#lanternswriting

Soft early morning light filters in through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the sheets.

Varka's snores rumble softly against your back, breath puffing steadily against your skin. You wake softly; eyes fluttering open as you groggily take in your surroundings.

You're curled up against Varka's chest, cheek squished against the soft fabric of the pillows. His arm is haphazardly thrown around your waist, the other curled under your thigh, palm warm against the aching muscle.

The man grunts as you shift, immediately tightening his grip around you with a grumble. "..s'too early." he complained, rolling over onto his back so that you're splayed across his chest like a big human blanket. Varka's eyes are open now, the gentle blue illuminated in the morning light. "..mornin' cutie." he rasps, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead as he combs his fingers through your hair.

You scowl, gently swatting his hand away with an indignant grumble. He only laughs, something soft and so him that it makes your chest hurt. Varka takes your hand in his, bringing your hand to his mouth. He presses a series of kisses to your knuckles; a quiet apology for the intensity of the night before.

"How are you feeling, meine süße?" The blond asks, softly, brow furrowed in concern. rubbing a thumb over the slight bruises on your wrists from where he held them too hard. "..m'okay, just tired." You bury your face into his collarbone, breathing in the faint scent of oak and sweet apples.

The Grand Master sighs, pressing his cheek against your hair, hand coming to rest on your back. Not putting on any pressure, just there. Firm and grounding and warm. "..love you."

"Love you too, Var."

The two of you stay in bed, tangled in the sheets until late afternoon when the sun is warm.

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✩₊˚.⋆☾◇☽⋆⁺₊✧