The dim red glow of Hell's eternal skies filtered through the window, signaling morning. The air in the room was still, warm, and heavy, as it always was in this infernal realm. Akuma was sprawled out on his side of the bed, his breathing deep and steady. Beside him, Yumi lay tangled in the sheets, her hair a wild mess from the restless sleep she'd had. The faint sounds of Hell's distant roars and the occasional cackle from wandering imps were muffled through the thick walls of their home.
Akuma stirred first, his golden-red eyes blinking open. The haze of sleep still clouded his mind as he stretched lazily, his muscles tightening under his warm skin. He exhaled a soft groan, rubbing a hand across his face. The familiar ache of "morning wood" made itself known, and he grimaced slightly. It wasn't the most convenient way to wake up, but it wasn't anything new either.
Shifting slightly, he froze as he realized something—his current *situation* had accidentally brushed against Yumi's leg beneath the blankets. He tensed, his heart rate picking up.
Yumi was still out cold, her soft snores filling the room, her face peaceful and relaxed. But the moment of peace didn't last long. Akuma shifted again, trying to move away without waking her. Unfortunately, his *situation* grazed her thigh more noticeably this time.
Yumi's eyes snapped open. For a moment, she looked confused, her gaze darting around the room as if trying to figure out what had woken her. Then, she felt it. Her sleepy confusion turned into wide-eyed realization.
"What the hell?!" Yumi yelped, bolting upright so fast she tangled herself in the sheets and tumbled off the bed. She hit the floor with a loud thud, dragging half the blankets with her.
Akuma sat up instantly, panic flashing across his face. "Shit, Yumi! Are you okay?" He leaned over the edge of the bed to look at her, but Yumi was already glaring up at him, her face a mix of embarrassment and irritation.
"What the fuck, Akuma?!" she snapped, untangling herself from the mess of sheets. She stood up, her hair sticking out in all directions, and jabbed a finger toward him. "Why the hell were you... *you know*... while I was asleep?!"
Akuma held up his hands defensively, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red. "Hey, it's not like I did it on purpose!" he shot back, his voice slightly defensive but tinged with guilt. "It's just a... morning thing! I can't control it!"
Yumi crossed her arms, her glare not softening. "Well, maybe next time, keep your *thing* on your side of the bed!" she huffed, her cheeks pink with both anger and embarrassment.
Akuma groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean for it to happen. It's not like I was trying to—"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Yumi cut him off, waving her hand dismissively. She grabbed a pillow off the floor and threw it at him. "Just keep your distance next time, perv."
Akuma caught the pillow with a sigh, flopping back onto the bed. "You're overreacting," he muttered under his breath.
Yumi's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What did you just say?"
"Nothing," Akuma replied quickly, holding up the pillow like a shield. "I said nothing!"
Yumi rolled her eyes, grabbing the rest of the blankets off the floor and tossing them back onto the bed. She climbed back in, turning her back to him with an annoyed huff. "Unbelievable," she muttered.
Akuma lay there for a moment, staring at the back of her head. A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips despite himself. "You know," he said casually, "for someone who's pissed, you're still snuggling up close."
Yumi stiffened, realizing she had instinctively pulled the blankets over her and was now leaning slightly toward him. She growled in frustration, shoving herself to the very edge of the bed.
"Don't push your luck, Akuma," she warned.
"Noted," he replied, still smirking.
The room fell into a tense silence for a few moments, save for the distant rumblings of Hell outside. Akuma closed his eyes, trying to drift back to sleep. But he couldn't help the grin that lingered on his face. Despite her anger, he knew Yumi wasn't really mad at him. Not seriously, anyway.
Eventually, Yumi sighed, her voice softer now. "Just... be more careful, okay?" she muttered.
Akuma opened one eye, glancing at her. "I will," he promised.
And with that, the two of them settled back into a slightly awkward but familiar silence. The morning might have started with a bit of chaos, but in their own weird way, it was just another day in their life together.
End of Chapter 11