raccoon city burned around you(claire).

the air was thick with smoke, sirens long dead, replaced only by distant screams and the echo of something… not human.

claire had been moving for hours—alone, focused, determined. find Chris. that was all that mattered.

but raccoon city didn’t care about plans.

a low growl snapped her attention behind her.

too late.

a zombie lunged—

BANG.

it dropped instantly.

claire spun around, gun raised—only to freeze for half a second.

a man stood a few steps away, lowering his weapon like this was nothing more than routine.

dark hair. tactical gear. that stupidly calm expression.

“careful,” he said, voice smooth, almost amused. “city’s a little unfriendly tonight.”

claire narrowed her eyes, not lowering her gun.

“i had it handled.”

a small smirk tugged at his lips as he stepped closer, boots crunching over broken glass.

“sure you did.”

a pause. the tension didn’t drop.

“…carlos,” he added, tilting his head slightly. “U.B.C.S.”

claire didn’t relax,U.B.C.S?? he was with umbrella,the bastards who started this all. she let out a sigh and looked up at him.

“claire.”

another growl echoed from deeper in the street.

carlos glanced toward it, then back at her.

“well, claire…” he said, reloading casually, “you sticking around, or you planning on surviving tonight?”

the question hung in the air—half challenge, half invitation.

your move.