Chris Redfield x Reader

Twenty-Four

"Ugh!", with a deep sigh you read the box fall into the snow. "Damn, my back is killing me."

With a grin, you cast a glance over your shoulder at Chris.
With a steady breath, he lowered his side of the box into the snow as well and placed the box so that it rested well protected against the wall of the house.

He didn't seem to mind the weight, he wasn't sweating or gasping for air. With quick movements, he opened the safety locks on the sides, took a quick look around at what was there, and pulled out a few blankets and bandages.

"Let's go inside for a moment.", he said with a glance into the sky and shoved you into the house. "Take off your jacket."

He put the bandages and an antibiotics on the table.

You tilted your head and looked at him with a grin.

"You've had better lines back then to see me naked.", you joked.

He had to suppress a short laugh. His chest rose and you could see the muscles moving. He looked really good for his age.

Suddenly you wondered how he looked topless. Your memories were a bit outdated, you did know about him having strong arms and his weight on your body. But he had changed a lot compared to then.

Had he become so broad that you had to open your legs wider to sit on him?

You blushed at the thought. Embarrassed by the sudden warmth that arose between your legs, you looked away from him.

"It's cold.", you mumbled. "Can't we secure the camp first?"

His eyes wandered around the cabin for a moment, then he looked at you again.

"The wounds could get infected.", he said, pulling down the collar of your turtleneck. "That looks worse than I thought. Does it hurt?"

You laughed softly and took his hand.

"It burns. But it's not as bad as you think. I'll survive."

"It might be worse than you think. You shouldn't take it so lightly."

"My, Redfield. You're sensitive today. I've been through worse. As long as I don't bleed to death, it'll be fine."

He frowned, visibly unsure what to make of the fact that you weren't worried about it.

"We'll secure the camp for the night and after that you'll take care of the wounds right away.", he insisted.

You rolled your eyes.

"If it makes you feel better.", you press a gentle kiss on his glove.

He smirked softly, a relieved breath escaping his lips. Suddenly he seemed much more relaxed, relieved even.

"I'd feel better if we did it now, but you won't agree to it.", he said, putting his hand on your cheek to stroke it gently with his thumb.

"Chris.", you took his hand and squeezed it. "I am not made of glass."

"I know. I know you're so much tougher than I am. You've been through so much more and been hurt so much more. But... I can't help it."

"It's okay. I'll stay with you, don't be afraid."

"I'm not afraid."

"You're not? Then why are you acting like this? Otherwise you treat all your soldiers equally, your team is equal and no one is favored. Only with me the great leader behaves like a frightened boy.", you smiled. "Your favorite toy will not be broken just because someone else is rough with it."

He pulled a face and shook his head.

The short strands of his brown hair moved, spreading a soft scent of his own smell.

"You are not a toy.", he said with a certain pressure in his voice. "You are my lifesaver."

You had to smile.

You had rarely heard such gentle words from Chris. He wasn't good with words or at least he never bothered to put more effort into what he said than necessary.

It felt almost too good to believe what he was saying. But at the same time it also caused a warm feeling inside you.

It was strange, you had never felt like this before. Not with your past partners nor with the other people you had mingled with.

Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad to give him a chance after all. But at the same time you were afraid. You were afraid of dragging him down with you.

The thought that Chris might die because of you was too painful to take the risk. It was better the way it was, together side by side, but never close enough to drag him down with you in case of a fall.

"You know what I mean.", you leaned forward, standing on your tip toes and pressed a gentle kiss onto his forehead.

He tasted a bit salty but also smelled of smoke.

A soft sigh escaped him. His hands twitched and he wanted to press you against his chest. He wanted to remember how it felt, you so close to him. He wanted to take in your scent, the softness of your hair and the warmth of you body against his skin.

But he didn't do it. He wasn't allowed to.

"(Y/N).", his voice was so soft.

"Hm?", you let your forehead fall against his, while your arms wrapped around his neck for support. "Did I hit a sore spot?"

"No.", he smiled, his green eyes locked with your (E/C) eyes. "It's good... This is good."

Your eyes wandered to his lips, noticing how his beard was slowly turning grey already. The years had left their marks, in good and bad ways.

To your luck, he was still as handsome as ever. Maybe even better than you had imagined him to be.

With a soft breath, you pressed a gentle kiss onto his lips. How sweet this kiss tasted. It made you want more. So much more.

He closed his eyes, enjoying this small moment of weakness and affection. He has had partners, some for months others for a few nights. But none of them had managed to make him be at ease.

Only you.

"We should get started.", you kissed the tip of his nose. "It's getting dark soon."

He nodded.

"I'll take care of the walls. You make us some space to sleep safely.", he kissed your forehead. "And don't get attacked by a monster again. Please."