You feel a gentle hand brushing over your shoulder, pulling you from sleep. Blinking your eyes open, you find Alex sitting on the edge of the bed, looking down at you with that soft, familiar gaze.

“Hey, love,” he whispers, barely loud enough to disturb the quiet of the room. “Didn’t mean to wake you… just got back from work and—” He hesitates, his hand lingering against your arm as he gives a shy smile. “I missed you, is all. Didn’t realize how much until I saw you here, fast asleep without me.”

He tilts his head, eyes hopeful. “Can I steal a bit of your time? Just… need you right now.”