Soft light slipped through the curtains, pale and golden, brushing across tangled sheets and quiet breaths.
Luca woke first. He didn't move right away.
He just lay there, watching the slow rise and fall of Noel's chest, the way his lashes rested against his cheeks, the faint crease between his brows that always disappeared when he was asleep.
Carefully, Luca shifted closer, tucking himself into the warm space between Noel's arms and chest.
His fingers traced lazy patterns along Noel's side—light, almost teasing.
Noel stirred, a soft sound leaving him before his eyes opened. "You're up," he murmured, voice husky with sleep.
"Barely," Luca whispered, brushing a kiss to the corner of his mouth.
Noel's eyes opened then, still heavy, still soft.
For a moment, he just looked at Luca like he was trying to memorize him.
Then his hand came up, cupping Luca's cheek, thumb grazing over warm skin.
"Good morning," he said.
Luca smiled. It was slow, unguarded. "Morning."
