RE Project:BURNSIDE. CH. 3-2

Chapter 3-2: Your Hand In Mine...










December 14th, 2009/ 10:34 A.M
Location- B.S.A.A North American Headquarters: Briefing Room

“Alright, everybody’s here.” Chris addressed the men just like last time, but they were now joined with Sheva and Claire. Rebecca; however, remained in the medical division finishing the examination on Jill’s body.

Leon was leaning against the wall in his own state of mind, he knew the situation already and became eager to get the mission underway. Claire sat on a chair to the north end of the lengthy table, and next to her right was Steve in another chair. Billy sat on the south end with his legs on the table while going over his shotgun with several cleaning materials. Carlos’ mind still went on to be occupied of Jill and the baby’s health, but he tried his best to concentrate on the current task. Sheva was supporting her back against the clean chalkboard, in addition to her eyes encountering Chris’s, every now and then which seemed to set off a feeling of what was more important at hand than rather think of their earlier interaction. Sheva knew she would have to adjust to the working habits of Chris, but if it meant she can be with him, then she would gladly do it without thinking twice.

Minutes passed by and everyone was accounted for, and Chris prepared himself to speak, but the automatic door opened and Rebecca entered.

“Sorry I’m late, everyone.” They all looked in her direction, but Rebecca only looked ahead towards Carlos.  “Umm, Carlos? Can I talk to you outside, please?” Rebecca eyed Carlos as she stepped out further into the hallway. Carlos soon joined her while closing the door.

“What is it? Will she be alright, Rebecca?” He couldn’t wait anymore, and being away from Jill made waiting any longer inexcusable to him, but Rebecca handled her staff very well and he trusted Rebecca with even his own life. Unfortunately, she had good news, and bad news.

“She and the baby will be fine, but…”

“But what?”

“We won’t be sure until Jill is more further into pregnancy. It might take as late as four to seven months, we just don’t know, Carlos.” Rebecca softly explained, the hall growing more silent to the point where Carlos and herself could hear Chris already underway with explaining the mission inside the briefing room.

“I see…so we’ll have to wait.” Carlos slumped  the back of his shoulders against the metallic wall, his hands running through his chestnut hair in a aggravated motion.

“I’m sorry, Carlos.” Rebecca placed her right hand on his shoulder. “But the tests procedures on Jill are done…she wants to see you.”

“She’s up?” Rebecca nodded and Carlos wasted no time in moving himself off the wall and already sprinting down the hall, but he realized the importance of the mission briefing and turned around to see Rebecca thinking the same thing with a smirk.

“Don’t worry. I’ll let Chris know of your absence.” She received a thankful smile from Oliveira and headed into the briefing room while Carlos headed the other way.






December 14th, 2009/ 10:42 A.M
Location- B.S.A.A North American Headquarters: Medical Division

Jill slung her shoulder gun holster around her shoulders, she then lifted her right boot and placed it on top of the desk where she secured the laces, and she did the same with her left boot. Next was the checking of her wristwatch, followed by the equipping of her black fingerless gloves. Then last, but not least was her blue cap.

“I still think we should reconsider this plan, Jill. ” Carlos was also in the room, staring out to the heliport area then out further to the ocean they were about to trek through. Jill could only smile at his failed attempt to shield his real worry, and it wasn’t the plan, but it was of her own well being.

“I didn’t think I would ever say this, but you worry more than Chris.” Jill laughed quietly after her  own words while in the midst of spinning her Magnum Revolver into her gun holster.

“Ha ha, very funny.” Carlos let out a sarcastic chuckle as his eyes met with Jill’s content blue ones. “Seriously, Jill. We have to think of a better option than the one we have planned, and I‘m worried about this Steve guy...” Jill’s arms slipped around his neck, her face alongside of it.

“You don’t have to worry about Steve. Claire told me much about him and that he fights for the same cause as us. This is our only option, Carlos.” He sighed, and Jill only pressed closer against him. “Rebecca informed you right? We only have seven months to see if we can help our child, but Wesker’s threat could hinder any chance of that.” Jill felt her hands being wrapped by Carlos, sensing his tension through the firm grip.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Wesker wants to get rid of the entire world, but I suspect something more…personal in this plan of his.” Jill glimpsed up at him.

“What do you mean?”

“Maybe he already knew it required Master Keys to activate the missiles, and had information that it required you and Chris to activate the deployment. Wesker is luring you…the both of you.” He glanced down to Jill, and now saw the same concern he had been feeling for the past hour, dwelling inside of her. It was an uneasy feeling of what to expect once they get on that ship.

“You’re right, but it just won’t be Chris and myself. Leon, Claire and even Sheva are coming along. You are as well, right?” She was confident in asking for his help, knowing he’ll come along.

She needed him the most at this time, emotionally and physically. Everyone would be there to offer their assistance, there was no reason to worry since she herself can handle her own, but she still needed him…she needed Carlos, who had yet to give her an answer. Now, she was worried.

He confirmed earlier to Chris that he would go, but Carlos held hope in talking Jill out of it, but he found himself on the other side as Jill was now the one trying to convince him of going.

“Carlos? You’re…not coming with us, are you?”  Her fear became true, Carlos stayed silent.

“Fine…” Jill spoke, trying her best to resist any weakness in her voice and body language. “I guess it’s just going to be me and them…” She removed her hands from his, hoping Carlos would just pull her back into his comfort, but nothing came.

The back of her eyes stung, she clenched her teeth and smacked her lips together, all this to prevent any tears. The dam was breaking, and a small sob escaped through her lips, but before Carlos at long last looked in Jill’s direction, she had by now returned to her preparation in reading a few reports with her back to him, where more sobs would continue on. Carlos was  surprised to see Jill, crying for the first time in front of him, and Jill herself was surprised at her current mood, but the two had a good feeling it represented mood swings. One of very many indications of pregnancy.

Her heart remained throbbing whilst her body trembled, and left Carlos unaware of her tears dropping onto the report, but he was aware of the pain she was in. The report fell from Jill’s hands and clattered onto the floor, she began to rub her own shoulders in comfort, wishing his hands would replace hers, but she received something more greater, Carlos’ arms slip around her slender waist. Her trembling ceased, and her sobs dwindled down to sniffles from her nose.

“Jill, of course I‘m going. I’m sorry for making you think otherwise…Its just…there has to be another way of handling this situation before-

“It’s…it’s okay, Carlos. I guess the emotional mood swings are starting to kick in, you know?” Carlos didn’t buy into her attempt to brush her sadness away just like that, but Jill did continue to speak.

“We both know with everyone going on this mission is enough to take care of Wesker, but I still want you to be there, fighting beside me. Like we did on that morning, the morning where you helped me make my last escape.”

“And I will, but I honestly didn’t think the great Jill Valentine would be saddened over my absence. What was the nickname they have for you? Ah, it’s the Master Of Lock picking, isn’t it? Now it makes sense how you got those parts for the trolley back in Raccoon City.” This time it was Carlos trying to liven the atmosphere, Jill looked over her shoulder and up at Carlos. Her eyes softening up to his caring nature, and her lips widening into a cheerful smile. Her last tears staying till she blinked them away.

“Getting those things were pure hell! Having to get the cable wire turned out to be the less difficult one to get, but the others were a damn drag! But thanks to you for giving me the side pack, it made things a lot less difficult.” Carlos softly laughed against the back of her neck. Jill leaned back into his hold, the smile stretching further across her lips. “It’s been eleven years, Carlos. Eleven years…”

“No kidding, before I took that job for Umbrella I thought of a big payday at the end and returning back to accept another job, but…” Jill turned around in his arms, her head placed against his against chest.

“But you didn‘t expect Umbrella to betray it‘s own soldiers.” Carlos nodded to verify Jill’s assumption.  “Carlos, you still went on rescuing others around the world with the skills I‘ve seen you use back in Raccoon. After Raccoon City, I followed your work, just as you did for me.”  She cut through with the known information that surprised him, Jill quickly answered his questioning look. “I know this because I always kept in touch with any news you’ve made. There were even times where I wanted the BSAA to recruit you, but the founding members agreed in majority decision to not recruit anyone who had a history with Umbrella. I was the only one to agree in your favor, Chris did not join me, as I was hoping he would.” Jill’s head never flinched away from his  chest during her small confession, which Carlos countered with a kind smile.

“I assume obtaining news of me must’ve been a challenge to get, but to get stories of you were quite easy.” Jill instantly elevated her head off his chest, looking up into Carlos’ soft brown eyes. “The countless biohazard hotspots that you and Chris restored to the way it was, then the mission in Russia. Though, you and I only worked together for those hellish nights, I’ve always believed we made such a great combination, but you and Chris accomplished much more. Must be the old STARS aura, huh?” Carlos’ compliment brought Jill back into her shell, his eyes only able to see the visor of her cap when she turned to face the other way.

At this point, Carlos began to grow weary of her cap for getting in the way of her eyes, hiding what she was truly feeling. Yet, she still didn’t budge an inch away from him.

“You think Chris and I make a better team, than us? How can you even utter something like that when never even accepting my invitation to come with us over eleven years ago? Or even as of right now, working together as BSAA companions as you still decline any mission in me wanting you to assist me in. ” Jill’s difficulty to hold back her sadness and anger effected her words, causing most of them to be breathless and trembling when pronounced.

“We worked wonders together, Jill. There’s no doubt about that, but I’m not as strong as Chris, I’m no hero, Jill. You and Chris Redfield are.  The Both of you, along with Sheva and Josh, saved the entire world from total devastation.” Jill shook her head, still not agreeing to his opinion. His hands began to caress her shoulders“ Listen, Jill. In the eyes of the Raccoon City survivors, I’m still part to blame for that whole nightmare. I will never be what Chris is, saving not only ones close to him, but the whole world. I can’t do those things…I can only-

“Shut up!!” Carlos took a step back at her thunderous intrusion. Her chest rising up and down, describing how angry she was him downplaying his own accomplishments. “You saved me, Carlos! How many times do I have to remind you of that!? Chris remains thankful  to you as ever, others who are just as grateful are Sheva and everyone else! If you hadn’t saved me, I wouldn’t be here today bearing our child! This is why I want to fight alongside of you, protecting our child together, and defeating Wesker together!” Jill remained livid. But with Carlos’ right hand resting over her left cheek, her anger was washed away. His fingers brushing back her brown locks from her blue eyes.

“I’m glad you didn’t smack me this time. Together it is then, chica.” Carlos let loose a soft chuckle at the nostalgic alias for her, and Jill rejoiced laughing with him, hearing the smacking comment, but their laughs faded. Blue eyes met with Carlos’ brown ones.  His hand shifting from her cheek to her chin.

“Carlos…” He tilted her head to where their lips comfortably melted together.






December 14th, 2009/ 10:49 A.M
Location- B.S.A.A North American Headquarters: Arsenal Storage Area


“Make sure you’re well equipped, Sheva.” She heard him ask through the several noises of guns being prepared and ammo being loaded into various weapons by not only them, but other BSAA members within the area.

“Of course, Chris. One experience with Wesker is enough to take extra precaution.” Talking like actual partners was something Sheva didn’t have in mind after their most beautiful moment together in his office.

It was as if it never happened to Chris, but from the view Sheva had, she couldn’t see the fight Chris was in to not express such deep feelings before heading for the field of battle. She also had a hard time to see how much deeper those words meant than just being careful. In fact, he looked after her more than any other member he teamed up with.

Their work speaks for itself; they defeated Wesker and can do it again, where him and Jill failed numerous times.

“Don’t overload yourself with unnecessary things, Sheva. The others are coming along so let’s just take our usual and hurry for the chopper.”  It was advice that Sheva had in mind, there was no need to remind her, but now truly felt how tensed Chris was about her safety. Two advices in just a span of mere seconds was something Chris is not known for, and a smile stretched over her lips to realize she ended up being wrong, but she still had to break Chris’s determined barrier, even a dent would make her proud.

Sheva took a deep breath as she set her prepared Ithaca shotgun down on one the empty metal benches, from there, she continued to observe Chris, who just finished his preparations on his old STARS custom handgun. But his focus instantly vanished at feeling Sheva’s arms wrapping around his broad waist, her head against his back where he could feel her soft warm breathing.

Chris froze at such contact, but it wasn’t due to Sheva‘s actions, but more of the smirks from the  various male members, and giggles from the various female members he was currently receiving.

“Sheva?” Chris cleared his throat nervously after asking.

“Yes, Chris?” She closed her eyes and increased her grip around him.

“They’re…everyone is staring at us.”

“And?” Chris blinked down at his weapon, his mind going blank into thinking how ironic it was to hold this shield any longer against such wonderful woman like Sheva, a woman that came smirking into his life in Africa. She always there, smiling through anything.

The last anonymous BSAA agent exited in the area, that meant it was only Sheva and himself. He swallowed a nervous lump, something he hadn’t did since all the way back in his interview for a position in STARS. Chris Redfield had enough of hiding from Umbrella and Tricell, from Wesker and most of all the responsibilities that came with being a hero. Those were the things preventing him to comprehend the splendor him and Jill made, but like he reminded himself before; he wasn’t about to let Sheva Alomar end up as another Jill Valentine.

“And it’s nothing to worry about.” Sheva’s smile increased further when hearing his reply.

He turned in her arms, her head was now resting over his broad chest. She looked peaceful even besides knowing they were about to embark on the mission that would hopefully be the last one for all of them to undertake. His hands were placed over the small opening of her back. All this made her think if this was a dream, but then again wondered if he only did this since they were now alone.

“Chris, if you do not wish for me to express myself like this in the eyes of others, please let-

“If you think I didn’t want this, then you are mistaken, Sheva.” Sheva lifted her head, sadness inscribed in her hues. Chris; however, was the one to have a smile over his lips.

Chris started to advance towards her. Her retracing steps took her far as it would, until she was up against her own locker. She blushed and tilted her head away to the right, but Chris quickly shifted her head back by the grip of her chin. Their eyes gathering.

“Sheva, I want to ask you something…” Sheva’s eyes blinked as she looked up at Chris, who still kept that comforting smile.

“Yes, Chris?” She assumed the question was going to be along the lines of partners are only partners, co-workers should only be co-workers and they’re shouldn’t be anything between them. Sheva clenched her teeth, also her heart,  at the anticipation of his question.

“We advanced through several ambushes from the countless infected. We even defeated Wesker before, and we were able to restore Jill back to her old self. With that said of our accomplishments, what do you think of us, Sheva?” Her eyes widened, just as her mouth did. She couldn’t even go on one answer, let alone consider the others, amongst many she thought of.

“I…I…”

“I know we make a great damn team, don‘t you?” Chris offered his thoughts, and Sheva gently laughed her lowest, but the words she wanted to hear weren’t those, but something more precious, and Chris soon delivered them.

“But most importantly, there is no other person I would rather have fighting and surviving beside me, than you, Sheva.” Redfield cupped her face, his hands on each side able to feel the burning sensation her blushed cheeks developed.

Sheva planted her hands right over his, waiting to lean in for a kiss, but Chris went on gazing into her eyes, thinking of his future with the woman in front of him.

~~Would she be scared…every time I would have to leave for a mission?~~

“Chris…?” Sheva’s smile had disappeared. His eyes loosing themselves within her.

~~And what of having a…family? That’s what Jill wanted with me, but…can Sheva wait for me that long, to retire? ~~

“…Chris? If it was something I said or did I‘m- mhmm!

Sheva’s cupped face was hauled in by Chris’s gloved hands, their lips meeting in a passionate embrace, and it preciously went on until the pair heard a woman clearing her throat. Both broke the kiss immediately, they then turned their heads in the direction of the noise and saw spotted no other than a grinning Jill Valentine, her arms crossed, and her right shoulder supported against the row of lockers.  

“Hey, you two.” Chris and Sheva could hear another person approaching from behind Jill.

“Jill. I was thinking if- oh…hey.” The person was Carlos Oliveira, and he himself was surprised at Chris and Sheva’s position.

Chris retreated a few steps to give him and Sheva some space, but didn’t count on her being in such a hurry to leave. They all watched her bend down to obtain her shotgun, brushing her black bangs as she stood straight back up. Chris’s hand came to grip her shoulder.

“Sheva? You don’t have to-

“It’s okay, Chris. Um, I’ll catch you later at the heliport. Bye.” Chris released her, and Sheva jolted between Jill and Carlos to make for her exit, then came the silence afterwards.

Jill sighed softly, not content with how Sheva avoided the situation in front of close friends. She knew how Sheva felt receiving such attention, while she herself went through many gawks and gasps from countless BSAA members, watching her and Carlos together, but all in all, they paid no attention to it. Jill decided to try her best in helping out and looked to Chris for permission to do so.

“I’ll like to have a chat with Sheva, If that‘s fine with you, Chris.”

Chris nodded, thanks written in his small smile given to her. “Please do, Jill. I appreciate it.” She also exited soon after, and that left Chris with Carlos, who was grabbing an Assault Rifle off one of the racks.

Carlos examined the weapon and how comfortable he was holding it, but he felt Chris’s gaze burning into his side and lowered the weapon afterwards.

“Why are you looking at me like that for?” Carlos swept his right hand through his own chestnut tresses as Chris approached him.

“You told Jill of me and Sheva, didn’t you?” Chris kept his stance and awaited for Carlos’ answer, but he only chuckled nervously.

“No, Um, Not…really. I only said-

“Damn it, Carlos! What did you say!?”

“I only told Jill that I saw Sheva in your office crying over some situation she wouldn’t speak of and…-

“And!?”

“And…Jill wanted to talk Sheva, that’s all.” Carlos gazed at Chris taking a deep breath.

“I see.” Chris stepped back and resumed in going over his handgun. His anger had subsided, though the pride in him kept him from apologizing to Carlos. But Carlos being Carlos, didn’t mind saying his apology.

“I’m sorry for Jill, and myself for coming in at the wrong time. Well, the right time for you guys, right? Um,  anyway-

“Heheh. Do you ever shut up, Oliveira?” Chris’s chuckle, followed by a small joking comment, interrupted Carlos. To him, Chris looked content as he watched him sit down on the bench, but Carlos didn’t like Chris’s slouch shoulders, and his head lowered.

“Has Jill ever told you about them? Richard, Forest and everyone else.” Carlos loaded his rifle and sat on the opposite side of Chris on the bench.

“Yeah, plenty of times actually. Jill will always tell me how you all were looking out for one another.” This got Chris to cut his story short since Carlos was aware of how a team should work and stick together at all cost, thanks to Jill sharing her memories with him.

“S.T.A.R.S. Special Tactics And Rescue Service. That’s where everything began for me. I wanted to be a cop the day Claire and I lost our parents. ” Carlos kept quiet, but his eyes still had yet to leave Chris in such a rare moment. “They died in a car crash before they could ever see me join STARS, also Claire‘s high school graduation. The driver who hit them turned out to be a drunk driver, a drunk off-duty cop of all things.” The most powerful figure in the world was now in such a vulnerable state, his shut eyes said it all. Carlos bent his head, personally knowing the pain of losing parents.

Chris carried on.

“After that, I joined STARS, and that’s where I met everyone. It’s where I met Jill and…Wesker. I’ve always tried my best to protect everyone and anyone from any infection, Las plagas, Uroboros, you name it. But yet…it resulted in nothing. Honestly, Wesker won. Carlos, I…don‘t know how far I can go fighting him. I‘m about to be 40...in a few years. ”

“Chris, why are you talking like this? We‘ll all get Wesker and that will be the end of it, alright?” Chris laughed his loudest at a question that was clearly serious from Carlos, but the former mercenary still observed Chris, who laughed till he had ran out of any strength to go any longer.

“I hadn’t laugh like that in years! Jill was not joking about you being funny!” Chris went on to release another wave of laughter, but Carlos didn’t join him.

“I’m not joking around, Chris.” His brief words had caught the BSAA captain attention. His laughing fading down to it was nothing more. “All of us depend on you to stop this damn maniac from destroying this world. Trust me when I say this, Chris. I wish I had the strength and ability you have to get rid of Wesker, but I don’t, nevertheless, I will try all I can in my strength to fight for a life that Jill and myself have always wanted.” Carlos ended, but not with a smirk from Chris.

“Tch, And what is this life you speak of. Is it--- Carlos stopped Chris from ever finishing his words with his own hands clutching the collar of Chris’s BSAA outfit, a very similar feeling to when they first met one another. Chris’s smirk and any related feeling had vanished.

“The one you’ve been fighting for, you moron!! Not only for you, but for the entire world! It’s a life where you can love, and even grow friends without worrying of some outbreak and moving to some other region. It’s the life you want with Sheva! Why can‘t you take pleasure in the things you made possible again for all of us!?” Carlos was right.

Chris swiped Carlos’s arms away afterwards and placed his forehead against the locker, thinking how it all come to this, fighting for a life he couldn’t enjoy himself while others did. Seeing Chris this way caused Carlos to shake his head and return back to his preparation.

“Sheva…” Carlos turned right back around, swearing he heard Chris say Sheva’s name.

“Did you say something, Chris?” Carlos asked from behind, raising the Assault Rifle to lean against his own right shoulder, his usual stance.

“Don’t worry about it, Carlos. I have to catch up with Jill and Sheva.” Without spending another second, Chris hurried.

“Alright, that’s fine, but why in such a rush? We still have a few minutes before departing.”

“To tell Sheva about how I feel.” Carlos smiled at Chris’s reason, to which he returned a smile also.

“It’s about time you realize.” Chris equipped himself with his custom STARS handgun and a Grenade Launched loaded with Nitrogen Rounds, but stopped at the doorway to give one last look to Oliveira.

“Thanks, Carlos. ” The former Umbrella soldier rubbed the back of his head shyly, always keeping reserved when receiving such thanks, and this went all the way back to his UBCS days.

“Come on, man. It’s what friends are for, right? You don’t have to thank-

“No. I do need to thank you, Carlos.”

Carlos brought his hand back down to rest at his side and took the thanks, regardless of himself feeling otherwise. “Well…I guess you do need to thank me after all. I did give the order to let the citizens inside headquarters while you were gone. How…about a raise, huh?” A hopeful and shaky laugh sounded from Carlos’ lips, but Chris quickly had shut down any hope for him.

“Not going to happen.” Oliveira sighed in disappointment, but remained smiling.

“Anyway, somebody needed to drill those courageous things inside that thick skull of yours. So, I guess I‘ll take your thanks.”

“Thick skull, you say? Sounds like something Jill would say.” Chris and Carlos laughed as soon Chris’s comment ended.

“Yeah, she actually did. Jill always ask of your progress in a mission, and of course of others, but telling her you were fine wasn’t enough. You being her longtime partner should be well aware of how much you mean to her. Jill said…she would be devastated if she lost you.”

“Funny, she said the same thing about you, Carlos.” Both men exchanged a smile, then a firm handshake.

“See you at the heliport, Redfield.”

“You too, Oliveira.”






December 14th, 2009/ 11:03 A.M
Location- B.S.A.A North American Headquarters: Rooftop

“Thought I find you here.” A familiar voice spoke. Rebecca Chambers looked over her shoulder, spotting Billy Coen with his hands in the pockets of his black leather jacket. The Princess Rebecca, as Billy would call her, had her legs hanging off the ledge of the high skyscraper, and had them rocking back and forth as she stared out into the cold morning sky. She wore her long brown coat, but underneath laid her old STARS attire, ready for the task against Wesker.

Rebecca never became a person who was afraid of heights, she actually enjoyed these awe-inspiring sights. It reminded her of the time Billy and her parted. So high up in the hills that overlooked the Arklay Forest surrounding the mansion, where they saluted each other one last time, but now, Billy joined Rebecca at her side, sitting alongside of her and looking out to the vast city that continued to progress in repairing certain zones.

“I don’t know how you could be up here. I can’t stand heights.” Billy tightened his jacket around him more closer. Rebecca looked at Billy from the corner of her eyes, and Billy caught her gaze before she had the time to look away.

“Do you want me to leave? Because I would if-

“I would never ask of you to leave, Billy. I…want you to stay.”

Billy smirked at her words. “You want me to stay? And do what exactly, Princess?” He received a playful smack against his chest from Rebecca for the perverted thought, but both knew what was a joke between them. This was their chemistry through so little time together, jokes and nicknames, then constant arguing which only resulted in Rebecca winning.

“Is that all you men think of?” Honestly, I can’t even begin to think how you, Leon and Carlos survived!” Billy’s smirk increased at Rebecca going berserk. “I understand Chris, but you three are maniac flirts, y‘know that?!.”

“I think you should make it four with this Steve guy joining us.” Rebecca blinked twice and turned her head to Billy.

“What makes you say that?” Billy shrugged, not really caring about the situation, but when it was news related to the sister of the BSAA captain, it had to mean something

“I saw him…putting some moves on Claire.”

“Putting some moves? Are you still a teenager or something, Billy?”

“Hey, I was not there for the sole purpose of watching their little romantic scene, but to watch over Steve.”

“Watching Steve? As in…spying on him?” Billy nodded, but it left Rebecca confused as she looked back to the view of the city in front of her.

“Yeah. Carlos and I suggested we should watch over him and see-

“What?!” Rebecca Chambers, without hesitation had stood up quickly and looked down upon Billy in disbelief. Billy just kept his eyes straight ahead, and explained his reason of his surveillance on Steve.

“Rebecca, this is a person who has just awaken from a eleven year old experiment by none other than Albert Wesker. Who knows what he is capable of and-

“But it all begins with trust! I worked with you! Billy Coen, a person who ended up being wrongfully accused of killing innocent people. Nobody had listened to your story, but I did, damn it!” A surprised Billy looked up at Rebecca, her head faced forward as her brown hair danced in the soft breeze. In her most powerful moment, she still refused to look at him.

Having an aspect of his view, gave him the sight to make out the soft redness her cheeks had developed in the cold wind.

“If you trust Steve, then I have no right to say otherwise since you are the only I trust, Rebecca.”  A more better answer couldn’t be given by Billy. Rebecca released a calming breath of air, her hot breath visible through the cold conditions.

“I-I’m sorry, Billy.” She rejoined Billy’s side, sitting alongside of him. “Steve…means a lot to Claire.” This time, Billy Coen blinked at the words she used to describe Claire and Steve‘s relationship.

“You mean, they’re…together?” Rebecca nodded as she brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms warmly around her legs, her chin coming to rest against the top of her knees.

“Yeah. Claire told me of Steve…and how she felt when she had lost him. She was distraught, but strong enough to gradually move on. But now has him back in her life. Now you see why you and anyone else should not accuse Steve since all of this destruction was caused by Wesker to begin with.” Billy bent his head, almost in shame.

Him and Carlos hit it off in just several minutes of meeting each other, but in the little time of knowing Steve, he had already been a in fight with him months ago, and disliked how Steve kept giving him one word answers, but shook it off as nothing, given that Steve had miraculously awoke from an eleven year sleep.

As Billy continued to think in his own mind, Rebecca waited for a reply, hoping he didn’t take it as a rant, but as advice. She closed her eyes, and having to wait any longer had vanished when Billy draped his arm around her shoulders. Rebecca barely had time to respond as he brought in her close to his side, closer to his warmth. Her once shut eyes were now widened in shock and glimpsed up at Billy, who wore a smile at spotting the soft blush resurfacing over her cheeks.

“Hmm, you’re blushing.” Rebecca’s lips began to shudder, but no words were spoken.

Having to be this close to Billy in over a decade was heaven-sent, but not the setting. Secluded by themselves atop the BSAA headquarters, while others were fortunate to be with one another in front of everyone else . Jill with Carlos, Claire with Steve and now Chris and Sheva. Over time, Billy became concerned, wondering if his brash comment had upset her, if it wasn’t, then something surely was bothering her mind.

“Is there something troubling you, Rebecca?” Hearing her name, and not the title of Princess, gave Rebecca the meaning of how serious Billy cared for her in these cherished moments.

“It’s…a lot of things.” Ultimately, Billy still assumed he was the problem for her current mood, but Rebecca reassured him without words but more by what she did next. Her head coming to rest on his broad chest, and the taking of his left hand in hers, but a smile had yet to set over her lips.

Coen was more pleased than shocked at her act of affection, but he still had yet to be involved in her problems that plagued her mind.

“Rebecca, please tell me so that I can help. Is there anything-

“It‘s about Jill.”

“And what of her? Before heading here to find you, I ran into Jill and Carlos exiting your personal Medical Room and she looked just fine to me. She thanked me, as did Carlos for helping Jill back in the mansion.” Rebecca shook her head, and left a questioning look on Billy’s face.

“She’s pregnant and the baby-

“Jill is pregnant? I take it the dad is Carlos then, right?” Rebecca nodded this time against his chest, and hearing his heartbeat enhanced the little strength she barely had to go on.

“Yes, but the chances of the baby living are…slim.”

“Why is that? Something’s wrong with the baby?”

“It’s a long story, but…but…” Her strength ran out. Her body shook and tears developed around each rim of her eyes. Then suddenly, she clung onto Billy, throwing her body into his comforting embrace of as he held her within his arms. Her arms slung around his neck with an unbreakable hold.

Billy shifted Rebecca’s body up more into a favorable position at the time of hearing her weep, and hearing each quivering intake of air she took. “Billy, I-I don’t know if…if I can save their baby! I’m not…I’m not strong enough! Not intelligent enough! I have no idea of what to do!” Most of her words were muffling over his jacket, which she left a spot drenched with her tears, but Billy clearly made out what she said.

“Do not beat yourself like this, Rebecca. we’re all here for you. The baby will be fine. You have never let any of us down, and the Rebecca I know would never give up, not now and not ever. Raise your head, Rebecca Chambers. ” She did, showing her flushed face, and the dried trails of tears upon her cheeks, but her lips showed an amazing, but faint smile, a smile that had Billy taken back by it, a smile that Billy created. Her green eyes brimming with unshed tears, Billy wished to get rid of.

“Rebecca, you have two choices. You either keep your head lowered in defeat and dwell on what could’ve been, or you act now to all of your abilities with your chin raised high.” Billy soon sighed afterwards, failing to get rid of her unshed tears, but unknowingly to him, the tears did not represent sadness any longer , but represented happiness.

That was not all, Rebecca decided to turn the table on Billy with pinning his arms down and sitting her rear right over his stomach. Billy was now the one looking up with widened eyes and trying to hide the red tint over his cheeks.

“I will always keep my head up from now on, but that was not the only thing I thought of, Billy Coen.” Rebecca released the containment over his arms and brought her hands from holding his wrist down, to now caressing his cheeks. Her voice light as can be when now speaking.

“I also thought of us.” Each word became lighter. “Thought…of you, Billy.”

She bent forward and ensnared Billy’s cold lips with her own cold ones, both feeling the heat rise through their first kiss.

Billy’s right hand moved to the back of her neck where he shifted her more into the kiss.

This is what Rebecca Chambers wanted. This is what Billy Coen also wanted, and the pair didn’t miss a beat in enjoying their first kiss, which would be the first of many to come.






December 14th, 2009/ 11:07 A.M
Location- B.S.A.A North American Headquarters: Arsenal Storage Area

Carlos had just finished securing everything he needed. He headed for the exit, but as soon the automated door swooshed open, it showed Steve Burnside, and the lack of surprise meant he was searching for him. Possibly to apologize for his actions earlier or ready to prep up with weapons and ammunition, but Carlos couldn’t tell which by Steve’s determined expression.

“Um, I-uh.” Steve’s determination faded away, his head bent down, while Carlos only smiled at the difficulty Steve had in speaking out his apology

“It’s alright, Steve.”

“Huh?” He raised his head up to see Carlos‘ smile rise into a smirk.

“It looks like you want to apologize for what happened earlier, but there’s no need to.”

“Yeah, I was searching for you to express my apologies, and to ask for…advice.” It seemed this was going to take a while, so Carlos backed up into the room and sat on one of the metal benches, Steve followed him in and remained standing up.

“Well, what do you need advice in?” Carlos crossed his arms across his chest when asking Steve, who pulled out a small black box from the left pocket of his pants, he lifted the top, and it revealed a simple gold ring. The ring entirely was the answer itself to Carlos’s question.

“I…want to propose to Claire, and what I really want to ask of you is what Chris would think. Claire explained to me that you and Chris are good friends, so you should know, right? ” Steve shut the box soon after and shoved it inside his pocket. Carlos however, had trouble with himself to encourage Steve in going through with this.

Now was not the time or the place, but speaking of this subject brought Carlos to observe his situation with Jill. Pregnant, but not married. She was never mad, nor did she even bother to bring the matter up, but he could see at times where she did hesitate on asking things. He also thought about it himself,  in fact he already bought the ring a month ago.

Steve’s question had now put Carlos in his own little troubled mind, and Steve was unaware of the reason behind Carlos’ silence, but he knew his favor had troubled him.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t put pressure on you, Carlos. Just forget I-

“You love her, right?” Carlos cut Steve’s sympathies short.

“What?”

“Claire. You love her, right?”

“Of course I love her. Why would you ask that?” Carlos stood from the bench as Steve spoke.

“If you love her and she loves you, then it really shouldn’t matter what Chris thinks. Both of you are responsible adults, well one of you since Claire did tell us you throw yourself into danger.” Steve smiled at the thought of Claire telling her friends stories of him. She never forgot about him, something Steve was more worried about than death.

“But if you want my view on you proposing to Claire, I feel that you should.” Through all his thoughts, Carlos came to understand Steve and of his wish to make Claire Redfield his forever.

“Really? Well, I’m glad you think I should. Claire will be happy of you agreeing and-

“But!” Carlos stepped forward during his interruption.

“What is it??”

“I think you should propose when we get back from this mission, agree?” Steve did not refuse, seeing how both him and Claire needed to come back alive, which Steve became sure of protecting Claire.

“Agree. By the way, how do you think I should propose?” In these hard spots, it was usually Carlos to help other guys with women problems. His one only failure was helping Leon in trying to get Ingrid Hunnigan, but turned out not to be pretty. Having water splashed across your face, let alone in the Pentagon, is quite embarrassing, but that was another story. Carlos snapped his fingers, as if a small light bulb appeared above his head.

“Alright. This is what you do.” Carlos was glad he could demonstrate while alone in this area, nobody will be here to see the awkwardness, if caught that is.

“First is the usual.” Carlos got on one knee and took Steve’s hand. Then, as destiny would have it, the automated door opened, showing a Leon S. Kennedy, having his right eyebrow raised up at the scene.

“Uh…umm-I did not see this coming.” Leon could think of nothing else to say. Steve swiped his hand back quickly, and Carlos got back up in an instant and would now try his best to convince Leon of what was really transpiring.

“Leon, it‘s not what you-

“Hey, it’s okay. If you guys…are…you know-

“Carlos just said it‘s not that.” Steve came in to try his hand at sparing them anymore embarrassment, but Leon continued in his joking matter.

“I know, but I’m just saying it’s okay with me if you guys are-

“WE‘RE NOT!!” Carlos and Steve shouted in unison, making Leon take a step back with both hands in front of his chest.

“Alright. Alright. Just messing around with you guys.” The agent saw relieved expressions on both their faces, but got back to down to business.

“Steve, Claire wants you in her personal room before we head off against Wesker. She wouldn’t say what for, but to only to notify you.” Him and Carlos watched Steve beam at Leon’s message from Claire, though, he never had the chance to gather up ammunition while down here in the area, but Oliveira insisted on helping after seeing Steve’s hesitation.

“Don’t worry. Tell me what you need and I’ll bring it along.” Steve sighed, hoping he wasn’t becoming bothersome of Carlos helping him for the third time now, but he felt the friendly aura he gave, and Claire was right about him. Carlos did not mind aiding anybody one bit.

“Thanks. All I need is ammo for my Golden Lugers, and something fully automatic. Later, you two.” Steve dashed for the exit, and his favor for bullets to the his Golden Lugers left Carlos dumfounded.

He grabbed the Sub-machine guns that he was sure Steve would like, but now for the ammunition to Steve’s Golden Lugers, and he looked to Leon for help while approaching him.

“Uh, Leon?”

“Yeah, Carlos?” Leon turned to him while checking his Desert Eagle Magnum, and sliding his combat knife into it’s sheath located on the upper left part of his chest.

“What kind of bullets do these things take? ” Carlos asked, and Leon glimpsed down at Carlos’ palms to see a pair of Golden Lugers.

“I…don‘t know.”






December 14th, 2009/ 11:12 A.M
Location- B.S.A.A North American Headquarters: Claire Redfield’s Personal Room

A nervous Steve Burnside waited right outside the door, his right hand fiddling with the wedding ring box inside his pocket, while his other hand remained frozen in mid-air, hesitating in knocking on the door.

He’d been in this room before, and it led to their most romantic interaction, but his nervousness was directly coming from his proposal. To decided with Carlos and wait till coming back, or propose now. Then, Claire Redfield’s voice sounded from inside the room.

“How long are you going to be out there? Would you come in here already? I want you to see what I’m wearing.” Steve sighed in defeat, figuring out Claire had knew of his presence outside her room, but for how long she knew was unknown to him. Steve turned the doorknob and stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

Claire was nowhere in sight, though her voice spoke out once more. “Almost done, just make yourself comfortable.”

Steve did just that. He sat on the very same bed where their love was performed hours ago, and then began waiting in the silence, his mind going back to his proposal. It continued to eat him up inside, desperately wanting to make her his.

A door opening stopped anymore of his thinking. Steve raised his head and observed Claire looking down at him, and basically standing right over him. His eyes then trailed down and up her body, taking in the outfit she wore. It deeply resembled the attire he first met her in, but more revealing. The blue jeans were gone, and replaced with cut-off ones that ended at her upper thighs and black leggings, also ending at her thighs. Her trademark jacket had cut-off sleeves, and her black tank top hugged her breast perfectly and showed more definition to her firm yet soft abs. Steve had to hold himself back from staring too long.

“What do you think? It‘s an alternate outfit of the one you first saw me in.” Claire softly asked, then commented her own opinion as she took a seat next to him, while crossing her legs soon after, and immediately going over her Handgun.

Even though they shared so much as lovers, the once flirting Steve now struggled to adjust to Claire’s dominance in the relationship. He looked at her from the side of his eyes, glancing down to her brown boots and up her creamy toned legs, and all the way up her body.  He finally reached her face, and there, he spotted a familiar collar around her neck. It was the exact same collar he once wore as a prisoner in Rock Fort Island.

Claire finished her examination on her Handgun, and was met with Steve’s right hand grazing along her collar. With a turn of her head, her greenish blue eyes met with Steve’s sincere dark blue hues.

“Is this-

“Yes, it is. Your prison collar.” Claire stopped her preparations and set her handgun aside. A Few strands of her red hair slipped from her tail, but she quickly brushed them back before beginning her explanation.

“Steve, I wanted something, anything to remember you by when I thought I lost you, that’s why I decided to take your collar as a memento, but…there was something else I took.”

“What was that?” Claire stood and made her way to her desk, digging through one cabinet. Steve monitored all her actions, even as she walked back and joined his side on the bed, holding something in her hands.

“Here. You should have this back.” Claire extended her arms and opened her palms to let Steve see something, a special something that will always remind him of who he was, and that something was a photo in good condition, showing his parents and himself as a young man.

“You-You took care of it?” Steve asked in such a upbringing tone, and Claire couldn’t go against holding the bright smile for Steve.

“Absolutely.” Claire answered. Steve ran his thumb over his mother’s face and also his father’s.

Claire desperately wanted to heal his old scars in any way possible, but when brushing close to him, a small black box fell out of his pocket and clattered onto the floor.

Claire knelt on her right knee and picked up the small box into the palm of her hand, and everything he had to be nervous for was now thrown out. “What is this, Steve?”

Claire was still unaware of what the box meant, and before she had a chance of opening it, Steve came to a decision to not make her have any chance of knowing and quickly snatched the box out of her hand. Him doing this surprised Claire enough to the point of becoming angry.

“Steve?! What’s with you?!”

“I’m- I’m sorry. Claire, don’t worry about this. It’s nothing, okay?” Steve thought his interruption would be the end of it, but Claire Redfield was no ordinary woman, she was a Redfield.

“No, it’s not okay. Am I not important to you enough to share these kind of things with, Steve?” He looked over his right shoulder to spot Claire with her head bent down.

“Steve, If you don’t want me to know, then it’s fine, but I want to-

“It’s not that, Claire.”

“Then what is it?!” Claire asked in frustration, each of her hands coming to grab his, and the outcome of her question turned out to be Steve getting on one knee, taking her right hand. Claire’s left hand covered her own gasp.

“Claire?”

“Yes, Steve?” Claire Redfield choked up with each breath, her eyes gleaming down into his.

“Would you marry-

“Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!” She launched herself down onto him, sending them both laughing as they fell back on the floor. Claire raised her head, exposing a beautiful smile.

Steve leant in for a passionate kiss, all while sliding the ring onto her finger.

“One more thing, Claire.”

“What is it, Steve?”

“Are you sure you wanna wear that? It’s pretty cold out there.” Claire smirked down at his question.

“You’ll keep me warm…” Steve did not resist a bit to return her smirk with one of his.

“That I will, Claire Burnside.”






December 14th, 2009/ 11:21 A.M
Location- B.S.A.A North American Headquarters: Heliport

“Anything, Hunnigan?” Leon asked Ingrid of any information regarding Ada through his cell phone, and the answer he got on the other end was a sigh of defeat. It was quiet enough to hear her actions, since all the citizens have now been moved inside. He was the only one here, awaiting Chris and the others.

“Nothing.”

“Damn it.” Silence ensued. They’re co-workers, but Ingrid treated their relationship as best friends. She wanted to cheer him up in anyway possible.

“Leon, do you know why I keep declining your invitations for a night out?” He wondered where this was headed, and he answered back.

“I wish I knew, but I have to say there’s some other guy you’re interest in.”

“Wrong,” Leon raised both eyebrows.

“Then what is it?” He could faintly hear Ingrid fiddling with what sounded like the microwave. It was early in the afternoon after all, and he imagined she was making herself something to eat.

“The reason I never accepted is because of how much Ada means to you. During our breaks, you mention her so many times, and your eyes light up when speaking of her.” She heard a grunt from Leon, a shy one at that. Ingrid smiled, but proceeded on.

“When we first met, you told me of your first day on the force in Raccoon City. You told me of  escaping with Claire and Sherry, but again, you lit up when sharing your memories of Ada.” Leon closed his eyes, showing a calm expression. She was miles away, but still could feel him hurting inside.

“You’ve always loved her. Ada is a strong woman, but wherever she is, I’m sure she’s waiting for you to save her. You kept your composure as a rookie cop, so also keep it together as a accomplished federal agent, is that clear, Leon?” Ingrid caught a quiet chuckle on Leon‘s end.

“What am I going to do when you get that promotion and I have to work by myself, huh?” A joking question from Leon, but there was seriousness to it.

Both worked together for years, and Ingrid was currently seeking a promotion for a higher position. Being an analyst at a desk for five years could be pretty dull, and Leon agreed, but he didn’t want anyone else to help him through the tough times, as she just did now with his worries of Ada Wong.

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll be working together for a long…time.”

“Sure hope so. Well, we're about to leave. Thanks and take care, Ingrid.”

“Your welcome, Leon. Goodbye.” He shut closed his cell phone and tucked it inside the right pocket of his brown bomber jacket.

Leon shifted around just a bit and spotted the designated group for this mission. Chris and Carlos were ahead of Jill and Sheva, the two women were chatting happily, and behind those two were Billy and Rebecca. All of them approached Leon quietly, except Carlos.

“How are you holding up?” The former mercenary asked the agent.

“Worried, but doing alright.” Leon confirmed, and this time, Billy joined them, as did Chris with a soft pat on the shoulder to Leon.

“No need to worry, Leon. We’ll get her back.”

“And when we do, you can give Wesker a beating.” Rebecca stepped in.

“A beating? How about getting rid of the guy already.” Billy countered Rebecca’s idea, but Sheva presented hers next.

“Anyway is fine. Let’s just get the job done and return home.” Sheva stated, but they were all missing another valid point in this mission, and it was Ada, but Jill brought it to light.

“Remember, Ada is first. Wesker can’t deploy the missiles without Chris and myself, so we’ll have that on our side as we search for her.”

“Thank you, Jill. Thanks, you guys.”

“No need for thanks, Leon.” He looked in the direction of Jill. “We are your friends, and we would help no matter what the situation calls for.”

“Right. So, let’s get this helicopter in the air.” Carlos gave a thumbs up, and they all nodded, but the main door to the heliport opened.

Steve Burnside made his appearance, and with him was Claire Redfield, in the revealing outfit. The women looked at the men, but it was only Carlos and Billy staring in awe. This brought Chris to rub his forehead in annoyance of having friends stare at his beautiful sister, and Leon to only give smile before heading for the helicopter.

“W-Wow. Claire looks- ah! Jill?!” Carlos began, but cringed forward in pain when Jill twisted and tugged his ear and practically dragged him all the way to the chopper.

Billy had yet to even close his mouth, though, Rebecca helped him by pulling his long black hair.

"R-Rebecca!? Let go!”

“Oh, just let me think about on the way to the helicopter, kay?” She ended in a innocent tone, and started her long walk to the vehicle, with a firm grip of Billy’s hair. He struggled against it, but that only made it worse.

Steve and Claire finally joined Chris and Sheva, the only four to had yet board the chopper.

“What do you think, Chris?” Claire asked while spinning around, and Sheva glimpsed up to see Chris still rubbing his forehead.

“What do I think? I think it’s too…too…revealing.” At hearing Chris, Steve felt he should’ve did a better job at convincing Claire of wearing something else, but Sheva defended them for the second time.

“Honestly, Chris. She’s a grown woman. Don’t you think you’re being a little…strict.” Chris lifted his head in shock.

“Strict?! Look at what-

“Just forget I even asked, Chris.” Claire had enough and headed off, leaving Sheva to console her, and Steve and Chris watching them.

Another big brother fault is what Chris was thinking. Dressing the way she did bothered him, but obviously he wasn’t in control of her life anymore. He wasn’t the first man in her life anymore, but it was the man in front of him.

“Chris, I’m sorry about Claire. I should’ve did-

“Steve, don’t apologize. I should be sorry. But like I said before, please take care of Claire. Don’t ever make her sad…” Chris brushed past Steve, letting him think twice about his words.

Steve took one step to the chopper before he experienced another minor attack from Wesker

~~Bring me the Master Keys NOW!~~ Steve’s steps began to sway from side to side, his right hand gripping his head, but the pain once again vanished, and Steve regained his strength.

“Steve, you alright?! Come on we got to go!” Carlos yelled over the roaring propellers and engine, receiving a nod from Burnside.

“Y-Yeah! I’m coming!”