Leon and Raven, two days after the chaos of Independence Day, found themselves enjoying the warm comfort of a slow morning together. The living room was peaceful, the air filled with the soft hum of the television and the scent of fresh coffee. They settled on the couch, side by side, sharing the kind of silence that spoke of easy familiarity between them.
Raven, lost in her favorite show, casually picked up a donut without glancing away from the screen. Leon, stealing glances at her from the corner of his eye, couldn't help but smile, his thoughts wandering as he absentmindedly dropped his fork onto his plate.
"Hey, Rae?" he called softly, breaking the morning lull.
"Hm? Yeah..." Raven answered vaguely, her eyes glued to the TV.
Leon grinned at her distracted reply, a little amused. "You really do love donuts, don't you?"
Raven froze for a fraction of a second, then started coughing a bit, taken off guard. "Wha—no, wait, yeah... so what? Can't I enjoy them?" she stammered, trying to hide her unexpected fluster.
Leon laughed quietly, a gentle tease in his tone. "Nothing, just thought you looked kind of adorable, munching like a little hamster."
Her cheeks colored in embarrassment, and she coughed again, muttering, "He's trying to kill me," as she turned away.
Shifting the mood, Leon leaned closer, his voice light. "Well, I got us tickets to see the new 'Chinese Odyssey' at the theatre. What do you say—want to go?"
Raven's expression shifted to something uncertain, a little flustered. She knew movie nights together at home were their tradition, but going out—it felt special, like a date. She hesitated, caught between excitement and nervousness.
Leon smiled gently, coaxing her. "Soo??" he asked, leaning in as if to urge her answer.
"Alright," Raven managed, her voice rising without her permission. "But let me change first! What time are we going?"
Leon checked the clock before replying, "Two o'clock. So, you've got plenty of time—it's only ten." Then, with a mischievous glint, he added, "But let's go shopping and grab lunch outside before the movie."
Raven gaped in surprise at the sudden change of plans, her cheeks now even rosier. "Oka—okay!" she squeaked, throwing a cushion at Leon's face in mock outrage. "You should've told me yesterday!" she grumbled, stomping upstairs to get ready.
Leon chuckled, watching her ascend the stairs, shaking his head. "Honestly, we're going at lunch. How long can choosing an outfit take that she's worried about the time?" he mused quietly, amusement softening his features.
A few hours later, they walked side by side along the sidewalk in the golden sunlight. Raven, dressed in blue denim and a matching blouse, wore the dove necklace Leon had given her—his eyes warmed seeing her wear it. Leon, casual in a black T-shirt and brown summer pants, sported his luxury watch and an easy, confident smile. Leon's glance lingered on Raven's necklace. "I know I've already said it, but you really do look beautiful in that necklace. I'm glad my taste isn't all that bad," he said, a playful wink following his words.
Raven blushed, a shy smile curling on her lips. "You look good too," she replied softly, her own gaze drifting to the way he wore confidence so effortlessly.
They walked together, not touching but closely enough to share the unspoken comfort of being together. Raven soon noticed women's admiring glances drifting toward Leon, and her own frustration bubbled up. Unexpectedly, she kicked him gently in the shin.
"Ow! Hey, what was that for?" Leon asked in mock indignation.
"Nothing—just saw a big, annoying bug," Raven retorted slyly, quickening her pace ahead.
Laughing, Leon quickened his steps to match hers. He leaned closer with a teasing smile, bringing a subtle comfort to the moment despite her feigned annoyance.
They entered a cat café, Leon holding the door for Raven—a gesture she was used to but still quietly appreciated. The café was cozy, the purrs of cats blending with soft laughter. Raven chose a table and sat first, and when Leon sat across from her, she felt an unexpected pang of longing, though she couldn't pinpoint why.
Lunch passed in easy conversation. They exchanged stories about their new team and shared small laughter, savoring the rare luxury of this peaceful day together. When they left for the movie, anticipation hung softly in the air.
At the theatre, Leon and Raven curled up in their seats, sharing popcorn and lively commentary on the plot. Each time Leon leaned in to whisper something—his scent wrapped around Raven, who found herself flinching and gripping the armrest, suddenly aware of his nearness. He joked about being the 'incarnation of Sun Wukong,' making Raven smile despite herself.
Throughout the film, Raven's mind spun with confused warmth: Why did Leon's presence make her feel so jittery today, when they were usually much closer at home? She tried to brush off the feeling, focusing on the screen.
After the movie, Leon checked his watch. "It's five now. There's a Ferris wheel at the docks—let's check it out."
On the cab ride, Raven snuck glances at Leon, who leaned against the window, lost in thoughts. The way his features were set, the gentle smile, the hint of intensity caught her off guard, and she turned away, hiding her blush.
Arriving at the docks, they discovered the rides were closed. Raven's shoulders slumped, disappointment simmering. But Leon, always resourceful, went to speak to the handler. He returned, flashing a confident victory sign.
"How did you manage that?" Raven asked, curious.
Leon winked. "Told him I have money lying around—better to use it on something memorable."
They boarded the Ferris wheel, and as it reached the highest point, it stopped still. Raven looked at Leon in concern.
He smiled gently, taking her hand. "It's alright, I made sure they stopped it here. Trust me."
Moments later, dazzling fireworks exploded in the night sky, painting bursts of color above the water. Raven's face lit up in pure wonder. Leon turned to her, speaking softly, "I wanted to take you out on the fourth, but we got tangled up in that whole mess. So, better late than never. I bet you haven't seen fireworks this close before."
Raven, glowing with gratitude, squeezed his hand and leaned on his shoulder. "Thank you, Leon... this is perfect."
Leon's eyes softened, the night holding them both in its gentle embrace as the fireworks faded into the stars. They sat together at the top of the city—quiet, heartwarming, and wrapped in the kind of moment that lasted far after the lights dimmed.
On the walk back holding hands ,
Raven: " Donuts " ,
"Hmmm? " Leon hums.. " I like Donuts because it's one of the first foods you brought into my life, It reminds me of that day everything changed and the happiness you brought me. Ray thank you for coming into my life and for saving me that night "
She says while leaning her head on his shoulder, Leon," You're welcome and if I had the choice again I'd make the same choice a thousand times " Raven smiles, before they silently walk on the sidewalk in peace.