𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Finding Santuary

The thunderstorm outside was relentless, each boom of thunder seems louder than the last. The flash of lightning that  illuminates my room with an eerie brightness only startles me further. I try to calm my racing heartbeat, but the fear that grips me is overwhelming. I take deep breaths, barely able to hold myself together as I sit up in bed, the duvet tucked over my head like a shield. Just as I begin to calm and think I've got it handled, a frighteningly loud explosion of thunder has me jumping out of my skin.

I know there's only one place where I could possibly find comfort and safety: Leon Kennedy's room.

I hesitate, knowing it's late and he might not even be there, but when my body begins to tremble I know I can't be alone. I don't even grab a jacket as I rush out of the room and into the dark corridors. The flash of lightening helps guide me, but I'm on edge since I know the thunder is coming. I dart into the rain, sprinting across the academy to the men's dorms where Leon resides. The rain soaks me almost instantly, chilling me to the bones. By the time I reach Leon's door, I'm shivering uncontrollably, my hair plastered to my face, clothes clinging uncomfortably to my skin.

With a trembling hand, I knock on his door, the sound barely audible over the roaring storm. For a moment, I panic and think that he can't hear me, but then the door swings open, revealing Leon, his usual calm demeanor momentarily replaced by a look of surprise.

"Y/N? What are you doing here?" he asks, concern lacing his voice as he takes in my drenched appearance.

"I...I don't like thunder," I admit without hesitation, I'm consciously waiting for the next boom in the sky to startle me. My voice quivers as I step forwards. "Can I stay with you for a while?"

Leon's expression softens immediately, and he steps aside, allowing me to enter. "Of course. Come in." He nods, reaching out a hand as if to guide me in. I take in the neat space, seeing piles of law and fiction books stacked orderly and an empty glass of either tea or something stronger. It's an inviting space, even his bed has an extra blanket, making it appear cosy and warm. I swallow, remembering that this is his personal space and I'm invading it, but right now I can't bring myself to leave or apologise.

As I soak in the space, Leon quickly retrieves a towel, wrapping it around my shoulders and gently drying my hair with care. His touch feels tender, it's been a long time since somebody looked after me like this, already I begin to feel more soothed. "You're soaked," he murmurs, his brows furrowing as he wraps me in a blanket, the fabric engulfs me as I clutch it like a lifeline. "You should have brought an umbrella." He mumbles, I'm not sure if he's joking or not, but I huff a laugh anyway.

"I was too scared to think straight," I confess, my voice barely audible. Another clap of thunder makes me jump, and without thinking, I move closer to Leon, seeking comfort in his presence.

He pulls me into his arms, holding me tightly as I snuggle closer. He sits against the wall, as I bury into him. "It's okay. You're safe now." He softly says, rubbing my back as he squeezes me close. I nod, focusing on the steady rise and fall of his chest. His scent is calming, a mix of musk and something uniquely him. The rain clatters against the windows, the storm showing no signs of stopping, but in Leon's embrace, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. Like despite the chaos going on outside, right here I'm protected.

We sit there together, our breaths soft until I finally look up at him. His eyes meet mine, filled with a fondness and deep affection I've never seen before. He reaches up, brushing a damp strand of hair from my face, his touch sending a warmth through me despite the cold.

"Thunderstorms have always scared me," I whisper, needing to break this silence before I say something that might ruin our friendship. However, I've got a feeling that tonight will change things anyway.

Leon looks at me with an understanding expression. "It's okay to be afraid. We all have fears." He pauses, debating on going further, but then he adds "Even I get scared sometimes."

"You?" I asked incredulously. Leon is always so composed and calm, even when things go wrong or our training courses feel too real he manages to take the role of a cop perfectly.

"Yeah," he replies quietly, "I'm scared I'll be a failure of a cop, or one day I won't be able to save someone who needs me. But it's not the fear itself that's the problem, but letting it control you. As long as you confront it, as long as you don't let it dictate your actions, it's okay to be afraid."

His words soothe my frayed nerves, reassuring me that I wasn't weak for feeling scared. I nod, feeling a sense of solidarity in his confession.

"Thank you,"

His lips turn up a little, a gentle smile that makes my heart flutter. "You're stronger than you think." He whispers, eyes darting to my lips as our gazes hold.

Before I overthink it, I close the distance between us, pressing my lips to his. He responds almost instantly, his kiss gentle and filled with a warmth that seemed to chase away the chill of the storm. I feel my heart flutter at the feel of his mouth moving against my own, finally after so long our lingering glances and pent up feelings have been let free. All it took was a thunderstorm.

When we finally part he rests his forehead against mine, his breath mingling with my own. "You don't have to be afraid, I'll always be here for you."

I smile as the rain keeps hammering at the window, but I know I'm safe in Leon's arms. Exhaustion from the night's events and the emotional rollercoaster finally catches up to me, and I feel my eyelids grow heavy.

"Rest," Leon murmurs, guiding me to lie on his lap as his fingers begin to play with my hair. "I'll keep you safe."

"I'm sorry for invading your space, but I'm glad I did at the same time." I whisper, letting out a yawn as I close my eyes. Leon's quiet for a beat, but then he responds.

"I'm glad you did too."

With the steady rhythm of his breathing combined with him running his fingers through my hair, he lulls me into a peaceful sleep. The storm rages on outside, but with Leon I knew I had found my sanctuary.