CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! austin moon

CHAPTER TEN, me & you

The next morning, Austin woke up first. He almost forgot where he was at first, but then his eyes landed on Delaney sleeping beside him and everything came back to him. His cheeks flushed pink at the memories of the previous night, but he didn't move. He was comfortable, and he didn't want to wake her up.

He was laying on his back, one hand tucked behind his head, and his other hand was still intertwined with hers. She was laying on her side, her hair covering half her face. Her dark curls were a mess, but Austin couldn't help but think she was beautiful. He watched her sleep for a while, just taking in the sight of her. As he watched Delaney sleep, Austin couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions. He cared deeply for her, more than he had ever realized before. The way she looked so peaceful and vulnerable in her sleep only strengthened his feelings for her.

He gently brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face, his touch feather-light as not to disturb her slumber. He smiled softly as he watched her, his heart full of affection. He knew in that moment that he wanted to wake up like this every morning. He wanted to be by her side, always. But waking up like this with her was better than any dream he could ever imagine.

He couldn't resist the urge to reach over and kiss her forehead. Her skin was soft and warm beneath his lips, and the feeling of her close to him filled his chest with an indescribable happiness. As he pulled away, his eyes landed on her hand that was still in his. Their intertwined hands were rested between them, their fingers laced together. The sight made his heart skip a beat and his cheeks flushed a light pink.

He was so focused on the feeling of their hands touching that he didn't realize Delaney was awake and watching him, a small smile tugging at her lips. She had woken up the moment his lips had touched her forehead, her heart skipping a beat. The feeling of his warm lips pressed against her skin had sent a wave of warmth through her entire body.

"Morning," She said softly, her voice slightly raspy from sleep. She watched as his cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Uh, hi," Austin replied sheepishly, his voice low. He was caught off guard by her greeting, but he couldn't help but feel pleased that she was awake and speaking to him.

"How'd you sleep?" Delaney asked, stifling a giggle at his awkwardness.

"Pretty well," Austin replies, a shy smile tugging at his lips. "You?" He asked, his brown eyes meeting hers.

"Good, thanks," She says. She glances down at their intertwined hands, the corners of her mouth curving upwards. "Did you, uh, want your hand back?" She teased, grinning playfully.

Austin's cheeks reddened even more, his eyes following her gaze. "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to..." He trailed off, not sure what to say.

Delaney laughs softly, her smile growing. "It's okay, I don't mind." She replies, her tone reassuring. "I actually kinda like it."

Austin felt his heart skip a beat at her words, a shy smile spreading across his face. "Yeah?" He asked, his voice full of hope.

"Mhm," Delaney nods. She shifts closer to him, resting her head on his chest. Her hand slides from his, but her arm wraps around his waist instead, holding him close. "This okay?" She mumbled, her voice muffled against his shirt.

"More than okay." Austin replied, wrapping his arm around her. He felt his heart race, the feeling of her being so close to him making him feel giddy. He could smell the sweet scent of her shampoo and her natural scent, the combination making his heart race even more.

Delaney smiled and snuggled into his chest, letting out a content sigh. Their morning continued in that comfortable embrace, both content to just be with each other. They stayed like that for a while, basking in the warmth of each other's presence. Eventually, they decided to get up and start their day once hunger won over and they both admitted to being starving.