FOLLOWERS' SPECIAL 3/3

He doesn't like you at first. Oh, he literally hates you at first. He treats you as a threat to his territory. Although he's not even sure why. You just give him this feeling. Rub him the wrong way.

When you offer him your hand at your first meeting, he just glares at you. Turns on his heel and walks away without a word. Which causes general stirring among the rest of a crew. Sure, maybe Dan Heng is a bit “feral”. Introverted, shy and reluctant to make new friends. But despite all that, he's still well-mannered. In a normal situation, he may not shake hands but at least he greets people with a nod.

For the first few months, you hardly see him. And if by some miracle you happen to pass each other, he makes a loud “hmpf!”. Turns his head sharply in the opposite direction, tucks his tail safely and quickly runs away from the scene.

Sometimes you wonder if he grabs his tail so possessively so that you don't accidentally touch it or so that he doesn't trip over it.

Probably both.

Of course, there are also official meetings where you have to discuss something. A new mission, train situation, etc.

Then... it gets even worse. At first, he pretends you're not even there. So-called denial stage. He doesn't listen to you, doesn't look at you. It's as if there's nothing but air in your place. Dan Heng sip his tea and eat cookies only when you speak. And when someone asks him to give his opinion on your idea, he's like, “What? What do you mean?”. He acts as if he skipped the entire part of a meeting that you led. The only thing you can do in such situations is sigh loudly. Just like the rest of a crew. At first, they keep trying to talk to Dan Heng. To get to the “root” of this one-sided conflict. Talk some sense into him. Explain that he shouldn't behave like this. Sometimes even attempting to convince him with blackmail or punishment. But nothing helps. Neither words of support nor shouting.

Serious conversations or snide remarks, nothing changes. Dan Heng still stands his ground. And you stop caring and give up on it yourself. You don't respond to these stupid antics. If he behaves like this, he's not worthy of your attention. You don't feel like dealing with a “kid.” And this situation truly reminds you of that.

Slowly, Dan Heng's hatred for you evolves. He no longer ignores you. Or rather he acknowledges your presence sometimes. And actually, it's hard to say which is worse. His long, venomous tongue can say many nasty words.

Mocking your ideas, pointing out every little mistake and reminding you that you've been here the shortest amount of time, so you matter the least. Let's not even mention how much satisfaction he gets when you don't understand some inside joke. He'll do everything he can to keep you out of the loop and brag about it for a good hour.

Normally, this might hurt you. But with Dan Heng-...? Although it's tiring at first, after a while the absurdity of “your conflict” becomes mostly amusing. You conclude that this is just the way he is. That this is the only way he can cope. Although sometimes, when you manage to catch him and others talking (before revealing your presence), Dan Heng is a little calmer, quieter, and gentler...

When you accidentally grab one of his things, be it a pen or a cup, he freezes. Lets out a loud gasp and in the blink of an eye runs up to you, snatching the object from your hand. He looks at you offended, as if you had just hurt his child or beloved pet. He turns on his heel, strokes the item persistently, hugs it to his cheek and as he walks away, he repeats that everything will be okay.

March often comments on a comical nature of this event, but such incidents only keep repeating themselves.

It's just-... Your scent alone is a torture for him. For ordinary mortals, it may be unnoticeable. But for him... a mythical creature? Scent you leave on a couch, his clothes or any of his belongings is an agony for his nose. He has to keep scrunching it. Making sure not to cause bleeding. Fighting with himself not to get close to the source.

And your fingerprints on his snow globe? They crush his heart. Hurt his eyes. Dan Heng won't be able to stand it if he doesn't scrub them off with a rag right now.

But on the other hand? He doesn't want to do it... It's a part of you... He wants to keep at least this with him...

Wait. What?

What is he thinking?! He has to get this vision out of his head immediately!

Oh, how he struggles with himself! How torn he is!

It's all your fault! He hates you so so much!

However, everything changes when someone new appears on the train... Trailblazer.

Why are you so nice to him? Why are you smiling at him like that? Why is the new guy gazing at you with such admiration?

Is it because you know Trailblazer's situation? Is it because you were in his shoes a year and a half ago? Is that why you're helping him so much and want him to feel at home?

Oh, Dan Heng hates it even more!

He has a new enemy now. And he can't behave towards him the way he does towards you. It's a completely different feeling. But despite talking normally with Trailblazer, he still manages to show his dislike somehow.

Through you...

Surprisingly, it's a nice change. Strange. But Dan Heng is a little strange and you've come to terms with that. Despite his mood swings, you treat him like family. You wouldn't let anyone hurt him. You may not like him yourself. But no one else has the right to hurt your “close ones”. No matter how peculiar they may be.

Now Dan Heng is no longer sitting on the opposite side of a room from you. Now he is glued to your side. The first time this happens, it causes general shock among the entire crew. But arrival of Trailblazer overshadows this issue and temporarily pushes it to the side.

However, it happens again. You feel like you can't breathe because someone next to you is taking your air away. You can't move freely because someone is invading your space.

The worst times are during summer when temperature reaches its peak and air sizzles in heat. You feel like you're sticking to other person's skin. Someone has this persistent desire to rub their bare arm against yours. And that someone is Dan Heng.

You really don't know what to think about it... But it's not like you can push him away. Also this current version is probably the best of all three. Probably... And Dan Heng doesn't seem to know the meaning of word “no” when it comes to you...

Of course, that's not the only thing that changes. In Trailblazer's presence, Dan Heng's tail naturally wraps around you and his gaze becomes deadly. It's as if he's trying to chase another predator away from his food. But poor, confused Trailblazer doesn't even know what's going on...

There is also a matter of sharing glasses and all other items... A complete opposite of what you know in the past. Now Dan Heng doesn't even bring his own glass, he just reaches for yours. You are coworkers, right? After all, “friends” can share a glass... it's not like you have partners and you'll pass germs to each other...

Oh and when he makes himself some tea? You have to try it too! He forces that white porcelain cup with pink flowers on you... You feel pretty silly drinking from it.

However, you can't do the same with anyone else. Especially with Trailblazer. And Dan Heng is very careful about that.

Himeko once joked that he is very “possessive.” But who would have thought she was right?

Situation escalates. When Trailblazer asks you for help and wants to take your hand to lead you somewhere, Dan Heng immediately stands between you. He spreads his arms and takes on the role of your shield. This time, his offended expression is not meant for you but for Trailblazer. After a moment, Dan Heng himself grabs your palm firmly and drags you to his room. While you can only shrug your shoulders.

Even a simple conversation becomes impossible. Dan Heng simply wraps his tail around you and leads you out of cabin with his arms crossed, as if offended by the whole world. How could the rest of the crew let you and Trailblazer joke around together during his absence?

It was beyond comprehension! Trailblazer-... he, he-... isn't worthy of your attention! His mere presence contaminates your being. You lose your fragrance. And just a mere thought that you could become close... It's horrific! It's almost as if some adventurer were trying to take dragon's treasures collected over a century.

THIS is a real threat. Losing the battle for dominance is one thing. But not being able to share it with anyone is another matter. That's why Dan Heng can't let you go.

At some point, you've had enough. You don't know what's going on and it's starting to frustrate you. It's as if you were a pawn in a game and the only one who wasn't aware of rules. Besides Dan Heng's behavior isn't normal at all and that's not what you signed up for when you joined this train. You feel a little sorry for him, but without an honest conversation and some boundaries, this relationship will go nowhere.

So you raise your voice. For the first time. You stand your ground. Finally getting his attention. And Dan Heng...

He automatically breaks down.

...Is that...?

....Are those single drops of tears?

You have no idea how to react. Shocked, you lower your hands and drop your jaw slightly. But you're not the only one who's confused. Dan Heng doesn't know what to do either. He has never cried in his life. Maybe once from physical pain... but from emotion? He was a little more withdrawn, unwilling to show his weaknesses, ashamed...

But it happened. And now you both have to do something. Dan Heng tries to explain somehow, but he mixes up his words and doesn't even understand his own feelings. Can't name them. He starts apologizing and saying that he doesn't know what's going on, but he can't stop. And you can't take it either, you run up to a dragon and lock him in a tight embrace. You feel him trembling and instinctively share his pain.

After a while, you help him understand. You realize that what he's telling you is most likely fear and jealousy. Dan Heng doesn't know why he feels this way. But when you give him an ultimatum, he promises to change. And he actually does.

It's difficult. A little strange and uncomfortable at first. He's not used to it. But he starts talking to you normally. He shares his interests with you. Still tries to stay close, but he's not as intrusive anymore. And he admits that all your ideas are actually good... Or at least most of them. And that he always listened to them... But don't use this to your advantage now and don't rub it in his face. Don't lower yourself to his past level...

As for Trailblazer... Dan Heng is still a little jealous. He keeps watch over you out of the corner of his eye. Even though he won't admit it.

But he's starting to trust you in a strange way and because of that, he's getting rid of his overly dramatic reactions to your friendship. Especially since Dan Heng is aiming for something more. And he's confident in his success.

Well... yes. Dan Heng finally understands what's going on. He finally listens to the voice of his inner dragon... though he has to read some ancient books about it... but at least he finally accepts it.

That strange feeling in his stomach... his rapid heartbeat... his mood swings...

He has simply met his mate.

It's hard to pinpoint the exact moment when you two became a couple. I guess you gradually moved into that stage. But now that you're officially together... Oh boy-

Of course, you can say goodbye to your old bedroom. Now that you're a couple, your place is by Dan Heng's side. He won't tell you this directly, but he'll easily drag you into his bed by force. His tail is really strong and muscular. After all, it's a big chunk of meat. And Dan Heng knows how to use it. When it gets late and Dan Heng is sleepy (and, by the way, fed up with the company of rest of a crew...), he nudges you discreetly with the tip of his tail. You turn towards him and see his big sparkling eyes staring at you pleadingly. You immediately melt and know it's time for bed.

Sometimes however, it'ss difficult for you to say goodbye and end the conversation. There is always something more to say. Dan Heng quickly notices this problem. He crosses his arms over his chest, looks away and makes a pouty face. Yet he doesn't allow himself to stay offended for long.

You feel something strange, hard and rough suddenly wrap around your wrist... Something familiar, persistently pulling, with a force close to cutting off your circulation. Though Dan Heng restrains himself, compared to the moments when he wraps himself around your waist and chest.

It's not his fault that he wants so badly to fall asleep with you by his side. You're so warm! And cozy... And his...

Letting you out of your (mostly his) nest would be against the laws of nature. You learn this every morning. On the one hand, Dan Heng is an early bird, but on the other... when you're around, everything seems more luxurious, rich.

That's why you have a simple agreement. After your morning cuddle (when you scratch his bare back with devotion), you both go your separate ways. Which means that you both get ready as quickly as possible without disturbing each other. After all, talking and teasing each other would only prolong the process.

You know, when one is getting dressed, other is taking a shower and so on. There are also risky moments, such as when brushing your teeth together at the sinks next to each other. In such situations, Dan Heng simply can't resist and brushes against you with his tail. Or when you use cologne and Dan Heng braids his hair. You instinctively spray him with it too. After all, he loves to wear your scent.

Despite the obstacles however, you manage to complete your mission quickly and, after eating breakfast in dining car, you return to your room with a tea set. While Dan Heng cultivates tradition by preparing a warm brew for you both, you quietly flip through a book he recommended to you.

Your days are rather peaceful. At least as long as it's just the two of you together. When Dan Heng doesn't have to worry about outside threats...

Dan Hang likes to keep things neat. So don't expect to eat in bed. You'd get your hands slapped for that. Maybe later he'd start looking at them from a distance with guilt and eventually snuggle up to them, trying to somehow soften the red marks, but still... It's better not to risk upsetting a princess. He doesn't clean so much and maintain harmony just to be woken up by crumbs in bed.

Don't know where a book is? Ask your boyfriend. He'll give you the exact shelf and row. He has a terrifying memory.

Also get ready for constant cuddles. Especially when reading books. You sitting on a floor by a window, with your back against the bookcase and your side leaning against the large glass... Dan Heng just has to take adventage and use you as his pillow. Sometimes he lies with his head on your thighs, sometimes he uses your curled-up legs for support and sometimes he just rests his cheek on your shoulder. The latter is especially common when you read something together. More often, however, each of you has separate reading material and you only exchange comments occasionally. At such moments, you like to comb your boyfriend's hair with slow movements. However, you have to be very careful with his horns, because they are very sensitive. And not in the way you might expect... They are easy to hurt and really painful.

You don't quite remember what they feel like to the touch. After all, when you accidentally bump into them, you're in such a panic that all you can think about is pulling your hand away as quickly as possible to stop his hissing. You only remember that they are cold and give the impression of some kind of stream flowing through them.

That's why, when it comes to its dragon features, you mainly play with its tail. You like to trace patterns on its scales, feeling all the dips and bumps. At the very top, he has a bit of a sensitive spot. If you find it, he starts to giggle softly. Hysterically covering himself with his hands and trying to stay calm.

Unfortunately, it's hard for him to resist being tickled. That's why it doesn't take long before his concentration on keeping his lips tight results in small tears gathering in the corners of his eyes.

Dan Heng's tail can be quite problematic, though... boy often knocks things over by accident. He's a bit like a bull in a china shop. That's why you shouldn't take him to cramped warehouses and stores with lots of things on shelves close to each other. Dan Heng gets terribly embarrassed afterwards... When he hears the sound of something falling, he jumps up in fright and tries to fix it. But with his quick and clumsy movements, he only knocks over more things. Only solution is for you to take control over him. After that, for the next hour, he doesn't dare to talk to anyone or make eye contact. He just persistently pulls you by the end of your long sleeve with his tiny fingers.

As for the rest of his features... Well... His claws usually end up on your back. Just remember not to walk around shirtless and not to show them to anyone. Especially not to him! Dan Heng immediately covers his eyes. He's so embarrassed that he'd like to hide underground. He only did it because he couldn't control himself! He wasn't even aware of it...

Oh, and then there's also this split tongue... you have to try very hard to have an opportunity to experience it. Only when it's dark and when Dan Heng truly gets carried away after you've taken good care of him... you can count on that slimy tongue wrapping itself around your fingers. It's so long that it can easily circle around your two fingers, but it can also do it another way... separating its two ends and joining them back together after surrounding your digit.

The nurse behind him barely got a word out before he shot her a look sharp enough to cut, “Get out.” and she did because everyone always did, Sanzu didn’t repeat himself, and when it was just him and you and the steady, fragile beep of the monitor that he stared at like it offended him, like it had the audacity to decide how long you had left. “You look worse today.” he muttered, dropping into the chair beside your bed, leaning forward.

Elbows on his knees his eyes scanning every inch of you like something might’ve changed in the few hours since he last came, because he always came, sometimes in uniform, sometimes not, sometimes with flowers he clearly quickly bought, cheap ones wrapped a little messily.

He shoved them into your hands with a gruff “Take them.” like it wasn’t the closest thing he had to something gentle, and you smiled anyway, weak but real, because it was him, because it was always him.

“You came in uniform Today..” you whispered, voice thin, and he clicked his tongue, reaching out, fingers curling around your wrist, not soft, but careful in the only way he knew how, like he was holding something breakable and hated it, “Had shit to do.” he said.

His eyes flicking to the IV, the machines, the chart at the end of your bed, absorbing everything, memorizing it, controlling what he could because the one thing he couldn’t control was right in front of him, fading.

“Doctor says I’m..running out of time.” you murmured, watching his expression shift just slightly, just enough for you to notice, because you always noticed him and his grip tightened immediately, too tight.

“They don’t decide that.” he snapped with a voice low and dangerous, and there it was, that edge, that promise, that something is already moving behind the scenes. “Sanzu…” you breathed, but he was already standing, pacing once and twice, like a caged animal, hands running through his hair, agitation bleeding off him in waves before he stopped abruptly.

Leaning over you, close enough that you could see the exhaustion under his eyes, the barely contained instability simmering there, “I’ll fix it.” he said, like it was obvious, like it was simple, like the world bent for him when he wanted it to, and maybe it did, because he turned and left just as abruptly as he came, uniform swaying behind him, and the room felt colder the second he was gone.

-

Shibuya’s people didn’t notice the first one, not really, just another late-night incident tucked into the corners of the city that thrived on chaos, but the second one drew attention, and the third made people stop: Because there was a pattern, because there was precision, because someone out there wasn’t just killing..they were choosing, thats what it felt like anyway.

Slicing through the city like it owed them something, and Sanzu stood in an alley under flickering neon, breath steady, eyes empty in that way that meant too much was going on behind them, the man in front of him barely had time to process before the blade flashed it was quick, efficient and much practiced and Sanzu didn’t hesitate, he never thought about morality or consequence or anything beyond one singular, obsessive point:

You, your face in that hospital bed, your voice too weak, your pulse too slow, and he crouched, hands working with disturbing calm, like this was routine, like he’d decided this was what needed to happen and that made it right, “You should feel honored,” he muttered under his breath, almost amused, almost detached, “you’re keeping her alive.”

Tokyo’s news had been exploding. Screens lit up in waiting rooms and street corners, “-serial killings in Shibuya-” “-victims found with surgical precision-” “-possible organ trafficking-” “-citizens urged to stay indoors-”.

You watched it from your bed, fingers tightening weakly in the sheets, heart racing in a way the monitor didn’t like, because you knew, because there was only one person unhinged enough and..devoted enough, yours enough to do something like this.

Right on cue your room door opened, quiet as he slipped in, no uniform now, just a hoodie thrown over it like that hid anything. Like he wasn’t still dripping danger into the room, and he lightly tossed something onto your lap:

A small bouquet, different this time, like he’d actually tried, “They talk too much on TV.” he muttered, glancing at the screen with clear irritation before looking back at you, and for a second - just a second- there was something softer there, something almost… relieved..

“You’ll be fine.” he added, like it was already done, like the outcome was decided, and your throat tightened, “Sanzu… what did you do?” you asked quietly.

He just smiled, that…unsettling smile that never quite reached his eyes, stepping closer, fingers brushing your cheek, lingering there like he needed the contact, like he needed to confirm you were still here, still breathing, still his, “What I had to.” he said simply.

His fingers find your wrist, feeling your pulse like it belongs to him more than to you. “Fixing things,” he adds.

Everything blurred after that, doctors rushing, voices urgent: “We found a match.” “We need to move now!” “This is sudden but doable!” and you barely had time to process before you were being wheeled away, heart pounding, your mind spinning, because somewhere out there someone had died.

Somehow it had everything to do with him, and the last thing you saw before the doors closed was Sanzu standing at the end of the hall, hands in his pockets, posture loose but eyes locked onto you with an intensity that burned, like he was daring anything to go wrong, like he’d tear the entire world apart if it did.

-

When you woke up it was quieter again, softer, the beeping steadier now, stronger, and he was there immediately, like he hadn’t moved, sitting too close, leaning forward the second your eyes opened, fingers gripping yours hard enough to ground you, to ground him.: “Took you long enough…” he muttered, but his voice wasn’t steady and you swallowed, staring at him, really staring this time, at the tension in his shoulders, the faint stains he hadn’t fully cleaned, the way he looked like he’d been holding himself together by force alone.

“You did it.” you whispered, not a question, and he huffed a quiet laugh, leaning in until his forehead pressed against yours, grip tightening, “Of course I did.” he murmured, voice dropping, rough, raw: “You think I’d let you die?” and something in your chest twisted, not fear but something heavier and deeper, because you understood him, because you saw the way he loved, not clean, not normal, but absolute, consuming, terrifying in its certainty.

Instead of pulling away you squeezed his hand back, “You’re insane.” you said. He grinned against your skin, “For you i am.” and there was no denial, no shame, just fact, just truth, “And you’re still here.

After that he never left for long, sometimes showing up in uniform again like nothing happened, like the city wasn’t still whispering about the killer that vanished as suddenly as he appeared.

standing there watching you breathe like it was the only thing that mattered, the only thing that ever would. When you were finally strong enough to sit up and to lean into him or to rest your head against his shoulder.. he went still for a moment before his arm wrapped around you, pulling you closer, tighter than necessary, like he was making up for every second he thought he might lose you, “Don’t do this again.” he muttered into your hair, and you huffed a weak laugh, “I didn’t exactly plan it.”

His grip tightened just slightly, enough to say everything he wouldn’t, everything he didn’t need to, because you already knew, you always knew, and you tilted your head up, looking at him, at the boy who tore through a city without hesitation just to keep you alive: “I’m not going anywhere.” you said, and something in his expression eased it’s not gone, but quieter, anchored you could say.

He leaned down just enough for his forehead to rest against yours again, eyes half-lidded, voice low and certain, “Good.” because to him there was no other option, never was, never would be, not as long as he was breathing, not as long as you were.

—————————————————————————

A/o: Pretty short.

Thanks for reading!!

You swipe glue across the back of it and press it carefully onto the page, another addition to the collection.

Your scrapbook is already crowded. Layers of newspaper clippings, leaked photos printed from somewhere you probably shouldn’t have gotten them from, scribbled notes, circles around locations he’s been spotted in, cities, buildings. dates, every piece of leon you could find, pressed into the paper.

.

You already broke into the DSO database, don’t ask how. That part isn’t important.

files flicker past your screen as you scroll, fast and impatient, folders opening and closing. Mission archives, deployment logs, redacted reports. You skim everything, hunting for one name.

A few minutes pass, maybe longer. At one point you get distracted, clicking through profiles of the agents he’s partnered with before, the female ones especially, studying their photos a little longer than necessary before closing the tabs again.

then finally.

there it is.

his name buried in the mission reports.

you open the files and scroll slower this time, reading through deployment locations, dates, summaries, cities you’ve never been to. Places that look like hell even through the cold language of government paperwork.

Your eyes soften as you read.

He keeps getting sent to places like this, over and over again, infected zones, biohazard incidents, classified operations where people don’t come back the same, if they come back at all.

It almost feels unfair.

if only you could just… take him out of all that.

somewhere safe.

maybe your place.

It's quiet here, nothing like the places they keep sending him to. He could finally sleep without alarms and gunfire. You could cook for him, make sure he eats something warm for once.

He wouldn’t have to keep saving everyone else for a while.

he could just rest.

.

Maybe it was a bad idea.

or maybe it was a brilliant one!!

Either way, yesterday you may or may not have “accidentally” bumped into Leon on the street. Quick apology, a nervous smile, the kind strangers give each other before moving on.

Nothing suspicious.

Just enough time to press a tiny GPS tracker into the lining of his jacket.

Not that anyone needs to know that part.

Today he’s off duty.

The little blinking dot on your screen had you practically vibrating with relief, no missions, no biohazards, no classified nightmares waiting for him today.

just… Him<333

Which is how you end up sitting in a restaurant across the room from him. Far enough away that you won’t be noticed, close enough that you can still see him clearly.

And there he is.

Actually eating.

Not rushing, just sitting there with a plate of warm food, sleeves pushed up slightly, head tilted down while he eats like a normal person.It's strange seeing him like this. You didn’t realize how tense your shoulders were until they finally relaxed.

Good.

He's taking care of himself… kind of? For a moment, though, he pauses. His fork slows.

Leon's brows pull together slightly as he glances up, that instinct kicking in, the feeling of someone watching him. His eyes scanning across the restaurant.

You freeze

He looks around the room for a second longer.

Then, apparently deciding it’s nothing, he exhales quietly and goes back to his meal.

.

Leon’s apartment??? oh, goody. You definitely shouldn’t be here. You told yourself that at least three times while unlocking the window and slipping inside earlier, not breaking in, obviously. just… visitinn…temporarily.

The first thing you did was sweep the place.

not for dust, for cameras corners of the ceiling, vents, smoke detectors, behind picture frames. You checked everything carefully until you were satisfied there were no hidden CCTV feeds or security surprises waiting to catch you.

Once that was done, you finally looked around properly, and yeah… with how busy he is, it’s obvious he doesn’t exactly have time to keep the place spotless.

A few dishes in the sink, laundry sitting in a basket. dust collecting on surfaces that probably haven’t been wiped down in a while.

You clasp your hands together, smiling to yourself.

‘Don't worry, Leon.

I'm here to save the day!!’

Hours pass.

Music playing quietly from your phone while you move around the apartment like you belong there.

laundry first. his clothes tumble around in the washer, and when you pull them out later you… accidentally pause for a bit. okay, maybe longer than a bit.

his jacket.

his shirts. The faint smell of his cologne still clinging to the fabric. You bury your face in it for a moment…or thirty minutes.

After that it’s the kitchen, the plate he used for breakfast gets washed and set neatly on the rack, counters wiped down, trash taken out, the place slowly starts looking… lived in, but clean and

comfortable.

Like someone actually takes care of it. By the time you’re done, the apartment feels warmer somehow, your energy finally runs out though. So you flop down onto the couch, stretching out with a satisfied sigh,just a quick nap, just for a little while.

You curl slightly into the cushions, eyes drifting closed, imagining something soft and impossible Leon sitting beside you, an arm around you while you sleep, warm and steady.

Safe.

You’ll leave before he comes home, of course you will, and later, when Leon finally unlocks his apartment door after another long day, he might pause in the entryway, glancing around. The place looks… cleaner. The dishes are done. his laundry folded, the apartment smells faintly like detergent instead of dust.

He frowns slightly, running a hand through his hair.

“…did i clean this yesterday…?”

.

China again. Another city reduced to chaos, another mission with Leon right in the middle of it. You watch everything from a distance you’ve gotten far too used to and she’s there.

helena.

You feel your nose wrinkle immediately, jealousy bubbling up in your chest before you can stop it. The way leon talks to her, the way he keeps glancing back to make sure she’s still there, still safe.

“you good?”

“nice shot.”

“stay behind me.”

You roll your eyes so hard it almost hurts.

Of course he says things like that.

Of course he protects her like that.

That’s just who Leon is, the hero, the protector, always putting himself between danger and everyone else.

But stil. It doesn’t mean you have to like it.

And then things get worse.

because she shows up.

ada.

You feel the irritation spike instantly as Leon steps between her and chris, that familiar stubborn tone in his voice when he starts defending her.

“she’s a key witness.”

“we need her alive.”

blah, blah, blah.

You’ve seen enough of the reports, the files, the patterns. Ada appearing and disappearing whenever it suits her. Manipulating him. Using that soft look he always gets around her.

Leon knows she isn’t trustworthy.

He has to know…so why does he keep choosing her side? You cross your arms, watching from afar with a quiet huff.

because honestly…if he needs someone loyal, someone who actually cares, someone who would never betray him

well…

you’re right here.