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Kelly stared blankly ahead of her in the dimly lit office. Her arms wrapped tightly around herself as if it would make herself feel better. It didn't. The only survivors left were her, Leon, and Claire—if she made it out of Raccoon City. Who knows if they were going to continue on with just each other.
"Hey." Kelly blinked twice, breaking herself from her trance to meet Leon's gaze. "Do you need a minute?"
That would have been comforting, but they've come this far. There was no going back now. She shook her head for an answer.
"No."
"I can wait for you if you need—"
"I appreciate that, Leon. But, like Marvin said, we need to go. I'll be fine."
Leon gave no verbal gestures, which raised suspicion. Unexpectedly, he embraced her in a gentle, but firm hug. His chin laid on her shoulder; the sensation of his breath fanned her neck. Kelly tensed up by the close proximity of her partner suddenly showing affection. Was it affection? Or a friendly gesture to put her at ease? She accepted his hug, wrapping her arms around him, causing her heart to flutter. Leon held her like she was delicate material. It actually made her feel protected and not so vulnerable.
Ten longing seconds passed until he broke away from their hold. Strangely, after that powerhug, she felt recharged.
"Thank you," Kelly said inaudibly.
He nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. It affected Kelly, so she smiled back. That adorable, contagious grin. Goddammit, Leon Kennedy, she thought.
"Ready to get back out there?" He asked.
"Yeah. Let's go."
Leading them to a small elevator, Leon pushed the down arrow button to take them to their uncharted destination. The elevator looked historic, like it was built over seventy years ago. The power grate opened, allowing them to enter the claustrophobic space. It took them to the lower levels of the station, becoming darker the deeper they went.
Kelly couldn't see anything two feet from afar as soon as they got to their destination. Having to have their flashlights beaming in pitch black was the only source of light they had. After nearly tripping two flights of stairs—one for each landing—an opened cell door sat wide open to their left, waiting for someone to walk through. They waltzed through without a second thought, knowing their regular dangers that awaited them... or so they thought.
