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You observed Leon from across the room. He has been really hard on himself lately and it showed, even if he assured everything was fine. But the way his muscles tensed up from being overworked didn't escape your notice. Nor did the little grimaces he made from the pain every time he moved.
''You know you need to rest sometimes.'' You finally spoke as you watched Leon struggle to put on a clean shirt after taking a shower.
''I'm fine.'' He gritted, somehow managing to put it on. He plopped down on his bed, damp strands of his golden hair cupping his face. He let out a big sigh, exhausted from today's training.
You thought for a while, not sure if what you wanted to say would come off as weird.
''If you- uh, I did my master's in massage therapy,'' You started, regretting it halfway through, but it was too late to backtrack. ''I could put it into use if that'd help you.''
Leon turned his head towards you, cocking his eyebrow. ''In this economy, I would never say no to a free massage.'' He laughed, sitting up straight.
A wave of excitement washed over you and you almost stormed out from under your blanket, but it sure was simply because it has been a long time since you utilized his skills, it was in the realm of your interest after all.
You approached Leon and got up on the bed behind him.
''Should I take my shirt off?''
''Whatever you're comfortable with.'' Of course it would have been better shirtless, but you didn't want to put him into any situation he wouldn't be okay with. Leon, as if he read your mind, pulled the shirt over his head. ''Do your magic.'' He teased.
You brought his hands up onto the nape of his neck, palms gently grazing the hot, smooth skin all the way down his shoulders. His muscles tensed up more than they already were from the coldness of your fingers, but they quickly relaxed as you traced back, thumbs circling in-between his shoulder blades, then along the trapezius.
Leon, unintentionally let out a groan, tilting his head back. Blonde locks tickled your knuckles, the sweet smell of strawberry-scented shampoo hit your nostrils. You slid your hands down to his biceps, rubbing them gently.
Leon, involuntarily, melted into your touch and pressed his back into your chest.
Your heart skipped a beat, though you chose to ignore it, just like you always did.
You could stay like this forever. The dim light of a little nightstand lamp, as well as the blue-ish rays of the full moon creeping through the window illuminated Leon's skin. Your hands fit perfectly between every little crevice of his muscles like he was sculpted just for you.
''You're too good at this, y'know?'' Leon said, bringing you down to earth.
''Thanks,'' You whispered, ''I'm trying my best.'' Your hands became shaky as you worked your way up his arms, down his sides.
''Thank you. I'll have to pay you back,'' He laid his head back on your shoulder. ''Would a nice dinner and a bottle of whiskey do?''
You smiled, hands resting on Leon's waist. ''Yeah, it'll do.''
Leon's lips were just centimeters apart from yours and you stared at them longer than you intended.
There was something in the air none of you could quite decipher. The words got stuck in your throats as you stared into each other's eyes, a faint smile creeping up onto both of your faces.
You loosened your grip on Leon's waist, wanting to pull away the moment you realized you were gripping it too tightly, but Leon caught your arms in time, wrapping them back around his waist.
"Can we stay like this little longer… Please?" Leon's puppy eyes shone in the moonlight, how could you resist them?
You silently agreed, heart quickening its pace as Leon nuzzled his face in the crook of your neck.
He laid back, leaning against the cold wall that contrasted with the heat of Leon's body and pressed your cheek to the top of his head, closing your eyes, savoring this moment.
It was unusual for you two to be this affectionate, yet everything about this encounter felt so natural. Leon didn´t even realize when his thumb started circling around your knuckles, caressing them ever so slightly, the other hand securing his grip on your forearm, as if he was afraid you would let him slip out of your arms in any moment.
At last, for the first time in his life, he truly felt safe.