45 Revenge

"Jesus, this building is fucking gigantic," John cursed. They had been searching for over half an hour and there was still no sign of the labs. 

John and Jolene crept through the research facility, the unearthly silence setting their nerves on edge. The corridor stretched on, bathed in the harsh glow of flickering overhead lights. Signs of decay marked the building's faded glory as a scientific hub.

Their footsteps echoed faintly, the only sound in the lifeless halls. The frigid air carried a sterile, medicinal scent - spectral remnants of past innovations.

"Eyes sharp," John whispered, breath faint as a ghost's. "Lab's around here somewhere."

Jolene nodded, her dagger poised, muscles taut. This hunt for Neuroregen-X had led them to the abandoned complex, and foreboding tingled down her spine. What might lurk in these forgotten depths?

Finally, they halted before a heavy steel door unlike the others. Sturdy and secure, it hinted at important secrets sealed within. A small plaque read "Research Lab."

Jolene's eyes widened with hope and excitement. "This is it! The lab we've been searching for!"

John's jaw was set with determination. "Let's grab that drug and get out of here."

Exchanging a resolute glance, they pushed inside. Ghostly emergency lights revealed a pristine lab - state-of-the-art equipment, meticulous workstations, glass cabinets filled with medical treasures.

A hallowed atmosphere hung over the room, as if it were a sanctum harbouring the knowledge needed to turn the tide against catastrophe. The cure was so close, but claiming it would be their greatest trial yet. Strains of hope and fear mingled in the sterile air.

With bated breath, John and Jolene braced themselves and stepped fully into the derelict lab. If answers existed here, they would find them. Failure was not an option.

John and Jolene searched the lab meticulously, combing through drawers and cabinets for any sign of Neuroregen-X. As the one with medical knowledge, Jolene scrutinized each vial and syringe they found.

"Is this it?" John asked, holding up a small bottle.

Jolene shook her head. "No, that's actually a new serum for—"

"Not interested," John cut her off as he spun around, ready to continue his search. Jolene snorted. She found the situation funny and a little too frustrating. She couldn't quite figure him out. John's outwards demeanour seemed consistent, but his personality was all over the place sometimes. 

She heaved a deep sigh, resigning herself to continue to live in ignorance. She had to help Maria and John wasn't someone she'd figure out so easily.

They continued hunting through the shelves and refrigerated compartments. John held up tube after tube, but each time Jolene gave the same disappointed head shake.

After an hour of fruitless searching, John groaned in frustration. "It has to be here somewhere!"

"I know," Jolene replied wearily. "But this lab is huge. It could take days to search the whole..."

She trailed off, eyes widening as she looked past John's shoulder. He spun around to follow her gaze. There, on the farthest wall, a large sign read "Restricted Area."

"That has to be it!" Jolene gasped. They rushed to the sealed-off area. John yanked the chain-link gate open and they hurried inside.

On a central table sat a single vial marked Neuroregen-X. John snatched it up triumphantly.

"Fucking finally!" he exclaimed. In his excitement, he pulled Jolene into an impulsive hug. As they embraced awkwardly, the vial slipped from John's hand. They dove to catch it, bumping heads in the process. Rubbing their heads ruefully, they couldn't help but laugh at their fumbling.

"Let's...get this back safely," John chuckled. Jolene smiled in agreement, but as the two of them stood up, their faces were mere inches apart. 

Jolene froze, John's chiselled jawline and weather-beaten skin made her heart thunder, something had leaped up inside her. His broad shoulders seemed to stretch for twice her width. 

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Jolene couldn't tear her gaze away from John's dark brown eyes, which seemed to swallow her whole. Her heart raced as she wondered what he was thinking. Is he feeling the same electricity that I am? 

"You know," he began, placing his hand gently on her shoulder. His touch sent a shiver through her body. She felt like every little thing he did could get a reaction out of her. "I said you're hot, but now that I look at you this close, I can confidently say that you are gorgeous."

[Favourability +5]

A rosy hue spread through Jolene's cheeks. She had lost herself, and to top if off, John had an intimidating aura. 

"Anyway," he said, changing from sultry whispers to a casual tone, "let's go back, quickly. Maria needs us."

John's grin blazed like wildfire, spinning around to mark the epic end of their quest. They'd scored the precious drug they craved, a shiny new skill neatly tucked into John's digital arsenal.

No need to squint at the system's message—it was as clear as day. A fresh skill was in the bag, and the woman by his side played a starring role in this success story.

Moonlight painted their silhouettes tall and bold, a cool blue filter over the night's canvas. What was once a spooky city now wrapped around Jolene like a warm, safe embrace. With John at her side, her grin grew stronger with each step, unstoppable and infectious.

Breaking the silence that shrouded them, John's voice cut through, sharp and unexpected. He locked eyes with Jolene, his interest clear. "So, Jolene, you got a boyfriend, right?"

Jolene's gaze met his, her eyes alight with intrigue as she answered cautiously, "Yes, I do have a boyfriend."

"And how's that going? Are you head over heels in love?" John asked, his gaze never wavering. Jolene stole a glance at him. His face gave nothing away, but she'd learned to navigate John's enigmatic persona, so she brushed it aside.

A soft chuckle escaped her lips, curiosity kindled. "Well, we've been together for a while, and I care about him a lot. Love, though... I'm not quite certain."

John's mouth formed a crescent. He saw an opportunity. Jolene didn't love her boyfriend, and even though John would welcome a challenge, he would also welcome a free meal. 

"What's got you smirking?" Jolene inquired, intrigued by John's expression. But they had reached the entrance of the bunker before John could answer and a handsome man rushed towards them.

As John watched the man's eyes fixate on Jolene, he immediately deduced that they were together. He glanced once more at Jolene's enticing physique before the man noticed his gaze and gave him a menacing look.

The man glared at John, causing something within him to click into place. It was then that John recognised the individual - someone who had tormented his life endlessly.

A wicked smile formed across John's lips. Who knew he would get an opportunity for revenge so easily?