Cleon - One Shots/AUs

Once upon a dream

Summary: Leon and Claire take Marianne and Sam star gazing in their backyard

Status of their relationship in this one shot: Married.

Marianne followed her mother, Claire, into her bedroom. "Go into the closet and grab out a blanket." Marianne listened, her little feet running into the closet to take a blanket off of the lowered down rack. A dark blue one was folded neatly and just calling out her name.

Picking it up, the blanket towered over her face and as she walked out, Claire laughed at the sight.

"Here baby," Claire grabbed it from her daughter and instead gave her the small flashlight. "Carry that for me. You're of much help." She pet Marianne's hair and she smiled. "Okay momma!" The nine year old exclaimed.

Leon then entered their bedroom, a bag from dollar general in his hand. "What's in there?" Marianne asked. "You will see once we head outside. Come on now." Leon responded in a playful voice and their daughter laughed brightly, which only made them feel like the greatest parents ever.

All the while Marianne was bolting down the currant red staircase, Claire spoke up to her husband. "Good idea babe. Sam being at Chris's for the night will make this a lot easier." As of late, Claire and Leon have been putting so much time into Sam with the hospital and counselor visits that when Marianne mentioned how she thinks Sam is the favorite child, Claire and Leon took charge.

Sam being with Chris and Jill for the weekend is a huge help and of course, they offered the moment Claire had mentioned what had happened. They are life savers.

"Yeah well, Marianne will always be my little girl. Anything for her." Leon said, taking the blanket from Claire and carrying it himself. "I can carry a blanket Leon." She snorted and he nodded. "I know... Let your husband do the handling tonight though."

They reached the end of the stairs and the slider door was already wide open. Their background is fenced up so they often times let her go out there and play, whether it be to mess with bugs or to play on the jungle gym they bought a couple of months back.

Marianne was flashing the light at the ground repeatedly, seeing what she could spot in then midst of night. It isn't too late, only past 8pm but with the time change, it is already past sunset.

Stepping down the open porch, Marianne turned around to see Leon and Claire. "Now can I see what is in the bag?" She shouted with glee before running up to Leon and tugging on his wrist. "Ha," Leon chuckled and handed the bag to Marianne. "Go ahead." He laid out the extensive blanket.

Sitting down on the blanket, Marianne was in awe with all that Leon got.

Snacks, candy, a plush and bubbles! Not only that, a DvD for Lady and the Tramp, a movie that Claire and Leon have been sure to raise their children on. It's been awhile since they've seen it and when spotting it at the shop, he just couldn't resist.

"Dad!" Marianne giggled before hugging him and climbing into his lap. "You're so awesome!" "Hey, mom is great too. She's the one who had this idea originally."

They conjured it up together.

"You are both the best."

Marianne opened up the gummy bears and handed some to her parents before eating some herself. They are sour, her favorite. Leon got a snack for each of them. Pretzels for himself, chips for Claire and for Marianne? Rainbow animal crackers! She'll more than likely tear those up during their movie watch.

Claire then spoke.

"Hey, Marianne, do you want to see something beautiful?" "Mhm!" Marianne mumbled, still chewing. "Okay, lay back on the blanket and gaze up at the sky... what do you see?" Doing just that, she put the bag of candy down and laid her head on her dad's lap. He was sat up right with his hands holding himself up from behind.

Looking up at the dark sky, Marianne smiled. Stars were coated all over and they were shining like never before. Marianne has never seen the stars in such a way considering she's usually in bed by now. "Do you know what constellations are, Marianne?" Leon questioned his daughter. She nodded. "Tell me. Educate me."

"Constellations are stars in the sky that connect to tell a story! It's proven to be true!" She giggled and used her finger to playfully connect random stars together. "Bingo." Claire laughed out.

Eating a pretzel, Leon offered one to Marianne and while eating it, she stood up and grabbed the bubbles. Opening them, she ran around the grassy backyard, blowing them all over. Claire scooted closer to Leon, resting her head on his shoulder. They kept a close eye on their daughter, watching her adorable movements.

"Look at how big that one is!" Marianne snorted while admiring the bubble. Her parents nodded. "So big babygirl." Leon said aloud.

To see Marianne so joyful was a warmth through the heart for them. This is all they want. Once Sam is old enough to play like this, they're all sure they'll have even more fun.

Together.