Chapter Six

After they had circled the gallery and talked about all of Clarke's favourite pieces they were free to make their way out of the building. Bellamy reached for Clarke's hand as they approached their friends and squeezed her fingers lightly.

"Girls lunch!" Octavia announced as they dragged Clarke away from Bellamy who groaned in protest and hesitated to release her hand.

"We have lots to talk about, Griffin!" Raven grinned and turned to Bellamy with a smirk. "You can have her back at the beach bash, Romeo." Clarke giggled at Bellamy's frustrated look and waved at him.

"Fine, but keep the torture to a minimum, O. I like this one." Bellamy pulled Clarke back to him as he waited for his sister's reply, when Octavia played along by rolling her eyes and nodding he grinned and leaned down to quickly kiss Clarke goodbye. "I'll see you tonight?"

"We'll see," she teased. Bellamy snorted and shook his head, releasing her and heading towards Lincoln and Wick.

"Alright, let's go get some food and start this interrogation." Raven tossed her arm around Clarke and pulled her along as the three of them found a quiet cafe and grabbed a table. They got comfortable and ordered some sandwiches and salads since they were all pretty hungry after their long morning, it seemed the other girls had been late getting up as well.

"So, Momma Griffin and Kane seem to be getting closer, how's that on you?" Octavia asked softly, she always worried that Clarke would feel replaced by her mother's boyfriend.

"It's good, they're getting settled into their new place and mom seems really happy. Besides, he's a great guy and I think he kind of… brings her to a more bearable level." Clarke smiled so Octavia would know she was being honest and watched relief flood her best friend's bright blue eyes.

"And to sweeten the deal, Abby having a live-in boyfriend gives Clarke more Bellamy time." Raven wiggled her eyebrows at grinned brightly. Clarke forced a smile to her face to disguise the twisting discomfort in her stomach as she thought of going back home and not spending her mornings tangled up in Bellamy.

"You have a point there," Octavia tossed a wink in Clarke's direction. "So we haven't really had much chance to talk about that. I mean you and my brother, it seems pretty serious." She raised her eyebrows slightly and Clarke got the impression that she was silently asking what was really happening between them.

"Umm, things are great. He's really sweet and he listens and cares about my interests. We actually have a lot in common and it's so easy to just get lost spending time with him…" Clarke chewed her lip and trailed off as she realized she wasn't lying about anything.

"Why do I feel like there is a 'but' sneaking in there?" Raven raised an eyebrow and Clarke suddenly found it difficult to meet her friend's eyes. She dropped her gaze and worked at spearing a cherry tomato with her fork.

Truthfully, there was nothing she wanted more than the opportunity to talk to her friends about how badly she was struggling with her ever growing emotions and the thought of letting him go when the week ended. Of course that was impossible since Raven thought they were a real couple and she just couldn't see herself dishing her desperate thoughts to Octavia when it was related to her brother.

"It's nothing…" Clarke mumbled uncomfortably, Octavia's hand covered hers on the table.

"Clarke, we're your friends, you can talk to us about anything." They both gave encouraging smiles and Clarke forced herself to swallow hard around the lump in her throat.

"I just, I feel so much for him already and I'm afraid it won't last…" She offered as much of the truth as she could without being forced to spill everything.

"What makes you say that?" Raven looked confused but Octavia had a glimmer of understanding in her wide blue eyes.

"I don't know, maybe it's too good to be true… or maybe he doesn't feel the same…" She stared at her forgotten salad and tried to ignore the urge to cry for the second time that day.

"Of course he does, everyone can see it. He looks at you in a way he's never looked at anyone, like you're his whole world." Clarke's head snapped up at Octavia's words, the pessimistic voice in her head complained that Octavia was just trying to cheer her up but as she searched her friend's eyes she saw honesty.

"Really?" She flinched at how small and pathetic her voice sounded.

"The guy obviously sees a future with you Clarke, listen to the way he talks about you!" Raven squeezed her fingers. "Besides, it's been like a year, if he was gonna take off he probably would have already." Clarke smiled stiffly and nodded so Raven wouldn't pick up on it.

"Don't worry so much, Bell's a great guy and he's crazy about you. I mean who wouldn't be?" Octavia smiled and flagged the waiter down to refill their drinks.

"Okay, onto the fun stuff now!" Raven grinned mischievously and winked at Clarke. "How's the sex life? Sorry O, I need to know."

"Gross." Octavia grunted and crossed her arms. Clarke's face flooded with heat and her fingers twisted together awkwardly.

"Octavia really doesn't want to heat this…" Clarke glanced at her friend with an apologetic look.

"Tough shit. You think putting your hair down hides the new marks on your neck? Don't act all innocent, Griffin." Raven smirked at Clarke's mortified gasp. She turned to Octavia who was staring at her neck with a smirk of her own.

"You better start talking, Clarke. I'll just block out the knowledge that it was my brother since god knows you needed to get laid." Octavia snorted and slapped a high five over the table with Raven.

"You guys suck." Clarke groaned with her face buried in her hands. They both laughed and prodded her to tell them. "Fine! He's incredible, the best I've ever had."

"And…?" Raven urged. "You gotta give me more than that!"

"I don't know, he can be so passionate and intense some moments and so gentle the next. It's like being totally overwhelmed in the best way." Clarke flushed as she remembered the way he'd whispered the sweetest things into her ears and gave featherlight kisses even as he gripped her hips hard enough to bruise and drove into her with all his strength. "He's a really good kisser, makes me breathless. And he loves to cuddle, it's actually very sweet."

When she trailed off and lifted her eyes her friends were staring with a mixture of awe and excitement. Octavia broke out into a blinding grin and Raven slapped her arm almost painfully hard.

"That is the most you've ever gushed about a guy. I'm almost jealous, sounds like big brother Blake really does take care of people." She wiggled her eyebrows and gave Clarke a dirty smile.

"Woah! Please don't refer to Bellamy's bedroom skills and his big brother title in the same sentence, I might be sick." Octavia cringed and stared at her unfinished plate.

"I'm sorry, but you gotta admit it's nice to hear that Clarke is being well looked after." Raven stared at Octavia until she nodded in agreement.

"Please tell me we can talk about something else now." Clarke groaned, the girls just laughed and turned the topic towards the shopping trip they had planned for tomorrow's day off. Clarke's mind wandered back to Octavia's words, was it possible that Bellamy had feelings for her? Her heart jumped for joy at the thought of being with him back home, the idea of visiting each other at work and cuddling on the couch watching TV with takeout spread across the table after a particularly hard day. She couldn't deny that she wanted it more than anything… a larger part of her was terrified of being rejected by the living embodiment of her dream man.

"We're gonna be late if we don't get going. I text the boys and told them we'd meet them at the beach, they're gonna go and save us spots." Octavia shoved her phone back in her purse and asked for the bill. Clarke breathed a sigh of relief that she could avoid being alone in her hotel room with Bellamy for a little longer while she sorted out her scrambled thoughts about him.

"We should do a girls night! Kick one of the boys out and share a room for the night. Junk food and RomComs!" Raven grinned and Clarke gripped the idea like a lifeline.

"Totally. Let's do it!" She grinned hard to conceal her desperation for Octavia to agree and save her from a night locked up with a man she was desperate for both physically and emotionally.

"I'm in."

~*HM*~

They had briefly stopped by the hotel so Clarke and Raven could pack bags and everyone could change for the Beach Bash. After slipping her cobalt blue bikini on under her denim shorts and loose fitting white tank top she shoved her feet into her sandals and grabbed her bag.

The girls walked down to the private beach and checked in before crossing the white sand. There were booths set up with activities, a large barbeque tent was prepping for the big dinner that evening, people were swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and splashing around in the shallow area of the crystal blue waters.

"The boys set up a little further down, closer to the trees so we could have a little shade." Octavia lead the way and Clarke was immensely grateful that the boys got some shade since the sun was beating down hard. She pushed her sunglasses up her nose and pulled her hair over one shoulder.

"Sweating already?" Raven asked. Her perfectly tanned skin was glistening with a sheen of sweat and she'd yanked her dark hair into a ponytail.

"It's like hell out here," she panted and swiped the back of her hand along her forehead. Raven laughed as they trudged across the sand towards a shady spot where the trees leaned over the beach. The boys had set up their towels and cooler, they were relaxing with beers on the lawn chairs they'd brought for the evening fireworks.

"Hey! The view is here!" Wick winked at Raven who giggled like a naughty schoolgirl. Clarke froze when she realized they boys were shirtless, her eyes locked on Bellamy who's impossibly toned torso was on full display. He was completely drool worthy, gleaming with sweat, she wanted to run her tongue over it the way she had last night.

"You know, instead of just staring at him you could go and greet your boyfriend." Octavia teased and shoved Clarke forward, she stumbled and fell directly into Bellamy's lap.

"Well hello, Princess." He grinned setting his beer on the ground and wrapping his arms around her to tuck her against his torso. She had been sweltering a moment ago but after stumbling into the shade and feeling his skin on hers she decided she could put up with the heat if she got to feel him.

"Hi," she breathed tangling her fingers in his hair and pulling his mouth back to hers. He hummed against her lips and ran his hands up and down her back, guiding her closer to him.

"Hey! Public beach you two!" Octavia yelled, Clarke pulled away from Bellamy's mouth and blushed a little, shifting she turned to face everyone and settled against Bellamy who lightly kissed her jaw.

"I missed you too," he whispered against her ear. Clarke shivered and hugged him around the neck. Bellamy slipped one hand under the back of her shirt and caressed her skin, sparks erupted where they touched and she jumped earning herself a smirk from the sexy man holding her.

"I'm so ready to get my beach bum on! I could use a tan." Octavia examined her pale arms and leapt from Lincoln's lap to grab her towel and lay it in the sand. Raven joined her and dragged Clarke over to their position, the boys pulled themselves up and grabbed drinks for the girls as they stripped down to their swimsuits.

"You need sunscreen, Princess." Bellamy dug their bottles into the sand and lifted the sunscreen he held in his other hand. "Otherwise you're gonna turn into a lobster on me." He gave her a cheeky grin that made Clarke roll her eyes and shove his shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll put some on." She reached for the bottle but he held it out of her reach and shook his head.

"No way, as the boyfriend I get sunscreen application privileges." Clarke blushed a little but flicked Bellamy on the chest.

"I think that's just supposed to be my back, Blake." She narrowed her eyes when his smirk got bigger and he pulled her legs over his lap, caressing her calf gently.

"But wouldn't you rather I did everything?" He winked when she didn't respond and poured some sunscreen into his large palm, picking up her arm he met her gaze as he spread the cool lotion across her flushed skin. "Besides, I have bigger hands so I can cover more area."

Clarke bit her bottom lip hard as he massaged the sunscreen up her arms to her shoulders, leaving no spot uncovered, before turning his attention to her legs. Clarke watched his large, tan hands circle her ankle and work their way up her pale calf only pausing to pour more into his hand when he reached her knee. As his hands came back to her leg she tried not to whimper in anticipation. He worked his way up her thigh, fingers brushing the tender skin so close to where she so badly wanted him. She released her lip and let out a breath as he applied pressure to her sensitive inner thigh, Bellamy's eyes lifted to hers.

"You alright, Princess?" He cooed as he grabbed the sunscreen bottle and placed his hands on her other ankle.

"Y-yes…" She nodded frantically and his hands moved back up her leg, paying more attention to her sensitive spots as he kissed her shoulder.

"You're breathing very heavily." This time the words were whispered into her neck just before he placed a hot, wet kiss to the skin. Bellamy's hands moved to her waist and laid her back on the towel as he filled his palm again and rubbed his hands together, warming the lotion before he pressed them to her abdomen and began caressing the skin, letting his fingers skim the line of her bathing suit bottoms.

"You're teasing." She panted as his hands curled around her sides.

"I promise to follow through," he kissed beneath her ear and spread the sunscreen across her collar and down her chest, over the curves of her breasts and back up to her neck. "Roll over, I need to do your back." Clarke laid on her stomach and waited for Bellamy's hands again. She jumped slightly when his palms rubbed up her back for the first time and she heard his low chuckle as his thumbs slid under the strap on the back of her bathing suit top.

"Bellamy," she warned earning herself another chuckle from him as he moved his hands down to her lower back, spreading his fingers so they covered almost all of her skin.

"I'll behave myself," he kissed the top of her head and pulled her hair over her shoulder to apply sunscreen across her shoulder blades and the back of her neck. He took his time massaging her upper back and drawing small sighs from her. She was aching from the sensuality of Bellamy's touches, his fingers dug in with the perfect amount of pressure and warmed her skin deliciously. She had never been so on edge with anyone she had been involved with, Bellamy ignited something low in her belly and left her aching for his touch in an almost unbearable way.

"Thank you," Clarke whispered.

"I'm not quite done yet," Bellamy chuckled and pulled his hands away from her back. Clarke scrunched her forehead in confusion but didn't move from her position as she waited for his hands to return to her skin. When they did she jumped unexpectedly as they settled on the curve of her ass which was left exposed by the cut of her bikini bottoms.

"Bell," she gasped loudly. "What are you doing?"

"Making sure you don't get a sunburn." He was grinning cheekily when Clarke twisted to look at him over her shoulder.

"You said you were going to behave…" She whimpered as Bellamy removed his hands from her skin and settled down beside her on the towel. Clarke blushed as he skimmed his fingers over her nose and across her cheek, trailing them gently down her jaw and neck.

"I can't help myself around you." He whispered sliding his hand down to her waist and guiding her closer to him, shifting onto his back and placing Clarke on his chest. Clarke examined his warm brown eyes and trailed her fingers across his chest, Bellamy's hands moved up and down her back soothingly while he stared at her.

"I have the same problem," Clarke whispered quiet enough that only Bellamy would hear, he smiled and cupped her jaw so he could press his lips to hers. Clarke sighed against his mouth and parted her lips, lightly tracing her tongue against his as she played with his soft curls. When they parted he guided her to lay down against him, tracing his fingers over her spine and breathing deeply.

"I'm addicted to you, what have you done to me?" Bellamy groaned, Clarke blushed and pressed her face into his chest. His fingers played with her long blonde hair and his laugh rumbled beneath her. "I'm the luckiest bastard on this beach."

"You're damn right! Now let's go enjoy the water, up you get Honeymooners." Raven placed her hands on her hips and jerked her chin in the direction of the shore. Clarke groaned and slowly lifted herself from Bellamy's chest, reaching a hand down for him as he clambered to his feet and looped an arm around her waist.

"I'm beginning to think we'll never have another moment alone." Bellamy grumbled, Clarke laughed and tried to force down the swell of guilt when she thought of her desperation to get away from him for the night. After all, he had come here for her and she was abandoning him because she couldn't keep her emotions in was saved from replying by Octavia shouting for them to hurry up and get in the water.

The water was the perfect temperature and everyone seemed to be having a great time as they splashed at each other goofed around. Octavia was attempting to take Lincoln down, it was a comical sight watching the small, beautiful woman attack her massive, overly muscled boyfriend. Wick was chasing Raven in an attempt to pull her into his arms, she was laughing hysterically and splashing water at him to keep him back.

For a moment Clarke felt a pang of jealousy watching her friends messing around with the men they loved, she wondered how long it would be before she found that relaxed kind of affection. A pair of arm slid around her waist and tugged her back into a hard, wet chest.

"What's got you so deep in thought?" Bellamy's breath was warm against her cheek as he pressed a kiss there. Clarke shrugged noncommittally moving to lean her head back on his shoulder. Before she could get comfortable Bellamy spun her to face him and settled his hands on her hips. "I guess it's good to know you're a really bad liar," he smirked at Clarke's outraged look.

"I am not!" She splashed at him, Bellamy laughed and pinned her arms to his chest. He placed a kiss on her nose and twined their fingers.

"Tell me what's on your mind," when the silence dragged out between them he spoke again. "I have no qualms about throwing you over my shoulder and dumping you in the water." When Clarke still refused to answer he slipped his arms back around her and started to lift her, he laughed when her squeal slipped out and she squirmed in his arms.

"Bellamy!"

"You know what to do, Princess." He tickled her ribs and sent her into a peal of giggles and tried to hold on tighter to him.

"Okay! I give!" She gasped out between laughs, Bellamy shifted her and let her slide down him so he could hold her.

"Well?" She sighed and flopped her forehead against his chest.

"I'm jealous…" she mumbled. "Of what they have with Lincoln and Wick, I want that easygoing, happy, uncomplicated love."

"Who says you won't find that?" He looked puzzled, squinting down at her to protect his eyes from the glaring sun.

"I can't find someone who can give me that." For a moment they just stared at each other, the sounds around them fading to subtle background noise. Bellamy opened his mouth to say something, the teasing glimmer in his eyes burned away by something heavier and more intense, but suddenly they were swept under a wave. They both jumped back and swiped at the mass of water running down their faces.

With the spell broken Clarke turned to find Monty and Jasper holding a massive bucket and laughing hysterically as Clarke and Bellamy sputtered. They slapped a high five and grinned brightly at the rest of their friends who were also laughing loudly.

"Sorry, it looked like you two needed a cool down and we were happy to provide." Jasper grinned and wiggled his eyebrows.

"You should run." Bellamy growled, the boy's eyes widened and Monty shoved Jasper forward, dropping the bucket and running for the beach.

"Traitor!" Jasper shrieked and splashed his way frantically to the shore as Bellamy ran after them. Octavia looped her arm around Clarke and the two of them chuckled as they made their way up to the beach to grab their clothes and head over to the barbeque tent for dinner.

*~HM~*

After a meal of hotdogs, burgers, salads, and cold drinks from the various coolers the group had gone back out to the water and joined in a few games. Jasper and Monty had both been dunked at the hands of Bellamy and had moved on to hanging out with the gang.

Their previous conversation forgotten, Bellamy and Clarke had continued their couple act with the simple touches and hugs that had become like a second nature over the past few days. Clarke jumped onto his back, wrapping her legs and arms around him as he tried to claim the girls team flag during capture the flag.

"No way, Blake!" She wrestled for the flag as he laughed at her attempts and bounced her further up his back.

"Now I've got you and the flag, I'm still winning." She could hear the smirk in his voice as she growled and fought harder for the flag. "How's the plan going, babe?"

"Isn't this cheating?" She pretended to pout as she rested her chin on his shoulder. Bellamy let out another laugh, this time louder, and turned his head to her.

"How does that work? You jumped up here." His grin was blinding and despite her hatred for losing Clarke couldn't stop herself from smiling back.

"Whatever," she laughed and gave up her battle as he tossed the flag to Jasper who whooped in victory. Bellamy turned and lightly kissed her lips, holding her thighs to keep her legs wrapped around him.

"Don't worry, I'll share the prize with my loser." He winked and Clarke slapped his chest.

"Only you would consider calling me a loser flirting." Despite her words she still pulled him in for another sweet kiss.

"Hey guys! We should head in if we want to find a good spot for the fireworks tonight," Octavia called. Clarke untangled herself from Bellamy and grabbed his hand so they could follow the others up to the shore.

Everyone fought over the centre spots on the hill since they were the perfect place to watch the fireworks from, this meant that you had to get there early to claim a spot if you wanted one. Even though the sun hadn't started to set the centre spots on the hill were mostly full when they got there. Octavia had just started to complain about claiming a mediocre seat when Wells spotted them from his place with Sasha at the peak of the hill, he waved them down and gestured for them to join them.

"Yes! Go Wells!" Octavia bolted up the hill with Lincoln in tow.

"He must've gotten here crazy early, he's got the best spot." Raven shook her head in surprise as the rest of the group trudged up the hill after Octavia.

"He always does, it was his mom's favourite place to watch from. When we were kids she's buy us caramel corn so we wouldn't complain about having to leave the beach early and sit up here." Clarke laughed and smiled at the bittersweet memory of the woman who had been her second mother when her own was lacking.

"She sounds sweet." Raven offered, Clarke shook her head to clear the memories and nodded.

"Yeah, she was pretty great."

Everyone settled on the hill and thanked Wells and Sasha for sharing their spot, Octavia suggested the boys make use of the concession cart which boasted cotton candy, popcorn, candy apples, and all the festival goodies anyone could ask for. When they made their way back they had their arms loaded with snacks for everyone as they got comfortable and chatted while awaiting the sunset.

"So when's the wedding?" Raven asked, Sasha and Wells lit up as they turned to grin at each other and Clarke found herself smiling despite the twist of jealousy in her stomach.

"We're doing a small, private ceremony in the spring. Neither of us wanted anything huge." Sasha explained, her father was an influential man in his own social groups, much like Thelonious Jaha, and she didn't want it to turn into a three ring circus. Instead, she and Wells had opted for and intimate wedding with only their closest friends and family, it sounded romantic to Clarke.

"And obviously all of us are invited," Octavia winked at Wells and Sasha who laughed goodnaturedly even as Lincoln buried his face in Octavia's neck and groaned. Raven poked Octavia in the arm before turning to Sasha to ask about flowers and dresses and food. The green eyed girl lit up as she squeezed Wells's hand and Clarke was struck by just how much the two of them loved each other and the excitement they shared about spending their lives together.

Their chatter finally quieted when the sun started to set towards the lake. As they sky turned a brilliant orange and burned bright red along the shoreline Clarke leaned back against Bellamy, who had claimed a seat behind her on the blanket, and gazed in wonder. She had always loved watching the sunset, it was almost as thrilling as the fireworks with it's bright hues and picturesque views. She waited as the orange and reds faded to pinks and purples before the blues of the night sky took over, then she sighed with an odd sense of peace.

Without the sun beating down on them it was quite chilly down at the beach, Clarke felt herself shiver once, then twice, it was when the goosebumps covered her legs and the third shiver crawled down her spine the Bellamy abruptly sat up behind her.

"Are you okay?" She glanced over her shoulder to ask him as he dug for something in his bag. He hummed a response and yanked whatever he was looking for free, Clarke furrowed her brow and opened her mouth to ask if she had done something wrong when he turned back to face her. He was holding the sweater she had spent the past several nights sleeping in.

"I was worried you might get cold." He smiled and held it out for her. Clarke felt her heart swell, it was such a simple gesture and yet it was so caring, so thoughtful. It was something Finn had always forgotten to do and Lexa would have rolled her eyes at the thought of it. But here was Bellamy, who wasn't even her real boyfriend, taking the time to grab her a sweater in case she got cold or forgot to bring one herself- which she had -as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Thank you," she wished her voice wasn't so tight and that she didn't feel tears burning the corners of her eyes. Bellamy looked concerned as he slipped her sweater over her head and wrapped his arms around her again.

"Anytime, Princess." He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek and settled her back against him as the crowd hushed for and turned to face the lake. When the fireworks started the air filled with oohing and aweing, children laughing, and the familiar pops of the fireworks. Clarke got comfortable and lost herself in the explosions of colour above them, there was something peaceful about the warmth of Bellamy and the steady beat of his heart, unwavering amidst the chaos around them.

"You don't have to be jealous," Bellamy's voice was soft, tucked against her ear so only she could hear him. "We could have what they have." She knew he was referring to their earlier conversation, the one she had assumed he'd forgotten. There was a pause as he let her think about his words, let them sink into her.

Clarke gave her reply without words, instead she snuggled into him and tilted her head to kiss his jaw. Bellamy held her tighter and relaxed, it was perfectly wordless communication.

As the crack from the final firework filled her ears and the neon blue faded into the navy backdrop of the sky, Clarke allowed herself to believe for the first time that this could be something real.