Charlie stirred awake to the warmth of Rafael's arms wrapped securely around him, holding him close as if the world outside didn't exist. The warmth made him feel safe and happy, Rafael's long white hair spread across the pillow, soft and beautiful in the morning light that filtered through the curtains.
For a moment, Charlie just lay there, his heart pounding softly in his chest as he listened to the steady rhythm of Rafael's breathing.
Being pressed gently against Rafael's chest, he felt small and protected, and just stayed still for a moment, before his eyes drifted up to look at Rafael's face which was calm and perfect in sleep.
Rafael's jaw was strong, lips soft, and his cheekbones sharp but gentle. Even like this, he looked elegant and powerful. A soft blush rose on Charlie's cheeks immediately.
He wanted to reach out, to touch him, but the thought made his stomach flutter.
He hesitated, unsure if it was bold or too intimate, yet, the urge to feel more, won over his shyness.
Slowly, he lifted his hand and ran his fingers across Rafael's face, tracing his nose, and feeling every line as if he wanted to memorize it all. The soft hair, the smooth skin, and the strong but calm face of his Alpha.
"Mine," he thought but dared not to say it out loud.
Softly, he reached up and brushed a strand of Rafael's hair behind his ear, admiring every detail of Rafael's face.
It was so intoxicating just to be this close, to feel wrapped up in the Alpha's arms like he belonged there entirely.
He pressed a little closer, nuzzling against Rafael's chest, wanting to feel more warmth. He felt lucky... so lucky to be held that way.
Even asleep, Rafael seemed to make him feel different things in his heart, that he himself could not even explain.
With a soft exhale, he finally pulled his hand back and pressed it against his own lips. He let himself linger there for a heartbeat longer, his heart fluttering before he blinked and shook himself gently, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
"I should get up," he thought. "I have to prepare breakfast."
Carefully, Charlie moved, not wanting to wake the Alpha.
He slowly shifted, trying to ease out of Rafael's arms without waking him.
He didn't want to break the warmth of the embrace, but he needed to get up as duty calls.
As he tried to turn and sit on the edge of the bed, a sharp wince escaped him and his cheeks warmed immediately.
The memory of last night came rushing back, the roughness, the heat, and how Rafael had taken him.
His hand instinctively went to his face, hiding the blush that spread across it.
He tried to ignore it, but then he felt a hand wrap gently yet firmly around his waist.
Instantly, his body stiffened.
"Where are you going?" Rafael's calm and low voice reached his ears.
Swallowing hard, Charlie prepared to answer, his heart racing a bit. "I... I have to make breakfast for you," he murmured, trying to stand. But Rafael's hand tightened slightly, pulling him back down.
"Ah," Charlie gasped as he landed back on the bed, the sudden movement making him wince again, a little louder this time.
Shifting slightly, Rafael sat up to look at him, his piercing dark eyes soft and teasing as his long white hair fell over his shoulders like silk.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice husky and full of warmth mixed with something else.
At that question, Charlie's breath caught in his throat.
He couldn't look away even as he felt himself blush more.
The memory of last night, Rafael's strength and possessiveness, made him feel giddy and helpless in the best way.
"Well?" Rafael inquired teasingly, with a raised brow.