Chapter 9

Cloe awoke to the weight of KC's arm thrown around her waist. She lifted his arm enough to turn over. A large smile played on his face. His hair was now blonde and it was much more striking than with the almost child-like green spikes. Cloe was slowly starting to notice his new attractiveness. Many of the girls around the city were faster than she to notice the changes in the almost eighteen year-old man.

He was a man. He had been a man for years. KC functioned as an adult member of the tribe from the beginning. He lived in a world much harder than the world much harder than the world Cloe was raised in. Salene protected her from all the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic world. Lex was sure to throw KC out there. KC was an adult long before Cloe was.

Now lying here, she could see his worries of the adult world washed away. KC was established. He is set into his future with no worries of failure.

KC's eyes fluttered open. Blue eyes looked into Cloe's with love. Neither said a word. They only looked at one another. Time was nothing. It was the weekend and nothing drew them away from each other.

Slowly and unsure Cloe touched KC's hair. His eyes closed at the sensation of the forbidden touch. Her hand traveled from his hair, to his ear, and rested on his cheek. His eyes opened and his arm around her waist pulled her fully against him. She moved her hand again resting her arm around his neck.

The silence lasted. Neither could say anything, but nothing needed to be said. The silence was the reward for keeping their relationship alive despite KC's forbidden love. Yes, at this moment in time, everything was right.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

The beginning of the week brought people back to work. KC steadily worked on fine pieces of jewelry. Cloe filled out paperwork and studied her apprenticeship. Today she was in a meeting with overly pregnant, TaiSan.

"You think the baby will come soon?" Cloe asked eager to become a godmother.

"Probably tomorrow. He feels like he's getting close." TaiSan rubbed her stomach gently as if the child could feel its mother's embrace. "Have you found a suitable apartment yet?"

"No, the one that KC and I looked at yesterday wasn't laid out the way that I wanted." She busied herself with a book on the coffee table.

"As opposed to the other that that was too large, the one that was too small, the one that wasn't the right color, and the one that was just ugly." Cloe acted as if she hadn't heard her." There's only one more apartment in the mall."

"I know. I just wanted to make sure I like it. It will be my apartment." She looked directly at her mentor but hoped she wouldn't see the truth.

"Oh, so you don't want to leave KC." TaiSan said with a knowing smirk. She crossed the room to her lab table. Almost as soon as she got there, she stopped and grabbed the table. "Cloe,"

"Yes?" She ran to her friend's side.

"Get Lex. He's in KC's apartment." TaiSan sat on the floor slowly as Cloe ran from the room. She ran as quickly as she could around the mall to KC’s apartment. She immediately ran in and grabbed Lex.

“TaiSan is having the baby. Come!” She pulled him behind her but he was soon dragging her close behind. They made it back in record time.

The three found TaiSan on the floor going through birthing exercises to ease the pain and nerves. Lex fell to the floor beside his wife and adopted her breathing. She simply turned to look at him. Without saying a word, he knew what to do. He ran from the room and they could hear the water boiling and drawers slamming. He returned with three towels. He kissed her gently before returning to make sure everything was ready.

KC took five large steps backwards and sat on the couch watching things. He wasn’t needed so he was not going to go near… that. Cloe sat by TaiSan holding her hand with a grimace. ‘Looks as though she’s got a good grip.’ KC thought with a smile. Cloe looked up at him and smiled before looking back at her friend in the middle of labor. The look on her face was envy. KC knew the look from the years he spent watching girls fall all over Bray. ‘Cloe wants a baby.’ KC realized as she looked back at him.

Lex came back to the room and looked under TaiSan’s skirt. “Come on babe. I can see the top of the head.” He reached under and coaxed his wife to push. She pushed, screamed and cursed Lex. KC was sure that everyone in the Mall knew what a “nasty, bas.tard” Lex was. Then Lex pulled his hands out from under her skirt with a squirming red…thing. It cried loud and he remembered when Brady had been born. She looked exactly the same and she was healthy. So that meant that everything was okay with his god… “It’s a boy!” son. KC never felt more proud watching TaiSan release Cloe’s hand and take her son in her arms. This was his best friend’s son, a real child from someone that he was close to. This is a child that he would have to be responsible for. He will have to make sure that he will be able to give him everything that TaiSan and Lex cannot give him. He will be this child’s father if, God forbid, anything happens to Lex and TaiSan. He is this boy’s father by extension.

“KC?” Cloe snapped her fingers in front of his face. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” She was standing in front of him, so, he scooped her into his lap. “I was just thinking about the responsibility that you and I hold for that little one. Can you imagine what we are responsible for times a million. Lex will definitely be a more responsible man.”

“Yeah, it is a lot of work, but I can’t wait to have one of my own.” She stood and sat down next to him while Lex picked up his wife with the child in her arms and moved her to their bedroom. “I want a marriage, love, and a family.” She almost pouted as she stated the last sentence.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure it will happen soon.” He leaned back and she placed her head on his shoulder.

“Did you see how little he is?”

“I know. I’m almost afraid if I had one that I would break it.” KC laughed.

“No. You would be a great father. You would never be able to hurt your child. You are much too gentle.”

“Me gentle?” KC asked. She nodded her head ‘yes’. He was shocked. Most people would say that he was rough and crude from years of scamming, revenge, and plotting.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

Cloe and KC had left the new parents hours ago and were now in their separate beds. It had been a long day. But a rewarding day.

“KC?” Cloe whispered as she stood in the doorway to his room.

“Yes?” He sat up as looked at her. She reminded him of when they were younger and she would be afraid of the sounds outside. She and Patsy would climb into bed with him as if he were able to protect them from anything.

“May I get in bed with you?”

“Sure.” He held open the covers to allow her to slide in next to him. She quickly got in and rested her head on his chest.

“Thank you.”

“Your welcome, but why do you want to be in bed with me? Did you hear something that frightened you?”

She giggled softly. “No. I’ve grown up a little bit.” His arm came around her waist as they settled against each other. “I just wanted to be held. Seeing TaiSan having her baby made me realize that I need to hurry up and get out on my own and find a mate.”

“I know what you mean.”

“KC, do you think there are any guys that want to marry a girl like me? I mean I talk back and I don’t do as I am told.”

“Those are your endearing qualities. They are a lot better than when you were with Ved. You should never go back to that.”

“Don’t worry. That won’t happen again.”

“Great. I don’t want to have to kill some poor man because he treated you wrong.” He kissed the top of her head.

“KC, do you think we are getting too close?” She moved away from him and propped up on her elbow.

“What do you mean?” He mirrored her action.

“Do you think that we are too close to be just friends? A lot of people think we are dating.”

“It does seem a bit odd, but we define who we love and how we love them.” He pushed her raven hair out of her eyes.

“What if I’m not sure how I love you?”

KC almost fell off the bed with shock. “What?”

“I don’t know if I love you as a friend or more. I might just be feeling lust and loneliness.”

“Cloe, don’t mess with me like this. You know I am in love with you. You know better than to talk about this while I am still trying to forget that I love you.”

“But I don’t want you to forget.”

KC lay on his back looking strait up at the ceiling. Cloe crossed her arms and rested them and her head on his chest just looking at his face. She just couldn’t get enough of looking at him lately. “I can’t do this.” He pushed her to the side and got out of the bed. “I’m getting in your bed. You can sleep here tonight. With that, he was out the door. She could only look after him. Now she knew how he felt that time she ran out of the store.

Chapter Ten

A blanket laid spread on the floor and a baby fast asleep. His mother and her friend sat on the couch talking.

So how are you and KC getting along?" TaiSan asked taking a sip of her iced tea.

"Everything is great. We've been living together for almost ten months. But he doesn't want me to move out. So we are going to live together until one of us gets serious with someone."

"Well, don't the two of you sound like a happy family?"

"It's not like that. We're just doing what's right."

"I did what I thought was right one time." She paused for effect. "And I ended up married to him."

"That's different." Cloe burst out causing the baby to wake up and cry. She took the boy in her arms and he stopped crying.

"How?" TaiSan asked her young friend. Cloe was almost oblivious to the relationship that she and KC so clearly shared. The two were closer than they realized. They were both denying the love that they shared. And KC was the one that said that he loved her.

"Well, there is nothing physical between me and KC." She rocked the child gently.

"Yes there is." TaiSan was sure to watch for the confusion on Cloe's face. "Remember telling me about a could of days before I had Jamie. You know you and KC spent the entire day in bed talking and getting to know each other."

"How is that physical?" asked Cloe now relieved.

"Did you touch his face? Did he hold you?" TaiSan added with a smile.

"Yes." the baby gently tugged on Cloe's hair reminding her that she still held him to get attention. Cloe looked down at him thinking how much he was like his father always trying to get attention.

"See. You have a physical relationship. Your relationship with KC is just way more healthy than the one that I shared with with Lex when I first met him."

"But you and Lex ended up together. You love each other so fully." TaiSan took her son from Cloe. She pouted a little at the loss. She wanted a child so bad, that every guy she saw, she was continually looking at his faults and his positives to tell if he would be a good father. She hasn't had much luck finding a man to reach her standards.

"You and KC love each other, too. There are many different kinds of love."

"But, TaiSan, KC won't give me a chance now. He won't get near me. I think I ruined my chances with him."

"Cloe, I think he is just trying to keep from getting hurt. You told him that you didn't love him that way."

"Well," Cloe turned towards TaiSan fully. "Last week, I got into bed with him. It was the day that Jamie was born. We were talking about the future and having children. I asked him about falling in love. I said I wasn't sure how I loved him." TaiSan didn't react so Cloe continued. "He jumped out of the bed and slept in my bed."

"You're in love." TaiSan stated as if everyone knew the fact. She smoothed her son's raven hair as she continued to act natural. Jamie was the perfect mix of mother and father. He was turning more and more olive colored day by day.

"How do you know? You say it so nonchalant." Her knowledge of the world around her always shocked Cloe.

"Cloe, since the first time I saw you and KC together, I knew." She put Jamie back on his blanket.

"What do I do?" Cloe asked in a frantic voice. "I love him but he doesn't believe me."

"Then keep trying till he does. This will be your journey in life."

"My journey?" Cloe asked sure that TaiSan was having a little too many herbs.

"Everyone must go on a journey to find themselves. This is yours."

"What was your journey?"

"My journey was my betrayal of Alice and marriage to Lex."

"Ok." Both fell silent while Cloe thought of what she would say to Cloe.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

The bells rang on the door just as KC finished his last order. He quickly stood and went to the showroom. There stood Lex waiting for him.

"KC, I just talked to a hot chick that wants a date with you!" Lex was ecstatic.

"Okay what's her name?" KC asked to humor his friend. He was still in love with Cloe but he needed to move on.

"Diane. I told her to meet you at the Cafe at seven."

"What if I had said no?"

Lex calmed a little. "No one ever says no to me."

"Bullsh*t!" He pushed Lex as the two began to laugh. "You are so full of yourself.

"Well, KC, you need to pick up some of the traits. TaiSan said you're getting hot. You could learn to mack like me if you are as hot as she says you are."

KC could only laugh as his older friend. "Come on. It's time to get out of here. Let's go back to the mall and see if we can find another little man to hang out with."

Lex headed to the door as KC got everything ready to close. "You are really loving this uncle/godfather thing as much as I love to be a father."

"Of course. He is going to be the greatest little boy. He has the greatest parents in the world and he has me to teach him the things that you don't tell him."

Lex laughed. "Oh," they walked out the door and KC locked it behind him. "So what are you going to tell him."

"Well, after you tell him about the birds and the bees, I'll tell him the truth."

"I think you need to stay away from my son." The two walked down the street to the attention to the people around them. For some reason, the Mallrats were equal to celebrities of the old days.

"What?" He pushed Lex a little. "I just want to pass on the information that you gave me." They continued to laugh all the way back to the mall.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

"So he tells you that you are going to meet this girl at seven tonight?" Cloe asked as she cooked a dinner for one. It was the first time in years that she cooked a dinner for one.

"Yeah. So here I am." he put out his arms and spun for her to approve. He wore a pair of khakis and a tight black button down. He blonde hair was slicked back and his face was clear of tribe markings. Cloe wanted to lock the doors and never let him go free.

"You look nice. She's not going to know what hit her." She hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. When they pulled away, she straitened his shirt and made sure there could be no way that this girl would refuse him. Although she would be perfectly fine with the girl not wanting him. That way, KC would be all hers.

"Thank you. I promise not to be home too late. I'll come and check on you before I got to bed." With that he left Cloe to ponder this new found interest in other girls. What was she supposed to do now?

chapter eleven

“So, how was the hot date?” Lex asked sipping coffee in KC’s kitchen.

“Well, it was okay.” KC got up and went to the coffee perk and poured more in his cup.

“Okay?” Lex looked at his friend skeptically. “Are you okay? That girl was hot and I’m sure she gave it up.”

“Actually, no she didn’t.” KC sat back down to notice Lex’s mouth hanging open. “Are you okay, mate?”

“Yeah, but I can’t believe she didn’t want to give it up.” He leaned back trying to take it all.

“She did want to give it up. I didn’t want to do anything with her.” KC stated causing Lex to spit his hot coffee everywhere and spill it in his lap. He jumped up screaming and broke the cup.

“Lex, it’s not that shocking.”

KC immediately got the broom and began to sweep as Cloe came into the room in her bathrobe. “What the he.ll happened? Are you okay, Lex?” Cloe asked as she noticed him holding his crotch. She ran over to his side. He nodded that he could handle it and she went to get the dust pan. She leaned over in front of KC and he could see strait down her robe. She was wearing nothing underneath.

Without thinking he threw down the broom and walked off to his bedroom. Cloe and Lex were confused by his action. “Maybe you should go check on him.” Lex stated while looking for a towel to dry his now cooled pants.

Cloe entered to room to find him lying on his back staring at the ceiling. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” He stated fast.

“Yes there is.” She sat on the bed next to him. “You left the room in a hurry and now you are staring at the ceiling.”

“Well, I like having a blue ceiling.” He stated bringing back the memories of him and Cloe painting his ceiling to look a sunny sky and hers to look like a night sky.

“Bulls.hit.” she waited for him to retort something, but he remained silent. “What is wrong? You’ve been acting like you don’t want me around lately.”

KC sat up. “I kind of don’t want you around.” He looked her strait in the eyes and he could tell that he hurt her but he couldn’t take it back.

“Ok. I understand. I over stayed my welcome.” She stood and walked out of his room slowly. KC ran after her to her room. “I’ll go stay with Lex and TaiSan or something.”

“No. Don’t. I didn’t mean it that way.” He grabbed her arm to try to stop her from grabbing the bag inside the closet.

“What did you mean?” She jerked out of his hands and took the bag from the closet over to her bed. She pulled it open before going back to the closet.

“I meant that having you near like this is hurting me.” He followed her back and forth as she went from the closet to her bed.

“How am I hurting you?” She put the last bit of clothes in and closed the bag. She looked at him with pain and anger in her eyes.

“Just having you…” he stepped closer to her, “near. It makes me feel like I want to die.” He brushed his hand across her cheek and she sighed. When she realized what was happening she allowed herself to get closer to him.

“Don’t die. I’m right here.” She stated reaching up to his messy blonde hair.

“But you don’t mean it.” He pulled away and sat on the bed facing her. “There will be some reason for you not to want me. This is just temporary.”

“Temporary?” She asked coming to sit in his lap. “Honey, I went through ten apartments tearing them to pieces to find some reason not to get them, just so I could stay with you.”

“Really?” he looked down trying to avoid eye contact.

“Really. I love you KC. I know that now and I wasted too much time. I guess I waited too long.” She got up and grabbed her bag. “I’ll be at Lex’s.” She walked out of the room to find Lex in the living room. “Lex, may I stay with you for a few days?”

“Sure. What happened?” He asked as they were leaving the apartment.

“I’ll tell you later.” She closed the door behind her leaving KC to complete silence as a tear slid down his face.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

“You just walked out?” TaiSan asked as she, Cloe and Lex sat in the living room of her apartment.

“Pretty much.” Cloe sobbed lightly. “I shouldn’t have left.”

“You just did what you thought was right.” TaiSan stated trying to calm her friend.

“Maybe this time apart will clear the air about what is supposed to happen between you and KC.” Lex added causing both women to look at him. “What?”

“I hope so, Lex. I really love him. I want to be with him forever. There isn’t a doubt in my mind.” Cloe was now freely crying as she leaned back on the couch. “I messed up bad, didn’t I?”

“No.” Lex hugged her. “You didn’t. We’ll fix it.”


“How? I could never get him back.” Cloe stated as a knock on the door sounded. TaiSan left to answer it. Cloe closed her eyes but opened then quickly when she felt Lex get up. No one was around but… KC. “Hey.”

“Hey. I’m sorry for upsetting you Cloe. It just seemed like a taunt seeing you everyday and not being able to touch you.”

“You can touch me anytime you want. I’m yours.” She opened her arms to show that she belonged to him. “Take me back.”

“Is it really that easy?” He asked skeptical of her offer. He sat down next to her.

“Really.” She leaned against him. “I just want to be with you. I know I love you. I am just trying to convince you of that now.”

“Well, can we take this slow? Like we are just now meeting?” KC asked.

“Sure.” She moved away from him.

“Why’d you move?” he asked confused.

“My momma told me not to sit so close to strangers.”

“You’re momma isn’t here.” He leaned over to kiss her but she put a finger to his lips.

“Nope. We are going to act like we are getting to know each other. I will stay with Lex and TaiSan for awhile until we get into either the moving in stage or marriage.”

“Okay. If you insist.” He stood to leave now happy and a smile on his face. “This is real right?” He asked at the door, facing her.

Cloe smiled back at him. “Yup this is real. We’re dating.”

“Love you.” He said before leaving.

“I Love you too.” Cloe smiled as big as she could. She and KC are together! Not even hooking up with Ved felt this good. She knew this was the best thing to ever happen to her.

Chapter twelve

Cloe threw yet another dress on TaiSan and Lex's bed. Lex sat in a chair in the corner trying not to laugh. Cloe was going through every outfit that she and TaiSan owned. It was as if KC had never seen her before. She had to look perfect. Lex laughed out loud before he could stop it.

TaiSan glared at him. "Lex! Don't make fun!"

"I'm not." He answered truthfully. "I just think its funny that she is trying on all theses clothes for a guy who has seen her for the last nine years."

"Well, I wanna look good! We decided that we're starting over. He's gonna be seeing each other for the first time as more than a friend." She reached back into the closet and found TaiSan's wedding dress. She pulled it out and held it out to TaiSan.

"Lex, look!" he turned his eyes to his wife. "My wedding dress."

"It's still as beautiful. But..." he got up and hugged her from behind. "It looks better on you."

She pulled away playfully. "Really? You couldn't wait to get it off."

"See! That's what I want with KC."

Lex thought for a moment before moving away from his wife. " What? Him ripping your dress off?"

"NO!" both TaiSan and Cloe exclaimed. "I want the love and tenderness that you and TaiSan share." She added explaining to Lex.

Cloe stated taking out the final dress. It was a short green dress. It was dark and Cloe remembered that it had made TaiSan's skin look beautiful. It would work for her too. They were the same skin tone after all. "May I wear this one?" Cloe asked.

TaiSan looked at it to see of it would suit Cloe. "Of course." She looked at her husband. "Go help KC get ready. This is girls' work." He complied and left. "You are going to be a knock out."

Cloe quickly changed while TaiSan cleaned uo the mess they created. When she entered again, Cloe looked like a different woman. The dress came down to her mid thigh with no sleeves and cut outs on her chest. She had pulled her long hair out of the buns and it now hung halfway down her back.

"Wow! You look great! Come here." TaiSan led her to her vanity. Cloe sat and TaiSan immediately removed the tribal markings and began to apply beauty makeup. When she was finished, it was decided. KC didn't have a chance at not noticing her.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

"So, how do I look?" KC asked walking into the room. He wore a pair of black Dockers he found in one of the storage rooms and a white button down shirt that was untucked. His hair was messily styled, just the way Cloe liked.

"Good." Lex stated as KC sat in the chair across from Lex.

"So what is Cloe wearing?"

"One of TaiSan's dresses." He leaned back with his arms behind his head. "Don't worry. She'll look hot."

"Lex," He glared at his friend. "I was worried if I dressed right."

"Whatever."

"I'm so nervous." KC messed with his hair.

"Why? You see her everyday."

"Today's different. We've been away from each other for three days. And now we're more than friends."

"Just calm down and act like normal." Lex stated as KC took a deep breath.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

KC waited patiently in the cafe. Lex just left to get Cloe. He didn't understand why he couldn't just pick her up himself. He would be less nervous.

He turned to the door just in time to see Cloe enter. He couldn't breathe and his heart stopped. She was always beautiful but now she was different. She's more self-assured and glowing.

The look on KC's face made Cloe continue her saunter. She had made an impression on him. KC stood to pull out the chair for her and she almost tripped. He looked fit! The shirt hung around him just right and the pants were loosely fitted around his waist. He looked like that male models from the pre-virus magazines.

"Me lady." he flourished as she sat. "You look amazing. I don't know what to say." KC stated, sitting back down.

"Don't say anything. I like it when I make men speechless." Cloe laughed.

"So lets get some food." KC waived over Trudy. "Hey Trudy, could you bring us the first date special?"

"Sure." She hurried off to the kitchen.

"What are you up to?" Cloe asked as the lights in the cafe dimmed. She hadn't noticed before, but no one else was in the cafe.

"Just trying to prove romance still exists." He said as Cloe took his hand that rested on the table in hers. He was definitely getting brownie points.

"Well, you're doing a great job."

The two became quiet as Trudy came back with two candles already lit. She placed them in the in the center of the table then clapped her hands. Two girls came out with covered plates of spaghetti. KC nodded to Trudy and they all left. "This is amazing KC!" Cloe exclaimed as soft music began to play.

"Not even close to you." He kissed her hand and Cloe could have melted.

They continued the rest of the night talking and getting to know each other's most intimate details. Finally, KC decided to ask Cloe to dance. They danced several songs before they decided it was time to go home. They blew out the candles and walked slowly back to TaiSan and Lex's apartment. At the door, Cloe leaned against the wall only looking at KC. "Tonight was be far the best night of my life." She wrapped her arms around his waist pulling him against herself.

"Glad I made you happy." He pushed her hair back.

"You're looking for a kiss right?" Cloe asked with a smile.

"No! I'm a good boy. I don't kiss on the first date." he acted as if he were a chaste little girl.

"Well, I'm a bad girl. So come here!" She grabbed the back of his head and pulled his lips to hers.

Chapter 13

Cloe settled against her warm setting. She was the most comfortable that she could ever remember being. She wasn’t worrying about what Ved wanted her to next or where her next meal was coming from. Everything was settled and she was no longer a possession of a man or the world around her. She was what she had always wanted to become. She was her own woman.

Someone else owned only one part of her; her heart was the possession of KC and KC alone. Everything she did or thought of concerned KC, but it was different than when she was with Ved. KC protected her and expected nothing as his payment. She was gladly cooking him dinner, washing his clothes, and teaching him how to read better. Although he could do all but the last by himself, Cloe was glad to help and actually insisted that he allow her to do so.

“What are you thinking about, baby?” KC asked giving her a kiss on the top of the head.

“I was just thinking about how sweet you are.” She nipped at his lip playfully. “I couldn’t think of a better place to be.”

“I could.” Lex stated as he walked by. “You two need to get a room.” He stopped in front of the couple with a large smile across his face.

“You know what Lex?” KC jumped up and squared his fists at his friend. Lex threw a playful punch and KC threw one back. The two guys did a manly hug before laughing.

“Seriously, you two are getting close.” Lex stated as he watched his younger friend sat back against the fountain and pull Cloe back into his embrace.

“Yeah.” KC looked into her eyes. “We are.”

“You guys are soo cute.” Lex mocked in a voice that seemed as if he were imitating TaiSan. He left them with a laugh.

“Cloe?” KC asked smoothing her hair back.

“Yes?” She sighed against his body as she settled to the spot that fit her body perfect. It was as if he were meant to hold her.

“Do you want to move in with me?”

“Are you ready for that?” She asked with apprehension. Neither wanted to move to fast for fear that the relationship wouldn’t last. But then again, look at TaiSan and Lex. They weren’t even officially together when they got engaged.

“Yeah. We’ve been dating for the past three weeks and I don’t think I could stand to be without you.” KC kissed her again.

“Okay.” She jumped up. “I’ll go get my stuff from TaiSan and Lex’s apartment!” She ran up the steps before KC could even realize what was going on.

He eventually caught up with her in her bedroom. He was almost out of breath with trying to catch up to her. She had half her bag already packed and stood looking at him with wonder.

“How can I get here faster than you?” Cloe asked laughing at KC’s antics of acting like he can’t breath. “Do you need mouth to mouth?”

“Oh, baby, yes!” She came over to him and pushed him on the bed. She sat astride his stomach and kissed him deeply. When she pulled away, she was breathless too. “Wow! I think that brought the life back to me.” She playfully hit him before getting off the bed to finish packing.

“KC, why don’t you catch up with Lex? I have to talk to TaiSan before I leave.”

“Okay.” He answered confused but left all the same.

She finished packing her bag before going to TaiSan and Lex’s bedroom to talk to her older friend. TaiSan was changing her son’s diaper and talking to him.

“I hate to interrupt but,” Cloe quietly said as she entered the room.

“That’s okay, Jamie doesn’t mind.” She closed the diaper and picked her son up. He giggled and reached out for his Godmother.

Cloe took him and sat on the bed next to TaiSan. “I’m moving in with KC.”

“That’s great!” TaiSan exclaimed.

Cloe only slightly smiled. “I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

“Being alone with him.” Cloe looked at the baby. Jamie was what she was afraid of. She was nineteen and she saw what children had done to the little girls of this world. Was she ready for what could be created between her and KC because of a moment of sharing of love?

“Why? You are no virgin if that is what you are talking about.” TaiSan took her child back from Cloe.

“I know. I just don’t know if I am ready to be a mother and a wife. You know? I never thought of any of that with Ved. I just accepted what happened.”

“It is okay to be nervous. I am nervous all the time around Lex. It is scary being a part of that kind of relationship with someone.”

“You are scared of Lex?” Cloe asked with shock causing TaiSan to laugh. “I though you were the ‘pants’ of the relationship!”

“You learn fast that no one controls a real relationship. It is like surviving. You do what you have to.” She laid Jamie on the bed and he was almost asleep. “Things like him,” she pointed to the sleeping baby. “Come second nature. He is a piece of the two of you. Like proof of your love and reason to be together.”

“Maybe you are right. Thanks.” The two women hugged. “I’m gone. Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need luck. Love is hard work.” TaiSan stated before Cloe left the room.

Chapter14

KC finally made it home after spending the evening helping Lex. But at least he learned an important lesson: don't ask Lex if he needs help before he is about to go bust someone. He had missed helping Cloe move in. She was probably angry with him. He looked around. Everything was in its place and clean. She was probable angry. She only cleaned when she wasn't in a good mood.

He picked up the jacket that he had thrown on the chair and hung it on the coat hanger by the door. The entire apartment was dark and KC wanted nothing more than to slip into the nice warm bed with Cloe. From here on out, someone was going to share his bed with him. He wasn't alone any more.

KC tip-toed through the apartment to his bedroom and peered into the darkness. No one was in his bed. “Where's Cloe?” He stated out loud before continuing to Cloe's old bedroom. He was shocked to find her in her old bed. A smile was on her face showing him that more than likely she wasn't angry.

He went back to his room and undressed before getting in bed. He could talk to Cloe about sleeping in his bed in the morning.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

The stove burned hot as Cloe stood over top of it, carefully scrambling the eggs. KC had came home late last night and she dreaded to wake him up, but the store must be tended to. He was not I n the shower getting ready. Cloe's mind drifted to the thought of him in the shower. No clothes. Only soap and water gracing his fit body. She shook her head to clear the thoughts away. They're going to wait if it is the only thing that goes right in the relationship. Sex can surely end a good relationship. She and KC had a great relationship. They are loving and know what they want from each other.

“Hey, Baby. What are you thinking about?” KC asked breaking her from her thoughts. He walked into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around her slender waist. “Are you thinking about me in the shower?”

“Don't flatter yourself.” She stated in a joking manner.

“Well, I was just wondering, because I was thinking about you in the shower.” He kissed her neck so softly that she almost laughed from the sensation.

“Were you thinking about me in the shower or were you thinking about me while you were in the shower?” Cloe asked in a smart tone.

“Haha. You know what I meant.” He backed away and jumped onto the counter by the stove to look at her fully. “You look great today.”

“You can stop the flattery. Lex was by this morning and told me why you were out late last night.” She took the skillet from the stove eye and scraped the eggs into a waiting plate on the kitchen table. “So, you busted a thief? You're my hero.” She joked placing the skillet in the sink.

“Yeah. But I wouldn't call me a hero.” He stated jumping down from the counter and sitting in the booth style seat. Cloe joined him and he placed his arm around her neck. “Why didn't you sleep in my bed last night?”

“Uhh...” She was hoping that he wouldn't ask. She didn't want him to think that she couldn't trust him. That wasn't it. She couldn't trust herself. “I thought it would be best if I slept in my old bed.”

“Why?” His face turned to a look of wonder. “Don't you trust me not to make a move in the middle of the night.”

“No.” She kissed him lightly on the lips. “I trust you plenty. I am the one that I don't trust.”

He laughed a little. “Really? Why might that be?”

“I would be afraid that my will power to wait would diminish being that close to you while you are in that state of diss-dress.”

“Do you find me sexy? Do I make you Randy?” KC stated using his best Austin Powers voice.

“Very baby.” Cloe pushed him hard against the back of the booth bench and pushed the table away. She straddled him. “DO I make you horney?”

KC placed his hands on her hip and pulled her roughly against him before looking down. “Do I really need to answer?”

Cloe sat back. “No. I guess I shouldn't do things like that if we are going to wait.”

“No.” He readjusted himself. “You don't. Were you like this with Ved?”

“No. We were sleeping together from the beginning. No need to worry about flirting.”

“Well, he doesn't know what he was missing.” KC took another sip of his water before getting up. “I hate to leave right now but I have to go.”

“Do you want me to come and do some paper work?” Cloe asked.

“You don't have to if you don't want to. You're a good teacher. I can read great now!”

“Okay. I'll be around about lunch time.” She kneeled on the bench and gave him another kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, Baby.”

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

“TaiSan, I cannot sleep in the same bed as him.” Cloe stated as TaiSan came out of her son's bedroom.

“Why not?” She sat down next to Cloe for another long chat.

“The temptation will just be too much. He looked so good this morning strait from the shower. I don't know how I made it through living with him before.”

“Well, then you hadn't went almost a year without sex.” TaiSan answered without hesitation.

“Wait...” Cloe looked at her friend thoughtfully. “Aren't you the one that believes in mind over matter?”

“Yeah.” She smile thinking about when she and Lex were first together. “But when you are in love. There is no controlling your mind. He is your entire world.”

Cloe smiled at the thought of KC. “I can't wait to have what you and Lex have.”

TaiSan touched her younger friend's knee. “It's hard work and we have been through a lot.”

“How do I know it is the right time to sleep with KC? What if we let it go too fast. Or I wait to long?” Cloe thought frantically.

“You'll know when. You won't wait too long. Because even if you wait until you get married to have sex, he will still love you. Sex isn't that important in your relationship. It is everything else that makes the sex the great part.”

“Do you think it will be better with KC than with Ved.”

“Well, at least with KC you know that he will cherish you and your needs over his. I can't say anything. I've never had relations with them. Lex is my one and only.” TaiSan brought her tea cup to her lips.

Cloe's mouth opened in shock. “You are kidding me!”

“No. I've only been with Lex.”

“Wow!” She thought about how romantic it would have been had she waited for KC. But then again she did think that she was going to marry Ved. “You know what? I am going to make things right with KC. I am not going to make all the mistakes I made with Ved.”

TaiSan looked closely at her. Cloe had said those words many times but she had never noticed. She meant it. Cloe was going to make her and KC last. There would be another Mallrat wedding soon.

Chapter 15

Cloe walked into the darkened apartment. There was no sign of her lover anywhere. He had not been at the store and Lex hadn’t seen him. The only other place that he could be would be the apartment. She searched all of the rooms but one. She neglected to look into her own room. She was about the open the door to her room to take a nap hoping he would be home when she awoke, then the sound of soft music drew her to her bedroom. She opened the door to reveal a candle lit paradise. Someone had done this for her once before. It had stolen her heart and she regretted it. Things were different this time. She was safe in the knowledge that KC could never hurt her the way Ved did. KC lacked the heartless emotions that Ved held strong to. He was caring and loving.

KC came out from the screen on the opposite side of her room. He slowly ambled to her with a rose in his hand. It was single. Another gesture that Ved made. He handed the flower to her, but didn’t take her hand. He just stood taking in the image of her as if he were never to see her ever again. She blushed as if she stood before him naked. He stripped her of all conscious. Yet he clothed her with the thick robes of love that protected her against the evils of the changed world around them.

She placed her slender hand against his neck and gently stroked the hair at the base of his neck. It was a touch that he knew too well. It meant that the world was only for him. Her touch would always be for him and him alone. He removed her hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed the palm and then each of the fingertips before placing it against his chest to allow her to feel the beating of his heart.

“Cloe, I’ve loved you for almost all of my life. We were once like brother and sister and now we are lovers. I never would have imagined that you would be in my life like you are. I always saw you becoming the wife Ved and mother to his children. Now you are blessing me with the chance to try that with you.” He held her hand tighter against him in nervousness. “I was every bad thing that I was ever called. I lived a dishonest life and I can never take back some of the things that I have done.” He looked down before looking back into her eyes. “I saved myself by being on the side of the Chosen. You risked yours to save me. I was a coward and I went against what you worked for. I…We almost lost you. Then, you walked back into my life. I realize the woman you were. You were beautiful and you were deserving of the necklace I had bought for May. You were all the beauty in the world at that point.” He took her hand away and clasped it between the two of his. She placed her other hand on the outside. “The technos took me and I knew it was over. I would never see the shining jewel that gave me the will to live. Yet, I survived. I knew you were in the world living and I had to see you and tell you that I couldn’t live without you. I came back at the same time you did. But, Ved was holding you tightly. My heart broke into a million pieces. I watched day after day as he ground you into a helpless person. You were like the wives of the adult times. I wanted to slash his throat at making you lose everything that made you who you are.” He stopped to wipe a tear from her eye. He wasn’t sure if she was crying because of this moment or because of what Ved had done to her. Either way, she would never be treated like that again. “I turned that rage around and used it to help turn this city into a new place. I was one of the first merchants and I was one of the first people to serve on the senate. You were my driving force. I never meant to take you from Ved. I only wanted you to be safe. As we became friends, I couldn’t stand it any longer. I had to let you see that someone else could love you better than he could. I don’t know if my love is better than his, but I know that I haven’t crushed you. I’ve tried to be tender and caring to bring you back to that small girl that ran about with Patsy and hated me.” He stopped. No more words could come out. He only waited for her to say something.

She stood frozen for a second. She never knew that KC held all of those thoughts inside. He seemed almost a mystery to her until this very moment. She was shocked and knew not what to say. She could only hold his hand in hers as she felt him do the same. Life stood still. There was no need for her to move. She was where she wanted to be for eternity. She was with KC. Suddenly she heard herself speak, “I never hated you.” She laughed lightly. “I actually spent all my time trying to get away from you because you were a boy. In those days, boys were mean and caused the girls to act stupid. You were Lex’s little follower and Lex was mean.” She brought his hands up and put the palm of his hand on her cheek. “I love to feel you like this, so close and so intimate. It’s much better than sex. It shows more than sex could ever show. You can’t fake this. You can fake sex.”

“I would never pretend with you.” He drew her near for the first time that night. “I have to hold back to keep from showing how strongly I care for you. It would scare you. It scares me. I don’t want to hurt you.” He kissed the top of her head.

“How could you hurt me? You could never hurt me. You love me too much.” She stated a little scared of what his answer would be.

“Not mentally, physically. I’m afraid that I won’t be able to control myself. I just want to attack you sometimes.” He thought for a moment. “That sounds a little odd but that is how I feel. I feel like a wild animal. Like I have to show you that I am man enough for you. I have to be the alpha male.” He laughed at the idea of fighting anyone. He wasn’t the fighting kind. He was a thinker.

“Honey, you are a man. You know how to take care of me and make sure my happiness comes first.” KC pulled away and she looked confused for a moment. Surely she hadn’t said the wrong thing.

He disappeared behind the screen and picked something up before re-entering the main area. “Cloe, I’ve known this since the day you told me that you wanted to date me. I love you more than anything or anyone else in this world. I simply cannot live another day with you being a part of me. If you say no, I will respect you and let you silently guide me as you did before. But I have to ask you and I can no longer wait. Will you let me take care of you and give you my last name? I want you to be my wife and the mother of my children. Will you marry me?” He was down on one knee by the last question looking up at his raven-haired beauty.

She didn’t answer. She couldn’t talk. He continued to take her words away over and over. Tears fell from her eyes joyously. “Yes.” was the only thing she could manage to say before she fell to her knees before him. He placed the ring on her finger. Without looking at her new possession, she kissed him as if it were the first and last time she would get the chance to taste him. She took him all in. This was it. She was happy. This is happiness. This is something she never felt with Ved. This was utter pleasure. Never, even in the middle of “love making” did she feel this way with Ved. He never compared to even the softest most chaste kiss that KC gave her. When they pulled apart, she spoke again. “I love you so much!”

“I love you too.” He hugged her tight. “Are you even going to look at the ring? I worked so hard on it.”

“I’m sorry. I was more worried about you.” She pulled away and looked at the ring. It was made of silver and had a thin string of sliver wrapped around it and at the front of the ring the string was knotted into a perfect Celtic knot with a diamond seated in the center. It was perfect. It had the Roman promise of eternity with the band and the Celtic promise of eternity with the endless knot. “It’s perfect. Just like you.” They kissed again and the night was made. They were going to be together forever. They had forever to do all the things lovers did.

 Chapter 16

 Part One

Flowers draped every surface of the mall. It was as if the entire mall was a meadow in the middle of spring instead of a building in the middle of a city slowly returning from the apocalypse. Silk hung from the second story railing into the cutout between the steps. An alter-like object had been built there and the white silk made it look like a church, just the location for the events that were about to occur.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

Cloe fiddled with the hem of her sleeve as Trudy and Ebony finished fixing her hair. She was scared that all the make-up and hair supplies would end up on her long white dress. Nothing could ruin this day. If it did, Cloe would just die. She wanted everything to be perfect. Although the only thing she really wanted was KC, everything else was trivial.

“Would you sit still?” Ebony asked the younger girl. Cloe immediately sat up straighter to allow Ebony a better angle to apply the eyeliner. She finished the line and stood back to look at her work of art. “Perfect.” Ebony put down the eyeliner and clapped her hands together. “What do you think Trudy?”

Trudy looked carefully at Cloe. “She looks beautiful. I can’t believe she is that little girl from when I first came to the mall. She’s so grown up.” She pushed a piece of Cloe’s hair into place. “Are you ready?”

“I...” Cloe stammered before taking a breath. “I’m ready. How much longer until I see my wonderful, handsome man?”

“About thirty minutes.” TaiSan answered as she turned from the mirror.

“So long? Why can’t it get here faster?” Cloe stood from the chair and paced across the room and back.

“Calm down, Cloe.” Ebony stated with an amused smile. “It won’t be long until you are happy that he is out and about so that you can actually get some rest. Jay about drives me crazy when he can catch me without the kids.”

“Same here with Lex.” TaiSan added joining the group. “His favorite time of the day is when Jamie is asleep.”

“Who says I don’t want KC to be like that.” Cloe added with a naughty grin. “We haven’t slept together yet.”

All was shocked except for TaiSan. Ebony looked at the clock on the wall. “We need to see if the guys are ready and I need to get the speech ready.” She started for the door with Trudy behind. At the door, Ebony blew Cloe a kiss. “I wish you and KC all the luck and more that Jay and I were given.”

Cloe could feel the tears prick at her eyes but wouldn’t let them fall. She couldn’t ruin Ebony’s hard work. Neither she nor TaiSan said a word. The gravity of what was about to happen hit Cloe. This wasn’t another of Ved’s empty threats. This was KC following through on a promise. He always did follow through. She was rid of Ved. His thought, his memory, his promises. She was a part of KC’s future. She wanted to think of him. She wanted to make new memories with him. She wanted to make promises to him. Trudy stuck her head through the door. “It’s time.”

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

KC stood in front of the mirror in his apartment. He was suited and ready. He was giving himself to Cloe today. He had already given her his heart and soul. Now the whole world would know. He was hers forever and no one could take that away.

KC had fought long and hard to get where he was. The adults tore down the world with their greed and hate. The children were rebuilding it. KC had been a part of putting one brick after another back into the city and then he began to rebuild his own world. He started by gaining respect and forgiveness for his past regressions. He moved past his childish ways and became a businessman and for a short time, a politician. Then he began by gaining back his important friends. He established the friendship that he once held with Lex. It was stronger than ever. Then he sought out Cloe. He never meant to lead her away from the man she was to marry, but KC couldn’t leave her with a man that wouldn’t hold her up to her fullest potential. Ved was letting her sit in idol wasting all of the love and kindness she had to share with others. Out of that action to bring her to her own powers, Ved had lost. KC won without even playing a game.

KC won the greatest thing of all. KC won love and honor. He won his soul mate. He couldn’t imagine that the one person that he had loved since the day he saw her would ever love him. Now he was marrying her. Life was turning out to be a good friend to KC.

“Mate, you look smashing.” Lex commented from behind his taller friend. “Are you ready for this?” He placed a hand on KC’s shoulder.

“Yeah.” He turned to his friend with a calm smile. “I’ve been ready to marry her since the day I walked into the mall the very first time. There’s just little you can do at the age of ten.” Lex laughed. “I can’t wait to be with her for the rest of my life. I grew up with her and now I want to grow old with her. I want to raise our children and watch our grandchildren.”

“You’ll be a great father.” Lex straightened KC’s tie. “You and Cloe are going to be great together.” He paused. “You are already great together.”

KC couldn’t believe this was Lex talking to him. Lex had even grown. And as it seems, Lex grew wiser. “Thank you mate.” KC pulled Lex into a real hug. Something they had shared very little of. “You helped me get her.”

“How? I set you on a date with another chick.” Lex asked in confusion as he pushed KC off him.

“That’s how. You showed me that I could only stand to be with Cloe that way. I’m glad she felt the same about me or I would be in a sh*tlode of trouble.”

Lex looked at his watch and then his friend. “It’s ten minutes till the ceremony begins. Let’s get to the alter.” He led his friend out of the apartment and to the lobby. It was full with everyone that meant anything to the couple. Even Ved sat on the bride’s side with his new girlfriend, Dianne. It was almost a peace offering as Ved smiled at KC widely.

Finally, KC and Lex stood in front of the congregation as Ebony walked down the carpet and to the alter, touching hands with her husband as she walked past. She winked at KC as she reached the alter. She had always been fairly friendly to him and was happy to see him on his wedding day and to be the one to perform the ceremony.

The music woke KC from his memories as it echoed through the Mall lobby. It was time. His rebuilding was about to be finished. He was about to place the last brick into the life that he and Cloe would share.

part Two

Cloe stood at the end of the carpet looking down the aisle to the alter. Everyone stood on either side of the carpet and Cloe felt nervous. She knew it was silly to be nervous because all those people were watching her. She should be nervous because she was getting married. The music began and she walked down the aisle with Jay who had left his place in the crowd to walk Cloe down the aisle. He had been the closest thing to a father that Cloe had since Ryan left. He looked after her when Ved couldn’t and she cared for him like the family she no longer had.

They stopped at the front of the room. Jay kissed her on the cheek and clasped her hand together with KC’s before giving KC a pat on the back. He walked over to the front row of people and Ebony started the ceremony.

“Who gives this daughter away for holy matrimony?” She asked with a strong voice she once used to gain her power.

“I give her.” Jay stated.

“We are all gathered here to witness the blessing of Cloe and KC’s love being twined into one lawful and holy life. They stand before you now as two entities of innocence and love. KC would you like to say you vows to Cloe?”

KC turned to face Cloe. “We’ve grown together, we’ve worked together, and we’ve loved together. Now I vow that we will be together, forever. Nothing will draw us apart. Since the day we met, we have been taken from each other too much. I vow to never leave you of my free will and to find my way back to you as fast as I can if we are taken from each other by forced that are uncontrolled. I love you. No other words could state how I feel about you but ‘I love you.”

Ebony stood strait once again. “Now, Cloe would you like to say your vows to KC.”

Cloe felt a tear slip from her eye from the beauty of everything. “We’ve loved each other for many years. So many I forget when we didn’t love on another. First you were just a member of the tribe. Then you were my friend. Then I lost you. The Chosen took me from you and the Technos took you from me. As you helped to bring this city to its full potential, you became my best friend. Despite the fact that I was with another man, I fell for you so deeply that it couldn’t be ignored. I gave up a whole lifetime to be with you. Now you stand beside me vowing to give me my life back. You vow to be my lover and the father of my children. I can’t deny you. I won’t allow us to be parted again because the only words I know to describe how I feel for you is ‘I love you.”

“Cloe,” Ebony started again. “Do you take KC to be your lawfully wedded husband though good and bad, sickness and heath, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” KC placed the intricately designed ring that he made her on her finger.

“KC, do you take Cloe to be your lawfully wedded wife though good and bad, sickness and heath, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” She placed his ring on his finger.

“May you both be blessed in the new world that surrounds you. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss.” The two locked their lips in a firm kiss that stated that they were now one person. The kissed sealed the marriage and told everyone they were to remain one forever.

“I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. KC and Cloe Johnson.” Ebony stated as the couple walked down the aisle and into their future.

Epilogue

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