Warning: Slight angst
Pairing: Chris/Jill
Timeline: Post Resident Evil 5
"…Its beautiful…"
His eyes rose from the dishes he was preparing from the picnic basket.
She was staring at the river before them, as the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon. It was a myriad of crimson, violet and orange hues. It was perfect for taking pictures, but the only thing he had on him was the B.S.A.A issued cell phone.
He couldn't disagree with her.
They sat on the yellow blanket he spread out for them on the shoreline. The smell of linguine alfredo and lemon herbed chicken perfumed the air, mingling with the ocean breeze. It was his idea to order from a local Italian restaurant, only because he wasn't much of a chef.
The only thing he knew about cooking was boiling water.
He wasn't ashamed to admit it and Jill didn't hold it against him.
The dinner wasn't based on a special occasion, at least he didn't think it was. To him, it was an idea that came to him one day. They were given time to recover and place everything behind them.
When did they ever have a chance to settle down?
The past few months was a rollercoaster of pain and recovery.
He didn't want to be reminded of the mission in Africa.
He didn't want to be reminded of the terrifying thoughts of losing her again.
Right now, he wanted to be the strength that she needed. He wanted to be the ray of sunshine missing from her life, eliminating the darkness that engulfed her each time. He wanted to be her fortress, unbreakable, unmovable, and unshakable.
He swore with every breath that he took that nothing would never allow anything to happen to her again.
It was a promise he intended to keep.
He smiled, acknowledging her words with a nod. "…Yes it is."
"...Why?"
The question was enough for him to lower the spoon.
She turned away, gazing at the sand. "...why are you doing this...?"
He could see tears in her eyes. "I shouldn't be here...I shouldn't..."
It wasn't long, before he dropped the large spoon and made his way over to her. "Stop..."
It was a single command, as he wrapped his arms around her. "...stop acting like you don't deserve some form of happiness. Stop punishing yourself Jill. You're here because I want you to be here. It will get better, I promise."
A bitter laugh escaped from her lips. "...You won't give up on me, will you?"
He shook his head.
"Never."
Author Notes
I couldn't get the song 'For You I Will' by Monica out of my head because I felt it strongly applies to Chris and Jill after everything they went through in Africa. And I know for a fact that he would do anything to protect her and ensure she'll never go through the pain she went through in Kijuju ever again.
Just a short one-shot I wrote up on my way home from work.