"Okay, where are we going? You know how I feel about surprises."
It had been a few more weeks since the fallout of finding out about Malcom, and as Clarke predicted, Malcom took a deal. He'd be in prison until he was old, pretty old too. It wasn't perfect considering the situation, but it was a resolution and justice. It wasn't something I wanted to bring up with Clarke too much though because a part of him had accepted it and moved on. For him, he felt like it was over, finally, and he needed that, to move on with his life.
The worst part though was after those couple of weeks were over and the dust had started to settle, time had caught up with us and I had to leave New York. I was excited for law school, extremely excited, but now there was something hindering on me I didn't have before. Leaving my friends and boyfriend was something I knew had to happen but part of me dreaded it right now.
Clarke and I had found an apartment eventually. It took a fair amount of time, and some more arguments from me before we agreed on a place. It was nice, small, quaint and whilst I wouldn't being paying rent Clarke had agreed I would pay the bills. I felt a little better about it that way. Clarke would come visit on weekends when he could, I knew every weekend wouldn't be possible, but knowing Clarke he would come as often as he could.
"I know you hate surprises, but I promise this one is good," Clarke smiled smugly as we sat in the back of his car. "I wouldn't do this for you otherwise."
I had woken up this morning with instructions for us later tonight. Clarke had this beautiful lace navy dress delivered to my apartment, my nearly packed up apartment by the way, so it wasn't like I had many clothes left at the moment anyway. He picked me up in his car later that afternoon and so far we had just been driving and I wasn't sure what was going on. I wasn't sure if Ava was in on it, but she was very instant for me following the instructions.
"Well, I'm not entirely stupid, I leave tomorrow so I know you're doing something," I pointed out with a sigh.
"Yes," Clarke nodded. "That's why this is entirely necessary. Just trust me, okay? I mean, you do trust me?"
"Of course I do," I said with a small eye roll. "I just...this makes me nervous."
"Don't be, okay? I promise you'll love it."
When the car finally stopped we stopped outside a tall building that I didn't recognise. Clarke walked around to open the car door and let me out and then held my hand as we walked into the building. I was pretty sure it was a hotel from the lobby but I couldn't be sure as Clarke was pulling me through before I could really look at anything. We were in the elevator before I knew it and I saw the button Clarke pressed and I frowned.
"The roof?" I asked, Clarke. "What's on the roof?"
"You are so impatient, aren't you?" Clarke rolled his eyes slightly. "You'll see."
I realised Clarke wasn't going to tell me, he really wanted this surprise for me. It was kind of cute I guess. The fact that he had planned something for me tonight was quite nice the more I thought about it. I decided I would try and loosen up a little and enjoy whatever it was. The man I loved definitely wouldn't set up something I hated.
When the elevator doors opened we entered into a small glass room, which seemed to be only a tiny section, almost a mini lobby to the other section of the roof, which is where Clarke ended up leading me to, and this section of the roof was beautiful. There were fairy lights across the whole section, lighting the whole roof. Towards the edge of the roof was a table, set up nicely and clearly for dinner, but the best part and my favourite part was the view.
The building was tall enough that we could see most of the city from here. I loved being able to see all the city, especially at night. I loved the way it looked, the glow it gave off, and I knew Clarke knew this.
"So, is this a good surprise?" Clarke asked me as I had walked to the edge to look over the city.
I sighed, only because I didn't want to admit he was right, but he was. "Yes, okay this is very nice. Easy though, you know my love of city views from Paris."
"Yes, I do," Clarke agreed, "but I also wanted you to see New York again, one last time as you may not see it for the next three years or so."
I hadn't even thought of it that way. I had lived in New York for four years and I loved this city, to death, so leaving it was hard. I mean, I knew I would be back though, if not every now and then, once I finished law school definitely. I did hate the thought of not seeing this city everyday though.
"When I first moved here I didn't think I could do it," I told Clarke. "It was such a big city and I had come from a small town, it was overwhelming. I was alone too, I knew no one. Then I met Kieran and Ava and it got better. Then my second year I couldn't live on school grounds and I didn't know how I was going to afford it. I looked so desperately for a job and I couldn't find a thing. Then, when I thought I might have to give up your father gave me a chance. I mean, my first year with Ava and Kieran around was great but once I had a job and money and independence and someone like your father helping me, guiding me, it was the first time I felt safe, like I really belonged in this city. When he...died I wasn't sure I'd make it through, especially my last year, I knew it would stress me out, especially since I'd broke up with Isaac...but then there was you. I don't know what it would've been like without you, even the bad and the confusing moments of it all. I don't think I would be standing here now, going to Yale and everything."
"The bad and confusing?" Clarke frowned slightly, resting up next to me.
"Well, how we started wasn't exactly...not confusing," I reminded him. "Although, if it started out any other way, I'm not sure we'd be here. I am extremely stubborn you know, and I doubt I would've seen you any other way if something hadn't of happened."
I was pretty sure it wouldn't offend Clarke because he knew it was true. If I think back to that night in Paris and I think about how that night played out, I could also see how that night might not have played out. We were arguing that night, and if we hadn't of given in, we would've kept arguing, and then for all I know we would've had a very professional relationship instead. That wasn't how it played out though, instead this was my life, and I was more than happy it ended up this way.
"Yes, I know," Clarke chuckled slightly. "I'm glad it did though. I know, when it came to girls my past wasn't great, but I also knew there would be someone who would make me an honest man. I couldn't imagine it being anyone but you. Which, is why I have this very nice dinner set up for us."
Clarke gestured to the table for us and we sat down together. I hadn't even realised it before, but there was fancy bottle of champagne for us, and when I say fancy I meant expensive. A menu was on the table and I swear out of nowhere there was a waiter to get us food. So we ate nice food and talked and laughed and towards the end, after the dessert, I realised something.
"This is actually a date," I noted, sitting back in my chair. "We're actually on a proper date."
Clarke smiled proudly. "Yes, we finally are. It only took just over a month of us actually being together and right before you leave to make it work."
"You know you're handling me going away quite well," I said to Clarke. "I know you have this plan for us, but you can't tell me you're...scared, not even a little?"
Clarke sighed and sat up straight to look at me properly. I saw him swallow harshly and his face sombre a little.
"Of course I'm a little scared," Clarke admitted. "Not because I don't believe we won't survive it, but because...when something goes wrong I turn to you, I got straight to you. I hate the thought...that I can't do that every day."
"Clarke," I sighed immediately.
"Which is a little silly though, because I can't expect you to be there constantly. I have to be able to do it alone too," Clarke told me.
"Expect, not really," I said quickly. "I mean, yes some things you have to do alone, but you know you can call me whenever you need me to, right? Just because I'm far away doesn't mean I can't help when you need it."
Clarke smiled. "That means a lot to me. I thought...I would be alone after my father's death too. That's not true anymore."
"No, it's not," I agreed. "I love you, Clarke Watson."
Clarke reached out and grabbed onto my hands which were on the table. "I love you too, Aurora Edwards."
We stayed up on the roof for a while, enjoying each other's company, until it started to get too cold, so we agreed we should go back to my place for the night, as it would be the last time we could be there. We got into the elevator and Clarke spun me around to hold me in his arms. I rested up against him because it felt nice and calming. I should've realised it was a distraction, because suddenly...
"Surprise!"
I turned around quickly, jumping out of Clarke's arms to see the elevator doors had opened up to a ballroom full of people, but also of people I knew. I saw Ava, Kieran, Parker and even Alicia, and every one of my friends from college. I slowly stepped out of the elevator to see the room was decorated, and a sign, saying GOOD LUCK AT YALE.
"You managed to plan a whole secret going away party?" I asked, turning to Clarke.
"Ah, with my help of course," Ava said, stepping forward. "I mean, it was his idea and I just helped it happen."
"I knew you wouldn't do anything otherwise," Clarke shrugged. "I may also have one more surprise for you."
"More? Gosh, what else could it be? I weirdly am not hating these surprises anymore but I'm not sure I want any- Oh my God, Dad?!"
I almost couldn't believe my eyes that I was seeing my Dad standing before me now. It had been over a year since I had seen him and I hadn't asked him to come because he didn't have the money, and I didn't have the time, so I didn't know when I'd see him for a while, but here he was. I took a moment to deal with the shock and when that was gone I ran up to him and hugged him.
"What are you doing here?" I asked him, once I pulled back from the hug.
"Clarke here, gave me a call, told me the plan and booked me a plane ticket. Normally I'd say no, but I also really wanted to see my little girl. So maybe you got it right about this boy," my Dad whispered me the last part.
"You called my Dad?" I asked Clarke, looking at him.
Clarke shrugged. "This is a party, I wanted everyone here."
"Thank you," I breathed out.
The party kicked into high gear after that. I was worried since Ava got to plan this with Clarke's money it would be over the top, but either Kieran or Clarke seemed to have reigned it in. It was just normal music, playing over the speakers, simple food and alcohol, just how I liked it.
"So I know you hate surprises, but you've got to admit, this one was good," Kieran came from behind me, wrapping his arms around him.
"Yes, it's not over the top or something I would hate," I nodded. "Did you have something to do with this?"
"Yes, he did," Ava said, walking up to us, crossing her arms over her chest. "He may have told me how you actually hated my surprises parties, and how I over-do it, and because this is will be the last one for a while I wanted it to be right, so I may have listened to his suggestions."
"Wow, you finally did what I was too afraid to do. Tell Ava the truth," I noted, laughing a little.
"Hey, not fair," Ava gave me a little shove. "I just like planning and organising, you know this, I'm-."
"Passionate! We know," Kieran and I said at the same time.
"Which is why you have a promising future working on building Parker's company up," I told Ava. "I've seen the designs and all the stuff you too have put together, it looks promising."
"You've seen it all? I thought you would've been too busy, so that's why I haven't said anything," Ava shrugged.
"Clarke had it, I read it," I shrugged. "I'm proud of you."
"Thank you," Ava smiled.
"Ah, what about me?" Kieran asked.
"Well, what have you done lately that's impressive?" I asked Kieran.
"I don't know. Graduated college with a degree I have no idea what to use it for," Kieran admitted. "Oh, and the same boy I was seeing at your birthday still hasn't decided there's someone better than me."
"Well that's definitely something. I'm proud of you too, Kieran," I told him.
Kieran laughed and hugged me tighter and Ava was laughing too. I would miss these two more than words could describe. They had gotten me through so much, listened to my crappy situations and stayed by my side the whole time, especially Kieran dealing with all my Clarke crap.
"You we're proud of you too, you know," Kieran said. "Overcoming your relationship issues with Clarke. Getting into Yale and surviving."
"Yeah, I give you shit, but you've been through a lot," Ava told me. "You've done a lot for yourself. Successful college degree, law school, hot rich boyfriend and a super model friend, who is so nice by the way, I already love Alicia. But seriously you pretend to not be strong, but you had to be to get through everything you have."
"Yes, I agree," Kieran nodded. "Also, your Dad is talking to Clarke, so maybe you want to go over to that?"
"Oh, yes, I do, thank you," I said, taking Kieran's arms off me.
"What are friends for? Remember us while you're gone!" Kieran yelled after me as I walked over to my Dad and Clarke.
The two of them looked like they were in a serious conversation, both holding a beer and nodding in conversation. It wasn't that I didn't trust Clarke talking to my Dad, it was more I had no idea what my Dad would say to Clarke, and whilst I was pretty sure nothing could sway Clarke from changing his feelings about me, it was better to be safe.
"What are you two talking about?" I asked, as I stepped my way towards them.
They both turned to me and smiled and Clarke neatly slid his hand around my waist. Wow, my boyfriend was meeting my Dad, why did I only realise this now?
"Talking about you, actually," my Dad told me proudly.
"Yeah, apparently you were a creative kid that changed her mind...a lot," Clarke said to me.
"I...I didn't know what I wanted to do, I just wanted a hobby," I shrugged. "Which why my Dad likes to tell everyone because he likes to remind me he spent money on it."
"Hey, most I didn't mind, but the piano lessons where the expensive ones," My dad told me.
"I can still play piano thank you very much," I said proudly. "Also please don't tell me that's all you've been talking about? Me."
"No, of course not. I've been getting to know, Clarke," my Dad told me happily. "I didn't know a lot about Clarke after all."
"Well, I'm glad," I smiled slightly. "Do you mind if I steal my boyfriend away for a minute then?"
My Dad nodded quite happily and I thanked him, before grabbed Clarke's hand and leading him away. We made our way out onto the small balcony as right now I just wanted some privacy with my boyfriend for a few minutes.
"You really didn't have to do all this, you know," I told Clarke as he shut the door.
He shrugged. "I know I didn't. I wanted to."
"I...for my last day, I thought you'd want to spend it alone," I shrugged.
"I did," Clarke agreed. "But...then I thought about it. I know how much you love your friends and I didn't think it was fair to steal you away from them just because I wanted you to myself. I figure we'll have plenty more chances for that one."
"Oh really?" I asked, Clarke as I reached up and put my hands around his neck.
"Well, of course," Clarke shrugged, putting his arms around my waist. "Years and years, I reckon."
"That's nice to know," I smiled at him.
Clarke sighed a little and brought up his hand to brush my hair from my face, but then cupped it onto my cheek and held it there, gazing into my eyes.
"I'm going to miss you, like crazy," Clarke admitted, "and that is not a thought I ever thought I would have when I met you."
"You're telling me," I agreed. "I...I know...the reason we met wasn't perfect, but it kind of feels like it was meant to happen."
Clarke smiled slightly. "I...I don't know. In some way I feel my Dad did plan this. I mean, obviously not completely, but like... he knew you, Rory, knew the person you are and I think he knew that I would need you. I really think that's why he made sure I couldn't fire you. If my Dad were here now, I think seeing us together would make him so happy."
"I think so too," I agreed. "He'd be so proud of you though Clarke and everything you've done. It hasn't been easy but it was never going to be, and it won't be, but I know you Clarke Watson and I know you are strong and smart and so much better than the man you pretended to be. The company won't die, it can't with you running it."
Clarke smiled and he breathed in deeply and moved to press his lips on my forehead. I smiled too. This boy, he wasn't the man I thought I would be with, but he was the man I needed in my life. He supported me.
"I hate that you can't help me through it, but I would never deny you what you want," Clarke told me. "You are so smart, Rory, and so determined. You will kill it at law school."
"I hope so," I nodded. "I know it's a little more competitive than college."
"You can do it," Clarke told me. "I have never meet anyone so sure of themselves more than you, Rory."
I sighed deeply. "So this is really it. We're doing a long distant relationship."
"We are," Clarke agreed. "Or, you know, we could make another deal?"
I giggled a little. "Oh, yeah, like what?"
"Well, let's say 'hypothetically' we decided to be in a loving committed relationship," Clarke stated. "Rule one is we always support each other, and can call each other whenever we need the other."
"Okay, good rule," I nodded.
"Rule two, we don't have to limit it to the apartment, but really should utilise that apartment," Clarke told me.
I smiled. "I can do that. Is there a rule three?"
"Oh, of course," Clarke said quickly. "Rule three is the easiest to follow. Rule three is we agree to keep loving each other, no matter the distant."
"Well, I think if we stick to the rules of deal, we should be fine," I smiled cheekily.
"Perfect then, let's do it," Clarke declared.
I smiled and Clarke brought his lips onto mine. I kissed him passionately knowing that the Clarke Watson I had first met was still in there, but the Clarke I loved now had been there too, he just had been afraid and hiding. I also knew it was the same for me. I was closed off stubborn and afraid when I first met Clarke, and he had brought the real me out too. I couldn't have imagined when we first made our deal that it would turn out like this, but of course I couldn't be happier that this was it.
"I love you, Aurora," Clarke told me, pausing from our kiss.
"I love you too, Clarke," I told him.
I had never felt happier than right now.