touchofgenius | rl with wesker

Well that certainly was true, he could have snapped his jaw off if he'd really wanted, Birkin should honestly be thankf- No damn it, he's gotten so much better about this he wasn't going to back down just because Wesker had one good point.

"It still doesn't make me your personal punching bag. And do you seriously expect me to want to keep helping you if you threaten to snap my neck just because I try to protect someone who didn't even really do anything to you?" Cautiously, Birkin stepped closer, and even though his sneakers barely made a sound on the floor, he was sure Wesker would hear his footfalls anyway. "I have access to that serum and until I give you the updated virus, it can still hurt you, so realize that for the time being I hold some kind of power over you, don't make me feel like I need to use it."

Hmm. Yes, that serum. Wesker's eyes flickered briefly, but he never did lift them from the scope. If Birkin thought to get close enough to inject him with anything--well, Wesker was fast enough that the man likely wouldn't get the chance. No need to voice these thoughts aloud, however. No, better to let Birkin stew in the silence. Wesker, after all, had nothing to say.

So, he keeps on saying nothing, making minute adjustments in the scope, jotting down quick notes in a neat hand. He's grown soft, it seems. He's fallen out of the lifestyle of what it meant to be a scientist under Umbrella. A pity, really, but Wesker supposes it can't be helped.

The silence is stone-cold and likely uncomfortable.

Birkin shifted slightly. He's so used to having Stein as his lab partner that quiet while doing anything scientific was alien and honestly quite a bit disconcerting. He can think back to days of working with Wesker though, and then it didn't seem so foreign, just like fearing for his life if he made one misstep.

But still, Birkin believed with all his heart that Wesker wouldn't kill him. Hurt him, certainly, scare him, obviously, but kill? He wanted to think that was a stretch. So he stepped closer until he was hovering right behind the other man. "If you expect this to work out you need to actually listen to me, for starters."

"You assume I'm not listening," It was a dry, absent comment, but Wesker still didn't turn to look at Birkin. Not a personal punching bag--no, perhaps not. Still, it was hard to look at any human the same again after his own transformation. His temper, too, was something that had been affected, and when he had lashed out at Birkin before... Well, needless to say, the damage could have been much, much worse.

The threat, in itself, was laughable, but he didn't need Birkin plunging into another screaming fit if he voiced as much. Wesker was tired of feeling today, already. His emotions were skewed enough as it is, and now? Well, he was fairly certain he had already reached capacity.

Birkin glanced down at the floor, suddenly feeling more sheepish than angry. He couldn't remember why he was so angry in the first place. Maybe he was being a little unfair. Wesker had always been like this to an extent, and the virus would of course affect his aggression level, that was partially the point, and here Birkin was acting like he didn't know that and lashing out at him over it.

Rolling his bottom lip between his teeth, Birkin decided to go a different route with this. "I guess... I just, um. Wanted to apologize? I shouldn't have snapped at you before. I was out of line." And he wanted to say that maybe Wesker shouldn't go around threatening to kill his friends, but that could wait. Obviously nothing happened, so it was fine.

There was some truth in that thought, but for a man who prided himself on control... Well, who knew how much control Wesker really had these days anyway, despite the icy facade he wore all the time. The apology did earn a glance, and Wesker tilted his head to study Birkin for a moment. Sincerely? Well, that was a twist. "You paid for it. You have nothing to be sorry for." The bruise on his cheek was testimony to that.

"I do not expect you to linger here. Run to him, if you must." He strode past Birkin, already focused on some new task. He'd managed just fine without the younger scientist. You know, besides the whole dying thing--but now that he knew his mistake, well. It wouldn't happen again.

It stung a bit, the way Wesker brushed past him, but on some sick level, Birkin realized he probably deserved it.

"I don't have anyone to run to. Even if I did, I'd rather be here, with you. You mean so much more to me than anyone else does." Well, anyone else still on the community at least; Stein had had his claws in Birkin as much as Wesker did and it was a hard choice between the two of them. But Issei? Not even close to the devotion Birkin had to Wesker. "You're all I have, all I want to have." He hoped that bit of hurt in his voice conveyed the honesty in that statement, but at the same time, he wasn't overly hopeful that Wesker would care.

In the very least, that did earn a glance over his shoulder. His sanguine gaze rolled over Birkin for a moment, considering. As irritating as Birkin could be, he couldn't be rid of the man. Not just yet. "Come along, then." He said after a moment, and if Birkin did choose to follow him (he had no doubts), Wesker would lead him to their makeshift excuse of a kitchen.

Coffee would be made, about as black as Wesker's soul. It was how he enjoyed it, though really, caffeine did very little for his system these days. Birkin--hell, he didn't even know how Birkin took his coffee, these days, and a steaming mug would be passed his direction. "I lost control." He mused almost absently--but at least he was acknowledging he had overreacted. Kind of.

Birkin took a few sips of the coffee happily. He never really enjoyed the drink for the taste; it was just necessary with how his sleeping schedule worked when he was busy. "Don't worry about it," he said honestly. Logically, Birkin knew that 'losing control' was supposed to be about yelling or storming off or saying something stupid or something along those lines, but... It was hard to care about particulars at this point.

"I got my nose broken by a lightning demon once, and I've had more nights spent in surgery than most people; really, a little punch to the jaw isn't so bad in the grand scheme of things." Not that Birkin was forgiving him, exactly. He knew Wesker should treat him better, but, well, Birkin also knew he should have expected this when he moved in with him. "Just, you know... Try to avoid losing your temper and punching me in the future? If you don't mind?"

Birkin's measure of self worth had always been lower than one might normally expect. It was part of what made him so useful. Still, Wesker knew that he had sorely tested the scientist's loyalty, and as much as he hated to admit to himself, having Birkin on his side would be more help than hindrance. "Regardless. It was wrong." He murmured against the lip of the mug before he took a sip, not at all bothered by the heat.

Dark, gloved fingers lifted to the bruise still marring the man's pale skin. They didn't press in, but they did ghost over the mark, not quite admiring. "I would advise leaving, when this happens. It would be safer for you."

Birkin's cheek twitched slightly at Wesker's touch. He couldn't even feel it honestly, but that possibility of it actually hurting was there and while the pain of a mere little bruise wasn't awful, Birkin knew himself well enough to know that he might do something stupid like moan at this point. Stupid Stein and his stupid plan of turning Birkin into a masochist. Definitely didn't make him relate all that normally to others.

"And expose your research to your temper instead? Not a chance." Birkin gave a little half-smile on the side of his face that wasn't bruised before taking another sip of coffee. It was true, too. Having his - yes his, Birkin thought stubbornly - research destroyed because Wesker got pissed off was not a risk he was willing to take. Especially when he thought of the nasty cycle it would create: Angry Wesker -> Destroyed research -> Setbacks in said research -> More angry Wesker, and so on. Birkin could handle some abuse so he didn't pointedly have to deal with anything worse.

The coffee was set to the side before Wesker absently removed his glove, his calloused thumb pressing almost experimentally at the bruise this time. He'd felt that twitch, heard the leap in Birkin's pulse. Call it curiosity. "My research is not expendable. People are." He mused, and that was simple truth. That research was more highly prized than the lives of practically everyone, as far as Wesker was concerned.

"I will see about your relocation." It was an afterthought, but one that he was deadly serious about. "Perhaps it would be wise if you weren't here, after all." Birkin's safety be damned, he hardly needed the whole community frantically poking their noses in to make sure the man had gotten enough beauty rest and whether or not Wesker was speaking to him nicely, and what have you.

Birkin whimpered softly, biting his bottom lip. ...Then, quickly, he pulled away his hand covering his cheek protectively, though he was mostly trying to hide the way his face had started to flush. "Fucking ow, Wesker. Haven't you beat me up enough for one day?" He scowled, but there was no venom in it.

But just as quickly he changed his tune once he realized Wesker wasn't kidding about the relocation thing. "You really don't have to do that I'm fi-" No, that probably wouldn't work, better to be more honest. "I don't want to be alone, that's all. Just invest in a door you can't break through instead. It'll be less expensive, plus I'll have the option of working through the night still."

"You're aroused," He mused, catching a glimpse of the way the man's pupils had started to dilate, the blood rushing to his face--and elsewhere. "Interesting." He hadn't thought Birkin the type. No matter, his attention had already flickered elsewhere, and the younger scientist would be spared. For now.

"I'm sure one of your friends will keep you company." Many of scientists from Tricell would be able to pick up where Birkin had left off, if he wasn't able to do it himself. There was no reason for the other's...well, continued concern. If Birkin thought to take this project on all by himself, Wesker would rather nip that in the bud.

Birkin was halfway through coming up with some kind of denial for that when he realized Wesker was just making the one comment and then moving on. But still, he couldn't help the petulant look on his face. 'Interesting' as it was, Birkin didn't exactly want that to be common knowledge.

He shifted in his seat, staring off to the side at the wall. "Kicking me out for no reason seems a little harsh. Maybe I don't want to leave. Ever think of that?" ...Well, no, probably not, Birkin realized. This was Wesker, and the man wasn't exactly known for thinking of others.

Then you shouldn't have been so revealing about it, you silly man. Fortunately, Wesker truly didn't care. It had nothing to do with him, and unless Issei planned on bending Birkin over the temple stairs and spanking him over the network, it would continue to have nothing to do with him.

"I'm not kicking you out. You're being moved. For your own safety. And for the safety of your acquaintances." Simple as that. It was what William had wanted, and it was the best solution, so far as Wesker could see.

"But-" Birkin sighed. It wasn't worth the fight. "It'll be somewhere close by, right?" Really, it didn't entirely matter in the long run. Birkin probably wouldn't leave his 'safer' location unless it was to go to work, and once he was there, it wasn't likely Wesker would forcibly remove him as long as he was still working.

"Wherever you'd like. I was thinking a different world entirely." Time to evaluate Birkin's expression. Would he accept that, or not so much? Wesker didn't know if he'd care, one way or another.

"Absolutely not!" Birkin had perhaps never looked so defiant as he had at that moment. He was scowling (pouting, it was really like) with his arms crossed over his chest. "I've... I've been burned by living in different worlds too many times; I'm not doing it again."

With a sigh, his posture relaxed. He evidently had a better way to express himself than acting like a child for once. "At least let me get done with the P-30 serum before we make any decisions. Once I inject myself with that, I'll be able to keep up with you for the most part. I could even try to add in some more of your virus to make it stronger so I can, y'know, dodge your punches maybe. Or just to benefit from the healing factor you have at the very least. Is that a deal?"

Wesker's expression never changed, but his amusement was nearly palpable. Birkin had never acted as though living in different worlds had been anything but enlightening. Perhaps it had something to do with his recent revelation of his sexuality. Really, he didn't care enough to inquire. Not right now.

"If injecting yourself with it proves successful." Wesker reminded him absently. Bad came to worse, Birkin would miscalculate and they'd have another Raccoon City event on their hands. Or, rather, he would. Birkin would be some slathering beast intent on impregnating anything that moved. He met the man's gaze for a moment, thinking, and eventually, inclined his head. "Very well. Should things go wrong, however, I want you to know that I have given you ample opportunity to escape."

Edited 2012-07-17 15:55 (UTC)

Birkin's face brightened. That was a deal he could definitely live with, especially considering he was determined to not fail in this venture. He might take his time, even.

"Things won't go wrong. I learned from my mistakes with my G-Virus, and now I'm making sure my body can handle what I throw at it instead of, well... The alternative. Just you wait, you won't regret having a right hand man who can actually keep up with you, I guarantee it!"

His lips quirked slightly at that, faintly amused. "Very well. I don't trust easily, Birkin, but I believe you won't disappoint me." That was a large measure of his faith, in itself. It was true that Wesker hardly trusted anyone, but Birkin had more leeway than most.

He supposed that time would tell whether or not it was misplaced.

"You won't be disappointed." Birkin gave a mock salute at that and smirked.

At the end of the day, he won this fight. And he was pretty alright with that.

"Just make sure you don't punch me to death before then. Deal?"

"No promises." Wesker said dryly, but his expression didn't change. Birkin was still in the clear, for now.

"I'll make sure I protect myself by staying in the labs then." If Wesker really didn't want his research damaged, he probably would be less willing to throw people around where that might be liable to happen.

Birkin's head was already spinning with the thoughts of how he was going to pull this off. He wasn't going to make the same mistake by not testing it on other people first. Wesker was right, people were expendable compared to his work. "Actually, I think I'm going to need a blood sample from you. I want to make sure I can replicate the mutations on my own DNA, so I should get a closer look at how it works on you."

"Mm," Yes, likely better for all parties involved. The mention of a blood sample did earn a slight lilt of one brow, but the man looked more thoughtful than offended. "Be certain it isn't something that won't alter you permanently." Especially if it was modeled after his own unique structure.

"I'll be careful. But I figure if I can use your DNA as a medium to combine the viruses it might keep me from getting ripped apart." Birkin chewed on his bottom lip while he kept thinking of possibilities on how to pull this off.

"...But of course I'll test it plenty first."

"In theory, it seems sound." Watching Birkin fret always did please him, one way or another. It was something that he couldn't easily explain. "You will." Again, a simple agreement. The younger man may have been many things, but a fool... was not normally one oof him. He'd see about ironing out some of the more unpleasant kinks that the man had built up over his stay here.

Birkin paused, waiting for some kind of snarky remark or something, but it never came, so he was left with simple flattery which he definitely wasn't about to complain about. "Yeah. So, um... I guess I should get back to work, maybe?" And then he quickly added on, "Or did you want to go take a much-needed break together?"

And so, the crack in that already fragile-shell began to widen. Wesker allowed himself a smile, and perhaps Birkin would think it would have to do with his suggestion. "The latter, then." He held out his arm, a seemingly innocent gesture, but allow the scientist to read into it all he liked. The more he had to work with, the better.

Birkin stared at Wesker's face for several long moments before stiffly moving to take hold of the other man's arm. "S-so... Um... Wh-where, uh," he cleared his throat, "did you want to go? Or did you want to go anywhere at all? Because we could just... Stay here and talk or something even?" Wesker would probably notice him shaking, and even Birkin knew he wasn't hiding that particularly well but he couldn't quite manage to give any fucks about that right now.

"Whatever you would like to do." He was having to stifle the more predatory urges threatening to well up at the sound of Birkin's pulse racing like that, and he kept his eyes fixed on the path ahead. "We do have some time, after all."

"How's food sound?" Birkin had managed to stop freaking out and slipped a small smile across his lips. Yes, this was actually kind of nice. Birkin could definitely learn to live with this.

"Any particular cravings?" Yes, he could eat. "And some alcohol." He didn't know if Birkin's tastes had changed. Hell, the man was usually too busy to waste precious time with intoxication. They were very similar in that sense. A muddied mind was a worthless mind.

"Well I always enjoy Italian. If you're in the mood for it, of course." Birkin beamed up at him, clearly feeling more confident even if he was still hesitant about his words. "...And I have some gin in my lab, if you want. There's probably something around here we could mix it with." Birkin's opinions on drinking at least had changed slightly. He was always up for a few drinks now and then. He gained a bit of confidence as his words slurred together, which he admittedly enjoyed.

The taller man considered that for a moment, then inclined his head. "Yes. I think that might do just fine." There was a place he could have someone swing by, pick something up. The mention of drinking did make hi glance, an amused smile not quite curling at his lips. "I think it will take more than gin."

"Sadly, I'm all out of rufilin, so you'll have to cope with just gin, Your Majesty." Birkin raised an eyebrow with a smirk, meeting Wesker's almost-smile with confidence. "But if we start drinking now, before you've eaten, it might actually have an effect, virus or no. It's worth a shot, right?" A snicker and a slight, embarrassed-for-laughing-at-his-own-bad-joke blush appeared on his face. "Get it? Worth 'a shot'?"

rl with wesker

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