𝑳𝒆𝒐𝒏 𝑲𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒅𝒚| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 2

Spies and Sensitive Spots PT2

I stand up straight, catching my breath as I look around the area, searching for any more sudden dangers. After everything that's happened since I met Leon yesterday afternoon in the village, I wouldn't be surprised if there's another threat.

Leon makes his way over to me, only nursing a few cuts and bruises after our fight with Saddler. "Are you okay? That was quite the drop earlier." He mumbles, those cautious blue eyes of his scan me slowly from head to toe, searching for any signs of injury. I do well to hide the places that hurt, and I'd never confess that I'm actually incredibly uncomfortable on my legs.

I nod, giving him a genuine smile. After our reunion and several encounters over the last so many hours I just don't have it in me to dismiss him so easily like I have before. "I'm okay, haven't you learnt by now, I can take a fall." It's supposed to be a tease, a simple statement to clear the tension between us, however Leon's eyes darken as if remembering watching me fall all those six years ago in the NEST of Raccoon City.

I reach out, gently placing my hand on his muscular arm. "I-I didn't mean it like that," I say, my bravado and confidence failing me as I get out the words I didn't know I needed to, "and I really am sorry about letting you think I was dead."

Leon swallows, I can see the mask he slips on as he nods and steps out of my touch, letting my hand drop back to my side. "There wasn't much time for a reunion back then," he takes a breath and meets my eyes, "but it still hurt knowing you used me."

My eyes drop to the floor, a feeling of guilt builds and builds until I'm almost swallowed by it. I can't look up, can't meet his eyes, because if I do I know I'll confess everything. I knew right from the beginning this man would bring out the best in me, maybe that's why I used him, or why I pushed him away when I knew I could rely on him. I didn't want to contaminate him with my selfish ways. Couldn't pull him into my world. But it's too late, we're both being pulled by our strings by people who need us.

All of a sudden the sound of someone running towards us captures my attention. Not seeing Leon flinch I immediately know it isn't a threat, so I look up and put on my own facade once again. The girl from earlier, Ashley, runs to Leon and gives him a wide smile.

"You did it?!"

He nods, softening his gaze as he looks down at her. I feel my lips tilt up slightly, after our conversation earlier about change it's so ironic now. Leon hasn't changed a bit, that rookie cop who's determined to save everyone, yeah, he's still there.

"Thanks for earlier, you really saved us. Plus, you're like, really cool." Ashley says to me. I peel my eyes away from Leon and shrug, playing coy. In the distance a helicopter begins to fly towards us, and reality begins to set in.

"I'm guessing that's for you." Leon mumbles, already stepping back and guiding Ashley to follow. I nod, though a part of me wants to stay with them and figure things out, work is work. A deal is a deal, and I've never been one to break an arrangement.

Feeling the amber in my pocket I back away as the helicopter lowers. "Are you coming?" I ask, but it's rhetorical and both Leon and I know it. I just don't know how to say goodbyes, but then I decide I don't want to.

"I think this is where we go our separate ways." Leon says.

I don't want to say goodbye to one of the good things I've come across in my life. Scolding myself internally I walk to Leon and tip toe up, whispering my number into his ear. I know he'll remember it, but whether he uses it or not is a different matter. "If you change your mind call me." He freezes, tensing up as my gaze lingers on him, then I finally turn my back and head to the helicopter and go.

I wait weeks for his call, hoping Leon will take the risk and dial my number. I don't deserve it though, I know that. But still, I'd like to think I meant something to him.