For the past four years, Carlos has been her right-hand man. Her second in charge. Her friend. Now however watching from the hood of her hummer as Carlos very openly flirts with Alice in front of everyone and especially in front of her does, she seriously think about murdering the man.
Now Claire has never considered herself a jealous person. In her past relationships, she and her partners have joked about people flirting with either of them. Yet the mere thought of Carlos trying to flirt with Alice has her wanting to do nothing more but charge over there and punch him. Jeasluly is such an ugly feeling that used to mock people for thinking they didn't trust their partner.
How wrong she was. It's not about trusting someone. It's watching someone think things about someone they have no right to think.
She can't blame Carlos for being attracted to Alice. Anyone with eyes can clearly see that Alice is drop dead gorgeous. After seeing her light the sky on fire it's the first thing Claire really knew about the mysterious older woman. Yet the way he looks at her with that happy puppy love expression fills her with an ugly burning pit in her stomach screaming at her to go over there and stop him from even looking in her direction.
It doesn't help that Alice's choice of outfit doesn't leave much to the imagination. Perfectly highlighting toned body. A figure that draws the attention of nearly every man in the convoy as well as a few women. Claire included. That's not even going into her long legs designed to kiss ass with ease.
But she doesn't care when other people look. It's hard not to. It's the way Carlos is one of the few people in the convoy Alice will purposely interact with. The others being LJ, Betty, Mikey, Chase, K-Mart and herself. Other than that she tends to avoid people.
And out of that very small list of people Carlos is the only one who has a shot with Alice. The shared smiles between them does nothing but make her itch with annoyance. And she knows it shouldn't. Hell, she and Alice aren't even together or anything like that. But out of everyone in the convoy, she and Carlos are the only two people whom Alice looks at with more than a glance.
A feat Claire is herself quite proud of.
Part of Claire's brain is constantly yelling at her to make a move on Alice before Carlos does. To do something before the bulky ex-umbrella soldier tries to take the woman she likes from her. The other part of her brain is mocking her for acting like a high schooler with a crush. That she is being far too possessive over someone who doesn't even belong to her. Which tends to win the arguments in her head leading to Claire doing nothing but looking on in frustration and jealously at the way Alice and Carlos act around each other.
Rumours have already spread among the convoy about them. Rumours that make her feel sick to the stomach and fill her with rage. Other women in the convoy who blush whenever Carlos smiles at them have shockingly not taken well to Alice and all the attention he gives. She has on more than one occasion had to reprimand some of them for the things they whisper about Alice. Things which Alice with her T-Virus improved hearing no doubt is constantly exposed to.
Just another thing Claire can get annoyed with Carlos for. Thankfully no one could see the daggers Claire was sending towards the Latino man due to her ever present sunglasses.
Sighing deeply in relief as Alice walks away from Carlos who for the first time since Alice showed up doesn't turn to watch her leave Claire can sit back against the hummer and focus properly on her convoy.
The blistering heat of the desert has many of her people seeking shelter, but all seem more at peace to just talk quietly among themselves. A few of the kids are chasing after each other their gleeful laughter being carried by the wind.
"Are you ever going ask me out or are just going to glare everyone who talks to me away and not talk to me yourself indefinitely," Alice asks climbing up next to her on the hummer making Claire jump at the sudden voice.
Beating back her blush at being snuck up Claire glares at Alice frantically trying to calm down her racing heart. "I have no idea what you mean."
Next to her Alice sighs rolling her eyes. "I don't care for games Claire. You need to make up your mind on what it is that you want." Her words have a finality to them. And Claire feels her heart starting to pick up again but for a different reason. "I'll be here when you make your decision."
Alice turns to hop off the Hummer, but Claire desperately reaches out to grab her arms before she can leave. She pulls Alice so the older woman is facing her. "I know what I want Alice." And she does. Every fibre of her is screaming at her to stake her claim before anyone would dare.
A proud smirk makes it's way on to Alice's lips as she leans forward. "Then what are you waiting for." The super powered woman challenges her. And so much for not wanting to play games.
She wants to play. Wants to see how far she can push Alice. But she needs something else more. Her hand comes up to cup Alice's face. "Absolutely nothing it seems." Claire breaths out before crashing her lips on to Alices. Claire kisses her savagely and roughly. The green-eyed monster inside of her let out a triumphant roar as she was the one kissing Alice. Not Carlos, her.
She doesn't care that her convoy can see her and Alice. In fact, she wants them to see the two of them. Wants them to know that Alice is her just as much as she is Alices.
Alice pulls back first the two of them panting. "Took you long enough." Alice jokes before kissing Claire far more softly this time. It's no less passionate but not filled with the primal urge to claim the other. The two of them relish being able to do this. Blissfully Claire scolds herself for waiting so long to do this. For playing hot and cold with Alice. she wasn't aware she was doing it at the time but can see how her actions may have confused the other woman.
But there is no confusing them now. Alice is hers just as much as she is Alices.