MAY PROMPT: CURSED/RED /MERMAIDS /WEDDINGS/MUSIC/DREAMS
OPTIONAL GENRE/THEMES: ALTERNATE UNIVERSE/FANTASY/ROMANCE
Synopsis: Their relationship was not at its best for the past 2 years. However, an unexpected revelation comes into place. At least for him.
#Not Beta Read #Post-Resident Evil: Degeneration #Pre-Pittsburg Incident #Pre-Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness
Notes: This was one of those times when I was swamped with IRL work. I thought I could finish the story in time, but that was just my delusional thinking. Ergo, the late entry for May.
This wasn't supposed to be in multiple chapters. As I wrote it, it got unexpectedly lengthy. Dumping them in a single post felt a bit much. So here we go.
The rose is red, the violet's blue ...
(Joseph Ritson in Gammer Gurton's Garland)
It was yesterday he made the decision to return to his hometown, during finalizing every case detail and report on the Harvardville Incident. Inevitably, the thought of Claire came to mind since she was the one who addressed his 2 years of overdue visitation to his parents. It had been nearly 2 weeks since he last saw her in Harvardville. However, it felt like forever. It was a gutsy lack of overthinking that drove him to call her, but what transcended next was a stroke of pure sheer luck. The way his voice cracked when he choked from surprise realizing she was in the same city. It was not in comparison when he was throwing victory fist up the air upon her agreeance to join his plan over the weekend to his cousin's wedding startling the young man who was processing his application for the car rental.
He might be wearing a stoic serious expression on his face while looking at her browsing the dress, rather his inside was bathing in the ocean of happiness. Why not be transparent about how he felt, it was due to his own stupidity. The ice still had not melted since his coward avoidance over the years until got piled up leading to their dust-up early this year. Throughout the drive when he picked her up from Brown University to Providence Mall, it was dead air of awkward stillness.
His gaze did not leave her, she was hugging the handle of her tote bag too tightly describing her nervousness. She finally turned to him and vomited out her bundled conundrum.
"What's the color theme of the wedding?"
"Not sure. Why?" Leon fished his phone from his bomber jacket's pocket.
"Because I don't want to wear colors that are inappropriate for the wedding."
Claire never expected to end his academic conference week with his unexpected present. The truth was that her extended stay in the city was not a coincidence. She purposely booked a flight out to New York on Sunday with the intention to drop by on the weekend to Taunton and visit his parents. Nonetheless, revealing it to him seemed onerous. Their sour relationship this couple of years begotten her the reluctance to share anything with him.
"Umm... hold on." After checking his cell phone, he answered. "Rust and sage."
Claire asked quizzically with furrows formed between her brows, "Are those colors?"
"Apparently.", answered Leon, looking at Claire who was donning a simple black suit with a button-up underneath to which she not have the slightest idea that its color was called cherry red. When she exhibited a skeptical expression, he helplessly responded with a shrug. Then, the shop attendant who had been trailing to assist them since they both entered the store finally decided to speak up.
"It's simply orange and green. Actually, there are two kinds, there's green sage and silvery sage. The different..."
The middle-aged lady stopped by explaining when she perceived the confused looks on both faces. So, she said politely, "It's their wedding, but you can always wear something that you love. We can always try to accommodate. So, any particular color that you have in mind?"
Claire briefly regarded the attendant but later turned to Leon who sat on the nearby round sofa, with an indecisive look on her face. The slight limping that he tried to conceal was perceptible by her from the moment they walked into the mall. She tried to make shopping easier and quicker, nonetheless, she was also at a loss.
After several years of knowing her, Leon could tell she was asking for his help. Climbing on his feet, he walked toward where she was standing and started studying the dresses on display. Then his eyes landed on the long red dress worn by one of the mannequins and suggested, "Why not choose red? You always like red."
"Red is too striking. Wedding is about the couple, especially the bride."
Ambivalence could be seen on Claire's face. The truth was she already had a dress that she had worn at the conference's night gala earlier. However, the dress was color was cream with a shade of soft pink. Wearing something that close to white was definitely a no-go for a wedding.
"Then wear my color."
"Your color?"
Pointing the dress in front of her, he stated, "Blue."
"That's called Glacier Lake. Excellent picked." Simultaneously, both heads turned upon hearing the shop attendant's explanation.
"A what now?" Leon's face scrunched taken aback by the new color term.
"Think of a dusty blue, but instead of gray undertones it has a touch of green."
"That's sound complicated."
"Umm... what I meant is any blue. Up to you, babe."
Leon blurted out his usual endearment of her that somehow sounded distant and awkward. The gesture seemed disingenuous. Even the outsider's eyes noticed it. Truthfully, it was not his intention, therefore he scolded himself inwardly. His excitement might ruin his strategy toward reconciliation. What he left tattered and in jeopardy of being shattered. Both of them did not know how to handle the other internal qualm. Claire herself did not know how to react in the end turning away from him, busying herself looking at another clothing rack. After his muted response to her cordial greetings at Hardvardville, the future approaches from her for him were guarded.
Nevertheless, she was forbearing to brush aside his blunder and focus on the topic of the current trouble. She trailed Leon's path and said, "That's- Errr... I prefer traditional colors. Maybe navy or dark blue."
Clearing his throat, he was trying to soothe his nerves too. After combing carefully the rack in front of him, he pulled out a dress that could be described as simple yet elegant and brought it into her peripheral vision.
"Pick navy. Same as my suits. Like this one."
"Yeah. Looks nice. But don't you think we gonna look monochrome...together?"
His lips bunched to a thin smile, noticing how worried she fussing about the attire. It was uplifting to fret on normal simple stuff, it made him human. Same as others. He assured her with gentleness, "It's just color, Claire."
"I'll be meeting your extended family. I've to put little effort into looking more...presentable."
You are lovely as you already are.
A crooked grin swept across his face hearing what she just said. So, he consoled her, "You'll be fine, Claire."
Suddenly the attendant said, "Maybe you can wear her color. Red."
"Red jacket?"
"No. Red tie."
"Yeah, that could work.", said Leon at the same time turned to her looking for her approval.
Not a mere seconds passed, she readily agreed with the suggestion. "Alright."
A bright smile came to display on his face when she announced, "I gonna try the dress."
Claire traded the dress from Leon's hand with her tote bag that he took willingly. There was no second-guessing about the dress. She noticed that he had been eyeing it since she walked around the store studying her option earlier. To her surprise, the one that he grabbed was the right size for her.
"Fitting room far back, on the left." Unbeknownst to him, Leon's long stares at Claire leaving inviting the shop attendant to smile.
"I'm sensing that there is something up in the air between the two of you that you both need to work on. Am I right?"
Leon could not help but sigh upon hearing what the lady said. Her pronunciation of the local accent was more noticeable since only the two of them were left to pick up the conversation. It was crystal clear that even someone who was slow on the uptake could also detect the tension between him and Claire. If this carried on upon reaching his parents' home, he definitely would be bombarded by endless questions.
"I know it is not my place to say any of this, but whatever comes between the two of you there is always a way to go around it."
"It's mainly me. I'm the problem."
"If that's the case, then share with her. Whatever bind that got you, I'm sure she understands."
"She does. It's just... that I'm stupid. I was the one who pushed her away." Leon lowered his head feeling shameless.
"Ooh, honey. Everyone is stupid when comes to love."
Love?
He swallowed the lump in his throat, his face in absolute perplexity. Is this what had been messing with his head lately? He knew he liked her, crushing on her. But love?
"Little advice, don't rush. Take it slow. Follow the pace that both of you are comfortable with. I'm sure you get through."
"I don't know if she forgives me for what I did."
"From what I see it, she forgives you no matter what. She's willing to do anything for you. Trust me, the feeling is mutual."
The surprised look on his face encouraged the lady to continue. "Take example right now, you two obviously have some unresolved issues and yet she's willing to spend time with you and your family. That's ballsy."
"Am I being inconsiderate?"
"No. You're just being stupid." The lady repeated the remark Leon had made earlier. With a knowing smile curved on her lips, she continued, "Like I said, take it slow. Rely on each other, in good times and worst. Don't let this go to waste."
"I'll try."
"Don't just try. Do it. Okay?" When Leon nodded, she added, "Alright, I going to check on your girlfriend if everything checks out."
"She-"
Before Leon could finish the sentence, the lady headed off to check on Claire. The situation felt bittersweet, tempting a small chuckle out of him. For the first time in the year, he felt happy. Truly in the ocean of happiness.
After a while, Claire returned with a bright satisfied smile on her face. The dress that was to her liking was in the shop attendant's hand.
"All set?"
"Yup."
"Oke doke."
Leon was about to begin walking towards the cash register when Claire grabbed his arm and his steps instantaneously stopped. "Leon-"
"No, I'm the one inviting you without a head up. So, it's on me."
Her ardent pleading picked up when she hugged his arm and said, "No, Leon. The truth is-"
So he affectionately held her and gave a gentle squeeze on her triceps. They were so close, that her hot breath was fanning her cheeks.
"Claire, let me. Let me make up for you for being an ass for these couple of years."
The words were failing her as she froze in place, gazing intensely at each other faces. They were dangerously close to each other to the point people might misunderstand them with the impression that they were about to smother each other with passionate kisses. Claire released her grasp on Leon's hand when she heard the shop attendant clearing her throat hinting her presence to the whole scene.
And then she whispered to Claire, "Maybe it is his way of apologizing. Honey, let him pay it. You gonna embarrass him if you not."
The shop attendant finished her sentences by beckoning them both to small people in the store looking at them with soft chuckling and amused grins on their faces. Seemingly, their little brief squabble caught the attention of a few patrons of the store.
Taking one step away from Leon, her face turned beet red realizing that she unintentionally created a scene that put both of them in everybody's attention. Meanwhile, Leon massaged his neck to provide an easement for his nervous ticks.
"Be right back.", said Leon, then following the shop attendant to the cash register to ring the desired dress that he could not wait to see her wear in the upcoming events.
Weddings are important because they celebrate life and possibility.
(Anne Hathaway in Interview Magazine)
The sound of the front door closing prompted Claire to peer her head curiously in the direction of the foyer. Leon stomped his boots on the door mat at the same time wiggling his parka and hanging it to the coat stand, leaving him with just a sweater and sweatpants that she recognized from last night. In his hand were working gloves, a testament that he was doing some household work outside.
"Good morning."
"Morning, sleepyhead.", said Leon walking toward the kitchen where Claire where at.
"Why didn't you wake me?"
"You look like you need the sleep." He threw the gloves on the kitchen counter and started rummaging the cabinet for glass.
"I couldn't believe I overslept. Very rude of me."
"Don't worry. I'm the one who suggested letting you sleep in. I think you need it.", said Leon, his Adam's apple bopped as he gulped the water.
After dinner together, Claire excused herself claiming to catch up on a few emails after a week missing from the office. Leon thought she just wanted to give space for him and his parents after a long time of not seeing each other.
The horrified expression painted on her face manifested in how she felt, "Oh no... what your mom gonna think of me?"
Leon let out a nervous chuckle. To avoid being more suspicious he turned back to the sink and rinsed the glass while his thought sailed on what happened last night. It was 15 minutes before 3 in the morning he decided he had enough cigarettes, beers, and somber introspection. He was on the way to retiring the night when he took a glimpse at her fully lit bedroom, as expected she slumped by the study table with her laptop opened and paperwork scattered. Her bad habit that he grew familiar with.
It was all common and probably she was used to waking up in the morning in bed regardless of where she fell asleep since every time it happened too often when he was around. Yet, there was some part she was oblivious to when his mother just exited from the bathroom and caught him walking out of Claire's bedroom. Keeping his cool, he shrugged off his mother's questioning look with a goodnight kiss on her forehead. His head was entertained with wonders about her reaction if she knew about the extra moment happening last night.
"She's cool. Don't worry about it."
"Where is she?"
"Gone to the venue already with my dad."
"This early?"
"To help out my aunt, she said. I'm not sure what else needed to help with. What is the point of having a wedding planner if we still fussing about the event." Upon finishing his notion Leon received a shrug and gesticulation from her emphasizing that her knowledge was as much as his.
"What time does the wedding start?"
Leaning by the counter, he gazed at her. She was playing with the loose strand at the hem of the sleeve-knitted turtleneck sweater. "1 pm."
"Okay so... You helping with the chores? If you wake me, I could help."
"Not much, just here and there. Only rake the leaves and clean the gutter. It all done anyway."
"How's the leg?"
Scratching the back of his head, a cheeky smirk played on his lips. "Ice and ibuprofen did it."
She nodded then they settled into comfortable silence. "Are you hungry?
"I always love food. Homecook especially."
"Do you mind if I go through the fridge and pantry?"
"Not at all. Go ahead."
"I can fix you something."
"I'll be delighted. I gonna have a quick shower first. You...just... As my mom said, make yourself at home."
Leon arrived at the kitchen again just about Claire put down the coffee mug next to the hot meal on the dinette.
"Is sandwich okay?"
"With bacon? It's more than okay."
Leon scarfed down the bacon grilled cheese, with little more appreciation than Claire anticipated. Seeing him take pleasure just by eating a simple sandwich warmed her heart.
After taking a bite of the second half of his sandwich, Leon broke the silence. "The weather is getting better."
Claire joined Leon's line of sight looking in the direction of the window. "Hurm... much warmer too."
"Perfect for wedding."
"So.. Sharon, how far from here?"
"Like 20 miles. Can reach there in roughly 40 minutes."
"It's not that far."
"Yeah."
In between those exchanges, Claire repeatedly stole glances at the man in front of her. Gnawing her bottom lips, she tried to subdue her nervousness. She took one deep breath before asking him what had been taunting her head since he extended the invitation.
"Why me? Why not bring Angela?"
"Angela who?" His cheeks bulged with a mouthful bite he just took in, eyes wide with a bewildered look on his face; he looked like a guarded chipmunk. If this different circumstances, she would laugh it out. Alas, it was not.
"Goodness's sake. Angela from Harvardville."
Leon finally spoke up having digested the information, "Oh her... Why would I bring her?"
"I dunno. I thought you were together. You kiss her remember?" Mumbling her words, she ducked her head avoiding his stares.
He considered her with deepened interest as she tucked the loose strand of her hair behind her ear. Her hair was untied without the usual ponytail, it was the sight that he enjoyed once in a while. The sprinkle of faint freckles flecked across her nose bridge and small parts of cheekbones, visibly seen under the morning sunray that flooded in through the kitchen window. As much as he enjoyed the morning picturesque image of hers, his face clearly displayed bafflement at hearing what she just uttered.
"What? When did I do that?"
"Ermm... when you go diving together."
"Huh?"
"The lab. Probably after. Geez..." Claire exhaled in exasperation.
"That was not a kiss. That's-" Leon let out a long sigh. To clear the misunderstanding, he continued. "There's no diving and we never meet again afterward."
"Yeah. Whatever."
Her non-committal responses bothered him. "Claire, I cannot bring random women to meet my family. Especially the relatives."
"Then, what about me? How I'm not random in this situation? Yeah, I met your parents before, but how about your relatives? Who knows about me coming today?"
He rendered her brief silence before replying with, "Only to Sarah and Matt. They ask so I just answer."
"What did you tell them?"
"Nothing elaborate. I just said you're a friend. A special friend."
Claire choked on the coffee that currently drinking upon hearing his reply. She nearly sprayed him with the drink, but she suppressed the projectile and it went into her breathing pipe. The warm bitter taste stung her nose as she started having coughing fits.
"Jesus, Claire! You okay?" Immediately crowding her, he caressed her back to comfort her from the coughing.
"I'm okay. Why did you say that? Why not just say a close friend or best friend?" Her voice came out raspy, so she swallowed the saliva repeatedly just to lubricate to lubricate her coarse gritty throat.
"I dunno. That's the only thing that came to mind at that time."
"What's their response?"
"They said nothing. Just smile."
His offhand reaction left her totally flabbergasted. She exclaimed, "Oh God."
Claire decided to drop the conversation when she saw Leon's bewildered face. The man sitting beside him at lost in the repercussions of what he had done, leaning toward handful rather than detrimental. Nonetheless, it was him. Only for him did she walk past his innocent doing and braced for him. Only for him.
As expected, the moment they arrived at the wedding the news about him bringing a company to the event had them being hounded by family members. The rumor of her being his girlfriend was spread like wildfire, inquiring him about how it happened and when it happened. Even his parents were also gobsmacked when everybody came running to them asking if the news was true upon their arrival this morning. They even helped clear the hearsay, claiming that if Leon and Claire were an item, they would know it first. Alas, all their effort was like pissing into the wind considering no one believed it.
It was a relief Claire was a sport of it. She handled them with grace and patiently explained to every single one who came with interest in the reported news. Even so that the rumor was false, his whole family was smitten with her. Including his cousin, the bride. Sarah profusely apologized for the unintentional misunderstanding which led to uncomfortable situations for both of them, whereas Claire voiced her regret the whole gossiping might overshadowed the main occasion. In the end, they laughed it out and brushed off of mishap like it was nothing happened.
In some way, the whole thing did not sit right with him. A hurt look flickered over Leon's face in reaction to her eagerness to shoot down the rumor. It felt begrudgingly like a telling sign that the Redhead might not share the same feelings as him leading to despondency to pursue his feelings.
His voice was just above a whisper when he muttered, "What's so bad being my girlfriend?"
Although her attention to him was faithful, Leon was none the wiser. His distress was taken cognizant by her as she countered back to console his conflicting heart by saying, "I don't wanna build my relationship with your family with lies. These are the people that you cherish, so I want to do the same. It's because you matter to me the most."
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.
(Victor Hugo in William Shakespeare)
Since the news that he and her were just friends, the men began to show interest in her. When he saw one of the groom's colleagues ask Claire to dance, he was sure he needed some air to calm himself down. After chugging the rest of whatever non-acholic mixed drink had been offered to him by the bartender, he could not bear to look and went outside the hall.
Away from the crowd he was nursing his heartache with tobacco hits. He could hear clearly the upbeat Motown of Four Tops come to cease succeeding with enchanting piano keynotes of The Very Thought of You. The sound effect of the crackling made the atmosphere immersed him in the 1930s. Claire managed to find him when he was halfway through taking a long drag from his second cigarette. Immediately, he stamped out the rest of the cigarette in his pocket ashtray.
"This little shindig starts to get under your skin?"
"Nah. Just taking a breather."
"With smoking?"
"Can't get shit face since I'm driving. Granted by the number of cops here, I can assure you I gonna get my ass whop before I even get near the car."
Since the groom was a cop and most of the guests were, they tried to be responsible with the alcohol serving. It was commendable.
"Mind if I join you?", said Claire already taking a seat next to him on the stone bench.
"Not at all. Although, I'm reek of smoke."
"I used to it. My dad was a smoker. Chris too."
"You not?"
"I quit in '96."
The wheel in his head was spinning trying to process the information given by her. A slow smile played on Claire's lips seeing his face scrunched up realizing the numbers that she had given did not add up.
Shifting his eyes to her with an addled brain he asked, "At 17 years old?"
That smile of hers turned to a playful toothy grin leading Leon to snicker. "You delinquent."
There was no vindication coming from her, only to have her hold up both hands imitating a surrender gesture which brought a hearty laugh from Leon.
Al Bowlly's timeless voice came to live in the background as Claire stated, "They have a very unique playlist for their wedding."
"Both Sarah and Matt are suckers for vintage songs."
"Oldie but goldie."
"Agreed."
"If I'm not mistaken this is also the choice of the songs you listen to."
In the background, the orchestral string began to build its crescendo as Leon leaned back lazily against the bench. His head was looking up to the clear sky as he admitted, "Sometimes. How bout you?"
"Take a guess."
"Ermm... '70s, '80s hard rocks."
"That's my brothers'."
"So Queen is not?"
Claire went through a ripple of chuckles. "Am I that transparent?"
"No. But, you were donning a red leather jacket with Queen's inkling on it when we first met. That said it all."
Her laughs encouraged him to gawked her a little longer than he should have. Leon loved Claire's laugh.
"I'm surprised you know that was Queen's."
"You saying I'm uncultured?"
"No. You look like someone listening to pop rather than rock."
"Why would you assume that?"
"With that hair of yours."
He chuckled, "Dear, God."
"Don't get me wrong, I not saying your hair is bad. I like it. It just I assumed it was a statement."
He was left speechless for a moment, hearing her admission that she liked something about him. He breathed in the joy too much, missing his cue to respond to her statement as she continued the conversation.
"Truly. As for music, I don't have anything specific. I listen to what's in the mood.", said Claire.
Leon concurred softly, "Me too. I guess we're not so different after all."
Eventually, they both encountered another pregnant awkward silence until a soothing thrumming drumbeat with the twinkling of piano strings. Soon after the melodious choir and Elvis's charming voice uttering the words that brought them both back to that night after escaping Raccoon City, where they had dined together for the last time before her departure the next morning. How heartbroken he was with his thoughts threatening that he would never see her again.
His elbow propped against the top of the backrest with his hand supporting his head, he glanced at her and coyly asked, "Remember this song?"
She replied to him with a timid nod, subsequently her eyes regarded the forward invitation of his proffered hand.
Knowing what his intention was, she warned him. "I might step on you."
"Is that what you did to your last dance partner?" He asked sardonically.
Claire shrugged off Leon's accusation with an indifferent look on her face and grasped his hand energetically making him gifted her with a proud smug. With her right hand holding his, Claire placed her left hand on his shoulder at the same time he settled his free right hand on her lower back.
"Do you know what you doing?"
"Do you trust me?"
Her doe eyes studied him nervously as he drew her body close to him and steadily led her to take the first step. Little by little, her rigid movement relented to his as they gently swayed on the stone-tiled floor. To avoid any discomfiture he decided to indulge her with a small talk.
"What songs do they usually play at a wedding?"
"Ballads '80s love songs."
"Or poppy '90s love songs."
"What are poppy '90s love songs?" Claire tilted her head, challenging him to fill her with answers.
Gazing over her, he noticed the small twitch on her lip when she tried to hide that mischievous smile. He tried his luck, "Always be my baby."
Claire looked up and chimed, "Ooh.. God I love that song!"
"Yeah?"
He received animated nods from her which he found adorable. The songs that little less describe her when she had to leave after their fateful first meet. Or when his work kept him away from her it left him frustrated every time. He observed her expression if she was aware of what he was hinting.
Still clueless she innocently asked, "Are you sure that pop? I thought it was RnB."
"It not? Eermm..."
"I think so."
He lifted their linked hands, providing her clearance to go through underneath. It was amazing how she was able to compose herself and understand his notion as she lightly walked below their formed arch. He cradled her as before after she twirled effortlessly which enticed a small smile on his mouth, proud that she had success with the dance turns.
Not forgetting the last exchanges, he tried again with another poppiest song he could think of. "As Long As You Love Me."
Claire pressed her lips together to repress her laugh as he snickered silently.
Still no... Hurm-
"Truly Madly Deeply."
She sheepishly averted her eyes away from him as he added, "When You Say Nothing At All."
His continuation of answers caused her cheeks to turn rosy; encouraging his smile to grow bigger and making him look like an idiot. Inevitably, his talk yesterday with the shop attendant echoed in his head.
Small steps. Don't rush.
Refraining her from overthinking and discomfiture, he shifted her attention to their slow dance and kept the conversation going.
"So, what's the verdict of this little normalcy?"
"It's been a while since I've been in functions that are not associated with work. Actually not that bad. What about you?"
"Same here. Is meeting the family a-ok?"
"I was overwhelmed at first. It gets better over time."
"I apologize for putting you into this situation without a proper heads-up. I hope they didn't give you a hard time."
"No. Not at all. They're quite nice. You're lucky."
"Lucky how?"
"They not crazy as like other family. Based on what I heard usually in the office. Far normal."
"That's a relief.", said Leon in which he really meant it.
In reality, his life was far from normal. Claire was the only one that he shared intimately about his life outside work. Somehow, he was driven to her approval in everything that connected to him, especially in regard to his private life. Her approval cheered him tremendously.
He charmed her with a quick smile hinting to guide her with another twirl. The way her dress flared from the twirls sent made his heart flutter. She looked as beguiling as she could be. The princess seam of the strapless bodice accentuated her bodyline with the flattering A-line silhouette giving a winsome touch to the dress that cuts just below the knees. The sheer floral illusion lace layered on top of the exposed décolletage added fullness and softness simultaneously. He was in awe when the first time he saw her in that dress, walking down the stairs before they set off on their journey to the wedding venue.
He was lighthearted with pride hearing her decision to choose the exact dress that he had been eyeing to have her wear for the event. Her donning the navy blue put a smile on his face, in most a lacking a reason why. He kept his promise, wearing a wine-red tie that he borrowed from his father which he guessed was the cause of her stealing glances towards him. He refrained from commenting further seeing how nervous she was throughout the whole drive, probably the jitters of meeting his family. Whilst him, relishing the ephemeral happiness in between all the chaos that was happening in his life.
"After my parent died, it was just me and Chris. We didn't have extended family. My dad's family was small and most of them perished because of the wars. The men were sent to the frontlines, the woman volunteered as medical aider."
He gathered their joined hands to his chest, guiding her body closer. Her warm breath tickled the crook of his neck as she added, "Since my mom was born out of wedlock, her family cut ties with our grandma."
"No words were spoken. No history to learn." Leon voiced his thoughts out loud. Looking down, her face looked doleful as Claire lifelessly nodded.
"No much different than me. I didn't know much about my birth family. Only to know they're all violently murdered. The Evans is the only family I know.", said Leon.
The assigned detective, Bill Evans found the young 6-year-old Leon hidden in the closet surviving the gruesome homicide who was in catatania and shock terror. Coincidently, Cate Evans was working on a graveyard shift when her husband brought in the child, asking the nurse to lend care on the night of the murder. Naturally, the childless couple ended up adopting Leon.
The Evans left their life in the big city, allowing a more calmer environment for the poor boy who struggling to adjust to a new life after the murder. Settling in more smaller city than Boston Bill settled as a desk sergeant at the local police station and Cate continued her service in the local hospital, in which, both of them still work at the same place to this day.
"You not interested in looking?" She knew he had the resources, so she was intrigued as to why it was not something he would do.
"To what ends?
"Don't need reasons to do it."
"Why do you want me to look back to the past when I should focus on now since you're clearly aware I'm struggling to do so?"
"Maybe it will help your struggling now if you go back in time. You never know. It's a suggestion, Leon."
"I'll keep that in mind. You're always welcome here even if I'm not around. I'm willing to share."
She did not say anything in return only to look up, diving into his oceanic deep blue eyes. The irony was when Elvis in the background uttering the words of offering his whole life to which Leon continued, "What's mine is yours too."
Claire's mouth opened slightly, words were hanging on the tip of her tongue. Her face was revealing an ambiguous expression with her eyes intensely searching for something in his. There was hesitation and uncertainty in her eyes that he miserably tried to interpret. Their sway started to falter as the song died slowly at the back. Claire dislodged herself from his warm hold. Leon bit the inside of his mouth in an effort not to panic fearing that he had done wrong. It was said and it was done.
But, like always, his distress did not go unnoticed by her as she comforted him with her famed angelic smile. As he fidgeted under her studious stare, the DJ announced the next itinerary of the event. She regained her calm self and addressed him with her velvety voice of hers.
"Time for the cake. Cake is your favorite. You don't wanna miss that."
Seeing her nonchalantly brush off the awkward interaction just now, he relaxed and did the same. As they walked together towards the hall, Leon shyly asked.
"How did you know I like cake?"
Hope is a waking dream
(Aristotle in Lives of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius)
Later that night after a bustling day accommodating themselves to new families and new friends, Claire and Leon settled leisurely in front of the TV hand coated with the pizza grease of their supper. With The Sixth Sense rolling on the TV screen, his parents were candid enough to join them in the living room. It was halfway through the movie when her phone rang and her heart flipped into joy when she saw the name of a person she had been missing appear on her phone screen. For weeks, she had been trying to get hold of Chris up to the point where she had to inquire BSAA regarding the whereabouts of her brother since he failed to reach him herself right after Harvardville happened.
Leon on the other hand was trying to be cool and doing his best to hide his anxiety, alas this was his parents that were with him. The people who raised him. They knew the moment Claire stepped out taking her call outside by the porch, Leon's interest in the movies was derailed completely. After 20 minutes of pretending to actually watch the movie, Bill and Cate used sleepiness as an excuse to provide some space for their son to sort out his misery.
He found Claire leaning against the column, throwing a vacant stare to the darkness. Her finger was twiddling with her lower lips, she was still gripping her phone in her other hand.
"Is Chris okay?"
Her body whirled to face him in instance with her face palpably surprised. Indicating her inattentiveness to Leon staring by the door for hot minutes.
"Yeah. He just..."
She sighed, taking a seat in one of the wooden chairs. Warmth-laced vanilla scents enveloped her when Leon tentatively blanketed her thin-clothed body with the same parka he had worn this morning. She was so thrilled about the call, without realizing her mistake of not grabbing much thicker clothing.
"It gets chilly approaching midnight." Leon took a seat beside her.
"Thank you. Chris just wants to check in with me before being sent off next to the coming mission."
Even though her awaited news had been answered, her countenance was still laden with concern. Seated on the wooded chair beside her, he was doing his best to give her solace. "I'm sure he will be fine."
"Hope so. But, all this hunting Albert Wesker started to eat him. Something about this coming mission doesn't sit right with me."
"How so?"
"Following all these little crumbs feels like it gonna lead to a trap."
"I'm sure he fact-checked everything. Going all gung ho over it will only risk himself and his partner. He will not do that, especially for you."
Seeing her nod eased him with relief. Claire concurred, "Yeah. Well, at least he got Jill this time as his partner. Someone that I fully vetted."
"Jill Valentine?" Leon never met her but he took note of all Claire's close-knit. The way she retold about Jill Valentine, Leon could make out that Claire cherishes the older woman not just his brother's partner but also her own sister.
"Yeah. Not that fucking whore backstabber Sherawat. I definitely gonna give her a piece of my mind if I ever see her again."
Leon never knew that Claire met the triple agent before, but it did not surprise him caused most of her work involved with the BSAA. At some point, they must have crossed paths. Even though her service was for TerraSave, her protectiveness and trust in them were equal considering the high number of her close-knit acquaintances working with the UN-sanctioned organization. Would she have the same sentiment as what she felt for Chris if the same occurrence happened (God forbid) to him he wondered.
His abstraction was cut short when she asked, "Your parents still watching the movie?"
"No. Turned to bed already."
His reply prompted her to check her phone straightaway. Showing an hour before midnight, she did not realize she got so carried away with a call from Chris. It felt like she had been a bad guest to his parents since she arrived yesterday. To her surprise, Leon's response was like he was reading her mind.
"It's your brother. They understand."
"I started to feel like I'm being a bad guest. I should make up to them."
"No need. I think you already did."
"How so?"
"Their thought was me coming home was your doing."
"Did you correct them? That it was just a coincidence."
"Hurmm- The truth is... It's not wrong and not entirely true either."
Claire cleared her throat, remembering their dust-up early this year before she flew to India. She did stir him a little regarding home and family. His statement just now proved how her words affected him greatly.
She lowered her gaze to the wooden floor at the same time rubbing the straining muscle in the back of her leg, the outcome of wearing heels throughout the whole week. Today was its peak. The pain on her feet now was radiating to her calf. Since she rarely wore them, her body was not used by the after-effects. Now it got to the point that the pain had intensified till she failed to keep it hidden anymore.
"May I?"
Perching at the edge of his seat, he leaned closer to her as his hand gathered her bothered leg and settled it on his thigh. He peeled off her bunny slippers and began gently massaging her sock-covered foot, easing the sharp pain away.
"You don't have-"
Gradually, his massaging made its way up to the taunt muscle of her calf. His diligent hands worked like a charm in reliving the knot that had been bothering her since the drive home. She unknowingly elicited a moan as a response to the soothing touch. Her face turned red visibly perceived by him under the illumination coming from the only ceiling light on the porch. Leon chewed inside of his lip to conceal a victory smirk.
To avoid further embarrassment to her, so he asked "Surely not the first time you wearing heels?"
"Not with this kind. Usually a flat or kitten heels."
"I'm not sure what that is but I take them it more bearable than the one you wore today."
"It's just shoes. Maybe I should wear them more often. You know, to get used to it. So it didn't hurt this bad."
"Why wear now?"
"TerraSave wants us to look more presentable when coming to such programs."
"You should tell me when we get the dress. I can get you something comfortable."
"You already got me a dress."
"And I can get you more comfortable shoes too."
"No, you spend too much on me. It doesn't feel right."
"But you're my special friend. You have right.", teased Leon.
"Right..." Both of their exchanges sparked them with chuckles upon remembering the incident earlier today.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't know it could blow up like this. I didn't expect them to give so much shit about my private life."
"Oh... they do. That's what you call family. Family is Family. They can be overbearing but they're family."
"Yeah."
"Overall, I just want to say thank you for inviting me. I had fun. Still cannot believe that bouquet landed on you though."
"I think Sarah was aiming at you. I didn't do anything. It's bounced into me."
"Was it? Never crossed my mind. Imagine how many hearts you break for getting that flower."
"What to do? I'm just at the right place at the right time."
"Huh-" Looking at him with disbelief, she snorted at his conceited playful remarks.
With a proud smirk decorating his face, Leon added, "Hey, maybe I got the lady luck being close to you."
"Glad to be at your service."
He placed back her leg into its original position and proceeded to do the same gesture with her other leg. Claire could not manage to say a word as he distracted her with another question.
"Overall, how's the wedding?"
"Not as bad as I think would be."
"Why do you have the impression that weddings are bad?"
"The stress maybe."
"Stress can ruin everything."
"It has been a while since I attended a wedding. I stopped attending after my parents died. I forgot what is like. This is the first since then."
"Really?"
"Yup."
His eyes softened as he said, "Glad I invited you."
Claire nodded, "Admittedly, the wedding was beautiful."
"Agreed. You dream of having it yourself one day?"
"I used to. Now I'm not so sure."
"I thought it every woman's dream to get married. Have a wedding. But not you."
Their eyes were on each other. She answered him with a hum, trying to be ambiguous. So Leon asked, "Why?"
"You know why."
"Is it because of our circumstances?"
"Most of it yeah." She spoke again and voiced her concern when she detected a twinge of disappointment on his face, "Why do you look disappointed?"
Surprised at how easily she read him, he quickly denied it. "Nothing."
Not believing his fabricated assurance she pushed further. "What?"
"I may sound ridiculous-"
"Humor me."
His massaging of her leg came to an end as returned her leg to the previous position. Leon sank back further into his seat as they engaged in a more serious discussion. Claire mirrored his action, tugging his parka tighter to have it envelop her body fully.
With a calm voice, he responded, "Before all this with the biohazard thingy, I dreamed of getting married and having a family of my own. I thought... I thought after what happened to me, that dream changed. But somehow it did not. I still hope for it to come true."
"Huh... you surprised me."
"Did I?"
"Yeah. And kinda comforting too."
"How come?"
"Because you still hanging on hope."
"And you not, Claire?"
"I got distracted sometimes, I admit. But to have one of us hanging to that gives me comfort. A relief."
Rely on each other... The words from the lady echoed in his head upon hearing Claire's sudden confession. It was not just him who was struggling, but also her.
"That way we have each other, Claire."
"That's good to know, Leon."
"Come on. Let's go inside. We've to leave early tomorrow. So let's get some rest."
She teetered when set foot on the base of the stairs. Leading Leon to offer his hand for leverage, which she took gladly.
"Dump the heels tomorrow. Wear something comfortable for the flight."
"Maybe wear these? Kinda comfy.", said Claire, wiggling the front part of her foot.
"Only you can pull off, Claire Redfield."
"I take that as a compliment."
Claire was scrolling one last time the email inbox on her PDA when a soft knocking came on the door. Both of his hands were occupied with a small water basin with a hand towel hung over his shoulder as he sauntered into the room. After encouraging her to soothe her pain by soaking her feet in the Epsom salt-infused warm water that he brought in, he advised her to elevate her legs higher before resting to sleep. He bid her goodnight with a fluttering sensation across his chest after hearing her uttering what he called hope.
"Hey, Leon. Maybe your dream will come true. You never know. Hang to that if it gives you the means to keep going."
Little that he know his aftercare that night made her fall asleep soundly for the first time in such a long time. Without tiring herself with her work or without the help of any of her sleep medication, just to sleep. That night, her heart felt lighter as she slumbered into the dreamless realm.
... The world is cursed. But still, you find reasons to keep on living.
(Osa in Princess Mononoke)
The drive to the airport was quiet. Just like when they came in together to his parent's house, on the way to the wedding, and back from the wedding. It seemed that neither of them could strike up a conversation whenever they were in the car. Most of it was just a scare. If the conversation did not come the way they intended, there was no place to run or to hide. They were box-in. So both just ended up being quiet.
Something was in his mind that left Leon in disquietude. This morning before bidding their goodbye to his parents he was summoned to report for the next mission forthwith. As planned they left Taunton together for their flight out. However, instead of TF Green Airport like Claire, he would HELO out to the military air base. There was no reason not to tell her, nevertheless, he did not have a heart to do so.
His parents invited her to have Thanksgiving together, but unfortunately, Claire had to pass because of work. Leon suspected she would be overseas because if she was in New York she might consider it. Or maybe bring sherry along. Moreover, it sounded like a predetermined decision. He tried to be respectful of her choice not to be forthcoming about her next assignment. It was their agreement since a very before, in which he agreed. It was better not to know, for her sake.
He walked her to the check-in counter, regardless did not proceed to the waiting line with her. With a confused expression etched on her face, she asked, "You not coming?"
"My ride out got changed."
Her eyes were dull with disappointment, he heard her stuttering on her words. "Ooh..."
He headed to Pittsburgh instead of DC. "I'm sorry, Claire. I got-"
"It's okay. No need to explain. It works. They come first."
No, it's not. It's you who come first.
After a few seconds of silent fretting, she finally spoke. "Anyway stay safe whatever you about to do. If you have the time, come by to New York and say hi. Sherry would love it."
Would you feel the same way too?
"Yeah. I'll try."
"Please do. Hey, if we bump into each other again, you know cause of work or not, don't be a stranger."
"Maybe grab dinner together." Leon suggested with a sheepish grin on his face.
"Yeah, let's do that." Gathering her carrier ready to move into the waiting line for the check-in counter, she added, "Take care, Leon."
"You too, Claire."
He loyally waited for her until she got her luggage sorted. As expected, she straightaway advanced to the security checkpoint. The farewell had been tough for both of them. Even though they did it so many times, they never got used to it. He prayed that she would turn one last time for him before they departed. And his prayer was answered, his heart flipped in happiness when he saw she turned and her eyes combed through the crowd between them looking for him. Attentively, he raised his hand to show her presence, where he awarded with a brief wave with a bright smile from her in return.
As he watched her disappear to her designated gate, he countlessly patted himself for the great decision he made of returning home and spending time together with his family, with the addition of Claire. Last night, his head was contemplating the whole event that happened in the last 2 days. Every single thing that had happened and said to him came to his head over and over again.
His life was cursed from the beginning. Of what happened to his birth family. And now with the involuntary binding of his patronage, his life was truly cursed. Regardless, thanks to her he managed to see the light in it.
If before, the Evans were his savior. His unbound gratefulness for their kind gesture to sacrifice their life and devotion to his younger self gave him reason to continue living and grow-up right. And now he possessed a new budding cause that became clearer and clearer each time with full confidence. There was no doubt, there was no denying it. Of her, he kept going. Of her, he kept living. Because Claire Redfield was the reason for him, Leon Kennedy kept living.
It became, clear and clear each time. It was not just a crush anymore. It not about just liking anymore. In fact, he was in love with her, evermore.
-Fools Rush In-
The End.
Endnote:
I didn't elaborate on the story behind 'Can't help falling in love.' since I mentioned it in the other fics, Him & Her: Part II.
Cheers for reading!