they're in the middle of a yelling match when the police knock down the door to jude's house. without hesitating, alvin grabs jude by the arm and drags him into the crawlspace. alvin holds jude close, one wide square hand over his mouth. of course, it's probably meant to keep jude from crying out for help, but the way alvin holds him, listening intently for the coppers rummaging through his things, it... almost feels like alvin's trying to protect him.

there in the darkness, cramped and dusty and warm, jude settles against alvin's wide chest, and another piece falls into place.

thank you, lily