A/N: Thanks for everyone who's been reading this story and an extra special thanks to my buddies Shirahane Aikawa and Mercenary Nemesis for their reviews!

Disclaimer: I don't own Resident Evil or any of its characters; they all are property of Capcom.

Chapter 7

(Kate's POV)

"Kiddo where are you, you should be home by 12:00, it's almost 2:00", Chris yelled on phone.
"Relax Bro I am almost there, the taxi broke down and I am walking right now I'll be there in five and now the battery is dying, see you later", I told him, lying beautifully.
"I am coming to take you home", he said.
"No need Bro, I am not five", I told him.
"Okay Kiddo just run back home quickly I am waiting", he said and my phone died.

"I hope he doesn't worry too much", I muttered to no one in particular as I walked home after a late night shift, when I told them I had to have a two weeks' vacation they made me work extra shift and I was now walking home alone and just then the skies roared and poured down on me, "Great", I almost yelled sarcastically but I shouldn't have done that since I got myself some guys attention on the street. I tried to ignore them and walked hurriedly towards home but they followed, "Damn", I cursed and thought of calling Chris but my phone was already dead. As I walked fast they walked fast and then they freaked me out so much that I started running and they too started running and turned a corner randomly and bumped into someone and then backed away scared but he grabbed my hand and I struggled to get free.

"Easy Kate, it's me", he said and I looked back at him and it was Leon I couldn't make him out in the rain. I just gave away myself to him and buried myself in his arms, "What happened? Why are you out so late?", he asked and then I heard those thugs finally catching up to me and I held Leon tighter, "Don't worry", he muttered to me and I heard Shadow barking, "Good boy, so you sensed Kate", Leon said to Shadow.

"It's just one guy; we can take him down boss", I heard one of the men say.
"What about the dog?", the other said.
"You two go after the dog and we'll go after the two of them", maybe their boss said and my grip became tighter around Leon and I prayed for his safety.
"Look man we just want the girl, give her to us and we'll let you go", he spoke again as I felt them get closer.
"Over my dead body", Leon said with a bit of cockiness in his tone.

"It's your death call", one of them said and all I could hear was Shadow barking and growling and feel Leon hands moving whether to protect or defend I didn't know but I think he was fighting with them he turned and I heard screams of someone and then, "Bastards", Leon said and finally I felt him wrap his hand around me and I cried on him, "Don't be scared, I am with you. Look they're gone", I looked up at him and he smiled and I was all alone with him in a middle of road and he reached to wipe those tears which he could make out even in the rain. I hugged him again.

"Thank you, thank you", I said to him. I was really grateful that he found me at the right time and I couldn't thank him enough.
"Don't thank me Shadow found you", he replied still hugging me, he rocked me a bit till I was able to take everything and every detail sank in slowly.

(Leon's POV)

Kate backed away smiled and then laughed, "You idiot, you scared me", she said scolding me a bit.
"That's no way to talk to the one who just saved you", I said smiled playing along.
"Oh yeah almost forgot", she said and looked around, "Come here boy", she said to Shadow spreading her arms and he licked her face, "Thank you, I would have been lost without you and your master", she kissed him.
I smiled, "Let's get you back home before Chris calls the Police", I said as she stood up.
"Yes", she said and we started to walk, "Where's your place?"
"Wanna go there instead?", I asked half joking and smiling.

"Shut up, I am just asking, you know just in case if they come back and you're not around like this and maybe I'll just run to your home if its close", she said still a little shaken about it.
"There's no need", I said and she looked at me sadly, "I'll be always there when you need me", I smiled.
"But still", she said.
"Its over there but you are not welcome", I said pointing it out as we walked past my house and she glared.
"Why?", she asked a bit furious about the statement.
"Because you gave all the credit to Shadow", I said.
"He fought two", she said.
"I fought four that's double and you gave all credit to my dog and kiss him too", I blurted out.
"Is that so", she said raising her brows and then kept her hand on the left side of my face and kissed lightly on my right cheek and I was really taken aback, "Thank you", she said sincerely.

(Kate's POV)

We stared at each other, Leon looked away but didn't say anything and we continued to walk in silence towards home. The rain was still wetting us and it was spring rain and it was damn cold. I had a sudden urge to just clinging to Leon for warmth but he looked quiet mad when I kissed him plus he had to fight for me, 'How much can a man do for you without having anything in return', I thought and he shot that down by pulling his wet and soggy jacket over me saying, "This would keep you a bit warm."

Although it didn't help much but I really appreciated and respected his concern for me. I looked at him trying to read him like the first time we met and there was something different about him now. He was tired and he still is tired, he was lonely and he still is, he was stressed and you can still make out his stress but the difference was that he was sad and frustrated that day and today he was sad and disappointed for some reason. He was avoiding me since the time I kissed him maybe I shouldn't have done that but he said it as though he wanted a kiss and I gave him not considering the fact that I have a boyfriend, who was the one dropping me a couple blocks away again today and if it wasn't for Leon then I wouldn't be seeing my home right now.

Leon rang the doorbell and Jill opened it as if she was standing there only at first she didn't notice me and said, "Leon, Kate's gone missing", and Leon looked back at me and Jill noticed me and yelled, "Chris don't call the police she's back", and I heard the sounds of two footsteps run towards the door and Chris ran and hugged me.

"What took you so long", Claire said.
"Kiddo, don't go disconnecting your phone like that", Chris said.
"Come here, you're all soaked", Jill said drying my head with a towel.
"And now the deadline is 10:00", Chris said, "Be home by 10:00."
"Yeah he's right", Jill said.
"We were so worried then it started raining and we got more worried", Claire said.
"And sweetie when you pick up phone tell us where you are, so we won't waste time and get to place as quickly as possible", Jill said and I sneezed.
"Are you okay?", Chris said feeling my head, "Claire get a thermometer."
"I am on it", Claire said and I saw her halfway down the Chris's bedroom.
"I am fine Guys", I yelled, "Some guys followed me but Leon…", I turned to look at him but he wasn't there, "Where did he go?"
"Yeah he was here", Jill said looking for him outside.
"Who were those guys show me I'll break every bone in their body", Chris said.
"No need, Bro. Leon already did that", I told him.
"He better had otherwise I am breaking every bone in his body", Chris said.
"He saved me", I said, "Give him a break and the important thing is that I am safe."
"Yeah honey", he said and we again shared a group hug, "We are glad that you're okay."

(Kate's POV)

"Claire I think you should have taken the aqua one for her. Violet is not her color", I said as we finished shopping for Vennessa.
"Yeah I think so too, you know she won't be good as you two", Jill said we laughed.
"Hey isn't that Leon's mom over there", Claire pointed in the crowd.
"Where?", Jill asked looking in the direction.
"1'o'clock", Claire said.
"Yeah, it is her", Jill said spotting her, "I wonder if Leon told her about your marriage."
"Yeah I was wondering the same, if she comes and then he would definitely come", Claire said, "Let's go."
"But didn't he say that he would be coming and won't be missing it for anything", I said as they both literally dragged me.
"He always says but never keeps his words", Claire said, "He promised the same during Chris's wedding and he called in the last moment saying that he had some important job."

"Mrs. Kennedy", Jill called and the said lady turned in our direction, "How're you doing?"
"Oh I am fine dears, out for a shopping spree you three", she asked with warm motherly smile.
"As we expected Leon didn't tell you", Claire said in an obvious tone.
"Told me what?" she said confused and worried, "He never tells me anything well not anymore", she said a bit sadly.
"Well I am getting married and you two have to come", Claire told her excited.
"And here is the Wedding Invitation", Jill said handing the very first Wedding Invite, that we just collected from the printers.
"We're going to California and will be taking off the day after tomorrow, you can come with us. Our all friends and family are going. We have arranged everything", Claire told her.

"That's great honey. I would love to go, who all are going with you", she asked opening the card.
"Well there is Ark and his family including his mother and father; John and his girlfriend. Bruce his wife along with his father, David with his son, Barry and his family. A couple of Claire's friend from Terrasave and Chris and Jill's from BSAA", I said in one breath, "and a couple of my friends."
"Leon isn't going?", she asked looking at us.
"Well he said that he would show up at the Wedding Day", Claire told her.
"Means he's going to skip again", his mother said sadly, "I am sorry honey I shouldn't be going too."
"Why Mrs. Kennedy", Jill asked, "You said it the last time and he didn't showed up there too."
"Maybe if you'd come, he would come too", Claire said.
"I don't know sweeties, maybe he would but he has changed a lot in past years and I feel as if I don't know my son anymore", she said.

(Claire's POV)

"So you're coming then?", Kate said smiling and we all gawked at her, "I mean we know that idiot isn't coming so why cry about it and if he comes and roams in my sister's Wedding with that expressionless face of his, people would get scared and many of the lady staff that we have hired won't work and it looks likes we are better off him."
"Kate you shouldn't say something like that", Jill scolded her.
"No she's right", Leon's mother said and laughed.
"So you'll come then?", Kate asked her again with a smile.
"Yes dear", the old lady smiled, "Just do me a favor and pick me up from my place when you leave."

"Will do that", I said happily.
"So we have to do a bit more shopping plus had to give more invitations", Jill said, "So we'll like to take your leave ma'am."
"Off you go then", she said smiling and we walked away from her and then Kate turned and walked back to her.
"Can you do me a favor although we all know we are better off him but can you force your idiot son to come along with you or at least show up at Wedding otherwise, my sister won't be happy", Kate said, "I know you can do this, you're his mother", she paused a bit, "Just remind him every day that he had to show up at Wedding and you leave the rest to…", she pointed upwards, "God. He'll show him the way."
"Are you Kate?", she asked her in realization.
"The one and only", Kate said smiling.
Leon's mother took Kate's hand and her eyes were filled with tears for some reason, "Thank You", she said smiling whole heartedly, "I'll try my best", she said with a smile.
"Thanks a lot Mrs. Kennedy", I couldn't help but say and she headed her own way.

"What magic do you do, sis?", Claire asked me.
"Black magic", I replied winking at her.
"You think Leon would come", Jill said.
"We'll call him every day and nag about it", I said, "until he finally shows up."
"Oh so that's why you told his mom to call him every day and remind him", Claire said in realization.
"Yes and now only one person is left out", I said smiling imagining Leon's frustrated face a bit.
"Who?", Jill asked.
"Your husband", I replied.
"Oh my god, I gotta see this", Claire said and we all laughed as I told them about what I am going to say to my brother.

(Kate's POV)

"What is he doing?", I asked Jill pouring coffee in a cup.
"Well he's calm now and not yelling on the phone. Looks like he is calculating the expenses", Jill replied taking a look in the living room.
"That's the right moment and I am ready", I said setting a coffee mug on the tray.
"And now go, go, go", Jill and I walked casually to my brother making a bit of noise, he looked up at me and I smiled and he smiled at me too. I kneeled down by him and held out coffee mug to him.

"Chris", I said trying hard to make myself blush, and really it was two times difficult than to hide it.
"Yeah sis", he answered but did not look up.
"Uh… I was wondering… uh… if… uh… ", I tried to play the shy stuttering act.
"What Kiddo?", he looked up and I acted as if I was scared.
"Uh… I was… ", I began and just then Jill came, it was all planned.
"Chris, I need you help with this", she said walking up to him and I looked at her she smiled at me but remained in character.
"Not now honey Kiddo wants something", Chris said and yes my trick worked he was in his all over-protective mode.

"What's up Kiddo?", Jill said as if she didn't know anything.
"Well don't get mad", I said not looking at him fidgeting with my fingers, "But I wanted to invite this friend… a boy friend."
"BOYFRIEND", Chris almost yelled.
"No, no, no not boyfriend, just a boy friend", I said timidly.
"A friend who's boy?", Jill said pulling up a shocked expression which made me lose my form.
"He's an old friend and he sort of invited himself on the Wedding when I told him about it. So I was wondering… can we squeeze him in", I asked pulling up a cute face, "Please", taking Chris hand squeezing it a bit, I knew he couldn't say no now.
"Okay Kiddo", he sighed in defeat.
"Thanks", I said getting extremely happy and running up to my room, "I'll just call him."

(Jill's POV)

We watched Kate disappear over the flight of stairs and now it was up to me to get the plan successful, "Do you think she has a 'serious' boyfriend?", Chris asked, "I mean the one you take to your parents to meet and stuff."
"Maybe I mean she's 25 she can have one. Claire had it when she was 24 and I had one when I was 21", I said casually.
"Oh my god; I'll just go and say no to her now. I am not ready for the second", he said standing up.
"Sit down", I said pulling him, "I don't think she has one; yeah but I think she likes the guy and maybe he likes her too."
"I am gonna track him down and kill him", Chris said being over-protective again.
"You can't be in jail for killing your sister's boyfriend when you'd be giving the other at the church. Let the boy come observe him and Kate has to go someday, if the guy is nice and loves Kate then, you know we can…", I suggested.
"No", he almost yelled and started to walk in the direction of stairs.
"She would be really sad if you say No", I called and that made him stop.

"That guy is coming but I am gonna keep a close eye on him and if he tries anything that I don't like then he's dead", Chris said slamming his fist into his other hand.
"Like you'd get time to look after Kate during all this chaos of Claire's Wedding", I said and hit the target perfectly.
"I can do it", he said stuttering a bit.
"Don't mess Claire's Wedding and all the preparation will go down the drain", I said seriously.
"Do it for me", he said grabbing my hands.
"You're saying as if I don't have any responsibility", I said rolling my eyes.
"So what should I do?', he asked helplessly, "Can't leave her alone."
"Oh come on she's young pretty girl...", I said smiling darting my next target.
"That's the more reason", he said even before I could complete my sentence.
"So what are you gonna do? Find yourself a substitute?", I said giving him a hint.
"That's it Jill, I'll ask someone to look after her", he said slapping his fist on his other hand.
"Who would do that for you? I mean who's the one who would stay with her without her taking a notice, it should be someone close and plus he should be good at these things."
"I have so many friends who are good at it", he said happily.
"But they are not close plus what if staying with her made them fall in love with her", I pointed out giving the final blow, "We need someone we can trust, who would blend in just perfectly."
"Kennedy", Chris automatically yelled, "he's perfect for the job."
"No don't bother him", I said feeling the success of our plan, "He's always busy…", I trailed off as Chris moved towards the phone.
"He has to agree or I'll nag him day and night about it", Chris said searching for his number in the phone book.

(Kate's POV)

"Plan successful!", I looked at Claire and muttered and then Jill came running upstairs and we got in the nearest room which was Claire's bedroom and danced like mad.
"You're genius", Jill said happily.
"Thank you", I said honored by it a bit and Claire hugged me.
"He has to definitely come now", Claire said.
"Yes", Jill said too, "Let's get back before Chris gets the fact that it was all staged", she said holding open the door.
"Uh… Jill", I called after Claire and Jill were about to step out.
"Yes honey", she replied concerned about my nervous tone
"Since Chris agreed, can I call Matt over for this Wedding", I asked.
"So until now you weren't planning on calling him", Jill teased.
"Shut up", I said blushing a bit.
Jill laughed, "Call him now and invite him over."
"Thank you", I ran over and hugged her.
"No hugs for me", Claire said and I hugged her too.

"Jill honey", Chris called from below and we all hurried down and I decided to call Matt later.
"Yes", Jill answered him.
"What's Leon number, the one written here is not in use", he said going through the pages of phonebook.
"Oh he keeps changing numbers, I have his new number let me give you", Claire said picking her cell phone.
"Any special reason bro?", I asked teasing him a bit.
"No just wanted to ask him whether he's taking off with us tomorrow or not", he replied casually.
"Here", Claire said giving him the phone and he put it to his ear and then pulled it and looked a bit tensed.
"What happened?" Claire asked concerned.
"This number is out of order too", he said.
"How can that be possible, he just gave me this number the previous month", she said dialing it by herself, "Damn", she cursed.

Just then the home phone rang and Chris picked it up, "Hello?", he waited for the reply and said again, "Leon, we were just thinking about you buddy actually…", he stopped for Leon to speak, "But…", he stopped again, "Look Claire would be…", again he was cut in between, "You'll at least… ", then yet again he listened to Leon, "Okay, Okay… No, I'll try to make them see the point… Yes I'll definitely… But I really wanted a favor if you could come… yeah I know but give me your number", with these final words Chris disconnected the call and he didn't look happy, "Damn that Kennedy", he cursed.

"What did he say?", Jill asked curiously.
"Said he won't be coming to the Wedding", Chris said slouching on the couch.
"What?!", Claire screamed, "Why didn't you say something? I mean its my Wedding and he can't ditch it like that."
"I tried to tell him but he was speaking very fast cutting in between and he sounded damn serious when he said he had some important business and is leaving DC now", Chris replied.
"Give me his number, I'll call him", Jill said grabbing the phone.
"He said that he doesn't remember it now and that he will call us later", Chris said.

"He fooled you, he won't be calling", Claire said getting up, "I am gonna call his mum", and she did, "Hey Mrs. Kennedy, have you got Leon's new number… yeah I can wait… no he has changed his number again… oh you don't know, it's okay. Uh… you're coming with us right?... Yeah thank you."

"What did she say?", I asked.
"She haven't got his number and well at least she is coming", Claire sighed.
"Well at least he told us earlier this time", Jill sighed too and I was really mad at that idiot for ditching us like that, I mean he called us his friends and if that's how he treats his friends I don't want to be his friend.

A/N: Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed it. My apologies for any inconvenience you had whilst reading.