Sorry it took so long, I was working out some editing kinks with this chapter, but here you go~ and if you like it please review. Reviews really motivate me to update sooner.

Chasing Dreams

Chapter Three

A few days had passed since the two decided that they were a couple, but they still hadn't told Martha, Johnathon, or Garfield yet. Not much had changed around the barn, other than Megan's car being fixed. However, the price to fix her car set her back quite a bit.

It was in the middle of the night and Gar was fast asleep. Megan slipped out of bed and quietly tip toed downstairs. She smiled seeing Conner waiting near the couch. This had been their ritual all week. She made his nightmares go away, he made her anxiety subside. They needed each other. She hurried over toward him and he wrapped his arms around her. "Took you long enough." he whispered against her lips.

She giggled. "It took Gar a while to fall asleep..." She didn't want to give Gar a reason to suspect anything between her and Conner. So every night they would go to sleep together, she'd wait until he fell asleep and then she'd sleep downstairs or across the hall to see Conner.

He chuckled and pecked her lips. "And..."

She looked down shyly. "And...I fell asleep..." she pouted. It was a long day, I needed a power nap. She justified to herself.

"You are too adorable." He leaned down and kissed her deeply. He lifted her in his arms as he pressed his back against the wall.

She couldn't get over how much she loved when he picked her up. It made her feel cherished. "Mmm...Conner..." she pecked his lips, pulling away. She brushed her fingers against his jawline. "Conner..." she whimpered, feeling him move to trail more kisses down her neck.

"Nn?" he looked up at him, his bright blue eyes darkened.

"I want to tell your grandparents about us...I feel weird sneaking around." Martha and Johnathon had been so good to her. They gave her and her brother more than just lodging and food. They offered guidance, support, love. Everything that they needed; and never once did they ever talk down to her.

He frowned "You know they're pretty traditional...they might make me move back into the house."

"Why?" she pouted.

"Heh, afraid of what I'd do to you if I got you alone..." he whispered in a low, sensual voice. His nose brushed down the length of hers.

"Well, they don't have anything to worry about." she smirked. "You haven't done it yet." there was a subtle teasing to her voice. Despite her teasing, she felt comfortable with Conner. There was no award pressure, no moments of uncertainty. There was only happiness.

"You almost sound disappointed." he grinned. She eyed him from behind her fringes and bit her lip shyly. He pressed his forehead against hers. "But...if you want to tell them...then we'll tell them." He smiled softly. He didn't care if his grandparents knew about this now or later. He did plan on telling them eventually.

–

The next night at dinner, Gar sat inside of the Kent's house watching the game with Johnathon; the Kansas City Chiefs were playing the Denver Bronocs. Martha began to clear the table. "Let me get those for you." Megan offered as she began to take up the plates. "And I'll do the dishes."

"Oh thank you darling, You are too sweet." She stroked her chin "I suppose I'll get started on the wash." she brushed her hands on her jeans.

"Done." Conner smiled as he walked in. "I tossed in some of Gar's shirts too and I have your clothes pinned up and drying.

"Ok what's going on? what did you two do?" She crossed her arms over her chest.

Megan's shoulders slumped as she set the dishes on the sink. "Umm...well you see..."

Seeing her struggle Conner made his way to her side and took her hand into his, gently stroking fingers with his thumb. "Gram...There's something we'd like to tell you...Just...don't overreact."

"Oh my heavens..." She covered her mouth. "Johnathon!" she yelled out.

"In a minute Martha, 30 seconds left in the game!"

"Johnathon Kent you get in here this instant or so help me God I will-"

"What's going on?" he hurried to the kitchen "This better be important." He raised a brow seeing Conner and Megan holding hands.

"Conner has something he needs to tell us." she looked as if she was on the brink of tears.

Glancing over to his grandson he sighed. "Well, out with it son."

"Megan and I are dating." For a woman that's been trying to set me up this whole time she seems pretty apprehensive about this...

"Conner honey, your grandfather and I love you and we're not going to judge you on a decision that you and Megan made...so you can tell us." She pressed on.

"Gram, what are you talking about? That's it. Megan and I are dating, that's all."

Martha sighed relieved and placed her hand on her chest. "My goodness! Conner Kent I thought that you and Megan were having a- Oh heavens never mind."

"Gram!" He stared in disbelief at her. How in the world did she think that?

Megan's eyes widened as she blushed heavily. "N-No Martha not at all. Nothing like that. We just wanted you two to know about us."

Johnathon adjusted his hat. "And that couldn't have waited thirty seconds?" he shook his head and made his way back to the living room. "I can't believe you guys, I mean was it really a secret?" he mumbled grumpily.

Gar stood in the door way and stared at the two. "Garfield..." Megan's voice was careful as she approached him. She knealed down beside him and placed her hands on his shoulders "Do you want to talk about this?"

"A little..." he mumbled. Martha took the hint and gave them some privacy in the kitchen. "So you and Conner are dating now?"

"Yeah..."

"Does this mean you two are going to move out and leave me here?"

"No, we're not moving out." She shook her head. "Gar, I'm never going to leave you. We're a family." She looked him in his eyes. "No matter what. We will always be a family, and families will stay together."

He nodded "Ok...I'm sorry...I have one more question though..."

Conner placed his hand on Megan's shoulder for support. "What is it Gar?"

"Since you two are together now. Can I move back into my old room and Conner can stay with you and your room?"

"What- Gar No you don't have to do that." her eyes softened.

"It's better than you and Conner sleeping on the couch right? At least you can both fit in bed right?"

He knows about that..? "W-We will talk about this later." she stood up and, looked away flustered. "Go watch the rest of the game with Johnathon."

"But the games over." he stared up at her.

"Then go do homework."

"I did it already."

She sighed and ran her hand through her ginger locks. "Then go study." she placed her hands on her hips and gave him a stern look.

"Alright." His shoulders slumped as he walked away.

She looked up to Conner, standing by her side and placed a kiss on her forehead. "You ok?" She buried her face in his muscular chest. Instinctually he wrapped his arms around her and began to sway. Everything he did with her felt so easy. He spent so long being so closed off, and apprehensive it was strange to follow his heart.

"Why did that seem difficult?" she pouted and peaked up at him.

"Because my grandmother is an adorable and strange woman." he laughed and just held her feeling her relax in his arms.

Martha poke her head in and smiled seeing the two. Oh Conner...there it is...there's that carefree little boy that I miss...He was a child that only seemed happy when he had someone to care for.

–

It was the morning after and Megan pecked Conner's cheek. "I got called into work, Wendy's sick, can you go pick up Gar from school?" She wrapped her apron around her waist and looked a bit frantic as she searched for her car keys.

He could tell that she would get panicked when things didn't go according to plan, that and she'd continue to ramble. He opened his mouth to answer, but couldn't get a word in. He actually found the quality quite adorable.

"I mean I'm sorry to ask, and technically I could get Gar before I go to work but then I'd have to bring him to the diner because I'd be late and he'd always get so board at the diner. Oh! maybe you could get him from there when you have the time so that-" her eyes widened as he kissed her softly. Initially, she was surprised by the kiss but she responded and noticeably relaxed. She blinked up at him as he pulled away.

He smiled and caressed her cheek. "Megan I can pick him up, it's no problem." he shook his head. "You panic too much." he placed his hand on the curve of her back and tugged at her apron, untying it.

"C-Conner..." she whispered. She felt her body shiver ever so slightly.

"I'm just re-tying it." he smiled. "You put it on inside out." He flipped the fabric over and tied it around her waist again. "There. Perfect."

She relaxed and smiled at him. "I'll see you later tonight." she pecked his lips. "You guys are on your own about dinner, ok?"

"We'll manege." he waved her off as she got into her car and drove away.

Conner left early and parked his car on campus. Being at school reminded him of his childhood, angst filled teen years. He shuddered at the memories and smiled to himself. He watched as the students flooded out of the school, some made their way to the bus, others began to walk home. Gar stood out and in the groud because of his hair. Seeing Conner he smiled and walked over to him. He noticed the look that the a passing boy gave Gar, as the kid walked into the gym. He sighed and knealed beside him. "He's the one who's been bullying you isn't he?"

Gar's green eyes widened. "N-No. I'm not being bullied. I don't know what you're talking about." He shrugged on his backpack and brushed past him.

"Gar, wait up" Conner hurried behind him. "I'm sorry. I didn't meant to be so blunt." He placed a hand on his shoulder as he caught up to him. "Look...I'm not going to tell Megan...but I don't want you to keep getting bullied."

"So what do you want me to do? Fight him back?" his eyes widened as a smile came across his face. "Are you going to teach me how to fight."

"Heh, No Gar."

"Then are you going to beat him up?" he raised a brow "Because I'm pretty sure that's illegal."

He chuckled softly. "Gar, I'm not going to beat him up. You need to fight your own battles. I just think you should take him on an equal playing field."

"Equal playing field? He's not the playing fair type."

Conner smirked "Does he play on a sports team?"

"Soccer." he rolled his eyes.

"You any good at soccer?"

He shrugged and looked down. "I used to play...when I was a kid...but it's been a while. "

"Then go out for soccer."

"It's in the middle of the year. It's a bit late don't you think?"

"I'll worry about that."

"Megan will never go for it..." his eyes shifted down. He knew his sister, she always told him to never attract unnecessary attention to himself. Which would include going out for a team.

"I'll worry about that too." he gave him a reassuring smile and patted him on the back. "Gar, if you can take him on neutral territory then it'll be ok. I promise."

"Alright...can't be any worse than him beating me up everyday..." he shurgged.

"Come on, let's go talk to Coach Jordan. No reason upsetting Megan over nothing." He placed his hand on his shoulder and guided him back toward the school. There was a team of students on the field kicking the ball between each other.

A tall man in his late thirties, wearing a brown leather jacket blew his whistle as he saw Conner approaching. "Warm up guys!" he smiled and walked over to him. "Conner Kent, good to see you." He shook his hand. "I heard you were back in town."

"Hey Coach Jordan." He looked down at Gar who gave him a puzzled look. "Coach Jordan was an assistant coach when I was in high school."

"Ah, ok." Gar nodded.

"Well what can I do ya for Kent?"

"I was hoping I can get you to let Gar try out for the team."

He raised a brow and looked at the boy. "Normally, I'd have to decline, but we're short on members and our midfielder injured his foot a few games ago." He sighed and rubbed his temples. "Alright, Morse you go change in to your gym clothes and we'll do a mini tryout."

Gar smiled "Yes coach." He trotted into the gym room with his backpack.

"There's sparer gear in the cart" he called out to him. Leaning on the fence around the field he smirked looking at Conner. "How do you know Morse anyways?"

"I'm dating his sister, and they live with my grandparents." He laughed and stuck his hands in his pockets.

"Ah, Megan. Charming, sweet girl." He smiled to himself. She actually reminds me of my little Aya.

"Yeah..." he smiled fondly. "Megan's amazing."

After a few minutes Gar came out and jogged on to the field. "Alright boys, we're gonna do a little try out for Morse over here." He looked over his roster. "Reyes, Allen, Longshadow, Hawkins. You are all with Morse. The rest of you are with Dorado."

Conner notice the glare in Gar's eyes and figured that Dorado was the one bullying him. Eduardo Dorado wasn't the captain of the team, but he was the star. Ty Longshadow led the team but it was almost no use giving orders to Ed. He was noticeably taller than Garfield, had dark olive skin, and messy black hair. There was an anger in his dark brown eyes; an intensity that concentrated on Gar.

During the beginning of the game, Dorado easily stole the ball. It was obvious that Gar hadn't played in awhile, but once he got used to it he began handling the ball much better. He trusted his teammates and was in sync with them. Ed hogged the ball at every opportunity, Gar passed it. He became very aware of his teammates position to himself and was a much more passive player.

Coach Jordan made notes on his clipboard and smiled seeing the newcomer give one of his best a run for his money. He glanced over at Conner, who was clapping and smiling; cheering proudly. In the game he noted Gar's agility, and quick thinking. He was fast on his feet, and took a passive leadership position with his team even though the team captain was on his team. Gar approached the team carefully, he knew they had no reason to believe in him or trust him. He needed to gain their trust on their terms; which he did successfully. I put him on the harder team...Reyes and Allen don't play well with others...those two are fire crackers... Too unpredictable... It was difficult for players that have been with them for a year to understand them. Hal blew his whistle stopping the game in a tie. "I've seen enough. Alright huttle up boys." As his team gathered around him he smiled. "Boys, congratulate you're new teammate." He smiled. "Welcome to the team Morse." He patted him on the back and walked away. "Shower up boys, see you on Monday."

Going over to Conner he handed him some paperwork. "He needs to get a physical, and this needs to be signed by a doctor, and he also needs to get this permission slipped signed by his sister." He gave him a kind smile. "Other than that it's all set." He looked over to Gar getting to know his teammates walking inside the gym. "You know Conner, you looked like a proud parent." he laughed as he made his way to his office.

He looked up at him and blinked, caught off guard by his words. A parent? Me? In a way he was aware that he took Gar in like a little brother, but not as a parent. Conner watched and smiled brightly seeing some of Gar's new teammates pat him on the shoulder. However, Ed Dorado seemed all but eager for his new teammate. This was the first time he'd seen him smile like that. After a few minutes Gar reemerged from thee gym; his bag slung of his shoulder.

"Mi hermano, those were some seriously crazy plays you were running. Like, what were those moves? You leaped over Ed to get the ball." He wore a jersey with Reyes on the back.

One of the boys laughed beside them. "Yeah seriously you were like a beast on the field" said the brunette, between snacking on chips.

"Me? What about you two? Bart you were totally impulsive. It was almost impossible to predict any of your moves." Gar gestures wildly. "And Jamie, it was like you were so indecisive, you actually argued with yourself." he chuckled.

"No I wasn't." He furrowed his brow. "No I wasn't" Seeing the look that his two teammates gave him he ruffled his hair and shrugged. "N-Nevermind."

"So Garfield, you wanna go to the arcade with us?" Bart asked, and after a moment of debating offered him some of his Chicken Whizzies. Which was no easy feat being that Jamie almost had to beg and plead before he got some.

Looking back at Conner, leaning on the truck he shook his head. "Umm..Not today guys. I-I really gotta get home." However, he did take some Chicken Whizzies. "Thanks."

Bart shrugged. "Suit yourself, maybe next time." He waved him off "Oh Gar, practice isn't until Monday but if you wanna run a few plays, Jamie and I hang out at the park with a few friends. You should come by."

"I might take you up on that." he smiled and hurried toward the truck "Conner, thanks for making me do that." he climbed into the truck and smiled. "Though, I don't think that any of this is going to help Ed not want to pick on me."

He smirked. "Oh no, that Ed kid is going to hate you more."

Gar's eyes widened "Conner you said that-"

"But now, you made some friends that might back you up." He smiled. "And you're teammates now so give it some time."

The drive was pretty quiet, Gar was happy. That had honestly been the best day of school since he moved to Smallville. He felt like normal. Being on a team, making friends. It felt like he had a stable home. "Hey Conner can I ask you something...ya know man to man?"

"Of course you can." He figured it was about being in the locker room, or maybe ever girl trouble. "You can ask me anything."

"Are you going to marry my sister?"

He nearly choked on his ginger ale. "Wh-what? Gar we've been dating for a week. Marriage is a bit soon don't you think?"

"You've been dating a week and you already live together."

"We are living under very special circumstances." Technically we were living together before we were even friends.

"Are you guys having sex?"

"Ok, no more man to man questions." He looked straight ahead to hide the soft red building on his cheeks. How can he ask that with such a straight face? Why does he even want to know? Megan and I...we haven't but...I don't even know if she really wants to. He shook the thought from his head and focused on the road.

Once the two arrived back to the barn, they had dinner with Martha and Johnathon, and then watched some television with them. Before it got too late they went back to the barn and worked on a little surprise for Megan.

–

By 10pm Megan walked through the door and hung up her apron on the coat rack. Gar was sitting at the kitchen table reading his text book and Conner was watching TV. She looked around suspiciously and placed a cake on the counter. The Barn was spotless, everything cleaned and shined. "Hey, I brought cake." What are they up to...? Gar's studying, and they cleaned.

"Welcome home sis." Gar smiled.

Conner got up and walked over to her, placing a kiss on her temple. "Missed you."

She beamed up at him. "You guys cleaned." she looked back at her brother. "And you're studying." she crossed her arms. "Ok what broke?" after thinking about it for a moment she put her hand up. "Never mind I want cake first." She grabbed a few dishes and set the table, then cut a few slices of cake.

Gar closed her textbook and happily ate the cake. "What's the special occasion sis?"

She shrugged. "We had extra cake." she smiled. "And chocolate's your favorite. So I decided to being it home." She sat at the table. He's acting differently, usually he'd just go straight to his room after school...instead he's hanging out with Conner. She took the opportunity to pry a bit."So how was school?" Conner sat beside her and helped himself to a slice.

"Hmm? Well It was good. I had a math test, I think I did ok." he took a big bike of cake. "Oh and uh...I want to join the soccer team."

She smiled. "Good, I'm glad you're having an easy time in math clas-" her smile faded as she blinked. "No, absolutely not. Soccer team? No way." Megan set down her fork "No, I'm sorry there's just no time for you to join a team."

"But Sis, all I do is stay at home all day." He sighed "Coach Jordan said I'm good. He already put me on the team." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Megan, what's the big deal? Mom and dad let me play soccer when I was-"

"Gar!" she yelled in outburst in mention of her parents. Tears gathered in her eyes, she quickly wiped the tear away and tried to regain her composure. Gar realized that he said too much and looked down. "So you went behind my back and joined the team already?" She stood up and paced. "Garfield we don't have the money for soccer equipment." Her voice was soft. I already dropped a small fortune on getting my car fixed. She frowned. "I'm sorry."

Conner slowly approached her. What was that about? Why is she crying? "Megan I already talked to Coach Jordan, I'll cover Gar for his equipment. It'll be good for him."

"Conner I wished you talked to me before doing all of this." she crossed her arms over her chest. "Gar can you give us a moment alone?"

The freckled boy raised an eyebrow. He was sure that his parents didn't even argue like this. "Sure, I'll go see if Martha and Johnathon want some cake." he mumbled before walking out of the barn with two slices of cake.

"Megan what's the big deal..." he stepped closer to her and placed his hands on her arms lovingly. "You wanted him to make friends...You should have seen him out there...He was so...free" his eyes softened. "I know that if he were a part of a team...he'll make friends...he'll open up..." he looked down. "I wished someone pushed me more to make friends when I was his age...I spent so much time being alone..."

Megan frowned. She didn't want Gar to be alone, she wanted him to make friends so badly. She did her best to provide for him, to be the best role model and sister to him. He's never asked me for anything...he's never made me feel bad for not being able to give him things that the other kids had... "Fine..." She hugged him. "I'll let him do it..." Peaking up at him from behind her bangs she pouted. "Promise me he won't get hurt." It would be too much to bare if he got hurt. Gar was the only family she had left. She wanted to protect him the best she could.

He rubbed her shoulders and pecked her forehead. "He'll be fine...trust me." She pouted staring at him. "Come on, I wanna show you something." He took her hand and led her upstairs.

"Where are we going?" she looked up at him.

He laughed. "Upstairs." As he took her down the hallway he opened the door to his room.

There were a few posters up, and it even looked a bit more homely. She recognized the things immediately. It was her brother's stuff, he unpacked his clothes and it began to look more like a home. "I don't understand...why is his stuff in here?" she looked to him. "Where are you going to stay?"

Closing the door behind them, he led her across the hall to her room. His bags sat by the closet. "I was hoping that I could stay in here with you..." He saw the apprehension in her eyes. "We don't have to do anything...we don't even have to sleep in the same bed. There's no pressure, I can stay on the floor...it's just...I can sleep when I'm with you..." he mumbled and looked down, almost embarrassed.

"Conner..." she whispered and tilted his mouth toward her as she tip toed to kiss him. "Of course you can stay with me." She smiled against his lips. Before he could kiss her again she slipped from his arms and walked over to his bags. "I'll help you unpack."

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to his chest. "Not a chance." she playfully kicked her legs out as he spun her. He grinned against her ear. "You just want to snoop."

She giggled. "I'm not snooping, I'm helping." with her kicking her legs he lost balance and fell back on to the bed. She rolled over and blushed heavily seeing him beside her. He chuckled softly; his hands on her hips, slowly inching higher. Her lips parted slightly as she moved her hand to his cheek.

As he leaned in there was a knock at the door and the couple sat up hastily. "Wow you two don't waste anytime do you?" Gar leaned on the frame as he opened the door.

"G-Gar!" Megan huffed and stood up. What's the point in knocking if he was going to barge in anyway? She tried to calm her racing heart.

"I was just wondering if you two had made up your mind..." he looked down nervously, with a slight glimmer of hope in his eyes. "I-I mean I don't mean to rush you it's just my friend's from the soccer team wanted to know if I could hang out this weekend."

Her eyes softened hearing that he had friends. Friends? He really did make friends. She straightened her skirt and sighed. "I will take you to the doctor for a physical, and if he says you're healthy enough to do it then I will go with you to your practice and if it's safe enough..." she ran her hand through her short locks. "Then and only then, will I agree fully."

His green eyes lit up as he ran to hug her tight. "Sis! You are so awesome!"

She smiled down at him and gently smoothed down his hair. "Yeah yeah, I know." she giggled. "Now go on." she shooed him out of the room.

"Night Sis, night Conner." he ran off to his room, a smile plastered on his face.

Megan smiled as she closed the door. At least he's smiling about something. Her train of thought was broken as she felt a pair of strong arms scoop her into bed. She laughed loudly as she looked up to him "Conner~" she sang and blushed heavily.

He grinned, pulling her into a ball onto his lap; His arms securely around her waist. "So why are you scared for Gar to play Soccer?" He smiled and placed a kiss on her cheek. "I mean it's just soccer."

She relaxed in his arms and placed her hand on top of his. "Well...Gar has asthma. He hasn't had an attack since he was a kid but...I still worry." She looked up to him and pouted "You must think I'm being silly."

"You're just a concerned sister. I think it's sweet." A part of him was still curious about what triggered her to cry earlier, but she was in a good mood now. He didn't want to ruin their moment.

"I think you're sweet." she smiled shyly. "You're the one who talked to his coach...talked him into trying out...got him all hyped up to do this..." she absently traced a circular shape on his wrist with her finger tip. "You didn't have to do that."

A small shiver ran through his body. He was still amazed that she could cause such a reaction just from a touch. A simple innocent touch. "I know...I wanted to." he mumbled and buried his face in her hair.

She relaxed in his arms and looked up to him. The look he gave her caught her off guard. He never stared at her like that before. "Conner..." she whispered.

He leaned closer to her, his hand caressing her freckled cheek. At this moment he was sure. He was falling in love with her, he just wasn't ready to tell her yet. A part of him was terrified to love someone, but the other welcomed the thought. I want her...I-I need her...but does she want this...? Why would she? She barely knows me... Instead of kissing her he placed his forehead against hers and gazed down at her. "You had a long day...I'm sure you're tired."

She frowned. Why didn't he kiss me? She furrowed her brows Then why did he look at me like that...? She crawled out of his lap and pouted. "Yeah...I guess so..I'll just go and take a quick shower." she ruffled her short hair and smiled. "Make yourself at home. We can share the bed."

Seeing her frown he smiled to himself. Is she really that upset? As she turned on her heel to walk away, he gently took hold of her hand. "Megan..."

She turned to face him; her honey eyes met with his soft gaze. "Yes...?" a small pout remained on her lips.

He bit his lip as he stood up and looked down at her. He couldn't find the words. He could barely focus seeing how breath taking she looked at the moment. He leaned down and kissed her deeply, mustering all of the love that he could.

She smiled against his lips and held on to his cheeks. "Nnnn...Conner..." she whispered as he pulled back slowly, gently biting and tugging on her lower lip. Her cheeks flushed in a soft pink blush. Before he could walk away she gripped his t shirt shyly. "I...I want..." she looked away and buried her face in his chest. Why can't I just tell him...? I should just say it! Her shoulder's slumped. "I'm gonna go shower."

"Don't go..." he whispered into her hair. He could tell that she wanted him just as much as he wanted-needed her. For once in his life he was going to follow his heart. "I want you too..."

Her eyes widened and met with his. She wasn't going to let fear dictate her anymore. She was going to allow herself to let go, and give into him. She followed him to the bed.

To be continued...

I hope you all enjoyed that chapter. Please review and hopefully I'll have a new chapter up soon. Also, Coach Jordan is Hal Jordan, and "Aya" was referring to Aya from Green Lantern: The Animated Series.