𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟯

Domesticated By The Government

AN: This one's loosely based on Infinite Darkness.

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I clutch the folders closer to my chest as I use one hand to brush the hair away from my face. The hustle and bustle of the White House is exactly as I'd imagined it to be like, I've spent weeks thinking about this meeting today with Secretary Spacer and how I should approach the conversation for funds to build hospitals and schools, but now I'm here I've got to admit I feel a little overwhelmed, and severely underdressed. I let my hand drop as I spot a government official. "Hi, excuse me, do you know where Secretary Spacer is, I've got a meeting with him-"

"It's cancelled then. He's on leave." 

My brows raise to the roof as I open and close my mouth, I can't think of anything to say. This meeting has been planned for a while, he promised he'd hear me out, and now the old man's on leave? I shake my head, surely this can't be right. "No, you see we've had this appointment booked for a few weeks, he can't have just gone on leave without-" 

I'm interrupted. Again. 

"Well he has, I'm sorry but I've got things to attend to. Maybe find funds elsewhere?" 

With that I'm left stranded in the White House entry hall, confused and saddened by the lack of help for the NGO I work for. I sigh, turning on my heel in a mission to find someone else who can hear me out. Instead though I spot a figure I haven't seen in years, at least not since our third- or maybe it was our fourth- breakup. I stare at Leon walking behind some muscled tall guy dressed in a suit, one similar to Leon's navy blue. The colour suits him, but the way he subtly shifts tells me he's uncomfortable as hell. "Leon?!" I call out, already heading towards him. He stops in his tracks, head swivelling towards me, his eyes widen then a smile splits his lips as he approaches me, meeting me halfway. 

"Y/N!" He grins, and God does his voice sound like rain after a long drought. Sure we've stayed in contact over the years with basic birthday texts and Christmas messages, but hearing him speak is a completely different experience. "Wait, what are you doing here?" He asks, voice now lowering as he pulls me to the side. I stumble as he gently drags me out of the way of the crowd, his eyes meet the man's he was with, and Leon's light-hearted excitement for me soon turns into a formal greeting. He clears his throat, standing straighter as I pull away and step back, my lips purse as I hold in some sarcastic retort. 

"Not much, I'm just trying to get some schools and hospitals built." I smile. Leon's face softens a little as his eyes look me up and down, it sends a warmth through me but for some reason he still seems so guarded. I bet it's got something to do with the reason he's here. I observe him back, wondering why Leon's wearing such an uptight suit, he's never been one for being overly professional. "Are you okay? You're not in trouble again are you?" I ask, referring to the time years ago when he got taken by some government officials for questioning about Raccoon City. Leon's never been the same since coming back from that 'meeting'. He nods, letting a small chuckle slip but it feels too forced. Something isn't right here. 

"Nah, everything's fine." He says, holding that fake smile. I narrow my eyes, glancing over his shoulder and at the muscled guy. He seems to be waiting for Leon, and doesn't look to happy about it either. I let my eyes drift back to Leon's blue ones. "You can trust me," I quietly say, "if you're in danger or being forced-"

"Y/N, I said I'm alright." Leon snaps, then he sighs heavily as he reaches out and places a hand on my shoulder, it's supposed to be comforting but instead it feels unwanted. I step further away, letting his arm drop as a look of hurt crosses his features. "I've gotta go," Leon mumbles, side stepping me, "look, just don't get yourself into anything reckless."