Bellarke AU~ Camp Arkers

Chapter 18

Clarke's POV

A few days later and I'm cleared to work again. Bellamy still insists on hovering over tmy shoulder, but its nice to know he cares so much. Octavia loves not having all of the attention on her for once. The next round of the camp games is drawing closer, meaning me and Bellamy have a good excuse to spend more time together.
On this particular day, we sit on the bed in our cabin trying to discuss a plan.
"... I think it would be better to pair everyone up. Have the older and stronger ones go onto the assault course first to help the little ones", I think out loud. Bellamy just stares deep into my eyes, studying my face.
"Or maybe we should save a few older ones for the end. Y'know so they can pick up the stragglers. Time's only matter if everyone fini- Bellamy are you actually listening!" I stop. His smug grin just stares back at me.
"What are you staring at?!"
"I want to go on a real date. A proper one". After he says it, I'm in shock. To tell the truth, I didn't know that Bellamy and I hadn't been on a real date already. I always counted our meetings at the lake as dates.
"Umm. A little of topic but... Um. OK", I stutter.
"Cool, meet me at our spot at 5ish". Without another word, he gets up and leaves leaving me with tactics and plenty of questions.

It takes another couple of hours to finish the plan for the next round. Only then does my mind wander to our date. A rummage through my clothes proves that I have nothing nice to wear. I rush over to my phone and dial a familiar number.
"Octavia, I need your help".
"Clarke? What's wrong? What did he do?" She replies with assuming tone.
"Nothing, no, this isn't about Bellamy. Well kinda. Could you come to my cabin please?"
"I'll be there in 5". Just as she promised, a rather flustered Octavia arrives five minutes later.
"So what's up?" She greets.
"Bellamy is taking me on a date. A 'real' date, although I'm not sure what that entails. Anyway, I have nothing to wear", I explain. She looks like I've just told her that her hamster just died. The young brunette proceeds to clear out my wardrobe looking for something to wear.
"What about the dress you wore to the ball?" She exclaims after all my clothes are on the floor.
"I would wear that if I remembered where it was", I answer. I get a huge sigh in return.
"We are obviously in the wrong place", she tugs on my hand and drags me to her cabin. I'll have to admit, I've never seen so many clothes in my life. Every now and again, Octavia jumps and grabs another piece of clothing before saying 'this' and shoving against body. In the end, I stand in front of the mirror wearing black leather trousers, a crop top, the tallest heels imaginable and a leather jacket. I pull my hair into a messy ponytail.
"You look hot", Octavia states. She's right, I do look hot. But then I look outside and see how darks its getting.
"Damnit, O what's the time?!" I shout.
She checks her watch.
"6.05", she answers.
"Crap I'm late. I'll text you the deets later", I say rushing out the door.

Bellamy casually leans against a tree as I burst through the clearing.
"Your late prin-", Bellamy turns and looks me up and down. I watch his adams apple bob up and down.
"Wow. You look, wow", he mumbles.
My cheeks heat up.
"Thanks. Where have you been all day?" I enquire. "Haven't got another girl that I should be worried about?" I tease.
"Never. I was just preparing for tonight".
"Count me interested", I reply.
"Let's go. And before you ask, it's a surprise". We jump into a taxi and ride into town. When Bellamy tells the driver to pull up next to the fanciest place I've ever seen. I think I must he be joking. Extortionate prices for pathetic amounts of food. I'll pass thanks.
"There is no way, you could ever afford this place", I say.
"Your right. Which is why we are going to the pizza place next door", he replies. I giggle.
"That is much more my style". We walk in and the smell of fresh bread and cheese fills my nose. Chefs dressed in white work on a stone surface preparing the pizzas for all to see. The stone brick walls are lined with photos of couples, the male on one knee with a small box in hand. Red velvet tables and chairs line the floor, making it look like a typical Italian restaurant. Like a true gentleman, Bellamy pulls out my chair and then seats himself opposite me.
"Sorry its a little low budget", he apologises.
"Dont be, this is perfect", I smile. "I am curious about the photos on the walls though. Because that seems a little too quick for me", I point at the photos. Bellamy laughs when he notices the pictures of all the happy couples.
"Trust me, you'll have to wait a few years for a ring princess", he reassures.

The waiters (again, typical Italians with huge moustaches lining their lips), come over and take our orders.
The food arrives quickly and the conversation flows from one topic to the next.
"So tell me, what do you do when your not at camp. I know we were texting this past winter, but I wasn't exactly there", I ask. Bellamy's face drops slightly and I can tell I hit a sore spot.
"I was working two jobs to keep me and Octavia in school. The rent also got upped on our apartment so that has to played for as well. Then there's the money she wants for clothes. Its money I can't give her or the fridge would be empty. I guess tahst why I was so eager to get to camp this year. Gave me a break", he solemnly answers.
"Bellamy, I'm so sorry".
"Dont apologise Clarke. However bad my winter was, yours was worse. I'm sorry I wasn't around to help".
"Losing mum and dad was hard, but being with you, it- you taught me that good things can come from the darkest times", I say. We both share a sympathetic smile.
"What do you mean?" He wonders.
"If I hadn't lost my parents, I wouldn't have made the decision to work at camp. We wouldn't have this", I reply indicating to Bellamy and myself.
"Can I ask a favour?"
"Anything Princess", he leans in wanting to know more.
"My parents left me their house and its contents in the will. But I can't bring myself to look through and clear out their belongings. Could you help me do it?" I ask.
"Absolutely, if it would make it easier. Now come on princess. The night is still young. Its time for the next leg of our journey".