MILA MULLER

Mila struggled with her cane, her hands and arms aching but needing the support. It always seemed that one thing that was wrong was always hindered by another thing wrong–she couldn't ever just have one problem, no, that would be too easy!

She startled a little when a firm hand brushed and then pressed against the small of her back. "Here, my lady," Wesker smiled. "Allow me to assist." He helped support her and even lowered her into the chair, his hands gentle. Once sitting, Mila looked up at him and was warmed by his small smile, the corners of his lips quirked up. He used to never smile like that before–now he did it all the time.

"Thank you, Wesker." Mila said kindly, flashing her own smile back at him. "I appreciate it. Today's been a rough one."

"Of course. I am happy to assist." He seemed uncomfortable for a moment, then stood with his arms crossed, his eyes hidden behind his usual sunglasses. "Mila… I have a question for you."

"Shoot for it," Mila settled into the chair, shifting her weight around until it was comfortable. Wesker sat down in the chair opposite of her, removing his sunglasses. Mila tilted her head ever so slightly, curious–it was rare that Wesker ever removed his glasses, and had only seen him do so a handful of times in the months she had known him. "Is it another biopsy? Another scan?"

"No, nothing like that." He said slowly. "Miss Mila… Would you like to go out for dinner with me?" He smiled a little bigger now, eager.

Mila was stunned for a moment–she couldn't really believe it. Wesker didn't seem like the type for dates, or the type to be interested in a woman like her and yet…here they were. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks, twin roses that blossomed against her will. "What?!"

"I apologize if the invitation is unwelcome." Wesker said smoothly. "I've just treasured the time we've been spending together–research aside–and have found myself fancying you. I thought some time outside of work would be a pleasant next step."

Mila couldn't help but giggle. "You don't need to explain what dating is to me! Of course I accept. I'd love to go out with you. I've really liked the time we've been spending together too."

"Excellent. I look forward to seeing you. If you give me your address, I can pick you up at seven tonight?" He clasped his hands in front of him, his icy blue eyes twinkling. "Wear something pretty for me."

"Only if you wear something pretty for me." Mila shot back, her smile miles wide.

"I think that can be arranged."

XXX

"See Mila, I knew you were in love with this man!" Ella said, weaving some flowers from the windowsill into Mila's braid. "I could tell the second you told me!"

"Love is a strong word for a first date…" Mila rolled her eyes. "But yes, Ella, I do like him. And apparently he likes me! I still can't believe it. He just asked so nonchalantly."

"He is a man who knows what he wants!" Ella cocked out her hip, swinging her curls around. "And what he wants is you! You are a smart girl, a shapely girl, a sweet girl. Any man would be stupid not to want you!"

"Yeah, and I'm also a walking disaster. Disabled, low income, living on a work visa…"

"Hush, child! Listen to Ella." The older woman chided. "This man, he likes you for a reason. Stop trying to find reasons for why he wouldn't. It will only make you unhappy." She turned Mila's head with her hand, her gaze stern. "And I do not want my best friend unhappy."

"Thank you, Ella. I guess…I'm just scared. It's been a long time since I've went on a date. A long time since I had…feelings. Sometimes I feel so scared here in America, and he is so…much. Or at least he has so much. Sometimes I wonder why he even looks at me."

Ella cupped her face, hands soft as silk. "Oh, mi novia. Eres demasiado dolce. Too sweet, too worried. You have had a rough life. Focus on being happy and see what happens, alright my love?"

Mila could feel her hands shaking with the anxiety of it all, but forced a smile. "I'll try."

"Good enough." Ella squeezed her cheek before returning to her work on the braid. "You never know how life will surprise you, after all!

XXX

ALBERT WESKER

Wesker straightened the collar of his black turtleneck, looking in the mirror with pride at himself. He truly was a stellar specimen of a human being, perfect in every way. He was thankful he looked the part too.

He fashioned an expensive diamond-studded watch onto his left wrist, cinching the buckle tight. He had a grand plan for the two of them tonight–a fine restaurant called L'escargot Aveugle, then drinks at his favorite exclusive bar, Liquid Alchemy. Two of the finest spots in town, sure to both impress and please dear Mila.

He stopped for a moment, squinting in the bright light of the washroom. Without his glasses, light always seemed to burn too brightly, giving him a headache. He'd need to put them on shortly. He looked at himself, flawless, and began to wonder. When was it that he had decided to ask that woman on a date? He had been thinking about what exactly it was that drew him to her, and her so clearly to him, but he had trouble deciphering the answer.

He just…knew he liked her. He knew the project was becoming less about finding an answer to her illness and more about helping her. He wasn't sure when it happened, but guessed it must have been one of the times she made him laugh, or told him about home, or that they had made tursa kafka in his lab together and drank far too much of it. And now here he was, wanting to impress her, to keep her smiling.

He wondered if she would need her cane tonight–she had earlier today. Would he be embarrassed, being seen with someone like that in public? He hadn't thought about that. Hadn't considered the low quality of her clothing. That she was out of shape. That she spoke with an accent.

He hadn't thought about any of it because he found himself not caring. He just wanted to enjoy his time with her. He…He didn't see any of those things as flaws. He would have before, and frankly should right now, but MIla…Mila was special. He had learned that these past few months.

Anxiety pricked at him, making goosebumps rise on his arms. He tugged his sleeves down and put his sunglasses on, deciding to ignore all of these reservations and questions and simply enjoy the evening. After everything Mila had been through, and his inability to find an answer or cure for her, this was the least he could do.

XXX

MILA MULLER

"This is all incredible," Mila said after finishing her plate of foie gras. "I've never had anything like this before." She wore a beautiful red dress that hugged her shapely, round body in all the right places, the white and blue flowers in her braid complimenting her prettily. Ella had even woven some flowers onto her cane to match. Wesker had told her she looked beautiful as he helped her into the car, and she had returned with how handsome he was in his turtleneck and suit jacket.

"I still wish you had tried to escargot. It is a true delicacy." Wesker almost purred, clearly pleased with himself.

"It's a bit much for me for my first time, but maybe one day. The texture just seems…off-putting." She smiled and sighed. "This is nice. I can't exactly take you out somewhere like this, but would you let me cook dinner for you one night? I can make you sarma and gibanica. My father made the best gibanica, a really delicious cheese pie, and he taught me… I'd love to share it with you."

For a moment, Mila swore she might've seen a flash of color in Wesker's pale cheeks, but if it had been there it was already gone. Wesker chuckled. "It's been a long time since someone has cooked me a meal. I'd happily accept, my dear. I'm sure anything you'd make is bound to please, if the coffee is any indicator."

"Good! I miss having someone to cook for, so it's the perfect arrangement then."

"Perhaps so." Wesker smiled slyly. "I ordered us dessert as well, a special order I placed this morning. I hope you'll like it."

"This morning, hm? You sure were confident I'd say yes."

"And you would say no to this face?" Wesker tilted his sunglasses down, eyes glinting mischievously. "I think not."

"No, I wouldn't. Couldn't." Mila sighed happily as the waiter approached. The man kept his back straight as he lowered the dish towards her, a plate of cookie-like pastries with cream in the middle. There were three of them there, a lavender one, a green one and a white one flecked with rose petals.

"These are french macarons." Wesker said when the waiter departed. "They are beautifully handcrafted cookie sandwiches. I selected honey lavender, green tea and rose for you. Delicate flavors for a delicate beauty."

Mila flushed. They did look delicate. For the first time all night she wondered how much Wesker was spending on her…and how she could repay him.

"Please enjoy. They take meticulous care to create properly. I am a fan of making them myself…Perhaps one day I could show you?"

Mila felt her anxiety drop off her shoulders. Wesker had so carefully planned this date…she should listen to Ella and simply be in the moment and enjoy her time with him.

She selected the rose flavored macaron first, carefully bringing it to her mouth and taking a bite. It was delicious–the outside crisp and breaking easily betwixt her teeth, but the inside creamy. It was aromatic and one of the most flavorful things she had ever tasted, but she also had the feeling she would like Wesker's even better.

"This…is one of the greatest things I've ever had!" She exclaimed. "Wesker, thank you. Really."

Wesker leaned back, smiling smugly, proud that she had enjoyed it. "Don't even mention it, my dear. It's my pleasure."

XXX

"I really liked tonight." Mila leaned on her cane, looking up at Wesker in the shadow of her apartments. He had urged that he walk her to the door, especially since she had gotten a little bit tipsy at Liquid Alchemy.

Wesker stared at her a moment, unmoving. It was hard to tell with his glasses, but Mila was sure he was staring right into her eyes, maybe right through her.

"I like you." Wesker said slowly, taking her free hand and bringing it slowly to his cheek. Gently, he splayed out her fingers and placed a single kiss to her palm, the moonlight dancing over them both.

Mila turned bright red, her heart pounding in her chest. "Wesker…"

"Call me Albert." The man said, holding her hand tenderly. "I think it would suit the shape of your lips just fine."

"Albert…" Mila tested the name on her tongue, savoring the way it tasted. "I like you too. I…I want more nights like this."

"I can give that to you, Mila, if it's what you wish." He lowered her hand and danced his across her shoulder and to her braid, his fingers skimming her thick hair hungrily. "I could give you anything."

"I just want you, Albert." Mila said, suddenly aware of how small her voice sounded. "I just want you and I–"

Albert's lips pressed against hers, soft and slow but ravenous all the same. His lips were silky smooth and thick, encapsulating without drowning her. She melted into him, feeling his strong arms wrap around and hold her. She kissed back, greedy for his touch, greedy for his breath, greedy for it all–letting him press her softly against the wall as they met in the middle.

A few seconds passed and he pulled back, glasses askew. He grinned, the first time she had ever seen such a thing, and chuckled. "You're a good kisser, Mila."

Mila blinked, feeling like the world was spinning. She gripped her cane as if it were the only thing keeping her tethered to earth. "More?"

"No no, not now my dear. But soon. I don't want to take you too fast." He whispered to her ear. "I want to…savor you."

Mila bit her lip, nodding. "Yes… Let's wait."

Albert gestured to the door, straightening his glasses. "Goodnight, Mila. Sleep well, my dear."

"I think I will." She laughed then, before unlocking the door. "So… See you in a few days then?"

"You can count on it." Albert tilted his chin up. "You can count on me."

A/N:I really enjoyed this chapter--I think it showed how human Mila is vs. Wesker. I like developing the romance beyond mild flirting and compliments and think this is the strongest chapter yet. Building passion is fun!

This was also a challenge to get out because I'm sick with covid, but I really wanted to write this and I'm glad I did. Feeling better already.