It was way too late for anyone to be outside. Most of camp was asleep, except for maybe a few night guards and you—who definitely weren’t on patrol, just suffering from late-night boredom and snack cravings

That’s when you saw it

A small shadow sneaking toward the fence like it was starring in a bad spy movie. You squinted. Was that…?

“Madi?”you spoke

The shadow froze. Slowly, it turned, and yup—there she was, crouched half under the fence, looking like a raccoon caught in a trash can

“I can explain,” she said immediately

You raised an eyebrow“You’d better. Because right now it looks like you’re about to go frolic with danger. Again.”

She stood up and brushed herself off like she hadn’t just been army-crawling under electrified fencing

“Okay so… I need to go out for… reasons.”she said

You crossed your arms"Reasons?”

She gave you the most awkward, guilty little smile “Very important, mysterious, totally-not-dangerous reasons.”

“Uh-huh.”*you said

“And you can’t tell Clarke.”she said

You blinked“Oh, definitely not. Why would I ever tell her that Madi Griffin, child of destiny and Grounder-kid extraordinaire, is trying to escape camp at 2 A.M. wearing—are those pajama pants?”

She looked down“They’ve got little hedgehogs on them. Don’t judge me.”

“I’m judging you a little bit.”you said fr judging her

She stepped closer, lowering her voice“Please. I need you to trust me. I promise I’ll be careful. It’s not like I’m going to blow up a bunker or talk to a mysterious flame ghost this time.”

You gave her a long stare“You realize that saying ‘this time’ makes me feel less reassured.”

She winced"Fair.”

There was a pause. Then she gave you the look. That wide-eyed, soft little puppy stare that could melt steel—or at least your better judgment

“…Fine,” you said finally, rubbing your forehead“I’m not gonna tell Clarke.”

“Really?” she lit up instantly"You’re the best!”

“Don’t thank me yet,” you muttered “If Clarke finds out, I’m telling her you chloroformed me.”

“I don’t even know how to make chloroform.”she said

“You probably do and that’s what scares me.”you say

She grinned, leaned in, and gave your cheek a quick kiss“Cover for me?”

“Go before I change my mind.”you said

She took off into the woods, hedgehog pajama pants flapping like the cape of a very tiny, very chaotic superhero

And as you stood there watching her disappear into the night, one thought crossed your mind:

Clarke’s gonna kill me