What If (Season 5 AU)

Chapter 25

As Bellamy leaves Echo behind he feels a weight lifted from his shoulders. He knows he should have listened to his heart in the beginning, but he didn't. And now he must reap what he sowed. Madi and Augustus were put in danger because he didn't make it to the tent in time.  Even though they were now safe, it didn't stop the anxiety growing in his chest as it branches out in every direction. Each scenario of what if running through his mind. But he knew he couldn't think that way, not now. He was remined as such as soon as he entered Clarke's tent. What he expected to find were the kids asleep sandwiched between their mother, and yet he discovers that was untrue. Augy was sprawled out in Clarke's lap, sure enough drooling on her pants. He wasn't awake, awake, but he wasn't sleeping either, the poor boy was exhausted still but semi awake. Bellamy can't help but at the sight. And it seems Clarke isn't even bothered by their seemingly dramatic son as she braids Madi's hair back from her face. 

"She's awake? That's surprising." He comments. Madi sticks out her tongue in response, making him laugh. Madi smiles in return while Bellamy he sits next to Clarke and moves Augy's curls aside. 

"He needs a hair cut." Clarke says. 

"No.. no har cut m'my." He mumbles. Clarke laughs at the boys mumbling dramatics, as well as her daughter and Bellamy. The man who rubs the boy's belly as he stretches like a cat and curls further into  his mother. 

"You don't like getting hair cuts, little man?" He grumbles inaudibly and turns over on his belly, his head hanging off of Clarke's lap. 

She looks down from braiding and laughs a full belly laugh, her head thrown back and bumping Bellamy's shoulder. He nudges her and chuckles at their son. Who would have thought he could be this theatrical.  Then again Bellamy never knew what Clarke was like as a child. For him he, not really enjoyed mornings, but was always up early on the Ark. And on the ground waking to watch the sun rise was always worth the lack of extra sleep. But Clarke? Bellamy wasn't sure. Given the way Augustus behaves, he's sure she was similar at his age. Where else would he get it from?

"God he hates mornings."

 "You don't say." Clarke  throws Bellamy a smirk before tying off the last braid in Madi's hair. Once finished the child turns in her mothers to embrace her. Not a moment sooner the preteen stands to leave only to stop when Clarke says, "Wait! Canteen." Madi rolls her eyes as her mother hands over a canteen.

"I'm pretty sure they'll have water there." 

"Take it anyway." Madi grumbles in trig while Clarke glares, her hand outstretched for the child to take the water.  Madi slouches before throwing her arm out and taking the metal cup "Remember what we talked about?" 

"Don't be a badass like you taught me?"

 "Madi." The young natblida sighs and says. "I'm not suppose to fight hard and you want me to suck so no one will think Ill be a good commander. Can I go now?" 

"What?" Bellamy asks, his expression filled with concern. He tries not to panic too much at Clarke's words while he gently pick his son up as he slides off of his mother's lap. The boy slings his arms over his dad's shoulders and snuggles closer, not bothering to try and stay awake. 

"I talked to Gaia on my way here. I agreed to let Madi train with the other kids, as long as she doesn't stand out." 

"Is that really a good idea right now?" Clarke shrugs, but Bellamy knowns she's still hesitant. Her body stiff and sharp.

 "It'll make her happy, and until we have a solid plan there isn't anything for us to do. I can't keep them in the tent all day."

 "So... can I go now?" Madi asks, interrupting the adults conversation. Clarke rolls her eyes as she smiles lightly at her daughter, ever the persistent one she was.