Artist Notes: This was inspired by knune's (author id: 1762631) tales Running up that Hill which is a must read for all Claire/Wesker fans! Believe me you won't be disappointed! For those wanting to link to this please change (dot) to . for it to work...

Also this ficlet/drabble was written and inspired by knune's universe (as they have given me permission) so credit goes to her for letting me play in her playground! =D

As such this tale is for her.

It was autumn when Albert Wesker was been demoted to the role of infiltrator, posing as the captain of Raccoons special task force better known as S.T.A.R.S.

Proving his loyalty to a company who never had it to begin with was not progress, yet Wesker took it in stride knowing that opportunity came to those who sought it. It was the greatest of these that changed his life forever; he would not know it until it was too late to turn back.

It was winter when she stepped into his life. Bundled up in a heavy leather jacket-the sort bikers wore-over a black hoody along with bright pink mitts and toque she looked like a living disaster that could not make up her mind if she was the warrior or the damsel in distress.

"Have you seen my brother?" the young red-head called out, her first words spoken to him as she stomped the snow off her tall black boots. Albert's initial response was to ignore the young woman and continue his journey back to his office. He had far too much work to bother playing chaperone to someone's little sister. His hesitancy proved his mistake as she soon approached her hands busily removing the toque and the mitts she wore.

"My brother's Chris-Chris Redfield," she explained before quickly adding, "I'm his sister, Claire."

Her piercing blue eyes captured his own gaze-hidden beneath dark shades-and for a moment, he did not respond. Albert was certain she knew the truth. Swiftly he buried the thought; clearly, he was more exhausted from his heavy workload than he would care to admit.

"Your brother is not due back to the station for another hour. If it is urgent you should call him," Wesker briskly answered as he turned to walk away.

Two steps later and Claire was demanded his attention yet again.

"Captain-My phone's dead would it be alright if I used yours instead?"

Her cheeks already rosy from the cold grew an even brighter shade of pink as he swiftly faced her.

"I just got in town for the holidays. Chris told me to come by to pick up the keys to his apartment," Claire apologized as she motioned to the bright pink backpack that hung on her shoulder.

"Then check his desk it's probably there," he stiffly replied. She nodded in response but did not move from where she stood. Her eyes studied him intently instead as if expecting a reaction, some sort of response. Struggling to maintain his patience Wesker resisted the urge to sigh; it would seem she was as dim-witted as her brother.

"Well?" He prompted after a moment's pause.

"You going to tell me where it is or am I going to have to wander aimlessly till I find it?" she asked with a raised brow and a hint of an amused smile.

This time he could not prevent the soft sigh of frustration that escaped his lips. Anyone else would have immediately dropped the matter and left. Unlike most, Claire was neither intimidated nor unnerved by his presence.

Not bothering to wait for the young woman to catch up Wesker led her to the offices where the S.T.A.R.S team did much of their reports. He could feel her eyes watching him closely and knew she was trying to piece together the puzzle not even he fully knew. Everyone did it at one time or another; he was an enigma to most, if not all.

As he was about to leave Claire to her search their eyes met once more, vibrant blue orbs capturing his icy hidden gaze.

In that moment, Albert knew that she would one-day piece the puzzle together. He did not know whether to be concerned or intrigued by the discovery.

Perhaps he had underestimated the younger Redfield after all.