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The first light of dawn slipped through the curtains, painting golden streaks across the bed where two bodies lay tangled beneath the sheets. The room smelled faintly of lavender soap and something deeper—something uniquely theirs.
Aiden stirred first, groggy and sore in places he hadn't known could ache. His limbs were heavy, but warm. He blinked, adjusting to the soft light, and then felt it—an arm wrapped tightly around his waist, a steady breath against the back of his neck.
Sion.
Aiden smiled to himself. For all his energy the night before, Sion was quiet now, calm, clinging to him like a dream he was afraid to wake from.
Aiden slowly turned in his arms, careful not to wake him. But Sion's grip only tightened as if instinctively pulling him closer.
"Morning," Aiden whispered, his voice hoarse.
Sion hummed, still half-asleep. "Is it?" His eyes cracked open lazily, a mess of tousled hair falling into his face. He looked impossibly soft—nothing like the predator he'd been a few hours ago.
"You didn't let me sleep last night," Aiden muttered, brushing hair from Sion's forehead. "I'm suing for exhaustion."
"You didn't complain then," Sion said, voice low and teasing, before pulling Aiden into a lazy kiss.
Their lips met gently—slow, warm, familiar. There was no hunger now, only a need to feel close, to hold on a little longer before the world crept in again.
Aiden sighed against his mouth. "You're clingy."
"You're mine," Sion said simply, resting his forehead against Aiden's. "I'm allowed."
Aiden rolled his eyes. "You didn't even let me breathe last night."
"You're breathing now, aren't you?"
They both chuckled, the sound muffled by kisses and half-hearted nudges. Aiden's fingers traced patterns on Sion's bare back, slow circles that made Sion close his eyes again.
Minutes passed like that—kisses shared, hands held, bodies pressed close under the sheets. It was quiet. Peaceful.
Then Aiden whispered, almost without thinking, "Did you mean it?"
Sion opened his eyes. "Mean what?"
"That I'm yours."
Sion sat up slightly, propping himself on one elbow. He looked at Aiden seriously, brushing his thumb across his cheek. "I've never been more sure of anything. You're mine, Aiden. And I'm yours—if you'll have me."
Aiden's heart stuttered in his chest. He looked at Sion—really looked at him. The man who teased him, tormented him, drove him insane. The man who kissed him like he was air, who stayed even when things got hard.
"I'll have you," Aiden said softly. "But I'm still mad about the sleep."
Sion smirked. "Fine. I'll let you rest. Just this once."
Aiden turned and nestled into his chest. "You better."
Wrapped in each other's arms, they drifted into a light nap, the morning sun cradling them in warmth. And for the first time in a long while, neither of them felt lonely.
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