𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Not Irrational, Just Passionate

My period had finally arrived, and with it came mood swings, exhaustion and cramps. It begun as soon as I woke up, reaching out to find Leon had already left to go to work, and from there my day had only worsened. Now I just curl up on the sofa, fighting off tears as I snuggle under the thick, fluffy blanket Leon bought me last year as I breathe in and out, trying my damn hardest not to focus on my stomach cramping and aching.

I hear Leon come home before I see him, but my usual excitement and greetings aren't happening today. Pain usually makes people upset or clingy, but I feel like a feral honey badger, ready to hiss and claw at the first thing to piss me off. When my pain skyrockets, so do my frustrations, it's a bad habit, but breaking it would be like getting a fish to run.

Leon comes into the living room, brows knitting together in concern as he takes in the sight of my sweaty head, messy hair and constant scowl. I almost see the cogs working in his mind as he thinks through the best way to approach me, but even that makes my blood begin to boil, as if I'm done dammed stray rather than a twenty-something year old woman. "Hey, baby," Leon softly says, choosing the kind and open route, "not feeling so good?" He coos, reaching for me as he smiles gently. My lips thin as I shake my head.

"No, I'm feeling fucking awful." I reply in a snappy tone. Leon's eyes blink at me like a wounded puppy, the sight almost makes me regret my words, I truly do feel bad about my temper, but then as if to remind me why I'm in such a bad mood in the first place, another wave of pain has me gritting my teeth and rising another degree in temperature.

Thankfully my boyfriend recovers quick, knowing how pain makes me a little- or a lot- defensive and mean. He swallows, stepping back to give me some space as he slips off his jacket and glances at me from across the room. "Would a hot drink and a snack make you feel better?"

My temper reaches burning levels, and I shove the blanket off of me, since it's doing nothing but making me feel suffocated right now. I swipe my hair behind my ears, getting annoyed with the strands, and I stand up, immediately regretting it when some blood begins to seep out of me. "Nothing's going to help, I've tried it all, and your constant questions aren't making me feel better either!" I shout, lip wobbling after as Leon gives me a sympathetic look then leaves me alone to stew. Tears prick my eyes as the anger leaves me, replaced by guilt and sadness.

I sit back down on the sofa, crying quietly knowing I've got no reason to be the one upset, but like the perfect and most loyal, understanding and kind man he is, Leon swiftly comes back with my favourite comforting drink and a bar of chocolate. He sits on the sofa next to me, wordlessly wrapping an arm around my shoulders as he tugs me to his chest. I begin to sob, emotions more scattered than stars in the sky as he rubs my arms and lifts a hand to wipe my tears. "Shhh, I know. It's alright, I know you didn't mean it." He murmurs.

"I'm so sorry, Leon. I didn't mean to snap at you, I'm not really mad at you. I-I just hurt so much, and I feel like shit." I mumble as he kisses the top of my head.

"I hate seeing you in pain, baby. I wish I could take it away, but the best I can do is give you cuddles, paracetamol and whatever else you need. I'm here for you, and I love you so much." He says as my tension begins to melt away. I wipe my nose, nodding and looking up at him, seeing not an ounce of malice or anger. No matter how much I accidentally snap or get frustrated, Leon's there for me, understanding me and accepting I'm not perfect.

"I hate that I'm so mean to you sometimes." I whisper, fingers toying with his shirt as he adjusts so I'm in a comfier position. I practically squeeze into his side, fitting like a pizzle piece as he chuckles softly, shaking his head to ease my worries.

"You're not mean, you're just going through a rough time. Now drink your hot chocolate before it gets cold." Leon reaches for my mug, passing it to me so I don't even have to move. I sip on it as he holds me, fingers beginning to run through my hair as his comforting presence slowly puts me in a better mood. I feel like a kid again, all safe and snuggled up with a mug in my hands and someone playing with my hair. My heart bursts at the feeling, and somehow it magically begins to ease my stomach pains too.

When I'm done I pass the mug to Leon as he sets it aside. "You're too good to me."

He huffs a laugh. "Baby, this isn't anything overly special, it's the basic necessity." I smile as he rests his chin on the top of my head, putting on the TV to distract me from my moods or pain as he just cuddles me.

"I'm glad you love me, even when I'm irrational and grouchy."

"You're not irrational, just passionate." He laughs, shushing me as he relaxes after his day at work, and takes care of me even on my worst days.