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The two of them are lying on the couch at Leon’s place. No tension in the air for once, just peacefulness.
They’ve had dinner and now they’re just glad to be together. Spending the night together with no fighting. No pain. No tears. Just them.
Leon starts poking Claire’s arm teasingly, holding back a smile. “Hey!” She giggles. “What was that for?” Leon shrugs with a smile. “Just wanted to.”
Claire rolls her eyes teasingly and switches positions. So she’s sitting on his lap. Her legs hooked around his back. She giggles again and starts tracing under his eyes. “God, I love seeing you like this.” She says softly.
“Like what red?” Leon tilts his head curiously. Claire smiles at him. “Like this. So peaceful and happy. You look so young? When you’re like this.”
She pauses with a giggle. “I mean not that you’re old. But you know. I’m reminded of the rookie I first met, how many years ago.” He smiles shyly. “Yeah?” He pauses. “You know, you know that feels really good to hear?” He asks softly.
Claire keeps tracing his face gently with her hands. “Oh yeah? That’s good!” She smiles. “Any particular reason why?” He nods his head. Taking a breath before answering. “Yeah, uh. Sometimes I feel like I lost that part of me? If uh that makes sense?” He asks nervously. “And I don’t, I never wanted to lose that part of me.” He continues.
Claire smiles softly. Running one of her hands through his hair, very gently. “Yeah, yeah that makes sense. We both changed a lot after that night. But when it’s like this. I see that shy, awkward rookie I met. And I love it.” Leon’s heart is warm at her words. Feeling a bit emotional. He almost feels his eyes getting watery. A vulnerablness he only allows Claire to see. “God damn red. You’re gonna turn me into a mess.”
Claire smiles, giggling emotionally at his words. She loves seeing him actually feel. And be vulnerable with her. Even if it’s fucking hard. “Just doing my girlfriend duties.” She smiles still full of emotion. Leon laughs quietly and runs his hands through her hair. Gently pulling her ponytail out so he can really play with her hair. Something that soothes the both of them.
She’s so damn beautiful with her hair down. Leon can’t see why she doesn’t see that. He blushes a bit looking at her and Claire smirks. “What? You like something you see Kennedy?” She teases. “Hell yes.” He says. In awe of her.
Claire smiles and starts tickling him. Leon gasps a bit dramatically. Both of them giggling. “Caught you!” Claire says through her giggles. Leon continues giggling and puts his hands up defensively. “Alright, alright you win.” He says still giggling.
Claire stops her playful attack and lays next to him with a smile. Leon gives a smile of his own and scoops her up in his arms. “Hey!” Claire giggles. “Payback!” Leon giggles back and carries her to his bed. The two of them giggling and reminiscing softly. In each other’s arms.
They eventually fall asleep, all usual worries put away. The two of them just happy to have one another. And to not be arguing or stressing for one night. They’ll probably get to a point where this is more regular. Eventually. But for this night it’s just perfect the way they are.