The two men froze, their bravado slipping as their eyes darted to Leon's waistband.
He'd lifted his shirt just enough to show the handle of a pistol tucked securely in his jeans. The glint of steel under the streetlights was enough to shift the atmosphere entirely.
The knife-wielder faltered, his steps hesitant now.
"You think flashing that's gonna scare us?" the bulkier man growled, his confidence strained.
Leon's voice was calm. "I'm not looking for trouble. But if you push me, you'll regret it."
The two exchanged uneasy glances. For a long moment, there was silence. Then, the man with the knife loosened his grip, backing off a step. His partner muttered something under his breath, then jerked his head for them to leave.
Without another word, they turned and retreated into the shadows. Their footsteps echoed faintly before fading entirely.
Leon kept his hand near the gun, watching until they disappeared. Only then did he exhale and slide the weapon back into place with a soft, deliberate click.
He turned to Emily. "You okay?"
She nodded, but her trembling hands betrayed her fear. "Yeah… I think so." Her voice wavered. "I didn't know what to do. They just wouldn't stop—"
"You're safe now," Leon cut in, his tone softer. "That's what matters."
Emily clutched the grocery bag closer. "Thank you. I— I didn't know how this would end without you."
Leon offered a faint smile. "You don't have to thank me. But what were they after?"
"I don't know." Emily's gaze dropped to the ground, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was just running errands… and they started following me. I couldn't shake them."
Leon's eyes darkened. "They were probably watching you from the start." He looked around, scanning the street. "Good thing they backed off."
Emily sighed, her shoulders sagging. "Yeah, but I'm still shaken up."
Leon's focus returned to her. "Where's your place? I'll walk you home."
Her wide eyes softened, surprise mingled with relief. "You'd do that?"
He shrugged. "Not like I've got anywhere else to be." A wry smile tugged at his lips. "Lost all my cash tonight anyway. This feels like a better use of my time."
Emily gave a small laugh, though her voice still carried lingering tension. "Alright. Thank you again, Leon."
They walked side by side, the quiet of the street easing the weight of the moment.
After a while, Emily broke the silence, glancing at him. "That gun… Do you carry it everywhere?"
Leon hesitated but then answered honestly. "Yeah. Ever since I left the military."
She blinked. "Military?"
"Enlisted when I was 17," he said simply. "Served for a couple of years, then decided it wasn't for me."
Emily studied him for a moment. "That makes sense. The way you handled those guys… You didn't even flinch."
Leon's lips twitched in a faint smile. "It's habit. Comes with the territory."
Emily nodded thoughtfully. "Still, I'm glad you were there."
As they approached her building, she hesitated, her hand lingering on the bag she carried. "You, uh… have anywhere to stay tonight?"
Leon glanced at her, surprised by the question. "Not really. Figured I'd figure something out."
She bit her lip, then said quickly, "You can stay here, if you want. It's the least I can do after… well, everything."
Leon looked at her, weighing the offer. He didn't want to impose, but he didn't have many options either.
"Alright," he said after a moment, his tone lighter. "Thanks."
A soft smile appeared on her face. "Come on, then. Let's get inside."
As they stepped through the doorway, the tension of the night began to melt away. For the first time, the faint possibility of calm seemed within reach.
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