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The crisp air was exactly what he needed. Leon took a slow, steady breath, enjoying the chill that creeped through his chest. There was nothing more relaxing than an autumn morning stroll in his opinion and it was made all the better by having you tucked under his arm. The park was quiet, giving you two your own little bubble of normalcy.
Work had been exhausting lately - more so than usual. Attacks were on the rise and it felt like he hadn’t been home for more than a day or two at a time. Missions came in back-to-back, everyone demanding Leon’s time and skills. As soon as one set of bruises healed, three more took their place. He was running on empty when Hunnigan finally stepped in and gave him the week off.
Feeling your warmth beside him, Leon couldn’t be more grateful. You’d been amazing the past few days, doing everything in your power to help him unwind. You cooked his favorite meals, made him laugh, and practically drowned him in affection. In that little amount of time, you managed to make him temporarily forget the horrors he’d seen. Instead, he got to relish the simple domestic delights he’d craved while away.
“I love you so much,” he said softly. He didn’t know why he needed to say it this moment. You heard those words several times a day, but somehow, it felt right.
You looked up at him and smiled, reminding him again how he picked your nickname. “I love you too! To the moon and back!” You pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, giggling as he followed you for a second one.
“Oh yeah? Well, I love you with all the stars in the sky, sunshine.”
“Well, I love you enough to share my breakfast with you tomorrow. What do you have to say to that, huh?”
It was a cheesy back and forth. Leon knew that. It was only a few years ago that he would have rolled his eyes at couples like you, but he hardly cared what others thought of your relationship at this point. He hummed, as if considering your proposal. “That’s a lot to give, I’m not gonna lie. Though I’d argue me giving you my jacket this morning makes us even.”
“What? You’ve got like… thirty different leather jackets. You lending me one does not equal one of my pancake breakfasts.”
“You’re not wrong. I do adore your cooking. Besides, if I really think about it, seeing you in my stuff is more of a present for me. You look good.”
You hopped a step ahead of him, giving him a little twirl to show off. You were wearing his fluffy, brown coat, the same one he had brought on his mission to Spain. Like most of his work clothes, the jacket brought back painful memories, but on you, those negative connotations fell to the wayside. Leon forgot all about the bloodshed, death and trauma. There was only you… Was it any wonder that he offered you his things?
He paused, waiting for you to rejoin him. Something was distracting you though. Leon turned, looking anxiously for a threat off in the distance, but all he could see were trees and benches. It was like you were staring into space, completely transfixed by your own thoughts. “Sunshine? Is everything alright?”
You glanced at him and then back to whatever caught your attention. He recognized your devious grin just as you bolted away. “Y/N!” You were laughing, sprinting with the breeze as he chased after you. Leon was confused, but at least there didn’t seem to be any danger.
Suddenly, you leapt into the air, diving into a great big pile of leaves. Red, gold, and orange draped over you like a magnificent cloak. All the while, you were a giggling mess. You rolled through the leaves a couple times and basked in the satisfying crunch.
His worries now soothed, Leon smiled again. “I was wondering what got you so excited. You having fun down there?”
You flopped onto your back and held your arms out. “Why don’t you join me and see for yourself?”
“Hm…” He waited until you furrowed your brow, staring at him expectantly. Then he jumped in too. He laid on top of you and chuckled as you squirmed under his weight.
“Leon! You little shit, get off!”
He started showering your face with kisses. “What’s the matter? Isn’t this what you wanted?”
“I wanted to snuggle in the leaves, not be crushed by you.” Despite your protests, Leon could feel your fingers running gently through his hair. The soft touches made him sigh and hold you close. He wanted to stop the world, pause time long enough to relish this moment. He could hear your breathing beside him, feel your heat cocooning him like a blanket.
Pressing another smooch to your temple, he pushed himself onto his elbows. “Could we do this every year? This is really nice…”
You cupped Leon’s face. He leaned against your hand as your thumb stroked his cheek. “Of course. That’d make me really happy actually.”
“It’ll be our little tradition then.” He brought his lips to yours. “The first of many.”