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zzzzombieboy · 6 months

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ok full disclosure this is a stupid fic that i'm only writing because my friend promised me he would draw leon as a cowboy if i did

Leon Kennedy x M!Reader

Leon wanted to get away. He couldn't bear being in the cities anymore, not after what happened. The Midwest was tiring, given that was all he had been around. He wanted to head West, go to the coast, but that would prove to be more stressful than it was in his hometown. East had too many people, so his last resort was going south.

Ever since Leon was a boy, he had loved cowboys. He loved horses, and he always daydreamed about living on a ranch. The fact that he couldn’t ride a horse ruined the fantasy. But he was 22 now, and he could do whatever he wanted. He was an adult. He ended up Texas, out of the city and a more rural area. It was 1999, a hot summers day in July. It would be his first day working on the ranch.

He had driven to the ranch he would be working at by dirt road, lacking any signs or speed limits. He parked in a field, a rugged old wooden shack sitting beside it. There were two other cars next to him, one of which was a 1979 Trans-Am. Its tires were covered in dirt, clearly lacking a wash as of late.

When Leon got out of his car, he could feel the sun beaming down on his face. His outfit, a blue and white button up and a pair of blue jeans, was proving to be not that great of a choice for this 92° weather. He let out a soft sigh as he closed his car door behind him, pocketing his keys and bringing a hand up to his forehead, shielding his eyes from the light of the large burning sun.

Leading from the parked cars was a small path of caved grass, dead against the dirt that lead to the shack ahead of him. He figured that's where he needed to go. He wasn't given any instructions anyways. He walked up the dirt path, arms by his sides until he reached the door. He opened it with a small breath, the warm air continuing to run through the non-conditioned shack.

Behind a desk was another worker. He held a pen in his hands as he worked on filling out a sheet of paper. Leon stepped forward, his footsteps soft against the floor but still causing the wood below him to creek at every step he took. The man behind the counter looked up from the paper, giving Leon a once over before clearing his throat. "How can I help ya?" he questioned, his voice low holding a southern drawl. Leon took in a soft breath, swiping his hand underneath his nose.

"I'm Leon Kennedy. It's uh, my first day." He told the man with a nod, pocketing his thumbs into his jeans. His midwestern accent was evident compared to the people he had heard. He was in the deep south now, and he stuck out like a sore thumb. The man raised a brow, titling his head to the right as he gave Leon another look. His eyes then widened out of remembrance.

He nodded, standing up out of his chair before reaching his hand out for Leon to shake. "Ah, right, Kennedy. You're gonna be workin' with them horses, right?" asked the man, a kind smile spreading across his lips. Leon gave the slightest smile back with a nod. "That's what I was told," replied Leon. The man let out a small breath from his nose as his smile grew a bit more wide. "Alrighty then. I'd say you should head over to the stable. There's gonna be another boy there that'll help you out. He's a bit quiet though, so, y'know, be patient." the man spoke nodding his head to the door that led right of the desk.

Leon lifted his brows a bit before giving a steady nod. "Okay. Uh, thank you." Leon gave another nod, before following the eyes of the man. The man tipped his hat to Leon as a way of saying good bye. Leon didn't have a hat, so the best he could do was return with a nod.

Leon exited the shack through the right hand door, walking back into the beaming heat. He felt blinded by the sudden light against his face, resorting to hovering his hand above his eyes to sheild from the glare. There was another dirt path he walked upon, this one leading directly to a much larger, more sturdy looking stable. The faint sounds of huffs from the horses were audible.

Leon approached the stable with his hands in his pockets, before pulling one out so that he could open the doors. His hand was tentative, he was bit nervous. He knew that someone would be behind the door. He just didn't know who. What would they be like? He hoped that he got along with them well, given that he was probably going to be working along with them for the foreseeable future.

He pushed the door open slowly, being met with the kind scent of manure and hay. His nose scrunched a bit, letting out a small groan from the back of his throat. His eyes squinted slightly as he looked down to the floor. His shoes had already gotten mud on them. He let out a short sigh before glancing back up to the room surrounding him. He could hear plenty of horses, seeing their stables. But at the very end of the rows, he saw a man.

The man held a carrot in his hand, the horse he was standing by nibbling on the veggie and letting out happy huffs. Against the mans face was a small smile, his lips curving upwards and forming a small crease in his skin. His arms, moreover his shoulders, were the most defined part of his body, given that he used most of the muscles in that area every day as he fed, brushed, and exercised the horses. Leon had clear sight of them. He wore a tank top, slightly dulled in color due to various dirt stains and general wear and tear over the years. On the bottom he wore worn jeans, small holes by the knees and the back of the leg, the base of them resting on the ground with brown tint. They seemed just a bit too big on him, having been wrapped around his waist with a tightly cinched belt. His hat was white with a tan strip at the base, casting a shadow over his face.

Small bags were underneath his eyes, but his gaze held a warmth as he interacted with the horse. Leon took in a deep breath. An odd feeling filled his stomach as he continued to stare. His stomach turned, his heart beating a little bit faster. A bit confused with the sudden new emotion, he decided he would ignore it. He shoved both of his hands back into his pockets, rolling one of his shoulders back before starting to approach the man. Each step he took made a crunching noise, but it didn't seem to catch his attention. Leon continued to approach until he was only a few feet away. He cleared his throat. "Hey," Leon started, shifting his weight onto his other foot.

Slightly startled, he flinched ever so slightly, his carrot slipping from his fingers for a brief moment before he caught it. He looked to his right, only to be met with a face he had never seen before. His gaze trailed over Leon, almost analytically, like he was studying his face to commit it to memory. He didn't say a word, waiting for Leon to continue or explain why he was here. "Sorry, I uh, I didn't mean to scare you." apologized Leon with a half smile. "I was told you're supposed to... ah, show me the ropes. I'm new. I-- I'm Leon." he seemed to stumble over his words as he looked deeper into the mans eyes. He bit down on the inside of his lip, letting out a small exhale from his nose.

The man parted his lips a little before giving a small nod. He didn't offer a handshake like the other man, instead he kept to himself. "Y/N." he replied, lifting one of his arms and swiping it against his forehead, wiping off any remaining sweat he could've had. "I... didn't know they hired a rookie for the stables. Forgive me." he muttered to himself, his accent almost silent but still slightly audible in his inflections. Leon tensed a bit when he heard the word "rookie." He felt like he was never going to be able to shake that nickname.

Leon took his hands out from his pockets and crossed his arms over his chest. To most this would feel intimidating, as Leon was a well built man, but Y/N could only see the nervousness hidden behind his eyes. Y/N had yet to make an expression that indicated his opening opinion on Leon. He looked down at the hay underneath the two before looking back to the horse. Y/N scratched behind the horses ear. "You know how 'ta take care of horses?" he asked, not giving Leon another glance into his eyes.

Leon widened his mouth a little bit, tilting his head to the side. "Not at all." he replied, giving a small awkward chuckle.

Y/N perked up his brows in an unamused manner. "D'ya know how to ride one?" he asked again.

Leon shook his head again. "Always wanted to learn."

Y/N let out a soft sigh before looking back over to Leon. He rested one arm behind his head and scratched his neck, just where the base of his hair was. He didn't seem particularly happy that he would have to show this random man the absolute basics, but he could suck it up. He's done it before, he can do it again. Tilting himself onto his heels he gave a small nod, reaching out to the horse in front of him and giving it a small stroke against its nose.

"Guess now is best time as any." spoke Y/N, letting one arm rest by his side as the other went for the hinge to the stable door, unlocking it and bringing it open. The horse was hefty, large, and brown with white spots littering its body. It had a few feet over the two men. Y/N's hand brushed up against its mane, a silky black color giving a small shine from the leaking sunlight from the ceiling. "This is Spencer." spoke Y/N. "He's tame. Doesn't like to kick 'r nothin', but he runs pretty fast." he explained, clicking his tongue once before the horse obediently stepped out of the stable. It stood by Y/N's side. Y/N seemed to be fond of the animal.

Leon gave a small hum when he looked to the horse. It was the first time, at least that he could remember, that he had been this close to one. He could feel its breath lightly hit against his face. "Spencer." Leon repeated, just to get it committed to his memory.

"Thing about Spencer, he gets his hair tangled easily." Y/N spoke. He was inflecting his voice in a way that sounded like he wanted to seem more confident in talking than he was. "So you gotta get real good with brushing. Its real easy. Like brushin' a dog." he spoke, stepping past the horse and stepping into its stable, grabbing onto two brushes that were hooked against the wooden wall. "Ever had a dog before, Leon?" asked Y/N. His voice had a bit of a tremble to it. He seemed to be getting a little nervous the more he was around the blonde.

Leon raised a brow at the question, watching as Y/N handed him a brush. He took it while giving a small nod as thanks. "I think so. I was probably too young to remember." replied Leon with a small shrug, stepping a bit closer to the horse. He brought his brush up to the side of the horses coat, carefully brushing downwards. Y/N paused for a second, his lips parting as I stepped next to Leon.

He grabbed onto Leon's hand, his skin cool against Leon's rather hot body. Leon felt his jaw tense slightly, feeling his stomach turn again. He looked to the man with curious eyes. Y/N's lips had formed a slight pout as he gave a small shake of the head. "To the side, not down." he spoke, correcting Leon's movements. His voice wasn't commanding, but rather understanding. He could feel Y/N's fingers slightly twitch against his own as he guided the movement of the brush to the left on the horses body. It was a more clean pattern, making it more appealing to look at. "Sorry," Leon replied, giving a small chuckle.

Y/N continued to absentmindedly brush along with Leon before he realized that the two were still touching. His eyes widened a bit before he pulled his hand away. He felt his cheeks get a little hot as he cleared his throat. "Keep, uh, keep at it. I just gotta... feed the rest of 'em." spoke Y/N, taking in a small breath before backing away from Leon and the horse. Leon pursed his lips a little bit, giving a small head tilt of acknowledgement as he continued the motions. As Y/N walked away, Leon kept an eye on him.

Y/N walked to the side of the stable, picking up a white bag filled with grains and bran. It looked heavy, heavy enough to make Y/N have to lean on one foot more than the other. He lifted the bag with a soft grunt before throwing it over his shoulder, starting his rounds around each horses food tin. One by one he poured the food in, his face remaining expressionless as this task was pretty mundane to him.

Leon watched carefully from the corner of his eye. He started to drift around the horse, carefully brushing the coat. He felt kind of relaxed when he did this. He could still feel the horses breath on him. It's ear twitched.

About a half an hour had passed by when Y/N had finished refilling each food container. He made sure to clean the tins beforehand as well, wanting to make sure that there was no chance of the horses getting sick. He had broken into a light sweat as he walked back across the clumps of hay littered across the floor, setting the bag back down in its respective spot. Y/N looked back over his shoulder, seeing Leon still gently brushing the horses coat with his eye halfway following Y/N.

Y/N walked back over to Leon and the horse, wiping his forehead once again. "Looks pretty." he spoke, giving a small nod to Leon as his gaze focused on the horses hair. He reached his hand out to Leon, swallowing slightly as he gestured for the brush to be returned. Leon followed the order well and handed the brush back to him. "Thanks." he replied, giving a small smile from the corner of his mouth.

Y/N brought the brush back to where it was hooked in the horses quarters, making sure it was neatly lined up with the wall. He let out a soft breath as he glanced back to Leon. His blonde hair was halfway darker against the shadow in the stable. There was a slight shadow cast across his face. Y/N felt his stomach turn slightly. He didn't know what it was. He chose to ignore it. But he knew better than anyone that he couldn't ignore his emotions well.

Y/N rested his hands on his hips as he gave the horse a small pet. "Y'wanna learn how to ride 'em?" he asked, looking back at Leon with somewhat hopeful, yet tired eyes. Leon's eyes widened a little bit at the request, but he felt his smile grow bigger. One of his childhood dreams was finally coming to fruition. He gave an eager nod, his grin growing wider against his pink lips. "I'd love to, yeah." Leon agreed, watching as the other man’s lips formed their own smile. It was odd, the way Leon felt when he saw it. He felt his cheeks start to burn. He let out another soft breath. Leon's hands rested at his sides.

Y/N looked back to the horse, scratching the side of his face a little bit before he put his hand up against the horse's mane. He seemed to have a fascination with the horses hair. All of the horses in the stable were groomed well, Y/N made sure of it. He was basically the only person that was allowed in the stables, by his own request. But an exception would be made for Leon, since he would be taught by the only one that Y/N trusted. Himself. "You ready, big guy?" Y/N spoke to the horse, a relaxed expression spread across his face as he pulled his hand back away, starting to walk towards the exit of the stable. He clicked his tongue twice, and the horse started to follow behind him. Leon followed as well.

Outside was a large field. Some horses that were outside of their stable were grazing, some chewing on the grass and others trotting around the field. It was a pleasant sight. The sun was halfway covered by the clouds by now, but it's heat didn't die down much at all. It was still bright as ever and made anyone sweat easily.

Leon winced once again when he was met with the bright light of the sun. "Damn it," he muttered, squinting his eyes the best as he could as he looked back forward, following behind. Y/N heard the small hiss and looked back over his shoulder. "Too bright?" he asked, raising a brow. Leon scrunched his face up and gave a nod, his hand going over his eyes once again. Y/N stopped walking for a second, biting down on his lower lip. He grabbed the brim of his hat and pulled it off of his head, handing the piece to Leon.

Leon watched, his eyes opening back up again. He wasn't expecting that kind of gesture from someone who acted the way Y/N did, but he appreciated it nonetheless. "Thanks," he told him, his voice quieter than normal but still showing the warmth he felt. He put the hat on, covering some of the blonde strands and pushing them up against his forehead. Y/N continued walking, but he had his head tilted to the side, able to see Leon's face.

"I have a question." spoke Y/N, scratching the side of his face as he continued to lead Leon and the horse through the field, his focus set on heading to the track they had paved in the dirt father out so the horses could get some good exercise. "You're not from here, I take it." he started, giving Leon a quick once over. Leon gave a nod. "Can I take a guess where you're from? Somewhere in the Midwest, right?" he guessed, his brow raising.

Leon nodded. "Spot on."

Y/N gave a small celebratory cheer to himself, doing a small fist pump in the air. "Figured. You got the whole accent 'n stuff. And the politeness. That's a thing, right? Midwesterners are polite." Y/N was repeating the words to himself, a common habit he had when speaking to people that he often got teased about. He wasn't thinking about controlling the way he spoke right now though. It seemed like Leon didn't mind. Even if he did, at the very least he wasn't commenting on it.

Leon smiled softly as he started to catch up to Y/N's walking speed, the two approaching the track now side by side. "Most of them are, yeah." he spoke, looking to his right to get another glance at Y/N's face. Underneath the sun, his skin seemed to have a sort of shimmer to it that he wasn't able to see before. His eyes were halfway closed, like he had developed an immunity to the suns brightness but still couldn't stand to look at it fully.

"Can't help but be curious what made 'ya come all the way down here. Hell, if I had a dime for every time I wished I could go up north, I wouldn't be workin' at this damn ranch anymore." Y/N muttered to himself with a small laugh following after. Leon let out a small chuckle, his hands remaining in his pockets as they walked.

The two had finally found their way onto the path, the horse letting out a small huff against the back of Y/N's neck. It seemed happy. Settling itself on the dirt, it trotted in it's place, seeming to be excited that it could go for a run. Y/N gave it a small pat on its back before looking back over to Leon. "Saddle broke a few days ago, apologies if it's a bumpy ride." Y/N spoke, before setting both of his hands onto the horses back and jumping upwards, throwing his leg over the side, his hips resting on top of the steed. Leon watched with a careful eye, watching as the man leaped up onto the horse. He could do that no problem. He had done stupid exercises like those plenty of times when he was in the police academy.

He paused for a short second, seeing as Y/N was looking down at him expectantly. "Oh, are you -- you want-- uh," he stumbled over his words a bit before giving a simple shake of the head. "Alright," he muttered, pursing his lips a little. Y/N offered his hand out to Leon for him to grab, just to give a little extra support. Leon followed the movements that Y/N had made seconds before, jumping up with a small grunt before his own legs were on either side of the horse. He smiled at himself, happy that he could do it on the first time. He was finally doing it. He was living out one of his childhood fantasies.

The horse stayed still underneath them. Y/N looked back over his shoulder, locking eyes with Leon's baby blue. "Hey, nice job." he told him with a satisfied grin spreading across his face. Y/N was a bit worried that this would end up being more effort than it was worth, but it seemed like this would be a cakewalk. It gave him a bit of relief. The smile was back. Leon felt his cheeks heat a bit again, but it was hard to tell if it was from Y/N or the hot sun.

Y/N looked Leon up and down before rolling his hips to get into a more comfortable position. "You should, ah, probably grab on. " he spoke, giving a small nod to his torso. Leon's brows raised at the suggestion, his cheeks beginning to show the heat that was on his face, a light tint of pink starting to spread. His stomach turned again. Something was going on in his brain that he didn't quite understand. He let out a small hum before tentatively reaching his hands around Y/N's waist. The man's body was firm, but it was easy to grab onto. At least that's what it felt like to Leon.

The proximity made them both feel a bit warmer, as to what they were reacting to, they had no idea. But they both knew they felt it.

"Spencer, he uh, he's trained a little differently then most horses." started Y/N, looking ahead of him at the back of the horses head. The feeling of Leon's hands around his waist was lingering on his mind. He could feel the touch through the fabric of the shirt. Leon could feel Y/N's halfway-cold, halfway-warm skin through it. It made it hard for either of them to pay attention. "I don't like usin' bits on 'em. I uh, I just give them little cues." explained the man, his hand lifting from the horse and spinning in a small circle. "Give him a little squeeze, he starts running." he started, before tensing the muscles in his legs a bit, squeezing around the body of the horse.

It took the instruction well, and started a steady trot. Leon flinched slightly at the sudden movement, even if he knew it was coming, and tightened the grasp he had around Y/N's waist. "Stop squeezing, he stops movin'. See?" Y/N then stopped tensing his legs, letting them relax, and in turn the horse stopped in it's track. Leon raised his brows, a bit impressed by how well the horse knew the order. "Got it." Leon nodded, a smile spread across his face. "How fast can he go?" he questioned, his head leaning a bit closer to Y/N's ear, his chin almost resting against the mans shoulder. He just wanted a closer look at the horses mane, at least that's what he was telling himself.

Y/N could feel Leon's breath against the side of his neck. He let out a breathy chuckle at the challenge, his head tilting to the right ever so slightly, placing his cheek close to Leon's lips. "Enough to consider it a thrill ride." he replied with a slightly cocky tone. Leon let out another slight laugh at his words. "Wanna show me?"

Y/N perked a brow up at the proposal, looking ahead. The sun was less blaring now, as he could see the track in front of them. The horses feet clacked against the ground excitedly, it's tail swishing back and forth. "Hold on tight, then." he replied, in almost an instant feeling the grasp around his waist grow tighter, his back being pressed up against Leon's front. Leon's body was built, defined, and that translated to it feeling like a brick wall when pressed against it. Y/N's heart was starting to beat faster as he let out a breathy giggle, raising one hand up to wipe his forehead before letting both his arms have a firm hold on the horse.

He tensed his legs again. Much, much tighter this time.

The horse burst into a high speed jog, eliciting a small yelp from Leon. The sound of hooves hitting against the dirt floor and the light laughter from the man in front of him was all he could hear at the moment. The wind felt nice against his face. Y/N was right, it was feeling like a bumpy ride. But he didn't care. He was riding a horse. For the first time in his life he got to live out something that he had dreamed of for longer than he could remember. He had a wide grin spreading across his face.

Around and around the track, Leon was starting to feel less hot on the outside, and more hot on the inside. Not hot, but warm. He felt warm. His body pressed against the man in front of him, he felt good. It was a feeling he hadn't felt in a long while. The feeling lasted, it lingered. He didn't try to shake it.

It seemed that the two had rode on the horse together for a long while, before Y/N seemed to notice something on the horizon. His legs softened the grip that they had on the horse, slowly going lighter and lighter until the horse came to a full stop, right where the track had started. Y/N's eyes were trained on the sky, seeing a dark, heavy cloud begin to fall over the edge of the sun. "Ah, shit." hissed Y/N under his breath tilting himself back a little.

Leon paused for a moment as he felt himself slowly start to come down from the high. "What?" he asked softly. "Did something happen?" he asked. He still kept his grip around Y/N's waist fairly tight. He didn't want to let go. It felt comfortable.

Y/N let out a soft exhale from his nose before lifting one of his hands, pointing a finger to the sky. "Bad cloud. Big storm's comin' tonight." he spoke with a small sigh. He looked back down at the horse before turning back to Leon. "I'd say you should head home. Doubt you'd wanna get stuck in the mud with all those other cars." he advised. Leon could feel his heart sink at the mention of a storm.

Ever since that day in Raccoon City, Leon hadn't been able to handle storms, especially not driving in them. He tensed up a little bit before letting his grip fall from the other mans waist, clearing his throat nervously. "Damn it." he huffed under his breath. Y/N looked back at him with a sympathetic but analytical gaze. He parted his lips, about to say something, but remained quiet. He could tell by the look in Leon's eyes and his body language that it was a sore subject. He pursed his lips before giving the horse a small pat, throwing his legs over the side and slipping himself back down to the ground.

His boots hit against the dirt like a cat jumping from the counter. He looked back to Leon. Y/N held his hand out for Leon to take once more, just giving him a little help getting down. Leon took it with gratitude and tossed his own legs over the side, jumping down from the horses back. Y/N gave the horse a small pet on the nose before clicking his tongue. The horse began to follow behind the two men as they started walking back to the stables.

It was silent for a short minute, Y/N wiping some dirt away from his pants before looking back to Leon. "Take it you don't like storms?" started Y/N, tilting his head so he could get a glimpse at the reaction that Leon would have. Leon took the hat that Y/N had loaned to him off of his head, handing it back to the man. "It's a long story." he muttered, brushing a hand through his hair. It had gotten a little tangled under the hat, and he spent a few seconds fixing it to get each strand back into place.

"I get it." replied Y/N, in his best attempt to hold a compassionate voice. "I'm not the fondest of storms myself. Neither are the horses." he spoke, his eyes going to the ground as he shoved both of his hands into his pockets, letting his thumbs hang out. They brushed up against his belt buckle, sending a shiver down his spine. The soft clunking of hooves remained audible as they walked.

Leon was glad that Y/N wasn't pushing him to elaborate. Instead, he just listened. He liked that in people. He liked that in Y/N. He hadn't even known the guy for that long, but he was starting to grow quite fond of the kid. Little did he know that Y/N felt the same way about him. "You know, I live here on the ranch." spoke Y/N, taking in a small breath. He seemed a bit anxious to say what he had planned. "You could crash with me if you wanted. Not to be too forward, I just... y'know, wanted to show a bit of hospitality." he added, looking back to Leon with more of a nervous gaze this time.

Leon paused for a moment, his brows furrowing, his eyes narrowing in tandem as he processed the offer. After that, he could feel that same heat spread across his cheeks. He hadn't been in Texas for more than three weeks and he was already spending the night with someone. "You'd be okay with that?" questioned Leon, a bit of his dirty blonde hair falling over the right side of his face, covering a portion of his eye. The two had arrived at the stables, and they opened the entrance door again. The horse followed behind Y/N closely.

The smell of manure hit Leon again, but it didn't seem to phase Y/N. Leon's nose scrunched again. "Of course I am. Wouldn't be offering if I wasn't." replied the man, giving him a small smile before making a left turn to the horses stable, the door being left open. He clicked his tongue twice, the horse following the command and walking into its stable with a happy trot. It seemed to really like Y/N. He closed the stable door before reaching into one of the bags he had attached to his belt, handing him another carrot as a treat. Leon stared at Y/N with a somewhat stunned expression before giving an eager nod.

"Oh, then, yeah. That would be... really appreciated, actually." Leon told him, his smile returning on his face along with the slightest shade of pink he held earlier. Y/N gave the horse one final pat on the head before turning back over to Leon. "Sounds good." he spoke, giving a small nod before locking up the stable door. He then started to walk again, gesturing to Leon with his hand to have him follow.

Leon followed close after, soon enough walking side by side with the man he had met only a few hours prior. He could see the darkness start to seep into the stables as they exited it, the dark clouds covering the sun. When the two got back out, Y/N led them the opposite way of the shack that Leon had first entered, instead they were heading towards another small wooden building, about half a mile away. There wasn't as much of a path paved leading to this building, only small footprints.

It was a small silence, but it spoke volumes for the amount of time the two weren't talking. Leon couldn't stand it for that long. "How'd you end up getting a place here?" he asked, a bit curious on how this all came together. Y/N gave him a quick glance before looking back down to his feet to watch where they were going. "Dad's friends with the owner. Used to work on my daddy's farm before he decided to hand over all the work to some other hotshot." he muttered, swiping his hand underneath his nose. "So it's not technically nepotism. Just prior knowledge." he let out a small joke at the end of it, trying to get another smile, a huff, or just another laugh from Leon. He liked Leon a lot. Leon was the first guy on the ranch he talked to that didn't treat him like dirt.

And laugh Leon did. He had a smile spread across his face as he let out a soft chuckle, before folding both his arms over his chest. His boots crunched against the dead grass below them. He liked the sound. "Ah, nice." Leon replied with a small nod. Y/N felt his face heat ever so slightly when he heard the warmth in Leon's tone.

The two continued to walking after the light conversation, and Leon watched as the clouds seemed to darken the sky minute by minute. He could feel his mouth dry up slightly at the sight of it, but he would ignore it. He had a place to stay with this guy who had shown him nothing but kindness and a good time. He would be fine.

Soon enough, the duo had arrived at the cabin. It was made of wood, much like all the other structures on this ranch, but it seemed decently decorated. Y/N opened the door for the both of them as they stepped into the home. Leon looked around, seeing a few posters and various kitchen supplies. It was small, but it was comfortable. There was a black and white couch perched in the middle of the main room, facing a blocky TV with a cassette player and a DVD player right underneath it. On a shelf beside the TV was rows and rows of various movies, seasons of shows, anything you could imagine. It was how Y/N liked to spend a lot of his free time, either reading or watching TV. He liked his media, and he liked to be entertained. "Pretty cozy in here," Leon spoke, his head tilting a bit as he examined the small details.

Y/N gave a small nod at his words. "Thanks." he replied, cracking both of his knuckles as he started to wander through the space. "You uh, sorry, I'm not used to having anyone here. You want anything to drink or something?" he asked, stumbling over his words a bit. He felt a bit in over his head, but it would be okay. He just had to go with the flow. Leon looked back over his shoulder. "A water would be good. Thank you." he replied, giving a small smile to Y/N. Y/N gave the same smile back.

"Couch is all yours if you want it. Doubt you wanna sleep in the same bed as me." he laughed softly, walking over to the kitchen area with a bit of a bounce in his step. He grabbed onto a glass of water and put it under the faucet, filling it up with tap water. Leon let out a small chuckle at the mans words before he sat himself down on the couch. It was nice, comfortable against his back and had a bit of fluff to the cushions. He could fall asleep on it easily.

Y/N walked back over to the center of the room and handed him the glass of water. Leon looked back over to the shelf with all of the DVD's on them, a slightly curious expression on his face as he took the water. "What kind of movies do you watch?" he asked, taking a light sip of the tap water. Y/N followed his gaze, scratching the back of his neck before clearing his throat a little. "Mainly horror. Got some action movies though, too." he replied, looking back to Leon. Leon's brow raised a bit at the mention of horror. "I didn't peg you for a horror guy," he spoke, running a hand through his hair in any attempt to get it to stay out of his face.

Y/N let out a small exhale from his nose, his smile perked on the left side of his mouth. "That's what banning your son from watchin' 'devil worship' does. Gives 'em morbid curiosity." he spoke, walking over to the shelf as he trailed his fingers along the lines of cases. He had them all categorized by genre, then in alphabetical order. Gave him less trouble when looking for something to watch.

"I get that. I never got to watch horror either." Leon replied, wearing the same half smile that the other man did. He watched Y/N's back carefully, watching it shift under the white tank top he was wearing, along with his arms ever so slightly lifting it up, showing the smallest sliver of skin. Y/N looked back over his shoulder. "Y'got strict parents too?" he asked, picking out a movie from the shelf and holding it in his right hand. Leon let out a small sigh at the words, taking another sip of his drink.

"I lived in an orphanage. They had uh, pretty strict regulations." Leon told Y/N, shifting his weight on his hips slightly as he folded one leg over the other. The smile on Y/N's lips dropped, his eyes widening a bit. He felt sorry for bringing it up. "Sorry to hear that," he replied, pursing his lips a little bit before stepping back to the couch, sitting himself down next to Leon. Leon gave a small shrug, not seeming to mind it all that much anymore. He's gotten that plenty. Their arms were only a few inches apart, Y/N's knee barely grazing against Leon's. The clouds outside had grown darker and darker. The rain had started. Leon shuddered.

Y/N cleared his throat again, holding out the DVD casing in front of the two of them. "Ever seen this one?" he asked. On the front of the case was in bold letters, "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre". Leon's eyes studied the case for a short second. "I've seen posters of it, never watched it though." he answered, looking back over to Y/N with a curious gaze. Y/N parted his lips slightly, giving a small glance to the window that was starting to be pelted by the rain.

"It's a great movie, I'm tellin' ya." Y/N smiled back at Leon. "For a movie that came out in '74, it's a lot better than you'd think." he spoke, continuing to hold the case out in front of the two. Leon's eyes widened a little bit. "Shit, that's older than me." replied Leon, his brows lifted as he continued to look at the cover. Y/N gave a nod. "Me too."

"If you wanna, we could watch it. Sure it would take your mind off the... y'know." he spoke, giving a nod to the growing intensity of the rain. The wind outside seemed to be tossing the leaves of trees around, bending them at the roots. Leon took a glance outside but quickly diverted his gaze, returning back to Y/N's face. His eyes were kind, almost gentle. It seemed like he just wanted Leon to feel comfortable. It was sweet. He looked back down at the casing. He didn't know how he would react when he was watching this, but as long as it didn't have anything to do with zombies, he would be fine. "Sure." Leon replied.

The thunder then started. Leon flinched at the sound, his jaw tensing a little bit when he looked out the window. His hands had a bit of tremble to them. Y/N could see it, but he didn't know what to say about it. He didn't say anything about it. He didn't want to show pity, he wanted to show care. This charming man didn't deserve pity. Y/N could see his nerves start to flare. "I'll, uh, I'll get you a blanket." Y/N spoke, scratching the side of his face before he stood back up. He set the DVD onto the table before walking off to the room adjacent, his own room. Leon's eyes followed him as he walked off.

When he came back from the room, he held a white and red blanket with fringes on the end over his arm, like a waiter would hold a towel. Y/N handed the blanket to the blonde with a small nod, before grabbing onto the casing for the DVD again. He walked up over to his TV, pressing the power button. When it turned on, the familiar sound of static filled the room. He hit his hand up against the side of it twice before the screen switched to a menu. Y/N let out a small sigh before he couched down in front of the DVD player, opening the case and inserting the disc into the player. It skipped past the menu screen and just started to play the movie. Y/N stepped out of the way of the TV and looked back to Leon.

The two didn't say much else as the movie started. Leon sat with a blanket draped over his lap, and Y/N placed himself next to him. Leon's eyes focused on the TV, but he could feel the man next to him, the air coming off of him. Y/N folded one leg over the other. His body was starting to get cold.

When it came to storms in this sector of Texas, it seemed like the hot and sweaty weather flipped on it's back the second rain comes around. It got cold, the worst kind of cold. It was something that Y/N had always hated, since he always wore light clothing. Tonight was no different.

Minutes started to pass, adding and adding until they were about halfway through the movie. Leon was enjoying the movie more than he thought. He expected most horror things to be cheesy, or at least that's what he heard about them. But he ended up pretty invested in the story. But he could see from the corner of his eye he could see the man beside him rubbing his hands against his arms. The hair on his arms was slightly raised, his jaw tensed a little. "Hey, uh, you cold?" asked Leon, a strand of his blonde hair falling over one of his eyes.

Y/N's eyes flickered from the TV back to Leon, his lips parting ever so slightly. He let out a soft chuckle, trailing his tongue over his teeth. "Yeah, a little." he replied, giving a small half smile before looking back down into his lap. Leon trailed his eyes over the man, picking up the blanket from his legs. "You can have the blanket if you want," he offered, holding a kind tone in his voice.

Y/N looked back at him, giving a small shake of his head. "Oh, no, it's alright." he replied, his hand lifting from his arm and gave Leon a small wave. Leon narrowed his eyes, looking back down to the blanket he held. "Seriously, I doubt I need it as much as you." he replied, a halfway amused smile spread across his face as he held out the blanket. "Or we could share. I'm sure we could both fit." he offered, one brow raising. Y/N felt his cheeks warm at the offer.

"Oh, ah," Y/N swiped his finger underneath his nose before letting out a soft breath. "Alright."

Leon watched as Y/N grabbed the blanket from his lap, before scooting closer. They were arm to arm now, just close enough but not too close. Y/N lifted the blanket up around, wrapping the fabric around the both of their bodies. Y/N's arms were cool against Leon's. They could both feel the turn in their stomach. Leon's cheeks felt that same warmth. He swallowed a bit, deciding to not speak about it and just looking back to the movie.

The close proximity was filling the both of their minds. Y/N had bit down on the inside of his cheek to mask any show of his breath being unsteady, and Leon was making it known that he wasn't going to move. He couldn't help but to continue to sneak glances back at Y/N. He didn't know what he was feeling, he definitely wasn't used to it. It made him a little nervous knowing that he didn't understand what was going on with him, but he couldn't lie. He didn't entirely hate how he felt. It was almost comforting. These nerves took his mind off the storm at least.

Y/N's body was starting to get warmer underneath the blanket, along with the close proximity of the man beside him. His face felt like it was on fire. He recognized the feeling though. He had felt it plenty of times when he saw the assistants around the farm he used to work at. They were only ever men. He knew that it wasn't normal.

The movie was faint, but it covered up the sound of the rain. The two weren't talking, but it seemed there was an unspoken understanding between the two. They could tell.

The time was passing faster than they expected. The moon was out now, and the thunder had died down and the rain was softer. But telling by the clouds, it would pick up later in the night. But Leon, after a long day of driving and working out every muscle in his arm, holding on for dear life, was pretty tired. He had started to get tired more often.

Y/N could feel something against his shoulder. He didn't think anything of it at first, but a few seconds later he started to feel warm breath against his neck, along with the faint feeling of hair touching his skin. He tilted his head to the side, looking over to Leon. He had dozed off. Y/N let out a small breath biting down on his lower lip as he felt his face glow with heat. He didn't want to wake him up. He was nervous to move. Leon's lips were slightly parted, his eyes resting closed with his cheek against Y/N's shoulder.

It was surprisingly comfortable. He and Leon were alone. Nobody was watching. Nobody to judge. Y/N flickered his eyes to the side of the couch, before looking back to Leon. He gave Leon the smallest nudge to his body, but Leon didn't stir. He was definitely asleep. Y/N trailed his tongue over his teeth before he slowly and carefully readjusted his position on the couch, turning on his back and laying himself down, Leon shifting along with him. Y/N rested his head on the armrest of the couch, his eyes carefully trained on Leon's face to see any shift in expression. He didn't stir.

Leon's head slipped from Y/N's shoulder, now resting against his chest, his breath against the mans collarbone. Y/N's body felt really warm. Leon's body was warming him. Leon's blonde hair fell against his eyes, covering a portion of his face. He let out a small mumble against Y/N's shirt, but he didn't wake. Instead, he shifted one of his arms and wrapped it around Y/N's waist. Y/N could feel his heart start to race. They were so close. But it felt like it should be like this -- it didn't feel wrong, like it did when he was close to other people. This was comfortable. This was nice.

The warmth in his body was almost comforting to Y/N. It gave him this sort of peace. Hesitantly, he decided to rest an arm around Leon. It was nothing big, if anything he could just say it was an adjustment. His hand rested on Leon's back, feeling up against the fabric of his button up. He felt nervous, but giddy. But the feeling was starting to fade away once it had been a few minutes when he himself started to feel more tired. He had been working since 7 A.M. And besides, what else could he do in this situation instead of go to bed?

He let his eyes close, his head tilted back against the armchair of the couch and relaxing with the feeling of another man against him, and the feeling of the warm blanket around him. It wasn't even 2 minutes before Y/N was clocked out. But Leon wasn't asleep. He was tired, sure, but he was conscious. He was good at faking sleep -- he did it plenty when he was a kid.

The only reason he did it tonight was out of pure, unadulterated curiosity. And it turned out better than he thought it would.

cowboy art — @barfeverywhere (blame him for this stupid idea)

he’s sunburnt as a treat

#fanfic #asks #fanfiction #leon kennedy #male reader #resident evil #x male reader #leon s kennedy #leon ass kennedy #brokeback mountain #cowboy #yeehaw #yeehaw au #cowboy au #september 30th…. 1998 #DONT FLINCH DONT FLINCH #friend made a joke about rubbing aloe on his sunburnt back and then they bang

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cymlea · 3 months

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Things To Do In Tampa: A Comprehensive Guide to Florida's Gulf Coast

Tampa offers a dynamic and lively experience for visitors, showcasing a myriad of activities on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Florida is renowned for its diverse attractions, and Tampa stands out as a city designed for both entertainment and relaxation. With a captivating blend of historic architecture and modern landmarks, a culture enriched with Cuban and Spanish influences, bustling business districts, and scenic canals, Tampa emerges as a versatile destination that caters to work, exploration, and leisure.

Discover the myriad activities that Tampa has to offer with this comprehensive guide!

Things To Do In Tampa

Despite its vintage charm, Tampa boasts a multicultural atmosphere where historic buildings are being revitalized into vibrant food halls. Immerse yourself in the complete travel experience with our guide to Tampa's diverse offerings.

Discover Marine Life at The Florida Aquarium While in Tampa, Florida, don't miss the opportunity to explore The Florida Aquarium—an expansive 250,000-square-foot facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As a 501 non-profit organization situated in downtown Tampa, it stands as one of the premier aquariums in the US. Witness a captivating array of sea creatures and immerse yourself in this publicly operated institution.

Location: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Operating Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Admission: $34.45 per person

Uncover Tampa's Past at Henry B. Plant Museum Venture into the historical realm by visiting the Henry B. Plant Museum, housed in the south wing of Plant Hall on the University of Tampa's campus. Located at 401 West Kennedy Boulevard, this museum offers insights into the Victorian lifestyle during turn-of-the-century Florida. Considered a hidden gem, it conveniently sits near hotels and restaurants around the university campus.

Location: 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Operating Hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM (opens at 12 on Sundays)

Experience Artistic Splendor at The Tampa Theatre For a dose of cultural entertainment, make your way to The Tampa Theatre—an exquisite performing arts space in downtown Tampa. Designed by architect John Eberson, this atmospheric theatre-style movie palace hosts a variety of independent and foreign film productions. Treat yourself to a unique cinematic experience in this beautifully preserved landmark.

Location: 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

Operating Hours: Varies by show/screening

Relax Amid Nature at Lettuce Lake Park Nature enthusiasts will find solace in Lettuce Lake Park, a beloved green space in Tampa. Spanning 240 acres, the park offers walking paths, biking trails, and scenic benches for relaxation. Conveniently located on Fletcher Avenue between Interstate 75 and the University of South Florida, Lettuce Lake Park is complemented by the soothing presence of the Hillsborough River, providing a refreshing escape during warm spells.

Address: 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637

Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM

Enjoy Live Performances at The Straz Center for the Performing Arts For aficionados of the performing arts, The Straz Center offers a captivating venue for shows, screenings, and live concerts throughout the year. Originally established in 1987 as the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and later rebranded in 2009, this beautiful complex is situated in downtown Tampa.

Location: 1010 N Macinnes Pl, Tampa, FL 33602

Operating Hours: Varies by show/screening

Embark on a Splashy Adventure at Adventure Island For a dose of fun in Tampa, look no further than Adventure Island—a conveniently located water park northeast of Tampa, Florida, just across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This aquatic haven covers 30 acres and offers water rides, dining options, and various attractions. Many visitors opt for a full trip, combining the thrills of Busch Gardens and Adventure Island.

Location: 10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612

Tickets: $29.99 per person

Experience Thrills at Busch Gardens A must-visit for adrenaline enthusiasts in Tampa, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the largest zoo in the region, packed with exhilarating roller coasters and over 12,000 animals. This adventure park seamlessly blends high-caliber rides, adrenaline-pumping thrills, and family-friendly recreation. For a water-themed escapade, explore Busch Gardens' Adventure Island, Tampa's exclusive water park, spanning 30 acres of tropical excitement.

Location: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612

Tickets: $84.99 per person

Unwind on the Beautiful Beaches Just a short drive away, Tampa offers access to approximately 35 miles of pristine Gulf of Mexico waters and white sand beaches on the barrier islands of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Renowned for their exceptional sand quality and environmental preservation, standouts include Fort DeSoto Park, Caladesi Island, and Clearwater Beach. With its undeveloped coastlines, this area imparts a sense of being on a remote island.

Discover the wealth of beaches: Tampa boasts around 35 miles of white sand coastline, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and seaside enjoyment.

Discover the Glazer Children's Museum For families with kids, a visit to the Glazer Children's Museum is a must during their time in Tampa. Boasting around 20 interactive exhibits catering to children of all ages, this family-friendly museum offers an engaging experience.

Location: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602

Operating Hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Indulge in a Beer Tasting Experience Tampa's brewing legacy dates back to 1896 when the Florida Brewing Company established itself in Ybor City's downtown. While facing challenges due to restrictions and laws, the craft beer scene experienced a resurgence with the establishment of the Tampa Bay Brewing Company a century later.

Diverse Beer Scene: Tampa boasts a thriving brewing culture, with the Florida Brewing Company being a popular choice in Ybor City.

Best Time to Explore Tampa, Florida

Tampa is at its best between September and December, offering a pleasant escape from the oppressive heat and humidity. The breezy conditions of autumn still provide warmth and sunshine, and during these months, hotels often offer enticing deals to attract visitors.

While the peak season for major attractions is from May to August, the weather can be uncomfortably humid. January through April, despite being cooler, tends to be a more expensive period for booking trips.

Optimal Transportation in Tampa

For seamless exploration of Tampa, visitors often find it beneficial to rent a car, especially if planning excursions to Clearwater and St. Pete's beachfront or the artistic enclaves of Sarasota. However, for those intending to stay within downtown or utilize the Telo Line Streetcar, walking or riding may suffice.

Given the residential and widely dispersed nature of the Bay Area, car rental costs, while subject to fluctuations based on supply and peak season factors, are generally reasonable. Commute times may be slightly extended due to the unique driving patterns in the region.

Guide to Tampa's Distinct Neighborhoods

Tampa's allure extends beyond its main attractions, inviting visitors to explore its vibrant neighborhoods that pulse with unique charm.

Hyde Park: Crafted around the time of the first Hillsborough River bridge by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant and Cuban immigrants establishing Ybor City, Hyde Park is a charming area exuding heritage and retro glamour. Nestled by the sea, with leafy tree canopies and early 20th-century brick lanes, Hyde Park features upscale Hyde Park Village, a walkable hub for dining and shopping. To the east, Bayshore Boulevard offers a waterfront promenade for biking and strolling.

Channelside District: Packed with tourist delights, the Channelside District hosts Sparkman Wharf—a riverfront entertainment venue offering microbrews, musical performances, and diverse dining options. The Florida Aquarium, home to over 8,000 species, adds to the district's allure with captivating exhibits on conservation initiatives, coral reefs, and marine life. Dolphin trips and hands-on experiences, like the No Bone Zone habitat, enhance the Channelside District's appeal.

Downtown: A blend of historical and contemporary cultural attractions defines downtown Tampa. Renowned sites such as the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the Glazer Children's Museum cater to art enthusiasts and families alike. The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway musicals, opera-ballet performances, and musical events. Corey Hixon Waterfront Park hosts year-round outdoor events, while the Tampa Riverwalk offers a scenic stroll along the Hillsborough River, lined with diverse eateries and bars.

Dining Recommendations in Tampa

The culinary scene in Tampa Bay mirrors its diverse culture, offering indulgent beverages at beachfront bistros and taverns. Visitors can savor iconic Tampa dishes, choosing from an array of options, including haute cuisine, farm-to-table eateries, and delightful seafood and traditional Spanish meals.

Top Breakfast Spots: Samaria Cafe, Nicki's Omelette & Grill, Oxford Exchange Lunch Favorites: Oystercatchers, Ulele, Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que Dinner Hotspots: Vino E Pasta, On Swann, Wright's Gourmet House Best Bars: M. Bird, Fly Bar, The Orpheum, Bad Monkey

Where To Stay In Tampa, Florida

Tampa Bay offers a diverse range of lodging options, catering to both luxury seekers and those on business or leisure trips. Entertainment abounds, making Tampa an ideal destination for various needs.

Luxury Hotels

The Tampa Edition

Cost: Starting at $709 per night

Address: 500 Channelside Dr., Tampa, 33602

Amenities: Fitness Center, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Garden

Floridan Palace Hotel

Cost: Starting at $299 per night

Address: 905 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602

Amenities: Fitness Center, Restaurant

Mid-Tier Hotels

Hyatt Place Downtown Tampa

Cost: Starting at $349 per night

Address: 325 N Florida Avenue, Tampa, 33602

Amenities: Fitness Center, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Restaurant

Hotel South Tampa & Suites

Cost: Starting at $199 per night

Address: 3314 South Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL 33629

Amenities: Swimming Pool, Fitness Center

Budget Hotels

Hilton Garden Inn Tampa East

Cost: Starting at $166 per night

Address: 10309 Highland Manor Drive, Tampa, FL 33610

Amenities: Restaurant, Swimming Pool

Sleep Inn & Suites Tampa South

Cost: Starting at $179 per night

Address: 6231 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 33611

Amenities: Spa and Wellness Center, Fitness Center

Visiting Tampa: Helpful Tips

Sunpass Convenience: Consider obtaining a Sunpass, a prepaid digital permit for hassle-free highway travel to various destinations.

CityPASS Savings: Opt for the Tampa Bay CityPASS, providing discounted access to the city's premier attractions. Priced at $97 for children and $107 for adults, it offers substantial savings.

Freshwater Caution: Exercise caution when encountering freshwater, especially outside designated swimming springs. Florida's waters are home to over a million alligators, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

A Day Well Spent in Tampa

For those with just 24 hours, Tampa offers a condensed yet fulfilling experience. Explore Downtown Tampa starting with the Glazer Children's and art museums. Next, embark on an adventurous journey at Busch Gardens.

As the evening unfolds, consider a visit to one of the local breweries. Hyde Park beckons with its excellent dining and shopping options, while the Channelside District provides a vibrant backdrop for live performances.

Engage in Unique Activities

Even if water sports aren't your forte, Tampa's outdoor adventures offer compelling reasons to visit. The region boasts a diverse array of outdoor activities to suit various interests.

FAQ

Q: What is Tampa known for? Tampa is renowned for attractions such as the Florida Aquarium, the exhilarating Busch Gardens, the vibrant Ybor City, and being the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich. Additionally, the city is celebrated for its lush gardens, cigar manufacturing heritage, modern museums, fine dining establishments, and picturesque sidewalks.

Q: Is Tampa better than Orlando? Tampa is preferred by beach enthusiasts due to its proximity to the coast and the surrounding Tampa Bay. Orlando, another city in Central Florida, is favored by those who are fans of Universal and Disney attractions.

Q: Is Tampa Riverwalk worth visiting? Absolutely! Tampa Riverwalk is a must-visit attraction, offering a scenic stroll along the Garrison Channel and Hillsborough River. With water-based activities, beachfront restaurants, museums, and year-round festivals, it provides an enriching and enjoyable experience.

#Tampa #Florida #urban #city #USA #United States #buildings #travel #journey #outdoors #street #architecture

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