Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The sun dipped lazily behind the city skyline, casting long shadows on the playground as the final bell of the day echoed through the small primary school nestled between the residential blocks. Leo sighed, tucking a stack of math worksheets into his bag with gentle care. His classroom was quiet now, the scent of markers and apple juice lingering faintly in the air.

It had been a long day.

A student cried over a broken crayon. Another tried to eat a glue stick. And someone had scribbled a very inaccurate drawing of Leo on the whiteboard, featuring him with three eyebrows. He chuckled softly at the memory, dragging his bag over his shoulder.

Just as he stepped outside the school gates, the familiar low rumble of an engine reached his ears, deep, smooth, and oddly reassuring. Leo's cheeks immediately flushed pink.

There he was.

Claude Clawmark, tall and effortless in a black leather jacket, leaned against his gleaming motorcycle like a scene out of a movie. His gorgeous eyes flicked up from his phone, and the way they softened when they landed on Leo made Leo’s heart skip an entire beat.

“You look wiped,” Claude said, voice warm and teasing, but gentle underneath.

“I had to explain the water cycle using paper towels and a kettle,” Leo mumbled, dragging his feet a little as he walked over. “I deserve cuddles for sure.”

Claude laughed, low and affectionate. “Cuddles? I was thinking more like a dramatic rescue.”

Leo raised an eyebrow, half-amused, half-flustered. “You’re literally parked in front of a school fence with sunflowers. Not very ‘damsel in distress here’ vibes.”

Claude gave a mock gasp and held out the spare helmet like it was a crown. “Every knight needs a sunflower to protect.”

Leo tried to scoff, but his blush betrayed him.

Moments later, the hum of the engine filled the street again as Claude pulled off with Leo seated behind him, arms wrapped tightly around Claude’s waist. The wind was cool against Leo’s cheeks, but all he could focus on was the steady heartbeat he felt through Claude’s jacket and the low, content rumble Claude made whenever Leo held on tighter.

The ride didn’t last long. Claude lived nearby in a cozy loft apartment with plants on the windowsill and a couch that Leo may or may not have accidentally fallen asleep on four times last week. Tonight, as they rolled up to the parking spot and dismounted, Claude looked over his shoulder and gave a soft smile.

“Home sweet home.”

Leo blinked up at him, helmet in hand. “You know… I really do feel that way when I’m with you.”

Claude’s gaze softened, and without a word, he reached out to brush Leo’s bangs from his face, fingers lingering a second longer than needed. Then, he leaned in and pressed a featherlight kiss to Leo’s temple.

“Let’s get you inside, sunshine,” he murmured.

Leo melted on the spot.

Chapter Text

Claude’s place smelt like cedarwood and chamomile, a scent Leo had come to associate with peace. The moment he stepped in, he slipped off his shoes and let his bag fall by the door with an exaggerated groan.

“Down,” he muttered dramatically.

Claude grinned and pointed to the couch like he was commanding a tiny, sleepy puppy. “Couch. Blanket. Go.”

Leo didn’t need to be told twice. Within seconds, he was curled up under Claude’s giant grey throw blanket like a burrito, only his tousled hair and pink-tipped ears peeking out. Claude crossed the room to the kitchen, helmet and keys already set on the counter.

“You want tea or something stronger?” Claude called out.

Leo’s voice came muffled from under the blanket. “Tea... And cuddles.”

Claude chuckled softly. “Demanding today, aren’t we?”

“I'm emotionally exhausted.”

Claude took his time, not because the tea was complicated, but because watching Leo wiggle his way deeper into the couch cushions was just about the cutest thing he’d seen all week. By the time he joined him, two mugs were in hand, one with sleepytime tea and the other with a cheeky bit of hot chocolate for himself.

He set the mugs down on the coffee table and sat, tugging Leo into his lap without resistance. Leo, sleepy and pliant, instantly snuggled in like it was the most natural thing in the world. His fingers curled into Claude’s jacket.

“You didn’t take it off,” Leo mumbled sleepily against Claude’s collar.

“Didn’t want to leave you alone too long,” Claude murmured, resting his chin on top of Leo’s head.

There was a soft pause, not awkward, not heavy. Just silence filled with warmth and slow breaths.

Leo shifted a little. “Y’know… you’re kind of ridiculous.”

“Oh?” Claude smirked. “This coming from the guy who fell asleep hugging a stuffed turtle during movie night.”

“That’s different. Shelly’s emotionally supportive.”

Claude let out a bark of laughter, then immediately softened when Leo gave a sleepy pout. “Sorry, sorry. I love Shelly. Very brave. 10/10.”

Leo sighed and pressed his nose into Claude’s neck. “You smell nice.”

Claude went still for a second, a faint warmth rising in his cheeks. “You’re lucky you’re cute when you’re tired.”

Leo tilted his head up, eyes fluttering with sleep but still glowing. “Lucky you’re here to catch me, then.”

And before Claude could respond with something cocky or clever, Leo leaned up and pressed the softest kiss to the corner of Claude’s mouth, tender and lingering, more felt than seen.

Claude blinked, then smiled, a slow, melting kind of smile. He ran his hand up and down Leo’s back in gentle strokes.

“Yeah,” he whispered. “I’ve got you, sunshine.”

The rest of the night was soft music, stolen kisses, and the steady beat of two hearts at ease. The world could wait. For now, there was only this, warmth, love, and the quiet understanding that after the long days, they’d always come home to each other.