Alex watched the subtle motion of Skylar's nod, a gesture that might have seemed small to anyone else but, to Alex, it held the weight of everything. When Skylar said he'd try, Alex felt an almost involuntary warmth spread through him. His lips curved into a soft smile, the kind that comes from deep relief after a long day of fear and uncertainty. It wasn't a grand declaration or a promise of immediate change, but it was enough - it was everything Alex had been hoping for. "That's enough," Alex whispered, his voice tender, almost reverent, as though those simple words held all the significance in the world, and to him, they did. Skylar's willingness to try, to take that first step, was all that he had wanted. It was the glimmer of hope that he had clung to during the darkest moments.
`
As the conversation shifted and Skylar brought up rehab, Alex's smile faltered just for a moment. It was the reality they both had to face - the long road ahead. Nodding again, Alex's expression softened with understanding. He had expected this, maybe even prepared himself for it, but hearing it aloud still made it real in a way that sent a wave of unease through him. Yet he didn't let that show, not now. "I'll visit you every day that I can." He promised, the sincerity in his voice unmistakable. There was a firmness to his words, a quiet determination that conveyed his commitment. Alex wasn't the kind of person to make promises lightly, and this was one he intended to keep, no matter the challenges they faced.
`
But then a thought crossed his mind, and in an effort to lift the heavy atmosphere, Alex's tone shifted. He gave a playful smile, his words light and teasing as he continued. "Or should I just go with you? I mean, I did take that pill Chris gave me at the party, so maybe I need rehab too." The jest felt out of place given the gravity of the situation, but Alex hoped it would ease some of the tension. He wanted Skylar to know that despite everything he was still there, willing to make light of things when they needed it, willing to be the anchor that Skylar could hold on to when everything felt too much. The lightheadedness didn't last long, though. Alex's smile faded as Skylar cursed under his breath. His attention sharpened immediately, concern flashing in his blue eyes as he noticed the tears gathering in Skylar's eyes. "Sky?" His voice held a delicate edge of worry, as though speaking too loudly or too quickly might break something fragile in the moment. Watching Skylar move closer, Alex's heart clenched painfully when he rested his head against his shoulder. The weight of Skylar's body against his, the warmth of his breath, and the dampness of a tear falling onto his arm - all of it made Alex's chest ache with emotions he couldn't quite name.
`
For a moment, Alex froze, unsure of what to do, as if he feared that moving too suddenly might cause Skylar to retreat back into himself. But then instinct took over. Slowly, gently, he wrapped his arms around Skylar, pulling him into a tender embrace that was as much about offering comfort as it was about seeking it. There was nothing performative about the gesture - no grand display, just the quiet reassurance of being there, of holding on when words weren't enough. Alex held him with the kind of tenderness that came from knowing how fragile things could be, how quickly someone could slip away if you let them go.
`
He didn't speak. There was nothing to say that could make the tears stop, nothing he could say that would change what they were facing. So he remained silent, his arms around Skylar, his chin resting lightly against the top of his head, as they stood there in that quiet, intimate space that felt both comforting and heartbreaking. The sound of their breathing filled the room, punctuated by the soft hum of hospital equipment, but all of that faded into the background. Right now, all that mattered was this moment, this fragile connection between them.
`
Even when Skylar lifted his head, pulling away just slightly, Alex didn't loosen his hold. His arms remained where they were, a quiet, unspoken reminder that he wasn't going anywhere. He searched Skylar's face, his own heart breaking at the sight of those tears, but he didn't push for more words. Alex had learned by now that sometimes, it wasn't about saying the right thing. Sometimes, it was about just being there - being the person who stayed when everything else felt like it was falling apart. "Sky," Alex whispered again, his voice barely more than a breath as his thumb brushed gently against the back of Skylar's neck. The tender gesture meant to soothe, to ground them both in the present moment. "You don't have to go through this alone. I'm here." There was a raw honesty in his words, a vulnerability that he wasn't used to showing, but he didn't care. Skylar needed to know. He needed to understand that no matter how hard things got, Alex wasn't going to abandon him. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together," Alex said softly, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside him. "I promise." And in that moment, it wasn't just words - it was a vow.
Spring 
Night Weather: 
Clear Moon: 
