Chapter Text
Chris has been taking note of the rude looks and distasteful remarks Marini is been dropping lately, all of them subtly directed towards his captain. Chris himself hasn’t noticed any strange smell to Wesker that could be a sign that the omega is approaching a heat or something, but Marini, another alpha like himself, has been throwing darts in that direction anyway. The leader of the Bravo team sports a confident attitude around the Captain of the S.T.A.R.S. unit, as if they know each other well. But Chris, despite being the most recent admission to the Alpha team, is already very perceptive of his captain’s subtle expressions. And he knows Wesker loathes Marini’s behavior deeply.
Chris was in the showers of the RPD, out of sight, when he heard a little exchange between the two of them. Captain Wesker must have come into the locker room, likely searching for some personal effect, when Marini greeted him, voice brimming with joy, probably assuming they were alone together.
“Evenin’, Captain. Mmm, such a sweet smell in the lockers lately, isn’t it? Warms my heart a little,” he purred.
“Don’t you have anything else to do, Enrico? Wasting your time like this,” Wesker’s voice, calm as ever, reverberated in the place. It sounded quieter by the end, as if he was leaving.
Chris heard Marini’s dry laugh and came out of the showers with a towel around his waist. He shot the older man a look completely devoid of any sympathies.
“What were you doing there, Redfield?” Marini growled as he got dressed. “Hiding from your boss?”
Chris didn’t answer, continuing to do his own thing.
Marini had been amicable back when Chris first joined S.T.A.R.S. but he soon grew distant, and Chris couldn’t understand why. He had felt a little guilty at first, trying to remember if he had been disrespectful or careless on any occasion, but he could never find an explanation. Now, he is just happy to revel in the mutual distaste. He’s not shaking hands with such a disgusting man.
Later on, Chris noticed the lascivious stares, the subtle prowling, the way Marini was always trying to get in Wesker’s space and attention. Chris couldn't help but admire how elegantly Wesker thwart or blatantly ignored all these advances, as if he was used to doing it. Making it up to captain of the unit while being an omega, he must have suffered his fair share of stupidity from alphas trying to hit on him.
To say Chris is irked by the whole pretense would be an understatement. He’s furious. His heart starts racing every time he has to talk with Marini, his teeth clenched in an attempt to not give anything away. Chris tries to keep his movements and gestures under control, all of them calculated and slow. It’s none of his business, he knows. Wesker is perfectly capable of putting Marini in his place if he wants to. Likely he’s just avoiding having a conflict with the leader of Bravo team. But Chris doesn’t know how long he can take the asshole marking the place around. Some would tell him that he’s being a stupid alpha, driven by a very misplaced jealousy. Marini has been there much longer than him, and he’s closer to Wesker's age than him. Chris is the actual transgressor, and he should just look the other way and find his own omega if he really wants one.
But they don’t call him stubborn without reason.
He’s been racking his brain on how to deal with the situation, when the last straw finally breaks. He’s about to leave for the day. Marini’s stuff is still at his desk, but neither he nor the captain have been around for a while. It unsettles him slightly. Since Marini started this charade, seeing Wesker going out of the S.T.A.R.S. office alone spoils his mood, especially if Marini isn’t in view. There’s nothing he can do about it, he knows it. Resigned, he throws on his leather jacket, grabs his keys and his wallet, along with a bag full of some training clothes he needs to wash, and takes his leave.
He exits the S.T.A.R.S. office and comes face to face with what he’s been suspecting. His dejected expression instantly turns into a deep scowl. Marini stands tucked by the window a few meters into the corridor, with his back to Chris. Wesker, who is slightly taller, stands facing the man, arms folded stiffly against his chest. Marini seems to be boring his dear captain with who knows what story, gesturing with his arms and hands in a very effusive explanation. Chris starts to walk towards them, the two abutting the stairs to the main hall. Wesker’s expression is… well, it’s as indifferent as ever, truly, adorned with dark glasses, undisturbed and unreadable. Chris observes both figures as he approaches, scheming in his head the perfect way to corner Marini outside and clarify a few things with the man. Wesker makes eye contact with Chris, the blond man knitting his brow. Chris is about to say his farewells for the day when the captain speaks, abruptly cutting off Marini's speech.
“Have you handed over the report for the Hudson case, Chris?”
The younger man stares, perplexed. “You said it was fine if I gave it to you tomorrow.”
“Change of plans, I need it now,” Wesker speaks, in a tone that leaves no room for discussion. Still, Chris tries to bend his will a little. This is the perfect chance to give Marini some well-deserved retaliation, he can’t miss out on it or he’ll have to see another amount of shameful attempts unfold in front of his eyes.
“I can’t stay longer today, captain. My sister’s visiting,” Chris lies.
“Oh, is she, Redfield? Well, I hope she can find something to watch on TV tonight because you’re staying here, finishing that report, now ,” Wesker says sternly, pointing to the office door.
Chris frowns again. Wesker’s change of mind is seriously out of character for him, it’s almost as if he had flared what’s going on in Chris’ head. The thought only angers him more. All he wants to do is save his captain a headache and deliver some justice.
“But…” Chris trailed off.
“Are you deaf, Redfield?” Marini says, oozing arrogance as he closes the distance.
Chris can’t believe it. He has to make extra hours now, while Marini gets to humiliate him with his captain’s silent complicity. Chris lowers his head unconsciously, glaring at Marini.
“I know very well that he isn’t,” Wesker cuts in, breaking the tension. “Chris, to my office. Walk ,” he commands. “See you tomorrow, Enrico.”
Chris stomps through the corridor up to Wesker’s private office, certain the blond is on his tail. The young alpha is fuming. He stands in the middle of Wesker’s office, cold and mute, swallowing down all that anger that burns like hot coals. Wesker closes the door behind him, throwing his glasses onto his desk.
“What exactly do you think you’re doing, Redfield?” he snaps, piercing through him with eyes like ice chips.
“I thought I was going home, but it seems I was wrong,” Chris deadpans, looking past his captain.
“Don’t be cheeky. You know perfectly well what I’m talking about. You get yourself in trouble with Marini, I'm throwing you out of here myself.”
Just by his tone, Chris can tell he isn’t joking.
“Captain!” Chris starts speaking indignantly, about to begin an endless rant.
“I don’t want to hear another word, Chris,” Wesker says, raising his voice slightly. “You are not getting yourself in trouble, are we clear?”
“But he’s a moron,” Chris is still careful not to raise his voice, angry as he is.
“I’m the one with the authority to decide that. If he becomes a problem, I’ll deal with it. Just like I’ll deal with you if you disobey my orders.”
Wesker is implacable. He almost seems to enjoy his little display of power, so out of character for the typical omega. On the flip side, Chris needs to keep his much sensitive alpha pride in check in front of his boss. He focuses on his breath, clasping his hands together behind his back, but the scowl that wrinkles his face seems almost impossible to remove. His dark brown eyes glance over at his captain as he tries to reign in his feelings. Wesker approaches him.
“Has it crossed your mind that I may like it?” Wesker purrs, and Chris, fixing his gaze on those blue eyes, tenses up. “Having an alpha drooling after me?”
Chris huffs, skeptical, and looks away. You hide it very well, captain , he wants to say, but he doesn’t. He wouldn’t want to disrespect his captain, lowering himself to Marini’s level.
Wesker grabs his chin without warning, forcing him to make eye contact. “I don’t need anyone to defend me, Chris. I’m perfectly capable of doing it myself.”
All the rebelliousness and fury vanish from the alpha at the touch and the closeness of his captain. The only thing on Chris’ mind, having an omega this close, is keeping his alpha instincts under control. He can almost feel the warmth of Wesker’s breath against his cheek.
“I know, captain,” Chris answers quietly, suddenly subdued.
“Very well. Please, don’t disappoint me.”
Chris thinks he hears a note of despair in his captain’s voice.
“I won’t, Wesker,” Chris rushes out, wanting to reassure him, although he doesn’t know how he’s going to resist the urge of squeezing Marini’s neck.
“Fine,” Wesker sits down at his desk.
“Can I go home now?” Chris asks.
“No. I know you were lying to me about your sister,” he says, going back to his usual coldness. “Go back to your desk and finish up your work.”
Chris sighs, walking dispiritedly to the door.
“You could at least thank me for helping you get rid of that bore,” he teases before opening.
Wesker laughs, teeth bared.
“You really have a nerve, Redfield,” he remarks to himself, and starts typing on his computer.