𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Backdrop of Autumn

I stand by the window, golden sun shining onto the front lawn as I watch Leon rake the front lawn, piling up the vibrant red and orange leaves into one alluring mountain whilst wearing a stoic, focused expression. Trees gently sway from the breeze as I bite my lip, watching his muscles work under his jacket until I just can't resist anymore.

I quickly rush to the front door, only stopping to put on my boots and throw on Leon's brown sheepskin jacket to keep me warm since I'm not as hot blooded as my boyfriend is, then I swing open the door, rushing out and letting it swing closed behind me as I dash off of the porch and jog towards Leon. He begins turning towards me, brows raised and ready to listen to whatever has me in a state of urgency,  but instead I let my lips curve into a playful grin as I let my eyes wander to the massive pile of leaves.

"Don't you dare!" Leon warns, tone almost parent-like as I speed up. I swear the breeze carries his huff of disapproval as I launch myself into the pile, giggles echoing as the orange, yellow and reds flutter everywhere like confetti. I feel like a child, landing on the grass with a small thud as I snort and finally sit up, looking to see Leon standing over me with a rake in one hand, his other holding his hip as he stares me down.

"Oops, I slipped." I try, hiding another laugh as his lips twitch. He blows out a breath of bemusement, arching a perfect brow as he battles with his curving lips. His blue eyes scan the mess I've made- I'll help him clean it up later when I've had my fun. I blink up at him from where I'm still half buried under the pile, "Oh come on, just laugh already." I tease just as Leon lets out a chuckle, shaking his head ruefully as he drops the rake behind him.

"That took me an hour to do." He says, eyes twinkling as he pretends to scold me, "You're lucky I find the chore comforting."

I grin, shrugging a shoulder as I pat the ground beside me, "Come join me, don't pretend you're not tempted." I say. Leon stares at me for a second, arms crossing as he tries to regain his composure, but inevitability he sighs once more before giving me a soft smile and perches on the pile beside me as I flop down onto my back, body wriggling with joy as his lips tilt into a warm grin.

"You're really something else, aren't you?" He muses, "Just so you know, if you make any more mess I'm leaving you out here all night. You'll have to sleep in the Jameson's dog house." He jokes, nodding his head towards our neighbours as I snort and grab his hand, pulling him down next to me.

"Nuh-uh, you can't sleep without me, so I guarantee you'll be shaking a box of those pumpkin spiced cookies to lure me back into thr house like some cat." I throw back as Leon bursts out laughing, white, slightly crooked teeth shining in the sun as I watch Leon's relaxed, happy face. It's not often that Leon lets his guard down, but on the rare occasions he does it's so much sweeter. Noticing I'm staring, his laugher fades as his gaze sweeps over me. His brows furrow as he notices the coat I'm wearing. As if being caught, I nuzzle into the fur, hiding my face as Leon sits up on his elbow.

"Isn't that mine? So now you're a vandal and a thief?" He chuckles, hands reaching for me as I squeal. His fingers find my sides as he tickles me, laughing as I hiccup and try to swat him away, but it only results in us both rolling around in the leaf pile. After pleading and apologies, Leon finally pulls away, leaning over me as his forearms rest either side of my head.

"Want me to take it off?"

"Nah, it looks good on you." Leon murmurs, the sound makes my breath hitch as he gazes down at me. He leans down, lips pressing to my forehead before he sits up and pulls me up with him. Once back on my butt, Leon then reaches out and begins plucking the crispy leaves from my hair, always being careful around the snags and odd twigs that have joined the fray. "You're so silly, I love it." He fondly says, voice low as he hums. A breeze sweeps through the air as more leaves from the tree above gently float down, a couple land on Leon's head as I laugh and pick them out as we sit there, basking in the perfect autumnal day.

"Even with leaves in your hair, you still look good." I whisper, cupping his jaw as his eyes crinkle and his cheeks turn a little pink. I notice the tip of his nose is red too, and just the thought of him being chilly suddenly makes me feel cold. I shiver, nestling into Leon's coat more as he runs a hand through his hair then stands up, offering me his hand which I take.

"Come on, let's get inside before you catch a cold." He says, pulling me up and linking our fingers together as we abandon the scattered leaves. Once back in our home, we welcome the warmth as I slip out of Leon's coat and take off my boots. Leon heads to the kitchen, already grabbing our two mugs and the hot chocolate as I grab a pan and the milk.

Together we work in sync, sharing small touches until the mission is accomplished. We take our steaming mugs to the living room, where we curl up on the sofa. Leon puts on a Halloween movie whilst I grab a blanket, then we settle in for a cosy afternoon, being content together with the backdrop of autumn witnessing our happiness.