Chapter title taken from the song "All Alright" by Sigur Rós from the album "Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust"

FYI Sigur Rós an amazing band from Iceland and you should check out their albums (Takk is the best one IMO). In fact every song/band I mention you should check out because they are all stuff on my Ipod and since I love them, that means everyone else should too :)


Quil & Claire: October 30 4:03 PM

"Claire, hey Claire wait up!" Quil jogged up and grabbed Claire's arm. "Hey, are you okay?"

Claire made a face. "I'm just dandy."

Quil stuffed his hands in his pockets and shuffled his feet. "I saw you fighting with Mindy."

"Who? Oh you mean Slutty McSlut? Yeah we've decided to part ways as friends."

Quil looked down at the ground. "I'm sorry," he said softly.

"Why, it wasn't your fault. I saw her making an ass of herself all over you. Friends don't make a move on another friends guy. It's totally against the code."

"Well I can't say I'm upset that she's gone. She wasn't a very good friend to you. I'm sorry you had to deal with her on your birthday though. I was going to talk to you about it, but I saw Emily going all wild Vegas style with her camera so…."

"Yeah, family photo time. That was fun," Claire said sarcasm lacing her words.

"I know a way to cheer you up," Quil informed her.

"You do, huh?"

Quil nodded vehemently. "Yes. It's called 'making out with your boyfriend'. It's highly therapeutic. Five out of five doctors recommend it."

Claire studied his face for a moment. "Getting desperate, huh?"

"God yes, please. I just want a minute of your time. No scratch that I'd like several minutes of your time." He reached over and pulled Claire to him. "Kissing is the best medicine."

"I thought laughter was the best medicine," Claire said.

"No, no it's not." He leaned forward and nuzzled her neck. "Kissing is," he breathed into her ear.

Claire grinned. "Okay buddy, but you only get one minute. Then I have to get back to my friends."

"I'll take it," Quil straightened up, looked around quickly and then hurriedly pulled Claire into a small group of trees near the garage. He looked around again to ensure they were hidden from view, then finally, thankfully crushed his lips against hers. His mouth was hot and demanding. He moaned deep in his chest from the feel of her tongue against his. It had been to long and he felt his desperation building up, bubbling in his chest, threatening to burst to the surface. He pushed Claire against a tree trunk and wedged his thigh between her legs, his hands gripping fistfuls of her dress. He felt Claire trying to push him away, and growled, refusing to let her go.

Claire managed to pull her lips from his, but not to be discouraged he attacked her neck, nipping at her shoulder when she tried again to push him away.

"Quil," Claire gasped. "Your minute is up."

"No," he snapped. He kissed her again, and she let him, her hands gripping the collar of his tee shirt.

When his lungs felt like they would burst from lack of air, he reluctantly broke the kiss. Claire took the opportunity to push him away.

"I have to get back, people will start to wonder where we are."

"I don't care," Quil pouted.

Claire smoothed her dress and ran her hands through her hair. "Well I do. I said a minute and I meant it. Now I have to get back."

"Claire," Quil whined. "I need more than a minute. I need you."

Claire placed her palm on Quil's cheek and he closed his eyes, leaning into her touch.

"I know you do," she said quietly. "But now isn't the time. I promise, as soon as the party is over we can be together for as long as you want."

"Do you really promise?" Quil opened his eyes, his tone pleading.

"Yes. I really promise." Claire fixed her dress one last time. "Now how do I look?"

"Amazing, breathtaking, spectacular."

"I don't want to know what you think. I need to be concerned about the population at large. Do I look like I was just mauled?"

Quil made a face. "I didn't maul you," he replied indignantly.

Claire raised her eyebrows.

"Okay fine, I mauled a little, but you've been asking for it," Quil said sulkily. "And no you don't look mauled. A little flushed but otherwise, perfect."

Claire smiled. "All right. I'm heading back." She turned and walked slowly away from him, heading back towards the party.

Once she was gone, Quil groaned and collapsed forward against the tree. He made a weak fist and hit the trunk. "God damn it," he muttered. He stood up, looked down and cursed. He made a face and slid down to the ground. "Old people smell, any one of the pack naked, that time you hit a deer with your car and had to finish it off with a tire iron." He glanced down at his lap again and smiled. "Seth is such a genius," he laughed.

He stood up, brushed off the seat of his jeans and made his way back to the party.