ep 4

(Police Officer x Doctor, Slow Burn, New Beginnings)

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As Leo and Cole walked through the quiet streets of the city, hand in hand, Leo couldn't help but marvel at how naturally everything felt between them. The kiss, the words they’d exchanged—it had all happened so fast, yet it didn’t feel rushed. There was something slow and steady about their connection, a rhythm they had fallen into without even trying.

“So,” Leo said, breaking the silence as they turned a corner, “I have to admit... I wasn’t expecting tonight to go like this.”

Cole chuckled, glancing at Leo from the corner of his eye. “What, you thought I was all talk and no action?”

Leo raised an eyebrow, smirking. “I didn’t say that.”

Cole’s grin widened. “Well, maybe I just like to keep people guessing.”

They reached a small park near Leo’s apartment, the streetlights casting a soft glow across the grass. Leo stopped, pulling gently on Cole’s hand to bring him to a halt.

“I’m glad you invited me out tonight,” Leo said quietly, his voice sincere. “I’m not really one to mix business and pleasure, but with you... it feels different.”

Cole’s gaze softened, his thumb brushing over Leo’s knuckles as he nodded. “Yeah, I get that. This... whatever this is... it doesn’t feel like the usual stuff. It feels real.”

Leo’s chest tightened at his words. It wasn’t often that people opened up to him so easily, especially not someone like Cole. The man was usually guarded, always maintaining a certain distance. But tonight, the walls were down, and Leo could feel it—Cole was letting him in.

“I agree,” Leo said, taking a deep breath. “I didn’t expect to connect with someone like this, especially not with someone who has your job.”

Cole tilted his head, curious. “What’s wrong with my job?”

Leo smiled, feeling a bit sheepish. “It’s just... I always assumed someone in your line of work wouldn’t have time for a doctor like me. You’re busy, you’re tough, you have a different life.”

Cole chuckled softly, stepping closer to Leo. “You’d be surprised. We’re all just people, Leo. Trying to figure it out, one day at a time.”

Their faces were only inches apart now, the warmth between them palpable. Leo’s heart fluttered, and before he could think, he was leaning in again. This time, Cole met him halfway, his lips brushing Leo’s with a tenderness that surprised him.

It was slower this time, a deeper connection between them, as if they were savoring the moment, letting it linger. Leo’s hand found its way to Cole’s chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath his fingers. Cole’s arms encircled him, pulling him closer, and Leo felt the strength in Cole’s embrace, the way it made him feel safe and wanted.

When they finally pulled away, both of them were breathing heavily, but smiling.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Cole murmured, his forehead resting against Leo’s.

“Me too,” Leo replied, his voice low. “I think I’ve been waiting for this.”

Cole’s eyes softened, his hand sliding gently down Leo’s arm, giving it a comforting squeeze. “We don’t have to rush into anything,” he said, the words wrapping around Leo like a promise. “I’m not going anywhere. Just take it slow. No pressure.”

Leo nodded, his heart full. “I can do slow,” he whispered.

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The following weeks were a blend of work, stolen moments, and quiet conversations. Cole and Leo kept seeing each other, not rushing anything but also not shying away from the growing connection between them. They met for dinner, went on walks, and spent evenings together, often in the comfort of Leo’s apartment, just talking and learning more about one another.

One night, after a particularly exhausting day at the hospital, Leo had invited Cole over to his place for a quiet night in. They had ordered takeout, and after dinner, they had settled on the couch, watching a movie.

Leo’s head rested on Cole’s shoulder, his hand in Cole’s as they both stared at the screen, but neither of them was really paying attention.

Cole broke the silence, his voice soft and serious. “Leo…”

“Hmm?” Leo turned his head slightly to look up at him.

“Do you ever think about what happens next? What this is, between us?”

Leo hesitated, but there was no hesitation in his voice when he spoke. “Yeah. I think about it a lot.”

Cole’s eyes searched his, almost uncertain. “What do you think it is?”

Leo smiled gently, lifting his hand to cup Cole’s face. “I think... it’s something real. Something I want to see where it goes. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know I don’t want to lose this. I don’t want to lose you.”

Cole’s breath caught, and for a moment, Leo saw something in his eyes—something raw, something vulnerable. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by the usual guarded expression that Leo had come to recognize.

But this time, Leo wasn’t going to let him pull away. He kissed Cole, slow and soft, hoping to remind him of the truth they’d both been trying to ignore. When they finally broke the kiss, Cole’s eyes were still closed, and Leo could feel the tension in his shoulders.

“I’m not going anywhere, Leo,” Cole said, his voice hoarse. “I just... I don’t know how to do this. How to trust again.”

Leo’s heart broke for him. He cupped Cole’s face again, his thumb tracing over his jaw. “You don’t have to figure it all out at once. We’ll figure it out together.”

For the first time, Cole’s expression softened completely, and he nodded, his hand resting over Leo’s.

“Together,” Cole whispered.

And in that moment, Leo knew that they were both ready to take the next step, no matter how slow it might be. Because together, they were stronger, and this... whatever it was between them... was worth fighting for.

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To be continued

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