Authors note: This is a bellarke song prompt for the song princess by short stack. College au
This is the last show, he's more than glad that it's nearly over, eager to get home and back into his studies. Bellamy had taken the job over spring break with promise of good pay and easy work working as a roady for a short stack cover band, the work was pretty easy, moving equipment and setting up stages and the pay would cover the bills for a while. He had had to go on the road with them right as break started and had been away from his sister and friends for weeks.
"Two hours out," Murphy called to everyone in the back of the bus. Murphy his best friend who got him this job because he was a good friend even if he was kind of a dick. Bellamy pulled his phone out to send his sister a message.
He had gotten her free tickets to the show, even scored her extras for her friends so that she wouldn't be alone, lucky for him the band consisted of some pretty cool guys, some absolutely dicks too but that was mostly just Finn the guitarist, but when he mentioned his sister coming to the show they'd practically handed him the tickets.
'Hey O, we're two hours away'
'Awesome, can't wait to see you big bro'
'I might be able to get you in for sound check if you want'
'Really?!'
Bellamy chuckled lightly at her quick responses, his phone pinged again before he could reply.
'Damn, I have a shift at grounders, I won't have time to get ready.'
':'( '
He laughed again, amused and proud of his sister for sticking to her responsibilities, even if he had been against her working over break, it was his job to pay the bills not hers. Not only had she kept the job but she had already gotten employee of the month.
'Text me when you get there I'll sneak you in the back.'
'Your the best bell'
He put his phone down and settled into his chair, it was going to be a long night so he closed his eyes and lay his head back for a short nap.
—
Clarke had met Octavia about six month ago after switching rooms partway through the semester. Octavia was struggling through her first year of college and Clarke was struggling through a bad break up, when they were assigned as roommates their lives had almost immediately improved.
She had been slightly nervous about the rumours circulating about Octavia and the reason her last room mate left, there were claims that she was in the hospital or dead. To her surprise Octavia was incredibly bubbly, once Clarke levelled with her of course. Their meeting had consisted of untrusting stares and awkwardly manouvreing around the room to avoid each other, when Octavia didn't speak to her after two days Clarke slid a chair in front of the door, sat in it and turned on Octavia.
"I know why I'm tiptoeing around you, why are you tiptoeing around me?" She'd asked, tired and stressed and having absolutely no time for games. Octavia wasn't even slightly hesitant to answer.
" I heard you were sleeping with your roommates boyfriend" her arms crossed over her chest. Clarke quirked a brow.
"I heard you killed you last roommate" she replied honestly to the brunette who's lips just quirked up slightly at the sides.
"You can't believe everything you hear around here." Clarke told her, she had thought for a second before replying.
"I didn't kill her, I threatened to shave her eyebrows off while she slept if she continued to use our room like a brothel." Clarke smiled at that, glad for an answer to her wondering thoughts and slightly impressed at the girls problem solving methods.
"Well," Clarke said, standing up and moving the chair back to her desk. "I did sleep with my roommates boyfriend" there was no pride in her voice, no sarcasm, just plain fact.
"Why, is she a bitch? Is he super hot?" Octavia dropped onto her bead, sitting with her legs crossed as she waited for Clarke's reply, she eyes the girl, considering, before she sat on her own bed.
"I didn't know he was her boyfriend, and I didn't tell her I was seeing anyone. Raven and I didn't talk much, hardly saw each other really and Finn, he never told me he had a girlfriend when we met." She had told the girl who gave her a sympathetic look. "I turned out to be the other woman, he had been with Raven since junior year of high school. Only reason he was caught out was because raven walked in on me listening to the mix tape he made me, song he wrote just for me, she had the same tape."
"Oh what a douche bag" Octavia had scowled, scrunching her nose up in disgust.
After that they had gotten along fantastically, Clarke helped Octavia with her studies and Octavia introduced Clarke to her friend group, brining Clarke out of her rut from Finn. Octavia had even helped her mend things with Raven who was actually a really cool person and now one of her best friends, after Octavia of course. The first few months were split between getting Octavias grades up (without letting her overprotective brother know she was struggling to begin with, it had been part of the reason for the brunettes bad mood in the first place) and seeing what kind of trouble they could get into without getting arrested. (one of octavias favorite activities, unfortunately, the rest of the group had similar interests)
While Clarke was yet to meet the infamous Belamy Blake due to scheduling clashes (he always seemed to come over while she was in art class or working a shift at the cafe on campus), the rest of the group had all met and hung out with him, all gaining him a glowing review. Clarke was curious about him, having heard a lot from Octavia who received a message from him at least three times a day over spring break. She knew this because she had spent almost every day with said brunette. She, Raven and Octavia had all gotten jobs at an of campus cafe, and shared most of the same shift, the hours were okay and the pay was decent, plus with most of the students gone the business was slow most days. Monty and jasper had gone home for break so it was just the three girls, Raven even moved into their room for for a while to save the effort of trekking across campus every day. It had been a good six months.
With school starting again soon Octavia had arranged one more night out for the group before they 'reentered hell' as jasper would say. Somehow she had scored tickets to a sold out concert for their last show of the year happening just out of town. Monty and jasper were coming back a day early to make it for the concert and after their shift tonight the girls would grab them and head out.
"-but bell says they're really good, the bands been real nice to him." Octavia was saying as the wipes down the benches.
"Sounds like sweet gig, Murphy actually did something nice for a change" raven added.
"Murphy is only nice when people aren't looking" Clarke reminded raven who waved her off, turning the sign over in the window after checking her watch for the sixth time in five minutes.
"Either way we owe bell a drink for the tickets, plus he's sneaking us in the back way so we don't need to stand in line."
"Damn, now I like him" raven said with a serious look, she quickly broke into a chuckle. After raven had effectively broken up with Finn she had gone out in search of a rebound and had come across one Bellamy Blake, though she didn't get his last name at the time the two had slept together. Apparently Octavia had been bewildered when she introduced him to her one day and she had burst into laughter.
Clarke smiled as she followed the girls out, locking the door as Raven and Octavia pointed out the results of the last time Raven had liked Bellamy.
—-
'We're outside' Octavia texted her brother as they stood outside the stadium, surrounded by chattering fans. As the ticket holder Octavia had claimed the right to have last say on everyone's outfits. Raven wore ripped black jeans with her favorite brown boots, a deep green v neck shirt and her usual red and black jacket with her hair pulled up into a high ponytail. Octavia had on some black combat boots with dark blue high waisted jeans, a deep blue crop top was hidden behind her leather jacket and half her hair had been pulled back with tight braids that added to the edgy look she was sporting. Clarke was forced into some light blue ripped jeans and a low cut light blue shirt that showed off 'just the right amount of cleavage' as raven put it. After she had walked out in her usual paint stained jeans and comfy knitted sweater the other two girls had taken it upon themselves to decide upon Clarke's attire, it wasn't a new occurrence as Clarke had a serious lack in style and she appreciated their input. They let her wear her comfy boots since they would likely be on their feet all night and even allowed her a jacket which she zipped almost all the way up. Her hair was curled into loose waves that hung over her shoulder and her makeup was done slightly darker then she was used to but still no where near as dark as either Octavia or raven who looked stunning from head to toe.
Octavias phone buzzed right as Clarke's started to ring.
"He's sending someone out to get us, said he can't get away right now." Octavia informed them. Clarke listened as she checked her phone, sighing when she looked at the caller ID.
She gave her friend a gesture to say she'd just be a minute and hit the green button.
"Hey mum" she cringed at the large group of squealing girls behind her.
"Clarke I just wanted to see how you were doing, school starts up again on Monday." She informed Clarke, as if she wasn't already aware.
" I know mum" she looked over her shoulder at her friends who were standing idly by an exit door.
"Have you got all your books organised, I know how you get about leaving thing to the last minute, it's not practical and..." Clarke put her hand against the speaker and mother a sorry to her friends who gave her a sympathetic smile before turning as a group as Murphy stepped through the exit door with his usual grimace, which surprisingly morphed into a smile when he saw the group.
"Which reminds me, I was thinking..." Octavia gestured for Clarke to hang up as Murphy motioned towards the door, Clarke nodded, cutting her mother off.
"Mum, I've actually got-"
"Clarke this is 8mportant, I have surgery's booked all weekend so I won't be able to—" Clarke suppresses an Inwards groan shook her head, gesturing for the group to go without her. They each looked hesitant but Clarke just smiled their way, she pulled out her ticket, which Octavia had granted her after her outfit was approved and gestures to the line with a shrug.
"I'm still technically working so if you don't mind" Murphy said in that semi annoyed tone of his. Octavia rolled her eyes and sent Clarke a smile before following the older boy in side. Clarke could hear ravens 'what are they gonna do, fire you?' Before the door shut and she returned her focus to her mother.
"You've endulged the art dream long enough, dropping the classes would-"
"I'm not dropping them, " Clarke responded quickly as she moved towards the back of the line, they had started checking tickets. "You agreed to let me have this year to test the waters and the year isn't up yet."
"Your really ready to risk your gpa so you can-"
"Yes, I'm not having this conversation with you again mum." Clarke sighed tiredly in an attempt to get her mother to ease up.
"Okay fine," the line was quiet for a moment as Clarke moved foreward a few steps. "Are you coming home for Christmas?"
—-
Bellamy was hooking up the last wires to the instruments when he saw his sister in her seat. Her attention was on her friends who laughed at whatever it was she just said, while they got comfortable. Bellamy smiled and waved their way when Raven caught his eye. They all waved and hollered, dumping their stuff on their seat and moving the few seats up to the front where he was separated from them by the barrier.
"Bell!" Octavia cried with delight as she jumped up, leaning over the barrier with ease to hug her brother who wrapped his arms around her tight.
"O, not so tight" he complained after a few moments when her grip tightened, he laughed as she let go with a beaming smile. "These seats are amazing bell"
"Yeah what'd ya do, sleep with one of the band members?" Raven quipped, he rolled his eyes.
"Nope, people just like me Reyes " it was ravens turn to roll her eyes. He was greeted by Monty and jasper who thanked him for the seats and promised him the first sample of their next batch of moonshine, ready on Monday, they had informed him with a wink. There was noise behind him and Bellamy glanced around before seeing the doors upstairs open and fans start to stream in.
"I better get back to work and you better get back to your stuff before someone pinches something" he informed them.
"Drinks after the show?" Octavia asked, earning a mildly disapproving look from Bellamy. "To celebrate your return" she added after a breath. Bellamy shook his head but agreed, telling them to stay in their seats after the show and he would come out to them.
—
He checked in on her throughout the night, when he wasn't busy of course. She was smiling ear to ear as she sang along to each song, several times he had caught her chatting to a blonde who was seated besides her and he couldn't help but smile at the way his sister made friends with everyone.
Actually, that blonde had caught his eye a few times, always smiling and bobbing along to the songs she didn't know. While he had gotten Octavia seat near the front there were still a few rows of people in front of them so getting a good look at her was hard, but kept getting glances whenever he looked out to see Octavia. The blonde was leaning towards her now as Octavia gestured towards the stage.
There was a small section at the front for people to stand closer to the stage,people had filtered in and out of the area all night, most attempting to catch the eye of one of the band members, others hoping one will reach out for a high five, toss a pick or drum stick into the group. It didn't happen as often as they had thought but none of them seemed disappointed when they returned to their seats. Towards the end of the show Octavia made her way to the front, the blonde was close behind. Bellamy felt a little upset that the rest of her friends had let her go off on her own, even with a stranger was no better. He had gotten extra tickets for this exact reason.
He had to shake it off as he quickly moved to the stage to switch out Finns guitars before they started the next song, he heard Octavia shout his name, and shook his head as he quickly got off the stage, sending a glare at her as she shouted his name once more. She was grinning ear to ear, hands cupped over her moth but it was the blonde who caught his attention. Her eyes shut as she laughed at his sisters antics. Her hands were on Octavia arms, trying to pry them from her face. Octavia laughed along with her and Bellamy couldn't remember how to scowl as he smiled, he shook his head and went back to work as another song started.
They were almost done now and Bellamy was thankful as he sat on a chair just out of view of the crowd. He tried to locate his sister in the sea of fans as they reached the chorus of the last song. Then he saw her again.
"Princess, why you so contagious every single day"
As the music played he couldn't take his eyes off her, she had stood slightly back from Octavia, creating the smallest space for them both to move in. Now she was jumping around to the beat as she sang with all her heart.
"Princess,
Why you so contagious?
Every single step,
Breaks every single breath,
Tell me anything and everything will be ok,"
Without thinking he had gotten to his feet, grabbing the shirts he had bought for Octavia earlier, worried they might sell out and not wanting her to spend her own money, and moved towards the front of the crowd. Octavia was at the front of the barrier to the side, almost at the edge of the crowd now. He got her attention with a wave, the blonde turned with her. Octavia grinned wider and his heart warmed that his sister smiled at him like that when she's already enjoying herself. He tossed her the shirt from a few steps away and she shots him a 'thanks bell' without besitation he tossed the other shirt to the blonde with a smile. The shocked look she wore made home smile harder. Her light voice called a thank you, to which he smiled, missing octavias raised brow and he turned to the stage where the band played the last chord of their final song. He caught the blonde smiling down at the shirt thoughtfully and suddenly hoped Octavia planned on staying in contact with her.
—-
'Bell can't come out' Octavia pouted as she reread the message for the group. 'Band wants to celebrate the final show'
"Screw that" Raven said with a half yawn.
"Raven" Clarke laughed as the brunette slouched back into her seat, obviously tired. "He has been with them all break, it's nice that they want to celebrate together."
"Oooo!" Octavia jumped up brightly. "They invited us back stage!" She looked between the group who was looking considerable more awake now.
The group shared a look before a familiar voice cut in.
"Tick tock " Murphy said, sliding the barrier out of the way slightly.
The all shot to their feet, gathering their things before moving down their steps to where Murphy waited. He guided them to a large room where Bellamy and the band waited. Octavia was first into the room, she headed straight towards the drummer who she had pointed out during the show, she had immediately called dibs.
Clarke followed the group in as the band welcomed them in saying Bellamy was just finishing up before joining them. The main singers were Harper and wick who smiled easily and handed out drinks to the crew, saying they'd heard a lot about them from Bellamy these past weeks. Clarke lingered near the doorway as the conversation picked up, Lincoln was smiling bashfully at Octavia as she asked about his tattoos while Monty and jasper talked to Harper and Maya who was one of the drummers.
Raven found the snack table and was in a heavy conversation with wick over wether or not Doritos were a welcome snack amongst mini pizzas and chicken rolls. They both came to the conclusion that Doritos were always welcome.
Clarke smiled, amazed by how easily her friends talked to new people. She considered approaching one of the other people in the room when a deep voice sounded behind her, making her jump.
"You sure know how to make friends" he said, a slight smirk on his lips as he looked down at her.
"Pardon?" She asked once she regained herself.
"Backstage is a pretty nice swing" he pointed out. Clarke looked around at his gesture and smiled.
"Yeah I guess I got pretty lucky didn't I " she glanced back at her friends, when she turned back bellamys eyes were on her.
"Drink?" He asked, she quirked a brow and he held his hand higher, showing her the six pack in his hand.
"Oh, sure." She said, he handed her one with a smile of his own. "Thanks Bellamy" she said, noticing how he pause just as she went to open the can.
"How'd you know my name?" he asked, brow quirked.
"Oh I'm psychic" she said seriously, he wore a confused look before she laughed. "Octavia told me, your the infamous Belamy Blake" he still looked confused so Clarke held out her hand.
"Clarke Griffin." There, his eyes lit up as her name clicked in his mind.
"O's roommate?"
"O's roommate, that's me." She smiled up at him and he watched her with an amused look.
"What?" She asked she he didn't say anything.
"Hmm," he asked distractedly, he shook his head to clear his thought. "Sorry what?"
"You were staring"
"Shit, sorry," he apologised, cringing the same way o did when she told her about Finn. "Your just, not what I expected."
"Oh?" Clarke asked, deciding to casually lean against the closest wall. "And what were you expecting?"
"Not sure, not this" he smiled softly. "Nice to meet you, Clarke." She took his outstretched hand, wondering if he felt the pleasant tingle as their hands touched, and shook it confidently, which he chuckled at.
"Thanks for the shirt by the way." She said once they had let go. He was standing beside her, half leaning into the wall as he spoke. Someone put some Music on and Clarke found herself glad she wasn't closer to the speaker. Bellamy chuckled, earning him a curious glance from Clarke.
" honestly, I thought you were just some stranger who Octavia befriended, I figured you earned it for putting up with her." Clarke chuckled with him this time.
Across the room Octavia shot her a look that told her Bellamy had said that to load and she had definitely heard, that made her laugh more.
"She is a handful you sister, thanks anyway, unless you want it back now that I'm not a stranger" she said, her tone almost challenging. Bellamys chuckle was small and light as he pursed his lips slightly.
"Hmmm," he said, humming in thought. Clarke took a sip of her beer. "Your right about my sister being a handful, but is a single T-shirt enough?" He wondered aloud, glancing down at Clark after a moment, a small smirk playing at his lips.
Clarke tried not to smile to widely back at him, squinting slightly and saying. "I could do with some new socks" she replied, Bellamy laughed.
"How about coffee?" Clarke pretended to think it through.
"Coffee sounds good" she smiled.
"How's Sunday at nine?" It was Clarke's turn to grimace.
"How about ten" Bellamy chuckled at that.
"Not a morning person huh, 10 sounds good, at the drop ship?"
She nodded and he raised his beer can to clink against her own. They stood in a comfortable silence for a while as they watched the people around the room, some danced while others snacked, Jasper did both.
"It was nice of the back to invite us backstage." Clarke notes, Bellamy smiled.
"Yeah they're pretty great people, attention hasn't really gone to their head or anything." Clarke nodded, "this was their last gig though, this is like their break up party." Clarke pulled a confused face, why would such a talented group break up? But instead of voicing this thought she smiled, tipped her head back and drank what remained in her can before grabbing Bellamys hand and pulling him towards the small area they were using as a dance floor.
"Then we should make it a celebration!" Clarke said, a little louder than intended.
"What are we celebrating?" Jasper asked. Maya smiled softly behind him.
"The end of an era" wick shouted, raising his bottle of beer in the air, Harper scoffed.
"It's been three years" wick just shrugged half heartedly and took a swig. Harper shook her head but followed his lead, raising her class she shouted.
"To the end of an era!" Everyone joined in.
"To the end of an era" Clarke beamed at the fact that she had somehow started this and Bellamy smile down at her as he raised his glass, watching her take a swig before he followed suit.
The music was turned up and everyone moved to the dance floor, alternating between jumping around and attempting to dance together. Bellamy had just spun Clarke out and then into his embrace when the music cut out and everyone paused in confusion.
"Thanks for waiting for me"
Authors note: this was meant to be a short 2000 fic but it sort of got away from me so i figured id make it a two shot, (maybe a full story?) please review !