Pushing It - Pt. 5
Yandere RE2R Leon S. Kennedy x Reader
The new clerk explains why Leon’s behavior is overwhelming. Leon apologizes…and immediately proves her point.
CW: Discussions of obsessive/protective behavior, unwanted romantic pressure.
Previous part
Leon's car seats were sopping wet, just like the two of you.
The silence in his car was awkward, but Leon wasn't going to risk another storm warning blast through his speakers. You screamed and almost hit him when the first one interrupted the radio station he had selected.
You could feel his eyes on you as you stared out the window, watching the raindrops race down it.
After he had made you miss the bus, you tried to walk home. Leon was right behind you, telling you to calm down and to accept the ride. Luck was not on your side when thunder roared, and it started to drizzle. It didn't take long for the drizzling rain to become a downpour. You know when to accept defeat.
With the severe thunderstorm raging around you, Leon had to drive at a snail's pace, much to your dismay.
"I um," he broke the silence, "about before—"
You interrupted him, "I don't really want to hear it right now. I would appreciate it if you focused on getting us home safe."
"Come on. Please listen, okay?"
"Not like I have much of a choice."
He rolled his eyes. "Please, let's not have an attitude. I'm trying to have an honest conversation with you."
"It's fine, Leon. I know the nickname is from what everyone else at the station calls me. It's no big deal," you responded. You were hoping that letting things go would make the conversations die faster.
"That's not what that name means for me."
Your eye twitched. "You should really focus on the road."
"Stop trying to change the topic." Leon pleaded, his hands tight on the steering wheel, navigating the traffic and rain. "I know I may have been overbearing recently, but I have good reason. I want you safe."
"Well, duh, you are a cop. You should want everyone safe."
Leon didn't skip a beat, "I want you safe because I care about you."
You didn't respond immediately. The words sat with you. "Yes, I am your coworker, we should all care for each other."
He huffed in response, but did not speak for the rest of the drive. You distracted yourself by counting the trees you passed. The drive wasn't terribly prolonged. Leon got you home in less than half an hour.
Leon parked in the spot closest to your unit and turned off the car.
"Can we please talk?" He fully turned towards you, one hand on the wheel and the other on your seat.
You crossed your arms. "I have to feed my cat, no."
Leon protested as you unbuckled your seatbelt and grabbed your purse. "I can go in with you. Feed your cat, and we can talk after. Please? I will leave right after, I promise."
The tone of his voice, how serious it was, wore you down. The guy had been overbearing, sure, but he wasn't a bad person. It isn't like you enjoy having issues with coworkers either. If you only needed to have one conversation to resolve everything… then you might as well do it.
"Fine," you gave in.
The two of you ran to the safety of the building. You struggled to grab your keys because of how wet your fingers were. You also did not know if your fumbling fingers were because of Leon standing right behind you.
You both walked inside your apartment. While you turned on the lights and placed your items down to greet Izuku, Leon removed his boots before walking further inside.
"Is this Izuku? That's his name, right?" Leon walked up to you slowly to not startle the tabby cat in your arms.
"Yes, it is. He is shy." You told him while the furry animal hid his face in your chest.
"Oh," Leon took a step back, "My bad."
"No, it's alright. You didn't know." You rocked Izuku like a baby. "You can sit on the couch. I will be quick."
It was odd hearing a man's footsteps in your apartment. The only other men to ever step foot in your apartment have been your father and younger brother.
After quickly pouring Izuku's wet food into his ceramic bowl, you poured Leon and yourself a glass of water. He wasn't a guest you were expecting (or even wanting), but you will never forget your mom's lessons on being a good host. You made the short walk to the living room and placed the glass on the wooden coffee table in front of where he sat on your couch. You chose to sit on the farthest end of it.
"Thanks," Leon said, taking a sip. "Why are you so far?"
"I like sitting here."
"Oh."
An uncomfortable silence followed.
You watched as Leon shifted in his spot. "I am really hoping you let me talk right now. Please," he turned his body to you.
"Go ahead. You can say whatever you need to say." You gripped the glass.
Leon set down the glass, "I was being serious earlier in the car. I care about you. Not only because you are my coworker…but because I like you. A lot."
Like a deer in headlights, your eyes were wide open, with your eyebrows trying to reach the ceiling. Having been mid-sip, you swallow the water in your mouth before setting the glass down.
"That is…wow. Okay." You shook your head, attempting to ground yourself before speaking. "I am flattered, but don't you think you have been a little…much for a simple crush?"
"No…I want to take care of you. It isn't a simple crush, okay? I have never felt this way for someone." His fingers tightened around the glass, his thumb tracing the rim absentmindedly. "There is no other way to explain it other than I want you to be protected and taken care of."
"Leon, I have been at the RPD for a week and a half. That is not a long time."
He looked confused, "…So?"
"So, we barely know one another. I don't know you well enough for you to show up to my place in the mornings and ignore me when I tell you not to show up here. I am not saying you're evil for it, but it is a bit much."
"Is it really so wrong for me to want to make sure you don't struggle with something as simple as having a ride to work?" His blue eyes dart down to the ground, avoiding your gaze. "I told you before, weirdos exist. I don't want you hurt."
His words sounded so genuine, you couldn't deny that his line of work had made him protective of those he deemed vulnerable. Still, he needed to respect you, especially if he says he has feelings for you.
"I believe you! I know you have seen some wild stuff." You rubbed your knees, thinking of what to say next. "That doesn't mean I am ok with you being overbearing. It's about respect and not erasing boundaries."
Leon lifted his head to look at you, but he didn't say a word. You thought you were finally making him understand.
You continued, a bit softer, "There are some moments where I am a bit…uncomfortable."
"What? Why?!" He worried, his hands moving as he spoke. "That wasn't what I was trying to do!"
"I know! I know! I know you meant well, it is just how you kept showing up at my apartment, and even driving by it yesterday, and how you tend to hover around me that was overwhelming me," you said to attempt to soothe him down.
"Sorry…I didn't mean to make you feel that way." He scooted an inch closer. "I will do better from now on. I promise. It is just that my feelings scared me. When I first met you, I felt like I finally understood what my purpose was. To meet you, and to take care of you. A warmth filled my heart that I had never felt before."
No one had ever spoken to you like that. You had never been someone's purpose. It almost left you speechless. Almost.
"That is really sweet, Leon. Thank you." You sat up straight. "Thank you for that, and for explaining why you behaved that way." In a way, you were almost proud of him. Most men would double down, but he at least acknowledged why he was the way he was and that he would try to change.
There was a faint sparkle in his eyes. "Does this mean you'll give me a chance?"
You put a hand up, "Hold on." You didn't expect him to ask you out so suddenly, especially after your first serious conversation with him. "This is a lot for me to process. I can't answer that for you at the moment."
His eyebrows furrowed, his lips turning into a frustrated frown. "Why? It seemed like you were processing it with no problems right now."
Whatever progress you felt you had made, it felt like you were back to square one.
You sighed, leaning back on the sofa. "I am not telling you no, but I am not telling you yes. I am the type of person who needs a moment to make their decisions. Rushing into things isn't what I am comfortable doing. Even though I understand why you were overbearing, it still doesn't sit right with me how you ignored me when I told you to stop showing up at my door."
He responded bitterly, "I just laid out my heart for you. Does that not mean anything to you?"
"I told you that I am flattered! But I don't have to give in right at this moment."
"What will make you change your mind?" He huffed, crossing his arms.
"Time maybe, not a whole lot."
Silence followed for a moment.
"Alright. Time." Leon stood up from the couch, looking down at the ground, presumably not to step on Izuku, and he walked to the door.
You followed him to the door, unsure of how you felt about how the conversation went. Leon put on his boots, with you standing nearby.
"Please don't be weird at work, Leon. I want us to be ok." You leaned against the wall as you spoke.
Leon stood up with an unreadable expression, looking at you with a hand on the doorknob. "It won't be weird. Don't worry."
You smiled tiredly, "Good."
"I will be changing your mind, though. You'll give me a chance eventually."
With that, Leon said a gentle goodbye and walked out of your apartment.
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