Decided to write this out of the blue because "OH BOY 3AM!" *spongebob reference*

Blah blah= thoughts

"Blah blah= talking

As Leon awaited Ashley's return after freeing her from Salazar's well-placed "wall trap", he stood there staring out into space, thinking deeply about her whereabouts.

My God…I hope she's alright.

Leon may be mission-driven, but that doesn't mean there's no room for emotions. After everything he and Ashley had been through til this point, he began to actually develop some type of feelings for the president's daughter. Maybe it was because she seemed as cute as a kitten, especially when she smiled...or it could be how he may have thought he was destined to be her protector ever since they shared their hug in the church. Either way, he knew his feelings were starting to grow. And at the moment, so was his anxiety.

Leon closed his eyes and took deep, calm breaths. Worrying and thinking too hard is NOT a good idea right now, seeing how he's deep in enemy territory. He then started talking to himself, trying to boost his confidence in her survival.

"It's alright, Leon...she'll be okay. Maybe she learned a thing or two from you, other than hiding in conveniently placed metal crates. At any moment, she's gonna walk through a door and I'm gonna hear-"

His self-conversation was cut short when he heard what sounded like a door opening behind him, and he heard his name get called from the person he's grown quite fond of.

"Leon!" Ashley exclaimed as she ran up and embraced Leon in a joyful hug, similar to their first one but with a more "reunited" feel to it. Ashley then began to ramble on about how she used her environment to dodge and kill the ganados (I hope I got that right) and evade the killer knights in rusting armor.

And if there's one thing Leon couldn't help but feel right now -other than sweet, sweet relief- it was pride. The person he's supposed to be rescuing proved to be quite the survivalist when she needed to be, and he couldn't help but think he played a good part in that.

"Oh, Leon I wish you could've seen it! I showed them why no one should mess with the daughter of the President. I bet I could look after myself from now on."

With that, Leon gave a huff and a smirk. "Is that right? Well I guess I'll just hang back and let you do all the work."

Suddenly, Ashley glued herself to Leon's arm and regretted her previous statement. "Hehe ummmm you know what? I think it's best we follow YOUR lead," she said while giving him her trademark smile.

Leon couldn't help but shake his head and grin at his companion. I didn't think you could get any cuter. Guess I was wrong about that too.

"Alright then, boss lady. Let's get outta here."