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Mornings like these Columbina tend to enjoy the most. The fresh scent of rain lingered in the air as small droplets tapped lightly against the glass of the clear sliding doors of her home. In the horizon pale gray clouds stretched across the sky and greeted the morning atmosphere with a drizzle here and there.
Each raindrop seemed lighter than the last, creating a quiet rhythm that filled the living room. Beyond the glass before her was a breathtaking view accompanied by the puddles on the concrete only for those who woke up early enough to see it.
Meanwhile, Columbina sat curled up on the couch, humming softly while admiring the rain plattering on the floor still dressed in those matching white pajamas she'd worn to bed the night before. Her hair remained pleasantly messy from her beauty sleep as the lavender eyes took in the scenery.
Columbina was the type to take her time in the morning before she starts her day. Always taking everything at a slow pace and appreciating everything life has to offer. Well at least that's how it became recently when the love of her life walked into the picture.
Things changed on that fateful day, she adjusted her lifestyle to fit one more person in it, it's crazy to think that's how it all starts when it comes to love.
She came so far at least that’s what she thought in a morning much like this one. Columbina recounts sweet memories every time a droplet hits the floor. Memories such as the time she met Sandrone and how nervous she was just to be in her presence or the moment they both kissed for the first time.
After a few quiet moments in her thoughts, something suddenly clicked in Columbina's mind. A reminder of what's missing beside her right now. Tilting up her head the curious girl glanced at the clock ticking the minutes she sat here hanging on the wall.
Tick.
Tock.
Tick.
"I should wake up Sandrone for breakfast..." She murmured contemplating if troubling her is the right idea.
“but she would scold me for waking her up so early again.”’ she spoke out loud in the living room hearing her own words echoing back at her.
Columbina grabs the couch cushion in frustration as she brings it up to her chest and squeezes it tightly with her arms wrapped around it.
“But I do miss her..”
Those words slipped out of her lips so easily. Columbina wanted to see Sandrone again, even though they share the same bed she couldn't help to be always around her.
Without wasting another second, she pushed herself off the couch and made strides towards the bedroom, soft footsteps echoing faintly through the apartment as the rain continued to patter gently against the glass behind her.
As Columbina reached the bedroom door, she carefully wrapped her fingers around the knob and eased it open just enough to peek inside, trying not to make a sound. Her gaze immediately found Sandrone, still fast asleep in their bed. The room was cozy, greeting those who walked in with a warm presence. On the right stuffed plushies were displayed from all the dates they shared.
On the left are photo frames of them on the wall doing various poses, one in particular of them both smiling and Sandrone too flustered by Columbina kiss on the cheek.
At the center of it all in the room lay her sleeping clockwork princess, the one she adored more than anything in this world.
Sandrone's chest rose and fell in a slow steady rhythm with each breath. One of her hands was curled into a small fist against the blanket while a faint frown rested on her sleeping face.
Columbina quietly approached the bedside before lowering herself to her knees beside it. For a moment she simply watched Sandrone asleep, her expression softening at the peaceful sight before her.
Carefully, Columbina reached out and played with her fingers through her hair, gently brushing a few stray strands away from her face. Sandrone breathing remained slow and steady, completely unaware of the affectionate gaze fixed upon her.
A warm smile spread across Columbina's lips before she whispered softly enough not to startle her awake. "Sandy, it's time to get up..." The warmth behind every syllable was almost dreamlike, filled with the utmost sincerity.
“Mmm…” A soft groan came out of Sandrone’s lips as she shifted her movements burying her face more into the pillow beneath. Columbina couldn't help but to let out a small giggle in response, it's mornings like these she holds close to her heart.
The dove wondered how she got so lucky to be in this position in the first place, to have a girlfriend like her so precious everyday. Whatever it was she truly thanked the gods above for every chance she got with her.
Columbina continues taking in every detail Sandrone's face has to offer, from her lips being soft and pink making Columbina have the urge to lean in and kiss them all day. The way how it frowns when she upsets when the mischievous girl teases her or the way her voice calls out to her name so sweetly yet so loving.
She moved her hand and gently caressed Sandrone’s cheek softly with her thumb feeling how soft her skin brushed against her. “You’re so beautiful Sandy…” The words slipped from her mouth before she even realized it.
Columbina cherished this more than words can explain, waking up first gave her a few precious moments to admire her girlfriend before she opened her eyes. These moments were irreplaceable, a side of Sandrone that seemed reserved for her alone.
The dove adjusted her gaze and looked carefully at Sandrone's forehead the impulse was almost instantly.
Ba-dum.
A single heartbeat.
Without a moment's notice she leaned forward and gently planted an innocent kiss on Sandrone's forehead.
"Wake up, my dear Sandrone…”
Another kiss followed, this time finding its place on Sandrone's cheek instead. Columbina lingered close, watching carefully for any sign of her beloved waking up.
"Come on, Sandy. I swear I won't make you any breakfast." she murmured softly, The threat was only half true; what she really wanted was to see a reaction from her beloved, whether it was a sleepy smile, a grumble, or even the faintest flutter of her eyes.
Columbina moved closer, pressing a delicate kiss against Sandrone's nose. The gesture earned a quiet and adorable whine from the sleeping doll, causing her smile to widen.
Shortly afterwards Sandrone's eyes fluttered open, her vision slowly adjusted while rustling was heard beneath the blankets, she slowly lifted a hand to rub the sleep from her eyes while a small yawn escaped her lips before turning a drowsy look toward her girlfriend.
"Bina..." she whined in a sleepy tone. "It's seven in the morning…on a Saturday. Couldn't you let me sleep a little longer before waking me up?" Sandrone complained, struggling to keep her eyes open. She would have much rather curled up in bed for another hour.
A soft laugh escaped Columbina as she watched Sandrone struggle to wake up. Teasing her grumpy girlfriend first thing in the morning had become one of her favorite little things to do.
Columbina tilted her head playfully as she sang her lover's name in a sweet manner.
"Sandrone~"
A warm smile curved across her lips as she leaned in just enough for their foreheads to nearly touch. "You like it when I wake you up like this, don't you?" she teased softly. "A kiss is much nicer than an alarm."
She chuckled quietly at Sandrone's sleepy expression, gently brushing a few stray strands of hair away from her face before placing another featherlight kiss on her forehead.
Sandrone immediately clicked her tongue and turned her face away as she protested. "Hmph. Don't flatter yourself, being smothered the moment I open my eyes is hardly pleasant." She crossed her arms tightly over her chest, attempting to maintain what little dignity she had left after being dragged from beauty sleep.
"Is that so?" Columbina asked innocently, though the mischievous smile on her lips betrayed her. "That's not what you were saying last night when you kept asking for one more kiss before bed."
“You-...ughh.” Sandrone let out a frustrated groan while her face turned redder for every second that went by. "You are utterly insufferable, Columbina." She said annoyed, giving her girlfriend a cold glare that could send a shiver down anyone's spine but not Columbina; she just adjusted her position closer to Sandrone as if all the barking didn't bother her at all.
She knew Columbina was right. No matter how much she grumbled, there was something comforting about waking to the gentle warmth of her kisses instead of the ear-piercing ringing of an alarm. She huffed in defeat, turning her gaze away in a hopeless attempt to hide the blush creeping across her cheeks. But Columbina wouldn't let her retreat. With gentle fingers, she cupped Sandrone's cheek and guided her face back toward her.
Their eyes met.
For a single, breathless moment, neither of them spoke. Yet that loving glance was all it took to unravel Sandrone's resolve. Whatever composure she had managed to cling to crumbled beneath Columbina's unwavering gaze.
"...Just don't get used to hearing me admit it," she muttered under her breath, unable to suppress the tiny smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Columbina nodded in agreement, careful not to push Sandrone any further. She knew better than to test the patience of an already irritated girl.
An exasperated groan escaped Sandrone as she threw the blankets aside and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. "I'm awake. Happy now, Miss Hyposelenia?" she grumbled, a trace of bitterness lingering beneath her words.
"Very." The simple satisfaction in Columbina's voice only made the doll roll her eyes harder. One day, she swore she'd stop falling for damn that smile of hers however today was clearly not that day.
Columbina watched with a smug little smile as Sandrone finally surrendered and climbed out of bed. Victory, however small, was still a victory.
With a reluctant sigh, Sandrone finally dragged herself out of bed to start her day. She ran her hand through her hopelessly disheveled hair before straightening up and making her way toward the bedroom door.
"I'm making coffee," Sandrone muttered, her hand already on the doorknob. The doll hesitated as her eyes glanced back at Columbina before adding "Come if you want." With that, she turned around and stepped into the hallway.
A small smile tugged at Columbina's lips. She knew that, despite Sandrone's best efforts to sound indifferent, the invitation hadn't gone unnoticed.
Without a word, Columbina pushed herself to her feet and followed after Sandrone, falling into step behind her with the quiet persistence of a loyal puppy. Her soft footsteps echoed faintly through the hallway as she effortlessly closed the distance between them.
Tap...
Tap...
Tap..
"You know, you don't have to follow me everywhere," Sandrone finally broke the silence.
Before she could take another step, Columbina slipped her arms around her waist from behind, gently pulling herself closer. She rested her cheek against Sandrone's shoulder, nestling her face into the crook of her neck with a contented hum.
"But didn't you say I could come?~" Columbina sang softly, her voice laced with the kind of innocent sweetness Sandrone knew far too well.
"I'm simply accepting your invitation."
The engineer let out a long, weary sigh, already feeling her patience being tested. Yet despite her complaints, she made no attempt to remove the arms wrapped around her waist.
"Ugh... whatever," Sandrone grumbled, her irritation sounding far less convincing when she was making no effort to escape.
With a quiet huff, she continued down the hallway, now carrying the unmistakable burden of an overly affectionate companion clinging to her side.
"Aw, did someone wake up in a foul mood this morning?" Columbina teased, her voice carrying that infuriatingly sweet amusement Sandrone could never quite ignore.
She tilted her head, a mischievous smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Perhaps I should kiss you a few more times. It might make you a little nicer."
Sandrone's eyebrow twitched at the remark, and she fought desperately to keep herself from reacting. Yet despite her best efforts, the words slipped out in a low grumble.
"You... are being so-"
"Annoying?" Columbina finished for her before she could even complete the sentence, a knowing smile tugging at her lips.
She watched Sandrone closely, thoroughly amused by every irritated twitch, every frustrated sigh, and every little crack in the composure the engineer tried so hard to maintain.
Soon after they stepped into the kitchen, Sandrone drifted toward the counter with practiced ease, her fingers brushing over the coffee maker, adjusting the settings without a second thought, setting it exactly the way she liked. The machine hummed to life, breaking the morning silence with a familiar sound.
Standing on her tiptoes, she reached up and opened one of the wooden overhead cabinets, retrieving the sugar container. She set it beside the coffee maker for later, watching as the coffee slowly dripped into the mug below.
A small huff escaped her lips as she stretched, followed by a quiet mutter under her breath as she cursed about being tired.
Drip…
Slower this time.
Drip…
“Ugh can this hurry up.” Sandrone growled in frustration while tapping on the counter with her fingers awaiting for the coffee just to be made.
Across the room, Columbina watched.
She didn't say a word. Instead, her eyes followed every movement Sandrone made from the effortless way she navigated the kitchen or the expressions that crossed her face when she thought nobody was paying attention. Even the tiny huffs and murmurs she let slip seemed endearing.
To anyone else, it was an ordinary morning routine with a grumpy girl. To Columbina however, it was captivating like watching a movie unfold in real time and the lead actress is her girlfriend staring in.
A soft smile tugged at her lips as Columbina leaned against the doorway, completely content to simply watch her girlfriend exist.
Every little habit.
Every unconscious gesture.
Every expression.
Only deepened the fondness swelling in her chest. She found herself admiring Sandrone the way one admires a favorite painting, never growing tired of the sight and always discovering something new to love.
Columbina took a step, then another until she reached Sandrone's side so quietly that even the ticking machinery seemed louder. Her hands remained folded behind her back, her smile as bright as ever.
"You're still looking at it," she murmured, her voice carrying the softness of a hum. "It won't go any faster you know."
Sandrone muttered softly as she kept staring at the coffee maker. "It will."
"Or perhaps it enjoys watching you grow frustrated." Columbina teased as a smug smile shaped on her lips.
Sandrone slammed on the counter with her hand.
"I am not frustrated!"
"No?"
"...Definitely not.” Sandrone barked back as her gaze set their sights on Columbina, catching the dove loving gaze.
For a moment their eyes locked Columbina's eyes were as captivating as the first day they confessed. Oh god how she loves the way those eyes look at her like the only thing in this room. Sandrone’s heart pounded, She felt as if anyone close enough could hear how loudly it hammered against her chest.
Sandrone's gaze slipped away before settling on Columbina's dark, messy hair. Loose strands framed her face with effortless perfection, softening every delicate feature in a way that made it impossible to look elsewhere. Her eyes wandered lower, tracing the gentle folds of the white pajamas fit over her frame. They were plain, comfortably worn, yet somehow Columbina carried them with such beauty that it transformed something so ordinary into something impossible to ignore. Sandrone couldn't begin to explain it.
Ba-dump.
Ba-dump.
For one fragile moment, she forgot herself. Sandrone could build machines capable of impossible feats and could solve problems others couldn't even comprehend yet none of that explained how one woman could stand in front of her looking so impossibly divine.
An angel.
No, that comparison almost felt inadequate.
Columbina noticed her lingering stare and smiled, gentle enough to make Sandrone's chest tighten even more.
Ba-dump.
Ba-dump.
“How on earth did she get so lucky?” Those words echoed in her mind in disbelief.
"What is it?" Columbina's voice cut through the silence and calmly stood in front of her while waiting for her lover to make the next move.
“…It’s nothing,” the doll said quietly, turning her face away in a hurried attempt to hide her expression. She tightened her grip on the edge of the counter trying to pull herself together.
Her mind waged a relentless battle, grasping for something to say, something to do, but every thought slipped away before she could hold onto it. All she could do was stare, caught in quiet awe. It was like this every morning, and yet Sandrone could never grow accustomed to the feeling. Why? Why did her heart always pound so fast whenever Columbina was near?
She knew they were together now, knew that this was something real, yet shouldn't she have grown used to it by now? At least, that was what she had thought. How was it that someone as intelligent as her still couldn't piece together these feelings that are growing everyday.
The angel before her gently tapped her shoulder, a quiet murmur escaping her lips. “Hun, are you okay? You haven’t said anything.”
Sandrone kept her gaze fixed on the wall, unwilling to meet those impossibly gentle eyes. A faint warmth crept to the tips of her ears, subtle enough to escape most, but never someone as perceptive as Columbina
“I told you, I’m fine, Columbina,” Sandrone muttered, her words as direct and firm as she could make them.
Columbina's loving gaze settled on Sandrone before a soft chuckle broke the silence between them. It was the same laugh that had charmed more than a few hearts before Sandrone. The kind of laugh that could make anyone smile without even realizing it the sound was light, sweet, and just a little contagious to ignore.
The playful girl recognized that tone instantly, that firm pitch in Sandrone's voice that always slipped through whenever the woman tried just a little too hard to look unbothered behind her usual composed facade. A fond smile curved across Columbina’s lips as she stepped a little closer, close enough that her voice dropped to little more than a gentle murmur between them.
"Liar."
That single word seemed to echo throughout the room, sending Sandrone’s heart into a frantic rhythm. The truth was, she had never been particularly skilled at hiding things from her girlfriend, and she knew she wouldn’t be able to maintain the act for much longer. It was only a matter of time before she had to set aside her pride and admit what was bothering her.
Columbina had always been far too perceptive, effortlessly seeing through every hesitation, every lie, every carefully constructed mask Sandrone had built. With her, those defenses never lasted long as if they had never been there at all.
“Don’t get cocky when I say this,” Sandrone mumbled, beginning her explanation already dreading the thought of Columbina latching onto her words and turning them into endless teasing once she’d said them out loud.
“...You’re unbearably beautiful,” the lovestruck fool admitted, her pride finally crumbling beneath the weight of her feelings.
Her gaze returned to Columbina’s, and this time she found herself unable to look away. The words she had fought so hard to keep buried finally slipped free.“Every time I look at you, I can’t help but be completely captivated. I’m always left in awe... you make my thoughts disappear more often than I’d like to admit.”
"Oh? Has someone finally decided to be honest?" Columbina teased with a soft laugh. She leaned in until only a breath separated them, Sandrone's warm exhale brushing against her lips.
"Perhaps a kiss to make up for being so grumpy this morning till now?" She whispered, her heartbeat quickening with every word eager for her prize.
A slender finger pressed gently against her soft lips, silencing her before another word could escape. A teasing smirk curled across Sandrone's face as she held her gaze. "Don't push your luck," she murmured. "I still haven't forgiven you for waking me up so early." A faint pout tugged at Columbina's lips as she looked at Sandrone with wide, pleading puppy-dog eyes hoping she would reconsider.
"Ugh, don't look at me like that!" Sandrone groaned, trying to sound annoyed, though the protest lacked any real conviction. She could already feel her resolve beginning to crumble at any moment. Sandrone knew all too well that she had never been able to resist Columbina, especially not when she wore that irresistibly pitiful expression.
Columbina lets out a soft, disappointed whine. "But, Sandrone..." she whimpers, hoping to receive the kiss she'd been waiting for. Instead, Sandrone simply shakes her head and crosses her arms against her chest holding her stance.
“Sandroneeee…please~” Another pitiful whine escaped Columbina.
Sandrone glanced toward the coffee maker, adding a small amount of sugar before lifting the mug to her lips. She took a slow sip of the lightly sweetened coffee, savoring it briefly before setting the cup back down on the counter.
Her gaze focused back on the girl before her for a moment, she let out a quiet sigh knowing fully she couldn’t say “No” to Columbina.
Creak…
Step…
Before Columbina realized it, Sandrone already leaned in closer feeling her breath against her lips. In the next instant, she felt a pair of soft lips meet hers.
Sandrone was kissing her.
A smile tugged at Columbina's lips as she melted into the kiss, returning it without hesitation. Warmth spread through her chest, and it felt as though her morning had finally become complete.
After a while Sandrone slowly pulled away and quickly turned her head, her eyes settling on the mug resting on the counter, as if it had suddenly become the most interesting thing in the room."There... happy now?" the words escape bitterly from her lips.
A simple question, yet to Columbina, it meant everything. She was more than happy; she was absolutely overjoyed. She nodded in agreement before sweetly replying. "Happier than I could ever be."
"Good, because I was gon—mmmf."
Before Sandrone could finish speaking, Columbina caught her hand and pulled her closer, silencing the rest of her words with another kiss. For a moment, Sandrone forgot what she had intended to say, her thoughts dissolving as she surrendered to the warmth of the familiar touch.
Time seemed to lose all meaning as they remained there, lost in each other. The world around them faded into the background, leaving only them in the kitchen.
When they finally parted, it was slow and reluctant, their foreheads resting against one another as they stayed close, as they looked into each other's eyes. "I'm sorry, I couldn't stop after one." Columbina whispered against her lips.
"You never seem satisfied, do you, Columbina? Always wanting just a little more of me." Sandrone pointed out, feeling her heart pound against her chest as a soft, lighthearted chuckle escaped her lips.
"My heart has always been terribly greedy... no matter how much you give it, it will always find another reason to long for you." Columbina's soft confession earned a gentle laugh from Sandrone, a sound that never failed to make her heart flutter.
She adored her girlfriend's laughter more than words could ever express, treasuring every bright, carefree note that escaped her lips. It was moments like these wrapped in each other's warmth, with nothing but soft smiles and unspoken affection between them that Columbina cherished most.
Sandrone brushed a loose strand of Columbina's hair behind her ear with surprising tenderness, her fingers playing with her hair for a heartbeat longer than necessary. Though she never one for grand declarations of love, these puppet actions always carried the weight of words left unsaid.
She studied Columbina's contented smile before allowing the smallest smile of her own to appear.
"...Good morning, my little songbird," Sandrone murmured quietly, her voice calm and composed despite the unmistakable warmth beneath it. "I suppose I can indulge your greedy heart a little longer. Just don't expect me to admit that I'm enjoying this as much as you are."
"My dearest..." Columbina whispered, her voice carrying the same warmth that always seemed to soothe this automaton. "You say so much with your hands that your lips don’t need to say the words."
Her fingers found Sandrone's and intertwined with them, holding them close against her heart.
"I don't need you to admit anything." Columbina smiled, the expression gentle enough to rival the morning itself. "I see the way you look at me... in the way you feel comfortable with me...in every kind gesture you show without realizing I'm already taking it all in."
She tilted her head ever so slightly, her smile growing just a little brighter.
"And if my heart is greedy..." she uttered, pressing a featherlight kiss against Sandrone's knuckles "...it's only because you've given it something worth longing for every single morning.
A faint blush betrayed Sandrone before she could suppress it, Columbina's gentle words dismantling the last remnants of her earlier irritation.
She exhaled softly, averting her gaze for only a moment.
Perhaps waking up at such an unreasonable hour wasn't as intolerable as she'd initially thought...provided Columbina remained the reward awaiting her at the end of it.
“You know…you’re the biggest sap i know” Sandrone let the words escape her off her tongue.
“Im aware”
“You know it is annoying right?”
“Yes”
“You know I can't stay mad at you right?”
“Mhm”
“Ugh..you planned this didn’t you”
“Planned?” Columbina echoed, tilting her head with an expression of complete innocence. “I would never.”
Sandrone narrowed her eyes, the skepticism clear in her gaze. She knew better than to believe that so easily.
With a quiet, almost playful smile, the songbird lifted their intertwined hands once more. This time, she pressed a slow, lingering kiss against Sandrone’s cheeks, taking her time as if each second was carefully chosen to melt away her girlfriend’s irritation.
“...Perhaps I only hoped,” Columbina finally admitted, her voice softening as she searched for the right words. There was a tenderness behind them, a sincerity meant only for her. “That if you woke up grumpy enough, you’d end up like this with me.”
Sandrone simply stared at her, studying the woman before her with a mixture of disbelief and reluctant fondness. Letting out a tired groan, she raised a hand to her forehead and covered her face.
“What am I going to do with you?” she muttered.
Columbina smiled, “Just be with me... like this every morning.”
And in that quiet moment, they both came to the same realization that perhaps mornings like these, filled with warmth and each other’s presence, were worth waking up early for after all.