The Morning
Long Mei managed to get a full hour of uninterrupted rest in the night with Jin Qing still fast asleep next to her, half an arm's length away. Long Mei woke before him, having the urge to reach out and trace the curves of his face. He looked so peaceful and unguarded.
She stared at him beneath the low natural light of the morning. Her eyes darted between his ruffled bed hair, the small part between his lips, his soft breathing. She slowly stuck out her forefinger, hovering over the line of his jaw, when a hand wrapped around her wrist and his eyes opened wide.
It took Jin Qing a moment to recognize her, almost as if he had forgotten where he was and whom he was with. She wondered if he saw things that chased him in his dreams.
He let go, his expression changing from sudden alarm to calmness. "Sorry," he began. "I'm not used to sleeping next to someone."
Long Mei's eyes gaped, curiosity overcoming her. "Even with past lovers?"