So what is Human?

As soon as they had entered the posh hotel suite, the doctor ripped off the glasses and with shaking hands put them down on the nightstand. He didn’t bother to look back at his ‘bodyguard‘, he knew they would be talking soon enough. Wesley Barker entered the bathroom, pissed, but it was Doctor William Birkin that returned. Cole Ghost walked over to the minibar and pulled out a wine cooler. Walking back to the couch she sat down sipping at it. “You should have let me deal with the brat you know.”



He sighed raking his fingers through his hair. “Albert wants the man alive and he wants this to appear legal.” He frowned flopping to one of the beds staring at the ceiling. “This means no disappearances.” For a supposed dead monster, William looked good at least. “But she was almost too sweet don’t you think?”



“Fine fine… though if he goes back on his word, I say we let Beth have a little fun with the brat, just to let him know there are consequences.” She nodded leaning against the arm of the couch, taking another drag of her drink.



“I don’t think he’ll go back on his word.” The doctor’s eyes narrowed. “But if she should somehow convince him that he needs to stay human, well, them maybe I’ll let you bring the mistake a gift.”



Cole grinned a little, her red black hair falling into green eyes. “You know he’d think something was up if I brought him a girl to play with. He’d think Wesker was going soft on him.” She rolled her neck a little. “The kid’s not really that bad Birkin.”



“He’s useless.” Birkin snapped, blue eyes glaring at his companion. “It’s just a matter of time before my point is proven. Maybe after we get Redfield eating out of our hands.” While the new T variant wasn’t as beautiful or perfect as his own G-virus, it would prove once again just how superior his work was.



“Now, now, Whiskers thought I was useless.” She smiled, her eyes fading slightly. “Though it will be fun watching Redfield beg.” She smiled as she looked at the older man. “Still, can’t believe you pulled off the geek so long. Thought for sure Kennedy would have said something.”



“He has no idea who I am.” He smirked. “I’m a dead man remember?” Birkin sat up, the smug expression fading. She had a point. Wesker had demanded her execution. Birkin had managed to talk him out of it finding her quite interesting. “Yes, I wonder how long it will take to break him down.”



“Shouldn’t take that long. The strong ones are so easily broken when we take away things they love.” She smiled. “Even if he does, Whiskers said he wouldn’t be involved in it. So, we pretty much have a new toy don’t we?” She purred softly, licking her lips at the thought.



“Yes I would think so. Though why he’s so obsessed with that man…” William shrugged. “I find it hard to believe that the man has ever managed to interfere with Albert’s plans.”



Cole shrugged slightly. She didn’t know most of what happened in Raccoon, since at the time she had been a pincushion for a tech across the country. “Dumb luck? Like how you stumbled onto me before the system keeping me alive almost fried?” She sat up an innocent look on her face.



“Well could be that.” He laughed it was actually pleasant sounding. “Too bad his luck’s finally ended.”



“That is if the brat and the stupid copper don’t get in the way. I still can’t believe she tried to keep us out of the room.” Cole scowled a little. “If I wasn’t behaving, I would have thrown her out the window.” The nurse’s innocence and plain cuteness had irritated her.

Birkin almost chuckled watching his companion clench her fists. The lights dimmed slightly before she controlled herself.



“If I wasn’t playing human…” He let it trail off, it was rare to see the man do anything that displayed what he was, but the woman was right, the girl had almost botched things. “I fear this is testing my nerves.”



“Sorry, forgot you’re the good one.” She set the bottle down on the table and reached out pulling him to the couch with her. “So they’re still wired about the monsters in the woods. We could go let loose a little.” Her eyes went black for a moment, a hint of her true nature. While the younger B.O.W. didn’t have another form per say. It was clear she wasn’t exactly human. “Or, we could do other things.” She leaned in teasingly, knowing that it wouldn’t go anywhere. Birkin didn’t play that game, no matter how much she tried. In fact, if they got a room with only one bed, he’d pull the gentleman route and crash on the floor instead of curling up with her.



William arched an eyebrow. “Just what are you purposing?”



She giggled pulling back. “Hunt a few deer, though I know you don’t like going all freaky, or, playing in bed, but I know you’re too much of a gentleman.” She shifted grabbing her drink as she stood walking over to the window.



“Well perhaps you’re wrong about some things.” He stood to walk up behind her. “But killing animals never appealed to me.”



“Beats getting into trouble for killing Them.” She nodded out the window. “Most of them are a waste of fucking space.”



“If you’re going to kill a human you have to know what you’re doing.” He smirked a little. “To make it look like an animal attack is easy for something like us… But to make it look like an accident, that takes skill.” He smiled a little. “And that’s what makes humans better targets.”



She turned completely to face him, her eyes showing something not exactly sane. “You forget my other form… I can only hold it a few seconds, and it’s really, just a self defense plan.” She sighed slightly. “And most of the time the hunt’s not even worth it.” She noted the look in his eyes and her own started to fade back to green. “There’s none that are worth the challenge anymore. Even Redfield was easy to track once we managed to divert the others.” She giggled a little at that. The deaths of the team he had been working with, she had personally dealt. On Birkin’s orders of course. Dividing the six of them had been easy. Killing the three, she had been allowed to had been a bit of art on her part. Not only were they still hunting pieces of one of them, but she had made two of the locals sick from just the amount of blood she had left.



Birkin smiled as he watched her face show it’s inhumanity. She loved her work. “Isn’t that always the case?” He sighed. “Finding good targets happens to be hard, it’s not like it used to be.” William shrugged an easy smile on his lips. “Maybe that’s why we’re making him a monster like us.”



“Way Whiskers talks, we’re not the monsters, we’re the cure. Just the next step. But then again, I think he was talking like that to me to try to win me over after you talked him out of killing me.” She purred softly, the bottle going to the windowsill before she could drop it.



“Oh, all of us are a little insane,” He answered tipping his head in thought. “But then again he and I have never been anything but.” He wrapped an arm around her. “The next step past man is demon. Would be fitting for the likes of us.”



She let him hold her and smiled. “And would you be the one to fully take that step? Or you going to allow ol’ red eyes the pleasure?” She licked her lips again, almost as if his scent was something she could taste on her skin. She wanted to wrap him around herself, though, of course, she’d play her role, she was lower ranking after all. The bitch Ada, who was still human, had higher rank than she did.



“My dear Cole, I am Lucifer.” He chuckled into her ear; his breath was warm against her neck, his lips barely brushing the sensitive skin. He could smell the sharp spice of the perfume she wore and under it a hint of ozone, reminding him again just what she was.



Cole took a deep breath as he leaned in close, her eyes closing a little. “Then I was saved by a devil… allow me to fall deeper into sin.” Her words were barely a whisper.



“Waxing poetic now?” He did lay kisses on her neck, his lips softer than most men’s, but then William was an abuser of chapstick. This was a dangerous game to be playing; he knew it was too easy to lose oneself to the more basic emotions. It had to do with the condition of being a Tyrant. William enjoyed seeing just how far he could test his will. It was something that drove even the great Wesker to total vexation.



While she wasn’t a Tyrant, the woman had proven time and again that she could handle the Tyrant’s brute strength; she’d heal anything he dished out at least. She moaned feeling the kiss against her neck. Her body tingled a little, part of it from the simple kiss, part of it the ever reminder of what she was inside. While she didn’t really have a monstrous form, she could, for a few seconds, fall apart, becoming a cloud of flies. It was the last resort for her. If things became too thick, she’d use it.



“You usually don’t like it if I go vulgar on you.”



He smiled as he listened to her. It was true; he was trying to break her of the habit. “Ah, but that’s part of who you are isn’t it?” He murmured against her tanned skin. “The vulgar words are the ones that come naturally to you.”



“Curse for being raised American.” She whispered breaking down and wrapping her arms around him, nuzzling into his neck a little. “It’s one of the reasons he likes to keep me close now. Apparently it’s my charm to him.”



“Don’t let Albert’s accent fool you.” He chuckled; there was a light in his eyes. “He’s as American as you and I.” He let his other hand feather through her hair it was so much softer than the harsh straw his wife had… Smelled better too, the shampoo Cole used was fruit scented, but matched her. The exotic scent of mango filled his senses a moment.



“He isn’t’ the one that fools me. You do… always so gentle until it’s time to strike.” She slid a hand under his shirt letting her fingers dance playfully over his skin. “Always so careful…” As she spoke, her lips caught an earlobe playing with it.



“I always had to be in some things.” He tipped his neck a little, an offering so few ever got, and sky blue eyes almost narrowed to see what her next move would be. The hand that had been in hair continued down her back in a slow heavy pet. “I was never as imposing as Albert, or many of the others.”



Nibbling at his neck, she smiled. “No, you’re not as imposing, but that is your charm.” She managed to pull his shirt away from his shoulder as she continued kissing along his neck, giving the jugular vein a playful nip, reminding him she could be dangerous if she wanted.



While Albert Wesker was built and defined with hard lines that were only shown off by how he presented himself, William Birkin was slightly toned, just a hint of what could have been, if the man ever left the labs and exercised more than just his mind. His shoulders, like his cheeks and the bridge of his nose were dusted with freckles.



“And perhaps your charm is with your vile words and cocky Alpha bitch ways.” He smiled a little at her. It was one of the things he had found interesting about her, one of many.



“I’m no alpha. Wesker’s made that point clear by making sure I know my place is lower than that Bitch Wong’s.” She pulled his hands off her long enough to remove the shirt, and toss it to the floor. He pulled her close again as she spoke.



“Alpha bitch, dear, not the male, and besides, Ada only has her rank because she’s good at what she does. I think he’s a fool for not using you fully.” A smirk hinted at her lips. It was well known that William hated most women, and if word of him being soft with Cole ever reached anyone at headquarters they would never believe it. He trusted she’d keep her mouth shut though.



Nimble fingers slid easily under the black silk man’s dress shirt she wore, and unclasped the bra. “You normally aren’t this excited.” He remarked feeling her press against him more.



“Well normally I have no reason to be.” She grinned a little. “Too much pent up energy doctor. After all, I had to play the good girl all day and not kill anyone.” She moaned a little. This was where he usually would play the tease, this time she hoped he wouldn’t. She didn’t want to have to get her way with force, though she knew if he really wanted to stop her he could. She wasn‘t as strong as most of the other B.O.W. She just knew how to use her other gifts .



“Really? Maybe you should play good girl more often.” He smiled again, this time it was one that she had seen many times before, but never directed at her. Normally, it was something he only used around Wesker.



The scientist was plotting, which could only mean trouble.



Seeing the smile Cole quirked her head a little. “First you tell me you like me as me… now you say you like me acting more ‘human’. Which is it Doc?” She scowled a little at him, though her eyes showed she wasn’t angered, just confused.



“I like you for you, but normally you’re not so bold. Maybe I just like you pent.” He tapped his finger on the tip of her nose. In actuality, it had been some time since he had even fancied the idea of a tryst like this. The woman was beautiful, not in the model sort of way, just in that way some girls got, when they didn’t think they were even pretty.



“Well, I figured bold would get me closer to you… I mean… Wesker likes the meek and mild… but he also leaves bruises. I’d like to see how the real man in charge is.” She smiled when he tapped her.



“It’s a partnership Cole. And we each take charge of different aspects.” He debated only for a moment before he pulled her into a kiss. This would be the dealmaker, or breaker, he couldn’t stand it when anyone was meek.



She was still for a split second, and then smiled at him. “I’m all for partnerships.” She pulled him closer. “As long as responsibility is shared equally.” She grinned leaning in more for the kiss.



“We will have to see if this can advance. However…” He reached out pulling the blinds on the window closed. “I’m not one into displays.”



She pouted slightly. “Aw, but displays are fun.” She smiled deciding to play things his way, after all, displays were really more of Wesker’s thing. She didn’t take Birkin as in on the whole show.



“Only if you pick the audience.” The devilish grin returned to his face as he tossed away the black lace that was her bra. Just for a second his hands hesitated, it really had been too long since he had been with a woman, not that he considered Annette a woman. She was more of a block of ice with sand paper that just happened to have boobs.



Cole pulled him back a little, moving towards the bed he had previously been sitting on. “True,” Her eyes shifted slightly to black, only to fade back to green. It was the reason she wore the dark glasses most of the time, because her eyes were the only way at first glance, you could tell she wasn’t human.



“I never thought you were a woman of convention. You seemed more of the rough against the wall type.” He trailed after her, not minding this unexpected side of her.



“Considering how often I’ve tried to get you to just throw me up against the wall… Tells me you’re not.” She sat down, pulling the man down to her lap. “Also tells me, it’s probably been a while for you hasn’t it?” She smiled. “There’s nothing wrong with tender. I don’t have to waste energy healing afterwards.”



“It’s been a while with…” He blushed like a schoolboy. Really, he and Wesker could be highly rough with each other.



She smiled a little. “Take it to mean to say with a woman? Wesker hinted as much.” She ran her hands down his back lightly.



Birkin looked down at her. “It’s not like we bother to hide it.” He muttered blushing. They just weren’t real vocal about their trysts.



“I know, but how often are the three of us together?” She purred going back to kissing his neck. “And no… I am not hinting that… I’m a one man at a time kinda girl thank you.” She smirked. “Just, the three of us are hardly in the same room at the same time.”



His hands moved and cupped her breasts. Even through the silk of her shirt, she could tell how soft they were, almost feminine. “You have a point.”



Part of the reason was he was afraid what would happen if the three of them were together. He knew the woman wasn’t as strong, and knew Wesker was rough with her. He just didn’t want to see it.



She smiled as she trailed her fingers along his belt, planning to remove it. “Don’t worry, I don’t mind it.”



“If you minded, then you would have stopped teasing me long ago.”



She giggled a purely innocent noise. “No I wouldn’t have. I tease you because you get that cute flustered look.” She managed to get the evil belt undone. She knew she had the strength to just tear the leather, but was trying so hard to be good and not tear his clothes. “It’s a look that makes you look younger doc. More innocent.” She smiled up at him. “Reminds me that we’re all at least partly human. Even if most of us aren’t that innocent anymore.”



“We are truer to the Ideals of humanity than humans are.” He was blushing; her words had caught him off guard. “I think you’re over dressed now.” He stammered to make up for his shyness.



“Oh, then by all means, you should help me undress a little.” She grinned tossing the belt, hoping it would land somewhere near where she had dropped his shirt. As she spoke, she kicked off her shoes with a low purr.



Birkin slipped his off as he reached to pull off her shirt, stopping long enough for her to unbutton the top few. Once her shirt was off, he watched as she shook her head, letting her hair cascade over deeply tanned shoulders. Reaching out, he brushed it from her eyes, enjoying the view she gave him.



“You do have such beautiful hair…” He slid closer once again, placing his lips to hers.



A blush hinted at her cheeks as she whispered a thank you. It wasn’t often she actually got compliments from anyone. After all, her job was to be a grunt. She pulled him closer, deepening the kiss as her hands worked feverishly to open his pants. She gave a frustrated groan, it was clear she wasn’t used to dress slacks. Wesker usually wore jeans when they were together.



Birkin’s hands roamed over her body getting a feel for the soft curves. It was different, but it was something that wasn’t at all unpleasant. Unlike Annette, Cole’s firm build trembled at his touch, the look in her eyes told him she was willing to go as far as he wanted. Though it was clear, it was because she wanted it, not because she had to.



Birkin deepened the kiss, being considerate, but still a little forceful. It had been a while, but she was the first woman he had found that didn’t piss him off.



She smiled enjoying the feel of his hands on her skin. There was a small noise from her, as she managed to get his slacks open. She pulled out of the kiss long enough to tell him to take them off. He chuckled since she had made it a request, clearly trying not to mess things up.



“Off with yours as well.” He stated sitting up more to shed the slacks that had been giving her hell. “Do forgive me, for not being on top of the game…” He whispered dropping them to the floor. “But you are… only the second… I’ve shared a bed with.”



She grinned slipping out of her own pants, leaving the black flimsy lace briefs that matched the bra; he had thrown earlier, on as well as the garters and sheer stockings. “Enjoy all you like.” She leaned up to kiss him again, catching one of his hands to move to her breast again.



He looked her over a moment licking his lips a little. “Not to over inflate your ego, but you are the first that I’ve wanted in some time.” He tenderly kneaded the soft flesh, before lowering his face to kiss the dusky buds of her nipples.



She gasped slightly as his tongue brushed over the sensitive skin, just hinting it was there.



“Con…” She paused a moment to concentrate. “Considering how many other women we have… I know you could have any of them.” She breathed, flattered at his words, yet knowing she wasn’t the prettiest of the women around.



“Most of them are vapid whores that are useless.” He growled gripping her a little tighter, enough to make her look up, but not really hurt. “You’re nothing like them.”



That was the closest to a real compliment that she had ever heard him say to any woman. She laughed a little. She couldn’t count the number of men she had slept with, mostly so she could get information from them because Wesker wouldn’t allow her to beat it out of them. Then there were the men she was assigned with, half of them she slept with because they had gotten bored, or her reputation got the better of her. There were times she felt like more of a whore than Ada looked. “You’re probably right. But at least those I sleep with, are satisfied afterwards.”



He chuckled knowing the reputation the woman had, but still found her cleaner somehow. Maybe it was because she never pulled her punches, or made excuses for her actions. He shifted, tormenting the other nipple. Now was not the time to get distracted with pleasant banter.



When he started his assault, again she groaned forgetting a moment on whatever else she was going to say. Leaning back she arched into him tracing his shoulders with her hands as her eyes closed a little. “Don’t stop… please… don’t stop…”



William clearly had no intention of stopping and he growled low in his throat. It wasn’t that often he let himself get caught up in the moment. Nevertheless, he wasn’t going to complain, something about the tan skinned hellcat of a BOW writhing under him made it impossible for him to think clearly. Trailing feathery soft touches down her body, he started a slow trek between her legs, feeling the tight yet soft silk lace that hid her.



She mewled softly, the faint smile still on her lips as she raked her nails against his shoulders, enough for him to feel, but not enough to even scratch him, even though she knew he’d heal from it. Cole was being careful, not sure exactly how he liked it. She’d play his way for now. Though she did shift a little, giving him more access to her.



He was about to pull away the delicate black lace….



“They’re gonna clean up your looks

With all the lies in the books

To make a citizen out of you

Because they sleep with a gun

And keep an eye on you, son

So they can watch all the things you do”



Cole groaned shaking her head. “I’m going to fucking kill the brat… Seriously.” She was half-tempted to let her voice mail get it.



Birkin sighed. “He’ll think I’m doing horrible things to you.”



“Because the drugs never work

They’re gonna give you a smirk

‘Cause they got methods of keeping you clean

They’re gonna rip up your heads,

Your aspirations to shreds

Another cog in the murder machine”



William arched a brow listening to the lyrics. She sighed scrambling out from under him to find her pants to get the infernal machine.



“You’re right, but rest assured, next time I see him… I am so beating him with his own arm.” She growled low as she found the phone.



He moved to the other bed watching her as she took the call, the woman hadn’t even bothered slipping her shirt back on, and he could see that the little teasing he had done. She blushed at his glance, deciding if she should cover herself or not. Deciding against it, she answered the phone. “What the fuck do you want Burnside?”



“Cole? I’m not interrupting anything important am I?”



The connection was horrible. She figured he had to be at the airport. Though she could still hear his distress, slumping her shoulders a little she bit back a ‘yes’. She glanced up at William shooting him an ‘I’m sorry’ look. “Not really, we were just about to go over a plan that’s all. What’s wrong Steve?”



Cole was still trying to figure out how she had been tagged as his babysitter. Part of her wondering if it was because both of them had been created from a more ‘pure’ version of Marcus’s research. “Isn’t Whiskers with you?” She saw William’s cringe at her nickname for Albert.



“Don’t ask me how I managed it… But I did delay an entire flight.” He paused.



She chuckled to herself picturing the red head chewing his lips.



“Wesker had to slip off quickly eh? But that’s not what this is aboot.”



She heard him shift the phone and bit back telling him that his inner Canadian was showing.



“S.T.A.R.S. or what’s left is in the airport. I’m not kidding.” He wasn’t panicking, but he wasn’t too happy with it either.



Her face went serious. “Where are you?” She sat up, her mind already racing. It wouldn’t do to have them here. Not yet. Looking at William, panic showing briefly in her green eyes.



“Like I said I delayed the flight eh?” He sighed into the phone. “I think I can buy you one more day… Would have called sooner, but Claire’s sniffing around… a little too close.”



She has noted the last few times they had worked together, Steve hadn’t been as cocky, now he seemed to be right on the ball. She glanced up noticing that Birkin was watching her, though his eyes were on her face and not lower. The man was trying to listen in.



“Who else is with her?” Cole thought for a moment. She knew she’d be able to deal with the left over S.T.A.R.S. if she needed to. Just stall them long enough for the doc to do what he had to do. “One day may be all it takes. We’ll try to move him in the morning.” She didn’t like it though. They had taken great lengths to make sure that the man would be out of communication long enough.



“Valentine and the ex-company man.”



She scowled a little. One of them knew her face. However, she was supposed to be dead to him at least.



“Be careful Steve. We’ll take care of things here, you try to disappear, meet back up later. Don’t call my cell again.” She frowned as she pulled the phone away a moment. “Seems he’s called in others.” Red black hair fell into her face as she spoke.



Birkin sighed a little. “Doubt it.” He reached over brushing her hair back, feeling it flow like silk through his fingers. “I think that it might have been lovely… what was that nurse’s name… that did it. Convinced him to call his family.”



“We took his phone though… I made sure it was unusable…” She scowled. “Kennedy, he might have given him a line. They would have informed us at the hospital if he had used a land line.” She looked up, her eyes showing undirected anger. “Can we take out that meddling bitch now?”



“I’m sorely tempted to say yes.” He frowned. “Her and that idiot agent.”



She sighed. “Do what you can Steve. If I don’t contact you later, Whiskers will.” She hung up on the kid as Birkin’s fingers caressed her neck lightly, not to start anything, but to try to calm her.



“You do know getting rid of Kennedy will be harder. Though…” She held up her hands letting energy flicker between them. “Might be fun to see if I can make it look like an accident. That hospital is old after all. Faulty wiring and all that.”



“He’s the one I want alive.” The look on his face showed he loathed the idea. “At least until I can find out what the Starlight Cruise virus can do. Afterwards, if we can’t make him useful, I see no reason you can’t have something pretty to play with.” William shook his head. “So, do you want to order out?” The mood had been killed. There were days he hated his job. Glancing over the nearly nude figure on the floor before him, he sighed. Today was clearly one of those days. Her cheeks reddened as if finally realizing how bare she really was in front of him.



“Fine, I’ll just knock him out.” She stopped the light show and reached for her shirt. “Yeah, may as well.” She unbuttoned it more, slipping it on. “Sucks too. Never fails, if it wasn’t him, I have a feeling it would have been Whiskers.” She didn’t add that she thought he’d be happy about that kind of distraction. “The ass never lets me have any fun.”



“That boy’s timing has got to be the worst.” William was dressing slowly and chuckled slightly. “Perhaps another time?” He didn’t want her to feel like it had been a now or never thing.



Watching him dress she nodded, the blush fading as she forced herself to look elsewhere. “Yeah… we so have to try that another time. And I’ll be killing our phones when we do.” She giggled. “We’ll have had our fun by the time Whiskers busts down the door.” Yeah, she did that she’d probably end up nursing wounds for a few weeks, but hey, would be worth it.



William stretched. “So, what will it be? Pizza or Chinese?” He would have offered to take her out, but knowing what his mood was like, he didn’t want to risk it. They were supposed to be low profile after all.



“Pizza, it’ll keep me going a little longer than oriental.” She smiled faintly. “Have a feeling I’ll need the extra boost.”



“True,” He was mulling over the idea that S.T.A.R.S. had been seen on the move. “Do you think they spotted Albert?”



She bit back a scowl, she didn’t want to hear about Whiskers now, but she knew Birkin cared about him. “Steve said Whiskers bailed on him. Steve’ll do what he can; he’s good at hiding at least. It’s gotten to the point I can’t find him if he doesn’t want to be found.” She smiled a little. “We both know Whisker’s will be alright. I mean it’s Whiskers.”



“Maybe.” His eyes narrowed as he shifted to look at the nightstand that had the local menus of delivery places.



Having a feeling she had upset him, Cole crawled up next to him on the bed resting her head against his back a moment. Since the shirt was so long, she hadn’t bothered with her pants. Pressing against him she wrapped an arm over his side. “Doc…You’re really worried about him aren’t you?” Yeah she didn’t want to think about the man, but with how Birkin was acting, she couldn’t help it. Another question was on her mind, but she didn’t ask it.



“Cole, I am always going to worry when I don’t know where that man is.” He frowned swallowing hard. “I thought that he had died once.”



She bit her lip pulling him closer, not to start anything, just because she thought he needed the hug. “He’ll be okay. I’m sure of it. I mean he’s tougher than I am.” She tried to give a reassuring smile. “We’ll get what we need to do done, and then we’ll go look for him. Okay?” She reached up toying with his brown hair. “You’ll see, he’ll be fine.”



“I’m sure that he will be.” William’s voice trembled slightly with uncertainty. “And while I would love to go look for him. We… we cannot afford that. I’m sure that he will be getting a hold of us.”



She nodded against his back. “Right, after all, we’re babysitting Redfield a while…” She sighed and peeked over his shoulder snagging a menu. “This one looks okay.” She grinned looking over the toppings. “Meat lovers with black olives and pineapple.”



“…Black olives and pineapple?” He looked over completely confused by her choices.



“It’s good. Sorry, it’s something I got used to when…” She paused, as if the memory she had brought up stung her. “Before I was infected.” She shrugged, a lot before her infection was still a mystery even to herself.



“Well it’s nothing I would have thought of.” He shrugged a little.



“If it grosses you out we don’t have to have them on it.” She smiled slightly. “I should call Beth and tell her we might have company. Steve’s going to try to buy us another day, but he’s not sure if it’ll happen.” She sat up reaching for the phone again.



“Well I like pineapple on my pizza… we’ll get it half and half?”



She smiled nodding as she kissed his cheek. “Sounds good.” She dialed the number brushing the hair from her face. “Just hope Beth doesn’t suggest we go back down there. I don’t want to have to get dressed. I swear bras are just modern torture devices men created to rub in all the wrong places.” She scowled slightly.



Birkin’s cheeks reddened more and he turned away from her a moment. “She can suggest it, but the Doctor has paper work to do.” He smiled a little. He would abuse his rights if he had to. Moreover, if Cole kept it up, he knew he would have to.



Cole gave a small smirk. “Yeah, I mean she should be able to handle a kid and an invalid for a few hours right?”



“One would hope.” His voice holding no emotion as he placed the call to the pizza place.



Cole took the far bed, leaning against the wall as she talked. A frown crossed her face as she hung up a few minutes later. “Kennedy hasn’t left yet. Though I don’t think there will be a problem.”



“I don’t think he’ll be one. As it stands, if he witnesses the injection that’s taken willingly… the rest of S.T.A.R.S. should back off.”



“It’s the nurse we have to worry about then. I have a feeling she won’t back off once she finds out what the injection is.” Cole sighed slightly. “Well, I’m almost always up for a challenge…”



He shook his head, the light brown bangs falling into his crystal blue eyes. “Is that why you like me? I’m a challenge to you?”



She gave a faint smile at his question. “Part of it.” She reached over brushing the hair from his face. “Then there’s the fact you’re a hell of a lot smarter than I am. I have a thing for the brains… The brawn’s usually too easy to get in bed.”



“Well you do have a valid point.” He laughed and took her hand, kissing the back of it gently.



She smiled a little more, blushing as his lips touched the back of her hand. It still amazed her how smooth his hands were. She figured he probably thought hers felt like sand paper in comparison. Biting her lip a little, she watched him as he slowly looked up at her.