Chapter 5 : The Weight of a Promise
The warmth of the candlelight flickered around the room, casting long shadows across the quiet hotel lounge. Po sat across from Shifu, a heavy silence hanging in the air. Po had returned not long ago after trying to speak with Leo, and Shifu could see the troubled expression on the Dragon Warrior's face.
Shifu wasn't one to waste time with pleasantries. He knew what had to be said.
"You spoke with Leo, didn't you?" Shifu asked, his tone steady but inquisitive.
Po nodded, rubbing his forehead. "I did. He… he's not going to the funeral, Master Shifu."
Shifu's eyebrows furrowed slightly, his usual calm demeanor betraying a hint of surprise. "He's not?"
"No," Po replied, his voice quiet. "I tried to talk to him, tried to convince him, but… he's made up his mind. I don't think there's anything we can do."
A pause settled over the room, and Shifu looked at Po with a knowing gaze. He had seen the weight that Leo carried, and he knew better than most that the young warrior didn't make decisions lightly.
"You're certain?" Shifu asked, still trying to grasp the full extent of what Po was saying.
"I'm certain," Po confirmed, nodding firmly. "It's like he's holding onto something… a promise he made. Something from his past. I couldn't get him to open up about it, but… he said he wouldn't shed a tear like everyone else. He won't go."
Shifu's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered this. The promise. It was something Leo had spoken of only rarely, but it was clear to Shifu now that it had a far deeper meaning than anyone had realized.
As Po sat in silence, Tigress and Viper entered the room, their expressions somber. They had been eavesdropping from the doorway, knowing that Po and Shifu were in deep conversation about Leo's decision.
"I don't think it surprises me," Tigress said quietly, her voice low with understanding. "Leo's always been stubborn about his grief. He doesn't want to be like everyone else, doesn't want to show weakness. He's probably afraid that if he goes, he'll break that promise to himself."
Viper nodded in agreement, her voice just as calm. "He's been like this since we left the Jade Palace. He doesn't talk about it, but we all know. The loss of Fang still hangs over him like a shadow. It's why he keeps everyone at arm's length. Why he doesn't want to face this funeral. It's not about the ceremony—it's about what it means for him, emotionally."
Tigress moved closer, crossing her arms as she looked at Shifu. "He's still holding onto the promise he made all those years ago. That he wouldn't shed a tear. That no one would see him break down."
Shifu's expression softened, though his gaze remained intense. "A promise made ten years ago… after Fang's death."
"Yes," Panther's voice cut through the conversation. She had been standing near the door, having arrived quietly just moments before, her face unreadable. Her jade eyes reflected a deep sadness, the weight of Leo's past resting heavily on her shoulders as well. She stepped into the room, looking directly at Shifu. "It's true. Leo hasn't been the same since. He made that promise to himself after Fang died in his arms."
Shifu nodded, processing the information. It wasn't a new revelation, but hearing it again, spoken aloud, made the depth of Leo's inner turmoil even more tangible. "So, this promise he made… he's still living by it? Even now?"
Panther nodded solemnly. "Yes. He swore that no one would see him break. He wouldn't cry, wouldn't show his grief. It's why he's pushing everyone away, why he's isolating himself. He's afraid that if he lets go, if he goes to the funeral, he'll break that promise, and all the pain will come rushing out. He's not ready to face it. Not yet."
There was a heavy silence that filled the room as everyone processed Panther's words. The weight of Leo's grief, the promise that had been made so long ago, seemed almost too much for him to bear. And yet, he carried it silently, alone.
Po let out a long, frustrated sigh. "I just don't get it. He doesn't have to be alone in this. We've been with him this whole time. He doesn't need to keep it all in. But every time I try to talk to him about it, he shuts down. It's like he's afraid of letting anyone see him as weak."
Tigress spoke next, her tone calm but firm. "Leo doesn't view showing emotion as weakness, Po. It's not that simple. To him, it's a matter of honor. A promise he made to Fang. He believes that if he breaks that promise, he'll dishonor her memory. And that's something he won't do, not even for us."
Shifu, always the one to see things from a larger perspective, spoke slowly, carefully. "I understand. But there comes a point when a man can no longer carry his burdens alone. Leo is still young, and yet he's been carrying a grief that not even the strongest can bear without help. The pain doesn't simply disappear, no matter how hard one tries to hide it."
Viper's voice was soft but insistent. "We all want to help him, but Leo has to be the one to take that first step. We can't make him go to the funeral, but maybe… maybe we can help him find a way to heal, in his own time."
Po's eyes flickered with determination. "You're right. He'll come around eventually. We just need to keep showing him that we're here for him, no matter what. He might not want to talk now, but that doesn't mean he won't later."
Panther let out a quiet breath and nodded in agreement. "I'll talk to him. I know him better than anyone. I'll find a way to help him understand that it's okay to let go."
Shifu stood, his expression resolute. "We can't force him, but we can guide him when the time is right. We have all lost people we care about. We know the pain Leo is going through. But we also know that, eventually, even the deepest wounds need to be healed."
With a shared understanding, they all stood in the quiet room, each of them contemplating their role in Leo's journey. There were no easy answers, no clear path to take. But for the first time in a long while, they felt a collective sense of purpose. They would be there for Leo, even if he couldn't yet see it himself.
And in the distance, under the shadow of the great Gongmen City walls, the funeral preparations would soon begin. But Leo's journey—his own path to healing—was only just beginning.
The cool evening breeze whispered through the bustling streets of Gongmen City. Lanterns lined the cobbled pathways, casting a warm golden glow across the lively city. Leo walked with his hands stuffed deep in his pockets, his mind still heavy with the promise he had made to himself so many years ago. The funeral was coming up in a few days, but he had already made up his mind: he wouldn't be attending.
His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp whistle. Leo stopped mid-step and glanced over his shoulder, narrowing his eyes at the sound. There, leaning against a stone wall, stood two white wolves—Kiba and Kuo, both members of the Gongmen City Police Force. They were always around when something needed to be handled.
Kiba, the larger of the two, flashed a grin as he spotted Leo. His sharp blue eyes glinted in the soft light of the street lanterns, and there was a mischievous glimmer in his expression. "Well, well," he said with a playful tilt of his head. "Look who we have here. The brooding lone wolf himself."
Leo didn't smile. He didn't even respond at first, merely raising an eyebrow at Kiba's playful remark. Kuo, the quieter and more reserved of the two, leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, his blue eyes flicking over Leo's posture.
"You're not attending the funeral?" Kuo asked, his voice calm, but there was a hint of concern in his tone.
Leo hesitated for a moment, his jaw tightening. He knew it wouldn't take long for word to get around. "I'm not," he said shortly, his voice firm but without much emotion. "I've got my reasons."
Kiba stepped forward with an exaggerated shrug, crossing his arms. "Ah, come on, Leo. You're telling me you're just gonna skip the whole thing? No respect for the old master?" He leaned in slightly, his grin widening. "Not even for the sake of good company?"
Leo felt the annoyance building inside him. He was tired of talking about it, tired of being reminded that he was making a decision that no one understood. He started to turn, ready to continue walking and get some air away from the growing tension.
But before he could take a step, Kiba was suddenly beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks.
"Hey," Kiba said, a bit more serious now. "You don't have to do this alone. Come grab a drink with us at the bar. Relax. Let's talk it out. It's been a long day, and I'm sure you could use a drink. A nice, strong one." Kiba's eyes gleamed with mischief, but there was a warmth behind the jest that Leo could almost appreciate.
Leo sighed, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him even more. The last thing he wanted was to spend more time in a bar with the wolves, but the invitation lingered in the air, pulling at him in a way he didn't quite understand.
He was tired of being alone with his thoughts, tired of feeling like he had to constantly keep everything buried inside. Maybe this wasn't the worst idea. But he wasn't about to get drunk or do anything stupid.
"Fine," Leo muttered, turning back toward them, "I'll come with you. But I'm not ordering anything strong." He shot Kiba a glare that held a bit of challenge. "Just some mango juice."
Kiba raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting Leo to take him up on the offer. "Mango juice, huh?" He chuckled. "Well, I guess we can all enjoy something sweet, then."
Kuo remained silent, but there was a subtle shift in his stance. He didn't smile, but his blue eyes softened, as if relieved that Leo wasn't shutting them out entirely.
"Follow me," Kiba said, turning and motioning for them to follow as he began walking down the street. Kuo and Leo trailed behind him in silence, the city around them buzzing with the sounds of the evening.
The bar they entered was modest but cozy, tucked away in a narrow alley near the edge of the city. It was the kind of place where the locals gathered after a long day's work, the kind of place where strangers could become friends over a shared drink.
The interior was dimly lit, with wooden tables scattered throughout and a few people already inside, laughing and talking in low voices. The bartender, a short, burly red panda with a thick mustache, gave them a nod as they entered.
Kiba quickly waved them over to a booth in the corner, gesturing for Leo to sit. "Don't be shy," he teased, his eyes mischievous as he slid into the seat across from Leo.
Leo reluctantly sat down, his body still tense from the weight of the conversation earlier. He wasn't sure what to expect from this outing, but he knew he didn't want to be alone in his room anymore.
Kuo sat beside him, his posture calm, while Kiba leaned back casually in his seat, his eyes scanning the room. The bartender came over and took their order. Leo stuck with his decision, ordering the mango juice, while Kiba and Kuo opted for something a bit stronger.
As the drinks were brought to the table, Kiba leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. "So, come on, Leo," he said, his grin returning. "Why not the funeral? You're part of this city now. You've helped us out. Don't you owe it to Master El to at least show up?"
Leo took a slow sip of his mango juice, not looking at Kiba as he spoke. "It's not about owing anyone anything," he said flatly. "It's… complicated. I made a promise ten years ago, and I'm not breaking it."
Kuo, who had been quiet up until this point, glanced at Leo with a quiet understanding. "A promise?"
Leo nodded, his jaw clenched. "I promised I wouldn't shed a tear. No matter what. And I can't break that. Not for anyone."
The table fell into silence for a moment. Kiba studied Leo, his usual playful demeanor replaced with a more thoughtful expression. Kuo, too, seemed deep in thought, his blue eyes narrowed as he processed Leo's words.
Finally, Kiba broke the silence with a small sigh. "You know," he said softly, "it's okay to break promises sometimes. Especially the ones you make to yourself."
Leo glanced up at Kiba, his expression hard. "Not this one."
Kiba didn't press further, instead raising his glass in a half-hearted toast. "Well, to promises then," he said lightly. "To sticking to them, no matter what."
Leo clinked his glass against Kiba's, the quiet exchange of words lingering in the air. He still wasn't going to the funeral. But as he sat there with Kiba and Kuo, for the first time in a while, he didn't feel so alone.
It wasn't the same as talking to Tigress or Panther, but in the company of two friends who understood loss in their own way, Leo allowed himself to breathe, if only for a moment.
The night in Gongmen City had settled into a cool, peaceful rhythm. The lanterns cast their warm light over the cobblestone streets, reflecting the life of the city through the thin veil of the evening mist. Inside the small but lively bar, the air buzzed with quiet conversation, the clink of glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter. Leo sat at a corner booth, his mango juice untouched in front of him as he listened to Kiba and Kuo banter back and forth. The world outside felt far away, and for the moment, Leo allowed himself to be distracted from the weight on his shoulders.
As the night stretched on, the door to the bar swung open once more, and in walked the rest of the Furious Five. Monkey, Mantis, and Crane made their way over to the table with broad grins on their faces. The trio had been out exploring the city, enjoying the freedom of the evening, but now they were all too eager to join in the gathering.
"Leo!" Monkey greeted with his usual mischievous smile. "Are you sure you're not going to the funeral? I thought you would be hiding out somewhere else, avoiding us."
Leo just gave him a small, tight-lipped smile, his eyes flicking briefly toward the door as if he expected someone. It was a brief moment of escape before he turned back to Kiba and Kuo.
"Not going," Leo said, his tone firm.
Mantis perched on the edge of the booth, his small, insect-like eyes glimmering as he looked at Leo. "Guess you don't want to deal with the solemnity of it, huh?" he teased lightly.
"Yeah, guess not," Leo muttered, feeling the growing weight of the conversation. The mention of Master El, his promise to himself, and the funeral hung in the air.
Crane simply gave a thoughtful look but didn't press. "Well, let us know if you change your mind," he said gently.
Before anyone could say more, the door swung open again, and the sound of light footsteps entered the bar. Leo glanced up, immediately noticing the new arrival. A woman with the same white fur as Kiba and Kuo, but with a distinct grace that set her apart—Lieutenant Jie, Kiba's sister, had arrived.
Jie was known for her quiet authority and calming presence, her easygoing nature acting like a steadying force around the rowdier members of the police force. Her blue eyes sparkled with intelligence, and her white fur shimmered in the low light of the bar. She was dressed simply, but with a presence that demanded respect without needing to assert it.
Kiba smiled warmly as his sister walked over, and as she caught his gaze, she waved at him with an easy grin. When her eyes met Leo's, she gave him a polite nod, acknowledging his presence with a soft, but genuine smile.
Leo stood from his seat, allowing her to take the spot next to Kiba. As Jie slid into the booth, the energy around the table shifted—there was a calmness, a grounded sense of tranquility that came with her being there. Even Kiba, usually the more boisterous one, quieted his teasing in her presence.
"Good to see you, Jie," Kiba said, his voice dropping into a quieter tone.
Jie smiled at him before turning to Leo, her eyes meeting his. "It's good to see you agin, Leo," she said with warmth. "I hope the city's treating you well."
Leo gave a small nod. "It's been… fine," he replied, his voice quieter than usual.
Before the conversation could continue, the door of the bar swung open with a creak, and two figures stumbled in. A boar and an ibex, both heavily drunk, reeled into the dimly lit space, their laughter boisterous and disruptive. The patrons of the bar gave them annoyed looks, but the two drunks paid no attention as they made their way toward the table, their eyes focusing on Jie.
Kiba, who had been in the middle of a conversation with his sister, looked up with a sharp glance. He saw the direction of their gaze and immediately tensed. Jie, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, gave a polite but firm smile and shook her head.
"We're not interested," Jie said, her voice calm but with a subtle warning laced in the tone. Her stance was steady, her confidence radiating from her with ease.
But the two drunks weren't interested in taking the hint. The boar, with a lecherous grin on his face, took a step closer to Jie, ignoring the clear signs of disinterest.
"Come on, sweetheart," he slurred, his breath reeking of alcohol. "You can't be telling us you're just here for a quiet drink. How about you let us show you a good time?"
The ibex chuckled obnoxiously. "Yeah, pretty little thing like you shouldn't be sitting all alone."
Jie's eyes narrowed, but she didn't speak. Instead, she crossed her arms, her expression hardening into one of clear disapproval. But it wasn't enough to deter the two men.
Kiba's hand clenched into a fist. "I think you should back off," he growled, standing up slightly. His voice was steady, but the underlying threat was clear.
The two drunks laughed again, ignoring Kiba's warning.
Leo, however, felt something cold stir inside him. He could feel the tension in the air, the aggression building. He stood up from his seat with a soft growl, the muscles in his shoulders tensing. His eyes narrowed as he took a step toward the two drunks.
Without hesitation, Leo moved like lightning. He spun on his heel, bringing his fist into the boar's face with a quick, decisive motion. The punch landed with a sickening crack, sending the boar stumbling backward. Before the ibex could even react, Leo was on him, moving in a blur of motion. He planted his foot into the ibex's ankle with crushing force, hearing a satisfying crack as the ibex screamed in pain and fell to the floor, clutching his leg.
The bar fell silent.
Leo stood over the two drunks, his eyes cold and unflinching. The boar groaned as he tried to get back up, but Leo stepped closer, the threat in his eyes enough to make the drunks hesitate. He drew his diamond sword pointed it at the boar's throat.
"If you ever try to fucking hit on another woman like that again," Leo's voice was low, dark, and unforgiving, "I won't hesitate to hunt you down. Do you fucking understand, you fucking pieces of shit?"
The two men, now cowering, nodded quickly, too terrified to speak. Leo's eyes remained locked on them, watching as the boar helped his companion up and they both limped toward the door, muttering apologies under their breath.
As they left the bar, Leo turned back to the table, his cold expression melting into something more neutral. He sat down again, not sparing a glance for the others, his hands back in his pockets.
Kiba was the first to speak, his grin wide but with a hint of admiration. "Well, that was something."
Leo didn't smile. He just looked at the bartender and spoke in a calm, detached voice. "Put it on their tab." The human sheathes his weapon.
The bartender nodded, clearly too intimidated to argue.
Jie, who had remained calm throughout the entire incident, gave Leo a small, appreciative nod. "Thank you," she said quietly.
Leo gave her a brief nod in return, not sure how to respond. He didn't do it for praise or attention, and he certainly wasn't interested in making a scene. He just wanted to make sure that no one in Gongmen City—especially not women—had to deal with that kind of treatment.
As the night stretched on, the mood in the bar lightened again, but the tension still lingered in the air. Leo's thoughts, however, remained elsewhere—on the promise he made, and the weight of the choices still ahead of him.
The bar had quieted after the confrontation, the sounds of boisterous laughter and friendly chatter filling the space once again. The tension that had briefly seized the air now settled into a soft hum. Leo, however, remained still, his thoughts heavier than the atmosphere around him. He sat at a table near the back, away from the group, his posture straight and rigid, his focus turned inward.
Jie, who had been quietly observing him, got up from the table and walks up to him with his drink and finally spoke. Her tone was softer now, tinged with a warmth that had replaced her earlier concern.
"Thank you," she said, her eyes meeting his. "But you didn't need to handle it like that. There were other ways."
Leo's eyes remained on the table, not making eye contact. The rest of the group was still occupied with their mahjong game, laughing and teasing one another, but Leo was far removed from the jovial energy. His mind kept replaying the brief but intense interaction with the drunks, the way everything had escalated so quickly.
Jie's gaze never wavered, her voice steady. "I get that you were trying to protect us, but violence doesn't always solve things. It can make everything worse."
Leo didn't immediately respond. His eyes flickered to the group as Monkey made a dramatic gesture and Mantis laughed. The cheerful sounds seemed so distant to Leo, as though he were watching them from another world. It wasn't that he didn't care—it was just that his mind was preoccupied with the confrontation, with how quickly he had acted.
"You don't always need to fight, Leo," Jie continued. "There are times when walking away is stronger than throwing a punch."
Leo finally met her gaze, but his expression was unreadable. There was a long pause as he took in her words. He could feel the weight of her eyes on him, understanding and yet still a little worried. She didn't push him, though, letting the silence stretch for a moment as if giving him space to think.
"I don't like letting people walk all over others," Leo muttered after a long moment, his voice low. "I didn't know if they'd stop at just words."
Jie nodded slowly, acknowledging the truth in his words. "But you can't always assume that everyone is a threat. Sometimes, you can talk them down, or simply show them they're wrong without causing harm."
Leo's gaze softened a little at her words, but it was clear he wasn't fully convinced. He wasn't one to back down from a confrontation, especially when it came to protecting others. But as he sat there, his mind drifted back to what Jie said—you can't always assume that everyone is a threat.
Before he could voice another thought, Jie let out a small yawn and sits down next to him. The exhaustion of the long day was starting to catch up with her, and without hesitation, she rested her head on Leo's shoulder.
For a moment, Leo stiffened in surprise. It wasn't that he was uncomfortable, but more that he hadn't expected the gesture. Jie, however, seemed to do it without a second thought, her presence as calm and unbothered as ever.
Leo glanced down at her, his expression softening as he felt the warmth of her head resting on his shoulder. There was something grounding about the quiet of this moment—the world seemed to slow, and the chaotic thoughts in his mind faded a little.
The others were still wrapped up in their mahjong game, oblivious to the quiet interaction taking place at the table's edge. Leo's gaze lingered on the group for a moment, before he slowly allowed his eyes to drift down to Jie, who was now clearly resting, her breathing slow and steady.
He didn't say anything. No words were necessary. The simple presence of someone he trusted, someone who wasn't expecting him to have all the answers, was enough.
As the night went on, the sounds of laughter and card games continued, but Leo stayed still, allowing himself a rare moment of peace. Jie remained next to him, quiet and unassuming, providing him with a sense of comfort he didn't know he needed.
Time passed in silence, and for once, Leo didn't feel the need to rush or to fix anything. The weight of his decisions, of the promise he still held onto, didn't feel quite as heavy in that moment. He was allowed to just be.
After a while, Jie stirred slightly, but didn't pull away. Leo didn't mind. He didn't mind the quiet at all.
The night carried on, and Leo remained, for just a little longer, in the stillness. Sometimes, that was enough.
The cool night air brushed against Leo's face as he walked back toward the hotel with the others. The group was still in high spirits, chatting and laughing as they made their way through the dimly lit streets. Leo stayed a little behind, his footsteps heavy and deliberate, his thoughts swirling with the events of the evening.
As they reached the hotel, everyone exchanged their goodnights—casual and polite—before heading off in their own directions. Leo, as usual, offered only a quiet nod, his mind still distant.
He entered his room alone, the soft click of the door closing behind him the only sound in the otherwise quiet hallway. He took a few steps into the room, ready to shed the weight of the night and finally rest.
Before he could get very far, he felt a pair of hands cover his eyes.
A small gasp left his lips, his muscles tensing instinctively. He couldn't guess who it was in time, and before he could react, the hands were removed, and he turned around quickly to find Panther, Tigress, and Viper standing in the room behind him.
His thoughts were still heavy from the events of the night, but the presence of Tigress, Viper, and Panther reminded him that there were still conversations to be had, and decisions to be made.
"Leo, we need to talk about what we discussed earlier on the boat," she said, crossing her arms over her chest. Viper, ever the calm presence, nodded in agreement, her gaze steady on Leo.
Leo sighed, his exhaustion evident, but he knew he couldn't avoid it. His promise, the one that weighed so heavily on him, had come up again, and his refusal to attend the funeral still hung in the air. He looked from Tigress to Viper, their faces serious, but there was understanding in their eyes.
"We understand why you don't want to go, Leo," Viper said softly, her tone gentle but persuasive. "But avoiding it doesn't change what's been weighing on you. You're not doing this alone."
"I'm helping them," she said. "I'm not letting you handle this by yourself."
Leo didn't say anything at first. His emotions had always been complex when it came to Panther, Tigress, and Viper—he trusted them, but there was still a part of him that couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped between his past and the people who cared for him now.
He simply nodded, acknowledging their concern.
"I'll take a bath. I need some time alone to think," Leo muttered, trying to divert the conversation for the moment. His mind was spinning with the unresolved tension of the evening, and a bath might offer a small escape.
As he stepped into the master bathroom, the soft sound of running water filled the space. He let the warm steam embrace him, closing his eyes as he sank into the solitude. It was a rare moment of peace, one that allowed him to center himself before confronting everything that had been left unsaid.
After a long, quiet bath, Leo stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in his black pajama shorts. His muscular frame, honed through years of intense training, was visible beneath the soft fabric. He paused for a moment, looking at his reflection in the mirror. There was a weariness in his eyes, one that spoke of years spent fighting battles both internal and external. But there was also something else—a resolve, a quiet strength that had carried him this far.
As he turned to face the room, he knew tonight would not be an easy one. Tigress, Panther, and Viper had made their intentions clear—they wouldn't let him shoulder this burden alone. They would be there for him, no matter how much he tried to push them away. And while Leo had never been one to open up easily, something about their unwavering support gave him the courage to face the difficult decisions ahead.
It was going to be a long night.
The night was still young, the soft hum of the hotel's halls a quiet backdrop to the weight of the unspoken words that hung in the air. Leo, still feeling the lingering effects of the earlier conversation, stood at the edge of the room, his mind sorting through the conversation he had with Tigress, Viper, and Panther.
He couldn't escape the feeling that things had shifted tonight. There was an underlying tension, yes, but it wasn't all heavy. A part of him felt the pull of something lighter, something he hadn't quite been able to embrace in a long while.
Before he could gather his thoughts any further, Tigress, Viper, and Panther stepped in once more. Tigress, always direct, wasted no time.
"You know," she began, crossing her arms with a slight grin, "Viper, Panther, and I have made a decision."
Leo arched an eyebrow, his posture still stiff. "What decision?"
Viper, ever the playful one, gave him a small smirk as she slithered forward. "We've decided to fluster you every night, Leo," she said in her usual teasing tone. "It's a new plan we're all serious about."
Panther chuckled softly, her usual calm demeanor shifting just slightly with a hint of mischief. "You won't be getting off easy, Leo. We'll find ways to make sure you can't ignore us."
Tigress, though still serious in her manner, couldn't help but let a small smile tug at the corners of her lips. "We're not letting you hide away from us any longer. It's going to be a regular thing. Every night."
Leo blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in their approach. It was clear they weren't joking, but there was something in their eyes—a lightness, an understanding—that made him realize they weren't doing this out of malice. It was their way of reminding him that they were there, supporting him, even if it meant pushing him out of his comfort zone.
"You really think you can get me to let my guard down that easily?" Leo finally said, his voice neutral but his lips twitching as if he was about to laugh.
Viper tilted her head, her eyes glinting mischievously. "You'll see. We'll start small, but we're serious. It's for your own good, Leo."
"Besides," she added with a soft smile, "it's all in good fun. No one said it would be easy, but maybe a little playfulness will get you out of your shell."
Leo sighed, but there was a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips. "I'll take my chances," he muttered, crossing his arms.
For a moment, there was only silence, the three of them watching him, waiting for his next move.
Finally, Tigress spoke again, her tone serious, but her expression softening. "We just want you to know that you don't have to carry everything alone, Leo. We'll be here for you, no matter how many nights it takes."
Leo looked at each of them, his gaze lingering on Panther, then Viper, and finally Tigress. They weren't wrong. Despite his resistance, there was a part of him that appreciated their determination to help him—whether it was by pushing him to confront his feelings or simply by reminding him that he wasn't alone.
"Alright," he said after a moment, his voice low but sincere. "Let's see what you've got."
Author's Note: What do you all think? I hope you all enjoy this chapter, everyone! Don't forget to Follow, Favorite, leave a review and PM!