𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Just A Trim

AN: As someone who hates going to the hairdressers, and also recently needed my hair trimmed, this felt like the perfect sweet and comforting imagine to write.
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I absentmindedly twirl a strand of hair around my finger whilst Leon sits beside me on the sofa, his nose in a book whilst I 'watch' TV. I gnaw on my lip too, mind whizzing and contemplating until Leon finally sighs, closing his book before arching a brow in question as his lips curve into a half smile.

"What's got your pretty mind all scattered up this time?" He murmurs playfully, reaching out to gently poke at my temple. I swat his hand away, but it only gives my husband a chance to wrap his fingers around my wrist and pull me between his legs, trapping me there as he wraps his arms around me. I huff out a breath, unsure whether I'm glad the man who's too well or not.

"I need a haircut." I say as if he's supposed to understand. As predicted, Leon's dark brows just raise as he blinks those blue eyes down at me. His gaze flicks from left to right as his lips part, and an 'oooookay' comes out. I shake my head, explaining further. "I hate going to the hairdressers. It's always so expensive for just a trim, and I hate the small talk, it's so awkward."

"I don't mind paying for you to go, if that makes you feel better." Leon offers, resting his stubbly chin on the top of my head. I lean into him, savoring his warmth and the scent of his expensive cologne as I link our ringed fingers together.

"Thank you for offering, but it doesn't really help." A sudden idea pops into my head, and I sit up straight. Leon winces, already knowing the look on my face- he's seen me plot far too much during our marriage. "Maybe you could cut my hair? I know you're careful and precise, and I'm comfortable around you." I gaze up at him, eyes pleading as he gives me a pointed yet amused look. His eyes drift to my hair, soon followed by his hands as he rubs my strands between his fingers.

"Me? Cut your hair? I mean...I've cut my own hair a few times, but yours is...precious. What if I mess it up?" Leon asks, sounding a little worried, but it's not a refusal. I nod, smiling at his reaction and the prospect of saving money and a socially awkward hour or so.

"I trust you, and it's only a trim, and it'll grow back if something happens." I reassure, hoping the lie comes out as a truth. Leon hesitates, studying my face for a few seconds before nodding, a smile curves his lips upwards as he cups my cheek softly.

"Alright, but only if you're sure?"

"I'm postive."

A few hours later we find ourselves in the kitchen. I sit on one of the chairs Leon's pulled out for me, whilst the man himself lays out all the hair cutting tools on the table. We've got professional scissors and combs from the few times Leon took his own haircuts into his own hands, and to be fair all three times were successful. He stares at the scissors, swallowing deeply as if nervous, but as usual he hides it with humour. Leon bows, making me laugh as he says "Welcome to the Kennedy Salon, I'll be your unprofessional stylist for today." I snort, shaking my head as he carefully drapes a towel around my shoulders. Afterwards, he grabs my hairbrush and begins gently running it through my strands, his touch light as he works out any tangles. Despite being playful, I could tell he's focused on doing a good job.

It takes some time to work out the tangles, especially when Leon keeps apologising after each one. When he reaches a particularly stubborn knot, he carefully uses his fingers to work it out, the methodical movements similar to how one would disable a bomb. His fingers brush and knead my scalp, sending a shiver of relaxation down my spine, it begins to make me feel drowsy, and my chin begins to dip downwards.

“Are you falling asleep on me?” Leon asks softly, laughing under his breath as I shake my head but close my eyes at the sensations. Leon soon begins to section my hair, using scrunchies rather than clips until my hair is reminiscent of a tree brach, then he reaches for the scissors, pausing as he looks at me. "Last chance to back out?"

"I trust you. Just take off an inch or two please." I ask with confidence. Leon nods, taking a deep breath as he mumbles to himself under his breath, then he holds it as he snips off the first part. I think about gasping and feigning shock, but then I know Leon would freak out, so instead I close my eyes and sit tight. Leon moves around me with precision, the steady rhythm of the scissors echoes around the kitchen, every so often he talks to me, keeping the conversation light and occasionally joking around. "Maybe I should quit my job and open a salon instead, you can be my only client."

I smile, "Only if you promise to keep the prices reasonable." I quip back.

Leon rolls his eyes playfully. "Of course, there'll be a special discount just for you, a hundred percent off. Just hold still, I'm now cutting the front bit." Leon's voice lowers as he kneels in front of me, lips thinning as he concentrates. Finally, Leon steps away and stares at my hair with a mixture of pride and anxiety. I take a deep breath, grabbing a mirror as I take in the shorter length. Leon freezes as he awaits his judgement. My hair is definitely shorter than anticipated, but it equally looks fresh and healthy, giving me an unexpected new look. I examine every angle as Leon chews on his thumbnail, then I set the mirror aside and grin.

"It's perfect, I love it! Thank you so much." I exclaim, standing up and wrapping my arms around him. Leon breathes out a long sigh, shoulders deflating in relief as he mumbles 'Thank God' under his breath. His lips press against my forehead as I pull away, fingers toying with his shirt. "You did such a good job, I knew you would."

Leon's face lights up at the compliment. "I'm glad, you look beautiful, as always." He murmurs, kissing me softly. "Maybe you could cut my hair next time too, this way we'll save a fortune." My eyes widen as he chuckles, then together we get to work cleaning up the hair on the floor and putting the things away. Later on, once I've had a shower and conditioned my hair, I pad into our bedroom and collapse into Leon's waiting arms. "Still happy with it?" Leon mumbles sleepily, cupping the back of my head as I nod and bury my face into the crook of his neck.

"I love it, and I love you. Thank you for being the best husband a woman could ask for."

"I love you too, honey. I couldn't be the best husband without having the best wife. Let's get to sleep, yeah?" Leon yawns, eyes already drooping as I peck his cheek and roll onto my side, getting comfortable as I snuggle into his chest. I didn't need grand gestures to feel loved or closer to Leon, these small moments filled with admiration and trust are all the acts I need to know I'm cherished and happy.