A/N: Don't own Bellarke or any of the characters from The 100… but I wish I did. All I own, is this story I hatched out of a dream I had. It was a very vivid dream, and I couldn't wait to start writing this. I hope you'll like it half as much as I'll enjoy writing it.

Soldier's Attendant

Ch. 1 - Fall Military Award Cremony

There I stood, at the door of the packed auditorium, craning my neck in every direction and hoping to find an empty seat close by, near the back. I'd been to the Military Awards Ceremonies, countless times since I was a kid. However, over the last two years, but I kept my visits from my mother. A task that proved quite difficult, but still doable. Apparently, I was stealthier than I realized I could be. I didn't have an exact reason for keeping my attendance from her, and I was sure she'd be happy I was there at all. I just wasn't ready for the look, or the string of questions I was sure would follow, once she knew.

"Excuse me!" A woman interrupted my thoughts when she bumped and rushed past me.

Before I could apologize for standing in the way, she was already too far for me say anything. My eyes followed her as she reached a row near the front. I noticed the aisle seat of that row was empty, and I cringed due to its proximity to the stage. Sighing, I looked around again, trying to find a seat anywhere in the back. To my dismay, they were all filled and it appeared that aisle seat was the last empty spot.

Realizing it was that seat or leaving, my choice is made for me. Wishing I could be invisible as I walked briskly towards that empty seat, I raked my eyes all around myself. Finally, I ducked into the seat just as the lights began to dim. Relieved, I exhaled and relaxed into the darkness.

"Are you kidding me?" I heard the man next to me exclaim in a harsh whisper.

Involuntarily, I turned my head, thinking he'd been talking to me. I turned my head to see the man was frustrated and facing the women on his other side. My curiosity begged me to follow their discussion, but my attention was drawn to the stage as the presenter took the mic.

"Welcome, everyone, to this year's Fall Military Award Ceremony. Our returning soldiers deserve so much more than our gratitude and respect. These award ceremonies are just a small way we can honor them for their service. Without further delay, let us welcome the lady responsible for …" The presenter's voice was drowned out as I heard a female voice beside me.

"Look … I'm sorry!" Said the woman that had bumped into me earlier; she was the same woman that was sitting beside my neighbor, as she stood up to leave.

I moved my legs out of her way just in time, then I turned my head to watch as she rushed towards the back of the auditorium. I turned my head back around, as I heard my neighbor sigh loudly beside me. I turned to face him, wondering what just happened, but found his head tilted towards the ceiling. Then, I felt his knee bouncing as it brushed against my leg. For some reason, I felt a tingle of warmth from his leg, but he pulled it away from mine almost too soon.

"I'm sorry, miss." His voice made me tear my eyes away from his knee to look at him.

I was first struck by the look in his brown yes. Even with the dim lighting, I could tell that this man had seen things. Although his voice didn't sound it, his eyes gave away a sort of sadness. As my eyes adjusted, I took in the rest of his face. He was so, very handsome. And then, as if hearing my thoughts, a sort of smirk widened on his lips, which made me smile in return.

"I do that sometimes when I'm frustrated, but I'm sorry if it started you." He spoke again, while looking into my eyes, and I realized I hadn't responded to his first apology.

"Oh, it's alright, no worries." I managed to respond to him. "Why are you frustrated, if I may ask."

"That was my Attendant. She practically demanded that I come to this thing, and almost made us late. Then, she forgot her phone in the car and left me here to go get it. Finally, she rushed back in here after twenty minutes, only to tell me she can't stay and quit." He explained, still wearing that smirk and added an eyeroll at the end, emphasizing his annoyance.

"That's … I just … That's so wrong!" I explained, ignoring his way of trying to make light of the matter at hand.

Many people associate compare being a Soldier's Attendant, to being an assistant and in some ways, they'd be right. But, a Soldier's Attendant is so much more. After all, our returning soldiers, more often than not, have a wider range of special needs than most people. And not only do they deserve our help, they had outright earned it.

Usually, family or friends of a soldier volunteer to become Attendants, and they are usually paired up with the soldier of their choice. In other cases, it's the friends or family members of fallen soldiers that signup in the name of those they lost, and are paired up with soldiers that don't have anyone. In any case, being a Soldier's Attendant, or SA, is much too important for someone to take so lightly. I should know very well.

"What do you mean? She seems normal to me. Who wants to be stuck at these things, anyway?" He, again, tried to make light of the woman's behavior. "She's got her own life, and I don't need to be hanging on to her. She can do whatever the hell she wants." He scoffed lightly, averting his eyes, but not before I saw some pain in them.

"If she wasn't prepared to be stuck at these things, then she shouldn't have volunteered. Everyone knows these award ceremonies are just a part of all that will be required of an Attendant. Besides, ditching your soldier for the night or quitting without notice is not just rude, it's completely inexcusable." I whispered as best I could, feeling the indignant on behalf of a man I'd only just met, but knew deserved a lot more than that girl.

"Relax, Princess." He said after a moment of staring into my eyes, then continued. "What do you know about being an Attendant, anyhow? Neither of my past two Attendants stuck around too long either. This one was due to leave weeks ago, by my calculations." He told me, smiling but barely covering up the rawness of how affected he was.

I let my eyes close and sighed. I thought over everything he'd told me, but let the nickname slide. This soldier had apparently gone through at least two previous Attendants, before this one. None of which, stuck around very long. I couldn't help but wonder what had been happening within the program to allow that. Next, he clearly thought his Attendants' lives were more important than his needs, and he probably didn't want to need an Attendant. Sighing again, and let my eyes open and looked into his.

"I know everything there is to know about Attendants. It's more than a job of becoming someone's assistant. Volunteers are trained and taught to understand a soldier's physical needs, as well as their emotions." I explained, thinking of how I'd learned to see past my father's self-deprecation and doubts.

"Everything that is required of an SA, is covered meticulously, before they can ever be paired up to a soldier or vet. By the time the training portion of the program is complete, those that aren't cut out for this kind of duty, are weeded out. Not everyone is built for the roll of SA, and not every volunteer has the nurturing qualities that are required… and that's okay." I told him, thinking of all the ways my own mother didn't have what it took to be Dad's SA.

"There are tons of other ways for those people to help out. But those that stick it out 'til the end and qualify for the SA position, should never behave the way your Attendant did tonight." I finished, and realized his smirk had fallen as he looked me, appearing almost stunned or awestruck by my words.

"I didn't … know all that went into it. How do you know so much about it, Princess?" He asked, as a smile formed on lips and using that nickname again.

"I was my father's SA for nearly a year and a half, before he died." I responded quietly, blinking to avoid tearing up.

"I'm sor –" He began to say, but I shook my head and instinctively put my hand on his wrist that was on the armrest between us, to stop him. He couldn't have known and I knew he meant no offense. There was no use in him apologizing for something that was out of his control.

"How long since he passed?" He asked softly.

"Two years. I don't know why I still come to these." I said, tearing my eyes from him to look up on stage as a soldier was being presented his Leadership Award.

Our county's Military Award Ceremonies are held each season, four times a year. At the start of every ceremony, the newest group of Soldiers' Attendants are announced for the next batch of returning soldiers. Next, they present the families of any fallen soldiers with a plaque and they offered different types of contributions donated from our local businesses. Then, they present the soldiers with the categorized awards for Perseverance, then Bravery, and then Leadership. The last and most honored award of the night is presented last.

At the close of every ceremony, the soldiers of each group cast their vote for the Fortitude Award. It is awarded to one stand-out soldier among them, that is said to have encompassed all the attributes a soldier should, while in combat. That soldier is later presented the prestigious award at the end of following season ceremony, and usually with all the thrills, bells and whistles arranged by his Attendant.

"I'm sure you were one hell of an SA. And, I think your father would be proud that you choose to honor his memory, by continuously supporting the returning soldiers, even after he's gone." His low voice interrupted my thoughts, and I felt him rest his other hand upon mine, which was still on his wrist.

When I turned my head away from the stage towards him, I realized he'd turned his upper body towards me. His words touch a part of my heart, so I slid my hand from his wrist, towards his hand to grip it in appreciation. I wasn't expecting him to link our fingers, but I didn't pull away either. It was comforting and it made me smile.

When he smiled back at me, it was a real and profound smile that met his eyes. If possible, it made him, even more handsome than he already was. Somehow, a song started playing and a voice started singing, and I was vaguely aware that it was part of the show. But, my entire focus was on the man beside me. I couldn't pinpoint when or who leaned forward first, but his eyes flickered to my lips and I looked at his too.

The next thing I knew, his nose slightly brushed against mine as we shared each other's breath. Every fiber of my being wanted this kiss. I craved it, like I hadn't craved anything before. I felt his hand gently squeeze mine, so I returned a squeeze as well. No matter how intoxicating this moment was or how every cell in my body felt a pull to this man, I refused to rush this kiss. Next, I felt the feather-light caress of his fingers from my cheek and towards the back of my neck. My heart felt like bursting out of me with pent-up anticipation. Then finally, his lips closed against mine, and I exhaled into the kiss.

I heard myself whimper, and I knew he heard it too when he groaned against my lips before pulling inches away. He looked into my dazed eyes, as I tried to catch my breath. I tried, but failed to understand how one closed-mouth kiss could be so powerful.

"Damn, Princess." She slightly chuckled, then blew out an unsteady breath. "Don't even know what to say."

"Me neither." I responded, but without any further rational thoughts, I used the hand that he wasn't holding, to pull him back in for another kiss.

He didn't resist. In fact, this time I felt his tongue lick against my lips. Immediately, licked against his tongue and was delighted to feel him shudder and tighten his grip. Suddenly, loud applause startled us, causing us to pull apart from each other.

We stared at one another or a moment, before looking around us. People were standing and clapping loudly, and in another moment, I remembered where we were and realized the ceremony must have ended. The lights went on and people began to leave. I giggled and heard him chuckle beside.

"So, I guess we missed the finale." I same lamely, and I turned to face him.

He was as handsome as I'd seen in the dark, but damn if he wasn't even better looking in the bright lights. He had some adorable freckles that I hadn't noticed before, but it was the gleam in his eyes that were quickly doing me in.

"I much prefer our method of entertainment." He smirked, and it did things to me, deep in my belly.

For all intents and purposes, this man was a stranger. Yet, all I could think of, was not letting him go. I wanted a chance to know him more, and to see where this could lead. I had no idea if he felt the same way, but something in the way he looked at me, spoke volumes and was telling me this was not one-sided. Then, I had a thought …

"I'll take you home." I said, smiling at him but that made his smile seem to fall.

"I … No, that's okay." He told me, and his tone didn't match anything from that last few minutes.

"Why not ... I thought we …" I want to question him, ask if I'd misread him before, but he cut me off.

"I can get home just fine." He told me, turning his face away, and suddenly recognition dawned on me.

I knew that tone, even if it had been years since it had been directed at me, I knew it well. It was the tone my father used whenever he felt like he was imposing on me, or when he didn't want to feel like he needed someone's help. After that kiss, it was too easy forget that the man beside me was a vet soldier; one who's Attendants kept vanishing on. Instantly, I knew I had to remedy the situation, and I was well equipped on how to do so.

"My name is Clarke. Would you tell me your name?" I spoke calmly, and with a smile on my face.

It was almost too funny to see him whip his face towards me again, mouth agape. I was sure then, that almost as I had, he had indeed forgotten. Mind blowing kiss aside, we had yet to introduce ourselves.

"I'm Bellamy. I can't …" He sighed and then, finally he smiled back. "I can't believe I hadn't even asked your name. What the hell's the matter with me?" He joked, causing my smile to widen.

"Well Bellamy, I don't know about you, but I've never experienced something like tonight. I mean that. And before you get all I am he-man soldier man on me…" I said, and poorly imitated a manly voice, before continuing regularly.

"Not as a favor, or because I don't think you could manage on your own, and at the risk of coming off as a wanton hussy … I'd like to drive you home, because I'd really like to continue exploring this. What'd you call it? Oh, yes. I'd like to explore our new-found method of entertainment." I said and added a wink, for good measure.

His shocked face studied mine for about three seconds, before he burst out a loud laugh. When he looked back up at me wearing a warm smile, I knew my words had the desired effect. I didn't want him to think I pitied him in any way, or thought him incapable. I wanted him to know that despite being a vet soldier, in that moment, I truly saw him as a man that I wanted to get to know.

"Ok, Princess… take me home." He told me with that sexy smirk of his, his words were filled with promise and I couldn't wait.

"Sergeant Blake, I'm so glad I caught you … Clarke?" My mother's voice beside me, broke my eye contact with Bellamy just before we stood to leave.

I saw him look beyond me, to where I figured my mom was standing. My eyes shut for a second, as I fought a grimace from appearing on my face, then I turned my head towards her. I was trying to find the words, any words, to greet her, but she began talking.

"Hi Clarke, I didn't know you'd be here. Come to think of it, I didn't know you were an Attendant to anyone." She said with a weird look, I was about to correct her, but she looked away from me and smiled brightly to address Bellamy.

"I hope you enjoyed tonight's ceremony, Sergeant Blake. I'm Dr. Abby Griffin, head of our county's Military Attendants Program, and Military Awards Ceremonies… as well as Clarke's mom." She introduced herself, but I was Bellamy's eyes widen as they found mine. I smiled sheepishly, but my mom was still going.

"I believe you should have received my letter, naming you the Fortitude Award Recipient, for the Winter Award Ceremony. Clarke, as his Attendant, I'll need you to get back to me soon with your ideas for his award segment." She told me, then laid a hand tenderly on my shoulder before giving it a slight squeeze.

"Since you know all about this stuff, I'm sure anything you decide on will be fine. Sergeant Blake, you lucked out on a great Attendant. Bye, Sweetie." She said quickly, her voice sounding a bit off, then she walked way. Although I couldn't see her face, I know I didn't imagine her hand wiping at her face and then on the side of her hip. I just knew she was thinking of my time with Dad.

"Clarke?" Bellamy said softly, and I turned back to him. "So, I guess we skipped right to the meet the parent stage?" He tried to joke, but I could tell that he was trying to gage my reactions to my mother and everything she'd said.

"She thinks I'm your Attendant, and she didn't give me a chance to correct her." Were the only words that came to mind.

"I realized that … But Clarke, I can call her tomorrow. I'll clear the whole thing up." He told me, probably trying to reduce the look of apprehension that I was sure was evident on my face.

"But, your Attendant abandoned you… and you're up for the Fortitude Award … during the Winter Ceremony!" I exclaimed, hearing my voice getting louder.

"Yeah, to all three statements, but I fail to see the big deal. Like I said, I'll just call her tomorrow." He tried again, and I realized he wasn't understanding the reason for my reaction.

"Bell, the Fortitude Award is the final and most distinguished award of the night. The SA is responsible for organizing the entertainment segment during that ceremony. And more than that, yours will presented during the Winter Award Ceremony, which is also the end of the year Banquet." I told him, nerves creeping through my veins at the thought.

I looked at him, hoping he'd understand my apprehension. Although he seemed to understand how I was feeling and took my hands in his, I knew there was no way for him to know why I felt this way.

"The last time I made arrangements for a Fortitude Award Recipient, it was for my father. His was also set for the Winter Ceremony & Banquet. He passed away almost a week before that night. I still went to that ceremony and gave my speech for him. What was supposed to be a night of honor and celebration, I can only remember as one of my saddest nights, second only to the night he died." I explained, and felt a tear slide down one of my cheeks.

Bellamy was quick to wipe it away with the pad of his thumb. Then, he kissed my forehead tenderly.

"Gosh, Bellamy … I'm so sorry! I'm such a mess. We've barely met, had a hot make-out session, and now I am crying my eyes out while you comfort me." I sniffled forced a chuckle.

"Hot make-out huh?" He chuckled, and I felt my cheeks heat up. "As I recall, those were just kisses. I got more in my arsenal that you can't even imagine." He told me with a smirk, which made me laugh.

"I bet you do." I replied, feeling better after he'd lightened the mood again.

"In all honesty, Princess, I just don't want you to feel any pressure from your mom, okay? Put all the Attendant stuff out of mind, and let me figure it out. I'll also understand if you just want to trade numbers tonight. I'd love to get together, maybe have dinner, or anything you want." He told me, and I saw he genuinely meant every word.

I thought over everything he just said. Did I want to just trade numbers and see him again another night? I was positive I'd never met a man like him before, so I wasn't sure I was ready part with him just yet. I also tried to put the SA business aside, but it was hard. I kept getting flashes of memories of the last time I planned one. Then, I remembered his words earlier, about his SA never sticking around. Bellamy was up for a Fortitude Award, and that spoke very highly of the man. He didn't deserve the humiliation of others learning he'd been abandoned. He deserved a great ceremony… just like dad did.

"Bell, of all the ceremonies I've continued coming to since my dad passed, I have not attended a winter ceremony or banquet… since his. I want to think about that for a bit longer, before you call to clarify things with my mom." I told him, and I watched his eyes widen at the thought of me considering this.

"Princess, please don't worry about me. That should be that last thing on your mind. I can …" He told me, but I quickly cut him off with a quick kiss and slight bite on his bottom lip.

'I'm sure whatever you were about to say is true … but for now, Sergeant … I just want to take you home." I told him as flirtatiously as I could, to get my point across.

"Yes, Princess." He replied and mock-saluted me as he stood up, making me chuckle as I placed my hand in his.

He intertwined our fingers as we walked up the aisle, towards the exit. I quickly realized two things. Bellamy had a bit of a limp while he walked and we were the last people in the auditorium. I didn't bring up the first thing, but I did make a comment about being all alone, as we neared the door.

"Guess that means we can do whatever the hell we want." He replied, pressing me against the door frame with his tall and firm body, then his mouth descended upon mine in a passionately hungry kiss.

My arms wrapped around his neck, wanting to be closer to him. His strong arms tightened around waist. I was seconds away from lifting my legs to wrap around him too, when someone cleared their throat nearby, breaking the lust spell. The janitor stood smirking at us, so Bellamy and I untangled ourselves. I reached for his hand, just as he reached for mine, and we walked out of the building and I led him to my car.

Without another word spoken between us, I unlocked my car. He held the door open for me to get inside the driver's side, then walked to the passenger side and got in. I saw him smile and reach for the GPS on my dashboard. I assumed it was his address he entered, and then he placed his hand on my thigh. I smiled at him, and pulled out into the street. I followed the GPS instructions as directed, and drove in silence. All the while, he kept rubbing little circles against the skin of my thigh, making me crazy with want but I was sure I'd die if he stopped.

When I finally reached our destination, I looked at the townhouse before me. It was simple, and bare of any trees or yard decorations. I looked over to him, suddenly feeling a bit of nervousness after all the anticipation. He removed his hand from my thigh, only to reach for one of my hands that was gripping the steering wheel. He lightly tugged on my hand and brought it to his lips, then placed a kiss on it before setting it down and getting out of the car.

He came around to my side, and pulled the door open. He extended a hand, and I did not hesitate to place my hand in his. I was expecting him to help me out, but he tugged on me after I was standing, making my body into his. His hands slid under my butt and pulled me up, so I wrapped my legs around him like I had wanted to do before. He leaned me against the side of my car, and kissed my pressure point just behind my ear, which made my whole, entire body tingle.

"Thank you for driving me home, Princess." His voice was deep and rough just beside my ear and I swore he'd turned me into jelly.

I wanted to give a witty reply, but all that came out was a throaty moan of his name. He chuckled and set me back on my wobbly feet. Just as I was sure I could stand, he was leading me to his front door. As he reached for his keys to unlocked it, I hugged him from behind, feeling his tight abdomen and chest, and leaned my forehead against the center of his back while trying to regulate my breathing.

Once inside, he pressed me against the door in a dominating and heated his. I brought my arms up over his shoulders, and let my fingers tangle in the soft hair at the nape of his neck. That made him growl, and press against me more than he already was, which made me moan in response.

"What am I gonna do with you, huh Princess?" He muttered between hot and wet kisses as he dragged his mouth from one side of my neck, to the other.

"Whatever the hell you want, sounds good." I managed to respond between gasps and moans, bringing my hand between us to grab him and make my point clear. "Bedroom?" I asked, breathily.

He growled in response tearing his body from me, and all but dragging me down the hallway, as I followed with a wide grin on my face. This was shaping up to be a night, I was positive, I'd never forget.

A/N: If you don't already ship Bellarke, I hope this story will make you love them as much as I do! #BellarkeIsLife LOL!