#cleonweek2024

[lysa1201]

I am NOT late, I would NEVER…

Cleon Week 2024 day 2 “Behind Bars” 💖

“Claire! It is so nice to see you…”

“Leon! We gotta stop meeting like this…”

[executivenerd]

Heads up Cleon Week is in the works for next month! More information coming soon ❤️

[pinkertinn]

Getting in the Mood for CleonWeek with a Leon Study: How Each Version of Leon Would React to Claire Asking for the D

It’s almost CleonWeek, which means it’s time to dive deep into our favorite couple—Claire and Leon! Now, while Claire’s been consistently badass throughout the years, Leon... well, Leon’s gone through quite the glow-up (and occasional glow-down). Depending on the game, movie, or platform, he’s either a fresh-faced rookie or a grizzled veteran with a questionable amount of hair gel and alcohol in his system.

So, let’s play a little game and imagine how the many different versions of Leon would react to the ultimate request:

Claire asking for the D. Ready? Here we go!

(18+ MDNI) Rookie, Vendetta, Death Island Leons below the cut.

Rookie Leon

Claire: (in a low, frustrated voice) “Leon… I need you to fuck me.”

(Leon blinks, caught completely off guard by the directness. His eyes widen, and his mouth opens as if he’s about to say something but no words come out. A flush creeps up his neck, and he runs a hand through his hair awkwardly.)

Leon: “W-Wait, what? You—uh… I mean, are you… serious?”

(His voice cracks slightly, his usual composure shattered. He shifts his weight from one foot to the other, looking at Claire like he's not sure if he's supposed to laugh, panic, or melt on the spot.)

Claire: (staring at him intensely, biting her lip) “Yes. I’m serious.”

(Leon swallows hard, his heart pounding. His thoughts race, the tension between them electric and undeniable. He takes a small step toward her, still unsure if this is really happening.)

Leon: “I… I mean, if you really… Are you sure you’re okay? I just—wow. Okay.”

(He lets out a nervous laugh, his voice trailing off, but there’s a heat in his eyes now as he looks at her, his uncertainty melting into something much bolder.)

Leon: “Because if this is what you want… I’m not gonna say no.”

(His hands move to her waist, hesitantly at first, before pulling her close, the tension between them snapping like a thread pulled too tight.)

Vendetta Leon

Claire: (Her voice low and breathless, eyes dark with desire.) “Leon… I need you to fuck me.”

(Leon pauses mid-movement, his sharp blue eyes locking onto hers. There’s a flicker of surprise, but it’s quickly replaced by something darker, more primal. He straightens up, rolling his shoulders slightly, that familiar cocky smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.)

Leon: (voice low and gravelly) “You sure about that, Claire?”

(He steps closer, his presence intense, radiating heat and confidence. His hand brushes along her arm, almost teasingly slow, as he leans in, his lips inches from hers. He watches her, his gaze hard and penetrating, waiting for her to give in completely.)

Claire: (She holds his gaze, unflinching, her voice almost a growl.) “Yeah, I’m sure.”

(Leon’s smirk deepens. He grabs her waist with a sudden roughness, pulling her against him. His breath is hot against her ear as he speaks.)

Leon: “Good… because I don’t do anything halfway.”

(Without another word, he kisses her, hard and hungry, all hesitation gone as he pushes her back against the wall. His hands roam her body with purpose, his grip firm, and his movements decisive—like a man who knows exactly what he wants and how to get it.)

Death Island Leon

Claire: (Her voice low, a mix of frustration and longing.) “Leon… I need you to fuck me.”

(Leon freezes, his usual stoic expression faltering for a second. He stares at her, processing the words, clearly caught off guard. His eyes narrow slightly as if trying to gauge if she really means it, the weight of everything between them hanging heavy in the air.)

Leon: (in a quiet, serious tone) “Claire… are you sure?”

(There’s no smirk, no cockiness—just raw intensity in his eyes as he steps closer. He’s cautious, almost hesitant, like he’s fighting the tension in his own body. His hand hovers near her waist, not quite touching her, waiting for her to confirm what they both know is about to happen.)

Claire: (She steps closer, her eyes locked on his, unwavering.) “Yes. I’m sure.”

(Leon lets out a slow breath, his face softening, though his jaw tightens with the restraint he’s trying to maintain. He moves in, his hand sliding to her hip, firm but careful, as if he's trying not to lose control too fast.)

Leon: (his voice low and husky now, eyes searching hers) “Alright… but this isn’t just some moment we’ll forget about. You know that, right?”

(He pulls her closer, his grip tightening, and the intensity between them spikes as his lips brush against hers. He holds back for just a second longer, searching her face for any doubt, before finally giving in, his kiss deep, desperate, and laced with all the emotion he’s been holding back.)

Leon: (murmuring against her lips) “I’ve wanted this for a long time, Claire…”

[drhighhopess]

Similarities

A Claire x Leon fanfiction

Word count : 2.6k

Chapter : 1/1

Type : sfw

a/n : this was made for cleon week (may not be on theme.. but im still wanting of participation) currently i'll try to squeeze in a fic or two. If so they'll probably less in length. for this fanfiction my whole idea was to show how Leon and Claire relate to one another with past, with trying add who they are today with it! Advice is always appreciated <3, also if enjoyed leave a kudo on ao3. (All pictures from pinterest)

A few footsteps could be heard from the otherside of the door. Practically like a broken record, was he going crazy? Not like anyone could blame the blonde. Each time he went onto a plane just to know he may not come back. Why risk it all?

Only if I decided to not go to the RPD.

Those words ran in his mind more than he'd like to admit.

Maybe it was wrong, all of it. It wasn't like anyone cared. Since Leon was little he was alone. No five year old expected seeing the person who they looked up to killed in front of his eyes. He was only a kid, and didn't even start kindergarten yet. People took him, barely could even process what happened. Speaking to him in a language he couldn't understand. Where was his mom? The woman he loved dearly. He was always a mama’s boy since he could remember. He has a good memory of his childhood inside of Italy from how quickly it changed. There wasn’t even a full concept of life and death to him yet. Especially not at the ripe five.

He remembers his mom, his dad.

Would they be proud of what their son became?

It wasn’t his concern, at least wasn't for now. Why ask a question for a non existent answer. Or he was just meant to be selfish. He couldn’t see all he gave to everyone. If he had the choice to never plan to move to the RPD and stay in Pennsylvania. Simply take a job opportunity out there, never know the fucked up shit he does. He would take it, he hated that he knew how selfish it would be. Even knowing he would never meet Sherry or Claire. Maybe he only thinks like this when he thinks about his situation. Even then when he sees the smile on either girl's faces. He surely doesn’t regret it, or at least as much. Why lie, he's sure they both hate how they ended up in the past six years. He is sure they'd be perfectly fine without him. Who wasn’t anyway?

The apartment door opened, revealing a certain redheaded girl. The bags in her hands pushed against one another. Her back pressed against the door to close it.

“You still up for movie night?” Claire asked, the look on her face said everything. The small smile that crept on her lips. The gentle way they curved in his sight. A soft giggle left her mouth. placing the bags filled with snacks she picked up on her way on the counter of his apartment, before going to lock the front door.

“I'm not taking no for an answer, Kennedy” Claire made clear, her voice firm. Leon knew there was no way he'd get to convince her another night. Just for them to cuddle to sleep instead.

“..Assumed so,” He muttered, leaning his head against the couch. He sat onto the couch, his legs spread apart.

“What's up?” Claire asked, moving over to forget about the bags. She went to Leon on the couch. Moving over to him to take a seat.

“Sorry, just a shitty day.. my mood is fucked up.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

“Rather wouldn't”

Claire sat there, she looked into his eyes but it didn't even feel like she was inside the same room as him. He practically didn't include her in his space. Like being in an alone room. Just.. he was sitting right next to her.

“Can you not do that?”

“Do what?”

“Make me feel like I'm unimportant”

“Claire you're not, you know this.”

Claire paused, she usually didn't hear him say her actual name. Unless she's being difficult or something. There were a few exceptions, “So we're throwing Red out the window?”

“No, I never said that”

There was absolutely no need for a reply. The redhead couldn't even be bothered. He randomly wanted to treat her like this so be it. She gently got up from the couch. Moving over to their bedroom. Ignoring the bags on the table, meant for them to have some snacks. Lightly pressed the door shut, letting go of the door handle. Pulling her pants off, moving over to her side of the dresser. Finding a pair of shorts to wear. Then a drawer down there was a tank top she wouldn't mind using as pajamas.

.

A couple of hours passed, and a light but delicate knock could be heard. The blonde wasn't in his mood anymore. He felt slightly guilty for pushing his feelings onto her. She just wanted to hang out with him, isn't that what girlfriends do?

Sometimes it was mind blowing to Kennedy she actually loved him. Considering we were talking about Claire Elizabeth Redfield, he couldn't truly believe it. More so because everything he sees in her. A year ago that would have been his best friend living somewhere in California. Recently, it has been rocky. Claire at first was hesitant on moving to the other side of the country. It's a huge change, not to forget with the humidity in the east. Even then she was willing to make that sacrifice for Leon. She didn't expect for the change to hit her as hard as it did. She grew up in the east, inside New York. It wasn't much different from humidity wise.

Leon came from a mission a couple weeks ago, it's the main reason why he's so irritable. She knew he meant no harm, he's just isolating himself. It's a natural tactic they both use every once in a while. It's just.. hard. She just made a big change, now she's living with him. Plus she transferred departments.

Leon entered their room, after knocking, just to make her aware he'd be entering. She seemed awake, just faking being asleep. If anything, at least trying to actually go to bed. He slipped his way under the covers. Wrapping his arms around her waist from behind the woman. Her heat radiated to him. He didn't have to dream or fantasize Claire being his.

She was his.

Just like he is hers.

Leon had no idea that he'd be in a relationship again. He had hookups occasionally. If he was honest not many, he didn't like sex without emotional connection.

His breath caressed her neck, moving his lips to release a gentle whisper, “You up?”

“Yeah” Claire replied, her voice didn't seem sleepy if anything. The emotion coming from it was more hurt than anything.

“I'm sorry, for being difficult”

“Don’t worry about it” Claire mumbled, turning her body around to face him. Leaning over his frame, before going in for a soft peck. His hands moved over to her waist. Leons fingers rested on the soft skin they possessed under them. His hands guided her onto his hips, the movement encouraging the blonde to sit up against the headboard. Feeling her thighs wrapped around him, Claire remained in a straddling position. Her hand rested on his face, leaning in to kiss him once more.

First it was one kiss.

Then two.

And then three.

A soft groan left Leon's mouth. Any of the stress he built up from the couple past weeks was gone. The woman broke the kiss, moving over to pull off her shirt. The piece of clothing was discarded onto the floor with no ounce of regret.

She looked amazing with it, but even better without it

.

The thin piece of sheet that covered Claire’s body felt comforting in a sense. The feeling of being protected and held safe. It wasn’t something she got, since late childhood she was practically alone. When her parents passed away Chris made the choice at seventeen to go to the air force since he knew he had to be the one to support his little sister. In the meantime Claire was only in the 6th grade. The day before she had her mom and dad, she had her parents. They loved each other, and in one night it was taken away. At first she had denial, it was like a situation you'd see in movies. My mom and dad are dead? No way. They were just alive this morning. Once it hit that she’d never see either of them again it sunk. That she really was moving in with her aunt. At first it wasn’t a problem, she loved her aunt. Even then everything was different, so different it hurt and wasn’t fair. Waking up, not seeing her dad sitting on the couch. Neither could have seen her mom cooking breakfast once more. It was a memory she could have never imagined to be taken away so quickly. Afterwards she became angry, upset, mad, jealous, envious.

It wasn’t fair

Nothing is fair, Claire

Throughout the years she learned no one really cared. She only had herself to depend on. She liked taking care of herself. It made her feel powerful with an advantage. No one had the right to tell her what to do and what she should do. Picked the wrong group of friends, learned habits she wished she didn’t. It made her feel… better. She had a place to finally fit in, even if it meant at fifteen constantly being caught with alcohol.

I'm practically grown. Who cares?

Now she's a decade older and realizes how young she truly was to be fifteen. How she was making so many ridiculous choices for what? She had all the time in the world. She learned how much she truly was just a kid.

How she gave her aunt a hard time, she could tell the woman didn’t like her as much throughout the time she lived with her. In full honesty, shocked she held out until Chris came back. Allowing her to live inside her house until Chris arrived home. To Claire's surprise, he wasn’t even there his full time. They discharged him. There was no more back in forth notes. She would miss them in full honesty. Notes were like the one thing that kept her feeling like she had someone that cared for her. Still she knew there was no missing the letters if it meant seeing Chris again.

Claire noticed the absence of space next to her in the bed. Before sitting up, looking at the floor to find her clothes.

Weird, Leon's must've already got dressed.

Her feet hit the cold hardwood tile. Standing up from the bed. Picking up her clothes, before moving over to her closet. Putting them in the dirty clothes basket. Looking over to the bathroom. Opening the door, before turning on the turning the switch up. The light filled up the room. Before turning on the shower, waiting a couple of seconds for it to get warm. Moving over to grab her towel. Setting it on the bathroom counter.

After she got into the shower she closed the curtain. The redheaded girl felt the warm water on skin. She tilted her head back, letting her hair get wet in the process. A breath of air left her mouth. Showering was probably her favorite part of the day. The water caressing her skin, each drop ran down her whole entire body. Giving a sense of comfort, the action made her feel better each time. After fifteen minutes her hand went to turn off the water, each drop hit the tub. Before she grabbed her towel and stepped out of the bathroom. Putting on the clothes she set out for herself prior to taking a shower. Once dressed Claire went back into the bathroom do to what she usually did,

Brush her teeth.

Wash her face,

And put on deodorant.

This time she felt like straightening her hair. She's always had loose curls. It became a normal habit to straighten her hair. Even if she didn’t do it much for work. At least when she was on missions, there was not a need for her to just sweat her hair out. If there was an event or possibly a meeting she liked having her hair straightened, it made her look prettier in her own opinion.

Obviously Leon would have disagreed.

She was beautiful no matter what, one of the prettiest women he knew.

“You know what.. I'm still up for that movie?” Claire turned around, her body now covered in clothes. The tank top that stuck to her skin like glue, then the pair of shorts she put on.

“Really?”

“Yeah, your pick”

“..Okay there's this movie that came out a couple of months ago and I wanted to watch it with you.”

Claire smiled, before continuing, “Did you get the chance to see The Notebook?”

.

All the lights were turned off, the blinds were closed. Everything except the light from the TV. Including the reminder of daylight with the small bits of light seeping from the window. They sat together looking at the screen, having a moment just purely with one another. Leon was less focused on the movie itself, if anything he was focused on the woman next to him. Taking subtle glances at her face. Even if he wasn't a total big fan of romance he'd watch it if it meant making her smile. Just getting to spend some time with the woman he loved was enough, and truly all he could've asked for. Especially with how much he knew she loved spending time with someone. Not just that, but the people in her life she genuinely cared for intensely.

The redhead had her head on his shoulder, his arm rested around her waist. The blanket carefully draped around both of them. Every moment she was with Leon she learned how much they could relate to one another. Not only from the past, the feeling of losing a parent so young. Being failed by everything you knew and having to be there for yourself. Knowing the struggle mentally and emotionally. It wasn't an experience many could relate to.

As well with how they met, meeting in a time in life where everything went upside down. It was where they both needed someone to rely on and trust.

That there was a sense of trust they gave each other.

Leon would be lying if he said he didn't wonder how he would've met her, if not Raccoon City. There wasn't a doubt he wouldn't have met the woman he fell in love with. The same feeling he's never felt so intensely, the same one he never thought he could feel like he did today.

She made it possible.

He knew she could relate to him with childhood, the pain they both faced at the time. Not only that but understand how the Raccoon City Incident affected them both. How they went through it together. The emotional roller-coaster was difficult, but having someone else by your side makes it better.

Leon turned his head to the side to look at her face, shifting his body slightly so Claire would look up at him. Moving her head from his shoulder, her eyes moved to his face, curious.

“You alright?” The redhead asked, before being met with a warm feeling against her lips. Leon pressed his lips on hers once more, before letting go.

“Yeah, I'm fine.. I love you, Red.”

“Love you too, hotshot”

[erelarradekarios]

Day 2: behind bars

[walleyedfoca]

Cleon Week Day 4 Fic!

Prompt: Nighttime Car Rides (please read the tags lol...)

[veebloomshere]

day 4 “Nighttime Car Rides”

Alternative universe but they still save people’s lives ☺️

[lysa1201]

Cleon Week 2024 Day 1 for Key to Her Heart 🤪🤪

[executivenerd]

Super excited to officially announce the prompts for Cleon Week 2024!! It will be September 24th through the 30th, and we can't wait to see what great stuff everyone comes up with this year!!

Please tag all works #cleonweek2024

*graphics made by the lovely @tyanis/@walleyedfoca

[executivenerd]

Cleon Week starts today (or tomorrow)! Hope to see lots of art, fics, edits and everything else you guys come up with!

Reminder of the prompts and rules

[pinkertinn]

CleonWeek2024 - The Night We Met

It's their anniversary.

Title: So, How Did You Two Meet? Summary: Not all love stories start with "Once Upon A Time..." WordCount: 1,000 Cross posted to AO3

Leon and Claire are often asked how they met, but they never divulge the truth. They wish they could weave a tale of a secret, romantic encounter, cloaked in moonlight and whispered promises, but the reality is far less enchanting. Their story began on the worst day of their lives. It was a night marred by chaos and heartbreak. Leon, in the midst of that turmoil, fell for someone else—an affection that was tragically short-lived, extinguished before dawn.

The night they first crossed paths was anything but romantic. When the darkness finally lifted, and they emerged from the wreckage, they were a tangled mess of blood, bruises, and gunshot wounds. They clung to each other with a desperate urgency, trying to find solace amidst the carnage. Their arms wrapped around Sherry, they huddled together, their primary focus being to keep her warm and safe. They were lost, unsure, and simply doing their best to survive.

“So how did you two meet? You’re such a cute couple!” someone at the PTA meeting asked, their eyes bright with curiosity.

Leon and Claire exchanged a knowing glance, ready to dive into their playful routine. Leon leaned in with a grin. “Well, we actually met at a strip club.”

Claire’s eyebrows shot up, and she stepped on Leon’s foot under the table with a mischievous smile. “Yeah, Leon was the stripper.”

The lady’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Seriously? Was it for a friend’s bachelorette party or something?”

Leon jumped in with a flourish, his voice laced with playful exaggeration. “Oh, no, no! Claire was actually there for her own bachelorette party. I was the star attraction—a real ‘showstopper,’ if you catch my drift.”

Claire chuckled, shaking her head. “And let me tell you, his dance moves were so unforgettable that I forgot all about my fiancé.”

The lady blinked, her expression a mix of confusion and skepticism. “Charming,” she said, her tone a touch disbelieving as she turned to walk away.

Leon and Claire watched her go, stifling their laughter. Once she was out of earshot, Claire leaned closer to Leon, her voice low and teasing. “We really have to come up with a more believable story for the next time.”

Leon grinned, his arm slipping around Claire’s waist, pulling her close. “Or maybe we just keep having fun with it. Who knows? Maybe someone will actually believe it one day.”

Claire’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she tilted her head, pressing her body slightly against his. “Come on, showstopper. Let’s get this show on the road so you can show me some of those moves at home.”

Leon’s grin widened, a playful glint in his eyes. He gave her a mock salute, his tone dripping with teasing obedience. “Yes, ma’am!”

Claire’s laughter was warm and inviting, her fingers trailing lightly over his chest as she leaned in closer. “I hope you’re ready to bring your A-game. I’m looking forward to seeing just how talented you really are.”

Leon’s gaze lingered on her, the playful tension between them palpable. “Oh, you’re in for a treat. I’ll make sure our living room gets a performance it won’t forget. Do you know I can do backflips?”

Claire’s mouth fell open in surprised shock as they walked toward the door.

They stepped outside, and as the cool night air enveloped them, the lighthearted mood began to shift. The drive home was filled with comfortable silence, the kind that spoke volumes. The soft hum of the engine was a quiet backdrop to their unspoken thoughts.

Claire glanced at Leon, her eyes reflecting the soft streetlight glow. She thought about how their playful banter was a shield, a way to mask the weight of their shared history. Every teasing remark and laugh was a reminder of how they navigated through their darkest hours, how they had to cling to each other just to survive.

Leon’s grip on the steering wheel was firm, but his thoughts were far away, tangled in memories of that night. He recalled the chaos, the blood, and the fear. The struggle to protect each other, to keep Sherry safe. The harsh reality of their first meeting contrasted sharply with the lighthearted facade they presented now.

As they pulled into their driveway, the weight of their past seemed to settle over them once more. The living room, with its inviting warmth, seemed like a sanctuary—a space where they could momentarily escape the shadows of their history.

Claire’s eyes softened as she looked at the house. She thought about the truth of their meeting, the raw and unvarnished reality that had shaped them. Sometimes, it was easier to pretend, to weave playful stories, rather than dwell on the darkness that had come before. The laughter they shared was a balm for the scars they carried.

Leon met her gaze, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. He understood the unspoken truth—their lives had been irrevocably changed, and the battles they fought were ongoing. But in their moments of joy and lightheartedness, they found solace, a reminder of the love and resilience that had emerged from their trials.

“I don’t love the way or the night we met,” she said softly, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “But I love you.”

Leon’s heart ached at the sincerity in her words. He reached out, his hand gently cupping her face. Her gaze held his, and in that moment, he saw all the battles they had fought, all the strength they had found in each other.

Without a word, Leon closed the distance between them, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was both tender and profound. It was a kiss that spoke of their shared history, their pain, and the deep, unwavering love that had emerged from it all.

Sometimes the worst night of your life can still be your best.

[pinkertinn]

CleonWeek Day3 - I Hope You're Happy

Title: If it Makes You Happy, it Can't Be That Bad

Summary: “You were that song I never forgot the lyrics to.”

WordCount: 1,000 Cross posted to AO3

The invitation had been sitting on Claire’s kitchen table for weeks now, its presence almost mocking in its pristine white envelope. She hadn’t opened it when it first arrived, hadn’t needed to. The neat cursive spelling out her name—Claire Redfield—was enough. It had come like a final punctuation mark to a story she had convinced herself wasn’t finished. But now, as she stared at it once more, the realization hit her with brutal clarity.

Leon was getting married.

She knew it would happen eventually. Over the years, she had tried to picture it in her head: Leon in a suit, standing at the altar with someone else, a smile that wasn’t meant for her. Still, the real thing cut deeper than she expected. There had been chances, so many moments where things could’ve been different, where she could have said or done something to make them more than what they were. They had always danced around the edge of something real, lingering in the tension of shared glances, too-long touches, and quiet confessions that never crossed the threshold of full honesty.

But she didn’t go to the wedding. She couldn’t.

Sitting alone in her apartment that day, Claire tried not to think about the ceremony, but every time she closed her eyes, she imagined it. Leon, looking sharp in his tux, his eyes softening as he gazed at his bride—someone who wasn’t her. She thought of all the nights they spent together, not in a romantic sense, but in that space of unspoken closeness. The missions, the late-night calls, the drinks they shared when the weight of the world felt unbearable. She thought about the way his eyes always found hers first, even in a crowded room, and how, for a while, that had been enough.

But there were missed chances, so many. There was the time she could have told him how she felt, that night after a near-death mission when they sat by the fire, both exhausted but alive. He had looked at her, really looked at her, like he was waiting for something. But the words had stuck in her throat, and she had let the moment pass. And again, years later, when they found themselves alone in a hotel room, both of them teetering on the edge of something they refused to name. She had wanted to close the distance between them, to take his hand, to say let’s try. But she didn’t.

She never did.

Now, a decade later, they bumped into each other by sheer accident. Claire was coming out of a coffee shop when she saw him, standing on the corner with his family. The world seemed to freeze around her as her eyes locked onto him, taking in the sight she had never really prepared herself for. Leon was older now, but the years had been kind to him. His face had more lines, his hair was dusted with gray, but his smile—it was the same. He stood with a woman she assumed was his wife, her hand resting lightly on his arm, and two children who clung to their father, their eyes bright and innocent.

It was a sight that felt like a punch to the gut.

Leon saw her almost immediately, his expression faltering for just a second before the smile returned, more hesitant now. He excused himself from his family and walked toward her, his steps slower than she remembered. Claire’s heart was pounding in her chest, and she cursed herself for not being more prepared for this moment.

“Claire,” he said, his voice warm but cautious. “It’s been a long time.”

She forced a smile, trying to keep her emotions in check. “Yeah. A long time.”

There was so much she wanted to say. How are you? Do you ever think about what we could’ve been? Are you happy? But none of the questions made it past her lips. Instead, she stood there, feeling the weight of all those missed chances pressing down on her chest, the years of silence between them thick like a barrier she couldn’t cross.

He glanced back at his family, his wife laughing softly as she held their youngest child’s hand. The sight of them together made Claire’s throat tighten, and suddenly, the words she hadn’t planned on saying slipped out, raw and unfiltered.

“I hope you’re happy.”

Her voice cracked, and she hated herself for it. But it was the only thing she could say without falling apart.

Leon’s smile faded, replaced by something softer, almost regretful. He looked at her for a long moment, and in his eyes, she saw a flicker of something—maybe the same thing she felt. Regret, sadness, the weight of everything they never said to each other.

“I am,” he said quietly, but there was a hesitance in his tone. “I hope you are too.”

She nodded, even though it wasn’t true, even though the words felt like sand slipping through her fingers. She could’ve had more. They could’ve been more. But now, it was too late.

As he turned to rejoin his family, Claire stood there, watching him walk away, a bittersweet ache settling in her chest. She could see it now—the life he had built, the happiness he had found. And she wondered, not for the first time, if she had ever really stood a chance, if there had ever been a moment where they could’ve been more than two people who crossed paths in the chaos of their lives.

She turned away, swallowing the lump in her throat, and walked back into the coffee shop. The door swung shut behind her, but the weight of all the things unsaid lingered, like a shadow that would follow her for the rest of her life.

[drhighhopess]

Cleon Week 2024

A Claire x Leon fanfiction based on the themes for cleon week (24th-30th of September) each chapter represents the day we are going off

theme : The Key to Her Heart

Word count : 705

Chapter : 1 / 7

Type : sfw

a/n : before you start the fanfic I want to address some background info just in case. In this fic there is never a Raccoon City Incident. Meaning Claire and Leon are getting a regular go for their relationship. As well with each chapter may have a different timeperiod of cleon, if so will be stated. They all will be completely different and not related to one another.

The sounds of people laughing could be heard from the whole carnival. People stood with their loved ones, being able to enjoy the moments and memories to be formed. The same ones they could laugh and smile about later on, in a day or two, maybe even a year, or their last moments. It was the best thing about spending time with someone that makes you day, especially doing something that made both or all of you happy.

The December cold flowed throughout Raccoon City. Claire took a soft breath out, seeing the air she breathed out from her mouth. A small but simple reminder on how cold it truly was.

The man that stood next to her took her out on a date. They've had a couple throughout the time they met. It was around the end of September, when Claire went to meet her brother Chris, one of the STARS members in his building. It was just his first day, she made a comment about him. It was snarky, if he was honest it bothered him at the time.

He definitely doesn't mind the comment she made today.

A month after they met he asked her out on a date. Finding out she lived in New York where her college was, which would mean she wouldn't see him often. Even then throughout that month she was conveniently always in Raccoon. A part of him believed it was because of him, or at least he truly wished it was. The opportunity gave him a chance to learn about who she was. Knowing what she liked,

her favorite color,

her favorite food,

or even her favorite number.

Now it's officially been the first month, she was out of college for winter break. Since she was staying at his place instead of her brothers for the first time he wanted to spend some quality time with the redhead.

Claire had her fingers intertwined with his, they walked together throughout the park. Looking and wondering whether they should pick another ride.

“Can we get hot chocolate?”

“Whatever you want, Red” Leon spoke, the smile creeping from up under his face. Before slightly shaking his head to cover up his excitement.

Kennedy took his wallet from his back pocket. Turning over to find some cash inside of its contents, “May we please get two hot chocolates?”

.

The two went over to the carnival games, seeing some plushies available to win at the stands.

“Oh shit that's Mr Raccoon” Claire smiled, the ends of her lips turned up. Seeing the animal that represented the city was pretty cool.

Yeah it was practically Leon's goal to win it now, this was a moment she'd remember for every part of their relationship. It's one of the very few first dates. Considering the fact that it's pretty early on, he wants to make it just as memorable as possible.

Plus, once Claire goes back to her dorm room she'll have the stuffed animal with her, to think of him when she looks at it.

.

“He looks so damn weird I love it..” The redhead examined. It was weird, maybe since the guy who won it for her was Leon. Also the thing was cute. It wasn't your average teddy bear.

And yeah, he definitely won it.

Even if that means it took over five times.. she had a good laugh. In the end the college student ended up with a huge stuffed animal to carry around for the rest of the night.

Or.. being the gentleman he was, he offered to carry it for her. Even with the resistance she clearly displayed, he ended up holding it for the night.

And, maybe he was right.

Just maybe when she went back home to her roommate.

Back to her best friend, the same girl she ranted about the whole two weeks she spent with Leon.

She thought about him each time she saw the stuffed animal, it was like the key to heart. Leon's actions were such a small gesture that stuck. And those actions caused her to have one more reason out of thousands and thousands of all of them that made her crush on him. And maybe even love him now.

[pinkertinn]

CleonWeek - Day2 (Behind Bars)

Title: From Protein Bars to Behind Bars Summary: Do you get Deja Vu, huh? WordCount: 1,500 Cross posted to AO3

Leon and Claire were no strangers to sticky situations, but this? This was a whole new level of absurd. Standing side by side in a police station, hands cuffed in front of them, Leon's brow furrowed deeper than usual, while Claire looked almost relaxed, her lips curling into a half-smirk as she gave the room a once-over.

“I can’t believe we’re here,” Leon muttered, his voice tinged with stress as he glanced at Claire.

“Well,” Claire tilted her head with a casual shrug, “you did punch a bouncer.”

Leon glared at her, his lips pressing into a tight line. “He was rude. And you were the one who started the argument. Besides, I didn’t punch him; it was an accident.”

Claire raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the moment. “Oh, right. Because telling him his ‘no outside food’ policy was outdated totally deserves a punch in the face.”

“I didn’t punch him because of the policy!” Leon snapped. “You were holding up the line with that ridiculous protein bar, and when I tried to grab it from you, I elbowed that moron.”

Claire’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she giggled. “Hey, it’s not every day you find organic, gluten-free protein bars. And it was five bucks!”

“Five bucks or not,” Leon said, rubbing his temples in frustration, “you shouldn’t have made such a scene.”

Claire leaned back against the wall with a grin. “Oh, come on, Leon. I wasn’t making a scene. I was just trying to enjoy my snack. After everything we’ve been through, it’s important to have some herbs and protein bars. What’s the big deal?”

Leon threw his hands up in exasperation. “The big deal is that we’re now sitting in a holding cell over a snack bar! Do you know how ridiculous this is?”

Claire shrugged nonchalantly. “I’d argue it’s a testament to our adventurous spirit. We’ve faced down biohazards and escaped from prisons. This is just another story for the books.”

“Yeah,” Leon muttered, “a story about how you single-handedly ruined our night out.”

Claire’s smirk widened. “Oh, don’t be so melodramatic. I’d say it’s more of a ‘How We Ended Up in a Holding Cell Over a Snack’ kind of tale. And let’s be honest, it’s one of our more amusing escapades.”

Leon rubbed his forehead in frustration. “I can’t believe I’m going to have to explain this to the director tomorrow. ‘Sorry, sir, I was arrested because Claire insisted on keeping her five-dollar protein bar.’”

Claire’s grin turned playful. “I’m sure he’ll understand. After all, we’ve got a knack for getting into bizarre situations. It’s practically a part of our charm.”

“Charm?” Leon echoed incredulously. “I’d call it a curse.”

Claire nudged him gently. “Oh, come on. Lighten up. We’ve been through worse. Remember the time you thought we’d be stuck on that deserted island forever? Now, that was a nightmare.”

Leon’s lips twitched into a reluctant smile. “Yeah, well, at least we didn’t get arrested for that.”

“True,” Claire conceded, “but we did get rescued. And we’ll get out of this too. It’s just a matter of time.”

Leon sighed, finally managing to smile. “You always know how to make things sound better, don’t you?”

Claire’s eyes twinkled while she shrugged, “It’s a gift. Reaching into her bag she pulled out the infamous protein bar. “Well, since we’re here, might as well make the best of it.” She broke the bar in half and passed one piece through the bars to Leon. “Here, try it. I promise it’s worth it.”

Leon eyed the bar skeptically but took a bite. His eyes widened in surprise. “Wow. This is actually really good.”

Claire smirked, leaning closer. “See? I told you. Organic and gluten-free doesn’t have to taste like cardboard.”

Leon shook his head, still chewing. “Alright, you win.”

Claire’s expression softened into a nostalgic smile. “You know, being locked up here with you kind of reminds me of Raccoon City. Remember when we were separated at the police department? Kinda romantic don’t you think?”

Leon raised an eyebrow. “Not exactly my choice of words.”

Claire grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I thought you were so cute that night...” She cleared her throat and did an exaggerated impression of him. “'We got this, Claire! Get out while you can, I’m going to save the world! We’re both going to get out of this, I can feel it. Trust me, I’m your hero, right?'”

Leon stared at her, a mixture of shock and amusement on his face. “I don’t sound like that.”

“Of course, you do!” Claire laughed. “I can practically hear it in my head. Just like you were stressing out in Alcatraz when I was locked up. Remember that?”

Leon’s face softened, a hint of guilt creeping in. “You were dying, Claire. I had to—”

Claire cut him off with a playful wave of her hand. “Yeah, yeah, I know. But still, you’re always so wrapped up in saving the day, you forgot to save yourself.”

Leon shook his head, a rueful smile forming. “You really know how to push my buttons.”

Claire leaned closer, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As they shared a quiet moment, the door to the holding cell creaked open, and Chris walked in, looking both amused and exasperated. “Well, well, look who’s found themselves in a bit of a pickle,” he said, shaking his head with a grin. “I’m here to bail you two dumbasses out.”

Leon’s shoulders relaxed in relief, while Claire’s grin widened. “Perfect timing, Chris. You just missed the part where Leon tried to convince me that punching a bouncer was a ‘strategic move.’

Chris rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “I’m just relieved you two didn’t make it onto the evening news. Breaking a guys nose over a protein bar?”

As Chris began the paperwork for their release, Claire leaned in, her voice dropping to a mock-serious tone as she imitated Chris. “I’m really disappointed in you, Claire. Just drink a protein shake before you leave the house like a normal person. And for goodness’ sake, stop getting arrested!”

Leon snorted, shaking his head with a smile. “That’s actually pretty spot-on.”

As they stepped outside into the cool night air, Leon draped his arm around Claire’s shoulders, pulling her close. She leaned into him, a soft smile touching her lips.

They walked to the car in comfortable silence, the chaos of the evening slowly fading. As they reached the vehicle, Leon turned to her, his gaze steady. “You know, no matter what, no amount of steel or bars could ever keep me from you.”

Claire’s eyes met his, warmth and affection shining through. She squeezed his hand gently, her smile deepening.

They climbed into the car, and as they drove off into the peaceful night, their fingers brushed, a silent promise of unwavering support and love.

[pinkertinn]

CleonWeek - Day 5 Daughter, Not by Blood

Title: Weddings Always Make me Cry Summary: Father - Giver of unconditional love and unsolicited advice WordCount: 1,700 Cross posted to AO3

The soft glow of candlelight filled the chapel as everyone stood, their eyes fixed on the bride. She moved slowly, gracefully, the train of her dress whispering over the floor. But Claire’s gaze wasn’t on the bride—not entirely. Her attention kept drifting to the man walking her down the aisle. His broad shoulders, the set of his jaw, and the way he moved with quiet strength stirred something deep in her chest. That quiet strength reminded her of someone she’d looked up to her whole life, someone who had always been her rock. Watching him now brought a familiar ache—an echo of the past.

It was hard not to draw comparisons. Looking up to a man only a few years older than yourself, yet one who’d shouldered the weight of the world for you. They grew up too quickly—because they had to.

In another life, Chris would have been the one walking her down the aisle, guiding her toward something new, something filled with hope. She blinked back the sudden sting in her eyes. The memory of growing up with Chris was always there, like an anchor. But seeing this man at Sherry’s side today, stepping into that same role, brought back too much—too much love, too much pain.

There was a time when it had been just the three of them: her, him, and Sherry. A makeshift family, fighting to survive in a world that had turned against them.

But this man wasn’t Chris. He was something else entirely. He could’ve been an older brother to Sherry, with how fiercely he had protected her, but that wasn’t quite right either. He was more than that—had always been more than that. He was her father in all the ways that mattered, just as Chris had been a father to her when she needed one most. The parallel struck her deeply, and her chest tightened. If she ever found herself in Sherry's place, it would be Chris walking beside her. Just like this. It was a role that could only belong to someone who loved you as deeply and unconditionally as they did.

Later, after the ceremony, the crowd had dispersed to the reception, the laughter and chatter mingling with the clink of glasses. She found herself gravitating toward the bar, her fingers wrapping around a champagne flute. The bubbles fizzed quietly, like the tension she hadn’t quite let go of, still tangled up in her chest.

And then, there he was. He approached slowly, hands tucked into his pockets, his stance hesitant. They hadn’t spoken in so long, the air between them filled with the weight of things unsaid, but here he was, as if time had only pulled them further apart and yet closer together all at once.

"Hey," he murmured, eyes soft yet distant, the same way they always were when he wasn’t sure what to say.

"Hey," she replied, barely above a whisper. Her voice caught, as if stuck somewhere in the space between past and present.

He ordered a drink, something dark and simple, and they stood there for a moment, not looking directly at each other, but aware of the other's presence.

“It was a beautiful ceremony,” she offered, breaking the silence, trying to bridge the awkwardness that clung to them.

“Yeah,” he nodded, a faint smile pulling at the corner of his lips. “She… she’s really grown up.”

“She has,” she agreed, though the words tasted bittersweet. For a moment, she was back in Raccoon City, holding Sherry’s small, trembling hand, telling her everything would be alright even though nothing was certain. That girl had been so strong, so much stronger than they were at the time. She had survived, thrived even, because of him. “She’s everything we hoped she’d be.”

He looked down at his glass, swirling the liquid inside slowly, his brow furrowing slightly, lost in thought. “She is.”

The quiet between them stretched, filled with unspoken memories. It was impossible not to feel the weight of what they’d once had—brief and fragile, a shared life that had unraveled far too quickly.

Her mind wandered back to the day they broke apart. 2001. It felt like a lifetime ago, but the details remained vivid. They had been living together for a while, trying to make it work, but she could feel the distance growing. Boot camp, missions, obligations—his life had swallowed him whole, and she had been left in the margins. She’d made a mistake. Something so stupid. A kiss with someone she worked with. She couldn’t even remember the guy’s name anymore. It had meant nothing, but she’d told him immediately, expecting it to end them.

She had done it on purpose, pushing him away so he wouldn’t feel like he owed her anything. He had sacrificed too much already, for her, for Sherry, for a life he didn’t choose. She had wanted to give him an out.

Instead, he had begged her to stay. He had asked if she loved the other man, his voice quiet, steady, but she could see the hurt in his eyes. She had lied, told him she did, hoping it would be enough. But he had seen through it, his gaze full of a resignation that broke her heart. He didn’t push after that. He just let her go.

As she packed up the remnants of their shared life, her fingers brushed against a worn envelope, half-hidden beneath a stack of forgotten papers in the back of his dresser drawer. It was creased from being handled too many times, the ink on the front faded but still legible: Leon Scott Kennedy. Her heart stuttered in her chest as she opened it, expecting to find something mundane—some forgotten bill or letter.

But the official seal at the top caught her eye immediately—Department of Child Welfare. She read the first few lines and felt the breath leave her lungs.

"Petition for Adoption of Minor: Sherry Birkin."

The words blurred in front of her as her throat tightened. Attached was a letter, tucked into the folds, typed neatly but full of raw, personal hope.

Her hands trembled as she held the letter, the depth of what he had been trying to do washing over her. He had never mentioned it, never asked her for advice or told her how much he'd fought for Sherry behind the scenes. He’d always carried the weight alone, shouldering the burden quietly, just as he did with everything.

She sat on the edge of their bed, her vision swimming with unshed tears. He had been ready to take on a life that wasn’t his, to fight for a girl who wasn’t his by blood, to keep her safe, no matter the cost. He was always like that. Always willing to sacrifice more than anyone asked of him.

Her chest ached with a confusing mix of guilt and sorrow. She never told him she found the paperwork, never revealed how much it broke her heart to know what he had been through, what he had been denied. He had tried, but the petition had been blocked, a cold bureaucratic stamp at the bottom of the page rejecting his application. The government had their hands on Sherry and wouldn't let her go.

It wasn’t fair.

And it was then, sitting there with those papers spread across her lap, that she realized she couldn’t let him keep sacrificing everything for her, for Sherry. He deserved a life that was his own. He deserved more than this—the life of obligations that had been forced upon him.

But now, as they stood together at the bar, that moment felt like a lifetime ago. She looked up at him, seeing the traces of that same man who had fought for Sherry in every quiet glance, every careful word. He hadn’t changed much, except the shadows under his eyes had grown a little deeper, the lines around his mouth more pronounced.

She let out a soft breath, a bitter smile forming on her lips as she finally spoke the words she had never said back then. “I found the adoption paperwork once, you know. All those years ago. I never told you.”

His eyes flickered in surprise, his brow furrowing in the way it always did when he was caught off guard. “You did?”

She nodded, her gaze dropping to the floor for a moment. “You were trying to adopt her. To get her out from under the government’s thumb. You were doing everything you could.”

He exhaled slowly, the weight of the memory pressing down on both of them. "Yeah. I tried. But they wouldn’t let me.” His voice was rougher now, thick with emotion he rarely let slip through.

She could see the frustration, the helplessness that had gripped him back then, still simmering beneath the surface. It was the same feeling she carried—the knowledge that they had tried to save Sherry in every way possible, only to be met with walls too high to climb. They had both done their best, and yet it had never felt like enough.

But she met his gaze again, this time with a soft smile, a quiet warmth spreading through her chest. “You know… it doesn’t take documentation to make someone your family.” Her voice wavered, but she pressed on. “It doesn’t take blood, or papers, or a judge’s approval. It just takes loving them.”

He looked at her, eyes searching, as if trying to understand why she was bringing this up now. But then, something in his expression softened, and he nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Then…” he said, his voice quieter now, almost tender, “you and Sherry will always be my family.”

The words settled between them, heavy and real. They had both been through so much, and somehow, even after everything, even after the break-up, the distance, and the years apart, they still shared this—this unspoken bond. This family they had built together, even if they hadn’t realized it at the time.

And as the hum of the reception carried on around them, she felt a gentle warmth settle inside her, a quiet understanding that perhaps, like family, some bonds weren’t made to be broken—not by time, distance, or even blood. They simply endured, unshaken and whole.

[executivenerd]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Biohazard | Resident Evil (Gameverse) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Leon S. Kennedy/Claire Redfield, Sherry Birkin & Leon S. Kennedy, Sherry Birkin & Claire Redfield, Sherry Birkin & Leon S. Kennedy & Claire Redfield Characters: Claire Redfield, Leon S. Kennedy, Sherry Birkin, Derek C. Simmons Additional Tags: Mentioned Albert Wesker, cleonweek2024, cleon week 2024, cleonweek, cleon week, Cleon, Mild Angst, Post-Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness, Hopeful Ending, Kidnapping Summary:

Post Infinite Darkness Claire and Leon put aside their difference when Leon gets word that Sherry's been kidnapped.

Cleon Week 2024 Prompt: Our Daughter, Not by Blood