Chapter 13: Home

So sorry for the delay in posts, I'm the Maid of Honor in my best friend's wedding, as well as her baby sitter, so it's been a hectic few months! Being that her wedding is next month, I'll hopefully have the last chapter up before July, but it may be after the wedding, we shall see.

Oh gosh, another chapter without Wesker, I know, they are terribly dull. He won't appear again until the last chapter unfortunately, but I felt that these last few chapters needed to exist to properly wrap everything up. On the bright side 2 chapters are being posted up! Editing again consisted of me rereading and changing what I saw. I am aware that it isn't the best of ways to edit, but it's easier with my schedule. Please let me know if there are any huge mistakes. As always enjoy!

Numbness slowly sank in as Chris and the other calmly spoke to her. She heard nothing, their words caressing her ears before dissipating into nothingness. This wasn't how it was supposed to be, she was supposed to sacrifice everything to keep everyone safe, now there was no telling what was going to happen. If she had stayed, she could have earned her liberties again, maybe even found a better way of warning the B.S.A.A about any attacks. That time around she wouldn't have trusted anyone so willingly, instead keeping her nose clean to protect others.

Emma was supposed to stay trapped with Wesker, this way no one else had to die, but was that really the reason she was so upset? Leon wrapped a reassuring arm around her shoulders, drawing her into his body. The familiar scent of his cologne, drew deeply into her lungs gently lulling her into a drowsy state. Emma's head leaned forward, indicating her unexpected exhaustion.

"Maybe we should talk about this later." Leon hummed, glancing up from her face. "She's exhausted from the eleven-hour flight and god knows what else."

"Her house isn't ready yet." General Reed breathed, glaring at Chris.

"She'll stay with me, there's no way I'd let her stay in her apartment anyways." Chris shot back, eyeing the general.

"Then I'll contact you in the morning." She sighed, waving them out of her room.

Emma's fingers laced into the lapel of Leon's jacket, as he escorted her out of the large building. Originally, General Reed wanted Emma to stay in isolation for a week, so that they could get as much information out of the her as possible. Both Chris and Leon were not having that, instead suggesting that after a brief reprieve, Emma would come in daily to tell them anything they wanted. No one really asked her what she wanted, both men worried about her mental state, and the general too familiar with shellshock to say anything directly.

"You'll be staying with me for the next few nights." Chris sighed, lifting her into his truck. "You're welcome to stay too."

Leon eyed his gruff companion, before nodding. Chris would need the extra pair of hands, with how Emma was responding to her newly acquired freedom. This time, Emma nodded in response, before resting her head against the large man, almost instantly reassuring them she'd come back soon. It was quickly approaching midnight, and the cool March weather licked at their skin as they drove. It was light jacket weather, but after spending more than a year in Africa, Emma couldn't help but crave her winter frock. Her body shivered a bit, before Chris wrapped a loving arm around her.

"Ok kiddo, don't be too freaked out about the shape of the house." Chris chuckled, knowing the usual Emma would spend the whole night cleaning. "I'll have everything spotless in the morning."

Leon slipped his leather jacket over Emma's shoulders, as they walked through the parking lot. His fingers resting heavily on her shoulders, as she stared at the deep black of the asphalt. As frightening as it was, she'd forgotten how built up and noisy New York was. How would she get any sleep? She wondered, allowing Chris to guide her into the large apartment complex. The route was familiar, almost like muscle memory, walking through the brightly colored carpets. The air tasted different here, less primordial, tamer. She shivered, before hugging into Chris's side, when he stopped to unlock his door.

"I have only one guest room," Chris murmured, drawing Emma into the apartment.

Emma wrinkled her nose smelling old pizza, sweat, and stale air. The main wall in his living room was covered in paper, strange things about Emma's disappearance, things people had seen the estimated day she'd disappeared, things a P.I. or police officer would have on a white board. Clothes were strewn across the floor, with empty pizza boxes and beer bottles. When was the last time he cleaned? She couldn't help but wonder, as she marched to the guest room. Whether or not she was going to stay in the room, she needed to get her pajama's. In the background, she could hear the two men talking in hushed tones.

"You should shower," Leon hummed, remember she liked to soak on hard days.

"I'll draw a bath." Chris chimed, heading to the bathroom.

Her forehead rested against the room temperature door, everything seemed so strange, and yet so familiar. She was so grateful for being home, seeing the loved ones she was missing, but it's changes so much. She's changed so much. Tears bubbled to her lids, Emma knew she should be ecstatic about finally being home, but the tears were ones of sorrow. Flashes of the hurt glance Wesker gave, as the men dragged her down the halls.

Yes, it was probably her imagination, but she couldn't imagine trusting someone with the inner workings of your mind, and then having them torn from your grasp. Well she could, that's what happened before and after her captivity, but she couldn't imagine it from his point of view. He didn't have many people he trusted, and even though she'd broken that trust, he still had hopes for her.

"Emma, baths ready." Chris hummed from the other side of the door. "Maybe later we can call your parents, they've been worried sick."

It was a poor way of trying to relate to her, but Chris was trying to get his own worries out of the way. They both knew she was going to be alright. Even though the Emma they knew and loved, happened to be broken, it wasn't irreversible, she would come back after a few months of rest and therapy. Leon sneered, using Chris's broom to slide the boxes of pizza from the couch. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to bring Emma back here, they should have stayed at Leon's. During this whole ordeal, he still found time to clean his apartment. When the guestroom door opened, both Leon and Chris looked up to see Emma's grim features. Leon was the first to look away, there was no need to make a spectacle out of her coming out of the room.

"I'll clean the house tomorrow." She sighed, once again disappearing behind a door.

Chris sent Leon a sideways glance, almost asking if he'd heard the same thing. This, coupled with her leaning against him, was a sign of how quickly she'd be back to herself, or at least that's how he saw it. Emma hummed, sinking into the deep bath. The water smelled like figs and jasmine, and odd pairing she'd decided after a moment. Of course, Chris would but the Jasmin bath-bomb with the Fig bubble bath, he'd have no idea what to do. She found herself giggling at the thought of him so diligently making this bath for her. It was unfair of her to be doing this to them, they did something good, they rescued her, and here she was mourning an unrequited love.

"Hey Euphemia," Chris whispered, into his house phone. "Well, we got her. She's alive, and physically well."

He hummed, listening to the other person on the line. Leon eyed the man as he picked up pizza boxes and wedged them into a trash bag. It was a wonder how the bear of a man was so fit, there had to bat at least sixty boxes on the couch alone. Having Emma gone for the past eighteen months truly brought home how much she took care of everyone else, especially Chris. After a while Emma reappeared from the bath, looking dapper, as she tossed her dirty clothes in the middle of the kitchen floor.

"Hey, pick up your clothes young lady!" Chris half shouted, covering the receiver.

Emma glanced around the room, her brow cocking sassily, as if to drive her point, why pick up when that's what I'm going to do in the morning. Chris pouted in response, before returning to his conversation, and disappearing into his room. A smile touched her lips when her eyes met Leon's, it was hard to figure out what exactly she was smile about, but he returned it too quickly. He missed her, missed having a peace keeper, a friend, a reason to smile. She'd picked him up when Ada passed, and she kept him going, losing her was like losing himself all over again.

"How are you feeling?' he asked, as his fingers let the end of the trash bag back slip to the ground.

"I…. I'm not sure." She shrugged, being completely honest about her feelings. "You?"

"I'm so much happier having you here." Leon nearly choked on his words.

With everything said and done, he finally could sink into the emotional downward spiral, or at least for a moment. A familiar look touched Emma's features, as she came over, pulling him into a warm hug. Her smell enveloping him, as he buried his nose deeply into her shoulder. Tears soaked the thick robe she was wearing, Leon's murmurs of how worried he was muffled by the same fabric.

"Emma, having no idea that you were alive or dead… it was the worse feeling." He hummed, pulling away so that he could look her in the eye. "I'm so sorry for putting you through everything," he choked. "I love you so much, and I hate myself for cheating on you, especially with a good friend of yours."

"I've already forgiven you," Emma hummed, pressing a light kiss to his forehead.

Their eyes locked, not moving from each other's for a long moment, before Leon pressed his lips against hers. It was on impulse really, the need to feel her again, to know that she was truly there. His fingers entangled themselves into her damp hair, drawing her closer and making the kiss so much deeper. Just as suddenly as it started, Emma pushed away, a look of confusion touching her eyes. Her tongue darting over her lips, as Leon waited for her to say anything, even if it was her turning him down.

"I-Leon, I don't think I'm in any state to even consider dating right now." She breathed, her nav-tech voice coming out.

"I understand that, just let me take care of you the same way you take care of us." He breathed.

He could work with her not being ready for a relationship, after all she just got out of a traumatizing situation. Emma half smiled, it was a kind thought, but both Leon and Chris needed the old her now more than ever. It would take everything she had, but she'd find a way to reassure them she was ok. She lightly kissed his cheek before muttering a good night, and disappearing into her temporary room.

"Really…. Kissing her?" Chris sighed, leaning against his bedroom door. "Now you don't even get a pillow."

With those words, Chris too disappeared into his room, leaving Leon to regret his actions. Almost instantly he sighed, flopping onto the semi clean couch, muttering 'stupid' like a mantra.

Morning came too soon for the guys, Chris waking up first to the sounds of humming. Leon later to the smell of pancakes, sausage, and sunny side up eggs. Technically Chris was awoken first, Leon was the first to get out of the bed. His face feeling far greasier than usual. When his eyes adjusted from the tired blur, he was graced with a clean-living room. Emma hummed, dancing to the radio, her long dark hair pulled into a braided ponytail, and the far too long band tee she wore, flapping to catch up to her body movements. Breakfast cooking, while she scrubbed the counter tops. The apartment was far cleaner than Leon had seen it in a long time. Emma's body swayed to the music, obviously not paying attention to her surroundings as she cleaned.

"Emma, what are you doing awake?' Chris's voice boomed through the room.

Both Emma and Leon jumped, not expected Chris up for another few hours. Chris, after missions, often went into hibernation as Emma called it. Going to sleep for long periods of time, only waking up to use the bathroom and eat. It was his way to dealing with everything he'd seen while on a mission. She'd often take care of his needs during this time, having food displayed at the proper feeding times and making sure his apartment was spotless. Her fingers fluttered to her chest, something she didn't remember doing before Wesker, as she breathed in an exaggerated breath.

"I just thought getting things cleaned up was a good idea." She hummed, fluttering her eyes at him. "And then, I thought cleaning was hungry work, so food."

Her arms fanned out, showing him everything she managed to do while the two men slept. Nearly every room was spotless, she still needed to vacuum in the living room, laundry, and do a thorough cleaning of the bathroom. As much as Chris wanted to mad at her, for skipping out on much needed sleep, he was happy to see flickers of the old Emma. Chris smiled, taking her into his arms, his eyes locking onto Leon's tired eyes.

They exchanged a silent conversation, as Chris rested his chin against the top of her hair, taking in the smell of honey and something he wasn't familiar. If he asked, he'd probably get a ridiculous answer like Argan oil. He rolled his eyes at the thought, what is Argan, some exotic bean forged by the gods? Emma would probably have an answer to that question too.

"Are you going to kiss me?" Emma hummed, glaring at the big man teasingly.

"On the top of your head yes."

His fingers laced into her hair, gently pulling her head back a little, just enough for him to kiss it comfortably. Emma sighed, burying her nose back into his chest, it was nice being home again. The stress for not having to say the right thing all the time, not having to be on guard, and dealing with the ever-shifting mood of Wesker was tiring. She'd almost forgotten that things didn't have to be that way. Chris's fingers lightly caressed the green parts of her jaw, a mixture of disappointment and loathing touching his eyes. He hated that it had taken him so long to find her, and even more so that he hasn't been there to protect her.

Many of the bruises were healed or healing up, leaving the question of how many bruises there were total. How many times had Wesker laid a hand on her sweet face? This alone was proof to Chris, that Wesker was a monster. How any normal person could harm another so dedicated to the service of others was beyond his comprehension. Emma sighed, leaning into the tender touch, her eyes fluttering shut. In the background, Leon rolled to the balls of his feet, taking a moment to stretch his sore muscles. How old was Chris's couches, thirty years? His bones popped back into place, as the time caught his attention.

"Sorry to butt into the moment, but if we want to make it to our hearing on time, we should start getting ready in half an hour." Leon hummed, starting to pick up his jacket.

Unlike Chris, Leon needed to drive all the way home, and get ready. Hazel agreed to drop by and watch Emma while the review board is looking over their actions. Chris doubted any real discipline would be implemented, especially since everything ended well, but the board would need to look like they were coming down, at least a little bit, on the behavior. Leon on the others hand, found the whole situation a nerving. Emma breathed sigh, before stacking up two plates of food. There was no way in hell, that they were going to leave this house with empty stomachs.

"Bon apatite." She smiled, only speaking small bits of French.

"I really should head back to my place." Leon hummed, feeling the burn of embarrassment again.

Chris, too happy to have a home cooked meal again, had managed to stuff almost his entire plate into his mouth already. Both Emma and Leon grimaced at the sight for a moment, before returning their gazes to one another.

"I'll make a to go plate for you." She smiled, reaching for some of Chris's Tupperware.

"No, he'll eat here." Chris grumbled, piling food onto his plate again. "You left some clothes here, during our searches."

"The two of you had a slumber party while I was gone?"

Emma's brows cocked, her mind dancing with the thought of the two of them doing each other's hair and nails. The men glared at the teasing smile that appeared on the dark-haired woman's face. It was amusing having this much of her back, but the way she referred to her kidnapping brought a few red flags to light.

"No." They choired, sending a glare to her.

"Ok, so you guys are gay lovers then…"

Emma sang, as she skipped into the bathroom, leaving the end of her sentence drift into silence. Both men glanced at each other, looks of horror touching their features, before returning to their meals. She sure had a way of ruining a moment. It was silent as the boys ate, each wondering what was taking her so long in her room. She'd left things rather awkwardly between them, and neither knew exactly how to remedy that. Her humming finally broke through the door, as she came back out, dressed in baggy gym shorts and a wife beater top.

"I'm going to do laundry, I'll see you boys when you get back."

Before passing them, Emma lightly kissed their cheeks, her arms full of dirty laundry. How many clothes can one guy have, you may be asking yourselves. The answer is a lot. Despite pestering others about their mountains of clothes, Chris was easily a horder. He wouldn't throw away an old pair of boots, even if they could jump off his feet and talk to him through the soles. One could easily see how he was military, but not when it came to throwing things away. Emma always took a month each year, to throw away anything that was outragedly small or tattered.

The halls of the apartment building were silent, giving the small pass the feeling of being haunted. It was rare that any of Chris's neighbors were seen, many of them being military or working at night. They often joked that everyone in the building were just spirits tied to the earth, and Chris mistook the newspaper add and became the token living person. It was an amusing thought, until one needed to go through the hallway and down into the basement to do laundry.

"Howdy Emma!" Hazel's voice broke the silence, causing the dark-haired woman to jump.

The clothes hanging haphazardly from the hampers edge, danced to the floor at the sudden jump. Boxers, shirts, socks, and one shirt scattered to Emma's feet, as she glanced to the voice. Too southern for Alexia, but there was a hope that the blond would be standing there, worry etched into her face. Did Wesker know where Chris lived? The question bounced through her thoughts.

"Hazel," Emma sighed, "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, you know…"

"The guys asked you to baby sit me…."

It wasn't a question, rather an observation made as she tucked the clothes back into hamper. There was something in Hazel's eyes, a tell that said she knew something, but wasn't allowed to say. The two women stared at one another for a long moment, assessing both the situation and where this line of conversation was going. Emma wouldn't say Hazel was weak, no, she would sum it up to easily charmed instead. She wasn't any good at keeping secrets, unless it came to work of course, but personally secrets often just bubbled from her when pressed.

"N-no….."

"Can you help me?" Emma sighed, wanting to get things over with. "You'd think Chris didn't learn how to do laundry, if you could, there's another two hampers full of clothes in the living room." She sighed, making sure to look exasperated. "I'll wait here, while you get those."

"Sure, he's so lucky to have you."

The brightness to Hazel's voice came back, relieved that everything was over with. It took a total of five minutes for Hazel to go to Chris's, get the laundry, and drag both hampers to where Emma was. During that time, Emma allowed herself to take peace in the silence. The two women sighed, listening to the humming of the three washers. Leon and Chris were probably gone, Emma thought, as her fingers danced through her dark tresses.

"What exactly is the hearing for?" she asked a few moments later.

"Well the B.S.A.A officially declared you dead months ago." Hazel started, her legs dangling from the folding table. "The hearing is because they defied direct orders, to go and get you back, after you contacted them."

"Oh," she hummed, looking to the floor.

What else could be said? To be declared dead, and then to have those who found you being punished, there is nothing else to say but oh. Hazel's bright eyes danced across Emma's features as they waited for the other to say something, if only to break the silence. Officially Hazel would have to leave in an hour, leaving Emma to fold the massive amounts of clothes on her own, to get back to work, but really, she needed to pick up both of Emma's parents. After hearing of her return, they'd pressured Chris into letting them come by for a month at most. Now, Chris's apartment was far too small to have four grown adults living there and they were still awkward with Leon. Break ups often do that.

"Why are you staring at me?" Emma hummed, her fingers playing the fringes of her hair.

"I have to pick up your parents in an hour." Hazel blurted out, before she could think of anything else to say.

It wasn't that the dark-haired woman was displeased with the thought of her parents coming, she just wasn't ready for it in no way, shape, or form. Nerves touched her features, as an entire dialog started playing in the back of her mind. What if they found out about everything? She wondered, different scenarios playing. She felt fingers wrap around her upper arms, drawing her back from the silent panic attack.

"Everything's going to be alright," Hazel breathed slowly. "We just want to help you, there's nothing to worry about." There was a long silence, before Hazel pulled Emma into her arms. "We're all just so happy you are alright."

"What's happened since I've been gone?"

Both women jumped at the loud buzzer sound of the washer's completed alarm. Emma laughed, at their jumpiness, before she started putting everything in the driers. So much has happened with in the eighteen months, Hazel wasn't entirely sure where to stare, or even if she should. After a moment, and a questioning glance from Emma, Hazel started talking about how busy everyone was. Tons of terror attacks started after Emma's disappearance, stalling their search for her. Four cities in sixteen different countries got infected with the t-virus, one right after the other was taken care of. It was like another Racoon city, just globally. Clair too was kidnapped, and was currently finishing the last of her retraining and therapy.

By the time Hazel finished, it was time to leave to pick up Emma's parents. Chris and Leon were expected home around nine or ten, depending on how well the hearing goes. If they hadn't had laundry already going, Hazel would have invited Emma on the trip to the airport, heaven knows she needed the entertainment. Emma smiled, telling her companion to be safe, before starting the driers. Finally, alone, Emma sighed, sitting on the folding tables. Armed with a new book in hand, she spent the next hour and ten minutes reading.

There was no doubt her parents would come barreling through the laundry room doors as soon as they got out of the car, but she wasn't expecting the array of hugs, kisses, and tears that she received. Her mother's voice echoing words that she couldn't understand, as her step father varied from having her pressed tightly against his chest to having her an arm's length away.

"Thank god you are alright." Euphemia ended her ranting, before going in for another kiss on the cheek.

"We were worried sick about you," Richard chimed in, finally leaving her where she sat.

"How are you?" The murmured at the same time.

"Alive," Emma smiled weakly, unsure of what to say exactly.

She knew this was going to happen soon enough, but the words she'd unknowingly practiced in her head were lost to her now. Stillness settled into the room, bits of Chris's laundry scattered across the ground with the rush of movement. A bright smile touched Euphemia's features, so happy that her daughter was finally safe at home, to dwell on the differences. She danced around the room picking up the laundry, and placing them into the washer again, words bubbling from her mouth but not connecting with Emma.

Richard was the one who saw the uncomfortable shifts, dodgy eyes, and thin shimmers of sweat dancing down his daughter's neck. The young woman was still in that fight or flight adrenalin induced shock of being a captive. His hand rested heavily onto Emma's shoulder, a sorrowful look gracing his eyes.

"Euphie," he grunted, watching as his beloved folded clothes.

"Yes Dick?"

"Maybe we should drop our shit off at the hotel," he sighed, watching as Emma did the same. "This way, Emma can finish up, and prepare for our visit, while we settle in."

"But, I only just got her back…" Euphie's eyes filled with tears almost instantly. "You don't mind me staying here, do you babe?"

Emma's heart melted, guilt slowly settling in as her bothers brown eyes reached her. Yes, she wanted just a few more hours of preparation time, but it was too late now. She shook her head, bringing a bright smile to her mother, and another set of desperate hugs. Richard sighed, knowing that things could have gone a lot smoother if they'd given her a few more days, but he joined in the folding party never the less.

"I'll just head out now." Hazel hummed, taking a step back.

"Nonsense. We'll order a pizza, watch a few movies, play a few games, talk. Just like old times."

"Euphie my love, your pushing it." Richard chuckled, seriousness dancing along his joke.

"Oh hush, you, blueberry pie."

Both Emma and Hazel cringed at the nickname, neither wanting to know what sparked it. Euphie chatted about books and such, even dropping the bomb that they may move back to New York to keep tabs one Emma. All the while their sweet baby girl remained quiet, nodding every once in a while, maybe joining in with one or two words on the rare occasion. It was that behavior, which drew Euphemia's attention. Emma was just like her, nearly an exact replica when it came to personality and looks, but now she was calmer and hesitant to talk.

"Emma, darling," Euphemia smiled, placing a light hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Could you and Hazel please put away the clothes in these two hampers, while Richard and I finish off the folding?"

Emma nodded, picking up the tall hamper and marching from the room, Hazel stumbling behind with the wider one. As soon as they were gone, Euphemia's smiling mask dropped into a deep-set frown, her hand resting on her hips as she met Richards stare.

"Just wait until I get my hands on that dirty bastard," she fumed. "First, he betrays our loyalties, then he tries to kill us, but I draw the damned line at kidnapping and destroying my precious baby girl!" Tears again fell from her eyes. "Just look at her, the light is completely gone."

"I know dear," Richard breathed, pulling his wife into his arms protectively. "She'll see a therapist soon, but maybe we should keep our trip short." He continued through the gasp of protest. "Give her some time to deal with this on her own, you can be a little overbearing at times."

"But she's my baby."

"Our baby, she's our baby dear, but right now she's lost and needs to find her way back." He hummed, kissing the top of Euphemia's hairline. "I think, if she has Leon, Chris, us, and everyone else pushing her to get better, she won't. Instead, let's show her how much we miss her, and then give her some space for a bit. We both know the boys won't stop pushing her."

"Fine," Euphie pouted, as she started folding again. "but if there is no improvement in two months, we are moving back here, and her in our house."

"Agreed, dear."

Euphemia and Hazel sang along with the musical Chicago, as Emma and Richard face palmed. The front door rattled open, revealing the scene the exhausted males. Unlike the original time they'd estimated they'd get home, it was edging one in the morning, before they were released to go home. Emma's parents ordered three pizza's, soda, salad, and dessert, before checking in an hour late to their hotel. Both men grabbed a plate, relatively unfazed by the amusing show. The only difference being that Hazel was acting a fool with Euphemia, and not Emma.

"How'd it go?" Emma asked, when Chris sat down.

"Well, we aren't fired." He retorted, "but we are getting a write up, and will be taken from missions for a while."

"No unpaid leave?" Hazel asked, only when the Cell Block Tango went off.

"Naw, they are only mad that we didn't ask before leaving." Leon shrugged.

"That's great!" Euphemia cheered, giving each boy a kiss on the cheek.

"When is Emma seeing her therapist?" Richard tried his hardest to whisper, over his daughter's shoulder.

"Tuesday of next week."

"We'll be leaving the Tuesday after that." Euphemia murmured happily. "A whole two weeks of this, wont that be nice?"