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I'm going to be working on this story awhile. Someone wrote a nasty comment on one of my stories, so I want to state now that if anyone checking out the most recent chapter has an issue with a Claire – Wesker pairing, please stop reading now. I write because it's original and something refreshing. I respect all pairings and judge none, although Capcom truly isn't much focused on relationships as much as we wish they were.

Chapter 11 will be amazing, I promise! Keep it up, I want 100 reviews at this chapter!

Shinedown – Second Chance

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Chapter 10: Second Chance
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My eyes are opened wide, by the way…

I made it through the day.

I watch the world outside, by the way…

I'm leaving out today.

I thrashed against the reigns of Wesker's arms as he intertwined them with my own, restraining mine behind my back and creating an uncomfortable bend in my back. I must be free, I must destroy the intruder, and I must protect my womb.

"… It's your brother," Wesker breathed, poorly concealing the resistance in his voice; he wanted to unleash me. I sensed it.

"Ch-chr – No!" I roared in a voice I swear wasn't my own.

I violently whipped my head from side to side, rolling across Wesker's toned chest. My hips moved in unison, using the arch in my lower back to stretch and reach towards Chris. And then, as my muscles ached to be free, my body began to spasm. I tore forward until the pressure within my shoulders threatened to pop them free from the socket.

A crease formed between my eyebrows as I gritted my teeth to silence the struggling pants which wiggled through my throat and out the cracks in my teeth. Before me, was not my flesh and blood, no, he is a threat.

"Claire, resist and breathe with me."

My muscles tensed once more, nearly ripping through my skin to make an appearance, and I forced myself to inhale with Wesker until my core soaked in his calm emotion. My body grew limp.

"I'm going to release you now…" I was released.

My arms whipped weakly back to my sides, my drooping head replicating their limpness before my body collapsed to its knees. And as though a lightning bolt went through me, my head jolted up, and my surroundings sunk in.

"Chris!" I leapt forward and paused just before his erected frame, my arms sprouted out as if there was a protective bubble covering him.

His eyes were glazed and he remained still besides the slight twitches of his bottom lids. He was looking past me and past Wesker.

"Leave…" I said sternly, knowing Wesker was standing still and unphased to all of this, "His PSTD is acting up. You're lucky, I don't think he heard what you said." I sharply turned towards his stature, my eyebrows still indicating my stress level.

"Years ago…" He murmured.

"What?" I placed a step towards Wesker with a tilt of the head.

"I should have killed him years ago," He stared off at my brother.

My jaw dropped momentarily and I quickly checked over my shoulder at Chris, whose lips were moving with no words.

"I don't agree with what you've done or are planning on doing," I said softly, my lilac hues meeting Wesker's.

I was hurt that he would say such a thing. Would I even have forgiven or loved him as I do now if that were the case? I aimed to avoid a bitter tone; the man had just said he loved me. And if it was Wesker – he meant it.

"We can," He started to speak using his usual educated monotone.

I knew what he was going to say.

"We can rule the world together? I didn't ask for this, you know," I gestured towards Chris and up towards the ceiling to indicate my whole situation.

"Then why did you –"

"Because..." I took in a deep breath.

" Because when S.T.A.R.S. recruited Chris, I was excited for him to get his life back on track. We went to the luncheon celebrating the completed S.T.A.R.S. team," My thoughts drifted back, "That was the first time I saw you and touched you – you shook my hand. You stared into me, not at or through me. Were you aware of that?" I peered up through my eyebrows from my lowered head.

"Yes."

"A woman, although I was a young one at the time, can always sense when someone ponders them for a lover – be it lust," I couldn't get him out of my mind from that point on.

I was aware of that dirty thought, a nineteen year old with a thirty-eight year old, but he seemed so young to me. He had an aura that reeked of danger, but it drove me more into him, and I was ashamed. Then I learned about Umbrella and their ways. When I heard of his involvement, I was secretly devastated, but I was blinded by what he had done to my brother, who was the most important person to me at the time.

And with Wesker's crude acts towards me at Rockfort it all became about revenge.

As I informed Wesker of my emotion, ones which his still body told me he may have cared nothing about, I made my way past him to my closet to snatch up a robe. I covered my busty, hour glass frame from nudity and grabbed an emergency supply of Chris's medication from in my purse upon the floor. I made him choke them back and then struggled getting him into a sit amongst my floor.

"When I saw you at Rockfort, I thought you may have been sent to rescue me," I glanced up from Chris, "Then I found out I was wrong."

"I was at the prime of my years, working –"

"I am starting to wonder if there really is an organization."

"You need to stop interrupting, my lady, or –"

"Wesk..w-w" Chris's medication began to kick in.

"Shh…" I hushed, resting his large skull into my lap, "He's not here… he's not here…" I repeated with my strokes upon his forehead.

I sent a grave glare to Wesker.

"You will tell him about me," He departed through my window after scooping up his articles of clothing, "Today!" he shouted upon his leap.

"Yeah…" I whispered into the darkness of my room, returning to the man who was now in my arms.

"Are you alright?" I smiled down at my older brother.

"Yeah," He groaned, "I –"

He began rubbing his head, stroking it as he slowly eased himself into a sit with my help. Then, his words came to an abrupt stop, and I observed the dilation of his pupils. He froze as if his heart stopped and for a moment mine did too.

"Wesker!" He shouted, jumping up to his feet and glancing about.

I was close behind, reaching out without touching him.

"He's not here! Just look!" I put myself at his side, facing him with a concerned face. I had really excelled in the lying bit…

"But I saw him on top of you! I swear to f—god! He was here!" He stumbled on his words which spewed rapidly from his mouth.

"Chris, I'm fine…"

"I heard you struggle!" He announced.

"Bad dream," I said simply, my hands on my hips.

His eyes burned holes right through me, but I chose to ignore it and removed the sweat upon his forehead with my thumb. Heavy breaths released themselves through his flaring nostrils and I swear I saw tears forming within his darkened eyes. My lips parted as the realization was made of just how crazy my lying was making him. Yet, he was the best brother in the world and he kept choosing not to question me.

"Listen… I can explain everything," I gave in, "but first there is still a few hours of night left. Come into my bed and finish it with me?"

He glanced over me, taking in just what I was wearing and I found myself vibrating with laughter before erupting with it.

"I'll put more clothes on, just crawl in." His cheeks became hot and I knew he wanted to ask me why I was sleeping naked or if I always did. Though, he was my brother, and I'm sure he dubbed that the wrong thing to do.

I departed to the bathroom with a bundle of pajamas within my arms and put them on just as quickly as I shut the door. When I returned in my wife beater and snowflake PJ bottoms, Chris was sitting up and staring off at the window.

"Chris?!" I said, panicked, but he turned his attention to me and put my assumption that he was having another episode to rest.

"Sorry…" I glided across the room to him and crawled into bed with him.

"Remember when mom passed and you would crawl into bed with me and tell me that you'd always be there for me?" I snuggled into one of my body pillows and turned on my side to face him.

He was on his back, glancing at the ceiling before a smirk formed.

"You know I always keep my promises." And he did… he was always there.

I watched his mouth stretch as he yawned after his soft, groggy words; his medication tended to tire him as well. I patted him on his arm, which wasn't so enormous at this position. The smile that faded previously returned across my face as I watched him fall asleep.

"I love you," I said giddily like a little sister would and should.

But he was already asleep and beginning his loud, obnoxious snores.

I just saw Haley's Comet, she waved.

Said, "Why are you always running in place?"

Even the man on the moon disappeared,

Somewhere in the stratosphere.

-=-=-=-=-=-

I ended up not sleeping, but simply watching Chris's burly chest rise and fall as I pondered what my next step was. Wesker is always so cryptic with his words; one can never understand what he truly wants. Though, I couldn't keep lying and making up stories then just disappear one day. I loved my brother more than that.

"Can I really leave you?" I whispered into the body pillow between us as the red lava of my hues began to swirl.

I decided to excuse myself from my bedroom and escaped from the warmth of my feather filled, white comforter. At least Wesker had respected me enough to leave Chris and I alone, but I wouldn't forget the way his catlike hues so badly wanted to destroy that which had ruined his plans. Was I the only person keeping him from doing so? That said a lot…

"Shit," I exclaimed as I stumbled over a pair of shoes by the entry way, stubbing my toe.

It was unlike me to be ungraceful, but I brushed it off and walked over the transition from carpet to tile. Within the kitchen, I prepped the coffee pot and listened to the hisses and crackles it made as the water warmed and poured from the inner spout. At least I could still enjoy life's pleasures since my change, I smirked.

When the coffee was ready, I didn't feel like adding the usual sugar and cream, instead I simply drank it straight as I peered over the kitchen's middle island. The blue marble of the kitchen's center piece reflected in the rising sun which pooled through the surrounding windows that occupied the west side of the house; they began from the kitchen and curved into the living room. Nothing divided the kitchen from the living room, besides the carpet to tile transfer, and a big green couch that sat facing the widescreen TV.

I wrapped my hands around the coffee cup to soak in its warmth before taking my place on the same couch that was only a few steps away. I rested a foot upon the white coffee table before it and brought the steaming coffee to my lips just to inhale the scent.

"I wonder what you're doing…" I spoke to myself in a whisper once more, referring to Wesker.

He had no place to stay, then again, he had more secrets then I could shake a stick at. There was so much to do and it seemed like there was such little time to do it. I couldn't leave Wesker, but I also couldn't leave Chris. So I was torn between what was the right thing to do and that was to stay with Wesker.

It was my destiny, if I did not, the world would succumb to the fate it was intended to by Wesker's hands. I revived him, but if I didn't, it was a matter of time before someone else could. In fact, with the same blood infection between Leon and me, Leon could… he wasn't as strong as I after all and could easily be captured… I wouldn't want that for him. It had to be me; I had to keep Wesker in line without losing myself to the power that has been bestowed upon me.

I knew that once I went down this path, I would never see my brother again unless he pursued us.

I would forever be bound to Albert Wesker and I didn't mind that one bit.

"Claire?" I turned my head to the right to smile at Chris and then at the clock upon the coffee table to view the time as well as the temperature outside.

"Morning," I sipped on my coffee.

"Any left?" I nodded.

"This is my first cup," I sipped on it again.

"How long have you been up?" I listened to the coffee ooze into his own cup as he spoke.

"A little while, did you sleep okay?" He took the spot next to me, the leather of the couch creaking as he plopped.

"Yeah, thanks…" He stared blankly at the black screen of the TV which had a yellow streak from the sun across it.

"You hungry?" He stared at me and I shook my head against the edge of the coffee cup at my lips.

"You need to eat more you anorexic bitch," He teased and my eyes shot open.

"What'd you call me?" He laughed as a evil grin grew across my face. I was threatening to hit him with my hot weapon within my hand.

"I'm just saying." I punched him in the warm and he winced. He didn't admit that it hurt.

"When I'm finished with this cup, could you pee in it? I have to check you for steroids," I spat back, taking another sip of my coffee.

"Oh ho ho aren't we the –" A buzz interrupted him and we both glanced at each other before looking about.

"Is that you or me?" We tried to distinguish the buzz and finally Chris got up to remove his phone from the charger by his desk in the Southeast corner of the kitchen.

"Yehello?" I rolled my eyes as he returned to join me.

"Yeah… yeah… When?" I leaned into the armrest of the couch as he continued to respond shortly to whoever was on the phone calling at 6:30 a.m.

I heard the sound of a flip phone close.

"That was Head Quarters," I stared at him with my lavender orbs, awaiting more information, "BSSA, Europe Division, has heard of some sort of terrorist trying to sell a new product," He fidgeted with his cup handle, "They don't think it is Uroboros, but –"

"But it may be some form of it," I finished to which he nodded.

"He said we need to move in fast, they think they're taking a large shipment to some place near Japan, maybe even Australia." My heart stopped… Sherry.

"And, I want to thank you for staying with me for the past months, but I had some good news from the physiatrist saying you can move back home whenever you're ready."

"Even after last night?" I remarked, knowing that was one of the worst I've seen him.

"It's like you said before, I just have to become more in tune with my senses and realize he isn't coming back yadda yadda," He swirled his hand in the air for gesture, "Plus, when we thought Jill passed you know how hard I worked to avenge her," I knew where he was going with this and he did swear several things on Jill's grave.

I remember overlooking him as he laid a bouquet at the feet of Jill's tombstone that I helped pick out; Jill always adored colors of the sunset as well as lilies, but Chris couldn't pick a flower by name if his life depended on it. He would whisper over and over again his apologies and how he would do all in his power to end bioterrorism in her honor. He made it far, farther than he should have and Jill was back.

"So what drives you now?" I asked as if I didn't know.

"Jill is strong enough, after all her troubles, to jump back in and so I should too. We're going to destroy all the files and chemicals that made you two suffer – that changed your beautiful, loving heart into something that sees no challenge or correct purpose,"

"Wait wait wait… I'm still loving!" I stood up, staring at him suspiciously. Where was he going with this?

"Claire, in our training, you kill things without taking a second look. If it was a child would you still fire?" Of course I wouldn't, especially with my recent child-loving episodes.

"I'm just saying you aren't the same… Whatever is in you has made you the perfect killer."

"That's not true. Are you saying that bringing you into my bed after you had an episode was a killer's motive?"

"Well, no –" I sighed with frustration while my foot tapped, "Forget I said anything… I love you, I don't want anything to happen to you, and I want to make this world a better place. End of story."

I set my coffee down on the table and reached forth to push my fingers through his hair. I gave it a playful shake and departed towards the entryway to enter the other living room and then bedroom quarters.

"Where are you going?" He placed his coffee next to mine and stood up.

"To get dressed so we can go to the park. We were going to talk, remember?" I called as I walked on.

"Claire I have to leave now." No, not without seeing you one last time.

"Can I have an hour?" He laughed at me as his thunderous steps followed steadily after me.

"I'll be back, just try to get your life on track while I'm gone," He was worrying about me? "I'll come visit your house as soon as I get home. If you need help packing again just call Leon or something." Not this again, Chris is always trying to pair me up with him in some way…

"I really need to talk to you…" But he didn't break.

"Nothing we can't discuss when I get back. If it is longer than a week I'll give you my contact information for sending letters. You know the drill." Oh did I ever, but something told me I wasn't going home for very long.

I moved back out and leaned into the door frame by the entry way, viewing him tying up his shoes. I folded my arms across my chest and stared down at him with immense concern.

"Be careful…" I said, which sounded more like a question.

"I will. This will be cake. We Redfields always get through the worst of it all." I admired his spirit. He had come a long way, but he wasn't perfect. At least I didn't need to remind him about his medication.

After a kiss on the top of my head the door shut, the wind created from its closing sending chills upon my revealed skin. I stood there for a moment, staring at the door and thanking god that BSAA had been so understanding about his condition. If Chris wasn't fighting for something, he was more lost then he ever was.

I continued on what I was doing, my thoughts racing on if I should leave Chris a note or simply deal with it when the time comes. I moved back into my bedroom and noticed my phone was flashing on my bed stand. I quickly checked it.

"Don't forget to lock the door b4 u leave. 52 Chris."

"Don't forget to change your underwear. Claire." I sent him back to which I receive no reply.

Please don't cry one tear for me,

I'm not afraid of what I have to say.

This is my one and only voice.

So listen close, it's only for today.

-=-=-=-=-

It was now nearly 10 o'clock and I had barely gotten started on packing when my phone went off. I waited for it to hush its vibrations, but it didn't, and I knew someone was calling me. I stood from my packing project on the floor and sauntered over to it to answer.

"Hello?" I didn't bother checking who it was.

"Hey, Chris informed me what was going on and he wants me to keep an eye on you." An eye on me? What for?

"Why would that be, Leon? Does he think I'm going to destroy the world with my laser eyes?"

"Could be," I smirked.

"How is Washington?" I created small talk.

"Never mind that, more importantly, how are you?" He smooth talked right in.

I hadn't told him what completely happened to me, but I knew he assumed I had told Chris. Leon was in on the whole cover-up, securing my place back in Terrasave, which I would probably be leaving again. My loss had actually been missed, my political situation handling was well rounded and needed, and I hated that my stay is no longer secure.

"I'm better; you know what Chris always says:"

"Anyone with the blood of a Redfield can handle and get through anything." We both said in strange tones at the same time.

"Right," I laughed as he said the words with me.

"Say, I'm free this weekend. Can I fly you down or see you for a bit? I believe we have to catch up, plus, there are some unfilled reports on your head that I need verified for my division." My lips twisted uncomfortably.

"That won't be necessary, just mail them to me,"

"Chris says your birthday is coming up." Where was he heading with this?

I can't get Leon involved… that would only complicate things. In order to protect his life and others, I needed to go the separate way.

"Yes, it is," I sighed.

"Don't seem so enthusiastic. If Chris isn't back, I wouldn't want you to spend it alone. I didn't say anything, "Come on, Claire, it's been months…"

"I wish all of you would quit trying to save me already. I'm fine," I stashed some of my books into a box.

"I never questioned that…"

"Listen, I have to visit Rani for a few days around my birthday so I won't be there," I lied, but I did need to return Claire-bear.

"Very well, I'll see you within the next twenty-four hours." My eyes widened.

"Wait, Leon –" He hung up.

Was he really that on to me? I sighed deeply and collected the three boxes of belongings we had transported to Chris's spare room. I wasn't going to let him stay alone, plus, I needed company on dealing with my own illness. Never the less, I knew the day he wouldn't need me would come.

I brought the boxes to my red Nissan GT-R which was parked out front. It was a nice, fast car, but I didn't bother to spruce it up with rims or any type of body work. I needed it if I had to escape, plus, I was more of a sporty girl anyways. I snuggled the boxes into my passenger seat and started the engine. I lived three hours from Chris and judging by the sky I had to get their quick; the clouds were rolling in.

As I drove the relatively long length, I never once questioned if Wesker could find me or how he would get to me. However, I did question my actions on if it was doing the right thing, leaving my brother behind.

"Home, sweet home," I announced as I rolled up into my graveled driveway.

I lived out in the country a ways, free from noise or city lights.

I climbed out of my vehicle to stretch my sore muscles, maybe Chris was right about the anorexia; my ass always became numb as if the bones of my pelvis blocked circulation. I stared at the empty water dishes by an old dog kennel from the family who owned the house before me. I had asked they leave it intact, for one day I would want a dog… but with all my traveling I had not yet succeeded in doing so.

My hues then traveled up the stairs of my wooden deck towards the empty look of my home. I would have to get the mail directed back to this location tomorrow (as if it mattered), but for now, it was time to bring some stuff back in. I juggled the boxes in one arm as if they weighed nothing and approached my house door.

I slid the key into the door knob only to find that there was no resistance as I jerked it to the side; the door was already open.

"That's… odd," I set down my keys upon the grill on the deck.

I then reached into the knife holder upon my hip with my free hand and released my Nieto from is holder. Grasping the handle within my palm, I used my boot to crack the door open and maneuvered in with the boxes until I could rest them just left of the entry.

"Hello?" I called into the cool atmosphere of the unoccupied home while setting stuff down.

I advanced forward, knowing that it was unlike me to not lock a door, nor for Chris to come here and just forget. I peered around each corner until my hues fell upon tall, lean man sitting in one of the wooden chairs at my kitchen table. He was dressed in a fitted, black shirt that acted as another skin, and black jeans. A pair of shades lay off to the side from his planted elbows which kept his face within his palms.

"Albert?" I placed a step forward and his face slightly turned to me.

I saw the flash of lava within his eyes. My shoulders slumped.

"Thought you'd come here," He grumbled with his accent and I placed my defense knife back to where it belonged.

"You didn't tell him did you?" I shook my head as I pulled out my own wooden chair which groaned against the tile.

"He had to leave," I rested my arms on the table, my voice quiet and reserved.

"So do we." I glanced at him in question as he made my uneasy thought known, "Never fear, you still have twenty-four hours to make arrangements before we depart. You do want to be with me, yes?" He cooed, his eyebrows rising as his demon eyes taunted me.

"Yes," I said with no emotion, staring back at him as if something else controlled my response. He frowned at this.

His chair stressed as he used his lower back to push it from underneath him. His boots thudded across the floor as he slowly approached me to stand behind. He bent at the waste, hovering his lips so close to the top of my head that I could feel his breath. Yet, I did not feel unease.

"You will come with me?"

"Only if you don't betray me," I remembered what Jill had told me about Excella.

"I believe you are the one to worry about." I felt his presence tilt as his head stooped down towards my ear then planted a kiss on my neck.

I swallowed hard.

"A Redfield always keeps a promise," I stated, knowing that this was the hardest decision of my life.

And if Wesker ever second guessed it, betrayed me, or failed me I would be devastated.

"I think you will be pleased with what's in store," He suddenly said as I pivoted in my chair to glare up at him.

"We shall see," I said sharply to which he smirked.

"So, where did your brother say he was going?" I paused for a moment.

"To Europe, then possibly Japan or Australia."

"What a coincidence, that is where we are heading," He said in a louder, more proud tone.

"What?" I stared at him; the orange-red and yellow hues making themselves clear in my eyes that anxiety had formed.

Was he crazy? My light pink lips parted, but my words were silenced by the quivering of my bottom lip.

"Don't fret, my lady, let us focus on you and me for the time being." He touched my face with a gloved hand and I turned my head to blankly stare at his pale forearm, "We have much to do to."

I nodded into the fabric of his glove, feeling all its ridges against the angelic fairness of my smooth cheek. My mind was nearly burnt out at that moment; I had no idea what to say, what to think, or how to react.

"Relax, now, think of what you need to do before we depart." He kissed the top of my head and departed to my living room.

There was a knock at the door, to which I remained still.

To make them realize this is my life, I hope they understand…

I'm not angry, I'm just saying.

Sometimes goodbye is a second chance.

Here is my chance. This is my chance.