Chris knew this time would come sooner or later. He tried to pretend this all was not real and that he could have the so-called normal life everyone else seems to enjoy but deep down he knew that after Raccoon City, the word "normal" was banished from his dictionary.

This mission was more risky than any other in a long time. And to make things "better", they were in this place, in the middle of nowhere, cold as shit, not knowing if they were ever coming back to the comfort of their home (even if it was for just a few days).

He knew how dangerous this would be and being the selfless protector man that he is, Chris was willing to go to the field alone. He didn't want to put Jill's life in danger. And he wanted an extra motivation to make it back from there. He wanted to think she would be here waiting for him and that maybe he could find a little bit of the normal life when her arms were all around him and her head were resting on his chest. And he would hear she saying "I knew you would made it Chris! I'm so glad you're back." while trying to contain his tears because of man of his age and experience doesn't cry near his woman, right? Right??? Riiiiiight...

So Chris planned to leave while Jill wouldn't notice. While she was sleeping. It would be a bit hard of a mission since they kinda of sleep in the same bed but... Not that where they were there was a giant and comfy bed but...

And so he did it...

He was already on his way, making the mission's plans on his head - what could be wrong, what couldn't be wrong, plans B, you know... the usual things a Captain has to think when on the field. And when Chris was approaching the exit to head to the helicopter, remembering Jill's so beautiful sleeping face he left behind and that this all would be worth it cause he was also doing it for her and th--

Suddenly, there's nothing more on his mind than a complete blank and an horrified look on his face to go with it when he feels an warm embrace and a certain pair of arms around him that he could recognized anywhere in any way.

"Jill?! W-what are you doing here? How did y--"

"Were you planning to leave without me and not even saying goodbye?"

"I-I didn't want to... Look, one life on the line is enough. You don't have to go."

"What could possibly make you think that I would be happy putting your life in danger and just sit here like nothing's happening?"

"Jill..."

"Thought you knew me better than that. Besides... you're terrible at waking up without me noticing you."

Chris's lips can't help but form a shy little smile on his face. Yeah he was terrible at that. and Jill's arms were still tight around him. But now there was something more serious on her voice that mde his smile slowly goes away.

"Chris. Please. Don't go. You don't have to do this alone. You don't have to do anything alone. We are partners remember? And this will never change."

If they were facing each other he could swear he felt tears on her eyes but now that he's thinking about it, it's better this way. Seeing Jill crying, and because he made her to, is definitely not on his list of the greatest things in the world.

"I just can't even begin to bare the thought of losing you again, Jill. I just can't. We all know how risky this is. I don't want you out there. I don't want to lose you."

Jill knows how stubborn Chris is and once he puts something on his mind, it's almost impossible to change it. So she turns him around, cause maybe an eye-to-eye talk can make that task easier.

"And you think it's okay if I lose you? Chris, look. I understand you but I also can't bear the thought of losing you. Remember what we said to each other some time ago: if we're going down, we're going down together!"

Maybe Jill's strategy is working because Chris is now looking down with that lost puppy look he wears sometimes...

"You shouldn't have come here. You know how I'm also terrible at saying 'no' to you."

"That was my plan since the beginning."

And again Chris is amazed at how she can make him smile, doesn't matter when or how or where.

"You smart lady."

"We've been through a lot of crap together. Worse than this I'd say. We can make it, Chris. Together we can kick anyone's ass."

"Yes, we can."

"So what do yo say?"

"I'd say that... if we're going down, we're going down together!"

Credits (dA/TRF):

Chris by | Jill by | Environment by o0crofty0o

Made in XNALara, Blender and Photoshop.

RE © Capcom.
No copyright infringement intended.