16. awakening to affection

Third Person's PoV

The first light of dawn crept through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. Kian stirred, the warmth of Sky nestled against him a comforting presence. He opened his eyes to the soft light of morning, the quiet stillness of the apartment wrapping around them like a tender embrace.

Sky lay beside him, her breathing even and peaceful in sleep. Her face, relaxed in repose, held the softness of the night's dreams. Kian watched her, a sense of wonder filling his heart. They had shared a meal, laughter, and stories, weaving a tapestry of memories that now lay as a foundation for their future.

Careful not to wake her, Kian slipped out of the bed, the cool touch of the floor a stark contrast to the warmth of the sheets. He stretched, feeling the pleasant ache of muscles well-used from the previous day's adventures. The kitchen still held the remnants of their culinary escapades, the scent of lumpiang shanghai lingering in the air.

Kian moved quietly, tidying up the space with a gentle efficiency. He filled the kettle and set it on the stove, the promise of coffee a ritual that marked the start of a new day. As the water heated, he glanced back at Sky, her chest rising and falling in a rhythm that spoke of deep slumber.

He decided to let her sleep, knowing she needed the rest after the emotional journey they had taken. Instead, Kian busied himself with preparing a simple breakfast. He found eggs and bread, the makings of a humble yet comforting meal. As he whisked the eggs, a smile touched his lips, the sound of the whisk against the bowl a familiar melody in the quiet morning.

The kettle whistled, and Kian poured the hot water over the coffee grounds, the rich aroma filling the kitchen. He set a cup on the tray, along with the plate of scrambled eggs and toast, and a small vase with a single flower he had found on the windowsill-a touch of color to brighten Sky's awakening.

With the tray in hand, Kian returned to the bedroom, setting it down on the nightstand. He sat on the edge of the bed, watching as the first rays of sunlight touched Sky's face, casting a golden hue on her skin. It was a moment of pure beauty, and Kian felt a surge of gratitude for the serendipity that had brought them together.

Sky shifted, her eyelids fluttering open, and her gaze met Kian's. A sleepy smile graced her lips as she took in the sight of him, the breakfast tray, and the flower. "Good m-morning," she murmured, her voice husky with sleep.

"Good morning, little Sky," Kian replied, his voice soft. "I made breakfast. I hope you're hungry."

Sky sat up, the blanket pooling around her waist. She looked at the tray, the simple meal a testament to Kian's thoughtfulness. "It's perfect," she said, reaching for the cup of coffee. "T-thank you."

Sky's eyes widened as a sudden realization dawned on her. "Wait, I r-remember my fridge was empty. Kian, where did all this food come f-from?" she asked, her brows knitting together in mild confusion.

Kian let out a light chuckle, the sound warm in the quiet of the morning. "Ah, that's right. You might not recall because of the excitement yesterday, but we stopped by the market last night," he explained, his eyes crinkling with mirth. "We picked up everything we needed for the lumpiang shanghai and a bit extra for today."

Sky's face lit up with the memory, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Of course, the m-market! I was so caught up in everyt-thing else, I completely forgot," she said, shaking her head in amusement.

Kian's smile broadened, happy to see her in such good spirits. "It was quite the adventure, wasn't it? We have enough supplies for a few days, so you don't have to worry about running out anytime soon," he reassured her, pouring her a cup of coffee.

Sky took a sip of the coffee, the rich flavor a perfect start to the day. "Thank you, Kian. For the g-groceries, the breakfast, and... for e-everything," she said, her heart full of gratitude.

Kian reached across the table, covering her hand with his. "It's my pleasure, Sky. Sharing these moments with you makes everything worth it," he replied, his voice sincere.

As they lingered over the last sips of coffee, the morning light casting a serene ambiance around them, Kian's gaze softened. "Sky," he began, his voice a tender murmur, "I know these past days have been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. I just want you to know that every moment with you is precious to me."

Sky felt her cheeks warm with a blush, her heart fluttering at his words. "Kian, b-being with you, it's like a dream I never want to w-wake up from," she confessed, her eyes locked with his.

Kian's hand tightened gently around hers, a silent affirmation of their connection. "And you, Sky, are the dream I've always hoped for," he said, his thumb tracing small circles on the back of her hand.

The intimacy of the moment wrapped around them, a cocoon of shared affection and understanding. Kian then remembered the concern that had nudged at him the day before. "How is your tummy feeling today? I hope the discomfort from your period has eased," he asked, his concern evident in his furrowed brow.

Sky offered him a reassuring smile. "It's m-much better, thanks to the care you've shown me. I feel... cared for, in a way I haven't in a l-long time," she replied, her voice laced with gratitude.

Kian's expression brightened, relieved to hear she was feeling better. "I'm here for you, Sky, in every way you need," he promised, his words a vow.

Sky savored the final bites of her breakfast, the flavors of the egg and toast a comforting reminder of the simple pleasures they shared. She glanced up at Kian, her eyes reflecting the contentment she felt.

Kian watched her with a fond smile, his heart full at the sight of her happiness. "I'm glad you enjoyed the breakfast," he said. "And now, I hope you're ready for what's next. I have a whole day planned for us."

Sky's curiosity piqued, and she tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh? And what m-might that be?" she inquired, the last piece of toast disappearing between her lips.

Kian leaned back in his chair, his eyes alight with excitement. "Well, it's a surprise, but I can tell you this-it involves a bit of adventure, some relaxation, and a lot of us," he teased, standing up to clear the dishes.

Sky's laughter filled the room, a sound that Kian thought was the most delightful melody. "With you, every day is an a-adventure," she said, standing to join him. "I can't wait to see what you have in s-store."

Sky rose from her chair, her hands reaching for the plates, but Kian was quicker. He gently touched her arm, stopping her. "No, let me," he insisted with a warm smile. "You've given me a morning filled with joy. Allow me to take care of this."

Sky hesitated, a protest forming on her lips, but Kian's earnest gaze convinced her. She settled back down, watching as he gathered the plates and utensils. "You r-really don't have to do all this, Kian," she said, her voice soft with affection.

Kian glanced over his shoulder, his smile never fading. "I want to, Sky. It's not just about doing things for you; it's about creating moments we can cherish," he replied, his steps light as he made his way to the kitchen.

Sky watched him disappear around the corner, the clinking of dishes a subtle reminder of his care. She felt a warmth spreading through her, a sense of being treasured that was new and deeply moving.

Sky retreated to the comforting embrace of her bed, the soft sheets a gentle reminder of the night's rest. She nestled into the pillows, the sunlight streaming through the window and bathing her in its warm glow. The light played across her skin, a natural caress that seemed to recharge her very soul.

"Kian," she called out, her voice light and airy, "I'll be right here, s-soaking in the morning's warmth. No need to h-hurry."

Her words floated to the kitchen, where Kian stood amidst the symphony of clinking dishes and running water. He smiled to himself, picturing her in the sun-drenched room, a serene figure of contentment. "Enjoy the sunshine, Sky," he replied, his voice carrying the smile in his heart. "I'll join you soon, and then we can start our day together."

In the quiet of her room, Sky closed her eyes, letting the peacefulness of the moment envelop her. The sounds of Kian's movements in the kitchen were a comforting reminder of his presence, of the shared life they were building with each passing day. She breathed in deeply, the scent of breakfast and the fresh promise of the day filling her lungs, and waited for Kian to finish, knowing that whatever the day held, they would face it together.

The warmth of the sun and the softness of her bed proved too much for Sky, and despite her intentions, sleep reclaimed her. The world around her faded into the background as she drifted back into a gentle slumber, her breaths deepening and evening out.

Kian, having finished with the dishes, wiped his hands on a towel and made his way back to the bedroom. He paused at the doorway, his heart swelling at the sight before him. There was Sky, curled up in the bed, the morning light casting a halo around her. She clutched Bren, her favorite stuffed animal, close to her chest, a silent guardian in her dreams.

He approached quietly, not wanting to disturb her peaceful rest. Kian couldn't help but smile at the innocence of the scene. It was moments like these that he cherished the most-the unguarded, tender snapshots of life that they shared.

Careful not to make a sound, Kian sat down beside her, his eyes tracing the relaxed features of her face. He reached out, brushing a lock of hair away from her forehead with a featherlight touch. "Sleep well, little Sky," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'll be right here when you wake up."

Kian settled in to watch over her, the protector of her dreams, as the morning sun continued its ascent, bathing the room in a warm embrace. The day could wait a little longer; for now, this quiet interlude was all that mattered.

Kian remained by Sky's side, a silent sentinel watching over her as she slept. The sun climbed higher, its beams accentuating the peaceful expression on her face. He couldn't help but marvel at the serenity that enveloped her, the gentle rise and fall of her chest in rhythm with the quiet world around them.

For over an hour, he simply observed, taking in the adorable way her nose would twitch occasionally, or the soft murmurs that escaped her lips as she dreamt. It was in these unguarded moments that he found her most endearing, her vulnerability interwoven with strength, painting a picture of the woman he had come to adore.

Leaning closer, Kian whispered sweet nothings to her sleeping form. "You are the first thought of my day, Sky," he murmured, his voice a tender caress. "Even in sleep, you shine brighter than the morning sun."

He continued in hushed tones, each word a testament to his growing affection. "Your dreams must be as beautiful as you are, for they bring such peace to your face," he said, smiling at the thought of her inner world.

As the hour passed, Kian's heart swelled with a love that was as deep as it was true. And when Sky eventually stirred, blinking the sleep from her eyes, she would find him there, ready to greet her with a smile and a gentle kiss, a promise of the love-filled day ahead.

As Sky's eyes fluttered open, the remnants of her dreams fading into the morning light, she caught sight of Kian's adoring gaze. A pang of guilt washed over her for the unintended extension of her slumber. "Kian, I'm so s-sorry, I didn't mean to fall back a-asleep," she said, her voice tinged with remorse.

Kian shook his head, his smile reassuring as he took her hand. "There's nothing to apologize for, Sky. You needed the rest, and there's no place I'd rather be than right here with you," he said, his thumb gently stroking her hand. "Besides, the day is still ours to enjoy, no matter the hour."

Sky's guilt eased under the weight of his understanding, replaced by the warmth of his unconditional care. "Thank y-you, Kian. For being so p-patient and kind," she replied, her heart lightened by his words.

Kian's eyes twinkled with a playful light as he helped Sky to her feet. "Now, how about we freshen up with a nice, warm shower?" he suggested, his tone light and inviting. "It's the perfect way to fully wake up and start our day together."

Sky nodded, the idea appealing and the thought of the warm water soothing. "That sounds w-wonderful," she agreed, her earlier guilt washed away by Kian's understanding and the prospect of continuing their day in such a comforting manner.

A blush crept across Sky's cheeks as the implications of Kian's invitation settled in. She cast her gaze downward, a shy smile playing on her lips. "I m-mean, yes, a shower sounds lovely," she stammered, her voice a mix of eagerness and bashfulness. "But, um, you know, separately... right?"

Kian's laughter was gentle, understanding her sudden shyness. "Of course, Sky," he reassured her, his hand giving hers a comforting squeeze. "Separately. I just thought a warm shower would help us both wake up. We have a big day ahead, after all."

Sky's relief was palpable, and she laughed along with him, the tension easing from her shoulders. "T-thank you, Kian. That's e-exactly what I need to start the day off right," she said, her heart light once more as they moved forward with their morning routine, each respecting the other's space and comfort.

***

Mary Joye.