It was easy for people to remember my birthday. Mainly because I shared my birthday with Unity Day, aka the day all the Stations pretended to like each other and celebrate how the Ark came to be. On the plus side, there was always a party on my birthday. And a big one. I could just pretend that they were throwing it for me. 

My birthday started like it always did. My dad and Archie woke me up early with their God awful singing. They sang happy birthday to me and we hung out in the living room watching my favorite movie, Ghostbusters, and Archie gave me his present. Usually, he would make me something because he was extremely skilled in the craft area. For my seventeenth birthday though, he gave me a new watch because apparently my old one was 'out of style and begging to be replaced.'

My dad said his present was a surprise, and I would have to wait to find out what it was. I hated surprises, so why did people always want to surprise me? I liked to know exactly what was going to happen. Was that so hard to understand?

He randomly left the apartment that afternoon as Archie and I sat on the couch. He told me that he broke up with Zoey Monroe because they were too different. He was depressed about being single again, but I knew he wouldn't stay that way for long. The girls loved him.

"So, how are things with your love life?" Archie asked. "Hopefully better than mine."

A grin formed on my lips, "Things are good," my grin got even wider. "Really good. Oh, wait nevermind. The Council wants to break Bellamy and me up and Diana Sydney blatantly threatened him in front of my face. So, actually things are pretty freaking messed up."

Archie nodded, "What's going to happen if Jaha doesn't change his mind? Are you and Bellamy still going to try and have a relationship?"

"I mean I want to, but I don't know about Bellamy," I let out a long sigh. "He said that he really wants to be with me, but he doesn't want to put me in any danger. I think it's a little late for that. I literally stabbed Diana Sydney with a fork and called her an old hag."

Archie let out a laugh and held out his fist. I gave him a quick fist bump, "Oh yeah, I am so proud of you, sister. Way to out-bitch the bitch."

A chuckle escaped my lips as the door suddenly slid open. I quickly turned my head to see my dad hurrying in. I raised my eyebrows in suspicion. Why had he been acting so weird all day? He set a bag down on the counter in the kitchen before coming to stand in front of the couch.

Archie and I looked up with him with question on our faces as we awaited an explanation for his actions.

"Harley needs to come with me right now," he said urgently.

I stood up as concern washed over my body, "What's going on?"

He grabbed my arm, "I'll explain later. It's an emergency. Come on."

The first thought in my head was if Bellamy was alright and if this had anything to do with him. I had told my dad about Diana Sydney (Well I left out the part where I stabbed her) and the Council had put Commander Duke and many other guards on the investigation, but she hadn't been arrested yet. She couldn't be arrested until they had solid proof that she was the one behind all the riots.

So, she was still out and about and she could have very well hurt Bellamy and his family. My heart pounded as I prepared myself for the worst possible situation. I questioned my dad as we walked through the hallways, but he didn't give me any straight answers. Oh God, it must have been really bad.

I was about to ask what was going on for the millionth time when suddenly, we stopped at the door of the Mess Hall. I stared in unbelief at the scene in front of me.

The Mess hall was dimly lit and all the tables were bare except one in the very center. There was a rose in the middle of the table and two plates set out. A path of flower petals was scattered all the way to the table and standing at the end of it was Bellamy.

"Happy birthday," My dad said with a smile. "I pulled a few strings so you and Bellamy could have a nice dinner together."

I turned to my dad, "This was your idea?"

He nodded, "The flowers weren't. They may be artificial, but they're as close as you can get."

I threw my arms around his shoulders, "Thanks, Dad."

"You're welcome kiddo," He pulled back from the hug. "Now, go have fun... But not too much fun." I rolled my eyes as he waved at Bellamy before walking out of the Mess Hall.

I turned around and began walking down the path of flower petals as my eyes locked with Bellamy's. I stopped a few feet in front of him and saw that trademark smirk on his face.

"Table for two, Princess?"

"I can't believe my dad is letting us do this," I answered as I sat down. "I didn't know he liked you so much."

Bellamy took a seat across from me, "Believe me, I was pretty shocked too."

I motioned to the rose, "And flowers? You really are a cheesy romantic aren't you?"

He picked up his fork, "Well, the Mess Hall is pretty bleak. It needed some upgrades before it could be a place for a proper birthday dinner."

I looked around at the flowers scattered on the floor. I didn't know the Mess Hall had the ability to look so nice. The dim lighting made it even more romantic, and I still couldn't believe my dad did this.

"Well, I think you did a great job, Cadet," I replied with a grin. "Thank you. This really is a nice birthday dinner."

"And this is only the beginning," Bellamy gave me an excited look. "In one hour, the Unity Day masquerade dance starts. I have guard duty, but I talked to Duke and he said I can take a few breaks to dance with you."

My face lit up, "I wish Commander Duke would give me breaks during guard duty. Why are you his favorite? I still don't get it."

"Because I'm never late to guard duty, unlike someone I know."

"I don't see what's so bad about being fashionable late every now and then."

"Every now and then?" he teased.

"Shut up."

We talked and laughed and joked around for the whole dinner. It was nice to be able to have time like that with Bellamy. We hardly ever got to hang out just me and him without being on guard duty. Usually, we were paired with Dallas too, and he always joked about being the best third wheel ever.

When we hung out at his place, Octavia was there and my place was always being visited by people. Whether it be Archie to get away from his fighting parents, or my dad and one of his friends hanging out while they watched basketball.

After the dinner, Bellamy led me out of the Mess hall with his hand laced through mine. We stopped in the hallway as he pulled a mask out of one of his jacket pockets. It was made of cheap, red craft material and an old string that kept it on your head.

"I got this for you," I took the mask from his hands. "And don't let those guys out there get too handsy."

A laugh left my lips as I put the red mask on,  "I didn't know you were the jealous type."

"I'm not," Bellamy replied as he stepped close to me so he could adjust the mask. His hands lightly traced my cheeks as they fell to my shoulders. "I just don't want drunk teenage boys with their hands all over you."

I ran my fingers through his hair, "What about a hopefully sober Cadet on guard duty?"

He smirked, "I guess that would be alright." Bellamy leaned down to capture my lips in a slow kiss. I smiled against his mouth as his teeth tugged on my bottom lip. All too soon, he pulled away to rest his forehead against mine. "I have to stop by my place to check on Octavia, so I'll meet you there ok?"

I nodded, "See you there."

~_~_~_~_~

Music was playing loudly as I was surrounded by a crowd of dancing teenagers that were sneaking shots of moonshine when the guards weren't looking. I danced beside Archie and was surprised to see Wells on the other side of the room. I thought he hated parties.

He had been pretty distant ever since Clarke got arrested. I wanted to know how he was doing, but I had barely seen him around.

I shoved my way through the crowd until I was standing a few feet away from him. Wells turned his head and a smile formed on his face.

"Nice mask," I said as I motioned to the small green mask on his face. "I'm surprised you even came to this."

He shrugged, "Archie dragged me."

"You're welcome," I heard Archie yell from a few feet away as he danced with a girl.

Wells and I chuckled at our friend, "What would we do without him?"

"Well, I'd be at home being antisocial," Wells replied.

I stopped swaying to the music for a moment, "How have you been doing? We haven't got to talk much lately."

"I'm doing alright," Wells had a sad look in his eyes. "I just miss her."

I put my hand on his shoulder as I tried to comfort him, "I miss Clarke too. Maybe your dad can work something out so we can see her."

"I already tried that," he replied. "She's not allowed to have any visitors. Not even her mom."

"What?" That didn't make any sense. "That's weird. First, they float Jake Griffin for treason and now they lock away his daughter in solitary." I was starting to think that maybe there was something else behind Mr. Griffin's arrest, and whatever it was, Clarke got caught in the middle of it. "We have to find a way to talk to Clarke. We have to figure out what's going on."

Wells shook his head, "No, Harley. We don't. There's nothing we can do except hope that when Clarke gets reviewed the Council chooses to let her go."

"You and I both know that's not happening. They haven't released anyone in forever. All the prisoners are just getting floated now," I wasn't just going to do nothing. I had to know what was going on. "Look, I'm going to find out what the Council is hiding, and I'm doing it with or without your help."

Wells let out a long sigh, "I figured you say that," He glanced around the room. "Meet me outside the Mess Hall after lunch tomorrow and we'll talk ok?" I nodded as Wells stepped back. "And Harley?"

"Yeah?"

"Happy birthday."

I gave him a small smile, "Thanks."

Wells disappeared amongst the crowd of drunk teenagers, and I shook my head as I saw Archie downing another shot of who knew what. He was so crazy.

My eyes scanned the room for Bellamy, and I froze when I saw a dark-haired girl with a blue mask entering the room. Was that Octavia? Oh crap.

Once again, I was shoving people out of my way as I walked towards the girl. Sure enough, I found myself standing right in front of the younger Blake. She gave me an alarmed look as I crossed my arms over my chest.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"Don't worry. Bellamy's on guard duty," I looked behind Octavia to see Bellamy standing by the door. "This was my one chance to see the Ark, Harley. I couldn't just stay locked up in my home forever."

"I know," I replied. "Just be careful, ok?"

"I already heard that speech from my brother," Octavia slowly began making her way around me. "I thought you were supposed to be the fun one."

"I am," I answered as she dragged me to the middle of the dance floor.

The song changed to an upbeat melody as Octavia and I joined in on the dancing. A wide smile formed on her face as she threw her hands in the air and spun around. It was nice to see her having fun for a change. I was glad that Octavia was able to finally get out of her living quarters and see what it was like on the Ark.

Some of the teenagers backed off the dance floor when a slower song started playing. All that was left were the couples as they held each other close and swayed to the music.

https://youtu.be/cHTEGQbtP1I

I started to walk off the dance floor when suddenly someone grabbed my waist and tugged me close to them. I let out a small gasp as I was met with familiar brown eyes. I placed my hands on Bellamy's shoulders as we swayed to the music.

"I was beginning to think you were going to stand me up."

He quirked an eyebrow, "I would never miss a chance to dance with you, Princess."

I leaned closer to him suddenly forgetting that we were in a crowded room with guards watching our every move. Bellamy was the only person I saw; the only one who mattered. Just like that, we had entered back into our own little oblivion not caring about all the troubles surrounding us.

I slowly placed my head on his chest and closed my eyes letting his steady heartbeat keep time. I felt him place a sweet kiss to the top of my forehead, and my heart was swarmed with an overwhelming warm feeling.

In that moment I realized something. I realized that I was in love with Bellamy. Well, I had never been in love before, but if this wasn't what love felt like then I didn't want it.

I opened my eyes and leaned back to look into his.  The way he was looking at me made the feeling in my chest grow even more than before. Bellamy was looking at me like I was the only person in the room, and I only hoped that he felt the same way I did.

"Bellamy, I think I-"

Before I could confess my feelings, the music was shut off. I stepped away from Bellamy in confusion as I saw Commander Duke and Lieutenant Shumway enter the room. I heard a voice speaking out over the speaker in the corner of the room.

"Solar flare alert. An X Class solar flare alert has begun on the Starboard side of the Ark. All citizens must report to their shelter zones immediately."

People began taking off their masks and moving throughout the room. I turned to tell Bellamy to find Octavia, but he was already trying to lead her away from the dance floor. I watched in horror as the guards started to block all the exits.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you know the drill," Shumway said from the front of the room with his hands crossed behind his back.  "Masks off. I.D. chips out."

Shit, shit, shit. Octavia was still in the room.

I took off my mask when Shumway came over to me and showed him my I.D. card. I needed to think of something. I had to make sure Octavia got out of the room.

As Shumway turned to leave, I grabbed his arm, "Lieutenant Shumway I have a question."

He gave me an impatient look, "What is it Winters?"

What was my question? Oh crap.

"Well, I was talking with Dallas and Walker yesterday and all of us think that training starts waaaaay too early. So on behalf of all the cadets, I would like to ask if we could change our training times. Maybe we could coordinate right now. I could pull out my schedule-"

Shumway stopped me, "I don't have time for this, Harley, and if you want to change the training times talk to Commander Duke."

He walked away and fear filled my whole body when I saw him go up to Bellamy who had his shock baton out as he stood in front of Octavia.

I quickly stepped forward, "Lieutenant wait-"

Shumway ignored me. Nothing new there. That bastard, "Cadet Blake, why is your weapon out?" He glanced at Octavia who still had her mask on. With one quick motioned he yanked it off her face. "Mask off."

Bellamy put his hand in front of his sister, "Sir, she's fine. I already scanned her."

For one brief second, I thought Shumway was going to buy it, but then he glanced down at Bellamy's hands, "You don't have a scanner."I tried to think of something; anything.

A stupid idea popped into my mind, and I prayed that it would work, "Well, here goes nothing," I thought to myself.

I pretended to faint, and as I hit the floor I heard Bellamy calling out my name. I heard people surrounding me and someone yelling for Archie and Wells to carry me to medical. I thought my plan had worked until I heard the sound of someone trying to run out of the room and struggling with guards.

I barely opened one eye to see Octavia and Bellamy being dragged away by guards,"No."

"Harley?"

"What the hell?"

"Are you ok?"

I muttered to Archie and Wells that I was fine as I pushed out of their grip. I heard them following after me with confusion as I hurried through the hallways. I didn't even bother to reply to any of their questions as I spotted the guards who had Bellamy and Octavia.

I sprinted up to them, "Bellamy!"

The guards stopped and turned around. Relief flooded Bellamy's face, "Harley, don't do whatever it is you're thinking of doing right now. Just go with Wells and Archie."

"No," I tried to move forward to him, but Wells and Archie held me back. The guards shoved Bellamy and Octavia to move again as I struggled against my friends. "No! Let go of me! We have to do something!"

"Harley," I continued to struggle against their hold. "Harley! Calm down."

"Calm down?" I shot Wells an angry look. "They just dragged my boyfriend away to do who knows what with him! I can't just..." I trailed off as tears came to my eyes. "What if they float him?"

Archie placed a hand on my shoulder, "You're dad wouldn't let that happen."

"My dad isn't the Chancellor, Archie!" I yelled. I turned to Wells with a desperate look in my eyes. "Please, Wells. You have to tell your dad to let Bellamy and Octavia go. Please, I'll do anything. I-I love him."

"Harley, it's not that simple-"

"I'm not going to let him get executed!" I was filled with so much panic and fear and I had no idea what to do. Tears were threatening to fall from my eyes, and Archie gave me a sad look. He knew I was at the brink of falling apart.

Archie held out his arms, "Come here."

I fell into my best friend's embrace as a tear streaked down my cheek, "I can't lose him, Arch."

"I know, Harles, I know."

"I never even told him," I buried my face into Archie's chest. "I need him to know."

"He knows," Archie rubbed comforting circles on my back. "Trust me, Harley. He knows."

But did he? Did Bellamy really know that I loved him? Would I even get another chance to tell him?

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