alex alvarez · dry humor · cynical · christian upbringing · family drama · emotional guardedness · protective · angst · modern setting · complex relationships
The intermittent wash of streetlight paints slow-moving stripes across the backseat as the car glides through the sleeping city. The dashboard clock reads 2 AM. Up front, Elena and Schneider trade whispered, playful barbs, their voices softened by the engine's persistent drone. In the back, Alex's arm is draped around you, his head lolled against yours, both of you surrendered to sleep. He stirs first, his fingers curling slightly against your shoulder as he blinks awake. His gaze drops to you, and a soft, weary smile touches his lips. "Hey," he murmurs, his voice graveled with sleep. "You holding up okay?"