Morning sunlight slipped quietly through the curtains, giving everything a soft, golden tint.
Sophia was the first to wake. She stretched just a bit, her hand grazing Jane under the blankets, feeling that gentle warmth, the easy rhythm of her breathing. Jane's head rested on Sophia's shoulder, small and peaceful.
Jane mumbled something indecipherable and rolled half onto her side, still drifting in sleep.
Sophia smiled, tucking a stray bit of hair back from Jane's face.
"You're up early," Jane mumbled, voice thick and low.
"Not really." Sophia's voice was light, teasing. "Just enjoying the quiet. You're like a furnace."
Jane blinked herself awake, her eyes still heavy, and pressed closer, nestling her forehead against Sophia's collarbone. "Morning," she whispered. "Can we… just stay here a little longer?"
Sophia kissed the top of her head. "Always."
They stayed tangled up in the sheets, hands finding each other, until Jane's stomach grumbled.
She groaned, burying her face into Sophia's neck.
"Hungry?" Sophia whispered.
Jane hummed. "A little."
Sophia laughed softly and ran her thumb over Jane's knuckles. "If I feed you, you'll barely make it to class."
Jane propped herself up, sleepy but grinning. "You could drop me off?"
"I will," Sophia said softly, palm warm against Jane's cheek. "I'll pick you up, too."
Jane's eyes got a little brighter, her chest fluttering with something sweet. "Really?"
Sophia smiled, thumb tracing lazy circles. "Yeah. But stay here with me a few more minutes."
Jane settled in, smiling, snug in Sophia's arm. "You're going to spoil me."
Sophia tucked another bit of Jane's hair behind her ear. "Already have, you know. And you don't mind."
They lingered in their own soft bubble, talking about everything and nothing, laughing at little things.
Jane's laugh pressed lightly against Sophia's chest.
Sophia kissed her head, and all those tiny, gentle gestures stacked up in the golden light.
Time slowed down until Jane groaned. "I should get ready."
Sophia propped herself up on an elbow, looked at her with a smirk. "You'd better, or I'll end up carrying you out to the car."
Jane laughed, playful and sleep-heavy. "Don't tempt me."
Sophia grinned. "Already tempted."
Jane slipped out of bed after a quick kiss on Sophia's cheek, grabbed her bag, and disappeared into the bathroom, still smiling.
Sophia watched her go, warmth blooming in her chest. She's mine, she thought. I get to watch her grow, tease her, and love her.
A few minutes later Jane appeared in the doorway, dressed and ready, hair a little messy but totally charming. Sophia tossed her the car keys.
"Ready?" she asked, voice gentle.
Jane grinned, slipping her hand into Sophia's. "Always."
Jane tied her shoelaces as Sophia came out of the bathroom, hair still damp and smelling faintly of shampoo, dressed sharp in a blouse and tailored trousers.
Jane looked up, just stared for a moment.
Sophia caught her gaze. "What?"
Jane tilted her head, almost measuring. "You look very… doctor-like. Again."
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Again?"
"Yesterday you looked sick," Jane said, matter-of-fact. "Now you look intimidating."
Sophia walked over, picked up her watch. "I'm not intimidating."
Jane shrugged, thoughtful. "You own a hospital."
Sophia barely looked up. "Doesn't make me scary."
"You boss people around."
Sophia shot her a look. "I learned that from you."
Jane grinned. "Good influence."
Sophia shook her head, but couldn't hide her smile. "Let's go. You'll be late."
Outside, the air was fresh. Jane tossed her bag over her shoulder and walked beside Sophia to the car.
Sophia unlocked it and slid behind the wheel, Jane settling in next to her. The engine hummed to life.
Jane stretched and sank back. "You didn't have to drive me."
Sophia glanced over, pulling onto the road. "I wanted to."
Jane smiled to herself. "You're responsible."
"Someone has to be," Sophia said.
Jane stared out the window, watching the quiet streets roll by.
A few blocks later, Sophia slowed and pulled into a parking spot in front of a little café.
Jane recognized it instantly. "Coffee?"
Sophia nodded. "Be right back." She stepped out, tall and composed, disappearing inside.
Jane propped her chin in her hand, watching through the glass. "She's pretty cool," she muttered.
Sophia came back with a paper bag and two cups.
Jane's eyes lit up. "You got breakfast!"
Sophia handed her the bag and started the car again. "You said you were hungry."
Jane peeked inside. Warm sandwich. Pastry. Her smile got huge. "You remembered."
Sophia kept her eyes on the road, voice softer. "Of course."
Jane dug in, obviously pleased. "This is why I'm keeping you."
Sophia laughed. "Getting evaluated, am I?"
Jane nodded, mouth full. "So far, excellent."
The rest of the drive was easy—Jane sipping coffee, Sophia weaving through morning traffic.
University gates came into view. Sophia parked by the main entrance. Jane finished her breakfast, wiped her hands.
"Thanks," she said quietly.
Sophia turned toward her. "You're welcome."
Jane swung her bag over her shoulder. But before she got out, Sophia spoke up.
"Jane."
Jane paused. "Yeah?"
Sophia hesitated, then asked, "Do... Do you want to go on a date with me?"
Jane blinked. "A date?"
Sophia nodded. "After your classes."
Jane stared, surprised. Then grinned. "You're asking your own girlfriend out?"
Sophia looked amused. "Yeah."
Jane leaned back. "Where?"
"That's a surprise."
Jane studied her. "You planned this, huh?"
Sophia didn't answer.
Jane laughed softly. "You're smooth."
Sophia folded her hands over the wheel. "Is that a yes?"
Jane leaned in, voice warm and teasing. "Of course."
Sophia smiled. "I'll pick you up after class."
Jane nodded. "Don't be late."
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "I never am."
As Jane swung the car door open, she paused, leaning back through the window. Sophia glanced up.
Jane pressed a quick, gentle kiss to her cheek. "For the breakfast," she whispered, grinning.
Then she walked off toward campus.
Sophia sat for a while, just watching until Jane disappeared into the crowd.
She touched her cheek where Jane had kissed her, and smiled.