Midnight Dawn: Guiding Light

Chapter 28

The morning sun peeked through the window, greeting Ayri with a familiar warmth. Jasper hadn't moved from where he fell asleep against Ayri's chest. Having his soulmate in his arms while the sun shone on him satisfied his natural instincts as a Red Dragon. Ayri could ask for nothing more at that moment. Though he knew it was barely dawn and Jasper would not appreciate being woken up at such an early hour (especially after a long night), Ayri couldn't stop himself from pulling Jasper closer. He gently pushed fallen strands of black from his soulmate's face and traced along Jasper's cheekbones with his index finger. The rise and fall of Jasper's chest was comforting, and Ayri found himself listening to the sweet sound of Jasper's heart as he remained asleep.

"You're so beautiful," Ayri whispered, dropping his hand to Jasper's arm that lay strewn across him. Jasper didn't even flinch, giving Ayri a mischievous idea. Ayri lifted Jasper's hand as high as his arm could stretch and let go, but Jasper still did not move. Instead, his hand fell like a ton of bricks right back to its previous position. "A heavy sleeper. Good to know."

Ayri lifted Jasper's hand again and pressed a kiss to his palm with a smile. He glided his hand up Jasper's arm, enjoying the opportunity to gaze upon his other half. Draping his wing over the two of them, Ayri shifted slightly to kiss Jasper's forehead.

Jasper's eyes squeezed a bit tighter as he began to quietly groan. I dropped his arm, and he didn't budge. But this wakes him up? Ayri chuckled to himself as the Blue slowly opened one eye halfway. Jasper let out another groan, sounding less than enthused.

"Too early," Jasper said in a raspy voice. Ayri watched as Jasper's one open eye finally focused on him.

"Good morning, beautiful. It's not too early. It's morning. The sun is up." Ayri leaned down to kiss Jasper's forehead once more, but Jasper let out a huff.

"Just because the sun is up doesn't mean I need to be up."

Ayri smiled and cupped Jasper's cheek. "But being awake sooner means we get more time together." Jasper hummed and opened both eyes, smiling softly at the adorable sentiment.

"I can't argue with that," Jasper yawned, resting one hand lazily onto Ayri's back. Jasper ran his fingers along Ayri's wings, letting out a sigh.

"I will never get used to how soft these are."

"You're gonna have to, because you're stuck with me for life, soulmate," Ayri replied with a grin. Jasper gazed longingly at Ayri, placing his free hand on Ayri's cheek.

"I love you so much."

"I love you so much," Ayri closed the small distance between them, sliding their lips together. Jasper hummed against Ayri's lips and guided Ayri against the mattress, keeping one hand on Ayri's cheek as he rubbed his thumb across smooth red scales. He smiled with his eyes glowing slightly as he looked over Ayri, admiring the golden eyes looking up at him.

"Not so tired now?" Ayri teased, leaning into Jasper's touch. Jasper rolled his eyes playfully and stole another kiss before answering.

"It's your fault. In all the best ways."

Ayri arched an eyebrow before embracing Jasper in his wings and reversing their positions in the blink of an eye. Jasper gasped as his back hit the bed and Ayri's hands pressed down on his chest.

"Why is everything my fault, huh?" Ayri grinned wryly. Jasper raised his eyebrows with a grin of his own and ran his hands down Ayri's wings.

"It just is. Unless you have a way to convince me otherwise."

Ayri hummed and trailed his hands along Jasper's chest and sides. "Well, I was the one who woke you up."

Jasper's mouth opened slightly in awe at the colors of Ayri's eyes beginning to shift. He'd never stop finding this dragon trait of Ayri's so fascinating and beautiful.