Private New Beginnings, Familiar Hearts

[Aren D'Shade]

Sunlight crept through the blinds, hitting the edge of the bed and glinting off the datapads scattered around. Aren stretched one hand out lazily, brushing it against Omen's cheek with a small, teasing smile. "Morning," she said, voice soft, playful.

Even without a word from him, she felt the rhythm of the room, the quiet pulse of life beside her. It had been so long since she'd woken up with someone she cared about, and the simple presence of him—steady, real, close—made the morning feel… different. Comfortable. Safe. Somehow right.

She pulled back just enough to watch EL hover through the apartment, caf already brewing and the warm scent of roasted beans filling the air. "Looks like someone's more on top of things than I am," she said, letting a soft laugh escape her lips. "I'm going to pretend I'm this productive too."

Aren swung her legs over the side of the bed, stretching, and let her fingers trail over the blanket as she took in the quiet apartment. She caught herself thinking, with a small, almost mischievous grin, that this might be the first morning in years she didn't feel like she had to face the world alone.

Sergeant Omen

 

[Sergeant Omen]

The touch of Aren's hand made Omen slowly drift out of his slumber, seeing her as she was in mid-stretch. Without hesitation, a hand slid around her waist and pulled her down so they were face to face. Smiling softly, he leaned in to give her lips a quick peck. "And where do you think you are going, Young Lady?"

Since they had moved into this new townhouse, things had gone better than Omen had expected. The Clone would have thought living together with someone new would have been a little rocky for both of them, but they seemed to enjoy each other, or at least Omen had enjoyed Aren's company. He guessed he couldn't speak for how he felt, but if she was still here, she must feel the same way.

After a bit of cuddling, Omen would reluctantly sit up, stretching out his muscles and getting up, going over to the caf maker to get a cup for his love. "Oh, you can be productive, alright. You just need the right... push..." The unsaid meaning was evident as the Clone turned to wink at her, bringing over the mug of caf to rest in her hands. "I know you wanted to get some of your work stations and machines set up and I probably need to do some painting... Is there anything else you wanted to do today?"

Aren D'Shade