{ •The Pharaoh's Curse • } RE4 LEONSKENNEDY FF

You don't know me a bit

———-─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───———-

Leon's POV

The group finished their meals and left the restaurant, making their way to a nearby bar. The atmosphere was light, filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses as Ashley and Chris led the way, their voices loud and carefree. Claire followed closely, trying to keep a steady pace despite the drinks starting to take their toll.

Amaris walked behind them, her heels clicking against the pavement in perfect rhythm. Her presence was as commanding as ever, her posture straight and confident, her expression calm. The cool night air barely touched her, as though it knew better than to disturb her composed demeanor.

The bar was chic, with soft lighting that reflected off polished surfaces and bottles lined up like trophies behind the counter. Drinks were ordered, and before long, round after round flowed freely.

Ashley, already tipsy, clinked her glass with Chris's, giggling uncontrollably. Claire was trying to maintain a semblance of sobriety, though her cheeks had a noticeable flush, and she occasionally leaned against the bar for support.

"This is the best night ever!" Ashley declared, raising her cocktail high with an exaggerated grin.

Chris smirked. "You say that now, but wait until tomorrow morning," he teased, earning a playful shove from Ashley.

Amaris stayed on the periphery, sipping her martini as she observed the chaos unfolding around her. She didn't join the laughter, nor did she encourage the growing exuberance, but the faint smirk tugging at her lips revealed her amusement.

"Another round?" Chris asked, appearing beside her with two fresh glasses in hand.

"Not for me," Amaris replied coolly. "I'd rather not tarnish my reputation."

Chris chuckled. "Come on, live a little. Even you need to unwind sometimes."

She raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "And who do you think will make sure all of you get home in one piece?"

Leon, seated a short distance away, glanced up from his glass at the exchange, his lips twitching slightly as he listened.

Ashley stumbled over to Amaris, throwing an arm around her shoulder. "Ari, you're the best!" she gushed, her words slurring slightly.

"I know," Amaris replied dryly, steadying Ashley with one hand while keeping her drink balanced in the other. "And you're drunk."

Ashley giggled and held up her empty glass. "I need another!"

"I think you've had enough," Amaris said firmly, handing Ashley off to Claire, who caught her just in time to stop her from falling.

While the group continued their merrymaking, Amaris quietly stepped away. She reached into her bag, pulling out her slim black cigarette case, and made her way outside into the crisp night air.

The quiet was a welcome reprieve from the noise inside. She lit a cigarette, taking a slow drag as the smoke curled around her.

"Not your scene, huh?"

Leon's voice broke the silence, smooth and calm. Amaris turned her head slightly to see him standing a few feet away, a glass of whiskey in his hand. He leaned casually against the wall, his eyes fixed on her with a relaxed intensity.

"You're out here too," she replied, exhaling a stream of smoke.

He shrugged. "Someone has to keep an eye on things."