𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Sick at the Academy

I walk out of the second class that day, mind boggled with the information I've somehow got to wrap my head around for the upcoming exams. I knew the police academy wasn't going to be easy, but I didn't expect it to be this challenging either. I sigh, scanning the exiting crowd with a frown. Leon's still nowhere to be seen, which isn't like him at all. I put Leon's first day of absence down to a hangover from Sunday's party, though I didn't recall him drinking that much. Yesterday I figured he was taking the day off to catch up and prepare for today, but three days in a row without coming to classes or training? Something's up. 

I ask a few of Leon's friends if they've seen him, but none have an answer for me, so with a twinge of worry, I beeline from the next class to Leon's dorms. They're on the other side of the campus, but thankfully it's a nice enough day to enjoy the short walk there. I step past a couple who are exiting the dorms, then I race up the creaky wooden stairs, heading straight for Leon's room. It's probably nothing, and Leon will probably tease me for being so concerned, it's not like he's going to fail or anything just because he's missed a few days, he's top of the class for a reason, and that's pretty much because his brain is like a damn sponge. What he lacks in charisma, he makes up for with his intelligence. No wonder we're like two peas in a pod. I gently knock on his door, waiting a couple moments, but nothing happens. My frown deepens as I try again, knocking once more before pressing my ear to the door. My heart pounds when I don't hear anything, and now I'm really beginning to panic. 

Against my better judgement, I try the doorknob, and to my surprise it swings open, revealing a dimly lit room with the curtains drawn. I squint into the darkness, and there, under mountains of cheap sheets, is Leon. His face peeks out of the den he's created for himself, crystal blue eyes creeping open to glare at me, but when he recognises my face, they instantly soften. I rush into the room, closing the door behind me as my heart clenches. Leon groans, trying to sit up as his blonde hair sticks to his forehead, his cheeks are flushed, and he's paler than usual. "Leon? Are you dying?" I whisper, adding a small laugh as Leon attempts to chuckle, but then he coughs, wincing as he clutches a hand to his chest. 

"Kind of." He nasally replies. My lips twitch as relief floods through me, at least he hasn't left the academy, or been brutally murdered. He's just sick. I shake my head ruefully before stepping closer to him, perching on the side of his bed as he flops onto his back, covers dipping to show a bare chest. My cheeks flush as I avert my eyes back up to his face. 

"You look awful. I wondered why you've missed class, at least now I know." I softly say as I hesitantly reach out, swiping his hair away from his head. Leon's eyes widen a fraction at the gesture- though it's not like we're unused to physical contact, we're always hugging or bumping into each other- then his eyelids flutter closed as his laboured breathing fills the silence. I hum disapprovingly at the head radiating from him, a pang of sympathy already has me making my mind up. "I guess I'll have to take care of you." I say without room for argument, however Leon opens his mouth to protest. I give him a pointed look, so he flops back down and nods in a cutely childlike way. 

"I...I don't want to bother you. I'm okay, just head to class and wish me luck." Leon mumbles, voice lower than usual due to the sickness. I scoff, standing up as I look around the room and take notice of the lack of supplies. There's a bare roll of toilet paper on his bedside table, along with an empty packet of paracetamol and a half empty bottle of water. Jesus, the man really does need me. I set my hands on my hips, lips thinning as I construct a plan. 

"Alright," I nod more to myself as Len arches an amused brow at my determination, "I'm gonna head to the shops and grab some supplies, and then I'll be right back. Just...keep doing what you're doing." I finish, tucking him back in as he tries to swat me away as if I'm an overbearing mother. Leon releases a small chuckle as I stifle a laugh then head out, eyes lingering on his resting form for a few seconds longer until I close the door. I hurry to the local shops, buying everything I assume Leon needs, as well as some soups. I also grab myself a few snacks since I'm going to need them. As soon as I return to Leon's room, I find him sat up and coughing as if he's got the plague, I rush to him, already reaching into the bag for some cough medicine. I pat Leon's back, then open up the gross smelling medicine before pouring some into the cap as if it's a shot. "Down it, buddy boy." I nudge Leon with my shoulder as he visibly shudders at the sight of it. I stare, waiting as he takes the cap from my fingers before swallowing it all in one. The face he pulls is hilarious, but I refrain from laughing at him. For now.