The timing was perfect.

Leeroy came inside right as you'd taken dinner off the stove. She kicked off her shoes and tossed her mail bag to the side, not caring where it landed. You rolled your eyes fondly at the action. Every day you told her to just hang it by the door, and every day it still got chucked to the floor.

Your relationship with Leeroy was still tentative. She was transitioning privately, and was still finding her footing. Maybe one day she'd be ready to pick a new name, or wear a dress outside the comfort of your own home. Regardless of how long it took, you would wait.

"Yeah, yeah," she huffed, spotting your eye roll. "Hang up the fuckin' bag."

"You know me so well," you teased, sitting the plates down.

Leeroy gave up removing her delivery uniform when you approached. She gladly took you in her arms. She was a little damp from getting rained on towards the end of her shift. And her shaggy hair was pulled back in a ponytail for once. It was almost to her shoulders now.