Because of You

The Stars, My Destination

This took. Forever. Sorry. I was really struggling here. I fear these characters don't like me anymore. But I think I know how I want it to end and the climax and the overall moral and all that fun stuff. It's there. I've gotz it, Guys. This chapter I guess is more filler, but it's also pretty important as it just helps mend some things before other stuff comes and messes things up again. XD I'm not even gonna try and guess how many chapters I have left because I honestly don't know. I hate stories where the couple finally kisses and then it ends, so I won't do that to you guys. Anyway, please review!

******

Bellamy stormed out of the restaurant with Octavia in tow. I followed close behind, resisting the urge to look back on Jae who we'd left back in the booth. I hadn't heard any indication of him making a move to leave just yet.

It was probably his wisest decision all evening.

When the doors opened, the brisk chill hit me square in the chest, driving its way beneath my sleeves and dragging across my bare skin. We were in the parking lot when Bellamy suddenly stopped. Behind him, I recognized the white Honda. I chewed on my lower lip and tried to think of warm thoughts just as Bellamy turned to Octavia. "Get in the car, O."

His sister looked at him uncertainly. "Aren't you coming?"

"I'll be there in a minute." He tossed her the keys.

Only when she was settled in the car and out of earshot did Bellamy turn back to me, lips pressed in a thin line. "You had no right to do that," he said, and there was a distinct edge to his voice.

I looked at him in surprise. "What? Pay?"

"Yeah, Clarke. Pay. Step in for me. Babysit me. I'm not some kid anymore! I don't need anyone's protection." He tone turned mocking over that last word, like I'd insulted him somehow.

I clenched my teeth, feeling the cold ebb some over my own rising anger that was giving way to adrenaline. "Would you have rather put Octavia in the middle of that?" I challenged, "Have her be the one to play referee?"

He carded a hand through his hair, so forcefully I thought he must've torn out a few strands. "Oh, is that what you were doing? Playing referee and keeping me in place as he's criticizing your grades and your parents? While you're giving him your money?" Bellamy scoffed and twisted away from me.

I took a step toward him. "Is that all this is really about? That I paid for his dinner? You want me to apologize for it?"

He whirled back around. "Yeah. Actually I do. Because that man is not your problem. I get your mentality to fix everything and everyone around you but you can't. I'm not a charity case, so the last thing I want to see is your money in his hands as if I don't have a dime to my name."

I stared at him attentively, holding onto my anger with clenched fists. I wished I had pockets to shove them in. "I'm not going to apologize for bruising your ego," I replied bluntly. "You say you don't want that man in your life so you should have nothing to prove to him. Not your grades, not your reputation, and certainly not your money."

He scrubbed his hands down his face. "It's more than that!"

"Then what?" My own voice raised in volume. "What else is it?"

"I don't want you having anything to do with him!" he exploded. "I don't want you tied to him in any way, whether that be money or association, I don't care. He takes, Clarke! That is what that man does. It's what he will do, however much time passes, and I don't want you near him!" Bellamy shook his head and his voice suddenly dropped. "I don't want you near him," he repeated.