Part 1
So There He Goes
Carlos Oliveira woke up one bright and sunny morning like he wakes up every morning. He regrettably gets up from his warm and cozy bed, he then stretches all his limbs during one great yawn where his arms spread out until they he can feel them pull from his chest. Once a little more awake Carlos stumbles to the bathroom where he pulls down his pants to take care of a little business. As soon as he's finished there he strolls to the kitchen where he pours himself his usual bowl of cereal with thoughts of his days up coming activities going through his mind.
Carlos finishes his morning ritual by getting dressed and finally going back to the bathroom to brush his teeth.
This is how Carlos Oliveira spent all his mornings, unless he still had a girl over from the night before. Little did Carlos Oliveira know that this would be his last morning spent like this for today Carlos would die.
After brushing his teeth Carlos left his apartment and got into his old Toyota pick up truck. He was planning on catching Jill before she left for work.
Carlos was defiantly one for falling in love; in fact he almost fell in love every night. However, he had never fallen in love as quickly as he did with Jill Valentine. She was his ideal woman and she was the one woman he couldn't get. In the game of love Carlos had finally met his match.
Of course there where implications namely Chris Redfield, but in the end Carlos didn't worry he never lost in the game of love.
He pulled into Jill's driveway. She lived in a simple little house just a few blocks away from Carlos' apartment building. He got out from his truck and walked up to Jill's front door giving it three quick knocks.
The door flew open after a few seconds and Jill stepped into view. She was looking gorgeous as ever wearing nothing but a towel.
"Oh," she said surprised "Hey Carlos."
"Hey Jill I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time."
"No, just wasn't expecting to see you."
"You weren't expecting someone else where you?" he teased her.
"No," she said a little too plainly. Carlos shook it off.
"I know this is a little on the short notice but I was wondering if you want to go to a movie or something today?"
"I can't Carlos I already have something going on."
"I see," Carlos said about to ask what she had planned, but soon didn't see a need to.
"But you know I really want to talk to you. Why don't we go out for dinner later tonight?"
"Sounds great what time should I pick you up?"
"How about we meet at Ocean's at eight." Ocean's was a simple little restaurant down the street.
Disappointedly Carlos nods his head "I'll be there."
"Great I'll see you then." With a small smile Jill shuts her door.
His date with Jill wasn't exactly what he wanted, but he was satisfied with it. He was very curious to find out what Jill wanted to talk to him about.
Looking at his watch Carlos realized it was still pretty early. He took his cell phone out of his pocket and called Rebecca Chambers. Rebecca was his safety net the person he called when all else fails. The fact was even though Carlos was very found of Rebecca she just couldn't hold a candle to Jill.
"Stars office this is Rebecca Chambers speaking."
"Hey Bec. It's Carlos."
"Oh hi Carlos how's it going?" Carlos took for granted how pleased she was to hear from him.
"Good I was just wondering what you were doing this afternoon."
"Well, Chris and I are just finishing some things up at the office, but he's heading out soon so I'm free after that."
"Great I'll come by the office to pick you up."
"Can't wait Carlos I'll see you in a bit."
From the other line Rebecca hung up Carlos put the phone back in his pocket then began to make his way to the S.T.A.R.S office.
Everyone involved in the Umbrella tragedies was invited to join the re-opened S.T.A.R.S department located a little ways from where Raccoon City used to be. Carlos kindly rejected their invitation. He had enough of crime fighting to last a life time.
Carlos arrived at the S.T.A.R.S and found it a bit more crowded then expected. Besides Rebecca and Chris Barry Burton was also in. Barry reminded Carlos strongly of a bear. Along with the great Mr. Burton was Claire Redfield with her was Leon Kennedy and the little adorable Sherry Birkin.
Carlos was always very attracted to Claire she reminded him a lot of Jill, but a couple reasons kept Carlos from trying anything with her. A. she was Chris Redfield's little sister B. since Carlos had known her she and Leon had been connected by the hips. He wasn't sure if there was anything romantic going on, but whatever it was it was enough to keep Carlos away, although no harm came from a little flirting.
"Hey Carlos," she greeted him cheerfully.
"Why hello Claire," he grinned walking up to her "What's a gorgeous chica like you doing in an office like this?"
Carlos caught Leon's face go red with anger, but missed Rebecca's. Contributing to make Leon even angrier Sherry jumps from his lap and runs to Carlos wrapping her arms around him.
"Carlos."
"Hey there little chica," Carlos says returning the hug. He then looks back up to Claire who explains.
"Sherry, Leon and myself are going to the movies. We just came here to see if Chris wanted to come with, but I guess he already has plans."
For the first time that day Carlos turned his attention to Chris Carlos' hated that man. No, hate was something that Carlos saved for Umbrella but he did truly resent him. Chris was the obstacle standing in the way of him and Jill. Not that there was any real competition, but the fact the Chris was even trying was enough for Carlos.
Chris stuck out his hand "Nice to see you Carlos."
Carlos shook his hand "You too Chris." Despite knowing who each others affections went to the two of them always seemed to be able to remain civil.
Carlos finally walks up to the reason for his visit to the S.T.A.R.S office.
"Hey Bec looking beautiful as ever," he gently kisses her hand Rebecca blushes.
"So what do you want to do today?" he asks her. Before Rebecca answers he hears Chris' voice.
"I'll see you guys later," he was then out the door.
Carlos asks Rebecca "Where's he off to?"
"I think he's doing something with Jill today," she told him.
"I see," Carlos says thinking back to his conversation with Jill earlier today. He replayed Jill's words in his head. 'I already have something going on.'
It took several calls from Rebecca to bring him out of his shocked trance.
"How's Ocean's sound?"
"What?" he asked her confused.
"You asked me what I wanted to do today," Rebecca explained to him "And I asked you if Ocean's is okay."
Carlos thought about it. He was already going to Ocean's today, but that was later. Then he would deal with Jill until then he would enjoy his time with Rebecca.
Shaking all thoughts away he sticks out his arm for Rebecca to take "Sounds great," he told her.
The two of them together left the office.
* - * - *
Leon never cared much for Carlos Oliveira the way he flirted with Claire only strengthened that. Leon could see right pass Carlos' charming façade and saw him as the womanizing man that he was.
Soon after Rebecca and Carlos left Claire, Sherry and himself said goodbye to Barry and followed suite.
Leon found himself extremely irritated that the whole way to the movie theater Sherry was giggling over Carlos in the backseat.
"He's so hot don't you think so Claire?"
"Some would say that." Claire blushed slightly.
Leon tightens his grip on the wheel.
"Don't you say that?" Sherry questioned further.
Claire thinks for a moment before answering "I think looks can be deceiving sometimes you have to take a deeper look to find how good looking a person truly is."
Leon feels Claire's hand wrap around one of his. He looks to see her smiling at him Leon returns the smile.
Carlos can have all the woman he wants as long as Leon had Claire he was great.
Leon feels Claire gently rub his hand. If Carlos ever did something with Claire he probably kill him.
* - * - *
Jill waited for Chris impatiently she was tired of these games between Chris, Carlos and herself. Carlos was a great guy, a good friend, but Chris was both these things and so much more to Jill. She owed it to both Chris and Carlos to set everything straight.
The door bell rang and Jill ran hastily to answer it. Chris stood there a smile spread across his face.
"Hey Jill," he greeted her shyly.
"Hey Chris," she smiled "why don't you come in."
Chris hesitantly stepped into her home. Chris had been there hundreds of times but that was always for work or friend reasons this was different.
Jill directed him to her living room where he took a seat on her couch. Jill sat down next to him there was an uncomfortable tensions between them they were both so new to this.
After long moments of silence Chris asked her
"What do you think of Claire and Leon?"
Great, she thought were finally alone together and he brings up his sister. Jill wished for this uncomfortable stage just to be over with.
"Well I like them both if that's what you mean."
"Not quite they've been doing a lot together lately and I was just wandering what you thought of them as you know.a couple."
"Whatever makes them happy," Jill said simply
They go quite again until Chris suddenly burst out.
"You make me happy Jill." Jill looks at him intently "You always have."
Jill smiles leaning in closer to him. Their lips were a breath away when the phone rings.
"I'll just let the machine get that," Jill whispers as she tilts her head excitingly towards Chris. Just then they heard Jill's voice from the machine.
"This is Jill please leave a message at the beep," A beep came after Jill's recording then to her horror followed Carlos' voice.
"Hey Jill its Carlos, Can we make dinner 7 instead of 8? If you have a problem with that give me a call other wise I'll see you then."
As soon as the message was over Chris automatically pulls away from Jill.
"I'll see you later," he says emotionless.
"Chris," she calls after him, but Chris didn't stop Jill had to run and pull him down by his arm to make him listen.
"Chris it's not like it sounds."
"Jill," he says desperately. Jill looks at him sorrowfully "I don't want to keep you from anything," Jill wanted to run into his arms but instead lamely stood there "I don't think my heart can handle any games right now so please."
He gets back up Jill doesn't stop him Chris stops at the door and turns to her "I want you to have what makes you happy."
He shuts the door behind him Jill runs to the door opening it and calling after him, but it was too late he had already gotten in his car and was gone.
* - * - *
Carlos' day with Rebecca was fun, but really Carlos couldn't wait for his date with Jill. He even called her asking if they could make it earlier.
Carlos was planning on sweeping her off her feet and when he was done the last person on her mind would be Chris Redfield.
Carlos arrived at Ocean's to find Jill sitting in a booth her face in her hands. She was looking very vulnerable; Carlos was an expert at handling vulnerable woman. He slid in the seat opposite of Jill.
"What's the matter Jilly?"
Jill looked up at him startled
"Oh hey Carlos," Jill said sadly
"What's up?" Carlos asked sympathetically.
"Chris and I." she started to mumble then stopped.
"Trouble in paradise?"
"You can say that?"
Carlos takes her hand "Don't worry Jilly your with Carlos now forget about Chris."
Jill suddenly takes her hand back as if awakened from a dream.
"Carlos listen you've been a great friend and I'll always appreciate your help back in Raccoon, but what we have can never be more then a friendship."
"What are you talking about Jilly?" Carlos was shocked at what he was hearing.
"Please stop calling me Jilly Carlos."
"Okay 'Jill' what are you taking about?"
"Carlos it's not you it's me. I'm in love with Chris. I can't explain what I feel I'm not going to try I just ask that you respect that."
"So you're leaving us?"
"Ahhhh," she yells irritated "There was never an 'us' Carlos!?"
"That's a rather harsh thing to say."
"Carlos please," she begged.
"Alright," Carlos says giving her a sly grin "We'll settle for being friends," he stuck out his hand.
"There's no settling involved, but I love to be your friend Carlos." She shook his hand.
"Okay friend let's enjoy our dinner."
The two of them had a pleasant dinner. The whole time Carlos sat there not believing that he lost Jill to a guy like Chris Redfield. It wasn't over Carlos told himself he still had a card up his sleeve.
When they had finished dinner Carlos kindly offered Jill a ride home. The short trip had been quiet as Carlos pulled into her drive way he turned to Jill and bluntly asked.
"Are you sure about that friend thing?"
"Yeah I really am Carlos."
"Are you sure," Carlos repeated and threw his lips unto Jill's he could feel her struggling against his kiss.
When she pulled away he heard her yell "Shit."
"What is it am I really that good of a kisser?"
Jill gave him a furious stare "No, Chris saw us!" she yelled angrily pointing to a figure storming off into the night.
Jill got out of the vehicle and started yelling after Chris. Carlos stuck his head out the window and asked Jill "Do you want any help?"
"No!" she screamed at him "Just stay away from me Carlos," with that Jill began to run down the street.
Carlos defeated rolled his window back up. He reversed out of Jill's driveway then started for home. He may be arrogant, but he wasn't naïve he knew after that look on Jill's face that she didn't want him. So for the first time Carlos drove home without the girl.
* - * - *
After Chris left Jill's he felt a mixture of emotions jealousy, hurt, anger, resentment, guilt, but above all else Chris felt love. He loved Jill Valentine more then he ever thought humanly possible.
He went back to Jill's and waited at her doorsteps for her to come home.he later wished he hadn't.
Seeing Jill and Carlos kissing was more then he could take. He could actually feel his heart break. He truly wanted Jill to be happy, but that didn't necessarily meant he wanted to watch it. Without another glance Chris ran off he heard Jill's voice but that only made him go faster, even hearing her voice was painful to Chris.
Chris didn't want to be alone so he decided to go to his sister's. Claire was all the family he had and there was no one's opinion that he held at higher esteem then his sister's.
Upon answering the door Claire immediately saw Chris' state and ushered him into her apartment. Sherry was in her living room watching T.V when Chris walked in.
"Hey Chris," she said pleasantly, but that was before she got a good look at him. After a nod from Claire she immediately retreated to her room.
He and Claire sat down on the couch there Claire finally asked him
"What's wrong Chris?"
"Jill," was all he somberly said.
"What about her?" Claire questioned concerned.
"She went out with Carlos and I saw them kissing."
Claire didn't say anything at first. She knew that Jill and he weren't technically dating, but she knew what he felt for her.
"You know sometimes kisses don't mean anything," she said at last "sometimes they are just.kisses."
"Maybe." his voice fades.
Hesitantly Claire asks "Did.did it look like it meant something?"
"I don't know it was dark and I really didn't want to stay and watch."
"Then maybe you should give Jill the benefit of the doubt," his sister smiles at him "I know you want to."
Chris smiles back "I really care for her," he told her.
"You know that, I know that, but does Jill know that?" He didn't say anything. He wanted for so long to tell Jill ho he felt, but it was never that easy.
"Chris," Claire advised him "before you do anything.well you will you please go talk to Jill?"
Feeling a hundred times better Chris nods. Claire walks him to the door Chris turns to her and says.
"I still hate that Carlos."
Claire gives him one last reassuring smile "just worry about Jill"
Taking his sister's advice Chris left to handle the situation that dwelled in his heart.
* - * - *
Claire wished she could have done more for her brother. She knew his love for Jill and it killed her to see him as hurt as he was, but all she could do was reassure.
After Chris had left Claire sat back down on her couch to think. A thought suddenly occurred to her. Why didn't she go talk to Carlos herself? Maybe she could talk to him and make sense of it all.
Exited by her idea Claire quickly grabbed her coat and hastily put it on as she walked to Sherry's room. Upon hearing a soft "come in," Claire entered the room.
Sherry was huddled in her bed the covers were wrapped tightly around her little body. Claire got the immediate impression that something was wrong.
"Are you alright?" Claire asked the younger girl.
"I'm fine," Sherry said her voice not entirely convincing.
Thinking that she handle whatever it was that was bothering Sherry when she returned Claire for the moment shook the matter away.
"Well I'm going out for a bit," Claire told her "Give me a call on my cell phone if you need anything."
"Okay," Sherry replied.
Hesitantly closing the door behind her Claire walked away and headed for Carlos'.
Carlos didn't live that far away and after a short jog Claire found herself at his apartment in no time. She went to his room and knocked on his door. When Carlos answered his door he defiantly looked surprised to see her, but not necessarily displeased.
"I knew you come running to me sometime," he joked "once you get some of Carlos you'll never go back." Normally Claire would have found Carlos' charming humor funny, but not this time. Carlos seemed to notice her unusual demeanor and seriously asked her.
"What's up?"
"Chris told me about you and Jill," she told him coldly.
"Yikes, why don't you come in so we can talk?" He says opening his door further so she could step in, hesitantly Claire obeyed.
She'd been to Carlos' before, but before she had been with a group of people now she was alone.alone with Carlos. Claire nervously sat down on Carlos' couch while he tried to explain himself.
"I won't lie to you Claire I have a thing for Jill, I've actually had it for a long time."
"What about Rebecca?" Carlos glared at her and then Claire knew exactly what Rebecca was to him. Carlos was slime.
"To make a long story short Jill didn't want me. I accepted my defeat and am ready to find someone else,' Carlos looks at Claire in a way that made her very uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry Carlos you're not my type."
"Two shut downs in one night the world must be going to hell," Carlos gives her a grin that let her know that everything was going to be alright.
Carlos walked her out of his room to the outside of his apartment building. The two of them look at each other.
"Carlos someday I know you'll meet that perfect somebody."
Carlos teases her "what if I said that woman is right in front of me?"
Claire gives him a playful smack on the shoulder and then follows it up with an innocent kiss on the cheek.
"Garsh," Carlos says pretending to be bashful. Claire couldn't help but to laugh "behave," she told him before waving one last time and then leaving.
Little did she know what cruel fate awaited the man she was leaving. Little did anyone know.
* - * - *
Barry was glad for Leon's company he just didn't want to be alone at the moment.
Barry's wife, Kathy, had cheated on him. She just told him last night and Barry had never felt so depressed in his entire life. The thought that Kathy had taken comfort in another man.well it was unbearable.
They were alone at dinner last night when Kathy told him for that for the last few weeks she'd been having an affair. Barry had thought she'd been kidding at first he soon discovered that she wasn't.
What some would even consider worst was he couldn't hate her or even be mad at her instead he felt guilty. If she resorted to having an affair it meant that Barry had lacked in someway as a husband. It wasn't a very settling thought.
"So do you know who it was?" The young Leon Kennedy asked him making a valiant effort to be sympathetic.
Normally the first person he would have told would have been Chris, but Barry didn't want to ruin his date with Jill he knew how much Chris was looking forward to it.
"I left the restaurant before we could talk about it. I wound up not coming home late that night. When I did I found the house empty except for a note. It said that Kathy had taken the girls up to her parents place to think things over."
"She left you?" Leon asked him incredulously.
Barry nodded Leon wasn't helping.
After awhile Leon left and Barry was alone with his miserable thoughts.until the phone rang.
"Hello?" he answered wandering who would call him at this time of night. It was Kathy and she seemed distressed.
When Barry finished his conversation he slammed the phone down angrily. He had never felt a stronger urge to kill in his life.
He took out his colt python and began to polish it. Only one person was on his mind.Carlos Oliveira.
* - * - *
Rebecca Chambers was a woman who thought she was madly in love. Reality hadn't set in on the naïve Miss Chambers.
That night after her date with Carlos Rebecca was feeling very restless. She decided to give her beloved a visit. She merrily strolled down the streets of her town and was only a few yards away from Carlos' apartment building when she came to a heart breaking stop.
In front of her was Carlos and Claire Redfield, gazing at each other. She watched as Carlos bent over to receive a kiss from Claire on the cheek. Claire left Carlos and Rebecca his in the shadows as she walked by.
Rebecca had felt jealousy towards Claire before, but never had she felt the hatred that was now consuming her. She looked painfully at the apartment that her love lived in.how could he do that to her?
Rebecca walked around for a long time that night lost in her desperate thoughts. Somehow she managed to find herself outside Carlos' door not exactly sure what she was doing there.
* - * - *
Leon took sincere pity on Barry. No man deserved that, although truth be told men were usually the hypercritical basterds to commit the sin. Barry, however, wasn't like that.
Leon didn't know Kathy very well he had only met her on a few occasions. She was a very beautiful woman for her age and on first meeting Leon thought her as someone who would never do anything like this, sometimes he guessed you just have to take a deeper look.
Leon tried to imagine finding out that Claire had slept with someone else. Granted they weren't technically dating, but he considered his feelings for her just the same.
He was just thinking of Claire when speaking of the devil he sees her step out of an apartment building with no one other then the actual devil himself.Carlos Oliveira. Leon felt his heart freeze over.
He painfully watched her give Carlos a gentle kiss on the cheek which was something from Claire that Leon held close to his heart.
As she walked away he at first was going to go after her but thought better of it. Instead he went home and directly to his standard issued beretta it was a drastic move but Leon was in a drastic mood.
* - * - *
Jill tried calling Chris' place at least twenty times in the last half hour, but still there was no answer. God why did Carlos have to kiss her!? She once again tried Chris' she listened to the rings until his, by now, familiar answering machine came on.
For the past hour Jill had been cursing herself. Chris told her that she made him happy; he also told her that he just wanted her to be happy. Jill, however, never told Chris what makes her happy and that was him.
Jill had never cared for someone so much in her entire life. She had spent months in Europe looking for him for one simple reason.she needed him. She needed him in everyway that a woman needed a man and beyond that. Now she was paying for never telling him that and maybe in the process screwed her chances of ever being with him.
After slamming down the phone Jill collapsed down on her couch. "God," she cried her hands were covering her face hiding the tears that were forming in her eyes from her empty house.
Just then there was a knock on her door. She almost didn't answer it thinking that it was Carlos but she knew if she didn't he probably keep pestering her until she did. Jill got up from the couch and answered the door.
"Chris," she cried "what.what are you doing here?" Jill couldn't believe that he was standing right in front of her.
"Jill," he whispered her name but nothing came after it.
She stepped closer to him "Chris," she pleaded "I'm sorry I didn't know that Carlos was going to do that. I only went to dinner with him to tell him.to tell him," Dammit tell him Jill thought desperately but it was hard to get the words out. She didn't have to Chris steps forward there chest were touching and their faces were again a breath away.
"Please forgive me Jill."
"Why should you be asking for forgiveness?" she asked surprised "It should be me down on my hands and knees begging you for it."
"Jill I.I love you." Chris' voice was barely a whisper but Jill heard every word.
"God Chris," she cried "I thought I never hear you say that." "Is it okay?"
Jill smiles and gives Chris a tender kiss on the lips "Only if you accept my love in return."
Chris beams "You know I could never say no to you Jill," the two of them chuckle.
That night the two of them spent the night cuddling on Jill's couch. Jill never wanted to leave the warmth and safety of Chris' arms, but even in their brief time of contentment all hell was about to break loose.
* - * - *
Sherry had over heard every word of Claire and Chris' conversation. She was even more devastated about Carlos and Jill kissing then Chris was. How could Carlos do that to her?
Since Sherry first laid eyes on Carlos she was in love. She loved Leon too, but Claire was Leon's girl and together they were one big happy family. Carlos, however, was hers and she he's at least that's what Sherry thought.
Once Claire left Sherry thought she take matters into her own hands and find out if her beloved Carlos had truly did what Chris said he did.
She remembered where Carlos lived from the couple of times he had everyone over. She arrived at Carlos' apartment building but to her horror she discovered she wasn't the only one there to pay Carlos a visit.
There walking into his building was Claire. The woman who Sherry looked up to most in the entire world, the one person who she thought would never let her down had just stepped into her lover's apartment and what about Leon? They were suppose to be a family families didn't cheat on each other.
Hurt and confused Sherry trotted back home. Her little thirteen year old heart felt so broken and for Sherry Birkin that was saying something.
* - * - *
Carlos reflected on his conversation with Claire. God she was beautiful, sweet and smart. Carlos didn't know what he should do. He might have already ruined a relationship between Jill and Chris if he ruined one with Claire and Leon he mind as well book a seat to hell because he ain't going to be going anywhere else.
Carlos snuggled into his bed for once glad a woman wasn't beside him; he needed to sort some things before he did another thing with a woman. Carlos laid in bed for hours thinking about that night, but little did he know that his killer waited for him in his closet. Little did he hear that closet door open as he lay thoughtfully in bed. Little did he hear that person tip toe their way to his bed and pull the trigger of a beretta. Lastly, little did Carlos Oliveira know after that for he was dead.
Carlos Oliveira woke up one bright and sunny morning like he wakes up every morning. He regrettably gets up from his warm and cozy bed, he then stretches all his limbs during one great yawn where his arms spread out until they he can feel them pull from his chest. Once a little more awake Carlos stumbles to the bathroom where he pulls down his pants to take care of a little business. As soon as he's finished there he strolls to the kitchen where he pours himself his usual bowl of cereal with thoughts of his days up coming activities going through his mind.
Carlos finishes his morning ritual by getting dressed and finally going back to the bathroom to brush his teeth.
This is how Carlos Oliveira spent all his mornings, unless he still had a girl over from the night before. Little did Carlos Oliveira know that this would be his last morning spent like this for today Carlos would die.
After brushing his teeth Carlos left his apartment and got into his old Toyota pick up truck. He was planning on catching Jill before she left for work.
Carlos was defiantly one for falling in love; in fact he almost fell in love every night. However, he had never fallen in love as quickly as he did with Jill Valentine. She was his ideal woman and she was the one woman he couldn't get. In the game of love Carlos had finally met his match.
Of course there where implications namely Chris Redfield, but in the end Carlos didn't worry he never lost in the game of love.
He pulled into Jill's driveway. She lived in a simple little house just a few blocks away from Carlos' apartment building. He got out from his truck and walked up to Jill's front door giving it three quick knocks.
The door flew open after a few seconds and Jill stepped into view. She was looking gorgeous as ever wearing nothing but a towel.
"Oh," she said surprised "Hey Carlos."
"Hey Jill I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time."
"No, just wasn't expecting to see you."
"You weren't expecting someone else where you?" he teased her.
"No," she said a little too plainly. Carlos shook it off.
"I know this is a little on the short notice but I was wondering if you want to go to a movie or something today?"
"I can't Carlos I already have something going on."
"I see," Carlos said about to ask what she had planned, but soon didn't see a need to.
"But you know I really want to talk to you. Why don't we go out for dinner later tonight?"
"Sounds great what time should I pick you up?"
"How about we meet at Ocean's at eight." Ocean's was a simple little restaurant down the street.
Disappointedly Carlos nods his head "I'll be there."
"Great I'll see you then." With a small smile Jill shuts her door.
His date with Jill wasn't exactly what he wanted, but he was satisfied with it. He was very curious to find out what Jill wanted to talk to him about.
Looking at his watch Carlos realized it was still pretty early. He took his cell phone out of his pocket and called Rebecca Chambers. Rebecca was his safety net the person he called when all else fails. The fact was even though Carlos was very found of Rebecca she just couldn't hold a candle to Jill.
"Stars office this is Rebecca Chambers speaking."
"Hey Bec. It's Carlos."
"Oh hi Carlos how's it going?" Carlos took for granted how pleased she was to hear from him.
"Good I was just wondering what you were doing this afternoon."
"Well, Chris and I are just finishing some things up at the office, but he's heading out soon so I'm free after that."
"Great I'll come by the office to pick you up."
"Can't wait Carlos I'll see you in a bit."
From the other line Rebecca hung up Carlos put the phone back in his pocket then began to make his way to the S.T.A.R.S office.
Everyone involved in the Umbrella tragedies was invited to join the re-opened S.T.A.R.S department located a little ways from where Raccoon City used to be. Carlos kindly rejected their invitation. He had enough of crime fighting to last a life time.
Carlos arrived at the S.T.A.R.S and found it a bit more crowded then expected. Besides Rebecca and Chris Barry Burton was also in. Barry reminded Carlos strongly of a bear. Along with the great Mr. Burton was Claire Redfield with her was Leon Kennedy and the little adorable Sherry Birkin.
Carlos was always very attracted to Claire she reminded him a lot of Jill, but a couple reasons kept Carlos from trying anything with her. A. she was Chris Redfield's little sister B. since Carlos had known her she and Leon had been connected by the hips. He wasn't sure if there was anything romantic going on, but whatever it was it was enough to keep Carlos away, although no harm came from a little flirting.
"Hey Carlos," she greeted him cheerfully.
"Why hello Claire," he grinned walking up to her "What's a gorgeous chica like you doing in an office like this?"
Carlos caught Leon's face go red with anger, but missed Rebecca's. Contributing to make Leon even angrier Sherry jumps from his lap and runs to Carlos wrapping her arms around him.
"Carlos."
"Hey there little chica," Carlos says returning the hug. He then looks back up to Claire who explains.
"Sherry, Leon and myself are going to the movies. We just came here to see if Chris wanted to come with, but I guess he already has plans."
For the first time that day Carlos turned his attention to Chris Carlos' hated that man. No, hate was something that Carlos saved for Umbrella but he did truly resent him. Chris was the obstacle standing in the way of him and Jill. Not that there was any real competition, but the fact the Chris was even trying was enough for Carlos.
Chris stuck out his hand "Nice to see you Carlos."
Carlos shook his hand "You too Chris." Despite knowing who each others affections went to the two of them always seemed to be able to remain civil.
Carlos finally walks up to the reason for his visit to the S.T.A.R.S office.
"Hey Bec looking beautiful as ever," he gently kisses her hand Rebecca blushes.
"So what do you want to do today?" he asks her. Before Rebecca answers he hears Chris' voice.
"I'll see you guys later," he was then out the door.
Carlos asks Rebecca "Where's he off to?"
"I think he's doing something with Jill today," she told him.
"I see," Carlos says thinking back to his conversation with Jill earlier today. He replayed Jill's words in his head. 'I already have something going on.'
It took several calls from Rebecca to bring him out of his shocked trance.
"How's Ocean's sound?"
"What?" he asked her confused.
"You asked me what I wanted to do today," Rebecca explained to him "And I asked you if Ocean's is okay."
Carlos thought about it. He was already going to Ocean's today, but that was later. Then he would deal with Jill until then he would enjoy his time with Rebecca.
Shaking all thoughts away he sticks out his arm for Rebecca to take "Sounds great," he told her.
The two of them together left the office.
* - * - *
Leon never cared much for Carlos Oliveira the way he flirted with Claire only strengthened that. Leon could see right pass Carlos' charming façade and saw him as the womanizing man that he was.
Soon after Rebecca and Carlos left Claire, Sherry and himself said goodbye to Barry and followed suite.
Leon found himself extremely irritated that the whole way to the movie theater Sherry was giggling over Carlos in the backseat.
"He's so hot don't you think so Claire?"
"Some would say that." Claire blushed slightly.
Leon tightens his grip on the wheel.
"Don't you say that?" Sherry questioned further.
Claire thinks for a moment before answering "I think looks can be deceiving sometimes you have to take a deeper look to find how good looking a person truly is."
Leon feels Claire's hand wrap around one of his. He looks to see her smiling at him Leon returns the smile.
Carlos can have all the woman he wants as long as Leon had Claire he was great.
Leon feels Claire gently rub his hand. If Carlos ever did something with Claire he probably kill him.
* - * - *
Jill waited for Chris impatiently she was tired of these games between Chris, Carlos and herself. Carlos was a great guy, a good friend, but Chris was both these things and so much more to Jill. She owed it to both Chris and Carlos to set everything straight.
The door bell rang and Jill ran hastily to answer it. Chris stood there a smile spread across his face.
"Hey Jill," he greeted her shyly.
"Hey Chris," she smiled "why don't you come in."
Chris hesitantly stepped into her home. Chris had been there hundreds of times but that was always for work or friend reasons this was different.
Jill directed him to her living room where he took a seat on her couch. Jill sat down next to him there was an uncomfortable tensions between them they were both so new to this.
After long moments of silence Chris asked her
"What do you think of Claire and Leon?"
Great, she thought were finally alone together and he brings up his sister. Jill wished for this uncomfortable stage just to be over with.
"Well I like them both if that's what you mean."
"Not quite they've been doing a lot together lately and I was just wandering what you thought of them as you know.a couple."
"Whatever makes them happy," Jill said simply
They go quite again until Chris suddenly burst out.
"You make me happy Jill." Jill looks at him intently "You always have."
Jill smiles leaning in closer to him. Their lips were a breath away when the phone rings.
"I'll just let the machine get that," Jill whispers as she tilts her head excitingly towards Chris. Just then they heard Jill's voice from the machine.
"This is Jill please leave a message at the beep," A beep came after Jill's recording then to her horror followed Carlos' voice.
"Hey Jill its Carlos, Can we make dinner 7 instead of 8? If you have a problem with that give me a call other wise I'll see you then."
As soon as the message was over Chris automatically pulls away from Jill.
"I'll see you later," he says emotionless.
"Chris," she calls after him, but Chris didn't stop Jill had to run and pull him down by his arm to make him listen.
"Chris it's not like it sounds."
"Jill," he says desperately. Jill looks at him sorrowfully "I don't want to keep you from anything," Jill wanted to run into his arms but instead lamely stood there "I don't think my heart can handle any games right now so please."
He gets back up Jill doesn't stop him Chris stops at the door and turns to her "I want you to have what makes you happy."
He shuts the door behind him Jill runs to the door opening it and calling after him, but it was too late he had already gotten in his car and was gone.
* - * - *
Carlos' day with Rebecca was fun, but really Carlos couldn't wait for his date with Jill. He even called her asking if they could make it earlier.
Carlos was planning on sweeping her off her feet and when he was done the last person on her mind would be Chris Redfield.
Carlos arrived at Ocean's to find Jill sitting in a booth her face in her hands. She was looking very vulnerable; Carlos was an expert at handling vulnerable woman. He slid in the seat opposite of Jill.
"What's the matter Jilly?"
Jill looked up at him startled
"Oh hey Carlos," Jill said sadly
"What's up?" Carlos asked sympathetically.
"Chris and I." she started to mumble then stopped.
"Trouble in paradise?"
"You can say that?"
Carlos takes her hand "Don't worry Jilly your with Carlos now forget about Chris."
Jill suddenly takes her hand back as if awakened from a dream.
"Carlos listen you've been a great friend and I'll always appreciate your help back in Raccoon, but what we have can never be more then a friendship."
"What are you talking about Jilly?" Carlos was shocked at what he was hearing.
"Please stop calling me Jilly Carlos."
"Okay 'Jill' what are you taking about?"
"Carlos it's not you it's me. I'm in love with Chris. I can't explain what I feel I'm not going to try I just ask that you respect that."
"So you're leaving us?"
"Ahhhh," she yells irritated "There was never an 'us' Carlos!?"
"That's a rather harsh thing to say."
"Carlos please," she begged.
"Alright," Carlos says giving her a sly grin "We'll settle for being friends," he stuck out his hand.
"There's no settling involved, but I love to be your friend Carlos." She shook his hand.
"Okay friend let's enjoy our dinner."
The two of them had a pleasant dinner. The whole time Carlos sat there not believing that he lost Jill to a guy like Chris Redfield. It wasn't over Carlos told himself he still had a card up his sleeve.
When they had finished dinner Carlos kindly offered Jill a ride home. The short trip had been quiet as Carlos pulled into her drive way he turned to Jill and bluntly asked.
"Are you sure about that friend thing?"
"Yeah I really am Carlos."
"Are you sure," Carlos repeated and threw his lips unto Jill's he could feel her struggling against his kiss.
When she pulled away he heard her yell "Shit."
"What is it am I really that good of a kisser?"
Jill gave him a furious stare "No, Chris saw us!" she yelled angrily pointing to a figure storming off into the night.
Jill got out of the vehicle and started yelling after Chris. Carlos stuck his head out the window and asked Jill "Do you want any help?"
"No!" she screamed at him "Just stay away from me Carlos," with that Jill began to run down the street.
Carlos defeated rolled his window back up. He reversed out of Jill's driveway then started for home. He may be arrogant, but he wasn't naïve he knew after that look on Jill's face that she didn't want him. So for the first time Carlos drove home without the girl.
* - * - *
After Chris left Jill's he felt a mixture of emotions jealousy, hurt, anger, resentment, guilt, but above all else Chris felt love. He loved Jill Valentine more then he ever thought humanly possible.
He went back to Jill's and waited at her doorsteps for her to come home.he later wished he hadn't.
Seeing Jill and Carlos kissing was more then he could take. He could actually feel his heart break. He truly wanted Jill to be happy, but that didn't necessarily meant he wanted to watch it. Without another glance Chris ran off he heard Jill's voice but that only made him go faster, even hearing her voice was painful to Chris.
Chris didn't want to be alone so he decided to go to his sister's. Claire was all the family he had and there was no one's opinion that he held at higher esteem then his sister's.
Upon answering the door Claire immediately saw Chris' state and ushered him into her apartment. Sherry was in her living room watching T.V when Chris walked in.
"Hey Chris," she said pleasantly, but that was before she got a good look at him. After a nod from Claire she immediately retreated to her room.
He and Claire sat down on the couch there Claire finally asked him
"What's wrong Chris?"
"Jill," was all he somberly said.
"What about her?" Claire questioned concerned.
"She went out with Carlos and I saw them kissing."
Claire didn't say anything at first. She knew that Jill and he weren't technically dating, but she knew what he felt for her.
"You know sometimes kisses don't mean anything," she said at last "sometimes they are just.kisses."
"Maybe." his voice fades.
Hesitantly Claire asks "Did.did it look like it meant something?"
"I don't know it was dark and I really didn't want to stay and watch."
"Then maybe you should give Jill the benefit of the doubt," his sister smiles at him "I know you want to."
Chris smiles back "I really care for her," he told her.
"You know that, I know that, but does Jill know that?" He didn't say anything. He wanted for so long to tell Jill ho he felt, but it was never that easy.
"Chris," Claire advised him "before you do anything.well you will you please go talk to Jill?"
Feeling a hundred times better Chris nods. Claire walks him to the door Chris turns to her and says.
"I still hate that Carlos."
Claire gives him one last reassuring smile "just worry about Jill"
Taking his sister's advice Chris left to handle the situation that dwelled in his heart.
* - * - *
Claire wished she could have done more for her brother. She knew his love for Jill and it killed her to see him as hurt as he was, but all she could do was reassure.
After Chris had left Claire sat back down on her couch to think. A thought suddenly occurred to her. Why didn't she go talk to Carlos herself? Maybe she could talk to him and make sense of it all.
Exited by her idea Claire quickly grabbed her coat and hastily put it on as she walked to Sherry's room. Upon hearing a soft "come in," Claire entered the room.
Sherry was huddled in her bed the covers were wrapped tightly around her little body. Claire got the immediate impression that something was wrong.
"Are you alright?" Claire asked the younger girl.
"I'm fine," Sherry said her voice not entirely convincing.
Thinking that she handle whatever it was that was bothering Sherry when she returned Claire for the moment shook the matter away.
"Well I'm going out for a bit," Claire told her "Give me a call on my cell phone if you need anything."
"Okay," Sherry replied.
Hesitantly closing the door behind her Claire walked away and headed for Carlos'.
Carlos didn't live that far away and after a short jog Claire found herself at his apartment in no time. She went to his room and knocked on his door. When Carlos answered his door he defiantly looked surprised to see her, but not necessarily displeased.
"I knew you come running to me sometime," he joked "once you get some of Carlos you'll never go back." Normally Claire would have found Carlos' charming humor funny, but not this time. Carlos seemed to notice her unusual demeanor and seriously asked her.
"What's up?"
"Chris told me about you and Jill," she told him coldly.
"Yikes, why don't you come in so we can talk?" He says opening his door further so she could step in, hesitantly Claire obeyed.
She'd been to Carlos' before, but before she had been with a group of people now she was alone.alone with Carlos. Claire nervously sat down on Carlos' couch while he tried to explain himself.
"I won't lie to you Claire I have a thing for Jill, I've actually had it for a long time."
"What about Rebecca?" Carlos glared at her and then Claire knew exactly what Rebecca was to him. Carlos was slime.
"To make a long story short Jill didn't want me. I accepted my defeat and am ready to find someone else,' Carlos looks at Claire in a way that made her very uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry Carlos you're not my type."
"Two shut downs in one night the world must be going to hell," Carlos gives her a grin that let her know that everything was going to be alright.
Carlos walked her out of his room to the outside of his apartment building. The two of them look at each other.
"Carlos someday I know you'll meet that perfect somebody."
Carlos teases her "what if I said that woman is right in front of me?"
Claire gives him a playful smack on the shoulder and then follows it up with an innocent kiss on the cheek.
"Garsh," Carlos says pretending to be bashful. Claire couldn't help but to laugh "behave," she told him before waving one last time and then leaving.
Little did she know what cruel fate awaited the man she was leaving. Little did anyone know.
* - * - *
Barry was glad for Leon's company he just didn't want to be alone at the moment.
Barry's wife, Kathy, had cheated on him. She just told him last night and Barry had never felt so depressed in his entire life. The thought that Kathy had taken comfort in another man.well it was unbearable.
They were alone at dinner last night when Kathy told him for that for the last few weeks she'd been having an affair. Barry had thought she'd been kidding at first he soon discovered that she wasn't.
What some would even consider worst was he couldn't hate her or even be mad at her instead he felt guilty. If she resorted to having an affair it meant that Barry had lacked in someway as a husband. It wasn't a very settling thought.
"So do you know who it was?" The young Leon Kennedy asked him making a valiant effort to be sympathetic.
Normally the first person he would have told would have been Chris, but Barry didn't want to ruin his date with Jill he knew how much Chris was looking forward to it.
"I left the restaurant before we could talk about it. I wound up not coming home late that night. When I did I found the house empty except for a note. It said that Kathy had taken the girls up to her parents place to think things over."
"She left you?" Leon asked him incredulously.
Barry nodded Leon wasn't helping.
After awhile Leon left and Barry was alone with his miserable thoughts.until the phone rang.
"Hello?" he answered wandering who would call him at this time of night. It was Kathy and she seemed distressed.
When Barry finished his conversation he slammed the phone down angrily. He had never felt a stronger urge to kill in his life.
He took out his colt python and began to polish it. Only one person was on his mind.Carlos Oliveira.
* - * - *
Rebecca Chambers was a woman who thought she was madly in love. Reality hadn't set in on the naïve Miss Chambers.
That night after her date with Carlos Rebecca was feeling very restless. She decided to give her beloved a visit. She merrily strolled down the streets of her town and was only a few yards away from Carlos' apartment building when she came to a heart breaking stop.
In front of her was Carlos and Claire Redfield, gazing at each other. She watched as Carlos bent over to receive a kiss from Claire on the cheek. Claire left Carlos and Rebecca his in the shadows as she walked by.
Rebecca had felt jealousy towards Claire before, but never had she felt the hatred that was now consuming her. She looked painfully at the apartment that her love lived in.how could he do that to her?
Rebecca walked around for a long time that night lost in her desperate thoughts. Somehow she managed to find herself outside Carlos' door not exactly sure what she was doing there.
* - * - *
Leon took sincere pity on Barry. No man deserved that, although truth be told men were usually the hypercritical basterds to commit the sin. Barry, however, wasn't like that.
Leon didn't know Kathy very well he had only met her on a few occasions. She was a very beautiful woman for her age and on first meeting Leon thought her as someone who would never do anything like this, sometimes he guessed you just have to take a deeper look.
Leon tried to imagine finding out that Claire had slept with someone else. Granted they weren't technically dating, but he considered his feelings for her just the same.
He was just thinking of Claire when speaking of the devil he sees her step out of an apartment building with no one other then the actual devil himself.Carlos Oliveira. Leon felt his heart freeze over.
He painfully watched her give Carlos a gentle kiss on the cheek which was something from Claire that Leon held close to his heart.
As she walked away he at first was going to go after her but thought better of it. Instead he went home and directly to his standard issued beretta it was a drastic move but Leon was in a drastic mood.
* - * - *
Jill tried calling Chris' place at least twenty times in the last half hour, but still there was no answer. God why did Carlos have to kiss her!? She once again tried Chris' she listened to the rings until his, by now, familiar answering machine came on.
For the past hour Jill had been cursing herself. Chris told her that she made him happy; he also told her that he just wanted her to be happy. Jill, however, never told Chris what makes her happy and that was him.
Jill had never cared for someone so much in her entire life. She had spent months in Europe looking for him for one simple reason.she needed him. She needed him in everyway that a woman needed a man and beyond that. Now she was paying for never telling him that and maybe in the process screwed her chances of ever being with him.
After slamming down the phone Jill collapsed down on her couch. "God," she cried her hands were covering her face hiding the tears that were forming in her eyes from her empty house.
Just then there was a knock on her door. She almost didn't answer it thinking that it was Carlos but she knew if she didn't he probably keep pestering her until she did. Jill got up from the couch and answered the door.
"Chris," she cried "what.what are you doing here?" Jill couldn't believe that he was standing right in front of her.
"Jill," he whispered her name but nothing came after it.
She stepped closer to him "Chris," she pleaded "I'm sorry I didn't know that Carlos was going to do that. I only went to dinner with him to tell him.to tell him," Dammit tell him Jill thought desperately but it was hard to get the words out. She didn't have to Chris steps forward there chest were touching and their faces were again a breath away.
"Please forgive me Jill."
"Why should you be asking for forgiveness?" she asked surprised "It should be me down on my hands and knees begging you for it."
"Jill I.I love you." Chris' voice was barely a whisper but Jill heard every word.
"God Chris," she cried "I thought I never hear you say that." "Is it okay?"
Jill smiles and gives Chris a tender kiss on the lips "Only if you accept my love in return."
Chris beams "You know I could never say no to you Jill," the two of them chuckle.
That night the two of them spent the night cuddling on Jill's couch. Jill never wanted to leave the warmth and safety of Chris' arms, but even in their brief time of contentment all hell was about to break loose.
* - * - *
Sherry had over heard every word of Claire and Chris' conversation. She was even more devastated about Carlos and Jill kissing then Chris was. How could Carlos do that to her?
Since Sherry first laid eyes on Carlos she was in love. She loved Leon too, but Claire was Leon's girl and together they were one big happy family. Carlos, however, was hers and she he's at least that's what Sherry thought.
Once Claire left Sherry thought she take matters into her own hands and find out if her beloved Carlos had truly did what Chris said he did.
She remembered where Carlos lived from the couple of times he had everyone over. She arrived at Carlos' apartment building but to her horror she discovered she wasn't the only one there to pay Carlos a visit.
There walking into his building was Claire. The woman who Sherry looked up to most in the entire world, the one person who she thought would never let her down had just stepped into her lover's apartment and what about Leon? They were suppose to be a family families didn't cheat on each other.
Hurt and confused Sherry trotted back home. Her little thirteen year old heart felt so broken and for Sherry Birkin that was saying something.
* - * - *
Carlos reflected on his conversation with Claire. God she was beautiful, sweet and smart. Carlos didn't know what he should do. He might have already ruined a relationship between Jill and Chris if he ruined one with Claire and Leon he mind as well book a seat to hell because he ain't going to be going anywhere else.
Carlos snuggled into his bed for once glad a woman wasn't beside him; he needed to sort some things before he did another thing with a woman. Carlos laid in bed for hours thinking about that night, but little did he know that his killer waited for him in his closet. Little did he hear that closet door open as he lay thoughtfully in bed. Little did he hear that person tip toe their way to his bed and pull the trigger of a beretta. Lastly, little did Carlos Oliveira know after that for he was dead.