The pale, clean light of morning slipped in through the parted curtains, the night's storm long gone, leaving behind only the fresh scent of damp earth and the soft, distant cries of waking birds.
Noel stirred first, blinking slowly into the soft gloom, and found Luca's arm draped heavy and warm across his waist, his breath a steady, warm rhythm against his shoulder.
"Mm," Luca muttered without opening his eyes, instinctively tightening his hold. "Too early. Five more minutes."
Noel's lips curved into a soft smile, brushing his fingers lightly along Luca's wrist. "If you want that date, we can't sleep through it."
That earned him a low, rumbling groan, Luca burying his face deeper against him. "I hate how you always sound so damn reasonable in the morning."
Noel chuckled and slipped free, padding barefoot toward the small kitchen.
