𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Celebrating Fourth of July

AN: Just a note that I'm from England and have never celebrated the Fourth of July in my life, so I'm sorry if the celebrations aren't accurate or anything! I hope everyone -especially my American readers- enjoy this one! 

-------------------------------------------------------

"What do you mean you aren't doing anything for the Fourth of July?" I ask Leon as he shrugs and continues to sip on his coffee. I sit up straighter in his desk chair as he leans a hip against the table, lips curving at my tone. 

"It's not like everyone's free to come to the bar with me." Leon replies casually. The words seemed so carefree and playful, but deep within his tone I could sense that he wasn't all too happy about the isolation and loneliness he must suffer through, especially since he doesn't have a partner or any family, and there's no doubt the Redfield's aren't inviting him to any kind of celebrations either, not after Leon and Claire's disagreement a few months ago. I sigh, crossing my arms as an idea comes to mind, it's perfect and I know Leon's going to try his hardest to squirm out of it. "What's that creepy smile for? Not losing your sanity this early in the morning are you?" Leon teases, nodding to the growing smile on my face. 

I shake my head, standing up from his comfortable chair as I round the desk and stand in front of him, Leon watches, perplexed as I clap my hands together and give him my best attempt at puppy dog eyes. We've been teamed together for so long now that Leon groans at my theatrics and rolls his eyes, but still pays me attention. "Come to my family's party on Thursday, celebrate the Fourth of July with us. Please?" I add, pouting my lip as Leon chuckles and swiftly moves around me to claim his desk chair back. 

"No, it's fine, I don't want to overstep. Besides, I've got my friends Jack and Daniels to keep me company." 

I give him a pointed look. "Well now you just sound even more desperate." I deadpan, "Come on, it'll be so much fun, you don't have to bring anything, and we always have too much food anyway. Please Leon, for me?" I try again, leaning my elbows on his desk as I batter my eyelids. Leon's brows raise in amusement as I stare at him, after a beat he finally gives in, shoulders slumping as he sighs and waves a hand up. 

"Fine, sure." He mumbles as I fist bump the air and grin. "But I can't guarantee I'll stay long." Leon glances at me as I grab the paperwork I originally came in here for, his mouth curves as he mutters something under his breath and shakes his head ruefully, eyes softening as I give him a questioning look. I begin to walk out, but cling to the doorframe at the last second. 

"Oh, by the way, the whole Y/L/N family can't wait to meet you!" I add, knowing Leon's going to freak out at the fact they know who he is. As I walk down the corridor I can hear his protests and pleas for it to be a normal event, but if Leon knows me as well as he thinks surely he can assume my family is far from boring and plain. 

The Fourth of July arrives with perfect weather and cheer in the air, my parent's backyard is decorated in vibrant red, white and blue decorations, with banners and balloons strung up everywhere. Tables are filled with all sorts of foods, from salads to cakes and other savoury snacks, the gentle breeze allows the scent of hot dogs and burgers to make everyone's mouth water, and the younger members of my family sprint around blowing bubbles and jumping in the paddling pool whilst our pet dogs chase them. It's pure chaos and joy, and Leon looks more out of place than a penguin in the desert as he stands next to me with a wide eyed expression. 

"You said it's a small get together." Leon mumbles, barely dodging my younger cousin as she darts past our legs with a massive water gun. I nod, nudging into Leon with my shoulder as I smile up at him. 

"We're missing some of the family, so it's smaller than usual." I smirk, then I grab his arm and drag him through bustling crowd as he waves and nods to members of my family who eye him up with excitement. Leon lets out a ragged breath, no doubt wondering what the hell he's got himself into. I vow to make it the best Fourth of July for him, so our first stop is to meet my mother. "Leon, this is the woman who gave birth to me, say 'Hi'." I joke as my mother smiles and envelopes him into a hug. Leon's eyes widen as he accepts the embrace, patting her back as he glares at me from over her shoulder.