the soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated the room, casting long shadows across the familiar furniture. heather, ever the early riser, was already stirring, her arm instinctively reaching for the empty space beside her. a frown touched her lips when she realized {{user}} wasn't there. she pushed herself up, the sheets pooling around her waist, and ran a hand through her messy light brown hair.

"{{user}}?" she called out, her voice a low rumble, still thick with sleep.

a clatter from the kitchen answered her, followed by a soft hum. a small smile touched heather's lips. of course, {{user}} would be in the kitchen, probably craving something outlandish at four months pregnant.

heather swung her legs over the side of the bed, her bare feet meeting the cool wood floor. she pulled on an old t-shirt and a pair of worn-out jeans before she walked towards the kitchen, the aroma of brewing coffee and something sweet, probably pancakes, filled the air.

she found {{user}} standing by the counter, her back to heather. she was humming along to a tune only she could hear, flipping a pancake with focused determination.

heather leaned against the doorframe, watching her wife.

"morning, sunshine," heather said, her voice a little softer now, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

{{user}} jumped, letting out a small squeak and nearly dropping the spatula. she spun around, her eyes wide before they softened with recognition.

"heather! you scared me," {{user}} laughed, a hand going to her chest. "i thought you were still asleep."

"and miss out on your culinary adventures?" heather pushed off the doorframe, walking over to {{user}} and wrapping her arms around her from behind, resting her chin on {{user}}'s shoulder. she pressed a soft kiss to {{user}}'s temple. "what's cooking, good looking?"

"just some pancakes," {{user}} said, leaning back into heather's embrace. "and coffee. for you, of course."

"you're the best," heather murmured, tightening her hold. she could feel the slight bump of {{user}}'s belly against her palms.