A/N: Just a quick Kaider one-shot, set about a year after the end of Winter. Hope you enjoy, and please review!
Disclaimer: I don't own the image, or the Lunar Chronicles series, or any of its consequent subsidiaries.
The Sun
It was warm in his bed, tucked underneath the covers, her head on his chest. She traced the calluses of his palm, thin and somewhat faded; unformed. He wasn't rough, Kai, not the sort to be described as scruffy or shaggy. He was polished, ever the skilled politician, with a charming smile that made her heart leap into her throat. But deep down he was brave and lionhearted, and it was in those valiant moments when Cinder loved him best.
The sun streamed through the window, settling in dappled rays across his bed. She sighed, the sun warming her cheeks. Of all the things she missed while living on Luna, real sunlight was at the top of the list. Warmth and ninety-degree temperatures, sweltering heat and sweat moistened on her skin; that was what she desired most in Artemisia with its ever-present chill. It was funny, the things you missed. She had taken so much for granted, only to have it yanked away.
Kai stirred beneath Cinder, his almond eyes blinking open sleepily. A goofy grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Hey," he whispered, his voice hoarse and rusty from disuse.
"Hey," she replied. He was beautiful just then, his hair rumpled and tousled, a dimple showing in his cheek. She smiled. "Sleep well?"
"I always get a good night's rest when you're here," he said, kissing her cheek. Her heart fluttered.
She nestled her head into the crook of his neck, staring up at the ceiling. "It's times like this when I never want to leave," she said, soft and safe in Kai's arms.
"I know," he said, stroking her hair. "But we have to. It's what we do. We lead countries."
"People never sleep," Cinder said with a sigh.
"Maybe not," Kai said, nuzzling her neck. "But we do, every once in a while." He flashed her a wicked grin. "And I'm not ready to let go of you just yet."
Cinder shrieked as he pinned her to the bed, kissing her cheek. They were both politicians; one of them a queen and the other an emperor. They led nations that never dared to sleep. But every once in a while, they earned some well-earned rest entwined in each other's arms, warmed by the sun.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed! Please review!