Chapter Text
The night in Boston was quiet and serene, with soft snowflakes drifting lazily outside the window, reflecting the flickering glow of city lights. Inside their apartment, the fireplace cast a warm, golden hue across the room, banishing the winter chill.
Ashley sat up on the couch, a steaming mug of hot cocoa nestled between her hands. Across from her, Leon leaned back comfortably in his seat, his long fingers scrolling through his phone’s calendar, his expression unusually relaxed.
Then, he spoke.
“Valentine’s Day…” His voice, as always, was calm and steady. “I’m off.”
Ashley blinked, her mug pausing just before her lips. She turned to look at him, as if making sure she’d heard correctly.
“Really?” Her voice lifted slightly, a mixture of surprise and excitement lacing her words.
Leon glanced up, his lips curving into a faint smile. “Mission’s wrapped up. They approved a few days off.” Setting his phone aside, he met her gaze directly. “So… any plans?”
A soft laugh escaped Ashley as she set her cup down on the table. Propping her chin on her palm, she let her fingers idly trace the fabric of the couch, her eyes glimmering with thought. “Where should we go?” she murmured.
Leon leaned back further, folding his arms across his chest in an easy, unhurried manner. “That’s up to you. How do you want to spend it?”
Ashley tilted her head slightly, considering. “A normal date, maybe? Dinner, a movie… or just staying home?”
Leon arched a brow. “Too ordinary.” His tone carried a playful edge, but his eyes held a knowing glint. “You sure that’s what you want for our first Valentine’s Day?”
She puffed her cheeks in mild protest, knowing he had a point. This wasn’t just another day—they had never had the chance to celebrate like this before. It deserved something more than a simple dinner and a movie.
Her fingers traced absent patterns along the couch, lost in thought. Then, as if an idea had suddenly sparked, her eyes lit up, and she hesitated before speaking.
“What if… we take a trip?”
Leon didn’t look surprised. Instead, his lips twitched in mild amusement, like he’d been expecting her to say that. “Where to?”
“Europe?” Ashley’s voice softened as she looked at him, testing his reaction. “Lucerne… or somewhere else?”
Leon’s expression shifted slightly. He didn’t answer right away, his deep blue eyes flickering with something unreadable as he studied her face, as if gauging whether she was truly ready for that.
After a beat, he asked, “Are you sure? You won’t… feel uncomfortable being in Europe again?” His voice was quieter now, threaded with genuine concern.
Ashley stilled for a moment, her fingers subtly tensing. She knew he wasn’t worried about the destination itself but about what it represented—whether the lingering shadows of her past would resurface, whether this trip would bring back the memories she had fought so hard to overcome.
Her gaze dropped to her lap, where her hands rested lightly on her knees. Then, as if drawn to it, her eyes landed on the soft plaid scarf draped over the coffee table.
It was the first scarf she had bought for herself after returning from Spain. A small, simple thing, but to her, it symbolized a step forward—a quiet reminder that she had survived, that she was still moving forward.
She exhaled softly, then reached for the scarf, letting the fabric slip between her fingers before wrapping it loosely around her hands.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” she admitted, her voice quiet but steady. “But… if you’re with me, I think I’ll be okay.”
Lifting her gaze, she met his eyes. They were warm, steady—just like always.
Leon didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he reached forward and took the scarf from her hands, carefully wrapping it around her neck. His fingers brushed against her skin, warm and reassuring. His movements were slow, deliberate, like he was sealing an unspoken promise.
“Then let’s go,” he murmured, his voice low yet certain. “And if you ever feel like it’s too much, we come back. No pressure.”
Ashley stared at him, taking in the quiet understanding in his gaze, the unwavering presence he always offered her. Just like that, her lingering anxiety melted away.
She nodded, a genuine smile spreading across her lips.
“Okay. Let’s do it.”
Leon huffed a small laugh, the corner of his mouth tugging up. “Then we’d better start packing. And book those flights before they’re gone.”
Ashley giggled, stretching her arms before reaching for her phone to look up flights and travel details. The soft glow of the fireplace flickered in the background, casting warm shadows around them as they planned their first Valentine’s getaway—one that would be about more than just romance.
It would be about healing. About moving forward,and most of all—about making new memories. Together.
Night had settled over Boston, but the airport terminal remained bright and bustling. Travelers pulled their suitcases through the polished floors, waiting for their late-night flights. For most, it was just another ordinary journey. But for Ashley, this was anything but routine—it was a trip that carried far more meaning than just a romantic getaway.
“Passport, tickets, wallet…” she murmured to herself, standing off to the side of the boarding area. She rummaged through her handbag once more, then unzipped the side pocket of her suitcase for good measure. “Scarf, phone charger… oh, the adapter—”
Leon leaned against the luggage cart beside her, arms crossed, watching her with a slight lift of his brow. “Are you going on a trip, or moving out?” His tone carried a teasing edge, but beneath it, there was nothing but warmth.
Ashley paused, looking up at him with a playful pout. “Says the guy who packs for missions with just a single duffel bag.”
“That’s because I’m used to it,” Leon countered with an easy shrug. “Besides, I usually don’t have much of a choice. You , on the other hand, actually got to pick this destination yourself. No reason to stress over it.”
“I’m not stressing,” she shot back quickly—perhaps too quickly.
Leon smirked, the amusement evident in his eyes. “Nervous?”
Ashley hesitated for a fraction of a second before glancing toward the boarding gate. This wasn’t just a Valentine’s getaway—it was a step toward something bigger. Europe had once been the last place she wanted to return to, the setting of memories she had spent so long trying to bury. And yet, here she was, willingly stepping onto a plane bound for the very continent that had once held her nightmares.
Taking a steady breath, she looked back at Leon and let a small smile play on her lips. “A little.”
“Don’t worry,” he said, his voice low and reassuring. “No cults this time. No kidnappings.” He paused, then added with a smirk, “And you’ve got your personal bodyguard right here.”
Ashley let out a laugh, light and genuine, nudging him playfully. “Alright, alright. I get it, Agent Kennedy.”
Her laughter softened something in his expression. With a quiet chuckle, he reached down to zip up her suitcase for her, then extended a hand. “Come on. Boarding time.”
Ashley slipped her fingers into his palm without hesitation. His grip was firm but gentle, steady and sure.
The plane taxied smoothly down the runway as the cabin lights dimmed, leaving only soft aisle lighting to cast a gentle glow along the spacious interior. It was a direct overnight flight from Boston to Zurich, and while business class provided comfort and ample space, Ashley barely had a chance to settle in before noticing a certain someone surveying their surroundings with practiced scrutiny.
With a knowing sigh, she pulled the blanket over her legs. “You’re doing it again…”
Leon, his gaze still scanning the cabin, barely glanced at her. “Doing what?”
She gestured at him, exasperation tinged with amusement. “Your job . You’re not on duty, Leon. Can’t you relax for once?”
“Habit,” he replied simply. Only after he had discreetly checked the seatbelt, the emergency exit locations, and even the space under the seat in front of them did he finally lean back, seemingly satisfied.
Ashley crossed her arms, tilting her head as she watched him. “Tell me you didn’t run a background check on the pilots.”
Leon smirked, finally meeting her gaze. “No. But if you want, I can go ask for their credentials in the cockpit.”
“No, thanks,” she said quickly, laughing as she shook her head. She let herself sink into the seat’s plush cushioning. “You really don’t know how to switch off, do you?”
“Relaxation isn’t exactly my specialty.” His tone was light, but the truth behind it lingered in the air.
Ashley studied him for a moment before turning slightly toward him, a small, playful smile curving her lips. “Well, today’s an exception.”
Leon raised a brow. “Oh?”
She nodded solemnly. “Today is your official Valentine’s Day mission—your assignment is to relax and keep me company.”
He let out a quiet chuckle, the faintest amusement glinting in his deep blue eyes. “Sounds like a direct order.”
“Exactly,” she said, giving him a firm nod. “A special request from your superior.”
Leon huffed a soft laugh, shaking his head before murmuring, “Alright. Special mission accepted.”
As the hours passed and the night deepened, most of the passengers drifted off into slumber. Only the faint glow of the overhead lights illuminated the quiet cabin. Ashley gazed out of the window, watching the stars glimmer above the endless stretch of clouds. Below them, distant city lights flickered like constellations spread across the earth.
She should’ve been asleep by now, but restlessness kept her awake. This was the first time she had chosen to return to Europe on her own terms. The trip itself didn’t scare her—it was the memories she feared, the possibility that the echoes of her past would find her again in the unfamiliar streets of a foreign country.
“You still awake?”
Leon’s voice was low, slightly drowsy but unmistakably aware, and it pulled her from her thoughts. She turned to see him watching her, his expression unreadable but laced with the quiet attentiveness that always made her feel safe.
Ashley hesitated before offering a small, sheepish smile. “Just… excited. And a little nervous.”
Leon studied her for a moment, then exhaled a quiet chuckle. “Close your eyes. Try to get some sleep. You’re gonna need the energy when we land.”
She wavered, then wordlessly shifted in her seat, tentatively leaning toward him. With a quiet sigh, she let her head rest against his shoulder.
“…This helps,” she murmured, closing her eyes as warmth radiated from where their bodies touched.
Leon didn’t move, only adjusting his posture slightly so she could rest more comfortably. His voice was a murmur, deep and steady. “Get some sleep, Ashley. I’ll wake you when we’re there.”
Somewhere in the vast stretch of sky, as the plane glided smoothly across the Atlantic, Ashley’s breathing slowed, her worries fading into the quiet hum of the engines. A small, contented smile remained on her lips as sleep finally took her.
Leon, however, remained awake a little longer, his gaze drifting to her peaceful expression. He didn’t mind staying up—not when keeping watch meant she could sleep soundly, even at 30,000 feet.
As the plane descended toward Zurich Airport, the first light of dawn cast a golden glow across the horizon. The snow-covered peaks of the Alps stretched far into the distance, their pristine beauty bathed in the soft hues of morning. Below them, the runway shimmered under the sun’s gentle touch, a tranquil contrast to the bustling airport that awaited.
Inside the cabin, the overhead lights flickered on, signaling their arrival. Ashley stirred at the subtle change, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she slowly emerged from the lingering haze of exhaustion.
“We’re here,” Leon murmured beside her, his voice carrying the steady patience she had come to know so well. He carefully pulled the blanket from her lap before giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze.
Blinking against the morning light, Ashley turned toward the window. The view outside was breathtaking—mist hovered lightly above the ground, and in the distance, snow-capped mountains stood tall against the pale sky. For a moment, she simply stared, taking in the sight. This land felt both foreign and familiar, tinged with the echoes of past fears yet softened by the promise of something new.
“You alright?” Leon asked, his gaze quietly studying her. He didn’t press for answers, didn’t probe too deeply into whether memories of the past still haunted her—he simply gave her space to process.
Ashley inhaled slowly, then let out a small, almost disbelieving laugh. “It’s just… hard to believe I actually chose to come back to Europe.”
Leon’s lips curled into a small but approving smile. “Good choice.” His words were simple, but the weight behind them—the quiet reassurance, the unspoken encouragement—meant everything.
The plane taxied to a stop, and as the announcement rang through the cabin, Leon stood first, reaching up to retrieve their carry-ons. He handed Ashley her scarf with an easy familiarity. “It’s cold outside. Wear this.”
She accepted it with a chuckle. “You really think of everything, don’t you?”
“Just a habit,” he replied nonchalantly, but the way his fingers lingered briefly on the fabric before letting go spoke of something more.
As they stepped off the plane, the crisp Swiss air greeted them with a refreshing chill. It was nothing like the damp winter breeze of Boston—this was sharper, cleaner, carrying the faint scent of pine and untouched snow. Ashley instinctively pulled the scarf closer around her neck, taking a deep breath.
“It’s freezing… but beautiful,” she murmured in awe, watching as the golden morning light reflected off the frost-covered landscape.
Leon stood beside her, hands tucked into the pockets of his coat, his sharp eyes observing her reaction. Seeing no hesitation or discomfort in her expression, he allowed himself a small sense of relief.
“Looks like this place suits you,” he noted, his voice light.
Ashley turned to him, a playful glint in her eye. “So what you’re saying is… we should come here more often?”
Leon lifted an eyebrow, smirking slightly. “As many times as you want. I wouldn’t mind.”
She laughed softly, slipping her arm through his as they made their way through the terminal. The tension she hadn’t even realized she’d been carrying finally began to ease.