Scene 1: A Public Meeting
The marketplace bustled with its usual energy, vibrant stalls teeming with goods and merchants calling out their wares. Leon moved through the crowd, his son perched on his hip, clutching a small wooden toy. Tristan walked a step behind, carrying their purchases and keeping a watchful eye on the crowd.
"I think we're done for today," Leon said with a faint smile, adjusting the boy in his arms. His son giggled, pointing excitedly at a stall selling bright ribbons.
Tristan chuckled. "You're spoiling him again."
"He deserves it," Leon replied, his tone soft. "We both do."
As they approached the edge of the market, Leon's smile faltered. A familiar figure stood near a fruit stall, his piercing blue eyes fixed on them. Atlas. The sight of him made Leon's chest tighten painfully, anger and hurt bubbling to the surface.
Tristan noticed Leon's sudden change in demeanor. "What's wrong?"
Leon didn't answer, his gaze locked on Atlas as the man began walking toward them.
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Scene 2: Tension Rising
Atlas stopped a few paces away, his cold, unreadable expression sending a chill down Leon's spine. His eyes flickered to the child in Leon's arms, then to Tristan, who stepped closer protectively.
"Atlas," Leon said, his voice low and strained. He shifted his son to his other arm, trying to steady himself. "What do you want?"
Atlas didn't respond immediately, his gaze lingering on Tristan's hand resting lightly on Leon's arm. The sight made his blood boil, though he couldn't explain why.
Finally, he spoke, his voice calm but clipped. "I didn't expect to see you here."
Leon flinched at the detached tone, the words cutting deeper than they should have. "You didn't expect to see me?" he repeated, his voice trembling. "After everything, that's all you have to say?"
Atlas frowned, his brows knitting together. "I don't know what you're talking about."
The words hit Leon like a physical blow. He stared at Atlas, his chest tightening with a mix of anger and despair. "Of course you don't," he said bitterly. "You left without a word, and now you act like I'm a stranger."
Tristan placed a steadying hand on Leon's shoulder, his gaze sharp as he looked at Atlas. "Leon, maybe we should go."
Atlas's fists clenched at his sides, jealousy flaring at the protective way Tristan hovered over Leon. "Who is he to you?" he demanded, his voice harsher than he intended.
Leon's eyes narrowed, his anger boiling over. "That's none of your business."
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Scene 3: Leon's Breaking Point
Atlas took a step closer, his eyes darting between Leon and Tristan. "I want answers," he said, his voice low and commanding. "Who is the child?"
Leon let out a bitter laugh, his hands tightening around his son. "You don't get to ask that. You don't get to demand anything from me, Atlas."
Atlas's jaw tightened, frustration and confusion swirling within him. "I have a right to know."
"A right?" Leon snapped, his voice rising. "You gave up that right when you left. When you abandoned us without a word. You don't even remember, do you?"
The words struck something deep within Atlas, though his mind remained a frustrating blank. "Remember what?" he asked, his voice softening slightly.
Leon shook his head, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It doesn't matter anymore. You made your choice, and now I'm making mine. Stay away from us, Atlas."
Before Atlas could respond, Leon turned and walked away, his son clinging to him tightly. Tristan followed, his expression dark as he glanced back at Atlas.
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Scene 4: Atlas's Despair
Atlas remained rooted in place, his chest heaving as he watched Leon disappear into the crowd. His mind raced, fragments of emotions and memories clawing at the edges of his consciousness.
He clenched his fists, anger and jealousy warring with the aching void inside him. "What did I do?" he whispered, his voice trembling.
Darian approached cautiously, his expression concerned. "Your Highness, is everything all right?"
"No," Atlas snapped, his voice sharp. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I need to know more about him. About them."
Darian hesitated. "Are you sure that's wise? You seemed... affected."
Atlas's glare silenced him. "Find out everything you can," he said coldly. "I need answers."
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Scene 5: Moving On
Back at the house, Leon paced the living room, his son playing quietly on the rug. Tristan sat nearby, watching Leon with a mix of concern and hesitation.
"You okay?" Tristan asked after a long silence.
Leon stopped, his shoulders slumping. "No," he admitted. "Seeing him again... it was harder than I thought it would be."
Tristan stood, stepping closer. "You don't owe him anything, Leon. He's the one who left."
Leon looked down, his voice soft. "I know. But it doesn't make it hurt any less."
Tristan reached out, resting a hand on Leon's arm. "You're stronger than you think. And you're not alone."
Leon met his gaze, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Thank you, Tristan. For everything."
Tristan hesitated, his hand lingering for a moment longer before he stepped back. "Always."
As Leon turned his attention back to his son, Tristan watched him quietly, his heart aching with unspoken feelings. He knew Leon wasn't ready, but he couldn't stop the hope that flickered in his chest.