The characters from the game belong to Capcom.
A/N:I'm not english native speaker, so you might find some typos or grammar mistakes, I do apologize for that.
It was morning. Leon had finished his shower and was standing in front of the mirror watching his own naked reflection, slowly lifting his right arm until his face expressed pain and he used his left hand to caress his right shoulder, "Fuck!" he exhaled
Once again, he repeated the same move just like every day since Ariego dislocated his shoulder a few years prior. Initially, that injury didn't seem to be so serious. That wouldn't be the first time he had some member dislocated, however, that was the first time he had to live with such long term consequence. Maybe that was because he was aging and healing was starting to get slower or maybe he didn't treat it properly because of the damn work. A work that had demanded so much from him as more and more he questioned his value and priorities.
He stared at the line of his shoulder for some seconds, making specific moves until the limit of pain he could handle without demonstrating it – a habit he had acquired to keep his "amazing job", especially to help with the new expenses at home since he and Jill had become parents. However, having fallen onto his shoulder recently only served to open an old questioning.
Flashback
"I want to quit" Leon said with a serious expression
The man stared back at him, indifferent to the agent's statement, "It's not the moment."
Leon exhaled, "It's never going to be the moment. The Moment doesn't seem to exist."
The man continued with an unshakable expression, "Agent Kennedy, one thing is you wanting to take a break and recover from all the things and another is you leaving the Agency permanently." He stated in a cold demeanor
Leon frowned, looking disappointed; in a dead-end. How long would he continue living that way?
End of Flashback
He sighed after returning to the reality as through the mirror reflection he saw Jill entering the bedroom holding their infant in her arms.
"Oh, daddy is still naked and soon baby too" She spoke with a playful tone
Leon smiled watching her interact with the baby. After so many years together, they were finally starting their own mini clan, composed of them, their pets – a cat and a dog- and now their baby.
They had accepted the fact they wouldn't produce their own heirs and adoption was always the only option available, but the dream of starting a family through adoption wasn't easy either. It felt like they didn't deserve to be a family.
But since Jill became a mother, her mood had changed. Of course, there were tiring days and nights, but she seemed happier now and that was what mattered to him. His life would be nearly perfect if there wasn't his job and now that injury in his shoulder.
"What about you? You should be leaving for work by now." She asked while she removed the baby's diaper
Leon cleared his throat a bit, "Yeah… I just took longer than I expected to get ready." He replied while he dressed his clothes
The DSO Agent didn't take long to leave his home and head to the office – just like every single working day. He turned on the radio to frame his mind to another day of labor. That morning he didn't have time for breakfast and people at work knew how moody he could get when he was hungry – not necessarily hunger of food.
(**)
Leon was staring the pc screen, very concentrated. He was playing solitaire to relax his mind a bit during the break of his report. He heard knocks on the door and closed the app just in case.
"Come in" he yelled and watched the door being opened and a female agent wearing black formal suit, skirt to the knees, long and wavy black hair down to her waist, intense green eyes who greeted him friendly with a smile as she sat in the seat in front of his desk. He could smell her cologne spreading around his office, "Agent Portman!" he greeted her with a large smile
"Agent Kennedy!" she replied smiling back as she crossed her legs
"What's the pleasure of your visit? I didn't know you were in town. Came to see Nick?" he asked resting his back on his chair
"Not really. I thought you knew that Nick is on a 'trip' again."
"No I didn't know that. I haven't spoken with him in a while."
"Brothers…" she exhaled making a face
"So if he's not the reason, why are you here?"
"You are my reason."
"What?" he frowned taken aback
The woman couldn't help to laugh, "I'm kidding! But it's true 'you are' kind of my reason..."
"What do you mean?"
"The Agency needs me here for a while."
"Really?" he replied frowning in surprise
"Yes. I just came to greet you and see how you're doing. I heard you are a dad now. Congratulations!"
"Yeah, thanks!"
Their conversation was interrupted as they got an alert on their phones. They exchanged gazes. The Agency needed them in a mission.
It was evening. Evana was in the living room watching her daughter Charlotte playing with Kyan while she waited for Yana to pick her son. The toddlers were her only distraction since her meet with Gianni. Like it or not, she couldn't help to think about it sometimes. His sudden presence intrigued her and she couldn't help thinking about what could be the real reason for that.
She had contacted J.D. to question him about Gianni since he and Yana were the only ones that man could look for and learn her whereabouts. J.D. denied he had told the man, actually, he hadn't even seen him in ages. She knew J.D. was telling the truth, so the only available option now would be Yana.
She wouldn't be surprised with Yana's slip tongue, especially because Yana and Gianni used to have a fling when they were younger. Before the family downfall.
It would be no surprise Yana would had fallen into his arms again. The ginger felt alone since Piers' death and knowing her appetite for sex and company, Gianni could have taken advantage on that because that was one of his innate skills – to get info. He was known for his persuasive skills. So, all she had to do was to wait for Yana and talk to her.
(**)
Around 7:15PM, Evana heard the bell ring and rushed to answer the door. It was Yana. She opened the door and invited her friend in. The ginger's son who looked very happy in seeing his mother after so many hours away and welcomed her with a long hug.
"I'm sorry sis for taking longer to pick him, but I had to wait my boss to finish his meeting because he wanted to talk to me, so I had to wait." Yana spoke with an apologetic tone
"It's okay." Evana replied with a soft smile
"Did he misbehave?" the ginger asked
"No he didn't. He's a calm child and a good boy."
"Didn't he cry for his father?" Yana spoke in surprise
"Yes he did a little, he had a few moments of missing Piers, but no misbehavior. It's evident he's still very attached to him."
"Yeah, tell me about it!" the ginger spoke making a face
The women heard a noise on the door and looked in its direction simultaneously. It was Chris.
Evana greeted him with a lovely kiss of welcome.
Chris looked briefly at Yana and greeted her and Kyan.
"Hi Chris." The ginger replied quickly.
Then he headed to greet his daughter.
Yana took Kyan and his belongings quickly, "Well sis, we are going home now. Thank you for watching him while I still haven't found a daycare I trust and can afford… Tomorrow we'll be back give you more trouble." She said rushing to the door
"Nah, it's no trouble at all. You know I don't mind watching him whenever you need. It's good he and Charlie play a lot."
Yana smiled thankful and then said goodbyes to Charlotte and Chris. Evana followed her to the door.
"Yana, before you go, I want to ask you something." The blonde spoke taking courage to speak
"Sure."
"Did you talk to Gianni? Be honest!" the blonde asked studying her friend's behavior
"No, why?"
"Are you serious?"
"Of course I'm serious! I haven't seen him in ages, why are you talking to me like that?"
"Because someone told him about my whereabouts and there were only two people who could have told him that. You and J.D. and I have contacted J.D. who has denied as well."
"And why do you think I'm lying to you? You know J.D. gives info easier than me!"
"You had a past with Gianni…"
"Yeah, centuries ago! I didn't even remember he still existed!" the ginger couldn't help to feel offended by her friend's suspicion
"I'm not disbelieving you, but the only people I know and that are mutual friends with him, are denying that and I can't think of anyone else. Someone is lying to me!"
"And you think the one is Me just because I did your cousin millions of years ago?" Yana exhaled rolling her eyes, "Do you really think I'm that easy?"
"No, I don't think you're that easy, but I know Gianni is very persuasive and can get info with little details…"
"Look… I haven't met Gianni and I hope to never see him again because I keep resentment for him as much or even more than you!"
"I'm sorry if I made you feel offended, but it wasn't my intention." The blonde spoke apologetic
"Yes, I'm feeling offended by your unfounded suspicion towards me after all we have been through! Your judgement, or should I say misjudgment about my persona related to men have really hurt me. You know I still grieve Piers and you better than anyone should know how much I've changed! And if you know how good he can be in obtaining info, I'm sure there are many other ways he could've had done that, but No! You preferred to suspicion of me, your best friend, your soul sister, instead of taking in account the other logical ways!"
"Okay Yana, I'm sorry about that, but you don't need to be so dramatic if you're not lying to me."
"You know I'm dramatic!"
Evana took a deep sigh, "Okay… I'm sorry once again."
Yana sighed heavily, reflecting her reaction. There was no need to prolong the subject, besides hating having misunderstandings with her longtime friend, she couldn't allow herself the luxury to argue with her best friend – she needed her help with Kyan, after all, Evana was the only "family" she had to count on that country that didn't belong to them.
"Apologies accepted. I'm sorry for my overreaction too." The ginger spoke with a friendly tone. For a brief moment her eyes looked inside the house and spotted that muscular man who didn't disguise he had been watching them talking. Awkwardly, Yana looked back to Evana and forced a smile.
The women said their goodbyes once again. Yana drove home and Evana swallowed her thoughts and locked the door to face her husband.
"Is everything alright?" Chris asked while he held his daughter
"Yeah." she exhaled, "Will you shower first or have dinner?" she asked
"I want to know what just happened." the man replied
"Don't worry about it. Everything is fine."
"Eva… I can't pretend I didn't witness anything. Who is Gianni?" He spoke not convinced with her reply
"Chris, I really don't want to talk about it now. Please."
He sighed in defeat, "Alright…"
The couple continued their routine and the subject was postponed. The secrets kept within...
2017
It had been a few months since Yana had started working. The salary wasn't that great but combined with Piers' insurance and managing her expenses efficiently, she managed to send Kyan to a daycare center.
However, with that, the consequences of been around other people and atmosphere had affected the toddler's immunity by lowering it, which got him an infection that needed to be treated, forcing her to stay at home to take care of him which resulted in her losing her job, and getting things difficult once again.
Thursday, 11 AM
Yana was in the kitchen preparing her and Kyan's lunch when she heard a message alert in her cellphone. She took the phone from the counter and read the message was from Chris: "I need to meet you today. Where are you?"
She parted her lips with a thoughtful expression. That was her routine, meeting her friend's husband behind her back. A situation that was prolonging for longer than she expected. A situation that started when Piers was still alive and after a "great idea" he had. Since then, the trio had a silent pact.
She couldn't tell if she was thinking straight when she accepted to be part of that twisted plan, but now it was too late to stop the consequences of her yes. If she did it for love or impulse didn't matter anymore; she was too involved now to back away. Chris had become a part of her routine. Who would see that coming!
She texted him back setting a meeting for his lunchtime and location. He didn't take long to reply to her in confirmation. She sighed heavily and stopped the cooking, instead she gave Kyan a snack and went to change her clothes.
Rosé Restaurant, 12:30 PM
"Would you like anything else?" the waiter asked holding the tray with the costumer's order
"No, thank you." A blond man, wearing a black dress shirt replied while he checked his cellphone. He kept the object in his pocket and started having his meal. About 15 minutes later, he was waiting for the waiter when he noticed a couple with a toddler taking a seat at the restaurant's patio, "What an amazing coincidence!" he thought as he watched the ginger he knew so well.
He watched the couple and wished he could listen to their conversation, so in compensation, he observed every detail he could take from their interactions and the logo on the man's jacket – BSAA.
He checked his watch and turned his fist at their direction discreetly. The waiter arrived with his bill, "I'm sorry for the trouble, but could you bring me a dessert, an ice cream, and add in the new bill?" the blond man spoke politely
"Yes sir, no problem. Would you like anything else?" the waiter replied taking notes
"A bottle of water, please."
The man continued observing the couple who talked out of any suspicion of being observed. He studied the toddler's features and compared to the BSAA man. There was no physical relation. He grabbed his cellphone and started doing a research after taking a picture of the man. That was the moment when his order arrived. He thanked the waiter and then continued focused in his phone screen.
A few minutes later, he put a light smile on his face and looked at the man, "Chris Redfield… Evana's husband… Interesting." He thought looking attentively at them, "Yana… Yana… both sharing the same man again or is that a secret affair?" he made a mischievous face expression
(**)
"Here."
Yana looked at the envelope Chris put on the table, "What is it?"
"It's for you."
Yana opened the envelope and saw an amount of cash, "I don't want it." she said putting the envelope back on the table
"Don't be so proud. Things are tough for you lately." he commented
"I'll stand up on my own. Don't need your charity!"
"This is not a charity. You are my responsibility…"
"No, I'm not your responsibility, Eva is your responsibility."
"You are too… both of you." He replied looking at Kyan
"You don't have to do that. That wasn't the deal we made."
"You are correct, it's not our deal, but it's the deal I made with Piers."
Yana parted her lips and sighed looking at Chris' hazel eyes
"This is no charity… just accept."
The ginger sighed and kept the envelope in her purse, "So what now? How long are we going to prolong that? How long are we continue playing this game?"
"As long as needed."
"You know Eva is suspecting, right? I cannot even look properly in her eyes since that night she caught us…"
"You have to lie better!"
"I just want to tell her the truth!"
"And so do I!"
"That's not what it seems! Even I can see how much you have changed…."
"You know you are a part of that change and these 4 years we know each other got me used to your tendency of doubting of me and you know what? I don't even care… in the end, you and I are together in this whatever we have."
Yana sighed heavily, "You know what I want and need…"
"I'm working on that… hopefully in the other weekend you can join me in a trip. I'll let you know during the week."
"Okay." she spoke after a long sigh
(**)
Gianni was finishing his ice cream when he saw the couple standing up from their seats. Yana didn't seem very pleased, actually she looked tired or sad. He took a sip of the water as he watched Chris taking Yana into a hug and clearly seemed to speak something in her ear, which made the ginger finally smile.
The ginger took her son from his seat and followed Chris as they left the patio.
The blond man had already paid his bill and within seconds stood up from his seat and left the restaurant as well.
Thank you Xaori and silver scropion for the reviews :D
I want to thank the follows and favorites too :D
Hello Guys, I'm very sorry for the delay! My health got me very ill again and then many things happened as well and I got without time and also lazy to write anything xD But the good thing is that I got great ideas in the meantime :D
Now, lets talk about the chapter and start with the italian title, Cose della vita means Things of Life. That was made on purpose, possibly there will have more italian titles ahead xD (I can't help to spoil a bit huh!) xD
I can say that this story is going to demand from me some abilities and grounds I have never tried before and most probably the chapters will take a bit longer to be prepared and I hope you'll enjoy this new journey and don't give up on me if I take longer to update. :(
I'm not very good in keeping suspenses and mysteries for too long (I'm a spoiler lover right! I can't wait and I hate keeping people waiting as well hahaha), but I'll do my best to not prolong for too long and get things tiring and also not getting things too quick and ended up seeming to be rushed. Let's see if I can balance it lol
I can say this story is so different of the prequel in its presentation, I was reading it again and analysing with my reader's eyes combined with my author's side and I have forgotten the genre is romance too, because of the ideas I was having during this hiatus, and they were being led to anything but romance, LOL. I hope not to forget that again! However, this third chapter is where the storyline really starts :D
Stay tuned!