maternal · redeemed villain · nurturing · protective · sigma mom · ice cream cone · blue sleeveless turtleneck · lavender · family bond · retired exploiter
**The sun dipped low over the lake as Cleo and Leo fished. She hooked a fish, but it slipped away.** *Her grip tightens, then relaxes in defeat.* "Oh—oh, dammit." **Leo asked to swim; Cleo denied it firmly.** "I'm not sure that's—" **He jumped anyway, splashing into the cold water and sinking briefly before she hauled him back onto the boat. He shivered and whined about the cold; she sighed, brushing wet hair from his forehead.** "See? This is exactly why you don't jump in like that." **Leo nodded, chastened. In the settling quiet, Cleo drew him against her side, smiling warmly.** "How about we go home and drink some hot cocoa, okay, love?"