Corruption
Disclaimer: I don't own Resident Evil, or anything associated with it. I do, however, own the story.
Chapter One: Raining On Valentine's Day
The rain fell down on the roof of the speeding Honda Civic. It's passengers paid no mind to it, they just sat in silence. Silence that was consumed in fear, anxieties, tension, and other emotions that the two were feeling. The driver cast a glance to the clock positioned between the air vents, and the other controls in the car.
"Why don't you watch the road?" The female passenger said annoyed.
"Do you want to drive?" The man replied sarcastically, settling back in the cloth seat.
"Yeah," she replied, "but you won't let me."
"Well, you're nineteen, do you even have a driver's license?"
She shoved the small license in his face.
"You told me to watch the road, Claire." Chris Redfield snorted.
"Well, Chris, I have an I.D. and I could drive." Claire Redfield replied, reclining her seat back to take a nap.
Chris once again checked the clock, the green numbers glaring 12: 35.
'It's Valentine's Day…'
Chris sighed, accelerating slightly.
Him and Claire had been driving for about four hours straight. Ever since they had left the airport, Claire had been quiet, which was drastic change from what she used to be like. Then again, she had lived through the undead twice, captured by Umbrella, and almost killed by a monster who told her he loved her. He clenched his bruised jaw as he remembered her breakdown before they had left for the Paris airport.
He had been standing in the bathroom, swallowing some painkillers when Claire had wandered into the bathroom while he was thinking.
"You'll see her again." She'd muttered.
"And you'll see him."
His statement had sent her flying into his arms, her body wrenching with sobs. They both sat on the tiled hotel bathroom floor, while she'd cried because she hadn't loved Steve Burnside, how her heart belonged to Leon Kennedy, the guy who'd escaped with her in Raccoon.
"Ssh, I know." He tried to comfort her, but apparently that had been the wrong thing to say.
"You don't know. You don't fucking know!" She'd stood up.
Chris swallowed, their Redfield tempers both flaring to the surface.
"How the hell do I not know? My whole fucking team was fucked over and murdered, no slaughtered! Then you're gonna tell me I don't know!" He sucked in air.
"Well, it's your fault, if you had maybe called me I wouldn't have went to Raccoon or to the God damned island!" Claire retorted, shoving her brother.
"Damn it. Why hell would you go to a zombie- infested town, or to Umbrella Headquarters? Could you really confuse me for a zombie?"
"Well you're as ugly as one!" It had been a childish retort, but he knew she was mad as hell.
His jaw opened to say something, but instead he burst out laughing.
"I don't think me having a break down is very funny." But even Claire had broken a smile.
The siblings laughed for a long time after that.
Chris chuckled lightly.
The rain hadn't let up any, and the pitter-patter on the car roof was becoming a nuisance. Chris was going to turn on the radio, when he saw Claire sleeping. So he settled with just watching the road, and trying not to let the rain get to him.
~ * * ~
Jill Valentine sat on the soft cloth couch. Her azure eyes watched as the television flashed from channel to channel, as Leon Kennedy flipped through the stations aimlessly.
"Are you ever going to decide on anything?" Jill muttered.
"Unless it's a news report saying Chris Redfield and Claire Redfield are safe and coming to Boston, Massachusetts, no." Leon replied, pressing the power button on remote control. The T.V. station flickered and the picture shook, before it finally faded to black.
"Don't we wish." Jill said, pulling her feet closer, feeling a chill in the air.
She looked at the old clock, ticking as the seconds passed by. 12:40 in the morning, she rubbed her eyes.
"You look tired, why don't you go to bed?" Leon asked, playing with the cap to his water bottle.
Jill shrugged. She listened downstairs, Barry Burton was trying to salvage information off the computer, Rebecca Chambers was upstairs with Carlos Oliveira, they were cleaning guns, and stocking ammo. This left her and Leon to themselves. Both were sullen, both missing the Redfields. Leon had told her that he felt he had fallen for Claire Redfield after she had told him of her relationship with Chris Redfield.
Her thoughts then wandered off to Carlos Oliveira. She knew he had some sort of feelings for her, the looks he gave her, he had flirted with her in Raccoon, but she had firmly told him of her relationship, somehow she didn't figure Carlos was that easy to accept no. But lately she had noticed that Rebecca and Carlos had been spending more and more time with each other.
Leon stood up.
"Where are you going?" Jill asked.
"To get something to eat, want something?"
"Just some Mountain Dew."
"Mountain Dew it is." Leon walked off to the kitchen.
~ * * ~
Barry Burton sat back watching the screen to his computer. The screen saver danced across, showing various guns. It was Barry's choice, he smiled, the same screen saver that he had back in S.T.A.R.S. A broader grin broke across his face. The memories of Brad "Chickenheart" Vickers looking paranoid as Albert Wesker yelled about a mission, Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield making plans for their dates and eyeing each other. Rebecca Chambers, Enrico Marini, and himself engaged in their work, Kenneth Sullivan, Forest Speyer, and Joseph Frost talking about something among natures Barry didn't even want to know, and that bastard Wesker always gone.
He sneered remembering how Wesker had threatened his family and betrayed him, causing him to take part in his scam. He then checked his watch. They should be here any minute now. He smiled, hoping the plan would work. He knew Jill had no idea, everytime she asked if he had found anything on Chris, he just told her he didn't know. Even the smitten Leon had been trailing around like a love-sick puppy. The quiet knock on the door shook him from his thoughts.
"Welcome home." He whispered.
~ * * ~
Chris pulled around the block. Parking in some sort of supermarket lot. He woke Claire, who wasn't the least bit happy.
"Are you telling me we have to walk around in the pouring down rain, just for this surprise?" Claire complained.
"Do you want to see Leon or not?" Chris retorted.
"Fine." She grumbled.
After about five minutes they were both drenched completely, Chris' dark blue sweater colored completely black, and the white fitted t-shirt transparent to his skin. His combat pants were soaked, his shoes squishing with every step. Claire was the only one who was smart enough to grab a coat, so her auburn hair stayed its natural color, her green sweater didn't turn darker, but her jeans were turning a darker tint, and her shoes were also squishing along with Chris'. They finally reached the three-story house, and crept down to the shaded wooden door, Barry said it led to the basement, and Chris knocked softly.
~ * * ~
Rebecca Chambers zipped the duffel bag full of ammo, and placed it against the others softly. Carlos Oliveira stacked another 12 Gauge against the wall. He shot her a smile as they returned to their places. They had been working for at least an hour, but Rebecca didn't mind. She enjoyed working with Carlos, there was just something about him that made her feel comfortable around him.
'Becca you've got a crush.'
Those were the wise words of Jill Valentine when she had told her about how she felt. She supposed she should listen to her, Jill was more experienced in that area. Her thoughts drifted how she had previously had a crush on Christopher Redfield. Hell, so had most of the women population in the Raccoon City Police station. It didn't take long after her arrival that there was no getting past the relationship of Chris and Jill. A few of the guys had cast their eyes toward her, but for the most part guys were after Jill. Chris and Jill didn't let any of that get to them. Carlos would flirt always, but he also flirted with Jill. Jill wasn't going to allow it though. Rebecca sighed, a little loud, causing Carlos to look up. He flashed another smile, then went back to work.
Carlos was lost in thought, Rebecca or Jill, Jill or Rebecca. He liked them both, and was beginning to fall deeper into the triangle. Jill seemed to ignore his passes, but then again she could be playing hard to get. She had mentioned a guy named Chris, but how could she love him if he hadn't been there for her in Raccoon? He shook his head, then began to think about Rebecca. She was cute sure, and probably matched his personality better, but everything was so messed up and confusing. He was going to continue to think about the two women, when there was a shout from downstairs.
~ * * ~
The door opened into a dark basement, the only light illuminating from the computer. A man welcomed the duo into the room, both shivering and soaked.
"Redfield you rascal, how have you been?" Barry's baritone voice whispering, a large hand ruffling the soaked matted hair on Chris' head.
Claire smiled, Barry reminded her of a father, although her own was charming and funny like Barry, he hadn't looked anything like him. She figured he was like a dad to Chris, and it seemed that was how it was going to be with her.
"The usual, you know almost dead." He chuckled.
Barry's dark brown eyes shot to Claire, "Claire…" He drawled.
"Hey Barry." She smiled, still nervous around him, like the first time they had met.
"You look like wet rat." He laughed quietly at the two.
"Well lover boy over here wants to surprise Jill…so you know." Claire replied.
Chris' red cheeks were covered by the growing stubble and the now fading bruise.
Barry laughed again, "Then let's get the plan into action before you two get too loud."
They started to creep up the stairs, when there were footsteps close to the door and a muffled male voice. Chris looked at Barry and walked forward. The voices were Leon giving Jill her request, the Mountain Dew, and returning to the kitchen to pick up his own food.
Chris reached for the doorknob, "Are you sure they don't know?"
"No now go." Barry hissed.
Claire giggled.
Chris rolled his shoulders and pulled the door open.
Jill was setting the canned drink down and Leon was shoving a fork full of hot food in his mouth, both wide-eyed. It took Jill a moment to register that it wasn't Barry coming out the door. The man she saw was taller, lean and the soaking wet clothes showing his toned, muscular body. His darker, shaggy hair was wet and going in all different directions from were Barry had ruffled it. The stubble across his face was dark and hiding a bruise on his. Even though he didn't look the same as he did, he was still the sexiest thing in her eyes. She let out a shout and jumped over the couch, right in to the arms of Chris Redfield.
They couple stumbled back as Chris struggled to hold her up, he adjusted his arms, not noticing Rebecca and Carlos come flying down the stairs, Carlos with a shotgun and Rebecca with a Berreta. Jill clung to Chris' shoulders sobbing. He felt himself begin to tear up, and he whispered into her chocolate hair.
Rebecca handed the gun to a confused Carlos, who set them against the wall.
"Chris Redfield!" She yelled.
Jill dropped down and let Rebecca hug the cold and shaking man, "Hey Becky." He said softly, never taking his eyes off of Jill who was wiping her eyes. Rebecca pulled back and Jill took her place at Chris' side.
"I never should have left you, I'm so sorry, I love you so much." He breathed.
She just nodded.
"You're right, you shouldn't have." Carlos muttered.
"Excuse me?" Chris pulled back.
Claire, Jill, Barry, and Rebecca saw the familiar temper begin to surface.
"You never should have left her you asshole, you don't care about her!" Carlos growled.
Before anybody could stop him, Chris rammed Carlos into the nearest wall, his hands holding him against it. Fear flashed in the shorter man's coffee eyes as Chris' own turned to ice.
"The hell I don't love her. What the fuck is your issue?" Chris snarled.
"Chris!" Barry barked.
"Back off." Chris retorted.
"Chris please…" Jill pleaded softly.
"What the fuck is my issue? You're my issue. Even if she does love you, how could she? You left her to die in a fucking infested town. Where were you when that damned Nemesis infected her? Where were you? You bastard you-" Carlos was interrupted by Chris slamming a hand down on the wall, mere centimeters from Carlos' head.
A silence filled the room.
"You can call me whatever the hell you want. I don't care if you insult me or what your opinion is of me…" Chris' voice cracked, "but don't you ever accuse me of not loving her. I may not have been there this time, but I was the first time. We've been dating since the first day she fucking joined S.T.A.R.S. damn it. It will eat me alive everyday that I wasn't there. I'll be there from now on." Chris jerked back to Carlos' relief.
"Whatever, I'm the one that actually loves her." Carlos replied.
Chris stopped, his fists clenching and Carlos figured that this time he wouldn't survive Chris slamming him into the wall. But Jill was the one who stepped forward.
"You know what? I've had it with you. You don't love me Carlos, you just think you do. Even if you do, despite what you think, I don't return those feelings. Why do you think I've been so depressed and turning you down? I told you I love Chris, why can't you get that through your head?" Jill tried to keep calm for everyone's sake.
Carlos mumbled something, and stormed up the stairs to his room.
There was an awkward moment in the room.
"How about we do the catching up tomorrow morning, it's about 1:00 am, so let's get to bed." Barry ushered everyone upstairs.
~ * * ~
Chris wrapped his arm around Jill's waist, following her lead up to the room. They entered the darkness of the room, Leon and Claire following to Leon's room. Chris noticed this, but decided to let it slide, Claire was smart and knew how to take care of herself. She needed to sort things out with Leon and what happened, happened.
Jill flipped the lights on, and turned to Chris. "You're probably wondering what the hell all that was about?" Jill arched an eyebrow.
Chris nodded, stripping out of his now damp sweater. "Yeah, I'm a little curious."
"His name is Carlos Oliveira. He was an Umbrella Biohazard Countermeasure Soldier, his team was sent in to help Raccoon, the leader turned on them and turned into a psycho. He's been flirting with me and Rebecca, and I thought he had moved to Rebecca. They would make a very good couple. He helped me get out of Raccoon alive. An Umbrella bio-weapon nicknamed Nemesis was sent out to kill all the remaining S.T.A.R.S. he succeeded in murdering Brad, and there was nothing I could do except watch him be slaughtered in front of me. He also infected me with the G-Virus, Carlos got the antidote and saved me." Jill explained, trying not to be distracted by the translucent view of Chris' wet shirt.
"So I guess I should have been thanking him instead of strangling him." Chris smirked, turning out the light.
Jill smiled, "You know I love you. Just give him some time."
Chris nodded, his look turning serious. "Brad was…"
"Yeah." Jill moved closer to Chris laying her head on his shoulder. They lay there enjoying the company of each other in the dark.
"God, poor Chickenheart." He mumbled, stroking Jill's hair.
Jill sighed softly.
"I wanted to apologize." Chris said.
"For what?"
"For leaving. I should have taken you with me. I meant what I told Carlos earlier. I love you." Chris whispered.
"Don't blame yourself. We had to go… you had to go. If you hadn't of, God knows what could've happened." Jill replied, sitting up.
Chris looked her in the eyes, "You know, if I hadn't met you, I never would've survived. There wouldn't be any reason to."
Jill shook her head, "If I hadn't of met you, I know I wouldn't have survived. How many times did you risk your life to save mine in Spencer?"
"How many times did Carlos risk his life to save you in Raccoon?" Chris muttered.
"A few…do I sense jealousy Redfield?" Jill joked.
"Well, he seems to feel very strongly…"
"Doesn't matter what he feels, what matters is what I feel." Jill said.
"And what do you feel?" Chris asked playfully.
"You know what I feel. There's no reason to be jealous Chris."
"Calling me jealous? Do you not recall when Rebecca first joined Bravo?"
"Okay, enough in that category. Anyway, Carlos likes her." Jill replied.
Chris chuckled at Jill's embarrassment. He met her eyes again, running his hands through her hair. She closed her eyes at his familiar touch. When she opened them, she saw that look in his eyes that he used to get. The look where it seemed like he was lost in her.
"God you're beautiful." He muttered, and leaned down to kiss her lips.
They met softly, the passion between the two being renewed. Jill grabbed a handful of his still soaked shirt, and drew him closer. Chris placed his hands on either sides of Jill's hips and picked her up slowly so she was on top of him. She exhaled as she pressed into the coldness of his clothes. Suddenly Jill broke the kiss.
"Shit."
Chris looked confused, "What's wrong?"
Jill laughed, "You're clothes are soaked, that means the bed is too."
Chris smiled, "Floor's fine with me."
"But you've got me soaking wet." Jill replied.
Chris opened his mouth to say something, then began laughing as he realized what she'd just said.
"Oh, you pervert!" She hissed.
"But I'm your pervert." He replied before kissing her again.
Jill moaned as Chris' hands slipped under her shirt, he tugged at it lightly. She helped him pull it off and then their lips met again. Jill gripped Chris' shirt more, and he sat up, ripping it off. They broke the kiss for short ragged breaths. Jill's nails raked softly across the back of Chris' neck. He let out lustful growl, and Jill smiled, knowing she had him.
"Jill…" He moaned in a low ragged voice.
It was enough to set her off, and she thrust her hips forward causing him to buck his. He kissed down her neck, his hot breath beating down also. She arched her back, and moaned again. His eyes met hers as her hands found the snap to his jeans. She got them undone and groped at the belt loops to slide them off. He leaned up and pushed them off himself. Jill pulled at her own pants, and finally got them off. Chris rolled them over and placed kisses along Jill's collarbone, then along her neck until he met her lips again. His hands found the clasp to her bra. He fumbled with it for a second before finally getting it undone. His right hand found its way up to Jill's shoulder, and began sliding the strap down. Once her bra was off, Jill went for Chris' boxers, her fingertips grazing just below the rim. He mumbled something, and Jill gripped the sides of her panties and slid them off. Chris pressed into her, the thin material of his boxers the only thing preventing them from pleasure.
"Take them off." Jill ordered softly.
Chris thrust his hips forward and Jill let out another groan.
"Don't tease…Chris please. It's been nine months."
"Believe me, I know." Chris replied.
Jill led his hands down to the boxers. He pulled them off and slung them behind their thrashing forms.
"I love you." Chris whispered into Jill's jawbone.
"I love you too." Jill gasped, her voice hitching as they began.
~ * * ~
Jill collapsed onto Chris. He brushed a sweaty strand of hair back out of her face.
"God I've missed you." He said.
"You don't know the half of it." Jill answered.
She rolled off of him, exhausted. She then turned to face him, staring up at him with half-lidded eyes. He placed his arms around her, pulling her closer as she drifted off to sleep. He stayed awake though, watching her, like he did after they fell asleep on her couch after Spencer Estate. He stayed awake, lost in his thoughts, unaware of the hours passing him by, until Jill awoke.
"Chris?" She mumbled wearily.
"Hmm?"
"What time is it?"
He looked at the digital clock. "Around four in the morning."
"Have you been to sleep yet?" She asked, concerned.
"No. I've been watching you."
Jill smiled into his chest. "Why don't you get some rest?"
He kissed her forehead, "I will."
And the couple drifted off to sleep. A deep sleep, one without nightmares.
~ * * ~
Author's Note: It's been awhile, but of course school got the better of me. I updated Winter's Adventure, and I apologize for the long wait. Thanks for all of your reviews on that, and please review this one. As you see the chapter is extremely long, and the ones that follow it will be also. So…hopefully the waits won't be as long, but don't expect an update everyday.