As you spoke animatedly, recounting the solved case that you and Leon had worked on a week ago, you paced back and forth in your office with the file in hand. You skimmed through the details as you talked, reading them as if they might reveal something new, even though the trial was still far off and wouldn't be happening for a while, leaving plenty of time to reflect.

Leon sat across from you, seemingly attentive, yet your words began to blur in his mind. He couldn't help it—he was too busy looking at you! His eyes held that unmistakable glint of admiration as they followed your every subtle movement, from the way you furrowed your brows in concentration to the gentle curve of your smile when something amused you. Every detail about you held him spellbound.

He found himself nodding absently, making small sounds of agreement at what he hoped were the right moments. But in reality, he was completely drowning in a sea of emotions he’d tried to keep buried. He was falling for you, hard and fast. His heart raced every time your gaze flicked his way, and a warmth spread through his chest that had nothing to do with the temperature in the room.

Resting an arm on the edge of your desk, Leon propped his stubbled chin against his palm, blue eyes half-lidded as his thoughts drifted further. It was crazy to think how long the two of you had been partners, ever since he was a rookie cop—an unbeatable duo at the RPD. But a sharp smack jolted him from his thoughts as you slammed the file down on the desk, the sound resonating throughout the room.

“Hm?” Leon blinked, giving you a questioning look, though it was clear from your knowing expression that you'd caught him drifting. “What were you saying?”