A/N: Finally! I have Internet! Anyhow expect updates on a regular basis now. :) This chapter is in K-Mart's point of view. Happy Reading!

Chapter 7

K-Mart POV

I stared out the van window at the cloudy sky while thinking about Jake.

Sure he was a little dense but he was tan, built, and super cute! He was really protective of Bella which I would've thought was really sweet if I didn't wish I was her.

Jacob had only been around for a few hours and I already knew he was majorly crushing on Bella. Luckily I could tell Bella didn't like him at all because I suspected that she had taken a liking to Alice and that Alice liked her back.

Alice was always completely serious, occasionally there were sarcastic quips here and there but she never cracked laughable jokes, winked, or attempted to soothe someone by holding them.

I had hoped she would've fought more to hold Bella just so I didn't have to to see Jacob do it but when she realized what she was doing she pulled back confused while Jacob smiled happily to himself.

I remembered how he looked when Alice grabbed Bella's arm abruptly to look at her scars. He looked angry and jealous.

I wish I had someone protective to like me that much.

Hell I would've considered going after Jake but I could tell he wouldn't easily get over Bella and the only one to show any minute interest in me was Seth.

I wondered how Claire would feel about this. We were intimate a few times but it was never more than that to her, though she never had to deal with me and another person.

She said love was too much of a distraction in these times which I thought was a load of crap because she still risked her life for me all the same.

Sure it was hard at first nipping the feelings that grew for her in a bud but after being... used a few times and ignored after it was easy. Not to say that I didn't enjoy the sex, because I did.

I thought back to our first time. We were in Alaska and she found a watch with the date on it in working condition. It was September 23, the day before my 18th birthday. My actual birthday would be the day we started traveling so I decided not to tell anyone.

But Alice and her hyper aware self could tell somehow and spilled the beans. Claire smiled and took me for a walk. She began talking about becoming a woman and every year how you got wiser. I couldn't help but interrupt her and laugh which confused her. I thought back to the conversation.

"What's so funny?"

I took a few seconds to get my laughter out and responded.

"You're talking about becoming a woman and I've just realized I'm going to die a virgin. I've only ever kissed a boy."

She rolled her eyes and pulled out a cigarette. I used to think anyone who smoked was repulsive but it was attractive on her, it added to the rough edge that only I was able to see through.

She noticed me staring and handed me the cigarette. I would've declined but I was actually curious of the appeal.

I blushed embarrassed when I started coughing the second the smoke hit my throat.

"Ugh! I'll never understand the appeal of smoking."

She smiled and placed the cigarette between her dry lips.

"Good, that means this bad boy is all mine. Anyhow, I know there is nothing in Alaska to do for your birthday so whenever we get somewhere and it's safe and you can think of something to do, let me know and Alice and I will make it happen."

We continued our walk in silence while I thought. There was nothing I could think of doing, it's not like I could have a party... I didn't know why but one thing kept plaguing my mind.

"Claire..."

She put out her cigarette and placed it behind her ear after adjusting it so it wouldn't fall.

"Well that was quick. What do you want? Name it and you got it."

I blushed furiously and looked at her, really looked at her. No one looked perfect especially not in the post-apocalyptic world. Her blonde hair was dry, dirty, and put in a ponytail under her worn hat, her eyes were tired and her skin was grimy, her hands were calloused, and her clothes were tattered. She looked every bit of her age, 32 and then some but was still a beautiful, strong woman. I knew she loved me to a degree. We had been around each other for so long. Her, I wanted it to be her.

"K-Mart? You've been staring at me for like two minutes. Do I have something on my face?"

Claire tried to maintain a seriously concerned face but after a few seconds she started laughing so hard at her own joke causing me to laugh with her. Soon after we caught our breath and she looked at me expectantly.

"What's on your mind?"

I placed my hand on the back of my neck and exhaled loudly. She was going to flip.

"I uh... For my birthday I want.. To lose my virginity."

She cocked an eyebrow, obviously confused about my statement.

"I wish there was a boy around to help you with that but there isn't. And all the men in the conv-"

Say it K-Mart, just say it.

...

"To you. I want to lose my virginity to you."

Claire stopped and looked me in the eyes with an unknown expression. She was stunned.

I knew it. She was disgusted, but before I could completely turn around to leave she gently grabbed me by my shoulders and turned me around.

"Why me?"

I thought hard trying to place my feelings into words. This was more serious for me than it probably was to most of the world Pre-Apocalypse.

"...I want to lose it to someone who cares deeply about me and who I care deeply about. We've risked our lives for each other several times... And I know you'll do so again and again. I just want something good to remember with you in case... You get hurt. I understand if-"

Claire raised both of her hands up as if in defense and shook her head.

"I said I'd do anything and I'm honored that you want it to be me. I want this with you. I want it to be as special as it can be. Let's go wash up."

Claire's voice shook me out of my little flashback.

"I was beginning to think you had fell asleep. I know you wanted to drive and I said no but Alice said that we should be safe until we reach Vegas. You can drive for a couple hours and then we're going to set up."

I nodded and took over the wheel. Yes! I never get to drive.

I looked in the back of the van to see Leah holding a sleeping Angela and Bella asleep, head on the window while Alice and Jacob both stared at her.

Poor Jacob. I really hoped Alice wouldn't push Bella away like Claire did to me. Push and pull, that's all it was.

Even if the pull was always physical...

A/N: I'd love some feedback. What do you think of the way I wrote K-Mart and Claire even? Would you mind if I put a little attention on them so at least any filler chapters would interesting? Also douchebag Jake? Yes? No?

Feel free to just tell me what you liked or didn't like, or what you'd like to see.

Have a nice day!