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Chapter 3

Bellamy made his way through the crowd, unsure what he would find. The guard that had come to fetch him had offered no helpful information, so he hurried as quickly as he could squeezing through the throng until he made it to the circular opening in the middle.

He could hear someone crying, the voice sounding oddly familiar. He moved to stand beside his sister, and that's when he saw her. She stood a few feet way from her mother, a bundle held tightly in her arms.

From his place, he could see the exhaustion written so clearly across her features. Her blonde hair was soaked, thin strands sticking to her face. After two months she still looked beautiful, and still had the same affect on him that she always had.

He watched as she began to sway, her eyes glued to his face. Then her gaze became hazy, her blue eyes rolling back in her head as she fell. She collapsed in the mud, and her bundle came alive.

The thick orange blanket wriggled away, revealing a little boy no older than four. He was screeching, his tiny hands grasping Clarkes face as he shouted "Momma" over and over.

Bellamy saw Abby move forward, trying to comfort the little boy. He shrank from her touch, his eyes filled with fear.

"No! My Momma never talked about you, she never said you", he cried, "I need a Bewamy! She said a Bewamy would help!"

Bellamy felt his chest tighten, and he found himself moving forward. He bent down, eye level with the child who held tightly to his mother lying in the mud.

"I'm Bellamy", he said softly.

The little boy's gaze was conflicted for a moment as he stared from his mother back to the man before him.

"We need to help your Momma. Will you let us take her inside where it's dry?"

Bellamy watched as the child nodded, reaching out his arms. He stood there dumfounded for a moment before taking the boy in his arms and stepping back so a medical team could get to Clarke.

She looked so pale, and now he could see how thin she'd become and the blood staining her shirt. Almost as if he'd read his mind, the little boy spoke.

"A wolf tried to getted me, but Momma wouldn't let it. She killeded it."

Bellamy looked at the boy, his expression solemn and filled with pride as he spoke of his mother's bravery.

"Your mother's always been brave", Bellamy whispered as he watched two men transfer Clarke to a stretcher, following them when they began to make their way to the infirmary.

"What's your name", he asked the little urchin as he walked.

"Bwyce", the little boy murmured.

"Well, Bryce, your Momma is going to be just fine. I promise."

They entered the med bay after everyone else to find Abby examining Clarke. From his place by the door, Bellamy could see the nasty bite marks on her side. The boy whimpered, his brown eyes trained on the unconscious woman.

Abby poured some of Monty's moonshine over Clarke's side, and the younger woman came to with a moan. Her blue eyes took a moment to focus, but when they did she was up and off the table.

"Where is he", she ground out, "Where is my son?"

The room as a whole watched as Clarke's hand went to the scabbard at her belt, but her hand met nothing but leather. Her gaze swept the room, feral and haggard.

When she finally saw the little boy, she sighed in relief before sitting back down on the table. A gentle smile curved her lips as she opened her arms.

Bellamy felt the little boy begin to wiggle, setting him down and watching as he ran to the blonde. She scooped him up, turning where her mother had access to the wounds on her side.

"I found him, Momma", Bryce said with a grin.

"I see that", Clarke replied as she placed a gentle kiss to his forehead.

The little boy sobered, his voice lowering to a whisper.

"Are you going to be all better soon", he asked.

Clarke hugged him to her, "I'm going to be just fine in no time."

"Are we going to leave?"

Clarke's gaze traveled to Bellamy, uncertain. "I don't know, baby. We'll see."

"Momma, I'm still hungry."

Abby chuckled where she stood dabbing ointment on Clarke's wound.

"We'll get you something in a bit, little one", Abby said before turning back to Clarke, "How did this happen?"

"Wolf", Clarke answered simply.

"Momma killeded it", the little boy exclaimed.

Abby stared at her daughter, wondering what dangers she'd encountered during her absence from camp. Her gaze traveled from the young woman to the little boy that clung to her.

He was thin and gangly; the doctor in her could tell that he would grow to be fairly tall if his long legs were any indication. His dark hair brushed his ears in loose curls, and his brown eyes shone with intelligence. His tiny hands clasped Clarke's shirt, his thumbs rubbing against the material.

"Who is she, Momma? Didn't her momma tell her it's not nice to stare", the little boy whispered.

"Bryce Jacob Griffin, that is no way to speak about an elder", Clarke reprimanded.

"I'm sorry, Momma", Bryce answered sheepishly.

"It's ok, all is forgiven", Clarke said, smiling into his eyes, "This is Abby."

"Abby", the little boy tried.

"Yes, I'm Clarke's…", the blonde gave her mother a withering glare cutting off her words.

"Um, I'm Clarke's friend", Abby said with a sad smile.

"Oh. Momma can I talk to Bewamy", Bryce asked suddenly.

Clarke sighed. She knew the little boy had missed having a male influence, and she could see the hero worship that already washed over his features as he stared at the dark haired man across the room.

Her gaze collided with his, the chill in his brown eyes filling her with dread. She imagined what Octavia must have told him, and she knew that the one person she needed most now despised her.

She hung her head, taking her son's hands in her own as she looked into his choclatey brown eyes.

"Not right now, sweetheart. Mr. Bellamy is busy", she explained.

"But he doesn't look busy, Momma", the little boy chirped.

Clarke heard a chuckle come from across the room, and looked up to see Bellamy making his way to where they sat.

"I'm not busy, Clarke. I'll take him to get something to eat, and give him a tour of camp."

Clarke stared up at him, knowing that he was the only person she would trust with the little boy. She looked down at Bryce to find him staring at her expectantly.

"Alright, but you listen to everything Mr. Bellamy says."

"Yes, ma'am", Bryce gushed as he threw his arms around her.

She winced, but pulled him tighter. "I love you, little man", she whispered.

"Love you too, Momma", the little boy said with a smile.

Clarke watched as Bellamy picked Bryce up off the table, talking quietly to him as he walked from the room. She turned to look at her mother, noticing the hurt expression that colored her features.

The room emptied, everyone going their separate ways, leaving Abby and Clarke alone.

"Why did you do it", Abby asked softly.

"I couldn't face them everyday, watching as their admiration turned to disgust once they learned the lengths I went to ensure their safety", Clarke muttered.

Abby nodded, her voice gentle when she spoke. "He looked for you."

"Then why did he stop? You don't have to answer because I already know. I can see it in his eyes. Octavia told him about Tondc. I knew when he found out that he would grow to despise me, I couldn't stay and watch that happen."

"Ahh, so it was Bellamy you couldn't face. It was him you couldn't bear to disappoint, not me and not your friends", her mother said finally understanding.

Clarke hung her head, shame filling her, but then she looked up her gaze filled with determination.

"I couldn't risk falling ill and leaving Bryce alone in the wilderness. So, I came back to ensure his safety. He's the only responsibility I want or need. He's the only reason I returned and the only reason I'll stay."

Abby realized in that moment that her daughter had changed, gone was the fearless leader willing to sacrifice herself for her cause. Before her sat a woman just trying to raise a little boy who desperately needed her, and who she desperately needed in return.

"I'll leave you to rest, sweetie", she said, placing a soft kiss upon Clarke's brow.

As Abby turned to go, Clarke's voice stopped her.

"Tell him when Bryce gets sleepy to bring him to me."

"Ok", was all Abby said as she watched her daughter's eyes close.

She made her way to the mess hall, where she found Bellamy and Kane sitting with Bryce. The little boy smiled at her as she approached.

"So, where did Clarke find you", Kane asked.

"Momma found me in the mountain", Bryce answered solemnly, "They all died, and I was alone. Momma said I didn't have to talk about it."

The three adults shared a sad glance before Kane spoke again.

"So, Clarke just took you with her? What did you do?"

"Momma tookeded care of me and told me stories. My favorite is about the Rebel and the Princess", the child answered, grinning widely.

Bellamy's breath hitched, and he felt the overwhelming need to see Clarke. His gaze collided with Abby's.

"Go", she said softly, "I think we can take care of Bryce."

Bellamy jumped up, nearly running out of the mess hall and down to the med bay. He rushed in, his steps slowing when he saw her. Her eyes were open, staring at the ceiling. Her hands lay on her stomach, her fingers tapping inaudibly.

Then she turned her head, her eyes brushing over his face in a gentle caress. He stepped closer; feeling that old magnetic pull that always seemed to exist between them. He hovered over her, taking in every new scar and the fresh bruises that dotted her skin.

"Why", he asked brokenly.

"I couldn't bear what you would think of me when you found out", she whispered in reply.

"We could have worked through it", Bellamy answered.

Clarke's laugh was mirthless and bitter, "Oh yeah, because if I were to ask you right now how you honestly felt about me you wouldn't have the urge to tell me how much you despise me?"

She watched him, his eyes cast down and his hands fisting at his sides.

"That's what I thought", she ground out between clenched teeth.

"Clarke, I…"

Bellamy didn't get a chance to finish because at that moment Raven rushed into the room. The dark haired girl enveloped Clarke in a tight hug, her voice shaky when she spoke.

"I thought I'd never see you again."

"I thought the same", Clarke whispered.

She smiled over her friend's shoulder when she saw Wick come in.

"Wick, it's nice to see you again", the blonde smirked as Raven pulled away.

"You too, Clarke."

"So, how've you been", Raven asked.

"Surviving. I've got someone for you to meet later", Clarke said with a smile.

"Really. Is it a man?"

Clarke glanced at Bellamy, "Not exactly, but he's all I need."

The blonde chatted with her friend until her eyes grew to heavy to keep open. The other girl promised to come and visit the next day, she and Wick leaving with a wave.

She fell asleep, never noticing that the dark haired Rebel was still in the room watching over her.

Abby smiled as Bryce began to droop, his little eyes sliding shut and then popping back open. He'd gotten his tummy full and now he was fighting back the exhaustion that hovered in his dark brown eyes.

Bellamy hadn't returned, but that didn't surprise her. The young man had been beside himself when Clarke had left, and had never recovered. She suspected she would find him in the med bay, sitting in silence as her daughter slept, afraid to let her out of his sight.

When Bryce tipped forward, Abby decided it was time to take action.

"Alright, time for bed", she said scooping the little boy into her arms.

She carried him to her quarters, Kane close on her heels. Her room was right across the hall from the med bay, close enough for convenience but still offering some semblance of privacy.

She laid the little boy down on her bed, tucking the covers up to his chin. She brushed a dark curl from his forehead, smiling when his little nose wrinkled in his sleep.

"He's a cute kid", Kane said beside her.

"Yes he is. Does he remind you of anyone in particular", she asked curiously.

"You too? I thought I was the only one who noticed the uncanny resemblance to a certain Rebel", the man chuckled.

"She loves him- Bellamy", Abby whispered.

"Yes, I imagine she does and has for a long time."

"He's grown so cold and distant. What if he doesn't love her back? He's our only hope of keeping her here, him and this little guy", Abby said worriedly.

"Bellamy will come around. He feels strongly for her. It may take him time to sort out those feelings, but if the look on his face tonight when he saw her again was any indication then I think they'll be ok."

"I hope you're right", she answered.

Both adults turned to the little boy, his body tossing and his limbs becoming tangled in the sheets. His quiet moans turned to terrified screams, his eyes opening and tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Momma", he yelled, looking frantically about the room.

"Momma's asleep, sweetie. You're just fine, I promise", Abby said trying to sooth the boy.

"No, I need Momma", he cried, his dark eyes pleading.

Abby was just about to go to get Clarke when her daughter appeared in the doorway.

Clarke woke from a deep sleep to the sound of screams. Her eyes shot open as she recognized them. She jumped off the table, gripping the edge with white knuckles as she fought back the sudden wave of nausea and tried to steady her shaking legs.

At her son's terrified screams, she shoved away from the only thing holding her up and rushed from the room. Her side burned, and her body felt feverish. She ignored her own discomfort, instead overcome by the overwhelming need to comfort her little boy.

She raced into her mother's quarters to find her trying to console Bryce, but as soon as the little boy saw her a sob rose in his throat and his arms reached for her.

Clarke came forward, taking him in her arms and hugging him tightly. He shook, his harsh sobs racking his small frame.

"Shhh, Momma's here. I'm here", she murmured into his curls.

Soon his sobs subsided, and his voice echoed in the quiet room.

"I saw them", he cried, "They were yelling and crying. I was scared, and I couldn't find you."

"I know, but it's all over now."

Clarke rubbed the little boy's back, deciding to take him back across the hall. She picked him up, placing a hand against the wall to steady herself. She staggered into the other room, sitting Bryce down on the tall cot before climbing up beside him.

She lay down, shifting as he curled against her. His head was buried against her collarbone, and his hands were fisted in the material of her shirt. He quivered for a while as his young mind fought to rid its self of the tragic images.

Soon he was asleep, her fingers carding through his dark curls. He was a beautiful little boy, and she'd never loved anyone more.

Bellamy watched her from the doorway, his well-trained gaze missing nothing. Not the way she winced as the little boy banded his arms around her, not the fine sheen of sweat that stood out on her pale skin, and not the way her legs refused to support her weight.

He observed the way her fingers brushed through the boy's hair, gentle and sure. It was obvious that she loved her son very much, and he admired her for the way she cared for the child.

Bellamy was suddenly pulled from his thoughts as Abby and Kane came up behind him.

"Are they asleep", Abby whispered.

"Bryce is", Bellamy answered.

"Poor boy", Kane said sympathetically.

Then all three of them found Clarke's gaze resting on them, her blue orbs exhausted and filled with something they couldn't identify.

"You might as well hear it now, while I'm brave enough to tell it", she said quietly, waiting until they'd come closer to continue, "I found him on Level 5 huddled in corner. He took me to his quarters where he'd lived. I found a leather bound journal as I scoured the apartment for anything he could use. I took it with me, thinking it might shed some light on Bryce's past. I didn't want to ask him about his parents because I didn't want him to have to relive that pain. The journal was his father's. It told a gruesome and sad tale. Bryce's father was a member of the security detail responsible for capturing Grounders. That's how he met Bryce's mother. They carried on their relationship in secret, and then she became pregnant. After Bryce was born, his mother was found and taken to the harvest chamber. Bryce' s father tried to save her, but he was too late. She'd lost a substantial amount of blood in childbirth, and she hadn't been strong enough to endure the harvest process."

Clarke's eyes filled with tears, anger at welling in her chest at the injustices committed by the Wallace's.

"Bryce's mother being a Grounder means that he's also immune to radiation, and that's how he survived what happened on level 5. His father, thankfully, died a year ago because he refused the treatments. Bryce was being passed from family to family, never staying with anyone too long.

"After leaving the Mountain, I found a bunker for us to live in. I took him with me to hunt for food and then worked on his education at night. He's a smart little boy and he picked everything up quickly, his abc's only took him three nights to learn.

"I tell myself that I saved him, but in truth it was the other way around. Before I found him I was desperate to ease the guilt that was slowly crushing me. I had no reason to keep moving, to continue breathing. Then I found him, and he stole my heart from the minute his dark little eyes met mine. Now I can't imagine life without him", Clarke finished quietly.

The other three people simply stared at her, the silence echoing with tension. Then Bellamy stepped forward, drawing near to where she lay, tears coursing down her cheeks.

He reached out, laying a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Princess, what happened in that mountain isn't all on you. Monty and I share that burden with you", he said, his thumb brushing back and forth across the thin fabric of her shirt.

Bellamy's heart stuttered when her pain filled eyes faceted on his face, a sad smile curving her lips.

"I gladly bear the burden so they don't have to", she murmured, her eyes closing, "I'm so tired."

"I know, Princess, just rest and we'll talk about this tomorrow."

He watched as she nodded. He stood there until her breathing evened, and he was sure she was asleep. He turned back to Kane and Abby, pulling a chair closer to the bed.

"I'll stay here tonight", he said, not bothering to wait for their permission before sitting down.

Before Abby could protest, Kane spoke. "That's a good idea, Bellamy. We'll see you in the morning."

Bellamy didn't even notice when the other two people left the room. He was too busy taking in the vision before him; a vision of an angel, her halo slightly bent, but an angel nonetheless.

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