Chapter 1 - I Need You

Leon paced the floor nervously, looking down at his hands and turning the gun he held in them over repeatedly. "Where is she? I hope she's alright," he mumbled. He had lost track of how long he'd been waiting for Ashley's safe return, and he was starting to get worried. She has nothing to defend herself with, and Salazar's plaga-men are crawling everywhere around here. What if they found her? What if she's already dead? So many unbearable thoughts started entering his mind that he began to feel dizzy and had to lean up against a wall.
Okay... Leon tried to reassure himself, don't panic. I'm sure Ashley can handle herself just fine. And besides, I already killed all of the plaga-men that tried to take her when I broke her free...it'll be a while before any more come to find her... his thoughts were interrupted when the door behind him suddenly swung open. Leon tightened his grip around his gun and quickly turned around, ready to fire and whatever creature was waiting for him.
He instantly lowered his gun when he realized who it was. "Leon!" Ashley ran towards him and grabbed him around the torso in a tight hug.
Relief poured over Leon and he softly hugged her back, patting her head as he did so. "I'm so glad you're safe. You didn't get hurt, did you?" Leon asked, quickly examining her for any wounds.
Ashley let go of him and shuffled backwards a few steps. "Leon, I'm sorry about how I acted before...if I-"
Leon cut her off, "Don't worry about it. All that's important is that you're safe now. Now let's move on." He headed off towards the door at the end of a hallway. Suddenly his legs grew weak and he stumbled, slamming into the wall to the right of him like an idiot.
"Leon!" Ashley yelped, running to his side.
"Are you okay?"
Leon looked at himself and noticed the blood that was soaking threw his shirt, and he realized how incredibly exhausted he was. Every muscle in his body ached, his head throbbed, and his eyes burned from the strain of trying to stay awake. He tried to stand back up, but the pain in his feet was so awful that he fell to his knees. "Jeeze, I'm a stupid clutz," he muttered.
"Leon, you're hurt really bad. We need to take a rest," Ashley said gently. Grumbling, Leon stood up, ignoring the burning pain that surged through his muscles. They didn't have time for this. He was about to take a step forward when Ashley grabbed his arm.
"Please Leon," she begged.
"But...right now? We can't afford to let our guard down. Salazar's minions are everywhere, we can't just sit around and wait for them to kill us in our sleep! Plus, we need to stop the parasites from spreading any further in our bodies ASAP," Leon argued, trying pulling away, but Ashley's grip tightened.
"Or, we can keep going and risk the chance of you bleeding to death or passing out before we even reach the bad guys!" She snapped. Then her voice grew gentle again, "And I'm really tired, too."
Leon let out a long sigh. "Fine. We'll take a quick rest, but then we need to get moving." They moved to the end of the hall and opened the door, entering a small, empty room. Nothing there but a table and a couple of book shelves. Leon guided Ashley to a corner of the room, to a gap in between the corner of the wall and a bookshelf.
"I don't think they'll be able to find us here," Leon tried to sound comforting as hey sat down against the wall. Slowly, he put his gun away and let his muscles relax. He stretched his arms and legs out in front of him, sighing at the relief it brought him. He moved his gaze across the room, and then over to Ashley. He noticed that she was shivering.
"Cold?" He asked, scooting closer to her. "Here," he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and brought her close to him, "is that better?"
"Mhm," Ashley sighed and rested her head against his chest. Leon felt his face flush up a little. It had been a long time since he had ever held anyone like this, and the feeling he got was wonderful.
"Leon," Ashley cut into his thoughts, "We're going to make it out here, right?" She looked up at him, and he saw the fear in her eyes.
Leon held her gaze for a few moments, then he answered, "Don't worry. Whatever happens, I'm going to make sure that you get out of here safely."
"Okay," Ashley replied, "But, Leon, just promise me that you will get out of here safely too." She looked him straight in the eyes, waiting for him to answer.
Leon nodded, "Okay. I promise." Ashley's face glowed with relief and she rested her head back on Leon's chest. Leon continued to hold her close. She felt so nice in his arms. In fact, he had never felt anything like this. He tightened his arms around her, bringing her as close as possible.
Her skin was soft and warm. Her hair looked beautiful in the pale light shining through the windows. He wished he could hold her forever. Suddenly Leon's thoughts burst from his mouth. "You know...I've never been around someone like you. You're smart, brave, and pretty. Ever since I met you, I haven't felt so...alone. And being with you right now has made me stop worrying so much about what might happen. As long as we're safe, and together, there's nothing to be afraid of."
Leon was surprised and slightly embarrassed when Ashley replied. "I feel the same way about you, Leon. I've never felt more safe in my entire life. Thank you so much for coming to rescue me."
"Hey, it was nothing, really. Just my job. I chose this job to protect those who need me," he paused, feeling a little awkward, then continued, "And Ashley...I'm so glad it was you who needed me."
Another long pause, and he finished, "...because...I needed you too."
Before long, Ashley's breaths became deep and slow, and Leon realized that she was asleep. Smiling, he gingerly brushed a loose strand of hair out of her face and pressed his lips to the top of her head in a gentle kiss. Then he moved his mouth close to her ear and whispered, "You're much more to me than just a part of my job. You're a friend. A best friend. And I promise that I won't let anything happen to you. No matter what." He knew that she was still asleep, but he continued to whisper to her until his eyelids fluttered shut and he fell into the best sleep he had ever had.

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