Clare couldn't believe how much her life has changed in the past few months. Sitting in the backyard of Jake's foster mom's house, the porch swing rocking back and forth with a push of Jake's legs while she watched the stars twinkling above and nestled under his arm, she let out a content sigh.

"What are you thinking?"

"Nothing..."

"Did you enjoy the party?"

"Considering it was full of seven to nine year olds and mothers? Yeah. I did."

"I still can't believe CeCe's nine now. I feel old."

"You are old."

"Please don't say that. Reminds me I'm actually an adult."

"Hey, so am I."

"You can't buy beer yet, babe. I'm basically dating a minor."

Clare chuckled. "Dating? Did I miss something? Aren't you supposed to ask me?

"Nope! You're gonna say yes anyways. Why bother?"

"I don't know, maybe because that's how normal people do it?"

Jake pulled away then, making her look up into his eyes. He was giving her an incredolous look with a hint of offense. "Princess, we are nowhere near being normal."

"True that."

They both settled back to their previous position: Clare resting her head on his shoulder, while Jake leaned back in the swing.

After a few seconds of silence, Clare spoke again. "I still want you to ask though."

Jake huffed. "Fine."

They pulled back apart when he stood up, and Clare followed when he held his hands out towards her. Fighting a smile, she stared up at him expectantly. She could see his own lips twitching as he began. "Clare..."

"Ye-es?"

"...would you..."

"Uh-huh?"

"...be..."

"Keep going."

"...my..."

"Almost there. Just a little bit more."

"I'm trying to ask you out here."

Clare giggled. "Well stop being dramatic!" At the stern look he sent her, she masked her smile. "Okay. Okay."

"Clare. Will you be my girlfriend?"

"Hmmm..."

"Hmmm? Seriously?"

"I'm messing with you!" Clare laughed. "Yes. I'll be miserable, but that's a risk I'm willing to take."

"Oh, please. You're totally excited. I can see it in your eyes."

"Yeah? What are you gonna do about it?" She raised a brow.

Jake smirked. "I'm gonna kiss you."

And kiss her, he did.

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A/N: THIS IS NOT THE END YET!

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