[Chreon, Au fantasy, inspired by an art I saw on X]
Chris was still trying to wrap his head around how he had ended up in this situation. A couple of hours ago, night had fallen, and now the stars dotted the night sky, illuminating the clearing where he stood. The cold was treacherous at this time of year; it made his toes go numb. He didn't think twice about moving closer to the newly lit bonfire to seek warmth. The crackling fire was comforting and soothed his spirits.
It wasn’t much different from other nights. Except this time, someone else was resting beside him.
His gaze fell on him again. The man was handsome, with ash-blond hair swaying in the wind and blue eyes shining with the reflection of the flames. He was perhaps a few years younger than him. From what he'd seen a few hours ago when he’d found him, he was also a skilled fighter. His speed and reflexes had saved his life during the orc ambush. Chris acknowledged, not without a slight twinge of resentment, that the man might be better with a sword than he was.
Chris wasn't accustomed to working with anyone outside his inner circle. But this mysterious rogue was a friend of his sister's, and they both shared a common goal: to take down Captain Wesker. Chris had been a soldier under Wesker's command in King Benford's army until Wesker betrayed and murdered the king, thereby seizing control of the kingdom. Chris refused to remain under Wesker's rule. Along with a group of survivors, he fled far away to seek allies. They formed a resistance to unmask and eliminate the traitor.
As far as Chris could recall, he had never seen Leon at court. However, the man claimed to be a close spy of the late king, whom he held in high esteem. His skills were certainly astonishing. The heat from the bonfire slowly warmed his skin, and the sound of crickets began to lull him to sleep. Leon's voice roused him from his thoughts.
"So, Redfield, what’s the plan?" The slight touch of sarcasm in his voice did not go unnoticed.
Chris took a deep breath and put on a friendly face. At that moment, all he wanted was to rest and close his eyes. Unfortunately, he wouldn't be sleeping that night. He wasn’t going to give Kennedy that satisfaction. He would rest with both eyes open, just in case.
"I'm going to find a sorcerer who might be able to help us. His name is Luis Serra Navarro."
Leon watched him in silence for a few seconds. The sharpness in his eyes seemed to strip Chris's soul bare, making him feel uneasy.
"It's a lost cause," the man declared bluntly. "Wesker has taken control of the kingdom, the castle, and the entire army. Not only that, but I’ve heard he has an entourage of necromancers."
Chris looked at him, and their eyes met. He knew Leon was right, but what other choice did they have? Run away? That wasn’t an option. He didn’t dare say anything, and Leon continued.
"He deceived the people, making them believe the king was a practitioner of dark magic. Now they're coming for you."
"So, are you suggesting we surrender?" the soldier asked, not looking away as he felt the heat of the bonfire settle into his bones. "I can't surrender. What will you do?"
Leon gave him a crooked smile that sent a tingle through his stomach and up the back of his neck. The heat rushed to his cheeks treacherously, and for a moment, he wished the spy hadn't noticed.
The man rose with a slow, fluid movement, moving like a cat on the prowl. He skirted the bonfire until he reached Chris. Chris looked up into those blue eyes studying him with curiosity and was lost in the strange sensation swirling in his stomach. When was the last time he'd had sex? How could this man awaken that need in him? The sensation was pressing and burning, too irresistible to ignore.
Then, he felt a different kind of heat on his face: the soft touch of fingers holding his chin, firmly yet gently. Chris was captivated by that subtle touch, forgetting for a moment how to breathe. After a few seconds, Leon moved closer, his lips mere breaths away from Chris's. Their gazes were mere inches apart, and the man's blond hair brushed against his cheek.
"I'll stay by your side," he whispered, smiling faintly. "I'm going to help you, Redfield."
Chris swallowed hard, unable to speak. He simply longed to close the gap between them and kiss those teasing lips. This mission was definitely going to get him into trouble.
