The plane had already begun landing when Alaric glanced sideways.
Elena hadn't moved.
The pilot's announcement had come and gone, the soft chime echoing through the cabin… but she remained exactly as she was, head slightly tilted, eyes closed, completely unaware.
She was asleep. Deep in slumber.
Alaric frowned slightly.
He watched her for a moment longer than necessary, as if expecting her to stir at any second.
She didn't.
With a quiet exhale, he unbuckled his seatbelt and stood, stepping closer to her.
"Elena," he called, not too loud.
No response.
He leaned in slightly. "We've landed."
Still no response. She didn't even stir.
His gaze lingered on her face now, noticing things he hadn't before… the way the tension usually sitting between her brows had disappeared, the softness in her features, the faint rise and fall of her breathing.
She looked… at peace.
Alaric shook the thought away and reached for her seatbelt.
"If you don't wake up," he muttered under his breath, "this is on you."
He leaned closer to unbuckle it… and her eyes snapped open.
For a split second, neither of them moved.
Her breath hitched slightly at the sudden closeness, his face far too near, his hand still resting near her waist.
"What… what are you doing?" She asked, her voice low, caught between confusion and surprise.
"We've reached Miami," he replied evenly, though he straightened just a fraction. "I tried waking you… But you were completely out."
Elena blinked, still adjusting to the light, her gaze flicking briefly around before settling back on him.
"So if I hadn't woken up?" She asked, a faint edge returning to her tone. "What was your plan?"
Alaric's lips curved slightly. "Initially? Carry you out." He paused taking in her expression…Then, with a smirk he added… "But seeing your reaction now, I might've just left you here."
"Oh, how chivalrous, Mr. Hale," she replied, pushing herself upright, smoothing her hair as if nothing had happened. "I'm sure women in New York must be very fond of your… charm."
He let out a quiet breath of amusement. "Oh no," he said, his voice laced with mock sincerity. "This is reserved exclusively for my lovely fiancée."
Elena gave him a blank look… "Then I'm honored," she said lightly. "Truly."
She stood, adjusting herself with practiced ease, as if the moment from seconds ago had never existed.
"Thank you for your… unnecessary assistance."
Alaric smirked faintly but said nothing more, stepping aside instead.
Letting her walk ahead.
As they stepped out of the aircraft, the warm Miami air hit instantly, carrying a different kind of energy… unfamiliar but the feeling was good.
Elena moved toward the stairs without hesitation. Alaric followed just behind her.
Close enough to notice how her step faltered.
Her heel slipped slightly against the edge, her balance shifting just enough… and before she could steady herself… Alaric's hand caught her immediately.
His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against him before she could fall.
"Careful, Elena."
Her body stilled at the contact. For a second, she didn't move.
Didn't turn to him.
His hold was securing her, his hand pressing lightly but firmly against her waist, the proximity was sudden and unplanned.
But he was too close.
She could feel his warm breath near her neck.
Her heart skipped a beat… just once. Sharp enough for her to notice.
Elena composed herself quickly, her fingers brushing lightly against his arm as she steadied her footing.
Then she pulled away.
When she turned to him, her expression had already shifted.
That same controlled softness.
That same practiced smile.
"You're really getting into character, Mr. Hale," she said, her tone light, almost teasing. "Your grandfather must have given you very clear instructions."
Alaric looked at her for a second.
Something in his expression was unreadable. Then he stepped back, giving her space.
"Don't get used to it," he said quietly.
But even he knew… that moment hadn't felt entirely like an act… to her.
They walked side by side toward the exit, the Miami air settling around them… warmer, heavier, carrying a kind of unfamiliar ease that neither of them seemed to share.
"So… what's your plan?" Elena asked, glancing at him. "Have you thought about how we're going to handle this… arrangement in front of the public?"
Alaric let out a quiet breath, rolling his shoulders slightly as if the weight of the day had finally caught up to him.
"First," he said, his tone flat but tired, "we get dinner." He sighed. "Then we go to my penthouse in Miami." He glanced at her briefly. "Because unlike someone… I didn't get the luxury of sleeping through the flight."
Elena didn't respond immediately.
She studied him for a second longer than she intended. He did look tired and not just physically but there was something heavier in the way he carried himself… the tension behind his eyes he hadn't bothered to hide.
She couldn't tell if it was because of her… or everything else. So she took matters into her own hands…
"Can I hold your hand?"
He stopped. Turned slightly toward her.
"What?"
Her expression didn't change.
"Until we figure out how to behave in public," she said calmly, as if it were the most logical thing in the world, "we should at least look like we're together." A small smile settled on her lips. "So… Can I?"
Alaric stared at her.
It wasn't the request. It was the way she asked.
Too sincere. Too… uncomplicated.
For a second, he didn't answer.
Then… without a word… he reached for her hand himself. His fingers wrapped around hers, firm, deliberate.
Not hesitantly. Not playfully.
And just like that… They walked again.
Elena didn't react outwardly but there was a quiet sense of satisfaction in the way she adjusted her pace to match his.
It made sense.
It worked.
At least, that's what she told herself.
The car was already waiting when they reached it. The driver opened the door, and they slid inside, the city lights beginning to flicker outside as the car pulled away.
Elena leaned back slightly, her attention drifting for a moment… until she felt it.
A subtle shift.
Her hand was still in his.
Before she could process it fully… Alaric lifted it and pressed his lips softly against her knuckles.
Elena stilled.
"Mr. Hale…?" She said, her voice quieter now, her fingers instinctively trying to pull back.
But his grip tightened slightly. Not enough to hurt. Just enough to stop her.
"Get used to it," he said, his tone low, controlled. "If you want this to look natural."
Elena frowned faintly, her gaze fixed on him now. "A warning before you take any action would have been appropriate."
"Not possible at all… Won't be able to ask for your permission in public."
There was something different in his voice this time. As if he's planning something.
"We're going to work on this," he continued, his thumb brushing lightly against her hand without him seeming to notice. "While we're here in Miami."
Elena didn't move.
Didn't interrupt him.
"On our physical familiarity," he clarified, his gaze lifting to meet hers. "Step by step."
The air between them shifted.
"And where exactly do you plan to start?" She asked, her tone steady but softer now.
Alaric leaned in slightly.
Not too close.
Just enough to close the distance between them in a way that felt intentional.
His voice dropped. "Something simple."
He inhaled a soft breath. Then, almost as a whisper…
"Closer than this."
Elena's breath caught… just slightly.
Not fear. Not entirely a surprise but something else shifted within her.
This time since they arrived… Neither of them looked away.
"With a kiss… On lips."