Marcus Kane liked to think he was pretty darn good at his job, keeper of the peace, protector of the community, and reprimands were exactly that and it could hardly be considered constructive criticism when issuing a DUI. He was very protective of his citizens,and especially his staff, so when he'd heard rumour that Bellamy had a new house guest for the summer, he didn't shy away from running more than the customary background check.


There was only so much that could go right in one's life, you wouldn't have proverbial phrases involving life, lemons, and tequila if it was all sunshine and lollipops; Clarke was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. She'd been lost in thought while out for a morning run in the early hours, where the sun is just peaking the horizon, the chill from last night's air was refreshing. These past three weeks had been pure bliss: great job, nice people, great friends, and Bellamy was the icing on the cake. Sure, everyone had their little flaws, she was determined to always be right and he didn't like to admit when he was wrong, but the ensuing debates got her heated in a most desirable manner.

Traffic wasn't too busy, so there was little need to slow her pace, the burn of exhaustion calling her name as the house came into view. She'd finished a long overnight shift for Niko, and that combined with her run guaranteed a restful slumber. The upside meant she'd have the rest of today and tomorrow off, precious time she'd hope to dedicate to her artwork, and with everyone getting together at the Blake house Friday night, she wouldn't be able to sketch around such a large crowd.

Clarke allowed her mind to wander while she showered, remembering the celebrations that came with the Fourth of July. It was such a wonderful sight, and she'd even volunteered some of her time helping with the face painting booth that the rest of the hospital staff set up, in addition to running the first aid station, which hadn't had to handle more than the occasional upset stomach from too much fried food. Bellamy, having changed out of his uniform at the end of his shift, had come by their booth once there was a lull in customer traffic,and promptly escorted her to grab a delicious cheeseburger courtesy of the high school band boosters, followed by a dessert of fried oreos at the fire department's booth.

They'd walked hand in hand over to the arts and crafts booths, and purchased some packages of sweetened roasted nuts to enjoy as they listened to local bands at different stages around the fairgrounds. She'd been helpless to resist his charm as he pulled her to the dance floor when the cover band played a beautiful remix of "Every Breath You Take" and "Stand By Me". They enjoyed the music, food, games, and laughter up until the fireworks show began, sitting in the bleachers, with Clarke's head on his shoulder and his arm around her waist, blissful smiles to match.

The rest of the townsfolk couldn't deny the chemistry of the new couple, and many of Clarke's elderly patients were delighted to think that perhaps the bloom of romance could keep the pretty future doctor in town for good.


Abby Griffin was becoming more resentful of this summer road trip that her daughter embarked upon. Thanks to the wonders of social media, her daughter's few uploads give her the peace of mind that she's alive and well. The fewer text messages told her that Clarke was doing fine, found a place to stay at until the end of summer, making new friends, new job. She could read what Clarke wasn't saying that her Instagram posts revealed. She was happy. Happier than she'd looked in the past six months. The location tag was clue enough, but when she'd received an email from a colleague that a Clarke Griffin was requesting information about Mount Weather University's medical program, she'd been slightly offended that she'd had to find out this tidbit from someone other than her daughter, and reached for her cell phone.


A/N: I'm so terribly sorry that it's taken me forever to put out another chapter, I didn't like the way it was transitioning. I also work retail, so you can imagine how hectic these past few months were coming up to the holiday.

I'm so happy I was able to get this ready for y'all in time for Christmas. I hope you enjoyed this next glimpse into GNF, and I'd love hear from y'all, either in a review, or come find me on tumblr- nixandschnitz.

Merry Christmas, Season's Greetings and Happy New Year!