Cleon - One Shots/AUs

So we meet again

Summary: Leon and Claire reunite after the events of Code Veronica.

Status of their relationship in this one shot: Mutuals/Friends.

Biting her lower lip, Claire waited impatiently. She's nervous, in all honesty, which is a feeling she hasn't felt for a very long time. She sighed deeply and tilted her head back, glancing upwards at the cloudy, gloomy sky. It looks it may rain, which only contributed to her stressed out mood even more.

Gandering down at her watch it read 10:45 - Leon is meant to be here at 10:50-11:00 am. That's what he said. His last message was about ten minutes ago and he hasn't replied since. Claire is sure he's busy driving, the city gets jam-packed, especially because people are either heading to work, or are coming back from dropping their children off at school.

Claire doesn't know why she's so on edge. It's more than likely because she hasn't seen Leon in a few months - not since their final day together in R.C and truth be told, they left off on an odd note. Claire had left him and Sherry behind so she could go and find Chris; Her brother was her main priority to begin with. However, she left them her number and P.O. address, feeling that was the best thing to do and given her funky luck, Claire had received a letter from Leon with both his address and his number.

That's how they decided to re-meet and catch up on some things. Claire was filled in a bit, mainly just that Claire was taken under the supervision of an older man named Derek Simmons who works for his own company and that Leon works for the government now, in a way he said he can't necessarily reveal. It feels weird. Claire just didn't expect all of this is all.

As she was in her own head, overthinking everything, the sound of a man calling out Claire's name was heard. Immediately, Claire halted her thoughts and completely froze up. It's definitely Leon - same voice and everything. Slowly yet surely, Claire turned around to see him and as she did, she saw a much more stark Leon standing before her, arms at his side and his head tilted.

Claire let out a shaky breath and smiled at him, it was almost a forced one. It's not that she doesn't want to see him, she does, she just feels guilty for how their final time went down and at that, re-meeting people is never easy.

"Leon." Claire said softly, making eye contact with him. "Hi." "Hey." Leon replied, reaching up and crossing his arms, gazing at her. This feels surreal. Truthfully, Claire didn't think she'd ever see Leon again.

Carefully, she ambled over to him and stopped before getting to close. She then glanced up and made eye contact. Seeing Leon's soft and innocent blue eyes go from that to... What they are now... Made her sad. He seems much more tired, maybe even broken. Claire sighed deeply and Leon uncrossed his arms before reaching over and grabbed Claire, pulling her into a hug.

Utter surprise - that's what Claire felt. She did not expect Leon to even touch her. Embracing it, Claire encased her slim fit arms around his waist and hugged him back, nestling her head against his chest. It just feels right. Why? She's unsure, but it does. Maybe it's due to a bond of sorts; Trauma bonds are real. Just between them, it feels like there's immense tension of sorts.

The hug didn't last long, only a few seconds but Leon inched away and let out a deep exhale. Claire looked up at him, her eyes slightly teary and tired. Leon's just appeared numb. "You okay?" Claire asked him with a concerned tone. "I am. This is just a bit... Different." "It is." Claire agreed with a nod.

After sitting in silence a little while longer, Leon reached into the pocket of his jacket and handed Claire a crinkled piece of paper. "Sherry knew I was coming to see you, so she wanted me to give you this." Claire took the paper and smiled. How sweet. Sherry is a sweetheart. "Really? That's so adorable." Claire laughed gently before setting the note into her purse, knowing she'll read it later.

Again, Leon spoke up, "Claire, I want you to know something right off the bat," he began. "I don't blame you for anything that happened - it was inevitable. Aside from that, I just need to to know Sherry really wants to see you again. I would have brought her with me but that Derek guy doesn't trust me yet, he says he'll allow you to meet Sherry... Either way, you owe it to her to go and see her; The kid looks up to you."

Those words hit Claire like a slap to the face. Owe her? He isn't wrong. Sherry went through hell and back in Raccoon City. Besides, Claire wouldn't mind seeing her again after all these months. "You are right, I do. And I will, I will go and see her." "Good." "I also did find my brother, Chris-" "I know," Leon chuckled and nodded, "I got a hold of him."

That's right. He did. Claire recalls that now.

A lovely smile appeared on Claire's face and she leaned against her car. "Yeah, that's right. You did. Thank you again, truly. You helped a lot." "It's no issue. I know you were desperate to find him." "That I was." Claire laughed and tilted her head. "Where is he now?" "Off and about with his friend Jill." Claire snorted. "The second we got home it was, "What's Jill's new number? Have you talked to her? I miss her." So, it was bound to happen." "Right." He chortled in response.

Another course of silence washed over their conversation. It wasn't an awkward silence but rather a sort of peaceful one. "Leon, I'd really love if me and you stay in contact after all of this." What Claire said was sort of blurted out, but she meant it. Leon agreed. "Me too. Just keep my number and address, we'll always be able to find one another." "Of course."

They then stood there before Claire prompted they grab a bite to eat.

"Are you hungry or anything? There's a good breakfast spot up town, my treat." She sat up fully again, setting her hands into the pocket of her leather jacket. "Oh? Yeah, sure, let's go get something to eat then." "Great, we can take my car." Claire stated.

This is good; Catching up after all of this time is great.

Both of them feel a sense of happiness and warmth, despite everything.