LEO
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25/05/2003
Alto, New Mexico
Silverwing Base
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"You can't be serious."

I snicker as I place the winning Ace of Spades card onto the deck, claiming the round as my victory. Nova folds her arms, flicking what was left of her cards onto the table in disregard.

"You cheated," she huffs.

"That was what, best of three? And how many did I win? Three," I grin.

"And what was I saying last week about how you used to be arrogant? It still stands," she chuckles.

It's been twenty-one days since she killed Nicholas, and she's the happiest I've ever seen her. There's a constant glow to her skin, her iris' are more vibrant and awake; not anything like how exhausted she looked a few weeks ago.

Still beautiful, regardless.

The first two days were a little rough. She struggled in coming to terms with reality, kept waking up in the night thinking that he was alive. She says she has visions of his mangled form consistently, I think I was lucky enough to not look over the edge of the roof that day.

Luckily, I've always been with her. I'll always be there to catch her whenever she falls. I'll always do whatever I can to protect her.

Not that she particularly needs it, and she'd probably give me the usual intense glare if I said that out loud. On the contrary, I can name a fair few times she would've died if I wasn't around.

North somehow decided to let me stay in the Hawks for now, until she leaves for her year off in six days time. He's letting me stick around for 'moral support'.

"So, I was thinking about my year off," she hums, leaning back into her seat.

"What about it?"

"Maybe I shouldn't take it," she shrugs.

"What do you mean, 'you shouldn't take it'? Nov, you deserve that year out," I sigh.

"I know. It's just that- I can't speak with my Dad about anything. He doesn't know that Mom actually fucking died, for one. If he brings up Nicholas, I don't know how I'll react."

"All you need to say is that you haven't heard anything about him, okay?" I scoot closer to push some hair behind her ear, she nods.

"It's also, just-" she hesitates.

"-just what?"

"I'm just really going to miss you," she sighs. I have a feeling that isn't what she wanted to say, but I won't pry.

"Who wouldn't?" I grin, she gives me the small slap on the arm that I love.

It does make my heart ache. I'm going to miss her so damn much, I'd give anything to take the year off with her.

"I can't believe that this time last year we despised each other," she murmurs, staring at the ceiling.

"Despised is an understatement," I chuckle, and I'm not lying.

I could not stand her. I hated her, so fucking much.

If that version of me had any knowledge at all that Nova Shields would be the woman to break through my heart of steel; the woman who I'd fall completely in love with, he wouldn't have believed it.

"Honestly? Yeah, it is an understatement," she laughs, her expression suddenly falling more serious, "I wish you could meet my Dad."

"When we retire in God knows how long, I'm sure I will meet him," I smile, pulling her from her own chair and on top of me so I can gaze at her pretty face.

She's still got some cuts and bruises from that day that haven't healed. A yellow hint lingering on the side of her eye from a bruise, a scarred slit in her lip, scrapes scattered across her face.

"Have you got any missions arranged for after I leave?" She asks, leaning forward and resting her chin on my head.

"Probably a few in Colombia, but they aren't definite yet," I shrug, earning a hum from her.

"I can't believe North let you stay here until I go. It's very out of character,"

"I mean, he did figure out that I love you. He knew before you did," I grin as she leans back to look at me.

"Isn't that more of a reason for him to keep us apart, though?" She raises her eyebrows.

I didn't think about it, but she does have a point. In normal circumstances, we'd probably be kept as far apart as possible. North said it himself, relationships can cloud judgement.

So why, with the knowledge he has, isn't he forcing me to go straight back to the Hawks?

"Maybe he had a change of heart," I snicker.

"I wouldn't complain about that, although it's a long shot," she groans, crawling off of me and pacing across her room.

"Where are you going?"

"Just getting something," she pulls open a drawer, hooking up the Smith & Wesson.

"Jesus, is this the part I find out that you still hate me and are in fact going to shoot me?" I grin as she stands before me.

"You hit the nail on the head," she snorts, passing it into my possession.

I gaze down, tracing my fingertips across the wooden body; across the cold barrel. It's unusual seeing it in my own hands rather than strapped to her thigh.

I'm a little confused. I divert my eyes away, back towards her.

"What-"

"-I need somebody to look after it for me whilst I'm away, don't I?" she smiles, closing my fingers around the gun.

She wants me to take care of her S&W? That's like asking me to babysit her child.

"Are you sure you want me to look after it? Not Tara?" I tilt my head.

"Tara's already gone back to the Hawks, I can't exactly give it to her anyway. Also, I want you to have it, for now. When I'm back, I want it in immaculate condition Hendrix," she grins.

"The pressures on. Can't you take it with you?"

"How exactly would I explain to airport security my reasoning for carrying a pistol?" She snorts, shaking her head.

"True, I didn't even think about that," I chuckle, "so, are you definitely going to Queensland?"

"For a few months, yeah. I'll probably visit Tennessee also, go to the river. I think it makes sense now that I know the full story," she shrugs.

"Will there be any way for me to contact you? I know I'm not great at writing letters, but I would for you," I place the pistol onto the desk, wrapping my arms around her waist and yanking her back into a straddle.

"I guess I could give you the address of my Dad's house. If North allows it, I don't see why not. The only other way is to use your monthly call, but I can't expect you to do that."

"Why can't you expect me to do that?"

"Because you should use that for your family," she shrugs.

"And my girlfriend isn't part of my family?" I raise my eyebrows, she crinkles her nose.

"Oh, am I your girlfriend now?" She bites her lip.

"Yeah, for now."

She narrows her eyes instantly, I try to bite back the laugh that's threatening to spill out.

"The fuck do you mean 'for now'?" She hisses, my laughter pours up.

"You know, you're so funny when you get all agitated," I smirk.

She isn't amused, her nose twitches in annoyance, "Leo Antonio Hendrix, what the goddamn hell do you mean 'for now'?"

Christ, I got the full name scold.

"What I mean, Nova Eleanor Shields, is that one day I'd be a very happy man if you were more than just 'my girlfriend',"

She blinks a few times, mouth falling slightly ajar.

"Are you saying you want to marry me one day, Leo?" Her expression displays nothing short of complete shock.

Why is she so surprised about this?

"I mean, if you love someone and they love you, that tends to be the hopeful outcome, Nov."

She diverts her gaze to nowhere in particular, eventually pulling it back to me.

"Why?"

Is she being fucking serious?

"You did not just ask me 'why'. Why the fuck do you think? You're the most remarkable woman I've ever met. Yes, I used to hate you and the way you pushed all of my buttons, but we can forget about that for a moment. Why, Nova Shields, is because I love you more than I thought I was capable of. Because being with you is the highlight of every day. You're perfect. I went from not being able to stand you, to not being able to stand life without you. It took me one too many awful experiences to realise that, but I finally-"

I halt my outburst of a monologue as I notice her eyes watering. They're glazed right over with a blanket of tears.

"Are you crying?" I whisper.

She wipes her eyes with a breathy laugh, "Of course I'm fucking crying, you prick. I never thought I'd hear something like that in all my life."

"Well, now you have. I stand by everything I've said, Nov." I raise my thumb, flicking the tears away.

"I love you, Leo. I can definitely not say I always have, but I can say I always will," she smiles, sliding her arms around my neck.

"So do you love me more than your pistol?"

"Let's not get too ahead of ourselves," she snickers.

"Well, regardless, I love you too Nov," I barely finish my sentence before pushing my lips to hers. She returns the kiss, raking her hands through the back of my hair.

It intensifies, fast. It evolves from soft and delicate into fierce and heated. I sink my hands into her waist, spinning her around so my chest presses against her back.

"This is a little different, a chair and all," she chuckles as I push my lips against her tattoo.

"Nothing wrong with that," I murmur against her skin. A short breath escapes her mouth as I smooth my hand across her abs, trailing down to her pyjama shorts.

-
18+
-

I push them down to her knees at an excruciatingly slow pace, allowing them to fall the rest of the way to her ankles. She huffs impatiently, I can't help my grin. I halt for a second, eager of her reaction.

"Touch me right now or I'm going to go insane," she groans, I muffle my snicker against the nape of her neck.

The reaction didn't disappoint.

"Ask me nicely, Nova," I whisper, nipping the skin of her shoulder and tracing a fingertip along the waistband of her panties.

"And what if I don't?" She leans back into my chest, a mischievous smile plastered across her lips.

"Then I won't fuck you nicely,"

"Impossible," she bites her lip, tilting her gaze backwards and up towards my chin. Her hand snakes between us, under her ass and right above my crotch.

She rubs teasingly, removing and replacing it as she grinds herself backwards into me. I stifle the groan.

I need her, right fucking now.

"Ask me nicely, Leo, and in approximately five seconds I'll be on my knees with my mouth wrapped around your-"

I silence her by sliding a finger underneath her soaked panties, instantly causing her breath to halt. She shudders, arching against my chest as I sweep a fingertip across her sweet spot.

"What were you saying?" I grin, swirling small circles around her clit. Her legs twitch outwards, I keep her held in place with one arm around her waist.

"I-"

I slip my finger down, gliding into her entrance.
Once again, she is cut off by a moan as I curl it inside of her. I simultaneously press my thumb against her sensitive bud, rubbing gently.

"Come on Nova, finish that sentence for me. It can't be that difficult," I taunt, nipping the side of her neck. Once again, she attempts to speak until my ring finger pushes in and joins the other.

Her nails scrape against my knees for leverage, head falling back into my chest as I rotate them inside of her. My free hand slides underneath her pyjamas vest, brushing my thumb against her nipple.

"I-"

I pull my fingers out of her entrance, bringing my hand up and wedging them between her lips before she can even attempt to get another word in.

"Taste yourself, taste how fucking wet you are for me," I demand.

She hesitates for a moment but complies. I know at the moment she's acting all subordinate, I also know it won't last for long.

That's the issue with us, we both equally crave the control.

"Now do you know why I love getting my face between your thighs?" I whisper against her ear, she attempts to speak but my hand is still wedged in her mouth.

I won't take anything other than 'yes' for an answer, anyway.

I slowly remove my fingers from between her lips. She shakily slides off of my lap, turning around and kneeling before me.

"As I was saying. Ask me nicely, Leo, and in approximately five seconds I'll be on my knees with my mouth wrapped around your cock," she grins with those eyes, yanking the pyjama trousers down my legs.

"Well-"

It was less than five seconds. She cuts me off by ripping down my underwear and wrapping her lips around me.

My fingers rake in her hair as she bobs her head up and down, taking my length with ease. As I've learned, Nova definitely does not have a gag reflex.

Her eyes stay trained on mine the whole time as I shove my hips forward, meeting her rhythm.

"Fuck- Nov," I grumble, letting my head fall back.

She sinks her nails into my calves, that's her way of telling me to look at her since her mouth is a little occupied.

And I comply. With a great effort, I raise my neck to gaze back down at her. I never wanted to look away in the first place, it's just hard to not give into the feeling.

She adds her hand, and that just about does it for me. There's only so much more I can take. She hasn't stopped for a single beat, a single breath.

I thrash my hips forward as the release takes over me, groaning her name as my chin folds towards my chest. My breathing is unsteady, ragged.

She pulls away, swallowing and wiping the corner of her lip before biting it with a satisfied grin.

She's done for.

I dive forward from the chair, hoisting her up by her thighs and slamming her into the desk. Her legs fly apart immediately.

"Look at you, all desperate for me," I provoke with a grin, pulling off her pyjama vest.

"It's no secret, Hendrix,"

"I'll just wait to fuck you in that case, there's other things I can do,"

Now I'm on my knees in front of her. I don't even have to bend down, she's at the perfect height.

"We should do this here more often," I breathe against her, pulling her panties down and flinging them across to the other side of the room.

Her silence causes me to realise there won't be much more of a chance. She'll have left in about six days time. I can't think about that right now.

Instead, I press my face in between her thighs, gliding the flat of my tongue from her slick entrance to her clit. She moans, legs linking around my neck to hold me in position as her back hits the desk.

I sink my nails into her thighs, keeping her steady on the edge of the desk as I circle the point of my tongue around her bundle of nerves.

Her fingers dance through my hair, swirling and grasping every strand they can weave between. I gaze up at her, admiring the way her chest rises and falls in rhythm with the noises she's making.

Music to my fucking ears.

I purse my lips around her swollen clit, pulsating it between my lips as I hold eye contact with her. She rocks her hips against my face, eager to help drive herself over the edge.

"That mouth of yours is something else-" she moans, clearly trying to maintain a normal tone.

I glide two fingers into her entrance, curling them up whilst I move my lips away to talk.

"I could say the same thing to you, Nov," I hum, leaning forwards and continuing to devour her. She's an addiction, and the withdrawal I'm going to suffer whilst she's away is incomprehensible.

Her thighs clamp around my face, quivering uncontrollably as one of her hands slams against the edge of the desk, practically grating the wood away. The other yanks my hair as she cries out, reaching her climax.

As always, I continue for a few seconds before pulling away and pushing to my feet. I wipe my chin, licking my fingers as I step closer and hook my arm around her back.

"I'm going to fuck you so damn hard that you won't be able to walk out of those gates on the 1st," I grumble into her ear, positioning myself at her entrance.

"Fuck me like I'm yours, Leo," she says breathily, lips all swollen and puffy. "Because I am. I am completely and utterly yours."

"You don't have to tell me something I already know, Nova." Before she gets another word in, I bury myself inside of her and begin to thrust. It's heated, it's aggressive. Her nails claw down my back as she moans my name.

"Fuck, you feel so fucking good Nova." It's relentless, and I can tell we both fucking love it.

"God, I love you so fucking much-" she cries, I devour the rest of her words by pressing my mouth to hers.

"Mutual," I groan against her lips, unable to form much more than a one word answer. Her hand hooks the back of my neck for support as I drive myself in the direction I know feels best for her.

The desk is rattling, pounding against the wall. The deck of cards is sent skidding off and into a chaotic mix of black and red on the floor.

I think this is the hardest we've ever gone at it, probably because there's the lingering knowledge that this is one of the last times for a long time.

She's said it herself, she's mine. If anybody else ever dares to touch a hair on her head, I'll fucking kill them. That's if she doesn't do it first.

She's my woman.

"Leo, I'm close-" she heaves in a bated breath, sinking her nails into the nape of my neck.

"Me too, beautiful," I grumble, thrusting myself the hardest I can go. Her legs squeeze around my waist as her head falls back against the desk, a long moan of satisfaction escaping her lips.

My grip on her tightens as I finish, burying myself deep as I fold over her.

We're both panting, glistening with sweat, completely reddened on our faces and necks.

I reach up and wipe her forehead, brushing some strands of hair away that were sticking to her.

"That was-" she starts, barely able to continue as she focuses on catching her breath.

I hesitantly ease myself out of her, "focus on catching your breath, I know what you're going to say," I heave, rubbing my thumb across her dampened cheek.

I don't even think training has ever caused this much breathlessness, that goes for both of us. She eventually sits up, wiping her forehead.

"Shower with me?" She asks.

"Round two?" I grin.

"Always,"

-

She's curled up beside me, dark hair splayed out across my chest and an arm lousily wrapped around my abdomen.

I can't tell if she's asleep, I don't want to move too much incase she is. I wouldn't be surprised if she is, considering we've just done two intense workouts back to back.

I gently smooth my hands through her locks, still a little dampened from our shower.

She's absolutely beautiful.

I always knew she was attractive, of course I did, it was more so the fact I didn't want to admit it to myself.

Back in '99, I remember having heard much about her before Santa Elena. How she'd be joining us for the mission, despite the fact she was only 21 at the time.

-
03/01/1999

"For this one Hendrix, since Richards can't join due to injury, your group will be joined by a potential future Captain for the Falcons," North announces.

"And who is that?" I lean forward in anticipation, taking a sip of water.

"Twenty-one year old Nova Shields,"

I almost choke on my water. "Twenty-fucking-one?" I spit in disbelief.

"Well, twenty-two in just over two weeks-"

"-She shouldn't be coming to Santa Elena. What business does she have training to be a Captain at that age?" I shake my head.

"She's going on your damned mission if you like it or not, Hendrix! May I remind you that you also became a Captain when you were young?!" North bellows.

Fighting a losing battle with him, as always.

"If she fucks anything up, I won't let it go lightly," I hiss.

"I'm sure she's thinking the damned same thing about you, Hendrix!"
—

The second I saw her, my heart did hitch. I remember it vividly, seeing her step out of the van. Her hair was much shorter than it is now, just below her shoulders. There was no denying she was gorgeous, in some ethereal way.

Until she opened her mouth.

I chuckle lightly to myself at the memories, gazing down at her.

This is the best, most unexpected path my life has decided to walk across. I wouldn't have had it any other way.

There aren't enough hours in the day. I just know that these next few are going to relentlessly fly by.

And I'm right, they do.

—
25/05/2003

"Have you got everything?"

My words are shaking, quivering. I've been telling myself I won't cry over this, turns out I've just told myself a bunch of damn lies. I'm doing my best not to show it to her, she needs this year out.

I really think Nova is the only thing that's made me cry so many damn times in a year.

2002-2003 has been the most eventful time span of my life. From Carlos dying to Nova joining the Hawks. The Philippines. Jed Nolan. Being held hostage. Nicholas Shields. Nova almost dying, also killing her brother.

Could you even fucking write the events of the past year?

"Yeah, I think so," she whispers.

I suppose there's not much for her to take, really. A few pairs of ordinary clothes, that's about it. Everything else will still be here in three-hundred-and-sixty-five days time.

"Shields? You all set, kid?" Vincent paces over to where we're waiting near the gates. She hums, flatly.

He passes her a small envelope, most likely containing the credit card.

"Fifteen-thousand dollars. I'm guessing most of it will be spent on flights," he grins. She chuckles and nods in thanks, taking it from his possession.

He pulls her into a brief hug, patting her back before pulling away. He glances between us a few times and steps back.

"Take care of yourself, Shields. We'll be in touch only if absolutely necessary. I'll see you on the 1st of June, 2004," he smiles.

"Thank you for everything, Sir. I'll see you next year," she forces a grin.

"I'll let you two say your, goodbyes," he sighs, giving us a final wave over his shoulder before trudging away.

She's already had her goodbyes with everybody else. The rookies are sad to see her leave, especially Avery. Their training will be taken over by Yamato.

I am the final goodbye before she's driven away by Terrance.

We fall into silence.

"Well, this is it for now," she murmurs after a moment.

"Just for now," I attempt a smile, opening my arms to which she folds right into.

"You'd better look after yourself, Hendrix. My gun isn't the only thing I want in immaculate condition when I'm back," she snickers into my chest.

"I don't think I'll ever be in 'immaculate' condition, Nov," the corner of my lips tug as I rest my chin on her head.

"You know what I mean, just stay alive," she sighs.

"I honestly don't think anything will top the chaos of this past year, Nov. This next year will be a walk in the park,"

"I fucking hope so," she grumbles.

"So, where are you headed when you leave?" I mumble into her hair.

"Terrance is going to drop me off at a travel agency in Lincoln, hopefully I'll get a flight booked pretty easily as a solo passenger. Whilst I'm waiting, I'll just stay in a hotel near the airport," she shrugs.

"I'd love to go to Australia one day," I say.

"And I'd pay to see your reaction to a huntsman spider, Leo. Apparently they're terrifying, according to Dad,"

"I'm a big tough guy, remember? I'd handle a damn spider,"

"Sure you would," she laughs, trailing off.

Our conversation dies at this point. Maybe it's the realisation that she will in fact not get to see my reaction to a huntsman spider, or maybe it's because her time to leave is hot on our trail.

"I'm going to really fucking miss you, Nov," I break the silence, cupping her face with my hands.

"Believe me, it's mutua-"

I cut her off by smashing my lips against hers. I know people can probably see us, we're right out in the fucking open, but that's the least of my concerns right now.

It's desperate, lingering for longer than it should as we hesitantly pull away from each other.

"Take care of yourself, okay, love?" I whisper, she nods slowly.

"Always."

"I love you, Shields." I take her hand, rubbing my thumb across her scarred knuckles.

More than anything.

"And I love you too, Hendrix. I'll see you next year."

She blows a kiss, pushing something into my hand before trudging away to the van Terrance has lined up.

She throws her case in the trunk, swirling around to give me one last smile before disappearing behind the tinted windows.

My heart aches as I gradually glance down at what she passed into my hand.

10067 Longoak Lane
Wide Bay Burnett, Queensland
4820 QLD
07 2679 0178

I stare at the address and number for a few seconds, pulling my eyes up in time to watch Terrance drive the SUV through the front gates.

And just like that, she's gone.