Underground Secrets ( M-jow and Sosuke0549 )

[Sosuke0549]

Asta had tried to hide his moans, his painstakingly honest crys of pleasure, but Leon wasn't going to allow him to escape that easily. He shuttered feeling Leon gently take his hand and lace their fingers together.

[“Let me hear you,”]

Asta immediately melted. Leon's rough voice aginest his ear. What came next was a full blown attack to his chest. Leon nipped and sucked on his nipples as if he was producing milk. He panted harder, his face flushed, and nipples turning red. " l-leon~ t..taa..ttime-hhaa uutt" By now Asta wasn’t just panting, but shivering in Leon’s lap like a newborn deer.

["I’ve got you,”]

Of course he did. It was honestly scary sometimes how well Leon knew him. Like when the pleasure was too much to bear and reaking havoc on his senses and body, he'd selfishly ask for a time out. Unknowingly revealing to Leon how close he was to cumming. 

Asta bit his lip as Leon guided him up on his knees, letting him be on top as the real pleasure began. Asta tried to put up a brave face, but the moment Leon's cock hit his prostate he shrieked, clinging onto the man even harder. Asta had a tendency to act so shy and innocent but his body was greedily taking Leon in. Clenching down and sucking him in like a skilled slut, taking every thrust. 

He could feel Leon's hands roam his body, as if he was mapping it out. No matter how hard he tried to contain his voice, Leon was a master at revealing them. His moans and crys escaped his throat effortlessly, like a beautiful broken melody. Neither of them seemed to care that the water was spilling out of the tub. They were too wrapped up in each other.

[ “Mn! Baby…”] 

Asta was close, so close! And yet, Leon suddenly stopped his movements to reposition him. Asta couldn't even protest, he was too immersed in the sex, in this moment, in this feeling. He did as he was told, wrapping his legs and arms around Leon's body. Hearing Leon call him 'love' caused him to plant a passionate kiss on his lips just before Leon started thrusting into him again, deeper and rougher. 

Now, Asta couldn't hide his lude reactions or muffle his voice. Was Leon getting bigger? Was he doing this on purpose?

The sound of their love making seemed to echo in the bathroom, the wet smacks making this moment even more erotic, mixing with the heat and steam. 

 

[ “Ah, fuc… God, Asta,” ]

A stray tear slipped down Asta's cheek, his nails digging into Leon's skin as his thrusts suddenly became more erratic and so powerful that it had him seeing stars. 

[ “Fuck, I’m gonna cum. Sweet baby, you are driving me insane… Tell me,”]

More tears fell, as Leon pulled him closer, pressing their foreheads together. Their love making loud and passionate. He too was going insane. 

[ “Tell me how much you want this. Do you want to cum again with me?”] 

How was Leon able to form coherence sentences, he'd never know...but God his voice! The way he spoke to him. Always challenging / teasing him and yet always asking him what he wanted. Dispite being together and knowing each other for years now, Leon would always ask Asta for consent and everytime he gave it, the shifter always treating him with care. 

Asta whispered a breathless 'yes' while trying to kiss him. 

( I cant take it anymore!)

What came next was a violent wave of pleasure reeking havoc on both of their bodies as they came practically in unison. The orgasms were raw and honest.

 

Asta nuzzled into the nape of Leon's neck breathing in his scent. The water had grown colder, the steam dissipating, but Asta couldn't bring himself to move. He didn't think his legs would cooperate even if he tried.

 

For a moment they just stayed like this in the silent aftermath. Even though Leon had done most of the work, he still had the energy to soothe him. Asta could feel Leon's hand gently stroke his back in slow absent patterns against his damp skin.

This was love.... it had to be. 

Asta smiled against his collarbone.

"You're always....so nice to me..." Asta mumbled, his voice slurred with exhaustion.

 

Asta slowly lifted his head, just enough to meet Leon's eyes. They were soft. For a long time Leon had to walk on egg shells around him, his expression full of tension and worry, but now...now he looked alot more relaxed.

 

" Leon...I love you..." He said softly with a small smile on his face. He reached up, brushing a strand of damp hair from Leon's forehead. He wanted to thank Leon for tonight...for being patient with him, for making him feel safe and not giving up on him when his world had fallen apart. But when he tried to speak again...his words were caught in his throat. Words just weren't enough to convey how greatful and happy he was to be with him. How do you thank someone for loving you?  

 

"I love...e-every thing about you–"

Asta shuttered feeling Leon's lips crash over his. Probably to convey how much he loved him too, so he reciprocated and kissed him back eagerly. He quickly said it again while his lips were aginest his lips, his confession muffled. 

"I nmn- l..la..ove you," he cupped his cheek, opening his mouth so he could get a taste of Leon. He'd tell Leon how much he loved him every hour of every day if he had too. 

"I'll say..nna~ ..nnhhm! A-as mannaaay..times as you waaa-nn-Ah! W-want me..toaaaahh~" he whispered. 

They kissed again. As if solidifying their love. Asta pulled back slightly, breathless. 

"L-leon...we should g-go to bed.." His words muffled aginest the models lips. He even confessed to Leon that he couldn't feel his legs.

Getting out of the tub was quite the ordeal, and dispite his protesting Leon carried him to bed, trying him off before putting him to bed. There was no need to get dressed, so they simply once slipped underneath the covers. 

Asta rolled toward Leon, pressing his face into his chest, listening to Leon's heartbeat.

( I want to be here....forever.) 

He closed his eyes and fell asleep. 

 

________________

 

[ Next Day ]

 

Fang stood just outside the entrance to 'Deep Sea Aquarium', staring up at the sign. Naturally the Aquarium trip was Asta's idea, and Sora seemed excited to go but he didn't really see the appeal of watching fish swim around in a tank. He signed, and followed a few steps behind the group. Asta and Sora were talking and reviewing the Aquarium layout. 

 

ASTA: "Can you check the show times? I think they have a dolphin show at 12."

 

( Their way too excited. ) Fang smirked alittle, turning his attention to a tank with a group of fish swimming together. The light filtered through the water in shifting patterns, casting blue-green shadows across the floor and walls. For a moment it felt like the four of them had just walked into a different world. 

 

For a moment, Fang zoned out, staring at the shimmering fish until he sensed Sora standing beside him, he turned his head just as the human took his hand, interlocking their fingers together. He didnt resist. 

Sora asked him if he was ok and for a moment Fang wasn't quite sure what to say or how to respond. He scanned the room, seeing Leon and Asta checking out fish on the other side of the room. He sighed, "I'm fine...I just...didn't know it would be like this," his voice was quieter than usual. Sora pressed him, wondering what he ment. He shrugged, gesturing vaguely at their surroundings—the fish, the lights, the way the water seemed to surround them even though they were perfectly dry. It was some what...magical. "All of this..." 

SORA: ["You've never been to an aquarium?"]

 

Fang scoffed, shaking his head. "No...Oceans and werewolves don't mix..." This was all new to him. He knew fish were real, but he never knew that their was so many different types and kinds of sea creatures. That water could look this...beautiful. He squeezed Sora's hand in order to get his attention, he looked down at him and planted a tender kiss on his lips.

"Your lucky I like you.~" 

________________________

 

The aquarium was enormous, divided into sections that showcased different ecosystems—coral reefs, deep-sea trenches, kelp forests, and open ocean habitats. Fang moved through them with wide eyes, with child like awe. His hand never leaving Sora's. In the beginning Fang had done his best to act nonchalant, uninterested, and unimpressed, but his facade quickly fell apart with every passing minute. The more they saw the more Fang's walls crumbled. Fang was turning to Sora for answer's. 

 

"Look at that one," Fang said, pointing at a fish with a pattern of electric blue stripes. "It's glowing."

 

SORA: [ "Bioluminescence, some fish produce their own light."]

 

 "How?"

 

Sora laughed softly at him, telling him that he didnt quite know the science behind why some fish glowed in the dark but to read the placards at the bottom of each tank if he wanted to learn about all the animals and what they do. 

 

Their little group continued to wandered through the exhibit, eventually walking through a tunnel where sharks swam overhead and the walls were made of glass that made it feel like you were walking on the ocean floor. Fang stopped in the middle, tilting his head back to watch a hammerhead shark swim over head casting a shadow over them. Once again that look of awe came across Fang's face. He never imagined he'd ever get to see something like this. 

 

ASTA: " Sora, Fang. Do you wanna go to the otter exhibit, or the touch tanks next?"

 

"Touch tanks," Fang immediately questioned. Asta smiled brightly, getting excited. 

 

ASTA: "Yeah! You can touch some of the animals. They have starfish and sea cucumbers and string rays and—"

 

Fang blinked in utter disbelief.

" Wait..what? I can touch them?"

Asta nodded, growing with excitement. "Yeah! I hear they even have fishes that eat the dead skin off your hands!"

 

Fang glanced over at Sora. Was Asta telling the truth? His expression shifted into something rare and genuine as his eyes asked Sora if they could go. 

 

They went to the touch tank exhibit next. 

 

Fang knelt beside a tank filled with starfish. The staff members had demonstrated how to touch the animals, gently with two fingers. Dispite Fang being a Alpha werewolf he looked rather hesitate to touch the starfish. He put his hand in the water, but glanced up at Sora, wanting confirmation that this was ok. His mate gave him a encouraging nod. So with that, Fang touched the starfish— and it was cool, slightly bumpy, and slippery, it caught him by surprise. 

"Whoa..."

Sora knelt down behind him, grinning at him. 

" Its... sort of slimy," he muttered. 

Fang withdrew his hand, staring into the water. He never knew how vast this underwater world was. "Hey...do you think...we have enough time to see everything..." Now...Fang wanted to see the entire aquarium, every animal, every section with Sora. 

 

_______________________

 

The day continued—and together the group saw every exhibit. When they watched the dolphin show, Asta had cheered so loudly that he startled the trainer. They even walked through the gift shop where Asta bought everyone matching dolphin keychains. He made sure to give Leon a dolphin in his favorite color. 

 

ASTA: "So we never forget this day! Are they cute!"

 

"I'm not wearing that," Fang whispered into Sora's ear, reluctantly accepting the gift. Time flew by and at one point they had decided to split up so they could enjoy some alone time with their significant others. When finished they all agreed to meet up at the jellyfish exhibit, since it was near the exit. During this alone time Fang and Sora sat on a bench and simply talked and watched the fish swim, and for a moment Fang didn't seem tense or on edge. He actually looked happy...

____________________

 

Asta chuckled as his hand touched the back of a sting ray. 

"Its so smooth! Do you think they know their in tanks?" He titled his head to the side, smiling at Leon. " I-ive been meaning to ask you...is this your first time coming to a Aquarium? "

 

He listened as he slipped his hand into the water again, wanting to touch an approaching sting ray. He asked follow up question, " What exhibit should we go to next?"

 

____________________

"Hey...Leon..."

Asta paused at one of the entry ways to an exhibits, biting his bottom lip. They had just parted ways with Fang and Sora, finally granting them some alone time. "Um...c-can we..hold hands too?" He outstretched his hand, pouting just a little bit. He had been watching how Sora and Fang had been holding hands since entering the Aquarium and he wanted to do the same thing with Leon. Even if their were people around or family's walking by. Watching them gave him courage....

__________________________

 It was easy to spot Leon and Asta. They stuck out like a sore thumb. Asta had his palms pressed against the glass, his face illuminated by the soft, shifting glow of the tanks. His eyes were wide, mouth slightly open, and he was whispering something to Leon that made him chuckle. 

 

Dispite Asta and Leon being from two completely different worlds, they suited each other well. 

Fang squeezed Sora hand and together they approached them, but Asta noticed them in the corner of his eye and immediately started to wave them over enthusiastically.

" He's like a cheerleader..." 

Fang whispered in Sora's ear. 

ASTA: "Sora! Fang! Did you have fun?! You have to come see this—the jellyfish are incredible!" 

Fang grinned, shaking his head. 

The jellyfish drifted in the tank, their translucent bodies moving in a slow motion. Fang stepped closer to the glass, joining Asta and admiring the creature. 

 

"They don't have brains," Fang said quietly. "Or hearts."

Asta stared, "How do you know that?"

"The placard."

"The—" Asta looked at the information panel beside the tank, then back at Fang. "You read the placards?"

" Sora told me too... "

Sora groaned, correcting him. 

[ "I meant that one time,"] referring to Fangs first inquiry about why some fish glow.  

When they finally exited the Aquarium, the sun was beginning to set. They had practically spent the entire day at the Aquarium. 

ASTA: " That was so much fun! Are you guys hungry? There's a really nice sushi spot down the street. "

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[M-jow]

🙂

[M-jow]

Leon watched Asta as they sat together in the tube, gently washing him with slow, gentle movements. His hands glided softly over Asta's skin, lingering in quiet affection as he rinsed away the last traces of the event.
His own heart still hadn't settled.
It pounded steadily in his chest as Asta leaned against him, his entire weight resting comfortably in Leon's arms. The human looked completely spent, barely able to keep himself upright.
Leon didn't mind.
Not even a little.
Asta could lean on him forever, and Leon would happily bear every ounce of his weight.
It wasn't because he thought Asta was weak.
Quite the opposite.
Asta carried so much on his shoulders every day, always trying to stay strong for everyone around him. Moments like this, when he finally let himself relax, let himself be vulnerable, felt precious to Leon.
It meant Asta trusted him.
It meant he felt safe.

["You're... always... so nice to me..."]
A warm smile spread across Leon's face.
He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against Asta's damp forehead.
"You deserve to be treated kindly," he whispered.
Asta looked utterly exhausted, his eyelids heavy as though he could fall asleep right there in Leon's arms.
Then he slowly lifted his head.
His tired eyes met Leon's.

["I love you."]
Leon forgot how to breathe.
His heartbeat stumbled before surging against his ribs.
It wasn't the first time Asta had said those words.
But somehow...
They never lost their magic.
They still made Leon feel as though the world had stopped turning.
As Asta slowly raised a hand to brush a damp lock of hair away from Leon's face, Leon froze.
His breath caught.
He simply let Asta touch him.
Those soft fingertips brushed across his forehead with unbelievable tenderness, and Leon closed his eyes for the briefest moment, savoring the warmth of that simple gesture.
Such a small touch...
Yet it made him feel more loved than words ever could.
Without thinking, Leon pulled Asta a little closer against his chest.
Every time Asta told him he loved him, Leon found himself holding him tighter, as if he was afraid those words might disappear if he let go.

["I love...e-everything about you..."]
The confession shattered what little composure Leon had left.
He kissed Asta deeply.
Not because he expected anything in return.
Because he needed him.
Needed to feel that Asta was real.
That this wasn't some impossible dream.
Asta was too wonderful.
Too accepting.
Too perfect to exist.
And yet...
That familiar voice crept into the back of Leon's mind.
~He doesn't trust the real you.~
~He loves the man, not the beast.~
~If he ever sees your other form again... he'll be terrified.~
Leon hated that voice.
But he couldn't silence it.
He knew Asta still woke from nightmares some nights.
Nightmares born from that horrible day.
From the fear.

His aunt had made sure those memories would never fade, twisting them into scars that still haunted Asta's every day.
The guilt waa still settled heavy in his chest.
He couldn't change what he was.
No matter how badly he wished he could.
Asta kept telling him he loved him.
Loved everything about him.
But that poisonous little voice refused to believe it.
So Leon kept kissed him.
Harder this time.
Trying to drown out every cruel thought racing through his mind.
Trying, if only for a moment, to believe Asta.
Eventually Asta pulled back just enough to catch his breath, his face glowing a deep crimson.
["W-we should... go to bed..."]
Leon looked at him with a smile so full of love it almost seemed to shine.
God...
He adored this man.
Seeing how Asta's legs trembled the moment he tried to stand, Leon didn't hesitate.
He slipped one arm beneath Asta's knees and the other around his back, lifting him effortlessly into his arms.
Asta let out a tiny surprised squeak before instinctively wrapping his arms around Leon's neck.
Leon chuckled softly and pressed another lingering kiss to his warm cheek.
"I've got you, love," he murmured, his lips still brushing Asta's skin. "Just hold on to me."
Without another word, Asta nestled closer against his chest, and Leon carried him toward the bedroom, holding him as though he were the most precious thing in the world.

_________________________________
Sora couldn’t remember the last time he had been to an aquarium. The tanks and the exhibits were all beautiful. The stream of fish swimming by the glass caught their silver bellies in the scales lights.
He enjoyed looking at the fish and sea creatures but more than that. Fang's face seemed to lighten up and he showed a genuine interest.
Sora had expected Fang to pretend he wasn't interested.
He hadn't expected his façade to crumble within fifteen minutes.
Watching Fang quietly stare at every tank with wide, curious eyes was almost unbearably adorable.
Every question.
Every tiny expression of wonder.
Or attempt to hide his amazement.
He'd never tease Fang for it.
He wanted Fang to feel safe enough to be curious, and safe enough to ask questions.
When Fang quietly admitted he'd never seen anything like this before, Sora's chest tightened.
There were so many ordinary experiences Fang had never gotten to have.
So many simple joys he'd missed.
Sora silently promised himself something.
If Fang wanted to see the world...
He'd happily show it to him.

-----------------
Sora gently brushed his fingertips across the surface of the water just as a stingray glided past. He bit back a surprised squeak when its smooth body slipped beneath his fingers. It felt cool and wet—maybe even a little slimy, but the contact had been so brief that he couldn't quite tell.

Glancing beside him, he noticed Fang hesitating at the edge of the touch pool, his hand hovering uncertainly above the water.
Not afraid.
More like he was worried about hurting the animal.
That familiar realization made Sora smile.
For someone who looked so intimidating...
Fang possessed an incredibly gentle heart.
Sora gave him a small nod.
"You'll be okay."
Watching Fang's expression light up after touching the starfish was enlightening.
His quiet, amazed ["Whoa..."] made Sora laugh softly.
When Fang asked if they had enough time to see everything, Sora couldn't help smiling.
Just an hour ago Fang hadn't wanted to come.
Now he wanted to explore everything.
"...We've got time."
Sora  said and pointed toward a hermit crab. That was digging in the sand.
------

Leon couldn't stop smiling.
Watching Asta discover each animal with such genuine excitement made the entire trip worthwhile.
Every time Asta pressed his face against the glass like an excited child.
It was contagious.

When Asta asked if this was Leon's first visit to an aquarium, Leon chuckled.
"...no, I've been to one before, although it was a long time ago."
His eyes wandered over the enormous tank.
"It wasn’t as pretty as this"
He hadn't expected to enjoy it this much.
Growing up, he'd spent far more time doing useful thing for his future as his aunthad called it. But she had reward him with a few normal childhoodlike memories here and there..
But seeing everything through Asta's eyes somehow made it all feel completely new.
"The petting tanks surprised me," he admitted.
"I thought they'd stress the animals... but they seem well cared for."
His gaze drifted back to Asta.
"It's very educational, and nice"

------------------
Watching the jellyfish drift through the glowing water. Was a very beautiful display.
It gave Leon a sense of peace inside. Then he looked to Asta.
The shifting blue light reflected in Asta's eyes, making them sparkle.
Leon found himself watching Asta far more than the jellyfish.
Then Fang and Sora approached.
Leon glanced over just in time to hear Fang quietly explain that jellyfish didn't have brains or hearts.
He couldn't help smiling.
Fang had actually read the information plaques.
That alone would've been surprising enough.
Seeing Asta's astonished expression afterward made it even better.
When Fang admitted Sora had told him to read them, Leon caught Sora's helpless sigh and nearly laughed.

Sora laughed under his breath, unable to stop smiling as he looked at Fang.

For someone who'd insisted the aquarium sounded boring, Fang had spent almost the entire day staring at every tank like he'd discovered another universe. Every quiet question, every subtle tug on Sora's hand, every look asking for reassurance... it was adorable.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, I did too," he admitted warmly.
His thumb rubbed slow circles against the back of Fang's hand.
"...Mostly because I got to watch you experience all of this for the first time."
His cheeks flushed faintly as he smiled.

Although he was always trying to act hard and cool whenever they went out. This Fang wasn't completely new to him but Sora liked that Fang could let his walls down and relax, even if it was just for a bit.

He leaned closer so only Fang could hear.
"You are quite cute when you get completely distracted."
A quiet laugh escaped him.
"I think seeing you happy was my favorite exhibit af them all."


When Asta mentioned sushi, Sora hesitated.
"...sushi is fine but.."
He glanced towards Fang, lowering his voice as he asked his boyfriend how he felt about raw fish. He also remembered that seaweed could be toxic to dogs... but not some wolves from what he had read. Again he wasn't completely sure.
"If not we can find out if they serve varm meals too. Someplaces do." Or else they would just have to split their group for dinner today.


-----------------------
Leon had noticed it all day.
The way Asta's excitement never faded.
The way every exhibit somehow became his favorite.
The way his smile made strangers smile back without even realizing it.
When Asta shyly asked to hold his hand. Leon hadn't hesitated to intertwined their fingers and hold into him tightly.
It was also to assure him Asta wouldn't just run off somewhere when he wasn’t paying attention.

Even now, he still held onto Asta’s hand. Only really letting go when Asta was picking out souvenirs.
Looking down at the dolphin keychain hanging from his fingers, he smiled softly before looking back at Asta.

"...I'll attach it to my wallet."
His voice was calm and varm.
"This is our first time at an aquarium together ...I don't think I've ever enjoyed it this much before."
He gently brushed his fingers against Asta's palm .
"...Thank you for finding this place."

When Asta suggested sushi for dinner, Leon chuckled.
"You really went from petting stingrays...to wanting sushi?" He gave Asta an amused look before squeezing his hand.
"I'm fine with it." He said his expression soft as he looked at Asta.
"As long as there is meat you know I'm not picky"
He glanced over toward Sora and Fang, smiling to himself.

Leon has half expecting Fang to refuse.
Fang had never been fond of new or unfamiliar things, as far as he knew.
Eating raw fish in their animal form had never been unusual, it was simply part of their nature. But with human taste buds, it was a different experience altogether. Not everyone enjoyed the texture or flavor.
Leon had been skeptical at first, too.
But after trying it several times, he'd grown to genuinely enjoy it.
Well...
As long as it wasn't drenched in wasabi or chili mayo.
Leon didn't like spicy food.
In fact, most feline shifters didn't.
Their senses of taste and smell were far more sensitive than those of ordinary humans, making spicy foods far more intense than most people realized. Even a little heat could quickly become overwhelming.
Leon could tolerate a mild kick every now and then, but anything stronger than that was enough to make his eyes water.



(After dinner)
Leon

After having that nice meal, Leon was sure they had surprised the waiters and cooks with the shar amount of food that had been brought and finished at their table alone.
Leon had add a hug tip to try and make up for it. Know that his apati alone was more that what a regular adult man could consume. Still he hadn't eaten like a pig either. But his hunger felt pleasantly satisfied.

They parted way with the other (either before or after dinner). Leon wanted to take a detour back and used the excuse of a little walk to digest the food they'd just eaten to have some alone time with Asta.
The others took the car back. But it wasn’t a far distance to walk. But sine they had taken the care to the Aquarium and made a stop on the way back to get food. We'll someone had to drive. And he guessed Fang wasn't sad about having some extra alone time with Sora either.

"It's good to stretch your legs after such a heavy meal. But I gotta say. The fish was quite good quality.. though I felt bad for eating most of their tuna and salmon, so I gave them a fair amount of extra on the bill."  Leon laughed under his breath as he squeezed Asta's hand in his.
He had taken his hand like it was the most natural thing. Not to keep track on the human, but to feel him close as he set his pace after Asta's steps.

Leon walked in comfortable silence, his fingers loosely intertwined with Asta's.
The evening had settled into that perfect part of the day where the heat had finally begun to fade. Golden sunlight spilled through the trees ahead of them, painting long shadows across the empty path. The world seemed quieter now. The laughter from the city had disappeared behind them, replaced by birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves swaying in the breeze.
It was peaceful.
Maybe too peaceful.

Because the longer they walked, the louder Leon's thoughts became.
His thumb absentmindedly brushed over the back of Asta's hand.
He had been trying to find the right words ever since they left the restaurant.
Every sentence sounded wrong.
Every attempt felt selfish.
His stomach twisted into a knot.
"...Asta."
His own voice surprised him.
It came out quieter than he'd intended.
He waited until they'd wandered beneath the canopy of the forest, where shafts of amber sunlight filtered between the branches. The path ahead was empty, stretching lazily through the woods with no one else in sight.
Leon slowed his pace.
"...Can I ask you something?"
His ears twitched nervously.
"I've... been thinking about something."
He swallowed.
"A lot, actually."
For a few moments, all he could hear was the crunch of gravel beneath their shoes.
"I know..." He exhaled slowly. "I know I already said this before... but I don't blame you."
His gaze remained fixed on the path ahead.
"I never have."
His fingers tightened ever so slightly around Asta's hand.
"You saw me that day."
The words were difficult to force out.
"My... other form."
His chest tightened.
"My aunt made sure you did."
Images he'd spent months trying to bury flashed through his mind.
The blood.
The panic.
Asta's broken leg.
The fear in his eyes.
Leon shut his eyes for the briefest moment before opening them again.
"You were kidnapped because of me."
His voice had become barely more than a whisper.
"You got hurt because of me."
Another pause.
"I'd be lying if I said I don't think about that almost every day."
The confession left him feeling strangely exposed.
"I know you still have nightmares."
He didn't look at Asta.
He couldn't.
"You always apologize afterward... but you shouldn't do that."
Leon let out a quiet, humorless laugh.
"If anyone should apologize..."
His sentence faded into silence.
After a moment, he shook his head.
"That's not actually what I wanted to talk about."
He drew a slow breath.
"I've... avoided letting you see that side of me ever since."
"My beast."
His throat felt dry.
"I keep it buried whenever you're around."
"Not because it's difficult....Because I'm afraid."
His own last words hit deeper than he'd expected.
"I'm afraid you'll look at me the same way you did that day."
He winced almost immediately.
"No... That's not fair."
"You've never treated me differently or held it against me."
Leon lowered his head.
"But I still hear that voice inside. It keeps telling me that you're only okay with me now because you haven't seen it again."
His free hand curled into a fist.
"I can hide it."
"I've gotten good at it."
"I have to, most of the time."
He gave a tired smile that never quite reached his eyes.
"But... sometimes..."
His gaze drifted toward the trees surrounding them.
"Sometimes I need to let it out."
"To run free and breath the air."
His voice softened.
"It's part of me. A part I can't just erase."
He finally gathered enough courage to glance sideways at Asta.
"You told me earlier..."
His heart hammered painfully against his ribs.
"...that you love everything about me."
Leon almost laughed at how impossible it suddenly felt to breathe.
"I wanted to believe you."
"I still do..But...I keep wondering...If you really saw me again... the other me......would you still say that?"
The question lingered between them, carried away by the evening breeze.
Leon looked away almost immediately.
"...You don't have to answer right now."
"I don't want you to feel pressured."
He managed a faint smile.
"I guess..."
"I just got tired of pretending that part of me doesn't exist."
His thumb gently stroked over the back of Asta's hand once more.
"...I don't want to keep hiding it from the person I love most."
 

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