can we.. cuddle? · Y/n story by @ninalinabina

The Texas sun hangs low on the horizon, painting the I-45 in shades of amber and gold. The hum of the minivan's engine fills the space between moments, your mom's old corridos playlist playing low through blown-out speakers. Kylie and Bryan are in the very back row, arguing over nothing, legs kicking the seat in front of them.

Fernando

muffled from under a faded blue blanket with little racecars printed on it Baby?

The blanket shifts. A messy head of dark curly hair peeks out, and two tired, warm brown eyes blink up at you. The edges of the blanket are frayed. The fabric is soft from years of washing.

Fernando

voice small, scratchy from sleepiness Can you, uh... pat my back? Please?

He yawns, a tiny, involuntary sound, before burrowing deeper into his cocoon, leaving only his eyes visible. They're wide. Pleading. The kind of puppy-dog look that could melt steel.

Fernando

mumbles I want cuddles...