Resident Evil One-Shots

Red (Serbert)

2002, somewhere in West Russia

The forest shone brilliantly in the golden sun's light, snow had long since melted away, giving the damp Earth beneath room to breathe. Two men, dressed in hunting gear, quietly crept through the brush. Almost picturesque & breath stolen by the sight alone. There was the faint sound of distant bird song, everything seemed almost peaceful.
Nicholai grunted & stretched his spine slightly, fingers checking down the barrel of his gun.

"How's the daughter adjusting?"
Beside him, the large frame of Sergei loomed, grinning as Nicholai jumped slightly, startled by the deep voice before giving a soft growl.

"She's doing fine," he huffed & turned to scan the tree line. "Moving to Russia hasn't been easy for her, but, she's got a knack for learning quickly. I often take her out for hunting on the weekends."
He explained, swinging his rifle over his shoulder before giving a grunt as he pulled himself up & over the thick trunk of a fallen tree.

"Why didn't you bring her then? Would've been impressed to see her shoot."
Sergei stared up at Nicholai in curiosity, who only waved it off.

"Ah, something about old men & hanging out. Can you believe she thinks I'm 50?"
Despite his silver hair, Nicholai was in fact very fast & very strong. He could level the playing field with Sergei before the bigger Russian ever noticed.

"Zhdat, you're not 53?"
Sergei asked, even putting on a show of shock. He threw his head back & laughed loudly as his companion slowly turned, icy blue gaze piercing into his being, with every intention of burning him to the ground should Nicholai ever gain heat vision.

"I'm 46..."
Nicholai hissed before turning & grumbling to himself, soon jumping down on the other side of the log.

"I know," Sergei's snickering briefly paused as he quickly scaled the log in impressive timing before grunting as he landed beside his friend, reunited on the other side. "I'm just messing with you."

Nicholai snorted, rolling his eyes before trotting onward. "Please don't."

Sergei snickered & soon followed, the air around them pleasant & calm, a smile on the older man's face before he raised a brow as Nicholai nudged him & pointed ahead.

"Whats Albert's favourite game again?"
Nicholai asked as they stared across the river, a few deer lazily grazing on the rich fauna alongside the river bank.

Sergei shook his head, waving a hand.
"He likes rabbit, though we could take one & bring it back? I wouldn't mind making him cook it for you. You rarely even come out to see me anymore."

Nicholai scoffed, staring at the herd on the other side as he spoke, eyes analysing each one in thought.
"That's because I have a fucking child to look after."

Sergei chuckled. "From the sounds of it, she must be a pain in the ass."

"She is."
Nicholai sighed, raising his rifle, holding his breath as he stared down the barrel at a relatively plump buck, his antlers not yet at full growth, still the slight smears of fawn-like fur across his pelt.

"Ah, I'd give anything to have my boys back, regardless."
Sergei huffed, hands on his hips as he stared out at the herd, waiting for Nicholai to take the shot.

Nicholai sighed through his nose, nostrils flared before he slowly lowered the gun & glanced at his friend.
"What happened to Jake & Ivan wasn't your fault."

"I know," Sergei sighed & relaxed his stance, leaning against a tree as he lost his smile, watching the peaceful herd. He had said those words to himself so many times & yet he still didn't believe them.