âLeonel, as a couple, weâll eventually see each other naked.
We canât always hide in the dark.
Plus, donât you want to see my body?â
Of course, he did.
Leonel lowered his gaze, gently grasping her black hair as he pulled her into his embrace.
âBut itâs not exactly attractive.
Alexis, Iâm afraid itâll frighten you.
â
âItâs not unattractive, Leonel.
I wonât let you feel inferior because of this.
â
His trousers slid down, revealing his injured left leg completely.
It wasnât whole; it seemed pieced together.
Each patch of skin was different, and none were smooth.
âI told you, Alexis, itâs horrible.
â
He attempted to shield her gaze, but she persisted.
She asked him to sit by the tub.
Dipping a towel in water, she gently wiped his body.
Each stroke was delicate, her heart fluttering with concern for his comfort.
âIt hasnât hurt in a long time, Alexis.
Itâs okay,â he reassured softly, lowering his head.
Alexis bent down, pressing soft ki*ses to his scars.
Though unseen by Leonel, tears streamed down her face.
She quickly composed herself and continued wiping.
Later, as she attempted to remove his last covering, he stopped her.
âAlexis?â
Alexis silently released his hand and withdrew the covering.
She cleaned his body tenderly.
Leonel bowed his head, impressed by Alexisâ selfless care.
Alexis had always been tougher than him since childhood, and being a man, he instinctively desired to be stronger than her.
He appeared mistaken.
She wasnât really what he envisioned, and she could display humility for loveâs sake.
He couldnât resist whispering softly, âAlexis.
â
âYeah?â Alexis responded vaguely before enveloping him in her embrace.
âLeonel, itâs alright not to be okay sometimes.
Youâre strong.
Youâre Leonel.
But when youâre not quite that strong, youâre still Leonel.
â
She held him close.
After a while, he murmured, âAlexis, fetch me a pair of pants, will you?â