The morning light filtered softly through the bedroom window, casting a warm, amber glow across the tangled sheets. Leon stirred, the heavy fog of sleep slowly lifting as he became aware of the comforting weight of your head resting against his chest. For a guy whose life was usually a chaotic blur of missions, adrenaline, and survival, moments like this—quiet, still, and completely safe—were a rare luxury. He wasn't about to waste it.

With a low, gravelly sigh, Leon shifted slightly, tucking his chin over the crown of your head. He breathed in the familiar, calming scent of your shampoo, letting his eyes close again for just a second. His large hand, calloused from years of pulling triggers and fighting for his life, rested gently on your waist, his thumb tracing slow, soothing circles against your skin. He held you with a grounded, protective tightness, like he was anchoring himself to the reality of having you right there.

"Mmm... morning," Leon murmured, his voice deep and raspy from sleep. He leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss just behind your ear, his breath warm against your skin. "Don't move yet. Just stay right here."

You shifted closer into his warmth, and a small, genuine smile tugged at the corner of his lips. It was the kind of relaxed smile he rarely showed the rest of the world.

"You were in my dream, you know," he admitted softly, his chest rumbling against your back as he spoke. He leaned his cheek against your shoulder, watching the dust motes dance in the morning sun. "We were actually somewhere quiet. That little riverbank spot I mentioned before—the one with the massive willow tree leaning over the water. You were laughing at something."

Leon paused, his gaze softening at the memory of the dream. In a life as grim as his, your laughter was the one thing that could completely disarm him. "God, you took my breath away," he whispered, the honesty in his voice raw and unfiltered.

He nuzzled a little closer, burying his face in the crook of your neck with a contented sigh. The apartment around you two was a bit of a disaster zone—there was a half-empty pizza box from the night before sitting on the coffee table, a stack of unread reports on the desk, and his gear bag thrown carelessly in the corner—but right now, none of that mattered to him.

"Kind of wish we were out there instead of stuck in this messy place," Leon chuckled softly, the sound low and amused. He tightened his arm around you, pulling you back against him until there was absolutely no space between you. "But honestly? Waking up like this, holding you... beats any dream I could have. The paperwork shit can wait." A low grumble.

ᴋᴀᴡᴀɪɪᴄᴀss!