Author note:

I'm still here. I hope you are still liking Clay & Emma's story. Be sure to tune into the new episode airing tomorrow night in the US.

CH 111-Adapt & Overcome

The car accident was behind them and life was almost back to normal. Only almost though because Emma was still without a car. The impact from the accident had cracked the frame on her sedan and it wasn't worth repairing. Her Dad said it wouldn't be safe. They should just take the payout from the insurance and get her a new car. So, for the past couple weeks, she was bumming rides to work from Mikayla and relying on Clay and her Bravo family to get her to and from classes. As much as she appreciated them, it was far from convenient.

Naima had just dropped her off back at the apartment after her final class of the day. She checked her phone and saw the long-awaited message from her dad. The insurance check was on its way. She could start looking for a new car. She had never bought a car before. This last was one of her Mom's old ones. She was both excited and a little intimidated. She had some idea of what she wanted but knew that there was plenty she needed to learn before stepping foot on a car lot. As soon as she took Koda for his walk, she sat down on the couch and flipped open her laptop.

Emma was so engrossed in her task that she barely heard Clay's key in the lock. Koda's excited yips and dash for the door were the only thing that teased her attention away from the information in front of her. She sat her computer down on the cushion beside her and laughed as she watched Clay put down his bag and play-wrestle with the dog. When Koda had enough, he sat back, still on his knees, and looked over at Emma.

"Hey honey."

"Hi there. You're home early."

"I am," he smiled as he rose up and came over to greet her. "Jace got called into some meeting with the Brass so we got to knock off and come home."

After leaning to give her a peck on the lips, he moved her laptop to the table and sat down beside her.

"Watcha workin' on?"

"It's not work. I'm doing some research on cars."

"Research?"

"Yes. I want to go get a new car this week."

Clay wrapped an arm around her, and she leaned against him.

"Okay. We can do that."

"Great," she kissed his cheek. "Everyone has been really helpful, but I need my own transportation again."

"So, do you have an idea of what you want? I've heard that the Civic or the Corolla are both reliable."

"I was thinking I'd like to go with a small SUV of some sort."

"Really?"

He was somewhat surprised. He assumed she would want another car.

"Yes. I've gotten used to riding in your truck and…I like being up higher. I feel like I have a clearer view of everything around me."

He pulled her into his lap and teased her about her petite frame.

"I can understand that I guess. It's probably nice to be the same height as everyone else once in a while."

"Uh!"

She squealed and started to tickle him. Clay squirmed for a second before easily pinning her arms to her sides and holding her still with just one arm wrapped around her middle. He chuckled as she futilely tried to free herself and finally gave up with a huff and stuck out her bottom lip in a mock pout. He nipped playfully at her mouth and then cupped her chin with his free hand, raising her face to his.

"Hey, I love how you're built."

The corners of her mouth turned up and he caught a twinkle in her eye at his statement. He slowly relaxed his hold on her but kept at the ready in case she decided to try again.

"Don't think that gets you off the hook Spenser."

He nodded, pretending to take her threat seriously.

"So…an SUV, huh? Which one are you interested in?"

She reached for her laptop and opened the screen. Her fingers flew on the keyboard flipping between multiple tabs. Clay was impressed, she was really diving into this. He pressed a quick kiss to her temple as she started to tell him about her findings.

"I think I've decided on one. It gets good mileage and is competitively priced."

"What about…"

She knew where his head was. Clay would always think about her safety first, especially now.

"Its overall safety rating is 4.5 of five stars. It has a lot of features that my old car didn't. Like lane departure warnings, a back-up camera, and brake-assist."

He nodded as she continued.

"And…it has a decent amount of cargo space."

"It looks like plenty of room for groceries or Koda's stuff."

He noticed that her cheeks flush slightly as she raised her next point.

"The back seat also has permanent car seat anchors that lock into a child seat."

"That sounds great for when you have Jameelah and RJ with you."

"Or…for you know…sometime down the road. In case we would need it."

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye to see if he caught her meaning. She could tell by the slow, satisfied grin that nearly split his face in two, that he did.

"That sounds perfect," he responded as he gently removed the computer from her lap and pulled her closer.

They were each silent, letting their minds run wild with dreams for their future. Emma finally spoke up.

"The new model's sticker price is around $28,000 with all the features I want. But I think I can get one for about $22,000. With the check from the insurance as a down payment, I think I can manage the monthly payments on that."

"Em…you know I'm happy to help out, if you need it."

"You already pay for the apartment and almost everything else. The least I can do is buy my own car. If I'm careful, my salary from the Day Care should cover it. It won't leave me much to save back, but this Summer I can increase my hours and that will help."

"It's really not a prob…"

She interrupted his thought.

"I can do this, Clay."

He framed her beautiful face with his hands and saw the determination in her eyes.

"I know you can, Babe."

She sat up taller, until her lips were almost on his and whispered.

"Thank you," before she pressed her mouth to his.

Just as he opened his mouth to deepen their kiss, Emma's hands slid down over his abs to the start of his V-line. Thinking she was about to slip her hand into his jeans, his breath hitched. To his surprise, she started to wiggle her fingers over one of his most sensitive spots in a sneak attack. He pulled his mouth from hers with a shocked yelp.

"Emma!"

She was laughing as he tried to grasp her nimble digits as they skated across his skin.

"Don't ever let your guard down Sailor," was all she managed before he twisted their bodies and pinned her beneath him across the cushions.

Now it was him that had the upper hand. Clay captured both of her fine-boned wrists in one of his large hands and pinned them above her head. He managed to grab the hem of her shirt with the other hand and started to lift it. Liking the direction this was going, Emma stopped moving and waited for him to strip her top off completely. Clay leaned over her almost naked torso and placed his lips on the soft skin right above her navel. He nuzzled gently and taking a deep breath, he blew a long, loud raspberry on her belly. She immediately started to try and wriggle free of his hold. But he held fast until he was finished. Then dropping a wet, smacking kiss on her surprised mouth, he released her and stood up.

Looking down at her, still laying on the sofa, mouth agape in shock, he winked and taunted her.

"Never try and out-maneuver a SEAL, Em."

She laughed with him, pulling her shirt back down and plotting her revenge.

The next morning, the two were getting ready to head out when Clay got a text that he was needed on base. They decided that he would go ahead and drop her off at the car lot on his way.

It was a beautiful, sunny day and the dealership was busy. Emma held tightly to her folder of data, lifted her chin, squared her shoulders, and went in search of the vehicle she desired. She thought of the warning Clay gave her this morning over breakfast.

"Car salespeople are like flies to shit, Em."

Not sure she liked being compared to excrement, she protested, and he tried another tack.

"Fine, they are like bees to honey. They will swarm all around you as soon as you step foot on the lot."

Emma navigated her way to the model in which she had an interest. She even found one with the interior and exterior colors she preferred. She was certain that once someone spied her studying the sticker with the specifications and the cost, they would come speak to her. However, after almost a half an hour and despite several employees passing her, no one stopped to speak with her. Discouraged, but not defeated, she reasoned that everyone was busy, and she would need to step into the showroom and request some assistance.

She opened the large, glass door and looked around, trying to determine where to go next. As her eyes scanned the interior, several other potential customers stood around and salespeople appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, to help them. She shifted the folder in her hands and prepared to be approached. But, somehow, they skipped right past her and went on to other clients. Now she was starting to get annoyed. Finally, she spied someone that didn't look they were otherwise engaged and spoke up.

"Excuse me. I am looking to purchase a new vehicle. Are you able to help me?"

The man eyed her up and down and then looked around behind her.

"Sure, sure sweetie. Wanna grab your Daddy and we can go take a look?"

Emma was taken aback. Why would he expect her Dad to be there?

"I... uh, I'm the one buying the new car, not my Father."

"Okaaayyy. But you have someone that's ponying up for this, right?"

"I'm not sure what you mean. I'm paying for it. Or seeking financing."

He huffed impatiently.

"Listen, we don't sell to minors…"

"I'm not a minor," she cut him off.

He reached out a hand and tried to lay it on her arm. She stepped back, uncomfortable with his familiarity.

"Honey, why don't you come back with your parents and I'll be happy to help you."

Then he turned and walked off, searching for another customer.

She looked around to see if anyone else was witness to this rude, condescending exchange. No one else seemed to notice. They all bustled about, intent on their business. She was livid! Immediately she tried to find a manage or supervisor of some sort, but it was impossible to make out who might be in charge. Tears threatened and she blinked them back. She hated that one of her body's first reactions to deep anger was tears. She knew it made her appear weak and emotional.

Turning on her heel, she went back outside and took a series of deep breaths to calm herself. Part of her wanted to call her Dad or Clay and ask for help. She wouldn't give in to that. She knew that in the future she would have to manage many things without Clay. He needed to know that he could rely on her to take care of anything that arose in his absence. She thought through her options and decided on a plan. She looked around the lot again and located a female sales associate. She spotted a woman with blonde hair pulled back into a bun helping a family. Emma bided her time until the woman was free and then approached her.

"Hi, I was wondering if you could help me."

"Sure thing. What can I do for you?"

"I'm looking to purchase a new car. I know exactly what I want."

"Great," she answered. "Are you here with someone?"

Emma had enough.

"No. I'm the buyer. I'm over 18 and I have a decent down payment to apply."

"Okay then. What are you looking for?"

They continued their discussion as they walked toward the model Emma had in mind. They discussed the options available and touched briefly on price. Emma asked for a test drive and waited while the employee went for the keys.

She joined Emma for the short trip answering questions about the anti-lock brakes and non-skid tires. Once the drive was over, Emma followed back to her desk inside, and they began to talk numbers. Of course, the first quote was the sticker price. Emma automatically countered, siting her significant down payment.

The woman was impressed. Perhaps Emma wasn't as young and naïve as she had taken her for at first glance. What she couldn't see was Emma's leg shaking below the desk as they negotiated. Finally, they reached an agreement on the financing and they began to run the numbers.

After some time sitting alone at the desk, the sales lady joined Emma again. It was hard to read her expression. She looked both annoyed and empathetic.

"Well, I hate to tell you Ms. Hayes, but with your limited credit history, financing is not an option."

"But…I need…"

"Listen, if you can have someone come in and co-sign with you, we can work something out. If not, I suggest you check out our sister dealership that focuses on used vehicles. There might be something there that you can purchase outright."

"I don't want a used car. This is the car I want to buy."

"I'm sorry. But there really isn't anything else I can do for you. If you'll excuse me, I need to go help other people that are waiting. Good day, Ms. Hayes."

She was left sitting in the beat-up vinyl chair feeling humiliated, judged, and disappointed. Not really sure what to do next but wanting to flee, she left as quickly as she could and walked to the strip center next door. She located a coffee shop and ordered herself an iced beverage. It was all so frustrating. She was sure she was ready for everything. She never anticipated that they wouldn't even consider a loan for her. And then the way the first salesperson treated her, like she was some ignorant child.

Racking her brain Emma tried to think of any other options she had for obtaining the financing for the car. The dealership was right when they said she didn't have much credit history. She had one credit card in her own name that had a low limit. And, she didn't really have any assets to speak of…unless. Getting inspired, she texted Mikayla for a ride home. More research was in order.

Clay pulled in that evening and looked around the parking lot. He expected to see Emma's new car parked in one of their designated spots, but it was still empty. He was definitely curious as he made his way up the stairs. He mean to ask her about it first thing, but the aroma of garlic and oregano distracted him the minute he stepped inside the apartment.

"Mmmm, something smells delicious," he called out as Koda met him at the door.

Emma stuck her head out from the kitchen to answer.

"Thanks. It's the homemade meatballs and sauce that you smell. And maybe the garlic bread too."

"That sounds amazing."

He made his way into the kitchen and bent to place a sweet kiss on her lips.

"We were in non-stop briefings today and barely got to eat any lunch at all. So, I'm starved."

"I just have to take the bread out of the oven. If you want to get drinks, we'll be set."

Soon they were sitting down at the table to eat. Clay couldn't resist a few bites before he brought up the subject of her car.

"Oh my God, Em. This is so amazing!"

"Thanks. I was in the mood to cook."

"My second favorite mood," he teased. "Seriously, I thought I would see your new car in the lot. What's up?"

He saw her smile slip and a frown flash across her face.

"Is something wrong?"

"Not wrong really. Things just didn't go how I expected today."

"What do you mean?"

"I had all my information together and everything, had a fair offer to present, and I could barely get anyone to help me."

"Huh?"

"They all ignored me until I cornered someone…"

Her voice tailed off into a whisper. Clay reached for her hand and squeezed it, encouraging her to go on.

"Then the guy treated me like a little kid, he didn't think I was serious or that I could possibly be buying a car on my own. He kept calling me 'Sweetie' and 'Honey' before basically blowing me off. Then I found a lady that was willing to help, but they denied me a loan."

She could see the ire building in his expression and his other hand crumpling his napkin into a compact ball.

"Sonofabitch! I'm gonna go over there tomorrow and…"

It was her turn to lay her hand on his arm to calm him.

"They are right about that. I don't have much of a history as far as credit goes. It makes sense that they would demand a co-signer on any loan."

"How are you so calm about this?"

She could see he was still boiling with rage at the thought of her being treated that way.

"I wasn't at the time, believe me."

"Well, I can co-sign for you. So, problem solved."

He took a long pull of his beer and smiled.

"I don't need you to do that."

"But…you just said that they wouldn't give you a loan. I…I don't understand."

"I told you I could do this on my own. And that's exactly what I did."

"You lost me."

"I did some more research on-line and I found out that transportation used to get me to and from classes is a qualified expenditure for my college savings account."

"But what about paying for school?"

"It leaves me enough to get to my last year. By that time, I can build up some more savings or take out a loan to finish up."

"I don't want you spending your college money. I can co-sign. It's not a problem, really."

Emma set down her glass and slid herself onto his lap.

"I know that you would, and I thank you for that. But…I need to do this. I need to prove that I can do it on my own."

Clay rubbed up and down her back gently before pulling her head to lay against him.

"You don' t need to prove anything to me, babe."

"I need to prove it to myself. And…I know that you would never say it, but you do need to know that I can manage without you."

He started to voice his objections again, but she sat up to look at him and kept talking.

"I know that this might not be a big deal, and that you don't mind helping me. But someday…someday it might be a big deal. It might be an emergency that happens while you're deployed or spun up. I need for you to be 100% certain that I can handle it. I need for you to know that, so that you can concentrate completely on whatever it is that you need to do to come back safely. I refuse to be the distraction that gets you hurt or killed."

Her voice broke as she finished. Just the thought of him not coming home to her stole her breath away. Clay tucked her head under his chin and pressed kisses into her hair repeatedly.

He knew she was right. When he was on a mission, there couldn't be anything that drew his focus away from the Op. He had complete confidence in her and her abilities. If she needed this, he wouldn't stand in her way. He wrapped both arms around her and hugged her close by way of agreement.

"There is something you can do for me though."

"Anything Baby."

"You can take me back to the dealership tomorrow."

"You really want to go back there?"

"Mmmhmm."

She kissed his cheek and then slipped back into her own chair.

"I want to find that smug salesman, show him I'm pre-financed, and make him write up the sale."

She smiled wickedly as he laughed and lifted his beer to toast her.

"That's my girl!"