Chapter Text
Two years later
Lexa’s POV
“Hey” she hears Clarke call, making her way towards her, ready to join her on their laid-out towel, where she’d retreated half an hour earlier, enjoying watching Clarke and their loved ones seemingly having the time of their life swimming and playing in the sea.
Lexa looks up, her eyes automatically drawn to Clarke’s beaming smile and sparkling blue eyes, unable to help the slightly goofy smile that appears on her own face instantly, at the sight before her.
The change in Clarke over the past two years has been nothing but amazing to see, to watch it occur.
Even the image before her in that moment shows part of the drastic change.
Clarke striding towards her confidently, her blue bikini the only clothing adorning her skin, water trickling down her exposed flesh, Lexa’s eyes instinctively tracking the movement.
Thinking back to the first time they met.
How uncomfortable and afraid Clarke was in her own skin, terrified to let someone see an inch of her flesh, terrified it would make her a “tease” or make somebody believe they were entitled to her body, as well as afraid of the questions her scars would bring.
Now though, it’s as if Clarke’s a different person entirely, wearing her scars with pride rather than fear.
Unafraid of eyes on her, knowing it didn’t make her a “slut” or a “tease,” nor did it automatically give someone the right to her body.
That’s not to say it’s been an easy ride, not in the slightest.
The past two years have been terrible at times, feeling impossible at others.
But to see how far Clarke’s come, she couldn’t be more proud.
That’s not to say Clarke must show her skin for Lexa to be proud, she loved Clarke just as much when the only flesh she saw was her face and hands, but seeing how comfortable Clarke finally was in her own skin now, she did love her more than she thought possible.
She always felt drawn to that fight in Clarke, the fire in her eyes, the flash of confidence that would take over every ounce of Clarke, from her posture to her tone and to the look in her eyes, that’s now a regular occurrence.
Clarke liked who she was now, dare she say, loved who she was?
And if you ask Lexa, nothing could be hotter than a confident Clarke. Absolutely nothing.
Clarke reaches her moments later, bending down to place a gentle kiss on Lexa’s lips, her goofy smile morphing into a grin as usual, at the touch of her lips, before taking a seat beside her, reaching out for Lexa’s hand instantly.
They’ve gotten closer and closer over the past two years, and things have improved for both of them more than they could have dreamed, but one thing never changed after that night at the warehouse. And that’s their need for physical contact, a physical reminder that the woman they love is still there, still safe.
Something they spoke to Becca about at length, concerned it was unhealthy.
Which it was.
The first 6 months or so after their kidnapping they could barely be in different rooms, both convinced something horrible would happen to the other if they weren’t with them. Terrified they were being harmed or worse.
Their nightmares not helping their fear at all.
Clarke’s nightmares filled with entering the room too late, finding Pike in the midst of raping Lexa, forcing her to watch him finish, and Lexa begging for him to stop, before he slit her throat right in front of her.
Alternating with the bullet that struck Lexa’s shoulder, having killed her instead, Clarke unable to reach her before she died, alone and in pain on the cold warehouse floor.
And Lexa’s similar, unable to stop Pike from his plan on that bed, laying on the warehouse floor slowing bleeding out whilst the woman she loved was abused before her eyes.
But they moved past it, as they moved past everything else.
Eventually.
Therapy becoming a necessity, as once all the drama finally ended, those after them all dead, or in police custody, no longer forced to look over their shoulders, allowing their minds to throw their demons at them and hard.
Becca helping Clarke through the abuse she suffered at Niylah’s hands.
The betrayal from Octavia and her dad.
Her panic attacks that had returned full force.
Then finally the ability to finally open herself up to Lexa enough for their relationship to work.
After a year of therapy Clarke was a different person, someone Lexa was unbelievably proud of, the two of them finally having the much-needed conversation about their relationship, and what Clarke needed from Lexa to feel safe in it etc.
Six months later, Clarke returned home from work to find Clarke dressed in a ankle length dress, the only flesh visible, a inch of ankle and her arms, but she isn’t too proud to admit that she cried at the sight, knowing full well what it meant, how important it was. Clarke trusted her, fully.
The next 6 months that followed, had Clarke feeling more and more confident in her skin, leading to where they are now.
Clarke unafraid to wear whatever the hell she wants when she’s with people she trusts. Still not confident doing so when alone, but all Lexa cares about is that Clarke is comfortable, whether that’s dressed in multiple layers, or dressed like she is now, she doesn’t care, she just wants Clarke to be happy.
And Lexa, well she finally faced her own demons, the ability to stop running from them, meaning she was willing to finally admit she actually had them.
Titus being dead, giving her the confidence to admit she had her own demons, needed help too, not just from the abuse she suffered at his hands, but also Niylah and Pike.
Working through Clarke’s kidnapping at Octavia’s hands, through the fire and explosion that nearly killed them both.
Her arrest for a murder she didn’t commit, and how afraid she was of the corrupt cops around her.
And Pike, both her fear for Clarke and herself.
Describing everything in great detail, and working through it enough to stop her own panic attacks the warehouse had brought on, to stop her nightmares and to stop being afraid when Clarke was out of her sight.
Something she never thought she’d voluntarily do, but so glad she did.
They all are.
Raven, Abby, Anya, Lincoln, and even Gustus all needing therapy after everything that occurred too.
Becca helping those she could in person at first, then through phone and video consultations when they moved and recommending therapists for the others when it became necessary.
And she was a life saver.
Still is, but in a different way.
Eight months after Sinclair found them in the warehouse, they decided they needed a fresh start.
The firestorm of media interest having gotten more and more intense as the time went on, rather than dying off like they’d hoped.
Which they understood, to a point, who wouldn’t be interested when over two dozen officers were in custody for police corruption. And other high up law enforcement, who lost their lives during the investigation?
But they gave their story, as suggested by Harper and Monty, hoping giving a “tell all” interview would prevent the media presence at their doorstep, stop the constant barrage of calls, letters, and emails. The Sun especially pressing the issue, due to the fact they’d been promised a “tell all” by Clarke previously, only to turn up to the house and find the place surrounded by police and unable to get a comment for the record.
The leaked story about Pike, making them more and more intrigued, when his death during the siege on a prostitution ring, had been leaked by an unknown source.
Demanding answers and unfortunately targeting Clarke for those answers.
Every time the story started to die down, a new trial for someone involved with the OCG would occur and the story would spark interest all over again.
Dante and Bellamy giving there own statements to the press, not helping the situation at all.
So, eight months from that day, they decided to start over.
Everyone’s injuries healed, all physical therapy completed, and everyone able to handle a move allowing them to do so.
Clarke, Abby, and Anya, selling off their houses and using the compensation Sinclair had organised for them for the abuse they suffered at the hands of the police. £4million, between the false arrests for Raven, Anya, and Lexa plus the abuse for Lexa and Clarke, which after the £25million seized from Diana and Dante’s organisation, plus over £30 million of drugs and guns, was pocket change.
Clarke and Lexa putting their money together and buying a 10-bedroom, 7-bathroom, detached house with 5.18 acres in Colwell Bay, Freshwater, on the Isle of Wight. A house more than big enough for all of their family to live in, without stepping over each other’s toes, but allowing them to keep close. Something they all desperately wanted, after everything they’d been through. Leaving plenty of room for their friends to visit when they wished too.
Planning to build house on their land for further privacy at a later date, something they’ve recently started, Abby now wanting her own house, but to still be close.
Raven, Anya using their money from the police pay off as Raven calls it, plus Anya’s flat sale, to have their house built and Abby using the money from selling hers and Jake’s house plus her personal savings to start building hers, with Lexa and Clarke paying the rest.
With under a 150,000 population, they finally got left alone, whilst obviously some had seen their pictures in the newspapers, or on the news, they didn’t seem interested in bullying them for answers or pressing for any unknown information, which was a relief.
Allowing them all to finally start to move on.
The court cases all complete, their statements and testimonies, given in writing, or spoken in Bellamy’s case, all finished too.
Bellamy Blake found guilty of conspiracy to possess firearms, with intent to cause fear, unlawful violence, attempted murder of Lincoln Oaks, breaking and entering and 4 charges of assault. Receiving an extended sentence, meaning he will spend an additional three years in license when released, having to serve at least two thirds of his 31-year total sentence.
Thelonious Jaha found guilty of money laundering, bribery, corruption, and firearm offences. Sentenced to 14 years 7 months.
Dante Wallace, found guilty of money laundering, bribery, corruption, firearm offences, conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear or unlawful violence, gun trafficking and drug smuggling. Sentenced to 37 years, having to serve at least two thirds.
Carl Emerson, found guilty of murdering a police officer, attempted murder of an NCA officer, drugs offences, gun trafficking and 12 other counts of murder. Sentenced to two life sentences under new guidelines, with a minimum term of 49 years to be served concurrently.
Wells Jaha, found guilty after an in-depth investigation into him over the past ten years of giving a false statement as already planned, plus drug offences and an additional sentence for stalking charges. The investigation, revealing he’d been stalking Clarke since she returned to Bedford, and before she moved to Devon. Revealing video and picture evidence of his acts. Receiving a sentence of 22 months, with a guaranteed restraining order to be placed, once he’s released to keep him away from Clarke.
Roan Queen, found guilty of repeatedly raping a colleague who came forward, when she heard he’d been arrested, having previously gone to her superior, Charles Pike, and been sacked, and threatened to keep quiet, the rape kit evidence she’d provided as proof, had been destroyed to ensure the case wouldn’t go further if she tried to report it again. Explaining, he’d abused her for months, both domestically, and sexually, before it escalated and he and his colleague Paxton McCreary both raped her on a number of occasions. Numerous other women, suspects, witnesses, and colleagues, came forward afterwards, with numerous other sexual assault claims, sexist and homophobic claims, as well as initiation rituals on the colleagues, including urinating on them. The claims that could be proven, along with the proof they already had of his involvement with falsifying evidence against Lexa, Raven, and Anya et cetera, leading to a sentence of 10 years.
Paxton McCreary, found guilty of the same crimes as Roan Queen, sentenced to 10 years.
Kyle Wick, was found guilty of assisting the kidnappers and murderers, at the safe house as well as the murder of his colleagues, sentenced to 28 years.
Dr Lorelei Tsing, was found guilty of manufacturing “Red” as well as 108 counts of murder, for those she’d tested the drug on over the years, evidence of each death found, when looking through her research. Sentenced to life in prison with no chance of release.
All of the other arrests from police officers, solicitors, drug dealers, people smugglers etc, all given charges ranging from 6 months to ten years depending on the charges.
The investigation, Diana’s documents, Diyoza’s testimony, witness interviews etc, leading to the complete take down of the OCG, over 100 further arrests, over £55 million seized in cash, drugs and weapons. And the leaked story on Pike as well as the confirmation of his death, leading to thirteen additional women coming forward, admitting they had been raped by him, but were too afraid to talk due to his position and threats.
Ten women from the prostitution ring, also came forward admitting he “rented” them, keeping them for weeks in his converted cellar, abusing them both physically and sexually, and informing them that 6 women he’d paid for never returned.
Jae Workman, had also helped in making arrests of the people involved in the people smuggling aspects, securing himself, his wife, and his daughter UK citizenship.
And Diyoza was reunited with Hope, who once free from the warehouse, and in her mum’s arms safe and sound, let go of her misplaced anger. The two of them given new identities, and once no longer needed for Diyoza’s testimonies, were relocated to an unknown location. The last they’d heard, the two of them were using therapy to help them get over everything that occurred, and were doing well, Hope especially thriving at school et cetera.
Job wise, after everything that happened, Abby, Clarke, Lexa, Anya, and Raven all continued on a much-needed hiatus, only looking at going back to work once injuries were all healed. In Lexa’s and Anya’s case, when they were mentally ready.
However, before they did return, or contemplate their next step, they decided to move, delaying it further.
Anya had been offered a position from Gustus in protected persons, which she contemplated taking, before deciding to move with Lexa. She had also been offered Diyoza’s position from her station. Sinclair needing to fill a lot of positions, once the investigations had found everyone, which she turned down instantly. Lincoln taking the position instead, once he was healed enough to do so.
Still unsure what she wants to do with herself, unable to trust any police departments, especially ones that aren’t in Sinclair’s district.
Lexa completed her training, keeping things completely professional with Indra, unwilling to open herself up to a friendship with someone she simply didn’t trust any more. No matter how many times she apologised, or Gustus begged her to give Indra a second chance. Before passing her qualifying exam, and officially becoming a solicitor, and selling Titus’s firm to Indra.
Wanting to cut ties with him completely, even though he’s dead.
Instead, putting the money aside to start up a new firm whenever she was ready to do so, still wanting to stick to her plan of helping those who were usually brushed off, or worse yet, charged as the victim. But knowing being the managing director of a firm in Bedford wasn’t practical, knowing they’d probably never return.
Currently working as a solicitor in Newport, Isle of Wight, in criminal law, gathering on the job practise part-time, until she believes she’s ready to start her own firm.
Clarke, finally using her nurse training part-time, at St Mary’s Hospital in A&E, until she’s ready to start her own dream, something she hasn’t admitted to anyone but Lexa yet.
Lexa hoping, her firm will come in handy with Clarke’s new profession, once it’s implemented. Being the solicitor for those women who come to Clarke, in their worst moments.
She wants to open her own women’s refuge, knowing as a nurse, she’ll be helpful for the women who come in injured, and with her own past, she’ll understand the women to a degree. Hoping, Becca and Anya will come to work with her too, something she plans to ask them this weekend.
Already having the perfect place in mind, as well as the money to buy it for the location.
Abby, she returned to work a month before they decided to move, and every colleague and patient hearing her surname, or knowing of her relationship to both Jake and Clarke, instantly hounded her with questions, leading to her quitting.
But she now works as Colorectal and General Surgery Consultant, at St Mary’s.
Marcus Kane, who after seeing the news and Clarke’s involvement, and realising that Abby wasn’t just “busy” as he’d assumed, stepped up, being there, for Abby. Their friendship slowly blossoming into more, the two of them now dating, Marcus following them all to the isle of Wight a month later, and working at St Mary’s as a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist.
The two of them now having been officially dating for 6 months.
Raven, having decided to focus on a complete career change, going into therapy, training online to become a qualified counsellor, with Becca’s help on which course to choose etc. Having bonded with Becca on their shared grief and guilt about being useless to their sister’s when they were suffering abuse.
Again something Clarke hopes to take advantage of when opening her refuge.
All in all, things working well for them but being a drastic change.
Thankfully, they still have plenty of money left over to allow them to be flexible with jobs whilst they get everything sorted.
Gustus, still the director of protected persons, Sinclair, the Chief constable of Bedfordshire, Indra, the managing director, of her own firm, same name.
The only other changes from their group, Harper, Monty, Jasper, and Luna who is now part of their group. Harper, who was promoted for everything she did from Clarke’s first kidnapping, to Lexa and Clarke’s. Monty and Jasper, deciding they weren’t cut out for the field work, continuing to work as intelligence officers for the NCA but office based only.
Luna, who’d had months in hospital, at first in a medically induced coma due to her injuries, then recovering from the bullet wound to her lung, liver, and stomach. Woke up from her coma as one of them, whether she liked it or not.
Despite knowing she was only doing her job, she helped them, and they would remember that, always.
The fact Lincoln was clearly smitten, an extra motivation to ensure she was okay.
Lincoln and Luna eventually starting to do their PT together, which helped continue building their relationship, something that had started happening accidentally, before the siege on the safe house.
The two of them now having been dating for just over a year.
Luna, now the Superintendent, promoted for her service and loyalty by Sinclair, in Luton.
All in all, everyone that survived the trauma of that week, now thankfully thriving.
None of their injuries life altering, although Lexa does have limited movement in her shoulder, even after regular PT and daily exercises.
The pain and scars reminding her they survived, just like Clarke’s own scars remind her.
Both of them now capable of looking at their scars without embarrassment, fear, flashbacks. But with pride, proud of themselves and each other, for being fighters.
And she’s proud of them both, truthfully, she’s proud of all of them, all five of them.
Thinking of the drastic difference in Raven, who’s only blossomed further, since their move, as if leaving all the memories behind. Finally removed that evil bitchy voice from her head, allowing Raven to finally be the woman they hoped she would be, once and for all.
Not that she hadn’t already drastically improved, but now she’s the sister Clarke deserves, and that’s all Lexa ever wanted.
Anya, well between Raven’s improved behaviour, and being with their family, who are no longer in danger, Anya’s blatantly happier too, and Lexa will never tire of that small constant smile tugging at her lips.
And Abby, well she’s been impressed with Abby ever since Clarke was released from the hospital on her third day in Bedford, grateful she was trying so hard to be the mother Clarke needed. She’s only gotten better and better, and now that she’s free from Jake, even if being widowed wasn’t the way she hoped it would occur, she’s happier than Lexa’s ever seen her.
Happier still, since she started dating Marcus, the two of them behaving like love sick teenagers, which whilst sickening, in a “that’s gross” kind of way, to Clarke and Raven, neither wanting to see their mother so blatantly loved up. For Lexa and even Anya, who now admits she thinks of Abby as a mum too. Well, it’s everything they could wish for her.
If there are two people in Lexa’s life, who she believes deserve love more than anyone, it’s Clarke, followed by Abby.
And whilst she will gladly die to prove to Clarke how much she loves her, she felt sorry for Abby for never having had that.
But it’s clear to her, she now does. That Marcus would die for her, kill for her, in a heartbeat.
That the closest thing she’s had to a mother for 19 years, having still been completely unwilling to forgive her mum for faking her death, and leaving her with Titus, making it clear to Nia, that she wants nothing to do with her and most likely never will.
But she does want something to do with Ontari if she’d allowWhich she has.
Ontari, now a member of the family too.
Another thing Lexa is unbelievably grateful for.
Sitting there in silence, lost in her thoughts, feeling the weight of Clarke’s right hand in her left one, as usual.
She wonders if she could ever be happier.
Clarke’s POV
Sitting next to Lexa on their towel, Clarke smiles softly at her, noticing she’s clearly lost in thought, a far away look in her unseeing eyes, unconcerned as her beautiful, if slightly goofy smile only seems to widen with her thoughts rather than fall away.
Lexa completely unaware of the fact that whilst Clarke’s been sat there beside her, playing with her hand, Clarke decided, “this was the perfect moment”.
That all the planning she’d put in, gathering all of their friends and family to their new little island, the home they chose randomly, Clarke recalling the conversation she and Lexa had shared on a beach two years earlier, about Lexa’s love of beaches, how peaceful she finds them and how Clarke admitted she would love to see any beach if Lexa were by her side.
Clarke offering up a list of possible new homes, each situated on or next to a beach, ensuring they could watch the sunset from their very own window. The list including Lexa’s favourite beach, Lexa deciding, returning to Scotland felt like they’d be running away, all over again. Which whilst technically true, they were running from the media, and from the questions.
The move wasn’t just about that, no, it was a chance to build new lives, together.
To start fresh.
The plan, unnecessary.
This was the perfect moment.
The woman she loved sat by her side, making her feel loved and safe without even trying.
Her mum, sister, her sister’s partner, their friends, chosen family, all close by, happy and worry free.
This was it.
When she’d decided a few weeks before they moved here, she wanted Lexa to be her wife, sitting down and talking to Becca about whether it was too much, or could be triggering, what with Niylah forcing her to pretend to be her wife. Becca assuring her, she was ready, as ready as she’d ever be. She instantly went out and bought a ring.
Wracking her brain for the correct way to ask. Wanting to give Lexa a proposal she deserved after everything Lexa had done for her, both consciously and not.
Deciding just over two months ago, that asking with all of their friends and family close by would be the best way, and standing up in front of everyone they loved and cared about. Admitting, she couldn’t imagine spending her life with anyone but Lexa, and she’d happily live through all the horrors again. As long as they led her, to Lexa all over again.
She may have been completely broken when they first met, a shell of the woman she once was, but Lexa relighted that fire hiding inside her, and allowed her to heal.
Replacing the certainty that she would never be able to be intimate with someone again, and she would die alone, to afraid to let someone in.
Now unable to imagine a life without kissing and touching the woman beside her.
How their intimate moments, no longer scared her, but excited her. As they have from the moment she told Lexa she was ready.
Remembering how patient, and wonderful Lexa had been every step of the way during their first time and every time since.
Allowing Clarke to finally understand what a physical relationship with someone you truly love, is actually supposed to be.
Now unable to imagine a life where she didn’t share that with Lexa, where she didn’t wake to find herself wrapped in strong, comforting arms, or fall asleep curled into Lexa’s body, feeling safer than she imagined possible.
But she didn’t need to stand up in front of everyone and confess all of that, because they knew.
They loved her enough to see how happy she was with Lexa.
They cared about her enough to notice the way Lexa looked at her, as if Clarke were the sun itself.
Brightening up Lexa’s very existence, as Lexa did to Clarke.
So, she didn’t need to wait, wasn’t willing to do so any longer.
Reaching into the picnic basket she herself, had prepared earlier hiding the ring box inside, knowing Lexa wouldn’t find it, as she’d wait to eat until they were all sat down together.
Sliding it onto Lexa’s ring finger, half expecting Lexa to notice the new weight and snap out of her thoughts.
Picturing Lexa looking down at her own hand, still cradled in Clarke’s, eyes widening in surprise at the sight of the ring on her hand, before her eyes shot up to meet Clarke’s own sparkling blues.
Allowing her to finally ask those four magic words.
But no, Lexa’s too lost in her thoughts to notice, and that just makes her smile wider, falling in love with the woman beside her even more, which she didn’t think was possible.
She waits patiently for Lexa to snap out of it, playing with the ring now adorning Lexa’s finger. Watching, as their friends and family come towards them, all having made their way out of the sea.
Anya carrying Raven on her back as if she weighed nothing at all, both laughing hysterically at something she wasn’t sure of.
Abby and Marcus hand in hand, small smiles pulling at both their lips as they watch the people around them.
Lincoln and Luna walking side by side, hands brushing together as their arms swing, neither ones for PDA.
Ontari walking with a slightly shy smile next to Jasper, Monty, and Harper. Jasper clearly flirting, which she thinks Ontari might actually be enjoying, as Monty and Harper laugh at his over the top flirtations. Clarke simply grateful they’re helping her fit in, Ontari still new to their gatherings.
Gustus walking side by side with Indra, who was only invited for his sake, Lexa still uncomfortable around the woman, but unwilling to miss out on his company because he hesitated to be separated from his wife.
And finally, Finn and Echo, an unexpected addition to their makeshift family, the two of them reaching out to Clarke a few months after Bellamy’s arrest, admitting the two of them had started dating, and they wanted to be there for Clarke.
Wanted to continue their friendship, unwilling to lose Clarke and even Raven from their lives all because of him.
All of them taking up positions around Clarke and Lexa, their loud conversations and laughter, finally snaping Lexa out of her head, who looked surprised that they were suddenly surrounded by their friends and family. Only, to meet Clarke’s eyes, following their movement as they lower to Lexa’s hand and the ring, now sparkling in the sunlight.
Lexa’s eyes widening at the sight of it, before quickly darting back up to Clarke’s own again, her grin so wide, Clarke’s certain it must hurt.
“Is this? Are you?” Lexa blabs incoherently.
“Yes, it is and I am. Lexa, I came up with a million different possible ways to ask you this, none seeming quite right, and I know you deserve something more magical than this but it just felt right. Sitting here, the sunsetting in the distance, surrounded by our loved ones, I just couldn’t wait any longer. Will you…”
“YES!” Lexa interrupts, jumping to her knees and pulling Clarke into a tight embrace, repeating, “yes, yes, god yes.” Over and over again, happy tears pouring down her cheeks.
Clarke hugging her back just as tightly, her own happy tears released and flowing freely.
The two separating enough for their eyes to meet and Clarke to chuckle tearily, “I didn’t even get to ask!” She jokes.
“Sorry! I just, WOW! I’ve wanted to ask you for...., hell!! maybe from the first day we met, but I wasn’t sure you’d ever truly be comfortable with the idea, and I was fine with that, 100%...” she continues to blab, making Clarke laugh louder, drawing everyone’s attention, allowing those who hadn’t already, notice what was happening before their eyes.
“Dude did you just propose?!” Raven squeals excitably.
“I tried” Clarke laughs.
“You said yes right?!” Raven asks outraged at the idea of Lexa saying no.
“Of course she did, don’t be silly.” Becca tells them, having been watching from the kitchen window which over looks the patch of beach they’d been sat on, grabbing the champagne she and Clarke had bought for after Clarke’s proposal later that night, realising that Clarke hadn’t waited, as she’d predicted, making her way down with it from the house.
“I never actually got to say the words…” Clarke grumbles half-heartedly.
“Do it now then sweetheart, Lexa seems embarrassed enough to not interrupt again.” Abby tells her, having picked up on what was happening from the moment Lexa got to her knees.
“Lexa, I never dreamed my life could be like this, so full of love and happiness but thanks to you. I love feeling your eyes on me, rather than fear it. I feel safe when you smile at me and honoured to be the reason behind that smile. Ever since the day we met, despite everything, I’ve felt a sense of happiness and safety when I’m with you, and I can’t imagine my life without you in it. So will you marry me and make me the happiest woman there is?”
Nodding rapidly Lexa replies “yes, yes, a million times yes.”
Clarke beams, leaning forward to pull Lexa into a slightly more passionate kiss than planned, ignoring the hoots and hollers from their friends and family.
Separating a few moments later, both echoing a teary “I love you.”
Clarke, despite having been certain Lexa would say yes, completely over the moon, honoured this beautiful, caring, amazing woman would marry her.
Lexa, knowing she’d, hopefully, spend her life with Clarke, if Clarke allowed it, was over the moon, never having expected such a commitment from Clarke, knowing it could make her feel trapped and unwilling to do that for her. Touched that Clarke trusted her more than she thought possible.
Both excited for the next step in their story.
Knowing they may have been broken in the past, but together they’ve healed and together they would thrive.
Excited for what the future will bring.