Le's Soldier

Part 51

The city feels softer tonight.

London lights blur against damp streets, reflections stretching across the pavement as Lilly parks the car. Her hand rests loosely on the wheel, shoulders relaxed in a way they haven't been in a long time.

Beside her, Leah watches her quietly.

"You're smiling," Leah says.

"I always smile."

"You absolutely do not."

Lilly huffs softly.

"Don't ruin it."

Leah grins.

"This is our first night out as fiancées."

Lilly glances at her.

"That's still weird."

Leah lifts her left hand, letting the engagement ring catch the streetlight.

"I disagree."

Lilly reaches over automatically, thumb brushing the ring again. The gesture is soft, instinctive. Like she's grounding herself.

Leah's expression warms.

"You do that every time."

"Yeah."

"You like it."

"...yeah."

Leah leans over and kisses her quickly.

"Come on. I booked us a table."

⸻

Dinner

The restaurant is warm.

Low lights.

Quiet music.

Not too fancy — but intimate.

Exactly Lilly's speed.

They sit across from each other, knees brushing under the table. Leah keeps playing with her ring absentmindedly while they talk.

"You nervous?" Lilly asks.

"About what?"

"Wedding."

Leah laughs.

"That's like two years away."

"Still."

Leah tilts her head.

"You already planning?"

"No."

"You are."

"I'm not."

Leah smirks.

"You're thinking about suits, aren't you?"

"...maybe."

Leah laughs quietly.

"I love you."

Lilly's expression softens.

"Yeah."

They eat slowly.

Talk about everything.

Training.

Cadets.

Arsenal.

Nothing.

Everything.

And the entire time their feet stay tangled together under the table.

⸻

The Drive Home