Chris stirred, temporarily forgetting where he was. Wait, that's right, they were in London. Through the slats of the window, he saw her sleeping form. Alex as on her back, blankets drawn to just the top of her bare breasts. The soft plush embrace of the sheets against his naked skin hurled the memories of their previous night to the forefront of his mind.
Alex went slow, lifting her hips up then sliding back down, over his waiting member. She didn't want to rush this; rush anything. Chris rested his hands on her waist, guiding her in each thrust. He wanted to rut against her but his senses won out.
"Beautiful," his voice husky, thick in need. His eyes drifted down, coming to rest where their bodies met. The small part of his cock visible before her body would claim it. He watched this intimate act, his heart racing against his ribs. Alex leaned over, taking his mouth in hers, eager to feel those hot hungry lips. Chris seized the moment, rolling them over until he was on top. The steady thrusts never slowing as he held her tight, fearful of letting her go. He groaned at the sensation of her own body meeting his, the delicious walls closing around him. She was so close...
"Chris..."
"I've got you, Lex," he coaxed her through the powerful orgasm. Every crest constricting around him, drawing his own closer. Her legs went higher, locking around his waist as he quickened his pace, the heaviness swirling in his body. The soft slick sounds played a sweet tune, bringing him to the edge. He involuntarily shuddered, surrendering to the abyss. Alex went faster, milking his cock of every bit.
"You feel so amazing," he kissed her neck and shoulder. She placed a soft kiss to his lips, eyes glazed over, leaving a haze in the sapphire rings. He sought her hand, stroking her palm and wrist before placing a chaste kiss just below the heel of her hand.
"So do you," she whispered.
Chris gathered her in his arms, the scent of her shampoo danced across his nose. They fell asleep clasped in one another's embrace.
Every moment alone, they had been all over one another. The shower, the couch in their room; Chris had bent her over the table after they had finished in the shower. Chris was grateful he didn't take up any of those women's' offers or propositions. His heart had steered him away, preventing any folly which would've been disastrous; even if he didn't realize that.
"What time is it?" Alex didn't open her eyes but had awakened.
"It's only 6. Plenty of time. Don't have to meet Piers until 8."
Her pulse spiked then calmed at the mention of the marksman's name. Piers. Once this bullshit was over, they were all going to have to sit down and talk. While Alex had developed something deep for the younger man, her heart belonged to Chris.
"It'll be nice to be home again," she opened her eyes. "Claire wants to kick your ass then make dinner and Jill wants to kick your ass."
Chris sighed. Claire had read him the Riot Act over the phone.
"I don't know what the fuck you were thinking, Christopher Redfield, but when you get back, Jill and I are going to kick your ass. Carlos wants to kick your ass for this because it stressed Jill. If you EVER pull another Houdini again..."
It took him vanishing to realize how missed he was. How loved he was. He had a lot of amends to make when this was over, starting with the woman laying beside him.
"I don't know what I can do to rectify what I did to you, Lex. I don't know where to start."
Alex rolled to her side, one hand propping her head up. Her other lightly running her fingers across his cheek.
"You're coming home. That's the start, Chris. I forgive you. I forgave you when you left but I didn't realize it."
He didn't deserve her, yet, she was there, by his side. Chris slid over, taking her in his arms and carded his fingers through her hair.
Piers didn't sleep. No matter what he tried, slumber eluded him. The emptiness alongside him proved cruel as he struggled through the night. He loved her. He was in love with his captain's girl. And she had fallen in love with him. Piers didn't know how Alex could do it. How she could stay strong through all this. At some point, all three of them were going to have to have a long talk about this. The one consolation he had from everything: Alex wasn't going to shut him out of her life. Their experiences and battles had deepened the bond between them; brought closer together by tragedy.
"Piers," the marksman snapped out of it, downing the rest of his coffee before pouring more. Chris pulled up a chair across from him with Alex soon joining. One glance answered the question which died on her tongue.
"Captain, Alex," she forced a polite smile but there was no emotion behind it.
"HQ wants you to check in before we leave. Want you to get medical clearance. Their words."
"Right," the older man nodded. Another round of poking and prodding. Like they didn't do enough of that at the Paris bureau. "I suppose they'll want me back in action once I get the all clear," Chris snorted humorlessly.
Alex felt the nausea punch her at those words. No down time or even a few days off after this. Why was she expecting anything different?
"You okay over there?" Piers waved his hand inches from her face. Alex blinked and shook her head.
"Yeah, was kind of hoping they'd give you some time off," her face fell. Alex felt Chris's hand squeeze hers, an affectionate gesture. She should've known better than to think such. No rest for the weary as they say. Suddenly, she wasn't hungry.
Piers and Alex sat in the waiting room while the medical staff looked Chris over. It was her who spoke first.
"You look rough," her words an observation.
"Didn't sleep well. Have to get used to sleeping alone; again."
Alex winced, not wanting to admit it felt strange having Chris back in her bed.
"Sorry about that."
"You shouldn't apologize. We knew we'd find Chris. Things were...temporary."
"Temporary situation, permanent feelings."
"Love isn't easy."
"Don't remind me, Piers." The melancholy in her voice matched the heaviness lining her eyes.
He grabbed her hand, fuck what anyone said or thought. Piers couldn't stand to see her in this state of distress. A small bit of relief came over him as she reciprocated his tiny gesture. The exam room door opened and Chris strolled out. The pair jumped to their feet, hands unlocking.
"And this is why I hate doctors," the older man snarled as he rubbed his left arm. Another fucking vaccination followed up with a healthy dose of vitamins in the same damn arm. Yep, that sounded like the Chris Alex and Piers knew. "Made me a damn pincushion."
Chris's face brightened when he saw Alex standing there. He placed his hands on her arms, running them up and down. "Let's get out of here." His nose crinkled at the sterile stench that permeated the air. Piers felt a pang stab his chest as Chris linked her fingers in his. He followed in silence behind them as they made their way to the exit. Outside, a vehicle waited to take the trio to Heathrow and back to the States.
The ride was silent, the air heavy with tension which Alex hoped Chris didn't pick up on. Piers would cast tiny glances at her every so often before training his eyes on the Thames. Chris sensed something was off with Alex and instinctively wrapped his arm around her as best he could, given the seat belts. She closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder, any emotion or thought blocked. Piers spotted the pendant hanging from her neck, bringing little consolation to him. She had never removed it during the entire time they were searching for Chris. His inner musings interrupted by the vehicle coming to a stop at the terminal.
Chris looked out the window, running his hand through Alex's tousled strands as she slept. Their flight had reached cruising altitude, allowing her to stretch out and rest her head in Chris's lap.
"Piers, you haven't said much since we took off," Chris noted the silence coming from his Lieutenant. "Everything alright?"
"Hmmm? Yeah, I'm fine, Chris. All the traveling finally caught up."
I'm not okay! I'm not fine! I'm in love with your girl, Chris!
"I can't keep running away, Piers. I have to face the truth, accept responsibility. That's the only way I'll remember everything. The only way I'll get my life back," Chris peered down, his fingers continuing their slow motions, "The only way I'll get us back."
He gathered the sleeping woman in his arms, cradling her as she continued to rest.
Maybe it's time to turn my gun in. I've been fighting so long I lost the one person that mattered the most to me once already. I can't lose her. Not again.
Piers trained his attention to the window, watching the Atlantic pass beneath them. Clouds would stream by, random puffs that dotted the endless blue sea. The sun casting a silvery glow across the surface as it began its descent. How was he going to tell Chris? When would he? How would his captain react? It wasn't like they intended for any of it to happen. They had been in close quarters for over 6 months. They had seen one another strong, weak and vulnerable. She had been his partner through the good and bad; bloody and violent. Alex had opened up to him, letting him in to a very dark period of her life.
How could he not have fallen in love?
The marksman avoided the curious gaze of his CO for the remainder of the flight; his heart heavy and mind swimming. _
The first thing Claire did when she laid eyes on her brother was squeeze him as hard as she could. The second thing was sucker punch him in the solar plexus.
Chris rubbed the spot where her small but mighty fist collided with his abs, the pain temporary but the message received was loud and clear.
"You deserved that," she jabbed her finger against the stop, driving her point home.
"Yeah," he exhaled, "I do."
The younger Redfield went to Alex, taking her in a protective warm embrace. "I'm so glad you found him," she whispered in Alex's ear. "I'm so glad you made it back."
"Me too," Alex nodded. "It's good to be home again."
Jill wasn't so restrained in her welcome.
Her fist met Chris's jaw. Carlos stood by, letting her deliver this long overdue greeting. When Jill was set on something, Carlos did not get in the way. He knew she was pissed over Chris disappearing and the impact it had on everyone. He wanted to kick the older Redfield's ass right then and there in front of the whole airport, but exercised restraint. No need to upset his beloved any more than what she already was.
"I deserved that," Chris shook his head and rubbed his jaw, suspecting a bruise was going to make an appearance. A few raised eyebrows were thrown in their direction as the mini drama played out, but no one was exactly standing up to fetch the nearest security guard or cop either so long as their scheduled vacations, cruises or business trips were interfered with. Such matters were common these days in public settings it seemed. Entitled passengers threatening violence against airline staff or between one another stemming from trivial matters. As everyone settled down, normalcy quickly reigned as people scurried to security or check in for their flights. Had one entered the airport, they would've been clueless to what had just transpired moments before.
Chris nodded as she pulled back. Carlos stepped forward, taking his old friend in a hug. As pissed as he was, the site of the older man in one piece subdued his anger. "She wanted to kick your ass all the way back to town but I talked her out of it. Not with the baby."
"Thanks, Carlos," Chris did a second take, "Wait, baby?"
"We just found out," Jill beamed as Chris's mouth dropped.
"When? How?" Chris was at a loss for words. Did he not notice her clothing was less form fitting and looser around the waist and hips?
"Well, you know how," Jill huffed and rolled her eyes playfully.
"September," Carlos jumped in, placing a hand over Jill's. "We don't know if little Oliveira is a boy or girl yet."
Alex watched as everyone welcomed Chris back. Piers was standing beside her.
"Too bad Carlos talked Jill out of kicking Chris's ass all the way to town. That would've been fun to watch."
Alex suppressed a laugh. "Not with the baby coming. Carlos has been great for her. I saw the sparks between them when we got out of Raccoon City with Barry. He risked his ass going to Raccoon General Hospital to save her. That vaccine is the reason she's still here. I think Chris was a bit hurt when he saw them together in the beginning, but then he saw how happy she was."
"Then he met you."
"Yep. When Wesker had her, we had to keep Carlos together. Claire, Barry and I sat on him when we found out she was still alive. He wanted to go with Chris to Africa to find her."
"Sounds familiar," Piers chimed in. Alex shook her head before continuing.
"Except Carlos didn't make the trip. Had to convince him to stay here. Told him, what good would it be for Jill if we had to tell her that her husband had been killed looking for her. Every day we walked that fine edge between hope and despair. Every day we waited, uncertain about what each day would bring; what fresh Hell would rain down on us. Anderson and Josh were there, saw that fucking bastard Wesker eat a rocket."
Piers caught her body tense at mention of the former Umbrella scientist turned bio-terrorist but just as quickly as she bristled, she relaxed. _
"I-I can't believe they're going to have a baby," Chris shook his head. What else had he missed during his little pity party across Europe?
"We wanted them to tell you," Alex kept her eyes on the road. "She told Piers and I when we were in Croatia. I'm so happy for them. They've been through literal Hell with the whole Wesker thing and her recovery. Who would've thought a former Umbrella mercenary would turn good guy and now father? Guess that cheesy pickup line about his accent did work."
Chris recalled Alex mentioning Carlos' tacky one liner while Raccoon City was falling and Nemesis had been hot on their tails.
"I know. You want to ask me out. All the foxy ladies love my accent. It drives them crazy."
He remembered Jill recalling how Alex stayed with her as Carlos trekked through zombie infested streets and avoiding the Umbrella mercenaries. It was the start of a long beautiful relationship.
"Home sweet home," Alex kicked the boots off and dropped the bag by the door. Everything was as it was before she left except, where snow had been, rich layers of pine flooded the windows. Summer reigned over the land.
Chris took a deep breath, a feeling of awkwardness coming over as he remembered the last time he had been there.
He hastily packed what minimal items he needed, grabbing his passport and what little cash he could scrounge up. Alex was still asleep, curled up under the sheet and blanket. A burning pang of guile took a hold of him as he looked down at her. He had been so hard, feral even with her, bruising her hips and splitting her apart like he did. The scent of her lingered on his skin. The musky ribbons tormented his senses, a reminder of the violent coupling. Shame had entrenched in his being. A part of him raged, angered at the coming betrayal.
"How the fuck am I supposed to protect her when I couldn't protect my men?" Chris muttered as he stuffed the last article of clothing in his bag and zipped it shut. The argument directed at that part of him which begged him to reconsider, that there was time to stop and stay.
The cab was waiting outside for him, an unknowing accomplice to his plan.
"Chris. Chris. Chris!" Alex waved her hand in front of his face. Chris blinked, returning to the present.
"Sorry, Lex," he gave a weak smile, "Just taking everything in."
"I'll admit, it feels strange being home after being gone for so long. It'll take some getting used to. I can cook us something or we can order out if you're hungry."
Chris said nothing, rather he took Alex in his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head. The familiar warmth and smells of their apartment embraced him, welcoming him back home. No more smoky bar. No more drinking. Alex had Jill and Carlos remove any alcohol from the apartment.
"I don't know about you, but I could go for a shower," Chris offered. His back and shoulders achy from the overseas flight.
"Agreed," Alex pulled back. Chris couldn't but help to beam.
They took turns peeling one another's clothing away. Chris lifted the olive green soft knit top off, pausing to place a tender kiss on each shoulder then slid the straps down her arms. Her porcelain skin was illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the window, casting an ethereal glow about her. Her skin seared against his lips, but Chris carried on. His fingers unfastened then drew the zipper down, letting her ease out of the faded soiled denim. Alex kept her eyes locked with his, hands sliding the coal black shirt up, letting him lean over to allow her to slip it over his head. She rested her forehead against his chest, letting herself become immersed in the moment. Chris felt the tickle of her breath as Alex infused her senses with his scent, her face turning to rest the side against him. She closed her eyes at the comforting sensation of his hand sliding through her hair, content where she stood. Chris eagerly acquiesced Alex, continuing the feathery strokes until she was ready to move.
Alex leaned back into Chris's arms, feeling the powerful biceps and forearms cradle her as they lingered beneath the soothing jets. Chris peered down, catching the content expression etched on her face. Droplets sparkled like crystals as they cascaded across her shoulders and cheeks. Tiny pools collected in the crevices of her elbows and breasts, spilling over as the mini rivers continued their course over the smooth valleys. Alex heard his heart slow to a steady calm cadence. It was a soft sweet song to her ears. She melted against him when the warmth of his hand came to rest on her cheek. The light pull then pressure of her lips to his palm made Chris' heart flutter.
"You know, I'm not really hungry," Chris buried his face against Alex's shoulder.
"Me neither. I say we curl up under the blanket on the couch."
Chris couldn't but help to bury his face in her neck. He couldn't satisfy his need to take her in. He deeply inhaled, the body wash saturating his olfactories. Alex did love sandalwood and sage. It was an embodiment of her: strong and resilient. Chris clung to every moment since she found him. Of course the sex had been amazing; the passion which burned between them only intensified those heated interludes. Their bodies colliding in a fury of hunger and love; how vulnerable she was baring her very soul to him. But, it was also the other times. Times where they shut the world out. When it was Chris and Alex; no one to come between them. Nothing to rip them apart. What may appear as insignificant to most, for Chris, he treasured every second of those times. The first time they met, Chris wouldn't have traded it for anything; mess and all. Standing on the beach, the sun blessing them with its kiss as it rose over the Atlantic. The week in Colorado to help her with recovery. Alex had been so free, Chris privy to witnessing that part of her long hidden. He cherished every bit of it.
His fingers were feathers against her shoulder and arm, drinking in the soft warmth against his touch. Chris could've stayed like that until the end of the world.
Waiyip, Lanshiang, China...
Carla, rather, Ada as she went by, smiled victoriously. Everything was in place. The CCTV showed several large cells with Ja'vo corralled together, ready to be unleashed on the unsuspecting city at her word. The research on the antibodies from Jake Mueller provided results that were beyond her wildest dreams and expectations. With the enhanced C-virus been manufactured and used in the fresh wave of bio-organic weapons, her vision was that much closer to reality. Her COMs device on the desk buzzed. She slid a finger across the screen, reading the message that awaited.
Target is back at home base. Waiting for next order.
Carla provided her reply.
Acquire target.
She went to the set of screens, seeing Jake and Sherry in their holding cells. The son of Albert Wesker looked incredibly bored while the daughter of William Birkin continued scanning, searching for anything that could lead to an escape. Too bad, as every possibility had been addressed and there was no way for them break out. Simmons and the Family would pay for their hubris and arrogance. There was no stopping her now. The world was going to be recreated in the image of her own design. Marhawa and Edonia were just the beginning. The data from the school and the pathetic war torn country gave sufficient information for their research.
While the C-virus had been the focus of her research, the T-virus, which started it all, remained a fascination of hers. The files Wesker had on that little insipid wretch, Alexandra Koch, only piqued her scientific intrigue further. Her DNA had successfully assimilated with the T-virus, leaving her with physical capabilities and mental capacity most military leaders would lust for in their soldiers and without the mutations.
Too bad for her.
HAOS would become king of the new world and she would be queen. Any threats would be eliminated.