𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟯

Accents and Accepting| Request

AN: I had a request where Reader is Hispanic and has an accent and is insecure and embarrassed about it until Leon reassures her that he loves it! 

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Since agreeing to meet Leon's friends on Friday I've been so nervous, feeling like I've made a terrible mistake, but then again I've always wanted to put faces to the friends he always talks about, the one's who are important to him. It's a big deal, or at least it is to me, and I want to make a good impression, but I can't help but to wonder what they'll think of me, or maybe I'm more concerned about what they'll think to my accent. It stands out, and despite trying to adjust it and fit in with the people around me, I can't hide my roots. 

Friday comes around way too fast, I've thought about it for too long and by the time Leon drives us to the restaurant where we're all meeting, I'm quiet and insecure. Leon reaches out, resting a hand on my thigh as he smiles reassuringly at me. "There's no need to look so worried, I promise they'll love you, you're an amazing person." I nod, but he doesn't realise that my worries do not lie in my personality, I'm more concerned about sounding weird. It's part of who I am, my Hispanic heritage, but some bad experiences and things I've heard have made me embarrassed to even talk sometimes. Nonetheless, Leon and I get out of the car and head into the restaurant. Thankfully it isn't posh or anything, and I could at least wear something comfortable. Leon's arm wraps around my waist, guiding me to the table in the far corner where a group of people sit. 

I swallow back my fears of misspeaking or blending in, deciding to at least put myself out there first, I can't just sit and be silent the whole night. Leon grins as he pulls out a chair for me beside his own. "Hey guys, this is the woman you've all been pestering at me to meet. Everyone, meet Y/N." He announces proudly. 

I smile, doing a little nervous wave as I mumble a "Hello." Then everyone begins to introduce themselves. The waiter comes and goes, bringing us all drinks, then everyone settles into some conversation about something I'm unsure of, but I nod and try to piece together things anyway. Leon soon notices I don't get it, so swiftly he changes the topic to include me. At first it all goes well, I answer some basic questions about myself so they can get to know me, and I find that Rebecca is the one I'm most drawn to, her calm and kind personality is easy to get along with. It all goes downhill when I try to order my food, I'm unable to properly pronounce a certain dish and it takes the waiter a few attempts to understand me. I blush furiously, feeling like I've made a fool of myself. 

Nobody notices though, or even laughs at me. The friendly chatter resumes as we wait, but I can't help but to retreat into silence, not wanting to mess up again. I feel like everyone is judging me, mocking me between themselves despite there being no evidence of such mean acts. I swallow, wanting to go home all of a sudden. I feel like an outsider in my own skin. I mumble an excuse to go order another drink from the bar section of the restaurant, it's a little busier than before so I can blend in with the crowd and distance myself from Leon and his friends as I try to regain some confidence. My hopes are short lived however, because Leon sidles up next to me, taking my hand in his as he leans down a little, his blue eyes searching my own. 

"Hey, what's the matter?" He softly asks, making me feel worse. I shake my head, forcing a smile that he sees right through. I let it drop, knowing I can be myself around him and him alone. 

"I just feel a little embarrassed is all, I didn't mean to let my accent get in the way but I got too comfortable and forgot to pronounce some things and-" Leon cups my cheeks in both of his hands, cutting me off as his finger traces my bottom lip. 

"Take a breath, that's it sweetheart. Now, why are you worried about your accent? It didn't get in the way at all. Sure the waiter couldn't understand something, but that's probably just due to how loud it is in here." Leon murmurs, lips lifting a little as I let my shoulders deflate. Thinking back on it he's probably right, it was a little noisy when I tried to order, I guess I let my insecurities get in the way and overtake my thoughts. 

I nod, now feeling stupid rather than embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I'm making a big deal out of nothing, let's just go back to the table." I say, but Leon stops me, quickly kissing me until I'm smiling again. 

"Your feelings are valid, I'm glad you told me. Is there anything else bothering you?" He asks, wrapping his arms around me as he steps us out of the way of a couple walking past. I bite my lip, then open up. 

"Sometimes I just feel so different. Everyone here speaks perfectly and then there's me stumbling over my words." I admit, but I'm already beginning to feel lighter from the weight lifted. Leon's smile turns down a little as he sighs, then he kisses me again, then drags his lips away until they're grazing my own, so when he speaks he unintentionally kisses me. 

"I love your accent, it's beautiful, it's part of what make you, you. Trust me, I've met some people who can barely speak properly and they've been here their whole lives. It's nothing to be ashamed or shy about, I know that pretty mouth of yours has a lot of great things to say." He says with warmth and sincerity. 

I smile, definitely feeling better now that his words have eased my worries and filled me with a comfort. I feel more comfortable in my own skin, and ready to go back to the table. I grab Leon's hand then weave between people as we sit down again, earning a smile from Rebecca. Nobody asks where we've been, so there's no awkwardness, and soon enough the food comes. We all eat, and I feel confident enough to engage in the conversations again, making everyone laugh and at ease with me. By the end of the night Leon's actually the one pulling me away from his friends since I'm so chatty with them, admittedly the slight bit of alcohol helped. 

I get Leon's friends' phone numbers, and Claire, Jill and Rebecca invite me out for some girls night next month which I'm looking forward to. In the car Leon's fingers link with mine as he drives us home. "So, did you have fun?" He asks. 

"Yeah, I love your friends, I'm glad they seem to like me as who I am, it would've been awkward if they didn't." 

Leon shakes his head, stealing a glance at me, his eyes full of admiration. "Of course they love you!" He exclaims, then softly adds "Your accent tells a story of your roots , culture and identity, it's all so unique, just like you." 

I feel warm inside, like for the first time I feel ready to fully embrace who I am instead of trying to fit in with the people around me. I let my spine straighten, feeling a boundless confidence fill me as I stare out of the window.