A Day at the RPD.
If at first you don't succeed,
You can dust it off and try again,
Dust yourself off and Try again,
Try again….
Try Again, By Aliyah.
' Bec, why are you wearing so many layers? It's meant to be summer!' said Carlos, as he sat down next to he sat down next to her on the couch. After the bowling, both of them had decided to stop round Bec's house and have some coffee. It was well past midnight, and though they had a 5am start the next morning neither of them had even cast an eye to the clock on the mantle piece.
Bec was surprised to find talking to Carlos was so easy. He had always appeared to her as being a puffed up vanity case, always pining for some girl, and stocking up on playboy once a week. But the Carlos who was sitting next to her now, was a just a normal, sweet, funny guy. The hours ticked on, nearing 2am, the coffees on the small table were cold and the sun was beginning to rise. Bec suddenly noticed the time.
' Carlos! Look at the time! We're meant to be up at 5am!' she shrieked as the rays of sunlight, shone through the window, casting a marigold hue over Carlos's well crafted face.
' What better a time for me to do this, then' he said, leaning towards her, caressing her red hair, he slowly brushed his lips against hers, and Bec felt a shiver go down her spine. She began kissing him back, with more urgency, until she was lying on her back, and Carlos was on top, his hands travelling down her body. Bec felt like her lips were melting into his, until they were joined. She opened her eyes, only to come face to face with Wesker.
' Oh I am the lady-killer, aren't I Chambers?' he asked, before placing another brutal kiss on her lips, Bec tried to force him back, but his strength was greater then hers, and his poisonous lips continued to go over hers, until-
' ARRRRRRRRGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!' screamed Bec, opening her eyes quickly, and sweating heavily, her breathing fast. She lay still for a while, allowing herself to calm down and adjust her breathing. She was then faced with another dilemma: she had no idea where she was. She tried shifting into another position but felt a stab of pain travel up her back there was a strange weight bearing down on her chest, and she involuntarily struggled, thinking that it was the disgusting apparition that was Wesker.
She somehow managed stand up and turn the light on. The light bulb flickered, and came on, shedding light on the situation. Bec's eyes adjusted to the light, and what she saw made Bec chuckle. She had rolled off the bed, pulling down her huge teddy bear down on top of her, which had simulated 'Wesker'. Still Bec toiled to the bathroom, brushed her teeth 4 times, gargled 6 times and flossed, to rid the memory of Wesker kissing her. She peered at the clock, which read 4am. It was time to get up and get ready for training today. Sliding out of her clothes and stepping into the shower, she began her morning rituals.
Carlos leapt from his bed as soon as the alarm clock went off. Quickly straightening the sheets, whilst whistling, he walked to the window, and opened it gently, letting the fresh air into his room. He cast a look at himself in the mirror, his eyes bright, cheeks flushed. It was a big change from the morning before, and he knew the reason why. He had had a steamy dream about Bec. She had been at the dance, and was slow dancing with him, to a slow ballad, and at the end, he had kissed her, his dam of love bursting. Carlos grinned, and walked into the bathroom, his mind full of Bec: her soft grey eyes, her vibrant red hair and girlish figure. He had never really noticed her before, having been deeply infatuated with the goddess he knew as Jill, but he had discovered her yesterday. Their comfortable talk turning to intimate, when she had told him how she felt. Carlos, set the shower, and shrugged himself out of his clothes. Yes, things were definitely looking up.
Jill stepped out of the shower and towelled off. The smell of bacon and eggs was floating up from downstairs, indicating that Chris had started breakfast. Jill wound her hair up in the towel, and got dressed. She removed the towel from her head and combed her red hair, just as she was finishing, there was a shout from downstairs.
' Jill! Breakfast!' shouted Chris from the bottom of the stairs. Jill hitched up her combats, and ran downstairs. Chris was dishing up the breakfast, his brow furrowed in concentration, jaw set at an angle. Jill rummaged in the Starbuck's carrier bag, and fished out a vanilla cappuccino. Whilst sipping the hot drink, Chris briefed her on the schedule for today.
' I was thinking you could take physical training and I'll take the shooting range' he said, loading up Jill's plate with bacon, eggs and toast. Jill curled her lip in distaste at the oily mass on her plate, but dug in all the same.
' Even though with my Abs of Steel I could easily take physical training' said Chris striking a muscle pose. Jill cocked up and eyebrow.
' More like Abs of mush' she said cheekily, her eyes wide as she chewed busily on her fried egg. Chris reached out of the window and plucked out a red rose, and handed it to her. Jill's cheeks redden as she accepts the flower.
'Oh Redfield, flattery won't get you anywhere' she said, stroking the soft petals.
' Jillian watch it, your cheeks are going as red as the rose' quipped Chris, grinning at her before delving into his breakfast.
' Ok, they ARE Abs of Mush. But then again, their my Abs of Mush' she said, taking a slurp out of Vanilla Cappuccino and picking up the newspaper. ' But then again it is hard to take you seriously when you're wearing that flowery apron'. Chris quickly stood up and removed it quickly.
' I know. Flower patterns are just sooo yesterday' he said as he sat down at the table.
' Too true, I mean polka dotted would suit you more' said Jill, laughing slightly. Both turn to their breakfasts, Chris eating efficiently thinking of the training course and weighing up the merits of the recruits, Jill picked at her food and glanced intermittently at the newspaper. There was the quiet clink of cutlery and the wind blowing outside, when Jill let out a snort of laughter. Chris looked up perplexedly and gave Jill his shut-up-your-interrupting-my-work look, his face screwed up into an adorable frown. Jill twittered and looked up at Chris who gave her a strange look.
' Chris I was just laughing at this article. Apparently this man rang up the RPD scared
that he had broken a law' she said, trying to keep a straight face.
' And?' asked Chris in a bored voice, his lips puckered up.
' The law was ' He had had sex with a live fish and he was under 16' cackled Jill.
Chris's eyebrows rose higher and his lips puckered even more, as his jaw set at an angle.
' Personally, the thought of that man having sex with a live fish makes me so scared that I could defeat three tyrants and face Leon when he's drunk, besides, is that actually a law?' he stated, his face getting even more taunt.
' It IS a law, Chris. But a pretty dang dumb one' chuckled Jill, brushing back her hair.
Chris's face remained poker straight.
' Ain't you gonna smile at all? Your face looks like a slapped fish' said Jill tersely, scowling at the snub. Chris finally broke into a smile and responded quickly.
' I guess Leon's out of his favourite past time then' he said, chuckling.
' Much better, Redfield' she said approvingly, standing up and taking hers and Chris's plate to the sink, Chris searched for the car keys and pulled on his old leather jacket.
Jill stacked the clean plates, and pulled on her tight denim jacket, she glance at the clock, it was only 4:20 am. She flopped onto the chair opposite Chris and studied her nails; she looked up to find Chris staring at her.
' What?' she asked, with a flicker of annoyance.
' Just that you look foxy in your tight uniform' he responded with giving her a Redfield Stare that made her heart melt.
' Hey remember the time I had spent the night round your house? And in the morning when we got changed for work, I accidentally put on your jeans?' she giggled.
' Boy do I. We were doing physical training and I bent over and they ripped, revealing my far from fetching boxer shorts' chuckled Chris.
' Well apart from the fact that you were the laughing stock of the RPD for days, some people enjoyed that view' said Jill coyly, looking at her feet.
' Oh yeah?' asked Chris, touching one of her hands and giving her the puppy dog look that made her heart melt.
' I was talking about Bec. You ripped my favourite pair of Pepe jeans' retorted Jill, trying to hide her red cheeks. Chris looked her disbelievingly and shrugged.
' But what can be more funny when you stood up to give your speech on the rising numbers in vandalism, and your jeans fell down?' asked Chris.
' Yeah and I just so happened on that day to be wearing my most sauciest pair of underwear' groaned Jill, head in hands.
' All in all, it was a pleasing day for both of us' quipped Chris, succeeding in getting his arms around her.
' Jill your way too good for me, way too good' he said tenderly, stroking her cheeks.
' I know' replied the ever-humble Jill, kissing his cheek and standing up.
' Leon hurry up!' screamed Claire from the bottom of the stairs. Leon Kennedy slowly hobbled down the stairs pulling his STARs shirt over his head.
' Come on, we'll be late for the training session' screeched Claire, pulling Leon to the car.
' Claire did it ever strike you that, I might be a little sore from yesterday?' asked Leon, as he slid into the front seat, belting himself in. He grimaced when Claire revved up the engine, and threw the car into reverse.
It lurched back and she rocketed out of the driveway and onto the road, Claire bore a startling resemblance to a rally driver, as she pumped the gears. Leon locked his fingers around the edge of the seat and held on desperately, as Claire took the corners suddenly. A car hooted at them, as Claire proceeded to take the corners without using her indicators.
' Claire how did you get your licence? Did you like, drug the instructor or something' said Leon, righting himself as he was jerked from his seat.
' Oh I passed it right enough' replied Claire, as they stopped at a red light, whilst she quickly checked her hair in the mirror. ' What I don't get Kennedy is how you became such a good actor'.
' Actor?' asked Leon, clear blue eyes nonplussed.
' Yesterday in the mall, you sounded too good!' cackled Claire as she turned up the radio, experiencing yet again, the Wait and Bleed experience.
' Well my dear Claire, I just imagined what it felt like when you seduced me wearing nothing but Victoria's Secret and the added caution that if we were caught only added more to my passion' said Leon, winking at Claire who turned up the music, till Leon's head started to spin.
' Well that wasn't as good as the real thing though' said Claire devilishly, narrowing her eyes down to slits.
' Sorry, but your gonna have to wait for about week' grimaced Leon, as he carefully rearranged his legs, wincing as a stab pain gripped him.
' Hmm. To think we went through all that crap and Carlos and Bec end up doing it for themselves' groaned Claire as her sore foot pumped on the accelerator. They finally arrived at the RPD quickly parked the car, or as Leon would have put it, crashed the car and then ran straight to the STARs office.
Leon's heart skipped as he neared the door, hearing Chris's deep voice giving out a briefing for the work this morning. Claire threw open the door and they hurtled to their seats, panting. At their sudden entrance Chris had raised his eyebrows, but continued to speak.
' First we're doing physical training in preparation for the fitness test next week' said Chris, in his deep calm tones. At the mention of the dreaded fitness test, there was a barrage of groans. Chris smirked slightly; he got a real kick out of seeing the team squirm. Ahh, the privileges of being a captain, those backbreaking years at the USAF finally pay off. Plus, he got to see Jill all hot and sweaty in her tight uniform, which was an added bonus. Leon Kennedy asking him a question brought Chris back to reality.
' Uh, Captain? I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to participate in physical training today…' croaked Leon, as the team stared at him curiously.
' Leon, stay here and finish those reports on the Smyth Case. I want the reports on my desk by lunchtime' answered Chris, unconcernedly rifling through his papers. Claire quickly raised a gloved hand. Chris called upon her.
' Captain, I feel that I may not be able to participate either' she stuttered as the team turned their gaze to her.
' The guns need a deep clean out, and a polish up' answered Chris, deliberately setting her job, which would not leave her and Leon alone together. He was still under the deep shock at finding out what the stains on the infirmary sheets were.
' Physical training carries on till lunch, when after a short break, it's shooting practise. Standard Berettas to be used, nothing heavy duty, please' said Chris.
He cast a look to the breathless pair at the back of the room. ' OK all out onto the training course'. He left the room and headed to the lockers to change into his training gear. The other members of the team followed, chatting, bustling and boasting about how lucky they'd got that weekend. Leon turned on his laptop and laboriously started typing up the report; periodically stopping to sip out of the coffee Claire had just brought him. It was nowhere as good as Starbuck's, but at least it was hot. He took a final sip and resumed his typing.
Claire grimaced. Her foot was killing her. She limped to the weapon's room and leaned against the wall, beads of perspiration pouring down her brow, her chest heaving slightly. A rookie cop sauntered past her, all big muscles, small mind. He stopped and gave her what passed as his most seductive smile, but bore an uncanny resemblance to a tiger, grinning at it's prey. Charming. He passed by her, just brushing against her, a little too close. Claire stumbled a little trying to keep her balance, but with no avail. She fell heavily to the floor, landing hard on her rear end. The cop carried on walking past her, only alerted by Claire's animal like grunt.
He turned around to see her sprawled out on the floor, and with many apologies and 'casual' dusting offs, he helped her up and disappeared around the corner. Jerk.
Claire pulled her ring of keys out and unlocked the weapon's room. She stepped in inhaling, the musty air of the room. She pulled down the Berettas that would be used today, and began cleaning out the barrels. She worked hard on the inside of it, dabbing the cloth with more cleaner and scrubbing hard at the shards of bullets left inside. She put down the gun, and picked up a soft cloth to polish the outside, when she felt a stab of pain in her stomach. She stood up carefully, and started to polish to the gun, but within seconds she had doubled over and blacked out on the floor, her head spinning and her vision blurred, the contents of the room seeming to spin, Claire shuddered and dropped her head back.
' Run! Run! Run!' shouted Jill, as she and the rest of the team pounded along the trail. Bec sighed and tried to keep up with the team, as they ran along the endless training course. They rounded a corner and thrashed through a muddy pit. Bec fought her way through as the mud clung to her legs, acting like suction cups.
She stopped briefly and caught her breath and then continued to toil along the merciless path. Jill was up front, leading the team, looking cool and beautiful in a natural way, her head held up, blue eyes scanning the horizon as she led the team on a new path. Chris was next to her, jogging lightly, taking it all in his stride.
Barry was just behind them, his powerful legs propelling him forward, as they ran up a hillside. Carlos was on Jill's tail; sweat pouring off his finely chiselled face, his face slightly red under his shiny skin. Bec's eyes travelled along his energetic form, taking in the broad chest, defined biceps, tapering down to a well-formed torso, which was attached to an equally hunky pair of strong legs, that were thundering along a beaten path. Her eyes rested on his rear end, which was covered in a tight pair of combats. She envisioned taking off those combats, Carlos taking off hers as they delved into passion, her mounted on a tabletop… Bec gulped and tried to recollect her thoughts but she couldn't keep her eyes off his… Bec's legs suddenly disappeared from under her; the ground rose to meet her and the taste of mud was in her mouth.
A small trickle of blood ran down the side of her face. The team ran on without her, Bec flailed her legs quickly and dragged herself up, she sprinted and caught up with the team, who had fortunately not noticed the embarrassing display of her ogling Carlos's divine ass, then tripping over a rock and falling face first in a pile of mud. Jill ran on like a woman possessed, leading them through an oak grove, doubling back and up again. Bec swiped at the small trickle of blood down her face, and grimaced as the sweat poured down her face. Jill swerved and took them round a corner, where before them lay a sea of mud and a treacherous path. This was going to be a long run.
Barry breathed deeply and threw his chest forward, stretching out his neck and propelling his fast legs. He kept his eyes on Jill, who was directing them through the cross-country course. Jill suddenly dodged a small boulder lying in the path and led them across a hill ridge. Jill's dodges were always abrupt and somewhat dramatic from earlier life experiences. From having to dodge from a blow that could easily pound your head, a blow that could easily take your life. Jill dropped to a jog and brushed a bang of red hair from her eyes. Chris was jogging beside him, looking youthful and boyish in a pair of baggy workout shorts, spiky hair slick with sweat. Carlos was trotting behind Jill, bearing a starling resemblance to a dog at its master's heels. Carlos pumped his arms along in time with his legs, eyes fixed on the ground below, watching for precipes in the path. Bec trailed behind them, cheeks red with exertion and legs mud caked. Barry managed a slight chuckle in between his heaving breathing. Out of the corner of his eye he had seen Bec loping behind them, her eyes fixed on Carlos's rear end that was a hit with all the women. However due to her close examination of Carlos from behind, she had not concentrated on the craggy path and had fallen head over heels in a particularly deep pile of mud.
Nobody had seemed to notice though, except Barry who had been mudded from her fall. This had confirmed every thought he had had in his mind. Barry took another deep breath and threw his chest forward.
Claire sat up and rubbed her head. There was a small bump forming on her forehead. She groggily pulled herself up into sitting position and groaned. Claire rubbed her eyes and stood up, dusting herself down. It was the 2nd time this week she had fainted. She lumbered over to the dingy mirror and looked at herself. Her skin was pale under the deep tan, and her eyes seemed sunken.
Claire splashed water on her face from the pump and set back to work. Her stomach felt a little heavy and she had put on a little weight. A wave of nausea washed over her and she sprinted to the bathroom and vomited more than she had when she had smelt the rancid stench of a zombie. She freshened herself up a little and went back to the weapon's room managed to struggle through the cleaning.
The clock showed it was lunchtime so she trudged back to the office, where everyone was already, sitting on desks and chatting. The homely types were reading the newspaper and eating there homely brown-bagged lunches at the back of the room. The dedicated types were working through their lunch break, finishing reports and completing files, only pausing to drink from their water bottles. The burnouts were stuffing their pockets with crack. The slackers were at the front of the room, feasting on a Chinese take away, laughing and joking, and generally slacking off. Claire went and joined the slackers.
She slid into her normal place, Chris's desk and tried to blend in with the background. Carlos was turning on the good' ole Spanish charm on Bec, who was lapping it up. Jill was scrutinising a lady in a magazine, who was modelling a leather bikini. Leon was joking around and shovelling noodles into his trap, bangs of brown hair flapping around, his face boyish. Chris was sitting at his desk pretending he was above all this, but secretly giving in. The burnouts sauntered out of the room, well, to burn out. Just a normal day at the RPD.
' Those can't be real' commented Jill, looking at the lady. Carlos peeked over her shoulder and grinned.
' Well compared to yours, senorita, they MUST be fake' joked Carlos, nudging Jill.
Bec leaned over and took a look too. Her small nose wrinkled up in distaste.
' I could easily by a chest like that at my friendly local plastic surgeon's' she quipped, scooping a spoonful of noodles into her mouth and chewing busily.
' Please don't. Fakes are so gross' pleaded Jill, turning the page. Claire let out a low groan. The air was really getting to her, the smell of Chinese, barrel cleaner and something that she couldn't quite place. She wandered over to the window and thrust it open, letting in a blast of fresh air. The leaned her head out and took gulps of air, clearing her lungs. She couldn't figure out why she was feeling so ill, though the answer was nagging her at the back of her head. She turned back to the group who were discussing the dance, which was rapidly approaching.
' Leon's got a little trick up his sleeve that'll wow, amaze, and frighten you' said Carlos mysteriously, eyes shining with devilment. He grinned wickedly at Leon who shuddered under his gaze. Leon gulped and looked at the group who were staring at him expectantly.
' Uh, pass the chicken please' he said feebly, lowering his head not daring to meet their gaze. Jill raised an eyebrow but handed the container to him. Leon felt their eyes on him, as he took a small portion. He cleared his throat.
' If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise' he choked out. The group frowned. Clearly nobody was buying it. Bec opened her mouth to retort, but Chris yelling stopped her.
' Enough goofing off, back to work' he yelled to the team. Claire picked up the wrappers and containers of their lunch dumped it in the garbage can.
The burnouts came back from burning out, with the bloodshot eyes to prove it. Dedicated workers sighed and shut down their computers. Homely types obediently rolled up their brown bags and put down their newspapers. The last slacker got down off the desk and sat behind it, awaiting instructions. Chris stood up and began the afternoon briefing.
' Bec and Carlos night shift today and Claire and Barry the early morning one. All out on the range, except for Claire and Leon who have to do an update on health insurance expenses for our unit' read out Chris, his jaw set at a thoughtful angle.
'Any questions?' he queried, leaning his back against his hard desk. A burn out raised his yellow tipped hand.
' Have the reports for the drug smuggling ring come in yet?' he asked, a slight quiver to his voice. The real question he was asking was: Have we been found out yet? Chris grimaced and rubbed the back of his head. He rubbed the space in between his eyes.
' Call me psychic but your number is on your registry form for a reason' he stated, glaring at the bedraggled STARs member, the burn out squirmed a little under Chris's gaze and scathing remark. He opened his mouth to answer back but shut it again quickly. Chris inwardly chuckled. The guy was positively guilty, judging from his reactions. No harm in making him squirm a little more.
' Meaning don't call us, we'll call you' chimed Chris, setting his jaw and narrowing his eyes. The burn out drew back a little and managed a jerky nod. Burnt Out. One of the homely group raised a manicured hand.
' Excuse me sir, but I need permission to do a forensic test on the O'Leary kid' asked a brown haired girl at the back of the room, plain brown eyes looking at him dolefully. Charlotte Morgan, one of Bec's researchers, Harvard Graduate. Charlotte's eyes grew wider and she looked up at him through her fringe. Chris groaned slightly, and managed an intelligible reply.
' Permission granted. All new findings must be recorded, with specific evidence for backing it up' he replied, trying to avoid those beseeching brown eyes, almost identical to the type Bec used to give him. The brown haired girl treated him to one of her sugar coated smiles, a strange contrast in her otherwise colourless face, eyes like diluted pools of black, skin ivory coloured and the dazzling smile standing out in stark contrast. Chris embarrassedly turned around.
' If that's all, please head to the shooting range' he ordered, his voice hoarse from talking so much. Jill and Carlos both left to collect the Berettas, Chris behind them muttering about technique. The rest of the team followed at their own pace. Homely Charlotte Morgan prudently tucking in her STARs t-shirt into her pressed combats and gathering up her well-organised files and then leaving to the morgue.
The burn outs trailed behind, yellow tipped fingers draped in pockets, eyes glazed and bloodshot, eager for a chance to slink out of duty.
The dedicated types, water bottle in hand, jogged to the range, faces shining with expectancy.
The last slacker slicked back their hair and walked at a leisurely pace to the range. Claire and Leon were alone.
Claire often enjoyed sharing a desk with Leon. Leon was as tidy as she was messy, which balanced everything out, Claire scattered the garbage, Leon swept it out. She had often studied his face while they were working. Stray bangs of light brown hair tumbling onto his brow, blue eyes fixed on his work. The way he pouted his lips when he was working, finely pouted as he scrutinised his own work. But now, he was just a pain in the ass. He was in the mood for play, and she wasn't. It was a relatively rare moment, which occurred rarely. Claire pulled open one of the drawers, rummaging amongst the piles of paper for her calculator. She was turning everything out, when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked up to see Leon gazing at her playfully.
' So Claire, want to have some fun?' he asked mischievously, brushing back a stray lock of hair from Claire's face. Claire quickly retied her ponytail before turning back to her drawer. Leon gave a low whistle and narrowed his eyes. Claire finally saw the gleaming metal case and pulled it out.
Piling all the papers back into the overflowing drawers, she turned to the expenses list and began to total them up. She was just entering in the last column when she felt Leon's hand glide to her thigh. This was Leon's trump card, and Claire fought back the urgency to mount him on the desk and to slap him hard. Claire unconcernedly removed Leon's hand from her thigh as if it was dead carp. Leon furrowed his brow in thought. He reached into his drawer for a feather, which they used during their infirmary romp abouts.
He glided down the edge of Claire's well-muscled thighs, tantalizingly moving it slowly up and down. He was about to move it down further when Claire swung her chair around and planted her hands either side of his thighs, and looked at him in the eyes, her nose brushing his slightly. Leon inwardly congratulated himself on getting the better of her. Claire flipped back her ponytail, playing with it slightly. She placed a soft hand on his.
' You know what I want, Kennedy?' asked Claire in a husky voice. Leon matched her seductive look with one of his own and leaned his face closer to hers.
' A cup of coffee. Expresso, nothing less' said Claire sweetly swinging her chair around and submerging herself in her work. Leon ran a hand thorough his hair and tried to think up a comeback. Claire sensed this and gave him such a sweet look that her couldn't resist. He relented and got up and left the room, delving his hands in his pockets for change. Just as his athletic figure had left the door, Claire let out a sigh.
It wasn't often she would turn down one of Leon's offers, but she couldn't if she had a guilty secret on her mind. Claire drummed her pencil on the table and waited for Leon to return. She was going to tell him. It was a big decision and would change their lives drastically.
Leon wandered over to the coffees machine and pulled out a pile of change from his pocket. He placed in the correct amount and punched in the numbers. He decided to get himself an expresso too. He sure needed one. He leaned his back against the wall and sighed. He had noticed a change had come over Claire in the past days. She would sit by the windowsill, and sigh. Her green orbs gazing out into the hillside, her finger tracing a pattern in the mist. Today confirmed his suspicions, and he didn't like it one bit. Claire never refused him, and during work hours was her speciality.
The added caution that they might be caught made her more rampant, and he had fond memories of the infirmary. He closed his eyes and blissfully remembered their first time. Claire looking at him innocently, kissing him tenderly her hands caressing him, sliding his body until she had caught hold of him. The moans had come strong and sudden and they'd had a passionate, wonderful night.
Leon forced his eyes open and grabbed the full cups of coffee. There was only one answer for her behaviour at the moment and he knew what it was. A weight of dread poured over him. He braced himself and stepped into the room.
Claire was trying to get the calculator to co-operate with her when Leon returned to the room, carrying two cups of hot coffee. He set one down in front of her and took his up, taking a sip and facing his computer. Claire slurped hers and turned to her computer and started typing up the figures. Suddenly a chat window popped up on her screen.
L_ Kennedy: Claire What's up?
'Damn this network' thought Claire angrily.
L_Kennedy: I said What's up?
C_Redfield: Nothings up, Leon.
L_Kennedy: Then why are you sighing and holding your head in your hands?
L_Kennedy: Claire you still there?
C_Redfield: If your asking why did I refuse you, it's because I don't want to be caught by Chris. Satisfied?
L_Kennedy: I figured that much out. But what's with the sighing?
C_Redfield: Leon, if you want to be here all night I suggest you work.
L_Kennedy: Ooh, a sleepover! We can do our hair and paint our nails!
C_Redfield: Work, Damn you
'L_Kennedy' has changed his name to ' Leon'
Leon: Would you feel more comfortable if I was addressed informally to you?
C_Redfield: Don't give a shit, just work.
Leon: What's up Claire?
C_Redfield: YOU are what's up, now get back to work.
Leon: I know that's not your problem
C_Redfield has logged off.
Leon, frustrated turned back to his work and began typing. He banged his fingers hard on the keyboard, taking his anger out. Claire was much the same, typing fast and only pausing to flick her hair out of her face. Claire turned away from her screen and sighed. Leon continued to type, pointedly ignoring her scowling at his computer screen. He looked up, when he felt Claire's soft hand on his shoulder. Her eyes were brimmed with tears, and her mouth was trembling. Wordlessly, Leon turned to face her, squeezing her hands, his face gentle.
' Leon, I've been feeling pretty bad lately' began Claire, her voice shaking slightly, staring at her hands, which were entwined in Leon's. Leon stroked her face and nodded.
' And I've kept it secret from you for a long time' stammered Claire. Tears were rolling down her finely crafted cheeks. They slid down over Leon's long fingers.
' Tell me Claire. I'm here for you. I always have been. And I always will' whispered Leon comfortingly. Claire gulped, her small lips quivering, preparing for what she was about to say.
'Leon, I'm' she began, but unable to finish, as the sobs shook her body, her head dropped to her hands. Leon at that precise moment felt his heart stop. Oh god, Claire was… what would they do about money? How would they cope so young? What would Chris say? Leon's breathing quickened, and he felt panic take over him. Claire continued to weep, her body racked with the sobs. She swallowed and looked up.
' Leon, I'm longing for a motorcycle' she finished.
Leon felt the urge to laugh loudly, but kept a straight face. He pulled Claire close to him.
' Claire, you had me worried' he said huskily, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Claire managed a small smile, and wiped her tear-streamed eyes.
' Leon, Motorcycling was a thing me and Steve both enjoyed. When I stopped I felt that a part of me had died. The part that was keeping Steve's memory alive. It made me depressed, and ill' said Claire shakily, looking up at Leon. ' I know we'll have to cut back on the things we like though to afford this'.
' Like what?' asked Leon, smiling down at her.
' We can't get that fancy quilted toilet paper you like, less of those fancy bagels. Plain ones are enough for me' quipped Claire beginning be herself.
' It'll be hard, but we'll manage' assured Leon, cradling her head. Claire sat back down and printed out the copy of the health expenses. Leon scooped them up and dropped them on Chris's desk. He looked at his watch. Almost time for them to be off duty. Claire's eyes were glowing with their familiar light. She beckoned Leon to sit next to her. She gripped his bicep.
' For not living up to my normal expectations today, I'll make up for it tonight' she said slyly, her lips almost on his. Leon responded by brushing his lips against hers, and slowly pushing his tongue into her mouth. Claire acted accordingly, and leant back along the desk. Claire pulled away and regarded Leon's face.
' Why wait until tonight?' she asked, kissing him again and pulling his legs around her. Leon Jumped back as the now familiar stab of pain surged up his groin.
' Maybe in a couple of day's time' he said breathlessly, hopping about as the pain escalated to new levels. Claire got up and chuckled at the sight of her boyfriend hopping around like a demented chicken.
' Any sooner, and Chris and the group would have come barging in' said Leon, in between grunts.
' Then we'll just have to wait for prom night' cooed Claire, gazing happily at the date marked on the calendar.
' Nice work team, improvement here has shown, but quick draw could be a little stronger' said Chris to the team who were grouped around the firing range. He checked his watch. ' Dismissed'.
A collective cheer went up from the group who departed in different ways.
A burn out, crept outside and lit a joint, whilst a dedicated type jogged back to the office to gather up necessary files for the next day. A brown haired homely type, walked out to the lot to head home and cook dinner. The slackers stayed grouped around the STARs captain, laughing and joking.
' Come on, Jillie, let's head home' said Chris giving Jill glance. Jill opened her mouth to retort, but shut it quickly and smiled. Jill and Chris giggled like schoolgirls and raced out to the lot, holding hands, twittering. They were in the car and out of the lot in 2 seconds flat. Bec dug her toes into the ground and let out a low whistle.
' Three guesses for what they're gonna be doing tonight' asked Bec, staring at the disappearing form of Chris's car.
' If I know Chris, it'll be dinner, movie then a great time' said Carlos, raising his eyebrows.
' But then again, if Jill has anything to do with this, then it'll be massage, walk and then the great time follows' said Barry, leaning back against the wall.
' Hey guys, what ya doing? Talking about my brother's undecidedly trashy love life?' shrieked the familiar voice. Claire stuck her head through the door, and walked in, holding hands with Leon.
' Damn, I wanted to catch him before he left' groaned Claire, looking around fro Chris.
' You could always phone him' reminded Leon.
' Better not, rookie, he and Jill practically ran out off here' said Carlos, with a slight edge to his voice. The realisation finally dawned on Leon and Claire. Ahhh.
' Well you guys will be the first to know that I'm' cried Claire, before Carlos and Barry both yelled and slapped Leon on the back, Bec enveloped Claire in a friendly hug.
' That I'm buying a motorcycle' finished Claire, an impish smile forming on her features. Carlos and Barry continued to yell and slap Leon on the back. Bec grinned and clapped Claire on the back.
' Of course I owe this to one very nice guy, who first introduced me to motorcycles' said Claire warmly, looking at Barry, who smiled.
' Come on, Claire, we better hit the supermarket' said Leon, tugging Claire's arm.
' Remember Leon, no fancy toilet paper, no fancy bagels' chanted Claire as Leon dragged her out of the room.
Bec arched her eyebrows, and Carlos brushed back his hair. It was Barry who broke the silence.
' You know for a minute I thought it was something else they were going to tell us' he said thoughtfully, rubbing the butte of his Colt Python.
' I think we all did' chimed Bec.
' I was thinking that Chris was gonna murder them both' cracked Carlos, laughing. Barry checked his watch and tapped his boot heel against the vinyl floor.
' Gotta run guys, Jenna has a Violin recital this evening' he said, before jogging out of the room.
Carlos turned to Bec who was looking at the floor, grey eyes, scanning the tiles, her medic vest hanging out of her combat pants. Her waistband was low on her small hips, and her green STARs vest clinging to her petit curves. Bec looked up at hi and gave him a shy smile from underneath her floppy bangs of red hair. Carlos noticed how her eyes glittered slighted from underneath their mist.
' Guess we're having a slumber party tonight' said Carlos, turning on his Spanish lilt, and giving Bec a look that made her blush. She put her hands to her cheeks to hide them.
' Yeah we braid each others hair and paint our nails' said Bec in a whimsical voice.
' And talk about our crushes' said Carlos, lowering his eyes conspiratorially. Together Bec, and Carlos head to the STARs office to begin they're night duty.
Chicky Sez: What do you think? Sorry it took so long to put this chapter up, but it's a really long one. Dance to follow soon!
If at first you don't succeed,
You can dust it off and try again,
Dust yourself off and Try again,
Try again….
Try Again, By Aliyah.
' Bec, why are you wearing so many layers? It's meant to be summer!' said Carlos, as he sat down next to he sat down next to her on the couch. After the bowling, both of them had decided to stop round Bec's house and have some coffee. It was well past midnight, and though they had a 5am start the next morning neither of them had even cast an eye to the clock on the mantle piece.
Bec was surprised to find talking to Carlos was so easy. He had always appeared to her as being a puffed up vanity case, always pining for some girl, and stocking up on playboy once a week. But the Carlos who was sitting next to her now, was a just a normal, sweet, funny guy. The hours ticked on, nearing 2am, the coffees on the small table were cold and the sun was beginning to rise. Bec suddenly noticed the time.
' Carlos! Look at the time! We're meant to be up at 5am!' she shrieked as the rays of sunlight, shone through the window, casting a marigold hue over Carlos's well crafted face.
' What better a time for me to do this, then' he said, leaning towards her, caressing her red hair, he slowly brushed his lips against hers, and Bec felt a shiver go down her spine. She began kissing him back, with more urgency, until she was lying on her back, and Carlos was on top, his hands travelling down her body. Bec felt like her lips were melting into his, until they were joined. She opened her eyes, only to come face to face with Wesker.
' Oh I am the lady-killer, aren't I Chambers?' he asked, before placing another brutal kiss on her lips, Bec tried to force him back, but his strength was greater then hers, and his poisonous lips continued to go over hers, until-
' ARRRRRRRRGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!' screamed Bec, opening her eyes quickly, and sweating heavily, her breathing fast. She lay still for a while, allowing herself to calm down and adjust her breathing. She was then faced with another dilemma: she had no idea where she was. She tried shifting into another position but felt a stab of pain travel up her back there was a strange weight bearing down on her chest, and she involuntarily struggled, thinking that it was the disgusting apparition that was Wesker.
She somehow managed stand up and turn the light on. The light bulb flickered, and came on, shedding light on the situation. Bec's eyes adjusted to the light, and what she saw made Bec chuckle. She had rolled off the bed, pulling down her huge teddy bear down on top of her, which had simulated 'Wesker'. Still Bec toiled to the bathroom, brushed her teeth 4 times, gargled 6 times and flossed, to rid the memory of Wesker kissing her. She peered at the clock, which read 4am. It was time to get up and get ready for training today. Sliding out of her clothes and stepping into the shower, she began her morning rituals.
Carlos leapt from his bed as soon as the alarm clock went off. Quickly straightening the sheets, whilst whistling, he walked to the window, and opened it gently, letting the fresh air into his room. He cast a look at himself in the mirror, his eyes bright, cheeks flushed. It was a big change from the morning before, and he knew the reason why. He had had a steamy dream about Bec. She had been at the dance, and was slow dancing with him, to a slow ballad, and at the end, he had kissed her, his dam of love bursting. Carlos grinned, and walked into the bathroom, his mind full of Bec: her soft grey eyes, her vibrant red hair and girlish figure. He had never really noticed her before, having been deeply infatuated with the goddess he knew as Jill, but he had discovered her yesterday. Their comfortable talk turning to intimate, when she had told him how she felt. Carlos, set the shower, and shrugged himself out of his clothes. Yes, things were definitely looking up.
Jill stepped out of the shower and towelled off. The smell of bacon and eggs was floating up from downstairs, indicating that Chris had started breakfast. Jill wound her hair up in the towel, and got dressed. She removed the towel from her head and combed her red hair, just as she was finishing, there was a shout from downstairs.
' Jill! Breakfast!' shouted Chris from the bottom of the stairs. Jill hitched up her combats, and ran downstairs. Chris was dishing up the breakfast, his brow furrowed in concentration, jaw set at an angle. Jill rummaged in the Starbuck's carrier bag, and fished out a vanilla cappuccino. Whilst sipping the hot drink, Chris briefed her on the schedule for today.
' I was thinking you could take physical training and I'll take the shooting range' he said, loading up Jill's plate with bacon, eggs and toast. Jill curled her lip in distaste at the oily mass on her plate, but dug in all the same.
' Even though with my Abs of Steel I could easily take physical training' said Chris striking a muscle pose. Jill cocked up and eyebrow.
' More like Abs of mush' she said cheekily, her eyes wide as she chewed busily on her fried egg. Chris reached out of the window and plucked out a red rose, and handed it to her. Jill's cheeks redden as she accepts the flower.
'Oh Redfield, flattery won't get you anywhere' she said, stroking the soft petals.
' Jillian watch it, your cheeks are going as red as the rose' quipped Chris, grinning at her before delving into his breakfast.
' Ok, they ARE Abs of Mush. But then again, their my Abs of Mush' she said, taking a slurp out of Vanilla Cappuccino and picking up the newspaper. ' But then again it is hard to take you seriously when you're wearing that flowery apron'. Chris quickly stood up and removed it quickly.
' I know. Flower patterns are just sooo yesterday' he said as he sat down at the table.
' Too true, I mean polka dotted would suit you more' said Jill, laughing slightly. Both turn to their breakfasts, Chris eating efficiently thinking of the training course and weighing up the merits of the recruits, Jill picked at her food and glanced intermittently at the newspaper. There was the quiet clink of cutlery and the wind blowing outside, when Jill let out a snort of laughter. Chris looked up perplexedly and gave Jill his shut-up-your-interrupting-my-work look, his face screwed up into an adorable frown. Jill twittered and looked up at Chris who gave her a strange look.
' Chris I was just laughing at this article. Apparently this man rang up the RPD scared
that he had broken a law' she said, trying to keep a straight face.
' And?' asked Chris in a bored voice, his lips puckered up.
' The law was ' He had had sex with a live fish and he was under 16' cackled Jill.
Chris's eyebrows rose higher and his lips puckered even more, as his jaw set at an angle.
' Personally, the thought of that man having sex with a live fish makes me so scared that I could defeat three tyrants and face Leon when he's drunk, besides, is that actually a law?' he stated, his face getting even more taunt.
' It IS a law, Chris. But a pretty dang dumb one' chuckled Jill, brushing back her hair.
Chris's face remained poker straight.
' Ain't you gonna smile at all? Your face looks like a slapped fish' said Jill tersely, scowling at the snub. Chris finally broke into a smile and responded quickly.
' I guess Leon's out of his favourite past time then' he said, chuckling.
' Much better, Redfield' she said approvingly, standing up and taking hers and Chris's plate to the sink, Chris searched for the car keys and pulled on his old leather jacket.
Jill stacked the clean plates, and pulled on her tight denim jacket, she glance at the clock, it was only 4:20 am. She flopped onto the chair opposite Chris and studied her nails; she looked up to find Chris staring at her.
' What?' she asked, with a flicker of annoyance.
' Just that you look foxy in your tight uniform' he responded with giving her a Redfield Stare that made her heart melt.
' Hey remember the time I had spent the night round your house? And in the morning when we got changed for work, I accidentally put on your jeans?' she giggled.
' Boy do I. We were doing physical training and I bent over and they ripped, revealing my far from fetching boxer shorts' chuckled Chris.
' Well apart from the fact that you were the laughing stock of the RPD for days, some people enjoyed that view' said Jill coyly, looking at her feet.
' Oh yeah?' asked Chris, touching one of her hands and giving her the puppy dog look that made her heart melt.
' I was talking about Bec. You ripped my favourite pair of Pepe jeans' retorted Jill, trying to hide her red cheeks. Chris looked her disbelievingly and shrugged.
' But what can be more funny when you stood up to give your speech on the rising numbers in vandalism, and your jeans fell down?' asked Chris.
' Yeah and I just so happened on that day to be wearing my most sauciest pair of underwear' groaned Jill, head in hands.
' All in all, it was a pleasing day for both of us' quipped Chris, succeeding in getting his arms around her.
' Jill your way too good for me, way too good' he said tenderly, stroking her cheeks.
' I know' replied the ever-humble Jill, kissing his cheek and standing up.
' Leon hurry up!' screamed Claire from the bottom of the stairs. Leon Kennedy slowly hobbled down the stairs pulling his STARs shirt over his head.
' Come on, we'll be late for the training session' screeched Claire, pulling Leon to the car.
' Claire did it ever strike you that, I might be a little sore from yesterday?' asked Leon, as he slid into the front seat, belting himself in. He grimaced when Claire revved up the engine, and threw the car into reverse.
It lurched back and she rocketed out of the driveway and onto the road, Claire bore a startling resemblance to a rally driver, as she pumped the gears. Leon locked his fingers around the edge of the seat and held on desperately, as Claire took the corners suddenly. A car hooted at them, as Claire proceeded to take the corners without using her indicators.
' Claire how did you get your licence? Did you like, drug the instructor or something' said Leon, righting himself as he was jerked from his seat.
' Oh I passed it right enough' replied Claire, as they stopped at a red light, whilst she quickly checked her hair in the mirror. ' What I don't get Kennedy is how you became such a good actor'.
' Actor?' asked Leon, clear blue eyes nonplussed.
' Yesterday in the mall, you sounded too good!' cackled Claire as she turned up the radio, experiencing yet again, the Wait and Bleed experience.
' Well my dear Claire, I just imagined what it felt like when you seduced me wearing nothing but Victoria's Secret and the added caution that if we were caught only added more to my passion' said Leon, winking at Claire who turned up the music, till Leon's head started to spin.
' Well that wasn't as good as the real thing though' said Claire devilishly, narrowing her eyes down to slits.
' Sorry, but your gonna have to wait for about week' grimaced Leon, as he carefully rearranged his legs, wincing as a stab pain gripped him.
' Hmm. To think we went through all that crap and Carlos and Bec end up doing it for themselves' groaned Claire as her sore foot pumped on the accelerator. They finally arrived at the RPD quickly parked the car, or as Leon would have put it, crashed the car and then ran straight to the STARs office.
Leon's heart skipped as he neared the door, hearing Chris's deep voice giving out a briefing for the work this morning. Claire threw open the door and they hurtled to their seats, panting. At their sudden entrance Chris had raised his eyebrows, but continued to speak.
' First we're doing physical training in preparation for the fitness test next week' said Chris, in his deep calm tones. At the mention of the dreaded fitness test, there was a barrage of groans. Chris smirked slightly; he got a real kick out of seeing the team squirm. Ahh, the privileges of being a captain, those backbreaking years at the USAF finally pay off. Plus, he got to see Jill all hot and sweaty in her tight uniform, which was an added bonus. Leon Kennedy asking him a question brought Chris back to reality.
' Uh, Captain? I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to participate in physical training today…' croaked Leon, as the team stared at him curiously.
' Leon, stay here and finish those reports on the Smyth Case. I want the reports on my desk by lunchtime' answered Chris, unconcernedly rifling through his papers. Claire quickly raised a gloved hand. Chris called upon her.
' Captain, I feel that I may not be able to participate either' she stuttered as the team turned their gaze to her.
' The guns need a deep clean out, and a polish up' answered Chris, deliberately setting her job, which would not leave her and Leon alone together. He was still under the deep shock at finding out what the stains on the infirmary sheets were.
' Physical training carries on till lunch, when after a short break, it's shooting practise. Standard Berettas to be used, nothing heavy duty, please' said Chris.
He cast a look to the breathless pair at the back of the room. ' OK all out onto the training course'. He left the room and headed to the lockers to change into his training gear. The other members of the team followed, chatting, bustling and boasting about how lucky they'd got that weekend. Leon turned on his laptop and laboriously started typing up the report; periodically stopping to sip out of the coffee Claire had just brought him. It was nowhere as good as Starbuck's, but at least it was hot. He took a final sip and resumed his typing.
Claire grimaced. Her foot was killing her. She limped to the weapon's room and leaned against the wall, beads of perspiration pouring down her brow, her chest heaving slightly. A rookie cop sauntered past her, all big muscles, small mind. He stopped and gave her what passed as his most seductive smile, but bore an uncanny resemblance to a tiger, grinning at it's prey. Charming. He passed by her, just brushing against her, a little too close. Claire stumbled a little trying to keep her balance, but with no avail. She fell heavily to the floor, landing hard on her rear end. The cop carried on walking past her, only alerted by Claire's animal like grunt.
He turned around to see her sprawled out on the floor, and with many apologies and 'casual' dusting offs, he helped her up and disappeared around the corner. Jerk.
Claire pulled her ring of keys out and unlocked the weapon's room. She stepped in inhaling, the musty air of the room. She pulled down the Berettas that would be used today, and began cleaning out the barrels. She worked hard on the inside of it, dabbing the cloth with more cleaner and scrubbing hard at the shards of bullets left inside. She put down the gun, and picked up a soft cloth to polish the outside, when she felt a stab of pain in her stomach. She stood up carefully, and started to polish to the gun, but within seconds she had doubled over and blacked out on the floor, her head spinning and her vision blurred, the contents of the room seeming to spin, Claire shuddered and dropped her head back.
' Run! Run! Run!' shouted Jill, as she and the rest of the team pounded along the trail. Bec sighed and tried to keep up with the team, as they ran along the endless training course. They rounded a corner and thrashed through a muddy pit. Bec fought her way through as the mud clung to her legs, acting like suction cups.
She stopped briefly and caught her breath and then continued to toil along the merciless path. Jill was up front, leading the team, looking cool and beautiful in a natural way, her head held up, blue eyes scanning the horizon as she led the team on a new path. Chris was next to her, jogging lightly, taking it all in his stride.
Barry was just behind them, his powerful legs propelling him forward, as they ran up a hillside. Carlos was on Jill's tail; sweat pouring off his finely chiselled face, his face slightly red under his shiny skin. Bec's eyes travelled along his energetic form, taking in the broad chest, defined biceps, tapering down to a well-formed torso, which was attached to an equally hunky pair of strong legs, that were thundering along a beaten path. Her eyes rested on his rear end, which was covered in a tight pair of combats. She envisioned taking off those combats, Carlos taking off hers as they delved into passion, her mounted on a tabletop… Bec gulped and tried to recollect her thoughts but she couldn't keep her eyes off his… Bec's legs suddenly disappeared from under her; the ground rose to meet her and the taste of mud was in her mouth.
A small trickle of blood ran down the side of her face. The team ran on without her, Bec flailed her legs quickly and dragged herself up, she sprinted and caught up with the team, who had fortunately not noticed the embarrassing display of her ogling Carlos's divine ass, then tripping over a rock and falling face first in a pile of mud. Jill ran on like a woman possessed, leading them through an oak grove, doubling back and up again. Bec swiped at the small trickle of blood down her face, and grimaced as the sweat poured down her face. Jill swerved and took them round a corner, where before them lay a sea of mud and a treacherous path. This was going to be a long run.
Barry breathed deeply and threw his chest forward, stretching out his neck and propelling his fast legs. He kept his eyes on Jill, who was directing them through the cross-country course. Jill suddenly dodged a small boulder lying in the path and led them across a hill ridge. Jill's dodges were always abrupt and somewhat dramatic from earlier life experiences. From having to dodge from a blow that could easily pound your head, a blow that could easily take your life. Jill dropped to a jog and brushed a bang of red hair from her eyes. Chris was jogging beside him, looking youthful and boyish in a pair of baggy workout shorts, spiky hair slick with sweat. Carlos was trotting behind Jill, bearing a starling resemblance to a dog at its master's heels. Carlos pumped his arms along in time with his legs, eyes fixed on the ground below, watching for precipes in the path. Bec trailed behind them, cheeks red with exertion and legs mud caked. Barry managed a slight chuckle in between his heaving breathing. Out of the corner of his eye he had seen Bec loping behind them, her eyes fixed on Carlos's rear end that was a hit with all the women. However due to her close examination of Carlos from behind, she had not concentrated on the craggy path and had fallen head over heels in a particularly deep pile of mud.
Nobody had seemed to notice though, except Barry who had been mudded from her fall. This had confirmed every thought he had had in his mind. Barry took another deep breath and threw his chest forward.
Claire sat up and rubbed her head. There was a small bump forming on her forehead. She groggily pulled herself up into sitting position and groaned. Claire rubbed her eyes and stood up, dusting herself down. It was the 2nd time this week she had fainted. She lumbered over to the dingy mirror and looked at herself. Her skin was pale under the deep tan, and her eyes seemed sunken.
Claire splashed water on her face from the pump and set back to work. Her stomach felt a little heavy and she had put on a little weight. A wave of nausea washed over her and she sprinted to the bathroom and vomited more than she had when she had smelt the rancid stench of a zombie. She freshened herself up a little and went back to the weapon's room managed to struggle through the cleaning.
The clock showed it was lunchtime so she trudged back to the office, where everyone was already, sitting on desks and chatting. The homely types were reading the newspaper and eating there homely brown-bagged lunches at the back of the room. The dedicated types were working through their lunch break, finishing reports and completing files, only pausing to drink from their water bottles. The burnouts were stuffing their pockets with crack. The slackers were at the front of the room, feasting on a Chinese take away, laughing and joking, and generally slacking off. Claire went and joined the slackers.
She slid into her normal place, Chris's desk and tried to blend in with the background. Carlos was turning on the good' ole Spanish charm on Bec, who was lapping it up. Jill was scrutinising a lady in a magazine, who was modelling a leather bikini. Leon was joking around and shovelling noodles into his trap, bangs of brown hair flapping around, his face boyish. Chris was sitting at his desk pretending he was above all this, but secretly giving in. The burnouts sauntered out of the room, well, to burn out. Just a normal day at the RPD.
' Those can't be real' commented Jill, looking at the lady. Carlos peeked over her shoulder and grinned.
' Well compared to yours, senorita, they MUST be fake' joked Carlos, nudging Jill.
Bec leaned over and took a look too. Her small nose wrinkled up in distaste.
' I could easily by a chest like that at my friendly local plastic surgeon's' she quipped, scooping a spoonful of noodles into her mouth and chewing busily.
' Please don't. Fakes are so gross' pleaded Jill, turning the page. Claire let out a low groan. The air was really getting to her, the smell of Chinese, barrel cleaner and something that she couldn't quite place. She wandered over to the window and thrust it open, letting in a blast of fresh air. The leaned her head out and took gulps of air, clearing her lungs. She couldn't figure out why she was feeling so ill, though the answer was nagging her at the back of her head. She turned back to the group who were discussing the dance, which was rapidly approaching.
' Leon's got a little trick up his sleeve that'll wow, amaze, and frighten you' said Carlos mysteriously, eyes shining with devilment. He grinned wickedly at Leon who shuddered under his gaze. Leon gulped and looked at the group who were staring at him expectantly.
' Uh, pass the chicken please' he said feebly, lowering his head not daring to meet their gaze. Jill raised an eyebrow but handed the container to him. Leon felt their eyes on him, as he took a small portion. He cleared his throat.
' If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise' he choked out. The group frowned. Clearly nobody was buying it. Bec opened her mouth to retort, but Chris yelling stopped her.
' Enough goofing off, back to work' he yelled to the team. Claire picked up the wrappers and containers of their lunch dumped it in the garbage can.
The burnouts came back from burning out, with the bloodshot eyes to prove it. Dedicated workers sighed and shut down their computers. Homely types obediently rolled up their brown bags and put down their newspapers. The last slacker got down off the desk and sat behind it, awaiting instructions. Chris stood up and began the afternoon briefing.
' Bec and Carlos night shift today and Claire and Barry the early morning one. All out on the range, except for Claire and Leon who have to do an update on health insurance expenses for our unit' read out Chris, his jaw set at a thoughtful angle.
'Any questions?' he queried, leaning his back against his hard desk. A burn out raised his yellow tipped hand.
' Have the reports for the drug smuggling ring come in yet?' he asked, a slight quiver to his voice. The real question he was asking was: Have we been found out yet? Chris grimaced and rubbed the back of his head. He rubbed the space in between his eyes.
' Call me psychic but your number is on your registry form for a reason' he stated, glaring at the bedraggled STARs member, the burn out squirmed a little under Chris's gaze and scathing remark. He opened his mouth to answer back but shut it again quickly. Chris inwardly chuckled. The guy was positively guilty, judging from his reactions. No harm in making him squirm a little more.
' Meaning don't call us, we'll call you' chimed Chris, setting his jaw and narrowing his eyes. The burn out drew back a little and managed a jerky nod. Burnt Out. One of the homely group raised a manicured hand.
' Excuse me sir, but I need permission to do a forensic test on the O'Leary kid' asked a brown haired girl at the back of the room, plain brown eyes looking at him dolefully. Charlotte Morgan, one of Bec's researchers, Harvard Graduate. Charlotte's eyes grew wider and she looked up at him through her fringe. Chris groaned slightly, and managed an intelligible reply.
' Permission granted. All new findings must be recorded, with specific evidence for backing it up' he replied, trying to avoid those beseeching brown eyes, almost identical to the type Bec used to give him. The brown haired girl treated him to one of her sugar coated smiles, a strange contrast in her otherwise colourless face, eyes like diluted pools of black, skin ivory coloured and the dazzling smile standing out in stark contrast. Chris embarrassedly turned around.
' If that's all, please head to the shooting range' he ordered, his voice hoarse from talking so much. Jill and Carlos both left to collect the Berettas, Chris behind them muttering about technique. The rest of the team followed at their own pace. Homely Charlotte Morgan prudently tucking in her STARs t-shirt into her pressed combats and gathering up her well-organised files and then leaving to the morgue.
The burn outs trailed behind, yellow tipped fingers draped in pockets, eyes glazed and bloodshot, eager for a chance to slink out of duty.
The dedicated types, water bottle in hand, jogged to the range, faces shining with expectancy.
The last slacker slicked back their hair and walked at a leisurely pace to the range. Claire and Leon were alone.
Claire often enjoyed sharing a desk with Leon. Leon was as tidy as she was messy, which balanced everything out, Claire scattered the garbage, Leon swept it out. She had often studied his face while they were working. Stray bangs of light brown hair tumbling onto his brow, blue eyes fixed on his work. The way he pouted his lips when he was working, finely pouted as he scrutinised his own work. But now, he was just a pain in the ass. He was in the mood for play, and she wasn't. It was a relatively rare moment, which occurred rarely. Claire pulled open one of the drawers, rummaging amongst the piles of paper for her calculator. She was turning everything out, when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked up to see Leon gazing at her playfully.
' So Claire, want to have some fun?' he asked mischievously, brushing back a stray lock of hair from Claire's face. Claire quickly retied her ponytail before turning back to her drawer. Leon gave a low whistle and narrowed his eyes. Claire finally saw the gleaming metal case and pulled it out.
Piling all the papers back into the overflowing drawers, she turned to the expenses list and began to total them up. She was just entering in the last column when she felt Leon's hand glide to her thigh. This was Leon's trump card, and Claire fought back the urgency to mount him on the desk and to slap him hard. Claire unconcernedly removed Leon's hand from her thigh as if it was dead carp. Leon furrowed his brow in thought. He reached into his drawer for a feather, which they used during their infirmary romp abouts.
He glided down the edge of Claire's well-muscled thighs, tantalizingly moving it slowly up and down. He was about to move it down further when Claire swung her chair around and planted her hands either side of his thighs, and looked at him in the eyes, her nose brushing his slightly. Leon inwardly congratulated himself on getting the better of her. Claire flipped back her ponytail, playing with it slightly. She placed a soft hand on his.
' You know what I want, Kennedy?' asked Claire in a husky voice. Leon matched her seductive look with one of his own and leaned his face closer to hers.
' A cup of coffee. Expresso, nothing less' said Claire sweetly swinging her chair around and submerging herself in her work. Leon ran a hand thorough his hair and tried to think up a comeback. Claire sensed this and gave him such a sweet look that her couldn't resist. He relented and got up and left the room, delving his hands in his pockets for change. Just as his athletic figure had left the door, Claire let out a sigh.
It wasn't often she would turn down one of Leon's offers, but she couldn't if she had a guilty secret on her mind. Claire drummed her pencil on the table and waited for Leon to return. She was going to tell him. It was a big decision and would change their lives drastically.
Leon wandered over to the coffees machine and pulled out a pile of change from his pocket. He placed in the correct amount and punched in the numbers. He decided to get himself an expresso too. He sure needed one. He leaned his back against the wall and sighed. He had noticed a change had come over Claire in the past days. She would sit by the windowsill, and sigh. Her green orbs gazing out into the hillside, her finger tracing a pattern in the mist. Today confirmed his suspicions, and he didn't like it one bit. Claire never refused him, and during work hours was her speciality.
The added caution that they might be caught made her more rampant, and he had fond memories of the infirmary. He closed his eyes and blissfully remembered their first time. Claire looking at him innocently, kissing him tenderly her hands caressing him, sliding his body until she had caught hold of him. The moans had come strong and sudden and they'd had a passionate, wonderful night.
Leon forced his eyes open and grabbed the full cups of coffee. There was only one answer for her behaviour at the moment and he knew what it was. A weight of dread poured over him. He braced himself and stepped into the room.
Claire was trying to get the calculator to co-operate with her when Leon returned to the room, carrying two cups of hot coffee. He set one down in front of her and took his up, taking a sip and facing his computer. Claire slurped hers and turned to her computer and started typing up the figures. Suddenly a chat window popped up on her screen.
L_ Kennedy: Claire What's up?
'Damn this network' thought Claire angrily.
L_Kennedy: I said What's up?
C_Redfield: Nothings up, Leon.
L_Kennedy: Then why are you sighing and holding your head in your hands?
L_Kennedy: Claire you still there?
C_Redfield: If your asking why did I refuse you, it's because I don't want to be caught by Chris. Satisfied?
L_Kennedy: I figured that much out. But what's with the sighing?
C_Redfield: Leon, if you want to be here all night I suggest you work.
L_Kennedy: Ooh, a sleepover! We can do our hair and paint our nails!
C_Redfield: Work, Damn you
'L_Kennedy' has changed his name to ' Leon'
Leon: Would you feel more comfortable if I was addressed informally to you?
C_Redfield: Don't give a shit, just work.
Leon: What's up Claire?
C_Redfield: YOU are what's up, now get back to work.
Leon: I know that's not your problem
C_Redfield has logged off.
Leon, frustrated turned back to his work and began typing. He banged his fingers hard on the keyboard, taking his anger out. Claire was much the same, typing fast and only pausing to flick her hair out of her face. Claire turned away from her screen and sighed. Leon continued to type, pointedly ignoring her scowling at his computer screen. He looked up, when he felt Claire's soft hand on his shoulder. Her eyes were brimmed with tears, and her mouth was trembling. Wordlessly, Leon turned to face her, squeezing her hands, his face gentle.
' Leon, I've been feeling pretty bad lately' began Claire, her voice shaking slightly, staring at her hands, which were entwined in Leon's. Leon stroked her face and nodded.
' And I've kept it secret from you for a long time' stammered Claire. Tears were rolling down her finely crafted cheeks. They slid down over Leon's long fingers.
' Tell me Claire. I'm here for you. I always have been. And I always will' whispered Leon comfortingly. Claire gulped, her small lips quivering, preparing for what she was about to say.
'Leon, I'm' she began, but unable to finish, as the sobs shook her body, her head dropped to her hands. Leon at that precise moment felt his heart stop. Oh god, Claire was… what would they do about money? How would they cope so young? What would Chris say? Leon's breathing quickened, and he felt panic take over him. Claire continued to weep, her body racked with the sobs. She swallowed and looked up.
' Leon, I'm longing for a motorcycle' she finished.
Leon felt the urge to laugh loudly, but kept a straight face. He pulled Claire close to him.
' Claire, you had me worried' he said huskily, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Claire managed a small smile, and wiped her tear-streamed eyes.
' Leon, Motorcycling was a thing me and Steve both enjoyed. When I stopped I felt that a part of me had died. The part that was keeping Steve's memory alive. It made me depressed, and ill' said Claire shakily, looking up at Leon. ' I know we'll have to cut back on the things we like though to afford this'.
' Like what?' asked Leon, smiling down at her.
' We can't get that fancy quilted toilet paper you like, less of those fancy bagels. Plain ones are enough for me' quipped Claire beginning be herself.
' It'll be hard, but we'll manage' assured Leon, cradling her head. Claire sat back down and printed out the copy of the health expenses. Leon scooped them up and dropped them on Chris's desk. He looked at his watch. Almost time for them to be off duty. Claire's eyes were glowing with their familiar light. She beckoned Leon to sit next to her. She gripped his bicep.
' For not living up to my normal expectations today, I'll make up for it tonight' she said slyly, her lips almost on his. Leon responded by brushing his lips against hers, and slowly pushing his tongue into her mouth. Claire acted accordingly, and leant back along the desk. Claire pulled away and regarded Leon's face.
' Why wait until tonight?' she asked, kissing him again and pulling his legs around her. Leon Jumped back as the now familiar stab of pain surged up his groin.
' Maybe in a couple of day's time' he said breathlessly, hopping about as the pain escalated to new levels. Claire got up and chuckled at the sight of her boyfriend hopping around like a demented chicken.
' Any sooner, and Chris and the group would have come barging in' said Leon, in between grunts.
' Then we'll just have to wait for prom night' cooed Claire, gazing happily at the date marked on the calendar.
' Nice work team, improvement here has shown, but quick draw could be a little stronger' said Chris to the team who were grouped around the firing range. He checked his watch. ' Dismissed'.
A collective cheer went up from the group who departed in different ways.
A burn out, crept outside and lit a joint, whilst a dedicated type jogged back to the office to gather up necessary files for the next day. A brown haired homely type, walked out to the lot to head home and cook dinner. The slackers stayed grouped around the STARs captain, laughing and joking.
' Come on, Jillie, let's head home' said Chris giving Jill glance. Jill opened her mouth to retort, but shut it quickly and smiled. Jill and Chris giggled like schoolgirls and raced out to the lot, holding hands, twittering. They were in the car and out of the lot in 2 seconds flat. Bec dug her toes into the ground and let out a low whistle.
' Three guesses for what they're gonna be doing tonight' asked Bec, staring at the disappearing form of Chris's car.
' If I know Chris, it'll be dinner, movie then a great time' said Carlos, raising his eyebrows.
' But then again, if Jill has anything to do with this, then it'll be massage, walk and then the great time follows' said Barry, leaning back against the wall.
' Hey guys, what ya doing? Talking about my brother's undecidedly trashy love life?' shrieked the familiar voice. Claire stuck her head through the door, and walked in, holding hands with Leon.
' Damn, I wanted to catch him before he left' groaned Claire, looking around fro Chris.
' You could always phone him' reminded Leon.
' Better not, rookie, he and Jill practically ran out off here' said Carlos, with a slight edge to his voice. The realisation finally dawned on Leon and Claire. Ahhh.
' Well you guys will be the first to know that I'm' cried Claire, before Carlos and Barry both yelled and slapped Leon on the back, Bec enveloped Claire in a friendly hug.
' That I'm buying a motorcycle' finished Claire, an impish smile forming on her features. Carlos and Barry continued to yell and slap Leon on the back. Bec grinned and clapped Claire on the back.
' Of course I owe this to one very nice guy, who first introduced me to motorcycles' said Claire warmly, looking at Barry, who smiled.
' Come on, Claire, we better hit the supermarket' said Leon, tugging Claire's arm.
' Remember Leon, no fancy toilet paper, no fancy bagels' chanted Claire as Leon dragged her out of the room.
Bec arched her eyebrows, and Carlos brushed back his hair. It was Barry who broke the silence.
' You know for a minute I thought it was something else they were going to tell us' he said thoughtfully, rubbing the butte of his Colt Python.
' I think we all did' chimed Bec.
' I was thinking that Chris was gonna murder them both' cracked Carlos, laughing. Barry checked his watch and tapped his boot heel against the vinyl floor.
' Gotta run guys, Jenna has a Violin recital this evening' he said, before jogging out of the room.
Carlos turned to Bec who was looking at the floor, grey eyes, scanning the tiles, her medic vest hanging out of her combat pants. Her waistband was low on her small hips, and her green STARs vest clinging to her petit curves. Bec looked up at hi and gave him a shy smile from underneath her floppy bangs of red hair. Carlos noticed how her eyes glittered slighted from underneath their mist.
' Guess we're having a slumber party tonight' said Carlos, turning on his Spanish lilt, and giving Bec a look that made her blush. She put her hands to her cheeks to hide them.
' Yeah we braid each others hair and paint our nails' said Bec in a whimsical voice.
' And talk about our crushes' said Carlos, lowering his eyes conspiratorially. Together Bec, and Carlos head to the STARs office to begin they're night duty.
Chicky Sez: What do you think? Sorry it took so long to put this chapter up, but it's a really long one. Dance to follow soon!