The colorful and well-dressed procession followed Ethan and Rose back to their own cabin in curious, yet solemn silence. Everyone was understandably surprised when the soft-spoken father suddenly asked everybody present at their little gathering to lend him an ear for a couple of minutes. Even more curious was the fact that the man implied that it was something that would be better discussed behind closed doors.
The after-dinner mood was high, so the small party decided to humor Ethan and agreed to retreat to a more private setting - the Winters' cabin. Even Alcina found herself unable to resist the man's invitation, though her facial expression betrayed her distaste at the notion of entering a 'man-cave'.
The trek to the aforementioned man-cave was a short one, yet it was filled with tense silence, with one exception.
"Hey, Cassandra, I wanted to s…" Chris, approaching the brunette, started mumbling out in a - very uncharacteristically for the large man - meek voice, but the woman would have none of it, interrupting him mid sentence.
"Huh, that's weird. All three of us girls are whole, yet I swear I could hear some annoying buzzing just now." Cassandra didn't even glance Chris' way as she spoke in a perfectly neutral tone; the captain merely gaped at her childish antics. Both Daniela and Bela played along - merely shrugging their shoulders, lightly snickering meanwhile.
The sight of Cassandra giving Chris the silent treatment was truly priceless, making Ethan and even Alcina let out a barely-concealed chuckle. Regaining his own wit, the captain just huffed and resumed the walk in silence, his arms folded.
Entering the Winters' modest quarters, the group took a moment to accommodate themselves. Lady Dimitrescu selected their prized armchair as the most noble piece of furniture around, with Bela taking a standing spot behind it. The blonde woman placed her palms on top of her mother's shoulders - Alcina reciprocated with a gentle smile.
Chris lounged on the sofa, one leg across the other; arms still folded. Daniela happily plopped on one side of him, smiling at the man mischievously, as she did so. Cassandra, the last person in, narrowed her eyes as the only sitting spot in the room was next to Chris. Scoffing in indignation, the brunette leaned against a wall, instead.
Ethan and Rose simply stood in the middle of the modest cabin, hand-in-hand. An awkward silence ensued since the father simply could not gather enough courage to start. Rosie herself was glancing at the assembled faces in innocent curiosity.
Daniela, knowing what the discussion was about and upon seeing his discomfort, leapt back to her feet and took a spot next to the Winters family. As everyone else was giving them questioning glances, the mischievous Dimitrescu graced the father with a conspiratorial wink, as well as a playful elbow nudge. Returning the gestures to the grinning Daniela half-heartedly, Ethan caught Bela's eyes narrowing slightly, as if somehow unhappy with the almost intimate display taking place before her. Her youngest sister grinned even wider as she noted the blonde woman's apparent envy.
The non-verbal exchange that took place in the next minute was bewildering, to say the least. Even though not a single word was spoken, Ethan could almost read them on the sisters' expressive faces.
Creased forehead, furrowed brows, narrowed eyes and lips in a thin line.
Daniela! Find your own man-thing!
Playful, wide grin morphing into an unspoken question as lips slightly parted and gaze scheming...bargaining even. Maybe we can share?
Amber orbs and mouth opening wide in outrage, before narrowing in determined resolution again. No! This one is mine! Only mine.
Resigned yellow eyes dropping to the floor, mouth shifting into a cute pout. Meanie.
Arms folding, a victorious smirk. Hmph!
Of course, Ethan's guess about the girls' unspoken conversation might have been just that - a guess; yet Bela's shameless wink in his direction, followed by her index finger pointing right at his chest, before her whole hand clenched into a tight, unyielding fist, implied otherwise. You are mine. Only mine.
"So, what is it you wanted to say, Winters? For God's sake, get on with it, instead of wasting our collective time!" Clearly, Alcina had enough of the non-verbal games, and was aiming to get to the root of the issue.
Ethan was still tongue-tied, however. How exactly do you explain that you have another sentient being living inside you? Suddenly, with the spotlight on him and with Daniela making sure that he had no way to back down from this, the man simply froze as his mouth opened and closed. Evie herself was nowhere to be found.
Fuck… where do I even begin? So some molded zombie bit me in the ass and now I have a ghostly girl living in my head? They'll think me insane!
At his continued silence, Lady Dimitrescu narrowed her yellow orbs. The noblewoman obviously did not appreciate having her precious time wasted. Chris sighed with impatience, frustrated himself.
"Come on, Ethan. Spit it out already."
"Oh, God, just get on with it, already!" Eveline appeared suddenly, in between Ethan's blinks, perched on Alcina's lap - unseen, but comfortable, somehow.
Yet it was Bela who gave the man the confidence to reveal his deepest, darkest secret, in the end. Her amber orbs gazed at him not with annoyance or boredom, but patience and kindness. Bela's small yet calming smile gave him all the reassurances he needed, as if saying: I am with you. All the way. No matter what.
Giving the blonde woman a smile of his own, the man gently squeezed Rose's tiny hand as he failed to suppress a small gulp of anxiety, before finally clearing his throat and starting the fateful reveal.
"So… the bioweapon that infected me back in Louisiana…" Eveline frowned at the term chosen. Sorry, Evie. "It's a bit more complex than just some fungal spores…"
"You're talking about Eveline? Of course it's more goddamn complex than some spores. That monster took over the minds of almost a hundred people! I'd say that we could all breathe easy since we've dealt with her, but not with more of her kind on the way."
Chris was quite passionate about the subject. It was B.S.A.A. failed raid that allowed Eveline to escape her original containment back in Germany, after all, and Chris still felt the bitter sting of knowledge that he was partially to blame for all the mayhem she caused and all the victims she claimed.
Ethan could only nervously run a hand through his, by now quite long hair, as he glanced towards the frowning captain.
"Yeah… about that… Eveline was not 'dealt with' back then." The large man simply gaped at him with surprise in his blue eyes, as he responded.
"We've finished her off ourselves, Ethan. I saw her mold form collapse and crystallize."
The moment of truth.
"Most of her was destroyed back then, but… a part of her still lives on in me… and in Rosie. Eveline is alive."
A stunned silence followed, predictably. The captain knew everything there was to know about the bioweapon in question, but the Dimitrescu family members were only aware of some details - that Ethan himself was infected by some mold-based infection, not that dissimilar to their own, in fact. And now it had a name. Eveline.
It didn't last long, however, as Chris responded to that outrageous statement, deathly quiet. "What are you talking about?"
"Eveline is alive in me, Chris. I can see her as vividly right now as I see you."
"Oh yea? And what is she doing right now?"
Glancing back towards Alcina's lap, Ethan couldn't suppress a smirk as he saw Eveline making a face at Chris, while giving him both middle fingers. Rosie giggled lightly at the vulgar sight.
"Uhm… She is giving you the finger, Chris. Both of them, actually."
Daniela immediately howled in laughter, clutching her abdomen from the intensity of her sudden joy.
"I like her already! Nice to finally meet you, Eveline!"
The redhead accepted her existence already, yet the rest seemed unconvinced, especially Chris himself - who narrowed his eyes in pensive thought. After several moments of consideration, the large man sighed, as he gazed right at Ethan.
"I've seen this before - many times. Many survivors of particularly gruesome events report seeing things, hearing things that are just not there. There is no Eveline, Ethan. Not anymore. You're just imagining her."
Ethan simply gaped right back at the captain, slack jawed. True, he expected to be met with skepticism, but such outright dismissal? That stung.
"What are you talking about, Chris? Are you calling me delusional? Rosie sees her too!"
"She is a child, Ethan. Maybe she just plays along!"
"NO! Evie is real!" Rosie stomped her foot as she passionately confirmed her best friend's existence.
"She is real, alright. She helped me get up after being shot in the goddamn head!"
Recalling that horrifying event herself, Bela slowly walked up towards Ethan, before placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Daniela's wide amber orbs gazed at Chris accusingly as well, as she defended her newest family member.
"Ethan isn't crazy! And he is not a liar!"
"It's just impossible! Ethan went through regular tests at our labs! The brain scans showed no abnormal activity, whatsoever! The mold levels in his body remained stable and static - purely benign, in his unique case."
Chris did not want to budge in his conviction - denial almost. Bela, ever quick with her wit, offered a solution to the apparent stalemate.
"I believe you, for what's it worth… But… perhaps you could prove her existence to us, somehow, Ethan?"
That made the father think for a moment. His eyes fell upon his sketchbook on top of a small drawer next to Cassandra and the metaphorical bulb was lit up.
"I think I can…"
Grabbing his little sketchbook/journal, Ethan promptly tore a blank page from it, before offering it, as well as a simple pencil, to Chris.
Cassandra, ever the sharp-eyed, noticed something that piqued her interest in his sketchbook. "Gimme that." Not letting the man actually do as told, she tore the little object from his hands herself, before swiftly starting to leaf through the book - her eyes widening in surprise. "Oh, my…"
Forgetting the brunette vampire for a moment, Ethan focused his attention on Chris, instead - who was looking back at him with a questioning gaze.
"Write a number on it - any number - and show it to Rosie." Ethan provided the simple instruction before retreating into his own bedroom, which was connected to the living room they were all in. Inside the bedroom, the father simply faced a corner, making sure not to have a line of sight with his daughter. Both Daniela and Bela followed him, with clear curiosity in their eyes.
Scoffing, Chris did as told. Rosie glanced at the offered page, as did Eveline, who naturally understood the plan. "1998"
Repeating after his 'imaginary' friend, Ethan was satisfied to hear a light gasp of surprise coming from the older man. "He wasn't watching!" Daniela was quick to point out.
"Maybe he just guessed…" The captain was still not satisfied, and repeated the procedure several more times, Ethan naming both the numbers and the words each time - correctly.
"What the hell…"
Chris' hand edged towards his pistol holster - on its own, instinct-based, volition. Before he could grip the weapon, however, his rational mind took over once again, dismissing the suddenly violent thoughts and making the large captain stare at his own hand in horror; even as Ethan calmly explained his connection, still inside his own bedroom.
"Eveline connects me and Rose, Chris. She can relay information from her to me or visa versa."
"That is so cool!" Even as Chris had a whirlwind of conflicting emotions and thoughts rushing through his head, Daniela was simply awestruck, as her eyes lit up with that familiar mischievous spark. At the captain's side in a blink of an eye, the redhead grabbed the page from Chris' stiff fingers. Grinning playfully, Daniela scribbled something down herself, before offering the page to Rose.
"Oh, I like that! 'Kiss Bela!' Ha! Do it, daddy!" Eveline happily relayed Daniela's message, eagerly awaiting the father to do just that - right in Alcina's view.
Feeling surprisingly bold, the man complied, landing a quick peck on Bela's soft cheek. An audible gasp from Alcina preceded Bela's beautifully rounded cheeks gaining that incredibly cute light pink hue.
"Ethan! Not now…" Clearly, the blonde daughter was still a bit apprehensive about showing their affections before her esteemed mother.
"Sorry, Bells. You know I can't deny Daniela." The redhead in question appeared momentarily hurt by these words, as if recalling a painful memory that was associated with them. She quickly shook it off however, before giving Ethan thumb's up.
Now looking back at Chris, the father could not help but feel anxiety grip his own heart. Even though Chris has somewhat relaxed his previously tense, almost aggressive posture; he was still glaring at him harshly, almost as if evaluating the newest threat. His tone did little to hide the hostility the veteran fighter exuded in this moment.
"So if what you're saying is true and a part of Eveline is still alive in you, then answer me one thing. Why is she not taking control of you and using your body as a vector to spread herself around?"
"Evie doesn't wanna hurt anyone…" Rosie's meek voice answering his query surprised the captain almost as much as the unbelievable revelation itself.
"Rose is right, Chris. She didn't ask to be made into what she was. She just was. She was just a kid who simply wanted a family of her own all along - but she went the wrong way about achieving that. I guess, spending some time with us made her realize that there is more to family than outright domination. That genuine love and affection cannot be forced. Eveline has changed."
The girl in question stared at Ethan wide-eyed. She never expected to be defended like that by a person she wronged. The whole Dimitrescu family appeared to be touched by Ethan's words, as well, as something in his little speech resonated with their own feelings on the subject.
Chris scoffed, but the harshness of his glare softened just a bit, as he plopped right back onto the sofa. "So you just kept it to yourself - all this time? Why the change of heart now?"
Returning back to the living room, Ethan was quick to defend himself.
"No… believe it or not, I had no idea about her myself - until I got shot in the head. I guess the trauma allowed her to break through the barriers or something…"
"Barriers?" Chris appeared genuinely surprised. Ethan could mirror that emotion, now that he thought about it. That glass wall of his mental landscape looked awfully like a barrier. Eveline herself eagerly explained that little tidbit.
"I think it was Mia's doing. She was adding something to your food - occasionally, that made me weaker, unable to influence you in any way. That was the barrier. She definitely knew about me. That injury simply allowed you to perceive it for yourself - you're the one who broke it, daddy, not me."
Nodding at his imaginary daughter, the father repeated the idea for all to hear. "It's hard to explain, but apparently Mia was the one who kept Eveline suppressed and dormant inside of me. I guess that's why all these tests reported me as healthy and semi-normal. Not sure if I should thank her for that, though. Just another secret she kept, it seems..."
"You're full of surprises, Mister Winters." Lady Alcina, who previously observed in evaluating silence, finally spoke up, even as she made a motion to stand up from the armchair she occupied. "I can see now why Mother Miranda was so interested in you, as well as in your daughter. I can only assume that she also knew about your… unique condition. I do appreciate the fact that you've chosen to share this information with us - I know it couldn't have been easy." Letting out a soft sigh, the noblewoman gave a slight nod to Ethan - a sign of minor respect.
"I shall retire for the night, if you'll excuse me daughters, Mister Redfield, Mister Winters." At that, all three Dimitrescu siblings promptly flew to their mother's side, before engulfing her smaller shape in a loving embrace. The genuine warmth displayed by the girls in this moment was still shocking to both Ethan and especially Chris. Seeing Cassandra, in particular, showing such sincere affection was a stark contrast to her normal callous and crass persona.
The group hug lasted a couple of moments, but eventually Alcina gently broke it, and took her leave, glowing with her own warm emotions. The three daughters returned to their previous spots - Cassandra to that little corner of hers, while Daniela and Bela to Ethan's and Rosie's side. The redhead was quick to voice her next inquiry, as she knelt in front of the tiny Winters, giving the girl a warm and wide smile.
"So, Rosie! Can you ask Eveline for me, which one of us three is her favorite?"
Eveline immediately leapt to the middle of the room, her scrutinizing gaze evaluating each sister carefully. "Hmmm, that's a hard one… I kinda like all three of you! But...if I had to choose just one… Cassandra! She is such a freakin' badass! But I totally adore both Daniela and Bela, too!"
"Cassandra?"
Ethan's voice was full of surprise, with the aforementioned brunette similarly widening her amber eyes - bewildered by his answer. "Me?" That single word was laced with so much disbelief that for a moment the father actually felt a tinge of pity for the cruel woman. It almost appeared that she herself did not consider herself worthy of love.
Ethan proceeded to relay Eveline's response completely, providing the reasoning. Cassandra's surprise morphed into a prideful glow, as she flexed her arm. "At least someone has a taste, around here!"
Daniela herself did not seem to mind not being singled out, as she mirthfully giggled at her elder sister's reaction, instead. "We all love you, Cassi!" Cassandra did not respond, yet her gentle smile was an answer of its own - the brunette appreciated the kind words directed her way.
Bela's voice was surprisingly meek as she gave voice to a troubling thought of her own, next. "So… Evie is always watching through you?"
Eveline actually made a disgusted face at that, before providing a response, which Ethan faithfully relayed, with a growing blush on his face.
"Yuck! God, no! Imagine being stuck in a filthy man-body forever! I'd rather die for good! And you can count on me to never watch when he is doing that disgusting thing with his thing!"
Bela gave a sigh of relief a moment later. "Oh, good. I thought that we would have to deal with another little peeper."
"Another?" Ethan couldn't suppress the curiosity and alarm from seeping into his query.
Daniela immediately stood ramrod straight, as she adopted a perfectly neutral expression, that gave nothing away. Bela merely gave a nervous chuckle, before simply shaking her head, not willing to elaborate.
Eveline continued her previous thought: "Most of the time, I just hang out with my best pal ever Rose!" The girl in question smiled happily at hearing that. "But I also need to sleep a lot, actually, since there is not a lot of spare processing power in that head of yours, daddy!"
Ethan simply repeated after her; dismayed at the fact that he basically had just insulted himself, one second too late. A trio of giggles and a smirk from Chris was their response.
"Eveline sounds like a lot of fun! I wish I could see her, as well…" Daniela was already eager to meet a new friend, yet none of them knew how to make that particular dream a reality.
Bela, not done yet, knelt in front of Rosie, speaking in a solemn voice, full of appreciation.
"Eveline. I hope that we will become friends as well, in time. But for now, I want to relay my deepest gratitude for bringing Ethan back to us. Thank you. Thank you, so much."
The ghostly girl, not used to being praised, simply nodded - her eyes wide. Ethan relayed the silent response with a little improvisation on his part.
"She is a little bit shy, but I am sure that she appreciates your words, Bells."
A somber silence ensued, as for the moment, the barrage of questions about Eveline subsided.
Chris took this as a chance to approach Cassandra, who once again found herself absorbed in Ethan's sketchbook. The father noted that fact with some pride, while musing about the brunette's apparent artistic inclinations. Perhaps violence and sex were not the only things she craved, after all.
"Hey, Cassandra…" The captain tried to get her attention with words, failing miserably, as she simply ignored him; her nostrils widening slightly, as if she held herself back from doing something violent. Not getting the hint, Chris attempted to place a hand on her shoulder.
The moment his fingers touched the silky fabric of her dark yellow dress - her fist found its mark on his face. The punch was so sudden that even the veteran fighter could do nothing but land on his rear, some steps away from where he stood, clutching his now bloodied nose. Clearly, she held back, as his nose was not caved in into his face, yet not much, if her enraged visage was any indication.
"Don't you dare to fucking touch me!"
Understandably unhappy with this violent display happening right in front of his three-year old daughter, the father folded his arms in annoyance. "Alright, that's enough, Cassandra! Take this conflict of yours elsewhere."
"Hmph. Fine. I'll be taking this - for now. Have a good night, sisters, Rose and Eveline. Fuck you, Chris."
Flabbergasted, Ethan could not protest the shameless appropriation of his property as the vicious middle sibling stormed out - his prized book, with many years worth of sketches, grasped tightly in her hand.
Surprisingly, Daniela was quick to help Chris get up to his feet. Even though the large man didn't really need any aid, he accepted it gratefully, nevertheless.
"Cassandra burns hot - in both of her passion and rage, but she won't stay cross at you forever, Chris. Just give her time and space to think this through. She has to understand that all of us have difficult pasts; that we have trouble letting some things go. Sometimes, she just forgets that little fact and fancies that the whole world revolves only around her; that only her problems matter." Bela offered her own comforting words, upon seeing Chris' disappointed expression. The captain nodded at her, in gratitude.
"Your sister sure packs a mean left hook. I suppose I should hit the bunk, as well. Got some training with my guys planned for tomorrow." Chris glanced at Ethan next, as he wiped his bloodied nose with a handkerchief. Harshness has left his strong features, as he brotherly patted the father on his back. "Look, I know it was not easy to come clean with that whole Eveline thing… I appreciate the trust - I do. Sorry if I overreacted a little bit with the interrogation, earlier. If you really feel like she means no harm, I suppose I have no choice but to trust your judgement, Ethan. Good night, boys and girls."
Ethan smiled back at the larger man, before giving him a firm handshake. He was truly honored to get to know this seemingly harsh man better and better, as time passed.
As Chris walked out, only Ethan, Rose and two sisters were left… as well as Eveline, of course. Both children yawned cutely, implying that they were quite tired after the long day. Daniela couldn't help but coo in adoration at the display - she really cherished his baby girl.
At the affectionate display, Ethan only wished that he could help the cheerful redhead in overcoming her inner demons for good. Then she could interact for as long as she wished with Rose, unsupervised - with no complaints from the father.
Lifting his precious angel up, Ethan excused himself to carry Rose to her own room; the girl waved back at the sisters, who happily returned the gesture.
Tucking in his beloved daughter, Ethan took a moment to admire her sleepy features. The girl smiled back at him from her little bed, with warmth, as she mumbled out: "Evie gets to have new friends today… that is so nice… I wish Cassi and Chris would make up, though… I don't like it that they fight…"
"I am sure they will make up, in time." Though I imagine that fighting would be an integral part of their relationship, if it ever actually kicks off...
Ruffling his little girl's hair, as well as giving her a loving peck, Ethan left his lovely daughter to her well-deserved rest. Evie waved him goodbye, as well. The blonde man did not miss the newfound spark of joy in her light green eyes. Clearly, the ghostly child was quite satisfied with how everything turned out.
Truth be told, deep down Ethan was still quite afraid of Eveline, himself. Just like Chris said, there was a risk that she would attempt to take over his body - and use it to spread herself around, making more molded, causing more misery. That her latest friendly and helpful persona was a mere act - designed to lull him into a false sense of safety and security, even as she wormed her way deeper into his mind, in a bid to overtake him completely.
But Ethan would not let his baseless fears influence his attitude towards the intangible girl. The father returned the wave, adding a warm smile to it.
Eveline smiled back. It was not a smirk of a malicious plotter, eager to enact some callous scheme. It was a warm and happy smile of a child, who had just received an affectionate gesture from her beloved parent. Closing her eyes, the girl dispersed into nothingness - likely entering a state of hibernation of some kind.
Despite everything, Ethan was truly happy for her. Just like him, she had suffered enough and deserved a break from misery. He could only hope that things would go uphill from now on.
Returning back into the living room, Ethan found the two sisters engaging in a cheerful banter, as they cuddled together on his sofa. He momentarily felt bad for not having any wine to offer them.
"Cassi really likes him - it's so obvious! How long do you think she will stay mad?" Bela just shrugged, though a knowing smirk implied that she did not believe the conflict in question would last long; before asking a question of her own.
"What is in that little journal of yours, Ethan? Cass couldn't keep her eyes out of it, all throughout this peculiar meeting of ours."
"Ah, just doing a little sketch work during downtime, sometimes. Nothing special, really."
Bela scoffed, before folding her arms and inspecting his whole frame with her scrutinizing gaze. "Somehow I doubt that. Cass really has an eye for arts, especially paintings - I know, hard to believe. You must be quite an impressive artist if she was so mesmerized by your little book. Color me curious…"
"Ethan! Why haven't you ever shown us your drawings! Ah! Can you draw me!? Please? Pretty please, with a cherry on top?" The pout Daniela was giving him was probably the cutest sight the father saw in a long time, not counting his own little darling.
"Oh, it's really not a big deal, it's not like I am some kind of big shot artist or anything. It's just a hobby… and well… I already did draw you… both of you, actually. Feel free to ask Cassandra to show it to you, since she so brazenly took possession of it..." Ethan sounded far more sheepish than he would've liked. For a second he was afraid that Daniela or Bela would find the concept of him sketching their likeness offensive… or even creepy. Yet the women' expressions showed nothing but curiosity and mirth.
"For your sake, I dearly hope that you did not draw my cheeks fat. That would be unforgivable, Ethan." Bela's tone of mock seriousness made the redhead burst into a mirthful laughter.
"A little insecure there, sis?"
Bela blushed lightly at that, suddenly finding a very interesting spot to look at - a blank, undecorated wall.
Ethan could not comprehend how the blonde woman could possibly be insecure about her beautiful, rounded cheeks. The soft, delicate flesh beckoned for his own lips to make contact with it, as he shamelessly stared at them
"I sure hope I did your gorgeous cheeks justice, Bells. You'll be the judge." That compliment sounded a little awkward, as Bela developed even more of a blush.
Daniela, ever the matchmaker, felt the unresolved sexual tension immediately as the silence ensued. Standing up and dragging Bela with her, the redhead spoke in a playfully authoritative voice, her index fingers pointing at both of them, one at a time, as she roughly and unceremoniously pushed them to stand mere inches apart.
"I see what is going on here! Now, do what the Love Specialist Daniela tells you to! Close your eyes!"
Deciding to humor the girl, both of them complied. That turned out exactly how Bela expected it to, with the redhead chirpily yelling out a theatrical command, even as she gently but firmly pushed their heads so their mouths would connect.
"Just kiss already! Let the passion flow between the waters of your mouths, as your hungry tongues taste each other freely!"
Ethan didn't really mind this turn of events, as the sweet taste of Bela's full lips was exactly what he was unconsciously craving for after the long day.
"This is so beautiful! Ah… I think I am going to cry!"
The redhead's commentary saw the lovers, stuck in their passionate and deep - if a little impromptu - make out session, find their way to the sofa; with Bela ending on Ethan's own lap, as the man held onto her back.
"I could watch you guys all day… or night…"
Ethan cursed his feeble mortal flesh as desire to breathe overwhelmed him, forcing him to break contact with her soft, full lips and delightfully warm and wet tongue.
She was such an amazing kisser, Ethan couldn't help but wonder - how exactly did she master this particular skill?
Instead of pondering on it, however, the man merely fulfilled his earlier desire - by planting a series of feather-light pecks on her delectable right cheek, even as his own right thumb gently caressed the other soft cheek of hers. Ethan's efforts elicited a pleased giggle from the blonde woman and a delighted gasp from her younger sibling - who observed everything with wide eyes.
A comfortable, quiet moment followed the pecks, as Daniela plopped onto the armchair, while Ethan simply stared into Bela's gorgeous amber orbs. With his much-abused left hand, drawing gentle circles upon her thin black dress' back, the man once again felt tranquil and at peace. The woman on his lap must've felt the same, as a serene smile on her expressive face likely mirrored her inner contentment.
Suddenly, the man let out a chuckle, as the surreality of this whole situation finally hit him.
"You girls sure are pretty chill about this whole Eveline thing."
Bela giggled, before playfully poking at his nose, as she explained the reason for their easy acceptance of the ghostly girl's existence.
"Oh please, we had over 60 years of watching Miranda's insane experiments running amok. Eveline sounds pretty tame, by comparison to some of the more outlandish stuff that crazy bitch came up with."
"True that… we owe a lot to Miranda… our own lives, as well as mother's… but I am glad that she is gone… She brought nothing but misery into the world. She made us kill so many innocent people…" Daniela mumbled out her own agreement, even as memories of the dark past apparently started overwhelming her, if her thousand-yard stare was any indication.
Bela did not hesitate in dislodging herself from Ethan - while giving him another loving peck on his forehead - only to take the redhead herself into a tender embrace, as her hand gently rubbed her back.
"Come, now, Dani… this is all in the past… just let it go, dear. We are the architects of our own fate, now. That's all that matters."
Tears were glinting upon the youngest Dimitrescu soft golden orbs. Escaping one's past was not an easy thing to do, especially when it was so utterly blood-soaked. Still, she nodded, wrapping her own arms around Bela's back.
"It has been a long day, I think it's about time we took our own leave, now. Thank you Ethan - both for your hospitality and for sharing the secret of Eveline with us. We will not misplace your trust, right, Dani?"
"We won't… Thank you, Ethan. Kiss Rosie and Eveline for me, would you?" The father could only nod, his own heart melting from all the kindness and acceptance he beheld today.
The two sisters, still holding onto each other, headed for the door. Before they left to get some rest of their own, Bela stopped. Turning her head to give Ethan a glance of affection, she muttered out something that made the man's heart skip a beat.
"Ethan… I just want you to know that if you're ever feeling troubled, in need to talk about something - anything, or just...lonely… my doors are always open to you."
The father could not miss a spark of hunger glinting in her amber orbs as she empathized that particular word. This whole sentence sounded awfully like an invitation to an activity of some kind…
Even as he felt heat creeping to his own cheeks now, the man gave the blonde Dimitrescu an unabashed grin. He would be a fool to deny this chance, especially since they would be arriving at their destination within days, and who knew if their peaceful lives could continue - with the whole fucking world after them.
Fucking Mia… She had a chance to trust me, instead of going at it solo - becoming a fucking mad scientist… turning abducted orphans into monsters! Fuck... If we are going to step into this fucking messed up world as the enemies of humanity, I want to do it side-by-side with Bela. Mia can go to hell…
"I think I might take you on that offer, Bells… Good night, girls…"
With a pair of "night, Ethan" and a conspiratorial wink from Bela, the Dimitrescu siblings left the father alone, to contemplate further upon the curious turn his life took.
Taking a quick shower, Ethan didn't get to ponder upon the mysteries of the universe as sleep beckoned his tired frame. The man's towel-wrapped body suddenly demanded immediate rest and he simply dropped asleep right at his sofa...though his dreams were anything but peaceful that night.
Anya smirked as she walked through the bowels of the ship, a little backpack hanging off her slim shoulders. Few paid the little woman much attention - everyone knew the young Russian stewardess as a quiet and diligent worker; nobody had any reasons to suspect her of any ill-doings. Several pitying glances were directed her way, to which the young woman replied with solemn nods, even as she struggled to suppress annoying scoffs from breaking through.
Appearances were everything. Even the smallest mouse - in the right place, at the right time - could cause the biggest harm. 'Anya' knew that well, therefore 'she' tolerated this pathetic...weak body; the disgusting displays of pity; as well as the newfound menial role of 'hers'.
Not a single security guard or a fellow crew member questioned Anya as she gathered the necessary components to really light up this little yacht party of theirs. And why would they - the majority simply assumed that the young woman was merely doing her assigned duty.
A large bottle of acetol; as well as smaller ones, full of bleach. A drain opener solution and some antiseptic. A trio of large aluminum cans. Simple mechanical devices - easily relieved from their sleepy owners by Anya's nimble fingers.
Reaching her own tiny cabin and making sure to lock the door tightly, the small woman took a moment to admire her bountiful harvest, as she unloaded her hefty backpack on the table.
Starting on the delicate work, 'Anya' grit her teeth as a spike of pain shot through her head. Apparently, the dear host whose body was borrowed was trying to break free from her shackles of grief, surprisingly.
Tch. I was sure that little girl would've succumbed to her grief completely, by now… Instead she is fighting against me. No matter. By the time she marshals enough strength to break free, my work will be done.
Ignoring the rising pressure in her cranium, 'Anya' continued her own preparation for the night.
Author's Note:
I do hope that this chapter itself was not a disappointment and for any Bela/Ethan lovers out there - next chapter here will be dedicated to you, in particular! (though it will not exactly go as most would expect, I think :P )
As always, feel free to leave any thoughts or suggestions in the comments! I always love to read your opinions or critique!