𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟯

Haven and Healing

Leon POV: 

The nightmare always starts in the same place; Raccoon City. It begins in the gas station, where I first encountered the undead, then quickly progresses to the RPD, where my worst memories replay more vividly than they happened. Then lastly, after what feels like hours of carnage and death, I'm back in my old apartment, with Y/N about to walk out of the door. Something feels wrong, and I can't stop her from opening the door, and though this never happened it feels to real as a zombie waits for her, immediately latching onto her as she screams for me to help her- 

"Y/N!" I shout, jolting awake with sweat beading down my head. It's dark in this hotel room, only the ceiling fan whizzing as some woman I met at the bar earlier shuffles next to me, the sheets moving down to expose her. I sigh, running a hand over my face as I swing my legs off of the bed and concentrate on breathing. 

5 Months Later

Y/N POV: 

There's a knocking at my door, which is weird because I don't usually expect visitors on a Sunday, especially not this far out in the woods where I live, but then again sometimes there's been lost hikers needing a guide home. My dog Winnie barks, running towards the sound. 

The knock comes again, more urgently this time. "I'm coming!" I yell, wiping my hands on a towel before rushing to the door, opening it to reveal...Chris Redfield? "Uhhh, hey?" I say but it comes out as more of a question as Winnie sits by my side. He nods some form of a introduction before taking a deep breath. 

"Look, I know this is a short warning, but I'm calling in that favour you owe me." He begins as I lean against the doorframe, "You're the most kind and caring person I know, and I can't think of anyone better for the job. Now here's the kicker; Leon's not doing so great, he's been spiraling and I've done everything I can to help him, but it's not enough. Please, you're the last one who can try and save him from himself." 

My eyes are wide by this point. I haven't seen Leon since we broke up a few years ago, and I didn't plan to. However, if Chris is calling in his favour I can't refuse. I pinch my lips together to show my disapproval. "Fine. When is he getting here?" 

"Now. He's in the car." Chris winces. I glare at him, then nod and turn around to head back to the kitchen with Winnie at my heels. Chris disappears for a few minutes to grab Leon as I stare out of the floor to ceiling windows, taking my final moment of peace before Leon comes charging back into my life...

********

"So who's this again?" Leon drawls as he sits on the sofa, Winnie is sat on the floor in front of him, her tail wagging as she pants watching him. 

"Winnie, she's a...friend. She's good at keeping me company and cheering up sad people." I smile as I bring over Leon's pasta. He takes it, staring at the bowl like it's some form of magic. "You haven't been eating properly, have you?" 

He keeps quiet, still staring down at it. I sigh, then tuck into my own food, the fireplace crackles as an orange glow lights up the living room, creating a cosy atmosphere. "Just try it, you used to love my cooking." I mumble, encouraging Leon. 

He hesitantly tries some, then as if I switch has been flipped he devours the whole lot in minutes. I smile, then pass him mine, knowing he's still hungry. "It's yours though." He murmurs, looking guilty. 

I shake my head, glad I made extra for myself for later. "You eat it, there's more leftover." 

Leon takes the bowl, and I notice that even if he doesn't know, it's the first step to healing. 

********

"Come on, you're lagging!" I call out as Leon groans behind me, Winnie follows me eagerly as I hike up the hill, nothing but luscious green tress and moss surrounding us. 

"I'm just taking it easy!" He snaps so childishly I can't help but laugh to myself. I'm sure he even stomps as he catches up to me now I'm slowing down, his breath coming fast. 

"Isn't this air so much better than the city?" I ask as we walk together. 

"At least I can breathe here. Is that why you moved away?" Leon questions me, meeting my eyes as I gulp. I'm not telling him the real reason, so I end up nodding to cover up the truth. 

"Yeah, something like that."

Leon hums, but I don't think he believes me. We spend another hour outside until it begins to grow dark and we head home, with Winnie immediately gulping down her water before passing out in her bed. 

"You can take the shower first." I tell Leon, shrugging off my backpack as he shakes his head. 

"I'm too tired, you go and I'll have one later." He mumbles, once again looking somber and drawn out. I frown, then with all my hope and confidence, I grab his hand and lead him to the bathroom, switching on the water as he arches his brow. 

"Get undressed then go sit down, if you're too tired you can lean back against the wall." I nod, grabbing a hair tie and pulling my hair into a bun. Leon stills, watching me as if I'm mad. I make a joke to lighten the mood. "I've seen you naked more times than I can count, just do it." 

Eventually, he gives in. He undressed then sits on tiled floor of the shower, groaning as the cool water helps cool him down and rinse away the sweat. I grab some soap and shampoo, then kneel down next to him. He stares ahead, so I gently begin. First I cup some water and wet his hair, holding a hand over his eyes, then pour some shampoo onto his head and begin to lather it up, scratching a little to massage it in. 

Leon's eyes close as he practically purrs, shoulders slumping for the first time he's been here. "That's it, you just need taking care of, that's all." I coo, rinsing my hands as Leon watches me with a strange look, it's familiar but at the moment unrecognisable. 

I finish helping him wash before he wraps a towel around his waist and leaves me to have my turn. I scrub myself, wondering why this job suddenly doesn't feel like a job anymore. 

*********

I'm woken to someone calling out my name. No, not someone. Leon. 

I rush to his room, swinging open the door to reveal him sat up in bed, shaking as his scared eyes find mine. "Don't leave me." He whispers. I shake my head, approaching him and climbing onto the bed as Leon wraps his arms around me. I smooth his hair away from his face, murmuring reminders that he's safe and I'm here for him, and over time he nods, coming to his senses. 

"I'll stay, all night if you want." I whisper back, breath catching as he pulls away, only to press his lips to mine. It's soft and gentle, then when he pulls back I smile to show him I didn't mind it. We don't talk about the kiss, Leon just lies down with his head on my lap as I lean against the headboard, playing with his hair as he nuzzles into me. 

"Leaving you was the biggest mistake I've ever made. I left my haven and paid the price for it." He mumbles, fingers stroking my thigh. 

I shake my head, "You never really left, because you're here now right?" 

He nods slowly, then looks up at me. "I'm here now." 

"And you're doing so much better. You just needed a vacation and some care." 

Leon's head shakes, "No, I just needed you." 

I lean down and press a kiss to the side of his head as his eyes close in peace, his fingers stop as his breathing evens out, and I know that he's a healing man, no longer self-destructing, but moving on and learning to live again.