Okay I didn't want this chapter to end where it did but I realized if I had kept going, it would have been wayyy too long. I like my chapters long but not too long. Thanks to everyone who's reviewed this story. You're really the driving force behind it so please keep it up ;)

ALSO: This is probably my least favorite chapter to be honest. I kinda struggled with it so don't be too harsh xD Gimmie a break, I've only been to like one wedding in my life so I wasn't really sure how to go about this one. Thank God for google!

Enjoy xx

Chapter 4: The Wedding

The day was drawing nearer to Leon and Angela's wedding. In fact, it was only a day away and Claire was very torn with whether or not she should go. She wanted to go for Leon and prove that she could handle it. But she honestly wasn't sure if she could.

She felt so lazy and useless. The past month she really did nothing. She sat around the house watching daytime television and reading books shes already read a thousand times before. She called Emmy's about the job but they had told her the position was filled but they'd give her a call back if they ever needed her.

Claire was so bored. She really didn't know what to do with herself. And the only real thing that occupied her mind was Leon. She still cried into her pillow every night as she clung to his picture. She thought it would get easier but it seemed as if it was only getting harder and harder to deal with.

Jill was a big help. She came over almost everyday after work if it wasn't too late. She'd sit and talk with Claire and sometimes she'd take her out to eat or to the mall to window shop, just to get her out of the house. Jill never brought up the drunk night or Leon unless Claire did first. Claire really appreciated that.

"So are you..going tomorrow?" it was the first time Jill had brought it up in conversation without Claire doing it first. Claire sighed and turned the TV off. They sat in Claire's living room. Jill was off tonight and they were waiting for Chris to come home.

"I guess so. I mean, what would I tell Chris?" she answered dully.

"I can think of some pretty good excuses." Jill chortled. "But yeah it's probably better if you go. Maybe it'll help you get over it."

Claire moved awkwardly in her place. She knew Jill was just trying to help but she really didn't want to talk about it right now.

"Do you know what you're going to wear? You certainly can't wear that red dress. It's way too much for a wedding." Jill said. Claire actually hadn't given much thought to what she was going to wear. She tried to keep her mind as far away from the wedding as possible, always saying she'd think about it tomorrow. But now that it was only a day away, she guessed she had to think about it.

"I really don't know. I liked that pale blue dress you wore to the party. Unless you're wearing it, would you lend it to me?" Claire replied unenthusiastically.

"Uhh sure. I have something else planned out so yeah. I also have a nice pair of flats so you won't be tripping all over the place and Wesker won't have to catch you." Jill laughed.

Everyone found that so amusing except Claire. She rolled her eyes. Would Wesker be at the wedding? She wondered. She decided to ask.

"Do you think he will be there tomorrow?"

"Who Wesker? I doubt it. The only reason he came to the party was to announce Chris's promotion which is shocking enough. I don't think he'd make an appearance at the wedding, though I'm sure Leon did invite him."

Claire figured Wesker wouldn't go. Lucky him, she thought sourly. How was she really going to do this? How was she going to just sit there and watch that horse marry her man. She hoped the whole "does anyone feel these two should not be wed speak now or forever hold your peace" line would come about. Though she already knew deep down she wouldn't say anything. In spite of everything, she wouldn't want to do that to Leon.

The next day Claire dreaded getting out of bed. She woke up around 8:30 but she decided to lay in bed and force herself to sleep in later. It was useless. Once Claire was awake, she was awake for good.

Jill had spent the night and was already awake when Claire walked in the kitchen for breakfast.

"Morning. There's some eggs in the pan and sausage on a plate on the counter." Jill informed Claire who wrinkled her nose.

"No thanks. I'm not very hungry."

"You sure? In about an hour we're heading over to my place to get ready for the wedding. You should eat while you have the opportunity. You won't again till the reception. Which isn't till-"

"I'm fine Jill!" Claire snapped, a little louder than she meant to. She felt horrible for it but she knew she was going to be in a bad mood for the remainder of the day. She just had to remember not to take it out on people who didn't deserve it.

"I'm sorry Jill." she added solemnly. "I kinda just want this day to end."

"You know you don't have to go if you really don't want to Claire. I can make something up for Chris and-"

"That's really thoughtful Jill but if I don't go I'll just be a coward. How can Claire Kickass Redfield be a coward? It'd ruin my tough chick image." she replied with a phony grin. Jill laughed.

"I guess you're right." she agreed. "You do have a reputation to withstand." she giggled once more.

Claire wished she could share in the laughter. She did come off as this tough tomboyish type of girl who loved motorcycles and spitting contest and football. Everyone thought she was the toughest girl around; that nothing phased her or ever caused her grief. Oh how wrong they all were. Yes she did love her motorcycles and she did enjoy football but she was just as delicate on this inside as the next female. She did have a heart. Or whatever was left of it, she thought to herself coldly. And she really was sensitive. The only people who truly knew that though were her brother, Jill and of course Leon.

Then she remembered another person: Wesker. She frowned in disgust. How rude it was of him to eavesdrop and listen in on her and Leon's conversation when he could surely tell it was a serious and very private chat. Although she couldn't stay too angry at him. At least he didn't tell Chris, she reminded herself. But it was something that still haunted her mind. The fact that Wesker did know and he could tell anyone at any time. Oh he probably forgot by now, Claire tried to reassure herself. Why would he remember something so insignificant anyway? He's the Captain of STARS. He's got bigger and better things to worry about then a 19 year old and her damaged love life. Claire sighed at the thought.

Would she ever get over Leon? Could she ever get over all of this? Would her broken heart ever be mended? She really didn't know...

"Ouch! It's too tight Jill, loosen it a bit." Claire complained.

"Oh Claire hush. If I loosen it, it'll fall right off of you. It's gotta stay this tight." Jill replied as she tied the back of her blue dress to fit Claire's form.

"If only your damn boobs weren't so big then it would fit just fi"

"Maybe yours are too small." Jill chuckled. "Just hold still. You're pretty much...done! There ya go. Turn around let me look at you."

Claire glared at herself in the mirror with a look of utter disgust slapped upon her face. Blue did bring out the piercing color of her eyes but to her, it really wasn't her color at all. It was a pretty dress; pale blue, a little shorter than the knee, straps. It was much simpler then the dress Claire had worn to the party. But it looked baggy and out of place on her.

"I hate it!" she cried, sounding like a spoiled child determined to get her way. But there really was no other way or option. The wedding started in less than 2 hours and she had no other clothes.

"Turn around!" Jill repeated impatiently. Claire obeyed with a frown.

"See? It looks horrid."

"It does not. You like lovely Claire."

Claire was so mad she almost wanted to cry. She looked Jill over who was wearing a different blue dress. It was shiny and clung to her nice curvy body perfectly. It was longer on one side than the other and Jill pulled it off marvelously. She could pretty much pull anything off. Claire on the other hand couldn't. At least she didn't think she could.

"Dresses hate me and I hate dresses. The only reason the other one worked so well was because it was red."

"Don't be stupid. Color matters but not to that extent. Claire you look fine. Put your shoes on, we're leaving soon."

Claire opened her mouth to further argue about how color was everything when it came to dresses but Jill had rushed out of the room.

"I'm going to grab my makeup bag. Please put your shoes on. They're by my bed." Jill said as she hustled down the hall to the bathroom. She said her statement like Claire was her daughter and she begging for her to just behave. More of that motherly side again, Claire thought with a roll of her eyes.

"Any day now girls!" Chris called impatiently from the living room of Jill's apartment.

"Shut up Chris!" Claire shouted. She just wanted to yell at someone; anyone right now. And since she couldn't bear taking her anger out on Jill, she figured Chris would do nicely. But he didn't say anything back so the mini argument ended there.

Claire sighed and slipped into the black flats Jill had. They made her unappealing attire even uglier she thought when she peered into the mirror one last time. This was Leon's wedding and she wanted to go looking like a queen and outshine everyone, most importantly Angela. That plan was moot now.

After Jill had applied some make up to Claire who argued with her the whole time, stating that she didn't wanna wear make up and she didn't want to do anything fancy with her hair because she already looked foolish enough, the two finally were ready to go.

Jill had flat-ironed Claire's hair and combed her bangs to the side. Claire didn't mind it too much. At least she didn't have to wear it up in some fancy due. She hated that kind of stuff. She loved a simple ponytail. That was her everyday hairstyle.

They rode in Chris's fancy BMW to the wedding.

"What took you guys so long? We're behind schedule now and-"

"Who cares," Claire interrupted from the back seat as she glared viciously out the window.

"I do. I like being on time."

"Claire is a stubborn mule just like you Chris. I had to pretty much hold her down to brush her hair and put some make up on her." Jill said with a slight chuckle.

Claire allowed a small grin to take over her glossed lips but it vanished when Chris announced that they were there. She was so nervous and honestly afraid. She began to slightly tremble. She swallowed hard as she pulled herself from Chris's car.

They went in through the side doors of the La Roux cafe. Everything looked so gorgeous, even Claire couldn't deny that. White flower pedals decorated the walkway and chairs sat in rows in front of a small all white alter. Upon the alter sat dozens of bouquets of white and lavender colored flowers. An eye popping red carpet was rolled out in between the two different sections of chairs. It lead right up to the alter. An all white grand piano was set off to the side. Claire began to wonder how expensive this wedding really was

I'm sure Leon is doing all this for her and I bet she doesn't even appreciate it! Claire thought.

Claire, Chris and Jill took seats only a couple rows back from the alter.

Finally once everyone was filed into their seats, the ceremony began. Claire's eyes stayed glued to the aisle, awaiting Leon's presence. Music played and the first person out was the pastor Claire guessed. He was pretty old looking in the face and bald. He had a black book in his hands and he was dressed pretty professionally. He took a stand in the middle of the alter and turned his attention toward the center aisle, his face held a gentle kindness.

Next out was a boy who looked to be a little younger than Claire. She guessed he was Leon's best man and cousin she had heard a little bit about during the summer. She thought hard about the name but couldn't remember. Steven or something? She remembered Leon saying he was pretty close to him because he never had any siblings of his own.

He looked slightly like Leon having almost the same exact hair cut. The difference was instead of the perfect locks shining golden blond, they were a ginger color. He had sky blue eyes and a pretty cute smile. He wore an all white tuxedo and it made Claire wonder if Leon was going to wear white.

Second came Leon accompanied by who could only be his mother. She was an older women but very pretty. She had the same color hair as Leon. It was short and slightly curly at the top and she wore a lavender dress.

When Claire's eyes found Leon, she nearly gasped. He looked even handsomer than ever! He also wore an all white tuxedo with white shoes too match. It was a little strange seeing him in such a bright color when he usually wore such dark ones. Claire figured Angela had talked him into it. Nonetheless he looked amazing and Claire's heart began to go wild at the sight of him as butterflies danced around the inside of her stomach.

Both Leon and his mother slightly bowed their heads once they reached the alter then they parted ways. Leon's mother took a seat in the front row next to her husband and Leon climbed the 3 little steps to the alter. He stood in front of Steven with a wide-stretched grin.

Claire was nervous. Angela was probably coming out next. She bit her lip but forced herself to keep her eyes on the red- carpeted aisle as she pleaded in her head to herself not to cry. If she was caught she could always say she was crying because how beautiful everything was though she was sure no one would believe her. She was wondering why the piano man wasn't playing "Here Comes the Bride."

A female came through the double doors and down the aisle. She looked pretty miserable, like she really didn't want to be there. Claire guessed she was Angela's made of honor. She, like Leon's mother, wore a lavender dress also. Her shiny brown locks were pulled high into a bun revealing a very cross and stern looking face. She had thick dark eyebrows and big lips like Angela. Claire figured they had to of been related. She looked a lot like Angela. The only difference being their body type. This girl was little and very thin. She looked about Claire's age. She stood on the opposite side of Leon and Steven.

Now it was the moment Claire had dreaded most. The man at the piano played a very lively and passionate version of "Here Comes The Bride" Everyone stood up, awaiting the Angela's presence. Claire rolled her eyes but copied everyones actions.

She finally appeared and people started "ooohing" and "aweing". Claire's first impression was that Angela did look rather nice. Her usually long and curly hair was pulled into a tight bun. A shining, silver tierra was visible on her head as were different jems and jewels that sparkled and glinted from her hair. She wore a long vale that was attached to the terria. Her dress was gorgeous! It was strapless and form fitting at the top. Shiny beads of sliver sparkled in every direction down the bodice. It flared out at the bottom with an enormous train. She carried white roses as she smiled and made her way to the alter, being accompanied by her father, Claire assumed.

He kissed her on the cheek when they made it to the top of the aisle. Angela had tears running down her rosy cheeks and it looked like her father did also. He took a seat as Angela climbed the 3 steps upward to the alter. Leon extended his hand to help her up and Claire began to chew on her bottom lip.

"Dearly beloved," the pastor began. "We are gathered here today to witness.."

Claire zoned out. She didn't want to listen. She'd refused to listen. At least she actually came. She told Leon she'd come but she never said anything about listening or paying any mind to the ceremony.

She kept her eyes low to the floor and thought about the summer when everything was happy. She just really couldn't believe Leon was actually doing this. Not only did Claire rightfully believe Leon was hers, but Angela and him were so off and on they'd probably be divorced in a week! She really was curious as to what possessed him. Maybe it was Angela's idea. Claire frowned and her mind snapped back into reality when the vows were being said. The pastor had said something and told Leon to repeat it.

"I, Leon Kennedy, take thee Angela Miller, to be my wife." Leon spoke, his voice cracked as his eyes held his future wife's. His hand was enclosed in hers. "And before God and these witnesses I promise to be faithful and a true husband to my beloved."

Claire noticed Angela crying and she couldn't believe it but, Leon was crying also. Great, now she was going to start and it wasn't for the same reason everyone else was sobbing.

"Angela," the pastor said turning toward the bride.

"I, Angela Miller, take thee Leon Kennedy, to be my husband. And before God and these witnesses I promise to be faithful and a true wife to my beloved." Her voice cracked on every word as more and more tears spilled from her eyes.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." the pastor spoke as he turned to Leon. "You may kiss the bride."

Claire couldn't possibly watch and yet her eyes refused to tear themselves away from the alter. Leon pressed his lips tenderly against Angela's and Claire's eyes released tears.

Everyone stood and clapped and cheered. Claire stayed in her seat, silently weeping to herself. Chris turned and looked at her and with an odd expression said:

"Damn Claire. I didn't think you'd be one to get emotional." he laughed and turned his attention back to the bride and groom. Claire gritted her teeth but ignored her brothers petty comment.

After the wedding everyone was invited to the reception which was being held in the same place. The La Roux cafe had a beautiful dining hall. When Claire entered she saw lavender and white flowered bouquets sitting upon every table-clothed table. Everyone found their seats and sat down.

Claire took a small sip of the water that was held within a fancy wine glass. Chris threw her a dirty look.

"What?" she snapped. "It's mine. Everyone gets a glass."

"Still, it's rude to drink or eat or do anything before the bride and gr-"

"Oh shut up Chris! You don't know the first thing about weddings!" Claire hissed in irritation. Chris looked like he was ready to rebuttal but stopped when a voice began to speak.

"Everyone, may I have your attention?" Claire looked up at the boyish sounding voice and found it belonged to Steven.

"Okay. I didn't prepare anything and I'm not good with speeches so I guess I'm improvising. Okay. Leon and I are very close. We grew up together and I honestly never thought this day would come. I mean come on now. We're talking about Leon Scott Kennedy. The boy who every girl wanted to date in high school. The boy who couldn't even go out in public without a girl staring googly eyed at him. I didn't think it was possible for such a chick magnet to ever settle down. And I have to admit, I use to envy it." everyone chuckled but Claire just stared at Steven and listened.

"I remember one time.." he paused for a moment to laugh then continued. "Leon and I went to a carnival and this fat chick was trying to hit on him!" Steven howled with laughter as if it were the funniest thing ever. Everyone else joined in the laughter including Leon himself. Claire had to smile when she saw Leon.

"Anyway long story short this girl followed Leon around everywhere but we all know how kind and courteous Leon is so he refused to tell her to go away. So as we stood in line for the bumper cars-"

"You're not gonna tell that part! C'mon Steve!" Leon chirped from his seat.

"Oh hell yes I am. So anyway we're in line for the bumper cars and she finally asks Leon if he's single right? So I skilfully as ever go 'C'mon honey, we're next in line'. I swear the look on her face was priceless! I'm like this twelve year old boy, Leon is about seventeen or even older and she bought it! I'll never ever forget that."

Everyone roared with laughter. Leon put his head on the table and when he sat back up he was the color of a tomato. Even Claire caught herself giggling.

"Okay okay but back to the present now. I'm happy for you man and I know you'll be happy in this marriage. I mean for the past what, 2 years? All you ever did was talk about Angela this and Angela that. So it's about time you married her!"

Everyone shared another laugh as Leon stood to hug his cousin and the mic was passed on to the made of honor. After hearing her voice, Claire tuned out. It was so annoying and she dragged out her words like she was on drugs. Besides, Claire really didn't care what Angela's side had to say.

"I'm happy for you Ang." the boring girl ended her speech dully.

After the speeches and dinner, the dances started. It began with the famous father daughter dance. Another thing Claire glared enviously at Angela for. She'd never get to do that.

After the dance, Leon and Angela shared a waltz. Then an upbeat song came on and everyone ran out to the dance floor. Claire stayed in her seat and tapped her foot slightly to the music but she wouldn't allow herself to have fun at this hellish reception. She glanced around and only elderly people were sitting back and watching with smiling face. She sunk a little lower in her seat.

She felt someone come and sit next to her. She figured it was Chris but then she saw he and Jill were out on the dance floor. She turned and saw it was Steven.

"Hey Red." he said with an eyebrow pointed upwards as if trying to be cool and cute. "Why aren't you dancing?" His voice was flirty.

Claire frowned.

"Because I don't want to?" she said sharply and turned her attention back to the crazy party on the dance floor.

"Do you not want to because no ones asked you? It's a fast song, not like you need a partner. But...if you want, I'll save you the shame and dance with ya, how's that sound?" He extended his hand to Claire who stared at it for a moment before letting out a chuckle.

"No thanks...Steven." she replied. His eyebrows lowered over his blue eyes.

"It's Steve!" he snapped. "And that's fine! I was just kidding anyway."

He sounded like a five-year old brat and Claire couldn't help but laugh. It seemed like that made him even more angry. He got up and stormed away, disappearing into the dancing crowd of people. Despite his immature attitude Claire discovered she kind of liked Steve. After all he did make her laugh which she thought was pretty much impossible tonight. And minus the voice and hair color, he did remind her a little bit of Leon.

The music slowly died down and Leon picked up the microphone.

"Okay okay everyone. I have something to tell you all." when all the chatter faded, Leon continued. "As some of you here tonight know, the Raccoon Police Department is trying to raise money to pay for new uniforms for us officers. Angela, my sweet and beautiful wife decided we should use the wedding to help out." he handed the mic off to Angela. Oh no, Claire thought dreadfully.

"Yes as Leon said the RPD is trying to raise money so I came up with this idea. I thought it'd be interesting and kinda fun. The next dance shall be lead to the man who bids the highest amount of money. What you're bidding for men? The lady of your choice!" Angela exclaimed. All the women cheered and laughed. Claire put her elbow on the table and rested her head on her hand.

"All the money you bid will go straight to helping out the guys at the RPD. So.. who would like to start the bidding?" Angela asked. It was quiet for a few seconds.

"Uhh.. 30 bucks for..Jill Valentine!" Chris shouted. Claire noticed Jill blush.

"30 bucks, C'mon that's weak!" Angela replied.

"50 bucks for Mrs. Burton!" Barry chimed in. He winked toward his wife Kathy who smiled.

"50? C'mon we can do a little better then th-"

"200 dollars." spoke a cold, calm voice from the corner of the room. Claire's eyed went wide. She knew that voice. Her head spun around and she saw Albert Wesker leaning up against the wall. You could hear a pin drop in that room. Everyone was stunned and all eyes were on Wesker.

He slowly approached Angela who looked just as surprised as everyone else.

"Uhh, okay sold! And which lady would you like?" she asked. All eyes were once again locked on Wesker who didn't even hesitate to answer.

"Miss Redfield." he stated.

Claire's heart went racing. A few gasped escaped certain people amongst the crowd. Claire glanced toward Chris who looked extremely baffled. She didn't know what to do. She was too stunned to move. Albert Wesker wanted to dance with her? This certainly was the oddest day of Claire's life...