Leon Kennedy

Chapter XXIX

The morning sun spilled gently into Ada's kitchen, bouncing off the countertops and filling the space with a quiet warmth. Ada moved with her usual precision, checking the twins' backpacks for extra snacks and making sure they had their water bottles before heading out. She heard the distant hum of an engine—Leon had arrived earlier than expected.

Adam was the first to notice. He dropped the action figure he had been holding and ran toward the front door. "Dad's here!" he shouted, excitement making his voice sharper than usual.

Leona bounded behind him, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger, her little dress swaying as she ran. "Let's go, let's go!"

Ada followed more slowly, adjusting the brim of her hat and the sunglasses perched over her face. Even though it was a casual day, she had to be careful. The amusement park outing was supposed to be low-key, and as an assassin, leaving a trace was never an option. Her heels clicked against the tile floor—six inches, far from ideal for a day of running and rides, but Ada had long trained herself for situations just like this.

Leon's car gleamed in the driveway, black and polished, its engine still humming from the drive over. He stepped out casually, hands in his pockets, and his gaze swept over the twins before landing on Ada. "Well, look at you two," he said warmly, kneeling slightly to meet their eye level. "Adam, you look sharp today. And Leona..." His lips quirked as he looked at her dress, "definitely a little fashion icon, huh?"

Adam straightened proudly, chest puffed. "Thanks, Dad. Mom helped me pick this out!"

Leona twirled once, then again, making her dress flare out around her. "I made myself look fabulous, Dad. Mom said I had to look my best for a fun day!"

Ada remained quiet behind them, observing with careful eyes. She saw Leon's expression soften at the sight of the twins, the way his gaze lingered with pride and affection. Her heart clenched subtly, a strange mixture of warmth and apprehension curling inside her.

"Good morning, Ada," Leon greeted politely, his eyes sliding toward her with a half-smile. He noticed the sunglasses and hat, the shadow she cast even in broad daylight. "Trying to stay undercover, or... embarrassed to be seen with me?" he teased lightly.

Ada gave him a look sharp enough to cut glass. Leon laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'm joking. I swear I'm joking," he said quickly.

Ada allowed a faint smile, subtle but genuine. There was something about Leon that always drew the tension out of her body, even when she didn't want it. Even now, she felt her pulse quicken slightly at the sound of his voice, at the easy way he moved through the morning like he belonged in the light, not the shadows she inhabited.

"Are you having breakfast first?" Ada asked softly, though her voice barely carried over the morning breeze.

Leon shook his head, smiling faintly. "Already ate. I'm thinking of grabbing coffee on the way."

Ada nodded, stepping aside. "I can make you some, if you want."

He shook his head again. "Thanks, but I'll just buy one on the way. A little drive-through ritual."

The twins had already reached the car, tugging at each other's sleeves as if the mere seconds before leaving were unbearable. "One car, only one car!" Leona insisted, stamping her foot lightly.

"Yeah, Dad, one car!" Adam echoed.

Ada raised an eyebrow, her tone cautious. "I was going to use my car," she said, remembering she had mentioned this for safety reasons earlier that morning. "It's easier."

"No! Uncle Leon's car! Only one car!" Leona threw herself onto the hood in mock protest. Adam stood beside her, arms crossed, nodding solemnly.

Ada sighed. She had been hoping for a quieter morning, a controlled environment where she could blend in with the ordinary world without drawing attention. But the twins, even at four, were relentless in their insistence. And Ada knew better than to fight them—they would not relent.