Like a Father and a Mother

Claire had finally awakened. I was so taken aback when I got into her room and saw her up. I spent six weeks going in and out from the room and I had always , encountered the same scene: Claire unconscious. Seeing something different when I less expected had a huge impact on me.

A couple of weeks ago, Claire had high fever. I called the doctors and they immediately gave her a shot through the serum. I took her hand at that moment, it was something I got used to do, I thought it might help her to wake up. For a moment I thought she was going to gained conscious, because I clearly felt how she tried to grip my hand, slightly, but I felt her try.

I caller her name, but no response, and her hand lost its grip on mine. One of the doctors said it might just been a reflex. I was a bit disappointed to realize that was not the day Claire would wake up.

I started to get convinced by the idea that this could be one of those cases in which the patients took months to be back, physical contact seemed to have no effect on her, at least not the expected one, because when Barry came to visit her we saw tears falling down from her closed eyes. I kind of understood it, if Claire was listening to us, the words that Barry spoke to her were the ones she would want to her while conscious. She was in that state because she could not face the fact that Moira Burton was left behind, after all the terrible things they went through to survive.

Fifteen days after arriving to the U.S., the research team sent me a preliminary report with the data they collected from Claire's bracelet. Those were the transcriptions of conversations between the carrier of the device and the transmitter, and also the audio files of them. There were only a few interactions between "The Overseer" and the victims, but they were enough for me to think that woman was insane, with a major loss of reality, a lot more than other mad scientists.

Or did that woman think just because she quoted Franz Kafka she deserved more respect that anyone else? The way she told some of the author's most famous phrases and how she linked them to her experiments was beyond creepy. I could really understand the pain Claire felt about the fact of leaving Moira behind (who would want to be even buried in the same place as that bitch?), it was clear to me that deep inside Claire felt touched by Barry's words of compassion, even if she could not move. When it came to watch over and protect someone, she was one of the best, she gave all of her in it.

That was why Sherry considered almost like a mother, since the moment we escaped Raccoon nightmare.

Sherry came to see Claire a few days after moving her back from Russia. She learnt about the assault when the worst had just passed. Like Chris, she was out of the country, and as soon as she returned she contacted me to know more about it. I told her everything, and even if she tried to be calm, I could hear her voice shaking. I calmed her down, reminding her that Claire was stable, and telling her she could come and visit to confirm it. So, she took a flight from Washington to New York.

o-o-o-o-o

"I was sitting on the sofa near Claire's bed (like I've been doing since we came back). That moment I was waiting for Sherry, she told me she would come to visit before nightfall. I let know the receptionist that she was an authorized visitor so they could let her in, because some reporters wanted to sneak in for information about the only survivor of TerraSave assault. That was relaly unnecessary, we didn't have any other information to give besides the one that was already released publicly.

They only want to fill blank spaces in the newspaper.

Only members of the government and the B.S.A.A. were allowed access to the room. Claire's co-workers wanted to see her too, but until we could confirm our suspicion about a traitor in the organization, we couldn't risk Claire's safety. So, we had to follow some protocols.

I starting to fall asleep when I heard someone knocked on the door.

—Come in — I said and the door opened and a pale, blond young girl entered the room. Her appearance would be mistaken for that of an 18 years old teenager, but she was actually five years older than that.

Those were the side effects of being the carrier of the G-virus.

I stood up and walked towards her.

—Sherry, I was waiting for you.

—Leon, it's always so nice to see you — she said and then hugged me suddenly. She used to do it a lot, however, it was hard for me to get used to it. Somehow it always surprised me. I patted her back — Even if it's not under the best circumstances or the best place — she looked at me while pulling apart from our contact.

—I can totally relate to that feeling — I said while looking briefly at Claire.

—So, how is she doing? — she asked, getting closer to Claire's side.

—Nothing new about her state of consciousness. But her wounds are healing fast.

—I see— she said with a sad tone.

—You know Claire, she's stronger that she looks. I'm pretty sure she'll be back to us when we least expect it — I told her, trying to give some comfort. I couldn't imagine who awful could be for Sherry to see closest person to her in that state.

—I know Leon, I learnt to be strong all these years thanks to her. That's why it's kind of unbelievable for me to see her like this. She's been through so much and has always overcome it, what could have happened that leaver her like that? To me, she's like a woman made of titanium.

I could not help but smirk to her comment. It was somehow funny than Sherry and I share the same perception about Claire.

—I think of her in the same way Sherry. But even the strongest and most solid metal has a melting point. Her point was to leave behind someone important to her, someone she was supposed to protect.

—Barry Burton's daughter, right?

—Yes. And you know how Claire acts when it comes to take care of those who look up to her. If something happens to you, I think she'd be like this too.

Sherry stared and Claire, thoughtful.

—I get it. And, you know? You're right about the melting point. Even though I learnt to overcome many things, if something happened to you or Claire, I don't know how I would respond to that situation. You could be my older brother and sister, but for me, you both are more like a father and a mother , even more than my own biological parents. I can't imagine how it must feel to lose someone you know for years and have special feelings for.

I was the type of guy who got embarrassed very little, but I could not help but blush slightly to her candid words. It was the first time I heard her talk like that about me.

I was sincerely grateful.

And I thought I could do more for Sherry after we escaped Raccoon City, I thought I could avert her from many more things. But it looks like it was just enough for her.

Sherry bent down a bit to get closer to Claire, she put a hand on her forehead.

—Claire…come back…a lot of us are waiting for your return— Sherry whispered to her, but it was clear enough for me to hear. She bent up and looked at me—. When there's any new, please call me. I want to meet her when she wakes up.

—Count on that — I said."

o-o-o-o-o

After listening the audio files, reading the transcriptions, and seeing how the people close to Claire were worried and waiting for her, I felt more compassion for my friend while watching over her. I was eager for her to come back so everyone of us who know her could help in this case.

She deserved all the help in the world.

And it happened just like that, when I least expected I found her up on her bed, looking at me in surprise, as if she didn't know who I was, or why I was there. I was afraid she might not remember anything at all, but luckily, she did. Claire not only remembered me but also brought back that promise we made after Harvardville outbreak.

I sat next to her, seeing her closer made me realize she had a weak appearance, a skinny face, all of her body looked skinny, actually. It shouldn't be weird to me, since she was artificially fed all the time. She looked so fragile.

In spite of that, there was one thing that did not change at all: she still looked nice with her hair down, and even more when her turquoise gaze could be seen.

Clearly she would be confused, so her questions about what had happened just popped up. I explained to her everything that had been done on since the moment she was found, til the moment she went into the operating room. When I saw her doubts being cleared, I could not help but ask mine. I wanted to know how she got those wounds.

So, she had to escape from a collapsing building due to the self-destruct system. Didn't all those mad scientists have another way to get rid of us? It has never been an easy task no accomplish, though.

Although she didn't tell anything more, so I assumed that was the moment when she lost track of Moira Burton. I thought so because there was a bit of sadness in her eyes.

After that, I made the million dollar question, the one neither the government nor the B.S.A.A. could respond:

"Claire, was someone known to you behind the incident?"

I sort of regretted asking that when I saw her reaction. Her expression was that of a child who has been told they found out past tricks. Maybe it wasn't the best moment to ask, but if something was clear, it was that the answer was positive. And it hurt Claire to accept it.

When I saw her eyes getting wet, I took her hand and said she didn't have to tell me that moment. For some reason, the tears still fell from her eyes, I don't know what went through her mind to say she was seeing things more clearly. A woman crying was one of the few things that could get me sensitive, so, I found myself wiping her tears away.

"Don't worry anymore. You're safe now, and you'll have a lot of support to continue this case. You're not alone in this".

For a few seconds I wondered if I had done right telling those words to her, because she couldn't hold it back anymore and started to cry. Then I realized that maybe that was what she needed, to able to vent out all her frustration. I got closer to her and she lied her head on my shoulder, then I wrapped my free arm around her.

"Thank you, Leon".

I felt as if I was holding something really fragile that needed to be protected from anything that could make it fall apart. I knew Claire was exactly the contrary if that most of the time, but that was her melting point moment. It was enough reason for me to give my everything into the case.

Minutes later I asked if she felt better, she nodded. We pulled apart a bit and told her I would call the doctors to tell them she was awake so they could check her up. She stared at me and said okay.

Our eyes meet with each other for a moment (I had not noticed she had some freckles on her face) and Sherry's words crossed my mind.

"…you both are more like a father and a mother to me".

I didn't know why that memory came so suddenly, but it made me clear my throat without even speaking a word. I stood up and said to Claire I'd be back with the doctors. I left the room, closed the door behind me and rested my head on it briefly.

I sighed almost laughing.

So, Claire and I…huh?

I shook my head, smirking slightly and then moved to carry out my duty.

Once I came back with the medical personnel and after they were done with the checking, they said she was in good condition, that only her muscles were weak due to the lack of movement for a long period of time. They recommended her to stay at the hospital for a rehabilitation process, and when she could walk by herself again, she could be discharged. Meanwhile Claire would have to move using a wheelchair.

I called her brother Chris as soon as the checking was done. I asked him to not make any questions about the incident yet, I knew he had as many doubts as everyone of us involved, but judging what I saw in her, she wasn't ready to clear them yet. I told she might be like that because our suspicion of a traitor inside TerraSave was true, so it was better to wait for her to feel ready to tell us. He accepted with no hesitation, I guess what mattered the most to him was to have his sister back. He came to visit her a few hours later, he stayed shortly, she didn't want her to feel pressured. I left them talk privately.

Next day, I called Barry, saying the same words I said to Chris. I emphasized the situation more than I did with Chris, because if Barry planned to travel from Canada he'd do it knowing he would not get the answers he wanted to know about his daughter.

"I know and I understand, Leon. I will wait to pay a visit to her, I don't want her to feel pressured by my presence. I guess the blame would take over her if she sees me. Give her my regards anyway, and tell her I'd go to see her as soon as I can, I don't want her to think I don't want to visit her either."

Those were his words and I told them to Claire. I thought Barry made a good choice, because I saw regret in her face when I mentioned his name.

It has been five days since then. Claire was getting better emotionally, little by little, although we didn't touch the topic about the responsible behind the assault to the headquarters. She only asked me how TerraSave was handling things, what our government and Rusia's were doing to solve the case, what was the part B.S.A.A. was playing , etc. she told me a few stuff about her captivity and how she manahed to survive.

In her speech, she confirmed the death of her co-workers Gabriel Chavez,Pedro Fernandez , Edward Thompson and Gina Foley. They were all either infected or attacked by infected ones. Moira Burton's whereabouts were unknown, and her boss Neil Fisher was not mentioned. Maybe she didn't meet him, but I didn't want to inquire into it anymore, she looked uncomfortable.

It must have been terrible to see her friends die after working together for years.

I talked to her about what was I doing since the last time we see each other. I didn't want her to speak only about the tragedy. The media, somehow, managed to know that the only survivor of the attack had woken up, we saw it one morning when Claire was reading the newspaper while having breakfast (she was starving for solid meals). Front page, by the way. She couldn't believe the issue was so big in the country.

I was waiting in the lobby of the hospital, Claire was in her rehabilitation session. She could move her legs more, but not enough to walk, so she still used the wheelchair. I saw the male nurse in charge of Claire coming to my spot, pushing the chair behind. She had her usual ponytail again, and was still wearing the white pajama.

I stood up to welcome them.

—We're done for today Mr. Kennedy — the guy said, he was young, maybe an intern.

—Thank you, I'll take care of her now— I told him and he bowed a bit and then walked away—. So, how was it? —I asked her while sitting again.

—It hurts like hell. But I put up with it because it's the only way I can walk normally again — she said with a tired tone.

—It's good you have that attitude, the doctors said it could even take ten more days until you're discharged— I commented.

She pushed her head back, in a gesture of resignation.

—So be it.

I might put some pressure in the question I was about to ask, but it was something I wanted to know and really necessary to determinate the course of the investigation.

—Claire, after you're discharged, what are you going to do? —I shot. She looked at me with an odd expression, as if she knew I was going to ask that anytime.

She sighed.

—I don't know…there is so much I want to do, but don't know where to start— she fixed her eyes on the ground—. But it's very possible that I quit my job in TerraSave.

What? Did I hear correctly? She wanted to leave TerraSave? That was getting senseless.

—What are you saying? Why are you thinking that? You've done an extraordinary job as a rescuer, I don't understand why you want to quit. TerraSave needs people like you, now more than ever. They are all a mess since the day of the incident, four of their best workers are dead, and their CEO is still missing. They only have you for now— I explained my stance of the situation.

Claire closed her eyes briefly and sighed again. It seemed she was about to say something serious and difficult for her.

—I don't think I can do anything at all in this moment. Besides, TerraSave it's not what it was once…and I don't know what will happen to the organization from now on —she made a pause—, because Neil Fisher is also dead. He got infected too and turned into a horrible monster. I had to…—she took a hand to her head, she was definitely remembering something she didn't like, something really hurtful.

Her expression was similar to the one she made when I asked her if there was a known person behind the assault.

She did meet her boss in the island, and didn't mention him until now…

"TerraSave it's not what it was once".

Such a disappointment, could it be that…?

But before I assumed anything, I wanted to make sure. So it was better that Claire confirmed it. But later, she did a really great effort to tell that little.

—I'm sorry— it was all I could say—. Do you want me to take you back to your room?—I questioned, maybe she just wanted to rest before painful memories took over her.

—Yes,please.

I stood up again and pushed her wheelchair to the elevator that took us to the correct floor. Since she could not stand yet, I took her in my arms and lied her on the bed when I left her resting. I guessed she wanted to be alone, so I said I'd be back soon.

If my suspicion is correct, I understood why Claire wanted to quit. The disappointment she felt must have been so big she didn't want to be part of anything linked to the assault.

However, it was enough reason to let her do that. Good people do not have to pay the consequences of the ones who chose the wrong path. Yes, it was possible that the image people have in mind of TerraSave could get stained, if the information got released to the public.

But that was exactly why Claire needed to stay. Who was better than her to show the world that there were more people ready to help than bad people with crazy ideas about destruction? I was sure TerraSave had enough experience to back up their good actions. Even more than their past wrongdoings. She chose the path of a rescuer, and that was what has made her happy all these time.

I wanted to convince her of that, but I didn't think I could achieve that alone. I need the help of somebody whose words had more effect on her than mine.

I knew who the right person was.

Shit, how could I even forget to call her when Claire woke up?

I took out my cellphone from my pocket and dialed a registered number. I took the device to my ear and the dial tone lasted only seconds.

—Hey Leon, what's up? —A girl greeted.

—Sherry, Claire regained consciousness a few days ago. She's up, and I think a visit from you will be good for her.

o-o-o-o-o

Hey guys! No, I have not forget about you! I'm good, I just get distracted so easily to continue hehe. A not really good thing about me is that it cost me a lot to keep on stuff I started.

And one of the reasons I was so distracted was the amazing new of the official Resident Evil 2 Remake! You know how excited I was when I learnt about it? Leon and Claire will be back together for the remake of the best RE game for PS1 in the generation consoles! We Cleon fans are overexcited! *O*

Between all the things I'd like for this remake is that they keep the fact Claire met Ada, like in Darkside Chronicles. I loved how Claire disliked her from the very beginning XD.

To be honest, I don't expect they take out the kiss between Leon and Ada, they made it clear to us in RE2, Darkside Chronicles and even Operation Raccoon City. But I would like they create a love triangle, in DC I got the impression Claire was jealous of how Leon was so interested in Ada xD. If they do, that way posers won't say Cleon does not even exist.

Besides, if they put anything new, it might affect future numerical games. With this there will be no excuse to put them together in a new adventure (I was so mad when somebody told me Claire was supposed to be in RE6 instead of Helena, but they changed it in the process).

If there's something that links Leon and Claire, besides their experience in Raccoon City, it's the love Sherry feels for them. I tried to portray that in this chapter. To me, she's like their daughter. I would even dare to say that Sherry is also a Cleon shipper. They're the ones she loves the most, why can't they love each other too? ;_;

Anyway, remember if you liked it please follow and favorite, and also leave a review, that would help me a lot to keep on. Share this with other Cleon fans, we must be united for the official RE2 Remake :D

Til next time!

PS. Ali Larter will wear Claire REV2 outfit in the final movie! *u* (keeps hope Leon character gets included in the last moment…)…I don't know,I have this feeling that this Christian character (William Levy) will have a romance with her..but also won't last long, since he posted a picture of his shoulder infected..Will Claire have bad luck in love even in the movies? ;_;