Chapter 34 - End Of An Era | PT. II

----

The sky carried a melancholic tint of grey, the thick clouds pall over the specific gathering, warning God's crying. Vera's heartbreaking screams of grief pierce throughout the whole place as she barely stands before the two closed caskets. In one day, one moment, she lost her husband and daughter. A day their lives drawn away were far from peaceful. A day she'll be mourning for the rest of her life.

At her side stood Ava, her own face etched with sorrow but tries to stay strong for her mom, holding her to not to collapse onto the ground. In the back family members are spread around, remaining silent.

And then there's Leon in the back. Being like a God, witnessing everyone's reactions from a funeral he refused to not pay for.

Black dressed, dark circles under his eyes, showing the lack of sleep, gaze meeting the grass beneath him. His hands shoved inside his black leather jacket, quite lightheaded from last night's brutal drinking session. Along with Vera's cries, it's enough to make the environment almost unbearable.

All this time, he didn't utter a single word, or glance at anyone. His gaze was pinned on the closed casket.

Only three days after her pass, and Leon still hadn't come to the realization she's no longer here. Even the moment they pick up the casket to place it beneath them on the ground.

In the back of his mind, he believes she'll come back.

----

For you- I would dare to leave everything behind. For you, I would dare to finally see myself become the man I dreamed of being as a kid. Fill the void of loneliness. Make the family I never had. But once again, I'm left alone.

You're a part that I won't be able to let go, no matter how much I try. And to be honest? I fucking don't want to let go. Because you're the reason I actually want to keep on living. Live for you.

You still saved me without knowing, but I couldn't.

I only wish I could tell you that I love you. Hear those words come out of my mouth. Just once. Worst thing? I had all the chances to do it and blew them all away because of the constant fear.

But it's better now..than never.

Lifting my hand, my fingers trace over your picture, sniffling.

I love-

"Leon?"

My head turns to the side the moment I hear a voice I despise the most. My face scowls, slowly rising back to my feet. Once I turn around, I see him - Hercules - black attire and a bouquet in hand. His equally black sunglasses covering his monolid eyes.

The last time I saw him was that night at the base, after he delivered the news.The way he delivered those devastating words about (y/n), then vanished into thin air the moment I left to get my wounds treated, refusing to take any accountability.

But was it really his fault for (y/n) dying? Or does that burden rest on my shoulders?

"Long time no see."

"What the hell are you doing here?" I ask, my eyes locking immediately on him while I stay right in place.

Hercules slowly points at the bouquet, by gently raising it lightly. "I'm here to leave flowers for Claire and Piers,"

Hah. Flowers. He's been quite late to the party.

Walking up to me, he changes direction last minute and reaches Claire's grave, which is located next to (y/n). With deliberate slowness, he bends down, lying the colorful flowers on the grey-hued stone.

The cemetery's eerie silence swallows us whole. As Hercules straightens up, his attention drifts to (y/n)'s grave. His eyebrows twitch. Probably noticing the mountain of flowers I've left here over my countless visits.

"You've been here way too often," he observes softly, eyeing the collection of bouquets scattered across her resting place. "It's not healthy."

I don't make a single comment. There's no point. He doesn't understand how much this woman I lost meant to me. All I can do is wait for is for him to get the fuck out of my sight. Fast.

Hercules nods gently, taking my silence as a response, soon holding his hands together, right against his lower abdomen in a respectful manner, his tone growing much more softer. "You miss her?"

If I miss her...

I still don't respond, looking steadily at (y/n)'s photograph. I can feel Hercules glancing over at me, causing my lack of reaction to remove his sunglasses. "She missed you too, you know. A lot more than you can imagine." Following my stare, he adds. "I know you're hurting after what happened. But you have to know; everything that happened to them...every sacrifice made...it was all to save the rest of us, Leon."

I scoff, a chuckle of mockery escaping my lips. "Sacrifice?! Their sacrifice?!" I point right at the losses we endured, carved in front of us. "Piers didn't just die, he gave everything he had until his last fucking breath! Carlos, a strong hand of support! Claire, the voice of peace and logic! And (y/n)-" I pause for a moment. She was my escape. My fucking everything. "An innocent woman who all she wanted to do is help the rest of us. Why did they have to fucking sacrifice themselves when all they wanted to do is protect the world, while Umbrella's assholes are still out there?!"

Hercules remains silent, unable to get an answer. Just as I thought. "So don't you fucking tell me it was all part of some 'greater purpose'."

After hesitating for a moment, Hercules finally reveals, "(y/n)'s not one of them," making me look towards him.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Leon!"

I go frozen as I hear a voice call out to me throughout the whole cemetery. A voice that sends shivers down my spine. I don't turn around, because I recognize it in many ways. I heard it laugh, cry, cheer, scream, moan...broken. It's her voice.

My fingers slowly curl into a fist. I don't have the courage to look, because I'm already aware of the cruel reality. The evidence is right in front of me.

"Leon.." she calls out again, tone growing clearer the closer it gets.

Have I gone crazy?

With every courage I have left in me, I slowly turn my head, and...I see her next to Chris. Dressed in black, changed quite since the last time and tears sparkling on her skin. Changed for the worse. She looks exhausted. Melancholic. Mirroring my own shape once again.

I feel the blood draining from my brain at the sight. Yeah. I've gone fucking crazy.

I stand paralyzed, aware of Hercules watching my reaction but unable to do anything except stare at her. She's five meters away. Close enough to see her face crystal clear, far enough to doubt her existence. The wind hits our bodies, tousling her hair, making her seem more real than my heart can handle. The world narrows down to just her, everything else fading to background noise.

Eventually, I watch her leaving Chris' side, her body inching closer and closer to me. I keep looking at her, unable to actually figure out if this is a trick my mind plays.

I only keep waiting till she fades again, right before I can feel her touch.

But then she crashes into me with such force that the air leaves my lungs. The impact is real. Too real—and I stand there, shell-shocked, my brain struggling to process what my body already knows. I can feel her shaking against me, listen to her cries—her heartbeat thundering against my chest.

"I'm so sorry, Leon..." she cracks softly, feeling her actually wetting my shirt with her tears. "I'm so sorry..."

She pulls away just to look at me. And that moment, when I look into those eyes, it hits me.

She's alive. Flesh and bones.

Without conscious thought, my body moves on pure instinct. I grab her arm, perhaps too roughly, and yank her against me, hugging her tightly. She responds immediately, her arms snaking around my neck with such force it's almost painful, but I welcome the discomfort—it proves this is real. From there, she breaks down completely. I hear her sobs muffled from my side, her fingers curl, nails digging right into my clothed back.

I bury my face into the crook of her neck, and suddenly, I'm drowning in memories. Our story once more. Her familiar, yet forgotten scent strikes me, inhaling like it's my only source of oxygen. My trembling hands move to the smaller of her back and the back of her hair. I keep my face carefully blank, eyes still wide with disbelief, fighting back the tears that threaten to fall again. I've cried enough.

In the background, Chris walks past by eyes, laying his own bouquet on Claire's grave. But I only focus on her. You.

When we finally separate, my hands immediately cradle her face, thumbs brushing over features I thought I'd only see again in the photograph of my wallet.

"You're okay?" Is the only thing I ask, trying to maintain composure through my tears, her hands tightening on my wrists. I don't really know what to ask her, I don't know what to say right now. It feels like life just played a dirty game on me. Or perhaps, the specific people in front of me.

She nods reassuringly, but we're both in fact far from okay. "You will have every right to hate me for doing this... But you have to believe me, I had no choice."

Me? Hate her? I could never.

I pull her back in my embrace, closing my eyes to feel her touch.

I can't help but feel a flash of anger coursing through me. If (y/n) isn't in that grave...who was I mourning this whole year?

My hand cups the back of her head protectively as I finally force myself to look at Chris. The sight of him standing there, stoic and unapologetic, makes my blood boil. My face hardens as I watch them maintain their distance near Claire and Piers' graves, giving us our moment.

I take one last look at her tear-stained face before turning my attention fully to the two men. They have some explaining to do.

"Why did you do this shit? Why?!" I raise my voice for the cruel pain he didn't only put me through, but (y/n) and her family too.

"Because it was the only way for Umbrella to lose her tracks," Chris strictly says, his face once bright and hopeful now destroyed by grief. "They were already searching for her after the headquarters were destroyed,"

Hercules steps forward, "That night—the night I told you she died and then you left—we made the call to move her to Japan while she was still out cold. Chris handed a B.S.A.A. soldier's corpse instead. They would eventually stop once the word of her death would spread around."

I turn my gaze back at her, watching her observe Claire, Piers, and her dad's grave. All of them not next to each other, but close. She's standing there, so alive yet so different from the last time. More damaged. Fuck. The whole scene feels like something out of a fever dream—too real yet impossible all at once.

I finally manage to cool down, a main question now hangs heavily. Why is she back? "So what happens now?" I manage to ask, my voice barely above a whisper. She turns to face me. "Are you back for good?" she can see the unspoken desperation in my eyes, hear it in my voice. 

And I am desperate.

"...No." I hear the guilt in her voice, and I feel my heart dropping to my stomach. "I can't stay," she pauses, then adds hesitantly. "I'm- leaving for Sweden tonight. Permanently."

So this is really it. After all, she's still leaving for Sweden.

From what Chris and Hercules said, I suppose she has to...

"You're leaving..." I echo, the words tasting like dry ash as they leave my mouth.

"Yeah. I mean-...it's not safe anymore, and I want to go... Especially- with you," she admits. Her eyes meet mine, but I have to look away, not saying anything. The side of my sight sees her face dropping. "Only if you want to-. I will...completely respect your decision if you want to stay behind. At least I got to see you..." her voice cracks, a new round of tears conquering her wettened cheeks. "Even if this is actually the last time."

-

"I'll carry you now to the truck," I begin to instruct while I take action. I carefully make her back lie against my chest as I retrieve my knife. "We're gonna drive back to the base, and Hercules will operate you," I cut off the sleeve of my shirt, then gently lift hers. "Make you better," I promise, securing the makeshift bandage around her waist and accidentally making her wince. "And then...we will leave. Together. For Sweden."

Her eyes light up through the weariness. "Together?"

"Mhm," I sniffle again, smiling down at her. "We'll start a new life."

She huffs out a watery laugh, smiling through her tears once more. I know she's imagining it, just like I am - the life we both crave to have.

"Together..." she huffs weakly.

"Together."

-

Do I really want to follow?

----

"I'm...sorry..."

Leon collapses back into the chair of the base's main room, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps. His mind can't comprehend what he just heard. This can't be happening.

Looking back up at Hercules, Leon rasps, "No. That's not fucking possible. She was breathing when I brought her in," he jumps up from the chair, grabbing him from the collar of his shirt. "What kind of a fucking military doctor are you?!"

"I tried, Leon!" Hercules shoves his hands away, noticing an unfamiliar look of guilt in his gaze. "She didn't make it."

Leon shoves Hercules hard enough to make him stumble backward right on the main room's table.

"I'll be the judge of that," Leon persistently says. "Step. The fuck. Aside."

"You can't," he grabs Leon's arm but he harshly shoves it away. "Leon, she's not in condition for you to see her!"

Leon huffs disbelievingly. "Are you serious?! Her blood is on my fucking body!" he makes one last attempt to go through. "Step aside!"

"I'm not letting you through, Leon!" Hercules snaps, holding Leon in place. 

"Enough, both of you!" Chris steps, separating them both. With his shove, he triggers one of Leon's wounds, causing his blood to start dripping on the floor.

Leon muffles a grunt, hand slamming on his arm as this is the most severe injury. He already has also lost a large amount of blood, and can easily get infected.

"Go to the operating room upstairs. I'll come up soon," Hercules says, sensing Leon's hesitation to actually leave when knowing (y/n)'s in there.

Eventually, he decides to listen, with unsteady steps stepping outside of the base, leaving a trail of his blood behind.

The door slides closed with a hiss and Hercules sighs, sitting down on the chair. His face grew pale, elbows brought in discomfort on his knees, running his hands through his hair.

"Shit..." he hisses, his hand running through his hair. He's lost in thought, but watching Chris, retains composure. He has to. "Chris, can you call for someone to pick (y/n)? I'll get her ready."

Chris only nods, walking to the communication radio while Hercules gets back inside the operating room. Closing the door behind him, Hercules leans against the white surface and a shaky breath leaves his lips. His hands tremble lightly, still shocked by the discovery of (y/n)'s blood exams. Outside, he can hear dead silence, nothing coming from Leon's side after Hercules' announcement.

His eyes land on (y/n), still unconscious on the bed. Her skin is pale from the extensive amount of blood she lost, but her breathing is actually there. Shallow. Quiet. Next to her, the dead parasite covered in the red liquid, inside the glass vail.

Pushing up, he slowly approaches her, adjusting the oxygen's flow. His movements are unhurried and delicate.

"You're okay now..." Hercules whispers, looking down at her peaceful slumber.

It's the only way for no one else to die.

----

- 6 Months Later -

1:59 P.M.

Leon: Alright. I'll bring her home once she's done.

I press 'send' on my phone, thumb hovering over the silver buttons while I wait. Soon, the door of the office opens, and my gaze immediately falls upon her, watching her step out of the therapist's office, the coat wrapped snugly around her body to shield her from the first sting-chill of the Stockholm winter.

She finally managed to approach her dream. By the next year, she'll be officially a student at the music school. As for now, she tutors little kids piano lessons. 

Of course I would follow her. Every step of the way. I promised to, almost two years ago.

A soft smile appears on my lips as I rise from my seat, eyeing her walk up to me. "All good?"

"Yeah," she responds softly as she adjusts the belt of her coat. "I'll go call for the elevator."

I nod, my eyes trailing her retreating body as she makes her way down the lonely hallway. Just then, her therapist follows out of her office. Taking advantage of (y/n)'s distance, I meet the therapist halfway.

"How's she?" I ask, keeping my voice, minding the few other patients in the waiting area.

"I'm going to be completely honest with you, Mr. Kennedy," Dr. Kindell begins, her Swedish accent barely noticeable in her fluent English. "She's progressed a lot since the time she started treatment, which is pleasantly surprising, but we still have a long way ahead of us."

My eyes drift to (y/n)'s figure by the elevator, watching her press the button. Dr. Kindell continues, "With patience and support, I'm sure she'll overcome this trauma. But remember, these wounds are still fresh. We must handle them with utmost care."

"I see." I murmur, allowing the weight of her words settle quite heavily on my shoulders.

"What she needs now is emotional rest," the doctor emphasizes. "Minimize her stress exposure, and most importantly," she lowers her voice further, "avoid triggering her newly developed fears. Despite the...current circumstances."

The irony to that...

"Okay. Thank you, doctor. We'll see you in two weeks."

"I'll wait. Take care," she responds with genuine warmth. I offer a casual farewell, already turning to leave when she calls out again, her hand resting on her office doorframe. "Oh, and Mr. Kennedy! Please let me know if you have any troubles with the position at the department."

I acknowledge her with another nod before I make my own way back to (y/n), my mind processing the doctor's words. The moment she sees me, I give a comforting smile. "Ready to go?"

"Yep," she says softly, her hand reaching mine and I intertwine our fingers.

The elevator arrives with a soft 'ding', and I guide her inside with a gentle hand at the small of her back. The metallic doors slide shut with a hiss, leaving finally the two of us in the small room, already making her turn to me. "What was she telling you?"

"Nothing. She just wanted to know if I got the position at the department."

The past six months have been the most challenging for me. Taking the courage to file resignation papers on a job I was forced to join that was drawing my life away, the frequent flights from the States to Sweden, the constant nightmares of the past that I'm desperately trying to keep (y/n) out of, the paranoia I have of losing her again whenever we're apart, all while trying to abandon everything and make a new start in the mental state we are both left in after this final 'sinful' mission.

Fuck, it's draining. More than I'd ever admit aloud.

The doors open and the two of us step out, my free hand fishing for my car keys while we head to the parking lot. As we walk, I can't stop myself from glancing in her direction. Each look is a reminder of why I'm doing all this. For her - us.

From the moment I found out she's alive, it's like I've been given a second chance at life myself. She resurrected me. Became the strength I needed. My purpose. She's become my only family, and this time, I won't let anything tear us apart. Not again. Never again.

Our footsteps echo across the concrete as we approach the jeep. I click the unlock button, making our touch tear apart as she circles around the passenger's seat. I pull the driver's door and slide into my seat. Shutting the door and fastening my seatbelt, my hand already turns the heater on.

"You know," she starts, getting inside as well. "I don't want to go home yet."

Looking up, I watch her as she settles into the passenger seat, my eyes following her movements. Shutting the door, she removes her coat next, her five-month-old baby bump coming into sight. A view that'll never stop me from giving it a soft smile. My hand reaches over her belly, placing it protective over it, my thumb rubbing against the fabric of her dress affectionately.

"Then how about checking out that baby store downtown we saw yesterday? You're nearing the sixth month, and the nursery's still looking pretty empty."

The baby was surely the last thing we planned on, especially given (y/n)'s developed trauma with anything pregnancy or baby-related. But when that positive test changed everything, something in my gut told me this might be exactly what we needed. Maybe - just maybe, this little and unexpected guest could be her source of healing, alongside her therapy sessions. So, my proposal is a risky move, considering how her therapist emphasized the sensitivity of the subject from day one.

However, instead of the hesitation I was normally prepared for, her face lights up with genuine excitement - an expression I haven't seen often lately.

"That sounds great," she says, already clicking her seatbelt into place. That's a good sign.

I respond with a subtle smile before turning on the radio to become a comforting company in the background. Steering the wheel, we finally drive off, the engine along with the catchy melodies are the sounds that keep our ears busy.

As we pull out of the driveway, Stockholm greets us with a winter wonderland. Everything surface is coated in clean white snow that makes the city look almost magical. I'll be lying if I say I don't enjoy this moment.

My hand finds its way to her thigh, seeking her physical connection. She responds immediately, her warm fingers intertwining with mine.

"Did the baby give you any trouble with her kicking?"

Yeah. The doctor confirmed at the lastest scan it's a girl. A very active to be exact at only five months. But what can I say? Got my genes after all.

"Mm, no," (y/n) says, her free hand moving to cradle her bump. "Luckily, she's been quiet today. Just a little kick or two,"

"Well, she's all warmed and snuggling in there. Wouldn't blame her for wanting to doze off. Would be too."

She laughs softly, looking straight ahead at the window, her soft voicing humming along with the music. The moment we pull up at the large road, a small silence envelops us, the windshield wipers working overtime against the falling snow. Despite the weather's best efforts, the roads are manageable, with just a light dusting of snow.

But it doesn't take long enough for our tranquil moment to be disrupted,

"So...you're actually leaving tomorrow," she utters, the sadness peering through her voice as she says it. And I don't blame her at all. Leaving the agency is quite of a trouble and the adjustment takes much longer, and of course, I want to be by her side as much as I can, especially now. With our baby on the way. "Can't believe those two weeks have passed already."

"Yeah," I respond, keeping my eyes on the road. "But hey, we're talking about five weeks at most. Just need to wrap everything up with the agency, and then I'm gonna be back here. Permanently."

"A month, you mean..." she corrects me. The way she says it makes it sound like an eternity. Maybe it is when you're pregnant and dealing with everything she's been through.

I sigh through my nostrils softly. Not in irritation, but in understanding. "Look, it's not easy for me to leave you alone in your condition, but I prefer to have you here and safe than back in the States."

"I know, I know. I'm not complaining or anything," she assures in a murmur, turning to watch the snow-covered scenery passing by her window. There's a pause, and when she speaks again, her voice is much more vulnerable. "It's just...having you here for so long...I got used to it, you know? And I worry about you too."

"Why?"

"Why? Because I don't want anything to happen to you, Leon," she states matter-of-factly, looking back at me. "Umbrella thinks I'm dead, but they know you're alive..probably."

My hand leaves her thigh and reaches her hand. "Don't go there now. Nothing's going to happen to me." My tone is mild, hoping to ease any sense of her rising anxiety.

"That's not exactly reassuring, Leon," she continues of course. "Who says you're not in danger?"

"Because all this time I was careful enough to stay lowkey, undercover- whatever you wanna call it. You think I'd take any risks now? With you and our daughter waiting for me?"

The words still feel surreal on my tongue. Our daughter. Sometimes I catch myself wondering if this is all real, if I'm actually going to be a father.

Her grip on my hand tightens, and she brings her other hand up to sandwich mine between hers. "At least I hope you're not drinking there."

"Of course not," the lie falls much smoother than I wanted, and I feel shame. Yeah, I didn't drink as much that year she was gone, because I was afraid that if I drink till unconsciousness, she'd leave my mind. But old habits die hard...and the moment I found out she was alive, how everything just kept piling up. It's difficult to ignore the alcohol's tempting invitation. Especially when she's away. Still, I keep trying to drink less to not at all. For her - and soon them.

"That's good to hear," she says, looking back at the road. "So..you also...thought about...that thing we talked about..?" her words fade, making me sense her hesitance. "I mean, once you're back."

I shake my head already disregarding the change of the specific subject we've been almost ending up fighting each time we picked on it and remove my hand. "I don't need it."

"Why do you keep being so stubborn? You'll become a dad in a few months, Leon," she starts to explain. "I chose to keep going to therapy for the baby's sake."

"And I'm already doing much better," I insist, my tone growing a bit firmer. "I've cut off alcohol completely, and I don't think that much of the past."

I add more lies. Not a wise thing to do, after everything we've been through. But she's already had enough on her plate. If she worries over me too, that much, it'll only bring further problems. And for once, I don't want any of fucking that.

"You didn't stop thinking about the past, Leon. Let's be real here. I want us to be able to live normally It's been two years. Don't you want that?" I don't respond. My face stoic. Stern. Looking straight at the road. "Promise me you'll think about it, at least. Please?"

At the upcoming red light, pulling up, I seize the chance to glance over at her for a moment, then back down at her bump. I never myself believed therapy would do shit, just mess me up more for making me talk about the stuff I try to forget. But maybe she's right. I'll be responsible for a tiny life, and having grown up with an absent father myself, I sure as hell don't want her to go through the same.

"Okay. I promise."

----

Two months after she passed away, and it feels like yesterday. Two months, he hasn't touched a whiskey bottle, afraid that her face will become a blur, her presence a fog. Two months sober, flooring of raw, insufferable pain.

He looks around the place, his eyes find the living room - the surfaces covered in dust. It feels dead, cold without her presence in here. The spot he stands reminds him of the day he comforted her - became her shoulder to cry. The couch, the very first moment they kissed.

His steps begin to thunder directly to her bedroom- where it carries their most tender memories.

Entering her room, the sheets are left unmade. Those used sheets, where they made love for the first time. Left in a rush, after she discovered she was targeted. Never got the chance to return.

Leaving all the memories the way they were to haunt him.

----

2:23 P.M.

We're wandering around the baby store, and I'm overflowed with fluff stuffed animals, toys, and countless microscopic clothing and accessories dominating us. The whole place is filled with unexplainable warmth and comfort, its hopeful colors contrasting a lot with my pale, monotonic appearance.

Next to my side is her, eyes alight with an eager gaze. It's a relief to see this type of reaction from her- this spark. I know the depression she tries to fight, despite seeming energetic. It's so evil, it can trick you in the most malicious ways.

"Look at all that stuff," her voice carries a hint of awe as she walks towards the toy section. Her hands find a soft, gray elephant plush, and she cradles it with familiar tenderness. "Ah..reminds me of the days when I was buying stuff for Irene," she murmurs, hugging the stuffed animal close before she looks at me and adds with a sigh, "You have no clue how much I miss her."

"I know you do," I mumble back understandingly, moving to her side. "Just like your mother and sister. But as Chris said, we have to be patient. Once we make sure it's safe, you'll see them again. The important thing is they know you're alive and well."

She nods gently, "You're right."

If she knew how close they really are.

"Now c'mon," I say, extending my hand towards her. "Let's check what our little acrobat needs." A weak smile spreads on her features as she returns the elephant to its shelf and slips her hand into mine.

Truth to be told, I'm quite impatient myself. Because I never expected that one day I would find myself in a store like this, in search for supplies. And I like it. I really do.

Maybe, I also managed to approach my dream...

Before I can dwell on that thought, (y/n) expertly manipulates me by leading me subtly towards the clothing section instead, leaving the furniture area far behind. I raise an eyebrow, noticing how the cribs and changing tables grow distant.

"Shouldn't we prioritize a crib?" I suggest as I watch her release my hand to browse through tiny outfits before us. "The clothes are nice, but we might want to wait for later. Besides, what if we end up having a boy?"

"These are just as important," she responds with mock professionalism, holding up a tiny onesie to inspect it. Her voice then takes on that matter-of-fact tone. "And if it's a boy, we'll stick to neutral colors," she adds, completely absorbed in examining the fabric. "Come on, Leon, I want to look at clothes."

Well, all I can do is nod, deciding it's best to let her have her way for now. Don't really want to enrage a pregnant woman.

"Alright then," I concede, my curious gaze roaming the corner we're at. Soon, my attention is caught by the accessories section nearby. Walking up confidently, something small and delicate catches my eye - a small pink bow attached to a thin white lace headband. A slim smile appears on the corner of my lips as I pick it up, the accessory as big as my palm, and the bow barely the size of my thumbprint.

Fuck. Is this how small newborns actually are?

"Leon, look!" I suddenly hear her excitedly call out to me that makes me look back at her. She's holding up a baby yellow-colored onesie with small cartoony duckings all over it. I huff a chuckle as I walk up to her.

"Cute," I comment, holding it from the bottom while she seizes the chance and reaches for another one from the hanger: Plain white onesie, with a brown teddy bear design centered on the chest.

"What about this one?"

"That's nice too," I barely finish my sentence and she's already diving back into the shelves, noticing her already in search for another one. Seems like she's much more excited than expected. And I'm more than happy to see this innocence returning not only to her, but to both of us.

I find myself joining her search, fingers brushing through the countless designs and choices of the tiny clothes. I'm exploring clothes- for my own child. My daughter. I still have a hard time processing it.

"Ohhh, this one is just it," (y/n)'s voice brings me to the present once more, picking this one that is specifically for me - a white, short-sleeved onesie with a printed saying: 'Daddy's drinking buddy' on the center, and an illustration of a baby snuggling against a baby bottle.

We both laugh as I reach to examine it. "You got quite a taste in your pickings," I quip while she adds it to her growing collection.

"Ugh, they're all so cute," she murmurs, voice suddenly cracking. Before I know it, I look over at her to see tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Whoa, hey," I quickly step closer to her in concern. "What's wrong?"

Her lower lip trembles as she gestures helplessly at the rack of baby clothes. "I don't know what to choose."

I close my eyes and sigh with a mix of relief and slight annoyance. Jesus fucking Christ...I thought the crying spells only lasted for the first trimester.

"Hey, come here," I place my hand on the her back, my free hand reaching to take carefully the small hangers with the onesies from her. "We can buy all of them, if you want. It's not a big deal."

I try to wipe away her tears with my thumb, but she just shakes her head, already reaching for another onesie.

"But I want everything," she says, showing it helplessly to me. "This is so cute too," she murmurs, literally sobbing.

"We will buy that too then," I assure her, taking it gently from her hands. Anything to not stress her. "Just calm down now, okay?"

Wrong word.

Just then, her eyes flash as I watch her sadness transform into indignation in only a second. "Why? Am I not allowed to cry?"

I instinctively lean back lightly. "No!- No, of course you can cry, I just don't want you stressing over ones-"

"Oh, so now you're judging me for crying about baby clothes?" she snaps further, tears still flowing but her gaze is fueled with anger.

"What? No- I-" I stop myself, taking a deep breath. Patience, Leon. She's pregnant. You need to be more gentle. "You know what? We can take whatever you like. Pick anything you like and we'll buy it."

Her tense features soften as she sniffs, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. "Anything?"

"Anything." I confirm, trying not to think too hard about how many credit card bills I'll be facing.

Looking over at my busy hands, she reaches for all the onesies we've chosen so far. "...Which one you like?" she follows with the tricky question.

Okay Leon, you have to carefully think about your answer.

I take a moment to look over all the current choices, my eyes landing on the yellow with the ducks, and the white one with the teddy bear. "Uh. I'd say the duck one,"

She lets out a small hiccup, her fingers delicately tracing the tiny yellow onesie. "You like it?" her voice is soft, seeking reassurance.

"Ahan," I nod, holding up the tiny garment and pretending to study it intensely. "The little duck heads are...something." I comment, trying to sound confident in my choice.

"Okay. We'll take this one," she decides, gently taking it from my hands, eyes not leaving the other one that got both of our attention. "And this one," she adds, reaching for the 'Daddy's drinking buddy' saying.

"Alright, great. We'll buy these two," I say affectionately through my rugged face. "And when I'm back, we'll buy many more." Leaning in, I press a gentle kiss on her lips, earning a smile from her, glistening eyes looking at me with adoration.

"We'll buy the crib too?"

"Everything. We'll decorate her room together," I assure her. My phone suddenly buzzes in my pocket, and checking the caller ID, I step back slightly to answer, while she doesn't waste time looking back at the clothes. "Yeah?"

"Leon, are you going to take long?"

"No, no...just checking some stuff," I reply slowly, watching her look over back at our choices. "We'll head home in 10'."

"Alright, we're waiting for you."

Without saying anything else, I hang up the call and return my attention back to (y/n). "Now, how about we get something else and get home to order something to eat?" I ask, taking the small pieces back in my hold. "What do you crave?"

I watch her intently as she looks ahead, thinking, but not for too long. "...Pizza."

I smile slightly. "Pizza it is."

Taking her hand in mine, I walk with her through the store, watching as her eyes scan every new baby item we pass. But when we reach the baby bottle section, I realize my relief was...hurried. Her bottom lip starts quivering again as she picks up a glass bottle with tiny elephants etched into it.

"Look how cute these are," she whispers, voice already thick with incoming tears. "They have little animals on them, Leon..."

Here we go again...

----

Opening the door, Vera and Ava find the courage to finally visit her house to pack. It's been five months and it's one of the most painful things Vera has to go through, after the funeral.

The door softly clicks shut, and the two women are met with the depressing image. All of (y/n)'s belongings left the way she placed them one last time. Vera surveys the place. It feels odd coming here, and not finding her youngest daughter. It feels odd, not having her into her life any longer.

"I'll head to the bedroom. Begin with her clothes," Ava mutters quietly. Vera doesn't respond. The pills have gotten her numb enough to dry her tears, and suck the life out of her bleeding soul.

Ava takes a deep breath, picking one of the cardboard boxes to start with the packing. Her steps slow, stomach clenching as she reaches the bedroom's closed door. However, upon opening it, she is met with an unexpected view: Leon, fast asleep on her bed.

----

3:43 P.M.

The door opens, and Leon steps inside first, looking around the empty apartment, both of you holding a bag with some small, but important supplies for the baby. Today is the last day Leon is in Sweden and you absolutely don't want it to end. After 2 weeks of bliss you haven't felt in a while - living the life you were supposed to with him, the distance decides to knock on your door and cockblock you once again. You know he'll be leaving you alone only for one last month, but you don't want to be away from him any longer. You feel safer when he's around. You need him here.

But patience is virtue. Just for 30 more days.

Stepping aside, you follow in next and pass Leon your shopping bag, your movements sluggish as you peel off your coat. Today was more tiring than usual, and you can't help but groan, "God, I definitely need a warm shower right now," as you carelessly toss your coat onto the nearest chair.

But suddenly-

"Auntie!"

That word. That voice. What the fuck?

You freeze in place, your mind struggling to process what you just heard. Irene's voice.

Without a doubt, you spin around just to see her small figure jumping off from the couch of your living room. In one moment her little arms wrap around your middle, hearing her giggling to herself while you stand still in shock, trying to make sense of...how?

"I missed you!" she exclaims happily, her words lightly muffled against your clothes.

"Irene-" your voice comes out barely above a whisper, your hand automatically moving to rest on her back as you look down at her in disbelief. "What are you- how did you get here?"

"Uncle Leon brought us from the airport!" Irene announces proudly, before pulling back slightly. Her eyebrows furrow in question as they land on your growing bump. "What happened to your belly?"

"Auntie has a little baby in there, that's why," Ava's voice joins from a distance, making your head look back up. There, you see Ava and your mother walking out of the bathroom. You turn to Leon in disbelief, who's standing there with that soft, knowing smile that makes your heart melt.

He managed to gather your entire family here, giving you the most precious gift possible. After a year of longing, the people you love most in the world, are all under one roof.

You don't say anything. The emotions become too much to handle once again. Your face scrunches up and you begin to cry again, causing Irene to step back, confused by your sudden breakdown.

"Oh no, don't cry," Ava soothes, her voice cracking as your mom is the first one to rush towards you. She wraps her arms around you with such powerful protectiveness that you can feel the grief and longing in her embrace.

"Hey Irene, want to see what cool stuff we got for your baby cousin? Let's give them some space to talk." Leon smoothly steps in, his deep voice soft and distracting as he gently takes Irene's small hand in his, already leading her to the bedroom, away from the emotional scene.

"I'm getting a cousin?!" Irene excitedly squeals as she bounces alongside Leon.

You, Ava, and your mother break into tears, your mom pulling you into her arms, holding you as if she'll never let go. As the door clicks shut behind you, her quiet cries of joy become much more audible.

"Oh, you're alive...oh, thank God..." Her sobs mingle with yours as her fingers tremble through your hair, both of you swaying, lost in each other's embrace. "My baby's alive...my little girl..." The relief in her voice is unmistakable, yet it's heavy with pain. She sounds different—her voice deeper, a little rougher, as if it's the evidence of everything she's survived.

Without hesitation, you hug her back, clutching her tightly, trying to reassure her that you're here, that this is real.

"Mom, we need to be careful with her condition," Ava manages through her tears, her hand making soothing circles on your back

However, neither of you listen to Ava's advice. This - this moment of being held by your mother is what you asked for the past year every time things were difficult. Her - Their presence is something you craved more than anything.

When she finally pulls back, her hands move to hold your arms, her thumbs drawing gentle, loving circles on your skin. "My little girl is alive..." she repeats as if saying it enough times will confirm it. Her gaze then drops to your belly she smiles. Something she tries to comprehend. In a good way. "And now you're going to have a baby."

You nod in response, smiling through your tears.

"Leon's been taking good care of you?" she asks, though she feels confident about the answer. He's been taking the best care of you. Even when he's away.

"Yeah,"

"I know," she sniffs, her fingers brushing away your tears with the affection only a mother can provide. "I know he does..."

It's a heartful moment, reuniting with your family. But also lingering sorrow. Looking down to note her appearance properly. You catch the sight of her black clothes, mourning silently your dad's unfair loss. It already triggers you with the past, self-blame—being so useless to help him when he was right across from you. That night...injected, and almost dead-

"Mom...I'm sorry," the words slip out, fragile. This is the first time you see her since everything went south, since your father was taken from you. The truth about his final moments remains perhaps a secret, a burden you choose to carry alone. They don't need to know the horrific details, the way he suffered.

"For what?"

"About dad- I wish I could do something-"

"No!"

"Sh!" Ava and your mom cut you off firmly but lovingly, your mom's hands moving to cradle your face with motherly tenderness. "You haven't done anything that you shouldn't. Now, you have a baby to look after. Don't think about anything else." Her words though meant to comfort, you can't completely erase the guilt. Not yet, at least.

Once your mother decides to let you go, Ava steps forward next, her attempt to sound cheerful is quite poor to mask her own emotional state. "Pregnancy looks good on you, baby sis," she says, and without wasting another moment, she pulls you into a tight embrace.

Baby sis. You haven't heard that 'nickname' from her in so long. You hated when she was calling you like that. And the truth is, you couldn't understand why because there wasn't a reason for you to hate it. But you didn't know how much you actually missed it.

Drawing back, her hands rest on your shoulders, her eyes glistening. "I missed you so much."

"Me too. You have no clue how much," you express, finally calming down from the wave of overwhelming joy that hit you. "How long are you planning to stay?"

"Till Leon comes back. For those five weeks, mom and I will be staying with you. Unleeeess...you don't want us." Ava teases to lighten the mood.

"Are you crazy?" you laugh-cry, pulling her back into another hug.

"Mommy, look!" Irene emerges out of yours and Leon's bedroom, holding up excitedly the wrapped pacifier and one of the adorable onesies you bought.

Your mom reaches out gently to touch the soft fabric, and you can see the bittersweet emotions forming on her face. Your family is growing, changing. She'll be a grandmother again soon, but this time, the joy won't be shared with your dad, and other people you know would be happy for you and Leon - Claire, who you miss so much, Carlos...you want to believe Piers too.

This small onesie in your mom's hands represents the new beginning and that painful reminder.

----

"Thank you for coming, Chris.." Ava expresses, both of them isolated in a lonely corner, away from the family's grieving.

Chris looks over at Vera at the far distance, who looks completely lost. Broken. He's the one to take the blame, and this heaviness that engulfs his chest is excruciating. Looking back at Ava, he sees the same pain in her eyes - her reddened face from crying. He wishes he could hug her - tell her and Vera that (y/n) managed to survive at least, but it's far from safe and Vera is in no place to see him after what he has done.

If he really wants to shield Wesker's critical targets, he needs to watch over the family, before they join Vector's side.

"I'm...really sorry for your loss," he murmurs, unable to meet Ava's gaze, his eyes drifting to the ground regretfully. "I wish things could've turned out differently."

He means it. Ava isn't the only one who lost her sister. Chris is a victim of loss too. Losing the only family he had left. His little sister too.

Ava sniffles, hugging herself slowly. She wants to be held. Comforted. Chris can pick on all the subtle signs. "It wasn't your fault, Chris. You did everything you could."

He doesn't believe her words. He knows that she says that because she loves him and doesn't want to give him accountability for all this, but none of this will make it better.

Chris looks ahead, his fingers curl into his pockets, Ava not catching up.

"If you wouldn't be here too, I don't know how I'd hold up-"

"Ava..." Chris cuts her off, feeling exhausted by all this. Ava frowns through her tears, and looks up at him. "I can't...I'm sorry..but I can't...I've already brought enough trouble into your life...I don't want- I can't even face Vera, Ava..."

As much as it pains Chris, he knows that letting her go is what will keep him secure. Even if that means losing for once again the woman he loved.

----

10:53 P.M.

With a hard shove, Leon stumbles backwards, the features of his face harden enough, perhaps because his feelings are mutual.

"Keep entertaining me with your measly crying, Miss."

You tear your gaze from the novel you started reading, the moment you see Leon stepping out of the bedroom's bathroom, and takes his seat at the edge of the bed, gathering only a few of his clothes in the suitcase. You hate it. You hate watching him do this right now. The past six months, Leon has been staying only from 3 to 5 days. This time, he stayed 2 weeks. And tomorrow's 'see you soon' will be much more painful.

With a soft puff, you shut the book and set it aside on the bed, sneaking in behind him and scooting to peek from the side. "Don't put too many clothes in there. You'll be back next month."

"Okay."

Your face leans in, chin resting on his shoulder from behind as you watch him fold. "Why are you even taking them?"

"Because I don't want to walk around naked," Leon casually responds with his usual cold joking matter, folding quite sloppily a black tee.

"Hilarious..." you mutter and lean backwards. A few seconds silence envelop you as you lean back against the cool headboard, letting out an overexpressed sigh. "And now..." you drawl out theatrically, "I'll be sleeping in this massive bed all by myself," your voice leaks with exaggerated melancholy, prompting an amused chuckle from Leon.

"You're not exactly short on options," he responds matching your playfulness, his eyes still focused on his task. "There's Irene, or your mom,"

"But I want you," you admit, sneaking back behind him. Your arms find their familiar place around his broad shoulders, and you press a tender, loving kiss to his cheek.

Your touch makes Leon pause his packing and turn to you, setting aside the folded cloth. "I'm glad to see you reading these novels again," he admits, glancing over at the novel on your side on the bed. "And watching you light up while shopping for the baby today..."

"With you here, why shouldn't I be excited?" you say, scooting next to him. "...Do you really have to leave? Can't you put a lawyer or something?"

"If only it were that simple," Leon responds, reaching for your hand. With gentle guidance, he pulls you onto his lap, and you naturally adjust, one arm draping around him while the other rests comfortably on your lap. "Just hold on a little longer for me. Alright?"

You nod gently, cupping the side of his jaw. The scars he got because of you still visible on his lip and cheekbone. Your thumb traces over it gently while your mind races. Ava's curiosity about Japan, your therapist's gentle probing about your isolation, yet Leon...Leon never asked.

"Leon," you start carefully, considering your words. "During therapy today, we touched on my time in Japan. I began sharing, but then I realized that- you've never asked me about it. Neither have I really asked about your experience during that time," your fingers awkwardly fidget. "I want you to-"

But Leon sighs. It's obvious he doesn't want to talk about this- pretty dark time for everyone you know. "(y/n)-"

"Let me finish," you cut him off, feeling that familiar lump in your throat hurting you already. "I don't want you to tell me. I just want you to know from my side that- all this time away from you was one of the worst times of my life," you begin, and the first tears begin to roll. "I was- scared... alone...in a foreign country, isolated from everyone. Grieving my dad, Claire..missing mom, Ava- you - Thinking constantly how were you doing...hoping you were alive at least. I felt-" your voice cracks, finding it difficult to continue. "I left everyone behind and looked only after myself."

"You're gonna create a world record if you start crying again," Leon jests softly, trying to lighten the heavy mood.

"I'm sorry," you chuckle through the two following tears that sneaked their way down your cheeks. Lifting your head, you look back down at him. "I'm saying all this because I want you to know that I love you, and only you. You're my everything, Leon. You became a part of me that I can't see my life without you in it," you confess, sincerely. It's not the hormones speaking, but the truth. Last time you didn't have the chance to speak your heart out, and this is a bargain you carried for so long, and you want to let go.

"Now..do you understand why I don't want you to leave? Be away from you anymore?"

Leon, quite speechless, reaches for your hand, holding it securely in his. He looks skeptical on how to speak his own mind at your words. "The night we kissed at the bar, Claire later time told me that I won't move forward if I cling to the past," his thumb rubs softly against your skin. "I don't want to know what happened in Japan, and I surely don't want to remember everything that happened from my side," his touch leaves your hand, cupping your belly next. "I want to move forward. With you. And never, ever in my life these past six months thought that you left me and your family behind."

You sniffle softly before you utter, "You're my family too,"

At that sentence, you can see tears forming up on his blue eyes. He brushes it off with a gentle smile.

"Yeah. I am," he almost whispers in realization. Slowly, he cups the back of your neck, pulling you close to kiss your lips, his touch pouring all the affection and tenderness that overflows for you.

It's incredibly surreal how dramatically Leon has changed during this time. It feels like his 'old self' or the version of him you met and fell in love with has grown into something else - the stoic, enigmatic guy blossoming into an expressive man. He tells you what's on his mind. He's more open to you. Or you hope he is. Because he's Leon Kennedy after all.

Breaking the emotional tension, Leon clears his throat and pats on your thigh. "Now tell me, what were you reading here?" he asks in order to change the subject, scooping the book from the mattress and reads the cover. "Renegade?"

"It's a classic: A police officer who is hired as a bodyguard to protect the Chief's daughter from hired killers," you explain the summary of the plot, looking down at the cover.

Leon's eyebrow twitches. "Are you sure you okay with reading that stuff?"

"Yeah, don't worry- oh! And you won't believe this, the bodyguard's name is Leon."

"Really now?" he lets low chuckle and decides to flip the book open to a random page, his eyes scanning the text before he begins reading aloud,

"Things take an unexpected twist. His lips crash into hers. Without a moment's hesitation he lifts her up with ease, legs lock around his waist, and Leon hastily takes her towards his bedroom..." His voice trails off in realization of what he's about to read next. An...let's say the embarrassment replaces your current state. Shit, and you didn't even get to that spicy part yet.

"I-It has a few of...intimate scenes but the plot is good!" you stammer defensively.

Leon maintains his composure, calmly closing the book and returning it to you without comment. But there's an amused glint in his eyes that makes your stomach flip. Like literally.

"From the sex tips to this," he muses, shaking his head and reminding you that very awkward. Very embarrassing. Very...very..

"Stoooop!" you groan, burying your face in your hands already cringing at the memories of those pathetic attempts to approach Leon. You wished it was something he would have forgotten about by now.

But looks like it's carved deep into memory. That will surely damn haunt you.

"I just wanted to find a way to talk to you because you barely even acknowledged me back then," you confess, making him laugh lightly.

Yeah. Leon is the only one for you. And that won't change. Ever.

No matter what.

----

The sharp pain in your ribcage makes you wince as Hercules carefully supports you, his hands gentle under your armpits while helping you settle onto the plush couch. The bullet wound has left several bones in your ribcage shattered, and the doctor's words still echo in your mind: "It'll be months before you're back on your feet properly."

As for who's responsible for that bullet? You never found out. You can't even remember the face behind that gun. Just that unforgettable bang, and Leon's face under the moonlight. The memories are foggy, but very clear at the same time as Claire, Piers, and your dad's death replay in your head non-stop.

It makes you wonder: how is your mom and Ava holding up? Irene? Does she know?

Leaving everyone and everything behind it what hurts you the most to this day. Hercules believed it's best, but now thanks to him, you don't live, but survive.

Hercules: a person you developed a complicated relationship with. Making a rough start, coming closer as the time went on, later hating him and now end up seeing him as your guardian angel. He orchestrated everything: Your secret escort to Japan, finding this studio apartment in the corner of a city you can't even pronounce right, where no one would think to look, watching over your back, and helping you with your recovery.

"There. You good?" Hercules asks, pulling you away from your melancholic thoughts.

"Yeah," you grunt lightly, shifting to find a more comfortable position. "Thank you, Hercules,"

"You're welcome," he settles comfortably on the other end of the couch. "Say..Got an update from Chris. Your sister and mother are packing to leave for England in a few months."

Your attention quickly turns to him the moment he mentions your family, the worry growing already. "Why? Are they okay?"

"Yeah, yeah," he quickly reassures you, "I guess they just want to start new." His words do little to ease your conscience. Start new. Is this how messed up they really are?

Once again, they come back on your mind. And someone else, who hasn't left from the moment you regained consciousness.

"Hey," Hercules's voice softens as he notices your distress, his hand offering comfort on your shoulder. "Talk to me, what's wrong?"

Turning to him, you feel the frustration taking over. "What's wrong? What else could be wrong? Everyone I love thinks I'm dead, while I'm very much alive, hiding in Kitakus...su-"

"Kitakyushu," he corrects you with a gentle chuckle.

"Yeah, here," you continue, dismissing this. "I can barely take care of myself, can't properly mourn my dad-" a heavy sigh escapes you. "And all of that, thanks to Chris."

"Look, I know it's rough right now, but that doesn't mean it'll be forever. Keep in mind that with Chris' help, we managed to get here."

You can't help but nod in agreement. It's true that Chris played a crucial role in ensuring your safe escape and relocation. "I know...but I need to blame someone else or else I'll end up blaming myself again."

You itch to ask about Leon. You haven't heard anything about him this whole time, and you start to get extremely worried. However, neither Hercules or Chris gave you bad news about Leon, so you hope at least wherever he is...is safe and alive.

"There's no point thinking about all that right now," Hercules gently redirects. "You need to focus on healing. The doctors said the damage was severe."

"Yeah, you're right," you concede with a weary sigh. "Thank you for all this. I wouldn't be here or even alive if it wasn't for you."

Hercules's expression shifts, a flicker of guilt appearing on his features. "It's the least I could do after what happened." He pauses, gathering the courage to continue. "Listen, about that day - back at the base- I never got the chance to apologize properly." He scoots closer, his gaze meeting yours. "I'm really sorry. If I wouldn't have been so quick to point a finger at you, maybe none of this would've happened."

All this actually started with him and Chris. But who knows? What if none of this would've happened, maybe you'd still be at the base, going at eachother's throats. And maybe, the rest of the team would join the same fate Claire, Piers, Carlos, and even Luis had to face. But dwelling on the past and on 'what if's' won't change the present, and you know that.

"It doesn't matter. It's all in the past now. What happened...happened," you break eye contact with Hercules, glancing down at your lap, fingers awkwardly fidgeting. "I can't be mad at you. Not when you literally saved me."

Hercules's smile is weak, but genuine as he follows your gaze. The moment is tender, a rekindling of the friendship you once shared. Even if it was brief in the past. But then, something unexpected happens. His fingers affectionately reach the side of your hair, keeping his touch as mild and delicate as possible.

"You're...too kind it's almost dangerous. But also very beautiful," he utters in almost a whisper, fingertips trailing down to your cheek. "You're a rare one, you know that?..."

A rare 'one'?

Your brow furrows in confusion, clearly taken aback by the sudden shift in his demeanor and the rapidly decreasing distance between you. "What?" Okay. You really don't like where this is going. "Hercules, what are you doing?"

"There's so much I want to tell you, yet do..." he pauses only inches away from you, his gaze drifting to your lips. And before you can react, he closes the gap, his lips pressing against yours in a sudden, unexpected kiss.

You freeze. Eyes widen in shock and mind becomes foggy with thoughts, trying to apprehend the situation. Hercules kisses you. He just did, when knowing damn well you already have feelings for Leon.

But the way his lips begin to move...

For a moment. One tiny, fleeting moment, you let yourself kiss him back. Your mind cruelly tricking you into thinking you're not kissing Hercules right now, but Leon. Your eyes slowly shut, and behind those closed lids, the memories resurface - Leon's face is all that comes to view - his passionate kisses that conveyed what words couldn't, his heavy breathing against your skin, his hands holding your face tenderly to keep you close.

But reality takes much faster to crash back down. You can feel the difference in the kiss. It feels wrong. Different rhythm, pressure. This isn't Leon. This can't be Leon anymore. And you don't want anyone else—only him.

Without hesitation, you shove away Hercules, eyes widen - a mix of terror and disbelief at what you just did. Or what Hercules did.

"What the hell?!" you gasp in disbelief.

At first, he seems dumbfounded by your forceful rejection, trying to read your face. He can soon see see that they're not the same.

"Shit, I..." he clears his throat, leaning back slowly. "I don't know why I did that. I'm sorry-"

Your fingers curl regrettably against your wet lips, unable to figure if what you just did is considered cheating on Leon...when you were never truly together in the first place.

The silence is suffocating, and you barely pay attention to Hercules' sudden discomfort. Instead, a feeling of another type of shame begins to conquer you, almost making you nauseous.

"(y/n)- I-" Hercules begins, but you don't want to listen to him right now.

"I think...you should leave," you murmur in a whisper, feeling more than disgusted...with yourself.

Hercules doesn't listen and is already leaning forward, trying to excuse his actions. "Listen, I- I did this because I-"

"I want to be alone, Hercules," you cut him off, your gaze fixed firmly on anything but him.

"And leave you like this-?" he protests, concern lacing his voice.

"Please!" The word explodes from you, voice cracking.

With a heavy sigh, Hercules finally admits defeat. He rises slowly, gathering his jacket, his footsteps heavy as he heads for the door. You remain frozen, unable to watch him leave, your eyes fixed on some distant point until the door slams shut.

Only then, you allow yourself to sink deep into the soft couch, tears of self-loathing streaming down your face. Leon's words echo in your head - his warnings. He was right yet along once again. And you feel stupid for not listening to him. So stupid.

You miss him. You miss your life.

----

9:00 A.M.

"That's very sweet of the therapist. Helping Leon get a good position at the police department."

"Just like you did with Mr. Larson, by making him the head of our hospital so easily."

You are lazing on the chair of the kitchen's table, chin proper on your palm as the fork dances around the fruit salad before you, barely listening to the conversation between your mom and sister. Next to you sits Ava, enjoying her French toast, and right across Irene, eating your mom's without a doubt amazing lemon pie. In the bedroom, you can hear Leon moving, getting ready for his flight.

"Now what's with the face? Leon will be back next month," your mom addresses you, placing the plate with cake slices, its clinking sound muffled by the tablecloth.

"Exactly. You act as if he's leaving for war," Ava adds as she grabs a piece. You fight the urge to roll your eyes at her stupid comment and stay silent. "Think about how this month will pass: Shopping at the mall, eating at fancy restaurants,"

"And we will bake the bear cookies!" Irene exclaims with her stuffed mouth, happily as usual.

You smile weakly, "Mm, all that sounds really nice," you murmur, setting the fork down. "But it's not about just missing him. I'm scared something might happen to him. Can you blame me for that?"

"Of course not, honey, but I trust Leon. You should too. When he says everything is okay, believe him."

"Also don't jinx it," Ava adds, picking a grape from your plate and almost shoving into your mouth, and almost pushing you backwards a bit. "Now stop worrying and eat the fruits."

You roll your eyes as you chew, Irene holding in her palm the end of the fork. Seconds later, Leon finally joins the women of the family. Stepping inside the kitchen, he adjusts his white sweatshirt, taking his seat next to you from your left.

"Everything ready, Leon?" your mom asks, handing him an empty mug.

"Ah, yeah, thank you," Leon says, pouring some coffee into his mug. Taking a plain sip, his eyes meet you. "We're leaving in an hour."

"Oh, I'll start getting ready then. You enjoy the breakfast," your mom says, taking the empty plate that is next to Irene.

Leon looks over your form, the rim stopping right on his lips. "You okay?"

"Mhm," you hum, reaching for a small piece of banana. You feel Leon's hand rubbing the lower of your back affectionately, before taking a sip.

"Auntie, can I ask you a question?" Irene asks as she swings her little legs under the table, her feet still quite far from touching the floor.

"Of course."

"For how long do you have the baby in your tummy?"

"Almost six months now," you say, managing a soft smile.

"And how did it get there?"

An awkward silence settles inside the dining room at her innocent question that dropped like a literal bomb. You can hear Leon choke on his coffee, while you slowly place your fork down, both of you exchanging panicked glances. It's not because she asked that question of course. Okay maybe it is a small percentage of it, but it's the fact she asked that in front of everyone. Meaning Ava and your mom. Mostly your mom.

Yeah, you're inching 25, and yeah, everyone knows how babies are made, but trying to explain it to a child with your mother watching? Hell to the no.

"Uncle Leon can explain," Ava chirps, making purposely things worse. All eyes, including Irene's curious ones, swivel to Leon, and you can practically see him shrinking in his chair.

"Ava!" you hiss, shooting her a death stare.

"M-yeah. Right," he falters, struggling to find the right words. Leaning back, he almost downs the remaining of coffee in one big gulp. Watching him drinking it like that, you can tell he wished it was some whiskey instead right now.

God or whatever it is may free you from the curse of embarrassment.

"Well..it's when a man meets a woman," he starts, making you physically cringe so hard you feel it in your soul. A feeling you haven't felt in a long time. Since last night. "They...um...share special kisses, and then...a baby goes in the woman's tummy."

Irene's face lights up with recognition. "Oh! Grandma says people only kiss on the lips when they're in love!"

Leon catches your eye, managing a tender smile despite his obvious discomfort. "I gave your aunt lots of loving kisses, and that's how we got the baby."

Jesus Christ, Leon. He makes it worse and he doesn't know it.

"How many kisses did it take?" Irene asks, innocently stabbing her fork into the rest of her piece while simultaneously stabbing through what's left of your dignity.

Okay. Time to pass away. Nice and peacefully.

"Irene, how about you go and get ready, hm?" Thank heavens, your mother interjects, clearly noticing your and Leon's discomfort over the specific subject. She's a savior, but she still makes you bury your face in your hands. "The airport is far from here."

Next to you, Ava's barely containing her laughter behind her coffee cup, her shoulders shaking with suppressed giggles. Leon's face from the other side has turned completely red. Your mom takes the fork away from Irene, and pulls her chair, leading her inside your bedroom to give her clothes to change.

The moment the door closes, you grab a soft grape and toss it at Ava, making her gasp. "Hey!"

"Hey, you! Are you stupid?!" you whisper-shout, while Leon sinks in his chair with a relieved sigh, probably thinking on how to erase the last five minutes from memory.

"Not my fault Irene asked that. That's on you," she says, standing up and cradling her coffee mug. She leans in close, mock intimidation in her gaze as she points an accusing finger. "And for the record, anyone who sees your belly knows exactly what you two did six months ago, sinful children."

With that obvious remark, Ava is already retreating her way to the living room, leaving you and Leon...stunned.

Leon lets out a long exhale, still looking at the door, where Ava stepped out. "Can I ask you something?" he asks quietly after a moment.

"Huh..."

"Are you sure she's your sister?"

You can't help but remember that maybe those days where everyone thought you were dead...weren't actually so bad. At least then you didn't have to endure breakfast table sex education sessions with your niece.

----

Leon groans through his panting, head falling against your back as he tries to come down from his orgasm. Each panting breath sends gentle puffs of air, tickling your body while his lips, tender and affectionate, pepper delicate kisses along the sensitive skin of your neck.

With careful movements, you shift beneath him until you're facing upward, your head sinking into the soft pillows. Leon follows your movement, his body molding perfectly against yours as he nestles his face into that familiar spot where your neck meets your shoulder. The first time you made love after you reunited. How much you missed him, all this, is surely undeniable.

Your hands find their way to his face, fingers gently guiding him to meet your gaze - the wounds on his face have long healed into fading permanent scars. He responds to your touch by capturing your lips in another kiss, the sound of your combined breathing filling the intimate space of your hotel room.

"I love you," he whispers against your lips before kissing them again. This time, he's sober, knowing he means it...unlike the first time when alcohol had loosened his tongue.

You're happy to be alive, and finally be able to hear those words from him.

For you, this is the first time you hear it. And by joining you in Sweden, you know it won't be the last.

----

The airport is buzzing with life—people exchanging joyful reunions and emotional farewells. While a few meters away from you, you see a woman running to her loved one's open arms, sadly you're one to hug goodbye—and goodbyes recently haven't been your strong suit. Reaching the check-in line, Leon sets down his suitcase before turning to the trio behind him: Ava, Irene, and you since your mom started with her overprotective acts, which is insisting on going for grocery shopping so you won't have to.

Already, Leon's attention zeros on you first. You force a smile as he walks up to you and with practiced gentleness, mindful of course of your growing belly, he wraps his arms around you, pulling you into his embrace. His scent enters your oversensitive smelling senses, and right when you start to get comfortable in his arms, he puts a tiny distance between you just to place one last, lingering kiss on your lips.

"Please call me once you land," you don't spend a moment and begin your usual mambling. Leon only nods patiently. "And then when you'll get home."

"Will do,"

"And don't drink there, okay?"

"Okay-"

"And make sure to l-"

"For god's sake, (y/n)!" Ava interjects with an exaggerated tone, her forced smile barely masking her growing irritation.

Looks like you have become a bit insufferable lately.

Leon looks back at you, and gently assures, "Those weeks will pass so quickly, you'll be surprised," he vows, while you fidget with his fingers, a nervous habit you've developed. "Just promise me one thing. No sneaking off for baby shopping without me."

A soft chuckle escapes your lips as you look up at him, your eyes slightly glossy. "Okay."

He pulls you in for one final embrace before his thumb tenderly wipes away the tear that's escaped down your cheek. His eyes lock with yours, filled with love. "I love you."

Each time he utters those three words, you fall impossibly harder for him.

"I love you too."

Smiling weakly, he finally takes a step back, hand reaching for his suitcase. "Ladies, my private jet is waiting."

Ava chuckles, walking up at Leon. "You take care alright?" she says, hugging him next. "We'll look after your hormonic girlfriend in the meantime."

Leon pats the small of her back, before pulling away. His eyes find Irene, who has gone surprisingly quiet the moment she stepped out of your bedroom. Walking up to her, he kneels to meet her at eye level, his voice gentle. "I'll see you soon. Okay?"

Irene stays quiet. Your niece who usually has something to say about everything now stands still, her emotions unclear. Leon doesn't push for words; instead, he wraps one arm around her small frame in a tender hug, then affectionately pats her head before rising to his feet.

As he lifts his suitcase, you grab the chance to walk up to him and kiss him one last time. Responding, he places his hand against the back of your waist. After seconds, you break contact and look at each other, until his flight gets announced through the speakers.

His hand glides down to yours, and as the distance becomes bigger between you, he finally lets go, walking towards the gate. As you watch him, you can't help but think of how everything grew.

In only two years, your life changed—for the best and worst. You lost people you loved, unbreakably bonded with others. Leon is one of them, and you can confidently say that your love for one another has been too strong, you'd both die for each other. And that showed.

Everything indeed starts to get into place, but the road ahead isn't going to be smooth. You still have a long way. Both of you fight your own inner demons, and mountains that seem impossibly high to climb. But knowing this—you're with him is enough for you.

And soon, he'll become the father of your child. Crazy thing to think about...

What the future now holds is unknown. What matters is that you finally put an end to this Sinful era...

-----

----

---

--

-

"You're here," Ada says, watching Hercules enter her hideout apartment.

In response, Hercules lifts the small container - the dead parasite floating in amber-colored liquid. The submissive Plaga's lifeless form bobs slightly with his movement, while Hercules maintains his stoic silence, his face carved from stone.

"Aaand you brought the amber," she notes, walking gracefully up to him. "but not the nurse,"

"Because she's dead," he interjects. His filthy condition from the last mission reflects how messed up he is mentally.

Ada cocks an eyebrow. "Dead?" she repeats with unreactive disbelief. But soon, that disbelief turns into a scoff. "You know, for someone in our line of work, you're surprisingly bad at lying, Hercules-"

"It's Rin." Rin corrects her, walking past her and taking a seat on her couch. Ada slowly follows him, her heels echoing throughout the place. "Mission's over, isn't it?"

Ada follows, her heels echoing in the space. "And here I thought Luis's code name for you was growing on you," she taunts, watching him closely. " 'Hercules'. it had a certain...glory to it."

"He's dead too," he continue, guilt peeking through his voice. "Along with Redfield's operator and sister."

Ada gracefully lowers herself into her armchair, crossing both legs and arms in one fluid motion, her skepticism evident. She doesn't feel bad hearing those news except for Luis. And truth is, why should she? She knows that they would turn against her. "That being said, Luis died protecting your cover," she states cooly. "Spying on the nurse, giving me intel the team...The forged papers," she reminds him. "You should be grateful he took those secrets to his grave."

"Call it by its real name: betrayal," Rin mutters darkly.

"Call it whatever you want," she leans back. "The original plan was simple: Luis suggesting you to Piers as a medical professional, giving you the perfect chance to lure (y/n) to our side and delivering a developed sample to P.S.O, while staying under Wesker's radar," she reminds him, Ada's patience can be seen on growing thin. "Now, let's try this again. What's the nurse's real status?"

"I told you," Rin insists, growing frustrated. "She's dead."

Ada huffs an ironic chuckle. "Come on, Rin," she pushes off from the couch's arm, "I thought we were past keeping secrets from each other. We're supposed to be a team, remember?"

"We were never a team, Ada. I was just the infiltrator of your choice."

"And what spectacular infiltrator you were. Taking in your background," she compliments shamelessly. "But don't insult my intelligence with these lies about (y/n)."

"I'm not lying, Ada," Rin's voice becomes firmer. "(y/n)'s dead. How many times do I have to tell you that?"

"From one bullet to the ribs?" Ada's question hangs heavily in the air. Rin knows she's too smart, too experienced to buy his story.

"Oh Rin," she shakes her head slowly. "We wouldn't even be here if your jealousy didn't take over," she walks to his side, her smirk fading away. "Told you not to get involved with feelings. Not my fault you fell for the girl. Trying to protect her now doesn't change anything."

"I never had feelings for her," Rin protests, but his voice lacks conviction.

"Is that why you suddenly suggested abandoning her case and finding someone else for our upcoming operation?"

"Yeah, it's true I wanted her out of our case, but I wouldn't take it that far to pronounce her dead." Rin takes a deep breath, deciding to play his final card to win her trust. "I got her blood exams - I found something odd in the results."

Ada's eyebrow twitches - the smallest tell. "Explain."

"Her HCG levels were extremely high...which I don't know if that was because of the parasite's effect, a disease- or-" his words cut off, already being washed over guilt once more.

"Or?" Ada presses on.

Rin rubs his palms against his thighs nervously, the words don't want to come out from remorse. "Or...she was pregnant."

Silence envelops both of them, Ada looking away. Rin promised to himself to take this secret to grave and forget about it completely, but he wouldn't dare endanger his well-being because of one seductive woman in a red dress.

"And in your medical knowledge, what was out of those three?"

For the first time, Rin finds it difficult to speak.

"She was pregnant."

The only reason he chose to save her from him and Ada. The only reason he chose logic over heart. Despite years of operating as Japan's greatest spy, something in him...couldn't bear to destroy (y/n)'s life completely. Not when they both were present at the massacre in Wesker's office.

She and Leon won't ever know. No need to grieve anyone else.

"When I operated her, I found evidence of vaginal bleeding. It seems she had a miscarriage even before your bullet found its mark," he explains, looking up at Ada. "The gunshot wound only exacerbated the bleeding, along with the parasite you injected her with. By the time Leon brought her in, she was already gone from hemorrhaging."

Ada suddenly feels an unfamiliar wave of uneasiness, but masks it with her stoic facade. The plan to use the nurse's skills to her advantage and deliver the amber to the right hands has failed. All because of one tiny obstacle. It's a moment she realizes that has to do it herself now.

"Looks like we got that out of Leon's way," she says, coldly, her features composed again almost perfectly.

Rin's eyebrows furrow. "Is that all you have to say?" he asks incredulously.

"Right. My condolences to the family," she adds sarcastically.

"That's not what I'm talking about, Ada," Rin snarls, surging forward to grab her wrist, forcing her to face him. "You told Wesker everything. Yet, he left (y/n) behind after chasing her along with us for so long. Why?"

Ada looks down at his hand, before back up at him. "Because it was either her, or Redfield," she lies with confidence, letting Rin make his own assumptions. She's not stupid to reveal he hir."The amber." 

Rin's scoff echoes through the apartment as he practically slams the container into her waiting hand, the liquid inside sloshing against the glass.

Ada begins to examine it, while Rin already turns heel to leave, announcing with his heavy steps that he won't participate in the next operation that can endanger not only his, but Ada's life too. This is why they needed the nurse.

"It was nice working with you, Hercules Hamasaki."

Rin doesn't acknowledge her words, doesn't even turn around. The door slams behind him with finality, the sound resonating through the empty hallway.

At the elevator, his hand slides into his pocket, fingers brushing against a cool surface. With delicate attention, he retrieves the small vail of the real parasite sample- the last remaining specimen from that suitcase.

"I don't think so, Ada," he mutters, a rare smirk crossing his usually stoic features as the elevator doors ping open. 

----

* BONUS SCENE * (because why not)

You are seated in the passenger's seat, Ava is too focused on the road, and Irene is settled into the backseat, still quiet. Which surprises you. The only thought that comes to your mind is that she's sad, and for the same reason as you. However, you can't help but think if something else troubles her. It's unusual for Irene's cheerful personality to be this silent.

"Irene?" you call out softly, adjusting the rearview mirror to catch her eye. She slowly pulls her gaze from whatever she's been staring at through the car's window. "What's wrong? You barely said a word the moment we left."

Ava chimes in, "Missing Uncle Leon already?" but Irene's head shake is surprisingly negative. That's new.

"Mommy..." Irene's voice comes out tiny and remorseful. "I did something really bad."

"What kind of bad are we talking about here?" Ava asks.

Irene scrunches up her face, looking like she's about to confess to a capital crime. "When I was getting ready...I found something in Uncle Leon's suitcase..."

You and Ava frown confused and exchange brief looks. Good lord pray it's not something...inappropriate. Specifically his gun.

"Well? What did you find?"

"It was a little box that had a ring in it," Irene finally responds, her voice lightly cracking with fear.

That's odd. You don't remember Leon visiting a jewelry shop, let alone buying a ring this whole time he was here.

"And?" Ava prompts slowly, while you try to figure. Irene begins to pout, and...get teary. "Irene, what did you do?" Ava asks directly, her voice growing much more stern.

That's when it hits you. The ring- the box, hidden into Leon's suitcase. The...ring. Holy. Shit.

Irene's bottom lip starts to quiver. "I...kind of...ate it."

"WHAT?!" you and Ava screech perfectly at the same time. There's no way Leon is going...he...he...! "How in the world did you manage to swallow a whole ring?!"

"Leon's planning to propose?!-" you exclaim in shock.

"(y/n), focus! My daughter just ate a goddamn ring!"

"I'm so sorry, Mommy," Irene breaks down, tears pouring down her face while clutching her stomach. You join the crying party too, though your tears are pure joy-induced because LEON IS GOING TO FREAKING PROPOSE!

Ava takes a deep breath, already regretting visiting you. The car is soon overfilled with your and Irene's whining cries, Irene murmuring constantly 'I'm sorry' as she holds her tummy and you...well, you're another story.

"Is it too late to catch on Leon's flight?"

----

Truth is, I was aiming to end the book in Part I. But after reading Leon's POV , I didn't have the heart to do it. I decided to blend the plot of the Alternative Ending with the Original and I really hope I did a good job on it. XD 

After all, Leon deserved his happy ending <3

I really can't believe we reached the end, but this is it!

This book...ah! This book is my second work, which is the most I got attached to. I want to believe that it taught me how to write. Not completely of course, but compared to my first book, I believe I managed to reach a decent level. 

This story made me love and hate my own work and I got to communicate with people all over the world.

I know to many people it's just a plain Leon Kennedy fanfiction, but for me, it's more than that, to be honest. 

 I want to thank every single one of you for reading, voting, or commenting. Each one of these things are acts of support and the motivation I didn't know I needed to continue this story. I mean every single word from the bottom of my heart!

Lastly, now that Sinful is over, I want to edit a few chapters—I'm not going to be changing the plot! Don't worry! Just rewrite a few stuff I've been wanting to, now that I won't have to worry on when I have to post the next chapter.

One pretty small request: Please don't post spoilers of the book on previous chapters, I really don't want to delete your comments!

Thank you for reading Sinful <3

Much love, Tanya.

(see you on Renegade! if you want to read it of course XD)