𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟯

Redamamcy| Request

AN: I've been thinking about doing a self-aware Leon fic for a while, but didn't know if it was something you'd all enjoy. Then I got a lovely message asking for exactly this, where Leon comforts reader after a hard day.

I had so much fun and comfort writing this because I think we all can relate to loving a character because they bring you a sense of comfort and belonging. I really hope I did this imagine justice♡

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Redamancy (n.) The act of loving the one who loves you; a love returned in full.

It's been one of those days where it feels like life is against me. As soon as I woke up I had to force myself out of bed, and from then on my mood has only gone downhill. I'm barely holding on by the time I finally get to wind down and recover, so I choose to do the thing that brings me the most comfort; I play Resident Evil. It's a franchise that maybe doesn't feel overly comforting, but to me it represents strength and determination. Plus I've got a massive crush on one of the characters named Leon S. Kennedy.

I load the game up, taking a few breaths as I watch the loading screen, then the screen shows where I was last at. Immediately I'm filled with a sense of safety, it's like already the day is behind me, and I can just focus on the fictional problems and controlling what I do. I also spin the camera around, sneaking a look at Leon who stands still, shoulders moving as he breathes.

I smile to myself, thinking of an edit/ clip I saw online. I begin playing the game, forgetting about my mood and everything that went wrong. I don't have to think of tomorrow's problems or worry about next week. Right now I can just be in the game, kicking ass and watching the cutscenes as if I'm there.

I'm not sure how long I've been playing the game, but I begin to notice how easy it's suddenly become. I frown, checking my settings, nothing has changed since the last time I played, so why am I suddenly getting through it without any struggles. I shake it off, more glad than concerned, I just wanted to play without stress anyway. When it comes to a boss fight it takes barely any ammo to take them down. That's when I begin to suspect something is up.

I'm about to save and restart when suddenly Leon begins talking. "You shouldn't have sent such a capable agent." I smile at his words, loving his voice and the sass that comes with it, but then I tilt my head in confusion. I've never heard that dialogue before, and I've seen/played this a lot. I lean in towards the screen, narrowing my eyes at the full health, maximum ammo and lack of enemies nearby.

"This is so weird." I whisper to myself as I keep playing.

Eventually I do come up to a bit I struggle with. I try and try again, but it seems like I can't figure it out. I let out an annoyed sigh, mood once again turning sour. "Fuck off!" I snap at the screen, but then all of a sudden Leon kicks into action, fighting as I stare at the controls. I'm not even moving anything. Leon still keeps fighting, then it's done, and the part has passed.

I swallow, eyes glued to the screen as the camera pans forwards, then it seems like Leon's staring right at me. I let out a small laugh, because that's surely impossible.

"You're looking as pretty as ever." Leon says. I definitely let my jaw drop now, because I know for a fact that isn't part of the game. "Don't panic, I promise it's all okay, this isn't a glitch or a prank. I'm here, and I'm with you."

I look around the room, waiting for someone to jump out and joke, but nope. "Y/N," Leon softly says, "you can talk to me. Tell me why you're upset."

I blink once. Twice. Waiting for the terror or anxiety. Nothing happens, I feel fine, and oddly comfortable. "Is this real?" I whisper.

Leon nods, his hair moving with him. I'm tempted to turn the game off and forget this happened, but at the same time I'm not passing up the opportunity to talk to one of my comfort characters, even if I'm possibly having some messed up delusion. I clear my throat, shrugging a shoulder as Leon drops his gun and stands in a pose that implies he's listening. I tell him about my day and how I'm feeling, I explain my problems and just vent to him, feeling better as he appears to listen intently.

I finish with a sigh, shoulders slumping. "So yeah, that's why I decided to play today."

Leon hums, nodding as he smiles at me. "It's okay to have bad days, you definitely know I've had a fair few of them," he gives me an amused pointed look, "but they'll pass. It might seem like everything is terrible and the universe is against you, but I promise it's not. You'll be okay, like you were last week or even last month. Things will get fixed and life will go on, and I'll be here for you when you need me. We'll fight battles together and laugh at my ridiculous lines, and you can be yourself with me."

I nod, wiping away a stray tear that's gathered in my eyes. "But you're not real." I sadly say, but then a burst of hope fills me, "Can you become real?"

Leon chuckles, but sorrowfully shakes his head as he looks behind him. "No, I can't leave the game, the same way you can't come here," he gives me a warm smile, "but that doesn't matter, because I'm here in the ways that do matter. I'll always listen to you and help you take you frustrations out on enemies, and I know there's videos, edits and books with me in that you can enjoy to cheer up. You can think about me to gain some bravery, and imagine me by your side when you're scared, you can come back whenever you want and I'll fight as many monsters as you need me to just so we can spend time together."

I nod, mood lifted much more. I'm feeling less alone, and more positive. Leon's right, even if he's not real or actually with me doesn't mean he's not here. He's in my corny jokes I tell my friends and family, and he's in the moments when I'm scared but take a breath and keep going anyway, and he's in the way I love.

"But what about you? Don't you get tired of me making you fight and run around all the time?" I ask, pulling my knees up as Leon huffs, shaking his head.

"Nah," he waves a hand up, "I'm fine, I'm made for this. Literally." I laugh, nodding with him. All of a sudden something pops up in the corner; a green herb. I frown, opening up the inventory to see it there, then I click back to Leon. As if knowing I'm about to ask, he explains. "I can't give you real things, so this will have to do. It's a green herb, meant for healing. Maybe keep it there, and it'll help you feel better when you need it."

I smile, feeling warm and fuzzy inside. "Thank you. I'll keep it there knowing you gave it to me."

Leon hums in agreement then looks behind him at the path ahead. "Ready to keep going?"

We keep playing together, making conversation as the game goes on, then eventually it grows late. I'm yawning non stop and ready for bed, or maybe to go read some Leon fanfiction. Leon notices, and walks to a typewriter, leaning against the wall as he crosses his ankles over one another. "I think you should go get some sleep, don't worry I'll be here again whenever you need me."

"Okay, be safe Leon, and save the game for me." I murmur.

Leon stares at me for a beat, a look of pure love and care on his face. "Will so sweetheart, take care of yourself."

With that the game saves automatically, then closes. I smile, then switch it off fully to get ready for bed, my bad day long forgotten and the the excitement for tomorrow strong.