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

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Aren blinked slowly, a small, genuine smile tugging at her lips as she accepted the caf, letting the warmth seep into her hands. She took a quiet sip before replying, her voice calm and measured, though softer than usual.

"Thank you," she said, eyes meeting his with a trace of fond amusement. "I think getting the workstations and displays set up is a priority. But…we can take our time with everything else. There's no rush today."

Her fingers brushed lightly over the mug's handle, and for a moment, her gaze softened, just enough for him to see it. "It's…nice, waking up like this. Quiet. Together. I think I could get used to it."

She leaned back slightly, letting the warmth of the caf and the simple comfort of the morning settle around them. Then her eyes flicked around the townhouse, scanning the bare walls and empty spaces. "And as for decorating…I think you're in charge of interior design. I'll make suggestions, of course, but I want to see what you do with this place. Consider it your canvas."

A faint smirk touched her lips, just enough to be teasing. "But I expect quality work. No cutting corners. And…" she added, her tone softening, "if you want to sneak in a hug or a kiss while 'working,' I won't stop you."

Sergeant Omen

 

[Sergeant Omen]

Sitting down beside her, Omen took her hand as he met her gaze. He definitely felt them same way which he confirmed when he kissed her cheek. "Never thought I would get this life with someone. I'm glad I get to savor it now." And he would savor what he and Aren had, as long as he was here too.

Omen couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as Aren passed off the interior decorator duties to him. "You are talking to the person whose lived in a barracks for over half his life but fine, I'll see what I can do..." His mind start to race with ideas on what doors he wanted to have, what furniture arrangement would bring the best harmony to their house and what appliances they still needed to buy. At the Cybergirl's teasing, though, he couldn't help but smirk back, pulling her into his lap. "And if I want to do more than that?" Because if Aren was walking around the house near where he was working, he might not be able to stop himself.

"I'll certainly do my best for you and I'll try to stick to the budget as best as I can." The Clone didn't want to put all of their funds into this place. A house was just a house after all and he knew how easily brick and mortar could be destoryed. But as long as he had Aren, he would have a home to return too. He was thinking of holomovie posters to put up when he thought of something. "I just thought of something... What kind of holomovies do you like?"

Aren D'Shade