The Sound of Silence, A Resident Evil Fanfiction

Heat Sickness

Leon could never name a time when he actually liked the month of September. It gave him more heebie-jeebies than he cared to admit, more than even Halloween...

However, he fought to keep his breaths steady, trying his best to stand in one place while the President was off to make preparations for his speech. He wiped a brow; he had been here since morning, making sure all the DSO and FOS agents were in their proper places, and further coordinating with the BSAA for their stations to watch during the event. It was carrying on to noon, and it was a little too warm for his liking.

Not to mention the binder he had around his sixteen-week swollen belly. It was not tight, thankfully, but it was uncomfortable. The baby pitter-pattered against his spine, which didn't help matters at all.

He rubbed his brow. His back hurt, and it felt like he was getting a headache as awfully warm as it was today. He turned and caught sight of the President's limousine. Good. He was here.

"Kennedy to all Agents and BSAA. Everyone in position?"

"Redfield to Kennedy. We're in position."

"Hunnigan to Kennedy. In position."

"Good," Leon responded. He steadied his breaths, trying to remember all his endurance training. Deep breaths, Leon, he mentally told himself. Deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Slow, steady and easy...

He closed his eyes. He focused on his breathing, something to keep his mind off the sore sensation he was having in his lower back. Just breathe. It won't hurt so much.

"You look like a lobster."

Leon found his face flushing. He snipped in the earpiece, "Shut up, Redfield."

"Mmm, lobster," Chris crooned, and Leon couldn't help but melt at the thought. Food...wait, did he eat today? Wait, yes he did! If he didn't then he wouldn't have had any breastmilk to give Cristiana. Come to think of it though, his supply had been dropping lately, even with his appetite.

He shook his head. Stop! Focus! The President was but literally a few yards away. He grumbled, "Talk about food one more time you're eating dirty socks for a week."

"You okay, Kennedy?"

Leon grimaced as Chris asked. He replied as quietly as he could manage, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just...a little uncomfortable."

Chris asked, "Do you need to sit down?"

Leon quickly responded, "Do I - no! I, no, I'll be fine! I, uh..."

"You sure?" Chris asked, concerned. "After all, you are really red.... I think you should sit down, you've been on your feet all day."

Leon scowled. He asked him, "You're going to insist aren't you?"

"Kennedy!"

Leon snapped to attention as soon as the President walked right up. He asked the agent, "Everyone's in place?"

"Yes sir," Leon answered him. "And so far no trouble or suspicious activity."

"Good," The President grinned. He patted Leon's shoulder, causing the agent to slightly buckle a little. He asked, "You all right?"

Leon braved a smile. He told him, "I'm fine. Hot but fine."

"Get some water," the President told him. "I'd hate for my best man to faint on me on public television."

Leon smirked. "A little heat sickness is not going to kill me, sir. But I will, after your speech."

The President nodded and made way for his podium. As soon as he was out of earshot Leon reached to his ear piece.