𝑳𝒆𝒐𝒏 𝑲𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒅𝒚| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 2

Pretend To Like You

"Ha, yeah I'm sure that's definitely the reason." I hear that cheerful voice tease at Marvin, I roll my eyes as I stare down at my desk, continuing the paperwork as I try to block out the rookie's chuckles and general niceties.

Leon walks past me, gently placing a doughnut on my desk under a napkin, I look up to mumble a polite thanks but he's already moved on, handing out those amazing treats he buys the team every week. I glare at the pink glaze debating whether to throw it at the back of his head, wondering if that'll finally break his kind exterior, but in the end I cave and devour it in a few mouthfuls.

I watch as Leon sits opposite me after completing his round, shuffling some papers together before getting on with the work. I don't know why I hate him so much, I guess it could be his positive personality. Or maybe it's just how nice he his, always willing to help and do whatever he can to cheer someone up, maybe I'm just too cynical, ready to think the worst of someone after all the recent accusations about the RPD and its staff.

I sigh, leaning my head on my hand as I tick off some boxes, when suddenly Marvin clears his throat to get my attention. "Rookies," he says, nodding at both Leon and I, "Irons wants the storage room cleared up a bit, can I count on you to get it done tonight?"

I nod, but internally I'm throwing a tantrum. Leon stands, giving me a smile as he replies to our lieutenant. "Sure thing." I take a deep breath, already making my way out of the office and down the corridor. Leon jogs to catch up, beelining around the evening staff as we head out of the main lobby and finally into the storage room upstairs. It's a huge dusty room full of...junk.

"Looks like we've got our work cut out, but it's better than boring reports, right?" Leon smiles, tilting his head as if he's some puppy that needs reinforcement.

I nod and force a smile, then get to work sorting out the boxes and putting certain items together in piles. Leon and I work silently for a while, every so often one of us will sneeze from the dust but other than that, nothing. I even begin to enjoy myself until Leon tries to make conversation.

"So, any plans for the weekend?"

"Nope."

"Ah, me either, I was thinking about going to see a movie after finishing cleaning up my apartment."

"Okay."

"I've heard a lot of new films are out this week."

"Look, I don't have the energy to pretend to like you today Kennedy." I snap.

Leon sighs, and for once he peaks my attention, is that a glare I see him giving me? Good god, have I broken the poor boy? Leon and I work together for a few more minutes in a tensd silence until he finally speaks up.

"I've done nothing but be nice to you, so what is your problem?" He asks, looking genuinely curious. He sets down a box and crosses his arms, looking down at me as he stands.

I stand up, still looking up since he's taller than me. For some reason my snarky response falters at his sad expression, and I finally let my shoulders slump. "I'm sorry," I murmur, averting my eyes, "I guess I'm just on edge right now, with all the allegations at Irons and the other officers I'm just...I can't help but to think the worst of people." Leon's eyes soften as I glance up, swallowing my pride I add "You're so nice and good at the job, I've never met an officer so willing."

Leon gives me a reassuring smike as he gently places a hand on my arm. "It's okay, I get it, but don't put yourself down, you're a great officer too, and I know the current views of the RPD aren't great, but that's why we've gotta show everyone that we're protectors, and we can only do that if we work together."

I huff a laugh, nodding as he squeezes my arm before stepping away and looking at all the boxes neatly piled up. "Forgive me for being a bitch?" I ask hopeful.

Leon's brows crinkle as he gives me an odd look. "I never thought that of you." He softly says, his eyes lingering on mine for longer than needed. I blush, turning away to hide the obvious fact. We begin to return to the downstairs office, yawning and smiling at each other. The atmosphere between us feels different somehow, as if now I've gotten over my dislike newer and stronger feelings have replaced it.

The office is near empty and our shift is over, so I grab my coat and begin tidying my desk. "How are you getting home?" Leon asks grabbing his own coat.

"Walking." I shrug, but Leon's eyes widen and his head is already shaking.

"At this time? No way, I'll drive you."

I frown, "No it's okay I'm fine-"

"Please." Leon practically begs, so I nod and say my goodbyes as I follow Leon to the car park. As soon as we get outside I begin to shiver, the October air chilly as I rub my hands together. Once in the jeep Leon turns the heater on and turns down the radio, glancing at me.

"Is that okay?" He asks, I nod, giving him an actual smile.

"Yeah thanks, I really need to buy a new coat." I laugh, watching as Leon begins driving. At the nearest red light Leon takes a breath then looks to me.

"I don't suppose you're hungry?" He asks higher pitched than usual, as if nervous. I know the hidden meaning, and I find myself nodding.

He grins, then we grab some fast food and sit in his car eating and talking for longer than needed. By time we reach my house it's super late but I'm not at all tired. "Thanks for the ride and food, really."

Leon nods, his blue eyes darting to my lips. "My pleasure." He murmurs until I reach over and press a kiss to his cheek.

"I'm thinking about going to see a movie this weekend, I don't suppose you want to come with me?" I ask, referring to his plans he told me about earlier. He gives me a knowing look, chuckling before nodding.

"I think I can fit it in my schedule."