Origins of Us

17

Eddie entered his apartment quietly, closing the door behind him with a gentleness he hadn't felt in a long time. The soft comfort of knowing Eiry was there, asleep just down the hall, settled warmly in his chest. It was an unfamiliar but deeply satisfying feeling that made the small space feel somehow fuller. He kicked off his sneakers near the door, carefully setting them aside before tiptoeing toward the bathroom. Once inside, he flicked on the light, stifling a grin when he noticed her panties hanging to dry on one of the towel racks. It was such a small thing, but it sent a warm rush through him, a sweet reminder of her presence lingering in his space. He shook his head, amusement in his eyes, and before quietly going about his routine, he placed a new toothbrush next to his. After tying back his hair, he stepped into the shower, letting the water wash away the fatigue. The warmth enveloped him, loosening his muscles as he ran his hands over his face, letting the relaxation sink in. When he finished, he grabbed a towel, pressing it against his skin as he dried off. He wrapped it around his waist, then moved to the sink, untying his hair to let it fall loose over his shoulders as he brushed his teeth. Once he was done, he turned off the light, slipping back into the darkness. The quiet hum of the night greeted him as he padded out of the bathroom, leaving behind the faint scent of his soap and the warmth of her presence still lingering in the air.

He moved with all the care he could muster, easing the bedroom door open just enough to slip through. The faint light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over Eiry's form curled on the bed, her back to him. Her hair spilled over the pillow, and in the stillness, he could make out the gentle rhythm of her breathing, soft and steady. As he approached the bed, he felt a warmth bloom in his chest, a quiet happiness at simply having her there. He lost the towel, letting fall on the floor, and carefully lifted the edge of the blanket and slid beneath it, settling in close, careful not to jostle her. Slowly, he reached out, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her back into him, savoring the warmth radiating from her naked body. He leaned forward, brushing his lips over the back of her shoulder in a tender, lingering kiss, feeling the softness of her skin beneath his mouth. The scent of her lingered there, faint and familiar, soothing him more deeply than he'd ever admit. His hand slid to rest over hers, fingers curling around hers gently. As he settled his head on the pillow, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"You're freezing," she grumbled, pulling the covers tighter around herself. She twisted slightly to look at him, her eyes heavy-lidded and groggy.

Eddie chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to her shoulder. "Sorry, love." He tucked himself closer, slipping his hand under the blanket to rub warmth back into her side.

She sighed, relaxing into his touch despite her earlier complaint, her voice still thick with sleep. "How was your shift?"

He brushed her hair gently off of her face as she looked up at him. "Long shift. But coming back to you makes it worth it." His fingers traced small circles on her skin, and he couldn't help the smirk that tugged at his lips. "Plus, coming home to find your panties hanging in my bathroom? Not a bad sight."

She let out a soft laugh, burying her face in the pillow with a hint of embarrassment. "I couldn't find anywhere else to hang them... a girl must have clean panties, you know."

Eddie grinned, his hand drifting up to cradle her face as he leaned in, brushing his lips over hers. "I'm not complaining," he murmured against her mouth.

His lips brushed hers with a slow, tantalizing gentleness, and then, almost of its own accord, the kiss deepened. He pressed more firmly, his lips molding against hers in a perfect fit, moving with a teasing rhythm that seemed to savor every second. His tongue sought hers, slipping between her lips, warm and soft, and they met in a delicate, languid dance-stroking, tasting, exploring each other with an unhurried curiosity. Their tongues caressed in slow, sensual circles, sliding past each other with a subtle, almost electric intimacy that grew with every moment. Her hand found his shoulder, fingers curling into his skin, a grounding touch that only made him want to draw her closer. Their mouths moved together, parting and rejoining, savoring every tender pull and gentle push. His lips teased hers one last time before they finally pulled apart, breathless and a little dazed.