I stand in the shower for too long. The water mixes with my tears of frustration and betrayal and I make no move to wipe them away. Especially not after the pain Leon's putting me through by lying to me this whole time. I should've knew he wasn't completely perfect, that there was a flaw underneath his caring and kind nature.
I eventually turn off the water and put on something comfy since it's the evening. Besides, I'm in no mood to go out or see anyone, I just need-
There's a knock on my door. I sigh, debating if I should answer it for let whoever it is assume I'm not home. It's persistent though, and as I step closer to the door and attempt to be civilised I then hear a familiar voice.
"Please Y/N, I know you're in. I need to talk to you...let me explain." Leon pleads. A wash of anger consumes me, so without thinking I swing open the door and open my mouth to say some things I know I'll regret, however when I see Leon's red rimmed eyes and lip wobble, I end up slamming my mouth closed and stepping aside to let him in.
Cautiously he enters, closing the door behind him softly before turning to me, his eyes roam me from head to toe as if searching for something. "What do you want?" I force myself to ask sternly, but a part of me already is falling apart all over again. Another more crazy part of me wants to wrap him into my arms and forgive him.
"I never meant to lie to you." Leon says, holding out his hands, "I swear. I just...telling you I was a police officer was much easier than telling you I'm an agent for the government. It kept you safe, and it wasn't so daunting." He runs a hand through his dishevelled hair, a ragged breath leaves him as he perches on the sofa, leaving me stood still.
"You still lied to me." I mumble, trying to justify his actions. Then again, now hearing his reasoning I can't help but to wonder if he's right. Sure I thought some of his trips were weird, but if he'd have told me he was some kind of James Bond dude I'd have freaked and worried. Maybe it was better not knowing?
"I know, and I'm hoping you can forgive me for that. I just didn't want to lose you, not when I'd finally found someone who wanted me as I am, without trying to fix or change me. I debated telling you for so long, but when you gave me that speech about being scared for me out in the field, I knew I couldn't let you carry any more anxiety." Leon says, glancing up at me with watery eyes. I've never seen him so desperate. So sad.
"What if you've already lost me?" I whisper, but I don't mean it. I perch on the coffee table in front of Leon, my hands in my lap as I stare at them.
"Then I'll try to get you back. I've been searching my whole life for someone to be by my side, and you...you're it for me. There isn't any else. You're my destination, and I'll spend however long it takes to get back to you. To find home again." Leon murmurs, reaching out and clasping my hands in his. I don't pull away, but I do look up and meet his eyes, seeing the truth and love there.
I nod, "Then we can try again." Leon's eyes widen before he pulls me forwards and wraps me into a hug, his chin rests on my head as he shakes, tightening his hold on me as if I'll run away and change my mind. "But," I say, needing some kind of stability on my side, "We're going back to the beginning again. You need to earn my trust back, and that means having conversations and opening up to me. It means getting to know you again."
Leon nods, cupping my face as he leans back. "I'll do it. Meet me at the park you love tomorrow night, around seven, and I'll make it up to you. I promise."
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I wrap my coat tighter around me, arching a brow and pointing a finger at Leon who guides me deeper into the darkness. "If I fall I'm suing you."
He stops, linking our fingers together and kissing the back of my hand. "I'll catch you, here we are." He smiles. When I see what he's done my lips part. A small portion of the park where we used to spend summer is all lit up. Strings of lights wrap around the trees as a picnic blanket rests on the grass, two travel mugs and some snacks sit on top of it, ready for an autumnal date.
"This is..." I lead off, sitting on the blanket and looking around again, amazed by the scenery and romance.
Leon nods, passing me my hot chocolate. "I know. I was, uh, I planned it a few weeks ago but obviously it didn't happen." He mumbles, scratching the back of his neck nervously. It feels like our first date, yet I'm comfortable and so in love with Leon already. This is so confusing. "You wanted to know more about me. The real me. So ask. Anything." Leon says.
My brows raise as I sip on my drink, looking at the stars shining down on us. "Why'd you choose a police officer as your fake job?"
Leon's face falls for a second, but then he takes a breath and begins telling me about Raccoon City and his past when he was 21 years old. I nod and take it all in, sympathising with him and understanding more and more why he is like he is, and why he lied. Hours of talking and star gazing pass, until we're both side by side lying on the blanket, hands intertwined.
"Thank you for opening up to me." I whisper, turning to look at Leon. He nods, leaning closer and pressing his lips to mine. It's sweet and careful, unlike our previous passionate kisses.
"I should thank you for still being here, not just from giving me another chance but for hearing all the shit I've been through and still sticking around to deal with me." He smiles, but there's a hint of insecurity there. I cup his jaw, my lips tilt as his eyes close and he leans into my touch.
"You're my home too Leon," I softly say using his previous words to me, "and I've never felt more in love."