——————- A few early gulls screeched outside as sunshine licked and nuzzled along the corners of an enormous picture window, filtering in despite the slight traces of dirt along the usually spotless glass. That was one of the many downsides of living beachside. The sand and winds and even the sea salt had a tendency to cling to whatever it landed on and not let go until removed physically. This was no trouble though, for those who would never have to lift a finger by means of cleaning, for those that hired window washers and pool boys, and maids to frequent their spotless abodes and keep them shining outside, but more importantlyinside. A broad bed, rich in expensive Egyptian cotton and luxurious goose down began to pool with light, alerting the two sleeping inside that it was time to think about waking up, but judging by the antics of the night before that wouldn’t be an easy task to accomplish.

The first to stir raised a hand out from a mass of dark chocolate curls, smoothing them down some as she took a deep breath. A rogue beam of sunlight hit her, causing her to blink and squint in an attempt to adjust to the light. She reassembled the sheet around her, noting that it was much nicer than the one she had on her bed, or just much higher in thread count. A smile crept upon her lips as she leaned over and planted a kiss upon the bare back beside her. She would never pin Helena as one who liked to sleep on her stomach, but she didn’t mind, it was a nice sight; all that lean muscle in her back and that long curly hair. It was almost like someone painted her that way.

Helena mumbled something incoherently and let off a soft sigh, picking her head off the pillow as soon as that tricky beam expanded to its full length, basking both girls and the bed in a golden light. She smiled at the woman beside her and reached up to cup her cheek, a small gesture of affection that her brain was able to process. Using her left hand to anchor her left side, she got herself into a sitting position and wrinkled her nose.