Chapter Text
Leone Abbacchio wasn’t what he’d consider a very heavy sleeper anymore. Maybe back in school he was, back when his life was considered more normal, but nowadays various things either kept him up or roused him quickly usually on his own accord. It was a small price to pay for the lifestyle he adopted.
Laying in bed he stared at the black ceiling, allowing those thoughts that kept him up to take precedence. Fears of tomorrow, regrets of the past, anxieties on all fronts pooling in his mind like a typhoon and he considered getting up and finding something to occupy his time. He didn’t want to think much more but also didn’t want to turn to alcohol again as the slight frown and waking up to find Bucciarati had slept on his couch to make sure he’d be alright in the morning was shameful enough to have him at least try to avoid getting up and going for an alcohol run. The man had more than enough to worry about, after all, Leone really didn’t want to add another fuck up onto the list of stressors.
Plus he couldn’t find the energy in him to get out of bed.
Lying there he started to at least sink into his pillow, the thoughts fading to intangible anxieties that eased with each passing moment before a buzz instantly snapped him back and his phone screen dully lit the room with a blue hue. Groaning, he reached to grab the tiny flip phone to see it was a message from Bucciarati. He never texted this late unless it was urgent, it brought his heart to his throat as he sat up to read it.
Are you awake? 21:19
He swallowed his breath, trying to remember enough Italian to give any sense of a response.
Yes. Why? 21:20
Please come over to my apartment. 21:20
The response came mere seconds after Leone had texted back, he wasn’t even sure what this could mean but he found energy he didn’t know he had as he hopped out of bed and stared to his dingy wardrobe. Should he dress better? He was wearing sweats and a band shirt, it wasn’t the worst thing to be caught outside in, plus it really did seem urgent. He decided to just go over and tie up his hair so he wouldn’t have to worry about it being a rats nest as he grabbed his keys and wallet before turning back to his phone.
On my way. 21:22
The train was quiet, only a few people who were obviously clubbing taking the last of their energy to get back home, or the few other stragglers going home late, whatever it was he quickly rushed off when his stop came and took as little time getting to Bucciarati’s apartment as he could manage without looking suspicious. It thankfully wasn’t that long of a trip compared to other trips, and he found himself knocking on the door before too long.
The man who graced him on the other side was hard to read. Leone would admit he wasn’t the best with reading faces, however something was clearly upsetting him and he looked so… dressed down. A side of him he never exactly permitted others to see, the way his bob loosely surrounded his face with many stragglers, a nice pyjama set that fit him well, and a cloud of gloom that was hanging over him as he struggled to meet Leone’s eyes.
“Are you safe?” Was the first question Leone had, looking around to make sure there wasn’t anything before a rough hand gently grabbed his wrist.
“I’m fine. I just need some company, I hope you don’t mind.”
Words got caught in his throat again and he shook his head, taking a step into the apartment and quietly shutting the door. He could feel his own heart rate in his chest and prayed to whatever god would listen that his face wasn’t turning too red.
“It’s the least I could do.”
Bucciarati gave the smallest smile to that and quietly moved to the couch, giving Leone an expectant look for him to join. So Leone did. Throwing his weight to the cushions with a loud grunt, he sat back and allowed their silence to settle and he waited for whatever Bucciarati said next. Whether a request, whatever was bugging him, something small talk, he’d gladly wait but instead watched him stare down at his hands that were gripping onto his knees as he struggled to keep his breath steady.
Finding courage in him he didn’t realize he had, he threw out an arm as an invitation for a hug, and to his shock it was almost instantly taken up as Bucciarati buried his face into his chest. His heart rate was quickening again but he kept himself steady in concern for the other man, and just spent the time quietly rubbing circles on his back. He was always told in his youth his hugs were the best whenever he allowed them, which wasn’t enough for his family, but he took some solace in it years later hoping it could somewhat be of solace to his boss and dare he even say friend.
“I’m here for you.” Leone whispered, feeling a wet heat pull around his chest where Bucciarati had buried his face as they settled into a half hug, half cuddle.
“Please don’t leave me tonight.” The voice was muffled and soft, but was more than enough to finally launch his heart rate.
“I wouldn’t dare.” He managed to croak out and was certain how red his face was now. Not that the other would really notice, being buried deep in his shirt and making no motion to move other than quiet shakes.
He wasn’t sure when things faded into nothing, but he found himself snapping awake when Bucciarati finally moved on top of him. “Let's go to bed.” A hand rubbed Leone’s chest a bit and he forced himself up, body heavy as he waddled to the bedroom mere centimeters behind Bucciarati as he kept his arms lazily slung around the other.
Falling into his cool, silk sheets, Leone drug Bucciarati closer to him in bed with his sleepy haze and their limbs mingled. Bucciarati let out a soft sigh in his ear and Leone found a courage in him he wasn’t sure he’d ever have if he were fully awake. Placing a gentle kiss on the side of Bucciarati’s mouth, he felt their breaths intertwine as Bucciarati quietly made it a peck on the lips.
Bucciarati might’ve gone right to sleep after that but here Leone was now wide awake and realizing what just happened.
Well fuck.