A/n: trying something new
Jaxon made a few easy turns, eventually pulling into the parking lot of the grocery store Leah had mentioned. He parked neatly, turned off the car, and stepped out, locking it with a quick press of the button. Adjusting his jacket, he walked toward the store's entrance, nodding to a couple of familiar faces on the way in.
The cool air of the store greeted him as he stepped inside. Behind the counter, Tom, the clerk, looked up from his magazine and waved.
"Jaxon! Haven't seen you in a while. What brings you back today?"
"Hey, Tom," Jaxon replied with a small grin, grabbing a basket. "Just picking up a few things Leah wanted."
Tom leaned casually on the counter, watching as Jaxon browsed the shelves. "Leah's got you running errands now, huh? How's it feel being back in school? That must be a change."
"It's... different," Jaxon admitted as he added a loaf of bread to the basket. "Been a while since I've had to sit through a full day like that."
Tom chuckled. "Bet it's weird. I heard you've been busy—big projects, traveling, all that. Now you're back here, dealing with school and grocery lists."
Jaxon smirked, tossing a pack of chocolates into the basket. "Keeps things balanced, I guess. Besides, Leah doesn't let me slack off."
Tom grinned knowingly. "Smart woman. Anything else I should stock up on for her? Maybe more chocolate?"
"Always chocolate," Jaxon quipped. "She can't go without it."
After gathering the rest of the items, including fresh vegetables, milk, and Leah's favorite tea, Jaxon headed to the counter.
"That'll be $18.75," Tom said as he bagged the items.
Jaxon handed over the cash and grabbed the bag. "Thanks, Tom. Take care."
"You too, Jaxon. And tell Leah I said hi!"
Jaxon gave a quick nod before heading back to his car. He opened the door, placed the bag on the passenger seat, and got in. Turning the car on, he adjusted the rearview mirror before driving out of the lot and making his way toward the Clearwater home.
-Scene change-
Pulling into the driveway, Jaxon parked and grabbed the groceries. He knocked lightly on the front door—a habit he'd developed to announce himself—before stepping inside. The familiar warmth of the Clearwater home greeted him immediately, along with the smell of something cooking in the kitchen.
Sue was at the counter, chopping vegetables for dinner. She looked up and smiled warmly when she saw him.
"Jaxon! Welcome back," she said, setting down the knife. "How was your day?"
"Busy," Jaxon replied, placing the bag of groceries on the counter. "First day back at school was... different. A lot of people, a lot of chatter. Feels strange being back after everything else I've been doing."
Sue gave him a knowing look as she started unpacking the bag. "I can imagine. But it's good for you to have a little normalcy, don't you think?"
"Yeah, I guess so," Jaxon admitted, leaning against the counter. "It's just going to take some getting used to."
Sue pulled out the chocolates and chuckled. "Leah's favorite. You're a smart man, keeping these stocked."
Jaxon smiled. "I know better than to come home without them."
Sue nodded approvingly. "You've always been good about taking care of her. It's nice to see her so happy."
"She's good at taking care of me, too," Jaxon said honestly. "It's not a one-sided thing."
Sue's smile softened. "I know. And I'm glad she has someone like you in her life."
"Thanks, Sue," Jaxon said, pushing off the counter. "Anything else you need before I head up?"
"No, that's all for now," Sue replied. "Leah's upstairs if you want to check on her."
-Scene change-
Jaxon climbed the stairs to the room he now shared with Leah. He knocked lightly on the door before stepping inside. The room was softly lit by the fading afternoon sun, casting a warm glow across the walls. Leah was lying on the bed, curled up in the covers, her hair spilling across the pillow.
Jaxon smiled to himself as he took off his red jacket, draping it over the back of a chair. Quietly, he climbed into bed beside her, slipping an arm around her waist and pulling her close.
Leah stirred slightly, her lips curving into a faint smile. Without opening her eyes, she murmured, "Welcome home."
"Hey," Jaxon whispered. "Didn't mean to wake you."
"You didn't," she replied softly, her voice heavy with sleep. "Did you get everything?"
"Of course," Jaxon said. "Your chocolates are safe and sound downstairs."
Leah let out a content hum. "Good. I was starting to think you'd forget."
Jaxon chuckled. "Not a chance. I even talked to Tom while I was there. He says hi, by the way."
Leah smirked faintly. "Tom's always trying to get the latest scoop, isn't he? What'd he ask this time?"
"Nothing too bad," Jaxon said. "Just about school and how it feels being back."
Leah turned slightly, her eyes barely open as she looked at him. "How does it feel? You haven't talked about it much."
"It's... different," Jaxon admitted. "I'm not used to sitting in class all day anymore. And everyone seems to know who I am, so it's hard to blend in."
Leah's smile grew a little. "You've never been one to blend in, Jaxon. Not with who you are."
"Yeah, but I didn't expect it to feel this overwhelming," he said honestly. "It's not bad, just... a lot to take in."
Leah reached up, her fingers lightly brushing his arm. "You'll get the hang of it. You always do."
Jaxon smiled down at her. "Thanks. You always know what to say."
"That's my job," Leah teased, her voice softening as she settled back into his embrace. "But seriously, I'm proud of you. It's not easy balancing everything you do."
"It helps having you in my corner," Jaxon said, pressing a kiss to her temple.
Leah let out a soft laugh. "You're such a sap sometimes."
"Only for you," he replied, tightening his hold on her.
They lay there in comfortable silence for a moment before Leah spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm glad you're home."
"Me too," Jaxon said, closing his eyes and letting the peace of the moment wash over him.
The room grew quiet, filled only with the soft sound of their breathing as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting the room in a warm, golden glow.