[ it's not the first time he's been asked what it is he wants, but it's always been in terms of how to survive. what does he want to do, to ensure that they make it out of running the camp alive? what does he think is the best course of action when it comes to the fact grounders will be marching toward them at that very moment? what he's wanted has been the same since he was seven years old — he wants octavia to be safe, and to be happy, especially with him. ]

[ but when it comes to him outside of the camp, the fighting, and all the tactical thinking, bellamy isn't sure what it is he wants. he's always tried to rationalise it in terms of octavia — how it helps her, how it'll protect her. it's how he thinks of it now. hugging raven is easy; he doesn't mind it at all, finding it's grounding at times. but he remembers what kissing her had been like, and he isn't so sure if he wants to begin untangling that red string. ]

[ he pulls a heart out, finding it's another hug one. he thinks to pour all of them out to see if there's a range of options in there, but even bellamy can realise that that's him running. instead, he looks down at it for a moment before looking back at her. he copies her expression, arching his brow, but it lacks any attitude behind it. ]

I'm just making sure the Valentine's rule police aren't going to come and get you. [ he lifts a shoulder, turning the heart over in his hands as he looks down. ] It'd suck. You're one of the only few people I actually like.