Author's Note: It's been one of those weeks. Hopefully, next week will be better and my next chapter won't take as long to release.
I really do appreciate the reviews! I'm trying to stay true to Wesker's character as much as possible, but I do like trying to make him a little more human since he still is at this point. That's been the hardest part is trying to add some dimension to him without going overboard. I've written a few small things with the usual Wesker to test my hand, he is much easier to nail down since we've seen that side of him in the games. It's what you don't see that is tricky to write. I just hope I'm doing him a little justice. :)
***Early Saturday Morning***
Annette rolled over onto her right side, dragging her blanket and sheet closer. Back and forth, she couldn't find any right spot that was comfortable enough to drag her off into any fitful slumber. She groaned into her pillow, unable to settle her thoughts down at all. The past few days had been a real test of her character with still no viable solution that would fix all. Her bleary eyes inched open, glancing at her clock for the umpteenth time that night. 3:38AM
Pulling the blanket over her head, she wanted to hide away from everything under this thin barrier of comfortable protection. Hiding wouldn't solve anything, but she knew she had to tread lightly. Why did I never realize? Now I'm going to do damage no matter what I do. I can't lie to myself; there's no way I can stop loving either of them. William is nice, loving and wants to marry me. On the other hand, Albert probably needs someone more than he realizes yet he would never admit it to himself. Am I taking all this out of context?
Annette flopped onto her back, pulling the comforter away from her face as her eyes stared futilely at the dark ceiling. She didn't like being in this limbo and she knew what she had to do: she needed to finally talk to William face-to-face. She knew William would be the hardest to deal with as he wore his emotions on his sleeve, yet Albert would put up that wall she wouldn't be able to see over. She ran a hand over her eyelids groggily, reaching over to turn her lamp on to the lowest setting to illuminate the room warmly.
She dragged herself up to a semi-upright position, staring balefully at her clock once again. Her eyes slid over to the note she had left next to it. William's note. Her hand strayed towards the folded paper, bringing it back for her to read again.
Dear Annette,
I'm sorry. I really am a stupid fool. Maybe I asked too soon. Maybe I didn't ask properly. It just sort of felt right that's how it slipped out. Please - lets just have a long talk. Whenever wherever you want, I'll be there.
William
Annette flung the open letter onto the bed, her bare legs slid from under the covers as she tiredly rose to her feet. Bending down, she grabbed the plush blue robe that she left pooled there to slide over her shoulders. She marched unceremoniously into the bathroom, flicking the light on as she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Damn, I look exhausted. That's it. I'm going to face this right now... at 3-something in the morning.
After a quick splash of cold water to her face, Annette ventured into her small closet to tug on her baggy grey sweatpants. She retrieved the note, slipping it into her robe pocket before heading for her door. It took her a moment to recall exactly where William's room was located. She had only been there a few times, but she would usually start from the elevator and not her own place. Only did she realize when she was halfway there that she forgot to put her slippers on. She stared down at her toes until she came to William's door.
Annette ran a hand through her loose sleep-mussed hair, staring at the number '535' listed on the door as she tried to find that courage she had just a second ago. With a quick sigh, she knocked lightly. Don't chicken out now! It would be even better knocking and making a run for it...
After a minute, there had been no answer. She rubbed at her tired eyes again, glancing down at the doorknob. Her hand touched the metal knob, turning it ever so slowly to see if it was locked. It wasn't as it eventually turned all the way. "Well, here goes nothing."
Annette opened the door with extreme care, not wanting it to creak or mess up the mild disaster that was William's living room. The papers were stacked at least, but there was little method to this madness in her eyes. There might be a desk under all the folders, papers and binders, but she hadn't tried to find out. The rest of his quarters were simply neglected with a thin layer of dust visible anywhere he probably hadn't done anything with since he moved into this area. She noticed the lights were already on at a low setting as she shut the door. Is he here?
She padded in the direction of his closed bedroom. This time she didn't bother knocking as her hand turned the handle cautiously, biting her lower lip as she took a look within. She pushed her way in as she noticed William had simply flung himself, all work clothing still intacted, with his head buried in a pillow on top of the rumpled comforter.
Annette chewed on her lower lip thoughtfully, starting to feel even more guilty for barging in at a weird hour. As she approached the bed, she eased her weight on the opposite side of the bed, sitting precariously on the edge. Much to her chagrin, William rolled over onto his side, facing her as he continued to snore softly.
Without hesitating, her fingers brushed his hair away from his eyes as she watched over him. "I..." The words died before they could even make an effort. She couldn't bring herself to wake him up as her conscience got the best of her. It can wait till he wakes up.
Annette straightened herself out with extra care not to disturb him, resting her head down on the secondary pillow. Loosening the knot on her robe, she started to relax enough for the first time in a long time.
Soon, sleep took her too.
William started to stir, burrowing his face into his pillow for a few extra minutes of half-awakened relaxed limbo. As he nestled his face downward, he wondered when his pillow felt so soft and warm. He cracked open one eye to peer over what he fell asleep on this time. His hand strayed upwards, trying to feel along with what he could barely see in the dark.
He heard a audible gasp in the dark, waking his senses up as his fingers stopped mid-way. Was he dreaming? He was used to having odd dreams, but the dreams didn't usually give this kind of feedback. It was at that moment he felt something stop his hand.
"Careful." William heard Annette's warning as he jerked awake by her touch. He felt her arm encircle him to hold him gently as his head rested on her shoulder. He shifted closer against her. Am I sure I'm not dreaming?
Annette squeaked a bit louder than intended as William pinched her stomach. "Hey... stop that."
"Wha...? Where did...? Annette?" William mumbled as his mind kicked into gear, his hand now trapped from pinching her further.
Annette murmured. "You left your door unlocked, so I invited myself in. I couldn't bring myself to wake you and it looks like I fell asleep after I waited a little while."
"And I didn't even notice? At all?" He grumbled under his breath. I wonder how long she would've waited. Sometimes I don't come back here for days.
Annette chuckled softly. "You rolled over. That pretty much sums it up."
"Excellent. I can't complain too much waking in the arms of a beautiful woman." William mused happily, content to stay where he was for the time being. It was rare these days for his overactive mind to find any solace. He was going to enjoy this small slice of heaven as long as he could. Before he knew it, he drifted off again.
When his senses awakened once more, William caught the faint smell of coffee as he noticed that Annette had slipped away and left a pillow as a poor substitute under his head. Rubbing a hand over his face, he started to rise from the bed reluctantly.
Annette poked her head in from the living room, catching sight of him as he peeled off his wrinkled lab coat. "Go take a shower before I have to drag you in there myself."
His eyebrows rose as a crooked smile crept onto his face. "You know I wouldn't mind that." As he noticed her visibly tense, he sighed quietly. "What's wrong? I was only joking..."
"Go freshen up first and we'll talk over breakfast." She answered before disappearing once again.
William made his way to the shower, peeling off his clothes as he waited for the hot water to kick in before stepping inward. As the hot water hit his neck, he closed his eyes to enjoy the relaxation a hot shower would bring. Why is she nervous? I feel like the answer is right before me, but maybe I don't want to face the truth?
Turning off the hot and cold knobs at once, he stepped from the shower, toweling himself off before heading into his closet to dress himself in his usual fare of white collar shirt, random tie and grey slacks. He noted that he really needed to do some laundry as his makeshift hamper was overflowing. He groaned, pushing that from his mind as he moved out of his bedroom.
Annette had set up a small breakfast selection on his kitchen counter, humming softly as she stirred a thin straw in her coffee cup. He backstepped into his bedroom, watching her fondly as she swayed side to side slowly. It feels natural to have her here... with me. I wonder... no, stop. Questions will be asked soon enough.
"Good morning, William."
William chuckled, obviously caught unawares. "That it is. I wasn't aware there was anything in my fridge that would resemble breakfast."
"There wasn't. I stopped by the cafeteria on my way back from changing for work." She lifted her coffee for a quick sip.
He noticed silently that she was no less tense than before. "Do you want to...?" He approached as she turned towards him, gesturing to the scrambled eggs, bacon and biscuits that she had brought.
"Lets eat first. You only have the one chair by your desk, so I thought it would be better to eat in here." She noted, scooping up a biscuit for a bite.
William was quite famished, so he grabbed a fork and the plate straight away to devour the small feast provided. He heard her chuckle as he forgot for a second that he wasn't alone. "Sorry. I'm not used taking my meals slow."
"It's alright. I'm no better half the time, but I do remember to wipe my mouth afterwards." She quipped, pointing to a corner of her mouth with a faint smile. He quickly placed his plate down, nabbing a napkin next to his coffee to take up her advice.
Annette finished off her biscuit, taking another drink from her cup. "Now that I'm here, I really don't know how to put my thoughts into words. Maybe that's what I came to say; I simply don't know right now."
"Why have you been trying to avoid me? Every time I try to give us time to talk, it seems you're too busy or already have plans." William coughed dryly, taking a drink from his coffee heavily.
She leaned against the wall next to the refrigerator, her gaze cast downward. "I have been busy. That's isn't a lie and you have a habit of running off before I can get a word in."
"Yeah. About that, I'm sorry. Our schedules never seem to match up anymore." He paused, setting his cup down. "Can I ask what research you're doing?"
Annette gave a halfhearted shrug. "It's simply more tests to see how far the T-virus can be taken. Albert asked for my help himself, so it was a bit hard to turn down."
"How much longer will these extended tests continue?" William questioned. Why her? He has his own assistants. Why doesn't he ask them to stay later?
Annette met his stare with her own, her face unreadable. "I'm not sure. It seems like we might be a quarter of the way through what he wants to test. And before you ask, I want to see it through to the end."
"Fine, fine." He exhaled loudly. "I rest my case. The only thing I ask if that you be careful. I know how Wesker can be when he latches on to something."
Annette snorted. "Funny. I'm sure he would say the same about you. I've heard about how reckless you were before I got here from the others when I first started. Do you think you're any better when it comes to running extremely dangerous tests?"
"Please don't venture into what I did in the past. I'm well aware of it." William warned, trying not to let that anger him. "Since you've started to assist me, you've helped put me back on track and I certainly don't want to jeopardize that."
Her blue eyes bore into him. "What is it you truly want to say? I get the feeling you're dancing around what you really want to say. I'm pretty sure I can handle whatever it is you throw at me."
"No. There are plenty of things floating through my mind, I won't lie. Most of it's petty nonsense that I would regret ever giving any life to." William frowned. "Just be careful? Especially around Wesker."
Annette crossed her arms. "What exactly do I need to be careful with Albert? I know to be careful about everything else, but this one point is vague at best. I know what kind of man he is and the fact you two are quite similar when it comes to your work."
William couldn't deny that part in the very least. After the training facility, they gained an unspoken mutual understanding or so he thought. "Do you really know what kind of man he is? He's the type of man who puts his goals before everything else." Wait... Now I think about it. Does he have some underlying goal for Annette?
"I know, William, I know." She pushed away from the wall, reaching for her cup to finish off her coffee. "Perhaps I can respect that? To have such forward-thinking for the future? Even Albert can't do everything alone and I wish to help him out as much as I can." She tossed the styrofoam cup into his empty trash can. "If you truly have a problem with this, please let me know now."
William ran his fingers through his damp hair. "Yeah, I have a problem with it, but I can't stop you from making your own decisions." She'll likely do it despite anything I say.
"Honestly, I didn't come here to discuss Albert." Annette appeared a bit lost for words. "I like being together with you, yet there seems so little time to make this work. And well, I've given some thought to your proposal, but I don't have an answer to give you. It might just be a little too soon."
He had been expecting this answer with the way she had been avoiding him. It didn't make it any easier to accept, but there was still a chance. He would just have to do better. "Take as much time as you need. My offer still stands because I'm certain I made the right choice."
Annette's cheek flushed with color. "You making this hard on me... How about we set aside a day for ourselves? Just a day where we can be together without many distractions." She stepped forward, straightening William's collar with an embarrassed smile.
William watched her fondly, the tension in the room seeming to dissipate. "That sounds like an excellent idea. How about Sunday as it tends to be the slowest point in our work schedules?"
"Tomorrow is no good, but after that is fine." She smiled softly as she adjusted his tie properly.
The closer she got, the less William was able to formulate any sense of thought. He didn't ask any questions about tomorrow, deciding it best to leave it alone. Instead, he slid his arms around her, enfolding her into a deep hug. He whispered close to her ear. "Thanks for breakfast. I wouldn't mind you sneaking into my room more often."
Annette pressed herself into the hug, her arms encircling him. "This is a one-time only deal. If I did sneak in here more often, you likely wouldn't be here. Now the labs are a different story..." She chuckled, her head resting under his chin.
"Oh? Now who's the devious one?" He grinned coyly. They remained arm-in-arm for as long as possible. Only when the clock on the counter chimed for 11AM did they return to reality. Annette murmured. "I should get going. I need to go file some paperwork upstairs that I've been avoiding the past two days."
William placed a tender kiss on her forehead before releasing her from his grasp. "Alright. I'll meet you in the labs." He added quickly. "How about dinner tonight?"
"Sure. We'll go out and have a little fun for a change." She ran her fingers along his cheek fondly. Taking a step backwards, she pivoted herself towards the door. "Around 8PM? I guess we could walk around a bit before deciding."
William started to clean up the rest, tying closed the garbage bag to take along with him. "I'll be there." He heard the door shut after Annette. He let out a deep sigh, placing the bag by the door as he moved to put on his shoes. She spends a lot of extra time with Wesker in the labs... No, I mustn't think this way. I'm sure if I played the jealous boyfriend, she might dump me on my ass. Still...
He sprinted quickly into his bedroom, pulling on his lab coat as he opened the door, garbage bag in tow. After dropping the bag off in the proper disposal chute, he ambled in the direction of the elevator. I'm not sure how to feel. Perhaps it's best to not think on this too much. It likely wouldn't have bothered me if it was anyone other than Wesker. If he's trying to pull her away from me, I might just have to do something... underhanded.
***Sunday***
Annette stood in her own small kitchen, sliding a couple of small containers into a dark blue backpack. She wasn't sure if any of it was necessary, but she always liked to be prepared for any situation. The only clue that Albert gave her was to 'attire suitable according to the current climate'. Since it was pretty mild outside, she didn't see the need for much more than a light blouse, a pair of jeans and hiking boots. Where the hell are we going? He called a favor to go frolicking in nature?
She washed her hands thoroughly under the hot water in the sink, patting them dry quickly. A quick check was made to make sure everything was zipped on her pack. Adjusting the straps onto her shoulders, she glanced about while heading for the door, making sure she didn't forget anything before remembering halfway up the slow elevator ride.
Annette stood outside her front door, mapping out the direction she needed to go to reach Albert's room. With a resolute nod, she started along her way, readjusting the hair tie at the end of her braid idly. Last night with William was quite nice. We found a nice little Thai restaurant and had a relaxing walk in the park afterwards. We continued to talk about our relationship amongst other things. I'm surprised he was accepting of my research with Albert, but I have a feeling that he didn't want to tell me how he honestly felt. Fair enough - I haven't completely honest either.
Annette carried a tiny hope that she would be able to find that answer soon. Hopefully, Albert would be in a receptive mood to be able to glean some kind of answer from him. It was a long shot, but she wouldn't be able to move forward otherwise. Is this simply a twisted form of amusement for him? I don't appreciate being toyed with... Yet in that moment, I felt something different. I felt warm; what did he feel?
She sighed despondently, arriving in front of Albert's door with little fanfare. Her knuckles rose to rap on the door.
The copious contents of a large file were spread out on Wesker's desk, impeccably organized to facilitate his needs. The file name read 'O. E. S.', containing about every scrap of information and data he had ever been able to collect on the elusive president of Umbrella. From the first time he learned of Ozwell E. Spencer, he felt compelled to learn what he could about the very elusive man. It was an itch he could not scratch. Nothing had ever eluded him for long, yet figuring out Spencer continued to stay out of his reach would continue.
Wesker tapped his fingers on top of the open file, browsing over the newer piece of intelligence in the other. What is he trying to achieve with all this? It is not money nor power as those are already in his hand. Bio-Organic Weapon development is an expensive venture that is only starting to bear any kind of fruit. What has been created still is not good enough. What are exactly his real intentions?
A soft knock drew him from his thoughts. He checked his watch, frowning as he placed the paper on top of the open file. He would spend half a day sometimes sorting any new information into his growing list of facts and half-truths. Today would not be that day. The thought of leaving this file unsorted did not bother him as much as he had anticipated, yet it did leave him feeling unsettled. It is quite odd that it does not bother me to leave with this new intelligence at hand. Her presence is starting to become troublesome on a number of fronts. I should be more careful.
As he rose from his black leather chair, Wesker rearranged everything into the file, reinserting it into a large brown binder. He pressed a small, hidden button to reveal another row of files he kept out of sight. After he returned the binder to its usual place, he shut it with care to prevent the files in front from spilling forth.
Again, there was another knock with a bit more force.
Wesker continued to frown as he stepped around his desk, his hand pulling open the door once he was close enough. "I heard you the first time." He took stock of Annette's appearance behind his dark glasses. She had prepared more than he gave her credit for. "You do realize it is quite windy this afternoon?"
Annette rolled her eyes dramatically. "Yes, I know. I have a jacket inside my pack when it's necessary. Where exactly are we going?"
He bent over to the side, retrieving the custom-made black utility belt that he created for his occasional excursions into the wilderness that surrounded the mansion. After clipping it around his waist, he shrugged on a black windbreaker. "Ready?"
"I'm guessing this is a hobby of yours. You look dressed up enough to belong to some secret military force." Annette chuckled at his expense, trying to hide her amusement behind her hand. He was dressed quite similarly to a regular soldier: black long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up neatly, black trousers tucked into worn black military boots.
Wesker stepped out of his quarters, locking the door behind him. "It is good to be ready for anything. I am glad you took my advice seriously."
"I'm guessing that's why you were quite vague when I asked where we were heading." She snorted, turning in the direction they needed to go.
He set a brisk pace for the elevator with Annette keeping pace at his side. Approaching the elevator, he pressed the 'up' button and expected to wait a few minutes, yet the doors glided open without hesitation.
Annette held onto the straps of her backpack loosely, stepping into the elevator before Albert could. "I pushed the button on my way here."
"Clever girl." Wesker offered sarcastically, following after her quickly as she pushed the button to get the elevator into its slow ascension. The silence was almost deafening as he expected her to question him endlessly, but her expression did not reveal what she was thinking. He almost felt compelled to ask why. Almost. As they reached the top floor, they continued side-by-side as they managed to exit the mansion without another word.
A gust of early summer wind brushed past them, making Annette's braid dance lazily while Wesker readjusted his glasses. He had been very pleased with the pair she had made for him that they became his default.
Annette breathed in deeply. "What a beautiful day. The wind smells so fresh, the sun feels nice and the sky is a sight for sore eyes." In her elation, she spun around in place without a second thought.
Wesker arched an eyebrow as he watched her little display. "My, my. You are easy to please sometimes." He drawled, moving past her in the direction he planned to take through the canopied forest. Despite his usual impassiveness, he did feel more at ease every time he hiked through the trees and underbrush.
"You might be right. Working in a lab can make one forget the beauty that is up above. I've only had enough time to wander the closer parameter and not further into the mountains like I've wanted to." She followed after him this time as the path was too narrow otherwise.
Wesker brushed another clinging thatch out of his way. "I have traversed a good amount of the surrounding forest over the past few years. There is much to see that many do not realize is here."
"Where exactly are we going?" Annette quipped, plucking up a dead branch to toss out of the way. "Not that it really matters. Watching the green leaves shiver in the treetops above is entrancing."
He spared an upward glance. "It might be more mindful to pay attention to where your feet are going."
"What?" She started to ask, caught off guard by a declining slope layered with a thick blanket of dead leaves. As she started to slide, her hand darted up to grab his bicep roughly. Her feet kicked out as she tried to get her balance, taking a few attempts before finding herself upright again. "You could've given a bit more help."
Wesker glanced down to her hand clinging to his sleeve. "I did warn you. You did not heed my words fast enough." With a quick jerk of his arm, he freed himself of her hold to continue forward. Why did I not assist her? What is this feeling of mild agitation?
"Yeah. Thanks." She sounded off begrudgingly. From that point onward, the trip was only filled with the ambient sounds of the wind, trees and the various indigenous wildlife. Along the way, she kept a skinny branch to drag along absently at her side. Even after the brush had opened up, she trailed behind him with no desire to catch up. It was close to an hour before she would hear his voice again.
Wesker nodded his head forward, his hands buried in the pockets of his windbreaker. "We will follow this creek for a short time. Be mindful you do not slip as the rocks are quite smooth from erosion."
"Would you mind if I ask a question?" She inquired as she stopped by the creek side, tossing the branch into the water to watch it flow along.
"Enlighten me." He answered lowly as he knelt down close to the water. He pulled his gloves on after retrieving them from his belt along with an empty tube. His fingers reached down into the river, moving aside a couple of smooth stones.
Annette knelt down to observe his ministrations better. "I suppose what you're doing right now might answer that question: Is there a particular reason you journey this far into the woods?"
"Reflection and observation amongst other matters. Look here. This small crayfish is quite harmless in its current state." Wesker held up the dripping, wriggling crustacean. "It scavenges and feeds like any other organism. Now ask yourself: what would happen to this creature if it was infected by the current test strain of the T-virus?"
Her lips formed a tight line. "All results vary, but it would eventually die and mutate into a mindless existence with an insatiable hunger for anything living..." Her eyes widened as the realization dawned on her. "Even with this much seclusion, this forest alone would become a death trap if the virus ever leaked out."
"Exactly. After countless tests on local flora and fauna, everything changes into something monstrous after the T-virus is added into the equation." He placed the crayfish in the tube, sealing it as he returned it to his pack. "The Ashfords did one thing right by establishing their base in Antarctica: it is secluded and lacks most life that could spread the virus if it ever got out. It could be easily contained at that location if there was a chance for a viral outbreak. This forest would only fuel the fire in a manner of speaking." He rose, wiping his gloved hands together. I have not even told Birkin this. Why is it that I tell her?
Annette lowered her hand, her fingers trailing in the gentle current. "I hate to say that thought never crossed my mind, but there are a lot of fail-safes and security measures that the virus reaching the surface would be close to impossible."
"Nothing is impossible. Keep that in mind." His boots dug into the moist soil, leaving imprints behind as he started towards his destination again. After a few minutes, he heard her hurried steps fall in behind him.
As the trees started to part, Wesker narrowed his eyes as the light reflected sharply off the lake, his glasses giving him little protection before he could look away. He paused as his vision returned to normal, regarding the lake and the surrounding shore to get his bearings. It was relatively peaceful as he was likely the only person to visit this secluded place due to its position within the Arklay mountains.
He spared a look over his shoulder, noticing Annette stood to his side. She had opened her backpack, extracting a hard leather case before zipping it up. A frown started to spread as he realized that it was a camera case. "Does survival require to bring along a camera?"
"Did I ask you to carry it? No. For your information, photography has been a hobby of mine." She informed him, though he already knew due to her college records.
Wesker stopped by the edge of the lake, his windbreaker giving some protest as a surge of wind hit him full force. He bowed his head slightly to let the wind pass by him without messing up his general appearance too much.
*SNAP*
He gritted his teeth together as he heard her continue to take pictures. As he was about to speak up, he noticed that she was facing in the opposite direction, photographing the forest line and the other side of the distant shore. Fine. I will let it go this one time. Knowing her, she would insist on a shot together.
Annette lowered her camera, letting it hang from the strap around her neck. "I can't blame you for coming out this far. This is quite a secluded slice of heaven."
"That is one way of putting it." Wesker nodded in rare agreement. "Now, are you ready to assist me?"
She raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "Hold on a sec. What exactly do you need me to do that you couldn't do? If you're looking for additional specimens, why not request what it is to be shipped in?"
"I never said I could not do it, but I do require another set of hands. I am testing the surrounding wildlife to see what reaction each species has towards the T-virus. Every time I have asked before, I receive badly-damaged samples in return. No, I prefer gathering them by my own hands." He answered, reaching into his pack again to draw a round ventilated jar forth. Without further hesitation, he eased one foot into the water to test the stability.
Annette chuckled nervously, returning her camera to its case. "Um. I'm not sure what to tell you, Albert, but I do have a mild fear of open bodies of water."
Wesker shuffled carefully through the lake shallows. He turned his shielded gaze on her, noticing that she had grown quite pale and stood at least ten feet away from the shore. "Can you manage to stand in the shallows? I will bring the specimens to shore so you can remove the lamprey."
She chewed at her bottom lip, placing the camera case back into her backpack as she slid it from her shoulders to rest it on the ground. "I... I think I could manage that." Kneeling down, she started to remove her footware.
Their retrieval mission went quite smoothly to start. He had kept a small group of fish isolated in a netted-off area close to shore from the last time he came out here a week ago. The water was clear enough to see that some of the fish caught had lampreys attached. He crouched down, grabbing one of the fish in his gloved hands. Quickly, he sloshed back to shore where Annette waited. Her file did not note any phobias. Has she kept it hidden that well since she discovered this fear?
"Anne." Wesker barked her name, snapping Annette's attention from the water. Her glazed eyes blinked as she stared back him, unmoving until the fish started to wriggle in his grasp. "Hurry." She did not waste a moment as her fingers plucked both of the tiny squirming lamprey to stick in the jar. He bent down instantly, letting the fish escape back into the lake.
Annette snapped the lid shut, trying to remain focused on the task at hand. Her clammy hands held tightly to the container, concentrating herself on the green lid. "Why did you let the fish go? You could've easily gotten the lampreys yourself if you..."
"I was not going to eat the fish, nor keep it as a specimen. It would be a waste to kill it senselessly when it might effect the food chain of this lake. I have taken a good number from thse waters as it is. I do not wish to disturb the balance more than necessary." Wesker stated the facts, shaking his hands at a brisk pace to free most of the water from his gloves.
Annette clutched onto the jar, her knuckles white. "I'm sorry, Albert. Could you lead me out of the water?"
"Close your eyes and shuffle backwards towards shore." He remarked before he could take stock of her situation. She was visibly shivering, her shoulder hunched over as she held the sample close to her body. Her braid had come loose from the strong wind, shrouding her features from view.
Her words were to the point. "Don't you ever feel weakness, Albert?"
"Nothing I would rightfully acknowledge." Wesker remained by the shore, watching her wavy hair dance upon the breeze.
Nothing I would ever admit.