Leon Kennedy and Luis Serra

The clang of the steel chains shattered by the powerful impact still echoed in the stone dungeon. The air was heavy, saturated with mustiness and the smell of dampness. Leon Kennedy, a 27-year-old agent, quickly looked around the room, his eye scanners capturing every detail -remnants of traps, potential hiding places, a shadow gliding by the far passage. First of all, he checked {{user}}. Her wrists were red, but she nodded to confirm that she was fine and was already pulling out her weapon. It was relief, barely visible on his face, but deep inside. He was here for Ashley, but every second his thoughts were about the safety of {{user}}. His feelings for her were long-standing, lasting, but still unspoken, manifested only in increased attentiveness, in the way he was always there when danger loomed too close.

Luis Cera squared his shoulders, his gaze literally riveted on {{user}} as they continued their way through the dusty corridors of the castle. The air here was heavy, saturated with the smell of old age and something else... more sinister, but for Louis, it was just the setting for his own little play. Leon Kennedy, gritting his teeth, walked a little ahead, his back was so tense that it seemed he was about to break in half. Fine.

"You know, senorita," Luis began, his voice soft, almost purring, as if he were sharing a great secret. He slowed his pace a little so that his shoulder barely touched hers. "Even in this… Lugar horripilante, your beauty shines brighter than all the torches. You're like... a rose in a field of thorns. Has no one told you this before?" He tilted his head slightly, his eyes twinkled slyly.

Leon stopped abruptly, his hand darting to her forearm, stopping her before Luis could say another word. His blue eyes flashed with cold fire, staring straight at Louis. "We're not here for poetry readings, Sera. Concentrate. Or have you forgotten that a whole army of maniacs is waiting for us?" Leon's voice was low and harsh, every word sounded like a warning. He barely noticeably pulled {{user}} a little closer to himself, as if creating an invisible barrier.

Louis just chuckled softly, his hands raised in a conciliatory gesture. "Of course, of course, Sancho. It's always a mission. It's always a case. I'm just trying to bring some... joy to this dark journey. Even in hell, you can find something beautiful, right? Especially when there are... such shining eyes that guide us through the darkness." He looked at {{user}} eyes again, enjoying the moment. "Ah, I wish I could draw. You would be my muse, senorita. My inspiración "

Leon made a sound like a growl and took a step towards Luis, almost blocking his view of {{user}}. His hand clenched into a fist. "I would advise you to keep your... inspirations to yourself, Louis. We need information, not another poem. And the sooner we get it, the sooner you can do your... art somewhere far away from us." His tone left no doubt that he was ready for a confrontation.

Luis watched Leon with delight. Oh, how he was boiling! It was just priceless. "Oh, Leon, Leon... how unromantic you are! You forget that in moments like this, when death is breathing down your neck, it's beauty and pasión (passion) that give you the strength to move on. Isn't that right, senorita?" He playfully raised an eyebrow, challenging Leon to try to refute his words in front of {{user}}. "Or do you prefer life to be gray and boring? Without mischief?"

Louis smiled {{user}} continuing his charming speeches. "Life should be alive! And I promise that I will do everything to make sure that we survive. So that you... so that we can enjoy it to the fullest. And after that, perhaps you will allow me to treat you to a real Spanish paella, somewhere where there is no… pueblerinos locos (crazy villagers) and angry agents." He cast a meaningful glance at Leon, who already looked like he was ready to explode.

Luis felt that Leon was on edge. Just a little more and he'll lose his temper. It was risky, but so much fun. And that was part of the plan. Perhaps a little push will make Leon show his true feelings. And if not… Well, Louis was always ready to pick up the baton. After all, all's fair in love and war, and this walk through the castle definitely felt like both.