A/N Hi, hey, hello

I hope you enjoy!
Please comment and vote!

I'm sorry these take so long to put up but one chapter is 17 pages in word so they take awhile to get done - I'm working on getting chapters out quicker I swear :s

My family got a new puppy, his name is Jasper.
Three guesses as to where I got the inspiration for the name hahaha.

And as always *UNEDITED*

*****

i want so badly
to protect you from the world
because i know all too well
how bad it can be
- k.c.k.

*****

Brinley tried to ignore the reaction her appearance got from Bellamy as she pulled herself up off of the floor, swatting Niylah's hands away gently as she stood. Brinley felt an insane urge to reach for Bellamy,knowing he was so close, in the way she had done so many times before, but she felt the lump form in her throat knowing they'd never be that way again, not after she'd abandoned him.

'Brinley? Your girl Marcus?'

Brinley's eyes flicked to Pike who had lowered his weapon, but was still looking at her with tight eyes.

'Yes.' Marcus stared at his daughter, taking in her appearance. Her hair had small braids running through it, and her face was decorated with customary war paint.

Brinley felt someone rush at her, and she looked down to find Monty squeezing the life out of her. 'God, I'm so glad you're okay.'

'Hey Monty.' Brinley squeezed him back before she turned to face Niylah.

'I left you alone for twenty minutes.'

'You said it yourself, they're getting closer.' Niylah smiled slightly.

'I'm sorry you got in the middle of this. I know Clarke would feel the same.'

'If I didn't want to help you, I wouldn't.'

Brinley shook her head lightly before her gaze went to Indra. 'You led them here?'

'We were looking for Clarke. Not you.'

Brinley nodded her head after a moment. Indra had no way of knowing Brinley would still be in the area, or that both her and Clarke frequented the same trading post.

'Brinley, are you okay?' Marcus stepped forward, touching Brinley's shoulder lightly. Brinley was surprised at the contact but she didn't move away.

'I'm fine. Thanks.'

Bellamy still hadn't said anything and Brinley wasn't sure if that was a good or a bad thing.

'She's your friend Monty?'

Brinley looked at the woman standing beside Pike, raising an eyebrow as she spoke. 'I am. Is that a problem?'

'Of course not.' Hannah smiled, 'I'm Monty's Mum, Hannah.'

'Wait, Mum? Farm station made it?'

'That we did. Can't take us out that easily.' Pike grinned easily, though Brinley didn't trust him for a moment having seen and heard enough to already know he was going to be trouble.

'Brinley, are you coming with us to find Clarke?' Monty piped up from his place beside her, relief at her sudden appearance evident in his body language.

'Where are you headed?' Brinley asked warily, unsure if she should simply disappear back into the trees.

Even as she thought about the options she knew which she would ultimately choose.

'Ice Nation.' It was Indra who spoke, and Brinley could see the warning in her eyes.

'If Clarke's in Ice Nation, she's in real danger, of course I'm going.'

'Drink for the road?' Niylah asked Brinley, already moving to pull out the bottle of alcohol she had stashed away, pouring it into a cup.

'I don't think-' Kane tried but even as he spoke, Brinley was downing it in one hit.

'Thank you.' Brinley uttered to the blonde lowly. 'For everything.'

Niylah nodded with a small smile. 'Stay safe, find Clarke.'

'Monty, start the rover-'

'No.' Brinley interrupted. 'There's too many tree's. We'll have to go on foot. C'mon.' Brinley ushered Indra ahead of her, Brinley rushing out with Monty following close behind.

After awhile, Brinley drifted towards the back of the group, knowing that Indra was keeping a steady eye on the tree line in front of them. Atleast if Brinley was at the back she'd be able to see anyone brave enough to try a sneak attack.

Marcus started to drift back too, leaving Hannah, Monty, Pike and Bellamy to their own conversations. 'Brinley.'

'That's my name.'

'How are you, really?'

'I told you I'm fine.' Brinley shrugged. 'How's Arkadia?'

'Better than ever.' Marcus relayed with a small smile.

'Any news from Jaha... or Murphy?'

'No... not yet.'

Brinley gritted her teeth as she nodded. Under any normal circumstances, she'd assume that they were dead, but after finding out that Farm station survived after three months.... if anyone was going to survive on Earth it was Murphy.

Brinley missed him terribly.

'Abby recovered okay?'

'As good as new.' Marcus confirmed with a smile.

'Good. I'm glad.'

'So Miss Kane, it seems that you're just as unpredictable as ever.' Pike had slowed down slightly to join into Marcus and Brinley's conversation, and as a result Bellamy was walking unhappily beside Brinley.

'I suppose it'd seem that way to you, yes.'

'I gotta ask, why the costume?' Pike gestured to Brinley's grounder clothing.

'I suppose I could ask you the same thing.' Brinley shot back drily.

Pike laughed loudly. 'I suppose you could.'

Brinley was trying to not look at Bellamy, but even though she fought the urge to, her eyes still drifted slightly and Brinley immediately tensed. 'Stop walking! Stop!'

Indra had stopped walking and on Brinley's command so did the others. 'Quiet. Listen.'

'War drums.' Marcus breathed.

'Azgeda.'

'You can tell that's Ice Nation from the sound?'

Brinley smiled slightly at Monty's question. 'If the bodies over there are any indication, I think Indra's right.'

Brinley gestured to the dead Ice Nation men she'd seen moments before.

'We need to get those bodies off the field, unless your good with them thinking we did this.' Pike spoke up.

'Go, hurry.'

'Wait! Two people at twelve o'clock.'

Brinley followed Bellamy's line of sight, straining to see through the bright sunlight.

Bellamy could see perfectly through the scope of his gun. 'It's Clarke.'

'No, stop-!'

Bellamy had taken off running and Brinley hurried to get in front of him. 'Stop! Don't be reckless!'

'Get out of my way!' Bellamy yelled angrily, staring down at her with fierce eyes.

'You'll never make it in time, look. No way we'll get across without being seen.' Monty joined the argument, pointing at the quickly advancing army.

'Bellamy-'

'No. You don't get to tell me what to do.' Bellamy growled at Brinley whose jaw snapped shut.

'We should lay low, let the army pass, then find Clarke.' Pike joined in the conversation, his eyes flicking between Bellamy and Brinley in obvious interest.

'Guys! There's a cave.'

Brinley followed Monty's line of vision. 'Good job, Mon.'

'We just got lucky.' Pike commented.

'- Ice Nation has crossed the border, they're marching against my commander, I have to warn her.'

Indra was talking to Kane who nodded in understanding. 'We'll get Clarke.'

'You better. The ice queen gets her first, she'll be dead - and we'll be at war.'

Indra hurried off, but not before nodding at Brinley who called out her name.

'Be careful.'

Indra hesitated as though she wanted to speak before she nodded, disappearing from Brinley's view.

Brinley followed the group into the caves, being the last one to enter their temporary safe haven. Though she'd never admit it to her father, or Monty for that matter, she knew if the Ice Nation army caught sight of her there would be anarchy.

Brinley stood near the mouth of the cave, sword drawn being unknowingly watched by her father who, after a moment, walked towards her, placing his hand on her shoulder making her tense for a moment.

'You don't have to do that.'

'I know, but it's better to be safe.'

'If they don't know we're in here they won't come looking.' Marcus pointed out gently to which Brinley sighed.

'You don't know Ice Nation.' But despite her words she did move, somewhat hesitantly, towards the rest of the group who were planning amongst themselves.

Brinley quietly asked her father for his water canteen, which he handed over without hesitation. She splashed the cool liquid on her made up face, lifting her shirt up and scrubbing until she felt the cracking make up leave her skin.

Bellamy glanced up quickly at her when she wasn't looking, swallowing harshly at the scar on her stomach from the bullet wound she'd received in Mount Weather, he averted his eyes quickly after catching sight of the grizzly reminder of all they'd been through.

Brinley handed the canteen back to Marcus who flashed her a warm smile at her now clean face, but it faltered the longer he looked, concern taking over his expression.

The group had begun to disperse through the small cave now, but everyone still heard the quiet exclamation of surprise from Monty. 'Oh my god Brinley.'

Brinley touched her face gently. 'Pretty, isn't it?' She smirked in amusement.

She was referring to the thin slice running from the outer corner of her eye into her hairline - a near miss with a very sharp sword. She was fairly certain it wasn't deep enough to scar, and for that she was thankful, but it did look quite nasty what with the dark bruising surrounding it. There were also multiple small, barely there white lines across the entirety of her face, but they were so light that unless you were looking for them you couldn't really see them.

When no one responded to her sarcastic quip she rolled her eyes. 'Well I think it makes me look like a badass.'

'Brinley, what have you been doing this entire time?' Marcus asked the question on all of their minds.

'Sightseeing.' The answer rolled off Brinley's tongue easily, at the long looks the others were giving her she groaned in annoyance. 'They call me Gonaripa and you're asking me what I've been doing? I thought the answer was obvious.'

Bellamy who'd been standing furthest away at the entrance of the cave walked over to Pike and Kane who were standing next to each other, both looking at Brinley with furrowed brows.

'We're losing her.' Concern for Clarke was evident in the slight hitch of Bellamy's voice.

'Relax, save your energy.' Kane instructed, and Brinley was surprised to hear respect for Bellamy in her father's voice.

'Kane's right, son. The army will move soon, you'll need your strength for what comes next.'

Bellamy nodded at the two men, returning to his self appointed post at the front of the cave, rubbing at his forehead tiredly. Brinley bit her tongue, fighting the urge to ask him what was going through his mind.

'Please.'

The pleading tone in Monty's voice caught Brinley's attention, glancing up she found Monty staring at his mother who seemed choked up, even as she spoke.

'We landed in the snow. Your father said it absorbed some of the impact. That's why we survived. The snow looked so beautiful, it...' She let out a small sob. 'Charles?'

Pike nodded grimly as she continued telling Monty the story, though everyone in the cave was listening, even Bellamy who had crept closer to hear what was spoken. '

'The children were playing in it. They were the first to die... fifteen of them. If not for your father, would've been more. He pulled four kids back into the ship, all four alive today. They got him when he went back for the fifth. Your father died a hero, Monty.'

Brinley's heart broke for both Monty and Hannah, whom at that moment looked utterly defeated.

'We've been fighting grounders ever since.' Pike concluded.

'That was the Ice Nation, not all grounders are the same.' Kane was frowning at the obvious hate in Pike's voice.

'They are to me.'

Brinley chanced a look at Pike, only to find him already looking at her. Brinley tensed, raising her chin in defiance as if daring him to say something to her, but he didn't.

Instead, Pike began asking questions about what had happened since the rest of the Ark landed on Earth, and Marcus and Monty began filling him and Hannah in, but Brinley couldn't concentrate on the conversation, not when Bellamy's attention was so clearly elsewhere - which was a sure sign that Bellamy was potentially planning to do something reckless. Though he was still standing guard by the entrance, his lack of contribution to the conversation was out of character.

While the others were focused on their conversation, Brinley edged closer to the exit slowly, it wasn't hard considering she was already away from the main area of the cave. From where she was situated she could see Bellamy, but Bellamy couldn't see her.

She didn't have to wait long. Marcus had brought up the subject of Mount Weather and within a few minutes Bellamy had stolen clothing from the bodies they'd recovered on their way in, cleverly disguising himself as Ice Nation.

Brinley covertly followed him from the cave, but not before stealing her own jacket from the second body, following Bellamy's movements.

Before long, and after having his position readjusted by one of the Ice Nation warriors, Bellamy - and Brinley - had made their way across the large field that contained the entire Ice Nation army.

The moment she could, Brinley threw off the jacket and mask that already reeked of death, discarding of it on the ground. Brinley rushed up behind Bellamy, startling him.

'What the hell do you think you're doing?'

The shocked expression disappeared from Bellamy's face and was replaced with one of anger. 'Did you follow me?'

'Of course I followed you! You have no idea where you're going or what you're -'

'I don't need your help!'

'Well too bad because you're getting it anyway!' Brinley shoved Bellamy backwards; walking ahead of him towards a set of stairs that went underground which would act as a perfect hiding place from an advancing army. Brinley glanced back at Bellamy and found that he hadn't moved an inch.

'Either you come with me, or you march your ass right back across to that cave.'

Bellamy cursed under his breath, grit his teeth and followed her.

Brinley gripped her sword tighter as they advanced into the underground room. Bellamy took one look at the bound figure and rushed forward, leaving Brinley to stand guard by the door.

Not even thirty seconds went by before Brinley, now hovering outside, heard the sounds of a scuffle and Clarke's voice cry out. 'Look out!'

Brinley launched into attack mode, entering the room to find Bellamy on the ground with a sword pressing into his chest, Clarke begging the man holding the sword for mercy for Bellamy.

'Why don't you drop the sword and we'll have a chat?'

Clarke's head shot up at the new voice joining the mix, her stomach dropping at the sight of Brinley, fierce and strong, inching towards them with her sword drawn.

'Wanheda and Gonaripa, looks like today is my lucky day.'

'Brinley, no.' Clarke was filled with fear for her brunette friend as well as Bellamy.

'I'll stop fighting, please, please let them go.' Clarke's voice broke as she focused her attention on her captor once again.

The man's eyes lifted up to meet Brinley's and he cocked his head almost curiously. 'Perhaps the great warrior slayer has a heart after all.'

Brinley's blood turned to ice.

Minutes were all it had taken for this stranger to know one of her weaknesses.

The sword moved away from Bellamy's heart, and Clarke began to thank the man but the relief that coursed through both girls disappeared as a knife was plunged deep into Bellamy's thigh. The man in question screamed out in pain as scarlet blood began staining the floor.

'Don't follow us.' A well-aimed kick to the head had Bellamy unconscious in seconds.

'You son of a -' Brinley yelled only to be stopped as the sword went to Clarke's neck.

'No. You stay here too; I only need one of you...for now. You try anything and I'll hunt him down, slice him in half and I'll make you watch.'

Brinley lowered her sword a fraction, staring at Clarke in desperation. The blonde gave Brinley what she hoped was an understanding glance as Brinley lowered the sword completely.

'Good girl.' The man mocked her. 'Don't follow us.'

Brinley could only watch in desperation as Clarke was led back up the stairs, both her and her captor disappearing again.

Brinley swallowed back tears as she dropped to her knees beside Bellamy, her sword clattering to the ground loudly. She pressed her hands against a still unconscious Bellamy's wound, cursing at the steady flow of blood. There was no way she could successfully bind the wound without getting it infected with what little she had.

Instead she settled for trying to wake Bellamy up, shaking his shoulders harshly until his eyelids twitched, and opened.

'Where's Clarke?' Was the first thing that left his lips as he sat up, gritting his teeth to fight the pain radiating from his leg.

'She's gone.' Brinley stood up, moving away from Bellamy as though he was a disease.

'You let him take her?' Bellamy sounded as disgusted with her as she felt with herself.

Not that she'd had much of a choice. 'I didn't have a choice. You're the idiot who marched across a field of skilled warriors alone, who tried to take on a bounty hunter alone. You're at fault just as much as I am. He knows they're being followed now, so good luck finding them again.'

Anger clouded Bellamy's face as he pulled himself to his feet, in obvious pain. 'If you weren't here everything would have been fine.'

Brinley flinched slightly at the venom in Bellamy's voice, swallowing hard before she spoke. 'Once you've found the others you won't have to deal with me anymore.'

This seemed to surprise Bellamy. 'What?'

'I can see where I'm not wanted, Bellamy.'

Bellamy opened his mouth like he wanted to say something, but shut it again, limping back up the stairs and out into the open again.

Brinley followed silently, remaining wary of any unwanted surprises.

'Bellamy!'

Brinley recognised the voice even as Monty came running towards them through the trees, the army had finally cleared and for the moment, they were safe.

'We told you to wait for the army to move.' Kane scolded Bellamy, who was leaning heavily against a tree.

'What happened?' Monty looked at Bellamy in confusion.

'I almost had her.' Bellamy panted through the pain of his wound.

'Pike, find a trail.' Marcus commanded, looking at Bellamy in worry.

'It's useless, he knows he's being followed now.' Pike shook his head.

After a few hushed words between Marcus and Bellamy, Bellamy tried to run off again, but was stopped by Monty.

'We can't lose Clarke!' Bellamy was breathing heavily, his eyes flitting around the group, dread filling him as he continued to look away from Monty, his voice lowering as though he were talking to himself. 'We can't lose her.'

Monty had the strangest feeling that they weren't only talking about Clarke anymore, his own eyes scanning the area as a mild panic bubbled up inside him. 'Where's Brinley?'

Before anyone else could even comprehend what was happening, Monty took off like a rocket. 'Brinley! Brin! Brinley!'

Brinley could hear Monty coming up behind her, but still she continued walking.

'Hey, hey Brinley stop.' Monty ran in front of her, blocking her path. 'Where are you going?'

'I don't know. To find Clarke, to pick a fight with some grounders maybe.'

'Don't. Don't do that.' Monty sighed.

'Do what?' Brinley was immediately defensive.

'Throw those sarcastic answers at me. Brinley, you can talk to me.'

'What do you want to hear Mon? That I'm not okay? That I don't know what to do with myself anymore? Or maybe you want to hear that I haven't had a decent sleep since that night in Mount Weather? What? What do you want from me Monty?' Brinley's words weren't angry, but rather tired.

It had been her decision to leave her friends, to leave Bellamy, but it was a necessary evil, something that she had to do in order to begin to heal. But seeing everyone again proved to be even harder than she'd thought it would be, because to everyone else it looked as though she'd abandoned her friends when they needed her the most.

Her choice looked like a selfish, impulsive decision to everyone - except Monty.

'I know you're hurting Brin, but we all are. Clarke left, you were gone, Raven's still hurting, Jasper... don't even get me started on Jasper, Brin I lost my Dad.' Monty paused for a second. 'My point is everyone's hurting in some way; you don't have to do this alone. I know Bellamy probably said something that hurt you, but you know how he is. He doesn't mean it. All of us want you to come home, that's all we've wanted for months.'

Brinley stared at her friend for a moment, seeing the candidness on her friends face. 'Okay.'

'Okay?' A small smile tugged at Monty's lips.

'Okay.' Brinley confirmed with a watery smile, a small laugh escaping her lips.

'Okay.' Monty practically tackled Brinley in a hug, pulling her as close as humanly possible.

'I love you Monty.' Brinley mumbled into Monty's shoulder.

'Love you too Brin.' Monty squeezed her once more before he released her. 'C'mon, let's go home.'

*****

The journey back was long.

They'd recovered the rover from where it was parked near the trading post Niylah and her father ran. Brinley didn't have a chance to see the blonde girl, but her father did eye them suspiciously as they passed the store.

Bellamy was struggling to walk properly. Brinley could see that it pained him greatly to accept help from anyone but at that moment, he didn't have a choice.

Thankfully, no one had said anything when Monty and Brinley had reappeared after their talk, as far as they were all concerned Brinley had taken a short walk to clear her head.

Bellamy knew it was a lie.

He could see it in the set of her shoulders, the tense of her jaw and the closeness that radiated between her and Monty. Bellamy knew they were friends before, but since Mount Weather, something in their friendship had shifted slightly, they seemed closer, Monty seemed protective of Brinley and it made no sense. Brinley could hold her own, and she was much stronger than Monty anyway, so why would she need protection? Bellamy hated the jealous pang that shot through him at the thought of Brinley being that close to anyone else but he reminded himself that he had Gina.

Kind, smart, loving, unselfish Gina.

Anxiety gnawed at Brinley the entire ride back to the Ark. She had no idea if she'd be welcomed back, or if she'd be shunned and turned away in the same way that Lincoln's own people had shunned him. She supposed she'd just have to wait and find out.

Brinley had denied Monty's request for her to sit shotgun, instead she'd smiled at Hannah and directed her to the front seat. Hannah had smiled gratefully back at her, wanting to spend as much time as possible with her son.

But Brinley's act of kindness left her seated beside Bellamy, with Pike and her Father sitting across from them. Brinley wasn't used to travelling by rover and the feeling of moving without any effort on her part was foreign. Even with the horses she rode, she had to guide and navigate using different signals. Doing nothing was a new feeling altogether.

The gates of Camp Jaha came into view; only Brinley was surprised to see the sign now reading Arkadia.

'Rest in peace camp Jaha.' Brinley quipped under her breath, earning a laugh from Monty.

Once the gates were open, Monty drove the Rover into the garage, smirking at Brinley's awed state. 'Looks a little different, doesn't it?'

Brinley just nodded.

Monty and Hannah left the rover first, but not before Monty asked Brinley if she wanted him to stay, an offer she declined after a second of deliberation. Almost immediately Brinley could hear the familiar voices of her friends. Marcus ushered Pike out ahead of him before turning to Bellamy.

'You head straight to medical, understand?'

'Yes sir.' Bellamy nodded.

Marcus gave Brinley a small smile before he climbed out of the rover, leaving Brinley and Bellamy alone for a moment.

Bellamy stood up gingerly, ready to climb out of the rover before he paused. 'You okay?'

Brinley glanced up at him, no emotion on her face. 'I'm fine. Get your ass to medical hot-' the word seemed to stick in Brinley's throat. '- Bellamy.'

Bellamy seemed conflicted before his expression smoothed and he nodded, climbing out ahead of her.

Eventually Brinley sighed, squared her shoulders and stepped out of the vehicle, taking in her surroundings. It was clear in the months she'd been gone that the people of Arkadia had taken up the challenge of Earth wholeheartedly and they hadn't just been surviving - they were thriving.

Brinley glanced around, noting the smiles and easy laughter coming from everyone in the garage. She knew it was only a matter of time before someone realised that she didn't belong and then - '

'Brinley?'

Brinley looked up meeting a familiar pair of wide eyes. Feeling uncharacteristically shy, Brinley waved at the person, unsure of the reception she would receive. But as it turned out, she had no reason to be worried as her friends face split into a cheeky smile.

Brinley was aware of the eyes on them as they walked towards each other, staring in disbelief that the other was truly there for a moment before Brinley launched herself at him, squeezing him tightly. 'It's so good to see you.'

'I was just starting to think things were getting boring around here.'

Brinley squeezed Miller tighter, feeling so thankful for his friendship and the lack of hostility towards her. Miller wasn't exactly the warmest person, but for whatever reason the two of them got along like a house on fire, and it was evident in both of their faces that they were genuinely happy to see each other.

'You're a guard?' Brinley raised an eyebrow.

'Guess so.' Miller smirked though she detected an undercurrent of pride in his expression.

'I'm so proud of you Nathan!'

'Oh shove it.' Miller batted her hands away from his face, where she'd gone to pinch his cheeks like a child. 'C'mon we have to tell everyone you're back.' Miller poked her good-naturedly and Brinley smiled at his antics.

By the time Brinley had said hello to a handful of the surviving original one hundred, including an excited Harper and Monroe, she was tired and truthfully just wanted to get a decent sleep, but Miller had other plans.

Miller dragged her to the living quarters, knocking impatiently against the metal door. 'What the hell do you- Brin?'

Brinley felt a smile creep onto her face at the sight of her best friend who had immediately latched onto Brinley with a death grip. 'Oh my god, you're back. I'm so glad you're back.'

'Hey, O.'

Octavia released her, punching her on the arm. 'You told me you weren't ready to come back yet.'

Beside Brinley, Miller frowned. 'You two have seen each other recently.'

Octavia smiled sheepishly at Miller who looked slightly annoyed for a moment before he shrugged. Behind Octavia stood Lincoln, who smiled slightly at Brinley who greeted him with a smile and a hello.

'You seen Jasper?' Miller questioned Octavia, Brinley immediately perking up at her best friends name.

Octavia shook her head. 'No.' a look passed between Octavia and Miller, but Brinley chose not to question it for the moment.

'We're going to see Raven, thought we'd stop by first.'

Octavia's eyes widened. 'Okay. Raven's probably with Gina if you're looking for her.'

Miller shifted beside Brinley. 'Thanks for the heads up.'

Brinley sensed the weird atmosphere. 'Okay, whose Gina and why are you two acting so weird about her?'

Octavia looked guiltily at Brinley. 'Please don't be angry, I couldn't figure out a way to tell you gently -'

'Out with it, O.'

Octavia sighed. 'Gina and Bellamy are dating.'

Brinley blinked a few times, feeling the uneven beat of her heart. 'Oh. Right.'

'I'm sorry-'

'Don't apologise, O. It's fine. Bellamy's happy and that's all that matters.' She forced a smile. 'C'mon I still wanna see Raven.'

'Brin-'

'O, really it's fine, relax.' Brinley hugged her friend again. 'I'll catch up with you later, okay?'

Octavia nodded and after a quick goodbye, Miller and Brinley were on their way to Raven.

'You sure you're fine?' Miller asked her as they walked.

'I'm great, seriously.'

Miller opened the doors to the makeshift workshop Brinley had been in so many times before, her eyes falling on the three people in the room. Raven, Bellamy and a girl Brinley could only assume was Gina thanks to the arm she had wrapped around Bellamy's waist.

'Wanna go?' Miller questioned sympathetically.

Miller's whisper drew the attention of the trio, Raven staring in disbelief at the doorway where Brinley stood. 'No way.'

'Hey there birdy.'

Raven put down the wrench she had in her hand, beginning to walk over to Brinley with a smile on her face. Brinley could still see the obvious limp in the brunette girls leg so she met her in the middle of the room, and for what felt like the millionth time that day she hugged one of the friends she'd left behind.

'I was starting to think you'd never come back.'

'You and me both.' Brinley snickered lightly.

'The hell happened to your face?' Raven smirked.

'Well... you know what they say about grounder facelifts...'

Raven and Miller snickered at the joke before Raven remembered the two other people in the room. 'Brinley, this is Gina. Gina, this is Brinley.'

Gina smiled sweetly at Brinley. 'Nice to meet you.'

Brinley could see that Gina was being genuine and cursed her for being so nice. It'd be easier to hate her if she was nasty. 'Nice to meet you too.' Brinley smiled politely back.

Brinley heard scuffling behind her and Miller curse under his breath as someone else decided to join their impromptu group reunion.

'Well look who decided to come crawling back.'

Brinley stared at Jasper, her happiness at seeing her friend turning into one of confusion and distrust at the sneer on his face and the way he stumbled around the room. 'Got tired of playing grounder, did you?' he continued.

'Jasper...' Brinley's mouth turned down in sadness. She'd seen the manic smile on his face when the Ice Nation warrior had a knife to his throat, but she'd hoped it had been a moment of madness.

Apparently not.

'Were the reunions all you hoped they'd be?' Jasper enquired sloppily. 'Was everyone happy to see you?' Jasper turned his attention from Brinley to Bellamy. 'Tell me Bellamy, how did it feel to see her again after she left you?'

Bellamy looked at Jasper through narrowed eyes. 'Jasper, don't.'

'What? I'm just asking. It must have been hard to wake up one morning and find out she'd crawled out of your bed and left you all alone.' Jasper snickered again. 'But it's all good, Gina's there to fill that empty space now, isn't she?'

Brinley chanced a glance at Bellamy and Gina. Bellamy's face was stern as he stared Jasper down, but Gina's mouth was opened in a small expression of surprise as she glanced back and fourth between Brinley and Bellamy.

'Jasper.' Brinley's voice was sharp. 'Enough.'

'Don't like it when I tell the truth do you? Well here's something else, no one wants you here, we don't need you anymore.'

'That's not true-' Raven interrupted hotly.

'C'mon man-' Miller tried.

Brinley's blood boiled and she spoke over both of them, stepping closer to Jasper warningly. 'Oh really? Considering I saved your life while you were too busy laughing with a knife to your throat, I'd say atleast one person needs me Jas.'

Jasper's expression darkened dramatically as what she was saying processed. 'Wherever you go, people die.'

And then he was gone, stumbling drunkenly from the room singing some old song at the top of his lungs, their conversation entirely forgotten.

'What the fuck.' Brinley breathed in the silence that followed.

'He's been like that since Maya... you know.' Miller explained.

'Don't take it personally.' Raven added grimly. 'You'll get used to it.'

'I can assure you, I won't.'

Brinley stood there for a moment listening to the drunken singing leaving the lips of the boy she loved like a brother. She was left with the distinct feeling that even though so many of them, herself included, had suffered at the hands of the mountain men, it was kind, childish, energetic Jasper who'd been damaged the most. The worst part of it was that his injuries weren't something you could bandage or fix, like a bullet wound or a broken bone. His injuries were mental scars that came in the form of memories of dark haired girls, chocolate cake and old rock songs.

In that moment, Brinley began to understand what it was like to grieve someone who was still alive.

Somewhere down the corridor, Jasper's singing finally stopped.