Several days have passed since my conversation with Barry. His last words about Jill and I were still in my mind. But this wasn't a good time to tell her about my own feelings.

In fact, the atmosphere were tense in Raccoon these last days. Heinous crimes were committed in the Arklay's mountains around the city. This event chocked us all by seeing some photos from the victims . But Jill was particularly more affected than all of us. Bodies savagely shredded by a kind of cannibal according to the local police who had ruled out the track of an animal possibility. Jill had had tears in the eyes. I could not bear to see her like that. Although I was trying to be at her side to help to overcome this terrible ordeal, she seemed she didn't want to talk about that, she just preferred to keep this pain inside of her. She needed time that was normal. Yet we all knew that the police was overtaken by events and very soon the STARS would take on the investigation. Would Jill be ready for that?

I was the first one to come at the office as I usually do. But I wasn't anymore, the captain was always present at least one hour before. This guy was a mystery since his arrival. Cold, distant, and did not talk much. No expression on his face, it was impossible to know what he was thinking about. A true professional ... but it certainly did not inspire me to trust in him. Perhaps this was because of Barry's warning about him, anyway, I preferred to give him a chance. He was our captain, and the few missions we carried with him were successful. No loss or regrettable tragedies, this was the most important after all.

Wesker had a conversation with Enrico, Captain of BRAVO's team who just finished his service and lgreeted me before he left to his home.

Wesker's eyes then turned to me.

- "Chris. We need to talk. Do you read the newspapers? " He asked me.

I had a feeling he thinks I'm an idiot, but I stayed calm.

" About Arklay's murders? Everyone know it, no need newspapers for that. "

" It's not only that. The victims' families have reacted after the murders, and want us to take on the investigation. " He continued

- "It can't be a be a bad idea. I'm wondering why we're still not on it."

- Because I refused the mission. We do not know the enemy. And the field is not to our advantage, so I made sure that the STARS are not involved unless we learn something new.

What Wesker had told me was simply incoherent. It was the role of STARS to adapt to any situation, his excuse for not taking the mission was contrary to our goals. Why? What could he feared in the Arklay Forest? This thing that devoured the victims? I could not see anything else other than this famous mansion closed and off from civilians. Was it linked ? I did not know much about it except that the mansion belonged to Umbrella Corporation, but no one was living there ... .according to what I knew about it. All these thoughts all mixed up my mind, but one conclusion came to mind: Wesker was not clear. I replied with some anger in my voice:

- "Listen to me..Captain. I do not know where you come from or who you were before, but the STARS are there to fulfill the most dangerous missions, we risk our lives to protect Raccoon's citizen from everything . A true STARS is not afraid of dange..And you?"

Wesker and I looked at each other for a few seconds, I was sure I perceived a slight smile of satisfaction.

- "So this is the true face of the famous Chris Redfield. You're afraid of nothing, not even the kind of contact with your supervisor. Now I understand why families primarily speak of you by asking for the support of STARS. "

- What are you talking about?

- "You probably do not read the papers after all. But no matter. The case has been assigned to the team of Enrico. Irons cannot ignore the request of the citizens, the RPD must continue to keep considerations from civilians. But he refused to let you be one who reaps the glory. So the BRAVO team will put an end to this case. These are the orders. "

I could not believe it. Hearing something about personal glory when the subject is about to safety of people, it was just disgusting. I didn't become a STARS for that. I did not ask for good or bad reputation, I'm doing this on purpose to save lives. Irons will never understand that. But Wesker was not better than him.

But at least the good news is that the STARS were now involved. And Enrico would make a great job, I was convinced of it. I turned my back on Wesker. Our conversation ended there, and I needed a coffee.

"- One last thing Chris. Your partner seems very fragile because of recent events. But if she stay in this way in the coming days, I would may consider to fire her. I may not be a true STARS , like you seem to think, but Jill either."

Jill came last. I was on my 3rd coffee, which left me time to come see Barry, Brad, Joseph before her. Wesker had me boiling with rage inside of me. But the presence of Jill immediately dispelled any bad feeling. Her face so calm, her soft voice..She brought me peace without knowing it. She stopped next to me to greet me. Then we were talking for a few minutes. I avoided the subject of Wesker and his threat to fire her, I informed her that Enrico will start the Arklay's mission tonight.

Jill seemed better, still a little disturbed, but better. And it was the most important for me for the time being. I'll make sure she'll keeps her job, so no need to tell her about that.

The Arklay mission would start tonight, and our team had no active missions, our job was mainly in the preparation of weapons and equipment, in case of BRAVO's failure, but Also to help the raccoon Police. The presence of STARS was rare in the streets, but it was enough to deter anyone from doing anything. This also was allowing Jill to get some air, relax. Quite a lot of people came to see us, to talk about personal problems or even to have the "honor" to have a conversation with STARS. We had really good reputation among people.

The genuine smile Jill beamed when a little girl about 12 years old wanted to be taken in her arms.

This was perhaps one of the few most beautiful moments in my life. By seeing Jill and this girl, my mind imagined a future in which I would have the chance to be with Jill, and maybe some children ...

- Are you ok Chris? She asked

- " I just thought that it's been awhile I did not see you smile like that "

My heart began to beat as he usually did when I was embarrassed with Jill. We were alone now and continued our round, it was difficult for me to seemed normal.

- " I know I was distant lately. I'm sorry, you know these murders ..."

- .".. It's not every day you see that Jill and believe me, even with experience, this is not easy."

- " But you seem to manage your emotions more than others. Barry is the oldest one and yet he seemed very affected also. I have no doubt that you were also shocked Chris, I just ask how you do."

- " I do not manage my emotions as well as you think. Some emotions are hard to hide, and sometimes they want to get out. I fight every day to be strong. Believe me it is not easy, but it's for the best. Especially since it's not just me. This is the team that I have to protect, and my partner now. "

Jill looked at me with her sweet gaze that I used to know since she was my partner. My words touched thanked me, kissing me on the cheek. A kiss that helped me to smile for a few seconds.. But I could not stay on it. It's a fight of every second to keep emotions inside of me. I needed to focus again. It was almost noon, so I invited her to eat a sandwich somewhere.

In the afternoon, Joseph and Brad took our our places to help the police, but for some investigations's reports, checkings security systems, or any other common banality. I came back to my office alone. I suggested to Jill to join her to the shooting training after Barry teach her some of his special weapons "just in case". In fact, Barry loved to share his passion with guns with all of us, and Jill didn't have her session part yet.

It suited me to be alone a few minutes. I needed to think. First of all, Wesker. Even if Jill was better, I felt he was the kind of person to have anticipated to fire anyway, whatever happens, and its threat would only been a pretext to provoke me. I think it's me he was through Jill, but why? Did he really want to test me? Maybe there's there something more complicated behind this. I knew Irons never liked me, but I couldn't get what was his plan by recruite Wesker. For now I couldn't do anything but wait and see how things would happen. Maybe I was torturing my mind for nothing…

The Arklay folder was on my desk.

"Damn it ! Enrico I hope you'll catch this degenerated guy !" I exclaimed aloud

I couldn't contains my emotions. I knew that it always came out sooner or later. But I usually made sure that my teammates are not there to see it. While my arms were shaking with rage at the idea of wanting to stop the "cannibal", I thought back to the morning conversation with Jill, but also the conversation with Barry.

I knew very well that my feelings for Jill would also come out. But I said nothing only to proctect us. I convinced myself that it was the best thing to do.

But according to Barry, she could be my greatest strength, the one who pushes me to get better every time. In my opinion this was not about me, but about Jill. How would she react if she knew my feelings for her? I do not even know if she saw me more than a partner.

I returned the problem in all directions without finding suitable solutions. However I decided that I will invite her to come out somewhere an evening after work. It didn't commit us to anything, and it could help me to discover the real Jill. It was a challenge, I was sure that she would prefers us to keep staying with a friendly professionnal relationship, but I had to know that, I need put the subject on table with her.

I joined her to the shooting training a few minutes later. Jill started the training without me, and did not hear me coming because of her earmuffs.

She only noticed me when she had to reload her gun.

"Sorry for the delay. Is everything ok ? "I asked in a tone that seemed natural.

"I always end up to kill my target. Yet I am more focused during our missions "

Jill replied with disappointment.

STARS had a very specific training. It was not to kill the target, but to neutralize them by shooting specific points, while avoiding critical areas. The latest target of Jill had received two bullets in the head, three in the shoulders, one near the heart and the other 9 bullets did not touch any point of neutralization, some even didn't reache their target.

- "You have to stop thinking about this killer. Staying focused is difficult but this is the most important hability from STARS. Do not forget that your target is often in move , you should set the programm to make it move. So your practice will be more difficult, and you will have to force you on quick focus. Let me show you "

I put my earmuffs while Jill gave me a gun and and some ammo. The speed level of the target could be set from 1 to 5.

"We'll do 5 the same as a man running fast. Especially never loses sight. But you also have to focus on the points that you target. This not perfect, you never know what the target will do when you shoot him. "

Jill looked at me with admiration as I pressed the activation's button of the target and tried to follow it with my eyes.

It took me 28 seconds to shot my 15 bullets. It was considered as one of the best time for a gun, because it usually takes more than 1.5 seconds to shoot.

The result was clear. I had reached all the points covered, hands, shoulders, knees and feet, but four of my bullets did not hit the target.

"Chris ... you're really amazing you know? I would never be able to do this! "Jill was impressed.

"You are able to. You're my partner, I know that your ability to concentrate is need to practice. Now your turn. First let's try with a Level 3, you can do it, I know you can."

I was no surprised to see that I was right. Jill became better at each new target. She had regained her ability to focus in a very short time. We spent over two hours to practice, to make sure that Jill will be at the best of her abilities.

Exceptionally, the Enrico team had to relieve us earlier today, due to the Arklay mission. BRAVO usually worked at night, but considering the circumstances and the forest environnement, the team needed to do this while the sun was still here. It meant that they would have them less than 2 hours to complete the mission, before the night come. If Irons had not a trouble with me, we could have done this mission today.

But I must say that this day of preparation was not a time wasting for Jill, who had regained her composure and abilities. I wondered what would happened for her if we finaly were sent into the Arklay Mountains?

The day came to the end for us. Only Barry and Wesker had to stay here for a while, in order to keep contact with Enrico by radio and receive his reports. Over the next five hours we could be recalled if the mission goes wrong.

"Everything will goes fine" I was repeating to myself.

I was putting my equipment in my locker, and got ready to talk to Jill. I came out of the locker room when I saw that she was waiting for me.

"I wanna thank you for today. You helped me to feel better. This is the first time someone takes care of me like you did .. I mean, I've always had to take care of myself . Thank you Chris "

Her words had touched me. There were something different in her voice, as if she was released from a burden. I searched the strength in my heart to stay professional and not fall into my emotions so easily.

"We are partners Jill. You know could always trust me "

She stared at me for a moment, seemed like a disappointed look. As if she expected something else .

Damn I couldn't act like this now..What I was doing ? I told to myself earlier that I would take my chance with her.

"I was wondering ... are you free tomorrow on the evening? I mean ... Do you want us to go eat somewhere? Or even to have a drink ? "

When I saw her smiling on her face I knew I made a good choice, and I realized that I had may be a chance to discover the true Jill Valentine.

"I'd love that. And if you want, I can spare you a night of torture to choose the restaurant, I love Italian food. "

I could not believe it. She was so different in a good way.. the woman behind my partner, my friend. I will have a chance to meet her.

I left the RPD smiling while admiring the beautiful sunset that stood facing the building. I felt that next day could be the most important in my life. I wanted to believed it.

I would like to thank Shantty, Mayra.713.g and Roseimagine for your reviews ! It touched me !

When I was kid I loved writing, but with time I grew up and I gave up on it. Now I feel I wanna

Write again, even if my story can be bad, I accept all good and bad review, this is not a problem :)

Shantty : Thanks you very much ! You helped me in that way, I took my time because I didn't trust myself at first. But I hope I could improve in it with time ! Let's see how things will happen.

I'm sorry for the paragraph and lines, I hope this is better this time. About the tense, I think in this chap it won't be as confusing, but I'm counting on you to tell me

I'm trying to make Chris not too much with a kind mind, just hope it seems a little mature, but this is difficult. About Barry, I was inspired from the re book a little, but I didn't plan to make him talk too much because I'm not sure to be able to make him as a "realistic Barry" :p

Thank you very much for your support Shaaaaannntty kiiiisssssssssssss

Mayra.713.g : oooooh really thank you for that, your comments also helped me to keep continue it, it mean so much for me ! I didn't expect for any reviews btw :D So I'll try to make you keep following this, because the strongest parts are coming soon now Thaaaaank you again !

Roseimagine : Thaaaaaaaanks ! Actually, I already used the spelling corrector but for the first chapter I didn't really focus on it, I was mainly on the translation. So this chap may still have some mistakes, but I hope less than previously. I'll work on it better for the next chap ! I'm also sad that Capcom never really focused on the Valenfield couple, but there's many signs between them, nothing is telling clearly, I like :D .