Okay this is probably going to be the last chapter for a while. Hopefully not..but I am not sure at this point with the weather and school going on. I'm currently working on some story boarding for the Middle East landing and such so it might take me a little bit longer to get those whipped out. Thank you all for barring with me on this, and I hope you enjoy!

Helena woke up the following morning and began to get ready for a much needed bath. Since she hadn't talked to Leon in the last two weeks she also didn't bathe much. Most of the time she had herself pent up in her room and did nothing but write. Back when she was younger, Helena always used to write down her thoughts or whatever popped into her head during times she would be stressed. It not only helped her get over the fight she and Leon had, but it also allowed her to finally get things down that she had been meaning to go over with herself personally. One thing was Leon being her crush, the second being her PTSD. Helena managed to get her priorities straight when it came to Leon, but it was hard for her to cope with. Then she thought back to what he had said earlier:

"When you truly love someone despite their flaws, you'll do anything to protect them. Even if they hurt you deeply you'll still carry a torch."

Helena figured the best way to mend their broken friendship would be to forget about him, at least when it came to her feelings. Helena knew deep down she would never be able to compare to Ada, nor did she want to be for that matter. Also in the end Leon's friendship was worth more to her than trying her luck to convince him to be with her. Helena sighed and stared up as she laid down in the cool water of the bathtub. She figured that part of the reason why she had any sort of feelings for him was due to the close proximity they had during Tall Oaks and China. If one deduced it, Helena could compare it to lust. She figured that this crush she had on Leon would eventually go away and she began to already see results since they hadn't been around each other.

As for Helena's PTSD, she didn't want Leon's help with it if she could make it so. After discovering that writing helped her keep her mind preoccupied she determined the best course of action would be to have something to write on at all times. If she could even have a slip of toilet paper, god forbid, she'd use it to write on. When Helena could jot down her deepest thoughts, the memories of Deborah didn't seem to haunt her as much. It was the best medicine she could think of for herself, and it was the best way to ensure Leon wouldn't get too close to her. A part of Helena's heart ached though. She knew she was sacrificing something deep but then she smacked her forehead as something came to her.

"Helena, not only is he with someone out of your league but he's twelve, may I repeat, twelve years older than you. What is wrong with you?"

Helena had risen up from the bath tub and grabbed a nearby towel and wrapped her damp body with it. She then sighed and could remember the way he smiled at her when they were making dinner last time before their fight.

"I can't help it…"

She muttered to herself as she began to dry her hair. It was going to be yet another long day, and she wasn't looking forward to it. After receiving Hunnigan's call not that long ago about her suspension it broke her inside a bit. Helena couldn't believe what Kent had done already and it infuriated her beyond belief. Nothing could be done about it though; she would remain on suspension until the next couple of months were up. She wouldn't be able to have contact with Leon either. That part made Helena quite suspicious of Kent. He made it clear to her not to come around him nor try to personally be in close proximity. Helena wondered exactly what Kent might have been up to but brushed it off, she assumed it was probably Leon's doing. It was part of the reason why she didn't bother to pick up his calls and what not; she assumed he already called their partnership quits.

After she dried her hair, Helena threw on some casual clothing and opened up the door to her apartment to get the mail from a nearby box nailed near the door bell. Helena saw picked up the mail and went back inside. It was basically just bills and what not until she got to the bottom. It was a clear envelope with nothing on it but the words "Hey" on the front. Helena cautiously opened it up and recognized the handwriting right off the bat. She went to take a seat before reading it to herself.

Helena—

Chris Redfield and the rest of the BSAA team in the Middle East have ceased communication with HQ. Kent Withrow tasked me to head off to arrest Ivan Spokovitch (the bioterrorist they have been after) and leave the others to their fate. He also assigned me a new partner, agent Tucker, to help me out with the mission. Being someone who can't just needlessly abandon others, I'm going to the Middle East within the next three days to rescue Chris and arrest Ivan. You are coming with me. I know that you have been suspended but I've already taken care of your reinstatement. I realize you might be upset reading this but Helena you were the only one I could think of who could help me.

Helena, I've given it a lot of thought since the night we had our spat. I screwed up. I should never have said those things to you. I'm sure you feel the same way. I don't know what came over me. I guess I was just angry that you might have been telling me the truth a little.

I want us to be alright with each other again. When we are out there in the field together, we need to have each other's backs all the way. I don't want something like this to end our friendship. You mean a lot to me.

You don't have to see me in person until Hunnigan gives us the okay for the mission, but at the very least text me or pick up the phone so we can talk. I want to make this up to you and maybe even enjoy what little time we have left before we get thrown back into hell again.

You in?

Leon

"Like you're giving me much choice."

Helena found herself talking out loud as she sat the letter down and pondered in her thoughts for a moment. She had promised herself that staying away from Leon would be in her best interests, even if Kent did order it himself. Helena picked up the letter again though and kept on reading the one line you mean a lot to me and her heart raced a bit. Sure, it was highly unlikely they'd ever be together, and sure she knew that seeing him would probably undo the work she had put on herself mentally, but Helena had to see Leon. Helena didn't bother to eat breakfast and instead got herself more properly dressed and checked her cell phone for the text messages that Leon had sent. She managed to find the one with his new address and immediately headed out the door.

It took Helena over an hour or so to reach her destination and she was amazed at how beautiful the complex looked on the outside. Helena found herself entering the building and was baffled that there was no elevator for such a large place. She found the staircase and began to make her way up. Leon was on the top floor it seemed and a part of her groaned as she climbed the stairs. He had to make it this difficult she thought as she kept on pressing forward. About another five minutes or so she managed to reach up to the top. Helena was surprised to see that for such a large space there were only two doors on the final floor. Helena assumed that the apartments on top were large and therefore could only accommodate two separate people and/or families. She looked over at the door that was more towards the stair case and saw the sign for rent smacked on the front of it. Maybe one day we can be neighbors Helena smiled to herself knowing full well it could never happen for she couldn't afford a big place like that. She traveled to the end of the hallway and knocked. Helena could hear the door being adjusted and locks were being taken off. After that was taken care of, she saw Leon come outside of the apartment and he smiled at her gently as he shut the door.

"I take it you got the letter."

"Yeah, I'll admit it was kind of sweet."

"I meant what I said."

Helena nodded at Leon and looked around the hallway a bit.

"It's really big up here."

"Just wait until you see the inside of my place."

Helena then heard something break on the other side of the door and Leon rolled his eyes a bit and could hear the ruckus in the back. Helena cocked an eyebrow and looked up at Leon with concern.

"Do you have company?"

"Yeah, my neighbors from my previous apartment have me babysit sometimes. I told them I'd still help out."

Helena lightly giggled a bit.

"You, a babysitter? How many are there?"

"Three. Two boys and a girl. Ages 9, 7, and 6…they travel in packs."

"Sounds like you need some help."

"You don't mind?"

Helena shook her head and smiled up at him warmly.

"I don't mind kids. As long as they have a 'please return to parents so and so' policy then I can handle it."

Leon lightly laughed and then they both found themselves staring at each other. The two looked more than happy to see one another, but the wounds from the fight had made them a bit afraid to be around the other. Leon slowly got closer to Helena and she found his arms lightly folding around her waist as he pulled her into a hug. Helena's arms lightly shook as she found herself returning it.

"Helena I'm sorry for everything."

"I am too. Leon everything I said was uncalled for."

Leon's grip on her became a little bit more tightly for the moment, then he began to pull away from her a little bit. He still had his hands rested on her hips and Helena had her arms wrapped around his neck. They both looked at one another with forgiveness in their eyes and for some reason it seemed as if their bodies were magnetized for they started to get closer. Before anything else could be done or said, Leon's door swung open and one of the boys laughed.

"Hey you two should kiss!"

Leon turned around quickly and the kid took off, laughing away with his brother. Leon shook his head in disappointment at them and Helena lightly giggled to herself.

"You boys should know better not to eavesdrop on peoples conversations."

"You shouldn't be making out with your girlfriend when there are children present!"

The second boy stated who looked at least two years older than the one who opened up the door in the first place. Leon shot a glare at them and they both put their hands up in surrender as Leon crossed his arms.

"Henry was the one that made me do it Uncle Leon!"

The younger child pointed up at the older one and took a hit from his brother.

"Quinton said he thought it would be funny!"

"Nuh huh!"

"Uh huh!"

Before anything else could be done, the two boys were fighting with each other. More like thrashing about like a pair of caught fish would sum it up. Leon went over and picked them up away from each other. He gave them a stern look and shook his head at them disappointed. Leon then sat them both on the couch away from the other and Helena came into the apartment more as Leon began to talk to them. Helena was amazed at how large the place was, and could even see he had a nice view of the city. She sort of became jealous upon seeing he had a nice balcony to complete it. Helena would have given anything to live in a nice place such as this. Her attention went back to Leon though as he talked to the boys.

"For the last time me and Helena are not dating. You can hug a woman when you're older and still be friends. A hug does not constitute as a kiss or anything like that."

The boys nodded but the older one, Henry looked slightly puzzled still. He raised his hand and Leon groaned a bit.

"Yes Henry?"

"Leon what the heck does constitute mean?"

Leon smacked his forehead and shook his head. Helena couldn't help but laugh at the frustration that seemed to grow on him. The younger kid Quinton began to giggle a lot and Leon cocked an eyebrow and looked over at him.

"What's so funny?"

"Your girlfriend thinks you're a dork too!"

"That's it!"

The boys screamed together as Leon tried to grab them. They then laughed playfully as Leon chased them around the apartment. Helena couldn't believe she was seeing this before her eyes. Leon had told her before weeks ago that he didn't like kids and now found it hard to believe he even said anything like that. He seemed to be enjoying himself trying to get them as they kept on messing around with his belongings. Helena then heard a yawn and saw Marlene come out from a nearby room. She rubbed her eyes and then saw Leon chasing her brothers around. She looked up at Helena and smiled.

"Hiya!"

"Well hi there."

Helena said as she continued to watch the amusement before her. Marlene began to watch too and shook her head.

"Were they picking on Uncle Leon again?"

"Yeah, it seems like it."

"Aren't you going to help him out?"

Helena looked a little bit hesitate but then shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't know I think he's got this one."

Helena spoke too soon and noticed how the boys managed to trip Leon and he fell face down onto the ground. Marlene and her both tensed together, imagining the pain he must have been feeling. Leon just lied there motionless and the boys looked scared. Henry and Quinton slowly approached his almost lifeless body and studied him for a bit.

"Quinton, is he dead?"

Henry said as Quinton shrugged and lightly kicked Leon. He screamed at the top of his lungs when Leon lunged up and grabbed him by the leg and trapped him. Henry backed off and ran while Leon held Quinton in place.

"Gotcha!"

"No! No I don't want a Leon zombie getting me!"

Leon smirked and began to groan and moan making Quinton flip out much more. Marlene laughed hard and fell backwards hearing her brother scream like a school girl being asked out to prom. Helena couldn't help but think the entire scenario was cute. She was surprised to see Leon acting this way. Helena assumed that due to the Raccoon City incident, Leon wouldn't tolerate hearing the words zombie or heck even act like one or pretend he was one given the nightmare he had to live through. Leon let go of Quinton's leg and slowly rose up. He stuck his arms out and began to intensify the moans and groans much to Henry's and Marlene's amusement and slowly slouched his way to the kids.

"Brains, I want your brains!"

The boys including Marlene began to scream playfully and ran away from Leon. Helena couldn't help but smile and laugh more and then noticed Leon coming towards her. She sort of got nervous as he grabbed her.

"Leon what are you doing?"

Helena whispered as she looked over Leon's shoulder and could see them ushering her to run away. Leon smirked and began to whisper back to Helena.

"Just play along with it. The sooner I can get them worn out the sooner they can take a nap."

"Alright I'll help you just this once."

Helena pretended she was struggling against Leon and called the kids for help. They shook their heads and she could have sworn one of them shouted you're on your own. Leon then finally came close to Helena's neck and lightly bit her. A shock went down her body as she jumped back a bit from the contact. Her whole body shook from the pleasure, and a part of her wanted him to do it again. Helena snapped out of it though and began to act like a zombie along with Leon and they chased the kids around. It went on like this for a couple of hours or so and by the time it was the afternoon the two boys were passed out sleeping on the couch while Marlene, Leon and Helena sat at the kitchen table and were coloring with her. Helena liked the girl's company more so than the boys. After being kicked a couple of times while playing zombie she had a little bit of resentment towards them. Helena brushed it off however and still enjoyed their company, she was happy like Leon though to know they were sound asleep. Helena stopped doodling for a bit and watched how in the zone Leon was with this. He was a completely different person when he was with kids. Dare she say it, he looked somewhat happier than he normally was. So much for hating kids Helena thought as she continued to watch.

"Uncle Leon what are you drawing?"

"A giraffe riding on a cool truck."

Leon held up the picture and it was a poorly drawn giraffe riding on a highly detailed truck. Marlene laughed at it and shook her head at him. Helena found herself laughing at the stupidity of it.

"Uncle Leon what is that? It looks like a squished frog."

"You can't see that it's a giraffe?"

Marlene grinned and shook her head, then continued to work on her separate piece. Leon looked over at Helena and smiled at her. She returned one back and then saw Leon trying to peek at the drawing. He then grabbed it from Marlene while she was working on it and she grinned at him.

"Alright then Michelangelo, then what do you call this?"

Marlene laughed and pointed at Leon and motioned back to the paper.

"That's you with a goatee and a machete. You fight all the zombies and win!"

"Why did you draw me with a goatee?"

"I don't know."

Helena saw the doodle and laughed at how out of proportion it was along with Leon. Helena then noticed another figure in it and she smiled.

"Hey Marlene, who is that?"

Helena said as she pointed to it. Marlene pointed at her and motioned back once more to her work.

"That's you with a baseball. You kill zombies too!"

Helena felt good inside and she smirked at Leon.

"The kid draws better than you."

Leon rolled his eyes and laughed it off. Marlene went back to work finishing up her picture of Helena and Leon killing zombies. Helena went back to doodling whatever came to her head and didn't notice how Leon was looking at her. He was happy she was here with him helping him out with the kids. He also couldn't help but admire how nice she looked throughout the day. Leon could feel himself getting more lost as he kept on staring at her. It was only when Marlene looked at Leon with a puzzled look did he go back to drawing. Marlene stopped and cleared her throat, capturing both Leon's attention and Helena's.

"Aunt Lena, Uncle Leon are you two in love?"

Helena's eyes slightly widened as did Leon's and she shook her head. Helena smiled at her and she began to speak up.

"No, we're just friends Marlene."

"Then why does Uncle Leon stare at you while you're drawing?"

Helena shot a look at Leon and crossed her arms as his face flushed with red and held up his arms in surrender.

"Don't look at me; she's the one with the crazy ideas."

"Hey I'm not crazy! You were looking at Aunt Lena!"

Leon and Helena just laughed it off as Marlene sulked a little bit. She then had yet another question pop up and she tugged on Leon's shoulder a bit.

"Uncle Leon I got a question."

"Shoot kid."

"Can you and Aunt Lena have babies?"

Leon and Helena were both taken aback as they looked at one another with fear. Leon turned his attention to Marlene and shook his head.

"No, we can't and this is a question you should ask your parents not me."

Marlene nodded her head and went back to drawing until Helena got her attention.

"Grown ups having kids is very complicated Marlene. Leon's right, you should ask your parents about it."

"So can I ask my parents if you both will have babies then?"

"No."

Leon and Helena said in unison as they kept on drawing for the remainder of the time, too embarrassed to look up at the other after Marlene's innocent questions.

After another few hours or so the kid's parents came by and picked them up. Leon sighed with relief as he sunk into the couch and closed his eyes. Helena came by also did the same thing. The two were both exhausted from babysitting and were in the mood for a nap. Helena looked over at Leon and smiled at him. He returned one back and took in a deep breath.

"It's a shame you don't like kids."

"Nasty little rats."

Leon sarcastically stated as he adjusted a bit. Helena lightly giggled and shook her head.

"You seemed like a natural."

"Nah, I just found good ways to knock them out."

They both laughed together a bit again and Leon gazed up and down at Helena.

"I'm happy to see you smile again."

Helena glanced up at Leon a bit then turned her attention back to her lap.

"Thanks."

They both grew silent and looked around a bit trying to keep their thoughts to themselves. Helena could feel Leon's hand on top of hers and she jumped back a little. She looked up at him longingly and could see something was up with him.

"Leon…"

"You were somewhat right about me and Ada. I had no room to say you didn't know a thing about love. I'm the one who doesn't get it."

"Don't trouble yourself about it. I already forgave you. Just forgive yourself already."

He nodded and his hand retreated away from hers.

"Do you want to try talking again?"

The question slightly baffled Helena and despite what had happened two weeks ago she found herself nodding in approval.

"Sure we can. But this time if something gets brought up we feel uncomfortable about, let's just drop it and move on to another topic."

"I couldn't agree more."

They both smiled again at one another and began to talk their problems out. They were both happy things were patched up again, and continued to talk about their problems and troubles long through the rest of the day. Leon couldn't help but think if only things worked out like this two weeks ago. The truth was he was nervous about the upcoming mission for he had never had experience in the Middle East, and a weird part of him felt like it might be the last time they would get to talk again. Leon wanted to make the last two days or so meaningful and allowing Helena to become that much closer to him made the possibility of dying not sound as bad. If one of them was going to return home, he was going to make sure it would be Helena. He pushed all of his negatives to the back of his mind and continued to listen to Helena talk. It was the most meaningful moments he had ever had with another person.