Work Text:
Leon adjusted the collar of his shirt once more, the heat of the sun beating down on him, making his skin perspire and uncomfortably cling to his clothes. But he carried on, after all, he was waiting for you.
You weren't late by any means; the man just had a habit of being too early.
Punctuality was ingrained into him from his police academy days, and he hated the thought of keeping you waiting. The man already had an unconventional job that kept you up at odd hours, so he made sure time was never an issue in other aspects of your relationship.
Impromptu dates weren’t unfamiliar to the two of you, but for today’s date, you insisted on meeting up at the park rather than having Leon pick you up.
Far away, Leon spotted your familiar silhouette. He was always attuned to his environment, but his senses always heightened whenever you were involved. Leon jogged towards you, closing the distance.
Something was off, though. A splotch of yellow accompanied your figure. Flowers.
He called out your name, and a wide grin broke out on your face. He greeted you with an awkward half-hug and a peck at the side of your lips, the flowers interrupting any closer contact.
“So what’s the deal with the flowers? Got me a little gift, did you?” The date hardly even started, and Leon was already relentless with his quips.
“Yes, they’re for you!” You were gentle in handling the flowers, faint crinkles erupted as you stretched out your arms and tilted the bouquet towards him, gesturing for him to accept his gift.
Leon was floored, his smirk dropping and mouth opening and closing for a moment. The park’s noises drifted away and were replaced by a thudding in his ears.
He would’ve never guessed his little joke would be the reality here. He was more surprised that he was receiving flowers at all. He was used to a thankless job, much less to be rewarded with such a delicate, intimate gesture.
“I was… I was just joking around.” Your arms were still outstretched. Feeling sheepish and rude, he grabbed them from your soft hands into his calloused ones, recollecting himself. “Uh, thank you. I never expected to get flowers, quite honestly. I should be doing this for you.” He let out a shy laugh.
He rotated the bouquet, inspecting his surprise gift. The yellow flowers, which he couldn't name, were bright and persistent. Smaller, delicate, white flowers filled the empty spaces and added touches of depth and elegance. The whole thing, really, felt like an antithesis to what Leon was.
“I couldn’t sneakily ask about your favorite flowers without ruining the surprise,” you looked remorseful. “But!” your hands clasped together in excitement, “Once we figure out your favorite ones, expect many more to come.” You were correct to guess Leon never paid heed to what his favorite flower would be, but your enthusiasm was contagious, and he found his brain racking for an answer.
“These ones,” your hand circulated the bouquet, “are called black-eyed Susans. They symbolize justice, resilience, and overcoming adversity. You rattled on about how the brightly colored blossoms were markers of justice and endurance before adding a soft, “They reminded me of you.”
A quiet murmur of your name fell from his lips. He was stunned by your gift, but it was your thoughtfulness that made his heartbeat quicken, and his ears redden.
Sure, he had gotten you your favorite flowers and even bouquets of roses before, but it was for special occasions, and he had never considered flower language. You had specifically searched for him, even among flowers.
His mind was spinning, and he felt as foolishly dazed as before. His quickness to retort was lulled into quiet contemplation for once.
With a quieter voice, you added, “And… I didn’t want you to get your first flowers on any other occasion.” This time, you wore a sorry expression, your words lacking their previous excitement and descriptors. The message was clear.
After a beat, Leon exhaled, “Primrose.”
You let out a questioning hum.
“I heard they mean everlasting love. So they’d be my favorite flower.” He handled the bouquet with more confidence now.
Your face warmed at his response.
“Well, I think that’s the perfect choice for you.”
Your arm reached out, and Leon instinctively adjusted to hold the flowers in one hand and you in the other.
“Couldn’t agree more.”