𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

The Grey Strand

AN: I imagined Infinite Darkness Leon for this, but any older version of Leon works too!

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I light the candle, letting the soft glow illuminate the darkness and give off some relaxing scents that should hopefully add to the cosy atmosphere. The shower shuts off, and I climb onto the bed, watching as Leon strolls out, dressed in just some snug sweatpants and a towel around his head. I watch as he finishes drying his hair, his blue eyes find mine from across the room as he notices me checking out his muscles. It's been a really shitty week for Leon, and all I want to do is make him feel a little better, so I pat the bed as he grins, shaking his head ruefully before he tosses the towel in the wash basket. "Hey to you too." He murmurs, voice low as he saunters towards the bed, leaning both palms on the duvet as I lean forwards and beckon a finger at him to come here. "Again? I know I'm still young but-" 

"Let me pamper you, love bug." I snort, putting an end to his filthy thoughts. He tilts his head, brow twitching for a second until he relents and nods, getting onto the bed as I guide him to lie on my lap, his head resting on my thighs. He shifts until comfortable as I reach over and grab the calming oil I'd put there earlier. I pour a little onto my hands, rubbing them together to heat it up as my eyes scan his chest and the myriad of scars and marks there, all signs of survival and resilience. Once warm enough, I begin to massage the oil between his strands, making sure to reach his scalp and give him a good scratching. Leon hums in approval, eyes closing as a faint smile appears on his lips. 

"That feels good." He mumbles, muscles relaxing against me as I nod and keep going. I look down, making sure to get every spot whilst enjoying the feel of his soft hair under my palms, Leon savours the feeling, blowing out a long breath as the weight of the world eases from his shoulders. As I continue massaging his head, I suddenly notice something shiny in his hair, I pause, leaning down and narrowing my eyes, searching the dark strands until I find it again in the faint glow of the room. There, between two different shades of brown is a single grey hair, it's got the same shine as the rest of his head, but there's no doubt that my man's got his first strand of age. I gasp, grinning as Leon's eyes flick open and meet mine, a brief expression of worry crosses his features as he lifts a hand and pats his head as if to make sure his hair's still there. 

"What's wrong?" He asks, voice a little concerned. 

I try to hide my grin, but he notices it anyway. I hesitate, lips pinching together until I finally speak. "You've got a grey hair." I shrug, tone teasing but soft. I watch for Leon's expression, half wondering if he's about to have some kind of tantrum or freak out, but instead he just stares, blinks a few times, then his lips turn into a half grin. 

"A grey hair, hug? Guess it's bound to happen sooner or later." He shrugs, chuckling warmly as I reel back in surprise. He doesn't seem to be the least bit bothered by the discovery. I remember last year when I found my first grey hair, Leon had to reassure me for a weak that I still looked like I was in my twenties and not an eighty year old woman. I huff a laugh, leaning down to meet Leon's eyes once more as my hands cup either side of his head. 

"Aren't you worried? Upset? Don't you care?" I ask. 

Leon shakes his head, eyes softening as he reaches up and links our fingers together. "It's not a big deal, it just means I'm getting older, and I don't mind that, especially since I'm doing it with you. I never imagined I'd ever have the chance to live longer than I have, so I'll embrace the grey hairs and wrinkles as much as I can." I smile at his words, my heart skips a beat at the perspective, I knew Leon was a romantic, but hearing him put one of my greatest fears at ease and shine it in a new light just proves that I've won the lottery when it comes to having the best man ever. As if knowing the moment is heavier than either of us were prepared for, Leon adds "Besides, soon enough you'll be helping me wipe my ass."

I double over in laughter, tears tracking down my cheeks as Leon chuckles and gives me a pointed look as if to say 'what can you do'. I lean down, resting my forehead against Leon's as I look at him from upside down. "Really?" I tease, my brow lifting as he nods, "I don't mind, you've got such a nice ass, it'll be worth it." I playfully reply, my grin grows as Leon's body shakes with the force of his deep, intoxicating chuckles. When we've both caught our breaths, I kiss his forehead and sit up again whilst Leon shifts to wrap his arms around my middle, hugging me as I begin to massage the back of his neck. His breath tickles my skin as I calm down.

"I love you so much, there's nobody else I'd rather get old with." Leon says, voice muffled as I move the massage down to his shoulders now that he's shifted. I work out the knots and tension as he hums, his hands reach for my skin, fingers tracing invisible patterns as we just touch each other, enjoying the feel of the warmth we provide for each other.

"I love you too, forever and always." I whisper as Leon's body relaxes and his breathing evens out slowly. I watch as face softens, the usual frown completely disappears, giving him the youthful look he should've always had. I can't help but to watch him, knowing that no matter how much time passes or how old we get, our love would withstand all the time in the world.