I wake early, as the sun is just seeping into the morning sky. Warm yellow light edges around the curtains, casting soft shadows across the room and settling on your face. You look so peaceful as you lie here beside me; all the tension that had built up throughout the day has drained away, and you are more relaxed than I am used to seeing you. I am torn as I don't want to wake you, but I have an overwhelming urge to touch you, to explore every inch of your body with my hands and my mouth.
Giving in to my impulse I reach out and lightly caress your chest, my fingers tracing the intricate detail of the tattoo over your heart. Barely touching you, I allow my fingertips to trail over your skin, looping and swirling over the lines, savouring the contrast of soft skin and coarse hair. My tongue follows my fingers, tasting your sleep-warmed skin, my lips placing gentle kisses at random intervals, teeth gently grazing your skin. As my hands travel lower you shift a little, and I realise you are now awake. Pausing in my exploration of the familiar terrain of your chest I lift my head and place a gentle kiss on your lips.
Smiling back at me, you run your fingers through my hair, tucking it behind my ears so you can see me more clearly. Your hands lazily caress my face as if trying to memorize its contours. Wordlessly, you reach out and pull me on top of you, drawing me in close for a long, deep kiss. I savour the moment, loving the feel of your strong arms around me, holding me close against your broad chest. For a moment I rest there in your familiar embrace, remembering all the times we have been here before, and daydreaming of all the times to come.