the IT girl

Morning Surprise

The morning sun poured through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the bedroom. Lando stirred awake first, the soft rustling of the sheets pulling him from his slumber. His arm was draped over Lily, who was peacefully nestled against his chest, her hair cascading over the pillow. She was wearing one of his oversized McLaren shirts, the hem barely reaching mid-thigh.

Lando glanced at her and smiled to himself. These quiet mornings were his favorite, where it was just the two of them, unhurried and wrapped in each other's warmth. He stretched, the motion causing Lily to groan softly and bury her face into the crook of his arm.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Lando whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Too early," she murmured, her voice thick with sleep. She shifted slightly, the fabric of the shirt slipping off one shoulder.

Lando chuckled. "It's almost nine. We should probably—"

Before he could finish, there was the sound of the bedroom door creaking open. Both of them froze.

"Lando? Lily?" came his mum's voice, followed by the unmistakable sound of Gemma's giggle.

Lily's eyes flew open in panic, and she bolted upright, clutching the shirt tightly to herself. Lando, realizing he wasn't wearing a shirt, scrambled to pull the duvet over himself just as his parents appeared in the doorway.

There stood his mum, holding a very cheerful Gemma, who waved enthusiastically. "Hi, Mummy! Hi, Daddy!"

"Oh, good, you're awake!" Lando's dad said, stepping into the room with a grin. "We were downstairs, and Gemma insisted on coming up to see you."

Lily's cheeks turned bright red as she tried to pull the shirt down further, though it was a futile effort. Lando, meanwhile, ran a hand through his messy hair, trying to appear nonchalant.

"Uh, good morning," he said awkwardly, flashing a sheepish smile.

Gemma wriggled in her grandmother's arms until she was set down. She ran over to the bed, climbing up and plopping herself between her parents. "We had pancakes! Grandma let me put syrup on mine!" she exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over.

"That's...great, sweetie," Lily managed, smoothing Gemma's hair and avoiding Lando's parents' amused gazes.

His mum raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. "Well, we'll leave you to it. Breakfast is ready downstairs whenever you're up." She gave them a knowing smile before retreating, leaving the door slightly ajar.

Once they were gone, Lando let out a long breath and flopped back onto the pillows. "Well, that wasn't awkward at all."

Lily buried her face in her hands, groaning. "I'm never leaving this room again."

Lando laughed, pulling her and Gemma into his arms. "Hey, at least they didn't say anything embarrassing. Besides, you look adorable in my shirt."

She glared at him, though the corners of her mouth twitched upward. "Next time, maybe put on some clothes before opening the door?"

He grinned. "Noted."

Gemma, oblivious to the awkwardness, beamed up at them. "Can we have pancakes again tomorrow?"

Lily and Lando burst into laughter, the tension easing as they kissed their little girl on the forehead. "Anything for you, Gem," Lando said, ruffling her hair.