Chapter 25 - Sinfully Wanted

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The chapter isn't properly edited so sorry for any mistakes but author was really, really tired. Thank you for understanding! <3

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"I'm afraid. I'm so fucking afraid, because I don't see an end to this shit. Either one I cared for has betrayed me or died. Now you come in my way. And as much as I tried to push it away, I failed miserably. I don't want you to leave..."

-

8:20 A.M.

The morning sunlight filters through your curtains, pulling you away from the immersive sleep you finally had after many days of nightmarish episodes. A metallic sound stirs you further, prompting you to open your eyes, and blink to focus your gaze on a muscular bare back. It doesn't take much longer to figure it's Leon's silhouette carrying the colors of the dawn's soft glow. He just stands there, head bowed as he buckles his belt.

Him becoming your first view of the day immediately brings back yesterday's memories. What happened was real. The way he made you feel and treated you...so gently and tenderly, only made you fall impossibly harder for a version of him you've never seen before all those months.

Though...you can't help but feel weird too. Last night, you had sex for the very first time. With someone you're not even in a relationship with. A scenario that as the hopeless romantic you, always hoped to avoid...which brings quite of shame? guilt? You don't know what to really call it. But the other part of yours that is buried deep down, enjoyed every second of last night's bliss, emotions...and every inch.

But a question that stays now is this: What will happen between the two of you from now on?

For a few seconds, you just lie there, quietly observing Leon as he remains unaware to your wakening, your thoughts continuing to swirl around. He looks so alluringly handsome in your eyes it's almost unbearable.

Slowly, you gather the courage to sit up, reaching for your bra and discreetly slipping it on beneath the covers, followed by a loose shirt and sweatpants to cover yourself.

"Good morning," you finally utter, once you're finally dressed, making him turn his head to your direction the moment he hears your voice.

"Morning," he greets back, his face fresher as he seems that he was awake already for some time now. Slowly, he settles beside you on the bed, belt half-buckled, and a single smile crosses on those lips you've been kissing non-stop last night. "Did you sleep well?"

"Mhm- yeah," you gently respond, taking in his features. A slight crease of concern appears on your brows as you tenderly cup his still-bruised cheek, your thumb tracing lightly over his wounded lip while his eyes remain fixed on your face."It's been more than a week and your lip still didn't heal properly. Do you want me to check it out?"

"Nah, I'll live, don't worry about it," he reassures you, his hand finding yours as he intertwines them. "But how about you? Are you feeling better today?"

"More than better," you reply with a smile.

"Good to hear," Leon responds, his gaze lingering on your lips for a moment before returning to meet your eyes. "And glad to see you smiling again."

Your faces remain up-close, but neither of you making the move to lean in. You just sit there for a brief moment, scanning each other's facial features. Looking at his low eyebrows, memories begin to flood again remembering how scrunched they were when getting pleasure off from you-his lips, how they breathlessly called your name, the echoes of his satisfied grunts reverberating in your head. Most importantly, the perked chest where you shed your tears of desperation, and those strong and muscular arms that offered you comfort you were seeking.

Suddenly, his barely visible smile fades as his thumb brushes against your skin. "Do you...want to talk? About what happened, last night."

"Um, sure. What about it?"

Your own smile disappears, once seeing Leon's seriousness returning on his face and tone in his voice. He appears to become- internally troubled. Why talk about it? Did he regret what happened? Was it a mistake? Were you...that bad?

"I didn't want to assume..." he begins slowly, "Last night...you were very vulnerable- and my feelings got the better of me. So, I understand if you...regret and rather forget what happened between us."

What? He can't be serious. Regret? Forget? How would you want to forget something like this?

"I don't regret it and I surely don't want to forget it," you assert, assuringly, looking down at your entwined hands. "I wanted this. What happened last night, wasn't just one physical thing, Leon," Leon remains silent. "Last night was... one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced. And I want to experience it only with you."

At your admission, Leon follows your gaze, before turning away, his hands leaving yours, elbows resting on his thighs. "Then what about Sweden?"

Fucking bombshell.

Your lips part, brows furrow in surprise, feeling the realization hitting you like ton of bricks. For a moment, you actually had totally forgotten about moving abroad for your studies. For those few precious hours, you've managed to push aside the main reason you fractured your relationship with your parents, quit your job at the hospital, and become financially poor.

Right after a question hits you. How the hell does Leon even know about the University, when you never spoke a word to him about it? "How do you know about that?"

"Does it matter? What matters is that you're leaving," he asks, tilting his head back to you. "Unless you changed your mind, but that seems unlikely."

"No, I...haven't," you confirm, gaze falling thoughtfully. "I mean..I don't know-"

The earlier joy you felt with Leon now crumbles into melancholy once more. You don't want to end things with him just as they've begun, but you also can't bring yourself to stay behind and abandon this opportunity you've been chasing for so long.

A sudden, hopeless idea sparks in your mind, "I-..what if...we try to make this a long-distance thing?"

Leon shakes his head, rising from the bed to grab his shirt, already seeming to block this option. "Stuff like that never works."

Your frown deepens. "How can you be so sure about that?"

"Because I've been in this exact situation before, and I don't got shit of a strength to go through this again," he says as he slides into his tight tee. "Try to understand that it's not that easy...for me at least."

"It's not easy for me as well, Leon. This," you gesture between you and him, "made things much more complicated for me right now, y'know."

"That's why I'm not going to ask you to choose between your future and me. I won't allow myself to," Leon states firmly, adjusting his belt. "It's an opportunity you shouldn't toss away."

"Then what do you suggest?"

Leon's eyes drop, avoiding eye contact, already not liking where this is going. "I think it's best if we... let this go, before whatever's between us grows any deeper."

Two seconds pass in heavy silence as you comprehend his blunt suggestion. 'Grow any deeper'? You literally had sex a few hours ago. What happened to him this time? Why is he shutting down like this, yet fucking again?

"You can't be serious..." you murmur, staring down at the crumpled sheets. Leon remains quiet at your comment, a truth even you both will try to avoid, last night's actions scream otherwise.

"Don't make this any harder than it already is," he finally speaks.

With a heavy heart, you stare at the curtains, sunlight casting a beautiful golden hue, hearing the intense silence settling once more. How can he just dismiss everything you both did and felt so easily?

"Do you even want me to stay?" you boldly ask him, starting to grow real tired with his games. Leon only averts his gaze.

"It doesn't matter what I want-"

"Just give me a damn straight answer for once," you sharply cut him off. "Because for a month now, we've been going around in circles. I just want to know how you feel about me. Is that too much to ask?"

"Wasn't last night your answer?" he retorts defensively, his voice rising slightly as he turns towards you.

"Yet, you want this to end because it didn't work out with your previous relationship," you taunt in grievance.

Dropping his head low, he speaks again in a softer tone. "This University you'll go...will help you start new. Away from parasites, away from cults, away from everything that's made you the mess you were yesterday. Isn't this what you wanted?" he takes a step closer.

It was, until you made love to me, Leon.

Remaining silent, Leon tips gently your ching, making you face him. "I don't want to become an obstacle to you, especially when neither of us knows if we'll last."

Fuuuck, this is...harder than you'd expect. Your heart fucking shatters into million pieces at his words, but it seems to be the only way. Isn't what you cried about to him yesterday too?

"Right...no uh- I guess you're-...you're right," you manage to utter, swallowing dryly, averting your gaze. "Plus, your job is...pretty demanding and all, I'll be out for four years..." meeting his eyes once more, you lightly shake your head. "So...this is it?"

"...I guess," he whispers softly. You nod at his heartbreaking confirmation, before allowing Leon to get ready.

The final moments pass in a heavy, awkward silence as Leon dresses, both of you avoiding direct eye contact. Your tears threaten to spill, so you look down, unwilling to let him see you cry again. Tears drop onto the covers instead, and a single one on your cheek, but you quickly wipe it away with the back of your hand.

With a final adjustment of his jacket, Leon turns back to you. "I have to go," he states quietly.

Nodding, you push the covers off from you, and stand up leading him towards the exit. You feel the lump in your throat, the need to cry rising.

Reaching the front door, Leon's hand hovers over the doorknob, poised to leave, until your voice stops him.

"Leon," you call out gently, though he remains facing away. "I meant every word I said earlier. I don't regret a single thing..." Your words fade, not knowing what else to say.

Leon's response is silence, his head bowed as he processes your words. Then, with sudden determination, he turns around and kisses you, pouring out all the emotions he can't put into words.

You kiss him back, feeling yourself leaning backward, along with Leon, as if trying to take him back in. But you stop yourself, pulling away. As Leon pulls away too, his arms encircle you in a tight embrace, feeling his heart hammering against your chest, through his relaxed face. Pressing his lips to your ear, he whispers tenderly, "Take care of yourself."

You nod tightly, trying to compose yourself. "You too..." you manage to reply, your voice barely above a whisper, as he reluctantly releases you and turns towards the door.

However as turns back and opens the door, the moment gets interrupted by a not-so-pleasant unexpected presence: Your mother standing right before the two of you, her finger poised over the doorbell, ready to ring it.

"Mom?" Speaking of the fucking devil. Of all the times for her to show up unannounced, this was perhaps the worst.

Your mom slowly removes her hand, placing back against her purse as she looks in surprise at the scene before her.

"Hello, sweetheart.." she begins cautiously, her gaze shifting to Leon. "If I've come at a bad time-"

"I was just leaving," Leon interrupts smoothly, his demeanor shifting back to his usual stoic self as he adjusts his jacket. With a polite yet firm nod, he passes by you and your mother, walking towards his Jeep parked outside.

You step aside, allowing your mother to enter, feeling her gaze linger on you as you watch Leon climb into his vehicle. As he starts the engine and pulls away from the curb, you share a fleeting glance, a silent exchange of farewell.

And then within seconds, he's gone, the sound of his exit echoing in the quiet street. You're left standing there, just watching him helplessly drive away. Is this really the end of Leon's presence in your life?

You let out a deep breath as you close the door, taking a moment to process the entire situation. When you turn to your mother, you notice her glancing around the house, her fingers lightly gripping her purse handle.

"So, what do you want?" you ask as you walk towards her, the coldness in your tone returning in an instant.

Your mom doesn't respond immediately, Leon's scent lingering strongly inside your place. "Who was he?"

"None of your business, just tell me what you want."

Your mother nods, slowly reaching into her purse, and retrieving a small piece of paper. Her silence speaks volumes, hinting at the purpose behind her unexpected visit.

You furrow your brow as she extends the paper towards you, your hand reaching out instinctively to accept it- it's a paycheck that has...

"Five...thousand?" your eyes widen at the amount of the zeros written down before you meet your mother's regretful gaze. You're lost. You have no clue what the hell is going on. "I don't understand- what's this?"

"Something to help your move to Sweden," she almost casually reveals, catching you into shock. "Ava told me you needed ten grand...for renting a house and getting settled until you find a job there. With the seven you've already saved up... this should provide you enough."

You look back down at the paper in disbelief. This has to be an alien, or your mother's clone. There's no fucking way the woman before you is the one who birthed you, made all her life was making your dad's wants her wants, who just did this.

"How did you-" you shake your head, unable to comprehend her sudden change in her attitude. "I can't believe you're doing this without a plan," you admit, already reaching to hand back the paycheck, your mind already filled with doubts and suspicions.

"The only thing I plan for is to be a mother you can count on again," your mother's voice cracks with emotion as she speaks, lowering her purse slowly. "...I know I haven't been the best mother...I've made mistakes. I've watched as your father and I dragged you into the mess with Chris's job, deep down hoping things would somehow turn out differently. But when I saw you at the dinner, when you told me I didn't know what you've been through... the pain in your voice hit me like a slap in the face."

"What are you talking about? How could you know?" you ask her, maintaining a cautious distance.

Your mom takes a deep breath. "Because, until 27 years ago, your father and I worked as doctors for the Redfields," she finally reveals.

"You worked with Chris' parents?" you lean back, stunned and confused. "But- I thought you were just friends-"

"It's a long story, one that your father and I chose to leave behind when Ava was born," she admits, her gaze falling to her hands in her lap. "But that's not important now. What matters is that I'm here for you. I'll support you in your studies, financially or any decision you'll take..."

It's a reassurance you wish she had given you years ago. But as the saying goes, better late than never. "And...what about dad?"

"He'll come around, trust me," she assures softly. "After all, you're still his daughter and he deeply loves you...he didn't mean anything he said back home."

"...I hope so," you only mutter, looking back down at the paper in your hands, still uncertain whether you should trust your mother's words this time.

At your quietness, your mother rises slowly from the couch and sits beside you, reaching for your hand in hers. A soft sniffle catches your attention, and you turn to see pure regret reflected in her eyes.

"Please forgive me, sweetheart," her voice cracks emotionally, her plea filled with genuine remorse. Because she knows the pain you're left with may never heal. It almost breaks you.

Without saying a word, you wrap your arms around your mother, feeling her hug envelop you. In that instant, her arms wrap tightly around your seated form, her hand gently cradling the back of your head. There's nothing quite like a mother's hug, something you've been longing for years to experience again.

As you pull away from the embrace, your mother's soft palms cup your face, her hopeful smile tugging at your heartstrings. "I hope I'll see you on Wednesday, hm?" she asks softly. "On Irene's birthday. It's a chance for a new beginning for all of us. Alright?"

Holy. Fucking. Shit. April 4th. That's in fucking tomorrow. How did you manage to actually forget it?

"Y-yeah. Of course," you stammer, stealing a glance at the time and realizing you still have enough time to buy a present. Perhaps a happy occasion is just what you need right now.

As your mother pulls away, you look back down at the check, the number written down on the thin paper. Now that you have the money to leave even tomorrow morning- you don't know if you really want that anymore. Not when Leon is in the middle.

If only you'd left three months ago...

----

9:00 A.M

Stepping out of his car, Leon arrives at the ground floor of the B.S.A.A.'s headquarters, mentally absent, thinking only about one thing: Her.

Glancing at his phone, he notes the time: nine in the morning. With a brisk pace, he heads towards the bunker entrance, his hand confidently pressing against the scanner, causing the base doors to slide open. Leon enters the main room, one hand tucked into his jacket pocket while the other rubs away the sleepiness from his eyes.

Inside the main room, Claire appears to be the only ones present so far, as the other members of the team seem to be dissolved to their own tasks. As Leon's presence becomes noticeable, Claire lifts her gaze to him.

"Morning," he murmurs, striding towards the table and removing his jacket.

"Good morning," she replies, studying his disheveled appereance. "You're late. Everything alright?"

"Yeah, sorry about that. Just overslept." Leon brushes off blatantly, settling the jacket onto the chair. Claire can tell Leon is lying, but doesn't press on it. "Anything new?"

"No, thankfully, the usual. The guys are in the training room, Chris is at the office I think," Claire responds, looking back down at her notes. "As for Luis, I'm not sure; I haven't heard from him."

Leon nods, rreaching for the analysis report he had set aside regarding the team's reports back in Cuba. Claire closes her notebook and places it on the table before reaching for her leather jacket and helmet.. "I'll head to the Wiskays. Want me to get you some coffee? Looks like you need it."

"No, thanks. I'll head to the training room and workout for a bit later." Leon says.

"Okay," Claire forces a tired smile as she makes her way towards the exit.

As the doors close behind her, Leon finds himself alone in the room. With a tired sigh, he settles the documents down onto the table, preparing to continue his research. Shuffling through the first pages, he tries to regain focus but the exhaustion of the lack of sleep starts to actually take its effect on him.

Looking ahead, his eyes fall upon her empty seat. The role that has been heartlessly replaced by Hercules first, and in a few months...will be gone. After last night. Just like that.

----

1:34 P.M

As you pass through the colorful shelves of the toy store, you make great efforts to push thoughts of Leon to the back of your mind. Today is about Irene and finding the perfect gift for her 7th birthday. You want to pick something special, something that will bring her joy and excitement.

Your first instinct takes you to the plushie section, knowing that stuffed animals are Irene's favorite. However, you keep your options open, thinking of other possibilities like a dollhouse or a set of colorful pencils, since she got into drawing a lot lately.

Navigating around the small hallways with searching eyes, they soon land upon a one of hell cute and fluff-overloading shelf with stuffed animals. Among them, a white teddy bear with beige spots catches your attention. Its adorable appearance brings a smile to your face, having you reach out to examine it more closely. Without hesitation, you decide that this little fella in your cart.

But it doesn't stop there. Right beside the specific shelf, there is a cuteness plethora awaiting you, with little penguins, elephants, giraffes, and the most adorable of all? Little. Ducks.

So reaching for another one, a little rabbit since rabbits are Irene's favorite animal, and a baby yellow-colored duck, hugging all of them gently. Looking down at the three cuddly buddies, you decide to approach the counter to finally finish your shopping.

"Hi, can you wrap these three into a present?" placing the plushies onto the counter. The cashier nods in agreement, signaling for a staff member to assist with the wrapping.

"That'll be 59,34."

God damn. What are these plushies made of? Gold?

You offer a nod, pulling out your wallet and handing her the required money, meanwhile, the staff begin to expertly wrap your purchase into a beautifully decorated gift.

As you wait, your fingers tap casually against the counter. Glance around the store, you distract yourself with options of other potential gifts for Irene. However, your smile fades as your gaze accidentally glides outside through the wall windows, noticing the same car parked a few meters away, its windows up this time, preventing you from seeing who might be inside.

Your heart begins to race. The background noise becomes a fog. This car stands...right here, at the place you are. For the third time with your notice. You swallow dryly averting your gaze immediately. Your gut tells you that this isn't a coincidence anymore. That something's wrong- but what if it's really all in your head?

Looking back at the counter, the first thing you want to do is tell the employees, but that'll get you in unnecessary trouble. You can't risk it.

"Thank you, have a great day," the cashier says suddenly, sliding gently the present to your direction.

Clearing your throat, you try to remain composed. "U-uhm...can you set it aside while I take another look around?"

"Of course. If you need any help, don't hesitate to call us," the cashier responds warmly, and you give her a tight nod before stepping away from the window and out of the car's sight. Discreetly, you move to the end of the shelves, pulling out your phone and immediately searching for a contact to call. The only number you have available right now? Claire's number. Without wasting a moment, you dial it, your heart pounding in your chest as you hope you'll get an answer soon.

----

"So there isn't any way to revive the parasite?" Piers asks Luis.

"Nope. Once the Varium gets attacked, it dies instantly. I suppose that's the only positive with this Plaga,"

Their conversation continues in the background as Chris enters the main room, where Claire is engrossed in reading through Piers' notes.

"Everything good?" Chris asks, making his way over to them.

"Yeah, Luis just gave us some updates on the species Leon was injected with," Piers responds, gesturing towards the laboratory where Luis has returned.

"We still don't know if it was from the suitcase or not, huh?"

"As Luis said, it's quite impossible to figure that out," Piers explains, his hands resting on his hips as he observes Chris. "Unless we confront the people who infected Leon."

"I see. Are the others still in the training room?" Chris inquires, moving towards a small shelf where documents about Umbrella are kept.

"I think so, Leon also left for Wiskays an hour ago," Piers reports as Chris walks back at the table, taking his seat, right across from his sister, who is sipping on her coffee as she pays little attention to them.

Right before the peacefulness can fully settle in, suddenly, her phone begins to ring. Reaching it from the table, she sees her childhood friend's contact and answers,

"Hey, (y/n), what's up?" Claire answers nonchalantly as she continues to read.

"Claire...I think I'm being followed." Claire immediately sits upright, her body stiffening at her whisper, "I don't know if it's in my head or..."

"Followed? By who?"

Piers and Chris exchange a glance, the word "followed" catching their attention immediately. Without hesitation, Chris strolls over to Claire, urgently grabbing the phone from her. "(y/n), this is Chris. Tell me exactly where you are right now."

As Chris listens intently to the location given, the atmosphere in the room becomes tense. Piers grips the pen in his hand lightly, betraying a hint of worry. Claire shares the same concern.

"Alright. Try to remain calm and search for another possible exit. We'll be there," Chris instructs before ending the call and placing the phone back on the table.

He quickly motions for Piers to follow him outside, his most trusted operator immediately jumping into action. Claire clearly stunned from the sudden urgency, stands up next, as she is left hanging for an explanation.

"Chris, what's going on? Chris!" she calls out, but Chris doesn't respond, so, she takes a step forward, determined to follow, but the moment he notices it, he stops her with a firm tone.

"You stay here," he commands. "Call for a meeting with the others. We'll be back soon." With that, he turns to Piers. "Let's go. We're getting (y/n)."

--

Fourty minutes. Fourty minutes have passed since she got inside. Fingers tap impatiently against the window sill, eyes fixed on the entrance as the minutes tick by. Customers come and go, but there's no sight of the nurse.

The patience of the two men begins to wear thin. One checks the clock occasionally as the other's gaze remains locked at that entrance. Still, nothing. Finally, one of the men turns to his fellow agent, unbuckling his seatbelt.

"Stay right here. I'll go and check inside."

With a nod from his colleague, the man wears a denim jacket over his black attire and adjusts a white baseball hat on his head before stepping out of the car. He takes a moment to straighten his jacket before making his way into the store.

Inside, the colorful shop is crowded with parents and children browsing the aisles. The man discreetly scans the area, his eyes darting from one corner to another in search of the nurse. Despite his efforts, her familiar figure remains unseen.

Where could she be gone at?

His confusion deepens as he continues to wander around the store, pretending to examine the toys and other items before him to maintain his cover. However, his movements do not go unnoticed, and soon enough, an employee approaches him with a kind smile.

"Can I help you, sir?" she offers politely.

The undercover agent stands awkwardly, his mind elsewhere as he tries to come up with a convincing response. Meanwhile, outside, a car passes by, quickly driving away from the area.

Chris', where in the backseat, there's you, watching one of the men inside the grey car looking intently at the toy store's entrance. They were looking for you.

They're after you.

----

Leon downs in one gulp the second glass of whiskey, before slamming it against the Wiskay's barstool. Running a hand through his hair, the tiredness lingers, yet the memories, a sweet and pleasurable distractive thought mingles non-stop with the painful truth...

She's actually leaving in a few months. It's a hard pill for him to swallow, but he knows he can't afford to be selfish, especially with the chaos surrounding about Umbrella. He needs to refocus on what's important, as challenging as it may be.

As he stares down at the last drop of whiskey in his glass, swirling it absentmindedly, someone settles beside him on the stool, resting an arm on Leon's shoulder. "There's my alcoholic friend," Luis greets him, pulling out his wallet to place his own take-away order. Leon remains silent, his gaze fixed on the glass before him, elbow propped on the bar's surface.

Luis furrows his brow at Leon's coldness before humming thoughtfully. He twirls on his stool before standing up, beginning to circle around the young agent. "Disheveled hair, darker circles under your eyes, pupils glimmering mischievously, wearing yesterday's clothes-" he pauses his clinical narration, before taking short sniffs. "A very familiar fragrance that unmistakably belongs to a lady- you had a good time last night, didn't you?"

Luis' bold conclusion leads to Leon giving him a look of irritation and fatigue. "You're done?"

"Yes."

"Good," he slides the glass to the bartender. "Get me another."

The bartender nods, taking the empty glass for a refill. Meanwhile, Luis leans forward, trying to poke some info from Leon about his state. "Come on, it was about time you loosened up a bit-give me some details. Was she a blonde? Brunette?" he playfully teases, a mischievous smirk forming on his lips. "Or perhaps a redhead?"

"No one, now let me drink in peace, will you?" Leon gruffly responds, hands rubbing together as he looks away from Luis.

"Oh who am I kidding? It was Dr. Señorita. Her perfume is all over you."

Leon stays quiet, stubborn enough to not confirm it. Instead, he moves his gaze back to the now refilled glass. Luis' playful demeanor fades, turning into something more sincere, the moment he notices the heavyweight in Leon's behavior. "She seems to hold a special place in you, eh?"

"What are you talking about?"

"About how (y/n) became the reason for your drinking session today," Luis presses gently, his smile now more empathetic.

Leon sits thoughtfully for a moment, taking a contemplating sip of his whiskey. Until he finally breaks,

"...She...reminds me of myself, a lot," he starts, thumb tracing over the carved glass. "From being hopeful to becoming hopeless. The way she acts, the things she says..." he trails off, mind getting consumed by thoughts, forgetting completely about Luis' presence. "And last night when I saw her crying for the first time, something just snapped...I couldn't bear seeing her ending up in the shit I am in,"

Looking back at Luis, he adds with pure vulnerability, "It terrifies me how much I care about her."

"It's certainly not because she reminds you of yourself," Luis responds, his tone serious as he considers Leon's confession. "You're in love, Leon."

Leon's gaze lingers on Luis for a moment, his words sinking in. In love...

"And looks like it hit you good. From my perspective at least," Luis says, pointing at himself, placing a hand against his chest. "But I don't know how safe it is to be with (y/n)..." he murmurs under his breath.

Leon frowns, shooting a look of caution at Luis. "What do you mean?"

Luis waves his hand dismissively and forces a chuckle. "Because let me remind you that I saw her first. I might as well fight you for her heart," he jokes, attempting to lighten the mood.

Suddenly Leon's phone rings, pulling him away from his internal turmoil but he doesn't make any move to answer the call for a bit. When he notices the persistent ringing, he wearily reaches for his phone inside his jacket's pocket, noticing Claire's contact on the screen.

"Aren't you gonna answer it?" Luis asks, but the ringing stops before Leon can respond. Moments later, Luis's phone rings and Claire calls him instead.

Leaning back and setting Leon's glass aside, Luis answers, "Sí, mi amor (yes, my love)?"

"Luis, where are you?"

"I'm with Leon at Wiskays."

"Get Leon and come back to the bunker. Chris called in an urgent meeting." Claire hastily announces as Carlos and Hercules can be heard in the background.

"Alright. we're on our way," hanging up the call, Luis turns to Leon. "Come on, Sancho. You need a small break from women. Claire said Chris called in an urgent meeting."

Right on time, Luis' order arrives, and Leon starts to pull out his money to pay, but Luis stops him with a gesture. "That's on my bill, señor."

"Thanks," Leon murmurs as he stands up from the stool, waiting for Luis to settle the bill. With coffee in hand, Luis joins Leon and the two of them heading towards the exit. 

It's time for Leon to try to aside personal matters, and deal with the critical issues that include Umbrella.

----

1:47 P.M

The elevator doors open, and the large, familiar white-silver doors come into your view at the very end of the hallway. Three months later, and you are here. Back in this bunker. You can't believe you're here. You don't want to believe it. You hate it. The last thing you'd expect is to end up in this place, when you promised yourself to make a new start.

But guess you were wrong.

You, Chris, and Piers slowly reach the door in silence. No questions asked, all of them left for the base.

Chris' hand reaches the scanner, having his palm pressing on it. Gaining access with the familiar voiceover and ping, the doors gradually part, and the familiar scent strikes your nostrils. Seeing the main room feels...weird. Unsettling.

As the doors fully slide open, the familiar sight of the round white table greets you, surrounded by heavy silence, now. This table, where countless meetings for Saddler took place and many sleepless nights were spent.

"Come on. Have a seat," Chris gestures towards one of the empty chairs, driving you to take a seat. You nod, making your way over to the table, with Chris and Piers following suit and taking their own seats. "Claire will be here in a bit as well. She went to collect the rest of the team."

The team is back together? Does that mean that Leon...You can't help but think.

Pushing aside your thoughts, you settle into your old seat. Your eyes move to Chris, sensing; mostly seeing his worry. It's been so long since you've seen him, since the mission to be exact, and you're not sure what to say, if there's anything left to at all at this point...

Chris brings his hands together, while you nervously fidget with your fingers, your gaze dropping to the table's surface. Moments stretch in silence until Piers breaks it with a direct question,

"So, how did you figure that you're being followed?" he asks directly.

"It was that same car, repeatedly showing up wherever I went. At first, I thought it might be a coincidence..." you begin, trying to recall each encounter.

"When did you start noticing the car following you?" he asks next. Chris only hears carefully.

Scrunching your brows, you try retracing the timeline. "A week or two- no since last week, yeah."

"Did you see who was inside the car?"

The questions continue to roll non-stop, and your mind begins to remember too vividly every single detail. "Uhm, two men, only the first time I noticed them. Black dressed, and they seemed to look at me from the distance, so when I started to walk to another direction to see if they'll follow, they stayed behind."

Chris nods, looking back at Piers. "Piers, tell the security to check the block for a Mercedes Benz C200 with a sleek grey exterior."

Piers offers a nod, standing up and hastily exiting the bunker. With the door closed, Chris looks back at you.

"I'm sure that... you have many questions-" he says, having you lift your head to look at him.

"Yes, I do. The first is: What the hell was all that, and the second one is: Why am I back in here?" you ask, unable to hide your bother. "At the beginning of all this, you made it clear I was here only to help the team medically. I've done that, haven't I?"

"You have, but-"

"But I am escorted here by you and Piers the moment I tell you I think I'm being followed..What's going on, Chris?" your voice gets stricter, demanding an explanation.

"Listen, I understand your frustration. And... I'm sorry for this. It's all my doing..." Chris confesses, his hands clutching together. "But I'm afraid it's not safe for you to be on your own right now."

Leaning back on your chair, you look at Chris in shock. "What...?" you whisper in disbelief.

Before Chris can explain, the base's doors slide open, and both your heads turn towards the entrance to see Claire rushing inside, immediately coming to your side.

"Are you okay? Chris, what the hell happened?" she asks, her concern unmistakable as she places her hands over the back of your shoudlers.

"I'll tell you once everyone's here. She's alright, that's all that matters now," Chris reassures her calmly.

"I'm fine, I promise," you assure next with a weak smile.

"Thank god," Claire sighs in relief, pulling up a chair to sit beside you, refraining from asking further questions for now.

Right after her, the men of the team, except Luis and Piers enter, standing right at the door. The first your eyes lock with?

Leon.

He just stands right there, same clothes he left your place, extremely tired, brows low, creating a soft crease, his typical shoulder holster adorning tightly his torso, and concern arising on his features the moment he sees you. It seems inevitable that your paths will always cross, no matter what.

As Carlos enters, followed by the rest of the team, Leon remains the last to walk in, his gaze locked with yours. Each passing moment feels like forever as the tension between you two is more than evident, especially after yesterday's love making.

In a surprising move, Leon breaks the standoff, making his way towards you while Hercules and Carlos take their places without acknowledging you. Kneeling down gently, Leon searches your face.

"What are you doing here?" he asks, his voice low but gentle.

"I don't even know.." you admit in a hushed tone, struggling to conceal the panic Chris' warning had brought upon you. Leon casts a fleeting glance at him and Piers before settling in beside you.

"What's going on?" Hercules asks, before he glances at you, and then back at Chris.

"I'll explain."

The team finally gets assembled, once the final members arrive. "The HQ is secured. I only found Luis right at the entrance," Piers reports, rejoining the gathering, with the ever-charmer Luis following close behind. A wide grin lights up his face as he takes in the sight of the gathered team.

Ah," he exhales with a nostalgic air, his arms lifting in a cheerful gesture. "This scene brings me back to our very first day, just eight months ago," he recollects, clicking his tongue. "What a memory."

"Come on, take a seat," Chris orders firmly and Luis nods, making his way to the table. Your eyes meet and he offers a lopsided smirk. You offer a weak smile at Luis in response.

"Well, well, well, long time no see, senorita. You surely look tired. Didn't have a good sleep last night?" Luis' playful jab catches you off guard, having you shift uncomfortably in your seat, letting an awkward chuckle.

"Excuse me?"

"Knock it off," Leon interjects bitterly, growing tired of the constant teasing.

"Aren't you one good of a marido (husband)?" Luis continues, undeterred.

"That's enough, Luis," Piers intervenes, his tone carrying a note of warning, causing Luis to sigh dramatically and roll his eyes.

"Let's focus on the meeting, please," Chris chimes firmly, redirecting the team's attention. As everyone settles into their seats, Piers looks to Chris, awaiting his lead. "I've called you all here today following an incident that occurred less than an hour ago, involving our former team doctor, who appears to be...watched."

Leon's gaze darts in your direction, but you maintain your focus on Chris. Hercules leans forward intrigued. "And what does that have to do with us?"

Chris looks at Piers, hesitant. "I think it's best if you tell them, Captain. No need to keep secrets from the team any longer," Piers says, encouraging him, to speak further and apparently reveal things he should have shared sooner.

"Tell us what?" Carlos asks, raising an eyebrow.

Chris braces himself, before addressing the team. "One of the reasons I wanted to gather the team back was of course to uncover Umbrella's inclusion with the cult, after finding their laboratory beneath the mansion, and discover if they carry the forbidden species Leon was infected with. Yet, I'm afraid that...Umbrella is not only after the samples anymore."

Silence falls heavy inside the main room. Leon's jaw clenches at the sound of the name, his eyes meeting your figure once again. The mere mention of the corporation was enough to put him, and the rest of the team on edge.

"What I'm trying to say in two words, it's suspected that Umbrella agents are were the ones that have been following (y/n). And may not be the only mark. It's likely that all of us are in the list," Chris continues as he looks around at the faces of his trusted team members as they seem to comprehend the news. "Right now, (y/n) is seen as the easiest target, so they're probably focusing their efforts on her. That means her safety is paramount but goes beyond just her. If Umbrella is bold enough to start tailing us, it means they are desperate and growing more reckless. We can't afford to let them get the upper hand."

You can't believe what you fucking hear right now. You? Targeted by an entire corporation? You're just a damn nurse for fuck's sake who was sent here supposedly to stitch people up. You didn't sign up for any of this shit. With a despairing sigh, you bury your hands into your face.

"Desperate about what? What else do they want if they actually have a stronger species?" Hercules asks.

"The suitcase? More intel? Silence us...Vengeance? We don't know exactly." Chris responds. "We're still in the dark," Chris responds, frustration evident in his tone. "To keep things brief, I'll be talking to the General about getting bunker rooms and beds set up here in the base. The fact that (y/n) is being followed only confirms our suspicions, so everyone needs to be extra cautious. We stay steadfast to our mission, but our main priority right now is ensuring (y/n)'s safety."

Turning to you, Chris blows you with the tough news. "I hate to say it, but I think it's best if you leave your home. Right now, you're at the top of their agenda, and they might even have your address."

You sit still. This is all you can do. You're speechless, shocked. This is fucking Unreal!

"Leave my home?" you echo. "And where am I supposed to stay?"

"You'll stay with me," Leon declares, leaving little room for argument. "My place is off the grid, provided by my agency. It's fortified, monitored, and equipped with top-notch security systems."

You avoid meeting Leon's gaze, your focus fixed on the table, repeating his suggestion in your head. Staying with him? He really can't be serious today, can he? Given the circumstances, especially between the two of you, this is now far from ideal. Because with this on-and-off situation, your feelings continue to get relentlessly fucked, and emotionally, you can't take it anymore.

Chris though, frowns at Leon's interjection, actually seeming to contemplate the suggestion.

"What do you think about this, Captain?" Piers asks.

Chris observes, leaning back. "Since Leon carries the strongest security system, (y/n) staying with him till the setup is ready sounds like the safest option so far," he turns to address Leon. "It will only take two days to the very least. Till then, try to stay indoors. It's for the best to let Umbrella lose her tracks completely." Chris instructs him, who he carefully listens before he looks back at you. "The rest of you only remain cautious. Dismissed."

Everyone begins to disperse, rising from their seats, yet, Piers and you remain sat, which specifically you wish internally to die. Can this get any fucking worse?

"Once the work is done, consider this as your re-entry too, (y/n)," Piers firmly comments, grabbing yout attention. "I believe it's best for you to offer your medical aid inside the base solely this time. It's needed as equally."

God, it fucking can. Three months of trying to get your shit together, and you end up returning back to the base as the team's doctor.

"Alright..." you concede, feeling a heavy weight against your chest.

All this, just to relive everything again...

----

fun fact: this chapter was going to be literally almost 20k words so I had to cut it in half.