Trollhunters: The Short Stories

Him

Summary: Claire reviews on who Jim is to her and how much he means. Continuation of Her, Claire's point of view.

Characters: Claire, Jim, Toby

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Claire had always been stubborn, but the issue was, now, she was more stubborn than ever, especially when it came to Jim.

Jim Lake Jr. The same boy who she barely knew the name of, the only one she would catch stealing glances at her whenever given the opportunity to, the one that tried to impress her but in the gentlest ways. It had gone from seeing him across the hallway, to performing with him and kissing his gentle lips, even to where he saved her but nearly losing his own life in the process.

Ever since she spent time with the rare, exquisite character, her protectiveness had grown and wouldn't conclude. He had become such an immense part of her life and just letting him go was never an option.

Oh, if she had to let him go...

She had developed so many different emotions because of who he was. The boy constantly reached out to a part of her that had been buried beneath the popularity and pulled that side free from the chains that held it in place so it never escaped. She had never smiled like she had with Jim, never with her parents, - mostly because they had always been trying to joke about something completely boring - never with her friends, never with anybody. Somehow, a simple boy that she hadn't known for more than half her life had caused her to smile like nobody was watching and there would be nobody to judge her when she did.

Almost as if she knew him forever.

He would never criticize her. In fact, he was an incredibly beautiful being surrounded by such plain things. He was like the shiniest piece of gold in a patch of silver. Everything about him could never have a price on such a rare quality.

His laugh, that one sound that had caused butterflies in her stomach, was a sweet melody that she wished to replay every second of the days she spent with him, those light blue eyes that had caught her breath every time she had made contact with them, the way they caught the sun and sparkled, the sea of blue that held so many thoughts. Even his vast heart would never stop beating for the lives of others.

It was hard to find someone like him and Claire mentally scolded herself that he had been sitting there for so long, unaware of how much she needed him.

In fact, even before she knew his secret, she would do anything to make sure Steve never laid a hand on Jim ever again. Claire would have been in disbelief if someone told her she'd end up falling in love with the boy, but look where she was now. She couldn't leave Jim's side.

Not just because they wanted her in the Trollhunting business, no, even a day without his perky attitude and nervousness that had always managed Claire to let out a giggle was something she couldn't live away from.

That was until he trashed her house - actually, to save her brother and figure out the situation of Changelings at hand - but her anger had barely bubbled once she saw him. The feeling that struck her deep within the heart and pulled at her love strings had been the moment he received the main role once more, he had asked for her forgiveness through the lines of Romeo and threw off the entire rehearsal.

The boy was definitely one-of-a-kind.

Now, she would protect him from any harm. Of course, she had failed on several occasions to keep him from earning so many scrapes and bruises, but he had made his own decisions which she could not control. Yet, when he threw himself repeatedly in death's hands, she would follow in after him and make sure he had not earned any severe injuries, and if he had, Claire wouldn't think twice before heading into the enemy's reach head first.

No one would hurt Jim, never.

Speaking of the boy, her head turned, glancing at him as he ran through the Hero's Forge, cladded in his armor with a big smile, laughing as Aaarrrgghh had been playfully chasing him through the training.

Her heart raced as he quickly turned around, his smile raidating only a light that Claire could see, as if his halo guided her through. Before, she would never find the courage to do the things she has done for him, never running in front of a bully to keep the rough calloused hands off of anyone besides Jim.

Never growing nervous about kissing someone over a play.

She loved watching the way he moved, kept his head high and smiled through situations that people couldn't find the energy to do. His voice, his laugh, the reassurance she felt when he touched her gently, his courage when he looked death in the face, his big heart that swelled and beat for many.

She felt as she didn't deserve him, but she felt as if he was made for her. All the others that she had shared love with, they held no candle to him. She could remember the first time they met, his shy awkwardness as he stumbled around the party, eyes locked on her as Toby teased him before he left.

Claire had first met Darci and Mary at the party, glad to make a couple of friends. She caught his gaze, his eyes seemed to melt and she noted how he looked so sweet. Of course, Mary had teased her but described Jim as a quiet but sweet boy. She had also mentioned he was eye candy for Arcadia Oaks High School and Claire couldn't help but agree.

After, he was reserved to himself and stayed close to Toby, which she would catch him stuck in a love gaze while in Mr. Strickler's classroom. She barely knew his name, only going off of what she heard, but when he stole her attention during rehearsals, she couldn't get enough.

He was everything to her.

Her face redened as Jim locked his eyes on her, and she couldn't help but remember when he could barely muster a confident smile that he was wearing now. He has grown so close to her, comfortable and sending her playful looks, and Claire was love-struck.

"You okay?" Jim asked, breaking her free from the constant thoughts.

"Yeah, just watching you guys train." Jim blushed slightly and Claire easily caught it, she loved that look, she loved when she could make him react to simple things.

"You want to join us?" Toby asked, speaking for Jim who seemed to lose his voice.

"Oh, of course." Claire smiled and came to a stand, whipping out her Shadow Staff as she closed the distance between her and the two boys. A wicked grin crossed her face as Jim's blush seemed to die down and she brushed passed him, her voice in a low whisper, out of ear-shot to the others.

"I enjoyed watching you more, you looked good." Claire continued before walking away to a certain corner, Jim stuttering and blushing madly as he fumbled with his sword.

She really loved that boy.