Chris and Becca were both standing at the doorway of Leon Kennedy's room. They'd been there for a full ten minutes, just staring.
"… and that's why I couldn't take the rocket launcher!"
Sherry Birkin laughed wildly from her spot on Leon's bed. Sitting next to her was a smiling, beaming, and seemingly healthy Leon Scott Kennedy. He looked expectantly at the two loitering by the entrance.
"Are you guys gonna just stand there all day or what? 'Cause I could use a cup of coffee." Kennedy joked, eliciting another laugh from Sherry.
Chris was the first to step in, followed by Becca who flew to Leon's side. She began to furiously check him over.
"Leon, this is unbelievable." Chris stammered. "A half hour ago we didn't even know if you'd make it through the night and now-"
Despite Becca's probing, Leon jumped to his feet and did a quick jig. Becca exchanged a glance with Chris. "You have a broken ankle." Chambers deadpanned.
Kennedy shrugged, hands on hips. "Doesn't feel broken." He paused. "So, do I pass? Can I see Claire now?"
"If you would hold still I could finish." Becca rolled her eyes. "Just give me a blood sample and you're free."
Kennedy sat and looked at Chris. "Did everyone get out okay?"
Redfield crossed his arms. "We lost three of the team. But the immediate family is still intact, somewhat."
"Thank God." The younger man breathed as his blood draw concluded.
Rebecca quickly applied a band aid and barely had it administered when Leon sprang back to his feet. He reached over to tousle Sherry's hair before heading toward the door. Chris eyed him closely. Kennedy returned the gaze, only with a small smirk.
"Do I have something on my face or what?" Kennedy asked, grinning.
Redfield blinked his face stone. "No. I'm just…." He paused. "Go see your girlfriend."
"Fiancée." Leon corrected, bounding from the room. "Fiancée!"
"Don't remind me." Chris called after him.
A silence descended upon the room. Sherry looked from Rebecca to Chris expectantly. She stood slowly.
"Why am I the only one who seems ecstatic that Leon's better?" she demanded.
Chris shook his head. "We are ecstatic sweetheart. We just want to make sure he's completely… all better."
Sherry leveled her eyes. "I'm not twelve anymore Chris. You think that there's something wrong, don't you? You think he's changed or evil or something." Upset, Birkin walked past him. "Why can't you people ever just be happy!"
After she was gone Becca quietly closet the door. She was staring at the blood sample in her hands. "I want you to get Jill and Carlos. Tell them what's up. I'll be in the lab." She said quickly. "And, Chris, keep an eye on him."
"Hello beautiful."
Claire Redfield's eyes cracked open to reveal a man seated at her side, holding her bruised hand. Her lips turned upward into a brilliant smile.
"Leon." She felt tears come to her eyes. "Are you – how?"
"Shhh." Kennedy smiled and kissed her hand. "Don't worry about all of that now. I honestly don't have any answers for you; any good ones anyway."
Claire watched his face fall a bit. "What is it?"
"I failed you." He spat bitterly, clutching her. "I failed you in so many ways."
"Oh, no, Leon, don't think like that." She protested. "Please"
"Just listen." Kennedy interrupted. "I never should have left you. I honestly can't imagine what you thought when I walked out that door. You said that if I loved you I wouldn't leave. But I left. No word, no nothing for six months. And you still loved me." He laughed. "I bought that ring before I left, you know? Was gonna give it to you the night I got the call about the assignment. I've never loved anything in this world as much as I've loved you Claire Redfield.
"Those months, all the torture was nothing. It was nothing compared to the pain of being without you. Your memory, knowing that you were out there, was enough to keep me alive. I owe you so much, Claire, so very much."
She couldn't move. A solitary tear ran down a battered cheek. "I love you."
"I love you." Leon leaned down to kiss her.
Claire pressed her lips tightly to his, savoring the moment as if it would be their last. When the kiss broke, she leaned back with a contented smile. They remained that way until a quiet knock broke the air.
"Am I interrupting?" Sherry Birkin's small voice asked timidly.
Claire's grin turned into a full fledged smile as Sherry carefully made her way into the room. The teenager nearly knocked over Leon as she enveloped Claire in a hug.
"You're alive!" Sherry bubbled. "You're both alive!"
Claire threw a look at Leon. "Obviously." She released the blonde. "Look at you! When did you get all grown up?"
Sherry pulled away from Claire and shoved her hands into the pockets of the low slung jeans she wore. Her long blonde hair was securely held back in a pony tail and the pull over hooded sweatshirt faintly read S.T.A.R.S.. It was one of Chris' old ones, one he wouldn't miss but felt proud to have someone else wear.
"It's only been a few months." Sherry blushed and was suddenly shy. "I didn't change that much."
Leon waved his hand dismissively. "Just got purtier!"
Sherry giggled and slapped him on the arm. Leon mock scowled as he settled back down next to Claire. The two gazed lovingly at one another, much to Birkin's delight.
"When's the big day!" the girl squealed.
Leon smiled. "I've already wasted too much time. So, I guess whenever she'll have me."
Sherry smiled giddily. "Can I be in the wedding? Or, I could plan it! I could be like Jennifer Lopez in The Wedding Planner."
Claire made a face. "Honey, I'll be damned if I'll have J.Lo at my wedding. But you could be my Matron of Honor if you wanted."
There was another squeal as Claire wasengulfed into Sherry's arms. Leon gazed at them. They were the two most important women in his life. Sherry was the closest thing he had to a daughter, although he wished to have a child of his own some day. Perhaps a little boy to take camping or a girl he could spoil rotten and let get away with things that Claire would never allow. Leon Scott Kennedy wanted a family. The beginning of it was right before his eyes. All that was left was to make it official.
"Leon?"
His crystal eyes blinked. "Huh?"
Claire carefully sat up, her cheeks flushed. "Where did you go?"
Kennedy laughed. "Nowhere." He kissed her forehead. "Right here, sweetheart. Just thinking."
Redfield reached for him. "You know, I'm feeling much better. How about you two take me for a walk?"
"I don't know." Leon said, cutting his eyes to Sherry. "Think you can hold her if I decide to go off and save the world again?"
Sherry giggled and threw her arms around his muscular young man. "Let the world die for all I care. Just, please don't leave again."
Leon closed his eyes for a second as he crushed Birkin to him. When he opened his eyes Claire was looking at him with all the affection in her heart.
"I love you." Leon mouthed.
She blinked slowly, a smirk. "Love you too."