𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟯

Laughing or Laughingstock?| Request

AN: I received this very personal request and I hope I've done it justice. In this one Reader is laughing with Leon but overhears some people talking about her, and it makes her feel insecure and knocks her confidence. Leon eventually notices and begins to comfort her, connecting the dots to the bad experience. In the end Reader feels reassured and happy to laugh again.

I just wanted to say that even though we're all complete strangers, I think you're all amazing and unique individuals. Everybody has 'flaws' that they think are embarrassing or odd, but actually they're just quirks. They're part of your character, and I know that someone out there appreciates it. So if you think your laugh is too loud or you sneeze like a seal, embrace it.

---------------------------------------------------------

I sit with Leon in the crowded café, rain drizzles outside and the clouds are an ominous dark grey, making it seem like it's the evening rather than early afternoon. Leon and I had no plans today, and since we both had a day off of work we figured we'd come out and quit spending our days off rotting at home, watching the same rubbish shows all day. I'm sipping my drink, feeling relaxed and comfortable despite the café being crowded, and when Leon throws in a stupidly hilarious joke as he's telling me about something that happened to him, I cough, choking on the beverage before cackling, snorting along with my laughter as Leon chuckles, running a hand through his perfect hair. Tears fall down my face as we enjoy this light-hearted moment together, but then I see a group of girls around my age staring at me. 

I soon let my giggles die down, until I'm blushing and sweeping my hair around my face to hide my embarrassment. Okay, so I might've been a little louder than I usually would, but the café is filled with numerous conversations and the loud hums of the coffee machines, I'm not being a nuisance to anyone, other than the girls who are now leaning in together, whispering in hushed voices, until one says something and they all stare at me again, mean smiles throwing daggers at me. 

My good mood instantly washes away, and I feel a deep rooted sense of shame and being unworthy. I stare into my drink, not even wanting to pick it up in case something embarrassing happens like I drop it, the last thing I want is to be the laughingstock of those girls. I know they're being bitchy, which isn't a fun trait to be, it's downright sad, but nonetheless it still gets to me. What makes it worse is that they see my weakness, and my ears prick up on their words as Leon just gazes out of the window, completely clueless as to the events taking place. 

"...she's definitely got something wrong with her..."

" ...shouldn't be here if she's going to act like that..."

"...have you seen the guy she's with? He' so hot, and way out of her league..."

Each mean comment is like a punch to the gut, and I can't stop from feeling uneasy. My heart sinks at their thoughts of me, as if I'm merely here as a target rather than an actual human who could easily say horrible things to them if I wanted. But I don't, because there's no need for unnecessary conflict. Old insecurities rise up, and I soon feel a lump forming in my throat, choking back tears that threaten to spill over. Leon turns his head to me, eyes immediate widening when he sees my despair. 

"Hey," He gently asks, "what's wrong?" His hand reaches out to mine, linking our fingers together as his brows furrow with concern. My eyes flick to the group of girls, who are drinking their drinks but still obviously watching me. Leon turns around, trying to scope out the problem, until he sees them. Instead of backing off they all giggle, blushing and elbowing each other. I huff, feeling angrier now that they've dragged Leon into this. "You know them?" He asks. I shake my head. "Did they do or say something to you?" My gaze lowers, telling him everything he needs to know. 

"It was just some stupid jokes, it's nothing." I quietly dismiss, hoping the rain soon lets up so I can leave this place and go home to overthink. Leon doesn't look convinced, he moves as if to stand but I dart out and grab his arm, eyes wide and pleading.

"Don't! Please don't say anything." 

Leon holds my eyes for a second, but then his shoulders slump in defeat as he nods compliantly. "Alright," he breathes out, "but I'm still showing them that I love you, come here." He smiles, then leans across the table to kiss me. I let him, always feeling that invisible tug to him, I close my eyes and melt into the kiss, which Leon deepens until I'm blushing and panting, pulling away with shock, but I let out a small laugh as he grins and winks at me. I look over at the group of girls, who look just as surprised and a little jealous. My smile doesn't fade as I stare at them back, then finally they all turn away from me, finally leaving me alone. 

"I think that helped things. Thanks." I murmur, picking up my drink again. Leon squeezes my hand in his as he smiles at me with a look of pure love. 

"Always. I...I don't know what they said about you, but I imagine it wasn't nice. You know that I love you, right? They're just strangers looking for entertainment, they don't even know you, not like I do. They have no idea now talented and amazing you are, and I fucking love the way you laugh, it always lifts me up. Don't let their words define you." Leon softly says. I nod, feeling my confidence slowly regenerate at his soothing words. He's right, they don't know me and I don't know them, they've got no right to say anything to me unless I cause an actual problem. I'm me, and at least I'm not pretending to be some mean girl just to fit in with a group. 

With a deep breath I smile wider, "I love you too Leon." I whisper, then his lips meet my forehead in a sweet peck. With Leon's support I pick up the conversation we were having earlier, feeling good enough again to laugh at his silly impressions, I forget about the drama as I focus on the things worth my time and attention, then before I know it the rain stops and we're ready to go. I grab my coat, not even looking in the girls' direction as Leon takes my hand and leads me to the exit

"For the only girl in the world that matters to me." He grins a little tauntingly as he holds the door open for me, knowing the girls can hear. I bite my lip as I smile, thanking him not just for the act but for the support of being on my side and encouraging me to never stop being myself despite when others try to bring me down.