Disclaimer: All stories are individuals of themselves and are unrelated to each other.
Madge wakes up when Gale shifts next to her. She curls into his warmth and hears his low sleepy chuckle, feeling as he wraps his arm around her waist. Madge peers up through her mess of hair and squinty eyes filled with sleep gunk and finds Gale staring down at her. Madge blinks a few times so she can see and Gale reaches up, brushing her hair from her face.
"Morning," he murmurs.
"Mmm," Madge yawns. His hand has returned to her hip and he's rubbing her thumb on the tiny stretch mark she has there. "Go back to sleep, Gale."
"I've got go to go work," he tells her.
She clings closer to him and again he chuckles, that deep quiet laugh that reminds her of all of their past Saturday mornings in bed. Lately he's been given more Saturday shifts and they can't lie around like they used to and she hates it more than anything. This is their time to savor the day, to relish in the dust that lights up with the sun's light and the feel of his pine scented sheets against her bare skin.
She doesn't see him much during the week because they're both busy, with college classes. Friday nights they do something together, and most nights she stays in his dorm. Katniss usually has Peeta over at hers and Madge's, and Gale's is usually empty.
"Call in sick," she whispers. He slides his hand up her side until he reaches the tips of her golden hair, curling one of his fingers through it. "Saturday mornings belong to me, not your dumb sporting goods store." Again Gale chuckles, dipping down to press his lips to her forehead. "I never see you anymore."
Gale sighs now, the pleasant smile slipping from his face. "I know." Soon enough they're going to spend even less time with each other because finals are coming up. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry for that," she sighs. "I just miss you, is all." Gale dips his head shamefully, but Madge reaches up and cups his cheek. "I love you," she says.
His smile is back, soft and sweet. "I love you," he echoes. Gale bends down, capturing her lips carefully. "We'll catch a movie when I'm off tonight, okay?"
"Okay," she nods. He kisses her again, making sure to take his time. When they break apart Madge sinks into his spot in bed, savoring the warmth that he left.
Gale dresses quickly, a smirking Madge watches as he pulls on his boxers and rolls his eyes at her from over his shoulder. "Go back to sleep," he scolds her. Her eyes drift shut and Gale doubles back once he has a shirt on. He picks up his comforter and drapes it over her shoulders. She sighs and wiggles down deeper, letting Gale's blankets cradle her.
He kisses her forehead before he goes.
Madge drifts in and out of sleep for the next few hours, but around noon she finally crawls out of bed. Madge takes her time dressing, sliding on her panties and some socks before pulling on one of Gale's flannel shirts. She digs through her purse and pulls out The Maze Runner and climbs back into his bed.
She leans over, fiddling with the blinds by the bed so they allow more light in, and then crosses her legs beneath her. She dips her head to her shoulder and takes a whiff of his shirt, smiling when she gets Gale's trademark scent of a bonfire and wood shavings.
The only way that this afternoon could get any better would be if Gale was behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist and his chin on her shoulder, reading over her shoulder.