Jake's eyes flew open as he sat bolt upright in bed. His breathing was erratic as he searched for the reason of his sudden fearful awakening. The horrors of his dream quickly faded out of his grasp all too soon. He placed his shaking sweaty palms against his face, taking a deep calming breath. He crawled out of bed and made his way into the bathroom, fumbling with the light switch as he went by. He grabbed at the faucet, roughly twisting its knobs, allowing the cool water to rush out messily. He bent over the sink, scooping the refreshing liquid up in his hands and splashing it against his face. He gave out a long sigh, leaning against the sink with his head down, trying to regain his composure. Big fat drops of water dripped from his nose, plattering onto the cold checkered tile floor, splashing his bare feet. He let the water run in the silence of the night. When he felt like he was fine and ready, he reached up to turn off the faucet, catching a terrifying sight staring back at him from the mirror. A man of his height, with slender build, dressed in a solid leather black trench coat gave him the devil's smile. His red eyes seemed to see right through him. Jake's breath caught in his throat as he searched for words. The man's voice was sharp and confident, ordering his attention "Jake." He watched the image as the face of his father faded into his own. His eyes once a faint blue, now a deep scarlet. Panic seized him, stealing away his voice. He looked down at the water as it ran crimson, spilling over the boundaries of the porcelain fixture. It pooled at his feet, warm and dark. He looked at his hands, seeing blood dripping from his fingertips, the screams of his friends echoing in his mind. He was finally able to force his voice out in a fearful wail as he dropped to his knees. Familiar hands took hold of his shoulders and shook him, calling his name. "Jake. Snap out of it. Jake!" Jake went silent, his features pale and hollow as he looked up at Piers. His concerned face studied Jake for a response. His voice came out barely a whisper "Piers..." His eyes were red as he fought back the ball of emotions that threatened to get loose. Piers gave a sigh of relief when Jake spoke. He looked Jake in the eyes, questioningly "What happened?" Jake shook his head, averting his eyes, reluctant to remember. Piers understood Jake's unwillingness to tell him so instead he pulled him close and wrapped him in a hug. Piers' warm embrace seemed to fight off the chill that had seeped into his core. He blinked a few times as a tear fell down his scarred cheek. "Wesker." Jake finally stammered. Piers' seemed to stiffen. That was all the explanation he needed. This wasn't the first nightmare Jake had of his father. He had suffered since he found out, his father plagued his dreams. Tormenting Jake was just as much a monster as he was. Piers held Jake close, shushing his muffled whimpers. He'd witnessed many of these and yet it still surprised him how easily these nightmares had taken Jake, a man who's always so cool and confident and made him as helpless as a child. His heart breaks each time for the young mercenary and yet all he can do is pick up the pieces in the after math. "You're not like him Jake." Piers consoled him with a soothingly sweet voice. Jake pulled away to look into the marksman's soft hazel eyes "How do you know that? For sure?" Piers gingerly cupped his face in his hands and kisses his lips softly, whispering "Because I know the real you. The you I fell in love with. You're better than your father." Jake rested his forehead in the crook of Piers neck, with a wavering breath, he softly pleaded "Please, don't leave me." He wrapped his arms around Piers' torso, inhaling his comforting scent. Piers embraced Jake "I'm not going anywhere." he cooed, stroking the side of Jake's face, his fingertips gliding across the scar. Jake whispered into Piers' chest "I love you..."