Simone and Leo were cuddled up on the couch in Simone's cozy living room, the older woman's arms wrapped around the young man as he showed her a drawing he had made. His face was beaming with pride as he held up the innocent sketch, but that pride quickly turned to embarrassment as Simone pinched his cheek and said, "You're such a cute little artist, aren't you?"
Leo's blush deepened, but before he could respond, the door to the apartment burst open and Claudette, Simone's roommate, strode into the room. Her eyes landed on Leo and the drawing in his hand, and she scoffed. "Simone, you need a real man, not some innocent boy. You need someone experienced and mature."
Without hesitation, Claudette strode over to Leo and slapped him hard across the face, ripping his drawing to shreds as he buried his face in Simone's chest, tears streaming down his cheeks.
Simone's anger flared as she glared at Claudette. "Leo is a man to me. He's kind, gentle, and loving. And that's more than I can say for some people I know."
Claudette rolled her eyes, "Well, if you're happy wasting your time, then be my guest. But don't say I didn't warn you." With that, she stormed out of the room, leaving Simone and Leo alone.
Simone wiped away Leo's tears, whispering soothing words in his ear. "Don't let her get to you, Leo. She doesn't know what she's talking about."
Leo looked up at Simone, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Simone. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Simone smiled, her heart swelling with love. "You'll never have to find out, Leo. I'll always be here for you."
Leo took Simone's hand, placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. "I love you, Simone."
Simone's heart skipped a beat. "I love you too, Leo."
The room was filled with a comfortable silence as Simone and Leo cuddled on the couch, the tension from Claudette's intrusion fading away. Simone traced her fingers over Leo's chest, a small smile playing on her lips as she thought about how much she loved him.
Leo leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Simone's lips. She responded eagerly, her hands tangling in his hair as she deepened the kiss.
As they broke apart, Simone whispered, "You are my real man, Leo. And I wouldn't have it any other way."
Leo smiled, his eyes shining with love. "And you are my real woman, Simone. I'm the luckiest man alive."
The end of chapter one.
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