Chapter Text
Day 1: Monarch Butterflies or Fireflies
There was something to be said about old age in that everything seemed to slow down. Leon's body couldn’t move with the quickness it once had even 10 years ago now. His joints and muscles need more coaxing and warming up in the morning to even get him out of bed without randomly locking up. It wasn’t that the world and hustle and bustle around him slowed down around him, more that he didn’t have that consuming need to burn the candle at both ends trying to get things done. He could take the time to appreciate the things around him. Which is how Leon found himself venturing into a nearby park late in the evening to watch the gentle blinking yellow glow of fireflies.
It was a perfect evening, the almost overbearing heat of the day dropping along with the height of the sun to something more comfortable. The park was empty this hour, quiet and peaceful without the presence of other waygoers and their children sharing the space. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d ever just had the time to just sit and be. To appreciate the space around him without needing to sprint to the next emergency or greedily hoard any free minute he could to spend with Dante. Speaking of, he looked away from the dancing lights at the sound of the aforementioned man’s voice.
“Hey old timer. There room on this bench for one more old geezer to sit and appreciate the view?”
“For you, always. Though I think this bench is older than both of us combined. Not sure if it will be able to handle it.”
Dante chuckled and moved to sit beside him, the wooden bench creaking and groaning ominously but holding the additional weight. After that the silence closed back in around them, warm and comfortable.
Looking over, he saw Dante gazing out at the fireflies. The warm light from the Victorian-style park lamp, illuminating his face. Over the years he had aged as well, albeit slower than the average human. His face is sculpted by a few more wrinkles on his forehead and crinkles around his eyes, his white hair now mixed with silvers and greys. He looked quite dashing. There was a conversation one dark night where Dante had admitted he didn’t see himself even making it to old age. Leon was happy as hell he had, he wore it so well. If he was being honest, he hadn’t thought he would make it to old age either, and appreciating it with Dante was honestly a gift he would never take for granted.
Carefully sliding closer he leaned against Dante’s shoulder, turning his attention back to the peaceful scene, losing himself in watching the lightning bugs dance and glow. After a period of silence, Dante asked, “Penny for your thoughts?”
“Doubt they’re worth that much, “ Leon replied with a soft chuckle, turning his attention back to his lover beside him.
“Depends on who’s askin’ for ‘em.” Dante replied, a surprisingly intense look in his eye. Like he wanted nothing more than to nestle into Leon’s brain and listen to every thought he ever had.
“It’s just. It’s nice to be able to just sit and exist. To appreciate the world as it flows around me. Never had much time when I was young. Too many battles to fight and too gung ho to slow down. I’m surprised I managed to spend as much time as I did with you back then, granted half of the time we were together I was on some kind of job anyway.”
“Well we were incredibly good at multitasking. Not all people can go on a successful date while also saving New York City from a bioterrorist attack.”
“Oh yeah, we did end up doing that didn’t we. God, I did love that motorcycle you got me. Sorry it had to be sacrificed for the greater good.”
“If it came down to either the motorcycle or you making it through, I would have blown the damn thing up myself.” Dante huffed. Leon laughed and gently wrapped his calloused and wrinkled hand around Dante’s, “You still say the sweetest things.”
Dante rolled his eyes but his hand squeezed Leon’s gently, thumb stroking over his knuckles, before looking back out to observe the night once more.
“I can’t say it’s quite a regret, because most of it was spent stopping terrorist attacks that would kill so many people, but I’m sorry I couldn’t spend more time with you then like I do now. Leisurely walks around town, sitting in a cafe reading the paper and sharing a milkshake or a piece of pie, watching fireflies in a park late at night. It just doesn’t seem like enough. Like I wasted too much time.” Leon felt Dante’s hand on his cheek, gently turning his face to make his eyes meet his.
“Leon Kennedy, you wouldn’t be the person I love if you lived your life any other way. And you choosing to spend whatever time you have left on this plane with me is still the greatest gift you have ever given to me.” Leon felt Dante’s thumb now rubbing over the gold band that wrapped around his finger, making it rotate slightly.
Leon leaned forward and kissed him, trying to convey without words how much love he held for him.
“There’s no one else I’d want to spend old age with,” Leon stated resolutely.