Chapter 15 - Resignation

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|- Extremely Long Chapter - | (making up for the false alarm, I still feel baddd!!)

(The chapter might be taken down and immediately reuploaded, if some scenes won't load.)

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⚠️ This chapter contains scenes that might bring you discomfort. If you want to skip that part that starts with (!!!) this, you may read the rest where it starts with this (*)! ⚠️

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9:12 P.M

"What?" Chris asks, shock written all over his features, his fingers pressed against his earpiece as he listens intently. The entire team watches, held in a silent moment of tense worry. "Where are you now?"

Right after you announced the final synopsis to the team, Luis got in touch through his earpiece with Chris. The expression on Chris's face tells you that he bears bad news. Your anxiety mounts as you wait in the quietness, watching him as he talks. 

You clutch your notebook tightly, your heart racing, hoping that everything is alright.

"Do you want me to send Piers or Carlos?...Alright. We'll be waiting." He says, before ending the communication with Luis through his earpiece. He seems troubled and frustrated.

"What happened?"

"What's going on?" Carlos and Claire ask, their faces etched with concern. Chris lets out a sigh, his hand coming to rest on the back of a nearby chair.

"They have found people infected with the parasite..." Your eyes widen in shock, making eye contact with Claire. "Outside of Vinderline, inside a forest."

"What?" Carlos's disbelief echoes through the room.

"Does that mean that-"

"The samples have been used," Chris announces, his disappointment palpable from the tone in his voice. It's a fear he's had since the mission began, and now it's come to pass. 

Piers clenches his jaw, exhaling heavily as he rises from his seat, seeming clearly frustrated by the news.

"What did Luis say?" Claire asks.

"He's with Leon. They're in contact with his agency, arranging to take over and transport the bodies here for examination." The room falls into a heavy silence, each of the remaining members processing the situation and contemplating their next move. But what can you really do when you don't even know where the remaining samples are at?

"What's the plan, captain?" Piers asks, his voice steady despite the frustration he's obviously feeling. Chris looks around at the team, until his gaze eventually finds on you, and soon he approaches you.

"(y/n)... I will need you to assist Luis in obtaining blood samples and anything else he requires for surgical removal," he requests, instead of ordering. Something that confuses you a bit. Chris has been...acting weird today in general. Or maybe everything's in your head.. 

"Okay. You can count on me, Chris." You respond with assurance, maintaining your professional tone. You already did the dirty job, by taking care of the bodies from the island a few weeks back. Wouldn't hurt to help with two more.

Chris takes a deep breath, nodding, before turning his attention back to the rest of the team. "Carlos, Piers, I want you to maintain constant contact with the others. Be prepared to assist with transport," he leads. Turning to Claire, he continues, "Claire, I want you to take (y/n) to the HQ's operating room and return immediately."

"Understood," Claire affirms with a nod.

"I want everyone to be prepared. This is going to be a long night."

--

"Alright, Leon, Chris is waiting—" Luis gets interrupted by a loud thud, coming from the trunk of his car. He turns around to find Leon, who's just finished placing the bodies inside. "Oye cabrón! You really put the Ganados inside my car?!" He exclaims irritated.

"We have no other vehicle, Luis, "Leon replies, making his way to the passenger seat. "We need to get going."

"La próxima vez métetelo en el culo. (Next time shove them up your ass.)" Luis grumbles under his breath, following suit into the driver's seat.

The two men get settled in their seats and buckle their seatbelts. Leon lets out a slow exhale, gazing out the window while Luis adjusts himself. Turning the car's engine to life, suddenly-

~ Rompe, rompe, rompe bien guilla'o, Rompe, rompe, rompe ese cuerpo ella lo ~

Leon shifts his gaze to the radio, then slowly turns to look at Luis.

"What? I've been behind the wheel for an hour; I had to entertain myself somehow, eh."

"Just get us out of here," Leon says, and Luis steers the car away from the crime scene.

----

10:00 P.M

Vera walks towards the bed, her hands smoothing the hand cream across her palms. Vector lies on the bed, his gaze fixed on the bedroom door, lost in his thoughts. After their meeting with Chris and the revelation about their daughter's operation, both of them are visibly troubled.

Vera glances at Vector before settling down beside him, his gaze still distant. A heavy sigh escapes her lips, drawing his attention.

"What's wrong?" he asks.

"Are you seriously asking me that?" Vera shakes her head, the clock's ticking the only sound in the room, masking the silence. "(y/n) was almost killed, and you're asking me what's wrong?" Though her voice sounds soft, it still carries an edge of frustration. Vector remains silent. "What were they thinking, sending her there?" She asks quietly in disbelief.

"To provide medical assistance for her team if necessary, Vera. Isn't that her assignment?"

"They can get that medical help in the operating room," she interjects. "It's not her job to risk her life."

"You can't blame Chris for that," Vector states, adjusting the covers. "And why are you so surprised? You and I knew very well what (y/n) might be getting into when Chris asked for our help."

"I know, but he still promised us her safety, and she almost got killed on the first mission."

"That's not his fault. Stop blaming him," Vector insists, his voice firm. Vera turns her head to look at him, her brows furrowing in frustration and confusion. She shakes her head and looks away, arms crossed.

"How can you be so calm after everything you heard today?"

"Because one of us has to be," he sits upright. "I was shocked by the news as well, but staying on it won't change anything. (y/n) is safe, and Chris will make sure she remains in the operating room from now on." Vera shakes her head, looking away from him. Her arms crossed.

"If you hadn't been so insistent..." She mumbles, causing Vector to tilt his head at her words.

"What are you trying to say?" he asks, sitting up further. "That all this is my fault?"

Vera stays momentarily silent, breaking eye contact, and conveying her answer. He scoffs.

"(y/n) is the one who agreed to go at the end of the day. She's a grown woman who can make her own decisions," Vector leans closer. "You didn't seem to express any concerns about the danger during the meeting back then." The tension between the married couple begins to escalate. "Don't pin this on me, because you knew something like this could happen. Remember back when-"

"You know how much I love the Redfields, but working for them is something I'm still trying to forget," Vera interjects, automatically letting the old memories resurface. "And I don't want either of our daughters to go through the same thing," she continues, leaning in closer to him. "You want her to chase a job she clearly doesn't want, all for the sake of money. This will only push her further from us, Vector. You need to understand that."

Vector takes a deep breath, his anger steaming beneath the surface. He pushes the covers aside forcefully, standing up from the bed. "I think it's best if we end this conversation here. I have a morning shift ahead," he says, grabbing a pillow. With that, he leaves the bedroom, slamming the door behind him.

----

2:01 A.M.

"I see you're fast, eh?" Luis compliments, carefully securing the blood sample and DNA he's gathered from the deceased Ganado. You finish stitching him up, neatly cutting the thread with your scissors.

"I mean, I try," you reply, setting aside the stained tools and removing your gloves. "Especially with cases like this one." Luis chuckles in agreement. 

While Luis seems to find this amusing, you are beyond disturbed by your current task. Not only disturbed but nauseous as well. The horrific and disgusting sight of the dead Ganado and the awful smell of course would be enough behind the reason you wanted to be quick with this. And the worst of all, there is another one awaiting your examination.

This experience is a reminder of one of the reasons you want to become a musician instead. 

"Ready for the final corpse, señorita?" You nod, and Luis takes a step back, adjusting his apron, before he holds onto the bed's handles and starts wheeling it towards the door. "I'll take him to the laboratory while you prepare the next one."

"Alright," you say as you watch Luis exit the B.S.A.A.'s operating room, leaving you alone.

Taking a deep breath, you adjust your own apron and secure your mask. Slipping on fresh gloves, you pick up another set of clean tools, ready for the final corpse. Returning, you reach for the large scissors beside you, aiming to cut the woman out of her clothes, because there is no way you are touching her.

Moving towards the operating table, you carefully start to cut the woman free, beginning with her jacket. Suddenly, your scissors halt mid-air, as a faint crackling sound emanates from the woman's pocket.

Frowning, you momentarily pause, setting your scissors aside. You redirect your attention to the Ganado and slowly begin to search her pockets. Soon enough to your surprise, you retrieve a crumpled piece of paper, its edges stained with dried blood and the letters barely readable. Yet, you manage to read them.

'My name is Olivia Waller and I am 32 years old. If you're reading this letter, that means I am no longer alive or myself. I don't have much time, as I am hiding while writing this. I don't know how I ended up in this place, but I am infected with a goddamn parasite. They call it Plaga..I was forcefully injected with it, and I haven't been the same since. Weird things are happening here. Rituals, sacrifices, some very sickening stuff. Apparently, I am their chosen one, believing that I will be the one to spread their "gift" with my condition..I can hear his voice inside my head. I feel my body slowly losing control. I don't know how this is possible. I have...strange visions of his face. It's completely distorted..I heard his name by some people who act and look weird..praising him constantly. Lord Saddler, lord Saddler, and I can't help but think if they became like that because of that injection...I don't want to become like them. I can't turn like these things, because they are no longer humans. I don't want to suffer anymore...Not now..with my baby on the way-'

Your eyebrow raises as you read the last sentence before you shift your gaze to the corpse. Swiftly unzipping her jacket, her baby bump comes into view. Your eyes widen, and an inaudible gasp escapes your mouth as you take a step back. Tears well up in your eyes at the sight before you. Your heart beats heavily as you quickly turn your attention back to the letter.

'She's the only thing that kept me going the past few days. The only thing that stopped me from ending my suffering. I am only staying alive for her. I will fight for us till my last breath. If I won't make it and you find this letter...if there's still a chance to save my little baby, name her Elena...and tell her that her mother loves her. Please promise me that-.'

Covering your mouth in shock, tears begin to stream down your cheeks as you finish reading the letter. Leaning against the nearby desk, a knot of sorrow tightens in your stomach. It's almost unbelievable to imagine. The tragedy of an innocent woman with a baby on the way...her life snuffed out in such a horrific way, all to satisfy Saddler's twisted desires.

"What the fuck....what—what the fuck...." you whisper between soft sobs, before straightening and looking at the mother, then down at her belly.

Anger rises in you, mingling with grief. You just can't fathom how an ordinary person got involved in this nightmare, her life taken out in such a horrifying way.

And you working with this team, means you're exposed to this risk too...who's to say you won't be next?

As the thoughts begin to get deeper, fear entangling with your overthinking, your mind becomes a blur. Chris promised protection, but can he truly ensure your safety? You don't want to end up like...her.

Breaking free from your torturous thoughts, you turn your gaze back to the corpse. You gently place your palm against the baby bump, pressing carefully and softly in several areas, hoping for any sign of life. As expected, there's no response. It would be a miracle if she survived.

Sniffling, you carefully tuck the piece of paper into your pocket and pick up the scissors to continue freeing the woman from her filthy clothes. As you glance at the baby bump again, you struggle to contain the welling emotions threatening to spill over. You resolve not to disturb the baby..You'll leave her where she belongs. With her mother...

As you hear the doors behind you swing open, you quickly wipe your tears away with the back of your hand. Luckily, your mask hides most of your emotions.

"Is the body ready?" you hear Luis ask as he approaches.

"Uh-" you clear your throat and nod. "Give me five minutes, and I'll get the blood sample." Luis's steps suddenly halt as his gaze lands on the woman's baby bump. His expression softens as he moves closer.

"She was pregnant, eh?" Luis asks softly, looking down at the deceased.

"...Yeah,"you reply, the lump in your throat making your voice waver, the tears threatening to return.

You'll complete the task assigned to you. Not for the team, not for yourself. But for this mother, so she can finally rest in peace, alongside her little baby girl.

----

2:59 A.M

Entering the main room of the bunker, you press your palm against your pocket, ensuring the letter is securely tucked. Your desperate gaze scans the area, searching for Chris. Piers and Carlos are absent, leaving Leon seated at the table, your notebook and analysis in his hands.

He knows.

As the doors close behind you with a resounding thud, Leon lifts his gaze. His sleepless eyes lock with your red, teary ones, both sharing the same pain for different reasons. Looking into his eyes, you express your plea to leave this place and return to the life you knew before you accepted this shit-ass job.

Leon's gaze, however, tells a different story. It tells words of exhaustion that run deeper than physical weariness. He's tired of this endless nightmare, one that's begun to corrupt him, body and soul.

Breaking eye contact, Leon's gaze returns to the notebook in his hands, while you cast a fleeting glance at Chris, who stands in the corner, disappointment carved on his features. He carries the burden of what's happened today, blaming himself for not arriving on time. The confirmation of the deaths, and the realization that the samples have been used, weighs heavily on him. Who knows if they are the only victims? Who knows that there aren't more of them out there?

The most important question now is: who knows that those samples...have not even been multiplied?

You can't comprehend this fucking situation. You are not made for stuff like this. No matter how much you tried to push the paranoid thoughts away, you never accomplished that. You now realize how close you came to dying. How incredibly lucky you were to escape with just a broken nose. This encounter might just be the sign you needed to take drastic measures.

You make your way towards him, determined to talk to him and announce to him a decision of yours you took.

Chris soon lifts his head at the sound of your footsteps. Slight anticipation swirls in his body as he sees you approaching him.

"Are you done with the infectors?" he asks, giving you a look of sympathy, and understanding. The main room is mysteriously quiet, and his words carry a gentle note.

"Yeah. Luis took the blood samples and their bodies. He'll examine them further in his laboratory," you reply, your face reflecting exhaustion, grief, and numbness. You steal a glance at Leon, engrossed in your notes, before returning your attention to Chris. "Can I talk to you for a second? It's important."

"Of course," Chris agrees, and you both step inside the operating room. As the door closes, your gaze falls on the doorknob. You stand motionless for a moment, then your hand reaches into your pocket, pulling out the letter. You walk back to Chris, handing it to him. He looks at the letter, then back at you.

"What's this?" he asks, unfolding the filthy paper.

"Read it, and you'll understand," you pause as Chris's eyes wander around the letter, your eyes fixated on it as well. "Consider this letter...as my resignation."

Chris's gaze shifts to you, disbelief written on his face. Your decision feels like a betrayal. What you are doing right now is more than wrong, because you basically leave the team hanging, now that the mission is in crucial waters. But after what you saw, your heart just tells you to stop this, as soon as possible. 

From the moment Chris approached you about this mission, you had your doubts. But your lovey-dovey interest in Leon, Chris's reassurance, and Claire's friendship kept you going for two months.

"Are you sure about this, (y/n)?" he asks. You take a deep breath, nodding in response. Guilt trips over you already at his question.

"I know that yesterday I said that I still want to stay in the team, and it's completely wrong of me to take that answer back now," you begin to talk, your voice almost stammering. "I can't do this anymore, Chris. I tried, believe me- but the things I keep on seeing and hearing are just.." You struggle to articulate the situation. Chris surely has witnessed far worse, but you haven't. Watching that lifeless young woman on the table felt like a warning to you. Stay away, or else you'll end up like her. 

You take a deep breath, trying to find the right words, to make him understand. "You will have every right to be mad at me right now but- I am- not the right person to help you with this, Chris." You want to say so much, yet you struggle to express your thoughts and emotions, which frustrates you.

Silence hangs in the air. Chris tries to process your words. As you think about this further, another realization hits you. Piers was right all along...

"I understand.." he finally says. You look at him surprised because you surely didn't expect him to give you that response. Today in general, he has been really easygoing with you, and you can't figure out the reason why. "Even though you leave the team..hanging, I will not try to convince you to stay. It is not right and after all, you are just a young nursing student with so much to do and live for."

You break eye contact, looking at the floor, feeling that you've let Chris down. He gets closer to you and places his hand on your shoulder, offering you comfort. "Thank you for what you did these two months."

"Thank you, for the opportunity, Chris." You say, making him give you a gentle smile. You slowly reach your desk, and grab your belongings before you start to approach the exit.

"(y/n)..?" You stop. Your hand is placed on the doorknob as you turn around to look at Chris. "Take care of yourself."

You nod and muster a small, grateful smile before opening the door and stepping out of the operating room. As it clicks shut behind you, your gaze instinctively seeks out Leon once more, engrossed in your analysis.

The last time you will see him. Something that really saddens you.

Making your way towards him, you take a seat on a nearby chair beside him. Your eyes follow his gaze, his legs spread and his elbows supported on his knees. 

Both of you are seated in silence. Your eyes trace the lines of his hands, his still gauzed palm now stained with filth from his quest today. His head is bowed, carrying his own burdens. Maybe, after all, you're actually starting to understand why Leon has always been like this from the moment you met him. Distant and so... cold. This whole situation with the Ganado only has crushed you.

Still, there are many tangled sides of Leon that you'll never be able to unravel.

You're tempted to reach out, to offer some form of comfort, but you hesitate. You believe that Leon may not want this. So, instead, you quietly gather your belongings and rise from your seat, heading towards the exit.

"You're leaving?" his voice reaches you from a distance, making you turn around. His eyes meet yours. 

"Yeah," you reply softly, before the doors of the base slide open, allowing you to step outside. "Goodnight, Leon."

Leon nods, looking down once more. "Goodnight."

With that, the doors close behind you, leaving Leon as the last person you see inside the base.

----

(!!!)

The woman squirms and writhes as she's forcibly laid down on a filthy concrete table. Her mouth is gagged, her limbs tied, and tears stream down her cheeks as her eyes dart around in terror.

His name is called, being praised as the syringe gets into his hand. 

"El lord, Saddler..."

"Pitiful lamb," he murmurs soothingly, his fingers caressing her face, his gaze filled with admiration as he looks at her helpless form. "Do not resist," he whispers, his blade's tip touches lightly against her trembling neck. "Accept it,"

Just then, with a gentle push,

A muffled scream escapes her as the parasite gets injected into her veins, his hand resting against her clothed belly.

"Let it consume you. Let the gift spread to the unborn life within you. Let the gift spread...to the world."

16 syringes are left...

(*)

----

10:02 A.M

A heavy morning rose ahead for the team after last night's events. Leon's encounter with the two Ganados, Saddler's announcement of survival, and the use of the syringes had left them all exhausted, yet more focused on the mission than ever before, now that they finally have the most important intel.

The survivor. And they are more than determined to hunt him down. For good this time.

Seated at the center of the empty table, Chris observes his team before extracting the letter from his coat pocket. As Piers, the final member of the team, returns to the base, after a quest, Chris watches him enter, deciding it is time to break the stillness and deliver the news.

"I would like to talk to all of you for a bit," he states firmly, capturing the attention of the team. They slowly all gather, including Luis, who walks out from the base's laboratory and joins them at the table. Claire, Leon, Carlos, Piers, and Luis settle into their seats, leaving one chair obviously empty.

(y/n)'s.

Chris's gaze returns to the team, leaning forward and clasping his hands.

"I'm in the saddened position to announce to you that (y/n) is no longer part of the team." Piers leans forward from her chair, as Carlos and Luis exchange looks. 

"What?" Claire exclaims in disbelief.

Leon, however, appears...surprised. His brows furrowed, his lips parted in confusion, unaware of why she is suddenly no longer with them. Especially now, when he had started training her, when she had begun to open up, and him getting used to her company.

"Before we continue with the mission, I suggest we all find a trustworthy medical professional to join our team," Chris continues, looking at each member. "We have only one week to find that person."

"Chris, you can't be serious." Claire scoffs. "Why did she even leave?" She asks, trying to get a clear answer.

Instead, Chris unfolds the piece of paper and places it open in the center of the table, a subtle indication of his response.

"She found this letter in one of the bodies, during the autopsy," he pauses, his gaze fixed on the crew. Everyone falls silent as Claire takes the letter in her hands and begins to read aloud. All eyes, including Chris's, are fixed on her as she reads.

"-and tell her that her mother loves her. Please promise me that." Claire finishes, leaving everyone in melancholic silence. She sighs, placing the letter back on the table. Chris eyes every movement.

"After a conversation, (y/n) and I concluded that for her safety, it would be best to end her assignment here. What you all need to do is respect this decision and follow my orders," he adds.

"You both came to the decision? Or she did?" Piers interjects, his voice resolute and steady. 

"It's a decision we both made," Piers scoffs in response, not believing a single word.

"I said from the very beginning that (y/n) was not ready to carry such an important role, since she was completely inexperienced in this field," he raises his voice. "You were insistent on keeping her on the team, and I was portrayed as the bad guy for suggesting she leave, all so we wouldn't have to endure any losses. And suddenly, you both reach this agreement, after two months? When we're just a few steps away from finally locating and capturing Saddler?" He crosses his arms. "When she was hardly needed, everything was fine. At the first sign of difficulty, she leaves?"

Leon looks at Piers. Annoyance is shown all over his face at his harsh words, not understanding that to (y/n), situations like this are unfamiliar and can be terrifying. Something Leon could deeply relate to a long time ago. Piers wasn't wrong. In fact, he was more than right. But his constant degradation of someone who had genuinely tried her best only fueled Leon's anger.

"She was needed from the time she got assigned, Piers," Claire speaks up.

"By who?"

"By me," Leon responds. Claire's gaze instantly shifts to him. Surprise is written on her face. "She did an excellent job taking care of me and the rest of the team whenever we needed her. She helped with the bodies on the island, helped me escape in Rosewood, completed a full analysis in a day, and assisted Luis with autopsies in just three hours." A momentary silence hangs in the air, as Leon leans back in his chair, reminding them all of her true value to the team. "So I suggest you speak more respectfully of her in front of me."

He had to become her voice.

"Ella es caliente (she's hot) as well.." Luis smirks under his mumbling. Everyone looks at Luis for a moment, causing his smirk to fade. "But yeah she also did all that too."

"You misunderstood my words. I never said she wasn't capable of-"

"From the very first day she got here, your words made me understand perfectly well," Leon interrupts him. Piers scoffs, leaning back.

"You can have her as your personal nurse then, Leon," he says, looking back at Leon.

"I will." Leon retorts, their threatening gazes penetrating each other.

"Let's not start arguing now," Carlos suggests, ending the small conflict between Leon and Piers before it escalates. He then looks back at Chris. "So, what do we do now?"

"We continue searching and try to decode any hidden message in the letter. In the meantime, we press on in our search for Saddler," he declares firmly. "We know he's in the states, so we need to stay vigilant." Chris stands up from his seat. "Everyone can return to their tasks." 

The small meeting comes to an end, and everyone rises from their seats. Chris's gaze lands soon to Leon.

"Leon, may I have a word with you?" Leon nods, moving towards Chris. "I will need you to investigate the forest, with Piers and Carlos once we have a doctor. Will you be able to do that?"

"Why did she leave, Chris?" Leon asks, disregarding the request. Chris looks away, then back at Leon.

"Because she had no other choice," Chris replies in a hushed tone. It didn't exactly answer Leon's question, but he didn't press further. He simply gives a firm nod.

"I'll see what I can do," Leon replies, and Chris nods before leaving Leon, heading towards the base's exit, leaving Leon and the rest of the team behind, once again-

Without a doctor.

----

It is 1:30 in the afternoon. 

You barely got sleep last night as the flashbacks of the letter, and the woman were replaying in your mind the whole night. A strange sensation of unreality washes over you as if the moments you're living don't quite belong to reality. It's like another odd dream that you expect to wake up from any moment.

That unsettling feeling of unease clings to you. You're still grappling with guilt for leaving Chris's team abruptly, though deep down, you believe that maybe- what happened is for the best. 

Your body sinks into the couch, the television shifting through channels in a hopeless attempt to divert your thoughts. Suddenly, the doorbell of your home rings, snapping your attention.

Rising from the couch, you head towards the door. As you open, you find your father standing there, his dark brown coat in his hand, a plastic bag containing a box of pastries.

"Hello, (y/n)," he greets you with a smile. You can't help but feel a surge of anger towards him. He played a role in this mess too. If he hadn't suggested this path in the first place, you wouldn't have found yourself entangled in shit like this.

...Fuck. There's no one else to blame. Only your people-pleasing ass..

"I brought you eclairs." He offers. You say nothing. You simply step aside to let your father into your home. After he steps in, you shut the door behind him and return to the living room, reclining on the couch.

Your father follows, placing the box on the coffee table. He takes off his coat and places it over the armchair before sitting down. His eyes flit to the TV, to the program you're immersed in watching. The room is drenched in silence, punctuated only by his occasional glances in your direction.

"Aren't you gonna eat one?" he speaks up, motioning towards the box. "After all, they're your favorite."

"I'm not hungry right now," you reply bluntly, your eyes not leaving the screen.

"I see." Your dad murmurs. The room falls into silence once more for a while. "How have you been? We haven't talked in quite a while."

"I've been fine." He nods slowly at your response.

"You didn't stop by at all for almost a month. Mom wanted to see you."

"She should have answered my calls." You hear him sigh, leaning forward and folding his hands as his gaze remains fixed on the screen. You feel a pang of guilt once again and decide to change your answer. "I was busy,"

"Getting recovered, hm?" Your eyes meet your father's after his question.

"What do you mean?" 

"Mom and I know everything. There's no need to hide it anymore." He takes the remote and turns off the TV. His action prompts you to sit up slowly. "Helen visited the hospital. She mentioned that you went to George's hospital to have your nose operated on."

Helen, you're a cunt.

"Okay? What do you want me to do?"

"Is that all you have to say?" he asks. "Why did you keep it from us?"

"I didn't keep it from you," you lie. "I just didn't think it was that important to tell you in the first place."

"And this is why you avoided us for three weeks?" he asks sarcastically. "Was the mission with Chris behind your accident?" Your silence gives the answer he seeks. "So it was, hm?"

"Yes, dad, it was, and I really don't want to continue this conversation," you pause, taking the box of pastries in your hands. "If you came all this way just to start lecturing me, then thank you, but I'll pass."

"I'm not here to lecture you. I'm here because I missed my daughter and wanted to see her." Your dad says.

"Then let's put an end to this discussion and talk about something else. I don't want to discuss my accident or this job anymore." You're unsure whether to tell your father that you've stopped working with Chris. But he'll find out eventually. It's better if the news comes from you first. "Because it doesn't matter anymore...I stopped working for Chris."

"What?" He asks, stunned. You nod, taking a bite of your pastry. "Why?"

"We talked, and he thought it would be best if he found someone else to take over my position." You lie again because telling him the truth would likely disappoint him since he always had a soft spot for Chris.

And you want to avoid further drama.

"I see." Your dad mumbles, briefly averting his eyes before looking back at you. "And what will you do now?"

You take a deep breath, not wanting to dive into further details, like the real reason behind it. "I'll pick up where I left off," you announce, looking back at your father. "Just know that by next week, I'll be... back at your hospital."

----

Tic, toc, tic, toc...

The doors to the serene office glide open, revealing Ada at the doorway. Her heels create a steady rhythm as she gracefully advances into the room. The guards seal the door behind her, leaving her alone with the boss. He stands at the window, his gaze fixed on the bustling city below.

"I came in contact with Ares. The nurse has left the team," she informs in her calm, measured voice, shattering the silence. His fingers tap gracefully against the arm of his chair, giving a subtle nod.

"Good," he swivels his chair around, meeting the mercenary's eyes. "You understand the mission at hand," he leans forward. "I don't trust him. Betrayal is always a possibility. I'm entrusting this task to you." Ada nods. "I want your dog and his nurse in my office. The sooner, the better."

"As you wish."

----

11:00 P.M

- 3 Days Later -

His fingers gently clutch under her chin, coaxing her to face him. Their eyes lock, exchanging unspoken words of love and desire. He is a man of few words, preferring actions to express himself. There he stands proudly, killing her softly with his gaze, a touch that sends shivers all over her body.

"Let me prove my worth to you," he speaks softly, in hushed tones. His thumb presses gently against her bottom lip.

He is aware of the power he holds over her, and he intends to use it to show his love and devotion daily, cherishing and praising her as if she were the only person left in his life.

His index finger traces down her bare arm, reaching her hip. With the other hand, he cups her cheek, drawing her closer.

Their lips then meet, engaging in a delicate dance of tongues and synchronized movements. The sweet taste of his lips blends beautifully with hers-

The sudden chime of the doorbell drags you away from the novel's embrace. Closing your book, you put it aside on the couch before you stand up and make your way to the door. 

As you open, you find no one but her.

"Long time no see, baby sister!" Ava greets you. You stand there for a moment, unfazed by her arrival. You glance at her suitcase, then back at her, before closing the door in her face and returning to the living room.

You lie back down on the couch, picking up your book to continue where you left off. A few seconds later, you hear keys unlocking your door.

"Now I knew you'd do that, so I always come prepared." Ava tosses the keys onto the table and stows her suitcase beneath the dining table. "Do you have coffee?"

"In the pot," you reply wearily, refocusing on your book. Ava enters the kitchen, and after a few moments, she walks out with a mug of coffee, settling across from you. She takes a sip before placing the mug on the coffee table.

"Now tell me, what's wrong?"

You take a deep breath, not knowing what to even say to your sister. It's been four days since you left. Four days that led you back to a life before the mission. Work, piano, books, and aloneness...

This isolation also makes you miss Sadie, even though you're trying to move on. It's been three months since you lost contact with her, and you find it tragic at how abruptly this friendship ended.

You feel so fucking alone.

"What do you mean?" You clear your throat. "Nothing's wrong."

"You didn't answer my calls, you didn't ask me why I have a suitcase, and you've got dark circles under your eyes. That's enough to tell me something's troubling you."

"I don't need to be a genius to figure out why you're here with a suitcase," you pause, sitting up. "You had another fight with Aiden again."

"Well, as crazy as it will sound, no we didn't," Ava says, taking another sip of her coffee. "I came over because I want to spend some time with you, you know, like the good old days," she adds, playfully nudging you. "So, tell me, (y/n), what's going on?" she insists. You sigh before you close and place the book on the coffee table slowly.

"Nothing, really. I'm just a bit tired. I worked in a demanding place for quite some time, and it drained me a bit."

"Yeah, mom and dad filled me in with the job you were assigned to." You raise an eyebrow. 

"They did?"

"Yeah, at the MSIA hospital, since dad's friend was short-staffed," Ava explains.

"Oh...yeah. Yeah, that." You play along, crossing your legs in a meditative position. You've promised Chris not to reveal anything about the mission to anyone other than your parents, so you have to keep it a secret.

"How was it though?- Met anyone interesting there?" She asks, wiggling her eyebrows. The first person that comes to your mind after Ava's question is Leon of course.

Leon...

You can't believe this, but you haven't seen him for 4 days, and you miss him.

But god, all the embarrassing moments you've shared with him...His presence alone is enough to trigger PTSD.

"No, not really." You reply, before you look back at her, your expression changing to sincerity. "Thank you for coming. I mean it."Ava smiles, placing the mug on the coffee table, then sitting beside you and hugging you from the side. She can tell you're not okay, and you appreciate that she respects your decision not to talk about it. "If you would bring Irene, it would be much better too."

"You want me to call Aiden and ask him to bring her over?" She soothingly asks. "She missed you, you know? Where's auntie (y/n)?" She mimics her daughter's voice, prompting a chuckle from you.

"If you're gonna come over tomorrow bring her over, that would be great." 

"Uhm, you don't understand," Ava pulls away. "I'm staying here for a few days," she announces, standing up. "Now, get up, and let's go get coffee or shopping. You choose."

You groan, sinking back on the couch lazily. "Can we do it tomorrow? I'm really not in the mood to socialize."

"You're never in the mood to socialize because you are yourself socially awkward. We've seen that 15 chapters now." Ava teases, making you raise an eyebrow.

"What?"

"Nothing," Ava sighs, sitting back down. "But tomorrow, we're going outside, even if it's just for a walk." You nod, without protesting.

"You have my word, Ava. Tomorrow it is."

----

"OVER HERE!" Ada's voice resonates from a distance within Umbrella's half-destroyed building. Leon's senses spring into action, pushing him towards the source. Soon, he spots Ada seated on the grimy floor, a knife entrenched in her thigh. Relief washes over him as he hurries to her side.

"Ada.." he breathes, his worry evident."I was getting worried there for a sec..." he pauses, kneeling beside her, scanning the injury on her leg.

"I can't get it out." Ada's voice sounds weakened, her gaze discouraged as pain carves on her face.

"I- I don't know if I...should uh..-"

"Just do it, I can't walk like this." Ada's interruption is firm, sounding irritated. Leon nods, steeling himself. He places his hand on the hilt of the blade, pulling it out swiftly, prompting a groan from Ada.

"Hold on..." Leon murmurs, discarding the blade and retrieving a napkin and a small bottle of alcohol from his vest. He pours some alcohol onto the napkin, then gently presses it against Ada's wound.

"I can do it myself-"

"Just relax...okay?" Leon's voice is gentle as his palm is pressing steady against her wounded thigh. Ada winces as he finds a piece of rope on the rocky ground, using it to bind her leg.

"So, what do we do now?"

"Get yourself out of here. While you still can." Ada says between breaths, her gaze facing his.

"I'm not just gonna leave you. Not like this." Leon insists, gesturing to her injured leg. Ada shakes her head.

"You don't understand. The situation is worse than I thought." 

"You're not getting rid of me that easy..." Leon says, his voice filled with determination and his eyes locked on Ada. "You protected me. Now it's my turn."

- 

"I will take you with me," The intruder roars, consumed by rage at this point at Leon's reflexes. Just then, he presses the side of his rifle harshly against Leon's neck, making it difficult for him to breathe. "Either alive or dead."

Leon is fighting his best to push him away from him, the oxygen begins to be Leon's need. Choking for air, he places both his hands against the rifle that is pressed hard against his neck, writhing beneath the attacker. Desperate grunts leave Leon's throat, trying to break free. His vision begins to blur, at this point, desperate to fill his lungs with a bit of oxygen.

Until,

The intruder's pressure immediately becomes loose as (y/n) jumps out of the trunk, and wraps her arms around the intruder's neck from behind, forcefully pulling him away from Leon. 

Choking on air, the intruder fights against her grasp, causing both of them to fall to the ground. The intruder's rage strengthens as he attempts to break free, but she holds on to him for dear life.

Leon coughing, rolls over on the dusty ground. His elbows support his weight, his chest falling and rising violently as he's trying his best to regain consciousness. His eyes shift to the intruder lifting his gun and striking a painful hit against (y/n)'s face, causing her to collapse in the trunk of the van. Her forearms soon get covered in her blood.

Leon becoming fully aware of the situation, swiftly regains his footing and picks up his dusty pistol from the ground, immediately to disarm the attacker.

-

"She could be dead back at Rosewood, and all of that because I was unable to protect her as I promised," Leon replies sternly to Chris, his cold gaze returning as if a switch had been flipped, yet the tone in his voice conveys remorse and guilt. "She tried to fight one of the armed men that ambushed me, in order to help me escape their grasp. That man she fought against could easily pull the trigger and end her life in a second..."

-

"You protected me. Now it's my turn."

-

Leon leans against the doorframe of the operating room, his gaze locked on his stitched palm. He flexes his hand, opening and closing it slowly, lost in his thoughts. The rest of the team is engrossed in their task of identifying Saddler's location.

Soon, he feels a gentle hand on his shoulder. Turning his head, his eyes track Claire's movement as she steps in front of him.

"You alright?" She asks.

"Yeah," Leon replies, his gaze returning to his palm.

"What are you doing in the operating room?"

"Just thinking. That's all." Leon distantly replies. Claire offers a light smile.

"Y'know, If I didn't know you well, I would assume that you miss her." His eyes immediately snap to Claire's teasing, his expression impassive.

"It's not that, Claire-" he starts, then cuts off his own words, adjusting his gloves. "Do you need anything?" he inquires, changing the subject.

"I'm gonna head to Wiskays. I was wondering if you'd like to join me?" Leon shakes his head in response.

"Thanks, Claire. I'll pass for now." Claire nods, understanding.

"Suit yourself," she says with a faint smile, before leaving Leon to his solitude once more.

Moments later, and suddenly, a faint conversation from the main room catches Leon's attention. Piers and Chris are discussing something, their voices low but tense.

"It's been three days," Piers says with clear frustration in his voice."She's not coming back, and we are losing precious time." 

Leon clenches his fist slowly, his attention drawn to the conversation. Piers stands, leaning in closer to Chris.

"Give me a few hours, and I'll bring you the greatest doctor and soldier." Piers offers. 

Chris remains silent for a moment before sighing heavily."Piers, we need a face of trust."

"And you will have it, captain," Piers reassures him. Chris gives him a nod, and silence covers the busy base for a few seconds until the doors open, letting Piers exit. 

Leon straightens up, stepping out of the operating room and heading toward the main room. His steps are deliberate, filled with determination, as he approaches Chris, who is studying some documents.

"Give me her address," Leon commands, his tone sharp and his gaze intense.

Chris looks up, clearly taken aback by Leon's request. "What?"

"Give me (y/n)'s address, Chris," he repeats. "I need to talk to her."

"What for?"

"That's not something I can discuss with you," Leon states firmly. "I just want you to trust me on this one," 

"I don't think I can do that, Leon," Chris replies, sounding wary.

"Look, I understand you have your reasons, but she's part of the team. We can't just let her walk away like that. We need her back," he says, his voice tinged with determination. 

"She was, Leon," Chris corrects him firmly. "We have to respect her decision and let her go. Piers is already searching for another doctor, someone who's also a qualified soldier," 

Leon ignores Chris's comment, his focus unwavering. "The address, Chris.

With a sigh, Chris places the papers down. "You're too persistent, you know that?"

"When it comes to protecting my team and those I care about, yes, I am persistent," Leon asserts. "Are you going to give me the address now? Or should I ask Claire?"

----

7:30 P.M.

Pulling over his car outside of her house, Leon glances towards the still-lit windows. After engaging the brake, he turns off the engine and unbuckles his seatbelt. Retrieving the small piece of paper with her address, he steps out of his jeep and begins to make his way towards her home.

His footsteps are deliberate as he approaches her front door. His eyes scan the building. Reaching the threshold, he takes a final glance to ensure she is home and awake by checking the window.

"Here goes nothing..." he murmurs, pressing the doorbell. A few moments pass in silence, Leon standing expectantly. No response yet. Just as he's about to ring again, the door swings open, revealing a stranger. A beautiful melody of the piano resonates faintly in the background.

Leon's eyebrows twitch in confusion, yet his face remains stony as he studies the unfamiliar woman in front of him. She leans casually against the doorframe with a faint smile.

"Hey, uh.." Leon starts, but then pauses, looking to the side for a moment before returning his gaze to the woman. She remains silent, her eyes roaming over him. "Is (y/n) here?" he finally asks, his voice steady. Her smile deepens, and she steps back, leaving Leon waiting outside.

--

Finishing your second glass of wine, you place it back on your piano, and continue to play. The bittersweet taste of the alcohol caresses your tastebuds as your fingers expertly move on the black and white keyboards, adoring the walls of your bedroom with the mild melody.

Abruptly, the door swings open, revealing Ava. "(y/n)," she calls out, but you ignore her, immersed in the music. She sighs, walking up to you, and pushes your arms away from the keyboards, before closing the lid. You look up at her irritated. "Can you shut the fuck up with that piano of yours?"

"You're in my house. If you don't like it, there's the door." you retort, blinking lazily. Ava smirks, unfazed, watching you finish the last drop of your already empty glass of wine. "What do you want?"

"There is someone at the door who wants to see you." You frown in confusion, looking up at your older sister. 

"Who?" You ask, until your eyes wide open. "Is it Sadie?"

"No, it's some guy that I surely see for the first time. And he really looks..really good if you ask me." Ava wiggles her eyebrows, teasing you. A guy that wants to see you? That's weird..."Now come on, get up. He's waiting outside." You sigh, rising and adjusting your shirt, making your way to the front door, not really in the mood to socialize after the past few days.

Entering the living room, you make your way towards the open front door. To your surprise, you find Leon standing on your doorstep. You can't help but wonder: How the hell did he get your address, and why is he at your house?

"Leon?" you ask, clearly taken aback as you approach him, resting your hand on the doorknob. Your eyes lock with his, and a small smile tugs at his lips.

"Hey," he greets you, his gaze intent on you.

"What are you doing here? How did you get my address?"

"Chris gave it to me," Leon answers, his smile fading. Surprisingly, his voice takes on an unexpectedly gentle tone. "Are you busy?" he inquires, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on yours.

You ponder for a moment, then it hits you. You shake your head as you leave out an audible scoff. You should expect this. Chris probably sent Leon here to ask you to come back to the base and all that shit. And why the fuck did he send Leon? Why couldn't he come by himself and talk to you? Why are you so mad either way?

"Look, if you came all the way here to ask me to come back to the base, I am sorry but that's not happening. I am not going back no matter what—"

"No, I am not here for that," he reassures you. You arch an eyebrow, surprised.

He keeps surprising you tonight...

"Then..why are you here?" You ask slowly. Your hand clutches the wooden door, and silence descends as Leon hesitates. Finally, he speaks,

"Wanna grab a drink?"

----

Quite nervous to post the next chapter, so I will do a 'post n' run'. XD

Have a great and lovely day, and as always, stay safe and healthy! <3