lysol1201

[lysol1201]

Playground Love

ೀ older!Leon Kennedy x fem!reader

Tags: hurt/comfort, age gap (unspecified but reader is an adult), a lot of self doubt, talks about mommy and daddy issues, pet names (angel, princess, sweetheart).

W/C: 1.0k

A/N: studying? who is that? Anyways, this was supposed to be a cute ‘sitting on his lap would fix me’ but I got hit by existential crisis at 2am so angst.

"Wow, dating an older guy? That's so sophisticated!"

“Are you sure about this? Don’t you think there’s a reason why no one his age is dating him?”

"You get to date someone older? That's not fair! All I get are immature guys my age."

"Darling, I know you're an adult now, but dating someone significantly older... it just worries me. Are you sure you're on the same page?"

I love him.

At every reaction, you find yourself repeating the same phrase in your mind. It was a simple truth that anchored you amidst the swirl of opinions and doubts. Every concern, every envy—you faced them all with the same unwavering declaration.

But do you really love him?

The question lingered like a shadow, casting doubt on the certainty you had clung to so desperately. You couldn't shake the nagging feeling that perhaps you were merely caught up in the allure of dating someone older, mistaking infatuation for love. Or was it that you longed for attention from an older guy who could fill the void your absent father left?

You craved the paternal presence you had been denied, and in him, you found echoes of the guidance and affection you had longed for. 

"Dating someone older? Isn't that a bit... strange?"

"Why? Age is just a number, right?"

"Yeah, but... do you really think you're at the same stage in life?"

Oh, how naively optimistic you were. 

Perhaps you have been too quick to dismiss your loved one’s concerns, too eager to embrace the illusion of love in the arms of someone—his arms—who offered the fleeting promise of stability and security. 

“But he makes me feel loved and safe,”

“Does he?”

Was your love truly built to withstand the test of time, or was it merely a fleeting illusion, destined to crumble beneath the weight of your differences?

“Darling, can we talk for a moment?”

“Sure, Ma. What’s on your mind?”

"Well, I couldn't help but notice... you seem quite taken with this new guy you're seeing."

"Oh, you mean Leon? Yeah, we've been spending some time together."

"He's... older, isn't he?"

"Um, yeah, he is."

"I see... darling, I just want to make sure you're being careful. Dating someone older can bring its own set of challenges."

"I know, Ma. But he's different. He understands me in a way no one else does."

"I'm sure he does, dear…but promise me you'll take things slow and really get to know him before things get too serious."

"I promise, Mama.”

You've broken many promises with your mama, but why did this one hurt? Is it because you partially blame her for shaping you the way you are? Is it because she married your father? Maybe she would have lived a happier life if it weren't for him, if only.

But you thanked her, both her and him, for the lesson learned, for the wisdom imparted, for the love that had always been there, and for helping you recognise the kind of partner to avoid. 

You stood before the polished wooden door of Leon’s home office, your hand hovering in uncertainty over the ornate doorknob. Each second felt like an eternity as you battled with the torrent of doubts and fears that raged within you. 

You needed him, wanted him to hold you, and tell you that everything would be fine.

But what if he couldn’t understand your doubts? What if your confession shattered the fragile illusion of your love?

With a steady breath, you pushed aside your apprehensions and grasped the doorknob, steeling yourself for the conversation that lay ahead.

“What’s up, sweetheart?” His voice, gruff yet soft and reassuring, always managed to send shivers down your spine, freezing you in place. You couldn’t find the words to speak, and your throat suddenly dried.

Sensing your hesitation, he beckoned you closer with a gentle smile. You could see the experiences he went through, the complexities of adulthood etched into the lines that creased his weathered face.

“Come here, angel. Sit on my lap while I work.”

You obeyed, crossing the threshold into his office, your feet padding on the wooden floor as you made your way to him. Settling onto his lap, your linen dress pooled around you, the fabric soft against your skin. His arms encircled your waist, pulling you close, his rough touch sent warmth flooding through your veins.

You inhaled his scent, a mixture of citrus and wood, with a hint of something familiar: whisky. You thought he quit. Ready to question him, you opened your mouth, but he stopped you before you could question him.

“Don’t worry your pretty head, princess. I only drank a glass, I promised. I’m just a bit stressed.” 

“Mm, okay,” you replied, pushing aside your concerns for the moment as you melted into the warmth of his embrace.

You found solace in the familiar embrace of Leon's arms, the weight of your doubts momentarily forgotten as you leaned into his chest, burying your face against him. A few of his buttons were undone, allowing the soft hairs on his chest to brush against your face. 

"Is everything alright, angel?" Leon's voice, soft and concerned, pulled you back to the present moment.

"Yeah, everything's fine. I just want to stay like this, with you," you murmured, the words slipping out before you could second-guess yourself.

His arms tightened around you, drawing you closer, as if he could sense the hesitation in your voice. "Me too, princess. Me too," his stubble pricked your forehead as he murmured against them.

Oh, how weak you were. His voice and touch alone melted you into a puddle, and all your problems seemed to vanish in his embrace. Your mama wouldn’t be happy with how you turned out; she wished that you would never let a man make you weak like she was.

Closing your eyes, you allowed yourself to sink deeper into his embrace, letting go of the weight of your doubts and worries. In this moment, all that mattered was the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against yours.

Perhaps one day, when the time was right, you would find the courage to open up to him about your inner struggles. Until then, you cherished this moment, clawing in the warmth of his love.

Pressing a tender kiss to your forehead, Leon whispered softly, "I love you, angel.”

“I love you, too, Leon, always,” you replied. The words were a vow of unwavering devotion and love…was it really?

All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does, and that is his.       

- Oscar Wilde

[lysol1201]

Angsty Sentence Starters #3

"Please, speak to me."

"I never wanted this."

"What else is there to do?"

"I am just so tired."

"You can't leave me alone."

"I don't know what that means!"

"Sorry, but I don't think I can do this any longer."

"Do you want me to fear you?"

"Why are you doing this to me?"

"I'm so sorry for anything I've done to you."

"This is nothing I ever wanted to happen."

"Can you please listen to me?"

"I am no longer accepting this."

"The uncertainty is killing me."

"Don't just walk away from me."

"It was never about winning."

"Tell me what I can do to make you stay."

"You are scaring me."

"Don't be afraid. It will be over soon."

"I can't save you if you don't want to be saved."

More: Angsty Masterpost

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[lysol1201]

A Sinking Feeling [Chapter Two – I'm Lost (I'm Found) In You]

Summary: You and Leon go to your new home and those feelings threaten to swallow you whole – if your target doesn't end you first.

Pairing: Leon Kennedy x reader

Word count: 2859

Additional tags: canon-typical violence, awkward pining and practice

Author's note: Sorry the second chapter took so long to post. I got insanely busy irl and didn't have much time to edit this and get it formatted correctly. But I'm back now and back to making my favourite blonde man get hurt!

☣ read on ao3 ☣ | series masterlist

An agent escorted you and Leon to the large, luxurious house at the end of the block just at the edge of the small town – your new home for the next... month? Year? You don't know. No one gave you or Leon any idea how long it would take, if anyone knew. As if anyone ever truly had an idea what was going to happen to the both of you after you left the hotel room.

This was to be your new home. Until it wasn't.

The agent stayed long enough for you and him to get out, hand outstretched for payment; an envelope filled with cash, hiding the packaging from the sim cards now safely tucked away within your burner phones. A similar envelope is put in your hands; replacement for the payment.

They're gone as quick as they came, leaving you and him alone as you walked into your new home with your suitcases at your side. The house is massive, towering above you and him, simplistic compared to the other houses nearby but still costing more than you and Leon could ever make in your lives combined. The porch is equally large, dark hardwood a stark contrast to the simple white siding of the house, windows to the inside showing the dark red curtains within and hints of the lights on inside. Even the front door is expensive looking, plain white with an ornate brass doorknob. Fancy but enough to be hard to deal with if it were too cold outside.

You took Leon’s hand, ignoring the butterflies fluttering in your stomach. The street may be empty now but the show was on whether you liked it or not. All eyes were on you and your ‘husband’. If you dared look at the other houses lining the street, you were certain you’d see eyes watching.

Leon opened the door, his other hand remained intertwined with yours as he led you inside.

It's even more simple on the inside, outwardly flashy, inwardly, comfortable. Simple. Still, luxurious, much more so than you or him were accustom to, but nonetheless, simple compared to other houses on the block. Everything is neat, clean, furniture all but begging for you to sink down into it and sleep for days.

If it weren’t for the threat of being found out, you could've thought it was only an insanely luxurious all expenses paid vacation. If the D.S.O. actually cared about you and Leon past your usefulness to them. It was only for show, if you dared look past the pretty exterior, you’d find everything could fall apart at the slightest movement.

"This is nice," he mused, looking around the house. As the door closed behind you, lock clicking into place, his hand dropped from yours. He stayed close, not leaving too much space between you.

"Yeah," you agreed. Walking further into the house, looking around at the new place you find yourself in the kitchen. Settling down at the small island, envelope in front of you, you wait for Leon, sunlight glinting off the ring on your finger.

"Bills, huh?" he joked as he took a seat beside you.

"Everyone always wants our money," you responded with a soft sigh.

He opened the envelope, taking out the thick package of papers hidden within. Inside, marriage certificates, dates and everything there, everything including yours and his signatures, staring down at you.

Your stomach churned at the sight.

He dug through it more, finding the real reason for it all. Letters from to an unknown agent – you can only hope it’s not from someone you knew – giving what little extra information that could end this easier.

The first one is hastily scribbled by hand, obviously photocopied, the rest typed out.

Subject: (None) From: ███████████ █████████████████ Enclosed is all my findings on the recent arrests of those belonging to the trafficking ring known as Galea Styx. I hope these can be of use to you, as Empress has found my location. I will not be submitting any more information as it may be too late already. By the time you read these, I am most likely dead.

Leon sighed, closing his eyes briefly as he read through the first of many pages. You don't need to see what part he's at to know.

File 1: The Empress Empress has been known to authorities from a young age, crimes ranging from petty theft, all the way up to murder which was written off as accidental manslaughter at the time, but had been confessed to much later in her brief stay in prison. Any records of her have been wiped away from official documents. Since then, Empress has changed her legal name, I do not know what it is now. She is a danger to everyone. Incredible caution is needed near her. Do NOT take her unimposing stature lightly. Empress has no formal training however it hasn't slowed her down. Each crime has gotten progressively more deadly to those around her. Even those closest to her in Galea Styx have been known to be killed for any range of offenses, including misspeaking.

"Sounds like a lovely woman," he murmured, eyes never leaving the pages. You look down at the photos of Empress, the photos ranging from up close, almost perfect, suited for the high praise of models, to blurry messes, the only visible parts the crimson as it soaked her skin and the perfect sky blue hair atop her head like a crown.

File 2: Galea Styx Galea Styx is a ruthless gang, borne from Empress' ruthlessness in the local gang population. Most members have defected or been captured from rival gangs. All members are fiercely loyal to her, all quoting that she is their "Queen" and have proven to die for her, no matter the circumstances. Do not engage without proper means to defend yourself.

“Of course they're loyal," you sighed. "Can't make it easy for us…”

“Loyal?” Leon questioned, looking up at you finally. “Or scared shitless?”

You both know the real answer. And it terrified you.

Loyalty is easy to anticipate. It is as easy as breathing for you and him, something that didn't take thought. Simple actions, no thoughts. A dog on a leash, awaiting the next command. That you understood.

Fear was never easy to anticipate, to prepare for. Fear and a leash only meant more danger than the most deadly guard dog, it's actions only leading to further bloodshed. No one knew what it's next actions were, not even the dog.

File 3: B.O.W. Involvement Empress had focused on drug trafficking for most of her life, however in recent years she has turned her attention to B.O.W. trafficking, including Las Plagas and Uroboros. I have no idea how she was able to obtain samples of Uroboros, besides a single sighting of her and ███████ ██████ before the latter's death in 2009. Even more worrying, there seems to be a new type of B.O.W. in her possession. There are no sources on what this new B.O.W. is, only brief rumors of “dismantling” someone or something [with it]. She has not been seen creating any B.O.W., known or otherwise, instead all of her focus seems to be on this new B.O.W.. I do not know where it is from, there are only rumors from it being from China. In the one document I found, there was no originating city, only the half-scribbled out signature “.W.” appeared in any documents alongside it. Infection rate in Galea Styx is currently unknown. Assume complete infection.

Leon tensed up, shoulders hunched as he read, worry radiating off of him. As sudden as it appeared, it was pushed aside. "Great," he groaned, heaving a sigh as he looked down at the files in his hands. "Just keeps getting better."

You remained quiet. There was nothing more to be said, not when you knew he was thinking the same thing as you were.

The further into this mission you went, the worse the sinking feeling got.

How could they send in a lone agent, knowing what Empress did? Even knowing the risks, no one person, no matter how formidable, stood a chance against her and the countless humans – and monsters – she controlled.

What could only two agents possibly do better while she expected more spies? If it weren't for the simple fact you and Leon were too valuable of a resource, a weapon, it'd feel more like this was only meant to clean up loose ties.

It would not have been the first time and neither you nor Leon were lucky for it to have been the last.

***

The first night is rough, somehow worse than the first day. There's only one bed, not big enough to be comfortable for you or him – for a married couple certainly, but not whatever you and Leon were. It’s cramped, uncomfortable and lent far too easily to rolling over into one another.

You both spent more time shifting in the small sides you'd slunk away to, hiding away from one another as if even just being near would lead to something deadly. Tossing and turning all night, you barely slept.

In the few hours you did get, Leon left at some point, leaving you alone in the cold bed sheets with the quiet hum of familiar music playing over the radio.

Awkward didn't even begin to cover how you felt, how everything that shouldn't matter now left you second guessing everything.

In the morning it got even more awkward.

The one thing you feared the most. Practice.

It's just practice, he told you, a nervous expression on his face, barely hidden under the hard exterior he'd tried to put up – more practice for later. It's practice. Practice for the real deal, for making the fake marriage seem believable.

Sure, you could pretend it was a failing marriage and act as if his touch burned – you could, for it did, in a very different way. It wouldn't explain the longing looks tossed your way when you'd gotten too far away from his side.

No, it had to be a believable, solid marriage.

Until it wasn't. Until it wasn't convenient, or until it was over. Whichever came first.

You'd been warned, whatever you did, it had to be believable, that you truly loved one another, or you didn't. Hate was out of the question and you both knew it, lending to even more embarrassment. The practice for the real thing only further feeding the pit of shame festering within.

You couldn’t hate one another. You couldn’t look like two lovesick puppies on their first date ever.

It had to look believable.

The first kiss was awkward, your teeth unintentionally scraping across his bottom lip, earning a quiet groan from him, much to your pleasure that was quickly hidden far away in your mind. It wasn’t planned, though acting as if you’d never kissed someone before or doing it on purpose were equally very, very bad.

“Sorry,” you murmured quietly, hiding away the spark of pleasure and pride for being the one to coax the sound out of him. Shame quickly replaced it however. How could you feel this way for him?

"It's okay," he leaned in again, hand placed on your chin to halt your almost eagerness. He closed his eyes first, lips grazing yours once again.

It's soft, tender, loving.

The pit of shame grew with every heartbeat, threatening to burst and take you down with it.

He pulled away first, looking at you, watching your every movement and you nearly burst into tears.

You couldn't keep this up. It was wrong and if Empress didn't kill you, the steadily growing pit of shame would certainly swallow you whole. How could you ever think you could pretend to just pretend you loved him?

"Try not to bite me again," he murmured, breaking you out of the downward spiral. Thumb brushing over your cheek, resting over the corner of your lips as he stared at you, somehow pulling you along while pushing you further into the abyss. “You’re not that innocent… are you?” he added quietly, teasing and curious all at once.

You want to say something, you want to confess. I like you. I love you. I need you in my life more than I need to breathe.

Instead of saying the stupid words on the tip of your tongue, all but begging to be released, you chose other stupid words, words that won't destroy it all and leave you in ruins but instead string you along further.

"Just for that, I'll bite you every time," you replied, giving him a forced smile. He saw through it before the words left your lips, the question almost out of his before you turned your head slightly and nipped at his thumb.

The question died on his lips and he just smiled, shaking his head slightly. Not quite the laugh you'd hoped for, though you didn't give it much thought, not when if he'd actually done it, it might've been the final crack within the dam holding back everything.

You laughed at his amusement, trying to ignore the pit within you.

Mistake after mistake, yet you kept taking a step backward, despite all the warnings.

You were ruined beyond repair and the more steps you took, the less the leash could hold you back even as it left you choking on air.

***

Leon was certain this mission was going to kill him.

Every mission could, no where in this world was truly safe for him anymore. But this? This was certainly going to be the end of him.

It’d been years since he first met you, years since that fateful night that spelt the beginning of the end. All of it spiraling down into this fucked up mission that refused to let go now that it’s claws were latched into his throat.

He still remembered that first night, one of the few nights that remained crystal clear throughout everything that ruined his memory. You, stumbling into his office, escorted by a soldier he didn’t remember the name of, clothes ragged and bloodied. Eyes so cold you could’ve turned anyone to stone.

The face of a woman dragged through Hell and down into somewhere far worse. He pitied you – he knew the feeling, knew what had happened in the room you’d just been dragged out of.

He’d been there too, once upon a time.

You were all ‘his’, the soldier had told him, all but tossing you at his feet.

You didn’t know him, didn’t trust him. Expected the worst – he couldn’t blame you. Not even as your first words ever spoken to him were “touch me and I’ll break your nose”… right before breaking his nose, as he tried to help you to your feet.

He should have known better than to reach out right away, you’d been far too furious to cower away at his offered hand unlike he’d been back then. It was simply habit – you were hurt, he had to help. He hadn’t thought of anything else. The moment your fist had connected with his face only further ruined him, the overwhelming feeling further cementing that you were the one.

That feeling only ever got stronger, more deadly over the years. He still had a faint scar across his nose.

It was the beginning of the end. And his end? Practice.

He didn’t know why he said it. Practice. What moron said that? Him, apparently. It wasn’t unbelievable, he remembered the words Ingrid had told him just before leaving. Whatever you do, make it believable. It wouldn’t be believable if he acted like he’d never kissed anyone – and he’d never be able to pull off hatred.

Somehow, pretending to not be a lovesick idiot who was in love with you was even harder than pretend hatred. Everything melted away as your lips touched him, his body reacting way too eagerly when you’d accidentally bit him – what was he? A teenager?

He’d wanted to crawl into a hole and die when he’d groaned. After everything, countless monsters, the D.S.O. and every other fucked up thing in his life, that’s what truly made him want to curl up and completely give up. His only saving grace was your obvious awkwardness, the anxiety giving him something else to focus on than himself.

You didn’t deserve to see his fucked up thoughts and he’d do anything to make sure you were okay. However, it didn’t really work when you seemed to brush off every attempt to make sure you were okay.

Leon was completely and utterly fucked – and definitely not in a fun way. No matter what he did, this mission was going to kill him. Fuck up during the mission and Empress would kill him, no doubt in some creative way that’d make his skin crawl just thinking of, or fuck up with you and lose one of the most important people in his life. Neither one was a good option.

He just had to hope that for once, luck was on his side.

[lysol1201]

dilf leon headcanons:

- leon never realized that he had a breeding kink. rip

- leon and you finally had a baby and he is trying to pretend it isn't a huge goal of his

- when he bottle feeds the baby, he falls asleep on the couch

- he wants to help the best he can, he isn't a lazy husband or father.

- if you work and can't bring the baby, leon has a baby carrier wrap while he is working at the government.

- when he has missions, he has a locket picture of you, him and his baby

- he calls you mama and you don't know if you should cringe or love it

- once the newborn begins to crawl. leon's baby fever grows again and you have to push him off of you

- if he goes in missions, he buys the baby toys and he throws them into his bag before fighting a bow

- he gets a brilliant idea to pet a puppy for his child. he wants them to grow up together. you two take care of both the baby and the dog.

- he is annoying about his child

- the gender of the baby doesnt matter, he braids their hair and loves to teach them self-defense. he doesn't feel he needs a son to show off how to be leon kennedy's child. leon wants his children to be 'cool' like him

- leon has never been happier. it's all he ever wanted

[lysol1201]

okay but like what if Leon is the famous one in the relationship. The whole RE universe is a movie or show and he’s popular. You’re out here devouring his fanfics. Then he found out….or u writing one —then what 🧍‍♀️

I weirdly see Leon as a mom vlogger. He’s one of those😭

(If you ever call Leon a mommy vlogger again it's curtain calls for anon. I will not rest until I find you)

(this is a joke pls don't come for me...)

I'm thinkiiiiing...

Actor! Leon x Assistant! Reader (Post Damnation era)

BUT YOU READING HIS FANFICTION!!!

He knew his fans read and wrote this stuff. Draw him, write about him. Character and him alike. The screenwriters literally wrote everyone's characters based off of who they actually were. So in a way his RE character is an extension of himself but everyone can still differentiate between the two. So he doesn't mind anyone doing this.

He's gotten fanmail with art, copies of fanfiction and even just fan accounts constantly interacting with his social media posts. But one particular account seems to interact with him a lot, R4Kennedy.

No idea who it is but whatever.

Eventually he starts getting a lot of offers from different companies for commercials, brand deals, appearances, ect. He starts getting a bit overwhelmed with things so he hands off some responsibilities to his lovely assistant, you. You get to do most of his social media stuff. But he still likes scrolling around, liking things, retweeting/reblogging stuff and making his own posts life update posts on occasion. But he'd notice the lack of interaction from that one account on posts he specifically didn't make. But the second he'd personally post something he gets responses from R4Kennedy.

Super weird...

He'd accidentally found out by having to use your laptop to check a few things because his computer was having issues. You two know each other well, you've worked for him for years now, practically live together. So you don't even think to close out your open tabs... Tabs to your social accounts...

Leon is too nosy curious for his own good so he ends up opening the tabs.

You're R4Kennedy... He starts looking through the fics you've liked, everything you've said about him, even the things you've written.

You're a good writer, he'll give you that. A lot more brave online versus your usual mousey demeanor on the clock. Maybe you were interested in him and we're just shy? The thought crosses his mind constantly.

But he keeps this information for himself for a while.

Eventually he uses it. A day you're looking particularly good. He's been attracted to you for a while but was scared of scaring you off with his abrasive nature.

But you're making a coffee for yourself in his kitchen and he ends up saying your account name. You tense up immediately and just look back at the massive grin on his face. He says nothing else before he walks out.

He knows. And now you know he knows. And he's definitely going to hold this over your head for a while...

[lysol1201]

Violet would bring Leon to her show and tell day at school, practically bragging about how her daddy’s was a high government official. She’d give a brief description of his job, all while little ‘Wow!’ And ‘Ooo’s!’ Echoed throughout the classroom.

Everyone found it cool—especially the boys. They’d ask him questions, he’d show his cool little DSO badge, tell them stories that won’t traumatize a set of 7/8 year olds. The boys in the class would obviously ask if he has a gun, he just laughs it off and says ‘Maybe.’

After that day; all of her classmates were convinced that she had the coolest daddy in the world.

- Anon! 🎀

(P.S. Love you too pookie <3)

Also, all the kids ask if he has a cruiser like a cop does to which he just responds "No, but I do drive a motorcycle."

Insert room full of gasps here

Violet has kids begging to be invited to her house for playdates constantly and kids fighting over party invites for birthdays, sleepovers or just little get togethers.

But that's when Leon and her mom have to sit her down and talk about what real friends are like because some kids are mean. Very mean...

I'd imagine some kid in her class would start picking on her out of jealousy from so many people thinking her dad is cool. And wanting to be her friend.

This kid... He's a massive asshole for a 7-8 year old.

Now Leon is a pretty docile parent. Would much rather sit down and talk it out with the kids parents but his wife.... Mama bear. Do. No. FUCK. With her family...

Has definitely had Leon had to drag her away at PTA meetings or school functions to not fight this kids dad. She doesn't give a shit if he's a grown man or twice her size. She's not scared to fight a man.

As often as Leon has had to haul his wife away he still appreciates her being a strong woman. This is the kind of woman he wants their daughters to become. People who defend others and fight for their beliefs. Even if he can't always do that himself he values those who do.

It's part of the reason why he fell in love with you in the first place. (I'm gonna make myself cry...)

Eventually this kid becomes a nuisance and Violet gets permission to tell this kid off without censoring herself. And my God does that little lady have a mouth on her...

A WEEKS WORTH OF DETENTION!

But her parents fight with the school to get it off her record because the kid comes clean about being a little dick.

When Violet got home and told her parents what happened they both make sure she knows she did the right thing. Reassure her and reward her for sticking up for herself by taking her and baby Cecilia for ice cream. And she gets a toy.

They honestly can't not spoil her...

[lysol1201]

Leon would definitely match with his little girl daily if it was possible. :3

His little princess is wearing a pretty light blue dress? Now he has to wear a light blue shirt. She’s wearing a pink gingham dress? He’s got the perfect pink button up for that.

They’d wear silly matching shirts aswell like those stupid ‘Her daddy’ and ‘His girl’ shirts, or the ‘Original’ and ‘Carbon copy’ one’s. The day she finally grows up and tells him she doesn’t wanna match anymore because it’s ’embarrassing’ is the day his world shatters.

He’d come crying to you at the realization his baby girl is growing up, especially when she goes from saying ‘daddy’ to ‘dad’. :(

- Anon! 🎀

MATCHING OUTFITS I CAN'T 😭

These shirts... Perfect!

But like imagine Leon's just freaking out cause he feels like he's losing her little girl. He'd be fucking devastated...

You two are laying in bed after putting your baby girl to bed. Leon laying on his side, head in your lap as you calm him down. Whipping his tears away.

"Honey, did really you think she'd want to wear the outfits forever?" Leon turns on his back, he stares up at you with red glassy eyes and a nose to match. You brush his hair back trying desperately to keep your giggles at bay from what seems like such an over reaction.

"She's my baby... Our only baby! When I picked her up from school today, she called me Dad. DAD!" He rubs his forehead with a sniffle, you brush his cheek with your thumb, a small smile pulling at your lips as he leans into your hand.

"It was bound to happen." He glares up at you, crossing his arms like a petulant child. Soon his expression turns to a pout as he huffs.

"Easy for you to say, she still calls you Mommy," he takes in a deep breath, pondering a thought as you roll your eyes, "can we have another baby?"

"Lee..." He sits up looking back at you, hair slightly messy from your fingers playing with it.

"C'mon! It be nice to have another baby. Plus it was so beautiful watching you waddle around in your little dresses while you glowed like the God damn sun... I miss it." Your nose wrinkles as he turns towards you, pulling you into his chest. Looking into your eyes with that puppy dog stare.

"Don't give me that look. I'm not getting pregnant again just to give you your best friend back..."

"What if I got her a puppy?" Your head cranes back, looking at the ceiling with a deep sigh.

"Are you suggesting you'd bribe a 6 year old to love you?" Leon freezes for a minute, looking down at the sheets, getting abnormally quiet even for him.

"...yes."

"Oh my God, you're the most dramatic man I've ever met in my life..."

[lysol1201]

Making spaghetti for dinner but you’re mad at Leon so u make him watch u break the pasta.

His half Italian ass: 😦

No no, break the pasta, throw cold jar sauce on it and serve it to him. Bone Apple Teeth Italian boy

[lysol1201]

infinite darkness leon changed his personality a bit. you dated him after the raccoon city tragedy so he tried to changed his shell shocked issues. he wanted you to see him like he used to be. joking. cute. and flirty as hell. he lost the person he once was. he just wished you saw him before the zombies. before anything ever happened.

he wished his trauma could be the one who forgot, but it seemed he remembered even more than you. saving you was one of the best things he ever did.

you noticed those small changes. leon tried to invite you for dinners or even trying to go on different dates. "oh, you would love the aquarium." leon held your hand tightly against his. when you two looked up at the fishes, you rested your head on his shoulder. you needed to tell this man you loved him. not just his actions of heroism. you needed to tell leon it is okay to cry.

[lysol1201]

Would be willing to write a part two for heels over head? it's so good and I'd like to request it if so

Don’t Take My Heart, Don’t Break My Heart

Leon Kennedy X Chubby! Single-Mom! Reader

Part 1

Leon watches Finn for you, and he gets to know you a bit better

Y/N: I'm really glad you liked the first part! I was a little worried it was a little aimless but I did plan to do another part. Lowkey I need to write more older Leon. At this point I might need another part for this story

(Title from "Head over Heels" by Tears for Fears)

Leon double-checks his apartment, making sure it doesn't look like a disaster. Better yet, that a kid won't get into anything they aren't supposed to. He here's the knock at his apartment door and tenses up a bit. Taking a deep breath, he opens the door greeted by you and Finn.

"Hey!" You smile brightly and wave.

"Hi, Mr. Leon!" Finn greets him with a smile. His backpack is secure on his shoulders.

"Hey to you both," He says softly, opening his door wider for you both to enter. Finn enters before you, finding a spot on Leon's couch, you approach him.

“Okay Finn, be good for Leon please.” You kiss his forehead as he nods eagerly. You turn to Leon with a soft smile. "Thanks again for doing this for me."

"It's no problem," he brushes it off with a wave with of his hand. "We're neighbors after all." He assures you with a soft smile. You give him a smile back, really appreciating all that he was doing for you.

"I should be back by eight, and you know you don't have to feed him. I can definitely do that."

"I don't mind." Leon assures you, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder. "Finn is in safe hands." You look at him, and as his blue eyes meet yours. You believe him and trust him.

"You boys have fun." You say with a smile and a wave.

"Bye mom!" Finn says happily as he watches you leave. His legs kicking as he sits on the sofa.

"Alright buddy... you want to do anything?" Leon turns to Finn curiously.

"Mom says I have to finish homework first." He sighs thinking about it.

"Oh gotcha, if you need any help let me know." Leon adds on before leaving Finn to do his work. He tried to not worry too much about him as he did his own thing.

Leon doesn't know how he ended up on the floor on the floor with Uno cards and an eight year old but he that's where he was.

"Okay... I pick red." Leon decides after thinking for a moment. Finn can't hide his smile as he puts down his final card.

"I win!" The boy declares happily.

"Dang, you got me!" He declares feigning upset. He watches as the boy celebrates, and Leon smiles softly. As he watches the bright smile on his face, he can't help but think of Sherry. When they were traveling together after Raccoon city. A knock at the door distracts him from their game. "Wait here for a minute," he tells the boy before he stands. Groaning a bit as he does, he opens to the door to see you with a smile and slightly exhausted look.

"Mom!" Finn runs up and hugs you tightly. You hug him back squeezing him a bit. He rushes off to grab his things, leaving you and Leon in the doorway.

"How was he?" You ask softly.

"Great, he's a really good kid." Leon assures you gently. "And if you ever need help again don't hesitate, okay..?" He looks at you with a soft look in his kind blue eyes. You nod gently in return.

"Thank you..." You reply softly, feeling your cheeks getting a little warm from his gaze. Leon notices and feels his own face get warmer.

"Got everything!" Finn announces happily, his backpack secure on his shoulders. Interrupting whatever was happening between you and Leon.

"Alright, ready to go home?" You ask Finn gently to which he nods eagerly. "Thank you again, Finn say thank you."

"Thank you Mr. Leon!" He replies happily. "I had fun!" He adds on cheerfully, to which the man can't hide a smile.

"It was no problem." Leon says with a nod. You turn to leave but the man suddenly grabs your shoulder gently. You look to him, his blue eyes meeting yours. "I-I'll see you around, right?" A smile comes to your lips.

"I'd be disappointed if I didn't." You say your cheeks red and he only nods breathlessly.

"Yeah..." Is all he can manage to say as he watches you and your son return to your apartment. His cheeks warm as he shuts the door to his apartment.

[lysol1201]

A Kiss Goodnight | Leon Kennedy x Fem! Reader

Fluff for Leon since he's a cutie. I picture RE2 (after Racoon City) or RE4 Leon in this but you can choose which ever one you like more.

WC: 1.1K

CW: Leon being a sweetheart? Pet names, kisses (duh), angst/fluff. Mentions of Leon's struggles after RC.

➽───────────────────────❥

Working for the government was hard, especially after just getting dragged into it without a choice. Life was hard for Leon ever since that fateful night where he believed he shouldn't have lived. Luck was too kind to him, but the consequences of luck is always regret. Mission after mission, bioweapon after bioweapon Leon was tired. All he could think about was getting back to you. You were his saving grace, his only way to escape the pain. Even if it was only for a second, a minute, a hour, a day. You helped in a way where he was indebted to you for the rest of his life. Driving home, all he could think about was you. How you warmed him up after a hard time shooting and murdering anything that was diseased. He was yours, and you were his.

Leon shortly arrived home, sluggish in his movements as he took off his work boots and coat. His bag thrown into the corner of the doorway as he sighed heavily. Finally, his body could relax. Tense movements slowly turned into tired movements as he brought himself to the bathroom. Seeing a new cut on his face and blood and mud splatted on him. It never really was a nice sight. The house was silent, you were asleep. Something that wasn't unusual as the clock ticked to 3 AM. You never really knew if Leon would come back from his mission, that sense of worry hung low over you. Causing distress as every call you received could be Hunnigan's voice. Informing you of Leon's death, but you were lucky enough to not have that, not yet at least. As you slept peacefully, Leon showered and cleansed himself from his own sin. His murderous intent and sorrow washing down along with the dirt covering his body. The towel gently wrapping around his waist, he walked into your shared bedroom. Where you laid asleep, seeming to be cuddling a pillow in hopes of getting the same satisfaction of Leon having you in his arms.

Leon couldn't help but smile looking at you as he walked past the bed to his dresser, getting a pair of boxers and sweatpants. Quickly changing to soon sink himself to his side of the bed. Soft. Everything was soft around him. The pillow his head laid on, the new sheets and most importantly you. Getting under the covers he felt your bare skin touch his. Your shorts and t-shirt hugging you in a cozy way. Without thought, he wrapped his arms around your body. Nuzzling his face into your neck, there was no intention of waking you up... But it was bound to happen as he gripped you tightly. Giving you no chance to escape you whined as you woke up.

"Sorry baby... You just looked so warm." He mumbled into your neck as he gave a sweet kiss on your skin. Wriggling yourself to at least turn around to face him, you notice the fresh cut on his face. "What happened?" You whispered, still in a half sleepy state. It always worried you seeing him hurt, but Leon always reassured you he was okay. "Just a cut from the mission, nothing to worry about." He softly smiled, you couldn't help but replicate the smile. A gentle kiss on the nose is what Leon felt from your smooth lips. "You okay?" You asked as your hands wandered down his chest, carefully wrapping your arms around him. Ensuring you weren't going to hurt him in the process. "Everything is okay when I'm with you..." He murmured, slowly enveloping you in a sweet kiss. "God.. I missed you so much, you smell so good" He whispered to you in a gentle tone. Much different to the aggression towards the bioweapons he previously fought only hours before.

"I missed you too.. so much." You whispered back, a giggle following short afterwards as you felt him playing with your hair. "I love you." Was all Leon could say as he admired you in his arms, admiring his lover was his favourite thing to do in this situation. "I love you more." You poked at his cheek as you kissed him again. Soft kisses with him were heavenly, otherworldly. The clock ticked 3:30 AM, it really was time to sleep. Mellowed breathing was soon shared between you two as you held each other. Enjoying the comfort of one another as you were glad he returned home. He was glad for everything. Glad to live in a lifetime with you in it - he would protect you no matter the cost.

"Can't sleep?" You slowly opened your eyes, still feeling him stare at you. "No, kinda hard to." He muttered, relapsing the past mission in his mind. "Wanna talk about it?" Rubbing his arm always calmed him down, made him feel safe for once. Safe from the horrors of this world that he swore in his heart nobody else should face or see. That he would be the one to protect people, to save people. Even if that meant him deteriorating his own mental stability. At least others would be saved. But he didn't need to be the hero with you. He could just be Leon. A man who was lost in his own train of thought, still a young boy in his heart yearning for answers to why he was chosen to face dread at every moment of his life. Sadly, beggars can't be choosers. Although he had one choice in his life, and that was you. He would always choose you. Always. "Not right now.. Just wanna have you in my arms." You felt a peck on your forehead, a grin spreading across your face. "Okay. Well I'm always here for you Leon." Reassurance was vital for you and Leon. The slightest amount of praise to Leon was all he needed to crumble into your arms. He could be himself with you. "Thank you Y/N, I really appreciate you. So much." His voice cracked, tears slowly gathering in his eyes. What did he do in his last life to deserve you? Gentle hands caressed his face as he wept, your kisses taking away the pain.

Minutes passed, Leon's cries slowly disappeared as he cuddled you. Staring into each others eyes, you felt yourself slowly slip into a sleepy state. Same with Leon, he couldn't hold his eyes open much longer. Not when you gave him a warm like no-one else did. "I have one request." He hushed out as he rubbed your back with his calloused hands. "Mm?" You murmured out, melting into his touch.

"One more kiss goodnight?"

➽───────────────────────❥

Someone tell this man everything is gonna be okay.

[lysol1201]

Swipe Right

Leon Kennedy x female reader, commissioned piece Lots of dumb fluff ahead! Thanks so much to the lovely @porcelainseashore for commissioning me with the brief of Leon using a dating app! I've said it before and I'll say it again - please do go check out Porcelain's fics! x

“So,” Leon places his elbows on the counter behind, leans back and flashes a winning smile, “how about dinner later?”

The auburn-haired woman waits for her coffee to finish dispensing before she shakes her head, lips pursed. “No, thank you, Agent Kennedy.”

“Oh.” He was sure they’d had some sort of connection. Their eyes had met across the office on more than one occasion, flirtatiously so – had he read it wrong? “You have plans already tonight?”

“Mm, something like that.” She smiles, politely, picking up her DSO-branded mug and heading out of the break room without so much as a glance back.

Leon shrugs it off – he’s good at that – and places his own mug under the spout, about to make his coffee selection when a familiar voice chirps over his shoulder.

“Have you ever thought of internet dating?”

He spins round, surprised. “Claire?”

“Hi.” She waves with a smile. “So, internet dating?”

Leon’s brow furrowed, about to ask why she was here, but from the visitor lanyard around her neck it was clear it was down to some sort of TerraSafe business, but why is she going on about internet dating?

Oh.

“Wait, did you hear…?”

“The dinner invite? Oh, yes.” She nods, crossing her arms. “Does that ever work?”

“Yes.”

Claire quirks an eyebrow.

“Okay, not recently.” He retorts, turning back around and pressing the button for his black coffee to start dispensing.

“Uh-huh…” She steps forward, turns to lean against the counter to look at him. “I’m telling you, Leon - internet dating. I finally convinced Chris to give it a go about six months back, and he seems pretty happy. Been seeing a nice girl for three months now – a florist.”

Leon shakes his head, watching the coffee dispense with feigned interest. “Surprised Redfield went for it. How the hell do you introduce anyone to what we’ve seen?” At least with women from work, he didn’t have to skirt around what the hell he does all day.

“Heard of keeping work and homelife separate?”

“And Chris manages that?”

“I mean, she knows what he’s shared with her, but he took it slow. It’s not like the government can keep everything secret these days – not with everyone having a smart phone.” Claire grimaces, remembering the videos of the Alcatraz attack popping up on social media on a live stream. It was taken down pretty quick, but still popped up occasionally. They can’t hide it forever.

“Anyway, enough about Chris’ love life, I’m trying to help yours. Have you tried it? There’s websites and apps…”

Leon recalls a week of medical leave – battered, bruised and laid out on the couch on high doses of meds, flipping through the cable channels and losing hours to a show about people falling in love over the internet, only for the person to be using a fake photo of an entirely different identity and being crushed when they met in person.

“Isn’t that where the catfish are?”

Claire rolls her eyes. “We won’t set your radius that large.”

He looks down, a little confused. “My… radius?”

Leon’s not present on social media, but that’s hardly a surprise with his work. Maybe, if things had been different, he would’ve trawled through it at some point – joined a group for graduates from the Police Academy of ’98, checked in, gone to some sort of graduating class reunion where they would’ve swapped stories from precincts over a lukewarm beer or two in a hall dressed up with balloons and streamers.

Come to think of it, he doesn’t really remember the names of anyone in his graduating class, though he’s not sure if that’s down to a certain amount of knocks to the head throughout his career getting to him. He could look them up – they’ll be in some sort of database somewhere that Hunnigan could help him locate, but what would he say?

“Me? Well, I had one day on the job – hell of a first day, actually – and then I was ‘recruited’ into military training, so technically not a cop anymore either.”

“Phone, please.” Claire has moved to sit down at one of the small tables in the kitchen, now holding out her hand expectantly. He finds himself joining her, mug of coffee in one hand and the other pulling out his cell from his suit jacket pocket. He hands it over because it’s Claire and he’s known her long enough now to know she’s not going to drop the subject so easily.

“Have you got any selfies on here?”

“Don’t think so. Why?”

“To put on your profile. Anything I shouldn’t see in your gallery?”

He shakes his head.

“Seriously, Leon?” She must’ve opened the app by the way she’s scrolling down on the screen. “These are all sunsets and photos of your motorcycle.”

“What should I be picking pictures of?”

“Oh, wait… Here’s one.” She turns the phone around. It’s him, grinning, next to a corpse of a zombiefied lion. “I repeat – seriously, Leon?”

“Ha, yeah.” He smiles in acknowledgement. “I was trying to get Hunnigan interested in fieldwork with the spectacular sights.” Claire turns the phone back around and the sound of a camera shutter clicks out of the speaker.

“Ooh, that’s a good candid – and no-one needs to know what you were looking at.”

“Look, it’s nice of you to offer, but I don’t know about all this…” He rubs the back of his head.

“It’s 30 days free. Just try it and if you still don’t like it by the end of the trial, you can delete it off your phone and I won’t bring it up again.”

He stalls, taking a long sip of his coffee as he thinks. Claire means well, after all and if Chris has had luck with it, considering what Leon knows he’s seen and lived through, what does he have to lose, really?

“Fine. 30 days.”

“Great! Now, let’s set up your profile…”

--

Claire had given him a tutorial – swipe left if you’re not interested on a profile, right if you are. If the person swipes right in return, it’ll set you up as a match and you can start a conversation – signaled by a small speech bubble icon appearing on the bottom right.

It wasn’t until that evening that Leon tried it out properly, sat on his couch, killing time before bed and begins to swipe through. It feels a little odd – he usually likes to get to know a person somewhat before offering out his dinner invite, but this is mostly on looks alone, with a tiny snippet of profile information – age, location, what they’re looking for.

He swipes right on a blonde, her profile full of photos from beach vacations or something, says she’s not too far away from him and is ‘looking to connect with someone deeply.’ A chat box pops up immediately and after a moment or two, three dots show Beauty – he’s not sure that’s her real name - is typing.

Hey, big boy. What’s bigger – your forearms or… An eggplant emoji?

Oh.

He hesitates over writing back a response. He can flirt with the best of them, but how is anyone meant to make a genuine connection over this app? Maybe he’s too old for this shit.

He puts his cell down by his side and switches on the television instead.

--

“So…” Claire drawls over his shoulder over three weeks later, tracked him down to his desk.

“So…” He mocks back with a tease, swinging around in his office chair.

“Any good dates recently?”

He laughs. “How do you even get that far?”

“You’ve not gone on one?”

“Not for lack of trying.” It’s true. After Beauty, he had struck up conversation with a few more genuine girls that seemed to be going well until he’d broached the idea of a date and they’d drop off the radar. “A couple seemed interested but then stopped replying. I got one date – she didn’t show up.”

“Oh, come on.” Claire leans against his desk. “That can’t be everyone. Let me see.” There’s the expectant hand again. He sighs, picks up his phone and opens the app before handing it over to her.

She sets to scrolling through new arrivals for him, before she pauses. “Well, this one looks sweet.”

“Claire, I appreciate your concern but I just don’t think this app is for me. I gave it a go, I swear.”

“I know, but you’ve got a few days left on the free trial at least - you won’t lose anything. Just take a look?”

He takes the phone back and looks at the screen – a cropped picture of you, it looks like, your friends’ arms around your shoulders, a big, genuine smile on your face. Not a pout or a smolder in a night club mirror.

“Aw, you’re smiling.”

“Fine.” He swipes, but the message bubble doesn’t pop up. That’s the one thing he doesn’t like about this app – you never know if the other one will swipe back.

“No match.”

“Give her a moment,” Claire elbows him, playfully. “Not everyone is scrolling for dates at work.”

“Hey-”

“Speaking of, I’ve got a meeting. See you!”

--

You throw yourself down on the bed, a little bit tipsy after an evening of drinking with your friends, and hold your phone dangerously above your face – you’ve been so close to giving yourself a black eye from the drop so many times but never learn – and open up that stupid app. Your friend had encouraged you to sign up to it after declaring you’d been in a pity party for long enough now after your last break-up and it was time to get back out there.

You scroll through the latest arrivals, swiping left as you go. Everyone internet dates now, you don’t know why you only seem to attract utter creeps on it. You’d been on a few dates, but they’d all been entirely awkward outside the safety of the chat box.

You pause on one new arrival, Leon, 41, the first photo in the set clearly a candid. He’s dressed in a suit – no tie. Businessman, you wonder? Amazingly hot and maybe the most shiniest hair you’ve ever seen.

You roll over onto your stomach and swipe right, smiling when a chat bubble appears.

--

Leon had just settled into bed for the night when his phone vibrated angrily on the bedside table. He threw a hand out, blindly, and looked at the screen, half expecting it to be an email from work or a message from Hunnigan.

It’s neither – a notification from the app.

Hi, Leon. Thanks for swiping. Can I ask something?

He frowns – a unique opener, but it could still go the way of the others, he reckons. He’s not a prude, per say, but he’s seen a lot more than he was intending to these past few weeks. He backs up and has a quick scroll through your profile, vaguely recognizing your face from when he’d swiped right earlier that day – the girl Claire had deemed sweet.

Hi – ask away.

A bubble appears with three dots within.

How do you get your hair that shiny?

Leon barks out a laugh - definitely refreshing.

I’m sorry, I don’t think we’re at that stage of our relationship yet where I’m comfortable sharing my beauty secrets.

Please? Mine is so dull.

He clicks on your profile again and onto the photos but can’t see why you’re worried about your hair. Truthfully, all he registers when he looks at the picture is that sweet, genuine smile.

Looks pretty good from what I can see.

The camera adds all the shine. Are you using a filter?

Trust me when I say I wouldn’t know how.

Don’t know about filters but using a dating app? That doesn’t gel.

My friend suggested I give this online dating thing a go, so here I am.

Well, you’ll have to thank your friend for me.

Leon hesitates a moment, before shrugging it off.

I’ll be sure to, especially as it’s got me talking to you.

Your scalp tingles, but it seems nothing to do with the alcohol consumed earlier.

Too cheesy? I told you I’m new to this, right?

Nah, you’re gouda.

Leon grins.

--

The conversation continues to flow over the next few days. You talk about work – he keeps it vague, works in the government, can be called away on business trips last minute – and you are equally elusive in your response of office work. Internet safety, he reckons, smart girl that you are. Hearing his phone ping with a notification has quickly become his favourite sound.

Nice day? Definitely. Picked up my motorcycle – it’s been in the shop a while. Dare I ask what happened? He hesitates. Chasing a bioterrorist down a highway is perhaps a little too much…

Hit by a truck. I wasn’t on it - obviously.

Jeez. Insurance not just buy you a new one? I can’t think how that’s salvageable.

It’s my favourite, I couldn’t give up on her. You ever been on a motorcycle?

Uh-uh. Too scared.

What of?

Falling off, mainly.

No danger of that if you ride tandem - just need to be sure to hold on real tight.

You bite your lip, mulling over a response, but Leon fills the gap.

And I’d look after you, of course. Make a nice first date, don’t you think?

First date? That’s more, like, third or even fourth date material.

There’s your chance, Kennedy – don’t mess it up.

Well, then we better get the first date out of the way.

You bite your lip as you type back a response. Is that your way of asking?

If it is?

If it is, then I’m free Friday...

Perfect.

--

Friday morning arrives and Leon’s at his desk, typing up a report when his phone chimes. Checking over his shoulder, he pulls it out of his pocket and smiles when he sees it’s a text from you. You’d exchanged numbers the other night, deciding it time to take communication off app ahead of meeting up.

Morning. Question?

Morning. Still after my shampoo secrets?

Yes… But not that. How am I meant to recognize you?

I thought that’d be easy – by how shiny my hair is, apparently.

It’ll be dark out, though.

Is this you trying to be subtle about asking for another photo?

No comment.

Leon locks his computer, the screensaver switching to today’s date and time on a black background. He swings his desk chair around, looks around again to make sure no-one’s on their way past, and opens the camera app. He flips the viewfinder around and tries out a couple of smiles before snapping a selfie – if Claire could see him now…

He sends it through.

Included the time and date and all. Happy?

No comment.

Well, how will I recognize you?

Easy. I’ll be the one coming up to you and saying, “Hi, Leon.” See you tonight x

Until then x

--

The two of you had decided to meet at a bistro – varied menu for all tastes, not too intimate, excellent wine, spirits and craft beer menu.

Leon is nervous as he stands to the side of the entrance – an emotion he hasn’t truly entertained since 1998. There had been no time for it when bioweapons and death were staring him down the face. But, tonight… Well, he’s out of his element on this one. Leon had only ever approached women through work and, yes, it was to varying degrees of success but they’d already seen him properly in person, heard his voice, aware of what he does. There was a horrible niggle at the back of his mind that the date who had stood him up a few weeks ago had caught sight of him and turned heel on the spot.

He looks down at this watch to see it’s bang on 7.30. He’d arrived ten minutes too early, but didn’t want to chance being late and showing up in a fluster. When he looks up, slipping a hand back into his pocket, a figure with a familiar face is walking towards him, greets him with an anxious smile and an awkward half-wave.

God, you’re adorable.

“Hi, Leon.” 

“Hi,” He smiles, one hand still in his pocket, the other hanging down by his side. He wonders if he should’ve gone in for the kiss on the cheek, but he’s missed his chance.

“Erm…” You wring your hands together. “You okay?”

“Great. You?”

Why does he feel as giddy as he did when he picked up his girlfriend for prom back at high school?

“I’m good. It’s nice to put a… voice to a face?” You laugh – light and airy - and Leon’s already desperate to hear it again.

“It really is. Er, shall we?” He gestures forward with his arm.

You nod. “Let’s.”

The conversation is stagnant at first, a sentence here or there as you peruse the drinks menu and move on to ordering starters and entrees. With a little liquid courage, though, the two of you soon slip into easy conversation.

It’s just after the appetizers are cleared when Leon realizes he’s completely and utterly smitten.

You don’t even know where the time has gone, but all of the sudden the two of you are the only diners left and it’s clear the wait staff are looking for you to leave so they can begin their nightly clean down.

He follows you out and onto the sidewalk, a few metres away from the bistro entrance, standing awkwardly opposite each other – mirroring the beginning of the evening.

“So, fancy a ride?”

You tilt your head at him curiously before you burst out into laughter and he grins, rubbing the back of his head, awkwardly, as he realizes the context.

“I mean, I brought my bike here. I can give you a ride home - on my bike.”

You smile. “Not on the first date, remember?”

“Of course.” He nods. “Sticking to your principles – I respect that. Well, can I call you a cab?”

“Oh, actually, I’m gonna walk. I live just in that building over there…” You point up to an apartment building about halfway up the next block.

“I could walk you across the street?” He cringes as he realizes maybe he’s coming on too heavy-handed. “I’m sorry, I promise I can take a hint-”

“No.” You cut across abruptly. “I mean, walking me home would be nice.”

You cross the road in silence, both wrapped up in your own thoughts. You wish you lived slightly further away so you’d have longer to work out what to say, how to end the night.

“So…” Leon begins the other side of the road, the entrance to your apartment block just ahead. He’s trying to keep calm and collected, but there’s just something about you that has made his heart race, his palms sweaty. Don’t fuck this up, Kennedy. “I had a really lovely evening.”

“Me too.” You smile back – and you mean it – but you can’t help but brace yourself. Is this the part where he says, yeah, he had a nice time, but he’d rather not do it again? It seems all too good to be true. He’s the same as he was on the phone, messages and photos.

“Great…” You take a deep breath at his pause, unconsciously clenching your fists, “..cos I was wondering how you felt about a second date?”

“You’re really desperate to get me on that motorcycle, huh?” You tease, instantly relaxing. “But, seriously, I’d like that, to see you again.”

“Is tomorrow too soon?”

“That depends what you have in mind.” You stop, suddenly – the apartment foyer to your left. “This is me.”

“Well, we’ve done dinner, shall we work backwards and have lunch next?”

You take a step closer. “And then breakfast?”

“Fourth could be a midnight feast?” He steps forward too, misjudging the distance and something hard brushes against your stomach. Leon’s eyes widen in alarm. “Oh, wait, I…” He dips his hand into his trouser pocket and pulls out a travel-sized bottle of shampoo with a sheepish smile. “I meant to give you this at the end of dinner – my beauty secret.”

You yank him forward by his jacket collar and kiss him before you can even think properly about what you’re doing. You step up onto your tip toes to deepen the kiss, a hand bracing yourself against his chest for a moment before you mean to step back, maybe even apologise for pouncing on the man, but Leon’s arms wrap around your waist, holding you in place, kissing you back incessantly before you both have to retreat for breath.

“Well, if I knew the shampoo would get that reaction I would’ve started the night off with it.” He murmurs, pulling away and resting his forehead against yours. “I gotta ask though - you’ll kiss on the first date, but not ride a motorcycle?”

You shrug, half-heartedly. “One’s more dangerous than the other.”

He kisses you once more, softly, ending with a teasing nibble on your lip.

“Oh, we’ll see about that, sweetheart.” -- Masterlist . 1,000 followers event

[lysol1201]

You said it yourself for the request trope: "forbidden love of best man and bride" 😉 Of course, with who else other than LEON S. KENNEDY!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Forever Hold Your Peace

Female reader x Chris Redfield, x Leon Kennedy, angst Leon feels like he can’t breathe. There’s a phantom pressure around his throat, like any breath he takes in is barely skimming the top of his lungs.

It’s not the tie – he’s checked, loosening it several times before doing it back up again. He hardly wears a tie, it had never been his style, really. That, and too obvious to be used as a weapon against him in hand-to-hand combat.

Not that he’s expecting to get into a brawl today.

A heavy hand slaps down on his back, jolting him out of his train of thought. “You look more anxious than me.”

“Nah,” he turns and steps back, creating a bit of distance between him and Chris.  “You’re just projecting.”

“Maybe.” Chris approaches the mirror in two long strides and sighs. “You know what? I’d kill for a cigarette.” “Want me to go grab a packet?”

“Nah,” he shakes his head, straightening his tie in the mirror. “I quit. Promised I’d be shot of it by the honeymoon. You could do me another favour, though.”

Leon lifts his arms wide, gesturing to his appearance. “Being your best man not count as enough favours for a lifetime?”

“Technically this falls into the responsibilities of a best man.” Chris squats down and Leon braces himself to hear the fabric rip - they’d spent an afternoon being fitted at a tailor, Redfield’s thighs and forearms were never gonna be accommodated off the rack – but it holds true. He stands upright, a silver giftbag held out in offering. “Could you take this to my bride-to-be?”

“Oh.” There’s the phantom squeeze again. “Don’t you… want to?”

“I can’t. It’s bad luck to see each other before the ceremony,” Chris shrugs, holding the gift bag out again in expectation, but Leon still doesn’t try to take it.  

“And you believe in that?” He scoffs as he puts his hands in his pockets.

“No… but I’m not jinxing anything today. It won’t take long – the bridal suite’s the floor above. Please?”

Leon sighs and accepts the gift bag at last.

--

You take a tentative sip of champagne to calm your nerves. It was the first moment all morning you’d been on your own – the room being a hub of activity since your alarm had gone off. The wedding planner had hit a snag with something or other and Claire had hurriedly offered to go and sort it in your steed.

This is it - in over an hour’s time you’d be Mrs Redfield. You hadn’t thought the day would ever come, but now, as you sat in your wedding dress that made you feel like a princess, sat at the dressing table in the bridal suite, you allow yourself to get a little bit excited. It had been a long engagement and you’d been fine with that, truly. What did a piece of paper saying you were husband and wife matter anyway? But Chris had returned from Romania, stoic and silent for a few days before mumbling in bed late one night that he wanted to start looking at venues. Soon after, a date was booked, a wedding planner hired, invitation cards sent out, food and wine tasting, a visit to a bakery when you’d smeared frosting on each other’s faces as you taste-tested what would be your wedding cake and, finally, bought your wedding dress – none of it had felt real. There was bound to be something that came up, a mission that would take him to foreign soil and mean the wedding had to be delayed.

There’s a hesitant knock at the door and you swivel on the stool, curious who it could be.

“Come in!”

The door opens, slowly, and a suited Leon S Kennedy walks in.

“Leon.” You hitch your skirt up to get to your feet, inexplicably feeling silly in the dress that had made you feel like a princess moments before. “Hi.”

“Wow. You look…” He trails off, breath caught in his throat at the sight before him.

“Terrible?” You tease, wanting to break the awkward silence.

“No.” He replies quickly, leaning back up against the door to close it. “You look beautiful.”

“Oh,” your cheeks prickle with heat at his compliment. “Thank you. You look great too.”

“Yeah, reckon I scrubbed up all right.” Leon chuckles with a shrug, before remembering the gift bag in his hand. “Er, here.” He straightens up and walks forward to meet you halfway across the room, holding it out.

“You shouldn’t have.” You accept it, your fingers brushing over his and goosebumps running up your arm at the contact. “Thank you.”  

“I didn’t.” He answers, abruptly, pulling his hand back and slipping it in his pocket. “I mean, I… There’s a card downstairs in the box. This is from Chris – he asked me to drop it off.”

“He did?” You can’t help the giddy smile that crosses your lips and Leon casts his eyes down to the ground – it’s not for him. You place the gift bag down on the table and pull out a small jewelry box from within, a notecard on top.

We made it, sweetheart. All my love, Chris x

You open the box carefully – scared of scratching off your nail polish – and find a simple silver heart-shaped pendent on a silver chain.

“What is it?”

“A necklace,” you hold it aloft in demonstration. “I didn’t get him anything, I didn’t even think to. Isn’t that awful?”

“You turning up at the altar will be gift enough for him, I’m sure.” Leon jokes, but he knows it lands flat from your polite laugh as you place the necklace carefully back in the box. “Aren’t you going to put it on?”

“Oh, erm, I don’t think I can, what with the veil and the hair, I’m scared I’ll detach something. Claire will be back soon anyway.”

Leon steps forward. “I can help?”

“Honestly, I’m sure she won’t be long.”

“I want to. Call it part of the delivery service.” His hand hovers over the jewelry box, awaiting permission.

“Okay.”

He picks it up, delicately, and steps right in front of you, before fiddling with the clasp of the chain. He’s careful as he holds both ends of the chain and reaches around your neck, impressed by how steady his hands are when his heart is pounding in his chest.

He withdraws one hand and hooks a finger under the chain, nestling it so the pendant sits just right in your decolletage.

This is the closest he’s been to you in years, your signature scent overwhelming his senses - of course you’d want to wear it on your wedding day – and somehow his hand is now on your cheek, tilting your head up to meet his eyes.

He shouldn’t.

He really shouldn’t.

But he does, pressing his lips softly against yours.

For a moment, you reciprocate. Your hand automatically lifts to tangle in his locks before you regain your senses. “No.” You pull back, mad at yourself, mad at Leon. “No – this isn’t fair. You had your chance, you had multiple chances. You said you didn’t want a relationship.”

“I couldn’t give you this.” He gestures to your dress. “Not with my lifestyle.”

“I didn’t care about any of that!” Your voice breaks, tears burn at your eyes.

He scoffs, now defensive. “And look where we are – at your wedding.”

“No. Just because Chris did what you were never willing to do-”

“What, paint a target on your back?”

“Open up. Compromise. Literally anything.” And the dam breaks, tears trickling down your cheeks. It hadn’t even been a relationship, not in any proper sense of the word. Late night fumbles, broken promises, a note left on your pillow that he couldn’t give you what you wanted, despite never having the discussion.

“I couldn’t.”

“You didn’t even want to try!”

The door opens and Claire strides in, dressed in a vibrant red gown, tucking her cell in her black purse as you hurriedly try to wipe your face.

“Crisis averted and nearly time to head downsta… Leon - what are you doing in here?”

“Chris asked me to drop off a gift.” His tone is blunt.

“Y-yeah,” you sniff, hooking a finger around the chain to lift up the pendant. “It’s perfect, right?”

“Oh, he got it!” Claire squeals, taking a step forward to get a closer look. “He was so worried you wouldn’t like it.”

“No, I love it.” A rogue tear rolls down your cheek.

“Oh, sweetie, your make-up.” Claire fusses, heading towards the box of tissues on the dressing table. “Sit down.”

“Sorry.” You mumble, sitting down heavily on the stool. “I haven’t ruined it, have I?”

“Not at all.” She smiles, beginning to dab at the tear trails on your face. “Leon, shouldn’t you be heading back to Chris?”

“On my way.” He mocks a salute, before dipping both his hands back in his trouser pockets.

“Leon,” you call and he swings back round embarrassingly fast on his heels at your voice. “Can you thank Chris for me? Tell him I love it. And him.”

He nods and leaves.

--

“Should anyone present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony,” the minister begins as you stand opposite Chris at the end of the aisle, your eyes flickering from the loving gaze of your groom to meet the best man’s icy blue eyes for a moment, your heart skipping a beat, “speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Leon clenches his fists.

-- Thank you for all your wonderful support, @porcelainseashore ❤️❤️

Masterlist . 1,000 followers event Comments and reblogs make my whole day!

[lysol1201]

A Sinking Feeling [Chapter One – In War, Victory]

Summary: The D.S.O. took everything away from you, even the faintest hope for a future. Now you are sent into a small town alongside Leon to take down a vicious crime family all while pretending to be married - and swallowing feelings you really shouldn't be having about your co-worker turned friend.

Word count: 2128

Additional tags: canon-typical violence and threats, some sexism (not from Leon or the reader), fake marriage, start of a slow burn, pining

Author's note: This has been in the works for months already... I didn't think I was going to do another multi-chapter fic after Fair but here I am!

I've always had a thing for the mafia AU for Leon so I'm going for it... with a twist. Because it's me and I can't do anything without tons of pining and horror!

☣ read on ao3 ☣ | series masterlist

Thunder shook the small house, rain pelting the windows relentlessly, sending shivers down the woman’s spine as she sat down at her desk. Every time it thundered set her on edge, her hand wrapped tightly around whatever weapon she had close by, ready for whatever may be lurking within the darkness the clouds and thunder left. Something was always lurking nearby, she wouldn't be caught off-guard again.

She stared at the dimly lit screen of her laptop, two faces staring back at her. One, nothing but a pretty trophy wife, immediately written off before she fully read the name below. The other, the name Liam Castellanos catching her immediate attention.

He was the one brought to her attention, his impending arrival a gift from whatever god that still watched over her.

She stared at the photo of him on the page outlining his usefulness, blonde hair partly covering his face, bright blue eyes staring forwards, almost right through her. Lean but not weak looking. The rest of the page held little information, most blacked out besides a few things. Aged thirty-six, grew up in the business before the rest of his life being blacked out, extensive training, the rest, nothing useful to her.

Too pretty looking for a guard dog, she thought, though everything in his file said otherwise, at least what wasn’t blacked out. If she was to bring someone new in, he was what she wanted. His wife might be useful too, possibly revealing information that had been blacked out, but her thoughts remained on Liam. Making use of wives was better suited to her own, who preferred the late evenings spent with a wine glass in hand and gossiping. She was not cut out for such trivialities.

That marriage had been nothing but a thorn in her side for years. Her wife was far too soft for the life she led, much to her disappointment. But, she’d always helped the family in other ways.

Looking at the screen for a few moments longer, Liam’s bright blue eyes staring back, she closed the file, her left hand absentmindedly rubbing her stomach – a habit she’d grown accustomed to, despite the empty feeling that bubbled up when nothing kicked back at her hand.

She’d learned all she needed about him for now, now she had to wait for him to move in. By next week, everything would be set in motion, her new guard joining the others, her new children joining the family. Soon it would all be in place, the puzzle finally clicking together and her life would finally be whole once more.

Footsteps thumped outside, nearing the door. The door hinges creaked as a tall man in a dark blue suit walked into the room, briefcase in hand, the other still resting on the doorknob. Closing it behind him, thunder rattled the walls once more.

“Do you have what I ordered?” she asked, eyes flicking up towards the intruder as she closed the laptop, placing on the desk in front of her. He towered over her, at least over a foot taller, despite the heels she wore.

“Not yet,” he stepped up to the desk in the middle of the room, placing the briefcase on it and opening it up, the contents obscured from her view. “My client was delayed. Getting into the country is harder than ever… especially with her children.”

She stood up, lunging at the man, the tip of her knife ghosting over the man’s throat, the smallest drop of blood welling up under it. Blue hair falling into her face, dark eyes flashing in anger as the blade met flesh. “I do not like waiting,” she growled, each word punctuated by the slightest increase of pressure on his throat. “If I don’t have my order by tomorrow night, you can say goodbye to ever seeing your family again. Understood?”

“Yes ma’am,” he croaked, Adam’s apple bobbing under the pressure of the knife as he swallowed nervously. Blood dripped down his skin, staining the pristine white shirt below. “I’ll make sure your package is here tomorrow.”

“Good.” As quick as the knife was on him, she pulled it away and brushed her hair out of her face. Slipping the knife back into the hidden sheath resting against her hip, she turned to walk out of the room. “Do not disappoint me again,” she looked behind her once more before leaving the man alone in the small room, thunder shaking the walls as the door slammed shut behind her.

***

Your orders were simple; destroy the festering wound within the small woodland town, to cut out the monsters within, human or not.

It seemed easy enough. This wasn’t the first mission you’d ever done, it wasn’t supposed to even involve much fighting. Talking, gathering information and waiting for back up. A single assassination if you were unlucky. You’ve done this a few times, while it wasn’t as easy as boring paperwork, it wasn’t something that was insanely difficult. Not when you had your closest friend backing you up.

Except, nothing was ever as easy as it seemed in your life.

The whole mission hinged on yours and Leon's skills in faking a marriage, blending in with monsters far worse than any infected creature could be and trying to take it down inside out.

It wasn't what you or him did; diving head first into a fight, working off one another while trying to end the horrors lurking within the shadows, that's what you did. Not dress up as a glorified trophy wife or wear heels that were certainly going to end with you breaking your ankles lest you didn't cling to his arm the whole night while pretending to be as much a monster as the people around you were.

You knew one another well, could be each other's closest friend if you dared put a name to it, but nothing romantic had ever bloomed between you too. It never would, no matter how much you wished.

Friends was all you were, and it was enough. Of course you wished for more, but it was enough. Love had always been a far off dream, something that never was meant to happen. Life was too hard within the D.S.O. to think of the future, not when you didn't even know what would happen in the next week, day, hour. Something as distant as the future no longer existed to you, only the here and now.

It just wasn't in the cards. Friendship was more than enough, as long as you knew he was breathing was enough. Anything else was just extra, welcomed certainly, but extra nonetheless.

You looked down at the uncomfortable heels you were stuck with, fingers brushing over the laces running up the tops ending just under your knees. A small switchblade rested against your inner calf, hidden away but only further adding to the discomfort.

"You okay?" Leon asked, breaking you out of your thoughts and looking over at you as he fiddled with the button-up shirt he'd been forced to wear. He wouldn't admit it, yet the discomfort was as clear as day. Maybe even more so than the heels you were stuck with.

"Yeah," you lied, unable to meet his eyes. He’d see right through you if you looked him in the eye.

"Liar," he countered, almost immediately.

"What do you want me to say?" you sighed, looking away and eyes darting to the cool metal across your ring finger. The outwardly plain silver band weighing heavy on your mind. "Everything about this mission seems like a fucking trap. All that's missing is the squid head."

He snickered at the joke, lips curving upwards in a crooked smile. One only you seemed able to draw out of him lately. "It's always a trap," he added, a teasing lilt to his voice despite the very realness of his words.

It was always a trap.

You knew this, he knew this. The anxiety felt before the start was normal, something you both expected and knew well. This however, this sinking feeling you were walking into the jaws of a dragon was too much to bear.

"You know what I mean," you groaned.

"I know," he replied, immediately more somber and... afraid. It sent you further on edge, if he couldn’t hide it, it was bad. "I feel it too."

"Don't know why we have to do this," you mused. Finally looking up and meeting his eyes, you see the fear written across his eyes, the sudden protective urge to call off the mission overwhelming. Neither one of you were prepared for this kind of mission, nor were you able to hide anything from the other anymore.

"Luck. I guess."

He didn't elaborate, the all too real threat lingering in his and your minds. This was never a discussion. You get an order, you do it. It didn't matter whether your skill set matched up. You always had to follow orders... Or else.

What his or else was, you weren't certain. As open as he was with you, that was the one thing he never opened up about. There are things better left unknown, whether you wished it or not. He wouldn't oblige and you had no choice but to accept.

Especially when you hadn't deemed to share what your or else was either.

You remained quiet, looking away as you both fixed your outfits, readying yourselves for the long walk into the dragon's mouth.

Outwardly extravagant, hiding away the hidden teeth. A dagger strapped to your thigh, a small holster hidden away under the long sleeves under his suit coat and one hidden at your side, a switchblade hidden within a pocket or boot. He was lucky, everyone expected the employed to be armed, so long as it was hidden from view. You weren't. You had to be creative, to find ways to hide something. Going to this unarmed, even if it was only a knife, was out of the question.

It wasn't enough, no amount of weapons could ever be enough, but at least you weren't without claws.

Yet, the lack of protection was the least of your worries, at least while you sat down to pull the laces tight on the pair of heels you were to wear. The glint of the warming silver band on your ring finger held the most anxiety.

Not only were you outwardly branded as his, by your new family, it matched the aching crack in your heart that'd only threatened to break open further as the matching brands were placed upon yours and his fingers.

Leon didn't know, not once had you let the small sliver of a secret slip. The one thing you'd never tell him.

It wasn't ever to be uttered aloud, some things left better hidden in the dark. Though, the heavy weight of the silver ring, the forged documents of his commitment to you in the one way he never would, wore heavy on your heart, threatening to drown you before ever leaving the safety of the hotel.

His eyes flitted to you, watching as you finished tying the knots. You knew he watched you, he always did. Always the loyal, protective guard dog, standing watch over you.

Agents joked that you held his leash, that he was your overgrown dog, both insulting and joking, only to be met with your teeth when they dared go too far. If it weren't for him pulling you back, bloody knuckles would've been more commonplace then they were already.

Maybe you did hold his leash. But he did the same with yours.

“Ready to go to our new home, husband?” you asked, standing up on unsteady feet as you get used to the added height. Leon offered his hand, letting you shift your weight onto him without complaint.

“No,” he answered almost immediately, hand wrapped tightly around yours. “But I don’t think anyone's going to listen to me.”

You laughed, bitter, happy, you’re not quite sure. Maybe both. “I’ll listen to you any time,” you offered.

“So you can make fun of me?” he shot back, giving you a crooked grin.

“Well… yeah. How else can I figure out what to annoy you with next?”

“Shut up and walk already… wife,” he sighed, pretend annoyance making him pull away, threatening to let you loose your balance without his arms held out to catch you.

“Not even married a month and you’re mean,” you pretended to sniffle, fake tears welling up in your eyes as you walked with him, earning an exasperated groan from him.

“You picked me, sweetheart.”

You laughed and took his hand properly, walking out of the hotel room together.

Time to go to your new home.

[lysol1201]

~ Childhood Sweethearts ~

[Part 2 / ?]

Leon S. Kennedy x bestie!Reader

PART 1 ✨

warnings/tags: friends to lovers, eventual romance, eventual smut, depressed/traumatised Leon, angst with hurt/comfort

synopsis: you and Leon have been friends since you can remember. You've always been there for him, especially through the bad times. He's in a bad place again and he needs you badly. You're the only light in his pretty dark life.

word count: 3,8k.

The hours passed slowly as you sat there, watching over him. Thankfully, only the occasional twitch of his brow and unconscious babbling disturbed his otherwise peaceful rest.

You treated his fever by placing a damp and cold cloth over his forehead until you could feel his skin had cooled considerably. Even so, your gaze never left his form, not even to rest your eyes for a moment. You remained vigilant the entire time. The events of the previous hours, as well as conjectures about what had led your best friend to his current state, lingered in your mind, pestering it for hours, although at least they ensured you stayed awake.

Eventually, the first signs of morning appeared, and the darkness outside your window faded into faint hints of light that trickled through your curtains. You thanked the sky for providing you with a clear and sunny day after such a dark and stormy night.

Only a few moments later, Leon began to stir and struggle to open his heavy eyes.

You swiftly moved to his side, kneeling by the bed. Your hand instinctively moved to his forehead to gauge his temperature again, and you breathed a sigh of relief when you felt his skin cool to the touch, just like the last time you had checked.

You stalled for a moment, waiting for his eyes to fully open before speaking.

“Good morning, Leon... How are you feeling?" You asked him softly, brushing his blonde locks of hair off his temples.

"I'm tired... Thirsty..." he complained in a raspy voice. He sounded more coherent than the previous night, although he was still struggling to articulate sentences. His throat must have been sore and his mouth pretty dry.

You were ready to stand up and fetch him a glass of water, but before you could move a finger, he reached out his hand to cup your cheek. His gaze met yours for the first time since he woke up, and you nearly gasped out loud. He flashed you that knowing look he always gives you when he acknowledges something you did before you could even tell him. His thumb brushed delicately over the bags under your eyes, as if he meant to wipe them from your skin, and you stared at him in awe as the angles of his lips twisted in a small smile. 

"You look awful…"

Your face immediately broke into a grin. There he was. There was the Leon you adored. The familiar sarcasm in his tone provided an instant balm to your fretting heart. He was clearly feeling better. At the very least, he sounded more like himself.

"Look who's talking…" you snapped back jokingly, like you always do. You two would always go back and forth, taunting and poking fun of one another until the stupid jokes had you both in stitches. It was kind of like your love language. And you'd missed it. You had missed it so much.

Smiling knowingly at him, you gently patted the back of his hand and then pulled it away from your face.

"I'll be back in a moment with some water." you announced, standing up and walking to the door. "Don't move, mh?" you teased him, arching your brow as you turned to leave the room.

As you walked away, Leon let out what sounded like a scoff, leaving you grinning even harder. And you smiled all the way to the kitchen and back to the bedroom, holding a full glass of water in one hand. You couldn't help but feel like the worst was over and things could only get better from here.

When you returned, Leon had already managed to sit straight and lean his back against the bed's headrest. He turned to look at you as you approached him again and sat down next to him.

"Thanks..." he rasped as he took the drink from you. You silently observed him as he drank the water, recalling how you had to assist him with the same task last night, when he struggled to even rest his lips against the rim. He was doing it by himself this time, with little to no trouble.

"Water should help you with your hangover..." you stated softly, taking the empty glass from him. A mischievous gleam flashed across your eyes. "But I don’t know, you're the expert..." 

Leon appeared to notice the veiled jab in your words, but instead of engaging in banter as you assumed he would, you watched as his face fell and his gaze darted to the opposite side. Your chest clenched, and you immediately felt guilty about what you'd said. Perhaps it was too soon.

"Did I... Did I cause you trouble?"

He sounded and looked ashamed as he spoke. His gaze shifted from yours to the sheets, his brow furrowing as if he was remembering or attempting to recall what had occurred the night before.

You huffed a soft giggle through your nose, aiming to lighten the situation. You couldn't bear seeing that look on his face.

"You puked all over my sink, drenched my carpet..." you began, with a humorous tone. "You took my favourite side of the bed, my clothes..." you added, gently nudging him with your knee. You were hoping to ease the tension and make him smile again.

"I guess I did cause a bit of trouble..." he conceded. You had managed to get him to crack a little smile, albeit an exhausted and short-lived one.

He cleared his throat, rubbed his palms over his face and then took a long breath. 

"Are you angry with me?" he finally asked. 

His question left you stunned for a minute. It wasn't something you'd heard from him before, and you realised it must have required a lot of courage for him to bring it up. You frowned at his serious tone at first, but you quickly offered him one of your big smiles in the hopes that it would instantly reassure him and leave no room for doubts.

"Do I look like I'm angry to you?"

Leon seemed to relax at the sight, although he still looked concerned. 

"No... No, you don't," he said quietly, glancing down then back up at you. "I really mean it, though... I really am sorry for last night. I shouldn't have..."

You gave him a puzzled look as he paused and glanced away, evidently caught up in his own thoughts. 

"Do you... Do you hate me for this?" 

Your frown only deepened in response to his question. Hate? Was he seriously afraid you'd despise him for what had happened? You hadn't expected to hear him talk like that. 

"If I hate you for coming to me for help when you needed it?" You pressed him, your tone somewhat reprimanding but also understanding, as if you were trying to reason with a hurt child.

“No, Leon. I do not hate you. I am not upset with you. Why would I be?"

You couldn't understand. Was he recollecting his dizzy thoughts from the previous night and feared that he might have done anything to jeopardise your friendship? Or was he just feeling ashamed to have let you see him in such a miserable state?

"I'm sorry... I should've..."

He paused again, seeking for the right words which hesitated to come. Finally, he sighed and rubbed his eyes with his palms before fixing his gaze on you. Your chest tightened as you saw his lapis lazuli clouded with sorrow. 

"I... I'm just... I'm just tired. Tired of everything," he admitted with a shaky tone. "Tired of being alone." The corners of his eyes and the angles of his mouth curved into a faint, sad smile as he added in a whisper, "I wanted to see you..."

You felt a pang in your heart after hearing his admission. You grabbed his hand impulsively and squeezed it in a reassuring gesture. That must have been the reason he started drinking again, as well as the cause of his state last night. Only the thought of him staggering through the streets in the pouring rain, completely inebriated, with the sole intent of coming to see you is enough to cause a lump to form in your throat.

You had no idea how severe his loneliness was. He had never spoken about it so openly, so bluntly, actually stressing the words out loud. He had always mentioned the nightmares, the memories, and the emotions they brought back, but never how lonely he felt. Or maybe he did. Maybe he gave you the signals but you failed to pick them up. That awful notion crept into your muddled head, leaving you doubting yourself. Could you have done more for him? Could you've been more present? But you were always there for him when he needed you...

"Leon... You're not alone." You addressed firmly, despite the fact that your voice was quivering with emotion. "I'm always here for you, you know that."

He softly clasped your hand back. The melancholy in his eyes intensified, but there was a certain tenderness in the way he gazed at you.

"I know," he responded calmly, and you were soothed by the straightforward response. "I just... I just wish I wouldn't have to rely on you so much."

He took a brief pause before continuing to speak. "I know it's not easy to be around me, to help me through this."

Did that mean there had been instances when he chose not to bother you even though he needed someone? Even though he needed you to be there? The thought caused you to desperately shake your head, your frown deepened and your heart clenched. 

He looked across at your face again, his expression anguished, and before you could voice your protest, he declared, "You don't deserve all of this..."

You couldn't bear to look at his face nor listen to his self-deprecating statements. In a rush of affection, you drew in and wrapped your arms around him, resting your head on his chest. 

"Stop that nonsense." you groaned, squeezing your eyes closed. "You're my best friend, Leon, and I care about you. I want you to rely on me... You will never be a burden. Never."

As you held him, he buried his head in your shoulder and wrapped his arms around you as well. He just hugged you tight and for a couple of moments he seemed unable to say anything else.

You could feel his heartbeat against your cheek. It was erratic, thumping rapidly just like yours, yet mixed with the warmth radiating off his body, it somehow managed to soothe you, even if only a little.

"I want you to know..." he began, his voice trembling noticeably. You could feel his warm breath tingling the sensitive skin of your neck. "When I have nightmares... When I wake up in the middle of the night... or  whenever those feelings resurface... The first thing I think of is that I wish you were there."

Your stomach clenched at his confession. It both devastated and touched you to hear him say that, and you were unable to convey the conflicting feeling into words. You simply hugged him closer in response, momentarily failing to speak.

"You always know how to make me feel better... Just you being there for me, being present… helps."

You sealed your eyes shut so as to keep the tears at bay, but the more he shared, the more he opened his heart to you, the harder it proved to refrain from crying. 

"I wish..." he whispered, burying his face further into the crook of your neck, "...that you were there all the time..."

He paused. The pain in his voice forced him to swallow.

"I wish it was always just you and me..."

You were truly fighting off the sobs as he gave voice to such a heart-wrenching wish. You couldn't hug him any tighter and yet you tried anyway, hoping to fully convey to him how much you cared about him, cherished him. To really make him feel your love, which was boundless.

"I wish I could always be there for you..." you managed to blurt out in answer, your voice muffled by the growing lump in your throat. You kept your cheek pressed against his chest, seeking shelter in the rhythm of his heartbeat and the warmth of his body.

One of his hands crept to the nape of your neck, slipping between your hair and cupping the back of your scalp in a panicked yet affectionate motion, pulling you closer to him.

"I wish... I wish we could go back to... The good days..."

The mounting anguish in his voice rendered it all the more challenging for you to remain strong for his sake.

"Before..." he said slowly. "When... Before..."

At the end, his voice trailed off; he seemed to be struggling with letting the words out.

You knew all too well what he meant to say, even if he failed to say it out loud and at that point it all became too much for you. A first sob escaped your lips without you could do anything to prevent it.

You raised your head from his chest, your hands moving upward to cup his cheeks in a firm but loving manner, just to make sure he looked directly at you. The sight of his glossy eyes momentarily delayed your speaking.

"I know... I know..." you mumbled, feeling your voice falter as the first tear fell from your eye, "But we can't go back. We can't. We can only move forward and do it in the best way we can. You had me beside you during the good days... You had me beside you during the bad days... You'll have me, always. I won't leave you alone."

His jaw clenched and his nostrils flared, as if he, too, was trying his hardest to hold back the tears. Leon opened his mouth to speak, but froze and closed his eyes, looking as though he was trying to summon the courage to share what was on his mind. His pained gaze met yours again as he reached out to brush his thumb on your cheeks to wipe the tears away.

For some time you stayed like that, just gazing at each other. The air between you buzzing with a mixture of emotions, your faces almost touching and yet no one dared to close the gap. You could have. You could have kissed him right there and then, showing him just how much you meant those words, showing him just how deep your love ran for him. But was it the right time? With Leon in such a wretched state? Wouldn't that have been like taking advantage of him? Oh, you couldn't do that to him, to your special friendship. No, that wasn't the right time… and yet, everything in you was urging you to lean forward.

His gaze travelled from yours to your lips, and his thumb followed the same path to brush away a tear that was sitting at the corner of your mouth. His stare lingered there on your lips, and you practically stopped breathing, caught in a daze. His jaw clenched again, his fingers tensed, his lips parted... But then he drew his hand away and pulled back, breaking the spell. You could hear your heart, too, shattering a little.

"Do you think..." he started but stopped right after to clear his throat. "Maybe we could..."

He attempted to get the words out again, his brow furrowing and his adam's apple bobbing hard in his throat. He eventually gave you a little smile to mask his struggle, but you could see right through it.

"Never mind... It's a stupid idea… forget it."

You blinked back the tears and tried to still the ache in your chest. Whatever he meant to say was clearly all but a stupid idea, you could feel it. 

"We could… what?" You encouraged him softly, touching his arm to reassure him and give him the courage to speak up.

Leon looked down at your hand for a brief moment before slowly returning his gaze to your face. He took a big breath to calm himself down before trying again.

"Maybe we could... Maybe we could..."

His words seemed to catch in his throat once more, and he groaned defeatedly, but you gently rubbed his arm and stared at him patiently until he finally managed to continue.

"Maybe we could... Live together... I mean-"

His eyes widened, as if he couldn't believe he'd actually said it aloud, or perhaps out of fear for your reaction. Either way, he promptly tried to downplay his own words. "I told you. It's a stupid idea, really..." 

"Live together?" you echoed his suggestion, a stunned look on your face. Your palm left his arm, nervously clasping the other hand in your lap. "You mean... like roommates?"

You thought you saw pain flash across his eyes for a split moment before he quickly concealed it under a solemn expression. 

"Yeah, like..." He took a deep breath and tried to compose himself. "Like roommates..."

You could see a mix of emotions flickering in his eyes as he held your gaze; dread, hope, shame, trepidation... Then he looked away and ran his shaking hands through his hair. 

"Look, I-I know it sounds silly..." he continued, his voice filled with frustration and urgency. "I just..."

His intense gaze met yours again, and you could see desperation written all over his face.

"...I just don't want to be alone anymore. At least for a while.

He was growing exceedingly restless and nervous by the second, and before his state could get any worse, you grabbed his hands and squeezed them tight to interrupt his spiral of negative thoughts. A tender smile playing on your lips.

"There's nothing silly about it, Leon... Actually, I believe it's a good idea.” You reassured him in a soft yet resolute tone. "I could keep a constant eye on you that way," you observed, a hint of playfulness returning to your tone.

His eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

"You mean you'll..." he began, but stopped mid-sentence. He blinked and frowned, seemingly taken aback by your response. "Really?" he asked. "Are you sure? You don't have to... It's a lot to ask-"

"It's not a lot to ask!" You interrupted him with a soft chuckle and a squeeze of your hands. "We're best friends! And we used to spend a lot of time together, didn't we? It will be just like in the old days... when we were younger. Except this time, instead of separating at the end of the day, we'll be sharing a house." You mused, a hint of mirth in your voice. "You can move here even right away. I'm absolutely fine with it. More than fine. I'm thrilled."

Leon remained still for a minute, his eyes drawn to your hands holding his. You swear you saw the corners of his lips twitch in a moved smile, but it vanished all too quickly, leaving you wondering if you had imagined it.

His hands slipped out of your grasp, only to wrap around yours and squeeze tightly, like if he was holding on for dear life.

"I... I just don't want you to feel like... Like you have to..."

He looked up at you again.

"Are you really okay with it?" He asked with a hint of a smile, hope shimmering like a white wave across his blue eyes. "I won't bother you?"

He evidently needed a bit more encouragement, so you smiled even bigger and declared, "It's decided!" to dismiss any further doubt. "You'll move in with me. The guest room is not as big as my bedroom, but I hope it's comfortable enough for you-"

"It's perfect!" he replied in a hurry, perhaps with too much enthusiasm, not that you would hold it against him. "Just for the simple fact that it's here with you."

You couldn't help but feel a flutter in your stomach upon hearing his remark, although you tried your best not to dwell on the feelings that it evoked inside you. All that mattered was the joy that was clearly returning to your best friend's face. And seeing him smile was all that you needed.

"Thank you, Y/N," he whispered, closing his eyes and raising your clasped hands to his forehead. "Thank you so much." 

The sight made your heart skip a beat and your cheeks flush; the way he cradled your hands and nuzzled his forehead against your skin was almost too much for you to bear. Yet you tried your hardest to hold your emotions at bay. 

"Now…" you cleared your throat and gently pulled your hands back before you could say or do something dumb. "Do you think you can make it to the kitchen for breakfast? Or do I need to bring it here? 

His lovely eyes met yours again, and for some reason, this time they sent shivers down your spine.

"I'm sure I can make it to the kitchen," he replied with a smile. "Go ahead. I will be there in a minute or two."

You smiled back at him and nodded before standing.

"You know... I think this will actually do me a lot of good..." he added, causing you to halt, "I won't have to spend so much time alone." He paused, then pointed out, "You won't have to worry as much either."

"Yeah... I guess this truly is the best option for us both." You confirmed with a smile, despite the growing apprehension that was clawing at your stomach. It would be so much harder to hide your feelings from him while living under the same roof 24/7…. But you'd have to make do somehow. Leon seemed overjoyed at the prospect of moving in with you, and there was no way you could take that away from him. No way.

With one final lingering look at his serene face, you turned around and walked to the doorway, only to stop at the last minute.

"Don't take too long, or I'll eat all the croissants," you teased him, snickering at the sight of the grin that instantly lit up his face.

“You wouldn't dare…”

You merely shrugged and disappeared down the hall. 

Leon huffed an earnest chuckle as you left the room and shook his head in amusement. With a sigh he fell back down on the mattress and closed his eyes. A wave of relief washed over him as he replayed the last portion of your conversation in his head. 

"Finally..." he whispered to himself. "I can't believe it's finally happening. Now... I can begin to find my peace again..."

For the first time in years, he felt an overwhelming sense of joy and hope for the future. 

"Thank you," he uttered, raising his hands to cover his face as the tears he fought so hard to suppress began to prickle his eyes. This time, he did not hold them back. 

"Just... Thank you."

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[lysol1201]

~ Childhood Sweethearts ~

[Part 1/?]

Leon S. Kennedy x bestie!Reader

PART 2 ✨

warnings/tags: friends to lovers, eventual romance, eventual smut, depressed/drunk/sick Leon, angst with hurt/comfort, drunken confessions (kinda)

synopsis: You and Leon have been friends since you can remember. You've always been there for him, especially through the bad times. He's in a bad place again and he needs you badly. You're the only light in his pretty dark life.

word count: 2,3k.

It was storming outside, and you could hear the violent tapping of the rain on your window, as well as the rumbling sound of the thunders, making you flinch and tighten your grip on the blanket draped over your shoulders. The noises from outside were making it difficult for you to concentrate on the show playing on the TV, and you found yourself turning to look at the black sky repeatedly, anticipating the jump each time you saw the white light pierce the dark.

You were yet again staring at the gloomy night sky when, instead of a rumble, you heard a knock on your front door, which startled you considerably more. You warily walked to your entrance, wondering who could possibly be wandering outside in such bad weather, not to mention looking for you so late at night.

When you opened the door, Leon was standing there, soaking wet and looking absolutely rattled. He staggered inside without saying anything and almost bumped into you in the process. He had clearly been drinking, judging by the way he dragged his feet and the reddish tone of his cheeks. You'd seen him in such a state before... but there was something different this time. Something in his expression that deeply concerned you.

"Leon?" you inquired with alarm, your wide eyes tracking his movements. You shut the door behind you while never taking your eyes off of him. He was visibly fighting to stand up straight, and you were ready to step in and help him if his legs gave out under him but somehow he managed to take a few unsteady steps forward and lean against the nearest wall.

"I'm sorry..." he murmured, hanging his head. His eyes darted restlessly around your flat, pointedly avoiding yours as if he was ashamed of his state. He attempted to undo his jacket but his fingers kept missing the zipper and so you jumped in to lend him a hand. Your eyes raised to meet his, an apprehensive look on your face.

"Leon, what happened?" You asked carefully although failing to hide the worry in your voice.

It took him some time to respond, as if he was trying to catch the words that kept on escaping him.

"I'm not feeling well..." he finally admitted once you had removed his jacket. From so close, you could smell the alcohol on him but also see the bags under his eyes which made him look as if he hadn't slept in days.

He raised his shaking hand to push back his wet hair, and your frown deepened as you realised he was not only drenched in rain but also covered in sweat.

You so desperately wanted to know what had happened, what had triggered him to relapse into his toxic addiction. But it was clear that he had no strength left to stay conscious, let alone answer your questioning. You had to wait until he felt better.

"Do you need to puke?" you pressed him, feeling your concern grow by the second.

Leon nodded with some effort.

"I... I don't feel well..." he mumbled again, straining to keep his eyes open.

He reached out towards his hair again, as if to do something with it, but instead only ended up scratching at his scalp. You instantly took hold of his hands and squeezed them gently in yours to draw his attention.

"Come... Let's go to the bathroom," you whispered, trying to keep your voice low and gentle as if you were speaking to a wounded animal. Carefully, you tugged on his hands and walked him across your apartment, your gaze flitting from the room ahead and back to him at every step to ensure he didn't trip on his own feet.

Leon leaned into you the entire time, and once you got to the bathroom, he barely managed to voice a trembling 'I'm sorry' before he bent over the sink and started to retch.

Your hand immediately found his back to support him, while the other wiped his damp strands of hair out of his face.

You were so worried for him, so much so that you didn't even realise that you were shaking from anxiety; seeing him in such a miserable state was breaking your heart.

"It's okay... It's okay," you cooed softly, attempting to soothe him and at the same time to calm yourself down as he gagged violently and puked his entire being into the sink.

When the retching stopped, he glanced up at you, his eyes glazed over with what looked like humiliation and exhaustion. He extended his hand, attempting to take hold of your arm for support.

You let him lean against you once again while hurriedly dabbing his mouth with a towel. You could see how pale he was and how his body trembled, and the sight alarmed you. Placing your palm on his forehead you gasped at how warm his skin was at the touch. He needed some medicine and to get out of his wet clothes as quickly as possible.

"Stay here. You hear me? I'll be back in a second." You said firmly yet maintained your tone of voice low, afraid of hurting him. You carefully guided him to sit on the toilet lid, then gave him an apprehensive look before rushing out of the bathroom.

Leon sat there, shivering. He slumped against the wall, closing his eyes, attempting to cope with the dizziness and the nausea and the ache in his feverish body.

When you returned to the bathroom with everything you needed to help him, you caught him clutching the air as if reaching for something that wasn't there. With a tug at your heart you grasped his hand in yours, your eyes searching his face to ensure he was conscious.

"Hey, hey... Look at me. Look at me."

Leon made an effort to meet your gaze. He looked at you with glazed-over eyes and he appeared to be both confused and overly aware of what was going on at the same time.

"I..." he spoke quietly. "I can't..." a rough cough interrupted him and he glanced down. "I'm sorry..."

"Stop apologising, Leon..." you chastised him in a soft but desperate tone, reaching out to delicately caress his moist forehead. "I'll take care of you, you got that?"

You swiftly took a glass of water and added the pill into it, making sure it dissolved before crouching in front of Leon and bringing the glass to his lips.

"Drink this, you'll feel better soon."

Leon seemed hesitant at first; he glanced at the glass of water, then back at you before slowly taking a sip. He grimaced through it, but you held the glass in place for him until he swallowed the last drop.

You watched as he tiredly leaned his head back against the wall and stared at you in silence for a moment. His glassy blue eyes transfixed on you were tugging at your heart strings and when he weakly reached out a hand to cup your face, you felt even more for him. You leaned into his timid touch, with a faint smile on your lips. You were trying so hard not to give in to your anxiety and burst into tears. You couldn't. Your dear friend needed you. You had to be strong for him.

"Let's get you out of those drenched clothes, okay?" You softly interrupted the silence, rising up and proceeding to roll the hem of his soaked t-shirt up his abdomen.

You were so focused on aiding and taking care of him that no distraction could slow you down, not even the sight of your closest friend's half-naked body, whom you had been crushing on for as long as you could remember. It was not the time to allow your thoughts - nor your eyes - to roam or linger. You also tried not to meet his drowsy gaze, which he kept locked on you the entire time you undressed and clothed him in the most baggy-fitting clothes you could find in your wardrobe.

"I'm sorry," he whispered one more time while you adjusted the sweatpants on his hips. "I messed up again..."

You could see his lips quiver as he attempted to form words, though he seemed too weak to speak. He reached out and took hold of your hand. He looked like he wanted to add something, but you interjected to softly 'hush' him before he could apologise again.

Cautiously, you tugged at his arms to get him to stand up. "Do you think you can walk to my bedroom? You remember my bedroom, yeah? It's right beside the bathroom. You can do it?" you asked him, searching his eyes as you continued to support his body.

"I... I think so..."

He followed you to the other room while still holding onto your hand.

You huffed in distress as you struggled to keep his body up, almost dragging him through the hallway, but eventually making it to your bed.

"Lie down..." you whispered, holding on to him as you guided him onto the mattress.

As he lay there, he looked so drained. His face was as white as a sheet, his breathing laboured, his eyes barely open and out of focus, yet keenly fixed on you. You could see his lips quiver as if he meant to say something, but his voice kept failing him; all that came out of his mouth were indecipherable murmurings.

"What is it? What do you need?"

You saw him reach for your hand, his fingers weakly intertwined with yours. Your stomach fluttered at the contact.

"Stay" was all he could muster up to whisper in a faint rasp of voice.

A sweet smile appeared on your lips. You knelt alongside the bed, right next to him, and gently grasped his hand with both of yours.

"Of course, Leon. I'm gonna watch over you while you rest." you reassured him. "Don't you worry..."

Placing one of your hands on his face, you softly brushed his hair off his forehead. How you wished you could do more to help him, to do anything, just so he could be serene and live the peaceful life he so much deserved, to never go through this kind of pain ever again. But other than watching over him and waiting for his fever to pass, there was nothing else you could do for him at the moment. Hopefully in the morning he would feel better and open up to you. Only then maybe you could find a way to fix this, whatever this was. You had the feeling this time it was more than just the same old issues. Something else must have been tormenting him.

Leon sighed and turned his head, burying his face in your palm. A faint, worn smile crept up the corners of his mouth as he met your gaze yet again. You always did get lost in his blue eyes, so deep and beautiful and yet looking so troubled more times than not.

His lips moved silently, and you bent forward to catch what he had to say. Your gaze moved anxiously across his face, lingering on his lips.

"Hmm?"

You waited patiently as he wet his dry lips. His eyelids eventually fluttered closed, too tired to focus on anything any longer.

"...I love you."

Your heart leapt at his ushered words, and your mind turned to mush for a few moments. Was it a confession? No. No… you needed to shake yourself out of it before you began overthinking it. You could not interpret his words in any other way other than platonic; you wouldn't dare. After all, your friend was clearly incapable of speaking lucidly about anything in his current situation. You couldn’t take the word of an intoxicated and feverish Leon for true. No, he definitely meant it platonically, no matter how you wished for it to sound. But it did feel… odd to hear those words leave his mouth; you had never expressed your affection for each other in such a direct way throughout your 20+ year friendship.

"I… I love you too." You blurted back a few breaths later, but he did not reply. You felt his grip gradually lessen and his hand slip free from yours. His breathing had become steadier. It seemed he had finally fallen asleep.

You exhaled a long, deep breath you hadn't realised you had been holding and then ran your hand over your face, suddenly feeling the anxiety and fatigue get to you. A few nervous tears spilled from your eyes, but you quickly wiped them away. Your gaze moved to his face yet again; you were still worrying about him, but seeing him rest so peacefully after all he had gone through made you feel a little better. He looked so different while sleeping. Despite the fever, he appeared much younger, healthier, serene...

Once you made sure he had fallen into a deep sleep, you left the room to go pour yourself a coffee. You had a long night ahead of you and needed to be vigilant. You would continue to monitor his fever to ensure that it did not rise again, so he could sleep properly until the morning. You also prayed the nightmares kept him alone, at least this time. He was already in such a horrible state that he didn't need his sleep disrupted by the terrible memories from his past, the same ones that had kept him awake more times than you’d like to admit. He had told you all about those restless nights and you had tried to console him as best as you could but the memories just kept on coming back and mess up with his fragile mind… Oh, how you wished you could just make them disappear, somehow. You would do anything for him, even take his burden yourself, if only that was possible.

Sipping your coffee, you returned to your bedroom and took a seat in the armchair close to the bed. Your attentive gaze landed on his sleeping body once again. The sight caused your chest to tighten. His delirious revelation made its way back to your head and you let out a sigh, your fingers curling closer around the warm mug in your palms.

"Sleep tight, my love."

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[lysol1201]

I thought this was interesting. Ashley and Leon's POVs at different moments in the post-surgery scene.

While Ashley's still focused on the map, Leon instead looks at her.

We, as the audience, witness Leon experience "The Fall" back in chapter 9, but this is the moment, I think, when Leon finally sees it, himself. This is when he finally realizes it, and when she notices it for the first time: that he loves her, too.

It also gives a layered meaning to their follow-up exchange:

Ashley: "You sure you're okay?" Leon: "Never been better."