Incompetent^^ {Leon Kennedy x Reader}

chapter 8

Ann sat on the stump impatiently.
Where was Leon? He left without a word. Was he okay? she thought, frustration and worry gnawing at her.

The sky was growing brighter and bluer, signaling the approach of morning. The family, too, seemed uneasy, exchanging worried glances.

Suddenly, Leon emerged from the dense green bushes. Ann's eyes immediately darted to the bag he was carrying.

Jessica heard the rustling and turned toward him.

"Leon!" Jessica called out with relief, her face lighting up.

Ann exhaled sharply, both relieved and irritated. She pushed herself off the stump, careful not to brush her sore leg against it.

"Leon, what the hell is wrong with you?!" she scolded, limping toward him. "Where did you go? Do you know how worried we were? I was worried sick! What were you thinking?"

Her eyes fell on the bag in his hands.

"What's that?"

Leon sighed, his tone calm. "Relax. I woke up in the middle of the night and went to find supplies for your leg. You wouldn't have let me leave if I'd waited until morning."

He pulled out several Tupperwares of food.

"I got some food for you guys, too."

Jessica hurried over and took the containers from him.

"Let me see your leg, Ann," Leon said firmly.

Ann hesitated but eventually sat back down on the stump. She uncovered her leg, wincing as she unwrapped the bandage. The scrape was swollen and an angry red—clearly infected. Her breathing hitched as she exposed it, trying to suppress the pain.

Leon crouched beside her, pulling antiseptic wipes and bandages from the bag. He carefully cleaned the wound, his hand brushing against her skin. Ann clenched her jaw but remained still.

"You should've let me treat this sooner," he muttered as he worked.

"You didn't have to..." Ann mumbled, her voice soft. She had insisted on prioritizing the family's safety, even at the expense of her own health.

"How does it feel?" Leon asked after wrapping the bandage snugly around her thigh.

Ann stood up cautiously, testing the pressure on her leg.

"It still hurts... but it's a lot better," she admitted quietly.

"Good. Go eat something—we'll head out soon."

Ann paused, then stepped closer to Leon and hugged him.

"Thanks. I appreciate it," she said softly. "But next time, tell me first. I was really worried."

Leon chuckled. "What, did you get lonely?"

"Okay, buddy," Ann replied, stepping back and giving him a glare, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

The group continued their journey through the forest, with Leon leading the way using his map. Sweat and dirt smeared all their faces as they trudged onward.

The warm daylight made travel slightly easier, though exhaustion weighed on them. Ann and Leon kept vigilant, their eyes scanning for any threats lurking in the dense trees.

Hours passed. The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the forest floor. The chill of evening began to settle in.

"We should be close," Ann said, her voice tinged with hope.

"Hopefully..." Jessica replied, out of breath. "We've been walking forever."

Ann squinted ahead and caught sight of something through the leaves.

"There it is—the boat!" she called out, relief flooding her voice.

Theo perked up. "Really? Finally!"

The group pushed through the damp underbrush and stepped onto the rotting dock. The boat waited for them, its captain standing by with a warm smile.

"Welcome back!" he greeted, helping Jessica and the children aboard.

The cabin was small and cramped but offered a comforting warmth. Jessica and her children settled in, grateful for the chance to rest.

Leon climbed aboard and followed Ann into the cabin, catching her by surprise.

"Didn't think you'd join us," Ann teased, smirking at him.

"Well, maybe I wanted to," Leon replied dryly, taking a seat across from her.

Their eyes met briefly before Ann looked away.

The captain entered with a bowl of water and some washcloths.
"Here, clean up a bit," he said, placing the bowl on the counter.

"Thank you," Jessica said with a bright smile, dipping a cloth into the water and wiping her face.
"Come on, kids," she urged.

Ann shook her head when Jessica turned to her and Leon.

"You guys clean yourselves up. I'll do it later," she said softly, leaning back in her seat. Her leg still ached, but the bandages Leon had applied made it more bearable.

The captain announced their departure, and the boat began to glide over the water. Ann sank deeper into the leather seat and soon dozed off.

Ann woke to the gentle rocking of the boat. The cabin was dim, the soft hum of the ocean lulling the family to sleep. She glanced around. Everyone was resting soundly—except Leon.

Quietly, Ann slipped outside to the deck, letting the cool ocean breeze wash over her. She sat down on the couch, staring out at the moonlit waves.

The mission was a success. They had found the family, and soon, they would return home.

"Can't sleep?" Leon's voice cut through the silence.

Ann jumped, startled. He stood by the railing, gazing at the sea.

"I could ask the same about you," she replied.

Leon smirked faintly. "Guess not."

Ann studied him, the moonlight highlighting his features.

"You need sleeping pills or something? You're up every night," she teased.

Leon rolled his eyes. "And you're Sleeping Beauty—always out cold."

"Aww, but I'm wide awake now!" Ann said playfully.

"Did your Prince Charming kiss you in your dreams?" Leon quipped, a rare smile breaking through his usual stoicism.

"Sadly, no. You watch princess movies?" Ann teased back, leaning to catch his eye.

Leon ignored her, pulling out a flask and taking a sip.

"Want some?" he offered.

Ann shook her head. "Surprised you didn't drink on duty," she said with a smirk.

The two sat in comfortable silence, the sound of the waves filling the air. Eventually, Ann stood and headed back inside.

"Good night," she said softly.

"Night," Leon replied, his voice low as he watched her disappear into the cabin.

Ann slipped back into her seat, mindful not to wake the family. Within minutes, she drifted back to sleep, the soft hum of the boat and the promise of home lulling her into peaceful rest.