𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟯

Tired Hearts| Request

Leon POV:

Claire sighs, crossing her arms over her chest as she assesses the leaning tower of plates and washing up I've been meaning to do for the last few days. It could be longer actually, I'm not sure. She then walks over to the fridge, opening it to reveal the sparse amount of condiments and single block of cheese.

"You're not taking care of yourself again." She mumbles, glancing at the overflowing trash. I shake my head, avoiding her motherly eyes trying to spot mine. I divert them, looking everywhere but at her.

"I'm not that bad. I just haven't had time to clean up." I shrug, but she sighs again, showing me she's unimpressed.

"Chris says you've been off duty for a couple of weeks, which means you've had more than enough time to tidy up and cook some decent meals. I think you're slipping again, and this time I can't be around to catch you. I've got this friend-"

"I don't need a babysitter." I argue, but Claire's already pulling out her phone, texting whoever she's going to sic on me.

"She's good at taking care of people, she used to be a carer before giving it up to pursue her dreams of being an author. I'm going to ask her to swing by every now and then, maybe help you maintain some cleanliness and cook for you to keep you healthy. Please don't argue with me on this Leon." She pleads. I make the mistake of meeting her eyes, then I find myself nodding, wishing she didn't have that little sister effect on me.

Claire smiles, then wraps her arms around me. I hug her back, deep down glad to have a friend like her even if it feels like a thorn in my side sometimes.

Y/N POV:

It's a nice house, but the energy feels off. I look around, waiting for Leon to make some conversation or actually smile at me, but instead he grabs his jacket and keys. "I'm going out. I'll be back in a few hours. Thanks for coming over, I appreciate it." With that the man leaves me with a million questions on the tip of my tongue.

The second he's gone, I rush to the curtains, opening them as far as they'll go to let in some sunlight, then I crack open a window. After getting myself acquainted with the house I begin my mission; cleaning up. It would've been easier with Leon here to talk to me, to keep me company as I spend hours taking out out rubbish and wiping down numerous surfaces, as well as doing a massive pile of washing up and general chores.

By the time the man comes back with a bag of groceries in his hands the house is a vast improvement. It literally looks spotless, and I smile at my pride. "Much better, hm?" I softly ask, watching as Leon toes off his shoes and nods, looking around with a sense of wonder.

"It's good. Thanks. So, what do I owe you?" Leon mumbles, walking past me and setting the grocery bag on the kitchen worktop. He begins unloading packs of cup noodles and microwaveable meals. I frown, staring at the pile of chow mein as I shake my head.

"Nothing, I just wanted to help." I reply, arching a brow as Leon scoffs, for some reason he's super defensive, but with what Claire told me there's no wonder he's hesitant to let anyone close.

"Don't be like that."

"Like what?" I ask.

"One of those people who just love helping others, hoping that you'll be the one to make me a much better person." Leon huffs, crossing his arms as he turns to me, "Thanks for cleaning up, but I'm capable of managing my own house from here on out."

With the snarky dismissal I begin to step back, not entirely put off from his lack of cheer, but disheartened that he thinks so low of me. I purse my lips, trying so hard to hold back my own response, but my mouth opens anyway. "You're welcome. By the way, I'm not trying to change you, clearly you're doing fucking fantastic as you are. Also, constant cup noodles and microwave meals are going to ruin that delightful body you've got right there, but you do you Leon."

I grab my coat and shoes, putting both on as quick as I can as Leon watches me with some odd expression, then I leave, closing the door harsher than I mean to.

The next week I come back, and Leon lets me in with barely a word. This time as I clean, I begin to cook some pasta I brought with me. Leon doesn't comment, but keeps checking on me as if waiting for me to explain. I'm still mad about last week, so I don't give him the full satisfaction. Tough love and all that. Instead, I finish cleaning up then add some sauce and meat, mix it all together, then dish it up for both of us.

"What's this?"

"I believe it's called dinner, but if you want to wait until it starts doing the tango be my guest." I muse, already stabbing a fork into the meal. Unexpectedly, Leon begins laughing. It's not just a chuckle either, but full on belly laughs that have him doubling over. I can't hold back my smile, lightly giggling at my own sarcasm. When he lifts his head and meets my gaze, something changes between us, as if he's finally realised I'm not tip toeing around him, and that I really am here just to help.

Weeks pass. I visit Leon regularly, cleaning up and cooking for him, sometimes prepping meals in advance for him to eat when I can't visit. We sit together sometimes during the day, talking about random topics, or sometimes I'll work on my book as Leon offers to wash up after a meal. We find a balance, and I begin to notice how Leon's becoming more capable.

It soon reaches a point when I'm not even sure I'm needed anymore. "Hey, come in, I rented a few movies for us to watch since I've already cleaned up and dinner's in the oven." Leon smiles as I take off my shoes. I look around the house, eyes wide at the lack of mess or dust, something smells amazing and there's even a candle lit on the coffee table.

"Wow, I..." I look to Leon, watching as he smiles at me, "I'm not sure you need my help anymore, it seems like you're doing a great job."

Leon's smile wavers as he reaches out and gently takes my hand. My breath hitches as he looks down at our joined hands. "I do need you. I kinda did all this for you. Guess you gave me motivation." He nervously chuckles. My lips twitch as I nod, not wanting to comment or ruin the subtle confession I think he's trying to give me. The oven beeps, alerting us that the food's ready. Leon dishes up the meal then we sit on the sofa, watching a movie as we eat, then after we clean up together.

"I don't suppose you wanna watch another movie?" Leon asks.

I nod, then let him lead me to the sofa again. At first we sit a distance away from each other, but as the movie goes on we begin to shuffle closer to each other, until Leon's arm is around my shoulders and I'm resting my head on his chest, his hand resting on my thigh. It feels comfortable, and so right, I end up falling asleep for a while, and when I wake the movie is just ending.

"I'm so sorry, what kind of helper am I if I fall asleep on the job." I lightly laugh, sitting up as Leon's head shakes a little.

"It's okay, I didn't mind it."

I wipe my eyes, looking at the time, which is late. "I should go. Look, about next week, since you're handling yourself now I don't know-"

"I want you to come over." Leon blurts out, "Not as a helper or my personal chef, but as a friend, or...more."

My eyes widen, and this time I don't hold back on the teasing. "Dinner, candles and a movie? I knew this felt like a date."

Leon holds a hand up in surrender. "Guilty. But, did you have fun?"

I nod, gaze snagging on his curved lips. "Yeah, I did." Leon seems to notice my stare, so he reaches out and gently cups my chin, lifting it up to close the space between our mouths. The kiss is sweet and slow, and ends way too soon.

"I'm so grateful for all you've done for me, I think my heart grew tired, but you've made it come alive again. You've brought me back to life and given me a reason to keep trying." Leon murmurs, then he kisses me again, this time deeper as I pull him on top of me.