I had been sick for days.

Whatever it was—flu, virus, something worse—it had completely drained me. My body felt heavy, unresponsive, like even the simplest movements took more effort than they should.

Leon hadn’t left my side once.

Not really.

He’d been there through everything—making sure I took my meds, checking on me constantly, watching every small change like it actually mattered. Like I mattered.

It was… a lot.

But I didn’t have the energy to argue.

So when he guided me toward the bathroom, I didn’t resist. This time, I was steadier—nothing like before. I could stand on my own, but not for long. My legs would tire quickly, forcing me to lean against something… or someone… just to catch a breath.

It felt like my body was asking me to go back to bed, to stop pushing. My legs weren’t shaking, but the weakness was there—subtle, persistent. Every few steps, I had to pause, lean in, wait a few seconds before moving again.

Leon didn’t say anything about it.

His arm stayed wrapped around my waist the whole time, steady and firm, guiding me forward. Every time I slowed down or stumbled, I could feel it—his grip tightening just slightly.

By the time we reached the bathroom, I exhaled slowly.

“Shit… I wouldn’t be able to undress myself without losing my balance.”

I sat down, figuring it’d be easier that way.

Leon crouched in front of me without hesitation.

“Always so damn dramatic,” he muttered.

Still, his hands were careful—gentle—as he helped me out of my clothes.

“...Hold onto my shoulders.”

I did.

“…There. Now stop whining.”

I let out a small breath and pushed myself up again, making my way toward the shower. I leaned against the wall once I got there.

“Alright… I guess I’ll see you later, pretty boy.”

I reached for the water.

Leon didn’t move.

“Funny,” he said flatly. “I guess you're still forgetting I'm not leaving you alone in here.”

I paused.

“You pass out, you’re cracking your skull open on tile. And I’m not carrying you to the hospital again.”

A beat.

“…So move over. I’m getting in too.”

Heat rushed to my face before I could stop it.

“What,” he said. “Shy now?”

“Shut the fuck up.”

I turned my face away, trying to hide it.

“Oh, now you get embarrassed?” he went on. “After everything else?”

“Relax. We’ve done worse.”

I didn’t answer.

I just stood there, waiting—aware of him behind me.

A soft rustle broke the silence.

Fabric shifting… then the quiet sound of it hitting the floor.

A pause.

Then the faint metallic click of a belt loosening.

I swallowed, eyes fixed anywhere but back.

Another second passed—just long enough to feel it.

Then—

Warmth.

Not the water.

Him.

Close behind me.

The space between us disappeared before I could think about it.

The water turned on, spilling down in a steady stream, heat spreading across my skin.

His presence settled in right after—solid, steady—as he reached past me to adjust the temperature.

His arm slid around my waist again, grounding me.

“Water’s perfect,” he murmured. “Stop being stubborn and lean on me.”

I let out a soft chuckle and turned around, wrapping my arms around him without thinking.

“Feels like a life ago since last time…”

I rested my chin against his shoulder, letting my weight fall into him.

Leon’s arms came around me automatically.

“Yeah,” he murmured.

The water fell steadily around us.

Warm. Quiet.

“…Too long.”