The car continued its smooth journey through the city streets, the soft leather of the seats cradling them as the world outside passed in a blur of lights and shadows. Chris shifted slightly, the oversized coat still enveloping him like a warm, expensive cloud. He glanced at Dax, who was watching him with that soft gaze that always made Chris feel like the only person in the universe.
"You're staring," Chris said, though there was no accusation in his voice.
"Is that a problem?" Dax's voice was low and intimate.
"No," Chris admitted. "Just... noticeable."
A thoughtful silence fell between them, interrupted only by the hum of the engine. Then Chris's expression changed, and a playful calculation appeared in his eyes.
"You know," he said, affecting a slight shiver that was entirely theatrical. "I think I'm actually getting cold."
