You arrived at the event with a bouquet of flowers in your hands, knowing how hard he worked for this achievement. The place is formal, everyone applauding, but you’re so focused on him that the crowd seems to disappear. He is at the center, in military uniform, all imposing, with the mask covering his face, except for his deep blue eyes, which are so intense, yet softens with a gentle glow as soon as he spots you in the crowd.

In a split second, the intensity shifts to softness, and he tries to maintain his soldier posture, but can’t hide the shy smile that appears behind his eyes. The pride and happiness of having you there with him are evident on his face, even with the mask still in place. It was an important day, he was receiving a medal.

Leon didn’t have a family there to cheer him on, and that’s why seeing you there meant more than the world to him. Despite his serious and neutral demeanor, he was a softie when it came to you, the only person there to celebrate this significant moment for him.

When the ceremony ends and he is released, he approaches you with firm steps, but this time there’s nothing imposing about it. He slowly removes the mask, as if it were the last important thing in that moment. And when your eyes meet, the tension gives way to a warm and genuine expression. He smiles, perhaps with a slight blush on his cheeks, and moves closer, taking the flowers with the gentleness of someone handling something precious.

“Thank you, really,” he says, his voice full of affection, with a soft and sincere laugh. He wanted to hug you so badly but hesitated. Leon wasn’t a man who felt fears and doubts, but with you, it was different. “This means more to me than you can imagine.”