The Hampstead house was still wrapped in that soft grey light when Izan's eyes snapped open.
For a moment, the latter didn't move.
He just lay there, staring up at the ceiling, letting the silence settle around him.
Eighteen.
The number felt strange in his head as he turned his head slightly.
Olivia had drifted closer to him in her sleep sometime during the night, one arm loosely across his chest, her hair scattered across the pillow like it had claimed territory there.
Not that she ever didn't.
The rise and fall of her breathing was the only motion for a moment as Izan froze like he didn't want to wake her up.
He watched her for a second longer than necessary.
Then he leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss against her cheek.
The reaction came instantly.
Without opening her eyes, Olivia murmured, voice soft and half-buried in sleep.
"Happy birthday."
Izan blinked once, a tad bit surprised, while a small smirk crept onto his face.
"You're not even awake," he said quietly.
