I apologize for this chapter if you're a Keystone beer fan. It's just stupid humor is all.

Chris was feeling much better about Jill. He figured they should exchange personal cell phone numbers just in case she needed anything. Call him a mother hen but he wanted to make sure she would be alright.

He wondered if she lived by herself. If so, then that was all the more reason to look out for her. Wesker still seemed concerned, just as expected of the captain. Like Chris, Wesker had spent a good part of the day glancing in her direction.

After Chris called Claire, they soon found themselves heading to the restaurant franchise that held a lot of memories. Chris remembered being a teenager and hanging out with either friends or his sister at this place. It was weird to get sentimental about Applebee's, he supposed. But Chris didn't really care that much if people would think that.

Meanwhile, Wesker was shocked to find out that they were going to Applebee's. With the face he made, you would've thought he never heard of it before, like he wasn't use to eating there. If his dining experience was anything like the bars he went into, Chris could understand why. This time it was Chris who drove, though it took more time to convince Wesker to let him do so than he realized was necessary. Did Wesker have a problem riding when others were behind the wheel or something? If so, why did Wesker insist on riding with Chris? Maybe he really wanted the extra minutes to talk or something.

But Chris didn't wonder about this for too long. Goodness knows how many unexplainable pet peeves he had himself, so he shouldn't fault Wesker for his. They were getting out the car when Wesker asked about his sister.

"Does she live in Raccoon City too?"

"Yeah," Chris and he were walking toward the door, "We both grew up in a small town east of here. It's about an hour drive. She goes to school in this city and I decided to move here after the Air Force."

Wesker held the door opened for Chris to go in first. He gave a quick yet courteous thank-you. After Chris told the receptionist his name, she led him to where Claire was waiting. The younger Redfield smiled at both of them, stood up and embraced her brother in a strong hug. Her skinny frame was a great contrast to her brother's burliness. Wesker stood by and watched, trying not to feel irrational jealousy from these two siblings and instead aimed to look amused. They sat down and Claire began.

"So, you're the man that Chris was talking about."

"I'm Albert Wesker."

Claire took a moment to inspect him. Wesker waited very calmly to see whether she deemed him worthy of her brother or not.

"Nice to meet you, Albert," she said at last.

"Well, we call him Wesker," Chris set out to explain.

"But maybe we should go by our first names? Since we're together and all." suggested Wesker. He really wanted to command it. But he knew that wouldn't led anywhere with this guard dog for a little sister. And he wasn't in a position to bark orders at his lover just yet.

Chris stared at him in shock, like the idea of sleeping together was okay to him but saying each other's first names was odd.

"Really?"

"Of course, Chris. Though, just for the sake of professionalism, you should call me Wesker while we're at work."

"Aright!" Chris agreed.

Claire watched the exchanged with an amused smile on her face. They ordered their food and went back to the conversation.

"So, how's school?" Chris asked.

"Bastard of a teacher gave me an A- on the test."

"What? An A-? I'm disowning you," Chris joked.

"It's not funny," but Claire herself was smiling.

Wesker wasn't a big fan of Applebee's but seeing his Chris enjoy time with his sister almost made up for that. Of course, he still felt a tad jealous that every once and a while she would make him laugh. Wesker wanted to be the only one to make the elder Redfield smile. He kept his mouth shut. No need to let Chris know about these stupid feelings.

When they got their food, Claire looked at him.

"So, I heard that you guys went to an expensive bar. I wish the guys I dated was willing to pay for an expensive drink for me."

"Expensive? It was just beer."

"That was like seven dollars a glass. I shit you not, Claire," Chris said to his sister.

This seemed to impress Claire just as much as it did with Chris. Wesker found it odd that they were making such a big deal out of it.

"What? Was gold inside it or something?" Claire asked.

Chris took a bit of his burger. He might be wanting to pay for his own meal this time just like he insisted on driving. Not if Wesker could help it. He felt more in control whenever Chris relied on him for things like this. He didn't even want Chris to have access to his own vehicle as even that much independence felt like a threat to Wesker's need to control. Maybe he could convince him to sell that truck of his later on into their relationship. It was something to consider.

True, the drinks at Frontier were a tad expensive. Even Wesker was well of that. But he didn't realize it would leave such an impression on Chris. Chris went to tell how awesome the beer tasted to Claire.

"Better than Keystone?" she asked.

Wait, did she mean that beer that advertised how smooth it was because there was no way in hell it would sell itself by talking about the taste? Wesker made a face which both Redfield's found amusing.

"You actually drink that?" Wesker turned to Chris in amazement.

"Hey. We're not all loaded like you," Chris joked.

Claire giggled at this, dipping her chicken into some sauce before taking a bite. Wesker looked at his steak in disdain. He didn't need to buy crap like this tough piece of meat or Keystone beer and soon Chris wouldn't need to either. Claire swallowed and began again.

"Well, maybe you can pay for our food if you're so rich."

"I would love to," Wesker said, using this as an opening.

Chris and Claire stared at him in shock. Wesker knew a joke when he heard one but if he played dumb, there was no way that Chris could talk him out of this. Plus, he already thought ahead to this scenario, doing the math in his head. Altogether would be pocket change for him, even if everyone decided on a dessert. Though why they would want anymore of this restaurant's food was beyond him.

"I was just joking. You don't have to do that."

"I insist, Miss Redfield. I would love to."

"But you already paid for the drinks last night," Chris shook his head, "Forget it. I won't let you."

Time for good old fashion manipulation. Wesker lowered his eyebrows so that the hurt look would show through even with his shades on. Already it had its intended effect as Chris began to look like a guilt trip was coming over to him.

He noted that Chris's sister was looking at him suspiciously now, maybe wondering if this might be an act on his part. Wesker had a feeling that she might be trouble in the future if she ever decided that he wasn't worthy of Chris after all. But he could handle a little trouble his way as long as he could keep him.

"I don't want you to think that you're in my debt or something, Chris. I just like to do the paying when it comes to these things. I did it in my past relationships too. My mother pretty much drilled it into my head that it's the only way to be courteous."

Chris took in this lie and swallowed it like a fish on a hook, much to Wesker's joy. It wasn't too hard at all to get him to see things his way.

"Well…okay."

"But Chris-" Claire began but Chris was already defending Wesker's position. So loyal, like a dog.

Hmm. Suddenly he had the image of Chris wearing a dog tag. He didn't dare entertain the fantasy for long. He might end up with a hard on in this public place and that wouldn't be any good.

"Don't worry about it Claire. I'll make him let me pay next time."

Claire saw in Chris's face that no further argument would change his mind, so she smartly closed her mouth and agreed.

xxx

Chris never got a chance to do his errands because Wesker wanted to cuddle right after dinner. They headed back to his place and had a repeat of last night. Sex wasn't ever going to get boring for either of them. Chris felt like he hit the jackpot by getting together with his captain.

They were both spent on Wesker's bed while the tv was showing some pointless reality show. Neither were really paying it any attention, so Chris changed it to the sci-fi channel. They were showing the Matrix of all things. Chris suddenly laughed as he looked at Neo sporting his shades.

"What's so funny?" asked Wesker.

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you and Neo were related. You both wear those shades."

Wesker looked pointedly at the fictional character on the screen, a hint of unfamiliarity on his face. Chris's face dropped to the floor when he realized what was going on.

"You seriously never seen this before? Good God! I know you like books and stuff but I didn't think you were that ignorant about movies."

"I suppose you'll just have to teach me," Wesker said, embracing his soldier in a hug.

Chris found himself liking that idea. Teach the captain a few things. Wouldn't that look good on future resumes? He sunk into the older man's chest, breathing in his scent with a smile. Tomorrow Chris had the day off, so he could go do some errands. Chris had managed to convince Wesker to let him take his truck back to his place, so now he was with transportation.

"When do you have the day off?" he finally asked.

"I don't like to be away from work for more than 24 hours," Wesker replied.

"What? So you work everyday?"

"Not all of us are loaded like you, Chris," he joked.

"So that's your secret to getting all the money. You work overtime while everyone is asleep. You're like a machine."

Wesker smiled at that. Chris had seen him asleep before, so it was odd that he would believe that. Then again, Chris probably watched him as he did all his paperwork in one setting, like a robot on autopilot. Wesker was simply a man who knew when it was time for work and when it wasn't. But he supposed if that gave him one more advantage over the common man, then he wasn't about to complain. And he knew that Chris was merely trying to compliment him. Such flattery from his favorite soldier deserved a kiss. Chris responded just like he had been trained for this all his life, fighting with his tongue and kissing deeply.

Then, Chris withdrew.

"I'll miss you tomorrow. I'll be thinking about all throughout grocery shopping," he laughed at his own joke.

Well, Chris wasn't exactly funny but Wesker still loved this man. Comedians weren't his type anyway. Wesker pushed himself up on his elbow.

"I was never fond of groceries myself. You're low at your place?"

"No, I was going grocery shopping for you," no laugh this time but still the humor in his eyes remained in tact.

"Get me milk while you're there," Wesker decided to joke back.

The captain so desperately wanted to ask Chris to just move in with him. But he knew that the question would be posed far too soon and unnerve his young lover. The game was all about patience. Wesker imagined Chris like a wild jack rabbit, ready to pounce at the first sign that something was amiss.

Chris wouldn't like being compared to a rabbit if he ever found out about what Wesker was thinking. And although Wesker knew that Chris was strong, he also knew that the slightest mistake would send the other man running.

He kept silent as he turned his attention to a movie that seemed to rely too much on camera effects for his taste. Chris was getting a kick out of it, looking in awe when the protagonist stopped a hoard of bullets in mid air.
xxxx

Chris woke up to a lonely bed. At first he was barely waking up when he felt that the body he had grown used to was missing. Once he was more alert, he saw a note by the bed and the clock that stated it was nine in the morning, meaning that Wesker must've left for work over an hour ago. Great, Chris hoped his captain wasn't going to tease him about being lazy.

The note told Chris that Wesker would call after his shift. It also gave a quick compliment to how Claire was so attractive, she couldn't have possibly be related to Chris. The elder Redfield knew he was going to make Wesker pay for that remark. Maybe withhold sex for a week. Though, that might end up being a punishment for both of them.

He spent the afternoon collecting what he needed and going back to his apartment. Claire called him while he was deciding whether he wanted to eat ramen or a frozen pizza.

"Hey Claire. I didn't think you'd call today."

"Hey Chris. I've been thinking."

Going by the way she said it, Chris knew that she meant to say that she had been worrying. He braced himself in case she misjudged something about Wesker last night. She was prone to overprotection, so all Wesker had to do was blink too quickly in order for her to believe that he might be a danger. She was like that with everyone Chris dated.

"What's up?" Chris asked.

"Well, I wanted to thank you for dinner last night."

"You're stalling. Come on, Claire. Tell me what's bugging you already."

"Something about that Wesker guy-"

Here it comes. Chris braced himself.

"Yes?" he pressed.

"Creeps me out a little."

"So, what did he do last night that creeped you out?"

Chris figured he could go step by step logically and show his sister that she was overreacting. Claire was silent for a moment, as if she was processing what to say next.

"The guilt card he laid out-"

"What guilt card?" Chris interrupted, "I don't remember-"

"When he wanted to pay for all our things. All he had to do was give you a pout and you were putty in his hands."

Okay, one psychology class and Claire thought she knew everything about the human mind. It was just an elective for God's sakes! There was no reason she should try to use that stuff on everyone Chris decided to sleep with.

But she was just being a sister and Chris was thankful for that. At least she cared too much rather than not enough. But that didn't make dealing with things like this any easier.

"He wasn't trying to be manipulative or anything. And even if he was using a guilt card, which he wouldn't by the way, why is paying for our meals such a bad thing?"

"It could be a way to claim you."

"Maybe I want him to claim me."

Holy shit, did he really just say that to his sister? Did that really come out of his mouth? Chris needed to remember the pillow talk did not extend to her. His face heated up. Claire now had blackmail material on him.

But instead of giggling and tormenting him like he thought, Claire remained just as deadly serious as before.

"I mean an unhealthy way of claiming. A possessive one. Like he wants you to be dependent on him for everything so that when you find yourself wanting to leave him, he has the power to stop you."

Curse that psychology teacher. Chris wanted a good stern talking to whoever taught Claire all this. But he would just have to deal with the consequences of the error of the professor's ways.

"I told you, Claire. He's harmless. Why can't you ever support anyone I dated? Why do they all have to be assholes, huh?"

"I'm just telling you that Wesker may not be what he seems," Claire defended angrily.

"But Claire, you shouldn't judge someone without knowing them. You're not a psychologist, Claire."

"Fine. Sorry to bother you."

The last remark was as bitter as ground up medicine. Chris tried to apologize immediately but Claire had already hung up. He sighed sadly when he realized he would hear nothing more from her. He tried calling back but soon found she wasn't in the mood to answer.

A while later, his phone rang. He looked at the caller id, feeling slightly deflated that it was Wesker and not his sister. He answered as cheerily as he could anyway. No need to get Wesker involved in this.

"Hey, Albert," he greeted.

"Chris," Wesker greeted calmly, "Where are you?"

"I'm at my apartment. Trying to clean it for once."

"May I come over?"

Chris looked at the empty bags of chips and other wrappings needlessly discarded all over the floor. Wesker would give him an awful lot of hell for being a S.T.A.R.S. member and living like a pig.

"Um…Well, I think it's better I clean it first before you come over."

"That bad, huh?" Wesker chuckled.

The captain wouldn't be laughing if he saw this. From what Chris had seen at Wesker's house, the man was a neat freak. That would probably be the biggest sin of his that Claire could ever fault him on.

Chris took up the bad of trash and walked over to the dumpster. He had a good feeling that this wasn't going to be the last time he did that today.

"I guess you could say that. Anyway, I'd rather make this place look spotless for you."

"You don't have to do that, Chris. I'll tell you what. I'll help you. What's your address?"

The man had done so many favors for him already. Chris couldn't ask anymore from him.

"Really. I'm okay on my own. And you've been at work all day. Why don't you rest a little and I'll meet you at your place?"

For a moment he wondered if Wesker was going to insist like he always did. If so, then Chris would have to be twice as insistent. He wanted to do some things for Wesker now and not the other way around.

The other end was silent. Chris readied himself with all kinds of excuses and arguments in case this was going to continue.

"I'd really like to help but I understand if you want to do it alone. Will you come over at my place right after you're done?"

"Sure, Albert," Chris was extremely relieved, "It may take a couple of hours. Just warning you."

He had just given his captain an idea of how dirty his place was. Fan fucking-tastic, Chris. Now you totally ruined everything you were trying to achieve in this conversation.

Wesker chuckled. At least he found it humorous.

"Wow. You must treat your poor home like a pigsty."

"Not exactly. I just…haven't done spring cleaning yet," Chris joked with a smile.

"Alright. Two hours."

"Pardon?" now Chris was confused.

"I'll give you two hours. If you're not at my place by then, there's going to be hell to pay."

Wesker said it lightheartedly. Before Chris could ask what he was getting at, his captain hung up. Chris sighed. This shouldn't take him much longer. And what was Wesker going to do anyway? Spank him again?

Suddenly, Chris had to urge to go past the time limit on purpose.

xxxx

Wesker glanced at the clock on his phone. He was starting to do it so frequently that at this point it was becoming a habit now more than anything. He frowned ever so slightly. He wanted Chris to be here thirty minutes ago. Maybe Chris was hoping for a spanking? That thought was almost stimulating enough to appease him.

Still, the complete disobedience grated on Wesker's nerves. But he couldn't let Chris know that he was actually upset over such a minor offense. Not so soon into their relationship. Wesker needed to established himself as the dominant one before he could be too strict with his orders.

He knew that Chris wasn't expecting any dominance from him. The soldier was too naive to know exactly how possessive Wesker was. Once the captain laid claim on someone, they were not allowed to deviate from his wishes.

But Chris was still a free spirit. He would run from Wesker if he knew about him right now. Especially since he had a place of his own and his own car. As long as he had anything that could make him marginally independent, Chris would use it to his advantage.

So Wesker had to charm him out of those possessions as soon as possible. He had to do it in a way that wouldn't freak out his lover. But what excuse could he come up with to make Chris want to move in quicker? His pondering was interrupted by a knock.

"You're late, soldier," Wesker said sternly when he answered.

He could tell that Chris was wondering if Wesker was seriously upset or not, so Wesker forced a smirk. It was hard to smile when he wanted to hit Chris hard enough to make sure all future commands were obeyed. He got hard thinking of Chris as a loyal dog, his body covered in bruises as a result of his defiance. His eyes pleading to Wesker for mercy. Chris would make quite a pet for the god to be.

"Sorry. I guess I wanted to be spanked."

Wesker forced himself to laugh. Anything to keep him looking like he was in good humor. Good thing the shades were covering the ice that was no doubt in his eyes.

"So you get to choose your punishment now? You know, the corporal punishment is not meant to be an award."

Chris forced a pout. He must have meant for the face to look funny and yet Wesker found it oddly endearing. The past lovers that Chris mentioned must have seen that too. Thinking about it only fueled Wesker's jealousy.

He managed to keep up a calm demeanor so that Chris wouldn't have a clue what the older man was really thinking. It was a good thing that one of Wesker's many gifts was acting.

"Are you trying to charm me to spanking you?" he chuckled.

"Why else would I intentionally exceed the time limit?"

"Well, now that you admitted it. I'll have to punish you."

Chris soon found that Wesker hit him harder than last time. The soldier winced but tried not to show his discomfort. He didn't want to make Wesker felt guilty.

He was confused why the hand was coming down harder. It was almost like Wesker really was angry. But how could that be? He didn't do anything to make Wesker angry. Maybe Wesker figured out from last time that Chris could take more pain and was trying to spice things up.

The elder Redfield remembered his sister's warning but he mentally shook his head. He was going to end up as paranoid as her one of these days. He was a soldier of S.T.A.R.S. so of course his captain gave him a firm hand. Like Barry said, Wesker wanted to toughen up Chris for the benefit of the team.

He accidentally winced on the very last smack. Unfortunately, Wesker noticed.

"Sorry, Chris. I got carried away," his lover said apologetically.

Chris got up to plant a firm kiss on Wesker's lips. This was just a minor bump in the road. He figured that Wesker wouldn't make fun of him for being weak (of course he wouldn't. The man was too awesome to do that) and instead not hit so hard in the future.

Not that Chris minded the pain too much. Just like before, the fake punishment left him hard as a rock.

"I'm not complaining. Like you said, it's not meant to be an award."

Wesker gazed up at him, kissed his lips once and then trailed down his jawline. The captain proceeded to kiss and suck at Chris's neck, lightly nibbling at the skin. Wesker's hungry kisses left Chris panting and his body aching for more.

Chris leaned into Wesker's ear in order to nibble on it. He heard Wesker chuckle and felt his neck pulse with the laughter.

"Hungry?"

"Starving."

He really was. And due to what must have been the worst timing in the world his stomach growled loudly. How many times had Chris embarrassed himself today alone? He realized that he never did decide to eat after talking with Claire. He must have been too worried about her to remember.

Wesker looked up at him with raised eyebrows. For once, Chris was thankful for the shades. At least by not seeing the laughter in his eyes, he would feel marginally more like a man with dignity.

"Why don't we eat real food before having dessert?" his captain suggested.

"Uh…thanks. Sorry about that," Chris smiled sheepishly and got off Wesker.

Wesker took that opportunity to stand up as well. He crossed his arms with a smirk.

"You should be sorry. How dare you make your stomach growl like that? You should control it. I have no choice but to take you to my kitchen."

Wesker's kitchen was actually an entire room by itself, much unlike Chris's. Chris had a little side area that was in a living room for a kitchen. Almost like the builders forgot to add one before and just tossed it someplace at the last minute.

Wesker wanted to cook for him but Chris insisted to try himself.

"Try?" Wesker repeated.

"I haven't quite perfected this but what the hell."

Chris put the noodles into a pot of water. Spaghetti was the first thing Claire learned how to cook so he figured the dish would be his first success. That is, if he ever did succeed at this cooking thing.

It looked like he already made a mistake because Wesker gave him a strange look.

"You know you're supposed to boil that water first, right?"

"I'll boil it now," Chris turned on the stove but Wesker still seemed confused.

"I take it you don't cook much yourself."

"Come on, man. Am I doing that bad already?" Chris looked to Wesker for support. Wesker smiled and shook his head.

"I'm not a great cook myself so I can't blame you."

Chris smiled. Wesker reached over and turned the heat up.

"It will take forever on low heat," he informed.

Chris kissed him fully on the lips while the captain's guard was down. What could he do without this amazing man? The kiss heated up faster than the stove, Wesker penetrating his mouth all the while. Chris was determined to win the tongue war one day.

Wesker helped him cook the noodles and for once they were neither too hard or overcooked. With a bit of spaghetti sauce, it was the best thing that Chris ever made. It was also the only edible thing he ever made.

They sat down at the dining table while enjoying the first meal they made together. Chris thought about that movie with the two dogs that kissed with spaghetti noodles. Of course, since Wesker and he had separate plates, he couldn't do that.

"You helped me cook something. Claire would say that you've done the impossible," Chris praised.

"I'd be glad to hear her approval. She's very protective towards you," Wesker scooped up another bite.

Chris frowned when he remembered what Claire told him. Her suspicion didn't escape Wesker's notice after all. He would do anything for the two to get along. Chris wanted to show Claire once and for all that she was wrong about Wesker.

His lover noticed that Chris had set his fork down, so Wesker stopped eating himself.

"Did I say something wrong?"

So quick to blame himself. How could Claire accuse Wesker of being a bad person?

"No. My sister and I just had a bit of a fight today. I tried calling her back but she won't answer."

Now Wesker was frowning in concern. He touched Chris's shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze.

"I'm sorry that I can't say I understand. I'm an only child and never had to deal with something like that. But I'm glad you've got someone looking out for you."

Wesker didn't even have to ask what the argument was about. Chris was having such a great time at dinner last night that he hadn't noticed either Claire's worry or Wesker's discomfort.

He sighed sadly. Wesker was right. He shouldn't blame Claire for caring. Maybe he could call and leave a message. He didn't before because he wanted to talk to her directly. Now, however, he was so ready to apologize in any shape or form that it didn't matter.

"I feel like the worst brother in the world. I made her upset."

Wesker leaned his chair in.

"Hey," he whispered soothingly, "She'll come around. I've dealt with protective siblings in the past. It's good that she cares. She must get that from her brother."

Now Chris was smiling.

"You said in your note that she was too cute to be related to me."

"You're not mad, are you?" Wesker smiled mischievously.

"Maybe you need to be punished."

They finished their meal and Chris left a message, hoping beyond hope that Claire would listen to it.