Gabriel was in the depths of a heavy, dreamless sleep when he felt a soft pressure against his cheek. The sensation of tiny, wandering hands and the melodic babbling were sounds he knew by heart, even in his half-conscious state.
"Noah, let me sleep. I am tired, boy," Gabriel groaned into his pillow. He turned his head away, shifting onto his stomach to bury his face further into the mattress, hoping for just ten more minutes of peace.
"Da!"
Noah wasn't having it. The toddler chirped with pure, morning energy, determined to get his father's attention. Seeing that poking wasn't working, his tiny fingers tangled into Gabriel's hair and gave a sharp, surprisingly strong tug.
"Ahhh!" Gabriel yelped, the sudden sting jolting him awake.
Noah's response was a peal of delighted laughter. Gabriel sat up, rubbing the back of his head with a wince as he looked down at the little culprit.
"Did you enjoy seeing me hurt, Noah?" Gabriel asked with a sleepy expression.
