Warm comfort surrounded Jack as he slowly awoke to the feeling of fingers dancing through his hair. He nuzzled closer and relaxed when he didn't feel any wet patches on Kieran's chest. He could finally check lazy morning cuddles off his bucket list.

"What time is it?" he asked, content to stay exactly where he was.

"Just after eight. I'll be needing to get up soon," Kieran answered with a soft murmur.

"Or you could call in sick." Jack thought it was a great suggestion.

Kieran laughed and shook his head. "I think that's ill-advised. Lindsey may get ideas." He made an attempt to sit up, but was effectively trapped under Jack's weight.

"Let her. I'm comfy, and you smell good." Warm, comfortable, and groggy enough to not have all his worries bombarding him. It was an enjoyable state of being for Jack, and he didn't want to give it up just yet.

"Mmm, as do you, my sweet, sweet siren." Kieran kissed the top of Jack's head and breathed in deeply.

Jack groaned and raised his head. He quickly pulled away when Kieran moved in for a kiss. "Nope. I don't do morning breath."

Kieran dipped his head in acceptance as he sat up. "Very well. Teeth, and then a kiss?" he offered.

"Fine." Jack scooted to the other side of the couch and eyed where his phone lay on the coffee table. Memories of last night poked at what he needed to do. "Might as well prep myself for calling Benoit, and I could use the pick-me-up."

"She likes you. You'll be fine. She may even listen to you." Kieran's light smile didn't match the bitter note his tone had taken.

Jack watched Kieran as he headed to the bathroom. In his experience, Kieran never really stated his case unless asked. And how many people ever bothered to ask? Jack, on the other hand, had a habit of oversharing his side and insecurities. He was surprised, and proud, that he hadn't divulged the existence of vampires to everyone he knew.

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Maybe they could combine their bad habits and become a fully functioning couple. That, or a complete disaster on a whole new level.

Kieran returned and leaned over with an expectant grin. "Well? Have I earned my kiss, boyo?"

Jack dropped his head onto the couch to hide his blush. Fingers were in his hair again, and he shook his head. "Lemme brush first!"

"I'll be waitin'."

Dragging himself upright, Jack hurried to the bathroom and came right back out with a mouthful of toothbrush and toothpaste. "You're a jerk. You know that, right?"

Kieran rested his hip against the back of the couch and crossed his arms. "And you're drooling, yet I still wish to kiss you," he said with a thoughtful tilt to his head.

The kitchen sink was as good as any for Jack to finish up. He looked up and awkwardly raised his arms and dropped them. Everything was shaping up to be a much more intimate situation than he was used to, and he was lost. "Well, here I am."

Kieran loosened his arms and gestured to himself. "And here I am."

Jack licked his lips and left the safety of the counter to approach Kieran and his overly mischievous smirk. He prepared himself for some form of teasing and was pleasantly surprised when Kieran lightly caressed his cheek and tilted his chin up before leaning in. It was overly romantic and hit all the right buttons.

Kieran's lips were soft and gentle. Their tongues met, and Jack understood the look. Kieran tasted like whiskey. Jack pressed forward and angled to deepen the kiss even more, chasing the taste.

He pulled back, his cheeks burning brightly as the weight of what he'd done hit him. Ducking his head and staring at Kieran's chest, he scratched his nails across the back of his neck.

"Too much?" asked Kieran.

Jack quickly shook his head and looked up, briefly meeting Kieran's eyes. "Yeah, no. That was kinda funny." He bit at his lip before opening up more. "I liked it. Nice surprise. So, yeah."

Kieran leaned back down and gave a small round of short kisses. He ran his fingers through Jack's hair as he straightened. "I need to get ready and open the store. There's cereal in the cupboard, unless you want a proper breakfast."

"Got it. I'll find something."

Left to his own devices, Jack rummaged through the cupboards in search of his promised cereal. He pulled up short as he recognized the box. "You're an asshole!" he called out.

"So I'm told!" was the cheerful reply.

Jack couldn't help but smile as he grabbed the box of Lucky Charms. Kieran was an ass, but he was a thoughtful, teasing ass. He'd get his revenge by stopping at the liquor store on the way home.

image [https://i.imgur.com/eZY0YUq.png]