With a Little Help from My Friends (Leon Kennedy X Reader)

Chapter 1

     4:15 AM

       That's what displays brightly as the alarm cried out, startling most of the sleep from my outstretched limbs. The noise draws a hand to reach out and clumsily press down the snooze button to dismiss the unsettling commotion.  For a few more seconds, I could feel the covers loosely cling to my hips, wrapping carefully around my left leg as the opposing side received a light breeze in its bare glory. A moment later, I'm upon both feet that recoil as the cold, laminated wood kisses my soles with an icy greeting. A hiss escapes and goosebumps erupt throughout my body. Without second thought, I sit back down and sleepily search for the slippers that strayed underneath the bed skirt below.

 I get up before it's too late to enjoy the slow morning routine I've built for myself these past few years. Crossing the silent hall from bedroom to bathroom evokes the need for music, and seconds later, I'm joined by familiar tunes as the shower water runs from cold to steamy streams. The warm temperature erodes any sleep left as swirling scents of soap and shampoo begin to wash down the drain of the tub and cleanse my old wounds that scattered across my battered body. Minutes go by, and I take a last deep breath of the hazy air before going directly under the high pressured beads and rinse off the sweet suds. Like most mornings, the shower washed away yesterday, making me ready to pursue another day.

A low volume of nostalgic memories filled the silent bathroom, causing me to quietly sing along to favored tunes I'll likely find myself humming to later.

'I hate it when that happens,' I thoughtlessly scowl. However, that expression wipes away when the music fades out and the disc jockey fades in,

"Good morning to all you early birdies. This is Derek Benson, back bright and early to bring the hits! It's half past 4, and we start the day off with a low 4 degrees Celsius while reaching a high of 12 degrees throughout the day. Be sure to grab something warm. From the looks of it, it's going to be a cold day ! Now, the newest song-,"

  With that information, I growl and shut off the radio, picking up my speed to pick appropriate clothes for the day. Shortly after, I light the stove to make a quick bite and finish by grabbing my badge and keys as the time reached closely to 5 AM. With just enough time to grab a plain coffee from the convenience shop around the block, I get a move on and lock the door behind me.

_

"Damn it!"

I angrily whispered as I dabbed at the large forming stain in my shirt. After a few attempts, I realized that doing so was no use, and my white blouse would stay with the faded color of brown all day. Just my luck. I quickly rushed towards my office to retrieve my coat for a quick fix, but before my attempt to avoid any attention was sorted, a familiar voice called my name from behind. I quickly turn to greet my friend of five years and quickly forget my unfortunate accident as we begin chatting. 

Axel Rivera was one of the few friends I held dear in my life. He leaned over my stature while his giant brown eyes glistened with delight and amusement. He was quick to pick up my recent shortcoming and lightly pushed towards my previous destination while giving a few chuckles. I followed his lead, examining his fixed black hair that was heavily pushed back with gel. We reach the small room, and I close the door as we joke about my clumsiness and the perfect start to an already busy week.

     As the conversation carried on, I began to reflect on the qualities that I enjoyed from his company. He's well-liked around our facility by both higher-ups and mutual counterparts, myself included. His intelligence and fine features helped him - leaving no surprise as most girls in the offices lust after him with whimsical daydreams and longing looks. With our close friendship, however, I've found that most of them are scared to take a chance and ask him out. Ironically, we both realized that our bond was as better companions than romantically earlier in our relationship.