Resident Evil Series Fan Fiction ❯ Uncontrolled Exposure ❯ Chapter 11

Vacation Overload

The rest of the night flew by for Chaosia, the sun rising on their next day at the cabin seeming to come too fast and too slow all at once. But as she sat on her porch, drinking the steaming cup of coffee-with more than a few shots of rum- as she watched the sun crest over the Arklay range she couldn't have been more thankful. In a few hours Bastian and Wesker would be up; Mikhail and the others would be back some time later tonight. And after they ate breakfast together tomorrow they would all be on their way back to Raccoon.

Meaning she would finally be able to put some distance between herself and the very confusing Albert Wesker.

She rolled her eyes, settling deeper into her seat as she tried to block the events of the past few days. The man's moods bounced around more than a five year old on a pogo-stick and she was literally getting whiplash trying to keep up with him. One second he was all fine and friendly then the next he was snarky and sarcastic. And that was just his attitude! That's not even considering the damned blackmail attempt-God she was so stupid for every fucking agreeing to that to begin with!- or said idiot's stupid rescue attempt.

Or the kiss . . .

She shook herself, glancing over as the patio door opened. A second later Bastian pushed out, a cup of coffee in hand as he made his way to sink into the chair beside her. They sat together in silence, watching the sun rise higher over the mountain range as they drank. After a while her brother moved, sitting his cup aside before he shifted closer to the edge of his seat. He patted the seat beside him, Chaos never even second guessing herself as she moved to sit with him.

She curled around him, resting her head on his shoulder as he got her hand; lacing their fingers together as they watched the light glitter off of the lake. And for the first time all weekend it was finally the way she wanted. She was getting to spend time with her brother, getting to actually just be with her family. She felt him move beneath her, his lips brushing her curls before his free hand tugged a strand.

“You need a haircut, little sister.”

She rolled her eyes, looking up to him before she snorted; settling against him as she closed her eyes.

“So do you, big brother.”

He shrugged, his fingers pushing through her hair as they sat together. Even with everything she'd been through over the weekend she was content. She'd been through a weird ride to get it but she was finally with her family. And nothing could make her regret it.

Not even Albert Wesker.

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Wesker stepped into the kitchen, moving straight through to the coffee pot almost like a zombie. Somehow he'd managed to spend most of the night searching for his phone, trying not to panic once he'd noticed its disappearance. If it was beside the dam then that was fine. The elements would destroy it. But if it was here-or in Bastian's car- then he had to locate it. There were far too many numbers and contacts within the memory for either of the Shaws to find it.

Finally- after begrudgingly enlisting the siblings' help- he'd ended up tearing the living room apart. While Chaosia dialed the number over and over. An experience that had both worked in his favor and nearly caused him to strangle the laughing, teasing girl. He'd set the damn thing to vibrate so every time she would call they only had a few precious moments to narrow down their search area. And after almost an hour he'd finally gotten frustrated. He'd growled and glared around the room while Bastian mirrored his aggravation; both more than slightly upset that they- two highly trained and supremely intelligent officers- could not seem to locate a simple electronic device. Chaosia had rolled her eyes and handed him her phone; instructing him to dial the number again as she moved closer to the couch. He and Bastian had watched-dumbfounded- as the girl waltzed right to his cellphone; lodged in the back of the sofa they'd already looked through four times. He'd begrudgingly thanked the girl-trying hard to ignore her overly smug grin- and stepped outside to return William's call.

He'd paced the porch as the siblings had cooked, ranting and raving at Birkin as he'd cackled away like mad. He'd thought the lapse in Arklay security was hilarious; voicing several times that he was content to be mainly in Raccoon now that he'd finally solidified his place as Head Researcher. Before going right back to guffawing over the method he'd had to use to eliminate the Cerberus he and the girl had happened upon.

Wesker rolled his eyes, pouring himself a large cup as he grumbled.

Apparently Chaosia and Bastian weren't the only ones who thought him having to take down an infected canine-though they were still under the impression it was a wolf-with nothing more than his bare hands was worth `busting a gut over'. He rolled his eyes again, trying not to snort as he took a long pull from the coffee cup; debating on adding some of the rum he spied further down the counter. He seriously needed to reconsider just how good of a friend William was . . . because he knew for fact the idiot was still probably laughing so hard he was crying.

So he'd been his closet colleague for years and they'd done everything from researching to assassinating together. The idiot thought him having to nearly be torn limb from limb-okay not literally but he'd had a stressful weekend, he was allowed some degree of dramatics- by one of the damned experiments they couldn't seem to keep locked in was hilarious. Something that had never happened when he'd been able to run the fucking security the way it needed to be.

He turned, seeing the patio doors open before he moved outside. Only to stop at what he saw. Bastian was in the larger armchair, Chaosia in his lap. And the two were watching the lake together so peacefully he was hesitant to disturb them. After their fight the two had seemingly made peace, joking and laughing like none of the other drama had occurred. Even when she'd been harassing them Bastian had been fine, teasing her back as he'd threatened to leave her precious sanctuary in shambles.

Was this how people-how families were?

He knew for fact that if anyone had ever even dared question or insult him the way that Bastian had his sister he would've shot them . . . or volunteered them for a prime spot in the most gruesome experiment he could find. He knew he wouldn't be capable of this level of forgiveness. Not without a pound of flesh and a few pints of blood at least.

Chaosia shifted, breaking him away from his thoughts as she curled a bit tighter; her head resting on Bastian's shoulder as she sighed. Her voice carried to him, soft and lilting; almost airy as she spoke.

“Do we have to go back? I mean can't we just quit school and work and just stay?”

Bastian chuckled, hugging her tighter. And even though Wesker could hear the reprimand in his tone he could also hear just the barest hint of wistfulness. Like he had actually thought about-even if for just a moment.

“Now Chaos. You know we can't do that. Besides-“

He took a drink from his own cup before continuing, his voice taking on a more playful tone. And Wesker felt torn between the urge to roll his eyes and to be slightly offended. He knew that he and the girl hadn't gotten to a great start-hell he was going to have to work pretty fucking hard just to ensure he would be able to visit the morgue without becoming a permanent resident- but he hadn't thought she was this . . . aggravated with him.

“If we stay, so does Albert. We brought him up remember?”

Chaosia gave a delicate snort, shaking her head as she settled against her brother.

“Damn. Back to Raccoon tomorrow then.”

Bastian laughed, coming to his defense.

“Aw c'mon sis. He isn't that bad. He's just well-Albert. That's the only way to describe him.”

Chaosia glanced up, her light eyes skeptical as she took in her sibling. And Wesker smirked despite himself. She was such a paranoid little thing . . . but it served her well. She was probably a superb pathologist.

“I thought you wanted me to stay away from him. Because I distinctly remember being told all about his womanizing ways and how I didn't need that. What changed overnight?”

Bastian blushed, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Well we-uh talked and-“

“Talked?”

Bastian's blush darkened, Wesker rolling his eyes as he muttered to his sister.

“Yeah. I uh-well . . . Damn it. We talked okay? The guy's my friend Chaos. I wouldn't mind if you went to lunch with him or something but the two of you would have to change- a lot- to make a relationship work. I don't want to see you do anything you don't want to do. Besides, last time we talked you didn't have time to breathe let alone date. What does it matter?”

She glared, leaning back to stare at him as she crossed her arms.

“It matters Bastian because I'm fucking twenty six years old. And I do date. I just don't tell you and I sure as hell never tell Khail. I mean I'm not some kid that needs her big brothers to defend her every five seconds. Or to vote on who I can and can't fuck.”

She shrugged, turning to look to the lake as she huffed; pointedly ignoring the hateful look Bastian leveled on her. After a few seconds she cut her eyes back to her brother, a bashful grin spread over her lips as she chuckled.

“You know, if I ever find the time.”

Bastian snorted, pushing her out of his lap and back towards her own chair; grumbling.

“Don't even remind me that you found time to begin with. I ever get my hands on that idiot and I'll-“

“Do absolutely nothing, Sebastian. I didn't say anything when you were shacked up with that tramp in Atlanta so you can't say shit about me seeing him. Got it?”

Bastian glared, grabbing his cup as Chaos took up residence in the other chair.

“I'm your brother. I've raised you. I can say whatever I want. Especially about him . . . I just don't because I don't want a repeat of last night. Hell I feel sorry for whoever you finally end up with. Poor bastard's gonna end up battered and abused.”

Chaosia glared, her teeth ground as she practically growled at her brother.

“Bastian, I'm warning you.”

But Shaw continued, acting oblivious to her bristling demeanor and stiff shoulders.

“I swear I'm not going to put in a word if you go down for assault and domestic abuse-HEY!”

Chaosia threw the pillow from her chair at him, squawking as it caught it dead in the side of the head. Bastian glared, picking it up and tossing it back at her; the two quickly dissolving into childish foolishness as they bickered and argued between tossing the pillows. And Wesker felt odd watching them, like an outsider glancing at something private; something precious just in their family.

Until one of the pillows-hurled by Chaosia- sailed past Bastian and struck him; sending his coffee down the front of his pants and shirt. It was nowhere near as hot, meaning he'd stood and watched them for a while but it still startled him. Causing him to drop the cup; the thick porcelain cracking as both of the siblings turned to him. Bastian looked torn between laughing and running-knowing him he was bound to do both eventually- but Chaosia looked truly caught.

Like a child with their hand in the cookie jar.

She pushed to her feet, moving towards him as she covered her mouth. A few seconds later she turned to Bastian, her eyes cutting back to him as she bit her lip.

“I am so sorry-“

Bastian snickered, his shoulders starting to shake as Chaosia looked him over. She turned back, glaring at her brother as she hissed. Bastian didn't even argue, pushing up and past them as he continued to laugh. Leaving Albert Wesker alone with the very irate woman who'd just doused him with coffee and struck him with a pillow. God tomorrow needed to come or his sanity wasn't going to survive.

And William Birkin could never know about this incident. Ever.

“Goddammit Bastian! Get up and get something to help clean this up with. Its your fault anyway!”

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Chaosia sighed as Bastian fled the scene cackling, bending to pick up the shattered cup as Wesker glared down at his now soaked clothes. She glanced up at him through her lashes, blushing as she realized she had made an even bigger idiot out of herself by yelling and carrying on. God she just couldn't seem to act like a normal person around this man.

She looked back to the pieces, hissing as a thin sliver of porcelain pierced her skin; sliding through the pads of her index and middle fingers like they were warm butter. She dropped the cup as she pushed to her feet, causing the pieces to shatter even further as she cursed and held her now gushing fingers. Why did it always seem that the smallest cuts hurt the worst? And that they poured buckets of blood?

Long, thick fingers closed around her own before a warm hand gently clasped around her wrist. She looked up, shocked to see Wesker looking down to her hand; gently prying her fingers open so he could inspect the damage. He sighed, shaking his head before tugging her towards the kitchen; both of them stepping carefully over the broken cup as he led her to the sink. He reached out, setting the water to lukewarm as he pulled her hand beneath the stream. Letting her see that the fingers slowly working over her own-gently pushing the tiny shards of porcelain from beneath her skin-were easily twice the diameter of her own. Actually his hand dwarfed her own, his other hand able to wrap around her wrist; his fingers overlapping.

God she'd never realized just how much bigger than her he actually was . . . but then again both of her brothers were well over six foot. Most tall people just seemed normal to her by comparison.

“How did you fair in your writing? You were not far from finishing before we left last night . . .”

Chaosia started, looking up at him in shock before she shook herself. She shrugged, her eyes falling back to her hand in his as the water started to run clear instead of pink. And though her fingers were still aching she knew it wasn't as bad as it felt.

“I finished last night after you and Bastian went to bed. Of course I'll probably revise it at least twice more but for the rest of the weekend I'm going to leave the viral pathology alone. Besides Bastian wanted to reread my forensic psychology . . . To make sure everything's correct.”

He nodded his eyes still on her hand as he replied. But Chaosia knew his attention was solely on her even though his eyes weren't. she fought a shiver as he moved, turning the water from warm to cool before turning it off completely.

“I doubt he'll find anything to contest. When do you finish?”

She blinked, the topic perplexing but she answered regardless. She was sure she'd told him the first night that she only had a few months to go . . . hadn't she? Surely she hadn't been that sloshed . . . She shook herself, making a mental note to cut back on her drinking. If her memory was being affected then she needed to slow down. Or she was going to become an alcoholic far faster than her brothers feared.

“A few months. Though I'm debating on when I get back to Raccoon asking if I can submit my theses early.”

He raised a brow, cutting his eyes to her. She blushed again, shrugging as she rolled her eyes. She knew it wasn't something people normally did but the sooner she could get the academic board to accept her theses the faster she could take the position she'd been offered. It was rare for an essentially `fresh' graduate to be given such an opportunity outright. And though she knew-hoped and prayed- she wouldn't be in Raccoon forever she wasn't moving any time soon. Besides she was already doing the work why not get the pay?

“That is . . . a risky endeavor, Dear heart. Surely you understand that if you submit early then you will be weighed with a stricter bias and far more scrutiny. Are you sure you would not rather wait? A few months is not too long to pass.”

She bit her lip before shaking her head. If there was one thing she knew about Cynthia Connors it was the woman wouldn't keep the position open long. And while she was definitely the Chief Medical Examiner's first pick if she drug her feet Connors would give the position away. Better to seize this now instead of chancing the wait.

“I'm practically finished, Captain. With everything you suggested-and the few changes Bastian will undoubtedly demand- the longer I wait the more chance I'll change something for the worst. Besides . . .”

She trailed off, suddenly uncomfortable with explaining her reasons. He'd been so keen on her virus before that she was almost afraid to tell him she would be the secondary pathologist and the back-up Medical Examiner for Raccoon City. She knew it was stupid but her gut told her not to say anything. Even as her mouth moved on its own and did the exact opposite of what she wanted.

“Besides?”

“I-Dr. Connors offered me a permanent position at the Coroner's Office. One of the other pathologists just up and quit without any notice. I know Bastian is going to be in Raccoon City for a while-and Khail isn't going to be too far away. It wouldn't hurt to take the permanent position for now.”

He blinked, before nodding; his lips tugging into a smirk that made her heart flip and butterflies bubble in her stomach. Five heartbeats before her skin wanted to crawl. God how could someone look so damned sinfully attractive and evil at the same time?

“Well then I can understand the rush. Have you told Bastian about the job offer?”

She shook her head, accepting the clean dishrag he handed her as he turned to move towards the first aid kit above the fridge. She clenched her fingers around the cloth, watching the white and blue gingham stain red. He moved back to her, motioning to her hand as he opened the kit; pulling out the antiseptic and gauze wrap. She raised a brow, looking to him skeptically.

“No . . . I want it to be a surprise. He'll freak if I tell him before I take it. What do you think you're doing?”

“Isn't it obvious?”

She leaned further against the counter, her eyes narrowing as he sighed and stepped towards her. She didn't care how nice he was trying to be, every single time he touched her someone always saw them. And then she got yelled at and insulted before she slugged something. She wasn't dealing with that today.

“I don't know what you think you're doing but I'm telling you what you're not.”

He gave her a pointed look, motioning for her hand as she pulled it closer against her.

“Honestly Dear heart? You're bleeding everywhere-“

“It isn't that bad. Small capillaries in the fingertips make for a lot of blood for a small wound. You're a doctor, you should know that.”

He kept his hand out, his look darkening the same way it had on the porch as his voice deepened.

“Chaosia. Your hand.”

She gulped, slowly extending her hand. He sighed, reaching out and grabbing her wrist; tugging her to him. He took the rag, tossing it into the sink before he set to disinfecting the wounds. Neither spoke as he swabbed the cuts or when he spread the antibiotic ointment over her skin. Or when he placed the thick surgical gauze over the wound, wrapping her fingers and palm tight enough to staunch the blood flow.

She glanced up at him through her lashes, biting her bottom lip as he turned her now bandaged hand over in his own; neatly taping the end. He examined his handiwork before nodding, never looking up to her as he drawled.

“There . . . that wasn't so terrible now was it?”

She rolled her eyes before shrugging, enjoying the way his mouth tugged down into an irritated frown before she caught herself. Aggravating this man was her brother's job not hers. Even if it was fun. She pulled her hand from his, her fingers dragging across his palm just as Bastian stepped into the kitchen; dustpan and broom in hand as he bitched. But she was thankful for the distraction, even if he was being an ass.

“Damn it Chaos. For someone who's so fucking organized you can sure as hell pick odd places for shit. Who puts a broom and dustpan in a linen closet?”

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Wesker moved outside with Chaosia and Bastian, settling into the open chair as the siblings returned to their former spot in the largest seat. Chaosia was tiny in comparison to her siblings but it was far too easy to tell who actually ran things when they were together. At least with Bastian. He sighed, shaking his head as he drank his now reheated coffee; blinking as the rum Bastian had added overpowered the strong brew.

Chaosia raised a brow, obviously catching his look before she turned back and leveled an accusing glare on her eldest brother. The Ranger however just grinned lazily, shrugging as he drank his own coffee. Which just made the girl's eyes narrow even more.

“How much rum did you put in these Sebastian?”

He shrugged again, raising his cup to her in a faux toast with a wide grin; his voice smooth and saccharine all at once. Which just seemed to irritate the girl even further.

“Enough to make dealing with your wonderful morning personality easier, oh chaotic one.”

She glared, her voice just as saccharine as her brothers-though the hardening edge was easy to detect. God no wonder they spent so much time arguing-they were too damned much alike to do anything but.

“You've been dealing with my morning personality just fine for the weekend, asshat.”

He turned, his eyes locking on Wesker as he winked; Chaosia bristling before her cheeks flushed bright red.

“Yeah but you haven't really been out before you've been awake a few hours. Even when the others were here you'd been up for a while-and you still almost scared Claire to death on the porch. Which by the way you can't continue to do. Chris is gonna give Khail enough hell, I don't want to have to explain your insults or smooth anymore ruffled feathers.”

She rolled her eyes, muttering something that made Wesker choke on his next drink of coffee-flavored-rum; him actually sputtering as he tried to catch his breath.

“Yeah well don't hold your breathe. He's fucking her, not me. I'm smart enough not to bring girls home to the family.”

Wesker watch as Bastian glared, leveling a hard look on her as she shrugged; continuing her argument as they both seemed intent to ignore the fact he was sitting there. Dear God why had she phrased it like that?! And why did Bastian seem more upset that she'd said it then the implication behind her words?

“Chaosia I'm serious. I just want peace. And I know that all of this has been a hassle-that none of this has gone according to the plan we set but still. Claire isn't so bad-“

“I don't mind the kid, Bastian. But she's a kid. Super smart or not . . . and Khail needs to think with his head instead of his dick.”

Bastian went to speak when she stopped him, continuing on.

“BUT I won't be hateful, alright? And I'm not the one who scared her. Talk to him.”

Wesker rolled his eyes before he glared at her, trying to figure a way around the trouble she was trying to land him in. Only to start when her next words exonerated him, making the situation seem far more innocent than they both knew it had been. And still neglecting to mention the damned viral strain that had started most of this angst and anxiety between them. God why hadn't he just left things the way they had been the first night? And just let her be intrigued but somewhat cordial?

“Though honestly he wasn't any worse than I was. She seemed uncomfortable with the fact that I wasn't as social as she and Officer Valentine are. I can't do much more than try, Bastian.”

Wesker blinked, impressed as Bastian seemed to mellow; sagging against the chair with a huff. She'd played that far too well to have never manipulated him before . . . And Bastian seemed completely unaware. Oh he'd been right, Ada could definitely learn a thing or two from this one. Though from the way she smirked and flicked her brother he doubted that she was even aware of what she'd done.

She cut her gaze back to him, her eyes searching his before she nodded. And as he nodded back to her, she gave him a grin; right before her gaze became pointed. She'd kept her word-had protected his interests as well as her own. And now she expected him to do the same.

“Fine, little sister. I get it. You'll do your best. Just don't forget that Chris is my friend-and that no matter how badly all of this goes Claire is his sister just like you're mine.”

She nodded, rolling her eyes as she reached out and stole his cup; grimacing at the taste before she spoke again.

“Yeah, yeah. Don't terrify the kid even if Khail's being stupid. Message received. Jesus-tap-dancing-Christ Bastian is there any coffee in this at all?”

He shrugged, stealing it back from her.

“Just for color, Chaos. Remember the others are gonna be back tonight. I'm gonna need it.”

She shook her head, turning to Wesker. Who just smirked and shrugged, offering his own insight as they settled into the now comfortable atmosphere. It was obvious that they were all trying to relax as much as they could before the rest came traipsing back through.

“God and I'm the alcoholic? Does he drink like this all the time in Raccoon when I'm not around?”

“Mostly when he's with Redfield and Speyer . . . though I have fallen victim to their idiocy myself. You aren't going to allow him to mix shots tonight are you?”

“Oh Lord no! I can't handle anymore of those stupid alchemy shots he loves to get people with-“

“HEY! Christ Captain who's side are you on?”

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Chris Redfield had never been so thankful to see anything in his life as he was when the Shaw lake house came into view. He sighed, pulling in beside Bastian's Land Rover and the pristine Chevelle before putting the car in park. Claire and Khail were out of the car, heading towards the house with Forest following closely; the other STARS member lugging both his and Jill's shower bags while Valentine trudged up the steps like she was following a death march. Chris watched them all proceed into the house before he groaned. Letting his head sag to the steering wheel, he closed his eyes; muttering a prayer as he felt himself start to relax.

“Thank you God for letting me survive this . . . now just let me get them back to Raccoon without committing murder and I won't ask for anything until Claire gets married. I swear.”

He sighed, just reveling in the quiet for a few long moments until a tap at the window made him jump. He turned, honestly surprised to see Chaosia standing beside his Jeep. With a steaming white coffee mug in hand. He took the keys from the ignition and stuck them in his pocket, slowly opening the door enough for the girl to step close. She offered him the mug like it was the answer to all of life's problems . . . and he couldn't stop himself from taking it; nodding to her with a tired smile.

She nodded, giving him a small smirk before she motioned her head towards the house; her eyes sympathizing with him even if her words didn't. Apparently it hadn't been a picnic here either. Though he honestly doubted she'd contemplated burying anyone in the woods.

“I figured you would need this right about now. Just drink it slowly.”

He raised a brow but took a careful sip, blinking at the strong taste of rum that flooded his mouth. He swallowed forcefully, nodding to her as he chuckled weakly.

“Damnation kid. That's strong . . . it hasn't been that bad here has it?”

She rolled her eyes before cutting them back to the house, glaring as Bastian and Wesker pushed outside and off of the porch. Both moving towards the Jeep in quick determined strides. She shook her head as he raised a brow, grumbling as she crossed her arms and huffed. Her curls were pulled into a low ponytail at the side of her neck; the almost white ringlets falling over her left breast as she rolled her eyes. And while she wasn't dressed too differently from how she had been before Chris had to admit she wasn't too bad to look at.

Hell if he weren't steadily trying to get Jill to warm to him-to want to be something other than coworkers and partners then he would be having the same awkward conversation with Bastian that Khail had attempted with him. Though from the way Wesker-who was sans sunglasses oddly enough-was looking between them he might have some competition.

Her voice brought his eyes back to her as she shook her head; her eyes tracking the others movement.

“Oh it's been a joyous time here, Officer Redfield. Almost as much fun as a lobotomy . . . but before we're interrupted I wanted to apologize-for before? If I made you or your sister uncomfortable it was not my intention. I'm just-I'm not so good with people when they're actually breathing you know?”

Chris blinked before he nodded, laughing as she relaxed. He extended his hand to her, giving her the warmest smile he could muster; thankful that she took it and shook; firmly.

“Its all good, Ms. Shaw. I know I wasn't exactly in the best of moods either. So we'll call it even . . . besides I know for fact that I made your brother's life hell on purpose. At least you're big enough to apologize about Claire. Who was more uncomfortable about Captain Wesker than you just to let you know. She's kind of shy at first . . . and she's told me she doesn't think he likes her very much every time she comes to the precinct.”

He chuckled, keeping her hand in his as he leaned closer; stage whispering as the other two got closer.

“I keep trying to tell her its just how he is but she wants everyone to like her, you know?”

She laughed good naturedly, winking as she agreed.

“Oh trust me; I've been enlightened to how odd your Captain is. Just like I know how much of an ass both of my brothers can be when they aren't trying to act human. So don't worry about Khail. I'm sure he deserved every bit of whatever happened if not more. We're going to eat a little later but I figured I'd offer for you to use my shower. I imagine the lake didn't make for a good bathtub.”

He grinned, thankful for the offer.

“I would love that, ma'am. But only if you'll call me Chris.”

She raised a brow before nodding; her voice warmer than he'd ever heard it as she laid down her own condition.

“I believe I can manage that, Chris. So long as you can handle calling me Chaosia.”

Chris nodded, straightening as Wesker and Bastian stepped around the front of the car; letting the girl's hand slip from his as she turned and very pointedly goaded her brother.

“See? I can be nice when I put my mind to it. Hell I can be downright pleasant.”

Bastian rolled his eyes, turning to Chris with a tired smile. And when he reached out and patted his shoulder Chris felt a million times better. At least he wasn't mad about anything that had happened. He turned, nodding to Wesker as the blonde captain dipped his chin; but something in his words made him almost feel like he was in trouble. God he hated being in trouble . . . especially when Wesker was the one who was going to be reprimanding him.

“Redfield. No further dramatics and mechanical issues arose I trust?”

He nodded, chuckling sheepishly before turning to Chaosia; thankful when she smiled and pushed him towards the house.

“Ready, Chris?”

“Yes ma-am, Chaosia. Just point me in the right direction.”

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As she watched the others laugh and drink, eating the massive meal she'd spent most of the day cooking as they traded stories and memories Chaosia had to admit that it wasn't so terribly awful to see her house burgeoning with people. Oh sure they were a loud boisterous bunch-and the men seemed intent to roughhouse more than she wanted with so many breakable things at hand- but she wasn't as put off as she had been days before.

She turned, giving Jill Valentine a tight but genuine smile as she nodded; halfhearted listening to the woman go on and on about the horrible camping experience as they drained her last bottle of good wine. She felt bad for the way that things had worked while they'd been further up the mountain but she would've changed places in a heartbeat.

Because she seriously doubted that Wesker would've pulled half of the shit with the pretty officer that he'd attempted with her.

“Oh my God! And then they couldn't agree on how to fish! Your brother tried to show them how to fish barehanded and that just ended up with a bunch of soaked idiots who kept getting everything else wet!”

Chaosia laughed, looking to Khail as he narrowed his eyes at Chris; the two glaring at one another over the cards they'd drug from somewhere. The men-or the Idiot brigade as Jill had dubbed them-were now scattered around her kitchen table, cards in hand as they all tossed the singles and fives into the pot. Bastian was looking over the others as he fingered his hand, the epitome of calm and collected while the others-Forest, Chris, Bastian and Wesker-all glared and complained.

Well the others complained while Wesker looked over his own cards in very apparent boredom.

She turned back to Jill, shaking her head as she laughed; trying not to cringe as she felt eyes on her. She cut her eyes over to the poker table, seeing that Wesker was seemingly focused on the table and the game but she knew better. The others were all so deeply involved that they weren't even aware she and Jill were there-or that Claire was soaking in the monster tub in the guest bathroom upstairs. And considering that the captain had donned his sunglasses as soon as the others had arrived she wasn't able to actually see where his gaze was focused. Nonetheless she sure it was him.

He'd been staring-no glaring at her since she'd attempted to make peace with Chris Redfield. Barely responding to anything she said or did with more than a few sharp, clipped words. Unless she happened to touch one of the other men and then it was `Dear Heart' all over until their attention faded.

She shook her head to herself, reaching to refill her wine glass again when she happened to glance back up; freezing when she noticed Wesker's head turned slightly to her. She raised a brow, looking at him pointedly as his lips tugged into a tiny smirk. Right before he nodded ever so slightly and turned back to the game, brow raised as Chris and Khail laid down very similar hands at the same time.

She turned to Jill, raising her glass as the other woman shook her head; neither of them bothering to comment on the argument brewing mere feet away. But all of that came crashing to a halt when cards flew at them, Chris and Bastian's voices rising over Khail's as Forest tore from the room. The man was through her kitchen before any of the others could catch him, though her brothers and Chris were right behind him. And when she and Jill looked to one another she could barely contain her giggles at the other woman's words.

“JESUS! I swear you can't take them anywhere? What were they fighting over now?”

Wesker's voice made her turn, her reflection visible in the man's dark tinted glasses as he looked them over. She raised a brow, praying that she wasn't flushing as badly as she thought she was. But the second he sank into the sofa beside her, his arm causally landing one the back of the sofa directly over her shoulders she knew it was hopeless.

“Apparently Speyer decided to use a rigged deck. Redfield found one of the duplicate aces while Khail found the other. Their hands were nearly identical . . . though I agree their tearing out like wild dogs was unnecessary. At least they didn't break any dishes this time, right Dear heart?”

She blinked, shaking herself before she nodded; giving Wesker a pointed look. If Bastian walked in and saw them like this he would freak . . . and that wasn't even taking what Khail would do into consideration. She shifted, putting some distance between them as she took a large gulp from her glass. Jill however wasn't going to be any help. They'd all consumed enough alcohol to make them mellow-at the very least-and Jill seemed intent to disappear as fast as she could.

Hopefully not to puke all over her bathroom again. Note to self: next time do not allow alcohol if any member of STARS is going to present. Because none of them seemed to have enough sense to pace themselves.

“God they're idiots. Well kiddies I'm going to go make sure Claire hasn't turned into a fish and then hit the hay. We've got a lot to pack tomorrow. And the idiots outside are going to help you clean up.”

And with that she was up and moving towards the stairs, her fingertips grazing the wall as she made her way. Chaosia tried to fight a growl as she turned to ask Wesker what his issue was-only to nearly die when his hand clamped over her mouth hard enough to make her teeth ache. She glared at him as he tugged her up and to her feet; keeping a tight grip on her arm and face as he pushed her towards the kitchen.

They moved quickly, his fingers digging into her skin as they moved down the hallway towards the small staircase at the back of the house. It was the only way to get up to the master en-suite . . . and as they ascended the steps she was afraid. She wasn't clearheaded enough to deal with him-with his egotism or his mood swings. And she sure as hell wasn't one to be manhandled.

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When they hit the landing Wesker let her go, drawing away from her like she was something tainted. She glared, pulling the long sleeves of her shirt down and over her arms as put distance between them. But he couldn't stop himself from stepping towards her. He had no idea what was going on here but goddamn it she was going to answer him.

She'd all but shunned him since the others had arrived, her attitude towards Redfield making him become angrier every time he'd see them. First it had been the quiet exchange at the man's Jeep, then her sheer audacity at insisting he use her private bathroom to bathe. And then when he'd come downstairs it had been small touches and glances . . . and dear God if he heard her say “Chris” one more time he was going to gut the man on the spot.

She'd barely interacted with him at all without prodding, the few times they'd been alone together it had taken her a considerable amount of time to warm to him-even before he'd negotiated the deal about the sample. Hell the first night on the porch he'd nearly had to pry ten words from her with a crowbar. But Redfield pops up looking haggard and irritated and he's greeted with a small and her instant favor-even after his drunken spectacle the group's first night.

He just didn't understand it! He was better than Redfield would ever have time to be! Better bred, better educated, better looking . . . well spoken and supremely intelligent; with interests that matched her own. Goals that could easily align with hers should he tweak them just enough. He would be in STARS until he was no longer needed-until Spencer reassigned him. He could very easily manipulate the people around them to benefit her should she need it.

So why was she behaving like this?!

“What is your malfunction?!”

He growled, glaring at her heatedly before moving towards the steps; trying to put as much distance between them. He had her upstairs and away from the others. And so long as she stayed up here-and as far from the other alcohol drenched idiots as he could get her he would be fine. Christ he'd known better than to let Shaw keep pushing drinks into his hands but he'd relented; angry enough at Chaosia's apparent dismissal not to care if he'd become just as inebriated as the others.

“Nothing, Dear Heart. Just trying to ensure you don't get my sharpshooter killed before we can get back to Raccoon.”

He stilled before cursing. Shit why had he said that?! Christ alcohol really did loosen tongues and brain cells.

Chaosia however didn't seem to catch his sleep as she glared at him, her eyes narrowing into aqua slits of ice as she all but growled at him. She threw her hands in the air before pointing at the door, her exasperation more than evident.

“WHAT!? God you are absolutely the most confusing arrogant man on the fucking planet! GET OUT!”

He rolled his eyes, moving to do as she asked. But as he went to close the door he couldn't stop himself from speaking out, his lips moving on their own.

“Do cease the dramatics, Dear heart. You haven't met everyone on the planet so your little outburst is unfounded. Not to mention unnecessary. I'm leaving . . . but do not make the mistake of thinking we won't discuss this.”

“Discuss what?! How big of an ass you are?”

He snorted, giving her a deadpan look.

“No, dearest. How now that the others are back you seem intent to make a spectacle of yourself with any member of my team-save me.”

She growled again, her voice dropping dangerously low as she cursed at him. And as soon as he shut the door he heard-felt-something collide with the wood and shatter. He looked back, amazed. She had actually tried to throw something at him. He shook his head, moving slowly down the steps as he heard noise start to drift up from the kitchen. The others were back inside and he knew that they would question his absence . . . even if they were drunk as fools.

He stepped out of the stairwell and into the hallway, moving into the kitchen just as Bastian was pushing yet another round of drinks into Redfield and Speyer's hands, Khail moving towards the lower level bedrooms with barely a glance over his shoulder. And Wesker made a decision. He knew it would bite him in the ass but damn it he was already pretty well sloshed-to have had an outburst like he had upstairs. Why not go ahead and kill the rest of his brain?

He moved to the counter, taking the drink from Bastian before he could drink from it; downing half in one go as the others looked at him in awe. Bastian however just laughed, clapping him on the shoulder before pouring another drink for himself. He lifted the glass, laughing as Redfield and Speyer followed suit.

“To the end of our relaxation, boys. May our return to work be easier than this weekend has been!”

Redfield snorted, lifting his glass higher as he nodded.

“A-fucking-men to that, Shaw. Now enough with the gay ass toasts. I just want to get drunk before I have to deal with anymore shit with our dear siblings tomorrow.”

Speyer nodded, draining his drink as Bastian rolled his eyes; drinking as Wesker settled against the counter. And for the rest of the night-well into the morning hours he stood with the three men under his command and observed. Drinking just heavily as they did as he listened to them talk and joke. And somewhere between the wisecracks and slurred stories Albert Wesker found himself relaxing among other people for the first time in years. Earlier with the Shaws had been one thing-seeing as both Bastian and Chaosia were quiet and respectful enough to leave him alone to become acclimated to their presence. But this . . . this was something entirely new. It wasn't exactly horrid but he knew he needed to watch it.

And make sure that he limited his participation in group outings such as this. Uncontrolled exposure to the members of his team was proving to be a liability . . . one he couldn't afford if he wanted to keep his head. Now if he could figure out to do just that thing around the youngest Shaw then he would be alright.

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