Chapter Text
Home had never been more welcoming, after the week Clarke and Lexa had endured. There were no more prying eyes and questions, no more judgmental gazes or appearances to keep. They had returned to the place where it had all started. Where they had started. They’d left as fake girlfriends, and returned as real, actual fiancées. It was, quite honestly, the greatest feeling in the world, for both women.
Everything that had happened within the last 48 hours felt like too much of a dream sequence to be real to Clarke. Confessing her love for Lexa, making love to Lexa (which, in its mind-blowing splendor, was the best she’d ever had), losing her, and regaining her all within the span of two days. And then of course, there was the matter of the proposal.
Everything was absolutely perfect.
“Here we are.” Clarke brushed her fingers against the thin layer of glazed paint that coated the wooden door to her apartment. Her apartment? Was that even a fair assessment, anymore? Now that she was engaged to Lexa- and god, just thinking about it made her giddy- was anything actually hers?
Did they live together?
Were they just supposed to slip back into their own apartments after all they’d been through?
Clarke didn’t want to push Lexa into anything she was uncomfortable with. She’d been floored when Lexa proposed, as she’d thought their relationship was ending. Despite it being the greatest surprise of her existence, she was aware of what an accomplishment it was for her: To put herself out there, heart and soul, at Clarke’s mercy. To depend on someone other than herself. To love someone for what might have been the first time since she’d met Aden.
So naturally, when they paused at their respective doors, suitcases in hand, idly avoiding each other’s gazes, Clarke made the first move to speak.
“Well, uh…” Clarke cleared her throat hesitantly, trying not to acknowledge the way Lexa’s leather jacket and tight jeans made her feel an insatiable heat within her. And they’d already attempted fixing that. On the plane. “I’ll go inside and unpack.”
Lexa nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Yeah.” She blew out a puff of air. They were engaged, for the love of god. It didn’t need to be awkward.
Clarke stepped into her apartment, shutting the door behind her as Lexa went into hers, respectively. Clarke slid back against the door, heart heavy. She closed her eyes, and sucked in a breath. Lexa wasn’t comfortable moving this quickly? Too bad. Clarke needed to live with her fiancée.
Clarke spun around, blonde locks whirling over her shoulder as she tore the door open, blinking in shock when she found Lexa standing there, lips parting slightly in surprise.
They’d been alone for approximately ten seconds.
That was ten seconds too long.
“We’re so dumb.” Clarke breathed, throwing her arms around Lexa’s neck as she placed a searing kiss on her lips, unsurprised to find Lexa picking her up, her thighs wrapping around Lexa’s waist.
“The dumbest.” Lexa grinned against her lips, hands supporting Clarke’s weight as she pulled away for a split second to consult with Clarke.
“So.” Clarke breathed, forehead pressed against Lexa’s. “I have to say…I don’t think I can live without you.”
Lexa smiled against her lips, slight confusion in her emerald gaze. “That’s sweet, but am I going somewhere?”
“No.” Clarke paused. “I mean, like, live here without you. We just spent a whole week living together, sleeping in the same bed…I want that to be our life. I know you said you wanted to take things slowly, and that the ring was just a symbol, but-”
Lexa smirked, placing a quick kiss to Clarke’s neck. “I only said that because I didn’t want to worry you. I want a life with you, Clarke, all aspects included.”
“You’re so hot when you’re domestic.” Clarke quipped, smiling when Lexa rolled her eyes. “So…which apartment?”
“Mine.” Lexa’s response was instant. “My things are already organized, coded, and labeled. You have paintbrushes in your underwear drawer.”
Clarke rolled her eyes this time. “It’s called passion, Alexandria. Please get some, nerd.”
Lexa smiled softly at her, sucking gently on Clarke’s bottom lip. “Was last night not passionate enough? How about this morning?”
“Why don’t we make it an uneven three times right now?” Clarke suggested huskily, giggling when Lexa kicked the door shut behind her, their luggage and worries long forgotten with the brisk slam of the door.
Within just a few months, Clarke and Lexa had settled into a routine. Clarke’s apartment was promptly sold, (after they repaired the gaping hole in the wall, as neither Clarke nor Lexa had a need to spy on their neighbors any longer).
No one bought it.
Raven and Anya, who were still going strong, though living in their own respective apartments, had tried.
Clarke and Lexa dissuaded them heartily, enjoying having the relative privacy on their floor. As Lexa had quietly put it, one night after one too many glasses of wine, “Clarke’s too loud for us to have neighbors.”
Clarke hid her smile behind the guise of an offended pout, and that little interaction had disgusted Anya and Raven to the point of no return.
As soon as Clarke was sure that Raven and Anya were out of earshot, she had whipped around and embraced Lexa with a smirk, muttering, “That was really good, babe. Just like we practiced.”
They kept the floor to themselves, and Clarke was free to be as vocal as she pleased.
In terms of business, Lexa’s business had taken off, courtesy of Jake’s overly generous donation. Lexa had secured her own floor of the corporate building she’d always admired, and in just a month’s time, she found herself needing an entire building of her own, as her customer base nearly tripled when they’d caught wind of Jake switching over as a customer.
Clarke had never been prouder.
Every morning at seven, Lexa followed her daily routine with the discipline of a soldier. If Clarke was fortunate enough to be awake, Lexa would greet her with soft kisses and touches before her second alarm rang, and she was out of bed and into the shower before Clarke could protest.
Clarke, on the other hand, always woke up while Lexa was showering, and snuck into the kitchen to work on breakfast, often in nothing but her underwear, cheekily enjoying the way Lexa struggled not to stare, let alone make it to work without turning on her heels and jumping Clarke.
And then, the two began the tortuous split for their respective jobs. Lexa went to her building, while Clarke began the day’s commissions, the two of them working until their brains protested and their limbs felt numb with effort.
The evenings were their absolute favorite moment of every day. The evenings were an oasis of life, laughter, and rejuvenation in the cruel desert of working life. Lexa would come home in the evenings, unable to contain her grin upon seeing Clarke, no matter how stressful or tiresome her day had been.
She’d learned, rather early on, that none of it mattered without Clarke. Her job was never to be prioritized over her fiancée, and Lexa never felt the divide.
The first thing they did, upon reuniting after a long day filled with “I miss you” reminder texts, was kiss. Slow, sweet, and tender. Lexa would caress Clarke’s cheeks and murmur soft sentiments like “I love you” or “How was your day, Clarke?”
Clarke would, in turn, say something along the lines of “How was work, beautiful?” (Occasionally, if Lexa was in a grand mood, Clarke would greet her with, “What’s up, Nerd?” For old time’s sake, she claimed.)
And of course, dinner was never, ever made for Lexa.
While a great many things had improved with their new life together, one thing was absolutely steadfast: Clarke was perhaps the “suckiest cook in existence”, in just about everyone’s words.
Lexa was more than happy to compensate, as Clarke would often uncork a bottle of wine, and settle on the counter (which Lexa might have complained as being “unsanitary”, before their engagement), happy to watch Lexa at work.
They’d blissfully share meals, gossip (remaining true and loyal to their roots as best friends) and curl up on the couch to watch something of their choosing.
And, like always, Clarke would glance up to notice Lexa smiling down at her, Clarke’s head laid across her lap.
Lexa would tell her, every single time, “Clarke…I’m so lucky.” It was always shy, reserved, an incredibly intimate side of Lexa, unearthed by the wine and the comfort of Clarke’s embrace.
Like always, Clarke would lean up to lace her arms around Lexa’s neck, straddling her lap. She would lean forward towards Lexa’s neck and pepper gentle kisses there, working her way up to Lexa’s lips. They’d spend nearly an hour like that, the kisses, the quiet murmurs of affection. Clarke learned that Lexa, while once timid and fearful of voicing her affections, had no such reservations with Clarke. She would nuzzle Clarke gently, their noses brushing together, her plump lips grazing every inch of Clarke’s face, carrying whispered “I love you’s.”
Sometimes, it would end there. They’d be too exhausted to move, and they’d retire to bed.
Other times, (most times), Clarke would feel a familiar fire in the pit of her stomach and subconsciously grind down on Lexa’s lap, enjoying the way Lexa’s lips parted to form a shocked, “Oh.”
Clarke would place a suckling kiss on Lexa’s neck and whisper, “Take me to bed, Lexa.”
And of course, who was Lexa to deny her fiancée?
No matter what, despite the various ways they came to end up in their final resting position, sheets strewn and panting, they always fell asleep in each other’s arms.
And that was Lexa’s nightly reminder that she was the luckiest woman in the world, and that she’d found a home, in the arms of Clarke Griffin, her socialite artist neighbor, whom she once thought she had absolutely nothing in common with.
She’d roll into Clarke’s open arms, and accept the soft kisses on her forehead. She’d watch the glow of the moonlight cast a silvery reflection into their bedroom, lighting Clarke’s face. She’d listen as Clarke’s breathing evened and became deep and silent. And then, she’d allow her mind to wander.
It wandered to the nights where she’d barely had a substantial meal, her growing body in desperate need of proper nutrition. It wandered to the nights where she’d blankly gaze out the window of whichever house, or apartment, or car she’d been in, wondering why everyone else was given the privilege of a home, and why the universe hated her. Her mind wandered to the nights in college, where her “friends” were all visiting their families during the break, leaving her alone with her ambitions, her lonely thoughts.
And then, when her chest was aching, and hollow, her mind wandered to the first day she’d met Clarke, and it was like her life had been dominated by moonlight and dark nights until then. Cliché as it was, Clarke was like the sunlight she so desperately longed for. Clarke was bright, happy, a reminder that life didn’t have to be something to conquer, rather, something to enjoy. Clarke was annoying, loud, and obnoxious. Clarke was also kind, caring, and sociable.
Clarke was everything Lexa had ever wanted to be, and she had everything Lexa coveted in life: a family, loyal friends (aside from Anya, the only person whom Lexa had loved dearly, at the time), and of course, financial stability.
And while Lexa had sat in her apartment, bitter and envious, Clarke had extended all of those things to her. And that was before their entire family reunion ordeal. Lexa had truly fallen in love with Clarke before she’d ever leapt the balcony like a madwoman and proposed they lie to her entire family.
Lexa had fallen for Clarke when, at three in the morning, after she lost Costia (whom she believed to be her one shred of happiness), feeling more alone than ever, Clarke had kept her company through the cheap, irreparably thinning wall on her side of the apartment. Clarke didn’t demand discussion, or attention. She was simply there for her. She was Lexa’s friend, and really, Lexa had never known something so beautiful.
Naturally, when Clarke brought her into the family, and loved her the way she had, Lexa loved back.
And now Lexa was so happy, so full of love and appreciation, that she hardly remembered a time where she was anything less.
“Lex.” Clarke’s warm breath tickled her ear as she registered her lover’s voice with a soft whimper of the heart.
“You’re up?” Lexa whispered softly, reveling in the feelings of Clarke clinging to her waist, pressed up against her, leaving no room at all.
“Have I ever told you…” Clarke mumbled, her lips latching onto the tender skin of Lexa’s neck, eliciting a soft sigh from the brunette. “That you think way too loudly?”
Lexa felt the ghost of a smile tug at her lips. She wasn’t ever sure how Clarke knew, how Clarke was always so in sync with her thoughts and her emotions, but she cherished it. “Sorry.” She whispered.
“Mmm.” Clarke hummed, kissing her neck in a gentle trail. “Do you want to think out loud?”
Lexa took a breath. Months ago, she would have leapt at the chance to empty her feelings out, to sort them and compartmentalize them, to suppress them and stow them away. She would’ve killed for the chance.
But being Clarke Griffin’s fiancée was a cathartic experience, and Lexa was left feeling completely sated.
“No.” Lexa turned in her grasp, so that she was face to face with Clarke, her blue eyes looking grey in the dim lighting.
“I love you.” Clarke whispered softly, smile on her features.
“I love you too, Clarke.” Lexa murmured, eyelids heavy, content to spend the rest of her life in that very position.
Ever since proposing to Clarke, Lexa always fell asleep with a smile on her face.
“Okay.” Lexa took a breath, eyeing the schedule laid out on her phone with cautionary glances. “We can do this.” She calmed herself, repeating the words like a mantra. “We can do this.”
Clarke was leaning against the counter beside her, lips quirked in a thoroughly amused smile.
Lexa glanced up, and, upon realizing Clarke’s expression, narrowed her eyes. “What?” She demanded.
Clarke’s smirk grew. “You’re…such a nerd.” Clarke jerked her head to the leather bracelet, sitting familiarly on Lexa’s wrist, almost hidden from the crisply rolled collars of her suit jacket, which Clarke adored and yet wanted nothing more than to rip off.
Lexa bit back a fond smile. “Yes, we’ve established this, once or twice before.”
Clarke sighed happily, popping a piece of toast into her mouth, glancing at the clock. Ten minutes before Lexa had to leave for work. “What’s stressing you, nerd?”
Lexa’s eyes widened at the fact that Clarke even had to ask. “Clarke…” She began exasperatedly. “We have a flight at four-thirty, an evening dinner appointment with your family, and we have to pick up our dresses from the dry-cleaners, for the wedding. Also, you have to deliver your finished work to the gallery, and I have…” Lexa glanced back down at her phone. “Seven meetings, all before then.”
Clarke grinned after she swallowed a bit of toast. “Being engaged to me is hard, isn’t it?”
Lexa nodded as if she were agreeing, but a pleased smile found its way to her lips. “I think being engaged to you is the only reason my life is any good.” She noted aloud.
Clarke’s heart skipped a beat, like it always did whenever Lexa opened her mouth. “You’re lucky you’re such a sap.” She mumbled, leaning forward to kiss Lexa’s cheek. “Oh. Lex. Fun fact: Did you know weddings are supposed to be fun?”
Lexa rolled her eyes. “Octavia and Lincoln are…incredibly carefree, for a couple that’s to be married in three days.”
Clarke grinned. “That’s because they’re in love. And happy. It’s this thing you experience when you love someone.”
Lexa huffed out, “Weddings are…notoriously hard to plan, Clarke. They require months upon months of planning, setting aside a calculated budget, choosing the proper venue-”
“So.” Clarke cut her off with a wry smile. “Are you saying you don’t ever want us to get married?”
Lexa’s pouty lips pulled into a loving smile as she pressed Clarke against the wall, gently peppering her neck with kisses, mumbling in between. “Are you kidding, Clarke? I would marry you right now. I would marry you ten times over.”
Clarke’s brows shot up. “Ten weddings? With your inability to handle stress? Yeah, right.” She teased, letting out a giggle when Lexa’s arms tickled her sides.
“I’ll show you stress, Griffin.” Lexa teased, watching as Clarke writhed in her arms, eventually collapsing all of her weight there. Lexa steadied her with ease, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Clarke’s lips.
“I’ll miss you.” Clarke sighed against her lips.
Lexa quirked a brow. “For the…six hours I’ll be at work before we leave for the wedding together?”
Clarke nodded, looping her arms around Lexa’s neck. “I love you, Mrs. Griffin.” She tested the waters.
Lexa smiled, giving Clarke’s hips a soft squeeze. “I love you more, Mrs. Woods.”
It sounded so right. Lexa couldn't wait to be married, truthfully.
Sometimes, Lexa would get an overwhelming rush of emotion. It was happy, bright, blinding and warm. It was Clarke. It was the realization that Clarke was hers. It was the realization that she had a home, and a loving family, absolutely eager to see her.
Not just Clarke.
Lexa, too.
Raven texted her and often times showed up to her building. Sure, sometimes she even scared off Lexa’s clients, what with her talk of her wild relationship with Anya, but they were friends.
Octavia kept in contact with Lexa on a daily basis, texting her and telling her stories about how lame Clarke was as a teenager.
Lincoln turned out to be incredibly compatible with Lexa, and the two bonded over the weekend game on TV, business deals, and the antics of their fiancées.
Abby’s demeanor had shifted entirely. Once she’d witnessed the extent of Lexa’s affections for Clarke, and how true they were, the animosity was gone. Instead, it was replaced by gloating, competitiveness, and showboating. Though, this time, it wasn’t aimed at Lexa.
Rather, she gloated about Lexa.
Clarke was rather amused by all this, and Lexa was overwhelmed. She’d never really known the feeling of having a mother who’d been proud of her achievements, before.
It made her feel whole.
And then, of course, was Jake.
Lexa’s greatest ally. Her favorite person in the world, aside from perhaps Clarke and Aden.
Jake would often call her business, and redirect new clients to her office. But their relationship was so much more than a professional one. Jake sent her lame “dad joke” emails, as Clarke had dubbed them, even after she’d scolded him, telling him that Lexa was a busy woman and that his “lameness” was needed elsewhere. Jake called her specifically when Clarke was out, just to gauge her genuine feelings, and to offer parental advice on the occasional bump in the road.
When Lexa’s business made headlines for the first time, local headlines at that, Jake still snapped a picture of the online copy of the article and posted it to Instagram with two thumbs up, stating: So proud of my daughter.
Clarke pretended not to notice when Lexa’s eyes misted over and her smile wavered from sheer, absolute happiness.
Lexa donned his watch with unmatched pride.
Years ago, lying in her bed at night, staring up at the blank ceiling, Lexa never would have imagined that happiness would have found her at all, let alone in the form of perfection that was Clarke Griffin, her beautifully annoying neighbor.
And now?
Now, she couldn’t possibly imagine a life without her, and they were planning an actual, honest to god future together.
All because Clarke had stumbled into her life.
“Ms. Woods?” The shrill voice of Lexa’s secretary, Charlotte, echoed through her office as she pushed the glass door open.
“Charlotte?” Lexa sighed, removing her glasses as she ran a hand through her hair, glancing up in slight annoyance for the mental math she’d just ruined.
“You have a visitor.” Charlotte announced as regally as she could, blocking said visitor from view.
Lexa glanced at her watch, eyes wide. She only had thirty minutes of work time left, and no one scheduled. She’d skipped lunch to make all her meetings, and Clarke would kill her if she were late to take her to the airport.
“What?” Lexa shook her head frantically. “Charlotte, no!” She hissed. “Who is it? Can’t they see I’m not taking any more-”
“Ms. Woods.” Charlotte implored, looking terrified to have cut her off.
“What idiot would barge into my office-”
“This idiot.” Clarke gently pushed past Charlotte, holding a bag of takeout in her hands, smirking.
Lexa reddened immediately. “Clarke?”
Charlotte winced. “I tried to warn you.”
Lexa’s eyes narrowed and Charlotte fled for safety.
Clarke leaned against the doorway, eyeing Lexa up and down. “Oh, baby, you’re a ball of stress, aren’t you?” She teased.
Lexa stood immediately, ever the gentlewoman, hands up apologetically. “I had no idea it was you.”
Clarke’s smile softened as Lexa approached. “Oh? I’m an exception?”
Lexa rolled her eyes at Clarke’s teasing, leaning down to kiss her in greeting.
“You skipped lunch, didn’t you?” Clarke sighed against her lips. She handed the bag over to Lexa. “Your favorite. Chicken salad, dressing on the side so it’ll be fresh.”
Lexa sighed in bliss, leaning down to kiss Clarke once more. “Have I told you how much I adore you, Clarke Griffin?”
Suddenly Clarke was pushed forward, stumbling into Lexa’s arms as the door swung open, revealing Raven Reyes, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Well, look at that. Making out on the job.” Raven tutted, smirking at Lexa’s scowl. “Tacky, Woods.”
Lexa cocked a brow at Clarke, who looked sheepish enough.
“Guess who’s maybe-kinda-sorta coming on the flight to Octavia’s with us?” Clarke mumbled quickly. “Surprise, babe.”
Lexa’s jaw dropped. There went her glorious time with Clarke. “Have I told you how much I hate you, Clarke Griffin?” Lexa teased, smiling when Clarke nipped at her bottom lip affectionately.
“Oh, Jesus.” Anya’s voice sounded behind Raven, and Lexa glanced up to see her friend leaning against the doorframe. “What is this, a porno? You used to have standards, Lexa.”
Lexa rolled her eyes, and Clarke joined her this time. “Clarke.” Lexa sighed in surrender, reaching for her coat, trying not to notice the way Clarke’s eyes devoured her in her business suit. “I thought it was clear that, when I said I wanted children, I meant…someday. Not now, and certainly not them .”
Clarke grinned, but Raven cut her off. “Whoa there, mathlete . If anything, you guys are our children. We put you together. You forgetting that?”
Anya smirked. “She’s got a point there, kiddo.” She threw an arm around Lexa. “Should we go wait in the limo?”
Lexa rolled her eyes. “I don’t have a limousine.”
“Could’ve fooled me.” Raven whistled lowly, eyeing Lexa’s office. “You really got this far off Daddy Griff’s check?”
Clarke rolled her eyes, pushing Raven and Anya out the office door. “No. She got this far by working hard and not listening to you geniuses. Now, wait out here. We’ll be out in a sec.”
Raven smirked. “Office quickie?”
Clarke groaned in exasperation. “This is gonna be a long week.” She shut the door and turned to Lexa, watching her file all of her papers into her briefcase. “Sorry about those two.”
Lexa gave her a smile, and Clarke realized that she likely hadn’t heard half of what they were saying anyway.
“You’re really preoccupied up here, huh?” Clarke murmured, leaning forward to kiss Lexa’s forehead.
“Yeah.” Lexa began awkwardly. “Well, no, actually.” She sighed. “She mentioned children…”
Clarke’s brows furrowed. “Yeah, she did. Did that make you uncomfortable?”
Lexa was biting her lip, quite a nervous habit for the usually stoic girl as she began moving about the office, settling things for her one week leave. “No.” She finally replied. “That’s not- Not what I was trying to-”
Clarke’s eyes widened as she watched her fiancée move in such a strange fashion, as Lexa was usually formal, curt, and to the point with everything she voiced. “Lex?”
“These don’t belong here.” Lexa muttered to herself, shaking her head at a stack of papers near her desk. “Charlotte!” She called, moving about hurriedly. “I can’t leave these here or else- Charlotte!” Lexa called again to no avail.
“She’s on lunch break, Lexa.” Clarke spoke firmly, stepping forward to softly grab Lexa’s shoulders, forcing her virid gaze onto Clarke’s. “What’s going on? What’s upsetting you?”
Lexa took a breath and shook her head. “Clarke, it’s nothing.” She promised. “My head is just…swimming.”
“With what?” Clarke tried once more, gently pressing a kiss to Lexa’s cheek. “You seemed fine, a minute ago.”
Lexa remained silent, and Clarke nodded slowly to herself, reaching out to gently squeeze Lexa’s hand. “Okay, I get it. You don’t want to talk about it. That’s fine. Just know- I’m here, okay? Whatever it is, whenever you’re ready- I’m here.”
Those words, above all else, seemed to pacify Lexa as she nodded, a small smile forming on her lush lips.
Clarke mirrored it, happy to have been helpful in the slightest.
“I love you.” Lexa murmured, leaning down to kiss Clarke softly.
“I love you too.” Clarke reciprocated before motioning to the door. “C’mon. We’re gonna be late.”
Lexa nodded, tossing her bag over her shoulder as she linked hands with Clarke, feeling her ring brush against her finger. It sent tingles down her spine, knowing she was engaged to Clarke.
She knew she could tell Clarke anything, without fear of judgement. That wasn’t the issue. She knew she’d come around and tell Clarke, eventually. But for now? Now, she just wanted to enjoy a relaxing week off, and a wedding, with Clarke and her family.
“Isn’t this amazing?” Raven threw her arms around Clarke and Lexa’s shoulders, stepping in between them and slicing through their linked hands, separating the couple.
The flight had been long and tiring, and the group had barely had the chance to catch their breath and stick their belongings in their hotel rooms before they were summoned down to dinner by Abby’s thirty-two overly excited texts.
Anya walked behind them, amusedly taking in her girlfriend’s antics. Lexa swore that before their last family reunion trip, Anya would have decked her by now.
“What’s amazing?” Lexa sighed as she glanced at Clarke, who smiled apologetically at her.
“This is where we left the family.” Raven tutted, as if she were disappointed that Lexa didn’t know what she was referring to. “You two, awkwardly walking into a hotel restaurant to face the whole family…Our great adventure continues.”
Clarke rolled her eyes and knocked Raven away, stepping forward to link hands with Lexa once more. “It’s not awkward.”
“Sure it is.” Raven supplied. “I mean…Really? You’re gonna let Lincoln and Octavia get married first?”
“Oh, god, you sound like my mom.” Clarke snapped, glancing up at Lexa. “And we’re waiting for the right time.”
Anya snorted. “Lexa has unlimited patience. You’ll be waiting well into the next century.”
Lexa rolled her eyes, shooting a glare at Anya. “Well maybe if you shut-”
“My daughter!” A familiar, somewhat shrill cry from the back of the restaurant sounded, and Lexa’s gaze snapped up just in time to catch Abby, who’d thrown her arms around Lexa warmly, enveloping her into a hug. “Oh, sweetie, how are you?”
Lexa blinked in shock, and Clarke gaped from behind her. “Who are you, and what have you done with Abby Griffin?”
Abby snorted, turning to Clarke to press a kiss to her head. “Hello to you too, honey.”
“Are those the kids?” Jake’s voice sounded, and Lexa once again found herself in a bear tight hug. “Hey kiddo.” He grinned, leaning down to kiss Lexa’s forehead, then Clarke’s. “Hey champ.”
“Mr. Griffin-” Lexa began, but then paused when Jake cut her off.
“Nope. Try again.” Jake smirked.
Lexa blushed. “Sorry, Jake-”
“Wrong again.” Jake teased. “Aren’t you usually quite bright?”
Lexa looked dumbfounded. “I’m sorry, I-”
“It’s dad.” Jake grinned, and Lexa felt some unknown emotion well up inside her. “Well, it will be soon enough, anyway.”
“I…uh…” Lexa swallowed the lump in her throat, forming a smile. “Hey, Dad.” She tried meekly.
Clarke squeezed her hand, as her parents turned to greet Anya and Raven. “Wanna go say hi, babe?”
Lexa nodded, a dumb smile on her face as she followed Clarke to the head of the table, where Lincoln and Octavia had just risen to greet them.
“Hey Lexa.” Lincoln gave her a perfect toothy smile, reaching out to pull her into a hug. Lexa felt her heart leap slightly. She’d forgotten what family felt like. It was so sweet. She felt almost greedy at how much she enjoyed knowing that they, every single one of them, even the strange one, Jasper, was her family.
Soon, anyway.
“Hey Lincoln.” She offered gently as Clarke and Octavia squealed and pounced on each other. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” He smiled, elbowing her gently. “You’re next, I hear?”
“I guess so.” Lexa nodded, taking in his crisp suit. “How’s business?”
Lincoln chuckled. “Okay, I’m officially dismissing business talk for the evening, but before I do, let me just say….As an investor, I’ve been keeping an eye on your startup and…Shit, Lexa. You’ve been kicking ass.”
Lexa couldn’t help the proud smile and blush that tinted her cheeks. “Oh, I-”
“And there’s Sexy Lexy.” Octavia smirked, releasing Clarke from her vice-like grip.
Clarke rolled her eyes, immediately blushing. “Can you please shut up about that?”
Octavia snorted. “What you think she doesn’t know? Little late for that Clarke.” She held up Clarke’s ring on her hand, and it glinted under the lights. “You’re getting married.”
Lexa winked at Clarke reassuringly, and Clarke narrowed her eyes at Octavia petulantly.
“Still pissed about that, by the way.” Octavia teased. “Trying to steal my spotlight, Griffin? You’ve always been the jealous type.”
“If anyone’s gonna be stealing a spotlight here, it’ll be me.” Bellamy boomed from behind Octavia, stepping forward to pull Clarke in for a hug. He pulled back and grinned at Lexa, and she reciprocated, feeling foolish for ever having felt threatened by him in the first place.
Clarke wanted her.
“So, has she turned into Bridezilla yet?” Raven drawled, drawing the attention of the group.
“Who, O?” Lincoln shook his head amusedly. “Uh, no. Her mom’s taken care of that. And then some.” He jerked his head to a table in the corner, where Aurora sat, talking incredibly animatedly to a woman in an elegant suit and dark hair.
“Hot fucking damn.” Raven whistled, and Anya nodded her approval. “Who’s the chick?”
“My mom?” Bellamy sputtered incredulously.
“No, dipshit, the one I haven’t known for over a decade.” Raven snarked.
“Oh.” Octavia heaved a sigh of relief. “That’s Alie. She’s our wedding planner.”
Lexa’s brow cocked up at that, and Clarke could just feel the idea surging within her fiancée. “How is she?” Lexa asked, perhaps a bit too quickly.
“She’s amazing.” Octavia gushed, just as Lincoln muttered, “She’s insane.”
Clarke quirked a brow. “Mixed reviews?” She questioned.
Octavia sighed, looking guilty. “Okay…yeah. She’s amazing, really. But she also scares the shit out of me. Me .”
Lincoln shook his head in exasperation. “She’s expensive, firstly. Also…” He leaned in close, looking somewhat fearful. “I think she’s a robot.”
Octavia snorted, slapping him on the arm. “He’s exaggerating.”
Lincoln cocked a brow. “I don’t exaggerate. She’s a demon.”
Raven smirked. “A robot, you say? Good thing mama knows a thing or two about… engineering .”
Anya’s brows shot up and her eyes narrowed. “How would mama like to lose a few fingers?”
Raven threw her hands up. “…And the attraction is gone.” She shook her head. “But hey, team Clexa could use a planner…”
“Don’t call us that.” Clarke snipped, glancing up at Lexa’s cloudy gaze. “Lex? You’re not seriously-”
“I’m considering it.” Lexa shrugged meekly, watching as Alie rose from her seat, red lipstick matte and threatening.
Aurora came to greet everyone, Alie smiling stiffly by her side, thick binder in her arms, pressed against her chest.
“Everyone! Welcome! I know you’re not all here yet, your friends will join us tomorrow! Oh, and by the way, this is Alie, our wedding planner.”
Lexa threw her arm forward, reaching out to shake Alie’s hand. “Lexa Woods.” She stated formally, Clarke recognizing her business tone.
“Oh, yes, Clarke and Lexa.” Alie tilted her head and formed a small smile. “Aurora has told me that you might be possible clients. We can discuss this over dinner, if you’d like.”
Clarke’s brow shot up suspiciously. “…What do you have there?” She asked curiously, leaning into Lexa’s side.
“Oh, this is a multi-indexed account of all of Lincoln and Octavia’s wedding information. It’s actually the smaller, less detailed version I carry around when I’m not at the office.”
Clarke gaped. “That’s the smaller one?”
Alie nodded. “Of course. If you’ll excuse me, I have to check with the florists. Enjoy yourselves.” She whipped around on her heel, and left Clarke staring after.
Lexa turned to Clarke with a childish grin. “Clarke, she’s perfect.”
Clarke gaped. “Lexa. She’s…. terrifying.”
“I know!” Lexa grinned giddily. “Imagine how perfectly she’ll execute everything. Oh my god, Clarke, do you think she’d have a special divider dedicated to candles?”
Clarke’s eyes widened as her jaw dropped even further. “Are you serious? You have a lady-boner for little miss R2-D2 over there?”
R2-D2?” Lexa questioned, ignoring Clarke’s look of exasperation. “Oh! Because you think she acts like a robot?”
Clarke shot her a look as if to say “ Really ?”
Lexa clicked her tongue in annoyance, but she smiled, leaning down to press a kiss to Clarke’s lips. “Not the same kind I have for you.”
Clarke smiled, rolling her eyes as she tugged Lexa down for more. “You’re such a nerd.”
“Clarke.” Lexa nudged Clarke discreetly under the table in the middle of the light dinner conversations, watching the way the chandelier reflected bright glints of diamond in Clarke’s blue eyes.
“Hmm?” Clarke glanced away from her conversation with Raven with a furrowed brow, concerned for her fiancée.
“Abby.” Lexa murmured lowly. “…Has been stabbing her steak.”
Clarke cocked a brow. “What?” She glanced over at her mother, noticing that while Aurora was prattling on about how fantastic Octavia and Lincoln were, Abby was in fact impaling her steak rather than cutting it.
“Whoa.” Clarke murmured, eyes widening. “We should cut her off before she breaks through the dish and ends up paying for it.”
Lexa nodded in agreement. “You should.”
“What, me?” Clarke hissed. “No, you.”
“Me?” Lexa gaped. “She’s your mother, Clarke, you should-”
“-Fine, fine.” Clarke sighed. “I’ll distract her.”
Raven turned to Anya with a grin, Bellamy watching them carefully. “Bets?” She mouthed, and Bellamy smirked.
“Hey. Linc. You got a pen in that suit of yours?” Raven whispered hurriedly and Lincoln cocked a brow, pulling a pen from his breast pocket questioningly. Raven thanked him hurriedly and created a tally on her napkin, one for Aurora, one for Abby.
“Twenty bucks says Abby’s winning this one.” Raven leaned across Anya to whisper.
Bellamy nodded, smirking. “I don’t know. My mom’s pretty wound up.”
Raven grinned as she turned her attention to Clarke.
“Um, hey.” Clarke cleared her throat, a pleased smirk on her features. “Mom. Did you know Lexa landed the Walters’ account? The really big one?”
Abby’s head snapped up, and before Clarke knew it, she had raised a demon. “Oh?” Abby grinned at Lexa. “That’s fantastic, honey.”
Raven clicked her tongue. “One for Abby.”
Lexa’s cheeks reddened slightly, though the lighting was dim, Clarke knew her well enough. “Thank you. I actually-”
“Lincoln’s firm has really taken off.” Aurora snipped. “He’s quite the businessman.”
“One for Aurora.” Anya supplied in a whisper.
Lincoln shook his head modestly. “Well, actually-”
“Lexa was in the paper.” Abby came back hard. “Named one of the hottest entrepreneurs in the city!”
“Oh, nice, nice.” Raven grinned. “One more for Abby.”
Clarke swallowed the lump in her throat, squeezing Lexa’s thigh. They’d gone and done it now.
“Octavia’s modeling career has just been flawless.” Aurora gushed. “Did you know she-”
“Does that count?” Raven tutted to herself. “Fuck it. Why not? One for Aurora.”
“Clarke’s art was featured in Dante Wallace’s gala last week!”
“Nice, Griff. That’s a point for you.” Raven murmured to no one in particular.
Clarke felt her mouth go dry. “Well I was paid double to-”
“That means you can afford to double your wedding size!” Abby shot a sly little smirk in the direction of Aurora.
“Shots fired. That’s another for Abby. Come on, Blake, fight back.” Anya smirked.
Aurora glanced in Abby’s direction wryly. “The ballroom here is well equipped to deal with at least two-hundred people, Abby. That’s how many people will be in attendance. It’s quite the affair.”
“Point for my mom.” Bellamy hissed lowly.
Octavia and Clarke were sharing exasperated looks, while Lexa and Lincoln politely continued their meals.
“Oh?” Abby nodded, as if she actually had any intention of submitting. “Well, Clarke was always little miss popularity in high school, and college. And now, Lexa is a gifted business executive. Their wedding will be doubtlessly large-”
“Oh boy. Abby strikes again.” Raven grinned.
Clarke’s eyes widened when she saw where this was going. “Actually, mom, we were thinking of a smaller get-together-”
Is four hundred about right?” Abby asked through gritted teeth, clearly trying to one-up Aurora.
Lexa choked on her wine, and Clarke bit her lip as she gently patted her back, watching as Raven snorted from across the table with delight.
“I fucking love family dinners.” Raven whispered and Anya agreed with a small grin.
“F…four hundred guests?” Lexa stuttered slightly, trying to regain her composure. She glanced to Jake for some assistance, but he was grinning into his mashed potatoes, utterly wordless. “Actually, Abby, we were hoping for more of a…quaint affair. Something…intimate.”
“Intimate?” Abby scoffed. “Lexa, honey, intimacy in a relationship is a luxury. You’re marrying someone you can settle down with.” She tutted, and all eyes flew to Jake, who had now begun choking slightly on his meal.
“What is it with heteros and depressing relationships?” Raven grumbled as she reveled in the beauty of the awful dinner conversation.
Aurora smirked. “Octavia and Lincoln are incredibly intimate, Abby. Maybe my baby is…truly lucky.”
“Ouch, Aurora gets two points for that burn.” Raven rolled her eyes.
“Mom!” Octavia reddened, and Lincoln’s eyes went wide as he tossed back his wine desperately.
“Oh?” Abby cocked a brow. “Clarke and Lexa are intimate all the time.” She fired back.
“Oh no.” Anya whispered.
“Oh, fuck yes.” Raven eyed the twenty Bellamy was already fumbling for. “Come to mama.”
Clarke and Lexa both stiffened, turning towards each other with a look of horror. “No, mom, don’t-”
“In fact, just the other day I received a text from Clarke that I strongly believe was meant for Lexa.” Abby smirked triumphantly, so pumped in the heat of the moment that she likely didn’t realize what she was revealing. “Well, either that, or Clarke…Honey…we have to talk about boundaries. And your choice of sexual imagery-”
“Oh my fucking god.” Clarke buried her head into the table, beside her plate, watching as Lexa coughed up a storm, and Jake blinked as if he’d been slapped.
“Damn, Reyes.” Bellamy grumbled as he tossed the bill to her. “You lucked out.”
“You accidentally sexted your mom?” Raven grinned, ignoring him while reaching into her back pocket for her phone. “Wait! I need to capture the moment for your wedding album, O.”
Anya rolled her eyes, snatching the phone out of Raven’s hand with a pointed look.
Lincoln cleared his throat, tugging at his collar slightly as he clapped his hands together. “Um. Who wants dessert?”
Raven smirked. “Clarke wants some sugar, apparently.” She snorted. “God, I love this family.”
“Lexa.” Clarke sighed tiredly as she stepped out of the bathroom in her designated sleep tank top and shorts, her top riding a little high, the way Lexa had come to adore.
Lexa was seated on the bed, glasses on, diligently perusing through her work notes. She was already changed and showered, beating Clarke to the punch like usual.
“Hmm?” Lexa hummed absently as she thumbed through the pages, holding up her phone to dig into her sizeable email notifications.
“Tell me you still want to get married?” Clarke asked, towel-drying her blonde locks with slight apprehension.
Lexa dropped the folder in her hands, watching it clatter to her lap. She glanced up at Clarke, eyes wide slightly. “W... what? Clarke, of course I do. Do you not?”
Clarke gave her a wry little smile to let her know she was only teasing. “Oh, of course I do. I just meant, with how disturbing this family is…are you sure you want to marry into it?”
Lexa rolled her eyes, wordlessly patting the edge of the bed as she put her work items onto the nightstand.
Clarke smiled as she climbed into bed with a sigh, turning to face Lexa as she felt familiar arms encircle her.
“Are you kidding, Clarke?” Lexa breathed softly, peppering gentle kisses on Clarke’s face. “I lov e it.”
“Really?” Clarke cocked a brow, haughty smirk in place. “You loved the shitshow that just went down between my mom and Aurora?”
“Well.” Lexa bit her lip. “Maybe not that part entirely, but…it was quite amusing.”
“Our sex lives were discussed in front of my mother and father, Lex.” Clarke grumbled. “Amusing to you, maybe.”
“Well hey…” Lexa smirked, leaning in to draw out Clarke’s lips into a kiss. “Apparently you and I are lucky. We have quite the… intimate …relationship.”
Clarke rolled her eyes but found herself melting at her lover’s lips anyway. “I cannot believe that came up.”
Lexa paused thoughtfully, taking the opportunity to pull Clarke closer to her. “Why are they so competitive?”
“Oh, that’s ancient history, Lex.” Clarke mumbled, arms securing themselves around Lexa’s waist. “My mom knew Aurora in high school. We’ve always been neighbors, and close family friends. We got a Treehouse, the Blakes got a bigger one. We got a pool, the Blakes got one double the size. O and Bellamy were never really competitive with me, though. So I guess it didn’t transfer a generation.”
“That is…” Lexa bit her lip. “Incredibly lame.”
Clarke grinned, leaning forward to trace kisses against Lexa’s skin. “We’re the victims now.”
“Victims?” Lexa queried innocently.
“You see, our wedding has to be amazing, because Aurora was in charge of theirs, and it looks pretty damn good. And if we let my mom near ours, it will go up in flames.” Clarke explained amusedly. “So…we’re screwed.”
Lexa snorted. “Clarke, if it were up to me, it’d be you and I, immediate family, married somewhere scenic, like the beach. Small ceremony, romantic honeymoon.”
Clarke seemingly got a shiver at Lexa’s words, snuggling closer to her as Lexa pulled the sheets over them. “Right, well, my mom wants to invite four-hundred people, so…Guess again.”
Lexa’s face turned to one of curious confusion. “Clarke…I don’t think I even know four-hundred people.”
Clarke smirked. “I do. All of my exes-”
Lexa rolled her eyes, but smiled when Clarke planted a soft kiss on her jaw.
“I’m kidding, Lex.”
“I know. Back in our neighboring days, I was the hot one.” Lexa smirked, causing Clarke to chuckle against her.
“Mhmm, miss “ I play chess by myself on Friday nights ”. Really sexy.”
“Worked on you, didn’t it?” Lexa mumbled tiredly, kissing Clarke’s head as she turned to shut off her lamp, the last source of light in the hotel room.
“It did.” Clarke agreed softly, burrowing into Lexa’s warmth. “Lex?”
“Clarke?” Lexa answered softly.
“…We could always elope.”
Lexa snorted gently. “Your mother would skin me alive.”
Clarke laughed, shaking against Lexa as she steadied herself. “True. That just means she loves you.”
Lexa smiled into the darkness at that, feeling Clarke’s arms tighten around her slightly.
“I love you, Lexa.” Clarke murmured gently, as was their evening ritual.
“I love you too, Clarke, goodnight.”
The wedding arrived in spectacular fashion, with Alie running a fiercely tight ship. The hotel’s event ballroom was decked out in in brilliant style, thanks in no small part to Aurora’s barking out orders every ten seconds.
Late arrivals included Murphy, Finn, Monty and Jasper, (and Monty’s new boyfriend, Nathan Miller).
The Delinquents were back together, causing havoc at every turn.
Lexa was terrified.
Clarke assured her that they were called Delinquents for a reason, and that it was all perfectly normal. The couple watched as the cake was wheeled into the center of the room, and Murphy took it upon himself to attempt to swipe a finger into the frosting, tasting it far too early ahead of the designated cake cutting time.
Alie, was there in seconds, catching his wrist in a vice like grip that had him cursing and stalking off to Finn’s laughter.
Lexa was absolutely in awe. “Clarke.” She hissed lowly. “We need her.”
Clarke rolled her eyes and tossed back her champagne, turning her attention to Raven and Anya, who’d sidled up beside them, joining them in watching Lincoln sweep Octavia around the dance floor in a saccharine dance. Aurora was sobbing hideously as she watched her dreams for Octavia become a reality.
“Hey kiddo.” Jake’s familiar baritone voice sounded and Lexa saw him take the vacant seat beside her, smoothing out his suit. “You look lovely as ever.”
“Thank you, Jake.” Lexa replied formally, grinning when he rolled his eyes.
“One of these days you’ll get my name right.” Jake grinned back. “Dad’s gonna stick, soon enough.”
Lexa smiled, sipping her champagne. “I was actually hoping to speak with you.”
“Oh?” Jake nodded, leaning closer to hear her over the music. “What’s up?”
“It’s about the check.” Lexa nervously cleared her throat. “I...um…took the liberty of calculating this year’s profits, and I believe we’ve made more than enough to-”
Jake waved his hand dismissively. “Are you kidding me?” He shook his head. “I don’t ever want to hear about you paying me back again.”
Lexa paled. “Sir, you loaned me nearly-”
Jake cut her off. “Wasn’t a loan. It was a gift.”
Lexa gasped. “What for? I haven’t even-”
Jake reached into his pocket, brandishing his phone. “Lexa, can I show you something?” He interrupted gently.
“I…yes, of course, but-” Lexa wasn’t even able to finish.
“Good. Clarke sent me this…About two weeks ago, I think. Your old man’s losing his memory.” Jake chuckled to himself, skimming through his texts with Clarke until he found it. He turned the screen to Lexa, and on it was a picture Raven had taken of the two of them at the park. Lexa remembered it vividly.
Clarke had leapt onto her back for the photo, grinning as Lexa looked up at her adoringly, hardly buckling under her weight as the fall leaves swayed in the wind behind them.
Lexa wasn’t entirely sure what to say, so she remained quiet, reveling in Clarke’s beauty.
Jake smiled at her. “You said you didn’t do anything. But look. Right here. What’s this?” He zoomed in on Clarke’s face, her eyes glinting with happiness, her pearly smile wide.
It was Lexa’s favorite sight in the world.
“Clarke’s smile.” Lexa responded softly, glancing behind her to where the aforementioned blonde was giggling with Raven. “…I love it.” Lexa added, practically subconsciously.
“I know you do. So do I.” Jake beamed. “And you put it there. In fact, you do every day. I haven’t seen Clarke this happy since she first got into art.”
Lexa felt her heart rate speed up.
“Do you know what Clarke’s smile is worth?” Jake scoffed.
Lexa’s response was immediate. “Everything. Anything.”
“See?” Jake slipped the phone back into his pocket. “And you expect me to pay you for that?”
Lexa sighed, realizing there was no way out of this predicament. Jake was too kindhearted.
“Now.” Jake sighed, putting hand on Lexa’s shoulder. “Enough about Clarke. How are you doing?”
“The business is-”
“Nah.” Jake waved his hand. “Not interested. I’m talking about you, kid. Are you happy? Things going well?”
Lexa nodded, feeling her heart break a little. Nearly everything had been perfect, except for that one, nagging issue.
“Good. You know, I’m your Dad as much as I am Clarke’s. You need some good old fashioned dad jokes, I’m your man.” Jake winked, watching Lexa smile.
“Thank you.” Lexa blinked back her overwhelming emotions. “For everything, Jake.”
He nodded, eyes settling on the dance floor, where Octavia and Lincoln were still in the middle of their dance.
“Jake?”
“Lexa?”
“I was thinking…I should pay for our wedding.” Lexa began, setting her jaw. She was determined.
Jake boomed out a laugh that surprised Clarke, causing her to turn and lift her brow curiously.
Jake leaned forward, pinching Lexa’s cheek teasingly, as if she were a child. “That’s real cute, kid. You’re quite the comedian.”
Lexa smiled sheepishly as she watched him excuse himself to find Abby.
“What was that, baby?” Clarke questioned, leaning her head on Lexa’s shoulder.
“…I offered to finance our wedding.” Lexa grumbled.
“Aww, babe, with my parents?” Clarke smirked. “That’s cute.”
Lexa rolled her eyes, but smiled when Clarke gave her thigh a comforting squeeze.
Soon, couples began dotting the dance floor, joining Lincoln and Octavia in swaying gently to the music.
Anya and Raven were gone in a heartbeat, joining Monty and Nathan, as well as Jake and Abby. Octavia danced with Murphy, while Lincoln swept Aurora out of her seat with a charming smile.
Lexa’s heart skipped a beat as Clarke laced her hand with Lexa’s, squeezing it gently. She still got butterflies whenever she glanced at Clarke, or whenever they touched. It was incredible, and she had an inkling it was a feeling that would never really go away.
“Should we dance?” Clarke asked gently, smiling when Lexa took her hand, lightly pulling her into an embrace on the hardwood.
“So.” Clarke hummed as Lexa’s hand found her waist, the other gently joining with hers, but not before Lexa pressed a quick kiss to it.
“So.” Lexa echoed, gently swaying in delicate patterns with Clarke.
“This is gonna be us.” Clarke noted as she felt herself subconsciously lean into Lexa’s touch.
“More or less.” Lexa smiled at the thought, glancing at the couples around them. “It’s…strange to think about.” She admitted cautiously.
“What, marrying me?” Clarke asked amusedly. “It won’t be that bad, I’ll stop leaving my clothes on the floor-”
Lexa shook her head, suppressing a laugh. “No. It’s just that…this is going to be my family.” She murmured, motioning to the couples swaying around them. “I’ve never had one, like this. It’s odd.”
“Hey.” Clarke tutted, drawing Lexa’s gaze. “They already are your family, wedding or not. They love you. I love you.”
Lexa smiled gently and Clarke leaned up to press a soft kiss to her lips. “Besides.” She added gently. “You and I? We make our own family.”
Lexa nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat, though she quickly averted her gaze.
“Lex?” Clarke asked gently. “This keeps happening. What’s up, baby? Is something making you uncomfortable?”
They continued to sway as the song rolled on, moving in neat circles. “Nothing you did.” Lexa assured.
“Hey.” Clarke nudged her softly, though they kept form. “We’re supposed to be best friends.”
“We are, Clarke.” Lexa furrowed her brow, as if to question her.
“Then you know you can tell me anything. I told you that you-”
“-Never have to apologize for how I feel.” Lexa finished gently. “I know, Clarke. But it’s stupid.”
Clarke rolled her eyes. “Lex, I don’t think stupid is in your vocabulary. You can do rocket science in the same time it takes me to calculate a tip.”
Lexa smiled faintly, shaking her head with a sigh. “It’s…about family.” She began gently, the dancing helping to distract her from the humiliation of admitting it to Clarke.
“Ours?” Clarke queried.
“Mine.” Lexa admitted. “I mean, my parents.”
“Nia?” Clarke asked, her voice hardening noticeably.
“No. My birth parents.” Lexa shook her head, pulling Clarke a little closer to avoid bumping her into Octavia and Murphy, behind them.
“Oh.” Clarke bit her lip, unsure of how to broach the delicate topic. Lexa had never really brought them up before. “I thought you never knew them?”
“I don’t.” Lexa admitted.
“But you want to.” Clarke finished knowingly. “You never wanted to before.”
“I wasn’t getting married before.” Lexa pressed softly. “I wasn’t going to marry the most amazing woman and possibly start a family with her…” Lexa trailed off, and Clarke felt her eyes water. She blinked the emotion away, pressing a soft kiss to Lexa’s lips. Their circles were getting slower and slower, though they swayed in time with the music.
“That’s what this is about?” Clarke asked softly.
Lexa shrugged. “It’s stupid. I just…found myself getting curious, surrounded by your family all the time.”
“Our family.” Clarke reminded gently.
“I know. I know I sound unappreciative-” Lexa was cut off, as Clarke shook her head.
“No. Lexa, your feelings are valid. If this is what you want, I’m behind you. Always.” She murmured, and Lexa sighed, leaning down to press her forehead to Clarke’s as they swayed.
“I’m not even sure about what I want. Hell, I wouldn’t know how to find them. And what kind of damaging effects could it have if I didn’t like who they were? What would we talk about? What if they’re not even around, Clarke?” Lexa admitted nervously, back tracking slightly. “All I know is, I want to marry you, Clarke Griffin. You’re enough, for me. More than enough.”
Clarke smiled sympathetically, closing her eyes momentarily, just feeling herself sway with Lexa. She imagined that this was months into the future. She imagined their wedding, complete with the music and the laughter, their family surrounding them.
It was almost perfect.
Almost.
Clarke would be damned if Lexa wasn’t perfectly happy, absolutely blissful in their new life together.
And if she needed to track down Lexa’s roots before they took their vows?
So be it.
Clarke was in love with Lexa, and to make her happy, she’d do anything. She was a woman on a mission.
She leaned up and kissed Lexa, arms encircling her neck as she smiled supportively, choosing to drop the subject. Instead, for now, she settled on: “I love you.”
It was a silent, love filled promise.