𝙸'𝚕𝚕 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞. {Leon Kennedy x Reader} Vol. 2

Ch. 25) Quivering Bravery

Y/N

"Cute hair. We should probably get going though..." Leon patted my shoulder in a bit of an awkward manner as he avoided my eyes in the reflection of the armor. I nodded just checking the side of my head that the guy held the most tension on when he was dragging me. 

"You're fine Y/n, I promise." Ashley said giving me a sympathetic look as she moved closer, causing Leon to back up and act like he wasn't bothered. I have been trying to be strong. I have been trying to fight by Leon's side with every ounce of bravery in my body. But I was so scared, I was absolutely terrified. 

My spine tingled through a cold chill that danced up my back. 

"Yeah. I know. I just can't help but feel shaken up a bit." I rubbed my shoulder and turned away from the mirror. Both Leon and Ashley were now staring at me. They shared a brief glance before Ashley backed up as Leon moved closer again. 

"It's okay to feel like that. Really it is." His hand found my shoulder again as tears threatened to escape from my eyes. 

"Y/n,.." 

I looked away and pinched the bridge of my nose just not wanting to do this. I wanted to get out of here and the only way to do that was to keep fighting. 

"Hey, Y/n." Leon placed both of his hands on each of my shoulders. 

"It's okay to feel like this, but it's not okay to give up okay? Use that fear instilled in you to fight." His voice was gentle but stern and encouraging as his eyes searched for mine. I nodded trying to swallow the lump in my throat. 

"Come here." He whispered before tugging me against him. His arms held me and despite them being quiet big, he held me gently. I wrapped my arms around his waist, just breathing for a moment. I finally felt like I could breathe. 

"You don't have to be brave all the time, just fight. Even if that means running away, okay?" he pulled away still holding me close. I nodded. 

He kissed my forehead, sending a shock throughout my body. I could feel my face get hot as he looked at me again. 

"But if I remember correctly, that girl from raccoon city was the bravest of everyone." He smiled, and for a moment I could see him... I could see rookie Leon. The Leon that was as scared as I was. The Leon that smiled through the pain. I saw my Leon. 

Ashley awkwardly coughed, easily earning both of our gazes. 

"Sorry guys... uh, but I hear footsteps." She awkwardly held her thumb up pointing at the door behind her. Leon listened for a moment, and footsteps sure enough seemed to be growing louder. 

"You're gonna be okay. We all are." He spoke quieter and kissed my forehead one more time before grabbing my hand and dragging me to the exit. Ashley followed. 

This door led us outside.. Finally outside. I could breathe again. We only took a few steps before dog-like creatures attempted to lunge at us from the bushes. Leon easily put one down using his shotgun. I couldn't help but feel sorry for it. It was once just an animal who trusted these bum ass "humans". I drew my gun as snarling began to surround us. 

With Leon's signal, we opened fire, initiating the fight. They went down pretty easily which was a bit shocking but, I'll take it. "Y/n... over here. There's a ledge. Can you go around and unlock the gate?" Leon asked, kneeling down to hoist me up. 

"Yes of course." I nodded, holstering my gun. He hoisted me up, making it easy for me to climb over the ledge. I always got a bit nervous to jump down though. With a quick drop, and a small stumble I was down and unlocking the gate for them.

Leon walked through, and Ashley followed in suit as she began coughing. 

"You okay Ash?" I questioned, walking over to her. 

"Yeah... I think so... Uh-" Her speech was slurred as she began falling forward, causing Leon to rush to my side as I caught her. 

"What the hell? Ashley?" He questioned, picking up her face and checking it.

She began mumbling...

"Instead of worrying about her... worry about your own skin." She spoke in a demonic tone as she backed up from Leon and I with his knife in her hand. Her eyes were red, and black veins were scattered underneath them. Leon stepped in front of me in a protective manner as he held his hand out to Ashley. 

"Foolish little lamb." She smiled as she spoke from someone else's perspective. She moved forward, lunging at Leon, who barely blocked her by grabbing the open blade. She easily sliced his hand open as she tugged the blade back. Leon winced as he looked at the fresh cut on his hand. 

I gasped, attempting to move before him as she held the blade to her throat. Leon's hand just held me back as he gave me a warning look. 

"Temperance child." Her eyes were locked on me, as she moved the blade closer to her throat, the pointed tip was almost in her fucking neck. My heart was racing so fast. 

"Ashley..." Leon paused as he slowly held his hand out to her again. She backed up, as he inched closer until they were finally seperated by a gate the minute she stepped over the threshold. 

She dropped the knife, jutting forward as she began gasping. I ran towards the gate, grasping the bars. 

"Ashley are you okay? Is it you?" I questioned reaching through the gate. 

With tears in her eyes, she looked between Leon and I before bolting away. 

"Wait!" Leon shouted as he grasped the bars as well. We watched as she ran without caution through a set of double doors. 

"Damnit!" He slammed his fist on the bar, as blood continued to trickle from his hand. 

"Leon..." 

"We're running out of time." He rubbed the back of his neck as he began pacing. 

"Leon..." I moved towards him. "We'll get out of here okay? We just need to find another way to Ashley." 

I took his wounded hand in mine and began searching for some medical supplies in my pocket. I had picked up a few things along the way so it wasn't too hard to find some herbs and a bandage. 

"Just calm down okay?"  

I mixed the herbs I needed for his wound and poured it on. He watched me through furrowed brows as I began wrapping it as well. When I was finished, I kissed the palm of his hand that the bandage covered. His expression softened as he continued to watch me, and his lips were parted ever so slightly. 

I paused feeling my heart try to beat out of my chest as he moved closer, his hand left my palm as it held my face. I closed my eyes, feeling his lips gently graze mine. He kissed me gently, and he lingered ever so slightly before pulling away to press his forehead against mine. 

"You have no idea how sane you are keeping me." He let out a sigh before chuckling defeatedly. 

I giggled, feeling a bit good about that statement.  

"You either Leon." 

And this time, I kissed him.