Chapter Text
To some, darkness holds something peaceful, bringing an emotion of calmness. To me, the tar colored emptiness only brings death and fear. Dark tendrils hiding in the shadows, creeping into your lungs until you suffocate, spreading fear like needles on your skin. It’s been like this since I could remember. Since I was left, alone, in this world.
For what feels like a long time, the only one I had was myself. There was a time I tried making friends, when school was a thing. But like movies, no one wanted to hang with the weirdo. No one wanted to take their time to get to know me, to see there was something beyond the thick frames, wild locks and weird obsession of old black and white movies.
Every day in school held a reminder that everyone believed the word wrong equaled Grace Ashcroft. Their sniggers echoed along the walls while judging eyes followed me with every stutter coming out of my mouth. When I tripped, they always reminded me of Clumsy Grace, how they otherwise acted like I didn’t exist. You could say I quickly gave up on friends.
But when accepting I was to be forever alone, a slow smile colored my lips, because it kind of felt like my own choice. A choice continuing into adulthood.
Until that day. Which both held my nightmares and hope.
__—__—__—__
GRACE
Exploding pain shot through my foot “Fucker’s Fuck” came through clenched teeth as my hand grabbed onto the throbbing toes, the other hand shooting out towards the wall to keep me from falling.
A judging voice came from the kitchen “Mom, coins in swear jar” and I threw a glare at the legos making a path towards the kitchen.
Picking them up on my way, I made a big deal with limping-dropping the pieces on the kitchen table- but Emily didn’t spare me one look.
“Well” I gave the small girl a look, ruffling the already sleep tousled pale locks “If s-someone picked up what they dropped I-I wouldn’t be in pain” then made my way towards the fridge while soft giggles joined the otherwise quiet house.
“But, then it will take longer before we’re going to the zoo” and a laugh puffed out from me as I glanced over my shoulder at the culprit.
She was looking so adorable, tongue peeking out as eyes were laser focused on the task of building something. The wrinkled pajamas, covered with penguins bought from said zoo, and hair sticking all over the place was evidence of a good sleep.
“Hey! Y-You know, no cheating” I held myself from giggling while grabbing some milk from the fridge. There would be hell if Emily tried cheating at school, and I was already struggling juggling my old and new life.
Checking the time, it was too early to start on the usual weekend breakfast. And my mug was still lacking coffee. So, priorities .
“Leon told me that,” tiny fingers pushed a struggling piece into its place, at what I guessed would become a house -me ignoring the tingle from hearing his name. She blew a strand of hair from her face “He said that as long as I don’t get caught it’s fine” Emily hummed a tune from her favorite cartoon and while I pushed the button on the coffee machine, I heard the moment she recognized her mistake.
Round eyes met mine “Uh-Oh” and I raised my brows, leaning against the counters with crossed arms.
Taking on the sudden parent roll wasn’t easy, not for me at least, but wanting to do right by Emily I just couldn’t give up. And I don’t think I’m doing bad, Emily’s been doing really well in school and we do get along real nice. Calling me mom didn’t take long either, not like I waited for it, but it felt right. It was like any other day, when she just decided I was her mom.
Keys in the lock caught our attention and Emily jumped from her seat squealing “Leon!” while her shorter legs carried her as quickly as possible towards the front door, arms raised ready to be picked up.
It was only last week since she saw him, but I knew the feeling. This time it’d been dead silence from him, which did keep me up at night, but I didn’t really do any effort myself.. just the one message and call, without an answer.
I heard the door close and Emily’s childish giggling. It’s been months, but still, just knowing he’s near made my knees all wobbly. Leon made me all kind of weird, but in a different way than others always pointed out.
My bottom lip begged me to stop torturing it with my teeth as I slowly made my way towards the soft voices.
I had to take a breath when seeing the man in my daydreams and my daughter, hugging and smiling like they’ve always known each other. I leaned against the doorway - head resting and a soft smile- while soaking in the warmth they gave me.
Leon was hiding it really well, the mask in place and everything. But, our time as… friends? has made me a kind of expert on reading his face and how his movements mattered. And he looked like hell.
Instead of asking him why he’s here, I pushed myself from the doorway with a soft “H-Hey” and brought my arms around him and Emily.
Those tense shoulders sunk in my embrace as his arm surrounded my shoulders to bring me closer to him. “Hey, yourself” he murmured against my hair before he nuzzled against me with a deep sigh “had breakfast yet?”.
“Nope” Emily popped the P while grinning at Leon, then she pushed a hand against his cheek until their eyes met “you will stay?” then her hand moved, giving him a soft pat.
A lump gathered in my throat at the look on his face, it was making it hard to breathe, and I couldn’t help myself. I turned to press my nose into his chest- glasses nudging deeper into my skin- letting the scent of him settle the bundle of emotions craving to take over.
I want this to be real.
No, I needed to stop. Leon was so great, to us, to me and Emily. He’s been the rock this last year, and the most pathetic part of it all, my first true friend ever.
A child’s voice brought me back “We always want you here,” and two sets of light blue eyes settled on me “right, mom?”.
Warmth rushed all over my cheeks and I quickly looked away. A low chuckle came from above my ears and the sound made me brave enough to meet Leon’s gaze again.
“Y-You never need t-to ask” it almost came out as a breath, but he heard. The soft look in his eyes told me he did. But, I saw something else deep in his gaze, which made me back away “T-Take a shower, then we’ll eat” with my eyes focused on anything else but him as I moved to return to the kitchen -bottom lip once more trapped between my teeth.
The cold floor in the kitchen killed some of the anxiety crawling up my neck. I saw it in his eyes, like a distance, but Leon was too kind to me. He was letting me take what comfort I needed without him refusing and that’s not what I wanted. I wanted him to be as comfortable with me as I was with him.
Maybe he already has someone to comfort him?
I remembered the ring on his finger, making a statement of being married. Which didn’t surprise me. Just with looks I would put a ring on that finger.
But, there’s so much more with Leon S Kennedy than his looks. He makes you laugh until your belly aches, because he notices when you need cheering up. He gives the perfect warm hugs when you’re sad. Those calloused fingers softly wiping tears from your cheeks while calming you down with his sweet low voice.
I jumped at the sound of footsteps. Emily almost dragged Leon by his hand into the kitchen and I felt the moment his eyes swept over me.
“Look Leon, I’m making a house” the innocent voice carried his focus to the creation on the table, Emily shook his hand in excitement “It’s our house” and Leon lowered to study said house- lips stretching into the soft smile reserved for Emily.
I made myself look and catched a glimpse of his left hand, now busy holding Emily’s and lacking a ring. One day it just wasn’t there. I still was building courage to ask. It’s not like I was scared of him or anything, but more of what he will say.
Let’s not go there.
I distracted myself collecting stuff for breakfast and in just a few minutes the counter was filled with ingredients to make muffins and pancakes. I tried to keep my mind busy, but I still felt that nagging feeling of his need to return the favor, for saving both his life and Sherry’s.
“That’s one nice house you got there, kiddo” and my heart melted at his soft tone. Even through hell all these years with DSO, he still held tight to this side of him.
A furrow appeared between Emily’s brows “No, ours!” While she shook the man’s hand to make him understand “You, mommy and me” and time froze.
Still holding the cracked egg over the bowl, I panicked to find something to say. Of course she’d think like that, with me and Leon. Emily has seen friends at school going home with both parents, just like Leon sometimes helps me pick her up at school.
Then with him coming over several times every week- or more like every day when he wasn’t away on a mission- which often led to him borrowing the guest room.
Leon has been a strong presence ever since Emily got her freedom, but how do I downplay this to Emily?
“Well, that sounds real nice, princess” and I tried to act normal, when in fact he just stole my breath.
__—__
LEON
The bliss of warm water against my skin, a low groan rumbled in my chest as I leaned against the cold tiles. A week’s dirt was going to be washed away in seconds, leaving everything like nothing ever happened. But, this time something did happen.
Sherry’s voice still echoed in my head, calling out to me to calm down and stop what I was doing. One glance at my busted knuckles brought back the crunching in my ear when they’d landed on the fucker’s face. He only mentioned Grace’s name once, but the leering smile and what came out from that asshole’s mouth..
“The bitch finally had it coming, but watching her shower made it worth it”
Blood rushed in my ears and I wished to go back in time, but this time to finish the job. Not letting Sherry stop me. I wanted to kill him. Strangle him with my bare hands!
But, I knew it was for the best, maybe getting leads of others who’d followed Gideon’s orders.
I won’t rest until they’re behind bars, or dead, which I would prefer.
This week’s hunt had left me with a severe lack of sleep and I just wanted to throw myself in bed. Preferably with a warm body next to me, wrapped in my arms, smelling like warmth from sleep, the faint scent of soap and her. Grace.
Deep sudden breaths pushed at my ribs, spiking hot blood coiling down low until I was aching.
A week without any contact, my mind was now desperate, spiraling with images of Grace standing in the doorway, wild locks tousled, all cute in her pajamas.
Her arms around me - my hand traveled along my stomach- her body pressed tightly against me.
The scent only belonging to her - the hand wrapped around my cock. I muffled the groan against my arm at the touch and image of her pressing her nose against my chest, knowing I calmed her.
I’m too old to play games, but I won’t disturb whatever is going on between Grace and me, they’re too important. Well, being close to death, only to survive, that shit did things to you. But, I knew, if she wanted me gone, I would leave.
No, I wouldn’t.
My chest rumbled as I pumped one time, gritting my teeth to not let any sound escape. There were too many memories of sharing a bed with Grace, holding her tight to let her know she wasn’t alone, while silent tears fell on her cheeks.
I should feel bad thinking about her crying while desire almost consumed me, but that’s not what’s on my mind. A week away, and knowing they’re okay, made me too aware of just her. The soft skin against my rough one. Breast against my chest. Lips resting against my neck.
Damn it, I’m like a fucking teenager.
But I still pumped my cock until I had to bite down on my hand, just to not let myself forget I wasn’t alone in this house.
What if I went to her. Turned her around, twirling those soft pale locks between my fingers-
I gasped before even thinking about locking my lips with hers. Precum dribbled down my hard length when imagining her tongue on mine, me swallowing her needy gasps.
My forehead rested against the cool tiles “Oh, shit” came as a breath when all I could see was Grace sprawled on the bed, reaching her arms for me. Me teasing her legs open to make place, letting my hands caress those thighs, the pale soft skin-
A child’s scream tore at my reflexes and just a second later the bathroom door slammed open and I ran with only a towel hastily wrapped around my hips -skin and hair dripping with water. I rounded the corner and into the kitchen, just to realize.. it wasn’t a scream.
Emily was laughing her butt off at some cartoon on the small TV sitting on the wall. I watched with something close to horrid confusion coloring my face at the peaceful view -adrenaline still pumping in veins.
What the hell.
“Leon?” I shifted my focus to Grace who held me with a worried gaze “it’s okay, she’s okay” her words didn’t really register, I couldn’t understand. I heard Emily scream, I was sure of it.
The sudden hand against my chest made me realize the frantic heartbeat beneath it. Short breaths left me as Grace had me locked on her, the soft hand slowly made its way over my chest, caressing the sensitive skin on my neck, until fingers carded through my hair. I closed my eyes and leaned into her touch, feeling myself slowly return to reality.
“She was screaming” I held my voice low to not have Emily hear, it was hoarse with deep emotions I still had a difficult time accepting.
Grace leaned my forehead against her “Mh-mh” the sound made me let out the air I still held in my lungs “she didn’t scream, she’s alright” she murmured close to me- breath fanning over my lips.
One last glance at Emily, the big smile and glitter in her eyes was enough to ground me. I nodded, scoffing at the mistake.
Yeah, still a fuckup.
I had years of experience with drunken fuckups, which DSO of course wasn’t having. Ordered me to go into rehab, or more or less get lost. But having nothing else, it was the only way.
My eyes searched for those bright ones still in front of me. A part of me was surprised they still showered me with worry and my lips twitched at how good it made me feel.
Then I noticed the rosey color on her cheeks and how she desperately held my gaze, and it hit me -droplets rolling down neck onto naked chest.
Fortunately my boner was gone, but I slowly eased back -thumb over shoulder. “I should probably finish my shower” and turned to leave, but only came halfway.
No one has ever made my heart jump like the soft, barely heard “I- I don’t m-mind” and I tried swallowing to ease my sudden dry throat.
I chanced a look, seeing her eyes shyly trailing over my body. It was more like a gentle caress than sexy and a shudder ran along my skin, raising goosebumps. It felt more intimate and the desire grabbing onto me was making me crave more of it.
Grace's eyes widened when they met mine “O-oh, I’m s-sorry” she covered her eyes then swiftly turned around, grabbing another coffee mug from the cabinet “M-make it q-quick, coffee’s done”.
A smirk pulled at my lips “Yes, ma’am” I mumbled, enjoying the twitch in her body at my tone.
__—__
GRACE
“Mom,” I pulled the cupcakes from the oven -the smell of blueberries quickly taking over the kitchen- and hummed to her “Why do make so many wrongs?” and I smiled.
I carefully shifted the cupcakes to a basket “You mean clumsy?” and Emily made a face while thinking.
“Is it because you saw Leon naked?”
My finger caught the hot sheet pan ”Ow!” and it slammed onto the counter. In reflex, I put the finger in my mouth while Emily hovered around me, clearly feeling bad.
”What happened?” Leon must’ve heard the bang, he appeared in sweats and was still pulling a white Tshirt over his head - deep furrow between brows, hair mussed and barefoot.
”Mommy burned her finger” the small voice held tears and Emily grabbed onto the hem of Leon’s shirt like it was her lifeline.
”’M fine” I tried to calm her- voice muffled by the finger. But Leon had nothing of it.
He grabbed onto my wrist ”Come here” and pulled me towards the sink ”You need to cool it down” and let water chill the irritated skin.
Through the dull pain, my breath was still caught when he placed himself behind me, hands leaning on the counter next to my hips, boxing me in with comfort.
My mind was in a jumble so the pain was a welcomed distraction, because I was still in my pajamas and right now the shorts felt very short.
And no underwear! What if he thinks I’m trying to seduce him!
I felt the breath before he spoke ”Better?” his voice was low, right beside my ear. I gave him a nod, not trusting my voice. Then he turned to Emily who shifted between feet ”Sweetie, will you go and grab the white box, the one with bears? it’s in the bathroom”.
Emily gave him a big smile and jumped ”Doctor Bears?” and at Leon’s nod she sprinted to get the medical bag, a loud ”Yeah!” following her.
A low chuckle as he whispered ”Cutest monkey”, then he turned his attention to me ”and how’s momma?” and with everything that’s already happened, I couldn’t stop the soft whimper at the way he sounded when calling me that.
His muscles stiffened around me, before a low groan left him and a hand pushed itself under my shirt, pulling me tight against him. The hand felt hot against my already boiling skin, leaving tingles wherever he touched the stomach.
This was foreign ground. Sure he’d held me before, and sure we’d shared a bed. But only when I or he had been upset, or when he was going away or coming home. Not like this.
The hand pushed itself higher and left a deeper hunger in its way. Gasping I leaned my head back against his chest and he nuzzled my temple -taking a deep breath.
When his fingers grazed below my breast he murmured ”Oh, fuck” against the sensitive skin behind my ears.
I can’t handle it anymore.
I grasped his hand below my breast and I felt his worry, but it disappeared when I pushed the hand higher until it covered my breast. We both joined in quiet moans - desire trailing between legs.
Everything was hot and felt so right. I wanted to go on forever.
”Wie!” The cute voice came closer and we quickly scrambled back in place -hearts thundering and heavy breaths, hands fixing clothes- and Leon turned off the water. ”I found it!” Emily came in sight and held it to Leon who smiled with a hand smoothing his hair.
”Then lets see our patient, Doctor Emily” making the little girl giggle while lifting her onto the counter next to us ”will you please take out the blue jar and band aids?” and there was no evidence from just seconds ago, while I needed to control my breathing and my skin tingled all over- cheeks still burning.
But when Emily began searching in the bag, Leon turned to me - a mischievous smile on lips.
I squeaked with a big smile as he took a hold on my hips and lifted to put me next to Emily. My bottom lip catched my teeth as his eyes never left mine when his hands caressed my thighs, then opening to stand between them -still holding that mischievous smile.
”This one, Doctor Leon?” Emily held the salve towards him and he nodded approvingly while turning back to me.
Leon took my finger between his then poured a small amount on the tip and smeared it on the angry looking skin. I hissed at the sting.
”Almost done” he murmured then glanced at Emily ”ready with band aids, Doctor Emily?” and with a proud smile Emily wrapped my finger in band aids with dinosaurs. Then she took it between her hands, giving it a kiss.
”A kiss to make it better ” the little girl smiled and held my finger towards Leon ”You too, Leon” and he held my gaze as he lowered himself to press softly against it.
__—__
I filled both mugs with the dark liquid, poured some milk in mine then took them to the living room. I rounded the couch, holding the black coffee towards Leon.
He smiled “Thanks” as he took the mug, bringing it to his lips. I had protested, the last thing he needed was caffeine.
Breakfast was cleared an hour ago and even though Leon almost fell asleep while eating, he refused to go to bed. Asked for more coffee.
The TV was on, some show about animals playing, left by Emily wanting to draw in her room. I was too tired to reach and change channels, but it was entertaining enough.
While nursing my coffee, I pulled the blanket over my legs and snuggled deeper into the couch. When I catched Leon's gaze it felt heavy, we hadn’t talked about what happened in the kitchen. But that look took my breath.
Emily was always with us, and now when she wasn’t, I had no idea what to say. All I knew is that I needed to say sorry.
I'm the worst.
I sunk deeper into the couch, but now with guilt. Just not with that particular moment, but every moment this last year. Leon just wanted to take care of me, making sure I'm fine, because I saved his life. But I don’t know how to let him go. I knew I would survive without him, there was medicine if I couldn’t sleep and Emily got me meeting some people.
But the thing was, I didn’t want a life without Leon Kennedy. He’d become too important, too much on my mind. He made me comfortable.
I sniggered when noticing Leon's drooping head, he was sometimes too stubborn for his own good. And his position didn’t look comfortable, he’d wake up with a stiff neck.
Still holding a smile, I put my mug down on the table and pushed at his thigh with my socked foot “Leon” and his ears catched my voice, but he was so sleep drunk as he met my eyes. I raised the blanket “Come, lay down” and he didn’t hesitate one bit.
With a tired groan he crawled and tucked himself at my side, between me and the couch -blanket covering up to the shoulders. He nuzzled his cheek against my Tshirt -some old graphic tee which probably was Leon's - until his head was resting on my chest, arms coming around my waist to hold me tight against him.
The heavy weight of him pushed every guilt to the back of my mind. Friends could cuddle, especially when you see the struggle in their eyes from a mission. Leon was a quiet guy, but not the wrong kind of quiet like me, because he could talk. He only chose when, never forcing himself. But now he’d been too quiet than normal, so I knew something was up. Especially with those cracked knuckles he tried to hide.
Leon hummed deep in his chest when my fingers carded through his blonde salted hair. A hand grasped my free one and squeezed it softly before slowly slackening. I sniggered to myself, because he was already asleep.
__—__
LEON
I watched as some creep watched Grace showering. I still watched as the same creep opened the shower. I could only watch as the fucker’s tongue dragged along her porcelain skin while she tried to get away. But I only watched, and did nothing.
My eyes blinked open, and I slowly recognized Grace’s living room, but not remembering how I got into this position. Slow breaths pushed at my head and a weight was tucked along my back, puffs of air ruffling the back of my head.
Huh.
The fingers still in my hair must belong to Grace, but the small hand smushed against my cheek wasn’t. A warm smile tugged at my lips as I realized who laid fast asleep on my back. And like a heavy punch to my face, I realized I could just stay like this, with no complaints.
I let out a puff of air when Grace’s stomach protested beneath me- calling out for food- and one look at the old-school clock told me it’s time for some grub.
Like any puzzle I’ve met, I tackled this one too and began extracting myself from the comfortable pile.
But, I stilled when Emily snuggled closer to Grace. Even in her sleep, Grace held the small child closer to her and it was a time the sun was on its way down, and the glow shone just perfectly at those two. I’ve never been a poet, couldn’t string any shit together even with a gun pointed at my head… but they’re looking like angels.
My angels.
I gritted my teeth by the sudden ache in my chest and the hand moved on its own, pushing a loose strand of hair behind Emily’s ear -breath hitching by the innocent look. I made the mistake to shift my gaze and my mind returned to the day we first met. How Grace had stolen my breath with her strength and kindness.
Now she steals more than my breath.
I was mad, leaning to brush my lips against her temple, but I couldn’t help myself. The sweet fragrance was like a drug, but I forced myself to straighten.
My hand grabbed the phone from the table and before I could hesitate, I snapped a photo of them then quickly pushed the phone in my back pocket. Now there's no risk of deleting it.
Walking towards the kitchen, which I’ve done what feels a million times, I couldn’t recall the last time I was at my apartment. There’d been missions, and when finished I either went to DSO and crashed there, or I went to Grace’s. But just the thought of coming home to them seemed to always pull me towards their house.
My eyes found the lego house on the kitchen table. The bright colors were nothing like the real deal. Grace’s home held warm, muted colors and wherever you looked was things from years she wasn’t even born in.
I smiled at the figures still laying on the table, -ready to move into the house when finished. There were three of them, and one was me -my heart making a big thump- but that’s not who I picked up.
The mini Grace didn’t have those thick frames hiding her bright grayish eyes. A smile pulled at my lips. But, they always made her freaking adorable.
Chris had described her as an old soul, which actually fitted, especially when you went through her movie collection.
Mini Grace found herself back with the other two , then I searched the fridge and began cooking something comforting and warm. Even if I just came back, I had a hunch my phone would go off and force me back to work.
Onions and peppers were cut and thrown into the pan -sounds of sizzling cutting through the quiet- then went everything else to make some pasta sauce.
I checked everything and leaned against the counter- head hung low, fatigue kinking in- while taking a second to breathe.. and memories came rushing in from before. My hands tingled just by the thought of her skin, and not to talk about the sweet sounds she’d made. It’s been a year but things suddenly seemed to be shifting, she felt more bold and everything with her made my mind crazy. When she grabbed a hold on my hand and the feeling of her breast, I could still feel the ghost of it in my palm and it stirred in my pants. I looked down and scoffed.
Down, boy.
I felt her presence but pretended not to, just curious of what she’d do. I wasn’t ready for the arms circling my waist, squeezing me tightly from behind. It caught me off guard. Goosebumps spread like wildfire when her cheek pressed between my shoulder blades and her breath warmed my skin.
“You’re s-so kind” her voice was muffled by my shirt, then she let out a deep sigh “that was a great nap” and I heard her yawn.
So darn cute.
I turned to bring her in with one arm, her arms not letting me go as we got closer -how that even was possible. “Hungry?” I murmured and felt her nod.
“St-tarving” and I chuckled at the eagerness in her voice.
I stirred the sauce and looked down when I noticed the way she stared at me “Something on your mind?” and she quickly avoided my gaze -teeth nibbling at the bottom lip. I couldn’t tear my eyes from the swollen lip.
I could make it better. Lick that- aw fucking hell.
An urge to brush a hand up her neck, tangle fingers in those pale wild locks, serged into me. Bend the head back and lock our lips, licking into her mouth until her heavy breaths turned into moans, breaking the silence.
I took a deep breath to calm down, turning my face to the ceiling as a distraction.
“I-I” she went quiet and I felt the tremble beneath my arm. Something was making her nervous.
Dammit! I did something.
She must’ve noticed the change, because the grip around me tightened and Grace hid her face in my chest, stopping me from backing away.
“I just w-wondering if,” the words were muffled and her breath tickled my skin - my lips twitched. Then she laid her chin on my chest, meeting my gaze with those bright eyes “if you wanted to w-watch a movie..with me.. in my bed.. when Emily’s asleep?” and I almost gulped.
There’s no way-
I gave a quick nod, clearing my throat “Y-Yeah, sure” and bit my cheek at the big smile Grace gave me.
I’m so in trouble.
__—__—__
GRACE
For a while Emily has been more sensitive than usual. Every time Leon came back from a mission she always asked for him to tuck her in, grabbing Leon’s hand and forcing him to follow.
Sometimes I snuck to the doorway, just to catch a glimpse of them. My eyes were always tearing by the picture of the small child tucked safely under a strong arm, snuggling as close as possible, eyes drooping while a tiny hand grasped Leon’s hand.
This time, this time I had a mission. Under the stream of hot water, I tried not to think about it. Because when I did, those tendrils of anxiety crawled along my skin, searching its way into my chest. Not this time.. but I knew this newfound bravery was only fake.
But, I really need to know.
I lathered my hands and scrubbed all over me. The touch of Leon’s hand still tingled on my skin. His calloused hands that’d been through so much, were caressing my soft skin with a gentle but firm touch.
At the memory of his groan, a rush grazed my nerves until they stopped between my legs. My breath hitched when I rubbed my legs together and slowly let my hands brush over my breasts, fingers catching my sensitive nipples.
The tingling and the hot air made me dizzy and I couldn’t help myself from picturing this morning, Leon with a towel barely hanging on. My mind tried to find excuses to ogle his body, but he'd been deep inside his head, wandering in horrid memories.
My lip stung in protest when gnawing at it again, feeling shame for thinking about him like that when he’d been vulnerable.
I quickly rinsed then toweled myself and chose comfortable shorts that were kinda too short, but with the washed out Tshirt should be fine.
I made my way to my movie collection in the living room. What Leon didn’t know, is that I’ve been adding some I figured out he liked.
With a smile I grabbed the one he’d talked about wanting to see, then slinked back into my room.
The lights in the ceiling lit up my face, resembling stars in the darkest night, and the shine gave the bed a cozy feeling.
I walked deeper into the room, towards the DVD player Leon insisted I’d buy, and began setting up the movie.
The darkness was a sensitive subject that I still wouldn’t touch. So many times I’ve woken up in tears, only to panic when I couldn’t recognize where I was. Leon had been the one bringing me back. Well, not at first, but only because he didn’t know about it. When he did know, he took it as a mission to always be there for me.. or us, when Emily came into the picture.
A groan came from behind and I watched over my shoulder and giggled as Leon laid down across the bed, face tucked into the elbow as a muffled “Finally” was heard together with a big sigh.
I pursed my lips, took a second, hesitated, then “Want to sleep, instead?” I put the movie away and sank down on the bed “You must be tired” his sweats were still on, but he’d shrugged off his shirt.
The naked back was displaying broad shoulders painted with scars, and I couldn’t stop the sorrow of him going through so much pain and horror.
My hand reached towards the back of his head, fingers longing to touch the soft strands of hair. To comfort him or just still my own urges, I didn’t know. All I knew is that I wanted to touch him.
Leon rose to rest the chin on his arm and I quickly withdrew my hand, pretending like nothing, but I think he saw.
Sunken blue eyes locked on me, then shook his head once “No, want some more time with you before I do” and my cheeks heated as I ducked my head -pushing a strand behind ear.
I felt the moment his gaze roved over me. From the bare legs, to the shirt and for several seconds his jaw locked tightly. Then his eyes met mine.
“Mine?” he only said with a nod at the Tshirt and I smirked then gave him a shrug.
“Finder’s keepers” and I was filled with joy as he let out a laugh at my cheekiness. I giggled then crawled over him towards my side “Come now, lazy bug” and patted the side next to me, then raised the cover as an invitation.
Calling a rough, grumpy man something cute, made me smile even bigger. Especially as said man gave me a look that said I was crazy. But as that look was joined by a smirk, I barely had time to think Shit.
Strong hands grabbed and yanked my ankles and a squeal joined with belly laughter forced its way out from me. I was pulled until my thighs were trapped between his knees and he held my wrists above my head as I was still giggling.
Leon leaned to look down at me, smirking “Who are you calling a lazy bug, huh?” and I couldn’t stop my giggle.
“I regret nothing” I did my best to sound serious, but the laughter gave me away and Leon snorted as I tried to break from his grip.
With all the struggling, one of my hands suddenly slipped from his hands and my fingers brushed against his ribs. Leon startled from the touch as the most adorable giggle left his lips, making us both freeze in place.
His gaze was stern “No” but I nodded slowly with a growing smile.
“Oh yes” my mission was clear and I jumped at him, fingers trailing along his ribs as his body twitched to get away.
To my delight his giggles turned into laughter as we wrestled to be on top, and the next time I was on the top, Leon’s eyes held tears while the biggest smile stretched his lips. I couldn’t believe this man.
He’s so beautiful.
As I was busy admiring him, Leon took a deep breath to calm down “Mercy” he chuckled, then by the mesmerizing look in my eyes he murmured “Have mercy, my lady” and a shiver ran along my spine.
Our breaths fell heavy as we stared at each other. My thighs straddled his hips as I balanced my hands against his stomach. Wherever we touched, I felt his warmth against mine and suddenly I was too aware of what rested against me between our legs.
This intimacy was all new to me, before Leon I’ve never been curious about these kinds of things. He’s making me want to touch, more aware of the difference between men and women.
I rested more of my weight on his hips and noticed his jaw clenching at the movement. Letting my fingers move over the muscles on his stomach, every time my fingertips brushed over rough skin - silvery marks coloring the skin- his fingers twitched against my thighs. But other than that, he seemed to let me explore on my own.
We’re just friends.
My whole body froze. From the dark corners those dark tendril began searching for me, quickly clawing its way to drag me under.
What the hell am I doing?!
Fear struck me as I worried I was tainting him with those claws dragging darkness with it. I knew Leon would deny everything, but he was too kind to me.
He’s just kind because of duty, nothing else.
A sudden pain jolted me from my thoughts. Leon was pinching my cheek with a deep furrow between his brows.
“Wherever you were” He spoke softly, like he was afraid of spooking me “don’t go back there” and he left me speechless.
Slowly he let go of my cheek and I blinked several times while staring at him.
“Instead,” his fingers touched the back of my hand, still resting on his stomach “talk to me”.
I shouldn’t, I know I shouldn’t. There was no reason for him to care like this. Even as friends, this is too much. He let me touch him in ways even I knew friends wouldn’t.
Why?
I turned away, a “Y-You’re too k-kind to me” barely heard.
He scoffed then grabbed my chin so my eyes met his.
“Sweetie, I’m not even close to what you really deserve” he murmured, his thumb brushing my swollen bottom lip.
If he could show me this kind of tenderness, I could too, so I leaned over him. But as I neared, his gaze darkened and beneath my hand I felt the quick breath he took. The look of him made me dizzy and when the fingers still on my thigh tightened their grip, I was buzzing.
My hand gently cupped his cheek “You’re a good man, Leon S Kennedy” and when I saw the beginning of a protest, I silenced him with a finger pushed against his lips “Don’t you dare say anything else, you will get me mad” and I glared his protest into silence.
His lips twitched until a smile rested against my finger, then he pressed them against the finger in a soft kiss and took it away with his hand.
“Well, we wouldn’t want that, would we?” he murmured while still holding my hand, playing with my fingers, making my ears burn.
I quickly shook my head.
“Now, what do you say? Sleep?” Leon continued with a yawn, I gave him a quick nod “Want to be alone?” I shook my head several times and he huffed “Sweetie, I need you to at least use some words”.
It felt so wrong, but so right at the same time.
We’re friends. Friends can share a bed.
“No,” I let out a breath without meeting his eyes, then glanced at him “please stay”.
It looked like relief in his eyes as he murmured “Always”.