Ashley and Ingrid arrived at the secluded Camp David for a sort of send-off party held by the remnants of the old first family and the new vice-president, their close supporters gathered. Thus, this was the secret service's last time with the family, Ashley could be seen searching for none other than her close guard and friend, Leon S. Kennedy.

It had been nearly 10 years since Ashley had really gotten to spend any quality time with her friend and secret crush. She realized that if she didn't see him now... she may never see him again.

His special invite per request of the president's party, most likely based on his close relations to Adam Benford and his service, meant there would be really no reason for him to show up much in her life anymore.

She had to know whether or not Leon was just being polite in his messages and her questions, or if he was truly a friend... as well as whether or not they could ever possibly be more than fiends.

As she looks around, Ashley's nerves are still getting the best of her. She barely notices Ingrid leaving to talk to some other people. The girl was lost in thought and failed to notice someone come by... and runs into a beautifully dressed young woman.

Her dress was as red as her hair

"Ouch! Oh, Gosh," Ashley pleads, "I'm so sorry."

When she apologizes, she quickly recognizes her... as the person from the Terra Save articles she had read about. She was relevant in that involving Leon and an outbreak at an airport. What was her name...? Ah!

It was Claire Redfield!

Leon had mentioned Claire before during their online conversations. While he didn't like to talk at all about why happened to her so many years ago, Leon really did have a small appreciation for Ashley's curiosity in the matters of national. This was a form of curiosity not just about her crush Leon, but the world as a whole.

Ashley new she could never be as strong as Leon no matter how hard she tried. Or as smart...or as quick...or truly as knowledgable as to guns or herbs essential for survival. So, during her period of hard workouts after she decided to become a changed woman, not just to empress Leon, she had begun research on the past known facts and incidents of the viral outbreak.

Claire looked down in her red dress and clear heels rater surprised, almost like she had seen a ghost at the party, but quickly dismissed in and smiled walking over to her.

"Ashley Graham?" Claire asked matter-of-factly.

Ashley noded enthusiastically. "Yep. Claire Redfield, right?" It has to be her. Grant it, her hair seemed shorter than what she had imagine based on Leon's description, but the ponytail and dark red hair... how beautiful the tramp...err... Girl was...It had to be her.

Clare simply nodded.

"Hi It's so great to finally meet you." Ashley continued, rather dryly, but politely. "Leon's told me SO much about you!"

"Oh?" Claire said as politely as she could. She had lost most of her conversation skills long ago, but she missed the carefree girl talks she use to have with friends... Back in a simpler time.

Leon had told Ashley about that night back in '98 where he met a corpse lying on the road in front of his Jeep... that eventually attacked him while still being dead. Rushing away, he had his gun drawn ready for anything and prepared to fire, and this was meant to only be his first day on the job as a police officer!

...

In an alley, a door burst open and he turned to it with his gun ready to see a frightened young woman in his sights... and a zombie behind her with Clare in it's "sights."

"Wait! Don't shoot!"

"Get down!"

...

Leon shot the zombie tight between the eyes, and Claire went white in shock as he reached down for her hand. Much like Ashley, Claire and even Leon had been dragged into this nightmare without any warning whatsoever.

Yet, here they are alive today...

Ashley had to admit, she was a tad envious of her looks and connection to Leon, but that wasn't going to get her down in the dumps tonight! So, she spoke with the Redfield girl and they began to talk about Leon and their lives.

Apparently Claire's name has come up fairly often with Leon when Ashley got him to spill the beans on her, to Claire's surprise and slight embarrassment. Of course, Ashley only has a few social media messages to base this all on. She asks why Claire hasn't been in touch with him for so long.

"Why?" Claire asked back. "What's Leon said?

"Nothing really specific." Ashley replied truthfully. "He just seems worried about you."

Claire blushed a tad.

"...since after...oh gosh! I'm so sorry!" Ashley pleaded.

Claire blushed sincerely, the stress on her face still apparent, but smiling.

"It's alright." Claire insisted. "Water under the bridge now."

Ashley was starting to feel a little jealous at the memory of someone else that Leon seemed wrapped about, especially since she had only seen her ever so briefly on the island, but tried her best to dismiss it.

She goes to continue their "friendly" conversation...

...when Ashley is suddenly led away by family friends. Being distracted, Ashley does not see what has happened to Clare. She assumes that she too is apparently searching for her longtime friend Leon within the estate.

Based on their short conversation, it seemed based on an impending matter that was rather urgent. An action to be taken... Of perhaps one that had already begun. Unfinished business? It all seemed like speculation at this point on her part. Realizing that she had been being more paranoid lately than usual, Ashley chose to just brush it off and continues her search for her long lost friend Leon.

author's note: Hello again rveryone. Thank you so much for reading the next part in my first real vhapter story. I appologize for any typos; things at school have bern hectic. As always, feel free to leave a coment. :)