Queen Poppy woke up feeling warm.
A simple thing to most, but all around admirable to her. Cursed with insomnia, Poppy had trouble waking up at all, as she hardly went to sleep in the first place. Waking up warm, rested, and happy was nothing short of a blessing.
Her sleep-filled eyes rested on the figure in bed with her and what was once a simple warmth bloomed into joy. Her friend, her love, her heart, wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket and yet caught in the throes of sleep.
The Pop Queen often got to watch Branch sleep, but rarely did she wake up before him. It felt different now, seeing him swathed in sunlight, bathed in a golden warmth. Poppy reached out and brushed his bangs out from his face, hoping the edges of his hair didn't tickle his nose. It had gotten so long recently, and neither of them had spoken about cutting it. Poppy liked it long, truthfully. Playing with his hair was a silent joy of hers.
"You're up early," Branch rumbled, his voice coming from deep within his chest. His sleepy voice settled over her like a second blanket, sending tingles down Poppy's spine and through her legs.
"I didn't mean to wake you," The Pop Queen murmured apologetically.
"Well. 'It's too late for that. I've awoken, and I've done so to the most beautiful troll I have laid my eyes on. I think there's nothing to be upset over."
"Flirt," Poppy laughed.
The teal troll shuffled toward her, placing his hand on her waist and his forehead against hers. "Only to you."
This was what Poppy was waiting for, of course. This gentle good morning filled with meaningless banter. The soft press of his lips against hers, neither of them caring about the risk of morning breath or the way their hair frizzed. All that mattered was this; the simplicity of the love they shared.
"Good morning, Branchifer."
Branch kissed her once more, long and deep. "Good morning, Poppifer."