A/N: Speaking of rivalry, there's only one Resident Evil character that can rival my love for Wesker. If you haven't guessed, it's William Birkin. I love dearest Birkin. He's adorable. So he'll probably be showing up quite a bit in these little oneshots.

Rivalry:

Chris was a naturally curious and friendly person. When he got close to someone he wanted to get close but of course with someone as distant and stuck up as Wesker, it was a constant uphill battle. For instance, Wesker only referred to the brunette by his nickname when he was in an intimate and almost cuddly mood. Otherwise it was always Christopher, which was better than being called by his surname but still not what Chris wanted. He wanted Wesker to get personal with him and at the same time he wanted to get personal with Wesker.

Of course, that just wasn't allowed.

During one of Wesker's almost cute moods, the two were sitting on a black leather couch at the Captain's house, indulging in some mind-melting TV and relaxing. Wesker was sitting with his back straight, one arm draped the back of the couch with the other playing through Chris' hair, who was happily laying on the blonde's lap, stretched out and taking over the rest of the space. Besides the fake laughter of the sitcom things were silent between the two. Comfortable and not at all strained.

Chris wasn't paying attention to the TV but was instead thinking about how comfortable he was at the moment. Curled up with Wesker like this always made him feel warm inside but despite how close the two were, Chris had never dared to call his lover anything other than Wesker.

It bothered him.

So while the blonde seemed to be in a good mood, Chris decided to bring it up. Raising chocolate eyes to Wesker he reached over and poked the man lightly in the stomach. "Hey Albert?"

From his vantage point, Chris could actually see under those stupid sunglasses and caught a glimpse of grey-blue eyes darting down before Wesker tilted his head and the view was lost to black lenses once more. "Christopher, I would appreciate it if you continued to call me by my surname."

Of course Chris immediately questioned that, almost like a child that couldn't follow rules unless they knew why. In the end, Wesker had to explain that he felt more comfortable like that and Chris was left to come up with his own theory. Actually, he had a pretty good one in mind. Wesker was scared of commitment but loved Chris so much he wanted to try. But fearing getting too close to someone, he had to have some feeling of distance to make himself feel comfortable. The brunette liked his little idea so in the end he dropped the topic and nuzzled into Wesker's stomach, grinning as the hand in his hair tightened ever so slightly before petting him.

That had been last week. Now Chris was singing a different tune.

Right in the middle of movie night—Chris got to pick the movie, but Wesker didn't seem to mind his choice—the doorbell rang.

The movie was paused and Chris watched curiously as Wesker sighed and stood from his seat to answer the door. He hardly got it open before a man was pushing his way through, frantically babbling, "Albert, I think I finally have it! It's the answer we've been looking for! All I have to do is-!"

He stopped mid-sentence, thankfully noticing Chris on the couch. The two stared at each other, each wrapped up in their own thoughts. Chris looked the new addition up and down, taking in the man's tired and haggard appearance, light brown hair, bright blue eyes, and freckled face. He was wearing a lab coat and his clothes were rumpled and disheveled. From the look of those dark circles, he hadn't slept in awhile either. Then Chris realized that this man had used Wesker's first name.

Taking a glance at Wesker, Chris noted that the man didn't seem bothered by the casual reference. The blonde just smirked silently and shut the door, almost like he was amused with the other's behavior.

"William, you have the horrible habit of showing up unannounced."

Wesker's low voice seemed to break the other out of his thoughts, and William sent a glance towards the blonde, a knowing smile curving along his lips. "My apologies, Al. I was just excited but if you have a guest over I'll wait to give you the good news." Then those blue eyes trained on Chris, who was far from happy about the situation. William held out his hand. "You must be Mr. Redfield. I've heard quite a lot about you."

Chris took the other's hand and squeezed hard, satisfied when a small wince crossed the other's face. "Strange, I haven't heard about you. William, was it?"

Pulling his hand back, the odd-looking man's smile now turned a bit strained. "Birkin. William Birkin." Then he seemed to forget about Chris as he turned his attention to the real reason he came. "Would you mind if I spoke to you privately, Albert?"

There was that name again. Chris seemed to sulk as he watched Wesker nod. "I'll be back in a moment," he informed his lover before following William down the hall and towards his private study. There was a click as the door was shut and locked and Chris sank back into the couch, a fierce scowl set on his features.

He knew damn well he didn't have a real relationship with Wesker. They fucked. They sometimes ate dinner, watched TV, and had a weekly movie night but they never talked about feelings or mentioned anything about being exclusive. Chris had never wanted anyone more than he wanted Wesker so of course he never thought of fooling around with anyone else. But he had no idea what his blonde lover did when they were apart. He had no right to be jealous or angry but Chris couldn't help feeling rejected and replaced.

He never thought he would have a rival for Wesker's love.

After fifteen minutes of talking, William and Wesker came back, the blonde letting out a sexy chuckle and William snickering under his breath. "I'll be sure to come back and visit, Al," he said as he headed for the door, that stupid, smug little smirk still on his face. "Just keep in mind what I've said."

Wesker nodded and the man finally left.

Chris didn't say a thing as Wesker walked back and settled down on the couch to play the movie. He didn't move or snuggle up to his lover's side like he was before they were interrupted. It didn't go unnoticed.

"Christopher, what's with that sour look?"

The brunette glared. "So he can call you Albert? Al, even?"

A sigh came from Wesker and he once again took the remote to pause their movie before turning on the couch and looking at his lover's pouting expression. Chris avoided his eyes but that became impossible when Wesker reached forward, took the man's chin in his hand, and forced brown eyes to meet tinted shades. "William and I have been close friends since we were young," the blonde explained firmly. "Furthermore, I've corrected him many times on my name and he's never listened. By this point I've just given up." He let go of Chris' chin but not before placing a kiss on the young man's lips. "Plus he has a wife and a daughter. You didn't notice the wedding ring?"

Chris relaxed at the kiss, his face reddening as he heard the last bit. "Um, no. I didn't."

He felt almost stupid for overacting to the situation. He hadn't bothered to look for a wedding ring, too consumed with the potential rivalry of some doctor dude to think clearly. Chris sighed softly and murmured an apology as he cuddled back up to Wesker's side. A strong arm wrapped around his waist and lips pressed against his hair, making the brunette smile again. All thoughts of William Birkin were wiped from the younger's mind as Wesker pressed play for their video.