AN: My usual thanks to, lioness78. She gives the best rewards for my diligence. Also, check out, Shakahnna. Her story is the bomb, too. Hugs to all but luv reserved. 8-}

Gunn and Barry both sat in anticipation. Had their plan worked? Was Wesker dead? If not, what had went wrong? They also had to worry that someone else had been hurt. Little did they know what was going to happen to them in the near future.

Terrell was a very unhappy man as he slammed into the hotel suite. Everyone was awake and even Demetrius flinched as the door met its frame. None of them had the gall to ask why he was so upset. Brian had a pretty good idea. He shook his head as Patrick looked his way. "Don't, Doc."

"What's going on?" Demetrius demanded.

Brian started to argue but shook his head. "Terrell has feelings for Athena," Brian informed them softly. They looked at him in shock.

"Y' mus' be jokin'!" Elizabeth could not believe him.

"No, I'm not. She knows, too, but she acts like she doesn't." Brian sighed and sat down. He looked at their faces. Patrick was the only one older than him besides Gunn. He felt old all of a sudden. He was seven and a half years older than Demetrius, who was next in line. "Let it go for now. Athena wants to take care of it herself, as usual." Reluctantly, they nodded. Brian doubted Isaiah even heard a word of what had been said.

Wesker pulled up in front of Rebecca's. She had been very quiet on the way there. He glanced over before getting out and going to her side. She had her eyes closed, breathing evenly. She was fighting pain. He doubled his efforts to get her inside and comfortable without hurting her more. She moaned as he jostled her up into his arms.

"Shhhhh. I'll take care of you. Just hold on." He rushed her inside and to her bathroom. He placed her on the toilet, after knocking the lid down. Gently, he pulled her shoe off and began to shove her pants leg up. He had to tighten her grip as she jerked her leg away. He glanced up to notice a faint blush to her cheeks but knew not why. He threw his sunglasses on the sink so he could see clearly. He wanted nothing to cloud his vision. Then, he pushed the material up and out of the way. He saw what he figured she had not wanted him to. She had not shaved in a few days and, like most women, felt self-conscious about that fact. He ignored the silly behavior and focused on the wounds. The punctures were small considering how large they could have been. Luckily, the trap had been somewhat dull and small toothed. Nothing that could have ever held him. Thankfully, Rebecca's jeans were sturdy, well made and her ankle small.

"Your lucky. This could have been much worse. I'll clean and bandage it for you then see to your fingers."

Rebecca bit her lip and nodded. Wesker sat her foot down causing her to look up. He could see unshed tears. He quickly began shuffling around to find antiseptic, first aid sprays, and bandages. Once he was done finding everything he needed, he sat down on the edge of the bathtub. He pulled her leg up to rest across his knees so he could better see her ankle. Despite his above human vision, he wanted to make sure he missed nothing and did the best he could. She clinched her jaw closed as he cleaned the wounds then sprayed them with a first aid spray. She whimpered slightly making him raise his eyes, which meant hers.

Wesker felt his heart, something he had thought long ago dead, clinch yet again. The pain there, in her eyes, tore at him. He knew he would do absolutely anything to remove and prevent that pain. In that moment, what he had suspected since seeing her in the trap by the bomb hit him clearly. He knew, without doubt, that for the second time in his life, he was in love with someone.

Pulling his gaze away, Wesker began bandaging her ankle. Once finished, he moved on to her fingers. He chuckled at her response to the antiseptic, which she made not two seconds after he started administering the solution. "Ow! Owww, oww, oowwww!"

Wesker rolled his eyes. "All the pain you've been in and you wait until now to complain?" He would never understand people.

"It burns!" She reasoned loudly. He grunted and brought her fingers near his mouth. Blowing softly, he tried to sooth the burning sensation she felt. During the time he was doing this, Billy walked in having heard Rebecca's outbursts. He irritably eyed Wesker's purchase on Rebecca's hand and the fact that he was blowing on her fingers.

"What's going of?" He stepped farther into the room. He looked Rebecca over then glared at Wesker, faltering only a second at discovering why the man wore sunglasses. He turned his back to Wesker as best he could. "Are you alright, Rebecca? Do you need me to do anything for you?" She flushed slightly not being used to the attention, especially not from men. "What did you do to her?" Billy demanded from Wesker.

"I…" Wesker started.

"He is helping me," Rebecca jumped in and defended. "This is my fault, not his. Leave him alone!" She scowled up at Billy, who looked startled by the vehement defense.

Wesker eyed Billy as the other man again eyed Rebecca's hand that he still held before huffing and turning from the room. Then, his gaze fell on Rebecca. He sighed as he fought to keep from yelling at her. "Miss Chambers… Rebecca," he said in a frustrated tone. She looked back in question. "Don't interrupt me with I'm speaking, please." The please was forced. "And, I do not need you to defend me, especially when I am accused of something of which I am not at fault. Speaking of which," his eyes hardened slightly, "whatever were you thinking wondering around like that! I don't need protection either." I don't need you getting hurt or killed, especially for me.

Rebecca's own eyes hardened. "I will try to protect anyone I care about, especially anyone I am real close to like you. To the grave if I must. You can't stop me."

She cares about me? But… How much? Wesker was surprised and relieved. "You cannot protect me, Rebecca. No one can. Besides, I don't need protected." Rebecca frowned but decided not to press the issue as he finished working on her fingers. "Alright. Time for you to get some healing rest." He picked her up, to her protests, and carried her to her bedroom, where he tucked her into bed. "I'll be back later to check on those wounds. You rest." He smiled as she rolled her eyes, nodded, and then snuggled under the covers. He watched her a moment then turned to leave.

Athena barely registered Chris pulling up in front of her father's home. When he touched her arm to gain her attention, she nearly swung at him she was so on edge. "Wow! You okay?" Chris sat back away from her lest she start to swing again. She shook her head at got out of the truck. After she closed the door, she leaned her back against it and tilted her face to the sky. He watched her a couple moments before stepping from the truck to join her. He walked to her side and carefully watched her. "Athena?"

"How could they? How could Gunn?" She dropped her head forward. Chris caught the glint of a tear slide down her cheek. "I've known him for three years. I've been his commanding officer for two." She sniffed and started for the house. Chris was not sure if he should follow or not. Do I leave her alone? Does she want me here? He watched her come to a stop at the door. She looked back and he knew by the look in her eyes that he had to go inside. She needed someone and he was there. He was not one to argue, so he followed her inside.

"You should rest. This has to be having a toll on you." He lead her to the sofa when she seemed uncertain what to do. He had never imagined the woman beside him could look as lost and hurt as she did at the moment.

"Thank you, Chris." She sat down and leaned back. "I do feel tired." She rubbed at her eyes. With a sigh, she opened them and removed her contacts. She blinked several times before discarding the lenses into the nearby trashcan. Chris watched. He had not realized she and Wesker had the same eyes, too. "Hope it doesn't freak you out. The lenses were irritating me with all the crying." She growled in frustration as she fell back from throwing the lenses away. "I hate this. This is usually not the way I handle a situation."

"Why not?" He knew the question could sound stupid, but he was curious about the answer.

"I'm not usually an emotional person." She took a deep breath and relaxed as best she could.

"It can't hurt for you to show how this affects you. You don't need to bottle stuff up." He patted her leg. "I got some errands to run so I'll talk to you later. Will you be alright by yourself? I'm sure Terrell…"

"No!" She startled herself with the outburst. "No, that's alright. I'll be fine."

"If you're sure." He smiled at her and stood. He paused a second as she sniffed. When he was certain she would be alright where she was, he left. His mind continued lolling over the way she so abruptly and forcefully declined him getting Terrell. He wondered if she was aware of the attraction her subordinate held for her and disliked the feelings. Which means she doesn't return them… He shook his head and got in his truck. His fist had an appointment.

As Wesker stepped from Rebecca's house, he felt he was being followed. Once in the yard, he turned to see Billy coming out after him. "Mr. Coen, is there something I can do for you?"

"What happened to Rebecca and how were you involved?" He came within seven feet from Wesker. He obviously had no idea who he was dealing with.

"She was walking where she should not have been. She was caught in a trap meant for me." His voice was brusque and callous. "What business is it of yours?" He waited with his usual rock hard blank face.

"She's my friend!" Billy's voice carried far as he got upset.

"You only knew her for a few hours…"

"Hours we spent trying to survive creature created by freaks like you!" Billy started to take a step forward.

Wesker immediately had a hold on his shirt. I'm amazed he's even wearing one. "Don't, Mr. Coen. You will regret…" Wesker tilted his head. Cursing, he threw Billy to the ground and marched back in the house. He made straight for Rebecca's room. As he got to the door, he heard a thud. In his haste, he nearly pulled the door from its hinges. He found Rebecca as he had expected, on the floor. She had fell after loosing her balance on her sore ankle.

"Rebecca!" Wesker reached down and pulled her to her feet. In the process, he inadvertently misplaced his hand in a most delicate location. He did not realize until he heard her gasp and felt her nipple harden beneath his fingers. Enticing! He quickly moved his hand but the embarrassment had been done. She was more red than he had ever seen anyone. As he helped her into bed, he knew he had to get home. His new found feelings and her reaction to the simple touch were reeking havoc on his libido. He needed on hell of a cold shower.

"Now what happened?" Billy demanded as he came into the room. He froze at seeing the flush Rebecca wore. "What's going on? You okay, Rebecca?" He stepped closer.

Rebecca fought for her voice. "Nothing. I'm alright. Are the two of you…"

"Fine," Wesker reassured her as he put her to bed again. "Now. Stay here this time." She nodded and tried to get comfortable again. He smirked and patted her on the shoulder. Then, he left the room and house again. He had a sudden idea. He only hoped that Athena would go along.

Chris barely slowed down the entire time he drove from Wesker's house. He was getting more upset the closer he got to his destination. He did not really care what Wesker had said. Barry was going to hear from him, and his fist. Chris kept seeing Athena trapped under the net and thinking of Rebecca being stuck in the trap near the bomb. His mind was on the bomb, too. How could Barry do such a thing? He thought he had known the man better than that.

He slammed on his brakes in Barry's driveway. Fortunately, the man's wife and daughters were no longer home. Barry had sent them to stay with family. He stalked up to Barry's front door and the moment the man answered, he slammed his fist as hard as he could into Barry's chin. Amazingly, the bigger man fell to his ass looking up in utter shock at Chris having hit him.

"Chris?" His voice was puzzled.

"Don't give me that, Barry!" He glared at Gunn as the man came into the room. "Who the hell do you two think you are?!" Chris was pissed. "Do you know what happened today? Do you?"

"What, Chris? Tell us." Barry tried to calm his friend down.

"Rebecca and Athena both nearly died! That's what happened. Do you even care? Somehow, I seriously doubt it." Chris began pacing. He could not remember ever feeling so mad, or hurt.

"What do you mean Athena nearly died?" Gunn came closer. His face displayed his worry and fear.

"Some jackass, or a pair I wager, placed a bomb in the warehouses abandoned outside town. Then, someone called Wesker and his lovely daughter and Rebecca got it into their heads to find out what he was up to. They both got caught by some not so clever traps. Rebecca's hurt physically and Athena is mentally shutting down." He stopped and glared at both of them. "Why? Why did you do this?" Neither man made move to answer.

Wesker smiled at the sight that greeted him when he entered his house. There lay Athena, asleep on the couch. She looked much more peaceful than she had when he had last seen her. He walked over to her and sat on the edge of the couch. Damn! When did I become so fucking domestic? This is getting ridiculous! He brushed back some of her hair and called to her. "Athena, you need to wake up. We need to discuss something." She moved a little but made no move to obey. "Athena, get up." He slapped her on the ass, making her bolt up with a squeak.

"Dad!" She glared at him.

"Never got to do that when you were little," he commented. She dove at him. He sidestepped making her land at his feet.

"Times like these, I hate you," she drawled dryly. She pulled herself to her feet and jabbed her elbow into his stomach. He bent over some and coughed.

"Thanks," he croaked.

"Your welcome!" She beamed at him. He shook his head and grabbed her in a headlock. He proceeded to give her a Dutch-rub. She wriggled and giggled at his behavior. "Dad! Let me go!" She shoved as he let go and landed on her rump. She growled up at him. "What did you want to talk about?" The game was growing old quickly at the moment. She hated being on the floor.

"I would appreciate it if you would stay with Rebecca. I want her off her feet and not having any unneeded distractions or problems. Mr. Coen can stay here, as much as I hate the idea. Rebecca needs taken care of not harassed."

Athena forced back a grin and nodded. "I can do that. Should be fun!" She stood and kissed his cheek. "Let me get some stuff and we can go see what she thinks."

Wesker had no doubts that he would get his way. As long as Athena was on his side and Birkin was not involved, he was not worried. He watched his daughter go to her room and decided to shower then sit and wait. He had nothing better to do at the moment. However, he had a visit to make when everyone was settled. Barry was not going to know what hit him, or who… again.

Gunn and Barry shared a long silent look. Chris continued to glare at them, waiting. His patience was growing thinner by the second. Finally, Barry cleared his throat. "Chris, no one was suppose to be there…"

"Except Wesker! Damn you! Don't you understand anything? You're just making things worse for everyone involved. Jill, Rebecca, Athena, me. We're all suffering because you two are a couple of bastards!" Chris threw up his hands. "Forget it! I'll leave you to your real problem. I'm sure they'll do more to you than I ever can." He turned and stormed from Barry's house. The two men were left with the implications made by Chris's parting words. He could have meant only one thing. Wesker and Athena were coming, and they were not happy.

The sun was starting to set when Wesker and Athena finally made it Rebecca's. She was having trouble containing herself at his behavior. He had gone all possessive and protecting without really noticing how far. She had a suspicion he was figuring things out, but she doubted he realized how far gone he was and that the feelings were returned. She was sure Rebecca was clueless. They were about to have an interesting evening.

Wesker got to the door first and let himself in. He immediately made his way toward Rebecca's room. Athena shook her head and sought out Billy to try and smooth things over so he and her father did not get into it while still at Rebecca's. She had a sickening feeling that her father's house would not survive the two men staying together under its roof. She had misgivings about Billy enduring the skirmishes sure to happen.

Her father stood watching Rebecca snooze. She was so beautiful. And young. He pushed that thought away. She was an adult. A very mature adult even if she was still innocent and naïve in some areas. Those qualities made her Rebecca. Pulling himself from his musings, Wesker walked to the bed and shook her awake. "Rebecca, I need to check your wounds."

Groggily, she opened her eyes and smiled. "Okay," she slurred. He chuckled at her and lifter the covers off. He ran his hand along her bandages to see if she reacted. When his fingers brushed her foot, across the bottom, she giggled and jerked away. He looked down in shock. She was ticklish. He experimentally ran his fingers under her foot. She jerked away with giggles again. Little did he know what was going through her sleep fogged mind

Rebecca felt the tickling sensation but she also remember the reaction her body had shown to his hand as he helped her to bed. She shivered as she remembered the way it had felt for his hand to be on her. She could almost imagine what it would be like for him to touch more of her, and this time do it on purpose. She felt a new sensation in her body but did not know what it was.

At this time, Wesker was watching her face as he redid the bandages on her ankle. The tip of her tongue wet her lips. He felt himself go rigid at that. Her hard nipple and her tongue put pictures in his mind, vibrant pictures. He had to distract himself. "Rebecca, I'm taking Mr. Coen to my place and leaving Athena here. I want someone I trust implicitly watching over you."

"Okay. If you think it's for the best." At the moment she would agree to anything.

"I do. I believe she is telling him at this time." He smirked at her imagining how well that was going.

"Billy! Shut up!" Athena huffed air in and out. "It's done. I would feel better myself if you were not here keeping her from her rest. Please, do this for her and for me." Athena was pulling all the stops.

Billy eyed her. They had been arguing for five to ten minutes about him staying at her dad's while she stayed with Rebecca. He figured he would never win so he should give in and get it over with. "Fine, but I do this under coercion." She smiled and hugged him.

Soon, Wesker was leaving with Billy and the girls were settling in for the night. Rebecca was staring at her hands as Athena stopped in to see if she needed anything. "What's wrong, Becky?" She walked in and sat beside her.

"Men," Rebecca replied with a blush.

"Men? What about them?"

"How do you know who…" Rebecca faltered a moment. "How do you know when you've met the right one or if the right one even exists?"

"Women have been trying to figure that out since the beginning of time. It depends on what your looking for. Someone like Billy perhaps?" Athena scrutinized her reaction. The younger woman shook her head.

"I don't think I could stand having Billy around all the time." Rebecca blushed as she pictured Billy in his towel, however, Billy quickly changed to Wesker causing her to turn more red.

"Alright, how about… Chris?" Athena smiled as Rebecca shook her head.

"He's a big brother to me."

"How about my father?" Athena bit the inside of her cheek as Rebecca reached a shade of red. I'm surprised the girl isn't permanently red.

"A… Al? I don't know."

"He let's you call him Al?" Athena was shocked by that. Her father really did like Rebecca.

"Yeah." Rebecca looked at her hands again. Her heart and breathing changed. Athena could here the nervousness and anxiousness in the medic. The girl had it bad.

"Well, certainly isn't Chris or Billy. You have a thing for my father!" Athena grinned.

"Uh… Perhaps I shouldn't have… Let's forget I asked you anything, okay?" Rebecca pleaded with her eyes. Athena nodded.

"Alright, but you should not worry about it. Jump on him. Have your way with him! What could it hurt? I think you both might enjoy it." Athena danced away as a blushing Rebecca swung a pillow at her. "Okay. I'll leave. See you in the morning." She walked to the door and turned around. "Pleasant, sweet, wet dreams!" The pillow flew out the door behind her.