Sara stared at the DSO logo on her computer monitor, tapping her pen on her desk listlessly. Two days had passed since the incident at the Matsuo mansion, but guilt and disappointment still gripped her.

Following his mutation, Eito Matsuo had attacked everyone present, yet Sara had hesitated to shoot him. It had seemed almost inconceivable to kill him when he had been a man only seconds ago. Her hesitation could've cost them both their lives. She hadn't even been able to save the poor maid from being ravaged by Matsuo's savage rampage.

If Leon hadn't shouted at me, we might not have made it, her inner voice nagged relentlessly. Next time I falter, it could mean disaster for the world. No; there can't be a next time!

Lost in her abstraction, Sara didn't notice Leon's intent gaze fixed on her from his own desk across. She had remained distant and withdrawn, keeping her doubts to herself. In her heart, she feared she had disappointed him.

Deputy Director Olmire bustled into their work area, clutching a stack of file folders and snapping Sara out of her gloomy reverie.

"Agent Rios, Agent Kennedy, I'm pleased to report that we've managed to collect some vital data on Seishin Cosmetics and the late Mr. Matsuo," Olmire said briskly, handing them each a folder.

"A little headway. That's good; I was afraid Seishin was gonna stonewall us," Sara said, opening her folder.

"They have," Olmire said flatly. "Especially since their CEO is dead and his heiress and successor is missing."

"Fantastic," Leon remarked.

"We can't demand information about the company because Seishin has broken no laws to warrant an extensive investigation. Eito Matsuo was the victim; Hana Matsuo likewise. Our investigation is limited to what we need to search for Hana and find out who's behind Matsuo's murder," Olmire explained.

"Matsuo was hiding something," said Leon. "I know it. When we suggested a full-scale investigation, he practically arched his back like a cat."

"He was more concerned about the company than he was about finding Hana. Even the photo of that poor mutilated woman didn't seem to faze him much," Sara reasoned.

Olmire shook her head. "All conjecture and suspicion; nothing concrete that will open any further doors to us. In the meantime, those folders contain some background information on Hana Matsuo and a listing of rival corporations who have had discord with Seishin Cosmetics.

I want you two to gather all the information you can on them. We need to start trying to build a list of probable suspects. Let me know what you come up with."

Without waiting for further comments from the agents, Olmire hurried away.

"Great. There's a bioterrorist running loose, a corporation with probable shady dealings, and we're stuck on research detail," Leon sighed. "Not to mention that Hana Matsuo's time is running out with every hour that goes by."

Sara looked down at the list in her folder and sighed dejectedly, hardly knowing where to begin. It looked hopelessly overwhelming amid the anxiety that weighed so heavily on her.

"How about lunch?"

Leon's voice startled her. He had approached unnoticed, and now stood at her desk, observing her attentively despite his cool and easy demeanor.

Sara looked into his handsome face and smiled as brightly as she could. "Ah, you know, I think I'll just get started on this―"

Leon leaned against the desk soberly. "You're not fooling me, Miss Rios. Your mind's not here. You've been halfway in orbit since the incident at the mansion. Now, we're gonna have lunch, and we're gonna talk. I'll be waiting for you by the elevators."

Having made this declaration, Leon headed out of the office. Sara scoffed and shook her head. "Well, looks like I'm going to lunch," she muttered.

She caught up with Leon, and the two rode the elevator in silence. The silence continued even as they traversed the open parking lot to Leon's car.

He started to open the door for Sara then stopped suddenly, turning to face her. His usual grave expression was replaced by tenderness. "Please don't shut me out," he said unexpectedly, gentleness sweetening his voice.

Sara felt her breath catch. When Leon became thus soft and mellow, she found it hard to conceal anything from him. Still, she tried. "It's nothing; I'm okay," she lied.

Leon blinked incredulously, waiting for the truth.

Exasperated, Sara sighed. "Fine. Ever since the Matsuo mansion, I've been feeling like you made a capital mistake in making me your partner."

Leon started to reply, but Sara held up her hand to silence him. "I hesitated," she said. "I was so freaked out at the idea of killing the man he had been that I almost let the monster he became kill us all." She shook her head sadly. "And that poor maid…"

"Wasn't your fault," Leon interjected, frowning. "No matter how hard we try, Sara, we just can't save them all." He turned a brooding gaze on the horizon. "You simply did the human thing. You got scared, and you doubted your decision."

He looked back at Sara. "Back in Raccoon City, I had to make the same choice. I came too late to save a fellow cop: Lieutenant Marvin Branagh. He was already infected, and it wasn't long before he turned. Like you, I hesitated, and he almost killed me. And it happened again with President Benford. I saw him turn and feed on someone, but he was my friend. I didn't want to kill him. I almost took the shot too late, and I couldn't even look at him when I pulled the trigger."

Sara looked down pensively, digesting Leon's words. He gently raised her face and looked into her eyes. "Sometimes we have to kill in order to protect others or to survive. But killing shouldn't be easy. The day we find it easy to take a life is the day we should quit. We took this job to save lives, not end them, but we can't do the one without the other… unfortunately. I know you'll sort it all out, and in the end, you'll do what you have to."

Sara smiled, deeply comforted. "Thank you, Leon."

He inclined his head and withdrew his hand. He stood watching her quietly, and Sara knew he was gauging her as he often did when she fell into her dispirited moods; wondering if she would be the independent firebird or the sparrow seeking solace. Just then she was neither―only a woman coming to terms with her new life and career. And this woman suddenly longed for the warmth of his touch.

Sara gazed at him briefly, taking in his appearance at that moment and committing it to memory. As always, he was striking with those profound blue eyes, his golden brown hair shining in the noonday sun. The spring breeze kissed his brow, stirring his asymmetrical bangs. Sara traced her finger along his strong jaw, watching the play of emotions across his countenance usually so austere. His eyes gleamed with unspoken desire, trailing down to her lips pointedly. Sara was only too happy to satisfy him.

She kissed him softly, and he returned the caress avidly. Leon drew her to him, his kisses becoming more intense as the distance between them closed. Sara could feel his excitement in his heightened breathing, and the sensation stoked her own passion. A little signal flare went off in her mind at that moment, however, and she began to disengage breathlessly, calling desperately on her willpower for aid.

Leon broke the kiss instantly in realization. He released her, chuckling lightly. "It's way too easy to get carried away with you," he said.

Sara smiled coyly.

Leon cleared his throat. "Well, if we're gonna grab lunch, we'd better head out before Olmire eats us alive. We've got a lot of work to do when we get back."

He opened the car door for Sara then took his place behind the wheel. "Let's head over to the Silver Seasons. My treat, of course."

"That place is kinda pricey," Sara objected.

"I know, but the atmosphere's nice. We're going to have our hands full with this case; let's try to enjoy our break, short as it may be. Don't worry about the cost."

Sara smiled at Leon's sweetness. "Okay. Whatever you say."

With a small smile, Leon nodded and pulled away from the parking lot.

They drove at a leisurely pace, in easy silence. Oftentimes, they didn't need to talk; it was enough for them to be together. They understood each other well enough without words.

"Hey, you mind a little tuneage?" Sara asked, indicating the radio.

"Knock yourself out," Leon replied.

Sara turned it on. Imagine Dragons came on, belting out their powerful song Battle Cry. Feeling calmer and more energized after talking with Leon, Sara actually sang along.

Leon glanced over at her and chuckled. "The phoenix returns," he remarked.

She laughed. "You know, this song is practically our anthem."

Leon nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah… I guess it kinda is.

Sara looked out the window and continued singing, momentarily casting aside her worries about the case and her lingering doubts.