Chapter 13 - An Unclosed Case

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⚠️This chapter contains a graphic description of gore. 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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The first, yet stringent training session had ended, leaving both yourself and Leon drenched in sweat. The prospect of returning home to indulge in a long soak in the bathtub had never seemed more appealing to you. Funny how Leon told you, you would start off easy.

The clock nears 2 in the afternoon. You, Leon, and Chris make your way back to the base. Clueless to the topic of conversation between Chris and Leon during your wait inside the training room, you notice that silence prevails between them and avoid eye contact with each other as you follow behind upon exiting. The quiet atmosphere only piques your curiosity.

Soon, the three of you approach the base's corridors, painted in shades of cold white and delicate baby grey, finally reaching the entrance. Chris presses his hand against the scanner, successfully granting access through the base's doors, only to find Claire, Carlos, Luis, and Piers gathered around the table. That only means one thing: A meeting, and since it's that unexpected, it surely means it's not for good, which probably explains Chris's visit to the training room.

Then again, most meetings within the team are often unexpected...

As you enter the room, all eyes shift towards you and Leon, with Luis raising an amused eyebrow at your damp state. Making your way further inside, the others have now a clearer view of your appearance.

"Is it raining outside?" Luis taunts playfully, his posture relaxed against his chair.

"Very funny," Leon retorts, approaching the table. You follow closely, taking a seat beside Claire on her right. Her gaze swept over Leon and then you before she leans in closer.

"I see you had a unique first session?" Claire speaks in a teasing tone.

"Yeah. I am ready to defend the country now," you quietly joke, prompting a chuckle from Claire. Glancing to your left, you see Luis casting a flirtatious glance your way. Your eyes lock momentarily, and he playfully winks at you.

God, you forgot about him and his teasing.

"Come on, let's not waste any time," Chris urges, hastening his way to his seat, while Leon settles next to Claire on her left. Chris sits at the center, resting his hands atop the table's white circular surface. "Piers, did you bring Leon's report?"

Piers nods. "Right here, Captain," he says, rising from his seat and placing the file in front of Chris before retaking his own. Chris opens the file, and the room collectively falls into a peaceful silence as all eyes are turned toward him. Your gaze moves to Leon, who wears an expression of cautious curiosity. Returning your attention to Chris, you begin to wonder about the importance of Leon's report at the table and its unknown content.

A second later, Chris begins to read out loud,

"'Osmund Saddler, subsequent to enduring a lethal blow inflicted by Agent Leon Scott Kennedy upon the radiant yellow nucleus, using a bony blade appended to the conglomeration of sturdy tentacles, experienced a collapse into the encompassing sea, succumbing to the consequential injuries. The Agent lost visual contact with the entity. At precisely 6:34 A.M, Agent Kennedy successfully conducted the extraction of the President's daughter, Ashley Graham, from the confines of the island. In a matter of seconds thereafter, the detonation transpired, engulfing all remaining survivors in a conflagration.'" He completes.

The report leaves you internally stunned. Like Jesus...what the fuck did Leon fight back there?

Observing the reactions of your teammates, they all seem to be unfazed by what they just heard. They only maintain their silence. That surely means they have encountered some...real fucked up situations in the past.

"Why are you reading this?" Leon's voice shatters the silence, letting his curiosity peak. Your attention quickly turns back toward the reason for this sudden meeting.

"Isn't it obvious? Or do you want him to re-read the last paragraph of your report, Leon?" Piers interjects, preempting Chris's response. "This report only presents theories about Saddler succumbing to his injuries after he fell into the sea."

"They're not theories. This is exactly what happened." Leon firmly responds.

"His body was not found, nor identified to this day, and It's been three months," Piers retorts, leaning forward. "Luis discovered that the parasite remains active in the human body for around 6 days and 14 hours after death," you glance over at Leon, who listens intently. A mixture of anger and disbelief reflects on his face. "And Saddler was not only injected but fully taken over by the parasite if I'm not mistaken," he adds, leaning back in his seat.

"You're implying something, Piers?" Leon asks, his gaze remaining unwavering, fixed on Piers.

"I actually am," Piers confidently replies. "Saddler is alive and the one we are after. Let's not hide behind our finger anymore," he asserts. "Denying it will only make us lose more time."

Leon stays silent, spiking Piers with almost a threatening stare. Whenever it comes to talking about the cultist, Leon's demeanor becomes remarkably defensive—and you can't blame him, especially after what you just heard in the report.

"And how do you believe he escaped, if I'm only assumptions as you say, Piers?" Leon's tone grows more serious as he poses his question, his eyes still locked on Piers, spreading his legs to get comfortable in his own seat. The tension between the two men seems to mount as you notice the undertones of their conversation. "He survived and now is alive thanks to the parasite's influence? Is that what you're trying to say?" He asks, his words dripping with a touch of irony.

"I'm not trying to say anything. This is exactly what I mean," Piers responds, his stance unyielding. "The parasite kept him alive, even after the explosion, providing protection from incineration while dunked in the sea."

"You avoid my first question," Leon interjects, his voice getting firmer as he speaks. "How do you think he managed to escape?"

"We've considered the possibility that- maybe he was taken by the group in Rosewood," Carlos speaks up, grabbing the attention. That incident scarred you, to the point you can't bear hearing about it anymore. "I'm not sure but- weren't you surprised at how they knew about the samples? At how their commander back there mentioned the suitcase, and indicated they know the location and the owner?" The way Carlos talks about this, actually makes you curious now.

"They also know about us, Carlos," Leon points out. "They can't be the ones who escorted him. They almost killed us back there. Why did they try to force us to join them to get the suitcase if they themselves already knew where it is as they implied?" He finished with a question that left everyone silent. "They only used that tactic to extract the information we are searching for."

The unfolding events take a twisting turn, leaving everyone, including you in a state of bewilderment and intrigue. None of you seem to understand what these people could really want from your team, and why they tried to capture Leon specifically...something you still felt not ready to share yet.

You shake your head, as the questions within you about this whole thing keep on growing.

"Why would they even risk saving someone like Saddler? What their benefit would be behind that?" Your voice reverberates, filled with curiosity.

"To get the suitcase," Claire guesses.

"Make him their bioweapon," Piers adds.

"Or...both." Carlos lastly says. Things just keep getting darker. The term 'bioweapon' produces a wave of anxiety, particularly given your current mission's objective: To stop the person or people who carry a suitcase with a deadly parasite.

Leon scoffs at their speculations. "Saddler is a being that wants to be referred to as a god, and have the world's submission. This is the main reason he used the parasite. You really think he would actually let an army or whatever those men were, use him as a bioweapon?" He asks. "Their only objective is the suitcase."

"Leon is correct," Chris finally speaks, raising his gaze from the document, and takes a good look at every single member of the team. "There is more to this, but the fact that they are the senders of the letter and tried to trap us means that they want something more than the suitcase," he pauses, closing the file. "And we will find out what that is," he continues with determination. "As for Saddler, I prefer more concrete evidence of his survival rather than speculations," he states, looking at Piers before pushing the file with the report in your direction. Sitting up straight, your face reflects confusion at his action.

"(y/n), I want you to examine Leon's report, analyze his attacks against Saddler, and determine whether Saddler could have survived the final fight," Chris words, giving you a look of an unspoken plea. "You think you can do that?"

But- your job here is only to cut, stitch, and treat wounds...

"Uhm," you take the file in your hands, leafing through its pages. You steal a fleeting glance at Leon and Claire before you return your gaze to Chris. "Yeah, I can do that," you confirm. "You can count on me."

"Thank you," Chris says, giving a kind smile. His gaze then turns back to the rest of the team. "Claire, Carlos, you continue to search the location from the senders of the letter. We need to find that group as soon as possible," he turns to Piers. "Piers, I want you to make a copy of Leon's report once (y/n) concludes her analysis."

Piers nods in affirmation. Chris's focus then lands on Leon and Luis. "Luis, you shall proceed with your investigation into the parasite, and Leon, I expect you to collaborate with Carlos and Claire." Everyone nods at the Captain's order, except Leon. "Meeting's over. You are all dismissed."

--

The gathering comes to an end, and (y/n) rises from her seat, clutching the file in her hands. Giving a subtle glance in Leon's direction, her gaze crosses with his fixation on the document she holds. Looking back, she presses the file against her chest, making her way back inside the operating room.

One by one, the others heed the instruction, disbanding and resuming their designated duties, while Leon once again is the last one that remains seated. His attention remains fixated on her and the need to talk to her grows drastically. Yet, his visual connection with her breaks, the moment he feels someone's hand on his shoulder. Shifting his gaze upward and to the right, he sees Luis with a cup in his hand.

"Eyeing your pretty trainee, señor?" Luis asks, returning with his teasing.

"Don't be ridiculous," Leon coldly responds, standing up from his seat. His eyes move to the cup Luis is holding. "What's this?"

"The coffee I fetched for you," Luis responds.

"From three hours ago?"

"Si. Although now, it's iced coffee," Luis jestingly clarifies. Leon lets out a scoff, adjusting his tactical gloves.

"Thanks, I'll pass," he declines, straightening his tight shirt before he starts to approach the operating room, leaving Luis behind.

Luis, deciding to take a sip of the coffee, soon regrets his choice as the cold, watery, and bitter taste assaults his taste buds.

"¡Dios mio! Qué es esto mierda?..(My god. What is this shit?)"

--

Shutting the door behind you, you place Leon's report on your desk, alongside your belongings. Approaching the operating table, you discard the used gauze from Leon's earlier checkup into the bin.

The echoes of the meeting still reverberate in your mind, trying to make sense of its implications. A part of you also feels anger towards Piers. His remark about Saddler clearly had a profound impact on Leon, and you really can't argue with him. Afterall, he had to defeat the cultist all by himself, and hearing from someone indirectly telling Leon he didn't actually kill him can only heighten his emotional response and, in turn, heighten your own worries for your and the team's safety.

Maybe...training with Leon will be actually necessary for you.

Suddenly, the door knocks before it opens, pulling you away from your troubles. You pivot to find Leon momentarily leaning against the doorframe, his hand on the knob. "Can I come in?"

"Sure," you reply, quite surprised by what Leon might need from you so soon. You've already done the checkup on his arm and trained with him; what else could he possibly want?

Leon enters, closing the door behind him. A few lingering damp spots on his forehead and arms hint at the earlier training session's intensity. He treads toward you, his movements unhurried.

"I won't take up much of your time," he begins, his gaze briefly flickering toward the report on your desk. "I just need a small favor."

He's now asking for 'favors'...that's definitely progress. Hopefully, you will manage to win his trust too, by the end of this.

You nod, maintaining your composed and professional stance. "What is it?" Leon breaks eye contact for a brief moment, showing hesitance. That makes you more curious about what he can possibly want from you.

"After you've analyzed the report, could you inform me of the results first?" He pauses, a blend of pleading and desperation evident on his face as he looks at you. "I need to know if he can actually be alive, (y/n)."

"Don't worry." You reassure him. "Once I have the results, you will be the first one to know." He gives you a gentle nod, his expression seemingly detached.

"Thanks," he murmurs softly. The corners of his lips move upwards lightly, showing appreciation, before turning to leave, heading for the exit.

"Oh, and Leon," you speak up suddenly, prompting him to pause and glance back at you. His hand resting on the doorknob. "I'm sorry for the...hit earlier." You say in a tone of regret. He responds with a faint chuckle, breaking eye contact momentarily, only to fix his gaze on you once more.

"It's okay. Just give me a heads up next time before you do it again." You share a soft laugh at his answer and nod. With that, he walks out.

As the door closes, you release a sigh, making your way to your desk. Taking a seat, you open the documents, preparing to delve into the examination of Leon's report. The team begins to swim into deep water, and you don't know how safe this is going to be for you too.

----

Vera opens the hospital room's door with a gentle push, her gaze fixed on the figure lying on the bed. The sterile scent of the hospital fills the air. The room is small, its only window revealing a glimpse of a bustling city beyond.

Helen, who is the patient, and a family friend turns her tired eyes toward the entrance as Vera steps in. Vera's presence immediately draws Helen's attention, and her lips curve into a tired smile.

"How are you feeling, Helen?" Vera asks her friend in genuine concern as she approaches the bed, her hands resting comfortably in the pockets of her apron.

"I'm much better," Helen replies, her smile though, carries a hint of weariness. "Tell me. Is it something serious?"

"No, it is nothing concerning, don't worry," Vera's smile. "You just had food poisoning,"

"That explains it," Helen exhales, relieved. "I tried to cook, but I guess...I shouldn't do it again." A soft chuckle escapes Vera's lips.

It will take some time for you to fully recover. I suggest sticking to light foods for a few days to ease the nausea—things like soup, oil-free and sauce-free salads, and toast," She instructs. Helen nods in understanding as remains on the bed in her casual clothing. "In three days you will be fine."

"Thank goodness. You have no clue how worried George was," Helen mentions, slowly sitting up. "You know how he can overreact at times,"

"I can only imagine," Vera replies, laughing lightly. "Speaking of George, you should take him and come by for dinner, once you recover of course. Vector and I would love to treat you."

Helen's smile brightens at the invitation. "That sounds like a wonderful plan. We really do need to catch up," She shifts her legs off the side of the bed, reaching for her coat hanging nearby. "In fact, we've been wanting to call, but he's been so busy with work. He's doing night shifts now too."

"Oh dear, I can't even imagine how stressed he must be,"

"You have no idea," Helen sighs, slipping into her coat. "By the way, how's (y/n)'s nose doing?" The abrupt shift in topic causes Vera's smile to fade as quickly as it had appeared. A puzzled expression replaces her previous cheerfulness.

"What?"

"Her nose," Helen repeats casually, adjusting her coat. "Did she take the plaster off? Or not yet?"

Vera's brows furrow, her mind racing to follow up with the conversation. "Uhm.." She shakes her head, struggling to make sense of it all. "I'm sorry, what are you talking about?"

"George told me she broke her nose and was operated at his hospital a few weeks ago," Helen says with nonchalance. Vera's eyes widen slightly at the unexpected revelation. "Didn't she tell you?"

"Uhm, yes - yes she did," Vera stammers, clearing her throat and attempting to regain her composure. These news were surely a bomb she did not expect. "I've just been so caught up with work that I completely forgot about it," she awkwardly chuckles. "Yeah, her nose is doing better."

"That's good to hear. George mentioned it was quite severe. How did it happen?"

"Uh- At home," Vera lies. "She was moving the piano, and well...accidents happen." Helen nods understandingly.

"I see. Well, I hope she recovers fast." She offers a warm smile as she grabs her purse. "Anyway, George and I will reach out to arrange that dinner for next week, if you're available."

"Yes, absolutely," Vera assures her. "We will talk then."

"Great. Send my regards to Vector." Helen bids farewell as Vera leads her to the door. The moment the door closes behind Helen, she immediately pulls out her phone from her apron to call Vector. After a few rings, he answers.

"Hello,"

"Vector, are you in the office?"

"I'm on my way. Everything okay?"

"No. We need to talk.."

----

The dark, shadowy night envelops the entire city, its ambiance accompanied by the distant sounds of nocturnal creatures. Two police officers step outside their patrol car. Each officer was secured with a flashlight to enhance visibility, and with guns holstered, ready to draw if necessary. One of them reaches out for his radio, as they are positioned outside their destination.

"Dispatch, this is Unit 7-Delta-1. We're now on location at Vinderline, ready to initiate the search for Unit 1-Bravo-1 and 2," he announces into the radio, his voice steady and professional.

The crackling response comes promptly, "Copy that. Proceed with caution and provide updates as needed. We'll coordinate with other units," the dispatcher responds over the radio.

"Affirmative," The officer firmly replies, before he and his partner embark on scanning the forest's perimeter, situated just outside the city. "Let's get going," he says to his partner, as they step into the eerie forest, a place where one could easily become lost, especially at night.

Their footsteps carry them deeper into darkness. One of the officers directs his flashlight to the floor of the forest, illuminating the soil, providing better visibility and careful steps to detect any potential traps concealed beneath the fallen leaves.

Abruptly, one of them steps into a puddle of mud. Their progress stops immediately at the sound of the squelching noise. The officer lifts his shoe, directing his light to it, revealing a mixture of mud and blood. The two officers exchange a momentary look before the same officer reaches out to his partner. The trail of blood leads to an unknown destination. "Follow the trail," he commands, as the two of them begin to follow the bloody path. "Watch your footing straight, Franklin,"

The two officers begin to approach with heightened caution. The more they roam the forest, the more careful they are with their surroundings. Suddenly, a woman's growling voice, mumbling in a foreign tongue, reaches their ears from a distance.

Continuing onward, their flashlight beam land on a woman's back. Her clothing was filthy, covered in dried blood and mud. Moving closer, she utters Spanish words that are indecipherable at the moment.

"Ma'am, are you alright?" One of the officers speaks firmly as they cautiously approach the woman. She remains fixated on her position, unmoved by their presence. She continues her muttering. The two officers exchange a glance of confusion, getting closer. "We are police officers. We mean no harm," he reassures her.

(!!!)

They stop their steps the moment the woman moves lightly. The officer turns to his partner. "Stay back, Franklin," he gestures before proceeding carefully toward the possible survivor. He positions himself behind her, the flashlight revealing a clearer view. Her skin exhibits black and faint gray wavy lines. "Ma'am, you are saf-" the officer's soothing words abruptly cut off as the woman unexpectedly turns, thrusting a sharp piece of glass into his neck. Strangled sounds escape the officer's throat, as blood squirts from his neck. His breathing grows increasingly weakened as he grapples to comprehend the situation. The woman forcefully pushes him to the ground before stabbing his head repeatedly with violence, distorting his features.

The partner's eyes widen in horror as he witnesses the gruesome sight, causing him to draw his gun and aim it at her. However, she appears unfazed, showing no hint of intimidation. "Steven!" He shouts, hoping to get an answer, but his partner was long gone. The woman's eyes move up, meeting his. "Halt!" He commands, his voice quivering as he points his flashlight and pistol at her. The unknown woman disregards his order, walking closer. "Step back, or I will open fire!"He hastily reaches for the radio, attempting to request backup, but it proves futile. Firing a shot only did the bare damage.

"Detla-2, what is your status?" The crackling sound of the dispatcher through his radio echoes. Instead, her inquiry is met with screams and the sound of splashing on the other end. "Delta-2, do you copy?"

(*)

Eternal silence occurs...

----

The night has already arrived, yet, you were so immersed in Leon's report, that you lost track of time. You did not leave the operating room once, after the meeting in the afternoon.

On your left, the report; on your right, files containing information about the parasite. In the middle lies a notebook. This notebook holds your research notes and was intended for further investigation at home since you are not allowed to take such classified documents with you.

A slight headache creeps in from the unceasing focus on your task. Setting down the pen, you recline in your chair, deciding to take a small break. You rub your eyes and pull out your phone from your purse to check if your mother had finally called. As expected, nothing. Frustration leads you to dial her number for the third time today. Stubborn as always, she doesn't answer. You sigh in exasperation.

"Like a damn child," You mutter to yourself, hanging up the call, and slamming with light thud the phone on your desk. You really can't understand your parents at times. They are the ones who raised you, yet you often feel as you are their parent, from their immature behavior.

They put you through all this shit, yet they get mad at you—probably because you forgot Ava's anniversary dinner last week. You'd made several attempts to reach your mother since then, without any success of course. You can't catch a break.

Glancing at the time, you realize it is nearly 9:30. You close your notebook, shoving it in your purse before standing up, eager to call it a night. Collecting the rest of your belongings, you begin to exit the operating room, only to spot Leon in the main room. He was retrieving his signature brown leather jacket from a chair, looking as though he was preparing to leave.

You slowly approach him, surprised to find him alone at this time. "Where is Claire?"

"With Piers, at Luis' laboratory." He firmly replies, putting on his jacket. His representative tough gaze glued on you.

"Is she going to take long?" He shrugs nonchalantly in response. "I see.."

"You're in a rush?" He asks, adjusting his collar.

"I kind of am, yeah." You lie. The only reason? To curl up under your blankets as soon as possible and lose yourself in one of your hundred romance novels. Leon then remains silent for a moment, processing your response before retrieving his car keys.

"Need a ride?" He suggests, his offer catching you off guard. From the first weeks that you started working with him, he barely said good morning to you. Now out of nowhere, he started to act...odd? He insists to train you, not really giving you any option to reject, he asks for favors, prefers you to take care of his wounds no matter what, and now offers you a ride— If you were delusional enough, you would believe that he actually is interested in you and just doesn't know how to approach you.

Or you are actually delusional to even think about it because he is literally doing what everyone on the team would do for you any moment—nothing out of the ordinary.

But Leon is a completely different story. As acknowledged, you like him, so of course your thoughts will exaggerate, and two months after working with him almost 24/7, you still can't read this guy's personality and intentions. You try your very best to see him just like the rest members of the team, but his distance and enigmatic demeanor only draw you further to him.

The effort to win his trust has left you exhausted at this point. You have come to terms with the fact that he isn't meant for you. So, it is best to treat him as a partner and complete this fucking mission. He is just a teammate, neither more nor less.

"No it's alright— I don't want to get you out of your way." You finally answer, still surprised by his offer. "You have also been through quite a lot today, so I don't want to trouble you further."

"If you were trouble, I wouldn't have offered in the first place," Leon reassures. "Just give me an address and I'll drop you off." he insists.

"Are you sure?" You ask, skeptical now at his offer. Leon nods. Shit. You just realized one thing. You will get in the car with him. That means potentially awkward silence. That means— more embarrassment.

You have already embarrassed yourself just enough in the past two months. Especially today. No need for a repeat performance. But you need to go home and want to have a break from the stupid Plaga and that Saddler dude.

"Okay then. Thank you, Leon. I appreciate it," you say, adjusting the purse on your shoulder as an awkward smile tugs at your lips.

"C'mon, let's go." Leon motions, directing his head towards the exit.

Your objective is clear: behave like a normal person and, this time, keep quiet.

As you both begin to make your way to the exit, the unexpected entrance of Chris through the base doors abruptly halts your steps. Your gazes linger on him, noticing him in his black coat already, and it's only almost 10. That's new.

"Chris, leaving already?" Leon asks, quite surprised as well.

"Yeah, Piers is taking over tonight, and since I'm heading out early, I thought I'd drop by and offer to drive (y/n) home." Come again?

"Drive me home?" You slowly repeat. Chris's attention moves towards you.

"Claire told me she gave you a ride here because you two had to visit the doctor first to remove the plaster. So, since she's staying at the lab a bit longer today, she asked me to make sure you get home."

A pang of disappointment surges through you. Chris couldn't find the worst time. Truth is, you want to leave with Leon. However, rejecting Chris's kind offer isn't something you want to do either. Caught between your childhood friend and the person you had feelings for, you met Leon's gaze briefly. A decision has to be made—Leon or Chris?

"Uhm—"

"You sure you can drive her?" Leon asks, turning his attention to Chris.

"Of course," Chris affirms. A moment of silence overfills the air from your side, before you clear your throat, shifting your gaze to Chris.

"Alright, then..I'll go with Chris," you announce, glancing back at Leon. "Thank you for the offer, though. I really appreciate it." You add with sincerity to Leon.

"Don't mention it."

"See you tomorrow," Chris waves at Leon as you follow him towards the exit. The moment the two of you walk out, you steal one last look at Leon. "Goodnight, Leon."

"Goodnight," Leon responds softly, his face maintaining a firm composure. Just then, the doors close, and Leon vanishes from view. You stand right before the door for a few seconds, the realization sinking in. Then, Chris's voice breaks through the momentary trance.

"Shall we?" he asks. You nod and you both continue your way out. The silence grows between you, interrupted only by the soft sounds of your footsteps. "You know, I am glad to see you getting close with the team," Chris remarks as you make your way to the elevator.

"Yeah..I am glad too," you reply, standing now, waiting for the elevator to arrive. Your eyes wander back to the exit for a bit, half-expecting Leon to appear, but there was no sign of him.

This man begins to test your patience...

----

Mumbling, growling, screaming and prayers reverberate inside the church.

Only a sinister smile appears on his distorted lips.

17 syringes left...

----

A half-hour pass, you and Chris finally arrive at your place. A part of you did not regret for going with Chris instead, because during the ride, you both recalled the good memories from your childhood and teen years. It was definitely refreshing and a nice break from the whole mess that surrounds you, but mostly Chris, since he is the Captain of the team to such a horrific mission, especially after today's meeting.

Chris parks right outside your house and you take a deep breath. You glance at him, noticing that he was silent for the past five minutes. Yet, you still decide to ignore it, thinking he maybe is just tired from another stressful day.

"Thank you so much for the ride, Chris," you speak up, unbuckling your seatbelt.

"You're welcome, (y/n)," he responds with a weak smile.

"I will see you tomorrow." Chris offers a firm nod, his gaze fixed now on the steering wheel. As you're about to open the door, his eyes return to you.

"Wait," he interjects, holding your arm, halting you from getting out of the car. You turn your head, lowering your gaze at his grip. "Don't go yet," he requests, his voice gentle but carrying a weight of seriousness as he releases his hold. "We need to talk about something first."

He wants to talk. Chris. Got it. Overthinking activated. Worst scenario mode is chosen.

"Talk?...Okay." You say, pretending to be relaxed, leaning slowly back on the passenger's seat. "What is it?"

"Listen, (y/n)," Chris sighs. "I talked with Leon today. He told me everything," confusion knits your brows. "About what happened back in Rosewood, about the training," you look down at your lap, toying with your fingers nervously as soon as Chris says that. So, that's what their discussion was centered on while you waited for Leon earlier.

"Your life was at risk back there, and I only guaranteed safety to your parents when I asked for their service," he explains, attempting to clarify. You maintain your silence. "What would they say if they saw you in the condition you were a few weeks ago till today?"

"But they didn't," you remind him.

"What if they find out?"

"They won't." You insist. "I went to an acquaintance's hospital to get my nose treated and begged him to not say a word to my dad before the operation. He gave me his word he wouldn't say anything." You reassure Chris, feeling a pang of guilt. "Look- I understand and appreciate your concern about this. What happened there was bad luck..it won't be repeated."

"I am not saying this to make you feel bad, (y/n). I just want to emphasize, that you don't have to endanger your well-being further during these missions," Chris says. "Leon is a skilled federal agent. Carlos, Piers, and Claire are qualified too. It's their job. They know how to protect themselves. Your primary role is to take care of us and protect yourself. Nothing more."

"I know, Chris," you nod at his daily reminder at this point. "And I know what my role in the team is, but that doesn't change the fact that Leon is my partner- sort of." You speak up, expressing your thoughts. "When those armed men cornered him, I couldn't just sit there and watch. I had to intervene, and if I'm completely honest, I do not regret it one bit." You say. "I will look after the people that look after me, no matter the circumstances."

"That's thoughtful of you," Chris responds, empathizing. "Still, we can't neglect how close you came to losing your life that day, and I'm not sure you fully comprehend it." He remarks. "I will ask you a very important question, and I need you to answer honestly." His tone takes on a more solemn note, his gaze unwaveringly locked with yours. "I want you to put aside the connection between our families for a bit."

"Okay," you reply, giving him a measured assurance. Chris inhales deeply, a short pause hanging in the air.

"Now that you are fully informed of what we are after, and the risks we face, do you still wish to remain part of the team, (y/n)?"

----

Tic, toc, tic, toc,

10:25 P.M

Seated behind his desk, he rubs his fingers across his clean-shaven chin, his gaze fixed upon a particular spot as if lost in profound contemplation. He is so close, yet so far from the samples. If only the team he had employed to ambush Leon had succeeded in capturing him, the suitcase would be in his possession by now. Time was slipping through his fingers, and he can't shake the worry that Saddler had already used the samples he so desperately desires.

And all of that, because of her...

-

"Redfield brought a nurse to their team. She's quite young." Ares informs him. The boss raises an eyebrow in surprise.

"Chris brought a young nurse for medical aid? A nurse?" He repeats, emphasizing the last word. Ares nods in affirmation.

"Surprising indeed, but Chris insists she has incredible skills. He claims she's almost on the same level with a seasoned surgeon," He continues. The boss leans back to his chair, absorbing the information.

"Has she ever served in the military?"

"No, she's simply a student nurse working at a hospital..."

-

"No matter what happens tonight, I want Kennedy in this office, by the end of all this. Understood?"

"What about the mercenary and the nurse?"

"Make sure to stop them if they try to go after him. Kill them, if necessary..."

-

"Sir- We were...close to Kennedy's capture but-..things did not turn out as planned. He wasn't alone."

-

"I had the nurse secured in the Sinfuls' van, but then Kennedy appeared out of nowhere, and the situation escalated," one member of Harris's team reports. The boss remains unphased.

"Provide details, Pedro," he commands, his voice steady and insistent.

"He knocked out one of our men, Nicolas, who was guarding the van. When he opened the door, he spotted me holding the girl hostage. As soon as Nicolas regained consciousness, he tackled Kennedy from behind, trying to immobilize him. I interfered, trying to restrain him but- the girl threw herself onto me from behind, dragging me away with her weight. Kennedy managed to break free..."

-

Recollections of previous remarks about her reverberate through his mind. Reflecting on how Leon evaded the two armed attackers only makes his anger peak. Leon with minimal help can only become untouchable.

"All because of a damn useless nurse," he mutters under his clenched jaw. His fingers now pressing against his chin lightly.

A knock resonates at the door. The man remains silent, declining to give permission for the visitor to enter. Yet the door swings open, revealing one of the allies he had called earlier, holding a file.

"I've brought the file," the ally announces, placing the dossier on the desk before him. "All of her personal information is meticulously collected in this report, exactly as you requested."

The man nods, gesturing for the ally to leave his office. As the door closes, his fingers tenderly graze the paper's surface before he flips open one of the pages. Her photograph and full name, along with an introductory biography, appear on the first page.

"Let's see how lucky you will be this time, Miss (l/n)..."

----

(MY HUGE APOLOGIES FOR THE TROUBLE YOU HAD WITH THIS UPDATE!!)

We start diving deep fellas. Get readeh!

Have a great and lovely day, and YOU BETTA TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!