XVII. A Passion The Couldn't Be Denied
'I know we're only half way there, but you take me all the way.' — 'Love Somebody' by Maroon 5
Lagos, Nigeria
March, 2009
It shouldn't have surprised him how passionate Sheva Alomar was in love making. She devoted herself wholly and completely to the act, giving all of herself and then some. Maybe it was the fact that Chris had never slept with a woman so much younger than him that it made him surprised by her energy. Maybe it was the fact that most of his pervious partners were either rolls in the sack or consistent relationships with good sex. But something about the woman that lay next to him made just the idea of intercourse so much more vibrant and meaningful. Maybe it was something more.
The fibers of the carpet scratched on his bare back as the woman that was invading the deepest parts of his being straddled his hips, holding his arm in her hands as she drew with a ball point pen on the inside of his forearm. The only light in the room was the silver stream of the moon's natural luminance shining through the windows and the bluish glow coming from the muted television that was replaying old episodes of 'The Twilight Zone'. The entire home was quiet save for where the two people occupied the living room. They had been going at it all day like two people who had just lost their virginity. Starting in the bedroom working their way around the house, they had come out to the living area to settle down and maybe get some rest while watching programs on the television. But that plan was abandoned immediately when Chris made yet again evident that he couldn't keep his hands to himself. Now they lay on the floor of the living room, naked in the moonlight and just simply talking.
Sheva had opened up about her childhood and what it was like to grow up in the guerilla groups, trying to decipher right from wrong on her own and then going off to America at the young age of 15, not speaking a lick of English. As she described memories with her parents and the places her and her father would go in the early morning to the small lake and stay there for hours, she decided to show Chris in an illustration what the lake looked like in the sunrise. She grabbed a pen and began to draw on his skin the scenery from her memories, all the while describing the scents and smells of the jungle and the sounds.
He could see the way that she blinked slowly that she was tired. That part wasn't surprising considering all the energy they worked off the whole day, not getting much breaks due to the fact that they just couldn't stop. He wasn't inside her as she straddled his hips now and he knew that he needed to give her a break after keeping her up for so long. But he was a firecracker right now that all he wanted was to keep moving with her body wrapped around his.
Sitting up, he took a glance at her little art work on his arm as she gave the finishing touches, kissing his forehead when he rose to meet her. He returned the favor but on her lips, letting her pull back as she tossed the pen onto the couch and announced that she was finished.
The drawing on his forearm was quite amazing. The black ink contrasted with his skin even in the dim almost black light, intensifying the highlights of the water and trees around the lake she drew. It reminded him of the illustrations from the Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland books that Claire used to read as a little girl.
"You're good," he stated, wrapping his ink free arm around her waist and pulling her closer.
"Thank you," Sheva replied with a bright smile that seemed to offer another source of light. She explained to him that the small nook on the far left was where she'd sit with her father and watch as the water would ripple.
As he listened and laid soft kisses on her skin, Sheva felt her heart flutter with light wings. It left her unsettled as every time he touched her, her body would react so easily and when she'd hear his voice, her ears would perk up and she'd linger on his every word. Why was this happening to her? When he'd kiss her, she did her best to balance herself and keep things under control, but control was lost when their skin met. As he hovered over her or she moved above him, her sense of control disappeared, giving into the moment they shared.
He didn't talk much about himself. He told her about Claire and how they struggled as children and teenagers, left to survive without their parents. How he joined the military once he was 18 and so on. She could see that he didn't open up easily and when she urged him to go on, she could see the debate in his eyes whether or not he would let himself be vulnerable to her. And he had opened up about some things. Like his long chase with Wesker, his constant need to protect Claire, and his dedication to his job and the safety of people. He was a man after her own heart.
As her body welcomed him and her heart would follow right behind, she knew that this wasn't some simple fling or something to forget about. She knew that this was going to scar her and the little voice in her head told her that the scars would be ugly, evident, and everlasting. She feared what would happen between them and the more she thought about it, the tougher skin she'd build against him. It was something she always did; kept a thick wall between someone that could so easily hurt her. And from what her mind was saying, Chris Redfield was going to hurt her in ways he didn't know he could.
Worries seemed to escape her mind when his strong hands gripped her hips and raised her slightly, signaling that he was ready for another round. She was tired, that was for sure, but her skin tingled with his touch and her core begged for him. So she welcomed him in, gasping as the pleasure rolled through her body, feeling his excitement magnify as their bodies moved together. What was it about him that got her so worked up and happy all at once? How could he make her feel so loved yet she felt so insecure?
It was like she was dancing in his lap, moving gracefully while holding tightly onto him. He knew that soon he'd reach his peak, feeling her tighten around him as he boiled in her arms. She lightly bit the curve of his shoulder when she had met her orgasm as he followed right behind, collapsing while pulling her down with him. This couldn't end, he told himself, he didn't want anything else in the world than what he had right now.
"You're energetic for an old man," Sheva mumbled as she pulled herself up a bit to get a look at his face. She knew how sensitive he was about the age difference. However, she wasn't.
"Old? You think I'm old?"
The desperation in his voice made her laugh. "Mm, only slightly. But not with sex. You're very young when it comes to sex."
A cocky grin appeared on his face. "Good. That's what matters after all."
As her fingertips traced the structure of his face, he gazed at her in the dim light, admiring her sleepy eyes and the curious expression they held. He knew the morning would come soon, meaning that he'd be leaving for America in a few hours. The idea of leaving her left him uneasy. Not being by her side or not being able to see her face every day made him ache until it was excruciating. He thought about postponing the flight, but the BSAA would not allow it seeing that he was supposed to pass information to the Los Angeles branch and accompany Jill home. He had to go back for work and also because he wanted to tell Claire all about Sheva. He could just see the happy smile Claire would have when he told her how happy he was.
As he gazed at the woman in his arms now, something occurred to him. Initially he thought he could love this woman, but now he knew he did love her. And he had no idea what to do with it. Was he supposed to tell her? Maybe it was too soon. Should he ask how she felt? Maybe that was too needy. He did need to say something before he left for America, though. He had to or the moment could be lost forever.
Sheva could see that he was thinking about something. He had one of those faces that showed what his mind was doing. Showing that he was thinking of something deeply and from the looks of him now, it was something immensely meaningful.
"What's wrong, Chris?" she carefully inquired, slightly fearing his answer.
He was brought back as her voice called him. He spoke before the words could be contemplated. "Come to America with me, Shev."
"What?" was her immediate response.
The look on her face scared him. Her eyes were wide and her lips slightly agape. Shock was obvious, but it was the dread lacing on her features that struck him hard. Before she could say anything more, he tried to ease the situation.
"Think about it," he said quickly. "Don't tell me yet, just think about it and tell me in the morning. Just think about it, all right?"
Even if she could say something, he silenced her with a deep kiss, trying to help her make up her decision. He murmured against her lips once more to think about it, stroking her back all the while. Still in a trance of mixed emotions, she slid off his lap and to his side, letting his arms wrap around her and resting her head on his chest. As his heartbeat thumped in her ear, her eyes watered.
She wanted him, but then she didn't. She wanted his warmth and love, but she didn't want the heartbreak he'd give her or the hurt he'd leave her. They had only met a few weeks ago, they only started talking again a few days ago, they only started their intimate relationship today, and now he wanted her to go to America with him. Not only was it too fast, but it was too much. Her body was being torn as she thought about it more, the idea like a virus in her mind. Her heart had won the first battle and despite hating the knowledge, she knew deep down that her heart would lose this time.
Los Angeles, USA
December, 2011
As Sheva sat next to her on the red couch, Claire watched her closely, trying to understand her expression. Eyelids slightly heavy, a small smile appearing on her lips from time to time, a girlish giggle once in a while; Claire was baffled and slightly put off by Sheva's happy mood. Sure, Claire loved to see her best friend happy, but something put Claire in a state that was unsettling. It left her feeling discouraged for some reason and she felt like something immensely bad was happening.
As some romantic comedy played on the television, Claire ate her popcorn angrily as Sheva flipped through work files in her lap. Claire had gotten off work and she hadn't seen Sheva since last week on Thanksgiving, so she came by to spend some time with her, only to see Sheva working at home. But Sheva was sweet and did her best to talk to Claire and work, but she'd accidently drown out Claire once in a while.
Huffing at the kissing couple on the TV, Claire looked around Sheva's living room. Her place was pretty much finished. The walls were painted, furniture was built, photos were on the walls, and she seemed happy with her home. And so did Fat Marvin. He seemed to have taken on the role of King for the household because he'd watch you like a hawk and meow at you if you did something wrong. All he needed was a crown and a voice to say, "Off with their heads!"
Claire wondered where Chris had helped Sheva with the place. She knew that he helped out a lot and that he spent a decent amount of time with her. As Sheva flipped through papers, Claire thought that maybe they didn't spend enough time together because it seemed Sheva was building a social life away from Claire's plans.
Finally fed up with the silence, Claire spoke. "Why are you doing work on a Friday night?"
Sheva looked up and thought for a moment, slightly surprised that Claire had talked. "It's just some stuff I have to go over. I want to get it done so I can have the rest of the weekend free."
Claire nodded with a suspicious look in her eye. "Why are you smiling so much?"
"Uhh," Sheva stalled. Truthfully, she was smiling because the files she flipped through would be of the recruits she was reporting about, and every time she'd look at their photos, all she could think of was Piers' notes about them. Maybe this girl would stare at everyone's ass no matter the gender, or this guy had no control over his flatulence. Piers had all the details concerning all recruits. So every time she looked over a file, Piers' secrets of them would play in her mind.
"These recruits are just really nice, that's all," she gave a stupid excuse. She didn't want to tell Claire the real reasons or she'd be all over who this mystery man was and have fits.
Claire knew that she was lying or just blowing her off. She had an idea that it was something more than just nice people, rather some guy. That smile she had on her face was only one a crush could bring on. "Why do you have to go over their files?"
"Oh, well, the ones that made it through training and passed everything need to be assigned to a team or branch. And that's what I'm trying to decide with these recruits."
Resting her chin in her hand, Claire clicked through shows on the television. "Sounds like fun. Lots of fun actually. So fun that you'd ignore your best friend to do work."
"Claire," Sheva half growled, rolling her eyes at the "sorry-for-herself" redhead. "Seriously, I'll be done in a few minutes and then we can do anything you want to."
"Fine," she mumbled.
As Claire's attention went back to the movies, Sheva went back to her files. She was doing her best to find the best position she could for Piers. He had gotten the best marks on all his tests and practice courses. He outshined all the recruits. So, showing great potential, Sheva wanted to make sure he got put on to a good team with a good captain, doing her best to make sure he stayed at this branch. Not many teams in the LA branch were looking for snipers, but she knew she'd come across something. Before she had left the office, she grabbed files of the teams in the branch and that's what she was looking at right now. So far Delta, Echo, and Wolf Team weren't looking for any snipers. But then she came across the file for Alpha Team.
"Aha."
Pulling Fat Marvin into her lap, Claire looked to Sheva when she made a sound. Her eyes were bright with discovery and her lips slightly agape. Claire whispered into Marvin's ear, "What do you think's going on?" The cat just licked Claire's arm and then went to rest. "What are you so excited about?" she asked Sheva.
"Huh?" The brunette looked up from the papers and stared at Claire for a moment, trying to understand what she just said. "Oh! There's a recruit that has done really well and I was doing my best to find him a good position here. And I was looking and Hannah Cooper, the sniper for Alpha Team, just ended her term and she's leaving. So that means this recruit can fill in her position."
"Alpha Team?" Claire questioned, surprised. "Chris's team?"
"Uh, yeah," Sheva answered, looking at the file and sure enough, Alpha Team was Chris's team.
"I didn't know Hannah was leaving the BSAA," the captain's sister claimed. "Anyways, who's this recruit that you so badly want in Chris's team?"
"I don't want him so badly on Chris's team. I just know that he deserves a good team and Alpha is a good one."
"That's because Chris leads it," Claire stated with emphasis.
Rolling her eyes, Sheva decided that she'd ask Chris what he thought about it and if he was all right with Piers joining, then all she needed to do was go to Lewis King and make it all official. Oh, and she needed to ask Piers what he thought. As she got happy at the idea that Piers would stay at this branch and she'd get to see him more often, she stopped for a moment and thought. She never got this excited for a recruit. Though, he wasn't really a recruit and he wasn't just any soldier. He was good at what he did, or rather great. And she liked him and he liked her. And for the first time in a long time, Sheva grew excited at the idea that something more could blossom.
This was so unlike her. She strictly stayed away from relationships for the fact that she was scared they'd leave her high and dry, not looking back. That she'd be left alone and on her own to cope and survive. But something inside her was looking forward to something more with Piers and it was scaring her like nothing had in a long time. But maybe, just maybe, she could be happy. She wouldn't worry about her past and she could actually look forward to a future with someone.
Sheva quickly shook the thoughts away. She could only imagine how creeped out Piers would be if he knew that she was thinking about a future with him. He would probably think she was thinking too far ahead and that she was obsessive. Sheva just needed to keep her cool and be patient, open, and accepting. Accepting she was fairly good at. It was the openness and patience that she needed to work on.
Closing her files and setting them on the coffee table, Sheva took a glance at her friend and cat. A chuckle passed her lips to see the two cuddled up together in a crocheted blanket, seemingly peaceful. "It looks like you two are actually getting along," Sheva thought aloud.
Shrugging, Claire gave Fat Marvin a light squeeze. "Once you get used to the numbness when he sits on you, he's not too bad to have around."
Sheva giggled, admiring the two. Marvin's purr was growing and soon Sheva could hear him perfectly. "Well this is a breakthrough."
Claire laughed and rested her head on the back of the couch. "I've been thinking," she started when Sheva held back a shiver. It was never a good thing when Claire got to thinking. "Since we celebrated Thanksgiving at my place and Rebecca is already planning New Year's at her place, we should do the Christmas dinner here."
"What? We're already planning for Christmas? It was only Thanksgiving last week."
"You gotta keep up with the times, Sheva," Claire told her, snapping her fingers at nothing. "Holidays come and go in this country like tootsie rolls in a piñata."
"You have the weirdest metaphors, you know that?"
"Yeah, I know," she replied with a slight frown. "I think I've been hanging around Leon for a little too long. He's like a file cabinet of one liners."
"So, I've heard," Sheva murmured, looking to the see that Claire had settled on watching 'It's A Wonderful Life'.
Claire shifted and pulled Fat Marvin closer. Despite hating to admit it, his fat fluffiness was nice to cuddle with. No wonder Sheva never put him on a diet. He was like a cat sent from heaven to sleep with. "Anyways, as I was saying. We should do the Christmas get-together here. You and I can make the dinner and then people will arrive and we can spend the holiday together. Yeah? And we do this Secret Santa thing where we each pull a name randomly and whoever's name you got, you have to get that person a gift and only that person. So everyone gets a present but we each don't have to get a gift for everyone. Just one person."
Thinking about it all, Sheva was slightly nervous to have so many people over for Christmas. That was yet another holiday she never really celebrated and she was never good at hosting parties. The idea of the spotlight on her made her anxious and would lead her to run away and force someone else to do it. She tried to come up with an excuse. "Are you sure? I mean my place isn't really that ready…"
"Of course it is," Claire exclaimed. "You have a few weeks until then and all you really need is a Christmas tree, maybe some decorations, a Santa hat for Marvin, and you're good to go. C'mon, Sheva. I think it's a great idea."
"But Claire, I hate hosting parties," she finally confessed.
Claire held back the urge to roll her eyes and just looked to Fat Marvin who looked just as fed up as she did. "Look, Sheva. It's not a party, it's a dinner. And it won't be a ton of people. Obviously me and you will be here. Chris because he's my brother and Jill because she's Chris's luggage." Claire held up one finger when Sheva gasped and was about to say something, but the feisty redhead would have none of that right now. "Leon will come because he hates going across the country to see his parents and they always tell him he needs someone better than me." She let Sheva comment this time when Sheva said that Leon's parents were idiots, to which Claire agreed. "Elza might come, you never know with her. And Rebecca and Billy will come too because Becca's parents live across country and it's too hard to fly the family over and Billy's family is all gone. See, that's not many people."
No matter what Sheva said, Claire would counteract and tell her that this was a good idea. So as the reasons were listed off, Sheva was left with no more excuses and she had to surrender to the friend she sat with now. "Fine. If no one has planned hosting the dinner, then we can have it here."
Doing a slight happy dance, Claire made sure not to disturb the cat in her lap. "Awesome. I'm going tree shopping tomorrow with Chris and you're coming."
"Claire, that's your time with your brother. You two go ahead, I can get a fake tree at the store."
"Oh, gross, no. None of that fake tree stuff. It's disrespectful," Claire stated, showing off her purist side. "You're coming with us to find a tree. And it's not my time with my brother, it's our time."
The way Claire wiggled her brows made Sheva look away. She was so weird sometimes, Sheva couldn't always understand her. But she loved her like the way she would love a sister, and that's what she saw Claire as; a sister. As her sister like friend went on to talk about what they'd need to get for the dinner, Sheva thought about how her time in America was going so far. She had only been here for two weeks and she had accomplished so much on her plate and getting good work done. Her time here so far was good, despite a few moments of tension and guilt. But things were well and she hoped whatever life had in store for her, it would always treat her well.
Authors note: Can we just collect a vote who actually likes the fake Christmas trees? Because I like them, preferably the white ones. :D
After taking a small break and reanalyzing this story, I'm going back and forth. I realized how much of a drama this is going to be and just kinda felt blah about it. In the story, there's going to be a lot of "chasing", and the reason I have a problem with that is one—this isn't some cutesy preteen story (not that there's anything wrong with that type of story), and two—I always complain about the relationship between Leon and Ada and the "playing hard to get" they do. So I feel sort of like a hypocrite with this. However, I hate the idea of leaving something unfinished, so I'm going to finish this. Even if it takes me years! Okay, maybe not years, but you get it, right? I have been working on another Creva project and I've really liked that one more than this one. Maybe if I get so slow with updates on this story and get enough written for the other one I'm working on, then I can start posting the new one I'm favoring at the moment. I don't know, we shall see.
I didn't do replies with this update because it's been a while and I don't think anyone will remember what we wrote as a review for the last chapter. So if you don't mind, I'll reply to all the reviews this chapter gets. I'll talk to you all soon, hopefully!
-Sarai
