Alex hummed gently as he stroked John's head. Netflix was still on, but neither of the pair was really watching it. John was fast asleep, and Alex couldn't help but focus solely on the adorable boy in his lap.

John sighed while he dreamt, and Alex thought nothing of it. But when it began to appear as if John had stopped breathing entirely, he started to worry.

"John?" He whispered as he poked him softly.

John breath lurched and clutched to Alex's wrist. Alex immediately pulled John up into his chest and cooed until his breathing calmed.

"Shh, you're okay, I'm here, listen to my heartbeat,"

John's shuddering subsided and he curled into Alex for a bit of scarce warmth. Alex pulled a blanket down over him, then resumed stroking his head.

John wasn't usually vulnerable at any time. During the day, he was a kind but calm wall that masked however he truly felt. Come to think of it, Alex himself didn't know much of John's past. It was surprising to say the least, and Alex vowed silently to watch John closely after this incident.

Unfortunately, John chose that moment to wake up. "Alex? What're you looking at?"

"Nothing, John, go back to sleep,"

Alex's tone must have been unintentionally cold, for John's countenance took on concern. "Did I do something?"

"No, Peaches," he smiled, but it was weak. "You didn't do anything,"

"You're lying. What happened? What's wrong?"

"You seemed upset in your sleep, and I guess it worried me. You never seemed... like that, in real life. Vulnerable, I mean,"

"Did it bother you?"

"No! You really didn't do anything wrong. I was just concerned, that's all."

John nodded and cuddled on him. Alex wrapped his arms around him, a protective motion he was used to. Alex loved the boy he held, and he couldn't resist close contact.

"Lexi," John slurred slightly.

"Johnny,"

"It's cold. Can we go to bed?"

"Yeah, come on," Alex smiled fondly and scooped John into his arms.

John yawned, looking like a human panda, and Alex's grin got wider. Cute. As. Frick.

John gave a second yawn, smaller this time, and grabbed blindly at Alex's waist. Alex tucked John under his chin, their bodies pressing close, then shut his eyes to sleep. This new, softer John was actually quite adorable and deserved Alex's special attention.

"You need anything else, Peaches?"

John gripped Alex's waist tighter. "Alex,"

Alex laughed lightly and curled up beside him, throwing an arm across his body to hold him close. "I'm always here. Can you go back to sleep?"

"As long as you stay,"

"How can I say no to this? I'm staying,"

John smiled and drifted off.

AN: Make requests, you can always find me rereading my texts to Sophie as I sit in the corner. Love YOU ALL ///AKfreakin47 AKfreakin47 AKfreakin47

Wolf
(478 words)