A/N: This year for Valentine's Day, I am going to do a series of drabbles featuring different pairings and how they spend the holiday. I'll be posting (hopefully) at least one a day until next Friday, and will gladly take requests for specific couples. I'd like to note that these are unrelated oneshots, and also that I do not own the rights to any of these characters. So, anyway, time to spread some love. Kisses xx

Chris x Piers

"Piers! Open the door! Goddammit, listen to me!"

Piers awoke with a start, sitting up and throwing back the covers in a panic. His chest rose and fell rapidly, heartbeat racing and causing the heart rate monitor to beep violently. Just a dream, he told himself, as his dark eyes darted around the dimly lit hospital room. Just a dream, but it was so vivid, he had honestly thought he was back in that moment.

The nightmares had been waking him every night since he had arrived. Three months felt so much longer to him when he was stuck in a bed and observed continuously by doctors. It got lonely, too, even though Chris had been by to see him every day. The nights were the worst of all, lying awake in the empty, uncomfortable bed. And any time he finally managed to sleep, he was woken by the screaming in his own head.

Settling back down into the bed, Piers used his stronger arm to pull the blankets back over him and try to get some sleep. One more day, he told himself firmly. One more day, and he would finally be able to go home.

…

Chris drummed his fingers anxiously on the receptionist's desk, watching as she typed some things into her computer. While he had only been standing there for a few minutes, it felt to him like it had been ages. After months of waiting and worrying, he was finally able to bring Piers home. His second in command would still have to come for therapy and check ups, but at least he would be home, where he could be more comfortable and at ease.

And, most importantly, he would be with Chris. The dark haired man had grown tired of sleeping alone, if he even bothered to sleep at all. No amount of conversations with Claire or days at the range could block out the constant, tugging fears. Nothing could erase the memories of that day.

Chris had been so close to losing Piers that day. Every time he thought about it, he was plagued with a fresh wave of guilt. Piers had almost died out there, and it was all his fault. Just like it was his fault the younger man had been trapped in the hospital for months.

He shook his head slightly and let out a deep sigh, trying to remind himself that none of that mattered anymore. Piers was very much alive, and was finally learning to cope with the aftermath of his infection. And today, he would be coming home. Chris could hardly contain his excitement and anticipation.

Hearing his exhalation, the woman behind the desk looked up. "Just one moment, Captain Redfield," she said quickly, forcing a smile onto her lips. "I'm just printing off the release forms for you to sign."

After another few agonizingly long moments, she finally handed him a few sheets of paper. "Just sign and date these, please, Sir," the woman told him, passing over a pen.

Chris barely even scanned the forms before scrawling his sloppy signature across the bottom. He paused, the tip of the pen hovering over the page. "What's the date?" Things like dates hadn't seemed important to him these days, when he was too busy making himself sick over Piers.

"February fourteenth, Captain," she answered, not bothering to look up from her computer screen.

Chris let out a low laugh under his breath. Valentine's day. Figures.

…

"Are you sure you're okay? I can turn the heat up or something."

"I'm fine, Captain," Piers said for the thousandth time. From where he sat in the passenger seat of the truck, he rolled his eyes. He had expected some babying, but he figured Chris would at least wait until they got home. He was exhausted from weeks and weeks of barely sleeping, and he was eager to get home and collapse into an actual bed.

"I just worry about you," Chris replied, his tone dead serious as he stole a glance at the younger of the two. With everything that had happened on their last mission, it would be a miracle if Piers was ever allowed out of his sight again.

The rest of the drive was mostly silent. Eventually they reached Chris' house, where he eased his truck up to the curb and killed the engine. The brunette stayed still for a moment, trying to fight off the slight smirk threatening to break free. He had a bit of a surprise waiting inside for Piers and didn't want his gleeful expression to give it away.

Of course, nothing got past Piers, especially when it came to Chris. The man was an open book, and Piers knew every word by heart. He saw the gleam in his dark eyes, and could only imagine what Chris had in store for him this time. "Remember, the doctors didn't clear me for any strenuous activity," he said bluntly, a small grin of his own taking over his face.

Chris laughed lightly, shaking his head as he climbed out of the truck and went around to help Piers with his bag. Together they made their way to the door. Chris felt his hands tremble with excitement, and although he tried to hide it Piers could see the way he struggled to get the key into the lock.

"Something the matter, Captain?" Piers asked, absently running a hand through his hair. Chris wasn't the only one who got to be worried. Piers had lost his fair share of sleep over his best friend too.

Chris bit the insides of his cheeks and stayed silent as he finally got the door unlocked and pushed it open. The pair didn't even make it into the house when all of a sudden they were attacked by a bouncing, whimpering puppy. A look of pure adoration came over Piers' face as the dog jumped up onto his leg, panting excitedly.

"You got me a puppy?!" Piers cried, dropping to his knees and scooping the little beagle up into his arms. Chris smiled as he closed the door behind them, watching Piers pet and cuddle the dog, stroking its ears and kissing its nose.

"I figured you could use something to cheer you up," he said nonchalantly, as if it was no big deal, when in reality seeing that look of happiness on Piers' face was the best sight in the world.

Piers set the puppy back on the floor, straightening up and going to wrap his arms around Chris. The older man tensed up for a moment, but quickly relaxed into the familiar feeling of safety that Piers had always offered him. "Thank you," he said, in a way that made it clear he wasn't just talking about the puppy, but about every single thing they had ever shared. Feeling a bit of bravery, he pressed his lips quickly to Chris' cheek before pulling away and blushing profusely.

Chris was stunned for a moment, but he quickly reached out to pull Piers back to his chest and stole another kiss, this time from his lips. A feeling of warmth spread through them, and for the first time in as long as he could remember, Chris felt the weight of the world being lifted from his shoulders.

"Happy Valentine's Day," he said quickly, remembering the date. Piers laughed a little before returning his full attention to the puppy that was pawing at his legs.

Mission accomplished.