#i should queue this

The small room off the infirmary was quiet. A blessing and pleasant difference from the bunks, where no doubt recruits and Templars alike had already been up and starting their day. The one window had the curtains pulled shut, sunlight creeping in around the edges, but it was Alaric's internal clock that woke him.

Eli was curled into his chest, the soft rise and fall of his breath attempting to lull Alaric back to sleep. He could steal a few minutes of peace before rising, surely. Fingers trailed lightly along Eli's back, the soft cloth covering the freckles underneath. A galaxy of constellations on his partner's skin that was as beautiful as the night sky.

It was then that that the other stirred, snuggling closer as if it were possible. Maker he didn't want to get up. A gentle squeeze and a kiss to the head, Alaric began the process of detangling himself and wiggling out of bed. Eli's response was to cling further, unwilling to allow it. "Stay." The word was muffled, and sleepy eyes looked up at him.

Alaric laughed softly, at the bedhead, and the red line on Eli's face from where the pillow had scrunched up. "I need to get up love," he said, stealing a soft kiss.

Eli whined softly, shifting to lay half on top of him, tugging the blankets up to his ears. "Just a little longer?" He pleaded before pressing a kiss to his lips.

He needed to get up. Report for patrol. Duties, and all that. But damn if Eli wasn't making a convincing argument. He drew little patterns idly on his back again, giving a soft hum.

"Please?" Eli whispered, pressing another kiss to his lips, soft, lingering, and sweet.

Damn him.