Do you ever just sit back and take a look at your life and realize you've made a horrible mistake? Somewhere down the road you took a wrong turn and never recovered. You wonder about what could have been if things were different…

Alice lay in bed and stared blankly at the ceiling. Beside her Jill lay on her stomach, her face turned towards her, arm draped possessively around her waist. Even in sleep Jill held complete control over her.

Alice turned away from her- What? Girlfriend? Lover? Owner? – and sighed. Jill was beautiful, so beautiful it was disconcerting at times. She was smart as a whip, sharp as a blade and just as deadly. When they met, the then police officer was everything Alice wanted, but not anymore. Jill hadn't been what she wanted in a long time.

The change started after she left the force. Or more accurately, after she was kicked out of the force. She didn't know the specifics. All she knew was that Jill was assigned to the investigation of some pharmaceutical company. After a year of careful investigation, she found sufficient evidence of foul play to shut the whole thing down. But instead of arresting the criminals, the chief of police tossed the case away and ordered Jill to keep silent. When she refused, the chief had her thrown off the force. He made sure Jill never worked in law enforcement again. It destroyed her. Her job was her life. She'd been crushed. Utterly devastated.

Alice recalls days when she'd be so far gone, she thought she might die. They were some of the darkest moments in her life. Then Jill stumbled upon a man named Carlos Olivera, a business tycoon from the east coast. That's when the full transformation began.

At first the changes were subtle. Good. She came alive again. The fire was back in her eyes. She began doing things around the house again. She even applied for a job at the club where Alice stripped. First she worked as a bartender, then as security. Within a few months, Jill had the eye of the owner. Her rapid climb to success gave her back the confidence RCPD took from her and then some. Soon everyone knew her name. She played her cards well. So well that in a year, she became partial owner of the club. Weeks after that she tore the old place down, built a new one, slapped a banner with the name "STARS" on it, and thus began her empire.

Jill didn't need the money the business brought her. Her deceased uncle left her enough money that she'd never need to lift another finger in her life. What she needed was authority, a sense of control- All the things she didn't have as a police officer.

At first it was awesome having her girlfriend own the club she worked in. Jill gave her all kinds of perks and bonuses. Then it sunk in. Jill owned her. The previous owner required that his dancers to sign contracts prior to employment. It wasn't a bad deal since he offered a few legitimate benefits. Alice signed on for five years. She still had three to go. Jill bought out all those contracts.

It wasn't long before STARS became the hottest club in town, and it wasn't long before all that fame and fortune went to Jill's head.

Alice sighed. She grabbed her robe and cell from the floor before quietly slipping out of the room. She sucked in a deep breath. Sometimes she felt like she couldn't breathe around the other woman. She'd become overbearing and overwhelming. Narcissistic. Almost deviant like. Whatever few friends Alice managed to keep after college refused to come over for fear of incurring the brunette's wrath. Rain was the only one brave enough –Or just damn crazy enough- to come by even when Jill wasn't around. She figured that was mostly her fault. She'd been so blinded by her love in the beginning that she was willing to do anything to please Jill. Even to the extent of overlooking her friends.

She went into the kitchen, shrugged on her robe, and grabbed a glass of orange juice before going out to the front patio. She sat in her favorite porch swing; legs curled up beneath her, and just enjoyed the silence of the early morning.

It didn't last long. Her lips curled up into a smile. Her phone was buzzing.

Happy Halloween? ~ M.

Alice chuckled. Halloween was two weeks ago, She typed back.

I know. I missed you at my party. ~ M.

Her smile wavered. The reasons why she couldn't go were too painful, but it was funny how a few choice words from the right person could make her heart jump into overdrive and brighten up her day.

Is that the only time you've missed me? So she was fishing. She couldn't help it. It was like being a teenager and meeting that special someone for the first time all over again. Experiencing that initial fear, lust, and excitement was addictive. Always wanting to know what that person is thinking and why was a priority. But you're not a teenager and this isn't right, Her conscious reminded her, prompting her to look over her shoulder. No one there. Why did she feel like she was doing something she wasn't supposed to? Because you are.

No. ~ M.

Where have you been? ~ M.

Why? Do you miss me? No response. Not right away. Alice began to think she'd overstepped her bounds. Again.

After the whole mess at the club and a few less than friendly encounters between Jill and Claire, she and the mechanic agreed to keep their relationship strictly platonic. She liked Claire. A lot. But despite how unhappy her life with Jill had become, she couldn't just up and leave the person who stood by her all of these years. A part of her wished Jill would snap out of whatever six year funk she'd been in. Go back to being the strong, courageous, and loving woman she was before the whole mess with RCPD. But that was wishful thinking. RCPD really did a number on her. She'd never get over it, and this was her way of making sure something like that never happened again.

So why are you still hanging around? Because happy or not, Jill was a sure thing. The thought of being alone terrified her. She'd been alone all her life. Jill was familiar. Comfortable. Safe. And sometimes you have to sacrifice love to meet other necessities.

Alice glanced down at her phone.

Yes. I miss my friend. ~ M.

Friend. The word made her stomach knot up in a bad way. It hurt her, but she was the one who asked Claire to keep things friendly between them. It wasn't like she had to ask her in the first place- The redhead was reluctant to pursue a friendship in the first place, much less something more than that.

I miss my friend, too.

Can I come see you? ~ M.

I promise I'll be nice to the Jabberwocky. ~ M.

Alice shook her head. She wasn't surprised Claire still referred to Jill as the Jabberwocky. The brunette could be down right vicious. Rain started this whole Alice in Wonderland nickname thing. It stuck. The ~M. in Claire's signature stood for Mad Hatter.

I'd love that.

Come by the club in an hour?

Her heart began to pound. It'd been almost a month since she saw Claire. She knew they were supposed to be just friends, but she couldn't help feeling excited. On the outside she might have to pretend like she wasn't dying to see her, but on the inside she could be as ecstatic as she wanted to be. She wasn't even bothered by the fact that Claire was acting strange. A little more... liberal? Careless? She shrugged and practically ran inside to wake up Jill.

"Babe, wake up." She shook the brunette.

"Why?" Jill moaned, burrowing deeper into the covers.

"You have that meeting with Wesker, remember? You don't want to be late."

Jill opened an eye and glared at her. "That's not for another three hours."

Alice smirked. Jill had a serious case of bed head. "I know, but you still have to get ready. There's a convention in town today, you don't want to get stuck in traffic and be late, do you?"

She looked unconvinced, but shoved the blankets aside. Alice tried not to stare. Jill always slept naked. "Fine." She muttered.

"Go take a shower. I'll make you some breakfast."

"You seem too happy this morning."

Guilt swept over Alice like a tidal wave. Jill might be a bitch, but she never lied to her about anything. Technically, I'm not lying.

Withholding information is the same thing as lying.

A stripper with a conscious. How cute.

Alice forced the smirk back on her face. "We have interviews at the club today, remember? I'm just excited to see what the new girls have."

Jill grinned. "Try not to scare them all off until after we've hired somebody."

Alice gasped, punching the brunette's arm. "I don't know what you're talking about."

She rolled her eyes. "Please. No one can wrap around a pole better than you can, but I can't have you stealing the stage every night."

"Why not?"

Jill looked thoughtful for a second. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder. The less the clients see you, the more they'll miss you and the more they'll be willing to pay for a dance."

"Jeez. For a minute there I thought you were going to say something nice for a change."

"It's just good business, babe."

Alice watched her disappear into the adjacent bathroom. Jill's words stung, but she was determined to let it go. She just wondered why her head and heart took it upon themselves to mess with her. Claire, Jill. Jill, Claire.

"Women." She muttered, stalking out to the kitchen to make that breakfast.

Claire poked around inside the refrigerator with a menacing scowl in place. Beer and pizza were the bulk of consumable items in her home. All thanks to her unruly brother and his annoying friends.

She'd made up with Chris and K-Mart after that initial blow up. Truth be told, she hadn't been all that angry, just disappointed by the way they chose to go about things. As nice as dating Dahlia was, her head and heart weren't in it. They were more concerned with a certain blue eyed blonde- A blue eyed blonde who would never be anything more than a friend. Holding Kmart back wasn't right.

She slammed the refrigerator door shut, grabbing an empty pizza box from the counter and stomping into the living room where Luther, Leon, Ada, and Chris slept on the floor, PlayStation controllers still in their hands, two split screens showing the words YOU ARE DEAD. She didn't understand this generations' obsession with zombies. What kind of name was Resident Evil, anyway?

She aimed the pizza box at Chris' head and hurled it. He jerked upright, accidentally kicking Luther in the gut. He immediately woke up, flailing his big arms and legs around. One of his feet caught Ada in the ribs.

"What the fuck?!" Ada screamed.

Claire smirked, pleased with the ensuing chaos. When Chris finally managed to untangle himself from his bickering friends, he dragged himself over to her, glaring daggers. "Did you really have to do that?"

"Yup! Sure did."

He did not look pleased. "Whatever."

"It's your turn to buy food."

Chris yawned, his mouth wide open like some kind of monster. He blinked several times, some awareness coming back into his dull eyes. "There's food in the fridge."

"Pizza and beer are not food."

"Of course it is. It's the food of champions." Luther wrapped his big arms around her. "Good morning beautiful. Is today the day you realize I'm the man of your dreams?"

Claire ducked under his arms, punching him in the gut before shoving him away. "No."

Luther chuckled, rubbing the sore spot. "There's always tomorrow."

She glared at him. "Not if Chris doesn't buy food,"

Luther leaned over and smacked her brother across the chest. "You heard the lady, go buy some food, you cheap bastard."

Chris rolled his eyes. "Dude, she's never going out with you. For one, you don't have the right parts."

"And you're ugly as hell." Leon added.

Claire sighed. It was hard to stay mad with this bunch of idiots. "Chris, just make sure you buy some actual food today."

Chris followed her into the bathroom. He leaned against the doorway, watching her as she brushed her teeth. "So, you got big plans today, baby sis?"

"Not really. I thought I'd take the Boss out to the track."

Chris grinned. He reached into his pajama pocket, pulling out her cell phone. "I hope you don't mind cancelling your plans," He dangled the phone in front of her, "A hot little number wants you to meet up with her."

Claire's eyes widened momentarily before turning to slits. She rinsed her teeth, then crossed her arms over her chest, shooting her brother the most intimidating glare she could muster. Of course stupid Chris just laughed. "Why the fuck do you have my phone?"

"You left it out."

"Sure I did." She swiped it out of his hand, quickly scrolling through her messages. 2 Unread messages from Rain. 1 Unread message from Barry. I Unread message from Wonderland.

Alice. Alice hadn't spoken to her in days and hadn't seen her in twice as long. Chris watched her closely. She tried not to seem too interested as she selected the message from "Wonderland."

Come by the club in an hour?

She frowned. Come by the club? Why would she want to meet her there? And in an hour? She checked her watch. That didn't leave her much time. I wonder why she's texting me after all this time. She stared at the screen, as if she could intimidate it into giving her answers. Too bad. It usually worked with Chris.

She shoved past her grinning brother and grabbed the keys to the Boss and a red vest. She didn't have time to put on makeup so she settled for a pair of Chris's aviator glasses. Ada wolf whistled as she headed out the front door.

"Where are you headed looking all sexy? Have a hot date?" The woman teased.

Claire flipped her the bird and slammed the door shut. Sometimes she wondered why she put up with those people. Probably for the same reason I put up with Chris. I feel sorry for them, She thought with an affectionate smile.

Alice sat at the bar, a long forgotten drink placed in front of her. Rain was going on about some thing or another. She'd listened intently for the first ten minutes then her mind began to wander to a certain redhead. She peered at the clock again. 10:34. Thirty minutes late and not a single text.

Rain rolled her eyes. Alice sure brooded a lot these days. She hopped on top of the counter, almost slapping her friend with her butt in the process. She flashed Alice a huge grin when the blonde shot her a nasty look. "You do know kiss my ass is an expression, right? I'm not really going to do it."

Rain sighed wistfully. "A girl can dream can't she?"

Alice fought to keep a straight face. In the end she couldn't help it. She laughed. She'd known Rain since college. The girl had a wicked sense of humor that rivaled Jill's. She was the definition of unconventional. She was born and raised in a catholic home. Her twin sister was the alter girl, her mother a well known member of the debutante committee, and her father a well respected general. Everyone thought Rain would grow up to be the pride and joy of the O'Campo family. Imagine their surprise when she announced her prochoice, gay, gun hating, liberal lifestyle at her sister's middle school graduation party. Alice had been there for that. It was not pretty.

They were still laughing when the front door slammed shut. They nearly jumped out of their skins. Rain quickly composed herself, glancing at the clock and announcing their first dancer was due to come in at 11:00. Maybe she was early.

Or not.

Claire strolled into the empty club. She almost didn't recognize it without the strobe lights, pulsing base, and naked bodies dancing everywhere. Somehow it managed to look more depressing in the day. She glanced around, hands shoved into her pockets as she made her way to the counter where she spotted Rain.

And Alice.

The blonde wore a simple pair of jeans with black taper boots and a checkered button up. Her hair hung past her shoulders in corkscrew curls. A light touch of eye liner and mascara completed her look. Claire gulped. Alice almost looked like a normal girl. Someone she might actually have a chance with. Too bad they were standing in her girlfriend's strip club.

"Hey, Rain."

"The Mad Hatter returns." The brunette said with a smirk. She snatched up a clipboard from the bar and jumped down. "I'll be in the back doing inventory if you need anything, Alice." Her eyes swept over Claire. "You look damn good."

Claire's face warmed up. "Charming as always I see."

"That's Rain for you..." Alice took her time appraising the redhead. For once her mind didn't immediately go to the gutter. All she could think was, She's gorgeous. She offered Claire a smile. "I'm glad you messaged me. I missed you."

Claire frowned. Not the reaction Alice expected. "I didn't text you."

Alice made a face. "You text me this morning. I got your message. It said Happy Halloween."

"What? Happy Hallowee-" Realization dawned on her. The text made sense now. Alice wasn't sure she looked the dark look on her face. "Chris."

"Your brother? What about him?"

"He had my phone. He must have text you pretending to be me. I'm going to kill him when I get home."

Alice shook her head, raking her fingers through her curls. "So you didn't text me saying you missed me?"

Claire froze. Hell yeah she missed her, but they were supposed to be friends. Friends don't sit around all day wondering what their so called friend is doing or what's on their mind or if they're thinking about you. The look on Alice's face put a knot in her throat.

"It wasn't me."

"Oh... Okay." Alice mumbled. The disappointment in her voice was tangible.

"But I do miss you. I guess life got a little hectic for the both of us."

"I guess so."

Claire rocked back and forth on her feet, eyes darting every which way. When did things get so awkward? "I guess I'll be leaving." She said, hoping Alice would ask her to stay. The blonde made no move to stop her.

"I know you're not leaving so soon, Claire." Rain magically appeared at her side, hands on her hips.

Claire looked to Alice for help. None came forth. "Um, no. Of course not."

"Good." Rain sauntered over to her, a predatory smile making Claire feel like the canary that the cat ate. That cat happened to be a five foot five raven haired beauty in a tight baby doll tee, tiny jean shorts, and a pair of black combat boots. "Because Alice and I have a new dance and we want to try it out on you, don't we, Alice?"

Alice glowered at her friend. What the hell was she up to? "That's right?"

Claire looked skeptical. "I don't know. I don't think your girlfriend would approve."

Alice tried not to flinch. She thought about this morning and the things Jill said. She made a choice. She grabbed Claire's hand and dragged her to one of the booths, and shoved her down. "It's just good business." Seconds later Roxy and The Saints' "Smother You" pounded through the club's multiple Bose sound system. She smirked. How fitting.

Claire's heart jumped into her throat. Her mind was reeling, conjuring up images of a similar situation not too long ago. Alice in that crimson dress, smiling seductively and pawing at her like a hungry animal. Hot lips on her neck, experienced hands on her body. A painful throbbing in between her legs that Alice's tongue further incited. This time it was different. Chris and his friends wouldn't burst in right in the thick of things. And Jill isn't here to interrupt.

Alice grinned deviously. Claire might be able to act like they were just friends, but that hungry look in her eyes said it all. She wants her. Bad.

Rain jumped on the stage, taking hold of the pole and walking around the stage. "Tell us what you think, Claire." She said. Of course this wasn't a new dance, and she had no intentions of sticking around when things got hot and heavy between her two friends. She was simply giving them a little push in the right direction. Sometimes those two girls could be so dense. She was all about dancing, but this dancing around each other thing was getting tired fast.

She let go of the pole and walked up to Alice and pulled her up to the stage. She grabbed the blonde's hips and pulled her against her chest and began to sway to the music. "That girl only has eyes for you." She whispered, subtly glancing at Claire.

Alice took a peek. It's like Rain wasn't even in the room. She smiled. "What are you up to, Rain?"

"I'm doing what you don't have the balls to do."

"I don't think I'd look very good with balls. They look great on you, though."

Rain barked a laugh, dipping her hips then rolling her body up against Alice. Alice closed her eyes, tossing her head back. She could feel Claire's eyes on her, intense and unwavering. "Go get your girl."

Suddenly Rain was gone. She opened her eyes and found her friend swinging on the pole. She always envied the ease with which Rain manuvered around the pole, but that was the furthest thing from her mind. She fixed her gaze on Claire who looked positively restless sitting in that booth.

She twirled around once then sauntered to the redhead. "Hey good looking," She purred. "Want a dance?"

Claire could only nod. Her brain was turning to mush again. She could barely hear the little voice in her head over the pounding of her heart- the one that told her this was a bad idea. Kind of like that first time.

She didn't care. Her body wanted—no-needed to finish what Alice started all those months ago. It killed her going to bed every night with the memories of that unfinished dance plaguing her mind. At times they were so powerful, so overwhelming, they led her to... drastic measures. But no matter how much she tried, she could never recreate the fire that Alice's touch sparked in her. Her hands never felt as good as the blonde's on her body, her imagination didn't hold a candle to the real thing.

Alice sat on her lap, eyes round and black, her lips slightly parted. Claire shivered. Alice's intentions were clear. She wanted to devour her. She felt the heat seeping through blonde's jeans and groaned. This was insane.

"Alice-"

"Shh." Alice cooed, raking her fingers through soft, red hair. Claire shivered. "Just... let me do this."

Their eyes met. Blue and green pools of bridled passion begging to let loose. "O-okay."

Alice sprang forward, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Instead of sating the hunger, it provoked it. Claire felt like her insides were on fire. Alice's hands pulled her hair. Her hips bucked up, propelling her between the blonde's legs. Fuck. She needed to feel this again. Alive. Alice made every one of her senses come to life- she made her feel alive.

"Oh, fuck, Alice." She gasped shakily as Alice moved her lips to the sensitive spot beneath her left ear. Her hands flew to her hips, pulling her forward, crushing their bodies together. Friction. She needed friction. And skin. More skin. This was ridiculous. Not even two minutes into it and she was already prepared to burst. "Wait." Alice froze. She quickly unbuttoned her shirt and pulled it around her shoulders. She smirked. "Better."

Alice chuckled, her voice heady. "I can do you one better." She dragged her hands down the redhead's shoulders then back up. Across her collarbone. Between her breasts. Down, down, down to the waistband of her jeans. A flick of her thumb and the button was history. She felt a small wave of warmth escape Claire's pants. She couldn't help herself. She licked her lips. "Are you wet, Claire?"

"Don't fucking tease me." Claire panted between clenched teeth, but smiled weakly.

"Somebody has a potty mouth."

"You should see the things I can do with this potty mouth."

Alice felt like she got slammed against a wall. Claire's words had quite an effect on her. She wrapped her arms around her neck, pulling her close. "You should see what I can do with mine." She whispered against her lips.

Claire kissed her. Self control was quickly becoming an issue. Her breathing started getting all fucked up, she could no longer keep her hips from bucking, and her hands had minds of their own as they found Alice. Touching her hair. Her breasts. Her hips. She was lost in the moment, fully engrossed in the experience.

Then a door slammed shut.

"Who the fuck are you?"

Alice jumped away from her as if she'd been burned, and struggled to pull her shirt back on. Rain just looked irritated as she jumped off the stage. Claire squeezed her eyes shut and sucked in a deep breath. She was mortified. That was twice now that Jill caught her with her pants dropped.

Jill stomped into the club looking ready to kill. Thankfully Rain dimmed the lights down when they started their dance. Jill didn't see them all over reach other, but one look at their flustered faces and disheveled clothes and hair was enough of a hint. "Seriously? You? What the fuck are you doing here?"

"Jill-"

"I'm talking to her, Alice." She snarled. "Well? I'm waiting."

Claire's brows furrowed. What could she say? She had nothing. Jill's going to kick my ass. "I-"

"You what?"

"If you'd shut the fuck up for five seconds, we'll tell you." Rain muttered. "We were just showing Claire some moves because she's one of the girls trying out to dance."

"What?" Jill and Claire said at the same time.

Rain cocked a brow at Claire, as if saying play along, dumbass. "What? You don't think she's pretty enough?"

Jill glanced at the flustered redhead. "Pretty isn't enough. You need skill to work in my club. Is that what happened here? You're trying out?"

Claire licked her lips. One way or another, this was not going to end well. She couldn't dance to save her life. "Yeah."

The lie seemed to work. Jill looked less... murderous. Though not entirely pleased. "Alright then. My mistake."

"It's cool. We probably should have told you." Rain said.

Claire sighed. That was close. Too close. Now more than ever she was determined to stay as far away as possible from Alice. And Rain. She stood up, buttoning her jeans and slipping her shades back on. "Thanks for the tips." She rasped, her voice not entirely normal yet. None of her was. It was going to take a few hours and some serious self loving to calm her down. After she kicked Chris' ass. "Let me know if I got the job."

"I'll let you know right now." Jill smirked, her tone made Claire tense. "Get up there and dance, Redfield." Alice's eyes widened considerably. Rain actually looked apologetic. They should know how Jill works by now. She was an ex cop for fucks' sake.

Fuuuuck... Claire slapped herself. When was she going to learn?

Claire and strip clubs don't mix.

AN: I know it's been about a year since I updated, so if there's anyone still reading this, welcome back. I must admit I made a mistake in chapter three of this story. I tried to write in a plot, but quickly realized this is not the type of fic that needs a complicated story line. I hope this chapter fixed that. If anyone is reading "Zero Hour" I'll be updating that as well. Please forgive my long absence. College is a pain in the ass.

Thoughts? Comments?

Cheers guys!