NOTE:
-HIIIII I'm back (ish). I will try to write as much as I can without getting distracted !!!
- Jfc this chapter was NOT meant to go for that long. I think this might be the longest chapter yet
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POV: 3rd person
No one moves. The lackeys backed away ever since Leo's literal combustion and haven't stepped close since. Brad and his friend didn't step back but they had flinched, which soon followed with fear settling on their face.
Brad's fear was soon mixed with anger and embarrassment as if fearing the CEO had somehow bruised his ego. But he still hadn't done anything, still shocked at the sudden turn of events.
It wasn't until Leo instructed Erwin with his voice laced with a second voice, which was deeper and more growly, that Brad had snapped out of it. The salamander's voice intertwined with Leo's made Leo seem like the boss of the underworld, where his voice alone paralysed one from sheer terror.
"Erwin, take the other two away to my place and call for John. It seems his prediction about seeing Nero again wasn't wrong after all."
Erwin nodded. "I'll be back," and he pulled up Aiden's batter body onto one shoulder. He then quickly moved to untie Nero's rope (with his pocketknife that he now carries around after his kidnapping).
Brad yelled at lackey number one to go after him and after a second's hesitation, he lunged at Erwin but it was too late. Erwin had uttered, "Espace blanc personnel," and pulled a smoke bomb out of a portal.
Smoke overtook the space in record time, with Killuc's men coughing at the unexpected smoke. Just as it was clearing up, Leo moved in front of lackey number one, where Erwin was once standing and punched his jaw so hard, he flew across the room and got embedded into the concrete wall. He lost consciousness immediately and dropped onto the floor like a boneless ragdoll.
The others were gaping at the lifeless body and when Leo moved to make eye contact with the other lackey, the latter flinched away and ran for the exit. Leo let him be and chose to focus on the mastermind of this entire operation.
Leo flew up so he got the higher ground via his phoenix wings (A/N he has a tiny bit of phoenix powers because his salamander friend made a pact with a phoenix centuries ago). From his new position, he was looking down at the man like he was the filthiest scum of the earth and the sudden recalling of what he did to Nero and Aiden ignited fire (literally) in his eyes. The menacing aura intensified by twenty folds and the villain felt his knees tremble in fear. However, he was no bitch and refused to back down.
Killuc roared and brought out a handgun. Shots were fired but every single one missed Leo as he used his ability to burn off every single bullet before it reached within an inch of him. Brad growled even more and managed to catch Leo off guard by pulling a shotgun out of his arm.
It wasn't gruesome but Leo was still irked by the move. The fella's got an Oddity. That sure makes my life a tad bit harder. Brad used Leo's momentary lowered defence to shoot his shot and managed to get a hit on him.
Leo grunted at impact and was pushed back a bit. He was bewildered by the fact that one, he managed to get hit and two, by a shotgun that was completely out of range. Theoretically, the pellets should not have hit him.
Nonetheless, Leo used his healing flames to close up the wound and decided that it was his turn to attack. "loderndes Schwert," and a sword manifested out of fire with temperatures similar to an incinerator. The smug look on the other man's face was quickly wiped off. The heat pushed back Killuc and he felt as if his skin was about to melt off.
Just as he managed to bring out a heat resistant shield from his stomach, Leo quickly flew down and slashed Brad's shield. The shield was cut in half with the ends that were in contact with the blade slowly melting off the metal.
The blade's tip barely scratched Brad's shirt but it was enough to set on fire. The man let out a squeal and rapidly tried to get the shirt off him. (unfortunately) he managed to do so without burning himself but he was now sitting on the ground, legs spread out, facing his terrifyingly overpowered enemy.
By this point, Brad Killuc had pissed himself but the man's got pride and dignity, and although it looked helplessly desperate, he still attempted to try to overpower the other man.
As he was backing away, he brought out another shotgun, only for the barrel to be slashed off and melted by the heat. He shuffled back even more as he brought out a sniper rifle but Leo quickly kicked that up into the air before shooting fire at it, causing a mini firework in the air. Brad had lost all the colour on his face but he still managed to bring out a machine gun.
He managed to shoot some bullets through Leo and it should've hurt but the healing flame overpowered the pain and the hole that should've existed permanently, only existed for a second.
Brad shuffled until his back finally hit the and as his finale, he attempted to bring out a bazooka. It seemed that the larger the weapon, the longer it takes to be taken out of his body. So Leo managed to cut and melt it down halfway out of the former's body.
That caused pain within the villain and he screamed out in agony. He was now backed up, in immense pain and had his opponent crouching in front of him with murder written all over his face. So he finally called it quits on his pride and begged for mercy.
"I'm sorry. P-p-please forgive me. I'll fix it! I'll fix it all! This never happened! I'll get your friends' medical treatment and compensate them. Just please let me go."
Leo gave him a blank look for a solid while before his lips morphed into a cynical smile. I sweetly said, "No," before shortening his fire blade into a blazing dagger and pointing the tip at Brad's bare chest.
In the next minute to five minutes, Brad's screams could be heard from the neighbouring state.
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POV: Nero
When I felt someone stirring around next to me, it registered into my mind that I was in fact back to consciousness and not dead. My eyelids were heavy, finding it difficult to open my eyes. A deep inhale feels my nostrils and lungs with the scent of sandalwood and a musky earthy smell. I would think I was out in the woods if it weren't for the fact that my back was resting against the soft feel of silk and my head was being cradled by something very soft. Most likely a fluffy pillow.
I managed to open my eyes slowly and I'm met with the sight of a black ceiling. My ceiling isn't black. Wait, I'm not meant to be alive right now, or at least, I should be breathing the last of my breath on the dirtied floor of an abandoned factory. Where'd I get kidnapped this time?
I wasn't complaining though. This was a lot better than the last kidnapping. I was definitely being treated like a king here.
The head throbbing was back and although not excruciating, it was still painful enough for me to try to go back to sleep. But I was a cautious one so I needed to analyse my current situation before I could deem it safe enough to sleep again.
This could all be a ploy to lure me into a giant oven.
It was then that I remembered that I woke up in the first place by something stirring next to me. My eyes widened and whipped my head to face my right. I did it so fast, I got lightheaded and had to close my eyes momentarily.
When I opened my eyes, all the air was punched out of my lungs as I was met with an ethereal sight. The ethereal sight being Leonardo's unguarded sleeping face. He looked so peaceful, without a single trace of any stress lines or angry forehead lines. His entire was relaxed, with his mouth partially opened for more effective breathing. His golden hair was spread like a halo on his pillow and his chest was rising softly. A small scratch on his cheek captured my attention and felt my lips turn into a frown.
That wasn't there before. Who dared to put a scratch on the PERFECT FACE? The AUDACITY!
While I was seething internally, I didn't notice the man opening his eyes and observing me in quiet. It was when he began smirking that I finally noticed.
"You really do boost my ego with all that blatant checking out."
My face imploded and redness overtook rapidly. I bring the duvet up so only my eyes were peaking out as Leo chuckled his sexy chuckle and continued speaking.
"How are you doing now?"
"Other than the sensation of my brain pricked with a million needles in a much less severity than before, doing much better than before." Especially since I'm in bed with you. No idea how I got here or why I got here but I sure as hell am not complaining The hoarseness of my voice startled me but then I recalled vaguely that I was screaming for a long period of time.
"That still doesn't sound good but I'm assuming it is a lot better than before?" A concerned frown settled on Leo's face and felt my heart warm up at the sudden care for my wellbeing.
"Oh, hundred percent." I attempted to finally get out of the covers and sit up but the world immediately began to spin and flash black a couple of times. I felt myself falling sideways before warm hands pull me back and rest my back against the headboard. I leaned my head back against the wood and closed my eyes in an attempt to remove the spinning sensation and keep down the nausea. I was breathing heavily again and I could feel panicked eyes trained on me.
"Don't suddenly sit up! You're not even meant to get up right now." Leo had a stern and harsh tone but even that brought butterflies to my stomach. I think I'm becoming masochistic.
Still with my eyes closed, I hoarsely fired back, "Then why did you keep me upright instead of pushing me down again?"
"Because I know your stubborn self would keep attempting to sit up until you're munting off the side of the bed."
I snorted in amusement. "Too true. It seems you know me too well."
I heard some rustling as the other man grumbled back, "it would be concerning if I didn't, considering how much time and dedication I give you in my day-to-day life."
I have no idea why he worded it like that but it brought on heat onto my pale cheeks and I prayed that I could play it off as a side effect of my mental breakdown. Soon, there was a nudge on my arm and look over, half opening my eyes, to find my boss holding out tablets and a glass of water. I sent him an appreciative smile and take the two into my possession.
After taking the medication, I go back to my previous position and we're both left in peaceful silence. Leo seemed hesitant to say anything first so I take initiative.
"So... I've got a bunch of questions that need answering."
"As you should."
"Would you answer them honestly if I asked them?"
Leo's breath hitched in hesitation but ultimately gave in. "As much as I don't want to, just in case it triggers you again, it wouldn't be fair on you and I know I would hate it if the information was held back from me if I was in your position."
I looked over at him briefly to give him a thankful smile before going back to closing my eyes. "I'm glad you understand."
"THAT being said..." Leo trailed off and this time, the silence put me on edge and I turned anxious immediately. I snapped my eyes open and stared at him with curiosity.
"What?"
"I... we'll deal with that later actually. Let's answer your questions first."
Leo backing out was very characteristic of him and my anxiety shot up but I kept it off my face. "Promise we're coming back to that later?"
"I think you'd prefer if we didn't but yeah, we'll come back to it later."
I wouldn't prefer it? I didn't let myself dwell on it for much longer and began asking my questions with my eyes closed again because the room refused to settle down.
"Where am I? This doesn't look like the room from last time."
"Because we're currently in my room."
No fucking wonder it looked like I was in some modern palace bedroom or some shit. Also, I'm in his bedroom?! A flash of 18+ rated thoughts flashed by and I quickly stamped them down before my head blows up from all the blood accumulating.
"How long was I out for?"
"Hmm, about a day?"
"Jesus fucking Christ. Wait, what about work? I didn't apply for a day off!"
"Bloody hell," Leo sighed out, "one would think you're more obsessed with working than me."
"Hmph. I probably am. I'm just trying to live your average joe life you know and apparently eat, work, sleep, repeat is the way to go."
"Is the reason you want to live a dull life because your life has already been immensely entertaining and now you're bored of it?"
The comment was harmless and most definitely a joke but the sudden recall of my fucked up past caused me to visibly flinch. I didn't have to look over to know that it didn't go unnoticed by the other man but I quickly say something before he could question it.
"Entertaining... I wouldn't say entertaining but definitely eventful and I'm not necessarily bored of it. Just exhausted. But we're going off topic! What do I do about work? I'm going to get fired!"
Leo was silent and a brief glance told me that he really wanted to change the topic to why I flinched but he surprisingly let it go. Instead, he let out an exasperated sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Nero... who are you talking to right now?"
"Huh? The fuck are you onÂÂ-"
"YOUR BOSS NERO! YOUR BLOODY BOSS! Which means I have authority over basically all decisions related to my company, INCLUDING your employment. Meaning if your direct supervisor fires you, I can override that and get you unfired. You get where I'm going with this?"
"... I'm not fired?"
"No fucking shit you're not fired! I was there to see your reason why you suddenly dipped. It seemed pretty valid enough."
"Oh. You could've just said so. No need to PMS about it." Ok, so I might really enjoy taking a piss out of him.
"Nero, if you weren't fucking injured, I'd be pounding you so hard right now."
My eyes snapped wide open and I looked at him in astonishment. The other man was huffing his anger away but was confused at my adverse reaction. I felt blood slam against my face and back and chest and my mind began malfunctioning again.
Leo was very bewildered and his eyebrows furrowed, as if he was reanalysing the conversation. As soon as his eyes opened wide, he realised what he just said.
And then the most amazing thing happened.
His entire face flushed just as bad as mine and although it wasn't as obvious as mine due to his tan skin, it clearly spread down his neck and probably all over his body. Moreover, the man was opening and closing his mouth like a fish, which was a sight to behold.
He started to wave his arms around and he stumbled out an explanation to save face. "I-I didn't mean it like! I meant as in punching you and beating you up. N-Not, you know, the other way."
Flustered Leo was the new cutest thing in the world and I refused to let the experience be a short one. So I toyed with him a bit longer. With a fake dejected and undertone of flirtatious, I said,
"Oh, really? How disappointing..."
Leo froze. This time he wasn't functioning and I was LOVING it. "Y-You're disappointed?"
"Yeah... *sigh* the punishment didn't sound like much of a punishment. More enjoyable, really."
"W-Wha-"
"From what I hear, you're good at everything. Especially, in the sheets and who am I to turn that down?"
I've definitely brok- in an instant, Leo pushed me back down onto the bed and was hovering over me with immense hunger. His eyes began turning brighter and more dazed as if he was slowly losing inhibition over himself. My eyes widened when he growled out, "Don't test me Nero. If you're joking, I need you to shift this conversation elsewhere right now or I will go through with what you're suggesting. Headache or not."
This time it was my turn to fluster about. I assumed a little poking would just cause him to blush and he'd flirt back and then we'd banter like the usual. I wasn't expected to be hounded upon and have the man go through with his sudden promise! And as much as I would love to go through with it, my head was still killing me and something told me that if we were to have sex, our relationship would be complicated beyond repair and the last thing I needed was losing this newfound friendship.
So I gulped and looked away, pretending this entire interaction didn't happen (we'll ignore the fact that he was still on top of me), "N-Next question. H-How'd you get that scar on your cheek?"
With my eyes closed, I could feel Leo's heavy breathing beating across my face and it remained there for a while before he moved off and sat back to his original position. An awkward silence settled between us and I almost teared up, believing I ruined whatever we had with my stupid prodding and teasing, but luckily, he released another exhausted sigh and answered, "It occurred when I was fighting Brad. The bullet scraped by and I didn't notice at the time. By the time I did heal it, it was too late and began to scar. I don't think it is permanent, however."
My eyebrows furrowed. "YOU fought Brad?"
"Of course it was me. Who else would it be?"
"I don't know, Aiden?"
"Aiden was beaten till he was basically unconscious."
"Well, I just assumed he powered up last minute and unlocked his hidden Super Saiyan mode and destroyed them, before promptly losing unconscious again. Speaking of which, where is my best friend?"
Leo blinked multiple times, puzzled but his lips gave off a relieved smile. It seemed that the entire ordeal thirty seconds ago worried him just as much as me. He was probably just as glad that it wasn't awkward between us.
"I have no idea what on earth you are referring to-"
"We're going to watch the entire Dragon Ball series now."
"-but I can tell you the Aiden was unconscious the entire time and did not power up at the last minute. Erwin and I, mainly I, dealt with them. And Aiden is currently residing in the guest room, currently being taken care of by his boss. From what I know, he has not yet woken up."
I perked up. "You totally set them up, didn't you? You made it so they were together and I completely approve of that." My face immediately dulled down with the next few questions, however. "Is Aiden seriously injured? Does he need some sort of special treatment? And what about you? Who told you to do any of that? You should've let them go. Now you're liable and you're going to get punished if the government finds out. And they're definitely going to find out. You shouldn't have fought and should've ran off. Why'd you fight, you idiot? I don't want you to go to jail and-"
There was a hand over my mouth which stopped rambling almost immediately. Leo had an amused yet fond look on his face which made my cheeks heat up again, both in embarrassment and awe. Hopefully his already warm fingertips don't detect that.
He chuckled out, "Woah, slow down there. Too many questions and words. Let's go through that word vomit one at a time. Now, will you remain quiet once I take my hand away?"
I nodded enthusiastically and gave out another chuckle before removing his hand. The warmth continued to linger long after the source was gone.
"Ok firstly, yes I totally set them up. I was hoping they'd snog and then boink each-"
"Boink?! Y-You're such a d-dork!" I let out a startled laugh which turned out to be endless guffawing. Leo's ear tips turned red and looked as if he was about to carry me out and throw me from the top floor. He probably would've gone through with it if he was heartless and gave two shits about my injuredness. Fortunately, he does give two shits and opts to just tell me to shut up. It worked... after I spent two minutes trying to calm myself down.
"No one's ever called me a dork before," The man mumbled before continuing to answer my questions. "As I was saying, I was hoping they would have sex and get rid of their unnecessary stress but it seems your friend was in a lot more severe condition than we anticipated. No, he's not close to dying but he's not well enough to get rammed from behind."
Not going to lie, Leo talking about such vulgar things in such vulgar words and his sexy British accent was starting to do my head in and I didn't know if I was meant to be put off or turned on. My body was more inclined to the latter.
"The doctor said he just needs some rest and that's what we're doing right now. Aiden will be fine so please don't stress yourself ill."
"Alright... I just wished I could see him though but my head is not letting me move an inch right now."
"And that's completely fair," Leo grabbed my hand and gave it a soft squeeze with his genuine smile, which inadvertently squeezed my very soft heart. "You'll see him eventually. I do not doubt that either of you would want to leave this place without seeing each other or leave without each other honestly. You two come as a packaged deal that can't be separated apparently."
I let out a soft chuckle and look fondly at the window looking out to the view of the city landscape. "Yeah... all within good reason though. We both need each other or we can't survive. Concerning levels of co-dependency there but neither of us are complaining."
Leo just gave another squeeze, with his smile never falling away. "Hmm. I'm assuming you two have history but that's not any of my business. My business right now is to stop getting off track and answer your questions... which I seemed to be forgetting... you said a lot."
I flushed in embarrassment. "I asked why you fought Brad?"
"Ah yes, that. Are you dunce?" His face shifted into a scowl.
Well, that was uncalled for. "I- wuh??"
"Why on earth would you think I wouldn't ground him to bits and feed his parts to the wolves?"
"I am currently very confused about this sudden shift in mood. Why are you angry with me?"
"Because ask stupid questions."
"But it's completely logical! Did you completely forget that it's ILLEGAL to use your powers without a permit or exceptions? You don't fit in any other either category."
"I'm pretty sure that ordeal was most definitely considered an exception."
This stubborn motherfucker. "I meant FROM THE GOVERNMENT, you dipshit. Government exception. Legal exception."
Leo scoffed without a care in the world. I felt my headache intensify due to irritation. "Fuck the government then. If my close friend is going through mental torture and their best friend is getting beat the shit out of, I am sure as hell going to burn the twats off the face of the earth."
I was once again speechless due to Leo and I hated it. Him having this power over me sucks. His words simultaneously created a sensation of elation and a sense of dread, leaving my heart and mind in a confused state of panic. I was delighted that he called me a close friend, especially in such a short time and ESPECIALLY knowing his reputation of keeping people at a certain distance (I think this is some common CEO trait).
But at the same time, close friends... isn't more than friends. I didn't want to be his close friend. I wanted more. And it hurt, knowing that there is a high chance he'll never see me more than that (A/N: this oblivious motherfucker... ok so I never meant to make him this fucking stupid but it's too late and now we're gonna roll with it. Let's just say it's his insecurities that make him the way that he is. Insecurities caused by his past which we will get to very soon).
I could fight for it, let him know that I'm interested and free and available. But am I going to?
Fuck no.
"Why?"
Because I don't deserve it. He shouldn't have to deal with it. Deal with me. I'm broken to the point of intolerable and probably beyond repair. I'd be a liability. Moreover, the man is an English god. Perfect in almost everything (except cleaning. I don't know you blow up a vacuum the day you buy it. Like something is wrong with your cleaning genes at that point) and he could go for anyone.
So why the fuck would he go for me? A barely above average looking, geeky, slight temperamental, cold hearted, introverted nobody who works under one of his sectors, doing everyday paperwork. A nobody who's gone through some shit and has severe PTSD to the point where any mentions of his past can potentially trigger a panic attack.
Leonardo can definitely go for so much better
"Then why did he try to kiss you twice? Why does he keep you close whenever he can?
It was then that it registered that I was actually conversing Raziel through my self-deprecation and my heart startled in shock
"Where the fuck did you come from? Wait, why are you here? Stop eavesdropping."
Raziel arrogantly scoffed but his tone was uncharacteristically serious. "With all that mental torture, your inhibitions dropped so I can enter the back of your head and out as freely as I want. You can't keep me back temporarily. As for why I'm here, I'm here to help you from further self-destructing. Now answer the damn question, feeble minded."
I could just fight him back with all the insults and taunts he put in, ultimately changing the conversation but I was just so tired and honestly, I needed to vent.
"I... I myself was confused at first at why he is the way that he isâ"
"Affectionate?"
My cheeks flared up again. "Well, no... yeah. Affectionate. I wracked my heads for days because he just tried to kiss me so randomly and out of nowhere but then he never addressed it so then I just assumed it was something he didn't want to talk about. Exploring his newly found sexuality maybe? But then he's always touching me in some shape or form whenever we meet!
Whether it'll be a hand on the shoulder, a brief pass by of the hands or just blatantly holding me by the hips and he just makes it seem like it's the most normal and natural thing in the world! But it's not! Because that's what people in relationships do and we're not in one! We never defined anything up until literally now, where he called me his close friend.
I'm going off on a tangent but my point is, even before today, I just concluded the man is just exploring what it's like being bisexual. Getting a feel (literally) of a man because, I don't know, I'm the only gay he knows? And doing anything with Erwin is like doing things with his brother?
I-I don't know! But I don't care. I'm happy with where we are. Sometimes I'll just ruminate because you know how I am. Insecure and traumatised and whatnot. I was gonna get over it real soon. I'm sorry I worried you. That's not cool, even as food or a peasant."
Silence settled within my mind and I began thinking that Raziel ran away halfway through my word vomit. The man is not good with feelings. But shockingly, a tired sigh signified he was still there.
"I don't actually think you of a lowly peasant or food, you know? That's just me bantering and being me because you're one of the only humans who are... cool and I don't know how to react."
You could the demon was terrible with emotions and was probably dying internally from all the cringe. It was cute. "I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me."
Raziel snorted. "Yeah well, don't get used to it. That's not even my point though. My point is, what if you're reading this all wrong and Leo, you know, actually does like you but is afraid you'd run aw-"
I already had enough. "Raziel, don't. Don't give me false hope, or any hope in fact. Just-"
"You're not listening! Have more confidence in yourself and-"
"I DON'T WANT TO LISTEN! I DON'T WANT TO GET TOGETHER WITH HIM IN THE FIRST PLACE! THIS- THIS ISN'T SOME KIND OF ROMANTIC COMEDY! LEAVE IT BE!" I'm extremely pissed that I cannot shove him to the back of my mind and was contemplating just knocking myself out at this point.
"NO, BECAUSE YOU'RE A DUMBASS WHO HAS THE URGE TO SELF DESTRUCT AND HAS NO CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF OR OTHERS. LEO IS NOT A BAD GUY. HE WON'T THINK YOU'RE A BUR-"
Suddenly, vigorously shaken by the shoulders and brought back into Leo's room (inhaling a large gasp). I hadn't even noticed that dazed out into my consciousness. I was met with extremely panicked golden eyes and unkempt hair. Wait, his hair was literally fine a moment ago.
"...Leo?"
The other man released a relieved sigh and his panic-stricken face shifted from relieved to anger really quickly. It was like two minutes ago all over again. What the fuck did I do this time?!
"Don't Leo me!" he semi shouted out. When he saw I flinched at the sudden aggression, he immediately looked apologetic and took deep breaths to calm himself down.
"Wh-What happened?"
"Why don't you tell me?" Leo refuted back, with his eyes closed and his head leaning against the headboard. He looked absolutely exhausted and suddenly, I felt extremely sorry and contemplated on whether I should leave his home, thanking him for his service so far.
"I... don't know what you mean?"
Another deep inhale, then a deep exhale. Leo finally opened his eyes and looked me dead in the eyes (and I flinched internally). "One minute I'm ranting about how stupid you are with your reasonings and then the next you're completely dazed out, followed by dark tendrils coming out of your body and completely suffocating the room with dark energy."
My eyes widened with each word and I couldn't help by the end of it to sit up (causing the room to rapidly flip and avoiding the fall again because of Leo) and apologise a hundred times over.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry-"
"Bloody hell, it's alright! I was just worried and-"
My mind definitely not at its functioning state because I hadn't realised he was talking, so I ultimately continued talking over him.
"I just zoned out for a bit when you mentioned something and then I began thinking and then out of nowhere, Raziel comes from the back of my mind. Well, it wasn't out of nowhere since my inhibitions are hindered. But the point is, he said something that pissed me and I guess I had no control of my power... I'm sorry..."
When I finished, I was looking down at my lap, scared to look up and see the disappointed expression on his face.
"You freaked me out, you know?" Leo quietly replied.
"I know," still not looking away from my lap.
"Your eyes completely glazed over mid conversation."
"I know. That was me going into my consciousness."
"I thought you were having some sort of episode or something."
"I'm sorry."
"And then curse energy started coming out of nowhere. I thought you were cursed by the guys and I really started flipping out."
"I'm sorry."
"*sigh* that wasn't your fault. I forgot you had the former head of Hell inside you."
"..."
"... come here."
"...huh?" I look up at Leo and he had his arms out, kind of like the other day I was at his house, comforting him about his mum. I remained frozen, processing the sight in front of me. Unlike me, Leo has no doubt and keeps his hands up the entire time.
I snapped out of it and slowly crawled over to him. I warily began wrapping my arms around his torso, when he suddenly clamped around me and pulled me in. Yelped in surprise and found myself half laying on him, arms around his torso, legs tangled with his and my head in the crook of the shoulder.
As soon as the musky scent hit, all my nerves calmed down and I found myself nuzzling into his neck. Fatigue hit almost instantly and my eyelids began drooping two minutes into the hug.
Before I could say bye to the world temporarily, however, Leo let out a surprising statement. "You owe me."
"Hnggh?" Half-conscious me was not an attractive speaker. I was meant to say for what but luckily, he deciphered the message.
"For getting me worried, panicked, stressed and on the verge of breaking down without a warning."
The man sure knew how to make the other party feel like utter shit. "Wuh do I owe you then?"
Leo hesitated before the words I didn't want to hear so soon. "I wasn't meant to ask you like this but I'm so sick of not knowing how to help because I don't know the source. Please... tell me the cause of your trauma and panic attacks. Something happened right? Tell me... please?"
Surprisingly, the words didn't jolt me awake or cause any sort of panic. It did surprise me but I figured it was about time anyway. Plus, me not freaking out was a sign that I trust him enough to tell him.
But I was still extremely sleepy and I really wanted the opportunity to sleep in his arms like this at least once.
So, I just said. "later," in a sleepy voice but with all the promise in the world.
I hear a hushed "ok," before I let the darkness carry me away.