anything and everything

Modern Cute

I realized right before publishing that I wrote Dantalion instead of Dante and I'm not willing to go back and change all those words so *shrug* suffer ig
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Laila had gotten home from the hospital a few days ago. The worst of it was a broken arm and a minor concussion, the rest was bruises and other issues that would heal on their own. Not that any of this was small or should be swept under the carpet.

Leslie had given Laila his phone number and assured her she could call him any time she needed a hand. She wasn't supposed to drive either so he'd offered to pickup grocery orders for her.

Leslie glanced at his phone when he heard the notification go off but it was just for an app. Laila had only texted him once, to send him her number. He had a feeling that she was mad at him for calling the police. He wished it wasn't true but he'd seen the darker side of the world. He knew how some managed to idolize or adore those that hurt them the most.

It was late now, he should be getting to bed. He'd gotten caught up in a show and didn't want to stop it. He had to work tomorrow afternoon anyways.

It was meetings with the supply coordinator about the trip and efficiency of the staff. It wouldn't be nearly as fun as shots with the band after a concert, which Leslie had his fair share of over the last month.

He was pulled from his thoughts when he heard a knock at his door. That was strange. He walked over and opened the door.

"Laila?"

Laila nodded. "I'm sorry, the power went out in my house. I can't get anyone out until tomorrow. Can I- can I spend the night here?"

It was still summer. A night without power shouldn't be terrible. Leslie glanced over at her house, sure enough all the lights were out.

"Uh, yeah, come in." Leslie stepped back to let her inside, opening the door further. Laila entered the house, turning to face him once she was inside. This was awkward.

"Do you need clothes or anything?" Leslie asked.

"No. I'll sleep in this..." Laila answered. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it. The couch pulls out into a bad so you can sleep here. I'll grab some blankets." Leslie excused himself before going to dig through his storage closet for some extra blankets. Laila took care of pulling out the bed. Between the two of them they managed to get the bed made.

Leslie looked at Laila once she got settled I to the bed. She looked so fragile. The bruising on her neck was starting to fade but he could still make it out. Not to mention the obvious cast on her arm which had replaced the splint after she got surgery to set the bone.

She didn't look very comfortable. Her back was to him but she just seemed stiff. Leslie walked to his room and found a plushie he'd won at a carnival a while back. It wasn't special to him, just a blue bunny.

"Hey, do you want this?" Leslie offered when he got back to Laila, holding out the bunny to her. "I thought it might comfort you."

Laila looked at the plushie then Leslie before nodding and accepting the rabbit. "Thank you." She said again.

"Sleep well. Wake me if you need something." Leslie bid her a goodnight. Hopefully tomorrow things wouldn't be as awkward.

...

Leslie woke to him alarm at 9. Just to make sure he didn't sleep away the day. He shut it off, laying in bed to contemplate on life for a bit before he convinced himself to get out of bed.

He found Laila sound asleep on the couch where he'd left her. Her blankets were all twisted like she'd been restless in her sleep. She was clutching the rabbit, seeming to be having a bad dream.