Morning

Morning came slow.

Sunlight was just starting to creep through the blinds when I woke up. Veronica was still half on top of me, one arm thrown across my chest, her hair a dark mess against my shoulder. She stirred when I moved, blinking up at me with sleepy eyes.

“Morning,” she mumbled.

“Morning.”

We stayed like that for a while, neither of us in any rush to get up. Eventually she shifted and propped herself up on one elbow, looking down at me. The sheet had slipped down, and I could see the soft curve of her breast and the faint marks my hands had left on her hips the night before.

I hesitated, then figured I should just say it.

“I’ve been meaning to ask,” I said quietly. “About protection. We’ve never really… talked about it.”

Veronica’s expression softened. She didn’t look embarrassed, just thoughtful.

“I know,” she said. “I’ve been avoiding it too. Didn’t want to kill the mood when things finally started happening between us.”

She traced a finger lightly across my chest.

“I got tested after my last partner. Everything came back clean. I haven’t been with anyone since then… until you.”

“Same,” I said. “Tested a few months ago. All clear.”

She nodded, then gave a small, slightly sheepish smile.

“I’m not on anything though,” she admitted. “I wasn’t expecting to be intimate with anyone. I didn’t think I’d need to be. So… we probably should’ve been more careful last night.”

I let out a slow breath and nodded. The reality of it settled between us, not heavy exactly, just real.

“We can figure it out,” I said. “Whatever you’re comfortable with. I’ll do whatever you need.”

Veronica leaned down and kissed me, soft and unhurried.

“I know,” she murmured against my mouth. “We’ll sort it. Together.”