Is This Enough ||MxM || Lgbtq+ [ON Hiatus]

Chapter 1

A/N Above is where Leo works

Leonardo's P.O.V.

I tapped my credit card against the payment panel of the aerial taxicab, feeling utterly exasperated with my existing circumstances. As I strolled down the street, a dog appeared in my line of vision. His body was skinny and fragile, and his facial abnormalities were contorted in a way that suggested his life had been filled with pain. Yet, when our eyes met, his gaze was soft and caring. I slowly knelt down and began to scratch the fur between his ears. In our shared gaze, I felt an inescapable familiarity as if we were both struggling to find a place to belong.

He gave out a loud howl, one that only a wolf would make. I glanced at my watch, realizing I was running late. With a heavy heart, I had to leave, knowing that, even if we were alike, I still had obligations that I had to take care of.

Crossing the street, I noticed a discarded flyer with doomsday rhetoric written across its face; 'The end is coming. Be prepared.' Not wanting to give it much thought, I tossed the paper into a nearby bin before making my way through the lobby's revolving door.

Gleaming black tiles stretched out before me, and towering granite columns added to the grandiose atmosphere. I was waved in with nothing more than a flash of my badge unlike the formally dressed individuals in my vicinity. Though not without a few envious glances.

As Bruno and I stepped into the elevator, he exclaimed in an enthusiastic tone "Good morning, Mr. Brown! We're running a bit late, but you still have time to make your appointment with Mr. Walker at 11:00. Plus, there's a pile of San Angeles project reports sitting atop your desk waiting for your review!"

At the Acrima Technical Unit, it was an unspoken rule not to reveal any information about the job or the clients. All new hires had to promise not to talk about anything they saw or heard while working, and they were warned that if they weren't discreet, they would face serious repercussions.

From the onset of my arrival at Acrima, I had to take on a multitude of jobs such as a service worker, janitor, and housekeeping. Unfortunately, none of these provided a sufficient source of income. One day, I stumbled upon an advertisement recruiting for the military and decided to take my chances.

All employees were given comprehensive training, as well as guaranteed medical and dental coverage. Those who worked with the company were also granted access to a retirement plan and paid vacation time. But soon all that changed.

Gone are the days of archaic terms like 'soldier' used in times of war created by the hands of mankind. My duties ranged from mastering contemporary military tactics, information technology, archery, and to how to whip up a delicious omelette! And I must say that my omelette-making abilities have come in handy more times than I can count.

After we had made our way to my drab office, I placed my briefcase on the dreary, ashen desk and inquired, "Is there any chance I can get a cup of coffee?"

He promptly responded "Right away, sir" before quickly heading to the staff room to fetch a cup. Upon returning, he handed it to me with a courteous gesture.

"Thank you."

"Anything else, sir?"

"No, thank you, Bruno." He left and I lifted the cup to my lips, expecting a comforting sensation, but instead was met with an intense heat that burned my tongue and throat.

I yanked my hand away and returned the cup to the table. I dashed to the staff lounge and popped a handful of ice into my mouth, chomping down to alleviate the searing feeling. I was filled with immense relief as I strolled back to my office; the discomfort had abated.