They climbed the hotel steps, slow, almost like the night was holding onto them.
Whatever music had drifted from dinner was gone, just replaced by waves somewhere out there past the dunes.
Leo stopped near the entrance, swaying a bit before he steadied himself. "Guess this is me," he said, nodding at the crew's wing.
Alex leaned against the railing, arms crossed loose. "Yeah," he answered, voice low. "You sure you're okay?"
Leo's smile was sleepy but soft. "You worry too much."
"Someone has to," Alex replied.
Leo let out a quiet laugh, and then they stood there—letting silence fill the space, warm and relaxed as the night breeze traveled between them.
Leo rubbed his neck. "Thanks for walking me."
Alex shrugged. "Can't let you trip over a bush. That's a terrible headline."
Leo snorted. "Yeah—'Crew Member Defeated by Shrubbery.'"
"Tragic."
They both laughed, and for a moment, it felt easy. Human. Real.
