[ they certainly need more things to tip the scales in their favor in a world where so much exists completely out of their control. he tucks a few more strands of dark hair behind her ear, smoothing them into place to better view her eyes, his own still bleary and partially-lidded.

although he recognizes the need for motion eventually and knows the moment will come where he has to wear his tempered expression while trying to ward off the idle current of anxiety for that earring, that which turns his stomach, makes him sick and weary and feverish when it isn't impeding his movement, for now he'll indulge. he can grant himself this, and he can justify that it isn't for him alone.

he is in no hurry, trailing a hand from her bare shoulder to her neck. ]

Sure. Just give me five... [ five? he can allow himself more than that, can't he? ] Ahh, maybe ten more minutes to just... have this without it.

[ no thoughts, no plans, simply moving to meet her slow kisses with lazy, pleasantly sleepy ones of his own, laughing breathlessly again against her lips. ] I'm definitely not allowed to take a nap here... but I would if I could.