ATTN: My collaboration fic with TheLateNightWriter93, Kingdom of Shadows, will be updated tomorrow! If you haven't read it yet, please check it out! We'd love to hear your thoughts! :)

Thanks for your support guys! Now, without further ado, I give you chapter 14! Enjoy! :)

Chapter 14

Clarke sat at her desk the following Wednesday, her eyes flicking back and forth as she studied a painting one of her students had done for the upcoming Christmas art show.

She couldn't tell if she had it upside down, or if whatever the kid had tried to depict was supposed to look so indecipherable. At this point in the day it just looked like a messy blob of colors that evoked no feeling whatsoever.

She looked up at the light knock on her door, smiling as Bellamy walked into the room. The last few days had been torture, and they'd started calling each other right before bed so they could talk about their day. If anyone asked… He'd started it.

"Hey," Clarke said, her voice warm and vibrant as her friend came to stand before her desk.

"Hey," Bellamy replied quietly.

Clarke watched him as he rocked on his heels, his eyes darting about the room as his fingers twitched at his sides. He looked nervous, which in turn made her nervous.

"What is it," she asked, "Is something wrong? Where's O? Are you ok? Did you hurt yourself again?"

Bellamy barely had time to register Clarke's barrage of questions before she was standing before him, her hands ghosting over his torso as her eyes searched for any indication that he'd been hurt.

"No, Princess. I'm fine," he said, catching her wandering hands and smiling when a pretty blush painted her cheeks.

"Well, what can I do for you then," Clarke asked hesitantly, taking a deep breath to calm the erratic beating of her heart.

One of Bellamy's hands slipped from her own, moving to rub his neck in an obvious display of agitation. Then his eyes met hers, and she swore that the oxygen had been sucked from the room because her lungs were suddenly working overtime.

Then Bellamy's voice echoed in the quiet room, rumbling and warm, and all of her fears melted away.

"Clarke, I've been meaning to ask you something but I wanted to get moving out of the way first," Bellamy began, pausing to stare intently into her eyes.

"Go ahead," the blonde prompted, a smile curving her lips.

"Ok, well I'm just gonna come out and ask," Bellamy said, the nervousness once again evident in his tone.

"Well then spit it out, Blake," Clarke said with a chuckle.

"Will you go out with me tomorrow night," Bellamy blurted, his cheeks filling with color as his eyes widened at his own words.

Clarke laughed out right then, going on tiptoe to gently kiss his jawline.

"I would love to go out with you, Coach Blake," she whispered in his ear, grinning at the shiver that raced down his spine.

"Uh, great," Bellamy said with a gulp, "I'll pick you up at seven."

Clarke watched him leave with a smile, reaching for her phone to call Raven. Just wait until her best friend heard this little piece of news.

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Clarke was a bundle of nerves all day on Thursday. The only time she was able to relax was at lunchtime with Bellamy, Miller, and Murphy. Somehow the conversation turned to Lincoln, and how he'd learned to play.

"So, how did your mild mannered son become my star player," Bellamy asked Clarke with a grin.

Clarke sighed, rolling her eyes as a smile curved her lips. Her mind wandered back to that day all those years ago.

"It all started after Lincoln's seventh birthday…"

Clarke bounced a fourteen-month-old AJ on her hip, smiling as her seven year old came bounding through the front door followed closely by his Auntie Rae. The little boy skidded to a halt; Raven coming to lean against the doorframe with a look of pure exhaustion painting her features.

"Hey you two," the blonde said as Lincoln wrapped his skinny arms around her legs and stared up at her with those adoring dark eyes.

"Hey Momma," the little boy said with a grin.

"You know you're kid's like the energizer bunny right," Raven said with a quirk of her brow.

Clarke chuckled, handing AJ to the mechanic before turning back to her other son. She knelt before him, taking his smaller hands into her own as she gave him a wink.

"What have you done today besides run your Auntie Rae ragged," she asked.

"I wanna be a peewee," Lincoln said proudly, causing Clarke's brow to furrow.

"A peewee," she asked, looking to Raven with a look of confusion.

"He wants to join peewee football," Raven said with a shrug before turning back to the baby in her arms, making faces and noises she would deny making later.

"You want to play football," Clarke asked, her gaze turning back to Lincoln.

The little boy dropped his dark eyes to the floor, scrubbing his toe against the tile at his feet as he gave a little nod. His mother sighed; he asked for so little that she didn't have the heart to deny him this request.

"Alright, I'll look into it," she replied.

Lincoln gave a happy yip, throwing his arms around her neck before giving her a messy smack on the cheek and racing upstairs.

"Looks like you and I are gonna have to learn something about football," Clarke told Raven as she stood, brushing imaginary dirt from her jeans.

"Speak for yourself, Griffin. I'm staying in the cheering section," Raven said taking AJ to change his diaper.

"We'll see about that Reyes," Clarke called after her.

The next day Clarke walked onto the football field, Lincoln's hand held tightly in her own. She cringed as she watched the teenage boys plow into each other with bruising force.

She looked down at her little boy; his eyes alight with wonder and an excited grin brightening his face. He looked so happy, and after everything he'd been through she was determined to give him this.

"Excuse me," Clarke said as she tapped a tall redheaded man on the shoulder.

She had to fight the urge to shrink back when his dark green eyes settled on her face and one of his brows quirked in question.

"I need to speak to the coach," Clarke said, drawing herself up to her full height of five feet four inches.

"I'll get him for you," the man said, calling over a man who looked to be in his late forties.

"Can I help you," the coach asked.

"My son wants to play peewee football," Clarke said nervously, her gaze holding the coach's bravely.

"Well you've come to the right place. I'm Coach Marcus Kane, this is my assistant John Murphy," Kane said with a warm smile, "And you are…?"

"Clarke Griffin, "the blonde said as she extended her hand in greeting, "And this is Lincoln."

"Hi Lincoln," Kane said, bending down to the little boy's level, "Do you have what it takes to play football?"

Lincoln simply nodded seriously giving a solemn, "Yes, sir."

Kane grinned up at Clarke, running a gentle hand over Lincoln's short hair.

"Try outs are two weeks from this Saturday. Good luck big guy," Kane said shaking Lincoln's hand.

"Thank you," Clarke said with a smile, her mind going ten different directions as she walked back to the truck.

This wasn't one of those teams where every kid got a spot, no her little boy who'd never played any kind of sport that she knew of had to try out with a bunch of kids who'd probably been playing since they could walk.

On the way home she stopped at the bookstore and bought every book on football the store clerk thought would help. That night she poured over them after the boys were asleep, she and Raven piled on the couch as they split the reading load.

Over the next two weeks, Clarke worked with Lincoln every day. She taught him the rules of the game, how to throw, proper form, and the correct way to catch the ball. She taught him how to tackle, and she stressed the importance of not tackling out of meanness. That last one was all her, the books hadn't said anything about that.

The morning of tryouts Clarke fed Lincoln a healthy breakfast then she and Raven drove the boys to the field. They sat on the bleachers, watching as the little boy ran out onto the bright green turf.

The two women cheered and clapped as Lincoln beautifully executed every play. Occasionally Kane would glance up in the stands, giving Clarke a look of wonder, which she would return with a look of pure pride.

After the practice was over the coach gave an encouraging speech, and then began to hand out the tiny jerseys. Clarke sat with her fingers crossed, her heart constricting at the look of disappointment on Lincoln's little face after every name was called.

Finally, Kane called his name- giving the little boy a jersey as Clarke and Raven cheered loudly from the bleachers. Even AJ squealed in delight, clapping his chubby little hands as his big brother made his way over to him with his blue jersey held tightly in his small hands.

"He's been playing ever since," Clarke said with a soft smile.

"So you taught him to play," Bellamy said with wide eyes.

"Yep."

"From books," Miller said in wonder.

"You can learn anything from books," Clarke replied smugly.

"Well you did an amazing job, Princess," Bellamy told her, a broad grin splitting his face.

"Thank you," Clarke said with a wink, "Now I'd better leave you boys to your football because I have to get back to class."

"Bye Clarke, " Miller and Murphy called in unison as she left.

"See ya tonight, Princess," Bellamy shouted, causing her heart to flutter in excited anticipation.

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That night Clarke stood before her full-length mirror, her brow furrowed as she scrutinized her reflection. Her hair was curled and pulled away from her face, small tendrils brushing her cheeks. She wore a red blouse, dark wash skinny jeans, a white sweater, a pair of red pumps, and a pair of silver hoop earrings topped off her look.

"Well what do you think," Clarke asked of Octavia and Raven.

"I think Bell's going to flip," O said with a little smirk.

"I have to agree," Raven replied with a wink.

Just then a crash sounded downstairs followed by Lincoln's, "We're fine!"

"Don't break anything, Kyle," Raven yelled.

"That wasn't me," Wick shouted back.

"Yeah it was, Uncle Wick," AJ tattled.

"Don't tattle, AJ! It's not becoming," Clarke admonished loudly.

"Yes mam!"

"Are you sure you're ready for this," Clarke asked Raven.

"I've done this hundreds of times, Griffin. O and I will probably just hide up here and leave the boys to their own devices," Raven said dryly.

Just then the doorbell rang, and Clarke was a bundle of nerves as O went to let her brother in.

"What if I can't do this, Rae," Clarke asked softly.

"You're gonna do great, sweetie. He's a good man, he's not going to hurt you," Raven said, gripping her friend's shoulders as her thumbs rubbed back and forth in a soothing manner.

"He is pretty great," the blonde said wryly.

"There's my girl. Now go get your man," Raven said as she pushed her gently towards the bedroom door.

Clarke took a deep breath, one hand holding the balustrade as she made her way downstairs. She could hear Bellamy talking to AJ, his voice kind and deep, sending a shiver down her spine.

When she finally spotted him his mouth fell open and his eyes looked as though they would pop out of his head. Whatever he'd been about to say was lost to him as he began to make his way to Clarke.

"What's the matter with him," AJ asked the room at large, his little arms crossing over his chest.

"You look beautiful, Princess," Bellamy said breathlessly.

"Thanks Bell," Clarke said as a smile curved her lips.

"Are you ready," he asked, gallantly offering his arm.

"Absolutely," she replied before turning to the two boys, "Alright, y'all be good for Auntie Rae and Uncle Wick."

"Yes Mom," both boys intoned, little grins brightening their features.

"You two crazy kids have fun," Raven said, herding them out the door.

"I think they're trying to get rid of us," Bellamy said with a chuckle as he helped Clarke into his truck.

"Don't mind her," Clarke said with a chuckle, "It's just been a while since I've done this."

"Well this time's going to be different," Bellamy said, his eyes promising her he spoke the truth.

"I know," Clarke said, taking his hand as he pulled out of the driveway.

Soon the truck came to a stop at Bellamy's house, causing Clarke to turn to the man in confusion.

"Did you forget something," she asked.

"Nope, I made you dinner," Bellamy replied with a grin.

He quickly jumped out of the truck, coming around and opening her door for her.

"Really," Clarke asked in astonishment.

"Yep, all by myself," Bellamy replied proudly.

He led her inside, her gaze sweeping his living room and dining room to find candles lit and soft music playing. It looked so romantically perfect.

"You did all this," Clarke asked, looking at Bellamy in surprise.

"Yes mam, you're worth it," he said softly, his velvety brown eyes doing funny things to her heart.

Bellamy pulled out one of the dining room chairs for her before running into the kitchen. She looked at the gorgeous arrangement of red roses, and the beautiful china plates that gleamed in the candlelight.

He returned shortly with a pot of spaghetti and a basket of garlic bread. He served Clarke first, and then himself, taking the place to her right at the head of the table.

"Well," he asked after she took her first bite.

"This is great, Bell," Clarke said, wiping the spaghetti sauce from her mouth.

She grinned as he gave a sigh of relief, his smile making her weak in the knees. Conversation flowed easily back and forth as they talked about work, the kids, and the past.

"I never knew my dad, and O's dad left the day after she was born. It devastated my mom, but she just kept going. She was the strongest person I'd ever known, " Bellamy said, taking Clarke's hand in his own, "Until I met you."

Clarke blushed, "I did what I had to do to survive. I lived day to day, taking care of AJ and then Lincoln. I never would have made it without Raven and the boys."

"Well no matter what's happened in our lives, I'm glad it brought us here to this moment because this is the happiest I've ever been," Bellamy said, squeezing her hand.

"Me too. I don't think I've ever felt this way, not even when Finn and I first got together. This is so much different- so much stronger," Clarke said quietly, "And it scares me."

At her quiet admission, Bellamy stood and pulled her with him. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin atop her head. This woman was very precious to him, and he needed her to know that he would never hurt her.

"Sweetheart, I can't promise that we won't ever disagree, but what I can promise is that I will never hurt you. I care about you Clarke, and all I want to do is protect you. I'm not him, Princess. I love you," Bellamy said, sincerity ringing in his voice and shining in his eyes.

"I love you too, Bell," Clarke said, a smile curving her lips.

"Princess," Bellamy murmured softly, "I'm gonna kiss you now."

Before he could move, Clarke's lips met his own- soft and sweet, setting his heart aflame. He lost himself, her fingers twining in the curls at the nape of his neck.

When they pulled apart, both were breathless and grinning.

"Hmm, we're going to have to try that again sometime," Bellamy said mischievously.

"You can count on it, Blake," Clarke replied with a wink.

Bellamy took Clarke home after the dishes were done, her hand in his as he drove. He couldn't help but think that he could definitely get used to this, having the beautiful woman beside him in his life on a permanent basis.

When Bellamy and Clarke walked through the front door they were met by five expectant gazes, their loved ones grinning from ear to ear.

"Well," Raven said, "Did y'all have fun?"

"Yeah, Mom, are you and Coach gonna get married," AJ asked hopefully.

"Yes Rae, we had a blast! And AJ, Coach and I are going take things slow," Clarke replied.

"I'm glad you had fun, Ma," Lincoln said, kissing Clarke on the cheek before turning to Bellamy. The teen's voice dropped low and menacing, "Don't hurt her Coach."

Bellamy looked into Lincoln's dark eyes, his expression serious and his tone earnest, "I wouldn't dream of it, son."

"That's all I need to know. Night, Mom," Lincoln said with a smile.

"Goodnight, honey. Bedtime, AJ," she told her youngest.

"Night Momma," the little boy called before rushing up the stairs after his brother.

"Come on, O," Bellamy said, motioning for his sister to follow.

"Night Clarke," the teen said, giving the woman a tight hug, "Night Rae, night Wick."

"Goodnight O," the adults called.

"Night, Princess," Bellamy said softly, kissing Clarke on the cheek before following his sister out the front door.

"Looks like you did have a good time," Raven said with a knowing smile.

"I told you I did," Clarke replied, "He's just what I need, what I've always wanted."

"Come on, Wick. Let's get out of this mush fest," Raven said in mock disgust.

Clarke waved as Raven and Wick drove away, closing the door and leaning against it with a smile. Bellamy was filling a gap in her heart she'd never even known existed. He was the man she hadn't known she'd needed, and now she didn't know what she would do without him.

Thanks for reading! Please review and tell me what you thought! I love hearing from y'all! :)

Wright: Thanks for the review! I hope this chapter kinda revealed a bit of Bellamy's plan! ;) I'm so glad you like Murphy and Miller! I really love those two! :)

Emma: Thank you so much for the review, and those amazing compliments! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! Thanks for reading Kingdom of Shadows! That really means a lot to me! :)

Martha: Thanks for the review! Bellamy, to me, seemed like the kind of guy who would want romance and to do things the old fashioned way. So, I hatched Bell's plan! ;)

To all of my other Guest Reviewers: Thank you so much for taking the time to review! Your kind words and encouragement mean the world to me, and I'm so glad you're all enjoying the story! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the most recent chapter! :)