Her Step Brother

Thanksgiving Break

Clarke finished her paper, turning her laptop off after sending it to the teacher. She was tired, but sleep didn't feel like it was coming any time soon.

There was a soft knock on her door.

"Yeah?"

Her mother stepped in, her hair looking like she had been sleeping. "I wasn't sure if you would be up, but your light was on."

"I just got finished with my research paper. The papers I read from the college students this week made me feel like I needed to get better."

Abby chuckled. "I don't think you need to worry. Even in elementary school you went overboard with your papers. I remember your father and I coming to a conference with your teacher. She said over achieving could be damaging," she rolled her eyes. "You father loved telling her that we had hidden your pencils on several occasions and forced you to go outside."

Clarke smiled.

"But, I came up here to talk to you about next week."

"Thanksgiving break," Clarke nodded. Would she be sent to her Dad's since she skipped Halloween?

"I had planned a big dinner and of course Bellamy and all of your friends were invited, but I have to fly out. There's a rare case I've been asked t-"

"It's okay," she smiled. "I swear."

Her mother sighed. "You can go to your father's if you want. I'm sure he would love that."

She could. Or she could go to Raven's house. Or she could stay home and cook for Bellamy. Maybe they could have a real talk.

"I'll think it over. I could stay with Raven." Her mother bit her lip. "Or I could see Dad. I do miss him."

"Whatever you want. Okay? You can stay."

Her mother left the room, leaving her to think on it. What would she do?

*******

Clarke shifted, something hot touching her. She groaned, shifting in her bed, but there was a grunt followed by a chuckle in her ear.

She shot up, blinking rapidly.

"You know, you're really hot when you look like a startled owl."

"Bell!" She groaned. "You're not hot when you scare me half to death!"

He kissed her cheek. "I know. But, I'm hot when I tell you to go downstairs."

Downstairs?

Clarke rose from her bed, pulling on her robe before walking hand in hand with him down the stairs.

She gasped, covering her mouth. Bellamy had brought in what looked to be a hundred different flowers, all over the table. The kitchen counter had coffee, muffins, donuts, and salt and vinegar chips.

"It's not enough to tell you how sorry I am," he said, looking extremely guilty. "But, it's a start. I don't want to be the crazy asshole boyfriend who provokes you and your friends. Was I jealous? Absolutely, Clarke. That prick had you first and then he was talking about moving here to be with you and I just got--"

"Bell?"

He met her eyes. "Yeah?"

"A little jealousy is hot," she grinned. "But, honestly we both said and did stupid things I never expected. I've never thrown a glass at anyone."

He grabbed her waist. "It was a bad day for us both."

"We may be too toxic for one another, Bellamy." His eyes widened. "I mean, we were only together two months in secret before we got into a fight and broke up. Then, the dinner happened."

"Yeah, but we just--"

"But!" She interrupted his interruption. "But, I love you. And, I think that everything could work out and be good between us if we didn't go psycho again."

"I swear not to go psycho again."

She smiled. "For real, though. We have to calm down. Everything was good and fun until then."

"Then, I promise that we will have fun," he grinned. "Starting today! Eat, drink your coffee, then pack your things. The two of us love birds have a long trip ahead of us."

"We do?"

He rolled his eyes. "You didn't really think we were going to just sit here all thanksgiving break did you?"

"Then, where are we going?"

"You're taking me to your Dad's."

She blinked.

"He invited us," Bellamy assured her. "Both of us. So, go pack your sweaters and long socks," he chuckled. "Oh, and I'm in charge of the radio."

"No way!" She laughed. "No damn way."

"Clarke, you have three seconds to get that cute ass upstairs and ready to go!"

"But, I have so much to do before we can go!"

"One," he warned.

"Be serious! I need to do laundry first and clean up. These flowers are beautiful but I can't leave them-"

"Two," he stepped towards her.

"Please?" She begged.

"Three!"

She squealed, then ran as fast as she could up the stairs. Bellamy was on her heels, wrapping his arms around her and spinning her around inside her bedroom.

She bubbled over with laughter, her room spinning by.

He put her back down, his smile wide and heart stopping.

She reached up and cupped his cheek. She had missed him. This Bellamy, the one that made her heart hammer in her chest and made her stomach hurt from happiness and laughter.