---

By now, it had grown dark in the West African region- Chris and Sheva had boarded the chopper with Jill and Josh at dusk, and the sun had all but disappeared by the time they had landed.

Chris had carefully lowered Jill down onto the bed, and she remained peacefully asleep for a time. As Chris sat silently next to her; he wondered briefly if Sheva had really gone to the "bathroom". Something in his mind told him no, but he wouldn't ask about it. Knowing her, Sheva was probably trying to give him and Jill some time alone. He sighed, but compelled, Chris lightly stroked the base of Jill's neck.

Her creamy-white skin was incredibly soft, and it successfully distracted him from his real concern- the wounds on her chest. Captivated by her body, the minutes passed and Jill began to rouse, quietly at first. Opening her eyes, she was relieved to see Chris by her side.

Shortly after, she began to study her surroundings, making for certain she knew where she was. She often did this after passing out like she had, but after her cloudy mind had figured it out, she began to panic. Terror overcame her, and flying into a sitting position, she gripped Chris's arm with as much force as she could.

"No…!"

She had half expected Chris to have brought her to the medical wing by now- thankful for his indecision, her eyes pleaded as she held onto him for dear life.

"Don't let them take me…"

Chris swept the blonde hair away from her face, seizing her hand firmly.

"Jill…"

His voice was soft as he gently cupped her face in his hand.

"Don't worry…no one's taking you anywhere, alright?"

Jill continued to clutch at Chris, frantic. He didn't understand. Her hands soon found his chest, his shirt bunched up within her grasp.

"No, listen…"

Gasping, she tried to compose herself, but to no avail. She was fearful. She wanted to let him know as soon as possible; tell him that he couldn't bring her in to anyone- but she wasn't sure how.

"I heard what Josh told you…but I don't need to be treated."

That would have to do- in her anxiety, it was good enough, and she managed to swallow allowing at least a moment's peace.

"Just some rest and I'll be fine. If you take me in now, they-"

Jill tried to slow her breathing, unable to continue. She didn't want to imagine what it would be like- what they might find.

Chris was scared for her- now even more so. He couldn't promise that he wouldn't take her to receive medical attention- her wounds were serious and infection was likely.

"Jill…I can't. Look at you-"

"Chris, please. Let me recover on my own..."

She gripped his shoulders, her expression pained and desperate as she begged.

"I don't know how much more I can take…"

Chris's features softened in sympathy, and his mind flashed to Albert Wesker- how Jill had been under his control, in his clutches for more than two years. His puppet while he did God knows what to her. Knowing the sick bastard like he did, experimentation was a vital part of Jill's purpose to him. The things he could have put in her…she was just another test subject to him, like all of the other poor souls he had kidnapped and sealed away in pods. To Wesker, human life especially, had little meaning.

He knew Jill must be tired- tired of all the poking and prodding, the testing and injections. This wasn't the end of it- the BSAA would be running tests of their own on her, mostly likely as soon as she returned to North America. They were thorough, and because of the experimentation Jill had been subjected to, they would be forced to take all necessary precautions.

She was scared, and he could tell…Jill Valentine, who never let her fear show.

Chris couldn't provide an answer to Jill's request, but he sighed knowing he had given up the fight. Jill's head fell into his chest as she breathed a weary thank you.

Chris immediately regretted his decision, but seeing Jill so reassured by his words made him weak. He had no choice but to give in.

"At least get some sleep…you need it more than we do."

He almost corrected himself, unknowingly referring to him and Sheva as a single unit- even when she wasn't around. Jill caught this, and now considerably relaxed, she smiled.

"Tell me about your partner."

Chris was taken aback by her sudden request, his face turning instantly grave.

"Jill, you're my partner. You were before, and you always will be."

Jill shook her head, her accepting smile growing fainter by the second until it vanished completely. She knew that Sheva and Chris were the perfect team…after all, she had been watching them closely under Wesker's orders. She even went up against them herself- it was no easy task, and in the end, she didn't stand a chance, P30 or not. She was weak. She was washed out. This was no longer her time- her part had been played, and now it was over. She was no longer needed.

This was the only conclusion. It was happening right in front of her. And regardless of how she wished it weren't true, she knew it was Chris and Sheva now. And they had a bright future ahead of them.

"I used to be your partner, Chris. Sheva is your partner now- you've acknowledged it before. And it's okay."

Jill gave a phony laugh to disguise her bitterness, and Chris gritted his teeth in spite of himself. He knew she was right, but it didn't feel right to him. The reason he was reassigned a new partner in the first place was due to Jill's status- either missing or dead. Aside from that, he needed a guide for his mission in Kijuju, and Sheva Alomar of the BSAA West African Branch was more than willing to take up the offer.

"But that's going to change. You're here now; we can be partners again, just like old times."

He sounded more like he was trying to convince himself rather than Jill, and she wasn't buying it. She was just a lost operative, her position swiftly replaced within the organization.

"Chris…I'm dead. I'm supposed to be. I should be! It'll take a lot before I can just pick up where I left off."

Chris winced at Jill's words; Jill and death would never mix well with him. It was impulse that told him to go on, to let her know she was wrong. But he could only say so much.

"You're alive to me, and that's all that matters. We can wait, can't we…? I'll stay with you; help you get back on your feet- you'll be reinstated as soon as the BSAA can make it happen. You're one of its original founders, for God's sake!"

"Chris…you don't understand-"

"Then help me understand! What is it I'm not getting here…?"

Chris was on the verge of losing it, but fortunately Sheva- who had returned- had peeked in through the door, an apologetic smile on her face.

"Chris, Jill…they're serving dinner now. I would get something before they close down for the night."

She cracked the door open a bit more, leaning patiently against its frame.

"I'm sorry…I know this must be a bad time,"

Chris took a deep breath, forcing himself to rise to his feet.

"No- It's fine. Thanks Sheva."

He quickly strode past Sheva- who followed close behind- to the cafeteria. He hated arguing with Jill, and was glad for an excuse to wind down. But he wanted Jill to talk to him; he wanted to share her hurts and fears, to be her shoulder to cry on. Not knowing scared him more than anything- no knowledge of Jill's thoughts or feelings, no connection with her at all. It was like walking around in the dark.

Fear twisted in the pit of his stomach, and he drove his feet faster. He knew he was corny, but he was sure that Jill would correctly interpret a dinner delivery as his lame apology. She knew him too well.

He would bring her something that hopefully, she could handle- he didn't know how long she had gone without eating- he didn't want to know. But what he did know was that Jill needed to be taken care of now, and he would be the one to care for her.

Meanwhile, Jill relaxed her muscles, just as grateful for the interruption- it chipped away at her strength whenever there was a gap in her and Chris's synchronization. Two years had taken its toll, and the two who used to be separate parts of a whole, functioning unit, had crumbled under the pressure of loss. She wanted to see only one face; to be rescued by someone who she knew in her heart was so familiar…but that day hadn't come soon enough for her. The burning consumption by loneliness had all but demolished her will. She would never admit it, but now more than ever, she needed Chris by her side.

But she was by herself now… Chris was no longer here with her, and in his place, nostalgia grew. She shuddered, cold sweat coating her face, and began to pant as her fever spiked.

Her vision blurred as she glanced at the only light in the room, the oil lamp on a small table, its flame slowly dying. Her eyes wide, she seemed to gain strength from the weak light. She knew that in solitude, it was only a matter of time before she blacked out again…it was a strange defense mechanism she had developed while captured- coupled with her body's high temperature, it was unavoidable.

In her deliria, she braced herself for the sickening thoughts that flooded her brain- her head shaking side to side as she covered her ears, trying in vain to force them out. As she inhaled shakily, Jill rubbed her arms clad in her tight suit, trying to get a grip on reality. But she bit down on her lip; hard enough to draw blood as her wounds began to itch, her face twisting with pain when her salty perspiration found its way into the openings. She soon succumbed and threw her body backwards, scratching wildly at her chest as she writhed on the bed in discomfort.

In torment, she could picture him clearly… He had mastered the art of making others suffer, and pleasurably exercised this power to his will. Torture. This is what he meant to her. What he was.

Every now and then, she could still hear his voice- playing in her head, mocking her judgment and common sense. Wesker, Albert: Deceased. A shockwave of electricity shot up her spine as she remembered his face- his sinister eyes, his cocky smirk of satisfaction that she wanted to tear off of his face. She knew he had wanted to torture her for the rest of her life; to envelope her- he was all she had known for years that went by at an agonizingly slow pace. He took this time to make sure everything about him was embedded within her body. He wanted her to suffer; and it was the ultimate revenge. She was determined not to give him the honor, but this was something she could not kill with a gun; that she could not shoot, cut, break or bruise. Her skills were useless against her own mentality.

Jill took control of her breathing, steadily exhaling and breathing in again- but she kept focused on the memories that she thought had been lost. She could remember everything so vividly…the ominous castle on that dark, stormy night…the fear she felt watching Chris, powerless as Wesker readied himself for the kill…and most of all, the adrenaline that had surged through her veins, fuelling her to dive through the glass window of the Spencer Estate- her arms wrapped tight around her enemy as they plunged to the ground.

It was funny that throwing herself and Wesker out a window was the best decision she had ever made in her life. But that moment she knew she had to do something. Anything. Without having to think she had made the choice to rescue her partner the only way she knew how- her life didn't matter as long as he survived. She loved him. She was ready to die for him. And she was taking Wesker with her.

She didn't regret it. She never did.

She had to save Chris. Even if it meant she would die. Even if Wesker managed to live.

She had to save Chris.

And she was so happy that she had.

That had been her last thought as she fell to what she thought was her death.

But to her surprise, it wasn't. Jill Valentine wasn't dead yet. Not after surviving what she had.

Everything had gone black for as long as she could remember.

Then, in a flash of bright lightning overhead, she had awakened, somehow still alive. Somehow- but barely. Overpowering the faint, briny scent of the beach, she could smell blood. Her own blood, surrounding her broken body as the crimson sand continued to drink it and grow- and she could feel the painful smarting of swollen flesh as the ocean waves crashed violently beside her. As soon as she hit the floor she had blacked out, and her life had slipped away if only for a moment.

But Jill struggled against the weakness of her body and took control, her senses concentrated and aware. Her head was impossibly heavy, and unable to lift it, she tried feebly to crawl away, her fractured bones digging into the terrain beneath her…

---

"Bravo…that was quite the stunt Valentine."

Jill didn't bother answering as she tried frantically to move from Wesker's proximity.

"You honestly thought that would have killed me…?"

He was indifferent- from her hazy view she could see him rise up, his body healing rapidly before she could even assess the damage he had taken, if much at all.

She wasn't surprised.

He hadn't been down long before he had sprung to his feet, and now he hovered above her- his prey.

"And you would be dead, having valiantly sacrificed your life to save Chris…what a suspenseful twist."

His amusement sickened her; she could only grunt in pain as he stood laughing madly into the open sky.

"I thought you would have grown a little wiser in our time apart, Jillian."

Looking down at her with blazing eyes, he bent slightly to collect his shades, coolly guiding them to their place. His debilitated victim was no doubt an easy kill- but as he watched Jill helplessly fade in and out of consciousness, Wesker could hear Chris's echoing screams. He was unable to hold back the wicked grin that spread across his face without delay, and he had to admit he was surprised that Jill was still alive- the fall was great, sharp rocks jutting out from the cliff as they made their descent.

In the silence that followed, Jill could feel her body being lifted as Wesker picked her up with unnatural ease, fighting to be released from his hold. He simply placed his gloved hand over her mouth to quiet her, his lips making their way to Jill's ear.

"I believe I have some plans for you…"

She finally surrendered in the hands of her greatest enemy, out cold as Wesker ran with superhuman speed to a location unknown.

---

A firm grip on Jill's shoulder shocked her back to consciousness, and her hands quickly became fists that flew toward Chris's face- with the absence of P30, Jill was predictable- not slow, but he was easily able to restrain her. Her fists met only his palm as he caught them inside of his large hand.

"Jill."

Shaking off her daze, she scrambled off the bed and onto the floor, where she gaped at Chris and Sheva in horror. Sheva was tensed in preparation, but Chris was unfazed- he helped Jill to her feet and back into the bunk.

Reliving what happened at the Spencer Estate was a little too much- she never imagined she would have to go through that again, but her memories seemed out of whack. Though she liked to think she was able to deal with such traumatizing situations, she knew that only on the outside was she able to hide their effects. The mansion, Raccoon City, The Spencer Estate and Wesker…they haunted her every day and night, relentlessly.

"I'm sorry…"

It was barely a whisper, but Chris squeezed Jill's hand in reassurance. Her anxiety disappeared swiftly, and she used the present to escape thoughts of the frightening past.

Finding it a good time, Chris pulled out his cafeteria gift- a plastic plate appeared beneath her face, and she sniffed as the steam rose to tickle her nose. The added warmth made her head spin.

"What…is it…?"

Sheva couldn't help but giggle at the woman's confusion.

"It's a lot like a meat pie…try it- I promise, it's harmless."

Jill blinked.

"Harmless…" They weren't exactly the most comforting of words, but her stomach gurgled loudly as if to urge her on. It was true she hadn't eaten much in a while, but at least she had had access to water and, if she were lucky, Excella would deliver a small portion of food to the cell she was being kept in. She wasn't sure if she were really hungry in the first place- her body didn't seem to crave food, although her stomach seemed impatient enough.

"It's okay. I'm not hungry."

She shook her head and sat the food beside her. In her peripheral vision, she could swear that Chris was eyeing it, and she smirked.

"It's all yours, big boy."

Chris grew red, turning his head in the other direction to hide his embarrassment.

"I'm fine."

Sheva laughed, and angled her chin towards the lonely meal.

"He's already had five of those…"

Jill nodded, a smile spreading across her face- she was all too familiar with Chris's appetite.

"He knows how to put it away."

Instantly, she was able to recall a safe memory- she remembered when they were a part of Raccoon City's Special Tactics and Rescue Service- S.T.A.R.S. All of her teammates…Bravo and Alpha team…they really had some good times back then. On late nights when Chief Irons was out, they would order pizza and stack it on Captain Wesker's desk- Chris devoured a whole pie by himself, and still fought Forest over the last slice.

---

"Redfield…I'll never know how you do it."

Forest sat amidst the mess of boxes on Wesker's desk, surrendering the last of the pizza to the man in front of him.

"Thanks. Do what?"

Forest hopped off from his makeshift seat, and Chris's question was answered only by laughter. He sighed and swiftly downed the rest of his food.

"Are you guys sure Wesker took the rest of the night off…? You know how he likes to check up on us when we're least expecting it."

Barry Burton slapped him on the back, chuckling heartily.

"He had some 'important business' he had to take care of. You know how it is- I'm guessing he'll be gone at least 'til noon tomorrow."

He winked at Chris and clapped his hands together, gaining the attention of his teammates.

"Aren't any of you thirsty…? I can't drink all this beer by myself."

He kicked the bottles at his feet, shrugging- and the room erupted in whistles and howls.

Jill was first to grab a drink, twisting off the cap with the help of her fingerless gloves.

"Thanks, Barry."

He smiled, giving her a thumbs up, and Jill cheerfully took a swig of beer. She drifted to the corner of the department, unconsciously seeking quiet from the rowdy men.

"Here Jill- I grabbed a piece of sausage pizza for you…better eat it now before Joseph sees."

Brad "Chickenheart" Vickers approached, laughing nervously and dangling a dripping sliver in front of his coworker. Jill had to cover her mouth to stop from laughing- pizza was probably the only thing he was brave enough to steal. Besides, Frost never bullied her- it was Brad he liked to pick on.

"Thanks, Brad- that was sweet. But I'm stuffed."

Forest snuck behind Jill, snatching her beret from her head.

"You bet you're stuffed! Man, you and Chris…you don't know the meaning of full, you two. The poor pizza didn't stand a chance."

Brad frowned and stepped away as Jill gave Forest an icy glare, holding her hand out for her cap.

"Very funny- I suggest you hand over the hat before I eat you too."

"Oh ho, is that a promise now pretty lady…?"

Jill made a face and stole back her beret, her eyes narrowing.

"You're disgusting Forest."

The man flipped his long hair behind his shoulders, grinning,

"Hey, what can I say? I like a woman with an appetite."

---

She laughed quietly to herself- even today, she missed her comrades. But she and Chris had promised to avenge them, tracking down facilities and eliminating threats until Umbrella finally collapsed. All of their work…ruining Umbrella's plans and destroying their labs, their research…it had paid off. Vengeance was rightfully attained, and their deaths were not in vain. She only wished that they all could have been there to witness the victory as well- including the death of the man who had betrayed them all.

"Jill… You should eat."

Jill's trance quietly left her, and she smiled softly at Chris.

"I'm fine. You go ahead."

She had expected him to dig in when he took her plate, but instead he placed it on the small table in front of them.

"You've lost weight, Jill. So it's there when you want it…you're going to have to eat sometime."

Sheva nodded in agreement, her face tight with concern.

"How's your chest…?"

Jill placed a hand on her wounds, wincing a bit at the sensation.

"It's been better…but I'll be all right. I'm thinking we should call it a night."

Chris let out a tired breath.

"Yeah. Sounds good…"

"I couldn't agree more."

Sheva was way ahead of them, climbing up the metal bars and into the top bunk to get settled.

Below her, Chris and Jill sat together quietly; watching as the small fire, out of precious oil to burn, slowly died off entirely. It sputtered in its final moments, white smoke swirling erratically around the open space.

"So…how are we going to do this?"

They had to whisper now, and in the dark Jill's hesitant fingers grazed Chris's cheek as she searched for him.

Chris's chest tightened at her touch- his heart was pounding against his ribcage, and he hoped he was the only one who could hear. He had missed Jill so much; it took all of his strength not to break down and cry in front of her. For endless months he had searched the world, hoping to see her somewhere along the way. He knew she couldn't be dead- he couldn't accept her 'death.' He knew she was alive. For him, she had to be…there wasn't any other option. Every minute she was with him, he could hardly believe it was real. But every minute that came and went assured him that it was, and it hit him hard.

"I'll sleep on the floor."

His voice was unsteady, but he smiled wide.

"You deserve a nice bed to sleep in."

Jill wrinkled her nose, pushing him lightly.

"You deserve it just as much as I do…! Listen, just- stay here with me."

Chris laughed to himself, knowing exactly what she meant- she didn't want to sleep alone. He laid back, his head resting on the pillow, and Jill followed, crawling blindly over his body. She held her place for a moment above Chris's face- she could feel the moistness of his warm breath on her neck, and trembled without meaning to. She continued to linger, the heat from his body and the humid air intoxicating her senses. Finally rolling across him, she took the side against the wall- as she nestled into Chris's chest, his arm outstretched automatically to grip her shoulder and hold her closely to him. Jill closed her eyes, everything as it should be in her world- nothing more was said, but Sheva alone was passed out, resting peacefully above them.

Unable to sleep, both Jill and Chris were taken back to old times- S.T.A.R.S., the Mansion, after Raccoon City- those days were difficult, but they were more defined then- they were naturally devoted to one another. Never fully getting over the trauma, the two only grew closer after the incident in the Arklay Mountains. After Umbrella's Arklay facility and the mansion had been destroyed, Chris, Jill, Rebecca, and Barry began plotting a way to expose the company. At first, Chris tried to halt Umbrella on his own- but soon discovered that Umbrella's influence was stronger than he could have ever imagined. Jill was met with the same obstruction as the rest of her teammates, and they soon took a different approach. While Barry and Rebecca worked more separately, Chris and Jill made the decision to team up yet again; brought together now in their fight against Umbrella. With no objection, their fates became hopelessly entangled as they raced against time.

Working as one, Chris and Jill became each other's confidant- they were best friends when things were easy, and partners when things got tough. But they were always closely intimate in whatever way was needed- it was undeniable that they would, sooner or later, realize their romance. And eventually, even if a little late, they did. They could no longer pretend to 'just be friends', let alone strictly operational partners- it had become a desperate cover up to what they both feared. Although recognizing and admitting their feelings- they never acted on them. Too fearful of the outcome, they openly expressed simply admiration.

Jill sighed as she reflected on her and Chris's unfortunate conclusion. When it came to a relationship, she wanted so much to accept that it could never happen- but it stung all the same.

Hello! Well, those were my first and second chapters back there, I hope it was okay. ^-^ Let me know if it's too short, and I'll change some things around to make it easier/better to read. =) Anyway, thanks for reading in the first place! I'm new so some reviews and or criticism/comments/etc would be really appreciated! n_n Lots more chapters up ahead! Also, I might be changing the rating to M later on. ;D For a variety of reasons. XD