Chapter 28 - Envious Agent

----

6:53 A.M.

Chris' palm makes contact with the scanner with a weary slam, the sound of the doors sliding open reverberates inside the lonely base. Stepping inside, he pauses to take in the emptiness of the main room.

A bruised cheek and black eye are the aftermaths and the painful reminders of his remorseful actions, just a few hours ago. Shame conquers—for ruining a little girl's day, and years of friendship with someone who had been a father figure to him, all for the heart of a woman he's been longing to hold for years.

Shrugging off his black coat, he tosses it carelessly onto his chair before heading towards the shelf that holds the intel of Umbrella. However, as he turns to return to the table, his gaze inadvertently falls upon the slightly open door that leads to the operating room, a ray of light betraying another individual's presence that makes Chris immediately stiffen in reaction.

"Hercules?" he calls out steadily but met with no response. Setting the files aside, he carefully begins to approach. Eyebrows furrow in caution, his fingers glide against the surface of the door, slowly creaking it open to peek inside. No movement.

But the moment he pushes the door further open, he is met with perhaps a very unexpected sight: Leon fast asleep on the operating chair, (y/n) nestled atop him, and his jacket cocooned over their sleeping forms; his arm lazily but protectively wrapped around her.

Caution turns into surprise and confusion. The first, most logical course of action is to wake them and ask what are they doing here. But seeing their exhaustion, obvious from sleeping with the bright light on, Chris decides to leave the questioning for later, when at least one of them wakes up.

Turning off the light, he closes the door quietly behind him, and walks back to the table, reaching for the phone in his coat. Dialing 

Why did they end up here?

--

- 3 Hours Ago -

"Shit," you hear faintly Leon's urgent hiss and feel him disentangle himself from you, springing off the couch.

You hum groggily, slowly blinking open your eyes to see Leon joggng towards the security panel "What's going on?" you yawn, rubbing the sleep away from your face.

Leon doesn't respond. His palms are pinned against the beige wall, caging the security panel's small screen with his alerted gaze.

"Leon," you call out again, sitting up and perching your legs on the edge of the couch. As your consciousness fully returns, his concerning expression becomes crystal clear.

Leon pushes away from the wall with force, striding purposefully towards the small drawer under his TV. Opening it, he searches in a rush for something. "Someone's broken inside the building. The cameras of the entrance, hallway, and the elevator are out." 

"What?" you whisper as Leon fishes his motorcycle keys out. Your heart races, pounding hard in your chest because your mind immediately jumps to Umbrella—but how is that possible when they supposedly don't know where Leon lives? "Could it be—"

"No time for that. We need to get going. Now," Leon interrupts with a firm and urgent tone in his voice.

With an assertive nod, you both jump into action. Leon rushes to the hanger by the entrance and grabs his holster, securing it with a resonating clack onto his broad shoulders- all while you join his side. Neither of you make any attempt to lose time and get a bag with your stuff since you don't know if they really are coming for you or not.

The clock is ticking, and the intruders can possibly be closer to your door, so once you're both ready, Leon places you firmly behind him, his fingers quickly entering the code into the small box attached to the panel, until the sound of locks disengaging echoing in the unsettling silence.

Opening the door cautiously, his head peeks outside, making sure no one's around yet. Satisfied to find the hallway deserted, he jerks his head to the exit, signaling you to follow. You hesitantly step out and Leon grabs your hand gently. 

As he ushers you out, your eyes dart to the staircase and then to the elevator which remains stationary on another floor.

"If we take the elevator, we'll draw their attention...but if we take the stairs, we might run into them..." Leon murmurs to himself as he seems to be lost in his thoughts. His hand runs in frustration onto his hair, trying to think of possible options to escape, without grabbing any type of attention.

--

"Guard the staircase, you check the back exit of the building, and we'll take the elevator," the leader whispers and his colleagues take their positions.

Upon entering, the head of the small team presses the button to the floor where Leon's apartment is located. Floor Seven.

--

As things couldn't possibly get any worse, the elevator button panel lights up, indicating that it's now occupied. Leon's head snaps towards it, watching the small arrow climbing up...

2nd floor...

...3rd floor...

Realizing that the time you now have is not a few minutes, but few seconds, Leon rushes to the staircase, seeing from the bottom two agents rushing up. All that, while you stand paralyzed, unsure of what to even do.

"Fuck..." Leon growls, turning back to you. "They've taken the elevator and the stairs."

You're surrounded. And you are terrified...

"What are we going to do?" you whisper, letting the panic to rise within you. Leon glances back at the floor number, seeing it coming closer to its destination.

Leon's eyes move to the elevator, before back to their staircase, as he seems to calculate something. Just then, an idea seems to form in Leon's head. "Come on, we'll head to-"

Before either of you can even react, the elevator pings and the doors slowly slide open. Your eyes widen as two black-dressed men holding rifles...and Umbrella's logo is worn on their biceps, appear right before you. Leon immediately pulls you behind him, his face hardening.

"Well, well, well...out for a night walk you two?" the leader taunts, both men cocking and aiming their rifles at you in an instant. "Too bad we'll change your plans... Because this hide-and-seek ends tonight."

"I'm in the mood to play a bit more," Leon mocks back, attempting to reach for his gun, but one of the agents takes a step closer, pointing the black metal towards Leon's head, halting immediately his movements. The other man, reaches for his earpiece, his aim also unwavering on both of you.

"Ian, call it a wrap, we got them—"

Unexpectedly, Leon unsheathes his knife hovering over the two agents. Your eyes widen in shock the moment one of the agents is about to pull the trigger, and shoot Leon. Everything happens in the blink of an eye...and all of a sadden-

* Gunshots *

--

"NO!" a feminine scream reverberates, halting immediately the rest of the two other men's steps. 

"Ian, what was that?"  the colleague guarding the ground floor's exit asks through the earpiece, receiving no reply. "Ian, do you copy?"

The two agents that took the stairs exchange a brief eye contact, before they rush towards the hallway near the 5th-floor elevator, to find the elevator now descending instead.

"They're in the elevator! Come on!" one agent urgently says, reaching for his earpiece. "Bryce, block the ground floor's elevator. We got them, they're inside."

"Roger."

They all rush downstairs at a rapid speed until they finally reach the ground floor. The four men aim their weapons at the elevator, their heavy panting echo and their eyes pinned against the silver doors, waiting almost impatiently for the elevator to reach its destination. 

And it does...The moment the doors open, their eyes widen and their weapons lower in disbelief at what they find... Instead of the agent and the nurse captives, they find their men laid down, dead on the spot, and the elevator's floor flooded with their own blood.

"What the fuck?"

--

⁤Rushing out the back exit on the second floor that connects to the parking lot, you both run towards Leon's jeep and motorcycle that is parked nearby. ⁤⁤Droplets of blood are splattered on Leon's face and tank top, an acrimonious reminder of the murder you just witnessed. ⁤⁤But there's no time for thinking now. ⁤⁤Only follow, until made sure you're safe. ⁤

⁤Leon quickly mounts his bike and extends his hand to help you up. ⁤⁤As you climb on behind him, he inserts the keys, and the engine of his black motorcycle comes to life, giving away your location with its boisterous and jerky vibrations. ⁤⁤With a swift kick to the kickstand, he grips the throttles firmly. 

"Hold on tight!" Leon calls out over the roar of the engine, and your arms immediately wrap tightly around his torso, seeking for support.

With a final twist of the throttle, the engine screams, the wheels screech against the parking lot's pavement, and a plume of smoke billows behind you as Leon speeds up, driving you away from the building...where Umbrella is 

----

3:46 A.M.

The elevator doors of the B.S.A.A.'s building open smoothly, your fingers clutch against Leon's jacket, unable to shake off what just happened. You can't catch a fucking break... 

Leon steps in last, running a hand through his hair before pressing the button for the bunker's floor. You can feel his gaze moving to you, his hand slowly reaching down to clasp yours and thumb tracing comforting circles on your skin—a small gesture of affection beneath the brutal image you faced moments ago.

"...This is all my fault...I'm sorry..." your voice comes out barely as a whisper, but your words catch Leon's ears, making him turn to look at you with a stern expression. "If I wouldn't come with you, none of this would have happened-"

"Look at me," his palms find your cheeks into a protective embrace. "Remember, we're in this together. So take a deep breath, alright? It could never be your fault."

A sentence that became a reminder when things get tough. A reminder that you are a team and that no matter what happens, you'll always have each other's backs. A reminder...that only Leon can use to ease any of your worries...

You nod softly before Leon leans in and places a gentle kiss on your lips. "We'll figure it out," he promises quietly, reassuring you. 

The doors of the elevator open to reveal the grey hallway, making Leon slowly pull away. "C'mon,"

Reaching the bunker, Leon presses his hand against the scanner, the doors slide smoothly to welcome you both into tranquility.

--

4:30 A.M.

Carefully withdrawing the needle, you inspect for a moment the now fresh stitches applied on the left side of his bottom lip as you remove your gloves, discarding them inside the trash can beside you. One thing's for sure, Leon's following days of healing will be painful...but at least there'll be no danger of infections.

"We're done?" Leon's voice breaks the silence, looking up at you.

"Yeah," you confirm, pushing the small medical table aside with a gentle nudge. "The anesthesia should keep you comfortable for a few more hours, so you're good."

"Thanks," Leon murmurs, swinging his legs on the edge of the chair. His eyes find your figure, following you as you quietly arrange your medical tools. "Are you okay now?"

Pausing, you meet his eyes and nod softly. "I'm better. Just... everything happened so fast..."

"I know," he sighs as you slowly sit on the stool chair, right across from him. "Now we're back here, we'll start training again."

Your gaze shifts to him in concern. "Training...?"

"You need it. Especially now."

Training is the last thing you want right now, but Leon's right. If you're going to survive this ordeal, training with Leon is a must. "I understand."

For a long moment, neither of you utter a word. Silence seems to be both your best friend after all, giving you the time to process this reality. How things changed in only a few months, and not in a good way.

"I'm...sorry you had to see this," Leon suddenly speaks up, making you lift your head towards him. "Killing a man in cold blood. But I had no choice. It was either them or us."

Looking back down, you let out a soft, bitter chuckle, before responding, "Don't worry...I don't think anything could surpass the sickening shit we faced with Saddler and his cult.."

-

"It's been two only months and I'm going insane. How am I supposed to move on with my life after this? How am I supposed to recover from it?"

"You'll never recover from it. But you'll learn to live with it." 

"I should have never agreed to this. It was stupid of me to get included to this mess..."

-

"Leon..." you begin hesitantly, "when you came over to my place—you said that I'll never be able to recover from the last mission...but learn to live with it...Was that because of something similar you went through? Or was it Cuba as well?"

Leon doesn't reply to your question, and his reaction is subtle but telling. You can see his jaw faintly tightening, fingers slowly curling into fists as he looks away, a silent acknowledgment of the pain buried inside him. 

You don't know whether you should insist or not, taking in his reactions, but a part of you wants to know you're not alone in what you're feeling, and what you're left with.

"I know you maybe don't want to talk about it, and I understand if you're trying to forget..." you say softly, although sensing his unwillingness. "But could you tell me what...." Your words trail off as you survey Leon's continued silence, realizing perhaps now isn't the time to press him further. Shaking your head, you lean back. "Nevermind, forget I said—"

"I was just some rookie cop, late as hell on his first day at work, because I got completely wasted," Leon's firm and blunt interjection makes you look back at him. "And the reason I'm still alive.."

Lifting his head, he meets your eyes, "That night, when the outbreak happened in Raccoon City. You know it?"

Six years ago. You were only a teen when this happened.

"Yeah....it was all over the news..." You murmur softly, choosing not to speak any more, but listen instead. Just then, you recall Chris mentioning that Leon was also at the Department of the city. 

"...I was one of the few that witnessed and survived the outbreak. But the shit I saw there...scarred me for the rest of my life-"

-

"You are about to receive our greatest gift." Saddler's gruff voice soothingly echoes inside the makeshift church close to the mansion. Each word grows thicker as you squirm desperately to break free from the cult members restraining you. "And when the night breaks, you too will join our covenant. To share in my holy blessing..."

The needle inches closer to your skin, the egg floating around the light yellow fluids inside the syringe.

"Let the gift spread, and welcome our newest daughter,"

-

"The pain, the fear..." 

- 

Your steps halt, looking down at the newborn. His shivering has stopped. He now rests quietly and still, eyes closed, thumb in his mouth but not actively sucking it. Leon stops next right at the door, his hand on the doorknob and a wondering furrow appears on his expression.

"What's wrong?" he asks, walking back up to you.

You gently place your index right under the baby's nostrils. No breathing.

Leon's eyes wander your face, seeming to be confused. you move lower to the baby's small and sensitive throat. No pulse.

"The baby is..." you pause, glancing back at Leon. His features soften, a trace of sadness visible behind his eyes as you share the news.

The baby couldn't handle the parasite in his undersized system and succumbed. First the mother, now the baby...

-

"Go," Leon rasps weakly at you, nodding towards the exit of the mansion. But you shake your head slowly, refusing to leave him. 

"I'm not leaving," you insist, moving closer. However, with Leon delivering a single gunshot against the cracked ceiling, he shatters the crack, and stones begin to collapse before both of you. You tumble backwards, shielding your face with your forearm as rocks and debris rain down, forming a rocky wall that separates the two of you.

"Leon!" You scream, desperate for a response, but nothing. Silence. Rushing towards the makeshift wall, you begin grab the rocks hastily with bare hands, pushing them aside with force in an attempt to clear the obstacle blocking his exit. 

-

"Leon? Can you hear me?" you ask softly, reaching to take his hand in yours after removing the parasite from him. Your fingers clasp around his gloved palm, and cold sweat forms in your own. The suspense rises as seconds pass without a response from Leon. In that moment where success or failure in saving a life becomes clear.

-

"-Literal people..." As Leon's voice draws you back to the present, you find yourself wide-eyed, tears threatening to spill over. Meanwhile, his gaze is lost ahead as he seems to also recall the horrific images of the outbreak he was a witness. 

"Got lied to, used..." he pauses for a moment, "witnessed things that are impossible to forget, no matter how much I try. And all of that...thanks to Umbrella's bioweapons."

The memories of the people who died in the mansion keep on replaying in your head. The ache, the nightmares, and the same you feel is something Leon understands more than anyone else. The reason you decided to change as a person, started drinking for those three months-

And Leon for the past six years.

"Some time later after I escaped, I was forced to join a top-secret government program. I couldn't say no. The training, the punishing missions..nearly killed me. But in those moments, they were the only things that could keep my mind off everything," making eye contact with you, he delivers concludes with words that break your heart. "If I had known where it would lead me, I would have never fought to survive that outbreak in the first place."

This final sentence shutters you completely. All Leon ever wanted was to become a police officer, and shield the righteousness to the people that had lost it. Umbrella, the system- took that away from him. Forever.

Blinking, the tears roll before you slowly approach him and sit down beside him, right on the legs of the operating chair. The light's humming swallows the silence, letting you process Leon's past, and this whole fucked up situation you were both put in... without your consent.

Your fingers toy with the leather of the chair, eyes facing your lap until you delicately reach for Leon's hand, placing yours atop his, showing him that you'll be there for him...in any way you can. He turns to you and both of you lock into eye contact.

With tender care you lean in and press a gentle kiss to the corner of his lips, mindful of the stitches and sterilized wound. As you pull away, Leon's gaze linger on your lips before meeting your tear-filled eyes. Lifting his pointer, he curls it lightly, wiping the damp trail on your cheek.

"I'm sorry..." is all you can whisper, still just a few inches away from his face.

Leon's finger only pauses to your cheek, his blue eyes wander around your facial features. Without a word, he reclines, spreading his legs to make room for you, his hand intertwining with yours as he guides you to lie against his chest. You take the chance and your arms encircling his torso. 

With one free arm, Leon reaches for his brown fur jacket, draping it over your back before resting his hand atop it.

As you nestle against him, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat becomes a soothing lullaby. You don't know why, but every time you hear his beating heart—the way his arm feels around you, being cocooned under his jacket against his embrace, brings you comfort and serenity.

The minutes pass, neither of you talking, until you finally manage to succumb to an actual peaceful slumber, right inside the operating room of the bunker.

Patience, Leon. Once all of this is over, we'll make a new start. Together.

----

Tic, toc, tic, toc...

Tic, toc, tic, toc...

Tic...

....

...

...

----

8:22 A.M.

A hoarse grunt rumbles from Leon's chest as he stirs lightly slowly, feeling weight pressed against his chest, and a sweet, familiar scent filling his nostrils. The morning at the base has far arrived, and inaudible, and faint, inaudible chatter echoes from outside the closed door of the operating room.

As Leon opens his eyes, he sees her still asleep on his chest, her back gently rising and falling with each peaceful breath. He takes a moment to savor the peacefulness of the scene, before his gaze drifts around the room. Soon enough, his eyes land on Hercules' olive-colored backpack sitting on the desk, a sign that perhaps all the team members are here. 

Looking back down at her, he carefully slides from under her, disentangling himself cautiously enough so he won't wake her up. Adjusting her onto the operating chair better, he tucks his jacket back on her, to keep her warm.

Just as he gets back on steady feet, the anesthesia on his lip begins to gradually wear off, and the discomfort begins to make its entry, light stinging pain throbs onto Leon's recently stitched lip.

But it's not something he really can't handle.

Reaching the door, he can now hear the muffled voice of Chris, and Carlos. Opening, he is met not only by Chris and Carlos crowded around the table, but the entire team, a heavy tension in the atmosphere suffocates the main room.

With a soft creak, the door announces his entrance, drawing all eyes towards him. Leon stands there, his face carrying stitches and his once-white tank top stained now with dried blood. Claire's widened eyes mirror the concern across the faces of the others as they take in his poor appearance, the silence thickening as Leon quietly closes the door to the operating room behind him.

"Leon...what happened?" Claire's worry resonates as she walks up to him.

Leon looks at the members of the team for a moment, before looking back at Claire. "Umbrella tracked me down."

The revelation leaves everyone in shock inside the room. Because supposedly, Leon's home was the safest, regarding its security measurres.

"How is that possible? You said your apartment is off the grid." Piers questions cautiously.

"Let him breathe a bit," Luis speaks up understandingly. 

"Luis is right." Chris says firmly, yet gently, looking back up at Leon's worn condition. "Leon, have a seat..."

Leon slowly walks towards the chair, wearily sinking down, next to Hercules. A second pass in quietitude, before Piers follows with a question, "(y/n)'s still asleep?" 

"Yeah," Leon responds, masking his fatigue.

Chris's palms rub together slowly, pondering for a moment, trying to find a solution to ensure both (y/n) and Leon's safety. "Piers, you mentioned one bunker room is ready, correct?"

"Yeah, they'll finish the second one today," Piers confirms.

"Alright," Chris nods, turning his attention back to Leon. "Leon, you and (y/n) will stay in that bunker room—"

"Keep in mind, there's only one single bed so far," Piers adds.

"I don't think that will be an issue," Chris comments, leaning forward with a sigh.

Leon's gaze accidentally falls onto Hercules, who his eyes are fixed on him. His gaze and only is enough to annoy Leon. "What?"

"Odd how from the moment (y/n) came to your place, suddenly Umbrella discovered where you live, despite the location being protected by your agency," Hercules observes casually, his arm resting near his sidearm. "Don't you find it weird?"

Leon looks away, choosing not to respond to his question.

"It doesn't matter how it happened," Chris interjects. "Thing is it did...and seems that Umbrella's patience is running thin," looking back at the team, he announces. "With that means: No one leaves the base from now on. And everyone will be involved in uncovering the head of the corporation, no matter what's your role inside the base." He scans the room, ensuring his message is clear. "Am I understood?"

Hesitant nods and weary agreements follow, prompting Chris to lean back, satisfied. "For now, we will start with a basic plan."

Addressing the first three members of the team, Chris begins to give orders, "Carlos, Claire, Hercules, I want you to go and get some food supplies. We will need them," looking next at Piers and Luis, he continues, "Luis, Piers, you'll come with me to the General's office," and finally turning to Leon, his face softens, but remains stern. "As for you, Leon, all I'll need is the address of your apartment. I'll send some of my men to your place to retrieve your belongings once night falls."

Leon nods.

With the final sentence, the meeting ends, dispersing the team to their assigned tasks. As Leon rise as well to leave, Chris calls out gently, "Leon, wait a moment," halting Leon's steps. 

Turning around, he fixes Chris with a cold stare, and watches him wait until the rest of the team has left the room before Chris finally speaks, "I know right now it's not the time...but I apologize for everything that...happened yesterday..."

However, Leon's response is almost blank of emotion. "I think you owe that apology to someone else," he says, before turning around. As he's about to reach for the operating room's handle door, he turns his head to the side. "Just make sure (y/n) knows nothing about this. She already has shit going on in her mind."

With that heartless plea, Leon steps inside, closing the door behind him, and a sigh of resignation leaves Chris. 

He fucked up...

----

- 2 Days Later -

1:20 P.M.

Hercules adjusts his glasses as he types away on his laptop, the rhythmic tapping of the keyboard the only sound that shatters the quiet of the operating room. Meanwhile, you attempt to focus on studying medical material to expand your knowledge, but your thoughts keep drifting elsewhere.

Today, Luis and Carlos became the last members to have their own bunker beds. Today, is the day to announce that the B.S.A.A.'s base- is officially your home. Two days have passed so fast, unable to remember what happened in between since you spent all your time inside the operating room.

And you can't lie, but find things extremely challenging already. 

Chris though tried and continues to try and stay optimistic in the team, assuring everyone that uncovering Umbrella's plans, specifically regarding their targeting of you and the rest of the team, and the potential existence of the specific species Leon was injected with, is simply a matter of time, and it will only take a few days till all this is finally over.

And you have no choice but to believe him. Because you want to trust Chris. You should trust him.

"You seem troubled," Hercules' voice pulls your attention away from your studies, making you to lift your head and meet his gaze. He pauses his typing, removing his glasses as he looks back at you curiously. "Or confused, perhaps?"

"Nah, just focused on reading through some notes," you respond, attempting to sound as casual as you can.

"I don't think it's only that." Hercules remarks as he rises from his desk and walks over to where you're seated. Casually moving your backpack aside to create space, your current novel gets exposed, lying on the surface...a poor attempt to keep it hidden from the wandering eyes in the base.

Embarrassing.

An amused hum escapes Hercules as he picks up the book, inspecting it with mock interest, while your cheeks flush in humiliation. "Didn't know you were that sentimental."

"I'm not. This is just something to pass the time," you fib, almost snatching the book from his hands, drawing a chuckle from him.

"Hey, no worries. We all have our guilty pleasures- when I was training at the Greek Special Forces, I always snuck in one of my favorite comic books."

Your eyebrows knit together in surprise. "Really?"

"Mhm, and I still do at times," Hercules confirms, rising from his seat and searching through his belongings until he retrieves a small book from his backpack. Returning to you, he hands it over with a casual gesture.

Examining it, you look at the cover of the comic, drawn with vibrant colors and on right above, the title is written in Japanese. "What's it say on the title?"

"'Attack On Titan'," Hercules explains, leaning against your desk. "It's a manga, the Japanese term for comic books."

"Manga? Cool," follows with a whispering 'wow' leaving your lips, flipping through the extremely well-drawn pages, and all the dialogues are in Japanese.

"Yeah. Comics for me are a good escape from reality when things get tough." Hercules says, taking the book back into his hands and flipping through the pages himself. "And depending on what you read, they can even change your mindset. Because you get to see things from all perspectives...not just the ones your eyes meet."

"True.." you murmur, glancing over your novel. A question then takes over, that makes you more confused now, seeing him reading the manga in his mother language. "Can I ask you...a kind of a random question?"

"Sure."

"Why are you named Hercules since you're Japanese?"

"Ah, that." Hercules chuckles at the unexpected question, crossing his arms casually. "It's actually my father's name. Hercules Nikolopoulos. He passed away before he married my mother, and she wanted to name me after him, and so... it happened."

"Wait, so...your mom is Japanese and your dad Greek?"

"Mhm." 

"And..how did they meet?"

Hercules takes a moment to remember before answering. "Well, from what I've been told, my mother went to Chios for vacation one summer. Meanwhile, my father was working there as a waiter at a tavern. She happened to visit that tavern, and, well, the moment they laid their eyes on each other, you can imagine the rest, since I'm here."

You can't help but smile. "Love at first sight..."

"Yeah, something like that," Hercules smiles lightly, leaning back. "Then what...seven months later? My mom came up to my dad and announced she was pregnant with me. But he didn't even get to make it to Japan and see my mother in person after the news...he died in an air accident." Your smile vanishes gradually as Hercules reveals the tragic reason behind his father's pass. "Because the specific plane wasn't in a condition to fly."

You can't even imagine what his mother must have gone through, raising a child alone...and possibly blaming herself. "I'm sorry for your loss."

Hercules simply nods, clearing his throat before reaching for his backpack and stuffing the book back inside. "Though I thought we'd save these kinds of personal conversations for outside the base," he says, making you tilt your head in question.

--

Luis enters the bunker with a singable whistle, his gaze scanning the area, searching for Hercules. It doesn't even take a second to spot him through his unmistakable voice coming from the operating room. Luis makes his way towards it, and his hand finds the handle. Just as he's about to open the door, he accidentally catches a snippet of conversation between the two doctors of the team inside.

"What do you mean?"

"About the dinner...?" Hercules' voice echoes through the door.

"Oh, right," she responds with a soft chuckle.

"I suppose my invite is still on?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Great," Luis now confused, slightly opens the door to peek in. To his continued surprise, he finds Hercules scooting closer to (y/n). "Because I'd like to..know more about this..intriguing nurse in front of me," he says, with the tone in his voice being..smooth.

Frowning, Luis leans backward, his hand releasing the handle as he tries to keep his presence as discreet as possible. The stunner remains etched on his face. "Señorita? With Hercules?"

Suddenly, the bunker doors swing open, where Leon appears right at the main room, immediately capturing Luis' attention.

"Luis, Piers wants you upstairs to the laboratory," Leon announces extending the piece of paper about the Plaga species to Luis.

Luis however, greets Leon with open arms as he approaches. "Panza, did I tell you how badass you look with those stitches?"

Leon taunts with a laugh, allowing Luis to take the file. "Glad you find my pain amusing to watch." 

"Badass. Not amusing." Luis corrects, tucking the paper under his arm. "Just trying to boost your confidence, aye. Seems like you might need it with the competition you got now."

Leon's eyebrows furrow. "What are you talking about? What competition?"

"Well...I was about to head into the operating room - heard Hercules mentioning a dinner invite to señorita, which she certainly didn't decline," Luis casually states, fishing out his packet of cigarettes. "Aren't you two a thing now tho?"

Leon's expression shifted from confusion to disbelief, though he quickly masked it. His gaze darted towards the closed door of the operating room, and his hands clenched into fists. With a disapproving shake of his head, he grabbed his jacket, leaving Luis's question unanswered.

"Aye, where you're going!?" Luis calls after him.

"Workout," Leon dryly responds, the doors behind him closing.

Luis unable to choke a chuckle, mutters to himself. "Agente celoso...(Jealous agent...)"

With long and purposeful steps towards the elevator, Leon tucks his jacket with force, her scent still lingering all over the interior of his jacket. Despite his efforts to drown Luis words, his fists threaten to clench as he presses the button for the elevator to descend.

Confusion swirls with a pang of something unfamiliar in his chest. Why is he feel this way? It's just a dinner, after all. Yet, as the elevator descends, he can't shake the unsettling feeling that something has shifted, something he can't quite put his finger on.

What bothers him the most is why did she accept Hercules' offer?

----

3:34 P.M.

Stepping inside the training room, it takes a moment for you to register the transformation it has undergone since your last visit. The empty and faded room, with only gym mattresses holding the floor, is now filled with machines and every fitness equipment you can imagine.

Entering further, you take a look around the now well-completed place. Between the four large walls, two expansive mirror walls adorn the left and right wall, as the other two stand bare, revealing its grey pricked walls. The floor matches its color, along with the benches that are strategically placed for rest and observation.

Upon looking around, your gaze falls eventually to Leon changed in a black turtleneck shirt and black sweapants. His skin glistens and the inner parts of his hair appears damp from his recent, yet tense workout session. To his left, boxing gloves, and small weight bars are discarded, one on the bench, and the other on the floor below.

Elsewhere around, a few of the corporation's soldiers are immersed in their own workout, but your gaze remains on the handsome agent in his lonely corner.

A faint smile sweetens your features as you begin to approach him.

"Hi..." you greet him softly, hoping to draw his attention. Leon lifts his head once he hears your voice, and looks at you briefly before he stands up.

"You're here. Good," he stoically greets you, his words carrying an unusual lack of warmth as he walks past you instead, to get the gym matress. 

You frown at the sudden shift in his behavior. He's so cold. Distant. Like the very first time you met him. 

"Uh..yeah.." you murmur, trying to appear confident as you watch him drag the gym matress into place. "I didn't bring a second pair of clothes, though,"

"You don't need a change of clothes for today. Won't get that wet," Leon says as he drops the mattress right in front of you before he lifts his head to face you again, his expression blank...unreadable. "We'll start with a small recap of what we've done before. Show me your stance."

"You know...I still insist on giving it a week for the stitches to fully set, and then we can start with the training." 

"No. We start now," he asserts firmly. With his hands on his hips, he gestures towards the mattress with his head. "Get on."

You inaudibly sigh through your nose and nod, making your way up to the mattress and slowly begin to take your stance.

Leon takes in your form. Eyes all over your body from head to toe, beginning to circle around you to inspect any possible flaws. Stopping behind you, his hands begin to touch you, adjusting your posture by spreading your legs a bit further.

Then out of nowhere, Leon's arms wrap around your stomach. Despite his stoicism, his touch is extremely gentle. His left hand locks around his right forearm, gradually adding large pressure. Bear hug. Your back begins to sink against his chest and abs, and as you glance sideways, you catch his gaze fixed on you, intense enough to find it intimately attractive.

Silently you know the drill—you're meant to break free from the hold that has been challenging you from the beginning of the training sessions. But this time, you find this task suddenly impossible. Your mind is clouded, distracted by the presence of the handsome agent so close behind you.

Too lost in the haze of thoughts, Leon with the strength he has, swings you forcefully, mimicking a move the attacker could do. You gasp and instinctively clutch onto his forearms as you almost lose balance, but Leon's firm grip steadies you in place.

"Distraction leaves you vulnerable," he reminds you strictly, releasing his hold on you gently. "Let's start again."

You tightly nod and redo your stance, letting him then reposition himself behind you once again.

Seconds tick by, and Leon repeats the hold. But this time, his touch still remains...different—gentler, almost cautious—compering the previous sessions, as if he's being more careful not to hurt you in any way.

Now from memory, you begin to execute his techniques almost flawlessly by breaking free from the hold on your first attempt. Leon offers only a firm nod before stepping back to give you space. 

 The training continues over the next ten minutes, with Leon guiding you through various holds and self-defense techniques. Each repetition ensures your responses are precise and instinctual, building your confidence in your ability to defend yourself.

"Looks like you have no issues with most of the holds now. Good job," he praises, taking a moment to adjust the mattress with his foot. After a brief pause, he makes a decision. "Think it's best if we don't lose more time and jump immediately to today's training."

You raise an eyebrow as you watch him striding over to a specific shelf, lined with silicone knives and other training tools, and selects a few along with a dummy. Coming back to you, he positions the plastic in front of you and hands you a silicone knife. "We'll start with the basics of knife lessons-"

Your eyes lock onto his face as he starts to talk—trying to figure out the reason behind his current behavior, but once again, it all fades as your gaze moves from his tired eyes, lowering slowly to his scarred cheekbone, somewhat concealed by his honey-blonde hair. Then, your attention shifts to his moving mouth, bruised and stitched, yet still captivating in its movement. Even fucked up like that, to you he looks like the most beautiful guy in the entire room.

You zone out again, barely registering his words. Your focus locks onto his furrowed face as he continues to explain, his voice a distant, inaudible murmur.

Suddenly, Leon pulls out his knife from his shoulder and with an unusual precision, he grabs your arm, and twists it in a way where you won't get hurt, dropping the silicone knife and pushing you towards him. With expertise, the pointy blade stops right against your throat, his low eyes facing your widen ones as his other hand remains firmly locked around your wrist. Faces inches close, letting you observe his fucked up face once more, but this time up close.

And truth is, he still makes your heart skip a beat. Even in this state. Even if he appears to be...mad at you. 

"One of the most crucial rules in training is to never lose focus. Yet, you let your guard down. Again," his voice is gruff as he releases you once more, before smoothly sheathing his knife. "Stay focused."

"I'm trying," you murmur in response as he steps back slowly, adjusting his gloves with a sigh. "But I can't when you're like this all of a sudden."

At your final sentence, Leon's brows slowly loosen. He takes another step back, maintaining a respectful distance.

"Have I done something?" you ask, trying to understand his behavior.

After a few seconds, Leon finally decides to speak. "You tell me," he replies, sitting down on the bench and shoving his boxing gloves into his bag with frustration.

"Tell you what?"

"Tell me why you would go out to dinner with someone who abandoned you without hesitation."

You frown in confusion. "Are you talking about Hercules?"

"Yes, I am."

"Is this the reason you're...mad at me?"

Tossing the second glove carelessly inside, he stands up while locking into an eye contact with you. "Just tell me."

"It's just a friendly dinner between two colleagues, that's all," you explain, but your words prompt a sarcastic chuckle from Leon. He places his hands on his hips, clearly unconvinced. 

"'Friendly dinner', huh?" he mocks. 

His reactions only are enough to make you stare back at him in irritation. "I really don't understand why you're acting like this right now-"

"You can't be really asking me that question," Leon firmly interjects, stepping closer and his voice drops to a near whisper. "Hercules forced you to follow him and left you behind when you trusted him. If I weren't going to come after you, you'd be dead. Do you understand that?" 

"This is why he asked me out, Leon. To make it up to me—"

"If he wants to really make it up to you, he'll have to make sure to not get you killed next time," he interrupts with a bitter comment as he leans back, walking back towards his bag. "Not take you out on some cheap date."

"It's not a date," you insist.

"You're really that naive? Or do you just want to believe that?"

"I'm not naive and I don't only believe that. I know so. I would say no if it was a date," you respond defensively, not really believing you're having this argument with him right now. "And why are you being so defensive? As far as I remember, we're not together." Shit. After the past few days, you really just said that...

Leon's head drops, a bitter huff escaping his lips as his arms fall loose to his sides. With a curt nod, he looks back up at you. "I thought when I made love to you—" his words cut sharp, stopping himself from confessing further what's on his mind, and your heart only now sinks further, regretting deeply what you've said.

"I'm...I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way-"

"No, you're right. We're not together after all. You're free to go out with whoever you want."

Your face drops in despair. Now when things were good between you and him, now that you both found comfort and solace in each other's affection- fuck, why do you have to keep messing everything up? "Leon..."

"Let's get back to training."

----

12:04 A.M.

"Seems things are getting crucial," Ada comments as she approaches the table, gracefully picking up the metallic bucket filled with ice. "That means we need to act quicker than I calculated before Wesker captures the nurse."

Her words seem to fall on deaf ears. He remains silent, his mind clearly elsewhere. Ada raises an eyebrow and sets the ice bucket down on the coffee table. "You seem quiet. Everything okay?" she asks, sitting down and handing him a glass of whiskey.

He accepts the drink without a word and takes a large gulp. "Just thinking."

"About what?"

He twirls the ice in his glass lazily and takes a deep breath before speaking. "We've been watching over the nurse for five months—shit, I know things about her that her own family doesn't know—"

"Get to the point," Ada interrupts, subtly growing impatient.

"I think it would be best if we just...let her go," he suggests. "Find another person to do the job you want. She's already messed up with everything that happened in Cuba."

"Am I sensing...empathy?" Ada asks, her tone dripping with disbelief as finds him looking away. She huffs in a stunner. "Don't tell me you've developed feelings for the nurse."

At his silence as response, Ada takes a small sip of her own drink. Seems like his continuing "stalking" has created a different type of interest towards the team's doctor...leading to a jealousy towards Leon. And all that, does not escape her notice.

Two agents...secretly envious of each other.

----