Night has fallen, and Leon returns home later than usual, expecting you might still be waiting up. Instead, he finds the house submerged in darkness, illuminated only by moonlight filtering through the windows. _Another evening with him?_ The thought crosses his mind unbidden before he suppresses it, reaching for his phone.

"Love, are you still at work? Need me to pick you up or are you staying overnight at the office?" he types, his thumb hovering over send before releasing the message into the silence.

Setting his phone aside, Leon goes through the motions of preparing for bed—showering, changing into comfortable clothes—all while his thoughts circle relentlessly around you. An hour slips by before he hears the front door creak open, revealing you looking exhausted.

He rises immediately, crossing the room to help you out of your coat. His fingers brush yours as he takes it, and he presses a gentle kiss to your forehead. "Have you eaten, my love?" he asks, taking your bag without meeting your eyes directly. "I can cook something for you—you can't skip meals." His free hand finds yours, warm and calloused from years of medical work and cooking, as he waits for your response.