~The Shy and The Stubborn~ (the santa clause)

Chapter 24: reindeer mug with the chipped ear

It was a strange feeling, waking up next to a warm body.

As the light filtered through the curtains, not enough to startle Justice, but enough to make her stir, she let her eyes flutter open.

She had woke to the same heartbeat which had put her to sleep that night.

Her pointed ear was pressed against Bernard's bare chest, his skin warm and soft, cushioning her well. When she looked up, she saw he was still fast asleep - a peace she never thought she would ever see of him, romantic relationship or not. His dark curls were sprawled over the pillow, his lashes occasionally fluttering with whatever dreams he may be having.

She had never experienced skin-to-skin cuddling before last night. It was almost overwhelming, the intimacy of it. Justice didn't know how to describe the feeling of being so utterly surrounded by someone - not just physically but emotionally, too. Bernard's arm was draped lazily over her waist, holding her close even in sleep, as if some part of him was afraid to let go. The steady rise and fall of his chest beneath her ear was soothing, a quiet rhythm that calmed her in a way she hadn't realized she needed.

She lay there for a moment, simply watching him. His face, usually so serious and composed, was completely relaxed. The faint lines of worry and stress that she had come to associate with him were smoothed away, replaced by a softness that tugged at her heart. Bernard Evergreen, her boss, her...lover, she supposed, looked impossibly boyish in the morning light, and the thought made her smile.

Slowly, as not to wake him, she propped herself up on her elbow, before reaching out and gently tracing her fingers over his jaw, much like she had done the night before.

She had most definitely had casual sex before, but she had never made love, not like last night.

It was surreal, how well their bodies seemed to meld together. How their movements had felt instinctual, effortless, as if they had been made for each other in some inexplicable way. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word between them had been tender and deliberate, brimming with emotion.

Bernard let out a tired hum as he stirred, his face creasing a little as Justice withdrew her hand, placing it gently against his chest instead, watching with an affectionate gaze as he slowly awoke.

He let out a soft groan, his hand flexing slightly on her waist before tightening its hold, pulling her closer as he blinked awake. His lashes fluttered open, revealing those piercing dark eyes, hazy from his sleep. For a moment, he just looked at her, his lips curving into a lazy, crooked smile.

"Morning," he rasped, his voice thick and gravelly, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.
"Morning," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Bernard's hand slid from her waist to the small of her back, his thumb rubbing slow, lazy circles over her skin. His eyes searched hers, something soft and unguarded in his expression.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked, his voice still low and rough, a faint trace of a smirk tugging at his lips. "You were quite...energetic last night."

Justice snorted softly, rolling her eyes even as her cheeks flushed with warmth and she gently slapped his chest.

"Stop it, you're revolting," she chuckled, propping her chin on his chest.
"Hey! How was I supposed to know you were gonna be a devious little freak between the sheets? I wasn't ready," he laughed.
"Naw, well you didn't seem too torn by the idea, now, did you?" she hummed, raising a brow at him as her lips twitched into a cheeky grin.
"Mm, touché," he chuckled softly, tilting his head at her. "I should have known. It's always the quiet ones."