Morning arrived quietly, light slipping through the curtains in pale gold ribbons.
The city was just beginning to wake, but inside the apartment, time moved slower.
Luca stirred first.
He shifted slightly, arm tightening around the warm weight beside him.
Noel was still asleep, face relaxed, breath even against Luca's shoulder.
For a moment, Luca simply watched him—lashes resting against his cheek, hair messy in the softest way.
He pressed a slow kiss to Noel's temple, then another, lingering.
Noel hummed, stirring. "Mm… five more minutes."
Luca smiled against his hair. "We've already had five hours."
"Doesn't count," Noel muttered, burrowing closer. "It's morning. Morning rules don't apply."
Luca chuckled quietly, tightening his hold. "Then I'm not letting you go."
Noel tried to move, but Luca's arm tightened possessively around his waist. "Luca—"
"No," Luca said, nuzzling into his neck. "Stay. I don't want to get up either."
