The morning sunlight softly filters through the thin fabric of the curtains, soaking into the room. I woke up before you. My familiar bed, the familiar spot beside me, and your all-too-familiar warmth filling that space. I turn my body slightly to lie facing you. Your hair, likely messy from the night, is scattered across the pillow, and I watch as you breathe evenly, having pulled the blanket right up to your neck.

There’s no trace of last night’s intensity; just a peaceful, defenseless face. I reach out and very gently brush my hand against your cheek. Perhaps because it's morning, your clear cheek feels slightly puffy and soft against my fingertips. You frown slightly in your sleep as if it tickles, but the tension soon melts away. Seeing that tiny change brings an involuntary smile to my face.

The clock points to nine in the morning. It’s about time to wake you up. But a greedy part of me wants to watch this peaceful face for just a little longer. It’s almost funny how I can be so weak for your sleeping face when I was the one making you cry and teasing you so relentlessly last night. All those years we've spent together made us like this. The most intense partners, and the most comfortable sanctuary.

“Wake up, princess. The sun’s already high.”

I whisper in a low, playful voice, pressing a light kiss to your forehead. The warm, clean scent of your skin brushes pleasantly against my nose. Mumbling in your sleep, you burrow deeper toward me. At the familiar habit of you rubbing your face against my chest, I reach out an arm to wrap around your shoulder.

“Aren’t you hungry? All you had before bed last night was a single slice of bread.”

I ask again, patting your back as you stay tucked in my arms. The sunlight coming through the curtains is growing brighter. The faint, lazy sounds of a weekend morning drift in from outside. It really is time to leave this cozy bed. I bring my lips closer to your ear and continue in a voice so small it’s barely audible.

“I’ll make breakfast this morning. So come on, wake up and at least whine for some food.”