#leon lennedy

You know Leon isn't gay.

I mean, he's told you this approximately four hundred times, usually apropos of nothing, usually right after doing something a straight man definitely would not do.

Like tonight.

Like right now actually, with his head resting on your shoulder at Marcus' party, his hand loosely curled around your wrist like he's afraid you might leave him if he lets go.

"I'm not gay," he mumbles into your neck.

"Sure, Leon."

"I'm just... a little drunk."

"You've said that already."

"I mean it this time."

You pat his knee and let him keep leaning on you because honestly, this is nothing new.

Leon gets a few drinks in him at every party you two attend together, and somehow, without fail, ends up plastered against your side by the end of the night.

And he always has some airtight explanation ready, like: the room was spinning. He tripped and you happened to be there.

He was cold, even indoors, even standing three feet from a radiator. Never once does he say the actual reason, which is that he wants to be close to you and this is the only socially acceptable way he's found to make that happen.

You've lived with Leon for two years now. You know him well enough to see the pattern even when he can't, or won't.

You know the way his jaw sets when he's trying not to react to something. You know the specific pitch his voice takes when he's lying.

You've catalogued him without meaning to, the way you catalogue anything you spend enough time around, and what you've found is a guy so committed to a version of himself that doesn't add up anymore that he'd rather get drunk than admit anything has changed.

It started... small. Months ago.

A tightness in his jaw whenever your coworker Donna texted you. A too-quick "who's that?" whenever your phone buzzed with an unfamiliar name.

Then it got even less subtle.

There was the guy from your gym, Aiden, who you'd been talking to for a few weeks, nothing serious, just easy flirting that made you laugh between sets.

Leon had met him exactly once at your apartment, for maybe ten minutes, and had somehow managed to answer three of Aiden's questions before you could, correct him twice on facts about your life that Aiden hadn't even gotten wrong, and stan too close to you the entire time.

Aiden didn't come around again after that.

…

"Y- You know," Leon says now, voice thick and slurred, still not lifting his head from your shoulder, "you're… really warm."

'It's called body heat. Everyone has it." You sigh.

"No, I mean." He pauses like he's trying to locate a thought that's slipped somewhere behind his eyes. "You're warm in a good way... like a fireplace. But a person."

"Wow. That's the nicest thing you've ever compared me to."

"Don't.. tell anyone I said that."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

He hums, satisfied, and burrows in a little further.

You let your head rest against his for a second because it's easy, and because some small traitorous part of you likes this a lot more than you probably should.

Across the room, Marcus catches your eye and raises an eyebrow, the universal sign for what is happening here. And you just shrug at him, because honestly, you're not entirely sure yourself.

You've learned that it's easier to let it be whatever it wants to be and see where it lands.

Later, closer to midnight, you're leaning against the kitchen counter with a girl named Priya who you'd met maybe twenty minutes ago. You two were already having a genuinely good conversation.

She was funny in that dry, unbothered way you liked, and shed made you laugh twice already. Actual laughing, not the polite kind you do to be nice!

You caught Leon's eyes across the room at one point mid laugh and something in his face flickered before he schooled it back into something neutral and turned away to talk to Marcus with more enthusiasm than the conversation seemed to warrant.

You didn't think much of it at the time.

It wasn't until later, again, in the cab home, when Leon was staring very intently out the window and answering your questions in clipped one word replies, that you put it together.

"You okay?" you murmured.

"Fine."

"You've said three words to me since we left."

"I'm tired."

"You were... pretty energetic an hour ago."

He didn't answer that one. Just kept looking out the window like the passing streetlights held some deep personal significance.

You watched his reflection in the glass, the tight set of his mouth, and felt something warm and unhelpful bloom in your chest that you chose to ignore for the time being.

You didn't push it. But you noticed. You always notice with Leon. It's part of the fun, honestly, watching him work so hard to convince himself of something you're fairly certain isn't true anymore.

The Priya thing came to a head about a week later when she texted asking if you wanted to grab coffee sometime. Just the two of you.

You'd said yes because why not? She was nice and you had no particular reason to say no.

You mentioned it to Leon in passing while making dinner and watched him go very still over the cutting board.

"Coffee," he repeated.

"Yeah. Just coffee."

"Like a date."

"I mean, kind of? I don't know, we'll see." You shrugged.

He chopped the onion with unnecessary force for a few seconds, and you had to physically bite the inside of your cheek to keep from laughing.

The knife hit the board harder than the onion strictly required like he was working something out through his hands since his mouth, clearly, wasn't cooperating.

"Cool," he said eventually. "That's... cool. Good for you."

"Thanks, Leon."

"...Yep."

He didn't say anything else about it that night, but he was quieter than usual through dinner and twice you caught him watching you across the room with an expression between frustration and longing.

The coffee date was set for Thursday and Leon found reasons to bring it up twice more before then, always disguised as something else.

Did you know that place gets really crowded on weekday mornings?

Did you know Priya's roommate was talking to some guy from his old job? Small world, weird coincidence. Did that seem weird to you?

You answered him honestly each time, and each time he seemed to deflate a little further, like he'd been hoping you'd say something that would give him an excuse to feel the way he was already feeling.

The date never actually happened, in the end.

Not because you canceled, but because a day before it was scheduled, you and Leon ended up at another party. And by 11pm he was five drinks deep and glued to your side.

This time with his arm slung heavy around your shoulders. He'd been drinking faster than usual all night, and you'd noticed but hadn't said anything.

"You're not actually going on that coffee thing, right," he said, not quite a question, more like a statement he was hoping you'd confirm.

"Why wouldn't I?"

He blinked at you slowly, clearly working through some internal calculation that wasn't landing the way he wanted.

His eyes were a little unfocused, but there was something underneath the haze that looked almost desperate.

"Because," he said finally, like it explained everything.

"Because why, Leon?"

"Because you're my boyfriend."

The words hung there for a second, ridiculous and unprompted, and you felt your eyebrows climb toward your hairline.

"I'm your what."

He seemed to realize what he'd said about half a second after saying it, and you watched panic flash across his face.

"I mean, everyone thinks that. At parties. People always ask if you're single and I just say so because it's easier."

"Easier than what? Saying I'm... I don't know, your roommate?"

"It's a whole explanation." Leon sighed. "Boyfriend is so much shorter."

"You've never once said that before tonight."

"I say it all the time. You just don't hear it."

You really should have called this out for the nonsense it was. Instead, something curious took over and you decided, right then, that you were going to have some fun with this.

"…Oh," you said instead, keeping your voice soft and a little dazed, like the idea was only now dawning on you. "Right. Okay. Yeah, that makes sense."

Leon looked at you like he hadn't expected that response. Yet something in his shoulders relaxed in a way that told you everything you needed to know.

He pulled you a little closer, chin dropping to rest against the top of your head. "Yeah," he repeated, mostly to himself. "That makes sense."

You cancelled the coffee thing with Priya the next morning.

"You okay there," you asked, all faux concern.

"Fine. Great. Perfect."

"You sure? You look a little flushed, babe."

"Stop that."

"Stop what, babe?"

He put his face in his hands and groaned, and you laughed until your ribs hurt, and neither of you brought up why exactly the word had gotten to him like that.

The genius of it was that Leon never once questioned why you were playing along. He was too busy sinking deeper to notice you were doing it fully aware, fully enjoying every second of it.

You started to wonder how long it would take him to catch up to what you already knew, and whether he'd ever say it plainly or just keep circling it forever, building an entire relationship out of technicalities and drunken excuses and never once calling it what it actually was.

He started reaching for your hand at parties without thinking about it first, fingers finding yours in the dark of a crowded room.

He stopped needing the excuse of being drunk to sit close to you on the couch to lean his weight against your side.

Once, when a guy at the grocery store asked for your number while you were both standing in the cereal aisle, Leon appeared with two boxes of something neither of you had picked out or needed.

With full jealousy, he had said “He’s with me,” before steering you toward the checkout with a hand at the small of your back like the matter was settled.

"You didn't have to do that," you finally said in the car, not quite hiding your dreamy smile.

"Do what?”

"The entire thing. Your hand on my back as well.”

"I really don't know what you're talking about."

"Leon.”

You let him get away with that one.

It was a Tuesday, nothing special, just the two of you on the couch with a movie when he finally said it out loud.

His arm was around you, had been for an hour, comfortable in a way that had stopped needing any excuse weeks ago.

He was quiet for a long moment before he spoke, and you could feel him working up to something, the particular stillness of a person choosing their words.

"I think I actually mean it," he finally said. "The boyfriend thing."

You turned to look at him.

He wasn't drunk this time. There was no party, no excuse, no easy explanation waiting in the wings to catch him if this went badly.

"Leon."

"I know. I know what I said before. About not being gay." He rubbed a hand over his face, looking somewhere between miserable and relieved to finally be saying it out loud after so many months. "But I think I've been lying to myself for a while now."

"You think?"

He huffed out something between a laugh and a groan. "You knew."

"I had a pretty good guess."

"How long?”

"Does it matter?”

He sighed. "You knew and you let me keep doing the whole bit anyway."

"It was fun to watch."

"You're unbelievable."

"And you love it. Clearly.”

"Yeah, I do. …But, uh, what happens now?”

"Now, you stop needing an excuse."

“For what?”

"For this," you said, and closed the distance between you before he could ask another question, slow and a little unsure like you were giving him every chance to pull back, and he didn't.

You kissed him like everything had finally come into place. Oke of his hands instinctively came up to rest against your jaw.

When you finally pulled back, he was staring at you with an expression you'd never quite seen on him before, something completely stunned.

"I'm.. still not gay," he said, but there was no conviction left in it at all, just the ghost of his old line, spoken more out of habit than belief.

"Sure, Leon."

"I mean it."

"You've said that before too."

"Yeah, well." He pulled you back in, tucking you against his side. "Maybe I was wrong."

"Took you long enough."

"You let me keep going for months."

"You were really committed. It felt rude to interrupt." You grinned.

He laughed at that and pressed a kiss to the top of your head, all the tension of pretending finally drained out of him.

It turned out the boyfriend thing wasn't a lie after all. It just took him a while to catch up to the truth, months of parties and too many drinks and increasingly transparent excuses, before he finally stopped running the numbers and let the answer be what it had always been.

END OF CASE FILE.

Walking through the office I have my nose stuck in files, reading through the documents that I’d already prepared ahead of time for my new boss. Pushing my glasses up from where they slid down I turn the corner, smacking straight into a wall of pure muscle as papers fly everywhere. “I- I’m s- so sorry, I wasn’t watching where I- I was going.” He kneels down immediately, helping me pick up the papers as I have yet to even face him. “It’s alright, don’t worry about it.” As all the papers are finally collected I move to stand, a large hand reaching out to offer help. Taking his hand I meet his eyes, finally making eye contact I freeze. Realizing I’m staring my cheeks burn red, adjusting my glasses and dropping my eyes to the floor as embarrassment swarms me. “Th- Thank you.” He smiles, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. “You’re welcome.” Taking a deep breath I nod, shuffling nervously before bidding him a goodbye and leaving. It leaves me flustered, an emotion taking over I’d never felt before.

//

Making my way to the office I’d been directed to I take a deep breath, heart pounding at the new person I will be meeting on the other side. A personal assistant, taking the job despite them saying I’d be working under a more difficult person. It makes me nervous, though I’m not one to turn down a challenge and need to afford rent. Knocking on the door I hear a gruff invitation to enter, slowly turning the knob and shuffling in. Placing a hand on the door knob I hesitate, unsure whether to close the door or leave it open. “You can close it.” The voice sends shivers down my spine, the same voice of the man that I had bumped into. The very nice man who had me a blushing mess. Turning around my cheeks already feel warm, heat creeping up again despite my attempts to stop it. “Hi um, I- I’m y/n, your new a-assistant.” He smiles, this soft look that completely contradicted what I’d been told by others that knew of him. “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Leon Kennedy, didn’t realize I was bumping into my new assistant.” I nod, shuffling foot to foot. “I- I didn’t either, s- sorry about that I wasn’t uh, paying attention.” He huffs a laugh, the noise something I quickly find myself wanting to pull from him again.

“You’re fine, happens to all of us.” It wasn’t intended to sound this way, my next words slipping in a tone that shows insecurity. “N- not s- so sure about that.” His brows furrow, my eyes widening as I begin to ramble in order to change topics. “A-anyways I printed and or-organized the files a- ahead of time, figured uh, would be easier to go through.” I hold it out to him awkwardly, Leon standing as he comes around the desk. Taking it from me he flips the folder open, scanning over the information. “Is this color coded?” I can’t help the smile that takes over, immediately beginning to excitedly ramble off the colors and what’s what. Realizing that I’ve begun to ramble and sound way too excited over something thats probably boring to him I cut myself off, adjusting my glasses once again. “Thank you, making it easier. Already a lot better than the previous assistant, think I like you already.” Feeling proud it pulls a smile to my face, eyes twinkling as his crooked half smile is returned.

“Have you eaten lunch yet?” Shaking my head I realize I forgot to eat at all, having been so nervous that I completely forgot to eat. “N- no I uh… h- haven’t eaten today, must have forgotten wh- when I was preparing everything.” He frowns, grabbing his coat, wallet and keys. “Let’s go grab something, I know a place.” It shocks me, not having expected that gesture. “We d-don’t have to go o-out.” The stuttering remains, once again frustrated with myself for the way I apparently can’t speak around him. “I know we don’t have to, I want to. Let me get us some lunch, it can also help us learn each other better.” Finally nodding we head that way, him stopping to hold every door we come across for me to pass through first. It makes me nervous, not in a bad way but a good one. A feeling I’ve never felt before takes over, unable to pin point what it is. “Thank you.” He nods, a silent you’re welcome passing between. He rides a motorcycle, never having been on one before making me nervous. “I’ve um… I’ve never r-ridden a motorcycle be- before.” He sees the nerves, walking over and gently brushing a hand on my shoulder. “It’s not too bad, looks scarier than it is. I’ll be careful, I promise.”

He gets on first, swinging his leg over before motioning for me to get on behind him. Following suit I tuck the skirt of my dress beneath me securely, hands hovering after unsure of where to hold on. He gently takes my hands pulling them to wrap around his middle. “Hold on to me, you can grab as tight as you need. You ready?” Nodding my head I swallow, the engine rumbling to life as he looks over his shoulder once more. “Let’s go.” The minute he pulls out I squeak, gripping to him tighter feeling the hard muscle of his stomach clench beneath my hold. As I get settled I can’t help but giggle, a smile taking over my face at the brand new experience. My hair whips around, hands loosening around his waist to a normal grip and my cheek flush against his back. Fifteen minutes later we pull into a parking spot, arriving at a small old school diner. Letting go I realize he’s been staring at me, my smile still covering my face completely. “How was it?” His eyes swirl with amusement, corner of his lip twitching as if threatening to smile. “I- It was amazing, never d- done anything like that before.” His eyes roam my face, taking in my expression, messy hair and wind bitten cheeks. “I’m glad, let’s head inside.”

Leon’s pov

The morning has been rough, nothing going right and stress high. Knowing there’s a new assistant supposed to come in today I’m already exhausted, the last three being transferred after some form of conflict. Heading to a meeting I round the corner, a small body smacking into mine falling backwards as my hands fail to catch her in time. Papers fly everywhere, scattering all around. She immediately begins trying to collect them, kneeling down to help as she rushes to apologize. “I- I’m s- so sorry, I wasn’t watching where I- I was going.” She wears a yellow sun dress with little white daisies, thin rimmed glasses that frame her eyes. “It’s alright.” Standing up I hold a hand out to help her up, her eyes meeting mine as we both freeze. She’s beautiful, freckles dotting her nose and cheeks that have began to turn a light shade of pink. She adjusts her glasses, eyes dropping to the floor as she begins to stutter. “Th- Thank you.” It’s amusing, the way she stutters cute. She’s shy, an air of innocence wrapped around her. “You’re welcome.” She looks flustered, nodding her head before giving me a quick goodbye and scurrying away.

Entering the conference room my mind is far from here, who is she? I want to know more, something dangerous pulling at my chest, captivated by this new woman I’d never seen before.

//

Sitting in the office I begin to look through paperwork, a soft knock coming to the door. Not yet looking up I call them in, only looking when the door opens but no steps come closer. Her back is turned, a yellow dress with white daisies hand hovering over the knob unsure of whether to close or leave it open. “You can close it.” After quietly closing it she turns around, cheeks turning pink before my eyes as the adorable stutter returns. “Hi um, I- I’m y/n, your new a-assistant.” Y/n. Giving her a smile she adjusts her glasses once again, taking note of the nervous habit. “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Leon Kennedy, didn’t realize I was bumping into my new assistant.” Her feet shuffle, fingers curled around the folder as if it’s keeping her upright. “I- I didn’t either, s- sorry about that I wasn’t uh, paying attention.” Unable to help it I give a soft laugh beneath my breath, noticing the quick sparkle in her eye as it reaches her ears. “You’re fine, happens to all of us.” Her brows furrow, a sense of self deprecation slithering into her voice. “N- not s- so sure about that.” It tugs at something in my chest, somehow this girl I barely know managing to already dig a part of me back out of its grave in such a short time. Before I can say anything she quickly rambles, clearly changing the subject as fast as possible. “A-anyways I printed and or-organized the files from the meeting ahead of t-time, figured uh, would be easier to go through.” Sticking the folder out towards me I stand, moving around to stand beside her as I accept it. Opening the folder I’m met with color coded files, a light yellow sticky note showing the colors and corresponding meanings.

It surprises me, the fact she went ahead of time to do this as well as color coding everything inside. Out of the corner of my eye I see her shuffle, as if waiting to hear my thoughts. Curious of what she will say I ask the obvious, not really able to think of what to actually ask. “Is this color coded?” And she lights up, immediately diving in with enthusiasm as she begins explaining the color coding and everything about the organization. She stops suddenly, cutting herself off as embarrassment kisses her tan skin. “Thank you, making it easier. Already a lot better than the previous assistant, think I like you already.” And it pulls that smile again, one that I quickly find my favorite. It’s a spur of the moment idea, something flooding my veins that has it sliding past my lips before processing. “Have you eaten lunch yet?” I’m hoping to come off nonchalant, because I don’t typically take a lunch out of office. But I want to know her better, treat her to lunch and learn about this woman in front of me. “N- no I uh… h- haven’t eaten today, must have forgotten wh- when I was preparing everything.” As she seemingly barely realizes she’s not eaten today I grab my wallet and keys, tugging the leather jacket on. “Let’s go grab something, I know a place.” Her eyes widen, as if not having expected it. “We d-don’t have to go o-out.” She sounds concerned, a hint of anxiety. “I know we don’t have to, I want to. Let me get us some lunch, it can also help us learn each other better.”

Walking out I fail to even think about it, walking beside her towards my bike. As we get there she freezes, eyes wide with curiosity and nerves at the choice of travel. “I’ve um… I’ve never r-ridden a motorcycle be- before.” Walking up I brush a hand over her shoulder gently, noticing the goosebumps that follow the same path. “It’s not too bad, looks scarier than it is. I’ll be careful, I promise.” Seeing the slight nod of her head I get on, feeling her get on behind me once I’m settled and adjusting her dress. It hits me then, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea with her being in a dress but she doesn’t mention it so I leave it be. Her hands linger for a second unsure of what to do, taking them in my own I pull them around me. My hands damn near swallow hers, the size different clear. Once she has a hold she clings tight, front pressed to my back. “Hold on to me, you can grab as tight as you need. You ready?” Once she nods I start it up, pulling out hearing her squeak in surprise and hold on tighter. After a minute or two her arms loosen, giggles escaping her lips and her chest shaking with every little laugh.

I memorize it, the noises she lets out, the feeling of her cheek pressed against my back and the pure joy in her voice. A breath of fresh air, barely knowing her but something tugs at my heart to let her in. Finally pulling into the parking lot we come to a stop, looking over at her and seeing the bliss on her face, messy hair and wind burnt cheeks. “How was it?” She never looses that smile, her answer light. “I- It was amazing, never d- done anything like that before.”

Y/n pov

Fixing my hair we walk in, finding a booth in a corner area. Sitting across from him we are handed menus, beginning to look through them at what’s offered. “There’s so many options.” He nods, peeking at me for a moment. “I usually get the burger, they are really good in my opinion.” I decide to go with that, choosing to get the same thing he does. Once we order we sit back, waiting for the food after getting our drinks. “Where are you from?” I play with my drink, slowly stirring the ice around the cup. “G- georgia, wanted a change of s- scenery and to branch out so c- came here.” He scans over me, as if taking in the way I look causing those stupid flutters in my belly to start up for the millionth time. “It’s… pretty nice out here, have you gotten around to seeing anything yet?” Shaking my head I realize how much I’ve isolated myself in this moment, fixing my glasses at the feeling that claws at my skin. “No s- sir, I haven’t gotten around yet I only got here a w- w- week ago. Guess I’m still just settling in, trying to get m-my apartment together. How long have you been here?” I can see the way his mind distances for a second, a flicker of hurt passing ever so slightly through the blue orbs before it’s gone. “Let’s just say a long time.” I don’t press, never pushing anyone into something they don’t like or prodding in things that aren’t my business.

“Wait, did you call me sir?” Confusion twists my face, nose scrunching unsure of why he’s asking. “Yes sir.” He laughs, the sound like liquid gold. “Please call me Leon, sir makes me feel old.” I swallow the sudden knot in my throat, quickly correcting myself at the next slip up. “Yes si- Leon. Also, you uh… a- aren’t old.” As food arrives the conversation flows, no tension or feeling of pressure everything coming natural. He tells stupid jokes, some of them so horrible I can’t help but laugh. As we decide it’s time to head back to the office we call the waitress over, moving to hand over my card before Leon pushes it away gently and hands over his. “It’s on me, I’m not letting you pay.” I nod, admiring the man in front of me before catching it. Fuck, this is my boss and I’m acting a damn fool. Once it’s all payed for we ride back to the office, my arms around his waist as I soak in the feeling of the wind in my hair and muscles beneath my fingers. I find myself more relaxed after that, both of us working together seamlessly the rest of the day.

//

Sitting in his office I’m going through stuff, sorting and organizing items I come across while he’s gone for coffee. My phone is close by, tucked away in the pocket of my bag as I work. Hearing it begin to buzz I stand from where I am sat, fishing it out and looking. The caller ID makes my heart drop, not exactly wanting to have a call like this right now. Hitting accept I place it to my ear, hoping that the conversation is better than the last. “Hey mom, I’m a-.” She jumps straight in, cutting me off without even a hello to start ranting. Biting my lip I wait, chewing nervously as I get an earful of everything that hasn’t been done because I left. “You shouldn’t have left, there is no one here to do your job. That’s why I told you not to go running off like you did, supposed to help family yet here you are halfway across the country for a job that doesn’t even bring much to you.” I finally stop trying to continue what I was doing, beginning to chew on the inside of my cheek. “I- It’s a r-really good job mom, I h- h- have an amazing b-boss who-.” She once again doesn’t listen, the exact words targeted in an attempt to twist the knife deeper. “God no matter what I did it wasn’t enough, acting so much like your father did.” Tears spring to my eyes, the words digging their claws deep. Closing my eyes I try to calm my breath, shaking my head in an attempt to slide the words off my shoulders. “I am a- at work I h- have t-to go, I’m sorry.” She huffs, annoyed with being cut short despite having been done to me more than I can count.

Taking my glasses off I wipe my eyes, willing the tears to stop immediately. I hadn’t hear the door open, whipping around at the sudden voice. “You alright?” I nod, too quickly to be believable. “Of course! Sorry I-I was organizing and g-got something in my eyes.” But the pink tinge that dusts my nose and eyes say otherwise, bold face lie telling what I actually had done. He doesn’t press though I know he doesn’t buy it, just moves along in a way that tells me he doesn’t expect anything from me unless I want to. “I know you said you didn’t want anything but I got you this little pastry thing. Looked good so figured I’d get you one.” Smiling at him I accept the pastry, finding it to be one of my favorites. “It’s a strawberry and cream Mille-Feuille, one of my favorites. Thank you.” I swear the tips of his ears take a slight shade of pink, quickly looking away as I begin to snack on the little treat. “I was organizing some stuff in here, figured once I organize it it’ll be easier to find things.” He nods, both of us going back to our work in comfortable silence. It hits me then that the stuttering stopped, already feeling comfortable with him.

As the first week comes to an end everyone sees it, the first one to survive being Leon Kennedy’s assistant this long.

//

Sitting in the office I type away, taking notes during a meeting I'm a part of. Six months in and things have gone well, having made some friends around the office and gotten close with Leon. People now know a lot of the times wherever I am Leon is most likely close by, both of us coming and going damn near everywhere together. As the meeting ends everyone begins to split up, Claire walking over to me as Leon also stays close by. He's learned all the little details, memorized them by heart from all the time spent together. If he's close by he stays beside me in conversations, knowing I get nervous and sometimes overwhelmed, he helps take over when he sees me begin fiddling with my glasses which he's learned is a nervous cue. Standing beside me she smiles, greeting the both of us before looking at me. "Hey y/n, I was wanting to see if you'd like to join a few of us! We are going to go have a few drinks after we get off, just a small group. it's Carlos, my brother Chris and Jill. Leon will be there too of course..." My cheeks flush, feeling as if she purposely added Leon on the last part. Leon chimes in at my silence, his tone sounding a bit more nervous than I've ever heard it. "Claire..." They share a silent conversation, her lips curling as mischief twinkles in her eyes. "You don't have to if you don't want to of course, just thought I'd offer."

Taking a breath I decide there's no harm in it, getting to hang out with them for once outside of work. "I'd l- love to, when we get off I'm gonna g- go home and change. I- I'll meet y'all there." She smiles, excited as Leon's ears turn a slight shade of pink. "Great! See you there!" She leaves after that, Leon and I the only ones left in the conference room. "Well, um... G-guess I'll see you there." My cheeks burn pink, that weird feeling starting once again. He smiles, eyes bouncing between mine with a softness I notice only I receive. "See you there." Parting ways he has to head out for a bit, leaving me here alone for a few hours. Finally knowing Claire I realize she makes me feel as safe as Leon does, but the difference is she doesn't cause that weird feeling in my stomach. Deciding it won't hurt to possibly vent to her about it I wait for him to leave, waiting a little longer before heading to her office where she's alone. Knocking on the door frame she looks up, a mild look of surprise crossing her features. "H-Hey, I was wondering i- if I could maybe um... T-talk about something to you, I need s- someone to let it out to but I- I- I don't want to talk about it with Leon." She nods, waving me in. "Close the door, what's up?" Taking a deep breath I search for the way to explain this, unsure of what even describes it.

"So um... Y- you make me f- feel safe to talk to, similar to Leon but th- there's a little difference." Meeting her eyes I realize she's given me all her attention, swallowing down the lump in my throat. "It's like... I get this feeling in my stomach, i-it feels weird kinda like fluttering. I've never f- felt it before a- and I'm confused on what it is, like i- is it something bad?" She pauses, as if thinking before a look of clarity claims her. "Y/n, do you have a crush on him?" I furrow my brows, confused on what she's saying as she wears a shit eating grin. "Huh?" She giggles, leaning forward on her elbows. "You like him, it's not a bad thing. You've never had a crush before?" I shake my head finally understanding what she's saying and unsure of how to react to it. "No, I..." I think of the home I left behind, just now realizing how much I actually missed out on. "I was always b- busy back home and n- n- never really paid attention like that." She takes a softer tone now, no more teasing or amusement. She hears what's not said aloud, the way my face saddens for only a moment. "Oh, I get it. Well just between us... Leon feels the same, haven't seen him like this in a long time. Just take it slow, see where things go. It's not a bad thing, could actually be a good thing."

I nod, her hand moving to face me palm up. "Here, I'm gonna put my number in your phone and you can call me any time you need." Handing it over we trade numbers, chatting for a little longer. Eventually parting ways to work on our last bit of reports before heading out. As Leon returns my cheeks burn just at his mere presence, him catching on immediately. "Everything ok?" He raises a brow from where he sits behind his desk, my back straightening before answering. "Y- yeah, e- everything is fine." He doesn't buy it, searching my eyes before letting it go not wanting to push. "Alright."

//

As I stand in my closet I struggle to decide on something to wear, having finished my hair and a bit of makeup it's the only thing left. The conversation with Claire seemed to have short circuited my brain, something rare for me to deal with resulting in nearly my entire wardrobe lost to the bedroom floor. With a sigh I finally settle on a simple dress, thigh length and baby blue. Taking another look I almost don't recognize myself, tan skin contrasting perfectly with the dress and hair actually cooperating for once. Deciding earlier to ditch the glasses it almost looks strange, but it's a look that I find myself to like. Throwing on a coat of lip gloss I grab my stuff, heading out to the car. Typing the address for the bar they had decided I realize it isn't that far, the air feeling nice making the decision to walk there. Finally arriving the bouncer gives me a suspicious look, triple checking my ID before allowing me inside. Scanning the bar I look for the group, hands adjusting the strap of my bag before I spot them at a table towards the back.

Walking over Jill spots me, the group erupting into a cheer at my arrival that makes me giggle. Looking at Leon there's a look on his face, the only one not cheering as he looks at me as if stuck in a trance. Chris nudges him, standing up and hugging me. "Hey, it's nice to see you outside of the office! I'll go grab you something to drink, what would you like?" I think it over for a moment, not exactly knowing what I want. "I- if you don't m- m- mind I'll take whatever, s- something fr- fruity." He smirks as if that's what he had expected, offering up his seat next to Leon. Leon stands as soon as he hears that, pulling out the chair for me as the others snicker. The man is absolutely fucked. "Thank you." He tilts his head in a nod, taking a spot as we all begin to talk. Chris returns to the table, handing me a drink that is tinted pink. Soon enough the stutter disappears, the alcohol as well as growing comfortable with the people surrounding me allowing it to fade away. Leon and I share glances at times, both sometimes stealing glances when the other isn't looking.

Two drinks in I excuse myself to the bathroom before heading to the bar, only wanting to have one more before switching to water. Before I can order Jill calls my name, turning around as I see my phone in her hand. "Your mom was calling, it just stopped ringing." Taking a breath I force a smile, thanking her before stepping outside to call her back. As the line rings I begun to play with my hair, anxiety rising as goosebumps cover my skin not caused by the temperature. She answers, leaning against the wall for support. "Hey mom..." She hums, the noise never a good sign. "Why didn't you pick up the call. Why did you have to call me back." Not questions but demands for answers, her cold tone unsettling. "I- I'm sorry I d-didn't mean to, I didn't h- h- hear my phone." Just as I answer the door opens, music once muffled now clear as a couple people walk out. "Are you at a bar? Seriously y/n?!" I shake my head despite her being unable to see, a pain in my chest sharp. "S- some friends from-." She cuts me off, voice booming in my ears. "I don't want to hear your excuses! Are you drunk, bet you are already being a little whore. Knew that would happen the minute you ran off, always been just like your father!" Tears spring to my eyes, breath shallow as I try not to break down.

"No m- m- mom, I- I- I'm not drunk! I am j- just h- hanging out with f- friends nothing else!" She continues to yell, no longer able to fight against her as I return to that little girl who hid in corners. The door opens, tears having begun falling long ago. Footsteps approach, looking over to find Leon and dropping my head immediately. He stands in front of me, tilting my chin up as he watches my eyes with worry written all over his features. She finally ends the call, releasing me from the vicious cycle as if I can go back to having a good night. "Hey..." His thumb comes up to wipe the tears from my eyes, hands gentle as if I'm made of glass. "I- It's n- nothing, I'll be fine." He shakes his head, hand remaining on my cheek as I curl into his touch. "It's not fine if you are crying, whoever it was upset you." Searching his eyes I finally crack, allowing someone to see the truth for the first time. "It's my mom, she just... We don't have a good relationship, a lot of stuff is what she constantly brings up and compares me to my dad because she blames me for him leaving." He shakes his head, confused on how someone could treat someone like me this way. "Fuck, how can someone blame you for that? It isn't your fault baby, you don't deserve this." Baby. The pet name one he's never used before, leaning into him as he immediately wraps me in his arms.

"I tried to leave, I moved so far away but she still is able to do this to me. I don't know why I keep answering her calls, I just can't stop." Breathing him in the tears slow to a stop, finding comfort within his arms. "I know it's hard, but I hate seeing you like this. I know it's hard and hurts but sometimes you have to do things like that. If her calls bring you down like this it isn't right, no one should ever make you feel this way." Pulling away I only move back enough to look at him, eyes glancing down to his lips for a second before looking back up in time to see him do the same. He leans closer, slow as he gives me a chance to pull away. As my breath hitches and I don't move away he tilts his head, lips finally connecting with mine. He captures my bottom lip between his, the hand not on my cheek finding my waist. He pulls away, breath brushing my lips as our eyes remain closed. Breathing in as his thumb brushes over the apple of my cheek, pulling away to meet my eyes. "I've wanted to do that for so long." He smiles, one that's contagious and spreads to me. "Me too." His lips find my forehead, a featherlight kiss left there making me shiver.

Leon's pov

Jill erupts into cheers. drawing my attention to find the source, everything fading away the minute I see her. A baby blue dress that compliments her perfectly, small white bag and most noticeably missing is her glasses. As her eyes meet mine her cheeks flush red before Chris elbows me, talking just low enough for the two of us to hear. "You're staring lover boy." I snap out of it, glaring at him before he stands. As he leaves he gives up his seat, when he asks what she wants to drink her answer matches her so well. "I- if you don't m- m- mind I'll take whatever, s- something fr- fruity." Standing a little too quickly I earn a snicker from the other three at the table, pulling the chair out for her. "Thank you." I give a slight nod, still unable to find words. As Chris returns with her drink conversation begins to flow, noticing after a while her stutter disappears. Laughing openly as the others get to see the same girl I do, having cracked the shell she hides inside. "I'm going to the bathroom then grabbing another drink, I'll be right back." As soon as she finishes I say it, not yet realizing how it sounds. “I’ll come with you.” Moving to stand she turns to look, a reaction to me one I've never seen before. Her eyes sparkle with amusement, a hint of a teasing smile just barely playing on her lips. "I'll be alright, just walking a few feet away unless you want to hold my hand while I go to the bathroom. Stay here, would you like anything?" I feel the heat rush up, chuckling to myself as the attitude hits. "No I'm alright, just go get what you want."

"Man you are completely lost on her, I have never seen you like this before." Carlos is the first to start the train, the second she's out of earshot allowing them to start in. "Shut up." I grumble it under my breath, no heat behind the words as it's true. "Oh you are one hundred percent gone, when is the wedding. Might as well get married right now." Jill's comment causes laughter to erupt, shaking my head as I can't help but picture it for a moment. The teasing from them stops, her phone beginning to ring. "I've got it." Jill takes off with it, walking to where she stands at the bar. I see it as she takes the phone, a quick look of unease glinting for just a second. As she walks outside Jill returns, sitting down as her brows furrow. "Has she ever mentioned anything about her parents?" Although she's never brought it up I've noticed the look on her face the few times her mother has called, quickly scurrying away to answer. "She hasn't talked about it but I notice she's off after the calls, I don't ask because I don't want to push if she doesn't want to talk." Claire speaks up next, bringing up the conversation she had mentioned earlier but includes the one detail she had left out.

"She came to my office to talk earlier, didn't know that the feelings she had for Leon was because she has feelings for him. When I told her that's what it was she said she was so busy back home she hadn't even caught feelings for anyone before. When she said that it was almost like her mind went somewhere else for a second, quickly pulling herself back and acting like it didn't happen." Hearing it makes me realize that it wasn't something I had imagined, that the others were noticing it now too. "When I told her it was her mom was calling she looked almost scared, smiling quickly before heading outside." It makes me anxious, knowing that something is not quite right. "I mean, not everyone has a good relationship with their parents. Maybe it's something like feeling guilty for leaving home? She did come a long way when she moved here." I shake my head, taking a sip of my drink before disagreeing. "I don't think it's that, it doesn't seem like that would cause this type of reaction." Eventually we change topics, glancing at my watch as the time ticks by. After it's hit the fifteen minute mark I slip away, going to search for her to make sure everything is ok. Stepping out the door I find her, heart sinking at the tears that trail down her face. She turns away quickly once she sees me as if trying to hide away, walking over to her in worry.

As she refuses to look at me it's impulsive, carefully lifting her chin to meet her eyes. I can hear her being berated over the phone, a woman's voice going on and on before the line goes dead. Carefully brushing the tears away I talk soft, not wanting to overwhelm her. "Hey..." She answers quick, her stutter returning showing the distress even more. "I- It's n- nothing, I- I- I’ll be fine." I shake my head, her face turning into my palm where it rests. "It's not fine if you are crying, whoever it was upset you." I see it then, her eyes searching mine before her walls come down. "It's my mom, she just... We don't have a good relationship, a lot of stuff is what she constantly brings up and compares me to my dad because she blames me for him leaving." Anger floods my veins, the fact she blames her for something that's not her fault unbelievable. "Fuck, how can someone blame you for that? It isn't your fault baby, you don't deserve this." It slips before I can even register the name, coming so natural as if it's what I've called her for years. She leans in, immediately holding her as if my grip can shield her from it all. "I tried to leave, I moved so far away but she still is able to do this to me. I don't know why I keep answering her calls, I just can't stop." It hurts to hear it, wishing I could take it away from her so she doesn't have to carry that weight.

"I know it's hard, but I hate seeing you like this. I know it's hard and hurts but sometimes you have to do things like that. If her calls bring you down like this it isn't right, no one should ever make you feel this way." She pulls away, only enough to meet my eyes as she stays close. Her eyes drop to my lips, lifting back to mine just as I do the same. I move slow, giving her the chance to pull away. Her breath hitches, unmoving as I tilt my head to finally close the distance. My free hand moves to her waist, her soft lips against mine feeling as if it's all I've ever needed. Neither of us hear the door open, both lost in our own little world. Pulling away I breathe her in, eyes closed as we soak in the moment. "I've wanted to do that for so long." I can't control the smile that takes over, feeling like a teenager again. "Me too." Pulling away I press my lips to her forehead, feeling the reaction she has. "Do you want to head back inside?"

Y/n pov

Unable to form the words I use actions instead, answering his question without verbalizing it. Placing my hand against the side of his neck I carefully guide him back down, his lips finding mine again. He holds me soft, like if he holds me too tight I might slip through his fingers. As the kiss continues he shuffles forward, as if our bodies are taking over. He gently presses me against the side of the building, kissing me until the need for air forces us apart. Catching our breath he moves only a millimeter away, running the tip of his nose over mine. "Do... never mind." The confidence lasted a second, beginning to invite him over before backing out. "What is it baby? You can ask me anything." Taking a breath I take his hand in mine, playing with his fingers as I am unable to meet his eyes. "Do you want to c-come over? We don't have to go now just... Wh-when we leave?" He huffs a laugh, looking up to face him with confusion. "You're too cute, I would love to come over." I feel my cheeks turn pink, his lips pressing a fleeting kiss to my lips before we head back inside. Stopping before the others I tug his hand that swallows mine, stopping him in his tracks. "What's wrong?" I am all of a sudden embarrassed, having been crying now worried about the way I look.

"I was crying, I don't want them to know, and I probably look a mess." He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear, eyes scanning my face before swiping a thumb beneath my eye. "You look beautiful, makeup is fine. Though you don't really need it, beautiful just the way you are." Letting out a breath I take his hand again, curling into him as we walk to the table. He pulls out the chair for me as we return, the others smiling as Claire slides a drink over. "Welcome back, I went ahead and got you another drink." Taking it from her while thanking her for the kind action Leon's hand moves from the top of the table, landing on my leg as a reminder he's here. My body relaxes, able to fall back into the conversation after a few minutes knowing he's right there.

//

The night comes to an end, all of us stepping outside as we say our goodbyes. Leon stays behind with me on the sidewalk, Carlos throwing him a wink that confuses me. "What was that about?" He huffs, shaking his head as his fingers intertwine with mine. "Not sure, where did you park? I'll walk with you." The air had grown colder since I left, a shiver running through me. "I walked, when I left it felt nice. Didn't expect it to get this cold." He immediately removes the jacket he wears, wrapping it around me. "Come on, I'll drive you. Still want me to come over?" I nod a little too quick, scrunching my nose at how desperate it must have come off. "Yes, I still want you to come over." Getting into his car I direct him to my house, both getting out and walking to the door. Opening my bag I begin to search for my keys, digging around to no avail. Frowning I open it up and begin to search it more frantically, realizing only a second later that I must have lost them at some point. "Shit."

He laughs as he hears it, the first time he has ever heard me cuss entertaining to him. "My bad..." His hands find my waist again, kissing the top of my head easily with the height difference. "Don't apologize, it was cute. Can't find your keys?" I shake my head with a sigh, realizing I have to call a locksmith. "No I think I lost them, going to have to call a locksmith." He tuts, lifting my eyes to his as I pause on calling the number. "Don't worry about it tonight, we can go to mine if you're ok with that. Can borrow some of my clothes." Taking a deep breath I nod, following him back to his car to go to his instead. I play with the skirt of my dress as I sit in the passenger seat, my mind fighting against what I want and if it is a bad idea. Pulling up to a red light I lean over, hand cradling his jaw as I pull him closer. Catching him off guard I press my lips against his, Leon deepening the kiss as if he can’t get enough. The light turns green, failing to notice until the car behind us lays on the horn causing us to jump apart. As he quickly returns back to driving I can’t help but feel jittery, every little touch sending butterflies through my entire being.

Finally pulling up to his home we walk in, his fingers laced with mine. “Alright, let’s get you some clothes to change into. I don’t know if anything will actually fit you but we can figure something out, come on.” Walking upstairs he leads me to his bedroom, turning lights on along the way. As he looks through his closet to find me something to wear I take in his room, little bits of him present throughout the room. Trailing my hand over the soft duvet that is draped over his bed I feel his eyes on me, turning to face him as he holds a sweatshirt and sweatpants in hand. “These would probably be best, the pants have draw strings so maybe you can tighten them to fit. If you want you can take a shower, everything is in there you should need. Towels are in the cabinet.” Taking the clothes I watch him for a minute, still reeling. “Thank you, I won’t take long. Promise I don’t steal all the hot water.” He lets out a laugh, humming beneath his breath before leading me to the bathroom. "Wouldn't bother me if you did, take it all." After the water is started he leaves me to it, heading down the stairs as I lock the door. I spare myself a glance in the mirror, noticing the glow to my skin. It’s different, so new yet it feels so right.

Finally jumping into the shower I wash quick, noticing the very expensive looking hair and body washes that he uses. Stepping out I pull the pants on first, fighting with the draw strings but never able to tighten them enough to feel secure. Deciding to just leave them I throw on the sweatshirt he picked out, the fabric swallowing me whole and covering everything. Heading out I make my way to the hall, hearing the shower a few doors down running. Slowly moving I begin to explore, taking in the photos on the wall he has and the trinkets he’s collected over time. Picking up the remote I turn the tv on, flipping through the channels as I wait for him to return. Settling on Friday The 13th I stand again, beginning to move around the room once more. While it plays I flip through the shelf with records, noticing the way we have similar music tastes. “Looks like you’re finding your way around.” I nearly jump out of my skin, moving back from the shelf like a child caught doing something they weren’t supposed to. “I- I was just-.” He walks over, putting an end to the nervous explanation before it can fully start. “I’m teasing, you can look around all you want. Chose a good movie though, didn’t think you were a horror movie kind of girl.”

Wrapping his arms around me from behind I lean into him, the only clothes he wears being the sweatpants that hang low on his hips. “Yeah, I had this friend in like middle school who showed me.” He presses a kiss to my shoulder, right where the collar hangs lower and exposes skin. “Mm good choice. Did the pants not fit you? I can try to find some other ones but may not be able to.” I shake my head, finding myself comfortable with what I have on and not wanting to bother him. “This is fine, couldn’t get them tight enough. Unless you want me to wear some, I can get something on if it makes you more comfortable.” He shakes his head, pulling away as he leads me to the couch. “It doesn’t bother me, just want you to feel comfortable.” Sitting down he opens his arms, offering his lap for me to sit. I take the offer, curling into him as we watch the movie. The first jump scare to pop up catches me, never having been able to watch these movies without being caught by them each and every time. His chest rumbles beneath my ear, hand smoothing over my arm. “Scare you?” I pull away to look at him, fake pouting at the teasing. “Hey, it’s a little scary. He jumped out at me.” He leans down, tilting my head slightly. “Don’t worry, I won’t let the boogeyman get you.”

Kissing me again I forget about the movie all together, mind floating away as all I can feel is him. He pulls away just slightly, feeling me begin to shift. Moving to a better position I lean back in, catching his lips in mine again. His tongue swipes across my bottom lip, slipping inside to tangle with mine. My chest rises and falls faster, sitting up without disconnecting the kiss. Settling with a leg on each side of him his hands hold my waist to support me, slowly lowering myself to sit on top of him fully. The change in position allows me to be slightly taller than him for once, hand sliding into the damp hair at the nape of his neck. He groans, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. Pulling away for air he presses kisses across my cheek, moving to travel down my neck. He brushes a spot near my collar bone, a quiet choked slipping. He remains there, lips latching on the skin there and sucking. Before I can register it a quiet moan falls, the noise causing his hips to jump beneath me. His bulge presses against me when he does, Leon quickly pulling back at the involuntary action. He moves me back slightly, dropping his head to rest against the back of the couch as he sucks in air.

“Shit, I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to do that, we can stop if you want. We don’t have to do anything.” His eyes trail over me, finding the mark he’d left behind and ghosting his thumb over the purple bruise. “I…” I can’t find what I want to say, still tingling from the way it all feels. "I just want you to know I've... I've never done this before." My heart leaps into my throat, unable to explicitly say it. I see the moment it clicks, guilt coating his skin. "I didn't even think about that, fuck I'm sorry," I shake my head, not having meant to make him feel bad. “No, I just meant... I- I want to do this, I want you to be my first, just… Can you just be careful?” He nods, his blue grey irises searching for mine. “Of course, we are gonna go as slow as you need. And if you want to stop at any minute we stop.” I nod, letting out a breath of air I hadn’t even realized I’d held. “Ok.” He smiles, hands moving to support me as he stands. “Where are we going?” He places kisses along my cheeks, pulling away only long enough to answer.

“I’m not taking your virginity on my couch, I want to do right by you. I'm going to treat you right.”

//