Author's Note: *pushes Sims 3 away* Enough! That game has been devouring every morsel of free time I've had in the last month. While I miss the content of Sims 2, this is a nice upgrade to the standard formula that'll get better with time. So, yeah, that's where I've been. I'm definitely ready to keep pushing forward as I did a lot of story brainstorming while playing. I can't wait to get back into the swing of things and I hope it's still enjoyable. As always, thanks for the reviews. :)

***September 1985***

The dim hum of electronics was the only sound that William could hear while staring at the ceiling in the dead of night. It was still hard for his mind to settle down enough to sleep as consistently as he had been the past month. His fingers traced over Annette's bare shoulder, her sleeping face resting on his chest comfortably with his arm holding her close.

He had never known what any constant peace of mind until Annette had come into his life. Little by little, they started to spend more time together away from the lab and any pertaining work matters. It was more out of her insistence than any romantic notion on his part. If he had it his way, he would still be running samples and analyzing data rather than trying to force himself to sleep regular hours with her. Yet here he stayed and here he slowly started to ease out of one of his old habits just a little.

Insomnia has been part of my equation all these years. It's pretty hard for me to simply switch off when there's so much to do, but she wouldn't let me live it down if I tried to slip out. It's also hard for me to say no to anything she asks. She is here, so here I will remain. Yet I do wonder what happened to the research she was assisting Wesker with. I'm not quite sure, but she really seems to want to spend more time together. I won't deny her that.

His fingers combed silently through her loose blonde hair draped along her shoulder, his eyes taking in the ceiling above with only the faintest of light coming from Annette's alarm clock. William slept mostly in her apartment these days. It didn't really matter where he slept, but she felt more comfortable in her own space. The added bonus for crashing here is that she would do his laundry along with her own. He hadn't noticed till he realized his own closet back in his living space was emptier than usual.

Annette stirred against him, her fingers digging briefly into his chest as her bleary eyes caught the time before sinking down into his chest again. She sighed softly. "You've been awake for a while. Are you feeling alright?"

"Same reason as always, an overactive mind that won't shut down for too long. Even if I'm not asleep, I feel quite comfortable ruminating as I listen to you lightly snoring." He whispered in return, his lopsided grin hidden by the general darkness.

She huffed, her tone jovial as her finger poked into his side, making him yelp in surprise. "Lightly snoring, huh? You're more than welcome to sleep in your own quarters."

"Your bed is much more comfortable and what would you do without your favorite pillow?" William puffed his chest to emphasize his point.

Annette left him with one last poke to the ribs before sliding groggily into a sitting position next to him. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe sleep in more since it wouldn't talk back when I'm trying to sleep in? Either that or bring me a fresh cup of coffee, whichever comes first."

"Fine. I can read between the lines. Coffee it is." He announced, resting his elbows on his knees as he sat up next to her.

As she bent over to turn on her lamp at the lowest setting, the flash of sudden light caused them both to squint momentarily. She bumped her shoulder into his, smiling sleepily at him as the day started to roll into motion. "That would be fabulous."

William caught her hand before she could move from the bed, pleased to see the engraved silver ring on her wedding finger. His forefinger traced over the texture while the rest squeezed gently. "I really like seeing you wear this."

"It feels comfortable." Annette smiled, her free hand adjusting the thin strap of her black nightgown.

It was just a little over a month ago since she finally accepted his marriage proposal. The day had been June 29th, a regular day like any other. They had left the lab for the day, ascending in the elevator to the living quarters when Annette simply said 'yes'. When he asked what she was referring to, she snorted and fell into silence until the realization dawned on him a minute or two later. Upon that revelation, he bent down on one knee, fishing out the ring box he had held on to until she was ready. There, in the middle of the Arklay elevator, they became engaged as the doors chimed open to their destination, surprising other Umbrella personnel waiting to enter briefly until they offered congratulations. It had been golden ever since.

William let go of her hand as she slid the covers away, moving towards the bathroom in a sleepy shuffle. He watched after her, staring a moment too long at her behind shifting the sheer material of her nightgown. Always a nice view.

When Annette pushed the bathroom door half-closed, he took that as his cue, shifting from the bed with a long stretch, proceeded by familiar pops and cracks as he made his way from the bedroom to the small kitchen area. He removed the coffee tray, dumping the old filter into the nearby garbage can.

It wasn't long till the new filter and fresh coffee grounds were in place and the machine whirled to life once the water was added. He found this an oddly soothing process. It didn't take much effort, but it was relaxing to watch the hot liquid trickle into the awaiting pot along with the pleasant aroma. It had been another neglected pastime that he rediscovered these quiet mornings before work. I guess she likes the coffee I make or I don't think I'd be welcome here at the crack of dawn to rouse the morning beast.

William prepared their usual coffee mugs; his was solid green while hers was royal blue. As he placed the mugs down on the counter, he stared forward at the small plant kept by the sink. Every time he caught sight of this little rose bush Annette tended to so dearly, he felt a pang of jealousy with a slight undercurrent of anger. It was ridiculous for him to have such petty emotions lingering when Annette was going to marry him. Yet the feelings persisted despite any efforts to purge them from his mind. In these silent moments, they crept back with little hesitation.

I'm better than this. We are better than this. With what I'll give in the years to come, this plant will lose whatever favor she has for it. Since her assistance to Wesker seemed to be slowing down, I'll make sure to keep her busy with my experimentation to stave off another occurrence.

With a audible sigh, he took note of the progress of the coffee, noticing the pot was just about finished. He didn't like starting off his morning this way. At that moment, a great idea flashed into his thoughts with a broadening smile to match. There was one sure way to lighten his mood. It didn't take long for William to pad from the kitchen, creeping before the cracked door to the bathroom.

The shower had already shut off, steam hitting his face as he pressed open the door further. A soft humming hit his ears, catching a brief glimpse in the mirror as Annette rubbed a plush blue towel over her damp hair. As she turned around, he remained unnoticed as he drank in the very sight of her.

It was at that moment he got an unexpected revelation and Annette's steady gaze at once. Both of them were frozen in place as they stared wordlessly at each other.

William rubbed a hand over his mouth, feeling his stubble grate against his fingertips as his mind raced. "How long have you've known?"

"About two months or so." She spoke under her breath, slipping on her blouse sleeve-by-sleeve.

He pushed the door open, stepping closer as their eyes bore into each other. "When were you going to tell me?"

"I... I just didn't know how to breach the subject. How would you if you were in my place?" Annette murmured, adjusting her bra straps in place.

In a rush of motion, William grabbed the gap of her underwire bra, pulling her close. "I suppose I can see your point." He released her clothing, sliding his hand down to rest gently on her slight swell of her belly. "I can understand you would be nervous to say something about this to me. This isn't what I was expecting when trying to sneak up on you in the shower." His chuckle came off more apprehensive than he intended.

She bit her lower lip, her eyes now lingering on his hand resting on her stomach. "Believe me. It was quite a surprise when I thought I had a stomach bug. Considering I was taking birth control, I didn't know until I had to see the resident doctor when my symptoms only seemed to worsen." She inhaled deeply. "It's my fault. Between work and the stress that brings, I didn't always take the pill at the time I was supposed to."

He remembered the half-day she took about two months ago. Everything started to make sense now that he put the pieces together: her paleness, her general lack of usual hunger and even keeping him at a distance the past few weeks. Everything that he thought was was due to their hectic work schedules was only partially correct. Now he was going to be a father.

A father.

"It's pretty moot now." William winced as that thought escaped him before he gave it a second thought. "Annette, I'm feel ecstatic and out of my league at the same time. It's simply a little sooner than I expected."

Annette pressed her hands against the one resting on her abdomen. "All I can say is that I'm sorry. Please don't think this is the reason why I accepted your proposal." Her voice faltered, subsiding into silence as she couldn't find anything else to say.

"There's nothing to apologize for." He placed a brief kiss on her head. "I'm not going to get angry. I don't want to be like that if I can help it. As I see it, we were going to get married eventually, the same with starting a family. One simply happened before the other."

Annette pressed into him, sliding her arms loosely around his waist as she rested her head on his bare chest. William could feel the tension running through Annette as he engulfed her in his embrace. He breathed in her scent, fresh from the shower and of her rose-scented soap. Regardless of what he felt, he would always stand by her. What has happened before will not come between us. Wesker be damned.

Without any reason, William started to chuckle, slowly building into a laughter from the bottom of his lungs. He didn't know what exactly brought this on. Perhaps it had been a long time since he last time he felt out of his element. It didn't take long for the tension to ease from Annette as she hesitantly joined in his laughter until her cheeks glowed. The bathroom resounded with their merriment until they both were out of breath.

"This is so odd, William. I've been struggling for weeks trying to find the best way to tell you, but now we're acting slaphappy in my bathroom. If I had known I had nothing to fear, it would've been easier to come forth." Annette whispered.

His hold grew tighter around her, his voice cooling. "You didn't come forth. I only found out due to sheer luck. It does disappoint me that you didn't think you could tell me. From now on, please know you can tell me whatever is on your mind. Understand?"

"I understand. From now on, I'll speak my mind more freely." Her answer almost sounded like an oath.

William stepped back, their embrace ending. His nimble fingers set to buttoning Annette's blouse. "About the wedding, perhaps we should make it sooner than later? Neither of us has any real close family. A small ceremony for close friends? Honeymoon?"

"I definitely want a honeymoon in a secluded little cabin somewhere." Annette spoke, her arms draped lazily over William's shoulders. "I think I don't want a ceremony. Perhaps if my dad was still alive. How about you, William? What about your parents?"

William shrugged his shoulders half-heartedly, noting her lack of expression. "I haven't talked to them in years, Annette. We've never been on good speaking terms. At best, it was an uneasy union the rare times we would be together. I have no real desire to try to coax them from their English estate. They have pretty much turned a blind eye on the son who didn't follow their wishes. Does that bother you at all?"

"I can't say I understand completely, but I will respect your wishes. If your parents are that hard-headed, we can send them a detailed letter and pictures later on. Regardless of it all, I was never one of those girls that had dreams of a huge wedding and all the expenditure that would create." She cracked a smile. "Use that money for a great honeymoon. That's all I'll push for."

William grinned faintly. "Alright. Alright. The honeymoon is up to you where you want to venture. If we are to tie the knot, it would be better sooner than later." He empathized with a light poke to her midsection.

"You have such a way with words. I think I might swoon." She noted dryly. "That smell... did you make me coffee?"

He disengaged from her arms, stepping into the bedroom to keep from blocking the doorway. "Sure did. Should you be having coffee in your condition?"

The only thing that met his curious glance backwards was a disappointed pout.

***October 1985***

Annette slid open the second refrigeration unit, clipboard tucked under one arm as she prepared to inventory her own personal testing samples. This is one activity she couldn't leave to her new assistants. With Greg and Steve promoted into their own research teams in the second lab, she had been given two new Umbrella-employed scientists: Sandra Hines and Shen Zhang. When she met them for the first time, she realized they were fresh out of college just like she had been over a year ago. Fortunately, Sandra was just as excellent as Greg had been, almost like a shadow of herself.

It was Shen that would be worrisome. He was a teenage prodigy dropped into her unknowing hands. A bit older than William had been when he started at the Training Facility, Shen was a sixteen-year old that should be anywhere other than the very bowels of the Arklay laboratories. While he was quiet and polite, she felt that William had washed his hands of this bright, misplaced boy. Now she had a bright mind left in her care. How would she keep his mind preoccupied? A bored kid is a dangerous risk especially with such sensitive research. She knew not to make the error of treating Shen like a child, he already had it hard enough with the general non-acceptance the others had shown him so far. And here she thought William would be able to relate to the young man, yet he pushed him away without giving Shen a second chance. I never thought William could be this shallow. I thought he grew past this with Alexia Ashford, but I see I'm sorely mistaken. I'll have to have a word with him later.

She glanced over the rack, taking note of Shen sitting at her desk as he familiarized himself with the current project at hand. It was hard to gauge his personality after the past month. He was likely taught to be a quiet and obedient child due to his unshakable formality every time she approached him. It worked against her attempts to settle him in with the other scientists he would be working with in future to come. The entire situation left her feeling more exhausted than she was used to feeling.

Finishing with the first rack, she slid it back into the cabinet to focus on the second. The few T-Veronica samples here are fine for the time being. I'll be sure to let Albert know my progress.

"Dr. Gibbons?" A low voice caught her ear, turning her gaze towards Shen.

Annette sighed audibly. "I'm going to start ignoring you until you start using my name. What can I do for you, Shen?"

There was no hint of expression on Shen's face. "What is this file? The research contained within contradicts the rest of the files I've read so far."

Upon closer inspection of her desk, Annette suppressed the urge to grimace. Shen had managed to find the preliminary files of her toying with finding an antigen for the T-virus. In her forgetfulness, she had left it on her desk instead with her personal files tucked under lock and key in the side cabinet below.

"It's nothing more than conjecture. Some of those files need to be destroyed, so please set it to the side so I can make sure it's done later." She answered, trying to remain nonchalant.

Shen glanced down at the file held in his hands. "It interests me. Everything had been uniform up until this file." He added a moment later, returning his unwavering gaze to Annette. "This is your handwriting. I'm sure of it. Why would you destroy this paperwork?"

"Some things are simply not meant to be." Annette closed the second cabinet, leaning her shoulder against it as she gave him her full attention. "Why would it interest you? Isn't the research you've been perusing more in line with where your expertise lies?"

He moved from the chair, file still in hand. "I know the reasons why I was brought here, sworn to heavy secrecy and placed within this section..." He paused. "Permission to speak freely, Dr. Gibbons?"

She pursed her lips tightly, watching him with a cool stare.

"I mean, Annette." Shen corrected himself, noticeably uncomfortable with this level of informality.

Annette shook her head. "You can always speak freely to me, Shen. It's good to close the distance so I can hear you better."

Shen stepped closer, his dark eyes glancing about the empty laboratory carefully. She was pleased that he caught on quickly. "I don't think this research should be destroyed. It's little more than a rough theory that has potential. This interests me more than running the latest version of the virus."

"If Umbrella wanted an antigen, don't you think they would have a separate team working side-by-side with this one?" She stated, noticing absently that Shen was almost the same height as her. "Working on the virus is our top priority here. This is nothing more than a pet project I should really take the time to hide better."

For the first time, Shen let a slight smile on his usually blank face. "I apologize for intruding upon this matter. I do understand the duties assigned to me, but I believe I feel the same as you do when it comes to this file. Instead of tossing it aside, I think we should continue discreetly."

Annette chuckled softly. It was surprising and refreshing to hear someone younger speak with such direct conviction that many even older than them both had never expressed. The rational side of her should want to turn down this side venture, yet she had conceded to Albert with his research. This was much different though; if this could be perfected, any possibility of infection could be treated. However, she would have to find ways to keep this from both William and Albert. While Albert would likely turn a blind eye, William would give into that temper of his without fail.

"Do you understand what you're saying, Shen? This isn't something to ever get approval from any of the head researchers here. If it was ever discovered, anything attached to such a project would be confiscated, destroyed or both. That's not counting what punishment they would bring down upon us and it's imperative that I stay where I am." She stressed, handing the clipboard to Shen before moving past him to take a seat at her desk.

Shen glanced down at the clipboard, sliding open the third cabinet to resume where Annette had left off. She seemed to tire easily these days despite her best efforts to remain the stalwart mentor. "Perhaps not at this very moment, no. I suspect that this research will continue to expand with each passing year. With more staff being added to the ranks, it might be easier to hide with the exponential rise on all fronts. I will continue to work on this on my own, drawing up different plans in preparation for a time where my position is better standing than it is at this moment."

"I should play the adult and tell you to stop these shenanigans. However I have a hard time working against my own conscience, even when it's the most logical course of action. As you've seen from that file, I come back to it every now and again. Just as I assisted Alb... I mean, Dr. Wesker with his last project, I find myself expecting a little bundle of energy-draining joy. For the foreseeable future, I might only be able to advise if you continue down this path."

Shen tapped his pen against the clipboard once, his back turned to her. "I didn't expect this answer. Only my parents have ever been accepting of my goals when it was in line with their own interests. Why trust a young kid with such a risky proposition?"

"I've read the most of the papers you submitted in college before you were transferred down here. Lets just say I got a general feel for who you are through those. When you started here, I'm glad that I was right as I've grown to know you and the type of person you are. As for this side project, I'll be here whenever you want to discuss it further."

"But... why trust me? I could turn you in for endangering the T-virus research or a number of other reasons to further my own career."

She shook her head, her pen flying from left to right. "A true scientist wouldn't close doors for future possibilities." Pausing for a moment, she watched over him as he continued to work. It was likely Shen would outrank her eventually with his talent and intellect. She wondered idly if it was her maternal instinct popping up, wanting to see him do well and support him in his endeavors. Yet he was the one to surprise her with his genuine interest.

It was the first time that she had ever held an experiment of her own. For her own purposes and her own beliefs. For first time, she was proud of the work she was doing.

***One day later***

Oh, this is grand.

Wesker was quite displeased at how things were starting to unravel. In one of the rare moments he was absent from his lab, Birkin's assistants had entered by use of Birkin's own keycard and tried to find the samples necessary to start the next phase. This wasn't an unusual request. Many times his section would do extra preparation if they had time to spare. Unfortunately, that generosity exposed his vital samples, irreparably damaging the little T-Veronica strain he had left in the process.

Now Birkin stood in his office, blubbering in his own self-degrading manner to cover up the 'mistakes' of his assistants. After ten minutes of this closed-door pandering, he still wasn't done. Wesker observed Birkin's mannerisms, knowing his tendencies probably better than Birkin himself. He's hiding something. Just like in the Training Facility, while he can be quite obsessively manic, this tells me that he was searching for something and he didn't want to get caught red-handed.

As Birkin finally drew to close to catch his breath, Wesker continued to stand there, his hands buried in his labcoat, standing straight with no hint of the machinations of his thoughts. A minute passed with Birkin becoming more agitated, seeming to expect something from him that he should know by now he would never give willingly.

"What can I do to make this up to you, Albert?" Birkin questioned lowly.

Wesker answered, his voice monotone. "Make what up to me?" Using my first name to try to throw me off. How droll.

"Well... Um, I will personally see to the preparation for your next project. My assistants are working now as we speak to rectify the damage done to the next phase. With a little crunch-time, we should be back on track in the next 48 hours." William explained, managing to find a sliver of backbone.

"That's not the heart of the matter, Birkin. Why couldn't your assistants wait till I returned? I've lost samples... further along, and those can't be replaced." Wesker enlightened him with as little information as possible.

Birkin ran a hand through his messy mop of hair, sighing in the process. "I'm at your mercy, but I can't have you firing my assistants when we are at the start of a new test of the next viral strain."

"Is that what you were afraid of? That I would terminate those who were sent under your instruction to obtain samples conveniently at the same time I was absent from my office?" He pressed further. He'll crack one way or another.

"That wasn't the intention." Birkin snapped, cringing visibly as the thought was spoken.

Wesker remained still, his dark glasses concealing his sharp glare. "What was the intention, Birkin? Tell me and perhaps I'll be more forgiving." Ha. Forgiving... I think not.

"I... I... Well." Birkin stammered on before finding the words. "I was curious as to what research you and Annette were conducting here that took so much of her free time. Yes, it wasn't my place to spy, but neither of you would give me an answer. I am a head researcher here, if you haven't forgotten, and I should be included in these matters. Since neither of you were forthcoming, I took the matter into my own hands and tried to get my assistants to sneak into the files. Thinking they could do even better, they found the samples after locating the files without taking proper precautions due to being a rush according to their breakdown of the situation."

It took everything he had to hold himself in check. It was rare for matters to spin out of Wesker's control, yet it still had happened. He lost his secret project simply because of Birkin's petty ill-placed jealousy and a couple of green researchers trying to make a good impression in front of their boss. He wasn't sure if he should be amused or angry at this point. It was pure idiocy at its finest and the joke was on him. He knew one thing for certain. He would never forgive Birkin for this slight.

"Are you done or do you have anything else to add?" Wesker kept his tone neutral.

Birkin shook his head, his oily hair slipping in his eyes again. With his shoulders hunched, he tried to play the pariah. "That's all I can really say. All I can do now is try to rectify this situation as much as possible. I owe you big time for this one. A favor due."

"Did you find what you were looking for?" Favors? That's a dangerous game to play with me, Birkin.

Birkin pursed his lips, hiding his shaky hands in his labcoat pockets. "It wasn't what I was looking for. What they found was routine. Perhaps a bit too routine even for your standards."

It made Wesker think back on telling Annette to make it look standard with the regular tests. It appeared she did her part with flying colors as Birkin remained in the dark.

Glancing out the corner of his eye, he noticed through the half-veiled window a flash of white approaching his office. He turned his attention back to Birkin. "There was nothing to be found, Birkin. Like I'm sure she has explained to you, the tests were to merely further the current research to the next phase. Nothing more, nothing less."

Birkin gritted his teeth, about to speak when the door opened without an introductory knock. The flash of white turned out to be Zhang. It was priceless as Wesker observed Birkin's split-second reaction to the young doctor. It was that same malice he had when he had been obsessed with Alexia Ashford. So that never died, did it, Birkin?

Zhang breathed heavily, his pale features showing an underlying panic. "Dr. Birkin..." He stopped short as their eyes locked - panic versus anger.

"What is it?" Birkin kept his voice low. He was doing little to hide the fact that this kid rubbed him the wrong way.

"Annette... She's passed out on her desk. I-I tried to wake her, but she isn't responding at all." Shen managed to make his words clear.

Birkin paled further, his anger dissipating as he glanced from Shen, to Wesker and to Shen again.

"Wait." Wesker motioned for Birkin to pause. He turned his attention to Zhang. "Has she been handling any samples today? We need to make sure she didn't expose herself to any of the current test strains."

Zhang shook his head quickly. "No.. No, sir! Between Dr. Hines and myself, we've been the only ones in her section to deal with any of the the tests run this week. She's been getting caught up on some light inventory and a pile of paperwork she said she had been neglecting."

"Are you completely sure?" Birkin stood in front of Zhang.

Zhang nodded quickly, shrinking back as Birkin approached. "I've been working alongside her at all times she is here."

Wesker arched an eyebrow, taking in Dr. Zhang as if for the first time. If Annette has taken interest in him, he might be worth...

"Move! We'll get her checked out immediately and determine if we need to take further action from there." Birkin stated quickly. Without another moment's hesitation, he pushed past the young teen, nearly knocking him over in the process.

Wesker caught the kid by the arm before he completely crumpled to the floor. The kid was light enough to lift back to his feet. The last thing I need is him knocking over the file cabinet.

Zhang blinked, stepping back towards the door once he righted himself. "Thank you, Dr. Wesker, and I apologize for entering without knocking first."

"It's no problem at all. Your interruption was most welcome." Wesker turned to glance out the window once more, watching silently as Birkin hurriedly checked Annette's vitals while talking into a phone.

"Excuse me, sir, I should get back." Zhang spoke quickly, starting to close the door behind him as he prepared to fly back to Annette's side.

"Make sure that when she is taken up to the medical ward, that she is made comfortable. I don't believe Birkin can manage on his own." Wesker stated. For all her hard work, she deserves that much.

Zhang nodded twice as the door clicked shut behind him. Wesker could see the dark-haired scientist running back up, offering his assistance. It amused him that with the current situation, Birkin still had the luxury of his ill-born malice towards Zhang. Careful, Birkin. Time will pass, yet memory remains.

With the situation seemingly under Birkin's control, Wesker went to lock his lab door. He had a lot of work to do and he didn't want to be disturbed any further. All the disposal and paperwork would likely keep him here all night. While not a first, he preferred working in the confines of his own quarters.

Once he returned to his desk, his hand went to the blinds, shutting the sight of them out completely as he eased down into his chair.

No more distractions. There is much to do.