Chapter Text
Clarke Griffin hadn’t set an alarm clock in weeks.
Clarke woke up to soft, plump lips pressing against her cheek, then grazing her jawline, kisses fluttering along the side of her neck. Her breathing picked up with each press of those lips, feeling familiar arms pull her closer. She could almost see what was happening in the room without even opening her eyes. The sunlight would be filtering in through the curtains, right about now. The birds would be singing, if she actually tuned in to the world outside of her dreams. Alexandria Anastasia Woods would be pressed up against her, gently caressing her awake, golden strands alight from the sun in her brunette waves.
Sometimes, rarely enough, it actually did pay to be an artist.
Not in the form of money, unfortunately, but in the form of her mind’s eye, with perfect 20/20 vision. She could conjure gorgeous imagery without ever having to open her eyes.
But, oh, looking at her girlfriend was what got her going in the mornings.
“Clarke.” Lexa rolled her name off her tongue in that curious way that only Lexa could do, the way that made Clarke’s toes curl and her spine tingle. The whisper was warm, soft, and oh so enticing. Lexa was calling to her like a siren.
“Mmmm.” Clarke grumbled, turning her face to bury it into Lexa’s chest.
“Time to wake up.” Lexa nuzzled her neck with the tip of her nose, tickling Clarke slightly.
Clarke’s eyes flew open in surprise and she leaned back, glancing up at Lexa.
She was spot on, with her vision. Lexa was wearing some old band tee of Clarke’s, her brunette mane tousled from the slumber she’d just emerged from.
Clarke always thought it odd that Lexa always woke up at seven a.m. sharp. It was her weird internal body clock, both a curse on the weekends, and a blessing on the weekdays.
She offered to wake Clarke up, rather than the harsh buzzing and blaring of her phone alarm, and who was Clarke to refuse such a divine offer?
“Good morning, Clarke.” Lexa greeted softly, a smile gracing her features. It wasn’t something that ever really got old-waking up next to Clarke. It was something she cherished endlessly, something she couldn’t ever really believe. Lexa was seen as the goddess-like football star, the rich heiress, physical perfection- but the truth was far colder. Clarke saw her for the broken girl she was, with the absence of familial support marring her childhood. She always lived in the quiet fear of abandonment, and Clarke- being her closest friend and lover, was the one she feared losing most. So, waking up beside her every morning was a quiet, soothing sort of amelioration to the fear. It reminded her that Clarke longed to be nowhere else. Clarke loved her, and chose her. That was a concept Lexa would never, ever take for granted.
“What are you thinking about, pretty girl?” Clarke asked, when she noticed that Lexa was lost in a smile and a dreamy gaze, forgetting to answer her.
“You.” Lexa replied honestly, smirking when Clarke’s fingers appreciatively traced her bicep.
“Why don’t you tell me about it?” Clarke batted her eyelashes flirtatiously, earning a soft kiss on her forehead.
“I would, but in case you forgot, today is the first day of classes. No time.” Lexa announced, clearing her throat as she slipped out of bed.
“Oh. Right.” Clarke groaned.
“What, you’re not excited to put that art scholarship to work?” Lexa challenged.
“I kind of enjoyed our summer routine of lazy days and hot nights. In more ways than one.” Clarke shrugged, flopping back onto her pillow.
“Might I entice you with a hot shower?” Lexa asked craftily.
Clarke lifted a brow. “...You have my attention.” she teased, playing into her spoiled act a bit more. Lexa knew she was nervous and excited to meet her peers in the art program and begin pursuing her dream.
Lexa strode over to Clarke’s side of the bed. “A lift?” She quipped, and Clarke’s eyes lit up. Lexa laughed melodiously as she slid her arms under Clarke, effortlessly lifting her up. Clarke’s face was inches away from Lexa’s as she wrapped her arms around Lexa’s neck.
“Hi.” Clarke murmured, closing her eyes, leaning forward, wordlessly seeking her morning kiss.
“Hi.” Lexa murmured back, pressing a hungry kiss to Clarke’s lips, keeping it at bay and relatively chaste, so that she could maneuver to the bathroom.
“What time is it? 7:04?” Clarke questioned.
Lexa glanced at her phone, nodding before setting Clarke down and moving to start the water.
“Okay, we both have a psychology lecture at ten, right? That’s our first class?” Clarke double checked for just about the millionth time, clinging to her one safe haven class with Lexa.
“Mhmm.” Lexa hummed. “Psych with professor Asher. In Lecture hall D.”
“...Asher. I wonder if she’ll be hot?” Clarke thought aloud.
“...No. Psych teachers are never hot. They’re always seventy and above.” Lexa informed Clarke with a look of amusement.
“Have you ever seen her?” Clarke shot back.
“Well, no, but-”
“Good. Let’s make a bet.”
“On the first day of class? Is that the wisest idea?” Lexa sighed, rubbing her neck.
“Oh my god. You know, once upon a time, I dated the cocky rebel quarterback. She would’ve loved a fun bet.”
“You want her? You got her.” Lexa smirked, pulling Clarke’s shirt off.
Clarke felt a familiar rush of heat, straight down to her core. That never got old.
Lexa lifted off her own shirt with ease, sending it falling onto the floor beside Clarke’s. Lexa stepped into the shower, extending her hand out for Clarke to join her. (Clarke found it adorable that, even in her sexually predatory mode, she was still such a sweetheart).
Clarke watched as Lexa submerged herself under the thick rain of droplets streaming from their shower head. Lexa’s hair slicked back behind her, and little droplets and running streams of water beaded and ebbed over her tanned skin, over the peaks of her breast and the valley created by her abs. Her tattoos looked especially prominent, glazed over by diamond-like drops.
Clarke licked her lips, standing there, unaware that she was shivering from the droplets that were hitting her, as she was only a quarter way into the stream. She was just so taken by Lexa’s raw beauty that she’d forgotten to warm herself and rinse.
“Clarke?” Lexa paused, cracking an eye open when she noticed Clarke was just standing there, gaping at her. “You’re shivering! Come here.” She opened her arms, and it was the most inviting sight in the world to Clarke.
Clarke stepped forward, feeling Lexa’s arms envelop her, along with the piping hot water, streaming down her skin, leaving steam in its wake.
“You’re beautiful.” She croaked, glancing up into Lexa’s forest green gaze.
Lexa blushed, as if it were the first time Clarke ever told her.
Clarke laughed a little at the thought and turned, reaching for the shampoo. She motioned for Lexa to turn, and she gently began kneading it onto Lexa’s scalp, laughing even harder when she heard Lexa’s almost purr-like noises of pleasure. Clarke adored having Lexa be so open, intimate, and soft with her. When she first met Lexa, she’d been guarded, cocky, a false sense of arrogance to cover her need for intimacy and tender affection.
Clarke finished her little massage-like movements, and quickly received similar treatment from Lexa. They continued with their conditioner and body wash, tending to each other as lovingly as possible, often humming in content.
It was the picture of absolute serenity and bliss.
...Right until the end, when Lexa pulled Clarke against her, both of them facing forward. Clarke felt Lexa’s left arm move to knead her breast, while her right crept towards Clarke’s inner thigh.
God, Clarke was the image of perfection, blonde hair slicked back by the water, rivulets of water streaming down between her round breasts, down her stomach, adorning her scar, before sliding between her legs, the creamy skin there looking entirely too enticing for Lexa to resist. She felt the heat pool in her lower abdomen, and before she knew it, she was reaching hungrily for her girlfriend, an absolute slave to her urges.
“Oh.” Clarke yelped in surprise, voice picking up a decibel or two. “Do we-”
“-We have plenty of time, Clarke.” Lexa assured. “But if you’d prefer-”
“-No.” Clarke quickly reassured her, touched that Lexa always checked for Clarke’s feelings before diving right in. “Please. I need to...get some extra energy out.”
Clarke felt Lexa chuckle behind her, long elegant fingers pinching and rolling a nipple between them, eliciting a groan from Clarke. Clarke felt the familiar clench between her thighs and mewled a soft response, leaning back into Lexa’s touch.
Lexa rolled her water-slicked abs and hips against Clarke's shapely ass in a sort of possessive humping motion that made Clarke cry out with need. She loved Lexa’s ability to seamlessly fall into a position of dominance like that.
“Do you like that, Clarke?” Lexa's voice was entirely too teasing. Clarke knew she wasn't getting satisfaction just yet- Lexa was just toying with her. Grinding up against Clarke for her own satisfaction.
Clarke's thighs clenched tighter at the idea of Lexa using her.
“ Please fuck me.” Clarke pleaded, whimpering after every odd thrust of Lexa’s hips, feeling Lexa’s hands on either side of her waist, keeping her from moving.
“Oh, I will.”
Lexa’s fingers softly pinched the inside of Clarke’s thigh, causing her to yelp slightly.
“Don’t tease.” Clarke pouted.
Lexa smirked. “Sorry.” Her voice begged to differ. She grazed her fingertips against Clarke’s clit, ignoring it in favor of uselessly circling her lips, getting her utterly worked up.
“Lex.” Clarke whined. “Please. I love you.”
Lexa grinned into Clarke’s shoulder. Clarke was so good at manipulating her with those three words. Clarke practically had Lexa eating off the palm of her hand.
“I love you, too.” Lexa whispered in her ear as she slipped two fingers into Clarke, not at all surprised to find her already clenching and dripping wet. She set off at a slow pace, gently pumping, while she littered Clarke’s neck with harsh, sucking kisses that were sure to leave marks before the shower ended.
Clarke, between her bouts of whining and moaning in pure bliss, groaned “Trying to send a message, are you?”
“Hey. I don’t know what my competition looks like just yet. And you taste delicious.” Lexa defended with a wry smile, her left hand sliding down from Clarke’s breast to her clit, beginning to rub slow, torturous circles.
“You know I’d-Fuck. Baby, I-”
“I want you to close your eyes, and remember this during class today, when I’m not with you.” Lexa’s tone was that of her Commander persona, and it sent a pure thrill through Clarke’s already wound up body. “Remember how I felt you…” Lexa trailed her hand from Clarke’s clit momentarily, in favor of going to squeeze Clarke’s breasts. “Remember how I rubbed you.” Lexa’s commands continued as her hands rubbed rapid, pressured circles against Clarke’s clit once more, eliciting a loud moan of Lexa’s name. “Remember how well I fuck you.” Lexa groaned, pumping her fingers with purpose, curling them against Clarke’s front wall. She could feel Clarke coming undone against her, heart racing, chest heaving, breaths short and labored, cries the only thing that left her lips.
“-and remember how much I love you.” Lexa whispered as she pulled away, ceasing everything, every little ministration.
Clarke’s eyes suddenly snapped open, the cobalt blue revealing the most insulted, offended look Lexa had ever seen on her girlfriend.
Clarke was unable to form words. She’d been so close. Just another word, or two...another pump, another curl, and she would’ve been home.
Lexa was turning, moving to step in front of Clarke.
Clarke wanted to open her mouth to shout at her to knock off the damn teasing, or to get out of the damn shower and let her finish in peace, but before she knew it- Lexa was kneeling on the shower floor before her, pressing kisses to her slick inner thigh.
“You know how much I love you?” Lexa asked, and Clarke couldn’t tell if it was rhetorical or not, between every suckling kiss she dropped to the creamy, pale skin of her thighs.
Clarke’s hands immediately tangled in Lexa’s hair, as she felt her knees buckle at the sight of Lexa, down on her knees, dripping wet, all abs and muscled glory, with such innocent eyes, gently eating away at her. Literally.
“Shh.” Lexa cooed, glancing up. She wrapped an arm around each thigh, effectively pressing her face to Clarke’s sex, and securing her all at once. “I’ve got you. Don’t worry. I’ll catch you if you fall.”
Clarke didn’t know how to feel. Loving Lexa was a lot like that- it was more of an experience than it was an action. She always had this contradictory sort of amalgamation of feelings when it came to Lexa. For instance, she wanted to feel nothing but primal, predatory lust for the beauty on her knees before her- but that was one layer to Lexa’s intricate act. Her lips performed such sweet sin, but her eyes belied her loving gaze. Her groans were full of her own pleasure, but her attention was constantly on Clarke’s. Lexa could be so many things, for Clarke. She was cocky and arrogant, she was kind and gentle. She was bold and brash, and she was logical and reasonable. Clarke had never really felt a whirlwind of emotion for anyone else- but, as she suspected, that was likely because she’d never known anyone else quite like she did Lexa.
Lexa couldn’t really be categorized or written off, and that made her a sort of sublime art form.
And Clarke adored art.
“That’s it, Clarke.” Lexa’s husky beckoning was all it took to stir Clarke from her inner ramblings. She was so in love with thinking about Lexa that she almost forgot to enjoy Lexa when she was right there in front of her.
Lexa was staring up at her with those sharp, intelligent eyes, lapping away at her, never breaking eye contact.
“You’re going to come for me.” Lexa demanded, though she only took that gamble because she felt Clarke tightening around the fingers she’d just slipped into her.
“Lexa…” Clarke groaned, tugging softly on her hair. “Fuck, baby, yes.”
Lexa smirked against her dripping folds. She loved to watch Clarke fall apart in such pure, unadulterated bliss. “You taste delicious.” She practically growled, the vibrations making Clarke’s entire body shake. She was right on the cusp.
Broad, flat licks turned into kisses, and kisses turned into sucking. Clarke was seeing stars before her orgasm even came.
“That’s it. Ride my face.” Lexa commanded, edging under Clarke ever so slightly. Lexa loved Clarke’s hips, infatuated with the desperate rocking motions she made, with no regard for how loud she’d become. Lexa adored the grinding motion, the art form that was Clarke’s body in sexual motion. It lit some sort of insatiable fire in her, with an all consuming task: please Clarke. “Come for me.”
“I’m...I’m…” Clarke never even managed the words.
Lexa’s teeth expertly grazed her clit, the bundle of nerves sending fireworks across her body and her vision as her knees weakened and she uttered out a sort of cry and scream all at once. Her body went numb with pleasure, and her hips jerked as Lexa’s lips were now in overly sensitive territory.
Clarke was still absently rocking into Lexa’s lips, eyes closed, body swaying. Lexa pressed a final kiss to her hipbone, right over her tattoo, before quickly rising to steady Clarke, who appeared to be struggling to catch her breath.
“Satisfactory?” Lexa smirked, her cocky smile laced with affection.
“Shut up.” Clarke scoffed playfully, pulling Lexa in for an appreciative kiss.
“Showmanship aside, I really do love you.” Lexa purred against her lips.
Clarke grinned, effectively ruining the kiss, but brightening Lexa’s world nonetheless. “I believe repayment is in order. C’mere.”
When Lexa stepped into the kitchen, her senses were assaulted by the smell of bacon and eggs, the table set for them to eat. She knew every morning wouldn’t be this lax, but she enjoyed this bout of domesticity with Clarke.
“Smells wonderful.” She announced as she slipped her arms around Clarke, resting her chin on Clarke’s shoulder (a favorite perk of hers for being just a tad taller). She analyzed Clarke’s skilled hands flipping away as she tossed the bacon onto a plate.
“You,” Clarke began with a smirk, never looking back at Lexa. “-Are not wearing a shirt.”
Lexa glanced down at her bra and jeans, and let out a chuckle. “How could you tell?”
“Well, firstly, I know you. Secondly, I could feel your washboard abs- no complaints there. And lastly, you have gotten fratboy douche syndrome, lately. I’ll call it FDS for short.”
“Clarke, you got the scholarship for art, not med school, remember? You can stop pretending, you know.” Lexa quipped.
“Tell me that the next time you need someone to massage your sore muscles at night.” Clarke scoffed, turning to pop a piece of bacon in her mouth.
Lexa couldn’t help but smile at her girlfriend’s cuteness. “Okay, pray tell, what are the symptoms of FDS?”
Clarke pretended to look deep in thought as she guided Lexa, and their plates of food, to the kitchen table. “Well, I know you’re not in a fraternity...yet.”
Lexa opened her mouth to object.
“-and don’t tell me you’re a girl so it wouldn’t happen. I know the frats would make an exception.” Clarke rolled her eyes. “And now, you’ve been walking around half naked.”
Lexa scoffed. “What if I’m just being comfortable with my girl?”
Clarke blushed slightly at the words, never fully over that. “Oh, please. Lex, if you wanted to be comfortable, you’d wear sweats and no bra. Not tight jeans and a calvin klein bra set.”
Lexa shrugged, reaching for a plate of eggs. “I could stop, if you wanted.”
“-no.” Clarke answered, perhaps a bit too quickly.
Lexa grinned. She loved teasing Clarke in any way she could. She bit into her bacon, licking her lips as she watched Clarke, who was grinning right back at her, with no rhyme or reason.
“What?” Clarke finally asked, breaking the silence.
“Nothing.” Lexa waved her off. “I just suppose, if you think back to the first day of high school...things were starkly different.”
Clarke smiled softly, squeezing her thigh. “I wonder what kind of journey this year will be.”
The walk to the first lecture class was full of wonder and excitement, if one didn’t account for the faces of the almost-dead seniors who wanted no part in campus life anymore.
Still, Lexa was receiving her fair share of stares, her presence not nearly as prominent as it was back at Arkadia. Yet.
Lexa was wearing a typical crisp white collared shirt and tight black jeans that almost gave her a formal sort of look. When Clarke had questioned it, she’d replied “I have a meeting with the athletic director and the university president.”
Clarke didn’t even seem fazed.
She, on the the other hand, had opted for a simple tank top, flannel, and torn jeans.
The morning and later afternoons could be chilly, though, so Clarke opted for Lexa’s famed letterman jacket.
Okay, maybe that wasn’t entirely why she’d chosen a jacket with Lexa’s name plastered across the back.
Lexa smiled as soon as she saw Clarke wearing it, and hadn’t stopped since. The two of them walked through the main campus quad together, linking hands, taking in the sights and sounds of their supposed home for the next four years.
In rows, long stands were set up, students manning them. Some for orientation, some for clubs and extracurriculars. Clarke was gazing at them, with vested interest.
“You should join the choir,” Lexa murmured as they shouldered past a group of students. “That voice deserves to be showcased.”
“Oh no.” Clarke shook her head. “The last thing I want is to be in the spotlight like you.”
Lexa sighed. “Then maybe dating me wasn’t the best option.”
“Oh please.” Clarke squeezed her hand. “What’s the worst that can happen? You’re such a drama queen sometimes, baby.”
Lexa followed as Clarke tugged her along into the lecture hall building.
The room was already filling up with various students- the projector on with no input. Whispers echoed, bouncing off the high walls.
Lexa was making a beeline for the front, dead center, when Clarke tugged on her arm, shaking her head.
“Back.” Clarke whispered, jerking her head to the unoccupied back row.
“Oh? Little miss 4.0 wants to live on the edge, does she?” Lexa drawled in her ear as they ascended the stairs together.
“I want to be able to cuddle.” Clarke defended in a gentle whisper, tugging Lexa down beside her.
“Oh.” Lexa shut her mouth, extending her arm out instead as she gracefully lowered herself into one of the plush seats.
Clarke smiled, laying her head against Lexa’s chest, lifting the armrest between them. Lexa wrapped her left arm around Clarke, her right hand ready to take notes, if need be.
“I could get used to napping here.” Clarke murmured, lacing her fingers with Lexa’s left hand, settling right over her scar, likely subconsciously
“Yeah? Gonna leave me alone?” Lexa teased.
“You can ogle Professor Asher without me.” Clarke sniffed. “I’d be too jealous.”
Lexa shook with laughter, silent and adorable. Clarke grinned up at her. “What?”
Lexa couldn’t speak. She merely pointed ahead, laughing silently still.
Clarke squinted forward at the stage. An old man was standing there, shriveled and small, pushing his glasses up as he poked and prodded at the projector.
“He...hello?” He cleared his throat into the mic, deafening the entire lecture hall. “I’m Professor Asher, and this is Psych 1.”
“He’s a real hunk.” Lexa snorted, laughing uncontrollably as Clarke rolled her eyes and buried her face in Lexa’s neck, mostly just to hide her blush of embarrassment over the lost bet.
“...His voice will definitely be my go-to lullaby in the future. And your arms? Perfect place to nap.” Clarke smiled to herself, pleased.
“Happy to serve.” Lexa chuckled, admiring the way the sun illuminated Clarke’s hair, and the gentle breeze made it sway.
They had made their way to the upper athletic fields, where Lexa would spend the rest of her day with the team, and later the administration, while Clarke had classes across campus. She was insistent on walking Lexa on her first day, however.
“Parting is such sweet sorrow.” Lexa drawled as she stopped before the field, turning to slip her arms around Clarke’s waist.
“What, you’re not even going to bring me to meet your team?” Clarke protested in faux anger. “Alexandria Woods, are you embarrassed of me?”
Lexa looked genuinely offended, leaning down to nip at Clarke’s lip playfully. “I haven’t even met them myself. But I would be proud to show you off, if it wouldn’t make you late to class.”
“Are you nervous?” Clarke asked, her voice softening to turn serious for a moment. She tucked a stray curl behind Lexa’s ear.
“Me? Nervous?” Lexa repeated the same words she had in high school, when Clarke had first come to see her game.
“Oh, right, what am I thinking?” Clarke smirked, cupping Lexa’s cheeks. “The commander doesn’t get nervous.”
Lexa kissed the palm of her hand in response.
“...But little gay mouse Lexa does.” Clarke finished. “Don’t think I don’t know you.”
Lexa laughed, leaning down to place a kiss on Clarke’s lips. “I will meet you outside of the art building when I’m finished today. And then we can skip the homework and marathon the new corruption in capitol hill documentary.”
Clarke rolled her eyes. “Sounds like my kind of night.” She teased. She not-so-secretly lived for Lexa’s expressions when they watched something she was into.
“I will buy you dinner to compensate.” Lexa threw in with a wink.
“Oh? Like a date?” Clarke played along, batting her eyelashes.
Lexa smirked. “Yes. A dinner date to celebrate the first day of hell.”
Clarke grinned. “Can’t wait. I love you. Go knock ‘em dead.”
“I love you more.” Lexa nuzzled her nose softly before stealing one more kiss. “Go. I don’t want you to be late. Text me all about it- I’ll catch up with you during my breaks.”
“Yes ma’am.”
Lexa hustled to get changed in the bustling women’s locker room, catching a couple of stares in her direction as she donned her practice jersey- confirming their suspicions that she was the famed new girl on the football team.
By the time she’d made it onto the field, she’d been stared down by the entirety of the football team- more than forty players in total. She knew, from day one, that she’d be competing for a first string position. But, from the looks of the players that were lined up before her, the Polis Panthers were no longer the ragtag team of the Pac-12 conference. They looked well oiled, from the practices Lexa had seen. They looked ready to dominate.
Lexa was surprised to see one of them actually step forward to shake her hand, a cocky grin plastered on his face. He flipped his brunette hair out of his eyes, sizing Lexa up. He was about a foot taller, but less intimidating than his teammates. Lexa recognized him instantly as Sterling, one of the better wide receivers the team had to offer.
“Hey.” He greeted, and Lexa could detect no malice in his tone. “You’re Lexa Woods.”
It wasn’t a question. He’d likely heard about Lexa from the coaches, from local news, from social media buzz, from her ever growing twitter, and from her family name and heiress status.
“You’re the wide receiver.” Lexa replied evenly, gripping his hand tightly.
“Yeah, not really a big enough fish for you to know my name, huh?” Sterling chuckled.
Lexa licked her lips. “Guess not, Sterling.”
Sterling grinned. “So she pays attention. Good, you’ll need that. Let me give you a rundown of the team. C’mon guys, do a lap. I can see coach on the horizon.”
The guys gave a few affirmative grunts before dispersing, setting off the track. Lexa moved to follow, put Sterling shook his head. “No, use this as an opportunity to hear the truth.”
Lexa quirked a brow. “Okay.” She drawled. “Shoot.”
“Okay, I’ll list ‘em in order. See that guy? That’s Connor, your tight end.”
Lexa gave him a look and the smirk fell off his face. “No! Not like that! Not your tight end. The tight end. Okay, I’ll move on.”
And that kid? Fast one? That’s Artigas, your best running back. Big guy right there is your center, and that one-”
“You’re the captain?” Lexa interrupted, eyes surveying her teammates with scrutiny.
“Me?” Sterling balked. “What? No, god no. That’s that guy right there.”
Lexa glanced at the taller one in the group, built and muscled like the others, his face gruff and unkempt.
“That’s Ryder.”
“What does he play?”
“Quarterback.”
“...Oh. So he’s who I have to beat.”
“So glad you could make it.” The unmistakable snark of John Murphy warmed Clarke’s soul, oddly enough. Clarke took him in. Leather jacket, hair slicked back, typical frown on his face.
“Hi John.” Clarke grinned, leaning over to kiss his cheek in greeting as she took a seat at the worktable beside him.
“Chipper smile and a cheek kiss? Someone got laid this morning.” Murphy snorted.
Clarke rolled her eyes. “Don’t be jealous just because Emori’s going to a university like...an hour away.”
“She was supposed to go here. Until that other stupid university offered her a full ride.” Murphy grumbled.
“Oh, yeah, fuck them for giving her a free education.” Clarke nodded dramatically.
“So, art class part two, huh?” Murphy smirked.
“Yeah. I kind of can’t believe you’re taking this class. What are you planning on doing with it?”
Murphy shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m a man full of surprises. You’ll never know.”
Clarke smirked right back. “Maybe I won’t, but Lexa probably already knows. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you two taking a liking to each other.”
“Yeah?” Murphy drawled. “Where is the mighty commander, anyway? Hardly recognize you without her tongue down your throat.”
Clarke slapped his arm. “She’s at practice.”
“Still fighting the patriarchy and deciding to play on the men’s team? Good on her.” Murphy cocked a brow. “You two getting married anytime soon, or?”
“What, afraid you won’t get an invite?” Clarke fired back.
“Yeah.” Murphy smirked, fingers rubbing the edge of his sketchpad absently. “I’m going for best man. That is, of course, if you can survive college together. I hear that’s rough, when you’re dating the star quarterback.”
Clarke flipped him off, about to open her mouth, when someone spoke up from the front of the room.
He certainly didn’t look like a professor.
The guy was tall, broad shouldered, with a tan and muscles that sure made him seem like an athlete. His kind eyes, his warm smile, and his messy art smock told a different story, however.
“Hello everyone. I’m Ilan, and I’ll be your art TA. Professor Bennett injured herself, so I’ll be taking over until she returns. Don’t worry, I took this class last year, so I know what it’s like to be in your shoes.” He grinned.
Murphy smirked. “Bet you want him to dip his brush in your paints.” he whispered.
Clarke grimaced at the words, and then her mind drifted off to Lexa. Sex, paint and Lexa wasn’t an entirely awful idea. Thanks, Murphy.
“Wow, already dreaming about it?” Murphy hissed in amusement.
“Will you shut up? I’m trying to imagine Lexa as my canvas.”
Murphy gaped as if someone struck him across the face. “...Jesus, keep it in your pants, Griffin. This is a workplace.”
Clarke smiled mischievously in response.
“Alright, so today is an evaluation day. And before you freak out, no, it’s not for a grade. This is, however, not the beginner level fine art class, so if you’re struggling, I’d suggest moving down a level.”
“Sir, do you cover giraffe legs?” Murphy muttered under his breath, and Clarke’s heart clenched fondly at the high school memories.
“See this still life model I’ve set up here? I want you all to give me a sketch. That’s it. No requirements, just show me your style. I’ll be coming around to give feedback and meet all of you personally. Sound good?”
A few affirmative nods were all he got in response as he clapped his hands together, and the class set off to work.
Coach Davis had the team whipped into shape unlike Lexa had ever seen. He was nothing like Titus, who was all bark and no bite. He was an esteemed coach, holding several prior championship titles, with no time for fooling around, or shenanigans.
That included beating around the bush, and formalities, it seemed.
“Alright, listen up!” He’d called as he stormed the field, wearing a black shirt with the Polis logo in the corner, and a hefty clipboard in hand.
Just like a trained group of soldiers, the team was in line, hands folded behind their backs, straightened up. Lexa was impressed and slightly terrified all at once.
“Welcome back to another season.” Davis began. He was a tall, decently built man, the kind who always wore a cap to cover his brown hair. He looked fairly younger than Lexa expected, maybe forty at the most. “Congratulations- every single one of you has been handpicked for our competitive team. Some of you were drafted. Others are on specialized scholarships. Every single one of you has shown grit, to get this far. Does it mean you’ve earned a permanent spot on the team? Hello no. Farthest thing from it. You will need to work your asses off to show me that you belong on my first string of players. There are enough players here for nearly three replacements for every position. Now some of you may never see a second of game time. There is no guarantee that you’ll play. Show me why I need you out there. Is that understood?”
A chorus of “Yes, sir.” Echoed over the turf.
“Now, for those of you who don’t know me- I’m a pretty easy guy to understand. I like two things: hard work, and integrity. Is that understood?”
Another answering chorus.
“And last time I checked, hard work, and integrity, are not gender specific. They are not specific to one sexual preference. They are not specific to body size, or social ability, or anything else. So let’s get one thing clear from the get-go. If I hear one ounce of disrespect toward our newest member-” he motioned to Lexa, “-from anyone, they’ll be out of here quicker than Trump’s toupee on a windy day. Any questions?”
Not a word.
“Alright, then. Start running your warm-up’s in your position groups. I’ll talk to Lexa here and join you in just a minute.”
They scattered as if their lives were on the line.
Lexa suppressed a whistle of amazement as she turned around, smiling at her coach, who was grinning at her.
“They do run fast when they’re threatened, huh?” He chuckled, his tense demeanor melted away.
Lexa nodded. “It seems so.”
“Hey, kid, how are you?” He clapped her on the back. “It’s good to see you finally geared up. Summer talks just aren’t the same.”
Lexa nodded her agreement. “I agree.”
“You meet everyone okay? Sterling show you around?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Everyone seems a bit cold, huh?” He questioned.
“...Not any more than I’d expect, being an outsider encroaching on their order.” Lexa admitted, voice seemingly convinced.
“Well, some of them are really excited to work with you. I know it may not seem like it, and that is, in part, my fault. They like to follow the lead of Ryder- that one over there, by the tackle dummy.”
“Why is that your fault, sir?”
“Because I gave him the position of leadership, team captain, when he clearly wasn’t ready for it. Now it’s a bit like lord of the flies.” He laughed, straightening his cap. “But it’s my hope that you’ll come in and turn things around.”
Lexa nodded slowly, trying not to look too proud. This was some of the highest praise she’d received.
“Now I have to be fair- you and Ryder are both good enough for the first quarterback position. It would be heresy for me to put a freshman over an upperclassmen unless you can put up the numbers to justify it. We have weeks before opening week. Can you handle that?”
Lexa nodded once more, feeling a bit like that was all she was capable of.
“Alright. Oh! And Lexa?” He paused.
Lexa turned around attentively.
“If these clowns ever give you any trouble, you tell me. About anything. We don’t haze here. And I have two daughters. If you ask me, there’s no such thing as “locker room talk”. Alright?”
Lexa smiled sparingly at him before turning to face her competition.
“Are you seriously texting?” Murphy snorted, working on sketching the particular edge of the bowl in front of the class for nearly half an hour.
“Are you seriously still working on that bowl?” Clarke fired back cockily, her drawing done long before.
“...Touche.” Murphy nodded with an eye roll.
Clarke glanced back down, smiling at her screen.
You on lunch break yet baby?
Wifey 1:15 pm
Just now.
Let me guess, something with Kale?
Make fun of me all you want. Kale is delicious.
Save some room for dinner.
We have a date, remember?
How could I forget? How’s art?
Murphy is struggling and it’s pretty entertaining.
You’re just gifted. Take pity on the less fortunate.
Yeah? Coming from the girl who’s probably
Dominating on the field rn, huh?
….Perhaps ;)
I love you.
I love you more. I’ll meet you in the quad.
I can’t wait <3
“Uh, Griffin?” Clarke was roused from her daydreaming of Lexa by a sharp elbow to her side.
“Ow, god Murphy, fu-” Clarke glanced up to notice the TA leaning on the desk in front of her, a look of amusement on his face. “-for crying out loud…” She covered, clearing her throat.
“Tried to warn ya.” Murphy chuckled.
“....Hi.” Clarke groaned, cheeks red.
“Don’t worry. I don’t really have a phone policy.” Ilan offered a smirk. “Let me see your work…” He searched for a name.
“Clarke.” Clarke supplied, regaining her footing.
“Clarke.” Ilan repeated with a nod as he brushed a thumb over over the paper, inspecting it for several beats without a word.
“You’ve been on your phone for a while. You must have finished this awhile ago.” Ilan commented, glancing up thoughtfully.
Clarke bit her lip. “...Um, yeah.”
Ilan, surprisingly, rather than reprimanding her for rushing, grinned. “This is amazing.” He lowered his voice a bit, realizing his words could’ve been offensive to the other students, who were struggling.
“...I just sketched what I saw.” Clarke smiled modestly at the praise.
“Well, I asked everyone to do the same, and I got some wild results. Even some...giraffe looking...things.”
Murphy snorted. “It haunts me.”
Ilan looked incredibly confused before shaking his head and continuing. “...Clarke, huh? I’ll keep my eye out for you. Really nicely done.”
Clarke blushed, watching him leave with a look of satisfaction and pride.
“Surprise surprise.” Murphy rolled his eyes. “Clarke at the top of the art class once more.”
Clarke had two more classes before she was free, in the afternoon. Classes she couldn’t text Lexa through because she knew her girlfriend was in important meetings.
It was math, to make matters worse. While Clarke had maintained perfect grades in high school, she still had her weak subjects, like anyone else. She’d hated all of it. Algebra, Geometry, pre-calc.
She couldn’t understand why general ed requirements involved statistics. Oh, the numbers. So many numbers.
She would definitely need Lexa’s help, seeing as Lexa was particularly better with all that expensive one on one tutoring and private school education she’d had, up until Arkadia.
Thoughts filled her head as she leaned against the bench she was sitting on in the quad, waiting for Lexa. Clarke closed her eyes, soaking up the golden warmth of the sun, listening to the various voices around her, when she felt lips press against her forehead.
“Mmmm.” Clarke hummed, without opening her eyes, she cupped the face that was bent over her, pulling her down for a kiss.
She felt Lexa steady herself against the bench, kissing Clarke with such tenderness and yet, a layer of excitement underneath. She’d missed her.
Clarke cracked an eye open and grinned when she saw Lexa was in full uniform still.
“Oh my god, is that your game jersey?” Clarke blinked, running her hands down the front, feeling the material. It wasn’t the green she was used to seeing Lexa play in. It was black, and rather than white trimming- it was red.
“Don’t like it?” Lexa frowned.
“Are you kidding?” Clarke stood, hoisting herself up, gripping the edge of Lexa’s jersey. “That’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. God, you fill out any jersey nicely, but that color scheme? Badass.”
Lexa chuckled softly, and Clarke’s heart strings tugged with the melodic noise. “Thank you.” She nuzzled Clarke’s neck, dropping a quick kiss there.
“So, are you team captain yet? Do I have to fight anyone?” Clarke prodded, lacing her fingers with Lexa’s as they joined hands for their walk home.
“...Not yet. Coach wants a fair trial period. My main competition is Ryder, their senior quarterback. He’s...better than I expected.”
“Yeah?” Clarke didn’t seem worried. “I’m sure you’re going to pull ahead of him. You’re kind of irresistible.”
Lexa smirked. “You’re biased.”
“I am? How?” Clarke pouted.
“You’re in love with me.” The words still gave Lexa chills, and an indescribable feeling of joy in the pit of her stomach.
“I am .” Clarke smiled, bringing Lexa’s hand up to her lips, kissing it. “But, I also know you, and how amazing you are. Trust me when I tell you that you will lead this team to the top.”
Lexa paused, causing Clarke to stop as well. She took a deep breath, the leaves falling around them, marking the change of autumn, the coming of winter and the hardships ahead. She couldn’t have wished for a better person to spend it with.
“Lex?” Clarke paused. “You okay, baby?”
Lexa’s arms tugged at Clarke’s waist, and she pulled Clarke forward, leaning down to bury her face in the crook of Clarke’s neck, feeling suddenly small and vulnerable.
“Thank you.” It was all Lexa said, and yet, Clarke understood all of the hundreds of sentiments Lexa was trying to convey, and the intensity of them all.
“Yeah.” Clarke whispered, stroking her hair. “Of course. You must be exhausted.”
Lexa nodded slightly, smiling as she kissed Clarke’s neck. “Not too tired for date night.”
Clarke let out a hearty laugh. “Okay then. Why don’t we get home so you can shower and I can see about some delivery?”
Lexa stepped out of the bedroom, freshly showered and clad in sweats and and a loose hoodie, hair tied up in a messy bun, glasses sitting on the bridge of her nose. She loved how comfortable she could be with Clarke. She’d never had that sort of lowered guard with Costia, or prior girlfriends. Of course, there was no comparison.
“You out, airbud?” Clarke called from the living room.
“Yes.” Lexa chuckled, moving over to her, taking in the scent of their favorite Chinese restaurant, a recommendation from the campus living guide. “This looks delicious.”
Clarke smiled up at her, on her knees setting up the boxes and plastic utensils. “I love when you eat real people food.”
“As opposed to what? Imaginary food? Cat food?” Lexa snarked.
“Quinoa is a crime against nature, it might as well be.” Clarke defended, tugging Lexa down beside her. “Sit. I’m lonely.”
“Can’t have that.” Lexa murmured, wrapping an arm around Clarke, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “...Thank you, for this. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?” Clarke quirked a brow. “What for?”
“I promised something a little more romantic.” Lexa sighed. “I didn’t expect to be this tired.”
Clarke frowned. “Lex, I knew this new schedule wasn’t going to a breeze for you, babe. I’m here to support you, not be another burden on your shoulders to worry about.”
“Clarke Abigail Griffin, you are the furthest thing from a burden to me.” Lexa declared boldly. “You’re everything to me.”
Clarke blushed, biting her lip. “This is romantic enough for me.”
Lexa laughed. “Yeah? How so?”
“Well...good food…” She motioned to the takeout. “Nice drinks…” She motioned to the sodas lined up for choosing on the table, laughing when Lexa rolled her eyes. “And I get to snuggle up to these while we watch a movie later.” Clarke smirked, slipping a hand under Lexa’s hoodie to graze her abs appreciatively. “Damn I love those.”
Lexa smiled, blushing a rosy tint. “They’re yours.”
“Wow. See? Romantic, without even trying.” Clarke smiled, handing Lexa a pair of chopsticks. “Your beef and broccoli. Ugh, even with takeout- you manage to make it healthy.”
Lexa tossed a piece into her mouth, licking her lips before replying, “I need to stay strong to fight anyone after your affections.”
“God, you’re cute.” Clarke smiled affectionately, tucking a stray curl behind Lexa’s ear.
Lexa gave her a childish, cheeky smile, closing her eyes in bliss when Clarke caressed her cheek.
“...So, anyone after your affections?” Lexa drawled teasingly.
Clarke rolled her eyes. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that? I saw six girls staring at your ass on the way home.”
Lexa gaped. “Was there something on it?!” She teased.
“Shut up, ass.” Clarke laughed, flicking a grain of rice at her.
“Hey!” Lexa picked it up, dropping it into the trash bag with an eye roll.
“My art TA is hot.” Clarke offered. “His name is Ilan and he called my work amazing.”
Lexa snorted. “Oh good, he has eyes.”
Clarke blushed at Lexa’s compliment. “Murphy was struggling, a little. I think he misses Emori.”
Lexa nodded. “Could you imagine being apart? Even an hour’s drive. It would kill me.”
Clarke nodded her silent agreement, setting her dish aside. “So, what movie will it be? I have a selection of one dollar picks from two years ago or older.”
Lexa smirked, setting her food aside as well, finishing the last bite. “Clarke. Are you aware that my family is....exceptionally wealthy? We could watch releases that aren’t even publicly out.”
Clarke scoffed. “Soon you’re going to be working at your parents’ office out here. And then we’ll have to start counting dimes. Better get used to the poor college life, babe.”
“Fair enough.” Lexa acquiesced. “What were you thinking?”
“Interstellar?” Clarke tried. “I never saw it.”
“I saw that with Aden. It’s a little heavy for a date night flick.” Lexa warned, watching Clarke sit back on the couch behind them.
“Good. We can make out if I lose interest.” Clarke replied.
“Can I lay down?” Lexa asked softly, as Clarke set the movie up.
Clarke glanced up. “Of course, baby. Come here.” She murmured, guiding Lexa’s head to rest in her lap. She smiled down at Lexa, running her hands through her hair, gently undoing her bun. She took a moment to study the face she’d so effortlessly fallen in love with. The high cheekbones, the sharp jaw line, the pillowy lips, the forest green gaze. Even in her most relaxed state, Lexa was absolutely stunning, to Clarke.
“You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.” Clarke confessed softly, ignoring the opening notes of the music, then the voices of people talking.
Lexa blushed heavily, feeling Clarke’s hands cup her cheeks. She rested her own hands over Clarke’s. She couldn’t form words, not with the love that was threatening to explode in her chest.
“I love you.” Lexa whispered, almost so softly that Clarke couldn’t hear. Almost.
“I love you, too.” Clarke leaned down to press a kiss to Lexa’s lips. “More than anything.”
Lexa felt numb, drunk off the love she felt. She snuggled into Clarke’s lap, closing her eyes as she felt Clarke gently stroke her arm. She’d never felt so loved, so safe, so at home.
It was a moment she’d need to remember, in the coming months. Hardships were bound to present themselves, a given with Lexa and Clarke’s workload.
But this love, divine as it was- it was extraordinary.
It would transcend whatever obstacles this world had to offer.
Two weeks into the semester, once classes had gone smoothly and the transition was nearly complete, Lexa made the call to her parents.
Clarke, working on her homework, listened to their skype call from where Lexa sat at the dining table, facing her parents on the screen of her laptop with an attentive look, nodding her head at every other word.
“And talk to Sinclair, when you get there. He’ll get you sorted.” Alexander reminded.
“I will.” Lexa nodded.
“Okay, I think that sums it all up, you’ll be perfect for the job, Alexandria.” Ana commented gently. “How’s Clarke?”
Lexa glanced up to look at Clarke, who blew her a dramatic kiss from where she was sitting.
“She’s well.” Lexa chuckled. “We’re pretty busy with work, but enjoying ourselves.”
“Save some domesticity for the marriage.” Alexander chuckled, causing Lexa to blush. “Anyway, Aden is chewing our heads off.”
“Okay, put him on.” Lexa laughed.
Aden practically shoved his parents aside, flashing Lexa a bright smile when he saw her. “Hey Lex!”
“Hey Aden.” Lexa smiled fondly. Before she could continue, however, she was cut off by a very important question.
“Where’s Clarke?”
Lexa rolled her eyes. “Happy to see you too, bro.”
“Clarke?” Aden called, and Clarke chuckled, rising from her seat to come behind Lexa and wrap her arms around Lexa’s neck and chest, pecking Lexa’s cheek before glancing up to greet Aden.
“Hey Clarke.” Aden smiled with satisfaction, glancing at his handiwork. “How’s college? Did Lex break yet?”
Clarke laughed gently. “Not yet. We’re good. How’s Arkadia And Atom?”
Lexa growled.
“...Not Atom.” Clarke quickly recovered, noticing Aden’s blush.
“Everything is good. Boring, but good. Mom and Dad are cool, Lex. They took me camping.”
Lexa smiled. “Oh? They didn’t hire anyone to set up the tent for them?”
Aden smirked. “Nope. You jealous?” He teased.
Lexa thought back to what she was doing that week. Clarke. Panting on the bed, whining and moaning and writhing beneath her as Lexa devoured her body.
“...No I think I’m good.” Lexa coughed awkwardly. She turned, pulling Clarke into her lap, trying not to smile at Clarke’s little squeal of surprise.
“So, you want to start working at Woods Tech?” Aden questioned, leaning forward. Lexa could see how much he’d grown in the short time since she’d left. A few months did wonders in adolescent progress.
“Considering it might be my job someday, yes.” Lexa sighed, feeling Clarke squeeze her hand under the table. Clarke felt so much sympathy for Lexa, the girl was being stretched beyond her means, as usual.
“What, no NFL?” Aden whined. “I really wanted to impress people with benchside seats.”
Lexa smirked. “You could just ask mom and dad to buy you those.”
Aden grinned. “I know. I’m just kidding. I want you to be happy, sis. Is that what you want?”
Lexa sighed. “I...don’t really know. That’s why I’m doing this.”
Clarke cocked a brow. “Wouldn’t it be easier to work for your parents over the summer?”
Lexa’s jaw set in her typical determined fashion. “Yes. But there’s a management position open, now. If I can prove myself, mom and dad might be inclined to give it to me.”
“Management?” Clarke groaned. “Babe. You’re only-”
“Young, I know.” Lexa cut her off. “Clarke. This could finally be my chance to show them that...I’m worth something-”
“Alexandria Anastasia Woods…” Clarke nearly growled. “Don’t talk like that, you don’t owe them-”
“-Ahem.” Aden cleared his throat awkwardly. “I think I should go.”
“I’m sorry.” Lexa sighed apologetically. “I’ll call you on monday night?”
“Okay. I’ll text you. I love you. Bye, Lexa. Bye, Clarke.” He waved as the screen closed the window away.
Clarke turned to glare at Lexa.
Lexa grimaced. “Okay, so maybe I worded it wrong, but-”
Just then, there was a knock at the apartment door. Lexa bristled, glancing up in surprise. “We’re not expecting anyone.” She murmured cautiously.
Clarke smirked, leaning forward to kiss Lexa’s temple soothingly, trying not to think of how much Lexa looked like a startled cat when she was alert like that. “I am.”
“Clarke?” Lexa questioned, glancing down at her jeans and shirt. She would’ve dressed nicely if it was another administrator or parent.
“I know you miss your kru. So….I yanked one over.” Clarke grinned, throwing the door open, revealing Lincoln, grinning as brightly.
“Linc.” Lexa breathed, rising with a megawatt smile.
“...And of course, my playmate.” Clarke smiled, throwing her arms around Octavia.
“Hey, Griff.” Octavia enthused, shoving the housewarming flower gift into Lincoln’s arms as she wrapped Clarke in a bear hug.
Lexa took the flowers, greeting Lincoln with a hug. “This is….such a surprise, Clarke.”
Clarke smiled sheepishly. “I wanted you to relax for the night. With Lincoln here, you have to pay attention to him, and not your stupid plans to take over the world from your parent’s company.”
Lexa chuckled, leaning in to hug Octavia as well.
“Guys, check out our living room.” Clarke called, ushering them away. She turned when Lexa caught her wrist.
“Clarke.” Lexa smiled, leaning in to kiss her. “Thank you.” She murmured, pulling apart slightly, just enough to breathe.
Clarke smiled, cupping Lexa’s cheeks. “Anything for you.”
Lexa savored the moment, following Clarke over to the living room, where she began the tour of their relatively small apartment.
While Octavia and Clarke took to gossiping inside, Lincoln and Lexa took the chairs on the balcony, gently tossing a football to each other as they sat, as they always used to when they had heart-to-hearts growing up.
“How are things?” Lexa murmured as she caught the ball, eyes studying the pigskin with a thoughtful gaze.
“Busy.” Lincoln admitted. “I’m playing just like you- busting my ass to make the first string. That and homework? I barely sleep.”
Lexa nodded slowly, realizing she wasn’t entirely alone. “And what about Octavia?”
“What about her?”
“Doesn’t she mind? You not being able to dote on her as much as you used to.” Lexa murmured.
“Of course.” Lincoln nodded, shocking Lexa. He noticed her raised brow. “What?” He chuckled. “You thought I’d say she understands? That she doesn’t mind, for the good of my career?”
“Well, yeah.” Lexa replied, running a hand through her hair.
“That’s not realistic, Lex.” Lincoln rubbed his chin, where he had hints of stubble, Lexa noticed. “Sure, she might say those things. But I know Octavia like she’s the better, lighter half of my soul. And I can see what it’s doing to our relationship. And what it will do, if I don’t keep it in check.”
Lexa looked mortified. That certainly wasn’t the answer she was looking for.
“So...what do you do?” Lexa whispered.
Lincoln sighed. “I work twice as hard as I used to. I have to show her that I care, that I’m still committed as I was when I wasn’t so occupied. All my weekends? Octavia time. I make sure that, no matter how overloaded I am, she knows she has an unconditional time slot in my schedule, you know? I can’t just expect her to accept this.”
Lexa nodded, her white knuckle grip on the ball beginning to hurt. “I can do that.” She whispered, mostly to herself.
“Can you?” Lincoln prodded softly. “Lexa, I heard the girls talking about you taking the job at your parents’ branch out here. That’s too much. You can’t be considering-”
“I’m not considering it.” Lexa gritted. “I’m doing it.”
Lincoln sighed, shaking his head. “This is a mistake.”
“And what choice do I have, Lincoln?” Lexa spoke surprisingly monotonously. “My coach expects. My fans expect. My parents expect. Clarke expects. I can’t win one by just letting another collapse. I’m the Commander, right? I should be pushing my limits.”
Lincoln caught the ball that was flicked at him, eyeing the stitching. “Right, yeah. Until you burst.”
“So.” Octavia leaned back on the couch, Clarke leaning against her as they shared a bowl of popcorn, gossiping under the guise of watching a movie. “Sex life?”
“ Hi, Octavia. I’m well, how are you? How’s school? Great?! No kidding. Me too .” Clarke mocked.
Octavia smirked. “We can talk about that later. First, answer my questions.”
“The sex is still fantastic.” Clarke grinned mischievously. “If you must know.”
“Yeah, must be, without fear of pregnancy.” Octavia snorted. “You two still going at it like rabbits?”
Clarke rolled her eyes. “Not since Lexa signed up for a job, and football, and classes, and extracurriculars.”
Octavia winced. “...That’s harsh. I mean, Linc plays, but he makes Saturday date night.” She sighed dreamily.
Clarke sighed a little less dreamily. “Lexa fell asleep on our last date night.”
Octavia raised a brow. “...Really?”
Clarke grimaced in response.
“...And now she wants to add a job on top of that?” Octavia looked perplexed. “Clarke, are you sure she still wants a relationship?”
“Yes. Shut up.” Clarke whacked her arm lightly. “Poor baby is so ambitious. I just hope she doesn’t burn out, O.”
Octavia sighed. “Clarke...Not to pull a Raven here, but...I hope you don’t burn out. It’s one thing being the one doing all of this, but what about you?”
“What about me?” Clarke sighed.
“...Is this what you want?”
“It doesn’t matter what I want.”
“How can you say that?”
“I want Lexa.”
“So, Octavia and Linc are thinking about transferring here at the first semester break.” Clarke murmured, watching Lexa steer the wheel with precision, as they made the scenic drive to Lexa’s parents’ corporate office, the day after their visit.
“Really?” Lexa blinked. “Lincoln hadn’t said anything.”
Clarke frowned. “Well, you two did look really preoccupied with something out there. Is everything alright between you two?”
Lexa nodded reassuringly. “Of course. We weren’t fighting. Just...lifestyle disagreements.”
Clarke looked surprised. “You too?”
Lexa cocked a brow. “...Maybe the move changed them?” She suggested.
Clarke nodded, trying not think the inevitable. Or maybe it’s just us.
“Clarke.” Lexa sighed, as she parked the car. She turned to cup Clarke’s cheeks with her hand, leaning over in her seat. “You know you can tell me anything, right? I never want you to feel as if we’ve lost that best friend aspect of our relationship.”
Clarke smiled, her heart jump starting at Lexa’s words. Suddenly, the idea of putting a damper on her plans, her ambitions….it seemed wrong.
“Of course, baby.” Clarke kissed the hand closest to her cheek. “...I love you.”
Lexa grinned. “I love you, Clarke.”
Clarke smirked. “I can’t wait to see your office. My big bad executive.”
Lexa chuckled, leaning back in her seat. “And what if my sole purpose here is to fetch coffee?”
Clarke shrugged nonchalantly. “You’ll look very sexy doing it, then.”
Lexa blushed, and Clarke felt a high just from witnessing it.
“Will you give me a tour, Ms. Woods?” Clarke batted her eyelashes.
Lexa smirked, raising Clarke’s hand to press it to her lips. “It would be my honor, Ms. Griffin…-Woods.” She added at the end with a wink, causing Clarke to momentarily forget how to breathe.
Clarke, perhaps, had underestimated the word “rich”. Especially when that word was applied to her girlfriend. She’d seen Indra’s house, and gotten a glimpse of what kind of affluent blood ran through the veins of Lexa’s family.
But the office building she’d just stepped into? Phenomenal. In every sense of the word. Great glass ceilings, bordering a picturesque city view. The main floor was bustling with employees jumping from cubicle to cubicle, the main offices lined up towards the back, with impressive plaques bearing important sounding names.
Lexa, however, strode in like owned the place, and got a smile from just about everyone in the building, from the custodial staff to the interns (who made no secret of checking her out, to Clarke’s displeasure), and the chief financial officer of the branch.
They’d spoken, for a while, after the man had introduced himself as Sinclair, and Clarke opted to wander around the floor. She’d been at it for almost half an hour, when she’d mistook a copy room for a restroom, and pushed the door open, causing its occupant to whip around from the whirring machine, spitting out paper like Lexa’s parents produced money.
“Oh.” Clarke blushed when she took in the lady with the red dress, raven colored hair pulled back past her shoulders, her lips painted a shade of red as well. Her smile was...off, somehow. As if it couldn’t quite reach her eyes, couldn’t be made genuine enough. “I’m sorry.” She apologized rather awkwardly. “I didn’t mean to…”
“That’s quite alright.” The woman’s voice was smooth, cold, unfeeling. It almost gave Clarke chills. “You must be Alexandria’s friend.”
Clarke blinked. Well, that was technically true. Still, she wasn’t sure how the mysterious woman even knew that much.
As if on cue, the woman continued, “-I was informed you’d be coming, today.”
Clarke froze, opening her mouth to speak, when she felt an arm slide around her waist. Her body jerked involuntarily, before she realized it was Lexa’s arm around her, and a warm feeling of safety settled in Clarke’s stomach.
“There you are.” Lexa murmured affectionately. “I was worried, for a moment.”
“Alexandria.” The woman spoke up, and Lexa’s forest green gaze settled on her with an exacting glance. Clarke noticed Lexa had about an inch on her, if the woman hadn’t been wearing heels so tall. Lexa’s intimidating gaze, physique, the way her arm wrapped tighter around Clarke when there was any sort of palpable discomfort- it made Clarke feel entirely safe and sound. It was, admittedly, part of why she fell so easily for Lexa in the tumultuous times of high school.
“You’re Alie.” Lexa spoke, and it wasn’t a question.
“I am.” She smiled formally. “I worked for your parents as a personal assistant for nearly two years.”
“So I’ve heard.” Lexa nodded, forcing a smile.
Clarke watched the exchange, trying to peg Lexa’s feelings. She didn’t seem to pleased.
“I hear you’re looking to intern, here.” Alie noted, lacing her hands together politely, resting them against her abdomen.
“Not quite.” Lexa replied with a tinge of malice in her tone. “Interns wouldn’t ever be considered for managerial positions, would they?”
“I didn’t know we gave those to teens, either.” Alie added icily. “I suppose being an heiress helps.”
Lexa twitched, and Clarke knew she was restraining herself. She stepped in, delicately.
“It would help, normally, but Lexa is more than qualified.” Clarke interjected.
“Oh? I thought she had no work experience, coming straight from high school?” Alie asked innocently.
Clarke grit her teeth. This bitch wasn’t making this any easier. “She had formal tutoring for all subjects, as well as business, for years, from the best private institutions. She won the state football championship, as the captain of the team. She graduated best in our class.”
Alie nodded, looking dreadfully unimpressed. “That’s wonderful, Alexandria. I’m sure you will fit right into the running.”
Lexa took a breath, then paused, hearing the last word. “The running?” She repeated.
“...Yes.” Alie nodded. “This position is highly coveted. Some candidates are, perhaps, more experienced than others. Nevertheless, performance speaks for itself, as I’m sure Sinclair will agree with. Now, it was a pleasure meeting you, but I have purchase orders to submit.” Alie shot them a smirk and scooted past them with a little flare of arrogance in her step.
“....If you’re going to blow up, maybe the car is the safer option.” Clarke uttered quickly, dragging Lexa’s hand as she watched the venom in her gaze.
Clarke wasn’t entirely sure how Lexa survived the elevator ride down, filled to the brim with employees leaving for the day, but she remained silent the entire time.
However, that was a lost cause, as soon as Lexa shut her car door, and then leaned back into her seat, rubbing her temples.
“...Lex?” Clarke murmured, ready for the outburst.
“....Have I ever mentioned how much I hate my parents?” Lexa growled.
Clarke winced. “Oh, baby, you don’t mean that.”
“I do.”
“No, you don’t.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Lexa-”
“Why wouldn’t they tell me that I was in some sort of...stupid race for that position? What a waste of my time!”
Clarke sighed. “You thought they’d just...hand it to you?”
Lexa froze, and it occurred to Clarke that Lexa was so used to that happening, that maybe it hadn’t occurred to her that she needed to work for the job. “....Fantastic.” She muttered. “Another responsibility to add to my shoulders. Now I know how Atlas feels.”
Clarke glanced at her sympathetically. “Lex.” She sighed.
She knew what had to be done, at such a dire time like this.
Lexa glanced up at her. “Yes?” She whispered.
“Can you drive to that nice park, with the view?” Clarke asked gently. “It’s really beautiful...I want to take some photos so I can use it as a reference.”
Lexa, her beautiful, selfless Lexa, nodded, even though her eyes looked tired and her soul seemed heavy.
“Of course.” She whispered.
“Thanks.” Clarke murmured, leaning back in her seat. She looked out the window at the setting sun, enjoying the way it set the Earth ablaze as it descended over the mountainous, rocky road Lexa had set off on.
In a way, it reminded Clarke of the date where Lexa had snuck her out in Lincoln’s truck, to watch the stars on the top of that mountain back in Arkadia. Lexa had told her that she loved her, that night.
“Lexa?” Clarke laced their fingers, from Lexa’s hand resting on the stick shift.
Lexa, still not finished with being angry, huffed a response.
Clarke pressed a soft kiss to her hand. “Do you remember the time you snuck me out, when I was grounded?”
A second passed. A second that felt like an hour, as Clarke contemplated whether she’d done the right thing in asking.
And then a smirk pulled at the corner of Lexa’s lips, and her angry expression faded. She squeezed Clarke’s hand in hers. “Like it was yesterday.”
Clarke couldn’t help the way her heart flooded with love, she couldn’t help the grin on her features, either.
“You caught me, I almost fell off that tree. I was terrified.”
Lexa laughed, turning the wheel smoothly, her mind racing with the intense memories. “I remember. I will always catch you, Clarke.”
Clarke’s heart fluttered. “You have me, Lex. Just don’t let me go.” She murmured as Lexa pulled her car to a stop at the top of the road, luckily abandoned, due to it being a weeknight.
Lexa paused, as if the very words had the power to make her heart stop. They didn’t. The insinuation behind them, the fact that Clarke would think such thoughts- that did.
“I…” Lexa fumbled for words. “I...I won’t, Clarke…” Her eyes looked glassy with tears.
Clarke gave her a smile, unbuckling her seatbelt. She jerked her head out towards the view. “C’mon.” She murmured, leaving her phone on the dashboard.
“...Don’t you need that to take pictures?” Lexa asked softly, trying not to let her tears fall.
“...About that.” Clarke smiled shyly and waved Lexa over, shutting the car door as she stepped out. She moved to sit on the hood of Lexa’s car, delicate in her movements. She turned to face the paling sky, the sun saying its farewell in the language of color, with pinks and oranges lighting the sky, dimming rapidly.
Lexa came to sit beside her. Quietly, wordlessly, she slipped off her jacket, draping it around Clarke’s shoulders, just like she always had. It was the sort of reassurance that spoke multitudes without ever requiring the utterance of a single word.
Clarke pressed a kiss to her cheek, murmuring, “Thank you.”
Lexa smiled softly and wrapped her arms around Clarke, as they gazed on ahead at the mountainous expanse before them, a symbol of their new home, of their relationship-with it’s many peaks and relatively passable valleys.
“You told me you loved me.” Clarke reminded, breaking the relative silence. “That night, remember?”
“Of course.” Lexa nodded, pressing a kiss to Clarke’s temple.
“You and I made each other a promise, then.” Clarke spoke gently, the breeze almost liable to carry her voice away. “Tonight feels a lot like that night. I mean, maybe you’re not sneaking me out, but...I’m making you a promise.”
Lexa nodded, urging her to continue, eager to reciprocate Clarke’s love in whatever form it was offered to her.
“Alexandria Anastasia Woods, I promise that...whatever happens this year, or...however long this stress is going to last...you and I are going to be okay.” Clarke murmured, turning just in time to catch a weary tear slip from Lexa’s high cheekbone. “Hey, don’t cry. It’s okay.”
Lexa smiled, shaking her head, as if to indicate she was crying happily.
Nonetheless, Clarke kissed away her tears, leaning back to cup her cheeks.
“I’ll make it work, Clarke. All of it.” Lexa murmured, leaning into Clarke’s touch.
“I know.” Clarke smiled, leaning forward to meet Lexa’s soft, pouting lips in the most delicate kiss, akin to a flutter of a butterfly’s wings.
“Now, you know I didn’t bring you here to take pictures.” Clarke whispered, pushing Lexa down against the hood of the car, softly but with a certain assertive air about her.
“What did you bring me here for, then?” Lexa teased wryly, her voice husky with emotion, her arms wrapping tightly around Clarke, who positioned herself on top of Lexa, nipping softly at her lips.
“Alexandria, make love to me.”