The warm sunlight that filtered through gauze curtains and the sing song chirping of birds roused Hinata from her sleep.
A gentle autumn breeze drifted through the slight opening in the window and she breathed deeply. The chill stung her lungs and she detected a hint of smoke from burnt firewood.
Blinking blearily and rubbing the fatigue from her eyes, she attempted to gradually inch her way out of her boyfriend's embrace, careful not to wake him up.
Too late.
His arms tightened around her waist like a vice and he buried his nose in her hair.
"Not yet," he murmured, sleep thick in his voice.
"Sasuke, I can't be late to school," she wriggled in his unyielding hold.
Hinata tested his grip by trying to pry his arms loose, but to no avail. His muscles were steel from his training and experience in the police force.
The Uchiha cracked open one eye to check the time.
"Mm, ten more minutes…"
"Three," she haggled. Last time she indulged his morning routine, she barely made it to class on time.
"But Hinata…" he fussed. "You know I have trouble sleeping without you."
It was true; Sasuke suffered from insomnia and had fits when he slept, courtesy of recurring nightmares. He did not truly enjoy the sweet embrace of sleep until she arrived. He wasn't sure if it was the scent of lavender she always seemed to possess or her soothing presence, but there was definitely something about her that helped him dream peacefully.
"… Five minutes, I'm counting."
The corners of his lips quirked up. "I'll take what I can get."
He snuggled further into her, sighing contently, and let himself drift back to sleep.
Hinata closed her eyes, enjoying the lazy moment. The warmth of her boyfriend and the sinfully comfortable bed soon lured her back to sleep too.
Sasuke was jerked awake when she all but shot out of bed.
"Where's the fire?" He yawned and flexed his arms upwards while he observed the frantic woman.
"Sasuke! I'm late!" She cried while flinging clothes out of her closet to change into. She also flung his clothes at him; he would have to drive her to school today.
Sasuke's penchant for speeding got her there in time, with a few minutes to spare.
His car purred in park while he waited for Hinata to gather her books and other belongings. She did so silently, still somewhat upset with her boyfriend for almost making her late.
Before she left, she turned to him to deliver a frustrated look, complete with arms crossed and pursed lips.
Sasuke knew she was annoyed and he knew it was entirely his fault for keeping her in bed. But he couldn't bring himself to feel apologetic or act sheepish when he genuinely enjoyed their time together.
So he gathered her in his arms and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"Thank you," he said sincerely, charcoal eyes conveying the warmth in his tone.
Her expression softened and she readily returned the hug, breathing in the familiar aroma of dark roast coffee. Sasuke struggled with expressing himself and she appreciated his efforts.
She touched her lips to his cheek as a sign of forgiveness. Maybe she could set an alarm or something in the mornings, just to keep from oversleeping.
A/N: to those that want a proper multi-chapter fic... i am considering ;) i just need time and energy to flesh out a good story, i've been writing one shots for so long i've forgotten how. as always, thanks for reading! your sweet reviews water my crops and make my day~