Romano Estate - Morning
Sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains of Matteo's room, casting amber stripes across the bed.
Felix stirred first, his face pressed against Matteo's chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat a sound he'd memorized in the months since he'd woken up.
Since he'd remembered.
Matteo's fingers were already moving through Felix's hair, gentle and deliberate.
Felix felt the touch before he opened his eyes.
"You're awake," Felix murmured without moving.
"I'm always awake before you." Matteo's voice was low, still rough with sleep. His long hair spilled over the pillow, dark against white linen.
Felix tilted his head up. "You watch me sleep?"
"Someone has to make sure you're still breathing." The words were light, but Matteo's hand tightened slightly in Felix's hair.
Felix reached up, tracing the line of Matteo's jaw. "I'm here."
"You're here." Matteo caught his hand and pressed his lips to Felix's palm.
It was still new, this tenderness.
