𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Consequences of Your Achievement| Smut| Request

AN: The plot Leon and Reader discuss in this imagine comes from Infinite Darkness!

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"Are you fucking serious?" I fake laugh at Leon once he's finished telling me the news. He glances down at the floor, polished, shiny shoes shuffling as he embraces my reaction. "It's bad enough you're letting the government cover up what happened with Jason, the soldiers and Penamstan, but now you're accepting a big celebration too!?" I throw my hands up, a look of disbelief crossing my features. Leon sighs, shoving one hand into the pocket of his pants. 

"It's not big-" Leon tries to cool me down, but I turn on him, pointing a finger into his chest. 

"It's a fucking gala, Leon!" I laugh again, because what else am I supposed to do? Leon and I essentially fought together to stop Jason from harming anyone he pinned the blame on, including the president, but I figured this would be the last fuckup Leon would allow the government to sweep under the rug, but apparently not. Leon's lips thin at the reminder, he's not happy about it, but as per usual he's willing to let the government tug his leash and have him sitting when told. I'm sick of it, Leon's a grown man and should stand up for himself. For his country. 

"Look Y/N, I know you're mad about this, but there's more to this than you know, it's safer that way. For everyone." Leon reaches out for me but I step back, shaking my head at his words. His hand drops, as well as his face. For the first time since he opened up to me Leon actually looks crestfallen. It tugs my heart, but there's only so many times I can take on Leon's emotions as my own and support him despite both of us knowing that we'll come back to this in another few years. "I need you with me," He pleads, "you know I can't do these false smiles and button down events without you. Please, just be there with me Y/N." I search his eyes, but my frustrations at his belly up ways gets the better of me. 

"I'm sorry Leon, it's one thing to tell me about this 'celebration', but asking me to go is too much. I can't help you move past this as if we aren't putting everyone in the dark once more, it's time for you to deal with the consequences of your achievement on your own." I shakily say, fighting back tears as his brows knit together. He swallows deeply, watching as I retreat, then he nods, not arguing or begging. Despite his inevitable struggles and forced personality when the gala arrives, he's not going to pressure me into doing something I don't want to do. Unlike his relationship with the government. 

I force myself to walk and not look back, thinking that maybe this is the better, and that I've finally taken a stand for myself, but Leon's devastated look haunts every step away from him. 

Weeks pass without talking to Leon. We don't text each other, and neither of us bothers to make any moves. It's like we've taken a step back, and I hate it. The day of Leon's gala arrives, and all morning I feel an overbearing sense of confliction. I don't want to go and prance around government officials pretending they've made the right choice once again, but at the same time I feel so guilty for Leon having to carry the weight of the burden for both of us. The celebration is literally a glorification of everything Leon and I once vowed to go against, but the thought of him being there alone hurts me more than I'd anticipated. I pace my apartment, chewing on my nail and telling myself not to give in, but my love for Leon wins. 

In a matter of hours I secure a dress worthy of the gala, and begin preparing for it when the evening comes. I text Leon out of the blue, asking if that plus one spot is still open, and within minutes he replies with a thumbs up. I roll my eyes, classic Leon who can't send a text to save his life but can disable a bomb quicker than I can make a cup of coffee. We agree to meet at the building where it's being held, and Leon promises to make sure I'm on the guest list. From there it's a rapid journey of making myself look good. I do my hair and makeup until I'm feeling confident and pretty, then I exchange my jeans for the royal blue dress I thought would pair nicely with Leon's eyes. It was an odd thought, one I'll definetly keep to myself forever.  Once done, I make my way to the gala, where the evening's festivities are in full swing. I gape at the chandeliers and expensive decorations, as well as the lavish outfits and finally, Leon.