Artificial

Afterglow

Operator Wraith

My eyes slowly creep open, adjusting to the early morning sun shining through the room's only window. Everything is warm, calm, and still. I feel Apex's arms still wrapped around my waist, and his face still buried in my hair, his peaceful breaths causing chills to go down my spine. As I recall the events of last night, each gentle exhale causes my heart to race a little more.
I want to leave and get breakfast, but I also don't want to be away from him.
Then, as if reading my mind, his grasp tightens ever so slightly, and I can feel his abs ever so gently press against the small of my back.
Goosebumps rise up all over my body, but my stance doesn't change: I'm not going hungry for any guy, no matter how shredded. I gotta wake him up, but I don't want to be rude. Time to turn on the ol' feminine charm.

A devilish smile crosses my face as I wiggle my hips, my rear brushing up against him just enough to feel it.
No response.
Hm. Gonna have to be a little more forceful.
I try again, this time with a little more effort.
Sure enough, a yawn escapes him as he begins to move, not removing his arms from my waist.
Success!
"Morning, baby," he greets me, then scoots even closer to kiss my neck.
"My, my! Aren't we frisky this morning?"
"You can't just wake me up with those hips and expect me not to be."
"Well, I thought it was a more pleasant way to wake you up than 'Hey! I want breakfast, but I want to go with you!'"
"Fair enough, baby," he replies, and kisses my cheek. "Just let me get dressed."
We roll over to the edge of the bed, and find our clothes are jumbled on either side.
"Damn, we're slobs," Apex comments.
"I prefer 'passionate'," I reply, and he laughs.
"Okay, Miss Romance Novel. Anyway, here's your shirt."
"Thanks. Here's your gauntlet."

Once fully dressed, we walk to the door, and Apex opens it, sliding an arm across my shoulders as we exit and lock it behind us.
"In the interest of keeping an honest and open relationship, I have to admit something," he begins, evoking some nervous worry from me.
"What is it, babe?"
"You woke me up on the first try. I just wanted to see if you'd wiggle your ass again."
I scoff, and thrust my hip into his side.
"Apex, you idiot!"
"I'm sorry!"
"You could've just asked."