I got my bag and followed Chris out to his car in the parking lot. As we drove out of the airport, we sat in silence. I saw him looking at me a few times, almost in disbelief that I actually showed up.

Why wouldn't I after all? I was the one who was stupid and didn't say anything to her sooner.. I would just have to deal with that and be a supportive friend. Try to like this Donahue fella and not look to bitter during the whole ceremony.. A simple enough thing to do, in theory.. But then again, trying to do it for real would be so difficult and part of me just wanted to tell him to turn around and drop me back off at the terminal. He of all people would understand.

Now I'm wondering why, I've kept this bottled inside..

"Do you have a place to stay"? He said softly, glancing at me briefly.

"I hadn't made any arrangements". I muttered looking out the window. I'd been in such a haze the past few days, I didn't even think I'd be coming, let alone booking a hotel room.

"You can stay at my place." He whispered squeezing the wheel tightly. "Claire isn't there.. She.. Moved out".

"How long ago was that"? I said curiously as he shrugged.

"A little while after the two of them started dating.. I didn't think it was the best thing to do but then again it's Claire."

I smirked as I pictured Claire folding her arms over her chest as Chris tried to oppose her moving out.. No way she'd let herself be swayed. She was after all, Claire. "Yeah". I said as Chris looked at me.

There was no more talking for the rest of the drive to his house, and as we arrived, I felt my throat clench.

The house was just as it had been the one time I'd visited a year back. I could see the window to Claire's bedroom, but nothing inside, the blinds were closed.

"Tonight, theres a dinner party at a resturaunt in town. Her..Guy is throwing it.. Everyone is invited." Chris said as he glanced at me.

"Alright". I muttered before Chris jumped out of the seat and I did the same.

We walked into the house as an awkward silence fell between us again. Usually things would be on better terms, but now, with the timing, I guess neither of us really felt like talking.

"You can take the guest room upstairs.. It's next to Claire's." he said before disappearing into the kitchen.

I sighed again as I climbed the staircase, arriving on the second floor landing. As I headed down the hall, I stopped at Claire's room, staring through the door for a moment. It was dark, as if no one had been in there in months. Quickly I turned away, opening the door to the bedroom and throwing my bags on the mattress.

Silence filled the air around me and it was as if Chris wasn't even there at all.

I settled on the edge of the bed, folding my hands together as I bowed my head.

Tonight I would see Claire.. And meet this 'guy' as Chris put it.. I would have to do my best to be cordual.. For Claire's sake.

Time seemed to go by too quickly, and before I knew it I was waiting outside for Chris. Time seemed to be doing this on purpose, as if to remind me of what I would soon be losing.

I watched as Chris strode out of the house, adjusting his suit awkwardly. We were dressed almost identically, with the exception of our ties. One might have thought we planned this. He looked at me quickly before sliding into the drver's seat. I settled into the passenger's seat, leaning my chin against my palm as the enguine roared to life. We drove quickly through the city, and I hadn't been paying any attention to where we were going until we were arriving at the country club. So much for a small gathering.

"Hmm". Chris said as we weaved up the long driveway, under the long willow branches of the trees.

The grounds were beautiful, and were decorated in lanterns and tiny white lights. It looked more like the reception rather than a dinner. This was just a taste of what Claire would get once the 'I do's' were over with. This man would provide her with every imaginable fairtale thing she could have wanted. Unlike me.

I felt my heart sink into my chest

Chris made another sound as I looked at him. "Uppity". He muttered under his breath as I smiled.

As we parked near the front doors, a valet hurried out toward us. Chris and I glided out of our seats quickly, as the small teenage boy glanced at Chris hesitantly. The boy carefully took the keys from Chris as I stood at the steps watching. I could hear the music inside, and felt dread coiling up in my gut. Hopefully I could avoid seeing Claire for a little bit, but that was unlikely.

Chris came to my side, shoving his hands in his pockets as he walked. "Let's go". He muttered ruffling his hair anxiously as he started walking through the double doors.

The inside of the clubhouse was enormous, and filled with several seperate banquet rooms that connected to the foyer. I followed Chris toward one of the rooms on the left, noting the small sign beside the door. My eyes immediately went to Claire's name and my heart plummetted.

As we entered the room, my senses were assaulted by a number of things. From the giant bouqets of flowers on the tables, to the many glimmering lights, to the conversations happening all around us. I walked behind Chris, passing a few people who glanced at us curiously. I had no idea where we were going, but knew as soon as I looked up.

Claire was standing beside a tall blonde haired man in a sleek black suit. Her hair was brushed back, half up and half down and curled, a flower tucked behind her ear. She was wearing a form fitting blue cocktail dress that matched her eyes perfectly. I wonder how that was possible, since her eyes always seemed to me like the most unearthly shade of blue I'd ever seen. She hadn't seem to notice Chris or I until we were within five feet of her, squeezing through the small group of people gathered around her.

I felt a hand find my arm, and I turned to look at the owner.

"Kennedy". Jill said softly, her eyes turned up at me. Her hair was tied back in a bun, with two stands hanging down to frame her face. She smiled up and me hesitantly before opening her arms to embrace me.

"Jill". I muttered, looking at Claire. She seemed to shutter, as if she were seeing a ghost. After glancing at Donahue, I watched her look back at me silently.

"What are you"? Jill began as she released me, looking at Chris sternly.

"I just-" I started as Claire and Donahue started walking to us, dispersing the crowd around them.

My heart froze in my chest as I watched her blue eyes turn up at me and then away quickly. Why was she hesitating? Was she upset that I came? Most likely.

"Glad you could make it Chris". Donahue said extending his hand to Chris as Chris took it gingerly. I could feel Chris' eyes burning into the side of my head as I continued to stare at Claire. Her eyes locked on me for a moment, before Donahue threw his hand out toward me. "And you are"? He said politely as I looked at him.

"Leon". Claire said simply, her eyes flashing up at Donahue. "Remember? The one I told you about"?

"Ahh." He said boldly his eyes widening. "The famous Leon Kennedy.." he whispered as his fingers tightened around Claire's hand protectively. "I've heard a great deal about you.. You helped Claire during the Raccoon City incident"? He said as Claire's eyes narrowed slightly. She was never fond of the idea of anyone thinking that she needed saving and I almost smirked as her expression soured.

"Well she didn't quite need my help.. But I offered my services anyway". I said as she looked at me, shaking her head slowly with a smirk.

"Oh well, they are greatly appreciated.. If you hadn't been there, I probably would not have been so lucky to have met her". He muttered lifting his hand and draping it around Claire's waist.

"Me too." I whispered before I was able to stop myself. I felt everyone looking at me, but didn't resond to any of them. I just stared into Claire's deep eyes until she turned away.

"Very nice of you to attend our little get together Mr. Kennedy.. But if you may excuse us". He whispered taking Claire with him as he glided away smoothly.. I watched at Claire stared back at me, almost in disbelief. Her expression saddened as she turned her head, looking back ahead as they disappeared into the crowd.

You're never gonna be alone.. From this moment on

Thank you to : Stardust4, Annette Silhouette and Speedie22.. I was so happy to have recieved reviews on this story so quickly. I figured I wouldn't get any bc it was only one chapter at the time. I love you guys for reviewing!!! :)

Thank you for enjoying this chapter and the last one and the next one is coming up shortly.

Thank you again.

Anu (Aka SangoLuvzMiroku)