•Lighter Than Air•

•Chapter 2•

After a few hours in the chopper, they landed at the airport. Leon got out, waving goodbye to his driver and anyone else who had been with him. Then, he headed back into the airport and got his suitcase. His satchel remained over his shoulder at all times. Once he got his things, he headed out towards the pickup area. It was already quite late, around eleven o'clock at night. He wondered if Claire took a nap when she got home from work that day. He would soon find out.

His suitcase rolled behind him while he dragged it. He kept glancing from side to the side, keeping his eyes for his woman in red. To his joy, he would soon spot her. Considering there weren't too many coming off from flights at the moment, the airport was relatively calm for once. Claire seemed to be checking her phone when he arrived. But, when she heard the rolling suitcase, she looked up. Her eyes seemed to light up at the very sight of him while she threw her arms out.

"Leon!"

"Claire! Told you I'd be back in one piece!"

"Of course, you always do!"

Just then, they ran into each other. Leon let go of his suitcase and took Claire into his arms. Claire reciprocated the motion, hugging him close to her. Neither of them enjoyed being assort. But, to them, it was a part of life. Leon was doing good things off in multiple parts of the world. Meanwhile, Claire was changing the world from home. The both of them were hungry for justice in the world, taking it step by step and doing what they could. Claire leaned her head against Leon's chest, while his chin rested on top of her head.

"Did you at least sleep before you came to get me?" Leon asked.

"Nope. I couldn't sleep. Was anxious for you to get back." Claire said, smiling up towards him.

She was met with an eye roll and a smirk from Leon. "I should have known. Give me those keys. You can sleep in the car."

"Did you sleep on the helicopter?"

"Hell no!"

"Didn't think so."

Claire laughed at his response. They both knew each other's sleeping patterns strangely well. Oftentimes they'd poke fun at one another for it. Leon never slept in the air and Claire never slept when she was waiting or researching. They always managed to sleep better when they were together. The both of them were definitely looking forward to getting home. It would be the best sleep they had since Leon left for that last mission. They shared a brief kiss while Leon stole the keys out of her back pocket.

"I'll be taking those. Where did you park?" Leon asked her once they parted.

Claire gasped and reached to swipe the keys away, only for Leon to hold them up above his own head. She jumped to reach them, but Leon had the advantage in the situation. With a huff, she crossed her arms. Though, the unspoken idea they shared was that Claire already knew this would happen. If she actually did want to be the one to drive, she wouldn't have kept her keys in her back pocket. Because she had quickly learned that Leon would think they were there. After a brief moment of "fighting back", which was much more so play than fight, Claire leaned against him and wrapped her arms around one of his.

"Right out front. I wasn't too far from the entrance itself." She told him.

Smiling, Leon bent down and pressed a light kiss to her temple. Then he twirled the keys in his hand and headed out to the main entrance. Once he spotted their pickup truck, he headed over to it. Claire hopped into the passenger's seat while Leon put his suitcase and satchel in the backseat. Once that was done, he moved and got into the driver's spot. He put the key in, switching the car on till it turned over into its running phase. Claire leaned her head against the window while Leon turned off into the main road.

It wasn't long before Claire had fallen asleep, peacefully against the window. Leon turned the radio down so she could rest in a quieter environment. Considering QuarryBend was about three hours from the airport itself. That's just country living, folks! He leaned into his plush seat, his right hand moving and resting on Claire's thigh. He kept it there, using his left hand to steer down the country roads. Nothing too major. The stars were shining bright while the full moon would shine. The stars were always brighter outside of the big cities. Something Leon appreciated more than anything.

Those hours would pass and soon Leon would arrive back at home. He parked the pickup, then got out. He went and opened the passenger door, picking Claire up bridal style before kicking the car door shut. He carried her into the house, while she slept. Although, he knew she wouldn't be truly asleep anymore. Whenever Claire was moved, she would wake up. Clearly, she was pretending to stay asleep so Leon would carry her. To which, he had no complaints. He brought her to their bedroom upstairs and set her on the mattress. He kissed her head once more before going out to get his luggage.

Once he returned his things to his and Claire's shared bedroom, he headed to Sherry's room. He carefully nudged the door open and glanced in her room. Quiet, just in case she was asleep. Although, she wasn't. She was wide awake at her desk, the lamp beside her switched on. Leon smiled, tilting his head and heading over to her. Sherry was in college now, Art school specifically. She was currently working on a painting of the quarry on their property.

"Hey, Sherry. It's a bit late, don't you think?" Leon asked, smiling down at her.

Sherry immediately snapped out of her thoughts. "Dad! You're home!"

Quickly, the girl stood up and threw her arms around her father. She had a huge smile on her face while she clung to him for dear life. Leon chuckled and returned the hug, holding her close to him. As a loving father does, he ruffled her hair and kissed her on the forehead. He knew Sherry worried for him whenever he went on his missions, who wouldn't? Her and Claire were alike when it came to worry. Neither of them were able to sleep well when he was meant to return. That's likely why Sherry had been working on her painting. Unless it was due for a class of hers.

"Hey kiddo! Missed you. Whatcha up to?" He asked, stepping back from her while she scrambled to her painting.

"I was working on this painting of the quarry! I'm still working on the background, but I plan to add the pier right in the center here... I wanted to put some emphasis on the moon shining onto the water, then show the creaky decrepit dock right up front. I think the contrast would go really well with one another." Sherry explained, rambling at a million miles a moment.

Leon couldn't help but grin. "You always put so much thought into these things. Proud of you, kid."

Sherry's eyes lit up. "Thanks dad."

"Anyways, it's getting late. You should head to bed if you want to wake up in time for breakfast." Leon commented, heading to her door.

"Oh god, I missed your breakfast." Sherry laughed, cleaning up her workspace as she got ready for bed.

Leon chuckled. "It'll be the best yet, just you wait." He said, before leaving.

He headed into the bedroom with Claire, slowly closing the door behind him. Claire was resting on her side of the bed, covers pulled close to her. Leaving none for Leon. She peaked one eye open, then rolled into the middle of the bed. Leon chuckled under his breath, heading over to the bed and plopping down on top of her. A game they'd play. He wrapped his arms around her and rolled onto his back, hugging her like a stuffed bear.

"Think you can play this game with me, red?"

"I can try." Claire replied, snickering.

He rolled his eyes, snickering while he hugged her close. Meanwhile, he pressed his face against her neck, scattering light kisses around the area. The attack with kisses continued until Claire ended up laughing and releasing the blanket. Leon grinned, his attack came to a stop as he adjusted the blanket to wrap around the both of them. Claire turned herself around so she was laying on her stomach, still on top of him. She laid her arms over him and snuggled her face against his collar. He laid his arms over her, resting his palms against her back.

"I've planned an outing for tomorrow. Dress nice, alright? I'm going to treat you since I have been gone so long." Leon pressed one last kiss to the top of her head.

"Alright.. sounds fun. Will do." Claire responded groggily, messily kissing his collarbone before passing out cold.

Leon chuckled lightly before leaning his head back and closing his eyes. Just like that, they were asleep for the night.