Healing Hearts Chapter 20 Clarke

The night felt like it drug on forever, and everyone was tired. They hadn't had time to think beyond trying to keep Bellamy's fever down. Someone was constantly going back to the stream refilling the water bowl for cool water. Early into the morning his fever broke and he was sleeping and looked relaxed, finally.

Clarke looked over to Lincoln, wondering how he was able to hide his pain, would she ever understand the grounders, they were so stoic and reserved. She thought of Lexa, and how she so calmly walked away from their alliance, and without falter, how she shoved a sword through Gustus' heart; her right hand man.

"He looks peaceful," said Monty, breaking the silence.

"But for how long?" asked Clarke. "He's having a hard time dealing with Octavia's death."

"Wait, what?" asked Monty, "Octavia's not dead… Oh God, he doesn't know, how could he…" said Monty as he shook his head, realizing the last image Bellamy saw was the large blade protruding from Octavia's abdomen.

"Monty, what are you saying?" asked Clarke. "Bellamy said he saw Ice Nation kill her."

"Of course he would think that," Monty said, "but we got her back to camp. Your mom saved her. God, we have to let him know."

No wonder he was killing…" Clarke just stopped talking. She thought of how insane he was in the games at Polis, he was crazed, and blood thirsty. He thought they murdered his sister, his grief, and anger combined with being chained and thrown into a death match. She wanted to tell him, to make his hurt go away. "He needs to know," said Clarke as she looked at Monty.

Lincoln heard a part of the conversation and it drew his attention. "What is it? Is everything alright?" he asked.

"This whole time Bellamy thought Octavia was dead," said Clarke, "He still does, you should have seen him in Polis. They put him in some sort of game; made him fight to the death, chained to a pole. It was like he wanted to kill everyone. He ripped a man's throat out, like it was nothing. I've never seen him like that," said Clarke, "and last night, oh god, his heart is breaking," She said. "We have to tell him the minute he wakes up."

The rest of the group sat by the fire that morning, they didn't realize Bellamy thought Octavia had been killed either, and everyone was anxious to set the record straight for him.

Echo, finally learned the truth, that Octavia was really his little sister. She understood, by watching Clarke with him the night before that Clarke had strong feelings for him.

Lincoln was restless, he wanted to get back, but knew Bellamy was in no shape to ride, not with broken ribs. He also knew by now Octavia would be worried. He was concerned that she might run off and try to find them herself because she was stubborn.

Finally, Bellamy began to stir. Clarke looked at Monty and Lincoln. They all went to him. Clarke sat down beside him.

"Hey," she said, as she sat next to him. He looked at her, still a bit groggy, and sore. "How are you feeling?" she asked.

"He just nodded, "I'll be fine," he said, as he began closing his eyes and turning away. She could tell he was shutting himself away again.

"Bellamy, Look at me, this is important," said Clarke.

"Please just lea…"he began.

"Bellamy, Octavia's fine," Monty blurted out. "We got her back to camp and she's okay."

Bellamy turned, looked from Monty to Lincoln, with a desperate questioning look in his eyes, "She's alive?" he asked desperately.

Lincoln smiled and shook his head. "Yes, your sister is fine," said Lincoln, "Abby was able to save her. They called us while we were out searching for you."

Bellamy smiled for the first time in relief as he covered his eyes.

Monty knelt down and put his hand on Bellamy's shoulder. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away, I didn't even think about you seeing the attack, and when Clarke said…" Monty just shook his head, "I'm really sorry," he said again. "We just were focused on getting you out of there."

Bellamy grabbed his hand, looked at him, "Thank you Monty," he said.

The group settled in, everyone relaxing for the first time. Serge arrived around noon, and after a quick meal, he and Echo were ready to leave.

"You take care of yourself Bellamy," said Echo. "I am glad that we got you out, but you are going to have to be careful and watch your back. Ice Nation won't forget and you are now a target." She then looked at Clarke, "That goes for you as well."

Bellamy took her hand, "I don't know how I will ever be able to thank you," he looked over to Serge, "either of you," he added. "You both will always be welcome with us at skaiKru."

Echo leaned down and despite Clarke watching, she kissed Bellamy full on his mouth; long and lingering. Clarke just raised her eyebrows, surprised at her boldness. Echo smiled at him when she was done then she glanced at Clarke, knowing it bothered her, but she didn't care, she wanted to kiss him. Bellamy was speechless, looking from Echo to Clarke.

"Whoohoo," shouted Jasper, breaking the awkward silence, making Bellamy and the others laugh. Bellamy grabbed his ribs in pain, when he laughed. Clarke was immediately at his side. "Are you okay?" she asked with concern.

"It hurts to laugh," he said.

"Good," said Clarke, with a half-smile.

Clarke cleared her throat, and shook Echo's hand. "Thank you for everything." She said, trying to break the awkward silence.

Echo and Serge left.

Jasper sat down with Bellamy later that afternoon. "I haven't gotten the chance to let you know, I'm really glad we were able to get you out," said Jasper softly, "when they said Ice Nation took you, I was afraid we'd never see you again."

"Hey I'll never forget what you all did, breaking me out of there," Bellamy said. "Thank you."

"It's what families do for each other," said Jasper, "and you're all my family," he said.

Miller and Monroe walked over, "Hey, I'm glad you're starting to get better," said Monroe. "We need you back at camp as soon as you can."

"Yea," said Miller, "I can't be responsible for getting all the meat, and Monroe's hunting just sucks, so…"

Monroe just looked at Miller and frowned, then she punched Millers arm. Miller and Bellamy laughed, and then Bellamy grabbed his ribs, in pain with his one good arm.

"Hey, hey, guys," said Clarke as she made her way over, "don't tire out my patient. He needs his rest, or he won't be ready to leave when Lincoln comes back for us."

Lincoln, Monty, and the others left for camp soon after. It was determined the caverns were a safe place to hide out in until Bellamy was healed enough to ride. That would give the group enough time to get back to camp, and let everyone know that Bellamy and Clarke were coming home. Lincoln would return for the two later.

The small group made their way to the village, and got their horses. It would take about five days to get home. Lincoln couldn't think of anything other than seeing Octavia.