My art is really about feelings β especially that kind of quiet yearning. I love drawing moments that feel like something more is going on beneath the surface, where a look, a gesture, or a tiny detail can hint at a bigger story. Most of the time, the piece is just a small snapshot of that story, and I like writing a bit of fanfiction in the description to expand on it.
Of course I enjoy drawing other kinds of things too! But I always find myself coming back to emotional moments and storytelling the most. Thanks for being here and taking a look at my work.
Family Day | ft. Sherry, Annette & William Birkin (Commissioned)
Story below β¨
Before the Events of RE2R
Sherry hesitated.
The permission slip sat on her desk long after everyone else had already put theirs awayβFamily DayβMost of her classmates had been excited when the teacher handed them out. They'd immediately started talking about what games they would play and what they wanted to show them.
On the other hand, Sherry had stayed quiet.
She folded the form neatly and tucked it into her backpack. There wasn't a point in asking when she already knew the answer.
After school, the company driver picked her up as usual. The ride to the NEST facility felt familiar enough that she barely looked out the window anymore. The security guards knew her. The researchers knew her. Even the reception staff greeted her by name.
By the time she arrived, someone was already waiting to guide her to the designated playroom. The room was filled with books, toys, and puzzles meant to keep her occupied while her parents worked.
ββββββ
The hours passed quietly.
Around five o'clock, Annette finally stepped away from her work. She walked through the hallway, reviewing notes in her head when she noticed a familiar backpack resting beside the door.
It's three days since she'd properly seen her daughter. Longer since she'd had an actual conversation with William that wasn't work-related. The realization left a bitter taste she wasn't expecting.
She crouched down and adjusted the small plush toy hanging from the zipper. Hidden inside was a GPS tracker she'd installed years agoβIt had shifted slightly.
As she fixed it, a folded paper slipped from the side pocket.
Annette caught it before it hit the floor. As her eyes skimmed over the form the words 'Family Day.' and the date caught her eye, it was next week.
She already had business scheduled around that areaβan inspection at the orphanage, a few errands for Umbrella. Attending would be plausible. But as she looked at the form, she knew that wasn't really why she was considering it.
ββββββ
She found Sherry in the playroom, sitting cross-legged on the floor with a coloring book. As the door opened Sherry immediately looked up at her with a smile seeing her mother for the first time in days.
"Sherry." Annette said as she took out the permission slip from Sherry's bag. "You forgot to show me this."
Sherry froze. "Oh."
The excitement that had appeared on Sherry's face disappeared just as quickly.
"It's okay," she said quietly. "You don't have to go." she said her gaze darting to the side so her mother can't see her mask her disappointment.
Annette's expression softened, almost immediately. "Your father and I will be there."
For a second Sherry looked genuinely confused. Then her eyes widened.
"Really?" she asked as she twiddle her thumbs together sheepishly her tone hopeful.
"Really." Annette repeated firmly
The smile that spread across Sherry's face was brighter than Annette had seen in a long time. Before she could stop herself, Sherry jumped up and threw her arms around Annette. The hug only lasted a moment before she pulled away, embarrassed. But she couldn't stop smiling.
ββββββ
The following week became, in Sherry's opinion, the best day ever.
Both of her parents cameβNot one of them. Both.
William looked mildly uncomfortable around the other families and spent most of the afternoon standing awkwardly beside Annette. But every time Sherry tugged on his sleeve to show him something, he followed without complaint as a smile forms on his face. While Annette watched her daughter run from activity to activity with more energy than she'd seen in months.
It wasn't a perfect day.
William still checked his watch.
Annette still thought about work.
But every time Sherry laughed, they found themselves staying a little longer.
And for a few precious hours, they were simply a family.
Sherry would remember that day for the rest of her life. Not knowing it would be one of the last happy memories they would ever share together. But that was a sorrow for another day.
For now, the Birkins sat together beneath the afternoon sun, listening to Sherry excitedly tell them about her classmates. And for one small moment, everything was exactly as it should have been.
ββββββ
Family Day with the Birkin's Commissioned by @lapauguillen on insta!
Warnings: fluff, comfort, married life, parenthood
D: Felix, the male twin of the Redfield-Kennedy couple, seems to have inherited his father's insomnia, and when the little one hasn't slept, he's uncomfortable and just wants his mother, so when Claire Redfield hands Leon over the baby, Felix doesn't agree with the change, or rather... with his father.
Mentions: honorable mention to the one and only @vmddrawing who made this wonderful drawing, and in fact, the twins are from her own Cleon story, so if you're interested and you want to see more drawings, you should go follow her πΉ
The morning slips in slowly through the window, pouring a soft golde light into the still, quiet room. Everything feels calm, except for one small detail.
Felix Alexander Redfield-Kennedy.
The male twin of the Redfield-Kennedy marriage.
Claire Redfield holds him in her arms, gently rocking him as she walks back and forth.
His eyes are wide open, big and curious, with a serious expression that seems far too mature for someone so small. He has barely slept all night.
βShhβ¦ itβs okay, sweetheartβ¦β Claire murmurs with a tired smile, brushing a small strand of hair away from his forehead.
Felix doesnβt cry. He never cries without a reason. But his look says everything: heβs tired, uncomfortable, and clearly not happy about the fact that he seems to have inherited his fatherβs insomnia.
From the doorway, Leon Kennedy watches the scene.
Leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, he canβt help but smile. Thereβs something about the way Claire holds the baby, about how she speaks to him with endless patience, that completely captivates him.
βI could get used to this,β he says softly.
Claire looks up, raising an eyebrow with a small smile.
βTo not sleep?β
βTo watch you like this.β
Felix slowly turns his head towards Leon and looks at him.
Not just any look. Itβs serious, steady, definitely judging.
Leon freezes
βOkayβ¦ thatβs new,β he murmurs. βIs he judging me?β
Claire lets out a soft laugh.
βAlways. Like Chris did.β
Leon steps a little closer, careful, like he doesnβt want to scare the tiny little menace.
βHeyβ¦β he says softly, leaning closer to Felix. βItβs me, remember? Your amazing father, the one you got that judging look from.β
Felix doesnβt look away, he just blinks and tilts his head just a little. Still watching.
Leon tilts his head too, just like the little one.
βHeβs definitely judging me.β
βLike father, like son,β Claire smiles and turns towards the closet. βI need a shower before I fall asleep standing,β she says as she starts looking for clothes.
She adjusts Felix in her arms without thinking, still rocking him gently.
Exactly as she did years ago with Leon when he was broken and dependent on alcohol.
Leon watches her again.
That mix of routine and tenderness pulls him in just like before.
βYou should rest more,β he says, softer now.
βI willβ¦ in another life,β Claire replies, half joking.
She finds what she needs: a T-shirt, which is obviously not hers, comfortable pants, and leaves them on the bed.
Then she turns to Leon.
βHeyβ¦ can you take Felix for a moment? Penny is still asleep, soβ¦β
Leon nods without hesitation.
βOf course.β
He steps forward and holds out his arms.
Claire carefully hands Felix to him.
Felix changes arms and he goes still.
He doesnβt cry, he doesnβt complain.
Which is weird because he complains when heβs uncomfortable and hasnβt slept.
Felix just looks at Leon close.
Closer than before. His eyes studying his face like heβs trying to memorize it, his eyes, his expression, the way he holds himβ¦
Leon stays very still.
βOkayβ¦,β he whispers. βThis is intense.β
Claire smiles, watching them.
βHeβs studying you.β
βFor what?β
βTo decide if youβre worthy of holding him.β
Leon lets out a small laugh.
βWell, I hope I pass.β
Felix keeps looking, serious, calm.
Too calm.
And surprisingly, he stays like that.
Leon blinks, a little surprised.
βHeyβ¦β he murmurs. βI think he likes me.β
Claire raises an eyebrow.
βDonβt get excited.β
She walks toward the bathroom, but before going in, she turns one last time.
Felix is still in Leonβs arms. Watching.
βIβll be right back,β she says.
And she goes inside. The door closes. The sound of running water fills the silence.
Leon looks down at Felix.
βWellβ¦β he says softly. βJust you and me, huh?β
Felix blinks still watching him.
Leon smiles a little.
βItβs not that bad, right?β
Felix doesnβt answer.
But he doesnβt protest either.
Leon starts rocking him gently, a bit more confident now.
βWe could get used to thisβ¦β
A few seconds pass.
Then two minutes.
Then a few more.
The sound of the shower continues.
And then, something changes.
Felix stops looking at Leon.
His eyes move, he searches.
He turns his head slightly.
Looks at the bathroom door.
Then around the room.
Blinks and frowns a little.
Leon notices.
βHeyβ¦ itβs okayβ¦β
Felix looks at the door again and his breathing shifts slightly, so does his expression.
His lower lip trembles.
Leon tenses.
βNoβ¦ no, noβ¦ hold on, mommy won't be longβ¦β
Felix turns his head to where Claire was before.
She 's not there.
His frown deepens, and then, he makes a small pout.
A clear warning.
Leonβs eyes widen a little.
βNoβ¦ donβt do itβ¦β
Felix lets out a small sound.
A complaint.
Not crying, but close.
Leon rocks him more.
βHeyβ¦ look at me, look at meβ¦ Iβm here tooβ¦β
Felix doesnβt want to look at him.
He keeps searching.
The door, the empty space.
His mother.
The pout gets bigger, more obvious.
And then it starts.
A small whine.
Then another.
And suddenly he bursts into tears.
Full of indignation.
Felix cries, turning his head, searching for Claire desperately, reaching his arms toward where she should be.
βHey! Iβm here! It 's me!β Leon says, trying to calm him, rocking him awkwardly. βCome on, buddyβ¦β
But Felix is not interested, his crying gets louder, offended by the situation.
βThis is betrayal!β Leon complaints.
Felix lets out another cry, burying his face into Leonβs shoulder, only to pull away, as if remembering itβs the wrong one.
βSheβs just in the bathroom, she didnβt disappearβ¦β
But for Felix, thatβs not enough.
His world is his mom.
His world is Claire.
And Claire is not there.
From the crib, thereβs movement.
Leon freezes again.
βNoβ¦β
Penelope moves.
βNo, pleaseβ¦β
She opens her eyes and the moment she sees Leon, she smiles.
A big, bright and toothless smile, like everything in life is wonderful.
βOf course,β Leon mutters, resigned.
Penelope babbles happily, waving her arms, completely happy with anything.
Felix cries louder.
Leon looks at one, then at the other and sighs.
βOkayβ¦ this got complicated.β
The sound of the shower continues.
Claire hasnβt come out yet.
Len tries again with Felix, rocking him.
βCome onβ¦ calm downβ¦ sheβll be out soonβ¦β
But Felix doesnβt want to calm down.
He wants his mom.
Penelope lets out a happy little laugh.
Leon tilts his head back for a second.
βOne cries, the other laughsβ¦ perfect balance,β he murmurs.
He walks towards the crib, still holding Felix.
βHey, my little angelβ¦ give meβ¦ give me a couple of minutes, okay?β
Penelope answers with another happy babble.
Felix shifts, uncomfortable.
Leon closes his eyes for a moment.
βOkayβ¦β he says, taking a deep breath. βWe can do this. Just a couple more minutesβ
Felix doesnβt seem convinced.
Penelope does.
The sound of the water stops.
For a second, everything itβs waiting.
Felix is still whimpering in Leonβs arms, small sobs like he refuses to calm down until things are right again.
Leon, already at his limit, looks at the bathroom door.
βPleaseβ¦β he murmurs. βCome back.β
The door opens and Claire steps out, wrapped in a towel, her hair still wet, drops of water sliding down her neck. She barely takes a step when Felix sees her.
He freezes, his eyes widen.
And then, with a small sound between a whine and relief, he reaches for her.
Pure need.
Claire doesnβt hesitate. She walks straight to them and takes him into her arms in one smooth and natural movement.
βIβm here, my little rookieβ¦β she whispers, holding him closer to her chest.
Felix clings to her like heβll never let go again.
He curls into her, hiding his face in her neck, breathing in small, shaky sobs that slowly begin to fade. His little hands grip the towel tightly, making sure she doesnβt disappear again.
Claire gently rubs his back kissing his head.
βShhβ¦ itβs okayβ¦ I just left for a moment, youβre so dramaticβ¦β
Felix lets out one last tiny complaint, as if to make his point clear, but heβs no longer crying.
He calms down and stays pressed against her, at peace.
Beside her, Leon exhales like he just survived something.
βYouβre my savior.β
Claire smiles, still rocking Felix.
βHe's like this because he barely slept,β she says softly. βWhen heβs tired, he just wants me.β
Leon looks at her for a moment, then steps closer.
Without saying anything, he wraps his arms around Claire from behind, resting his chin gently near her shoulder, careful not to bother Felix.
βWellβ¦ me too,β he murmurs.
Claire lets out a soft laugh.
βWhat a coincidence.β
Felix, still curled against her, opens one eye and looks at Leon.
Serious.
But this time, he doesnβt protest, as if, for now, he accepts him.
βI think Iβm still on trial,β Leon whispers.
βDefinitely.β Claire replies.
And then-
βOoooohhhnnn!β
They both look at the crib.
Penelope, fully awake, fully happy.
Waving her arms to the ceiling.
Leon sighs, but he smiles anyway.
βAlright, youβre coming with me.β
He carefully steps away from Claire, walks to the crib, and picks her up.
βHi, my little angelβ¦β
Penelope immediately grabs his face.
βHey, wait-β
Too late, she lunges forward and starts βkissingβ him.
Or more like⦠licking and chewing his face.
βHey! That's not-β Leon tries to pull away, but she insists, happily covering him in drool. βOkay, okayβ¦ I get itβ¦β
Penelope lets out a delighted babble, proud of herself.
Claire watches them, laughing softly, Felix still safe in her arms.
βSee?β she says. βShe does love you.β
Leon looks at her, his face slightly wet, expression defeated.
βYeahβ¦ but I think sheβs trying to eat me.β
Claire shakes her head, amused.
Felix, from the safety of her arms, watches everything quietly, calm, certain that his place is exactly where he is.
Meanwhile, Penelope keeps spreading love in her own way.
And Leon, trapped between the drool and laughter, just accepts his fate as her breakfast.
βCan I dress her today?β he asks, excited.
Claire adjusts Felix in her arms.
βLet me guess, you want to put the blue dress on her, Am I wrong?β
Leon looks up at Claire with a smile,
βYouβre not wrong,β he says proudly. βBlue looks perfect on her.β
Claire lets out a soft laugh, gently rocking Felix, who is now completely relaxed again.
βShe looks perfect in everything,β she says. βBut that dress is the most uncomfortable one she has.β
Leon frowns, looking at Penelope like heβs rethinking everything.
Penelope, meanwhile, tries to bite his chin.
βItβs not uncomfortable," he says, dodging another βkissβ attempt. βIt 's elegant.β
βSheβs five months old, Leon.β
βItβs never too early for style. We should already start getting them leather jackets. We canβt lose that essence.β
Claire shakes her head, amused.
βAnd itβs too early for them to have a dramatic father.β
Felix lets out a small sight, as if he were agreeing with his mother.
Leon glances at him.
βYou canβt have an opinion,β he mutters. βFive minutes ago you were crying like I betrayed you.β
Felix opens one eye, looks at him, serious, then closes it again.
Claire smiles.
βHeβs exhausted.β
βJust like someone else I know,β Leon says, looking at her.
Claire doesnβt answer, but her expression softens.
Penelope babbles again, pulling at Leonβs shirt.
βAlright, alright,β he says, adjusting her. βLetβs get you dressed before you try to eat me again.β
He walks to the changing table with her, she kicks happily, completely fine with anything as long as she gets attention.
Leon lays her down carefully and starts looking through her clothes.
He pulls out the blue dress with clear satisfaction.
βI knew Iβd find it.β
Claire watches from the bed, now sitting down, with Felix finally asleep against her chest. Her fingers keep moving gently over his back, a soft and protective habit.
βYouβre impossible,β she says, but her voice is full of love.
Leon smiles, focused on dressing Penelope.
βI know.β
He tries to put the dress over her head and Penelope decides this is the perfect moment to move.
A lot.
βHey- no- stay still-β Leon laughs quietly, struggling gently. βI need cooperation here, agent.β
Penelope answers grabbing his nose.
βThatβs not cooperation,β he says.
Claire watches, resting her head lightly against the wall, still smiling.
Felix sleeps and Penelope laughs,
Leon manages somehow and he gets the dress on, a bit crooked and he steps back to admire his work.
βPerfect.β
Penelope babbles proudly.
βLook at that,β Leon says, turning to Claire. βPerfection.β
Claire raises an eyebrow.
βItβs backwards.β
Leon blinks, looks at the dress and sighs.
βDetails.β
Claire laughs quietly so she doesnβt wake Felix.
Leon fixes the dress properly this time and picks Penelope up again.
βNow itβs perfect,β he says. βMuch better.β
Penelope immediately goes for another βkissβ.
βNo- wait-β too late again.
Claire watches them with that soft, calm look.
Sheβs tired, yes, but sheβs happy.
Leon walks back and sits next to her, Penelope in his arms.
For a moment, no one speaks.
Felix sleeps peacefully and Penelope plays with Leonβs shirt.
D: Leon Kennedy wakes up without Claire Redfield by his side; when he finds her in the kitchen, she admits she's afraid to tell her older and overprotective brother, Chris Redfield, that she's engaged. Leon comforts her by making breakfast and spending a quiet morning in the garden.
Word count: 2119
Songs: Margaret - Lana Del Rey; Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper.
Mentions: I want to thank my friend @vmddrawing because her wonderful drawings are my inspiration, and thank you for lending me our beloved Cowboy for this one.
Author's note: I'm sorry if there are any mistakes since English isn't my first language, but I still hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
ENJOYY!!!
The morning slips in softly through the window.
Itβs one of those quiet summer mornings where the wind is cool, and the sun is only just beginning its slow climb into the sky. Golden light filters through the thin curtains, spilling gently across the wooden floor.
The house is quiet.
Peaceful.
Except for the radio.
A low, old song hums quietly from the small radio resting on the kitchen counter, nothing loud, nothing demanding. Just soft music blending with the distant rustle of leaves outside and the steady sound of the coffee machine finishing its work.
Claire stands by the counter.
Her red hair falls loose over her shoulders, catching hints of gold where the sunlight reaches it. Sheβs wearing a t-shirt too big to be hers, the hem brushing against her thighs.
She leans her hip against the counter, one hand loosely wrapped around a warm mug as she looks out the window.
The trees sway gently.
The world feels slow for once.
Back in the bedroom, Leon is just beginning to wake.
Itβs not abrupt. Not the kind of sharp, alert awakening heβs used to.
Itβs slow, disoriented, as if he didn't want to wake up yet.
For a brief moment, he searches blindly through the sheets.
"Claireβ¦" he murmurs, voice rough, still caught between sleep and reality.
His hand drags over his face, fingers pressing into his eyes before he exhales and sits on the bed.
At the foot of the bed, Cowboy, Claireβs dog, is half-asleep.
The dog lifts his head, ears twitching at the sudden movement, eyes opening as he watches Leon with curiosity.
Leon notices him and huffs a quiet, tired breath of amusement.
"Hey⦠morning, buddy," he mutters, reaching down to scratch behind his ears.
Cowboy leans into the touch immediately.
"You know where's your mom?" Leon asks, still half-asleep, his voice softer now.
The dog tilts his head for a second, then glances toward the open door.
Leon follows his gaze.
A small smile pulls at his lips.
"Yeah⦠thought so."
He pats Cowboy one last time.
"Have I ever told you youβre the best?"
Cowboy simply exhales, satisfied, before hopping off the bed and heading out of the room like he has somewhere important to be.
Leon watches him go for half a second, then swings his legs over the side of the bed and stands.
No shirt. Just gray cotton sweatpants.
Still waking up.
Still slow.
But already moving toward her.
When Leon reaches the kitchen, he doesnβt step in right away.
He pauses in the doorway.
Leans his shoulder against the door frame.
Arms crossing over his chest.
And he just watches.
Claire is there, exactly where Cowboy had led him.
Sheβs crouched slightly, one hand running affectionately over the dogβs white fur as he leans into her like he hasnβt seen her in years. Her shirt slips further down her shoulder as she moves.
For a moment, he says nothing.
He just takes it in.
The light.
The music.
Her.
She doesnβt notice him.
She stands again, turning back to the counter to pour another cup of coffee, still half-lost in the calm of the morning, and then, she feels it.
Arms sliding around her waist from behind.
Warm.
Familiar.
Leon rests his chin on her shoulder.
Claire smiles instantly.
"Good morning, sleeping beauty," she says softly.
Leon lets out a quiet breath against her neck.
"It should be illegal for you to get up without telling me."
"Well" she hums, handing him the cup she just poured, "someone has to make breakfast."
"And that someone should understand we have a day off." Leon mutters, noticing the report she had been glancing at.
Without hesitation, he reaches over and slides it away from her.
Claire exhales, letting her weight fall back slightly into him.
"Sorry, Iβm not very good at doing... nothing."
"Youβll survive. I believe in you."
He presses a slow kiss just below her ear.
Claire closes her eyes briefly.
Her hand drifts down, finding his, fingers brushing over the ring on his hand.
She fidgets with it.
Softly.
But enough.
Leon notices immediately.
"Heyβ¦" his voice shifts, softer, more attentive "whatβs going on, gorgeous?"
"Nothing, " she says too quickly, shaking her head.
Leon gently turns her in his arms, now sheβs facing him.
She avoids his gaze.
He lifts a hand, fingers brushing under her chin, guiding her to look at him.
"Claire."
She hesitates.
Then exhales.
"Itβs justβ¦ all of this. The engagement. And now we have to tell Chrisβ¦ and everyone else."
Leon cups her face with both hands.
"Claireβ¦ Chris already knows weβre together. And he's had plenty of time to prepare for this news; it was bound to come to him someday, and it's coming."
A small smile flickers on her lips.
βYeah, I guess...
"But you want it to be perfect," he continues "too many people, too much noise⦠too much pressure. Am I wrong?"
She huffs a small laugh.
"You know me too well, Leon Kennedy."
He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before lifting her effortlessly and setting her on the counter.
"Leon..."
"Claire."
He steps closer, settling between her knees, his hands resting naturally against her waist.
Cowboy watches from the floor, tail swaying lazily like heβs enjoying a show.
Claire wraps her arms around Leonβs neck.
One of his hands slides to her knee.
"Heyβ¦" he murmurs again.
She meets his eyes.
"You donβt have to make it perfect."
She exhales.
"I know⦠but I want it to go well."
He nods.
"It will." A pause. "Because itβs you. Because I believe in you."
Her gaze softens.
Then drops again to the ring.
"What if Chris gets mad? We shouldβve told him sooner. He's my brother..."
Leon lets out a quiet chuckle.
"Chris is always mad. Or at least that's what it seems like."
She lightly hits his shoulder.
"Thatβs not funny."
"A little bit."
She tries not to smile.
Fails.
Leon takes advantage of that moment, resting his forehead against hers.
"Listen⦠He'll probably get angry and growl. He might go full overprotective older brother mode⦠but he knows I love you."
Claire looks back at him.
"And he knows Iβm not going anywhere."
Her shoulders relax.
"You better not either." He smiles.
"Not a chance."
"Okayβ¦" he whispers.
"Okay."
Leon lowers his gaze to her lips, and a small nervous smile appears on his.
"If Iβm honest, I'm more worried about Jill."
Claire looks up at him.
"Jill?"
"Yeah" he nods, dead serious "Chris will complain. But Jillβs the one whoβs actually going to kick my ass for not telling her sooner."
Claire lets out a soft laugh.
"She really will."
"No doubt" Leon mutters "I'm not surviving that conversation."
Claire smiles.
"You kind of deserve it."
Leon huffs.
"Wow. Good to know I have my fiancee support."
She smirks.
"Always."
Leon presses a quick kiss to her lips.
"Worth it."
Cowboy suddenly stands and licks Claireβs leg.
She immediately reaches down.
"Hey, you..." she says, softly.
Tail wagging happily.
Leon watches.
"You always show up when I want attention from your mom. Traitor."
Cowboy pants happily.
Claire laughs.
"You canβt be jealous of a dog."
"I absolutely can." he says, crossing his arms.
She shakes her head, smiling, before leaning again and pressing a slow kiss to Leonβs lips.
He deepens it with one hand sliding behind her neck, pulling her closer.
When they separate, she keeps her arms wrapped around his neck.
"Okayβ¦" she murmurs "what are we having for breakfast?"
Leon sighs dramatically.
"Is that really more important than kissing me?"
"Breakfast is extremely important, Kennedy."
"Youβre right."
He pretends to think.
"Toast. Another coffee. Andβ¦" he smirks. "You sitting right there while I kiss you and you donβt worry about anything."
Claire raises an eyebrow.
"Thatβs part of breakfast?"
"Oh, it's essential."
She smiles, softer now.
"Youβre ridiculous."
"And youβre still marrying me."
He kisses her again.
"Alright⦠normal day." She sighs.
"Normal day."
Leon steps back, one hand still resting briefly on her knee.
"That means you stay right there."
"Mm-hmm."
"I make breakfast."
"Mm-hmm."
"And you do not touch any reports."
She hesitates.
"Claire..."
"Okay, okay."
Satisfied, Leon turns to the kitchen.
And immediately opens a cabinet.
Closes it.
Opens another.
Claire watches, amused.
"Are you looking for food or exploring the house?"
"Iβm evaluating options."
"Youβve opened three cabinets and picked nothing."
"Itβs part of the incredible process"
Cowboy lifts his head to Leon⦠then turns to Claire again, without being surprised by his father.
Finally, Leon finds bread.
"Alright. Bread, that's a big progress."
"Impressive."
"Thank you, I appreciate the support."
Claire sips her coffee.
"This would be faster if you let me help"
Leon turns instantly.
"Absolutely not."
"Leon..."
"Day off. Rules are rules."
He points the knife at her.
"You: sit there, look pretty, no stress."
Points to himself.
"Me: professional chef."
"That worries me."
"Trust me."
"That's what you said last time when you took my car, and they're still fixing it..."
He grins, steps closer, steals a quick kiss.
"Tactical distraction."
"Clearly. But I still haven't accepted your apology about my car."
"I can live with it" he says as he moves faster now, toast in, butter out, coffee poured.
Itβs not perfect.
But for Claire, it's more than enough.
A few minutes later, he turns, holding a tray with two cups and a small plate of toast.
"Okay."
"Okay⦠what?"
He smirks.
"Phase two."
"Leon..."
Too late.
He sets everything down for half a second, steps forward and lifts her effortlessly.
Claire laughs in surprise, grabbing onto his shoulders.
"Leon! The breakfast!"
"Under control."
"Leon!"
"We're good, gorgeous"
Sheβs already laughing.
"Youβre going to drop everything"
"Have some faith."
With questionable balance, he picks everything back up.
"This is a terrible idea."
"This is a great idea."
"Iβm going to die because of toast."
"Well, youβll die happily engaged to me."
"Idiot."
Cowboy jumps up immediately and follows them.
Leon nudges the door open with his foot and steps outside.
The fresh air greets them.
Cool. Light. Clean.
The garden glows under the rising sun.
He walks to the porch and carefully sits in one chair, adjusting Claire onto his lap before placing the breakfast on the table beside them.
She smiles.
"Okay⦠the almost dying part was worth it."
"Told you..."
Cowboy settles at their side.
Claire takes a bite.
Pauses dramatically.
Leon watches.
"Well?"
"Mmmβ¦"
"Red..."
She grins.
"Approved."
He exhales.
"Thank God, you're going to eat that for breakfast for the rest of your life after you marry me."
She laughs, leaning into him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"This is a proper breakfast."
His arm wraps around her waist.
"I told you to trust me."
"Youβre chaos."
"Your chaos."
She smiles.
Cowboy eyes the toast.
"Donβt even think about it." Leon says.
Claire breaks a piece and gives it to him anyway.
"Traitor."
"He's family."
"Iβm outnumbered."
Her hand finds his chest again.
Fingers brushing her ring.
"Hey."
"Yeah?"
"When we tell Chris and Jill..."
He exhales.
"Yeah?"
"Donβt let go of my hand, I'm going to be scared as fuck."
His answer is immediate.
"Never." A small pause, "and if they get dramaticβ¦"
Claire smiles and listens to his heartbeat under her ear for a little while.
"Youβd be a good dad," she says quietly.
Leon stays still for a second.
Then looks down at her.
"You think so?"
She nods.
"Well, you rescued Ashley... Also you took care of Sherry and you're still in touch with her; she sees us as role models. Of course I know you would be a good dad."
Something in his expression softens.
"Only if itβs with you," he says.
Claire smiles.
Cowboy rests his head on Claire's leg.
Leon looks at him.
"He's always with us"
Claire laughs softly, running her fingers through Cowboyβs fur.
"He knows where heβs loved."
Leon hums, leaning his head lightly against hers.
"Yeah" he murmurs. "Me too."
And for once they donβt need anything else.
Because their love is more than enough.
Because in her smile, he found and he felt the warmth of redamancy.
Leon got home close to five in the morning, the sky just starting to pale outside the window. The drive back from Raccoon City had felt longer than it was. Everything that happened thereβthe city, the lab, the chaosβwas still clinging to him like smoke.
But the moment he saw Claire asleep in bed, the tension finally left his body.
She stirred when the door shut.
βHeyβ¦ I was waiting for you,β she murmured, voice thick with sleep. βI guess I fell asleep.β She chuckled softly.
Leon hadnβt even showered yet. His clothes still smelled like the road, like the city heβd just escaped. He didnβt care. Claire didnβt either.
She opened her arms for him without hesitation. Leon crossed the room and collapsed into them, laying his head against her chest and nuzzling into her hair like he hadnβt breathed properly in hours.
βI missed you, gorgeous,β he hummed, inhaling her familiar scent.
Claireβs hand moved immediately, drawing slow circles along his back while she held him close.
βIβm glad we finally have a cure,β she said quietly, lifting her hand to look at it. βThis Elpis thing looks ugly.β
Leon shifted slightly, reaching into his jacket. He pulled out the small vial.
βI told them I wasnβt going anywhere without a dose,β he said.
He kissed her forehead gently before pressing the injector against her arm. The medicine slid in with a soft click.
Slowly, the dark marks from Elpis began to fade from her skin.
Claire watched it disappear, relief softening her expression.
βAnd Sherry?β she asked.
βShe already has one,β Leon replied. βSent straight to her.β
Then he leaned down again, pressing quiet kisses along Claireβs neck.
Her back arched slightly at the feeling, instinctive.
Time passed...
The room had gone quiet again, the early morning light slipping through the curtains. Claire was half tangled in the sheets now, hair a mess against the pillow, breathing slow and steady.
Leon sat at the edge of the bed for a moment, catching his breath, running a hand through his damp hair before standing.
He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder.
βIβm gonna take a shower,β he murmured.
Claire only hummed in response, already drifting back to sleep.
When he came back, Claire was asleep once more, curled under the blankets. He let her rest.
Instead, he went to the kitchen and turned on the coffee maker before stepping outside to the small bakery down the street. The morning air was cool and quiet, the city barely awake.
By the time he returned, the coffee was ready.
Leon set everything carefully on a trayβtwo cups of coffee and a small bag of fresh breadβbefore bringing it back to the bedroom.
He nudged her shoulder gently.
βWake up, sleepyhead.β
Claire stirred, eyes still half closed as she pushed herself upright. She took the coffee first, then started picking at the bread right there in bed.
Leon sat beside her, watching her with quiet amusement.
As she ate, he began telling her about the missionβabout the lab, the chase, everything that had happened over the past few days.
His eyes kept drifting to the faint marks heβd left along her neck and shoulders.
ββ¦and seeing Grace and Emily reminded me a lot of you and Sherry,β he said, his voice softer now.
Claire hummed sleepily.
βMmβ¦ really?β She was still half-asleep as she ate.
Leon chuckled under his breath finding the scene domestic after everything that happened, he was glad to be home.
β
AHHH sorry for the late post here, I love this fanfic i did. hopefully you enjoyed reading it too! Anyways, this is what Claire was thinking of when Leon was yapping about Grace and Emily
Late- Valentines Post: This is before the events of RE2
β
He bought the sunflowers two days before Valentineβs. She once told him they were her favorite β not roses, not lilies. Sunflowers.
βThey look honest,β she said.
He remembered the way she smiled when she said it.
The florist wrapped them in soft baby blue paper. Leon carried them home carefully, like they were something fragile enough to bruise. On the walk back, he rehearsed what heβd say. Nothing dramatic or cheesy.
He was supposed to give them to her that night.
Instead, she asked to talk.
It happened the evening before Valentineβs Day. In her kitchen. The light above the sink flickering faintly.
No shouting. No slammed doors. Just quiet sentences that felt empty and practiced.
βItβs not you, it's me Leon.β she said avoiding eye contact.
He wanted to ask why. Wanted to argue. To ask what he could fix.
But the question died halfway up his throat. Along with everything else he thought they still had.
So he nodded.
And he left before she could see how much that hurt.
β
The bouquet sat in a glass of water overnight in his apartment.
Morning came anyway.
Valentineβs Day.
The petals were still bright. Stubborn. Open toward the light.
He almost left them on the counter but leaving them behind felt worse.
He didnβt know where he was going β only that he didnβt want the flowers to end up like him. Standing still. Facing a window. Waiting for something that wasnβt coming back.
So he stepped out into the city, sunflowers in hand, and let the door close softly behind him.
Claire moved through the empty stretch of road. The silence pressed against her ears, Claire tightened her jacket against the wind. Every step felt heavy.Β
Her thoughts swirled like the gusts tugging at her hair. For a fleeting moment, she let herself remember homeβthe scent of dinner simmering on the stove, the ratchet of Chrisβs wrench turning in the garage, quiet evenings with Cowboy curled at her side. Her chest ached.Β
She missed her home.
She missed the small, ordinary pieces of life she once took for granted, and the people who made her feel at home.
The world was full of strangers and threats, but they had always been her strength.
Then she saw the dog.
Big enough to knock her off balance, its coat gleaming white in the sunlight, head tilted curiously as it watched her approach.
Claire knelt, letting her fingers brush through the fur. Warm, curious and trusting, the dog nudged her hand, and she felt something she hadnβt in days, a tether to home, a small heartbeat of normalcy.
She laughed softly, the sound swallowed immediately by the wind.
timeline is when Leon is training as an agent pre re4 and Claire still looking for Chris pre code Veronica (that's why she still has her Jacket). Both was feeling homesick π«.
Neon Suburbia Bonus Story: Still Life (With Leon Being Difficult)
ft. Leon & ClaireΒ
The third one was an accident. Or destiny? Or Leon refusing to cooperate.
Claire was cleaning when she found the Polaroids tucked away. She sat down between Leon and his paperwork without asking and raised the camera.
βOkay. Last one. Same pose.β
Leon didnβt even try this time.
He grabbed her, pulled her in, one arm secure around her, the other tilting her chin up. He kissed her like sheβd interrupted something importantβbecause she had and this was her punishment.
βLeonββ the camera clicked mid-protest.
Flash.
They watched the photo develop.
"look what you've done now" Claire said as yhey saw the shot
"looks good to me" Leon grins
Claire laid all three out in a crooked row.
βI canβt have anything with you,β she sighed shaking her headβgiving in anyway.
Leon shrugged, slipping an arm around her like it had always belonged there.βSure you can. You just keep upgrading." he shrugged.
βLooks consistent to me,β he said. βIt shows we got closer. Isnβt that the point?β
His gaze lingered on the first photo for half a second too long. Then he exhaled, like heβd been holding something without realizing it.
Claire elbowed him lightly. ββ¦Youβre impossible.β
βConsistently,β Leon said, already pulling her into a hug, grounding himself in the now.
Leon said Spain. Casual. Vague. A destination without details.
There was never a good time since both had been so busy. During their conversation she remembers something, better time than any right?βso she buys a disposable instant camera.
βSame pose,β she said. She stepped closer and angled the lens. βStand still.β
Leon nodded then leaned in, brushed a kiss to her cheek.
They sat on the bench while the photo developed. The image came in slowly. His face. His expression. His eyes still on her. Claire felt her mouth curve before she could stop it.
βDonβt,β she warned, still staring at the picture.
βI didnβt do anything,β Leon said.
His boarding group was called from inside the terminal. Muffled through the glass. He stood and swung his suitcase onto his shoulder.
βI have to go,β he said.
βYeah,β she responded with a hint of disappointment.
βSee you later, Red.β He walked back inside without turning around.
She shifted the photo to get a better look and, without thinking, set her cup down beside itβceramic meeting paper with a soft, careless clink. Moisture from the base seeped outward, a pale ring forming slowly, like a target printed into the corner of the Polaroid.
βGreat,β she said to herself.
She lifted the cup too late. The damage was done.
Claire picked up the photo. The stain had stopped short of his face. His eyes still met hers. Unchanged.
She exhaled. Sliding it into her bag.
Then she stood and walked away from the plaza as another plane lifted into the sky.
Iβm still pretty new here, but Iβve already seen so many l incredibly talented folks in the RE fandom. It honestly makes me really happy to be here, so I thought it might be nice to start a small RE question round. No pressure at all β answer as much or as little as you want. I'll start π«Άπ» It's just for fun
1. Name / Nickname: Shell β¨
2. Anything youβd like to share about yourself (Age, work, hobbiesβ¦β totally optional!) : I love Gaming, Reading, Pilates, Cooking, going to Concerts, Travelling. I'm running my own little business which I love π₯°
3. When did you start playing Resident Evil?: I think around 12 or 14 years ago
4. Favorite character(s): Carlos, Leon, Jill, Sherry and Rebecca (and so many moreβ¦)
5. Favorite game & why: Resident Evil 4 because it was the first game I bought and it just turned into my comfort game β₯οΈ
6. Your Resident Evil hot take π : I actually really love Resident Evil 6 and enjoyed the different gamestyle. (My fav Mission was Leon + Helena hehe) I know many people don't like itβ¦
7. What do you play on?: Mostly PS5
8. Favorite RE quote: βWhere is everyone going? Bingo?β
9. Biggest plot twist in RE that shook you: (Spoiler! for RE Village just in case) Ethan being dead the whole time π
Sweet idea @midnightsummerrain β Thanks for the tag!
So, let's start:
1. Name / Nickname: Effi
2. Anything youβd like to share about yourself: I work as an art director in an advertising agency. I enjoy going to concerts and festivals, as well as the cinema, very often. Last year, I saw 60 different music artists and went to the cinema 30 times. Looking back, that's quite a remarkable number. π
I love gaming, but I have less and less time for it. I also started drawing again last year, which makes me really happy.
3. When did you start playing Resident Evil?: I think the first time I played Resident Evil was with RE1R on my PS3, when I was about 16-18. I had never played a Resident Evil game before, but my older brother introduced me to the franchise. I think I was about 10 years old when he brought home the original Resident Evil: Director's Cut Edition and played it on the PS1. He was basically my twitch streamer in our room and I supported him by sitting beside him while he played. Getting nostalgic here, haha. π
4. Favorite character(s): Clearly Jill "Supercop" Valentine from the start. I always liked Chris, too. Since the release of the Resident Evil 3 Remake, Carlos has also become one of my favourites.
5. Favorite game & why: It's quite hard to pick a favourite Resident Evil game. π
I'll go with Resident Evil 2 Remake, as it was the first time I could play and enjoy a Resident Evil game. I'm not a fan of the original game's stiff controls. The new gameplay, the atmosphere and the lighting were all translated so well into the modern status quo of how games work, and it blew my mind. π I had to admit here that I didn't play every Resident Evil game ... I'm a bit of a coward. π«
6. Your Resident Evil hot take π : I think the Resident Evil 3 Remake is better than the original. There. I said it! π€ I understand that the OG has the old mechanics and atmosphere etc. But I have more fun playing the remake than the OG.
7. What do you play on?: PS5 and Nintendo Switch
8. Favorite RE quote: "Bitch can't even swim." followed close by "You want S.T.A.R.S. I'll give you S.T.A.R.S."
9. Biggest plot twist in RE that shook you: Probably the RE 5 reveal about Jill. π€
10. Favorite Resident Evil Movie: I have to pick the first one because, compared to the later sequels, it was somehow more grounded. And the soundtrack slaps! I'm not a big fan of the animated RE movies.
----
@artarii would you like to join the RE question round? π No pressure π π»
1. Name / Nickname: artarri or you can call me Eve π
2. Anything youβd like to share about yourself:
Im a huge gamer and I mean huge, Iβm pretty sure video games are engrained into my DNA.
3. When did you start playing Resident Evil?
I started playing resident evil games when I was 10 I know it sounds crazy trust me I didnβt even make it far but I really enjoyed it, note to self never give a 10 year old an unattended Nintendo console.
4. Favorite character(s):
LEON, 100 % Leon, Iβve enjoyed his character since childhood and his personality has always been endearing, I canβt forget the queen jill either she was one of the first characters I ever played as and she has stuck with me since.π
5. Favorite game & why:
Resident evil 2 both the remake and the original. I love the game most especially due to the vibe and cast of characters. Not to forget the atmosphere as in contrast to all of the resident evil games it was the one game that captured the early days of umbrella and raccoon city which become a folktale later on in the series so to play the game where it all started and where you really feel like your surviving an outbreak has always been so cool to me.
6. Your Resident Evil hot take π :
Resident evil 6 is actually a good game and still holds up to this day, while it is not inherently scary like the rest of the games in the series it has always been a experience to see different scenarios of each character and how it all ties together by the end.
7. What do you play on?:
PlayStation ofcβ¨ specifically the ps5 but if I want to play a more obscure resident evil game Iβll either use my ps3 or ps1.
8. Favorite RE quote:
βGuess your tap dancing days are overβ - Leon re4 remake for context chief Mendez lost his legs π
9. Biggest plot twist in RE that shook you:
Incoming spoiler!
When it was revealed that Mia was actually Miranda in the intro sequence of re8.
10. Favorite Resident Evil Movie:
My favorite resident evil movie is vendetta, I think all the animated movies have a special place in my heart but vendetta definitely had a good plot and goofy moments cough cough ( Chris and Glennβs gun fight) but I genuinely enjoyed it more than the others.
Interested in joining ?π«Άπ @shymoob @vmddrawing @anonymously-angsty
Anything to share: I'm self taught and had been drawing traditional since i was a kid. I stopped for 7 years because i thought i have no talent for it. only recently did i pick up art again.
When did you start playing RE: 2009 PS2 Og resident evil 4 with my dad. They let me play it but i never got far so i ended up just watching my dad play.
Favourite Character(s): Leon, more specially vendetta. Other than that I love all characters. They all have a special place in my heart. Right now im playing re2remake and im so very obsessed with Claire at the moment so it depends.
Favorite Game and Why: OG RE4, I love Leon's sassy attitude and corny jokes. It gives me nostalgia a lot too. i haven't played most of the games so maybe it will change when i do.
RE Hot Take: RE2 leon was a low-key a teacher's pet. (wdym he can't let Ben out until he checked with chief irons? lmfao there's zombies for fucks sake PEOPLE EATING PEOPLE GIRL BYE)
What do you play on: My MacBook Air π (i know it's bad)
Favorite Quote: "September 30th 1998..." you guys know the rest it's just so Leon i love it. if it's too basic my other one is from Carlos "... I'm not gonna die on you, and leave you in a cold, cruel, Carlos-less world." im realizing I actually have a lot i like
Biggest RE Twist: SPOILER OFC Ethan being actually dead this whole time. like bruh why didn't i realize that? he literally just staples his hands back together HAHAHAHAHA
Fav Movie: Vendetta Ofc it has my favorite leon. I love it because it's low-key bad in terms of dialogue BUT it gives so much into Leon's psyche PLUS it has the best clips (like you always see vendetta clips by editors BECAUSE HE'S THE MOST CINEMATIC AND ICONIC STOP π )
Claire had been pacing the kitchen when she dropped it on him.
βA photoshoot?β
Leon raised a brow, fingers still hovering over the reports spread across the table. βWhy so suddenly?β
βI want to do a whole calendar,β she said, already halfway to the door, grabbing her jacket. βCharity thing. But weβre starting with Christmas.β
He blinked. βWe?β
She jingled the keys with a grin. βCome on. Iβll drive.β
He shouldβve known better than to ask questions.
β
Forth Antonio Studio β 8:00 a.m., Wednesday
The studio smelled faintly of coffee and fresh paint. Leon stood near the mirror, tugging at the red jacket Claire had insisted on. He tilted his head, eyeing the stubble along his jaw.
βShouldβve shaved,β he muttered.
The thought made him chuckleβbecause even if he had remembered, Claire wouldβve dragged him out the door anyway.
He barely had time to straighten before the door behind him opened. Claire stepped out. Leon swallowed.
The dress fit her perfectlyβfestive but unmistakably Claire.
Confident. Playful. Like she knew exactly what she was doing and enjoyed watching him fall apart over it.
She caught his stare immediately.
βCatβs got your tongue?β she teased, striking a pose.
He shook his head, a soft laugh slipping out. βYouβre impossible.β
βUh-huh,β she said, already moving closer. βSit. Letβs get this over with.β
β
The camera clicked. Once. Twice. They tried to behave. They really did.
But Leonβs hand kept finding her waist. Claire leaned into him without thinking. Laughter kept breaking between shots, soft and unguarded. At one point the photographer seem to enjoy the shoot seeing such a cute 'couple', while Claire just smiled wider and Leon didnβt bother pretending to move his hand away.
Trouble, apparently, came in red velvet and Christmas lights. And Leon didnβt mind one bit.
βDonβt do something stupid,β the voice crackles through the earpiece.
Leon exhales a slow breath, smoke curling into the cold night air. A low chuckle slips from him as he takes one last drag of the cigarette.
βMe?β he says softly. βNever.β
Raccoon City looms aheadβdark, hollow, broken. Same streets. Same silence. The place where it all began. Where dreams died and nightmares loom.
Leon flicks the cigarette to the ground, watching the ember die beneath his shoes. Some things never really end. They just call you back.
He turns, gets into the car, and drives towardsβ the past.
β
OUR GOAT IS BACKKKKK HELLL YEAHHH BABYYYYYYY IM SO READY FOR FEBRUARY π π π decided to make him look more like DIxVendetta leon because i have free will π i love his hair swoosh so much π«π€ͺπβ¨
vaporwave
pixelskylines
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theartofmadeline
turnnoffyourmind
