Violette @violettes-cave - Tumblr Blog

@orthobones

Violette was significantly less worried this time around than she was during their first date. After all, she was just excited to share something with him that meant a lot to her (and she had dressed for the occasion).

She had finally gotten some time to herself, Atticus was being babysat by his favorite uncle for a few hours. Not that she hadn't enjoyed the opportunity to bring their kids the first time around, but...she'd be lying if she said she wasn't excited for the alone time with him.

She sits in the car for a moment, taking a deep breath to compose herself. Then she gets out, walking up the path to his door and lightly knocking. She shifted on her feet, waiting a little anxiously.

Leo fumbled around his apartment, shoving barbies out of sight and praying the popcorn and snacks weren't burnt.

So the fact he was halfway through pulling on a shirt when he heard Violette's knock at the door felt on par for how the evening was going. He had just enough time to swish a bit of mouthwash and spray a little cologne before rushing to open the door.

"Miss Sinclair, hello," he exclaimed, "please come in, make yourself comfortable," he insisted, helping take off her coat and hanging it up for her.

"i have the movie already set up, unless you would like to talk for a little while beforehand," he told her, trying to hide his anxiety.

It had been a while since he had a woman of romantic interest in his home, and even though their first date (if you could even call it that) went okay, he was still nervous what her thoughts would turn out to be when he was left with no escape. when he was left to show just how boring of a man he truly was.

Truthfully though, Violette found his slight awkwardness endearing. This was the same man that flirted with her over Tumblr of all places? This giant teddy bear who was tripping over his daughters toys and stumbling over his words? Cute.

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't we talk for a little?" she asks him, giving his upper arm a tiny squeeze.

Slowly, she made her way over to the couch, looking at him again playfully. "Y'know...I don't bite, right? I mean, unless you want me to."

She sits down on the couch, albeit still a bit stiff. After all, it wasn't her house and she didn't want to be too comfortable. "Sooo...where's Joanna tonight?" she asks.

"i might have to take you up on that later," he said with a laugh, trying to get a breath of relief. "can i get you something to drink?" he asked, walking to his kitchen.

he poured himself a root beer, prepping whatever Violette wanted as well before bringing the tray of snacks and drinks into the living room.

"Jo's at a friend's for a sleepover. she's been begging for a while, so she was overjoyed. though, i'll admit i'm a little nervous. sorry if this date gets cut short because she gets homesick." he explained, "she's real clingy with me. has been ever since, yeah."

He sat down on the couch, leaving some space between him and Violette. Letting her make the first move if she wanted.

"what about you? who has the privilege of watching little Atticus tonight?"

"Oh, uh...I had Joey sit with him tonight." she replied. She adjusted herself slightly, scooting closer to him enough that their legs were practically touching. One of her hands held her drink, while the other rested on the back of the couch.

"Honestly, sometimes I think Atticus likes him more than he likes me," she joked, snorting to herself as she took a sip of her drink, "probably just excited to see a new face."

She sat her drink down, before sighing and sitting back against the couch again. "I hope Joanna's having fun though, I never did well with sleepovers when I was younger."

Then, she looked up at him, and he could tell she was hesitating. How do you start a conversation about someone's deceased wife? But she wanted to know, because she wanted to know him.

"So...and you can stop me if this is totally invasive, or too soon," she said, holding up a hand, her gaze softening, "but...your wife. What..." she gestured. Then she shrugged, "I just guess...what? What was her name? What was she like?"

Leo took in a deep breath, hand again fiddling with his wedding band. he was silent for a while, trying to find his words again.

"her name was Sierra," he was able to get out, the crushing weight of grief felt like it was suffocating him. he stood up and walked over to the mantle and picked up a picture frame. wedding photos. he Brought it back over to the couch without a word, handing it to Violette.

"i- she was-" he choked, his voice cracked and he cleared his throat. "sorry, i, i feel bad about talking about her in front of you. i don't want to burden you with my family's loss. with my grief." he explained.

"Joanna was three when Sierra died." he explained quietly, "Sierra was the light of my life. She was kind and gentle. She was one of the nurses i met when i first came to PTMC, she was assisting in an OR and we just- we fell."

"sorry," he grumbled, clearing his throat. "i can stop if you want, i don't want to dampen your mood."

Her eyes scan the picture for a moment, her gaze visibly softening. When she looks back up at him, her hand finds his. Interlacing the fingers slowly and giving his hand a light squeeze.

"You're not dampening my mood," she assured him, "I...I want to know about her, y'know? That's a part of you, and you two had a life together long before me. If anything, I wanna make sure I'm doing right by Sierra. I promise you, I don't feel like you're pushing anything onto me at all."

Then she pauses, looking down at the picture again, "...She was beautiful," she compliments, a small smile tugging at her lips, "Joanna looks a lot like her."

She looks back up at him, "I...understand if you want to stop talking about it, but if you're not...I'd love to know more."

Leo took in another deep breath, squeezing Violette's hand just a little bit tighter.

"i was in that car with her. we all were. i broke three ribs and both my legs. she was driving. a drunk driver just- took her." he explained softly, "i held her, and- i've never held anyone except Jo and Atticus since."

He looked up with a gentle smile. "but- if i'm being honest. i'm willing to try to change that," he told her softly. "you remind me a lot of her, actually. gentle, funny, kind, patient,"

"Sierra was the light of my life, and you know what, now that its dark again. i'm in need of..." he paused, a quiet chuckle escaping him, "this is so cheesy-"

"i could use a bat signal in my life."

Violette let out a soft giggle, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "Yeah, that is a little corny," she admitted with a nod.

She looked down at their joined hands, before looking back up at him. Her smile grows just a little wider, they're a little closer than she had remembered, but she's not complaining. "Lucky for you though...I like corny."

"Which, means...I like you. And I want to keep pursuing this," she says, "only if you'll have me, though." her thumb rubbed against the skin of the back of his hand, before gently handing the picture back to him.

"if you're willing to give this old man a chance," he told her with a smile. "i'll be honest with you, little lady, i might not be the easiest man to date, you're handling damaged goods here,"

"i'll try my best to be the kind of guy you deserve, someone kind enough and gentle enough for you to trust." he said, squeezing her hand. "that is, if you'll have me."

Leo stood up, replacing the picture frame back where it was before coming back to sit on the couch, closer to Violette this time.

"mind if i nab a quick hug before we continue?" he asked, opening his arms just a little.

"I don't mind one bit." she smiles, opening her own arms. She was glad they were sitting, it made it easier for her to hug him. Less of a gap.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. After a moment, she pulled away. Their faces were a lot closer than she had anticipated, making her breath hitch.

Then, she swallows quickly, clearing her throat but not pulling away completely. "So...are you excited for the movie?" she asked softly, "Gotta say, it's honestly in my top five movies, like...ever."

Leo tried not to feel too sad when Violette pulled away from him. It wasn't like they were going to kiss, he just told her his sob story. it was a hug. its all it was.

"ahem- ah- yes." he muttered, taking a sip of his drink. "yes, i've heard very good things about it. i've been looking forward to this all week." he explained.

"so, shall we start?" he asked, picking up the remote to prepare to unpause the movie in its opening credits.

She watched him with a small smile. She didn't want to kiss him outright, it felt too soon. But, a kiss on the cheek wouldn't hurt...right?

So she gave him a quick peck on the cheek before settling back against him.

"Please," she nodded, her grin growing wider with pure glee. And a small chunk of it was being able to watch this movie for the millionth time. But being with him made it more special this time around. "I think you're really gonna like it."

Leo smiled, more watching Violette's excitement than the movie.

The kiss had caught him off guard, flustering him enough to put him out of himself for just a moment.

She glowed while she watched, pure joy and excitement as she watched the screen. The chains of sorrow and grief lifted off him just a bit, allowing for a spark of joy to settle within him.

The movie was good, Leo thoroughly enjoyed it, but he would be lying if he said the real spectacle wasn't Violette. The technicolour flashing against her form. The light sparkling in her eyes and the red and blue lighting up her black hair. She was magical, she was breathtaking.

The movie ended too soon. he could have watched her forever.

At some point her head had ended up on his shoulder. She watched the credits for a few moments, before she felt a pair of eyes on her.

Slowly, she turned her head to look up at him. The light from the movie accentuated his handsome features more, making him look more majestic than he had prior. Well, not like he hasn't always been hot, but...y'know.

Her eyes darted from his own down to his lips, then back up to his gaze. "So, um...did you like the movie?" she asks softly, but it was clear she wasn't focused. She swallowed thickly, realizing she was staring at his lips again before whispering, "Is...is this okay?"

"it was beautiful," he told her without hesitation. "you were beautiful."

he reached over, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "i think we may have to watch it again sometime, just so i can see that amazing smile you have." his voice was soft and low. "you really do enjoy that, don't you, baby?" he asked, his heart skipping a beat at the pet name.

"sorry- i hope that's okay-"

"That's more than okay," she replied, practically cutting him off. Another quiet giggle tumbled past her lips, her own heart hammering against her ribcage.

She leaned a little closer to him, her pupils widening a bit. "I mean...I have a nickname slash petname for you," she whispered, "it might not be traditional. But it makes it fair, at least."

"...But, I've liked every name you've called me," she admits, tilting her head slightly, her hand squeezing his bicep, "especially that one. We need to...do this more often."

Leo smiled, "well then, baby, maybe we should." he told her. he put his glass on the table, reaching over with another sudden burst of courage. in one swift move, he pulled her onto his lap, arranging her so that sat with one leg on each side of him.

"how about this?" he asked, voice calm and sultry. "do we like this, pretty little thing?"

he had his hands on her hips, rubbing back and forth from her hips to her thighs, needing something to fidget with lest he lose confidence. god she looked beautiful on his lap, lips ever so slightly parted, almost begging him to close the gap.

"i won't make any moves you don't want me to, baby,"

She let out a small noise as he adjusted her in his lap to his liking. Her hands found solace on his shoulders, resting on them to keep herself steady and upright in his lap.

"...Yeah?" she then asked, almost breathlessly. A borderline shit-eating grin plastered on his face. She could still sense his slight nerves as his hands rubbed rhythmically from her hips to thighs, repeating.

And she thought it might've been the most attractive thing she had ever experienced.

She leaned in a bit closer, their noses practically brushing against each other. She could feel his breath on her lips, and it was taking every ounce of self-restraint in her body to not immediately close the gap. "Then I guess it's a good thing for you that there's not a move I don't want you to make."

Leo's hand slipped up to the back of her head, pulling her in that much more as he made the move to close the distance. He took her lips in his, being as gentle as possible, not wanting to scare the little dove off of him.

He pulled off briefly, taking a breath to calm his excited heart.

"so, baby, does this mean i'm yours now?" he asked, looking deep within her eyes. "because i'll gladly call you mine, if you'll have me," he offered.

The weight of a woman was familiar, it was scary, and yet Violette's hands on him calmed him. he could feel one more hand, on the small of his back. a knowing feeling, a warmth in the pit of his stomach that he recognised as easily the blue sky. he had heard her voice, felt her warmth.

"it's time, Leonard. Be good to her."

Leo pulled Violette in before she could say anything, kissing her again and holding her close.

"if you'll have me, i'll be yours."

She smiled against his lips, her own hands sliding up to cup his face. Her thumbs brushed against the stubbled edge of his cheeks, her own a darker shade of pink.

"Of course I'll have you," she hums, the sound low and rumbling in her throat. "I want you to be mine, I want to have you. Every bit of you."

She tilted her head slightly, deepening the kiss for a brief moment. Then she pulled away just enough, a quiet, breathless giggle escaping her throat. He made her feel like some kind of giddy schoolgirl, made her heart flutter in ways it hadn't in ages. Even more so that he was finally hers. And she was his.

"my Violette," he whispered, the words sweet like sugar on his tongue.

"well then, i guess now i can stop pretending i don't know what that nurse means when he starts planning to trap us in a closet together." he tells her with a smile.

"maybe i can even look forward to it," he chuckled.

"by the way, speaking of Nurse Atticus, how long is he set to babysit?" he asked, letting his hands wander farther on her body.

"Um..." she says, looking at the clock over his shoulder. Having to pretend like she can't feel the goosebumps prickling her skin with his touch.

When she looks at him again, she smiles. "...We have about another hour before he starts panic calling me," she hums, tilting her head to the side slightly.

"Why? Trying to get rid of me so soon Bonesy?" she teases him playfully, eyes scanning his face as her fingers flex against his cheeks.

"not in the slightest," Leo said, "i'm just wondering how much more time until i have to let you go again. its going to be a lonely night for me, i want to savour every second." he hummed.

he pulled her in, resting his chin on her shoulder. "i wouldn't mind a night with you sometime,"

She let out another content hum, wrapping her arms around him, keeping him pressed against her. She pressed a kiss to his temple, her fingers finding the hair on the nape of his neck and toying with them mindlessly.

"I wouldn't mind that either," she mumbles, snorting quietly to herself in amusement, "that can be date number...five."

"then i better start planning numbers three and four," he chuckled.

He pulled back, resting his back against the couch and just watching her for a while, a soft smile on his face. His hands rested on her thighs.

"we'll take this nice and slow, baby. i'm no spring chicken anymore, so i'm okay with taking it easy." he told her. "how about dinner next time, or a nice Sunday drive to the lake. i'm fine with whatever your little heart desires."

he gave her a soft smile, lifting one of her hands to his lips to give it a gentle kiss.

"Hmm..." she hummed, like she was deep in thought. Her hand resting gently against his lips and face, smiling softly again.

"How about dinner for the third date, lake drive for the fourth...sleep over for the fifth," she snickers, giggling to herself, "that way I don't wear you thin too early on. Don't wanna break you before I've barely had my fun."

@orthobones

Leo fumbled around his apartment, shoving barbies out of sight and praying the popcorn and snacks weren't burnt.

"Miss Sinclair, hello," he exclaimed, "please come in, make yourself comfortable," he insisted, helping take off her coat and hanging it up for her.

"i have the movie already set up, unless you would like to talk for a little while beforehand," he told her, trying to hide his anxiety.

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't we talk for a little?" she asks him, giving his upper arm a tiny squeeze.

Slowly, she made her way over to the couch, looking at him again playfully. "Y'know...I don't bite, right? I mean, unless you want me to."

She sits down on the couch, albeit still a bit stiff. After all, it wasn't her house and she didn't want to be too comfortable. "Sooo...where's Joanna tonight?" she asks.

"i might have to take you up on that later," he said with a laugh, trying to get a breath of relief. "can i get you something to drink?" he asked, walking to his kitchen.

he poured himself a root beer, prepping whatever Violette wanted as well before bringing the tray of snacks and drinks into the living room.

He sat down on the couch, leaving some space between him and Violette. Letting her make the first move if she wanted.

"what about you? who has the privilege of watching little Atticus tonight?"

"Honestly, sometimes I think Atticus likes him more than he likes me," she joked, snorting to herself as she took a sip of her drink, "probably just excited to see a new face."

She sat her drink down, before sighing and sitting back against the couch again. "I hope Joanna's having fun though, I never did well with sleepovers when I was younger."

Then, she looked up at him, and he could tell she was hesitating. How do you start a conversation about someone's deceased wife? But she wanted to know, because she wanted to know him.

Leo took in a deep breath, hand again fiddling with his wedding band. he was silent for a while, trying to find his words again.

"sorry," he grumbled, clearing his throat. "i can stop if you want, i don't want to dampen your mood."

Her eyes scan the picture for a moment, her gaze visibly softening. When she looks back up at him, her hand finds his. Interlacing the fingers slowly and giving his hand a light squeeze.

Then she pauses, looking down at the picture again, "...She was beautiful," she compliments, a small smile tugging at her lips, "Joanna looks a lot like her."

She looks back up at him, "I...understand if you want to stop talking about it, but if you're not...I'd love to know more."

Leo took in another deep breath, squeezing Violette's hand just a little bit tighter.

He looked up with a gentle smile. "but- if i'm being honest. i'm willing to try to change that," he told her softly. "you remind me a lot of her, actually. gentle, funny, kind, patient,"

"Sierra was the light of my life, and you know what, now that its dark again. i'm in need of..." he paused, a quiet chuckle escaping him, "this is so cheesy-"

"i could use a bat signal in my life."

Violette let out a soft giggle, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "Yeah, that is a little corny," she admitted with a nod.

"if you're willing to give this old man a chance," he told her with a smile. "i'll be honest with you, little lady, i might not be the easiest man to date, you're handling damaged goods here,"

"i'll try my best to be the kind of guy you deserve, someone kind enough and gentle enough for you to trust." he said, squeezing her hand. "that is, if you'll have me."

Leo stood up, replacing the picture frame back where it was before coming back to sit on the couch, closer to Violette this time.

"mind if i nab a quick hug before we continue?" he asked, opening his arms just a little.

"I don't mind one bit." she smiles, opening her own arms. She was glad they were sitting, it made it easier for her to hug him. Less of a gap.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. After a moment, she pulled away. Their faces were a lot closer than she had anticipated, making her breath hitch.

Then, she swallows quickly, clearing her throat but not pulling away completely. "So...are you excited for the movie?" she asked softly, "Gotta say, it's honestly in my top five movies, like...ever."

Leo tried not to feel too sad when Violette pulled away from him. It wasn't like they were going to kiss, he just told her his sob story. it was a hug. its all it was.

"ahem- ah- yes." he muttered, taking a sip of his drink. "yes, i've heard very good things about it. i've been looking forward to this all week." he explained.

"so, shall we start?" he asked, picking up the remote to prepare to unpause the movie in its opening credits.

She watched him with a small smile. She didn't want to kiss him outright, it felt too soon. But, a kiss on the cheek wouldn't hurt...right?

So she gave him a quick peck on the cheek before settling back against him.

Leo smiled, more watching Violette's excitement than the movie.

The kiss had caught him off guard, flustering him enough to put him out of himself for just a moment.

She glowed while she watched, pure joy and excitement as she watched the screen. The chains of sorrow and grief lifted off him just a bit, allowing for a spark of joy to settle within him.

The movie ended too soon. he could have watched her forever.

At some point her head had ended up on his shoulder. She watched the credits for a few moments, before she felt a pair of eyes on her.

"it was beautiful," he told her without hesitation. "you were beautiful."

"sorry- i hope that's okay-"

"That's more than okay," she replied, practically cutting him off. Another quiet giggle tumbled past her lips, her own heart hammering against her ribcage.

She leaned a little closer to him, her pupils widening a bit. "I mean...I have a nickname slash petname for you," she whispered, "it might not be traditional. But it makes it fair, at least."

"...But, I've liked every name you've called me," she admits, tilting her head slightly, her hand squeezing his bicep, "especially that one. We need to...do this more often."

"how about this?" he asked, voice calm and sultry. "do we like this, pretty little thing?"

"i won't make any moves you don't want me to, baby,"

She let out a small noise as he adjusted her in his lap to his liking. Her hands found solace on his shoulders, resting on them to keep herself steady and upright in his lap.

And she thought it might've been the most attractive thing she had ever experienced.

He pulled off briefly, taking a breath to calm his excited heart.

"so, baby, does this mean i'm yours now?" he asked, looking deep within her eyes. "because i'll gladly call you mine, if you'll have me," he offered.

"it's time, Leonard. Be good to her."

Leo pulled Violette in before she could say anything, kissing her again and holding her close.

"if you'll have me, i'll be yours."

She smiled against his lips, her own hands sliding up to cup his face. Her thumbs brushed against the stubbled edge of his cheeks, her own a darker shade of pink.

"Of course I'll have you," she hums, the sound low and rumbling in her throat. "I want you to be mine, I want to have you. Every bit of you."

"my Violette," he whispered, the words sweet like sugar on his tongue.

"well then, i guess now i can stop pretending i don't know what that nurse means when he starts planning to trap us in a closet together." he tells her with a smile.

"maybe i can even look forward to it," he chuckled.

"by the way, speaking of Nurse Atticus, how long is he set to babysit?" he asked, letting his hands wander farther on her body.

"Um..." she says, looking at the clock over his shoulder. Having to pretend like she can't feel the goosebumps prickling her skin with his touch.

When she looks at him again, she smiles. "...We have about another hour before he starts panic calling me," she hums, tilting her head to the side slightly.

"Why? Trying to get rid of me so soon Bonesy?" she teases him playfully, eyes scanning his face as her fingers flex against his cheeks.

"not in the slightest," Leo said, "i'm just wondering how much more time until i have to let you go again. its going to be a lonely night for me, i want to savour every second." he hummed.

he pulled her in, resting his chin on her shoulder. "i wouldn't mind a night with you sometime,"

"I wouldn't mind that either," she mumbles, snorting quietly to herself in amusement, "that can be date number...five."

@orthobones

Leo fumbled around his apartment, shoving barbies out of sight and praying the popcorn and snacks weren't burnt.

"Miss Sinclair, hello," he exclaimed, "please come in, make yourself comfortable," he insisted, helping take off her coat and hanging it up for her.

"i have the movie already set up, unless you would like to talk for a little while beforehand," he told her, trying to hide his anxiety.

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't we talk for a little?" she asks him, giving his upper arm a tiny squeeze.

Slowly, she made her way over to the couch, looking at him again playfully. "Y'know...I don't bite, right? I mean, unless you want me to."

She sits down on the couch, albeit still a bit stiff. After all, it wasn't her house and she didn't want to be too comfortable. "Sooo...where's Joanna tonight?" she asks.

"i might have to take you up on that later," he said with a laugh, trying to get a breath of relief. "can i get you something to drink?" he asked, walking to his kitchen.

he poured himself a root beer, prepping whatever Violette wanted as well before bringing the tray of snacks and drinks into the living room.

He sat down on the couch, leaving some space between him and Violette. Letting her make the first move if she wanted.

"what about you? who has the privilege of watching little Atticus tonight?"

"Honestly, sometimes I think Atticus likes him more than he likes me," she joked, snorting to herself as she took a sip of her drink, "probably just excited to see a new face."

She sat her drink down, before sighing and sitting back against the couch again. "I hope Joanna's having fun though, I never did well with sleepovers when I was younger."

Then, she looked up at him, and he could tell she was hesitating. How do you start a conversation about someone's deceased wife? But she wanted to know, because she wanted to know him.

Leo took in a deep breath, hand again fiddling with his wedding band. he was silent for a while, trying to find his words again.

"sorry," he grumbled, clearing his throat. "i can stop if you want, i don't want to dampen your mood."

Her eyes scan the picture for a moment, her gaze visibly softening. When she looks back up at him, her hand finds his. Interlacing the fingers slowly and giving his hand a light squeeze.

Then she pauses, looking down at the picture again, "...She was beautiful," she compliments, a small smile tugging at her lips, "Joanna looks a lot like her."

She looks back up at him, "I...understand if you want to stop talking about it, but if you're not...I'd love to know more."

Leo took in another deep breath, squeezing Violette's hand just a little bit tighter.

He looked up with a gentle smile. "but- if i'm being honest. i'm willing to try to change that," he told her softly. "you remind me a lot of her, actually. gentle, funny, kind, patient,"

"Sierra was the light of my life, and you know what, now that its dark again. i'm in need of..." he paused, a quiet chuckle escaping him, "this is so cheesy-"

"i could use a bat signal in my life."

Violette let out a soft giggle, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "Yeah, that is a little corny," she admitted with a nod.

"if you're willing to give this old man a chance," he told her with a smile. "i'll be honest with you, little lady, i might not be the easiest man to date, you're handling damaged goods here,"

"i'll try my best to be the kind of guy you deserve, someone kind enough and gentle enough for you to trust." he said, squeezing her hand. "that is, if you'll have me."

Leo stood up, replacing the picture frame back where it was before coming back to sit on the couch, closer to Violette this time.

"mind if i nab a quick hug before we continue?" he asked, opening his arms just a little.

"I don't mind one bit." she smiles, opening her own arms. She was glad they were sitting, it made it easier for her to hug him. Less of a gap.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. After a moment, she pulled away. Their faces were a lot closer than she had anticipated, making her breath hitch.

Then, she swallows quickly, clearing her throat but not pulling away completely. "So...are you excited for the movie?" she asked softly, "Gotta say, it's honestly in my top five movies, like...ever."

Leo tried not to feel too sad when Violette pulled away from him. It wasn't like they were going to kiss, he just told her his sob story. it was a hug. its all it was.

"ahem- ah- yes." he muttered, taking a sip of his drink. "yes, i've heard very good things about it. i've been looking forward to this all week." he explained.

"so, shall we start?" he asked, picking up the remote to prepare to unpause the movie in its opening credits.

She watched him with a small smile. She didn't want to kiss him outright, it felt too soon. But, a kiss on the cheek wouldn't hurt...right?

So she gave him a quick peck on the cheek before settling back against him.

Leo smiled, more watching Violette's excitement than the movie.

The kiss had caught him off guard, flustering him enough to put him out of himself for just a moment.

She glowed while she watched, pure joy and excitement as she watched the screen. The chains of sorrow and grief lifted off him just a bit, allowing for a spark of joy to settle within him.

The movie ended too soon. he could have watched her forever.

At some point her head had ended up on his shoulder. She watched the credits for a few moments, before she felt a pair of eyes on her.

"it was beautiful," he told her without hesitation. "you were beautiful."

"sorry- i hope that's okay-"

"That's more than okay," she replied, practically cutting him off. Another quiet giggle tumbled past her lips, her own heart hammering against her ribcage.

She leaned a little closer to him, her pupils widening a bit. "I mean...I have a nickname slash petname for you," she whispered, "it might not be traditional. But it makes it fair, at least."

"...But, I've liked every name you've called me," she admits, tilting her head slightly, her hand squeezing his bicep, "especially that one. We need to...do this more often."

"how about this?" he asked, voice calm and sultry. "do we like this, pretty little thing?"

"i won't make any moves you don't want me to, baby,"

She let out a small noise as he adjusted her in his lap to his liking. Her hands found solace on his shoulders, resting on them to keep herself steady and upright in his lap.

And she thought it might've been the most attractive thing she had ever experienced.

He pulled off briefly, taking a breath to calm his excited heart.

"so, baby, does this mean i'm yours now?" he asked, looking deep within her eyes. "because i'll gladly call you mine, if you'll have me," he offered.

"it's time, Leonard. Be good to her."

Leo pulled Violette in before she could say anything, kissing her again and holding her close.

"if you'll have me, i'll be yours."

She smiled against his lips, her own hands sliding up to cup his face. Her thumbs brushed against the stubbled edge of his cheeks, her own a darker shade of pink.

"Of course I'll have you," she hums, the sound low and rumbling in her throat. "I want you to be mine, I want to have you. Every bit of you."

"my Violette," he whispered, the words sweet like sugar on his tongue.

"well then, i guess now i can stop pretending i don't know what that nurse means when he starts planning to trap us in a closet together." he tells her with a smile.

"maybe i can even look forward to it," he chuckled.

"by the way, speaking of Nurse Atticus, how long is he set to babysit?" he asked, letting his hands wander farther on her body.

"Um..." she says, looking at the clock over his shoulder. Having to pretend like she can't feel the goosebumps prickling her skin with his touch.

When she looks at him again, she smiles. "...We have about another hour before he starts panic calling me," she hums, tilting her head to the side slightly.

"Why? Trying to get rid of me so soon Bonesy?" she teases him playfully, eyes scanning his face as her fingers flex against his cheeks.

@orthobones

Leo fumbled around his apartment, shoving barbies out of sight and praying the popcorn and snacks weren't burnt.

"Miss Sinclair, hello," he exclaimed, "please come in, make yourself comfortable," he insisted, helping take off her coat and hanging it up for her.

"i have the movie already set up, unless you would like to talk for a little while beforehand," he told her, trying to hide his anxiety.

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't we talk for a little?" she asks him, giving his upper arm a tiny squeeze.

Slowly, she made her way over to the couch, looking at him again playfully. "Y'know...I don't bite, right? I mean, unless you want me to."

She sits down on the couch, albeit still a bit stiff. After all, it wasn't her house and she didn't want to be too comfortable. "Sooo...where's Joanna tonight?" she asks.

"i might have to take you up on that later," he said with a laugh, trying to get a breath of relief. "can i get you something to drink?" he asked, walking to his kitchen.

he poured himself a root beer, prepping whatever Violette wanted as well before bringing the tray of snacks and drinks into the living room.

He sat down on the couch, leaving some space between him and Violette. Letting her make the first move if she wanted.

"what about you? who has the privilege of watching little Atticus tonight?"

"Honestly, sometimes I think Atticus likes him more than he likes me," she joked, snorting to herself as she took a sip of her drink, "probably just excited to see a new face."

She sat her drink down, before sighing and sitting back against the couch again. "I hope Joanna's having fun though, I never did well with sleepovers when I was younger."

Then, she looked up at him, and he could tell she was hesitating. How do you start a conversation about someone's deceased wife? But she wanted to know, because she wanted to know him.

Leo took in a deep breath, hand again fiddling with his wedding band. he was silent for a while, trying to find his words again.

"sorry," he grumbled, clearing his throat. "i can stop if you want, i don't want to dampen your mood."

Her eyes scan the picture for a moment, her gaze visibly softening. When she looks back up at him, her hand finds his. Interlacing the fingers slowly and giving his hand a light squeeze.

Then she pauses, looking down at the picture again, "...She was beautiful," she compliments, a small smile tugging at her lips, "Joanna looks a lot like her."

She looks back up at him, "I...understand if you want to stop talking about it, but if you're not...I'd love to know more."

Leo took in another deep breath, squeezing Violette's hand just a little bit tighter.

He looked up with a gentle smile. "but- if i'm being honest. i'm willing to try to change that," he told her softly. "you remind me a lot of her, actually. gentle, funny, kind, patient,"

"Sierra was the light of my life, and you know what, now that its dark again. i'm in need of..." he paused, a quiet chuckle escaping him, "this is so cheesy-"

"i could use a bat signal in my life."

Violette let out a soft giggle, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "Yeah, that is a little corny," she admitted with a nod.

"if you're willing to give this old man a chance," he told her with a smile. "i'll be honest with you, little lady, i might not be the easiest man to date, you're handling damaged goods here,"

"i'll try my best to be the kind of guy you deserve, someone kind enough and gentle enough for you to trust." he said, squeezing her hand. "that is, if you'll have me."

Leo stood up, replacing the picture frame back where it was before coming back to sit on the couch, closer to Violette this time.

"mind if i nab a quick hug before we continue?" he asked, opening his arms just a little.

"I don't mind one bit." she smiles, opening her own arms. She was glad they were sitting, it made it easier for her to hug him. Less of a gap.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. After a moment, she pulled away. Their faces were a lot closer than she had anticipated, making her breath hitch.

Then, she swallows quickly, clearing her throat but not pulling away completely. "So...are you excited for the movie?" she asked softly, "Gotta say, it's honestly in my top five movies, like...ever."

Leo tried not to feel too sad when Violette pulled away from him. It wasn't like they were going to kiss, he just told her his sob story. it was a hug. its all it was.

"ahem- ah- yes." he muttered, taking a sip of his drink. "yes, i've heard very good things about it. i've been looking forward to this all week." he explained.

"so, shall we start?" he asked, picking up the remote to prepare to unpause the movie in its opening credits.

She watched him with a small smile. She didn't want to kiss him outright, it felt too soon. But, a kiss on the cheek wouldn't hurt...right?

So she gave him a quick peck on the cheek before settling back against him.

Leo smiled, more watching Violette's excitement than the movie.

The kiss had caught him off guard, flustering him enough to put him out of himself for just a moment.

She glowed while she watched, pure joy and excitement as she watched the screen. The chains of sorrow and grief lifted off him just a bit, allowing for a spark of joy to settle within him.

The movie ended too soon. he could have watched her forever.

At some point her head had ended up on his shoulder. She watched the credits for a few moments, before she felt a pair of eyes on her.

"it was beautiful," he told her without hesitation. "you were beautiful."

"sorry- i hope that's okay-"

"That's more than okay," she replied, practically cutting him off. Another quiet giggle tumbled past her lips, her own heart hammering against her ribcage.

She leaned a little closer to him, her pupils widening a bit. "I mean...I have a nickname slash petname for you," she whispered, "it might not be traditional. But it makes it fair, at least."

"...But, I've liked every name you've called me," she admits, tilting her head slightly, her hand squeezing his bicep, "especially that one. We need to...do this more often."

"how about this?" he asked, voice calm and sultry. "do we like this, pretty little thing?"

"i won't make any moves you don't want me to, baby,"

She let out a small noise as he adjusted her in his lap to his liking. Her hands found solace on his shoulders, resting on them to keep herself steady and upright in his lap.

And she thought it might've been the most attractive thing she had ever experienced.

He pulled off briefly, taking a breath to calm his excited heart.

"so, baby, does this mean i'm yours now?" he asked, looking deep within her eyes. "because i'll gladly call you mine, if you'll have me," he offered.

"it's time, Leonard. Be good to her."

Leo pulled Violette in before she could say anything, kissing her again and holding her close.

"if you'll have me, i'll be yours."

#🪻 — leo + violette #// he is so sweet :(( so cute i love him #// what i cannot see i will not think about 🙈 lool

She smiled against his lips, her own hands sliding up to cup his face. Her thumbs brushed against the stubbled edge of his cheeks, her own a darker shade of pink.

"Of course I'll have you," she hums, the sound low and rumbling in her throat. "I want you to be mine, I want to have you. Every bit of you."

@orthobones

Leo fumbled around his apartment, shoving barbies out of sight and praying the popcorn and snacks weren't burnt.

"Miss Sinclair, hello," he exclaimed, "please come in, make yourself comfortable," he insisted, helping take off her coat and hanging it up for her.

"i have the movie already set up, unless you would like to talk for a little while beforehand," he told her, trying to hide his anxiety.

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't we talk for a little?" she asks him, giving his upper arm a tiny squeeze.

Slowly, she made her way over to the couch, looking at him again playfully. "Y'know...I don't bite, right? I mean, unless you want me to."

She sits down on the couch, albeit still a bit stiff. After all, it wasn't her house and she didn't want to be too comfortable. "Sooo...where's Joanna tonight?" she asks.

"i might have to take you up on that later," he said with a laugh, trying to get a breath of relief. "can i get you something to drink?" he asked, walking to his kitchen.

he poured himself a root beer, prepping whatever Violette wanted as well before bringing the tray of snacks and drinks into the living room.

He sat down on the couch, leaving some space between him and Violette. Letting her make the first move if she wanted.

"what about you? who has the privilege of watching little Atticus tonight?"

"Honestly, sometimes I think Atticus likes him more than he likes me," she joked, snorting to herself as she took a sip of her drink, "probably just excited to see a new face."

She sat her drink down, before sighing and sitting back against the couch again. "I hope Joanna's having fun though, I never did well with sleepovers when I was younger."

Then, she looked up at him, and he could tell she was hesitating. How do you start a conversation about someone's deceased wife? But she wanted to know, because she wanted to know him.

Leo took in a deep breath, hand again fiddling with his wedding band. he was silent for a while, trying to find his words again.

"sorry," he grumbled, clearing his throat. "i can stop if you want, i don't want to dampen your mood."

Her eyes scan the picture for a moment, her gaze visibly softening. When she looks back up at him, her hand finds his. Interlacing the fingers slowly and giving his hand a light squeeze.

Then she pauses, looking down at the picture again, "...She was beautiful," she compliments, a small smile tugging at her lips, "Joanna looks a lot like her."

She looks back up at him, "I...understand if you want to stop talking about it, but if you're not...I'd love to know more."

Leo took in another deep breath, squeezing Violette's hand just a little bit tighter.

He looked up with a gentle smile. "but- if i'm being honest. i'm willing to try to change that," he told her softly. "you remind me a lot of her, actually. gentle, funny, kind, patient,"

"Sierra was the light of my life, and you know what, now that its dark again. i'm in need of..." he paused, a quiet chuckle escaping him, "this is so cheesy-"

"i could use a bat signal in my life."

Violette let out a soft giggle, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "Yeah, that is a little corny," she admitted with a nod.

"if you're willing to give this old man a chance," he told her with a smile. "i'll be honest with you, little lady, i might not be the easiest man to date, you're handling damaged goods here,"

"i'll try my best to be the kind of guy you deserve, someone kind enough and gentle enough for you to trust." he said, squeezing her hand. "that is, if you'll have me."

Leo stood up, replacing the picture frame back where it was before coming back to sit on the couch, closer to Violette this time.

"mind if i nab a quick hug before we continue?" he asked, opening his arms just a little.

"I don't mind one bit." she smiles, opening her own arms. She was glad they were sitting, it made it easier for her to hug him. Less of a gap.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. After a moment, she pulled away. Their faces were a lot closer than she had anticipated, making her breath hitch.

Then, she swallows quickly, clearing her throat but not pulling away completely. "So...are you excited for the movie?" she asked softly, "Gotta say, it's honestly in my top five movies, like...ever."

Leo tried not to feel too sad when Violette pulled away from him. It wasn't like they were going to kiss, he just told her his sob story. it was a hug. its all it was.

"ahem- ah- yes." he muttered, taking a sip of his drink. "yes, i've heard very good things about it. i've been looking forward to this all week." he explained.

"so, shall we start?" he asked, picking up the remote to prepare to unpause the movie in its opening credits.

She watched him with a small smile. She didn't want to kiss him outright, it felt too soon. But, a kiss on the cheek wouldn't hurt...right?

So she gave him a quick peck on the cheek before settling back against him.

Leo smiled, more watching Violette's excitement than the movie.

The kiss had caught him off guard, flustering him enough to put him out of himself for just a moment.

She glowed while she watched, pure joy and excitement as she watched the screen. The chains of sorrow and grief lifted off him just a bit, allowing for a spark of joy to settle within him.

The movie ended too soon. he could have watched her forever.

At some point her head had ended up on his shoulder. She watched the credits for a few moments, before she felt a pair of eyes on her.

"it was beautiful," he told her without hesitation. "you were beautiful."

"sorry- i hope that's okay-"

"That's more than okay," she replied, practically cutting him off. Another quiet giggle tumbled past her lips, her own heart hammering against her ribcage.

She leaned a little closer to him, her pupils widening a bit. "I mean...I have a nickname slash petname for you," she whispered, "it might not be traditional. But it makes it fair, at least."

"...But, I've liked every name you've called me," she admits, tilting her head slightly, her hand squeezing his bicep, "especially that one. We need to...do this more often."

"how about this?" he asked, voice calm and sultry. "do we like this, pretty little thing?"

"i won't make any moves you don't want me to, baby,"

She let out a small noise as he adjusted her in his lap to his liking. Her hands found solace on his shoulders, resting on them to keep herself steady and upright in his lap.

And she thought it might've been the most attractive thing she had ever experienced.

@orthobones

Leo fumbled around his apartment, shoving barbies out of sight and praying the popcorn and snacks weren't burnt.

"Miss Sinclair, hello," he exclaimed, "please come in, make yourself comfortable," he insisted, helping take off her coat and hanging it up for her.

"i have the movie already set up, unless you would like to talk for a little while beforehand," he told her, trying to hide his anxiety.

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't we talk for a little?" she asks him, giving his upper arm a tiny squeeze.

Slowly, she made her way over to the couch, looking at him again playfully. "Y'know...I don't bite, right? I mean, unless you want me to."

She sits down on the couch, albeit still a bit stiff. After all, it wasn't her house and she didn't want to be too comfortable. "Sooo...where's Joanna tonight?" she asks.

"i might have to take you up on that later," he said with a laugh, trying to get a breath of relief. "can i get you something to drink?" he asked, walking to his kitchen.

he poured himself a root beer, prepping whatever Violette wanted as well before bringing the tray of snacks and drinks into the living room.

He sat down on the couch, leaving some space between him and Violette. Letting her make the first move if she wanted.

"what about you? who has the privilege of watching little Atticus tonight?"

"Honestly, sometimes I think Atticus likes him more than he likes me," she joked, snorting to herself as she took a sip of her drink, "probably just excited to see a new face."

She sat her drink down, before sighing and sitting back against the couch again. "I hope Joanna's having fun though, I never did well with sleepovers when I was younger."

Then, she looked up at him, and he could tell she was hesitating. How do you start a conversation about someone's deceased wife? But she wanted to know, because she wanted to know him.

Leo took in a deep breath, hand again fiddling with his wedding band. he was silent for a while, trying to find his words again.

"sorry," he grumbled, clearing his throat. "i can stop if you want, i don't want to dampen your mood."

Her eyes scan the picture for a moment, her gaze visibly softening. When she looks back up at him, her hand finds his. Interlacing the fingers slowly and giving his hand a light squeeze.

Then she pauses, looking down at the picture again, "...She was beautiful," she compliments, a small smile tugging at her lips, "Joanna looks a lot like her."

She looks back up at him, "I...understand if you want to stop talking about it, but if you're not...I'd love to know more."

Leo took in another deep breath, squeezing Violette's hand just a little bit tighter.

He looked up with a gentle smile. "but- if i'm being honest. i'm willing to try to change that," he told her softly. "you remind me a lot of her, actually. gentle, funny, kind, patient,"

"Sierra was the light of my life, and you know what, now that its dark again. i'm in need of..." he paused, a quiet chuckle escaping him, "this is so cheesy-"

"i could use a bat signal in my life."

Violette let out a soft giggle, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "Yeah, that is a little corny," she admitted with a nod.

"if you're willing to give this old man a chance," he told her with a smile. "i'll be honest with you, little lady, i might not be the easiest man to date, you're handling damaged goods here,"

"i'll try my best to be the kind of guy you deserve, someone kind enough and gentle enough for you to trust." he said, squeezing her hand. "that is, if you'll have me."

Leo stood up, replacing the picture frame back where it was before coming back to sit on the couch, closer to Violette this time.

"mind if i nab a quick hug before we continue?" he asked, opening his arms just a little.

"I don't mind one bit." she smiles, opening her own arms. She was glad they were sitting, it made it easier for her to hug him. Less of a gap.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. After a moment, she pulled away. Their faces were a lot closer than she had anticipated, making her breath hitch.

Then, she swallows quickly, clearing her throat but not pulling away completely. "So...are you excited for the movie?" she asked softly, "Gotta say, it's honestly in my top five movies, like...ever."

Leo tried not to feel too sad when Violette pulled away from him. It wasn't like they were going to kiss, he just told her his sob story. it was a hug. its all it was.

"ahem- ah- yes." he muttered, taking a sip of his drink. "yes, i've heard very good things about it. i've been looking forward to this all week." he explained.

"so, shall we start?" he asked, picking up the remote to prepare to unpause the movie in its opening credits.

She watched him with a small smile. She didn't want to kiss him outright, it felt too soon. But, a kiss on the cheek wouldn't hurt...right?

So she gave him a quick peck on the cheek before settling back against him.

Leo smiled, more watching Violette's excitement than the movie.

The kiss had caught him off guard, flustering him enough to put him out of himself for just a moment.

She glowed while she watched, pure joy and excitement as she watched the screen. The chains of sorrow and grief lifted off him just a bit, allowing for a spark of joy to settle within him.

The movie ended too soon. he could have watched her forever.

At some point her head had ended up on his shoulder. She watched the credits for a few moments, before she felt a pair of eyes on her.

"it was beautiful," he told her without hesitation. "you were beautiful."

"sorry- i hope that's okay-"

"That's more than okay," she replied, practically cutting him off. Another quiet giggle tumbled past her lips, her own heart hammering against her ribcage.

She leaned a little closer to him, her pupils widening a bit. "I mean...I have a nickname slash petname for you," she whispered, "it might not be traditional. But it makes it fair, at least."

"...But, I've liked every name you've called me," she admits, tilting her head slightly, her hand squeezing his bicep, "especially that one. We need to...do this more often."

@orthobones

Leo fumbled around his apartment, shoving barbies out of sight and praying the popcorn and snacks weren't burnt.

"Miss Sinclair, hello," he exclaimed, "please come in, make yourself comfortable," he insisted, helping take off her coat and hanging it up for her.

"i have the movie already set up, unless you would like to talk for a little while beforehand," he told her, trying to hide his anxiety.

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't we talk for a little?" she asks him, giving his upper arm a tiny squeeze.

Slowly, she made her way over to the couch, looking at him again playfully. "Y'know...I don't bite, right? I mean, unless you want me to."

She sits down on the couch, albeit still a bit stiff. After all, it wasn't her house and she didn't want to be too comfortable. "Sooo...where's Joanna tonight?" she asks.

"i might have to take you up on that later," he said with a laugh, trying to get a breath of relief. "can i get you something to drink?" he asked, walking to his kitchen.

he poured himself a root beer, prepping whatever Violette wanted as well before bringing the tray of snacks and drinks into the living room.

He sat down on the couch, leaving some space between him and Violette. Letting her make the first move if she wanted.

"what about you? who has the privilege of watching little Atticus tonight?"

"Honestly, sometimes I think Atticus likes him more than he likes me," she joked, snorting to herself as she took a sip of her drink, "probably just excited to see a new face."

She sat her drink down, before sighing and sitting back against the couch again. "I hope Joanna's having fun though, I never did well with sleepovers when I was younger."

Then, she looked up at him, and he could tell she was hesitating. How do you start a conversation about someone's deceased wife? But she wanted to know, because she wanted to know him.

Leo took in a deep breath, hand again fiddling with his wedding band. he was silent for a while, trying to find his words again.

"sorry," he grumbled, clearing his throat. "i can stop if you want, i don't want to dampen your mood."

Her eyes scan the picture for a moment, her gaze visibly softening. When she looks back up at him, her hand finds his. Interlacing the fingers slowly and giving his hand a light squeeze.

Then she pauses, looking down at the picture again, "...She was beautiful," she compliments, a small smile tugging at her lips, "Joanna looks a lot like her."

She looks back up at him, "I...understand if you want to stop talking about it, but if you're not...I'd love to know more."

Leo took in another deep breath, squeezing Violette's hand just a little bit tighter.

He looked up with a gentle smile. "but- if i'm being honest. i'm willing to try to change that," he told her softly. "you remind me a lot of her, actually. gentle, funny, kind, patient,"

"Sierra was the light of my life, and you know what, now that its dark again. i'm in need of..." he paused, a quiet chuckle escaping him, "this is so cheesy-"

"i could use a bat signal in my life."

Violette let out a soft giggle, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "Yeah, that is a little corny," she admitted with a nod.

"if you're willing to give this old man a chance," he told her with a smile. "i'll be honest with you, little lady, i might not be the easiest man to date, you're handling damaged goods here,"

"i'll try my best to be the kind of guy you deserve, someone kind enough and gentle enough for you to trust." he said, squeezing her hand. "that is, if you'll have me."

Leo stood up, replacing the picture frame back where it was before coming back to sit on the couch, closer to Violette this time.

"mind if i nab a quick hug before we continue?" he asked, opening his arms just a little.

"I don't mind one bit." she smiles, opening her own arms. She was glad they were sitting, it made it easier for her to hug him. Less of a gap.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. After a moment, she pulled away. Their faces were a lot closer than she had anticipated, making her breath hitch.

Then, she swallows quickly, clearing her throat but not pulling away completely. "So...are you excited for the movie?" she asked softly, "Gotta say, it's honestly in my top five movies, like...ever."

Leo tried not to feel too sad when Violette pulled away from him. It wasn't like they were going to kiss, he just told her his sob story. it was a hug. its all it was.

"ahem- ah- yes." he muttered, taking a sip of his drink. "yes, i've heard very good things about it. i've been looking forward to this all week." he explained.

"so, shall we start?" he asked, picking up the remote to prepare to unpause the movie in its opening credits.

She watched him with a small smile. She didn't want to kiss him outright, it felt too soon. But, a kiss on the cheek wouldn't hurt...right?

So she gave him a quick peck on the cheek before settling back against him.

Leo smiled, more watching Violette's excitement than the movie.

The kiss had caught him off guard, flustering him enough to put him out of himself for just a moment.

She glowed while she watched, pure joy and excitement as she watched the screen. The chains of sorrow and grief lifted off him just a bit, allowing for a spark of joy to settle within him.

The movie ended too soon. he could have watched her forever.

At some point her head had ended up on his shoulder. She watched the credits for a few moments, before she felt a pair of eyes on her.

@orthobones

Leo fumbled around his apartment, shoving barbies out of sight and praying the popcorn and snacks weren't burnt.

"Miss Sinclair, hello," he exclaimed, "please come in, make yourself comfortable," he insisted, helping take off her coat and hanging it up for her.

"i have the movie already set up, unless you would like to talk for a little while beforehand," he told her, trying to hide his anxiety.

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't we talk for a little?" she asks him, giving his upper arm a tiny squeeze.

Slowly, she made her way over to the couch, looking at him again playfully. "Y'know...I don't bite, right? I mean, unless you want me to."

She sits down on the couch, albeit still a bit stiff. After all, it wasn't her house and she didn't want to be too comfortable. "Sooo...where's Joanna tonight?" she asks.

"i might have to take you up on that later," he said with a laugh, trying to get a breath of relief. "can i get you something to drink?" he asked, walking to his kitchen.

he poured himself a root beer, prepping whatever Violette wanted as well before bringing the tray of snacks and drinks into the living room.

He sat down on the couch, leaving some space between him and Violette. Letting her make the first move if she wanted.

"what about you? who has the privilege of watching little Atticus tonight?"

"Honestly, sometimes I think Atticus likes him more than he likes me," she joked, snorting to herself as she took a sip of her drink, "probably just excited to see a new face."

She sat her drink down, before sighing and sitting back against the couch again. "I hope Joanna's having fun though, I never did well with sleepovers when I was younger."

Then, she looked up at him, and he could tell she was hesitating. How do you start a conversation about someone's deceased wife? But she wanted to know, because she wanted to know him.

Leo took in a deep breath, hand again fiddling with his wedding band. he was silent for a while, trying to find his words again.

"sorry," he grumbled, clearing his throat. "i can stop if you want, i don't want to dampen your mood."

Her eyes scan the picture for a moment, her gaze visibly softening. When she looks back up at him, her hand finds his. Interlacing the fingers slowly and giving his hand a light squeeze.

Then she pauses, looking down at the picture again, "...She was beautiful," she compliments, a small smile tugging at her lips, "Joanna looks a lot like her."

She looks back up at him, "I...understand if you want to stop talking about it, but if you're not...I'd love to know more."

Leo took in another deep breath, squeezing Violette's hand just a little bit tighter.

He looked up with a gentle smile. "but- if i'm being honest. i'm willing to try to change that," he told her softly. "you remind me a lot of her, actually. gentle, funny, kind, patient,"

"Sierra was the light of my life, and you know what, now that its dark again. i'm in need of..." he paused, a quiet chuckle escaping him, "this is so cheesy-"

"i could use a bat signal in my life."

Violette let out a soft giggle, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "Yeah, that is a little corny," she admitted with a nod.

"if you're willing to give this old man a chance," he told her with a smile. "i'll be honest with you, little lady, i might not be the easiest man to date, you're handling damaged goods here,"

"i'll try my best to be the kind of guy you deserve, someone kind enough and gentle enough for you to trust." he said, squeezing her hand. "that is, if you'll have me."

Leo stood up, replacing the picture frame back where it was before coming back to sit on the couch, closer to Violette this time.

"mind if i nab a quick hug before we continue?" he asked, opening his arms just a little.

"I don't mind one bit." she smiles, opening her own arms. She was glad they were sitting, it made it easier for her to hug him. Less of a gap.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. After a moment, she pulled away. Their faces were a lot closer than she had anticipated, making her breath hitch.

Then, she swallows quickly, clearing her throat but not pulling away completely. "So...are you excited for the movie?" she asked softly, "Gotta say, it's honestly in my top five movies, like...ever."

Leo tried not to feel too sad when Violette pulled away from him. It wasn't like they were going to kiss, he just told her his sob story. it was a hug. its all it was.

"ahem- ah- yes." he muttered, taking a sip of his drink. "yes, i've heard very good things about it. i've been looking forward to this all week." he explained.

"so, shall we start?" he asked, picking up the remote to prepare to unpause the movie in its opening credits.

She watched him with a small smile. She didn't want to kiss him outright, it felt too soon. But, a kiss on the cheek wouldn't hurt...right?

So she gave him a quick peck on the cheek before settling back against him.

@orthobones

Leo fumbled around his apartment, shoving barbies out of sight and praying the popcorn and snacks weren't burnt.

"Miss Sinclair, hello," he exclaimed, "please come in, make yourself comfortable," he insisted, helping take off her coat and hanging it up for her.

"i have the movie already set up, unless you would like to talk for a little while beforehand," he told her, trying to hide his anxiety.

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't we talk for a little?" she asks him, giving his upper arm a tiny squeeze.

Slowly, she made her way over to the couch, looking at him again playfully. "Y'know...I don't bite, right? I mean, unless you want me to."

She sits down on the couch, albeit still a bit stiff. After all, it wasn't her house and she didn't want to be too comfortable. "Sooo...where's Joanna tonight?" she asks.

"i might have to take you up on that later," he said with a laugh, trying to get a breath of relief. "can i get you something to drink?" he asked, walking to his kitchen.

he poured himself a root beer, prepping whatever Violette wanted as well before bringing the tray of snacks and drinks into the living room.

He sat down on the couch, leaving some space between him and Violette. Letting her make the first move if she wanted.

"what about you? who has the privilege of watching little Atticus tonight?"

"Honestly, sometimes I think Atticus likes him more than he likes me," she joked, snorting to herself as she took a sip of her drink, "probably just excited to see a new face."

She sat her drink down, before sighing and sitting back against the couch again. "I hope Joanna's having fun though, I never did well with sleepovers when I was younger."

Then, she looked up at him, and he could tell she was hesitating. How do you start a conversation about someone's deceased wife? But she wanted to know, because she wanted to know him.

Leo took in a deep breath, hand again fiddling with his wedding band. he was silent for a while, trying to find his words again.

"sorry," he grumbled, clearing his throat. "i can stop if you want, i don't want to dampen your mood."

Her eyes scan the picture for a moment, her gaze visibly softening. When she looks back up at him, her hand finds his. Interlacing the fingers slowly and giving his hand a light squeeze.

Then she pauses, looking down at the picture again, "...She was beautiful," she compliments, a small smile tugging at her lips, "Joanna looks a lot like her."

She looks back up at him, "I...understand if you want to stop talking about it, but if you're not...I'd love to know more."

Leo took in another deep breath, squeezing Violette's hand just a little bit tighter.

He looked up with a gentle smile. "but- if i'm being honest. i'm willing to try to change that," he told her softly. "you remind me a lot of her, actually. gentle, funny, kind, patient,"

"Sierra was the light of my life, and you know what, now that its dark again. i'm in need of..." he paused, a quiet chuckle escaping him, "this is so cheesy-"

"i could use a bat signal in my life."

Violette let out a soft giggle, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "Yeah, that is a little corny," she admitted with a nod.

"if you're willing to give this old man a chance," he told her with a smile. "i'll be honest with you, little lady, i might not be the easiest man to date, you're handling damaged goods here,"

"i'll try my best to be the kind of guy you deserve, someone kind enough and gentle enough for you to trust." he said, squeezing her hand. "that is, if you'll have me."

Leo stood up, replacing the picture frame back where it was before coming back to sit on the couch, closer to Violette this time.

"mind if i nab a quick hug before we continue?" he asked, opening his arms just a little.

"I don't mind one bit." she smiles, opening her own arms. She was glad they were sitting, it made it easier for her to hug him. Less of a gap.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. After a moment, she pulled away. Their faces were a lot closer than she had anticipated, making her breath hitch.

Then, she swallows quickly, clearing her throat but not pulling away completely. "So...are you excited for the movie?" she asked softly, "Gotta say, it's honestly in my top five movies, like...ever."

@orthobones

Leo fumbled around his apartment, shoving barbies out of sight and praying the popcorn and snacks weren't burnt.

"Miss Sinclair, hello," he exclaimed, "please come in, make yourself comfortable," he insisted, helping take off her coat and hanging it up for her.

"i have the movie already set up, unless you would like to talk for a little while beforehand," he told her, trying to hide his anxiety.

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't we talk for a little?" she asks him, giving his upper arm a tiny squeeze.

Slowly, she made her way over to the couch, looking at him again playfully. "Y'know...I don't bite, right? I mean, unless you want me to."

She sits down on the couch, albeit still a bit stiff. After all, it wasn't her house and she didn't want to be too comfortable. "Sooo...where's Joanna tonight?" she asks.

"i might have to take you up on that later," he said with a laugh, trying to get a breath of relief. "can i get you something to drink?" he asked, walking to his kitchen.

he poured himself a root beer, prepping whatever Violette wanted as well before bringing the tray of snacks and drinks into the living room.

He sat down on the couch, leaving some space between him and Violette. Letting her make the first move if she wanted.

"what about you? who has the privilege of watching little Atticus tonight?"

"Honestly, sometimes I think Atticus likes him more than he likes me," she joked, snorting to herself as she took a sip of her drink, "probably just excited to see a new face."

She sat her drink down, before sighing and sitting back against the couch again. "I hope Joanna's having fun though, I never did well with sleepovers when I was younger."

Then, she looked up at him, and he could tell she was hesitating. How do you start a conversation about someone's deceased wife? But she wanted to know, because she wanted to know him.

Leo took in a deep breath, hand again fiddling with his wedding band. he was silent for a while, trying to find his words again.

"sorry," he grumbled, clearing his throat. "i can stop if you want, i don't want to dampen your mood."

Her eyes scan the picture for a moment, her gaze visibly softening. When she looks back up at him, her hand finds his. Interlacing the fingers slowly and giving his hand a light squeeze.

Then she pauses, looking down at the picture again, "...She was beautiful," she compliments, a small smile tugging at her lips, "Joanna looks a lot like her."

She looks back up at him, "I...understand if you want to stop talking about it, but if you're not...I'd love to know more."

Leo took in another deep breath, squeezing Violette's hand just a little bit tighter.

He looked up with a gentle smile. "but- if i'm being honest. i'm willing to try to change that," he told her softly. "you remind me a lot of her, actually. gentle, funny, kind, patient,"

"Sierra was the light of my life, and you know what, now that its dark again. i'm in need of..." he paused, a quiet chuckle escaping him, "this is so cheesy-"

"i could use a bat signal in my life."

Violette let out a soft giggle, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "Yeah, that is a little corny," she admitted with a nod.

@orthobones

Leo fumbled around his apartment, shoving barbies out of sight and praying the popcorn and snacks weren't burnt.

"Miss Sinclair, hello," he exclaimed, "please come in, make yourself comfortable," he insisted, helping take off her coat and hanging it up for her.

"i have the movie already set up, unless you would like to talk for a little while beforehand," he told her, trying to hide his anxiety.

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't we talk for a little?" she asks him, giving his upper arm a tiny squeeze.

Slowly, she made her way over to the couch, looking at him again playfully. "Y'know...I don't bite, right? I mean, unless you want me to."

She sits down on the couch, albeit still a bit stiff. After all, it wasn't her house and she didn't want to be too comfortable. "Sooo...where's Joanna tonight?" she asks.

"i might have to take you up on that later," he said with a laugh, trying to get a breath of relief. "can i get you something to drink?" he asked, walking to his kitchen.

he poured himself a root beer, prepping whatever Violette wanted as well before bringing the tray of snacks and drinks into the living room.

He sat down on the couch, leaving some space between him and Violette. Letting her make the first move if she wanted.

"what about you? who has the privilege of watching little Atticus tonight?"

"Honestly, sometimes I think Atticus likes him more than he likes me," she joked, snorting to herself as she took a sip of her drink, "probably just excited to see a new face."

She sat her drink down, before sighing and sitting back against the couch again. "I hope Joanna's having fun though, I never did well with sleepovers when I was younger."

Then, she looked up at him, and he could tell she was hesitating. How do you start a conversation about someone's deceased wife? But she wanted to know, because she wanted to know him.

Leo took in a deep breath, hand again fiddling with his wedding band. he was silent for a while, trying to find his words again.

"sorry," he grumbled, clearing his throat. "i can stop if you want, i don't want to dampen your mood."

Her eyes scan the picture for a moment, her gaze visibly softening. When she looks back up at him, her hand finds his. Interlacing the fingers slowly and giving his hand a light squeeze.

Then she pauses, looking down at the picture again, "...She was beautiful," she compliments, a small smile tugging at her lips, "Joanna looks a lot like her."

She looks back up at him, "I...understand if you want to stop talking about it, but if you're not...I'd love to know more."

@orthobones

Leo fumbled around his apartment, shoving barbies out of sight and praying the popcorn and snacks weren't burnt.

"Miss Sinclair, hello," he exclaimed, "please come in, make yourself comfortable," he insisted, helping take off her coat and hanging it up for her.

"i have the movie already set up, unless you would like to talk for a little while beforehand," he told her, trying to hide his anxiety.

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't we talk for a little?" she asks him, giving his upper arm a tiny squeeze.

Slowly, she made her way over to the couch, looking at him again playfully. "Y'know...I don't bite, right? I mean, unless you want me to."

She sits down on the couch, albeit still a bit stiff. After all, it wasn't her house and she didn't want to be too comfortable. "Sooo...where's Joanna tonight?" she asks.

"i might have to take you up on that later," he said with a laugh, trying to get a breath of relief. "can i get you something to drink?" he asked, walking to his kitchen.

he poured himself a root beer, prepping whatever Violette wanted as well before bringing the tray of snacks and drinks into the living room.

He sat down on the couch, leaving some space between him and Violette. Letting her make the first move if she wanted.

"what about you? who has the privilege of watching little Atticus tonight?"

"Honestly, sometimes I think Atticus likes him more than he likes me," she joked, snorting to herself as she took a sip of her drink, "probably just excited to see a new face."

She sat her drink down, before sighing and sitting back against the couch again. "I hope Joanna's having fun though, I never did well with sleepovers when I was younger."

Then, she looked up at him, and he could tell she was hesitating. How do you start a conversation about someone's deceased wife? But she wanted to know, because she wanted to know him.

@orthobones

Leo fumbled around his apartment, shoving barbies out of sight and praying the popcorn and snacks weren't burnt.

"Miss Sinclair, hello," he exclaimed, "please come in, make yourself comfortable," he insisted, helping take off her coat and hanging it up for her.

"i have the movie already set up, unless you would like to talk for a little while beforehand," he told her, trying to hide his anxiety.

She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't we talk for a little?" she asks him, giving his upper arm a tiny squeeze.

Slowly, she made her way over to the couch, looking at him again playfully. "Y'know...I don't bite, right? I mean, unless you want me to."

She sits down on the couch, albeit still a bit stiff. After all, it wasn't her house and she didn't want to be too comfortable. "Sooo...where's Joanna tonight?" she asks.

@orthobones