Chapter 3 - Recovery

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 10:53 A.M. 

The time is almost 11 in the morning, yet, you were awake from dawn. The events that occurred last night, couldn't let you sleep well. In fact, you couldn't sleep at all. The flashbacks were coming and going by the time you got back home. The drama with Sadie, the terror you had felt by that creepy dude-, but mostly-

Leon Kennedy..That mysterious-looking savior.

You still find it crazy how he got there on time, and how easily he confronted the man that was following you. He appeared out of nowhere, and with such ease and swift precision, he immobilized him. 

It all looked and felt like a scene from those sappy romance movies you love to watch—where the love interests meet so unexpectedly— in this specific scenario: the male protagonist appears out of nowhere and saves the woman from someone 'dangerous'. 

Hah...Something so cheesy and kind of cringy at worst to non-hopeless romantics...yet, it is something that actually happened. And...to you.

By remembering better his facial features and figure too...you can't help but think to yourself that he looked extremely attractive as well...

With a sigh, you sit right on the edge of the bed, trying to push those thoughts of this guy away. You don't want to start having feelings over someone you'll never see again, just because he simply helped you out of a scary situation. Which not to also mention...this is another pet peeve of yours.

Falling in love too easily...

Soon, your eyes meet the sleek black piano that stands beautifully beside your desk. Getting off of your bed, you make your way to the instrument and settle down, stretching and wriggling your fingers, before they embrace the keys. 

Playing the piano was also another course of escapism for you. It relaxed you when things were becoming messy, or hopelessly boring. 

You close your eyes, letting your mind travel, and your fingers do their magic...produce one of Beethoven's concertos, specifically No.3. Stepping onto the pedal, you allow each note to reverberate, feeling the vibration of the gentle bass notes resonating through the floor.

Eyes remain closed, head begins to slightly sway to the soothing and delicate rhythm, its beautiful yet melancholic melody. Until—

The doorbell of your home rings and pushes you away almost unpleasantly from the world of peacefulness, the soft cloud you were mentally resting on, throwing you on the hard, wooden floor.

Returning so violently back to reality, you exhale, closing the lid, and get up, making your way outside your room. Once you reach and open the door, you come into sight with a not so unexpected surprise-

Your older sister Ava, with her daughter and one big suitcase. For a moment, you hold onto the doorknob, already used to this view by now.

"Again?" you ask tiredly, removing your hand from the door.

"Hi, Auntie," your 7-year-old niece Irene jumps in with her cute wave and adorable smile to greet you. 

"Hey, Irene." you greet her back with a playful pinch on her nose and a comforting smile, making her chuckle...It's good to see her happy at least...since she was that unlucky to have such a crazy mother. 

Your sister storms inside while holding her daughter's hand, making you automatically step aside.

"This time, we are actually over!" Ava announces with her usual dramatics, bursting her way towards your living room, Irene right behind. "Take my suitcase please!" she calls out, her hands busy removing Irene's jacket. You can't help but roll your eyes.

"This is what you say every time you fight with Aiden!" you shout back just so she can hear you as you step out and reach for the handle of Ava's luggage. 

But attempting to pick it up, gravity pulls you down, because of how heavy it appears to be.  What the fuck did she put inside?

After numerous tries and helpless pants, accompanied by helpless pants and grunts, you finally manage to wrestle the suitcase made of damn stone inside. Closing the door with a relieved sigh, you drag it to the living room entrance, only to find Ava already chilling on your couch, not lifting her pinky to offer some help. Irene sits quietly beside her, nestled into the corner.

"Jesus Christ..." you groan, placing your hands behind the small of your back and straightening your body to hear it crack. "What the hell did you put in here?" you ask between panting breaths.

Ava waves dismissively. "Oh you know. Just all the essentials. My clothes-"

"Made of bricks?" you interject sarcastically.

"Hilarious," Ava rolls her eyes. "My makeup bag, some care products," pausing, she glances over it. "Irene's toys,"

"Good thing you didn't pack the whole damn house," you add, walking over to the living room. "What happened this time?" you question, placing your hands against your hips.

"Make coffee. I'll tell you everything."

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11:10 A.M

The late morning has arrived, and Leon drags himself outside his bedroom, moving towards the kitchen. However, before entering, he sees an arm and a leg dangling on the back of the couch. Rubbing his eyes to clear the blurriness from his sight, he finds Luis still asleep on the soft cushions in his living room, where he legit looks and smells like...ass.

He sighs and murmurs, "Coffee for two, I guess..." before he heads inside the kitchen and approaches the counter. Opening the cabinet, the sound of the dried metal pierces through Luis' eardrums.

"Ahhh cállate idiota!" he curses out through unclear slurs. Leon ignores him, pulling out two mugs to prepare his medication.

Barely minutes later, the coffee is ready. Leon picks and pours the steamy hot liquid into the mugs - the aroma of the caffeine begins to sprawl around the room almost immediately. Both of them black, but making it extra bitter for Luis, so he can wake up. 

Leon finally steps back inside and places Luis' mug on the coffee table, the glass touching the equally glass surface of his coffee table making Luis groan. 

"Not so loud, por favor.." he pleads desperately as with any power that's left in him, he manages to sit up, the nausea striking him unpleasantly.

"Drink this, it'll help," Leon says coldly, yet softly as he sits on the armchair, taking a generous sip from his hot drink. Luis' palm finds his forehead with a light slap, feeling the dizziness behind closed lids.

"Oye mami...my head...I want to throw up." He groans.

The rim of Leon's glass pauses on his lips, shooting Luis a warning glare. "Don't even think about doing it on my toilet," 

With a sigh of exhaustion, Luis stretches his arm to reach for the mug in his palm.

"Your hospitality is a ten out of ten, amigo," he mocks, taking a few small sips of his coffee as well. However, instead of tasting his usual syrup for coffee - with two spoons of sugar, his tongue absorbs the bitterness, making his eyes shut close and almost spit it out. "Gah!" he swallows thickly, looking into the glass. "What is this? Shit juice?!"

"Just drink it," Leon gruffly says as he gets comfortable on his seat, separating his legs and supporting his elbows onto his thighs, with his palms lastly embracing the warm mug. 

Another painful gulp follows, Luis' face scrunching as if he's drinking a glass of water and perfume instead. "Uggghh. I don't remember how we left the bar, how we got here—anything from last night."

Leon dryly chuckles. "I wish I could say the same,"

"What do you mean?" Luis asks, furrowing his eyebrows.

"I mean that when I got back in the bar, I found you playing punches with the bartender. The customers, on the other hand, instead of trying to separate you, were cheering you on." 

Luis laughs out loud while shaking his head. "Ah, wow...I guess it's in my blood," he taunts playfully. "Did I win at least?"

"It was a tie." Leon responds sarcastically. "Because I had to drag you out. Then, you puked on the floor and passed out on your vomit," both men's faces contort in disgust. Leon's mostly from the traumatizing memory. "How did you manage to get wasted with only two beers?"

"You mean drinking two beers at the same ti- ¡AY!" Luis cockines gets cut off by another sharp pain piercing through his skull. His hands relocate on his forehead once again, trying to collect himself. "Where were you anyway? I thought we were together." He asks, massaging his head.

"We were, but I wanted to get some air outside before I could pick you up. From there - let's say I got an unexpected shift," 

"What do you mean?"

Leon places his steaming mug down on the coffee table with a soft clink. "Nothing major. Saw some dude following a girl from the bar on her way home-"

"Ah!" Luis interjects with a knowing smirk. "Let me guess—you went after the señorita like the knight in shining armor you are, eh?" Leon only nods as he savors another sip of his coffee. "And what happened?"

"I stepped in," Leon says. "Dude was some wasted creep," he pauses, setting the glass again back on the coffee table. "When he left, I offered to take her home - she declined - not that I blame her for having her doubts."

"Ahan..." The grin of course returns to Luis' stubbled face as this doesn't seem like such noteworthy information for him, but other things. "You didn't mention the important stuff, though,"

"Like?"

"Was she the cute or hot type? Tall? Short?" Luis finally asks the flaming questions while reaching for his crumbled packet of cigarettes in the back pocket of his jeans before picking one and tossing the small box carelessly on the coffee table.

"Scared," Leon responds, plucking the still unlit cigarette from between Luis' lips, while he was searching for the lighter - catching him off guard. "Had to show her my P.D. badge and ID just to prove I wasn't another creep."

"You are a cop?" Luis asks incredulously, extending his arm to take the cigarettes, but Leon has none of this.

"Was," he corrects, almost snatching them before Luis can reach them, leaving the biologist....completely annoyed right now.

"You know what?" Luis starts, his voice taking an intentionally provocative tone. "I bet she didn't turn down your ride because she was scared. She just wasn't interested in you as a man," he says with a triumphant smirk that doesn't last long though, as Leon snatches away next his coffee mug. "¡Ay, ay, ay! Stop taking my things away, cabrón! I was drinking that!"

"Your jokes tell me you're feeling better," Leon says dryly, standing up and tossing Luis's jacket at him. "Time for you to head home."

"Oh come on, don't tell me you're offended by a little joke, Sancho," Luis says, placing the jacket aside.

"I'm not, Luis. But I want to relax," Leon says, grabbing lightly Luis's arm, signaling him to get up.

"Oye I just woke up. Give me ten minutes to collect myself, eh?"

"I gave you a whole night to collect yourself." Leon makes him stand up, handing him his belongings.

"W-wait- and what about... our conversation about the Plaga!-"

"I said we will meet someday this week or the next- My wounds are still fresh." He says as he directs Luis towards the exit, by holding his arm. "I will give you a call soon."

"Okay, but remember, the more we wait the worse it gets." Luis warns, concern lacing his words. 

"I'll keep it in mind," Leon replies as he opens the door and pushes Luis subtly outside of his apartment. Luis shakes his head, searching his pockets.

"Do you have money for taxi? I think I forgot my wallet- nevermind I have it here." Luis awkwardly smiles, trying his best not to leave.

"See you, Luis." Leon says his last words, before closing the door in his face.

"Heartless pendejo." He hears Luis saying dramatically, as he walks away. Leon sighs, dropping his glare to the floor. His hands hugged his torso, standing in front of the door.

The silence does not last long, once a loud knock, almost a hit came from his door. Leon slowly turns around and looks through the peephole. No one. He then cautiously opens the door.

Yanking the door open, he surprisingly finds it...empty. 

Taking a step outside, he scans the hallways from the distance. Still, empty.

So before he walks back inside he sees a knife...a very familiar knife pinned at his door, and a note that seemed to be dedicated to him.

'We have just began, Kennedy.'

----

"-So yeah...I left. And all of that because I said I didn't want to work at his company. Can you believe that? He wants me to work there just to have complete control over me!" Ava complains more to herself from the moment she started to explain why she ended up visiting you for the hundredth time. Meanwhile, Irene sits cross-legged on the carpeted floor, lost in her own little world. Her small hands are busy, manipulating her plushies, and giving them life.

"Or maybe..." you slowly begin, shifting to awkwardly adjust your position, arm stretching out along the back of your sofa as you consider carefully your response. "He just wants to spend more time with you? You know. See you around the office and all that,"

Ava takes a breath to start going off but you quickly reconsider your answer. "Orrrr...I dunno, apply you for a job somewhere else, away from mom and dad's hospital." At this point, you try to side with him to not have your sister around. "I mean, let's be real here. If anyone's got complete control over you, it's mom and dad. They've been pulling your strings for years now, haven't they?"

"Says the one who went to a nursing school just because she wanted our parents' attention," you roll her eyes while Ava rests her head against her palm. "Face it, baby sister. Just because you don't want to become a doctor, doesn't mean the rest of us don't want to as well." 

"You don't say," you taunt. "This is why you did not set one foot, at the hospital yesterday? And I had to take care of your evening shift because you're lazy."

Ava's brows furrow as she chuckles in surprise. "What are you talking about? I didn't have an evening shift yesterday."

Your brows knit in confusion. That's...news. "You didn't?"

"Yeah. Mine ended at 3," she explains and your confusion only grows. Until you finally realize. An annoyed huff escapes your lips, figuring the game your mother played on you. "What's going on?"

"Nothing...I just- will have a word with mom, once I see her." You tap your leg up and down rapidly, nervously. "Can't believe she will do anything to get me to work at the hospital." You say annoyed.

"Do you want me to talk with them?"

"No. I will do it myself. I will wait for their next 'sly pass' about work." You sit back comfortably on the couch. "Anyways..you were saying?"

"Yeah uhm- listen..." Ava shifts herself uncomfortably onto the couch. "I need to stay for a day or two until I find an apartment at least that I can rent." You sit in thought.

"You're not changing your mind, are you?" You glance at your niece. "You two have fought about different things countless times. Do you know how much this is damaging Irene?" Ava doesn't seem to care, so you lean closer. "Taking her away from her father constantly for such ridiculous reasons-"

"(y/n)." She cut you off, closing her eyes in disbelief. "If you don't want us to stay here, just say so." She says with a blank expression on her face. You sigh. "I will go to a hotel then-"

"Stop being dramatic." you interrupt her. "Of course I want you to stay. But I am telling you what I think it's best to do."

"I don't know." Ava shakes her head. You awkwardly bring your hands together.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be telling you what to do.. it's your life. I'm not the best myself anyway."

"I will agree on that." Ava slowly smiles gently at you. "Even though you act like a grandma sometimes, I still love you."

"Momma, I'm hungry," Irene whines, letting the phone on the couch.

"It's your lucky day. I made pancakes with chocolate chips." You chuckle as you see Irene's smile widen. "They are fresh on the table."

"Yay!" Irene stands up excitedly, running towards the kitchen.

"Don't run like that, you will fall!" Ava yells.

"Come, let's go to the kitchen. You need to eat something too." You say as you stand up. The two of you enter the kitchen and the sweet scent of chocolate, mixed with eggs and sugar, enters your nostrils.

Ava takes a seat beside Irene and you make your way toward the cabinet, pulling out two plates and laying them on the table. Ava serves her daughter and herself, while you quietly take your seat across from them.

Watching her feeding Irene, your mind once again drifts, letting the flashbacks once again come to the surface. You look down at your hands that are resting on the table, letting your mind travel once again. Something that did not go unnoticed by Ava.

"What's wrong?"

"Huh?", You ask as you are brought back to reality from her question.

"You seem a bit different from the time I got here. Is everything okay? Is it about work?" You shake your head no.

"Sadie and I had a fight." You decide to tell her the things you feel better to share. Overall, you did not want to worry your sister, or your parents about yesterday's episode with that dude.

"How unexpected." She sarcastically replies. "What happened?"

"I think I told you about her going out with a guy, named Evan. Right?"

----

12:03 P.M.

The noon finally arrives, its cloudy atmosphere hugs the family's hospital. Vector (l/n), one of the city's great doctors, and the head of the specific hospital, is in his office, studying a few documents, regarding orders of medication pills and other important supplies that are currently missing. 

Soon, a knock on the door interrupts him, making him lift his gaze ahead to the door.

"Come in," he calmly says, lying down the papers and taking off his glasses. There, his wife Vera, enters in her everyday outfit as she puts her phone into her purse. "You're heading home?"

"Yeah. Just wanted to see you before I go," she says, placing her purse against the side of the chair to put on her coat. "Will you be home before midnight this time?"

"Thankfully, I will. Ι only want now to make sure I have ticked everything for the supply inventory," he places one of the pieces of paper he was studying on the desk. "Is Ava here?"

"Yes, she arrived 10 minutes ago."

"Arrived on time? That's a surprise," he murmurs, leaning back on his black, leather, office chair. "What about our youngest? Did she come to work yesterday?" 

At his question, Vera shifts a bit uncomfortably. "She did...but only because I...I had to lie to her," she finally responds, her voice echoing guiltily. Vector sighs, averting his gaze. "Vector, we can't keep pushing her into following our footsteps. Just because we've all chosen medicine doesn't mean she has to."

But he doesn't want to listen - his face lightly hardening. It's a conversation they've had many times over the years and argued many more. He definitely doesn't have the patience to talk bout his now.

Following with another exasperated sigh, he massages his temples gently while Vera continues her own gibberish.

"I think we should-"

"Vera, please," he finally cuts her off, his tone pleading. "I'm tired and have a terrible headache. Can't we discuss this at home?" 

Vera freezes for a moment, noticing the familiarity in his movements - his words now each time she tries to touch the specific subject. Finally, she just agrees with a resigned sigh. She knows it won't happen, and once more it will go Vector's way. Without saying anything further, she only decides to button her coat and lastly reach for her abandoned purse.

However, the moment Vera pulls the door open, both her and Vector are taken aback by the sight of someone - an old friend - like a son to them they hadn't seen in a very long time. A genuine smile appears on Vera's lips, her hand slowly dropping from the handle as Vector behind her stands up, an equal smile forming on his face.

Wordlessly, Vera steps aside, allowing the mysterious man to enter the room. His heavy, deliberate steps echo closer to Vector's office.

"Vera...Vector (l/n)," he greets them with his now deep voice. Vector walks his way around his desk to get up to him towards him, both hands resting on the buffed man. 

"Chris Redfield..."

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200 reads already?! Thank you, thank you, thank you so so much! I really appreciate it! I hope you enjoy the story so far...and patience...our story between y/n and Leon won't be far to begin. I promise you!

Hope you have a great and lovely day!! <3