---

"Why is it that we're always left alone, you think?"

Jill's question made Chris laugh loudly, suspecting she was finally catching on. It was about time.

"Well…from what I hear, people get a certain impression."

The blonde's eyes widened in horror. What was that supposed to mean? You don't just go around asking people what they think!

"You've talked to people about it…?"

Chris shrugged it off, and Jill switched gears. She wanted him to finish...and she wanted to know what he thought.

"What kind of impression…?"

The man stretched, rolling his shoulders and letting out a groan before he took a seat next to Jill.

"Uh- let's see here. From a completely random, distant, third-party view, how would you see us?"

Jill bit her lip, looking into Chris's dark eyes. Pretty straight-forward. Could she give a straight-forward answer?

"Er…I'd see us as partners?"

It sounded more like a question- but it was still wrong. Chris urged her on.

"Not quite. Try again. A little more friendly this time."

Jill frowned, uncertain. She felt as if she were walking on a tight rope...saying the wrong thing would not only mortify her- but it could send her crashing down.

"Friendly friends…?"

"Nope."

"Good friends?"

"Wrong."

"Best friends?"

Chris lifted an eyebrow at Jill's answers- was she joking? He thought he had already clearly established that the friend impression was not it. Jill laughed quietly beside him, and he tried to keep his cool- though he had no idea how Jill felt for him after all this time, he knew that she was acting a bit too oblivious.

Inhaling, he bit the bullet- he knew that under pressure, Jill would fess up.

"You know exactly how you'd see us."

Jill's lips parted in surprise, and she took time to gather herself. Chris knew her too well. She sucked in a giant breath of air, letting it out noisily before turning to face Chris directly. On thin ice, she considerably responded, though very uncomfortable.

"Yeah, I guess I do. Answered my own question…"

Jill let her eyes fall to the floor, and Chris became very still. Tension built as they sat in complete stillness, their minds racing with their own conflicting thoughts. In the past, the future- such things had no play in their lives. Their personal lives came last- after the lives of all the world's people, and their task to fight for and protect them. There was no time for love, a relationship in their world would only lead to pain.

"If everyone thinks we're together…why aren't we?"

The question was bound to come. Chris's voice was soft, but filled with sad, genuine confusion. He was asking in all sincerity; he wanted to know why.

Jill's chest tightened painfully and she groaned, fighting to keep herself levelheaded.

"Chris, you know why. Let's not do this…"

Chris allowed his jaw to clench lightly, and he considered his own feelings about the boundaries of their bond. He didn't want them to exist. If he had his way, he'd tear them down with his own bare hands.

Knowing he would go on, Jill squeezed his shoulder gently. He was not the only one, sick of the lives that they had to live. But she knew that in order to keep going, she couldn't think about it. She couldn't imagine the possibilities, the what if's, the warmth of a lover. But she had already begun to picture it all, and she cursed herself as grief shot through her.

She had to recover quickly- lift the two of them back up. Jill stood, ambling around the room. She searched her brain for an idea, something that would take their mind off of their previous conversation, but she came up empty. Instead, she simply questioned Chris, hoping that somehow, he'd forget.

"So I'm on the list."

Chris's head shot up, and he stared at her in confusion.

"What…?"

Jill smiled at him, leaning against the wall.

"The BSAA's list of agents who've given their lives. Died for their cause."

He nodded sternly, his eyes focused on Jill's heels.

"They'll be removing it soon. It's a pain once it's been done, but they're more than happy to make the change."

The pale woman crossed her arms, pushing for more conversation.

"What's my status…?"

Her partner ran a hand through his tousled brown hair.

"Missing In Action. But not for long."

Jill Valentine's eyes lit up in anticipation.

"So I'm still a part of the BSAA?"

Chris gave her a strange look- the questions were getting a bit weird.

"Of course."

That was all she needed. She had felt so useless after being saved, and knowing that she would eventually work as a part of the BSAA again gave her comfort. Even after Wesker's death, Jill couldn't shake the anxiety of Uroboros- she had to make sure the virus was wiped out for good.

Of course, she would allow time to interrupt. She knew the BSAA would most likely have her and Chris on leave for a while, no matter how hard they pushed to get back to work. But maybe, some time with Chris would be nice…undisturbed time to be together. The thought was scary for her, but exciting at the same time- it had been so long since they'd lived normally. Even if it was just for a few weeks.

"Good. Thanks for the update."

Chris broke out into a smile. Jill had the craziest ways of cheering him up, but her mere existence usually did the trick. She was silly- if there was ever someone who loved to joke, sarcastically, it was Jill Valentine.

Chris joined Jill by the wall, crossing his arms to complete his imitation.

He did the same as Jill tilted her head to touch the side of the room.

"My reflection's a bit off…"

Chris pulled down the small zipper to his BSAA shirt, and Jill giggled.

"There we go! I've gotta say, I'm looking good."

Chris winked in reply, and Jill abandoned her pose to walk to him. He melted, relaxing into a more normal position as she took his hands into her own.

"Chris…I really missed you."

Jill's confession made Chris's heart skip a beat- not once had she said she had missed him until now. He was starting to think that she hadn't. But he embraced her in happiness, her hands gliding up his shoulders to hook around his neck as his fastened around her waist.

"I know you probably think I suck at thank you's, but… I'm really happy to be here with you. To be back…"

Jill exhaled slowly as a much anticipated relief finally washed over her.

"It's been a long time."

Too long.

Not wanting to ruin the moment, Chris didn't object or agree- none of that mattered now that they were together. She was with him, whispering in his ear that she was happy. He didn't need to stress about the extent of their relationship- she was alive, she was here- and for now, that was all he cared about. His life was incomplete without her, and having almost lost her, he realized now just how much he needed her. Without a sound, he just held Jill close, reveling in the feel of her body against his.

He was close, so close to telling her how much he loved her. But he swallowed the urge, gripping Jill tighter.

"Bear hugs…they're…all you…can give…aren't they…?"

Chris managed to laugh as tears ran down his cheeks, and his mouth settled on a smile.

"Yeah."

Hearing his voice, Jill pulled away to face him in alarm.

"Chris…? Oh Chris, don't do that!"

She yelled and made her demands, but couldn't fight the tears that crept into her own eyes.

"Idiot…"

Jill clenched the material of his top with both of her gloved hands, pulling him closer to her. Chris towered over her protectively, silent as she sobbed into his chest, past the point of trying to hold it back. It was something Chris would have never expected to see in a lifetime- but it made no difference to him. This was Jill Valentine, and he adored every part of her. He didn't think any less of her- he had no reason to. He had always wanted Jill to loosen up, to not be so hard on herself. He knew of the uncertainty beyond her eyes. But though this was Jill's nature, even she couldn't deny the powerful connection they shared. Its dynamic nature tore down the walls both she and Chris had built around themselves, allowing a freedom of their own into their lives.

They accepted that this was how they were…and how they would always be. Ever since S.T.A.R.S., ever since that first incident at the mansion, they knew they had formed a bond that was impossible to explain. Through the suffering, survival, loss, betrayal, death, pain, fear, duty, and so much more, somewhere along the way they found that they could always trust each other. They were connected through their experiences and feelings, which, although traumatizing, had led them to each other. They were all they had, and nothing would ever pry them apart.

Sniffing, the two finally released their grip on each other- they had grown even closer in a matter of minutes. Jill had let Chris see the other side of her- the one she hated and hid away. The side that only pretended to be strong- that couldn't take it all. The side that cried when she felt like breaking down, that admitted she was afraid or alone when she wanted to scream out. This was not her tough side- she did cry, and she had missed Chris more than anything. But it didn't matter. Even if she was embarrassed now, she knew Chris understood and would only console her in trying times.

"You know…you never answered my question back at the showers."

Jill blinked, her head tilting slightly to hint at her incomprehension.

"Were you checking me out back there…?"

Jill immediately regained her composure, socking Chris in the stomach- of course it felt like a rock and was hardly noticed, but punching was her reaction to many things.

Her blush was obvious on her pale face, and Chris laughed, his arm around her.

---

It wasn't long before Chris Redfield absolutely needed food. Breakfast was the most important meal of the day- and Jill didn't doubt it was a fact for Chris. Being the macho man he was, his body burned fat and calories rapidly, and he needed more to nourish himself. He appreciated the more normal selection of cooking, and Jill joined him in the cafeteria. She agreed to eat with him this time, and it felt good to have something more in her nearly empty stomach. Curious as always, Jill insisted that Chris fill her in on all he'd been up to during their time apart. He wasn't fond of recalling, but he was able to clarify most of his actions, and they spent long hours chatting peacefully across the table.

It felt like it had years ago, back at the Raccoon Police Department as Chris and Jill talked over coffee before an assignment.

-

Now past noon, the two eventually came back to Earth, parting from their world where only they existed. Finishing up, they decided to wander the facility afterwards, watching just how the BSAA West African Branch did things. HQ would have been a stop, but Jill didn't want to tempt fate. However, as the facility started to fill with recruits, fellow agents instantly recognized Chris Redfield. As hall space became scarce, the bustle made Jill thankful she wasn't as well-known- she wanted to lay low and evade questioning for as long as she could. She turned away and avoided eye contact just to be on the safe side.

Chris however soon found himself greeted by throngs of BSAA members- mostly in broken English- as they stood in awe of their encounter. Jill stepped aside- it was clear that Agent Redfield was a highly respected operative- he was known throughout the world as one of the very best. His experience was unrivaled, and he had more missions to his name than anyone in the organization. Extremely accomplished, able, and informed, he was a veteran with a broad range of skills. As a seasoned expert at his profession, his great compassion and selflessness helped him become so. He was unlike any other in his heroic qualities, and admired widely. But she admired him more than anyone else ever could. He was her very own idol.

Courteously, Chris was able to shake off the flock in due time, and Jill looked up affectionately at him. In a simple gesture, Chris took her fingers softly, and they walked hand-in-hand to their shared, silent bunk.

"I forgot how popular you were…"

Silently distressed, Jill knew what his status meant for her. She didn't want to think of being apart when she had just seen Chris for the first time in years. She never wanted him to leave.

Squeezing her hand tighter, Chris gave her a kind smile that was somehow encouraging.

"Couldn't matter less. I'm where I am because of you. I'm not going anywhere you're not."

As he looked lovingly at her, her own eyes lit up in a fragile happiness, and she smiled at him.

"What happens when we get back…?"

It was hard to understand exactly what she meant- for Chris, there were many things that were uncertain, and he wasn't entirely sure of anything himself.

"Well for starters, I'm guessing you'll refuse to be a hobo out on the streets."

Jill laughed, punching his shoulder.

"Yeah, but…I'm guessing my apartment's no longer available. Besides, I'm the master-of-unlocking. I think I'll be fine."

It was Chris's turn to chuckle as he remembered Barry Burton and his stale lines. But in all honestly, Chris wondered- couldn't Jill just stay with him? He thought it was a good idea, and it would solve at least one problem. His pay was good, so he had more than enough money to support them both. Plus they knew each other inside and out already, and they weren't new to sharing things. Taking advantage of the lighthearted discussion, Chris decided to take his chances, trying discreetly to put forward the idea. Maybe he'd crack a bad joke- but how could he suggest the thought teasingly if he were actually serious? What if Jill just let it slide? It could all go terribly wrong, and that would be a disaster. He might not be able to ask her again. A lot was riding on this…but Chris knew when he thought too much he just ended up sounding stupid. Yet, he'd already tried to plan this out in his head! He had to make a move, now.

"My apartment's free- aside from me being in it."

Smooth.

At least he had managed to blurt something out. He was sure he sounded like a complete idiot, but Chris expected no less. He was a mess when it came to Jill.

Jill stood, almost in shock, and Chris took the opportunity to explain himself.

"I'm just saying; it's worth a chance. On top of that, you won't have to pay bills, won't have to buy food…not if you stayed with me."

Jill's face reddened at Chris's words. Was he saying he wanted her to stay with him? In his apartment? He wanted her to live with him?

"W-What?"

Chris laughed weakly, but he was more serious now. His face was concerned, and his eyes seemed to beg as he worried for her.

"Jill, think about it…I'm serious. It'd be so much easier."

Jill's head reeled, and she struggled to speak.

"Do you even have room? I can't just barge in like that…"

Her eyebrows furrowed as she rambled on awkwardly, pacing around the room. For all she knew, he could be rooming with his girlfriend. It'd been so long…she knew Chris would have made some changes in two years, so she had to be prepared for the worst. Who knew what she'd be getting herself into!

Chris grinned as he watched Jill bashfully deliberate. Maybe he hadn't embarrassed himself that badly.

"Jeez, I'm not that big. There's room. Claire's been out for a while, so you'll have your own place to sleep."

Jill's eyes flew to him, and Chris beamed, hoping to sell her on the idea.

"Besides, it gets a bit empty. And just until you get settled again- I won't make you stay longer than you need to."

Jill was chewing on her bottom lip, afraid. She couldn't let herself get hopeful. But did this mean it was safe? Would they really be able to handle staying in the same apartment together…? She didn't have many other options, and she had to admit, this one sounded the best.

'I guess…he must not be dating anyone…for now…' Jill thought, comforting herself.

She sighed, her eyes searching his.

"Chris, are you sure…? I mean, that's compromising privacy, giving up space…I won't be able to get to work for a while longer, so I can't pay for anything…"

Chris shook his head, he seemed so calm and relaxed, and Jill wished she could be the same.

"I'll take care of you, Jill. Trust me. You don't have anything to worry about."

The words came so easily to him…he knew it was the simple truth. He wanted her to be as happy as possible, and he wanted her to know he'd try his best to make sure she was.

"But-"

Chris silenced Jill with one finger on her full lips, grinning playfully.

"No butts. Except for yours. In my apartment."

Jill rolled her eyes, but she grinned and whispered her thanks somewhat alluringly in Chris's ear before moving to rest on the bed behind them.

Chris cleared his throat, a little more turned on than he wanted to be, and scratched the back of his head. If this was any indication of how living with her would be, Chris figured he was in for a long, bumpy ride. He had to get a hold of himself.

Without much choice, he pulled out his Personal Digital Assistant to check the time.

"…Huh. PDA says 5:30 pm. Time sure does fly. Missed lunch…"

Jill smiled in a way that left him mesmerized…it'd been a while since he'd felt like this. His heartbeat accelerated, and his head fell to the side, dumbfounded. He was in heaven.

She was so beautiful…even after lack of sunlight and becoming an involuntary blonde. She looked so fragile now, but he knew she was far from it. Nevertheless, she was just as stunning as she was so many years ago…back at the mansion, and even before that. He started to wonder if she'd even aged in the past two years. Probably not.

Damn cryogenics…but he couldn't really complain. Hell, she'd most likely look just the same even if she had aged. She had great genes, all coming together to make one incredible Jill Valentine.

But the greatest thing about Jill was underneath her skin…much, much deeper inside. She possessed a strength that even he lacked. Jill…she was always confident, no matter what anybody said. She didn't even need a bit of makeup to be as attractive as she was, and she was as self-assured as any made-up model. Maybe even more. She was perfect on her own, and then some- He hardly did justice describing her. She was the ultimate female…a force to be reckoned with. Why? She just was. That was it.

Even though he lived by this, she didn't need any assurance. Since the very first day he met her, her face had been bare- but she never once looked plain. Always gorgeous in everyone's eyes, no matter what. And her body…he didn't even want to get started, afraid of how his body would react. How did he end up with such a woman?

"Oh no..."

Jill replied jokingly, but Chris's awkwardness was starting to become apparent. Beginning to sweat, Chris bit the inside of his cheek as Jill's presence seemed to consume him.

"No wonder I'm so hungry…are you hungry? 'Cause I'm really hungry."

Jill brought her legs up to her chest, hugging them to her body while giving Chris an eyeful of her perfect rear-end. Ironic he had mentioned it just a second ago.

"What're you hungry for…?"

It was an innocent enough question, but he knew Jill had to be playing with him. Chris's body grew hotter, and his mind raced. But he had to stay calm- Jill had the same affect on him as always, so he just needed to get his head straight and counter in an unruffled manner. Easier said than done.

"Uh…you know, I'll think about that. I'm going to grab dinner. You want something?"

Amused, Jill laughed and shook her head.

"You go ahead. I'll wait here."

Chris sighed; he was a bit disappointed. But at least he'd have some time to clear his head. Jill however, would eat whether she liked it or not. He would see to that.

He returned shortly from the cafeteria, making sure his time apart from Jill was very minimal. Even leaving for a few minutes to get some food made him restless to see her.

A plate in each of his hands, Jill sat up to see what he'd done this time. Upon closer inspection, Jill could make out the blackened leg of some sort of fowl, and lifted an eyebrow.

"Don't even try to resist. It's barbeque."

Jill gave Chris a skeptic grin. She knew he'd force feed it to her if it came down to it, and she grudgingly gave way.

"Smells nice. Good old American food."

Chris chuckled, handing her a plate.

"As close as it gets."