Why Did Ada Kiss Leon in Resident Evil 2?
The kiss between Ada Wong and Leon S. Kennedy in the original Resident Evil 2 (1998) is a pivotal moment that has fueled fan speculation and discussion for decades. It’s not just a casual peck; it’s a loaded action steeped in emotion, ambiguity, and the high-stakes drama of Raccoon City’s destruction. The direct answer is that Ada kisses Leon to stop him from worrying about her, and also for her own personal feelings she has for him, as the kiss came immediately after Leon tried to reassure Ada of his concern for her safety, and then Ada, wanting to make that concern end, and with other complicated feelings for Leon, used the kiss to shut him up. But the context behind this powerful scene is far more intricate.
In the original Resident Evil 2, Ada Wong is introduced as a mysterious woman with her own agenda. She manipulates Leon under the guise of searching for her missing boyfriend, John. Over time, a genuine connection, however reluctant, forms between the two. As they navigate the zombie-infested police station, Ada begins to show genuine care for Leon, subtly shifting from being a manipulative operative to someone who cares for his well-being.
Then there’s the scene where Ada shields Leon from Mr. X, shooting the menacing Tyrant and taking a serious injury in the process. This act of self-sacrifice is what really cements the importance of the kiss. It’s not just a spontaneous romantic gesture but a culmination of built-up tension, conflicting feelings, and the imminent possibility of her death. Knowing the risks, and seeing Leon in danger, Ada chooses to protect him, and at this moment, she acknowledges (maybe unconsciously) her deeper feelings for him.
The kiss, therefore, serves multiple purposes: it’s an acknowledgment of their bond, a moment of emotional release during a horrific experience, and potentially a farewell. Leon’s concern for Ada’s safety, expressed in the moments preceding the kiss, likely pushed her to solidify their connection in the moment she did not want to be known as a liability. Ada’s line afterward, “Don’t worry about me, and I want to see you again,” both dismisses any worry and hints at her own desire for future interaction.
Crucially, the context within the game suggests Ada’s kiss was a complex mix of genuine emotion, self-preservation, and a calculated move. She’s not a woman ruled by sentimentality, yet she allows herself this brief moment of intimacy. It’s a vulnerable display in the face of extreme circumstances. This is why the kiss is so powerful: it’s ambiguous, emotional, and it leaves the players with the impression that there’s a deep connection between them that goes beyond a professional relationship. It’s clear there’s more than a job between them.
The Emotional Ramifications
The aftermath of the kiss is just as important. Ada’s apparent “death” after the scene, and Leon’s reaction to it, is what would then fuel Leon’s obsession with her in later games. This also gives an emotional explanation as to why the game has such a strong fanbase around these two characters. For Leon, seeing Ada die after she saved him seals her place in his heart as more than just a colleague or acquaintance. He becomes fixated on her, a fact that is clearly highlighted in their subsequent interactions throughout the series. It’s the “what if” and “what could have been” that drives his attachment.
Ada, on the other hand, remains an enigma, consistent with her character. While her actions toward Leon show care and a hint of something deeper, she never commits fully. This duality is part of her appeal and keeps the “will they, won’t they” dynamic alive throughout the franchise. In essence, the kiss in Resident Evil 2 isn’t simply a romantic moment; it’s a catalyst that shapes the future trajectory of both characters.
Why Not a True Confession?
One has to wonder why Ada chose to kiss Leon instead of just confessing her feelings to him, or saying farewell and trying to do something similar to that. The reasons Ada is very stoic when it comes to romance is also very telling of her character as a whole. Firstly, Ada is a spy, and does not trust easy. She has made it a habit of not becoming close with people, so she will not admit her love for Leon on the off chance that he might die, or he becomes her enemy. She might be emotionally invested in him, but she isn’t going to make that investment obvious in that she is a private person to begin with, so she wants to keep it that way. Her kissing him is also a method of shutting him up, something she has done in the past to Leon, so it shows that she knows how to make the situation into one that she has control over. In the end, the complex emotions are shown in a single act that has stayed in the minds of fans for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Ada fall in love with Leon in Resident Evil 2?
While it’s clear Ada cares deeply for Leon, whether it’s outright “love” is debatable. Her actions are a blend of genuine concern and professional manipulation. Ada has very strong feelings for Leon, but she does not act on them like a typical person in love would.
2. Did Leon fall in love with Ada in Resident Evil 2?
Yes, Leon seems to fall in love with Ada. He becomes very attached to her during their time together in Raccoon City. This, combined with her apparent death, seals his obsession with her in later games. He shows his love for her with his actions, as he is always following her, trying to get her to be on his side, and even trying to get her to confess her love for him.
3. Did Ada and Leon sleep together?
While not shown in RE2, it’s implied they slept together between Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil: Damnation. Ada references “that night together” in Damnation, and scriptwriters have confirmed it.
4. How old was Leon in Resident Evil 2?
Leon was 21 years old during the events of Resident Evil 2. He was a rookie cop reporting for his first day of work in Raccoon City.
5. How old is Ada Wong in Resident Evil 4?
Ada is 39 years old during the events of Resident Evil 4. She is one of the oldest protagonists in the Resident Evil series.
6. Is Ada older than Leon?
Yes, Ada is three years older than Leon. This is a relatively small age gap but is sometimes used to emphasize the maturity differences between them, with Ada being the more experienced spy.
7. Was Leon drunk in Resident Evil 2?
Yes, Leon was drunk the night before his first day of work, as he was in despair over his recent break-up with his girlfriend. This is the reason why he showed up to work late.
8. Why does Leon wear sunglasses?
Leon’s signature sunglasses are a nod to director Luc Besson. In the Resident Evil universe, they also ironically help him to see in the dark.
9. Did Leon and Ada kiss in the Resident Evil 2 Remake?
While they share moments of closeness and some more intimate lines, Leon and Ada do not kiss in the Resident Evil 2 Remake. The remake removed the kiss and replaced it with other scenes, like phone calls and post credit scenes.
10. Who does Leon love most?
It is widely understood that Leon loves Ada more than any other character in the series. Their connection and shared experiences have resulted in a lasting and significant emotional bond.
11. Does Ashley have a crush on Leon?
Yes, Ashley Graham expresses an interest in Leon in Resident Evil 4, hinting at a date or something more. She even asks Leon if he wants to do some “overtime” with her.
12. Who did Leon kiss other than Ada?
In Resident Evil: Degeneration, Leon kisses Angela Miller in a pool of water to provide her with air. It was a rescue technique, not a romantic moment.
13. Does Leon choke Ada in the Resident Evil 2 Remake?
No, the scene where Leon chokes Ada from the original is removed in the remake.
14. Is Ada and Leon married in Resident Evil 6?
There is no official confirmation that Ada and Leon are married. While a reliable source suggested this, it’s not canonically confirmed and is often a misconception based on fan theories.
15. Why does Leon “simp” for Ada?
Leon’s “simping” for Ada stems from a mixture of attraction, gratitude for her life-saving actions, and the attachment he developed after believing she died in RE2. He is attracted to her and he feels indebted to her, as she is often saving his life. It’s a complicated mix of emotions.