The morning light poured in gently through the curtains, wrapping the room in a warm glow. Bella stirred first, slowly waking up to find herself wrapped securely in Lucas's arms. His scent, familiar and grounding, was the first thing she noticed — crisp, clean, and distinctly him.
She could hear the slow, steady rhythm of his heartbeat under her ear, and for the first time in hours, she didn't feel the weight of fear crushing her chest. She didn't dare move at first after noticing that they have changed postures while sleeping.
His embrace was protective, almost possessive, and her cheeks flushed as she realized just how close they were. Lucas's hand rested lightly on her waist, anchoring her to him. A part of her wanted to stay like this a little longer.
A soft rumble vibrated against her, and she felt him stir. "Good morning," he murmured, voice thick with sleep.
Bella stiffened slightly, flustered, but managed a small, shy "Good morning" back.
Lucas's lips curved into a lazy smirk as he cracked one eye open to look at her flushed face. "You're blushing," he teased under his breath.
Before she could stammer a reply, a soft little snore from Rachel drew their attention. Bella carefully wriggled free, slipping out of bed and heading toward the bathroom, her heart hammering against her ribs.
He watched her go, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. She moved with that same hesitant grace she always had — like she wasn't sure if she belonged but still made everything warmer just by being there. His arms felt colder without her in them, and a low, possessive thought crossed his mind, 'I like her close.'
Shaking the thought off, Lucas gently tucked the blanket around Rachel, who burrowed deeper into the covers, blissfully unaware of everything.
The kitchen buzzed softly with life as Bella made breakfast, and Lucas joined her, helping where he could — stealing a piece of toast now and then, earning playful glares from her. But he compensate her for that and helped Rachel get ready.
Rachel chattered away about her upcoming craft project at school while munching on her cereal. Bella laughed, the sound light and real, and Lucas found himself relaxing too. The heaviness from yesterday lingered, but it felt manageable somehow. Manageable because they were together.
Lucas crouched down to tie Rachel's shoes, brushing a kiss to the top of her head, making the little girl giggle. Bella watched the scene, heart full and aching at once.
After breakfast, Lucas grabbed his jacket and keys, ruffling Rachel's hair before heading toward the door. Bella hovered near the counter, wringing the hem of her shirt between her fingers.
"Lucas?" she called out just as he reached for the doorknob.
He turned immediately. She stepped closer, her voice low, almost unsure. "Can you... stay home today?"
Lucas's gaze sharpened instantly. He didn't miss the slight tremble in her voice, the way her shoulders stiffened — a silent scream for comfort.
Without hesitation, he nodded, walking back to her. "Don't worry," he said gently, brushing her hair away from her face. "I'll stay. Let's go and drop Rachel to her school."
Relief flooded her face, and she gave him a small, grateful smile. He leaned down, pressing a light kiss to her forehead before whispering, "Nothing's more important."
After dropping Rachel off at school, Lucas and Bella returned home. The house felt a little too quiet, but not heavy — just peaceful.
They moved through the chores together, clearing the breakfast mess, folding some laundry. Bella tried to protest when Lucas took the laundry basket from her arms, but he simply smirked and did it anyway.
At one point, when Bella was rinsing the dishes, Lucas flicked a few drops of water at her, making her yelp and glare at him. He chuckled, genuinely amused, before she retaliated with a flick of her own. The playful exchange lightened the air even more.
Later, Bella suggested painting, mentioning she didn't want to sit idle and overthink. Lucas agreed easily, surprising her. He set up the supplies at the kitchen table, expertly mixing colors with practiced hands.
"You know how to paint?" Bella asked, genuinely curious. Lucas shot her a boyish grin. "A little. I had to learn when my mother decided it was important for me to have a 'well-rounded education.'"
Bella smiled, dipping her brush in a soft blue hue. They painted side by side — Bella working carefully on a delicate landscape, Lucas sketching something more abstract but precise. His brushstrokes were confident, almost mesmerizing to watch.
At one point, Bella leaned in too close to inspect his work, and without thinking, Lucas brushed the tip of his paintbrush against her nose, leaving a bright blue smudge.
Bella gasped, eyes wide. Lucas laughed — a deep, rich sound that made her heart trip — and she tried to glare at him, but her lips quivered with suppressed laughter.
"You have a little something... right here," he teased, tapping his own nose. Bella wiped at it awkwardly, only smearing it further, making Lucas laugh harder.
Finally, she surrendered, laughing with him — a full, clear sound that felt like sunshine.