Chapter Nine

Thank you all, my dearies. I love reading you're reviews and I love hearing your opinions about this fanfiction. When you guys replied to my, not really, rage about Ada x Leon I was so happy. :D Heleon for life! Enjoy!

-..-..-

Helena noticed Leon's phone drop. Without thinking about anything she grabbed the iPhone off the ground, firstly checking to see if there were ant cracks, and luckily there wasn't, she placed the phone in his jeans pocket and turned her back without another word. The awkwardness between them went over the roof and now even their friendship was jeopardized in the whole ordeal. There was nothing she could do to avoid the situation let alone Ada for that matter. Ever since Sherry apparently said how she and Leon had a thing there was immediate threats that drove Helena away. It wasn't physical or verbal threats but her glares were terrifying and she had Leon wrapped around her dainty little fingers. It was as if she was a witch who casted Leon under a spell…

"Thank you, Helena…" Leon wished it wasn't like this. He couldn't deny the fact every time she did small things like this he couldn't completely get over her but he knew he liked Ada more than he had hoped so. However there was such a difference in the recent women he liked. One of them was always there when her needed her, Ada always will… and Helena. It needed to stop there, he turned his back as well and left to his old friends where Ada was accepted easily as one of them. Though he did admit he liked a woman who could stand up for herself.

She passed by the students who rushed to their next class, no one dared to look at her now that Leon turn a blind eye, no one would ever turn their heads to her again till someone from the popular group were to ever look at her. Not that it would happen, she didn't want anything to do with Leon even if it was her fault for not making the final move that could complete their relationship. It was exactly as her best friend had said to her the night they talked.

'To be honest… I really thought you two would get together and in the end you were both idiots who just don't understand when someone likes you. Everyone else in the world saw it, I saw it, Jake saw it, and Piers saw but it was you and Leon who just didn't see it. Try not to think about him much because if he really does like you he'll come around even if this Ada is just a phase.'

How was it that despite her big mouth and horrible ability to lie she never told her Leon's feelings? It wasn't her job to play match maker either and it was only natural she wouldn't tell since Sherry and Leon went back before she did with her. Not only did that surprise her but the amount of maturity she showed that night really put a better light on her. Sherry was the best friend she could ever wish for and she would never change that thought. Even if she decided to turn evil and start a zombie apocalypse, Helena would more than likely join her without a second thought to it.

After walking down the hall she crashed into someone with a large upper body and big muscles. She peeked her head up slowly, terrified to see who this was. It was none other than Chris Redfield, standing tall and holding a duffle bag that could fit a dead body. He did seem like the type to terrify anyone.

"Leon's ex-girlfriend, right?"

"Shut up. We never dated." Her arms crossed, a scowl crossing over her delicate features, only to be replaced by floppy arms and a sigh, "Please don't bring up his current girlfriend."

"I know you didn't date I was just teasing you. And don't worry, I don't like Ada… She's done it with every guy on our football team and I absolutely hate her." His hands clenched, he motioned her to walk with him and she did, "I, luckily, am the only one who sees her slutty ways and I know for fact she's playing with Leon. I think so at least… The guys have been saying they slept with her." He mumbled the last part.

"I don't really think you should say that since he's your best friend. You're supposed to support him or however you jocks call it when you watch out for each other."

"I can tell you obviously still like him. I thought girls are full of hate and jealousy. Don't you want to push her off a bridge or something?"

"I can understand the jealous part and I get where you come from when you say I should hate her. I wished her gone but I only feel bad in the end for being selfish. And I would rather push you off a bridge than her. No offense, you just seemed like you hated me."

"Well, I don't hate you but I didn't like you either but since what's' her face appeared into the picture you're looking way better by the minute. Do you want to come and sit with me at lunch? Leon's probably going to be out emptying his bank account for her." Chris really didn't like his new girlfriend.

"If Sherry can come…"

"Sure, she's welcome." He patted her back and left before her to hurry to whatever grade twelve class he had. Not that but she was left speechless, he was a really nice guy and talked to her a bit after she arrived but he definitely was a scary man. Helena moved on with herself and went to her next class to tell about her seating with Chris for lunch to Sherry.

When she noticed Leon was sitting there with no Ada around she felt better but she hoped Chris wouldn't see her or Sherry but her blond friend was determined to get her ass in gear and moving. Chris waved them over as he pushed over with his chair to offer the two girls a spot.

"What'd you bring me for lunch?" Chris asked, grabbing the large brown bag and pulling out a pan plate of cake drenched in vanilla frosting. She took the small ten centimeter by fifteen centimeter dish and pulled it towards herself and grabbing a fork.

"For you, football player, I have only unhealthy items to share with Sherry but if you're not watching your figure I brought seven plastic forks." She brought out three and he gladly took it and helped himself. Helena offered one to Ashley and surprisingly she took a bite of the cake and fell in love immediately. Leon leaned back and kept himself quiet, "Is my baking to mainstream for you?" She held a fork out,

"I'm watching my figure." He lied,

"Bullshit, I can see you want some. Don't deny those cravings you get. Believe me when I say that I can bake because I really can." He was convinced easily and took the fork, taking a small corner piece and biting into it. A smirk crossed her face and he sighed,

"Don't say it, you're right. It's really good, how did you make it?"

"Blood, sweat, and tears. We watched Tangled and Sherry seriously cried." Helena kept her cool somehow and he managed to keep back any thoughts that threatened to come forward. She seemed content and so should he even if she hides her feelings away. It's better their friends than nothing at all, she's great company and keeps a pretty good eye on him when he dazes off into space.

"I really love this cake." Ashley had been more than happy to fill herself to her own content. Claire came in late and joined without asking, it seemed to be that time of the month and she was dying for some sweets. When Chris pushed her fork away she nearly stabbed him, which terrified everyone. Leon was first to thank the two before he texted the brunette to ask if they were still cool. Helena replied with a yes and he smiled. She was important, just like Chris, Claire, and Sherry and he'd never hurt her like he did before.

-..-..-

"You all want to go to the beach?" Asked Helena as she helped her mother, who had finally returned home after her father's speedy recovery, to Sherry, Chris, and Leon who stood by her kitchen door, "With me?" her surprise was more surprising to them. Since her mom was baking a fresh smell of cinnamon buns filled the air, making their stomach growl in hunger.

"That's why we came to ask, it's warming right up tomorrow and you have to go." Leon exclaimed, "Wear your usual sweats and sweater, it just wouldn't be complete if you don't go." His arms went on his hips.

"Sure. What would you guys like me to pitch in?"

"Do you have a volleyball or some sort of ball? We asked the school and they rejected us immediately and none of us actually own one."

"I can do that. Are we going after school?"

"Yes ma'am." Chris turned his back, "I'm on ten minute break for work and I'll see you tomorrow at school." Leon followed after and Sherry watched her carefully.

"Do you even own a bathing suit? I've been through your closet at least a million times and I barely even see a skirt of any sort. If you don't I know a really cute shop we can stop by now." The two could read the other very well, their friendships been going since the moment she went to Raccoon City High so it was understandable.

In a mad dash she raced upstairs, grabbing her wallet which was placed lazily on her dresser, she waved goodbye to Debby, and not long she was gone out the door with Sherry to wherever this bathing suit store was. Helena couldn't remember the last time she wore a bathing suit, she never went swimming or camping which meant there as no need for her to ever need one. In the long run it would've been nice to have one for times like this so she wouldn't have to waste precious time. Since Helena was an odd size she would need to mix and match as well, which hopefully wouldn't be too hard or look bad if anything.

Sherry wrapped her arms around Helena's and pointed to an expensive store. It was placed into the wall like every other store in Raccoon City Mall. The building was pretty nice, the glass cases with manikins to represent the wear for woman big and small made it grand and definitely an attention grabber.

They walked in and began their search down an aisle of bright colors that looked to happy and very bright for her liking. She wasn't trying to be picky but she would love it if she could have a dark colored top for a bikini and maybe some shorts for the bottoms. Nothing, that she had seen, had caught her eye either.

She drew in a large breath and exhaled all the warm air out her nose. She leaned against one of the racks as Sherry pulled a white top with some butterflies on the breast out. Helena shook her head but the design was definitely her favorite. The effect of the bikini was reversed when she pulled a black one out into the air, letting the two cups dangle from the strings that snuggly wrapped around the hanger.

"I like that one." Helena grabbed it, motioning to go find some bottoms to go with it. The store clerk seemed to be of great help too, she really understood what Helena meant when she said she was looking for something that her ass wouldn't fall out of. All the shorts she could pick from hung in front of her, making her pick quickly. Once she found a nice pair to match she walked to the register lady and bought herself a brand new bathing suit.

While they were in the mall they decided to shop and look for something good and hopefully useful for the beach. Sherry picked up some flip flops and both of them found a pair of purple and blue aviators for the day out. They also bought some sunscreen, leading to buying some lotion and so on. They left with three bags and new towels. Both of them agreed that they hated the feeling of sand on their bodies when their wet. It sticks and feels unnatural.

She took a seat on the hard chairs of the cafeteria in the mall, both of them sitting near a fountain that sparkled with glittering lights and old pennies. The fountain streamed down, cutting the cafeteria into two sections that both remained pretty busy. The area also lingered with a heavy smell of grease and chlorine from the nearby swimming pool. Raccoon City Mall had everything anyone needed, from sports to feminine wear, and technology. Not to forget it also had a small section where movies could be watched, small arcade games could be played, and a small candy store where it was cutely famous.

"Well, we definitely bought more than we bargained for but I'm content… How are you feeling about this? You and Leon really shouldn't be friends, not when he did that to you." Sherry tilted her head to the side, her eyes filling with worry.

"Even if he did turn his head quick to Ada I don't think I can blame him. I didn't pay attention to him like I should've and besides, it's his loss. Even if he is perfect, I am not the one missing out. He is. What about you and Jake?"

"We're still going strong. I'm trying to get him to stop smoking but I don't know how well it's turning out. You can't teach an old dog, new tricks… or however that saying goes." She looked around carefully, looking for her desired meal for supper till her eyes went to her wrist. Helena was playing with a small bracelet that said 'wellness and health' and the colors were pink and orange. She had seen that somewhere but couldn't figure it out.

"Jake is definitely some work and I can for surely say I don't think anyone deserves you but him. You also can't change someone overnight, maybe if you just give him a while, he is Jake and he is a freaking mule." Helena leaned back in her seat, looking to her blonde friend with serious eyes, "I think you should be really content with the fact he doesn't smoke around you which means you must be really important and I think that's really adorable." Helena looked at her wrist, her lips curved into a small smile that said the bracelet as important. The two sat up and decided to go fetch their lunch at Bradies.

-..-..-

The sun had burned its rays hot and fiery specifically to burn her. She hid under her hat, a black sweater and some sweats that would kill her if she didn't take them off. She liked hiding in Chris's truck, it was cool and the sun didn't attack her as much as it did with the door just opening. Even the smell of the sand was warm, it had such a summery scent too, and definitely lured her out to the warm grass that landed under her bare feet. It felt a bit rough at first but she somehow adjusted to the feel, letting it become natural before stepping into the hot sand that would more than likely burn.

Her head turned up to the beautiful and large lake that spread through miles and miles off shore. The blue water reflected a shimmering blue sky color making it look like salvation to her heating problem. The clouds reflected a perfect image off too, perfecting the ripples any bugs would make against the surface. It was a little bit of a bummer there were so many people but that would add even more fun to it. A night swim sounded better though.

Chris grabbed her by her wrist, pulling her over gently to a spot Sherry and Jake currently found between a young couple and another family with a couple of children. Helena placed her towel on the ground, watching Ada come over and strip into her small bathing suit. Who wouldn't gawk at the body she had? It was thin, everything about her as perfect… from her hips having a soft bump that made all the difference in her shape, and not to mention her flat stomach and chest to match. Helena definitely outwitted her in that area for sure but that didn't win Leon back.

"Do you like my body?" Ada asked to Leon, smirking and making a playful jiggle of her small chest. Helena didn't like her thoughts about Ada and being rude but that's all she had in her mind, it was the thing she could do since she didn't want Leon to hate her for saying shit about his girlfriend. Leon was awkward due to Helena standing there.

"What kind of work out do you do? If you have one that is… You're very toned." Helena made small talk with her enemy, watching for any signs of possible non-existent feelings towards Leon. This woman was harder to read than her herself, she had troubles reading her own expression when she would look in the mirror. Ada just shrugged and walked away, "That works too."

"Sorry, she really is nice."

"You don't have to convince me, I trust your word." They all gathered in a group as Claire next took off her outside clothes into a cute pink bikini with a nice body. Helena covered Leon's eyes from looking, "Easy there buddy. Your girl is coming back any minute and she doesn't need to see a third wheel between you two." He laughed and shook his head at her perverted mind. She took her hand back and this time it was her turn to gawk at Chris and Piers as they got undressed.

"If you're going to stare don't make it obvious." Leon was getting undressed to and she felt awkward and sweaty. Why was their group awkwardly full of hot people? Jake was even good looking despite the scar on his face. Everyone piled up and began picking a ball while Helena unzipped her sweater. All four guys had taken every savoring moment of the cleavage she gave ever since they met her. Her bikini had been the perfect pick and Leon was hit over the head by Ada. Sherry jabbed her boyfriend in the stomach while Chris and Piers stared away. Helena took odd her sweats and revealed the long legs she had. They were the type of legs a model would have and any guy would want. Sherry looked at Leon who kept turning his head and she smirked. Leon caught on and immediately looked ahead, it seemed he hadn't gotten over her at all or so sherry thought.

"We should play volleyball." Leon spun the small yellow and white ball on his finger and motioned to the empty nets that remained near the other side. They nodded and rushed over to where two black poles stood across each other with a net that stood between.

She immediately grabbed Chris's and Sherry's arm, "I want these two for sure." She declared. Jake joined their team and Piers went on Claire's, Leon's, and Ada's team. They set themselves up while Chris and Jake kept Helena in the front. Piers got totally dumbfounded when she bounced and it was hilarious to watch him come in and out of space. Helena was the only one left oblivious to the fact that they had all checked her out completely, she was dead set on getting in the water soon, the sweat that poured down her back might wash away the sunscreen and getting burnt would lead to a lot of crying and whining.

The ball was served by Leon, he tossed it into the air with a spin, thrusting his right hand to give it power and over the net. Helena had gotten the bad end of the power stricken ball, smacking her in the face so hard she lost her balance and fell into the sand. He was first over, bending down to help her up.

"I'm so sorry, Lena. Are you okay?!" He took her hands and helped her out of the sand, brushing it from her hair and off her back, "I'm really sorry." She held her nose, hoping to stop the stinging pain that stayed for a moment. Leon carefully grabbed her wrist and moved it away from her face to see if she was indeed bleeding. It was slightly pink but worst of all, it was all his fault. He tilted chin up with his finger to inspect anything else and she seemed fine.

"You should think about joining the volleyball team. That kind of hurt me." She rubbed her nose for another moment where Sherry did a second inspection. Leon sighed,

"I'm really sorry."

"Don't worry, I'm alive and not dead. Does it look as bad as it feels?" Helena raised her chin and Sherry reassured her everything was okay.

"Okay, let's go swim before Leon kills another one of our team members." Chris wrapped his arm around Leon's neck and smiled, "I like the way you think but just don't touch her face. I kind of like it." Leon immediately shrugged him off and walked with Piers. Ada had taken a look at Helena, their eyes meeting in a long stare where neither backed down. When it came to Leon, she wouldn't dare give up… not even to his girlfriend. There was a limit to how far she could go and she respected that line but when his girlfriend began to get on her nerves she felt the need to rage, be angry because such a woman would dare play with him. Anyone who dared to hurt Leon would feel her wrath and she wasn't afraid to give it to anyone. Something snapped in Helena when Ada smirked. Just to avoid the situation that would get worse she walked back to where her towel was to grab a drink.

"What are you doing?" Leon asked,

"Grabbing a quick drink before I go in, why?"

"No reason, just checking to see if I didn't kill you. I'm really sorry once again and I hope you know I had no intention of hurting you. It just kind of happened really fast and I won't hurt you again." She definitely knew he wasn't talking about volleyball anymore. Helena took off her bracelet and hid it in her sweater, watching Leon do the same.

"Its fine, shit happens and people get hurt all the time. It happens when you play that kind of game anyways. Besides, I forgave you and now we just forget it happened, even if it still hurts." She rubbed her nose and gave him a smile, "It was fun while it lasted though." Leon knew they were on the same page; he couldn't erase her smile out of his mind either. It was a rare sight when she did and it obviously meant a lot if she was going too. If Chris didn't call their names Leon was unsure of what he might say. He knew he turned his attention to Ada but he didn't want to waste his time on someone who might have never liked him back so he jumped on the first train he could find and it lead him straight to Ada.

Helena led the way to the water, allowing the cold water to refresh the hot and sweaty feeling she had from staying in the sun and moving. It was nice when the sand made its way between her toes, it was very ticklish and calming in its own little way. Leon stood behind her and pushed her in slowly, increasing the speed so they could get to the others quicker. He latched to Ada as soon as he got to them, hugging her and snuggling her in every possible way. She turned her back so she wouldn't have to watch and joined Claire in a small chat about the beach.

The sand and rocks under her feet felt good, as if she was receiving a free massage. The water chilled her body and gave her a new feel that the sun had prevented her from. Claire and Helena kept their hair up in buns so it wouldn't get wet. They were just relaxing and having fun together. She slipped her aviators from the top of her head to the bridge of her nose while engaging in another conversation with Sherry about future plans and such.

"Are you going to stay the night tonight?" Helena asked to her, allowing her to cling to her back from her inability to swim. Sherry made a noise of agreement, liking the idea of gossip tonight.

She felt Sherry let go and come back on but the grip was tighter than before, "Well, are you staying the night?" She turned her head to see Leon, a smirk on his face.

"Yeah, we can do our nails, talk about people, and get our hair permed." He mocked a girls voice but she turned and dunked him in. He gasped at the sudden coldness to his head, it seemed he liked the idea of staying dry as well and she sure as hell knew he wasn't going to let her get away with it. She rushed to Chris, hiding behind him and peeking out to see if he was coming or not. He wasn't there. Before she knew it she was dunked in and pulled out. Helena splashed water and put her aviators on her head once again. Leon laughed and soaked her with water, much to her disliking. For some reason they both ended up laughing and throwing water while throwing nicknames at each other that made no sense at all but seemed to make the situation lighter.

She liked times like this, whether he was hers or not they still managed to make it work and keep calm around each other. Especially during a time where he's aware of her feelings they both kept a good upfront for the other. Helena still liked him and for Leon he was getting confused once again so quickly.

Their little fight was ended when Ada pulled him in a long kiss where she sort of just walked away and ignored them. It was little things like that, that could change her opinion easily. The time was starting to get late and some of them worked in the morning. Helena left last, taking a moment to breathe in the fresh smell of the water and to enjoy that her body became used to the cold water. While she got out she moved to her sweater and slipped on her bracelet. Leon did the same thing and opened her mouth.

"You two have matching bracelets? Since when did this happen and I was not informed?" Sherry grabbed their hands and looked at the two that just shrugged as if there was no meaning but for Helena there was.

"It's just for getting better and to prevent getting sick. My mom made it and it works for me." The brunette dried her body off with her towel while watching Ada glare for the third time that day, or so it felt like. Leon smiled,

"I like them, she gave this to me when I was sick one time and it worked so I'm keeping it. It's not a big deal, Sher." He threw his sweater on, "I guess in a way their like friendship bracelets." The conversation died and Helena held her wrist closely to her chest. It was very important to her and not even Ada could take this away. Not on her watch at least.

Helena got in Chris's truck, brushing her feet off beforehand. Her phone vibrated meaning she had a message.

'Thanks for being mature when Ada doesn't… I don't deserve to even have you as an acquaintance,' Leon started,

'I think being friends is cool. Doesn't bother me… and she's fine.'

'Alright, so we're cool?' she leaned against the window, curling her towel up and then replying.

'We're cool.'

-..-..-

I like talking to you guys so feel free to chatter about my fiction. :D You all really make my day when nothing else ever does. I don't care what anyone else says but were all official Heleon buddies. Pleas review even if you have forty other times, I really enjoy reading your guy's opinions and such and their never a waste of time. I love you all and if you want chapter ten it'll be posted maybe Saturday or Sunday after I draw some Helena x Leon in my brand new sketch book. :D Keep reading and keep telling me what you think! - Kura