Jill had made a full recovery, so no pain was stopping her from pestering Chris. Ever since she saw him come to work with a black eye, she had been worried. Wesker and Chris both assured her that some asshole fought Chris while they were both drunk but Jill never seemed to completely buy that answer for whatever reason. Her ability to read people was getting to Chris's nerves. There was no way he could lie to her.

Yet he kept it up. He couldn't let her know that Wesker struck him in a drunken rage. She would tell Claire, whom she had become good friends with over the course of the months. Claire saw her as an elder sister she never had and Jill was happy to spend time with a girl as brave and strong as Claire. It seemed she was ready to see Claire in S.T.A.R.S. but Chris wasn't sure how to feel about that. Part of him was proud of his sister for impressing his team but the other part was worried that Claire might consider such a dangerous occupation. As if handling and driving motorcycles wasn't risky enough, Chris couldn't even bear the thought of someone shooting at his little sister.

If Jill found out about Wesker's abuse and told Claire, his sister would insist he break up. Not only that but she might even try to sue Wesker or something. That was the last thing Chris wanted. Ever since that fateful night, Wesker had sobered up and refrained from punching him again, although he was still just as controlling. But he was better, right?

Everyday Chris had to ride in Wesker's car. He seldom got to drive his own vehicle anymore that it would actually be worth more if Chris just sold it. Wesker himself hinted that would be a good idea. Despite all this need to control every aspect of Chris's life, Chris wanted to stay with Wesker. He still saw the caring and captivating captain whenever he looked at him.

He got to do a lot more fieldwork nowadays and his partner was usually Wesker. The captain was at the wheel of the police vehicle while Chris sat at the passenger side. Neither spoke for several minutes until Chris had enough of the silence.

"I'm planning on doing some shopping tomorrow."

He knew he had to say this. Wesker, for some reason, still had a land line and would call his house to make sure Chris was staying put. It would be Chris's day off tomorrow but Wesker would hate it if he went somewhere without telling Wesker.

Just like he thought, the interrogation began.

"Shopping? For what?" Wesker merely sounded curious but Chris knew better. He had to tread lightly to get what he wanted. If he insisted without Wesker's approval, the captain would turn to drinking his frustrations away.

"Barry's birthday is coming up. I wanted to get him something."

Wesker paused for a moment.

"Oh yeah. I forgot about that. We can go shopping together. His birthday is not until Saturday, right?"

Chris tried not to tense up. That sounded like a reasonable suggestion, except that Chris had been hoping to get out of the house without Wesker following his every movement. It was just suffocating to be under his watchful eye all the time, as if Wesker was afraid someone was going to abduct Chris. Or worse, that Chris was going to go to someone else on his own accord.

His mind scrambled for a purchase. There had to be an excuse that would satisfy Wesker.

"Well, I was hoping to do some browsing on my day off. It's hard staying in the house all day."

Would that be enough of an excuse? Chris ventured to glance up at his captain. At this point, he was able to tell his expression even with his shades on. Most of the time.

The slight twitch curving Wesker's lips told Chris that aggravation was rising only slightly, very, very slightly. He had learned to read the signs at this point.

"I know you're worried but I'm a S.T.A.R.S. member," Chris continued on with his argument, "And it's been months since that arsonist-"

"Who has never been caught," Wesker pointed out.

"Then I'll get some good target practice if I meet up with the douche."

Wesker wasn't satisfied with Chris's attempts at light-hearted humor. If anything it seemed to annoy him more. He called in the office to let them know nothing was going on, a standard practice they did in case anything made them unable to communicate.

Chris was disgruntled that Wesker was now ignoring him. He still didn't have the okay from him, which was exactly what he needed to get out of his grasp safely. He wouldn't let him get away with that.

"I want to go out tomorrow. And I want you not to worry."

There. Chris figured that the firm, direct approach would be for the best. His captain gave him a look and placed the transmitter back.

"Chris-" he began.

"Come on, man. I won't get hurt. Why do you get all weird whenever I want to go somewhere on my own?"

"I'm sorry. I just worry," Wesker confessed.

This was stage one in their argument. Chris hoped he could convince his captain before it escalated into anything further. His heart was racing in case Wesker actually got angry. Once that happened, there was no way Chris could convince him of anything. But he was determined to press, despite the fear pounding in his chest.

"I know you do. But it's suffocating me. Can't you let me go out once in a while? By myself?"

"You're fed up with me?"

"No. Come on, you know that's not true. I just need some space-" he trailed off immediately when he realized what he just said.

"Chris," now Wesker sounded angry, "I'm sorry my presence annoys you so much."

"Albert-" Chris began pleadingly but was cut off.

"But I was hoping you would understand why I'm so protective of you."

But it's killing me how much you are.

That was a thought that Chris dared not voice. He could tell from the signs that even further pushing would result in anger from his lover, so he smartly kept his mouth shut. He vaguely remembered that one Stephen King movie he saw years ago where a writer was trapped by an angry woman and saying the smallest thing would set her off into a rampage.

He didn't want Wesker to be like that. How he wished that Wesker would go back to the man of his dreams. Instead of becoming just like Chris's father.

He nearly laughed at the thought. How come he refused to leave him? Because of his father? Maybe Chris was really mentally sick.

Wesker noticed him musing hard over something. The captain let out a small sigh.

"We'll go shopping for Barry together. After I get off work. Okay?"

"Yeah. Alright."

The agreement was very reluctant. Both men knew that. Chris saw Wesker smile his brilliant, radiant smile and Chris felt hope rise in his chest. As long as he kept Wesker happy, he would have the man of his dreams.

xxx

Chris woke up to an empty bed, something that was becoming a rarity. As much as he adored Wesker, it was nice to roll around in a bed all by himself. The freedom of being away from an embrace was pure bliss.

The alarm set off seconds later. He always had it on in order to avoid waking up later than 10. If he slept in any later than that, he would feel terribly groggy and not want to do anything.

Besides, Wesker started his persistent hourly calling at 11 and wouldn't stop until he got home. That way, he would know for sure that Chris was at the house just like he wanted him to be. Chris felt like a caged rat, with his master checking in on him to make sure he wouldn't run away.

Chris sighed and got out of bed. There wasn't much he could do today without actually leaving the house but at least Wesker wasn't around. He did love the man. He honestly did. But all this possessive behavior was killing him.

He wished he could talk to someone, anyone, but not his friends. In fact, he couldn't trust this secret with anyone who knew him. But to just go to a complete stranger and talk about all your problems…

Was the easiest thing to do in 2013, Chris realized. Of course. The internet had so many chat sites that would allow him to talk about his problems. He usually avoided those, seeing as he thought most people on there just wanted to say stupid things because they were attention grabbing whores. But hey, it was worth a shot.

Chris went over to the Mac that Wesker owned and googled relationship problems chat sites. He arched an eyebrow at one called . Just a general help advice chatroom. But what caught Chris's eye was the fact that there was no need to register. All that was required of him was to make up a name for the chat. He decided to go with something that related to him but didn't give away his occupation, RedGuy101.

With his new username, he told the people how he had this boyfriend. The people were thankfully cool with the fact that he was gay, so they asked him to continue. Well, there was this one troll character named ieatyourlunch666 that just wouldn't stop saying hi and never responding to anyone else, even if they greeted back but Chris figured overall he got a bunch of rational sounding people to talk to. Chris told them about how his lover hit him in a drunken rage-but only once- he stressed. He couldn't tell his family or friends, so he was asking how to avoid getting hit in the future. He frowned at the responses.

Dump the douche, typed Fluffy.

Abuse is abuse. Leave him, added trueblu48.

Really, it's not worth staying with him, typed Super_Neeerd.

He should have known these were the responses that he would get. They were exactly what he would expect to hear from Claire's lips, which was why he couldn't talk to her. He didn't want to leave Wesker since he was the most wonderful thing he had ever had in life. True, that one time was a setback and the possessive behavior was getting old but Chris just couldn't throw something so precious away. There were still so many good memories he had with Wesker and to leave him for a few bumps in the road seemed stupid.

Chris sank into his computer and sighed. The weirdo ieatyourlunch was typing out hi every 30 seconds, possibly trying to annoy people out of the chatroom. Other users were now getting on to the troll but Chris knew better than to pay him or her the attention they were obviously seeking. There was nothing left to do. He would thank the chat members and log off.

Then someone else spoke up that typed something that made Chris paused.

L.S.K. typed out, You don't want to leave him, do you?

Maybe this wasn't a complete waste of time after all. At least this user seemed interested in listening to his reasons why he wouldn't just dump Wesker. Chris typed out, He's usually so cool. And I never had a better relationship before. I figured if it was a one time thing, I could forgive him.

L.S.K. typed out, Is there anything else that's bothering you? Other than the guy hitting you once?

Chris came up with a quick reply.

He's kind of clingy. I thought about couple therapy. Nothing I say can get to him.

Thankfully, the other users were too focused on the troll to keep telling Chris what an idiot he was being to want to stay with Wesker. This L.S.K. seemed to be exactly what Chris was looking for.

I had someone like that once. But I figured that leaving without him knowing would keep me from going insane. Have you tried just sneaking out?

Chris typed out to L.S.K. why he couldn't do that. Wesker had a landline. L.S.K. typed his response.

You know. There's probably a way you can get all incoming calls on your own cell, right?

This was exactly the advice Chris had been looking for.

xxx

Two p.m. It was time to make the call to make sure Chris was right where he left him. Redfield was getting upset with having to stay in the house all day, so Wesker figured he could make it up to him by taking him out later.

It wasn't that he didn't trust Chris out on his own, it was that he hated the idea of Chris socializing with others without him. There may be someone who thought he could oogle or flirt with Chris and that just wouldn't be acceptable. As long as Wesker was with him and made it clear that Chris was taken, such things wouldn't happen.

The phone rang twice before Chris picked up.

"Hello Wesker," he greeted.

Wesker arched an eyebrow.

"How did you know it was me?"

There was a short pause before Chris responded.

"Lucky guess."

He sounded nervous. Wesker thought why that would be and came up with a reasonable answer. Chris was upset with him calling every hour and that was how he knew it was him. Chris didn't want to mention how he knew it was Wesker since he has been avoiding arguments like the plague recently.

That made sense in Wesker's head. Chris did get a bit unnerved when he thought another argument was coming, something Wesker was quite grateful for.

"I see. What are you up to?"

"Looking at gifts online," Chris stated. He couldn't help it. He started grinning like a toddler who knew he was doing something wrong but was not yet caught.

Meanwhile, Wesker had no idea that Chris was out and about, at the parking lot of a Target store in his car safe from outside noise that would give him away. Chris rubbed his steering wheel almost affectionately, a silent thank-you for getting him out of the house.

"See anything Barry might like?" inquired the captain.

"Nothing just yet. Of course, knowing him he would be happy with a $700 semi-auto shotgun. I figured that's a bit out of my budget though."

"He doesn't need any more hunting equipment," Wesker laughed, "Maybe we can just give him a gift card."

"You mean like for something like Target?" Chris asked, looking at the Target sign.

Wesker arched his eyebrow. Something seemed amiss about this conversation but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"I think he prefers to shop at Walmart but Target might be okay too."

Chris cursed himself. He hoped he didn't give anything away. But surely he couldn't have just from saying something like that? Still, he knew he had to be very careful of what came out of his mouth. Wesker was as sharp as a tact when it came to people lying to him.

"I guess I thought Target because it's the place I'm used to shopping at," Chris lied.

"A gift card may be a good idea but we should probably at least attempt to look for a more personal gift, don't you think?"

Wesker believed him. Chris grinned from ear to ear. If he was a dog, he would be wagging his tail so fast it would be a whip. He was pumped and ready to do some rule breaking.

"Okay. I'll keep looking for gifts then. Online."

"Alright. Love you," Wesker said.

"Love you too."

Wesker hung up and stared at his phone for a while. He was glad to hear Chris sounding more chipper but there was something odd about that conversation.

xxxx

Chris wandered around the Target for the next half hour, careful to make sure he was someplace less noisy when the next call came. Just being out and about felt like energy was coursing through his veins.

He would always be depressed on his days off. Being locked away indoors was torture for his free spirit. The day when he was allowed back to work wasn't much better, since Barry or Jill would ask what he did on his day off. The questions made him realize that he was kept away like a prisoner, when he wanted to go out and actually do something on his days off.

"Chris?" a female voice called out.

Chris turned around a little too quickly. Claire noted that he seemed on edge.

"What's gotten into you? You look pale."

"Nothing's wrong, sis. It's great to see you."

Claire pursed her lips at the lie. Chris tried to keep a straight face. He could tell Claire was trying to diagnose him somehow.

"Are you looking for a present too?"

It took a moment for Chris to remember. Right. Dad's birthday was on its way too. Claire didn't look happy to mention him, even indirectly. If she was a weaker woman, Chris could easily imagine her in tears right now.

Chris scowled at the memories of the monster. Under all his father's abuse, Chris could never figure out if he hated him or loved his only living parent. He actually wouldn't even bother with the man's birthday if Claire didn't insist on doing so herself. It would be a cold day in hell before Chris let her go off to that man alone.

"Yeah. For my friend right now. I guess I can just give Dad a gift card."

"I heard he doesn't go out much anymore. Uses meals on wheels and such."

"I see," Chris tried to keep his voice from sounding satisfied.

Claire's expression hardened a bit.

"How's your boyfriend?"

Even after all this time, she still didn't trust Wesker. The black eye Chris once sported didn't help matters. Claire never believed the drunken fight story and something told Chris that even Jill was starting to get suspicious.

Barry didn't suspect a thing, that Chris knew for a fact. When it came to Barry, if there was something he didn't like, he would let you know. He was a direct man like that.

Chris shifted his feet, pocketing his hands and trying his hardest to look cool.

"He's fine. We're planning on going out after he gets off work."

Claire crossed her arms.

"And you haven't gotten into anymore drunken fights lately?"

"Nope."

"Tell me again. What happened that night?"

It felt like he was being cross examined. That was probably what his sister had in mind. He kept his breath steady.

"This guy had too much to drink and I was pretty tipsy myself. He was talking shit about S.T.A.R.S. and I guess I got my feelings hurt. What can I say? So I confronted him and he socked me."

That was exactly what he had told Claire last time, word per word. He was glad he remembered the story so well.

But Claire wasn't about to leave it off at that.

"Tell me. What did the guy look like again?"

"You're going to try to defend my honor if you find him?" Chris joked.

Claire laughed, but it was forced.

"Just so I can make sure I avoid him."

Chris arched an eyebrow.

"You're going to bars? Not alone, right?"

"Nope. And don't try to avoid my questions."

Chris sighed. He leaned on the wall and glanced at his phone. He still had time before Wesker called.

"He had black hair and a scruffy beard. His face was pretty red. Let's see…he was about a foot shorter than me."

When Claire's eyes flashed, Chris knew he had made a mistake. He couldn't remember the description of the fake man nearly as well as he could remember the story.

"You said he was taller than Wesker before," she accused.

Shit, Chris felt himself working up a sweat. But he refused to give in.

"Well, can you blame me for not remembering everything? I was smashed too. It's not like I notice the guy's condom size or anything."

Claire glowered up at him, her cat-like eyes examining him from head to toe. Chris allowed this gaze, before deciding enough was enough.

"I promise you. That's what happened."

"You're such an awful liar."

Chris winced at how sad she sounded now. Claire held onto his arm and squeezed it comfortingly.

"Please leave him."

The look was so pitiful that Chris couldn't lie anymore.

"I can't. I love him."

Claire held a hand up to her mouth like she was about to vomit. Shaking, she brought it down in a sudden rage.

"So, it's true. He did hit you."

"I did not say that," Chris said with his best pokerface.

"I'll report the bastard."

"It will be your word against mine. I already told you that I didn't admit anything."

His sister's eyes started to moisten and Chris mentally slapped himself for making her cry. Claire was a very strong women, however, she couldn't handle the thought of something happening to Chris.

She knew now, despite what Chris told her. But he could at least stop her from revealing anything. Chris knew that he would have been found out by her eventually, but he prayed to God that she wouldn't tell anyone else.

Because he didn't want anything to happen. It was a one time thing when Wesker got drunk. Chris already forgave him. Why couldn't Claire let this go?

Claire recovered slightly, her face no longer raw with emotion.

"Chris, if you cared about me at all, you'll dump him."

She was now making him choose. And the way she held his gaze made him realize he wasn't going to get to leave until she got the answer she wanted.

It all came crashing down on him. Claire was worried, and once more, she actually had a right to be worried this time. Part of her warnings came true and Chris had broken his promise to let her know.

Maybe he should leave….

But that was when Chris realized that he still had nowhere to go. He reminded his sister of this and she frowned.

"Then get yourself a place and leave him the moment you can. Will you promise to at least look for a different home?"

This was a lot easier for Chris to promise, so he nodded. She was visibly relived.

"Thank you. I'll go and find something for Dad. And don't go back to him."

She gave him one last glance before leaving. Chris knew what she meant. He had to go back for shelter. What she meant was, don't fall for him any harder than he already has.

xxxx

Chris made it home without further incidence. A while later, Wesker made his way home. He brought a surprise with him, a large bag from Wendy's. Just like a dog, the smell brought Chris closer.

Wesker came forward and planted a firm kiss on Chris's lips. Despite himself, Chris kissed back just as passionately. He screwed himself over by admitting to Claire what happened between them. Well, he technically didn't admit anything to her but he would be stupid to believe she didn't know what was going on now.

"It's great to see you. Did you miss me?" Wesker smiled.

Even after all this time he spent with him, that smile was still just as memorizing as when Chris first met him. Chris couldn't help but warm up to it as he produced a grin of his own.

"Of course. Thanks for bringing food."

He nuzzled Wesker's forehead affectionately. Wesker's breath had the familiar mint smell Chris had experienced all these months. How could he leave him? He didn't want to think about what he told Claire earlier.

The bag had his favorite burger from the chain and a deal of fries, meaning that Chris would have to burn off the calories with the treadmill. He knew Wesker had a different idea of how he could work the meal off. Chris felt strangely unenthusiastic about the idea, something he never felt about sex with Wesker before.

Nowadays, Wesker took his shades off whenever he was home and only Chris could see. Chris was now more than certain that wearing them gave Wesker a feeling of power, so he was a little pleased to note that Wesker only took them off.

At least, he used to be pleased knowing that. Chris stopped munching on his burger as a thought struck him. Was he falling out of love with Wesker? He didn't want to have sex, almost dreaded when the man came home and most importantly, actually entertained the thought of leaving him. Even if it was to appease his concerned sister, he still thought about leaving him. That was pretty much when a relationship was over, right? When you think about leaving?

Wesker frowned when he saw that Chris was deep in thought and no longer touching his meal.

"Something bothering you, Chris?"

Chris turned to him. It wouldn't be fair to let go of Wesker without giving him one last chance.

"Albert, why can't I go outside without you?"

Wesker frowned hard. The question was unpleasant enough but the way Chris asked it boiled in his veins. Chris was staring him straight in the eye, not shyly looking away submissively. His tone was hard, not wavering and unsure. And his beautiful eyes were set in defiance, not a look Wesker ever wanted to see in them.

"I told you. I'm trying to protect you."

"From what, exactly?"

"Did you forget about that arsonist?"

"No," Chris shot back, throwing the hamburger back in the bag. He suddenly wasn't very hungry, "But I'm a S.T.A.R.S. member and a great fighter. The way you're coddling me is bullshit."

Wesker glared, "What are you getting at, Chris?"

"I'm telling you that I think you're keeping me on a leash because you're afraid I'll go running off to someone else. What I don't understand is, why. You're the only man for me."

Wesker hated, hated how right Chris was in his accusations but he hated the accusations even more. He didn't want Chris to ever question him again. Chris saw the hard look in his eyes but refused to glance away.

"I mean it. Why don't you trust me?"

"Chris-" Wesker voiced the name like a warning. That only pissed the younger man off. With so much rage building up for so long, Chris stood up. The taste of freedom he had made him remember how much he loved it. He was not about to relinquish anymore control over to Wesker.

"Albert, stop being possessive or I'll-"

Now Wesker was on his feet too.

"Or you'll what?"

"Or I'll leave you."

Chris didn't even see the punch but he felt it. Not just the impact he had on his jaw but the tearing sensation he felt when his heart split into two. Wesker didn't say anything as Chris rubbed his sore jaw, staring at him in hurt.

Last time Wesker at least had the excuse of being drunk. But now…now…

Everything he loved about Wesker, the caring captain, the brilliant eyes, the deep chuckle and the brain sharp as a tack, all fell apart with that one punch. Because it was only then did Chris see him for the man he really was. Abusive, just like his asshole of a father. How could Chris not see this?

"We're through."

"What?" Wesker sounded angry. He actually had the nerve to be angry! Chris almost let out a laugh.

"We're done. I'm not dealing with this bullshit anymore."

"Where will you go?" Wesker called as Chris headed straight for the door.

"Don't give a damn. Anywhere except here."

Eventually, after an hour of driving, Chris decided to see Barry. The bulky man was surprised to see his friend come out of nowhere and request to spend the night.

"Fight with the captain?" he asked. He knew by now what was going on with them.

"We broke up. I'll pay if you'll give me a place to stay while I find a new apartment."

Barry shook his head.

"No need for that. Want to talk about it?"

Chris thought about it. If he let Barry now about Wesker's abuse, the man's career was as good as gone. And that was why Chris couldn't let anyone know.

Because damn himself, he couldn't let that happen. He cared about Wesker too much. He remembered how worried the man was when Jill was shot. Surely that part wasn't a facade, so Chris knew he was a good captain, even if he was a crappy lover.

No, he couldn't let anyone know about the relationship. He just had to come up with an excuse.

"Not really. We just yelled at each other and broke it off. He offered to let me stay 'til I find a place but I couldn't."

Barry took in the lie very easily.

"I see. Sorry, buddy. Relationships come and go. It's not like either of you is the bad guy. It just didn't work out."

A growl came from Chris's stomach, reminding him that he never finished his sandwich. Barry let out a chuckle.

"My family ordered a pizza a few hours ago and there's still some in the fridge. Help yourself."

Shit, Chris forgot that Barry had a wife and two daughters. How would they handle him living with them?

Barry read his mind.

"Sadly, this isn't the first time one of my friends had to spend the night for unexplained reasons. My wife's dealt with plenty of interesting stories ever since I joined S.T.A.R.S."

"I still need to make sure it's okay with her," Chris replied.

Barry just shrugged.

"Hell, she loves company so much I think you'll have a harder time convincing her to let you go."

Next chapter will be mansion. I'm still debating on the ending. Should Wesker win and keep Chris? Or should we have the traditional good ending to the game? Choices, choices.