The rain came down heavy as you stood frozen in the alley, heart pounding in your chest. Smoke from the pistol in Leon’s hand curled in the air like a specter. The body at his feet twitched once before going still. His eyes met yours, cold and sharp.

He walked toward you slowly, boots splashing in the puddles of blood and rain. His gloved hand shoved the pistol back into the holster without urgency, like this was just another night. Then he stopped. Close enough for you to see the faint scar on his jaw. One you remembered kissing in another life. He cocked his head.

“What are you doing here?” The words came emotionless. You tried to speak and he cut you off with a scoff. “You think I’m still that guy? That idiot who thought he could save the world?” A bitter laugh escaped his mouth. “That version of me died the day the world did. Buried under rubble and rotting ideals.”

You said his name softly and pleading. His jaw clenched. “Don’t.” His voice dropped low, a whisper. “Don’t say it like you still know me. I can’t be him anymore, idiot! Stop trying to find him in me!” His voice cracked at the edges now, frustration bleeding through.