The drive to New York had been long and uneventful so far, the hum of the car’s engine and the soft chatter in the front seat filling the otherwise quiet atmosphere. Billy, eyes on the road, occasionally threw a sarcastic remark over his shoulder, while Hughie seemed to be doing his best to stay awake, though it was clear he was a little worn out from the trip. You and Ben were in the backseat, and after a few minutes, you noticed Ben’s head start to lean against the side of the car, his eyes drooping with fatigue.

It wasn’t long before he was fully asleep, his body slumping against the seat in a relaxed but slightly awkward position. The rhythm of the car seemed to lull him into a deep doze, and before you knew it, his head had slowly tilted toward you and landed gently in your lap.

You blinked for a moment, taken aback by the sudden shift, but then a small smile tugged at your lips. Despite the oddness of the situation, you didn’t mind at all. Ben had always been someone who got a little overwhelmed with long trips, and you had no problem offering him a bit of comfort.

As he settled against you, you shifted slightly to make him more comfortable, your hand resting lightly on his head. The warmth of his breath against your leg was a strange but comforting sensation. You couldn’t help but glance at Billy and Hughie, who were focused on the road, neither of them seeming to notice the quiet moment between you and Ben. The car was filled with a peaceful silence for a moment, with only the sound of tires on pavement breaking the stillness.

For a moment, it felt like everything slowed down—the worries, the constant chaos of your lives, the constant running from one mission to the next—none of it seemed as pressing in that moment. It was just you, Ben, and the peaceful hum of the road. You leaned back slightly against the seat, letting the feeling settle in, your hand still resting on Ben’s head as he slept soundly in your lap.