She settled on a gray sweater and jeans, nothing fancy, nothing crazy, just right for the cool night. She let the dogs out quick, touched up her makeup and headed out the door.
She couldn't remember ever really going to a party, plenty of formal events with her parents but never an actual party.
New places with lots of people made her anxious. She headed up the steps and through the door. The porch was scattered with people, most smoking, and the house was filled with people, all drinks in hand. She spotted Lincoln and Octavia at the counter, she was just about to them when a drink was shoved in her direction.
"Neighbor Clarke, I have been looking for you" she turned to see Finn smiling at her.
"Uh, what is it?" she asked peering in the cup.
"Vodka cranberry, Lincoln said that's your poison"
"Did he now" she smiled sending her friend a look and receiving a small wave in response.
"It's okay, right?" he asked now afraid it was wrong.
"Yeah it's all good" she took a sip to reassure him.
"Finn! " he turned at the sound of Raven's voice.
"Gotta go" he tipped his drink towards her and headed towards where his name was called.
She turned quick slamming into someone and spilling her drink between the floor and their shirts.
"I'm sorry" she stuttered backing away slightly.
"It's no big deal, few sheets of paper towel" Bellamy answered unsure. He grabbed her elbow lightly, to stop her from back peddling.
"Easy, you'll cause another collision "he laughed lightly.
"Sorry" she replied quickly setting her drink down.
"Wheres paper towel?" she asked.
"Under the sink, I'll get them" he turned heading for the kitchen.
She took them from him when he returned, taking care of the mess she just caused, before finding Lincoln and Octavia.
"You alright?" Lincoln asked.
"Yeah, I'm good" Clarke smiled
"Here you sit with Octavia, I'll get us refills" he stood motioning to the stool.
She hopped up alongside Octavia.
"So, what do you think?"
"I think it's loud, smokey, I feel like an outsider and I'm not sure I like Cranberry and Vodka" Clarke blurted out.
"Honesty, I love it, it is loud and the smoking's supposed to be done outside but always filters in. You are not an outsider, you and Lincoln are one of the first new people at one of these parties in a few years though, we are glad you are here! And the drink, well Finn pours heavy, so you may like it better when Lincoln makes it"
"Thanks, I needed that!" Clarke smiled.
"Anytime" she smiled just as Lincoln returned with drinks.
He slid them in front of them and then followed Bellamy outside. Clarke took a sip of hers.
"Well?" Octavia asked.
"Much Better!" Clarke smiled.
"Told you" she laughed.
Finn came back through and gently tugged Clarke's hair, smiling at her as he passed.
"What's his story? Clarke asked Octavia.
"Avoid him, he's in an on and off relationship with Raven. He's racked up his number of females, don't let your self be a check mark on his bed post."
"Noted, of course that is what I would attract" Clarke downed half her glass.
"I can't say much, my brother has them lining up too, front door might as well be revolving, but he doesn't lead them on and there are no head games or secret girlfriends" she stated in matter of fact way.
"Can't fault him for honesty" Clarke laughed.
"Nope, that we can't, I'll be right back" Octavia stood making her way outside.
...
Bellamy leaned against the railing.
"So your intentions with my sister?"
"She's beautiful and nice, I'd like to get to know her better" Lincoln answered. Bellamy wasn't used to not being intimidating. Most of Octavia pursuers backed down, but Lincoln stood looking like he was ready to move mountains if necessary.
"She's my little sister, no bullshit, no head games, nothing that's gonna leave me in a position where I need to come looking for you" Bellamy stated his terms, short, sweet and to the point.
"You got it, no bullshit" Lincoln affirmed taking a swig from his beer.
"Good, whats the deal with Clarke?" Bellamy asked looking over at his new neighbors house.
"Those dogs are her life, just forewarning you" Lincoln laughed.
"I figured as much. How did you guys end up here? Where are you from?"
"California, needed a change in scenery"
"Seem's odd to me she would just pick a house online in a town she knew nothing about" Bellamy pried.
"She wanted out, its all part of the adventure. She lead a sheltered life, talked to only who her parents said she could, private school, never got along with her mother, Abby is a mother of convenience, it's a photo op every time. Sit,smile and don't talk was her favorite saying. She was close with her father then he passed away in a tragic accident, she felt abandoned after that. Things got a lot worse at home, her mother set her up with a friends son, who would hit Clarke because she wouldn't sleep with him. So I hit him, a few times. He hit the road and she turned 23 and finally hit her breaking point. So here we are!" Lincoln felt happy with his abridged version, he didn't give to much info, just enough to keep him satisfied.
"And you?" Bellamy questioned.
"At 14 I met Clarke, she was upset walking down the road, I fell in step beside her and cracked a few jokes, got her to smile, and we have been friends ever since" he answered.
"That's a long time of looking out for her. I'm sure you will fit in great around here, my entire life that is all I've done is look out for the kids on this block. I'm hoping now they all start to do it for themselves" he laughed.
"Hey, there you guys are..." Octavia smiled walking towards them.
"Where's Clarke?" Lincoln asked sending her a smile.
"Probably fighting off Finn" she stated rolling her eyes.
Lincoln pushed off the railing. Bellamy stood,
"I got it, you two have a good time"
"Thanks" Lincoln called after him.
Bellamy made his way into the house, Octavia was right, Finn was perched on the stool next to her looking like he would eat her alive if he could. He sighed making his way in their direction. He could tell from across the room Finn was drunk and Clarke was not amused. He was almost to them when he head her tell Finn to stop, as she pushed his wandering hands off of her. Bellamy could feel himself losing control of his anger. Finn reached out to Clarke again and Bellamy caught his wrist before he could touch her.
"She said stop Finn, you are drunk, walk to Ravens and sleep it off" Bellamy stated.
"But I" Finn started to argue.
"Now, or I will escort you" Bellamy's voice boomed, a silence fell across the room.
Finn stood grumbling his way to the door.
"I can go, I'm sure that makes it easier" Clarke's voice sounded small behind him.
Bellamy turned to her.
"You don't have to leave, you didn't do anything wrong"
"But I didn't mean to cause a problem"
"You didn't Finn's not a problem. He's a drunk and has no respect for himself or women, don't sweat it. He will sleep it off and not remember any of it. Would you like another drink?"
Clarke nodded in response following him into the kitchen.
He filled her glass before leading her outside to Lincoln and Octavia.