Fix You

Took a short little break after the last chapter. Had to play RE6 again for a little 'research'. Had a little trouble with this chapter but I got through it, so here ya go. Thank you all who took the time to review. It really means a lot to me. As you know, your reviews give me hope, happiness, and inspiration. And for the rest of you readers out there, won't you take one minute to leave a review and tell me your thoughts on the story?

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Sadly. If I owned McDonald's I'd be filthy rich.

~Chapter 13

Liam Davis smiled proudly as his two best agents delivered the plaga sample, "Another job well done, you two." The two agents nodded accepting the little praise given. "Thank you sir" they spoke at the same time. Davis looked to each agent, catching the exhaustion on their dirty bloody faces. "Take the rest of the day to yourselves. I expect both of your reports on my desk Monday morning."

"Sir" Cassandra spoke, "What of the girl?" She turned back to the young girl standing behind the two. Davis set his eyes on her. "I am sorry but we'll have to send her back. She is still an illegal." Leon frowned, "Sir, surely there's something that can be done. She's a key witness, we need her."

Pursing his lips, Davis spoke, "On that note. She will have to stay here to give her testimony but I'm afraid after that she will have to return." He looked to the pouting girl and sighed. "I'll see what I can do. Come with me young lady. Let's get you cleaned up." Maria nodded and bid each agent goodbye with a quick hug. The two returned her affection and smiled as they watched her depart with the director.

Leon then looked to his female companion. "Why didn't you tell me?" Cassandra's smile dissipated as she sighed; her lead hanging low and shoulders slumped. "I thought you were just like everyone else, uncaring toward minorities. I know it wasn't fair of me to assume that."

She lifted her head, the slightest hint of a smile on her face. "But it turns out I was wrong. My husband, Jesse, who's a big fan of yours by the way, was right after all." The female chuckled lightly then cleared her throat. "Thank you. Maybe my people will now be at ease, even if it's for a while."

Leon kept a straight face but his eyes otherwise said he appreciated her kind words. "The story you gave me on the chupacabras-" he started.

"I really didn't know. I wasn't lying when I said I had received an email. Sure I knew the legend, but I never thought…" the female trailed off as she searched for the right words. The blond nodded in understanding. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "I get it. Take care of yourself." Cassandra smiled, "Likewise."

Once the two agents parted ways, Leon made his way through the grand building, ignoring the shocked looks he received on his bloodied disarrayed state. The chopper that had rescued them had taken them all straight to D.S.O headquarters, allowing no one the chance to freshen up. And now, the male had no choice but to walk through the building covered in sweat, dirt, and dried blood. A shower was long overdue.

Stepping out of the building, the blond shielded his eyes from the six am sunrise. Catching sight of the brunette standing at the edge of the sidewalk with her back turned, the male smiled and approached. "Man, you're a sight for sore eyes."

Helena turned at the familiar voice; her smile however disappeared upon setting eyes on him. "Leon! Wha- are you okay?" Leon looked down to himself and chuckled. "I'm fine." He pulled the woman close, embracing her tightly, and sighed softly.

He had missed her beyond his knowledge of ever missing anyone. Having her here with him, in his arms, was a grand uplifting relief which the male found a bit uncharacteristic of him. He had never been one to become so attached to a person. But it seemed Helena was the exception to this rule. And the warm feeling that came with breaking this rule, he found he liked it, enjoyed it.

Helena broke the embrace and stepped back, her nose wrinkled. "Don't take this the wrong way but… you know being one who cares for you, I feel I should say this… you stink." A wave of relief washed over the male as his heart steadied from the sudden rush of worry that had overcome him. He feared she would say something else, something worse.

A grin crept on his lips as he slung his arm over the brunette's neck, bringing her in close again. Helena squealed and squirmed under his hold. "No! Stop! Let go!" She gagged, making the male chuckle. "Come on Helena, bask in my ambience."

Laughing, the female lightly punched his chest several times. "I'm serious Leon!" The blond released his hold, chuckling more as she lightly shoved him away. "Real mature" she commented. Stepping to the driver's side door of the SUV, Helena shook her head. "You look tired."

Leon opened the passenger's side door. "Tired is an understatement." The brunette chuckled. "Let's head back to my place. You can take a nap there after a much needed shower. There's no way I'm letting you in my bed smelling and looking like that."

The blond smiled. "Ouch. Hurtful." Helena smiled. It really was good to have him back. She really had missed him. "Welcome back stranger." She winked and slid into the vehicle.

XXX- Leon looked up as he felt a hand clamp around his wrist. An older woman looked upon him, her brown eyes filled with terror. "Help us." Her voice was haunting. Deep remorse filled the blond. He directed his gaze away and said nothing. Gunshots and screams echoed loudly.

Leon jumped and jolted up, the sheets sticking to his sweat drenched body. He panted, his chest heaving as the fresh memories played back in his mind. He knew sleeping was a bad idea but after that shower keeping his eyes open had been a mere impossibility.

An unbearable sadness settled in his aching chest. He could still hear the screams, clear as day. The smell of gun powder, smoke, and the grotesque stench of death and flesh still lingered in his nostrils. Guilt overcame and with his head hanging low and shoulders slumped; the male buried his face in his hands.

Helena stood in the doorway watching him, his now clean clothes in hand. It broke her heart to see him this way, so down and depressed. To think a man of his stature would be used to the nightmares. Whatever had happened on the mission must have had a great impact on him.

Without a word, the brunette entered the room, set the clothes aside on the bed, and sat herself on the bed as well. She wrapped her arms around the man's bare torso. "Let it out" she spoke as she placed a kiss on his cheek. The feeling of her soft lips on his skin and her words suddenly released something in the male as he let go and cried. "It was my obligation to save those people and I did nothing. I just stood there and watched them die."

Helena held him, rocking him. She placed another kiss on his cheek, tasting the salt on his skin. "It's alright Leon. We can't control what happens to us or our loved ones. You of all people should know that."

The male continued to sob, every teardrop releasing all he had held in for so long. It was relieving but strange. He had never cried in front of anyone. It was always in the privacy of his home with a glass of scotch in hand. He was never one to show weakness, vulnerability. But now, as it occurred, he was glad it was with Helena. Anyone else and it would have been plain awkward.

The brunette wiped the male's face free of tears. "I'm here." Leon took a deep breath, releasing it shortly. He looked to the female. "Thank you." He pulled her close, embracing her tightly. Helena returned the embrace, her fingers running through his soft hair caressingly. She chuckled upon hearing a low growl and turned to see Nanook jump onto the bed.

Leon blinked upon setting eyes on the puppy. "Who's this?" Nanook barked his yippy bark and growled. Helena reached for him and picked him up. "Nanook, this is Leon." Nanook took a quick whiff at the blond and tilted his head, a small whimper escaping. The blond reached behind the pup's ear and scratched. "When did you get a dog?"

Nanook panted and wagged his tail, enjoying the action. Helena smiled, "Just yesterday. An old woman gave him to me. He seems to like you more than Chris." Leon chuckled as the pup licked his hand. "He has good taste then. I didn't see him when I came in."

"He was probably hiding" Helena spoke. The pup barked once more and jumped out of the brunette's arms. He hopped off of the bed and ran off, barking.

Helena giggled and turned to the blond as he sighed. "Sometimes I wonder if the path I chose, the path of a fighter, was the right one." He frowned and shook his head, his bangs covering his eyes. "Of course it is" Helena said as she placed her hands over his shoulders. "We're only human. There's only so much we can do."

Leon nodded. "You're right." He lifted his gaze to her and offered a small smile. "You're beginning to seem like your old self again." Helena shrugged. "I feel a bit like my old self." The blond pulled her close again. "I missed you. It's funny how big of an impact you have on me. When I see you, you don't even have to speak, you smile and it makes my day."

Butterflies fluttered in the brunette's stomach. How could she simply give up when his mere touch and presence sent shivers down her spine and hitched her breath? The words he spoke made it so much harder.

The female swallowed and smiled as a light blush colored her cheeks. She sat back on the bed. "Let's get some lunch. You must be starving. You slept half the day away." As if on cue, the male's stomach grumbled loudly. He nodded, "Sounds good. What are you making?"

Helena gave a short laugh. "I'm not cooking. You're buying me lunch." She stood and walked to the door. "Hurry up and get dressed." Leon sighed. "I always get stuck with the bossy ones."

XXX- "McDonald's?" Leon spoke as the SUV pulled up to the parking lot of the fast food restaurant. "What's wrong with fast food?" Helena queried. Leon turned to the woman to find her staring back at him. His eyes inconspicuously trailed down her body. "You just… don't seem like the kind of girl to eat fast food."

The brunette gave a small smile, "Prepared to be amazed." She shut the engine off and stepped off of the vehicle, Leon following suite. The cool air struck the duo as they entered the slightly crowded joint.

"I'm guessing you want a salad?" Leon spoke. Helena scoffed and held her hand out toward him. The male raised a brow. "What?"

"I said you were buying."

Leon exhaled softly as he reached for his wallet, "Women." He handed his card over and took a seat in a booth by a window overlooking the city, tall buildings and all. Staring out, he began to reflect on his episode from earlier.

Somehow the roles had reversed. He was the one in pieces and Helena had taken the role of putting him back together. He let out a mirthless chuckle. Talk about irony. How was it that this young woman had made such an impact on him? How was it that she had become so important in his life?

Months ago he was fine and dandy on his own. He had not even known of her existence, and now he could not picture his life without her. He cared deeply for her, that much was certain but the warmth and flutter of his stomach had him wondering if there could possibly be something else. She was quite beautiful, no doubt about that. He had found her attractive when he first laid eyes on her before the tragedy in Tall Oaks but he was twelve years her senior.

In the back of his mind he knew that was just a silly excuse. Age never mattered to him. In reality he was scared. Ada had been the only thing he'd known. The closest thing he'd come to truly love. Another thought entered his mind. Was it love or fancy?

At the sound of a thud Leon turned his head, eyes widening at the tray full of food before him on the table. The brunette had ordered two separate meals, one of two chicken burgers and large fries, the other of a big mac with large fries. His eyes traveled up to the woman.

"What?" Helena questioned as she sat down across him. "Are you really going to eat all of that?" Leon queried. The brunette scoffed. "No. The big mac is yours." She took the burger and placed it before him along with the fries.

She smiled proudly. "The chicken burgers are mine. If there's one thing you should know it's that I love these burgers. It's really the only food I pig out with." She unwrapped one of the two burgers and took a large bite, mayonnaise staining her bottom lip.

Leon chuckled and reached toward the woman's face. Using his index finger, he wiped the mayonnaise off. "Duly noted" he said as he slipped his finger into his mouth, "Yum." He took hold of his burger and bit down.

Watching him, Helena could not help but wonder if the male was flirting or simply being friendly. Any person would interpret his actions as flirting but knowing his fixation was on Ada, the brunette deemed he was just simply being his friendly self.

Brushing it off, she took a fry and popped it into her mouth. "How was the mission, confidential wise?" she questioned. The male spoke after swallowing another bite. "I'm just glad it's over." His eyes still carried traces of guilt and sadness. Helena took hold of his hand and squeezed. "You did what you could and you came back. That's all that matters."

A small smile curved on the blonde's lips as his eyes softened, "Yeah. Thanks." The brunette winked as she leaned back into the seat, her hand still on the males. Giving a small sigh, she looked out the window. "It's such a pretty day."

Leon kept his eyes on the woman, "Yeah." He popped a fry into his mouth. A silence lapsed between them. This was one new, strange. "You alright?" the male spoke breaking the silence.

Helena remained silent for a few moments. "Letting go of what you love is difficult, holding on to something that isn't meant for you is impossible." She spoke suddenly. Leon blinked, worry rising. Something was definitely off. He squeezed her hand. "Hey, you okay?"

The brunette turned to him, blinking, "Hm. Yeah. No. I'm fine. Sorry, I'm just… lost in thought."

"That was pretty deep for someone lost in thought. What's on your mind?"

Helena sighed. You, she thought. She took another bite of her burger and spoke after swallowing, "A lot of things. I've been thinking about cleaning out Deborah's room, maybe moving to a different apartment."

"Are you sure you're ready for that? Cleaning out your sister's room, I mean" Leon said. Helena sighed, "Well, Malcolm says the faster I move on the better. I won't get the suspension lifted until they start seeing results and I need the money."

Assuming Malcolm was the name of the therapist; the blond nodded and scratched his stubble, "Alright. I'll help you clean out her room but I think you should wait on the moving."

Helena smiled, "Thanks." Clearing his throat, Leon stood. "Let's get out of here. There's a place I want to take you to."

XXX- Traveling down the pathways of the active and lively park, Leon and Helena walked side by side, enjoying the beautiful green scenery of fields of grass and trees. The air was fresh and the laughter of children resonated.

Leon silently led the way through, stopping as he reached the interactive fountain, the centerpiece of the area some would say. He watched as children of all ages ran joyously through the water, screaming as they lived their carefree lives. "This is what makes my job worthwhile."

Helena placed a hand on his shoulder, "Feeling better?" The blond glanced at her and nodded, "Yeah." In sudden act he scooped the female up over his shoulder. Helena squealed in surprise and screamed from the coldness of the water as Leon ran through.

"Put me down!" she shouted as she laughed. Leon spun her around. "Now why would I do that?" Helena laughed, "Please!" The male, laughing as well, set the woman down over a spring, the water spraying and soaking her. "You are so going to pay for that!" she cried.

The blond turned to run as the brunette lunged forward. He grunted as the weight of the woman caused him to tumble forward, catching the spray of the spring of water. Helena settled herself a top of him. The two, soaked to the bone, laughed.

The brunette lowered her head, their foreheads touching and smiled, "Told you you'd pay." Leon chuckled, a smile pulling at his lips, "Yeah. But it's my turn now." Upon hearing his words, Helena quickly removed herself and ran. Leon stood, "You're not getting off that easy." With another chuckle, the male began the chase.

Helena squealed as the male caught her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Once again, he spun her around before losing his balance. The two cried out in surprise as they toppled to the ground, with the brunette landing a top the blond.

Leon flipped them over and settled himself over the female. His smile remained as he gazed upon the soaked woman. Helena looked into his eyes, smiling widely. His drenched hair clung to his face in an attractive manner.

The blond leaned forward as if making a move to kiss her but stopped at a sudden small voice. "Hey mister, are you trying to get cooties from that lady?" A young dark haired boy questioned. His arms were crossed over his bare soaked chest.

Leon chuckled. "No. No. She was trying to give me cooties." Helena feigned a gasp. "What? You liar! You're the one on top of me!" she looked to the boy. "Help me!" The pale boy nodded, his green eyes filled with determination. "Don't worry lady, I'll save you!" He vociferated as he charged toward the blond, knocking him down.

The blond grunted. "Oh, you got me." Helena laughed and stood, running off. Leon gave a mischievous smile. "I'll buy you an ice cream if you help me get her." The boy smiled widely, "You're on!"

So, do you think it's flirting or just being friendly? Let me know in your feedback! In the meantime, I'm going to grab myself a chicken sandwich.