Morning light streamed through the arched window, casting a pale golden patch on the marble floor.
When Sephiroth opened his eyes, dawn had fully broken outside, and the morning bells were ringing.
He turned his head slightly. The woman beside him was still asleep.
Hancock's long black hair lay scattered across the white pillow, reminding him of its teasing caresses the night before.
One arm rested across his chest, her fingertips slightly curled, her breathing slow and steady. Morning light fell on her shoulder and collarbone, tracing a hazy halo.
Sephiroth remained still. He simply lay there, listening to the distant, intermittent bells and feeling the weight of her hand on his chest.
After two or three minutes, Hancock's eyelashes fluttered.
"...Sephi...?"
Her voice was husky and soft with sleep. Her eyes had yet to open fully, but sensing that he was awake, she instinctively nuzzled closer into his arms.
"Mm. Awake?"
Sephiroth raised his hand and gently covered Hancock's hand on his chest, stroking her knuckles. Her fingers were slender and warm, her skin as smooth as porcelain.
Even though he was already thoroughly familiar with her, he always found himself utterly captivated whenever they were together.
Hancock buried her face in the crook of his shoulder and gave a muffled "Mm," like a cat that had yet to wake up properly.
A few strands of black hair brushed Sephiroth's chin, tickling him. Her breath warmed a small patch of his neck.
"We can stay in bed a little longer."
Sephiroth gathered her long hair from the pillow, unable to stop touching it.
Hancock murmured without answering, merely tightening her arm around him. She let out a long, contented sigh.
"Mm... I... don't want to get up."
She spoke softly, a hint of mischief in her smile.
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