Hi guys!

Taking a break from my SSBU work Why We Fight so that I can write AzuLeo. I love this ship and I'm sorry, I will never stop promoting it. However, I will switch between these two fics, so you'll get a bit of everything.

Anyway, this is the sequel of Learining to Connect, which is a bunch of short stories (max 5k words) of Leo and Azucena bonding together, whether it be by text or face to face meetings, thus the title.

This fanfic will lead to more development of their relationship. I've been thinking of some good stuff to write for this ship, so I hope you'll all enjoy it.

As always before we begin, there's he/him Leo and fanon Azucena, just putting it there so you know what you don't like.

Comment if there's things I get wrong or ways I can improve on future works. Do let me know what you think and parts you like!

Enjoy. :)

Leo was walking around the winding streets of Peru. Due to the hot weather and his body's limited stamina, he sat down at a sheltered bench. As he rested, he was taking a moment to contemplate everything that happened the past two months.

It was official.

He and Azucena were in a romantic relationship.

Saying he was overjoyed by this was an understatement. He was over the moon.

There were so many things about Azucena that Leo admired about her. Her enthusiasm, her passion for her business, her love for coffee, and of course, her vibrant smile.

Today, he was in Peru to surprise Azucena. He didn't tell her that he was coming just to see her specifically.

After some trouble with directions and a long bus ride, he finally made it to the Ortiz farm. The village around it was bustling with people, who were playing music, selling wares, and caring for alpacas. The alpacas were so adorable, with their fluffy faces and cute smiles.

Leo walked through the crowds to see what was happening. After listening attentively to some locals chatting, he discovered Azucena was having a photoshoot today with the alpacas. He continued pushing his way through a sea of people, until he could see flashing cameras.

Then, right there, in the middle of the crowds taking pictures and photographers helping with setups...

...There she was.

As usual, she looked absolutely stunning.

She was wearing a pink top with brown lines in a checkered pattern, tied up at the bottom to reveal her stomach. She also wore long ripped jeans leading down to her brown boots. Her hair was once again in a different style, with a braid going under and behind her head. She was also wearing a straw hat, and she was holding an alpaca in her hands. The photographers were asking her to perform different poses and took pictures at different angles.

Leo couldn't help but copy the crowd and take a photo of her. Azucena somehow always looked beautiful, no matter what outfit she wore.

He was almost perplexed on why someone like him was dating her. He believed she deserved the best.

Just as Leo was lost in thought and her alluring presence, a bodyguard pulled him out of his train of thought as he was shouting at everyone to calm down and take a few steps back. Leo was a bit scared that he was gonna get crushed because so many people were moving at the same time, trying to squeeze their way through. The insanely hot weather was not helping at all.

After an hour or two of waiting, the crowds finally calmed down. People were lining up to get some special prints of the photos with Azucena's signature on it, and others continued to stay within the area, chatting nonstop about how beautiful Azucena was.

Leo decided to line up last so that he could chat with Azucena since the photoshoot event was over. The waiting game felt like forever. Finally, there was only one more person in front of him.

"Here you go, thank you so much for waiting!"

Azucena gave the man a signed photograph, and he squealed in excitement as he thanked Azucena and walked away.

Leo kept staring at the man walking away. He seemed pretty happy that he received a photo of Azucena herself. Man, were fans crazy nowadays.

"Is anyone else left?"

Azucena asked, breaking Leo out of his train of thought. He walked over to her.

"Hey, Azucena!"

"Hi! Wait a second...!"

Azucena stared at Leo for a bit, realising he looked familiar. Finally, she let out a huge smile and a jump of joy.

"Leo! You're here!"

Everyone heard her shout. Goodness, how embarrassing!

People were already staring at the both of them. All of Azucena's fans seem to be staring at Leo with murderous intent. Leo began to sweat. A lot. Oh no, was a manhunt going to ensue?! He's going to get obliterated!

As Leo was lost in his thoughts again, Azucena gently punched him in the shoulder.

"Earth to Leo...!"

"U-uh yeah?"

"Gee...you sure space out a lot."

"I'm sorry..."

"It's okay!"

"Are you busy? Sorry to interrupt you."

"Ah, no it's fine! You came at the right time! My work for today is done. To be honest, the photoshoots drag on so long..."

"Yeah. I was sitting over there for almost two hours. Also, it's...really hot here."

"Yeah...it is what it is."

"Anyway, I wanted to surprise you. Bet you didn't expect me to come see you, huh?"

Leo gave her a cheeky grin.

"Hehehe, I totally didn't expect you to come all the way here from Germany. How's life been?"

"Well, it's been okay, but it's boring, I must say. Honestly...I couldn't wait to see you again. It's more fun with you around."

"Awww...you're too sweet. It's only been a few weeks, but I missed you."

"I missed you too."

The two stared at each other with big smiles. Leo was overjoyed to see his girlfriend again, and in very high spirits. After some long weeks of work, all the exhaustion faded away when they saw each other.

"How long will you stay?"

"A week. Maybe two. Unless I get called back by Yggdrasil to observe some cave ruins, I'll probably stay with you until the end of November."

"Yay! I'm so happy you're here!"

"Me too. I'm happy to be with you."

"Come on! Let's go have lunch together!"

Azucena grabbed Leo's arm and ran with him. Leo became flustered and hid his face while trying to catch up.

"Azucena! S-slow down!"

The two lovebirds decided to get some lunch at one of Azucena's favourite coffee shops, and Leo used his hoodie to hide himself from the crazy fans. After lunch, Azucena toured him around the Ortiz farm, explained all the coffee beans that grew around the area, and took him to see the alpacas.

At the alpaca range, Azucena waved to Camilla, her older cousin, who was feeding the alpacas. Leo resisted the temptation to pat one of them on their fluffy heads.

"Hey, Cam!"

"Hello, Azu! Oooh, who's this, a friend of yours?"

Leo and Azucena looked at each other.

Oh no. How were they gonna tell her that they were dating? Well, to not cause confusion, Leo decided to introduce himself.

"Oh, uh...hello. I'm Leo Kliesen, a spelunker. Nice to meet you."

"He's a friend of mine, Cam..."

"Nice to meet you too, Leo. The name's Camilla. I'm Azucena's older cousin."

A short silence follows. Camilla takes a closer look at Leo.

"Hmmm...you're German, right?"

"Well, uh...yeah."

"I see." Camilla approached Azucena and pulled her away for a bit.

"Is this 'the guy'?" Camilla whispered.

"Uhh...yup." Azucena replied.

"Wow, he's so cute! You've got great taste."

"C-Camilla!!!"

Azucena covered her face in embarrassment. Leo looked at the both of them in confusion while Camilla laughed. After they calmed down, Camilla asked a question.

"So, I'll just say this plainly. Are you two...in a relationship?"

Leo and Azucena's faces turned red, and they couldn't look at Camilla straight. Eventually, Leo and Azucena looked at each other and decided to tell her the truth.

"Y-yes. We're dating." Leo answered.

"Our relationship began during my trip to Germany." Azucena explained.

"No wonder you wanted some time alone! You're so cute, Azu," Camilla giggled.

"C-Camilla! Come on...! You're embarrassing me here..."

"Hey, it doesn't hurt to be in a relationship! I'm so happy for you, Azu. And don't worry. I'll keep it a secret from Uncle. If he's curious, I'll just say that the both of you are good friends."

"Thanks, Cam. I owe you!"

"Thank you so much, Miss."

"Oh, you're welcome! Take good care of Azu for me, okay Leo?"

"Of course."

"Just by looking at you, I can see you're a trustworthy person. Don't cause too much trouble for him, okay Azu?"

"Come on, Cam. I thought you knew me better!"

"Hahaha, just kidding. You two have fun! Peru is an amazing place."

"Alright, thank you."

"We'll see you soon, Cam!"

Leo and Azucena explored the area more, and Azucena showed Leo some interesting ruins nearby the farm. Fascinated, Leo took some pictures of them to show his father.

In Leo's opinion, Azucena was most definitely a better tour guide than he was when she came to Germany. She knew so much about her home country, and they tried so many of the country's delicacies.

Leo also got the opportunity to try some of Azucena's different blends of coffee. As expected of an experienced coffee brewer, all of them tasted wonderful.

At the end of the day, Azucena and Leo discussed where he would sleep for the night.

"I have a guest room at my place. My father's on a business trip and he'll be away for a few weeks, so you'll be fine!"

"Thank you so much. I really appreciate the hospitality."

"Well...that is...if you don't mind sleeping in the same bed together again...seeing as we're in a relationship and all..."

Azucena looked away with a blushing face. Leo immediately turned red at this statement.

"U-uh...I'd be more than happy to share a bed with you. Besides...

...sleeping with you makes me happy."

"L-Leo! Anything but reminding me that we slept together! It's so...embarrassing!"

Azucena punched him and covered her face. Leo could only laugh at his flustered girlfriend. He decided to tease her more, seeing how cute she was when she gets embarrassed.

"Oh I also remember! You sleep talk, too! You're so cute when you do it! 'Coffee...'" Leo attempted to imitate her.

"LEO!!! SO EMBARRASSING!!!"

The both of them could only laugh. People began looking at them.

"Gee, you've gotten better at teasing me. I'm gonna teach you a lesson..." Azucena walked over to him.

"You're really challenging me again?"

"Oh, yes I am."

Azucena cornered him again and trapped him in a tight hug. Leo was forced to feel Azucena's entire body pressed against him. His heartbeat spiked up, and his entire face turned red like strawberries.

"A-Azu...! Come on! Let go...too tight!"

"Not until I embarrass you just as much."

People were staring at them now. Leo could feel the embarrassment.

"Everyone's staring, Azu..."

"It doesn't matter...just look at me."

"I- I'm sorry...okay? Come on...let's just go to your place now..."

"You're only saying that so I can stop and I don't get back at you..."

"C-come on...your tight grip is killing me...!"

Leo tried showing signs of being suffocated by her tight hug. After a few minutes, she finally relented.

"Okay, okay..." Azucena took a step back, showing a frown.

"Thank you...if you wanna hug me so bad, we can do it later." Leo noticed her evident frown and felt bad for teasing her. "Don't frown like that...I'm really sorry. Tomorrow I'll get some cash at the atm and treat you to some tiramisu at that coffee shop we went to yesterday."

"Okay then, I forgive you! Hehehe."

Azucena beamed with joy once more. Leo sighed in relief that she was content.

The two finally arrived at Azucena's place. Azucena unlocked the door for Leo and led him to the guest room.

"Here you are! Make yourself at home and put your things away. I'll go grab my pillow." She ran off.

"U-uh alright!"

Leo felt his shout of approval didn't reach her, so he decided to do what she said and put his things away. He laid down on the bed due to exhaustion.

He took a moment to look around the small yet spacious room. There was a clean and empty work desk and chair, the small wardrobe he put his luggage away in, and a small trash can near the work desk. On his right there was a window, and on the left was a nightstand, a lamp, a jar of lilies, and an outlet to plug his phone charger.

The bed he was lying on was quite spacious. A couple could fit here. The moment he had that thought, he covered his blushing face because Azucena was all he could think about right after.

Just as he began to relax, Azucena barged into the room. Leo jumped up in a panic from the sudden entry. She was in more casual clothing, just shorts and an alpaca t-shirt. She also held a pink pillow in her arms.

"G-goodness! Consider knocking...!"

"Oops. Sorry~"

Azucena scratched her head and Leo covered his face sheepishly. Just as he removed his hand from his face and looked around, Azucena wasn't in front of him. All of a sudden, he felt someone crawling on the bed. He turned around to the right to see Azucena placing her pillow down and sitting beside him.

"Oooh...so soft. I never slept in the guest room before. This bed is so comfy!"

Leo's face turned red again. Azucena stared at him with confusion.

"You okay, Leo...? Or you don't want me to sleep here? I can always go back to my room if you mind..."

Leo shook his head and laid down.

"No, no. I really don't mind. I'm more than happy to let you sleep here. As long as you're happy."

"As long as I'm...happy?"

"Yes."

Azucena gives Leo a wide smile. Leo could tell it was genuine, and he smiled in response. Azucena crawled next to Leo and laid down beside him.

"Could you...hug me again...? Please?"

Leo remained silent for a bit. Finally, he gave a nod of approval and turned from the ceiling to face her. He opened his arms wide so that Azucena can rest in his arms. Azucena slowly crawled into his embrace and dug her head in his neck. Leo responded by resting his chin on her head.

"So comfy...and warm..."

Azucena gradually fell asleep. Leo could feel her soft hair flowing down his neck, and while holding her he discovered just how smooth her skin was. Compared to him, she was a little smaller, so wrapping his arms around her was effortless.

Leo wanted to look at her sleeping face, but it wasn't possible due to his head resting on hers. However, he could imagine how adorable it was. His girlfriend's cuteness was simply irresistible.

He couldn't help but sink down a bit to give Azucena some kisses on her forehead. Azucena began to giggle.

"Hehehehehe! Leo, that tickles...! Stop...!"

Leo only smiled at her.

"It's on you for being so cute."

"Uh-! Not again with the teasing...! So mean!"

Azucena's face turned red and she pouted at Leo.

"You're clearly enjoying it, though~"

Leo proceeded to hold up her face and kiss her forehead more. Azucena could no longer hide how red her face was.

"L-Leo..."

Leo's hands moved lower so he could pull Azucena up to his height. The temptation to kiss her on the lips was roaring inside him. He proceeded to kiss her nose.

"L-L-Leo...! You're so ticklish...! Hehehe...!"

"Chu, Chu..." was all he replied.

"Aww, you're so adorable when you show your affection for me. Here, a lil something for you~"

Azucena moved up to Leo's face and without a heads up, she gave him a kiss.

On the lips.

Leo was flustered. Is this her "payback?"

Either way, he was enjoying it. He placed his right hand on the back of her head and pulled her closer. He shut his eyes and allowed himself to enjoy the sweet coffee flavour from Azucena's mouth. Azucena wrapped his arms around his neck in response.

"Mmmph...Azu..."

"Mmummph...Leo..."

After a long while, the two of them pulled away. Realising just how much of a big step this was in their relationship, they looked away from each other sheepishly.

"You're really good at getting back at me, are you?"

"Of course I am!"

"You're so silly..."

"No, you are!"

The both of them laughed in each other's arms. They couldn't help but kiss each other again. This was one of the many reasons Leo enjoyed Azucena's presence.

Life was so much more exciting with her around.

She lit up his world.

He wanted to enjoy every happy moment with Azucena, and he was looking forward for more to come.

"Alright-y, I think it's getting late...we should really hit the hay."

"If you say so. Good night, Azu."

"Good night, Leo!"

The both of them cuddled each other. As Azu was about to doze off to sleep, Leo tapped her.

"Oh, uh...Azu, before you sleep..."

"Yeah...?"

Leo remained silent for a bit, then he finally said the words he wanted to say.

"I love you. Sleep tight...cutie-pie."

Azucena was flustered at his words. She had never been called a cutie-pie before, but she didn't mind because it was from Leo.

The man she loved.

"Aww! I love you too, Leo. Sleep well, my fellow javaphile."

The both of them finally fell asleep, thinking only about each other.

If Leo had the choice, he wanted to stay in Peru for a long time, so that he could be with Azucena for longer. He wanted to create lasting memories with her, do everything together with her, and stay by her side.

Every happy moment with Azucena meant so much to him.

Moreover...

He was ready to make even more with her.

Ending Notes

I'm done! I know, it's relatively short, but oh well. I'm tired and I want to work on other things, but I will get back to writing more chapters for this fic. As I said, it's a bunch of short stories of these two coffee lovers.

THEY'RE SO CUTE I CAN'T. 8-8

Honestly, the amount of fluff and romance in this was crazy. They're so sweet I could get diabetes.

Anyway, thank you for reading, comment on how I can improve or things I get wrong, and let me know what you like!

See you in the next chapter, readers~