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Leon stepped in the bar, as usual. He wasn’t drunk this time- he didn’t have anything at home to pregame anyways- but he was ready to be. Nothing horrible happened this time but he always felt horrible. Alcohol makes him feel better- even if it isn’t good for him. Better wasn’t the best word to use in this context, but it made him forget his life- even if just for a moment. He couldn’t even remember if he ate today- it’s probably fine. He’ll be here for a few hours then go home and have some whiskey then sleep. He sat at the bar and slumped down.
“The usual, Scott?” The bartender asked.
Leon put a thumbs up before putting his head down. Events played through his head, a boring day today. Some paperwork and training to keep sharp. Some talk about a new mission but he doesn’t care much. Whatever happens- happens. The days always blur together, can’t remember when something interesting happened. What day is it? He doesn’t know. He heard a klink right next to and put his head up. Can’t keep in his thoughts forever. He picked up the drink and took a sip. It was rich and nice. It’s why he drank here instead of just at home. Plus- he looked around the bar to see what patrons were doing this night, he enjoyed the antics of the bar when it got messy. No one caught his eye, a couple sitting in a booth, a man talking to some women, a group playing some card game- the bar was alive and well it seemed. After a while of sitting around he heard some steps behind him, he assumed someone walked to the bar- only a couple seats away from him. He did hear a distinct click, click, click as the person walked over. Odd. He didn’t look over of course. That’d be awkward.
“Hey, could I get a Coke and rum?” The person said, he had an accent- not too strong. Spanish maybe? Leon didn’t care to guess.
Leon glanced to the side of his vision, he didn’t get much in the guy. Dark, wavy, seemingly longer hair. Nothing to note. After the drink landed on the table the man seemed to stay at the bar, silently drinking next to Leon.
“Oye,” The man seemed to direct his voice to Leon. “Do you come by…”
His voice trailed off when Leon looked at him. Now seeing the man’s face Leon’s brain lit up- but why? The man’s face melted in his brain. Leon has met so many people from so many places that the man’s face wasn’t enough to recognize him. But why did Leon’s brain want him to?
“ Sancho ?” The man said.
Leon’s eyes widened. An area in his brain opened up that had been closed off- by alcohol and prayers.
“Luis?” It was the only thing he could get out. He remembered Luis. The memories of him flashed in his head like it only happened yesterday. More importantly, his death . People can change, right? Those words echoed in his mind. He thinks he’s proven it by now. He’s changed so much. He got up and hugged Luis- something he doesn’t do much.
“Eh? You okay Leon?” It took him a second to return the favor, he patted Leon’s back- Leon didn’t let go.
“I thought you died .” He finally let go of Luis but sat closer to him. He scanned Luis’ features. Now he remembered Luis- but he was different from back then. His beard was shaggier, hair longer with gray streaks. He looked older- of course, a little more tired. He still looked more put together than Leon looks. Even if Leon hadn’t changed, Luis definitely had.
“I know- I thought I did too.” Luis replied. His expression was sympathetic.
“Why didn’t you say anything to me?” Leon shot back.
“Well. If I’m being honest- you’re not the easiest guy to get a hold of, and I really didn’t want to get caught poking into your government's business.” Luis’ eyebrows were knitted together, “I wanted to. Believe me. But you also have to believe I thought I’d never see you again. ”
“Can’t say I didn’t believe that either.” Leon looked away for a moment. “How’d you get off the island?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. I woke up in some facility. Spent a year or so recovering and have been out on my own ever since.” Luis gestures to a crutch propped up on the bar- the other supporting his other side as he leaned on the bar side. “The knife guy did some shit to me.”
Krauser. Leon remembered clearly. The stab. The fight. The shot. Leon being left alone.
“It’s nice to see you back.” Leon states, “I should tell Ashley.”
“I was wondering where she was.” Luis tilted his head, “Is she alright?”
“Yeah she’s fine- I think. I don’t get to talk to her much anymore.” Leon remarked, “Something something. Plus we drifted. I get it though. Bad memories.”
“Can’t blame her, nor you. Not like you can change what happened.” Luis responded, “But it would be nice to see her, wonder what she would say.”
“I’m betting it’ll be some sort of surprise. After all you’ve done for us.”
They both pause for a second, taking in the realness of the situation.
Leon breaks the silence, “What do you do now anyways?”
”Oh- I’m…” Luis stops, “Oh shit- what time is it?!”
Leon checks his watch quickly, “2 am…? Why do you ask.”
”I was supposed to be grading papers- but i got distracting… I-“
”Are you a teacher now?” Leon asked.
”I’m a biology professor at the local college, and I got to go-“
”Wait! At least let me get your number. Please.” Leon’s face must have looked distressing than he wanted to, because Luis scrambled to grab a pen to write it down. He found a napkin and scribbled the number on it, adding a little heart at the end.
”It was very good to see you- we’ll have to meet up again some day.” And with that he strapped in and exited the bar before Leon thought to ask him if he wanted a ride. Leon was alone yet again, but this time he didn’t feel it as much.