You were so bright and beautiful. He returned the smile and a simple nod before diving into the blissful solitude of his own apartment. Yet, you remained on his mind the whole day through. Then, the next day and the next.

It had become a pattern while others actually stopped by and greeted you. He would steal glances and walk by as if he couldn't care less. Not that his brain got the memo. Leon was constantly wondering about you.

What are your hobbies? What's your dream job? Do you have a big family or are you alone? Are you dating? Are you happy? Did you like your breakfast this morning or do you skip that meal entirely?

He had to at least learn your name, right? He's been hearing the music you play next door. Occasionally, he even hears you sing along with them and that never fails to lighten his mood. You're so full of life and a part of him, a big part of him, just wants to be in your orbit.

It's a rare day off for Leon when he wakes to his phone ringing. Light is seeping through the thin gaps in his blinds. His dark gray sheets wrinkle under him and the mattress dips as he sits up. "Yeah?" He speaks into the phone, sounding extremely groggy.

"Hey, Leon. Just checking up on you." A steady, rich voice can be heard on the other end of the line.

"Hey, Helena. You have to check up on me so early?" A yawn escapes him and he rubs at his eyes with his free hand.

"Early? It's already ten a.m." A warm chuckle reaches his ears.

"Yeah, that's too early on my days off." His soothing voice replies. Leon can practically see the young woman shaking her head at him now. He pushes out of bed and heads to the kitchen for breakfast.

He stretches, muscles rippling and scars shimmering. He's only wearing boxers and boring pajama pants. His go to when going to bed alone, which is lot more often than not nowadays.

The conversation remains casual and easy while he fixes some food. A nice black coffee, some scrambled eggs, and crunchy bacon. When he finally gets to sit and eat, the topic shifts. "Have you seen Ada since that night?"

It's an instant stab of pain in his chest. That woman has always had a grip on him. Is it love? Was it love at some point and now it's nothing? They always had a connection. Trauma bonding if you will. But he doesn't wanna wait for her. He doesn't wanna wait at all for someone that'll never stop running.

"There's a girl that moved in last Friday night." The words slip from his lips so easily. Your face pops into his head and his heart feels lighter somehow.

"Oh?" Helena responds, obviously intrigued by the way he dodged the question about Ada.

"Yeah, she's pretty and interesting. Seems really nice." His shoulders shrug though the brunette can't see it.

Her voice cuts through the phone, "So, what's her name?"

He chokes on his coffee and heat rushes up his neck. Shit. "Her name?"

"Yes, her name. Leon?" The young woman sighs, putting the pieces together. "You don't know her name, do you?"

"Well, I . . ." He rubs his mouth and gives a defeated sigh. "I've seen her around. I don't know. The chance to introduce myself hasn't really come up."

"How do you expect things to escalate if you don't? I swear, you men." An audible sigh can be heard from her end of the call.

"What do you suggest then? Bake her cookies and say, 'welcome to the neighborhood?'"

"Uh, yeah. Why not?" He just scoffs in response. Leon leaves his seat and places his breakfast dishes in the sink.

"You would say that." He sighs, but there's fondness in his baby blues. "Should I bring her flowers too and ask for her number?" Leon adds in a sarcastic tone.

"Yeah, if you want to scare her away. Look, I expect you to at least have her name before we talk again." Helena's familiar voice sounds through the phone. They exchange goodbyes and Leon begins brainstorming.

It's a week later when he finally works up the nerve to knock on your door. And not with baked goods. He can't remember the last time he baked something. So, he bought a fruit basket.

He shakes his head, feeling like a fool. Who wants a fruit basket when they move in? They want sweets or to be left alone. He even second guessed his opinion on the flowers, but stopped himself. Thank god because he certainly would have blown his shot with that one.

Three knocks on your wooden door. Why is he so nervous? He's been face to face with death more times than he can count. And yet he hasn't been this antsy in years. He's shifting his weight from left to right when the door opens.

"Hi, can I help you?" Leon has heard your voice dozens of times, but it's incredibly different as he gets to look into your eyes.

He clears his throat and holds out the basket. "I'm Leon Kennedy. I live next door and I've been meaning to welcome you."

"Oh?" You grin, grabbing the basket heavy-laden with bananas, apples, and plenty of other goodies. You share your name with him and life blooms in his chest. It's like puzzle pieces falling into place.

"Yeah, sorry it took me so long to get around to this. How are you enjoying it here so far?"

"Oh, um." You run your fingers over the delicate curve of your ear in a charming way. A light airy laugh slips through your lips. "It's nice to live by myself."

"But the apartment itself isn't exactly the best." Leon finishes for you, already aware of what you mean.

"Yeah, well, the fridge leaks and there's a crack or two in the walls." You shrug and a comfortable companionship grows. Common ground to bond over.

"Welcome to the neighborhood." He smiles and your enchanting name leaves a sweet taste in his mouth. Your eyes are soft when you respond with thanks.

You are so stunning, he quickly loses his nerve. "I'd like to stay. But I'm kind of in a rush." Leon keeps his composure, smooth as always. But inside his heart is fluttering like a little school boy.

"Alright. Well, thank you for the welcome and the fruit." A kind smile curls your lips. "Leon."

The weeks fly by and he can't stay away. Even when he's away he's thinking of ways to start conversations with you. He knows he should have asked you out by now, but he's enjoying the slow pace. Learning about you and being friendly.

He has come to your apartment perhaps too much just to "borrow" things. It never seems to ruffle your feathers. If he could be so bold, he thinks you might actually like it.

Every time he asks for sugar, dish soap, or spices Leon feels lighter. Every laugh, smile, and gentle gaze. If anything it sparks hope in his chest.

That is until one night, everything comes crashing down.

He hears your laughter in the hall when he makes his way up the stairwell. Are you giggling? He might be a fool for this, but he watches through a crack in the door. There's a man outside your door.

Not much is visible at this angle, but he can make out you kissing his cheek. His heart drops, you're lighting up in a way he's never seen before. His shoulders gradually slump the longer he watches the exchange.

Eventually, the man leaves and your door shuts. He just can't understand it. You always smiled at him and he could've sworn you flirted with him a few times. But there's someone else. He's too late. He's always too late.

Why is Leon always left in second place? Maybe if he had another job. If he wasn't leaving all the time. More and more, Leon is starting to believe he won't get a happy ending.

The door to the stairwell creaks open and he steps out. For once, hearing your singing next door does nothing to uplift him. No, Leon is six feet under and sinking further. Tonight was a punch to the gut.

He's been avoiding you. Missions in distant places have only helped so much. Now, he's watching you struggle with a basket full of laundry. He can't stand not helping so with a disgruntled noise he approaches you.

"Here, let me." His calloused hands swoop in and he carries the basket with complete ease. Your eyes are wide in shock and his heart still beats faster in want.

"Wow! Thanks." You laugh, charming as ever. He follows you down the stairs and to the apartment's laundry room.

The laundry room is simple to say the least and he's already spent quite a lot of time down there. Time spent trying to remove blood stains from clothing, half of the time though he just throws those items away.

There's light gray walls and a few tiny windows. Washing machines lining one wall and dryers on the other. Only one door for entering and exiting. Not the safest nor smartest thing in his opinion.

He sets your basket on the floor by the washing machine perhaps a bit too sharply. An article of clothing lands on the floor and he reaches to pick it up. You do as well with a weak protest.

"You don't have to do that." An awkward chuckle leaves your pretty lips and his eyes discover your uncomfortable expression. Why do you seem so flustered? He finally looks down to see he picked up some lacy pair of underwear.

Immediately, red rushes up to consume his cheeks. "I'm sorry." Leon stutters while handing you the panties. Panties that you've worn recently. That have touched your sex. Oh god. Now, you're both horribly embarrassed.

"Thank you." You answer with a fake yet polite smile and another forced laugh. The two of you just stand there for a few agonizing, quiet moments.

"Well, uh, I should go. If you need anything my door is always open." Leon gathers himself together and offers a smile. Your offered thanks still gives him butterflies and a seed of hope.

Maybe just maybe he has a chance. Maybe that other guy isn't what you're looking for.

A day or two later, he's knocking on your door. After a brief silence, he hears the lock give and your lovely face comes into view. "Leon, I'm not the grocery store." You laugh, already sensing what he's here for. You don't seem angry though only amused.

"That's too bad. You're a lot more welcoming." His smooth voice reaches your ears and he's pleased to see your eyes brighten.

"What do you need this time, Leon?" You lean against the doorway, head resting on the frame. You're dressed in lounge clothes but it's by far the best thing he's seen all week.

His prepared excuse comes to mind. "Yeah, do you have chocolate chips? Was gonna make some cookies, but they'd be pretty plain without 'em."

"Do I look like I bake?" You flutter your lashes at him and it makes his head spin. Are you flirting?

A smirk slips into place and he finds himself inching closer to you. You remind him of that hypnotizing snake in Jungle Book and he's just that kid. Hopefully, your intentions are a lot more pure though.

"Yeah, I think you do. And I'm willing to bet you're damn good at it."

"Such a charmer. Come on." You roll your eyes in a playful manner and start walking towards the kitchen in your apartment. He follows like an obedient pup and closes the door behind him.

He imagines what it would be like to spend evenings in your apartment. Watching movies on the couch. Cooking together at the stove or ordering take out. Late night conversations on the phone and holding your hand in public.

What can he say? He just wants to be that someone that you're with.

🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑

I was struggling with this one. For real. It hurts to leave him single, but I hope the ending leaves a happy note.