Star Crossed Busniess Partners

Disclaimer: I don't own any of this.

Bellamy opened the door of the old fashioned elevator, the metal screeching in protest. That only made his headache worse and he pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment.

Long flights like the one he had just endured were always a bore without Clarke there. As soon as they left Ark, it was safe to be seen together so they could actually sit side by side on the flight. He would let her fall asleep against his arm and she would always banter with him over whatever movie was on screen. They once got into a screaming match over the Pacific Ocean. The only weird part had always been that everyone else thought she was his girlfriend; other passengers, air hostesses and even a pilot once. After a while, they just went with it. Really, it wasn't much of a surprise that "fake relationship" was their go to excuse.

With his one bag slung over his shoulder, Bellamy walked down the bright hallway until he reached the large double doors. He didn't even glance at the name printed on the glass as he pushed his way inside. Felling a bit more relaxed after such a long flight, he dumped the bag on a nearby leather couch and walked past the empty reception desk. The office was not officially open on a Sunday but the boys were always in the back room working away. When he reached the archway, he took in the familiar three desks and the large back window with a view of the Italian city. There was, however, the absence of any typing or monitoring computers.

"It is a matter of principle Monty!" Jasper shouted from his desk, "You cannot just go around eating another man's sandwich and expect no retribution!"

Monty glared at him from the other side of the room, looking very scary for a man with a mustard stain on his shirt. "It was my sandwich that I ordered from the restaurant and you took it from underneath my nose!"

"Where is your damn evidence?!"

Miller was the only one to spot Bellamy standing there but he made no move to alert his co-workers. Bellamy let them argue for another moment just because of pure exhaustion. Finally he snapped, "I swear, I am going to fire both of you and send you through the window."

Jasper and Monty, who had worked for him too long to be really scared of him, just jumped in their seats and looked at their boss. "Hey! What do you know about sandwich etiquette?" Jasper asked casually.

Bellamy folded his arms and stared at the three of them. "I am exhausted and hungry. Right now, I just want you to do your jobs; not argue about food."

Miller turned to his computer screen and glanced at the numbers that appeared. Jasper and Monty did not follow his example. "Seriously? We haven't seen you or Clarke in months and all we get is a "do your jobs?" No hello, how are you, can I buy you another sandwich?"

Bellamy strode down the walkway between the desks and sat down heavily on the comfy armchair in the corner. "It is not my fault that you guys get your lunches mixed up. Now I have just been on a cramped plane for too many hours and I would like to know why the hell I needed to be here so early."

Monty pouted slightly and turned back to his computer. "We should have said that both you and Clarke should come-you're never this grumpy when she's here."

Bellamy felt his breath hitch and he folded his arms tightly. He did not need a reminder of how Clarke affected him. They may have talked about that kiss but it was still popping up at random times in his brain. "Can you please just hurry up so I can shower and sleep for six hours?" he asked with a plea in his tone.

"You don't even know why we asked you to come?" Jasper protested but Miller shot him a disbelieving look across the room. "Yes, he does. We're worried about the Ark headquarters and the high increase in sales since we set up."

Jasper frowned at this, his eyes darting over to his computer screen. "Huh...guess I missed that part because of my despair over losing my sandwich..."

"Your sandwich?!"

Miller ignored them both and turned his screen around for Bellamy to see. The light from the window gave it a slight shine but Bellamy sat up and concentrated on the numbers. "They're really great figures, Miller-and I knew that. You wanted me to come in right after my flight to tell me good job on the business?"

Miller sighed and gritted his teeth. "Things are going a little too fast. Sales are always on the up, we're getting new clients every day and the international numbers are really holding up. The problem is that it's happening all at once. Don't you think it is going a little too well?"

Bellamy felt the headache kick back in and he folded his arm with a sigh. "Moving to Ark was always going to be the trickiest part of this whole plan and yet it's going beyond "well". I know that Murphy and Raven were thinking the same thing but we can't slow down. We have to keep going until both Blake and Griffin are done."

The three men in front of him seemed more uneasy and they refused to meet his gaze. "It's just-these are the two most successful companies that have existed in one city for decades. It can't be as easy as just...waltzing in and winning? Right?"

Uncertainty bubbled in Bellamy's gut; this had been exactly what he and Clarke had been talking about before. Everything was going too great; everything was a bit too quiet. Blake and Griffin did not just sit back and let other take what belonged to them. "Look, Clarke and I have already discussed this. We're worried about our family companies being up to something and we've been looking into it."

The boys looked at them expectantly but Bellamy shrugged. "We found nothing so far but that doesn't mean there's nothing there. If there is anything underhanded going on, it will be on the private computers of Abby and Cage. Clarke thought you guys might have something that could help us take a look at their files?"

Jasper's eyes lit up and he darted away from his desk like a bullet. "I have just the thing!" he said, as he started to rummage through the drawers in the corner cupboard. That was where he kept all his gadgets so Bellamy kept far away from it when he was in town.

Monty huffed slightly and said, "You know, I could just hack into their computers from nearby. That way we wouldn't even have to be in the building."

"Definitely not," Bellamy ordered, "Clarke and I found you when you were about to be arrested. The deal is you stay out of trouble and we give you a job."

Monty actually pouted and whined, "But Dad! I want to hack computers like all the other kids!"

Miller snorted and tried to hide his laugher but Jasper was all out chuckling. Bellamy could only shake his head. It was difficult to keep his three friends on the right side of the law sometimes. Granted, what he and Clarke were doing was barely legal but Miller, Jasper and Monty seemed like magnets for the authorities. At first, he hadn't been sure if they should hire them to run the tech side of Romulus; keeping an eye on all finances and their competitors. But Clarke had said who better to create the perfect tech team than the people who could break into any computer?

Jasper emerged from the cupboard holding two black discs. They were about the size of a small coin but Bellamy knew from experience that they were probably filled with enough technology to make his head spin. "All you and Clarke have to do is stick these to the bottom of the computers. Then we can give access all the files on those computers; we can send them onto you guys when we find something of interest."

Bellamy took the discs and turned them over his hands for a moment. He raised an eyebrow at Jasper and asked, "Are these things even legal?"

Jasper looked at him with slight confusion. "Why do you ask me questions that you already know the answer to?"

There had been more clicking away on keyboards while they had been plotting and then Miller spoke again. "Bellamy, did you see the news lately? There's been some fighting in Ark between Griffins and Blakes."

"There has always been fighting, Miller," Bellamy said with exhaustion in his voice.

Yet Miller shook his hand and looked at his screen. "I don't know...I've been keeping an eye on things and there has been a huge increase in street violence ever since Romulus set up."

Bellamy glanced at him and suddenly realised that he hadn't just been called in about the high sales. They were worried about the feud. "Listen, people are pissed with both companies because they've finally found a new one that has no baggage or bullshit. That caused unrest; which was exactly what we wanted?"

"You wanted over thirty people to end up in hospital during a pub brawl?" Miller questioned and that made Bellamy sit up.

He had heard of the brawl but thirty people? "Look, we know that the end game to help the people of Ark but they've always solved problems by throwing things through windows or shouting. You have to admit that you are stirring the pot to the extreme here," Miller reasoned.

Bellamy must have looked very concerned because Miller quickly added, "Not that I think we should stop or anything. I'm just saying that we should know the damage we're causing while we're trying to make a better life for everyone."

Bellamy bit the inside of his mouth and immediately wanted to call Clarke. How had they missed this? How had they not thought about how people would react to finally getting away from Griffin and Blake's clutches? Of course, there would be fighting. There would be some who would want to stay in the old ways of the rivalry while others would argue for leaving it behind. But they would still riot on the streets like they always have done. The boys were looking at him as if he knew the answers to all their problems so Bellamy sat up straight in the chair once more.

"The plan goes ahead; we can't change course now. All we can do is hope this city doesn't destroy itself until we finished what we set out to do." It was the only answer he had to give to them; not that it made him feel any better.

The club was packed to the rafters; the air was humid and smelt like beer and fruity cocktails. Clarke wrinkled her nose as another person tried to shove past her to get to the bar. "Where are you going? I'm literally right in front!" she thought to herself but managed to keep cool.

She really didn't know how her work friends managed to get her to come to Grounders, the busiest club in the city on a Saturday night. A few hours ago, she had just been typing away at her desk, thinking about the movie marathon she had planned for the night. It was a number of historical films that irritated Bellamy because they were inaccurate and she was going to send him constant updates to annoy him. That was fun right? Well, it was to her. Clarke had left the club scene long ago and she was more selective about who she spent her time with. But Monroe and the other girls had swung by her office and demanded that she come out for at least one hour before they were all going to be working hard Monday morning.

Griffin had just landed a fairly big deal to build the new sports stadium. It would be all hands on deck for the next few months yet Clarke had felt uneasy ever since he heard the news. Her mother had mentioned nothing about getting the stadium and Clarke was sure that they didn't have the financial backing to support it. It made her itch to take a look at Abby's computer. Maybe it was better that she had gotten out of the building for the night.

After grabbing the two drinks, Clarke shoved her way past the dancers to the VIP area. All the girls from work were there and they seemed to be having a great time. They cheered when they saw her and she handed Monroe her drink.

"You know," Harper shouted over the music, "I heard a rumour that Clarke could really handle her shots back in the day."

Clarke looked slightly offended and she replied, "Back in the day? I'm the same age as you!"

"But you're so serious!" Monroe quipped, "Would it hurt for you to have some fun?"

I'm fun, Clarke thought to herself. It was not her fault that these girls never saw her that way. "Shots are not fun; they are always mistakes. Mark my words," she advised but the girl brushed off her advice. They had just ordered a round of said shots when Monroe practically punched Clarke in the arm.

"Woah, Blake at three o'clock," she hissed and they all spun around.

Octavia Blake had just marched into the club with a group of people behind her. Clarke frowned at their unfamiliar faces. Octavia may give off the image of a party girl but Clarke had seen the real her. Lincoln was her best friend and she talked the most to people she knew who lived in his city. It was as if Octavia was just waiting until she could leave Ark and finally live her own life. These partying strangers were just people who clung to her to get into the VIP section. At least Clarke knew that Octavia was aware of all this; a fierce protective instinct came out in her for the younger girl. Wow, she had been spending too much time with Bellamy. Octavia seemed to ignore her completely, even though her group clearly spotted the Griffin party.

"I know we hate them and everything but this is a new dress and I can't have it damaged in a brawl," Harper said and the other girls turned their backs on the Blakes. Clarke however, could not keep still or relax. She did not want to be there and she certainly did not want to be reminded of this feud. The hot air, the noise and the general uncomfortable energy got too much and Clarke quickly stood.

"I'm going to the bathroom," she yelled at Monroe but the other girl seemed to just wave at her. Clarke sighed and made her way down the brightly lit hallway to the private bathroom. The attendant smiled at her as she passed but Clarke was glad to get five minutes to herself as she turned the corner. She had just finished washing her hands and flatting out her stray blonde hairs when there was a knock on the door.

Clarke yelled out, "Just a second!" but the person knocked again, with more determination this time. Rolling her eyes, Clarke dried her hands and went to unlock the door. But when she saw Octavia standing there with a cheeky grin, she froze.

"Octavia, what-."

Octavia simply pushed past her and shut the door again quickly. "Damn Clarke, for a girl who can keep a relationship a secret you have bad reflexes."

"What are you doing? People can't see us together in public O. It's already tense out there for our groups to be in the same building."

Octavia just shrugged away her worries and fixed her make up in the expensive mirror. "Relax Clarke. Those people I came with are happy that I got them into the VIP section so they won't care where I go. And I thought you said you didn't have that many friends? Are you friend cheating on me Griffin?"

Clarke couldn't help but laugh and she leaned against the marble sink. "They're just some people from work; they like me well enough but I am still the boss's daughter. They won't notice that I'm gone."

Octavia bumped her hip with her own and gave her a smile. "Well, that is why we are such good friends. Why party with a bunch of strangers when we can bitch about them in the bathroom?"

Clarke laughed again but even she could tell it sounded bitter. Octavia gave her a questioning stare and Clarke found herself shrugging. Talking to Octavia was become more like talking to Raven; comfortable and outside the realm of this feud.

"I don't know O. Do you ever just get...exhausted of playing this part? Being this person that you don't even know?" Octavia pulled herself onto the fancy counter and pondered her question.

"You mean, pretending to care about the feuds and business and generally the opinions of other people? Yah, kinda sucks. But I have Lincoln and a future that does not involve this city or Blake. That is what keeps me going most days. And you have Bellamy."

Clarke paused at this, something in her chest sparking. She did have Bellamy. Ever since she had met him, really met him, she had felt like a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders. It was like, for the first time in her life, she did not have to be the Griffin daughter. He didn't mind if she was grumpy or upset; he was actually the first person since her dad and Wells that she did not have to play a part for. It was very freeing.

"Yes," she replied softly, "I do have Bellamy. And you."

Octavia tapped her long nails off the counter and beamed at her. "Yup, you are stuck with two stubborn Blakes, my friend. Speaking of, how has the past two days been without Bellamy? Do you miss him?"

Clarke gave her a narrowed stare and she said, "I think you are focused way too much on our relationship. Sometimes I think you're collecting info for a scrapbook or something." Octavia rolled her eyes and kept prodding her.

"Come on, you miss him!" Clarke felt her face turning red and Octavia spotted it. "I knew it! Be honest, how often have you been texting him?"

Nearly every hour plus video chats.

"Um...I don't know. Once or twice a day, maybe?"

Octavia raised an eyebrow and said, "If I checked your phone right now, would it tell me you're a liar?"

"Ok, alright! Maybe more than once or twice," Clarke grumbled, and Octavia actually squealed. "You two are just so cute! But in like an adult cool way. I can totally see you guys making pancakes for each other while you argue about who takes out the trash. Adorable."

Well, he has made her pancakes before.

"It must be cool to be able to go back and forth to each other's places without worrying if I'm going to pop up."

"What?" Clarke asked, with a slight frown.

"I mean, Bell never has anyone he doesn't really like over to his place; it's like his own space you know. So really, I'm the only one other than you who must go over there on a regular basis. It must have sucked trying to hide any trace of yourself in your boyfriend's apartment."

Clarke blinked at her but then nodded quickly. "Oh yes, it was kind of inconvenient. But that's not a problem now."

"I know," Octavia said happily, "Bell must be tripping over your stuff these days. And don't let him annoy you about those history books of his-they really don't need to be in perfect order on the shelf."

Clarke laughed along with her but her brain was too busy panicking. Once again, Octavia was right. She should be comfortable in Bellamy's apartment, just like he should be at her place. Oh, they had so much work to do.

She and Octavia managed to part ways without being seen together. There was a tense moment when Octavia waved at her behind the attendant's back but Clarke managed to keep a straight face. Bellamy had been right about his sister; she really did not care what people thought of her.

Clarke returned to the girls but another hour later, they barely noticed when she said she was heading home. In the cab, her phone dinged with a message from Bellamy. She did not grin and turn red, nope. She was just a little overheated. He wanted to video chat and she sent back a yes by the time she was at her building. She knew that Italy was a couple of hours ahead so it might be early morning there. He was an early riser so she gave it little thought.

Her feet ached as she pushed her door open and she had her heels kicked off by the time it was closed again. The sparkly dress came off as did her make up and she snuggled up in sweats and an old jumper. Her phone rang just as she climbed into her warm bed.

"I hate my shoes," she grumbled to Bellamy as he face appeared on her screen. He looked about as tiered as she was, only there were rays of soft yellow light shining on his face.

"Morning to you too Princess," he said, his voice low and raspy.

"It's still night here," she replied, "What are you doing up that early?"

Bellamy shrugged and she could see the pillows beneath his head. "I couldn't sleep much; my brain won't stop working."

Clarke settled down against her headboard with a frown. "What do you mean? I thought the meetings went really well? And you're flying home tomorrow. Or today for you I guess."

Bellamy gave her a quick grin but he looked so serious. "The boys told me something after I landed and it's be bothering me. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry."

"Well, now I'm freaking out. What is it?"

Bellamy sighed and licked his dry lips before speaking. "There's been a rise in violence ever since Romulus set up. Ark has always been like this with fights and brawls but...people are really getting hurt Clarke. I think it's because of us."

Clarke slumped against her pillows and closed her eyes tightly. Of course. Why hadn't they considered this before? "People are getting free from Griffin and Blake. They're finally able to say and do what they want."

"Not to mention that there are people still loyal to both sides so they pick fights with the people who have gone to Romulus. Everything is getting to a breaking point."

"What are we going to do about it?"

"What can we do about it? Ask them can they please stop ripping each other's throats out?" Bellamy grumbled.

She watched as he rubbed his eyes and tried to stay awake. "We can't be responsible for what people chose to do Princess. Just like how we can't stop them from fighting this feud in our names. We have to remember the end game in all of this."

Clarke found herself nodding and not for the first time in nearly three days, she wished he was with her. It was a strange feeling for her and she knew that it must be because of this fake relationship. It was the only explanation she could come up with. It wasn't like she had always had such affection for Bellamy right? Yah, it was just the game they were playing.

"So, have you talked to my sister recently? She's been missing some of my calls."

Clarke smiled at his worried tone. "She's fine; you know how she is with her phone. I talked to her tonight actually. She snuck into the bathroom with me at Grounders. That girl really has little fear."

Bellamy frowned at her through the screen and he said, "You were at Grounders? I thought that wasn't your scene anymore."

Clarke huffed and shot back, "I can be fun! I can go to nightclubs."

Bellamy actually started to laugh and it was a moment before he replied. "I know you can be fun-you nearly drank me under the table at the bar in London, remember?"

Clarke groaned as those memories came back to her. Or the lack of memories. "Yah, I remember some of that night."

"I certainly do. I have to carry your ass back to the hotel-as your drunken mind told you to go swimming in the Thames."

Clarke shoved her face into her pillow as Bellamy's laughter rumbled out of the phone. It was as if the sound of his voice made all the weariness disappear from her body. She stopped feeling so drained and lonely by Bellamy telling her what a crazy drunk she is.

"I missed you."

It slipped out before she knew it, hanging in the air with such razor sharp clarity that it hurt. Her phone was still in her hand but it was resting on the other pillow and although she knew Bellamy could see her, she did not dare look at the screen. Clarke swallowed carefully and prepared an explanation when Bellamy finally spoke.

"I missed you too. I'll be back by tomorrow."

Clarke finally looked up and saw him staring at the screen, his bottom lip caught between his teeth. "Octavia thinks my stuff is all over your apartment," she blurted out, trying not to remember how her lip had once been between those teeth.

Bellamy blinked slowly, as if trying to absorb her words. "What? Did she say that tonight?" "Yah, she thinks now that she knows we're together, we don't need to "hide all our stuff out of sight" or something? Why does she think of these things before we do?"

"It's might be because she's a mastermind," Bellamy grumbled, before turning his head to grab his watch. Clarke could see it in the corner of the screen and Bellamy huffed. "Alright, I need to catch a least some sleep before I get my flight. When I get back we can figure out the whole apartment thing. I'll text you when I land?"

"Sounds good. Goodnight...or good morning." Bellamy chuckled again and hung up, leaving Clarke staring at a blank screen.