozy—small, with mismatched furniture and a few plants, but it’s hers. The thought of it never truly felt *right* until Steph entered her life. And now, with everything that’s happened, Alex feels like she’s ready to build something even stronger. Something that includes Steph, completely and without hesitation.

Steph is finishing up her shift at the record store downstairs, and Alex’s mind keeps circling back to one thought. She wants more. More time with Steph. More moments where their lives are intertwined, not just as friends, but as something deeper.

A soft knock at the door pulls her from her thoughts. She smiles, already knowing who it is.

"Hey," Steph says, pushing the door open and peeking her head inside. "You still good, or did you get lost in your head again?"

Alex laughs, standing up to greet her. "You know me too well."

Steph steps inside, taking off her jacket, her guitar case slung over her shoulder. She looks tired but content, the kind of exhaustion that comes from a long day of work mixed with the satisfaction of doing something she loves. She glances at the small living space, then back at Alex.

"Everything okay?" she asks, her tone softer than usual.

Alex takes a deep breath, setting her cup of tea down on the table. The nerves are bubbling up now, but she can’t back out. Not this time.

"Yeah, actually. There’s something I’ve been thinking about," Alex says, her voice steady but with an edge of vulnerability she doesn’t always show.

Steph raises an eyebrow, crossing the room and sitting down on the couch. "Something big, or something small?"

"Big," Alex admits, her eyes meeting Steph’s. "I was... I’ve been thinking about us. About *what’s next*."

Steph’s expression softens. "Well, we’re still figuring that out, right? I mean, we’re not exactly in any rush, Alex."

"I know," Alex says quickly, holding up her hands as if to reassure her. "It’s not that. It’s just... I feel like we’ve both been doing a lot of healing, and things are good here. I’m starting to feel like... I don’t know... like I want more. More of this. More of you."

Steph looks at her, puzzled, though a flicker of curiosity dances in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

Alex takes a step forward, her heart pounding in her chest. "I’m asking if you want to move in with me."

The words hang in the air between them. Alex watches Steph’s reaction closely, reading the uncertainty in her eyes, but also the warmth.

"You... want me to move in?" Steph asks softly, her voice tinged with surprise. "Like, really?"

Alex nods, her palms sweaty, but she’s certain. "Yeah. I know it’s fast, but I just... I don’t want to keep living this life apart. I want you here. With me."

Steph doesn’t answer right away. Instead, she stands up and walks over to the window, looking out at the fading light outside. The quiet stretches on, and Alex wonders if she’s said something wrong, if she’s pushed too hard, too fast.

But then, Steph turns back to her, a small smile playing on her lips. "I didn’t expect that. But... it makes sense. I’ve spent a lot of time running away from places, from people. But when I’m with you, I *don’t* feel like I need to run anymore."

Alex’s breath catches in her throat. "So... you’re saying yes?"

Steph steps closer, her hand gently reaching for Alex’s. "I’m saying yes."

The relief that washes over Alex is immediate and overwhelming. She smiles, stepping forward to close the distance between them. "Really? You’re sure?"

Steph chuckles, pulling her into a warm embrace. "Of course, I’m sure. I think it’s time I stopped running and started *living*."