Hola, everyone!
It's finally here, Chapter 3! THE FINALE TO THE "BEST FRIENDS" ARC!!!! Well, this fanfic is gonna mark the beginning of a romantic relationship between the two.
This is gonna 100% be my most favourite chapter, and I totally hope you guys feel the same way!
There really isn't much to say, to be honest. All I can say is that I really enjoyed writing this fanfic, and I'm thankful you guys come by and read my work. Thank you all so much!
Well, I won't delay you guys any further, since this is the longest chapter, and it's filled with romance, angst, adventure, and EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN!
Also, certain scenes will be a bit out-of-character, so let me know if you don't like that and I'll improve future works.
Enjoy~
Two weeks later...
Azucena was busy packing her bag.
Today was her flight to Germany.
She was going to see Leo again! She had been looking forward to this trip for a while, and it had been the only thing in her head. She had never been to Germany before. Ever since she met Leo, she often wondered what the country was like.
As soon as she finished packing her things, she decided to make a special present for Leo as a thanks for inviting her to his home country.
She immediately went to the coffee shop. As she opened the door, she saw her older cousin, Camilla, cleaning the tables.
"Good morning, Azu!"
"Morning, Camilla!"
"Wow, you look stunning today! When's that flight to Germany?"
"Oh, later around 3. Do you have some of the our fan-favourite coffee beans? I was hoping to give it to my 'tour guide' as a gift. He's a huge fan of our coffee."
"I see...wait a minute...is he the same one you met at New York?"
"Well...yeah!"
"Ooooh...is he your crush? "
Azucena's cheeks felt warm. DID she have a crush on Leo?
Well, she does enjoy his company, she likes how funny he is, whenever something happens he panics and worries about the safety of others, and he's just...so adorable. She shook her head in embarrassment.
"What, no! You're so silly, Cam! I don't like him that way!" Azucena declares, her face visibly red.
Camilla looked at her bright, younger cousin, completely unconvinced. She gives her a cheeky grin.
"C'mon, Azu. You really think you can lie to me? It's so obvious! Why else would you have meetings like this with him?"
Azucena could only look away from Camilla, covering her blushing face. Camilla laughs and walks over to her cousin.
"It's alright, Azu! You finished school and have a functioning job! Besides, if he's a good person, then I don't mind. Having a crush isn't that bad! Everyone's bound to have at least one once in their life. That's how I met my boyfriend. Just be yourself, 'kay?"
"Alright, if you say so. Thanks, Cam!"
"No prob. Oh, let me get those premium coffee beans for you in the storage room. Gotta prepare a special gift for your special someone," Camilla replies, walking into the storage room laughing.
"C-C-Camilla! Not funny!"
After some last minute preparations, Azucena says her byes to her family, and leaves for the airport. Some check-in and long waiting hours go by.
"Gee...sure is crowded here...and the planes are taking pretty long..."
She opens her phone to text Leo. For fun, she decided to send him a selfie of her at the airport with her fresh cup of coffee, waiting for the plane.
"*photo*"
"Hi! I'm on my way~"
"Can't wait to see you!"
As soon as she sent the text, Leo replied.
"Yeah, can't wait to see you, too!"
"You look beautiful, by the way. :D"
Azucena's face turned red by his compliment. Many people say she's beautiful all the time, but how is this one text making her heat up so much? This is definitely the work of the sender...She decided to reply again.
"You're so sweet~ thank you!!! OwO"
Leo immediately replied.
":3"
"You're welcome. Get some rest when you need to, okay? I'll pick you up from the airport. Is your luggage heavy?"
"Nope, just a large bag. I can carry my stuff. Thanks for the offer though! You're so kind."
Leo replies with a heart.
"Alright, you're welcome. Gimme a call when you arrive, okay?"
"Definitely. See you~"
Azucena smiles and turns off her phone to finish her coffee. She looks at the windows outside, looking at all the planes coming and going.
But Leo was the only person in her head.
She pondered about how she could open up to Leo. They were good friends, yes, so just sharing her problems was fine...right?
Opening up was so difficult for Azucena. It's so bad that she can't even open up to her own family. She just showed a smile and told everyone she met that everything is okay, when it really wasn't.
However...
She wanted to stop lying to the people who cared about her.
Her mother once told her that asking for help was one of the most courageous things to do. Learning to say, "I need help," is difficult. Her body would freeze, and no words would come out. When her mental health hit a big low, Camilla sent her to therapy without her father knowing (because he'd be angry at her) to see if they can help her. Unfortunately, in all their sessions, the therapist explained that Azucena wouldn't open up and kept smiling. When asked if she was genuinely okay, all she said to them was...
"What else can I say besides yes?"
She argued with Camilla constantly concerning her mental state. Those were tough times. She was ashamed to admit Camilla was right, though.
Ever since Auntie died, you were never the same again.
Azucena missed her mother. She kept living life as if she didn't exist, but she still missed her. She missed the times where they'd pick Madonna lilies together, make coffee together, go to the market together, and care for the alpacas together.
If only she could show it.
Now that she met Leo, maybe she can finally show him her true feelings.
While she was once a caged bird...
...she can finally fly freely.
Leo was at the airport in Germany, waiting for Azucena's arrival.
He was blushing and panicking over the fact that he told Azucena she was beautiful, and that she said he was a sweet person.
However, it was the truth.
She's so beautiful.
He was still staring at Azucena's selfie. From her smile, to her hair, to her deep eyes...
...she was so captivating, he couldn't look away.
He was still staring at the selfie on his phone, sitting at a bench, being completely unaware that a young girl and boy were staring at his screen as well. Their mother was busy sorting out their luggage, so she was unaware that her kids were near a complete stranger.
"Hey, mister! Who's that?" The boy asked.
"She's so pretty. I wanna be like her!" The girl exclaimed.
"Is she your girlfriend?"
Leo immediately turned off his phone and looked at the two children staring at him with a shocked and embarrassed expression. His face turned cherry red instantly.
"W-WHAT?!! N-N-NO!!!!! SHE ISN'T MY GIRLFRIEND- I- UH- WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT?!"
"Because you keep staring at that photo," The boy stated.
"With a huge smile!" The girl added.
"PL-PLEASE, DON'T GET THE WRONG IDEA! I-I D-DON'T LIKE HER THAT- I MEAN- SHE'S- WAIT, NO!"
The two children laughed joyfully at how embarrassed Leo was.
Their mother heard all the commotion behind her back caused by her kids and immediately came over.
"Hey, both of you! Don't cause a ruckus at the airport! And what did I say about meddling with strangers and their personal stuff?"
The boy and girl immediately returned to their mother.
"We're sorry, mommy..."
The mother sighed and turned to Leo.
"I'm so sorry about them. They can be so out of control."
"N-no, it's fine, ma'am."
The three eventually left, and Leo was left there, thinking about Azucena.
His feelings were out of control. Is she his new obsession? He's staring at a selfie of her.
With romantic feelings.
He kept shaking his head in total embarrassment. Goodness, ever since he started having a crush on Azucena, no one could take him seriously. Even himself.
He couldn't argue against it, though.
She was an amazing woman.
He wanted to be in a relationship with her, to have her as more than a friend, but it was more important that they become closer as good friends. Only then can Leo gather up the courage to tell her his feelings.
While he was lost in thought, he heard notifications from his friends' group chat. He opened his phone to see the commotion.
"Steve Fox: Just finished a charity fight with King. IT. WAS. EPIC."
"Marshall Law: Awesommeeee! If only I were there..."
"Paul Phoenix: It is great to help people!"
"King: I agree. Anyway, what are you doing @Leo Kliesen?"
"Marshall Law: Yeah @Leo Kliesen, where u at"
"Steve Fox: I'm curious too @Leo Kliesen"
"Paul Phoenix: Uh huh, tell us @Leo Kliesen"
Leo's friends have been spamming in the group chat for a while. Since they've been dying to know what he'd been up to the past few weeks, he decided to cure their curiosity.
"Leo Kliesen: I've been, uh, busy with work."
"Steve Fox: That's it? Yeah I'm not satisfied with that answer."
"Paul Phoenix: Yeah, 'busy with work' isn't gonna cut it with us"
"Marshall Law: spill the tea, u can trust us :0"
"King: don't pressure him guys, let him explain himself"
Leo was sweating. How can he tell his friends that he's been meeting up with Azucena the past few weeks? Well, lying to them isn't gonna work. His only option was to be honest with them.
"Leo Kliesen: Well, besides work, I've been...seeing someone."
"Paul Phoenix: NO"
"Marshall Law: FREAKING"
"Steve Fox: WAY"
"King: Wow! Is she nice?"
"Leo Kliesen: Well...yeah. She's beautiful, kind, energetic, cheerful, and well, I could go on about what I like about her."
"Marshall Law: PAUL! OUR BOY HAS FINALLY LEFT THE NEST! 808"
"Paul Phoenix: YES LAW! EVERYONE'S GROWING UP SO FAST!"
"Steve Fox: Since WHEN did he become your boy?!"
"King: You guys...anyway, all the best Leo!"
"Paul Phoenix: Yeah go get her!!!"
"Marshall Law: Show her that "Kliesen rizz!"
"Steve Fox: Goodness gracious, anything but THAT, LAW! Anyway, you got this, lil bro!"
"Leo Kliesen: Haha. Thanks guys!"
After a rather quiet flight, Azucena finally arrived in Germany around 10:30 pm.
When she arrived, she dealt with checkout and immigration. It was hassle due to the long queues, but she eventually made it.
She was tired. This was a very rare moment. Azucena usually has so much energy, but all of it was spent on long traveling hours.
This is PRECISELY why she doesn't travel often. However, seeing Leo mattered a LOT more.
She remembered what she had to do the moment she arrived. Pulling out her phone, she texted her blonde "tour guide."
"Guess who touched down in Germany, ready to see you~ *0w0*"
Just as she finished texting, Leo replied.
"Glad you arrived safely! :) I'm waiting at the arrival gates."
Azucena smiles at the text and makes her way to Leo.
Meanwhile...
Leo was trying to compose himself to receive his enthusiastic guest who traveled all the way from Peru. He can't believe the both of them were meeting again.
He had to remember his responsibilities as a tour guide and his advice to be himself and connect with Azucena.
He had checked his wristwatch over and over. He was way too anxious.
Heavy breathing. Sweaty palms. Burning face. Dangerously fast heart rate.
Leo clenched his shirt around the area near his heart. He tried relaxing and steadying his breathing, but nothing was working.
And then, without any warning...
...he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder.
Turning around to see who grabbed his attention, there she was. Standing in front of him again, with that same, beautiful smile. Even though he was nervous, her smile made all his worries fade away.
Her very presence lit up the world around him.
"You're here."
"Of course I am~ thanks for inviting me! I'm so looking forward to all the stuff we're going to do!"
"Me too. I'm looking forward to it."
For Azucena, seeing Leo was like a huge relief. She was free from flashing cameras forcing her to smile, her controlling father, and obsessive fans wanting her attention every second. She was in the presence of a good friend, who understood her and enjoyed her company.
His presence made her feel at ease with herself.
"Oh, I got you something, by the way!" Leo became curious as Azucena began digging into her bag. She pulled out a special bag, then stood up and gave it to him.
"A special preparation of the Ortiz farm's finest coffee beans! The ones in here are our fan favourites. Just for you, my special tour guide!"
Leo's hands trembled in delight with the bag he had in his hands.
"Wow-! Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome~"
"Alright, then. I should probably bring you to a hotel...there's one nearby the airport about a ten-minute ride. Well, I used my motorbike from Lars to get here. Want a ride to the hotel? It'll be more convenient than waiting for a taxi."
He's so considerate.
Azucena's cheeks felt warm. She had never met a man so kind. Plus, a ride sounded fun!
"If you insist then...thank you so much!"
After exiting the airport, the two made their way to the carpark. Leo checked his things while Azucena made sure that her bag was tightly secured to her.
"Oh...I just realised I only have one helmet. Here, Azucena." Leo hands the helmet to her.
"Are you sure? The road's kinda dark...I don't want you hurting yourself..."
Before Azucena could continue, Leo was already putting the helmet on her. She could only remain still and silent as he adjusted the head straps. All of a sudden, her cheeks grew even hotter, and her face became visibly red.
"No, I insist. I have a driver's license, don't worry. I know how to drive responsibly. Besides, I worry about your safety more than my own," Leo explains, while he adjusts the helmet.
Azucena looked at his face. He was looking at her with a face of care and concern.
He looked...handsome this way...
"Wh-What am I thinking?!"
When she felt Leo's soft fingertips gently grazing her chin while he tightened the helmet on her head, she suddenly clenched her sweaty palms and tilted her head downward so that he couldn't see her blushing face.
"U-uh...L-Leo..."
Azucena's sudden head movement and stuttering shocked him a bit. Upon further inspection, he realised that Azucena's cheeks and nose were red. Realising the he may have made her uncomfortable, he began to blush madly and panic.
"Oh no- Did I do something wrong?!"
"U-uh...A-Are you...alright, Azucena? Your face is...uh-! Do you have a fever?"
Leo reached out his hand to feel her face to check if she had a fever, but she gently shooed his hand away and fanned her face with her hands.
"I-I'm fine! Nothing to worry about on my end!"
She was obviously flustered. Leo had never seen Azucena like this before.
She's so...adorable.
"Gah, she's too cute, I'm gonna dieeee!"
Leo's face only grew more red as a result.
Azucena noticed that he was blushing just as much as she was.
"Y'know, I could say the same thing about you. Are you okay? Your face looks like...a strawberry! So cute...hehe!"
Leo was over the moon with the way she was talking to him.
"A-Azu..." Leo blurted out. He covered his "strawberry" face.
Azucena could only giggle in response.
"I'm joking! Hahaha..! Come on now, let's go to the hotel before we stand here forever."
"O-okay..."
"...although...I wouldn't mind that..." Azucena whispered to herself.
Leo heard it. "I'm sorry, what?"
Azucena looked up. "U-uh, nothing!"
The both of them got on the motorbike.
"Make sure you're sitting properly, your bag is secure to you, and..."
Azucena looked at Leo as he turned around to look at her.
"Please...hold on tight."
"Okay! Like...this?"
Leo felt Azucena slowly move her arms to his hips and held him tightly. He felt her head and chest resting on his back.
"Sorry...I've never ridden a motorbike, especially not with someone else. I don't know how to do this..."
Leo started blushing madly. His entire body was heating up, and he didn't want to move. He was far from uncomfortable, though.
He enjoyed her hugging him. A lot. He wanted her to continue holding him like this...
"T-This...is okay. Not a lot of people would cling on to the driver this way, but I don't mind so long as it's you." Leo turned around to start the motorbike.
"So long as it's...me?" Azucena covered her completely red face with his back.
Leo suddenly felt Azucena's head move.
"A-Azucena...are you okay back there?"
"Y-yeah, just tired...sorry..."
Leo breathed a sigh of relief. "It's good. You can try relaxing for a bit."
On the road with all the headlights and moving cars, Leo and Azucena were riding to the hotel together on the motorbike. Leo made extra sure he was going at an average speed so that Azucena wouldn't get sick from the ride. She continued to hold Leo tightly throughout the ride, in fear of falling off the bike.
Whenever the road got bumpy, Azucena would quickly tighten her grip around Leo's waist and pressed her body against his to prevent her from falling. Leo's temperature and heart rate would suddenly spike up by a lot whenever it happened. Nevertheless, he hid it from Azucena to prevent her from worrying.
Once they arrived at the hotel, Leo helped her check in, and finally, Azucena was in a hotel room and had a place to rest. They both sat down on the bed to discuss what they would do tomorrow.
"Thanks again, Leo. I really owe you one!"
"Heh, you're welcome. I'll pick you up at 9 tomorrow morning and we'll go see some tourist attractions and try the coffee they serve while we're at it."
"Oh, yay! I can't wait! Hehe, I'm really looking forward to it."
"Me too," Leo replies with a huge smile.
"It's nice when you smile. You look so adorable," Azucena remarks.
"A-ah, r-really? Thanks...!"
Azucena just giggles in response and a short silence follows, then Leo speaks again.
"Your smile is beautiful," Leo states, as he moves a little closer to her to observe it. The was he said it to her so directly left Azucena stunned and flustered. She smiled warmly in response.
"Hehe...thank you. Everyone always talks about my hair, my clothes, or...sometimes my body...you're the first person to compliment my smile, so...I really appreciate it!"
"I think more people should appreciate your smile."
"Awww...You're too sweet."
Leo and Azucena didn't know it, but they were slowly closing the space between each other and were already sitting side by side. They slowly began opening up about each other.
"My mama and papa liked my smile the most out of everything about me," Azucena shared. My papa would always say it's a gift I inherited from my mother, which is why he wanted me to smile every time so that her gift wouldn't go to waste."
"Your mom, I see..." Leo looked away for a moment to think about his own mother. "Are you two close?"
"Yeah. She was the most wonderful woman I met in my life...I loved her very much," Azucena said, looking at the floor.
Leo noticed her smile fading. He was scared he had asked something personal.
"Azu, I..."
"N-no, it's fine. I understand. You just asked out of curiosity. I'm okay."
"I'm so sorry to pry, but...did something happen to your mom...?"
Azucena remained silent, unable to answer him. He would be the first person outside her family to know about her mother's death. However, the two were already good friends, and have connected over text and face to face meetings, so she finally decided it was okay to share it with him.
"Yeah...she...passed when I was ten."
Leo was shocked. He met someone else who knew the pain of losing a mother just as he did.
"But even if she's gone...I still want to smile and laugh...for her sake..."
"I'm so sorry to hear that...if it brings you comfort, I know how you feel."
Azucena looked up at Leo to see him looking at her with eyes that have experienced pain.
"It was a year or two back...I just came home from school after an uneventful day, and there she was. Dead."
Azucena could only remain silent in shock. It must have been so traumatic for poor Leo, having seen his mother dead before his eyes.
"Leo..."
"The police weren't helpful, so I sought to find the person who killed her myself. It was...Kazuya Mishima of G-Corp."
"G-Corp...?"
"Yeah. The people you used to work with. They did experiments on people to research the Devil Gene. My father did his own investigations on it in secret, which is why he was absent for a majority of my life."
Azucena was suddenly overcome with a wave of guilt.
"Then...why are we friends...?"
Leo suddenly turned to her and saw her with an unhappy face. He realised that he might have unintentionally made her feel guilty.
"Azucena...it's okay. That was the past. We're here in the present, so we should focus on the future."
"S-Sure but...I had my personal reasons for working with G-Corp besides wanting to promote my coffee."
Leo was surprised. His questions were finally gonna get answered.
"Yeah, that was something I was always perplexed about concerning you. Now that we're good friends, may I know the real reason why you sided with G-Corp?"
Azucena took a deep breath. She then looked at Leo.
"My papa."
"Your father?"
"Yeah. He wanted to promote the business as always, you see. He saw that G-Corp was willing to support us, so he made me join their ranks to promote our coffee. My time there wasn't all bad...the people were unique and they seemed pretty accepting."
Leo remained silent as Azucena continued.
"My papa has always been...a very controlling person. I can't really argue against the stuff he told me to do. He controlled everything I did back then, from what I did every day to how I'm supposed to act in public. Ever since mama died, he was never the same again. He got mad at me for showing a frown or just about any kind of negative emotion, so all I could do was keep it in and smile," she explained, with a fake laugh and a smile she was having difficulty maintaining. "As I said before, I always have this feeling that I need to smile for my mama's sake, and a frown would waste that wonderful gift she had left me."
Leo suddenly remembered the time he questioned himself on why she joined G-Corp. He realised that he never knew the full story, yet forced her to stop siding with G-Corp even though she clearly had difficulty doing so.
"Y'know, when G-Corp lost against Yggdrasil, my papa really gave me an earful while I was preparing your coffee beans. But when you think about it, I really do deserve it, do I?"
"Azucena...I'm sorry...I judged you, and I didn't even know your side of the story."
"What?! No, it's not your fault. I honestly had no clue G-Corp was such a terrible organisation, and just went along with what my papa said without knowing what I was really getting into! It isn't your fault."
"But..."
"It's fine, Leo. I take the blame. I'm so sorry I caused you such hurt and confusion. Must've sucked seeing someone you admire working with a company you detest, was it?"
Leo realised that throughout the entire time they were opening up to each other, Azucena never frowned. She just kept on smiling. Leo felt so hurt hearing her side of the story. He's had rough times, sure, but Azucena was...showing him a new kind of pain. Basically, he concluded that her father was a horrible person that never really respected her feelings. He was fortunate enough to have a parent that cared for him when his father disappeared. Both of his parents were good people. But Azucena? Oh, how bad he felt for her. Exiting his train of thought, he had to be honest with Azucena, but he also wanted to comfort her.
"Azucena...yes, it did make me a little irritated seeing you with G-Corp." Azucena looked away in shame. "However...you had your reasons, and you didn't have any malicious intent, so...I don't hold it against you. I don't care about what you did back then. All I care about now is getting closer with you and learning your good side."
Azucena stared at Leo, seeing his face filled with such passion made her feel a hope she had never felt before. However, the despair from her past was still lingering.
"Even so, Leo...what if? What if in the end I was never a good person after all? Just someone who used her smile and cheerful personality to hide all the ugly stuff?"
"Then, I won't stop until I see the genuine you."
Azucena stayed silent. Those words basically said to her, "it's fine to frown, I won't hold it against you."
"Leo..."
"Azucena...I want to connect with you."
Before she knew it, Leo was hugging her. She slowly crawled into his embrace. She felt his warmth. She heard his heartbeat. She was expecting it to be fast, as it usually was, but this time, it was beating at a normal rate. She felt his arms tighten around her, as she slowly felt more comfortable with his grip.
"I..."
Azucena felt like crying. She really wanted to.
I can finally open up...
No. I can't.
But I want to. Please.
No. Don't.
Azucena suddenly jolted out of Leo's hug. She showed a face of fear. Leo saw this and realised he may have made her extremely uncomfortable.
"Uh?! Azucena, I'm so sorry! I didn't know that would make you so..."
"N-no! I'm fine!"
"No, no, I apologise. I made you uncomfortable."
"I-It's fine! You did nothing wrong. You were just trying to comfort me and-"
Azucena didn't know it, but she was hyperventilating. She always did this when she was alone. She began to panic. In a way, she was slowly cracking, revealing her true feelings, but she was afraid.
"Azucena?! Are you alright?! It's okay, I'm here! Breathe!" Leo clenched her trembling hands.
"I-! I...I don't know...!"
"Look at me! Look at me! Inhale, then exhale."
Azucena was frightened. Anything BUT crying in front of someone! However, she decided to follow Leo's instructions and tried to steady her breathing. She finally calmed down.
"That's it! Great job. I knew you could do it."
"Leo...thanks."
"Anytime. I was so worried about you, you know?"
"Yeah. Sorry about that...it's just that I..."
"Take your time. I won't rush you, Azucena. We're good friends. I just want to ask, though. Has this happened before?"
"Yeah. This usually happens after I shut everyone out and I'm all alone. To be honest with you, I struggle...with being true with how I'm feeling, especially in front of others. Do you know what it's like to have to put on a face, and everyone expecting you to be something or someone you're not? All those flashing cameras, those persistent and disrespectful fans, the haters who never bothered to see my inside, my controlling and insensitive papa, my own naïveté toward my own feelings...It really..."
Azucena finally started showing other emotions besides happiness and fear. Anger began bubbling.
"It really pissed me off! I hated it! SO MUCH! So, SO much! They wouldn't get it unless they were in my shoes! In their eyes, I'm just someannoying coffee lover from Peru...I can't TAKE IT ANYMORE! I JUST WANT SOMEBODY TO UNDERSTAND ME!" Azucena slammed the bed with her fist, scaring Leo. She realised that she had lashed out at him and startled him a bit.
"I-! I'm so sorry...!"
Leo grabbed her shoulders.
"It's okay. I'm relieved you're starting to be true to yourself, and however you choose to show that is fine by me."
"If you insist, cause I have...a lot to let out..."
"It's fine. You know, since you'll be here for a week, why don't we just postpone our tour to the day after tomorrow? You clearly need some rest. So please, carry on."
"Leo...I...I need help..." She finally let out. It took her all her strength to say those words. She leaned on Leo's shoulder.
"I'm here for you. Don't worry," Leo responded, rubbing her back.
Azucena spent the next couple of minutes slowly sharing and explaining her past with Leo.
After some time...
"Azucena...I can't believe you had to go through all that. I'm so sorry. Thank you for sharing this with me."
"I gotta thank you too. This was a lot to get off my chest. Thanks for hearing me out."
"You're welcome. If there's anything you're struggling with and you can't share to anyone, my door's always open," Leo offered with a smile.
"Heh, thanks. That's so kind of you."
They smiled at each other and remained silent for a bit. This was already good enough, with the both of them staring at each other and comforting each other in their pain. However, the pain of the past still stings for Azucena.
"Leo...you don't mind if I ask something of you, right?"
"Of course I don't mind. What's up?"
Azucena took a deep breath.
"The pain...even though I shared it you, it still stings. Can I...hug you again and...cry on your shoulder...?" Azucena looked away with a blushing face.
Leo turned completely red. Azucena ASKED FOR A HUG! Was this a dream, or reality? He'd never know. Either way, he decided to accept her request, as letting it out would be more healthy for her.
"Azucena...It would be my pleasure. Please, make yourself comfortable with me. I want you to feel better, and if a hug helps with that, I'm more than happy to do it for you."
No more words needed to be said at this moment. Azucena just jumped into his arms and dug into his shoulder. Leo wrapped her arms around her in response.
He could hear soft sobs from the person he saw as the cheerful, Peruvian coffee enthusiast, and he could feel his jacket become wet with her tears. He only tightened his grip around her.
"That's it...just let it all out. I'm here," he whispered into her ear.
(sniff) "Leo..."
Azucena's sobs grew louder as more tears came out. The two shared a quiet moment together, as they cuddled each other and found their comfort. Leo eventually started crying too.
"Your, (sniff) crying face...it's so cute."
"Gh...gh-! Y-you're crying just as much...!" The both of them laughed with tears in their eyes.
After finally calming down, the both of them drank a glass of the water offered by the hotel. As Leo was planning on going back to his apartment, the both of them didn't realise it was already 1 a.m.
"Oh dear...it's late..." Azucena mentions.
"U-uh...yeah..." Leo says sheepishly.
"Feel free to stay here. I'm sure you're pretty tired already, and it'd be a bit of a hassle to get back. Besides..."
"I still need your company, if that's okay, Leo."
Leo was a bit nervous to be resting in the same room as his crush, but he decided to comply, seeing how tired he was.
"Alright, then. Thank you. I don't wanna leave your side either. I'd be more than happy to spend the night with you and keep you company."
Leo took off his jacket and waited for Azucena to finish her shower. When she finished, she came out wearing some adorable pyjamas with alpacas all over it.
"Your sleeping attire is so cute."
"Hehe, thank you. This one's my favourite."
Azucena crawled into the bed, lying down beside Leo. Leo was a bit embarrassed that there was only one bed and he was basically forced to share it with Azucena, but oh well. Besides, sleeping in the same bed as your crush is...like a dream come true. Everything in the world isn't all bad!
Leo gave Azucena more of the blanket. All of a sudden, he felt the blanket move next to him. At first he got scared, but then Azucena revealed herself behind the blanket and giggled.
"Y-you...! Sh-shouldn't you be sleeping?!"
"Heheheh...just wanted to lighten the mood a little! Besides, you look cute when you're startled."
"HOW are you so good at making my face red?!" Leo blurts out, as he turns his back towards Azucena to hide his blushing face.
"I don't know~ you panic almost all the time," Azucena points out. "But I'm sorry, hehe..."
"It's okay. I kinda enjoyed it..." Leo said the last part in a whisper.
"What was that? You enjoy it? Hehe~"
"N-NOTHING! L-Let's just go to sleep now!"
"Okay, okay..."
Leo woke up the next morning. It was 10 am. Goodness, how long were they sleeping?!
Another dilemma came up almost immediately.
He couldn't move.
That's when it hit him. He turned around to try and figure out why he couldn't move his arms and legs.
Azucena was hugging him! Tightly!
Leo began to panic. His face turned red instantly, his heart began beating faster than it's supposed to, and his body temperature rose.
He heard Azucena talking in her sleep while cuddling him.
"Mmmm...coffee...so warm..."
All of a sudden, she hugged him even tighter to the point where he felt his bones were going to shatter.
"A-Azucena...! T-too...tight!"
Azucena woke up due to Leo's pleas and begging for mercy. She let out a loud yawn and stretched.
"Aaahhhh! Good morning, Leo!"
As if she WASN'T TRYING to choke him to death!
"G-g-good morning..."
Azucena and Leo got up from bed and prepared for the day. After Leo left his jacket in the laundry (due to Azucena's tears from last night sullying it), the both of them went downstairs for breakfast.
"Mannnnnn...I'm so thirsty...I need coffee..."
"Well, Germany's coffee certainly won't disappoint you, coffee queen."
The both of them laughed so much at his statement to the point where the reception lady told them to be quiet. They went to the hotel's buffet restaurant to grab some food and, of course, coffee.
After grabbing some sandwiches, scrambled eggs, and fresh brew, the two sat down at a table and began eating their brunch. This is when Leo discovered that Azucena has...quite the appetite.
Just as he looked up to see Azucena while munching on his sandwich, he realised that the three sandwiches on her plate were completely gone, and Azucena was sipping her coffee.
"U-uh...those were three large sandwiches! Did YOU just eat them ALL?!"
Azucena looked up at Leo's shocked face and gave him a look of confusion.
"Huh? I mean...yeah I did~ they were tasty! Thanks so much for the recommendation!"
"Welcome. You've got...quite the appetite."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"Nope...it's becoming one of my favourite things about you."
"Hehe..."
After brunch, the two walked through the streets of Germany. It was currently autumn. The leaves were blowing in the quiet wind, and people filled the streets. It was so crowded, Azucena clung onto Leo's arm to make sure the two didn't get separated. All the while Leo was trying to hide his blushing face with his scarf.
"Wow...the trees look so nice this season!"
"It is autumn here in Germany. Happens around September."
Azucena quickly digs into her purse and gives Leo her phone. Leo was confused. Azucena then pointed at some beautiful orange trees.
"Could you...take a selfie of me over there...?" She looked at him with adorable puppy eyes. Leo could no longer hide his strawberry red face.
"Gh-! I, uhh..." Gosh, she's too adorable!
"Pleeeaaassseee...?" Azucena tugged on his sleeve with a pout.
"O-okay okay!" Leo declared. Goodness, she's good at this...
"Thank you~!"
Azucena walked over to the trees she pointed at and Leo adjusted the phone camera to face her. After pondering for a bit on what pose she should do, Azucena gently caught a falling leaf and smiled at the camera.
Leo was by no means a professional photographer. However, Azucena somehow made all the photos look good. She complemented the photos with her brown leather jacket, long pants, black boots, red scarf, flowing hair, and her beautiful smile. He couldn't help but continue to stare at her.
After Leo took the photos, Azucena walked over to him to see them.
"Oooooooh...I like these! You're a good photographer! Thank you so much!" Azucena exclaimed, as she took her phone to see the photos. "I'll send one to you."
"A-AH?! Are you sure I can have one?"
"Duh, of course!"
Just before he could react, he received the photo. He opened his phone to see the selfie. The warm colours really did elevate her warm smile. He continued to stare at the selfie, forgetting that Azucena was right next to him, waiting for a response.
"Hehe...Earth to Leo!!!" Azucena shouted. Leo suddenly looked to see Azucena with a silly face. He realised what he was doing in front of her and covered his blushing face.
"AAAHHH! I'm SO sorry!"
Azucena could only laugh in response. She gently punched Leo's shoulder. "It's okay! You really do overreact to everything. It's so funny and cute. Hahah...!" She continued to laugh. Leo could only rub the back of his head sheepishly.
"It's just that...I don't know how you're so beautiful."
The both of them remained silent. Azucena stared at him with a shocked expression. Suddenly, her face turned red.
"Y-you don't just throw compliments out like that! Not fair..." Azucena looked away, covering her mouth and nose with her scarf. Leo saw this as an opportunity to get back at her.
"Hahaha! I win~" Leo whispered to her ear in a taunting manner. He loved seeing Azucena flustered.
His warm breath tickled her ear and only made her blush even more.
"Oh, why you...! Hehe..." Azucena blurted out. "You do know there is almost nothing worse than making me mad, right?" She began to intimidate Leo with a sly smile and suddenly closed the gap between them so that he couldn't run away.
Somehow, Leo was enjoying this side of Azucena.
"You want to challenge me?"
"Why, of course~"
"Then," Leo distracted her by booping her nose, distracting her and loosening her grip on him. This gave him the opportunity to run away. "-you have to catch me first!"
Azucena rubbed her nose in embarrassment and saw Leo running away.
"Oh, you-! Get back here!" She ran after him.
They spent the entire afternoon playfully chasing each other and taking pictures of anything that interested Azucena, along with MANY selfies. They also visited different coffee shops and tried some of their blends. Azucena enjoyed all of them, much to Leo's joy.
Leo and Azucena returned to the hotel at 5 p.m. Leo had to get some stuff from his apartment, so he brought Azucena back to her hotel room.
"Aww...you're leaving already? We had so much fun today~"
"I just need to get some change of clothes from my apartment, but if you insist, I'll stay another night with you."
Azucena smiled with that answer.
"It's fun being around you, Azucena. Honestly, I'm excited for all the other stuff we'll do, together."
"Me too, Leo. I'm so happy every time we're together. We should do this again sometime."
Leo and Azucena had closed the space between them once again, and the two of them were already a few centimetres away. Both of their breaths tickled each other's noses, and they giggled in response.
"Hehehe...! Leo..."
Leo slowly moved his head forward to rest on her forehead. His body followed suit, and he wrapped his arms around her waist and back.
"You're so warm," Leo lets out, as his body leans towards Azucena.
"Leo..."
Azucena lifted her arms to wrap around his neck. The both of them were pulled even closer to each other.
The two of them stayed like this for a full ten minutes, until Leo realised: Wait a second. This ISN'T WHAT GOOD FRIENDS DO! This was FAR from platonic!
However, Azucena seemed comfortable. She looked very satisfied and relaxed in his warm, welcoming embrace. From the looks of it, she doesn't seem like she wants to stop hugging him. Has their relationship "levelled up?" He couldn't tell. This was a huge step forward, though. The two of them spent the entire afternoon bonding and connecting with each other, and they still had more in store.
Leo wanted to tell Azucena he loved her so badly. He could somehow hear the voices of all his family and friends urging him to tell her how he feels.
"What are you waiting for?"
"She's right there! Now's the time!"
"What if someone else gets to her first?!"
"Confess!!!!!"
"You got this, Leo!"
"Just say I love you!"
Leo began shaking his head. His face was extremely red, and he was visibly sweating. As his head moved, his moving forehead tickled Azucena and she began to giggle.
"Hehehe...! You move so much. It tickles! Are you okay?"
"Close...so close..." was all Leo blurted out.
"Close? Are we...too close?" Azucena asked.
"A-Ah-! No, this is great! Never felt better!"
"I-I'm sorry..." Azucena says in a sad and guilty tone as she begins distancing herself. This was the last thing Leo wanted!
"No! It's okay. I like this." Leo pulled Azucena back into the embrace without giving her a heads up.
"L-Leo...!" Azucena placed her hands on his shoulders.
"Azucena...don't let go, please."
"We've been hugging for almost half an hour..."
"Still...I want to stay with you."
"Don't you have stuff to grab at your apartment?"
"That comes later. I wanna stay with you. I want to connect with you."
"Leo...I want to connect with you, too."
The two sank in each other's embrace. Neither of them wanted to let go. Leo felt more confident to confess to her, but still felt as though it was way too soon. Azucena was happy she had opened up to Leo more, but still feared that she burdened him too much. She finally decided to let out this worry to him.
"Hey, Leo...do I...burden you too much?"
Leo immediately opened his eyes and looked down to see Azucena frowning again, just like last night. It seemed that she was still struggling to open up more to him. He didn't like to see her frown, but he was also happy she wasn't suppressing her negative feelings unlike before.
"Listen to me, Azucena...you never burden me. Being with you and hearing your troubles is never tiring or annoying. I enjoy being with you, and I'm more than happy to help you with anything you're struggling with. I care about you, Azucena, and I don't want to see you hurt. It's okay to be sad or unhappy. Those negative feelings should never be suppressed."
"I...I-"
Leo tightened his grip around her. Azucena had never felt so comforted before.
"It's gonna be okay, I'm here for you."
"Thank you, Leo..."
After some quiet moments together, Leo eventually left to get his extra clothes from his apartment, and rushed back to Azucena's side. The two continued to enjoy each other's company in the comfort of the small hotel room.
The next day comes, and the two "lovebirds" went to different tourist attractions in Germany. Leo toured Azucena around the Marienplatz, and took many wonderful photos as well as visiting every coffee shop on sight.
While they were at the St. Peter church admiring the architecture, Azucena scooted near Leo and made her phone camera face the both of them.
"Uhhh...what are you doing?"
"Taking a selfie with you, duh!"
"W-WHA?!"
"Gee, I thought we discussed about not freaking out about everything..."
"R-right, sorry. Go ahead, then."
Azucena proceeded to take some selfies with Leo in different angles. Leo felt like he was ruining the selfies and felt unworthy of being part of them, despite Azucena's insistence that he join her. Nevertheless, he enjoyed taking pictures with her.
They went to have dinner, and Azucena once again displayed her insane appetite by ordering different kinds of German delicacies and tasting all the coffee they had. Leo and his wallet were flabbergasted at the end of the day.
The next day comes by, and as they walked through the streets once more, they stumbled upon an amusement park. After some persistent begging from his enthusiastic tourist, Leo agreed to take Azucena there.
They tried just about every intense ride. As Azucena was having fun, raising her arms and yelling in joy, Leo was completely afraid, holding Azucena's hand tightly and screaming in fear.
After a crazy roller coaster ride, Azucena and Leo were going to grab some food for lunch.
"Wow, that coaster ride was fun! We should go again!"
"Oh goodness, NO!" Leo thought to himself.
Leo grabbed Azucena's arm. Azucena turned around to see Leo's entire face green and his mouth covered by his hand, as though he were about to vomit. She looked at him with a bit of concern, but also concealing her laughter because of how silly he looked.
"A-Azucena...I feel sick...my stomach hurts...please, no more...insane rides..."
"Oh no, are you okay??!!!"
Before Azucena could get an answer, Leo faints in her arms.
"Ack! Leo, DON'T DIE ON MEEE...! I still need you, my best friend and tour guide!!! Wahhhh...! I'm so sorry!!!!" Azucena began shaking him like her life depended on it.
After some turbulent shaking, Leo suddenly woke up. He struggled to maintain his balance and held on to Azucena's shoulders. He felt dizzy, and his vision was slightly blurred.
"The world...is spinning...uhhh..."
Azucena cheered in relief, and before Leo could ask what happened, she jumped on him and embraced him.
"I'm so happy you're okay!!!! I was so scared!! I'm so sorry!!!!" Azucena shouts, as she cuddles him tightly.
"Aaahh!! Ack-! Yes, I'm okay, don't choke the LIFE out of me!"
After lunch, they walked around the area outside amusement park. Once again, they went to almost every coffee shop in sight. So far, the coffee hasn't disappointed Azucena. She savoured every sip of the freshly brewed coffee.
"Mmmmm...this is good coffee! I have to tell my family about this! Thanks for these recommendations, Leo!"
"You're welcome. I'm so glad you like them."
After trying the coffee, one of the coffee shop owners recognised Azucena, and gave her a few bags of their coffee beans.
"Wow, I can have this? Thank you!"
"No problem. It is such an honour to have someone like you visit our coffee shop. After all, your friend Leo and his father is one of our regulars."
"Yeah, their coffee is something special. Thanks again, sir!"
"You're welcome!"
Leo noticed that the owner was looking at the both of them with a strange look, as if he was thinking that something was going on between them.
"Azucena, is it alright if I chat to the lad for a bit?"
"Okay, sure! I'll just see you outside, Leo."
"O-oh, alright."
"Thanks again for the coffee!"
Azucena exited the coffee shop while the owner waved goodbye. He then proceeded to drag Leo to the back of the store.
"Uhh...so, what do you wanna talk about with me, sir?"
"Hey, Leo...just asking out of curiosity, are you and Azucena...you know. Dating?"
Leo's entire face turned red. DATING?! NO! That was WAY too soon! Were they so close, people started assuming they were dating?!
"N-NO, SIR! I-I'm merely a tour guide for her! We became friends over the internet and face to face meetings, and she's visiting for a week."
"Okay...do you have a crush on her then?"
...
He does. He just can't say it. His mouth gaped open, and he covered his blushing face.
"Should I take that silence as a yes?"
Leo could only nod.
"I personally think you're overreacting about this. It's fine to have feelings for someone. It's impossible to hide them forever, Y'know."
"(sigh) Yes, I know...I intend on confessing to her...I just don't know when, or, what if she says no?"
"That's you worrying too much. Just stay calm and do what you think is best for you and her."
"Alright...thanks."
After the coffee shop owner gave Leo his best wishes, Leo exits the coffee shop to reunite with Azucena. He noticed her on her phone, talking to someone. She appears to be a bit stressed out.
"Yes, papa, I know...I'll be home soon. I actually met a friend! He's a fan of ours too...what..? So you're mad because I didn't get along with anyone at the business meeting but made friends with a stranger? Come on, papa! Shouldn't you be happy that I made a friend? Besides, everyone at that meeting didn't seem to like me..."
Leo walked over but remained silent to not disturb their conversation.
"You want me to be home tomorrow...? We agreed on a week. I need to travel to Australia to promote our coffee...? I don't remember you putting that in my schedule. I already traveled to Spain and Italy last week to offer our coffee beans. Please, papa, I just need a break." Azucena then noticed Leo's presence. "Ah, one moment, papa." Azucena muted her microphone.
"Is everything okay, Azucena?"
"Everything's fine! Just my papa calling up to check on me..." Azucena's face wasn't agreeing with her words.
"Azucena." Leo says bluntly, with a scary expression. "You aren't being honest with me again."
"It's a personal matter."
"Don't make that face if 'everything's fine.' "
"Leo, stop."
Leo proceeded to corner her to a light pole. He grabbed Azucena's phone.
"Is this your father?"
"Leo...give it back..."
"Let me speak to him."
"Leo...! You're making me angry here." Azucena began to frown again with a hint of anger and frustration. Leo hated the face she was making.
Without a warning, Leo pressed Azucena to the light pole. His left hand ensured she didn't make any rash movements.
"I won't let him be a terrible father to you. I've got this. Please trust me, Azucena."
"Leo...he's not...!"
"Shhh..." Leo hushed her, placing his finger on her lips. He proceeds to loosen his grip on her and unmuted the microphone. Azucena was too stunned by what Leo did to move.
"Hello, Azucena?"
"She went to the bathroom."
"You...! What did you do to my daughter?! Why do you have her phone?!"
"She's okay. Trust me, I wouldn't even touch your daughter. I'm Leo Kliesen, a spelunker and archaeologist from Germany working for Yggdrasil and her tour guide. I also happen to be her friend. Don't worry. I will return her phone to her, but first, I want to chat with you," Leo explains, in an almost bone-chilling voice. Azucena felt a chill up her spine.
"Ugh...what do you want, boy?"
"Before I answer that, I'd like to apologise for eavesdropping on your conversation with your daughter. At least now I know a bit of your true colours. Now to answer your question: I want you to let Azucena stay in Germany for the rest of the week."
"Who are you to give me orders?"
"Unlike you, I'm someone who actually cares about Azucena. Being here in Germany with me is what she obviously wants. Now, as her father, you want the best for her, no?"
"Hmph. Good argument, boy, and quite the accusations you made. We shall continue this another time. I want to hear what Azucena wants. Funny that you thought you could speak for her."
"She is my daughter, and you shouldn't meddle between her AND her father. Now return the phone."
Leo scoffs. "Fine. Here you go, Azucena." Leo passes the phone to her. "Tell your father what you really want. Please, Azucena."
"Alright..."
Azucena puts the phone to her ear. "Yes, papa?"
"Stop hanging out with him. He's a terrible influence to you."
"Papa...you don't understand. I want to stay here longer. You can't just propose new things to my schedule without my approval. My decisions aren't yours to make."
"Azucena, how dare you talk back to me?!"
"At least consider my feelings first." She hung up on him instantly. Azucena looked as though she was on the verge of tears.
Leo realised that Azucena was going to cry, and offered a hug. Azucena only gave him an angry look.
"Let's...go back to the hotel."
"Azucena...I-"
"I just wanna take a nap."
"I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to apologise for."
"You seem angry, though."
"I told you...I'M FINE!" She screamed. Leo immediately stopped talking. He was going to cry from how much it hurt. Azucena realised that she may have hurt his feelings.
"I- I'm sorry...it's just that...I..."
"Azucena...(sniff) that hurt..."
"N-no it's my fault! Please don't cry! Please, please...! Agh..."
Tears began flowing from Azucena's face. Leo realised that he invaded her privacy and forced her into an extremely uncomfortable situation. He immediately pulled her into a tight hug. He couldn't control his tears from seeing her unhappy.
"Azucena...I'm so sorry I put you in that situation. I cared about your well-being, yet I didn't consider your feelings. Will you forgive me for being a horrible friend?"
"Leo..."
A long silence follows. The two continued cuddling each other as the cold wind blew. Finally, Azucena spoke.
"It's okay. I forgive you. I also want to thank you, for helping me to stand up to my papa. I'm very happy to have someone like you in my life."
"Azucena...are you still willing to connect with me?"
"...Yes."
Anything platonic was thrown out of the window. Leo wiped Azucena's tears with his hand, while she giggled from his gentle thumb tickling her face. He pressed his forehead on hers, and gently brought her head closer to his with his hand. Azucena's face turned red with their close proximity. Leo was unable to control his heartbeat at this moment.
Were the two about to kiss?!
This felt TOO SOON!
But an open opportunity to tell Azucena how he felt was finally given to him. He decided to take the leap of faith.
"Azucena..."
"Yeah, Leo...?"
"Listen...I..."
"You...what?"
"W-wait...I'm trying..."
"What are you trying to say?"
Oh darn. For the LIFE of him he can't say "I love you!"
"I-I'm sorry..."
"Sorry? Sorry for what?"
"I can't say it for the life of me!"
Azucena noticed that Leo's face was visibly red and his voice was shaky. He seemed to be having trouble getting something off his chest.
"Take your time, Leo. When you're confident enough...I want to hear those words from your mouth."
"I...all right. If you insist."
"For everything you've done for me, Leo...can I give you a small gift of appreciation?"
"It's not necessary, but if you want to, I'd gladly accept it."
"Hehe~ thank you." Azucena tiptoed to Leo's face. He could feel her breath on his cheek. Then, Leo felt something soft and gentle press his cheek.
Chu.
Was this reality? Azucena was kissing him on the cheek!
"GAH, SHE'S KISSING ME ON THE CHEEK!"
After holding the kiss for a few seconds, Azucena pulled her face away and sank back down.
"Now, let's go back to the hotel, my dear tour guide."
"Gh-!" Saying Leo was completely in love with her was an understatement. His entire face was red, his heartbeat was twice as fast, and his palms were sweaty.
"Earth to Leo..."
"O-oh! Sorry. Let's go."
The last few days Azucena was in Germany with Leo was mostly just visiting palaces and memorials, taking selfies of anything interesting, going to any coffee shop they can see, spending money on souvenirs, and eating the country's delicacies.
Azucena enjoyed her short yet eventful time with Leo. During this time they also learned a lot about each other, like how Leo was inspired to become a spelunker like his father and how Azucena's father inspired her to become a coffee farmer. They also discovered the good, bad, and ugly about themselves, but the two accepted and enjoyed each other's presence.
As the last few days passed by, Leo developed more confidence to tell Azucena how he feels. He was scared that he wouldn't be able to tell her before she leaves or the possibility that she may not feel the same way, and that kiss from yesterday was just completely platonic.
"But a kiss can't be platonic! That was a sign of affection! She clearly likes you the same way!" His mind was screaming at him. Leo had to accept that.
As crazy as this was, Leo finally had the opportunity to confess to Azucena.
Before the two eventually had to part ways again.
On Azucena's final day, Leo was waiting for her downstairs. He received a text from his father.
"Hey, son! How did your date with Azucena go?"
"It was great, Father. Also, IT ISN'T A DATE!"
"Nah, those are lies. I saw her Instagram!"
"WHAT?!"
"You guys clearly seem to have had a great time. She's returning to Peru today, right?"
"Yeah."
"Have you told her you liked her yet?"
"Uh. No."
"Leo. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?! SHE'S THERE! FOR THE TAKING! You two spent the week together! Sorry about this, but I even saw your chat and call history! How are you two not that close?!"
"I DON'T KNOW, ALSO YOU SAW MY CHAT HISTORY?!"
"Forget about that! Anyway, you two live very far from each other. Before you part ways, at least get your feelings off your chest and be honest with her."
"Okay, Father."
"That's my son! Don't worry about anything, alright? Me and your mom are rooting for you!"
"Thank you. Both of you."
Leo was smiling at his conversation with his father until he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Azucena with her bag, ready to return home.
"Man...this week was so fun! I wish it didn't end so quickly."
"Well, there's still a lot to come. But I'm looking forward to the future with you."
"Same here!"
The two remaining silent and reminisced on all the fun times they had today. They also looked back on the arguments, the tense moments, and the tender hugs they shared.
"Well, it's time to head to the airport. Are you ready, Azucena? Got everything?"
"Yep, I'm good to go!"
At the busy and crowded airport, Leo and Azucena had one final lunch together, and were ready to part ways.
Leo felt like time was against him. Azucena was going to leave soon, and they wouldn't meet face to face for a while due to work. Even after the time they spent together, Leo still couldn't tell Azucena he liked her. Everyone had been encouraging him to confess, and there didn't seem like a better moment than now.
Leo finally decided the moment they arrived at the departure gates.
He must to confess to Azucena.
He can't miss this chance.
"Well, this is where we part ways. I'll see you again, Leo. Thanks for being an amazing tour guide and being the best companion I ever had."
"You're very welcome, Azucena. I'm so happy I met you."
"Me too, Leo. Thank you for coming into my life."
"Hey, I should be the one saying that."
"Too late~ I said it first. Hehe."
The two laughed for a bit. After that happy moment, though, Azucena frowned for a bit.
"My father's definitely gonna be mad at me, but I know that I made the right choice to follow my own heart." Azucena then showed Leo a genuine smile. "You taught me to be honest with my feelings, and reminded me that it was okay to be sad, vulnerable, and to ask for help."
"I'm so glad I made you realise that. Never forget that I'm always here for you, too. My door's always open."
"Thank you, Leo."
"No problem, always."
Leo was extremely nervous. It was an hour and 30 minutes before Azucena's flight, and he was struggling to say the words he wanted to say! It was now or never.
"Azucena...before you go..."
"Yeah, Leo?"
"There's something I need to tell you."
"I'm all ears! What is it?"
Leo grabbed Azuenca's hands. They were warm. Azucena jumped a bit in response to this sudden action and began to blush madly.
"Never throughout my entire life have I met someone as sweet, beautiful, amazing, energetic, strong, and kind as you."
Azucena couldn't believe what Leo was saying. Did all those words really describe her? Nevertheless, she really appreciated it.
"I...know I get nervous about everything, and I suck at bringing my point across, but...! I still need to tell you...how I feel about you, Azucena!"
"How you feel...about me?"
"Yes. You."
Leo took a deep breath and shook his head violently. Azucena was left in silent anticipation.
"Azucena..."
"I'm in love with you."
"You...what...?!"
"Please, don't make me say it again..." Leo looked away with a blushing face.
"But I want to hear it again." Azucena pleaded, and she moved closer to Leo.
"Okay then...I'm in love with you, Azucena."
"Leo..." Azucena's cheeks turned red.
"Yes. I am. As much as I tried to deny it, it's true. Ever since we met, I fell in love with you almost instantly. I wanted to connect with you more, get to know you, and grow closer together. You lit my entire world up."
"I know we can't be together often due to our jobs, but I want to continue spending time with you."
"I love you, Azucena."
Azucena remained silent and in shock.
"Please say something. Please..."
"Leo...I..."
"Wait a sec! I know what you're gonna say...just leave me be...! I'm so sorry! I promise I won't speak to you aga-" Azucena grabbed Leo's arm as he tried to run away.
"Leo, wait! Let me finish..."
"O-okay..."
Azucena closed her eyes for a bit, then looked at Leo with a warm smile.
"Leo, I don't know how, but when you entered my life, you were like a light of hope for me. I was so tired of lying about everything, of always faking my emotions, and not opening up. You reached out your hand for me in my darkest moments. I know we've only just met a while back and time is moving really fast but...when you stayed by my side and comforted me, that's when..."
Azucena paused for a moment, then continued.
"That's when I fell in love with you, too."
Leo's mouth gaped open in shock. Is this a dream, or did Azucena say she loved him too?!
"You...feel the same way?!"
"Yes, Leo. I love you, too!"
"Azucena, I...I don't know what to say..."
The both of them were overjoyed at their mutual feelings for each other. Azucena jumped into Leo's arms and cuddled him tightly. Leo was so happy, he was on the verge of tears.
The two looked at each other with passionate eyes and wide smiles. Leo was holding the woman of his dreams that occupied his mind every night, and Azucena was in the arms of the man that was her light of hope.
Leo pulled Azucena closer, as the two closed the space between each other. As they leaned into each other, their faces were a few centimetres away, and the both of them slowly shut their eyes as their lips began to touch each other.
"I love you, Azu," Leo whispered.
"I love you too, Leo. I love you so much."
Finally, they shared a kiss.
Neither of them were good at it. It was messy at first, but the two got used to it quickly, and the two of them got to really connect.
As Leo and Azucena pressed their lips against each other, Leo discovered that not only did Azucena love coffee, she also tasted like it.
"Mmmmm...coffee..." Leo let out, as he pulled away for a bit, then proceeded to dive back into her lips for another kiss.
"Mmmphh...Leo..." Azucena whispered. "So...good..." Azucena pressed her body on his. Leo could feel her...assets pressing on him. He immediately turned into a strawberry.
"Gh-! Azu..."
"Hey~ don't stop...I like this...let's enjoy it before I go..."
"I don't want to stop either..."
They continued like this for a while until the two realised that the janitor had been staring at them the entire time. Leo and Azucena immediately covered their faces in embarrassment.
"Hey, don't look at me. You two carry on."
"U-uh...okay..."
The janitor sighed and left.
"Guess we got a bit carried away there huh, Leo?"
"I guess we did...but...I really enjoyed it."
"Me too. When we meet again, I want more, got it?" She showed a sweet and loving smile.
"Of course. Anything for you," Leo replies, as he kisses her on the cheek and fixes her hair. It was soft and smooth. It had almost no tangles as he brushed his fingers through it.
"That tickles...! Hehehe...!" Azucena giggles, and Leo couldn't help but kiss her again because of how cute she was.
"I should probably get going, before we get carried away again and I miss my flight..."
"O-oh yeah. Right. See you soon, Azucena. Love you."
"See you again, Leo. Love you, too!" Azucena kissed him on the cheek and went to the boarding gate.
Leo could only look at her as she walked away, until she eventually disappeared into the crowd. Since he got on her father's bad side, he was worried that it was gonna be a while before they could meet again, and that his father would be completely against their relationship.
Either way, he made his choice. He wanted to love Azucena until the end.
He was happy that he had accomplished his mission with Azucena in their third meeting:
To connect with her.
And they would only grow even closer.
Ending Notes
NO WAY. I'm finally done!
It's currently like 11:43 pm on the 22nd of May as I'm writing this, but I'm SO GLAD it's finally over! Hope you all loved this chapter just as much I did writing it!
I know this is very long, there are many mistakes, and certain parts of the story feel rushed. I wanted to fit a lot of content to develop their relationship, but I may have overdone it. Oops.
Nevertheless, this marks the close of Learning to Connect. Thank you for reading!
Please comment on how I can improve for future works, or any part of the story you like!
Until then, see you soon, readers! :D