A/N: I'm back for another instalment guys! I hope you all enjoyed the last chapter of this story. As promised, I will continue to update this fic until it is entirely completed ( I know it may not seem this way at times with the long absences in writing). If you guys have any suggestions for what you would like to see in the story please don't hesitate to give your thoughts in the review section! I appreciate all forms of feedback, both positive and constructive as I want to provide a quality story for everyone who takes the time to read my work. As I have mentioned in the past, some of the scenes that I refer to from the game have been changed to suit the fic, and won't display accuracy to in-game scenes. In particular, the scenes regarding Leon and Ashley's escape from Spain will not match those of the video game.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who reads this fic, and to those who take the time to review it and who have been following it over the years.

**I DO NOT OWN CAPCOM OR RESIDENT EVIL. THIS STORY IS PURELY FAN BASED**

—-

I kicked the wooden door open with such force that I thought the rotten wood may shatter under the pressure of my tactical boot. Dust billowed lazily through the air as we paced, our breaths both making a quiet tune of haste and terror.

I thought I had seen it all, but even I was shaking on the inside. We were so close to getting out of this place, but the uncertainty of our safety was causing a level of anxiety I had never experienced before in my life. For once, I didn't know if either of us would make it out of here.

It was almost dawn. Ashley and I had spent the whole night using the cloak of darkness as our means to escape closer to the set rendezvous point Hunnagan had set up. We had found a small barn hidden well behind foliage to take a moment to rest. We were so close...

Ashley nearly stumbled against the nearest wall, her pale legs shaking as she slid down, her back against the wall as she sat on the dirty neglected barn floor. She was silent - in fact the more I thought about it the more I realised she had been silent for the last few hours.

I blocked the door from the inside as best I could with some items I found in the barn, and finally sat. My eyes lazily looked over to Ashley, her gaze was nothing short of absent, her golden eyes looked grey and dull, her lips were dry and pale. I was now beginning to notice how thin she had gotten from the lack of food.

My radio device beeped, I knew it would be Hunnagan calling about the escape zone.

I pulled the device from the holster on my belt, clicking the appropriate button once to answer the call.

"Hunnagan?" I said, my voice oozing a little more desperation than I would have liked.

"Leon, are you and Ashley somewhere safe?" The familiar female voice rang through the small speaker.

I saw Ashley look over at me, listening in on the conversation.

"Yeah, we are holding up in a barn north-west of the central village."

There was a small pause before Hunnagan responded.

"Leon, I will try my best to track your exact location via the radio signal, however I will need you to find your way the extraction point, okay?"

I nodded lightly. "Okay, let me know the where it is and we will head there right away."

I listened carefully as Hunnagan told me the exact co-ordinates, I made a mental note of every detail, ensuring not to miss a single thing she said.

I stood with purpose, placing the device back into its holster. I walked over to Ashley, extending my hand out to help her stand back on her feet.

"We are going home now, sweetheart."

—-

Ashley and I approached the location given by Hunnagan with extreme caution. Anyone could have tapped the signal, and therefore could have been waiting to ambush us at the site the moment we walk out into the open.

The extraction point was a large open grassy field, large enough for a helicopter to land safely to retrieve us. There were thick shrouds of trees littered all around the sides of the field which is where Ashley and I were hiding and waiting for our moment to flee. I saw Ashley's eyes become wide like saucers as a helicopter approached our area, slowly lowering toward the grassy space below it. The loud clapping of the choppers blades through the air made me nervous, any of infected villagers or worse could hear the noise and ruin this whole plan. I waited with bated breath as the chopper began to close in on our space…the end was so close, I could feel it. Suddenly I heard a loud 'whooshing' sound emerge from the other side of the field. My heart instantly sunk as Ashley and I watched an RPG rocket fly up into the sky where the chopper was hovering, effectively obliterating it. I was in such a state of shock that no words could escape my slightly agape mouth. All I could recall hearing in that moment was Ashley shriek out 'No!'. My state of disbelief was broken by Hunnagan calling out to me over the handheld radio. I looked down at it blankly, detaching it from my belt to answer her.

'Leon?! Come in? Are you and Ashley okay?' Hunnagan quizzed desperately.

I swallowed thickly, 'Yes, but the extraction chopper has been ambushed.'

'I know, but we have a plan B. Our satellites spotted some of saddler's men using jetskis to access to the from the island, there should be some on the shore approximately half a mile east of your current locale. Once you find them, head north across the sea to nearest land. You and Ashley must hurry!'

'I guess this is our final chance. Hopefully we will see you on the other side, Hunnagan' I said with a slight tremor to my voice. Before finally putting the radio back in my holster.

I looked at Ashley, her face stained with an expression of pain and defeat.

'Lets get out of this fucking place.' I said to her, grabbing her hand to proceed with haste.

As we ran through the crowds of trees I could hear the shouting of Saddler's men looking for us, calling out to each other in Spanish.

The two of us rushed through the last of the foliage, our shoes making comforting contact with the sandy shore of the island. I couldn't relax yet, the journey was not yet over.

My eyes frantically scanned the beach for a boat, a jet ski, anything.

'Leon, there a jet ski over there!' Ashley chimed, her slender arm pointed at the beaten up water vehicle nearly 40 meters down the shore.

'Lets hope this thing runs.' I said as she and I ran over with urgency.

I quickly examined the vehicle, noticing the keys had been left in the ignition. 'looks like we finally got some luck, sweetheart'. I said to Ashley as I fumbled with the ignition, almost letting out a sigh of relief when the engine roared to life. I helped Ashley onto the back half of the jet ski's seat before placing myself on there, feeling her delicate hands clutch around onto my tactical shirt.

The jetski's end was buried into the wet sand of the shore, which was making it difficult to dislodge for our exit.

I stopped, trying to pry the machine out from the chunk of matted sand when I felt Ashley tug at my shirt to get my attention.

'Whats wrong?' I questioned absently. The blonde gestured over toward the shroud of trees we had originally came from to meet the shore. I stopped all movements and watched silently.

'I saw someone over there, Leon'

I lifted my gun carefully from my belt, readying it. My ammo was extremely limited at this point, and I didn't know if I would be able to fend off many more villagers.

The only sounds I could pick up in this moment were the faint rustle of the trees in the wind, the idle hum of the jetski engine, and most of all, the adrenaline charged pound of my heart inside my thoracic cage.

'Leon, they're here!' Ashley squeaked in fear, as not one, but nearly twenty infected villagers poured out of the greenery; a vast array of weapons in hand. There was still around fifty meters between us, which meant Ashley and I were now acting on borrowed time.

'Fuck.' I muttered, knowing full well I didn't have the firepower to defend us this time.

I turned my head slightly toward Ashley, who had faithfully remained on the jetski behind me.

'Ashley, you stay on the jetski, I'll push it out of the sand.'

'If they get too close I'll do my best to fend them off so you can leave the island.' I said quickly to her.

Ashley's eyes widened, tears beginning to fall. 'No! I won't do that!'

I put my hands on either side of her face, pressing my forehead lightly against hers. 'I won't take no for an answer, Ashley!'

I then jumped off the jetski, the salty water splashing violently around my boots as I did so. I rushed around to the side of the jet ski that was stuck in the sand. Bracing my weight, I pushed hard against the chassis of the vehicle, trying to dislodge it. Only to notice it was caught up in roots and seaweed deep under the sand.

Out of desperation to free some extra time I readied my gun once again. 'Cover your ears.' I warned Ashley as I fired two shots, perfectly hitting two approaching hostiles. I then continued to try and free the jet ski, this time by trying to cut the roots and weeds with my combat knife.

Ashley climbed off the jet ski, trudging through the water to help me, her skirt becoming saturated by the water.

She helped me push. The small muscles on her arms tensed as she and I tried our best to dislodge the machine; which was proving more difficult than expected due to the sand mushing around our feet.

I looked at the approaching villagers - our time was running out.

'I wont let it end this way!' I yelled in frustration as I then began to aggressively hack at the thick root that was holding onto the propellor of the jet ski. I struck it several times, my blade doing nothing to the thick wood of the root. I raised my arm, harbouring as much strength as I could manage before striking it a final time, causing the base of it to crack apart, freeing the JetSki.

'Quick! Jump on, Ashley!' I breathed as she and I both rushed back to the seat of the vehicle.

I pulled as hard as I could on the accelerator, the engine roaring as it threw forward, and took us flying out into the ocean, the shoreline becoming only but a distant vision.

The further we got from the shore the more I relaxed my hand on the accelerator, not needing as much speed now that we were out of immediate danger.

My hands were shaking violently. I had to tense my arms slightly to try and steady them. I felt Ashley's head rest against my back, her breathing was shallow and fast.

'Everything is going to be okay now. We've nearly made it.' I said with a sigh.

I felt Ashley's body shake lightly as she began to sob.

'Leon…'

'I wouldn't be alive if it weren't for you. You're like an angel.'

My pale blue eyes hardened.

'Ashley…please, don't worry about that now.'

Ashley went silent for a moment, as if she was stuck in thought.

'I have to tell you something, incase we don't…' She trailed off.

'Of course, go ahead.' I reassured, enjoying the gentle lapping of the sea wind on my face as we headed for land.

'I love you.' Ashley breathed, her voice showing signs of reluctancy.

My eyes widened slightly. Was she being delirious? Surely she didn't mean it. With everything we had been through surely she was speaking from a place of pure mental exhaustion.

The problem was that I had feelings for her too. I wish I could have blamed it on the circumstance from which we met - from being sent to protect this young woman for days straight. We had become accustom to the two of us. A duo.

I had realised the moment Saddler took her from me when we were infected with the parasite that my job of protecting her was no longer just a job. It had become something much more personal.

I wanted to tell her that her feelings weren't one sided. I wanted her to know the truth, but then the cold reality hit me, and I remembered who she was. The President's daughter.

We could simply never be.

'I'm sorry, Ashley. I care for you, but not in that way.'

I clenched my teeth saying it aloud. I almost hoped she would sense my lie.

She cleared her throat gently.

Her voice was soft with slight embarrassment 'I understand.'

I felt her grip around my waist weaken slightly.

The rest of the ride to land was spent in silence, the only sound present was the sharp lapping of the waves against the base of the jetski.

—-

At land we were met with two landed helicopters, and large unmarked agent vehicles surrounded by army personnel, special agents, EMTs and quarantine specialists.

I pulled the jet ski to a complete stop. Ashley and I immediately climbed off and began running together through the shallow water at shore.

The quarantine specialist rushed over to us in larger intimidating white suits before we could even more further. They began questioning me swiftly, as Ashley was led away by another group of them. I tried to explain to them about how the parasite had been successfully removed from both Ashley and I back at Saddler's island, however lack of sleep and starvation had finally started to hit me hard.

I tried to answer their questions as best I could despite my obvious exhaustion. I instinctively looked over to check on Ashley, who looked visibly anxious and was looking over at me while the quarantine and EMTs examined her vitals.

I stepped aside from the group of personnel who were circling me. 'I need to check on Ashley.' I said with agitation. I began to walk over but my legs were too shaky.

I heard one of the EMTs in the background utter something about me being dehydrated and incoherent to his colleague.

In that moment I didn't realise how exhausted I actually was. The EMTs tried to calm me down but I wouldn't listen to anyone, I was convinced by my own fatigue that Ashley was in danger again.

A military sergeant came over and warned the others that neither Ashley or myself were in any state to give any information about the incident in Spain, and it would have to wait.

One of the quarantine agents attempted to block me from going to Ashley.

'Get out of my way. I need to make sure she's safe!' I warned.

I heard Ashley crying and calling out for me, which only fuelled my irrational aggression.

'You have both been through a really rough ordeal, sir. Please just let us treat you both accordingly.' An agent tried to calm me, but I couldn't hear any of it, I wasn't myself.

I acted impulsively, my delirium telling me to do something I would never normally do. I watched as they led Ashley away, her eyes full of tears, her own irrationality matching my own. She looked desperately over to me, not wanting them to take her away from me. Her gaze grew heavy as they tried to lead her away, her legs trembling as she fainted from exhaustion.

In that moment my mind lost touch with the reality of the situation. My impulse lying to me, telling me that she was in danger. I reached down for my gun holster, almost about to take it out, ready to mistakenly use it when several army soldiers rushed over, promptly halting my next action.

The last thing I remember was being forcefully injected with a relaxant by the EMTs.

I awoke form my sleep, my head spinning. This was a dream I had regularly. Revisiting the events of Spain was something I had to endure nearly every night.

After I kissed Ashley at the event several weeks ago she had stayed true to her word about finding another arrangement.

She had not told her father the specifics as to why I would no longer be her agent, however he considered my skills simply too 'invaluable' to the white house to simply send me out to a third party, and therefore he requested I become part of his secret service team. Through my time protecting Ashley I had formed somewhat of a good rapport with her father, so when he offered me a place working directly with him I of course accepted.

I had been working directly with the President for about a week now, and while I didn't mind the change of pace, it simply didn't compare to my role as Ashley's protector.

Because of this change I hadn't seen Ashley since the event. It felt foreign to not speak to her, to not know what she was doing, or how she was. I wondered if she thought about me even half as much as I thought about her.

Today I would be escorting the President to an event along with his usual extensive team of secret service agents.

I got ready for the day in my apartment. Being an agent had afforded me a comfortable life financially, I was able to live in a really nice apartment block, could keep up with all my bills. However, it didn't afford me the one thing I realised that I wanted most - love.

When I was younger I always took love for granted, but now that I had grown more mature I was beginning to realise that finding that special someone was something that money or material objects simply couldn't contend with.

—

I arrived at the white house punctually as always. Working with the President meant that there were many pre-work procedures that an agent had to undertake before actually starting his day's work. Meetings, preparation, even security searches when you entered the white house and after all that was finally done then the work could begin.

After suiting up with my usual hidden tactical gear under my suit I headed out into the main hall, surprised when the President was casually waiting there for me; two agents standing idly by several meters behind him.

"Good morning , Sir." I greeted politely. He nodded at me with a smile, "Leon, how are you? I was wondering if perhaps we could have a quick talk in my office before we leave today?"

I couldn't help but have a slightly puzzled expression at his request. The President didn't normally speak personally with an agent in his private office. This was unusual. I nodded in agreement and followed him back to his private office.

Once inside the President sat down behind his large mahogany desk, the leather of his seat creaking slightly. I stood on the opposite side of the desk, waiting to hear what he wanted to speak about.

"Leon, please. Take a seat." President Graham insisted. I sat gently in the leather desk chair across from him. He could sense my reluctancy.

He rested his folded palms on the shiny surface of the desk in front of him.

"I just wanted to have a talk with you about Ashley." He said casually.

I swallowed thickly, my eyes looking down at the desk. "Sure. What is it you wish to talk about, Sir?"

President Graham looked at me intently, his eyes speaking their own unique language.

"I was quite curious when she asked me to change your position as her personal agent."

"When I asked her why she was making such an odd request, she simply told me that she thought you deserved to move on to other avenues, however, that explanation just didn't really fit. I think there is more to this story. Correct?" He continued, his voice showing hints of concern.

My heart rate began to quicken slightly. I could never tell him what really was going on with Ashley and I.

"I wish there were more to it, Sir." I lied. "Unfortunately, I have worked with Ashley for a long time now, and we both agreed it was time for me to try something different professionally in the near future." I said, trying to sound as sincere as possible.

The President leaned by slightly in his chair, thinking over what I had said. "I see." He uttered.

"Is there anything else you would like to know, Sir?" I said politely, trying my best to accomodate him.

He nodded once, his eyes gazing back up at me. "I know I have said this before. But I am very grateful for you saving my daughter all those years ago. Thats why I want you to know that you'll always be looked after by our family, Leon."

I smiled lightly, "Thank you, Sir. I appreciate that."

He smiled back, his eyes showing sincerity.

"Ashley…I can see that she really has a bond with you." He said.

"Normally, I wouldn't stand for any for that with an agent, however I always knew you would look after her better than anyone else. She really trusts you."

I looked down slightly. Trying my best to hide any sign of sadness on my face.

"I'm glad that you trusted me to look after her, Sir." I said.

The President looked at me for a moment, a solicitous expression masking his face. "If only things had of been different. I think you and Ashley would have-.." He trailed, not able to finish his sentence as an agent knocked at the door, stepping in quietly.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, Sir. We have been informed that there are some traffic issues, therefore it may be advised that we leave for the venue earlier than expected." The agent said.

The President stood from his chair, which prompted me to follow. He looked at me, giving me a reassuring nod. "Thank you for the talk, Sir." I said quietly as I exited the office.

The rest of the day I spent it shadowing the President closely at the event. Despite my intense concentration of the task I kept pondering what exactly he was going to say before our conversation got cut short. Did he know there was more to Ashley and I?

—-

When I arrived home later than evening I took a shower and turned the T.V on. I rolled my eyes lightly as it fired up one of those gossip talk-shows. I picked up the remote, ready to change the channel to something more bearable when the screen suddenly showed images of Ashley. I quickly turned up the volume to hear what the segment was about. It wasn't unusual for paparazzi to hassle Ashley.

The presenter stated that the images were taken of Ashley on a night out.

I listened closely to what the panel were speaking about.

**T.V Audio**

'America's sweetheart has found a new man!'

'The President's daughter - Ashley Graham, has been seen on a rare evening out.'

'Our exclusive shots show her getting quite flirty at a local event with a male.'

'Our sources tell us that the gentleman in the shots is a high profile investor from Washington.'

I examined the photos on the T.V. My heart sunk when they showed a tabloid shot of her kissing the guy, and them holding hands.

I turned the television off immediately, unable to see anymore of it. It made me feel sick. Seeing Ashley with someone else.

I sat on the couch, processing the fact that Ashley had already moved on. The sound of my phone buzzing broke the silence. I picked it up and saw it was a text from Chris asking me how I was.

I didn't want to spend the night wallowing in heart ache, so I decided to invite Chris over. It would be the perfect distraction right now. I thought it would only be polite that I also include Claire in my invitation.

When the two arrived Chris boomed through the doorway excitedly, harping on about how he had brought the new Call of Duty game along for all of us to play.

I liked having Chris around, his personality was a nice contrast to my more serious nature. He made me lighten up a bit and actually have some fun.

I greeted Claire, she responded by giving me a hug, her perfume infiltrating my nose with the very pleasant scent of gardenias. Her auburn hair was tied back in a ponytail, her lips stained with a shiny pink gloss which contrasted nicely with her eyes.

It was a Friday night, and I wasn't stationed at the white house this weekend so there was no hesitation in pulling out some adult beverages from the fridge for my guests.

Chris and Claire plopped themselves comfortably on the couch in the living room, which was open-plan design with the kitchen.

I headed over to them, handing each a drink.

"So, how's work my dude?" Chris asked casually as he cracked open his beer.

I sat down on the couch across from him. "Yeah work is okay. I'm working directly for the President now." I responded.

Chris paused for moment. "Wait, so you're no longer working as his daughter's agent?"

I shook my head gently, "No. I was transferred over."

I glanced quickly over at Claire, who seemed to be caught up thought.

"Well shit. So, how come you got transferred?" Chris continued, taking a swig of his drink.

"I've been working with Ashley for quite a while now. I guess she just wants to move on from everything." I shrugged, trying not to go into too much detail.

"Do you miss working with her?" Claire piped in.

Chris looked at her in a way I that couldn't interpret, but I shrugged it off.

"A little, I guess." I responded, not wanting to delve into how I really felt.

Chris cleared his throat gently. "Well, that's normal, I mean you both went through a lot together. I'm sure your relationship was different than what a normal agent would be with their client."

I nodded in agreement. I couldn't help but think Chris was trying to make a point at Claire, because she seemed to be more quiet than normal.

The night continued to progress. We all sat around together laughing, drinking and playing the video game Chris brought along.

Claire decided she wanted to verse me in a match on the video game. I knew she was competitive like me, so this wasn't going to be a good mix.

However despite our competitive natures, we spent most of the game laughing and poking fun at each-other.

The more I hung out over the course of the evening with Claire, the more I became aware that she and I had a lot more in common than I first noticed. It turned out, from spending the night talking to her we both liked the same movies and music. In fact we even both hated banana milkshakes despite Chris continuously trying to reassure us that we were just weird, and that they were one of the best flavours available.

I started to appreciate what a cool person Claire was.

All three of us started to get slightly drunk as the evening progressed which was unlike us, normally we would stop before that point.

After we finished what felt like our 30th CoD match Claire exclaimed she was going to use the restroom, leaving Chris and I in the living room to have a short break from video games.

I leaned back in the couch, my head feeling slightly tipsy. "Your sister is really awesome, Chris." I blurted.

I watched Chris's gaze fall slightly. "She certainly thinks the sun shines out your arse, Kennedy." He chuckled.

"I just don't want her to make the friendship messy…" Chris trailed off.

I quirked my brow at his comment. "Messy?"

He laughed lightly. "Lets just say I'm staying out of this one, Kennedy."

The burden of the alcohol in my system meant that I was having a hard time knowing what Chris was trying to get at.

Claire returned to her seat, noticing that Chris and I were both now silent.

She smirked, sitting next to me. "What's up with you two? Not sulking because you got beaten by a girl in the last match, hmm?" She teased, nudging me with her elbow gently.

"You call that a win?" I scoffed playfully, which only goaded her on further.

Chris stood, waving his hand dismissively at us as he headed for the restroom. "That's it! I'm going to take a whizz. Be back soon."

Claire and I barely noticed he left. We continued to tease each-other and laugh. We were laughing that much that I also hadn't noticed how close we were sitting on the couch to each other, or the fact that her hand had somehow found itself onto my knee.

I looked down at her hand, then up at her face. Her pale green eyes sparkling slightly under the ceiling lights.

Our faces were really close at this point. I wasn't sure what was making me feel more heady at this point, the alcohol or the smell of her perfume.

"Leon…" Claire breathed. "I really like…being around you." She added. I could tell she added the second part on to save face.

I felt this weird feeling in my stomach. Was it butterflies?

I smiled gently, "I really like being around you too, Claire."

Do it Kennedy.

Kiss her. She will make you happy.

You want to be happy, right?

Then choose her.

What are you waiting for? Ashley doesn't want you anymore.

She will fill the void…

I lifted my hand and placed it lightly onto of hers, my eyes meeting hers for what felt like hours.

Claire bit her bottom lip softly before leaning forward, pressing her lips against mine. It felt like instant electricity and I responded willingly, my hand reached up to rest on the side of her face.

I heard the sound of the restroom door swing open, causing Claire and I to instantly break apart, pretending as if nothing happened.

Chris came thumping back to the couch. "It's okay, the king is back." He bellowed before flopping back on the couch.

Claire and I sat there quietly, smiles on both our faces as we tried to avoid eye contact with Chris.

He looked at us both with confusion. "Why are you two suddenly acting really weird?"

"How about another match?" I quickly changed the subject, tossing the controller over to Chris.

I knew his gaze was on me, but I simply ignored it to not be suspicious, and focused on setting up a new match for us.

—

Eventually the night began to wind down. Chris called a cab for himself and Claire so they could head home. When the cab arrived Chris shook my hand and thanked me for having them over. I was grateful they had come, they had turned my evening from a dismal one into a great one.

Chris went to leave, and Claire told him she would meet him down at the cab in a shortly. She and I stared at each other for a moment, our lips curving into smiles.

"Thank you, Leon. I had a really good time tonight." Claire said.

I nodded gently. "Me too, thank you for coming over."

She smiled once more, her pink lips resembling soft rose petals.

I pulled her in for a hug, savouring it slightly, taking her in. I felt her sigh gently.

As we parted I placed my thumb and forefinger at the base of her chin, giving her another kiss, this time without interruption.

Eventually she broke away slowly, reminding me that Chris was waiting downstairs for her. I told her that if she would like it that I should take her out to dinner sometime in the near future; just her and I.

She seemed very excited by the idea, so much so that it painted her cheeks a faint hue of rose.

I walked her down to the entrance of the apartment complex to make sure she got to Chris safely.

This would change everything…

A/N: Woah! Ok so this chapter is officially over. Thank you to everyone who patiently waits for me to update this story. I will try to get another update out before I have to go back to school. This is still a Leon x Ashley fic, so please dont be disheartened by chapter ending. There is more to come, and plenty more twists and turns, I promise! I really hope you all liked this update. I worked very hard on it, and really wanted to put a lot in there. I also wanted to include that past experience from Spain at the start of the chapter to give more depth behind Leon and Ashley's history and to emphasise why it is so hard for them to let each other go. Let me know what you guys thought please! Feed back is always appreciated.

Until next time.