𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Keychains and Kept Promises

Leon's POV: 

I stand by the front door, my duffel bag at my feet as my daughter and wife stand side by side opposite me as if teaming up to make me feel as guilt ridden as possible, I know it's not their intention but it still hurts seeing their sad faces and teary eyes. Like every goodbye they've both stayed up past their usual bedtimes to wait for me to leave, even after countless missions they've never- not once- refused to go to bed without giving me one last hug and some comforting words. I'm blessed to have them both in my life, and I'm glad that they damn well remind me of it every time I'm forced to abandon them and face yet another life threatening mission. 

D/N grips her favourite keychain, it's a little trinket of a raccoon that I bought her a few years ago at the checkout of some store, it was on discount and I didn't think much of it at the time, but now it's become one of her most prized possessions. The irony of the animal wasn't lost on me, but somehow it now brings me a sense of familiarity and dark humour rather than the reminder of that night in 1998. I kneel down, getting to eye level with D/N as she blinks away unshed tears and holds her keychain harder until her knuckles turn white. She's tired and overwhelmed, so I cup her cheek and pull her in for a hug, holding her close as my wife's lip wobbles unsteadily. I look up at her, giving her one reassuring nod as she returns it and takes a shaky inhale. 

"Come on honey, daddy needs to go." Y/N softly coaxes, setting a hand on my little girls shoulder. D/N sniffles, pulling away as I keep one arm wrapped around her small form, she's my biggest pride and accomplishment, and I'm so lucky to have her. D/N looks at me, then holds out the ratty, matted keychain for me to take. 

"I want you to have him for a while, he'll keep you safe until you come back home." She weakly mumbles, voice shaky as she holds back tears. I blink at the small keychain, it's hardly ever left her grip, and how she's passing it to me without resistance. I swallow, throat thick with emotion as I force a small smile to my lips and gently wrap my fingers around it. 

"Are you sure sweetie? I might not be back for some time, and I know he means a lot to you." I gently say, arching a brow as she hesitates then nods with urgency. 

"I know, but I want you to be safe for us." She sniffles, little hiccups now consuming her as my heart constricts. Y/N holds back from bursting into tears as silent teardrops trickle down her cheek, I nod, clipping the keychain onto my belt as D/N watches through shining eyes. Once done, I scoop her up and hug her close to my chest as she clings to me, sobbing now as I rub her back and murmur comforting words to her that I can't promise. Y/N thankfully takes her from me when she sees my resolve breaking, I almost choke on the lump in my throat, so instead of speaking I kiss Y/N then press my lips to the side of D/N's head, lingering as I inhale that baby-like smell she's still got. Before I change my mind, I grab my bag and head out of the door, the keychain sways with every step I take away from my two precious girls, reminding me that their love and faith is with me every second I'm gone. 

Three Days Later, In Spain...

"Ah shit, they took my gear." I mumble to myself as I rub my wrists from where the chains dug into the skin. That traitorous Luis is nowhere to be seen, but right now he's the least of my worries. I glance at the villager, debating whether or not to snatch up his axe, but it isn't worth the struggle since it seems blunt. I sigh, the mission's already proving to be a pain in the ass and I haven't even found Ashley yet. I make my way out of the room, keeping my steps silent as I avoid bear traps and lingering villagers. I find a kitchen knife on the floor, probably a weapon with a deceased owner, and pick it up, it's better than nothing whilst I search for my stuff, or more importantly; my daughter's keychain. I feel my heart kick up speed as I fight off the panic of not being able to find the small trinket, it's worthless and easily replaceable, but for some reason I value it more than my guns or blades.