•Thicker Than Blood•

•Chapter 27•

When Leon finally arrived back home, it was around five in the morning. That was half an hour till Sherry would wake up to get ready for school. Carefully, he turned the knob and went into the house. Claire could be seen sitting at the table, her tank top strap hung off her shoulder as her hands were running through her hair. She seemed stressed up until she saw Leon come through the door.

"Leon! You're back!"

Quickly, she jumped up from her spot at the table. She made her way to Leon and threw her arms around him. She practically knocked him off balance with the force of her crashing into him with the wave of affection and relief. She clung to him, burying her face against him for a good moment, taking in his scent as if it were something she truly missed. Leon looked down at her, wrapping his arms around her in return.

Before Leon could muster a word, Claire grabbed either side of his face and pulled him for a kiss. She pressed against him with a decent amount of force, clearly eager to finally be able to hold him in her arms again. She was shaking just slightly while she did as if she had been frightened. When she finally parted from him, he held her close to him with a concerned look on his face.

"Sorry I'm late. Something came up and I didn't get the chance to call you." Leon said, tilting his head to the side while he watched her.

"I was worried something bad had happened. I was just debating going to the station to see where you were. It was odd waking up alone... I'm really not used to it anymore." Claire said.

He chuckled under his breath. "I understand... Everything is fine. Though, there is something I need to talk to you about. We've got a little while before Sherry needs to wake up, right?"

"Yeah, what is it?"

Claire took Leon's arm and guided him over to the couch where the both of them sat down together. They sat side by side while Leon started to fidget with his thumbs. It was undeniable.  He was quite worried about how she would respond to the information. He didn't want to ruin anything with Claire for his new profession. He didn't want to hurt her or make her think any less of him.

"Well. I was pulled out of work by a few agents... They said they wanted to talk to me. When they pulled me out, they asked me about Raccoon City and how we survived the outbreak. Then, they offered me a job as an agent for the government." He said. "They said I'd have to complete training. But, I knew that would take me away from you and Sherry. So, they offered to make a small training facility here on the property. Where a trainer would visit three times a week until I was properly trained for missions." He explained, trying to keep his tone steady and slow.

Claire stared at him while he exp,aimed what was going on. The more he explained, the more nervous she seemed to become. Slowly, she started shaking her head as if to say it was a bad idea. They had had enough issues with big coronations. She already knew that the government wouldn't have the best ideas for the people. Leon wasn't that type of person. Leon actually cared about each individual life the world had to offer. The government wouldn't. They tried to cover up for the t-virus outbreak rather than actually help the people who endured it and lost it all!

Suddenly, she stood up from her place on the chair. She turned to face Leon head on for the conversation. Leon paused, gritting his teeth slightly as he knew his worries of her disapproval were coming true. Slowly, he stood up to meet her gaze. Claire had a stern look on her face as she shifted her weight into one leg. Her arms crossed over her chest while she watched Leon with a mix of disbelief and sorry in her face.

"Leon, government work doesn't suit you. It never will." She said,

"What do you mean? It's a bigger job. I'll be able to do more things and help more people than ever."

"The government doesn't care about individuals! They care about mass and numbers! They're never going to do what's best for the people... you could be covering up for things like the t-virus outbreak rather do anything to help it or acknowledge it!"

"That isn't how it'll be, Claire. Think about it. I can do more for you and Sherry this way. It's a much better paying job that'll give me even more advanced training. I'll be able to do so much more for the both of you. Can't you see?" He held his hands out to the sides, desperate for her to understand.

"Listen, Leon. I see where you are coming from when you say that. I know you want the best for us. I know you're trying to protect us. But, you're doing it at the expense of even more potential people! We could end up moving around a lot for these missions when your training is completed. What will that be for Sherry? She's finally got a stable life and is excelling in school. Do you really think she'll want to move around like that?" She questioned.

"It's a potential... I'd do everything in my power to try and bring that change from the inside. If anything, if I can manage to climb high enough in that food chain, I'll be able to make some real change, Claire! I know you would enjoy that. Besides, it can be up to Sherry. If she's comfortable enough, she can stay here with you. If she isn't, she can travel. You can stay or come along too. It doesn't have to be a certain way. I can make adjustments for you both to be comfortable."

Claire finally gave a heavy sigh. "You know what, Leon. If this is what will make you feel secure and happy with your career... I'm not going to stop you. I don't have any control over you whatsoever. Though, I really don't believe this is the best fit for you. Please be careful with that. Please be careful with your life because being an agent is some serious shit. I don't need to lose you. Sherry especially doesn't need to lose you." She said, reaching forward and grabbing his hands.

"I'm going to love you no matter what, Leon."

Leon watched her for just a moment before letting go of her hands and pulling her into a hug. He held the back of her head and ran his hand through her hair gently. He worked out a few knots and his fingers combed through her hair. Claire returned the hug, squeezing her eyes shut while her hands clutched the shirt on his back. She took a deep breath and tried her best to calm her mind.

"I'll do everything I can, Claire. I'm going to make sure it all ends up okay. You and Sherry will be protected. I won't let you down." He cupped her cheek lightly.

Claire leaned her head against his hand. "I know you won't."

They stayed like that for just a moment. Despite the seemingly calm moment, the both of them were still tense. Leon was anxious to have disappointed her. He knew she wasn't going to like the idea from the very beginning. He never wanted to disappoint her. He just wanted the best for them. Claire didn't approve of the new position. She had some major issues with the government and their agents. She didn't want Leon to change from the selfless hero she saw him as. He didn't want them to corrupt him. But... she decided she was going to trust Leon. Even if they didn't agree.

"Hey... it's five thirty. I think you better wake up Sherry..."

"Yeah, you're probably right... I'm on it." Claire leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. "I love you... agent."

"I love you too, red..."