IV. It's Been Awhile
'If I could start again, a million miles away, I would keep myself. I would find a way.'
—'Hurt' by Nine Inch Nails
If there was one smell that always caught Fat Marvin's attention, it was the smell of cooking meat. He raised his furry head, nose sniffing the air, and a yawn coming to him. Looking to his master, he sat up and stared at Sheva. She was still asleep, her breathing slow and heavy, her face in a soft expression. Marvin looked to the window, jumped down from the bed, making sure his feet were steady under his weight after that leap that was quite the accomplishment for his self, and followed the smell. Inspecting the jump he'd have to make to the window sill, he wiggled his butt a little and made the jump, landing right on the sill. His mouth watered when he saw red oddly shaped meat on a grill outside in the backyard. He didn't even care about the blond human watching over them, all he saw was the wonderful, large, scrumptious meat. Deciding this is what he'd have for lunch, he let out a loud wail, tilting his head up to make the sound echo in his throat.
Sheva woke up in a jolt, a pillow falling to the floor from her sudden wake. She looked around the room to find the source of such a cry of worry. Her eyes met with wide and excited green eyes. Marvin stared at her, tail wagging wildly. Falling back on the bed, she sighed heavily and rubbed her eyes. Angry that his master was going back to bed, Fat Marvin wailed again, but with a definite anger in his meow. Sheva sat up again with her hands raised in surrender.
"This better be worth it Marvin," she warned. "Or your get a smaller meal."
His tail stopped wagging as his eyes went even wider with fear. He let out a soft and quiet meow, head lowering in shame. Sheva's slumped tiredly, but she got up and walked over to him.
"Now what is it?"
His tail wagged again as he looked to the grill outside. Sheva followed his gaze, realizing he was hinting at the steaks Leon was grilling outside. She bent down to Marvin's eye level, scratching under his chin.
"No, Marvin. You'll eat your cat food and that's it. No people food for you."
Not one to give up, Marvin scratched at the window, beckoning the steaks to come to him. But alas they did not move unless Leon flipped one. He looked to Sheva to find her gone. Hearing a zipper, he looked to see her at her suitcase, pulling out a silver tin box. She opened the lid to reveal dry cat food, to which he nearly hissed at the sight. Seeing such wonderful meat made the cat food look like vegetables to a child.
Sheva stood, grabbing Marvin from the window sill and bringing him over to the food. She had to hold him there from running back to the sight of steaks cooking. "Marvin, you're eating this, not the steak."
The fat feline let out a cry of impatience and still tried to go for the window, only to be pulled back to the metal tin. Giving a guttural growl, he gave in and plopped down in front of the ever so boring cat food.
Feeling proud of herself, Sheva stood and watched as her cat ate his food. He would occasionally look up at her with narrowed eyes, but she just stuck her tongue out at him. Once he was engrossed with eating, Sheva walked out into the hallway of the home to hear talking from the first floor. Stepping down the stairs, she could see Claire in the living room talking to someone she didn't recognize. The unfamiliar woman smiled when she saw Sheva, cluing Claire in on their guest.
Claire turned around and smiled brightly at Sheva. "Good afternoon! How'd you sleep?"
Walking over to her and the woman, Sheva offered a small smile. "Very well, thank you."
"Great! Oh, Sheva, this is one of my oldest friends, Elza Walker. Elza, this is one of my best friends, Sheva Alomar."
Sheva held out her hand to the small blonde with green eyes and said hello when they shook hands. "Hi there," she greeted, "How long have you two known each other?"
Elza huffed a lung full of oxygen and looked to Claire. "We met in college, continued to talk through her time away and here we are. We both work at TerraSave now."
"She follows me everywhere," Claire said.
"Oh please!" Elza exclaimed, "If I remember correctly, I was in the dorm first and I got a job at TerraSave first as well."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," the redhead murmured with a wave of her hand. She smiled at Sheva, "Leon's grilling the steaks now and Jill will be over in about thirty minutes."
She smiled in return and nodded, "What time is it?"
"A little past one," Claire answered. "We decided to make it a lunch rather than dinner. Just easier."
"So, how long have you and Claire known each other?" Elza asked when Sheva and Claire were done discussing the afternoon.
The two stared at each other, debating through eyesight who wanted to tell the story. Sheva nodded to Claire and she took over. "Well, after she and Chris finished their mission in Kijuju, I sent a letter to Sheva thanking her for her bravery and stupidity to stay with my brother through it all. She responded and soon we were talking on the phone all the time. We hadn't actually ever met in person until yesterday, but it feels like we've known each other for a long time."
"And then the reverend said kiss the bride and it was done," Sheva joked.
Elza giggled, putting her fingertips to her lips. "What a lovely story!"
"I've heard better," Claire joked, winking at Sheva. They all laughed and joked around for a while. Elza and Sheva got to know one another, and Claire was excited and called themselves 'Charlie's Angel's: 2.0'. After a small while, Fat Marvin stepped down the stairs, taking about a year to get to the first floor. He immediately took a liking to Elza, who constantly praised him for his beauty, pet his fur continuously and actually let him sit on her lap without complaining about his weight.
"You're such a pretty kitty," Elza cooed, "Such a pretty girl."
At that, Marvin knew exactly what she meant. He glared at Elza for calling him a girl, and then looked to Sheva to explain. Sighing, Sheva spoke for him, "He's a boy. Marvin's his name. He's very proud and incredulously understands people."
"And fat," Claire added. "Never forget how fat he is."
Fat Marvin threw her a look that could burn holes right through your skull.
"Hey fatso," the redhead pointed her finger at the feline, "I know a dirty look when I see one, but I also know a fat cat when I see one, too. And that was a dirty look and you're a fat cat."
Marvin stuck his nose in the air; acting superior to the women he was sitting with. He jumped off Elza's lap, his tail high in the air, matching his nose, and went off to explore the home in daylight. Claire told Sheva she had to the most stuck up cat in the world, Elza still claimed that he was 'absolutely adorable', and Sheva agreed with both.
After a while, Leon came in with a platter that displayed the steaks wonderfully. "They're ready, Claire. Where do I put them?" he asked.
As if on cue, Marvin came out of the kitchen nearby and rubbed against Leon's leg, giving him lovey eyes. He meowed, nodding his head to the plate in his hands. Leon stared at the cat with an arched brow and then suddenly, he let out a loud sneeze. Seemingly insulted, Marvin walked away from him with that snotty expression and trotted to Sheva. Leon sneezed again, facing away from the steaks in his hand.
"I think you're allergic to cats," Claire assumed, grabbing the platter from him. He followed her into the dining room, still sneezing while covering his nose and mouth.
Sheva went upstairs to get ready for lunch, bringing Fat Marvin. Pulling her hair into her usual ponytail, slipping on dark denim jeans and a basic white tee-shirt, she decided she looked presentable. She groomed Marvin, and oddly enough, he loved it. Hearing talking coming downstairs, she noticed there was a new voice from before. She left the door open for Marvin and stepped down the stairs. Instantly, she saw Leon and Elza setting the table in the dining room and found Claire greeting a familiar blonde.
Jill smiled for the first time in two days when she saw Sheva coming down the stairs. She returned the smile and when she said hello, Jill pulled her into a tight hug. Sheva made an 'oof' sound but hugged her back anyway. She looked at Claire with confusion written all over her face, to which Clare just shrugged and looked to be just as confused as she was.
"Sheva, it's been so long," Jill said into her hair.
When she pulled back, Sheva offered her a humble smile. "Over two years. How are you doing Jill?"
"I'm alive," she replied with a shrug. "How about you?"
"I'm alright. Just trying to get used to being in LA."
Letting go of her, Sheva could see the dark circles under her icy blue eyes. Her pink toned skin looked grayer, her blonde hair looked flat and thin in her braid. But what caught Sheva's eye the most and what concerned her more was how thin and frail she was. She was so skinny; almost as thin as a piece of paper. The outline of her collarbone was prominent, her cheeks were slightly sunken and her arms were tiny. She looked nothing like the woman she knew in Africa. Granted, that woman had tried to kill her at first and then she was in the hospital, asleep for most of the time.
The two followed Claire into the dining room and took a seat at the table. Claire and Leon sat next to each other, Jill and Sheva sat across from them, while Elza was at the end, leaving the other end empty. Passing the platter of steaks around, the people talked easily. Elza was telling a story to Leon and Claire, while Jill and Sheva spoke to one another.
"I just do paperwork now," Jill said softly, biting into her garden salad. "The BSAA is too scared to let me go on missions, and truthfully, I don't want to go on any."
Sheva nodded, understanding what she meant. "When I first started working for the BSAA, I was so eager to go on missions. And at first I loved it, but as time has gone on, I dread the call to deploy."
"Exactly, it's hard. I don't want people thinking I'm weak and that I can't control myself, but at the same time, I don't know if I could or if I am strong enough…"
Sheva noticed the sad look on her face. Patting her arm and getting her to look up, she offered a compassionate grin. "You're strong, Jill. Never doubt that. Staying away from threats and triggers like working on missions is what you need to do right now. To stay away from the stress it can bring to you."
Something inside of Jill seemed to come to life. It was a feeling she hadn't felt for some time. It was warmness in her heart and a light in her outlook. She thanked Sheva for her kindness and listening to her. "Do you think we could talk after dinner?" she requested, hoping she'd say yes.
Immediately, Sheva worried that Jill wanted to talk to her about what happened between her and Chris. Does she know what happened? Does she hate me? What does she want to talk to me about? Oh God, how could I have gotten myself into this? She asked herself, not realizing Jill was waiting for a response.
"Uh, yeah, sure," she finally spoke, pushing the words out.
Jill smiled, which only made Sheva's heart and shoulders feel heavier. She ate her meal in silence as she listened to the people around her talk. While they talked about things like the holiday's coming up, the weather, and politics, Sheva's mind was centered on the choices she had made and the mistakes she had committed.
If there was one thing her mother had taught her when she was a young girl, it was to be an honest and kind person, no matter who you were dealing with. Another thing she taught her was to go with your gut, even if it meant hurting someone or hurting yourself in the process. Just trust yourself and leave it in fates hands.
When she had slept with Chris, she was going with her gut. Her mind was screaming, 'No! Don't do this, you'll regret it, you'll ruin the blossoming friendship with this man and the woman you helped him save. You'll pay the consequences, you'll realize all over again that you're terrible at relationships, and you'll have to deal with the fact that you didn't listen to the only MOST IMPORTANT ORGAN IN YOUR BODY!'
While her heart was saying, 'The thing about life is that you only live it once, unless you're a spiritualist… But anyways. When's the next time you'll have a man that's as handsome, strong, kind, and gentle as the man before you now? Take the chance because you may never get it again. Live for a moment, even if it's just for a night.'
So, being torn between two very different—and possibly bipolar—opinions, she went with what her gut told her. And her gut told her to take the chance and live in that moment. And for nearly an entire day, she did. She was in a state of mind where she didn't worry about the future or dwell on the past. She was focused on the man holding her and the moment they shared. And when that day was over, her heart was crushed and her brain was playing the 'I told you so' game on her.
"Thanks for the food," Elza said to Leon and Claire. Jill and Sheva both followed her lead and thanked the couple as well.
"You're all welcome," Claire replied with an airy voice. "It fills my heart with happiness to feed all your poor unfortunate bellies."
Letting her sarcastic remark hang in the air, she gathered the plates up and took them to the kitchen. Somehow Fat Marvin had made it down the stairs again and found Jill instantly. He looked at her for a long time, his green eyes scrutinizing her figure. When she got out of her seat to pet him, he accepted her arms and snuggled into her chest. Sheva smiled at the sight, and as always with this cat, was amazed by his perceptiveness. When Sheva was cold, Marvin would cuddle up with her and warm her up. So, seeing Jill so skinny, he probably assumed she was freezing and voluntarily cuddled with her to warm her frail figure up.
Holding her small hand between his front paws, he licked her wrist. Jill giggled and pet the feline in her arms. She wasn't one for cats—or for any type of house animal, really—but the animal in her arms was comforting her in the sweetest way possible.
Leon saw Fat Marvin and quickly stood, not wanting to have a fit of sneezes again. Elza laughed and pushed him into the kitchen where Claire was washing dishes. Jill and Sheva were left alone with Fat Marvin in silence.
Once her wrist was raw from Marvin's sandpaper like tongue, she set him down and watched as he trotted to Sheva. "He's adorable, Sheva," she said, admiring the fat cat.
Sheva covered his ears and spoke in a hushed voice. "Don't tell him that. He has the biggest ego ever."
Laughing aloud, Jill found the shaking of her body odd. It wasn't from the usual fear or panic attacks that she had experienced in the past, but it was one of easy happiness. Something she hadn't felt in a while. It was a small laugh, but still significant enough to make notice.
Sheva was happy to hear the small laugh come from the frail blonde. She held Fat Marvin in her arms, standing and watching as Jill picked little cat hairs off her shirt.
"So, what is it you wanted to talk about?" she asked while holding her breath. She was beyond nervous about the topic Jill had in mind. It had been eating at her the entire time of the lunch and now she just needed to know.
Jill looked around, "Do you mind if we talk somewhere more private?"
This can't be good, she thought to herself. Sheva smiled weakly, "Of course."
Sheva led the way to her room upstairs, bringing Marvin with them. She held back a gulp when Jill closed the door after her when they made it to the guest bedroom. Sheva held Fat Marvin to her chest as if he was a source of courage. But she had to put him down when her arms were getting tired and when he started to kick around to be let down.
Calm yourself, Jill, it's alright. She's someone you can trust. Big breath, Jill told herself mentally. She met Sheva's eyes in a tense gaze. She told herself that the tension was just on her side; Sheva had nothing to be tense about. Her mind was telling her to calm down, but a part of her was questioning if this was a good idea. Should she really confide in someone she knows so little about? Could she trust Sheva enough to tell her, her faults and guilt?
"What's wrong?" Sheva inquired, noticing the hesitation in Jill's stance.
Searching her young and bright hazel eyes, Jill just had to ask one question. It was a simple one really, and for her, necessary. She tucked a blonde lock of hair that had escaped the confinement of her braid behind her ear. Telling herself on more time to calm down, she asked softly, "Sheva, can I trust you?"
Author's note: I'd love to see if anyone knows who Elza Walker is from the RE franchise, and if not, it's all good. How are you guys with trust? I think people can trust me easily, but I have a hard time trusting people. :O
HolleringHawk65: Oh, could I possibly have some of that popcorn? ;D I do imagine Claire being jealous of Ada at first, but after years of cat and mouse between Leon and Ada, I don't know if she'd be jealous anymore. But that's just me. Oh, Leon, always bonking his head, crashing cars, and constantly surrounded by sexy ladies… the man just has a hard life!
Sheva Redfield: Las Vegas can be fun when you hit the age of 17 and over. I went when I was 16 and there was some pretty degrading and offensive stuff there. D: I hope you like Texas, it can be really fun. Well I just love to spoil people! :) Haha, I would call my brothers names for my best friend's sake. Yep, that was their first meeting in person, but they've been talking for a while, like explain in this chapter. I'm so happy you asked because yes, Fat Marvin is immensely inspired by my tubby cat, Robin. They are almost exactly alike. But my Robin is a black cat whereas Marvin is an Egyptian Mau. :D Cat fats are the worst… XOXO, God bless! :)
toby7400: Oh thanks, I'm glad it was translated well. Everyone needs a Claire in their lives, no? About the dirty; all in due time. ;) Carlos should put on some Kevlar just in case… No, I kid.
JustSomeGirl17: Yes, yes, and yes! That's what going on. Drama in LA. Chris is a party pooper and has to make up excuse to avoid Sheva darling. Confusing? Oh no! D: Hopefully it will be explained well later one. :P Haha, yes, we'll just say that he accidently put it in hot water when he shouldn't have! :O Yay! Arrivederci, mermaid lady! :)
wolfspiritqueen: Yay, I hope you liked it!
Lollipop Lolli: Well thank you, too. :) Fat Marvin is becoming my favorite character. All that fluffiness is impossible to deny. Yes, but it was probably much more than a one night stand. They're just denying it, like Claire said. You deserve golden chocolate coins for passing RE6! That game is good but so long. Did you like it?
Mss. KB: Anxious can be good! :P The reunion is coming very soon, and the flashbacks. ;)
In the next chapter, we get to learn about Jill's relationship history with the two men in her life; Carlos and Chris. It's going to be a lot of information and dialogue, but I think it was the best way to do the next chapter. See you then, Sarai.
