Pairing: agent!Leon x rookie!reader
Summary: Being the only female rookie at the DSO, you're used to being belittled by your fellow agents. Thought to be invisible to your superior Mr. Kennedy, you would have never thought he'd come to safe you as your first mission goes terribly wrong.
Warnings/notes: Horror, blood and gore, violence, gun mention, angst, appearance of Chris Redfield, protective Leon, age difference, older!Leon, very slowburn, author's first language isn't English
Clouds fill the sky. Putting a dark shadow on the world, while the sun desperately tries to get through the thick cover. Itâs faint light cascading on the run-down buildings, streets and everything that once was. The air is cold against your skin. The fresh autumnal morning air doing nothing to prevent the light blush that starts to form on your cheeks once you get out of the car. The cold nips at the top of your fingers, making you curl them into the palm of your hands. Even though it was only the start of October, it wouldnât take long before winter would sweep the land into its stone-cold grasp. For that reason alone you slightly dread the days in the field that would soon, hopefully, follow. Never really liking the cold, you aimed for a warmer climate. That would be possible of course if your life had been different.
You stand in line with three other agents next to you. Men. Taller and broader than you, but not necessarily better. Youâre all clad in a tight marine blue shirt, sleeves rolled up and a small zipper at the neckline. Due to the weather, yours is all the way up, concealing your chest. A pair of black combat trousers hug your thighs while boots in the same color are on your feet, making you stand firm and secure.
The harness around your chest carries the essentials. Handgun at your right side, shotgun and sniper rifle secure on your back. Two hand grenades hanging on your left just in case. The weight of a knife rests against your lower back. The blade is sharp, a machete, ready to chop a zombie's head off if necessary.
The men next to you wear similar assemblies. To your right thereâs Jonathan. A twenty-five year old, six ft tall blond with an ego flying through the roof. Shotgun and sniper also on his back but instead of a knife, he carries a large stone hammer. The tip sharpened, making it easier to break one's skull. He has been in this program for just as long as you have, starting three months ago.Â
The two men on your left, who you canât even bother to remember the names of, have the same confidence as Jonathan. A smirk on their faces, like this first field job is going to be a piece of cake. They look slightly younger, twenty-two maybe twenty-three? Youâre not sure. A few men in the other group that would come after you were twenty-six and twenty-seven. At the âripeâ age of twenty-nine youâre the oldest one out of the rookies.
Standing before you are two more seasoned men. One incredibly broad, hair a dark brown almost grey at the sides, going by the name of Chris Redfield. At almost 6â1âhis stance is wide, arms crossed, making his presence well known. Heâs looking at us like any other teacher would. His brown eyes looking over his so called âstudentsâ with a straight face, while thinking to himself: âWhat the hell do these rookies think theyâre doing here?â.
Next to him, slightly more behind, is his comrade. His hair, a dark blond streaked with a few grey strands signaling his age. Blue eyes focusing on the hand gun in his palm while putting in new ammo, not giving us as much attention. By 5â11â Leon S. Kennedy was not as broad as Mr. Redfield, but compared to him, he was definitely muscular as well. Biceps protruding and forearms showing off the few veins that peak from under his shirt.
The two of them had a well-known reputation. Both fought against any monstrosity the Umbrella corporation had thrown at them. Trying to protect the world from all evil.
They had trained you. Three months inside the DSO facility. Learning the basics from knowing how to reload a gun, to shooting one with perfect aim. Physical and emotional training, needed to defeat all enemies you would come across. Three months and eight trainees. All inexperienced rookies who wished to be full DSO agents, ready to kick some ass. Seven men and one woman. You.
Of course, being the only woman, which is very unseen in this line of work, you were often laughed at. Thought to be useless, weak and incompetent to get the job done. Well, weâll see about that.
Youâre quiet. Slowly analyzing the situation youâre in. Today is your first ever mission. As a trial of course. Three months of training had to lead somewhere. They had divided the group into two. The first group, with you in it, was brought to the outskirts of Raccoon city, driven in a van by Kennedy, Redfield in the passenger seat. The chanter in the car from your three other colleagues had been loud while you kept mostly to yourself. As you arrived at the scene, which seemed to be an open square with buildings surrounding you, you quickly got out of the car before anyone else. Already opening the trunk to get all your gear.
And thatâs where we are now.
âAlright listen up.â You hear Chris say, making your ears perk up. âYour mission today will be simple, which is to retrieve some important information back from the old Umbrella labs that are situated below ground. You will be divided into two teams and each will be given a map. Your task is to bring the piece of information back to me. If you fail, you will be taken out of the program and you can pack your bags. Are we clear?â
You hear Jonathan next to you scoff, a silent âas ifâ slipping from his lips. Ever since the beginning of your training he has made it clear that he was the one who would be the next super-agent at the DSO. You already know now that a simple training, to retrieve information out of a lab, isnât spectacular enough for him.
Chrisâs eyes look us all up and down again before settling on you and Jonathan for a few seconds, then back to the two guys on your left. âLiam and JasonâŠâ So those are their names. â⊠the two of you will be under my supervision.â Chris announces while walking over to them, handing them a phone with a map on it. âLeon, you take him and the girlâ he continues, gesturing over to you. The girlâŠ
âYou need to take this mission seriously guys. This may look easy but you never know what could be lurking in this city. Especially underground. This is a necessary part of your training. Donât take this lightly. You know what happens when you fail.â And with that he gestures to Liam and Jason to follow him, leaving you and Jonathan alone with Leon.
Leon's cold stare lingers on the both of you, sizing you up, almost like he is determining if the two of you are even worth his time. His gun is brought back into its holster, hanging at his right hip, before taking a phone out of his pocket similar to the one Chris gave to his own two rookies. âTake this.â He murmurs while outstretching his arm, waiting for one of you to take it.
Before you even get the chance to put a step forward, Jonathan beats you to it. Grabbing the phone out of Leon's grasp, he immediately starts to inspect the screen. Hastily looking over the map without including you. After a few seconds and a small huff from you, he looks up, eyes directed at Leon. âIs this a competition between the two teams? To see who finds the piece of information first?â The corners of his mouth slowly turn upwards. âBecause Iâll beat them to it.â
The smirk that covers his face is so arrogant that you almost want to punch him in the face. Youâre sure you could win a 1v1 fight against him.Â
âIt is not a competition in any way. You look for the piece of information that we want, you get it and get back out of there unscratched, together with your partner, is that clear?â Leon isnât amused by Jonathan's confidence either. When he averts his gaze back to you, you can see the slight frown on his face soften just a smidge.
âNowâŠâ he says, focused on you while pointing to your ear â⊠The little earpieces you have in do not only allow us to communicate with each other if necessary, but I will also be able to see your vitals while I keep an eye out for you during the mission.âÂ
âWait, youâre not coming with us?â Jonathan speaks, a slight tremor in his voice if you hear correctly. Maybe even a little nervous? Anyway, itâs not enough to push him off the throne of pride in his head.
Leon looks back at him. âWho am I? Your babysitter? Iâm not gonna hold your hand every time you have a mission. I think youâre old enough. You do know this is what you trained for right?â
You have to do your best to not let out the laugh thatâs trying to burst out of your mouth. Your lips turning into a small smile instead that you desperately try to cover with your hand.Â
Youâve always liked Leon, ever since the moment you met him back at DSO. Back when you were truly âa rookieâ, having very little experience on the subject of being a special agent. Back then he had only greeted you with a firm handshake and a curt nod, murmuring a quick ânice to meet youâ as he quickly went on to greet the next rookie in line. But the way he carried himself and the way he was respectful towards others... Trying to help people when and wherever he could? It made you have a certain form of respect for the man.
It was also not difficult to notice that heâs very easy on the eye. The strong build, the sharp jawline, the stubble covering it⊠After three months of seeing him almost everyday, you'd grown a little crush for him. All innocent of course, because you knew very well the two of you could never be together. What would a successful and good looking DSO agent see in a twenty years younger and inexperienced âgirlâ? So you kept your silly feelings at bay, knowing it wasnât worth the energy.Â
All of that put aside now, you are a bit apprehensive about what Leon had just said to Jonathan⊠You have to admit, youâre a bit nervous being out there in the field with no experienced agent by your side if things were to go to shit. But youâre strong mentally, a good fighter and youâre brave. You can do this.
Jonathan, who of course isnât impressed by Leonâs words, shoots right back. âAnd how do weâŠâ he says, mockingly correcting what Leon had warned him about while pointing from himself to you â... know what weâre looking for? How are we supposed to know what kind of special information you guys need us to get?â
âYou got a map. Use it.â
Jonathan steps forward. âThatâs ridiculous. For all I know we could be out here until nightfall looking for a needle in a haystack.â
âOr until next week. Thatâs completely up to you.â Leon smirks, clearly having fun riling up the twenty-four year younger âboyâ.
âYou're insane, old man.â Jonathan spits back.Â
You can see Leonâs eyebrow raise at those words. Seeming to unlock something within him and break through his usual more calm facade. Something that youâve seen maybe once or twice during your training. Something that was a little bit more dominating⊠His jaw is clenched, teeth grinding before, in his turn, taking a step forward. Looking your colleague dead in the eye, smirk removed from his face with now a stern glare replacing it.Â
âWatch it kid. I suggest you temper that tone of yours.â Another step closer. Not raising his voice, but keeping it cold and stern. âYou donât have to do this, you know. I donât give a fuck if you drop out right now. What I do need to know though, is when you wish to go through with this, you will not fuck around. You will both protect each other while completing the mission. If your lives are at stake, you will do everything you can to get the two of you out of there. If you say yes to that, I, your superior, demand respect from you. Is that clear? You must learn your fucking. place. rookie.â
It went quiet next to you. No more words coming from Jonathanâs mouth.
When you turn to get a better look at him, you swear you see the dilemma in his eyes. Not knowing whether to punch Leon in the face or to restrain himself and go for the more civil option.Â
Eventually he casts his gaze downwards, realizing he couldnât keep going like that if he wanted to reach his goal at the DSO.
Leon recognises the submission and decides to drop the subject. Point taken.
He takes a step back, arms crossed. "Alright, I suggest the two of you start off immediately. The day is short and youâve got quite a lot of ground to cover. Use the time that you have.â Then before turning his back, his gaze lingers on you one more time. The look in his eyes sincere. âTake care.â
And with that, you and Jonathan are left to fend for yourselves in the harsh reality that is Raccoon city. It is so that even one hour later, youâre still trying to work out the map. That is, if Jonathan would give you a chance to look it over.Â
Youâve had enough. You were constantly running in circles, covering the same places over and over again, which did nothing to ease your frustration with the man walking a few feet in front of you. It almost felt like the walls started to close in on you. So you decided to speak up. Thinking youâve been patient enough.Â
âYou have no idea where weâre going, do you?â
He stops abruptly, making you almost walk straight into him. He turns his neck so fast, youâre almost certain he has broken it. âExcuse me?âÂ
You can see heâs trying to stay calm even though a fire is starting to ignite in his green eyes.
âYou heard me. I donât think you have even the slightest idea about where we are.â
A scoff falls from his lips, in deep contrast to the droplet of sweat coming down the side of his face. A sign of insecurity? Guess youâre right after all. âOh please, I have the map. I know exactly what Iâm doing.â His arrogance shining through, even though you can see his facade slowly starting to break. So you continue.
âJonathan, this is the second time we are going through this alley. Thereâs two possibilities. Either you donât know where weâre going, or you love the scenery here so much you just had to see everything twice, some streets even thrice. And donât tell me itâs the latter. I think itâs about time we switch things up and you give me a go at the map.â
âOh pleaseâŠâ he replies, now fully facing you, trying to solve the matter in his favor. âYouâre a girl. How could you be of any help right now? Do you even know how to read a map?âÂ
What is it with toxic men and their twisted egoâs? Their dying need to make women feel inferior? Never wanting to admit or even think about the idea that a woman could be right for once? Could be better?Â
Thatâs the second time today you want to punch him in the face.
You step forward, pushing yourself up so youâre standing on the tips of your feet. Your hot breath hitting his face, mere inches from yours. âWatch a girl save your stupid ass.â
You snatch the phone out of his hand before he even has a chance to register what has happened. Pushing past him, you try to ignore the protests coming out of his mouth. Your fingers flying over the screen of the phone, finally getting a good look at the map.Â
Youâre not too far off from the way you need to go. The so-called entrance to the Umbrella labs underground being only a fifteen minute walk from here. How the hell did he miss that?Â
âGive me the phone back.â Jonathan grumbles, his arm reaching around you. Youâre faster though, already taking a few steps forward, making your way out of the alley and onto the main street, moving in the right direction.
âJust save your breath pretty boy. Weâll be there in no time.â You smile, picking up pace. You hear him right behind you, sighing like a toddler who hasnât been given his way.Â
After ten minutes or so, you reach a more secluded area of the city. The buildings looking even more run-down than before. The air suddenly so dense and foggy, youâre sure the entrance should be right around the corner. And youâre right. When you continue, you see multiple Umbrella posters plastered onto nearby fences, the red and white logo clearly recognisable. You grin, looking down at the map again, seeing that the entrance should be right ahead.Â
âYou know, Iâm not one to apologize easily but⊠Seems like you were right after all.âÂ
You almost choke on your own spit at hearing the words Jonathan says from behind you. âExcuse me?â You stop, turning around to face him.
 âYeah, I justâŠâ He starts, stopping next to you â... guess I was kind of dick to you before? You got us right where we needed to go.â
You blink, not fully knowing how to react for a couple seconds. Does the all so mighty Jonathan actually want to apologize to you? Ever since you started training together 3 months ago he wouldnât even spare you a second glance. And now heâs trying to be nice?Â
âUh... Yeah, whatever. Letâs keep going.â you reply, starting to feel a little awkward.Â
You turn your back to him again, your steps firm as you continue your search. You hear hurried footsteps behind you, Jonathan now making his way right beside you.
âSo Iâve been thinkingâŠâ Oh boy, heâs been thinking? What an achievement. â... You and I? We would be a great team together donât you think?â
You turn your head, making eye contact with him before quickly averting your gaze once you see the tiny smirk plastered on his face. You donât like where his insinuation is going.Â
âUh, maybe? I donât know. Whatâs your point?â
His smirk grows wider at that. His steps curving slightly to the left, making his way closer to you. âOh Iâve seen you, you know. Back at the DSO facility. Youâre always by yourself, not making a fuss, doing exactly what dear Redfield and Kennedy ask of us. Youâre always at the top of the class, doing your training like a good girl. Youâre a natural. I figured, when this mission is over, youâd maybe want to consider becoming partners.â
You find his words creepy at the very least. And do you believe him? Has he actually been watching you these past 3 months? Or is this just his way of saving his ass so you wonât complain about him when you get back?Â
âHow could you be of any help to me? You couldnât even read the map.â You scoff.Â
You can feel his hand brushing against your underarm slightly. Heâs so close now you can feel his hot breath hitting the side of your face. âI didnât mean it in an agent kind of way, love.â
You stop again abruptly, looking at him like heâd just grown an extra head. âExcuse me?â
Heâs laughing now, a disgusting rasp in his throat. âOh come on, donât play dumb. Weâve been at the DSO for three months now and you're the only female agent in training. You donât mean to tell me no one else has ever made an offer like this to you?â
âWhat the hell are you implying?â
âI could show you a good time, you know? Have you take the edge off for once. I must say that I know my way around the female body very well, so youâd be in for a treat. I could please you just right. You wonât regret it. I can promise you that.â  Â
Not only is he trying to get on your good side to profit from it at the DSO, but heâs also trying to get in your pants. You just shake your head. Sadly this hadnât been the first time a man had spoken to you like that.Â
âYouâre a pig.â You turn around, ignoring the excuses and promises pouring out of his mouth. You have better things to do than reprimanding a child.
What the two of you donât know, is that a few streets back, Leon is following you. Not just following and checking your vitals, but also hearing every word thatâs being said between you and Jonathan. A little detail the DSO keeps hidden, to see how rookies will react in these kinds of missions, not holding anything back while their superiors listen. And right now? Leon is very happy heâs able to do so.Â
He finds Jonathan to be an inexperienced low life who thinks heâs got it all figured out. The way he talks to you makes his blood boil. Not necessarily because itâs you, but just of the way he speaks to a woman. Like youâre just a vessel for his pleasure.
He chuckles when you dismiss him so easily, not paying him much mind. He likes your spirit. You always thought he didnât pay you much thought during training, but you were wrong. He knew who you were. Who didnât to be honest? The only female field agent at the DSO. Doing your best at every training. Hitting your marks every time there was a shooting test. Often even better than the other male rookies.Â
So yes, you had definitely triggered his interest.Â
As you make your way through all the abandoned and burned down cars, you can see a large hole in the ground just a few feet up ahead. Bingo.
You reach it. A black hole, approximately six by six feet big, making its way down through the concrete. No sounds come from it, but the smell is undeniable. Rotting flesh.
Ok. You prepare yourself for a few zombies down there. It should be doable with your training and all the weapons you have on you, you tell yourself. Luckily youâre not alone.
You take a flare thatâs attached to your belt before igniting it and letting it fall into the darkness. It falls down a few seconds, hitting a few metal objects in its way, before settling at the bottom. You can see a steep wall of concrete going down, followed by a half destroyed ladder that reaches the bottom. You donât see or hear any infected. For all you know, there could be a rotting corpse down there. Youâre not going to wait to find out.
âLetâs go.â you say before squatting, moving one leg into the hole.Â
âOh how how wait! You wanna go in there?â Jonathan grabs your shoulder. When you look back at him you can see the uncertainty in his expression. Gone is all the fun and excitement from before, replacing it with a certain form of fear.Â
âAnd what else do you suggest?â you question him.
He starts looking around all of sudden. âWell⊠Maybe thereâs another entrance. One thatâs more safe than this one.â
âNothing about our job is safe Jonathan. Look around you. Do you see another way in? âCause I sure as hell donât. The map led us to this place right here.â
He doesnât reply after that, just keeps looking at you with the same uncertainty as before.
âYou coming or not?âÂ
His only reply is a curt nod, making you doubt if he actually means it or not. He squats next to you, letting go of your shoulder. You take that as your cue to keep going. You descend gently and slowly, one foot in front of the other down the steep concrete wall. Into the lion's den as they say.Â
You try to make as little noise as possible, making your way down the ladder. Once you have reached the bottom, you take your flashlight so you can check your surroundings better.Â
The room youâre in is small, also six by six feet. A long dark tunnel is connected to it. You canât see anything more than a few feet ahead of you, the flare and flashlight only illuminating a small amount of the place. You see water further ahead, making the tunnel appear to be some kind of sewer, which explains the smell as well.Â
Jonathan reaches the bottom next to you, frantically looking around, hand covering his nose. âWhat the fuck is thisâŠâ
You pick your gun from its holster, aiming it in front of you while also pointing your flashlight. You gesture for him to follow you. âCome on.â
You step into the tunnel. The water around your feet making your steps more heavy, while also producing a little too much sound for your liking. Behind you, you hear Jonathan pick up the flare. You turn around.
âLeave it so we can still see the entrance. Use your flashlight.â
He looks down again, a little frustrated with himself. âI didnât bring one.â
You blink. âYou didnât bring one? Seriously?" A tiny shake of his head signaling no was your response. Jesus⊠Try going to war with someone like him.Â
âHow could you possibly-. You know what? Forget it. Letâs go.â You wish this day would be over very soon.Â
The two of you continue through the tunnel, you at the front, him checking for any threats coming from behind, his gun now also drawn. The tunnel seems to bring you further down, a slight steep to your feet. It goes on for about two hundred feet until it separates into two new tunnels. One going left and one going right. You stop, trying to decide where to go from here. Jonathan bumps into you, not realising you had stopped. A whispered âsorryâ before an âoh fuckâ fell from his lips once he sees the split-up.
âWhat do we do now? What does the map say?â He asks, looking at you.
You take the phone again, your flashlight resting between your cheek and shoulder as you hold it in place. You see the thick yellow line bending to the right, signaling your way forward. As you put the device away again, you hear a low rumbling noise coming from the left. Itâs far away though, a gurgling moaning sound that gets swallowed by the dark. You donât have to ponder very long to realise what it is. You point your flashlight to the left, squinting your eyes, but you can't see anything.
âThank God we donât have to go in that direction.â You whisper while hearing Jonathan quietly agree behind you. You take that as your queue to continue your way right.Â
After about fifteen minutes of following tunnels, coming onto new split-ups, going left and right, you have reached the end of the tunnel. A short type of stairs going up with a metal door at the end of it. That must be where the lab is.Â
You grin in victory, ready to be done with this mission. You turn towards Jonathan, whoâs inspecting the door with a certain nervousness. âYou go up there and try unhinging the door. Look for any threats inside. Iâll cover you.â You tell him. He looks at you now, lips parted, clearly not wanting to but not deciding if he should fight you on it or not.
Eventually he nods, taking a few steps forward before going up the stairs, it steps creaking underneath his weight. You turn around, your gun pulled, ammo checked and flashlight up. Youâre ready if anything dares to come closer.Â
Jonathan reaches the door behind you. His shuffling and pacing before the small window making you curious to see whatâs inside.
âYou see anything?â You whisper, before he turns around to look at you.Â
âNo, it seems clear. Itâs locked from inside though.â Another pause. âLet me get this door open.â He murmurs as he uses his elbow to break the glass. When thatâs done, he puts his arm through it and reaches for the lock on the other side.
The twist of a lock is heard before the metal door screeches open. No sounds come from ahead of you, so you take a few steps back, gun still at the ready if necessary. You go up the stairs, turning around so you wouldnât trip. Once youâre standing next to Jonathan at the top, youâre able to look into the room as well.Â
The room contains several desks decorated with various kinds of test tubes. The contents unknown to you as a result of it not being your field of work. Paper documents are scattered on the floor with a few lab coats and plastic gloves here and there. At least youâre sure now that youâre in the right place. At the end of the room, you can see an ever bigger desk with a large computer on it, its screen almost measuring six by three feet.Â
Youâre the first to take some careful steps into the room, checking left and right for anything that might be out of the ordinary. Something that might look like the important piece of information the DSO needs. The air is cooler, more sterile than in the tunnels, but the awful stench remains.Â
Leon follows everything on the small iPad in his hand, staying a few blocks away from the entrance. This is a job meant for the two of you, as training. He can not interfere.Â
He can see you have reached the lab, your heartbeat quicker than normal as he checks your vitals. He listens to your steady breathing when you enter the room with your partner right behind you. Jonathanâs heartbeat however goes sky high, his breathing way more rapid than yours. Leon chuckles at the difference between you. The boy still has a lot more to learn. Compared to him youâre a natural. When a man and a woman go into the field together, youâd normally expect it to be the other way around.Â
Back down, you canât find anything lying around. So you decide to start with the computer. The piece of information has to be connected to it somehow. Looking down at the keyboard, you type incoherent words trying to get the computer to work since you donât see an on-switch anywhere.Â
You donât have to try very long, the computer turning on at the first key you press. Itâs not locked? How weirdâŠ
You take the mouse in your hand and go straight for the saved documents, searching for anything that might be valuable. And thank God youâre lucky. Various files were saved, starting from different kinds of chemicals to files about the test subjects they tried it out on. One particular folder takes your interest âThe Connections Corporationâ. You click it open.
Everything is in there. Their IP-adres, the people who carried out their work, reports from several top secret meetings⊠Guess you hit the jackpot.Â
You know what you have to do. Bending down, you look underneath the desk searching for the actual computer instead of looking at the monitor. When you find the black object, you take out your machete as you try to get the lid off. When you do, you look for the computer chip, carefully detaching it from the rest so you can take it with you.Â
You get back from under the desk. Your flashlight producing enough light so you can see it was still in good condition. As you go to put it in your pocket, Jonathan, who has been quiet all this time, steps up, snatching the computer chip out of your hand before putting it in his own pocket.
âIâll keep this safe, thank you very much.â he cockily sneers.
Fed up with his childish behavior, you turn around, ready to give him a piece of mind. Who does think he is, letting you do all the work and then showing off after?
What you see next however makes your blood run cold and your breath hitch, quickly swallowing the words you were going to say before shouting something else. âGet down!â
He listens immediately, hearing the urgency in your voice. His body goes down by a fraction of a second before you raise your gun and shoot the zombie behind him right between its eyes, its body falling limp on the ground.Â
Leonâs ears perk up as he hears the gunshot through the little earpieces, his eyes now focused on the screen of his iPad more than ever, his body on high alert. Youâre not supposed to run into any infected. He and Chris had scouted the perimeter before dropping you guys here. Itâs supposed to be safe. He can see the two dots on the screen signaling where you and Jonathan are standing, but thereâs no sign of a third person on the screen.
Youâre shaking, your breathing now rapid as you stare at the lifeless body on the ground before you. The first zombie you have ever seen and also your first kill. You take a few steps closer to inspect it more carefully.Â
Itâs the body of what once was a man, aged somewhere in his forties. It looks gaunt, caused by the lack of nutrition down here, its cheekbones pressing through its skin. Soulless, white eyes stare back at you, the skin between them torn by the shape of your bullet. Its jaw is what freaks you out the most, for itâs barely even there anymore. Half of it is still hanging from the upper part while the rest has been broken and torn off, smearing blood all over the neck, as the tongue hangs limply. That thing had been close enough to Jonathan to push him against the ground and kill him. How had he not heard something? How had you not heard something? If you hadnât turned aroundâŠ
The creature wears a labcoat, torn to pieces together with its shirt and trousers underneath. As you look better at the clothing, you start to realise one thing. Whatever kind of infected this thing was⊠It was already in this room before you first entered.Â
âI⊠I thought you said this room was clear?â You manage to get the first words out of your mouth when turning to Jonathan. He hasnât gotten up, still bending forward as you see him trying to wrap his head around whatâd just happened.Â
His lack of response angers you, so you take a step in his direction, now standing right before him as you make eye contact. âYou hear me?â Now slightly raising your voice, still trying to be as quiet as possible. âHey! Talk to me. You said this room was clear!â
His lips tremble when he speaks. âI⊠I did⊠It-it mustâve sneaked up on us back in the tunnels.â
âBullshit.â You spit back. âI checked our backs right until we walked into this room and not once did I see or hear an infected. Look at his labcoat you fucking moron. He was in this room all this time!â
âIâm sorry. I tried- I reallyâŠâ
âYou could have gotten us both killed.â You silence him as you aim your flashlight around the room, going through it a bit more thoroughly, checking behind and underneath all the desks to make sure that one infected was the only one.Â
When you finish your round, you step back towards Jonathan. âLook⊠Accidents happen. Just⊠Donât let this happen again alright?â You try to sooth him while stretching out your hand, helping him stand up again. Once heâs standing you check your ammo, ready to make your way back out. The sooner the better.Â
You only make it a few steps back towards the door, before you feel Jonathan grab your hand, stopping you. âThat thingâŠâ A tremor in his voice as he whispers â... It was so fucking close. If-if you hadnât shot it down, I might haveâŠâ He canât bring it in himself to finish that sentence. âThank you. Iâm so sorry I let you downâÂ
You gave him a soft smile. "Whatever. Letâs just go. I think weâve both had enough of this place.â
As he agrees, you both make your way out of the lab and down the stairs again, starting back through the almost endless looking network of tunnels.Â
Leon had moved considerably closer by now, being in the same street as the entrance you went through. Thereâs still no sign of any infected on his screen, so you both have to make it back without any problems.
You go in front of Jonathan as per usual, the water quietly sloshing around you, aiming your gun and flashlight straight ahead. To your relief, you donât run into any more filthy bioweapons from Umbrella. Which is a godsend really.
Your optimism is short-lived though. WIth only a few more corners to pass, you suddenly stop as you see a figure standing about fifty feet ahead. Â
Another infected stands right in the middle of the narrow tunnel, its back to you. Your previous gunshot must have alerted it. You curse under your breath, quickly putting your fist up as a silent motion for Jonathan to stop as well. You look at him, quickly bringing your index finger towards your lips as a sign for him to be quiet. He was already distracted though, eyes fixed on the thing thatâs ahead of us.
You see him slowly reach for the gun that is hanging from his right hip. As youâre trying to be as quiet as possible, a gun isnât the best option here. This has to be done as quietly as possible, to not attract any attention.
You quickly grab his arm to make him look at you, head turning as you make eye contact. You shake your head ânoâ, pushing his gun away, before taking your machete where itâs held at your lower back. You point towards his stone hammer, gesturing for him to do the same.Â
Leon is getting more and more worried now. Why have the two of you stopped again? Thereâs nothing showing on his screen, nothing that should be in your way. The way back to the exit should be clear.Â
You sign to Jonathan to stay put and for him to help you when things go wrong. A basic form of military sign language was part of your training back at the DSO.
As Jonathan nods, you take a deep breath before looking back at the creature before you. Thankfully it hasnât noticed you yet. As you gather all your courage, you grip your machete tighter as you make your way towards it.Â
It doesnât make any sounds. It isnât even moving, standing in the middle of the tunnel like a statue. The light of your flashlight and Jonathan's flare, not alarming it. Just like the one youâd killed back at the lab. Your heart almost pounding out of your chest as you near it, praying to every god above this would go well.
With only a few feet away, you can feel its rotting flesh starting to infiltrate your senses, almost wanting to gag at the repulsive smell. You take the last bits of distance in a hurry, raising your arm before sweeping it down with as much force you could manage. The blade makes contact with its neck, your cut clean, as in one full motion youâre able to cut its head off. The head falling to the side before the body tumbles into the water, the sound of the splash being something you could have avoided. Fuck.
As on cue, you hear a few gurgling moans coming from somewhere in front of you. You take some steps forward, seeing three infected coming from a nearby tunnel on the right thatâs connected to yours.Â
Theyâre different from the ones youâd seen before, more active and way louder. They seem way more aware of their surroundings too, your flashlight doing nothing to hide yourself as their heads all turn towards you, gaze feral, screeching, raising their arms while making their way to you. Shit.
This hasnât gone unnoticed by Jonathan either of course. His breathing uncontrollable as he shakes in his boots. âFuckâŠâ Clearly for him thereâs no point in being quiet anymore ââŠfuck âŠweâre gonna die. Weâre gonna fucking die!â
âNo weâre not. Jonathan, man the fuck up. Thereâs three of them and thereâs two of us, we can take them.â Why is it always you that has to encourage him?
The three infected have reached you within seconds, jaws snapping, out-stretched hands trying to get a hold of you. You dodge them and swing your foot into the chest of the first infected on your right, your strength enough to push him down, arms swaying. You donât waste any time. Standing over it you lift your machete before swinging it down with all your might, planting the knife right into its skull, body going limp.
The reeking hot breath of the second infected tingles your neck. Before it has a chance youâre spinning on your heels, water splashing, as you swing your knife again, the blade finding home into its neck. Not enough to kill it but plenty to imbalance him. As blood seeps from the wound, you pull back your machete, foot kicking its chest so it goes down. You plan to do the same thing you did to the one before. Standing over it you raise your weapon again.
All of a sudden you feel an immense impact on your back, causing you to drop your flashlight and machete, your body being pushed harshly against the stone wall. Youâre quick enough to turn around to prevent the flying hands from scratching you, instead grabbing the wrists and trying to pin them down. The third zombie that cages you in is enormous, towering over you by 6.6 feet, dwarfing you completely. Its broad chest and strong arms preventing you from getting away, its power momentarily too strong for your smaller frame. You grunt as you try to push it off, looking past it to see where Jonathan is.
He hasnât moved yet, still standing a few feet back with his mouth agape, clearly in shock.
âJonathan, don't just stand there! Help me out!â You shout, making him snap out of it.
He looks at you, then back at the infected on the ground, which is still moving, towards the infected that has you pinned against the wall. Heâs shaking like a leaf.
âJonathan!â Still no reaction.
Youâre getting desperate now, almost screaming. âJonathan please! Fucking shoot it!â
That seems to knock him out of his stupor. Sadly, not in the way you had hoped. Instead of picking up his gun and shooting the brute that holds you hostage, he passes you, almost jumping over the half dead infected lying on the ground. He looks at you almost in shame. âI-Iâm sorry.â Are his last words before bolting, leaving you to die and taking the flare with him.
Leon is sprinting towards the entrance, throwing all protocol aside. Technically, he isnât supposed to help, but fuck that.
Your heart drops to the pit of your stomach.
No, no, oh god no⊠The dread that fills you is almost enough to pull you down and lose the battle youâre having against the infected. But that can not happen. As long as youâre breathing you wonât go down without a fight. Itâs just branded into you like that.
There isnât anything around that can help you. You canât reach for one of your guns either or you risk getting bitten. You have to use your body, your own strength, to get out of here somehow.
When an idea strikes your mind, you do a quick mental prayer, literally jumping into action, all in the matter of two seconds. Pushing your whole body up, using the wall behind you as leverage, you kick the infected right in its chest with both of your feet. The action causes it to take a few steps back, releasing you, giving you a second to recompose yourself. In the little time that you have, you reach for the shotgun hanging from your back, swinging it to your front so you can hold it better with two hands. A simple pistol shot isnât gonna do the job you reckon.
You raise it, just in time, before the infected reaches for you again, its mouth open as it brings out a gurgling scream. You lift the shotgun right under its chin as you pull the trigger, not knowing what kind of damage it will cause.
The shot is loud. Its recoil pushes you back as you feel the pressure down to your core. The zombieâs face is blown off, blood and flesh splattering on the wall behind it, leaving only partial pieces of the head still standing. You almost gag as the body tips over, water splashing, mixing with blood as it makes contact with the ground. Pieces of brain and bone now scattered around it.
As you pant, you realize that the last infected, the one Jonathan had jumped over, was still alive. As you turn you see its body still wriggling in the water, face down. You pick up your machete again and make quick work of it. Pushing your foot down on its back you raise your weapon and bring it down with full force towards the wound youâd previously made. Flesh tearing and bone cracking as you end its life, fully decapitating it.
Meanwhile Leon has now reached the entrance to the tunnels, a weak Jonathan climbing out like the devil himself is after him. His gaze lifting as he hears the sound of running footsteps. âMr. KennedyâŠ?â
Leon forcefully pushes him out of the way without a second glance, jumping straight into the darkness below, heart pounding and gun drawn, moving as fast as he could.
He almost flinches when the unmistakable sound of a gunshot reaches his ears, the loud noise reverberating through the tunnels. Dread filling his heart as he quickens his pace even more. He takes a detour to the right, knowing the tunnels better than anyone as he had gone through them countless times before on previous missions. He realizes youâre not too far away from the entrance. He just hopes he makes it in time before you get hurt.
You stand up straight again, legs slightly wobbly from the exertion you had to go through while also a bit shaken up. You had never seen an infected before and now you had killed 4 of them in the span of 30 minutes. All in your first ever mission as well. Would have been easier if your partner hadnât left you behind thoughâŠ
You would show him what you were made of once you got out of here. He would have to run if he wanted to avoid you killing him. That alone was a wonderful motivation for you to move forward.
Being under the assumption itâs finally over, you place your machete back on the straps at your back, before going to retrieve the flashlight lying on the ground a few feet ahead of you.
The splashing of water, moaning combined with screeching fills the air once more, making you stop dead in your tracks. Your eyes widen, not believing the things youâre hearing. You thought that had been it. That youâd get to walk out of here now unscratched. Oh boy were you wrong.
Five new infected turn around the same corner the previous three had come from, all equally disgusting and horrifying in their own way.
You abort mission, leaving your flashlight for what it is. It will only draw more attention. You duck into the nearest alcove on your left, knees touching the wet ground as you kneel down, sogging the material of your trousers. At least you think itâs an alcove... You donât have time to check, as the infected are now standing in the middle of the tunnel. Your flashlight making sure you can still see their silhouettes in the dark.
Youâre lucky enough to survive the attack of three infected all by yourself, but taking on five at the same time is impossible. You can take three of them, but not five⊠Not five.
Thereâs no way around them either. Theyâre blocking your path towards the exit completely. Keeping you hostage. Panic seeps through you again like a cold blanket. You have to think of an escape plan, and fast. The infected wonât be standing there forever. Hunting you down being their number one objective, to go after the noise they heard. They will follow the tunnel farther down in your direction and if one of them dares to look you way, youâre done for.
As you carefully peek around the corner you can see them already stumbling your way. You look behind you, pitch blackness greeting you like a meager solution. The alcove seems to be a narrow hallway of sorts, leading you to god knows where. You donât have your flashlight on you either. You wonât be able to see a thing. Who knows what you might run into? And fighting something when you canât see, is like walking up to the gallows. You have to get your flashlight back but that will risk you being seen.
You take another look around the corner. Luckily, they havenât moved any closer. You figure that trying to fight the infected is your best shot at the moment. To get your flashlight quickly and use the dark hallway behind you as a plan B.
You reload your pistol and shotgun, getting yourself ready for what might be your last few minutes of being alive. Shotgun slung over your shoulder, pistol gripped tight in your right hand, you close your eyes, taking a few deep breaths.
You will try to get your flashlight first. After that your main goal is to hit as many headshots as possible. And if that goes wrong? Youâre bolting.
A gloved hand suddenly covers your mouth, preventing the faint scream from escaping your lungs. At the same time a strong arm wraps around you, pulling you against a hard chest, preventing you from moving any further. Your gun falls to the ground, making too much noise for your liking.
Using your body you push back against the hard surface behind you, wriggling your arms as you try to get free. Your head is pushed back, hitting someoneâs shoulder. As you try to look up, a familiar face comes into view, blue eyes meeting yours.
Leon releases your face, bringing his index finger towards his mouth, signaling for you to remain quiet. You quickly nod, a little perplexed as you realize heâs here. His grip around you making sure that youâre not just imagining things.
Moving around, he removes the arm that is slung around you and puts you behind him. As he slowly turns the corner heâs able to get a better look, seeing all the bloodshed you had caused, the infected slowly making its way towards you. He moves back, gesturing for you to come closer to him with his hand on your back so youâre squatting next to each other.
He communicates through sign language. Telling you to stay calm and to follow his lead, that everything is going to be alright. You believe him. With two agents against five infected the job will be more doable. When all of this is over, you have to think of a way to repay him. Repay him well.
Moving his hands he tells you his idea. The plan is to be stealthy and make as little of a mess as possible. Being the older and more experienced agent, he will move first with you right behind him. His axe and your machete at the ready. Before you turn the corner, he will throw a rock over the infected and into the other direction, trying to get their attention away from you. Then the two of you will move closer, each trying to take out one infected separately, two if youâre lucky. The rest will probably have to be done with a gun.
You sign back to the narrow tunnel behind you, to the way he came from. Wondering if that isnât a better option than the danger that lies before you. Leon shakes his head as he brings up all ten fingers before pointing behind him. Your eyes widen, shock clearly visible on your face. Your hands start to tremble. There are ten more back there? Did he sneak past all of them? The thought makes you shiver.
Leon sees the worry in your expression. Quickly putting his hand on top of yours. He makes sure your eyes are back on him. Clear blue staring back at you, he whispers the words âweâre going to be okâ. The warmth of his voice feels like a warm blanket around you, emitting a protective and secure feeling. His hand touching yours, sending goosebumps up your whole body.
All of a sudden you realize how close the two of you are actually sitting. Your knees barely touching, his hot breath slightly caressing your face. For the fraction of a second, you allow yourself to admire him. The few strands of hair slightly covering his eyes. The few wrinkles there, around his nose and on his forehead, signaling his experience in life. The light stubble with a few grey strands going through it, down towards his neck. Adam's apple bobbing as he swallows. Down to the broad and muscular pectorals. His arms are a piece of art on its own, the muscles under his shirt bulging as heâs preparing for the fight thatâs about to come. He is⊠beautiful. You feel safe with him even though the situation isnât very bright looking.
To not let him notice you staring, you quickly take your hand away from under his grasp, signing back that you agree with his plan. You put your gun back into its holster and reach once again for your machete, keeping it ready. Leon does the same, his axe now gripped tightly in his hand, the blade still shining in the faint light that is given. You look at him and curtly nod, signaling that you are ready.
He picks up a nearby rock that lies neglected in the water, putting it ready at his feet. Raising three fingers between you, he looks into your eyes, signaling heâs about to count down. Another nod from you is the last assurance he needs.
The rock goes flying. Straight over the heads of the infected, colliding to the tunnel wall with a sharp loud thud. As on cue the five heads turn in the direction of the sound, giving you and Leon exactly the opening you need.
Leon moves first, stalking the first infected on the left. Youâre right behind him, your eyes on the one next to it. The two of you move as quietly through the water as possible. The wrinkles betraying your position, thankfully not too obvious for the infected to notice. You try to be efficient, knowing youâre only given a handful of seconds before their attention will fall back to you.
Leon doesnât turn to look back, feeling your presence now next to him.
Like the two of you had practiced it a million times before, you both jump at the exact same time. Both of your weapons hitting its mark as you attack from behind.
The two creatures donât stand a chance. Both being beheaded at the same time. The sound of body parts falling brings the others out of their stupor, all of them turning to inspect what happened.
They donât get much time to act. The one closest to you is forcefully pushed back against the wall as you kick it in its chest. Leon racing past you to take care of the other two.
The one you had pushed against the wall, recovers quickly. Its arms sway as it tries to hurt you with strong perseverance. You swing your machete, the tip aiming down as you impale it right in the chest. A sound something between a gasp and screech falls from its lips as you pull the blade back out. Aiming it, you swing again. This time chopping both of its arms off. You finish with something thatâs starting to become your signature move. Blade slicing through its throat, vertebrae and neck. The head rolls into the water as the body slumps down against the wall.
Panting, you turn around, your gaze searching for Leon. He had downed the fourth infected. Now standing over it, foot placed on its chest, he gives the final blow. His axe planting itself into the skull, blood splattering everywhere as pieces of brain fall onto the ground.
Behind him you see the fifth infected taking advantage of Leon being distracted. Its mouth hanging open, blood already seeping out of it, as it starts for him, reaching for his neck. Leon being completely oblivious.
You donât have time to scream or shout his name. You raise your machete instead before aiming. With a groan you throw it. The blade swinging through the air before sheeting itself into the neck of your target. The strength of your blow causes the infected to fall to the side. Wriggling in the water with a strangled groan leaving its bloodied mouth.
You reach it in no time. Taking your blade out of its neck before lifting your foot. Bringing it down with full force you break the skull, crushing the bone. Its brain is a mash up underneath your boot as you hear the bone crunch. You quickly pick up the flashlight as you look around. Feeling the adrenaline coursing through your body, awaiting a new threat.Â
As your eyes fall upon Leon, you see him already looking at you, panting as well and eyes wide. A faint look of disbelief on his face, like he almost couldnât understand how youâd killed the infected before he did.
âYou⊠uh⊠Well done.â He nodded, casting his eyes to the ground. He takes his own flashlight out of his pocket before lighting it. Inhaling sharply through his nose, he takes a few steps forward, now standing directly next to you. He checks the way ahead before clearing his throat. âWe need to get out of here.â
As on cue you hear an immense blast coming down the way you came from. The tunnels shake as dust and a few rocks come down from the ceiling. The two of you both bending over, Leonâs arm slightly hovering over you as a form of protection.
âWhat theâŠâ you hear him whisper.
âMr. Kennedy, what was that?âÂ
The next thing you know, multiple screeches and moans fill the area again. The sound coming exactly from where the huge blast had come from. Not just the screeching of four or five infected. No⊠There are more. Way more. It almost seems as if the blast from before had opened up a gate of some sorts. The gates of hell, freeing its most horrendous kind of demons.Â
As you hear the thunder of footsteps and snarling getting closer, you realize this is not something the two of you can fight off on your own. Not even with all the guns you have on you. Leon seems to be sharing the same thought, quickly grabbing your arm and turning you around. âRun to the exit, now!â
You donât have to be told twice. Aiming your flashlight to prevent yourself from falling down, you sprint through the tunnels. Leon right behind you. Occasionally looking behind him as he draws his gun. You do the same as you do not know what kind of surprises might still lie ahead.Â
The snarls get louder behind you, signaling the infectedâs proximity. They are faster than you, you realize. Way faster, even though they donât see a thing in the dark. Must be some weird type of mutation Umbrella cooked up in one of their labs.Â
As you round the final corner, you finally get to see the light of day. Literally. The hole in the concrete that you came through, being about two hundred feet up ahead. You run towards it as fast as you can. But sprinting slightly uphill with water to slow you down isnât very ideal. Both Leon and you are having a hard time getting up.
Youâre halfway when you look behind you. Seeing at least 6 infected rounding the corner you just passed yourself, with more to follow. Youâre not as brave now as you were before, fear seeping into your bones again. Fear of not making it in time and having to die out here. âTheyâre getting closer!âÂ
Leon ceases his sprinting and turns around. âGo! Iâm right behind you!âÂ
The first shot of his pistol rings through your ears as it hits its target. The one infected running at the front falling down, the rest crawling over its body like madmen. More shots follow as you hear Leon take out one after the other.Â
You look back down once you reach the top and see Leon still shooting as fast as he can. As the infected get concerningly closer. You take out your sniper rifle, aiming down and looking through the scope. âMr. Kennedy câmon, Iâll cover you!âÂ
You wait as you analyze your targets. Waiting for the perfect shot as you donât have as much ammo on you as you actually need for the rifle. You grin as three infected align perfectly. The red dot of your scope marking the first one's head. The other two running behind it. You take the shot. Your bullet bursting through their brains in one fluid motion, downing them in a mere second. Because of the silencer, your first shot is almost inaudible. But it does not go unnoticed by Leon as you hear him curse under his breath before turning. Â
As heâs sprinting up towards you, you do everything in your power to make sure he gets up safe. Only needing a handful of seconds to down the first litter. Sniping is something youâve excelled at ever since you started at the DSO. Being often told your sniper skills are better than anyone else's, you take immense pride in the skill.Â
Well your training is definitely paying off now.
Leon reaches the top incredibly fast. Grabbing your hand he pushes you towards the ladder. âHurry...âÂ
You swing your rifle onto your back before grabbing the metals bars and climbing up. You hear Leon fire a few more shots before following suit. Reaching the top, you lean against the steep concrete wall, regaining your balance before bending down. Your hand reaches for Leonâs as you try to help him up. His warm firm grasp embraces yours. With one strong tug you pull him up.Â
Something counters your strength, Leon groaning as heâs being pulled down again. A loud curse escapes him. One of the infected has managed to gain up on him and grasp onto his lower leg. As it grabs him with both of its claws and tries to climb up, you know heâll get bitten if you donât act quickly. Freeing your pistol from its holster, you aim right between its dead eyes. Not hesitating as you pull the trigger. The blow causes the creature to fall back down, taking two others with him who were also trying to get up the ladder.
With Leon now free, you continue pulling him back up. As he gets up next to you on the concrete wall, you grasp for your shotgun again, aiming towards the next filthy infected thatâs right behind him. You pull the trigger. The immense blast making it tumble back down in several pieces.
You hear Leon shout next to you. âThereâs too many. Run!âÂ
Climbing up the steep wall, you hear the sharp clinging of metal next to you. You look back at Leon. The metal pin of the grenade heâs holding, being the source of the noise. You see him pull out the pin before throwing it carelessly behind him. He pushes you forward. âGo! Shitâs about to blow!âÂ
With a last look behind him, he throws the grenade back at the infected, before taking a final sprint. You see it land right at the bottom of the hole, at least twenty zombies now filling the area that you came from while some were climbing the ladder again. Leon wraps his arm around your middle and pushes you out of the tunnel as fast as he can.Â
Finally reaching the top, the two of you climb out, leaving the evil darkness behind. Now running on the street you only manage a few more steps before your body is catapulted. As the bomb goes off behind you, you hear the deafening sound of rubble coming down. Shaking the asphalt below your feet. You fall on your front. Your arms wrap around your head to prevent yourself from getting hurt. Leon falls on top of you. His body now involuntarily protecting yours from any flying debris.Â
After a few seconds the rumbling and screeching from the infected quiets down. You feel the pressure of Leonâs body slightly crushing you. The smell of sweat and dirt mixed with the smell of freshly washed linen fill your senses like a warm blanket thatâs being wrapped around you. Oddly enough, you donât mind his crushing weight.Â
A few more moments pass before you feel him shift above you. Slowly lifting himself up as a groan falls from his lips. One hand positioned at your waist as the other holds himself up. You dare look up yourself.
Smoke fills the air, providing an even more thick and impenetrable fog than there already was. Pieces of rubble and dirt all scattered around the place. As you look back at the hole in the ground that you came through, you only see a big pile of debris left. What once was an entrance to one of the Umbrella labs had now caved in, taking the infected with it. The grenade had sealed them in like a tomb.
You feel Leonâs firm grip as he lifts you from the ground. Once back on your feet, youâre turned towards him. One hand still on your shoulder as he starts inspecting you from head to toe. Brows furrowed as heâs looking for any sign of injuries. âAre you alright?â He asks hurriedly, his gaze now coming up to meet yours. Searching your eyes to make sure youâre not hurt.
You nod, slightly nervous because of his touch. âI-Iâm fineâŠâ You say before looking at your feet. The intense eye contact a bit too demanding for you to hold. Looking back at the destroyed entrance you huff in approval. âGood thinking, throwing the grenade back there. I thought we were goners.â You joke, trying to lift up the mood. His hand leaves your shoulder as he quietly hums. Looking back at the pile of debris, a frown is edged on his face. Still cautious that anything might come through the rubble and attack you. You admire that about him, just as much as you find it very attractive.
âMr. KennedyâŠâ He looks back at you. His gaze making you slightly weak in the knees. â⊠I- Thank you. If it werenât for you, I wouldâve never made it out of there alive.â Your words seem to soften something inside of him. The frown on his face now slowly vanishing.
âNo need to thank me really.â He says, shaking his head. âYou shouldnât have had to go through that. Chris and I, we checked the perimeter for any danger before you guys even came here. If⊠If I had known there were so many infected, I would have never sent you down there. Iâm so sorry.â You see the regret in his eyes, the immense disappointment in himself for failing you like that. As your superior it is his responsibility to look after you and keep you safe during training. To adjust your tactics and give you tips in any way he can. He couldnât even do that.
âThis wasnât supposed to happen?â
Your eyes widen as he shakes his head no. You suddenly realize what kind of catastrophe you had just avoided. Your whole mission was to just get the computer chip back from the lab and return without scratches. No zombies blocking your path whatsoever. No wonder Jonathan ran off like a pussy.
You see Leon having difficulty with the situation he had put you in. Not daring to meet your eyes, he averts his gaze to somewhere slightly above you. His shoulders a little bit tense, as his hand goes behind his neck to awkwardly start scratching at the skin. You feel bad for him... This man, who saved you when no one else did, did not deserve to feel this distraught. According to the many stories from his past missions when he was younger, heâd already felt enough of that.
âYou shouldnât feel guilty. No one can predict something as horrifying as what has just happened.â Your words are honest and warm as you try to gain his attention.
Leon curtly nods, looking for the way ahead. âLetâs go.â He mumbles before taking a few steps through the mist, discarding your words.
Having none of it, you quickly follow his steps. Reaching out to grab his lower arm, you make him turn, forcing him to lock eyes with you before saying your next words of truth. âMr. Kennedy⊠Please believe me when I say itâs fine. Really. You did everything you could. If it werenât for you Iâd be dead.â
âIf it werenât for me, you wouldnât even be in this situation right now.â He grumbles, eyes cold.
âBut I am.â You take a step closer before continuing. âAnd thatâs not because of you, but because I chose to be here. I chose to become a DSO agent and to do this mission with you. I chose to step into that tunnel and continue the mission. If I wasnât prepared to face any danger, I would have just dropped out of the program.â
Leon sighs before clenching his jaw, not very much convinced. âStill⊠I should have known.â
âBut you didnât. And thatâs ok. Mistakes happen. Look, Jonathan didnât check the lab for threats very well when we were down there and I still forgave himâŠâ
Youâre interrupted as Leonâs gaze fixates on something moving behind you. âSpeaking of whichâŠâ
You turn around, a gasp escaping you. There, sitting on a withered metal bench, was none other than Jonathan. His hunched over form taking shape through the mist. He notices you at the exact same time. Eyes wide and mouth agape as he sees youâve made it out alive with Leon standing right next to you.
You inhale sharply, eyes narrowing as you feel your head getting warm. You grind your teeth as he stands up. His lips forming a small smile, hand on his chest almost like heâs relieved. Like he forgot what heâd done to you. How heâd abandoned you. A strange feeling of rage flows through you, blood pumping through your veins as you march towards him. You roll up your sleeves before clenching your fist, holding it steady at your side. With only a few feet away, he opens his arms in mock gesture, inviting you in, believing you to be a dumb rookie agent. âOh thank God, I was so worr-â
You donât give him time to finish his sentence. Your fist colliding full force against his upper jaw, nose breaking as you give him the hardest punch you could muster. A cry, that sounds anything but manly, bursts from his lips. His body tumbling over as he falls to the side.
âTell someone who actually gives a shit.â You snarl, desperately trying to stay calm before you do anything worse.
Blood seeps from his nose, his hand reaching for it as he inspects the damage. A look of dismay is thrown at you when he sees the blood coating his fingers. His eyes search for your superior. Leon, standing only a few feet behind you, whoâs been watching you the whole time. He doesnât interfere. Youâve earned it.
âHey! Youâre just letting her get away with this? You got nothing to say about that?â Jonathan says in disbelief. Voice raising as he throws the words at Leon.Â
You have to do your very best to hold yourself back. Your hand itching to punch him again. You hear the sturdy footsteps of Leonâs boots behind you as he comes closer. Turning your head to see him stop right next to you, you notice the tiny smirk heâs holding. His eyes turn as cold as ice before fixating on Jonathan. âYouâre out.â
Jonathan scrambles to get up as his brows furrow and his mouth falls open in shock. âWhat?â
Leon doesnât miss a beat to repeat himself. âYouâre out. When we get back to the DSO, you take your bags and leave.â
âWhat? Wait! No-no-noâŠâ He panics, hand reaching inside his pocket, taking out the computer chip he had taken from you. â... I got the computer chip. The important piece of information you guys were searching for. I completed the mission!â
Leon chuckles while shaking his head, staying very calm. He takes the chip out of Jonathanâs grasp, collecting it in his own pocket. âYou didnât do shit kid.â He takes another step closer. Looking Jonathan dead in the eye. âYou abandoned your partner in a situation where she needed you most. Running off like a little bitch you left her there to die. The number one rule in a partnership is you both complete a mission and leave no one behind. She-â he says while looking at you for a split second â-has more courage and intelligence in her than you could ever fathom. If it werenât for her youâd be fucking dead. And thatâs how you repay her?â
You see Jonathanâs Adam's apple bob. Probably swallowing the last remnants of pride he has left. A look of betrayal is shot at you. âYou told him?â
As much as you want to reply, Leon beats you to it. âShe didnât have to tell me anything. I heard everything that was said between the two of you.â
As both you and Jonathan stare at him with a questioning look, he raises his hand and points towards the little earpiece. You chuckle as Jonathan curses. âSon of a bitchâŠâ
You have to refrain yourself from laughing too hard. Instead your lips part as you smirk, staring back at Jonathan with a satisfied look on your face.
Leon grabs him by the shoulder and pushes him forward. âNow get back to the dropping site and after that I donât want to see you ever again.â
A low grumble falls from Jonathanâs lips as he starts walking, shoulders slumped, his head bent down in shame. You and Leon follow suit. Just a few feet behind him. With the adrenaline slowly wearing off and your skin still sweaty, you start getting goosebumps. Even now with the sun at its highest peak, itâs still not enough to keep you warm.
âYou ok?â A little bit startled by his question, you look back at Leon, his eyes already on you.
âYeahâŠâ You nod quickly, not wanting him to worry. âJust a little bit cold, that's all.â
He frowns at your words, gaze dropping towards your bare arms, seeing the hairs on your skin standing up. He moves a bit more towards you as youâre walking, dropping his voice a little so only you can hear him. âJust a little longer and weâll be back at the car in no time. You can warm yourself up there.â
He doesnât know why he tells you that. Why he says those words of comfort or why he suddenly feels the strange need to look after you. Is it because youâre a woman? Or is there something more? Something hidden. Something buried deeper within himself that heâs desperately trying to ignore.
When heâd found you back in the tunnels, he was impressed at how well you were able to hold yourself up. At how well your resilience was in the midst of danger. The massacre you had caused all by yourself was something on the level of more experienced and seasoned agents. The way you had moved and used your machete, like you had been doing it for years. The way the faint light of your flashlight had reflected the sweat on your pale skin. How your biceps, which were considerably smaller compared to his, had moved when you parried every attack. And donât get him started on that precision kill you did with your sniper rifle. Killing three infected with just one shot? You had outdone yourself, immensely. It had triggered his attention.
And when you got up to punch Jonathan in the face? He hadnât moved. On the contrary, he had found it very amusing. Seeing your smaller frame march up to him like a little pitbull before breaking his nose. He even found it a bit attractive as well, though he didnât want to admit that to himself. You were twenty years younger for goodness sake. You probably thought he was an old creep you had to train with.
Despite his worrying, he can see your eyes soften at his words. A warm smile now covering your face that manages to shake something in him. You also lower your voice. âThank you again Mr. Kennedy. For everything, really.â
He wants nothing more than to tell you that you can just call him by his first name. To be more familiar with him. But heâs your superior⊠He has to stay professional. So he answers in the best way he can. âItâs nothing. Iâm glad I was there.â Offering you a warm smile in return, you continue your way back to the dropping point.
He feels guilty. So immensely guilty. Thereâs no way to describe it. He should have known better. Should have seen the bioterrorism pop up on the scanners when he and Chris had first scouted the area. Years of being in the field, facing danger and managing to survive every single day, years of training⊠and heâd still failed. Had failed you. He tells himself heâs no better than Jonathan. No better than the men at the DSO who think less of you just because youâre a woman. He doesnât deserve your kind words and compassion. If anything he should be thankful youâre still looking at him with such respect.
With you walking slightly in front of him now, he lets his eyes wander to your smaller frame. Resting on your hair, slightly dirty from all the dust and debris, neatly woven into a French braid. A couple of strands have come loose, framing your face. The color of your hair is a pretty contrast to the dark navy blue of your shirt. As he looks up, he admires your youthful face. Adorning a few little freckles, mostly around your nose, with eyes that shine bright even in the darkest of places. The pale skin of your arms and neck, decorated with a few beauty marks here and there.
The black harness holding your weaponry is tight around your chest, showing off your slim figure and small waist. He notices the zipper of your shirt had come down a bit, revealing the sheen of sweat on your chest caused by all the exertion. A single drop running down, disappearing between the swell of your breasts. He lets his gaze drop lower. To the shape of your hips. To your machete thatâs carefully placed above your gorgeous behind. The knife softly swaying from side to side with each step you take.
And when the grenade went off⊠When he lay on top of you⊠When he felt your warmth pushed against his crotchâŠ
âWhat do you think of me?â
âWhat?â Leon says, startled by your voice. He shakes his head, almost like waking up from a dream. Eyes coming back up to meet yours with a faint blush already starting to form.
âThe missionâŠâ You say. âHow did I do?â Fuck. Focus Kennedy. Get your act together.
He clears his throat, swallowing the last bit of spit, his mouth going dry. âYou uh⊠You were great. Amazing in fact.â Is that too much for him to say as your superior? Does it sound weird? A simple ok as Chris always says to the rookies wonât do you any justice. He can tell you the truth, right?
You look at him with these big doe-like eyes, almost knocking the air straight out of him. He has to admit it to himself. You are⊠beautiful.
âSo⊠I passed then?â You question him. âOh you did more than just pass.â He chuckles, keeping the double-sided meaning of that sentence as a joke to himself.
He sighs. How do you not realize how good you are? âLet me put it this way. Out of all the agents back at the DSO⊠There arenât many with as much resilience as you, who would have faced a horde of infected alone on their first ever mission. You held your own back there. Aiding me and complementing my strategies. Following my directions, moving the way I wanted you to, like youâve been doing it for years. Youâre the perfect partner I have missed for so long. So no, you didnât just pass. If anything I would almost say youâre a full fletched agent who doesnât need any more training.â
You stop dead in your tracks. âWhat are you saying Mr. Kennedy?â
âIâm saying that as far as Iâm concerned, you have passed your training. Let me have a talk with Chris. Letâs see what I can do. Maybe⊠I could secure you a good position at the DSO. Give you security.â
You smile at him. âThank you sir, and I donât mean to be disrespectful, but⊠I donât think an office job is really it for me.â
He returns your smile. âNo⊠I donât think it is. But I didnât mean a position at the office. Sadly enough, it is clear you were made for the field.â
It should feel weird to have someone tell you youâre good at killing. That youâre âmadeâ to fulfil missions in very dangerous circumstances. Instead, his words feel like a compliment to you. A feeling thatâs so refreshing after the various laughs and sneers from your fellow male DSO colleagues.
âThank you Mr. Kennedy. For everything. I donât know how I can repay you.â
After a small hour of walking, the three of you make it back to the dropping point. Chris and his two rookies are already waiting.
At the sight of Jonathanâs miserable expression and bloody nose, Chrisâs smirk starts to form. âWell well well⊠Seems like the mission was a disaster after all. Where the hell have you been Kennedy? We already finished an hour ago.â
You huff, a little irritated by his remark. If only he knew how Jonathan got that broken nose. What you have been throughâŠ
Leon walks up to him. âShut up Chris.â His gaze flickers to Jonathan then back to you. He lets it linger there for a second. Blue eyes demanding your attention. Sending shivers down your spine. Thereâs a message in them. One of certainty, of protection⊠of dominance. He sends you a comforting smile before looking back at Chris. His voice is deep and steady as he speaks.
Thank you for reading. <3 I'm sorry if there are any grammatical errors. Please feel free to comment so I can correct them.
I really feel like writing a part 2 for this. So let me know if anyone's interested.
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