Chapter 1
Ada Wong.
You couldn't quite grasp whether you were annoyed or excited to see her in the middle of a castle full of shit faced monsters. Maybe you'd be leaning more towards the latter if it wasn't for the blond who seemed to have followed her this time. What is he doing here? Those were the words that she didn't miss even as you muttered them under your breath, you could tell from the obvious smirk on her lips. She must be finding entertainment in this, annoying you. You frowned, approaching her nonetheless.
''Pretty boy decided to join you today?'' The title, though complimentary, came out rather derogatory with the tone of voice you spoke in. With the cunning woman that she was, it only seemed to bring her more joy to see this kind of backtalk attitude, like someone had taken a shit in front of you and your response was to humiliate them.
''I am a federal agent.'' He kept a serious expression on his face, defying the boyish title you gave him like it mattered. You'd think he was going on "The Idol" with that haircut rather than getting assigned the government's confidential bullshit to deal with.
''I know exactly who you are.''
It annoyed you that you did in fact, know him so well. Ada had spoken of him, too often for your liking.
"He's a good boy. Predictable." Those were her exact words about him, at least before this occasion.
''I thought you'd be happy to see me.'' Ada tilted her head at you, the innocent gesture contrasting the expression on her face.
''Do I not look the part?'' You smiled, the sincerity on your face transparent. You were like a moody teenager and it was so obvious why that this whole situation irked you even more.
''Awh, sad you don't have me all to yourself?'' She reached her hand out towards you, attempting to fix a strand of hair that had gone rogue during one of your fights and parkour, likely. Before her fingertips reached you, you grabbed her wrist to stop her, not feeling up to her teasing.
''Glad to have some weight off me now that your favourite victim is here''
Leon stayed quiet, unfortunately unable to disagree to the victim part.
You released her wrist, and she put it back on her hip. She didn't deny nor confirm it, leaving you in the dark on purpose likely. Of course she would, just like the rest of your so called partnership, coworker-ship, or whatever you could call two women who worked with each other yet always made it obvious to the world they crossed more than a professional boundary. But that's exactly the thing, you hadn't. It is exactly why this situation annoyed you so bad, why you turned your back to them and continued forward with the mission, silently leading them.
Your feelings for Ada were complex.
You were conscious of the depth they reached, it was more than friendship. You would die for her in and outside the field of your work. You wouldn't even think about putting your life on the line. It was almost inhumane, the urge to shield her like she wasn't the person that she was. It was cringeworthy even how much you wanted to be the one to take care of her. But that is what you did, silently. You took care of her not caring for her allowance, not minding the fact that everyone thought her to be this dangerous, manipulative woman whomst honey trap they should avoid at all cost. You didn't admit to your reasons for it, staying silently mad whenever she teased you about being her dog on a leash, simply retaliating with the fact you much preferred cats, whenever you acted like her personal bodyguard once someone approached her with a bothersome intent, like you were going to crack their head open if they said the wrong thing, whenever you knocked at her apartment door with her favourite food in hand saying you didn't want the baggage of her falling behind because she thinks herself invisible, whenever you gazed at her a bit too long in the rare moments you had the chance because god, she was just too beautiful not to admire. You still remember every moment your skin grazed hers, it drove your mind crazy how you wanted more. You couldn't bring yourself to cross that boundary, because she was simply too hard to read.
But when she spoke of Leon with an expression that easily decrypted her curiosity, her enchantment, it killed you. That's when you solidified your decision that you wouldn't dare. It became all the more clear that it was unlikely your feelings were reciprocated. Even when she teased you, even when she reached her hand out to you first, even when she looked at you with an expression that challenged you to wipe it off her face, you couldn't risk it. If you couldn't have her the way you yearned for, then at least you wanted to watch over her as long as the world you lived in would allow you to. It's stupid, she seemed so self-assured and stoic, but every time you looked into her eyes you found yourself wishing nothing more than to see her truly happy at least once. Perhaps that is why you would risk your life for her so easily, because you wanted the woman you love to have a long, peaceful life even if it wasn't by your side the way you wanted to. Even if it was with someone else.
You're right, it's really fucking absurd how you could love someone you knew so little of but so much about from the time you spent together. One key thing about this woman however was that, she was used to dealing with everything on her own before you and you wouldn't allow her to feel like this ever again.
She was too mysterious, even for her line of work. Nonetheless, you joined her on missions even when you knew of her plans to betray her clients and organisations she was working for. It was always what benefitted her the most. What pleased her. It was first row seats to observing this cunning woman.
Speak of the devil, you felt a hand on your shoulder.
''You okay? You're not walking properly on your right foot.'' Ada wore a poker face, which may have been her version of looking concerned.
''How many times have you sprained your ankle on a mission? I'll be fine. Don't worry about me and look after yourself.''
''You're giving me more attitude than usual, I don't like it.''
Hilarious, now she's complaining like she didn't welcome it with a smile before.
''If you're that bothered about it go home. Just because we occasionally get partnered up doesn't mean I can't do it on my own.'' You looked into her eyes, not backing down from the tension that seemed to be building.
''I see, I guess me and Leon will just have to go on our own then. I look forward to hearing the news you've been eaten alive by some three mouthed mutant because you wanted to act tough.'' It was taunting just how crisp and luscious her voice sounded. And from that same tone you knew she wasn't kidding, but three heads is better than one or two, and well.. you didn't want to leave her alone with Leon Kennedy in all honest, but on a principle of safety, of course. You weren't sure how reliable he truly was, as much as she actually praised him a on a few occasions. Your gaze set aside from her and your tongue rolled against your cheek, readying to put your pride aside. You walked off and found a mildly clean and flat surface to sit on and look at the swelling on your ankle. A streak of blond hairs filled your peripheral vision just as you were leaning down to take your boot off.
''I am good with first aid, let me look at it.''
You were about to refuse but his hands were already on your ankle, inspecting the sprain. You didn't say a word as you watched him carefully apply pressure on the darkened skin, his hands somewhat gentle. If he was hoping for a vocal reaction, he wouldn't get it. Your threshold for tolerating pain was high, it was your job after all. But after a few more squeezes he did get a slight grimace on your expression, which Ada noticed as she observed with her arms crossed. You didn't know why she was being so stubborn for something like that anyway, she'd tell anyone else to not drag her down and be careless towards them. Maybe she acknowledged your gestures of taking care of her and found them useful. Without realising it the corners of your lips tugged into a small smile. It didn't go unnoticed.
''I've wrapped it tightly so it should affect your movement much less but don't push it too hard if you can afford it.''
You returned to your normal expression and looked at the guy standing up in front of you.
''Thank you, if I end up slowing you down don't hesitate to go forward.''
Leon nodded hesitantly, but Ada had already turned forward not giving you the chance to see her expression. Weird, after the fuss she'd made you expected some teasing like ''Look? I told you so. You should listen to me more often.'' but there was none of that. You couldn't quite read her just from her back, but somehow she didn't seem.....
In any scenario, a measly ankle injury wouldn't kill you even if it put you in more risk on the battlefield you were entering. You just hoped she would listen to you if any such choice occurred.
..........................
''So Leon, what brings you here?''
Her voice was like spiced honey, only the taste in your mouth was bittersweet like someone had fed you burnt walnuts with it.
''You already know, don't you?''
''Well, who's to say there isn't more?"
You listened, intently, albeit silently. It seemed he ignored the provocation so she changed the course of the conversation, not missing to send a glance in your direction first.
''First time you're meeting each other. You're not even going to introduce yourselves properly?''
''Want us to shake hands and story tell about our lives over coffee?'' You spoke with fake politeness, although he did help you with your sprain so this was meant as more of a jab towards her than him this time. You usually joined in when she acted all casual to the setting of her missions, but right now you didn't feel like entertaining her. She's got her boy toy for that. God, you need to stop being so jealous but this gloomy and mystified atmosphere pissed you off in itself. You can be less on an edge and pretend to be happy for her later.
''Well, you seemed to get pretty close earlier.'' Her tone didn't show a change of emotions, but it didn't come out as playful as the norm is for her.
''What? Wish it was you?'' You bit the inside of your lip, regretting. You didn't want the answer to that.
''I don't kiss and tell.'' You almost stopped in your tracks but Leon quickly interrupted.
''No one's been kissing here.'' He spoke sternly. Well, it was believable enough to put your mind at ease but you couldn't know for sure. He seemed like the type to deny his feelings, if any, for the enemy. Being the goody pants federal agent he is from what you could extract at first impressions, he wouldn't be getting too buddy buddy with the opposing side, but..if they were to get close he seemed reliable. She needed that, someone equally strong or stronger in some ways by her side. He seemed like someone would take care of her and fit her well, but it didn't stop the teeth digging on the inside of your cheek. It was kicking in, this potential. While the angry jealousy you felt began to subside as you hoped it would, it was transforming into something else much heavier to bear.
''You say that like you wouldn't. I'm offended.''
Still, if you had to listen to any more of this you would throw yourself as a sacrifice to the next mutant you saw.
''I wouldn't. No offense.''
''Yet you're, working with me.''
''Only because we have the same mission this time. I am working with your friend as well so don't feel special.''
''She's more than my friend, you don't get to consider her your partner in crime.'' Now what's that supposed to mean?
''I'd take her over you.''
You felt an arm clasp around yours. It took you by surprise, the heat travelling up your neck but not daring to show.
''You don't get to.''
''I am my own person, don't bum me into this so you can have a cart with three wheels.'' You prayed to your God that the change in your temperature wasn't noticeable. Leon lifted an eyebrow at the closeness you two seemed to have for each other, especially as you didn't make an attempt to push Ada off you this time despite contradicting her own words. It's true, you were your own person even if she was acting like she you were a pet on a leash under her care. It's true she had made many exceptions towards you, which sadly made your feelings for her grow all the more stronger as you studied her from the close position she put you up to, it made you feel special to her even if you tried not to focus on it. It's possible she knew of your feelings already and she was using you, but you'd made peace with that thought. Even if she was, you got to see a side of her more pretty than she ever let on to others it seemed, and that was plenty to you, admiring her was plenty to you. Being someone she could depend on meant even more. But fuck, why were you reminding yourself of this now?
''How do you know each other?''
''Spy's secret.'' Ada was quick to answer, arm still locked with yours as if you were out on a walk in the park. You felt yourself smile against your will, it was hard not to with her sometimes.
................................
You were going to kill her.
Of course she wouldn't listen to you.
Honestly, fuck her.
You hissed in pain as she dragged you forward, arm around her shoulder and a hand on the small of your waist. Your body was covered in wounds, but despite the numbing in your legs you wanted to kick her off of you and scream at her to mind her own business. She was covered in bruises and cuts herself, but she would not listen to you even as you kept telling her to let go off you. God, it was stupid how even in this moment you adored the feeling of her touch. At least it was a good way to spend your last months, she knew to take care of your affairs if something were to happen to you so there was no reason to drag both of you down.
''Shut up and be a good dog.''
''I like cats.'' You said stubbornly through harsh breaths.
She scoffed, the step in her pace getting heavier.
''I know, that's why you like me.'' You couldn't see her face but the smirk was easily detectable through her voice.
''I wouldn't use the word like.'' You said much the same, smiling in a moment like this. It was true, you wouldn't use the word like at all. But you wouldn't profess your love for her after successfully hiding it for so long now, would you?
You couldn't quite say how it got to this moment. All was going well, even when it was time to fight with a few measly mutants it wasn't too much trouble. Then you got to the castle and that all got turned upside down. You were managing until the so-called 'final boss' of your mission grabbed you when you least expected it and threw you against a wall. Never an easy experience, lung crushing and all. You could still hear Leon dealing with the monster, thankfully Ada and him had managed to weaken it enough for her to rush back to you. Honestly, you hated her for not listening to you. There was no reason for her to be petty now, and you didn't expect her to go this sentimental on you either. She always seemed to surprise you, as much as she seemed cold-blooded. That's exactly how you came to care for her so much. She was always warmer than she let on. The sheltered, isolated life she was living simply coveted that. Even in the dark castle, where you were likely to meet your end if the internal bleeding wasn't stopped any time soon, she contrasted each sight of disdain. She stood out in the view of each muddied wall and century old antique with history of bloodshed. She was warm, and alive. She was like a candle in the brass wind, as cliche as it sounded. But it was true, Ada Wong is a lot more loveable than she is known to be. Not just for her beauty, her intelligence, her skills. To you, all of her was..
Maybe you should've told her how you feel, but it was late to have concluded this in your thoughts seconds before darkness enveloped you.