Mel's Request 
by Surreal 

On the road 
1:46am 
Langly POV: 


I'm startled from my daydreaming by a soft thump 
against my thigh.  I glance down...sigh.  Byers finally 
fell asleep, and his head is now in my lap. 
I used to find that weird and uncomfortable, how he 
would lose all sense of social awkwardness that he holds 
onto so firmly during the day and let himself rest against 
me on these long, late-night road trips we take occasionally. 
Tonight, Frohike's driving and Byers and I are in the 
bench seat behind him.  Me, I just don't like riding in the 
front unless I'm driving;  makes me nervous.  I think Byers 
is back here because he's exhausted and was hoping 
to get some sleep. 
Looks like he is; and in my lap, no less. 
I don't mind so much anymore;  in fact, I find it comforting.  
Someone who has spent most of his adult life hiding from 
authority, shooting frightened glances over his shoulder 
wherever he goes.  He has built such a strong shelter around 
himself, not letting anyone get too close, not since Suzanne. 
Except for us. 
The fact that he feels safe with Frohike and me, that he can 
allow himself to give into the luxury of a friend's embrace, 
knowing that we won't push him away.  For the three of us, 
who have little else in the world but each other...finding that 
level of trust and comfort is an amazing revelation. 
Byers stirs slightly, sighs in his sleep.  He's laying on his left 
arm and I know it's cutting off the circulation, but I don't 
have the heart to wake him to make him move.  He'll get over 
it. 
Maybe it's just that I don't want him to move.  I like having him 
here, resting on me.  I like that he trusts me enough to leave 
himself utterly vulnerable, deep asleep. 
I glance up in time to catch Frohike's eye in the rearview 
mirror, waiting for the light to turn green.  He smiles fondly, 
like he knows what I'm thinking and understands.  I think he 
does;  it's just not something we talk about openly. 
We trust each other with our lives and our hearts.  
It's a good feeling. 
Leaning my head back to rest against the seat, I close my eyes 
and just enjoy the silence of my companions. 

--end--