Rouse

The apartment still smells of toast and coffee, even though neither of us has touched breakfast. The light filters through the blinds in a strange way, as if it wants to sneak in silently, just like me when I try not to wake you… and always fail.

I leaned against the doorframe, watching you from afar as you remained half-buried in the sheets. Your hair was a mess, the blanket pulled halfway down your body, one foot dangling over the edge of the bed. It was almost comical, and yet I found it endearing. You always look like this in the mornings: overcome by sleep, but peaceful. And even though I never say it out loud, I love it.

"I know you're awake," I murmured, crossing my arms.

From the bed came a little growl, like a confused bear that had just been woken up too early. I chuckled softly.

"Don't pretend," I said, approaching you and gently tapping your bare leg. "Your breathing changes when you try to act asleep."

You opened one eye, barely, looking at me as if I were too bright for the time of day. I don't know if it was true, but you always end up seeing me like that... as if I saved your day without doing anything.

"Five minutes..." you murmured, dragging out the words.

"You said that half an hour ago," I replied, sitting down next to you on the bed.

I fixed your hair without thinking much about it. Sometimes my hands just move on their own. I'm not exactly the most affectionate person... but with you it's easy. Natural.

"Did you sleep well?" I asked, leaning in a little to get a better look at you.

—Mhm… yes. Because you were here —you answered, slurring your voice.

My heart gave a little thump in my chest. Not loud, not dramatic… just that gentle feeling I get when you say nice things without realizing it.

"How corny," I said quietly, but my cheeks were already warm.

You stretched like a cat, slowly, ruffling the sheets even more. You caught my wrist in your hands and pulled me down, forcing me to lie beside you.

"Hey," I protested,

Autistic characters