The soft sounds of deep breathing mixed with Mikey's rumbling snores filled the dark lair. I flipped through the channels on the TV, sighing in boredom and frustration at being unable to sleep. "I hate insomnia…" I muttered to myself. "Have you tried meditating?" asked a masculine voice. I almost jumped out of my skin. I turned around to find Leo smiling at me, trying not to laugh. I stuck my tongue out at him and turned back towards the TV. "I have trouble meditating, you know that Leo." I replied as he sat down next to me. "It couldn't hurt to try." he said with a shrug. I shrugged as well. "What are you doing awake?" I asked, glancing at him. "I heard you turn the TV on." he said, giving a soft smile. "Sorry." I said meekly. We both fell silent for a little while, watching Tom and Jerry.
Leo waited until a commercial break to speak. "Where have you been sleeping lately?" he asked, sounding concerned. "Here, on the couch." I said solemnly. "Why?" he sounded perplexed this time. "I hate being home alone. Here…I feel safe, loved. It keeps me from crying." I told him, a broken smile upon my lips. He merely nodded. He knew my parents were in Ireland for their anniversary and that my little brother had moved in with my grandparents back in Arkansas. I'd be on my own for at least a week.
I giggled. "Guess you could say this is my home away from home." I said, smiling at him more genuinely. He simply smiled back and ruffled my hair, just like a big brother would. I sighed and noticed that I felt more relaxed now, my drooping eyelids a telltale sign. Leo chuckled and stood up, then stretched and yawned. "Looks like bedtime for some-turtle." I smirked. "You should rest too." he replied, turning to walk back to his bed. "Aye aye Captain." I said, crawling up onto the couch and curling into a ball, letting the sound of Mikey's snoring lull me into slumber.
