A/N: I've decided to write something small and short today. I haven't written anything in years. This is the first fandom in 7 years I've decided to write for :o Hopefully you'll enjoy it as I did writing it!

Disclaimer: I do not own the character(s). They belong to Capcom

Downtime

The small city was bustling below as the sun began to set in the distance. The wild colors of yellow and orange painted the sky over the horizon. The crisp, cool breeze wrapped around the large figure that leaned against the balcony with his elbows resting upon the railing. Eyes gazing and peering into nothingness, the man reached inside his jacket, pulling out a small pack of crumpled cigarettes that he saved during missions. He could always go out and buy more, but he rather finish what he started.

There was a single knock on the door, soft and barely audible. Chris Redfield looked over his shoulder for a moment before he stuck one of the smokes into his mouth. His attention returned back to the distance, feeling a familiar presence beside him.

"Been awhile since I've seen you so forlorn, Captain," the young man said, sporting a simple white shirt and casual military-green pants.

Chris didn't respond. Taking a long drag of his cig, he nodded instead, inhaling the sweet toxin before blowing the smoke through his nose.

Piers leaned his back against the rail and folded his arms over his chest. There was silence then. But it wasn't uncomfortable, no, it was more just enjoying each other's presence while the night began to loom over them.

"Everyone is about ready for our mission in Edonia," Piers said, a small smile ghosting over his lips. "And you should see the letter Finn is writing to his mother. I swear, that kid is a rookie. Nice, but a rookie."

"Even so, it is a few days before Christmas. Its best that everyone give their wishes to their loved ones," Chris said firmly, smoke swirling around his face as if giving him soft kisses on his cheeks. "What about you? Don't you have something to write or tape or send to anyone before we head out?" he asked, holding his gaze with the other man, finding the hazel eyes striking against the setting sun.

With his lips pursed, Piers shrugged his shoulders in reply. "Nah. I'm good where I am. Besides, standing and fighting along aside you is more than I could wish for."

Chris shook his head, letting out a soft chuckle as he finished off his cigarette, crushing the small bud under his boot. "Careful, you're going to sound a bit obsessive about your Captain."

"Maybe I am. You just might never know when I'll stalk you in your sleep." Piers laughed, which was music to Chris' ears. But as the laughter died down, the young protégé sighed near the end. Again with the silence. But Chris enjoyed these moments with Piers - fleeting moments of feeling as human as possible under the constant stress of fighting against bioterrorism. At times like these, he felt more and more alive. He had Nivans' to thank for that.

His ears piqued at the other's voice, giving a low hum in reply.

"I said, do you think after all of this - the fighting, the war, everything… we would have a normal life?" he questioned as he bowed his head, staring idly at his feet. "I mean, hell, I can't imagine myself with the war over. My whole life has been training for something like this. I wouldn't mind staying in the B.S.A.A just to make sure everyone is alright. To make sure the world is gone from this bioterrorism shit."

Piers paused then, gazing up to Chris with a soft yet unreadable expression. "What about you, Captain? Have you ever given it some thought?"

Redfield's eyes darted away from the young man, thoughts slowly coming to the forefront. He'd thought about it alright. More than once. Retiring and settling down was something he'd been dreaming about for months. He was getting older by the day, feeling as if he were fighting alone most times. But he knew the fate of the B.S.A.A really rested on the younger generation. More specifically, Piers Nivans. Chris had never been so impressed by a man's marksmanship. The way Nivans' handled his guns was incredible, and the way he handled missions and talk to HQ was pure leadership material. Yes, this was fate. This was someone he knew he could trust. His judgement hadn't always been the best, but for once, he felt at ease. When all of this was over, he would tell Piers and the rest of the B.S.A.A he would appoint the sniper as captain.

After what seemed like forever lost in his thoughts, Chris leaned back, large hands holding the railing tightly as he spoke.

"A bit," he lied, letting out a deep, heavy sigh. Piers lifted his thick brow questionably but shook it off, moving closer to the taller male.

"A bit my ass. Whatever it is, Captain, I'm sure it would be the right thing to do. I'm sure of it," he said softly, reaching for Chris' hand hesitantly before clasping it, twining their fingers together in a motion that was slowly becoming more habitual between them. "Just promise to tell me what it is. Alright?" Piers asked, brushing his thumb over the surface of Chris' hand.

It seemed unreal that they had entered somewhat of an official, thoughsecret, relationship just a few months ago, both admitting to eachother to their best ability without saying much. And for Piers, it was the best thing to happen - to always be by the Captain's side, to make sure he never lost sight of him. To Chris, however, he wanted to make sure Piers would receive the best of everything. To see everything through to the end even if it meant testing the sniper's will and patience at times. In the end, Chris wouldn't have it any other way.

"How about we round up the troops and have a drink at the bar across the way? Let's celebrate the holiday a bit early." Chris spoke, watching Piers' full lips tug ear to ear into a full-blown smile.

"Yes, Sir." Piers grinned, leaning up to give Chris a quick kiss on the neck. Chris stared down at Piers, knew exactly what the other meant by that simple gesture.

"Tonight?" Chris asked.

"Oh yeah. Tonight. Calling it early with the men and we can head back here. I don't know about you, but we need to say 'Merry Christmas' a bit more privately with a fuck."

Chris sighed and chuckled, letting his head tilt and nodding toward the door.

"Well then, get moving." Winking and beaming at the B.S.A.A Captain, Piers gave a half-assed salute with two fingers, heading out the entrance.

The door shut softly behind the younger male, leaving Chris behind. He sighed once more as he turned his gaze back to the horizon, smiling to
himself. He wasn't overly fond of holidays, but for once, this is one he could look forward to.

To be continued...

A/N: I am working on a sequel to this story. I wanted to just leave this as a stand alone story but decided against it. Hopefully the next chapter would be up in the next few days :)