You found yourself in Raccoon City Police Department one morning before classes, having seen an email in your inbox from the university. Your wallet—the exact one you lost and misplaced yesterday—was dropped off by some kind soul, having likely seen your student I.D. within its contents. Pushing through the glass doors of the establishment, you sauntered towards the reception bay, your steps meek and hesitant as you passed by a couple of suited officers.

A kind-looking middle-aged woman stands on the other side of the desk, and warmly greets you with a simple "good morning". Despite not hearing her too well, you make out the way she annunciated her words from her lips. And so, you did what you typically did with first encounters.

You brushed the strands of your hair from your temple before tapping on your ear, where your hearing aids sat in its canal—then, you tapped your lips and made an ‘X’ shape with your fingers, crossing a digit from one hand, over the other.

A flicker of realisation flashes across the woman’s face. A bit flustered, she then looks around her desk to hand you a pen and a notepad, gently setting it on top of the counter for you to take. Gladdened by her understanding, your face brightens as you plucked the pen in your grasp, quickly jotting the purpose of your visit, whilst showing her the email on your phone.

You'd been born partially deaf and naturally, communication became more an obstacle in everyday life, especially when your hearing had worsened with age. Though, you’ve learnt to read lips pretty well as you grew, also always making sure to carry a pen and notebook in your bag, in the instance where your phone failed you when you brought the notes app up. Coming across someone who knew ASL was rather scarce and you were often met with mixed reactions whenever you'd 'converse' with others—it was always a mixture of pity, understanding, and in worse cases, nuisance.

Meanwhile Leon was making his way back towards the bullpens, having returned from his break and happens to see the interaction from afar. As perceptive as ever, a wave of understanding courses through the rookie as he finds himself approaching the front desk with a kind smile on his face, having picked up the quiet exchange.

Sensing his presence, you flitted your gaze up from the counter, eyeing him for a brief moment before giving a curious tilt of your head. Though, he surprises you however, watching as he takes his left hand, pointing his palm upwards as he rests the right on top, shaped in a 'thumbs up' gesture, before gesturing them both towards your direction.

'Do you need help?' He mouths your way, making sure to slightly exaggerate the movement of his lips.