I am curious how it felt forced when both have always had a strong love for each other. Jean embraced and kissed Scott when she saw him alive for the first time post revival (during the time he had one eye). And since the Hickman relaunch, they have been shown to both be effective leaders together as well an intimate partners. I mean artists did a great job of depicting them in bed together during the 2022 Hellfire Gala issue to show their intimacy. Idk but the scenes of them kissing each other, holding each other and light teasing back in X-men show chemistry to me.
I agree with your statement with respect to Scott and Jean. While I still believe Scott and Emma have hooked up every so often based on Hickman's implied dialogue, I do think for the most part Scott is laser focused on Jean. However, he does trust Emma and these two have always had a special connection with each other. Emma clearly enjoys being around Scott and always refers to him such affection when on panel together, its clear she retains such a fondness and closeness with him even now. Regarding Scott and Jean's relationship, my opinion is that Jean may have the option to explore but at the end of the day Scott is her home, her safe space that she can always go back to. If you look at the kite and rock analogy, Scott is the rock (the grounded person who makes logical decisions, thinking with their head and not their heart) while Jean is the kite (the one who wants to fly, they are often more impulsive and act upon what their gut tells them). Some of the longest lasting relationships are built on that dynamic and that is how I see Scott and Jean which why I think at the end of the day they both work so well together and I hope they continue to do so.