Enigmatical
By wired2damoon
Chapter 14: Jaded And "Just Friends"
A/N: This chapter is dedicated to heyyodude who is just amazing!
Okay, so a little maturity notice for you all. There's some tiny smut ahead, barely mentionable (nothing compared to my usual R-Rated stuff), but just in case…YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!
- Claire's POV -
I threw myself against the door with all my might. It swung open wildly, banging violently against the wall, its hinges creaking loudly. I stood there, in the doorway, gasping like a wild, deranged animal, probably looking quite alarmingly crazed, if Quil's expression was anything to go by.
"Claire what-" I cut him off by racing towards him and jumping up into his arms, crashing my lips into his. He responded immediately, wrapping his arms tighter around me, one caressing my back as the other cupped my ass. I smiled into the kiss, wrapped my legs around his waist and began trailing my tongue along his bottom lip.
He tasted heavenly, a mixture between mint and some other alluring taste, maybe his own. My heart raced in my chest when Quil's tongue began teasing mine. The kiss was getting frantic now, my body was screaming for much needed oxygen but neither of us was willing to break the embrace.
As I clung desperately to him, my arms draped down his bare back, I felt myself being leaned back so that I was sitting on the kitchen counter, my back resting against the wall. Quil leaned down over me, one hand resting on the wall, supporting himself, whilst the other clutched her hip.
I could feel the blood rapidly flowing in my veins, my heart beating so fast and so rough that it was beginning to hurt, my lungs screamed and burned and I began to feel dizzy…but it was not the lack of oxygen that was doing this to me. No.
It was Quil. Quil who was licking and nibbling my neck making me moan loudly. Quil who slipped his hands under my shirt, making me gasp as they travelled slowly upwards towards my breasts. Quil who was groaning my name over and over in my ear as I ran my fingers down his chest…
And unfortunately, "QUIL" was the name I screamed at the top of my lungs when I shot up straight in my bed, sweating and breathing extremely heavily. Damn! That's the forth time this night I've woken up like this!
I put my hand over my heart, trying desperately to ease my breath as the rush of my dream came flooding back to me. I bit my lip as the flashing images whizzed before my very, tired eyes. It was serious too early in the morning to be this sexually frustrated…
Sighing, I lay back down and turned my head to glance at my clock. 6:30. Perfect, only another three hours until Quil would pick me and Erin up to go shopping for new school supplies. Super. I'd have to see him, again, was I had clearly not recovered from my late-night, dream-rendezvous without having to spend all day with him in real-life too?
Life's a bitch…
Sighing, I resided myself to the fact that I clearly wasn't going to get any more sleep any time soon, so having no alternative, I decided to get up. Rolling my eyes, I slid my legs over the side of my bed and stood up, trudging into my en-suite bathroom to take a shower. I frowned at my reflection in the mirror. I looked like something out of the Blaire Witch Project. Fan-freaking-tastic.
Firstly, I have seriously sexually frustrating dreams about me and my best friend (four in one night, I mean what the hell?!?) and secondly have to wake up and look at myself resembling something out of a horror movie.
What a perfect start to the day…
I groaned loudly, banging my head roughly against the door for the fifteenth time in the last five minutes. I was still standing at the entrance of the small coffee shop, (where Erin and I would more than likely be spending the rest of our lives) waiting on my morning coffee which Quil offered to get.
This was a morning where I decided to put my arguments aside and just let him buy me some damn coffee, I was so not in the mood to even look at him right now…not after the night I've had. I could feel Erin's curious gaze from the corner of my eye and I decided to answer the question she'd been asking all morning before she got another opportunity.
"I'm fine Erin, just a little tired," I mumbled, rubbing my eyes, again.
She didn't look too believing, "yeah, you've been sayin' that for about an hour now and I still don't believe ya. What else is annoyin' ya?" she asked, her Irish accent sounding funny to my ears when she was being so insisting.
I sighed, realising that there was no point keeping up with this charade. "Alright so I'm not tired, well, I am, but it's more so why I'm tired that's pissing me off…" I trailed off, knowing I'd already gone too far to not continue. Erin seemed to think so too, which is probably why she nudged me with her elbow so hard.
"And…why are you tired?" she asked, her eyes shinning with anticipation.
"…Because…" There was no way I was going to tell her so near to Quil. I didn't care that the place was full of people and he was a good twenty feet away from us, there was just no trusting those werewolf ears! I'd have to go outside.
"Okay…come with me…" I mumbled, taking her by the elbow and dragging her out the door and outside to sit on one of the benches. I'm not sure if this was still too close but Quil didn't even notice we'd gone so I figured it would be safe.
"What's going on Claire, why are you been so secretive?" Erin asked, a small smirk on her face.
I clenched and unclenched my fists, turning my head away from her and muttering uttering my breath.
"Uh…what?" she laughed, "I didn't quite catch that."
I sighed, turning back to her and repeating myself lowly but clearly, "I kinda had a near-sex dream about Quil last night and it kinda kept me up a bit…" I muttered, biting my lip nervously.
Erin looked like she'd just been told the most top secret information from the FBI. Her green eyes lit up like lanterns and she started waving her hands frantically, "oh my God I knew it, I knew you liked him!"
I hissed and grabbed her arms, "keep your voice down! Quil will hear you!"
She snorted, "he's all the way inside, he won't hear."
"Oh you'd be surprised what that guy will hear, trust me…" I mumbled, letting her arms go and putting my head in my hands.
I could feel her gaze on me once more as I hid my face behind my hands. I took a deep breath, tried to relax and turned back to look at her. She had a sympathetic look on her face, as if she knew exactly what I was going through and for a fraction of a second, it hit me that maybe she did, or at least would when she spent a bit more time with Embry.
"So, wait, what do you mean by near-sex dream?" she asked, frowning a little. Oh crap, now I'd have to go into detail. I'd have to be really careful here.
"Uh…well…it was more of me just sort of jumping him, kissing and fooling around really, I kept waking up before we got to the good stuff…" I was horrified to find myself blushing as I finished the sentence, which was odd for me, I usually can talk about things a lot more sexually explicit than that without bating an eyelash…I guess when discussing Quil it's different…
Erin nodded, not able to keep the small, sly grin off her face. "Have you got the chance to tell Nessie yet?"
My eyes widened. That, I hadn't thought of. I mean, I never really, truly told Nessie how I felt about Quil, I always just assumed she sensed it by her 'knowing glances' but now, actually telling her that I had such a dream about him seemed…scary. Like I was afraid to tell her in case she just told me I was being foolish and that its stupid to fall in love with a werewolf who would probably imprint on someone someday or something. But I felt guilty too, for not telling her. She is my best friend after all, I really do owe her that much.
"Nope, haven't got a chance yet, but I'll let her know soon…" I murmured softly, my head snapping up as I realised Quil was now walking over to us, coffee cups in hand.
"Hey, there you two are. Here's your coffee," he smiled happily, handing one to each of us. Erin smiled in thanks, but I just gaped at him, my mouth open.
Was it just me or did he look too happy? Too cheerful…a little sly…like he knew something he shouldn't. I felt my blood run cold. Oh no…
My fingers brushed his as he passed me the cup. My head snapped up and saw his chocolate-eyes twinkling brightly, mischievously. My breath caught in my throat.
Could he know, did he hear me? Or was I just being paranoid?
God I hope it's the latter…
"So…you two get anything good?" my mom asked, as we arrived home later that evening, feeling exhausted and probably looking it too. I groaned, trudging in the door and plonking down on the couch, leaving my bags abandoned in the hall.
I heard Quil laugh as he picked them up and brought them inside, "I think they bought half of the book-store and are planning on opening a stationary department soon," he teased, eyeing the many bags that me and Erin accumulated over the space of the last six hours.
"Hey, hey, hey, it was Erin who went crazy with the stationary, not me," I mumbled, sprawling out on my back and stretching widely. Erin, who was slumped in the armchair opposite me, stuck out her tongue.
"Oh before I forget, Quil, Nessie called for you earlier, she said that she tried your house, work and cell phone but was getting no answer, she wants you to call her back," my mom called as she walked back into the kitchen to start dinner.
I looked at Quil, a puzzled gaze on my face and he returned it. It seemed he had no idea what that was about either. "Alright, I'll go call her, back in a minute," Quil mumbled, stepping out of the room, leaving Erin and I alone again.
As soon as he was out of ear-shot, Erin sat up, all traces of exhaustion gone, and stared right at me. "So…?" she asked in a sing-song tone. I rolled my eyes, she had practically been saying that all day.
"So…what?" I humoured her, sitting up too and folding my arms. She looked exasperatedly at me, flicking her long purple and black hair over her shoulder with a determined expression on her face.
"So, how have you been around Quil today? You two haven't been alone yet have you?" she asked, a sly smirk on her face. I frowned, wondering what she was up to.
"No…why?" I asked slowly, suspiciously.
Before she could respond however, my mom bustled in. "Claire, I'm off to the store now, do you girls wanna come?" The sheer thought of more shopping brought tears of agony to my eyes so I vigorously shook my head. It was then that my attention was drawn towards Erin.
"Yeah, I'd like to go," she smiled sweetly, too sweetly in my opinion. I got sat there, completely gob smacked as she threw me a wink and followed mom out of the room without a backwards glance. I sighed, that girl is devious.
I heard them say goodbye to Quil, he was obviously finished talking to Nessie and was making his way back in. Perfect. This so won't be awkward…
I kept my eyes firmly locked on my lap as I heard him stride back into the room. He remained silent as he walked towards the arm-chair and sat down surprisingly lightly. It took another few seconds of silence for me to register something was wrong.
Bravely, I lifted my gaze and stared right at him, and was surprised to see that Quil had his head hung low, his eyes on his lap, mimicking my pose from moments before.
"What's up Quil?" I asked, frowning as he was startled by my merely speaking. I mean, I know I'm loud but geez…
"Wha-oh, uh, nothing's wrong Claire, sorry I-I was just in my own little world," he replied, smiling a smile that nowhere near reached his eyes. The lie was so transparent, I really didn't know why he bothered telling it. But, I decided to let it drop for the moment, I was too curious.
"What did Nessie want?" Wow…now who's the transparent one?
I could almost swear I saw him grimace, but in a flash, it was gone.
"Oh it was just about her car, I'm installing a new stereo," he replied, almost too keenly, like he really thought about what he was saying.
This just confirmed my suspicions. But I knew there was no point trying to weasel any information out of Quil now, not when the very embarrassing moment we had yesterday and the very alluring dream came flooding back to me. I felt the blood rush to my cheeks as I thought about it.
His dripping wet hair, his flexing muscles, that small, solitary towel being the only source of clothing for his otherwise naked body…
"Claire?" his voice snapped me out of my reverie violently.
"S-Sorry what?" I stuttered, annoyed with myself.
"I said, I'm gonna head home now," Quil said slowly and clearly, a bewildered look on his face.
Funny, I don't remember him standing…
"O-Oh, alright then, well, I-I guess I'll see you later then for our annual movie-night-before-I-go-back-to-school-thingy" I smirked, standing up and walking him out to the door.
We halted as he held the door open, "wouldn't miss it for the world, Claire-bear," he smiled as I felt my heart sing.
I didn't know quite what to say to that but before I could even think, I felt two strong arms envelop me. I gasped, not really prepared for one of Quil's "wolf-hugs" (bear-hugs) but hugging him back anyway. (I couldn't help but realise that this was not nearly as awkward when both parties had all their clothes on…)
We broke apart after a moment and as I stared up into his eyes I saw a flicker of what looked like worry and…well, something I couldn't quite place, behind his gaze. I decided to let it slide however, knowing Quil, he would tell me what's up when he's ready, he always does.
As he walked down the driveway, got into his car, threw me a small wave and drove off I couldn't help frowning however. He looked really troubled now, come to think of it, and left rather suddenly.
Maybe I should have-
Before I could finish that thought, my phone vibrated in my pocket and I hurriedly wrenched it out.
Incoming Call
Cody
Trying to put my Quil-thoughts at bay, I flipped open my phone and said in what hopefully was a cheery tone, "Cody…hi!"
I wonder if tone of voice can be transparent?
- Quil's POV -
"This is bad, this is like earthquake bad or erupting volcano bad or-"
"Okay, Mr Simile, we get it," Nessie interrupted me, sighing and putting her hands over her face.
I was standing in the middle of my apartment, looking helplessly around me as Nessie, Jake, Embry and Seth all stared up at me with the same expression on their faces, worry.
Shaking his head, Seth murmured, "don't you think we might be over-reacting just a little? I mean, how dangerous can a human be against us?" he finished, running a hand through his hair.
"It's not us I'm worried about," I mumbled, "it's Claire, she practically threatened her when she was talking to Nessie."
Nessie nodded in agreement, "yeah she said neither me, nor Claire, could stop her."
A silence was met with those words, only to be interrupted three seconds later with a loud snort from Embry.
"Oh come on, I think we're getting a little hyped up about nothing don't you? I mean, do you remember this Rachel girl? She's a bimbo, probably doesn't have two brain cells to rub together, how exactly is she going to be a threat to anyone? You know…except talking them to death…"
I glared down at him, so much so that he retracted a little, "I'm not taking any chances when it comes to Claire's safety, Embry."
He nodded in understanding, as Seth rolled his eyes, grumbling under his breath.
We were engulfed in silence once more, each of us thinking to ourselves. Minutes passed and I felt that we were just not talking, not for the lack of subjects, but more like if we were to, it would make the situation worse.
"Are you going to tell Claire?" Jake asked suddenly, almost startling me. I thought about it for a moment, "no, it will just bring on unnecessary worry for her and she has enough on her plate already. I think, I'm just gonna go on this date on Saturday, calmly talk to Rachel and see what does from there."
Various grumbles came after my words but I just waved them off. "Look, I think I can handle a 110 pound girl, guys, geez give me some credit!"
Even my pathetic attempt at humour didn't lighten the mood though. I guess we were all just a little on edge.
Woo…roll on Saturday night…
- Claire's POV -
"So…you looking forward to tomorrow," the suave, smirking tone asked down the line. I made a face in response, but quickly remembered that he couldn't see me.
"Oh…yeah…it'll be fantastic," I replied, the sarcasm dripping from my voice, "I'll have tonnes of fun!"
I heard Cody laugh heartily, "aww c'mon Claire, it won't be that bad. Hey, you'll have Erin this time, and…me."
I blushed intensely at his words, "oh…well…in that case, I guess it won't be terrible," I mumbled, knowing that I must of sounded a total idiot but couldn't stop myself. He laughed once more, but more so with me than at me, which I am extremely grateful for…its just…how the hell do I tell him I just want to be friends? I've been on the phone with him for a half-hour now and still haven't gotten around to it yet.
"Hey Cody, why-why don't you come over tonight, me and Erin are gonna watch a movie," I asked, hoping I sounded genuine and not the basket of nerves I was in reality. Hopefully, I can somehow convince Erin to leave me and Cody alone for a few minutes (maybe distract her with Embry?), or we could go outside for a bit, and I'll explain the whole situation to him - okay, maybe not the part that I'm head over heels for my best friend, but maybe that, I'm just looking for a friend in him, nothing more.
"Yeah sure, cool, what time will I come over?"
I was truly elated when he said that, I would really like him as a friend, "uh, about seven, we're ordering in some pizza and stuff…"
After we'd finalized our plans and I hung up, something suddenly occurred to me.
How the hell am I going to get rid of Quil?
I glanced at my watch for what seemed like the millionth time that evening. It was just coming up to 6:45pm and I'd nearly everything ready. The movie was in the DVD player, the pizza was ordered, everything was set for school tomorrow, all the was left now, was for my 'guests' to arrive.
Nessie, of course, was a good hour early and was bustling about the room with bowls of popcorn and nachos as Erin sat cross-legged on the floor, glancing up at her every so often.
"So, who's coming Claire?" she asked, as she saw me, yet again, glance out the window, biting my thumb-nail nervously. I turned around feverishly, as I saw someone approach my porch, it was far too dark to see who, but considering as he just lived three doors down I presumed it was Cody.
"U-Uh…ya know…Quil, Cody - Embry, Jake…people like that," I mumbled, skipping over Cody's name quickly.
Nothing gets passed vampire ears however.
"Did you say Cody?" Nessie asked, stopping in her tracks and shooting me a look of disbelief. I immediately felt uncomfortable, "eh…yeah…" I mumbled, suddenly feeling as if I did something incredibly wrong.
She fixed me with a sort of…not glare, but, like a look of displeasure, "do you really think that was a good idea?" I almost recoiled at her tone, but found that I was too confused.
"Why wouldn't it be a good idea? He's my friend, friends hang out," I mumbled, trying to justify myself, standing up a little straighter, angling my chin higher, something I always tended to do when I was trying to make a point to Nessie.
She opened her mouth pointedly, but no sound came out. She soon snapped it shut again, resembling a gapping goldfish. I angled my head at her, pondering her strange behaviour but before I could further continue my rant, the doorbell rang. Taking one last look at Nessie before whirling around (ignoring her mumbled, "sounds like he wants to more then just your friend…") and storming out into the hallway to open the door.
"Hey you're - oh…hey Quil," I frowned, trying to look around him to see if anyone else was with him.
"Hey Claire-bear," he smiled down at me, his expression making my heart jump in my chest, but I hastily shook it off. Now, was definitely not the time. I could feel him staring at me as I just stood in the doorway looking distracted.
"Uh…so are you gonna let me in?" he asked jokingly, but I could sound the suspicion mixed with concern in his tone. His voice jolted me out of my trance and I jumped aside, "uh, yeah, sure, sorry," I rambled, peering once more out at the darkened porch for any sign of life, before turning around and closing the door behind me with a snap.
"Looking for someone?" he asked, as we walked back into the living room.
"Uh, yeah, I was just wondering when Embry and Jake are getting here?" I replied automatically, keeping my eyes firmly adverted from Nessie's knowing gaze and instead concentrating on listening out for the doorbell.
"Oh, they'll be here soon, they're working late as far as I know, I finished earlier today," Quil smirked and I rolled my eyes at his smugness.
"Typical you Ateara, always the-"
I was cut off by the shrill ring of the doorbell. I practically bolted out of the chair and raced out of the room, skidding on the wooden floor. I shakingly raised my hand to turn the doorknob.
Why was I feeling nervous all of a sudden? It was just Cody, no big deal. It doesn't matter that Quil's here, doesn't make it awkward…
Oh crap, I can't even fool myself! Why the hell do I get myself into these messes?
- Quil's POV -
I laughed as I watched Claire bolt out of the room. I can't remember her ever being this excited to get our annual "back-to-school-night" started, usually, she was depressed and moaning.
"Quil, Quil there's something you should know," Nessie hissed suddenly, clutching at my arm. I turned to look at her and saw that she had a serious expression on her face.
"What're you talking about Ness?"
She looked solemn for a moment, "it's Claire, she-she's invited-"
I stopped listening however as a familiar scent came wafting in from the hallway, the just as familiar voice sounding throughout the room. My fingers clenched the arm-rest tightly as the blonde boy stepped into the room, followed closely by Claire, whom I couldn't help but notice, was avoiding everyone's gaze.
Wow…this night just can't get any better, can it?
All we need now, is Courtney/Rachel, the potentially homicidal maniac and the night will just perfect.
A/N: Okay, I was going to continue, but I really think that the chapter is getting a little bit too long! So, I'm cutting it into two pieces, so the next instalment should be up really soon. Hope you're liking it so far, if so, let me know! -wired2damoon- x