The sound of an EKG woke me up; that steady beep was all too fucking familiar.

Perks of the job amirite?

I cracked an eye open, white walls, and fluorescent lights greeted me. Connor was passed out in a chair in the corner, moonlight streamed in through the window. The memories came rushing back, waiting on Chris and Jill, the Russians, the gunfight.

Getting shot in the fucking throat.

My hand flew to my neck, smooth skin greeted my touch, no sign that anything had happened at all. I sighed, relieved, time to wake up the neighborhood, and find out what the fuck.

"Con'?"

His eyes snapped open, blinking away whatever dream he was embroiled in, "Mike?"

I smiled, "Hey, bro, what the fuck over?"

He just stared at me, "Man, you fucking scared the shit out of me. I thought that was it."

"Where are we?"

"Landstuhl, you've been in a coma for about two weeks."

What?

"Two weeks? Jesus Christ, did Jill and Chris get out?"

He nodded, "Yeah, secondary team scooped them up. You were touch and go there for a bit."

"I should be dead, Con'."

He smiled grimly, "T-Virus man, doc said it healed you up, but it almost killed you doing it; we were lucky to get to a hospital in Baku; they had you on all sorts of shit to keep your body from crashing. One you were stable, they flew you here."

Holy shit…

"Where is everyone?"

"Jill and Redfield just left to go get a bagel or something; she hasn't left this room since she got here."

"You either, huh?"

Connor smiled, "We've been through too much shit, man, you're stuck with me."

I smiled right back, "Yeah, likewise, brother."

The sound of a coffee cup hitting the floor, followed by the clattering of what could only be a plastic tray, brought my eyes snapping around to the door. Jill had thrown her meager dinner on the floor, her hands covering that beautiful face, tears streaming down her cheeks; Chris stood behind her with a broad smile on his face.

I didn't say anything, just reached my arms out for her. She crossed the room like lightning, small sobs marking each step, until she threw herself into the bed, wrapping her arms around me and planting kisses all over my face and neck, her fingers digging into my shoulders like she was afraid I'd disappear if she loosened her grip for even a moment.

I'd like to say I gave as good as I got. I'd be lying.

Jill fell against my chest, holding me tightly, Chris walked up to my bedside, glancing at Connor, "You tell him yet?"

Connor shook his head, "I was waiting until he'd seen you guys. Figured it'd be best if we were all together."

"Tell me what?" Now I was just confused.

Jill peeled herself off me for a second, tears still streaking her face, but a brilliant smile crossing her lips, "Umbrella is finished."

Her words hit me like a Mack truck, "W-what?"

Chris interjected, "We ran into Wesker in the Caucasus, he got away, again," He growled, "For reasons we can't quite figure out, he released a metric ton of internal files to the media, all of Umbrella's dirty laundry aired for the whole world to see. Umbrella is now the target of multi-billion dollar suits brought by governments all over the planet. They were declared insolvent and ceased to exist as a company as of last week." He finished with the biggest smile I'd seen since before the mansion, a little bit of light shining in his eyes.

I tried, I really did, to keep my emotions in check, but the tears started slowly, every face on Bravo, Forrest, Joe, even Brad flashed across my mind, and the dam broke. I pulled Jill in and sobbed into her hair, pure relief and joy flooding through me. Chris laid a hand on my shoulder, squeezing it softly, and I could swear there were tears in his eyes too.

We'd done it.

After that night in the hospital, everything became a whirlwind of activity; I was discharged and flown home to the States; Rebecca met us at the airport, hugging the breath from my lungs before giving Jill, Chris, and Connor the same treatment, Barry was there with his girls, finally safe enough to bring them out from under Agency protection, I hugged him and Kathy, even got hugs from Polly and Moira, they'd gotten so big since the last time I saw them, damn near teenagers now.

I'd debated calling Mom, but a quick chat with Frank later, and I had indeterminate paid leave, the thanks of a grateful nation, he'd called it. Chris was going to spend time with his sister, Connor was headed home to New York for a while, Rebecca was staying to continue her work on the virus with DOD. With everyone else spoken for, Jill and I made the call to visit the farm, opting to surprise Mom and Dad. The week after Umbrella ceased to exist found us driving out of Sheridan. The world felt different, brighter somehow, we had no illusions, enough Umbrella scientists had slipped the net that we'd have to hunt them down, and Wesker was still out there. But a little bit of time off after everything was just what the doctor ordered.

We could have flown in from D.C, but I felt a road trip was in order.

My newest purchase begged for it.

I floored the accelerator of my restored 68' Camaro, pushing eighty as we pulled onto the highway after a quick rest stop for some smokes and snacks, your basic road trip staples. Had it been impulsive? Absolutely. But I'd always wanted an old muscle car, and I'd just survived enough that I'd earned it, goddamnit. At least that's what I told myself, had to do something with all my back-pay.

Jill was in the passenger seat, dressed down in blue jeans and an old band t-shirt, looking radiant in the mid-afternoon sun, her pretty feet out the window and her hand wrapped around mine, parting for only a moment so I could grab another gear.

"Hey, Jill?"

She glanced at me over the tops of her gas station shades, "Hmm?"

"I love you."

She smiled then, pushing up her shades so I could see those beautiful eyes, "I love you too." She squeezed my hand tighter, "So much."

I smiled back, feeling that joy rise in my chest; I'd never get tired of hearing those words from her, no matter how long I lived.

The strains of an old song floated from the radio; I gave her hadn't a squeeze and let it go reaching for the knob and chuckling at her faux-pout, "Sorry babe, but this is a good one."

I sang softly, I never liked my voice too much, but Jill reached over and squeezed my thigh as I drummed on the steering wheel, "Sing it for me?" She finished with the most crippling pair of puppy-dog eyes I'd ever seen, and after three years, I figured I owed her. I stowed my nerves and raised my voice over the rumble of the engine.

"Downtown tonight, I saw an old friend, someone who I used to take comfort from long before I met you; I caught a spark from her eyes of forgotten desire. With a word, or a touch, I could have rekindled that fire…Old flames can't hold a candle to you."

She sat back, watching me with a rapt gaze as I did my level best to not let the embarrassment overtake me.

"No one can light up the night like you do, flickering embers of love, I've known one or two. But old flames can't hold a candle to you."

She leaned into me, letting her head fall on my shoulder as I continued making a giant goddamn goober out of myself.

"Sometimes at night, I think of old lovers I've known. I remember how holding them helped me not feel so alone, then I feel you beside me, and even their memories are gone… Like stars in the night…Lost in the sweet light of dawn."

I brought her hand up and brushed a kiss across her knuckles just in time to catch the chorus.

"But old flames can't hold a candle to you, no one can light up the night like you do. Flickering embers of love, I've known one or two. But old flames can't hold a candle to you….Old flames can't hold a candle to you…"

I finished the song, blushing to the tips of my goddamn ears, and she clapped and whistled, chasing it all away like she always had, bringing a smile to my face whether I wanted one or not.

Her eyes sparkled, "That was great, babe."

I rubbed the back of my neck, changing lanes, "Thanks, babe, sorry I made your ears bleed."

She giggled, throwing an arm around me, "It was perfect."

Seconds later, another relic of a country song from my past came on.

"Don't," I whispered.

She grinned, "Encore!"

"Not even, woman!"

"Encore or I swear to god we're not having sex for a month!" She said with mock ferocity.

….

"Just to see you smile… I'd do anything…that you wanted me toooo!"

Jill's pealing laughter was sweeter music than anything I'd find on the radio.

An hour and more bad singing later, we thundered down the long drive, my little home visible in the distance. Jill was bouncing with excitement; she'd told me how much she needed this, how much she'd missed my parents. I couldn't hide my enthusiasm anymore, either. It had been two years since I'd been home, calling as much as I could, but there's no substitute for being there.

I wheeled in behind Dad's truck; Jill was out of the car in a flash, grabbing her modest suitcase out of the trunk and bounding towards the house while I was still undoing my seatbelt. I heard squealing and screaming from the door as Mom and Jill hugged each other; I just shook my head with a chuckle, grabbing my bag and heading for the deck.

Mom released Jill from what was surely a bone-crushing hug, tears in her eyes as she took me in, "Hi, Ma."

Her tears finally fell as she crossed the porch to give me a hug like only a mother can, "Hi kiddo." She whispered softly, "Did you get 'em?"

I nodded, "Umbrella's finished."

She held me tighter, "I'm so happy you guys are okay."

Jill stood off to the side, watching us with a soft smile on her face. Mom reached an arm out and swept her into our embrace. We stood there for a minute, relishing the feeling of simply being around each other before mom broke the silence, wiping her eyes.

"C'mon kids, let's go find Dad."

Jill took the lead, holding the door and calling into the house, "ROB!?"

"IS THAT JILL?" A voice called back from somewhere deep in the house.

"BUST OUT THOSE CARDS! YOU'RE GOING DOWN, OLD MAN!"

Mom and I cracked up as Dad walked out and smiled at the scene, "You wish Valentine." He walked up and hugged me tight, "Jesus, boy, it's good to see you."

I leaned into the embrace, "You too, Pop."

He stepped back, holding me at arm's length, tears in his eyes. I was in similar straits, "Love you, kid."

I smiled, "Love you too, Dad."

He let me go with a final squeeze of my shoulder and bundled Jill up in a bearhug, lifting her off the ground, "Can't forget my other kid!"

Jill giggled as she returned the hug, "I mean, how could you?"

Mom was smiling at the exchange, relief on her face, which was slowly replaced by horror, "Oh, shit…I don't have anything out for dinner!"

I chuckled, about to tell her not to worry, but Jill cut in, "Well, why don't we go pick something up? We have a lot to celebrate, after all."

Mom gave her a nod, "You're not wrong, wanna take a ride?"

Jill grinned, "Some girl time? Hell, yes!"

"Alright then, that's settled. We'll be back, gents."

Jill offered her arm, Mom took it with a laugh, and they breezed out the door, the truck firing up a second later.

Dad shook his head at the shenanigans, "Those two, I swear to God. Want a drink?"

"Oh, hell, yes, whiskey if you've got it."

He gave me an "are you serious?" look, already making his way across the hardwood floor to the liquor cabinet. I grabbed a couple of glasses and took a seat at the island, Dad coming back a moment later with a bottle, pouring a generous amount into both our glasses. We gently knocked them together before taking a sip, and old ritual, feeling the burn in my throat and the warmth in my stomach.

"Jesus, that's good."

Dad nodded sagely, "Kept the Irish from taking over the world."

I chuckled, "It…It's really good to be home, Dad."

He reached over and laid his hand on my arm, "Rough out there, huh?"

"You have no idea, the kinda shit that leaves an impression too. We're not done either, Umbrella is toast, but Wesker is still fucking around somewhere."

Dad's face turned deadly, "No hole deep enough for that piece of shit."

I nodded, "Fuckin A, by rights, we should be out there right now, but I think we all needed a break; we won a big one."

He looked thoughtful for a moment, "You guys did more than enough, going by what you told me. And I know that probably wasn't the half of it."

I shook my head, " Think fifth, there's so much I can't tell you. But yeah, we did enough for a few lifetimes. Once Wesker is in chains or in the ground, we'll finally be able to put this in back of us."

We sat there in silence for a moment, Dad regarding me with a look that spoke of questions he wanted to ask; for my part, I was lost in thought, everything we'd seen and done and survived.

Dad finally broke me out of it, "Good to see you and Jill aren't any worse for wear."

I smiled, the memories fading, replaced by the same warmth all the way to my toes, "Yeah, we're solid, even more than before. She's…Well, you know, you've seen us together, it's still as electric as it's ever been."

He smiled, pure paternal joy in his eyes, "I'm happy for you, boy, most guys go their entire lives without finding a woman half as good as she is."

I knocked back the rest of my whiskey, "Don't I know it. I've been thinking ever since we got the news, I'm gonna ask her to marry me, Pop."

Dad's smile could've ended wars, "Oh wow, that's great, Son! When?"

"While we're here, I think, I don't want to wait, looking back, I would've done it a long time ago if everything hadn't happened like it did."

He was still smiling to his ears as he poured another glass for the both of us, "Well, your mother is gonna be thrilled."

When Mom and Jill walked back in an hour later, Dad and I were a little worse for wear.

"Heeey baby girl!" I knew I was fucked up, wobbling on my stool a little as I struggled to balance a cigarette between my lips.

Jill raised an eyebrow, Mom just chuckled, "You guys have a drink or two?" she eyed the now mostly empty whiskey bottle.

I nodded like a bobblehead on a bumpy road, "Eeyup, just a couple, though."

I failed to notice Dad, face planted into the countertop.

Jill tried to hold it in, but she cracked up, setting the bags on the counter and walking over to our sorry selves, I reached for her like a toddler, "Baaabe, C'meeere!"

She allowed herself into my airspace, the fool. I snatched her up, and she plopped into my lap with a yelp and a giggle, "Easy there, killer."

Mom laughed, "Jesus, scoop up your father, will ya?"

Dad mumbled something unintelligible into the Formica.

"I think he's good," I giggled.

Jill wrapped her arms around my neck, planting a kiss on my cheek, "got started early, huh?"

"Of course! I was just so happy to be home, and I love you all so much. Drunk seemed like the way to go." My sloshed mind wouldn't let it slip.

I leaned forward and kissed Jill gently on the forehead, "Love you so much, Jill."

She leaned into me, in my inebriated state, I found this more than agreeable. "I love you too, babe should be illegal."

"Right?"

"C'mon, let's get you over to the couch, you fucking lush, Mom and I will handle the food." She hopped off my lap and pulled me with her, letting me lean on her, just like always, before depositing my sloppy self on the couch. I flopped down, grabbing for the remote, turning on something for background noise as Jill dragged Dad over and let him drop on the far end.

"Ugh, Men." Jill mocked as she walked back into the kitchen to Mom's laughter, but not before shooting me a wink over her shoulder.

I knew right then, even through the whiskey haze, that I was gonna marry that girl.

The next few days flew by like a dream, I introduced Jill to horseback riding, which was nothing short of hilarious initially, but she had a knack for it, keeping my big Appaloosa in check with a stern word or two. I worked a little, Jill reclining on the deck and shouting words of lascivious encouragement at me while I split wood and threw hay. One day I snuck off into town with mom in tow.

We bounced down the road in the old truck, Garth Brooks seeping into the sunlit cab from the ancient radio.

"So why are we headed in again?"

I smiled, drumming on the steering wheel, "Dad didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?" Her gaze turned suspicious in an instant.

"I'm going to buy Jill a ring," I barely got it out, nerves overtaking me.

I didn't expect Mom to burst into tears, shooting across the cab and hugging me so hard I almost drove off the road.

"Oh, baby, I'm so happy!" She almost squealed, sixty goddamn years old, this woman, I swear.

"I am too, Mama, been too long coming."

She pulled back, letting me breathe and dabbing at her eyes, "Oh, this is amazing! I'd been hoping, but with everything, who knew when it was going to end?"

"Well, it still isn't over, not by a long shot, but I won't wait anymore."

I have to do this while I still have a chance. You never know.

I kept that to myself, while mom went on about inviting the family and where we should have the wedding. I pushed away any thoughts of the outside world for a while, basking in my happiness and hers. Some minutes later, we rolled into town; Mom hadn't stopped smiling the whole time. I wasn't in any position to argue; I'd been grinning like an idiot since I told her.

We walked into the Jewelry store, arm in arm. The pretty salesgirl gave us a smile, "How can I help you folks today?"

Mom beamed with pride, "My son is going to propose to his wonderful girlfriend, and he needs a ring."

I smiled, throwing in an eye-roll for good measure, "Thanks, Mom. Yes, Ma'am, I need a ring."

She beamed, "Congratulations, right this way."

She led us over to a brilliant display case, rings of every color greeted us. I browsed for a moment as the salesgirl extolled all the virtues before I saw it, a silver band inlaid with a blue-green Topaz; it immediately reminded me of Jill, something about it was strong yet feminine, and the color was the same stormy hue as those beautiful eyes of hers. It encapsulated her perfectly; I felt the heat rise in my face a little, I was really doing this, and I'd never been more sure of anything in my life.

I tapped the counter, indicating the tiny piece of art, "How much for that one ma'am?"

"Our Signature Series Topaz? That one is on sale, two-thousand."

I didn't even blink, "I'll take it, she's a size five."

She nodded, giving me a wide smile and hustling off, no doubt calculating her commission.

"You measured?" Mom asked, nudging me in the ribs.

"Slipped it in during a conversation a year or so back. Spooky like."

Mom giggled, rolling her eyes, "She's gonna adore it, Mikey."

I smiled, "I hope so."

"C'mon, you really think she's gonna say no? She's over the moon for you kiddo. You've got this in the bag."

I smiled, buoyed by Mom's words, as our new friend motioned us over, I slipped her my card, and a few minutes later, we walked out, the little box that held the promise of my whole world, burning a hole in my pocket.

Dad and Jill were playing a vicious game of Omaha Hold 'Em when we walked through the door, eyeing each other down with looks that could kill as Jill dealt the flop. Dad kept his eyes level as Mom and I deposited lunch on the island; Jill flicked her gaze to the cards, "Fifth Street's coming up old man, you still think you got this?"

"I know I do, Valentine," Dad tossed a couple of quarters, "Raise ya fifty."

Jill regarded her cards, throwing her own change, "Call."

She quickly flipped the river card off the deck, eyeing it briefly, before pushing her modest pile of quarters into the center, "All in."

Dad smiled, "Confident, huh?"

Jill flashed him a winning smile, "Certain."

He regarded her over his cards before splaying them out, "three kings."

Jill tsked, laying her own cards down, "Full house. Dealer wins…again."

Dad looked from the cards to Jill's smug face and back, "Get the fuck outta my house, Valentine."

I chuckled, "Finessed your ass Pop, that's my girl."

Jill gathered up her quarters, "Never bet against a thief, Rob."

Dad finally smiled, "Ya got me, good hand Jill."

She flashed a cute smile, "Likewise, I'll take your money any day of the week."

"Ouch, my pride."

Mom laughed, "Ya lost that a long time ago, dear. C'mon you heathens, we brought lunch."

Jill walked up as I pulled the sandwiches out, wrapping her arms around me from behind and planting a soft kiss on my cheek, "Have a good time with Mom?"

I nodded, a blush working it's way up my face; I could almost feel the heat from the ring in my pocket, "I did; I've missed them both so much."

She pressed into me a bit harder, "Me too, this is wonderful, I'm so glad we decided to do this."

I nodded, leaning into her touch, "Was the right move, all-around babe."

She clung to me for a bit; I turned in her arms, leaning back on the stove and wrapping my arms around her waist; she looked up at me with nothing but love in her eyes; I felt lighter as I stood there, peering into her soul.

"Penny for your thoughts?" She whispered.

"Just enjoying the view," I answered with equal softness.

A blush and a smile slipped across her face as my words from a lifetime ago sunk in, "I should've said yes right then."

I smiled, "Would've saved both a lot of heartache."

She lightly socked me in the shoulder, "Dick."

I slid my hands into her back pockets, "Lil bit, but I'm all yours, baby girl."

We smiled at each other for a moment, before Mom started gagging, "We're trying to eat here!"

"Fuckin'…Goddamnit."

Jill cackled.

I slumped a little, "Fine, let's eat, babe."

A few hours later, I was out on the porch with a beer, Mom and Jill were off doing something, and Dad was watching the news, giving me some time to think. I lit a cigarette, staring out across the prairie; the stars were so thick tonight it looked like you could walk across them, coyotes howled somewhere in the distance; all in all, it was a perfect night.

And it was about to get better; I shifted the smoke to my other hand and dug in my pocket for the little box, the weight of it thrilling and terrifying me all at once. I wonder if I was making the right call.

You stayed away from her for too long because of what might happen, don't be a dope.

I nodded, my course clear, when the sliding glass door opened and scared the shit out of me.

"Fuck my whole fucking life!" I jumped, damn near fumbling the ring, Jill tittered as she cleared the door.

"Nervous in the service, babe?"

I tried to calm my racing heart, "Fuckin'…Thought that was it."

"Nope," She giggled as she slid into my lap, "Just Lil' old me."

I smiled, sliding the smoke between my lips and wrapping her up in a hug, "And I'm all the better for it."

She smiled, "Charmer."

I saw something flickering out of the corner of my eye; Mom was watching us through the window.

Fuck it, I'd been waiting too long anyway.

"Babe, let me up for just a second?" My heart started to pound.

She obliged with a questioning look, sliding off my lap.

I stood up shakily, flicking my cigarette into the ether, "Jill, we need to talk."

Her face was unreadable in the dim light, but I could tell I had her attention.

I was bordering on a nervous breakdown, me, the big bad spook, " I, um, the last two years have been something, everything we've been through together, it led us right here and I…Jill I can't imagine my life without you, I don't want to, ever. You're my best friend and so much more. Jill I…" I already had the ring in my hand, I slid to a knee, my heart thundering in my ears, " Jill Amelie Valentine…Will you marry me?"

A soft gasp answered me, Jill's hands shot up to cover her mouth, tears blossomed in those beautiful eyes as she slowly collapsed into the chair, shaking like a leaf.

I sat there on a knee for a moment before she put me out of my misery, nodding slowly, sobs slipping out of her as she offered her shaking left hand, I almost dropped the damn ring, my own hands betraying me. I slipped my fingers under her palm, feeling her warmth, I slid the ring on her finger slowly, the band finding its resting place. I intertwined my fingers with hers, getting to my feet and pulling her into me, tears of joy in my eyes.

We held each other for a long while, tears and soft laughter passing between us.

Jill sniffled against my chest, "You sure you want me around all the time, Kelly?"

I held the love of my life even tighter, "Always, Valentine."

A/N: You know the drill, feedback, criticism, all are welcome, R&R.