Resident Evil: Tangled Web
By: PhantasmBabeIvory
Author's Notes: Thanks to everyone following this story or has stuck with me. I hope you all enjoy this long-overdue update. I had hoped to have this posted much sooner, but real life and a small bit of writer's block got in the way.
To everyone who left a review last chapter:
MysticWolf71891 – You might see my evilness increase as the remainder of the story plays out.
Sofistinha – As always, I love your lengthy reviews. I was sad to read on your profile page that you're no longer leaving feedback. I hope you'll make an exception.
Ultimolu – Thanks again for steering me toward a plotline I hadn't planned for this story. Exploring the dynamic between Claire and Wesker is fun.
Wolfgirl2013 – Hope this chapter earns a "nice job" as well.
Chapter Thirty-One
As happy as Elliott was over Claire's acceptance of his proposal, it was hard to ignore just how bad the day had been. The biggest reminder was when he and his fiancée stepped out into the kitchen and saw the remains of the cake and the broken plate on the floor. With a sigh, he said, "Guess we should clean this up."
After a couple seconds of silence, she said, "I'm sorry for ruining it. I… I was kind of a mess after you stormed out."
"You don't owe me an explanation, Redfield… And I could whip up another one if you want."
She shook her head. "Might be better if you don't… Maybe we should agree on no more cakes to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries. Or any milestones, for that matter."
He joked, "You hate my cooking that much?"
Claire shook her head. "No… What I hate is that it seems to go hand in hand with something terrible happening. And I draw the line at you getting infected and having a huge fight."
Elliott almost asked how much worse things could get, but thought better of it. "Fair enough. I promise not to tempt fate." He paused when he saw a shadow cross her face. Before he could say anything, she cleared her throat and turned away to go grab a broom and dustpan.
He went after her and laid his hands on her shoulders. He hesitated when she stiffened, then asked, "You okay, Redfield?"
"I'm fine," she said though her voice sounded throaty. "It's been a trying day, that's all." She paused, then added in a more normal tone, "I'm sorry for what I said this morning. I shouldn't have… I wish I could take it back."
He shushed her and wrapped his arms around her from behind. "No worries. We'll be okay, Claire. This is nothing that we can't bounce back from."
"You promise?"
He felt a twinge of guilt when he heard the huskiness in her tone. I'm sorry for running out and upsetting you so much, Redfield. I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you. "I promise," he said quietly, planting a kiss on her shoulder.
December 18th, 2007
If Claire thought captivity was bad before, it became almost unbearable once Wesker took an interest in her. Despite her resolve to avoid him until she and Elliott could get out, Wesker wouldn't let her write off the indiscretion that easily. The most infuriating reminder was when she found a copy of the novel, Scarlet Letter, included in one of their deliveries with a note from their captor – "A work of fiction you might relate to, dearheart."
She'd quickly crumpled the note and stuffed it in her pocket before Elliott could see it. And it put her on guard to watch out for anything that might reveal her secret.
She really shouldn't have been surprised to find Wesker waiting for her in Dr. Yamata's lab when she decided to provide another blood sample. Claire froze when she realized the virologist was nowhere to be found. Thank God I told Elliott he didn't need to come with me, she thought.
"How nice to finally get a moment alone," Wesker said in an amused tone as he took a few steps toward her.
Claire wanted to run back the way she came, but that would surely raise questions with Raymond and Jessica if they were watching. And it was likely that Wesker would only chase her down if she fled. "Where's Dr. Yamata?"
Wesker smirked. "I've seen fit to provide her a bigger, more state of the art workspace in which to operate. She's been very happy with the new equipment she has at her disposal." He took another step forward. "But then, you would know that if you'd bothered to contact me over the past three weeks."
Her temper flared. "That should tell you I want nothing to do with you!"
"If that were the case, you would never have crossed a line there would be no going back from." He paused and moved over to the table to open a case of syringes. "But contrary to what you might think, I have no intention of forcing the issue. Not when there is something else I desire from you."
Claire eyed him warily. "Really? A blood sample is all you want from me today?"
"Two, actually, but who's counting?" He took a step back and gestured for her to sit. When she didn't move, he calmly said, "Just because things have changed between us, Miss Redfield, it does not mean my goals have. I wish to synthesize a cure to the virus you carry all the same."
She hesitantly stepped forward, settled on the stool nearest him, and felt a sense of unreality when he tied an elastic band around her arm. She tried to remain still while he searched for a vein, but it was as though his mere touch was electrifying her. He actually had to hold her steady to avoid any snafus.
"I've noticed that you've yet to tell Mr. Gregory what happened," Wesker said in a conversational tone while her blood was being drawn.
Her shoulders tensed. "That better not be you pressuring me or giving a deadline."
He chuckled. "I'm simply stating a fact, dearheart. But you have to know that the longer you wait, the harder he'll take it. He may never trust you again if you take too long to be honest."
"Don't!" she spat out. "You are the last person who gets to lecture me on the right thing to do!" She undid the elastic band and stood when the syringe was withdrawn. "And who are you to say who I belong with? That Elliott's not someone who would make me happy?"
"Because I've been watching the two of you since day one. And I'm inclined to think he's someone you've become too dedicated to protecting since the day you arrived here," Wesker said smoothly. "You've also said on several occasions that he's been the only thing keeping you sane." He paused. "I wonder if you'll still care as much about someone who's become a charity case and source of stability when you get back to your normal world."
Claire's temper flared again. "You won't have a chance with me in that world either!"
Wesker smirked. "Interesting choice of words, dearheart."
"That's not… You're confusing me! Shut up!"
"Then allow me to be direct and offer you a new bargain. One that I won't ask you to agree to up front."
She crossed her arms. "What do you want this time?"
"A better question would be what I'm willing to give you. Which is everything you've wanted to know for the past year… Why it had to be you instead of Sherry Birkin, what my plans are for the vaccine, why I killed Spencer – everything. All I ask in return is that you face up to who you really are and be honest with all involved parties. Manage that, and we have a deal," Wesker said.
"And if I refuse?"
"Then you had better be prepared for the situation to worsen, dearheart. But no matter – I will only be patient for so long. If you don't come clean with Mr. Gregory within the next month, then I will."
She stared at him in disbelief. "That's fine talk coming from someone who said he offers choices. You're a total hypocrite for not giving me one."
"I'm not the one who's dead-set on causing a ton of pain and misery in the long run, Miss Redfield. I'm giving you an ultimatum for your own good… That, and I don't favor having to keep this development under wraps even from my own people. I've seen fit to shut off the camera for this room for that very reason." He paused. "Should you happen to tell the truth while I'm away, all the better. It will be cause for celebration when I return."
Claire hesitated, she was so thrown by this declaration. "Away…?" Holy shit, is Wesker actually leaving the facility?!
He half-smiled. "As fate would have it, I have some business to conduct overseas. With a client who is getting tired of dealing with me through a third party." He paused. "Unfortunate that I have to leave so soon after the interesting turn our relationship has taken. But at least you'll have my associates and Mr. Gregory to keep you company."
"Oh, no, how will I ever get by without you?" she mocked.
"That is dependent on you, dearheart," Wesker responded as though she wasn't being sarcastic. He rose from his seat and slowly stepped toward her. "But this may be the only private moment we get until further notice. It would be remiss of me to let an opportunity slip by."
Claire backed up a step and her eyes widened at the implication. But at the same time, her face warmed and her lips quivered as though in anticipation of being kissed. What's happening to me? I can't… It's too fucked up that I could actually be drawn to this monster.
This kiss was just as rough as the first but no less exhilarating. In spite of her hatred of Wesker, his advances still sparked something in her that had been lacking with Elliott – passion. What was worse, a large part of her didn't want to resist. I'm definitely going to hell for feeling this way, she thought even as she succumbed to her desire.
She partially came to her senses when Wesker stepped back. When he spoke, it was in a frosty composed tone that made her wonder just what he felt about these stolen moments. "You'd best get back unless you want your companion to come looking for you," Wesker said.
She wrapped her arms around herself. Though she suspected she was tempting fate, Claire said, "Whatever this is between us, it's going to stop once you let Elliott and I go."
"I very much doubt that, dearheart. I'm even more inclined to think that this is something that will get stronger over time."
She blinked. "Wow. For once, your assumptions are dead wrong."
"Says the one who doesn't want to stop bickering," he said with an amused smile. "Seems you enjoy my company far more than you're willing to admit."
She was struck speechless for a moment, then thought, Christ, I need to get out of this place. And soon…
The last thing Jessica expected, upon coming back to the surveillance room with two cups of coffee, was to find someone had stolen her chair. When the occupant turned to look at her, a grimace crossed her face.
"Hey, sweetcheeks! Long time no see!" Irving said, his bug-eyed expression lingering on her cleavage.
Jessica quickly set down the cups and crossed her arms to block the view. "Not long enough. And you have to stop with the cheesy nicknames you've given me."
"Might want to cut Irving some slack, Jess," Raymond interrupted. "He's going to be sticking around for a while this time."
She looked at her partner. "Please tell me you're joking."
Raymond paused and cast a glance at Irving. "Would you mind giving Jess and me a moment to talk?"
"Sure thing, pal," Irving said. He rose from his seat and casually strolled from the room.
Jessica shuddered when she felt her ass get pinched when Irving passed her. "Scumbag," she muttered when she was sure the arms dealer was out of earshot. As she settled into her seat, she said, "Why is it he listens to you and not me?"
Raymond shrugged. "Maybe because I don't talk down to him. You should try it sometime."
"Only if he stops trying to get in my pants. He's not really staying more than a day, is he?"
"At least a week or two. Maybe longer," Raymond said.
"What on Earth for?"
He sighed. "Because he botched a delivery to a client. Misinformed someone named Svetlana on how to safely handle the product… Might have cost her a friend or two as a result." Raymond paused, then added, "Svetlana's asking to speak to the boss in person to decide if she wants to continue doing business with us."
"Oh, joy! This just keeps getting better and better," she said sarcastically.
"Seriously, Jess, stop fussing! It won't kill you to play nice for a short time… And maybe I can get Irving to lay off for the duration."
She managed a smile. "You'd be my hero if you could manage that."
In the weeks since their big fight, Elliott got used to Claire being quieter and pensive. He decided early on to be patient and give her time to come around though he was worried about her. More than once, he wondered if all the stress associated with that day had pushed her to her limits.
When she returned to the apartment, Elliott instantly knew something was up. For a few seconds, he watched her cross over to the kitchen and start brewing a cup of mint julep tea. "You look agitated. What happened?" he prompted.
Claire rubbed the back of her neck. "Wesker showed up to talk with me in Dr. Yamata's lab," she said, an edge in her voice. "Usual bullshit, mostly." She paused to take a sip from her mug. "He, um… He announced he's taking off on a business trip."
He was so floored by this he almost forgot to conceal his excitement. He took a breath and thought, RogueChild said we'd have our best shot to escape if Wesker was absent. Could this be…? He cleared his throat. "I don't know how to respond to that."
"I do. It will be good to not have him breathing down our necks."
Elliott set the book he'd been reading on the end table. "Did he say how long he'll be gone?"
"Don't know, don't care. I'm just glad for the respite."
He paused and wondered why she didn't seem happy, but simply thought, She's probably dialing it down because we're under surveillance. "I'm guessing he got you all riled up again… Maybe I should have gone with you."
"No, no," she said quickly. "I'm fine."
"Come on, Redfield. You're far too agitated for that to be true." He rose from the couch, stepped up behind Claire, and wrapped his arms around her. "Bet I could help you de-stress," he said flirtatiously.
Much to his disappointment, she tensed in his embrace. "No offense, Elliott, but I think what I need is a nice, long shower… I appreciate the offer though."
He frowned. You sure don't make it easy for me to make you smile. Hereluctantly let her slip from his grasp, then turned and leaned against the counter with a deep sigh. I hate that I can't pull you back from the brink anymore. Hopefully distancing ourselves from Wesker's influence will be just what it takes to cheer you up, Claire.
December 19th, 2007
If there was one thing Excella Gionne prided herself on, it was her ability to stay on top of developments that could hurt her business. When she first received word of Irving's screw-up, she made arrangements to head to Africa to touch base with her company's clandestine affiliates. And she had to admit – it was a treat to be able to interact with Albert Wesker once more in person.
As eager as Excella was to see said colleague, another matter entirely took precedence when she wandered into Dr. Yamata's new lab. It was impossible to miss the large square patch of gauze taped over Dr. Yamata's left eye or the bruises and cuts marring the scientist's face.
Excella did a double take and thought, Nice of Albert to be so selective on what he tells me. She threw a quick glance at Albert, then asked, "What happened to you?"
Dr. Yamata frowned. "Occupational hazard," she said in a deadpan tone. "And one I don't care to discuss, Miss Gionne."
"And one that looks worse than it actually appears," Albert said. "Dr. Yamata will make a full recovery in no time."
Excella cleared her throat and composed herself. "Good to know… I assume you know why I'm here, Albert."
"Assumption has nothing to do with it. You're here out of concern over Irving's behavior," he said bluntly. "Which is a topic our virologist shouldn't be bothered with." He turned to look at Dr. Yamata. "We shall talk later, Christine."
Excella had no opportunity to protest before he strode out into the hall. She followed with a soft sigh, throwing one more glance at Dr. Yamata.
When Albert didn't say anything right away, Excella cleared her throat and stated, "I imagine you have the situation well in hand, but it would be nice to hear you say so."
"I have no intention of losing an important client because of Irving's ignorance. I don't see it taking more than a day to smooth things over," he replied.
"And what of Miss Redfield? How close are we to getting what we need from her, Albert?"
He stopped and turned to face her. "Progress has been made."
Not the best answer, but about what I expect from him, Excella thought. "I'm pleased to hear that. I'd much prefer to have her gone before she figures out what we've really been using her for."
Albert hesitated. "I detect concern."
She nodded. "With good reason. I feel we've missed the opportunity to win over Miss Redfield. There may not be any point to keeping her here indefinitely."
His head tilted down a notch. "Something worth considering. I shall give it some thought," he said flatly.
Excella chose to smile despite the lack of inflection in his tone. "Pity I can't accompany you on this trip to see Miss Belikova. Unless you know of a plausible excuse I could give to the outside world on why I'd go to a Soviet country."
"Excuses are simple. What would be hard to cover up is evidence of our association… Control over security cameras or media outlets is beyond my expertise, my dear Excella."
She took half a step closer and hesitantly raised one hand to touch his shoulder. She was slightly disappointed to see a grimace cross his face, but at least he didn't push her off. "Then I suppose I should be satisfied with what little time we do have in each other's company."
Her breath caught in her throat when he lifted his hand, but he only did so to adjust his sunglasses. She bit back her disappointment as he said, "Tempting as that may be, I still need to touch base with our associates on how to conduct themselves in my absence… There is much to go over to ensure that Miss Redfield and her friend won't cause trouble while I'm gone."
Excella cleared her throat and stepped back. "Of course… I shall leave you to it then." She started to turn away, then stopped and added, "Would you mind telling me how Dr. Yamata got injured? Did something happen here I should be concerned about?"
Albert shook his head. "If Christine wishes for you to know, she'll tell you. Since her pride took a hit, I see no reason to push her to disclose what happened."
Excella thoughtfully gnawed at her lip and said nothing when he turned and strode down the hallway. I'm almost jealous that you and Dr. Yamata are thick as thieves, she mused. I wonder how long it would take for me to reach the same level with you, Albert…
Dr. Yamata wasn't surprised when she was summoned to Wesker's quarters late in the day for a private conversation. She had even anticipated such a thing from the moment that Excella had barged in on them. It wasn't long after she stepped inside the main room that she was seated at the kitchen counter with a glass of scotch in hand.
She took a small sip and said, "Thanks for the drink."
"You're quite welcome. If there's anything else you'd prefer, don't hesitate to ask," he answered.
"No preferences. Just concerns." She cleared her throat and leaned forward. "If I may be candid?"
"By all means."
Dr. Yamata touched the bandage covering her eye. "This couldn't have happened at a worse time. And the fact that Miss Gionne knows about it… We both know she's going to start asking more questions on what caused my injuries, especially if she doesn't see any obvious explanation for it."
Wesker grimaced. "Something of which I am well aware. And which may require that we accelerate our plans."
She shifted her weight. "Packing up and moving? Selling out Miss Gionne and her lackeys? Are you sure that's wise?"
"If executed properly, we can transition to a new locale with minimal fuss," he said smoothly. "I wouldn't worry about that aspect."
"Moving our friend might prove difficult," she pointed out.
"But not impossible," Wesker answered. "I will make sure that none of our unwitting associates see anything they shouldn't."
Dr. Yamata took another sip of the scotch. "What of Miss Redfield? Neither she nor her friend have been cured. And we may still need her."
He crossed his arms. "The situation has changed to the extent that it would be more beneficial to take her with us."
She hesitated. "Do I need to point out all the problems with that scenario?"
"Not necessary… First and foremost, I know Chris will be apprised of the truth behind his sister's disappearance. But it won't matter. He still won't find her. Or us."
She stared at him for a moment. "I wish I could be as confident as you."
"Curious that you would have doubts after what we've already accomplished."
"Setbacks will do that to you," she said. "And frankly, I may have taken this project as far as I can on my own. We'll need someone else with the necessary expertise to carry it the rest of the way."
Wesker nodded thoughtfully. "I think I may know who to ask. Which can be done after the situation with Svetlana Belikova is settled…"
December 23rd, 2007
Though she knew on some level that Wesker wasn't one to make a grand spectacle, Claire didn't expect to secondhandedly learn of his departure. While she was glad to hear he'd left the facility, she was less than thrilled over who delivered the message.
"Hey, sweeties!" Jessica said in an upbeat tone as she followed Raymond into the apartment. "Miss me?"
Claire's grip tightened on her coffee mug. "Not a bit," she said with an edge in her voice. "What are you doing here?"
"Participating in your weekly delivery, what's it look like?" Jessica lifted one of the boxes off the cart and placed it on the kitchen counter. "Boss finally told me I'm off probation and can interact with both of you again."
Claire's eyes widened. "You've got to be kidding me!"
Jessica smirked. "Not quite the reaction I hoped for, but about what I expect from you, sweetie… He basically decided he wanted all of us left here keeping you guys company while he's gone. Even Dr. Yamata and Irving will occasionally be paying a visit." She paused. "And who knows, we might all be best buds by the time he gets back."
Elliott spoke before Claire could say anything. "He's left already?"
Jessica nodded. "Roughly two hours ago," she said as she offloaded another box. "Not too keen about being stuck here for the holidays, but what can you do?"
Raymond cleared his throat. "Way to circumvent what you were told, Jess," he said flatly.
Jessica's face fell. "Right…" She hesitated and almost looked humble when she spoke next. "I'd like to apologize for how I behaved toward both of you. There's… no excuse for me acting like such a bitch up until the incident." She looked at Elliott. "Up until what happened to you, I mean."
Claire's eyes narrowed. "I guess that makes it all better then," she mocked.
Jessica sighed and looked at her partner. "Told you she wouldn't go for it."
Raymond took half a step forward after a short, tense silence. "I have to back Jess in this instance, Miss Redfield. Like it or not, this arrangement isn't going to end anytime soon. It's past time we establish a truce."
Claire stared at him in disbelief. "Sure you want to increase your standing on my most hated list?"
Raymond shook his head with an oddly-amused smile. "I'm just trying to broker peace amongst us. Something I should have done sooner… We could all benefit from being friends at the end of the day."
Elliott cleared his throat and leaned forward before Claire could get a word in edgewise. "To be fair, you can't expect for all grievances to melt away just like that," he said to Raymond.
"You could at least give it a try," Raymond answered. "Has to be better than letting the animosity continue to fester."
Claire paused. "Will you and Jess get the hell out of here if I agree to consider it?" When he nodded, she said, "Then I'll try."
Jessica shrugged at the sarcasm in Claire's tone. "Guess that's a start." She wheeled the cart back toward the door. "Can't wait for the day where we're best pals, sweetie." She stopped at the entrance. "Oh, before I forget… Dr. Yamata would prefer it if you don't ask any questions when you see her."
"Ask questions about what?" Claire asked after a split second. She got even more steamed when Jessica and Raymond simply left without saying anything. She leaned back in her chair when the door closed and said, "Jesus, she hasn't changed a bit!"
Elliott hesitated. "That's what you're focusing on? She just brought us a bit of good news." He reached for her hand. "Wesker's gone. Something we've been looking forward to, Redfield."
She pushed back from the table and got up. "Don't know if I'd really count that as a good thing," she said as she strode toward the sink.
After rinsing out her mug, Claire cupped her hands underneath the tap so she could splash water on her face. The next thing she knew, Elliott was leaned against the counter facing her, towel in hand. "Thanks," she said, reaching for the cloth.
"You're welcome." He was quiet while she patted her face dry, then gripped her arm when she started to turn away. "Do you want to tell me what's going on?" he said when she looked at him with a start.
"I don't know what you mean."
He frowned. "Don't bullshit me, Claire. You… haven't been the same since our fight. And you could at least clue me in on why."
She gnawed at her lip and took a moment to carefully pick her words. "Have I really been that bad?"
Elliott chuckled. "I've been walking on eggshells around you for the past month. So yeah… Maybe I should have spoken up before now." He paused. "It's time we talk about what happened."
Claire's breath caught in her throat at just how dangerous that statement was. Yeah, let's talk. I'm sure you'd love to hear I can't resist the very person who's holding us captive and I don't know why. She waited until she'd composed herself before she said, "I wouldn't know where to begin."
"Anywhere you want. Or more specifically, about whatever's bugging you the most."
She nervously glanced around the room and wondered, not for the first time, just where the security cameras were. "Not out here. If I'm going to spill my guts, I don't want to be watched."
He shrugged. "Fair enough."
She had to force herself to focus her thoughts once they were settled. It wasn't easy when her mind kept wanting to remind her of the illicit kisses she'd shared with a certain blonde someone. "I think… What worries me most is not knowing what's going to happen to us when we make it home. Or to safety, I mean. I don't even know where home is going to be for us."
"Depends on your definition," Elliott said softly. "Before my family moved to the States from England, my Mom took me aside and told me home is not a place, but something that resides in the people you build memories with."
"She sounds like a wise woman."
He chuckled again. "Our time together may not have been ideal, but we survived it. We can easily weather whatever comes next, Claire." He paused, then moved so he was kneeling in front of her. "I love you. And call me wildly optimistic, but I have hope that everything will turn out for the best."
She shivered when he touched the side of her face. "We're never going to have a normal life. You know that, right? I don't…" She paused, sighed. "There's no guarantee that we'll even have a future together."
Elliott's brow furrowed. "You think the government might see fit to separate us?" he said hesitantly.
Claire looked down when she felt a stab of guilt. "Maybe," she mumbled.
"All the more reason to contact your brother at the first opportunity," he said with a smile. "Someone who'd go to bat for us to make sure we're treated fairly."
She closed her eyes and thought, You're so sweet, Elliott. And you deserve so much better than a girl who's going to break your heart… I don't think I can keep the truth buried indefinitely. Claire looked at him and steeled herself. "There's something…"
A flicker of light stole the ending to that sentence. She blinked and looked at the far wall at the same time as Elliott. She didn't know whether to be happy or mad that the short message from RogueChild robbed her of a perfect opportunity. But it still imbued her with a whole new source of tension.
8:30 pm. Be ready.