𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Blaming Himself

It's been a long week filled with staying up late waiting for Leon to finish his never-ending pile of paperwork, and a lot of lonely dinners since he refused to let the work pile up. I've always loved Leon for his competence and ability to get shit done, but lately it's become a hindrance on our relationship. I sigh as I finish washing the dishes, tonight I'd had dinner later than usual in hopes of Leon joining me- we used to always sit together no matter what kind of day either of us had, dinnertime would be sacred- but yet again, Leon locked himself in his office leaving me sat poking at my food with silence as my company.

Just as I set the last dish on the rack and dry my hands, Leon finally emerges iron the four walled prison he's put himself in. I smile, feeling a flicker of hope that he's now ready to finally spend some long overdue time with me. Leon swiftly walks over to me, reaching out as he squeezes my hip, I lean into his warmth just as he reaches past me and into the microwave to grab his food. Once in hand, he pulls away, leaving me with my crumbling happiness as he plucks some cutlery from the drawer then turns away from me. All without a single word .

"Uh, excuse you?" I blurt out as Leon stops in his tracks. Slowly he turns to me, arching one blonde brow in confusion. I put my hands on my hips, waiting for him to apologise or at least give me an explanation. I'd settle for some kind of desperate story about needing to get his work done, or even just admitting he's stressed. Instead, Leon blinks at me before his eyes widen.

"Oh, right," he murmurs, quickly coming over to peck my head before turning away from me once more, calling out over his shoulder "this looks really good, sweetheart. Thanks."

I stand there like a gaping fish, mouth opening and closing at his assholery. It isn't like Leon at all. He always appreciates a good meal, he's the embodiment of 'the fastest way to a man's heart is through his stomach'. I frown, knowing something isn't right and Leon's trying to hide it. I know he's mister- I'll-do-it-all-by-myself, and because of that he struggles to ask for help when he needs it, but that gives him no right to treat me like some dumb housewife, I mean we aren't even married yet!

I politely give him some time to eat before deciding to take action. I knock on his office door then open it before hearing an answer. Leon glances at me over his shoulder, but doesn't speak as he resumes typing. "Is everything okay with work?" I ask, shuffling my feet as Leon nods wordlessly. "Are you sure? You're acting weird lately, like you're so focused on work that you've forgotten about me." I add, taking a step closer to him.

"Mhm." Leon agrees, but then he suddenly turns in his chair as he processes the words. "Fuck wait, no I didn't mean that!" he exclaims as I cross my arms over my chest and scoff. "I haven't forgotten about you, I've just been busy with extra work since some guys at the office got fired."

Whilst I'm glad for the explanation, it's come too late. Especially after Leon's blatant ignorance. "Well work isn't the only love in your life, Leon." I snap, walking away as he shoots up and follows me, his fingers reaching for my arm, "I thought you promised no matter what we were going through, we'd always make time for dinner? I can let a few days slide, but it's been a week now!"

A look of guilt crosses over Leon's face as he visually winces and nods with his eyes drifting to the floor. "I know, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to take so long, I just got wrapped up in it all, I promise I'll come back to you once it's-"

"If you're so determined to keep away from me, then why don't you just leave?" I argue, pointing to the door. "You know what, I need some space for an hour or so. Am I leaving, or can you abandon your precious paperwork for a while?" I ask feeling defeated. I didn't even know how upset I was until now. Leon swallows, looking like he wants to say something, but for the first time all week he does something right. He walks past me, grabbing a lightweight jacket and his phone before heading for the front door.