That's Why I Love You

Chapter 2

Clarke

I watched as a strand of hair moved with her every breath. I wanted to reach out and move it, but I worried it would wake her. Right now, the most important thing for her was rest. And I didn't want to interrupt that.

I sat in a chair by her bed, my sketchpad in my lap. I had planned on finishing the drawing of her I had started a while ago, but I couldn't focus. My eyes wouldn't leave her. I don't think I ever wanted them to. As long as I could help it, she would be by my side.

My eyes were so focused on her that I barely noticed her stir.

"Clarke?" She asked, peering at me with her bright green eyes. "Is everything okay?"

I nodded and set my sketchpad down. Lexa looked at it intently, recognizing the drawing from a few weeks ago.

"Everything's fine." I said. "Did I wake you?"

"No." Lexa said. She hesitated and took a shaky breath before speaking. "I need to get up, Clarke."

My heart stopped for a second. I could watch her here. I had an excuse to check on her. If she was out doing Commander things there was a million ways she could get hurt or hurt herself. I didn't spend hours trying to save her just for her to rip her stiches and bleed out where I couldn't get to her.

I started to envision it. Indra, Lexa and other warriors would be going to TonDC or some other village. Then they would be attacked. Maybe for the new "blood must not have blood rule" or for letting Sky People into the Coalition. Lexa would fight them off sucessfully. And then she'd look down and see her shirt and coat soaked through with black blood. She would fall to the ground, silently saying goodbye to me. I would have no idea. I would be sitting in my room or Lexa's, waiting for her to come back. And she never would.

"....Clarke?" Lexa asked urgently, sitting up. I snapped out of the trance and looked at her. The look in her eyes said everything. She knew that I was thinking of something unpleasant. And knowing how she always seemed to know me--she knew that unpleasant thing was about her.

"Sorry." I said, clasping my hands together. Lexa nodded. She was concerned, but she wasn't going to push it.

" My request still stands. I need to resume my duties. My people will become impatient and--,"

"No."

Lexa looked shocked. "No?"

"No. I--you--can't risk it." I said simply, getting up. I took a glass of water off her bedside table and handed it to her, urging her to drink. She narrowed her eyes and took the glass.

"Clarke, what is this about?" She questioned, taking a sip.

"Nothing. You're not healed all the way and I'd prefer it if you stayed in bed."

Lexa nodded and handed the glass back to me.

"I appreciate your concern, but I've been restrained long enough, don't you think?" Lexa asked.

I wasn't going to budge. She was not putting herself in the slightest bit of danger. "No, Lexa. I'm sorry but you're staying here."

Lexa's annoyance turned to anger. "I was trying to be polite, Clarke, but I don't have to do as you say. I will do what needs to be done, and you will not stop me."

I bit my lip. This wasn't looking good for me. I couldn't just apologize and drop this. But I couldn't force this upon her anymore.

"You're right. But if something happens, you're on your own." I said, grabbing my sketchpad and walking out of the room.