A New Safe Space

Morning Light

The soft morning light filtered through the thin curtains of Akk's modest apartment, casting a warm glow across the room. Akk woke first, his eyes adjusting to the brightness as he blinked sleep away. He turned slightly, his gaze settling on Ray, who lay beside him, deeply asleep. Ray's hair was a mess of dark, tousled waves, and his face was relaxed, a slight smile lingering on his lips even in slumber. Akk's heart swelled as he watched him. It was a strange, wonderful feeling-to wake up next to someone who made the quiet morning feel special.

The events of the previous night flashed through Akk's mind, and he felt a flutter of warmth in his chest. Ray had shown him a side of himself Akk had never expected to see-gentle, vulnerable, and genuine. After so many guarded moments, Akk finally allowed himself to bask in the comfort of just being there.

Ray's eyelids fluttered open, and his sleepy gaze met Akk's. A lazy smile curved on his lips. "Morning," he said, his voice thick with sleep. He reached out without hesitation, his fingers slipping easily into Akk's, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Morning," Akk replied, a small, shy smile tugging at his own lips. He was unused to waking up next to someone and not rushing to get dressed or hide away, but right now, with Ray's warm hand in his, it felt right-effortlessly right. The quiet acknowledgment of the night they had shared lingered in the air, giving Akk a sense of peace he had never quite known.

Ray's fingers lazily traced the back of Akk's hand, the touch sending gentle shivers down his spine. "Do you always wake up this early?" Ray asked, his voice still heavy with sleep, his eyes half-closed and face still pressed against the pillow.

"Yeah... Habit, I guess," Akk admitted softly. "I'm not good at sleeping in."

"Hmm," Ray hummed, shifting closer until his forehead was resting against Akk's shoulder, his breath warm against Akk's skin. "I could get used to this. Waking up beside you," he said, his tone gentle but sincere. The words made Akk's breath hitch, a warmth spreading from his chest to his cheeks.

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other's warmth, sharing soft, meandering conversations about nothing in particular-filling the air with small laughs and sleepy voices. When Ray finally pushed himself up, stretching with a yawn, he pressed a lingering kiss to Akk's temple, and the sweet gesture left Akk's heart fluttering.

Akk, embarrassed by the bare contents of his fridge, scrambled to make a simple breakfast of eggs and toast. He kept his back to Ray, trying to hide his reddening cheeks. "Sorry, I don't have much," he mumbled, hoping Ray wouldn't mind.

Ray was unbothered, happily exploring the apartment and chatting with Akk while the coffee brewed. "It's cozy here," he said with genuine warmth, watching Akk from the small kitchen nook. He seemed perfectly content, his sleep-mussed hair and plump lips-still slightly swollen from last night's kisses-adding a boyish charm that left Akk feeling lucky to be sharing this moment.

Akk was grateful for the holiday-it allowed him to soak in Ray's presence without rushing off. He stole glances as they ate together, admiring how the morning light made Ray's features glow. The mundanity of breakfast somehow felt extraordinary.

Later that afternoon, Ray nudged Akk with a teasing grin. "We definitely need to get some groceries. You can't just live on eggs, toasts, and my cum," he joked, laughter sparkling in his eyes as they stood together in Akk's tiny kitchen.

"Your incorrigible! Alright, alright," Akk chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I've just been too busy-between moving in and starting a new job, I barely have the energy to shop." He grabbed his keys, trying to ignore the slight nervousness he felt at sharing his space so intimately with Ray. But Ray's easy laughter and the comfortable way he moved around the apartment made it all feel... okay.