I apologise for not updating the last few days, but I've had exams and then I was binge-watching the new series of Orange Is The New Black. I also apologise for this chapter being a little short, but I wasn't full of inspiration for this one.

Kendra Iscariette: Thank you so much! I'm really glad you like this stuff.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Resident Evil or the characters used in this fanfiction, although I wish I did.


The wind outside howled, rocking the robust Hummer from side to side, throwing the dry desert dust around like a plaything. Vehicles creaked and groaned in protest, and Claire knew a check would be in order in the morning to avoid being caught out while they were on the move.

In the front seat of the H2, the redhead slumped uncomfortably, eyes shut, arms wrapped around herself in an attempt to keep warm while she tried to sleep. While the heat was sweltering during the day, temperatures plummeted as soon as the sun went down. Tonight was particularly harsh, as the frigid air whipped up in strong winds, creeping into every nook and cranny, dragging icy fingers over every surface. Sighing, Claire opened her eyes and peeked at Alice from under her sage green baseball cap.

The blonde was slouched in the seat besides the redhead, back to the window, head resting sideways on the chair's headrest. Her azure eyes rested on her partner, watching her, wondering whether to comfort the obviously-cold woman or to leave her on the off chance that she was already asleep. Seeing the redhead exhale roughly and open green eyes decided it.

"Hey," she whispered softly. "Get in the back." While her words may have sounded demanding and unkind in another context, the ex-project's gentle voice was full of love.

Claire shot the blonde a confused look, but proceeded to climb out of the vehicle and back into the rear seat anyway. A moment later, the other woman was crawling into the back with her, positioning them so they were stretched across the seat, the redhead's back to the blonde.

"C'mere," Alice murmured, pulling Claire into her arms so their bodies were pressed tight together. The leader sighed softly, running her hands over the strong arms around her, a small smile on her lips. She felt Alice's body heat seep into her, warming every inch of her body. She wondered briefly how Alice managed to remain so warm even when it was so cold everywhere else, before deciding it didn't matter how she did it, because right then she was just grateful for the comfort. The blonde's heat worked its way into the redhead's muscles, massaging them, working out the kinks left from the day's work.

"God, I love you," Claire sighed, eyelids beginning to fall closed, sleep coming readily now she was warm and calm. The blonde chuckled lowly, her hot breath tickling the leader's neck, warming her even further. Claire's world was hazy with drowsiness, and her mind was foggy. She willingly embraced it, the blissful peace unbelievably welcome after so many sleepless nights due to the stress of leadership.

Claire Redfield was vaguely aware of the wind moaning outside and her lover murmuring in her ear, "I love you too," before slumber claimed her and she was cloaked in oblivion.