Disclaimer: I don't own Resident Evil

"Barry Burton speaking!"

"Hey, it's Chris. Do you have a minute?"

"Sure. Is everything okay? With how you've been acting the past week, I and Jill got a little worried and… you said it was a family problem. Is Claire alright?"

"Claire is fine. She's here with me now actually. The family problem was a little… different this time."

"No one's died, have they?"

"Someone has died, but that's not the issue. Barry, you know how things happen."

"Things? What kind of things?"

"You know things… between people. Things happen between them which to… other things. Some good, some bad, and others unexpected."

"Um, I suppose," he paused. "Chris, are you feeling okay? You sound weird."

Did he sound weird? Probably. Usually, he wasn't this awkward over the phone.

"I'm fine… mostly. You see, um, do you remember that reporter I told you about? The one who joined me on a mission last year?"

"That Irish woman? The one who made Wesker lose his shit? Her?"

"That's the one. Anyway, after the assignment we went to a bar cause well both needed a drink. And um, certain things happened after a while, things you have experienced with Kathy," Seriously Redfield, just spit it out. "Things that… happen over nine months."

The silence on the other end was deafening. Chris meanwhile was internally groaning. That was undoubtedly the most pathetic explanation he had ever given in his entire life.

BAM!

A loud noise at the end of the phone brought Chris back to reality.

"Barry!" No response. "Barry, are you there?" Still, no response. Chris was starting to get worried. "Barry! Barry!"

On the other end, Chris could hear several noises in the background, most prominently shouting.

"Hello! Who is this?" Chris vaguely recognized the voice.

"Chris Redfield," he answered.

"Oh, Captain Redfield. I'm so sorry I didn't realize it was you," the voice apologised profusely.

"It's fine," Chris waved off. "What happened?"

"He fainted," the voice said frantically. "Mr Burton fainted!"

'Crap!' Chris internally swore. "What? Really? How bad is it?"

"He's just passed out. It's nothing serious. I'm going to get the doctor though," the man on the other end explained.

"You do that!" Chris hastily replied. "When he wakes up though could you tell him that phone call he had with me was real? Don't worry. He'll understand what I'm talking about."

"Um, okay," the man sounded confused, not that Chris could blame him. "Will do."

"Thank you!" Chris hung up the phone.

He took a deep breath and exhaled. He had expected Barry to scold or question him, call him an idiot for being so reckless, maybe throw in a couple of swears, or possibly go into a temporary state of shock. He hadn't expected him to faint. Was it really that shocking for him to… actually, yeah it probably was given his record. Ever since the Mansion and founding the BSAA, he had turned into a workaholic. Considering all the shit he got into and how often his life was on the line, the concept of a romantic relationship just didn't seem very realistic.

"How'd it go?" Claire asked snapping Chris out of his thoughts.

Chris noticed she had Ethan in her arms who was staring at him.

"Well, I didn't exactly mention Ethan, though I implied he existed," Claire shot him a disappointed look. "I was getting to it, only then he fainted after I mentioned nine months."

"Oh God!" Claire exclaimed. "Is he alright?"

"I think so. He just fainted. I'm sure he'll call when he wakes up," he explained.

"You're sure?" his sister repeated.

"I hope," he corrected. "After he's, you know, processed it."

"I see," Claire mused. "I take it that means you won't be telling Jill or anyone else right away."

"Not for the moment," Chris acknowledged. "Better get through Barry first before I try anyone else." He paused. "In all fairness, Barry's, and by extension everyone else's, shock is completely natural. Outside of work, I don't have much of an active social life, let alone date life."

"It's okay, I get it," Claire assured him. "I'm not that active either for… obvious reasons. Aside from the occasional drink with colleagues that is."

"God, our lives are depressing," Chris lamented.

"Could be worse though," Claire countered.

Ethan let out a wail that instantly got both of their attention.

"Oh, what's wrong? What's wrong Ethan?" Claire asked soothingly as she rocked him gently. "Are you upset we're not talking to you? Is that it?" Chris was genuinely stunned at how good his sister was with babies. She was handling things much better than he did. "Or is it something else? Yeah, that's probably it."

"What?" Chris asked.

"He probably needs a change," Claire explained. "It's been a few hours since that was done. He also probably needs a bath."

Chris cringed at that. He had not handled that activity well in the slightest. Fortunately, Claire seemed to catch on.

"Come on, I'll show you how," she said as she walked off with a crying Ethan. "It's one of the most important skills you need when raising a baby, well, it is in my opinion."

He followed her, but Chris began to sweat. Considering all the shit he dealt with daily, why was changing a diaper so unnerving?

"How are you so calm about this?" he asked without thinking.

Claire snorted. "I crawled through the shit-infected sewers of Raccoon City. This is nothing."

Later that day

As it turned out changing diapers while still gross was not as complicated as Chris initially believed. As soon as that was done, Claire helped him to shower down and then bathe Ethan. The baby for its part appeared to be okay with the bath. He made a few noises but nothing unhappy.

After that, they dressed him in another onesie, this one blue, and they settled down in the living room. Claire started a pot of coffee while Chris kept Ethan occupied.

"For someone so young and so small, you know how to work people to the bone, don't you?" he said teasingly to his son who was struggling to stay awake. "At least things have calmed down now, right?"

*SLAM*

"CHRIS!" Barry's voice yelled.

The loud noises startled Ethan, causing him to cry loudly.

"Ugh, I spoke too soon," Chris bemoaned over Ethan's wails.

Barry had not come alone. His wife Kathy (whom Chris had met on several occasions) was with him. This was because she was contacted after he fainted and came to see if he was alright. When he wanted to go to Chris' she took over as driver because he was too frenzied and worried he might crash the car. Needless to say, she was just as surprised as her husband, albeit better at controlling it.

Barry stared in shock at Ethan who continued to cry loudly while Chris tried to calm him down. Thankfully Claire intervened and took Ethan away so she could calm him down in the next room while Chris sorted things out with his friend.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Barry demanded loudly.

"Barry!" Kathy warned. "Volume! You've already made that child cry once. Do it again and you'll be sleeping on the couch!" Barry flinched at his wife's tone knowing she was serious. "Apologies for that Chris. He's just a little bit in shock."

"Thank you. Believe me so am I," Chris replied. "I only found out last week."

That earned him a surprised glance from Barry and a sympathetic one from Kathy. Becoming a parent wasn't necessarily an easy process, but it was generally better if you had time to prepare for it rather than it just being sprung on you.

"Did she, that reporter, did she call you for… help?" Barry asked slowly.

"She's dead," Chris answered. "She was found dead in her apartment over a week ago."

"Jesus fucking Christ!" Barry exclaimed while Kathy put her hand over her mouth in shock. "Chris I'm sorry."

"It's alright, really," he assured them. "I don't have all the details yet. There's no witnesses or evidence as to who did it."

"Do you think it was Wesker?" Barry suggested. "You said it yourself. She made him lose his shit which no one else can claim."

Chris considered it for a moment. "I don't think so. Saoirse looked in a lot of places she shouldn't have to uncover the truth, whatever that means. It wouldn't be surprising to learn she made enemies without knowing. I don't think it was Wesker though. Why would he leave Ethan alive then, or her apartment untouched?"

"Ethan?" Kathy repeated. "Is that his name?"

Chris nodded. Before he could get another word in Claire returned with Ethan in her arms. The baby had calmed down considerably and was now gazing at the new arrivals with mild curiosity.

"Um, Barry, Kathy, meet Ethan. Ethan meet Barry and Kathy Burton," Chris introduced. "They're old friends of mine."

"Hello," Kathy greeted warmly.

"Hi," was all Barry managed to get out.

Kathy walked up to Ethan while Barry remained standing where he did. Ethan glanced up and down at Kathy and grabbed her finger when offered.

"Strong grip," Kathy mused. "Can't tell if the girls were stronger at that age?"

"Moira was; Polly was gentler," Barry deadpanned. "Even now…"

Barry trailed off after that, something which did not go unnoticed. Chris didn't have all the details but knew the relationship between Barry and his eldest was strained. Something to do with an accident.

"How old are you Ethan?" Kathy asked in an attempt to change the subject.

"According to Raymond, social service guy, about a month if slightly under," Chris explained.

"Hmm, that explains his size," Kathy realized as she gazed into his eyes. "Maybe when you grow up you'll be as big as your dad… provided you do the extra weight training."

That earned a mild laugh from everyone save the baby.

"Chris, could I have a word in private?" Barry requested no unkindly, but carefully.

Kathy gave him a warning look to which he responded by holding his hands up to show he meant no harm.

"Sure, follow me," Chris said.

He led Barry towards his study where he kept files and his gun safe (a room he would soon be getting a lock for).

"Okay, so what do you want to talk about?" he started.

"What exactly are you planning on doing Redfield?" Barry asked seriously. "Are you thinking about raising him or something? And by yourself?"

"Not entirely by myself. Claire's going to help me… when she can," Chris countered weakly.

His sister had a life and job of her own. He couldn't exactly count on her to be around all the time.

"Chris," Barry put his hand to his head. "Do you have any idea what you are walking into? Do you?"

"Um, not really," Chris replied slowly. "I mean I've only been at this one day."

"Oh, for the love of!" Barry said incredulously. "Raising a child is no walk in the park. It's not even like those shooting contests you used to win all the time. It's hard! Very hard! They take up all your time. They're picky eaters. You have to clean up after them all the time, which isn't pleasant let me tell you. They get more demanding as time goes on. And they cry… so much. You never get any sleep at night because they wake you up crying and won't stop till they settle down! Most of my sleepless nights were a result of my daughters, not because, and I'm heartbroken to admit this, not because of Arklay or Raccoon City!"

Chris stared in shock at his friend who was now panting heavily.

"This is the most emotional I've ever seen you get about anything," was all he could say.

"That's because it was the hardest thing I've ever done!" Barry countered. "And yes, that includes my training. That God I had Kendo around to talk to since he got it!" Chris winced. He hadn't heard that name in a long time. "I'll ask you again Chris. What are you planning on doing with that kid?"

"I, I, I," Chris stammered.

Okay, maybe he had been a bit hasty in taking in Ethan (if last night was any example), but what else was he supposed to do? Leave him at the orphanage!? He hated that idea at fourteen when his parents passed away and social workers believed he and Claire should be split up. He'd worked himself to the bone to keep that from happening. Maybe he was hasty, but he didn't like the idea of his son (yes he was using that word) growing in one.

Besides, if the experience with Umbrella was anything orphanages weren't as safe as believed. Claire had been very specific about what Irons and Umbrella put those kids through in Raccoon. So excuse him if he wasn't a little bit concerned.

Even so, Barry wasn't wrong.

"Ethan has no other relatives. I don't want to just dump him in an orphanage and hope he gets lucky," Chris explained slowly. "I at least want to try before deciding on anything else. It might even be what his mother would have wanted." Barry didn't look convinced. "You're right. I don't know what I'm doing. I have little to no experience in raising or looking after a baby. But did you? Or Kendo for that matter?" That got Barry to flinch. "You're not wrong Barry… about a lot of things. However, shouldn't I at least try before giving up?"

Barry looked away from Chris. He couldn't see his expression, but his fists were clenched tightly. He didn't say anything for a while, perhaps pondering over what he'd just heard, until finally unclenching his fists and letting out a deep breath.

"It's not going to be easy," he finally said. "Even with Claire's help. Raising a child is a big responsibility."

"I understand," Chris agreed.

"Trust me you don't," Barry answered snarkily. "You were always a loose cannon in STARS Redfield but this by far takes the cake."

"You liked me being a loose cannon," Chris defended. "I got results."

"I tolerated you because you got results," Barry countered. "And maybe because I could tell your heart was in the right place… and also you weren't reckless or stupid enough to get yourself killed."

"Gee, thanks," Chris replied sarcastically.

"My point is it's going to be tough. Tough in ways you've never experienced," Barry explained softly. "No amount of life lessons and training can prepare you for parenthood."

"Yeah, I know," Chris replied rather sullenly. "I kind of found out the hard way last night."

"That bad, huh," Barry said.

"The place was left as a mess. Let's just leave it at that," Chris said still haunted by the experience.

There was another awkward silence between them as neither knew what to say next. The sound of Claire and Kathy's voices could be heard from the next room as they discussed different baby-caring methods.

"Chris, do you remember what happened to my family before Arklay?" Chris nodded. "I know it's early, but have you considered what might happen if Wesker finds out about Ethan?"

Chris was taken aback. He hadn't had time to consider it. Certainly, it was something to be concerned about but how would Wesker know about Ethan? Sure, they took Barry's family hostage but that was when they ran Raccoon and had the resources and manpower. Not to mention Barry had mentioned his family several times so they would have known. But Ethan was new and he had no idea what went on in Chris' life aside from when they crossed paths so how would he know?

"Not yet," he admitted. "How would he find out? With Umbrella gone he doesn't have the resources he used to."

"Well, I suppose I can't fault you for thinking that," Barry answered. "He does have resources though. Even if they're small he has them." He paused. "Maybe it's too soon to be worried, but still. You know Jill is going to bring it up if you tell her." Barry narrowed his eyes. "Are you going to tell her?"

Chris winced. That was one conversation he had not thought about yet.

"Not today," Chris said quickly.

Barry nodded in understanding. "Right, right. One battle at a time. I get it. I see you've made up your mind and won't change it, but that's okay. Whatever happens, I'll try to lend a helping hand when I can."

'Well, that's a relief,' Chris decided. He wasn't sure what else he could say to convince him.

"I think Kathy's still got some parenting books lying around the house in case Moira or Polly settle down one day," Barry offered. "And I can give you some tips on how to manage your sleep and maybe stay awake even when you want to collapse."

For the second time that day, Chris laughed.

"Don't laugh!" Barry warned. "I'm being serious about this Chris. You will have moments where you close your eyes and won't wake up. You won't even care about where it is until it's too late."

"Okay, I get it," Chris held his hands up in surrender. "It's going to be a rough time for me."

"Very rough," Barry muttered under his breath. "Just… watch yourself, Redfield."

"I'll do my best," Chris promised.

It was all he really could do. Whether he could match up to it was another thing altogether.

Barry and Kathy didn't stay long after that.

During the time they were absent Claire and Kathy had exchanged plenty of stories about their handling of babies. Kathy recounted many tales about Moira and Polly from when they were infants (including some humorous ones about Barry) while Claire brought up her college days. Both of them seemed to get on well.

Barry didn't have anything else to say to him so he just left with a promise to keep in touch.

Which left only one issue.

"Hey Ethan," Chris said while holding the confused babe up in front of him. "There's someone I want to introduce you to who's a good friend of mine. Her name is Jill. But the thing is, a lot has already happened today. Which do you think would be better: Introducing her today or waiting till tomorrow?"

Ethan waved his little arms and looked over at the TV while letting out a small coo.

"Tomorrow it is then!"

Hi there! It's been nearly two years since I updated this story but I haven't completely abandoned this fic.

What did you think of the chapter? I thought Barry was the logical choice for Chris to go to about fatherhood since he's been there himself.