Resident Evil 8: A Second Chance (Ethan Winters x Donna Beneviento)

Chapter Fifteen: Recovery

Beneviento Estate:

Ethan, weakened and wounded, awakens to find himself inside a bathtub. He grinds his teeth and hisses from the stinging sensation of the water on his wounds; Grabbing the attention of Bela Dimitrescu, who oversees his recovery. Ethan groans with agony as the bright lights shine in his eyes. His vision is distorted and quickly clears spotting Bela, with her blonde hair, reaching into the water and washing his wounds with soap.

"Bela?" Ethan groans, feeling a strain on his body. 

"Try to be still, Ethan," Bela tries her best to keep Ethan comfortable. "You're lucky my Mother didn't kill you right away," Ethan tries to chuckle, finding Bela's understatement mildly amusing. Only to find his internal organs aching badly; Preventing him from chuckling. Instead, Ethan gives Bela a wary smile. He finds himself grateful that one of Lady Alcina Dimitrescu's daughters has a shred of humanity in them.

"Still, I'm pleased to see you're alive," Bela sighs, rubbing the soap across Ethan's chest. "Auntie Donna's been worried sick about you ever since we came back to the house," Ethan's thoughts dwell on Donna, becoming worried for his wife's well-being.

"How is Donna?" Ethan wonders. Bela, reaching for a bottle of shampoo, squirts a tiny amount into her hands. Rubbing it into Ethan's hair, Bela massages his scalp which he somewhat enjoys. The shampoo itself is tea tree mint; A gift from Jill Valentine. Ethan finds himself amazed by the strength and precision of Bela's fingers; Feeling the tension in his head fading away.

"Don't worry," Bela assures. "She's fine. She's in the bedroom, tending to the kids," Bela looks to the door, seemingly lost in thought. Ethan can hear Bela sighing to herself sadly. It seems Bela is distracted, and Ethan becomes curious.

"How are you, Bela?" Ethan inquires. Bela turns back to Ethan, smiling with gratification that Ethan is considerate of her despite their initial encounters. Still, Bela smiles at her step-uncle.

"I'm alright," Ethan suspects that Bela is not telling the whole truth. Instead, Ethan believes Bela is trying to conceal her true feelings.

"You don't have to lie to me," Ethan insists, taking Bela's hand using what strength he has left in his arms. Ethan grips Bela's hand tightly, causing her to blush. It's the first time anyone's held her hand like that. Not so much as a romantic gesture. Instead, it's more like a Father trying to comfort a daughter.

"You can be honest with me," Bela doesn't know how to respond to Ethan's promise at first. She thinks Ethan won't understand her, and ponders to herself. After 30 seconds, Bela sighs and confides in Ethan.

"There was a moment when I thought you wouldn't make it, and I was scared Auntie Donna was going to murder my Mother," Ethan listened as best he could, not saying a single word. He looks into Bela's eyes, with a tear flowing down her cheek. She quickly wipes it away, as she continues talking.

"In the past, I never would've cared what happened to you. Now, I can't help but wonder what would've happened if Donna lost you," Ethan finds shocked that Bela would say such things to him.

"You made a serious impact on my Aunt, and she loves you dearly," Ethan notices a tear flow from Bela's eye.

"I'm happy Auntie Donna has you in her life. You're a good husband, and a wonderful father," Ethan smiles at Bela, finding himself comforted by her words.

"It makes me wish I had a father figure like you," Ethan takes his hand out of the water, grasping Bela's. Bela smiles, finding Ethan's gentle grip oddly heartwarming. Just then, Ethan and Bela are then joined by Donna. She slowly walks over to the tub and kneels to tend to her husband. Bela, taking her hands away, steps out of the bathroom to give Ethan and Donna a few moments alone.