Disclaimer: I don't own Capcom, Resident Evil or any of the characters.

A/N: I am so very sorry for the long coming update but I fell in love, moved and am now living in a different place. Getting my hands on a computer, especially one with a zip drive, has been excruciating. So please don't flame me too much!

The morning came without warning. A harsh sun rose at 5:40 am. Sharp, disturbingly unwelcome rays of heat over the land. Accompanying the sunlight was a wind that did nothing to quell the heat.

Chris Redfield felt the sun upon his face and groaned, rolling over. He snuggled into the body next to his and cracked open one sleepy eye. Jill Valentine was positioned on her back with her hands clasped on her stomach comfortably. Her pale blue eyes were open and fixed on the ceiling.

Chris lifted himself to his elbows. "You're awake early."

"Yeah." Jill replied hollowly. "I didn't sleep too well last night."

"Gee. Didn't I tire you out or what?"

She smiled briefly. "No, it's just this whole thing with Leon. Chris, we need to tell them.It isn't fair to anyone. Keeping this in will only backfire."

"Jill, we've talked about this. I don't want Claire to worry over nothing. She's so glad to have him back and I don't want to ruin it."

"I understand that. I want to protect Claire too, but these two are about to get married. There really shouldn't be any secrets between them."

Sighing, Chris rolled away from her. "Technically there aren't. For all we know, Leon could be one helluva tough son of a bitch. I just have to be sure that he's not a danger to my sister."

Valentine climbed out of the bed and shrugged on her thick robe. She was quiet as she gathered her things and headed for the small bathroom attached to the quarters. Jill paused a second at the door to turn to gaze at Chris.

"Ifanything happens toClaire by Leon's hand, Chris,you'll regret not telling them. She deserves to know – they both do."

With that Jill entered the bathroom and quietly closed the door behind her. Chris stared at the place where she'd been standing for a long moment, unblinking. Finally he sat up and swung his muscular legs over the side. Slowly Redfield buried his head in his hands, exasperated.

"I'm going to give you one chance Leon. All you have to do is tell me about yourself."

"Why?"

"Because you intrigue me."

"Screw you."

"With pleasure. But first, tell me about you."

"I'm 5'7", 165 pounds, and I like long walks on the beach."

"Don't be coy." the bitch paused. "I'll hurt you."

"So?"

Her soft cruel hand snaked out, gripping his throat and lifting him off of the ground. She squeezed and he gasped. "Talk." the hand tightened. "Talk to me please... please..." the voice turned suddenly, pleading. "Please..."

"LEON PLEASE!"

Leon Kennedy's eyes snapped open to reveal Claire Redfield'sburgandy face. The two were in the middle of their room, with Leon's hand clamped firmly around her throat. Redfield's feet were nearly a foot off the floor, barely kicking.

"Oh God." Leon released his fiancée and she slammed to the floor. "Claire, are you okay? I--"

Redfield held up a hand as she tried to speak. "What-What-" she began to cough wildly.

Quickly Leon wrapped Claire in his arms and lifted her carefully back to the bed. "I had a bad dream." he stammered. "I'm so sorry. Are you okay? Do you want me to get you anything?"

Bewildered eyes darted around. "My throat..." she sputtered.

Leon kissed Claire's hand. "I'll get Becca."

Kennedy gently laid Claire's hand down and bolted from the room. His mind was whirling, but suddenly, it came to a complete halt. Two voices appeared as clear as day in his mind. Taken aback, Leon stopped abruptly.

"... about to be married. There really shouldn't be any secrets between them." Jill voice said sternly.

Kennedy pushed a hand to his forehead and leaned against the wall for support. Chris' voice followed next, blaring its way into his mind.

"...Leon could be one helluva tough son of a bitch. I just have to be sure that he's not a danger to my sister."

He fell to his knees with both hands now plastered to the sides of his head. Then, as quickly as they'd arrived, the voices disappeared. He felt a calm that was almost blissful,quickly followed by a blinding anger. Slowly Leon stood, his fists clenching tightly. Chris and Jill were keeping something from him. What right did they have?

"Leon?"

Kennedy froze, not moving.

"Leon? What's going on?"

The voice repeated itself and he turned around slowly to see Chris Redfield standing there, looking concerned. The anger boiled again, causing a sneer to form on his lips. Chris blinked, confused at the younger man's demeanor.

"You alright?" Redfield asked.

Leon stepped forward, his hands slowly unfolding to clasp behind his back. "No, Chris, I'm not alright. You've been conspiring against me, haven't you? Are Jill and Becca in on it too? How about Carlos?"

Redfield swallowed heavily. "I- We-" he stopped, puzzled. "Did-Did you hear Jill and I talking?"

A bitter laugh permeated the air. Leon took another step forward, almost in Chris' face. "Nearly every word. If you really thought I was a god damned threat, why did you give your blessing for me and Claire? Nice to know you care."

"Leon, were you listening in outside our rooms? No, there's no way..." Chris shook his head and leveled his gaze at Kennedy. "Calm down. Just give me a chance to explain."

"No." Kennedy said tiredly. "I don't want an explanation. I just want to feel better."

There was a flash of movement that Chrisdidn't have time toregister until he found himself crumpled against the wall. A burning sensation filled Redfield's right wrist and he glanced down to see his hand dangling at an odd angle. Blood was dripping from his nose and split lip. Chris lifted his gaze. Leon was staring down at him coolly, his arms now crossed loosely across his tight white T-Shirt. Kennedy's gaze was almost pitying, marred only by the smirk on his face. He bent down, grabbed the front of Redfield's sweatshirt and lifted him into the air.

Chris prepared to be hurled through the air again when Leon's face changed. His eyes went blank and the grip was released. Redfield slammed to the floor in a heap. Kennedy's vacant expression had shifted, his eyes nowa brilliant blue. They were almost blinding in their intensity, filled with anger and pain. He kept his stare fixed on Chris until he pivoted swiftly.

Carlos Olivera was poised behind him in a combat ready position, a knife gripped in one leather gloved hand. Leon regarded him curiously, studying. He simply stared at the younger man, blinking once. Olivera's face froze and the knife dropped to the floor. He swayed on his feet for a second before collapsing.

Chris pulled his legs under himself and stood. Kennedy spun back around neatly, beyond annoyed.

"Leon, I know you're in there man." Redfield gasped.

Kennedy inclined his head. "It's too late Chris. Don't ruin your last few moments on Earth by begging. It sort of destroys that tough guy image you've worked sohard to build."

The tone of Leon's voice was sinister, mocking but eerily familiar. Chris blinked, caught off guard. He'd heard that tone before, somewhere...

"What's going on? Chris?"

Claire Redfield's voice appeared from behind Chris. The elder Redfield turned toward her, his eyes wild. "Claire, stay where you are."

That's it for this chapter! Tons more coming, thanks so much for the reviews and I appologize for the delay between posts. By the way, I already have penned part of "Happiness is a Warm Gun", a prequel to this madness :)