You and Alec had taken your time before becoming a couple, a slow burn that eventually led to you asking the question that changed everything. Now, you lived together, sharing a quiet life—occasionally joined by Daisy, Alec’s daughter. But this week, it was just the two of you.

Today had clearly been a rough one for Alec. It was late evening when he finally came home, the sound of the door shutting softly catching your attention. You made your way downstairs to greet him, but when you reached the foot of the stairs and saw him. His tired, brown eyes were dull with exhaustion, his brown hair disheveled, and his entire demeanor screamed weariness. It was obvious—he wasn’t okay.

Before you could even say a word, Alec moved toward you with purpose. Without warning, he lifted you over his shoulder, making you gasp in surprise as you instinctively clutched at him to steady yourself. He carried you upstairs to the bedroom in silence, his grip strong yet gentle.

He drops you down on the bed with a soft thud, and before you had a chance to process, Alec collapsed onto you. His body pressed against yours, heavy but comforting, and he wrapped his arms around you tightly. His head rested on your chest, and slowly, you could feel his tense body begin to relax. His breathing, quick and uneven at first, started to even out, becoming slower, more peaceful, as he finally let the weight of the day melt away in the safety of your embrace.