A/N: Thanks for all the views, follows, favorites and all support you all have been showing me, I can't thank you guys enough. Special mention to hodhod2011danger for reviewing the last chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Resident Evil or any of its characters, they all belong to Capcom.

Chapter 45

(Kate's POV)

I walked inside the office building at my own pace. Leon's driving skills always got me at work on time, though I doubt even with such skills he made it on time at his work but well he made it up by working more than usual. As I walked towards the elevator I heard someone call my name and I turned to spot John jogging in my direction to catch up to me. I waited for him to get to me and we greeted each other morning once he caught up to me.

"What are the plans for big day, Kate?", John asked we started to move.
"About what?", I asked him puzzled.
"Playing dumb, good trick", he smiled, "I am inviting myself tonight whether you like it or not", he said and before I could ask him what he was talking about he spoke again, "Leon didn't drop you today as always?"
"Oh he did", I replied, "I just got off a block before, since Miss Hunnigan was calling him and he was getting frustrated by her every call."
"Ah I see", he said pushing the elevator button and the elevator doors parted, and we got inside, "Today everyone's going to look at me in awe, since I'll be entering with one and only Kathleen Cornor ", he snickered.

"John", I said shaking my head and rolling my eyes, "No doubt you and Leon, go well together with your stupid jokes. I wonder who is worse."
"Definitely, it has to be me", John said proudly and I couldn't help but laugh as the elevator doors parted at our floor.
"Well I guess his humor is more sarcastic and witty", I told him as we both made our way to our desks, "Your humor is plainly annoying."
"You get me Cornor", John winked, "too bad you're married to Kennedy", he added in a Rivette like tone.
"John", I couldn't help but say in disbelief.
"What?", he gave me a childishly mischievous grin, acting oblivious.

I was about to say something when the sight of my workplace left me speechless, 'Oh my god!', I thought to myself seeing the bunch of bouquets and birthday cards. How could I have forgotten my own birthday?
"What happened Cornor?!", John asked but before I could answer all the people present there surrounded me wishing me birthday. Wishes were more genuine coming from men than women. After everyone pointed out which bouquet or card they got me they went back to their work places, "Either you are a really good actor or you are totally surprised. Weren't you expecting this after all these years?", John asked me as I tried to hide myself among the bouquets, since they were already getting me too much attention.

"I forgot about it", I told him the truth.
"Forgot?!", John said with a tone of shock and confusion, "Meaning he didn't wish you as always?", he added referring to my husband.
"It's not like I was expecting that from him", I said as casually as I could, "besides he's terrible with dates."
"Every man is", John commented and we laughed a bit before getting back to work, after all we weren't here to celebrate my birthday.

(Leon's POV)

My phone buzzed and I looked at it and frowned seeing it was Hunnigan, "I am at White House gates", I told her.
"I called to inform you that Miss Graham is not feeling alright, so you report back at Agency. We'd settle you with some paper work", she told me.
"Great paperwork!", I said sarcastically, "I am on my way."

I took a U-turn, after leaving Shadow at the White House gates, to head back to Agency. I was just a little away from the office building when my phone buzzed again and this time it was John, "How can I help you?", I said getting the call.
"You forgot to wish Kate birthday", he said reminding me.
"When was it?", I asked him, thinking about the info.
"It's today, get her a bouquet", he said to me, in an urgent tone.
"I don't think that's needed", I said, "Besides I don't know her favorite flowers."
"Just get her flowers, will you. She has her desk all laden with bouquets here", he told me speaking fast.
"As always", I said in a obvious tone and couldn't help but smile proudly for some reason, "and John she'd know if I get her bouquet now that one of you guys told me, so no point."
"She has some pretty large bouquets here", John said, "One is as big as me, what if she falls in the love with the one who presented it."
"She won't", I almost snapped seriously.
"You can't be too sure", he said in a sing-song manner.

"I am already here, so no time to get her flowers", I said parking my car at the spot that's usually reserved for me.
"You're here?", he asked in surprise, he was possibly expecting me to be at the White House.
"Unfortunately I have a lot of pending paperwork and Ashley's not doing so well, so they told me to get my work done", I said getting out of the car and locking it, "talk to you when I get up there."
"Yeah I am more persuasive face-to-face", he said and I smiled thinking there was not end to this as I walked inside the building.
"I am about to get inside the elevator", I said to him, "see you in a bit", with that I disconnected.

I pushed the elevator button and waited for it to arrive, "So finally they realized that you are not fit for the job of looking after President's daughter", I looked over my shoulder to spot Rivette.
"Good Morning to you too", I kept my cool; I know that would irritate him more.
"Acting all cool like always", Rivette said getting all bitter.
"And I see you still lack a sense of humor", I commented as the elevator arrived and we stepped in it.
"And you're still a player", he tried to get back at me, in a pathetic attempt.

"At least I don't go after other people's wife", I stated the fact.
"Are you trying to suggest something", Rivette said fuming up in rage.
"Yeah, I am saying stay away from my wife!", I warned him.
"Are you afraid she'd choose me over you?", he said with a sickening smirk, "She might, you know, she's smarter than the rest of the women you fooled and she won't overlook your flaws."
"Yeah since you'll be the one pointing out all of my flaws to her", I said as a come back to him.
"I swear Kennedy if you hurt her I'd kill you", he said losing his calm
"You're the one to talk", I replied monotonously.

"How's Sophie by the way?", he asked regaining his cool and trying to instigate me by mentioning one of my old girlfriends.
"Missing you probably for bailing out on her", I replied in a monologue which wiped the smug off his face.
"Kennedy", he grabbed my collar and the elevator door parted as we reached our floor and he had to let go since it would be bad for his reputation.

We walked in further and saw a delivery boy standing a little bewildered, "Need help", I said trying to help him out.
"Yeah… who's Kate Cornor here", he asked.
"That's the lady over there", Rivette answered before I could, "These flowers for her?", he asked eyeing the flowers in his hand.
"Yeah for her Birthday", the guy answered starting to move in Kate's direction.
"I see", Rivette said stopping him and then added, "Thanks I'd pass it on to her", he took the bouquet out of his hands almost forcefully.
"But…", the guy began.
"Don't worry", he said with a wink and gave him a 100$ tip.

Rivette gave me a smug smile and moved towards Kate's desk, "Hey beautiful!", he said and gave her the bouquet, "Happy Birthday!"
She took the flowers and looked at it, "You brought these?!", she asked him surprised.
"Yeah of course", he said to her beaming.
"Why can't you think like that", John said nudging me as Kate searched through the bouquet for some card and it was well hidden. She took it out and read it, smiling the heartwarming smile and Rivette's smile widened seeing that the card was without a name.
"Thanks", Kate said keeping the flowers aside.
"You liked the bouquet then?', he asked her.
"Yeah it's lovely", she answered smiling looking back at the bouquet.

John cleared his throat and I looked at him. I couldn't help but shrug out of indifference as I started towards my office, "Can't you see he's moving on to your wife", he said, "the least you can do is act jealous", he added after a while.
"Rivette is trying to get on my nerve, that's all", I told John the truth, "I don't give a damn", I said pushing the glass door to my office.
"If you won't get in between then I would as always", John said and walked back to where Rivette was trying to impress Kate.
'And that's exactly what I want, like always', I thought looking back at him. John was always protecting Kate on my behalf may it be Rivette, Saunders or any other.

I walked inside my cabin and picked up the receiver of the phone and made an in-office call to Hunnigan, "Yes", she answered.
"Its Leon, send the files you want me to finish", I said to her and disconnected once she said Yes, just thinking about paper work made my head hurt.

I took my seat and couldn't help but look out of the cabin through the two-way glass which was mirror on the outside and transparent glass on the inside. John was talking to Rivette it seemed while Kate was keeping herself busy with her work. She looked up when Rivette asked her something. She looked at the orchid bouquet she just received and shook her head in negative, and got back to her work. I did say I don't care if Rivette was interested in Kate but deep inside it was a big lie. I didn't know if Rivette was doing this because he was really interested in Kate to the point that he didn't care that she was married or because of the personal grudge he had against me and wanted to hurt me, but I hate to admit he was heading the right way.

"These are the files you need to work on Kennedy", Hunnigan said and as she stormed in my office and pulled me away from my thoughts.
"Okay", I said as she put them on my desk.
"It would be good if you complete them while Miss Graham is sick, otherwise you won't get time", she said.
"I'd try", I said sighing unenthusiastically.
"Call me if you are done with these, will get you more work", she said and I gave her are-you-kidding-me look.
"Just kidding Kennedy, I know you are poor in paperwork", she gave me friendly smile.

Then there was a knock and we looked in the direction, "Am I disturbing?", it was Kate.
"Not at all", I told her and Hunnigan nodded.
"Um… I have a business with you Miss Hunnigan", she said to Hunnigan.
"Oh okay, I am done here let's talk in my office", Hunnigan said to Kate, "Leon, please finish those files by today evening."
"I can only try", I said as she walked out wishing Kate birthday too.

Kate looked at me briefly and smiled before following Hunnigan to her office. I watched her till she disappeared by the glass panel and then resumed my paperwork with a sigh. I spent about half an hour with a file and shut it with relief and lifted my head just to look at Kate. Rivette was still there and there's no sign of John, he was talking to Kate but it seemed like she was not liking his company; for a moment I thought to go out and interrupt their conversation, 'where the hell is John when you need him', I thought as Kate stood up and said something to Rivette and headed somewhere. I couldn't help but smile; it felt like I was watching a movie which ended on a good note. Seeing Rivette disappointed gave the feeling that I have just won a battle. Rivette walked back to his cabin and just then I noticed John entering my office.

"Hey buddy, thought you might need some coffee", he said giving me a cup of coffee.
"Thanks John, I didn't know you were this considerate", I pulled his leg.
"I don't want my favorite pal to die doing paperwork", he commented.
"Well then how about doing my work?", I suggested.
"Haha, I am not that stupid", he said taking a seat.

I took a sip of the Coffee and it tasted familiar, so I took another sip, "Kate's coffee", the words just slipped out.
John clapped, "Excellent! I didn't know you had such keen tasting sense."
"Oh come on I drink this coffee everyday", I told him enjoying my coffee.
"She wishes you on your birthday?", John asked.
"Yeah", I answered.
"So shouldn't you…", he began.
"Maybe later", I cut him in between, "Now let me have some peace, I have a long day ahead and a lot of paperwork."
"Yeah I know", John said, "I have to go too… Kate and I are put on communication support today. See you later", and I just nodded.

(Kate's POV)

I picked up my cell phone and pocketed it. I looked at the garden on my desk and a sigh of distress escaped my lips, 'How can I possibly carry all these bouquets', I thought to myself.
"Hey what are you thinking?", my thoughts were interrupted by Rivette; can't he leave me for a second whenever I am at my desk he is there talking about something or the other.
"I was thinking how exactly I would take these home", I told him.
"What happened to Kennedy's car? Did he go bankrupt", he joked.
"I was talking how exactly I am going to carry so many bouquets", I cleared his doubts, "I would have to go back and forth."
"Easy", John said walking out of Leon's cabin, "You carry a few, I'll carry a few, Rivette would carry a few and rest Leon can get."
"I have no problem", Rivette said and John looked at Leon.

(Leon's POV)

"When did I say no", I said and we all grabbed a couple of bouquets and headed down the elevator talking casually; I talked with John and Rivette with Kate. It seemed like they were talking about their last mission and I became aware of the fact that Kate was with him during her last mission. The elevators door open and Kate and Rivette walked ahead side by side, somehow seeing that was very disturbing. She looked back at us briefly as she replied to Rivette and I kept my expressions neutral.

"Do I smell something burning?", John whispered from my side.
"Keep dreaming", I said to him.
"Come on you don't like Rivette by her side", John said as we followed the two, "actually you don't like anyone but you by her side."
"True, I love her", I said as we neared Rivette and Kate.

(Kate's POV)

I looked at Leon; did he really say he loved me? John was as shocked as me; Rivette however seemed angry, "What?", I could only say.
"I love you by my side, with me etc.", Leon said clearing our doubts then kissed my cheek, making us doubt again, and smiled which made me smile too. He stayed there for a while and for a brief moment I felt he was about to kiss my lips but he backed away or should I say was pulled away.
"You can do that at home", it was surprisingly Rivette, and Leon shot an angry look at him.
John tapped his shoulder, "Yeah get all romantic at home", he handled the situation and some of Leon's anger.

Leon unlocked the car and we all set the bouquet in the back seat, "Hey we are invited for dinner tonight?", John asked in confirmation as I closed the back seat door.
"Yeah sure at 8:00 PM", I said to him and Dan looked at me when I said dinner, "You are invited too, Rivette", I invited him only so that he doesn't feel left out.
"Let's go!", Leon said getting in the car and slamming the door shut.
"Okay see you guys", I said goodbyes and got in the car.

Leon backed the car and took it out on the road. It was not showing on his face but he was a bit mad. Does Rivette's pulling him away from me made him this mad or was that he was actually about to kiss me and he couldn't so that's why he was mad or was it something else, "You are heading for White house?", I thought it best to start a conversation to take his mind off the disturbing thought.

"We are already there", he replied taking a turn, "you seem too lost to notice", he looked at me and smiled, "What are you thinking, princess?", he smiled at me, making a stop in front of the White House.
"No, I was just…", I felt at loss of words as he took out his phone.
"It's okay", he said and called Shadow's handler and told him to bring Shadow while I just stared out my side window. Then a loud tiring sigh drew my attention back on to him and I looked back at him. His eyes were closed as he rested his head on the back of the seat.

(Leon's POV)

"You feeling fine?", Kate asked and touched my head which made me smile.
"Paperwork", I told her opening my eyes as she withdrew her hand.
"Oh", she said and I spotted Shadow with his handler, "Shadow's here."
"That reminds me", she reached back and picked the bouquet Rivette gave her, telling her that he got it.
"What are you doing?", I asked her.
"Well Shadow would ruin these once he gets inside the car. I don't want him to ruin this one", she answered.
"Oh I see", I said getting out so that I can let Shadow in the car.

I thanked his handler and got back in the driver seat and briefly my eyes travelled to the flowers on Kate's lap. We didn't talk the rest of the drive. I was for some reason feeling sad and maybe disappointed, maybe John was right I should have gotten her some flowers for her birthday, then maybe this bouquet by Rivette wouldn't have been much of an eye sore and maybe it was my bouquet that she might have been treasuring at the moment. I shook my head slightly kicking out the thoughts, telling myself that Rivette didn't get her these flowers originally and that he came to possess it by chance, in an attempt to soothe my heart.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I apologize for any typos or grammatical mistakes. This chapter was getting super long so had to split it into 3 chapters, hope it doesn't get boring.