Hey everybody! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas with lots of goodies! I know I did. :) Well anyway, I decided to write a Quil and Claire fanfic, since I've been reading them like crazy. I hope you all like! And PLEAE REVIEW! They are what tell me whether you like it or not and what I could do to change it! My job is to please!

ANY CHARACTERS THAT SOUND FAMILIAR IN ANY WAY BELONG TO THE GREAT STEPHENIE MEYER! :D

Enjoy!

tonks-quinn57

Chapter 1: Ignorance (Paramore)

Today was one of the best days up here in normally rainy La Push. Warm, sunny, bright, and just full of life. Unfortunately I promised Aunt Em I would leave this wonderful summer day on the beach to go help prepare for Uncle Sam's birthday. I always loved to go to the beach and just read or swim whenever there were days like today.

I walked over to my lime green Punch Buggy and drove down the main road, passing the trees and the wonderful cloudless blue sky, along the way. I reached Em's cute little cottage. It was such an adorable white house with green shutters. It was two stories high and very cuddly, yet spacious.

I drove my car in the garage to see that the backyard was a complete mess with my brother, Dmitri's toys scattered everywhere. I sighed and started to clean the mess because Dmitri was "too young" to pick up after himself. Typical.

Ugh, he's so spoiled! Why was his whole life revolving around making me miserable while he tries to show himself off? I thought this while I picked up a Lego play set and put it in the garage. I was finally done putting the last toy in the bin when I heard voices coming from inside. I walked quietly to the back door.

"…But I love her and she needs to know what's happening! I'm surprised she hasn't had too many suspicions yet. This can only go on for so long, you know!"

"Look. Claire will find out soon enough….when she's ready."

I looked through the glass door as I heard my name. I barely made out Quil and Sam in the kitchen. They looked extremely angry. What are they talking about?

"But she is READY!" exclaimed Quil, raising his voice. Don't push it Quil, I thought.

Quil has been friends with Sam for a long time. Ever since I was two and even before then. I didn't know exactly how or why, but Quil started babysitting me when Sam and Em had to go out and do errands. My parents too were always busy…back when they were alive. But he never seemed troubled by me, and we soon formed a close relationship. He's always been there for me. Birthdays, first time of month (tampax runs), first bike ride, etc. A perfect friend, play mate, and biggy packer.

He has gorgeous shaggy black hair, very tanned skin, and is a huge body builder. I mean if you saw him you'd notice his 6' 6" tall body and gazillion ab muscles, straight away. My very own life-size stuffed teddy bear.

"Quil," sighed Sam. " I will not argue with you. I'm her legal guardian and I want what's best for her."

"And you don't think I do? She will end up suspicious and start asking questions! Then what happens when I can't answer?"

What are they keeping from me? I'm not suspicious of anything… I think. Well there are those times when he looks way younger than he is. Also he's always warm. I mean REALLY warm, like my own sauna. But that doesn't have to with anything, right? I leaned in to see what the heck they were talking about.

"You'll tell her you can't say. Alpha rules. End of discussion. Now go wait for Claire to get home."

Quil nodded firmly, and started walking towards me. Oh no. I sprinted down the walk, turned just in time to see Quil slam the door and jump off the steps. He saw me walking slowly towards him and he smiled, but not his usual goofy one. More forced.

"You okay?" I whispered. My voice was rusty from fear. So much for trying to sound normal.

Quil looked down at his Reeboks, not saying anything. I didn't think he would respond before he said, "Yeah. Sam and I just got into a little argument that's all."

"What was is about?" I asked, trying to get more information, but of course, stubborn as always, he decided not to explain.

"Nothing you have to worry about," he lied. "Anyway, let's go inside. Emily is still grocery shopping, but I'm sure we can find something to do." He grinned at this last comment, and I couldn't help but smile back.

I'd let this go for now, but I'm going to bring it back up. I grabbed his hand, entwining my fingers with his as we walked into the kitchen. This was normal for him, but I couldn't help but think that this was a bigger sign. He told me he loved me once, but as if I was his sister. I know it's wrong to love a guy who's at least ten years older than I am, but I can't help it. I am in love with him. I've been in love with him for like two months, but he's been really busy so I haven't hung out with him in a while.

As Sam appeared he mentioned, "Before you say anything, I'm leaving right now and I didn't see anything, so don't tell Em I was here."

He smirked and I nodded, smiling. He hugged me and whispered, "Stay safe while I'm gone all right? We all know Quil is too wimpish."

I laughed as I heard Quil growl behind me. Sam winked and then ran out the door, shirtless. Crazy.

"One day that idiot's gonna get it," grumbled Quil.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Happy birthdayyyy dear Sammm! Happy birthday to youuu!"

We all burst into applaud and whistled. I was absolutely exhausted from working on the food for five hours straight – Aunt Emily can get a little crazy when she wants everything to be absolutely perfect. I walked into the living room after singing and lay down on the couch. I sighed, content with the extra soft cushions. If I can just sleep for a few… "Claire get up!" I growled.

"Embry, go away!"

I heard him chuckle and lift me into his arms as he started twirling me around, very fast.

"Embry! STOP! You're making me sick!" I screamed, a little too loudly. He immediately put me down and pulled me into a large bear hug. I breathed in deeply, waiting for the dizziness to clear.

"Sorry Clairedy-cat. I didn't mean to," he apologized.

"It's fine, Embry. I just am really tired and slow today," I said, feeling a little guilty for yelling.

Quil zoomed right into the room and sighed when he saw that everything was okay.

"Embry stop trying to kill Claire! GOD!"

I jumped into his arms and rested my head on his shoulders. Quil easily returned the hug and pulled us over to the couch. I sat on his lap as he turned on the T.V., Embry sitting next us.

I instantly started to think about my feelings for Quil and then everything was silent except for the low volume on the T.V. I was sleepy, but I was too aware of my head on his shoulders, his hand tracing patterns on my arms, and his even breathing. Everything is becoming more noticeable. I couldn't help but feel awkward that my feelings were towards such an older guy– at least ten years difference.

I stiffened, staring blankly at the T.V. Two guys were dancing around crazily and it make Embry chuckle, but I didn't getting the joke. I wasn't really paying attention.

"Claire? Are you okay?" I heard Quil whisper in my ear.

I jerked instantly away, surprised by his breath tickling my ear. I blinked and jumped out of his arms. His expression went from shock to concern.

"Claire." He said in a stern voice.

" I, uh just need some fresh air," I mumbled. Great explanation, Claire. He won't suspect a thing, I thought sarcastically. But before I could come up with a better one, I zoomed out of the room, through the kitchen and to the back door.

"Claire! You want more cake?" It was Seth, no doubt. I just shook my head and left, desperate for an escape.

I walked as fast as I could and headed to the forest beyond the house, into the darkness.

Why can't it just be like it used to? Back when I didn't feel strange? It's just so wrong now! It normally isn't such a bad thing. For years I've read books of when girls fall in love with way older guys, but it all ends well. They turn out gay, they die because they're a vampire (like in Look For Me By Moonlight), or its unrequited love. But my situation is not written, not to mention I hated those books because of how oblivious and stupid the girls were. Can't they know that this cliché topic is bound to have a flaw and never end up working? Then why am I caught into it? Seriously! What do you do when you fall in love with you're best friend who is amazingly gorgeous and way to old for you? After my mind keeps telling me this is stupid and typical, my heart wants me to be wrong and is stupidly persuaded into thinking Quil loves me back. Knowing it's wrong, but hoping it isn't.

Aware of how deep into the forest I was, I found a log to sit down on. I was frustrated, sad, confused, and so many other things. I was fuming and plopped down, my head resting in my open hands. I let out a little scream to clear the tension that was bubbling up inside of me.

I felt someone slowly sit besides me. I knew it was Quil. I built up the breath to explain, but as I looked up I saw Embry instead. He had a sad expression as if I'd just explained everything and he understood what I was struggling with.

"Hey," he said calmly.

"Hi," I replied blandly.

"You want to talk about it?" I know he wanted to know, but he wouldn't pester if I didn't feel in the talking mood. One of the many positive things about Embry.

"Yes," I sighed. This was, in fact true. Just wanted to spill the beans, but it just wasn't that easy to tell. How do I explain how I feel without getting the oh-god-she's-turning-into-a-delusional-teenager face?

There was a long pause and I could see he was waiting for an explanation. I just couldn't find my words.

"Are you going to?" he asked.

"I, uh just…can't," Nope. No words.

"Hey don't sweat it. Whatever it is, you can fix it. Please don't cry." I didn't realize I was crying until I felt Embry's hand touch my cheek to dry the tears that were fully escaping my eyes now. I leaned my head against his shoulders and then curled up into his arms. It was sooo cozy. He was also warm… It was silent; the only noises were my sniffling.

After I was done crying, I stayed in his embracing warmth and whispered, "Thanks, Embry."

"Don't sweat it, kiddo."

We sat in silence for a while, and then I felt myself become limp, exhaustion covering me. I felt Embry carry me into his arms, and carry me back to the house. I wasn't fully asleep and my eyes were closed, but I was still aware of everything. I heard him open the door to the inside, and heard a voice, Quil.

"What happened? Is she okay?" asked Quil with an anxious voice. Why was he scared? I was only gone for a couple minutes…

"It's fine. Chill, man. She's just overwhelmed by some stuff going on. No biggie," replied Embry calmly. I felt a cool breeze and moved into the arms around me for more warmth. I felt myself slipping. I just wanted to be comfortable.

All the voices were muffled and slow, and I felt myself being shifted into someone else's arms before I fell asleep.

I woke up to voices coming from downstairs. Hmm…

I opened my eyes to see that I was in my room. It was dark and I looked to my right to see 2:37 a.m. in bold green on my alarm clock. Why was anyone up, I asked in my head? I remembered what happened a couple of hours ago, and images of my adventure in the woods occurred in my mind. I heard some muffled yelling, and decided to go down and investigate. Or at least tell them to cool it because I wanted to sleep.

I pulled on my robe and headed for the stairs and slowed down as I approached the steps, listening to the conversation.

"Dammit Sam! Just let me tell her! She's seventeen. Seventeen!" It was Quil I knew. I just peeked my head to the side to see Quil looking extremely pissed.

"I SAID WAIT! Okay? I'm tired of this. It'll only be a little while before she's eighteen. Then I'll think about it," responded Sam.

"THINK ABOUT IT?" Quil was going nuts. WHAT are they trying to tell/keep away from me???

"Okay lets just think about this for a second," said Aunt Em, always trying to choose in between, "I think that Quil should decide when. Although I do agree that now's not the time."

Quil was shaking. He looked as if he was ready to explode into pieces. Sam came over and laid a hand on his shoulder, while Em moved away, looking in the opposite direction. I thought something was wrong with Quil so I slowly walked into the room, scared.

"Quil?" was all I said, as Sam looked over at me, worried, and then Quil burst into a big, furry…wolf. He was staring at me as I fell backwards, hitting my head hard on the wooden floor, losing consciousness.