scars • clementine x louis

Chapter 23: Lessons

Wordcount: 993

Summary:  After the couple made up, they have a long talk about everything that has happened.

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"Clem, can I stay over at Tenn's room?" AJ had been asking this question all day. Apparently, Tenn had found some old toys that AJ really liked.

"I don't know, AJ. You've been staying over at his room a lot." Clementine crossed her arms as she leaned against the dresser.

"Please?" AJ gave her the best puppy eyes he could do. Clementine sighed in defeat as she uncrossed her arms and flashed a small smile.

"Okay, okay. You can go. If you need me, just come back, okay?"

AJ's face glowed up as he nodded and ran out the door to tell the exciting news to Tenn. It was nightfall by now, and Clementine still couldn't keep her mind off Louis. She felt happier than she had ever been before. A small pit of guilt was still buried in her stomach, reminding her of how she blamed Louis for every situation that happened. She couldn't imagine her life without him. 

Having him sleep with her every night, Having him make her laugh 24/7. She didn't even know how she survived 2 whole weeks without his presence. She was afraid to lose him again. She didn't want to be alone.

Just then, a pair of warm arms wrap around Clem's waist, making her yelp. A chuckle was heard from behind her. Louis' chuckle. Clementine scrunched her nose as she felt him kiss her cheek repeatedly. 

"Are you up for piano lessons?" Louis said as he let go, allowing Clementine to turn around. She just raised an eyebrow in bewilderment.

"But I wanted to go to sleep..." She whined.

"It's not like you really have a choice, Clem." He laughed. She groaned as she hung her head low.

"Fine. But it has to be quick."

Louis held Clem's hand and escorted her to the music room.

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Clementine completed the last note of the song before Louis clapped.

"That was really good! You're a natural."

Clementine smiled before looking down. Louis noticed this.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, just... thinking."

"About?"

"Everything, really," Clementine said. "I'm sorry, I just... feel guilty."

"Is it about..."

"Yeah... Did I ruin everything?"

Louis was taken aback by her question. "No! No, not-- not at all. I... shouldn't have acted the way I did. I hurt you. I broke the promise. I wasn't surprised when you didn't forgive me. I was an asshole."

A moment of silence fills the room before Clementine speaks again. "Louis, I... I love you."

Louis gazes at her in shock. After everything he did, she still loved him? By now, he would've made some cocky banter that would make Clementine perform that adorable giggle she always did when he did something silly. But, right now, he couldn't move. He couldn't even speak.

"I... uh... really?" He stammered, mentally punching himself about the stupid question he had just asked.

"Uh... yeah. I knew I still did. I was busy trying to be so angry, that I eventually forgot." Clementine admitted shamefully. She looked at the ground, trying not to make eye contact. How could Louis date a girl like her? She didn't deserve him. At least Sophie had the guts to announce that Louis loved her. Clementine was unusually hesitant and diffident when it came to life predicaments. Clementine was vaguely lost in her train of thought, that she didn't notice that Louis had placed his hand on top of hers.

"Clem," Louis said a little sternly. Clementine looked up at him to see him wearing a frown. "Words can't describe how sorry I am. I can still tell that you don't forgive me yet, and I understand why."

Clementine looked away. As much as she wanted to deny it, he was right. Although he kissed her. Although he hugged her. Although he said sorry to her several times, she still couldn't forget what he did.

"But, I still love you. More than I even 'love' Sophie." Louis said, emphasizing on "love", showing that he really didn't love Sophie.

"You don't have to say sorry. It wasn't your fault." Clementine interrupted. "I overheard your conversation earlier. She was just a distraction."

Louis' facial expression went from shocked to guilty quickly.

"I blamed every fucking problem on you. Not even acknowledging what Sophie has been doing." Clementine continued. (damn, this is sad :/ ) Clementine buried her head in her hands, feeling nothing but guilt.

"Clem... I..." Louis started, but couldn't finish his sentence. Instead, he tilted Clementine's chin up and kissed her. Her eyes were wide open from shock, but she eventually melted into the kiss, grabbing both sides of his face. 

Louis finally pulled away from the kiss, leaving Clementine in a daze.

"Clem, I love you. Okay? You made my life so much happier. Before you came here, people never listened to the piano, the jokes. They just ignored me and I was left by myself most of the time. But once you came here... I... you just made my life so much brighter."

Clementine was shocked. She was shocked about the heartfelt confession he had just made. Tears started overflowing around Clem's eyes. She wiped them away as she let in a small sniff.

"I love you too, you dork." She said before throwing her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. He hugs her back, just enjoying the moment they had now. Clementine finally pulls away from the hug and smiles at him. "Now, may we continue our lesson?" She asked in a bad British accent.

"Why, of course, madam." Louis joked, earning a small laugh from Clementine.

AN

Sorry, this is a short one. I've just been crying today because school is starting in two days. But I have something planned for the next chapter, so stay tuned! (why does it sound like I'm trying to be on Disney channel or something)

Goodbye, my angels <3