Counteroffer

—What do you mean? What they want to do is utterly ridiculous! —Chris yelled, turning to the wall and placing his fist on it. When Leon called him, he came almost immediately. We told him about the president's decision and the visit of the National Security Advisor, and just as I had imagined, we didn't agree with the terms—. Isn't there any other way? —he asked.

—It is the only way, Chris. It's a direct order from the government —Leon explained.

—But, why Washington? The B.S.A.A. also has specialized equipment to study potential biological threats, we can take care of Claire —my brother insisted.

—I know, and it could have been that way if it wasn't for small detail that defined everything: the government thought about it first —I clarified.

Christ turned to look at me and then shook his head, as if scolding himself for not thinking about it beforehand, just like Leon and I did. I didn't blame him for feeling like that, I was in that state a couple of hours ago.

—In any case, I didn't call you to discuss that matter —I said—. It's already decided: I'm going to Washington once I get discharged. It's the only and the best thing I can do.

—Is everything arranged already? Do you know what you're going to do and where you're going to stay? —Chris asked.

To his question, I looked at Leon, and he looked back at me.

I didn't know what I would once I arrived in Washington, but I did know where I was going to stay: living in Leon's apartment. Obviously, I wasn't telling my brother about it, he might suspect something, and he might glare at Leon for the rest of our lives.

I remembered how Leon held me before, just where I was sitting that moment, telling me how I always managed to make it through hardships, and this one would not be the exception. When I felt his touch I got tense, I didn't expect him to do that, and let alone the fact he placed his chin on my head, as if he was going to kiss my forehead any minute. That thought scared me and seemed appealing at once, and that ambivalence manifested itself in the form of body tension, but when I heard him speaking those words, I felt relieved. Leon just wanted to find the best way to make me feel better and help me handle those insistent thoughts that spun around my mind. I was so comfortable that I automatically hid my face on his neck, telling him that I only managed to get through all those hardships with his help.

For a few seconds, I forgot about my worries, and the only thing I felt at that moment was the warmth of his body and his heartbeats. The rhythm of his heart was kind of curious, it was as if he was afraid of a decision he was about to make. What did he want to do? I couldn't help but imagine that he indeed wanted to kiss my forehead, but unsure if his actions would be misunderstood. I wouldn't have minded, actually.

Only then I realized how close our faces were to each other, if Leon bent down a bit more he would ended up kissing my lips. Or I would kiss his if I decided to lift my face a few inches more. What would have happened if any of us closed the space between our faces? I mean, beside the fact we would be kissing. Would it be just that? Would have that led us to another thing? It would, possibly. Two adults past their thirties, single, alone in a room kissing each other, the question itself was absurd. Obviously, I would have ended up naked in his arms, on a hospital bed. Would have I regretted it? Would have that changed our friendship? Maybe it would have, but with so many things going on my head, I honstley would not have minded spending a pleasurable moment to wipe them away for a brief moment. I might have asked him to act, the day after, as if nothing important happened, that way we would save us some awkward moments that could originate due to that. It would not be the first time I use that strategy, I had done it before, few years ago, when I just started working in TerraSave and had so little time to be in a serious relationship.

Besided, I had never done it in a hospital room, it could be a memorable experience.

Before my own ideas convinced of such plan, I heard Leon call me, and then he offered me to live with him instead of the government facilities. Due to everything I had been imagining, I got scared, I thought he had read my body language or something that made him notice my curiosity, and that he was offering me his home to make things easy for us. Then, he explained to me that it wasn't an indecent proposal, and when I heard his true reasons, I felt touched. I never imagined Leon was that sensible, I thought it was cute of him, something not any man has inside. I couldn't say no, and then I hugged him. Finding something new about Leon was interesting, and so it'd be living with him.

It would be interesting because that way the chances of your imagination coming true are higher?

No! That didn't have to happened, it wasn't a rule. It'd be like sharing a room, we'd be like roommates. Male and female roommates can live together without having to sleep with each other. We would be busy with our own stuff.

I suddenly remember those cold hands that tried to strangle me, those green eyes and rotten and fleshed face…

—Claire, did you hear me? —my brother's voice took me so aback that I startled a bit. I got so into my own thoughts that I forgot I was talking to Chris.

I hope I didn't stare at Leon while I was lost in my imagination.

—Yes, sorry. I don't know what I will be doing once I get there, the president is coming in a couple of days to explain whatever is left unclear —I rather not tell him where I was going to stay in Washington.

—I see. If you already decided, what do you want from me? —he asked.

—Since I don't know how long I will be away, I can't handle TerraSave internal issues. Even if we have spare time to reveal the truth behind the incident, it would be a waste if the organization has no order to keep on carrying its duties with humanity. You're the best when it comes to strategies, do you have something in mind that can prevent this from happening?

My brother placed his hand on his waist, fixed his gaze on the floor, as if he were to find an answer on the with tiles. He took a few steps forward until he was right in front of the big window of the room. He then lift his gaze.

—I have something in mind, but I would have to discuss it immediately with the executive council to get a response as soon as possible —he said.

—What is is about Chris? —Leon asked.

Chris turned to look at us.

—It's about the B.S.A.A. taking over TerraSave temporary, which means, it would become a subsidiary of us. It would still be an independent organization, but the alliance will make the most important choices to improve the efficacy of TerraSave, and every move they want to make, it should be discussed with us beforehand.

I looked quickly at Leon, and he looked back at me. It seemed we had the same question on our mind.

—Is it possible to do that? —I asked.

—Of course it is. Both are non-government organizations linked to the United Nations. We have worked together previously, besides, I think what they need the most at this moment is some kind of guidance. I doubt they reject an offer like this.

Chris had a point, the offer would be, indeed, very attractive for the rest of the executives in TerraSave. Also, with the B.S.A.A backing up, the work they do will have more impact, since the alliance has not been involved in any sort of bad business, only wrong accusations that were clarified on time.

—It sounds like something feasible and effective, don't you think so,Claire? —Leon asked me.

—Definitely. If this can be done, I will have no worries while I'm in Washington, and TerraSave will keep on doing its job perfectly. This new alliance will have a great impact on society —I commented.

—Then I call for an emergency reunion with the executive council members, we could get you an answer quickly —Chris said.

—Nice. I knew you could help me out of this brother. Thank you.

Chris approached to my where I was sitting and placed his hand on my shoulder.

—What is family for? —he said while petting me. He always worried about my well-being —. I'm calling the B.S.A.A. to arrange an emergency reunion.

He put his hand inside the pocket of his pants and took a cell phone out —a very advanced one for this era —, he dialed a number a took the device to his ear. He stayed quiet for a few seconds, waiting for the ring tone to end with the other person picking up the call.

—Jill? It's Chris —my brother said to the person at the other side.

I met Jill Valentine some years ago, at a conference about bioterrorism, shortly after the T-Abyss incident. Chris introduced her to me just after I introduced Leon to him, we finally had met face to face the person we heard each other talk a lot of. When I saw her, I felt as if I had known her for a long time. I thought she was a nice person, with strong ideals, just like my brother's, and willing to take any risk to fulfill them. No wonder she had been my brother's partner for a long time.

It seemed to me that her relationship with Chris was peculiar, they were good partners at work indeed, but I guessed they were also really close outside the job, a closeness beyond friendship. When Jill disappeared and was considered death, Chris changed a lot, he just bottled himself up frequently — only interacting when he was active on a mission —. It was as if he were carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders, sadness and guilt, like the one we felt when we lose someone we love out of nowhere. When Jill came back, so did my brother.

I asked him several times if he was dating someone, or at least seeing someone, but he always beat around the bush, so I just stopped asking and let him get complicated with his relationships.

—Are the executive council members still there? —he asked—. Excellent. Gather them in our meeting room, we'll have an emergency reunion regarding TerraSave case. Yes, I'll be right there in a few minutes. What? —he paused briefly and fixed his eyes on me, as if he was listening to something related to me. What could it be? —. Got it, I'll tell her and inform you via text message. See you later —he said and then hung up —. Jill will gather all the members, I must go if I want a decision to be made soon. Claire, Barry is about to arrive to New York, he says he wants to see you. Should I tell him he can come to visit you?

Barry!

I remember hearing his voice while I was unconscious. I think he told me something about Moira, that he wasn't mad at me and we should look for her together. Maybe I was just imagining things I wanted to hear.

But I wouldn't know for sure until I saw him personally.

—Sure, I'd like to see him too —I said.

Chris smiled at me.

—Then I'll tell him he can come. I leave you now, there's a meeting I must lead. I'm informing you of any agreement we make —he looked at Leon and he nodded —. See you around —he reached out his hand to my friend.

—We'll keep in touch —Leon shook my brother's hand.

Chris left the room, leaving a comfortable silence behind him. We finally found a solution for the matter, and if it can be done, I will have to worry no more, I could focus on anything I was asked to do in Washington, and collaborate with the investigation.

And all thanks to Leon and Chris. How much did I owe them now?

At that moment, I felt the mattress sunk a bit. Leon sat beside me, really close, I didn't know if he did in unconsciously or intentionally. In any case, I didn't care, I enjoyed his company and closeness, even though it made my imagination go wild some times.

—Will you be okay? —he asked, not quite sure what he meant.

—With TerraSave becoming a subsidiary of the B.S.A.A.? I'm more than okay with that, I think it's the best thing that can be done in this moment —I replied, resuming the conversation we had with Chris.

—I meant with Barry coming to see you —he clarified.

—Well, I guess I will. I meant, it's time for me to see him, isn't it? I remember hearing his voice while I was unconscious. I think he is not mad at me, or is he? After all, I couldn't protect his daughter — I confessed, it was something that still worried me a bit, maybe Barry was so benevolent that moment because he felt sorrowful to see me in that state.

I felt a big hand touch mine.

—He isn't mad at you. He was as worried about you as he was for his daughter whereabouts. He told me that when we met in St. Petersburg. Besides, he wouldn't want to come if he was that angry at you, he would not have done it even when you were in comma.

I looked at him. It was the second time he calmed me with his words, Leon had a talent for making me feel better. In fact, I kind of felt a bit lighter when he managed to do it, as if I just dropped a lot of weight from my back.

That was how I felt in that moment, worn out, after thinking over and over to find solutions. I laid my head on Leon's shoulder, it was almost automatic, realizing that those unorganized ideas in my head had finally some order, made me feel so relaxed, same feeling as the one people have when they lay down on bed after an intense morning at the gym, falling asleep immediately.

—Thank you Leon. You have and incredibly gift to put some order in my head —I said, yawning.

I heard him laugh.

—Well, it's the outcome of having the job I have. In jobs like this, you cannot let your mind get messed up, it could cost you your life. Being fast and efficient is the key —he said.

—That's why you are where you are now. You deserved it, you earned it. I will try to learn that and much more from you, when we get to Washington — it told him, scratching my eyes.

—I'll be delighted to teach you anything you want —he caressed my hand —. Are you sleepy? Do you want to take a nap? You rehabilitation therapy won't start until a couple of hours.

—Sounds good, it has been a difficult day, I'm mentally worn out. Sleep will help — I said, with a lot of effort, my eyes were struggling to stay open.

—All right, lay down —Leon said, his voice sounded so far away in spite of having him beside me. I needed to sleep, badly.

I felt Leon getting up, he placed his hands on my shoulders and laid me down on the bed. He lift my legs from the floor, like he used to do when I could barely move after waking up, and could barely move then because of tiredness. I didn't realize I had closed my eyes.

I half opened them, only to see Leon's attractive face and turquoise eyes really close to mine. I look down to his lips, it was the first time I saw them that close. They were attractive, tempting. I couldn't figure out if my half-conscious state was playing me a joke, but I could swear his mouth was getting as close as I wanted.

"I'll be delighted to teach you anything you want"

His phrase was funny. Anything I wanted?

Teach me how should I kiss a pair of lips like yours.

My own thought was a lot funnier, it was so common for me to think weird stuff before I fall asleep, however, my lips acted on their own will, I had them half open, as if inviting Leon to do exactly what I was thinking.

—Claire…

I heard him whisper, almost feeling his breath on my mouth, but I couldn't get to know what happened next since I got into a state of anesthesia: I didn't feel, see, nor hear anything.

I had fallen into a deep sleep.

o-o-o-o-o

Two days later.

The president had arrived to pay his diplomatic visit. Somehow, that information got leaked, hence all the hospital building was surrounded by vehicles property of different media, television, radio, newspapers, or at least that was what I managed to see from the window of my room. All of them were waiting to capture the president's arrival, and if possible, to get some statements from him about TerraSave incident and the current investigation.

Leon, being the mandatory's bodyguard —and close friend— went to the airport to welcome him and escort him all the way to NYU Langone Medical Center.

I was a bit nervious, which was weird, because I've managed to stay down to earth in virus outbreaks, so meeting the president of the country should not be a big deal.

Maybe it was because I wanted to ask him for something, something not even Leon would understand right away.

Barry came to visit me yesterday, and after an emotional chat, an idea popped out in my head, something that would help me to get stronger as a rescuer and mentor for those who admired me. I thought it was a crazy one, so I was hesitating, but after receiving a call from Chris telling me that the B.S.A.A. accepted to take over TerraSave, I knew I had to do it. If TerraSave was going to enhance its influence in society with that new alliance, I must do the same with the "alliance" I was about to make with the government. I would have a lot of resources, so I must use them well. I just hoped Leon supported my decision and helped convince the president.

Besides, I was told that if I had any other request, I should let the president know.

I heard the door being knocked.

It must be them

I breathed deeply and turn around.

—Come in —I answered.

I saw Leon getting in first, then a man in a black suit, with glasses and silver hair followed him. I had seen him several times on TV, but he looks older in person, he should not be past his 55 years, though. Leading a whole nation accelerates aging, I guess.

Behind the old man, there were other two, almost Leon's age. They were wearing black suits as well, but they didn't get in the room, I guess those were another bodyguards of the president, who will guard the entrance during the visit.

The agents closed the door, and I was left alone with the president and our loyal friend Leon, who was holding a black leather folder.

I kind of feel ashamed for being in a pajama in front of an important public figure.

—Claire, let me introduce you to the President of The United States, Adam Benford — he said, pointing with his hand said man.

The president came close to me and reached out his hand.

—Adam Benford. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Redfield. Leon had told me a lot about you all these years. I will always be delighted to meet people he appreciates so much, since he's a great friend of mine.

I felt my cheeks burn a bit. People Leon appreciates, huh? I wonder what he has told the president about me, and how.

Although I was sure if someone else heard me speaking about Leon, that person would notice that he is a person I appreciate so much.

—Thank you, Mr. President. It's an honor to have you here —I said while I shook his hand.

—Leon has been informing me about your progress, and I'm sure he has told you about our action to clear up the unfortunate incident TerraSave was victim of.

—Of course he has. I'm thankful for all the efforts you're making —I said, trying to sound polite.

—National Security Advisor, Derek C. Simmons, came to visit you a couple of days ago to let you know our resolutions. One of them is to have you with us in Washington to keep an eye on the virus you're still carrying inside your body. I know that you and Leon didn't like the decision, due to the previous case with Miss Sherry Birkin, but assure you Miss Redfield, that it won't be the same for you. To prove my word, I brought a written agreement which states all the norms that should be followed during your time with us —he looked at Leon and he raise the hand that was holding the black folder.

—I read the agreement on our way here, and it is indeed very different from Sherry's case. Yesterday, I told the president about my request to having you living in my place instead of the facilities. He agreed and it's already written here.

—I think it's good you stay with Leon, Miss Redfield. That way, he can watch over your condition, and my dear friend will have a nice company —he smirked.

I cleared my throat loudly, and I could swear I heard Leon do the same. I wonder who thought the use of sarcasm to the other. Was the president victim of Leon's constant sarcasm or was it the other way around?

—You can read it if you want. If you agree with everything, we shall proceed to sign it.

It was my chance.

—If Leon read it and said it's different from Sherry's case, then I believe him. I have full confidence that I will be treated well during my stay in Washington. I just want to add one more thing and I'm signing it right away.

Both men scowled, not one of them expected I could make this counteroffer. I didn't tell Leon anything, he might have not agreed in the first place, and it would have been more complicated to convince him if not in the presence of the mandatory.

—Shoot it — Mr. Benford said.

—During all the time that the studies on me last, I want to be trained as an agent by the Division of Security Operations.

o-o-o-o-o

I came back to life! Hahaha xD

Sorry for the late update, but in order for me to write something good, I need to feel the desire to sit and type, not just do it out of nowhere. Besides, I had some anxiety episodes these past days, and they got me exhausted (headaches, nausea, lack of appetite). Mind is so powerful, not even your worst enemy can hurt you like your own thoughts.

Anyway, here's the new chapter, what do you think about it? Maybe in the next one I mention bits of the conversation between Barry and Claire, but it won't be too much, he told her the same things he did when she was unconscious, so there's no point in repeating. Besides, I want to move on, and I know you want it too, I know you want me to get to the most erotic moment of the story 8D (so do I!) This chapter had some small moments, Claire's hormones are driving her crazy too xD, but she still has an unconscious fear.

Did you expect that new request from Claire? Some of you already had an idea after I posted the cover of my fanfic, well, you were right xD. Not it's time for Claire to go through the same path as Sherry did, that would help them to understand each other more, and enhance their relationship. Same with Leon.

By the way, have you seen the new teaser image for the upcoming Resident Evil CGI movie? "Vendetta" will be its name, and Leon will drive a motorcycle, with his amazing driving skills xD. What caught my attention was the fact that Leon looks 30-ish years old, almost the same as in Damnation or RE6. Makes me wonder if it will be a reboot from the start, or from a certain point in the current story. If it were a reboot from the start, I would have expected the characters to be younger, and even with a different look. Anyway, let's see what they have to offer us. I just hope that, if there are motorcycles, there's a mention of Claire, she's the most badass with motorcycles xD (maybe they meet and drive together! *keeps on dreaming*).

It's been almost a year since I publish my story! I might have celebrate it, because you've been very patient with it.

So, if you like the story, please follow and favorite it, but most importantly, leave a review, that would help a lot to continue.

Til next time!