About a year went by since the China and Tall Oaks incidents which took countless lives. Since then things have become more stabilized at least in the lives of some of the individuals who stopped the calamity from spreading across the globe. Leon Kennedy and Helena Harper went on several missions together since the Tall Oaks incident, and eventually got a much needed break from all the outbreaks and B.O.W.'s. Helena was still distraught over her sister Deborah, but she did a phenomenal job of keeping it to herself, that is until her psychological test came back negative from the CIA. For the time being, until she could take the test again, Leon got her an apartment right across from his so he could keep an eye on her. Being partners for nearly a year made them close friends, and he wanted to do everything necessary to make Helena feel better after that.

Leon on the other hand passed his tests with flying colors and was offered a job with the BSAA, and a team called SURGE which was newly experimental group of people trained for B.O.W combat. As he walked down the hallway to meet with Hunnigan for his reports, he contemplated many things, and thought of his answer about joining SURGE. He breathed deeply as his hand reached for the golden door knob to Hunnigan's office, knowing full well what he was going to do.

"I can't accept the offer Hunnigan." He stated firmly.

Hunnigan had known Leon for many years now, and it came as a shock he would turn down such an invaluable offer from the government. She tried hard to hide her shock, but Leon could see clearly she was somewhat disappointed. Having co-signed on the new team, Hunnigan looked displeased.

"That isn't like you. Why the change? You seemed like the perfect candidate for the job. Plus you would be leading the next generation of B.O.W. fighters! How could you pass that up?"

Leon sighed and took a seat in front of Hunnigan's oakwood desk and looked her in the eye. She could tell he was going to give his full honesty on the subject at this moment.

"The BSAA already has done a good job at counterattacking B.O.W.s. I don't see the point in making another group like it. Though its good pay, and as much as it would be an honor for me to train new recruits, I need to stay where I am. Having the job I have currently is the only reason I've been able to stay sane and not fail my psychological evaluation."

Hunnigan could sense some hostility in the last part of his sentence. She knew for a while he was angry that the CIA didn't pass Helena. She also knew that they recently assigned Leon with a new partner, a hot shot from the marines. Something he never was too fond of. Hunnigan assumed it was probably because of Krauser. Leon never did seem to trust anyone with that kind of background again afterwards. Who could blame him?

"Look, I know you are upset that Helena can't be your partner, believe me I am too. If there was any way I could forge that test, or reinstate her, I'd do it in a heartbeat. That is out of my limits and you've known I've done nothing but promote her. She still has a good desk job here and she lives right across the hallway from you at your apartment. What more could you want?"

Leon knew she was right, what more could he want?

"This isn't just about Helena…"

"No, this has everything to do with Helena."

Hunnigan stated as she shook her head and sighed.

"I don't mean to pry, but are you getting too attached? You know me, I wouldn't report it to the higher ups because then she'd be out of a job, but I need to know, is there anything going on between you two?"

"No."

He stated his answer firmly, even his body posture could give off the presence that he meant what he meant. Hunnigan cocked an eyebrow, still feeling like there was something he was hiding.

"Anything at all?"

"Other than she is a good partner there is nothing along the lines of that."

Hunnigan let out a breath of relief. She had her doubts in the back of her conscience but knew she could trust Leon and his answer. If he was serious enough like he was just now, then she would have no worries.

"Alright. Are you sure I can't change your mind on the SURGE opportunity?"

Leon shook his head.

"I'm sorry but I don't want to partake. But I need you to do me a favor if you can Hunnigan."

She crossed her arms and adjusted her glasses slightly. Taking a sip of coffee she began to speak to him.

"I'm listening,"

"I want to request a year off."

"A year off?!"

"Yes."

Hunnigan could not believe the words she was hearing. First, a rejection of the SURGE offer and now a vacation was contributed to the list. Leon was never the type of person to ask for a vacation or any time off for that matter. Whenever something was to come up he would be the first one on board no questions asked. A part of Hunnigan felt trapped at this offer. He was dedicated and he deserved a long time off but since he was probably the most renowned agent in the government, it would be hard leaving an outbreak to someone else if a case were to come up. However as much as she regretted it, the higher ups would see to it that he would get time off after 15 years of dedicated service. A year off was the least they could do for him.

"I'll do my best. Just be sure to fill out the time off paperwork and submit it to me when you can. I'll get that sent off to them as soon as you hand it in. You'll get your year off. Knowing you it will probably be a paid vacation."

Leon laughed a little at hearing the jealousy in Hunnigan's voice. Since she mostly did desk work a year's paid vacation was something she could only hope of dreaming. Even though in Leon's mind her work was tedious and stressful, he knew the higher ups in office would never allow that for someone with desk work. The only exception had been Helena; she has the option of desk work with her suspension.

"Until next time Hunnigan,"

Leon got up and they both shook each other's hands not before Hunnigan embraced him in a warm hug. Leon returned it and they looked at each other as good friends.

"You have fun. Go enjoy life; you never get to take time to smell the roses chasing B.O.W's all your life."

"I'll be sure to. I'll send you a postcard if I end up going to Bora Bora."

She smirked at him, knowing full well Leon was aware she always wanted to go there.

"Don't bother! That's like rubbing salt in an open wound!"

Leon headed for the door but then paused as he heard Hunnigan's voice.

"Take care of her…she's the only thing you got aside from the psychologist we assigned to her. Be sure to let Helena know we miss her."

Leon smiled.

"I'm sure she'd like to hear that."

He walked down the hallway of the base feeling like his body was lighter. Leon felt like a huge weight was lifted off of him as he made his way back home to his apartment, hoping today Helena would smile once in a while.

Test format 204, 205, 206.