We sat there for so long that Octavia eventually cried herself to exhaustion and fell asleep. Hearing the deep breathing even out, I shifted a bit and made us more comfortable, but kept her in my arms. I knew on an intuitive level that Octavia needed that contact. And knowing that I would be here a while, I leaned my head back and closed my eyes. Feeling my own exhaustion pulling me down.

I don't know how long I slept, but a knock on the camp side roused me. I blinked a few times until everything came into focus and looked to see Clarke looking back at me nervously. I motioned her inside. She came in but left the cloth open to let the last of the daylight seep in.

Noticing who I had in my arms, her eyes widened in shock, "Is that…"

I nodded, smiling down at the sleeping brunette, "Yeah. I went for a walk—"

"You went for a walk?! You just woke up from blood loss and getting stabbed, Harlee," Clarke glared down at me. "You need to rest and recover. A stab wound is way more serious than cat scratches. What if you had torn your stitches, huh? You could have bled out. And I bet you were alone, too. Do you have any sense of self-preservation?!"

"Clarke," I harshly spoke, but still mindful of Octavia asleep, "it was a walk. There's nothing strenuous about walking. If I had done what I wanted to do, you'd still be patching people up, and I'd be bleeding out. I needed to calm down without putting anyone in danger. Clarke, I'm not like other people. Besides quickly healing, I am violent when I'm upset. By taking that walk, I was acting in everyone's best interests, including my own."

Clarke seemed to deflate and crouched down, "Will you at least let me take a look and make sure that you haven't torn any of your stitches?"

"No," I replied. "I didn't tear any, and besides, I'm not moving any time soon while Octavia is sleeping against me."

"What happened to her anyway," Clarke asked, accepting my refusal, albeit reluctantly.

"Octavia's had an emotional couple of days," I answered, stroking the brunette's back soothingly. "And Bellamy's the root cause."

Running a hand through her hair in frustration, Clarke said, "I don't know what to do about him, Harlee. I know that I can't let what he did slide. He nearly killed you and hurt Raven. I know that he's been an asshole with his whole 'whatever the hell we want' mantra. And I know that he doesn't want the Ark to come down, but why? And are these all connected?"

"I can answer those questions, Clarke," I said, gazing over at her. "I wanted to talk with you, Wells, and Raven about that. And a couple of other things. I think it might be a good idea to talk about them before you speak with the Council."

"Are you better," Clarke asked, regarding me through serious blue eyes.

I nodded, "I am. The walk and speaking with Octavia helped. So, now would probably be a good time. I also think that Octavia needs to hear this too. Even after all he's done, Bellamy is still her brother."

Clarke nodded and stood up with a groan, "Then I'll go and bring them here."

"Thank you," I quietly replied. "Clarke, I'm not used to this. I'm not good at connecting with people outside sex. But I'm trying. Just try and be patient with me."

Clarke smiled, walked over, kneeled in front of me and took my chin in her hand, "I can see that, Harlee. And I think you're doing okay connecting with people. If you weren't, I doubt Octavia would've been comfortable falling asleep curled up in your arms. No matter how exhausted she was. You don't give yourself enough credit, Harlee."

I blushed and tried to duck my head, but Clarke held firm. Clarke chuckled at my attempt and then leaned in to kiss me. It was soft, quick, and chaste. There was nothing sexual about the kiss. And I felt nothing but the message she was conveying. Reassurance.

Clarke smiled a few inches from my face, stroking her thumb against my bottom lip, and softly said, "I think that underneath this tough guy act, you have a huge heart, Harlee. I hope that one day, you dare to show the world."

I couldn't help it, I snorted. Not because I found it an incredulous idea, but rather, it was an echo of what Ben had just got done telling me. Or rather, reminding me.

Clarke backed up her head in surprise, and I reached up to removed her hand to shake my head in mirth.

"Clarke, I don't think the world would survive if it knew," I said, squeezing her hand in thanks. "But I think it'll be okay when I find people that are important to me to know the truth behind your words. For now, let the world fear me so that I can find those people, hmm?"

Clarke huffed, smiling as she stood up, "You are something else, Harlee. I'll be back with the others."

"We'll still be here," I replied, smiling up at her.

"You better be," Clarke said as she walked out of the hut.

"Did you guys have to kiss over me," Octavia grumbled as she sat up away from me and rubbed her eyes.

I chuckled, "Hey, that wasn't my idea. That was pure Clarke. And it's not like it was a deep kiss or anything like that. It was quick. Chaste."

Octavia grimaced as she crawled off my lap to stand up and stretch, "It's still gross. Like what I imagine, a Mom and Dad do in front of their kids."

I used the wall behind me to push myself up, grimacing as pain shot through my stomach, "We are not the Mom and Dad, and you are not our kid. And anyway, I don't see Clarke like that. At all."

"Then what was with all the flirting and stuff," Octavia asked, starting to gather wood for a fire.

"That was me messing with her and trying to initiate something more," I replied, moving to the hidden entrance. "Can you start a fire without burning the place down?"

Octavia looked up at me from the wood, "Yeah, why?"

"I haven't eaten in two days, and I need something more substantial than whatever's available in the camp. Since we're going to reveal Lincoln, I figure we might as well take advantage of it and get some real food. Unless you want nuts and berries," I said, opening the entrance up.

"No! No, real food sounds good," she hastily replied. "You think Lincoln's out there right now?"

I looked over my shoulder at her and saw the look of excitement and something else on her face, and I smirked, "Yes, and no, you're not coming. He's going to be in enough trouble for escorting you around already; we don't need to make it worse. Unlike you, I can move unseen."

Octavia pouted, "Not fair. You've had more time to practice."

I smirked, halfway in and out the entrance, "Only because I left camp while you stayed pouting. But don't worry, you'll get your chance to learn. That's something I can promise you. Okay?"

Octavia sighed and then nodded, "Okay."

"Good. I won't be long," I said and ducked out of the entrance, closing it behind me.

I stepped far enough away from that camp that I didn't feel its oppressive structure behind me then whistled. In less than a couple of heartbeats, Avil dropped down from the trees and immediately kneeled before me.

"Oh, get up, skrishmelon," I said, rolling my eyes. "You didn't fail me, and you don't need to offer your life to make amends. It is only because you listened to Ben that I am alive, Avil."

"But—" Avil began to argue, not daring to look up at me.

I pulled him up by his arm, "But nothing, Av. There was no way either of us could have predicted Belomi was that much of a coward. But rest assured, I will make sure that the boy comes to our hands for the attempt on my life. Now, stop your arguing. I don't have much time."

"Sha, Heda," Avil replied and looked at me expectantly.

"There has been a development. It seems that Okteivia has found her way to Linkon kom Trikru. I intend to make the most of it. I am about to meet with Klark, Wels, en Reivon to discuss Belomi and reveal that I know more than I have let on. Linkon is essential to this new narrative. So one, make sure that Onya does not harm him too badly. I need him to be able to meet with Okteivia for this to work. And two, I am starving so please, go and fetch us some dinner. Enough to feed five. Oh, and something to drink besides my mead Ben gifted me with."

Avil grinned, "Sha, I know how protective you are of your mead, Lee. Is there anything else?"

I shoved Avil's shoulder and glared at him, "I am not that bad, but yes. Make it known to all the scouts that Okteivia is to be allowed the freedom to move in the forest. I have a feeling she will only be traveling to Linkon's cave, but she is impulsive. If she gets close to our camps or the villages, have her gently steered away."

"Then I will go and do as you requested, Wocha," Avil said, nodding. "I will leave the food and drink outside the entrance."

"Mochof, Av. I need to get back," I replied, walking back. "Thank you, Av, for making sure that I survived."

"Always, Lee. Always," Avil said in return.

I entered the hut silently to find Octavia studying the skins, making me smirk. Once I had closed the entrance, I walked up to her and leaned over her shoulder, "You know it's rude to go through other people's belongings, Octavia."

Octavia jumped several feet in the air and tossed the skins against the wall. They hit it with a thud but did not break as they fell to the ground. Octavia spun, glaring at me as she clutched her chest.

"Don't fucking do that, Harlee," Octavia screeched as she groped her way back to the closest wall to find support. "Goddamn, I think I lost a few years."

I chuckled and retrieved the skins from where they had fallen and set them on a small shelf along the back wall. When I turned, she had returned to sitting on my bedroll, glaring at me, and still clutching her chest.

"You should know better than to be nosy. Especially with someone who a few hours ago had a knife to your throat," I admonished her as I joined her on the bedroll. "If you want to know what something is, simply ask."

"Fine," she grumbled. "What's in those pouches?"

"The green one is to help me sleep without nightmares. It's potent and addictive so, I can't drink it more than a few days. The other is a honey mead. Alcohol made from an extract bees make. It's sweet but can get you drunk quickly. I wouldn't recommend drinking it on an empty stomach," I replied.

"Nightmares," Octavia questioned, looking worried.

I nodded, "Speaking about my past with you and Clarke have brought them back. I woke from one earlier, which was why I was walking through the forest. Lincoln knows a bit, and when the other scouts told him, he offered it to me with the warnings."

"How did—wait did you say, scouts," Octavia looked at me in surprise.

I sighed and nodded again, "Yes. I told you we were being observed, Octavia. Scouts observe, but I'll explain more when the others get here."

Octavia nodded though she pouted slightly, "Okay, then back to my question. How did the scouts know you had a nightmare?"

I blushed slightly, "I was very loud, waking up. And then when I was walking, I was mumbling, I guess. They overheard what I was saying."

"But why tell Lincoln," Octavia asked, but she was interrupted by a knock on the camp side of my hut.

"You can come in," I called out, and we watched as first Clarke, Wells, but no Raven.

I couldn't hide the disappointment I felt not seeing Raven, so I quickly ducked my head, but not quick enough to keep Clarke from noticing. Clarke crouched beside me and nudged me with her shoulder, making me look up. She had my bag in her hands.

"Raven still had a few bugs to work out on the radio," Clarke said, a sad and understanding smile on her face. "But she wanted me to give you this. Everything's in there."

I nodded and took it from her, setting it behind her, "Thank you."

"Hey, just give her some time, Harlee," Clarke quietly said. "We've never seen you like that, and it scared the shit outta us."

I sighed, "I know, and I'm sorry."

"I've already forgiven you, and so has Wells," she replied, gesturing to the boy who stood awkwardly at the door.

Seeing the gesture, he stepped forward and nodded, "Yeah, Harlee. There's nothing to forgive. I may not understand, but it's not as uncommon here as you think."

"Thank you, Wells," I replied. "I still feel shitty about it. But I want you to know that I wasn't angry at you. I was angry at myself because I opened up about myself. The nightmare was a result of that. I haven't thought or spoken of my past in years. I guess there's still a lot of pent up things that need to be dealt with."

Wells nodded and sat down by the fire, "Yeah, trauma of any kind can lead to that kind of response. As I said, there's nothing to forgive, and you don't have to explain any more than you have."

I warmly smiled at him, "Thank you. You're a pretty good guy, Wells. I'm trying to figure out how you ended up with a father like Jaha. Just speaking to him, and I could tell he's an asshole."

Wells chuckled, "I can't disagree with you there, Harlee. He wasn't always like that. I think losing my mother hurt him more than he'll ever admit. He just wasn't the same afterward."

I nodded, "I'll take your word for it. But, I guess we should get down to it, yeah? We've got a lot to talk about. What should we start with?"

Clarke settled next to me and replied, "How about we start with where you've been, Octavia? And why you look like you took a tumble down a hill."

Octavia swallowed nervously and looked to me. I just nodded encouragingly, and she took a deep breath.

"Well, you see, it all started the night the pod fell," Octavia began, and I drowned her out as my thoughts returned to Raven.

I had a feeling that there was another reason Raven didn't come. That I was the reason. I had seen the hurt and pain behind her anger as I stared her down. As I turned my anger on her. If there was one thing I was good at besides killing. It was turning people against me. However, it was rare that anyone ever saw the full force of my anger. I hated myself for turning the anger I felt for myself onto Raven. Since the moment I laid eyes on her, I had felt something stir, and suddenly those ancient sonnets and poems I had read as a child gained meaning. From the moment I had discovered where my attraction lay, I had never felt anything close to what I felt with Raven. It was like I could suddenly breathe or like I hadn't been living. Not until I saw Raven. Then she had opened her eyes, and it was the explosion you see when two great objects collide. Both awe-inspiring and frightening. And by the Gods, did it frighten me. I felt inadequate, unworthy standing next to her. For the first time, all my confidence fled to leave me a bumbling fool who relied on muscle memory to get through our conversations.

And when I had seen Bellamy strike Raven, my heart seized in fear. Even as my sight began to fade, and my body begged me to rest, I fought through it all just to stand. I know why, and it wasn't because he was hurting an innocent person. No, far from it. I fought through the pain and death creeping on me for her. For Raven. I prayed to the Gods that if I should die, give me the strength to save Raven. Because Raven is special. Raven is worth more than my life. And the Gods granted me that strength and Raven still lives. And that was all that mattered to me. It still matters to me. And that's why I had to make it right between us. Even if nothing ever came out of knowing her, Raven matters.

I was drawn out of my thoughts by a familiar bird call near the back wall of the hut. I blinked a few times before getting up. That attracted the attention of everyone, but for a moment, I ignored them. I drew open the entrance and stepped through. Avil was waiting for me with a smile and his arms full. I rolled my eyes at the bounty but gave him my thanks and walked back inside.

"Holy—" Octavia giddily exclaimed as Clarke burst out with, "What is all this?"

I smirked, set down the bounty, and turned back to close the entrance. I carried it all over and sat down, setting everything up as Clarke and Wells stared at me expectantly.

"Well," Clarke demanded, glaring at me suspiciously.

I handed her a bowl and shrugged, "I know Lincoln too."

Clarke took the bowl, "How?"

"I saved his life," I casually replied, smirking internally at how easily Clarke was getting flustered.

"We need more than that," Clarke said after taking her first bite and moaning at the flavor. "Oh, God, this is so good. What is this?"

I peered down in the bowl I was making, "Um, Venison and vegetable stew, I think."

"Fuck me," Octavia said, stuffing her mouth with stew and continuing to talk. "Is this what food is supposed to taste like?"

I chuckled, "It is when you know what to look for and how to cook. As to Lincoln and me, my saving his life created a life debt. Basically, until he saves my life or the equivalent, he sorta has to watch out for me. And since he's a nice guy, he felt that teaching me to survive is part of that. In return, I trade him most of what I hunt. Besides teaching me how to hunt better and identify mutated plants, he's been teaching me about his culture and people."

Realization dawned on Wells' face, "That's why you wanted to talk to us before we spoke with the Council. We need to know what we're dealing with before mucking things up even more than we have."

I nodded and broke off a piece of bread that had been included. Handing it to him, I said, "Right. And from what I've heard about the people and Council on the Ark, there's going to be problems. Mainly everyone's superiority complex. That shit won't go down well with the locals. Especially not their main leader or the leader of the people Lincoln belongs too."

"Hold on. There's more than one leader," Clarke asked, confused.

I nodded and began breaking down the clans and culture. I was interrupted plenty of times during the conversation. The hardest part was keeping the information vague while still informative. I kept having to reiterate that there were language barriers even though that would only happen in villages among the commoners. Which is not something I shared with them.

"You're right," Wells sighed, setting his bowl aside and leaning his elbows on his knees. "Even as you've explained things, I kept thinking that the Grounders are primitive. But just because they don't use technology to the level we do or use weapons like we do, it doesn't mean that they are. It sounds like their society is just drastically different from ours. This is definitely going to cause issues during any negotiations between the Council and their leader, the Commander."

"It's not just the Commander they have to worry about," I said. "It's the clan leaders too. Can they guarantee where they'll land?"

Wells scratched his head as he thought, "In theory, yes. But the problem is we're dealing with equipment several centuries old that has barely been maintained. I mean, we were meant to land closer to Mount Weather, but ended twenty miles off course."

I mulled his words over and replied, "This means that even though they could aim for spots around the dropship, they could still end up anywhere along clan lands. Even landing in the ocean."

"Right, but that's not the only issue," Clarke pointed out. "The main problem will be convincing the Council that they don't have the right to the land they come down on. That they're going to have to negotiate for it. From what it sounds like, the moment the Ark acts hostile, this Commander will act in kind. Just to protect the people."

I nodded, "You're not wrong. There's something else too. We need to convince the Council that aligning with Mount Weather is a certified death wish. If the Commander sees them heading in that direction, Lincoln's people will attack."

The three of them grimaced as Wells said, "I can't even think where aligning ourselves with people who create monsters like you described the Reapers is a good move. I mean, kidnapping, killing, and turning the Grounders is just wrong. Why are they even doing all of it?"

I shrugged, "Anyone that's ever gotten caught by the Mountain Men has never returned. Those that do, well, they'll kill their family and friends without a second thought. Lincoln's said that the Mountain releases the acid fog anytime a large enough group gets too close."

"It's like they kept all the evil that humans can do alive in that mountain," Octavia said with a shudder. "Acid fog, Reapers. Chemical warfare and human experimentation. That's just evil."

Clarke and Wells agreed, then Clarke grimaced, "You know we're going to have to manipulate your dad, Wells."

Wells nodded and sighed in defeat, "I know. But if we don't want war as soon as they land, we're going to have to."

"I think that's something left up to you two," I said. "Since you know them best."

"Don't remind me," Clarke groaned. "Was that everything you know about the Grounders?"

I nodded and finished the stew in my bowl, "Yes. Anything new on Bellamy?"

"He's still unconscious," Clarke sighed. "I think the difference between the two of you is your genetics. If you didn't have the healing factor, you'd still be out too."

I nodded, "That's most likely true. But what are you going to do when he wakes up?"

"Can we talk about what happened between you two first," Clarke asked.

"I suppose," I said. "When Bellamy got to the pod, we talked. About Octavia since he had attacked me the night before over her. I asked him why he showed up by himself, but he gave half-answers and became defensive when I pushed. I finally got him to admit that he shot Jaha, which I had already heard from Raven. Anyway, there was a lot of back and forth until I thought I had convinced him that there were other alternatives. Something besides condemning an entire people to die. But when we neared the pod, he attacked me from behind. I heard just enough to turn, but it wasn't enough to stop him from stabbing me. He banged me against the pod a couple of times, dazing me. Then when he opened the hatch, Raven did what I told her. She stabbed him, and they fell out. But she turned back instead of running. That's when he grabbed and tossed her to the ground. I started to get up, grabbing a rock when he started to kick her. I hit him in the head before he could kick her a third time. After that, it's rather irrelevant."

"What alternatives did you suggest," Wells asked.

"I told him that he could turn over the name of the guy who put him up to it," I replied. "Get a pardon that way. Or I said he could simply leave. When the Ark comes down, they're not going to have the manpower or time to go chasing after him."

He nodded, "Either would have worked. Dad would be eager to get the name of the person who tried to have him killed. Did Bellamy tell you?"

I nodded, "Some guard member. Shumway, I think."

"So, everything that he's done. From convincing everyone to take their bands off to his 'whatever the hell we want' mantra has been nothing but an attempt to escape the death penalty," Wells stated. "It had nothing to do with freeing ourselves from the oppressive laws of the Ark."

"Bellamy," Octavia spoke, sneering at the word, "was willing to kill innocent people. Hundreds of innocent people because he was too scared to face what he'd done. I may not like the Council, and I certainly hate Jaha, but I would never agree to something like that. That isn't my brother. Whoever that is in the dropship isn't the brother that raised me."

Seeing the hurt and anger radiating off Octavia, I pulled her to me. Wrapping an arm as she buried her head in my shoulder, seeking comfort.

I sighed and looked at Clarke and Wells, "I think you need to remember that at every step, Bellamy made a conscious decision. He could have said no. He could have turned Shumway over to Jaha. He could have confessed and worked with the two of you to get a pardon. He could have simply left though he probably wouldn't have without Octavia. But he didn't. Instead, he chose himself over everyone else. Bellamy's even tried to convince the camp that we need to fight the Grounders. He's proven that he can convince people to do things that, in the long run, are detrimental to the camp. He's a liability to the safety of these people. Imprisoning him won't be enough to stop him. But because we all lived, I can't advocate for his death. As much as I want it."

I felt Octavia shift her head, I looked down, and she was looking at Clarke, "His life isn't worth more than ours, Clarke. And you need to show everyone here that you're not like the Council. By punishing Bellamy for what he did to Harlee and Raven, you're showing that no one person is more important than the other. That we're all equal. And Harlee's right, it's risky to keep him here."

"That leaves only one real solution then," Clarke sighed. "We force him to leave camp. We banish him. Everything he's done has been for his own benefit and not the camp's. And we can't trust that it won't continue."

"I could live with that," I said, while inside knowing it would be perfect. Allowing my men to exact their justice for the attempt on my life. If it had been an accident, that would have been different. My men would have accepted it. Except, it wasn't. It had been deliberate and done without a chance for me to defend myself. It had been a cowardly act. And for that, Bellamy must pay.

Octavia looked up at me, "I thought you wanted to tie him to a post and cut him until he died?"

Clarke and Wells choked in shock.

"You did what," Clarke finally got out after sputtering for a minute.

I shrugged, "I was still angry. I told you I'm violent when I'm upset. But I'm calmer now, and I'd be satisfied with banishment. As a bonus, it gives Bellamy exactly what he wants. Freedom from the Council's laws. You can't punish the man if he isn't here."

"But that leaves him at the mercy of the Grounders," Wells pointed out.

"And if he stays, he could end up starting a war with the Grounders," I countered. "Better one life than the camp. Even after the pod's arrival, Lincoln's orders haven't changed. Observe and report. I have a feeling that he'll warn me if they do change."

"Then I think it's settled," Clarke said, leaning back a bit. "We manipulate Jaha into staying friendly with the Grounders, and we banish Bellamy for the attempted murder of Harlee and Raven."

"It's fair," Wells replied, as he thought. "But we wait until Bellamy's well enough to travel. Until then, we keep him restrained and locked on the third level. As for my father, we should plan a contingency to make sure certain information is released to the public. It'll keep him from laying out false promises."

Clarke nodded, frowning slightly, "Yeah. Raven's already said that she can get the radio to broadcast Ark-wide. We don't let it slip that we can do that, and use threats for now. It'd be great if we had someone Ark-side to make sure, but even if my mother's still alive, I don't trust her. Aunt Callie might, but I don't know if I'll be able to talk to her without Jaha or Kane present."

"I think you guys are delving into a conversation that neither Octavia nor I need to be a part of," I said. "And it's getting late. Talk amongst yourselves to get figure things out and start laying the groundwork in the morning."

Clarke looked over me with concern, "Are you feeling okay? Is your stomach starting to hurt too much?"

"It's been a long day, Clarke," I said with a soft smile. "My pain level isn't any more or less what it has been. Plus, I can't go to sleep until I try to talk to Raven."

"Alright," Clarke agreed. "Come on, Wells. We can continue this in my tent."

He stood up, stretching, "Sounds good. We'll keep you informed, Harlee. You've been a big help and deserve that."

I nodded and nudged Octavia, "Thank you. I'll stop by your tent in the morning, Clarke. That way, you can change my bandage and check the stitches."

Clarke nodded, having already joined Wells at the entrance, "Just wait until the sun has already risen. I know you like to be up before dawn."

I chuckled, "Okay. Then I'll see you tomorrow."

With a wave, they left. I sighed and started making another bowl. This one specifically for Raven. Octavia wrapped her arms around her legs and watched me. I glanced over and saw a pensive look on her face.

"What is it, Octavia," I asked.

"Do you think I should continue to see Lincoln," Octavia asked, looking at me.

I shrugged, "It's up to you what you do, Octavia. But from what I learned about him, he's a good guy. It wouldn't hurt to set up something like I have with him. You can learn a lot from him. And until I'm healed, I can't do much of anything. I'm going to be stuck in the camp for the foreseeable future. But the choice is yours."

She bit her lip and then resolutely nodded before standing up, "Yeah. Okay. You're right. The choice is mine. But I have another question. Do you think that I'm a bad person for being okay with Bellamy's banishment? I mean, he's my brother. Shouldn't I want him released?"

I joined her by the entrance, and we started heading to the main camp, "No, it doesn't make you a bad person. You can love someone as much as you want, but it shouldn't blind you to wrongdoing. Support them through it all. But Bellamy hurt people, Octavia. He hurt people because he was a coward and didn't want to face the consequences. He used you as an excuse to justify it, but that's all it was. An excuse. There was no good reason to do what he did."

We stopped outside a tent, and Octavia looked at me, "Thank you, Harlee. For everything. Especially these talks. You don't talk to me like I'm a child or that I'm an idiot. You don't treat me like one either. I didn't realize I needed something or someone like that in my life. Not until I woke up from that nap. Thank you for that."

I smiled, "You're welcome. I don't treat you like a child because you're not. Nor are you an idiot. You're a bright young woman, and I see potential in you, Octavia. All you need is a chance to prove it to yourself. And you will. I'm just giving you the support you need to see that."

"You're going to make me cry if you keep that up, Harlee," Octavia said, looking up to the sky and blinking.

"Even the strongest person needs to cry, Octavia," I said. "It doesn't make them weak. Rather it takes greater strength to be that vulnerable. And anyway, crying helps release all that emotion that's stuck inside you. It's better than beating the shit outta people or things. Easier on the hands too."

Octavia laughed, "See, even that's helpful. You should probably get that to Raven before it grows colder."

I nodded, looking at what I had in my hands, "I should. I'll see you tomorrow, Octavia."

"Good night, Harlee. And good luck," she replied, reaching out and squeezing my shoulder in comfort.

"Thank you," I said and continued the walk to the dropship, dread, and nerves building each step of the way.

This was not going to be easy.