ATTN: I am co-writing a story called Kingdom of Shadows! Chapter 2 goes up tomorrow, so I'd love if y'all would go and check it out! It's not listed under my username, it's listed under my co-writer's: TheLateNightWriter93. I'd love for y'all to read it, and leave some reviews to let me know what you think! Thanks bunches in advance! :)

Thanks for all of the reviews, follows, and favs! You guys are the absolute best! Enjoy! :)

Chapter 13

"Remind me why you're doing this again," Clarke whined as she pushed the cart in the home goods store in Arkdale. It was overflowing with comforters, pillows, kitchen utensils, and anything else the Blake siblings might need to set up housekeeping.

Bellamy had informed her one week ago that he and O would be moving out on their own again. She'd protested, saying that Thanksgiving was just around the corner. However, he'd stood firm.

"I told you, Princess, it's time that I get back on my feet. I can't just live with you forever," Bellamy replied, tossing a skillet on top of the ever-growing pile.

Clarke huffed, refusing to allow her thoughts to come tumbling from her mouth- begging him to stay. She'd forgotten how nice it was to have a man around the house 24/7, and she really didn't want to have to go back to hauling around one of the dining room chairs when it came time to change light bulbs.

Lately she'd started comparing Finn and Bellamy. The only thing the two seemed to have in common was their gender; everything beyond that point was a stark contrast.

Bellamy was much more handsome with his dark features, height, and slender build. His hands brought her comfort instead of pain, the callouses proving he was a man who worked hard.

It was more than his rugged good looks that drew her though- it was his quiet spirit. He might have been unbearable in the beginning, but now that Clarke new him she had to admit that he was the most calming individual she'd ever known.

He would often sit and read at night after the kids had gone to bed, situated in the recliner an arm's length from where she sat grading sketches. She loved to watch his eyes as they bounced across the page, his brow furrowing at times making her wonder what he was thinking.

This was what she was going to miss the most, having someone to sit with- someone who made her feel safe. She would miss cooking him breakfast and smiling at him over her coffee. The house would feel empty without him and Octavia.

"Couldn't you wait until after Thanksgiving," Clarke asked, stopping in the middle of the isle lined with small appliances.

"No, I told Mr. Jameson that I would move in on Monday and that's what I'm going to do," Bellamy replied, adding a blender to his own cart.

"Do you even know how to use that," Clarke asked in exasperation, "Who's going to feed you? What if you starve?"

Bellamy chuckled, turning to smile at the petite blonde with her hands on her hips. "O and I will be fine, Clarke. It's not like you aren't going to see me. I'll still be around."

"Yeah, just not close enough," Clarke muttered to herself.

"What was that," Bellamy asked over his shoulder, his hand gripping an electric can opener.

"I asked if you had enough," Clarke lied with a roll of her eyes.

"Uh, I still need a comforter for my bed," Bellamy said as they came full circle back to the bedding department.

Clarke scanned the shelves, grabbing a dark silken olive comforter with a calm leafy pattern. She threw it in her cart, reaching for some dark green sheets and a few throw pillows to coordinate.

"Ahh, Princess! That's not manly," Bellamy groaned.

"Yes it is," Clarke defended, "You'll just have to see when I'm finished."

"Fine," Bellamy groused making his way to the checkout.

The drive home was pleasant, the two adults enjoying their time away but missing the kids terribly.

"I wonder if the house is still in one piece," Bellamy asked with a grin.

"I hope so, or the boys and I will be moving in with you," Clarke said with a chuckle, "I'm sure they're fine. Two teenagers and a ten year old can't get into too much trouble."

Bellamy gave her a look that said otherwise, "I hope you're right."

It was well past dark when Bellamy's truck pulled up in front of Clarke's house. They left everything in the backseat because it was all going to his new house tomorrow.

Clarke unlocked the front door, the couple met by three big smiles.

"Finally," AJ said dramatically as he wrapped his little arms around Clarke's waist, "I'm starving! What's for supper?"

"Did y'all mind the crockpot," Clarke asked, furtively sniffing the air for any smell that might indicate they'd let supper burn.

"Nope, I watched it myself," O said proudly.

"Good deal," Clarke replied with a smile, "We're having baked potato soup then, with grilled cheese sandwiches. I'll get those started while y'all clean up."

Bellamy filled the kids in on their day of shopping while Clarke finished supper, all four sitting down at the table with clean hands as she ladled the soup into their bowls and set the sandwiches in the middle of the table.

The room was silent as they ate, the only sound being the slurp AJ made every time he took a bite of soup. Clarke couldn't help the sadness that once again settled in her chest as she looked across the table at Bellamy.

He would be gone soon, and it terrified her that she wouldn't see him anymore. Sure he said that he'd come by, but she'd learned that people didn't always mean what they said.

He must have read her thoughts, his dark eyes holding a deep reassurance as he smiled at her.

"Stop worrying," Bellamy said softly, "O and I will still be here every Friday night and Sunday afternoon. Now I'll actually have a house with an oven, so I can host sometimes."

Clarke shook her head, "You mean so I can come and use your kitchen because I'm going to make O swear that she won't let you near that thing."

Bellamy laughed, "Fine, so you can come and use my kitchen."

Later, after the dishes were done and the kids were in bed, Clarke sat watching Bellamy read. She would only have one more night of this and she had no idea what she would do when it was gone.

"I'm not him, you know," Bellamy said quietly.

Clarke's eyes widened as Bellamy set his book aside and looked at her with such intensity she was sure she would burst into flames.

"I know," she said softly.

"So, believe me when I tell you that just because I'm moving doesn't mean you're going to lose me. You've become my best friend, Clarke. I'm not just going to give you up," Bellamy replied, his brown eyes clearly enunciating the truth of his words.

For the first time since he'd told her his plans, Clarke felt at ease. She rose from her place on the couch, laying a hand on his shoulder as she gently kissed his cheek.

"Goodnight, Bell," she whispered.

"Goodnight, Princess."

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Sunday passed as it usually did, church that morning and then the afternoon spent together. Monday dawned bright and clear, a crisp autumn breeze blowing as they all loaded into Bellamy's truck and drove to the new house.

The sprawling brick ranch-style home was nestled in a grove of tall oak trees, their bare limbs stretching out over the house. They would offer cool shade in the summer, but the leaves would be a pain this time of year.

Two other trucks were already parked, ready and waiting. Murphy and Miller hopped out as they pulled up, smiling and calling cheerful hellos as the Blake/Griffin crew tumbled out of the truck.

"Good morning," Clarke said with a smile, handing both men a warm Styrofoam cup filled to the brim with coffee. "I've also got muffins in the truck if y'all are hungry."

"Blueberry," Murphy asked hopefully.

"Is there any other kind," Clarke asked with a grin.

Bellamy gave her and the kids a tour while Miller and Murphy scarfed down the muffins she'd brought. The front door opened into a spacious living room that connected to a large kitchen. The dining room was just off the kitchen, bright French doors letting in the natural light from the beautiful backyard.

The home had three bedrooms, one of which Bellamy planned to turn into an office. The master bedroom had a walk-in closet, and ensuite bathroom complete with a tub, shower, and a long vanity sporting two sinks.

Octavia looked at her room, a little frown on her face.

"I don't like the color," she said of the plain white walls.

"Color is easily changed," Clarke assured, "We could even help you paint this week."

"I wouldn't turn it down," Bellamy said, leaning in the doorway.

"It's settled then. The boys and I will be more than happy to help. However, I think you should hold off moving in until it's finished. Fumes and all," Clarke said, her blue eyes innocently fluttering as she glanced at Bellamy.

"No, Princess. O and I are going to go ahead and move in. It's not going to hurt us," Bellamy said.

"Please Bellamy, just until after Thanksgiving," Clarke said, her blue eyes doing funny things to his heart.

Bellamy couldn't help the grin that curved his lips, "Am I ever going to be able to say no to you?"

"I hope not," Clarke said with a saucy grin of her own.

"Are y'all done yack'in back there," Murphy yelled through the front door, "We've got stuff to do today!"

"Keep your shirt on, Murphy," Clarke yelled back, "We're com'in!"

The next few hours were spent piling the things Bellamy had bought in Arkdale in the living room floor, and then everyone following Clarke's instructions on filling the kitchen cabinets.

"Not there John! That's too high," Clarke said, rushing over to take the mixing bowl from Murphy's hands.

"Clarke, Coach is tall. He can reach it," Murphy said indignantly.

Clarke lowered her eyes, turning bright red, "Right, uh, put it wherever then."

Murphy and Miller watched her go, shrugging in confusion, but putting everything in lower cabinets within reach of a certain short blonde. Bellamy came in soon with an armload of dishes, setting them on the granite countertop and staring at his friends.

"What," he asked.

"Nothing, Boss," Miller said, turning back to putting away the baking pans in one of the bottom cabinets.

"No, I think it's something. Spill it John," Bellamy said taking in Murphy's smirk.

"Oh, we just wanted to congratulate you and Clarke," the redhead replied innocently.

"Why," Bellamy asked, a funny look on his face.

"On being in love, of course," Murphy supplied, stacking the plates neatly in place.

Bellamy stood there dumbfounded, unable to form a coherent thought let alone a coherent sentence.

"What," Bellamy said finally, shaking his head in an attempt to clear his mind.

"Oh come on, Coach," Miller said with a grin, "You've got it bad."

Bellamy rolled his eyes, his mouth open to deny their claims when Clarke came bustling in.

"If we're going furniture shopping we'd better get a move on," the blonde said, coming up short when she found the three men standing very guiltily in the kitchen.

"Hey Princess," Bellamy said with a croak, quickly clearing his throat and averting his eyes.

"What did you do, Blake," Clarke asked, hands on her hips.

"Not a thing, and you're right. We need to get going. Can you guys finish up in here," Bellamy asked, taking Clarke's hand and dragging her from the kitchen.

"Sure thing, Boss," Murphy called back with a chuckle.

"I don't even want to know," Clarke said as she climbed into Bellamy's pickup.

"That's probably best," Bellamy replied, his cheeks heating slightly.

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Twenty minutes later the two adults, two teenagers, and one very hyper ten year old found themselves at Mount Weather's only furniture store- Watson's Furniture Emporium.

Bellamy followed Clarke inside, AJ gripping her hand as he told them all the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece for the third time that week. The little boy's eyes were bright, his hands waving expressively as he gave his dramatic third retelling.

"Shhh, AJ," Clarke said, "You can finish on the way home."

"Alright," the little boy said, hanging his head in disappointment.

"Hey, buddy," Bellamy said as he bent to AJ's level, "Why don't you help me pick out a couch."

The little boy's frown was quickly turned upside down, transforming into a lopsided grin as he took Bellamy's hand and they marched to the living room section.

"How are you folks today," the salesman- Bob, his nametag read- greeted with a smile, "Is there anything I can help you find?"

"Oh we're just looking, thanks," Clarke said politely before turning to Bellamy, "Hey Bell, I like that dark leather. It'd match those curtains we bought to a tee."

Bellamy nodded, running his hand across the back of the couch. "I was really wanting a sectional," he said regretfully.

"Well, sir, I have a sectional I think that you and your wife will both like," Bob said excitedly, "It's the same dark stain, and reclines on both ends."

To Bellamy's surprise, Clarke simply followed the man- never once trying to correct him. It all seemed so domestic, that it had him yearning for this life with her. A life of frilly comforters and decorative pillows, something he'd have run from only months ago.

He found himself taking Clarke's hand as the salesman showed them around, missing the happy glances the kids were throwing back and forth. They soon finished their selections and scheduled the delivery for the Monday after Thanksgiving.

"Thanks for all your help, Bob," Bellamy called as he opened the door for Clarke and the kids.

"My pleasure, and it was nice meeting y'all," the grinning salesman replied with a wave.

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The rest of the week flew by in a flurry of football and Clarke's baking. She baked pies and cakes of all varieties, the smell floating through the house and causing the rest of the family to groan because she was adamant that they couldn't have any until the big day.

Thursday finally dawned bright and clear as Bellamy rolled out of bed and padded into the kitchen where he found Clarke wearing a soft t-shirt nightgown with a frilly apron covering her front.

"Morning," she greeted with a smile, handing him a freshly brewed cup of coffee as she checked her turkey in the oven.

"Good morning," Bellamy said, sipping at the dark brew as he leaned his hip against the counter, "Who all's coming today?"

"Raven, Wick, Murphy, Miller, the Green's, my mother, Kane, and the five of us," Clarke said, ticking off names on her fingers.

"Sounds like we're going to have a house full," Bellamy said, less than enthusiastic.

Clarke chuckled at his dry tone, "It'll be fun, I promise."

"Well it'll be different, that's for sure," he said quietly. "Thanksgiving at the Blake house usually meant a turkey and dressing frozen dinner and a store bought pumpkin pie."

Clarke reached out, taking one of his hands in hers as she gazed into his troubled brown eyes. "Well things have changed now. You've got plenty of family and there's not going to be any more frozen dinners if I have anything to say about it," Clarke said with a shudder.

Bellamy dropped a soft kiss on the back of her hand, "Thanks Princess."

He left her staring after him in bewilderment. There were so many times that day that Clarke wanted to hunt him down and ask what the tender gesture had meant, but there just wasn't time.

A few hours later, she'd just set the last plate on her extended dining room table when the door opened and people began to pour in. Bellamy and Kane found a quiet corner and began to discuss the Mountain Men and their amazing season. Raven and Harper were chatting at the island in the kitchen. Lincoln was talking to Miller and Murphy, their laughter echoing briefly before the once again settled into an easy rhythm of conversation. The kids were piled in front of the TV watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, while Abby and Monty chatted about his work on a new trial drug.

"Alright everyone," Clarke yelled, "Chow's on!"

The large group filed into the kitchen, each person taking a seat and moaning over the table full of delectable dishes Clarke had spent hours preparing. The turkey was front and center, the skin golden and glistening to perfection.

Gravy floated in the pretty white gravy boat nestled beside the bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes. A pan of dressing was situated next to the green beans and carrots, the basket of rolls neighboring it to the right while the cranberry sauce sat to the left.

They all joined hands, bowing their heads as Clarke began to pray. "Dear Lord, we thank you for this food before us and the friends around us. I thank You for this day we reflect on all of the many blessings You shower upon us. I'm grateful for each person here and what they mean to me, for my family and friends new and old. Bless us in this coming year, and Your will be done. In Jesus' name, amen."

A chorus of amens sounded, Clarke giving Bellamy's hand a gentle squeeze before her fingers slipped from his. "Would you do the honors," she asked sweetly.

"Sure," Bellamy said with a smile before rising to carve the turkey.

Everyone ate more than they should, gorging themselves on the food and then having two helpings of dessert- pumpkin pie, coconut cream cake, pecan pie, pumpkin rolls, and Raven's famous chocolate brownies.

"That was great Clarke," Kane said, leaning back in his chair and flopping his napkin on the table.

"Thank you, I'm glad you liked it," the blonde said as she began to gather the dishes.

Bellamy helped her, following with his arms full of empty plates and smudged silverware. He took his place, towel in hand as Clarke began to wash. They were an efficient team, getting the job done in half the time it usually took.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with quiet conversation as the whole group piled in the living room, talking of what they were thankful for and how they'd been blessed.

Bellamy couldn't stop his gaze from traveling to Clarke, his heart drumming in his chest as he realized that she was what he was most thankful for this year. He hadn't felt this calm or peaceful since his mother had died, and for the first time he wasn't floundering with a teenage Octavia.

Suddenly Clarke's blue eyes collided with his brown ones, a smile curving her lips

"I for one am thankful that Mount Weather has such a great coach, no offense Marcus," she said with a smile.

"None taken," the older man grinned.

"Well I'm thankful that I got the opportunity to become a part of such an amazing family. Octavia and I have missed having that and now we don't have to," Bellamy replied, his eyes never leaving Clarke's.

He watched as her smile widened, her beautiful eyes filled with the same emotion he knew his must be brimming with.

Their guests began to file out of the house after the sun went down, their voices drifting on the chilly air as they made their way to their respective vehicles and disappeared into the inky blackness.

"Well that happened," Bellamy said with a sigh, leaning in the doorway as he watched Clarke wave enthusiastically to their guests.

"Yes it did," she said with a smile as she turned to face him, " and it was so much fun."

Bellamy had to admit that he agreed. He hadn't had this much fun in years, and he didn't know how he'd lived without the sweet little blonde before him. It suddenly hit him that he was moving out, he wouldn't get to sit with her in the evenings and she wouldn't be there with his coffee ready when he got up.

This brought a new weight to his shoulders, constricting his heart as loneliness crowded in. Now he knew why she'd been so reluctant for him to move out, it was torture!

He didn't say anything though because he had plans and they wouldn't work if he were living with Clarke. It was time that he and O struck out on their own, reestablished their independence even if he hated the thought of it.

"Goodnight, Clarke," Bellamy said, unable to stand there without grabbing her and kissing her senseless.

"Night, Bell," Clarke said as she walked up the stairs.

Bellamy watched her go, excitement replacing the loneliness. If his plan worked, he'd be getting that morning coffee sooner rather than later…

Thanks for reading! Please review! I love hearing from y'all! :)

Sey 77: Thanks for the review! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story and the interactions between our two favorite characters! I think that sweet moments between Bellamy and Clarke are so much fun to write, and who doesn't like a bit of fluff! ;)

HH: Thanks for the review! I'm glad to hear that you like the story! :)

Wright: Thanks for the review! I've never been a big Abby fan either! I just didn't want Clarke to be unforgiving. I think this Clarke knows that holding a grudge against her mother will only hurt her, and she's being the bigger person by forgiving Abby. I'm glad you liked Bellamy and Raven's reactions! Lincoln is great, and I've really enjoyed writing him this way- it keeps things interesting lol I really wanted Clarke to be O's mother figure, so the slip was a testament to how close they've grown! Well we know that Marcus has his faults, so I had to give him a few in this story but I think it turned out ok for him anyway :)

Emma: Thanks for the review! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story so much! I really wish I could do a better job on updating more, but the writing is getting more difficult the more emotions I uncover and the more twists the story takes. I'm really excited for us to get to the later chapters because I think y'all are going to flip! :)

Martha: Thanks for the review! I'm really glad that you liked how I portrayed Abby. I've made her the bad guy before, so I really wanted her and Clarke's relationship to be a bit less strained this time around. I was a big fan of Lincoln's little admission too, so I'm super happy you liked it too! :)

Guest: Thanks for the review! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! :)