From the Skies to the Heavens

Fourth Prompt: Morning

Word Count (for drabble only): 494 words

Nahyuta always loved the sunrise. When he faced the east during morning meditation, the sun's warmth would slowly grow on his face, offering him a warm embrace and the promise of a new day.

Unfortunately, it seemed Ema didn't have quite the appreciation he did regarding the early morn. He was always the first of the two to wake up. Though she slept like an angel from heaven, she assumed the identity of a zombie until drowning her daily dosage of coffee. Nahyuta wondered if she'd ever appreciated the kiss of the rising sun as he had.

And so one autumn morning, he woke her earlier than usual from her slumber. He'd wrapped up his morning prayers five minutes early for her to feel this moment. Nahyuta was gentle in his touch, using his lips to rouse her. "Ema, wake up. I have something to show you."

"Ugh..." the forensic scientist groaned, eyes opening only to narrow into slits. "What is it? Did something happen?"

"Nothing unpleasant, I assure you." He nudged her towards the edge of the bed, careful not to push her off. "Come with me."

"Unless we're going for a round two, I don't wanna." She tried to bury herself back in the covers, to no avail.

"Ema, please. It's beautiful." He kissed her softly on the cheek. "Almost as beautiful as you."

"Well, you're cheesy this morning." Still, she got out of bed for him. "What is it?"

"Follow me." Nahyuta took her out to his prayer mat, gesturing to the sun just as it began to peek over the mountains. She stumbled along behind him, watching as he pointed upwards.

"You woke me up to see the sunrise?" she asked, though she no longer looked irritated.

"Indeed. Feeling it warm my face as the morning prayers conclude prepares me for the day to come." Nahyuta closed his eyes, feeling it on his face right then. "Ever since the trial of my father, I've done my best to not take such simple pleasures for granted. I appreciate the sun, even when it leaves to give light to the other side of the world... much like you."

"Are you saying I'm your sun?"

"Well, you certainly brighten my day, and lend me light during the darkest of times."

She laughed. "Alright, cheesy monk. Thanks for the view." She kissed him on the cheek. "I'm gonna go get my coffee now."

Nahyuta stood there a little while longer, gazing out into the mountains and sky. So many things to look upon under the Holy Mother's domain. Sometimes, he felt like it swept him away. Looking to the sun grounded him, if only for a moment. It reminded him that no matter how deep he lie in his work, there was something to smile about.

And it was hard to stay stressed when there was so much beauty in the world.

A/N's: Hello again, everyone! Sorry for the cheese, but even Nahyuta can't be eloquent at all hours of the day. Lucky for him, Ema still puts up with it. And yes, I did reference American Beauty in that last line. No, this is not a story of how Nahyuta dies. Thank the Holy Mother, am I right?

But this drabble series is a nice stress reliever, and I hope all of you are enjoying the ride as much as I am. Thanks for reading, leave a review, and I'll see you on the far side!