Chapter 11: Addicted

Leon stared out of the Land Rover's passenger window in boredom. The Outback had looked the same for the past two hour drive as his partner, a BSAA agent by the name of Joey Wilson, talked on and on about this and that. The sun was sizzling hot, making the reddish brown sand gleam with heat waves. Leon saw everything from kangaroos to dingoes running about as they drove across the landscape to their destination.

Hopefully I won't have anymore run in with snakes…yeah…right…this is snake country of the deadliest kind…

Leon had just about stepped on, picked up, kissed, and wrangled with too many species of venomous snakes while on assignment out here. He knew he didn't have much luck when it came to coming into contact with things he didn't care much for. Snakes were one of them.

I hope you are happy Hunnigan…

Leon heaved a sigh. It was actually quite an experience out here. He had to give Australia its perks. It was a beautiful country, with such a diverse landscape and wildlife. All the people were wonderful…save for the Black Market scumbags he was trying to locate. It was the first in his career as an agent to partner up with a BSAA agent. Joey was a good guy, not much younger than Leon, but an all around faithful agent. Leon, however, wanted to get out of here and return home for a long, deserving vacation. He especially wanted to get home knowing that Claire was back in D.C with Chris and the others. It wasn't as if they hadn't seen each other in a long time, because that wasn't true. Leon just saw her last month before she was to fly to the United States and he was to fly to Australia. It had just been a long time for the two of them to actually hang out as friends and enjoy each other's company without something coming up from work.

"Is something the matter, mate?" Joey asked in his thick Australian accent, glancing over to the left to see if Leon was still alive. That was another thing. It had been a long time since Leon had been in a car where the steering wheel was on the right side. Here he was sitting in the left seat, the passenger seat, feeling like he should be the one driving.

You are a total American, Kennedy…

"What? Oh, sorry. Just thinking."

"You think a lot."

Leon blinked, slowly smiling. He looked over to the handsome young Aussie man. "Is that a compliment?"

"It is whatever you take it as, mate," Joey chuckled. "Hey, don't worry about it. I called in a few recruits. I really think we are gonna get 'em here. After we take 'em out, I am sure your Agency will ship ya home."

"Hopefully."

As the word came from his mouth, something knotted in the pit of his stomach. Leon frowned, suddenly thinking of Claire. It was a weird emotion that came over him. He missed her. But it wasn't that that was bothering…He suddenly felt as if he was worried about her…like something happened.

What the hell is wrong with you? Claire is fine. She is with her brother and the others back in D.C. You are just worried about not getting back in time to see her…

Leon clenched his jaw. He was lying to himself. He was worried about Claire. The simple fact was because she was spending her time with Albert Wesker. Sure the man had amnesia, but that didn't mean he wasn't dangerous. He could remember everything at any given moment. And what if he did? What would happen to Claire and the others?

Chill out…everything is going to be fine…

Ada sat there with her fingers covering her eyes, trying to help the severe headache that had overcome her. She had spent several hours going through Wesker's documents and files. There was nothing to even remotely help with Sherry's condition. Dr. Jennings was able to stabilize her. Nicholai was busy checking through other sources for some answers. Ada hoped he was having better luck than she was. At this moment, if they didn't find anything to help Sherry, her condition would start to worsen. There was a reason why Wesker kept the serum to himself, but he apparently didn't care enough about Sherry to leave it to someone else just in case he wasn't able to get to her.

You should leave now…why are you still here? Wesker is most likely never coming back. This is your chance to escape.

Ada had continued to argue with herself as she searched through everything. She felt it was a kind of duty to protect Sherry. After all, she had known the girl since she was young when Ada was getting caught up with Wesker in the first place, cheating on John, and working for Ozwell E. Spencer. She could only laugh as she looked back now. She should have never got caught up with Albert Wesker in the first place.

Ada figured she could at least help Sherry before walking out the door. It was still uneasy for her to think that she could go without getting caught. The chip was in her body somewhere. If Wesker ever came back, he would hunt her down, and he would succeed in finding her. If she left, she would be counting on him never remembering, unless she was going to be brave enough and face him while he couldn't remember anything.

And exactly what would you say to him while he is in that state?

She didn't know the answer herself. As much as she hated Wesker for what he did to her, there was still this love for him that she would never be able to shed away from. Ada hated herself for it. Her long history with Wesker was enough proof of their love-hate relationship…the game of cat and mouse they played with each other…a game that would never end.

Ada heard the automatic door slid open behind her. She looked over her shoulder to see Nicholai enter the room. The look on the Russian's face told her that he had no luck in finding the serum either.

"So…what now?" she asked, sighing slightly as she leaned on the table and crossed her arms.

"I have no idea," Nicholai answered, shaking his head. He ran his fingers along his buzz cut silver hair, looking grim. "Sherry may be losing time."

They trailed off, growing quiet in thought. Ada then noticed Nicholai slowly look up at her, and she noticed a glint to his eyes. She narrowed her own at him, not liking whatever he was planning. She knew the Russian too well, and shook her head.

"Nope. I won't do it."

"You don't even know what I was going to suggest."

"How well do you know me, Nicholai?"

"Very well."

"Am I going to like your suggestion?"

"No."

"Okay, then."

Nicholai heaved a sigh. "We have no other choice."

Ada closed her eyes for a moment, knowing she was going to regret asking. "Okay, what is it?"

"We need to go to Wesker, and see if we can get him to remember. And by we I mean you. I have to stay here and keep in charge over everything."

Ada started laughing. Nicholai gave her a slightly annoyed look that calmed into a dull look as he waited for Ada to get over her laughing fit.

"You want me to go to Wesker to see if I can get him to remember?" Ada chuckled. "After all that he did to me? You expect me to go to him?"

"You brought this on yourself. But this isn't about you or Wesker. It's about Sherry. She needs the serum, Ada."

Ada grew quiet, knowing that Nicholai was right. Ada wanted to refuse though. She couldn't go to Wesker and risk him remembering everything. She wanted her freedom. But Sherry could lose her life if Ada didn't try. Why couldn't she have been as selfish as Krauser?

"I will think on it," Ada muttered, slipping past the Russian to head out of the room.

Wesker leaned over the sink, trying to focus on slow breaths to ease the pulsing pain in his head. He had no idea what was overcoming him, but he didn't like the feeling. The sink was filled with watery oil, blackening the porcelain and his nose. His vision had become red, and if he moved he felt slow and sluggish. For a moment, he thought he was going insane because his senses were going in and out. At one moment, he could easily hear noises on the floor below, and then he couldn't hear at all. At one moment, he could smell all kinds of scents that flooded his nose just the same as the oil did, and then he couldn't smell. In his red vision, it became blurry and clear.

He had no idea what overcame him when Rurik and his men were here. It was almost as if he had snapped as soon as he saw him aim that gun at Claire. He had been hell-bent on protecting her, killing several of the men before he even realized it. Wesker was starting to wonder if he really posed a danger to Claire himself. He swallowed hard, knowing that deep down he was a danger to everyone. Chris was right about him…

He heard the door slowly creak open. Wesker looked over to see Claire enter. She was cautious in her steps. Wesker didn't know if she was being cautious of him or his space, but his head hurt too much to think on it. As she came closer to him, Wesker began to back away. Claire ceased in her steps, frowning up at him and almost looking hurt.

Wesker shook his head, feeling how shaky his hands were. "I don't…want to hurt you."

"You aren't going to hurt me," Claire replied, taking a soft step forward. "Albert…you protected me."

"I killed those mercenaries without realizing it."

Claire lowered her eyes. "You just…lost yourself for a moment. It was completely self defense. You were acting on instinct. It's nothing to be worried about."

Wesker gave a shallow laugh. "And this black oil that is seeping out of my nose? Is that something we don't have to worry about?"

"Look, Chris and Jill are taking some of it back to HQ to test it. They think…they think it might be Uroboros."

Wesker clenched his jaw. "In that case…I am dangerous."

"Not to us," Claire informed, tone strong. "I believe in you."

"Seeing what I did…I don't want to remember."

Claire shook her head. "I don't want you to remember either. I like you the way you are right now."

"What about Sherry then?"

"We will find another way to locate her," Claire answered, sounding confident.

Wesker couldn't be so sure himself. Chris was doing everything in his power to get him to remember. Wesker knew exactly what the BSAA was planning with him. Once Wesker remembered and admitted to the actions he took over the years, they were going to give him the death sentence.

Could Wesker blame them? Could Wesker blame Chris? Of course not. If he was in their shoes, he would probably want the same justice. Wesker realized that he did indeed deserve death for the countless crimes he committed. He wondered how he was able to even survive at all from the events of Kijuju. But as he stared down at the black oil in the sink, Wesker could only swallow hard and think of some reasons of how he was able to.

"Look, the police and BSAA will be here all night. You need somewhere to stay. Let's just head back to my apartment, alright?" Claire said, drawing Wesker out of his reverie.

"No, I think he will be much more comfortable back at Headquarters."

Wesker and Claire looked to the door. They didn't even hear Chris come in. Jill was at his side. Claire looked taken aback, and then glared at her brother.

"Chris, I don't think that is a good idea. He is already stressed enough; we can't make this worse on him."

"No, he's right," Wesker put in, shaking his head. "I will go to Headquarters. It is only logical."

Claire looked as if she wanted to argue, but grew quiet. Jill unfolded her arms, slightly turning to head out of the large bathroom. "Then let's get going before the FBI get involved."

Chris and Jill went with Dustin once they reached Headquarters to get the oil ready for testing. Wentworth stayed with Claire and Wesker, leading them to a room where Wesker could stay for the night. The BSAA Headquarters had a section of rooms similar to a hotel's in one of the upper levels, mainly used for higher-ups coming in from other countries. Wesker's room wasn't as big as the one from the other hotel, but it was enough for him to be comfortable.

"Well this should do for now," Wentworth stated. He seemed a little uneasy. Claire figured it was the lack of a real explanation on what happened. His brief telling of the attack at the hotel, and Wesker's actions probably was making the director unsure.

"I appreciate this, thank you," Wesker answered, his tone uneasy as well. Claire knew Wesker was still unsure of himself.

Wentworth nodded, but his eyes soon landed on Claire. His expression was of mild question, and so Claire figured he wanted to know if she was following him out or not.

"Tell Chris and Jill to go ahead and go home. I will catch up later. I just want to make sure he is going to be alright."

The director seemed unsure at first, but soon nodded his head in comply. He told them to have a good night before turning and leaving Wesker and Claire alone in the room. For a long moment, Claire watched Wesker as he stared out the nearest window, as if expecting Rurik to return and finish the job.

"I will be alright, dear heart. You should go," he suddenly said, turning to slip past her.

Claire shook her head. "Not until I am sure you are alright." She walked over to him, touching his arm softly and looking up into his eyes. Claire could see that Wesker was thinking hard, because his eyes were calculating as they watched the windows.

"What if it is Uroboros?" he asked, tone almost raspy.

"Then we will find a way to fix it," Claire answered, hoping to her core that it wasn't Uroboros. Her hope was only broken because she could not think of anything else that it could be.

"They aren't going to fix me. They never were. The only reason why I am here is so I will remember. But once I remember the BSAA will give me the death sentence."

Claire lowered her eyes. She should have figured that Wesker was intelligent enough to know their motives. She had once been in it herself, but now she felt compelled to break away from that plan.

"You are a part of it."

His words struck home, and Claire clenched her jaw for a moment, closing her eyes. "I was. I don't want you to remember anymore."

"Why not?" Wesker asked, turning to face her.

"Because, there is no reason for you to. We can find Sherry another way."

"So that's it?" Wesker snorted. "You are just going to forget about all the horrible things I have done? Taking Sherry…taking Steve's body…the treachery, the deceit, the blood spilling, the hate…all of it? Just like that?"

"You aren't that man anymore!"

"That doesn't mean I don't have to face the consequences," Wesker mumbled, looking away from her.

"If you knew all this would happen if you remembered with the BSAA, why are you still here then?" Claire asked, slowly stepping for him.

Wesker shook his head. "I really don't know. My mind keeps telling me to go to Ada, but I can't bring myself to leave here."

"Ada's not going to help you."

"Neither is the BSAA once I do remember," Wesker added. "But that is where I must make a decision. Do I want to face death as I should, or do I turn my back and run?"

There was no way Claire could answer that for him. Instead, she came up to him, putting her hand to his chest. She didn't understand why she felt compelled to protect him, after the darkness he had caused in the past. There was something she felt about him now that she didn't understand.

Wesker stroked her cheek gently, making her eyes lift to meet his. He slightly smiled, in turn making her smile as well. "I'm sorry but…I think I'm addicted to you."

"Me?" Claire asked, slightly confused.

"It seems all I have been thinking about for these past few days is you," Wesker explained.

Claire laughed softly. "Oh…well, then I must be addicted to you too."

"I'm sorry you had to go through that back there."

Claire snorted. "Are you kidding? I've been through way worse. So, how are you feeling?"

"Better…thanks to you, dear heart."

"I'm glad to hear that."

For a long moment they were quiet, this strange tension forming between them. Claire felt almost light headed from it. It wasn't a bad tension, but one that she rather enjoyed for some reason. Wesker's eyes studied her with a deep meaning behind them as he stroked her chin and cheek.

"There is something between us…isn't there?" he asked, tone low.

Claire closed her eyes for a moment, realizing she wasn't the only one wondering that same question. She slowly, very slowly, nodded her head, opening her eyes and looking up at him again. "Yes…"

Wesker leaned into her, kissing Claire passionately on the lips. Claire returned the kiss, feeling static shock ripple through every nerve in her body. Slowly, they pulled away from each other. Claire felt so content for the moment; she just leaned back into him, letting her face slip right into his chest. Wesker slowly wrapped his arms around her, closing his eyes and letting his chin rest on the top of her head.

"Shouldn't you be heading home?" he asked after minutes of silence.

"I'm not going anywhere," she mumbled into his chest.

"Where are you going to stay then?" he chuckled. Claire slapped him playfully in the arm, making him chuckle again. "Oh, that's right. With me I guess."

"You guess?" she sighed, pulling away from him and looking up into his face. "What kind of answer is that?"

"One that involves me trying to protect the both of us from Chris tomorrow."

Claire grinned, laughing at his answer. To hear Wesker say something like that just didn't sound right to her. She tugged him for the bedroom anyways, noticing it was just past two o'clock in the morning. No wonder she felt so exhausted, not just from the long day, and crazy ambush from HUNK, but from these emotions that had been constantly bugging her.

"You don't worry about him, alright?"

"I didn't say I was worried about him. I was just trying to protect us," Wesker answered, still smiling. He closed the bedroom door behind him

"I can handle my brother," Claire answered, peering at him teasingly. "Can you?"

"I did beat him up a couple weeks ago," Wesker answered, smirking.

"Look at you being all ornery," Claire giggled.

Wesker came up to her once more, chuckling in her ear and making her shiver. He kissed her again, where Claire lovingly returned it. Wesker pulled away only to kiss her again on the jaw and then the throat.

"Let's go to bed, dear heart," he whispered into her ear.

Claire awoke groggily to the morning rays piercing through the curtains of the windows. Slowly, she rolled over, hoping to bury her face into Wesker to shield her eyes and get a little more sleep. However, when she rolled over, she found the other half of the bed already empty. Claire sat up quickly, deciding to get out of the bed to go look for him. She wore the same clothes from yesterday, thanks to the dramatic events, and so she awoke without having to worry about getting changed. The main room, kitchenette, and bathroom were also empty. Wesker must have left the room already. Sighing, Claire decided to slip into the bathroom to freshen up a little before going out to search for him. She would eventually have to leave back to Chris's in order to take a shower and get a change of clothes.

She left the room, looking at the time on her cell phone as she moved through the hallways. It was still early. Claire was hoping Chris and Jill hadn't arrived yet and that the testing for the oil wasn't complete yet. She bumped into Dustin, who was coming from one of the break areas with a cup of cappuccino in his hand. He blinked in confusion at her, obviously surprised to see her here so early.

"Have you seen Al…Wesker around here?" she asked.

"Yeah, he is down in the weapons department at the firing range. Wentworth said something about him wanting to test his marksman abilities. Why are you here so…ohhh, you stayed with him didn't you?"

Claire glared at him. "Dustin, don't even think about trying to evaluate my emotions and decisions. And don't think about telling Chris either."

It was too late; Dustin was already evaluating her behavior. It was the psychologist in him taking over. Claire decided to slip past him before he went ahead and started talking about her mindset. She took the shortest route through the gigantic facility down into the weapons department. The firing range was enclosed in the back, where there were several ranges set up for soldiers to practice. At this early time in the morning, there were no other BSAA members, only Wesker who stood way in the back. Claire relaxed walking straight for him. She saw him aim a black Glock towards the target down the aisle of the range. He wasn't even wearing earmuffs to block the sound of the firing. He started shooting the handgun, pulling the trigger in rapid session to unload an entire magazine.

He looked over to her as he dropped the clip to reload a new one. He smiled lovingly at her, slightly nodding. "Good morning, dear heart. I must have lost track of time if you are already up."

"Why are you down here?" Claire asked, wondering why he would be doing this in the first place.

"Just reinstating my abilities with firearms just in case Rurik returns."

That seemed like a good reason to her. She looked down the aisle to the target. Claire couldn't help but to be surprised at the sight. The target was in the figure of a person. The red circle in the middle of the chest was completely torn away from the bullets, and so was the head. He was definitely a marksman alright. Claire was a good shot herself, thanks to training and help from her brother and Leon.

Wesker sat the weapon down on the nearby table, touching the button to dispose of the target and replace it with a new one. Wesker kissed her on the forehead, running his fingers down her arms.

"Sleep well?" he asked.

"I did until I woke up alone. How long have you been down here anyways?"

"Forgive me. I haven't been sleeping well for the past few days and I didn't want to wake you," Wesker answered, sighing. "I've been down here for almost three hours."

Before Claire could say anything, they could hear the large metal door open down at the front of the gun range. They saw Wentworth and Dustin enter and shut the door behind them. Claire and Wesker instinctively stepped away from each other. Wentworth had a grin on his face as he came up, greeting them with a dip of his head.

"Good morning, Claire, Wesker," he said.

"Morning, Wentworth," Claire replied, smiling.

The director turned his attention to Wesker, who just nodded at him. "That is some damn good shooting there, Wesker."

"Thank you. I was seeing if I remembered how to handle firearms since I do not have much to go with it seems."

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that," Dustin stated, coming forward. "Like I said before, the mind doesn't forget techniques that kept it alive. It may be lost to you, but it is in there. You will just find yourself naturally remembering those things as you come across them. Your old self was so keenly set on killing that you reacted naturally to the ambush with instinct. That is why you killed those mercenaries so quickly and without realizing it at first."

"Makes logical sense," Wesker replied, glancing over to the new target that was hanging on the aisle.

"Yes, in fact I came here for that reason," Wentworth put in. "This is strictly up to you, of course, but if you think you will remember easier by going out on a mission with some BSAA members, then I could allow it. You would be teamed up with Chris and Jill of course, but it may be able to help open your mind a little more."

"Wouldn't it be wiser for me not to remember everything, just the things you need?"

"Well, seeing as you no longer have the virus, it wouldn't be dangerous if you remembered everything. Besides, who says you are going to be evil again if you remember everything?" Wentworth inquired.

Wentworth did have a point. And this eased Wesker a lot. There was a chance that if he remembered everything, he would still remain in the mindset he had now. However, he may no longer have his virus, but there was something that was definitely questioning everyone.

"What about Uroboros?" he asked, trying hard not to gnash his jaw down too tight.

"The test isn't finished yet. We don't know what it is. We will be sure to gather all of you once the results are in," Wentworth answered.

Wesker nodded, aware of Claire's eyes on him. "Alright. As for the missions, I accept, but only if Chris will cooperate. He has a choice in the matter as well."

"Indeed he does," the director sighed, smiling. "I will be sure to talk to the both of them. Well, we best be getting on our way. Enjoy the morning, you two."

"Thanks Wentworth," Claire said, smiling as the director and Dustin turned to leave the gun range.

After they left, Claire and Wesker was left in silence for a long moment. Claire stared at the door, her thoughts still lingering on Wentworth's words. She slightly jumped when Wesker eased his arm around her waist, pushing her towards the door.

"Well, I might as well get you home so you can get ready."

"Ready?" Claire grunted, smiling. "For what?"

"Breakfast of course. Unless you are one of those late sleepers that have no idea what that meal is." Wesker opened the door for her. Claire grinned, slipping out first with Wesker close behind. She liked his idea. It would be the perfect way to avoid Chris and Jill for the morning. Claire wasn't too enthused about meeting up with her brother. She knew exactly what he was going to start.

Claire liked where things were going with Wesker. She couldn't understand why, but it felt right. She knew Chris wasn't going to be happy. Then again, Claire had a very good feeling in her gut that their relationship was going to quickly engulf them like wildfire.

A/N: Mwahahahahhahahahahaahahahahha! *chokes on sweet tea* Ack ughhh, well...what a chapter! I bet all of you peed your pants when they kissed...and don't deny it! And no they did not do the baddy yet...sheesh don't get a cramp in your neck! Notice that the key word was YET....XD And don't worry, a major twist in the storyline is coming up...doht! I wasn't supposed to say that! . Okay, so Leon is still stuck in Australia, and Claire and Wesker keep getting closer and closer. How will Chris react? Will he Hulk out? Will Ada show up to see if she can get Wesker to remember Sherry's serum? Will Barry get his sandwich since he didn't get it in this chapter? :D So much to happen, so much to write lol! Well, I want to thank everyone who has favorited, alerted, and reviewed this story! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! It means alot to me to know that this fanfic is so popular! Have an awesome day everyone! :)