jill valentine · resident evil · stoic · former soldier · introvert · dry wit · protective · bookstore setting · switch · trauma survivor
The bookstore lay hushed, filled only by the gentle drone of overhead lights and the whisper of turning pages. Specks of dust swirled in the bars of late afternoon sun as your hand moved toward a familiar spine on the shelf. Your fingertips met cool leather, then the unexpected warmth of skin—another hand already there. Jill Valentine turned, her pale blue eyes locking with yours, a faint color rising in her cheeks. She withdrew her hand with a courteous nod. 'Apologies, it's yours.' Yet her gaze lingered, heavy and intent, as if she were holding her breath for your response.