The morning sunlight slipped quietly through the window.
Sunny stirred first, his eyes blinking open slowly.
🚕
Cassie was still asleep… sort of.
She was curled against him, her arm thrown over his chest, one leg tangled with his, her face tucked right beneath his chin.
She was breathing evenly, but every so often, she'd shift just a little closer, like she was making sure he hadn't disappeared in the night.
Sunny didn't move. Rather he couldn't.
They were in an awkward position, like as if wired headphones had been tangled to the point of no return.
He just lay there, watching the sunlight creep across the wall, one arm wrapped around her waist.
Her warmth was addicting. He could feel her heartbeat where her chest rested against his. It was soft and steady.
After a few minutes, she stirred.
"…Sunny?" Her voice was rough with sleep.
"I'm here."
Cassie lifted her head slightly, nose brushing his jaw. "Good."
"You sleep okay?"
"Mhm." She pressed a kiss to his neck. "I slept better next to you."
Sunny's ears burned. "…You've been attached to me like a shadow lately."
"I am your shadow," she murmured. "You said I could be."
"I didn't think you'd take it literally."
"Well, I did."
She shifted up slightly, hands smoothing over his chest before resting against his collarbone.
Her face stayed close to his neck, lips brushing against his skin as she spoke.
"Can we stay here a little longer?" she whispered.
Sunny swallowed. "Yeah. We can."
Cassie hummed, pleased. She kissed the edge of his jaw—just a soft press of lips. Then another on his cheek. Then one near the corner of his mouth.
Sunny's breath caught.
"Cass…"
She giggled, leaning back slightly. "You're blushing again."
"I'm trying not to."
"You're failing."
He groaned quietly, hiding his face in her shoulder. "You're a menace."
"And you love it."
"…I do."
She laughed again, brushing her fingers through his hair. "You're too cute in the morning."
"I could say the same."
Cassie nuzzled into him like a sleepy cat. "What time is it?"
"No idea. Morning."
"Are we getting up?"
"I was gonna make you food," Sunny mumbled. "That still the plan?"
Cassie didn't answer. Instead, she rolled on top of him.
Sunny blinked. "…Hello?"
She rested her full weight on him, arms wrapped around his middle, cheek pressed against his chest. "No food. Just you."
"I-I kinda need to breathe, Cass."
"You're fine."
He sighed, rubbing small circles along her back. "You're extra clingy today."
"Mhm. Blame last night."
"Is this gonna be a regular thing?"
"Yes."
Sunny chuckled softly. "Alright."
A few minutes passed before he gently nudged her. "If I go make food, will you let me stand?"
Cassie lifted her head with a pout. "Only if I can follow."
"…To the kitchen?"
"To everywhere."
He raised an eyebrow. "Even the bathroom?"
"I'll wait outside the door."
Sunny laughed, finally slipping out of bed. "Alright, alright. Let's go."
Cassie trailed behind him closely, one hand clutching the back of his shirt, refusing to let go even as he moved through the hallway.
She sat at the table while he worked in the kitchen, but she didn't sit far—she turned her chair just so she could rest her arm against his back while he cooked.
When he tried to move, she tugged his shirt.
"Don't run."
"I'm making toast, not escaping."
"Same thing."
He rolled his eyes but smiled. "You know, most people ask for space in the morning."
"I'm not most people."
He slid a plate in front of her. "Here."
Cassie sniffed. "Smells good."
"You're lucky I didn't burn it. You distracted me."
"You're lucky I didn't jump you in the kitchen."
Sunny nearly dropped the plate. "Cassie!"
She laughed, biting into the toast with a pleased hum.
He sat down next to her, and she immediately leaned against him again, her head on his shoulder, legs curled up beneath her on the chair.
"…I really missed you," she said softly.
"I missed you too."
She smiled. "I'm not letting go today."
Sunny looked down at her, at how relaxed and soft she looked beside him.
She was wearing his clothes, curled up like she belonged there.
"Good," he whispered. "I don't want you to."