Ruby Redfort: try not to scream

Mrs Digby disappeared downstairs, leaving three agents and the best friend in the kitchen. They talked about a few different things like school and Spectrum but it was Dan who brought The Count up.
"I just don't get it," he said, looking at Ruby. "Why kill Kekoa and capture Colt just to let him go and leave all three of you alive yesterday?"
"I don't know," replied Clancy.
"Neither," said Hitch. "Although, he said some weird stuff to you, Ruby," All eyes turned to her. Why Hitch? Why?
"I didn't understand either. I swear that man is the only person in the world I can't read,"
"What do you mean?" asked Hitch.
"Well, you and LB are the most mysterious people I know and I know you both like the back of my hand. But there's something about him that makes him impossible to understand. One minute he wants to be spiteful and torture you and the next he's giving you a way out or helping you figure out who Casey Morgan is," Ruby looked at her feet, awkwardly.
"He helped you figure out who Casey Morgan was?" asked Dan.
"Yes. I was surprised too. He also trusted my judgement when he thought it was Hitch. I mean he pushed you off a roof for god's sake. For some weird reason he trusts me and yet he wants me dead," Hitch looked at her. He knew something was wrong. Like really wrong. She was talking about The Count in a way she never had before. As if he had done something that had her both destroyed inside yet made her thankful. Ruby noticed his gaze and shuffled in her chair. He narrowed his eyes to look at her but for once she wasn't giving away anything.
"It's ok Rube," said Clancy, stroking her arm. "You'll be fine,"
Dan's stomach turned when Clancy touched Ruby's arm. He thought back to what he had done the previous night and felt that he couldn't be near Clancy anymore. He excused himself and ran upstairs.
"What's with him?" asked Hitch, his focus suddenly shifting from Ruby to Dan.
"He's been off since yesterday," whispered Ruby, her voice breaking as she spoke.
"Why? Did something happen?" asked Clancy
"Um... " Ruby didn't want to sell him out but she knew she couldn't hide it from Clancy.
"Yes, but please promise me you won't get mad,"
"You're scaring me Rube. What happened?"
"Ok, fine. He tried to kiss me," Ruby held onto Clancy's hand to try to calm him. Just by his eyes, she could tell he was not happy. She couldn't blame him really. Her touch slightly reassured him and reduced his anger. He didn't want to upset Ruby or cause conflict between anyone so he stayed calm. He didn't speak, he just stared at Ruby.
"Are you ok, Clance? Please don't be mad," she shuffled closer to him and placed her hand on his cheek.
"I think I'll leave you guys alone for a moment," said Hitch, slipping out of the room.
"I'm not mad, Rube," said Clancy, gently brushing her hand. "You did push him off, right?"
"Of course Clance. Why would you even ask that?"
He looked at the floor, with a hint of doubt in his eyes.
"It's just that you're so... perfect. I don't think I'll ever feel good enough for you,"
Ruby shook her head and got closer to him.
"Clance, you're so wrong. I'm perfect to you because I'm the best version of myself whenever I'm with you. Without you I'm an empty shell of a girl who will never understand love. If anyone is perfect it's the boy who never needed to, but still decided to risk his life to save mine. The boy whose smile is brighter than anyone else's in the room. The boy who no matter how incredible he is, he never realises that he's the perfect one." Ruby smiled at him. What she said was true and anyone who knew either of them would know it. Hitch, who was listening in the next room, smiled. The kid's fallen hard, he thought to himself.
Clancy smiled back at her thoughtfully.
"Did I ever tell you how much I love you?" he grinned. Ruby's eyes widened. Hitch smiled, shaking his head. Ruby took a moment to respond, making Clancy very nervous.
"It's about time, buster," she teased. Clancy laughed.
"Clancy Crew," Ruby sighed. "I love you too," She had never been the soppy type, so saying those words made her want to, well, die. But because it was Clancy she was saying them too, she had never said anything more truthful in her life. He leaned over and kissed her. Slowly getting more intense, her arms raised to his neck and his to her waist. Unaware they were being watched, Clancy deepened the kiss, picking her up and carrying her to the couch. As a matter of fact, there were many pairs of eyes on them. The house manager, the housekeeper, the parents and the boy who had never wanted to see anything less. Sabina Redfort couldn't contain her excitement any longer and started to clap. Her applause was soon adopted by everyone else. Ruby and Clancy opened their eyes to see everyone's eyes on them.
"I didn't realise we had an audience," said Ruby, rolling her eyes. She flashed Clancy a look implying get ready for the wedding plans.
"Ruby," squealed Sabina. "Why didn't you tell us? I mean we knew the day would come. You two are perfect for eachother but..." This type of excited ranting continued for what felt like hours. There was of course mention of telling Clancy's parents and throwing an announcement party, all ideas to which Ruby rolled her eyes and told her mother were not necessary. Eventually, Ruby and Clancy were able to escape and run up to Ruby's room.
"And that is why we did not tell my mother," groaned Ruby.
"Hey, at least she's not mad and throwing me out of the house," laughed Clancy.
"Well yes, that's good," giggled Ruby, reaching for his hand. He smiled at her touch and held onto her. She shifted over towards him and cuddled onto him. He held her close and kissed her cheek and moved down to her neck. Ruby laughed and continued to hug him. Clancy let go of her and grinned.
"You are one for the books Redfort," he smirked.
"What do you mean?"
"I can't get anywhere near you without someone interrupting us," he rolled his eyes and pointed to the door. Ruby turned around to see Dan.
"Sorry, I didn't want to intrude. Trust me it's not something I want to see," There was obvious tension between the boys, to which Ruby had no idea how to respond.
"Ruby, we've got to go to training in a bit," he scratched the back of his neck, awkwardly. Ruby got up off the bed.
"Yep. Of course. How could I forget?" Ruby picked up her jacket and pulled on her sneakers.
"I'll see you downstairs," Dan left the room.
"I'm sorry Clance but I gotta go. It's a really important class,"

Thanks for reading xxx