Author's Note: I decided to try my hand at a RE romance just to see how it would flowI know, I don't write romance and am most decidedly not a MarySue fan. Still, my goal is to write the atypical romance and I think people will be surprised at what I have in store for our hero.

Updated AN: Ok, I lied; I didn't really revise the chapter, just this new author's note. I've decided not to update due to lack of support for the story which was a prerequisite for my updating.

Re-Updated AN: Anyway, I know I said I wasn't going to update but I thought about it and realized I was being unfair. Actually, I couldn't resist updating. Anyway, stay tuned for Chapter 2, coming soon.

Italics denotes thought.

Chapter 1

It is a beautiful, sunny spring morning or at least as beautiful as a Monday morning can be. The warm sun shines through the heavy white curtains and a single ray falls upon the person lying in the rumpled bed.

Chris Redfield awakens to a ray of cursed sunlight shining directly into his left eye. With a groan, he rolls over and buries his face in the pillows. Blocking out the light, he tries to fall back asleep. Just as he feels sleep wrap its warm, soothing arms around him, the radio next to the bed goes off, playing Sonny and Cher's I Got You Babe.

He slaps the snooze button and grumbles to himself. "I really hate that song."

He throws back the covers, giving up on any chance of getting more sleep and puts his feet on the floor. Grabbing his towel and a clean pair of shorts, he heads for the bathroom to take a shower.

Claire Redfield, Chris' sister, is standing in the kitchen fully dressed. She peeks around the corner at her grumpy brother as he shuffles in his blue sleep pants and white t-shirt to the bathroom. With a knowing smile, she returns to making coffee.

Chris finishes his shower and shaving. Putting a little gel in his hands, he runs them through his still damp hair, finger-combing it into place. After brushing his teeth, he heads back to his bedroom to dress. On his bed is his new, freshly pressed, every tag and badge in place, Virginia State Police uniform.

With a smile, he dresses and goes to the kitchen for his breakfast. He finds Claire, sitting at the table drinking her coffee. At his place is a cup of coffee and an empty bowl.

"Thanks for taking care of my uniform." Chris says gratefully.

Claire responds, "No problem. I knew if I didn't do it, it wouldn't have gotten done."

Chris laughs a little, "You're so right. You know, sometimes I wonder what I'd do without you."

"I wonder that myself." Claire says stiffly.

She gets up and goes into the kitchen. Chris fixes his coffee and takes the first sip.

Claire's voice comes from the kitchen, "What kind of cereal do you want? Froot Loops or Grapenuts?"

Chris answers, "Froot Loops, please."

Claire comes in with the box and a carton of milk and put them in front of him.

Chris pours himself a big bowl and starts chowing down. He looks over at Claire and says, "You shouldn't have to ask what I want. You know I hate that rocks and twigs cereal."

Claire replies, "True but you should try to eat healthier. You're 30 now, you shouldn't be eating kid's cereal."

"But I like kid's cereal," Chris whines, "besides, it's fortified with 11 vitamins and minerals. It says so on the box."

Claire sighs heavily, "Well you need to start looking after yourself."

"That's what I have you for, Claire." Chris says, somewhat confused.

"Not for much longer Chris," Claire reveals, "Steve asked me to marry him and I've accepted. I'm getting married and we're not going to live here with you. You're going to have to do things for yourself."

Chris is stunned, "Married? That little snot didn't even ask for my blessing."

Claire says, "The wedding's in three months. You have until then to figure out what you're going to do."

Still a little stunned, Chris gets up and walks to the front door. Turning, he faces Claire, "I'm going to be late for work if I don't leave now. See ya, later."

Claire waves from her seat in the kitchen, "Have a good first day…and think about what I said."

Chris nods and walks out the door to his black 1966 Ford Mustang. The whole way into work, he thought about Claire's news. She and Steve were getting married. She was marrying the Leonardo DiCaprio wannabe. He didn't even ask for permission. Where's the respect for him as her older brother?

She's 24 years old. She can make her own decisions. But who's going to cook for me? And clean the house? And do the laundry? And make my appointments and remind me of them? I need a girlfriend. Stupid Jill left me for Carlos. I'll have to find someone new.

He arrives at his division's office and parks. Walking inside, everyone greets him. He returns their greetings as he heads for his Captain's office. Inside, Captain Murphy welcomes him to the department.

Chris responds, "Thanks Captain. I'm really glad to finally be here. I can't wait to get started."

Captain Murphy is delighted with Chris' enthusiasm, "It's good to see someone with so much fire but first things first. I want to introduce you to you're new partner."

Chris' jaw drops to the floor as his new partner enters the office. Captain Murphy's voice barely registers as he says, "Her name is Brandy and this is her first assignment."

To Be Continued…