After - The Society Fanfic.

13.

Everyone had dressed up to a certain extent. Grizz had put one of his "nice" shirts on. Gwen had come to meet them, opting to show up with the group rather than by herself. She had the sneaking suspicion that not many people like her here. Her friendship with Lexie had been non-existent since she came back. Gwen had to admit since arriving in this pocket-universe, she'd grown distant from Lexie. Over the past few days, she hadn't seen much of her other "friends." There were a few moments where they had chatted in the street but when she'd mentioned how she felt bad for Allie and Will, they had gotten weird. Maybe she just had a clear head compared to them. It's been a bubble. This town has been a bubble and when she left with Grizz's team, they took themselves out of that bubble, they cleared their heads. They saw the bigger picture; they see the bigger picture. Well, maybe not the whole picture. The fact is, she, and the rest of the town, still don't know how or why they're here but the matter still stands. They got it, Allie and Will had gotten it, the people she's with now get it. She doesn't want to stop seeing it, so she's not making the effort anymore with these people. She glances at Grizz who buttons and unbuttons his shirt, trying to figure out what looks best. She's so much happier now that she has a real friend. Now, she just needs to repay the favour and get him happier.

Grizz catches Gwen's eye. He felt underdressed. Gwen had gone for more of a party look. Grizz hadn't thought this was a party. It's just a group get together, celebrating. Okay, that's a party. He raises an eyebrow as she takes a sip out of a hip flask. She gestures towards the door. A Clark shaped silhouette sways slightly on the other side of the door, checking his watch every now and then. "If he's coming to this thing, I need something to get me through it." He nods, understanding. He holds out his hand and she hands the flask to him. He takes a swig and then pockets it. "Hey!"

"We're not going to be drunk when we meet the baby. We can get drunk afterwards." He pats the pocket; Gwen rolls her eyes.

"We've already met her." He gives her a look. It's becoming a signature move of his. Gwen purses her lips. "Fine. But you and I are getting fuuuuuuuuuuuuuucked." She shakes her hips about. She takes one of Grizz's hands and spins herself. He laughs. Grizz can't help it, Gwen knew how to raise his spirits. Allie and Will come down the stairs. Will had followed Grizz's lead, smart/casual attire, a shirt and jeans. Allie had forced herself out of PJs and sweats to put a dress on. She'd even done her hair and makeup. Both of them raise their eyebrows as they descend the steps. Grizz and Gwen move apart. "Wow Allie, you scrub up good. Almost didn't recognise you without..." She waves her hands around Allie, "Without the gloom." Grizz glares at her as Allie forces a smile towards Gwen.

"I apologise for her. She uses insults to mask her jealousy." Gwen's mouth drops at Grizz's words, offended.

"Oh, don't worry. I know." Allie flashes a sassy grin at Gwen. Gwen forces a smile back, elbowing Grizz in the ribs. He laughs. She can't get too annoyed at him. This is the first time they've properly relaxed since they've gotten back.

Allie glances through the window and sees a couple of figures join Clark. Luke clasps hands with him and they shoulder bump. Allie sighs and rolls her eyes. Helena politely acknowledges Clark but walks past him, opening the front door. She hugs Allie.

"Hey. How are you holding up? Are you both" She glances at Will, "doing well? I know it must be frustrating being stuck in this house." She hugs Allie again and Grizz swears she whispers something in her ear. In fact, she must have because Allie's face went from the usual pissed to down-right deadly.

"We're doing okay. It'll be nice to have a change of scene." She's saying nice things but Grizz can't help but notice how her tone of voice doesn't seem to match it. It's like when you're listening to a song with an upbeat tempo, but the lyrics are slightly depressing. Outkast's song Hey Ya comes to mind.