Bonus Chapter:
Helena entered Piers apartment first, he trailed in quietly behind her. She hung her coat in the front closet, removed her boots wet from rain water and made a tired stride towards the blue couch near the window. Piers sent her a smile and walked farther into the home with plans to make some nice hot tea to warm their chilled bodies.
Piers' apartment was very spacious and comfortable for Helena's tastes with the scent of morning rain lingering through the air and the color scheme consisting of shades of blue and green.
The first room inside the home was the living room, it took over a large portion of the place. There was balcony a few feet past the living room accessible by twin glass sliding doors. The dining room area was after that, a glass table and comfy chairs surrounded it and other items of good taste decorated the space. There was a narrow hall to the left of that area that was to the kitchen.
There was a flight of stairs opposite the living room, they led directly into Piers' bedroom and a narrow hall led to the bathroom.
In the living room the floors were covered with a plush carpet, there was a loveseat, armchair and an L-shaped sofa all made of microfiber material surrounding the small wooden coffee table in the center.
His place was neat and tidy but not tediously so.
Helena stared out the window, they were on the 12 floor and she could see out into the cloudy city as the rain cascaded quietly from the sky. She was really starting to hate the rain. Here she was trying to find a way to not sink into a debilitating depression and the weather wasn't helping her.
It was closing in on a month since her sister had died and she felt like her entire body was going numb now. Her sister was attacked and barbarically left to die, then she was hospitalized, then comatose and finally her life was ended before she could even say goodbye. She couldn't cry anymore and she knew that getting angry wouldn't help her - but that's just how she felt, angry.
She and Piers had just returned from meeting with an attorney of Simmons and Helena felt like her head was going to split from the frustration, confusion and rage she was feeling - there was just too much crazy happening!
It was as if Simmons was just fully intent on torturing her by separating her from her sister, even with her being deceased she was still unable to do anything to see her… and to think the man would as far as to have her cremated without consulting her. It was mind-blowing!
"How could he do this...?" she wondered aloud, choking back bitter tears. Why did he have so much power over her life? He's not even a blood relative - I've been her guardian recently. She thought to herself. And then to find out there won't even be a funeral...?! This is all too much. Gods I hate him with every fiber of my being. Why can't he just get a stroke and kill over already?!
She pounded her fist onto the couch in frustration, releasing a growl shortly afterwards. "Gods, why? I hate him! ...I'm so sorry Debbie... I couldn't protect you." the tears she thought she didn't have any more streamed from her eyes and her heart hurt.
"You did everything you could while she was here, Helena." Piers said startling her. She saw he was holding two cups of warm tea on saucers. He smiled warmly and sat beside her once he placed the tea on the table in front of them. "This isn't the end, remember that. There's still plenty more to be done to give her peace... as well as yourself."
Helena nodded, wiping at her tears. "You're right..."
Piers smiled and offered a cup which she accepted graciously. "I just wish you could understand that you're not alone and that I'm going to help you - and hopefully this Leon guy will be helpful too."
Helena bit her lip when she thought of her conversation with the blonde agent over the phone. She'd only met him once and that was during a party - so even though Jake and Sherry spoke fondly of him, she wasn't sure she would be convinced until she saw his finesse with her own two eyes.
"I'm trying Piers, really I am." she said after taking a nice sip of the warm liquid. "It's just I'm so used to fighting my own battles that the idea of seeking help or receiving it is awkward..."
"I know, trust me it's something I've always loved about you." this made her smile and it brought a little ease to him to see her brighten up some.
Piers understood Helena's anger completely, he felt the same way after learning of what Simmons had done to Deborah. It was disgraceful that Simmons would have Deborah cremated without even consulting Helena beforehand. He didn't even ask if she wanted to hold a funeral for her or not - he just acted and that was the end of it.
The former BSAA member was baffled by it all. Here was Helena, the blood sister and relative of the deceased and yet she wasn't allowed to do anything. She had no control over her sister's life or death but Simmons had all the power in the world it seemed. It was suspicious and completely unnerving.
He was anxious to see what Leon had to offer to help the girl he adored.
"What gives him the right to do what he does?" Helena asked bitterly as she gripped her cup tighter. "Who the hell does he think he is - and for that matter, why the hell isn't anyone trying to stop him but you and I?"
Piers frowned as his thoughts began to wonder. "I'm not sure, but you better believe I'll help you in every way possible to figure this out. In the meantime, let's just wait for Leon to get here."
Helena agreed with him. She saw him beckoning her closer and she slowly did just that, snuggling into his muscular chest and inhaling his earthly scent, maybe pine trees - she liked it a lot.
It wasn't extremely easy for her to come to him of her own accord because giving affection was not something she was used to, lucky for her Piers was a hopeless romantic. Even better was that he never bothered her about it. He let her come to him when she was comfortable, other times he just initiated their contact and she was fine with that.
"You're such a softy." she stated in a dry tone.
He just chuckled, wrapping his arms around her. "One of us has to be I guess, we can't both be difficult - otherwise I'd never get to do this..."
Piers hand lifted her chin gently so that their eyes met, in a swift move his lips touched hers. Helena blushed furiously and tried to pull away in her awkward attempt to keep her tough-girl image but she couldn't resist her teddy bear of a boyfriend and eventually gave into him.
The two brunettes held each other tightly as their kiss intensified. Piers' heart was racing in his chest, he loved Helena with everything he had and he just relished every moment he got to be close to her. Sure, she would call him a big softy or a pansy but he didn't care, he knew she loved him too but just was unsure how to express herself.
He pulled her into his lap, her arms came around his neck and his around her waist. Helena felt feverish suddenly, she wondered what it was about this man that just made her weak to her knees. Her fingers traveled up to his short, soft brown locks of hair so she could massage his scalp.
Piers lips left hers and he started down her neck, she shivered - enjoying those magical lips of his, he sent her into another world with them. She had kissed a few girls in her lifetime but never any guys, she had no idea if all guys were like this but Piers was definitely good at getting a reaction out of her quicker than any girl.
She took his hands and placed them on her large bust encouraging him to squeeze them. He was shy whenever she did this because he didn't want to give her a bad impression - he didn't want her for her curves and beauty, he loved her strength.
But should she want me to perform I will certainly do so. He thought to himself giving her soft heavy mounds another squeeze.
Helena was pleased with his response, she shifted so she could straddle him but in the process she kicked over the cup of her forgotten tea. The two broke apart and she quickly picked the cup up and began to frantically search for something to dry the liquid before it reached the plush carpet.
"Shit - sorry..." she said quickly, her eyes darting everywhere as she slipped away from him, suddenly feeling embarrassed.
Piers shook his head, taking a few napkins to dry it. "No worries, it's just tea. I can worry about it later..." he reached for her once again and she backed away. He let out a huff and forced a smile onto his handsome face while internally fighting off the bulge between his legs. Great, now she's fighting me off again. He shook his head. Well, I guess I'll just have to wait...
Piers Nivans was the epitome of a gentleman.
"So... what now, Miss thing?" he said trying to break the ice. She had her arms folded and a cute pout on her glossy lips, he chuckled nervously expecting her to recall that he fondled her [even with her permission] and therefore strike him for his actions.
But she didn't.
She fidgeted suddenly, looking away from him with a slight flush on her cheeks. "That's it...?" Piers blinked innocently at her. "You're... not gonna force me back into your arms or something?"
Piers smiled warmly. "Nope," she looked offended at first until he laughed holding up his hands. "I wouldn't dare force you to do anything you didn't want to. I will only do what you tell me is okay."
The lovely brunette looked skeptical of her lover. "So if I told you I wanted to have sex with you right now... what would you do?"
Piers blushed. "Um... er, well you see - I uh..." he chuckled sheepishly once she began tapping her foot impatiently. He sighed to compose himself and took a nice deep breath. "I would first ask if you're sure you want to do that because I can't bring myself to do anything to you if you seem uncomfortable... or if you seem like you're under the influence of drugs…"
Helena hit him with one of the couch pillows. A second later she was laughing and so was he. "You are just cheesy!" she jumped on top of him to wrestle and they ended up rolling off the couch and onto the plush carpet.
Piers rolled on top of her. "Is that a good thing?" he asked with a grin.
Helena pouted and tried to push him off but he was too strong. "Shut up and get off me!"
He laughed and leaned his forehead against hers. "I meant what I said love... I won't push you into anything – ever."
She blushed and directed her eyes elsewhere. "S-Stop it, Piers..."
The older male stood up and pulled her with him. When Helena noticed him turning away, she stopped him and awkwardly kissed his cheek. "Thanks, Pudding."
He smiled and wrapped his arms around her, planting a sweet kiss on her forehead. "No problem."
"I wouldn't mind it."
"Hm?"
Helena buried her reddening face into his chest. "I wouldn't mind... doing that with you."
His eyes widened and he encased her pretty face in his hands, he smiled. "Well it's entirely up to you. If you want us to take that step then just let me know - and above all else, make sure you're ready for it because I don't want to rush into anything."
She smirked and leaned into him. Being affectionate wasn't easy, but she could do sensual without much effort. "Are you sure you can handle me?"
Piers raised a brow once he realized she was baiting him. "Positive." he said simply.
She took his hand and made a start up the stairs to his bedroom. Something about this man just was irresistible and she wanted him. She hadn't been with a guy before but she was sure she could handle Piers. He was a gentle guy and though he could be aggressive when he wanted to be, she just knew he would let her lead and that made her feel comfortable.
There were a lot of thoughts running through Piers' head. He was ecstatic about being with Helena after all the close calls they'd been having. She was a very aggressive girl when it came to anything related to sex and he loved it whenever she made a move on him. They hadn't gone that extra mile yet but he patiently waited for it.
He imagined her beneath him as she ran her fingers over his chiseled chest, her soft naked skin caressing his, her silky long legs wrapping around his waist as he stared into her beautiful hazel brown eyes - glazed over with desire as he slowly buried himself deep inside her again and again. Sweet moans would escape her and he'd just drive into her more, giving her every ounce of him until he filled her with his seed.
His pants were beyond tight now.
Poor Piers felt like a dirty, dirty boy. His thoughts were usually innocent and romantic involving him reading poetry to his girl before she kicked him for embarrassing her or him bringing her flowers and she would curse him out for thinking she was a girly girl – only to accept the flowers when no one was looking and offer him a quick peck on the cheek.
That was Piers Nivans, a gentleman with a thirst for romance.
Now that same man was harboring erotic fantasies of lustful conquests with the girl of his dreams. He was such a pervert when no one was paying attention, mostly towards Helena but he did it in subtle ways like hovering behind her if she bent over or pretending to be brushing his teeth while she was in the shower so he could peek.
Shameful, yes – but this was his secret fetish… admiring Helena. Some called it weird, others said he was normal. He felt it made him creepy – especially since she defined it that way too.
Okay so maybe it wasn't a secret considering she picked up on his obvious behaviors after the third day of spending the night.
But hell, she never stopped him.
As they entered the bedroom Helena suddenly felt her nerves kick in.
His room was clean and tidy like the rest of the flat. His bed was king sized and covered in white and periwinkle blue bed sheets. There was a soft carpet around the bed of the same color. He had a wooden dresser, nightstand and chest in the room and in the far corner there was a small desk in front of a window.
She had slept in his room many times but when she did he was nice enough to take the couch or the guest room down the hall from the kitchen so she would be comfortable. She liked his bed because she loved his smell and sleeping there brought her sweet dreams instead of helpless nightmares of all sorts.
Now knowing that she was about to have sex with him was making her shiver...
Why am I so nervous? I've never been nervous about being with a girl but Piers just makes me feel so awkward and out of control... She started to visibly tremble. This happens every single time I try to be with him – I just flip out!
"Helena? What's wrong?" Piers asked gently, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Why do you make me feel so weak?" she asked. "I feel so out of control and vulnerable... you just get to me and I don't know why."
Piers sighed, he knew she wasn't ready. Well, there go my wet dreams again... He picked her up and walked towards the bed, laying her there while he sat on the edge. "I know what you're feeling and I can assure you, it isn't weakness."
"I worry about you, I always want to be with you, and I feel safe with you..." she started to ramble, hugging one of his pillows to her full chest. "What the hell is wrong with me?" she groaned before smashing her face into the pillow.
"I love you, Helena."
She gasped staring at him with wide eyes. "Why are you saying that to me...?"
"Because it's the truth," Piers said so softly it was barely above a whisper. "Not a moment goes by when I don't think about you. I always want to be with you too, and I'm happy that you feel safe with me - because you are safe. I love you and I promise you I always will."
Helena hugged him tightly. "Thanks... I - Oh for God's sake!" she pulled away with a deep frown on her pretty face. Piers was completely taken aback by it and tried to think of ways to escape his temperamental girlfriend just in case she tried to strike him, though odds were she would catch him no matter what. "I'm gonna tell you this and you better keep it to yourself - do you understand me, Piers Nivans?" Piers nodded slowly, eyes wide for what was to come. "I...I love you too..." she whispered with a reddened face.
"What?" Piers leaned in closer so he could hear her.
Imagine his surprise when she pinned him to the bed and hovered over him. "Damn it I said I love you!" she shouted taking deep breaths after her outbursts.
A smile slowly came to Piers' handsome face. "I love you too."
"Promise me that you won't ever leave my side again."
"I swear it."
"Promise me that once we solve what happened to my sister that we'll... I don't know - move away, have kids and be happy somewhere!"
Piers chuckled. "Sounds like a plan to me."
"Last thing... promise me we'll grow old and die together."
"... Well, the heavens are in charge of that - " he saw her frown return and he laughed sheepishly. "Sure sweetheart, whatever makes you happy!"
She leaned down to kiss him again and his arms came up to wrap around her waist. Piers felt himself harden once more, she felt good on top of him. She was so soft he couldn't help but imagine her without her clothes, he wanted to run his fingers through her hair and suck on her tits while she rode on top of him.
I really need a cold shower after this. I'm a dirty, dirty man... He told himself, but for now he would bask in his girlfriend's rare display of affection.
Helena stuck her tongue into his mouth and moaned as their tongues stroked each other's in a slow gentle rhythm. She felt that warmth again and placed both of his hands on her buttocks while she grinded on top of his stiffening length.
She pulled her shirt off revealing her black strapless bra. Piers felt his mouth water, he could feel it - this time he was really about to feel this luscious babe and all of her glory connect with his body. He was going to be gentle with her for the moment but he had plans to top her when she needed an extra push.
Piers had never been with anyone either but he was ready for the experience to be with Helena. He was eager…
He better not be thinking anything creepy. Helena thought when she saw his reaction. She did love his obsession with her but sometimes it was beyond weird… still it was cute on him.
Her hand traveled inside his shirt and she felt those muscles she longed to for so long. He was so amazing, she wanted that article of clothing gone so she could lick him anywhere. To her shock, Piers removed it himself and then pulled her back down against him to finish kissing her.
A moment later her bra came off and her large breasts were on his chest, her nipples brushed over his and Piers fought hard to keep from moaning. Helena licked along his chin and towards his ear, Piers used one hand to caress the soft peachy skin on her back and the other squeezed at her ass cheeks as she continued to grind on him.
"Take this off." she commanded once she undid his belt buckle.
Piers didn't hesitate, his slid his jeans down to his ankles and kicked them to the floor. Helena placed his hands onto her own jeans implying for him to remove hers as well. He was beyond giddy now as he pulled them down as far as he could, she did the rest once she climbed off him. He watched her come back to straddle him with her black satin underwear still on.
They started to kiss again, Piers hands slid into her panties to cup her ass cheeks in his large palms. Helena gasped but began caressing his length through the fabric of his boxers. Piers hands came to her breasts, he squeezed them and gently pulled at her nipples. She was purring now, this was beyond anything she'd ever experienced.
She was sick of the foreplay now. She wanted to feel him inside her.
"Piers, please I want it so bad." she practically growled as she became aware of how wet she was, her panties were soaked.
Piers gave a weird noise in response, almost a perverted giggle. Helena thought it was just him being weird again but she'd rather just bang him for now and ponder everything else later. He started to pull his boxers down and she shifted her panties to one side. She had felt a certain toy before... so she assumed this wouldn't hurt much.
The tip of his erection met her moist entrance.
Helena's cell phone rang.
The beautiful brunette sprang away from him and started half naked down the stairs to the living room where her phone was. "Shit - that could be Leon!"
Piers laid there with a look of sheer disbelief. His left eye twitched once, and then twice...
What just happened?! Gods, will I ever get the opportunity to lay with the woman of my dreams?! He growled and sat up on the bed. He saw his manhood standing tall and throbbing painfully with need. Maybe she'll return and say we have at least four hours before they come... Yeah, it could happen right?
"Piers," she came jogging back into the room still clad in only her panties, her phone in one hand. Piers fought off a groan because he saw her breasts bounce; he had his fingers crossed behind his back… "Leon and Ada will be here in thirty minutes." she put her phone on his dresser and began going through the bags of clothing she had placed in his closet. She'd brought them over with her earlier that week once she made it clear she didn't want to be at her own place. "I'm gonna get dressed."
Fuck. My. Life. Piers thought, his left eye twitched once more, and then again.
"I need a shower." He stated awkwardly, he was ready to pound his fists into the walls and roar curse words.
Once again, he would just have to wait for that sweet moment when he and Helena would become one... and wait... and wait.
Helena smirked at him, obviously amused. She liked seeing the usually well-groomed and genteel Piers looking so lascivious and disheveled. "Did you want to get in together?" She was more than aware of his 'need' but thirty minutes was not enough time for what she had planned for her lover. She eyed his impressive length and giggled when he sent her a look of mild irritation.
Piers scoffed as he stood pulling up his boxers. "I need an ice cold shower..."
"Of course you do... Pudding." she nearly died of laughter when he groaned.
Leon arrived right on time. Piers emerged from the bedroom dressed and as neat as always, smelling of fresh pine trees and wood. Helena opened the door for the agent to enter and Piers gestured him to the couch to have a seat.
The two were surprised to see Leon wasn't alone; he had brought a lady clad mostly in red along with him. She was familiar to them, they realized she was the woman with the jiangshi costume from the Halloween night – Ada Wong.
"Piers, Helena, you remember Ada? She was at the party as well." Leon spoke after shaking each of their hands.
The lovers nodded shaking the tall Chinese beauty's hand as well. "Nice to see you again." they said in union.
Ada smirked as she eyed Piers mischievously. "Last I saw you, you were on the verge of fainting from the little miss here." Piers blushed with a sheepish chuckle, Helena snickered to herself thinking how cute he was when it came to her outrageous behaviors. Ada must have been talking about when she gave him a lap dance.
Funny, later that day when they went home she offered to give him a hand job and he stiffly – awkwardly refused before passing out on the living room floor. He later blamed it on the alcohol but everyone knew he didn't drink much that night – he was just trying to keep up that look of honor and Helena loved rocking his conventional way of life.
"It is nice to see you're both doing alright considering how bad things have gotten." Ada stated as she pulled a notepad and pen from her black leather purse and waited patiently for the conversation to unfold. She would take the necessary notes this time since Leon's handwriting was like chicken scratch.
"It's a wonder why the police here in London haven't put out safety protocols or even issued warnings for the public to keep safe." Piers stated.
"They'd rather not even accept the possibility of a serial killer." Leon stated softly. "The idea of civil disorder over this is much too high. We're looking at over 20 girls murdered."
"20?!" the couple echoed in horror. "That's incredible, no - it's disturbing." Helena said stiffly.
"The kill count is actually above 20, it's 24 to be exact. 25 if you're sister is also connected." Ada said calmly, she sent Leon a look and he nodded to her. "Was your sister buried yet...? I'm sorry if this makes you uncomfortable, but we're going to need to have her body examined."
Helena gave Piers' hand a squeeze as she began to shake. Piers placed his other hand upon her back to soothe her. "She... was cremated." he answered in her place, the agents looked taken aback. "We had no control over it. Her once adoptive father, Derek C. Simmons did it. We weren't even contacted about it, he just had us meet with his lawyer earlier today where he informed us of what had occurred."
Ada sent Leon a look of pity, Leon sighed. "We're... sorry to learn that."
"I just don't get it." Helena spoke bitterly. "Why did he do this? Why would he go through all of this? She was my sister - I should have had some rights to her for God's sake! He just took over and I have no idea why..."
"There are a few things to possibly consider, so let's weigh the odds here. The first could be that he's trying to be a considerate of your feelings by not wanting to put you through the agony of dealing with your sister's death and instead taking action for you." Leon said thoughtfully.
Helena scoffed. "Simmons has always been a selfish piece of shit with no love for either of us. I highly doubt he was trying to do good for me - if anything I'm sure he's trying to hurt me even more by doing this."
"What would make you say that?" Leon asked curiously. Helena shook her head, she wasn't ready to talk about everything even though she knew she would end up doing just that.
"So, let's move on to the next possibility," Ada started. "Simmons could be trying to hide what happened to your sister to maintain his reputation and maybe hide his connections to you."
"That's plausible, but for what reason?" Helena asked.
"Is there something that would make him need to hide the two of you?" Leon pressed with a raised brow. He could tell by looking at Helena that she had a tough past with this Simmons guy. In all his years of being in law enforcement and becoming an agent, he'd become an expert at reading people and this lovely brunette was not as pokerfaced as she might think she is.
Piers frowned a bit. "Helena, you need to tell them what he put you and your sister through." Helena looked appalled by his words but he gave her hand another comforting squeeze. "They're here to help, so let's give them all the information they need."
"If you want our help, you're going to have to tell us everything." Leon said firmly. "We can't do much with secrets running around."
Helena lowered her gaze to her lap and then took a deep breath. "Okay, I'll tell you..."
Helena explained everything to them from her parents deaths to her being adopted by Simmons and picked up the nerve to tell them about what he did to Deborah when they were teenagers. By the time she was finished, Ada looked strangely calmer but there was fire within her piercing hazel eyes and Leon was visibly angered, even Piers who'd heard this story before was shaking with rage - he hated to hear of what his girlfriend had been through, it made him want to kill Simmons himself.
Ada gave Helena a blank stare, she just couldn't allow herself to become emotionally involved in any case, but she did truly feel sorry for this girl. "We're sorry to hear of your painful past with him, but thank you for sharing, Miss Harper."
Helena sniffed, wiping at her tears and nodding to the two. Piers wrapped his arms around her and buried her face into his chest. "It's okay, he can't hurt you anymore." he whispered into her hair. His gaze traveled to the quiet Leon whose eyes stared off at nothing in particular. "So, can you help us - can you help Helena get answers about her sister?"
Leon took a deep breath and intertwined his fingers, his elbows rested on his knees as his thoughts wandered. "I have a question, if you don't mind? Why didn't you tell anyone of what he was doing - after you moved out, I mean?"
"Because the damage was done." came Helena's answer, it was muffled by Piers' shirt but she was understandable. "Besides, Deborah wasn't his whore anymore, we were moving onto a new life without him... I just didn't expect her to still want to call him our father... I just had no clue."
"How can we be sure she wasn't still doing that for him?"
All eyes traveled to the pale skinned agent beside Leon. She retained her cool countenance as they all shot her looks of bewilderment, shock and consideration. Ada hated to think a girl would let a man use her but her experience in the field showed her otherwise.
She worked as a spy majority of her career, going undercover while agents like Leon played her backup. Ada was used to being under pressure and facing the darker side of life, she didn't want to upset Helena but this was a plausible theory she was presenting to everyone.
"It's not easy to stomach, but we have to be honest here. You told us about her boyfriend, Peter prostituting her and she still returned to him - who's to say she didn't do the same with Simmons? That said, we will look into tracking the ex down for questioning but I think the possibility to Simmons using your sister is still conceivable."
Leon hesitantly agreed. "I'm sorry Helena but my partner is right and if this is what was really going on, I see a very good reason for Simmons to have wanted her existence covered up. A man like him... being involved in scandals - especially sex scandals are front page news. Think about it, Derek C. Simmons using his adoptive daughter for sexual exploitation and prostitution when she was an adolescent into adulthood... he'd be ruined."
"But how would they learn of Deborah's past just because she was fatally injured by a serial attacker...?" Helena asked. "What does that have to do with Simmons?"
"It has a lot to do with Simmons..." Piers started reluctantly. "...If it turns out that he was the one responsible for her condition to begin with."
Helena looked at him with an expression of sheer horror. "You mean...?"
Ada stood up. "I think its best we take a spin by your home, Miss Harper. An evaluation of your sister's life may provide the answers to everything we need."
"Wait -" Helena interrupted, breaking from Piers' embrace to stop the agents from leaving. "Are you saying you think Simmons is using these serial murders as a means of covering up Deborah's death - like pointing the finger elsewhere?"
"They do it more often than you think." Leon stated dryly. "Simmons should know the details of the murders as he's involved with National Security over in the States. If he is responsible for what happened to your sister, than he would know exactly how to cover his tracks - but Ada and I are some of the best agents the U.S has to offer..." he approached Helena and placed his hands on both her shoulders. "Don't worry, if he is responsible for this, he won't get away with it. I promise you that."
A small smile came to her face and she nodded to him. "Thank you... I appreciate the help..."
Piers stood up. "Let me grab my keys and we'll lead you to the house. I must offer a heads up for you, the city police trashed the place taking most if not everything for evidence."
"So it should be at the station then?" Leon asked puzzled.
Piers shrugged. "I would believe so."
"Hm, well we'll head there now. It could take us a while to contact you again as I'm sure you're aware this type of case takes time to work." the two brunettes gave him a gesture of acknowledgment. "We will keep you updated as much as possible and if we have questions we'll be sure to give you a call."
"So wait," Piers started before they made their exit. "If what happened to Deborah is actually because of Simmons, what about the other women that are being murdered? Is law enforcement looking into who is responsible?"
Leon nodded. "Yes but feel fortunate that Deborah wasn't murdered like those girls... The crime scene photos are hard to forget..." with that, he and Ada bid the two lovers a farewell and left.
Later that day, Piers and Helena were in the kitchen, Helena was preparing some dinner for the two of them while Piers quietly searched the internet on his laptop.
The kitchen had blue walls, wood floors, white countertops, a window view over the sink, and a wooden table in the center. It was narrow area, not too big but ample enough that moving around wasn't difficult.
Helena hovered quietly by the stove, she was making them some fish and chips - something to keep her mind and hands busy. She looked over to the handsome brunette she loved and felt her cheeks heat up. He was staring calmly at the screen of his laptop, she liked to look at him when he was unaware because if he caught her he would assume she was being soft or showing affection.
Gosh, she was even confusing herself with her complicated thinking.
"What are you looking at?" she asked him, turning away to extract the fries from the pan and into a glass bowl.
Piers shrugged. "A little of everything, I'm bored for the moment - hungry too. That smells good, honey."
Helena twitched at that. "H-Honey? Why are you calling me that? It's not like we're married or something." Though I do kind of like hearing him call me that, it makes me feel fuzzy inside... Which is bad. She shook away her thoughts.
Piers was very much amused, he closed the laptop after shutting it down. "I thought you wanted us to get away and get married and have kids?"
"That's supposed to be after we solve what happened to my sister." Immediately after she said that she felt regret. She hated to put Piers on hold like that. She would love to marry him - she knew Deborah would have loved it too... so why was she being so difficult? "Look, I'm sorry it's just -"
"It's fine," Piers said standing up and coming over to hug her from behind. "My apologies, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
"But I'm not uncomfortable." she whined. "I'm just confused. Should I be doing something right now...? How can I find peace when all of this has happened?"
Piers sighed softly into her hair. "It's... not easy to but it takes patience. You never truly get over it but it eventually becomes easier to bear."
Helena turned around in his arms and stared up at him, his arms dropped to his sides. He was a few inches taller than her but she was able to look him in the eye. "You make it sound as if you've experienced this before."
"I have." Helena blinked and offered a sympathetic expression. "It wasn't a family member, it was a little girl I met during my time in the BSAA."
Helena turned off the stove, the food was finished now. "So... what happened?" she wondered aloud to him.
He appeared troubled as memories of his time at war threatened to surface. He shook his head, purging the images from his mind. "Let's just eat for now, we'll worry about everything else afterwards."
Helena followed him to the table, she carried the fries while he brought the fish and a few sodas he snagged from the fridge. Helena had already set out the plates and silverware so that was taken care of. Piers removed his laptop from the table, walked into the living room with it and then returned once he put it away.
The two said grace and started to eat. Piers openly voiced his delight at her cooking skills and Helena proudly thanked him. Over the course of the meal, they remained quiet - Helena felt guilty for making her lover relive his darker memories, she knew he went through hell but he never opened up about it, this was the first time she'd even heard that he lost someone dear to him - though she should have suspected it considering he'd lost many friends...
She felt a knot in her stomach.
"What's wrong sweetheart?" he asked her when he noticed she'd stopped eating suddenly.
"Sorry for making you think about it. I haven't been being very sensitive to your feelings..." she said ruefully. "I don't mind you calling me 'honey' or 'sweetheart' or even 'love'... I'm just so at a loss here - I don't know what to do."
Piers reached over and gently stroked her long fingers with his. "It's alright, Helena. I know exactly how you feel and trust me when I say everyone handles things differently. You're handling of death is similar to mine before… before I met little Mai…"
Helena tilted her head with interest. "Mai? Was she someone you met at war?"
Piers nodded with a short sigh. "Yes, she was ten years old. Sweetest and happiest little girl I ever met... I just couldn't understand why it had to happen to her..." he trailed off.
"What happened to her...?" Helena inquired gently.
Piers let out a huff. "I'll meet you in the room. I need to get my thoughts together." he stood up and placed his empty dishes into the sink, he would worry with them later. "Finish eating sweetheart - and don't even try sneaking your food into the garbage. You need the nutrients so just relax and take your time, we'll talk later."
Helena watched him go feeling her nerves kick in. She wanted to run to him and just bury herself in his arms but refused to show such helplessness. She finished eating her dinner and decided to wash the dishes herself to save him the trouble.
She thought of how affected Piers was by the girls being targeted by the serial killer and the reaction he gave at the prospect of Debbie being involved. He seemed deeply bothered by it and she began to wonder did he experience something like it when he served in the BSAA. She wondered did this little girl he mentioned named Mai suffer something similar...
Just what happened to you, Piers? she wondered, wiping at a tear in her eye. I wish you didn't go through so much... I wish I could just take away your scars and fight your battles for you... I wish I could be your fortress. You're too wonderful to experience anything as devastating as death...
She glanced at the clock nearby and noted it was closing in on 22:00 [10:00 pm], she fancied she would shower and change into her pajamas. That way Piers would have enough time to himself before she came to meet him.
The lovely brunette finished showering and dressing in twenty minutes flat. She came up the stairs with a towel over her damp hair and around her curvy form. Her clothes were still in his bedroom but she really didn't want to wear her own pajama's, she would rather wear one of Piers t-shirts and boxers, she liked his stuff and he didn't mind if she wore them anyway so she proudly took advantage of his kindness.
She walked into the room and saw him sitting on the edge of the bed, he'd changed into some pajama bottoms and a white short sleeved t-shirt, his eyes were lowered to his lap but he raised them upon noticing her. He smiled gently and openly admired her half-naked, curvaceous form. "I could never get enough of seeing you look like this." he breathed.
Helena smirked and walked over, he placed his hands on her hips and gazed at her fondly. "I need to borrow a shirt and a pair of boxers." she said sweetly.
"Why? You could sleep naked - in fact that would please me greatly." Piers said softly.
Helena sat beside him. "Come on, Pudding - talk to me. I hate to make you do this but I don't know... I just need help."
"I know you do, honey and I'll tell you." he pulled her into his arms and leaned back on the bed. "I think you're handling your sister's death fairly well... trust me."
"In comparison with whom...?" she wondered.
Piers sighed. "It's a long story so I'll just start from the beginning." and then he began to explain his ordeal...
"When I joined the army I decided to become a part of the BSAA. It is an organization that focuses on eliminating bioterrorism and we would prevent bio organic weapons from being sold over the black market as well as their use in modern warfare. I was assigned to the special operations unit and I served alongside my good friend Chris Redfield - he was also my captain but we've come to see each other on equal terms."
"War was war for me most of the time, my main goal being to survive no matter what. One day my group was assigned to evacuate a small town of civilians away from another bioterrorist. I went in expecting the usual procedure until we realized that the civilians were just women and children. All of the men had joined the terrorists and were on the hunt for them and it was up to us to escort them to safety."
"I had just taken down one of the members of the opposing party when out pops this little girl... she was hiding beneath her mother's corpse, dirty and covered with her blood... she was frightened of me until I told her I was there to help." Piers began to smile. "She lit up with joy and hugged me. I noticed how small she was and couldn't help but feel protective of her. I brought her back to our safe house where a woman we also had in protection cleaned her up and tended to her. It was then that she told me her name... it was Mai."
"Everyone in our group just thought of her as a ray of sunshine. She was obviously hurt by her mother's vicious murder but she always told me that her mom told her to be strong no matter what... and remember to smile."
He paused for some time, gathering his thoughts. "My interest was piqued so I asked her what was the point in smiling if you're surrounded by devastation and she told me that no matter what happens, she would smile because that's what her mother told her to do. I still wasn't following her so the lady who was caring for her explained the real reasoning behind it."
"What was it?" Helena asked with her ear against his chest. His steady heartbeat was calming for her.
"She said that it's easier to cope with loss when you remember the better times you shared with that person instead of bad. Mai confirmed it too when she went on to say she didn't want to let the image of what happened to her mother haunt her forever, she wanted to remember her smile and all the happier times they spent together."
Piers felt his shirt dampening, he knew Helena had started to cry so he hugged her tighter against him and stroked her back soothingly. "I didn't blame her because her mother's assault was inhumane - only the worst of scum could do something so disgraceful to a human being. I figured that philosophy was definitely enlightening for a child her age..."
"What happened to her mother?" Helena questioned quietly.
"She was sexually assaulted... and beaten to death..." was his agonized and reluctant response.
Helena said nothing. She had no way of knowing if her sister was raped but the fact that the little girl's mother was beaten just like Deborah was enough to make her feel uncomfortable.
Piers kissed her hair tenderly. "Mai's mother wasn't the only one. This was happening to all the women from the village. In fact, the woman who was caring for Mai - her name was Hoa and her daughter had suffered the same fate. While she was tormented by what she'd seen, she vowed to take the same perspective as Mai and remember the good instead of the bad."
"When the rest of my group learned of this, it hardened our resolve to see justice for all of the women. We moved out the next day to retrieve more people in need. We were fighting off the terrorists - Chris and I had taken a high road. There was an explosion from below that wiped out nearly half of our squad and we had no choice but to retreat."
"When we returned to the safe house, Chris was beyond enraged. He wanted revenge and he wanted it badly, honestly so did I. Little Mai approached me and told me to smile. Every time we lost members she told me the same thing... smile... because I lived another day... I grew attached to her, her innocence was endearing."
"I would sit with her and she would tell me about how she and her mother would watch clouds every day, or how her mom could catch fish with her bare hands, and anything else she could think of. It was great to see her so positive despite all the hell around us. I was finally starting to understand why she wanted to cherish her fonder memories."
"I suppose it is easier to think of the happier times." Helena said. "But Piers... what happened to little Mai?"
Silence.
"We returned from scouting one day to find the safe house had been broken into..." he said slowly. "She was inside... she and Hoa had been beaten just like the rest of the women..."
Helena bit her lip. "I'm sorry..."
"I'd never felt such anger inside me. I blamed myself and just wanted to find the son of a bitch that did it... but something stopped me. I couldn't explain it but something pulled me towards her small body. Near her was a small piece of paper. I picked it up and for the first time in ages... I cried."
"The picture was of me and her, she had finally caught a fish with her hands just like her mother could and I was on the sidelines with a smile on my face. At the bottom of the page she'd written Remember to keep smiling, big brother Piers..." he chuckled morosely. "I stared long and hard at that picture... from how lovely her art skills were to how no matter what… she never could spell my name right. She spelled my name P-e-e-r-s..."
Helena found herself smiling too; it was so cute of the little girl to do that. "When I finally pulled away from that picture, I realized I knew exactly how Mai felt. I wanted to remember her as that smiling, bubbly little girl with a love for nature, not as a victim - because she wasn't. She was a hero because she saved me. I lived another day and that meant I could smile for her and her memory."
"When we finally completed the mission and captured the head terrorist involved, he was taken to court to be tried for his crimes. The nail in the coffin for that bastard was when little Mai's drawing was used in court against him."
"You testified?" Helena asked almost admirably.
He shrugged. "Sort of, but all I had to do was show the court that drawing and offer a recorded conversation I had with her for sympathetic reasons so they would understand a little girl was killed by him and his people."
"It was a 15 minute long tape and started off with her talking about herself and her mother - all her dreams and her hobbies, her life before all the chaos happened. When she finally got around to talking about her mother, she spoke only of her life even though I asked who killed her. She did reply that it was the defendant but that was after her powerful statement that made even the judge fight off tears."
"She said - and I quote: My mother isn't dead, she lives on in me. Her strength is mine, her will is mine, her memories are mine and her smile is mine. That man took her life but she gave it to me. As long as I live so does she and as long as you live so do I."
Piers felt a lone tear escape him and stream down the side of his face onto the bed. "I had forgotten she said that to me until that day in court. I looked around and saw that most of my crew that was also in attendance was also fighting back tears. Mai lives on in every single person who was there that day, because she shared her memories and dreams with us. I made sure to tell everyone that before I left the stand. A few days later, he was convicted of all his crimes and given the death penalty."
"After that was carried out, I visited her grave. I thanked her for everything, for being brave and for being such a wise young girl. I vowed that no matter what happened I would remember to look on the brighter side of life and smile for her. I pulled her picture from my bag and showed it to her so she knew I would keep it forever just like her memory. After that, I departed back to the U.S to uphold the final promise I made her..."
"Promise?" Helena echoed.
"She made me promise that I would find happiness and I wouldn't rest until I found the girl I love - which is you."
Helena sat up and shot him an embarrassed look. "You told her about me?"
Piers nodded with a genuine smile. "She asked me if I was married and I told her I was holding out for a special girl." Helena blushed. "She made me promise to marry you one day after I rode into a castle and rescued you on a white stallion." The two laughed. "Unfortunately real life isn't like Disney movies and you're also much too tough for the damsel in distress role - I like you that way."
Helena let out a loud laugh. "Well thank you for the appreciation of my character." then her demeanor became solemn. "Debbie always told me to stop being stubborn with you and just give you a chance..."
"Sounds like her." Piers chimed. "Don't worry sweetheart, we'll find out what happened to her and get justice..."
"In the meantime, I should just smile like little Mai said to?" the lovely brunette wondered demurely. "And remember her during the brighter times?"
Piers shifted to sit up and Helena moved off his lap, clutching her towel to her body. Piers smiled a little. "Remember when Debbie threw a rock at that beehive by your house?"
Helena snorted trying not to laugh. "And she ran screaming into the house with a swarm of bees chasing her?" she cracked, giggles escaping her. "You shut the door so fast and the bees were just swarming outside waiting for her!"
He threw his head back in laughter. "Or how about when she caught a fish in her straw hat in the river behind my house - brought it home and dropped it in your dad's coffee? He took a sip and started screaming like a girl after he spit it out!"
"Oh I remember! This coffee tastes like a fish!" she said in her father's voice before falling to her side chuckling. "But I've got a better one, remember when she and I dressed you -"
Piers shook his head and turned away grumbling. "Nope - nah-ah, I have no idea what you're talking about!"
Helena gave him a slight push. "Oh shut up you know you remember walking around in your mom's dress saying I gotta go to the salon and get my nails done cuz these nails just ain't cuttin' it!" Helena laughed madly at his reddened face.
"Please, it was a dare and I went through with it." Piers retorted defensively. "I got myself five dollars that day and it was worth it!"
"Yeah," Helena mocked playfully. "You spent it buying the three of us ice cream remember?"
"I also remember the super scoop the ice cream man gave me..." he grumbled. "The bees chased us all home because mine was leaking all over me."
Helena grinned. "And when we got back to your house we realized Debbie had dropped the key and I had to run back and get it. By then you were fighting off bees with your ice cream!"
Piers sighed dramatically. "Those bees sure did like to come after us... And Debbie sure did like attracting them."
Helena wrapped her arms around his neck from behind him. She leaned her ear against his. "Remember when she rented that foreign horror film before Halloween and made us sit through it with her?"
He chuckled lightly. "Yeah, it wasn't scary at all... just weird. I mean, really - killer rabbits?
The two laughed and before long they were sharing all the little memories they could. Helena even shared a few of the funny moments she and Debbie shared with Jake, usually involving Arnold Schwarzenegger action movies and failed attempts at the stunts. Piers was overjoyed to see Helena so happy, it made him want to do backflips.
"Wow it's that late?" she said suddenly. The clock on the nightstand read 2:14 [2:14 am].
Piers stood up and stretched, a yawn escaped him. "No wonder I was feeling tired." he mused. "I guess I'll let you get some sleep. My shirts are in the top drawer, boxers are right below in the second drawer. Get you some sleep okay?"
Helena grabbed his hand. "Don't... it's okay - I don't mind you sleeping with me." she spoke firmly but with blush on her cheeks. "Come on."
He studied her. "Are you sure?" she nodded and he smiled. "Well alright... but uh, what about the shirt and -"
"I'm fine." she said dismissively. Piers didn't even get to protest before she threw both of her towels at him and climbed under the sheets. Sometime later she grew impatient seeing he was standing in that same spot for so long and hadn't turned off the lamp on the nightstand. "Stop being weird and just get in."
The fiery woman had her back to him as he slid under the covers, flicking the lamp off afterwards. She peeked over her shoulder and saw he was staring at the ceiling with his hands behind his head. Helena turned over and picked up the nerve to press her naked form against him and lay her head on his muscular chest. He wrapped one arm around her and then kissed her forehead.
"You're teasing me, aren't you honey?" he asked suddenly.
Helena smirked. "Heh, maybe."
Silence.
"I miss her." Helena said quietly.
"So do I, sweetheart... but she's still here, as long as we live, she lives."
She smiled and kissed the exposed skin along his nape. "Piers I..."
Piers beat her to the punch. "I love you."
Helena didn't even flinch. "I love you too."
Don't worry Deborah, no matter what I'll always love you. I'll remember you forever as that happy-go-lucky girl who always stayed positive. I'm going to adopt your resolve. Helena thought to herself as she drifted off to sleep.
Deborah, you never have to worry because you will get justice, I swear it. As long as I live... so do you.
A/N: I just got super emotional in here! :(
Well there's the bonus chapter! Sorry for the wait, I'm actually in the midst of planning ahead for this fic [pertaining to Jake and Sherry's adventures in Finland as well as their house and stuff]. I hope you liked this chapter!
If you guys/girls like I could plug in some more extras with these two but I'll have to do it depending on the story's flow. Just let me know if you like the idea. XD
So next chapter we're back to Jake and Sherry! I'm looking forward to writing about their adventures it's gonna be so much fun!
Any questions or concerns, be sure to let me know. In the meantime, thanks for all the reviews and feedback! Now, I've gotta start working on Chapter 2 of Under the Apple Tree and finish planning the second part of this fic...
See ya soon!
-Vio