Woohoo! A second update! I hope this one doesn't disappoint! Enjoy guys! You're the best! :)
Chapter 20
Clarke shook her head, a fond smile curving her lips as Bellamy quickly jumped out of his truck and ran around to open the passenger door. He was smiling like she was the sun, moon, and stars all rolled into one.
"Here let me help," Bellamy said, his hands gentle as he helped her into the passenger seat.
He gave a sigh of relief when she was buckled in, squeezing her hand before turning to thank the nurse.
"Thank you, I'll take it from here," he said with his famous smirk.
The woman smiled, throwing Clarke an amused wink before returning to the hospital.
"Where are the kids," Clarke asked when Bellamy was settled behind the wheel.
"They're riding back with Wick and Raven," he said, "I've got it all figured out. I'm going to stay with you and the boys, and Octavia's already said she wants to stay with Raven. I'm going to drop you off at the house, and Raven's going to stay until I get back with my stuff."
Clarke couldn't help her smile at his pride in his plan, "Sounds like you've given this a lot of thought."
She watched as his dark eyes grew serious, "I've been giving many things a lot of thought, Princess."
Clarke gulped at the intensity in his gaze, warmth spreading up her arm as he took her hand. They fell into a comfortable silence, both lost in their own thoughts. She started hurting a little while later, and he urged her to take some pain medication.
"We'll be home soon, take a nap and I'll wake you when we get there," Bellamy urged.
Clarke didn't argue, swallowing the pills down with a gulp of water before leaning the seat back and closing her eyes. She kept a firm grip on Bellamy's hand, running her thumb over his knuckles to assure herself that he really was there.
Bellamy watched her sleep, her hand soon going slack in his. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that she was safe and alive. He'd never been more afraid in his life than he had the moment he'd found that she'd been taken. He was still tortured by how close he came to losing her.
He concentrated on the road, shoving his dark thoughts to the background of his mind- thankful when the landscape became more familiar and the city limits of Mount Weather came into view.
Bellamy found Raven, Wick, and the kids unloading their truck in front of the house when he pulled up. He looked over at Clarke to find her sleeping soundly, her lips pursed and her lashes soft against her pale cheeks.
"Is she asleep," Raven asked quietly when Bellamy exited the truck.
"Yep, she was out like a light about an hour or two in. She took some pain pills and I think they made her sleepy," Bellamy explained, moving around to the passenger side, "She wanted me to wake her up, but she needs the sleep."
Raven nodded, smiling as Bellamy carefully unbuckled Clarke and took her in his arms. The blonde snuggled into him, mumbling something under her breath that made him smile.
Bellamy carried Clarke up to her room, laying her down on her bed and removing her shoes. He pulled her comforter over her still form, about to leave when her hand reached for his.
"Are we home," she whispered, eyes bleary with sleep.
"Yeah, Princess, we're home," Bellamy smiled, sitting on the mattress beside her.
"I'm so tired," Clarke yawned.
"Then go back to sleep. I'll be back when you wake up," Bellamy assured, smiling as she closed her eyes and gave a contented sigh.
When Bellamy made it downstairs, AJ was waiting with a worried frown.
"Is Momma ok," the little boy asked.
"She's fine, buddy. Just tired," Bellamy said ruffling the boy's hair.
"Are you coming back," Lincoln asked from the doorway.
"I've just got to run home and get a few things. Your Aunt Rae is going to stay here while I'm gone," Bellamy said giving Lincoln a reassuring smile.
"I need some stuff too Bell," Octavia called, running to the truck.
"Alright, we'll be back," Bellamy called to Raven and Wick.
Bellamy made their trip home a quick one, piling his clothes into a bag, deciding to just do laundry at Clarke's. He grabbed the things he would need for his class at school, a few books to keep him busy, and his laptop.
When they'd made it back to Clarke's place, Bellamy put Octavia's bags in Raven and Wick's truck. The couple met them outside, tired smiles on their faces.
"I'm so ready to be home," Wick said with a sigh, "Take care of Clarke. Come on O, let's go home."
Bellamy smiled as Wick slung one arm around his sister's shoulders, saying something that made her grin as they walked to the truck.
"He's probably promising Netflix and ice cream," Raven said with a shake of her head, "Those two are the biggest sci-fi nerds I've ever known."
"Don't worry Rae, I'll take care of Clarke," Bellamy said, placing a hand on the woman's shoulder.
"I know," Raven said with a sigh, "Call me if she needs anything."
"I will. Go home and get some rest," Bellamy said, opening the truck door for her.
"Bye Bell," Octavia called from the backseat with a wave.
He watched them pull away, then he went inside to find both boys sprawled on the couch with a movie going. They looked up when he entered.
"Coach we're hungry," Lincoln said, his eyes tired and obviously favoring his right shoulder.
"What'd you do, Linc," Bellamy asked, moving to inspect the injury.
"It's nothing," Lincoln said, "I just got sacked a bit hard the other night."
"Why didn't you say something earlier?"
"I don't know. I guess cuz it wasn't really hurting," Lincoln said with a shrug that caused him to wince.
Bellamy examined the injury, thankful when it appeared to just be a deep bruise.
"You haven't pulled anything, just be careful of it for a while," Bellamy cautioned, "I'll order some pizza then I need to check on your Mom."
The boys nodded, nearly drooling as he ordered their dinner. Bellamy looked in on Clarke, finding her still sleeping peacefully. He made it back downstairs just as the pizza arrived, paying the delivery guy and taking the warm boxes.
They settled on the couch in front of the television, all three silent as they munched on their cheese pizza- eyes glued to the epic portrayal of the legendary Roman 9th Legion.
Bellamy was just about to get up for another glass of juice when a scream echoed from upstairs.
"Bellamy! Bellamy!"
He felt his blood run cold, the hair on the back of his neck rising. He looked at the boys, their eyes wide and frightened.
"Stay here," Bellamy said, taking the stairs two at a time until he reached Clarke's room.
He burst through the door to find her writhing in the sheets, screaming and crying out his name. He suddenly realized that she was dreaming, her eyes closed, and a look of agony painting her features.
"Clarke," Bellamy said, gently shaking her shoulder, "Clarke wake up."
Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on his face as she sprang into his arms. Her tears dotted his shirt, her hands fisting in the material as she pulled him closer. She was shaking, mewling whimpers breaking his heart.
"Shhh, you're safe," Bellamy soothed, one of his hands stroking down her back, "I'm here."
"Please don't leave me, Bell," Clarke begged, "Don't ever leave."
"I'm not going anywhere, Princess," he said, hugging her close.
He felt her take a deep breath, giving a shaky exhale as her tears began to subside. She nestled against his chest, tracing unintelligible patterns upon his shirt.
"Finn killed you. I watched him do it. I begged him, but he wanted to punish me. It seemed so real," Clarke whispered brokenly.
"I'm fine," Bellamy said, sweeping an errant curl behind her ear.
"Did I scare the boys," she asked, her voice quivering slightly.
"No, Mom," Lincoln said from the doorway, "We're fine."
"I'm so sorry, babies," Clarke said with a little sob, her tears starting afresh.
Both boys climbed on the bed, Bellamy moving away so they could embrace their mother. The smile that curved Clarke's lips set him at ease, and he knew that her love for her children was one of the things he loved most about her.
"Time for bed," Clarke said, "You've both had a busy few days, and I know you're tired."
Bellamy could see their hesitation, but both boys kissed their mother's cheek then waved goodnight before making their way to their rooms. After they'd gone, Clarke visibly deflated as she watched Bellamy make his way to the door.
"Don't go," her words stopped him.
"I'm just going to go change," Bellamy said, "I'll be back."
He went to the guest room, shucking his jeans and sweater in favor of a pair of dark mesh shorts and a ragged grey t-shirt. He made it back to her room, making his way to the bed to find her waiting for him.
Clarke patted the mattress, and the moment he laid down she was snuggled against him. Her contented sigh brought a smile to his lips as he wrapped his arms around her.
"Sleep, Princess," Bellamy said softly, "I'll keep you safe."
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The next morning Clarke woke from a deep, dreamless sleep to find her bed devoid of Bellamy. For a moment she was confused, and a little disappointed, but then she heard a noise at her door.
She looked up to find the man himself walking into her room with a bright smile and a plate of pancakes. They smelled heavenly, and she realized that she was starving.
"Good morning, Princess," Bellamy said, helping her sit up before placing the plate of food on her lap.
"You did this for me," Clarke asked, a soft smile curving her lips.
"I did," Bellamy said, smug smirk in place.
"And you didn't even set off the smoke alarm," Clarke grinned.
"Well the boys helped," Bellamy said, settling in beside her.
"They love pancakes," Clarke said thoughtfully, groaning as she popped her first bite of fluffy sweet goodness into her mouth, "This is amazing!"
Bellamy chuckled, "I'm glad you like it."
"This was just what I needed," she said licking some syrup from her lips.
"So, what's the plan for today," Bellamy asked, stretching out on his side.
"I just kinda want to lay here and be lazy," Clarke said guiltily.
"So that's what we'll do. Raven's coming to get the boys in half an hour and we'll have the day to ourselves," Bellamy said, fingering the bedspread.
"Really," Clarke asked, "That sounds amazing."
"I thought you'd like it. You need your rest, and if I'm honest I'm pretty beat too," Bellamy said with a shrug.
"Well then, Mr. Blake, let's be lazy," Clarke grinned, giving him a syrupy kiss.
True to his word, Raven came for the boys thirty minutes later. She chatted with Clarke while the boys gathered their things, Bellamy hovering in the doorway.
"I see someone's taking his job seriously," Raven smirked at Bellamy.
"You bet I am," Bellamy said crossing his arms with a huff.
"You're doing an awesome job of baby sitting," Clarke cooed, bring a smile to his lips.
"You two are so gross," Raven said with a grimace, "Ok boys, let's go before I gag!"
"I'll just walk them out," Bellamy said, kissing Clarke's forehead.
He followed the little procession downstairs before pulling Lincoln aside.
"Linc, I have something very important I need to ask-"
"Yes," Lincoln said cutting him off.
"What do you mean yes," Bellamy asked in confusion.
"If you're going to ask for my permission to marry my mom, then you've got it," the teen said with a grin, clapping the older man on the shoulder, "Good luck, Coach."
"Thanks Lincoln," Bellamy said sincerely, "I promise to take care of her."
"I know you will," Lincoln said softly, "That's all you've done since you've come into her life, thank you."
"It's been my pleasure, son," Bellamy said.
"Bye, Bellamy," Lincoln smiled, "You and Mom have fun."
"Bye Linc," Bellamy grinned, watching the teen job to the waiting pickup.
He waved until they were no longer in sight before shutting the door and sliding the deadbolt into place. He made his way to his room, taking the small velvet box from a pocket in his duffle.
It had been his mother's, and he really hoped Clarke liked it. He'd grabbed it when he'd gone home for his things, thinking there might be a time for it. After all that had happened, he couldn't think of a better time.
He'd nearly lost the woman he loved with all his soul, and no matter what tomorrow might bring he wanted to be by her side- he wanted her to be his.
Bellamy slipped the box into the pocket of his sweatpants, slowly making his way up the stairs to find Clarke watching a re-run of Crossing Jordan. She looked up when she heard him enter, a smile brightening her features.
"There you are, I missed you."
Bellamy couldn't help but stare for a moment, her blonde curls cascading about her shoulders and her blue eyes sparkling with her smile. She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever known- inside and out.
"I love you," he said huskily, watching as her features softened.
"I love you too," she replied, tilting her head in confusion as he made his way to her side of the bed.
Bellamy held her gaze, watching as her eyes rounded as he knelt on bended knee- taking her hand in his.
"Not long ago, I thought I'd lost you forever and all I could think was what life would be like without you. That's something I never want to experience. From the moment I've met you, you have stirred feelings inside of me that I can't explain. You make me a better man- a happier man. I've come to realize that you are everything I've ever dreamed of, everything I could ever want. So, Clarke Griffin, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife and allowing me to love you for the rest of my life?"
He watched as tears coursed down her cheeks, his heart constricting. He started to rise, an apology at the tip of his tongue. However, he was silenced when Clarke's lips descended on his own in a slow kiss that promised more than he could have ever hoped for.
"Bellamy," Clarke breathed when she pulled away, "I love you so much, and I would love to be your wife."
Bellamy felt like his heart was going to take flight at the sound of her words, a smile curving his lips and love shining in his eyes. He slipped the ring on her finger, his smile widening when it proved to be a perfect fit.
"It's beautiful," Clarke smiled, kissing him again.
"It was my mothers," Bellamy said, crawling in bed beside the woman he loved and taking her in his arms.
"Then that makes it even more special," Clarke murmured, snuggling against him.
"I don't think you'll ever know how much I love you, Princess," Bellamy whispered against her hair, his lips brushing her temple.
"If it's anywhere close to how much I love you then I think I have a pretty good idea," Clarke said with a smile, happier than she'd ever been.
They spent the rest of the day in lazy relaxation, just enjoying being together. They talked and planned for their future, excited to embark on this new journey together.
However, little did they know they still had one danger to conquer before they could be truly happy- truly safe…
Thanks for reading! Please review! I love hearing from y'all! :)
Loulou: Thanks for the review! I'm so glad that you're still enjoying the story! I'm always terrified after I come back from a long break lol It can be hard to get back in the swing of things, so I'm so happy to hear that I'm not making things choppy! :)
Wright: Thanks for the review! I'm right there with you! Protective Bellamy is so awesome! :) I'm excited to see how the protective Clarke works out too! I don't think Finn knows what he's gotten himself into… I will definitely try to squeeze in more of Miller and Murphy!
To my other Guest Reviewers: Thanks so much for taking the time to review! Y'all are awesome and so encouraging!