Chapter Three
"I got a pocketful of sunshine, I got a love and I know that it's all mine." Natasha Bedingfield – "Pocketful of Sunshine"
March 1997
They're stuck in the office. It's late and night has long since fallen. Wesker's gone for a coffee break and Mary and Brett are alone.
Buried under mountains of paperwork. Goddamn drunk drivers.
"I'm starting to forget why I wanted to be a cop again." Brett states, somewhat playfully. Mary looks up at him and smiles. "Tell me about it. I thought term papers were bad." Brett laughs and they lapse back into silence; the only sounds in the room are their pens scratching on the reports.
Mary catches Brett glancing at the door from the corner of her eye and briefly wonders what he's looking for.
He looks back to her and gives a somewhat uneasy smile. She smirks and tilts her head, placing her pen down. "Yes?" She asks, good-naturedly.
He hesitates and his eyes shift to the door again before going back to her. "Are you…" He trails off, apprehensive. She arches a brow at his strange behavior. "Am I… what?" She prods; wondering what's got her friend so uneasy.
"Well…is, uh, anything going on between you and the Captain?" He forces it out all at once; almost sounding rushed. 'Shit! How does he know?' Mary thinks frantically; though her calm mask remains.
She gives him an indulgent smile and her brow creases as she holds back a fake laugh. "Why would you think that?" Brett's smile grows just a little at her non-answer. She doesn't want him to know he's right.
"Oh, I was just wondering since I've been noticing you've been staying behind when we go to lunch and staying later at night. I just assumed…" He trails off, giving her the chance to confirm or deny it.
Mary's brows rise in surprise that he's actually noticed. She didn't think anyone would. 'Lie bitch! You need this job; nobody can know about this!' She listens to her inner-voice. "Oh you know me, wanting to finish this shit paperwork. It never ends; guess I'm a slow writer." She dismisses him; taking just a few seconds too long.
Brett's smile is now a disbelieving one and Mary's heart sinks. 'That's it, you're screwed. Pack your shit now.'
"Mary, come on. This is me; you can trust me." He reminds; knowing if she's faced with that, she'll cave. 'She must be wanting to tell someone to get it off her chest.' Mary eyes him warily for a few seconds…and takes a leap of faith.
"You won't tell anyone?" She questions, needing to hear it. She doesn't think he will; but wants to hear it regardless. Brett leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "Of course not. Your secret's safe with me." He's sincere, as always.
She exhales heavily; it feels as though a weight is being lifted as she opens her mouth to speak. "I am." She nods the affirmative. "How did this happen? Cap'n doesn't seem like the…ah, romantic type." Brett could've laughed as Mary averts her eyes and smiles. That look tells him he was wrong.
"Well, uh; he kinda is. But yeah…" She trails off, embarrassed that she corrected him. Brett draws back in shock. 'Really?' He thinks to himself, in disbelief. 'How could that statue of a man be romantic?' He recovers quickly though.
"I don't even…How?" He asks, sounding completely blown away but curious at the same time. Mary feels the heat rise in her face and ears and covers her eyes with her hand. "Do you want me to give you a play-by-play of our first night together?" She demands, knowing that will deter him.
"Aw, hell no!" Brett exclaims, covering his face with his report. Mary giggles at his reaction, feeling better knowing he won't ask again. Brett slowly removes the folder from his face, as if peeking to see if it's safe.
"That answers my last question. So…how long has this been going on?" He prods, wanting to know more. About the safe questions; of course.
Mary picks up her pen and starts writing again; she's almost done anyway. "Since just before Christmas." She replies, wondering how he'll react to this new information. A shadow crosses his face; as if he's thinking about something; recalling that night perhaps.
"Really? That long huh? So how long did it take before you jumped into bed with him?" Brett inquires, grinning in amusement. Mary's head shoots up and her jaw drops, giving him that classic 'blow-up-doll' face. He laughs loudly and leans back farther in his chair. "You're terrible!" She exclaims; throwing a pencil at him.
"What? I already know you slept with him! Come on, just tell me!" He reasons, chuckling as he tosses the pencil back on her desk. She's gone pink again and snickering softly. She shakes her head. "We kinda abandoned you guys at Jay's. Remember, when we went out after that stakeout? That was the first time the, ah, offer came up. And I jumped on it, so to speak." She answers, still blushing.
"Oh, you jumped on it huh?" He reiterates, suggestively; wiggling his brows. Mary almost falls out of her chair laughing. "Well, he jumped on it really." She shoots back; and Brett's expression morphs into one of surprise again. 'Wesker? A man of passion? Blasphemy!' He thinks, knowing he'll never look at his Captain the same again.
Almost as if he knew they were talking about him; Wesker comes back into the room, turning his attention to the two giggling officers. "What's so funny?" He asks the same cold voice. And Brett wonders how anything about that is sexy.
"Nothing Captain." Brett replies, a small grin still pulling at his lips. "Nothing at all." Mary shakes her head as she turns back to her work and they leave the blonde in the dark.
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December 1996
Brett wakes up slowly; stretching and rolling over. Only to find his lover isn't there. He sits up, looking down at the side of the bed she slept on. 'Damn, I should've said her place.' He thinks to himself; though it doesn't dampen his mood. He still can't believe how well, amazing last night was.
As he's about to get up and get ready for work; he catches sight of a note sitting under a cup of coffee on his nightstand. He smiles, taking a sip of the coffee; picking up the note and beginning to read.
"Hey there handsome. You sure know how to show a girl a good time! Really, last night was wonderful. I have an early shift today so I don't mean for you to be waking up alone. I'll make up for it next time. Promise. Maybe we can go out tonight? See you at work.
J.V."
Brett grins as he finishes the note and sees the lipstick kiss on the bottom right corner. His grin only grows as he sets the note in the drawer and reflects on the night before. He picks up the cup of coffee; a spring to his step as he goes about getting ready for work. He's definitely gonna talk to her about going out tonight.
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Brett walks in to work, spring still in his step and smile still on his face. He's still feeling like a million bucks. He enters the S.T.A.R.S. office and takes a seat at his desk. Even the stack of paperwork sitting in front of him can't discourage his good mood.
"Well, someone looks happy." Mary observes, sitting up straighter as her friend sits down in front of her. "Why wouldn't I be? The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the weather's great. I have a feeling today's gonna be a good day." He replies.
"Whoa, what drugs are you taking?" Mary questions, still smiling amusedly at his behavior. Barry chuckles at this point and joins in. "Can't you see? He got lucky last night. Good for you man." Mary's eyes widen. "No shit! Was she hot?"
Brett laughs, making sure not to look at Jill and give her away. "She was gorgeous." He answers, propping his booted feet on his desk; leaning back comfortably in his chair. Joseph whistles and claps. "Lucky son of a bitch! I got stuck dragging Chris home to crash on my couch." He informs. Mary laughs. "So that's what happened to him, huh? Poor Redfield."
"I hope he gave you a hell of a thank you this morning then." Barry chimes in; implying an inappropriate thank you. Joseph laughs and throws a folder at him. "Shut up dude!" He shouts, shaking his head. "So do we know this girl?" Jill inquires, helping to throw everyone off. Not that they're ashamed, they just don't wanna get fired.
"Nah, not the way I know her." Brett states with bravado; causing the guys to whoop and roar in approval. Jill and Mary simply shake their heads and mutter "Men."
Wesker cuts in at this point; peering at everyone from his desk. "As enthralling as this conversation is; don't some of you have jobs to do?" He reminds in his flat tone. Grudgingly, everyone goes back to their work.
When no one's looking, Brett sneaks a secret smile at Jill; who returns it. Definitely gonna ask her about tonight.
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December 1996
They're in his car, zooming through the sleepy city; radio playing softly as background noise. Mary smiles; the song reflecting her mood. 'I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine. I got a love and I know it's all mine. Do what ya want but you're never gonna break me.'
After Mary was done admiring his car (gorgeous black Mercedes-Benz) She started feeling…nervous. The weight of what's happening finally sinking in. She doesn't like nervous; doesn't do nervous. It's not as if she isn't happy; she is. She is excited. But…
She finds herself needing some kind reassurance. Glancing down she notices Wesker's right hand resting on the gear stick and, in an uncharacteristic move, she reaches over and places her hand over his; twinning their fingers and leaning back in her seat.
He doesn't shake her off or let go.
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Mary feels the nervousness gnaw at her a little more as they arrive at Wesker's townhome. Wesker calmly kills the engine, steps out and in a gentlemanly gesture; he steps around and opens her door.
She follows him up the walk and into the house. She's surprised by how calm and relaxed he is as he unlocks the door and holds it open for her. They're such small gestures, but coming from him; she knows how important they are.
She squeaks; the sound muffled against his lips as Wesker suddenly seizes her lips in a fierce, demanding kiss; backing her against the now closed door. She grabs his biceps and lets him pin her against the door.
Pretty soon, hands stray under clothes, afore mentioned clothes become a scattered trail across the living room and up the stairs. When Wesker takes the lead (almost as if he knows she's nervous) Mary forgets why she was so worried.
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She stirs; hearing a voice speaking softly. Sluggishly, she rubs her eyes and sits up; holding the black sheet to her chest. Her eyes focus and she finds it's Wesker on the phone. He's still speaking softly and he sounds a little annoyed. He's already dressed and he's pulling on his shoes at the end of the bed. "I understand it's important, William; but I can't have you calling me at all hours like this." He sighs.
"Alright, alright. I'm on my way; have everything ready." He finishes the conversation with a finalizing tone.
"What's s'matter?" She mumbles, rubbing her eyes as exhaustion threatens to pull her under again. Wesker's head turns to her as he's slipping his shades back on. He stands and walks to the side of the bed she's half-passed out on. "I'm sorry dear heart, but I have to go." He says, leaning down to place a chaste kiss on her lips before turning to leave.
She yawns and lays on her side. "Are you coming back?" She asks, watching him stop at the bedroom door. "I'll be back shortly. Go back to sleep."
She does. And in the morning, over coffee with him; she's forgotten all about it.
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Brett smiles when he hears Jill's voice answer. "Hey. Where are you?" She asks; her tone light and cheerful.
He's taking her out tonight. For a simple dinner and a movie. But he can't find her house.
"I'm on my way. But, uh; what's your house number again?" He inquires sheepishly. He's still trying to find his way around the big city and all it's little side roads.
Jill laughs. "Sometimes I wonder how you don't get lost responding to calls." She jokes lightly. "316 Wright Avenue."
At that Brett about slams on the breaks as he just passes the house. 'How did I forget that?' He wonders as Jill laughs again over the phone. "Was that you I just heard?" She asks. He throws the car in reverse and stops in front of the house; she's in the window; waving.
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They sat at a red clothed table; that was positioned before a hot stove where the chef cooked their meal in front of them. Brett had never done Hibachi before, but he and Jill were enjoying the show their chef put on.
"So," Jill starts, picking up a piece of shrimp from her mei fun and popping it in her mouth. "Tell me about yourself. Any relatives; about your parents maybe?" She ventures, wanting to know more.
Brett takes a bite of chicken and shifts in his seat to face her. "Well, my father's still around. He's not the…cuddliest of people. Never knew my mother. And then there's my older brother; he's a Navy Seal. He's always been dad's favorite. Actually, I joined the Guard to try to please my dad."
Jill gives him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry. That doesn't sound too pleasant." Brett smiles and waves his hand. "When is life ever pleasant? Except when I'm with you." He states, causing her to blush and chuckle.
"You're sweet." She says, her smile wide and a light pink tinge to her cheeks. "Not really, I kinda got it from a movie." He replies, chuckling. She laughs and shakes her head. "Gotta love an honest man." Brett switches gears. "What about you; any family?"
Jill's expression softens; her mirth slipping away a little. "Just my dad. He's…ah, he's in jail. Multiple counts of grand larceny." She explains, biting into an egg roll. Brett clears his throat; some rice getting stuck from his restrained gasp. He's not too happy with the awkward air around them; or that he's accidently made Jill uncomfortable. He never wants to do that again.
"Jeeze, I'm sorry." He apologizes, unsure what else to say. Her smile returns. "It's alright. How bout we jump to a happier topic?" Brett gives a short laugh. "Yeah, you think of a happier topic while I choke on my chicken."
Jill gives a squeal of a laugh. "Oh damn, I'll have to pay for my own meal." She jokes, the mood immediately lighter.
After that road bump, the evening was filled with laughter and jokes. And concluded with whipped cream and strawberries. Without the bowl.
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