𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟯

Soothing Old Aches

"Tea?" Leon calls from the kitchen as I finish up on my laptop. I glance at my empty drink then reply. 

"Yes please."

I close the laptop just in time to hear a big metal clatter. I rush into the kitchen, noticing the spilt tea bags over the kitchen counter and the pot lying on its side, Leon winces, already picking them up, but I notice he's avoiding lifting his left arm. I know what this means, we've been together long enough for me to see that his old bullet wound is giving him hassle again. Concern fills me as I go to his side, taking the pot from him and finishing gathering the tea bags as he resumes making us drinks. "Is everything okay?" I casually ask, trying to be subtle about it, Leon hates anyone bringing up his wound and how it affects him. He prefers to deal with pain silently, rather than being seen as having a minor weakness. 

"I'm fine, pot just slipped out of my hands." He smiles reassuringly, but the obvious discomfort and flare up he's having is written all over his face. I watch, lips pinching together as he finishes making the tea, but he doesn't grab it off of the counter, his eyes glaring at the mugs as if they're the problem. Without hesitation I grab the mugs and take them to the living room with Leon following behind me, there isn't a way I can help ease his burden without making it seem obvious, so I take a breath and prepare for the usual denial. 

"I know you're shoulder's killing you, let me try ease the pain?" I softly say as Leon sits on the sofa, carefully leaning back as he grabs his shoulder. He winces again as if its throbbing, then by my surprise he nods, licking his lips. 

"OK." He mumbles. I stand up, kissing his head before grabbing his usual painkillers and some ointment that heats up when applied. It usually helps soothe the ache he has when he comes back from a gruelling mission. I sit back down as Leon uses his right hand to pick up his drink. Wordlessly he takes the pills then sighs, brows drawn together from the lingering pain. 

"You're gonna need to take your top off." I murmur as Leon nods, then lifts the bottom of his tee, but when he sharply inhales I know that his shoulder is baring him too much pain. I crouch in front of him, chewing in my lip as I roll the tee over his head, being extremely careful when I guide his left arm up, then I fold it up and set it aside. Numerous marks, scars and moles litter his upper body, each one telling a story of his survival and the things he's been through. I lean forward, kissing the prominent mark on his neck, then move across to the scar on his shoulder, the one where he was shot by a rogue scientist in Raccoon City. He sighs contentedly, resting a hand on the top of my head in an act of affection, then I pull away, smiling at him with pure admiration and love, "You're perfect to me Leon." I whisper.

His lips lift as he watches me grab the ointment, then I squeeze some onto my fingers, it's cold but it'll soon heat up somehow and hopefully tame the pain. With tender care I begin to rub the ointment onto his shoulder, my thumb grazes the scar as Leon sucks in a breath, then slowly blows it out. "Just relax, it's alright." I coo, my voice soothing as his eyes flutter closed. I massage his skin until my fingers begin to heat up, then I pull away, watching as his expression softens and the ointment works its magic. 

"I think you enjoyed that a little too much." Leon teases, opening his eyes to reveal a mischievous glint. I shrug, playing along with his attempt at lightening the mood. 

"I was just trying to make you feel better." I chuckle, standing up, but then Leon's arms wrap around my middle, his head buries into my stomach as he squeezes me close, then without warning he pulls me onto his lap. We stay there for a while, quiet but soaking each other in as Leon's pain begins to subside. I run my fingers through his hair as he presses his ear to my chest, finding solace in the sound of my heartbeat. 

"Thank you." Leon deeply murmurs after a while, his voice filled with gratitude. I nod, reaching to grab my tea. I drink it quick since it's getting cold, blushing at the way Leon watches me with such warmth and a soft smile. I set the mug down after a while, debating on saying my thoughts out loud or not, in the end I opt to do so, since the moment feels right. 

"You know you don't have to hide your pain from me, right?" I say, unable to shake the nagging feeling in my head. My fingers trace Leon's jaw as he looks up at me, his arms tightening around my waist as my legs dangle over his own.

"I know, it's just...hard to admit when I need help, or when I'm not okay. I've spent so long being on my own, and having to be perfectly fine, and now I don't know how to admit when I'm struggling. I'm sorry if I'm awkward." He ends it with a light laugh, covering his insecurities. I shake my head, cupping his jaw as I lean down and press a featherlight kiss to his lips. 

"It's okay, I don't mind taking care of you, just don't let it get so bad that you end up making it worse, I know you're a trooper and all that, but maybe remember from time to time that you're not alone anymore, hmm?" 

Leon smiles, nodding as he shuffles to grab the TV remote. "I'll be careful, I promise. Now, what trashy show are we watching tonight?" 

"The wedding one, duh." I laugh, ruffling his hair as he chuckles, switching it on and leaning back. I snuggle into him, being mindful of his shoulder, and find my place fitting perfectly beside him. Despite Leon's pains and aches, my love for him will heal even the deepest of wounds, and I'll be sure to always take care of him the same way he takes care of me, he deserves to have at least one person to rely on.