She always laughed when Alec was around. Lately he hadn't been trying to crack jokes, because it seemed he kind of knew that wasn't what she needed. But when she was trying, Alec was right back to what he normally was and all his silly mannerisms and the way he spoke made her crack a smile. Like a real smile, too. She actually finished her muffin without struggle, and took another sip of her coffee. She looked brighter than she had in days and days and she wished it was like this all the time. She really did. But she knew just because today was a happier day, that didn't mean tomorrow wouldn't be terrible. She'd even warned Alec against coming over tomorrow, because she would likely be inconsolable. And he had already mentioned many times that he was not someone you wanted to be around during Christmas.
Fortunately for the both of them she had just placed her coffee cup back on the table when he grabbed her and pulled her into his lap. She let out a little squeal and fell into him, wrapping her arms around his neck. She felt guilty for being happy, when something awful could be happening to Maddie - but she also knew that Maddie would want her to be happy. It was such a difficult argument to have in her own head, but she decided to ignore it all for now. She focused on Alec, instead. She kissed his cheeks and his jaw and all over his face before she reached his lips and gave him the best kiss they'd had in over a week. It lingered for a moment before she pulled back, tucking her head underneath his chin.
"Alec..." She said softly, keeping her head hidden. "If I tell you something, will you promise not to freak out and push me away or leave me?"