Author's Foreword: Most of this chapter is a rewrite of a roleplay done by me and notanotherfanficauthor on Project Moirae. A lot of the credit goes to her, especially for a lot of Leon's dialogue and actions, and used with her permission. Enjoy.

Chapter 11

The drive they shared was a long, quiet one. Instead of heading north where the GSA waited in New York, they went south, back towards Washington DC. Leon wasn't entirely sure if that would throw his pursuers for a loop, but he had no choice but to agree with Ada. If someone was tailing him, or at least was monitoring him at the GSA, they would be watching the temporary HQ back in New York, and not his apartment.

Of course, they could just as easily be watching both...

It was the middle of the night when they arrived at his residence. The streets were mostly empty since it was past bar time, and they still had a few hours before the sun came up and rush hour traffic started. Nobody was following them, and the apartment building was almost completely dark.

He pulled into his usual spot at the end of the parking lot beneath the building. He lived in a decent-sized apartment complex just on the edge of the downtown. He didn't like to brag, but it was one of the nicer units in the city. Working for the government certainly paid off, even if he had to tangle with B.O.W and Ashley on a regular basis.

As he exited the car, a foreign sense of paranoia washed over him. The lot was full, the residents of the building still sleeping, but there was too much space he couldn't watch at the same time. If they–whoever they were–were waiting for them, now would be the best time to strike. But he didn't hear anything, nor did he pick up any movement in the shadows that fell from the low fluorescent lights.

Ada slipped out from the passenger side, stooping to replace her weapon to its concealed holster, but as she straightened, she looked just as tense as he felt. They had barely spoken a word the entire ride. He half expected her to be flirty, but she seemed lost in thought, and a little bit on edge on their way in.

Maybe she's starting to feel the net tightening. If the GSA isn't secure, where else can she turn to?

Plus, the ride was noisy, filled with wind from the missing rear windshield. He had already gone through the stages of loss for his car. What he was more concerned about was the bullet holes and the front damage raising some questions, or worse, indicating to anyone watching the place that they had gotten away and were hiding there. They hadn't gotten pulled over, but that was just the start.

"Well, let's go," he said finally, like there wasn't anything else to be said. Standing in the open wasn't going to accomplish anything. Once inside his home he could relax a little.

He lived on the top floor on the corner of the building. It was a bigger unit, but unfortunately, his bedroom window looked straight at the adjoining building, which made privacy something of an issue, and would be something he would have to address with Ada eventually.

Once off the elevator, partway down the hall a door opened, and he drew back apprehensively out of reflex, still working on old adrenaline. But it was just Debbie Harris, and elderly woman who lived three rooms down from her. As she turned to lock her door, a leash dangled from her wrist, and she was followed by her tiny Welsh Corgi, which had been the source of more than one noise complaint.

Taking her dog out for a late-night walk…craaap.

He was hoping he could stash Ada away without anyone seeing her, but Debbie immediately spotted the two of them, slightly grimy and mussed from the club and following fight. He looked alright…but then there was Ada in her brilliant, exotic red dress…

Without warning, Ada leaned into him, her warm weight surprising him. Clinging to his arm, she shot a dreamy smile at the other woman through hazy eyes. Debbie eyed Leon and gave him a disapproving scowl. Great, she probably thinks I'm bringing home some drunken party girl or a hooker…thanks, Ada.

Debbie brushed past them with the giddy dog, turning her glare to Ada, who ignored it, and took the elevator they just got off. Immediately, she resumed her normal gait, though her hold on his arm seemed to linger for a second longer…but he probably imagined it.

At he door to his apartment, he fished out the key, and with a glance over his shoulder down the hall, drew his sidearm from under his button-up, then turned the key and opened the door. It was the first time he stepped into his own living room with a raised weapon. He flicked the light switch on, and moved further in, with Ada following behind him.

"Thought you said this place was safe," she said quietly, shutting the door as he moved in further.

"It is, but I don't think you'd approve of me getting careless," he replied dryly.

He checked all the rooms and closets, but there was no one, and no sign of forced entry. He breathed in relief, then went back to the living room and found Ada admiring the surroundings casually. For a bachelor pad, it was pretty stylish: a spacious living room, furnished with two couches, a coffee table, and an entertainment system he'd sunk quiet a bit of cash into. The kitchen was separated from the living room by a counter and some cabinets, in essence making it one large room.

"Looks like you've been doing well for yourself," she said with a hint of humor in her voice.

He ignored her look as he drew the curtains shut at the window. "Yeah, well, being a secret government agent pays well, simple as that. Much more than a cop would make." After he was sure they were as closed as they could get, he placed his weapon on the coffee table and ran a hand over his face. Being back home made him remember how tired he really was.

"So…" Ada began, crossing her arms.

"So…" he echoed.

"So," she said again. "You just spent the night at a dance club, barely escaped from gun-wielding assassins, and now have a beautiful woman back in your apartment…" she raised an eyebrow expectantly. "Aren't you even going to offer me a drink?"

"Only got beer," he lied. The liquor cabinet was actually well stocked, but he didn't feel like trying to impress her. His house, his rules. "You'll have to settle for that."

Ada only shrugged. He got out two bottles from the fridge, courteously opening both of them before returning. She sank into one of the sofas, so he settled into the one across from her. When he handed her one of the bottles, he never thought he would see her take such a deep draft, then sigh in relief as hard as she did. For someone who never let her walls down, it was almost shocking to watch her unwind.

"Don't get too comfortable," he said. "We might have to get moving pretty quickly…" They already trashed my car, may as well assume I can kiss my apartment goodbye too.

She held up her PDA with a smile, as if she had been anticipating the question he didn't ask yet. "It wasn't easy, but I think I managed to narrow Spencer's location to Eastern Europe. Not much on intel for that location, but judging from the finances, it looks to be a high maintenance facility, but nothing pharmaceutical."

"What, like his mansion in Raccoon?" heasked.

"Probably," she agreed. "Or something similar to it. He's from an old, noble family. Could be some kind of castle. There had been plenty of cash flow in and out of it before Raccoon, but now it's almost slowed to a crawl. Unlike some other resources, this is one of the few that is still moving money. When we get the chance, I'll forward all the data to you."

After all of what they had been through that night, it seemed that their business had been concluded. He took another drink of his beer, and so did Ada.

"You said you couldn't do it alone, but why are you so quick to help us?"

"Still don't trust me?" she asked with a smile, though it looked a little sad on her.

"You had every chance to take out Wesker while he was in the organization. But that didn't stop you from working for him; from getting him Las Plagas in Spain. Instead of the government, why not another pharmaceutics company, or a black market agency? I'd like to trust you Ada, but the fact is you're changing sides pretty fast, and it doesn't make sense."

She blinked once. "I told you, I can't do it alone. This was the smartest move I could make."

"Because you got your ass kicked, right? I mean, it was fine for everyone before, but now it's a big issue because for a change, you're the one that's in deep shit."

He hadn't intended to sound quite as harsh as he did, but it didn't matter in the end.

"This isn't about me," she replied. Her eyes had narrowed, and a warning look crossed her face.

"Sure sounds like it is," he pressed. "If this was such a big concern for you to begin with, then why didn't you contact me sooner? We have resources, we could have helped take Wesker down when we knew where he was."

"You think that I, or anyone else in the world can predict what happens tomorrow?" she snapped. He was taken aback by the anger in her eyes. "The weather is one thing, but sometimes you don't see the knife coming until it's sticking out of your back."

She tossed back another mouthful of beer, and then spoke again, her tone settling down a little bit. "Petty ideals won't get you anywhere, Leon. The rest of the world isn't interested in playing fair, and most of it doesn't care about what happens to other people. B.O.W is this century's favorite toys; if you want to worry about all the people they'll kill, then I guess it's up to you to save them all."

He caught the challenge in her voice. Walk away if you don't want my help. But where Ada Wong was concerned, he couldn't just walk away, and she knew that too. Was she exploiting that flaw, or was it genuine?

Some things are taboo. Even she wouldn't stoop that low. Not with us. If she could, I would be dead back in Raccoon City.

"Alright, we're game," he said at last. It meant that he conceded, but she was right. "But just so we're clear, if anything indicates that you're changing sides…"

He didn't have to finish the threat to make the point.

"Sure thing, Leon." She smiled wearily at him. "Do I get to spend the night in a cozy cell, or are you just going to handcuff me to the radiator?"

He gave a hollow laugh. "I'd love to, Ada, but I don't think this is the time to be getting kinky. You're taking the bed. I'll take the couch."

She blinked at him, though he didn't pick up at what had her so stunned.

"Leon," she chuckled nervously. "You don't have to do that. I've slept in worse places than a couch. I don't mind."

"No arguments," he said firmly, taking small satisfaction in realizing he was making her squirm. "And if you still want to get kinky, I won't mind having to cuff you to the bed if you disagree."

"I…don't know what to say," she said with resignation, finishing the last of her bottle."

"You could say 'thank you," he offered. "You know, because that's what people tend to say."

That rare embarrassment came back, and he could have sworn she had blushed if it wasn't for the fact that he had only turned on a single light when they came in. But she looked him the eye with a smile. "Thank you, Leon."

"Don't mention it."

He stood up, taking both bottles to put them into the recycling bin. Ada stood to, but as she fully straightened, she suddenly crumpled, one hand going to her side.

"Ow! Dammit…" she muttered.

"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, dropping the bottles onto the rug in a rush to put a hand on her shoulder. He hated how tender he sounded after how they just spoke. "You okay?"

Immediately, she straightened, and while her face was neutral, he could see a twitch run through her brow. Her breathing sounded labored.

"I'm fine," she said tightly, brushing off his hand. "I just need to lie down."

She was obviously lying. He caught her by the wrist as she tried to brush past, and even though she pulled away, he held her firmly. "We need to get you to a hospital. You got roughed up pretty bad in that crash."

She laughed in reply. "Leon, going to a hospital will make me stick out like a sore thumb, especially if Wesker and Crow are using the pharmaceutics companies. I said I'll be fine."

"You won't be fine if you've got a broken rib or are bleeding internally," he shot back, but her face remained set, defiant. He sighed in exasperation. "Well, if you don't want to go to a hospital, will you at least let me check you out?"

"You know I like it when you check me out," she purred, but the spell was wasted on him. He still didn't let go of her wrist, and she matched his earlier sigh.

"Just to give me peace of mind," he coaxed. "Come on."

The embarrassment returned to her face, only this time he didn't know why she was putting up another wall between them. It was one thing to be strong and independent, but it was another to be strong and stupid. If it was bad enough, she might end up crippling herself.

"Alright, fine," she finally said with an irritated roll of her eyes.

He didn't exactly have all the things he needed in the first aid kit stashed underneath the bathroom sink, but if there was something seriously wrong with her, he would at least be able to make her comfortable until they could get to better treatment. He left her to go retrieve the kit, and then brought it back into the living room where she stood waiting.

As he opened it, she turned away from him, and then reached up to undo the clasp that held the dress around her neck. As it smoothly fell away from her shoulders, he finally realized why she was acting so difficult…almost as if she was shy.

Ada Wong was naked from the waist up.

The folds of her dress had pooled in red folds around her hips. If she didn't hold it against her stomach, it would have completely slithered down her hips and legs. Her other arm lay protectively across her bosom, giving him a clear, unobstructed view of her creamy back without so much as a bra strap in the way. It looked porcelain, nearly perfect, but there were tiny, almost invisible blemishes he could make out. Scars.

The most noticeable one stretched across her right shoulder, right where the bullet had entered in the underground Raccoon City lab. After a hit like that, it would have need surgery, probably reconstruction-

"Well?" She glanced back at him expectantly.

He jerked, avoiding her eyes to modestly stare at the floor and felt like an idiot. "Sorry."

He sat on the edge of the couch where she had been sitting earlier, setting the kit next to him so he could get a closer look. Right away, he could see the afflicted area that she had grabbed in pain. There was a large, ugly bull's-eye of bruising spreading from her midsection. He tentatively reached out and touched it, the red silk folds of her dress brushing against his wrist as the tips of his fingers touched warm skin.

Ada hissed, and he pulled back like her skin was instead red hot. "Sorry," he said again quickly. "Hurts there?"

"Yeah…a little."

He touched the spot again, careful to be a little more gently, and this time, she let out a smaller shudder. The gentle rise and fall of her sides didn't match what he was feeling. Something just felt a little off.

"Might be cracked, or even broken," he diagnosed, then hesitated before moving his hand further up to a creamy patch of skin unblemished skin. This time, she didn't recoil. "What about here?"

She shook her head. "No."

"Well, at least that's something. Looks pretty small." He felt relieved. At least her entire side wasn't caved in. Then again, if she had been hiding a cracked rib the entire ride back, it couldn't have been all that bad. "Probably shouldn't wrap it, but we don't have much of a choice. I've got plenty of painkillers in the bedroom."

It was a little awkward taping her side. The fracture was so low on her ribs that he could just barely run tape from her sternum to her spine, and as he worked, his hands landed dangerously close to the arm protectively over her chest and what lay beneath. It was a standard dressing that he had been trained in, but he suddenly found himself wondering if he was doing it right, or if it was going to do the trick.

Whether she was ticklish, or if there was a draft in his apartment, or maybe from discomfort, Ada shuddered again as he worked. Leon had to swallow hard to suppress his own as the goosebumps on her skin matched his own. Up so close and focused, he caught the scent of perfume, mixed with the equally pleasant smell of her sweat. It was hard to find something negative about anything with her appearance.

"So…why aren't you-" he began.

"-because it shows when I wear this dress," she interrupted. "I didn't think I'd have to take my top off for you tonight, otherwise I might have considered wearing one."

Fair enough. He had dated some girls who did worse things than forgoing a bra. Leon ripped the end of the tape off and planted it against the small of her back. "All done."

She immediately took a step away and turned her back to him, then redid the ties of her dress before turning back and smoothing the silk with her hands. The square of tape was just visible from the spilling back.

"Thanks again," she said stiffly, but he saw that she meant it. "I hope we don't make this a habit."

"If we do, then that means we're in trouble." He felt like he should say something else, but the words escaped him. Instead, he cocked his head towards the hall. "Why don't you go lie down and get some rest?"

She brushed her bangs habitually, but the fatigue was there. Whether it was due to the night they had or if it was recurring, he didn't know. But for once, she didn't argue, and moved to the bedroom. He watched her carefully the entire way. She looked like she wanted to say something too, but she had thanked him, and 'good-night' probably wasn't in her vocabulary.

By the time five in the morning rolled around, Leon was sick of watching the TV on mute. Another beer had come and gone, and he still wasn't tired. It wasn't that his couch was uncomfortable; it was likely the adrenaline still wearing off, the fact that a very dangerous person was occupying his bed, and that his apartment might end up not being so safe. His sidearm was in easy reach on the coffee table, safety off for just that occasion.

Maybe it was to ease some lingering doubt, or maybe it was nagging curiosity, but he found himself getting up from the couch and walking quietly to his bedroom. If she turned out to be awake, it was going to make the whole thing much more awkward than it already was. But he was going to risk it, with plenty of lame excuses on hand.

The building was built fairly recently and solidly, so the floor didn't creak as his weight fell on it. The door was cracked open, and he gently nudged it open with his bare foot to step into the room. It didn't take much for his eyes to adjust to the darkness; he'd left most of the lights off in the living room.

Vulnerable was not a word he'd thought would describe Ada very well, but it was the only word that could at the moment. She was peacefully asleep between the sheets of his queen-sized bed; completely still save for the gentle rise and fall of her breathing. The curtains were still closed, but a sliver of moonlight slipped through a crack and landed across her face, turning her normally tan skin to a smooth pale. The short, raven black strands of her hair splayed against the featureless pillow in a sleepy black storm.

He hesitated, but stepped further into the room. One foot nudged something cool and downy; her dress in a careless pile of dull, shiny red. One high heel lay on top of it, its sister a few feet away. The thought of invading her privacy again made him want to leave and shut the door, but he saw one of his drawers had been opened. She'd helped herself to one of his shirts for the night.

To get any closer was to poke a sleeping lion, but he soon leaned quietly against the desk next to his bed and folded his arm, watching her sleep. Despite knowing what she was, seeing her in this rare form made him want to protect her, to care for her in any way he could. He hated it at the same time; she had betrayed him, toyed with his feelings, and almost got him killed more than once. The china doll exterior was just a façade.

That didn't stop him from reaching out to gently brush her bangs away from her eyes. She stirred a little, but that was all. She was truly asleep.

Say what you want about her. She's asleep in your home. That means she trusts you.

With some measure of content, he silently left the room and shut the door again, leaving her to whatever respite she found in sleep.