Quid Pro Quo

t h r e e: turns the volume down

Hi guys!

Wow, this has been in the making for a long long time and I'm truly sorry for that. I guess I sort of forgot that homecoming existed because I started writing this during the summer and it completely slipped my mind.

Also, you might notice this chapter was heavily inspired by Shameless because I love that show (The title is a quote) but anyway I hope you guys enjoy it!

Remember to vote, comment, and share!

Bye!

~
The night of the baseball game was two weeks before and yet Louis couldn't stop thinking about it. Clem and Oliver's date had happened not too long after and according to her, it was absolutely awful. This had sparked hope in him, like maybe he had a chance at her.

This particular day of spirit week was decade's day. Louis and Clem were sat in the library, he wearing 80's style Nike shorts with bright neon stripes with a red button-up while she harbored a 90's look, butterfly clips and a baggy flannel.

"So, Clemmy, what're your plans for homecoming?" Louis asked, tapping a pencil on the table.

"I don't know yet." She shrugged. "I'll probably just third wheel Violet and Minnie. You?"

"I wasn't gonna go, really."

"But it's our senior year! You have to!"

"I have no one to go with." He mumbled.

"We can go together," Clem put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it slightly. Her touch warmed him, making his breath hitch. "So neither of us has to be alone."

"That sounds..." Louis grinned. "I would like that."

Imaginary scenarios began flashing in his head. He dreamed of slow dancing with her, the lights shining down on them as he kissed her like he had been wanting to since they met.

"Great, it's set." She leaned back into her chair. "But, no offense, you better not wear anything like those shorts. They are-"

"Eye-catching?"

She hesitated, biting back a grin. "Sure, but not in a good way."

~

Despite their agreement, Louis felt the need to properly ask her to homecoming. He had never done this in the past, a proposal with a cute catchphrase on a sign, but never really wanted to. Nobody ever sparked something in him the way Clementine had.

So the same night of their conversation, he went out, buying poster board and colorful markers to do what he had seen others do. Fueled by excitement, he came up with a quirky saying he knew she would love before attempting to sleep.

What if the next day was the beginning of something? Something that entailed someone caring for him, loving him in the way he had not only lacked but intensely craved for a long time. The simple thought of being adored like that was unfathomable to Louis, he wanted that so bad.

And he was gonna get it.

~

Louis spotted Clem and Violet under the trees, chatting away and sipping from their coffees. His heart was a drum, beating hard and fast as he approached them. The teen began unzipping his jacket which revealed his baseball jersey. He had an extra one in his bag for Clementine if she said yes because the thought of her in one of his jerseys would not only make him go crazy but show everyone, including Oliver, that she was his. A smile was tugging at his lips at the thought, his cheeks sore with pure joy.

He started pulling out his sign when a deep voice caught his attention. Looking up, he saw the familiar red hair of Oliver who had just approached the girls. Louis halted his movement and waited to see what would happen between them.