Osu Throu Daun Ogeda || We Fight Together || A 100 Fanfiction

LVII

- Jordan's POV -
As the minutes tick by, Raven's voice breaks the tense silence that has settled over the lab. "We've got a comms issue, but Lexa, you and the boys need to get ready now." She says, her gaze flicking between me, Lexa, and the rocket that waits for the others.

My heart clenches. The boys—Jake and Aden—have been hovering close to me, reluctant to leave my side. They have been through so much, and now, as the final moments approach, the weight of what is happening finally settles on them. They have to leave, and they're going without me.

"Lex..." I mutter, trying to push myself up but failing as I'm no longer strong enough. She steps over, helping me sit up and returns to her spot behind the boys.

"Come here, boys." I whisper, my voice raspy with exhaustion but carrying the strength I can still muster. Both Jake and Aden hesitate for only a second before moving closer, each taking one of my hands.

Jake's eyes are wide with fear, the kind of fear a child shouldn't have to know. "Mom, I don't want to leave you." He repeats, his voice shaking. His fingers tighten around mine as if he can keep me from slipping away by holding on tighter.

Aden stands quietly by my side, his face pale but set in a kind of forced determination. He isn't saying much, but the way his shoulders hunch and the way he avoids my gaze tells me more than words ever can. He is terrified, just like Jake, and just like me.

I exhale softly, trying to ignore the sharp pain that rattles through my chest. I don't have much time left. I can feel my body weakening by the minute, but I have to stay strong for them—at least for this.

"I know you're scared." I say, squeezing Jake's hand before looking at Aden. "Both of you. I'm scared too."

Jake shakes his head, tears streaming down his face. "But what if—what if you—"

I reach up with what little strength I have, brushing the tears from Jake's cheek. "I want you to listen to me. You have to go with your mama, with Lexa. She'll take care of you, and you'll take care of each other. That's what's most important now. I want you to be safe. You have to go on living, okay? You have to survive."

Both boys nod, but their faces are painted with grief they don't know how to process. I lean forward, pulling them both into an embrace, ignoring the burning in my lungs and the ache in my bones. I press a kiss to each of their heads, lingering there as if the closeness will give them strength—and me too.

"I love you both so much." I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "More than anything in this world."

Jake buries his face in my shoulder, his small body shaking with quiet sobs. Aden's arms wrap around me tightly, and I can feel his unspoken sorrow in the way he clings to me.

Raven's voice comes from the background, soft but firm. "It's time."

I pull back slightly, lifting Jake's chin so our eyes meet. "You're strong, Jay. I've seen it. Can you be my brave boy again? At least once?" I shift my gaze to Aden. "And you... you're always brave."

Jake nods, sniffling as he tries to contain his tears. Aden gives a small, tight nod, his jaw clenched to keep from breaking down. My heart aches, but this is the only way.

Raven steps forward, a gentle hand on Aden's shoulder. "C'mon, guys." She says softly, her gaze flicking to me with a mix of sympathy and urgency as she also looks at Lexa.

Aden hesitates, looking back at me, but I give him a reassuring smile. "Go on." I whisper. "I'll always be with you both."

Murphy, at Lexa's request, steps forward to guide the boys toward the rocket and help them prepare, but it feels like the world is closing in around us. My body feels heavy as the reality settles in. This is our goodbye.