A/N: I am extremely grateful to all the readers, for always taking out time to read my story. I would also like to express my gratitude to GrayFox786 and Adela, for reviewing last chapter.

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

Chapter 49

(Leon's POV)

I parked my car at the BSAA parking and headed inside the building. The atmosphere inside the office was more than enough to tell anyone about the seriousness of the situation. The support and intelligence personnel were sending in reports and trying to figure out the level of infestation at the small city. I had been here before and I knew where Chris's cabin was, who had called me requesting my assistance, but before I could make my way towards his office, I heard his voice.

"Hey Kennedy!", Chris yelled spotting me, "Over here", he yelled over the commotion.
"What's the level of infestation?", I asked, walking over to him.
"Follow me", he said seriously, "Our Intel is tracking the status with the public cameras on the town."
"Redfield, how bad are the things?", John asked joining us.
"It's another Raccoon", Jill said opening the door of conference room for us.
"You sure?", John said as we entered the monitoring room.
"Look for yourself", Jill replied pointing at the monitors which showed the small town which was as dead as the dead walking there.
"Any survivors?", I asked examining the situation through cameras.
"We have till morning to find that out, Kennedy", Chris said to me.
"Till morning?!", I said letting out a sarcastic laugh.

"Well David and Barry are trying to buy time for us", Jill informed us.
"So what're you planning?", I asked Chris.
"We'll go out in groups of two, that way we'll be able to move faster than SOU units, if any of us find survivors BSAA will evacuate them ASAP", Chris vaguely told his plan.
"Medic team is ready!", Rebecca said walking in the conference room with Claire following close behind, guess Terrasave was chipping in for support as well.
"Where are the rest of the guys?", Jill asked in a tone of urgency.
"Coming", Claire replied in a serious tone, "They are prepping up chopper and ammunition."

Not long before she had said that, Ark, Bruce and Carlos joined us as well. Chris started to brief the situation, when Jill informed him that Miller was missing. Miller was the last person missing, she apologized for her lateness but no one said anything. And Chris chalked out his rescue plan in detail, clearly defining who needs to do what and how. He strictly warned us not to leave out of the area preset for us, eyeing the rebellious people of the group.

"Any questions?", Chris asked finishing up the brief and we all shook our heads but John's hand shot up as if we were in some class.
"Can I have something to eat before we leave", he joked easing up the atmosphere and we laughed a bit.
"Let's head out team", Chris commanded and we all stood to leave the conference room to head out to field.
"What about my food, I was serious", John said and everyone ignored him.
"C'mon", Bruce dragged him with himself and everyone hurried to their choppers that would be dropping us of at the entry points from where we would cover the city on foot.

(Kate's POV)

I put the note on refrigerator for Leon as always. I read the note that said the dinner was in white bowl but I knew that I don't have to put it since I'll not be able to sleep until I see him safe with my own eyes. It's been a whole 6 hours since he left and I was pretty much lonely without him. I missed him whenever he was not around, whether it be home or work.

Shadow's bark brought me back to reality and I sighed looking at the note, and then moved to switch off the kitchen lights and then living room lights while heading towards the bedroom. I took out my night clothes from the wardrobe and changed into them. I lied on the bed and Shadow jumped on the bed and settled himself at the end of the bed near my feet.

I pulled blanket over my shoulders feeling cold all of a sudden, remembering Leon. I closed my eyes; Leon never ever left me whenever I was cold no matter how mad he was with me, not even when we had an argument just a second ago. I couldn't help but pray for his wellness because the heart pounding in my chest told me that he was putting his life on line again and I didn't want to lose him, 'Please keep him safe', I prayed to god and just then my phone rang and I lunged for it hoping it to be from Leon but was disappointed when it said work, "Hello?"

"Miss Cornor", it was Hunnigan speaking, "I mean Mrs. Kennedy", she corrected herself, "sorry to disturb you so late."
"It's fine, no problem", I tried to sound normal and professional.
"You have to report at airbase ASAP", she said to me in a tone of urgency.
"Yeah okay, I'll be there in half an hour", I said sitting up on the bed.
"You don't need to pack anything just firearms", she informed me in a serious tone.
"Okay", I replied and she disconnected. I didn't give anything a thought and got up to ready myself for the mission.

(Leon's POV)

I took out two zombies and dragged Angela with me, things started to go bad the moment we entered. Despite the fact that Angela had been through all this before she was careless not making headshots, maybe she pitied these living dead. She was trying to show her professionalism but despite that she got herself hurt in the very first hour here. Her injury was the worst thing that could happen to our team, since we were lagging behind the schedule and slowing the entire team down. We had just covered half the distance, which we were suppose to cover by now.

"You take rest here", I said making her sit on a bench outside some shop.
"You leave me and go", Angela said to me in a slight tone of panic.
"I told you before that it takes more time for infection to spread through natural wounds than the bitten wounds. Nothing's going to happen to you", I assured her.
"What if…", she began.
"I don't think I need to repeat myself", I said feeling a little annoyed from repeating the same thing over and over again, "Besides as long as you can shoot you are an asset in this situation."
"Thanks", she said and I just nodded.

My communicator beeped, "Kennedy", I replied.
"How you guys holding up?", Hunnigan asked.
"Same as before", I replied, "What happened to the back up?"
"It's on its way, I am sending you the location of the drop off point", she said, "This would be her first time in this sort of situation but she's the best we could get from the Agency."
"No problem, I think I'll manage as long as she is good with headshots", I told Hunnigan.
"Well you know her better, she's been with you in almost every mission", Hunnigan's these words made my heart pound faster, "It's only because of your two partnership that I chose her…", she was saying.

"Who is she?", I asked although I was sure who she was talking about.
"Agent Cornor", she told me, "Agent Kathleen Cornor, your wife."
"Shit!", I couldn't help but curse.
"Oh she's here already", Hunnigan informed me, "We'd get her to her drop off point in precisely 15 minutes."
"No", I almost yelled out.
"What are you saying, Leon", Hunnigan said confused.
"Don't send her in", I said to her clearly and slowly.
"You asked for back-up?!", Hunnigan asked in more confused tone.
"I know I did but I'll manage, just don't send her in", I pressed on it.
"She's ready to join you on field and help you out in any way", Hunnigan told me.
"Let me talk to her", I requested of her.

(Kate's POV)

"He wants to talk to you", Hunnigan said to me.
I took her headset and put it on, "Leon?", I spoke in the headset.
"Kate, listen to me carefully, whatever you do not enter this area", he said to me.
"Leon, they said your life's in danger and you need help", I said concerned.
"I am fine", he told me but his voice said otherwise.
"You don't sound like it", I tried to argue.

"I am as fine as I can be; you can check the satellite images on the Hunnigan's monitor", he told me impatiently. I looked at the monitor but I never needed to see him to know if he was fine.
"But Miller is hurt, you could really use some help", I tried to reason with him, "it's best that I come over and help you two out."
"No, you listen to me, you are not getting in this place", Leon said pressing on, "You're not cut out for this."
"What?! I am fully trained and experienced professional", I reminded him, there was no point being modest now, "I'd be more than an asset in this situation with all the experiences we've had together."
"You'll not be an asset", his voice raised on the other end, "Just stay where you are!"
"If you think I am incapable, then it's more than a reason for me to get there and prove you wrong!", I argued with him.
"It's not about your capability, you're more than capable", he told me and it took me by surprise when his tone calmed downed as he spoke these words.
"Then why are you…", I began feeling even more concerned.

"It's for utterly selfish reasons I don't want you to be out here with me", Leon replied before I could even complete my question, "Please sweetheart, I am begging you not to come here", one could barely make it out but I knew his voice cracked as he said these words, "Please!"
"Leon…", I began but I didn't know what to say, my eyes were getting moist as tears began to well up in them, "You better not get yourself… ", I took a deep breath, "…hurt or…", these were the only words I could manage.
"I promise I'll always come back home to you", he assured me with nothing but sincerity in his voice.
"I'll wait for you then", I said to him, "be safe!"
"Yeah", he replied and I handed the headset back to Hunnigan.

"I am not going", I told her letting out a deep sigh.
"I see, we won't force you", Hunnigan said putting her headset back on, "But you cannot be present here now that you…."
"I understand", I tore away my eyes from Leon, who was helping up Angela. I wanted to stay and only see how he was doing that would have kept me more calm but obviously it was out of question now. I walked out of the airbase and got myself a taxi which was a bit difficult at this hour and headed straight for home.

(Kate's POV)

Once I got home, Shadow came to greet me but he was quiet too maybe he read my mood or the situation. I climbed up the stairs changed back into home clothes and tried to take everything normally but it was really hard. I sat on the bed as the feelings of restlessness overtook me. I saw Leon was alright but without continuous reassurance about his status the feeling was just getting worse and worse. I desperately needed something to distract me but I couldn't think of anything but Leon, I was really worried for him.

I pulled up my legs, covering myself with the blanket and leaned against the headboard of the bed, there was no way I could sleep after knowing that indeed Leon was putting his life on line. Shadow jumped up on the bed and kept his head on my lap and stayed quiet. I felt a tear run down my cheek and I reached for my phone, for a moment I thought, if I should call Hunnigan or not but decided against it, since it was seemingly unprofessional of me. I just hugged my phone, wishing and hoping it would ring up and give me some good news but it isn't always that easy, 'Leon, I hope you're safe!', I couldn't help but think.

"I promise I'll always come back home to you", his voice rang in my mind.

I felt a little relieved as I remembered these words. Leon never broke his promises, so his words were a little reassuring, if not much. I closed my eyes sighing; waiting was all I could do now.

(Leon's POV)

"Good job, Leon! You were impressive out there", Hunnigan said over the call, "now that the survivors are evacuated, the city will be sealed off and the government will take up from here."
"As always", I couldn't help but comment, "Kennedy out!", with that I disconnected.

"Great work huh?", I turned to find Claire.
"It would have been great work if we could stop this from happening", I said as we moved to get into the cars that were waiting for us.
"Well there's not really much we can do", Claire said in a serious tone.
"Any casualties?", I asked her.
"None, apart from Miller", she informed me, "the count would have been zero if she didn't try to show off", I gave her a how-do-you-know look, "we were monitoring as much as we could with city cameras and satellite cameras", she told me.
"She alright?", I asked her out of formality.
"Becky checked on her and she was sent for proper medical help, luckily she didn't contract the virus but she'd be monitored for a few days, just in case", Claire told me, "No offense but we thought it'll be really tough for you with her like that, although she could shoot but not moving fast enough was definitely a setback. I wonder how you managed it."
"I promised Kate I'd be back home", I told her.

"I heard that they were sending in Kate but she refused", Claire told me and cursed inwardly as if she accidentally let it slip, "But it could be a false information, I didn't hear the name plus I was more focused on you guys", she tried to cover it up.
"They did try to send Kate in", I affirmed the information.
"Oh", she only said, possibly feeling a little lost at words.
"I told her not to set foot in this area", I told her the whole truth.
"So that's why she backed out", Claire said sounding relieved, it looked like she doubted Kate for a bit back there.
"Yeah, it wasn't easy to persuade her but I don't want her getting involved with all this, if I can help it", I told Claire as we got in the car.
"You should call her, she must have been worried", Claire suggested me, as the cars moved to medical centers.
"I would once I get some alone time", I told her and she nodded her head, and our talks turned in more trivial direction.

We weren't hurt but it was standard procedures that we go through a basic medical examination and cleanse our body, and personal belongings with any foreign bodies. Once I had showered with disinfectant and had gone through all the tests, I decided to call Kate as I waited for the medical reports, only after which I'd be allowed to head back home. I dialed Kate's number and relaxed back on the chair as I waited for the call to connect.

(Kate's POV)

I was startled as my phone started ringing and I looked at it. It was Leon calling, so I didn't waste a moment and took the call, "Hello?", I spoke in the phone.
"Did I wake you up?", Leon asked me from the other end and I was so relieved to hear his voice.
"No", I replied sitting up straight, "How are you? Where are you? When are you coming back home?", I asked him all the questions that's been on mind since I got back home.
"I am fine, not even a scratch", Leon told me and I felt relieved, "I am at a medical center", my heart beat raised all of a sudden, "for standard procedures", he added quickly, "I'll be home once they clear me off here."
"Hmm", I hummed in reply resting my head on the head frame of the bed again, "I am glad to hear that", I felt a tear of happiness streak down my cheek again.
"I am sorry that I worried you a lot", it seemed he knew how I felt.

"Will you be back by the time for breakfast?", I asked him changing topics.
"I think so", he replied.
"What do you want to have for breakfast?", I asked him.
"Umm… toasts, omelets, bacon maybe… and most important my black coffee", he told me over the phone.
"I'd try to get them ready by the time you arrive", I told him in a weak tone.
"That be great, I didn't even get to have dinner", he told me.
"And neither sleep", I added to his list.

"Don't worry I'd sleep and eat, the first thing I get back unless you have some other plans for me", Leon said and it made me smile.
"You won't learn ever, will you?", I couldn't help but say.
"If it makes you smile, then no never", he said very much seriously and then his tone changed as he added, "And who knows I'd catch you off guard and get lucky one of these days."
"Leon", I could only say shaking my head and we both didn't speak for a while just listened to each other's breaths maybe. He was tired I knew and I wanted to ask him again when he would be back because my eyes really longed to see and confirm for themselves that he was alright but since he didn't know it himself I didn't ask him again.

Leon sighed at the other end, "Okay no more pretending, I am really tired", he said again.
"Come home soon and rest then", I got my thoughts across, without making the situation awkward or embarrassing myself.
"Believe me sweetheart, I want to see you more than anything in this world but…", he didn't complete his sentence.
"But?", I urged him to continue but I already knew he won't say a word on it.

"Kate", Leon called my name.
"Hmm…", I hummed in acknowledgement but he still didn't say anything, "Leon, are you there?", I asked panicking a little.
"No, it's Rivette", Leon said from the other side.
"Stop joking", I said a little annoyed, for a brief moment back there horrible thoughts crossed my mind.
"So why did you ask such a stupid question?", he asked in an annoyed tone.
"Because you didn't say what you were saying", I said to him as my voice raised and Leon started laughing at the other end.
"It never gets old", he said between the laughs.
"You get pleasure annoying me, don't you?", I asked him huffing.
"Maybe", he replied adding an air of mysteriousness.
"Idiot", I couldn't help but curse him and he laugh a bit again.

I don't know how long we talked, but it was among the longest conversation we had over the phone. It was mostly full of trivial chats, arguments and flirting. Leon ended the call only when he was called to get his medical reports. Once he disconnected I straight away went to have a shower and after shower I went in the kitchen to prepare for breakfast.

(Leon's POV)

I unlocked the door and got in the house, making no noise at all. The smell of bacon and omelets told me Kate was in the kitchen and my feet moved on their own in that direction. When I entered kitchen Kate was busy flipping omelets and bacon. Her hair was up in a messy bun, she looked absolutely gorgeous in her cute dress that was keeping her back exposed. I moved behind her stealthily, contemplating how I should surprise her, she was too busy doing her work to notice me.

As I moved to make my move Kate spoke, "Sorry but you have to wait a bit for the breakfast. Well I am almost done, just a few stuff remaining", she said taking out the omelet and bacon off the pan.
"You knew I was here?", I asked her in surprise.
"Of course, what do you take me for?", she asked moving to make coffee.
"For how long, you knew?", I asked her.
"Since you arrived obviously", she replied in an obvious tone.
"And I took all the measures to stay quiet", I said a bit disappointed.
"Oh you are quite good at keeping quiet", she told me putting up a second omelet on the pan, "If you are thinking what gave you away was that horrible, horrible stench of disinfectant", she said making a face.
"I should take a proper shower then", I said starting to move
"Yeah you should and be quick, breakfast's almost ready", she said as I headed to our room for a shower.

When I returned back after having a shower, Kate was setting the table and we both sat down to have breakfast. We ate breakfast in silence and I got into noticing Kate, her hair was down now and she was silently having her breakfast and then she looked at me, "Is it not good?", she asked me.
"No, it's great as always", I replied to her with a smile.
"Why aren't you eating, then?", she asked in a business like tone.
"I was just thinking that you look a bit tired", I couldn't help but notice.
"So are you", she said dismissively looking away, "except that's a lot."

(Kate's POV)

"It looks like you didn't sleep last night", Leon said getting back to his breakfast.
"So?", I said.
"Well, had a wild night with your boyfriend?", Leon asked with a smile and I hit him.
"You! Do you even think before you speak?!", I asked him as he laughed, "You're such an idiot sometimes."
"How come you call me idiot all the time, then?", he asked me with a smile.
"Let me correct it then, you act like an idiot all the time", I said and our harmless bickering continued.

Once we were done with breakfast, I took the plates to the kitchen and Leon headed upstairs to catch some sleep. I washed the dishes and cleaned up a bit and I too headed upstairs just to find Leon wasn't asleep but he was doing some work on his PDA. I shook my head and proceeded to darken the room, from experience I knew that in this much light Leon couldn't sleep. I gathered his things like, holster, wallet and guns off the bed and put them aside, "Sweetheart, are you trying to suggest something?", Leon asked not looking up from the phone.

"Yeah, keep this aside and sleep", I snatched his phone from him and he grabbed my hand pulled me on the bed with him, wrapping his strong arms around me.
"Leon, let go off me", I struggled a bit, "this isn't a bit funny."
"It isn't supposed to be funny", he replied with a husky tone, closing whatever the gap between us and closing his eyes as well.

Leon didn't say anything but his grip around me was pretty tight to slip through. I looked up at him his eyes were closed and he was trying to sleep. I didn't have too many options so I moved to be comfortable in his arms. I pulled his arm that was around my arms down to my waist and pulled a blanket over us. He smiled and kissed my forehead as I snuggled close to him closing my eyes to sleep as well.

A/N: Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I apologize for any grammatical mistakes or typos that caused an inconvenience whilst reading. See you all next week!