Chapter 6- Octavia Let Her

The next few weeks passed without much excitement. Octavia talked to Clarke twice, occasionally three times a week. She stepped back again and gave Abby more time to talk to her daughter alone. She still liked talking to Clarke, it was nice to get advice, or talk about her problems, or just try and forget about what was going on around her. However, it just wasn't the same as it had been in the beginning. So instead, Octavia had to find other things to do in between the radio, the fighting pit, and the council meetings. Most of these times became hanging out or sparing with Niylah, who she found more and more enjoyment spending time with. Indra was still wise and amazing, but was also more of a mentor or parental figure to her. You could only spend so much time getting advice. Gaia had also grown on the young leader, but she spent most of her time taking care of Eden when Octavia wasn't, which Octavia was very grateful for.

After a short while, she and Niylah became close friends. Octavia never had to keep up a persona around Niylah. She just told her whatever and acted however she wanted. In return, Niylah never expected much from her. That was all Octavia needed in a friend. Someone she could talk to without always feeling judged or pressured. She remembered how talking to Clarke had sometimes been like that. Sometimes. Then she pushed that thought to the back of her mind, especially as Niylah's arm came flying at her. Octavia ducked just in time, and used the moment of vulnerability and lack of cover Niylah had to wrestle her to the ground. She was onto of her, shoving her into the ground, face inches above. Obviously having won, Octavia stopped struggling and stared down at Niylah's face. Her eyes traced from her lips to her eyes, that were a beautiful yellow or hazel, surrounded by blue. It was like someone had poured gold over a layer of ice, or where sparkling sand met the sea.

"You going to get off of me, or do I need to tap out?" Niylah teased. Octavia felt heat rise to her face, burning through her skin with embarrassment.

"Oh. Sorry." She mumbled, rolling off of her friend. They lay next to each other for a while, staring at, but not really seeing, the dingy metal roof. It was like being trapped in a large tin can. Octavia didn't find this very different from many previous years in her life. Except this time, she made the rules. She decided who dies. She was the bad guy.

"Do you think I'm doing this all wrong?" Octavia suddenly spoke. She could feel Niylah roll onto her side, gazing at Octavia. Octavia continued to stare at the ceiling. She felt Niylah's fingers tracing the tattoo on her shoulder, and had to suppress a shudder.

"No." Niylah finally responded.

"Niylah don't lie. I've created something terrible." Octavia thought of the fighting pits and limited rations.

"I'm not lying." Niylah slipped her hand into Octavia's. Octavia felt herself panic slightly and blush, but then relaxed. "You've created something amazing O. You brought 13 waring clans into a enclosed bunker. You helped the entire human race survive, even when it had no beneficent for you. Even when everyone thought it impossible. You created Wonkru. You earned their respect."

"All I feel like I've earned is their fear." Octavia whispered.

"Sometimes, fear is respect. They're looking for a strong leader, someone too save them." Niylah said. Octavia rolled over to stare back at her.

"I'm not sure I can do that." Octavia said. All she could see was Niylah's soft features, inches away.

"I know you can." Niylah whispered back. Octavia could see her lips move, her eyes searching Octavia's. Suddenly they were moving closer, and her lips met Octavia's. Niylah kissed Octavia.

Octavia let her.

—

"Hello Clarke!" Octavia said brightly. She couldn't wipe the stupid goofy grin of off her face. Niylah was a good kisser. And an amazing person.

"Octavia? You sound like you're in a good mood." Clarke couldn't help but grin into the radio. She liked hearing the other girl happy. "Had a good morning?"

Octavia couldn't contain herself. "Oh, I had a good night!" She laughed.

Clarke snorted at her. "Who? Wait. Do I want to know who?"

"Just a friend. You know her."

"Ooooh. Her. Just tell me O." Clarke smirked.

"Why you gotta suck the fun out of everything Clarke?" This Octavia sounded more like the girl from the drop ship, who jumped into monster-infested rivers and chased butterflies. Not the girl who lost her grounder boyfriend, won fights to the death, and forced criminals to die by each other's hand. Clarke liked it.

"Who is it?" Clarke grinned.

"Fine. It's Niylah." Octavia grinned. Clarke's grin faded. She felt a sudden burst of jealousy, not like a monster clawing at her insides, but more like a balloon slowly deflating.

"Niylah huh?" Clake asked, trying to keep her voice normal.

"Yeah. She's such an amazing person. Always cares for everyone, wiling to look on the bright side but not in a unrealistic way, amazing like everything, amazing a being a doctor, amazing at fighting, amazing friend, amazing at kissing, amazing in b-"

"I know." Clarke snapped. Octavia paused for a moment. Then it dawned on her.

"Oh. Yeah. You guys used to be together, weren't you?"

"Yeah. Not for a very long time though…"

"Oh, Clarke I'm sorry. I completely forgot. Or I never knew. I'm sorry.."

"No, no its fine." Clarke assured, pushing her feelings aside. "It didn't really work out anyways. You two deserve to be happy. Really."

"You sure?" Octavia asked. She wasn't sure what she would do if Clarke wasn't. She wouldn't break up with Niylah. Not for Clarke. Right?

"Yeah. I'm sure. You two seem like you'd be good for each other anyways." Clarke said. Octavia smiled softly.

"Thank you."

"Sooooo… How did it happen?" Clarke asked teasingly. Octavia laughed and grinned again.

"Well, we were sparing and…."

The next couple hours passed with laughing and teasing and grinning. Octavia liked having a friend. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt so good. Not even on the ark had she have a true friend. For a couple hours, Clarke distracted her from the terror and violence outside the radio room.

Octavia let her.

—

A/N: So, Octavia's having a good time finally. She deserves it. Sorry Clarktavia fans for all the Niytavia, but I promise it's coming. I just needed something to fill the void while I build up O and C's relationship, and I'm not totally opposed to Niytavia. What did you guys think? I tried to add more detail and description, at least in the begging part. Next Chapter should be coming soon, and I'll also be glad to hear any suggestions of ideas for future chapter.