1- A Little Dab of Hope
It was the bittersweet death of reality. The final words passed from the dream before. The sunlit strands that danced up into the sky. The endless traveling of those strands that were passing through the earth. Bittersweet, was the only word to describe such an immense on-look, and feeling of loss.
Such a beautiful Angel’s halo, passing through the broken barrier and mending it to life. The butterfly’s purple translucent wings. He felt it just past his cheek, whispering her soul through the air and up into the world above. Leo didn’t need to look to feel that she was gone. He couldn’t bear not to see her one last time, so he turned to look. He was right, he had to remember.
It was only a bittersweet death, and it hurt. The blood that dripped from his eyes had dried onto his jacket, and the strength he felt was not like himself. It was the strength of someone else. He could feel his heart heavy with every step. Somewhere in the background he knew was Black, but he couldn’t consider looking at him. Not now, it wasn't the time or place. Instead, through the rubble he walked to both his boss and friend. Klaus was covered in blood from the waist up, and no amount of washing would fix his suit and tie either. Even so, he was still alive and kicking. For that Leo was grateful.
“...You, a lone human, saved them today...” He felt a small contemplative smile adorn his face, the wind whipping through his hair. It was an uncanny and numb feeling, of having so much pain and still passing. He had to hold out, to face all the trouble he caused, and to at least face his friend who almost died. It wouldn’t be right not to. He wouldn't be able to face anyone if he didn't.
“...Have confidence in yourself, Leonardo Watch...” Leo knew he had changed. He knew he had the same confidence as Klaus now, and maybe he could even tell Michella when this was all over. At least he hoped. Despite all he said, he didn’t feel confident, not right now, not in the least.
He felt like a failure. The grief he had been holding spilled over like a dam. That was why with all the pride he could muster, he could say that he only started crying after Klaus's speech. At least he could show his apologies before his heart melted and broke in front of them both. Even if he knew he looked pathetic, so pathetic Sonic even took a picture to remind him.
When Leo breathed in the dusty air and gazed fully, the destruction was widespread. The city was rubble for miles on end wherever the eye would hit. An internal headache started thinking about the repair time, especially his repair time. It took a long while for everyone in the city as it seemed, to get out of the danger as it was.
Klaus and him just sat together, among the rubble. Black had gone off somewhere, Leo didn’t know how or why. He didn’t feel like he should ask, after everything that happened. Klaus didn't seem to know either, or he didn't find it important. Leo didn't have the courage to say anything anyway so instead they both waited for the rest of Libra to arrive. His only comfort was a chunk of broken billboard close by. It must have landed off from somewhere far away, because it didn't look familiar.
Leo changed his mind, he would definitely wish back the silence that was a couple minutes ago. It was a fast reminder of his chaotic job. Everyone showed up at the last-minute rendezvous point (a.k.a where Klaus was). Stephen took it upon himself to help Klaus up, as the injured man couldn’t stand himself. In the background he could hear Chain chatting about the destruction bills, and something about mass complaints. Her tone was calm compared to the voice on the other end. Was Libra in charge of the damages? Leo didn’t even want to consider that.
Thinking, he had gotten distracted talking to Klaus and Zapp to realize the woman behind him. What was her name, K.K.? Leo remembered seeing her once before, right? She fought the Vampires? Yeah, definitely with a voice and eye-patch like that.
Her face was rich but her eyes were blazing, Leo saw. She sauntered up to Klaus, who was resting as much as he could. “I’m so glad you’re alright, Klausie! I was so worried!”
“Oh, yes. I’m fine, thank you for your concern,” Klaus replied in a subdued and exasperated voice. Klaus in haste, directed the conversation away from himself. “Nonetheless, Leo was the real hero,” then without warning Klaus looked at him. His eyes shining so full of pride for the second time today. It was a gaze that made Leo want to cry and laugh at the same time. He could see the the small shock on KK’s face, and a look he couldn’t quite pinpoint.
Before he could guess, she averted her gaze from Klaus to him. “Oh, and you Leo! Klausie says you're a hero!" Unaware he felt her hand grab his ruined jacket, as she planted her face on his cheek. 'K I S S,' was all Leo could process. Thinking back,Zapp was behind him, and Leo knew he must have been mock smiling. His arms flailed, shouting something like, "Save me," as he tried to escape her grip. Nobody helped. Zed looked on with pity.
It was a while later. Most of the Libra members had left, going who knows where. Leo stuck around with Klaus, and Stephen.
Standing there, it was like a full rocket of force. Klaus shot his arm forward, and it barreled straight towards Leo. The first word he thought was ‘duck’ and instinctively he must’ve jumped. A stupid expression sure to be on his face. He didn’t think Klaus would hit him, especially after everything. He hoped not. He was sure Zapp would be laughing behind him in that condescending way. He wasn't, instead smiling wide and happy and satisfied. Klaus, who got medical help, but still supported gave him a confident smile. That was when Leo realized the truth. Even though both their hands had dirt, blood, and whole lot of grief. Even after sure chances of death. After everything, and all the trouble and harm he caused. Klaus, still, gave him a whole-hearted fist-bump. As their knuckles connected, Leo felt a bright bold warmth grow inside of him.
Even with his loss still festering underneath his skin, perhaps things could work out. He could only hope.
