𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟯

You're Moving Out Or I'm Moving In

I'm home alone, all the lights are on and the TV faintly plays some show I'm not even watching, I'm too busy staring at the front door. I've been living in this neighbourhood for just under a year now, and I've never felt safe, and now with the recent rise in break ins, I'm petrified.

Every noise makes me jump out of my skin, I'm ready to flee or throw the remote at an intruder depending on my reaction. I wish I had done my research before moving here, but after the divorce I went through I just wanted to get away as quick as I could, so I moved a few towns over from my ex-husband Leon to get some space and find myself agsin. Instead I've become a dormouse, meek and scared.

I chew on my nail, knee bouncing as the lights flicker. This place is as dodgy as they come, but it was cheap and gives me a place to sleep and eat. Another sudden noise brings a yelp from me, my knees come to my chest as I grab a pillow from the sofa, pulling it in front of me like a shield. When I hear a car engine seconds later I realise it was just one of the neighbours.

I can't stay like this. I'll die of a heart attack at this rate. I snatch my phone from the table, unlocking it with shaky fingers as I scroll through my contacts. I go past old friends who I've grown away from, and family members who live too far away. "No." I whisper to myself as my options come down to only one person.

My ex-husband, Leon.

I look around the room, wondering if all my fear is worth containing instead of calling him, but then my heart beats faster, a panicky feeling bubbling up and stealing my breath. It's worth losing my dignity over. I don't hesitate as I call him, half hoping he'll ignore me, half hoping he'll answer.

"Y/N?" He softly says, his voice automatically soothing me. "Are you okay?"

I suck in a breath, regretting my choice. "I'm so sorry I called, I shouldn't have, I'll let you get back to whatever you were-"

"Y/N," Leon interrupts, voice laced with concern, "where are you, and are you in danger?"

I let out a sound that could be a sob or a laugh. I shrug to myself as I reply. "Maybe. I'm at home, but-"

"Text me the address, I'll be there soon." Is all Leon says, then he hangs up. I keep the phone pressed to my ear, frozen in surprise. He was so intent on coming, he didn't even hesitate. I text him my address then wait, anxious to see him since we haven't met up since our divorce last year. I'm a nervous ball of energy, running my fingers through my hair as my foot taps. Time flies, and suddenly there's an urgent knock on the door.

For a second I freeze, but then I get a text from Leon who's telling me he's at the door. I stand up, opening it to see my ex, who looks as handsome as ever. His dark hair and stubble is well groomed as always, but I'm sure he's packed on a few more muscles. I don't even think as I throw myself into his arms, relief flooding through me at the knowledge I'm not alone anymore. I look down, seeing his wedding band still on his finger, like he's never taken it off.

I pull back awkwardly, stepping aside to let him in, then I bolt the door shut. "I'm sorry I called you out of the blue, I just got a little scared." I apologise, turning to Leon, but he's already reaching out and cupping my cheeks with two warm hands.

"I've always said you can rely on me, that never changed." He deeply murmurs. I nod, feeling overwhelmed, then I begin to shake, the adrenaline of my fear finally coming to its head. Leon notices, and looks around the place, searching for the kitchen. I trail behind him wordlessly, watching as he makes us two drinks.

"So, you gonna tell me what's made you so scared?" Leon asks over his shoulder as he stirs in the sugar.

"There's been a lot of break ins lately around here, and I just got a little nervous. I mean there's always been crime around here, but only the other week it was too close to home. I'm just...scared." I ramble, explaining the situation to him. He nods, but he doesn't look happy about a single word that came out of my mouth.

When he turns to me, I can see the clenching of his jaw, the way his shoulders stiffen. "Why do you live here if it's so dangerous?" He asks, sipping on his drink already. Mine sits on the counter next to him, too close for me to venture.

I huff in response. "The divorce was expensive."

"I told you from the start that I'd pay for it." Leon frowns.

"You'd pay for a choice that I was making?" I retort, then we both fall silent, looking anywhere but at each other. Another noise from outside stirs me out of my temporary anger, making me jump and rush over to Leon. I cling to him as he wraps an arm around my shoulders, setting his drink aside.

"It was just a cat outside, rummaging around in the bushes." He tells me, not sounding condescending at all. I let out a breath, eyes pricking with frustrated tears. I meet Leon's gaze, then look away, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Go pack your things, you're coming with me until I can get you a safer place to stay." He orders, standing straighter. I shake my head, already protesting, but Leon's dead set on his idea, "I'm not letting you stag here alone, so either you're moving out or I'm moving in, it's your choice sweetheart."

I bite my lip, a thrill running through me at the care he's showing me. His fingers reach out all of a sudden, gripping my chin and lifting my head up as our breaths mingle. My eyes flutter at the idea of kissing him, but then Leon's pulling back, mumbling apologies to me. "I'm sorry, it's just when you do that-" He breaks off as my breathing hitches, both of us knowing that either one of us is over each other. There's still something between us, and I'm wondering if I made the right call divorcing him.

"Why did you come?" I blurt out.

Leon's eyes widen a fraction, but he covers it up well with a nonchalant shrug. "You needed me."

"Is that the only reason?" I press further.

He swallows deeply, then shakes his head. "It gave me a good opportunity to come see you, since you haven't exactly made it easy to be friends."

"I'm sorry," I softly say, toying with my clothes, "it wasn't easy for me."

Leon huffs, "Yeah, it wasn't too easy for me either."

We look at each other, then everything between us shatters. We both move at the same time, lips colliding and hands roaming each other as he lifts me up, setting me on the counter so I can wrap my legs around him. He groans, and it breaks my trance. I pull back, breathing hard and eyes wide. Leon grabs my hands, frantically searching my face. "Please don't push me away again. Please."

I nod, giving in and squeezing his ringed hand in response. "I-"

All of a sudden there's glass smashing from down the street. I grip Leon's tee as he stiffens, stepping closer between my legs as if to shield me. Moments later there's shouting and the sound of police sirens. "Yeah," Leon mumbles, "come on, let's go pack then go home baby."

I smile, letting him lead me to the bedroom to grab my things. I like the idea of going back home. Back to a place of safety, love and Leon.