Choices
By: Chelsea D.
My sequel to degeneration... it doesn't completely go along with degeneration, but its what I decided to write. Enjoy:)
Leon took one last look into Claire's eyes before he stated, "until next time." and ran off to his awaited helicopter. He didn't want Claire to know how much she weakened him. Leaving her was hard enough for him. Again. They haven't seen each other since before Leon went to Spain. And even that time wasn't under good circumstances. Leon knew that Angela had a thing for him. He also knew that Claire probably thought the two would hook up. He wanted it like that. Even if he didn't like Angela. He loved Claire. Leon loved Claire so much that he had to stay away from her. That's why he worked best when she wasn't near. He was thankful that there was another mission for him to accomplish. So he could get away from Claire, the woman that held the key to his heart. It might sound corny, but its how Leon knew to describe his feelings. Everyone knew that Leon rarely showed his emotions.
He took one last look at Claire before jumping into the helicopter and took off. Claire stood there watching as he went. She smiled at the thought of seeing him again. She so badly wanted to hug him before he left, but she knew he would probably be grossed out. They were close but only close like brothers and sisters, so Claire thought. She had no idea Leon loved her so dearly, but Leon didn't know she felt the same.
"Claire!" she heard Rani call out. She spun around and started jogging towards the car. She hugged Rani and gave Aunt a hug also. She jumped into the car and they took off towards the house. Just then Claire got a text. She quickly pulled out her phone and saw it was from Leon.
We should meet up again before my next mission. I don't leave til tomorrow.
Claire smiled. Leon wanting to meet up? How could she not say yes. She quickly texted back.
I would love too! When would you like to meet again?
Tonight? She thought about what she had to do and thought whatever it was, it could wait.
Tonight is perfect.
I'll pick u up at 8.
She shut her phone and smiled. She closed her eyes and thought of Leon and her together.
Meanwhile...in the helicopter...
Leon slide his phone in his pouch. What was he thinking? He couldn't stand being around her without getting weak-kneed. He guessed that it was his heart finally speaking up. His intelligence usually spoke for him. All these years he was hard has stone. Nothing could break him after the Racoon City incident. Except Claire. Which is why he couldn't be around her when he was thinking with his brain. But now he was only thinking with his heart.
"Tom?" He leaned up front and tapped the pilot's shoulder.
"Yeah, Leon?" He turned his head so he could hear Leon.
"I need you to land around a hotel nearby here."
"What? Why? We had strict orders to go straight to D.C. Does Hunnigan know?"
"It's a personal matter. And not yet. I am gonna call her. So just do it please." Tom nodded and started turning around. Leon pulled out his transmitter and got Hunnigan.
"Yes, Leon?"
"I am staying in New Jersey another night."
"Um excuse me? Why? You know we have to get you straight to D.C"
"Yes, Yes I know, but this a personal matter. Its important. Also something I have to take care of." He smiled a little. Just then Hunnigan knew.
"It's that girl isn't?"
"What?"
"Leon, I know. So just take care of it and get your ass to D.C. ASAP!" She cut the conversation short. Leon shook his head and put his transmitter away.
"Where do you want to stay?" Tom asked.
"Um, anywhere near a restaurant."
"There is a hotel just over this way." pointed Tom. Leon nodded.
Tom landed the chopper and Leon thanked him. He told him that he would message him when to come get him. Hunnigan set up a rent-a-car for Leon and also a Hotel before he arrived. He got to the hotel and checked in. Thoughts of him and Claire filled his mind. He imagined what she could do to him, but stopped the thoughts before they got carried away. He didn't even know if Claire would want to come back to the hotel. Leon didn't even know if she liked him like that.
"Sir?" The woman at the front desk shook him from his thoughts.
"Yeah?"
"Here is your room key. #509. Enjoy your stay." She gave him a half smile and quickly went back to her work. He rode the elevator up to the 5nd floor. And searched for his room. Finally he found it and walked in. Amazed how nice it was he dropped his bag and spread out on the bed. It was definitely big enough for Claire to be with him in it.
Shut up, Leon! You don't even know if she likes you like that! His inner voice spoke.
"I know, but its ok to dream right?" He said aloud.
No, it is not ok to dream that! Get the idea out of your head!
"Ok, ok! God..." He shook his head and grabbed for his bag. He searched for something decent to wear for his evening with Claire. The only thing he had was a blue button up shirt he wore under his jacket. Plus a pair of jeans. Throwing the outfit on the bed he decided he need a shower bad. Checking the time, showing 7:02pm, he quickly ran into the bathroom.
-Aunt's House-
"Where are you going again, Claire?" Aunt asked. While she watched her fix her hair.
"With Leon. He wants to hang out before he leaves." She couldn't stop smiling. After all these years she finally got to be alone with Leon. " I am sorry that we had to cut today short but I promise this is the last time this will happen."
"No, Claire, I understand. Do not worry, my dear." Aunt smiled and went back downstairs. Just then there was a knock at the door. Claire's stomach flipped. She quickly threw her hair up in her normal ponytail. And quickly walked down the stairs. Aunt already answered the door and there stood Leon. He wore a nice blue shirt with his jacket. He smiled at Claire as he looked at what she was wearing. She wore a black top with jeans. Her auburn hair hung around her face loosely. Leon started to feel very aroused but quickly shook the feeling away and told himself, "not here"
"Leon," she said happily. He reached out his arm and asked, "Ready?" She nodded and she shut the door behind her. He opened the car door for her and ran around to his side of the car.
"So where are we going?" Claire asked Leon as he got in.
"To dinner. Hope you haven't eaten." She shook her head and Leon stepped on the gas.
-an hour later-
"The real reason I asked you here, Claire, is I need to tell you something." Claire stopped chewing her food and swallowed.
"Oh? And what might that be, Mr. Kennedy?"
"Well I don't know how your gonna take this and most of all its hard for me to say this, but I am falling hard for you. I mean after Racoon I liked you a lot. And I still do except these feeling are so strong...I don't know what to do about it. I think..I mean I know...I like you a whole lot." Claire was stung by his words. She couldn't believe Leon just told her he like her. He actually admitted he had feelings. And for her. She was so speechless she kept staring at Leon with her jaw dropped open. "Uh..Claire?"
"I think I am gonna be sick," was all she said. And placed her hand to her forehead and stomach. Leon sat in his seat appalled. What Claire just said was a thousands knives cutting through his heart. Claire noticed the look on his face. "No, Leon. Its not like that! I am light headed cause I never imagined you telling me this. You have no idea how badly I wanted for you to tell me this."
Leon took hold of her hand. And scooted close to her.
"But, what about Angela?"
"What about her?"
"I thought you two..."
"No, I was only being nice to her. She took it the wrong way."
"Oh...and Ada?"
"Kidding me? She totally led me on." Leon chuckled. "But what about Mike?"
"Mike? No, we are done. We ended it." after you showed up, Leon. Claire added in her head.
"Steve?" Leon added.
"Hell no! He was a whinny little bastard," A smile spread across Leon's face. Claire smirked. "It's always been you Leon. I knew from the start. Even if you're now realizing it."
Without speaking, Leon stood up from his chair and pulled Claire up off her seat. He pulled her close to his warm body. His lips were an inch from hers.
"Leon?" He smiled and planted a soft kiss on her lips. He was warm, but it sent shivers down her back. The kiss felt like it lasted forever. Leon finally pulled away and whispered to Claire if she wanted to come back to his hotel room. She nodded, lightheaded from this kiss. She took hold of Leon's hand and he led her out of the restaurant
They stopped just outside of the building and Leon pulled her inclose again to kiss her. This time it lasted longer because not everyone was staring at them. Claire loved the way Leon's lips felt on hers. She didnt ever want to pull away.
Rain started to fall from the sky, soaking them. Claire screamed and Leon started laughing. He grabbed her hand and they ran to the hotel across the street. Still laughing, Leon lead Claire up to his room.
"God I didn't know it could rain like that here!" Claire screamed. Leon chuckled at her and started to move her dripping hair from her face. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. They remained in this embrace until they reached the 5th floor. Claire continued to hug Leon as they walked to the room. He unlocked the door and was practically drugged into the room by Claire. She kicked the door behind him and shoved Leon against the door. They both smiled and Leon chuckled, as she kissed him hard. Seconds later, Leon backed Claire up to the bed and she fell back onto it. He came on top of her and began kissing her again. She unbuttoned his pants and he rose his eyebrow.
"Are you sure?" he asked. Brushing the hair from her eyes.
"I've never been more sure in my life," She reached back up to kiss him again. They fell deep in love that night.
Leon slowly opened his eyes and found Claire sleeping on his chest. He smiled at the sight. He kissed the top of her head. He didn't want to wake her but he had to get up. He slowly slid from her embrace and she hugged his pillow. He smiled again at her sleeping . The sheet only covered her legs. Her body was exposed as she laid on her stomach. He grabbed his shorts and pulled them up just as his transmitter started going off.
"Shit," he swore. He forgot all about the mission. Hunnigan was gonna kill him. Grabbing the device, he dashed into the bathroom trying not to wake Claire.
"Leon! Do you realize what time it is?" Hunnigan screamed.
"I know, Hunnigan! I just realized that."
"Did you sleep with her?" Hunnigan asked catching Leon off guard.
"Uh...why would you think that?"
"Because I can see her behind you sleeping. Naked."
"Well, Obviously. Yeah. Reason I am getting up so late."
"I am happy for you Leon, but you need to get to D.C. They are waiting to brief you."
"Yes, I am on my way. Tell Tom to meet me up on the roof." Hunnigan nodded and disappeared. "Damn." He swore again. He didn't want to leave Claire but he needed too. He walked over to her and started kissing her back up to her cheek then around to her lips. She giggled. And flew open her eyes to see Leon smiling back.
"Good morning, beautiful" He lend in to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her, causing him to fall on top of her. She began touching his body again just like last night. She kissed around his lips and made her way to his neck. He knew she wanted to go again, but he couldn't. He started to move away from her when she grabbed him back.
"Why are you leaving?" she asked quietly.
"Duty calls. I have to go." He kissed her again. Not just a quick peck but a passionate kiss that took Claire's breath away.
"Hug me before you leave?" she asked innocently. He agreed and cuddled with her under the blankets. She was still completely naked and Leon could feel her underneath. Which just made him want to stay longer. Claire held onto Leon tightly.
"When are you going to be back?"
"2 weeks. I have to go to Mexico." He explained has he rubbed her arm. "There was some crazy stuff happening down there. And have to go check it out." He took a deep breath. Like he was worried or concerned.
"Are you nervous? I can't believe it if you are,"
"No just..I don't want to leave you. I give you a night of pleasure and then I leave? I feel
like I am using you."
"No, Leon, I understand. You are a government agent. They need you."
"Not as much as I need you," He whispered as he kissed her again. Claire gave Leon the signal that she wanted to make love one last time before he left. "Okay, baby," he told her as he pulled the sheet over their heads.
to be continued...
