Copyright: Capcom owns the Resident Evil franchise, not me.
Notices: This story contains violence and sexual content. Additionally, this story will contain grammatical or other errors. If you're feverish over the errors, feel free to privately message me about what you find and help me improve.
Summary: The Earth is flourishing, happily. But humans are endangered and on the verge of extinction after the greedy corporation Umbrella knowingly releases a viral plague. Small human civilizations survive including a moving convoy led by the strong Claire Redfield. Her solitary world turns upside down when she meets an infuriating yet mysterious woman named Alice. Claire soon learns about an underground survivor camp through Alice and heads there. However, Claire begins to secretly fear losing K-Mart, who has become her only source of strength over the years.
Feedback: redhope@redhope.net
Homepage: http://www.redhope.net
Write a Review: http://www.redhope.net/residentevil/review/oneshotform.html
List: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/redhope/
Started: November 11, 2011
Series: One Shot
Copyright: Capcom owns the Resident Evil franchise, not me.
Notices: This story contains violence and sexual content. Additionally, this story will contain grammatical or other errors. If you're feverish over the errors, feel free to privately message me about what you find and help me improve.
Summary: The Earth is flourishing, happily. But humans are endangered and on the verge of extinction after the greedy corporation Umbrella knowingly releases a viral plague. Small human civilizations survive including a moving convoy led by the strong Claire Redfield. Her solitary world turns upside down when she meets an infuriating yet mysterious woman named Alice. Claire soon learns about an underground survivor camp through Alice and heads there. However, Claire begins to secretly fear losing K-Mart, who has become her only source of strength over the years.
Feedback: redhope@redhope.net
Homepage: http://www.redhope.net
Write a Review: http://www.redhope.net/residentevil/review/oneshotform.html
List: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/redhope/
Started: November 11, 2011
Series: One Shot
Trigon
by Red Hope
Chapter 24
"Jesus," K-Mart muttered from her spot in the front of the truck.
Claire glanced over at her friend, who was drawn deep into the composition notebook that they'd picked up at the rest stop earlier.
Alice was in her usual spot in the back. She slowly opened her eyes and studied her lover's dark features.
"What's it about?" the convoy leader probed.
K-Mart shook her head and looked over at Claire. "Her name was Kathy..." She flipped to the front of the journal, which had the woman's name and the start date of the journal. "Kathy Barnes." She bit her bottom lip. "She was kind of like us... traveling the country, staying steps ahead of the virus."
"Does the journal give any clues what happened to her?" the convoy leader posed.
"Well..." K-Mart hastily turned the worn pages until she was at the last entry. "She and two other survivors made it out alive from a massacre."
"Undead?" Alice checked.
K-Mart nodded then looked up at the older women. "Her last few entries are a bit confusing. She's paranoid and frantic in her entries." She peered down at the shaky handwriting. "She was convinced that they were being followed... hunted like animals."
Claire was baffled and argued, "Undead don't hunt."
K-Mart blew out a low breath because she felt differently after her experience in the chain store when an undead constantly stalked her. "I don't know," she murmured.
"Humans," Alice calmly stated. Yet there was a coldness in her features. "It was humans that were hunting her."
"How can you be sure?" K-Mart countered.
Alice met her lover's gaze and replied, "Who else would hang her?"
K-Mart sighed at the good point. She shut the journal and tapped it once before bringing up what interested her the most. "She and the others were headed to a safe haven." She found a curious green gaze on her briefly. "She called it Arcadia."
"Arcadia?" Claire echoed. She peered up at Alice through the mirror. "Is that the name of the facility?" Confusion started crossing Alice's features and worried Claire a bit.
"I've only heard it called Reston," Alice softly answered.
Claire toyed with the hat's brim and decided not to carry on with her worry. It wouldn't do any good since soon they'd be in Reston tomorrow. The dead woman's fate wouldn't become theirs too.
"Can you look through her journal to see where she heard of Arcadia?" Alice asked.
K-Mart bobbed her head and decided to do just that in hopes to learn more. "I wonder how they heard about it too."
"Alice?" Claire felt the older woman's attention snap to her. "Tonight I need you to show me where the facility is located in Reston."
Alice dipped her head in agreement, but it was obvious she was bothered by something. Thankfully nobody pressed her further and allowed her the space. Alice couldn't shake the concern she had about the dead woman's problem with a stalker. Thieves and robbers weren't uncommon by any means. And being this close to Reston would lend to such troubles because survivors would flock to the safe haven.
Around three o'clock, the convoy exited off Route 81 and started the search for a secluded spot alongside a creek. It took a solid fifteen minutes before Claire found the campgrounds that she and Johnny decided on this morning. It was a great location that also offered safety due to the creek's snaking features. For whatever reason, undead did not like water very much, and the creek provided a natural defense.
Claire was getting the camp setup after two teams did a sweep over the barren land. Everything checked out okay and so far the late afternoon was going smoothly. She saw Carlos loading the cameras onto the four-wheeler and about to setup the perimeter. Claire passed the bus and sensed a familiar presence coming from the truck.
"Hey," Alice greeted.
"Hi," Claire returned in kind. She could tell Alice wanted to speak to her.
Alice moved in closer after a survivor went past Claire. She kept her voice down so they weren't overheard. "Do you mind if I hunt for a deer?"
Claire had expected a lot of things, but an offer to bring in a meal wasn't one of them. She folded her arms and curiously studied Alice. "I can... get a few volunteers to go with you."
"I'd rather do it alone." Alice hoped that Claire wouldn't pry too hard about the seeming oddity of the request.
"Alice, that's not safe." Yet the convoy leader faltered because she remembered who she was reminding about safety. "Just... take a goddamn radio." She accepted Alice's nod and started moving again but stopped and turned on her heels. "I'll tell Otto you're bringing deer." She pointed a finger at Alice. "You got one hour. Be back by then.... deer or no deer."
Alice grinned and teased, "Aye aye, captain." She enjoyed the dark glare sent her way. But time couldn't be wasted so Alice hurried out of the camp after stopping at the truck for a radio. Despite the radio was for Claire to stay in communication, Alice couldn't hunt with it on in case the deer heard it. She broke into a full run once she was free of the campsite. Her fingers danced over her kukris, confirming their presence Once she entered the woods, she started breathing in deeper until she picked up the distinct scent.
A rush filled Alice after the deer's scent traveled under her nose. It was at her feet so she knelt beside a bush that had lush leaves. Alice leaned in closer to it and picked out the deer's scents. Most likely there were six or seven in the group and four were males. Like a cat, Alice smiled with teeth barred brightly.
The deer weren't too far and most likely meandering away from home since sunset wasn't far away. The creek was probably a typical watering hole too. But their distinct smell left an invisible trail for Alice to follow rather easily. As she drew closer to them, her blood started pulsing harder and made Alice hungrier for a kill.
After another minute of tracking through the woods, Alice stepped over a fallen tree and inched up to low brush. She smelled the deer about ten or more yards away from her location. It took every ounce of will to remain hidden and prepare for the strike. Silently, Alice drew a kukri from behind and continued deeply breathing in the deer. There were six and four were males, which were Alice's favored target.
Closing her eyes, Alice fought for control over her body and barely won over it. Slowly her eyes drew open and glowed brighter than normal. Her lips drew apart and revealed impressive K9 teeth that weren't common among humans. Within seconds her predatory senses mapped out an attack that charged her body with excitement for the kill, the meat, and the blood.
A scout deer jerked his head up after he heard a low rustle. Yet he was too late to pinpoint the cause of it and was slightly taken by surprise. His flight reaction kicked in immediately, and he alerted his herd. He was the first to move, and he was the lucky one.
A male set apart from the herd was attacked by a human. Despite the human looked like one, she didn't smell like one and didn't move like one. In her left hand was a razor sharp tooth that flashed silver in the brief sunlight that streamed through the trees. The deer jumped off, scattering together. But the human bounded higher and landed on the stray deer's back. He attempted throwing her off and quickly lost, the long silver tooth driving into his chest.
Alice snarled near the animal's white and brown ear. She ducked under his antlers before he pierced her with them. Her strong legs kept her latched onto the deer's backside. Sharply the kukri twisted in the deer's chest and ended his life quickly. Alice hung onto him as he toppled down in the grass.
The five other deer had scattered off in fear. Fighting for control, Alice resisted from hunting the other five and reminded herself that one deer was enough. She wouldn't be like them, out of control. Instead the dead deer could satisfy her needs tonight.
Alice drew the blade out of the deer's front chest then stepped off it. She walked around the deer and enjoyed the blood in the air. She continued circling it for nearly a minute until she felt calmer. The hunt's thrill was always so strong and made her feel more alive than anything else.
Huffing a few times, Alice grabbed the radio from her hip and switched it on for Claire's sake. She didn't want to miss any hails from the convoy. But as her head cleared up, she realized the trouble it would be to get the deer meat taken care of for the convoy. After a sigh, Alice freed the radio off her hip and hit the microphone.
"Claire, Claire this is Alice."
After a brief silence, Claire easily answered, "Go ahead, Alice."
"I have a deer," Alice announced. She wasn't quite sure how to ask her next question until Claire beat her to it.
"Um, alright." Claire's obvious surprise carried in her voice. "I'll let Otto know so he can prepare for it."
Alice pursed her lips and debated how to handle the situation. She couldn't give away to Claire what she needed to do so she instead offered, "I can clean it for Otto." She released the mic and waited for the convoy leader's response.
"I'll ask him to get knives and bowls ready for you then," Claire agreed. "Bring the deer closer to the camp near Otto's truck... if you can."
"Will do," Alice promised. She clipped the radio onto her hip and stared down at the lifeless animal at her feet. First task was cleaning the kukri of the blood then resheathing it. Next was the fun part as Alice wrangled the deer by its rear hoofs. Thankfully her superior strength made it easier to drag the heavy buck through the woods and to the camp. Once near the camp, Alice went around it with the deer in tow, not wanting to be seen with it. Distantly, she heard Claire's voice carrying in the breeze, but she couldn't tell who Claire was talking to.
"Can you take a few bowls and knives out to her?"
K-Mart dipped her head in agreement then adjusted her hat. "I'll help Otto cook dinner too."
Claire grasped her friend's shoulder. "Thanks, K." She squeezed the teen's shoulder before leaving her side. She trusted K-Mart to help Alice with the deer because she didn't want Otto doing it. Something nagged at Claire that there was a specific reason why Alice requested to hunt, kill, and clean a deer, especially alone. But the reason would have to wait until later.
K-Mart briskly walked through the camp and approached the rear of the catering truck. All the pleasant smells from the food enticed her stomach, which softly rumbled. Popping up into the truck, she mentioned, "Claire said that Alice has a deer for tonight's meal."
Otto had already heard news that Alice went on a hunt. The quickness of the kill surprised him, but he brightened up anyway. "Great. I'll go help her skin it."
K-Mart shook her head then explained, "Alice will clean it and bring the meat." She took a step closer to Otto. "Claire just asked that I take her a few bowls and cutting knives."
Otto curiously eyed the teen. After a shrug, he went about getting the items together. "See if Alice can try to cut them into ten inch steaks. That's the easiest way to use them and store a few in the mini-freezer."
"Sure thing." K-Mart accepted the stacked bowls that contained knives then last was a cutting board and a few rags. She adjusted the items in her hands before hurrying off.
"Thanks, K-Mart," Otto hollered.
K-Mart distantly heard the cook, but she was in a rush. She wasn't sure how she'd find Alice other than Claire told her that Alice would be in the woods behind Otto's truck.
"K, over here," Alice called. She was coming around a tree when she spotted the young, blond beauty with an armload.
"Hey," K-Mart greeted. She held out the supplies. "You need help?"
"No, I'll be alright."
K-Mart scanned around for the deer, but she didn't see it. Most likely it was located not far away. "Otto has a radio so just call him when you need help bringing the meat back." After Alice's nod, she recalled Otto's request and told it to Alice. K-Mart left her lover and returned to Otto's catering truck so she could help out with dinner.
Alice briefly watched her lover go then she went to the deer located in a small clearing. She set down the bowls in a line then put the cutting board in front of them. The knives were well sharpen and made it easy for Alice to start on the deer. Otto's request for certain size steaks wasn't hard considering the size of the buck.
Towards the end of the cleaning, Alice had six large steaks stacked on the cutting board that came from the rear flank, the last bit of meat. Three of the four bowls were filled and the last steaks on the cutting board would be more useful in cubed form, Alice decided. Carefully, she started cutting the bloody steaks into one to two inch cubes. As she went along, she occasionally popped a cube of raw meat into her mouth, savoring the blood on her tongue. Easily her well hidden yet sharp teeth shredded the meat and allowed the deer blood to fill her mouth.
After eating the sixth cube, tension and strain started fading from Alice. Every drop of blood gave Alice more control and calmed the T-virus under her skin. Somehow the raw meat made her feel more human again. By the eleven cube, a content sigh escaped her and the relief was worth it to her.
Coming to the end, Alice tossed the last cube into the bowl and looked at her bloody hands. The desire to lick the blood clean was far too tempting, and she hastily grabbed the rags that K-Mart brought her. Feverishly, she wiped her hands clean, the knives, and last the cutting board. Alice fought not to look at the deer carcass that still held some of the tastiest parts in it. The raw meat would have to be sufficient, and it was enough because Alice ignored the carcass.
"Otto, Otto this is Alice."
"Go ahead, Alice."
"Can you send K-Mart out to help me?" Alice waited for an answer.
"She's on her way," Otto cheerfully replied. He was obviously excited to serve fresh deer tonight.
Alice hooked the radio onto her belt then grabbed two bowls. She had a wide gait and easily met K-Mart part of the way. "I'll bring the other two bowls."
K-Mart considered why Alice obviously didn't want her near the deer. There were plenty of times she'd helped Otto and Claire clean a deer. It wasn't her favorite thing to do, and she'd grown use to it. Shrugging it off, K-Mart took the bowls and went to Otto's truck.
Alice retrieved the other two bowls, board, and knives. Yet she stood hesitantly and stared at the deer's lifeless face. Behind the carcass's ribs was a still warm heart that often had the best flavor. The taste was engrained in Alice's memory and made her salivate at the thought of biting into it. Shaking her head, Alice forced her legs to carry her away from the dead buck and hurry before K-Mart came looking for her. She was right too because K-Mart met her halfway.
"Here. I can get those." K-Mart grabbed the knives and board from her lover. "Thanks for doing all this."
Alice gave an uneasy smile. "It was easy enough to do."
K-Mart canted her head, curiously but didn't comment further. She instead approached Otto's truck and jumped into it. But the knives rattled in warning from the fast motions.
Alice nervously eyed her lover and calmed once the knives were put on a small counter. She stepped into the truck and handed the bowls to the waiting cook.
"This is great," Otto beamed. "Thanks, Alice. You've made some happy campers."
Alice merely gave a weak shrug, not sure how to handle the praise. "Anything I can help with?"
"You've done plenty," K-Mart assured. She indicated Alice's sleeves and suggested, "You should clean up before dinner."
Alice nodded then turned on her heels.
K-Mart watched her lover go and sensed the awkwardness from Alice. But right now wasn't the time or place to question her lover. "Thanks, Alice," she called.
Alice had hopped out of the catering truck, but she flashed a quick smile at K-Mart before disappearing around the side.
Otto waited a moment then looked over his shoulder at the teen. "She's not good with praise huh?"
K-Mart was prepping the deer meat that Otto planned to grill for tonight. "I don't think she's using to getting it," she softly replied. She didn't elaborate further despite she felt Otto's confusion on her. It wasn't his place to know more about Alice's past. Getting into a rhythm, she and Otto quickly prepared a nicer meal that the convoy would enjoy tonight. It sure beat the beans, nuts, and rice that Otto made last night.
Eventually the tantalizing smells of dinner brought the survivors to Otto's truck. Everybody soon sat down to a warm meal around the two campfires and enjoyed a good meal. Many discussed what tomorrow's night dinner would be like since they would be in Reston. There were so many ideas and most didn't expect anything different than what they've had on the road all this time. Otto's cooking skills were quite good considering what little he had to work with. He rarely ever wasted any food. Each convoy member appreciated Otto's efforts to make the food palpable and Claire's determination to find food during raids.
Done with dinner, K-Mart said goodnight to Johnny, who sat with her and Alice. She decided to steal away to the truck where she could be alone. Evenings were often spent with Mikey, and it was difficult for K-Mart to find a new tradition than visiting with Mikey. Hopefully the journal from earlier today would provide more clues about the mysterious place called Arcadia.
Alice took care of the dishes and disposed of them in the containers near Otto's truck. As she came around the front of the catering truck, she spotted Claire speaking to Carlos next to the cargo truck. From Claire's stance, it was obvious that Claire was tiring of Carlos's presence. Claire's wishes about going over Reston came to mind so Alice started towards the convoy leader.
Carlos warily eyed Alice Abernathy and struggled to stay indifferent. But his skin bristled when Alice stood in Claire's space. It was a place where he could never get, and Alice made it look so easy.
"You wanted to go over the facility's location," Alice prompted the convoy leader.
Appreciation for Alice's well timed interruption shined brightly in Claire's eyes when she looked at Alice. "Yes... that'd be good." Claire turned to Carlos. "Get a plate before all the food is gone."
Carlos inclined his head and didn't say anything but merely left the two alone.
Alice twisted her head around and curiously studied Carlos's stiff shoulders. "You'll miss this." She focused on Claire again and noted the baffled look. She grinned and explained, "You'll miss him sulking over you."
Claire rolled her eyes and sighed deeply. "Trust me... I won't." She started heading towards the Ford truck. "Let's get a map." Shortly she and Alice had a map of Virginia handy that they opened up on the hard tonneau cover. Claire sat cross legged next to Alice with the map spread out in front of them.
"So we're here," Alice pointed out.
"Reston is here." Claire indicated the suburban area of the once planned community that swelled to over sixty thousand residence. "Here's the Dulles airport."
Alice was carefully studying the map and quickly her memory returned of the facility. "Here." She found the main entrance of the facility. "See how these four major roads make a box?" After Claire's nod, she pointed at a particular spot in the center of the square. "The main entrance was located here." She looked up at Claire and explained, "But further east was a golf course and Lake Anne. That's where another entrance is located... and a bit easier to get to."
"Okay so..." The convoy leader gazed down at the map again. "If we come in on Route 606 then it'd probably be our best bet?"
"Yes," Alice softly answered. "It's hard to say if there's been any changes made to Reston."
Claire furrowed her eyebrows. "How long ago were you there last?"
"It's been nearly a year," Alice admitted.
Claire went slightly wide eye and argued, "How the Hell can you be sure it still exists?"
"Word of mouth." Alice canted her head. "You're not the only group of survivors on the road." She saw how Claire was still uncertain.
"If this place is so great then why would anybody leave it?" Claire noted Alice's uneasiness and realized how her question poked at Alice for leaving the safe haven.
"Maybe they just didn't like it there," Alice murmured. She cleared her throat then stared down at the map. "Or they went searching for family... other survivors."
Claire released a low sigh and didn't push the matter any further. Tomorrow would come quickly then she'd know if the safe haven existed and whether it was worth it. She hoped, for her convoy's sake, that it was worth everything. "Alright," she murmured. She rubbed the hat's brim and decided, "We'll come in from the north then drop down and get on Route 606." She looked at Alice. "And hope to God there's not too many damn undead."
Alice nodded but didn't voice her opinion about the undead. Most likely there wouldn't be many but that was thanks to the safe haven's efforts. Tomorrow she would know more and could help Claire make a better decision on how to get to the facility.
Claire started folding up the map. "Thanks, by the way." She glanced at the older woman. "For getting a deer for the convoy."
Alice just shook her head.
Claire considered Alice for a heartbeat then posed, "You're not use to getting a thank you huh?"
Alice tilted her head and countered, "Are you?"
Claire had the map folded up and shook it at Alice. "You're deflecting." She propped up her right leg and leaned against it. She admired how the low western sun's light softened against Alice's features and gave those blue eyes a fiery hue.
"I don't need thank you's," Alice gently argued. There was a lot she owed, in her opinion.
Claire gave off a low hum because she could relate to Alice's opinion. She let it go and instead visually scanned the convoy's quietness alongside the creek. It was peaceful and nice.
Alice gingerly touched the convoy leader's knee. Once green eyes settled on her, she quietly checked, "How are you feeling?" A long silence passed before Claire found her response, but she held Alice's gaze.
"Better."
Claire's single word told everything. Alice could see that Claire was indeed better. Perhaps the pending arrival at the safe haven was more of a blessing for Claire than a curse. But most of all, Alice sensed a shift in Claire since the horrific battle the other day. Somehow Mikey's death had given Claire life again.
But what caught Alice off guard was when Claire peered up at her, from under the brim. There was a soft glow in Claire's green eyes then the unexpected question rolled off Claire's tongue that made Alice go still.
"How are you feeling?"
Alice held her breath as her mind considered the honest response. So much had happened since she first met Claire and K-Mart. A lot of it was hard, but all of it was worth it. And the future wasn't bleak anymore. Claire and K-Mart's presence offered Alice a purpose other than revenge and hatred. Where it would take Alice, she wasn't sure, yet found a reason to smile.
"Better too," Alice whispered after a minute.
Claire revealed a thin smile that Alice slowly mirrored back. She hadn't expected to come this far, especially with Alice. Their growing relationship was thanks to K-Mart's constant efforts. Slowly Claire's gaze shifted to the rear window, and she could make out K-Mart's outline in the rear seats.
Alice seemed to read the convoy leader's thoughts. How she felt about K-Mart wasn't incredibly different than Claire's feelings for K-Mart. However, they both arrived at the same destination through different ways. As she sat there thinking about it, memories from her night with K-Mart caught up to her and made her skin burn. Her special memories sparked a sad realization that most likely Claire didn't share the same.
"Have you and K-Mart..." Alice slightly lost her nerve once green eyes cut to her.
Claire stared darkly at the older woman, silently willing her to finish it.
Alice clenched her jaw. An argument wasn't in their best interest, yet she wanted to push Claire some. If their apparent attempt at a tri floundered under the topic of sex then there wasn't any hope at all. She wasn't deterred and softly asked, "Have you been with K-Mart?"
Claire nearly grounded her teeth. The damn question dug under her skin the wrong way. What made it easier was the fact that Alice wasn't being snide or sarcastic, but simply inquiring. Claire blew out a low breath and looked away. Her temper gradually ebbed after a deep breath.
At that point, Alice really didn't need an answer that she didn't already have from what she saw in Claire's eyes. She looked out at the convoy and noted how quiet things were tonight. Most of the survivors were gathered around the campfires. Tomorrow many things would change, especially for Claire. Not knowing what tomorrow would bring, Alice made her choice that would either go over okay or rather badly.
"Well..." Alice placed her hands flat against the tonneau cover, preparing to get up. "I think I'm going to make camp beyond the perimeter." She had a suspicious green stare glued on her. "You and K-Mart are welcome to join me." She canted her head, a sly grin almost showing itself. "You two could... find privacy away from the convoy's eyes."
Claire rocked back slightly once she absorbed Alice's suggestive words. "I don't think K-Mart would be comfortable with... something like that." Nor did she like that Alice was offering such a scenario.
Alice shrugged and mentioned, "By tomorrow, you may not have an opportunity for awhile. You could have shared quarters... thin walls.. a lot more eyes." She could no longer hide her smirk. "I'm sure you can convince her anyway." She climbed to her feet, took a few steps towards the rear, and looked at Claire. "I'll make camp north of here." She jumped off and neatly landed on her boots. Alice retrieved her two packs from the truck and a stolen glance at Claire told her enough. She silently left with one pack slung on her back.
Claire sat there, slightly dumbfounded by the entire thing. She didn't know whether to be pissed, stunned, or enticed by the offer. As she worked through it, she found herself becoming more enticed at the possibility to be with K-Mart. Countless times Claire had entertained fantasies of having sex with K-Mart, not just receiving it. But often she shoved those desires down because of her role as the convoy leader. By tomorrow though, none of that would matter anymore. And tomorrow, the chance to be alone with K-Mart could be next to impossible.
Grumbling, Claire climbed off the truck's cover then went to the front passenger door. She ducked inside the cab and lowered the glovebox while studying K-Mart. "How's the book?"
K-Mart had set the book in her lap. "Pretty good."
Claire saw the weariness in her friend's eyes. That was always the upside about K-Mart reading at night. "You have many left?"
"Like another five," K-Mart answered. She'd only finished one other book from the group that Claire had recovered for her from the Wal-Mart distribution center.
Claire nodded. She patted the headrest once, her thoughts jumping to Alice's offer. "I'm going to do my rounds and..."
K-Mart tilted her head, not quite sure about Claire's strange manners right now. "See ya later then?"
Claire focused on her friend then gave another nod. "See ya in a bit, K." She slipped out of the truck and adjusted her hat for good measure. She tucked her hands into her red vest's pockets after zipping it up. Despite her regular chores called for her, they didn't keep her mind off stealing away to Alice's camp with K-Mart.
Around nine thirty, K-Mart began slouching deeper into the bench seat. She didn't realize the time and had expected at least either Claire or Alice to check on her. When the driver's door opened up, K-Mart straightened up and saw Claire's familiar features. Something in the air made K-Mart dog ear the book's page and close it.
"What's up?" K-Mart tempted.
Claire grabbed the truck keys from the ignition. "We're going to see Alice." She straightened up after shoving the keys into her pocket. "Come on."
K-Mart was stumped by the slight rush. "Is something wrong?" She put the book away.
"No," Claire replied. She then ordered, "Get your Glock."
K-Mart retrieved the handgun from the glovebox after leaning over the front bench seat. "Where is Alice? Patrolling?"
"She made camp outside the perimeter." Claire shut the door once K-Mart opened the rear one. She stepped aside and waited until the teen was in front of her.
K-Mart shoved the Glock into her waistband behind her back then adjusted the jacket. Now she had a better view of Claire and could see the tension lines under the brim. "What's wrong?" She gingerly touched the convoy leader's stomach, the vest soft against her hand.
Claire swallowed hard and shook her head, not wanting to discuss it here. "We'll talk about it in Alice's camp."
Accepting the plans, K-Mart followed her friend through the campsite and disappeared into the woods. Claire's MagLite offered a source of light until they found Alice's campfire glowing in the distance beyond the perimeter cameras. Shortly they arrived within the clearing that Alice had setup as a camp.
Alice was sharpening her kukris when the pair arrived on the other side. She licked her lips and revealed a grin, meant for Claire. It didn't surprise her that Claire took her offer, and it pleased Alice a lot. She wanted Claire to have what she had with K-Mart several nights ago. Getting up from the ground, she carried the kukri in one hand and the whetstone in the other.
Claire noted a comfortable bedroll to the left of the fire. She darkly glowered at Alice, who most likely was waiting for them, knowingly.
K-Mart looked between the pair and tried understanding what was happening. Her stomach knotted in both worry and excitement. Butterflies jumped around under her skin.
"You'll be safe out here," Alice promised, seriousness in her tone.
Claire didn't reply and held Alice's eyes. Several unspoken things passed between her and Alice.
K-Mart was well aware of it too and suddenly demanded, "What's going on, seriously?"
Alice broke the eye contact first and turned to K-Mart. But she wasn't exactly sure what to say because it was Claire's place, first. She instead nodded at Claire to handle it and returned to her earlier seat.
K-Mart blew out an annoyed breath then shifted her frustration on her friend. Before she could get a word out, she was being kissed by Claire. She stood stiff until the shock wore off, and she timidly returned the kiss.
Claire lifted her head from the turned position. She cupped her friend's flushed cheek and murmured, "I want you, K." The gentle blush on K-Mart's cheek nearly made Claire grin.
"I uh... um..." K-Mart was lost on what to say. "Tomorrow... we'll be there... in Reston. We'll be able to..." She stumbled over her words, not quite sure how to handle the situation.
"I'm not sure what the sleeping arrangements will be like," Claire explained. She run her thumb across a burning cheek. "It might be awhile before we have another chance."
K-Mart bit her bottom lip as she weighed it. But slowly her attention was drawn to the right, eyes fixed on Alice sitting there. "Alice is... going to... to..." She nervously peered up at her friend. "Going to watch us?"
Claire amusingly witnessed a small blush blossom into a full flush over K-Mart's beautiful complexion. "She's not going to watch us." She distinctly recalled the last time a similar situation came up, unbeknownst to her or K-Mart. "Alice is going to watch over us."
K-Mart studied how Alice calmly sat there but stopped sharpening. She held Alice's clear blue eyes and saw the comfort there. Warm fingertips gently pushed against her chin until she had Claire in her view again.
"Please try, K."
For an instant, K-Mart was shaken by the single word 'try' because her mind skipped to the tri-relationship. Despite she, Claire, and Alice hadn't formally agreed upon a tri-relationship, they were testing the waters. An important and even sensitive area was the sex between all three of them. Most likely Alice's offer for a safe night together was a way to redeem herself from the bad morning that Alice blurted things out. And tonight was Claire's attempt to open up to K-Mart rather than holding back their relationship anymore. Tonight was a chance at a future tri-relationship for them, and K-Mart held it in her hands.
Reaching up, K-Mart's shaky fingers hooked her friend's hat by the brim and pulled it off. She dropped the hat to the ground as their lips met halfway. "No more convoy leader tonight," she murmured between the kiss.
Claire enjoyed the feel of K-Mart's fingers tangling in her hair. She snaked one arm around K-Mart's back while her left hand cupped a full ass cheek. She drew K-Mart against her body and deepened the kiss.
A soft moan escaped between their lips as K-Mart held onto Claire. Their bodies pressed tightly and brought their emotions together after a year of control. A few tears crept down K-Mart's cheeks in the middle of another kiss. She gasped heavily after the kiss and affectionately gazed upon Claire's tender features. Reaching up, Claire wiped the tears dry then took K-Mart's hat and dropped it. The hat tumbled through the air then silently landed on top of Claire's hat, the two hats settled together.
K-Mart was drawn to the bedroll that waited for them. Once standing next to it, she and Claire began a slow dance that was so different than the past times that Claire had received pleasure. First K-Mart helped her friend remove the dual shoulder holsters and set it near the bedroll. Then the red vest and K-Mart's jacket were tossed aside, their heaviness trapping the women. Drawn together like magnets again, Claire renewed the kissing and was able to move her fingers through long blond strands. God she fucking loved blonds.
From her silent spot, Alice peered up from the sharpening and curiously studied the pair. Slowly a smile pulled across her full lips, her eyes bright from the firelight. The way K-Mart and Claire were kissing was so sensual and made Alice crave to join them. But she'd made a promise so she shifted in her seat and continued running the whetstone along the blade. The distraction of her kukris would have to be enough tonight. They had to be.
Free from her top, K-Mart briefly felt the evening's chill ran across her bare skin. But Claire's warmer body chased it off. Claire hooked K-Mart by her belt and drew her in again. Lowering her head, she softly kissed along K-Mart's neck and was reward by K-Mart tilting her head to one side. Long fingers started tracing a map on K-Mart's lower back.
Claire tasted silky skin that had a hint of something sweet in it. Gradually her kiss traveled down, closer to the swell of K-Mart's breasts. Once near the bra, Claire began sinking to her knees and now kissed along a flat stomach. For the first time, a beauty mark near K-Mart's belly button was given attention.
Finally the grass flattened from Claire's knees pressing into the cold ground. Leaning forward slightly, Claire rested her brow against K-Mart's warm stomach, and her hands grasping sure hips. Claire shut her eyes when nimble fingers combed through her hair. After a minute, Claire lifted her head and kissed K-Mart's stomach. It gave Claire the courage despite her hands were beginning to tremble.
Nervously, Claire untied K-Mart's boots and found how it was so difficult than normal. She waved her right hand once yet it did nothing to calm the shaking. Closing her eyes, Claire took a few deep breaths and sensed K-Mart kneeling in front of her. Soft lips brushed across Claire's and brought a calm over her. Claire sadly smiled at K-Mart's constant care. She opened her eyes and met the earthy brown ones before her.
K-Mart cupped her friend's flushed cheek and murmured, "You don't have to be scared anymore, Claire." A sad smile from her friend made K-Mart ache deeply. But after all this time, it was tonight that they'd been waiting for and wanting so much. Like Claire, she needed to share herself after withholding much of it for over a year.
Claire took K-Mart's hand into hers then leaned in for a soft kiss. As their kissing continued, their tongues moved quicker and affection turned into passion. Claire took the lead again and pulled K-Mart onto the bedroll. After K-Mart was resting among the blankets, Claire started nipping soft skin. But when K-Mart attempted to remove her shirt, she withdrew and took off her black shirt then tossed it aside. Next off were K-Mart's boots and socks, but Claire left the jeans and bra alone, for now.
K-Mart moaned between a kiss. But her fast fingers unhooked Claire's bra that was tossed aside. Quickly K-Mart did the same and was amazed by the sensation of their bare skin molding together. So many previous nights she wanted exactly this and now it was real. She moaned even louder and dragged her nails across Claire's side. She was rewarded with a low growl from Claire.
Innocent nips turned into enticing bites along K-Mart's neck and shoulders. Heated passion was causing Claire to move faster and want more now. She struggled for some control so that every second was special, but K-Mart didn't agree.
Somehow K-Mart's hand had slipped between Claire's jeans and underwear. Her fingertips grazed a swollen clit while her left hand unhooked the jeans' button. Suddenly Claire moved her hips lower and pulled her clit away from K-Mart's touch.
Claire was balanced overtop of K-Mart, arm muscles taut from strain. She darkly smiled at K-Mart and warned, "Not now." There were plenty of prior nights that Claire received from K-Mart. This wasn't one of those nights. Reclaiming the control, Claire unbuttoned K-Mart's jeans and took them off.
K-Mart shivered from the cold air until the campfire's warmth settled her. Once Claire's kisses started on her stomach, she felt a thin sheen of moisture coat her skin. The moans started getting louder the longer Claire teased her. Reaching up, K-Mart tangled her fingers into warm furs. Her back arched slightly when hot lips kissed above the red underwear.
Drawing her nails down K-Mart's legs became a habit for Claire. She loved how it made K-Mart hiss in reaction. She nipped at a spot just near K-Mart's hip bone, but she suddenly moved up and captured a taut nipple. She ran her tongue across the nipple, tongue flickering over it. Sharply she nipped it and K-Mart's response made her grin broadly.
"Fuck," K-Mart hissed, nails digging into the fur. Changing her tactic, she grabbed Claire's back instead and clawed Claire's skin after the next bite on her other breast.
Heat jolted through Claire's body whenever K-Mart dug into her back. She loved how it felt and continued the sharp bites until it was too much. A few raw spots appeared on her back. Claire soothed the nipple by running her tongue over it. She then moved up and feverishly kissed K-Mart until they were panting even harder.
Not forgetting a sensitive spot, Claire tilted her head and ran her teeth along the tip of K-Mart's ear. But when K-Mart tried turning her head away, Claire halted K-Mart's attempts and continued nipping the sensitive ear. K-Mart's moans were incredibly loud, and Claire realized it was extremely sensitive spot. Her tongue dart out and teased along the rim.
K-Mart couldn't help pressing hard against Claire, but she couldn't move away. Several swear words were locked behind her gritted teeth. When Claire finally withdrew, she gasped hard and slumped into the blankets. Her heart was pounding wildly and her vision was off. K-Mart hadn't even expected such a result. She suddenly jumped when hot fingers snaked between her underwear and brushed her clit.
Claire whimpered at how wet K-Mart felt, and she grinned at what the sensitive spot had probably done. Deciding she had to learn more, Claire shifted over and claimed the other ear between her teeth. She groaned after strong arms snared across back, almost too tight. That didn't stop Claire from biting K-Mart's shell-like ear.
K-Mart arched into Claire's body, moaning loudly again. She gasped, breathlessly when long fingers glided between her damp folds. "Claire... Claire, please," she pleaded. Closing her eyes tightly, she clung to Claire and surrendered to whatever Claire wanted to do to her. Her left hand tangled in red hair while her left arm hooked across Claire.
"I've waited so long for you," Claire huskily murmured. Her lips traveled up to K-Mart's hot cheek. She brought her lips closer to K-Mart's ear and whispered, "Every day became harder." Claire ran her fingertips over K-Mart's clit and savored how K-Mart whimpered and held on to her. She knew this felt as good to K-Mart as it did for her.
Turning her head towards Claire, K-Mart nuzzled her and softly promised, "But not anymore."
Swallowing hard, Claire realized that it was very true. Tonight would change everything and not just for her and K-Mart, but also Alice. It was K-Mart that taught Claire that emotions were okay, and it was Alice that showed her the way. Finally, she could accept that being a little human wouldn't kill her.
"No," Claire replied, certainty in her voice. She gently pushed her fingers forward under K-Mart's clit. She and K-Mart whimpered together as Claire went inside K-Mart for the first time. "Not anymore," Claire breathlessly agreed, her right hand still against K-Mart.
Breathing hard, K-Mart remained motionless for a moment. Countless emotions surged through her while Claire's fingers remained within her. When Claire started to slowly withdraw, she closed her eyes in anticipation.
Claire only pulled back part of the way then carefully pushed in again. She repeated the tender pushes several times, appreciating her chance to be with K-Mart finally. What Claire felt for K-Mart was more than she had expected, and she wouldn't lose K-Mart.
As the slow motions continued, K-Mart started feeling light headed from the passion making her need Claire more. She rolled her head to one side and whimpered, desperate for Claire to please her more. She opened her eyes and focused on Claire's grinning features. Her blush was renewed because she felt guilty. But Claire's kiss settled her embarrassment.
Hooking the bikini cut underwear between her fingers, Claire carefully removed them and stole a glance at K-Mart's beautiful body that was so different than hers. Wherever Claire was toned and muscular, K-Mart was soft and flat. When she leaned over K-Mart, her jet red hair mixed with K-Mart's blond strands and mirrored their passionate fire.
Pure pleasure filled Claire once she was able to freely pushed in and out of K-Mart. Her fingers became slicker and made it easier for her to increase the speed some. She adjusted her position between K-Mart's legs after K-Mart propped her legs open wider.
K-Mart's moan grew, and she started rocking her hips against Claire's motions. She reached up and brushed back Claire's hair, her hand tangled up. She and Claire briefly smiled before they started kissing.
After the kiss, Claire shifted again over K-Mart and had a better angle. She increased the speed and moaned after K-Mart gave a low cry. Claire leaned forward and gently bit K-Mart's neck. She could make out K-Mart's frantic heartbeat.
Losing any self-control, K-Mart started driving her hips hard against Claire's fingers. She clawed the skin under her nails and turned her head to the left. For some reason, K-Mart felt compelled to open her eyes and realized it was Alice that'd briefly caught her attention. She saw the smile on Alice's face, but it was the predatory-like taste to it that made K-Mart's heart skip. But as quickly as she'd seen it, it was also gone.
Claire was breathing hard and could feel K-Mart tightening across the fingers. It wasn't enough though so she inched her thumb overtop of K-Mart's clit. Their next motions made K-Mart gasp in surprise.
Looking away from Alice, K-Mart hid her face into Claire's shoulder and held on as the passion started peaking deep in her. She gave low cries and frantically sought an end to her need. Emotions tightened in her chest then finally trickled out as tears.
"Claire... God please, Claire..." K-Mart held tightly as the heat spread through her entire body. Only a few more thrusts, and she gave a cry that freed her emotions. Her head was light while her body tensed up heavily. The earlier tears grew in numbers, and she clamped onto Claire for safety.
Claire gritted her teeth, holding down her moans. She used her one arm to hold K-Mart. She kissed K-Mart's damp temple and murmured, "Ssssh." Claire felt K-Mart sinking down so she gently lowered her into the blankets and fur. Carefully she withdrew her fingers from within the tight walls. After a relieved breath, Claire laid over K-Mart and allowed them both to come down from the height of the emotions and passion.
From her silent spot, Alice faithfully remained there and had stolen a few glimpses of the pair making love. As K-Mart and Claire recovered in each other's arms, Alice considered whether or not Claire knew one of K-Mart's favorite positions. Suspecting not, she made a mental note to tell Claire in private.
Releasing a low breath, Alice gazed down at her kukris that'd been well sharpened now. She set it down and stared at the whetstone in her left hand. She puckered her lips once she concluded that Claire wasn't done with K-Mart. Alice knew Claire's passions and soon Claire would have K-Mart crying out again. Not joining them was difficult, but Alice knew self-control better than anybody. The chance to be with them would happen later, she knew. Instead, Alice picked up her second kukri and debated how many times she'd run the sharpening stone down it before Claire was satisfied, for tonight. A wide grin played along Alice's lips, and her clear blue eyes lifted to the lovers tangled together. Tonight would be a long night indeed.