Out of dut-.. love

22

CHRIS

Finding out that Piers was alive was a shock. But finding out he doesn't remember me, was worse. I was so pissed at Leon that he didn't tell me sooner but I get why he did what he did. He was trying to protect us and Piers as well. When Jake went to meet him, I called him that day in the evening. He said Piers is doing fine and that he is sleeping. He also confirmed that he doesn't remember me. The only good thing about this was that he didn't remember Leon too. I knew it was childish but whatever. I finished some papers in my office before I decided I can't focus anymore. Because today...Jake is bringing Piers back home. Ada said he is alright to go tho he will scare a few people on his way. I was supposed to meet them at Leon's. As I was about to leave, Jill came into my office. "Thanks God you are still here."
"No I'm not. I'm leaving. Piers is coming back today and I wanted to buy him something nice." I told her and she rolled her eyes. "I just need you to see a few new recruiters."
"Can't you do that? You did it before, Jill please this is important to me."
"Yeah and this is important to the BSAA." She bit back and I knew she was right. I stood up and followed her out, meeting the soldiers in the training field. I was just nodding at everything Jill told me about them, my mind was already gone, with Piers. "Chris!" Jill slapped my shoulder and I looked at her, rising a brow. "I told you I'm not here already. You guys are really good, I will see you tomorrow. I have something important now." They saluted before I ran out, rushing to my car before Jill will come up with something else. I took out my phone when I felt it buzz. It was a text from Jake.

"Hey Redfield, we are almost there. It will take maybe two more hours. Pup is sleeping, scared a few kids and he was really depressed about it but he is fine now. Even tho he doesn't remember you, he is excited to see you."

I smiled widely before driving to the mall. I wanted to buy him something sweet, maybe some flowers." Chris!" I rolled my eyes. What now? I turned around only to see Sherry. Did she know Jake is coming back? "Hey Sherry. What are you doing here?"
"Just getting something nice to wear. Oh Claire is here too wanna join us?" I shook my head quickly. "No I'm getting a few things for Piers. Jake is bringing him back today." She looked down with a sigh. "I know. Say hi for me."
"You won't come?" She shook her head. "What Jake did.. Hurts. He chose to stay for someone who was dead instead of going back with me. I'm happy Piers is alive but.. He and Jake are maybe too close."
"Are you jealous?" I laughed a bit. She frowned before looking away. Oh my she was really jealous. "Maybe you should talk to Jake. He loves you." She shrugged and I wanted to leave but everything was against me today. "Big brother!" Claire. She jumped at me with a wide grin. I will be late. Definitely.

It was three hours later when I finally got rid of Claire and Sherry. I was standing in front of Leon's front door. I took a deep breath and knocked. It was Jake who opened the door. He let me in. "Hey Jake."
"Redfield. So the rules are, taking it easy don't push him." He said and I nodded even tho I was mad. He is giving me rules about my own boyfriend. I looked around and saw Leon and Piers laughing about something. "Leon is showing his things and the room. He told him everything, how they met and other things." Jake said and I hummed. "Piers." Jake called to him and Piers looked up. Our eyes met and I could see the scars, the wound on his forehead. He cracked a small smile. "You must be Chris." He said and my heart broke. "Y-Yeah I'm Chris Redfield." He nodded and came closer to me. I gave him the flowers and the sweets and he smiled. "Thank you, you didn't have to." He handed it to Jake and I noticed his prosthetic arm is gone. There was an awkward silence so Leon cleared his throat. "We will give you some space, right Jake?" I looked at Muller and it was clear he didn't want to go away but Leon pulled him to the kitchen. Piers pointed to the couch and we went to sit down. "So... How are you doing?" I asked him and Piers played with his fingers nervously. "Good. Ada put me back together. And Jake helped me a lot too." I nodded. "I wish I could be there with you, to help you too." I whispered and he smiled. "Jake told me about you, about us. And I feel terrible that I can't remember you." I took his hand in mine and smiled. "It's okay, it's not your fault and the most important thing is that you are alive." I squeezed his hand gently. "I missed you Piers. I.. When I thought you are dead, I knew my life will never be the same without you. I was thinking about our last time together. When we kissed. I.. Everything was reminding me of you." I said and he looked down. "I.. Don't remember it." He said softly and he looked at me. I caressed his cheek gently before leaning closer, brushing my lips against his. I wanted to kiss him properly but he pulled away. "I'm sorry Piers.. I didn't want to rush things." He shook his head and stood up. "I-I'm sorry Chris but... It's too much for me to take." He said and whimpered. Jake was by his side in a second. "Your head?" He asked him and Piers nodded, leaning against Jake. He wrapped his arm around him, leading him to his room. Leon sat next to me and signed. "I'm sorry Chris I know it hurts but you need to give him time."
"It looks like he is in love with Jake. Not me. Not anymore."
"It's because he doesn't remember you but he remembers Jake." Leon said and I knew he was right but still.. "I met Sherry today. She is pretty sad. She thinks Jake loves Piers." I said and Leon rolled his eyes. "Jake loves Sherry and Piers loves you, he just need a time to remember."
"What if he won't remember? What if he will choose Jake over me?" I looked at Leon and he licked his lips. "Then maybe it will be time for you to do something for him instead of Piers sacrificing for you." I blinked. "You mean giving up on him and let him love Jake?" Leon nodded slowly. "Do what's good for him. What will make him happy." He patted my shoulder. "You wanna sleep here?" I shook my head and stood up. "I will come back tomorrow." I smiled sadly before leaving the apartment. I leaned against the front door and closed my eyes. "Piers" I whispered into the dark hall.