Chapter Text
January 2018
“You ready for tomorrow?” Leon asked Claire, the pair standing outside her bedroom door at Chris’s house.
“Beyond ready,” Claire beamed, linking her arms behind his neck and ghosting her lips against his.
Leon cupped her cheek, pulling her closer and recapturing her lips in a brutal kiss.
“Really.. sleeping... couch?” Claire asked through kisses.
Leon chuckled, kissing her one more time before resting his forehead against hers. “You all were the ones saying it was bad luck.”
“It’s a stupid tradition based on when women weren’t sleeping with their fiances anyway,” Claire said, with another brief kiss. “It’s not like you’re seeing the dress or anything. I think it’s fine.”
“Well, when everybody throws a fit, I’m going to say you seduced me.”
“I can live with that.” Claire pulled away to open the door, leaning against it in invitation. “Plus, it’s our last chance to have non-married sex.”
“You strike a hard bargain, Redfield,” Leon laughed, following her into the room.
X
“Claire.”
“Claaire.”
Claire groaned. Somebody caressed a finger up and down her arm. “Claire...” the voice drew out her name with a melodic tilt.
“Hmm...?” she forced out, rolling over into Leon’s arms, her brain putting together whose voice it was.
“I figured I should sneak back out to the couch before everybody wakes up,” Leon said, kissing her forehead.
Claire blinked her eyes open, glancing past him at the clock that showed a quarter after five. “You’re up early.”
“Couldn’t sleep,” Leon said, his voice energized, unlike the other times he couldn’t sleep.
“I guess I’ll let you go,” Claire said, placing a lazy kiss on his chest.
“I’ll see you later. I’ll be the one at the altar,” Leon said happily, giving her a gentle kiss.
“I’ll be the one in the dress,” Claire grinned back, letting him leave her arms.
Once he was gone, she sunk into the bed, the overwhelming wave of joy, love, and anticipation settling over her when she realized it was her wedding day. The next time she saw Leon would be when she was marrying him. Claire gazed down at her ring, smiling to herself as she tried to force herself to go back to sleep.
X
“So Mister Groom, how are you feeling?” Sherry asked, sitting on the bench in the small room while Leon worked on tying his bowtie.
“Honestly, fine,” Leon said, frowning at the lopsided bowtie and starting again.
“You sure? That’s like the third time you’ve re-tied that.”
“I just... I want it to be perfect.” Leon was anxious and on edge, not about marrying Claire, far from it, but because he wanted the day to be perfect. He didn’t want the happiest day of his life ruined by a lopsided bowtie.
Sherry looked like she was gearing up to say more, but a loud, “Uncle Leon!” cut her off.
Leon spun around to see the blonde blur charging into the room and attaching himself to Leon’s leg, the four-year-old grinning up at him. “Hey buddy, where’s your mom?”
“Always 10 feet behind, apparently,” Ashley sighed, stepping into the room. “What did I tell you about running off?”
“Not too,” Stewart said, detaching himself from Leon’s leg and sitting beside Sherry on the bench.
“How’s everybody doing out there?” Leon asked.
“Good! Everybody was finding their seat when we came back. Henry’s saving us a couple of seats up front so I can stay with Stewart,” Ashley said, moving to fix Leon’s bowtie, the offending object half hanging from his neck since his last attempt was interrupted. “Though I think Hunnigan’s going to explode being at an event, she didn’t plan. I caught her upstairs, straightening centerpieces.”
“Of course she is,” Leon chuckled. “I told her to relax, should’ve known that wouldn’t happen.”
“Nope, so just know your soon-to-be wife is slowly killing her by not giving her any tasks to do,” Ashley grinned, finishing up his tie.
“I’ll keep it in mind,” Leon said, though he was more caught up in the giddy thrill the word ‘wife’ sent through him.
“Well, I mostly came for this,” Ashley said, grabbing the dark blue pillow sitting by the door. “Break a leg, or whatever you say to people getting married.”
“Thanks, Ash,” Leon chuckled.
Ashley pulled Stewart away from where he was talking Sherry’s ear off before leaving the room. Sherry resumed their conversation from earlier while pinning the boutonniere on Leon’s lapel. “You know the day’s going to be perfect no matter what, right? You won’t look back on this day and see crooked bow-ties or stray hairs.”
“When’d you get so wise?” Leon asked, taking her words to heart and taking a deep breath, trying to quell his nervous energy. He’d felt like a kid on Christmas being told he needed to wait a couple more hours to open his present all morning, but the wait was almost over.
“Somewhere along the way, I guess,” Sherry smiled, smoothing his lapel now that the burgundy and navy flowers were firmly in place.
“Thank you for all your help, kid,” Leon said, pulling her into a hug. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Sherry hugged him back. “Of course, I wouldn’t miss it.” The alarm on her phone went off, signaling it was time to go. Sherry pulled back. “Looks like it’s time. You ready?”
Leon motioned for the door. “Lead the way.”
X
Chris and Claire stood outside the door to the main part of the chapel. Stewart had just gone, Ashley leaving them alone with a thumbs up before skirting the edge of the guests to get to the front.
“Looks like he’s made it to the end of the aisle. Took a few detours, but mostly a straight line,” Chris grinned, peeking through the door. “You ready?”
“Yeah,” Claire said, ready to put an end to the anticipation.
“Before we go, I just... I’m proud of you,” Chris said, his eyes a little misty. She’d already gotten plenty of ‘congratulations’ and ‘I’m so happy for yous’, but this threatened to start the waterworks. “I know it’s hard, but with everything that’s happened, choosing to be happy despite it is the only real power we have.”
Claire hugged him, tears threatening to overflow as he hugged her back. “Thank you.”
“Love you, sis,” Chris said when she pulled away.
“Love you too, Bub,” Claire said, looping her arm through his. The music changed, signaling their time was up. She was next.
Claire was overwhelmed when she stepped into the room. All her loved ones gathered in one room, there for her and Leon. She forced herself to take everything in, Barry already dabbing at his eyes, Jill’s soft smile, Sherry almost vibrating with excitement, and Leon’s eyes locked on her, a watery smile on his face as he wiped at his cheek. Claire focused on that smile, never wanting to forget the look of adoration and love all for her; the rest of the room disappearing.
Chris squeezed her hand when they got to the end of the aisle, kissing her cheek before taking his place in the center. Claire handed Jill her bouquet and took Leon’s hands, everything settling into place at his touch. All the anxiety and anticipation disappeared, leaving only the love. “Hey, Rookie.”
An airy laugh escaped his lips, a shy smile taking over his face, reminding her even more of said Rookie. “Hey, Red.”
X
They couldn’t get out of the ceremony faster, both of them handsy as they made their way to the small room Claire got ready in. There were only a few minutes before they were needed back for pictures, but Leon wasn’t wasting an opportunity to have her to himself, even if just for a moment. “You’re so goddamn beautiful.” Leon trailed his lips from her mouth to her neck, his hand splayed out across her bare back, thankful for the backless dress.
“All for you,” Claire breathed.
Leon whined a true, almost embarrassing whine. If he’d not been ready to go already, those words alone would be enough. “Do we have to go back out there? Who needs receptions?”
“You didn’t want to elope,” Claire reminded him, pulling him away from her neck and keeping a hand on his cheek.
“You didn’t want to elope,” Leon argued. Honestly, he hadn’t either, but she’d been the adamant one.
“You wouldn’t get this dress if we’d eloped,” Claire said, shifting tactics.
Leon pictures her in a short white party dress in front of Elvis, and frankly, he thought he would have been fine either way, but there was something special about her in a proper wedding dress. The intricate patterns on the long-sleeved top and the flowing white skirt with a subtle train were simple but elegant. The dress hugged Claire’s figure in all the right places, and the open back threatened to drive him crazy.
His brain also knew celebrating with their friends and family was equally important, but his dick had different priorities.
A knock at the door ruined the moment. “The photographer’s ready for pictures,” Jill called through the door.
“Duty calls,” Leon sighed.
Claire pulled him in for another kiss before letting him go. “A taste for later.” She winked.
“God, I love you.”
“Love you too, husband,” Claire grinned.
X
Leon twirled Claire, her landing back in his arms in a fit of laughter. She’d not been sure how much dancing she’d get out of Leon, who was usually content to sit on the sidelines, but he’d surprised her, always ready to dance if she wanted. They’d spent a lot of the reception making the rounds and being corralled by Jill and Sherry, who were keeping all the activities on track, but once the cake was eaten, and the toasts given, they had time to enjoy the moment without distraction. They fell into an easy rhythm, Leon swaying her along to the music, his fingers trailing up and down her back. A laugh nearby caught Claire’s attention, and she looked over to see Sherry laughing in Jake’s arms, a look of pure awe on his face. Claire couldn’t help but smile. He was prickly and not always who’d she choose for Sherry, but anytime she doubted them, that look won her over.
“It’s kind of poetic,” Leon said, drawing her attention back to him. “Birkin and Wesker’s children spiting them in the best possible way; being happy.”
“And at a Redfield wedding,” Claire grinned. “I bet Wesker’s rolling in his grave.”
“Oh, definitely.”
Claire glanced around the rest of the crowd. Ashley and her husband dancing with Stewart on his hip, Barry and his wife dancing, and Moira and Poppy laughing off to the side. Chris even managed to convince Jill to join him for a dance; their heads close together as they said hushed words to each other. Claire worried it was something serious, but eased up when Chris cracked a huge grin.
It hit her this might be the last time for a while that all these people were together and happy. Everybody had started slowly cutting ties with the BSAA, and she’d already gotten the warning from Chris that he couldn’t hold out much longer.
“You’re doing it again.”
“What?” Claire looked back at Leon, a small crease between his brows.
“Focusing on the future when happy’s right here.”
Claire moved her hand from his, joining it with the other around his neck and pulled herself up to kiss him. “Thank you for always keeping me here.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” Leon said, kissing her again, his tongue exploring her mouth as he dipped her.
A whistle came from beside them, followed by more whistles and cheers. Leon pulled away, setting his forehead against hers, laughing softly at the commotion. “How close to leaving are we?”
“We’re getting there, don’t worry.”
“Good,” Leon said, then into her ear, “Because as beautiful as you look, I can’t wait to tear this dress off of you.”
“Back at ya, tiger,” Claire winked, tugging at his dusty blue jacket to bring his lips back to hers.
X
They said their goodbyes outside the chapel, trying to keep them short because of the brisk January air, and their want to get on to the next part of their wedding day, the limo taunting them while they talked. They moved through all the coworkers and friends quickly until all that was left was the core group.
“We should get going; we have a flight to catch,” Sherry said, hugging Claire. “I love you guys.”
“Love you, Sher,” Claire said, holding her close, before letting her move to hug Leon.
“Yeah, love you, Sher,” Leon echoed, kissing the top of her head.
Sherry moved back to Jake’s side. “I don’t have to hug you guys, right?” Jake asked.
“No, you’re good buddy,” Leon chuckled, patting Jake’s shoulder.
Jake still looked uncomfortable being there for the family moment, but he would have to get used to it, eventually. Sherry rolled her eyes and steered them towards the parking lot, calling over her shoulder, “Love you guys.”
“Congrats,” Jake said, with a two-finger wave.
“Still weird him just being around,” Chris said, watching them disappear.
“He’s a good kid,” Claires said simply, not wanting to get into that conversation. Chris and Jake tolerated each other, but things were still strained. “You guys heading out too? I don’t want to hurry you, but I’m freezing.”
“Yeah freezing, that’s the hurry,” Jill winked, getting a laugh out of Claire, but Leon shifted uncomfortably beside her while Chris groaned.
“On that note, we are definitely out of here,” Chris said, hugging Claire. His hug lasted a little longer, and he squeezed a little tighter than normal, the message loud and clear. “Love you, sis.”
“You too,” Claire said as he released her.
She shifted her attention to Jill, while Chris embraced Leon, uttering some corny older brother sentiment, with her only catching a snippet about looking after her. “If you need anything, I’m here,” Claire said, hugging Jill. They hadn’t discussed everything going on with Chris, but she knew it would likely be tougher for Jill than Claire.
“I know,” Jill said with a sad smile when she pulled away. “Same here.”
“See you guys later,” Claire said, returning to Leon’s side.
“See you later,” they echoed before leaving them alone.
Neither of them wasted any time getting into the limo. Leon confirmed the directions to the hotel with the limo driver, telling him to take his time getting there. They weren’t in a hurry.
Claire expected him to be raring to go as soon as they had a moment of privacy. Instead, he sat next to her, a dazed smile taking over his face. “What?”
“I just keep waiting to wake up,” Leon said, turning his face towards her. “But you’re still here.”
Claire hiked up her skirt, struggling some in the cramped space, and swung her leg over to straddle him. Leon’s hands grasped at her hips as she braced herself against the back of the seat. “I’m not going anywhere,” she promised, leaning down to kiss him.
“I know,” Leon said, cupping her cheek to bring her face back down to his, kissing her slowly, exploring her mouth like they had all the time in the world. No hurry; no rush. Sure, work and life would separate them again at some point. Claire knew they’d grown spoiled with Leon’s shoulder surgery, keeping him off the field, but none of that mattered. What mattered was at that moment, they had a lifetime together ahead of them.