Meeting

Jill Valentine x Male Reader

One Shot

The sun beamed down on a warm and beautiful day in Arklay County, hardly a loud in the sky as a slight breeze made it's presence known in a subtle yet soothing manner. With the singing of distant birds and the tall pine trees at the edge of the open landscape before you, you could be forgiven in getting lost in the serenity of it all; as it would be so very easy not too. It would have been much even easier if your current client wasn't being so distracting, in spite of your best efforts to block him out.

You were a photographer, a professional in fact who had been hired to take a group photo of the newly formed special forces team, the Special Tactics and Rescue Service to be exact; better known as S.T.A.R.S. They were an elite group of former military personnel and brilliant academics who operate both alongside and independently of the Raccoon City Police Department or R.P.D. The team had been formed to combat the rising level of domestic terrorism that plagued Raccoon City at the time.

In actual fact your client was the chief or police himself Brian Irons. He had hired you for your credentials, your discretion and lack of connection to the press; whom had been hounding both him and Mayor Michael Warren for some time trying to get a scoop on the team. You were paid to take the photograph and nothing more.

At this moment in time you were setting up your tripod on the designated S.T.A.R.S Helipad not too far from the city's police station, having retrieved all your required equipment from your backpack; which now rests against your tripod. Their helicopter stood right in the centre, clean and looking ready to go at a moment's notice.

"Come on. How long is this gonna take?" The portly, ageing police chief complained as he paced back and forth behind you on the large helipad.

"You can't rush art, Mister Irons. Or perfection, for that matter." You replied whilst adjusting the level of your tripod. You then took that as an opportunity to adjust the neck of your shirt. In preparation for the day's weather and events you dressed in a somewhat professional attire, white trainers, loose jeans, a white shirt and a loose jacket.

"...And done. It's level."

"Good. Ready?" Chief Irons asked as he stopped his pacing momentarily and looking at you expectedly.

"Almost."

"What do you mean "almost?"'

"I mean the camera's level I just need to make sure I can get both teams and the chopper in frame." You replied as you looked through the camera's lens, and proceeded to list off all the technical details that contribute to a good photograph. A lot of it is either ignored or goes over Chief Irons' head.

Normally when you were dealing with clients you maintained a patient, friendly and courteous attitude. But you had to admit it was somewhat difficult not to answer him back, and you would've done so had it not been for fear that he wouldn't pay you later. And considering your financial situation at the time, you had to bite your tongue a lot.

When you had finished he went to answer back but a blip came from the radio at his hip, "Chief Irons? Come in, Chief Irons."

"Marini? This is Irons. Is your team ready?"

"Yeah, we're heading to you now."

"Good."

And with that he hung up the radio and cursed under his breath, obviously annoyed. Glancing over your shoulder you saw him pacing again, it looked as if he wanted to be somewhere else; and pretty stressed too. I imagine being the chief of police is a busy and stressful job, but there's no need to be such a dick about it, you thought as you looked back to your camera and rolled your eyes.

It didn't take long at all for the the S.T.A.R.S Bravo team arrive via the large gate leading into the main R.P.D building you had entered in before. Chief Irons hastily ushered them in your direction, as they approach the helipad you took the opportunity to greet them all and introduce yourself in turn, firm handshakes exchanged.

You would come to know their names as Enrico Marini, Edward Dewey, Richard Aiken, Kenneth J. Sullivan and Forest Speyer. During the brief introduction you really got the sense that they'd rather be anywhere else, but meant no offence to you; to which you merely shrugged and told them there was none taken.

Overall you thought that they were pretty decent people, and a part of you wondered what the people of Alpha Team would be like. And how long before they arrived.

As if answering your thoughts you heard Chief Irons speak up.

"Alpha Team, there you are. C'mon the photographer's all set and waiting." Looking over to him you laid eyes on Alpha Team for the first time, you took in their appearance as they walked through the gate.

A tall blonde haired man with pitch-black sunglasses, he strode into the area with confidence and formerly apologized to the chief of police. His voice nasally, a very high opinion of himself. Though it couldn't be denied he had charisma about him. By the look of him he was this team's leader.

Just behind him was a bearded man with a broad build followed soon after, he was wearing a red vest-like piece of combat gear over his chest. One thing that immediately grabbed your attention about him was the imposing revolver he currently had holstered. He seemed to have a good nature about him.

Walking alongside him was a ma attired in a similar vest but green in colour, he walked with a sort of swagger and high confidence. He gave of a sort of rebel-without-a-cause attitude, and judging by the brief but contemptuous look he shot Chief Irons, he isn't afraid to let people know how he feels either; or apologise for it.

Behind him came a man dressed in attire similar to the first two, say for it's yellow colour. His lack of firepower made you wonder if he was perhaps the team's pilot.

And then you saw her, the last member of Alpha Team to approach the helipad. A gorgeous brunette, hair cut short, with blue eyes that reminded you of the sky. Her uniform blue in colour, atop her head was a beret that looked both professional and cute.

For the briefest of moments you forgot why you were there, only being reminded when the newly arrived S.T.A.R.S operators approached you. The blonde man sporting sunglasses walked in your direction, politely you held your hand out for a shake and greeted in a friendly tone and a smile; the same way you had greeted Bravo Team.

He responded by not saying a single word or even acknowledging your presence while you stood there as he walked right past you, all the while your hand remained unshaken. What an asshole, you thought as your eyes followed him as he joined Bravo Team and started up a conversation.

"Don't take it personally." A man's voice met your ears as you felt a hand grasp yours in a firm handshake, looking back you saw it was the bearded man with the massive revolver. A warm and friendly smile on his face as he spoke, "Wesker's not exactly a people person. I'm Barry by the way, Barry Burton."

You shook his hand back and introduced yourself with a smile to match his. He then gestured towards the man in green, seeing him up close you realised he was pretty close to his age. He gave you courteous smile as Barry introduced him, you could tell the two went way back.

"This right here is Chris Redfield."

"Hey." Chris said as you two shook hands.

No sooner did your hand leave Chris' when the man in yellow approached you, his hand reaching for yours and a bright smile on his face.

"Brad Vickers." He greeted you, his handshake being over much more quickly than the rest.

And then, finally, there was her. The woman who had no less than a minute ago took your breath away was stood right in front of you, her hand meeting yours in a firm and friendly shake as she smiled at you. You counted yourself lucky your palm wasn't sweaty.

"I'm Jill, Jill Valentine." She said, her voice was so soft and lovely. As welcoming to your ears as a breeze on a hot summer's day.

"Nice to meet you." You replied with a smile.

Following this you coordinated the S.T.A.R.S teams in order to fit them in frame, informing them that five of them will have to kneel down in front of five more while having the chopper pilots at the ends of the row. Admittedly, while they figured out amongst themselves who would position themselves where you sneaked the odd glance at the lovely Miss Valentine.

Despite the fact that each S.T.A.R.S operative held some considerable firepower on their person you didn't feel unsafe; in fact you were probably in the safest hands possible at that point in time. It also helped that each of them was a tried and true professional. When you told them they could pose with their firearms, some jokingly posed like characters from a generic action movie, earning a few laughs.

It didn't take long for them to get in frame, thankfully. You took to one knee and double checked the camera, noticing that Brad was slightly out of frame.

"Hey, Brad?"

"Yeah?"

"Could you move in a little closer, please?" You gestured with with one hand raised, ushering him further into the shot.

"Sure."

"...Little more. ...And stop. Perfect. Thanks." You thanked him with a thumbs up.

"Speaking of perfect, make sure to get my good side, okay?" Chris joked.

"C'mon, Chris, he's a photographer, not a miracle worker." Forest replied, earning a few chuckles from his fellow operators and yourself. Though you could feel Chief Irons' frustrated and annoyed glare on you.

"Just to let you know, I'm gonna take a couple just to make sure one doesn't get screwed up." You inform them, "You're gonna have to hold your poses for a little bit longer but it'll be worth it."

You place your hands on the camera, a single digit hovering over the as you ask aloud if they're ready. They give you the confirmation you need. "Okay, three... two... one. ...And smile." With the pictures taken, you give them the all clear.

"That's a wrap, everyone. Thanks for your cooperation." You said as you stood up. The S.T.A.R.S teams visibly relaxed as you started to detach your camera from the tripod, Chief Irons then spoke up, telling Alpha Team that they're still on shift for the day and that they might as well head into R.P.D.

He then approached you and asked, "How long 'til the film develops?"

"A week."

"A week?!"

"Sorry to tell you, Mister Irons, but that's just how long it takes. If I could make it quicker, I would." You reply with a shrug as you look over your shoulder at him, "Once they're ready, they're yours."

Looking at the moustachioed chief of police you're pretty sure you saw a vein pop in his forehead. An expression then came to his face, a mix of a sneer and a smirk. "Well, until then," he cockily replied as he took out a piece of paper from his pocket, "this cheque isn't yours."

"That's not what we agreed on." You said as you turned to face the man, trying your best to sound agreeable and quell your outrage.

"No photos. No cheque."

The tension built for a moment, you didn't know at that moment but a few S.T.A.R.S. operators were watching the both of you. Bravo Team walked past, chatting idly to make sure a tense silence didn't fall upon the area.

"Fair enough." You replied as you relaxed, "I'll see you in a week then, with my payment." Chief Brian Irons shot you a dirty look, walked with Bravo Team for a moment before overtaking them and heading into the R.P.D building proper. With a shake of your head you turned your attention back to your camera and tripod, trying to get your mind off of what had just happened.

Once you had finished detaching the camera from the tripod you noticed Barry heading your way, a smile meant to reassure you was found on his face. "You okay?" He asked as he stood next you you.

"I'll be fine. But thanks for asking."

He held his hand out for you to shake, you accepted the gesture with a small smile.

"You take care now." Barry tells you.

"Will do. Good luck with this whole S.T.A.R.S thing."

"Thanks." And with that he headed walked back through the gates and into the nearby police department, you even saw his colleagues Brad and Chris follow just behind him and give you a courteous nod before heading inside. Chris' nod seemed to convey approval for the fact that you stood your ground with Chief Irons; and looking back at that moment in time you're glad you did.

"Hey," A female voice gained your attention, turning to it's source you saw Jill stood next to your tripod gesturing to it. "need help?"

You smiled at her, "It's okay, I got it. But thanks, anyway, Miss Valentine." She smiles back at you as you pick up the tripod and collapse it's legs before depositing it in your backpack.

"I'm sorry about Chief Irons. If it helps, he's like that with just about everybody."

"It's nothing I'm not used to." You replied with a shrug.

"Really?" Jill asked as she tilted her head to the side slightly, her brow furrowed in a mix of curiosity and confusion.

"Yeah, in my line of work you meet all kinds of people." You said whilst placing your camera in your bag and zipping it up, "Unfortunately, not all of them are nice."

"I know what you mean." She added with a slight chuckle, all the while the two of you headed into R.P.D. side by side continuing your chat. And enjoying each other's company.

"Yeah, I've got a few horror stories I could tell."

"Really?"

"Well, I'll put it this way, I'll put up with a bride-zilla over that walrus you call a boss any day of the week." You joked, earning a muffled laugh from the gorgeous S.T.A.R.S operator. Before long you found yourselves back inside the main building as the two of you walked towards the front desk. Which was a shame, you wished your time together didn't have to end.

"By the way, I like your camera."

"Thanks. You're into photography?"

Jill shrugged, "Kinda. Taking photos is part of my job, and it's something of a hobby of mine."

"Cool."

You began to mentally panic when you saw you were nearly at the front desk, that your small walk with Jill was very nearly over and you really didn't want it to be over. There you were, talking to the most interesting and beautiful woman you had ever met, this may have been the one and only time you would ever see each other. A feeling of attraction was felt on your part, and you hoped she felt that towards you too.

Right then, at that moment as you arrived at the front desk, you knew that if you didn't at least ask to see her again you may regret would regret it for the rest of your life. And a wise man once told you "if you risk nothing, you gain nothing", words that have not failed you so far in life. Even if she rejected you, you could say you tried.

"You know, Miss Valentine..." You start.

"Hmm?"

"I quite enjoyed our talk just now, brief as it was."

"I did too." She looked at you with a small yet knowing smile, as if she could tell what you were building up to.

"Would you... maybe like to continue it sometime? I'd be happy to give you a few pointers. Preferably when neither of us are busy, of course."

After those words left your mouth your heartbeat went through the roof, you braced yourself for the inevitable rejection and were ready to write this awkward moment off of as you misreading her friendliness.

Jill maintained eye contact with you, her small smile grew ever so slightly and with a shrug of her shoulders she gave you her answer.

"Sure, why not?"

To say you couldn't believe your ears was an understatement, probably the understatement of the century. Nonetheless you threw your sense of surprise aside, and hoped it didn't show. Or that your damned innate awkwardness didn't show itself. You then remembered that Jill probably didn't have time to arrange the finer details of your next meeting, so you opted to make the next part brief.

"Awesome! I see you're, y'know, technically working right now so do you wanna exchange numbers?"

She gave you a nod, seemingly catching onto your meaning, "Yeah, I was about to suggest that myself."

"Well, and I hate to say this, never thought I'd say it under these circumstances." You said as you rolled your eyes, reached into your back pocket hand Jill a small yet flexible item you've handed out before. "Here's my card."

With a chuckle she accepted the item, a quick flash of inspiration crosses her face for a moment before she pulled out a pen from one of her pockets and scribbles something down on the card. "Actually, can I have another card?"

Catching onto what was undoubtedly on her mind you smiled and brought out another card just in time for her to finish writing on the other, a quick exchange of details.

"I should go." Jill said, somewhat awkwardly as she gestured with a pointed thumb over her shoulder.

"I understand. I'll call you sometime." You said with what you hoped was a charming smile.

As the female S.T.A.R.S operator walked onwards, presumably towards the team's office she turned to face you momentarily and replied, "Looking forward to it."

"Me too, Miss Valentine~"

"Call me, Jill~" And with that she headed off and was soon out of sight.

For a moment you stood there in a state similar to stunned, smiling to yourself like a fool; a part of you wondering whether you were dreaming. You looked at the card in your hand and your smile grew even more at the sight of the number written on a blank space; in such beautiful calligraphy too, you noted as you deposited the item into your pocket.

Had it not been for the receptionist at the front desk and her bringing you back to reality, you may have stood there with that goofy smile on your face for some time. Feeling somewhat embarrassed you made sure to hand over your visitor's lanyard, signed out on the sign in sheet and said your farewell.

You also counted yourself lucky that the police station wasn't particularly busy that day, you would've hated to have made of fool if yourself in front of Raccoon City's finest. Still, you promptly left the station and stepped into the ever pleasant warmth of the sun.

You couldn't help but reach into your pocket and bring the card out again, your smile returning, a part of you still couldn't believe what had transpired. It completely overshadowed your hostile exchange with Chief Irons. After putting the card back in your pocket and adjusting your backpack you made your way down the street, heading home as you thought aloud.

"I think I'm gonna like Raccoon City."

The End.

This is the first of a few one shots that they take place some considerable time before the events of the first Resident Evil, and in chronological order. I've been meaning to write something fluffy and fairly light-hearted for a while. Plus I'm a huge fan of the series, and... yeah based on this fic, I bet you can tell who my favourite character is.

Anyways, feedback is always appreciated. Let me know what you thought, whether I kept the characters in character and what not.

Until then, stay safe.