Fire & Ice

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN: February 2024

NOTES: A gift to me by Tumblr user carlosoliveiraa as part of the Bloody Valentine gift exchange! This is not my writing!

It has been one year since the downfall of the Umbrella Corporation. One whole year since the rug was pulled out from under Constance Fox; her entire existence altered within the blink of an eye.

To say she hadn’t been fully prepared for that potential eventuality would be an understatement. But she wasn’t alone in that regard. Hundreds of her fellow Umbrella employees had suddenly scattered underground, searching for other means and opportunities to carry out the company’s goals.

Meanwhile others hadn’t been quite so loyal. They had floundered, gasping for that last breath like a fish on a hook. Not Constance, though. Despite having the option to testify against her employers, she chose to stay; the idea of infiltrating, burrowing deep within the confines of the company seemed more appealing at the time.

That image of loyalty had paid off, though. Word had traveled back to Oswell Spencer and suddenly she found herself on Sonido de Tortuga Island by order of the man himself. Her familial connections plus her impressive resume was enough for her to be selected to help out his daughter as she searched for a cure for mortality; a way to ensure her father remained ever the omnipotent presence eternally.

Which is how she found herself where she is now, two coffees clutched in her hands as she makes her way into Alex Wesker’s lab. When her golden eyes land on the aforementioned woman she feels a rush of warmth radiating through her, flushing her ivory cheeks.

“Ah, Ms. Fox. To what do I owe this pleasure? I was under the impression I gave you the day off.”

Constance bites her lip as the older woman’s icy gaze pierces through her. Something had happened in the months that they had been working together. What started off with the two women clashing on almost every subject has led to a sort of quiet camaraderie with both gaining respect and affection for the other.

“I thought you might need one of these. I heard from your lackey that you never went home last night.”

Alex hums, drumming her well-manicured nails against her desktop. “Yes. Well, I have been spending more time in the lab than usual. But I don’t see why that is anyone’s concern. Especially with the progress I have been making with this mutagen.”

“Oh?”

Constance’s curiosity is piqued now. It hasn’t been that long since the research facility on the island has been up-and-running, so for there to be a breakthrough already? It would truly be a scientific marvel.

After placing the coffees safely away from any important work, the two women meet in the middle of the fluorescent laboratory with the older woman unveiling her well-documented notes. “I’m sure by now, Ms. Fox, that you are aware of my illness, yes? That it is slowly killing me?”

Constance catches a flicker of, what appears to be, sadness flash through the doctor’s blue eyes and all she can do is nod. Yes, she’s aware of what the woman is going through, but it has yet to deter her from wanting to be by the woman’s side. If anything it only draws her in more.

“I - I am aware. Has your research perhaps found a potential cure?”

“Not quite. But I do believe we are on the precipice of such a discovery.”

Alex hands her a manila folder before guiding her over to where the doctor had been sitting just prior. Her fingers are cold as they touch the bare skin of Constance’s neck and she can’t help but shiver in delight.

What is it about this woman? Constance has always prided herself on being well-poised, but ever since she let Alex Wesker under her skin finding that sense of grace has been rather difficult. To say the least.

“So, what is to happen to this mutagen?,” Constance muses, tossing her ginger locks over her shoulder before flipping through the notes. “I am not quite sure that what would cure you would help cure your father of his,” she pauses, humming as she ponders on the right word, “ailments.”

A rare smirk quirks up the corner of Alex’s lips as she saunters up behind her; her lithe body pressing up against Constance’s back. “Do not worry about that, Ms. Fox. In due time I will divulge my plans.”

The younger woman finds herself unable to speak. It’s not that they haven’t been this close before, they have been in many predicaments lately that may be deemed inappropriate for a boss and her employee, but nevertheless, goosebumps spread like a wildfire all over her body.

“Are you not curious as to why I am trusting you with this information?”

Alex leans ever-so-close, her palms resting on the desktop, caging Constance in. “The thought has crossed my mind,” the younger woman replies, trying to sound nonchalant. “Is it because of the rapport we have built lately?”

“Close, Ms. Fox, but not quite.”

Constance’s breath hitches as she turns slightly, the two women almost nose to nose. They’re so close now that she could kiss her if she wanted to, but that would be inappropriate. Wouldn’t it be?

Alex continues on as if she doesn’t notice their proximity, so at ease with herself that she doesn’t bother with feeling nervous.

“It’s because you remind me of my brother. And I know, “she pauses, holding up a hand to stifle any potential interruptions from Constance. “I know that you have probably heard rumors about him from others at Umbrella. That he is egotistical and overbearing; thinks of himself as a godhead, but those aren’t the reasons that draw me to you.”

Constance stills, unsure of how to take such praise. She is right, she has heard things about the other Wesker sibling that would make her wary of even being in the same building as the man. But perhaps others might feel the same way about the Wesker that she has aligned herself with.

“And - and what are the reasons then?,” Constance asks, spinning in her seat as the two are situated in quite the intimate position now.

“You possess an intelligence that most lack, you’re confident, and,” Alex pauses, her blue eyes trailing down her face, briefly landing on her lips before coming back to focus on her eyes, “you’re loyal.”

The older woman reaches out, curling a strand of ginger hair around a finger. “You are devoted to me, aren’t you, darling?,” she purrs.

“Yes,” she responds without hesitation.

Constance doesn’t know what’s come over her, but she forgoes the social mores that dictate workplace culture. Tipping her head up ever-so-slightly, her lips lightly graze against Alex’s in a soft, but chaste kiss.

It barely lasts for more than a few brief moments, but she relishes in surprising a woman so composed. As she peeks up, she’s surprised to see the faint hint of a smile gracing those normally icy features.

“So, can I trust you to join me on Sein Island?”

“What about Lord Spencer?,” she whispers against Alex’s lips.

“Like, I said before, don’t worry about father, darling. I’ll handle all of that.”

Constance lets out a deep sigh. She isn’t usually so spontaneous, but Alex Wesker has more than gotten under her skin. With a nod, her golden eyes lock onto the other woman’s blue ones.

Fire and ice.

“I’m in.”