adored

26

a/n going back to first person, idk which i prefer tbh. Also finally slowly uncovering Leo's backstory.

Leo DeMarco:

The time at the museum seemed to slip through our fingers, and somewhere between wandering around and getting lost in the remnants of time, me moreso lost in Liyanas presence, did evening come and it was time to leave. 

For the first time, I found myself wanting us to hit traffic if only to elongate our time together. She was like oxygen, I found myself without her wasn't a full existence and it was almost like I needed her to breathe. 

Daniel had been on super energy all day, practically bouncing of the walls. So when on our way out he asked me to carry him I already knew he'd be asleep before we even reached the car. 

Having put on Daniel's seat belt, I put the spare blanket I keep handy in my car draped over his sleeping body. Once seated myself, I turned on the playlist i had been collating of all the songs Liyana mentions or plays herself. 

"We're going to wake him up" she whisper shouted, turning gracie  down to a volume my ears could barely detect. 

"nahh hes one of those kids who sleeps better in noise. When he was younger id have to put the hoover on because thats the only way he'd get to sleep."

"Oh really?"

"Yeahh, took a lot of trial and error to figure that one out. Before i worked it out, I'd just drive around with him for like hours because it was the only thing that'd keep him somewhat calm."

Liyanas mouth formed a small 'o' shape and i could almost see her mind whirring through a bunch of questions and thoughts. "How often did you see him when he was younger?"

"Uhh well at first every couple months n then he lived with me for a good two-three years and then after that every other week he'd stay with me. And now, he comes for like a week every month. Sometimes more, it depends on what Marcus has got going on"

My thoughts wandered back to those years and i almost shivered. We'd come a long way from then but gosh if it wasn't difficult. 

"Oh wow, no wonder you guys are super close. Its sweet the bond you guys share, and i think being good with kids is an attractive quality."

I could see she wanted to ask more but seemingly refrained, so to lighten the mood i answered,

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Are you flirting with me liyana bluemell?" 

"If you're thinking about it, then it must be working." 

"Oh, its definitely working"

She laughed and covered her face with her hands as I turned the volume back up. Gracie had now turned to Justin Bieber and Liyana immediately uncovered her face and began singing.

"I know you love me, I know you careeee

So shout whenever and I'll be thereee"

She laughed as I joined in, her eyes crinkling in the prettiest way. Joy looked good on her, and I intended to keep her that way. If she allowed me to.

"Baby baby's baby ohhhh like baby baby baby yeahhh

Thought you'd always be mineee"

She was smiling giddily, and I'm sure my expression mirrored hers.

"What?" She asked through laughs after i held her gaze a second too long.

"Nothing. Everything. You're gorgeous."

She blushed under my gaze, "so are you"

In a moment of pure unrestraint, some might say stupidness, ish would say bravery, I asked her,  "Come home with me"

Her eyebrows lifted slightly looking slightly deer in a headlights,

"Uhm"

"Not like that obviously, i just mean i don't really want to be apart from you so y'know if you're not sick of me yet then id like to spend more time with you"

"I dont think i could ever be sick of you. You're like one of my favourite people."

"Im flattered. So? Will you?"

"I can't tonight, Im on the early shift tomorrow."

"Ill drop you"

"no no, its so far and Daniel's will be asleep."

I couldn't argue with that, even though i wanted to offer her every solution under the sun if it meant even five more minutes in her presence. It was almost pathetic how  felt towards her. 

"Another day, promise"

"Its a deal"