Well it's me again! Did y'all think I'd fallen off the face of the earth? I'm sorry it's taken me so long! I've been battling a bad case of writer's block! I've also been toying with a few new story ideas which has been driving me crazy! Hopefully I can get back on track, and get this story its happy ending! Thanks for sticking with me guys! Enjoy! :)
PS: Any and all mistakes are my own! Typos are a thorn in my side… lol
Chapter 19
Clarke woke to the hum of machines, disoriented and sore. She opened her eyes, her gaze passing over several sleeping figures before settling on the one closest to her.
The room was dark, but she could still make out the outline of his features and the untamed curls that brushed the nape of his neck. His head lay near her hand, his back hunched at an odd angle. His breathing was deep and even, each breath hot against her skin.
Her fingers began to card through his hair, a smile curving her lips when he looked up and saw her watching him. His hand moved, their fingers twining as he began to gently caress her knuckles with his thumb.
"You scared me, Princess," Bellamy said softly.
"I'm sorry," Clarke whispered, her throat sore from being exposed to the cold, "How are the boys?"
"Shaken up, but they're fine," Bellamy told her, squeezing her hand.
"Did you miss the game," Clarke asked, anxious.
"No, it'll be tonight."
"What time is it," she said, searching for a clock.
"It's just a little past eight," Bellamy told her, "You didn't sleep as long as they thought you would."
"Those pain meds never work for me like they should," Clarke said with a wince, a grin tilting her lips when she saw the worry in his eyes, "I'm fine, Bell. Promise."
"You nearly died Clarke," he said, running a hand through his already tousled curls, "I thought I was going to lose you."
"You didn't though," Clarke assured him, pulling him close and pressing her lips firmly against his.
"Well I'm glad to see your feeling just fine," came Raven's voice, breaking the two apart.
"Hey, Rae," Clarke said with a smile, hugging her friend.
"Don't ever scare me like that again," Raven hissed, "I can't take it."
"Yes mam," Clarke said, her eyes drifting to a little head of blonde curls as her son made his way to her bed.
"Mommy," AJ said, tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Come here," Clarke said, watching as Bellamy helped the little boy up onto the bed so she could take him in her arms.
His weight was uncomfortable against her bandaged middle, but it wasn't unbearable. He needed her, and she wasn't about to let her injury stop her from comforting her son.
"Shhh, baby," Clarke crooned, stroking his back as he cried, "We're safe, it's over now."
"I was so scared," AJ whimpered.
"I know. I was scared too, but you're safe and you don't ever have to think about that again, ok," Clarke said, looking into her son's eyes.
He gave a little nod, sniffling as he crawled off the bed and into Bellamy's lap. AJ gave a jerky sob, burrowing into the older man's chest and closing his eyes.
Lincoln woke then, his anxious gaze finding his mother.
"Mom," he said, quickly coming to her side.
"Good morning, my sweet boy," Clarke said as she hugged her oldest son.
"We were so worried, Mom," Lincoln whispered, burying his face against her neck.
"I know, but I don't want you worrying anymore. I'm going to be just fine, and I'm sure if we ask nicely Bell and O will come and stay with us when we get home," Clarke said with a smile.
She knew that Lincoln took his position as man of the house very seriously, so she figured knowing that Bellamy would be there to ease that burden would be a relief. She watched as his shoulders relaxed, returning her smile, and she knew she'd been right.
"We're so glad you're ok, Clarke," Octavia said with a brilliant smile, relief evident in her eyes.
"I'm starving," Wick said, breaking through the mush and bringing about some comic relief.
"Always thinking about your stomach," Raven grumbled, poking him in the side.
"Why don't you all go down and get some breakfast," Clarke suggested, immediately knowing that was the wrong thing to say as five pairs of eyes stared at her in shock.
"I'm not going anywhere," Bellamy said, resuming his seat and crossing his arms.
"Well, then why don't the rest of you go get breakfast? You can bring this stubborn man something when you come back," Clarke said with a fond smile.
"I don't know Mom," Lincoln said hesitantly.
"I'll be fine, baby," Clarke assured, "You need to eat so you're ready for that big game tonight."
"Yes mam," he said with a sigh, taking AJ's hand and following Raven and Wick out into the hall.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Bellamy turned back to her with a sigh. He reached for her hand, his eyes scanning the bruises and cuts that marred her skin.
"I've already asked Murphy and Miller to handle things tonight. I'll stay here and we can watch the game on your little TV up there," Bellamy said with a grin, motioning to the tiny screen in the far corner.
"No, Bell," Clarke protested, "The guys need you! You're their leader, and you need to be there with them!"
"Clarke, my place is with you," Bellamy insisted, "I'm not letting you out of my sight any time soon."
"Raven will be here with me, I'll be fine," Clarke reasoned, "The hospital has security and I honestly don't think he'll be stupid enough to try something this soon."
Bellamy didn't seem pleased by her answer, but he didn't argue anymore. He was just ready to get her home where he could keep an eye on her.
They spent the remainder of their time before the others returned sitting in silence, their fingers tangled together as they watched some of the opposing team's game footage on Bellamy's laptop.
Soon the door swung open, AJ entering with a milk mustache and a donut in each hand. The others weren't far behind, their spirits seeming much higher than when they'd left.
Octavia handed Bellamy a box of food, Clarke grinning as he wrinkled his nose at the little pancakes.
"They call these pancakes! I think even I could do better," he grumbled.
"Maybe, but you'd burn down the kitchen in the process," Clarke snickered.
"That was only a little electrical fire," Bellamy said, "It wasn't even my fault."
"Oh no, definitely wasn't your fault," Clarke said, her lips still curved in a bright smile.
"I think you men should take the kids to the hotel so they can get some rest before tonight," Raven said, "We don't want our star quarterback too tired to play."
"But I-" Lincoln began before Clarke cut him off.
"I'll be fine here with your Aunt Rae. You and Bellamy have a big night, and I want you to both be ready."
"Fine," Lincoln said with a huff, "but I'm not happy about this."
"I know," Clarke said, "but we'll be home soon and then you can all hover as much as you want. Just go win that game for me first."
"I love you, Mom," Lincoln sad as he bent to kiss his mother's cheek.
"I love you too, sweetheart," Clarke replied.
Clarke and Raven watched as their men shuffled the kids out of the room, Bellamy obviously very reluctant to leave.
"I'll be back later," he said at the doorway.
"No you wont," Clarke argued, "You don't come back here until after the game tonight, or I'll have Rae kick you out."
Bellamy grumbled under his breath, shutting the door behind him.
"Ugh, I thought he'd never leave," Raven said with a grin.
"I know," Clarke agreed in mock exasperation, "Men!"
"Tell me about it," Raven sighed, "Can't live with them, and can't live without them!"
An hour and a half before game time Bellamy dropped by with Octavia.
"She wants to stay here with you," he said, kissing Clarke before turning to leave.
After she was sure he was gone, Octavia turned to Clarke with a smile.
"That was a total lie," she smirked, "He paid me twenty bucks not to tell you that this was just an excuse to see you before the game."
Clarke laughed at this, groaning when it sent a searing pain through her middle.
"What am I ever gonna do with that man," Clarke said with a smile, fondness lighting her blue eyes.
"I guess you're just gonna have to marry him," Octavia said matter-of-factly, "That's the only way any of us are going to get any peace…"
The three spent the next hour laughing at stories Octavia told about Bellamy. Clarke's favorite was the Halloween he'd dressed up as a knight because Octavia wanted to be a princess and she refused to be seen with her big brother if he wasn't in costume.
"He is the best big brother," Octavia said with a soft smile, "I don't know what I would have ever done without him."
"He is a good man," Clarke agreed, "He's not bad on the eyes either."
"On that note, I'm going to see if the game has started," Raven said with a grimace, "I don't need to hear the list of Bellamy Blake's most attractive features."
"Very funny Reyes," Clarke smirked, "How many times have I had to sit through a very mushy speech about the amazing Kyle Wick?"
"Not fair," Raven grumbled, "Just watch your son and your man win their football game."
Clarke and Octavia shared a smirk as the game kicked off. They spent the next hour and forty-five minutes cheering on the Mount Weather Mountain Men as they fought their way to victory.
Clarke couldn't help her proud smile when the camera panned to where Bellamy paced on the sidelines- his hands waving around as he shouted his orders. He looked so good in his dark polo, his dark hair glistening in the bright lights that illuminated the field.
When the final seconds ticked down and Mount Weather had won, the boys took the big jug of Gatorade and dumped it on Bellamy's head. The young coach simply smiled, victory shining in his eyes.
Clarke waited impatiently for the rest of their crew to arrive, knowing Bellamy would probably have an interview with the local news. She was excited to hear all about the game from Lincoln's favorite plays to AJ's little announcer's voice as he recounted every second.
She didn't have long to wait because forty-five minutes later Wick and Bellamy were walking through the door with the two boys in tow- huge smiles on their faces.
"We won," Lincoln grinned, "I got to talk to several scouts! They all said that if I keep playing this well that I'll be able to go to any college I want to."
"That's great, sweetheart," Clarke exclaimed, "I'm so proud of you!"
"You should have seen it Mom," AJ said then, "Linc made the final touchdown! It was awesome!"
"I know little man," Clarke said, "I wish I could have been there for that!"
"What about me," Bellamy said, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine, "How did I look on camera?"
Clarke scrunched her nose, "You looked alright, I guess."
"You guess," Bellamy asked indignantly.
Clarke smiled, "Well maybe you looked better than alright."
"Mmm, I'll take it," Bellamy said as he leaned down and claimed her lips with his own.
"Ewww, Bell," AJ said wrinkling his nose.
"Get used to it, buddy. I've got your Mom back and I'm never letting her go," Bellamy said smiling down into Clarke's eyes.
"Alright, time to go," Raven said, "Mom needs her rest, and Bellamy needs a shower. You wreak of Gatorade Blake."
"Bye guys," Clarke called, watching as Bellamy took a black bag from beside the bed.
"You don't have to stay, Bell. I know you've got to be tired," Clarke said.
"I'm not leaving, Clarke. There's no way I'd sleep for worrying about you," Bellamy said, dropping a kiss on her forehead before making his way to the bathroom.
Clarke listened as the shower turned on, sighing in relief. She wouldn't admit it, but she did feel safer with him here. With Bellamy she knew that nothing bad would happen, he wouldn't let it.
She was ready to be home, ready to forget all about the past few days. However a nagging little voice in the back of her mind told her that this wasn't over- that Finn would be back. She was terrified. She didn't want him to hurt her children, but his threat to Bellamy still rang loudly in her ears.
Clarke shook her head, trying to dispel the dark thoughts. She told herself that she was safe, her boys were safe, and Bellamy was safe. She tried to convince herself that there was nothing to worry about, and she was just letting Finn get to her again.
She heard the bathroom door open, watching as Bellamy stepped out in a pair of athletic shorts and a white t-shirt. His dark hair was damp, and the scent of his shampoo warmed her.
"Feel better," Clarke asked with a smile.
"Much better," Bellamy grinned, "I was starting to get sticky."
"Yuck," Clarke chuckled, linking her fingers with his as he sat down beside her.
"What are you thinking," Bellamy asked her, his dark eyes far too knowing for her comfort.
"I don't want Finn to ruin things for us Bellamy. I don't want fear of him to hold me back anymore," Clarke said with a sigh.
"Then don't," Bellamy said, "I'll keep you and the boys safe, Clarke. I'm not going to let anything happen."
Clarke smiled, giving his hand a gentle squeeze, "You should get some sleep."
"Alright, but only if you sleep too," Bellamy said.
"I think I can do that," Clarke said with a smile, kissing him sweetly before watching him make his bed on the couch.
After he turned off the lights her thoughts began to wander again. She believed that he would do everything in his power to keep her and the boys safe, but what terrified her was that she couldn't keep him safe.
As she watched him settle down for the night, facing her as his eyes closed in sleep, she couldn't help but resign herself to the fact that it would absolutely break her heart if anything ever happened to him.
"I can't lose you, Bellamy Blake," she whispered before allowing her eyes to close, determination soaring within her.
She wasn't the same woman that had allowed herself to be beaten. She had more to lose than she had then, and she wasn't about to let her ex-husband to take this away. He didn't know who he was dealing with, but if he harmed one hair on Bellamy's head he was sure going to find out.
Thanks for reading! Please review! They really inspire me! :)
Emma: Thank you so much for your review! It was so encouraging and it really helped a lot! I'm so glad that you're enjoying this fic, and I'm soooo sorry it's taken me so long to update! Your English and your writing skills are great! Don't every worry about writing something wrong! I'm just happy to hear from you :)
A Reader: Thank you so much for your review! Anyone can write! It just takes a bit of practice to find your voice! You should definitely try it, and there are so many of us that would help you in any way that we can! If it's what you want, go for it! I'm sure you'd be amazing at it! :) Bad reviews are a part of life, and really they help more than they hurt. I always say you know you're doing something right if you've got a few haters on your tail ;)
Ilovesmesomebooks: Thanks so much for the review! A proposal is definitely in the works! So be ready! :)
Wright: Thanks so much for the review! I'm still planning on that big confrontation, but I think I've got some new ideas for it. That's what I love most about writing is that I never really know where I'm going lol The characters usually govern that like they've got a mind of their own… More Wick and more Lincoln! I will definitely try to do that for you! :)
Loulou: Thanks so much for the review! Wow! That is a great compliment! Thank you so much! :)
Valeria: thanks so much for your review! I'm sorry it's been so long since I've updated! Finn is still in play, but I think I'm finally starting to get my plan for him. He's been difficult for me to figure out this time around lol I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! :)
HH: Thanks so much for the review! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! :)
To All of my other Guest Reviewers: Thank you so much for your reviews and support! I am so sorry it's taken me so long to update!