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Claire sees it before everyone else does.
The way the Operative's shoulders never seem to settle. The wary glances the few survivors they've gathered cast in his direction when he passes with that computer of his.
She asks Marvin about it, the police officer that has been with them since they got into and subsequently left the Raccoon City Police Department, and his expression is solemn. He tells her that their friend has completely secluded himself in his work. His eyes glued to his screen and his hair messier than usual. Well as usual as knowing a man for very little time can be considered.
She asks about the last time he rested. Marvin simply parrots what the Operative told him the last time they spoke.
'I will when this is all over. I just don't have the time.'
He really tries to up hold this promise. That is until Claire grabs him from the farming location of the mansion and drags him off. She hands his computer off to Marvin before they disappear.
Claire pats the spot of grass next to her when she sits down first. He hesitates, glancing over his shoulder at all the things they have left to do, before he finally settles down beside her.
" You won't help any survivors running yourself ragged like this, Operative. "
Her words are gentle. Quiet and soft. Yet they sting like cracking hands in salt water. He crosses his legs and puts his hands into his lap. He narrows his eyes down at them.
" The dead don't wait.."
" No. They don't. Neither will your body when it finally crashes head first into the dirt. " Claire rebuttals.
He frowns deeply at this. His gaze sweeping back to her. She raises a hand, asking him to wait.
" Everyone is worried. Marvin, is trying to figure out how he let you down. You need to let us help. "
" But I can still do more. I need to do more. " he tries to argue but she simply shakes her head in response.
" Resting for a little bit won't mean that'll you'll be slacking off forever. It just-" she pauses and turns her gaze to the view of the stars above. " It just means you trust us to handle the weight until you are able to bare it again. "
" You'll need me. " he whispers, he follows her gaze upward.
" Of course. You've been a good leader so far. "
" I never asked.."
" No. But everyone agreed. You accepted. And together with Kate? You two handle so much around the mansion. " she pauses and taps her chin in thought. " She rests sometimes. Is she lazy? "
The Operative's shoulders tense. He looks at her with wide eyes.
" Of course not! She's been so much help with all the mystery around this place and handling all the resources and-"
Claire smirks at him and he can't help but sigh. He pulls his knees up and wraps his arms around them. He's fallen right into her trap.
" That wasn't fair..but I see your point. "
" Very fair actually. You aren't the only pig headed man I've had the misfortune of handling. " she hums in return.
The Operative chuckles a little as he recalls something. " That's right, your brother. "
There is a slight chill that comes along with those words. It makes the man cringe inwardly and try to figure out how to possibly take back those words. To come up with something funny to say instead. Still, she nods her head as her smile grows tighter, but her eyes seem to remain bright.
" Yes. Chris has always been a pain in my ass. Even now, making me wait like this. " she breathes out. " If he were here, he'd probably tell us both to hurry up and rest while he handles everything. "
A faint snicker escapes the man beside her. " Hurry up and rest..
A quiet hush falls over the both of them. Operative fiddles with the folds of his coat before he lays back in the grass, arms folded behind his head.
" We'll find him. "
The sureness in his words catch Claire a bit by surprise. It is something she wholeheartedly believes. She meant what she said when she said that Chris was being a pain by not being here already. To hear that Operative believes it with such conviction is startling. With all the infected, she wouldn't blame him for doubting her brother's survival. Its just..an unfortunate doubt to consider.
" Your parents will show up too. I'm sure. " she whispers back to him. She should have said 'hope'.
There is a flicker in his eyes after she says that. A slight shift in his expression. She is not even sure she actually even saw it in the first place.
" I'm sure of that too. " he echoes back, staring only at the stars above.