The warm glow from Barry Burton's two-story home was a comforting beacon against the chilly Raccoon City night. Jasen and Jill stepped up onto the porch, boots crunching over a thin layer of snow. Laughter and soft music filtered out from behind the door.
Barry answered with a booming, "There they are! Get in here, you two!" He pulled Jill into a one-armed hug and gave Jasen a hearty handshake. "Welcome, brother. Make yourselves at home."
Inside, the house was alive with holiday energy. Christmas lights shimmered along the staircase, and the living room was filled with the scent of pine, roasted meat, and mulled cider. Barry's wife greeted them warmly, introducing their two young daughters who were already knee-deep in wrapping paper and toys.
Chris Redfield, dressed in a short-sleeved plaid button-up and dark jeans, raised a drink in greeting. He looked relaxed and strong as ever. Rebecca Chambers waved cheerfully from the couch, dressed in a red holiday sweater that read: "Science: It's Like Magic, But Real," paired with khakis and white sneakers.
Not long after, the door opened again. Robert Kendo arrived with his wife and daughter. Jasen gave Emma a warm nod as she rushed to join Barry's girls.
Drinks were poured, plates were filled, and for a while the party was simply joyful. Jasen found himself laughing more than he expected. He watched Jill as she smiled and talked with Barry's wife, the firelight making her eyes shimmer.
Later, as the kids tore into a few early presents and Jill, Chris, and Rebecca laughed over some old department story, Barry wandered over to Jasen with a beer.
"Mind if I ask something?" Barry said, voice low but kind. "Why'd you really turn down the STARS spot? No judgment."
Jasen shrugged, keeping his tone casual. "Let's just say I work better independently. And I got issues with liars and power trips."
Barry nodded slowly. "Fair enough."
Moments later, as the group inside got caught up in another round of gift-giving, Jasen caught Robert's eye and gave a slight nod toward the sliding glass door. Barry followed. The three men stepped out into the cold backyard.
Jasen took a deep breath while steadying his thoughts, watching his breath in the cold air. "I need you both to hear me out."
Barry folded his arms, instantly alert. Robert remained quiet.
"By the end of January," Jasen said, "you need to get your families out of Raccoon City. Quietly. No sudden moves, no alarms."
Barry's brow furrowed. "Why?"
Jasen reached into his coat and handed them each a flash drive. "Wesker. Irons. They're dirty. Not just crooked, I mean dangerous. I can't tell you everything yet, but this drive will give you enough."
Robert's jaw clenched. "How dirty?"
"Wesker will sell you all out. Irons is... worse. He hides it well now, but he's unhinged. And when the time comes, they will both help bury this city."
Barry looked at the flash drive, then at Jasen. "You're serious."
"Deadly. Robert, reach out to our mutual friend Leo Kennedy. He'll know what to do. I already made contact. Safe house is ready. I'll confirm the date soon. You get your families out. Don't argue, don't wait."
Robert nodded once. "Understood."
Jasen gave them both a hard look. "This isn't about being a hero. It's about making sure your girls see another Christmas."
They stood silent in the snow for a moment before heading back inside. Their smiles returned, but a shadow lingered behind their eyes.
Back inside, Jasen sat beside Rebecca as she sipped hot cocoa. "You enjoying the party?"
"Yeah! It's nice. Real cozy," she said. "Though I kinda wish I was in a lab running tests on viral inhibitors."
Jasen chuckled. "That tracks. You ever thought about continuing your education? Hopkins has great programs. So do places in Colorado and Boston."
Rebecca lit up. "You think I could get in?"
"With your record? Easily. You let me know, and I'll make some calls."
She smiled wide. "Thanks, Jasen. Hey, when's your birthday?"
"June 15th," he said without hesitation.
Jill, standing nearby, turned toward them. "So you'll be 27 next year?"
"Yep. Getting old."
Rebecca laughed. "Old man Jasen. Got it."
The party went on into the night. The children giggled while playing, and the adults exchanged gifts and stories. Eventually, Jill and Jasen said their goodbyes and stepped back into the snowy evening.
Their breath misted in the cold as they walked home, shoulder to shoulder.
"That was nice," Jill said.
"Yeah. Felt almost normal," Jasen replied.
They reached their apartment building. Jill turned to him with a warm smile. "Thanks for tonight."
Jasen hesitated, then pulled her into a hug. It lingered.
As they pulled back, their eyes met. No words.
They both leaned in, lips meeting in a slow, meaningful kiss. It lasted only seconds, but it left both breathless.
"That was nice," Jill murmured.
"Well worth the wait," Jasen said softly.
She smiled, cheeks tinged with red. "Goodnight, Jasen."
"Goodnight, Jill."
One last kiss, brief and sweet. Then she slipped into her apartment, and Jasen returned to his.
Inside, he grabbed the phone and called Leo Kennedy.
"Jasen," Leo greeted. "Merry Christmas."
"Same to you, old man. You holding up?"
"Can't complain. Leon's top of his class at the academy. Proud of that boy."
"You should be. Hey... package is on standby." Codes that Leo taught Jasen for when handling jobs that required hiding clients their family members. From the number of clients to the importance of their protection. Determining if they need a pick up or they will be dropped off, and the location in code for the safe house.
A pause. "How many?"
"Five. Treat them like ladies."
"Drop-off date?"
"To be determined. Probably end of the month."
Leo grunted. "Alright. Redlight NYE is open. Password is 'Midnight Frost.'"
"Got it. I'll reach out again with the delivery time."
"Roger that."
Jasen hung up, then stood in the quiet of his apartment, watching snow drift past the window. The night had been warm, full of love and laughter... but shadows were gathering. Soon, everything would change.
But not tonight.
Tonight, he let the peace settle in and finally closed his eyes to rest.