second place

clare nodded, hearing about the status of cam. part of her was relieved since she knew that some of the others were worried, she was worried about if word were to get out to dallas that he would start freaking out and blaming himself for it. enough about him though, she nodded, “yeah, they’re recovering. i managed to drop some stuff off.” she then glanced at him more. “i just want to say, i’m sorry for the way i acted and i forgive you. i should have never jumped to conclusions and it was my fault for not asking about where we stood..” she just wanted him to at least hear that. especially considering she just wanted them to be on neutral terms again. 

“i’m sure they’ll appreciate that. you know, despite what people think..you’re actually alright.” he knew she had a mean streak, he knew she could be petty, jealous, possessive. but he recalls that girl he met in grade 9, that vulnerable, shy girl who he thought was the bravest for being different, even when she didn’t think so herself. and when he looks up into her eyes, like those nights they shared, he can still see that same girl in there. he shakes his head, though he winces slightly as he does, putting the cold can to his head. “don’t be sorry. i should have said something sooner, and maybe had more faith in myself to be with somebody like you or katie, for real. but i blew it, and i’ve just gotta deal with it. but i’m sorry if i hurt you.” he nodded, a more honestly smile appearing on his features. “and for what it’s worth, i loved every little moment.”

she nodded, it was the least she could do. making her way towards one of the vending machines, clare placed her money into the machine, pressing on 2B for the red bell. as she saw it come out she decided to press 3C for a diet coke for herself. making her way back towards were kc was sitting she handed him the drink while sitting next to him. “i heard about cam through the whispers in the hall, i’m so sorry that he got hurt.” part of her didn’t know what to say, but obviously this was important to kc. “did they say when he’ll be out?”

he was grateful that she was getting his drinak, thnking her with a nod as he took it from her. “thanks, but he’ll be ok. kid’s an idiot but he heals well.” he mentions, opening the top of his drink and taking a sip. at the mention of a time frame, kc simply shrugging, a light content sigh escaping his lips from the drink. “no idea, but probably when he’s up for a bit more. i kinda missed the full diagnosis once my mom came for me..and then his dad, or i guess our dad or whatever came for him. it was this whole stupid thing.” he sighed, rolling his eyes. “but i hope all of your friends are alright at least.”

clare turned, it had been a long while since her last interaction with him, part of her was over the incident and was ready to move forward. noticing that he was hurt, she made her way over. she didn’t hate him, she was just hurt and needed her space in order to process everything. staring at him she frowned, “hey…are you okay?” she started, not knowing how to start this awkward conversation. “if you need anything…i can get it…my treat.” 

“you know me, peachy.” he tries to smile, it’s faint and weak, but it’s there. he remembers when his biggest problems a few weeks ago were being optimistic about possibly being a father or which girl he could hook up with. but all of it seemed so far away and less important right now. “can i just get a red bull or something? coffee is gross to me, but i just wanted to be up in case they tell me cam wakes up or something.” 

kc guthrie moodboard

You've got pep in your step

You live your life with no regret

How you look when you are wet

“Perfect. You know Miles’ club right? Come by tonight. I got some stuff I need stashed for a bit.” It’d be a test, obviously, Vanessa wouldn’t just bring any old person in. But KC knew the life, knew how to drive, knew how to fight, and wasn’t too bad on the eyes. All stars around if you asked Vanessa, she could use someone like him on her side. “As you should have, though you are in every right to throw it back at her.” Vanessa stirred her own drink, a twisted tea to be ‘drinking’ but still the sharpest one in the room. “Didn’t you walk out on your last kid?” The pot calling the kettle black, KC just didn’t know it. “Look, I’ve never been pregnant nor have I ever been in this situation…” lie. “But, if it is yours, I wouldn’t leave her hanging too long. I hear the first few weeks are the loneliest.”

“What? I didn’t abandon anybody..I don’t know what Jenna tells people, but we just weren’t ready for a kid..and I wasn’t ready to be settled down too. Gave him up for adoption.” KC clarified. He knew he wasn’t perfect in the situation, not being there as much, treating Ty as more of a little brother than a son. But he felt like he didn’t have to be defined by his mistakes, and he could make good this time around. He pushes his glass forward, motioning for another refill as he listened to her. “I wasn’t planning on it. I know what she does is ultimately her choice, but I wanna be there if she’ll let me. Me and her aren’t really in the greatest place. Hell, me and most women in my life aren’t in the greatest place.” He laughed dryly, spinning in his chair slightly. “I think Clare wants my head on a pike.”

“You look like a coconut head to me. But, thanks KC.” She smirked, letting out a small laugh. “She is. Well, it won’t be easy. That’s one thing with Clare. YOu have to prove yourself.”

“I might just shave my head so you have to find a new fruit to call me. But anytime, kid.” He smiled as he nudged her shoulder lightly. “Ugh, I figured as much. I don’t even know how I got on her good side originally. I swear I was just..oooooh. Wait, I got it, I know what I’ve gotta do.”

she listened to the voicemail , her mind was racing with all the snide comments she could say . but she didn’t . she could be nice , just this once … maybe . she shook her head “ no .. you’re not “ she sighed . she couldn’t believe what she was about to say “ i never told anyone this but , after we gave up ty , i was really in a bad place and i went around actively trying to get pregnant “ she admitted “ thankfully kyle talked me out of it “ she pat his shoulder “ kc , you’ll get your chance to do things differently . you’re .. in college , you don’t have to have it all figured out or whatever . “ she tried to explain “ but , you’re gonna be a good dad when your time comes “ 

“i’m sorry, whoa..” he said her curiously, eyes widening slightly. it wasn’t a total shock to think that she’d want to have kids again, but part of him always wondered if he had ruined that drive for her. thankfully, he hadn’t, but thankfully she also realized that going about it that way wasn’t right. he smiled slightly, feeling like he was glad he came here. “i know, i guess i can just..chalk this up to some practice in my head for the real thing..just glad i didn’t tell my mom..oh yeah, she says hi.” he recalled his mom mentioning how she missed the girl. “do you wanna..go visit ty..together sometime?”

maya: ok but you better not whine if katie or someone says shit

maya: let me know when. unless now works?

kc: when i do /i/ whine?

kc: don't answer that.

she let out a sigh “ what do you want kc? “ she asked , her arms crossed over her chest . she didn’t mean to be so harsh but , she didn’t think they really had anything else to say to one another . “ yeah , i read it but , it’s a bunch of bullshit .. why? “ 

he rolled his eyes. “only i’m aloud to be an annoyed hard ass.” he grumbled, reaching into his pockets to pull out his phone. they for sure had nothing to discuss per say, but she could at least speak to him honestly. “it’s not all bullshit. i thought katie’s kid was gonna be mind but..” he says as he plays her the voicemail he received a few days ago quietly, the one with katie telling her doctor how far along she is and that the baby is actually drew’s. “i know what you’re gonna say: ‘she dodged a bullet’ and ‘you’re an idiot’..but am i dumb for thinking i could do things different?”

upon hearing kc’s voice , jenna rolled her eyes . it happened on instinct . “ yeah , i know . “ the words came out sharp . the two were not on good terms but that was to be expected from ex’s and what they’ve been through “ sure , if you must “ she closed her notebook and looked up at him . 

“won’t doubt your skills again.” kc assured her. it was weird, but if felt like he had to come here, find something. though he’d not sure what he’s really looking for. “i uh, i’m sorry if i’ve said anything kinda dumb or stupid recently you might have heard. i’ve have a lot on my plate..or had maybe? i dunno..” he sighed, still unsure if what he heard on his voicemail was true or not. “you keep up with that stupid burnbook?”

“Right. You were still for the streets back then. High risk, high rewards. You know that. I’ve got some placements in high places if you’re looking for some payouts, though guarding or transporting would make you more in the least amount of time,” she explained, more so thinking out loud. A deep and audible sigh escaped Vanessa hearing Katie’s name be brought up. She had promised not to tell a soul, but once KC threw his name into the ring she had to say something. “You think?” It wasn’t Vanessa’s place to say what she thought one way or another, but she could see it from KC’s demeanor he was desperate for a ear to vent too. She moved behind the bar, doing a three second pour and sliding it in KC’s direction. “I’ll happily smack you too, but I’ll hold off on that til I hear how you feel about it all.”

“I might just take you up on that then. A lot less work than stealing and hot wiring cars, that’s for sure.”, he admitted. There was a bit of a thrill and a rush in that, but he felt like doing something a bit less high octane with a better payout. In the long run, it would benefit him more. He rolled his eyes at her reaction, though he knew it was to be expected. Another unplanned pregnancy, even if he actually used protection this time, was something he didn’t expect right now. “I’ve already gotten the second degree from her. Not sure if my mom is gonna be as understanding or she might just be excited we’re not living with her this time.” He grabs the glass, taking a small sip as he starts to explain himself better. “I don’t know..it’s a shock. But it’s like, I’m not some teenage kid anymore in high school. I’ve got a year and a half of university left, decent job options. I feel like, maybe this is my second chance, you know? Be the dad I couldn’t be for Ty.”