𝑳𝒆𝒐𝒏 𝑲𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒅𝒚| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 2

Christmas Gift In Itself

AN: Happy Christmas Eve/ Merry Christmas to you all, I hope you all have a wonderful time whether you celebrate or not!

Today I'll be binge watching Chritmas movies, especially Die Hard and Home Alone, then doing some last minute present wrapping✨️

Feel free to tell me about your plans, I love hearing about them😊
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Leon POV:

Taking a break I stretch my arms above my head, the lamplight glints off of my watch, reminding me of the time and date. December 24th. Eleven forty-seven pm. I sigh, running a hand through my hair before reaching down into my drawer and pulling out my bottle of bourbon, it's for special occasions and I'm pretty sure Christmas Eve would be a good enough excuse to have a glass. I grab the tumbler too, pouring a knuckles worth then I down it in one go, feeling the liquid warm my insides temporarily.

I get back to the paperwork. I'd finished my own work just over an hour ago but still have a pile of papers to sign off and get through. Most of the agents here have families to go home to or loved ones to spend time with, but I've got neither, so instead of them wasting time here I offered to cover for them, with my excuse being "you'd be doing me a favour." I didn't add anymore, but nobody pressed further since desperation was clear.

As soon as I pick up my pen a small knock alerts me. I frown, seeing only two minutes has passed since I last checked. Grabbing my gun from underneath my desk I call out "come in." To my surprise one of the newer and younger agents shyly walks in, dressed in casual clothes that fit her well. I watch, waiting to see why she's here at this time of night instead of at home with family or a partner.

"Hey, you're still here." She smiles, it melts something inside of me but I push the feeling down, diverting to deflection instead.

"So are you."

She nods, not showing any signs of surprise or annoyance at my dismissal. She nervously tucks her hair behind her ear as she steps forwards, the faint smell of her perfume drifts towards me making me want to lean in and smell more. I mentally punch myself, this isn't professional and is a weakness. Still...

"I-I wanted to give you this," she pulls out a small neatly gift wrapped box with a cream ribbon, placing it on my desk then stepping away she adds, "I was waiting for you to finish up but it's getting late and, well I thought I'd just stop wasting time. So here." She forces a smile too wide for her face, clearly she's worried or on edge. Why? Have I really become that intimating?

I relax my shoulders to hopefully ease her worries, then look down at the box. "Why?" I ask, the question coming out sharper than I intended. She falters for a second, smile disappearing as if she's regretting all of this.

"Because everyone deserves a gift, even grumpy agents who work too hard such as yourself." She shrugs so innocently, I can't help but to let my guard down a little. I'm honestly touched, it's been a heck of a long time since anybody got me a gift, and even longer that I actually had someone do it out of kindness.

She stands there, watching and waiting for me to undo the present. Without anymore hesitation I carefully unloop the ribbon and tear the paper, then I open the rectangular white box to see a brand new set of grey shiny pens. They look expensive, and when I hold one up to look I notice they have my name on. A lot of people would laugh at the idea of getting pens for Christmas, but for some reason I couldn't think of anything more personal. Sure a holiday to somewhere relaxing would've been nice, but from a colleague who I've only known for a few months...it's just...touching.

"Thank you." I softly say, setting the pens back gently as if they're diamonds. I look up to finally see a true smile on Y/N's face, my heart beats faster as our eyes lock for a second longer than needed. A moment of panic hits me, "I didn't get you anything." I frown.

She waves it off, then tilts her head as if thinking of an idea. The gesture is adorable. "Tell me a joke." She simply says. I arch a brow, my lips curving into a smile involuntarily as I lean back in my chair.

"A joke, huh?" I tease, then I lean forward and clear my throat. "How much did Santa pay for his sleigh?"

She bites her lip thinking, but then shakes her head ready for the punchline.  "Nothing, it was on the house." I finish, waiting for her response. Seconds later she snorts and bursts into a laugh, it's contagious and I find myself chuckling along with her, shaking my head ruefully as she presses a hand against my desk to keep from falling.

"Leon Kennedy, that was dreadful." She sighs, the laughter dissolving. I'm sad for it to go, and I'm almost ready to tell her another joke just so I can hear that sound of happiness again. I realise that I'm actually feeling lighter, and that my smile is genuine. Fuck.

"Do you have any plans for tomorrow?" She asks. I shake my head, answering honestly.

"No, I'll probably just sleep in then watch some TV before ordering takeout and going to bed."

She nods, then her eyes find mine."I don't suppose you want to spend it with me? I mean you don't have to, but I don't have anyone to be with and, well, I thought we could hang out. I could cook something, or we could just order food since I hate cleaning up-" she rambles, blushing as she notices. I'm shocked, but not entirely against the idea, surely it's better than my original plans, and the idea of being with her seems tempting.

"Only if you don't mind, but I'd love to. I don't want you taking me in over pity though." I reply. She grins, clapping her hands together in excitement, and honestly I'm looking forward to it too. She walks over past the desk and to me, then leans down as I turn my head to her.

A clock chimes midnight somewhere as her lips press to my cheek. "Merry Christmas Leon."

"Merry Christmas Y/N." I murmur, knowing from this point onwards that I'd do anything for this caring and kind woman. She pulls back, taking her heat and my heart with her, then she walks to the door, stopping to turn around again.

"I'll text you the address, see you tomorrow, or technically today." She waves, then just like that she's gone. I let out a breath, staring at the gift box in front of me, for the first time in a long while I don't feel so alone.

And that's truly a Christmas gift in itself.