In the morning,
The sun was peeking between the drapes of the floor-to-ceiling windows when Alaric woke up to the sight of the little lady in his arms.
A delicate strand of hair was resting against her cheek like a silken thread. Her lips were slightly parted, breathing soft and even, while her lashes cast gentle shadows on her skin.
He did consider taking her back to her apartment or to his guestroom, but he chose his bedroom. He looked at the half-empty bed and the little frame that chose to snuggle him all night.
Though it was his first time cuddling someone, it didn't just feel good, it felt natural, and dangerously addictive.
It was hard to resist her charms and do nothing, yet he tried to take his frozen arm away and get off the bed.
He hadn't even managed to pull halfway away when frowns appeared on her peaceful face.
"Wait…" Aveline groaned drowsily when she was losing his warmth.
He watched her nestling back into his arms. "Sunshine!?"
