Alternate Allure

CHAPTER 16: EVERYTHING I DO, I DO IT FOR YOU

"MC, she's fun!" He defends. "And I'm tired of being the responsible one! When do I get to have fun?"

You cross your arms, still not buying it. "Okay. So what does she want from you?"

"I don't know" He admits, which is such a great sign. "I'm meeting her later at the Byerly building. She's got something planned"

"Yeah, like pushing you off the Byerly building"

He groans. "MC—"

"It's a trap, Leo!"

"I don't think so"

"You don't think so?" You give him the most skeptical look known to mankind. "Let me break this down for you. The Foot sends a hot girl to flirt with the rival leader, so he gets distracted, starts thinking with his heart instead of his brain, and suddenly, the team's got a weak spot" You tilt your head. "Does that sound familiar?"

Leo opens his mouth to argue—then stops. Blinks. "...Okay, when you put it that way, it does sound kinda suspicious"

"Gee, you think?"

"But there's good in her! I know there is. I can feel it"

You audibly sigh and rub your forehead. This boy is hopeless.

"Alright, hear me out" You drop your hand. "I'm gonna allow you to continue this absolute trainwreck of a situation. And if anyone asks, I'll just fake dementia"

Leo's face lights up. "Wait, really? I totally thought you were gonna—"

You hold up a finger. "On two conditions"

"...Which are?"

"One: actually use your brain before you go running off to meet your girlfriend"

"She's not my—"

"And two--" You lower your finger. "--You do not tell Donnie about his surprise. I have been working my ass off on this for weeks, and if you ruin it, I swear—"

"Relax, relax!" Leo smirks, throwing an arm around your shoulder. "My lips are sealed. I won't tell a soul"

"Good. 'Cause if you do, I will personally kick your ass into orbit" You playfully shove his arm off. "Now, if you'll excuse me... I'm going back to business"

"Oh, so you're just kicking me out now?"

"Yup" You pop the 'p' and stand up. "Since you woke me up at this ungodly hour, I might as well get back to work on your brother's gift"

Leo lets out a dramatic sigh before collapsing against you, throwing all his weight down on you. "How could you be so heartless?"

"Leo, stop that!" You snort, barely managing to hold yourself up. "You're heavy as hell! We're gonna wake Donnie up!"

"You literally just said he sleeps like a rock" He smirks but finally straightens up. "Also, just saying, I know he's gonna love that new staff"

"He better. I've poured my soul on this project... I want it to be perfect"

Leo hums, giving you an amused side glance. "Knowing how much of a perfectionist you are? It will be" He steps onto the windowsill. "And, uh... sorry for waking you up. I just... I really needed to talk"

"No big deal. You didn't know. And honestly? I'm glad you came"

Leo's grins, and before he can stop you, you pull him into a quick hug. He's a little startled at first, but quickly reciprocates.