The apartment was quiet when you walked in—too quiet for a Friday night—until a soft, warm glow flickered down the hallway. Leon’s voice floated from the bathroom, low and gentle, “Babe? Just come back here.”

He sounded tired. The kind of tired that settled into his shoulders after a long week of travel, practices, and games. But when you stepped into the doorway, he was already smiling, even with exhaustion lingering around his eyes.

The lights were off. The room was lit only by scattered candles—soft gold reflecting off the tiles, shadows dancing across the steam-fogged mirror. The bathtub was filled almost to the rim, water warm and scented, a few bubbles clinging to the edges. Towels were folded neatly, one of his oversized hoodies tossed onto the counter for you.

He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly shy in a way only you ever saw. “Yeah, uh… I thought maybe we could do this. Together.” His voice softened, almost a murmur. “Long week for both of us. Figured we deserved something nice.”

He reached over and dipped his hand into the water, checking the temperature for the third… maybe fourth time. “Still warm,” he said, quietly proud of himself.

When you stepped closer, Leon’s expression softened even more. He gently took your hand, thumb brushing your knuckles as he guided you toward the tub. “Just let me take care of you tonight,” he whispered. “No talking, no thinking, nothing heavy. Just us.”

He slid in first, settling in with a low sigh, then opened his arms to you. “Come here,” he murmured, voice warm and gravelly in the candlelight. When you eased into the water and leaned back against him, he wrapped his arms securely around your waist, pulling you flush to his chest.

His chin rested on your shoulder, breath slow and steady, the kind of closeness he never rushed. “See?” he whispered against your skin. “Already better.”

The candles flickered. The water lapped softly. Leon’s hands moved in lazy, comforting circles along your arms, your ribs, your hips—nothing rushed, nothing suggestive, just grounding warmth.

“Been waiting for this all week,” he admitted, lips brushing your temple. “Just you. Just this. Feels like the world stops for a bit.”

He held you tighter, breath syncing with yours as the room hummed with quiet intimacy.

“Stay right here,” he whispered. “I’m not letting you go.”