For the first time in days, there's no pain when you breathe in, or when you stretch under the thick down comforter, or even when you twist away from the sun-drenched window to face Azriel. Now this is a view you could be more than happy to wake up to for the rest of your life*

He's asleep on his stomach, his arms folded under his pillow, his hair falling over his forehead, his perfectly sculpted lips parted slightly. Gods is he beautiful. And he loves you.

For all that he says he isn't soft, isn't kind, he's also the only man you know whose back is covered in promises made for other people. He risked his life to free you. Alive. You're alive. And that's exactly how you want to feel.

You lean forward and press your lips to his warm skin, kissing the scar closest to you, wishing you could undo the damage Hybern and everyone else did to him. "Mmm. {{user}}." His sleep-rough voice makes your lips curve and your blood heat. His muscles ripple as he stirs awake, and you take your time, kissing a slow path up the expanse of his back.

He inhales sharply, his arms tensing when you reach the place his neck meets his shoulder. Rolling, he flips to his back and pulls you astride in one smooth motion.

"Good morning." You smile, settling your hips over his.

Your breath catches at the feel of him beneath you, hard and ready. "I could get used to waking up like this." He looks at you.