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Cleaning and healing Lexa's back had been awful, for both of them. There was no doubt the wound was infected. Whether from disease in the Reapers, her primitive healing methods, the less than clean clothes they wore or the delay in Lexa's healing she did not know. All she knew was that she hoped Bellamy could sneak some antibiotics past her mother. If Lexa continued to go downhill she would have to sedate her and take her back to the Ark for treatment.
Once Lexa's back had been treated with the salve she had bound it to try and keep it clean, then held Lexa for a while as she struggled against pain and nausea as a result. Eventually she had convinced Lexa to lie down with the promise of laying with her and ended up with the Heda snuggled into her side, head on her shoulder, arm and right leg thrown across her. It was incredibly intimate in their half dressed state, but Lexa was too sick, and Clarke too stressed and worried to even contemplate anything. They soon drifted off into a well deserved sleep knowing they were safe with the guards outside.
Clarke wasn't sure how long it was before she was woken by a gentle shake of the shoulder and her name being called. Blinking awake slowly and expecting to see Lexa hovering over her she was shocked to see Octavia hunkered down near her watching her with part amusement and part concern. Clarke scowled, what was she doing here, why wasn't she at camp?
Octavia motioned to be quiet and gave her the thumbs up before nodding her head towards the outside. Clarke understood it meant to come outside to talk as she watched the other woman disappear. With a great effort and a bit of protesting from a drowsy Lexa she managed to break free with promises she would be back soon. She dressed in her jeans and jacket quickly, forgoing her boots. She added a couple of logs on the fire on the way out to keep Lexa warm.
Making her way outside she found her guards busy pitching a large canvas tent close to the waterfall. Lexas tent. Plus hers she figured as she doubted Lexa would let her leave her side for too long. She spotted Octavia and Nyko unpacking a cart full of supplies. Water jugs, bed rolls, food too she hoped before noticing a couple of large hares roasting over the camp fire. Argh again! Well it was food she guessed. She turned back to the cart and hoped there were fresh clothes there too.
Making her way over to the cart she enjoyed the feeling of the fresh grass under her feet. She hadn't felt anything like it. She would go barefoot more often while here.
Octavia saw her and paused, looking slightly uncertain and so she should. Everyone had orders to stay away.
"Clarke" Octavia nodded
"Octavia. What are you doing here?" She asked and the woman stood tall and defiant.
"I caught Bellamy sneaking out medical supplies. I followed him to Nyko." She managed to look sheepish "Only I failed to notice Indra following me."
"You still have a bit to learn I see" Clarke couldn't help but smile. Octavia nodded before continuing.
"Indra got Nyko to tell the truth about the extent of Heda's wounds. I offered to come as your personal female guard slash fetch maid. Indra and Bellamy agreed eventually when I pointed out you would be happier with female help if you required assistance with Lexa" Octavia shrugged and Clarke watched her steadily for a while knowing there was more coming before Octavia sighed "Plus we were all concerned. They wanted someone extra to act as messenger in case there was an emergency and help was required fast."
"You do as I say, when I say, no complaints. You keep out of the cave or our tent unless I call you. You keep your mouth shut about what you hear or see here or I will let Lexa put you on a pole when she is better" Clarke warned
"Is that a threat?" Octavia smirked then sobered when Clarke didnt smile. "Sha. You have my word"
Clarke nodded then dismissed her, turning to Nyko who was still busy working.
"Nyko. What healing supplies did you bring?" She asked but before he could reply a scream rent the air from the cave.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"
Clarke spun along with everyone else, heart in her mouth. Lexa!
She noticed the guards drawing weapons and heading for the waterfall.
"Stop" she ordered and they froze as she headed for the cave as fast as her legs could carry her, Nyko and Octavia hurrying to keep up.
"NO NO NO CLARKE!" Lexa continued to yell as Clarke raced into the cave, aware Octavia and Nyko weren't far behind her. Upon entering she saw that Lexa was in a panic, tangled in the rugs as she desperately tried to get up while still crying her name.
"Lexa I'm here" Clarke hurried to her, kneeling beside her and trying to calm her actions in case she hurt herself further. "Lexa. Lexa. Stop" she ordered grabbing the woman tight around the body, mindful the best she could be for her back injury. Lexa struggled against her, still caught up in whatever nightmare gripped her. Clarke could do nothing but hold her and talk to her, telling her to stop and that she was there. Soon Lexa started to calm and instead of fighting Clarke held her back in a death grip. "It's Ok. I'm here"
"The Ice Queen had you" Lexa stuttered shakily "She laughed and told me what had happened to Costia would be a walk in the park compared to what would happen to you"
"It's ok. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. I Promise." She gentles her hold on Lexa and uses a palm on her forehead to measure her temperature. It was still high but not much more than before. Hopefully the antibiotics would fix it up soon. Turning to the other two who stood at the cave entrance watching with concern she ordered
"Nyko bring me those antibiotics now." Nyko nodded and hurried out "Octavia go help get our tent set up. Lexa needs to be somewhere more comfortable than on the hard rock"
Octavia's brows shot up at the word 'ours' but she nodded and did as she was bade.
"Octavia's here?" Lexa mumbled having picked up on that in her fever induced brain. Clarke sighed. Always the Heda.
"You don't worry about that. I will deal with it ok" she started to try and untangle Lexas legs from the rugs "lets get you out of this mess". It took several goes but they soon had the brunette free. They reorganised themselves so they were sitting leaning back against the rocks with the blanket covering their legs, Lexa tucked into Clarkes side. Clarke held her as the last dregs of her nightmare were washed away and she eventually calmed.
"I'm sorry" Lexa whispered and Clarke frowned in confusion
"What for?"
"Causing a fuss" Lexa explained and Clarke shook her head
"Lexa you're injured and sick with fever. It's not a fuss" Clarke was exasperated with the silly woman. She looked up when she heard approaching footsteps and calmed Lexa who had tensed "It's ok. It's Nyko" she advised as the healer entered the cave with what appeared to be a medical ice cooler from the Ark.
He approached them and hunkered down at their feet.
"Heda" he nodded and she just continued to watch him warily. He opened the cooler and pulled out a vial as well as a syringe. Clarke felt Lexa tense and had to smile. The big baby. "Bellamy provided two vials of antibiotics as well as capsules. It's all he dared risk."
"It should be enough. I will use the vial now and we can keep the other for if she requires a boost later" she gave Lexa a gentle squeeze and let her go to grab the supplies "Alcohol swab?" She asked and was handed one "I will do this. Put the cooler in our tent then organise your bed for the night. It will be dark soon, you're staying" she added when he went to protest.
"Sha skaiprisa" he nodded
"Get the guards to heat a couple of rocks in the fire. They should keep our tents warm tonight." She instructed as he stood up to leave and he nodded without comment and hurried out of the cave. Clarke turned to readying the syringe of antibiotics. Lexa watched warily.
"Whats in that?"
"Medicine for your fever and infection" Clarke replied as she put the prepared needle aside and opened up the alcohol swab.
"Will it hurt?"
"There will be a small sting but nothing compared to your wounds. Now give me your arm" Clarke ordered and Lexa sighed.
2 minutes later and it was all over. Though Lexa had informed she didn't like needles as she cuddled back into Clarke. Clarke smirked; Lexa was turning into a snuggler.
They sat that way for a few more long minutes before Octavia poked her head in and stated that the tent was ready. With the help of her friend they got Lexa up and modestly wrapped in a rug before helping her towards the entrance.
"Make sure you keep that fire going. We will have one more bath before sleep tonight" Clarke nodded at the fire which was still going well. Octavia nodded, not showing her confusion at the set of events. Clarke was staying in Lexa's tent and taking her for baths. It went above and beyond one leader healing the other. It went beyond friendship. Everything she had seen so far today pointed at a burgeoning relationship. She would continue to watch their actions over the next few days. Maybe, if she was correct, Indra's talk of a merger was not as hair brained as she thought.
The tent was spacious fortunately. Not only had they brought Lexa's pelts from her tent, along with the large bear skin, they had brought some of her rugs for extra warmth. Clarke looked at Octavia surprised.
"Raven said there was a big cold front on the radar. Lots of rain. Possibly snow. Winter is upon us" Octavia informed. Great Clarke grumbled silently. Just what they needed.
They ushered Lexa forward and sat her down on the pelts with some difficulty on the Heda's part.
"Can you bring us some food and water while I get her settled?" Clarke asked and Octavia nodded, quickly going about the new task she had been given. Clarke turned to Lexa and noted she was struggling to stay awake and upright. Sighing she quickly unravelled the blanket from around her and got her under the warm bear skin and covers. She needed her to stay awake and upright though and without the assistance of the wall she had only one other option.
Shucking her pants quickly she slid into the bed behind Lexa and pulled her back against her chest to hold her there, smiling when Lexa let out a deep sigh.
"Don't go to sleep on me commander"
"Wouldn't dream of it princess" Lexa mumbled back tipping her head back against a warm shoulder and looking up into concerned blue eyes. Lexa had to admit she liked this, being held by Clarke. It was rare to let her guard down like this but with Clarke she knew she was safe. She trusted Clarke completely.
She also liked that Clarke seemed to care for her. Not just in a concerned sort of way but in an attracted to sort of way. Maybe she could convince Clarke in the next few days that she was ready, that she deserved a chance. Lexa had to smile, not even a month ago she was determined to lead a lonely life. A sad life. Day by day, Clarke had convinced her they deserved more, needed more. Until she had finally given into those feelings and kissed Clarke. Maybe she should count her injuries as a blessing. Without them she doubted she would be getting this chance with Clarke, to get this close not just physically but mentally. They would get to know each other more. Talk. Hopefully, one day soon, Clarke would be this close to her because she wanted to be.
Noise outside the tent alerted her to someone's presence and she broke the eye contact just as Octavia entered carrying a large plate in one hand and two mugs in her right. She paused upon seeing them cuddled up together. Lexa had to cover a smirk at the confused look the other woman was giving them.
"My food will be cold if you dally much longer" she croaked and Octavia jolted out of stupor and hurried forward, placing the plate on the bed beside them and the mugs on the floor. Then she hurried out like the hounds of hell were after her.
"I think she is seeing more than she bargained for volunteering to be here" Clarke chuckled and reached for the plate of food. The meat was obviously the rabbit she saw earlier, pulled off the bone in bite size pieces. There were also some potatoes that had been cooked in the coals and some cheese. Water was in the mugs. It would do.
They ate in silence. Both enjoying the food in their stomaches and Clarke was happy that despite the fever Lexa still had her appetite. They washed the food down with the mugs of water before arranging themselves down amongst the covers, Clarke not hesitating to pull Lexa closer when she cuddled up to her. Lexas hand sought out hers under the covers and intertwined fingers. Both women sighed in contentment. Lexa closed her eyes and was soon asleep making tiny little snores which kept Clarke well amused for a long time before she too drifted off.
Pressure on her bladder woke Clarke and she checked her watch realising it was 8 and they had been asleep a couple of hours. Looking around she realised Octavia had been in to collect their things. They both must have been passed out if they hadn't heard her.
She needed to get Lexa up and back in the pond for an hour before readying for a good nights sleep. Looking down on the brunette she was hit with a powerful wave of emotion. Longing, tenderness and a multitude of other stronger feelings she didn't want to think about just yet. She didnt know what power compelled her but she leant down and pressed a lingering kiss on Lexas temple, not pulling back when she felt the brunette jerk awake. She placed a second kiss on her brow, a third on her nose and when Lexa tipped her head back more in hope than anything else she offered a short peck to waiting lips. Both women moaned at the contact and unable to help herself Clarke offered up a second, third and fourth light teasing peck. She was aware in the back of her mind that Lexa was still sick and now was not the time for this. When Lexa went to deepen the kiss she pulled back, gently cupping the brunettes face when she would have insisted on another.
"Later" she promised, brushing her thumb across flushed cheeks "now I need to answer natures call and get you back in the pool before we settle for the night"
"Me too, I mean nature calls" Lexa admitted with some embarrassment, her cheeks flushing and Clarke chuckled at her. Clarke helped her up and out of the tent, their kisses not forgotten but there were currently more pressing issues. Octavia jumped up upon seeing them but Clarke waved her away as they headed into the trees.
Several embarrassing minutes later and with red cheeks each they made their way into the cave, the fire blazing and keeping the area warm. Clarke raised her eyebrow at the bedding beside the fire and realised Octavia had set up camp there. Well the woman would just have to wait to go to bed, they required the pond.
Clarke quickly helped Lexa strip and remove her bandages while checking her wounds. The smaller wounds were healing well having absorbed the salve but the back wound was still a concern. Clarke knew that it would take a couple of days at least for it to start healing. She would make her decision about going back then.
Clarke hastily stripped herself then helped Lexa to enter the pond first before sliding in behind her. There was no pretence from either of them, Lexa wanted to be in her arms and Clarke wanted her there. Lexa sat across Clarke and enjoyed the feel of Clarke's hands on her side and hip. Her legs were straight out in front of her with one of Clarke's hooked over top. Clarke's arms around her. She laid her head on the blonde's shoulder and used her free hands to caress the blondes arms and legs.
"So, what does this mean?" Lexa asked and Clarke sighed
"It means you're too cute to resist and when you're better we need to talk" she admitted and Lexa had to grin, leaning forward to kiss the soft skin of the neck in front of her.
"Then you better get me better asap" Lexa murmured with a satisfied smile.
"Well that all depends"
"On what?"
"How well you take orders" Clarke smirked and Lexa groaned and snuggled closer.