Author's Excuses: There is really no reason why it has taken me this long to post a chapter. I'm really sorry, my lovely readers. I would explain, but there isn't really anything to say. As a warning, I have changed the title of the story, along with the summary. Why? They were too serious for the content and atmosphere of these ficlets. Anyways, I will be going back and editing through my previous chapters (my grammar—excuse me while I shudder), so yes. ANYWAYS, the final chapteris being written as you're reading this. I really reallylike what is planned for it, and I hope it is suiting of the last chapter. My friend helped me come up with the idea, and it's pretty awesome if we do say so ourselves. If you can guess all the songs, by the way, you'll win a oneshot or something. Without further ado, here is the chapter!


oO1. "Don't Write Yourself Off Yet."

Claire slams her forehead against her open palm, stormy gaze glued to the dimmed computer screen. The equipment room is cold and clammy, her neck hairs standing on end because of the frigid temperature. Why had she thought she could find Chris on her own? Furiously shaking her head and concealing a quiet insult to herself, she positions her hands and begins typing out the email, checking and re-checking the address again and again. Steve comments on something behind her and the red haired teenager tilts her head over her shoulder, listening, before a chiming noise from the computer pulls at her attention. Sliding her eyes over the screen, she breaths a sigh of relief once Leon's words process in her head.

She knew she could count on him.

oO2. "So hear this, please, and watch as your heart speeds up endlessly."

It was how the light caught her hair, causing a soft halo effect; it was the way the corners of her mouth tilted upwards while she was reading; it was how she'd brush her hand against the back of his, waiting for him to grab hold; it was her laughter and how it was infectious; it was her kindness, and how she'd protect a stranger before herself.

It was just Claire and the way she painted his dull world in color.

oO3. "And you don't know why, but you're dying to try you wanna kiss the girl."

"And then I sai—Leon? Are you even paying attention?"

His hands reached out and he cups the back of her head, ignoring her noise of shock. Bringing his head down and her body closer, he molds his lips over hers and does not miss how hers quirk into a smile.

oO4. "She's such a teaser, she's such a star. Give me a reason, or give me a chance."

Dating Claire Redfield was a challenge within itself. There were many things about her that people would find too hard to handle. She was hard-headed, impulsive, the ultimate tease, and yet Leon would not have her any other way.

oO5. "I'm here without you, baby, but you're still on my lonely mind."

Nothing was worse than leaving for a mission. As he sat in the nearly-empty airport, waiting for his flight, Leon sighed and closed his eyes, thoughts of a woman with a dazzling smile never leaving his face.

oO6. "It's not enough—it's never enough—and I wish I could breathe without getting it stuck."

Claire shares a small smile with him and pats his shoulder, lifting herself up from off of his leather couch. "Well, I'm going to go. See you later, Ace." Before she has a chance to move, he grabs his wrist, mind suddenly going blank once she voices out concern.

"It's nothing," he finally says, and feels like hitting himself. The words never seemed to come out right around her.

oO7. "And she still counts the minutes that I am not there."

He slowly opens the door, wincing at the low creak reaching his eardrums. Quickly he closes and locks the door, trekking into the living room where he is not surprised to see Claire sitting. She lifts her head up and releases a sigh from her lips, eyelids fluttering shut.

"You're late."

"I know." He pauses, adding in, "I'm sorry."

"...I know." She stands up and offers him a weary smile. "Welcome home."

oO8. "Fully alive, more than most; ready to smile, and love life."

Claire leans her head back, allowing the top of her head to touch the top of her neck. A tired noise escapes her mouth but she hides it, focusing on the small child who was currently asleep on her back. Beside her, Leon chuckles.

"Feeling alright?"

"Yeah," Claire finally says. "Just thinking is all."

His eyebrow lifts in a quizzical manner. "Oh? About what?"

Uncomfortably she shifts Sherry on her back. "Nothing really, I guess. Just life."

oO9. "Take a chance 'cause you might grow."

Claire drops to the sullied concrete, the sound of reverberating gunfire still prominent in her ear drums. Nervously she jerks her head up, only to have her stormy eyes collide with pale, icy blue. "We have to get out of here." His voice is deep and warming, and the red haired college student finds herself accepting his outstretched hand.

oO10. "And I feel a weakness coming on, never felt so good to be so wrong."

He pants and cradles her cheeks in his rough, callused hands, ignoring the loud blares of passing police cars. A nod of her head releases a small sense of relief as he leans forward, forehead pressing against her own in a small moment of weakness. She doesn't say anything—does not comment about his uncharacteristic moment—and allows him to stay there for several moments until his phone went off. Suddenly, the magic is broken and he pulls away, cell phone pressed against his ear and hands checking the barrel of his gun.

She won't admit that she wishes they could have stayed like that for a couple more moments.