Resident Evil: End of Days

End of Days, Part Three: Holding to Promises

Morning rises over the ashes and crimson that mars the Vatican City. Plenty of wounded demons and angels to go around for the Revenants, but in the meantime, I sit with Chris, the other BSAA members Nadia and DC, Zakros and Mia. His Holiness is handling the reparations and restoration of the rubble in the chapels, and Anson and his Revenants are hunting after any demons that have fled the fight.

Cristiana's asleep on my chest. Poor baby's been awake for much too long, and I know she's in need of sleep. I could go for a snooze myself, so I settle to lying back near the St. Peter's Fountain. The water's mist feels good, keeping the baby and I cool in the heat of the ending summer.

"Leon?"

I look over and see Chris approaching.

"Zakros and Mia tell me that reconstruction of the Vatican is going to take half of a year," he explains to me, "His Holiness has also asked the BSAA to stay and keep watch of the reconstruction team, so that none of the men get hurt or possibly hunted by any of the lesser demons that could still be running around."

I nod slowly. "...so you won't be coming home?"

"Well I didn't say that," He smiles and leans to me. "I still have one responsibility left to oblige."

I smile. Our lips tangle in sweet love, then he pulls back. "So how about it?" He asks. "Think you'd mind having another baby for me to meet when I come back?"

I can't help but grin. I reply, "You better have me full of you if you want another one."

He chuckles. He nods and purrs, "Let's grab a hotel. I'll have you begging for me when we get there."

I love it when he talks like that to me. All the more of a reason why my love for him still burns; he never ceases to keep my interest for him.

I pause, a thought crossing my mind. "But I'm not in heat yet."

He smiles and slips something into a pocket. He pulls out a small vial of what appears to be scented oils. He explains, "Mia gave this to me. She said that you'd say that."

I shake my head. Trust Mia to save the day. I happily follow after him with Cristiana in my arms, and by the time we get to our hotel, Chris follows through with his promise, deeply and intimately. I know that this is his way of ensuring that we have our future, a future I'm happy to give with all my heart, and protect dearly.
~
Time passes. Another positive pregnancy test, and Chris is ecstatic. Weeks later, and to my surprise, I learn that I won't be carrying one, but two babies. I've never carried twins before, and as expected, I worry whether I'll be able to handle giving birth to them safely.

All the while, I give Chris's house exceptional attention, having Thana and a building team tear it down and rebuild it from the foundation up. Even in my pregnant state, I give my due diligence with the team. Thana is an impressively attentive babysitter, when Claire is not able to help.

Finally, once it's rebuilt, we move everything back in. All his former STARS gear, his BSAA equipment, and my belongings find their rightful place in the house. Lastly, Thana surprises me with his recent finds: the dog Grayson, and the cat Miss Charlie. They had survived the chaotic excursion from Thana's attacks, and are safe and sound.

Chris finds time to pull away for the holidays during the reconstruction, but they're only so brief. I can understand; keeping a large city like the Vatican protected is important to the people of the world. It's a symbol of hope through turbulent times in history, and despite the repertoire it has collected, it still is a haven for those who seek it. When his six month contract ends, he hurries right back to us, and just in time.

I've read multiple sources stating that giving birth to twins could span between thirty-six to forty weeks, but lucky me my labor time landed in the Goldilocks Zone, which was 38 weeks. However, I'm in twice the amount of pain compared to my first delivery back in Italy. And all Chris can do is keep me from hurting someone, especially given that he's pinning my arms onto his while I bear down.

"Good job, Leon," He praises me, and behind me Adiana's palm rolls along my backside, helping the muscles push the first of the twins. I can't help but wince and whimper; it hurts! Feeling like I'm being torn in two just pushing alone, it's an unbearable pain.

Addy pats my back, and I stop to breathe. It's well into the second week of July, just a handful of weeks before Cristiana's first birthday. But damn, it's hot! Even with the air going and fans on either side blowing air, it's unbearable.

"Ready Leon?" She asks. I nod, and Addy gives me the go to push again. Chris holds on, counting in my ears while I give everything I can for this birth. At ten I stop, and I feel like I'm losing strength in my legs. Chris notices and helps me kneel.

"Okay Leon, one last push," Addy coaches. The first of the twins is adjusted, so the last push makes things slightly easier for me and the baby. I bear down, and I feel the weight drop out of my body. Addy gathers the newborn, and I hear her announce to Chris.

"A boy!"

Chris chuckles. I smile and nod, but pinching in my lower abdomen tells me I'm not done yet. Addy has Chris clean the baby while I clasp to his knees. I feel faint; my head's a little light. I shake it off, and once more, on Addy's call, I bear down.

"That's it Leon!" Chris praises me. He rubs my shoulders. "Come on, you can do this!"

I stop for a breath and look at him. He gives me a reassuring smile and kisses my head. "Give it with all you have," he tells me.

I nod. On Addy's call, another hard, strenuous push. I find a groan working itself out of me while I bear down. My face feels hot, and I don't know how much sweat is falling off my face. All I know is that I have to bring the other baby into the world.

I ache. I hurt, I'm exhausted, and I'm at my limit. I barely have enough strength for one more, but Addy coaxes me. Chris sees that I'm tired. He turns to Addy. "I don't think he has one more in him."

Addy nods. She looks at me and then at Chris. "Roll him over," She tells him. Chris hoists me up and turns me, and Addy pulls my legs farther apart. Ow, damn it! What's going on?

"Can you push, Leon?" Chris asks. I swallow some air, just enough to get my bearings. I answer, "I can try..."

"Okay," Addy watches me. She's just as concerned, but I know she knows better than to argue with a Revenant in labor. "Push, Leon!"

I curl, giving everything I have into it. Chris has a hold of me to keep me from falling forward. He counts in my ears, and at ten he stops me.

Fuck, I feel weak.

"One more!" He pleads with me. I'm running on autopilot, but I give my last one, my last, strong push. Every fiber of my being screams pain through my bones. I give a loud howl, and finally the second weight drops. Addy collects the newborn and smiles.

"Two boys! Good job Leon!" she praises me. However, I can barely hear her. I feel abnormally light-headed, and my body feels heavy. Chris asks for me, but before I can answer, my sight blackens and my mind gives out. I feel weight holding onto me, carrying away from reality...but to where?
~
"Leon? Leon, can you hear me?"

...Chris?...what's happened to me?

My eyes flutter open, and I find my sights hazily taking in the oak ceiling fan that spins over my head. I turn, and Chris is right next to me. He smiles in relief, seeing that I'm awake.

"You okay?" He asks.

I manage to answer, "I'm all right...just exhausted..."

Chris nods. He explains, "You had a bit of blood loss, so Addy and Thana are taking care of the boys right now."

I slowly nod. I ask, "Names...?"

He shakes his head. "Later. You rest." He kisses my head, and all I feel is the comfort of his arms as he holds me close. The sense of safety lulls me back to sleep, losing myself in sweet dreams.

Love you Chris...but no more kiddos. Three is enough for me.