Author's Note: Wow. This chapter really ballooned! It took about 3 rewrites in certain areas until I was satisfied, but the side-effect of that was it being much longer than I anticipated. I thought I should probably cut it in half to make two chapters, but I want it to flow as one chapter as that's how it's written. Besides being bigger, I'm quite proud of this chapter. If you have liked this story so far, you get more to read this time around. Bonus!

Thank you for all the reviews! Despite it not focusing directly on Wesker, he isn't ignored and will continue to play a major role in the chapters to come.

***December 31th, 1984***

Hrm... What time is it? 8:30? Damn it. The first thought that had popped into Annette's head as she realized she had fallen asleep on her couch. Again. She groaned inwardly, slowly trying to sit up as she felt every part of the stiff couch had sunk into her muscles. With a brief stretching session, she felt a few pops and some of the tension disperse.

"Great. I'm late with a stiff back and some formal function I have to attend." She muttered as she cleaned up the reports she had been perusing before she had conveniently fell asleep. She briefly winced as she moved to her feet, removing her hair tie as she shuffled towards her kitchen.

"Good morning." She thought it was amusing to talk to the little plant, but it had become a part of her daily regiment. Picking up the small squirt bottle, she lightly spritted the leafs, three blooms and the soil. It would likely never grow much bigger, but it was perfect for keeping in her living quarters. Ah, Albert.. you think you don't have a heart, but somewhere in your personal tundra, there's still something left.

After a few moments inspecting the blooms, she darted off to grab herself a quick shower. She quickly discarded her clothing, stuffing it into mostly full hamper as she waited a few seconds for the shower to warm up. Hopefully, I can get some cleaning done tomorrow. Thank goodness for holidays. After testing the temperature again, she slid under the deliciously hot water, her shoulders relaxing as the warmth traveled down her skin.

Her thoughts wandered. They had made a small breakthrough in the T-Virus research, but it ultimately only led to another 'great' idea for a B.O.W. which did little to please anyone as they had worked long hours through most of December. Heck, Christmas had been almost forgotten, but she managed to hang a some sparkly garland in an attempt to invoke the holiday spirit. It was mostly for her benefit and it had lifted her spirits somewhat. As they reached the end of December, Umbrella was holding a New Year's Eve Gala in the heart of Raccoon City.

Perfect. The word 'Gala' might as well stand for spending too much money to look elegant, smile superfluously at the Umbrella elite while wondering how much longer I have to be there. Well, William said he would go with me, so I don't feel so bad splurging on that dress. She ruminated as she finished rinsing the rest of the soap and conditioner from her, turning the knobs off once finished. Quickly, she toweled off and hurriedly threw on clean clothes without taking as much care as she usually did.

Her eyes stopped on the pale amber cream-colored dress hanging on the back of her bedroom door. Sleeveless, ankle-length skirt with butterfly and flower brocade weaving that started from the bodice and gently spread through the rest. It had caught her eye when she had managed to get away from work and get something before she attended. It didn't come cheaply, but when was the last time she wore anything this beautiful? It was all to find something that matched the necklace William had given her. Luckily, the same boutique had shoes to match.

Now it's just a matter of makeup and hairdressing. Not my two best subjects. She continued back to the living room, slipping her feet into her shoes. She made sure to turn the overhead sink light on for the plant before she rushed out as fast as she could.

Wesker flipped through the second file cabinet, closest to Birkin's desk. He had already checked three times with little result. Where are those reports? As if on cue, Annette pushed open the door so quickly that it fluttered some paper off Wesker's desk and managed to get Birkin's attention at the same time.

Birkin wore one of those annoyingly happy smiles as he noticed who it was. "Good morning, Annette."

Closing the door behind her, she breathed heavily as she tried to catch her breath. "Sorry... I'm... late."

"It seems to have become a habit of yours lately." Wesker chided, taking notice of the files he sought tucked under her arm. Why am I not surprised?

She glowered at him as she made her way over to her desk. "No, it's not. I've just been working weird hours. We all have."

He made his way over to her, holding his hands out expectantly. "I am in need of those files."

"Sorry. I didn't mean to be late. I've already paid the price for dozing off on a stiff couch." Annette grumbled, slapping down the files into his hands as she moved to sit down with a visible grimace.

Wesker wore his typical smirk. "You could manage to button your shirt correctly if you are going to be late." He turned back to his work area just as she looked quickly down at her misbuttoned shirt.

Antagonizing her is just too easy. Wait. She will have something snappish to say in 3... 2...

Her voice rose up. "It's just like you to notice. You need better hobbies."

Ah. There it is. Never off-schedule.

Wesker resumed his seat, leaning over to pluck the few pages that escaped his desk. Tapping the papers on the desk once, he had them sorted to the way they had been previously. Organization is the basis for everything else. How Birkin managed to make heads or tails out of anything was beyond anything he cared to give extra thought.

He returned his attentions to the salvaged reports, sliding them neatly into the tray just in front of him while keeping the one he needed for the time being. Fabulous. Another failed experiment that results in another creature to present at the next meeting. Perhaps we need to take a different path with our research. The T-Virus has done little more than turn most specimens into feral, dangerous mishaps. If Birkin had only obtained a sample of Alexia's T-Veronica virus, we might be making different results right now. Short-sighted fool.

He scrawled down a few extra side notes to the last page in the file. His thoughts wandering more than he would like them to. He had not been sleeping well lately. An unknown uneasiness kept his mind from relaxing long enough to fall into deeper, REM sleep. He did not like feeling restless. It always seemed to be this time of year more than anything. There was no immediate answer as to why.

Now there was the matter of the New Year's Eve Gala tonight. It would be a good opportunity for him despite all the small annoyances it would also bring. The contacts he would make would be essential in the future. The rest was insubstantial nonsense to please the gathered mass of greed and excess. It had been easy for him to find an attractive female companion to hang off his arm and agree with everything he would say. All he had to do was stroll in, learn her name and ask with a flash of a smile. Simple. Helen in accounting would suffice this time around.

Wesker finished with the file at hand, placing underneath the stack while grabbing the next in line.

"Wesker, I've got something that we all need to discuss that resulted from the quarterly meeting." Birkin stated, his hands buried in his pockets. So relaxed. So casual. So ineffectual.

Wesker turned in his chair, his arms resting on the armrests. Annette stood by the door, having just returned with another set of printouts. Birkin exhaled. "It looks like we'll be moving into a bigger lab to support our research at the beginning of next year. This way we have everything we need in one area instead of having to borrow from other sources. Also, we'll be given a few more members to broaden the scope of our current experiments."

Wesker crossed one leg over the other. "Do we get to choose who those people will be?"

"Yes. Would you prefer I leave that to you? You seem to have a good eye for these things." Birkin pointed out.

Wesker nodded once. "I will take care of that. I have a few candidates in mind from other departments. If you have any suggestions, let me know before I start setting up interviews."

Annette questioned. "Will the research we're doing now be affected in any way?"

"No. It's only a transition into a better-equipped area with the addition of new staff. Our research will stay the same." Birkin explained.

The same? Brilliant. We will keep chasing the same conclusions for the next year. Wait. It might be difficult, but I could try to request a sample of the T-Veronica virus. If this is a bigger lab, I will have my own space to test and study. Wesker slipped into his thoughts as Annette and Birkin continued to talk over the smaller details.

He caught a glimpse of Annette readjusting her loosely-tied ponytail, still conversing with Birkin. Perhaps I could get her to assist me? Birkin has let her do so little beyond lab prep. Is he afraid she will make some breakthrough he can not see? This I could use to my advan...

"Albert?" A voice pierced through. Annette faced him with a wispy smile, her hands tucked into her pockets.

Annette continued when she had his attention. "Will you be attending the gala tonight?"

"Yes, I have every year." He stated, turning back around to resume his studies.

He heard a light chuckle. "I guess I could see the reason why you would go.."

"Is there a point to this?" Wesker cut her off disapprovingly.

Annette moved back towards the door after dropping the printouts into a tray on her desk. "It's odd for me to see you do anything other than work, study and answer your door out of sorts."

Wesker smirked, his pen already a flurry of motion as his work continued. "So, how are the repairs on my glasses proceeding?"

There was only a disapproving huff before she left.

Too easy.

***Evening***

William stood in front of his bathroom mirror, carefully shaving at the week's worth of stubble covering his lower face. The steam from the shower a few minutes ago kept fogging up his mirror, making it a bit more difficult until he rubbed it away to continue. When he finished, he splashed water over his face generously before rubbing it dry with a towel.

He took stock in his appearance for the first time in a while as he applied aftershave with a brief grimace. It stings. I really should do this more often than using an electric shaver. Drying his hands again, he started to comb his hair with some semblance of order. He really wanted to make an effort to look as flawless as possible. Every year, he did the bare minimum which had a way of getting under Wesker's skin.

It shouldn't make him grin as wide as it did to see how perturbed Wesker could get over something so minute. Perhaps he simply enjoyed seeing the mask slip every once in a while. Regardless of what Wesker thought, William could talk to the upper brass with just as much finesse as he could. He just didn't like to. He understood what Wesker was trying to do, but he was more worried about the development cycle, the new lab, the 33rd sample of... Put those thoughts aside for now.

William took to staring at his visage again, fixing his hair with a light application of gel quickly before moving out into his bedroom. He had went out of his way to secure a brand new traditional tuxedo, carefully dressing himself more than he had all year. I promised Annette I'd make an effort since she was really serious. Does she have so little faith in me? Sure, he wasn't the tidiest guy in the world and had a bad habit of forgetting dates, but he knew how to get serious when it counted the most.

He smiled as he buttoned his sleeve cuffs, moving to slide on the black dinner jacket onto his shoulders. Returning to the mirror, he started to slowly tie the white bowtie into place which took about three attempts to get it perfect. Damn. I'm really out of practice with tying knots.

With a quick sweep over his appearance, William continued out to get his dress shoes on. Thankfully, these were easy to polish and broken in from the last time. He took a look down at himself, making sure there wasn't a shirt tail sticking out or if his zipper was down. He could only imagine the look Wesker would sport if he showed up that disorganized. That thought made him chuckle as he found his way into his overcoat.

William snapped his fingers once he had placed on the white gloves, heading to his small, mostly empty fridge to get the matching white rose corsage and boutonniere. Annette wanted serious, so she'll get serious. With everything set, he let out an anxious sigh before the door before heading out into the hall.

As he strolled down the hall to the elevator, he got a few second glances. They probably didn't recognize me. Do I really look that different? William had planned to meet Annette in the lobby before they took the provided sedan to the event within the city. He remembered when it used to be held within the mansion, but the company expanded vastly that these halls weren't enough for all the people that were invited to attend.

At that moment, William stopped in his tracks as his eyes first caught sight of her. It felt like time had stopped for a one second yet it felt like an eternity. Even amongst a small group of other well-dress men and women, she was like a shining star amongst them all. It was the first time he had ever seen her long blonde hair fully loose with the sides pulled behind, braided exquisitely with small white flowers. Her dress matched the soft glow of her pale skin, but most was hidden under the usual dark blue peacoat she normally wore. I'm guessing she forgot to get an overcoat that matched. He tried not to smile as he slowly made his approach.

Annette felt really awkward as she waited amongst a few other people as she idly plucked at the button on her coat. I look very silly right now. It really doesn't goes with anything nice at all. I think I can hear Albert chuckling darkly somewhere. She had arrived earlier than expected, hoping to meet William here so she didn't have to stand the questionable looks from others on their way to attend. She checked the watch she kept in her coat pocket, waiting about 20 minutes past the time they were supposed to meet.

The murmuring around her started to quiet, Annette noticed the raised eyebrows and confused whispers. She was about to turn around when two hands gently squeezed her shoulders. Those around her seemed to chuckle in unison as they realized who it was. "Guess who?"

"It must be good enough to throw everyone off." She concluded with a slight grin. Slowly, she turned around.

Annette blinked twice. She didn't even recognize him for a second. "William?" She whispered. Her surprise made William chuckle with genuine amusement, his fingers touching her silken hair before pulling away.

"The one and only." He introduced himself, stepping back to perform a formal bow. Her cheeks flushed as everything started to catch up to her. Oh lord. He really did take me serious and he smells so nice... Her bare hands shot into his to steady herself.

William grinned sheepishly. "Deep breathes, Annette." He leaned in closer, whispering in her ear. "You truly are the shining star, even with your coat on." With that, he slipped the corsage onto her wrist. White roses... How beautiful. He's wearing one too.

She started to chuckle, her eyes twinkling as she stared into his. "You started out brilliantly with that compliment, but you shouldn't have mentioned the coat." With that, she placed a light rosy kiss on his cheek. He smells so nice...

William offered her his arm which she gladly accepted. She was still feeling a bit lighter than air as they started to move outside once their ride had arrived. Mr. Kyles half-bowed as he opened the door for her, giving her a slight wink as they entered into the vehicle for the ride into Raccoon City.

The ride to the exhibition center was smooth and uneventful, much like her first time coming to the mansion the first time. As the sedan pulled outside their designation, she really started to feel out of place. "I'm going to remove my coat since we're here."

"Here. Take my overcoat." William started to slide out of his when Annette stopped him.

She offered a winning smile. "We won't be out in the cold long. Besides, a little cold is invigorating." As Mr. Kyles opened the door, they stepped out onto the sidewalk. With her coat held over her arm, the other entwined with William's as he led her up the stairs.

Even with the cold, she still felt like she was on fire. "Thank you for inviting me , William. I probably would've stayed home and tried to put that bookshelf together that I bought a few months ago."

William smiled broadly. "If you didn't want to go, I wouldn't have minded helping you put your bookshelf together. Once we were done, we could curl up together under a blanket and enjoy whatever is on TV."

Her blush only added to the rosiness already there. "That does sound inviting. Perhaps tomorrow?"

"That sounds like a date." William laughed. "Actually.." He stopped at the top of the steps, squeezing her hand. "Are we officially dating? Can I brag about you to everyone else now?" He winked.

Annette stared into his eyes. They had only gone out a few times due to their hectic work schedules, but every time had usually been fun and entertaining. "Sure. I think it's about time to make it official." Yeah. It's time. I'm surprised I didn't ask first.

William leaned down, placing a soft kiss on her lips at her acceptance which lingered a little longer than it should have.

"Careful. My lipstick might linger." She chided, running her thumb along his reddened bottom lip. He kissed her thumb before she pulled it away. He's more of a romantic than I gave him credit for.

As they approached the doors, two attendants opened each with a formal bow. William released her as he moved to slip off his overcoat, handing it over to coat check-in. Annette handed hers over at the same time.

"Shall we be off?" William smiled widely, proceeding through the foyer and slowly down the stairs into the hall.

People are staring. Now I feel really awkward. Annette squeezed his shoulder tightly, his free hand moving to touch her fingers. "Relax. I'm here with you." He whispered to her.

"Lets just get down these stairs and into the crowd first. I'll need your protection once we start to mingle."

With that, William led her into the crowd, stopping occasionally when they would meet familiar faces.

Annette tugged on his arm to get his attention. "Would you like to get a drink?" He nodded, leading them in the direction of the bar.

"I'd just like a glass of water with a slice of lemon." She answered.

William raised an eyebrow, grinning. "A free open bar and that's what you get?" He nodded to the passing bartender, placing an order for the water and a glass of champagne for himself.

Annette shrugged her shoulders, leaning a bit against William's shoulder. "I'm a lightweight. I could barely handle that daiquiri when we went to the pub a while back."

As the drinks were served, she squeezed the lemon in her water before pushing it under the ice. She watched as William drained the flute, asking for another. "Slow down, William. The night is long. I don't want to have to drag you back in the snow."

William sighed faintly. "Wesker tells me the same thing every year. I think I can handle myself." When Annette nudged him with her shoulder, he chuckled. "I'll slow down. I didn't have a lot to eat or drink today as I got caught up in work."

"Tell me something I don't know." She nudged him again, taking a long sip of her water. "Make sure you eat something too. The buffet would look delicious if my stomach didn't feel full of butterflies."

William drank from her second glass of champagne. "You feeling alright? Is there anything I can do to help?"

"A dance would be nice. A little exercise will ease some tension." Annette offered while enjoying more of her drink.

William finished off the champagne, offering her his elbow again. "It sounds like the next song is about to start. If we hurry, we'll make it for the beginning."

"Really? I thought that perhaps you weren't the time that liked to dance." She mentioned as she grasped his arm.

He grinned sheepishly. "Lets just say I know how to dance well enough. I won't be stepping on your toes."

"I might though. I can't remember the last time I danced in such a formal setting." Annette sighed.

William wore a reassuring smile. "Just follow my lead." As they reached the dance floor, the next song swung into motion and he didn't waste the opportunity to sweep her off her feet with the music.

Annette chuckled, holding onto his leading hand while the other rested on the arm that held her waist. It was a lively waltz, yet William was quite a natural as he led her with complete confidence. He drew her close as they turned with the flow of the music. Following his lead, she wanted to stay like this as long as possible.

My heart is beating so fast. His smile, his touch - I've never felt this way with anyone before... As the music slowed, she rested her head against his shoulder, pressing closer to him.

William didn't say anything, his arms adjusting to hold her more comfortably as they continued to sway with the melody. Together.

Wesker shook the last hand of an elderly Frenchman of the circle he had floated into, stepping away with his female companion blushing on his arm. He had kept her around as long as he needed as he finished introducing himself to most of their foreign investors. For the most part, he had talked to everyone he intended to so the night was not a waste after all.

"Albert, would you like to go get a drink together?" His companion asked coyly.

Wesker turned a slight frown on Helen, making her shrink visibly. "Wesker." He corrected, continuing down the stairs. "If you wish for a drink, I will escort you this one time." Her cheery attitude bounced right back as he started to lead her towards the open bar.

Wesker had to pride himself on his appearance. He had gone out of his way to get a nearly black designer suit with only the shirt being a dark grey to offset the silk black tie. His second best pair of dark glasses in place helped cut down on the warm glow of gold and white that adorned the party venue. She kept insisting that she was going to fix them, but I am sure she has not done anything with those broken pieces.

As they reached the open bar, Helen finally unleeched herself from his arm to request a glass of white wine from the first available bartender. He straightened his suit in a quick fashion, his black leather gloves making short work of any piece of dander or crease along the way. He appreciated the new gloves silently as they shielded him from that annoying woman's sweaty palms. What a nice fit. I should wear these more often.

"Would you like a drink, Al.. Wesker dear?" Helen rose her thin voice over the din of the general crowd. Attractive, yet nothing beyond the hair or makeup. She's almost finished serving her purpose.

Wesker targeted another displeased frown on her. "Wesker." He turned mechanically to the the awaiting bartender. "A glass of your best red. Thank you." He glanced at Helen as she went from pouty to exuberant as some of her co-workers commented on 'how nice her hair looked' or 'how nice her sequined red dress looked absolutely fabulous'. Wesker needed to get out of here. Immediately.

As the glass of red wine was set on the bar top, he gracefully scooped it up and wandered easily into the crowd opposite of where his date was conversing. She had served her purpose and he really did not need to stay much longer. He drifted through the crowd, nodding politely as he passed. Finally, he reached the wall nearest to the large glass doors that led out to the terrace outside. He took a drink of the wine, not incredibly impressed by the 'best' he was served. Is this the best that Umbrella can provide?

After a few minutes of isolation, he felt ready to return into the masses to finish making his rounds with Umbrella's top executives with that bubbly piece of nonsense hanging off him. Helen was quite beautiful, but there wasn't much substance beyond the hair and makeup. With a forced exhale, he moved away from the wall, discarding the wine glass on the first waiter he came across.

Wesker focused his attentions in the very opposite of the terrace, towards the staired entranceway. Everyone had gathered around as they dished out honeyed words of hope and optimism for the next year. Clapping all around as the lukewarm speech ended and everyone dispersed back in groups or dancing. Ahh, complacency at its finest.

He returned into the crowd as he kept an eye out for Helen. If he could not find her in about five minutes, he would simply resume chatting without having a pretty bangle dangling off his arm.

It took only a moment for his roving stare to land on Annette, mingling in a small group with a champagne flute in hand. Amongst the sea of black tuxedos, her polished beauty stood out against the crowd. Even Wesker could not help to become enchanted by her shining long blonde hair, the flowing amber cream gown and the pale radiance of her bare shoulders. With a quick draw of breath, he tore his eyes away to only fall on Birkin as he returned to Annette's side momentarily, whispering in her ear before disappearing into the crowd again.

So it takes one woman to force him to make an effort? It is an impressive change if not short-lived. Wesker forced himself to start moving along with the crowd, only to hear a voice shouting from behind him.

"Albert! Wait!"

Wesker clenched his teeth, remaining composed as he turned around to face Annette. "Oh, good evening, Anne." Two can play this game.

A slight frown appeared on her face, her hands resting on her hips as she moved closer to him. "You couldn't manage to stop a second in your schmoozing to say hello? I did wave at you, didn't you notice?"

"Excuse my lack of attention. I have already done all the... schmoozing, as you say. Nor did I see you wave. I did see an attractive brunette wink in my direction. Now it appears I have lost track of her, thank you very much." Wesker answered.

Annette snorted. "Yes, yes. Every woman is tripping over herself to get your magnificence." She stopped, catching herself from going any further. "It's nice to see you here. Your black suit fits you very well."

"Naturally." He slid his fingers assessingly along the lapels. "I will admit that you look quite stunning yourself."

She shook her head. "Amusement at my expense again, I see."

"Do I look amused?" Wesker stated dryly.

Annette searched his face futilely, wearing an skeptical expression. "Thanks for the compliment." She took a quick look around her. "William has wandered off again. Since you're taller, do you happen to see him anywhere nearby?"

"Oh? What am I now? Your personal lookout?" He shot back. This is much more enjoyable than dealing with... what was her name? Ah yes, Helen.

Annette gave him a unamused glare. "Haha. Now, do you see him anywhere?"

Wesker scanned over the multitude of faces, sides and backs as he tried to pinpoint Birkin in the crowd. After few passovers, he caught sight of him near the open bar, talking with a couple of scientists from different branches. Birkin's alcohol tolerance is pitiful. For his own sake, I hope he does not show that side of himself here.

"By the open bar. However, he does look busy in conversation." He reported.

Annette rolled her shoulders languidly. "Still? I was hoping he would dance with me again. It's surprising how good he is." She had a wistful smile, her face aglow.

"He comes from a prestigious family. It is only natural that he had some training in the finer details of social etiquette." He spoke dismissively.

"Really? He never told me he came from such a background. Of course, I've never asked either."

As Wesker listened, he caught a glimpse of Helen within a close-knit crowd nearby. He sneered faintly, turning his attention fully to Annette. "Would you care to dance?" He offered out his hand in invitation.

Annette furrowed her brow deeply, caught very off-guard. "What? Didn't you brag about having an attractive date?"

He moved closer. "I do not brag. I have danced with her once when we first arrived. Perhaps I would like to do so again and you are the perfect candidate."

"And if I say no? You seem unnerved." She goaded.

Wesker inhaled sharply, trying not let anger get the best of him as Helen started to move closer. "Do I need to call in the favor?"

Annette's features softened. "I will dance with you. You don't need to call in the favor, but you must be serious if you've brought it up."

"Yes. Yes. Shall we?" His hand was still offered, unwavering. Her hand joined his with a moment's hesitation. Wesker swept both of them in the direction of the dance floor without another second to spare.

Annette's mind was ablaze with the mixture of different emotions along with everything else that had happened that night. Now she was about to dance with Albert, she had no idea what his motives were. Does he really want to dance with me? It seemed like he was trying to avoid something? Maybe his date went sour? She giggled loud enough for Albert to hear.

Albert raised an eyebrow, waiting a few moments for the next song to begin. "Please do not damage my shoes too much."

"Y-you.." She didn't manage to rebuke as he guided her onto the dance floor.

Annette turned her eyes to gaze upon him, the hand held in his careful grasp felt strange due to the gloves he wore. Black leather didn't feel nearly as nice as the soft white William wore.

"You might want to be more mindful of where you are stepping instead of staring at me." He whispered near her topaz-studded lobe. The simple wisp of breath was enough to cause her to flush again.

Annette had no problem keeping in time with Albert's movements, the hand at her side lightly nudging her in time with the melody. She was spellbound as they continued to circle across the floor, her thoughts clearing for the first time that night as the rhythm continued. She was afraid if she spoke that the whimsical feeling would be gone. Why am I feeling this way? I felt light as air as I danced with William, but this is different. This is comfortable.

She didn't even notice the song had come to an end until Albert's hand left her side while the other led her back into the general crowd. With a small tug, he placed her fingers in the crook of his arm.

"There is something I would like to discuss with you." He spoke, leaning close so he could be heard.

Annette regained her bearings, his voice piercing through her daze. "What is it?"

Albert shook his head. "Not here in this crowd. Let us step out on the terrace for a brief moment." When she gave an affirmative nod, he led the way towards the windowed doors. The terrace was enclosed carpeted area which was more of a hallway leading upwards to the next floor.

Taking in the view of the city at night, Annette smiled faintly as the snow started to fall again. Perhaps this is peaceful for him as well. Though I better make this quick. William is probably looking for me.

"What did you wish to discuss with me, Albert?" She finally spoke, her voice echoing. Her hand slipped from his arm, moving to stand in front of the glass.

Albert glanced over at her, his face passive. "It is a matter of our current research. Are you satisfied with what kind of work Birkin allows you to do?"

The silence settled until Annette returned her thoughts. "Could you say you are truly satisfied with what your work consists of?"

"Oh. That is not what I asked. If you have a real answer, I will listen. Otherwise, I will be on my way." Albert came to stand by her side, his hands tucked into his pant pockets.

Her eyes continued to drink in the city lights. "Not really. I feel like I'm kept at an arm's length on most of the samples we've tested. I can understand being eased into such delicate research, but anytime I mention this to William, he conveniently doesn't hear me." She frowned at herself for sounding so bitter. "So, now I've spoken my part, your turn."

Albert let out a smooth chuckle, the lights reflecting off his glasses. "To the point. That is very refreshing. With our upgrade into a newer lab to facilitate our needs, there is a side project I believe I could use your assistance with. I would like to keep this between us."

"Side project? Between us? Are you truly that displeased with how the experiments are going? This kind of work is extremely time-consuming. Every small detail must be taken into account..."

Just as Albert stepped closer to Annette to explain in a lower tone, the door whooshed open behind them.

"There you are, Ann..." A slurred voice came from behind.

Annette turned quickly, her shoulder bumping into Albert's. Her hand reflexively came up to pat his shoulder apologetically. "William?" Oh hell. He's drunk. How much did he have while I was away? Did he bother to eat anything?

William leaned heavily on the windowed door, his bow tie and collar already loosened. "I've been looking for you everywhere." It seemed at that moment that William noticed Albert.

"You... What are you doing out here with her? Trying to steal her, eh?" William grumbled as he shoved away from the door, shuffling towards Albert.

Albert snorted. "I never stole any of your dates. They simply know who is the better."

Oh hell. Thanks for making this worse. Annette worried as the two came face-to-face.

"It's not like..." She tried to intervene.

William frowned at Wesker, pointing a finger in his face. "Every year, it's the same thing. You take the first thing that crosses your path, get tired of her then take off with whoever I would bring. I really like Ann. I won't let you get your way this time."

Albert laughed coldly, not moving an inch. "Is that what you honestly think? Take a look at yourself, Birkin. Every year you drink more than you can handle and this is the result." With one quick move, he slid an arm around Annette's shoulder. Damn. This isn't going to stop on its own, is it?

Never had Annette seen William so angry, his face turning a bright red. "Get your hand off of her.."

Albert pulled Annette against his side, his smile mocking. "Or what? You will hit me? In your state, you will only hurt yourself."

That was the final straw. William started to lunge. With one quick moment, Annette shoved at William's left shoulder hard. The right hook that was meant for Albert hit her square in the face with all of William's drunken intensity. Everything went silent and black.

Annette groaned as she started to slump to the ground, her hand coming to where her face was hit. Her vision blurred and her senses rattled, she didn't notice as Albert's hands supported her shoulders, keeping her from collapsing. She trembled a moment, her wits coming back to her.

"Oh, Annette. I'm so sorr..." William had sobered up somewhat after he realized where his rage had landed. With her free hand, she slapped him hard against the cheek, snapping his head to the side with such force.

"Don't you dare! Your actions brought this upon yourself. I told you to ease up on the champagne, but it appears you didn't listen." Annette growled under her breath, her other hand leaving her face. The area around her eye was starting to swell with a small cut along her cheek.

Turned to pull away from Albert's grasp, her eyes narrowed at him. "And you. You baited him knowing full well he would become that pissed off." Giving him no time to answer, she slapped him just as hard as William, his glasses now slightly askewed.

Annette took a few steps away, her arms sliding around herself as she stared out into the night. "Apologize."

Albert muttered, adjusting his dark glasses back into place. "You can not be serious."

"Now." She stated darkly.

William rubbed his cheek, his eyes welling up as he stared over at Annette. "It's my fault. I didn't mean to."

She frowned, leaning her head on the cool window in front of her. She closed her eyes. "Apologize."

"I'm sorry!"

"Why should I apologize?" There was a pause. "Fine. I did not mean to."

Both answers ringed in her ears at the same time. Annette managed a feeble smile, trying to ignore the headache building. "See? Not so hard. Even if neither of you mean it, thanks for humoring me."

Albert stepped closer to her, silently holding out the black handkerchief. "Use this. You are bleeding." She stared down piece of cloth, her vision starting to become blurred again. Shakily, her hand brought the cloth against her cheek with a wince.

"Thank you." The tears slid down from her eyes, trailing down her cheeks. When was the last time I cried? Why am I crying? Why this sadness?

William stepped up to her left side, his hands clenched as there was nothing he could do or say in that moment that would mend anything.

Behind them, a dull roar of cheers and hoots came from the inside the hall.

Annette draped the handkerchief across her shoulder, her hands coming to rest on both Albert's and William's shoulders. Her tears renewed while smiling faintly at the same time as they stared into out at the city. Small fireworks launching in a myriad of colors as the clock struck midnight.

"Let the next year start fresh and anew. Leave behind what was for what will be."

Happy New Year, 1985.