One moment, Alex Parker is dozing in front of the TV. The next, she's waking in a world that isn't hers-a place of shifting shadows, dangerous secrets, and rules she doesn't understand. Taken in by the lone survivor of the Hale family, Alex is thrus...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
AS MORNING breaks, sunlight streams through the curtains, filling the small guest room with a soft glow. Scott is the first to stir, opening his eyes and blinking away the remnants of sleep.
He's acutely aware of the warm presence next to him, the slow, steady rhythm of Alex's breathing. He turns his head to look at her, taking in her sleepy yet peaceful expression. His gaze lingers, memories of the previous night coming back in waves. He can still feel the warmth of her skin against his, taste her on his lips.
Alex stirs next, grunting slightly as she becomes aware of her surroundings. She was never a morning person, and still isn't in Beacon Hills.
Scott watches as Alex slowly rouses from her sleep, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Morning, sleepyhead," he says quietly, his voice still rough with sleep. "Looks like someone's not a morning person."
Alex hums sleepily, opening her eyes and turning on her side to face Scott. "No. I'm not. Something you'll learn about me is I hate waking up early."
Scott chuckles at her sleepy admission, tilting his head lazily to look at her properly. "Well, good to know." He studies her face for a moment, taking in her soft features, slightly mussed hair. She's always been attractive, but there's something especially endearing about her in this half-asleep state.
He grins at her. "So I guess that rules out any sunrise hikes or morning runs, huh?"
Alex gives him a look like 'are you serious'. "Please don't tell me you're one of those people who gets up early just to run."
Scott laughs out loud this time, the sound of it filling the quiet room. "Yes, I am, actually."
He grins at her expression, enjoying the look she's giving him. It's almost indignant, as if he's committed some great crime by enjoying early morning exercise. "What's wrong with a good run to start the day?" he teases her, propping himself up on one elbow. "You should try it sometime."
She laughed softly and shook her head, dismissing the notion. "No thanks, I'm quite content with my beauty sleep. It's a precious commodity for me!"
"Beauty sleep, huh?"
Scott reaches out, gently tugging on a strand of her hair that had fallen across her forehead. "Well, from where I'm sitting, it seems pretty unnecessary." He grins at her teasingly, enjoying this playful banter between them. It's a welcome departure from their usual supernatural-related stresses.
Alex rolls her eyes playfully, "That was smooth, Scott. Real smooth."
"I know," he smirks, his free hand idly tracing patterns on the bedding between them. "I have my moments." He can't help but notice how close they are, how comfortable they feel, just bantering like this. It's easy, effortless almost, to fall into this casual familiarity with her.