There will be time for words later, but that time is not now. For now there is only aching relief. Chris’ arms are shaking. Too much even to raise them to put them around Wesker. Wesker puts his arms around him instead and he lends forward. Chris’ heart is thumping in his chest as he leans into the embrace.

Their foreheads press together, eyes closed. They are like a pair of stone pillars in the ruin of an ancient city. Scarred, destroyed, but still standing. Still standing only because they can fall against one another. Each holding the other up.