At last

Chapter Fouty One

Clarke's point of view

Silence consumed me for several long minutes before I heard another knock on my door.
"Come in!" I called, propping myself up on my elbows.
I wasn't expecting to see the former Chancellor.
"Kane," I whispered under my breath, taking in his tired appearance.
His hair was messy, his eyes glossy from tears, wet streaks still visible on his cheeks.
His heavy gaze shattered when he laid eyes on me. He froze, his eyes welling up with tears, lifting a hand to hide his shaking lips.
"I'm sorry, you just... you look so much like her."
His trembling voice broke me, and I felt my own tears filling my vision as I extended my arms in invitation. He gladly took it, rushing toward me. I swung my legs over the edge on the bed as he came to me and we collided in a sobbing embrace.
After our shoulders had stopped heaving and our breathing had calmed, he pulled away from me, giving me a tearful smile before settling down on the bed where Octavia had sat.
"I just wanted to see how you were doing," he explained, his voice a little hoarse, "With your leg, and..." He trailed off.
I nodded. I listened to how distant my voice sounded as I spoke my next words, "You know, you'd think that, with losing so many people that you love, dealing with loss would get easier to handle." I drew in a shaky breath, "But it doesn't." My absent gaze was fixed on the floor. "It never gets easier."
My words hung heavy in the air before I heard Marcus's quiet voice, "She loved you." I looked up to see him staring at me, wistfulness in his eyes as he continued, "Her love for you was unlike anything I have ever seen. I don't think you were ever far from her mind. She was so proud of you. I'm sure that, no matter the kind of person that you are or the kind that you will become, she will always love you."
The emphasis in his statement hit my heart, and I felt a stray tear run down my cheek as I spoke to him, "She loved you, too. You taught her how to love again, after my Dad. You kept her sane in a bunker full of 1,200 people for six years. You kept her happy. Thank you."
He nodded. The silence was comfortable between us before he spoke again, "So, how did Madi's surgery go?"
"It went well. She's resting. She should be waking up soon." I sighed, "I want to be with her, instead of in here."
Kane gave me a small smile, "That can be arranged." He got to his feet, making for the door, "I'll be right back."
He returned a few minutes later, a pair of metallic crutches in hand.
"Oh my God, where did you find those?" I beamed.
Marcus grinned, "We found them in the first year in one of the old supply closets. They're kept in Medical now."
He helped me stand up, and after a few adjustments I was practicing getting around with my new crutches.
"Now Bellamy won't have to carry me everywhere," I laughed a little, before remembering what had happened between us. The bruise stung on my cheek a little more at the memory.
Marcus must have noticed my expression change, because he suddenly looked concerned. "Are you okay, Clarke?"
I nodded quickly, plastering a small smile on my face as a mask. "I'm fine."
He looked skeptical, but he didn't question me any further. As he held the door open for me, he asked, "You know the way to Medical from here, right? I have a few things to take care of."
"I'll be fine. Thanks again, Marcus."
I hugged him with one arm, and he returned it.
"I'll see you," he gave me a smile as he passed by me.
"See you," I returned.
The halls became busier as I neared Medical. As I passed by the crowds of people, I became aware of a presence beside me, keeping silent pace with me. I could see him out of the corner of my eye. I knew who it was.
We carried on in silence, reaching Medical. People were bustling around, and we had to weave through the doctors and worried families. I knew where Madi had been placed.
We entered the room where some of the recovering patients were placed, separated by a curtain.
I opened Madi's curtain, resting my crutches against the wall and sitting up on the cot. I stroked Madi's hair, smiling at how peaceful she looked as she slept.
I heard him draw the curtain behind us.
"Why are you here, Bellamy?" I asked quietly, not looking at him.
"I'm sorry, Clarke. I have no idea what in the hell came over me. I just-"
I interrupted, shaking my head, "No, stop. It was my fault. I was just so angry, and I overreacted." I finally made eye contact with him, turning to look at him. "I'm sorry."
Bellamy froze, slowly walking over to me. He stopped in front of me, tilting my chin upwards with a finger to get a better look at my face. He brought his other hand up to my face, placing his hand on the side of my jaw and running a gentle finger over my bruise. I unconsciously leaned into his touch.
"Jesus, Clarke. I'm such an idiot," he sighed, tangling his fingers in my hair and bringing his forehead against mine. Our eyes closed.
My face instantly heated, feeling his breath on my lips as the tips of our noses brushed.
"You know I never meant to hurt you, right?" He murmured, the huskiness in his voice giving me chills.
I brought my hands up to the nape of his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair. "Of course I do," I whispered.
We stayed in that position, the seconds feeling like hours. I pushed a little further, bumping my nose a bit against his. He hummed, nuzzling his nose against mine as I felt his lips nearing my own by the heat of his breath.
The sound of something falling outside of the room broke us from our trance, making us jump and pull away from each other.
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