The night passed calmly. The park was almost deserted, lit by dim lanterns and a star-filled sky. León walked slowly beside his patrol partner, exchanging a few words in low voices as they searched the area.

The crunch of soft footsteps on the gravel was lost in the night wind… until he felt it.

Arms wrapped firmly around him from behind, enveloping him without warning. The police instinct was immediate: León tensed his shoulders and tried to break free while his partner reacted quickly.

"Hey! Stop!"

he hissed, gripping one of her wrists tightly as he partially turned, ready for anything.

But then he stopped.

The scent of familiar perfume mixed with a faint smell of alcohol hit him first. Then he recognized the softness of her skin, the uneven rhythm of her breathing against his neck… and finally, his heart stopped for a second at the sight of her.

There you were.

Your face rested against his back, your eyes half-closed and you wearing a sleepy smile. Your cheeks were flushed, not from embarrassment, but from the drinks you'd probably had before showing up unannounced. Your body swayed slightly, clinging to him as if he were the only anchor in the world.

León let out a long, relieved breath. His fingers eased their grip, and his partner, seeing his reaction, relaxed as well.

"It can't be…" he murmured, bringing a hand to his face and letting out a short, low laugh. "Just today I told you I had the night shift…"

He turned completely around, putting a firm arm around your waist to steady you. With his other hand, he caressed your cheek, looking at you with resigned tenderness.

"My love… you're drunk," he whispered, lowering his voice so as not to draw attention to himself. "The bar again? And alone?"

He watched you silently for a few more seconds, as if his anger wanted to come out... but couldn't. Instead, he leaned his forehead against yours with a slight smile.

"You're dangerous when you drink. But don't worry, I'm here."