Hello, dear readers!

Hope you enjoy it, and don't forget to drop by discord!

This is an invitation for my discord server, where we can share thoughts and other stuff about some of my fanfiction.

I share teasers of chapters, answer random questions (if you have them) and overall interact with everyone! So feel free to drop by! Use the link below or DM for more info

_discord._gg/wr48UmENbx

(eliminate the _ when used)

64. Claire

It was like a dream. Claire suddenly felt like a teenage girl in love, and it was all Leon's fault. Just remembering it made her unconsciously blush, and that was why Saya had realized what had happened only by looking at her. The worst thing was that the medic had dragged Helena into teasing her as well.

The arrival of Leon did not help Claire's cause since seeing him again had prompted her Japanese friend to resume the teasing on her.

"Someone was touchy, huh?" Saya said, smirking. "I saw him caressing your back."

"Saya, " Claire groaned, putting down what she'd been working with, and turned to the medic. "Why do you do this to me?"

"Because it's not every day that my best friend finally gets laid with her childhood crush."

"Oh, god. You make it sound so wrong."

Saya gave a mischievous look and laughed while Claire glared at her with irritation.

"You never answered what I asked before."

"What?"

"You know what? How good was it?"

"I am not going to answer that!" Claire said, turning red again. "That's between Leon and me..."

"Huh, so it was that good," Saya snorted. "Well, I warn you. Be ready to have an overprotective and adoring husband in the next few days."

"Huh?"

"There are two things that can happen with male behavior after sex, depending on how and with who it happens," Saya said. "Number 1, if it's just a one-night stand, he might only act as it never happened, but if the guy loves you, he becomes a big bag of cuddles and sweetness. Judging by Kennedy's behavior, I can say it is the latter. You're lucky. Your guy loves you."

"When did you became a sex therapist?"

"I am a psychiatrist. Understanding thoughts and behavior comes in the curriculum."

"Well, you can stop your psychoanalysis now," Claire said, glaring at her.

"Alright, alright. I won't say anything more," Saya laughed. "So what did Kennedy bring from the DSO?"

"Ah, something that will come in handy at Blackwell. Marie designed ammunition that can hold the viral particles."

"I thought we discarded that option because the heat would degrade the virus."

"Yes, but we had a couple of ideas we decided to try," Claire said, showing her the papers. "Encapsulation and cooling system within the rounds. It seems to work at lab level at least."

"I guess we'll have to test it to be safe, but I have good feelings about it."

"I hope you're right," Saya sighed. "Did you send the results to Chambers?"

"Yes," Claire answered, stretching her arms. "What time is it?"

"2:30 pm," Saya answered.

"It might be a good time to call it a day."

"Yeah, you probably have plans with your guy..."

"Saya..."

"Alright, alright. I said nothing..."

When Claire returned to the offices, Leon and Helena were busy going through various documents at the communal table. The blonde looked up when she approached the table and smiled.

"Done?" he asked, putting his hand around her waist.

Claire instantly saw Saya smirk and mouth a silent "Touchy" with amusement.

"Yeah, we finished. I sent the results to Rebecca. Hopefully, that will be enough for what she needs to do."

"Well, finally. I know you like to work, but it isn't right to work during the new year, you know?" Helena chuckled.

"You must be tired," Leon said.

"Oh, yes, she should be a little sore, as well," Saya snorted, and Claire glared at her.

"Ignore her."

Leon snorted.

"Sherry called. She's dropping by the apartment today. Something about celebrating the New Year with us."

"I'd call that the third wheel," Helena laughed. "But hey, you and Birkin had that kind of relationship."

"It's fine. I'll be happy to have Sherry come," Claire said, ignoring the implicit comments. "Should we go now?"

"Yeah," Leon nodded. "You'll be behind us?"

"You two go ahead. I need to check in on HQ first," Helena replied.

"Come for dinner," Claire smiled.

"Sure, I'll see you later, then."

"What about you, Hiwamura?" Leon asked.

"Oh, I have my plans as well. Don't worry about me."

"Ok, then...let's go?"

"Yeah," Claire nodded. "Bye, see you all tomorrow!"

Snow had started to fall again, covering every inch of the streets with a thick layer of ice, so Leon opted to drive slower than usual. That didn't bother Claire, who was more than willing to enjoy the ride. The streets were almost empty, giving the city an air of solitude that carried some melancholy, but the scenery was beautiful.

"So, I heard from Helena that Hiwamura was mocking you."

"She forgot to mention that she helped?"

Leon snorted, and Claire rolled her eyes.

"Don't laugh."

"Sorry. It's just..." Leon said lightly. "I didn't think you would be so shy about the subject."

"Leon, what normal person goes around telling the world if she or he had sex or not?" Claire said, rolling her eyes. "That's private."

"I see your point," Leon laughed.

"How are you not bothered about that?"

"Why would I? It's not a big deal unless Chris finds out. Then it would become a big deal..."

"And you would be dead," Claire chuckled.

"I'll die without regrets because I don't regret anything that happened..."

"I know..." Claire said, putting her hand over his. "Me either. However, as I see it, it might be hard to break the news to everyone after all this is over."

"One day at the time. We'll figure it out, but for now, we can enjoy the little secret we have."

Indeed, what was the rush to publish the news? She wanted to enjoy their little secret for a bit longer. There was something nice about having a secret relationship. Claire was sure that everyone would be happy that she and Leon decided to be together, even Chris. Although the older Redfield would put up a fight at first, he would accept the idea in the end.

"You have to survive before you can worry about that."

"Happy New Year!" Sherry squealed, hugging Claire as soon as the door had opened.

The gesture was so sudden that it took Claire by surprise, and if it weren't for Leon standing behind her, both women would have fallen to the ground.

"Sherry," Claire said, looking at Leon. The blonde only smiled and closed the door.

"Ah, I am so glad I could come today!" Sherry replied, letting her go. "I haven't seen you in ages."

"We saw each other on Christmas," Claire replied.

"Yeah, but then all that mess happened, and Mercer assigned me to the protection team for the president," Sherry said, sitting down in the living room. "God, Leon. I don't know how you stand that woman!"

Leon chuckled. He stepped around the table, and instead of sitting on the empty armchair as Claire would have expected him to do, he dropped right by her side. It was an uncharacteristic move, but Sherry was too busy ranting about the president to notice.

"Do you mean Ashley?" Leon asked.

Sherry grimaced. She coughed slightly, then spoke in an exaggerated high-pitched voice that Claire guiltily admitted sounded a lot like the real one.

"If Leon were here, things wouldn't be this way. Oh, no! That's not how Leon would do it. Seriously, why isn't Leon here? Leon! Leooon!"

Sherry's impression of Ashley was amusing, and Claire felt a little guilty for laughing. She didn't know the president, so it was wrong for her to judge the woman.

"It can't be that bad."

"No, it is a pretty accurate impression. She does call out for me a lot," Leon replied. "I am glad that I got transferred as an active agent, or I would have ended up stuck as her security chief."

"Nah, that's Mercer's job, right?" Sherry laughed. "I had to tell her that Leon was busy spending time at home with his wife. You can't imagine that face she made!"

"Why didn't you take a picture of it?" Leon asked.

"I tried, but Mercer was there, and you know how stiff he is."

"He does look like a stern man," Claire said. "But he can't be all that bad!"

"Well, no. I guess not. I mean, compared to Simmons, he's actually good," Sherry said. "I mean, Simmons was a nasty person. Mercer is stern, but he's a decent human being."

"He is," Leon sighed. "Unless he's dealing with Helena or me."

"Yeah, you are not his favorite agent," Sherry laughed. "But I think he likes Claire."

"Me?"

"You met him at the Christmas party, right?"

"Yeah, he was with Hopkins," Claire replied, looking at Leon. "Right?"

"Yes, but how do you know he likes Claire?"

"Oh, I heard him," Sherry replied. "Someone asked him what he thought about you getting married. I think it was Hamill."

"That idiot," Leon said, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"What did he say?"

"Mercer said you looked like a smart woman, so he didn't understand how you had ended up with someone as problematic as Leon," Sherry laughed. "I was dying when I heard that."

"You're kidding, right?" Claire laughed. "Since when do you have the fame of a bad boy Leon?"

"Since Mercer decided I was one."

"He obviously doesn't know you," Claire said, rolling her eyes. "If Leon is a bad boy, I am a saint."

Sherry seemed to find that amusing since the girl was laughing hysterically.

"That aside. I heard a rumor about you planning to go to Ireland in a few days," Sherry said, turning back to her more usual self. "Is it true?"

Rumors were fast to fly. Claire was surprised that Sherry already knew when she'd just found out that morning.

"It is," Claire and Leon answered at the same time.

Sherry snickered while Claire and Leon exchanged looks.

"It isn't a recreational trip or anything," Claire said. "We are on the tail of Mobius."

"I figured that much," Sherry nodded. " You wouldn't take a vacation with all this mess happening."

Claire saw Leon frown. Something seemed to be bothering the agent, but his stoic expression didn't reveal more than that.

"Where did you hear that?" Leon asked. "The mission orders came today, so it shouldn't have gone out that fast."

"Oh, I heard Mercer mention it. I don't think he knew I was behind him when it happened. He was talking on his phone and seemed a little irritated."

Leon frowned, and Claire turned to look at him with questions in her eyes. The agent didn't answer, returned her look, and shook his head. His hand fell on her back subtly, making her shudder.

"I wish I could help, too," Sherry sighed.

"Oh, Sherry. It will be a dangerous mission," Claire said. "Our best tool is to remain unnoticeable, and that's difficult with too many people. I'm already concerned about Chris bringing his men."

"I know, I know," Sherry sighed. "I am not judging you or anything. I only wish I could help you."

"You keep the president safe, and while you are at it, you can try to persuade her of leaving me alone," Leon replied, smiling. "that would be a help, and you are good at scaring off my admirers."

"Oh, I will do my best at that. I promise!" Sherry laughed, winking at him.

" Since Sherry is here, I guess I should start with the food..." Claire said, intending to get up, but Leon stopped her.

"I asked Helena to bring food on her way home. Don't worry about it," Leon said.

That was thoughtful of Leon. Claire nodded and sat down again to listen to more of Sherry's rants. She leaned back, modestly leaning against Leon, who, in return, smirked.

Helena arrived an hour later, bringing the food. Maybe it was a little late to celebrate the New Year, but Claire didn't care. She felt happy, especially when Chris and Jill arrived out of the blue. Barry had gotten caught in family reunions, but he had sent Claire a hug through her brother.

Her family was together, and the happiness she felt was such that not even her doppelganger could ruin her mood.

Days passed in a blink of an eye. The routine on the following days before they left for Ireland changed a little from their usual. As Saya had predicted, Leon's behavior had, indeed, shifted a little. He was less meek with his attentions regardless if they were alone or in public, and Claire enjoyed it, though she couldn't help but feel embarrassed whenever he did it.

Thankfully, Saya didn't make any more comments about the subject, and it was fortunate since Claire had to admit that she was indeed bad at dealing with them. The upgrade in Leon and Claire's relationship was a nice change. Somehow it made Claire a little more confident, and it served as a good boost for the upcoming mission.

They shared a strong connection now more than ever, and she had to admit that the sensation was pleasant.

"As long as there's an anchor, our minds won't drift ashore..."

The voice was familiar. One of her former allies had told her those words when she had recently arrived at Blackwell, and she entered the darkness for the first time. An anchor. That was probably the best way to see it. Blackwell was a dark place that could mess up with anyone's head. If you didn't have something to stabilize, then you would lose your mind.

"You'll make a hole on the floor if you keep pacing around like that," Leon said, hugging her from behind.

Claire had been pacing around the room as she reviewed several files. In reality, she'd been too busy in her thoughts and had not noticed Leon walking in.

"Concerned that I might mess up your carpet?" Claire smirked.

"Do I look like I care about that?" Leon replied, kissing her neck and giving her tickles. "I thought we agreed that you wouldn't bring work home."

"I know. I just wanted to leave everything done before we left tomorrow," Claire answered, putting the files on the desk and turning to face Leon.

She wrapped her arms around Leon's neck and looked him in the eye. A few weeks ago, the woman would not have dared to make such a bold move, but the story was different now. The rule seemed to apply for Leon, too, since the blonde didn't hesitate to pull her closer.

"Are you ready for that?" Leon asked. "Going back."

"I don't think I'll ever be, but I'll do what I have to do," Claire admitted. "I saw and did horrible things to survive in that place. I am not proud of it, but this isn't about me. Mobius has to be stopped."

Claire's words had trembled a little, but the woman mentally slapped herself. She couldn't be thinking like that now; she couldn't hesitate.

Leon's lips met Claire's before she could even react.

"You know I am here if you need me," Leon whispered. "It doesn't matter what it is. I'm by your side..."

Claire smiled. She caressed the agent's face and kissed him again. In 34 years of life, Claire had never had a proper relationship. She had dated men, she had crushed over several people, but Leon was her first serious relationship. It was nice to know he was there for her regardless of what happened.

That night, they had another intimate encounter of kisses and caresses until they finally fell asleep in each other's arms; this would be the last chance to touch each other for the mission's duration, and both were aware of it. Perhaps that was why it had been far more intense than the previous times.

Morning arrived, and Claire woke up, tucked under Leon's embrace. The blonde was still deeply asleep, and Claire smiled, contemplating his face.

Somehow he always managed to look good at all times.

"Was this a good idea?"

Her doppelgänger stood by the window. The morning light that surrounded her made her look like she had been shining. Her expression was neutral. She didn't seem angry nor happy.

"Opening ourselves like this will make things difficult, won't it?"

Claire hesitated. She didn't regret it. She was sure of it, but what if her doppelganger was right? What if this ended up putting him in greater danger than before?

No.

She shouldn't think like that. She needed something to keep herself rooted. Something that would keep her moving when they descended to the hell beneath Blackwell. Without it, she would lose her mind, and this would be it.

"Is that really wise?"

Leon shifted slightly between the sheets, letting out a soft sigh as he woke up. Claire looked at the blonde and then back at the window. Her doppelgänger had disappeared, leaving as suddenly as she had appeared.

"Hey, good morning," Claire said, pushing away the dark thoughts that her doppelgänger had summoned in her mind and smiling at the blonde.

"Good morning," he replied, smiling back and pulling her closer. "You woke up early. "

"You know I'm an early bird."

"Oh, I do..."Leon snorted, kissing her shoulder, "but I expected you to have a little more sleep while you can. The next few days will be hectic, and I doubt we'll get enough time to rest."

"If you were worried about my sleep, then you wouldn't have seduced me last night," Claire said accusingly, and Leon snorted.

"It was too good of a chance to let it slip. I declare myself guilty. You may punish me if you wish..."

"I'll let it slip this once," Claire replied, stroking his hand. "I think I sleep better after that, so I forgive you."

"So that gives me an excuse to do it regularly?"

"Only if you want to deal with Chris, you, silly man. He won't be too amused about what you do to make me sleep."

"As long as you get enough rest, who cares about the method?"

Claire slapped his arm and giggled. She doubted that Chris would approve of that method, but what Chris didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

The moment was interrupted by Leon's phone that began to ring on the nightstand. Leon grimaced in irritation and released Claire to answer the phone. So Claire took the opportunity to sneak into the bathroom and get dressed.

Claire looked at herself in the mirror and wondered if Saya was telling the truth about her appearance. Did she really look different just because of that?

Her face had better color, and physically, she felt better than ever, but it was likely that this was due to a combination between the success of her treatment and, well, the endorphin bomb she had received in recent days. But other than that, Claire didn't think there was anything out of the ordinary about her appearance.

"Something wrong?" Leon asked from the door. He had dressed up as well, and he was looking dashing as always.

"Nope, everything is fine," Claire answered. She looked at the mirror once again, "Hey, do you think I look different?"

"Different?"

"It's stupid, but I was thinking about what Saya said about me being obvious," Claire shrugged. "I was wondering if that was right..."

"Well," Leon said, stepping into the bathroom and looking at the mirror behind from behind her. "You look beautiful as always."

He kissed her cheek, and she snickered.

"It was stupid to ask you. You're biased," Claire said, rolling her eyes. "Who was it?"

"Who else?" Leon answered. "Chris."

"Of course. Is he waiting for us outside or what?"

"If that were the case, it would be a good time to panic. Nah, we'll meet at the BSAA base. We'll take the plane with them. He only wanted to remind me of the flight details."

"No commercial flight, then? Well, the bright side is that I won't have to stand the noisy girls drooling for you the whole flight."

"Don't worry. I'm only yours..."

Claire rolled her eyes.

A few hours later, Leon, Claire, and Helena were at the BSAA base waiting to board the plane that would take them to the base in Ireland. The hangar was bustling with soldiers running around, preparing for takeoff.

"They look busy," Helena commented.

"BSAA is always busy," Claire replied. "I don't see Chris, do you?"

"No, but he should be around," Leon replied.

Almost as if the mention of his name had summoned him, Chris appeared in the hangar accompanied by Jill, Barry, and Rebecca. The latter was the first to see them, and the petite doctor waved her arm animatedly, greeting them.

"Hey! You're already here!" Rebecca said excitedly.

"We were up early, so we decided to come ahead to see if we could help in anything," Claire smiled.

"You're not BSAA, girl," Barry snorted. "As far as we know, you are a guest. You should behave like one."

"Barry is right," Jill smiled. " Worrying about preparations should be our task. You are here as an adviser."

The woman placed her hand on Claire's shoulder, and the young Redfield smiled. They made it sound like this trip was a vacation and not a dangerous mission to a remote island filled with murderous monsters.

"Hey, how are you doing?" Chris asked, looking at her.

Claire recognized Chris's check-up look. Her brother would always do that to assess her condition. For a moment, Claire panicked. Would Chris see something different in her as Saya had?

"I'm alright," Claire shrugged. "I mean, yeah..."

"Well, the girl looks good, don't you think, Chris?" Barry smirked. "Still needs more fat on those bones, but hey looks happy and healthy. Thumbs up, Kennedy. You seem to do a great job. Whatever you're doing, keep at it."

Relena snorted behind Claire, but the agent managed to disguise her laugh as a dry cough, and Claire sighed, patting her back. If only Barry knew what he had implied.

"I do what I can. I guess some meals and relaxation methods bore their fruits," Leon said, looking at Claire teasingly.

"Right," Chris sighed. "This is our plane. It's not as fancy as the one you might be used to..."

Chris looked at Leon and Helena and shrugged.

"But it isn't too bad either. It has good space, and it will be comfortable for the 7-hour journey ahead."

"No peanuts as a snack?" Claire asked, and Chris scoffed.

"Sorry, but if you want some flash grenades, you can be my guest," Chris said. He pointed at the plane with his head. "You can get in and get yourselves comfortable. We are finishing with prep."

"Ok, I guess we can find some good seats, then," Claire nodded.

Chris smirked.

"I gotta talk with Leon. Jill, how about you take Clara, Rebecca and Helena inside?"

"Sure, come on," Jill laughed. "I'll show you the VIP loft."

Claire took a deep breath and followed Jill toward the plane. It was the moment. Once this plane took off, there would be no going back. It would be time to return to the hell that tormented her for almost nine months. However, Claire was no longer afraid, and she was ready to face the demons that haunted her.

"This is it. It's time to go back to where it started."