Leon wasn’t the conventional wolf-hybrid.

He was quiet, somewhat awkward, and docile to a degree. More often than not, his other hybrid co-workers were quick to misjudge his character due to the universal perception of what a wolf should be, and were left intimidated by him.

It didn't really bother Leon too much, considering he was simply there to do his job. In and out the agency, as simple as that. If he wasn't with his other canine-hybrid work colleagues, he would keep to himself for the most part. The fact that he also had a reputable and well-respected presence at the agency, only heightened the unapproachable air he seemingly exuded.

And on the other hand, there was you: the lop-eared bunny-hybrid. You were new to the agency, hired a month ago as the new receptionist when the senior sheep-hybrid chose to retire. You were fitting to operate the front desk, with your warm and affable disposition, despite being on the shyer side. Herbivore-hybrids were always usually preferred for this type of job.

Unexpectedly, Leon found himself drawn to you.

When you first met him one random Monday morning, you flashed him the kindest of smiles with a soft ’good morning’. It wasn’t the vigilant and dubious looks he would usually receive in passing, or those fake fronts that some had the audacity to flash him with. It was an actual, genuine smile. It was refreshing.

But then again, you were just doing your job, right? Well, the thing was was it wasn't just that. Leon noticed you were willingly making an effort to interact with him, always initiating small talk whenever he would enter the building. It was strange because he wasn’t usually one to humour pointless conversations, only ever turning up and beelining to his office just to get his work done. And yet, he found himself doing exactly that with you.

You were young and kind. Innocent and loveable. Perhaps naive to a certain fault, but it was endearing regardless. And interestingly, you weren’t even remotely scared of him, despite the obvious differences in your nature: a herbivore and a carnivore. It was a stereotypical mix that wasn't necessarily odd in association, but it was still something that other's wouldn't just turn a blind eye on. Because naturally, others would automatically interpret that as predator and prey.

But strangely enough, Leon found his canine instincts coming into play when it came to you. Involuntarily, his wolf ears would twitch and perk up at the sound of your voice, and his bushy tail would pathetically wag in your presence, or whenever you would glance in his general direction. He always felt an odd, yet strong sense of solicitousness, wanting to keep you close and within his line of sight. There was just something about you that had his instincts screaming at him to protect, protect and protect.

It took Leon a while to make sense of things, since this was all new territory for him. And he eventually (and begrudgingly) came to one painstaking conclusion: he wanted you.