A/N: First, I want to apologize to those of you who are Billy/Becca fans. I haven't played Resident Evil: 0 so it's a bit hard for me to play with that relationship. I'm sure that when I do play it I'll want those two to get together. So don't hate me, please! Secondly, thanks EVERYONE for the reviews. I live for them!

Carlos Olivera gazed at Rebecca Chambers. She was sitting Indian style on her crude bed, tears brimming in her eyes. Neither had spoken since Jill and Chris exited. Olivera decided it would be better to stay present and silent, than let the young girl hear any more opinions.

A few moments passed before Rebecca broke the calm. "Sherry said something today and it has stuck with me." She didn't meet his eyes as she spoke. "She asked why we couldn't just be happy. I didn't understand then, but now…."

A tear fell down one cheek. Carlos thought about wiping it away but instead decided to stay attentive, friendly listener. Becca sniffed and began again.

"Do you know how much Claire and Leon love each other?" she locked his eye line finally. "She went into the mouth of Hell with nothing but a hunch and came out with Leon. Losing him again would…" she paused. "Every day of my life I've wished that I could fin someone that cared for me the way Leon does for Claire. And now I have to rip them apart just because there's a very slim chance that he could be homicidal! I can't, Carlos, I CAN'T!"

Becca broke down and began to sob. Carlos abandoned his friendly stance and reached over to pull the young woman to him. She practically folded into his chest and lap, her hands gripping his T-Shirt.

"I'm so tired, Carlos." Chambers cried. "And all I can think…."

"Quiet, preciosa." Olivera finally spoke, stroking her hair. "You are just exhausted. Please, calm down."

Becca stopped sniffling and looked up at Carlos. Her doe eyes were fixed on his, pleading for help. Olivera stared at the young woman, completely mesmerized. The two had known each other for years and were close friends. Although she was younger Becca had always given Carlos good advice and an ear to listen. He'd only seen her as strong and in charge. Now, as the young man looked down at her, he felt a million different emotions. All of them told him one thing.

"Please don't hurt." Olivera whispered, touching Becca's swollen cheek.

Without warning Chambers pressed her lips to his. Stunned, Carlos froze. Instantaneously Becca pulled away. She recoiled, embarrassed.

"I-I'm sorry." She stammered.

Carlos didn't know what to do. He knew what he had felt when their lips at met. The feeling scared him. Confused, Olivera stood, averting his eyes as he left Becca bleary eyed and upset.

Leon and Chris had taken a few steps toward Leon's quarters when Carlos Olivera blew past them, head down. He accidentally bumped into Chris but said nothing.

"Where's the fire, man?" Redfield asked, jokingly.

Carlos didn't break stride. He merely held up a hand as he hurried off. "Lo siento, hermano. Lo siento mucho."

Leon blinked. "That was weird even for him."

"Yeah." Chris echoed as the two swung into Leon's doorway.

Kennedy closed the door behind them. Chris tensed, eyeing the other man carefully. Leon knitted his brows.

"I'm the one who should be nervous, not you." He stated.

"What?" Chris shrugged. "What do I have to be nervous about? Or you, for that matter."

"You know what I'm going to ask." Kennedy said evenly. "I would like to ask your permission for Claire. I mean to marry Claire. Her hand. I'm, uh, asking your permission for Claire's hand in marriage. I know I've already asked her and this is all backwards but I didn't have time before."

Chris exhaled loudly and took as eat in a nearby chair. An explosion of thoughts raced through his head, most of them concerning the blood that flowed through the younger man's body. Yet, only one sentence came to his lips.

"You left her." Redfield said. "She asked, pleased, for you not to leave her. But you did."

"I had to. Not like there was a choice, Chris." Leon explained carefully. "It was my job. I have a duty."

"If you marry Claire she's your duty! Protecting her, providing for her," Chris paused, his emotions taking hold. "Plus, that duty of yours almost got her killed. She's out there limping and you're as fit as a fiddle."

"I…" Leon became flustered. "I can't tell you why I healed as quickly as I did. Maybe it has something to do with my European mission or the vitamins that the agency pumped into me. I honestly don't know. But I do know that I love your sister. Please, Chris, I will not marry her without your complete blessing."

Chris shook his head, relenting. "Just one screw up, just one Kennedy. If Claire EVER comes to me crying, I will break one bone in your body for every tear she sheds. Do you understand me?"

A wide smile captured Leon's handsome features. He leapt forward to grasp Redfield's hand and shook it wildly. "You won't regret this!"

Redfield took his hand away slowly. "I already am."