All roads lead to Rome.

- Unknown
2010 - Virginia, USA
Clarke dangled her feet over the edge of the dock so her bare toes just skimmed the surface of
the murky lake. She tipped her head back and smiled, taking delight in the hum of the cicadas
and the delicious feeling of the sun beating down against her skin.
Next to her Octavia shook out her hair, accidentally whipping Raven in the face, eliciting a
disgruntled noise from their friend and a shove that knocked O into Clarkes shoulder.
Normally Clarke would have shoved her back but it was summer vacation and she was floating
in a cloud of bliss. She had an entire three months in front of them in which she wasnt obligated
to do anything but sun by the lake, eat too much ice cream, sleep until the early hours of the
afternoon, and maybe (though Clarke would never tell) oggle Octavias older brother when he
graced them with his presence.
Bellamy Blake, the infamous Bellamy Blake. Clarkes secret crush since the Blakes had moved
in next door to the Griffins five years ago. Her dreaming about that hair and those freckles and
that smile was interrupted when Raven asked, Do you guys ever think about college?
Sure, Octavia said. Getting out of here? Meeting new people?
But what about us? Raven asked as a follow-up.
What about us? Clarke asked, leaning around Octavia to get a better look at her other friend.
Are we still going to be us?
Of course, Octavia said as Clarke said, Definitely.
Raven smiled and kicked at the water. Good, she said quietly.
But, you know, Octavia said thoughtfully. Ive always wondered what we were actually
going to do when we graduate. You know? Like we cant just sit around her like every other
summer.
Clarke grinned. Thats what gap years are for.
Octavia grinned. I knew we kept you around for a reason.
Clarke rolled her eyes and shoved O into the lake.
Oh, now youre in for it, Raven told her, a smile dancing around her lips, as Octavia erupted
out of the water, looking like she was on a quest for vengeance.
Youre going down, Griffin, she muttered as she hauled Clarke in after her.

Present day - Somewhere in Northern Italy

Clarke peeled her hair off her neck and fanned at herself with a magazine.
God, its hot, Octavia whined.
Next to her Jasper laughed as Monty said, This is what you get for not wanting to cough up the
extra cash for business class.
Octavia groaned and threw her head back. Weve still got months left and Im running low on
cash, okay?
And whose fault is that? Raven asked, her nose still buried in her travel guide.
Octavia threw a balled up piece of paper at her that Raven deflected easily. She grinned.
Octavia groaned again.
Clarke just smiled as she leaned her head against the window, watching the beautiful green of the
Italian countryside flash past. Ever since that day on the lake when shed finally spoken the
thoughts that had been bouncing around in her head forever, shed been dreaming of this.
Traveling across Europe with just a backpack and her best friends in the world had become a
reality during the middle of their junior year of high school when Octavia had finally convinced
Bellamy to let her go and Clarkes mom had promised that shed pay for half the trip as Clarkes
graduation present.
The group that had originally started as just Clarke, O, and Raven now included Jasper and
Monty, a pair of best friends theyd known forever but who had solidly incorporated themselves
into their friend group when theyd all ended up in the same horrible chem class together
sophomore year.
Plus it helped that Montys boyfriend, Miller was best friends with Bellamy, who Clarke was
now dating.
Yeah, that was right. Another of Clarkes life long dreams that shed never expected to come
true (dating Bellamy Blake) had come true. Hed asked her to his senior prom as friends but
by the end of the night theyd been making out in a dark corner of the dance floor. Now here
they were three years later still going strong despite the fact that Bellamy was going to school in
California and Clarke was still at home in Virginia. And now she was all the way across the
Atlantic in Italy.
Italy.
It still amazed her. Shed dreamed of Europe for years and now here she was, two months into
the trip of a lifetime with the best friends she could ever dream of.
Theyd spent all their time from graduation until January working their asses off, amassing
enough money that just maybe, with the added supplement from some of their parents, they
might be able to afford their train tickets, nights in hostels, and food for the next month and a
half of their planned trip.

Shed climbed the steps of the Eiffel Tower with her two best friends in the world, eaten a crepe
on the banks of the Seine, taken a selfie with the Mona Lisa, and stood over the tomb of the
Unknown Soldier buried under the Arc de Triomphe.
Shed eaten a waffle on the streets of Brussels, ridden a bike through the winding roads of
Amsterdam, and walked the grounds of The Tower of London. Shed lounged on a beach in
Spain, taken a gondola ride through the breathtaking canals of Venice, and eaten sausage in
Berlin. Shed marvelled at Versailless Hall of Mirrors, braved her fear of heights to ride the
London Eye, stood on the sands of Juno Beach, and walked silently through the tombstones of
her fallen countrymen who had given their lives on D-Day. Shed stood on the Cliffs of Moher
with the wind ripping through her hair, hiked Portugals Parque Nacional de Peneda-Gers, and
sampled chocolate in Switzerland.
But Rome. Rome was the dream. Rome had always been the dream.
Thoughts of Rome called up summer nights spent out on the dock with Bellamy, his arm around
her shoulder, her head on his, as his voice lulled her to sleep with tales of the Colosseum, the
Forum, St. Peters Basilica, the Catacombs, of San Callisto, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine
Chapel, and so much else.
The one regret she had was that he wasnt here to experience the city and all of its beauty with
her. But she had the next best thing, one of which was currently prodding her in the shoulder.
Clarke, Clarke, Clarke, Jasper repeated.
She pulled her head away from the window to look at him. What?
He pointed out the window, a little farther ahead of them than shed been looking and said,
Look!
The architecture of the city of Roma, Italia loomed ahead of them. Clarke grinned as next to her,
Octavia bounced in her seat. Not even Raven, who had been playing it cool for the entirety of
the train ride, could her smile at the childlike grin on Jaspers face.
Clarke felt for the necklace around her neck, the B.C. necklace Bellamy had given her when she
graduated high school as a historical joke (BC for Before Christ but also Bellamy & Clarke) and
smiled to herself. Even if he couldnt really be there, hed always be with her in spirit.

When Clarke jumped off the train, her backpack slung over her shoulder, feeling the shimmering
heat lifting off the asphalt, she felt like shed stepped into another world. All around her were
flurries of Italian and the a last call for a train to somewhere on the Amalfi Coast.
We made it, Rave, she said to her friend as they picked their way up the platform. Rome.
Raven smiled and slung an arm over Clarkes shoulder. And damn Im excited!
Clarke was at the back of the pack, staring around in wonder at everything around her (even if it
was just a train station) which is why she didnt notice their group had stopped until she ran right

into Octavias back, sending both of them tumbling forward a little until they steadied
themselves.
Thats when Clarke noticed that Montys backpack was on the ground by Jaspers feet and that
its owner was wrapped in the arms of a familiar looking man, next to whom was
Bellamy?
Her boyfriend grinned. Hey, princess.
Oh, my God!
She pushed past Raven and Octavia and threw herself into him, pressing her face against his
neck as his arms wrapped around her back as best they could with her backpack in the way. He
kissed her hair.
What are you doing here? she demanded, pulling back just a little. What is Miller doing
here?
Because thats who Monty was untangling himself from.
Well, it is our spring break, he said around a smile as he wrapped an arm around his boyfriend,
who was beaming in a way that Clarke had never seen before.
So you came here? she asked, directing the question more to Bellamy, still unbelieving that he
was there.
Of course, he said like it was the most straightforward thing in the world. I wasnt going to
pass up an opportunity to see my favorite girl.
Hey! Octavia complained, but there was a joking tone in her voice.
Bellamy just smiled and ruffled her hair, leaning around Clarke to giver her a one-armed hug.
Hey, O.
Hey, right back at you, big brother. Im glad to see your plane didnt crash.
He gave her a mock wounded look and Clarkes mouth dropped open. Wait, you...you knew?
We all did, babe, Raven said behind her. Bells been planning this since we decided we were
actually doing this. Thats why--
Why you were so adamant that we go to Rome this week, Clarke finished knowingly, turning
back to Bellamy. Thank you, she whispered.
He grinned then leaned down for a peck to the lips that turned into something a bit more than a
peck. Behind them, Raven cleared her throat and Clarke broke away, burying her head in
Bellamys chest.
Thank you, she repeated.

Anything for you, princess, he said into her hair in a reverent voice that almost made it sound
like a chant.
She smiled into her shirt as the familiar smell that was so Bellamy washed over her. It had been
months since shed last seen him since he hadnt been able to come home for Christmas and the
last time she had seen him was Thanksgiving, what felt like years ago.
Oh, come on, Octavia grumbled. Im starving and Ive been dreaming about pizza since
forever.
And dont forget about gelato, Jasper added.
Yes! And gelato.
Bellamy chuckled into Clarkes hair and pushed her away a little. Here, princess, let me take
your backpack. He slid it off her shoulders and had it slung over his own before she could even
protest. Now, lets go, he said to the group, before Octavia decides to eat one of us instead.
His sister glared at him but she could never stay angry at Bellamy for long and so off they went,
Octavia trying (and failing pretty miserably) to pretend she was still grumbling.
Clarke had to admit that the pizza was good. So good in fact that she basically ate an entire one
herself. But then so did all the rest of them, so she didnt feel all that bad about it. Or the giant
cup of gelato that she ate right after.
Now she was lying on the (very very very) small bed shed be sharing with Bellamy in the hostel
theyd booked groaning while he unpacked her backpack for her because she was too bloated to
move.
You know this is why I love you, right? she managed.
He threw her an amused look. I like to think that you love me for a reason other than the fact
that Im willing to put your clothes away for you, he said, stuffing a pile of her shirts into a
drawer.
She smiled up at the ceiling. It just contributes to how wonderful you are.
Oh, is that so? he asked, sliding onto the bed next to her, propping himself up on one hand and
using the other to brush her cheek lightly.
Yeah, she said, smiling so hard that her cheeks hurt. I missed you, she said in a lower
register.
Bellamys eyes darkened and the hand on her cheek slid to the back of her neck, tangling in her
hair just the way he knew she liked and leaned in. Then he whispered to her how much he had
missed her against her bare skin.

This is incredible, Clarke said, later that night, as they gathered around the Trevi Fountain.

One of Bellamys arms was firmly sandwiched around her shoulder and the other was around his
sister, who was arguing with Jasper over how to throw a coin into the fountain.
Its your left hand, Octavia, he said in a fake patient voice undercut with exasperation.
No, no, no, she protested, grabbing his left hand and forcing open his fingers, taking the coin
out. Its your right.
Jasper scrambled to take the coin back, insisting that it was the left dammit.
Clarke smiled. Which is it? she whispered to Bellamy.
His hand tightened on her shoulder. Right hand over the left shoulder, he whispered back.
You going to make a wish?
She shook her head. Why would I? she said to the statues adorning the fountain. Ive already
got everything I could ever want.

Rome was everything Clarke had been dreaming of and so much more. And everything was all
the more magical because Bellamy was there with her.
It was his arm around her shoulders when they reached the top of the Spanish Steps, wheezing
slightly from the 135 steps, but still feeling like gods.
He was the one who read facts about the Colosseum to her out of the guidebook even though she
knew without a doubt that he knew all of them by heart anyway.
He was the one who talked her ear off for twenty minutes about every statue and every grave in
the Pantheon, much to the distaste of everyone else in the group except Monty and Miller who
stayed to listen while Octavia, Raven, and Jasper scurried off saying something about lunch.
He was the one who slowly walked her through the Roman Forum, an arm around her shoulder,
leaning down so he could whisper facts about the crumbling structures around them into her ear.
He was the one pulled her aside from the rest of the group to point out the unassuming looking
rock where Julius Caesar was assassinated and then grinned like this was what hed been waiting
for.
As magical as Rome was (and it was incredible) the best part was experiencing it with someone
who hadnt just been dreaming about this for the last four months but instead for his entire life.
Bellamy had the heart and mind of a world traveller but the responsibilities of a 45-year old man.
It had been a struggle for her, O, and Raven to even get him to apply for college at all. It was
true that after Aurora Blakes death Bellamy was the only one left who could care for Octavia but
Bellamy needed to live his own life, too.

Youve only got one, Bell, Clarke had said to him on a day in late August, right before the
beginning of his senior year of high school.

Theyd been sitting on the dock alone, her in shorts and a sports bra, him with jeans rolled up to
the ankles and no shirt. This was how they spent their summers and they were holding on to the
fleeing edge of this last one with trembling hands. This was the last one that would feel like this.
Because after this Bellamy would be leaving, he would be a high school graduate, even more out
of her league than ever before.
Hed sighed and tipped his head back and Clarke took the stolen moment to study his profile,
dark and shadowy against the violently pastel backdrop of a summer sunset.
He looks like a statue, Clarke had thought, studying his cheekbones and that strong chin. Or at
least he would if it wasnt for the hair.
Bellamys hair had been particularly long that summer, falling into his eyes more often than not.
Still no one brought it up. Because that had always been Auroras job.
I need to be here for O, he said, exhaling.
O doesnt need you to throw your life away for her, Clarke had argued. What she needs is to
be proud of her big brother. For him to go to college and get a degree and not stay in this dead
end town.
Bellamy looked over at her and his eyes were sad. We dont all get to leave, Clarke.
You do.
Hed laughed at that and shed scooted closer, laying a hand against his bicep and trying to
ignore the play of his muscles under his skin. Bellamy, please, shed begged. Give Octavia
something to be proud of. You know just as well as I do that she has a great support network
here. Raven and I and everyone else will take care of her. You dont always have to.
Hed looked over at her then and there was wonder in his eyes. Clarke, he croaked out.
For once in your life, Bellamy Blake, do something for you.

It was freeing for Clarke to see him like this, so uninhibited and free-spirited. She hadnt seen
him like this since the beginning of that summer before his senior year. That was the summer
when shed really started to fall for him.
That was the summer she knew it wasnt just a dumb schoolgirl crush. It was the real deal. It
was love.
Bellamy hadnt truly let himself go in four years. Hed always been worried about something.
Octavia. Money. Octavia. School. Octavia. Octavia again.
But here, surrounded by centuries of history in a place that Clarke knew he had dreamed about
since he barely knew what dreams were, he really let himself stop thinking and just be.

It showed at dinner when the seven of them sat around a table, maybe a bit too drunk off Italian
wine, amazing food, and the best company. It showed in how he gesticulated wildly when he
talked, him and Miller ad libbing stories back and forth about their peers and the one frat party
theyd gone to before deciding it wasnt their thing. It showed in the way he easily draped a
hand over the back of her chair and the sparkle in his eye that she so rarely saw anymore. It
showed in the high ringing tone of his laugh.
But more than anything, it showed in the way that he wasnt watching Octavia like a hawk. In
the way that he simply nodded when she said she wanted to go off and look at something by
herself. In the way that at some point when Clarke hadnt been paying attention, hed stopped
acting like a dictator and instead had just become her brother.

So, Clarke, Bellamy asked. The museum first? Or St. Peters?

Today was their second to last day which meant that it was time to visit the Vatican. Clarke
knew that Bellamy had been holding out on this, saving it for the very end, because he wanted it
to be something special.
Bellamy Blake, the eternal romantic, she thought as he tugged her down a street past street
vendors sitting on blankets spread chock-full of knock off merchandise. Who ever would have
known.
The museum first! she called to him. I want to save St. Peters for last.
He threw a grin and one of those winks that made her go weak in the knees over his shoulder and
gave her a small salute. The princess shall receive what she doth ask for.
Clarke blushed a little, smiled and followed him as he led her up the steps to the museum.

The others had set them free to do their own thing when theyd met for breakfast. Clarke had her
suspicions that it was because they didnt want to be around Bellamy in a museum but whatever.
It meant she got him all to herself and she was okay with that.
It was also hard to be angry when Miller was talking about taking Monty to a park so they could
maybe do some sunbathing and reading and Octavia, Jasper, and Raven were talking about going
to back to the Colosseum and taking a tour of the underground part where theyd kept the
gladiators prior to their fights.
Clarke could practically see Bellamy salivating over the prospect of that but she knew that the
Vatican and alone time with her would always win out.
They had lingered longer over breakfast that morning than usual, none of them quite willing to
part yet.
Miller had kept an arm slung over Montys shoulder the whole time, clearly just as her and
Bellamy unwilling to admit that in just a few days they were going to be separate again. She

smiled when she saw Monty whisper something into his boyfriends ear and Millers answering
broad smile.
The two of them had met when Bellamy had brought Miller home for Thanksgiving their
sophomore year of college, citing something about his dad being on an unavoidable business trip
and Miller having nowhere else to go.
Aurora Blake, being Aurora Blake, had welcomed in her sons friend with open arms. It was a
miracle shed let go of him at the end of the four days considering the bond theyd developed.
Though Aurora wasnt the only one that Miller had grown attached to.
Bellamy had never had a lot of friends growing up and had either hung out with Octavia and her
friends or had kept to himself. So during his school breaks, he spent most of his time around O,
Clarke and Raven. And by extension that year, Monty and Jasper. And Miller and Monty had hit
it off nearly immediately.
By the end of the weekend they were an official couple, making Clarke wish that she had that
kind of backbone in high school, and theyd been keeping their long distance relationship alive
ever since.
It was impressive and downright admirable.
But then, she thought, looking around the table at the six people who had come to be here entire
world. All of this was. Against all the odds theyd made a years long dream come true. They
were here, in Europe together with the people they loved most in the world.
Octavia, the girl Clarke had first thought of as irritating and downright obnoxious, who was now
her biggest confidant.
Raven, the new girl who had appeared out of nowhere in the middle of eighth grade with a tragic
backstory and an attitude to match it who was actually one of the sweetest and most supportive
friends Clarke had ever seen.
Jasper and Monty, overwhelming at times and maybe not the most relatable but always wellmeaning and up for a hug if you needed one.
Miller, who Clarke had never been expecting to like, with his sometimes gruff demeanor and
straight-to-it attitude but who underneath, was caring and compassionate.
And last but not least, Bellamy, who had all of his sisters best traits multiplied by a million with
a few extras of his own thrown in for good measure. Honest. Loyal. Dedicated. The best man
Clarke had ever known. And most importantly, hers. She hoped forever.
He caught her staring and grinned. And the floor dropped out from under her just like the first
time. Just like every time. He kissed the back ofher hand and she smiled. This was her happy
place. This was home. This was everything shed ever wanted and more. To be surrounded by
people who loved unconditionally who returned that love with everything they had and so so
much more.

It was three hours later that they found themselves in the Sistine Chapel, herded out with the tide
of people coming out of the museum. Clarke froze, her hand clamped around Bellamys, and
tilted her head back, her breath escaping her in a small gasp.
Shes seen pictures before of course. Who hadnt? Plus when you had a Roman history nerd for
a boyfriend, Vatican architecture was a hard thing to escape. It was a miracle that all of
Bellamys passion for and knowledge about history hadnt oozed into Octavia over the years. It
certainly had into Clarke.
But this was unlike anything shed ever seen before. Even though she was in the midst of a
massive crowd, with strangers pushing in on her from every side, she felt like it was just her and
Bellamy, tethered together by the hand she was still clutching, and the chapels beautifully
painted walls.
Michelangelos famous ceiling mural towered above her and she tilted her head back,
accidentally knocking into Bellamys chest as he took a step closer to her and wrapped his arms
around her middle, resting his chin on the top of her head.
She smiled as her eyes closed and her hands came to rest on his. His grip tightened and he might
have whispered something into the silence but it was so weak and quiet she didnt quite catch it.
But it didnt matter. There would be plenty of time to ask him what hed said that night when it
was just them and a dark room, no tourists in sight.
It took Michelangelo four years to paint the ceiling, Bellamy whispered into her hair, ducking
his head to press a kiss to the crown of hers. Incredible, isnt it? That someone was able to
create something so incredible in just four years.
Clarke studied Adams hand reaching out to meet God and smiled. I think we all have our
talents, she said honestly after a pause.
She felt Bellamys smile against the top of her head. Youre a philosopher, Clarke Griffin.
You could say that youre the one who brings it out in me.
It wasnt until later, when they stood in the cavernous, echoing silence of St. Peters Basilica,
practically wowed into silence at the pure extravagance that Clarke voiced the one thought that
had been running through her head all week, Thank you. For this. For coming. For
everything.
Bellamy turned to look at her, eyes serious albeit a little confused. You dont have to say it,
Clarke.
No, she replied honestly. I do. Because I know that you probably gave up shifts at work to
be here and God only knows how much your plane ticket cost you and you just did it for me
and--
I dont know why you say only for you like thats a bad thing or a not good enough reason.
Clarke stared at him, shocking into silence. What? she managed.

Clarke, dont you know by now? I would go anywhere for you. Do anything for you. All you
have to do is say it and Im already there. And thats never going to change.
Bellamy, she whispered, and her voice broke.
He smiled. Youve taught me a lot, Clarke. But the most important is what it feels like to love
someone with everything I have. And thats the way I love you. He smiled and something in
Clarke broke.
You know that I love you just as much right? she asked, watching as something beautiful
bloomed in his eyes.
Never doubted it for a minute, princess, he said fondly, wrapping an arm around her and
leading her out. But now, I think we should be going to find the others. I read incredible
reviews for this restaurant by Piazza Navona that I want to try.
Clarke smiled and, leaning into his side, reached up to tangle her fingers with his as they stepped
out into the hot Italian sunshine.

Later that night as Clarke spun the best spaghetti shed ever had in her life around her fork and
listened to Jasper tell Miller about the hot girl hed seen earlier (he doesnt care, Jasper, Raven
had said exasperatedly. The only other straight guy here is so whipped Im pretty sure hes
forgotten other girls exist.) Clarke thought realized that she wasnt sad about tomorrow, the day
they all were going their separate ways anymore.
It didnt matter that Bellamy and Miller had class in two days and that tomorrow they were
getting on a flight to go back to California while Raven, Octavia, Monty, Jasper, and Clarke were
getting on another train, this time one that would take them to Austria.
Because when she was surrounded by her friends, their laughter ringing in her ears, she knew
that tomorrow might as well have been an eternity away. Because they had now. And now was
so much better than tomorrow, two weeks from now, next week.
But the best thing of all of was forever. And if she knew anything at all, it was that the seven of
them had each other. And that they always would. That wasnt something she could have ever
comprehended all those years ago on that dock. But now, with her friends around her, she knew
that they would always find a way back to each other. Because thats just what they always did-Forever, Bellamy whispered into her ear that night as he lifted her arms over her head, clasped
neatly in one hand, and pressed her so deep into the mattress that she thought she might never be
able to climb out again. Im yours forever.
And damn if she didnt love the sound of that.