Chapter Text
Crystal sat at her lab desk, removing her gloves and tossed them into the trash bin beside the desk. She leaned back and rubbed her sore eyes gently,
“Man, I’m going to go blind at this rate.” She sighed and glanced over at the clock on the wall, standing slowly while popping her lower back. Opening a drawer next to her desk, she pulled out a small mirror and groaned at her appearance. She looked like she got hit by a bus, the bags under her eyes a blueish purple shade. Sighing again, she pulled out her ponytail, deciding to braid the black strands instead to make it look somewhat tamed and professional.
Crystal straighten her jacket and the white turtleneck below it, also sliding her name tag on, “Crystal Redfield” plastered across it. You were the older, far less know sister of Chris and Claire Redfield, while they were more action and guns blazing, you preferred quiet and analytics. They knew you were a scientist for a big company, but not which one. Since it was such private information, they at least gave you that. Now did it bother you that your company and subsequent research was being used against them? Maybe at the beginning but you were never that close to them, in fact they rarely called or acknowledged you unless they needed something.
With a roll of her shoulders, she started towards the elevator to head to the meeting room. She slid her ID card from her pocket and used it on the pad, with a beep the door opened almost silently and she stepped in, hitting the button for the 11th floor. The doors slid shut once more and moved toward your stop, but not before stopping at the 7th floor. When the doors opened, a certain infamous blond haired, sunglasses wearing man, stepped in. You glanced at up at him and with a gentle smile, “Morning, Mr. Wesker.” All he did was give an ever so slight nod of acknowledgement.
You always got along with him, and yes, you knew of his double agent activities that he was doing to your brother. But your job was far more important than a brother who barely ever made time for you. You looked over at the lights as you got closer to your floor and took note of now rigged Wesker was standing, even for him. Someone either pissed him off or he was as thrilled for this meeting as you were.
“Not looking forward to this meeting either I take it?” You glanced at him, and he looked at you. “No, not particularly. I am a busy man.” You nodded in understanding and turned your eyes back to the door as it pinged again, opening at the 11th floor. Wesker stepped out first and made his way to the conference room where everyone was meeting. You followed, taking a seat farther in the corner so you were off to yourself. Most people here weren’t exactly friendly, especially the other scientists since you were all technically competing against each other. You had reasoned that it seemed like you were a target more than others was because you were a Redfield and since you got along well enough with the higher ups like Wesker and Birkin.
Sighing at the thought, you crossed your arms and tried to get comfortable in the chair you were sitting in. You’d think they could afford more comfortable chairs, you thought to yourself as you watched the final few scientists pour into the small room. With that, someone you were sure you probably met before, starting to introduce the reason for the meeting.
As they drowned on, on matters that you simply couldn’t bother to even attempt to care about. You started roaming the room with your eyes, settling on Wesker, whom was clad in black turtleneck and black slacks. Hm, how unusual, he normally has either his lab coat on or at least a duster on, you had brought your hand up to your cheek to rest your head on it.
The meeting went on far longer than you would have liked it to, there wasn’t anything that quite literally couldn’t have been sent in an email. You stood from the chair and started towards the door, as soon as you stepped out, Wesker had grabbed your arm.
You raised your eyebrow at him, “Yes, is there something you need Mr. Wesker?” He gave a small nod, “Yes, whenever you have a little time away from your research, I need to talk to you in my lab. Privately.” You nodded slowly looking at your reflection in his sunglasses.
“Of course, if it can wait an hour, I will be there around...” You peaked at the clock on the wall, “3 o’clock?” Wesker nodded, “That will work fine. Just knock on the door with 3 knocks so I know it is you.” You nodded again and he turned on his heels, making his way to where Birkin was standing waiting for him. You could feel people glaring at the back of your head, groaning softly to yourself and muttering, “Too old for this petty shit....” Turning, you leveled a look at some of the younger workers there, knowing they were jealous of you. One of them walked up to you and jabbed her red painted nail into your shoulder. “So, what gives you the right to get all chummy with Albert and William, huh?” Lifting your hand, you grabbed her wrist and narrowed your eyes. You hated when they called Birkin and Wesker by their first names, no respect for authority or power.
“It is simply none of your business and you should learn that quickly. The higher ups do not like to be undermined, just so you know.” You tossed her hand and back towards her. She put her hands on her hips and pouted, “I’ll have you know, Redfield, that Albert and I have a personal relationship!” She stuck her head up like she was triumphant. All you could do was try not to burst out laughing. You started towards the elevator, smirking, “Dear, him chewing you out for not doing your job, is not personal.” Laughing, you closed the door, and it took you down towards your lab. “Kids these days...”