Author's Note: Thanks for the feedback! It made me really giddy that a few people like what I've done so far. Please keep reading and let me know what you think! I promise that this is leading somewhere. :)

***October 1984***

The past few months had been liberating and insightful in many ways. Watching and working with William and Albert has shown me I still have to learn. About research and people alike. Annette pondered as she filed away the last failed test results into the appointed file cabinet.

It was much different than simply having coffee with them like when she started. She was able to see how they worked together and that's when she could really see their character when absorbed in their work. While William was quite amiable away from his research, he was almost a different person when he was busy with his data. He became greedy, prideful and foolhardy as he tried to rush results that were likely failing due to being pushed too fast. On the other hand, Albert kept William focused, but even he seemed displeased with William's need to get results. While Albert worked with William, his guard seemed to be relaxed to where he talked more than she had ever heard him and even crack a joke or two. Usually at William's expense.

Well, they have been working together for years now. It's not unusual for this type of camaraderie. Even I feel right at home with them now. The first week felt quite awkward as if they were sidestepping a frail flower. She recalled.

Annette had been spending most of her meals in their presence as well. No doubt William was delighted and Albert never said or implied anything, so she never felt out of place amongst them as they included her in their conversations. She was thankful that she had taken that chance. Now she needed to help them move their experiments along.

It had been hard at first to become adjusted to such research despite all she had said to Albert during her interview. This was very high-risk research, and for what? This wasn't improving life for anyone. It was meant to make a person into a superior killing machine. Not a cure for cancer or the common cold. Just enhancement beyond what normal drugs could do. That's what made it so difficult. The decisions William and Albert would make left her speechless. The creation of the Bio-Organic Weapons as a part of Umbrella's overarching business plan unsettled her deeply. They are an ever-growing global business. Is this the kind of thing people with such power do? I suppose it is as here I am, refining weapon design.

Annette let out an audible sigh, gathering the last set of x-rays she had received to place on William's ever-disorganized desk. So many things about these two were like night and day. Their individual work spaces proved that much as Albert's was organized for efficiency while William's would be something only he could understand. She had offered to straighten up his papers and files that only met with his slow shake of the head as he hunched over his work.

Right now, William was still sitting at his desk, resting his chin on his palm as he stared at four separate graphs. Annette approached as silently as possible, trying to place the x-rays in the designated pile where she put any new materials.

William shifted his gaze over to Annette, visible bags under his eyes. "Thanks, Annette. Any changes?"

"Not yet." She decided it was time to ask a question that had been unnerving her since she started. "Uhm, William?"

"Yeah?"

"Is it possible to slow down the number of samples we test? I just don't think we are getting anywhere by trying to force results at this kind of pace..." She stopped as he stood up, his gaze sharp.

Annette had prepared for this reaction, mentally steeling herself. William didn't take it well at all when his work was questioned. Nevertheless, this has to be said or we'll just continue to go in circles.

William inhaled deeply. "Are you questioning my methods? You do know what's at stake here, right? You've read all the data up till now. You've only participated in a few labs since you entered our research. Who do you think you are to ask these things?" His tone wasn't threatening, but it was a stark difference than his usual ambivalence.

"I thought the whole purpose of me assisting this project was to offer my opinion about my own observations? Look, I'm not trying to start an argument, but rushing at this pace is a waste of resource and time. Why is that? According to the records I've read, this has been a more recent change of how things used to flow."

Over her shoulder, Annette heard a quick chuckle from the direction of Albert's desk. "There was a reason and her name was Alexia Ashford. She is no longer a concern."

The look that William shot over in Albert's direction was quite scornful. "Yes, yes! I know." He rubbed a hand over his tired features, peering back to Annette. "I'll think about it, alright?"

Annette nodded her head, visibly relaxing as the tension started to dissipate. "That's all I ask. Thanks for taking it into consideration." She stepped towards her own desk that was adjacent to William's.

William spoke up just before she was about to sit down. "It's getting late." He stated as he looked at his watch. "How about we go and get a drink out in the city?"

Annette stopped in mid-action. "Are you talking to me?"

He rubbed the back of his neck. "I believe so. Interested?"

"S-sure." She managed, glancing over in Albert's direction. "Would you like to join us, Albert?"

"As enthralling as it sounds..." Albert started to answer before getting cut off by William.

"You owe me a drink, Wesker."

"Do I? I do not recall..."

William chimed in again. "You know, that one night you were talking to that redhead."

Albert sat back in his chair, his brow furrowing as his gaze turned to William. "Not particul..." His mouth shut, frowning as it came back to him. "I suppose I do. How much?" He asked as his hand reached for his back pocket.

"After you ditched me the last time, you have to come along."

It was probably a good thing Albert wore dark glasses to hide his icy glare. "I would prefer to continue working."

"As Annette said, we should slow down." Birkin smiled smugly.

Albert turned his shielded stare at Annette who shrugged helplessly. "Fine. Lets make it quick." He answered as he rose from his chair.

William strode over to Albert, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "You heard the man, Annette. Lets go."

With the recent expansions brought on by funding from Umbrella, getting from Arklay to Raccoon City was as easy as getting on a train these days. It certainly made it easier to enjoy the company of friends as everything zoomed past at break-necking speed. William couldn't remember the last time he had left the Arklay Research Facility. Everything was provided there: food, shelter and a place to study. What more did he need?

He glanced over at Annette to his left, running her fingers through her loose ponytail absently. William had to be careful not to stare too long as she had caught him once or twice before. It didn't seem to bother her as she would smile and shrug it off. Also, he wondered if she had left him a small birthday gift hidden in his in-box. It was a plain green scarf with a small note saying 'Happy Birthday'. It was the first time in a long time that he received a gift on his birthday since he would be too busy to remember what day it was, much less his birthday. He had worn it tonight, hoping she would notice his appreciation as he never had the chance to thank her. Maybe a little bit of liquid courage will aid me tonight?

Wesker sat to his right, sporting a black trench coat to counter the autumn chill. His expression was impassive as it was most of the time. William had been surprised that he had actually agreed to come. Even with bringing up the pretty redhead, he still would've shrugged him off with some monetary compensation to cover the expense. It wasn't unusual for Wesker to leave him on his own on the rare occasions they went out. While William might chat up the ladies, it was usually Wesker who might disappear with one as the night progressed. Perhaps that his goal tonight? He constantly working, even when he retires to his quarters. It's been about a year since the last time we went out. Being so busy makes it feel like it was only yesterday.

The train came to a halt as they reached Raccoon Station. William and Wesker walked side-by-side as Annette walked in front of them as they ascended the stairs to reach the streets above.

Wesker kept in stride with William, tilting his head in his direction. "New scarf?"

William ran a hand over it self-consciously. "You could say that, yeah."

"I did not think you celebrated your birthday?"

"I didn't." William turned his gaze to meet Annette's back. "I found a small wrapped box under my papers one night after you retired for the evening. I don't understand why she couldn't just hand it to me directly?"

Wesker slid his hands into his coat pockets. "Ask her yourself."

"I plan to."

Annette turned, buttoning her dark blue peacoat as they reached street level. "I have no idea where we're going so you guys want to take the lead." She chuckled as William walked at her side with Wesker trailing behind.

William nodded his head to the north. "Our destination is close to this station. Two blocks that way. It's a little hole in the wall called Killian's." In a bold move, he extended his elbow in invitation. "Shall we?"

She laughed softly, sliding her hand into the crook of his elbow. "Lead on."

William paused for a moment upon contact. Oh... I didn't think that was going to work. Taking a deep breath, his feet found their momentum once again.

Annette peeked over at William. "New scarf?"

"People keep asking me that for some reason, I wonder? You wouldn't happen to know anything about that?"

Annette rubbed at her cold, rosy nose, unable to hide her mirth. "Happy Birthday, William. I just didn't want to disturb you as you had just gotten back the latest results."

"Nothing you do disturbs me."

"Bringing up my opinions does." She retorted.

"Yeah.. Well.. Alright, mostly nothing, ok?" William huffed as they came to stand outside of the pub. Damn. Over already.

Even without opening the door, they could hear rowdy cheers and hoots. Annette smiled. "Perhaps there's a game on TV tonight? I'm not too up-to-date on those kind of things."

Wesker stepped along as he passed the linked pair. "One way to find out." He adjusted his dark glasses, looking in Annette's direction before pushing open the door. As expected, the livelihood magnified as they stepped into the small pub.

It was crowded for it being a Thursday night as all the tables were taken closest to the two TVs on opposite sides of the bar. They would have to settle with sitting at the bar. Wesker slid off his trenchcoat, folding it neatly as Annette and William did the same.

Annette took a seat on a stool at the middle of the bar. William sat to her right.

As Wesker moved to sit next to William, he noticed a stumbling group of inebriated fools stumbling towards the bar. With a swift sidestep, Wesker took the open stool to Annette's left. His presence alone deterred the drunkards from doing anything than asking for another round.

Annette grinned over at Wesker, managing to elbow him playfully in the shoulder. "I didn't think you had it in you."

"Neither did I. This stool was cleaner." He stated matter-of-factly.

"Right. I don't believe that." Annette placed an order for a strawberry daiquiri. "So, what are you guys going to have?"

William rubbed at his chin. "I'll take a Foster's if it's available." The older bartender nodded, turning his expectant gaze on Wesker. "Your best scotch." With orders collected, the bartender went to work. First, the beer, the scotch and the daiquiri. He served them at the same time, offering a friendly smile as he moved to refill the next empty pitcher handed over by the rowdy crowd.

Annette took a sip of her drink, her face scrunching up as she drank it a bit too fast. "Ow. Ow. Brain freeze."

William chuckled. "Slow down. It's not going anywhere."

"Ooh. It went somewhere." She exhaled, plucking the tiny umbrella from her drink to twirl idly between her fingertips.

William took a good chug of his own beverage, taking it down to a little over a half full. He sighed in satisfaction. "A cold drink at the end of a day is a nice thing indeed."

"We don't usually have 'end of a day'. We just stop working when we can't think straight anymore." She reflected as she made the umbrella 'hop' up and down on the bar top.

Wesker nursed his glass, watching her antics without being noticed. He failed to take note of the tipsy brunette that siddled up to the stool next to him. It was then the reek of cheap alcohol hit his senses before he took stock of her personal appearance.

"Hello, handsome. You here to watch the game?" She leaned heavily on the bar, her low-cut dress showing her ample cleavage with little effort.

"Does it look like I am?" He questioned.

"I guess not. What brings you here then?"

Wesker glanced over at the brunette. "Not you. Please go."

The brunette reddened and nearly tripped as she moved off the stool. "Asshole." She stampered as she rejoined the crowd.

William blinked as he took another sip of beer. I've never seen him turn down an invitation, but she really wasn't worth it anyhow. He noticed Annette half-frowning in the direction of the brunette.

Before she could say anything, William interjected as he tried to change the subject. "So, when is your birthday, Annette?"

Annette appeared a bit crestfallen as she heard the question.

"November 15th." Wesker answered. "It is in your personnel file."

Annette chuckled. "I expect something good if you're keeping track of me so closely."

Wesker tilted his head, placing his glass down on the coaster. "Like what?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?" Annette arched an eyebrow.

William spoke up. "Please do." This is the best chance to return her generosity. Don't screw it up!

She placed the umbrella down to take another sip of her daiquiri. "Blue roses." William narrowed his eyes, nodding to the bartender as he returned his refilled glass. "Those don't exist naturally."

Annette chuckled. "I was joking. Anything would be fine."

Wesker shook his head, smirking. "Anything?"

She rolled her eyes in return. "Within reason and taste."

Wesker couldn't help himself. "That is subjective."

Annette huffed in his general direction. "I figured that's what you would answer with." She decided to turn the tables. "When's your birthday, Albert?"

William blinked, trying to gauge Wesker's reaction when he didn't correct her like he did everyone else. Since when did he let anyone call him Albert?

"It is in my personnel file." He returned as he finished off his scotch.

Annette chuckled. "A challenge it is." She turned her attention back to William. "How about we all go out again on my birthday? I would like that best."

William had already drained his second glass. "How about just you and me?" Wait. Did I say that outloud?

"Wait. I di..."

"Sure." Annette answered quickly, her smile beautiful. William stared at her, afraid if he blinked she would disappeared. Did I hear her correctly?

"Anywhere you want to go, we'll go!"

Annette winked. "That is subjective." She tried to imitate Wesker poorly. Wesker sneered faintly at the attempt.

William rubbed the back of his neck, grinning like a fool. "You name it and we'll go. I promise."

"Careful. A promise is..." She continued with her Wesker imitation before William cut her off sternly.

"I really do mean it." He stated, all joking aside.

She blinked, placing her hands in lap. "I-I know." The silence rose like an invisible wall.

Wesker rose to his feet, taking out his black leather wallet to pay the tab. "It is on me." He placed a hundred dollar bill under his glass.

Annette started to rise as well. "You don't need to pay for my drink."

"Next time, I will not." He shrugged back into his trench coat, straightening the collar.

William rubbed a hand over his face as he gathered himself up from the stool to follow the other two through the diminishing crowd to the street outside.

Now it has got awkward and I didn't mean it that way. William sulked as he slid into his jacket and wrapping the scarf around his neck as he looked towards Annette and Wesker.

Annette stepped slowly over to William in a rather sheepish manner. "I'm sorry, William. I didn't mean to make light of your offer."

William shook his head, frowning. "I should be the one apologizing. If you're still interested, my offer still stands."

"I never said I wasn't interested." She pouted. "I will hold you to it. A nice quiet dinner somewhere is all I really want."

He managed a smile. "Alright. Now you can tell me the particulars on our way back."

"We might drive Albert.. where did he go, by the way?" She squinted, catching sight of the man himself almost a block away. "I suppose we should follow. Lets go."

Much to his surprise, Annette started to walk alongside him. He 'accidentally' bumped his hand into hers. Instead of drawing away, her fingers slipped into his without hesitation.

William squeezed her hand gently in response as their pace slowed as they enjoyed each other's company.

Tonight. Tonight. I want to freeze this perfect moment.