If She Gives You Her Heart Don't You Break It || Kate & Leo Oneshots

What family is for (1)

The rain battered around him as he walked, his head bent and focused on the bursts of gold and white of the city lights on the sodden pavements. He was going to her house. Kate’s. The chill of the afternoon had rendered his hands frozen, stuffed into his pockets, as he toyed with a humbug. Sweeping his hair back, Leo turned into her driveway, glancing ahead and fumbling for his key. A wave of dizziness pooled over him, slowing him down but he continued nonetheless, breathing slowly in and out as he made his way to her front door. Putting the key in the keyhole, Leo knocked softly with the knocker, making himself known to her as another wave of dizziness pushed through him.

“Leo! What are you doing out in this weather? Come in, come in!” Kate gestured, eagerly stepping aside with four year old Bear on her hip and taking his bag with her free hand. He smiled weakly, swaying into her foyer, feeling the contrast of the warmth burn his frozen, sodden body. He could hear Bear babbling happily, but his words sounded like they were coming from underwater. He tried to focus on Kate's face, but it was like trying to watch a movie through a thick fog.

“Are you okay?” She said, her voice slurring in his ears as his vision went blurry and he swallowed. 

“W-what? Yeah. I’m just-” Leo felt himself falling, and he tried to grab onto something, anything, but he couldn't find anything. He hit the floor with a thud, and he could hear Kate's concerned voice, but it was like she was speaking from miles away. When he woke up, he was lying on the couch, and Kate was sitting beside him, his head in her lap. He could feel her hand on his forehead, and he could hear her voice, but it was still slurred and distant. He tried to speak, but his mouth felt dry and his throat was raw.

Kate saw him stir, and she smiled at him. "Hey," she said softly. "How are you feeling?"

Leo tried to answer, but his throat felt like it was on fire. He shook his head, and Kate nodded. "Okay," she said. "You're okay. Just rest for a little bit." She got up from the sofa, gently lowering his head onto a pillow and Leo could hear her moving around the room. He closed his eyes and tried to relax, but the dizziness was still there, a constant hum in the back of his mind.

“Bear….get….. Water…. Uncle Leo?” 

He felt them come back to him, and he opened his eyes to see Bear holding a glass of water. Kate helped him sit up, and she held the glass to his lips. He drank greedily, the cool water soothing his dry throat but he immediately felt nauseous.

"I can't keep anything down, Katie." he said.

Kate nodded, looking concerned. "Okay, we need to get you warmed up and hydrated," she said. "Baby Bear, can you go upstairs and get one of my jumpers and some dry clothes from Leo’s drawer?"

Bear nodded eagerly, scampering off up the stairs and Kate sat down on the floor next to Leo, stroking his hair. "It's going to be okay," she said. "We'll take care of you."

Bear returned a few moments later, a stack of clothes clutched in his tiny hands. Kate helped Leo sit up and took his clothes off, putting them into a neat pile on the floor. As she was helping him dress in some dry clothes, Leo looked up at her, feeling a surge of emotion.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I shouldn't have come here like this. I don't want to be a burden."

Kate shook her head, looking at him with concern. "You're not a burden," she said. "You're my friend, and I care about you. We're going to get you through this, okay?"

Leo nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude and relief wash over him. It was good to have someone to lean on, someone who cared about him and was willing to help him through the hard times. Bear beamed, snuggling up against Leo's side. Kate brought him another glass of water, and he sipped it gratefully. "Thanks," he said, feeling his throat ease a little more. Kate sat next to him, rubbing his back gently. "Just rest for a little bit," she said. "You'll feel better soon. I promise."

Leo closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the blankets and the sound of the rain lull him into a doze. When he woke up, he felt a little better, but his stomach was still churning. He sat up, feeling a wave of nausea wash over him.

Kate was by his side in an instant, holding his hand. "Are you okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Leo shook his head, feeling the bile rise in his throat. "I don't think so," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. Kate helped Leo to his feet, holding him steady as he swayed. "Let's get you to the bathroom," she said, guiding him down the hall. He made it to the toilet just in time, retching violently. Kate rubbed circles on his back and Bear stood in the doorway, watching with wide eyes. When he was finished, Kate helped him to his feet and washed his face. 

"Better?" she asked, her eyes kind and gentle. Leo nodded weakly, feeling drained and vulnerable. "I’m sorry, you shouldn’t have to see me be sick, it’s pretty gross." he said, his voice hoarse.

“Leo,” she snorted, “I have three kids. All I know is gross stuff and sick. Don’t worry, darling. It’s okay. It’s all okay.” Kate led him back to the couch, where Bear had arranged a pile of pillows and blankets. "You can stay here as long as you need," she said. "We'll take care of you."