A Kiss Before The War

Chapter 16: Together at last

Clarke's perspective

Ugh. Was there ever going to be a time when I'd not be in pain or fearing for my life or those that I cared about? As I faced Gustus in this makeshift battlefield, each step I took seemed to leach the life out of me. I felt sluggish and lethargic at best as I moved to stay out of harm's way for the time being rather than go on the offensive.

My limbs were heavy, my grip slack on the machete I held in my hand. My thoughts were slow and took longer than usual to form. It reminded me of trying to run waist deep through water; very slow progress.

I was able to lift my machete up to parry his strike at me but the force caused me to lose what tenuous grip I had and it flew out of my hand. Stumbling to the side in an effort to maintain my balance proved to be a fruitless endeavour as a well placed kick sent me onto the dirt.

This was met by a raucous roar from the masses watching as they continued to whip up a frenzy. I struggled in my attempt to get to my feet, only managing to get to my knees. Judging by the look in Gustus's eyes as I looked up at him he was getting ready to put me out of my misery.

I could only watch as time seemed to slow as his blade arced towards my neck and I closed my eyes waiting for the inevitable pain that would end it all. It never came however as another blade crossed its path and saved me from certain death.

Turning my head to the side, I wasn't surprised but elated that my saviour was Lexa. Out of everyone in my life lately she was the one person who was always there for me and didn't seem to hold anything against. Except maybe her body.

With that thought I realised I must truly be delirious from the blood loss and with the battle raging on in front of me, I fell onto my back and my eyes fluttered closed until I knew and saw nothing but blackness.

I wasn't exactly sure how long I was out for but when I eventually opened my eyes, I still felt tired as hell. Movement to my left caused me to turn my head to the side and I saw Lexa talking to another Grounder.

"Hey..." I said softly as I shifted slightly under the covers in...I quickly took stock of where I was, soon realising that I was in Lexa's bed. My commotion was enough for Lexa to notice that I was now awake.

"Leave us. We're not to be interrupted at all. Understood?" She said to the Grounder who simply nodded and made a haste exit out of the tent.

Lexa walked over to me a small smile appearing on her face,

"How are you feeling?" She asked as she sat down on the edge of the bed.

I took stock once more of how I was feeling and aside from feeling tired and somewhat sore in my shoulder region I was otherwise okay. I reached out and took her hand,

"Better now that you're here," I said as I rubbed small circles on her hand.

She gave my hand a gentle squeeze in return as she rose to her feet. I was surprised that now that I was awake, where could she be going? Especially considering she'd just told us not to be interrupted. It became clear to me her intentions as I watched her clothes slide to the floor revealing her naked form.

I was sure I looked stupid with my mouth hanging open as I stared in amazement at her body now exposed to me. She had muscle definition on her arms, legs and she had abs but not at the expense of her femininity. Her hair came down just past her shoulders and my fingers itched to run themselves through it.

When she caught me staring, I knew I was blushing furiously and looked away not wanting to be rude or leery.

"Don't look away from me Clarke. I want you to see me," I think it was the way that she said it that caused me to slowly turn my head back to look at her again.