Chapter 37: Unholy Union
"Hey stranger, my strange love
Would you be mine, am I what you're dreaming of?
Hey stranger, my strange love
What makes you shine, what makes you fall in love…?"
-LDR
Wesker pressed his lips against Claire's so forcefully, he almost hurt his own mouth in the process. But he just had to shut her up. Rather than slap her as he so often felt the urge to do whenever she mentioned Leon, he chose the kinder approach. He couldn't believe she still pined after that idiotic weakling. But from this day on, she'd get over him, he'd make her get over him. Wesker seemed to recall that last time she had quite enjoyed the kiss he had planted on her. She had even kissed him back. And while obviously inexperienced, she had been a surprisingly skilled kisser. However, this time she hadn't been expecting his lips and at first it seemed she was too stunned to react. Then he felt a little resistance and soon a submission on Claire's part.
"Wesker…" she breathed against his mouth. He could still smell the faint air of brandy radiating from her trembling lips. "Don't…this isn't right."
"I don't care if it's right." He growled, his mouth mere inches from hers. "None of the fools you've ever known have kissed you like this, have they? Not your precious Steve, your Fred, or your stupid Leon."
He went back to kissing her roughly and even allowed his tongue to dance into her unexpecting mouth. She was still resisting and even was trying to push away from by shoving his chest. Her foolishness almost made him laugh. Did she really think she could push him away from her? Her resistance made him that much hungrier for her and he continued to wage a war with her mouth.
Claire could hardly comprehend all that was happening. She thought he had killed her buzz awhile back, but now she felt lightheaded and drunk all over again. But she had a feeling it wasn't from the brandy. She tried resisting, pulling away, pushing him back, but nothing worked. Eventually she gave in again to the cool mint of his lips. His masculine, clean scent wrapped her in its intoxicating embrace, and soon she found herself not only succumbing to the kiss, but responding to it. Her arms enclosed around his neck and she began to thrust her tongue into his mouth.
It was he who finally broke the kiss and Claire let out a sigh of sheer satisfaction, her arms were still fastened around him and she hoped he wasn't finished with her. It had been so long since she had felt like this; giving into her lusty side wasn't like Claire. But Wesker was such a damn good kisser it was very hard to pretend she didn't want it.
"Say you're going to marry me." he commanded. "Say yes, say it." He jerked her forward in his arms toward him and smirked.
"Wesker," she began to protest.
"What would be the worse that would happen?"
Claire processed that for a moment. What would be so bad about it? Why was she fighting this proposal? Because he's an arrogant jerk that you despise, piped one said of her brian. Well, not always.
"C'mon, it'd be fun." he said darkly.
"Why do you keep using that word?" she spat irritably. "Marriage is not fun."
"With us it could be, think about it, my pet."
She was thinking about it. Alarmingly considering it even. She tried breaking down the pros and cons in her head. Pros: he's good-looking, can be quite charming at times, and has money. Cons: he can be a jerk, loves messing with her head and embarrassing her, and their past was a little rocky. He was partially the reason her life turned upside down. He had worked for Umbrella. Then again, he had tried to intervene and stop it all. But it had already been too late. He had tried to save her brother and Jill's lives, and he had saved Leon even though he hated him.
Claire knew another reason she was resisting was because Wesker wouldn't be easy to manipulate the way Fred was. How would she get out of having martial relations with him? Her and Frederic had been married four years and they never did anything more than peck one another on the lips. Frederic feared her and knew better than to try anything. Claire had liked that about their marriage; she was in control. With Wesker, she wasn't quite sure how much control she had. He was a man who did not falter. She couldn't break him down and bully him into a pathetic coward that did whatever she said. And why did he want to marry her? She kept getting stuck on that question. Why her? Wesker was successful, attractive, and had more money than the law allowed. So, why her?
Claire was a girl who thrived off challenges. Perhaps marrying someone like Wesker would redefine her strengths and help bring them back to her. Maybe with his help she could win back the land she rightfully deserved. She wouldn't even have to wait to start rebuilding! Wesker was a millionaire, maybe even billionaire at this point. And if she were his wife he would surely spoil her. He seemed like he'd be that kind of husband. She may not be able to walk all over him, but she could charm him into things perhaps. She disregarded the questions of why, and all the negative what ifs, and nodded in agreement with a nervous beam.
"Yes." she replied.
"Are you sure?" he pressed. "You don't want to take it back?" She was still in his arms and had leaned in for a kiss after spouting out her answer.
"No." she said, her head falling backwards, her eyes closing. She really wanted that kiss. Wesker frowned and took a hold of her chin, his thumb caressing her cheek.
"Look at me and try to tell me the truth," he demanded. She opened her eyes and a look of desire burned within them. Wesker felt pleased but not fully. He knew she had been suppressing her needs and he also knew she found him attractive.
"Did you say yes because of my money?"
Damn him for knowing her too well! Claire felt her heart sink but she knew lying would only make it worse.
"Well…yes, partly."
"Partly?" Wesker turned away from her and began to walk away. Once he was sure his face was out of her view, he smiled. He knew her so well. He knew she was thinking of Raccoon and his money and that had ultimately led to her decision. That was fine, the rest would come in time. They were so much alike and she would eventually see the truth. He'd continue to be patient as things were finally in motion now.
"Well you know Wesker, money does help and of course I…I am fond of you."
"Fond of me?" he questioned and turned to face her. He couldn't hide the amused smirk tweaking his lips.
"Well if I said I was madly in love with you, you'd know I was lying. But you always said we had a lot in common and- "
"Yes, you're right, my dear." he interrupted. Something once more jittered through his facial features. But it happened so quick and Claire couldn't read what it was. In a matter of milliseconds, the mask of arrogance was back at play upon his stone-like face.
"I'm not in love with you any more than you are with me. Heaven help the man who ever really loves you."
There he went confusing the crap out of her. Wesker had said many moons ago that he had in fact harbored feelings for her. But Claire had known all along it had been a ploy to distract her from the ongoing, horrific events from that night. He simply wanted to marry her now for fun. Perhaps he was bored with his life right now and just wanted to do something outrages to spice it up. What was wrong with that? She wasn't marrying him out of love either. So, although she continued to be confused on exactly why he wanted to marry her, she was fine with whatever the truth may be.
"What kind of a ring would you like, my darling?"
Claire was caught off guard by the question. Fred had gotten her a small diamond but it was simple and that was what she liked. She looked down at her vacant finger and sighed. She hadn't been wearing it since Fred died. It was a painful, guild-ridden reminder. She had even thought of pawning it the day she had went to the pawn shop. But she decided against it at the last minute.
"I guess something simple." she replied uninterestedly. Claire wasn't a woman who sought after jewelry. Wesker of course knew this and a grin broke out on the cold surface of his face.
"I know you Claire, you don't desire the same things as your average woman. It's very refreshing and I quite admire that. You treasure things far more valuable like land and money." He spoke as if he were proud of her and Claire found herself beaming in return. She liked when he was nice like this and paid her odd but nonetheless flattering compliments. He seemed to like the things about her that went unnoticed by others. Things some may call her selfish for. But Wesker understood the parts about her that no one else did.
"However, if you're going to be my wife, you're going to have the biggest and most vulgar ring in the state. So, I would like to at least select something you would wear."
He really was a rich man, Claire thought suddenly and she felt excited. He was extremely wealthy and wanted to show it off. He wanted everyone to know she was his wife by the sparkling, giant rock on her finger. It was all so absurd but also intriguing to Claire. Yes, Frederic had been successful in his own right too. But never to the caliber of Albert Wesker. Claire felt like she was marrying a celebrity, a king even.
"Surprise me," she teased with a wink. "You always say you know me so well, I trust you."
Her mind lingered on that last statement and she wondered how deeply it actually ran. Did she truly trust Albert Wesker? If she didn't, she figured she better acquire some trust. She was after all about to marry the man. When she thought about it like that, it alarmed her a little. She was going to sell her soul to the devil himself. She was marrying yet again a man she did not love, a man she did not fully trust, and a man she had the most bizarre past with.
"I'll be back tomorrow and we can make all the arrangements. If you want a big wedding, spend whatever you want."
It was only then that Claire thought of Leon. She wondered how he would react. He didn't even approve of her friendship with Wesker. Then there was Amma…oh god. She was going to have a fit. Angela would most likely be the only one who would be supportive. What would everyone else say? Not that Claire knew too many other people. But what about the ex WilParma workers that knew both Wesker and Fred? She could just feel the disapproving, judgmental stares now.
"We're not going to tell anyone, right? I…I mean not right away anyway."
"Still the little hypocrite as always." he chuckled. "We'll figure it out tomorrow. For now, get some rest and don't fret anymore tonight dearheart."
She figured they would have to announce it to everyone at least within the house tomorrow morning. She did after all live with these people. Whether or not she truly liked it, those people were her family and she was tied to them eternally now. Just as she'd be tied to Wesker for eternity tomorrow. Would she actually be able to go through with this?
Yes, she would. Marrying Wesker, like Fred in the past, was the smartest option for her right now. It was a light at the end of a dark tunnel. A wavering, dimmed light; unsure and blinking on and off. But nonetheless a light. She was going to take what she could get right now. She wouldn't mention anything about Raccoon or the land being sold just yet. She didn't want him to think she really did marry him all for the sake of money. But perhaps he already knew and just didn't care. He did always know everything somehow.
Wesker opened the door to the office to let himself out and Claire felt herself frown.
"Well aren't you gonna kiss me goodbye?" she asked hopefully.
"Don't you think you've had enough kissing for one afternoon?" he teased. She felt her eyes roll. He loved calling her out and poking fun at her. Especially when he knew it was something that embarrassed her. These were the parts about him she didn't like.
"Oh, you're impossible! You can leave now and I don't care if you never come back."
Claire figured that could actually be a very big possibility. They could be having this conversation about marriage right now and he could walk out the door tonight and not breeze back into her life for another year or so. Their relationship really was odd.
"But I will come back." he called over his shoulder and left
Their marriage had indeed taken place that very next day. Claire had opted for a small, modest union. She had originally told Wesker that she wished to just do it at the courthouse as she had with Fred. He had chuckled and replied arrogantly: "You really don't realize how rich you now are, do you?"
It was at that moment when Wesker had given her an early wedding gift. They had been in the office again, talking amongst themselves about what they wanted to do for their wedding, when Wesker had placed an envelope upon the desk.
"What's that?" Claire asked, arching a brow.
"Open it."
She literally screamed and immediately began to cry when she read the deed to Raccoon City that now lay in her hands. She jumped up on Wesker, wrapping her denim-shielded legs around his waist, and planting a huge kiss on his lips. He caught her effortlessly in his arms and returned the kiss.
"Are we happy?"
Claire responded with another kiss before hopping down out of his arms and holding to paper against her heart.
Wesker couldn't deny that seeing her happy made his own heart soar with joy. Her smile was so beautiful, her genuine excitement radiant. She was like a child and yet he knew she could be devious like a scornful woman. She could certainly play both sides. But right now, she reminded him of how she used to be. Long before the tragedy. When she was just innocent Claire Redfield.
"I was thinking we'd get married out on the grounds there, if you would like to do that."
Claire shed tears of pure joy again and nodded in agreement. She thought it was the most perfect idea. At that moment she felt a true tug of affection for the man who was to become her husband in less than 5 hours. She asked about how he had done it and he had told her there were very few things money couldn't buy. She wondered how much he had had to pay the man but she chose not to ask about it. The important thing was Raccoon City was one step closer to breathing again. And she hadn't even had to ask for it. Wesker just knew what she desired.
He had already paid for everything for the wedding. It was all set up just below the Arklay Mountains. It was small, only a few people were present. But that's how both Claire and Wesker had wanted it.
Claire of course had admitted to her family what had happened. She was no longer ashamed or worried about what they would think. Wesker had done the single most generous thing for her and she wanted them all to know it. Amma, as expected, had reacted very coldly. The elderly woman's eyes grew dark and a look of disappointment crept into her features. Angela had rejoiced and congratulated Claire at least 10 times in the span of five minutes. She said she had always been fond of "Captain Wesker" and she could tell he really cared for Claire. Leon's reaction was the only one that stung a little. He looked upset and attempted to play off his own disappointment by mumbling a "congrats" toward Claire. She didn't understand why he wasn't happy for her. Now they had Raccoon City back and he could stop being so mopey.
Angela and Leon had both been at the wedding, along with Clark who been the ring bearer. Amma was not in attendance. There were a few people Wesker had invited that Claire didn't really recognized. She figured they were friends of his. Possibly people from Umbrella, WilPharma and Tricell which was ironic in itself.
Claire noticed Excella was not present and she felt the singe of jealousy as always when she thought of that woman. She figured she'd get the truth eventually about her and Wesker's relationship. She intended on asking him about it herself. But she'd save it for a more appropriate time.
No one from TerraSave was present although Wesker assured Claire he did extend invites to them as well. Just how he knew of these people, Claire didn't know. He had his ways. Wesker was so mysterious and Claire found herself getting extremely drawn in by that. Maybe this marriage wouldn't be so bad after all.
Claire had been awake half the night going back and forth in her head. It was a big decision to make. She kept thinking of Chris and what he would say. She knew he'd never approve of her marrying his Captain. But as soon as Wesker had given her his gift, Claire was sold. Not only did he give her the thing she desired most right now, but he knew it was something she yearned for. He knew her so well, knew the things that were important to her. It was refreshing to have someone around that was helpful in her quest to rebuild her stolen life.
It wasn't a very traditional wedding. Claire hadn't any bridesmaids, Wesker no groomsmen. She had picked a plain, white dress. It wasn't very long or fancy but Wesker thought she looked beautiful in it. She wore her hair half up and half down, and she curled the red ends to give it a fuller look. She had walked herself down the aisle and when her eyes fell on Wesker, her knees almost caved as butterflies fluttered around inside her stomach. Wesker wore a black suit complete with a red tie. His hair was slicked back as always but somehow looked even more elegant today. He wore his sunglasses until Claire got to the alter and leaned over, asking him to take them off. He looked at for a moment but then slipped them off and put them in his pocket. Claire smiled as his sky-blue eyes met with hers. He really was a handsome man. At that moment Claire felt proud that such a beautiful man was becoming her husband. That he had chosen her to be his wife. It was very flattering considering he seemed to be able to get any woman he wanted. Excella was a beauty with voluptuous curves and a flawless face, and she seemed very fond of him. But Wesker had still chosen Claire.
Wesker had also extinguished any doubts, fears, and guilty feelings Claire may have had. She had had a little breakdown right before he had given her the deed to the grounds. She told him she felt guilty for her late husband had only been dead a couple months. What would people think? He asked why she cared. She wasn't sure why, but she felt so bad.
"Claire, we've been through this before. I understand Fred was a generous guy. But it was his own fault how things played out. He was nice but foolish. He didn't know how to handle not only you as his wife, but his business, which was going down the drain even before you might I add, and anything else in his life. He was destined to fall how he had, my dear. And you were meant to thrive and move forward with your life. You deserve this chance to fully live the life you've worked so hard to make."
And with that Claire chose to no longer harp on the guilt. Yes, it was still faintly with her. But she wouldn't allow it to consume her. Wesker was right about everything. Frederic had been reckless and foolish. What had happened wasn't her fault. Wesker was pretty good at easing her guilt about that whole situation. Claire was grateful that he seemed to know what to say to comfort her.
When Clark had been called forward to bring the rings, he shuffled nervously down the aisle and presented them with haste. He looked like he just wanted to get it over with. Claire smiled at his nervousness and took her ring. She had picked a simple gold band for Wesker. He didn't seem like he would wear anything too fancy. She placed it on his finger and then Wesker did the same with her. Her band was rose gold and engraved with the word "Dearheart"
When the minister pronounced them husband and wife, Claire felt her heart begin to race. She wasn't sure if it was her nerves, or the anticipation and excitement of Wesker's lips on hers. Of course, he delivered a more than satisfying kiss as the small crowd of people cheered and clapped for the newlyweds.
After kissing her, Wesker swept Claire off her feet and into his arms. He carried her down the long aisle until they reached a black stretch-limousine. Claire beamed and squealed with joy.
"Oh Wesk-Uhh," she paused awkwardly and Wesker's eyebrows lowered over his blue eyes, darkening their shade.
"What's wrong?" he asked, concern trailing in his voice. She chuckled.
"It's just that…well we're married now. Do I call you Albert now? Or dear perhaps?" she asked coquettishly.
Wesker shook his head and grimaced.
"No, Wesker is fine. You may share the name with me now but it's quite alright. I can't stomach Albert."
Claire wanted to question the subject further but got decided against bringing up pestering questions right now. She'd save them for another time.
"Good, I like Wesker better anyway. It suits you." she smiled. It was true. She couldn't imagine calling him Albert now when she had known him as Wesker for the last 7 years.
There was a bottle of champagne waiting on ice for them when they entered the limo. Along with a mini fridge full of beer and snacks. There were dazzling red lights illuminating the inside of the limo romantically. Wesker said something to the driver and they slowly began to cruise away from the mountains.
"I didn't have a chance to give you this before the wedding." Wesker said as Claire poured a glass of champagne.
"What?" she asked.
He presented her with a velvet ring box.
"Nothing about our relationship was very traditional to begin with. So here is that disgustingly, giant engagement ring I promised you." he smirked.
Claire took the black velvet box and opened it. She gasped when she saw the ring reflecting brightly up at her. She felt so touched, he really did know her well. She felt tears of sentiment in her eyes as she took the ring out and slipped it over her wedding band. He even knew her size already, it fit perfectly.
The rock had been ruby, her favorite gemstone as she loved the color red. Claire wasn't big on jewelry. But she was still a female and definitely had preferences. Wesker nailed it. The ruby had been cut into a clover shape. Of course, another fact about her that she was shocked he remembered. She was a proud Irish girl indeed. The band itself was a shining silver.
"Wesker, it's just perfect. How did you- "
He silenced her with a kiss.
"I do hope you like it. I know it's not your traditional engagement ring."
"But it's like you said," she replied with a smile. "nothing about our union is very traditional to begin with. I absolutely love it. I wouldn't want the traditional, boring diamond ring anyway. No matter how big or fancy."
"But dearheart, this is a diamond. It's cut from the very same rare, red diamond the pendant was that I gave you all those years ago."
She looked down in awe at the ring that glinted on her finger. She was wearing a very expensive, rare diamond. She felt truly felt like a queen. Wesker touched the ring and their eyes met again.
"For my ravishing crimson clover…" he purred seductively.
Claire closed her eyes as they felt into an embrace. A swarm of deep, passionate kisses then followed. Claire felt a nervousness stir within her gut. But she felt ready. It had been far too long. Even if she wanted to resist the temptations and desires, Wesker's mouth wouldn't allow it. Why did his kisses have to melt her whole body like an ice cube on a hot skillet? His mouth rendered her utterly defenseless against his advances. She truly wanted him. Yes, Claire had been married once before. But just as she predicted this time would be very different. She had a feeling her new husband wouldn't be sleeping in the armchair on their wedding night as her first husband had done. And although she felt nervous, and although her heart was pounding not only in her chest, but in her ears, she felt ready and willing to explore more of Albert Wesker.
A/N: Sorry if it seemed a little rush but now they're married and this is where the fun truly begins! Stick around if you want more angsty Clesker goodness! And please review if you are indeed enjoying the story. Thanks! -Brandi