A Resident Evil fanfic
Fate And Chance…
Disclaimer: All characters, companies and rights belong to CAPCOM's RESIDENT EVIL series.
Author Notes- I wanted to make a fic involving my two favorite characters. Carlos and Sheva. I know Carlos and Sheva is nonexistent, but I hope I can make something happen here.
Well, without further ado, enjoy Fate And Chance
Protagonist
Sheva Alomar
Chris Redfield
Jill Valentine
Josh Stone
Antagonist
Carlos Oliveira
Excella Gionne
HUNK
Pairings
Sheva Alomar X Carlos Oliveira
Chris Redfield X Jill Valentine
Claire Redfield X Steve Burnside
Billy Coen X Rebecca Chambers
Leon S. Kennedy X Ada Wong
Chapter I
"The Reunion…"
July 10th, 2012/ 09:12 P.M
Location- BSAA South American Headquarters: Captain Thiago's Office
BSAA South American Operative Carlos Oliveira.
"Why the hell am I getting transferred?!?!" Carlos Oliveira, dressed in the same UBCS outfit but with the BSAA emblem on the back shouted angrily. He slammed the document that contained his transfer to the BSAA North American headquarters over captains Thiago's desk, who was not pleased, but calmly kept his posture. His elbows on the desk while his hands were entwined, his chin leaning on it.
"Carlos, you need to calm down." The South American captain, Thiago, outfitted in a green common army outfit and a green beret. He shot up a glare at Carlos. "There's nothing I can do, or could've done to prevent this. And believe me when I say this, Carlos, I attempted with my best efforts to keep you here…to keep you home."
Thiago now began to speak softly, seeing Carlos sigh out his last remaining anger. "You are the best operative the BSAA South American branch has to offer." Carlos slightly gasped at the praise from his commanding officer. "You are like our very own hero. The other BSAA branches pay us little attention, in fact, the founding members suggested it is best to do away with our BSAA, and their reason was for funding. But your presence here, Carlos, gave us the respect we've sought for. The media and the public view you as Chris Redfield's rival for accepting mission after mission, y'know? Let's not forget, your success ratio is higher his. That is a great compliment non like any other."
"I didn't join for accolades or to become his rival. I never even met the guy…but I'm no hero. He is, and that is one difference that will always stick." Carlos said lightly, shaking his head at the title. "I only joined this BSAA because it's my home, and my people were left to live with bio-weapons dealers prowling through the villages while all the other BSAA branches ignored this."
Thiago saw Carlos then head for the floor-to-ceiling window on the left side of his desk. Carlos placed his hand on the window as he stared out to the villages scattered throughout the favela in the night. The suffering people gathering food, walking over the harsh dirt paths with no sandals. The rooftop houses deteriorated, and the market place showing the lack of vegetables and other materials. No lamp or light post to support them, only towering handmade torches on each corner.
Carlos closed his eyes, scoffing at the founding members of the BSAA…one of which he knew well, and 'her' face flashed in his mind. "Founding members…they call themselves that as if they're so high and mighty…"
"They are…" Thiago said in joining Carlos' side on his right, also taking his time to take in the suffering. "Yes, we are suffering, but, Carlos, it could be worse without your help. I know how much you wanted to stop fighting ever since what happened in Raccoon City, and it makes me even more proud that you fight for us regardless of what you might feel. The ones who ask for your transfer are the founding members themselves…" Thiago confessed.
Carlos turned his shocked gaze to him instantly. "Them? But…but why…?"
Thiago crossed his arms and laid them on his lower back, his eyes still staring out at the South American night. "Is it that shocking? As I said before, you're regarded as Redfield's rival. Hell, it was probably Redfield himself who initiated your transfer."
Carlos already had a faint feeling of who it was. And once again, had to remove 'her' face from his mind. "Still…I'm not transferring…these people need me…"
Thiago sighed as he walked back to his desk to take a seat, recalling a certain BSAA founding member Carlos knew. "Is this about that lady friend of yours?"
"I could care less about her, alright?!?!" Carlos flared up, his eyes burning into his superior. He realized this and quickly calmed himself down. "I…I'm sorry…"
Thiago only smiled as he guessed right. "Transferring or not, they're on their way here as we speak…"
Carlos swallowed nervously. He still wasn't ready to face her. He was not ready to see how she acts around Chris. He didn't want to feel jealousy that would only result in many problems. Especially, he didn't want to see her after their parting ways went sour. But it didn't matter, she was on her way to see him.
Thiago let out a growling laugh at Carlos suddenly becoming pale. "I thought you were the ladies man? Why so stunned?" Before Carlos could answer, they picked up the sound of a helicopter. Both went back to the window and shifted their gaze to the right where the small helipad was built. The helicopter landed successfully, and first to exit was the pilot. A dark skinned man in a brown tactical BSAA outfit.
Then the passenger door was slid open by one of the helipad personnel. First to leap out was a bronze skinned woman with tribal accessories around various parts of her body. She had her dark hair tied into a small ponytail. Behind her leapt out an enormous well-built man with short black hair, he kindly thanked each of their personnel working on the helipad. "The man you're seeing right now is Chris Redfield…" Thiago confirmed and tapped Carlos' back while at it. "Let's go introduce you…" Thiago ended it there and headed for the exit, leaving Carlos in his own silence.
Night and all, Carlos could still make everything out, his eyes never leaving Redfield. "So, that's…Chris…" Carlos spoke in his mind, and wondered why the world would put him in the same league with Redfield. And then…she leapt out to stand by Chris. Outfitted in a blue outfit and a blue cap. The color did not surprise him, but she turned around to talk to the bronze skinned woman and that was when Carlos caught her ponytail…a BLOND ponytail.
July 10th, 2012/ 09:32 P.M
Location- BSAA South American Headquarters: Helipad
BSAA Founding Member Jill Valentine
Set to enter the headquarters, Jill Valentine turned her head for the window Carlos was staring out of, as if she knew he was there. She was correct and smiled brightly when she caught Carlos, but her smile quickly vanishing when seeing him glaring down at her with fierce eyes.
"Carlos…" Jill felt her heart flutter in saying the name she hadn't spoke out for years, but sad at the anger his eyes held. She never saw him in such a way. It was always his cheerful and brash ways she liked to see.
Jill took one step, and Carlos quickly backed away from the window with a harsh turn. She gasped a trembling one and lowered her head to make the visor of her cap shield her eyes. "Jill, you okay?" She blinked her blue eyes and looked over her shoulder, spotting Sheva Alomar approaching her along with Chris Redfield and Josh Stone, all having a duffel bag slung over their shoulders as she herself had one.
Jill sent her friends a nod. "Yeah. I'm fine…"
"I didn't think you would be this eager to recruit this person." Josh said, gaining everyone to chuckle except for Jill herself who only presented a fake one. "He must be quite a friend indeed…"
"Jill was always like that towards friends." Chris started and Josh and Sheva looked at him with smiles, but Jill kept her gaze on the ground. "Ever since she discovered this Carlos fella' joined this BSAA two months ago, she's been ecstatic. She loves her friends, and by the way she mentioned this Carlos Oliveira…I can't wait for Jill to introduce me…"
Still not gaining any sort of movement from Jill, Chris approached her and placed his hands on her shoulders. Startled and blushing, Jill looked up at him with a faint but true smile. "Yes. Let's go introduce all of you to him…"
They nodded and turned for the entry into the South American headquarters, but were instead greeted by the captain of the base. Thiago. "Ah, Chris Redfield! Welcome to our region, and let me be the first to say it's an honor having your presence here. I'm Thiago, captain of the BSAA South American Branch." He walked up to the hero and extended his right hand, which Chris grasped and shook.
"You're too kind, Thiago. And quit with the pleasantries, would ya? Act towards me like you always do. You act as if you never known me…" Chris released Thiago's hand with a smile after his words.
Thiago smiled, knowing how true Chris was in bringing out his nature. "My apologies, Chris, but very well. I'm sure it was a long flight, so please, follow me." Adjusting their bags, Chris headed inside, followed by Sheva and Josh.
Jill stopped just before the entry, giving one more look to the window…finding nothing. She closed her eyes, sighing…
July 10th, 2012/ 09:43 P.M
Location- BSAA South American Headquarters: Dining Room
BSAA South American Captain Thiago
The long table in the middle held quite a feast, but not even close to those of other BSAA branches. Chris and the others spotted this with the little food they had to cook. When finding out they tried their best to convince Thiago otherwise of not being hungry, he still insisted and that's where everyone found themselves.
Chris eating the last bits of the latin cuisine from his plate. Sheva swiping her napkin across her lips. Josh taking a drink of wine. And Jill merely poking the food with her fork. She sat on the right side of the length table with Chris, while Josh and Sheva sat on the left. Thiago sat at the north end, observing Chris' plate. "I keep failing to remember how much you love our food, Chris."
Before replying, Chris took a drink of his wine and swiped his napkin across his hands then over his lips. Full and satisfied, Chris kindly smiled, letting out that loud laugh of his. "Hey, what can I say? I'm big and strong, and man do I eat a lot. Just ask my sister!"
Sheva and Josh joined Chris and Thiago in laughing. After it, Thiago spotted the silent Jill Valentine, her plate mounted with untouched food. "Do you not find our region's cuisine appetizing, Ms. Valentine?"
Surprised, Jill dropped her fork, letting it clatter onto her plate. She looked up in blinking her eyes, observing everyone's gaze focused on her. Jill shook her head and glanced Thiago's way. "It's not that…it's just--
"Is it about Carlos?" Thiago cut in. Jill nodded her head. "He talked of you many times, and the nightmare you both survived in Raccoon City. He has given you nothing but praise and how much he admired working with you even if it was for a few nights. Frankly, I shouldn't be the one telling you this…it should be Carlos himself, however…I'm afraid…he was not at all thrilled at the transfer."
"I…see." Jill spoke lightly, she felt her heart clench.
She then heard the door open and Thiago speak. "Well, well. Speak of the devil…" Jill lifted her head and turned to the door…where she met those cold brown eyes sending her a fierce glare. His chestnut colored hair still the same color, and his front bangs longer than the ones she met him with. His attire did not change as he wore the same outfit
It fell silent, the entire room did as they watched Carlos sit at the southern end of the table. His fierce gaze over Jill stayed intact, and Thiago observed the faces of Jill's friends not quite happy about it.
Sheva and Josh sending a glare to Carlos, who didn't even bother looking at anyone else. Jill sadly glanced away from Carlos, however, Chris defended her. "What's with the look?"
Carlos shifted his angry expression to Chris, who was not taken back at all. He was bigger, much bigger than Carlos, but he himself was also not fazed. "We're not in the states. I don't have to answer to you…"
"Excuse me…?" Chris stood up, but Thiago's arm came around his forearm. Chris looked at him then to Carlos.
Thiago spoke sincerely "Chris, please, let me apologize on behalf of Carlos. He's been--
"Don't apologize for me!" Carlos erupted from his chair, making the chair fall to the ground. "They should be the one apologizing to the suffering families! They left us in the dirt to suffer and you're stuffing their mouths!"
"That is enough, Carlos!!" Thiago had enough and shouted to demonstrate his disappointment in Carlos. "These are our guests and especially our friends!! And they fight for the same future we fight for!! If you feel like having one more outburst or any such thing then it's best you take your leave!"
"Gladly!" Carlos gave Jill one more glare, which she didn't return in keeping her head down to hide her sorrow. He left, slamming the door after his exit.
Chris scoffed at the first impressions of Carlos Oliveira. Chris sat back down, as did Thiago. "I'm terribly sorry, Chris. The things occurring around our region has dramatically changed Carlos."
"Things…?" Sheva lightly asked Thiago, and he nodded.
"Yes. Rumors of a virus have been at it's peak around these parts." Thiago's explanation brought the group to look at one another, even Jill was shocked in hearing it. Thiago continued with closed hues. "Rumors of humans eating other humans, our livestock were gnarled upon and the public is restless. We do not have the weapons nor the man power to investigate these hotspots. Bio-weapons deals have been at its highest. I have no evidence that might point the problem to terrorists, and I'm concerned of another Raccoon City outbreak happening right here…." Thiago finished softly with slumped shoulders that describe the lack of hope.
Sheva looked to her left at Josh, then to Chris and the silent Jill. "What do you guys think? I recommend we should look into it…"
"No, Ms. Alomar!" Thiago pleaded kindly. "We cannot ask another branch of the BSAA to involve themselves and make it a international matter!"
Sheva shook her head quickly, angry at a law she had no knowledge of till now. "It does not matter! Chris assisted me in helping the entire west region of Africa!"
"Sheva…" Josh said lightly, trying to calm down his 'little sister' by placing a hand on her shoulder. She looked at him. "Thiago is right…"
"What…?" Sheva widened her eyes.
"We can't get ourselves involved and make this a international dispute." Josh persisted. "There has been a bad vibe amongst the leaders of each branch during conferences. The entire BSAA is struggling, hence, our reason here for Carlos to boost our strength."
Sheva stood up from her seat, slamming her hands down on the table that it caused their plates to jolt slightly into the air. It acquired a stern gaze from Josh, her captain Chris, and a solemn expression from Jill. Thiago watched on at Sheva's burst of emotions. "So, we're just going to standby and do nothing?! We came here for Carlos and…now we're just going to leave?! We're going to take away this BSAA's best operative and make them even weaker?! Ridiculous! Preposterous! This is absolutely--
"Sheva!!" Chris shouted her name, and Sheva grunted while sitting back down to hear Chris go on. "My mission in Africa is completely different from this one here. It's been two years since then and the relations within the BSAA are rapidly diminishing . As much as I hate to say this, Sheva, we cannot…and I mean CANNOT involve ourselves in this situation. Is that clear, Sheva?"
Sheva closed her eyes, her heart refusing to accept. Then came Thiago's voice. "Please, Ms. Alomar." She opened her eyes to see Thiago with a humble smile. "I'm grateful to see you so worried for us when you only been here for not even an hour. But do not feel guilty…we might be the weakest branch of the BSAA but we hold our own. You have such a compassionate heart, Ms. Alomar, and I ask once more…do not feel guilty."
Sheva returned Thiago's smile with her own, a faint one. "Just please…inform me if you need any help. Not as in BSAA operative, but as a person. I wouldn't mind one bit."
The door suddenly flew open with multiple BSAA south american operatives running in. One saluted their captain in dire distress. "Permission to speak, captain?!?!"
Thiago and the rest stood up, alarmed at the operatives stunned faces. "Speak, quickly!!" Thiago commanded.
"There's a horde of BOWs heading our way, captain!!"
"What?!" Thiago exclaimed.
The operative continued. "We have successfully closed the southern, eastern and western gates, but as of right now, we're having a technical malfunction with the northern gate! While speaking this very moment, our leading operative Carlos Oliveira took the front to fight off the monsters to give us time to get the gate to close!"
"Just him?!?!" Thiago shouted his question, and the officer nodded. "That idiot!!" Thiago said angrily.
The one who was quiet and motionless through the feast, Jill Valentine, sprinted through the south american operatives and out the door. "Jill!" Chris yelled out and followed right after her, Sheva and Josh followed suit, all of them equipping their weapons.
July 10th, 2012/ 10:43 P.M
Location- BSAA South American Headquarters: Outskirts Of The Favela
-Carlos Oliveira-
"How is the north gate coming along?!" Carlos roared into his headset, his arms busy in aiming his UMP45 sub-machine gun at the uphill that lead into a forest. His eyes catching BOWs by the dozens which contained lickers, infected dogs, and gamma hunters heading across the forest..
"Sir! The gate is a go! We're prepared to close it!" A BSAA operative sounded out through Carlos' receiver.
"Close it! Hurry!" Carlos commanded and he could hear the person on the other end hesitate to do such an order with their leader outside the premises, but he did as told and activated it.
The gate was nearly becoming shut, but Carlos turned around to see four people running his way. Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine and the other two, making it in time to join him.
With the gate finally closed, it was too late for any of them to turn back.
Carlos returned his vision back to the horde of BOWs galloping and tearing downwards through the uphill forest . On his left were Chris aiming a Grenade Launcher loaded with explosive rounds, and Josh raising his Magnum.
Then on Carlos' right were Sheva cocking back the shotgun in her arms. Then spotted the face he fought along side of years ago. Jill smiled at him, equipping the dual TMPs that was strapped to the side pack around her shoulders…the same side pack he had given her over a decade ago. She wanted to show him she kept it after all the years.
"Ready, partner? Jill hoped for a different reaction than the ever-so-angry Carlos. It wasn't the one who helped her in Raccoon City, it wasn't the one who cured her, and it was definitely not the one who flirted with her.
"Of course I'm ready…" Carlos spoke, but kept his gaze at the monsters finally coming into view. "But don't think we're on good terms just yet." He gave another glare to Jill, who nodded in agreeing.
"Correct, Carlos." Jill began with a soft voice, and aimed her dual TMPs. "We have many things to discuss and to catch up on, but right now…let's get rid of these bastards!"
She still had the same fire within her. Carlos sent her a determined nod. He took the lead and headed off into battle with the other four BSAA members in pursuit behind him…
July 10th, 2012/ 11:02 P.M
Location- BSAA South American Headquarters: Captain's Thiago's Office
-Captain Thiago-
Almost an hour later, the battle outside their gates maintained. Gunfire and monsters painful growls could be heard from even afar distance. Thiago sat patiently, his elbows resting over his desk while his face was between his palms. Worried for their lives, and worried if the news broke out of Chris Redfield helping another region.
Just then, the gunfire dwindled and ceased. Thiago lifted his head and made his way to the floor-to-ceiling window. It was dark to see, but thanks to the lit up torches around the foundation, he could see well enough to make out five silhouettes approaching the northern gate. Thiago smiled proudly.
The door to his office opened, revealing the same male BSAA operative from before. "Sir, permission to speak?"
Thiago entwined his hands and placed them behind his back while turning to acknowledge the operative. "Granted…"
The operative nodded with a smile. "Everyone is accounted. As for the damages to the villages, Sir, there was none. Carlos and the others were successful in defeating the BOWs, and they're on their way back to the headquarters as we speak."
"Great news!" Thiago exclaimed happily. "Please lead them to the medical to division to heal their wounds. I'm sure they need it."
"But…sir."
"Yes…?" Thiago raised his right eyebrow.
The operative continued. "There're not hurt at all. In fact, there're not even sweating or out of air. They are truly heroes…"
Thiago let out a small laugh at himself for ever suspecting Chris and his friends to be hurt. "Very well. Please, lead them into their personal rooms, and inform Chris that we will discuss Carlos' transfer tomorrow morning. It is too late and they deserve rest. Is that clear?"
The operative nodded with a salute and made his way out to complete his new task.
.
July 10th, 2012/ 11:24 P.M
Location- BSAA South American Headquarters: Briefing Room
BSAA West African Operative Sheva Alomar
Having able to rest her feet, Sheva sat down over the main desk with a chalkboard right behind it. She took a swipe across her sweaty forehead and watched her comrades. Jill sitting right next to her in deep thought, her head bent. Chris and Josh chatting away with arms across their respective chests.
"Sheva…" Hearing her name suddenly, Sheva blinked and glance to her left, seeing Jill yet having to look at her.
"Yes, Jill?" And before Jill could reply, the door opened, unveiling Carlos Oliveira gazing at Josh, Chris and Sheva with a slight smile, but refused to show one to Jill, his heart wouldn't let him.
"First off, I would to like thank all of you for your assistance." Carlos' smile faded away. "I…know I was rude earlier, and I wish to apologize, especially to you, Redfield. I had no right "
His eyes landed on the BSAA North American captain, who nodded with a smile. "Don't worry about it, Oliveira. Thiago let us in on the problems surrounding this place, and it's perfectly understandable for anyone to become angry under those circumstances. Trust me, I know first-hand in my days with STARS. Being a hot-blood is not gonna help in any situation…"
Sheva saw Carlos regain his smile at Chris Redfield nature, then shifted her eyes over to see Josh join in. "Carlos, is it?" Carlos confirmed his name with a nod. "My name is Josh Stone. But about those BOWs we have just fought, where did they come from?"
"It's good to meet you, Josh. As for your question, it beats me." Carlos could only answer with a breathless tone. "We searched all over these parts by air and ground, and came up with nothing. They just…appear. We can't go after them without knowing their exact location, and that is why I suggested these gates to surround the villages during the times they do show up."
"How long has this been going on?" Sheva asked, and for the first time was met with Carlos' warm brown eyes, his head shook causing his front bangs to wave from side to side.
"It's been going on for far too long, that's all I can say." She received her answer and observed Carlos switching his glance to Jill, who returned a plain expression. Carlos, however, still spoke. "I've joined the BSAA about two months ago. Things were worse than what you all have witnessed so far. I did my best to ensure everyone's lives, but…it's getting to the point where we might have to evacuate, though no one wishes to leave their homes…where they were born. This region is label the favela…which basically means the slums. It's hard to get by as it is…"
"And…the transfer?" Jill sudden question brought everyone's gaze on her. Jill raised her head to see Carlos already focused on her, but had yet to present her a smile.
"I have to take care of things here first, Jill." However, hearing her name through Carlos' voice developed a smile over her lips. "But for now, I can't accept. I want to make sure I leave my homeland in better living conditions. I hope you all understand." She did, as did Josh, Sheva and Chris.
"Of course we do, Oliveira." Chris verified as he approached Carlos. "It's late, and we'll be getting our rest here for tonight, then tomorrow we'll be heading back to the states, but the offer is always there on the table, so if you change your mind, don't hesitate to give us a call."
"Thank you, Redfield." Carlos extended his hand, and Chris shook it.
At that time, a determined Sheva stepped forward. "Chris, Josh and Jill?" They observed Sheva possessing a fierce gaze, her eyes shifting over to Carlos. "Permission to stay behind and assist Carlos in his mission to search for the origin of this problem…" This shocked all.
"Definitely not, Sheva!" Josh shouted out, his expression full of anger. "What have we just talked about with Thiago?! You cannot get involved! There are no joint operations between us anymore!"
Sheva slammed her first on the desk she was currently sitting on, creating a crack. "I will not run away by some idiotic policy! I will stand tall and help Carlos' brethren! Just as Chris did with ours!"
Josh sighed a defeated one. "Chris, a little help here?" Josh looked to the captain.
Chris and Carlos watched the feud, but Chris smirked at how the scene stroke a chord in his mind, remembering his own feuds with Claire. "Josh, take my advice. You spoke of Sheva as if she was your little sister, and I can guarantee…you will not win this battle."
Sheva smiled, and Josh shook his head with a chuckle. Following that, Sheva spotted Josh gazing over to Carlos. "It's your call, Carlos. Sheva is one of the best BSAA operatives out there. Next to Jill and Chris."
Their eyes settled on each other, Sheva's dark brown eyes starting into Carlos light brown ones. She sent her usual smirk with the tilt of her head, the same action she did in meeting Chris in Africa. Carlos countered her smirk with his, and glanced over to Josh. "Sure. I accept."
Josh nodded. "But I have one favor to ask of you, Carlos."
"What is it?" Carlos asked softly.
"Take care of her." Sheva saw Josh with a stern look when he asked the favor. "Do I have your word, Carlos?"
"You have my word, Josh. Nothing will harm her."
Carlos words brought smiles to Josh and Chris, but Sheva heart warmed up, it was a feeling she never felt, save for the time Chris rescued her by the hand. But it was a favor, and removed her mind from thinking any much more of it. "But…why am I…thinking of him this way? I…must put this aside. It's not me…I'm…a BSAA operative. These things shouldn't concern me. But…his eyes…why do I feel as If I've seen them before…?"
Suddenly, Sheva was not aware that she was constantly gawking at Carlos, which Chris and Josh smirked at.
Sheva blushed while bending her head down, and Carlos came to her rescue within the awkward silence after crossing his arms. "From West Africa to South America, hm…I like the ring of that, don't you, Jill?" No answer. "Jill…?"
They all turned to where Jill was once standing, but saw nothing….
July 11th, 2012/ 12:00 A.M
Location- BSAA South American Headquarters: Helipad
-Jill Valentine-
"I knew he would hate me…." She thought this while laying on one of the metal benches within the helicopter they traveled in. Instinctively, Jill laid her right hand over her stomach while her left rested upon her forehead. Her mind traveling back to the day when she separated from Carlos and went off with Chris. She closed her eyes…remembering that day. The sadness she felt when she failed to convince Carlos to come along, the sadness she felt when he was not there to see her off, and not there to even say a goodbye.
But it was the night they shared before that day Jill cherished the most. Herself, drinking with Carlos and Barry, the trio smiling and laughing. She also took in how thankful Barry was in Carlos for saving her in Raccoon City. Though, remembered how Carlos' face would dim when their conversation reached the topic of her departure or of Chris Redfield. She visited his room at an inn they stayed the night at, before the night of her leave. She wanted to thank him for everything. She wanted to show how much she appreciated him just through several nights of knowing each other.
She stepped inside his room, and Jill only found his bed nicely made…he was gone…and would be for a decade.
Jill opened her eyes, a pair of eyes that held unshed tears. "Carlos…"
Unexpectedly, a knock occurred over the sliding door of the chopper. Jill instantly sat up and took a swipe of her teary eyes, disposing the moisture in them, but could not rid of the redness around the rims. The door slid open…revealing 'him'
Carlos quickly spotted her blue eyes burning, she looked away to the side, and Carlos downplayed it. He kept silent and slid the door shut behind him, after that, he took a seat on the bench across Jill's.
The pair that helped each other through the hell in Raccoon City failed to even utter a word in privacy. Not getting anywhere in the silence, Carlos took the initiative. "I…heard what happened in Africa…"
"…" Jill kept silent, her head still turned away.
Sighing, Carlos ran a hand through his hair. "They told me what happened to you and Wesker. It must've been hell for you. The Spencer Estate. Becoming…brainwashed…"
"…" Still no answer or movement.
Carlos' eyes flared wide. "Would you say something?!" Jill, in a instant, shifted her burning gaze to him while he continued. "Or wait….is it because I'm not Chris, Josh, or even this Wesker guy? I'm not one of the guys Jill Valentine slept with, is that it?!" Jill shed a tear from his cruel words.
"How dare you say something like that?! You goddamn bastard!!" Jill raised herself up off the bench to deliver a punch, but Carlos caught her right wrist before the impact. She shuddered under his containment, and Carlos simply whipped Jill's arm away with enough strength to send her onto her back over the bench.
Jill snapped her head up and reached for her TMP in doing something she never expected she would ever do…and that was aiming her weapon up at Carlos Oliveira. Nevertheless, Carlos beat her to it in aiming his SIGPRO handgun down at her.
Carlos only smirked while Jill held her anger. "Let me inform you, Jill. I'm no longer that young immature, and brash mercenary you met in Raccoon City. Things changed…and so do people."
"You're wrong!!" Carlos was taken back by Jill's shout. "I look in those eyes of yours and I can still spot him!! Why did you let those things we witnessed together in Raccoon City effect you so damn much?!" Jill saw that her words were reaching him, his gun slowly lowering while his face dimmed with closed eyes. She went on, also lowering her own weapon. "In the briefing room, with Chris, Sheva and Josh. How come you did not hesitate in showing smiles to them?! But for myself, you never gave one! What the hell did I do wrong to make our friendship nonexistent?!"
Carlos flared his eyes open. "You went with him!!" Jill looked away at this point, but it did not stop from Carlos to go on. "You went with Chris Redfield and followed your personal feelings!! After what I've done for you in Raccoon City, you brushed me off as I was nothing! Who wouldn't feel anger at that?! Risking my life to save yours, only to have you disappear for a damn decade! Not even a damn thank you card!! Just a damn 'put it on my tab, Carlos', that you never even repaid! "
Jill shook her head slowly, her shoulders trembling. "I…I asked you…to come with us. I asked you to come with me…"
"And what good could've come from that?!" Carlos growled. "It wouldn't make any difference if I were there or not!"
Jill lifted her head up slightly, looking off to the side. "You said…the others told you of what happened in Africa…"
Carlos crossed his arms with a firm stance. "And what about it?!"
"Truthfully…" Jill began in the midst of rising to her feet. "…I did hope Chris would come rescue me…and he did, but…you do not know that I also thought of you. It was only because of you that I survived Raccoon City. If not for you…all this would've never happened. My mission in Russia with Chris. The fight against Wesker…and what happened in Africa. Meeting Sheva and Josh. All those things would not have occurred if you didn't save me. And I'm thankful from the bottom of my heart…I mean that, Carlos…"
His expression softened. It was his turn to look away when she gazed at him with sincere eyes. "It…doesn't matter anymore, Jill. Chris was there to save you…and Josh was there to escort you to safety. I…I shouldn't have insulted you about sleeping with them…jealousy took the best of me. You have great friends, Jill. I apologize for what I said…"
She smiled at that, a trembling one. Carlos, however was not done…and smiled at her for the first time. "Josh also told me he flirted with you and how he was successful in getting you to laugh."
Jill softly laughed, recalling that memory. "Yeah, he did. I must say he's better than you at it. His accent is much sexier." "But a laugh doesn't mean anything, Carlos…"
Carlos took his turn in laughing as he sat back down on the bench, twirling his handgun before holstering it. "So…" He gave Jill a smirk. "Is it…serious?"
Jill blinked down and sat beside him, their argument already put behind them, as were the weapons. "What do you mean?"
Carlos chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, come on, Jill. You know what I mean. Is it serious…you and Josh? If not him then what about ongoing thing with Chris?"
It surprised her that Carlos was so open and comfortable talk about this certain topic. He was not holding up some barrier, she could tell. He was really content.
She smiled, and Jill gave a thought about his question. There were plenty of men in her life, and Josh was now one of them. Her heart thumped for him, but it thumped even harder when thinking of Chris. "I…don't know. I'm grateful for Josh helping me…as I' am with you. But…Chris…I-I always loved him. You even know this just by working with me. "
"Yeah." Carlos rubbed his chin, he then snapped his fingers as an idea lit up in his mind. "Aha! Maybe you need to use some of my smooth lines. And maybe a accent…" Carlos advised a tip that only he and Jill could laugh at.
"Oh, please. Like of any those lines would work on Josh or Chris. And I can't even develop a accent for heaven's sake!" They laughed together once more. She was having such a joyful time that Jill was unaware that she wrapped both arms around his right arm. She smiled up at Carlos. "But it won't hurt to give it a shot, now would it?"
"Not at all, chica…" Carlos laughed, but Jill didn't. He looked down to see her saddened. "Jill…?"
"I…miss being called that." She leant her head on his shoulder, memorizing herself with short brown hair and wearing that blue tubetop. "It's been more than a decade, Carlos…a decade…"
"Yeah. Things did change a lot." He sighed.
"One thing that will not ever change is me being your partner. Josh and Chris will never take that spot…no matter what." Her beginning words caught Carlos' attention. He turned to look at her but only caught the visor of her cap. "But…about this mission, Carlos. Did Chris and Josh give Sheva permission to join you?"
"Yes. Though they left the decision up to me, and I accepted her assistance. I hardly know her, but man, it looks like she can fight just by the aura she gives off." Carlos smiled. "She has no reason to be here or even to fight. These are not her people, they are mine, but yet, she still wants to risk her life for them. That's how I felt when I met you…trying to save your people in Raccoon City. I admire Sheva's compassion."
Jill closed her eyes. "It sounds like you admire her for more than just that…"
"Well, yeah. She does have an amazing body and large--
"CARLOS!!" Jill exclaimed while shooting him a gaze, and found him laughing. She herself began to chuckle. "So, you never did change after all…"
"Just a little." Carlos began, but turned serious. "Is she… 'taken'"
"Keep dreaming…" Jill sighed out with a smile in using the same words when replying to Carlos' flirting ways in Raccoon City.
The once hopeful lovers, were now only best friends. They were hugging and laughing as if they were brother and sister. And maybe…that's what they always needed in each other…