Beneath Holy Ground

Chapter Twenty- A Likely Mistake

Cute scene for my Cleon lovers :) The video is not mine but it lives rent free in my head :)

Claire's POV

"I believe it would be best if we took turns" I stated as heat rose to my cheeks. When I received no answer I turned to face Leon who was already taking his shirt off, his undershirt following swiftly. I turned around swiftly, my teeth pressed into my lips.

Damn, was he always this sexy?

"Unfortunately this is not a homely shower Claire and we don't have much time" Leon stated and I kept my back to him as I placed my jacket elsewhere. My black merino was pulled over my shoulder swiftly, the sound of Leon's shower running allowing me to feel even more nervous.

I stared at tile walls as my fingers lingered on the back of my bra, the item being removed with shaky hands. I was tempted to look behind me but the fact that he saw me as a kid he would not be looking at me. I had absolutely nothing to worry about.

The water was extremely cold and I believe with the madness this city fell into it was only fair for the station to suffer from technological faults. I kept my hair dry at all cost, my skin feeling far better than before beneath cold water. I believe Leon ended minutes before I did.

"I am on the outside" Leon stated and there was heat to my cheeks once again.

"Okay, I should be out in a few" I stated and when I believed it was safe enough I finally turned around and got dressed.

I turned the tap off and took a deep breath.

Internally I was on fire, it was hard to understand the ability to like and hate someone at the very same time. It was the feeling I experienced with the man who was in the other room, a man who could break me ten times over and make me weak to his words in the very same minute. I stared at my toes the moment I grabbed my towel, wet hair against my skin as I reflected on last night.

I was never one to be bothered by male affection yet here I was.

My first time was one I held no complaints about. Leon was extremely gentle in my experience and I believe as much as I wished not to admit it I would venture into the danger zone once again. Even with my most intimate area being sore I craved his touch, his words and his stare.

I took time in drying my hair properly, my palm moving over the moisture that existed on the mirror. I stared at my exposed cleavage and the towel around my body. Once I was able to see my reflection clearly I saw the love marks that Leon left on my neck and chest. I touched my lips, it was as though his kisses still lingered there.

I think they did.

I could not put meaning to what had happened between Leon and I. Sure, the line of friendship was like a glass that shattered but that also opened the conclusion that I should expect nothing from Leon. He should do the very same.

I exited the bathroom to find Leon packing supplies so I made my way towards my closet in silence. I sighed in disapproval the moment I began digging through it.

I was often one to do things without thinking about the consequences. I despised each and every fabric clutched between my fingers, my brows furrowing in utmost disapproval.

I was yet to find one; a comfort top and skinny jeans. I searched again until Leon decided that it was time to speak.

"Claire, we have to leave this part of the city and you are comparing outfits?" Leon asked and I was frustrated that I hadn't done my laundry. For someone who never wore dresses I surely had a lot of tiny dresses lying around.

"I am beginning to think you are a bad omen Leon, I was doing just fine before you showed up" I hissed and deep down it was the frustration of our argument a year ago. I truly wished to but I don't think it was possible to have him forgiven completely.

"I am offended Claire, I came by to apologize. an outbreak was far from expected" he stated and I rolled my eyes.

"And I thought I wouldn't accept your apology but I did so while handing over my virginity which was also unexpected. Damn, I am a fucking idiot I swear!" I hissed and when I was spun against my closet, dark gray eyes piercing my soul.

"If Racoon city wasn't a disaster and we met under different circumstances would you have trusted me enough to make that decision?" He asked and I took a deep breath.

"We are in the midst of a tragedy and that is what you wish to ask?" I asked in utmost shock and he released me slowly, his eyes lingering on my lips.

"Yes, it is so what is your answer?" he insisted and I was clueless as to why this was of great importance.

"If there was no Racoon city tragedy I don't believe we would have met Leon" I stated firmly as I bared my teeth while putting my dress on. I bared my teeth at the thought of wearing a sundress and boots, my hair being wrapped into a loose ponytail.

"You say that as though us meeting was a mistake, something you will regret for the rest of your life" he stared at me without an expression, my eyes on red riding boots that complimented my black dress quite well. When my eyes moved to his he was staring at the slender curves of my hips.

If Leon and I never met, would the world be so much different?

"I thought you of all people would understand why I wanted to expose those bastards for what they did" I would never let it go because nothing made sense. There was no reason as to why he would want to protect those that hurt us.

"You misunderstand-"

"When I thought we were friends you showed me exactly who you were, so yes, maybe it was a mistake" I did not care about the way he was looking at me right now.

Leon had me pinned against the closet once again, his left hand cupping my cheek.

"I was eliminating the risk of you getting hurt Claire. It was never a game of spite nor would I find pleasure in watching you stare at me with pain in your eyes" His voice was stern, my eyes desperately trying to find an understanding.

"What?" I shook my head in confusion, my fingers on Leon's chest.

"If you went out with that information you would have been an easy target for my enemies and yours" he said this with roaming eyes, my fingers remaining against his hard chest.

I would never let it go because nothing made sense. There was no reason as to why he would want to protect those that hurt us. This was never about the government and I felt foolish as I placed the pieces together.

Leon only cared about my safety. The hesitation I saw in his eyes was a result of his fear of handing out information that could possibly harm me.

Information that would cost me my very life.

"I was willing to sacrifice our friendship if it meant keeping you alive" Leon hissed the words and I knew it was a result of my wild assumptions. I was lost as to what came over me as I moved my fingers through his hair while he pulled my hips close to his.

We were kissing again as though the world was not going to end once again. My leg was raised against his hip as his free hand took hold of my throat, his tongue exploring every bit of my mouth.