There hadn’t been an order for him to attend The Badlands casino party, but Leo decided to show up anyways. Not that he especially hated parties, he just always liked to avoid these kinds of parties- you could never relax, everyone's on edge, you're amongst competition. But Edmund had to attend, and so Leo decided he should be there as well.

Walking into the casino, making his way in, a memory sneaks up on him. He’s reminded of walking into a party in New York, crime families all over the state travelling to attend, and he remembers specifically how upset he was having to wear a tuxedo to the party. His uncle and him had been arguing hours beforehand, “This gathering is important, you can’t wear anything else.”

He was young then, probably 15 or 16. He remembers being so frustrated that he ended up crying, and he remembers quickly trying to cover up his own tears before attending the party, so no one would see. Even now, as Leo walks into the casino, he avoids wearing anything too fancy- wearing a large black leather jacket over a simple black tee, black shoes, some jeans and a belt to hold it all together. Now that he's older he doesn't have anyone to lecture him over what to wear.
How stupid, he thinks, shaking his head at the useless memory. He had to focus. But being inside the casino now, scanning the area, he’s reminded of yet another part of that night in New York when he finally sees Edmund.

He remembers sitting at an empty table, his own family mingling with the others. He remembers constantly toying with his own tuxedo, feeling stupid while wearing it, and finally he remembers Eddie walking up to meet him, telling Leo “The tux looks fine.”
Beforehand they had met a few times at other parties across New York, but it was near the beginning of them getting to know each other, and so for him to pick up on the fact he was uncomfortable? Honestly, Leo became embarrassed.
But it worked, Leo became less self-conscious and from then on he would always seek out Ed at gatherings. To him, Edmund seemed to blend in so easily in these kinds of environments, even if he was quiet, and being around him he figured he could easily pretend to fit in as well.
Ed was silent, but he knew when to speak. Leo was silent, and he'd rather keep it that way.
It got to the point where Leo’s uncle would scold him for following Ed around, “You’re like a little puppy” is what he’d say.
Leo didn’t need to follow Ed around though, not anymore. He felt confident in himself enough now to be able to attend parties like this on his own, but as he watches Edmund discarding the drink a waitress had handed him he realizes he must be paranoid about attending.

It wasn’t exactly a secret that this party was meant to show off somehow- show off the drinks, show off the casino, intimidate the competition. Really, it was a regular thing that happened between competing criminal organizations, and he remembers these kinds of parties back in New York. The thing that gets Leo, however, is how careful his friend is being. He understands being cautious around The Badlands, especially with the plans they were both trying to put together, but he's not even pretending to enjoy the alcohol, why would the drinks be poisoned?
It's not like The Badlands suspected anything, was it?

The same waitress manages to catch Leo, approaching him with her array of drinks, “Would you like a drink?” and he simply nods in response and allows her to choose his drink for him.
She ends up handing him a colorful alcoholic drink. A deep red at the bottom, becoming more pink as it approaches the rim, decorated with a strawberry- honestly he hated the fact that Eddie had discarded his drink, cause now he’s questioning how safe it would be to enjoy the one in his hands.

“Ed,” Leo says simply, announcing his approach. “You alright?”