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Chapter Text

Leon was nursing another glass of whiskey, knowing he may soon have to leave the bar he was at. They only ever served him so much, which he knew was reasonable but still ticked him off. Who were they to tell him how much he could have? He knew he'd have to move on eventually if he actually wanted to drink his fill. He frowned, seeing how low the level of liquid in the glass was now. He was about ready to call the barkeep back over when he saw a familiar shape in the corner of his eye. "The fuck do you want, Chris?" He huffed when the other took a seat beside him at the bar, already bracing himself for an argument over this habit of his.

"A drink," Chris replied in a gruff tone, feeling more worn down than ever. 

He raised an eyebrow, but finished his glass in one quick motion and waved the barkeep over. "Two more," he said, hoping he wasn't pushing his luck too far. Leon knew he'd already had a fair amount to drink at this point, but it was cheap and he had no desire to move on yet. A soft sigh of relief escaped him when he saw the bartender obey, even if hesitantly. He nodded his thanks, nudging the drink over to Chris. He had a feeling their arrival was what got him a pass to have at least one more round. "What are you here for anyway, Redfield?" His head tilted and he repositioned himself on the stool, taking in their appearance. Chris looked rough, that was for sure. It didn't explain why they'd join him, though. It was unspoken between them. If he wasn't needed, Chris would usually leave him to his misery and allow him to drown out his sorrows. That was his closest friend, but he was rarely joined if he wasn't drinking at home.

A simple shrug was all Chris offered in return. He didn't want to talk about it. Not yet at least. He took the glass and downed half of it in one large drink, cringing for just a brief moment at the taste. He wasn't a stranger to a drink, but he wasn't sure how Leon consistently drank so much. It wasn't even just the smell in the bar, but the scent coming off of Leon, that was enough to tell him that quite a lot had already been consumed. There were also glasses that had yet to be cleared away, just another indication of the frequently unspoken issue that hung over Leon's head. He didn't want to end up going this route, but he understood. It wasn't like he hadn't taken to drinking instead of facing up to his problems before. This time, there were too many to even begin to tackle. And so here he was. "What are you here for?" He retorted after a moment, taking another deep drink and allowing the keep to pour another glass for him.

Leon frowned again, forcing himself to take smaller more measured sips. With how quickly the first glass was gone he knew there would be more to follow. Unfortunately that would put an end to most of his drinking for the night. He didn't even bother to answer the question directed at him. They both knew why he was there, but he didn't know exactly what pushed Chris. "Don't you want to pace yourself?"

He shot a hard glare at Leon, a little bit satisfied when he saw the other begin to tense. That wasn't something he would bother dignifying with a response. Chris knew he should pace himself, but that was the last thing he wanted to do. He also knew Leon was just looking out for him, same as always. Ever since returning from his last mission everything was weighing so much heavier and this seemed like the easiest solution. Leon should know the desperation that drove a man to a bar better than anyone. He'd been relieved to see the man himself at the first bar hed wandered into, thankful to have his best friend by his side.

"Just a thought," he grumbled, fighting back the urge to down his drink-- then he'd be stuck at the bar with Chris and an empty glass. Instead he decided to pretend he was alone for a while longer and tried to ignore the scrutinizing gaze he could feel land on him every so often, drinking him in slowly the way he was his whiskey. As depressing as drinking alone could be, he preferred it. This was just plain frustrating. Being watched and having to toe this awkward line was going to drive him crazy. He shook his head a little bit and retreated back to his thankfully fuzzy thoughts. At least they were warmer when he was drunk. He raised a very slightly shaky hand, taking a shallow but desperate sip as his mind inevitably went back to the people he missed. Sure some of them were alive and simply out of reach, but others were gone for good. His gaze drifted back up when he saw Chris get yet another drink, a barely audible sigh escaping him. "Really?" Leon muttered under his breath.

Chris gripped his glass tighter at the word just barely breathed out, anger and frustration rising in him. He didn't know why he'd hoped Leon would be of any comfort, especially knowing the way the man drank. "At least I'm not here mourning a man I barely knew ten years after the fact," he commented, a bitter tone in his voice. "It's not like-"

"Piers," Leon said firmly in response. He knew that one still bothered Chris, and he'd be damned if he let Krauser or Luis be dragged into it. He might've been tempted to fight if they weren't in a public bar, but this was one of the few places where the bartenders would take mercy on him and serve him more than they probably should and he didn't want to be kicked out. Thankfully it seemed to get the older of them to shut up and leave him in peace. Maybe the comment was uncalled for, but he didn't care. Both of them had people they'd save if they could, probably lists too long to count of people they'd bring back. He continued to sip at his drink, relief flooding over him when another glass was placed in front of him, although a lot less full than the ones he'd been served at the beginning of the night. Leon didn't care. He had the cash to pay for it. He just wanted the drinks as long as they'd keep coming even though he would've preferred them to be brimming. That just wasn't realistic when he had someone else there to watch, though.

Chris was fuming at the comment about Piers. Maybe it was similar, though. Leon rarely spoke about Luis, but with what he read in the report and heard straight from Leon's mouth, they were close for the short time they were in contact. Krauser was also a name he only heard mentioned on brief occasion. That name always seemed to come with some of the most pained, sad expressions he'd ever seen on Leon's face. Chris realized his comment was probably too far. But he was mad. The light tremor he saw in the younger man's hand was unmistakable, as well as the glazed over look their eyes took on. Leon was doing his best not to be present in the moment, and he couldn't blame him. He sighed and let himself keep looking the other over, still angry but not at all proud of what he said. It was over the line and he knew it.

Silence fell over the pair, Chris watching Leon try to pace himself and Leon trying to make sure the other wasn't too far gone to get home.

-

Leon was miserable trying to keep himself sober enough to get Chris home with him. He'd stopped really drinking and was now sipping slowly at a drink refilling only with melted ice. It didn't taste great, but he wasn't going to leave Chris behind. They were both long since drunk, but he was handling it better than the older man at his side. The barkeep came to gather their glasses, Leon reluctantly letting his go as well. He knew he wasn't getting anymore when he heard the soft frustrated huff escape the man behind the bar. They'd spoken before. In fact, he wanted to consider himself something of a friend to most of the staff, but he knew that made some of them unhappy with how much he drank even though they weren't close. It was clear Chris probably wasn't going to be getting more either.

"Another," Chris started to say, glaring at Leon when the other started to cut him off.

"It's time to go, Chris. It's getting late anyway," He attempted soothing. Leon stood, slightly unsteady but remarkably more sober than he normally was at the end of a night of drinking. Chris looked mad, which he understood, but he did not want to subject any member of staff to the other man's anger. Thankfully Chris stood, silently but still clearly angry. Leon caught on to how unsteady he was and quickly moved to his side, digging in his own pocket for his wallet. "Look, it's on me tonight." Thankfully the other had steadied, giving him enough space to pay the bill. He left a generous tip in cash, gave the barkeep an apologetic glance, and steadied Chris against his side, hearing mumbled complaints.

A groan escaped him as the world spun, Leon's grip tightening on him. He stumbled a little bit and ended up having to lean heavier on the other, head dipping down in an effort to get his surroundings to still. Chris knew he definitely drank too much, but his companion seemed to be handling it just fine. It was surprising to feel how easily the smaller man handled his weight, navigating them through the bar and out the door without much trouble. "Where're we goin'?" Chris asked, words blending with each other. It had been a long time since he'd been this drunk, and he knew he wouldn't have dared drink so much without Leon at his side. For some reason he felt safe with Leon, but he'd unpack that later.

A soft huff of exertion escaped him, but he still felt relatively fine. He was not going to the gym as often recently, but this was doable. Part of him was relieved that Chris found him and didn't end up drinking alone, especially not with how drunk he was. "Home," Leon answered, thankful that his place wasn't that far away. It was a nice little townhouse, all he had to do was get the other to go a few more blocks. 

Chris looked down at the smaller man, a very small smile on his lips. Whatever he was upset about seemed miles away even though the dull ache was still there. This felt good, though. Leon was a warm and comfortable presence holding him up, offering a stark contrast to the brisk night air. He found himself paying more attention to Leon than anything else, the way their hair moved in the light breeze, how he looked in the dim light, even his stupid eyelashes. But he didn't care. He felt better, and Leon was safe. "Home," He repeated very quietly letting out a soft hum of approval. He wasn't sure whose home that meant, but he hoped it meant Leon's. The walk barely even registered with him, but it was clear the other was becoming more unsteady under his weight when they finally reached the door.

Leon pulled a key out of his pocket, jolting in surprise when Chris leaned his cheek against his head. He sighed and let it go, rolling his eyes when he heard a soft inhale. "C'mon, Redfield," He urged, trying to ignore it when they held him closer, both of their arms around his waist. "Just a little more." Thankfully he could slip out of their grasp without much issue, but he did savor the hold for just a moment.

"Mm... you smell nice," He mumbled, frowning when the other slipped his grasp. It took all of his remaining restraint not to reach out and grab onto him immediately. The brief moment that Leon spent in his arms stilled his turbulent thoughts and he desperately wanted that again.

He grunted softly when his dog rushed him at the door. It froze for a moment at the sight of Chris, head tilted on the verge of aggression. Leon looked calm, and he could only hope his dog would take his cue. "Down," he said, keeping his eyes on her until she backed off. When the dog did as told he softened, motioning Chris the rest of the way in. "Good girl," Leon praised in a much gentler tone, ruffling the fur on her head and guiding Chris further into the apartment so he could lock the door.

"What's," Chris started, pausing at a momentary spell of dizziness when the dog bumped into him, "What's'er name?" He steadied himself against a wall, eyes going between Leon and the dog. He raised an eyebrow at the smile starting to form on Leon's face, uncertain of what could be so amusing, but definitely interesting.

"Well it's funny you say that." Leon's smile widened and he moved closer to his dog, scratching behind her ears gently.  "Because you're in the presence of a former first lady." He let out a soft laugh, much more relaxed now that he was home.

He also tilted his head just a little bit, trying to work it out. Former first lady? It took him a moment, but he got it. "You didn't-"

"Jackie Kennedy." His smile grew when he heard a frustrated groan from Chris. He gave the other a pass considering how drunk he was, but it would be an issue if Chris never laughed. Leon shrugged and moved back to the other, removing his jacket and hanging it on a rack. "It's late. Come on."

Chris watched the other remove their jacket, enthralled by the still fluid motions. It was all he could do to stay on his feet, and Leon was moving almost as if perfectly sober. It would've been a lie if he said he didn't also feel the urge to reach out and touch and feel the small amounts of skin at Leon's hips and waist that peeked up from under his shirt at any large movement. He forced himself to look away, swallowing hard. It felt electric when the smaller man placed a hand on his forearm. "Where?"

"Bed."

The simple answer sent a chill down his spine. His hazy mind let him get excited for a brief moment before he realized Leon probably didn't mean anything by it. He sighed and tried to remove his shoes but stumbled, having to lean against the other man for another moment to remove them without falling. By the time Leon's shoes were removed and placed aside he was already leaning against him even more, draping himself over the other once again when they stood. "Bed sounds good," he muttered, having to remind himself again it was just for sleeping. Chris didn't even know exactly when or why he started thinking about Leon like that, but he definitely wasn't opposed to the idea. 

Leon sighed under the weight, but let it happen anyway. He'd be free of Chris soon enough and could bust into his stash of brandy so he could finish what was cut short. He slowly led the other to his bedroom, lowering him onto the mattress. Unfortunately the larger man didn't let go, instead wrapping another arm around his waist. He jolted in surprise when he was dragged down, landing halfway on top of the other. "Chris," He warned, trying to keep his voice steady. "You have to let me go now."

"No."

"Let go." He narrowed his eyes and tried to sit up, but was reigned in once more. He didn't want to fight, not now. Chris was bigger and much more drunk. A gentle struggle could easily turn into something more serious. "At least let me turn the light off, then."

Chris thought for a moment before relenting, loosening his grip. "Fine," he huffed, rolling over and watching Leon turn the switch off. The moment the other was back in arm's reach he grabbed on again, tugging him harder and laughing at the startled yelp it earned him.

Leon just groaned, letting his fatigue take over. It was no easy task to drag Chris to his home. "Get some sleep," he muttered, watching Jackie hop on the bed and get comfortable. Between the three of them, he was the only one who seemed miserable. The dog was fine, Chris seemed happy as can be holding onto him, and there was no sneaking away with how tight the grip on him was.

"Night," Chris mumbled, pressing the smaller man closer to himself. Once again he drew in a slow breath, savoring the company. Something about the way the other smelled was comforting even through the heavy haze of liquor. Simply not being alone felt good. Maybe Leon was onto something getting a pet. Even if the name was stupid he had to admit it was funny.

"Night," he whispered, eyes closed. For a moment it seemed like Chris was smelling him again, but he was more focused on the hands lazily wandering his torso. He wrote it off as the other being drunk, trying to ignore it but finding himself enjoying it just a little bit. Chris's touch was shockingly gentle, regardless of how constricting his hold was. A soft sigh escaped him and he tried to settle in, squirming a little bit when he was held tighter and not finding a single inch of room. Leon resigned himself to trying to relax, now fully understanding there would be no way to leave. To top it off his dog had nestled against him and he was firmly tucked in, stuck between a large man and a warm pile of fur.

To Chris's surprise, it wasn't all that long before he felt unconsciousness begin to take hold. It was relaxing here with Leon, drawing in his scent, not bothering to care where his hands wandered. It wasn't the alcohol subduing him as much as it was the smaller man simply existing in his arms. He did feel like he was at home, even though he'd only briefly been here once and never past the front door. He liked it, though. While he wasn't the biggest fan of dogs, especially not after the incident at the mansion all those years ago, he wasn't quite afraid. So long as the thing kept its distance he'd be fine. He did cringe when his fingertips felt fur, the thing obviously having curled against its master, it startled him with how soft it was. He decided to ignore it. Leon wouldn't let it hurt him, right? Either way he was too tired-- too drunk-- to care.

Leon only relaxed fully when he heard the other's breathing even out, knowing they were asleep or close to it. He tried one last time to give a little shimmy in effort to escape, but it was futile. Chris held tighter and Jackie settled in fully. There was no escaping this one so he did his best to relax. It wasn't entirely unpleasant, but it certainly wasn't normal for him to have someone in his bed. His mind replayed the events of the night through the light haze of alcohol in his system. Leon did want to know what happened that night to make the other so aggressive and desperate for a drink, but wasn't about to go pushing. He just knew from files he'd managed to read that Chris was having a rough go of things. Maybe he should call Claire. He decided to pocket that idea until much later, trying to force his mind to go blank and listening to the even deep breathing of Chris and Jackie. At the very least he didn't need to be alone.

Chapter Text

When Chris woke it was well into the morning and his head was pounding. He barely opened his eyes against the harsh morning light, groaning and closing them tight again. There was a desperate desire to fall back asleep, but he knew that would be impossible with how he felt. He forced a small stretch, another groan passing his lips, and then sat up. Chris drew in a deep inhale to steady himself, catching a pleasant aroma. Something was cooking. It took him a moment to remember exactly where he was, between the splitting headache and how much he'd drank. He stood and braced himself against the wall, dizzied once again. It took him a minute, but eventually made his way out to the main area of the home.

Leon heard the larger man stirring before he even entered the room. He glanced over his shoulder at the other before going back to cooking. "Sleep well?" He asked, still tired. He hadn't slept much at all, but he was more concerned for Chris. This wasn't normal for the other, so he didn't mind as much as he would have otherwise. Chris was one of the few friends he had, and he knew things had to be rough if he was drinking like that.

Chris jolted in surprise when the dog rushed out at him, stumbling back. "Yeah," he managed to get out, rubbing one of his eyes and stifling another groan. He shot a glare at the dog, willing it silently to leave him alone. Unfortunately it didn't get the hint, but he knew Leon wouldn't take very kindly to any aggression displayed toward the thing.

"Got ibuprofen if you want any." He glanced back again, a small smile on his lips at the site of his dog so excited. "Don't mind Jackie, she's not used to anybody actually coming in. She's a good girl, though."

"What are you cooking?" He asked, almost desperate to change the subject. What was he supposed to say? That the damn thing needed to get out of his space before he kicked it? Chris knew that wouldn't go well. At least it wasn't too much of a pain. Worse was that he knew the dog actually was well-behaved, he just had a strong aversion to them at this point. He took at seat at the small kitchen island, thanking Leon when a glass of water and a few tablets of ibuprofen were placed in front of him.

Leon shrugged, turning back to flip the bacon on the stovetop. "Breakfast," he said simply, stirring a pan of fried potatoes. He wasn't about to mention this was something he thought was an expectation, something he was taught as a child to do. When you have guests, you cook. You feed them. Especially if it's overnight. "It might help your hangover," He offered. It was a thin excuse to offer, but he hoped Chris would simply accept it. "Coffee or tea?"

"Coffee."

He nodded and turned to the coffee maker to grab the pot. He wasn't always a fan of the bitter liquid or how it smelled, but it kept him on his feet well enough. "How're you holding up? Lucky I was there to keep an eye on you, Redfield," Leon commented, looking up at the other while filling the pot with water. "Who knows what kinda trouble you would've found for yourself."

Chris couldn't help but find himself watching Leon bustle about the kitchen. Not only was he impressed with how well Leon seemed to feel, he simply couldn't help himself. His face began warming just a little bit when he remembered how tightly he'd held on last night, becoming further embarrassed at the realization that Leon had to be painfully aware of the contact he'd savored while falling asleep. "Fine," he managed to get out, avoiding eye contact and trying desperately to remain calm. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it." He turned the faucet off, feeling Chris's gaze follow him as he began filling the coffee maker with water and grounds. Leon tried to shake it off, but something about the intensity of it gave him pause. He sighed and thought back to just a few hours previous, remembering how touchy the larger man was. If he was completely honest he hadn't minded that much, but in hindsight it did seem quite intimate. He wondered for a moment what was on Chris's mind, but he wasn't going to press the issue. He continued cooking, reaching to the side to take a sip from a bottle of Brandy he had stored in the kitchen.

"Starting kind of early, aren't you?" Despite his pounding headache he found himself amused, quickly shut up at the hard glare he earned with his comment. Chris should have known better. He knew for a fact being drunk all the time wasn't pleasant, but Leon was fine for now. It wasn't his business, even though he wished his friend would slow down a little.

Leon shook his head a little bit, trying to calm his anger. He was about to start moving bacon from the pan when a grease bubble popped, spattering his shirt with the liquid. He huffed in exasperation and removed the bacon from the pan. He'd need to rinse the grease off if he didn't want to ruin it. He turned to the sink and pulled his shirt off in one fluid motion, locating the spot and scrubbing at it lightly with some dish soap. It might not be of much use here, but he tried. He sighed once more, wringing the water out and placing it on the counter before turning away once more to continue cooking.

Chris decided it would be best to change the subject then. It was hard to even keep a straight thought with how unwell he felt, but seeing Leon like this made it even more difficult. He drew in a shaky breath, running a hand through his already messy hair. "So, uh..." He started, swallowing hard. "Didn't think you knew how to cook." That was probably a safe topic. It would be hard to argue now, anyway, with Leon shirtless and cooking in the bright morning light filtering into the kitchen. It would be a lie to say he didn't look good. Again he felt the strong desire to reach out, touch and feel smooth skin under his fingertips, but he was thankfully under much better control.

Leon relaxed a little bit, glancing back as he finished up. "My mother made sure I could handle myself in a kitchen, believe me. Big Italian family and all that." A very small smile played on the corners of his lips. Regardless of his family's crimes he still missed them quite a bit. "My dad would send me to the kitchen with her sometimes when there were... meetings held at our home." He wasn't going to elaborate further, but he was certain Chris did enough digging into his past. Finding information on his family wasn't difficult, but he wasn't proud of most of the information out there.

He'd forgotten about Leon's past, but that certainly did remind him. "Right," He commented offhandedly without much thought. "I forgot you come from m-"

"So that's why I can cook a little bit," Leon interrupted, giving him a warning glance. Just because Chris knew it didn't mean he was open to discussing it. Nobody truly knew the extent of it all. He wasn't sure if he even knew everything, or if he even wanted to know. "What, you don't know your way around a kitchen?"

Chris found his mind wandering, trying to remember everything he knew about the younger man's history. That only made his head hurt worse, but he understood no questions about that would be tolerated now. It was best to keep Leon in a good mood, anyway. "Oh, um, kind of. I never really bother cooking much. Things get busy, you know that."

He nodded, beginning to grab plates from one of the cabinets. "Yeah, but you really can't cook at all. Geez, you're kinda helpless, aren't you? Getting blackout drunk and blindly trusting me to get you home, and now not knowing how to cook? How'd you ever make it this far?" Leon raised an eyebrow and glanced back once more as he began plating large portions, hoping he wouldn't have many leftovers. Chris was a big guy, but Leon wasn't sure how much he could stomach hungover like this.

"Why wouldn't I trust you?" Chris was having a hard time keeping his eyes off the smaller man and an even harder time holding conversation. He was entirely transfixed watching the way the light played on Leon's lean muscle as he moved through the kitchen. It was hard to even care that he was being called helpless, because in this moment it certainly felt like it. Leon could do just about anything right now and he wouldn't be able to stop him. Unfortunately, this pleasant feeling was quickly overcome by nausea and he had to sprint to the bathroom, barely making it in time before emptying the minimal contents of his stomach.

Leon understood and followed calmly behind him, gently patting his back. He wasn't sure he was welcome, but he wanted to make sure Chris was fine. Thankfully the other seemed relieved by his touch. "Having a pretty rough go of it, huh?" He kept his tone gentle, trying not to remind Chris that this was why he asked if he needed to slow down last night. This wasn't the time to add insult to injury, so he let Chris take his time. This wasn't how he wanted to spend his day off, but it wasn't all bad. It was better than being alone, he had to admit that.

Chris groaned and shut the lid before flushing, letting the other stroke his back in a slow soothing motion. This was new, but he loved it. It definitely did help, Leon sitting on the edge of the tub and giving a light touch. At least he had an excuse to be a little red in the face, because it would be even more embarrassing if the other knew what he was thinking. He sighed, leaning a little bit against their legs and savoring the light touch he was treated to for a few moments longer. This, he realized, is why he found himself drawn to Leon. It wasn't just physical attraction, it was always the way Leon cared so much. He didn't even mind the remark, because he was sure it wasn't meant to be too teasing.

"Better?" He asked, finding it almost sweet how Chris was like putty in his hands.

"Yeah, actually," Chris managed to get out. And it was true. He did feel better even though he still felt weak.

"Can you hold down breakfast if you eat?"

He nodded, savoring the contact still. It was clear this would be coming to an end soon and he wanted to enjoy this as long as he could. "I'm starving, actually. It'd be a shame if I didn't get to at least try it."

Leon smiled a little bit, gently nudging him up. "Come on then, Redfield. Don't want it getting cold, do you?"

Chris stood, allowing the younger man to help him steady himself but longing for the careful contact he'd just been treated to. Something about that was more soothing than any medication could ever hope to be. If Leon wasn't careful he'd never want to leave. At the very least he felt better off than he had the night before, regardless of his physical state. "Thanks," he said quietly, still a bit embarrassed by the display but thankful for the caring touch nonetheless.

He was relieved when Chris took his weight back. Leon felt sympathetic, but this worsened his very mild hangover and made his head start pounding. Thankfully he'd moved past the worst of his long ago, but he definitely remembered how painful it was. Not only that, he was well aware last night had to be rough for the other to be drinking like that. "Easy," he said quietly, helping the other sit.

He groaned once more and leaned his head against the top of the counter, slumped over in a still dizzy heap. Chris peeked his eyes open lazily, struck with a rush of heavy emotion when he saw Leon glancing back at him every so often while continuing to plate their breakfast. He forced himself to sit up, a very small smile on his lips even though his head was spinning. This was where he wanted to be. He took the mug of coffee the other wordlessly offered, taking a deep drink and almost scalding his mouth in the process. He didn't care, though. At the very least the slight burn distracted himself. Chris swallowed, thanking him when a steaming plate was placed in front of him.

"When's the last time you ate something cooked in a real kitchen?" Leon asked, sitting beside him and taking a small sip of his own coffee that he'd splashed a bit of liquor into.

Chris shrugged as he picked up his fork and took a bite, unable to hold in the soft sound that escaped him. "Dunno... but it's been too long. This is... This is wonderful. Thank you, Leon. Really." He forced himself to slow down, even though this was the first home cooked meal he'd been treated to in years. He certainly didn't feel like there was time to waste cooking, but again he found himself thinking Leon might be right. The idea of never wanting to leave hit him again and he forced himself to ignore it once more.

He nodded, savoring it when he began eating. While Leon did know how to cook he didn't always find it worth it to do so just for himself. Cooking only for him saddened him, especially after being raised to cook for others. It made him beyond happy to have someone else enjoy what he could do, even though he was admittedly rusty. Sure it was mainly bacon and potatoes, but he rarely stocked eggs or anything else that would spoil too quickly. Regardless, he was happy knowing his efforts were appreciated. "It's nothing, really," he replied, laughing softly when he was given a gentle nudge.

"Nothing? Ever the gracious host, huh?" Chris smiled in return, enjoying the peace now that he was starting to recover. He didn't feel entirely better, but the attention, food, and care he was being shown definitely made it better. Unfortunately the dog came padding up to him, looking up at him with wide eyes. He was disgusted for a moment, but melted just a bit at the innocent expression on its face. Sure, the thing might be begging for food, but there wasn't a single hint of malice behind those pitifully empty eyes. He jolted when Leon snapped, but the dog immediately trotted over and sat by his side instead, leaving Chris be.

"Well, I certainly try to be, but you're an easy guest." He interrupted himself with a short snap to call Jackie over, pointing at the ground near himself. He'd noticed a bit of discomfort from Chris at her presence. That bothered him quite a bit, but with the amount of mutated dogs they'd encountered he didn't feel any true anger over it. "Good girl," he said softly, breaking off a piece of bacon and placing it in her mouth carefully. "You know she means no harm, Chris. She's just a pup."

"I know," he sighed, shaking his head a little bit. "But-"

"I'm not mad, Chris, just don't take it out on her. You don't need to justify yourself. We all have our... discomforts." He frowned, absentmindedly stroking her head for a moment longer before his motion slowed and eventually stilled. Leon definitely understood the hesitance, but it felt to him almost like being afraid of everyone regardless of whether they'd turned or not.

"She is a good dog. I know that, Leon, and I'm glad you're not here alone drinking all day. I'm just not used to dogs that don't want to rip me to shreds." He did have to admit she looked harmless curled at her master's feet, tail lazily swishing while she watched in the hopes of getting more scraps. "It's not a bad change, really. Maybe she'll grow on me."

A very, very small smile replaced his frown and he glanced over at Chris. "You plan on hanging around here all the time, Redfield?" He raised an eyebrow and turned to face him, a bit amused. "And who said you were welcome back?" Leon laughed at the featherlight punch that landed on his shoulder, giving the other a gentle shove in return. This alerted Jackie, but she didn't move.

Chris hummed, taking another sip of coffee and watching the smaller man over the rim of the mug. This life would be good, he decided, if he could spend it in peace with Leon like this. He was painfully aware of the fact that when breakfast was over he'd be sent on his way. "Have I really overstayed my welcome already? That's a shame. I was having a good time."

Leon paused, feeling a little bit timid for a reason he couldn't place. "... No. You've not," he muttered after a short pause, finding difficulty in meeting Chris's gaze. He took a small bite and swallowed hard, drawing in a shaky breath. Perhaps he should've put more liquor in his coffee. Something about the soft expression on the older man's face got to him, the way he was being spoken to with genuine kindness and interest. Chris was worming his way deeper in him somewhere, and he wasn't sure how he felt about that. "Overstayed your welcome, I mean."

"Good to know." It was nice, seeing the usually calm man falter in his demeanor. Even though he didn't feel his best, this made up for it. This wasn't a side of Leon he got to see. Uncertainty was rare, but he appreciated being let in. Now it was him feeling a bit shy. If only Leon knew how grateful he really was and how much he felt for him.

Breakfast continued with limited small talk, but it wasn't uncomfortable regardless of the slightly tense atmosphere. Leon was happy to not be alone, but he knew he would be again soon enough. That made him a bit sad, but he decided to savor this. When it was time for Chris to go he packaged up generous helpings of leftovers, nodding his appreciation at their final thanks. He decided to text Claire to check up on Chris in a little while to make sure he made it home safe, and did his best to busy himself with other things.

Chapter Text

Leon was sitting at the bar yet again, but he'd only just arrived minutes ago. To his surprise, Chris came wandering in yet again. He'd already had quite a bit at home, but this was a nice little part of his routine. Thankfully Chris was in a visibly better mood, which did lift his spirits a little. "Chris!" He called, waving him over. Leon felt genuinely happy to see him this time, even though he knew it meant he wouldn't be drinking as much when the other was around.

Chris smiled and made his way over, eager to meet his friend. Leon actually looked alive for once, and that made him happy. Sure, there was still an air of sadness about him, but he found himself hoping it was his company the night before that helped. He nodded his thanks when Leon ordered him a drink, but made a mental note to pay the tab this time. He knew Leon must have paid it last night, but it was hard to remember. "You didn't think you could drink alone, did you? I know chicks love the brooding type, but that's not healthy," he teased before starting on his drink. The idea of Leon in anyone else's arms was upsetting, but he wasn't going to admit that.

While he was a little bit exasperated he knew Chris was playing. He rolled his eyes and took a deep drink, feeling himself relax almost immediately. The taste was definitely a comfort at this point, even though it took much more to get him drunk than it used to. "Not here to pick anyone up, don't need a wingman. It's my day off." Leon shrugged, taking another slow sip and savoring the flavor. "You, on the other hand, might be in need of a little help."

"Shut up," Chris huffed, but there were no hard feelings. Besides, how was he supposed to admit that the person he wanted was, in fact, Leon? As close as they were, that didn't seem like a wise idea. Not a good plan to execute while sober, at least. It would probably kill the ease between them, even though this morning he'd found himself hopelessly and painfully ensnared in the others trap. He wondered if it was really a trap at all if Leon wasn't aware of the effect he had. Chris sighed, feeling a little bit discouraged.

"What's on your mind, Redfield?" Leon probed cautiously. "You don't belong in this place. Not really."

He thought for a moment, taking a long deep drink and near finishing off his glass. The alcohol was already beginning to take hold, but he was mostly sober. It was just enough to loosen him up a little. "Maybe I just wanted to see you?" Chris hummed, his concern slipping away little by little. His smiled widened at the brief flicker of surprise on Leon's face, their piercing blue gaze quickly flitting away from him before returning slowly. "You already know how it is, Leon. I figured it's better to drink with a friend."

Leon nodded, resting his head on one of his hands. While the initial comment took him off guard and made that shy feeling return for a moment, he most definitely understood. "Sometimes I wonder where things went so wrong," he lamented, a small frown on his lips. "Even though it's out of my control."

"I know you wouldn't stop even if I asked you to, so I won't. You've done your best though. Believe me." Chris was doing his best to approach the subject gently, but was well aware how painful it could be. Rebecca was right, they were more similar than they liked to admit. "I wonder too, you know. Think about the people I might have saved if... things were different."

"Now I know damn well Chris Redfield isn't sitting next to me questioning his decisions," Leon huffed, but he wasn't really irritated. He motioned the barkeep over to get a refill for the both of them. He didn't even know what to say, so settled for taking a long drink and deciding for a moment he didn't care about being responsible.

"It's hard on me too, you know? I-"

"I know Chris. I know. But sometimes you just seem... better," he interrupted, voice dropping to a low tone at the end. Leon brought a trembling hand up to run through his hair, shaking his head after. "Don't get me wrong, I know it's hard on you, but you've got your sister. You've got so many people behind you."

Chris fell silent, simply listening. Leon was sort of right. He was well aware of the unfortunate fate Leon's family met and was reminded once again that he was lucky to have his sister still. He nodded once more, not wanting to fight. "You know you've got me behind you, don't you? And Claire, obviously. You have people, Leon, you just have to stop turning your back on everyone. I don't know why you do. You don't need to be on your own all the time. You're always there. Why won't you let anyone else be there for you?"

Leon sighed, drinking deeply from his glass before forcing himself to put it down. "For what it's worth, I appreciate it," He forced himself to say, not wanting to sound like he didn't appreciate the offer. "Of course I'm gonna be there."

"I've lost people too, Leon," he said, mildly frustrated by the pity party, but completely understanding. "I know it's hard. Just let me be here." Chris just wanted to see him feel better, but it was hard. Building this bridge would be difficult, no matter how much the gap between them was shrinking. He found himself reaching out. This time it was him offering a reassuring and gentle pat on the back. He watched as Leon's body relaxed as he stroked gently, but the frown stayed. How badly he wanted to press his lips against the smaller man's, kiss him slowly and tenderly until the sullen look dissipated.

He let out a deep sigh of relief at the touch, feeling almost as though something in him broke but not in a bad way. A heavy release of tension, bursting like a dam. Leon was vaguely aware that he was trembling, but he didn't care. He tried to lift his glass, but noticed he was shaking and quickly placed it back down again. It took a moment for him to steel himself, but eventually he felt up to lifting his glass. When he finally did, he downed almost the entire thing in one go. "Okay," he breathed out, head finally feeling fuzzy. "Okay..."

Chris frowned when he felt just how much the smaller man was trembling. Seeing Leon's hand shaking so much was beyond unsettling, verging on truly upsetting. The drinking was a big problem, but he wasn't going to bring that up. He'd finally gotten Leon to accept his presence and the idea of emotional support. Pushing physical wellness and sobriety wouldn't be the best course of action, regardless of how much he hated seeing him in such a state. "Good. You were there for me last night. Thank you for letting me be here tonight. It's only fair, right?" He took a small sip, watching the other man give a very hesitant nod. "You've done everything you can. Breathe."

Leon obeyed, drawing in shaky breaths even though he felt stupid. The light contact felt wonderful, even if he was shaking. He wasn't sure the pain of opening himself up was worth it, but he didn't really care anymore. He finished his drink, wanting to call the bartender back over but knowing he'd be told to slow down. That was the downside of knowing the staff. They'd serve him again in a little while, he knew that, but he wished they would now. He wished they'd just give him the whole bottle at this point. He did get a sympathetic glance from the bar tender. Leon knew then that he must look pretty pathetic. They did know some of what he'd dealt with, but he'd never really opened up about how it made him feel. That was probably obvious based on how much time he spent there.

"Leon," he started, shifting a little bit closer. "You don't need to be alone. If anybody understands even a little bit, I definitely do." Chris slid his hand a little bit lower, looping it around his waist for a loose side embrace. He allowed himself to savor the hug for a short moment before going back to the gentle contact. It was hard to tell, but it seemed like that helped a little. "You said it yourself, y'know. We owe it to them to keep living. Doesn't that include keeping close with the people you do have? The ones that are still alive?"

He found himself physically leaning into Chris at the hold. If they weren't in public Leon would have been content to stay that way the entire night. It felt safe, but he wasn't willing to voice his displeasure when the other pulled away. "Yeah, but-"

Chris wasn't about to let him finish that thought. "Then stop worrying so much about being by yourself. You won't have to cross that bridge for a long time if I can help it." He guided Leon closer once more, this time lazily resting a hand on his waist. That seemed to help, and he frankly didn't care who saw them. It wasn't like it mattered, if anyone had a word to say about it they could easily pummel most people. He scooted his stool to be pretty close, Leon now eased almost entirely up against his side. He could still feel some shaking, but it had subsided a little bit. "At the very least I'm not going anywhere. You know that."

Leon tuned him out for a moment, listening to the pleasant sound of his voice but not paying attention to the words. He knew they were reassuring, but he was more focused on the warm weight of their hand on his hip and waist. "I'm glad you're here," he muttered, leaning up against the other a little bit. Something felt different, something shifted. That wasn't important. He retreated back into his thoughts for a moment, actually finding himself enjoying it when the hand on his side rubbed up and down slowly.

The way Leon was acting only made him more bold with his touches. He guided him back, Leon now pressed securely against him. This felt right. Really right. He polished off his second drink and motioned for the barkeep, ordering refills for the both of them.

Leon looked up with a halfhearted glare when he saw the bar tender raise an eyebrow. "We're friends," he insisted gruffly, rolling his eyes at the amused look on their face. He didn't even realize until then what it would look like. It was no business of anyone's anyway, let alone the staff at a bar. Either way he did try to inch away a little bit, but found himself held firmly in place. Chris wasn't going to let that happen.

Chris wasn't about to let anyone else impact Leon's comfort, and being held was seeming to work. That and the pleasant haze of alcohol over his thoughts made him a lot less willing to let go until he was specifically told to. "Let it be," He whispered, nudging the fresh glass into the smaller man's hand. He wasn't very happy about how much Leon drank, but it was sure to be a rough night unless he kept the other pacified. They'd deal with the drinking a different time. "Do you really care what they think?" He kept his voice low and quiet, trying to soothe a very troubled mind.

A shudder ran down his spine at the proximity, warm breath hitting the side of his neck. He was still upset, but it was getting hard to stay that way. Leon didn't understand why his mind clouded so quickly. He sighed and brought the glass to his lips, taking a long and slow sip. "Guess not," he mumbled, frowning when Chris backed off a little.

"Good." Chris let his hand wander once more, trailing up and down the smaller man's side. Leon definitely seemed out of it. He wasn't sure what it was, but he wasn't going to complain. Something about seeing the other so pliable in his grasp was concerning, but he was doing his best to keep Leon placated. "Relax," he whispered when he noticed the other tense up a little more. It was like he was over aware of everything now. "Do we need to leave?"

"Not yet," he breathed out, turning his head and jolting in surprise at how close Chris's lips were to his. Leon froze for a second before quickly turning away, taking a drink and swallowing hard. Something was definitely different, and he wasn't sure what. Maybe they should leave, but he didn't want to admit that. He shuddered at the light squeeze he got on his waist and decided to down the rest of his drink, watching Chris do the same.

Chris placed his now empty drink on the counter and carefully removed Leon's glass from his hand. "That's enough," he said, stunned with how dizzy he was when he stood. He knew he was drunk, but he didn't think he was that drunk. He paid and left a generous tip, arm wrapped tightly around Leon. It was his turn to pay the bill this time anyway, if this was going to be a regular thing.

"I'm not done-"

"Leon," he warned, "It's time to go. You're in no condition to stay here." Chris swayed when Leon squirmed, always surprised by his strength. "We can drink more after we get you home." Finally the other gave in, leaning into him once more. He took a deep breath of fresh air once they stepped outside, doing his best to remember the path back to Leon's place. He wasn't sure how much help the younger man would be in this state, but he didn't care.

"Thanks for helping me," He managed to get out, leaning fully into the other to enjoy the warmth against the night air.

Chris hummed in acknowledgement, looking down at the other for a second. Before he even knew what he was doing he found himself turning Leon to face him and leaning down, lips pressed hesitantly against theirs.

Almost immediately it felt like he sobered up and he tensed, jumping back as far as the other's grasp would allow. He was stunned, doing his best to process before deciding there was no processing. As quickly as the shock and brief moment of sobriety came it left, and he was confused once more.

"Leon, I-"

Leon already had his lips back on Chris's, deciding they were too drunk for it to matter. It felt good, and he wanted any comfort he could get. He let Chris back him against one of the walls of a nearby building, his head spinning. A soft sound escaped him and he held on tighter, clinging desperately to the larger man. He nipped at their bottom lip, whining when the kiss was broken.

"Let's get you home," he said quietly, lips brushing against the others. As wonderful as that felt this wasn't the time. He simply hadn't been able to contain himself, but he knew he should've waited. Chris's resolve was broken the moment Leon kissed him again, this time much messier and a lot more desperate. As anxious as he was doing this in public the street was pretty empty, so they likely weren't disturbing anybody. What struck him the most was how badly it felt like Leon wanted this. "Leon," he mumbled against his lips, trying to pull back and being guided in for another brief kiss. "Leon," he repeated, pulling back slowly and trying to regain his breath. "We should go. C'mon."

"Fine." Leon was reluctant to agree, but understood. It probably wasn't the greatest idea to do this here, but he still didn't want to leave. He wanted to drink, but he'd lose that argument. "Thought you were the one who said it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks?"

"Well yeah, but this is far from the place for... for whatever this is."

"What does it matter? We're drunk. Not like it means anything." He shrugged, moving around Chris to begin walking down the sidewalk. It wasn't his proudest moment, but he was able to maintain his balance for the most part. He had a feeling the kiss was messing with him a lot more than the alcohol, his heart still racing.

Chris frowned, angered and saddened at the words. "How does that not mean anything?" He asked, stumbling once or twice in his rush to catch up with the surprisingly brisk pace.

"We're drunk. A kiss is a kiss. We're friends. That's all it is," Leon insisted, stopping only when the other grabbed his arm. "It. Doesn't. Mean. Anything. Chris."

"Oh, forgive me for thinking it could mean something. Should've known Mr. Made Man over here could turn his feelings on and off like that. My mista-"

Leon punched him hard in the jaw, satisfied by the way he saw Chris stumble in surprise. "Don't you ever-" His sentence was cut short by Chris tackling him, knocking the wind out of his lungs. He sputtered for a brief moment, effectively pinned against the sidewalk. It took him a second, but he spit right on Chris, stunning him enough to stand. "Never say those words again," he growled, anger and hurt and disgust clear on his face. "Get up," He said, still angry. Chris still looked stunned, so he repeated himself and held out a hand. "Get up."

Chris wiped the spit off his face and stood unsteadily, taking Leon's hand and motioning off the few people who were peeking out to see what happened. He was shocked, not only by the venom in Leon's tone but the fact that the other would resort to spitting on him. But fuck, was it hot. All of it was. The anger, the way Leon looked pinned under him and gasping, even being spit on like that turned him on a little bit. He didn't even know that was something he was into. "I won't," he managed to get out, still shocked. "I... I won't."

He nodded, gripping Chris's wrist tight and walking him home. Their very brief scuffle sobered him up a little bit, but the older man seemed more dazed than ever. "You do not get to bring any of that up. I was a child. They're dead. So whatever clever comment you think you're gonna make, keep it to yourself. Got it?"

"...Just one thing," Chris said, head still spinning, but feeling much more coherent.

"What?" Leon asked, an edge of anger in his voice. He glanced back at Chris and softened just a little bit, but he wasn't ready to forgive just yet. He had a feeling he wouldn't like this, but was going to let him finish and then decide if he needed to punch him again.

He hesitated and swallowed hard, feeling a little bit anxious. This would hopefully lighten the mood. "Can you repeat that last bit, but say 'capisce' at the end instead?" Chris tensed when Leon stopped, expecting to be hit again.

A startled laugh escaped him and he shook his head, his anger dissipating. Sure that joke wasn't great, but it was better than being mocked. He sighed and turned to face Chris. "I'm only gonna tell ya once, so listen here, wise guy," He said, forcing a thick accent and a cold glare like the ones he'd been exposed to in his youth. "You'll keep your mouth shut if you know what's good for ya, capisce?" Sure, this was a heavy caricature and not accurate, but he was very drunk and it was funny enough even though it saddened him quite a bit.

Chris jolted in surprise. The glare certainly froze him in place, but he couldn't help laughing after. At least Leon wasn't still ready to jump on him, but if looks could kill he would've been in cardiac arrest. "Got it. You uh... you have a real neat party trick there, you know." He was still flustered, but thankful the tension was gone.

He sighed, a frown on his lips. "Enjoy that, 'cause I'm never doing it again." Leon's eyes glazed for a moment as he withdrew before shaking his head. This wasn't the time to get sentimental for a family he knew likely would have dragged him down if things were different. But it was hard not to miss his parents, siblings, everyone he knew.

"Not even the kiss?" He asked, trying to pull Leon out of his head. It wasn't too hard to see when the smaller man was lost in his own thoughts. Chris should have known better than to say what he did, but it hurt him to hear it meant nothing. Maybe Leon was just saying that, because it certainly felt like a lot was happening. There was no way it meant nothing.

"That part I could definitely do again," he agreed, letting his gaze linger on Chris as he stepped up  to his door. "Coming in?" Leon asked, unlocking the door and grabbing his wrist to pull him inside without even waiting for an answer.

Chris didn't mind that he was pulled in. He wasn't very fond of the idea of leaving Leon alone either. Once the door was locked he grabbed the smaller man by the arm and led him closer, brushing his lips over theirs. "Prove it," he whispered.

Leon was more than willing. The moment he made more full contact he was jumped on by Jackie, separating their kiss. He sighed and kneeled to greet her, pressing his lips softly on the top of her head.

"She's teasing me," Chris commented with frustration. He knew Leon would never let the dog hurt him, but he did feel a little bit jealous that she was getting lazy drunken kisses instead of him.

"Ah, you give her too much credit. Good girl." He patted her side gently, motioning her off. A small smile formed on his lips when he saw her padding away, yelping in shock when he was grabbed and pulled up by Chris. "You want a turn?" He raised an eyebrow, his smile growing ever so slightly.

He wasn't about to dignify that with a response. That would make him seem too desperate, even if it was right. Chris should be the one on the receiving end of Leon's affections. Without another moment of hesitation he captured the smaller man's lips in a heated kiss. It made him feel a little silly, but his heart skipped a beat the moment he was kissed in return. Of course it was clumsy and drunk, but that didn't matter. This time he could truly enjoy it, regardless of what Leon had to say about it.

Once again Leon found himself pinned between Chris and a wall. He didn't mind that one bit, though. He was drunk and tired and upset, and this helped. He allowed his hands to trace lazily along heavily muscled arms, making a muffled sound when the kiss deepened to spur him on. Much to his displeasure the contact was broken the moment he moved his hands to begin tugging at the other's shirt, hips pressing lightly against Chris's.

As much as Chris desperately wanted to let this play out and see what happened he knew this wasn't the right time. Leon was drunk and upset and, in a way, vulnerable. He wasn't about to play with that kind of fire. "Leon. No." Chris took a small step back, trying to get in a less charged position. He forced himself to look away from Leon, unable to deny how painfully attractive the other was. "You said it yourself. We're drunk."

He frowned, slumping back against the wall. "Does that really matter now, Chris? C'mon," Leon huffed, grabbing at his arm in an attempt to pull him closer once more. A frustrated sigh escaped him when the other didn't move, but he wasn't about to force anything. "Well, if you won't fuck me, I'm having another drink."

"How are those your only two options?" Chris asked, stepping to the side to allow a very irritated Leon to walk past him. "Can't you just relax for a minute?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" He asked, looking up at Chris with a tired glare as he grabbed a bottle. "This is relaxing." He sat on the couch, sipping straight from the bottle and patting next to him. Jackie obeyed, curling at his side while he lazily stroked her fur. "Gonna sit?"

He hesitated, taking his coat off before sitting on the side opposite Jackie. "Look, Leon, it's not that I don't want to, but you're so... It wouldn't be right. Any other time I'd jump at the chance. Really." Chris reached over and took the bottle for a moment, not really caring anymore that the other had already placed their lips on it. They'd already kissed, this wasn't much different. Something about this felt a little more intimate. Sharing a vice like this... had a dark romanticism, if he bothered to think about it.

Leon simply shrugged, taking the bottle back and drinking deeply. "Nobody ever really seems to mind that," He muttered, mind drifting to every time Ada seemed to want him drunk before anything happened. He didn't want her, not really, but it wasn't hard to get. He knew her, she wouldn't kill him, it was that simple. Ada used him before, so why not Chris, too? He frowned, slumping back further before the bottle was taken from him again.

It hurt him to hear that Leon seemed fine being taken advantage of. He needed a drink just thinking about it. "Then they don't care about you. Leon, I'm not going to take advantage of you. Do you honestly think I could do that to you like this?" Chris turned to face him, reaching out to very gently stroke his hair out of his eyes. "You are a very attractive man, and I'm not saying I don't want you. I do want you. Bad. But not like this." Now wasn't the time for mincing words and he knew it, even though it was embarrassing to say out loud.

"Whatever," he muttered, taking the bottle back. This wasn't bad, but he wished they were doing something else. Too much talking hurt his head when he felt like this. Frankly, Leon wasn't much in the mood of thinking.

"No, Leon, it's not just 'whatever' to me!" Chris found himself getting mad, but forced himself to calm down. It was hard to stay angry at him, especially for this. It wasn't Leon's fault, it was everyone who used him before. "Look at me," he said quietly, shifting closer. The dog hopped off the couch at all the motion, which was fine with him. He reached out and took the bottle carefully, setting it down. "I think that's enough for now," He muttered, giving him a very soft kiss. Even that felt questionable, but he couldn't help himself. Again, he found himself wanting to kiss that sad look away, and now he could.

Leon was just happy to be kissed again, regardless of the heavy feelings in his chest and hazy thoughts. He was upset, but this felt good. His eyes fell shut as he decided to simply enjoy this for as long as it lasted. The kiss ended last time because he got a little bit too excited, so maybe if he played his cards right he could keep this going a while longer. This time the kiss was slow and gentle and sweet and it made his head spin.

He pulled the smaller man just a little bit closer, shifting into a more comfortable position. Chris broke the kiss when Leon moved to sit on his lap, hesitating before just going with it. The light nip at his bottom lip sent a shudder down his spine, and he allowed himself to part his lips. Each and every action was electrifying, but he refused to let the contact get any more heated. He kept it slow and gentle, eventually getting the younger of them to follow his lead regardless of their clumsy attempts to further it.

A muffled whine of frustration escaped him and he shifted his hips a little bit to get more friction, breaking the kiss when he was stopped by their hands gripping firmly at his waist and holding him still to prevent him from grinding down. Another frustrated sound escaped him, but he did give up. "Chris," he whined, tugging halfheartedly at the neckline of the other's shirt. "Please?"

Chris swallowed hard, forcing himself to avert his gaze. Leon looked divine right now, slightly undone and begging for attention on his lap. "How about this," he said quietly, looking back into bright blue eyes, "I'm not saying no, just not yet. Not tonight. Not like this, Leon, as good as it feels." He offered a small smile, placing a hand very carefully on Leon's cheek after brushing his hair aside once more.

As much as he wanted to pull away, something made him feel trapped. Being turned down made him feel like he wasn't even close to good enough, but the soft touches he was on the receiving end of sent the opposite message. He frowned a little bit, but was unable to help himself from leaning into the touch. "Why not now? If not now, when?"

"You're really, really drunk," he whispered, giving him another very soft kiss. "Maybe I'm selfish and want you to be thinking clearly."

"I am thinking cle-" Leon allowed himself to be cut off by another kiss regardless of his insistence, certain at this point that no argument would be enough. That was disappointing, but still better than being alone. At the very least it wouldn't be another entirely sleepless night. Chris was quickly soothing any angering remark, even though it also frustrated him that he could be soothed with something as simple as a kiss.

It wasn't hard to see the haze in Leon's eyes when he pulled back, glassy and unfocused. "C'mon, let's get you to bed." Chris kept his tone soft, slowly unzipping the other's jacket. When he caught the small smirk on their lips he rolled his eyes, removing the jacket carefully. "Don't go getting any ideas here."

"Sayin' you don't like what you see?" He asked, catching their lips for a brief moment before pulling away with a lazy smile. Each and every light touch was soothing, but he craved more even if he was tired and drunk. Why Chris was deciding to act like a boy scout now was a mystery to him. Either way it was better than being alone like always.

"Up." Chris very gently nudged him off his lap to stand
stand. Even though he was dizzy standing up, he couldn't imagine how Leon was feeling so he still did his best to support their weight as well. The smaller man seemed to be having a really rough night, and there was no way he could let him deal with this alone. He wasn't about to feed into the teasing comments. If he did, he knew Leon wouldn't stop. Chris was certain that he would never hear the end of any of this, especially not after all of the kisses they'd shared. That was a bridge he'd cross in the morning. If he was lucky Leon wouldn't remember, or maybe would remain convinced they meant nothing even when they definitely meant something to him. Still, he found himself hoping just a little bit for more.

"Mm... bed?" Leon asked, mind hazy. "Better stay the night." He smiled, pressing heavily into the larger man. Chris made him feel safe and warm, and he wasn't sure how happy he'd be if he lost him now. The thought of having to spend the night alone sounded like torture, and he certainly wasn't letting go willingly.

He nodded, helping Leon sit and remove his shoes. Still heavy boots, regardless of not being needed for any current operations. Leave it to Leon to always be ready. Chris led him to the bathroom, trying to urge him to at least brush his teeth. For his part he just used his finger and some toothpaste, which seemed good enough for now. He was too drunk to care, even if he was better off than Leon. "Definitely not leaving you alone when you're like this."

He rolled his eyes at the action, but found it sweet how Chris was concerned with him and obeyed. They were friends though. This was just what friends did, right? Maybe minus the kissing and physical desperation, but that was neither here nor there, was it? They were drunk, so it's not like it meant anything. When he finished he leaned back against Chris, a very small smile playing on the corners of his lips. He was much too out of it to stay angry or even upset. Leon's mind was filled with the warmth emanating off the larger man, thoughts of their lips and hands on his skin, but that was just because he was drunk... right? Chris certainly wasn't bad looking, so this must be normal. It had to be.

Chris dropped his gaze to the smaller man once more, rinsing before ushering him back to bed. He wondered what was on their mind to placate them so much, but he wasn't sure he wanted to hear it. "Let's get you settled, huh?" He laughed when he was pulled down, quickly muffled by their lips pressed against his in a lazy kiss. "Mm... Leon," he mumbled against their lips, trying to pull back and being tugged back in, "Leon..." it wasn't exactly hard to get him to give in for a few moments longer before he pulled back. "Leon, stop. That's enough. We can revisit this in the morning."

"Or you could kiss me now," Leon whispered, scooting over to accommodate the other on the bed. His head spun when he was given a slow, sweet kiss. This felt good. Right. His lips formed a tired smile when the other pulled back. As much as he wanted another he was much too tired to do anything about it, so he settled for curling lazily against Chris. "That's nice," he muttered.

As much as he did love to feel the other clinging to him, he was a bit concerned. If Leon was this out of it, or willing to act like he was, he needed to do something about this little drinking problem. He wasn't opposed to the kisses either, but the active denial that they meant anything and then insistence on physical contact was upsetting. Chris was too drunk to really puzzle this out, but it didn't matter. He was worried about his friend, plain and simple. "Get some sleep, okay?"

He made a soft noise of agreement, letting his eyes fall shut. Before much longer he felt Jackie hop up on the bed too, which made him a little bit more relaxed. At the very least she seemed open to having Chris around. The alcohol and warmth lulled him to sleep pretty easily, and made it much more difficult for him to brood in his thoughts. This is, of course, why he drank, but it helped not being alone. If he wasn't careful he could get used to this, probably much too easily.

Chapter Text

Chris was relieved to see that he woke up first, Leon still tucked securely in his arms. It made him uneasy to see the dog, but she was sleeping nestled well up against her master. He shut his eyes against the bright morning light, but wasn't nearly as hungover as the day before. He wondered briefly if this would be a normal thing for them. Getting drunk, staggering back to one of their homes, kissing, maybe going further eventually... and then sobering up to repeat it again. He sighed softly, shifting a bit to hold Leon closer. Thankfully they didn't wake, only stirring a little bit in his gentle hold. Chris was savoring this time, not eager for any conversation they were about to have when Leon came to his senses. But eventually Leon would wake up and they'd have to talk about what happened last night. He just hoped it wouldn't lead to Leon diving headfirst into a bottle immediately after waking.

It didn't take much longer for Leon to wake. He stretched a little bit, already knowing Chris was awake by the languid touches being placed on him. His only relief was that this hangover was very, very mild, and only left him with a slight headache. Maybe that was the one thing he could brag about after years of heavy drinking. He groaned quietly and sat up, watching Chris try to follow suit with mild amusement. "Morning," he said, voice rough with sleep.

"Morning," he managed after a moment. It was difficult to understand how Leon seemed so fine after all of that. Sure, there was a time when Chris could put it away and feel next to nothing, but it was hard keeping up with him sometimes. "How'd you sleep?"

"Fine. You?" He shifted to face Chris a little bit better, meeting his gaze for only a moment before looking away. Leon couldn't help but think back to last night. Even though it was fuzzy, he remembered most of it. What he could recall best of all were the many drunken kisses they'd shared and his near begging for more. His only hope was that Chris forgot, but he knew there was next to no chance of that.

"Pretty well, I think." It wasn't hard for Chris to notice the other avoiding eye contact, even if they wanted to appear otherwise. They were fairly close, and it wasn't too hard for Chris to read him regardless of how hungover he was. They just needed to talk about this, and maybe it could go back to normal. Was that what he even wanted? Normal? It wouldn't be true at all if he said he only looked at Leon as a friend, but he wasn't sure what else he could possibly see him as. A lover? Something about that seemed... strange. But they had to get this over with. "We... should talk," he finally said, this time being the one to glance away when blue eyes met his.

Leon sighed, but nodded. Chris was right, even though he really didn't want to talk about it at all. "About what?"

He frowned, shaking his head. He knew for a fact that Leon knew exactly what he was talking about. Why else was he being so timid in comparison to his normal demeanor? This couldn't be explained away by a simple hangover. "You know exactly what."

"I already told you, Redfield," Leon huffed, "It means nothing. We were drunk, we kissed, end of story." Maybe it did mean something, but he wasn't ready to consider that. Life would be simpler if they could just stay friends. Anything more than this... well, Leon wasn't sure he was made for that.

"It doesn't mean nothing, Leon! That's not all that happened and you know it." After a brief moment of hesitation he reached out, placing a hand on Leon's forearm in an effort to hold him there. Chris wasn't even about to mention the other asking to be used, because what the hell even was that? Maybe simply bringing up the desperation would be a better route. "You couldn't keep your hands off me," he settled on, a small frown on his lips. "And I know a kiss like that doesn't just mean nothing. Multiple kisses."

He swallowed hard, contemplated for a second, then leaned in and placed a barely there kiss on Chris's lips. It was short and light, and he hoped it would prove a point. It didn't, but he could make it seem like it did. "There. See? Nothing. I felt nothing. It means nothing. We're just friends, same as always. We were drunk, that's all there is to it," Leon insisted. He only hoped Chris couldn't tell he wasn't entirely confident in what he was saying.

That was a lie if Chris ever heard one. This kiss was a surprise, if the featherlight contact even counted as one. He sighed, shifting just a little bit closer. "Look, if you're going to kiss me to prove a point... you better actually kiss me," He said, voice softening at the last part. "Tell me this means nothing." Chris hesitated before placing a hand very gently on his cheek and moving closer, capturing the smaller man in a very slow, deep kiss. His head still hurt, but this felt good. Comfortable.

Leon allowed the other to do as they pleased and remained fairly still until their lips were on his. At that point it felt like he was putty in Chris's hands, the same dizzy feeling from the night before making his head spin and every thought cease to hold any importance. Without much thought he reached forward, slowly wrapping his arms around the other. He didn't even mind when Chris parted his lips, their tongue sneaking in every now and then. When the kiss was beginning to break he found himself leaning forward to keep it going before he could even realize what he was doing, surprised at his own seeming desperation. He held tighter now, kissing Chris with a passion he hadn't been able to muster up in who knows how long. Leon wasn't even sure how long he'd been wanting this, but it certainly felt incredible to finally have it. Like scratching an insatiable itch he didn't even know he had.

Triumph surged through him when Leon refused to let it end. Instead of trying to pull back again Chris let him decide when it ended, one hand resting on the back of Leon's neck and the other threading slowly through his hair. By the time the kiss broke he was breathless, but there was a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Still nothing?" He asked, still quiet. After that he was just happy he could find the words he wanted.

"Well maybe that was... something," he muttered, drawing in a shaky breath. Still, he couldn't bring himself to meet their eyes. Something felt heavy in the pit of his chest, weighing down the excitement of the kiss. As wonderful as that felt, it just meant he'd have someone else to worry even more about and then lose in a dreadful way. "But why does that matter, Chris?" Leon asked, forcing himself to look up. "We're friends. It needs to stay that way."

"Can't you ever enjoy anything? Leon, this isn't a bad thing. This can be as good as you want it to be. Don't look away." Chris took one of the other's hands in his own, giving it a very gentle and reassuring squeeze. "Look, I know we've really been through it, but that doesn't mean you have to turn down every chance that comes your way. You don't have to be alone all the time, and you don't have to spend every night at the bottom of a bottle. You don't have to day drink or think you don't have people here to back you up. I'm here."

Leon sighed, looking down at their hands holding his. Every time he let himself care about someone they were ripped from him before he could even taste it. This just seemed like another setup for failure, but Chris was begging for it. "I enjoy a lot of things," he said, mildly frustrated but not mad. "Ever stopped to think I'd miss you too much if I lost you? The people I care about never last long, so it's better if-"

"Do you really think you'd lose me that easily? I'm not easy to hurt, you know that." His smile brightened when he reached up with one hand, lightly ruffling their hair. "Look, I'm not saying we're a couple... but would it hurt to see where this goes? Why not just let this play out?"

"What if it is something and one of us is left behind? Again?" This was it. He had to say every single one of his hangups for the other to understand, and then if they were fine with that, maybe he could let it go. "Look, I don't think I could handle that! You think I drink too much now, I can't even imagine how much worse it'd be if... if I had something truly good and lost it! Just about everyone I've ever loved has died, Chris, I'm beginning to think I'm destined to just be alone, and-" Leon tensed when the other kissed him again, long and slow. It took a little bit, but he relaxed. It was frustrating how easy it was to shut him up, but he had a feeling Chris was about to exploit that with every chance he got.

Chris smiled again when he pulled back, giving their hand another gentle squeeze. "You think I can be killed that easy? I'm a pretty safe bet. I'm not as fragile as you act. Who says this is love anyway? We're just feeling things out, right?" He pressed another light kiss on the corner of their lips, guiding a still visibly anxious Leon into his arms. "How do you think I'd feel if I lost you? Maybe I don't want to be left wondering what could've been," he whispered, resting his chin on their shoulder.

For whatever reason, that last light kiss made his heart flutter. Something about it barely catching his lips was sweet, just the right amount of closeness. He smiled just a little bit when he felt Chris pull him closer, appreciating the tight hold. A soft sigh escaped him, allowing himself to simply enjoy this for a minute and finding himself burying his face in the crook of the larger man's neck. This felt good too. "You better not go doing anything stupid," he muttered.

"I won't, I promise. But you better not go off being reckless either. The important thing is we're safe now, and we'll cross that bridge when we come to it." He trailed a hand along Leon's back, doing nothing but enjoying the moment.

"Alright. I've got a question for you though."

"Yeah? Anything." Chris shifted back, startled by the playful smile twitching up the corners of Leon's lips. He felt like kissing him again the way he was looking, but wanted to hear what he had to say.

Leon's smile grew a little bit and he tilted his head slightly, feeling a bit more relaxed. "I just wanna know if you shower in the morning or at night," He said, pushing his hair out of his face. "'Cause I wanna shower at the same time as you. Save some water."

He froze at first before laughing with the younger man. Something about their laughter was infectious, and he couldn't really help himself. Sure, it was a lighthearted joke, but it definitely took him off guard. "Y'know if you wanted to get me out of my clothes all you had to do was ask."

"I did last night. Near begged. You said no." He shrugged, laughing when he was cuffed lightly on the shoulder. It was embarrassing, but if they could joke about it he hoped it would be forgotten. Leon knew it wouldn't be held against him, but it always stung to be told no.

"If you'll remember I just said we should wait," He said, noticing their anxious glance away. "It's different now. You're not drunk and you're not actively denying that we could be happy with each other."

A quiet sigh escaped him, looking away once more. Leon wasn't very good at talking about feelings, but knew it wouldn't be right to state again that all of this meant nothing. "Well," he started, mustering a little bit of confidence, "I seem to remember you telling me how sexy I am." His lips settled into a small smirk when he looked up at Chris, satisfied by the flicker of surprise he managed to catch.

Chris swallowed hard, unable to tear his eyes from the smaller man. That expression definitely did something for him, and he might've acted on it if it weren't for his pounding headache. They had to stop drinking like this, if only so he could have a chance at satisfying how badly he wanted the other in so many different ways. "I believe I said you're a very attractive man. Which is true."

"You said you wanted me," Leon hummed, shifting a little bit closer. "You said it a lot." He no longer felt like he was the one who should be embarrassed. While his actions were definitely a lot more bold, at least he was the one who was a lot more drunk. "Still want me?" He asked, brushing his lips against Chris's. It was a pretty safe bet that nothing would come of it. He was starving and didn't feel great, but couldn't resist some light teasing.

"Fuck," he breathed out, savoring the light open mouthed kiss he was given. This was beyond good. Chris wasn't sure why he waited so long to make a move on the other, and he regretted waiting even more now that he knew just how wonderful this all felt. Even if they were just exploring a little bit he was happy. "Obviously." Without letting another moment pass he closed the short gap between their lips, urging Leon as close as he physically could. This was right.

Yet again Leon was met with that dizzy feeling. He chalked it up to a hangover even though he knew it probably wasn't that. It wasn't worth trying to figure out when he knew he'd just worry again. When he tried to break the kiss Chris just pulled him right back in again. It seemed there was no escaping, and he was fine with that. Could he even call it an escape when this was something he wished never had to end? He wasn't sure, but he enjoyed it while it lasted.

Chris lazily trailed his lips to the side of the other's neck just to test the waters, leaving open mouthed kisses and reveling in the soft sound it earned him. It seemed like Leon was enjoying this as much as he was which only made it all even better. He wasn't sure how he expected the other to react, but this was more positive than he hoped. He gently nipped at the hook of the other's jaw, being rewarded with another breathy sigh. It wasn't quite a moan, but it sounded divine. He smiled against their skin for a moment before leaving a few more slow kisses, happier than he had been in a while.

"Didn't take you as the sensual type," he muttered, shuddering and laughing when they gave a light lick along the side of his neck in response to his tease. "Mm... definitely not complaining." Leon let his eyes stay shut, fully enjoying each and every kiss, lick, and nip. Chris's lips and breath were warm on his skin, keeping the same dizzy feeling present in his mind.

"Does that mean you are?" He asked in a hushed tone, nipping lightly at the crook of the smaller man's neck and earning yet another soft sound. "I'll take that as a yes." Chris's smile only grew at that little bit of information and he shifted back. "You really are into that kinda thing, huh?" His eyebrows raised as he waited expectantly for an answer, laughing when he was given a gentle shove.

Leon shrugged, feeling almost shy. It didn't feel fair to be read so easily, but he had to remind himself it was only Chris. He wasn't going to be hurt, nothing was going to be used to cause harm, this was a friend. Maybe more than that, the way things were heading. It would take time to warm up to the idea of someone truly knowing him so deeply, but maybe it wouldn't be all that bad. "I mean... it certainly doesn't feel bad."

For a moment he wondered if Leon even really knew the exact things he liked in this instance. Chris certainly didn't when it came to men. That experience was very limited for him, so maybe the other was in the same boat. It wouldn't be too surprising, given how many times Leon insisted he was straight, but some of the things he said and did made him a little bit curious. "Well, we can figure that out if you want. We're just having fun, right? I think you were enjoying it, though."

"How could I not?" He sighed and rested his head on the larger man's shoulder. This wasn't what he wanted to be talking about in the morning, but then again he usually didn't have company. "What do you say we go get breakfast?" Leon asked in an attempt to change the subject. "I'm not sure I have it in me to cook right now."

"I'd be stupid to turn that down, wouldn't I?" Chris rubbed light circles on the smaller man's back, understanding that it was an awkward line of questioning. Leon would probably need anything emotionally charged to go slowly and he understood that, but still wished gaining full trust wasn't so difficult. He couldn't blame them because he knew he had his own hangups too. "Wanna shower? You had a rough night. I'll just hang out... keep the first lady company."

Leon leaned back a little bit, a small smile on his face. "Doesn't she make you nervous? I wouldn't expect you to do that."

"I think we get each other well enough. She should be fine, yeah?" He ran a hand down Leon's arm, holding their hand when he reached it. "How much harm could she do? Don't answer that," Chris rushed the last part when he saw the other about to speak, shaking his head. "Point is... I wanna make sure you're alright, and I think it'll help if you have time to think before we go anywhere."

He nodded, giving Chris another quick and light kiss. Leon wasn't sure he'd ever tire of doing that. "I can just take her with me," He reassured. "And again... thank you, Chris. For last night. I'll make this quick." Leon stood, looking over his shoulder with a playful smile. "Unless you wanna join me?"

Chris smiled, watching the other closely. It was hard to keep his eyes off the slightly exaggerated swing of their hips, appreciating the show put on just for him. "In your dreams, pretty boy," he hummed. The offer was very tempting, but he knew it was a joke. Maybe some time in the future he'd actually be invited in, and he could only imagine how much he'd enjoy it. "You take your time, okay?" He kind of wanted to talk with Claire anyway. He didn't really have anyone else to tell about this, but he was still excited. It would be best if someone else knew where he was, too.

The teasing nickname made Leon roll his eyes, but it was still nice. It felt easy and comfortable coming from Chris. If everyday was like today or the day before, he realized he could find himself getting lured in by its comfort. Leon wasn't sure that was a good thing, regardless of what Chris had to say about it. Being too comfortable sounded dangerous. He patted his thigh for the dog and motioned her toward the bathroom with him. "You let me know if you need anything, but you can help yourself to whatever you want."

He watched the dog trot into the bathroom, wishing it was him even though he fully understood why not. Chris stood when he heard the shower turn on, walking out to the living room. Thankfully he'd thought ahead and charged his phone before heading to the bar the night before. Maybe Leon wouldn't want anyone knowing they were feeling things out, but he wanted to tell someone. This was exciting and new and maybe something good could come of it. He hesitated before hitting the call button, not even sure of why he felt nervous.

"Chris?"

"Hi Claire!" He answered, happy to hear his sister's quick answer.

"What are you calling me for? Is everything alright?" She was a bit apprehensive, but Chris sounded happy. It wasn't like him to call out of nowhere in the middle of the morning.

"Oh yeah, just fine. I uh... I just," Chris trailed off for a few seconds as he debated how to continue. "I wanted to let you know what's up, I guess. Just talk for a minute or two."

Claire paused, waiting for more details and getting none. Whatever this was it seemed like a good thing even though it felt like it might be easier to pull teeth than get clear details. Hopefully that would change. "So what's up, then?"

"I'm uh... At Leon's place. We're probably going to go get breakfast in a bit."

"You spent the night with him again?" This definitely made her curious. "I'm not judging, I just-"

"How'd you know I was here yesterday too?" Chris was confused at that. There was probably a logical explanation, but he was hungover and not quite running at full capacity yet. "I know I didn't say anything. You having me tailed?" He joked.

Claire stifled a very small laugh, shaking her head even though she knew he couldn't see her. Habit, maybe. "No, no, nothing like that. Leon texted me to make sure you got home alright, which I did, if you don't remember. Said you had a pretty rough night."

"Right... right..." So much had happened that Chris honestly forgot it was only yesterday that he'd gotten that random message checking up on him. It definitely made sense, though.

"So are you going to tell me what's going on?" She asked after a brief pause. Leave it to Chris to simply forgo an explanation. Claire did love her brother a lot, but he could do better with communication. "Are you two an item or something?"

A soft sigh escaped him even though he realized the question was warranted. Chris just wasn't sure how to put anything he wanted to say into words. "I uh... Kind of. I think. If things go well, maybe. Maybe I jumped the gun calling you."

Claire rolled her eyes, again knowing she couldn't be seen. She was just happy to hear her brother had something good going on for once. "So? Tell me about it, then. You could definitely do worse than Leon, if that's your problem here. He's cute." She smiled when she heard another sigh, finding it a little bit sweet how anxious he was over this. It wasn't really like Chris to call talking about his dates. Maybe it was because they both knew Leon. "Come on, out with it," She urged after another pause.

"We've not done anything, but I think... I think this is good. He's agreed to at least feel things out." He heard her starting to speak again, so quickly added, "Not like that. Nothing dirty. We kissed a few times, that's it." Chris leaned back on the couch, relaxing a little bit. It felt easier now that someone else knew, but it also felt a lot more real. "He is pretty cute... I just don't know what I'm doing, I guess. I don't think Leon really knows either."

"What doesn't he know, Chris? You know he's not stupid. Really, really frustrating, yes. Not at all stupid, though. Sometimes I think he's too smart for his own good. If you mean clueless and stubborn... maybe." She sighed quietly, remembering just how stubborn Leon could be. How he sometimes wouldn't listen to reason when it meant protecting someone else or carrying out whatever idea he got in his head.

"No, not that. He is stubborn, I'll give you that, but it's not what I'm talking about."

"What then?"

Chris thought for a moment in an attempt to put it into words, unsure if he'd ever think of a good way to phrase his thoughts. "I guess I just... I don't know if he understands that this is safe. I guess I am talking about how stubborn he is." He sighed, listening closely to make sure the shower was still running. "I think Leon's convinced he's safer alone. Nothing's gonna happen for a while, but I'm excited. Had to tell someone."

"Can't really blame him for that," Claire agreed. "I'm happy for you, you know? This is a really good thing and I'm really glad you let me know. Where is Leon, though? I can't imagine he's just sitting next to you while you talk about him like this?"

"In the shower. He had a bit of a rough night, but everything's good." Once again he listened, thankful the water was still running. "Took his dog with him. I think that's all I really need warming up to. She's a perfect angel, but..."

"Dogs make you nervous, I know. What's her name again...? I know it's something ridiculous."

"Jackie. As in former first lady Jackie Kennedy," he said, stifling a quiet laugh. "I think it fits her, though. She might be the only dog I like after all this. Either way, I just thought I'd let you know what's going on. I know you floated the idea of maybe getting lunch today, but maybe we could change that to dinner if it's not too much trouble or anything like that."

Claire's smile grew at the timid line of questioning. On top of that it was clear Leon must mean quite a bit if her brother was willing to warm up to a dog. "Don't worry about that, just have fun. I don't want you to be on a rush during your little date," she teased. "I do have a question, though."

He could tell her tone was a bit more serious, but wasn't sure if that was better or worse than being teased. "Shoot."

"You mentioned Leon having a rough night. Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine. Really. I don't think he really needs me talking about this. Neither of us are dying, or close to it, so lighten up." Chris really didn't think it was his place to comment on the other man's very clear alcoholism. It might not be a secret, but that was no way to start any relationship or keep a close friendship. Either way this went, he didn't want Leon to think he was talking poorly about him when in reality Chris thought the world of him.

"Was he dr-"

"Claire, stop," he interrupted, mildly frustrated. Chris understood why she'd ask, but it wasn't for him to talk about. "It's not my business, so it's not your business. Leon's just fine and so am I. Thank you for your concern, really. I promise he's doing alright though, and I think it'll be good for him to have more than a dog to keep him company."

The immediate defense startled her but Chris hadn't ever let her really badmouth Leon even jokingly. This relationship wasn't a surprise at all when she thought about it. "I didn't mean it to be a bad thing, you know that. But I think it's a good thing for you too. Just keep me posted, okay? This is good and I'm glad you told me. We'll just meet up some other time. Just have fun with this." Claire stopped for a second, considering what she could say to lighten the mood a little bit. "So, you staying over there again tonight? Moving in?"

"It's just convenient, that's all. Much better than- hey!!" He shouted, interrupted when he was hopped on by a very happy, dripping wet dog. "I've gotta go, Claire. We'll talk later."

"Oh-? Guess I'll catch you later then," She said, but Chris already ended the call.

Chris shoved at the dog at first but started laughing when it shook water all over him and licked at his face. "Hey, hey, enough!" He glanced up when he saw Leon rushing out, freezing up under the dog. Leon looked great. Hair still wet and pushed back a little bit, shirt in one hand, jeans loose and undone at his hips. Clearly he was in a rush to catch the dog. Chris just felt lucky to see him like this.

"Jackie, get off him!" Leon shouted, busting up laughing when she pounced on him next. She was a very good dog, but still a puppy and baths tended to get her excited. It only made sense to him to bathe her while she was in the bathroom, forgetting how riled up she was after. "I'm sorry, Chris," he said, propping himself up on his elbows when his dog ran off. "At least we know she likes you?"

He swallowed hard, burning the image of the smaller man undone and sprawled out on the floor into his mind. "Guess so." It took a second for him to come to his senses, kneeling down and holding a hand out to help him. "You alright? She got you pretty good." Chris smiled, giving his hand a light squeeze and pulling him into a sitting position.

"Yeah, I'm good. Takes more than one dog to take me out." He flashed an apologetic smile, glancing away for just a second. "I forgot how excited she gets after I bathe her. I figured why not, she was already begging to get in. Didn't think she'd hop on you." A sigh escaped him and he stood, taking in the other man's appearance. "You're all wet now. Wanna grab a shower? I should dry her off before she soaks the entire place anyway. I have a couple fresh towels in there for you."

"Guess I should, huh? Wanna look good for our first date," Chris teased, laughing when he was swatted at lightly. "Ah, what would you know? You always look good." He waved Leon off and began walking to the bathroom, stopping when they grabbed his wrist. "Yeah?"

"Thanks for not being mad at her, Chris. Really. It means a lot." The compliment was sweet, but he was well aware it must have taken some restraint for Chris to remain calm. Leon found himself hit by a strong pang of fondness. If the older man was even trying, he could hardly fathom what that might mean. Either way he was happy.

He shrugged, slipping his wrist through Leon's fingers to hold his hand for a moment. "She's a very good dog. Maybe she's growing on me... Besides, I know you wouldn't let her hurt me."

Leon nodded a little bit, a small smile twitching up the corners of his lips. "I wouldn't dream of it. Don't think she'd even get the idea in that little head of hers to hurt you anyway. Now go." He gave Chris's hand a light squeeze, getting ready to let go and laughing a little bit when he was pulled in closer. "Don't take me with you!"

"Might have to. C'mere." Chris stole a very light kiss, a satisfied sigh escaping him. The tiny smile felt almost like an invitation and there was no real need to hold himself back now. He laughed a little bit when Leon pressed in closer and deepened the kiss a little bit, savoring the sweet taste of mint toothpaste and the clean scent of soap.

He tried pulling back after a moment, laughing when Chris held tighter and led him back in. It was nice to feel wanted. For once Leon felt good about the contact. He drew in a shaky breath when Chris pulled back, smile still stuck on his lips. "Go shower so we can get breakfast. I'm starving."

He reluctantly agreed, but kept Leon in his arms for a few seconds longer. The dog was circling them now anyway, looking like she was ready to hop up again. "You're just excited to finally get me out on a real date, huh?" Chris teased, raising his hands in mock defense when he was given a very gentle shove.

"Not a date, Redfield. Just breakfast. By your standards we've already been on a couple. Maybe if you play your cards right we'll go on an actual date." He shrugged, motioning the other off once more. Leon wondered what that might look like. A real date with Chris. Dinner, a bottle of wine, somewhere quiet? That sounded really nice, but not quite their speed. Whatever it was they'd figure it out.

Chris noticed Leon seem to withdraw a little bit at that thought but they still had a pleasant smile. Whatever it was couldn't be bad. "I'll make it quick. But Leon?" He paused, waiting for their gaze to land on him again. "I really hope we can go on an actual date soon." With that he headed into the bathroom, leaving behind a slightly flustered looking Leon. It felt nice to know he could even come close to having that effect.

It took a minute to relax after that, startled and confused by long neglected emotions hitting him like a truck. Leon forced himself to breathe, shaking his head a little bit before picking up the towel he'd intended to use to dry Jackie. "C'mere," he called, patting his thigh. Leon was just thankful she couldn't talk or really even understand what was on his mind, and so let himself be quiet as he began the task of drying and brushing her.

The bathroom was surprisingly dry after it all. Barely any steam on the mirror. Maybe Leon liked a cold shower. Hopefully he'd figure that out later. He did take a quick glance around the bathroom, seeing what he could learn but not finding anything too interesting. Chris undressed and hopped in the shower after brushing his teeth with his finger, savoring the hot water.

Before Leon even realized it Chris was out of the shower, dressed in slightly ruffled day old clothes, but looking much more put together. He stood from where he'd been sitting on the couch, trying to straighten himself up for a reason he couldn't place. Maybe part of him wanted to impress Chris, but he felt silly thinking that. Clearly he'd already made a very, very good impression. "Ready? I'm just gonna fill her bowl first, then we'll head out."

Chris nodded, smiling a little at the rushed motion. That was very endearing and he couldn't help but desperately wish to see more of their inner workings. He pulled his shoes and coat on and waited patiently by the door. Once more he found himself happy to just experience some semblance of normalcy with Leon.

He was startled to see the fond expression on Chris's face when he looked up, feeling almost shy. "It's just down the street, so it shouldn't take too long to get there. I've never been, but uh..." Leon paused, leaning down to lace and tie his boots tight. "Good to try new things though, right?"

"Relax. I'm just happy to go with you." He reached out a hand, finding it sweet how Leon seemed a little bit timid. Regardless of that anxiety the hand was still taken when the smaller man stood straight again. "Why are you getting nervous now? Nothing's changed."

"I'm not nervous," Leon insisted, but knew that wasn't entirely true. Scared? No. Anxious? definitely. "Everything's changed, though. You know that," he huffed, opening the door for the other.

Chris raised an eyebrow and walked through, waiting patiently for the younger man to follow him. "What's so different? At the very least we're still friends. I've not changed in the ten minutes it took me to shower and I'm pretty sure you didn't either."

A sigh escaped him as he locked the door, giving the handle a light jiggle before turning away just to make sure it was shut securely. "No, I didn't change," He agreed, a little bit frustrated. "And obviously we're still friends, I know that. I just... don't know where we go from here, I guess."

"Do you always think this much?" It wasn't hard to catch the irritated glance shot his way, so he decided to cut the teasing there. "Where we go is breakfast, and then just what feels right, I think. I don't know what you're afraid of here. We're not strangers, and really there's no pressure for anything."

Leon jolted in surprise when his hand was taken, but he didn't pull it away. It felt nice, but he couldn't help wondering if Chris did this simply to stop him from turning back or leaving if the conversation got too uncomfortable. He didn't really date very often. Either he was turned down, it simply didn't work, or his job felt like too much of a hazard. Beyond that, the idea of dating a close friend was nerve wracking. "And if I mess up? I don't want to lose you if this doesn't work out," he admitted.

Chris gave his hand a squeeze, easily falling in step beside him. "Well, I don't think you could chase me off very easily. I already know you. I don't know what you think you could shock me that badly with at this point. Nothing's official, so there's nothing to lose. Right?"

"I already know you don't like my drinking habit-- I don't plan on stopping, by the way-- so there's that. Jackie might be a problem for you, and I can't give her up. We work together well, but beyond that you just let me be. Frankly, I think it's why we're close," he admitted. "Maybe we're wrong, maybe it just feels good to kiss someone."

Leave it to Leon to once again be denying they were anything serious. Only this time Chris had been pushed out of even the friend category and placed tentatively in the realm of coworker. "Next thing I know you'll be calling me a stranger, huh?" Chris sighed, unsure if he was amused or upset. "You're an adult. If you want to drink you can. My only concern is your health if you don't slow down. I'd never ask you to get rid of Jackie, either. The idea of that never even crossed my mind. And yes, kissing you feels great. It definitely doesn't feel that nice to kiss someone you're not interested in and you know it. What other crazy ideas do you have?"

"If this is just a convenient thing for you I get it, but-"

"Are you really going to go on about us not being that close? I hope you realize you're always the first call I wish I could make when I need someone else to help me. I already know you don't ask for help, but I'd like to imagine I'd be pretty high on your list." He frowned, looking down at the man who was very obviously avoiding looking over. "I realize this is uncharted territory so I'm only going to ask you one thing."

Leon hesitated, slowing their pace a little bit still not really turning to look at the other. Chris was right. He hated asking anybody for help, but if he could bring himself to do it he'd definitely be one of his first calls. Hearing he was the top of their list terrified and excited him all at once. "And what is that?"

"Just promise me you'll stop putting up new walls with me. I'm not asking you to tear down your existing boundaries or not even learn new things you don't like. What I'm asking is that you stop actively searching for a way to shut me out. I don't want to change a thing about you."

"Okay. I promise," he relented, feeling grounded once again when he felt Chris guide him closer. His hand was released, which was upsetting, but he settled a little bit more when it traced lightly across the small of his back and to his waist. Once again Leon found himself being held lightly but securely against Chris's side. It was keeping him from spiralling again, which he appreciated, but definitely found it concerning how he could be shut up so easily. Maybe Chris really did know him better than he wanted to admit.

Chris glanced down at the other, swearing he could see the wheels in his head turning. It was only a few words but he knew Leon tried hard to keep every promise made. "Hey," he said, voice a little bit gentler. Once the other looked back at him he decided to continue. "Thank you." He tightened his grip for just a moment, hand settling on their waist.

That was enough to snap him from his thoughts, an almost playful smile forming on his lips. "You know we're going to have a problem if you can't keep your hands off me for more than five minutes." Leon was beyond thankful to defuse the situation. As much as he knew being honest was good he couldn't help but think it would be easier if he stopped talking so much.

"And what kind of problem would that be?" He asked, allowing his fingers to slide slowly up and down the smaller man's side. As important as it was to fully communicate what was going on Chris was well aware that was a big ask. Leon was already doing a lot of work being so honest.

Leon couldn't admit that it was something he could find himself getting way too comfortable with, so was glad they'd reached their destination. He reached for the door handle, once again surprised when Chris beat him to it and held the door for him. "Thanks," he said, offering a small smile.

He followed behind the other, waiting patiently with him to be helped. It wasn't very full and they were sat quickly, which was nice. At the very least he loved seeing Leon simply existing in a new light. "You know you still didn't answer my question," Chris said as he picked up a menu, looking across the small table.

"Mm, didn't I?" He glanced up, the corners of his lips twitching up into a very small smile. "Oh well. It's not important." Leon simply preferred not to answer that. Not in the middle of breakfast in a public place, at least.

"It's important to me."

The simple answer made Leon's heart skip a beat and he peeked up over his menu again, thankful they were looking down at the menu. He could feel his face and ears burning with the beginning of a blush. For some reason simply being told that his thoughts were important really flustered him, and he wasn't quite sure how to react. He forced himself to look back down at the menu, dry swallowing hard. "Good to know," he mumbled, desperately wishing his face would return to its normal hue.

Chris caught a glimpse of Leon over his menu, satisfied with the faint red hue he saw coloring their features. He wouldn't poke any more fun at him. Why that of all things had Leon blushing he didn't know, but he was happy. That was enough for now. "Any idea on what you're getting?" He asked, taking mercy on him and changing the subject. There were some tempting items on the menu, but he wasn't really sure where to start.

"I think so. Why?" He was starting to regain his composure, but well aware the blush hadn't even begun to leave his face. Maybe if he was lucky he could play it off on it being warm, even though it was perfectly pleasant inside. Leon wasn't sure what, but he hoped there wouldn't be a comment made for his own sake.

"Just not sure I could find anything as good as what you made yesterday," he commented, hoping that made up for his teasing. Of course it was true that he'd loved the breakfast Leon made, but it couldn't hurt to lay it on a little bit thicker. Chris was thankful to see that the other's smile had gotten a little bit bigger when he looked up again. Leon looked good with some color on his face. Like he was living and breathing and not dreading every beat of his heart. "What are you gonna get?"

There was no way he was going to make it out of this with his wits about him. Chris kept pushing and pushing and pushing, but definitely not in a bad direction. It was hard not to smile. "Vodka rocks, maybe," Leon teased, placing his menu down to see Chris better.

"Leon, it's breakfast."

"And a piece of toast."

Chris tried to force back his laughter, but couldn't hold it in. Thankfully nobody really seemed to mind. It always felt good to catch Leon in a pleasant mood. "Very funny," he said, shaking his head a little bit. "What are you really going to get?"

Knowing he could still get a laugh definitely helped him relax. It was a pretty lame joke, all things considered, but it was better than blushing like an idiot. This felt a lot more like a date than he thought it would, which wasn't helping anything. He just had to remind himself that Chris wasn't a stranger, regardless of how new everything felt. "I'm thinking pancakes, maybe some bacon. You?"

"Maybe an omelet. The pancakes do look good, though." He could've sworn he saw Leon pull a face at the mention of an omelet, but the moment he noticed it was gone. That was interesting, but he wouldn't push anything again for at least a few more minutes. It wasn't hard to see how anxious Leon was. Chris thought he'd be the one struggling, so seeing it go this way was a surprise. Either way, it was sweet.

The waitress came pretty soon after that. Both settled on pancakes and bacon, Leon deciding on an order of toast to go with his and Chris adding eggs. Leon got water, but Chris asked for coffee.

Again, he swore he saw a flicker of distaste, but it disappeared quickly. "What's with you?" Chris asked, very obviously curious.

Leon sighed, shaking his head. "Nothing. We'll talk about it later," he insisted. He'd hoped he'd hidden his distaste for the foul things well enough. After having to eat so many of them raw in Spain he decided he never wanted to eat another egg. In fact, he felt physically repulsed. He wasn't about to say that now, though. "Anyway, I'm glad you came here with me. Sorry I didn't cook," Leon trailed off, frowning a little bit.

"You realize you don't have to cook for me, don't you?" He paused, thanking the waiter with Leon when their drinks were placed on the table. "I don't expect you to cook every time I come over. Are you trying to fatten me up?" Chris laughed a little bit, reaching across the table for their hand. Hopefully that would lighten the other up again.

"No, it's just... Something my mom taught me to do," he tried explaining. Leon looked away, but still took the hand reaching for his. "I know I don't have to, but it's kind of hard not to. And I wanted to get breakfast with you anyway."

Chris nodded, placing his other hand around theirs as well. That made as much sense as any explanation he'd get. He couldn't help the fond smile that made its way onto his face, feeling absolutely enamored with the kind man in front of him. "I wanted to get breakfast with you, too," he said, keeping his tone nice and gentle. He decided he'd pushed enough for now. This was nice, even though he wished they could be entirely alone. He felt a strong urge to kiss Leon again, settling for running one of his thumbs slowly and gently along their knuckles.

Leon's gaze drifted down to the hand held warmly in both of theirs. Without much thought he placed his other hand on Chris's before looking back up, relaxing in his seat. He felt pathetic knowing he was so easy to soothe, but he couldn't object to it. "Why are you being so nice to me?" Immediately he shut himself up, realizing he'd spoken without even thinking. Chris was a very close friend, but there wasn't anybody close enough for him to speak so freely. He was relieved when he felt a light squeeze on his hands, but still tense.

"I like you, Leon. You're my best friend." He was perplexed, but if Leon asked he may as well answer. Chris ran his thumbs over their knuckles again, shifting a little bit closer to the table and wishing again that it wasn't there. It was a relief to see their eyes meet his for a moment. Again he was struck by the shade of blue, so close to ice but able to hold so much warmth. A thought crossed his mind, of Leon last night admitting he was accustomed to being used. Maybe that was why he was being asked this out of left field. "Why wouldn't I be nice to you?"

Leon hesitated, but forced himself to be entirely honest. He asked the question and now it was time to face up to the consequence of not thinking before speaking. "I don't know... I guess I don't feel like I've done anything to deserve it," Leon finally answered, voice quieter and less certain.

Chris was shocked. Yet again he wondered what Leon was putting himself through and his heart ached. If the table wasn't in the way he would have held him, tried desperately to reassure him in a way he was certain words couldn't. But there was only so much closeness a place like this could allow for. He was thankful there weren't any diners seated very close to them so there was at least a semblance of being alone. "You don't need to earn kindness."

He fell silent, unsure if he even wanted to process that. It didn't sound right, but he was well aware there'd be no arguing with Chris. Leon desperately wanted a drink, and out of reflex found himself reaching for his glass. He pulled a face when only water touched his tongue and almost sputtered, forcing himself to swallow. This wasn't going to be easy.

A small frown formed on his lips when he saw the quick reach and disappointed reaction from Leon. Chris knew exactly what he'd been going for and water wasn't it. He took a sip of coffee before it got cold, waiting to see if the other had anything to say. After a moment he opted to give the hand he was still holding a very light squeeze, feeling almost frozen in place when Leon's eyes flitted back up to him. That icy shade of blue would always be captivating to him. "You've done more than enough," He said when he regained his composure, trying to be clear but not wanting to speak too loudly. Making Leon feel like this was a confrontation would only make him withdraw further and Chris knew it.

"If you say so," he muttered, dropping his gaze again and taking another drink. At the very least the cold snapped him back into reality. He forced a small smile before looking back up and repositioning so he wasn't slouching as much. This was supposed to be a good time, he couldn't spend it wallowing like that. Leon rested his free hand back on the table and glanced around the dining area. To put his mind at ease he figured out a few easy routes of escape, taking a few more sips of water.

Chris watched the other over the rim of his mug when he took another sip, trying to work out how to handle their shift in mood. A forced smile was never something he wanted to see Leon put on for him, but he wasn't sure he should push any harder right now. He placed his mug down, running his thumb over their knuckles once more. It was nice to simply enjoy the contact and he had no plan of letting go until he was told to. "I do say so. Just relax. This is just breakfast, right? No pressure."

Leon sighed and looked up, resting his head on his free hand. He was struck for a second by the warmth in Chris's eyes and couldn't help but actually smile a little bit. Something about the ease Chris had with him was unsettling and reassuring at the same time. To be known so deeply already definitely made him anxious, but maybe it wasn't so bad if it was Chris. At the very least they were friends. "You think this'll ever just be normal?" He asked, glancing down for a moment at their hands entwined with each other.

"Maybe, if that's something you want to happen." His smile grew when he felt Leon give his hand a light squeeze. That was definitely a nice thought. Chris wanted nothing more than for their relationship to be comfortable and normal. Sure, he loved how new and exciting things were now, but the idea of this just being natural made him happy. "I'd like that a lot."

"Maybe we should just run away together," Leon hummed with a playful smile, forcing back a quiet laugh when Chris choked on his coffee. "What, you don't want to marry me on the spot?"

He sputtered again, almost dropping his mug of coffee right on the table. Still, Leon wore such a pleasant expression. Maybe he was being laughed at, but it was hard to be mad. "You think we'll get married?"

He shrugged, pushing his hair out of his face. "I don't think I'll ever get married. Occupational hazard and all that." Leon's smile fell for a second when he thought of work, but he forced it back on. "Maybe if there's some sort of benefit, but I can't imagine anybody actually wanting to marry me knowing what I do for work. Maybe I'd get married, in another life. You plan on marriage, even with your job?"

"Why not? Life's short. Besides... If we got married and I died, or if you died, we'd at least have a pension. Our assets wouldn't go to who knows where. Practically... it would work better," Chris sighed, pausing for just a second before clarifying, "This is just... just if we ever get that far. But personally... I think I'd like being married at some point." He was just thankful that Leon was even hearing him out instead of pushing back immediately. For some reason he expected an immediate negative reaction, but it seemed to get some thought.

"I don't know if I could handle that," He admitted. That was a tough pill to swallow, but true. "You dying, I mean," Leon elaborated, averting his gaze. "Especially if I... we... got married. I think that might actually do me in." He took a very small sip of his water, drawing in a shaky breath. Just the thought of losing Chris hurt a lot more than he ever wanted to admit. "I don't think I'd make a great widower. Probably wouldn't be a very good look on me," He said, trying to smile again. "So in this hypothetical scenario where we get married and live happily ever after what assets do we have?" Leon asked in an attempt to lighten the mood again. While he did want to be honest and keep the promise he just made not to shut Chris out further, he didn't want to talk about something so upsetting.

Again he found himself stunned by how vulnerable and open Leon was allowing himself to be. Chris couldn't help but admire that. At the very least it seemed to be true, especially with how emotionally charged those words were. He certainly wasn't going to be asking anything more about that. Leon didn't look like he wanted to talk about it, and he couldn't blame him. Those reasons certainly did make sense. Still, it seemed the only hangup on the issue of marriage was death. "Well... A house, first of all." He stopped when the waiter came by with their order, thanking them. "Where was I?"

"Mm...? Our imaginary assets for our hypothetical marriage. You want a house. What else?"

Chris found it sweet the way the other seemed almost distracted by the idea of food. He knew Leon must be hungry, he just didn't realize how easy it was to distract him. He smiled, feeling a rush of warmth and fondness. "Yes. A house is definitely a good place to start. Maybe a couple cars, if you can manage to keep yours on the road." Chris laughed when he was given a light kick under the table. Every accident Leon was in was in an attempt to escape or use the car as a weapon, but that wouldn't stop him from teasing. "What do you want in this dream life?"

Leon thought for a second, savoring his first bite while he did so. "A house sounds good," he agreed, "maybe in the mountains? It's always quiet there... Definitely a bike. Jackie comes with us, of course. I want a nice kitchen, too. Vacations. I want to go places and see things outside of work."

That was a good picture. He couldn't help but imagine Leon back in the kitchen, shirtless and smiling the way he was the day before. That was an even better image. "The mountains, huh? You'd look good in the snow, I must admit. I'm not shoveling the driveway, though."

"Not even if I sucked you off after?" A very small smirk twitched up the corners of his lips while he took a bite, watching Chris almost choke and proceed to turn a bright shade of red. This was a pretty good breakfast after all.

Again Leon was doing the same smirk that had him feeling weak just the night before. Chris swallowed hard, trying to ignore how visibly amused the younger man was. "I think we might be able to work something out," he managed to say, feeling his face burn even hotter. Just faint idea of Leon on his knees for him was arousing.

"You don't have to be so shy about that. We'd be married, right? That's just part of the deal." He shrugged, eyeing Chris from across the table. The longer Leon thought about this pretend existence the more he wished that was their life. "Maybe we should just run away."

"Where would we go?" He asked, glancing up. Still, Leon had that playful smile on his lips. Chris wasn't sure how much he could handle, especially with the mental images that were put in his mind with just one joke.

"Somewhere we could be alone. Just the two of us."

Chris froze for a second, looking up again just in time to see their smile grow. He wasn't even sure what the intended effect of those words were, he just knew he liked the sound of it. "Just eat your breakfast," Chris muttered.

It didn't take much longer for Leon to finish. He'd been starving and found himself not even minding what Chris thought. They'd eaten together before. When the check came he was startled to see only one placed right in front of Chris instead of him. He couldn't really be angry about it because they'd been seated together, but he felt awkward. He began reaching for the bill, freezing when his hand was taken to stop him. "What?"

"Let me handle it." He smiled, already reaching for his wallet with his other hand. This place was cheap, so he didn't mind. Whatever Leon said, Chris was counting this as a date anyway. Regardless, he was happy to treat the other man to just about anything. Chris was sure there might be a little bit of pushback, but he'd have to find a way eventually.

"I'll give you cash then," Leon insisted. "You got the tab last night. It's my turn." He frowned when the bill was moved farther away, shaking his head.

Chris shrugged and placed his card in after signing, putting it on the edge of the table. He took Leon's hand back in his own, hoping to distract him. "And you cooked yesterday. The least I can do is cover breakfast. Relax."

He sighed, but knew nothing he said would be enough. "Maybe I'll have to think of another way to pay you back, then," Leon hummed, a small smirk playing on his lips again. "I'm sure I can think of something you'd really like... If you have the time." He slowly ran a thumb across Chris's knuckles, allowing his fingertips to drift lower to his inner wrist.

Chris drew in a sharp breath, shivering at the light touch on the underside of his wrist. He knew exactly what was being promised to him, but he knew he couldn't do that yet. He wanted this to be right. "Leon... not now."

"Why not? I'm sober now. You busy or something?"

He waited when the waitress walked past, but was sure he was visibly flustered. The moment she left he held Leon's hand tighter, their fingertips still grazing lightly at his inner wrist, tempting him. If he was in any less control, he wouldn't be able to resist. "Because I don't want to mess this up. I'm with you because I like you. You said you'd been used before. I'm not doing that to you."

"It's not like we're strangers, Chris." Leon frowned, resting his head on his free hand. He didn't want to consider that Chris didn't actually want him, but it was hard to ignore that idea. Still, the way the other looked at him sent a mixed signal.

"Hey, don't look so down. You're too pretty to frown like that. Look at me," He said, softening his tone. "Do you think I'm not interested? I want you for more than what you could do for me sexually... I wanna do this right." Chris lifted their hand, leaning over the table to press a light kiss on his knuckles.

A blush began to warm his face at the kiss, his heart fluttering. He knew to trust Chris, but couldn't help feel unwanted when every advance was turned down. "I guess it just feels like you're not interested," he admitted. "I just..." Leon stopped when he saw the waitress approaching to pick up the card, waiting patiently for her to leave before speaking again. "Forget it."

"Why would you ever think that?" He smiled, reaching out so he could hold Leon's other hand too. "I'm very interested in you. Can we take this slow? Savor this, Leon. Not everything has to go fast."

Leon nodded a little bit, placing his hand in Chris's. Maybe this should go slow, but he couldn't help wanting it all now. "Tomorrow's not a guarantee, you know that as well as I do."

"Sure, but that shouldn't stop us from trying to have something normal. I thought you weren't afraid of anything." He shrugged, unable to remove the smile from his face. If Leon truly was worried about a lack of time with him it pointed to him being actually liked. Of course this was new and feelings were strong, he just hoped time wouldn't change that too much. "We're safe right now. If something changes, we can reevaluate."

"I'm afraid of a lot of things," Leon countered, glancing back down at their hands on the table. Of course he knew they could reevaluate, he was just terrified he'd lose one of the few good things he had. "You're not afraid? I already told you, I don't think I could handle losing you."

Chris couldn't help but hold their hands tight, unwilling to let go. That thought was painful, but he'd never let anything happen to Leon. If that meant he had to reassure him at every turn he would. "And you won't lose me as long as I don't lose you either, got it? Relax. We've got time." He looked up when the waitress returned with his card, thanking her again.

He pulled his hands away when Chris put his card back, standing and reaching for his own wallet. Even if he didn't pay he was tipping. The service was decent, so it was only fair. He'd be tipping in cash anyway. He popped one of the mints that came with the check in his mouth, watching the older man do the same as he pocketed his wallet. "You're gonna have to let me pay you back at some point."

"Pay me back by getting dinner with me," He said with a bright smile, placing a mint in his own mouth as well. Chris was overjoyed when Leon reached for his hand. Without even a moment of hesitation he placed his hand in theirs, leading him in closer. "What do you say? Dinner? Just the two of us?" Chris asked, walking out of the small diner with him.

"When?" Leon looked up, allowing himself to be led to stand next to a building instead of the middle of the sidewalk. They'd have to part ways soon, but the idea of a date was exciting. He couldn't help but smile, the corners of his lips curving upward ever so slightly. If it was a date Chris wanted it was a date Chris was going to get.

A soft hum escaped him and he thought for a moment, running his thumbs over their knuckles. Leon looked great with that small smile, eyes shining with eagerness. At least he knew he wasn't the only one excited. "You free on Friday night? I'll pick you up from your place at six."

He nodded, leaning up to press a very light kiss on the corner of Chris's lips. "I can't wait." Leon found himself very nearly cut off with a full kiss, starting to smile even more before the faint taste of eggs hit him. Immediately he pulled back, heaving a little bit and shaking his head.

"What the hell, Leon?!" He frowned, stumbling back a little bit from the hard push he was given on his chest. It felt like Leon wanted to do anything but kiss him, and seeing him heaving like that was upsetting. Maybe it was just a hangover, but Chris wasn't so sure about that. It looked like true disgust on the other's face. "Are you alright? What happened?"

"Fine, fine," he managed to get out, swallowing hard when he felt the contents of his stomach try to come up. "Sorry... It's not you, it really isn't you." Leon looked up at the other and felt almost shy. This wasn't good. The very last thing he ever wanted to do was make Chris feel unwanted.

"What happened?"Chris asked again, hesitantly moving to stand in front of him again. "Do I gross you out that bad-"

"No!" Leon interrupted even though he knew that comment was partially joking. "It's the eggs you had." He looked away and shook his head. "I had so many raw eggs when I was in Spain recovering Ashley. I guess I'm still not over it."

While he was startled for a second he couldn't hold back the startled laugh that escaped him. Was the answer really that simple? "No eggs around you then. Got it. C'mere." He led the smaller man into a hug, fondness burning deep in him. Leon looked anxious at the thought of upsetting him, and he wasn't about to let them think he was mad over a simple misunderstanding. Chris placed a soft kiss on his cheek, still laughing. "Is that really it?"

"Sorry," he muttered, but smiled when he was held tighter. "So six on Friday? It's a date." He brushed his lips over Chris's and smiled. It was disappointing not to be able to give Chris a full kiss the way he wanted, but something about the lightness made his heart skip a beat. "Where are we going?"

"That nice place downtown maybe?" Chris raised an eyebrow and smiled. He had no clue where they were going before he'd asked, but he was just as excited. The way Leon seemed okay to just go with any of it made him happy, but he hoped it wasn't the kind of place booked months in advance. Either way he was going to find somewhere nice to take Leon for their first true date. "Unless you have somewhere else you'd prefer," he offered and squeezed their hands.

"Nope. Anywhere you want." Friday was tomorrow, he knew, and he wasn't going to get his hopes up for anything too special. If it was someplace nice he'd be happy, but he really just wanted to spend time with Chris. "Don't stress about it, okay? I'll see you then, but you better text me."

He nodded, pressing another light kiss on the corner of Leon's mouth before forcing himself to take a step back. His gaze dropped to their hands for a moment when his were given a gentle squeeze. This was right. "You take it easy tonight. Just stay in and rest. Got it?"

A soft sigh escaped him, but he still nodded his agreement. No bar. That was clearly what Chris meant. He could do that, he just didn't want to. A promise was a promise though. Chris was a good friend at the very least, and looking more and more like a potential lover at most. If this was the one request made of him he knew it would only be fair to try. "Alright, I got it. I'll stay in, you have my word."

"Good boy," Chris praised, his smile growing a little bit more mischievous. Leon definitely seemed to like being praised if the faint blush on his face was any hint. He'd definitely keep that in mind. "I'll see you tomorrow, Leon." He let out a satisfied sigh when he was given one last light kiss before his hands were let go. As much as he wanted to spend all of his time with the other he knew that wasn't a reality yet, but his hands felt empty without Leon's to occupy them.

That name took him off guard. Being called a good boy wasn't something he ever thought would fluster him, but it was fun to hear from Chris. "Later," he hummed, leaning up to press one last soft kiss on the corner of their lips before reluctantly turning away. He wasn't sure he wanted to be alone yet, but he was very excited for their date and mulled it over on his walk home.

Chapter Text

Leon glanced up at the bell that chimed when he opened the door to the salon. As soon as he'd gotten home after breakfast the day before he'd taken a good hard look in the mirror. It was time for a change, and thankfully his stylist was available to bump his appointment up. That was what tipping well and being polite ensured, he supposed. "Hey," he greeted, smiling when his stylist, Emily, stepped out from the back.

"You're really going to let me lighten you back up?" Emily asked, visibly excited. "I cleared my book for you today, you know. So you better not be messing with me."

"I'm not, I'm not." He assured while he was being led back, giving a small wave to one of the other members of the staff he'd spoken with before. "I know you've been begging me to go lighter again anyway."

The stylist raised an eyebrow but stepped aside for him to sit anyway. "I wouldn't say begging. Just... strongly suggesting." She smiled and got the chair situated before beginning to run her fingers through his hair to assess the damage. It seemed to be in better shape than usual, and was definitely much nicer than the time he'd come in with the ends of his hair singed. "What's the occasion this time? Why are we going lighter now?"

He thought for a moment before deciding to just tell Emily about his date. Maybe it was a last minute impulsive decision, but he was excited. "I'm seeing someone new and our first real date is tonight. I thought it was time for a change." Leon enjoyed the light touch she used, but dropped his gaze when he saw her look up almost immediately at the mention of a date.

"Well, we'll just have to talk about her in a little bit then. How light are we going?"

"As light as you like. Probably similar to where I was before." Leon hesitated, glancing up when she took a step back. "And it's a he."

"Is it, now?" Emily raised an eyebrow and handed him a robe, stepping to the side again to begin mixing the lightener. "Tell me all about him. What's his name?" Frankly she was just glad Leon was dating. He was by far one of her favorite clients, but he always seemed a little bit sad and lonely. She froze when she saw him taking his shirt off right in his chair, fingers nimbly undoing the buttons. That was a surprise, but nobody seemed to pay him any mind. She'd expected him to excuse himself for that. "Feeling bold?"

He shrugged, a playful smile on his face. He wasn't going to justify that with a response. "His name is Chris. I've been friends with him for so long... We're in the same line of work, too." Leon placed his shirt to the side to avoid bleaching it, shifting forward a little bit to put the robe on. He felt a bit shy talking about Chris, but he'd been coming to this salon for years. Emily wouldn't judge him and he knew nobody else there would either. It was just new and strange

"Oh, so he's a hero too?" She laughed when he shot her a look, but shrugged. "I know, I know, you're just doing your job, but I don't think you give yourself enough credit."

"Well, you'll be my hero if you can get me blonde before 5:30." The last thing Leon wanted to do was talk about work. Maybe having Chris as the subject of conversation was a good thing.

The stylist nodded, realizing his job was a sensitive subject. He either couldn't or wouldn't tell her most things. "I can definitely do that for you." She hesitated before speaking more, still smiling. "So tell me more about this Chris guy. Is he cute?"

He relaxed a little bit, easing back into the chair when she put the cape around his neck. "I think so. He's got the warmest eyes..." His voice trailed off and his smile grew. "He's a bit hard headed, but he's a good guy. I trust him." Leon allowed himself to relax, doing his best to hold still when his hair was sectioned and clipped out of the way.

"Oh, so just like you then?" Emily asked, beginning the process of lightening his hair. She just laughed when Leon shot her a half-hearted glare in the mirror, continuing on. "You said he's in the same line of work? So he's some kind of special agent, too? If that's okay to ask. I know you hate talking about work..."

"No, it's okay." A soft sigh escaped him. "He's more of a military guy, less government work. Nothing that would interest you, I'm sure. It's all very boring." He offered a small smile. Leon wasn't even sure how much information he was supposed to be giving away. It wasn't a secret that he was an agent, and he was sure it wasn't any secret that Chris was ranked pretty high in the BSAA, but beyond that he didn't want to divulge too much. "I'd tell you more, but then I'd have to kill you," he joked.

Again she simply raised an eyebrow. "Then say no more. Military, huh? Big guy, then?" She asked, eyes down on her work. Leon was always easy for her to work on. He always held still and obeyed her directions and he never really tried to argue unless he was making a stupid joke.

Leon hesitated before answering. He wasn't sure what Emily was insinuating with that, he just knew that he didn't want it to go much further. "Yeah. Taller than me. A few years older than I am. Muscular." He paused, shrugging a little bit. "I don't know... he's a good guy. He's patient with me."

"Good. Must be a saint to put up with you," She teased, laughing with him. "What branch of the military? Unless you have to kill me for asking that, too."

"B.S.A.A."

That made her pause for a second. That only made her more curious about the man in her chair and now his boyfriend. So often she was left with more questions than answers. "So he handles bioweapons? Sounds... dangerous." It took her a moment to settle on the right word, hoping it didn't come out too awkwardly.

Leon shrugged again, trying to play it off. "Sort of. I take care of that stuff too. Just more of the same, right?" He forced a small smile when she glanced up at him in the mirror. The last thing he needed was to make the atmosphere more tense. "I guess there's some degree of danger in everything, but Chris is smart. He's more than capable of handling himself."

"I can't even imagine..." She sighed and kept going, shaking her head a little bit. "I know, you can't tell me about it." There was a little bit of an awkward silence filled with a crackle of foil as she continued to coat his hair. "How long have you two known each other?" She asked, attempting to shift the conversation back away from work.

"I don't even know anymore. So much has happened, it's hard to keep track." He laughed a little, averting his eyes from the mirror. "Years. I actually met his sister first. Technically I can't tell you about that either. Well, not much at least. I was a cop, once. For a day." Leon forced a little laugh at that, drawing in a shaky breath. "Met her on my way to the station. She was actually looking for Chris."

"Is there anything you can tell me about?" She took down another small section of hair, glancing up with an exasperated smile. "I know I ask that every time, but I swear you just keep more and more secrets. You'll show me your badge and still keep your lips sealed."

Leon kept that forced smile on his face for a second longer and let his eyes shut for just a brief moment, trying to find a reprieve. "It's nothing fun, I promise. You know all the good stuff." He shrugged, trying to feign lightness. "Either way, he's been in all this as long as I have. I trust Chris. I don't know why we never really went out before... He's one of my best friends. Maybe that's why."

Emily's smile softened a little and she nodded. "You really are nervous this time, aren't you?" She laughed when she noticed the tips of his ears starting to turn pinker. "Look at you! You're blushing!" She looked up at the mirror, his face already beginning to flush to a faint shade of red. "Never thought I'd see that on you. Looks good."

He only blushed darker when a couple other members of the staff commented on it, doing his best to stay calm. "Of course I'm nervous!" Leon insisted, feeling defensive for a reason he couldn't quite place. There was no reason to feel on guard, but he wasn't used to any of these emotions. "I don't want him to decide he doesn't like me anymore. I could handle not dating him... but he's my closest friend right now. Not to mention that I know I could call him if I need backup. I don't want to mess that up."

"Oh, sweetheart, don't be silly," she soothed, finishing another foil. "I don't think he's changing his mind any time soon. You've known him for years, you've worked together, I assume you guys talk often if he's your best friend. He's the one who asked you out, right? You didn't ask him out?"

"Right. Chris is the one who asked." He thought for a second, a small smirk twitching up the corners of his lips. "He also kissed me first." His blush deepened a little bit at that, but at the very least that was a good thing too. Maybe Emily was right. Maybe he was just being silly.

"Now why didn't you start with that?!" Emily grinned, shaking her head.

Leon looked away, still feeling shy about this whole thing. "I guess I just forgot." He laughed when she made a soft sound of disapproval at his statement, feeling more at ease. "It wasn't anything romantic. We were drunk... I punched him when he tried to get me to admit that I like him."

"Leon!" She rolled her eyes, swatting very lightly at his shoulder.

"He had it coming!" Leon insisted. "Chris has a very punchable face. He went home with me after that-" He stopped when he saw her raise an eyebrow in the mirror, quickly cutting himself off. "Nothing else happened. Believe me." An exasperated huff escaped him. "I tried. We went to bed and we literally just slept."

The stylist just laughed again and shook her head, continuing to work. "Why'd he say no? You're pretty easy on the eyes, so I can't imagine that's the problem."

He sighed, frowning a little bit. "I was a little too drunk. I get it, really, but he treats me like I'm made of glass or something."

"That's kinda sweet though." She shrugged, separating out another thin section. "Almost done... Will you want some wine while it processes?"

"Oh, you know me," he hummed, letting out a soft laugh. "I definitely do. So what's the game plan?"

"Gonna let this set for a little while before we hit your roots. Might have to do another round, maybe a slightly darker root. You gave me free reign, but don't worry." She gave Leon's shoulder a very light pat after finishing up the last foil. She took a peek in the first foil she placed, satisfied with the way it was lifting. "You'll look like a brand new man by the time Chris gets his hands on you."

Leon nodded, watching as she stepped away and filled a glass. This is why he splurged on a higher end salon. "Thanks." He relaxed and took the glass from her, taking a small sip.

Emily paused when she saw his hands and sighed, shaking her head. "When was the last time you let us do your nails? Have you been biting them again? Leon," she scolded, shaking her head, "Please, just let us give you a manicure. You'll be sitting here anyway!"

"Alright, alright." He laughed and nodded again. "Why not? And no, I've not been biting my nails. I just got back from my last job a week or two ago... Nails weren't really my biggest concern." Leon shrugged, but felt a little bit anxious about it. For whatever reason he did want her approval.

"Don't worry, you're in good hands." She didn't like seeing him tense up like that,  but understood. "We're gonna fix you right up. Like that never even happened. You just relax and I'll see about getting someone to handle those nails."

Leon fell silent, occupying himself by taking another small sip. He'd need to pace himself and find a different way to soothe his nerves. The thought of messing up the minute Chris picked him up was making him more and more anxious. He was startled out of his thoughts when Emily returned after a few minutes but still offered a small smile.

"Easy." A quiet chuckle escaped her and she shook her head. "Just gonna check up on these foils and we'll start lightening those roots up. Then we'll get someone started on those nails." She opened up a few of the foils, folding them back up again. "Looking good! You getting nervous again? You're gonna knock him dead."

"Yeah," He admitted, shaking his head a little bit when she stepped away to mix another bowl for his roots. "I know it shouldn't be a big deal. I guess I don't know what comes next, either. There's too much unknown."

She shrugged and pulled her gloves back on, making sure the cape was still secure. "Well, you go on more dates. Maybe get married," she teased, beginning to saturate his roots with lightener.

A soft laugh escaped him and he shrugged. "Oh, I don't know. I'm not the kind of guy people marry." Besides that, Leon was still terrified of marrying Chris and losing him. He wasn't about to say that to her, though. It was easier to laugh at the light joke. There was no way she was supposed to know he was afraid and he wasn't about to unload that on her. "But if I do run away with him you'll be one of the first to know. Have to look good before eloping, right?" A playful smile formed on his mouth and he obediently allowed her to move his head into any position she wanted.

"Now that is a thought." She giggled, beginning to work the bleach into his roots. "You don't seem like the type to elope. I thought you'd be a bigger fan of actual plans?"

"I think that's the only way I want to get married. No fuss about it, just me and the person I'm getting married to and the required witnesses." He shrugged, doing his very best to keep his head still. "I think... it would be better to spend that cash on a honeymoon or down payment."

She smiled and rolled her eyes, gently turning his head again. "You and your vacations. I guess that makes sense. Checks out for you, actually."

"Yeah?" Leon raised an eyebrow, lifting his glass to take another small sip. The wine wasn't enough to get him drunk, but he was definitely feeling its effect. He let out a soft sigh and relaxed, feeling a little bit less nervous.

"You just seem like the type who wants to keep it quiet, that's all. I think it's sweet." She shrugged, carefully tilting his head down. "You act all tough and cool, but you're a lot sweeter than you come off. Maybe I don't know exactly what you've done, but I know you. You've been coming here for years."

He couldn't help but chuckle a little bit, keeping his head down. "I dunno... There are probably people who'd disagree with you there." Another soft huff escaped him, not even entirely sure why that comment put him off. Leon was pretty sure if she knew about the blood on his hands she wouldn't see him as very sweet, but now wasn't the time for that. It was almost amusing, but maybe he needed an outside perspective.

She let out a soft hum of agreement, tipping his head back up and standing in front of him with a small smile. "Just gotta get the front real quick. Then we'll start getting those nails all taken care of."

"I really didn't think they were that bad!" A slightly more exaggerated sigh escaped him, but he still tried his best to hold still. It was hard not to be a little restless, but he was excited for the result. Still, Leon found himself eager for Chris's reaction.

"Oh, relax! They're fine... they just need a little work. Don't you want them shining?" She rolled her eyes, very carefully working on his hairline. "It'll pull this all together. You've got nice hands, and they'll look even prettier."

He let out a startled laugh. That wasn't something he'd really heard before. "I have nice hands?" Leon asked, raising an eyebrow. "Thanks, I guess."

She took a step back and smiled, nodding. "They are nice hands, and you deserve nice nails and soft skin to go with them. We'll just see what we can do. Come with me."

Leon stood and followed behind her obediently when the cape was removed. He made sure his glass of wine was still in hand and took a very very small sip while he walked behind her. Waking around with his hair covered in foil did make him feel ridiculous, but nobody really gave him a second look. He sat when he was directed to, placing his glass on a coaster after taking another sip. "You sure this isn't ridiculous?"

"I'm sure. Just take it easy, big guy. Hands up." She laughed when he rolled his eyes, calling over the nail tech. "This lovely lady will take good care of you. I'll be back in about five minutes or so just to check up on your hair."

He nodded and put his hands on the mat as directed, offering a small smile to the woman in front of him. "Sorry if they're in rough shape."

The new woman in front of him simply shrugged and flashed a warm smile at him before picking up one of his hands to take a look at it. "Nothing to be sorry about," she assured after inspecting his hands, "I've seen worse. Now, I'm going to have you wash your hands and then we'll get started."

Leon did as he was told and went over to the sink he was motioned over to, making sure he washed and dried thoroughly before taking his seat again. "Alright, what's next?"

"I'm going to file your nails and then we'll take care of those cuticles. I'll push them back and put on some cuticle remover, but none of this should hurt. Then we'll go over what's next." She took his hand once more and picked up her file. "Have you had a manicure before?"

"Once or twice, but it's been a while."

She nodded, beginning to carefully shape and file his nails. "Well, just enjoy yourself. This is for a date later?" She asked, glancing up for just a second.

"Yeah..." Again he felt a faint blush warm his face and he reached over with his free hand to pick up his glass, taking another sip to try to calm himself. He watched idly as his nails were shaped, placing his other hand back down. "First date."

"Oh? I've seen you in here before. Thought a guy like you would've been snatched up already." She laughed a little, moving onto his next nail.

He blushed a little bit darker and shook his head. Compliments weren't something he was used to. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

She shrugged, continuing to work on shaping his nails. "Oh, nothing. You're just cute, so I didn't think you'd be single."

Leon was relieved when Emily returned. He never knew how to respond to compliments.

"Just gonna check on these foils here." The stylist said, carefully opening a few and checking his roots. "You're kinda red, Leon," she teased when when began checking his hairline, "Talking about Chris?"

"Oh, I was just telling him I didn't think he was single. He's cute."

Emily laughed, watching Leon turn an even darker shade of red. "He doesn't really know how to handle compliments, you know? But yes, he is very cute." She just laughed again when she heard a frustrated scoff come from the man in front of her. "I know you don't wanna hear it, but you are a very pretty guy."

A quiet huff of exasperation escaped him and he looked away. "Whatever," he mumbled, shifting uncomfortably. "How's it looking?"

"Pretty good! Just a little while longer." She nodded, leaning against the edge of the table with a small smile. "Chris is a lucky man. You have any pictures?" She tilted her head a little bit and glanced over at Leon. "I'd love to see him."

He hesitated before picking taking his phone out of his pocket with his free hand and resting it on the table. "I might, actually. Can't promise it's anything recent, but he hasn't changed really." It took a minute of scrolling, but eventually Leon settled on a photo of Chris and him together. Claire sent it to him after the last time the three of them went out together. They were laughing and tipsy, and he couldn't help but smile a little bit at the memory. It was many, many months old, but it would have to do. "There he is."

The stylist eagerly picked up the phone with a bright smile. "He is cute!"

The nail tech peeked at the phone when it was angled at her and nodded. "His name is Chris? Who took that picture?"

"His sister Claire. Sometimes we go out for drinks together." He obediently gave her his other hand when she motioned for it, sighing in relief when his phone was put back down. Sure there were only really photos of Jackie on it and lots of games, but he didn't need people poking around on it. "She doesn't like me very much right now."

"What did you do this time?!" His stylist sighed, frowning at him. "Already making a poor impression on your future sister-in-law!"

Leon sighed and shrugged a little bit. "She works for TerraSave and doesn't like that there's some information I can't give her. I understand where she's coming from... but I can't." He frowned, taking a sip from his glass. "Claire thinks I'm too stubborn. That I should lighten up a little and just do what she thinks is the right thing... she'll understand at some point, but I get why she's upset."

She shook her head, glancing at the time again. Not quite time yet to check his foils again, but she could see he was still lifting nicely at his hairline. "And what information is this?"

"You'd never believe me if I told you... Maybe she won't forgive me, but I think we'd both be locked up if I'd given that information to her. I don't know..." His frown deepened and he looked down, drawing in a slow breath. "There are some secrets the public shouldn't ever know. Maybe in fifty or sixty years when everyone involved is dead or too old for it to matter."

That only left her with more questions than answers. Leon always did that. "What does that mean? Leon, I-"

Thankfully his phone started ringing, Chris's name popping up on the caller ID. "Chris!" He interrupted his stylist when he answered the phone, more than grateful for the distraction. "What are you calling for?"

Chris laughed a little bit at the excited if not somewhat rushed shout of his name. "Leon!" He said, copying his greeting with another quiet laugh. "I'm just calling to make sure we're still on for tonight."

"Of course we are." Leon couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped him at the way Chris said his name, a bright smile beginning to form on his lips. "You're not having second thoughts, are you?"

"Absolutely not. I can't wait to see you." He felt himself smiling at the little laugh he heard from the other end of the line. Even when they weren't physically together he was finding Leon having a positive impact on him. Just the sound of his voice was making him more excited, if that was even possible. "What are you up to?"

He hesitated, deciding against telling Chris what he was doing. He'd see soon enough. "Oh, just getting ready. I wanna make sure I look my best."

"Just don't make me look too bad, okay?" Chris said, wishing they were together again already.

"I don't think that's possible," he hummed, watching as his cuticles were being pushed back. "You always look great. I can't wait. Still picking me up at six?"

He knew Leon couldn't see him, but his smile grew just the same.  Hearing the younger man was just as excited as he was didn't make the idea of waiting even a few hours any easier. "Six at your place, if that still works for you."

Leon grinned, his heart skipping a beat in anticipation. "That definitely works. I'll see you then, Chris."

"See you then," Chris said, and then the call ended.

Leon was still smiling when he slid his phone back into his pocket, feeling a lot more relaxed after hearing his voice again. He glanced up, his blush returning when he saw the way the two women in front of him were smiling at him. "What?" He asked, face quickly heating up.

"Oh, you've got it so bad." Emily said, laughing. "Look at you! Blushing and smiling like that! You should've seen your face when you were talking to him!"

The nail tech nodded, laughing too. "You giggled when you were talking to him!"

"I did not giggle!" Leon insisted, turning a dark shade of red. "And what do you mean I have 'it' so bad?!"

The stylist rolled her eyes a little bit. "A big fat crush on Chris. You like him a lot more than you wanna say. I've never heard you talk in that tone, and I've never seen you with that look on your face. I've also never seen this much color on your skin."

"That expression said it all," The nail tech agreed. "And you did giggle. It's cute, really. You must really, really like this guy. You'll invite us to your wedding, right?" She teased, motioning for his other hand to be placed back on the table.

"Oh you have to invite us! We'll do your hair and nails, and we'll get Chris taken care of!"

Leon groaned softly and obeyed, wishing he could run. Still, they weren't really wrong. He definitely felt a lot of very strong emotions when it came to Chris, all of them pleasant. "I wouldn't go out with him if I didn't like him," he huffed, trying to calm down. "Obviously I like him..."

"Look at you getting all shy!"

"Oh, sweetheart, this isn't just liking someone. I think you're in love with him," Emily said, laughing at the halfhearted glare Leon sent her way. "You get all soft when you talk about him, you giggled on the phone with him, it was like neither of us even existed. You love him."

"I don't!" He shook his head, taking a deep drink. "I do trust him... I like him a lot... but he's my friend. We're just seeing where this goes."

"Leon," she said in a slightly firmer tone, "it's okay to admit that you're falling for him. It's not going to hurt you to admit that you have feelings. Honestly, I think it's pretty cute seeing you crushing on him like this."

Leon felt his face get hotter and looked away. "That's such a childish way to put it, isn't it? A crush?" He sighed, shaking his head. "I think it's a little bit too much to say I'm falling for him, though..."

"I think it's pretty sweet," the nail tech said, beginning to gently and carefully push back his cuticles. "This shouldn't hurt, but let me know if there's any pain."

"The only pain I'm in is dealing with this nonsense." He huffed. Still, Leon was curious and so he watched closely.

"Oh, relax and stop being so silly." Emily moved to check his foils, humming softly in approval. "I think we'll be able rinse this when she's done with those cuticles."

"Almost done. Just gonna put some cuticle remover on here for a few seconds and you can rinse. That shouldn't hurt either, but just let me know if it does."

He nodded, watching her place the cold liquid on his nail beds. "Alright. It's just a little cool, but doesn't hurt. I've definitely handled worse."

"Good. Just have to let it sit for a few seconds here... Alright." She carefully wiped away the liquid, giving the top of his hand a light pat after. "Okay. We'll exfoliate your hands after your hair's rinsed."

Leon followed his stylist back to where his hair would be washed, sitting patiently while she took the foils out of his hair.

She smiled brightly, placing the foils to the side and inspecting his hair. "Looking good! Just lean back... and relax." She eased his head back toward the bowl of the sink, turning the water on nice and warm. "There we go. How's the temperature?"

He winced a little bit when cool water came out of the faucet, but eased back a little bit more and let out a relaxed sigh when it warmed up. "Maybe just a little tiny bit warmer," he said, eyes falling shut for a moment to appreciate the warmth. "This is good."

"This is your favorite part, isn't it?" She asked, beginning to rinse the lightener from his hair with a careful touch. It was captivating when Leon's eyes opened and he flashed a small smile up at her. He certainly wasn't bad looking. She wondered if he'd ever really understand that. "You can keep your eyes closed if you like. I'll make sure we rinse this really, really well. And then we'll tone it up, and you'll be even prettier than when you walked in."

A quiet laugh escaped him, but he did allow his eyes to shut again. He relaxed further when her fingers moved to his scalp, gently threading through his hair to allow the water to run through it. Leon allowed another soft sigh of relief to escape him. "What can I say? It's nice. Warm."

Emily hummed softly in agreement, watching him relax further. "So, about Chris," she started, "Why are you so against admitting you like him? You're going on a date with him, it shouldn't be too hard to say."

"Mm... I do like Chris. I like him a lot. Told you that already."

She sighed, pumping some shampoo into her hands and warming it in them before beginning to gently work it into his scalp. "Admitting that you're falling for him, then," she said, keeping her touch gentle but firm as she massaged the product in. "You really lit up when you were talking to him. I just want you to be happy, Leon. I know, I just do your hair, but I think of you as a friend."

"I think we're friends too." It felt almost like he was melting. This was and always would be his favorite part of the process. "Sure. I'm falling for Chris," he relented, mainly in an effort to get her to stop pressing the matter. Still, it felt like there was a ring of truth to those words after they left his mouth.

"You afraid?" She asked him, continuing to work. She always got the most information out of him when she washed his hair. Probably because he was relaxed. "You don't have to be. Afraid, I mean."

"I don't want to lose him," Leon admitted, voice a little bit quieter. The wine and the warm water were getting to his head, making him much more calm. "I couldn't handle that," he said, a small frown threatening to form. "Of course I'm afraid. Neither of us have very safe jobs... we could be called in at almost any time. It's hard not to be afraid."

She frowned, warming the water just a little bit more and watching him ease back again. "You've lost a lot of people. I know that. This is a good thing though, Leon," she soothed, carefully beginning to rinse the shampoo from his hair. "Would it hurt any less if you lost him now instead of later?"

That made him think. As hard as it was to focus with the warmth and alcohol in his system, this was an important thing to consider. Finally, Leon settled on his answer. "No, it wouldn't. I'd be gutted."

The stylist began working in another round of shampoo, her touch just a little bit more firm but still careful. "So enjoy it," she urged, keeping her tone gentle. As strong as Leon came off Emily knew this was the time for reassurance. "Stop worrying so much. This is a very, very good thing. You looked happier than I've ever seen you when he called earlier."

"Mm... Maybe you're right."

"I know I'm right." She smiled when she heard a quiet laugh come from him at her statement. "You better let me know how this all plays out."

"What, you want me to text you play by play updates?" He laughed, opening his eyes to look up at her. "If anything big happens I'll let you know. Can't promise anything soon, I'm not a very interesting guy."

"If there's one thing you are, it's interesting. I'm sure you're full of stories. You just make up some nonsense about it being classified every time I ask." She let out an exasperated sigh, but was obviously teasing. "You're no fun sometimes. What's the point of a secret if you can't tell anyone?"

Leon just shrugged, his smile growing. "That's exactly why I can't tell you anything. My secrets aren't any fun, anyway. I don't think you want to hear them."

She nodded, rinsing his hair for a few seconds longer before turning the water off. "I'm sure they weigh you down," She said, gently squeezing the water out of the longer parts of his hair. "I know you can't tell me, but I wish you wouldn't carry all of that guilt with you."

He froze for a second, quickly looking away and shaking his head. "I'm fine. I don't know what makes you think that." He forced a little laugh before glancing back up but still felt a little bit tense.

"You have sad eyes." She grabbed a towel and sat him back up, beginning to dry his hair with a gentle touch. "I can't begin to imagine what you've seen."

While her tone was a little bit softer Leon wasn't sure how to respond to that. Instead he just looked away again. That wasn't something he ever wanted to get into, especially not with her. It would only make her worry. "Emily. I'm alright," he insisted, forcing another very small smile. "I promise. I can handle it. Don't worry about it, that's my job."

She frowned, stepping in front of him and tilting his head up with a very careful touch. "Sweet boy... You don't need to lie to me like that. Don't make yourself smile just for me." She moved her hand away from under his chin, letting out a soft sigh. "I know it's your job and you don't get thanked nearly enough. So thank you. But I want you to stop beating yourself up. You've done enough."

Leon felt frozen in place, especially when she had a hand under his chin. He would have looked away if he was able to, but he felt trapped. "You and Chris both seem to think I'm fragile." A soft huff escaped him, unsure how he felt. It was reassuring, yes, but he would never know how to handle that.

"You're one of the strongest people I know. I don't think you're fragile, but you deserve better, Leon. Look at me." She waited for his gaze to land on her again before continuing. "I want you to be happy, but I don't want you to lie to me. You said Chris treats you like you're made of glass? Are you sure he isn't just giving you the respect you deserve?" She watched him hesitate, letting out another quiet sigh. "Just think about it. Come on, let's get your hair toned."

He nodded and followed behind her, mind reeling. Was that what Chris was doing? He wasn't so sure. He sat when she motioned for him to get back in the chair, avoiding eye contact when she clipped the cape back around his neck. "I think he does treat me like I'm going to break."

"Good!" She said, rolling her eyes and stepping behind him. "You deserve to be handled with care. I like Chris even more now." She began carefully running her fingers through his hair, giving it a nice rough dry and grabbing a widetoothed comb.

"You really do think I'm made of glass, don't you?" Leon sighed, but held still while she combed through his hair. At the very least it was turning out well. It was like he could see a little bit of his old self peeking through, even if it wasn't finished yet.

The stylist shrugged again, picking up her blow-dryer and turning it on low. She didn't need his hair to be fully dry, but she did want to speed it up a little bit. She wasn't going to bother answering his question, even though she definitely did think he was a lot closer to breaking than he thought. Leon was a good friend and she was sure holding all of those secrets in was hard on him, but clearly it wasn't helping.

He just sat and watched her dry his hair, patiently waiting for the dryer to turn off. It did make him really happy to know that she approved of Chris, especially after she'd warned him against so many other ideas she'd had. It almost felt like she was more excited than he was.

"So what do you think?" She asked when she turned the dryer off, running her fingers through damp hair. "We're not done yet, but I want to make sure this is about as light as you were thinking."

"I like it." Leon smiled, watching her continue to fluff his hair in the mirror. It was nice to change the subject. It all felt too heavy. "What next? I'm in your hands."

The stylist hummed softly in thought, looking down at his hair. "I think a slightly darker root tone in case you can't come back when it's time to retouch, and we'll make the rest a little less brassy. Get you to a nice color, make your skin really glow. We'll finish up your manicure while our toner sets, wash your hair again, and then we'll cut it. You are going to let me style it before your date, right?"

He laughed a little bit at the eager question at the end, but nodded. "As long as you don't curl it. Keep it light like normal."

"Of course. Do you want another glass of wine while you wait? I just have to go grab those toners for you."

"Of course I do." Leon waited patiently and took the glass when it was handed to him, taking a long sip when she stepped away.

She cleared her throat when she returned, trying to spare him from being surprised like he was earlier. "I'll mix these up and we'll get started! You're looking great already." She flashed a warm smile at Leon, glancing up in time to catch him bring the glass to his lips for a small sip. He truly was stunning, but he would only ever just be a friend. The thought of keeping up with him was exhausting. "You have no clue how pretty you are, do you?"

He laughed, feeling a faint blush rise to his face at the praise. "You're just saying that to get a big tip," Leon muttered. Compliments were something he always struggled with. He was beyond thankful for the wine, knowing he'd be even more on edge and awkward without it.

"Really," She insisted, moving behind him to begin sectioning his hair again. "Chris is a very, very lucky man. You truly are pretty." It wasn't hard to see his blush burn even brighter, the smile on his face looking almost shy. "Look at you. It's really not fair. He's not gonna know what hit him."

"I really can't wait to see him. He doesn't even know I'm doing this, but I think just need to start over again entirely." Leon shifted anxiously in the chair, doing his best to remain still. "I'm not even sure where we're going tonight. I have a rose to give him at my place when he comes to pick me up, but that might be silly..."

Emily shook her head, clipping the last section out of the way. "That is absolutely not silly. I think that's really, really cute. He's gonna love it. Most men don't ever get flowers." She stepped aside to pull her gloves on, looking back up at him with a warm smile. "I'm glad you finally found someone good for you. I've never seen you look happier than you were when Chris called. Maybe you don't like that he's being careful with you, but I'm glad he is. You better marry him."

His face was burning even hotter after the last comment she made. Of course he knew she was teasing him, but she also seemed pretty serious about some of it. "You really would be on board with it if I just ran away with him right now, wouldn't you?"

"If that's what you wanted to do I'd be on board, yes. Chris sounds like a good guy." She began putting the toner on his hair, being mindful of her placement of light and dark. "You love him, don't you?"

"No." Leon rolled his eyes and took another sip, but was well aware that he was bright red. "Don't be ridiculous."

Emily's smile grew as she glanced up at the mirror to see his expression. The same shy smile and bright coloring was stuck on his face, only he wasn't even looking up now. "Liar."

He groaned and closed his eyes, wishing again that he could just run. "I'm not lying," Leon huffed, shaking his head just a little bit when she took a step back. "And it's really not fair for you to say that, anyway."

"You're cute when you're flustered," She said, laughing when he shot her a glare in the mirror. As soon as he held still again she got back to work, letting down another section of his hair. "I reserve the right to say I told you so when you finally admit you love him. Chris better not be as closed off as you are, or you two aren't going anywhere."

Leon sighed before taking another sip, trying to calm himself. Still, his face and ears were burning hot. It was getting harder and harder not to fidget, especially when he looked down at his watch and saw the time reading as less than three hours until he was supposed to be picked up. "I've not even gone on one real date with him and you're already trying to plan my future with him." He rolled his eyes, allowing her to move his head back to where she wanted it.

"Will you just hold still?" She sighed, holding the top of his head in place for a second with one of her hands. "What's gotten into you? You usually sit so well." It took another moment of letting him squirm before she could get back to work and a barely audible apology, but by then she could see the fidgeting had shifted to him bouncing his leg anxiously. That would be fine, but he'd have to stop before they got to his haircut. "Good boy," Emily teased, earning a quiet chuckle. "What do you mean a real date? You going out with him already?" She asked in the hope that switching to actually asking questions would get him to hold still again.

"Kind of... not really. Maybe." He shrugged, drawing in a shaky breath and trying to hold still. The last thing Leon wanted was to frustrate her. He knew Emily wasn't really mad, but he didn't want to make anything any more difficult than it had to be. "Things have just been moving really fast. I guess I should fill you in, but I got nervous..."

Emily laughed just a little bit, giving his shoulder a reassuring pat before getting back to working. "I can tell. You're fine. How fast? And what do you mean not really?" She glanced back up at the mirror, thankful that he looked a little bit less tense. "You leave me with so many questions. It's really not fair. Tell me everything."

Leon just flashed a small, playful smile at her in the mirror when she looked up. "Sorry if I'm being a pain." He thought for a second, trying to decide where to begin. "I guess it kind of started a few nights ago. Ran into me at my favorite bar... He had a pretty rough night, so I just took him home with me because I don't live too far, so he spent the night. I wasn't going to let him figure it out himself when he was that drunk."

"And?" She asked, letting down another layer of his hair. While he usually was a model client, she knew he'd be fidgeting if she didn't keep him talking. Emily wasn't sure she'd ever seen him this amped up."That's a very sweet thing to do, too. You sure there wasn't anything there already?"

He wasn't even going to bother addressing that last question. In all honesty it was because he had no idea when things changed, just that the last few days were truly different. "And he slept in my bed. Wouldn't let me go until I had to wriggle my way out in the morning. Of course I cooked him breakfast-"

"So you slept in his arms and cooked him breakfast before realizing that you maybe might have feelings for him?" She just laughed again at the half hearted glare she saw out of the corner of her eye. At least he'd hold still as long as he had something to say.

"I don't know when things changed," Leon admitted, the faint remainder of his blush heating back up again. "But yes, I slept in his arms and made him breakfast before considering anything. He found me again the next night, same bar. It was my turn to have a bad night. I probably shouldn't have even been there, I'd already been drinking all day... but I'm glad he showed up."

Emily frowned a little bit at that, but wouldn't press it further. Of course she knew he never turned down a drink, but it was getting more and more apparent that he simply didn't care to really control it anymore. "I'm glad he showed up too," She settled on, trying not to sound too concerned. That was a problem she could ask about when he wasn't getting ready for a first date. It was raw and she knew it. "What then?"

He waited while she angled his head differently before speaking again, catching the change in her expression. Emily was always concerned about him, but this was something he could tell her without it really being a secret. "I don't know... it's a little hazy. We talked for a while, drank some more, I think he ended up with his arm around my waist at some point." Leon hesitated, avoiding her questioning gaze. "It was purely to comfort me, he's a good guy. I think... that's when he told me that I had enough, that if I really wanted more I had to go home first."

"Well, I'm glad he cut you off," She said, offering a reassuring smile when she managed to catch his eyes. "I'm sure he is a good guy. You don't have to explain yourself to me, Leon. We're friends."

Leon let out another soft sigh. He would've nodded if he didn't have to hold still. At the very least she was getting close to finishing this part of the process. "We settled the tab, and he helped me outside. That's when he kissed me. Just a small one. He tried to apologize, but I kissed him before he could." His blush burned even hotter, but a small smile twitched up the corners of his lips. "It felt..." Leon trailed off, trying to find the right words. He decided after a few seconds that it didn't matter how sappy it sounded, because she really was his friend. She couldn't tell anyone he knew, anyway. "It felt like I could breathe. Like I was sober for the first time in my entire life, like if he let go of me I might drown, like if I didn't hold on I might lose control. It felt good. Even if that clarity didn't last long, it was good."

It was nice to see him finally relax again, the same soft smile putting his lips in a pleasant curve. This was how Leon was supposed to look, in Emily's mind. The way he should be if he was able to be happy. It only took a few seconds longer before she remembered his words from earlier. "If it made you feel like that, why did you punch him?" She asked and parted out another piece of hair.

"Right." He paused again, trying to decide how much he should say, and choosing to just be entirely honest again. "We were still in public, he wanted to finish getting me home. I asked him why that even mattered. I mean... we were both drunk, nobody else was out... And Chris had the nerve to say it might mean something, wouldn't listen when I said we were both drunk, that we're just friends, it was just a kiss. I don't know if he meant to hurt me with what he said, but it stung pretty bad at the time."

"What did he say to hurt you?" Emily froze, fearing she may have misjudged Chris. Yes he was drunk, but she would not actively let Leon get hurt further. "If you're okay telling me."

Leon took a slow breath, nodding a little bit when she took a step back. "I don't think he realized he was going to hurt me that badly. Chris... brought up my family." This was only something he'd mentioned once in passing, and she'd had the good grace not to push it. "They weren't really the best this world had to offer. Big Italian family, mob ties, who knows what else. Anyway... He decided it was a bright idea to say that he shouldn't be shocked that 'Mr. Made Man'," Leon said, lifting his hands to do air quotes, "could just turn off his feelings like that. So I hit him."

She'd been trying to carry on, but it was hard to keep acting unfazed when Leon brought up his family. That was something she was fiercely curious about, but would never press if he didn't bring it up. Of course she had an idea when he'd mentioned his family being involved in organized crime, but he'd finally come out and said it. Suddenly, she was angry for him. "I really hope you made that punch count," She said, forcing herself to get back to work. "Does he have a habit of saying things like that to you? If he-"

"Emily," he interrupted, keeping his voice firm. She was getting visibly frustrated for him, but he just wanted her to finish listening before coming to any judgement. "It's okay. Calm down. Of course it was a low blow and it hurt me a lot, but I was being a jerk. Breathe." Leon waited for her to relax a little bit before continuing. "He ended up stumbling. That's how hard I hit him. Took him a few seconds before he got up to tackle me."

"He tackled you?! On the sidewalk?! Leon-"

"It's fine. I'm not hurt. I got a little scuff on my boots, but I'm perfectly okay." Again, he waited for her to start working again before continuing. "So, he had me pinned down and wouldn't let me up. I think he was trying to decide if he wanted to hit me or just let me go home by myself, but I spit on him so he ended up letting me go anyway. I realized that I was probably a bit too hard on him, but it definitely sobered me up for a minute there. So I helped him up, and he promised he'd never mention my family again."

She raised an eyebrow, taking down the last section of hair. "And that's enough for you? I know you like this guy, but you also liked Ada and that just about broke you." Emily simply sighed when she saw him wince at just the mention of her name. Clearly that was still an open wound. "Sorry..."

He drew in another slow breath, closing his eyes for a moment before taking another drink and finishing off his glass. He wouldn't be having any more before his date, so he'd have to get through the rest of this without it. "Yes, it's enough for me. Chris is a man of his word. He's truly one of the best people I've ever met, but I hurt him and I think he wanted to hurt me just as badly as I hurt him. Anyway, I helped him up and we finished walking home. We were laughing again in no time."

"You must really like him to let it go that easily." She sighed, moving to stand in front of him and beginning to work on his hairline and fringe. "But you know him better than I do. What next?"

"I brought him inside and we kissed again. He wouldn't let me get any further than that, even though I did try." Leon sighed, shrugging a little bit. "So I got a bottle of brandy and decided to have a little bit more. Sat on the couch and talked. He split some of it with me, and then we were kissing again." His face was beginning to heat up again at just the thought, and he cleared his throat to buy himself a few seconds before continuing. "I ended up on his lap at some point, but he still wouldn't listen to me. I tried telling him I didn't care, that I was drunk and tired of thinking, but... but he said he didn't want to use me, whatever that means."

Emily relaxed a little bit at that, even if she was still angry over the comment. "And you're mad he didn't take advantage of you? That's his saving grace here." She rolled her eyes, but couldn't help returning the little smile he offered her.

Leon just shrugged, allowing her to reposition his head again. She had to be almost finished, but he wondered if she was stalling for time. "Said he wouldn't do more than that if I wasn't sober, made me brush my teeth, and put me to bed. He spent the night again, and I don't think I ever rested that well in my entire life." His smile grew a little bit and his heart fluttered at the warm memory of waking in Chris's arms. "He actually woke up first, but he was nice enough to just lay there with me. Maybe he was just hungover... but I think he was as comfortable as I was."

"Okay, maybe he's redeeming himself a little more," she relented, watching him soften even more. Chris must truly make him feel good if even thinking about it made him look like that. "I'm still mad at him for that comment, though. It wasn't fair at all." The stylist just rolled her eyes again when all Leon offered was a little shrug, beginning to work on the last section of his hair. "And then what happened? This was yesterday morning?"

"Yes," he confirmed. "He made me talk about it, and we agreed to just see where this goes. I didn't really have it in me to cook again, so I took him out to breakfast." Leon hesitated before deciding to elaborate a little bit more. "What sold it for me was the way he kissed me sober... and how good he was to Jackie-- He's actually a bit scared of dogs, but he's really, really trying. I think he's okay with her."

Emily found herself smiling with him again, almost entirely done. "Meet at the bar again last night?" She asked, finishing up and taking a step back before removing her gloves.

"Nope. He made me promise after breakfast that I'd stay in and rest, so I did."

"You're right. Chris is a good guy." She admitted, stepping back once she was finished and slowly circling around him to ensure she hadn't missed anything. "I'm glad you listened to him. I don't think you rest enough."

"Well, you're all caught up for the most part." Leon shrugged, watching her circle. At the very least this part was done, but that also meant the time for their date was creeping closer and closer. "You can't be too mad at him. This isn't like Ada. This is different... it doesn't hurt."

Emily just sighed and shook her head, removing the cape. "At least you can trust Chris... I don't want you getting hurt again. Come on, let's get your manicure finished. We'll rinse this after."

He hesitated before following her again. "I appreciate your concern, but this really isn't the same. It was one comment. He was drunk, I hurt his feelings, we're even. This isn't the same thing at all." Leon shook his head, sitting once more. "He'd never try to hurt me. If it makes you feel any better... Chris really doesn't like Ada either."

"Good." She rolled her eyes, but still smiled when the nail tech came back over.

"Hello again." The nail tech smiled, taking her seat across from Leon. "Hands up! We're gonna exfoliate and get that skin nice and soft. What're you guys talking about?"

"I made a mistake and told this one the truth." Leon laughed when she gave his shoulder a light nudge, placing his hands on the table obediently. "Should've just 'made up some nonsense about it being classified' again, huh?"

A soft huff escaped Emily, but she knew Leon was just teasing her. "Chris made a rude comment, and I just want to make sure this isn't going the same way his ex... whatever it was... went." She frowned, shaking her head. "That was a disaster."

Leon just shrugged, watching as his watch was removed and placed to the side. "This isn't about Ada. I don't know what she was either. I don't want to think about that right now." He frowned, shaking his head quickly in an effort to clear his mind. "This is different. Chris is good, and I really, really like him. I... can actually see a future with him."

The nail tech looked between the two of them, startled at the tension at that one name. It wasn't her business, so she shouldn't press, but she really was curious now. She made a mental note to ask Emily later, even if the details wouldn't be fully accurate. "What does this future with Chris look like?" She asked, trying to break the tension. She took a good amount of product in her hands, warming it in them before beginning to work on one of his hands again.

"It looks safe. Like an actual home, stability, maybe retirement if the government ever actually lets me go. I can't keep working forever. Death or retirement, whichever comes first. We actually talked about this at breakfast yesterday." He smiled a little bit at that, watching as the product was worked into his skin. It felt grainy like sand, but he supposed that shouldn't be a surprise.

"So really breakfast was more of a first date than whatever it is you're doing tonight?" Emily asked, just glad to see him relaxing again. If what he was saying was true, there was no reason for her to stay angry at Chris. Still, Leon was her friend, and she didn't want to encourage him to get hurt. "Where are you guys going anyway?"

Leon shrugged, patiently giving his other hand when she picked it up. The one that had just been exfoliated felt a little strange, and he really wanted to get that stuff off his skin, but it wasn't unpleasant. "I'm really not sure. I'd be fine just sitting with him anywhere, but we agreed we needed a real date. Breakfast doesn't count, not really. Just the bar doesn't count either." He kept watching, allowing her to move his hand as she pleased. "I just want to see him again. It's weird... thinking of something more with him."

The nail tech smiled, giving his hand a very small squeeze. "Just because you're dating doesn't mean you're not still best friends. You can still be both. I think it's cute. Acting like you've never actually been in love before."

"He hasn't," Emily said, laughing at the glare Leon shot at her. "You know it's true, Leon. Especially when you use the excuse that you were too busy working to date anyone."

"Because I am too busy working to really date anyone. At least Chris can understand." He shook his head, looking away. "We'll both have times when we can't tell each other where we are or where we're going or even for how long. That's a lot to ask for some people to handle, but Chris will have to understand because he'll have to ask the same of me."

Emily thought for a second and then nodded. "That does make sense. I don't think I could handle dating someone like that... That sounds really hard."

Leon just shrugged and forced a little laugh. "I'm government property, I don't really have a say in it. Chris doesn't really get a say either. We get to work together sometimes though... maybe if I whine about it enough I'll be allowed to work with his unit more closely." He paused, his smile growing. "For the sake of national security, of course."

"Oh, of course. Absolutely not because you wanna sit and look at your boyfriend on government time." The nail tech said, letting go of his hand. "Go wash your hands."

"Boyfriend? We'll talk about that when I get back." He rolled his eyes, but obeyed. Still, that word was nice. Boyfriend. Leon couldn't help wondering what Chris would think of that. Maybe he'd have to ask later.

Emily couldn't help but notice the little smile on his face when he sat back down, raising an eyebrow. "You don't look very opposed to that word. Boyfriend." She just laughed when he tried to wave a hand dismissively at her. "What is he to you, then? Regular friends don't kiss and go on dates, I don't think you'd agree with lover. You wouldn't even entertain the idea of begging the government to let you run around with Chris if he wasn't your boyfriend."

Leon just sighed, placing his hands back on the table. "It just feels weird to say boyfriend. I don't know, I'm not gay or anything." He cut himself off when he noticed the way the two women were looking at him, almost as if he'd just said something ridiculous. "What?"

"I'm letting you handle this. He's your friend," the nail tech said to Emily, shaking her head. "I'm going to moisturize your hands, and then we'll buff your nails. Make them nice and shiny."

"Leon," Emily started, trying not to laugh. "Think about what you just said. You've been talking about Chris all day, you told me how wonderful it felt when you kissed him, but you're not gay?" She raised an eyebrow, unable to hold in a little giggle.

"I'm not!" He insisted, shaking his head even though he still laughed. "I just really, really like Chris."

She rolled her eyes. "I've heard the way you talked about that Luis guy and now about Chris. You're at least a little bit gay. Straight men don't go on dates with other men."

"She's right, you know," the tech said, beginning to work the moisturizing cream into his hand and wrist. "Unless you prefer to call yourself bisexual, I guess." She laughed a little bit at the flustered expression on his face, beginning to really work the cream in. "Let me know if I press too hard."

"I just... I don't know. I've only been with women before." Leon sighed, watching the way his hand and wrist was being massaged. It felt nice, but he wasn't sure how much he liked the residue the lotion left on him. "I've never even kissed a guy before him. Sure, I've seen guys I thought were hot, but that doesn't really mean anything. Doesn't everyone?"

"Not straight guys. Just because you haven't had the opportunity doesn't mean you weren't actually interested." Emily just smiled when she saw his blush return. "You really are red today. That blush suits you. Your boyfriend would probably think so too," she teased, laughing when Leon gave her wrist a very light and half-hearted swat with his free hand.

"I guess I just never really thought about it. I had a girlfriend, she dumped me, my life kind of fell apart for a while... joined stratcom, became a federal agent, got roped into a lot of nonsense... Contemplating my sexuality just never really fit into the schedule." He looked away, feeling a little bit shy. Of course he knew he wasn't being judged, he just wasn't sure how he felt about having to be walked through so many different things in this aspect. "Again, I'm just government property," Leon joked, but still felt frustrated at that fact. "Who you're attracted to doesn't really matter when you're dealing with national security."

The nail tech picked up his other hand, offering a little smile when she saw him glance back up. "It's okay to not know," she said, hoping to ease his concerns. She'd only seen him in passing every so often, but she found him rather endearing even if a bit awkward. "Who really cares what you are as long as you're happy?"

"Leon, we're not making fun of you. Really. That was just a really, really funny thing to say when you're getting ready to go on a date with a man," she said, stifling another laugh. "I just feel bad that it's taken you this long to even think about it."

Leon shook his head, avoiding making eye contact with either of them. "I feel a bit ridiculous, though. I mean, shouldn't I know basic information about myself?" He let out a soft groan and slumped back in the chair.

"Easy there, sweetheart," Emily soothed, checking to make sure his hair, still covered in toner, hadn't been pressed into the chair. "Don't wanna mess up all that hard work, do we? We're almost done, I promise." She flashed a warm smile when Leon finally glanced over at her. "You're okay. Like you said, you didn't have time for dating. There was no reason for you to think about it until now. Relax."

"Do you want polish?" The nail tech asked, gently removing the extra cream from his skin. "I assume you'll just want them buffed, but I thought I'd ask."

"Oh, no thank you. No polish today." He forced himself to sit up straight again, knowing it probably made Emily nervous to see him so close to messing up the color before it could even be rinsed. Leon forced a small smile, making eye contact for just a minute before looking away. "Can't outshine Chris too much, can I?"

She nodded, taking in his expression for just a second longer before picking up the first grit she'd be using to buff. "Emily's right," she commented, beginning to work carefully. "You do have sad eyes."

Leon tensed at that, knitting his brows for a moment in thought. "Is that just how you refer to me when I'm not here?" He asked, glancing over at Emily as an amused smile began to replace his confusion. "The guy with sad eyes? I thought we were friends!" He laughed, relaxing a little bit now that he wasn't the one who was embarrassed.

"To be fair, your eyes are absolutely stunning. I don't think anyone can go without noticing them. You're pretty in general." She sighed and shook her head. "And yes, your eyes are very sad. You're just a sad boy."

"He is a sad boy!"

He rolled his eyes, but felt a little bit shy when he heard the nail tech laughing. "I am not a sad boy! I'm a grown man! I'm a federal agent! I've headed special operations and worked personally with multiple presidents!" A frustrated huff escaped him and he shook his head. "I've been handpicked to lead taskforces, train others, and work as part of elite units. I'm a specialist in multiple forms of combat. I'm not a sad boy!"

"That's exactly what a sad boy would say," Emily teased, laughing with the other woman. "Oh come on Leon,we know you're a very capable man," she said when she noticed the frustrated expression on his face. "I actually didn't know some of that, but I do now. Is that all we have to do to get secrets out of you?"

Leon groaned again, drawing in a sharp breath in an effort to calm himself down. "I won't be saying another word if you keep this up." He made a point of looking away, but knew he probably couldn't stay mad for long. Emily had a way of getting him to talk no matter what.

The nail tech just shrugged, moving to the next grit up. Already there was a light sheen, but she wanted to make sure they truly shined. "I bet your boyfriend would agree with us if he was here," she hummed, smile growing at the way he glanced at her before pointedly looking away again.

Emily nodded, a playful smile on her lips. "Unless Chris is just a sad boy too. Maybe that's why they're together." She laughed at the frustrated sigh she heard come from the man. "Are all you government men so fussy? Is that a prerequisite? Maybe the President is just a sad boy too-"

"His name is Adam," Leon interrupted, letting out another frustrated huff.

"Ooh, are you two actually friends?" She asked, just happy that she got Leon talking again. "Spill it! Tell us all about your best friend, the President."

He rolled his eyes, looking away again. She was trying to get on his nerves, and unfortunately it worked. "I've had a working relationship with President Benford in the past. I'm not at liberty to discuss anything more."

"I'm not at liberty to discuss anything more," Emily repeated in the same cold and practiced tone Leon did before busting up laughing yet again. "You've never used your work voice with me before! Do you have any other phrases you're allowed to say? It's kinda hot," she teased, smiling brightly at him. "I bet Chris would be into it."

He simply raised the hand that wasn't being worked on at that moment and flipped her off for a second, his lips twitching into a barely perceptible smile at the scoff it earned him. "That's all you're gonna get from me," Leon said, placing his hand back down. "I only use my 'work voice' when I have to."

"It was kinda hot," the nail tech agreed, giving his hand a light swat when he was moving to flip her off too. "Enough of that! Don't they teach their agents any manners?!" She feigned offense, sighing as she got back to work.

"I don't have manners when I'm off the clock." He laughed a little bit at the gentle tap on his hand, shrugging again. "You guys started it!"

"He really is a feisty one, isn't he?"

"Yes, he is," Emily agreed. "You know you're lucky you're cute, Leon. I don't know how Chris gets along with you."

"Lucky for him, I'm allowed to tell him things, and he doesn't fuss about it when I tell him the truth. That's how we get along." He just laughed at the eyeroll, glancing down at his nails. Leon truly was impressed with how nice they looked and made a note to leave a hefty tip for her too. "You're just trying to get a big tip out of me," Leon teased, flashing a playful smile at her. "Don't worry, I always do. You know that. No need to butter me up."

"It is true, though. You are very pretty, you just never listen to me." She gave his shoulder a light pat when she stepped in closer. "Just checking to see how well this toner is taking. I think this'll be perfect timing with your nails. How're we looking?"

"Just finished, actually," the nail tech said, placing the buffer down. "It was nice meeting you, Leon. Maybe book an appointment with me for you and Chris both in a couple weeks? I'd love to meet him."

He nodded, flashing a warm smile at her. "I'll see if I can talk him into it. They look great. Thank you."

"C'mon, big guy, let's rinse this out of your hair and give it another wash. Same cut as always today?" Emily asked, leading him back to the shampoo bowls again after he grabbed his watch.

"Yep." Leon sat when she motioned to the chair, easing himself back after clasping the watch back onto his wrist. "I already went lighter. I still want him to recognize me."

She nodded and turned the water on, smiling at the little jolt of surprise followed by almost immediate relaxation. "I know you love this part. Is that why you asked for color today?"

He laughed, letting his eyes fall shut. "That might've been part of it," Leon admitted, savoring the gentle touch she started with. "I really did think it was just time for a change. If I'm moving on, I think I better move on entirely. Fresh start, blank canvas, all that nonsense. Thank you for taking me on such short notice."

"You kidding? You're my favorite client and a good friend. I love it when you come in." Emily's smile softened a little bit, glad to see he was relaxing. "I had a couple cancellations today anyway, so it worked out. You still nervous?"

"Terrified," he said, letting out a soft sigh when she began threading her fingers through his hair. "Also really excited at the same time. I... don't think I've ever felt like this. It's weird."

"Well, I don't think there's anything to be afraid of tonight." She ran her fingers through his hair slowly, trying to make sure everything was rinsed thoroughly. "You're gonna look great, Chris is picking you up, and you're going to have a nice dinner together. I don't think it's possible for you to mess this up, you're already friends."

Leon hesitated before speaking again. "What if I don't know what to say?" He finally asked, frowning and looking up at her. "I'm not great with words."

A soft hum of consideration escaped her, but she kept smiling. It was sweet to see just how much thought He was putting into this. "You're gonna do just fine, Leon. Just don't think so much," She soothed, moving her hands away to get some color treatment on the . "You could always just kiss him again, or hold his hand. It's not like you're going out with a stranger."

"It's just... if I mess this up, I don't even know if he'd be my friend anymore." He was clearly distraught, but it was hard to remain tense when she began massaging the product in. "I mean, knowing Chris he'd still be my friend, but it wouldn't be the same. Maybe I'm just being stupid thinking this could work out for me."

"Hey, none of that," Emily scolded, but kept her tone gentle. "You're just nervous and you've been trained to expect the worst. I'm telling you to expect the best. Just relax, silly boy." She began gently working the product into his roots, thankful that it was easy to get him to relax again. "You said you and Chris were already talking about the future. I don't think he'd entertain that if he wasn't on the same page you are. If this is as good as you say it is... I think this is it."

"As in you actually think I'm going to marry him?" Leon raised an eyebrow, a very small smile on his face. "I dunno... marriage is a scary thought. If I had a normal job I'd probably be into it, but not in this lifetime."

"You already said it'd hurt just the same if you lost him now. I don't think you should discount that idea so easily." She began rinsing the product from his hair, using a gentle touch and warming the water further. "Gutted was the word you used, if I remember right. Marriage isn't a death sentence, a relationship with you isn't condemning whoever it is you're with. You wanna know what I think?"

"What?"

"I think you're in love for the first time and you don't know how to handle yourself. I think you're afraid because you also don't know how to be loved. It's like you've convinced yourself you don't deserve to be happy." She sighed, reaching for a deep conditioning treatment to make his hair even softer. "I can't imagine what you've gone through, but I promise these new feelings are good. This is love, Leon, or at least the beginning of it."

"You really think so?" He asked, unsure if that was more frightening or exciting. "It's like my stomach ties itself in knots when I think about him... I could barely even sleep last night. I guess I was spoiled getting to have him in my bed, but I don't think he's staying with me tonight either."

"I really think so." She hummed softly, working the conditioner into his hair carefully. It truly sounded like Leon was enamored with him, and she couldn't help but feel excited for the both of them. At the very least it was a chance to see him actually happy. "You better let me know how this date goes, okay? I don't care if it's two in the morning when you can text me, you just have to update me."

Leon just nodded a little bit, letting out a soft sigh when she began running her fingers through his hair to distribute the conditioner. "It's like you're more invested in this than I am. If I tell you everything what will we talk about at our next appointment?" He asked, smiling up at Emily. "I have to keep some things for next time, right?"

Emily huffed softly, but wasn't able to stay frustrated with him. "You and your secrets," she said, shaking her head. "I'm sure we could find something else to talk about next time. Maybe revisit whether or not you still think Chris has a very punchable face." She laughed, raising an eyebrow at the playful expression she saw forming on his face. "Still have thoughts on that?"

"Mhmm... Maybe if I'm lucky he'll let me run some drills with him some time," he hummed, letting his eyes fall shut when she began rinsing the conditioner from his hair. "It'd give me an excuse to tackle him. That's not really date night activity, though, I guess."

"Right," she said, as if it was the most obvious thing. "Obviously you have to wait until you're married to do the really intense stuff. Like extra combat training." She rolled her eyes, laughing at the way Leon's smile just grew. "What is with you and wanting to beat him up?"

Leon shrugged again, relaxing further. He knew she'd be done rinsing his hair soon, he just wanted to enjoy it while it lasted. "I don't wanna beat him up, I just... I guess I don't know how to handle myself around him." He laughed a little bit, already knowing he was blushing. "It's really frustrating."

Emily turned the faucet off, gently squeezing the water from his hair. "I'm sure it is, sweetheart, but you'll figure it out," she soothed, "I know you will. This is the easy part, even if it is the scariest." She grabbed a towel, humming softly as she helped him sit up and began drying his hair.

"It certainly doesn't feel easy," he mumbled, opening his eyes to look up at her. "How is this the easy part? I don't even know what to do with myself." Leon frowned, unsure he understood what she was trying to say.

"You think too much, Leon. Stop worrying and just enjoy yourself." She offered a warm smile when she finally caught his gaze, giving his hair a gentle ruffle with the towel. "You didn't have to do anything special for him to want to be your friend. Hey, look at me." Emily waited for him to look back up before continuing. "Chris didn't invite you to dinner because you thought about what you were doing. He didn't kiss you because you tried to impress him. You two are together because you genuinely like each other. That's more than most people can say before going on a first date."

"Maybe you're right."

"I know I'm right. Up we go." She placed the towel aside and motioned for Leon to stand. Emily led him back to the chair, waiting patiently for him to sit and clipping the cape around his neck again. "What do you think of the color?" She asked, beginning to comb through still wet hair.

Leon looked closely at himself in the mirror, almost startled at his reflection. He hadn't had his hair dark for long, but he'd almost forgotten how he'd looked when he kept his hair this shade. "It's like... looking at an old picture of myself. It's nice, but it's weird," he finally managed to say.

Emily picked up on the slight shake in his voice and the sharp inhales he was drawing in and opted to place her hands on his shoulders for a second. The contact was light, but she wanted to make sure he knew she was there. "You alright?" She kept her tone gentle, not sure she liked the pain she saw reflecting in his eyes. Still, he nodded, so she decided to drop it. "Really brightens up your features, don't you think?"

He nodded, thankful that she didn't press any further. "I didn't think I'd ever see this color again. You did better than I thought you would." Leon smiled at her offended scoff, watching her pick the razor up.

"You gonna be able to hold still?"

"I always hold still." He just laughed when she raised an eyebrow. Obviously she was remembering how shifty he'd been when she was toning his hair, but he'd almost never been that fidgety in her chair before. "I am sorry about earlier... I'm nervous," Leon admitted, allowing her to position his head before she began cutting away pieces with the razor.

She let out a thoughtful hum, shaping his hair carefully. "Think of it like this, then," Emily started, pausing when she repositioned his head a little bit, "Is there anything Chris could say tonight that would make you regret going out with him?"

Leon thought for a moment, watching as she carefully added layers to his hair. "No," he admitted, "I don't think there is. He's been there for me through so much, I don't think there's anything he would say that could make me change my mind.'

"Then I'm willing to bet he thinks the same of you." Emily smiled, stepping in front of him to begin reshaping his bangs and fringe. This cut never took long, especially because she was just refreshing what he already had. She placed the razor down and picked up her shears, moving along the back and the sides once again to really even it up. She tilted his head forward a little bit, making sure everything was laying correctly before placing her shears down.

He was still lost in thought when she began drying his hair, trying to take in her words. There was nothing inherently untrue about her words, but he hadn't even realized that Chris might feel the exact same way he did. "You really think so?" Leon asked when the dryer was turned off, feeling cautiously optimistic.

She just laughed and picked up the thinning shears to begin lightening up the ends of his hair. "Yes, Leon, I really think so." Emily hesitated in her words, but continued cutting. "From what you said... you were having a pretty bad go of it that night. Chris kissed you when you weren't even trying to get his attention. He's seen you at your worst, and he still wants you. Being a little bit awkward on your date isn't going to scare him off."

"I guess I didn't think about it like that," Leon admitted, a shy smile twitching up the corners of his lips. "I don't know if I'm ever going to be good at this. It's a lot to take in." He did his best to relax, but caught a glimpse of the time on his watch. It was getting closer and closer to when he'd need to leave.

"You'll learn." She began giving his hair light ruffles with her hand, trimming here and there with the tips of her shears to even everything out. Emily spent a few more minutes simply dusting the ends and cleaning up his fringe before nodding a little bit and stepping back. "Just gonna finish styling this and we'll be all done. Good or bad to try taking in?"

"Good, I think," he said over the blow-dryer, appreciating the warmth. The round brush tugged a little bit, but not nearly enough to be painful. At the very least he'd look presentable. "I just... never expected any of this," Leon admitted when the dryer turned off. "It's not even the fact that it's Chris that's throwing me off. I didn't think I'd ever really date again, it's been more than ten years since my last actual relationship and that didn't exactly have a happy ending. Then who even knows what Ada is."

Emily sighed softly and picked up the texturizing spray, dusting his hair in a fine mist before tousling it a little bit more. "We'll talk about that in a second. All done," she said, taking the cape off. "What do you think?" She handed him a mirror so he could see the back, waiting patiently while he rearranged just a couple strands.

"Great work as always," he complimented, handing the mirror back as he stood. Leon took the robe off, an amused smile twitching up the corners of his lips when he noticed her watching as he pulled his shirt back on. "Like what you see?" He teased, beginning to button his shirt.

"I'd have to be blind not to." She shrugged, leaning back against the counter at her station. "Leon, you have to listen to me for a second."

Leon glanced up, leaving his shirt partially undone at the top. "What?"

"You aren't unlovable, no matter what you think. I want you to have fun tonight, okay?" Emily offered a warm smile, taking in his appearance. "You look great. Chris isn't gonna know what hit him."

"Thank you, Emily. Really." He smiled, jolting in surprise when she pulled him in for a hug. A quiet laugh escaped him and he gave her a loose hug in return, patting her back lightly. Leon took a small step back, laughing again when she gave his hair one last ruffle.

She relaxed when she saw him smile, letting him go. "You better tell me all about this date when you're done!" She insisted, walking him up to the front counter. "This is a good thing, sweetheart. Really."

Leon nodded, paying and leaving a very generous tip for both her and the manicurist. "Of course. I'll see you next time." He gave a small wave and stepped outside, checking the time on his watch. It was barely past five, which would give him more than enough time to get home and finish getting ready. Still, he found himself nervous.

Chapter Text

Chris was almost at Leon's place, and he couldn't help but imagine how good the other was going to look. He smiled at the thought and pulled up at the curb, putting the car in park. He was startled to see a blonde man in front of Leon's home, but soon realized that it was Leon.

"Chris!" He called out with a bright smile, wasting no time in moving to greet him. His heart skipped a beat in anticipation when the other met him at the bottom step, but he was beyond excited. Just seeing Chris put some of his worries at ease. Without another moment of hesitation he pulled the larger man into a tight hug, unable to really contain himself.

"Your hair-" He started, laughing when he was pulled in. This felt right. Chris wrapped his arms around the other, giving him a very light squeeze. "Is that what you meant when you told me you were getting ready?" He asked, taking a very small step back but not letting go.

Leon nodded, smile still stuck on his face. "I thought it was time for a change. You like it?" For a reason he couldn't quite place he wanted Chris's approval and found himself almost anxious over the answer he might get.

"You look great, Leon. Definitely a surprise, but I'm not complaining." He reached up with one hand, gently threading his fingers through Leon's hair. It was sweet to see how the other leaned into his touch, and without realizing it Chris found himself pressing a soft kiss on the corner of his lips.

The light kiss made his heart flutter and he longed for more, but he knew it might be best to wait. "I have another surprise for you," Leon said, feeling a little bit shy but still holding up the deep red rose he'd gotten for Chris. He hoped it wouldn't come off as ridiculous, but he didn't want to show up to their date empty-handed.

Chris felt himself starting to blush and took the rose, smiling brightly back at him. "Actually, come with me." He took Leon's hand and began leading him back to his car and opened the door, grabbing the rose he'd brought for Leon. "This is for you."

Leon couldn't help but laugh a little bit at that. At the very least he felt good knowing the other man thought the same as him. "Thank you, Chris. Really." He reached out, allowing himself to hold Chris's hand for just a moment before taking the rose from him. "It's beautiful."

"You're beautiful," he said without thinking, immediately feeling a dark blush heating his face. Even though Chris hadn't intended to say those words, they were most definitely true. Leon looked positively radiant, with a blush dusting across his face and shy smile. By the time he'd started to come to his senses enough to think about apologizing Leon was already rewarding him with another kiss.

"Sorry," he muttered when he pulled back, already knowing he was bright red. "I couldn't help myself." A soft sigh escaped him and he shook his head, but he couldn't wipe the smile from his face. Still, he couldn't say he regretted kissing Chris at all. It felt wonderful, and he'd do it again in a heartbeat if they didn't already have plans.

Chris grinned, pressing a very light kiss on his cheek before moving back. "Never apologize for that. You ready to go?" He opened the passenger door further, motioning him into the car. When Leon was situated he closed the door, quickly making his way to the driver's seat.

Leon glanced over when Chris sat, hesitating when he noticed their suit jacket was still buttoned. That was pretty cute, but he wasn't sure how to approach that. "May I?" He asked when he saw Chris starting to reach for his own seatbelt.

"Oh-? Sure." He wasn't sure what Leon was referring to, but something was clearly bothering him. Chris froze when their hands went straight for his jacket, nimbly undoing the buttons before smoothing down his lapels. That didn't do a single thing to help him get rid of his blush. In fact, he only turned redder. "Th-" He cut himself off and cleared his throat, surprised at how flustered he was, "Thanks." He'd forgotten entirely that when he sat he was supposed to unbutton it.

"Hold on," he hummed, undoing the very top button of Chris's collar before pulling his hands back. "Much better." Leon only realized then what he was doing, but it was too late to think about that. He opted to glance away, shifting uncomfortably and making sure to keep his hands on his lap. "Where are we heading?"

Chris just glanced over with a small smile when he started his car back up. "You'll see," he hummed as he pulled away from the curb, nervous but very much excited. "We have a little bit of a drive, so just relax."

As anxious as he was to know where they were going he decided to just go with it. Still, he found himself near trembling and wished he'd taken a few shots before Chris picked him up. "I don't think you've ever driven me anywhere when we haven't been at work," Leon commented, laughing a little bit and opting to look down at the rose still in his hands. "It's weird... Being alone with you when we're not about to die. I like it."

"Well, I certainly hope you prefer being with me to dying," he teased, a soft laugh escaping him. "It's nice seeing you outside of work. I know I'm with Claire sometimes when you two meet up, but this is different. It's nice." Chris tensed and hit the brakes when the car in front of them hard braked. On instinct he reached over, grabbing onto Leon's knee for a second. "Oh shit- I'm sorry," he rushed to say, a dark blush heating his features again. What surprised him even more was Leon reaching out to stop him from moving his hand away.

"You're fine." He smiled and looked over at the other, knowing his face must look about as red as Chris's but not minding. "You didn't have to slam the brakes if you wanted to touch me, Chris," Leon teased, guiding his hand just a little bit higher to rest on his thigh and giving it a light squeeze. "I don't mind. We're... whatever we're doing... so you get a free pass."

Chris just raised an eyebrow, but kept his hand where the other man placed it. "Glad to know I have a pass, but you better let me know if you're uncomfortable." He hesitated, glancing over for just another second. "Would it kill you to say dating?"

A quiet sigh escaped him and he shook his head, but smiled anyway. "I guess I didn't want to overstate what we were doing in case you didn't agree. I wasn't sure if we'd be on the same page or not." His smile only grew when Chris gave his thigh a light pat before holding his hand. "So you really won't tell me where we're going?"

"You just relax. I wanna surprise you." He smiled and gave Leon's hand a light squeeze, looking over at him when they stopped at a red light. Leon truly was stunning. The more Chris learned about him the deeper the affection he felt was. It wasn't hard to see how beautiful Leon was inside and out, and he was beyond happy to see more sides of him. "You'll see soon enough."

"What were you up to today, then?" Leon glanced back over, startled to see just how closely he was being watched. He didn't mind, he simply hadn't expected to see such a warm expression directed his way. His heart skipped a beat and his face warmed up again, causing him to look away again quickly. Those same neglected feelings were rising once more, and if he didn't find a way to deal with that he wasn't sure how much more he could handle. "Light's green," he managed to get out, not daring to look back over again.

That one little flustered glance was beyond sweet to Chris, and he couldn't help but run his thumb very lightly over Leon's knuckles. "I made some calls to get us a reservation and then I waited for it to be time to come get you," he hummed, taking a quick look down at the hand he was holding when he noticed how smooth their skin felt. "Are your hands always this soft?"

He laughed a little bit, blushing even hotter and shaking his head. "No," he said, watching Chris's fingertips gently trail across his hand, "I let them talk me into getting a manicure while I was getting my hair done." That was embarrassing to admit, but with the way he was being touched it seemed as though Chris liked it.  "I was just sitting there anyway, so..."

"I really didn't take you as the type to do that." Chris just laughed, but couldn't stop himself from continuing to enjoy the silky texture of the other's skin. He lifted Leon's hand at the next red light they stopped at just to take a look at his nails. Nice and short, but perfectly shaped and very shiny. They definitely suited Leon. "I like it, actually... they look really nice."

"Thanks," he muttered, now bright red. Taking a compliment was always hard, but taking a compliment from a close friend he was going on a date with was even harder. Leon never knew how to react. Knowing this was a date only upped the pressure. For a moment he wondered if he made a mistake accepting the older man's invitation to dinner and was afraid he was trying too hard. This was foreign territory and he didn't know how to handle himself. He was sure Chris could feel his heart racing the way their fingertips traveled to his wrist for just a moment when his hand was lowered again.

Seeing Leon so timid was a first, but he found it more than sweet. Everything new Leon showed him was something he treasured. "I feel like I didn't do enough," Chris joked, "You look incredible." He didn't even think it would have been possible for Leon to look any better, but knowing he even put thought into his nails made his heart flutter. Chris could also feel the younger man's pulse speeding up. At the very least that was enough to tell him he wasn't the only one excited.

Leon's smile made a return, simply twitching up the corners of his lips. Still he refused to look back at Chris, opting to look out the window until his blush faded a little bit. "Well, we could go suit shopping some time if that's what you want. Get you in something that fits you a little better." He looked back over, his expression softening. "I think you did more than enough, though. I never get to see you dressed up. You've seen me in a suit a million times, and I've never seen you wear one before now. I like it. You look nice."

"You think so?" If he wasn't driving he would've kissed Leon right then. Chris opted to take a quick look over, stunned at the admiration he saw in those crystal blue eyes. How he got Leon to agree to this would remain a mystery to him forever. He wasn't sure he'd ever understand what he did to deserve such a beautiful person looking at him like that. "It's different tonight, though," he said, hesitating before continuing, "Seeing you, I mean. I know I've seen you in a suit, but it feels different."

"Because it's not for work?" His smile grew a little bit at that. Leon wasn't sure if Chris really noticed, but he wore the suit the other tended to compliment the most. Beyond that, he didn't button his shirt as high as he usually would have if he was dressing for work. He was just glad to know Chris liked what he saw.

"Maybe... I don't think you could look bad if you tried, though." Chris just smiled and gave his hand another light squeeze. It was the truth, but he knew it wouldn't hurt to try buttering his date up a little bit. While he had seen Leon looking a little rough he could never say Leon had ever looked bad. Not in his eyes, at least. Even bruised and bloodied he'd always seen the appeal.

He shook his head but still let out a little laugh. Chris certainly was laying it on thick. Still, it was sweet and he couldn't say he minded it much. "You're not bad to look at either, you know?" Leon felt awkward and stiff flirting back like that, but he had to try. Praise wasn't something he was used to and neither was flirting.

That certainly was something to hear from Leon. Now Chris was the one whose blush was rising, heating his skin and making it feel tingly. He hadn't ever considered that Leon might reciprocate the same amount of attraction for him and just the thought of it made him excited. He didn't want to get too ahead of himself, but he enjoyed that idea quite a bit and hoped Leon wasn't just saying it. Sure, it sounded a little bit stiff, but he appreciated the sentiment more than he could say. "Thank you," he finally managed to get out, grinning when he felt a tight squeeze on his hand.

The rest of the drive was spent in relative silence. It was a little bit tense, yet still comfortable. Leon continually found himself stealing glances at the older man, quickly looking away every time he made even the most brief amount of eye contact. He didn't even know why he felt so shy about it. They were already on a date, they'd kissed a handful of times, they'd spent the night in each other's arms twice, and yet he still found his heart fluttering when he was caught. Was caught even the right word? Leon wasn't so sure, but it certainly felt that way. It was embarrassing, finding himself acting so much like a child, but maybe Emily was right when she'd used the word 'crush' earlier. He definitely didn't feel like an adult, but more like an anxious child.

Each little look he caught from Leon made him excited. He didn't usually like being observed so closely, yet found himself near giddy just knowing the younger man was watching. Chris cleared his throat to break the silence as he turned into the parking lot, feeling a little bit awkward about being the first to speak, "We're here."

"How'd you get us in here?" Leon asked, startled to see that they actually were at the nice restaurant Chris had suggested the day before. "Aren't reservations usually booked for awhile?"

"You have your secrets and I have mine." He just smiled, giving Leon's thigh a light pat before pulling up the the valet. He wasn't used to having someone else park for him, but he'd live with it. Chris hesitated before handing over the keys, his date already standing at the curb and watching him with an amused smile. He sighed and tucked the slip into his pocket before joining Leon, walking through the door at his side. They were a little bit early and had to wait a few minutes to be seated, but he wasn't ready to break the silence after checking in. Instead he opted to sit right next to Leon, his smile making a return when the younger man scooted in to be pressing very lightly into his side. It was a bold move, but definitely one he liked.

He was worried that the action was too much until Chris's hand found a spot on his knee. Touch was a much easier way for Leon to communicate and he was just thankful the other seemed to understand. Words were nice, but something about them seemed too vulnerable. He jolted in surprise when they were called, letting out an anxious laugh and looking away as he followed behind Chris and the hostess seating them. "So? How'd you get us in here so easily? I'm dying to know."

"We can talk about that later," Chris insisted, looking across the table at the other. He felt frozen in place by the sight in front of him. Bright blue eyes were studying him, almost sparkling in the dim light. The ghost of a smile was playing on the corners of Leon's lips, a light blush dusting his face. He looked positively divine. Chris wasn't sure it was fair. "Wow," he breathed out without thinking. He realized he said that out loud when he heard a quiet laugh come from the other side of the table, already feeling his face and ears beginning to burn with a blush.

"Wow," Leon repeated quietly, his smile growing. "So, any suggestions?" He glanced down at the menu and soon found his gaze drifting back up. It was hard to keep his eyes off the other, happy to see him in a new way. It felt like there was an endless amount of warmth held in Chris's eyes, drawing him in. "I don't really know where to start," he admitted and forced himself to look back down at the menu.

The quiet imitation flustered him, but the way Leon's expression softened was enough to let him know it was just some harmless fun. It was hard to focus on what was being said. Chris was far too focused on the way the other kept looking back up at him, as though it was just as hard for him to settle down. "Usually an appetizer, right?" He asked, reluctantly looking down at the menu. Already it gave him a headache trying to make out such small letters in the low lighting, and the added pressure of being on a date wasn't helping. Of course he could read pretty well, he wouldn't have gotten very far if he couldn't, but sometimes he struggled more than others. "What sounds good to you? Wanna split one?" Chris offered and looked back up.

"Definitely." He let out a soft hum, reading over the short list of appetizers. "How about the arancini?" Leon suggested. When Chris raised an eyebrow he just laughed a little bit, deciding to elaborate. "Fried risotto stuffed with cheese. Very easy to share. I think you'll like it," he said with a warm smile. He wasn't about to say that was the only thing on the list of appetizers he was really familiar with. Chris would probably pick up on that... if he bothered to read the menu. Leon was aware that the other man tended to simply skim if not ignore most text entirely. He had his suspicions as to why, but he'd never push it.

Chris simply nodded his agreement, watching as the other man went back to idly scanning the menu until the waiter approached their table. He was actually relieved when Leon took the initiative to speak up and handle ordering the appetizer. All he did was thank the waiter when water was placed at their table. It was a good thing he didn't really have to speak, because simply looking at Leon like that was making him feel a little bit tongue-tied. "Thank you for handling that," he said. He was just glad to have Leon's undivided attention again for the time being.

He just smiled again, watching Chris across the table. "You seemed distracted. What's on your mind, huh?" Leon reached out and placed his hand on the table, waiting patiently for it to be taken. As soon as the other man's hand occupied his he gave a very light squeeze. He wasn't entirely sure how to navigate this, but he'd never complain about being able to hold Chris's hand this way. The gentle physical contact felt grounding, his chest filling with a warm, sweet sensation he wasn't familiar with but definitely liked.

"Just happy to be here," He said, dropping his voice to a lower volume, "You're absolutely stunning... I don't think I've ever seen you look better." Without giving it another thought he lifted Leon's hand and pressed a very light kiss on the back of it, allowing his lips to brush against smooth skin for a moment longer. Chris realized what he'd done when he was about to set the other's hand back on the table. Before pulling away entirely he glanced up, a warm smile forming on his lips when he saw the startled but content expression on Leon's face. He gave their hand a gentle squeeze and placed it back on the table.

Leon was shocked. The words alone were enough to make his heart race. Paired with such a gentle and tender action it made him feel like he could just about melt. His face was hotter than he ever remembered it being before and he knew he must be a deep shade of red or close to it. He couldn't help but reciprocate the smile and lean in a little bit closer to the table. "Chris..." His smile grew and he gave the other's hand a tight squeeze. "Thank you."

Chris was about to respond to that when the waiter approached them with their appetizer. Quick service. He wasn't sure why he was surprised, that was one of the reasons why these places did so well.

"Have we decided on entrees?" The waiter asked, placing the plate on the table. "Perhaps a nice wine?" He motioned to the wine list and offered a cordial smile and looked over to Leon, as he was the one who ordered the appetizer.

"Oh- I'll have the salmon," Leon said with a small nod, handing his menu over.

There was a brief moment of panic when Chris realized he hadn't even come close to deciding what he wanted to order, but relaxed when his eyes settled on a steak. "Filet mignon, please. Medium well." He handed his menu over as well and glanced at the wine list before shaking his head with a soft laugh. "He's probably the one you should be asking about wine," Chris joked, motioning to Leon.

"May I suggest our pinot noir? It should pair nicely with both of your entrees."

"That would be great," Leon said, a little bit embarrassed that Chris motioned to him. Still, he forced a small smile. His only form of dissent was giving Chris's hand a tight squeeze, but he didn't want to let go quite yet. "Didn't have to call me out like that," he said when the waiter left, giving his head a small shake.

"What- no- I didn't mean it like that," he insisted. Chris hadn't even realized how those words might come off. He cursed himself internally, fearing he'd just crushed any chance of this lasting before they even made it to the main course. "Leon, I... just meant you know more about this than I do. Look at me," he said, running his thumb very lightly over their knuckles, "I'm out of place here. I don't know what I'm doing... I barely even recognized anything on the menu. You would know better than me about wine, because I think you just know food better than I do, anyway... And you look like you belong here. I don't." Thankfully it looked like that soothed his words. It was the truth either way.

He felt himself relax again and nodded, giving Chris's hand a light squeeze before letting go. It made sense, but he knew for a fact the other wanted him to stop drinking so much. Realistically Leon knew he shouldn't have just jumped to that conclusion even though it was hard not to. "Y'know this was about the only thing I could recognize on the list of appetizers," Leon admitted, a shy smile on his lips once again. "And I think you belong here.... with me." The last couple words were almost whispered, but he wanted to say them. Chris was bold enough to kiss his hand and he wanted to make it clear that he was trying too.

That last sentence made Chris happier than he'd ever been. Not only had he managed to recover what could have been a bad situation he actually got Leon to attempt flirting back. He wanted so badly to kiss the other in that moment, but knew it wouldn't be appropriate. Every single thing his date did drew him in further and there was nothing he could do about it. "Thank you for coming to dinner with me," he said, happier than he'd felt in years.

"Thank you for taking me out." He nudged the plate of appetizers closer to the other, waiting patiently for Chris to take one before taking one for himself. There weren't too many on the plate, but they'd be able to split them easily. "I can't even remember the last time I didn't have dinner alone," Leon admitted, glancing away for a second.

"We'll have to make this a regular thing then, now won't we?" Chris smiled when the smaller man looked back at him. He took a small bite, pleasantly surprised at the taste. Crisp on the outside, warm and melty on the inside. Leon definitely made a good call on that one. "Any time you want, Leon. Really."

Leon just smiled before taking a taste of the appetizer as well. Warm and thick and comforting. He vaguely remembered eating this with his parents, once, but that was a long time ago. Nothing would ever come close to being as good as he remembered his mother's cooking, yet this would do. It was enough to share with a friend, perhaps even more. "It's weird seeing you like this," he commented, taking a small sip of wine before elaborating. "Not really our speed is it?"

He shrugged at the question even though he knew Leon was right. Maybe this wasn't where either of them really belonged. Chris decided he didn't care about that and took another bite while he considered what to say. Still, he could feel the other's gaze continually darting back to him before moving away. "It could be," he settled on and carefully wiped his hands on the napkin placed on his lap. "Dinner. Wine. Some kind of dessert. Just the two of us. I wouldn't mind if we did this more often."

"Yeah," the blonde agreed with a nod. "Then we drive back to our estate. Drink the finest champagne, sit in the garden on the veranda. Maybe settle into our hot tub next to our pool." Leon laughed when he saw the older man's eyes roll. He knew it might not be the best time for a joke, but it all felt so absurd. This wasn't like the two of them and he knew it. Leon had a good time pretending for a moment, though, even if in jest. "I know what you mean, Chris," he reassured, smile still on his face. "It's nice for a change."

"So... did you really bleach your hair again for this?" Chris asked, pivoting the subject. "I thought you told Claire you were sick of the upkeep?" He watched while Leon carefully cut the remaining portion of the appetizer in two, pushing the plate toward him in a silent urge for him to take half. "Thanks," he said, nudging the dish back to the younger man.

"You said something about liking my hair a few times when it was this color," he admitted with a quiet laugh and glanced away. "It was time for a change, anyway. Why? You looking for something new?" Leon took the other half with a small shrug, small smile still on his lips. "I felt like it was time to start over, anyway. It was kind of weird though, you know? Seeing it again."

He raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of wine and mulling over the words for a moment. It was true that he'd complimented Leon's hair in the past, but he was trying to work out what was so strange about it. Chris decided it would be best to just ask instead of taking random guesses. "What's so weird about it?" He asked, finishing off his appetizer and watching the other across the table.

"Just... felt like I was looking at a ghost, for a second," Leon said and shrugged in an attempt to play it off. "It's nothing. I guess it just took me back for a second, that's all." He glanced away and took a sip of wine, shifting anxiously for a moment. Admitting anything of the sort was uncomfortable, but he wanted to try his hardest to be honest with someone else. If he was going to continue seeing Chris he knew he'd have to at least attempt to let down some of his barriers.

"It suits you, you know? Makes me think of that time we ran into each other in China," Chris admitted with a soft chuckle. That was a bittersweet memory. "Or those photos from your report of your time in Spain... That photo of you as a rookie officer. I think it's nice."

Each and every one of those times was difficult, but he understood the sentiment. It was sweet if he could ignore the emotional pain that accompanied each of those memories. "I wish we could've worked together," Leon commented, pivoting the topic ever so slightly. "At the RPD... Makes you wonder what things would have been like, doesn't it? If you hadn't run off to Europe right before I got there and there wasn't a viral outbreak."

He shrugged, taking a small drink from his glass. Of course he knew Leon understood why he'd left then, why he wasn't in town, but it certainly was something new to consider. "Knowing the way you looked, I don't think I would've been able to keep my hands off you," He confessed, happy to get a soft laugh out of the other. "I think we would've ended up here a lot sooner... well, maybe not here, but going out, maybe." Chris wasn't even sure why he felt so tongue-tied. He'd already done the hard part getting Leon to agree to go out with him. "You wanted to be a detective, didn't you?"

"Something like that. I think we would've been friends, even if you were getting yourself suspended every other week," Leon teased. He laughed when he saw the older man roll their eyes, bright smile on his face. At least he'd managed to defuse the situation and make it a little bit less uncomfortable. "You saw that rookie photo of me, huh?" He asked, feeling almost shy for a reason he couldn't place. "Who showed you that?"

"You kidding? That's one of the only parts of your file that isn't redacted. Nothing from your days in training, a few when you were running support in other operations... You were so... different," Chris settled on. He studied the blonde carefully over the table, brilliant blue eyes meeting his for just a moment before quickly flitting away again. "I wish I could've known you before all this. You looked so... so sweet."

Leon was about to respond when the waiter approached their table again. He thanked them when their plates were placed down, declining when they were asked if they needed anything else. When the waiter left he looked back at Chris, happy to be on their own again. Sweet wasn't the word he would have used for himself at any point in time, but he did like knowing what the older man thought of him. "I actually stopped by your desk a few times on my first day," he commented before taking a small bite. "That matching jacket you had with Claire is pretty cute."

He rolled his eyes, cutting into his steak. Still, he couldn't stop himself from smiling. "I still miss that guitar," Chris lamented and took a bite.

"Mmm... Ebony burst with gold hardware and a double cut away, right?" He smiled at the other, finding it cute that of all the things Chris had to mention missing the guitar was the first one. "It really was nice."

"You remember?" He asked, watching the younger of them take another few bites. His smile grew knowing Leon even had that information in that head and took the time to remember now. That alone was sweet. "Yeah... Some cheap knock-off Gibson, but she was beautiful." Chris tucked back into his steak, savoring it. It was a little bit less done than he would have liked, but he didn't mind. The man he was spending the night with was far more important than the meal. As far as he was concerned they could be eating at the cheapest diner in town and he'd still be happy so long as he got to be with Leon.

"So," Leon hesitated, taking a small sip of wine while working up the nerve to ask his next question. "When did you start thinking of me as more than a friend?"

Chris was startled at how forward the question was but supposed it was fair, though, given how new this development in their friendship was. "China," he answered with a small nod. "When I ran into you... and you talked me down. I guess that's when it started, at least. We fought, but you were so understanding..."

He hadn't even realized that his actions had been taken to heart. That his words had truly soothed Chris at one of the worst points in his life. "I was worried about you... Really worried," Leon admitted. "That wasn't like you... I've known you since when, the end of '98? '99? I don't think I've ever seen you so... lost."

"And then with Arias. In New York. That's when it really settled it for me, I think," he continued, not wanting to dwell much on what the other said. It was true, he was absolutely not doing well at all, but he still wasn't ready to talk about it. "It was my turn to get through to you, that time, and I'm glad I did. It scared me, you know? Seeing you like that?"

"Like what?" He laughed and took another bite, watching the other study him over the top of their wine glass. "I was pretty low, but I would've gone back to work eventually. I'm still mad you took my vacation, by the way."

Chris wanted to be annoyed at how guarded Leon still was, but he definitely understood. Maybe some day he'd feel comfortable enough to let down more barriers. It wasn't like he didn't have plenty of walls up either. "Where do you wanna go, then?" He asked as he placed his glass down. "Let me make it up to you."

Leon froze for a second, touched for a moment at the offer. That was more than he ever thought he would have been offered. He hadn't even expected anything to be done about it. "Anywhere, really," He answered and went back to his meal. "You don't have to do that, Chris."

"What if I wanted to go with you?" He asked with a warm smile, finding it cute to see the blonde taken so far off guard. Knowing he could have that effect on Leon made him beyond satisfied. "I think it'd be pretty nice. Somewhere off the grid where nobody can bother us."

"That'll never happen," the blonde responded before clarifying. "They always find a way to track me down no matter what."

--

The meal ended on a light, pleasant note, Chris insisting on taking the bill. He wasn't about to let the other pay for their first date like that, but he had to relent to allow Leon to pay the next time they went out. Dessert was something the two of them both declined, wanting to get out of there and go somewhere a little bit less stuffy as good as the food was.

Leon watched out the window as they pulled up to an ice cream parlor, raising an eyebrow for just a second. "Thought you were taking me home, Redfield," he said, but still got out of the car and waited for the other to meet him at the door. "Not like I have other plans. I'm all yours tonight."

That last sentence would have made him choke if they were still eating. Chris wasn't sure the blonde knew the effect they had on him. "All mine, huh?" He grinned and held the door, motioning the younger man inside. "Good. I hope Jackie doesn't mind that I'm keeping you out late." He reached out to take their hand in his, giving it a tight squeeze as they wandered up to the counter.

They ordered easily. Leon decided on a lighter option, going for a lemon sorbet in a cup while Chris opted for rocky road in a waffle cone.

Leon beat his date to the register so he could pay, glancing over with a playful smile as he did so. He wasn't about to let Chris pay for the entire date, even if it was only ice cream. He had more than enough to be comfortable on his own. The thought of someone spending anything on him wasn't something he was very comfortable with, anyway.

"You should've let me get that," Chris said, following the smaller man to one of the tables near the windows. "I asked you out, I should be the one paying."

"You handled dinner," He retorted with a small shrug. The taste of the lemon sorbet when he took his first bite made him relax into his chair, soothed at the familiar taste. Leon loved it when he was a child, frequently being served it by relatives on special occasions or on hot summer days. Warm memories flooded over him and he smiled, now happy that they'd stopped for ice cream. "This was a good call."

The look on Leon's face made the entire date worth it. Chris wasn't sure he'd ever seen Leon so at ease other than the one time he'd been allowed to see him sleeping. It seemed the younger man was just digging and digging deeper under his skin without even trying, and he didn't mind one bit. "Good?"

Leon just nodded, thankful to have something lighter after dinner. "Mmhmm... You want a taste?" He asked with a playful smile and nudged the cup closer to the older man. He didn't fully expect the other to take him up on his offer, but he wouldn't mind if they did. They'd already kissed multiple times and drank out of the same bottle. In his mind it wouldn't be much different in comparison.

"Oh- sure." That offer was surprising, but the though of sharing with Leon wasn't bad at all. In fact, he found himself excited. Just knowing the younger man was open to it was nice. He laughed when they held a small spoonful up to his lips, but he still took it. That was such a strangely intimate action, but still playful and cute. "That really is nice, isn't it?"

"Regretting your choice?" He took another bite, savoring the clean crisp taste. After the stress he'd put himself through so unnecessarily this was a very welcome comfort. Leon wasn't sure why he'd been so nervous. This was just Chris. There was nothing to be afraid of.

Chris shook his head, taking another small lick. The rich chocolate was always such a comfort, combined with the sweetness of the marshmallow. "Definitely not," he hummed, tilting the untouched side of the scoop toward Leon. "Here."

Leon hesitated, but obeyed and took a small taste. The offer being reciprocated wasn't something he'd anticipated at all. He appreciated that small action more than he could ever say. "I'd definitely pick that for you," he commented with another soft laugh, going back to his sorbet.

"I think the lemon fits you, too," he retorted with a small shrug. This was better than dinner itself was. All of the tension from earlier in the night was gone, replaced only with playful little glances and warm smiles. Chris was certain this was Leon as he was supposed to be. Warm, sweet, bright, a little bit playful. Again he found himself wishing to have met him before everything went so wrong.

He wasn't sure what that meant, but he assumed it was intended to be a good thing. Leon took another bite and relaxed further, thankful to be free of the uptight atmosphere. "Thank you for taking me out tonight, Chris," he said, looking into warm brown eyes. "I can't remember the last time I had such a good night."

Chris's heart soared. If he was alone he would have cheered, but he settled for reaching out to hold the younger man's hand tightly across the table. "I'm so glad you let me take you out. Thank you."

"Think Claire's gonna be jealous about it just being us?" Leon asked, laughing quietly. "'Course I'll still see her and Sherry... but not like this. It's nice. This just being one on one like this."

He nodded, taking another taste of his ice cream. Sharing it with Leon wasn't even close to grossing him out. That was enough to solidify in Chris's mind that he truly cared for Leon. If anybody else had shared with him he wouldn't be willing to continue eating it, but this was only Leon. "We really don't spend enough time alone, do we? I don't think we've ever really been alone outside of work other than a few days ago at the bar..."

The blonde shrugged, savoring his sorbet and taking a small bite. "I'm glad you showed up, you know," Leon confessed. "It gets old drinking alone like that. I actually don't think I would have slept." Maybe it was the wine they'd had with dinner loosening him up. Still, he was finally starting to feel comfortable. The relaxed atmosphere was definitely helping. 

"I'm glad I was there, too." Chris nodded, watching a few cars pass out the window. "Thanks for just being there. I know I was having a pretty bad night."

"I wasn't doing very well the next day. No need to thank me, Chris, really."

"I'm uh... sorry I held onto you like that the first night," he mumbled and averted his gaze. Even though they were on date he was still embarrassed. Leon didn't seem bothered by it, but he wanted to apologize.

"Are you kidding? I slept better than I have in years!" Leon grinned, giving his hand a light squeeze. "It kind of sucked having to sleep without you last night, honestly. I was spoiled having you there."

Chris never expected to hear that he was actually welcome in the other's bed, but that only made him happier. Even the idea of it had him feeling on top of the world. Again he found himself wondering why he hadn't made a move sooner. "So... You asked me when I started thinking of you differently. When did you start thinking of me like this?" He asked, painfully curious for the answer.

The younger of them took a moment to think, biting absentmindedly at the end of his spoon for a moment. "After New York, I think," Leon settled on, but knew he'd be asked to elaborate. "You were the only person who bothered to check in with me regularly. You sat there with me and forced me to get checked out by doctors after, and I guess it's just been a long time since anybody's done that for me. You were there."

"How's your shoulder, anyway?"

"Better. Can't remember how many times I've had it dislocated like that," Leon admitted with a quiet laugh. "Occupational hazard, I guess. I probably could've handled it myself."

"You can't relocate your own shoulder," Chris insisted, frowning at the younger man. "I mean... I guess technically you could, but you shouldn't! Leon... it's not a bad thing to ask for help."

The blonde shrugged and went back to his sorbet, frowning when he realized he'd almost finished. It seemed Chris was coming to the end of his as well. "You don't ask either. Besides, it's easier if I can just handle it myself. Less paperwork to fill out and all that."

"I did ask. When I came to you, drinking in the Rocky Mountains. I asked you, Leon. Don't say it's different." He sighed and crumpled up the paper that had been wrapped around his cone, now finished as well. Chris wasn't even mad. It was more a sense of general upset knowing the man in front of him would likely never ask for help. "I want you to ask me for help if you need it. Not when you're already half dead or in over your head."

"You've got enough going on already. I can handle myself," he attempted reassuring. Of course he knew Chris wouldn't be satisfied with that, but he'd never ask. Not if I didn't have to. Maybe that would change, some day, but Leon knew he certainly wasn't ready to admit defeat yet. He also knew it was unreasonable that the idea seemed like admitting that he'd lost when he encouraged others to come to him every other time, but somehow it just felt different. The concept didn't seem the same in his mind when he was the one in danger. He reached across the table and offered a small smile, silently urging Chris to take his hand. "I'll be alright. You always seem to show up when I need you, anyway."

That was frustrating, but Chris still reached out to take the other's hand. Maybe some day he'd be able to get through to him. At the very least he knew Leon was still holding on, even if doing all the right things seemed too difficult. "Just don't wait until it's too late to ask," he conceded before giving his head a small shake. "How about we go for a walk? Wind down a little before going home."

Leon nodded, allowing the older man to lead him out the door. He smiled when their arm was wrapped loosely around his waist, holding him close. "I promise if there's something I can't do I'll let you know," he relented. That may not be much, but it was the best he could do. "You've had your eye on me since we were in China? I'm starting to think you didn't just pick me up to help you take down Arias."

"No clue what made you think that." He laughed quietly, walking across the street toward the park. It was late, which meant next to nobody would be out, but he didn't have any complaints. In all reality he just wanted a reason to spend more time with Leon before their night inevitably came to an end. "We do make a pretty good team, though."
 
He leaned a little bit further into the older man's side, unable to get the smile off his face. This date was nowhere near as nerve-wracking as he'd feared earlier in the day. While nothing eventful really happened he truly was having a good time. "When I'm not saving your ass," Leon teased, laughing when Chris shifted away and cuffed him lightly on the shoulder. "You've gotten me out of some tight spots too, you know."

Chris sighed softly, coaxing the blonde back to his side again. As annoying as some of the teases could be he knew not to expect anything different. In fact, he would be more concerned if Leon didn't try to make a wisecrack. "Glad I did. Wouldn't have gotten to take you out if I didn't," he hummed, letting his hand trail lazily along his date's side. "Claire probably would've had my head if I let you go, I guess, but that's not the point."

This time Leon rolled his eyes, but still let out a soft chuckle. "So, where are we gonna go next time, huh?" He asked, allowing the other to lead him down a different path. "We will be doing this again, right?"

"Definitely." The anxious follow up before he could even answer just endeared the other to him even further. Somehow Leon just kept getting better and better. "Maybe we go somewhere more our speed next time."

Leon grinned, shifting to look over at Chris as they walked. "I think there's a new axe throwing place opening soon," he offered, laughing with the other. "Unless you'd rather stay in."

Chris almost tripped at the insinuation, the playful smirk he saw playing on the blonde's lips. Clearly Leon was just trying to get to him, but the offer certainly was tempting. Still, rushing to bed might not be the best move regardless of how incredible it sounded. "I'm sure we'll figure something out," he managed to say, clearing his throat.

--

Leon turned back when he reached the door to his townhome, reaching out for the larger man's hands. He shifted closer, looking up into Chris's eyes. "Thanks again for taking me out," Leon hummed, smiling when he was pulled into a tight hug. He rested his head on Chris's shoulder for a moment, fully enjoying the moment. "I had a really nice time tonight."

"Thank you for coming with me." He took a small step back and ran a hand up Leon's back, cradling the back of his neck with a gentle touch. Again he was struck by how stunning the man in front of him was. When the other placed a hand on his cheek his resolve was broken. Chris led him into a kiss and held tighter, savoring the long, slow contact. He tried pulling back, letting out a muffled laugh when Leon shifted in closer so the kiss wasn't broken.

Each and every little touch was something the blonde savored, not even minding for a moment when he felt Chris's hands thread through his hair gently. He shifted in closer in an attempt to deepen the contact, smiling against his date's lips when he was backed into his door. Leon was beyond okay with the idea of inviting the older man in, having him spend the night again. He allowed Chris to work his lips open slowly, finding it cute that there was still a lingering taste of chocolate ice cream. When he tried to pull the other closer still the kiss was broken, the other's forehead now resting against his. "You comin' in?"

Chris desperately wanted to accept what he was being offered. It was obvious by the lingering touches he was receiving that sleep was the last thing on Leon's mind. "I really, really want to," he admitted, shifting back to look into sparkling blue eyes, "but I don't think I should." It wasn't hard to know that the other was disappointed, regardless of the easy smile still on their lips. The idea of letting Leon down stung, but the alternative was rushing into something head first when one or both of them might not be entirely ready.

"Why not?"

"I... don't think we should make any hasty decisions," he answered and gave the other's hand a tight squeeze. "I want to do this right, Leon... I don't wanna mess this up." Chris could only hope the younger man would understand regardless of the slight disappointment that might come with that decision. He saw no anger on their expression, which was a good sign, but he still worried. "I really like you," Chris confessed, thankful to see them relax a little bit. "I don't think I'd forgive myself if we messed this up so quickly."

He sighed, but still nodded in understanding. That was disappointing. Still, he knew why, it made sense. Leon almost wished it didn't make sense. "Guess I'll see you next time then," He muttered, leaning up to give him another soft kiss before flashing a warm smile. "And Chris? I like you, too."