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Slow mornings were Branch’s favorites.
Poppy lay curled up around him, her limbs tangled messily in his. His shoulder ached slightly from the weight of her body on his and his neck was bent at the most uncomfortable angle. But, he could handle all that and more if it meant he could keep Poppy here with him.
The sun had barely risen in the sky, but this was a familiar morning for Branch. Poppy would be up soon, no doubt, full of energy and bouncing off the walls of his bunker. But right now, she lay quietly in his arms, the only sound was that of her gentle snores. He reached down to brush her bangs away from her eyes, messy and fluffy over her face.
She stirred slightly under his touch, murmuring something quietly. He felt a laugh bubble up in his chest. A sleepy Poppy was an extra soft Poppy. He took the time to take in her features, the gentle morning sun washing over her face. It made her skin glow and highlighted every bit of glitter on her face.
He didn’t get moments like this too often. Their lives had been so chaotic since they had gotten together, moments of peace between just the two of them were few and far between. They usually ended up sneaking glances, holding hands under tables during meetings. He hummed softly and turned onto her side, pulling Branch closer to her. Her face rubbed softly against his neck. She murmured something incoherent, but he could swear he heard her say something along the lines of soft.
He bent to press a kiss to her hair, letting his paw come up and tangle in the soft strands. He ran through it gently, softly detangling any knots he came across. Suddenly her light giggles were resonating off the walls.
Her eyes creaked open slowly, wiping the sleep away from them. She took in the environment around her, finally settling on her boyfriend above her.
He watched as a lovely smile blossomed over her face. She smiled a gentle good morning, leaning up to kiss him softly. He met her eagerly, his hand abandoning its place in her hair to cup the side of her face. His thumb brushed over her cheekbone, running along every bit of glitter sparkling across her skin. When she pulled away her face was flushed, eyes glazed over and hazy. She seemed dazed, relaxing back into his arms.
“Good morning.” His voice was soft and gentle and he watched her whole face fill with warmth.
She reached her arms out, quickly flexing and closing her hands in a grabbing motion. He knew exactly what she wanted, leaning down and giving in. He relaxed his body over hers, tucking his own face into her neck. She peppered kisses along his ears and he could feel the blush spreading across his face. His ears were his weakness and she knew it.
He got her back by kissing along her neck, her ear kissing interrupted by her giggles. She laughed uncontrollably, twisting and wiggling under him. After what felt like enough, he pulled away from her, sitting up. Her pajama shirt, his shirt that she stole, was falling off one shoulder, hiked up at her hips. She looked beautiful.
He must have paused for just too long, because she sat up and stared at him. Her eyes bore into him with confusion.
“You alright, Branch?” She asked curiously.
He was more embarrassed than anything.
“You’re beautiful.” It came out before he knew what he was saying.
She laughed, loud and hearty, tossing her head back.
“I love you.” Was her response.
He couldn’t help but laugh too.
“I love you too, Poppy.”
The morning had begun to pass and Branch knew they would have to start their day soon, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave this moment. He fell back onto the bed beside her, groaning loudly.
“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” Poppy turned onto her side, propping herself up on her elbow. He rolled to meet her.
“I don’t want the day to start.” He let his hands trace up her arms, aimlessly scribbling over her skin.
She kissed his forehead softly.
“Well,” She drew out the ‘L”, a teasing tone in her voice. “I don’t have anything on my schedule today. I’m sure everyone will be fine without us for a day.”
She had no idea how much he wanted to hear those words. He let her take him into her arms peppering kisses across his face. He let himself get lost in the feeling of her, of her in his arms, of this soft morning with her.
God, he wished he could spend every morning like this. Nothing but him and Poppy, lost in each other.