Lexa had surprised Clarke, stripping down to the black tank top she wore as an undershirt as soon as they arrived at the field. Clarke had expected a horse to have already been caught and saddled when they arrived. She had not expected this. Lexa had walked into the field, focused on a black horse standing separate from the others. Clarke watched as Lexa closed in, slowing her walk, eventually squatting in the grass. Clarke couldn't hear Lexa but she could see the horse's ears flicker, turning its head to look towards Lexa. Clarke couldn't help but stare at Lexa, her calves and thighs flexed as she squatted, her arm toned and glowing in the sun as she stretched it out in front of her encouraging the horse over. Lexa had never shown this much of herself in front of Clarke before, she wondered if Lexa always took the time to catch her own horse or if this was something personal. An opportunity the commander rarely had the freedom to enjoy. The horse eventually lowered its nose to the ground taking a step towards Lexa. That's all she needed, Lexa stood up and walked slowly towards the horse. Clarke could have sworn she heard Lexa's laugh carry across the field as the horse pulled away from her. The next couple moments, were ones that Clarke would never forget. Lexa and the horse were playing with each other. Clarke watched as Lexa whooped and ran alongside the horse, weaving and dodging until they both slowed and came to stand together, the horse leaning its head against Lexa's shoulder. Clarke watched Lexa take a step back to run a hand along the horse before disappearing from view. Lexa's head popped up on the other side as she pulled herself up on the back of the horse, nudging it towards Clarke.
As they came closer, Clarke watched the sway of Lexa's hips, admiring Lexa's body, taut in an effort to maintain balance while bare back. Clarke almost didn't notice the smile plastered to Lexa's face as she stopped the horse in front of Clarke, swinging down to the ground. The horse took Clarke by surprise, it was larger than she had expected, radiating a power she never imagined. Living on the Ark, Clarke had only ever seen pictures of horses. The only other time she saw a horse in person was the day she met Anya on the bridge in an attempt to forge peace and even then it was not this close up.
Clarke suddenly felt nervous. She had not wanted to agree to this, but when she found out that Clarke had no experience with horses Lexa had insisted. If they were to bring the Ice Queen's body back to Arkadia Lexa wanted Clarke to have some practice riding. Lexa came to stand shoulder to shoulder with Clarke. Her presence distracting Clarke as she could feel the warmth of Lexa's exertions penetrate the thin material of her shirt, Lexa's voice breaking her thoughts.
"There is nothing to be worried about Clarke, he is strong and gentle. He was once used as a war horse so he is sturdy and does not scare easily. I think he will be a good fit for you." Lexa looked towards Clarke nodding down at her hand. "Put your hand out flat and let him take in your scent." Lexa watched as Clarke raised the palm of her hand. During Clarke's time at Polis Lexa had maintained her distance, trying to give Clarke the space she needed to forgive her. Standing together like this, alone, Lexa couldn't stop herself. Reaching forward Lexa cupped her hand underneath Clarke's, waiting for Clarke to pull away. When Clarke didn't move, Lexa gently guided Clarke's hand up to the star on the horse's forehead, trapping it between the horse and her hand. She moved their hands together, gently stroking the horse.
Clarke was stunned when Lexa took her hand moving it to pet the horse. In the past couple weeks they had only touched when Clarke initiated it. Clarke let Lexa take the lead moving their hands down the horse's face. Clarke thought Lexa's hands would feel rougher from years of work and battle. Instead her hand was smooth and soft, and unsurprisingly strong. Clarke spread her fingers underneath Lexa's hand, watching as Lexa intertwined their fingers, caressing a thumb along her pinkie.
Everything in that moment stopped. They stood together, Clarke a step in front of Lexa, Lexa pressed against her back, their fingers intertwined still against the horse. Lexa didn't know how long they stood like this, her senses overloaded until Clarke finally removed her hand from underneath Lexa's. Lexa let her hand drop to her side, flexing in involuntary memory of Clarke's hand in hers. Reluctantly Lexa moved away to give Clarke the space she asked for.