Work Text:
"I'm in love with you..." Chris said, shortly after most of the combined team had exited the room. The only one to hear it, and the one the older Redfeild had said it to, was Leon Kennedy; who stood there, files on the new mission in hand and frozen in his tracks. The blond looked at the older BSAA agent with wide eyes. His mind stuck between the urgency of the mission and what Chris Redfeild had just said to him. As his mind tried to wrap itself around the situation, Leons mouth moved on it's own accord.
"Uh... Cool." Leon said, still dumbfounded. But before either of them could add to the conversation, a BSAA agent came back to the room.
"Sirs? Is everything alright?" He questioned. Chris turned to the man and gave a nod.
"Yes, we're on our way now." He said in his 'captain voice'.
They prepared for their mission, and were quickly on a plane headed for Umbrellas most recent facility, where some inside sources had informed the BSAA of some new BOW's. The D.S.O. had been called due to their history with the strains origin, Las Plagas. It's like Spain and New York all over again, Leon thought. He glanced at Chris who wore a serious expression as he went over the layout of the facility, doing his best to remember all the nooks and crannies for when things went south. Operations like this had a reputation for going off script, often horribly so. The two had worked together a few times, the frequency increasing over the years. Missions were the longest interactions they had with each other, they never really talked much in casual settings, and were rarely ever by themselves without Claire or Jill hanging around. In that time Leon had grown fond of doing what he could to get under the older Redfields skin, and had settled with casual flirting... however somewhere in the past two and a half years he'd crossed the line between casual and serious attempts. He'd been watching Chris with earnest intent, and it was such a shame everything he said made him sound like an asshole, he couldn't turn down his sass even if he tried.
The mission went about as well as one would think when infiltrating a giant testing lab crawling with infected test subjects. The casualties never got any easier to deal with, Leon could see how much Chris was struggling with this, he'd tried so hard to get all of his team out, and only about half of them made it. Leon sighed and went up to Chris.
"Hey, Redfield" He called out to the elder. Chris turned to him, looking like he needed about 3 years of sleep, which didn't sound like a bad idea.
"Kennedy." He replied. Leon sucked on his teeth for a brief moment before giving the man a light pat on the shoulder.
"Don't blame yourself... We did our best" He said. Comforting people wasn't Leon's strength, it always came out dry and awkward. Chris let out a heavy sigh and gave Leon a nod in response.
"Thanks..." he said solemnly, his eyes looking slightly wet and pained. Chris walked off with Jill, who had been waiting for him, she patted his back and he gave her a smile. Leon felt his chest tighten slightly, a mix of jealousy and anger rose within him. He swallowed it down and went to the parking garage.
Leon rode his motorcycle back to his apartment, which was small and slightly barren of personal touch, save for a few band posters on the walls and a music system which seemed to be the most used item in the living room, you don't need much when there was always a chance you were going to die within a week or two after the next phone call you receive. He sat on his couch quietly, still smelling of sweat, blood, and gunpowder. He couldn't stop thinking of what Chris had said to him before they'd left, which seemed like forever ago, but realistically was only about three days maximum.
"I'm in love with you." Leon repeated in a whisper. He dropped his head into his hands defeatedly.
"I can't believe I said 'Cool'... I'm an idiot" He sighed heavily. He groaned and leaned back into his couch, the sound of leather sliding on leather was uncomfortable, causing Leon to give another, mostly annoyed groan. After a good 7 minutes of just moping, he stood and headed to the bathroom for a shower, dropping his clothes wherever they wanted to land as he walked.
As he showered he debated with himself about contacting Chris, he had his number, it was given to him by Claire for emergencies. Was this an emergency? Leaving their short conversation the way it was didn't sit right with Leon, and he could rationalize that it could interfere with their work relationship, which would interfere with their teamwork, which would interfere with their future missions... so, yes? Leon sighed heavily as he dried his hair, glancing at his jeans which peeked through the slightly ajar door. His cellphone was in his left back pocket, Chris' number was the third one in his contacts list, right above Claire, it would be so easy. Yet he hesitated, even as he was picking up his jeans with the towel around his waist. He set the phone down on the bathroom counter with a small grumble. Frustrated with himself, he snatched the phone back up and sent Chris a text.
[Come over] with Leons address right under it. Leon set his phone down and went to his room to get dressed for a night in.
Chris had just arrived home, the cab that took him had barely left his road when he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He unlocked his door and looked at the number with curiosity.
"Not sure I know that one" He muttered to himself as he closed and locked the door behind him. Claire was staying at the office tonight to finish up some of her own work for TerraSave, so Chris had the house to himself. He placed his things on the floor and counter respectively as he opened the text from the unknown number.
[Come over] it read, with an address under it. Chris narrowed his eyes, getting a suspicious feeling.
[Who is this?] He texted the number back thinking that the best case scenario is that it was spam. Worst case scenario, some other corrupted S.O.B. was targeting him and was trying to lure him to his death in the least efficient way possible. He stood in his kitchen in the dark, waiting for a response. When he got one it read:
[Leon, Claire gave me your number for emergencies.] Chris raised his eyebrows, a small, hazy memory came back to him of Claire mentioning that she'd share his new number with her office and some friends.
"Oh..." Chris said out loud. He took a step further into his kitchen as he began to type a response.
[On my way.] He spent enough time at his home to change his clothes before getting in his Jeep and leaving once again.
It took Chris a little longer than expected to arrive at the address, having gotten lost and needing to stop for gas on the way. When he finally got there it was almost five in the morning. Chris sat in the parking lot, and leaned back in his seat, exhaustion finally beginning to set in. He sighed heavily, questioning why he even came, whatever Leon needed to say could have been done by a phone call... right? Unless it was a dangerous level of serious, but if that was the case, wouldn't Leon just meet him at the BSAA? It was secure and safe. Chris rubbed his face, getting out of his Jeep and locking it as he walked up the stairs.
"Apartment 4B" He mumbled, looking at the numbers on the door. 4B was the only apartment that was lit up this early in the morning, somehow Chris wasn't surprised whatsoever. He knocked on the door and waited. Things were quiet out here, save for the occasional dog barking in the distance. It was a while before he heard anything from the other side of the door, but he didn't really mind, it was peaceful.
First footsteps, then the unlocking of several locks. Leon opened the door, wearing nothing but black sweatpants. Chris gazed at him, Leon's torso was riddled with old scars, and a large fresh bruise on his side from the latest mission. Looks painful, he thought.
"Do you not have my number saved in your phone?" Leon asked, sounding a bit annoyed. Chris only shrugged apologetically. Leon shook his head and stepped aside to let him in.
"Take your shoes off at the mat Redfield." He warned. Chris did so respectively and walked into the apartment.
"Leon what's going on? Did you find something out?" Chris asked, in a business only tone. Leon sighed a little.
"No, this isn't about BOWs..." He started, causing Chris to look utterly confused. Leon sat on his couch, propping his ankle on his knee as he thought about how to word this.
"Then, what is it?" Chris now sounded concerned. Way to wear your heart on your sleeve Redfeild, Leon thought with a light chuckle.
"About earlier..." Leon began again.
"You have thoughts on the mission?" Chris interjected. Leon waved him off, furrowing his brow.
"No, Chris, this isn't about BOWs, it's not about the mission, it has nothing to do with either of our jobs, it's more personal" he said, sounding annoyed. Chris finally got the message and stopped interrupting.
"Okay..."
"BEFORE the mission. What you said, RIGHT before we left..." Leon said, blushing very slightly, hoping Chris would catch on, feelings were not Leon's forte. Chris thought, his face turning a light shade of red when he came to the realization of what Leon was getting at.
"Oh...yeah, about that..." Chris started nervously, could he weave a fib to make it seem like it had been a joke? Leon would probably catch the lie. Leon watched Chris, and stood up, walking over. Chris looked at him, feeling like he was just caught with his pants down. Before he could open his mouth to defend himself from any potential berating, Leon placed his hand on Chris' shoulder and gave him a serious look.
"Two years Redfield... I have been flirting with you... for two whole god damned years. You showed no interest, no reciprocation, and just as I figured I'd give up since the BSAA's golden boy CLEARLY wasn't interested... then you drop that bomb on me?" Chris couldn't decide if Leon was angry or relieved. They stared at each other, waiting for someone to say something.
Chris meant to apologize to Leon, he meant to show Leon that he was ecstatic that their feelings seemed to go both ways, but all that he said was:
"I'm good" loudly. Leon looked confused at first, then began to chuckle as Chris tried to explain what he meant to say, verbally tripping over himself more in the process, which only amused Leon further.
Leon patted Chris' shoulder and stepped closer leaning on the taller man, still chuckling.
"Chris, I get it. I get it, stop, my bruised ribs make it hurt to laugh." He joked. Chris settled down with an almost pouting expression. Leon patted the man's shoulder and led him to the couch. Chris sat and tried to make himself comfortable as Leon sat a cushion away from him.
"How long?" Leon asked, rubbing the stubble on his chin. Chris raised an eyebrow before giving the other a nod of understanding.
"I realized it in the past year. At first I thought I was going crazy. You and Claire are closer, plus you're almost her age. It was kinda weird to think about having feelings for someone who seemed to have a better chance with my sister than me." He said, scratching the back of his head. Leon nodded a little.
"I see... but you came to terms with it, obviously" Leon muttered audibly. Chris nodded in return. Leon hummed and leaned back into the couch.
"So... did you notice any of my flirting? like... at all?" Leon asked, holding his hand out in front of him for emphasis. Chris looked slightly ashamed.
"No, I thought it was just you being... well, you. Joking around like that seems to be part of your personality." Chris admitted. Leon sighed heavily.
"I really need to work on that" He grumbled to himself, crossing his arms. Leon looked at Chris, who'd gotten distracted by a poster on the wall. He noted the utter exhaustion that seemed to paint the man's features, the bloodshot eyes coupled with the bags under them made for a heavy looking combination. The room was quiet for another good moment before Leon spoke up again.
"You look tired Chris" He pointed out. Chris looked at Leon and gave a small smile paired with another small shrug.
"That's what happens, I should probably head on ho-"
"Spend the night" Leon interrupted. Chris looked at Leon a little surprised. Leon raised an eyebrow.
"What? It's a long drive back to your house, you look like a wreck. You'll be safe, there's a federal agent to protect you" He said with a slight smirk. Chris looked a little surprised, though he thought about the tempting offer.
"You sure? I can make it home..." He started, however, Leon didn't let him finish. He got up and stood in front of Chris.
"Chris, I'm offering. Besides, There'll be a glass of bourbon waiting for you when you get out of the shower, cause you obviously didn't get the chance to yet." He offered his hand to the man and gave what looked like a slightly one sided sincere smile. Chris smiled back and took the hand offered, standing up.
"Thanks Leon." He said warmly. Leon nodded and looked Chris up and down.
"However I don't think I'll have any pajamas that'll fit you properly, so you might have to sleep in your pants" Leon joked. Chris shrugged, more casually this time.
"That's alright, won’t be the first time, won’t be the last." Chris chuckled.
Leon led Chris to the bathroom, handing him a clean towel before heading to the kitchen, leaving Chris alone. Chris looked around the bathroom before starting to undress. There wasn't much to the bathroom, decor wise, much like the rest of Leon's apartment, but Chris grew curious and began snooping around the medicine cabinet. He found several bottles of differing pain reliever, the makings of a basic first aid kit, and a few travel toiletries.
"Hm" Chris sounded, feeling slightly disappointed. He wasn't sure what he'd been expecting, but he still felt let down. With a shrug he stripped himself of his slightly worn clothing and got in the shower. As the water warmed up he examined the various bottles sitting on the shelves. Color safe shampoo and conditioner, apple body wash, a face wash, and cheap bar soap. Chris hummed slightly, feeling the warmth on his back as he picked up the bottle of shampoo.
"I knew it, he dyes his hair" Chris mumbled to himself triumphantly, squirting some of the shampoo into his hand to lather his hair. He chuckled to himself at the thought of Leon S. Kennedy, top agent of the D.S.O. bleaching his hair in his bathroom like a highschooler. Chris laughed a bit harder as he continued his shower, washing the rest of himself with the bar of soap.
Leon riffled through his liquor cabinet pulling out a newly opened bottle of bourbon, and two small glasses. He listened to his shower run, thinking about the last time he'd had company over, which was a good while ago. He took a sip from his glass, wondering if he'd always felt this lonely, or if he just didn't have anything else to compare it to.
"Must be tiring keeping everyone at arm's length Kennedy." he muttered to himself, taking a larger sip this time.
By the time Chris left the shower, Leon had already poured himself another glass. Chris walked out to the kitchen with the towel still draped around his neck, catching the water that dripped from his hair.
"Aw, started without me?" he said with a smile. Leon gave him a shrug and pushed Chris' glass towards him as he approached the table.
"Better catch up Redfield" He said with a light chuckle. Chris grabbed the glass and made a slight toasting motion before sitting and joining the younger man. Leon watched Chris, admiring the muscles the man had gained over the years. Claire had shown him pictures of her and Chris when they were younger, there was definitely a difference in his muscle mass, especially after the Raccoon City incident. If Leon hadn't known Chris was of good character, he would have suspected steroids. He chuckled to himself at the thought, which caused Chris to look at him with a raised brow. Leon shook his head slightly.
"Nothing, just thinking... You used to be much smaller when you were younger, right? Must be one hell of a training routine." Leon commented. Chris smiled.
"One hundred percent hard work, and a lot of good hearty breakfasts." He exclaimed proudly. The two shared a chuckle and continued on with their drinking, Leon slowing down so Chris could catch up.
The two didn't mean to drink half of the bottle, but between their talking and their loose sense of time due to their tiredness, that's exactly what happened. By the time Chris noticed, Leon was leaning against him, regaling him about the time that one of Adam Benford's grand-daughters lost her favorite stuffed animal in the tallest tree on the whitehouse property, causing Leon to climb the tree to retrieve it to stop her from crying. Leon reached for the bottle, readying himself to just take a swig from it, when Chris set his hand surprisingly gingerly on his wrist, easing it away from the bottle.
"Leon, the sun's rising, we've drank almost the whole thing." He pointed out. Leon looked at the bottle on the table, the bourbon illuminated by the light from the sunrise filtering in between his blinds.
"Oh..." Leon said, his tone sounding sad, still not moving his head from where it comfortably rested on Chris' shoulder.
"We need sleep." Chris commented. Leon sighed and groaned as he sat up, only now realizing that Chris' hand hadn't moved his hand from his wrist. He looked at it, examining it carefully, and looked at Chris, who's face held a red tint, though if it was from the alcohol or the physical touch, Leon didn't know. Chris looked at Leon, feeling warm and tingly. He kept his breathing slow and steady as he took what felt like a chance and slid his hand from Leons wrist to his hand, intertwining his fingers with the others. Leon kept his eyes on Chris' face, his grip on Chris' hand tightening to match as he resumed leaning against him.
"Yeah... we do." He said softly in agreement, though neither of them making an effort to stand.
They sat there and enjoyed each other's silent company for a while until Chris grunted, apparently waking himself up. Leon laughed a little and stood up.
"Come on Redfield... I have a spare room." He said, beckoning the man to move with him. Leon helped Chris up, leading him by the hand to the room, where he proceeded to guide the man down onto the bed, laying a blanket over him. He gave Chris a smile and turned to head to his own room, just across the hall. He didn't make it too far before Chris grabbed onto his wrist once more. Leon looked at the man, who was looking at him as if he had something on his mind.
"Yes?" Leon questioned. Chris gave Leon a hesitant look.
"Just so I get this straight... this feeling is mutual. Right?" he asked softly, his voice holding an uncertain tenderness. It seemed that the exhaustion and bourbon had made its way to his brain, making him vulnerable. Precious, Leon thought as he watched him. Leon turned back to him and knelt down, so he was eye level with him.
"Yes Chris. I feel the same way about you as you do about me." He said with a small smile. "Now I need to get to sleep, so I need to go now" He stood up again, preparing to walk out, but with a quick but firm tug, he found himself moving in the wrong direction. He fell onto Chris and was quickly trapped under the heavy weight of his biceps. Leon looked at Chris, his eyes wide with surprise at his sudden change in position. Chris' face was hidden in the crook of Leons neck.
"Stay? Please Leon?" He said against Leon's skin. Leon worked his arm out of Chris' grasp and gently patted the man on the back.
"Okay, okay. I can't really go anywhere with you holding me like this anyway." At that, he felt Chris smile softly, the mans stubble lightly scratching against his skin.
Leon adjusted himself under the blanket and once they were comfortable, Chris quickly fell asleep, Leon securely in his arms. He watched the sleeping man, feeling sleep begin to creep up on him as well. He laid his head against Chris and smiled genuinely.
"Two years Redfeild, two long fucking years... I love you too" He said softly as he fell asleep, unaware that Chris wore a soft smile.