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rainythefox · 2 years

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Nightfall (Ch.23)

Synopsis: Pre-Resident Evil 1, slight-AU/Canon Divergence. Claire Redfield comes home to visit her brother Chris for the holidays but gets caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Albert Wesker, the Captain of STARS, after stumbling upon dark secrets. She can’t call the law; Wesker is the law, and she can’t tell Chris. She is trapped…Claire/Wesker & Slight Chris/Jill (Wesker & William Bromance). Rated M for smut, language, violence, adult content.

AO3 Link

Chapter 23: If You Love Something...

Warning: This chapter contains smut and has some gore/mutilation (but not in the same scene!) Enjoy! ;D

Her fingers glided along the oak railing as she peered down into the dining room below. Breakfast was being served to the mansion's residents, the fireplace aglow with a cozy fire. The constant hollow clack of the grandfather clock reverberated the walls, even above all the chatter.

Ada frowned at the gathering, feeling a little guilty for leaving without saying goodbye to John. She had to, though. It was for the best.

Her pocket beeped. Ada reached inside and pulled out her PDA, her other hand carrying a full suitcase. She knew who it was even before reading the text.

Don't be late.

It was nice to know that even miles away, Albert still felt the need to keep her in check.

She quickly typed up an answer. Enjoy your week off :P

After pocketing the device, Ada opened the door to the main hall, smiling to herself. She descended the main staircase and headed for the front double doors. She finished buttoning her fur coat, ready to step into the crisp morning after Christmas.

"Thought you could sneak out of here without saying goodbye, huh?" A voice called to her back. It was John.

She gave him an apologetic smile as he approached. "Well, you know me. I hate goodbyes. Besides, I'll be back in a few weeks. Just on assignment."

John crossed his arms with a frown. "Yeah, conveniently after getting into big trouble with the Colonel. Is there something you aren't telling me?"

Ada softly laughed. "That was just a big misunderstanding. Everything is fine. I am simply following Lord Spencer's orders."

"If you say so," he mumbled, disheartened. John Clemens was so nice and incredibly normal compared to most here. It was a wonder he was still chief researcher in the Arklay Laboratory. It was a wonder William hadn't eaten him alive.

Ada pecked him on the cheek. "Goodbye, John. Take care of yourself, okay? I'll be back soon."

"But I…I…"

"My cab's waiting."

"R-Right. Take care, Ada. See you soon."

The agent nodded with a warm smile and departed. Her warmth was trumped by the biting cold outside. Despite getting into the cab and driving away, despite admiring the beauty of the snow-covered Arklay Forest glinting in the warm morning rays, the cold remained. The same cold this line of work knifed into her, continually marring her heart piece by piece.

The cab ride gave Ada the opportunity to reflect on the damage this time. She'd acquired much intel for the Organization, which was always good for her health and wallet, but at what cost? Albert had certainly procured way more power this round. That didn't negatively impact her though. In fact, it did the opposite. He owned her more than The Organization did, their lives intertwined perpetually it seemed. That didn't mean Ada had to turn a blind eye to the innocents Albert decimated in his never-ending pursuit for more power.

Like Claire.

It's just how things are, she had to remind herself. It was part of the natural order of this world. Claire was collateral damage like countless other sacrificial lambs to the wolves that truly ruled the shadows. Not only had Claire found her way into the jaws of the most ruthless wolf of all, she had somehow managed to tame him, if only a sliver, in her favor.

Albert would consume her eventually, though. Slowly. Painfully. It was his nature. Ada knew it firsthand, and, in the end, Claire would too.

It would hurt Ada more than she cared to admit, but…it was just how things were.

Sergei, Roth, and Bennett – even Finley, Crawford, Lowery, Bard, Mueller, and Irons – all got what they deserved. Though some were gone for good, Albert was just getting started with the others. In the end, he had successfully won the biggest chess game within Umbrella to date…right under Spencer's nose.

The cab parked. Ada got out and, after a short walk over salted pavement, entered Grill 13 in downtown Raccoon City. It was the morning after Christmas, yet traffic was as busy as ever. Vehicles covered the freshly dozed roads, going here, going there. The people on the sidewalks did the same, bundled up, their own destinations in mind. So oblivious. Sometimes Ada was envious of their ignorance.

She found The Organization agents inside at a booth. She ordered a coffee and a small healthy breakfast, their waitress the same kind of clueless to her table's true intentions. Not three friends having breakfast…just three strangers exchanging information and money at the expense of innocent lives.

The woman agent was in charge. Selena was her name. That's all Ada knew about her. No last name. Ada wasn't even sure it was her real name. Selena was older than her, with dark hair, skin, and eyes. Beautiful, graceful…cunning. The man with her was more Ada's age, stand-offish, with red hair. Ada had never seen him before.

They ate breakfast, they faked pleasantries, they discussed the intel Ada had handed over. On occasion, the door would chime as it opened, causing a breeze of iciness to draft over their booth as customers came and went.

Selena smirked, flipping through some pages after Ada had finished telling them about the situation with Aaron Roth.

"We've yet to meet Dr. Wesker in person, but he continues to impress us. Putting a muzzle and chain on Spencer's guard dog was never a possibility in our eyes, and yet he managed to pull it off and take over Roth's expansive network. You've known him for some time, yes? Tell me, what is he like? His file is quite confidential within my higher-ups."

Ada frowned. There was no single way to explain Albert. There were hundreds of words that could describe him…merciless, calculating, pragmatic, despotic, vain, ambitious…

They could never even begin to understand him.

"He's…something else. You'll just have to see for yourself."

Ada got her payment and left, Selena's question still bouncing around her mind. Even she couldn't explain Albert Wesker to herself. She hated him, she respected him, she even thought she loved him in some capacity. Moreover, he just fascinated her.

Most men bored Ada. Most men were the same, no matter how inherently good or evil they were. Few and far between were truly different and intrigued her. Albert was one of them. His immoral nature aside, Albert saw the world in a way no one else ever would. He was someone no one would ever be able to assess, understand, or control. A force that could surely one day devour the world.

Wesker scowled at Ada's text before pocketing his pager, eyes now firm ahead as he followed his usual path within NEST. He glanced at his watch, taking another winding hallway without even looking at the painted directions. He had plenty of time before his shift at the police department, but speculated why William had such urgency to begin with. His ID wristband flashed red with a padlock icon. Spencer had stayed true to his word for Wesker's "holiday". He was now locked out of all Umbrella premises and operations.

That's where his "escort" came in. Matching his pace, she was the one to get him clearance into William's domain. Monica was her name, he recalled, another of William's high-ranking researchers. Forward, ambitious, cutthroat. Fortunately, she was also smart and didn't attempt superfluous conversation.

Another beep from his pager informed him Claire was home with no updates. That wouldn't last, however. Claire wasn't a homebody.

"Here you are, Dr. Wesker," Monica purred once reaching William's laboratory. "I paged Dr. Birkin and he will fetch you promptly." She batted her eyes at him. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Without looking at her, he waved her away with a flick of his wrist. She wasn't gone long before the door chimed and slid open, revealing William with bags under his eyes, a wrinkled lab coat, and five o'clock shadow. His partner's countenance stretched into a sleazy smile at Wesker's arrival.

"Hey Al my pal! Let me get the door for you!" He snickered.

Wesker sighed and entered, already irked, but William wasn't finished. "Need me to check your email while I'm at it? I mean, what all did Daddy ground you from again?"

"Spare me your antics, Will. I do not have the time today."

"You never have time for my antics."

"Yet here I am."

"Someone hasn't had their coffee yet! Luckily, your best bud's got your back. C'mon!"

Wesker followed after his partner, where they proceeded through two more Administrator chipped doors into the back of William's lair.

"What exactly is the purpose for summoning me here so early and with such urgency? You know I have a shift at the RPD soon and I do not need any further inconvenience should Spencer discover me being here."

"Fuck Spencer, this is important!" Will spat as he poured them coffee. After handing Wesker his cup, the Golgotha creator nodded towards the next section of his laboratory. "In the glass cage."

They approached the large glass observation room, where Wesker immediately discerned a familiar face. On the other side of the panels sat the bruised and beaten Stephan Bennett. He quickly sprang to his feet like a frightened animal when he noticed them.

Wesker cocked his head, almost interested, but it soon soured into a glare directed at his partner.

"I know what you're thinking!" William defended. "You had your fun using him as a demonstration for Claire, and now are thinking of a spectacular sendoff that will satisfy you, right? Well, I have just that! Just for you, buddy!"

"Is that so?" Wesker asked, unconvinced.

"You're gonna love it, Al, trust me. He's gonna die an excruciating, violent death for hurting Claire, just you wait!"

"I'm at the edge of my seat," Wesker said dryly.

William fiddled with the controls, and the metal door at the back wall of the observation room slid open. Bennett spun around, slowly backing away until he connected with the glass. Out shuffled a zombie, although Wesker quickly distinguished the characteristics that made it stand out from others.

"Playing with Crimson Heads again, Will? Such a lackluster finish for scum like Bennett, and regrettably not worth giving up my morning."

"Now hold your horses!"

The zombie was faster than normal, its rotten flesh turned crimson from the V-ACT process, time, and a satiated metabolism. Claws had formed where fingers and toes once were. After another onceover, Wesker recognized the clothes and remaining facial features.

"Is that…Lowery?"

"...Maaaybe…"

Wesker turned to him. "You turned Lowery into a Crimson Head? I figured you would've subjected him to the G-Virus."

"Well, I had a better idea!" William grinned like a little kid and pointed as Lowery chased Bennett around the glass cage.

"What the fuck?! Let me out of here! I'll do anything! PLEASE!" Bennett pleaded. With a broken arm and hand, he couldn't do much beyond evade and scurry like panicked prey.

"See anything different about this Crimson Head?"

Wesker had already noticed. "Claws are longer. There are bony plates along the dorsum and the scapulae are protuberant. More muscle mass. Mouth now has sharp denticulation. The brain is more exposed. No lips. The eyes are sunken in."

William nodded with a hushed squeal. "Yes!"

Wesker sighed. "What did you do?"

"Okay, so you know how the V-ACT process creates Crimson Heads, right? After time and a healthy metabolism, zombies infected with the Epsilon strain of the T-Virus will eventually slip into a dormant state and transform into a more dangerous creature. In the event of severe trauma, if the change is close enough and the head is still intact, they can mutate even faster."

Wesker nodded, listening to his words over Bennett's incessant screaming.

"Well, I took the Epsilon strain and kinda…'mutated' my own. And well…in the same process, created something even better than Crimson Heads!"

"...Interesting."

"Just wait until you see it! The time is right! This is why I called you down here in such a hurry! Behold, a new discovery!"

William hit another button on the controls. The machine gun hanging in the observation room ripped through Lowery, cutting him down before he could maul his quarry. Bennett collapsed on the floor, gasping, whimpering, looking all around with wide eyes. The Crimson Head twitched on the floor, blood oozing out from several bullet holes.

"Alright Lowery, you whiny bitch, it's finally your time to shine!"

It didn't take long for the strange zombie to reanimate once more, only this time the process was frenzied. Bennett shrieked, springing to his feet and running to the farthest corner of the cage as the body convulsed on the floor.

"What the hell is happening?!" their prisoner yelled.

Bone snapped, muscle wrenched, sinew twisted and extended. Blood spilled out as it looked as though something was emerging from the Crimson Head…like a macabre butterfly from its hellish cocoon. The outer skin was tossed aside and the creature let out an ear-piercing scream.

It was incredibly fast, launching itself through the air to land on the side of the glass, sticking to it like an insect, and climbing the walls with no hassle. Wesker stepped forward, interest quite piqued now, and ripped off his sunglasses.

The creature's body was pure muscle, protective bony plates and sinew wrapping its joints and appendages. The brain was completely exposed. There were no eyes, no facial skin, just a skull-like snout and a mouth filled with white spindly teeth.

"What the fuck is that?!" Bennett shouted.

Lowery's evolved state howled at the noise, at the movement, and leaped across the glass cage with agility akin to what they'd seen in Hunters. With a powerful swipe of its talons, it caught Bennett's shoulder as he dodged, tearing him open. The claws hit the bulletproof glass with a loud bang.

The injured prisoner raced for the opposite side of the cage, but the creature was quicker, scuttering across the floor, nearly on its belly, gaining on him. Then a long, rope-like tongue shot out of its snarling mouth. The barbs on the tip impaled Bennett's chest and lifted him into the air, an agonized cry gurgling from his lungs.

The specimen slammed its prey down on the tile over and over. A couple of sickening splats later, it tossed its prey off its tongue and pounced, ripping into him like a wild animal and gorging itself.

Wesker didn't even realize he was smirking through the whole thing until Will punched his arm. "I knew you would love it! Guess what I call it! Come on, guess!"

Wesker tore his eyes away from the feasting creature, Bennett nothing more than a mangled mound of flesh and bone, and looked at his partner. "Something creative, I'm sure," he said sarcastically.

"I call it a Licker!"

Wesker sighed. "...Because of the tongue?"

"Because of the tongue!" Will squealed in delight. "Genius, right?"

"Will this be your next prototype?"

His old friend waved him off. "Nah, I did it for funsies."

Wesker chuckled. The partners simultaneously drank their coffee, side by side, watching the Licker smear Bennett's remains all over the cage.

"I'm sure as hell keeping this new strain of T-Virus to myself though! No telling what else I'll be able to do with it. I mean, I just fixed six months of standstill at Arklay in three weeks! Fucking science fair rejects!"

"With you, anything is possible. I cannot wait to see it."

"Merry Christmas, brother."

"And a Happy New Year." Wesker smiled.

"Ah, yes. 1998! It's gonna be a big year for us! I can feel it!"

They toasted their mugs, the Licker's spine-chilling howl of death and horror a harbinger of what was to come.

The coffee shop was quaint and clean, sitting over a nice view of Circular River and Clock Tower Plaza. The water shimmered like diamonds in the morning rays, the eastern horizon paling pink as the sun rose.

Claire enjoyed the peace. She enjoyed the everyday normal routine around her: People ordering coffee, laughing over some donuts, stifling their yawns, and going about their day. There was the clinking of utensils as customers stirred their coffee, the shuffle of newspaper as an old man turned the page in Raccoon Times. Upbeat music softly played through the speakers around the cafe.

Claire had dropped Chris off at work and gone for a morning jog at Raccoon Park. It would be a long while before she went out to the hiking trails again. Now she sat at a booth alone, sipping her latte while waiting for a friend to show.

In all the chaos that had ensued since coming into town for the holidays, she hadn't had a chance to hang out with Megan. While Claire had plenty of friends in college, including Traci (whom she finally called), Megan was her childhood friend who remained in Raccoon City, choosing to attend the university here. After all, Megan wanted to be a CRNA, and Umbrella had an innovative nursing program.

Claire was early, but that was okay. She needed the alone time, if only to figure out all the fraught thoughts floating around her head. She had managed to bury them for a short time, but after what happened yesterday evening with her uncle, she could no longer ignore them.

The Christmas Party at Barry's was tonight. She wanted to have them all decoded and resolved before then.

"May I?"

The male voice made her tear her gaze away from the serene view of the river. Her heart jumped, not at all expecting the familiar face.

She slowly nodded, confused, watching closely as William Birkin sat down across from her. He raised his hand at a passing waitress with the friendliest of smiles. "Hey there, Rochelle! My usual?"

"Of course, Dr. Birkin!"

"Thanks, sweetheart!"

"W-What are you doing here?" Claire asked.

William looked…better since she had seen him Christmas Eve night. No longer distressed or even disoriented. Although he still looked tired - Does he ever get any sleep? - he was now clean shaven and his clothes were neater.

"Oh, I was just in the neighborhood," he half-joked, the sparkle of his blue eyes, the upcurve of a mischievous smile a reminder that he could be just as charming and deadly as Wesker when he wanted to be.

"Did Wesker send you?" Because Claire knew his answer was total bullshit.

Rochelle brought William his coffee. "Here you are, a large peppermint mocha with three shots of espresso!"

"You're the best! And make sure you add this young lady's bill to my tab, yeah?"

"Of course, sir!"

After she left, William's fake smile of pure friendliness and chivalry fell somewhat. It was softer now, a hint of playfulness and curiosity as he looked Claire over with a sip of his drink.

"Al doesn't even know I'm here, actually. I might've haggled his agents keeping an eye on you to tell me where you were though."

Claire shook her head. "Why? What do you want?"

"Are you sure you're ready for that?"

Claire frowned, tensing. What did he mean by that?

"I'm kidding. Geez, you act like I'm gonna take you into the woods and shoot you or something. Here."

She glared at him as he slid a large sheet of paper across the table. Claire was hesitant to touch it. It was blank, mostly smooth except for a couple of faint creases. She slowly flipped it over.

The younger Redfield's frown quickly receded, upturning into a bright smile. It was a drawing of a red cat snuggled up with a smaller yellow cat in a bed of flowers. A message in the corner read: Dear Claire, thank you for being my best friend! Merry Christmas, love Sherry.

"This is…" Claire couldn't even finish. It was beautiful, it was sweet. She was truly touched by the gift.

"My daughter sure has taken a liking to you, Claire. Although, it's not hard to see why."

Flattered, she looked back up at him. "You came here…just to give me this?"

Will smiled wryly. "Well…partly."

Claire sighed. That made more sense. "So why else are you here?"

"I actually wanted to apologize for how I left things with you before. It wasn't right."

Guarded, Claire slowly nodded. "Okay." She decided to go out on a limb here. "I take it you and Albert made up?"

William chuckled, lifting his mocha to his lips again and taking a drink. "Wow, so personal, calling him by his first name. Who'd have thought!"

Claire blushed, but glared at him.

"We did. It was a simple…misunderstanding. I overreacted." William frowned, looking out onto the river. "Truth is, Al did what he did to protect me. As always."

His eyes returned to her, more solemn now. "He protected you, too."

She felt put on the spot and quickly defended herself. "He put me in those situations to begin with…for his own purposes."

Will shrugged. "Sure…but he didn't leave you to rot, did he? Unlike the others that came before you…Getting Roth was the point of this whole damn thing. Sergei was just the bonus, thanks to you. But I have never seen Al go out of his way to completely annihilate other players the way he did just because of what they did to you. Bennett especially suffered."

"What happened to him?"

William chuckled. "If I told you, I'd have to kill you." He winked at her. "Nah, I'm kidding. You'd sure as hell have to say goodbye to your freedom though. Let's just say the bastard suffered the most tortuous, horrific death imaginable. Good riddance, right?"

Freedom. Did that mean Wesker was going to let her go?!

And why did part of her enjoy hearing about Bennett?

"Why are you telling me this?" Claire asked, confused about William's motives.

"I wanted you to know how special you are."

Claire blushed again, taken aback, unsure how to respond.

"I mean, you're a clever girl. I'm sure you've already put one and two together with your uncle? – Piece of shit by the way."

Claire's heart leapt to her throat. "What did Albert do to him?"

"Who cares? The point is Al's never done something like that for anyone."

Claire tried to dismiss it. "So?"

Will sighed, leaning back against the booth, rapping his fingers on the table. "You want to know one of the reasons you are significant to him?"

Claire had struggled with that this whole time. She swallowed hard, nodding.

"You don't use him."

It was such a strange, astoundingly unexpected reason. Claire blinked, dazed, making sure she had heard correctly. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She shook her head, readjusting her thoughts. "What do you mean? He uses people all the time."

"Well, sure," Will agreed. "That's perfectly fine in his eyes."

"So he doesn't like to be used back?" Claire snorted. Typical narcissist.

"He's used to it. It doesn't bother him. He compartmentalizes shit like crazy." Will shook his head. "Deep down, a part resents it though. He can't stand to be controlled in any way. Stems from our…not so pleasant childhood. You're like a breath of fresh air, I guess."

Claire lowered her eyes, swishing her coffee around, trying to force herself not to feel bad for them.

"I envy you. I really do."

Stunned, she looked back to find his handsome face now casted a frown, one that carried a lot of guilt, if Claire read correctly.

"I wish I could give him that," he admitted, looking away.

"What do you hope to get out of telling me this?"

"Nothing," he said. "Absolutely nothing. You have Al's respect, Claire. You have his affection. It's no small feat. Cherish the phenomenon…that's all I'm saying."

"William, can I-"

"Claire?"

Megan! Her friend stood beside their table, bundled in her coat, a small purse hanging off her shoulder. She removed her hood, revealing her dark curls. Her honey brown eyes went from Claire to the stranger seated opposite. Not suspicious. Curious.

"Well, would you look at the time? I have to get to work!" William announced, sliding out of the booth, taking his triple shot espresso with him. He gave a charming, handsome smile. "Thanks for babysitting Sherry, Claire! Oh, and do try the blueberry scones. They're to die for!"

Without another word, he left. Megan slid into his vacated seat, shuffling off her coat with a confused, yet amused grin. "Who was he?"

"Just some guy I know. I babysit his daughter sometimes," Claire replied, watching where William's back had disappeared, her stomach unsettled.

"Well, sorry I'm late. The morning traffic is always hell!"

Claire put on a big smile, hiding the mixture of feelings William had brought about. "For real!"

"Ready for breakfast? I'm starving!"

No, she wasn't. She no longer had an appetite. She felt queasy, but forced that smile to remain. "Of course I am! I've been waiting on you, haven't I?"

Ever the jokester herself, Megan countered her teasing with a raised middle finger.

Christmas music echoed through Barry's warm and inviting two-story home. Outside, colorful lights illuminated the house and yard, like many others in the suburban neighborhood. The aroma of party food lofted around Claire and Chris as Barry practically yanked them through the front door.

"'Bout damn time you two showed up!" Barry greeted, squeezing them both in a big bear hug.

"Yeah, well, some of us had to work today, Barry!" Chris said, already peeking around at the guests. If Claire had to guess, he was searching for someone in particular…

There were so many people here already! Claire recognized quite a few of the partygoers. Most of them were cops from the RPD. She also recognized the Kendo brothers chatting with Enrico Marini and Richard Aiken.

Claire was both relieved and bummed to see the STARS Co-Captain here. She wasn't completely sure of their scheduling, but it seemed Enrico and Wesker rotated shifts quite often. If one was working, the other was not. With Enrico being here, it was a good indication the leader of STARS wouldn't be showing up.

"I'm just giving y'all a hard time. Party's just getting started!"

It wasn't two seconds later that Forest flew by them, sliding along the hardwood floor in his socks with a beer bottle in each hand. "Woooooooo!" Claire snorted a laugh while Chris sighed.

"Poor Joseph's gonna cry for weeks about missing this," her brother said.

"He'll get over it! Besides, he came to the Halloween party." Their old friend and host motioned to the kitchen and living room while they stood near the foyer. "Like usual, most of the party is gonna be here and downstairs in the basement. Got everything hooked up. Kathy and the girls are visiting her mom so it's just us…just don't get too crazy, alright?" He nudged Claire. "Don't be outdrinking all these guys, Claire!"

Obviously, it was a joke, but Chris huffed anyway. "Pshh, she can have one drink, that's it!"

Claire rolled her eyes just as the doorbell chimed. Barry laughed and answered the door behind them. It was Jill! Her short hair and beautiful face were splashed with flashing colors on the porch, a white wisp of breath escaping her lips. Like the rest of them, she was dressed up for the party.

Claire smiled. Gorgeous as always. Chris's awestruck smile and raised eyebrows indicated he was thinking the same thing.

Barry dragged Jill inside with the biggest grin, placing her right next to Chris before casually tugging Claire back a couple steps with him.

"Well, would you look at that! Mistletoe!"

Chris, still admiring Jill and attempting to greet his good friend and partner, blinked and looked up, confused. Jill did too, but quickly cast Barry a mischievous glare after spotting the little green leaves tied in a red bow.

"I was standing under this damn thing with you for five minutes, and you didn't say shit 'til just now?" Her brother shook his head.

"Can you blame me?" Barry asked. "I didn't want to kiss you!"

Chris sighed, turning to his partner. "Jill, he's obviously being an ass, don't worry abo-"

Jill stood on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek. Her smile was flushed, cute, and her eyes still held that mischievous gleam. All the guests lost it, whistling and cheering as Jill disappeared into the kitchen. Chris's face was as red as the bow on the mistletoe. Her brother, for all his nerve and confidence, was dumbstruck in an instant. He touched his cheek, his eyes following Jill's path to the kitchen. Yep, Claire just lost her brother for the rest of the night. He was gone in a flash, leaving Barry guffawing beside her.

"That was evil," Claire laughed. "I like the way you think, Burton!"

"Hey, those two need all the help they can get. Everyone can see it but them."

He wasn't wrong.

"Just…stay away from the mistletoe around all these guys, alright? Especially Forest."

Claire snorted. "Please."

Sporting that goofy dad grin of his, Barry patted her back until Robert Kendo called him over. Claire made her way into the kitchen to get some food and, of course, her one drink. She was delighted to find Chris, Jill, Forest, and Brad chatting and promptly joined them while making a plate.

"I thought you were flying back to your hometown to see family for Christmas, Chickenheart? What happened?" Forest asked.

"Going next month," Brad answered, picking at his plate. "You guys really should visit Delucia. Not near as cold and…well, crazy."

"I could definitely go for warmer weather," Jill admitted. "But the craziness is part of RC's charm!"

"Speak for yourself," Claire snorted. "I hope I'm vacationing on an island this time next year!"

"Are you pouring yourself a glass of wine?" Chris interrupted with a scowl.

Claire paused. "Yeah, why?"

"Beer. Just one beer."

"Actually, you just said one drink. You didn't specify."

"Well, I'm specifying now!"

"Bro, one glass of wine will be fine. She's among friends," Forest defended.

"It's not Claire I don't trust, it's…"

"Who's gonna take advantage of her with one glass of wine - here with all of us? Well besides me, of course." Forest winked at her. "They totally know we'd kick their asses if they messed with her! – After she kicked their asses first, of course."

Chris glared at his best friend, but Jill put a hand on his arm. "It'll be fine, Chris. Let her have a little fun."

Her brother sighed. "Alright, alright. Fine."

"You guys gotta try this jalapeno dip, holy crap. My mouth is burning but I can't stop!" Brad said, waving his hand over his mouth.

"You're such a wuss, man," Forest teased.

They visited and snacked in the kitchen. Jill told them about her call to her parents on Christmas. Barry soon herded them into the living room to mingle so he could prepare more food. Chris and Jill approached Enrico, shaking his hand and greeting him amiably and respectfully. Enrico returned the favor, a wide grin shining under that dark mustache of his. It was nice to see at least one of the STARS Captains was genuinely good.

Claire was drawn into an interesting conversation the Kendos were having about gun customization, until the doorbell rang again.

"Could someone get that? A little busy here!" Barry hollered from the kitchen. "Not you, Forest!"

"Aw c'mon, it was one time!" Forest groaned at her side.

Claire shook her head with a giggle. "On it!"

She swished her wine around and took a sip before answering the door. Her breath hitched, and she froze, nearly dropping her glass when she recognized the guest on the other side.

It was none other than the leader of STARS himself. Her captor. Her lover. The man that had been the catalyst to the past two hellish weeks of her life: Albert Wesker.

He was dressed in a dark blue button-up shirt with the cuffs rolled back, dark trousers and shoes, a similar style to what she had seen him in before, chic but not as formal as he was at Bard's party. With no sunglasses, his eyes seemed even more icy blue in this light. He was holding an expensive looking Scotch bottle.

The corner of his mouth slowly twisted up in a pleased smile. "Ms. Redfield…what a pleasant surprise." He spotted the glass in her hand. "Are you supposed to be drinking that?"

Claire sharply inhaled through her nose and smiled crossly at him. "I don't recall that being an issue at Bard's party…or your house for that matter."

He smirked. "Touché, my dear."

Claire struggled with all she'd learned about her uncle and what William had told her. Wesker waited patiently for her to let him inside, amused, not bothering to hide his roaming eyes. If she didn't let him in shortly, it could cause a scene. Releasing an unsteady breath, she pulled the door open further and reluctantly stepped aside.

"Good girl," Wesker purred as he entered.

Claire shut the door harder than intended and followed him. Just as she had expected, the guests greeted Wesker with high respect and admiration. He was like the charismatic popular kid at school that everyone liked or wanted to be. She watched as he effortlessly charmed them all – No! – played them all, as he always did.

"Captain, you actually came!" Jill said, smacking her boss on the arm.

"Yes, well, your note was quite motivating."

"See? I knew you weren't a total Grinch!"

"And look, you brought us a present!" Forest leaned in to read the label.

Wesker pulled the liquor away from the Bravo Omni-Man, as though his subordinate would break it with his eyes. "I don't think so, Speyer. This is worth more than your week's salary."

Forest scowled. "Aw, c'mon, Captain. That ain't fair."

"Life isn't fair," Wesker enlightened and handed the bottle to Barry when he joined them.

Barry lit up like he was given a brand new gun. "Aw Wesker! Aren't you the sweetest? You know, Kathy just loved the last one you gave us."

"Isn't this favoritism?" Forest grumbled.

"Are you hosting a party for your comrades at your house?"

"...No."

"Okay then. Until you do, no bottle for you. However, I'm sure Barry wouldn't mind sharing…even with someone with as poor a palate as you." Wesker gestured to the beer Forest was holding.

"Hey, leave my beer alone!"

"I mean, Wesker has a point," Chris snickered. "That beer tastes like straight piss. You might as well be drinking out of a urinal."

"I'll dunk your head in a urinal in a minute, Redfield."

"Fine!" Barry groaned. "I'll let you try it…but just a taste! Besides, isn't it time for our annual beer pong tournament?"

"Yep." Chris grinned. "I'm gonna smoke Forest's ass like I did last year."

"Hey, I was distracted by Elliot's sister. Man, was she hot," he defended as they followed Barry into the kitchen.

Claire snorted. "Never change, Forest."

"Aw, Claire. 'Twas only a crush! You're my main girl. We're still getting married, don't you worry!"

"Keep dreaming." She refused to look at Wesker, afraid of what she might see.

"It's reassuring knowing my best men subject themselves to such puerility on a whim," Wesker stated dryly as Barry opened the Scotch and poured samples for a few of them.

Enrico took one. "Tell me about it."

"What the hell you talking about, Marini? You usually watch us!" Forest scoffed.

"Yeah, watch…laugh at. Babysit, really."

"How sweet of you, Captain."

"We all know it's because you can't hold your alcohol, Cap. We understand," Richard snickered with a smack to Forest's arm.

Enrico laughed, pointing at his two men. "You're lucky I don't make you two knuckleheads do a hundred push-ups. Besides, you're the ones who're playing beer pong like college kids."

"Claire, you're an expert. Is beer pong still the 'thing' at college parties?" Forest asked.

Claire, now seated at one of the barstools, swished her legs as she thought. "Eh, maybe if you were in college twenty years ago," she said, staring right at Barry, Wesker, and Enrico.

Forest did a spit take with his beer and had to wipe his mouth.

Claire smirked. "Nowadays, you'll mostly see-"

"Don't finish that!" Chris yelled, appalled.

Barry shook his head with a sigh. "Same teams and rules as last year then?"

"Yes," a few answered.

"Except I'm trading places with Brad this year," Jill announced.

Chris whirled on her. "What?!"

"Yes!" Forest fist pumped.

"What's wrong, partner? Don't think you can beat me?" Jill teased.

"N-No…It's just that…Brad threw up last time."

"In Kathy's Weeping Fig, I should add," Barry mumbled before savoring a mouthful of Scotch.

Brad was a little green already. "Do I have to play?" He looked pleadingly at his Captain.

"Don't look at me, Vickers, I'm off the clock. You are at the mercy of your peers."

"Alright, alright, let's move this down to the basement," Barry announced, leading the way.

Enrico rubbed his palms together. "Yes, I'd like to watch a few rounds before I have to leave."

Chris handed Jill her drink. "I'm not gonna go easy on you."

"Counting on it."

And so the partygoers migrated downstairs into the Burtons' large basement. The setup was made for socializing. Another bar was down here, along with a spot for ping pong, pool, and air hockey. The party's music blasted throughout the house from a large stereo surround system connected to a big screen television. It might as well have been Barry's "man cave" with all the military medals and photos, as well as the locked gun cabinets.

Claire watched for a little while once the beer pong tournament commenced, but eventually returned upstairs. She'd seen plenty of drinking games in college. Besides, with Chris, Jill, Barry, and Forest busy, that didn't leave her with anyone to talk to, really. There were female cops here besides Jill, but all Claire overheard them talking about was how hot her brother and Wesker were. None of the guys dared to talk or flirt with her knowing she was Chris's little sister.

At least she didn't have to worry about Wesker. He and Enrico were hanging out watching the tournament.

Besides the music, it was quiet upstairs. Claire snacked a little in the kitchen, tempted to try the Scotch Wesker brought as it sat on the counter, but…she promised Chris. Soon, Claire was on the couch scribbling answers in one of Kathy's crossword puzzles. After some time, tuning out the noise from the basement, she heard voices ascending the stairway.

"...in any of that. Now he's crying about protocol? And he's wanting to run for mayor one day?"

Enrico?

"The probability is high. You should consider taking his place as chief eventually."

Wesker!

It took all of her willpower to not look up as they walked behind her, heading for the front door. Claire pretended to erase something on her crossword while eavesdropping.

"Become a pencil pusher? I can't see myself retiring from field work anytime soon. Besides, you're better at the politics than I am."

"I would die of boredom," Wesker said. It was still jarring to hear and see him act so normal.

"You know it!" Enrico laughed.

"Just remember what Sharon said. No taking work home with you."

Sharon? Claire had to think for a moment, but recalled that was Enrico's wife's name.

"I'm working on it." The front door opened. Claire felt the breeze slither in, giving her a chill. "Alright, I'll catch you tomorrow, Wesker. Don't let our boys get too rowdy."

If Wesker said anything she didn't catch it before the door closed. Claire tensed as his footsteps quietly came up behind her once more, and she strained to keep her eyes on the puzzle.

"You're missing out on all the fun, dear heart," he purred behind her.

Claire's heart shot into her throat, despite expecting him to address her, but she kept her cool and did not look at him, even as he left her for the kitchen. The urge to follow him eddied through her. She fought it. She was proud of herself.

She stared blankly at the page, refusing to relent…until he came into her periphery, until a glass of Scotch followed. Wesker was patient as he offered her the drink. Claire forgot about her promise to Chris and ultimately gave in, taking the tumbler with a grateful smile. He held her gaze a beat, then joined her on the couch.

When Claire brought the glass up to take her first sip, Wesker scooped up the crossword on her lap, a clever ploy to caress her leg. She was quite aware of his intense gaze on her in the corner of her eye, but kept her focus on the golden whiskey as she swirled it.

Wesker glanced the puzzle over curiously. "Your next word is 'metamorphosis'." He wryly chuckled and tossed it onto the coffee table. "You look ravishing, by the way, darling."

She tried in vain to quell her delight to his honest praise…and took another drink.

The Scotch was flavorful, slightly smokey, and way smoother than any whiskey she'd ever had. After a few big sips, she was brave enough to ask what was eating her.

She turned to him. "What did you do to my uncle?"

Claire barely caught Albert's ghost of a smile from his head being tilted as he listened to the boisterous laughter and chatter downstairs. Soon, his eyes locked with hers.

Despite the seriousness of her question, she was still smitten with him. His handsome features, his stylish apparel, his intoxicating cologne, all impacted her greatly.

"I have no idea what you are talking about."

Claire deeply inhaled. "Liar. I told Sherry how my uncle took everything from Chris and me after our parents died. There was a photograph I really wanted back – and then out of nowhere, he shows up on our doorstep telling us he's giving it all back after not speaking to us for years. He just so happened to have that photo on him. Now, I know Sherry couldn't have hunted him down and changed his mind. But you? You must've eavesdropped on us. My uncle was terrified for his life. It was you."

William also confirmed it to her this morning, but she wasn't about to bring that up…

Albert's lips quirked. "It's something you've wanted for so long, what does it matter what I did to him?"

"Why did you do it?"

"That's irrelevant…It's obvious I did it because I wanted to. Out of the kindness of my heart. I care about you, after all."

Claire's heart soared, but she swallowed it back down like a lump in her throat. "You don't do anything out of the 'kindness of your heart' unless there's something in it for you."

Her captor/lover snorted. "I disagree. Several times I went out of my way just for you, Claire. With no benefit to myself. It's Christmas, is it not? Consider it my gift to you, my dear."

"How…did you 'convince' him?"

"Let's not get into the details, shall we? The point is Mr. Walker had a change of heart in the end."

Claire glared at him, but it only caused him to chuckle. "Oh, don't give me that look, dear heart. You Redfields do love your self-righteousness. Your uncle would have never changed his mind on his own, you know that. I did you a kindness, in more ways than one. I could have killed him. It's what he deserved, but I spared him, for you. I knew you wouldn't approve."

Two sides of her were conflicting again. Part of her had hoped her uncle would've done the decent thing on his own…that she and Chris would've gotten their belongings returned to them the right way. The other part agreed with Albert. Her uncle deserved this. He had robbed his sister's orphans of sentimental and important mementos. Chris and Claire were nearly separated because of him.

But the world hadn't cared about that. Their uncle had all the rights, according to the law, because they were underage, because nothing written stated otherwise. It would've done no good for Chris and Claire to go to court now. Wesker had bypassed all of that, though. He made it right, he made it right by her, no matter the circumstances.

It was only then she realized how much the part of her that agreed with Wesker overpowered the rest of her, insidiously snuffing out her old morals.

Another boom of laughter echoed from downstairs. Wesker flicked his eyes to the floor, straight-faced. Knowing her analytical lover, Claire was certain he was wondering what the point of it all was. The cheering made Claire down her Scotch.

Never distracted from her for long, Wesker watched her drink it down in amusement. She sat the tumbler on the nearby coffee table, peering at the second-floor staircase. The burn that tickled down her throat soon absorbed into her bloodstream, simmering her body.

"Yeah…you're right. Fuck my uncle."

"I'm always right."

She looked at him, momentarily admiring his playful yet egotistical smile.

"Thank you." She meant it. Wholeheartedly.

Wesker frowned, as if he wasn't used to those words and didn't know how to reciprocate. Or perhaps he was surprised by the genuineness of her gratitude.

What Claire did next, she was sure he would reciprocate. She kissed him.

One deep, gratifying kiss that left them craving more. Claire stroked her hand down the inside of his thigh, gesturing her head for the staircase, and then sprang to her feet. A half second later, more laughter bellowed from the basement over the music.

Wesker smirked at the commotion, smirked at her proposal. When he stood, hot blood flushed through her body at a giddying speed. Heedless of her electrified smile, Claire quietly led him upstairs and past Moira and Polly's empty room to the closed door of the guest bedroom.

She turned the doorknob and entered the dark room. A soft white light streaked across the floor from the other side of the window, a street lamp, and it mixed with faint blinking hues from the Burton's strings of Christmas lights. Claire knew this room. She had crashed here a few times. There was a queen-sized bed in the middle of the room, a stand with a lamp on each side, a dresser and a few hanging photos. One day, it would probably be Moira's when she outgrew wanting to room with her sister. For now, though, it was all theirs.

The pale glow from the hallway was snuffed out when Wesker slowly shut the door behind him. The hushed groan of the hinges adrenalized her, and she spun around to face him.

His steps were silent as he approached, his form shadowed except where that same handsome smile shone through glints of red and gold.

"So you wish to show me gratitude for what I did for you?"

"...Something like that." Her time with him was nearly up. Claire was seeking a parting gift for them both.

"I must say, dear heart, I'm surprised in you…Taking such a risk with Big Brother right under our noses?"

"I'm pretty sure we'd both agree it's worth the risk."

His lips quirked in arrogance and amusement - but also in agreement.

"Have me all figured out, do you?" Wesker reached up and stroked her hair.

Claire would bet her motorcycle she knew him only a fraction. However, she'd also seen a side of him no one else ever had. That alone gave her credibility.

"Not all of you," she cheekily replied. "But if I'm wrong, prove it."

His smirk didn't falter, and even in the shadows she saw his eyes twinkle in matching satisfaction. They caught the red orbs outside and, for a terrifying moment, reminded her of her dream the other night. Then, his hand clamped shut around her hair, ripping her back to the passionate present. She winced as he pulled her to him, where his lips crashed into hers.

Claire eagerly returned his hungry kiss, ignoring the painful yet stimulating grip on her locks. Each fervent kiss, each squeeze of her fingers upon his chest, each inhale of his cologne tantalized her.

Keeping her hair prisoner, Wesker shoved her towards what she assumed was the bed until her back hit the wall. It didn't break Claire from making out with him. No, that only came when he tugged her tresses to the side, exposing her neck.

She groaned when his lips claimed her there. His muscular arm wrapped around her lower back, pulling her groin into his. Her eyes sealed, her breaths hitching as she stroked his head and chest. She thirstily rubbed herself against him as he sucked on her neck. He freed his hand from her hair and brushed up and down her curves. The sensation of his hand snaking up her shirt, squeezing her breast, gliding across her skin, left goosebumps in its wake.

She was wet and he was hard. Just as nature intended.

Claire sunk her claws into his flesh, actually feeling she might go insane. "Albert, please," she rasped. "I can't take it anymore."

His throat rumbled with a soft chuckle near her ear, and he retreated long enough to kiss her on the lips once more. "Working on your obedience, I see, yet I am not surprised you are still impatient as ever." He withdrew from her and Claire felt empty without him. "I suppose given the circumstances it cannot be helped, so I will let it slide this once."

Claire glared at him, inhaling in frustration. "Gee, thanks."

"Remove your pants."

Part of her wanted to fight him, despite how badly she wanted this, but this wasn't the time nor the place. Her brother and everyone else wouldn't be playing beer pong forever.

She stripped her lower half quickly. Her captor didn't give her a hard time over it as he scooped her up immediately after. Claire's legs wrapped around his hips instinctively and he slammed her back into the wall. His lips found hers again. His tongue darted into her mouth so he could suck the breath out of her once more.

Her hands groped her lover frantically wherever they landed. She gasped when he undid his belt and set his bulging member free. Wesker held her steady with one arm, Claire had no worries he would drop her. His other hand tested to see if she was ready, but she had been ready since they arrived here. Her blood, near boiling, pounded in her ears, carrying an electrical charge that sparked through their touch.

If this was to be her last time with him, she wanted him more than ever before.

When Albert pushed himself inside her she moaned into his mouth, giddy with desire, burning from an insatiable fever. She returned his claiming kisses, digging her nails into him as he began thrusting into her. Having her pinned against the wall, Wesker chose a hard and dominating pace and did not relent. When he moved his face to kiss and nip at her jaw and neck, it took all of Claire's remaining shred of control to keep from letting the whole party hear her.

Hearing Wesker groan made her shiver. Each hard and possessive plunge into her drove them both closer and closer to the edge. Claire again found herself not wanting this to end. Wesker's hold on her was resolute, as though he would never let go. The same way her tight pussy squeezed around his throbbing dick shoving in and out of her.

They came nearly at the same time. The euphoric rush flooded Claire and she was forced to drown an explosive moan erupting from her very core. Wesker's final two thrusts pressed her to the wall with his weight. The rippling aftershocks as he pumped her full enraptured her. All that was left was to hear their huffs and beating hearts as the high buzzed around them.

After one assertive and tender kiss to the thumping pulse on her neck, her lover released her.

Claire leaned against the wall, slightly panting. She retrieved her pants and put them back on, feeling his thick warm cum ooze within her. Albert adjusted his clothes as well, watching her. The guest bedroom remained dark and quiet, besides the flickering Christmas glow, with only the soft tick of an alarm clock in tune with her heartbeat.

"I suppose we better return before our absence is perceived…unfortunately," Wesker stated with a sigh. He stepped away from her to move for the door.

"Wait!" Claire whispered, clutching his wrist, rubbing where he had roughly kissed her neck moments before.

It was time to ask once more. She needed to know where they stood now, no matter what his answer would be.

"I need to know. Are we through now? Am I…free?" Claire held her breath, terrified he would say no, only to realize she was more terrified he would say yes.

Wesker didn't answer, his eyes not leaving her. Each passing moment, the knot in her stomach ballooned, and she realized she wasn't breathing. Briefly light-headed and sick to her stomach, Claire realized what his silence entailed.

He frowned. "After everything you have witnessed, it is not something I am able to grant."

She ignored how her heart wrenched. "That's bullshit! I did everything you asked!"

He calmly reached out and took her throat, but didn't squeeze. "The only alternative is that I kill you…I do not want to, but if you leave me no choice…"

Hot tears quickly hit her eyes. From anger. From hurt. From realization. She was foolish to think he would ever release her. "We both know we've gone through enough together that you can trust me. You know I wouldn't say shit."

"I won't deny that."

"Then tell me the truth. Why won't you really let me go?"

There was a slight twinge in his jaw, and he didn't even blink. "Because I don't want to."

Wesker's blatant honesty was both a relief and a slap to the face. To finally hear him say it out loud confirmed her suspicions and fears, confirmed what William, Ada, and even Roth had warned her about.

She swallowed, despite his hold on her neck. "Haven't you ever heard the saying 'If you love something, set it free'?"

His laugh chilled her to the bone. "'If it comes back, it's yours. If not, it was never meant to be.' Fate isn't a predetermined agency, Claire. It's something we choose and take hold of ourselves. And I have taken hold of mine." He gently squeezed her throat and then let her go.

"What about what I want?" Claire asked.

"And what do you want, dear heart?" Wesker asked with another ghost-like smile. "I know you, and nothing indicates to me you want out. By all means, however, look me in the eye and sincerely tell me I am wrong. I just might be persuaded."

Claire glared at him, gripping his forearms. Her lips parted, ready to do just that, knowing she wanted her freedom…and yet, she spoke nothing. Part of her didn't want it, wasn't ready for it. She would only be lying to herself if she continued to deny it.

She shook her head, frustrated more with herself than with Wesker's knowing smirk. "I'm leaving back for college so what's the point?"

He saw right through her bluff and chuckled. "Darling, there isn't a single place you can go where I cannot have my eye on you."

At this point, his words came at no surprise to her, but they did deflate her bravado somewhat.

Albert wrapped his strong arms about her waist, his next words quiet and conciliatory. "I will return most of your freedom, however the same conditions apply. So long as you employ discretion, you have nothing to fear. I will refrain from using you in future stratagems -" he shrugged. "- mostly. So long as you are mine, you have my protection and adherence."

Claire huffed. "You aren't giving me much of a choice."

He smirked and bent to kiss her temple. "Then I think we understand each other," he whispered in her ear.

Her captor/lover left for the door, pausing only when his hand turned the doorknob. "Merry Christmas, dear heart."

When he was gone, Claire slid down the wall onto the carpet, clasping her head in her hands, fingers digging into her scalp. It will never be over…

(Author’s Note: Only the epilogue remains, then a sequel that will follow the events of RE1, RE2/3, and Code Veronica, while focusing on Wesker and Claire’s relationship on a deeper level. Thank you to everyone who has followed this story, it means so much to me!)

#resident evil #resident evil fanfiction #resident evil fanfic #Albert Wesker #Claire Redfield #clairexwesker #claire x wesker #clesker #AO3 fanfic #My writing #fanfiction #William Birkin #Ada Wong #Chris Redfield #Jill Valentine #chris x jill

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