A muscular hand gripped at a sleeve covered arm, a short whimper of pain escaping pink lips, blonde hair hanging limp around pale cheeks and hiding pained blue eyes.
"I told you to take your fucking hands off her! She doesn't want to go with you!"
A slender hand, though still powerful, formed a fist as it flew through the air and connected with the cheek of the man handling Clarke. Gasps rang out around them as Lexa sent the man crashing to the ground, his grip on Clarke's arm failing as he went down. Gentle hands smoothed across the arm that just a few moments ago was once again being abused in a tight grip. Cobalt clashed with jade and for a moment everything froze.
The crowd around them faded into blackness. Replaced only by them and the electric air between them. Mouths hung agape…unable to form the words that desperately needed to be said. Tan hands trailed down fabric covered arms to clasp onto pale shaking fingers. Eyes darted along any exposed flesh to check for injuries although one of them was more than sure that the other was secretly covered with them.
They couldn't help the gravity that pulled them together. That forced them to start closing the distance between them. Begging to be close enough to share body heat despite the sweltering temperature outside no matter the time of night. But all was broken by a single person yelling through the crowd, amazement lacing the voice as it struck them from their trance.
"Dude, that was fucking badass! She just punched a fucking cop!"
Two weeks ago (Day after Clarke's nightmare)…
Lexa sighed drearily as she packed her bag after her second class of the day.
After eating a quick breakfast Lexa had offered to walk Clarke back to her home stating that she wanted to make sure she got home safe. But the blonde quickly refused.
"I don't want you to have to walk me all the way to my house and have to rush back here to get ready for class. I'll be fine," Clarke had said after having changed back into her clothes from the prior day.
Lexa had watched somewhat begrudgingly as Clarke disappeared behind her apartment door…leaving her alone to fumble around her apartment for the next two hours before her class. She was used to being alone in her apartment, with her roommate being gone at her boyfriends most of the time, but after having Clarke there only a handful of hours the small space seemed to close in around her. Became bleak and too quite…even though she had done most of the talking in the beginning, but Clarke threw in a sentence or two once she grew more comfortable.
And so Lexa had taken the longest shower and even primped herself in the mirror for a good twenty minutes. Something that she normally didn't do unless going out on a special occasion. For the remaining half hour before she had to leave for class, Lexa did what most students tried to do when they wanted to get their mind off a certain thing. Study. But that just seemed to make the silence grow continuously around her. So, with twenty minutes left before she even had to leave, Lexa found herself slinging her bag over her shoulder and walking out the door.
Nothing like getting to class early and getting a good seat…right?
Another drawled out sigh passed from her mouth as she heaved her bag back onto her shoulder.
"What's got you in such a downer mood?"
Lexa looked up and over the row of empty seats to see Octavia leaning against the doorframe, eyebrow arched in question.
"Nothing, just a long class is all. I've got a lot of material that I need to cover for it if I want to pass the next test," Lexa lied easily through her teeth.
As she pushed past Octavia and into the hallway the brunette scoffed before following alongside her,"Like you even need to study miss 4.0 GPA."
"That GPA doesn't just happen on it's own, you know. It's all thanks to text books, good notes, and a lot of sleepless nights."
"God, don't even talk about sleep right now. I literally just want to crawl back to my bed and pass out for twenty four hours," Octavia whined as her shoulders slumped.
"Well maybe if you didn't stay up until three in the morning binge watching Orange Is The New Black you wouldn't be so tired."
Octavia glared at Lexa before sadly groaning,"I had to catch up with Raven or otherwise she would spoil it for me!"
Lexa shook her head and chuckled as they pushed their way out of the building. She knew that Raven had a tendency to spoil all the good movies and tv shows…and Lexa had learned the hard way after the Latina all but ruined the ending to Inferno after she expressed her interest in watching it. As the two made their way towards the campus cafeteria they discussed the latest episodes of OITNB, all the while enjoying the gentle breeze that blew through the campus.
As they entered the cafeteria's courtyard Lexa suddenly found her eyes scanning the area for a certain blonde haired female. Last night, while finishing off their pint of ice cream, she had somehow convinced Clarke to meet her for lunch…and she had been waiting impatiently to see her since. Lexa inwardly smiled at the thought of seeing the blonde, even if only for an hour. Ever since her first run-in with Clarke her stomach filled with butterflies every time she was around her…and she still couldn't explain why. Yes, she knew she had feelings for the woman but they came so suddenly. So unexpectedly that it just swooped her feet out from under her.
And the kissing.
God.
Her body became overrun by such an intense heat every time their eyes met. Every time their hands touched. Every time their lips met. Everything about Clarke set her on fire. But something in the back of her mind nagged at her. What was this between them? Obviously they were far from the dating stay, still not fully familiar with each other to be there just yet. Maybe just…friends with benefits? Lexa cringed as soon as the thought slashed through her mind. Clarke wasn't just someone she would use for sex. No. There was something too important between them. Something that called to Lexa.
Deciding that she would come back to that topic another day she scanned the courtyard once more for Clarke. Her shoulders slumped as she caught no sign of the woman sitting at the bench that she had been sketching at the first day she had seen her. So, with heavy feet and a slightly heavy heart, Lexa continued to follow Octavia into the cafeteria. Thankfully the brunette hadn't noticed her slight hesitation in her steps as she searched the area or she just chose not to comment on it.
After ordering their food and paying Lexa lead them to the closest table to the windows that she could find. Hopefully she might be able to catch a glimpse of Clarke if she was simply running late. Octavia chatted away about current events and latest trends…all while Lexa leaned back in her chair and watched the courtyard.
"Earth to Lexa!"
A hand slapping down on the table had Lexa jumping in her seat. Green eyes darted over to rest on Octavia who looked at her with raised eyebrows.
"I'm sorry. I was daydreaming. What'd you say?"
"Daydreaming?" Octavia asked, unconvinced,"You never day dream, Woods. Who are you looking for?"
Lexa was able to stop the flinch that ached to cross her face at being discovered,"No one. I was just…watching the uh, the people playing frisbee."
"And since when have you ever been interested in people playing frisbee?"
"Since now," Lexa replied lamely.
"You're a horrible liar, Lexa. Just tell me who you were looking for already," Octavia smirked.
Knowing that she wouldn't be able to keep anything from her friend for long Lexa decided to let it out,"Clarke."
Octavia face filled with slight shock,"You mean Clarke Griffin? The one I was friends with in high school?"
"I don't know any other Clarke's," Lexa teased, hopefully trying to ease the growing tension that she felt forming.
"Why are you looking for Clarke?"
Lexa bit her bottom lip as she tried to form an explanation in her head. Anya was the only one of her friends who truly knew what was going on between her and Clarke. And she still hadn't told Octavia or Raven about how she had bumped into her the first day they met. As far as both of them knew they only shared one class together.
"We uh, the first day of school, at the end of the day, we kinda bumped into each other. She didn't come to class for two weeks so I didn't see her, but the other day I ran into her again and we've kinda been…hanging out. I got her to agree to meet me here for lunch but she hasn't shown up," Lexa said sheepishly.
There was no way she was going to disclose the details of why they were truly 'hanging out' together. That wasn't her story to give. It was Clarke's.
Octavia looked downcast for a minute before her own gaze shifted to the window to search the courtyard,"So she talks to you?"
"A bit," Lexa whispered, noticing the slight hurt that laced the younger brunette's tone.
"Don't tell Raven," Octavia said as she shifted her eyes back to Lexa,"But I ran into Clarke at a store the summer after our senior year. I tried to talk to her but she just pushed me away. I asked her why she stopped talking to me and Rae and she just told me to go away. It hurt that she just shoved us aside like we didn't mean anything to her. I begged her to talk to me but she wouldn't. She left me standing in the middle of the store wondering just what the hell I did for her to stop caring about us."
Lexa's heart cracked at the sight of the normally cheery brunette dwindling away to be replaced by someone unknown to her. Someone who was hurt and misty eyed. If only she could Octavia why Clarke really pushed them away. Lexa knew, without having the blonde having to tell her and judging by how close they used to be, that Octavia and Raven were important to her and that's why she had distanced herself from them. To keep them safe.
"She hasn't stopped caring about you, O," Lexa whispered.
Octavia pinned her with a hard stare,"And how do you know? Has she talked to you about why she left us? Why she just upped and quit being our friend without so much as an explanation to us? I mean, you seem to be getting close to her so obviously you guys have talked about this before since you say she still cares."
"It's not my story to tell."
Lexa knew it was a poor excuse to get out of the conversation, but there was no way for her to explain anything without revealing Clarke's secret. And god did she want to…but she had made a silent promise to let Clarke do that on her own. No matter how much it hurt her to keep it a secret.
"What story?" Octavia demanded.
Lexa swallowed past a lump in her throat. There was no quick excuse that popped up in her head. Of course Octavia wouldn't just take the 'it's not my story to tell'. She would want answers. She would demand them. And Lexa wanted to give them to her. To let her friend know that it wasn't because Clarke didn't care about her that she pushed her away. It was because she cared so much. And just when she thought she wound't be able to hold it in any longer a glimpse of blonde caught the corner of her vision.
Emerald eyes whipped around to see the main subject of their topic walking towards the entrance of the cafeteria,"Uh, I gotta go. I'll see you later, okay?"
Before Octavia could object Lexa was out of her seat and stalking towards the door. She could hear the brunette calling out to her and silently begged for her not to follow. She wasn't sure how Octavia would react if she saw Clarke right now with all the emotions she was feeling. And she was certainly sure that if, in this moment, Octavia was to find out the blonde's secret, that she wouldn't keep quite about it. Lexa could tell that she cared for Clarke too much to not go and tell someone of high authority. And Lexa wanted nothing more than to do the same but she feared that if she did then Clarke would no longer trust her and she would just drive herself further into the hands of her abuser.
Lexa pushed open the glass door of the cafeteria and almost ran into a very nervous looking Clarke,"Hey, I was beginning to think you were skipping out on me."
The blonde's eyes shifted nervously over Lexa's face,"Um, class ran a little late. I just got out. Sorry I didn't text you."
Lexa waved her off,"It's fine. I wasn't sure if you were going to come so I already ate but if you want we can go and get you something and maybe come outside and eat?"
"Uh, no that's fine. We can just…sit out here. I'm not really hungry."
"Okay. Lead the way then."
They spent the rest of their lunch talking, well Lexa doing most of the talking. At one point Clarke had pulled out her sketch book and began flipping through the drawing covered pages for a blank one. A certain sketch had caught Lexa's eyes and she swiped her hand out to try and stop Clarke from flipping past it so she could see. She could feel Clarke tense up beside her and she cautiously tilted the book so she could get a better look.
An image of her. Of Lexa. Roughly, but beautifully, sketched to perfection. From the sharp curve of her jaw down to the green of her eyes, the only color that rested on the page.
"It's not finished yet," Clarke whispered.
"It's beautiful, Clarke," Lexa said, simply entranced by the beauty of the sketch. By the pure talent that dripped from it.
"Thank you."
Lexa's eyes drifted away from the drawing to stare into shimmering ocean orbs. She could feel herself gravitating towards Clarke once again. The undeniable pull that made her ache to feel the blonde against her. To feel her skin under her hands. Her lips against her's. And Lexa wondered how Clarke would react to her kissing her. Right here. Right now. In the open. Out of the privacy of her apartment.
It seemed like she was going to get her answer because Clarke wasn't stopping her as she got closer. No. The blonde was closing the space between them as well. Almost like she was feeling the same pull that Lexa felt. Their lips were inches apart. The sounds of a few people playing frisbee off in the distance fading away as it became just them.
"Clarke!"
The blonde quickly snapped away from her and Lexa almost growled at whoever was interrupting them. Her head snapped forward to surprisingly see, of all the people in the world, Bellamy walking towards them waving to the blonde. Octavia's older brother. She had met him once when he dropped by to surprise Octavia in her dorm room while they were all studying for finals. He hadn't stayed long, not wanting to disrupt their studying, but it was long enough for Lexa to remember his face.
Suddenly the woman next to her was shoving her sketch pad into her bag and standing,"I've got to go."
Lexa could hear the almost urgent and frightened tone in her voice,"You know Bellamy?"
"Uh, yeah. From Octavia. Listen, today was nice but I really need to go okay," Clarke held her gaze briefly and Lexa almost thought she saw a flicker of sadness,"Thank you. For everything."
To Lexa, it almost seemed as if Clarke was saying goodbye. For the last time. And that frightened her. Made her chest tighten with panic at what the blonde was silently telling her. But she pushed it aside because no matter what she had to do…this wouldn't be goodbye. Not yet.
"Don't thank me. I'd do it all over again if I had the choice. I'll see you around?"
Clarke's only response was a sad smile before she walked off and that's when Lexa realized she would have to fight to see her again. She didn't know what was running through Clarke's mind at that time but she knew whatever it was, was what she thought was best for Lexa. What would keep her safe. And she knew that Clarke thought she would be keeping her safe by pushing her away just like she did everyone else. But she'd be damned if she let that happen. She didn't get this close to her, feel the things she was feeling, just for Clarke to walk out of her life.
No way in hell.
But she let her go for now. Watched as she walked over to Bellamy who had a small smile on his face as he talked to Clarke. She growled internally as the older man placed a hand on Clarke's back and began leading her towards the parking lot off in the distance. Her eyes remained locked on the two as they got closer to the cars.
And damn did her heart stop as she realized just what car they were getting into.
A fucking police cruiser.
One week and five days later (after Clarke's nightmare)…
It's been a week and a half since Lexa fearfully watched as Clarke disappeared into the passenger seat of Bellamy's cruiser. A week and a half since her heart became consumed with such fear. A week and a half since she had let Clarke leave with who she undoubtedly assumed was Clarke's abuser. The signs all pointed to Bellamy.
The way Clarke's tone had been laced with slight fear when he arrived.
The almost sickeningly way Bellamy seemed to be 'happy' at seeing Clarke.
The fact that he drove a fucking police cruiser.
There was no doubt in Lexa's mind that he was the one abusing Clarke. Laying his hands upon her and leaving bruises in his wake. Causing nightmares to jolt the blonde from a peaceful night's rest. The reason that Clarke was scared to let anyone get close to her in fear of them getting hurt in the process.
And not once did Lexa drift off to sleep that night. Her mind screamed at her that Clarke could be getting beaten right now. Bellamy had basically seen them kissing and she doubted he was going to let that slide. She had tossed and turned, never finding a comfortable spot, before throwing herself out of bed and perched herself at her desk for some studying. Not even that helped.
That's how she found herself almost every night since then.
Sleepless and fearful.
Lexa hadn't seen Clarke since that day. And when a new student suddenly appeared in Clarke's seat in their shared class she had questioned her professor after class about the blonde's absence.
"Ms. Griffin has transferred to another class," Was his only response before leaving the classroom.
That caused her to grow even more worried. There was no way to tell if it was Bellamy who had made her switch classes or if it was Clarke herself who decided to do so. Lexa wasn't pleased with either answer.
And everyday she found herself sitting at a table near the windows in the cafeteria hoping to catch a glimpse of blonde hair and blue eyes. But, much to her disappointment, not one single blonde strand was seen. But even now, as she silently sat across from Anya, she still stared out the window, just praying that Clarke would appear.
"Lexa," Anya's voice was soft as she tried to her attention.
"Hmm?" The brunette hummed, her eyes never leaving the courtyard.
"I'm guessing you're looking for Clarke?"
Lexa slowly nodded her head and sighed.
"You haven't seen her since she left with Bellamy?" Anya asked.
The brunette shook her head, eyes perking as she caught sight of a blonde female only to realize it wasn't Clarke. Lexa had told Anya about Bellamy's sudden appearance and how Clarke disappeared with him without even so much as an explanation to where she was going. The older woman had almost blown up when she stated that Bellamy was driving a police cruiser, putting the puzzle pieces together that laid obviously in front of them. It had taken all of Lexa's strength to keep her from storming out the door to find Bellamy and giving him a piece of his own medicine.
"She transferred to a different Psychology class so I don't see her there anymore. I don't see her here in the courtyard anymore. I've walked around the campus after class trying to find her but…nothing. It's almost like she doesn't go here anymore but she does," Lexa said.
She could feel Anya's gaze lingering on the side of her head and could almost feel the sadness rolling off the her. Anya was one of the few people who truly knew what Lexa was feeling no matter how well she hide it. And right now she felt like absolute crap. Not because of the lack of sleep but because of Clarke. Because she had absolutely no idea how the woman was doing. For all she knew she was laying somewhere covered in bruises and blood or maybe even…
Lexa shivered.
She didn't allow herself to complete that thought.
"I know it's hard, Lexa. I want to know how she's doing just as much as you but you can't allow this to do what it's doing to you. You're not going to be any help to Clarke if you pass out from lack of sleep or not eating," Anya said, pointing out her lack of food the past few days.
"I can't help it. I just keep thinking about what probably happened after she got in that cruiser. It keeps me awake at night and the images just make me loose my appetite."
"Well for the next two days you're taking something to help you sleep and I'm going to make you eat. We're all going out Saturday night and you need the distraction so you're coming with us."
Lexa eyed her friend from the corner of her eyes before shifting back onto the courtyard,"I don't feel like going, Anya. I'm not in the mood."
"Look, Lexa," Anya sighed,"I know you're worried about Clarke, and as much as I hate to say it, but if she won't let you help her there isn't much you can do right now. It's not going to be good for you if you just let this consume you."
Lexa was quick to turn her vision onto Anya,"And you just want me to forget that she's being beaten? That someone's hurting her? You expect me to really just forget about that?"
"That's not exactly what I'm saying. You just need some time to get your mind off this, okay? Just for one night at least. After that I'll help you find Clarke and we'll talk to her together. See if we can convince her to at least get away from him. There has to be someone who's above him that can help her."
The anger that had simmered in her chest died out as the words left Anya's lips and she turned back to stare out at the courtyard with a sigh,"I know I shouldn't let this consume me but I can't help it. There's something different about her. Something that I've never felt about anyone I've helped in her position before. I…I know it's something special and I don't want to let go of it. And I can't stand seeing her hurt. I'm sick with myself for not telling someone already even though I'm doing it because she asked me to. But every time I see another bruise or cut on her I can't help but think that I could have prevented it."
"It's not your fault, Lexa. And it's not Clarke's either. Clarke only asked you to do that because she's scared that whoever's hurting her is going to hurt those you care about…including you. I know your mind is just screaming at you to tell someone because that's just who you are. You don't like to see people hurt and you want to get help for them as soon as you can, but this…this is different. Those people wanted help. They wanted out. As much as it pains both of us, because I don't like it anymore than you do, we need to give Clarke time to become that person. The one that wants help and then we can do everything we can to make sure her abuser never touches her again, okay?" Anya said as she reached across the table and placed a hand over Lexa's arm comfortingly.
The brunette processed the older woman's words for a few moments. In a sense, she was right. If Clarke wouldn't allow them to help her then there wasn't too much she was able to do. If only she could just get Clarke to name her abuser…then she could do something. Bellamy was undoubtedly the main suspect but without Clarke's confession on who was truly hurting her any other cop on the force was a given. And god did she hate being in this position. The one where she just sat back and watched someone get hurt.
Her anger began to rise once more.
In the back of her mind, if -when- she found out who was abusing Clarke she prayed to every god imaginable that she was given at least five minutes alone with the vile creature. She knew that it would make her no different from him but she ached to give him a taste of his own medicine. Ache to show him how the beautiful soul that he laid his hands on felt.
Lexa's eyes widened at the thought.
Never, with the many people she's ever helped, has she felt this way. The overbearing need to protect. To keep just this one person safe from everything. The need to see her smile. To laugh. To enjoy life like she should. There truly was something overwhelmingly special about Clarke…and Lexa knew she didn't want any of what she was feeling to go away.
Giving up for the day on trying to spot the blonde Lexa turned back to Anya whose gaze still lingered on her.
"I'll go Saturday," Lexa mumbled.
Anya did a little fit pump in triumph causing the brunette to laugh.
Two weeks later (after Clarke's nightmare) - Saturday night…
The bar was overly crowed. College students and a few older patrons filled the large space and the long bar that was tucked against the far left wall. A few groups lingered over at the pool tables while the dance floor filled with sweating bodies and flashing lights. The bass of the music flowed from the speakers and thumped heavily into the ground and radiated up Lexa's feet into her body. Soon her heart began a steady beat with said bass and reveled in the feeling that it caused. The carefree feeling that lulled her into a state of calm, letting everything wash away from her shoulders.
She was actually a little happy that she had agreed to go with everyone tonight. If not she'd probably just be sitting at home tossing and turning in her bed again, nothing but Clarke on her mind. Well, Clarke was still on her mind but maybe she could at least get some sleep after tonight with the help of a few drinks. Lexa followed closely behind Octavia, Raven, and Anya as they made their way through the shifting bodies and over to an empty table.
"First rounds on me!" Anya shouted over the music before walking over to the bar and catching the attention of a bartender.
Lexa took a seat in the booth before looking to Octavia who sat next to her,"Is Lincoln coming tonight? I haven't had a chance to talk to him since the other day."
"Yeah. He gets off work in a few and he'll be heading this way. Said he can't miss drinking with little miss spit fire over there," Octavia said as she gestured over to Raven who simply smirked.
"That's because he's smart enough to know that I'm the only one that can hold my own when it comes to a few games of Quarters."
Lexa rolled her eyes as she remembered the last time they had played the popular game. Lexa had tapped out after the third round, Anya and Octavia after the fourth, but Raven pulled the large man all the way into ten rounds. It was safe to say after that both Raven and Lincoln had to be carried out of the bar. Something that Lexa definitely wasn't going do every again after the vomiting incident in the taxi.
"If you do more than five rounds you're taking your own taxi home!" Lexa shouted causing Raven and Octavia to bust out laughing.
The trio talked a little more before Anya showed up with a tray of shots and a few drinks,"Shots first and then we grab our drinks and head to the dance floor!"
Everyone grabbed a shot and did a small cheers before throwing back the burning liquid. Lexa closed her eyes as the strong alcohol slid down her throat and settled in the pit of her belly. The burn was smooth and excited her. The feeling that coursed through her veins was one that she hadn't felt in a while and it felt good to let go for one night.
The small group of friends quickly grabbed their drinks before heading out towards the dance floor and maneuvered through the jumping bodies. They huddled together in the middle of the dance floor and began swaying to the beat, occasionally sipping their drinks when they got too heated. Every time a pair of hands found their way to her hips Lexa would quickly push them away and express her disinterest and, thankfully, after one too many hands Anya had pulled her forward and kept her protectively in beside her and Raven. As the three danced together Lexa's eyes scanned over the crowd, eyes landing on Octavia for a moment and noticing that Lincoln, who gave her a kind smile, had finally arrived, before shifting the rest of the way over to glance at the bar.
All her movement stopped as she noticed an all too familiar head of blonde hair perched atop a stool in front of the bar. She could see Clarke holding a glass and drinking from it heavily. Not once had it ever crossed her mind that she would see Clarke here of all places. She knew that the blonde wasn't too fond of large crowds and knew that this place was far out of Clarke's comfort zone. But those thoughts flew from her mind as she realized that Clarke was here. A few feet away from her. After two weeks of nothing. Two weeks of not knowing what happened after she got in Bellamy's car.
And those two weeks spurred her away from the dance floor to stride over to the bar.
Those two weeks were what had her pulling the blonde softly from her seat as she let out a gasp.
Those two weeks were what had her wrapping her arms around Clarke and pulling her tightly into her.
Those two weeks were the reason that her heart was now filling with relief of seeing Clarke mostly unharmed and breathing.
"Lexa?"
The words were a mere whisper and Lexa was sure that if Clarke hadn't been in her arms when she spoke that she would have never heard it over the bumping music.
"Where the hell have you been? I've been worried to death about you, Clarke," Lexa said as she allowed her arms to tighten further around the younger woman.
Clarke stiffened in her arms,"I'm…I'm sorry. I just couldn't do it anymore. We were getting too close. I was caring too much for you. I-I couldn't let that happen. If we get close then what's going to stop him from coming after you when he finds out? I can't let you get hurt, Lexa."
"Nothing is going to happen to me, Clarke. I can hold my own against him. It's you I'm worried about. I…After I saw you get in Bellamy's cruiser and didn't see you for the past two weeks and you transferred classes I thought the worst. I thought that he had…had hurt you…or worse. I've been having trouble sleeping because I keep thinking that I shouldn't have let you leave with Bellamy," Lexa said into her ear.
Clarke pushed her back and stared into her eyes, a hint of confusion clouding them,"Why shouldn't you have let me leave with Bellamy?"
Lexa's slid her hands along Clarke's arms, noticing that she still wore a long sleeve,"You can tell me it's him, Clarke. You told me your abuser is a cop! Bellamy showed up at your school looking for you and drove you away in a police cruiser for christ sakes. It's him that's hurting you, isn't it?"
The blonde opened her mouth to reply, confusion still lingering in her eyes but was stopped by a hand being placed on top her shoulder. Both women glanced to the person standing behind Clarke and Lexa felt her anger spark to life. There stood Bellamy, all decked out in his police uniform.
"Clarke, I've been looking for you for two hours. Why the hell are you in a bar?" Bellamy asked the blonde, completely ignoring Lexa's presence even though his eyes darted to her for a quick moment.
"I just wanted a drink and this was the closets bar. I was just about to leave," Clarke answered quickly.
"Good. Then I can give you a ride home," Bellamy said as his hand drifted down to grip her arm.
Lexa, noticing Clarke's growing unease, quickly inserted herself in front of Bellamy before he could step away,"How about you take your hands off her and let her decided who she wants to take her home. Obviously she isn't comfortable going with you."
Bellamy loosened his grip on Clarke's arm, allowing the woman to slip away from him, as he sized Lexa up. The brunette didn't shy away from him even though he was a good two heads taller than her…she knew she would have no problem bringing him down if she needed to.
"And just who are you to tell a police officer what to do?"
"Her friend, something you obviously aren't to her," Lexa sneered, seeing that Bellamy obviously didn't remember who she was,"Now, why don't you let Clarke decide if she wants you to take her home tonight. I think her answer might be a bit of a shock for that ego of your's though."
Bellamy's nostrils flared angrily but he chose not to fall into Lexa's little jab. Instead he turned to look at Clarke who stood there, eyes fearful, watching everything unfold before her.
"Well, Clarke? What's it going to be?" Bellamy questioned,"I need to get you home so tell your little friend here that you want me to take you home."
Clarke's eyes darted between them, her hands clenched at her chest, before landing on Lexa,"I…I want to go with her."
But Bellamy wasn't taking no for an answer, not when he had his boss to keep happy.
"I can't let you go with her, Clarke. I'm sorry but you're coming with me."
A muscular hand gripped at a sleeve covered arm, a short whimper of pain escaping pink lips, blonde hair hanging limp around pale cheeks and hiding pained blue eyes.
"I told you to take your fucking hands off her! She doesn't want to go with you!"
A slender hand, though still powerful, formed a fist as it flew through the air and connected with the cheek of the man handling Clarke. Gasps rang out around them as Lexa sent the man crashing to the ground, his grip on Clarke's arm failing as he went down. Gentle hands smoothed across the arm that just a few moments ago was once again being abused in a tight grip. Cobalt clashed with jade and for a moment everything froze.
The crowd around them faded into blackness. Replaced only by them and the electric air between them. Mouths hung agape…unable to form the words that desperately needed to be said. Tan hands trailed down fabric covered arms to clasp onto pale shaking fingers. Eyes darted along any exposed flesh to check for injuries although one of them was more than sure that the other was secretly covered with them.
They couldn't help the gravity that pulled them together. That forced them to start closing the distance between them. Begging to be close enough to share body heat despite the sweltering temperature outside no matter the time of night. But all was broken by a single person yelling through the crowd, amazement lacing the voice as it struck them from their trance.
"Dude, that was fucking badass! She just punched a fucking cop!"
Lexa backed away from the blonde, fingers still intertwined, and looked down to see Bellamy whipping away a bit of blood from his lip as he tried to stand up.
"You little…you're about to get arrested for assaulting a fucking police officer."
As he got back onto his feet he began pulling his handcuffs from his belt. Just when Lexa thought she was really about to be put into cuffs and escorted to the city's police station Octavia and Raven appeared in front of her.
"You're not arresting her, Bellamy," Octavia stated as she pushed her brother back,"If anyone needs to be arrested it's you for how you handled Clarke! I can tell that you hurt her by the look on her face!"
And sure enough when all eyes peered over to said blonde they could see the slight pain etched into her fingers. Clarke slowly took a step back, suddenly afraid of all the prying eyes that now settled on her.
"I think it would be better for you if you just left. We'll make sure Clarke gets somewhere safe. Away from you," Raven said as she moved in front of Bellamy to block his gaze from Clarke.
Bellamy met Lexa's stare before shifting around to see everyone's eyes had fallen on them. It took her a moment to realized that the music had stopped and the bar had grown quiet besides the slight whispers floating around and their little conversation. She could see two men, more than likely security guards, standing behind Bellamy as if waiting to see if they needed to escort anyone outside. All in all, they had caused quite the scene…a scene that Lexa wish she could have avoided.
"Just make sure she gets home," Bellamy said gruffly before making his way towards the exit, the crowd parting to allow him through.
After a few beats of silence everyone began to continue what they were doing. The music picked up once more and suddenly it felt less crowded. Lexa took a few seconds to calm herself before turning to Raven and Octavia.
"Thanks guys. You didn't have to get involved though. I could have handled it."
Raven scoffed,"Yeah right. All of know that you would have been being escorted out in cuffs if it wasn't for us."
Octavia laughed and she nodded in agreement,"And my brother deserved it for how he put his hands on Clarke. I wasn't about to let him arrest you for protecting her after he clearly hurt her."
Lexa smiled softly before noticing both of their eye's shift to glance over her shoulder. Pivoting her head she could see Clarke standing a bit behind her, head down waiting silently.
"You should go talk to her," Lexa said as she turned back to her friends.
"She probably doesn't want to talk to us," Raven said softly as she looked at Octavia who pursed her lips sadly.
"I do…," Clarke's voice suddenly came from beside Lexa,"Want to talk to you, that is. To thank you both."
Raven and Octavia looked a bit shocked as they met Clarke's gaze. Both women looked back to each other before falling on the blonde once more.
"You're, uh, welcome…I guess. We would have done it no matter what," Raven stuttered a bit awkwardly.
"I know, but you didn't have t-," Clarke began, only to be cut off by Octavia.
"Why?"
Lexa watched as Clarke nervously took a step back, not expecting the brunette's question.
"Why what?"
"Why'd you push us away? Why'd you stop talking to us? What did we do, Clarke?"
Raven placed a hand on Octavia's arm but didn't make any move to stop her questions. Instead she fixed Clarke with her own stare, obviously wanting the same questions answered.
"I…It's complicated, okay? Ju-just give me some more time, please," Clarke said as her blue orbs shot over to Lexa before turning back to her former best friends,"I'll explain everything soon. I swear, but I just need more time."
Lexa could tell that Octavia wasn't happy with Clarke's answer but she didn't fight it,"Fine…but at least answer me this one question."
"What's the question?" Clarke asked slowly.
Octavia stepped forward, a few tears welling up in her eyes,"Did you ever stop caring about us?"
"No…never," Clarke whispered without hesitation.
And Lexa's heart broke as she watched both women surge forward and embrace…one that was years overdue. She could see Raven also keeping a few tears at bay as she pushed her way between the two.
"Don't forget me you bitches," Raven muttered as she pulled Octavia and Clarke close to her.
Suddenly Lexa heard the sound that she wished she could hear forever. Clarke's watery laughter filled the space around them. Overpowered the thump of the music and drowned out everything around them. If Lexa had to hear one sound for the rest of her life it would always be Clarke's laughter, even if it was laced with a few happy tears.
She snapped out of her thoughts as she felt a hand close around her own and looked up to see Octavia smiling at her.
"Thank you,"the younger woman mouthed as she rested her head on Clarke's shoulder.
Lexa simply nodded, not wanting to disrupt the friends little moment. She watched as the three basked in each other's presence, happy to once again be with each other. Octavia was the first one to pull away, wiping a few stray tears from her face which only made her laugh as Raven and Clarke did the same.
"I never stopped caring for you guys, ever. But…things got complicated and I just couldn't have you near it. I promise, soon, that you'll understand why I pushed you away. Just…like I said, give me a little more time and I promise everything will be better," Clarke said once they were all composed.
And Lexa's heart clenched when she heard the silent 'I hope' in Clarke's tone. Lexa was going to be that hope in the blonde's life. She was going to make sure she was able to be with her friends once again. Able to get away from all the pain and suffering that wormed it's way into her life.
"Just don't be a stranger anymore. If you need us we're here, okay? But we won't push you," Raven said.
Clarke nodded in understanding before glancing over at Lexa for a split second,"I think it's about time I get home. I've been out long enough."
The three said their goodbyes, a few hugs quickly worked in, before Raven and Octavia went back towards the dance floor. Lexa met Anya's and Lincoln's gaze and gave them both a nod, signaling that she was fine and would be leaving. Both looked her over before giving their own nods back and following their girlfriends back onto the dance floor. Glad to finally have everyone's eyes off of them Lexa moved a little closer to Clarke and placed a gentle hand on her hip.
"Are you okay?"
Clarke looked up and help her gaze before letting the corner of her mouth lift up in a tiny smile,"Yeah, I'm fine now. Actually feeling a little better than when I first got here."
"Good. How about we get you home then? I'm sure you're tired after all that," Lexa said as she moved her hand to the small of Clarke's back and began leading them to the exit after the blonde nodded in agreement.
As they stood on the curb waiting for a taxi to appear Lexa felt Clarke's hand encompass her's.
"I don't want to go home," Clarke whispered.
"Where do you want to go then," Lexa asked, knowing that she would take the blonde wherever she wished.
"Can we…can you take me to your place?"
The brunette was a bit surprised by Clarke's answer but nodded none the less,"Yeah. You're always welcome at my place, Clarke. My roommates gone for the weekend so no one's there right now."
Clarke nodded in understanding. Lexa wasn't sure why she made it known that they would have the place to themselves…but she just did. And, as they finally flagged down a taxi and climbed in and gave the driver her address, Lexa grew a little excited. She would finally have more time with Clarke and just maybe she could get Clarke to explain a little more on why she disappeared. Maybe she could finally get it out of her that Bellamy was the one hurting her.
Just maybe.
Lexa flipped on the light switch and her apartment was engulfed in warm light. She stepped aside and allowed Clarke inside before shutting and locking the door. Both toed off their shoes and sat them by the door before moving into the living room.
"Have you eaten tonight? I can't make you something if you want," Lexa said as she turned to face Clarke who only continued to watch her intently, eyes holding something that she couldn't place.
"No, I'm fine."
The words were fast and before Lexa knew what was happening Clarke was before her, pulling her close and closing her lips over her's. Emerald eyes fluttered closed as she sunk into the kiss and let her hands softly grip Clarke's hips. There was so much they needed to discuss about what occurred over the last two week and tonight but right now that was the last thing on Lexa's mind. She finally had Clarke back with her. The amount of relief that bubbled in her chest almost had her heart beating viciously from her chest.
Just when Lexa was about to dart her tongue out to smooth over silk lips Clarke pulled away. Her chest heaved, her lips quivered, and suddenly Lexa realized there were a few tears slipping down Clarke's cheeks.
"Clarke? What's wrong?"
The blonde took in a shuttering breathe, eyes still closed, and rested her forehead against Lexa's,"Thank you, for what you did tonight. You're the first person that's stood up for me like that. No one's ever punched another person in the face for me before."
"I'd do it again in a heartbeat," Lexa whispered, her lips lifting to press against Clarke's forehead.
"Lexa…," Clarke said as she pulled away from her.
"What?"
The blonde's ocean orbs searched her's for a moment,"It's not Bellamy that's hurting me."
Lexa's arms tightened around her,"Then who, Clarke? Let me help you. I can't do that if you want allow me to. I don't think I can do this much longer. I can't watch you continue to get hurt time and time again. I can't stand to see the bruises or know that you're in pain when I can do something to sto-."
"My stepdad," Clarke quickly cut her off,"Anthony Johnson. He's the city's sheriff. He's the one that…he's the one that does it all."
Lexa never thought she could become so consume with so much relief and anger at the same time. Finally she had what she needed to protect Clarke. She had what she needed to stop Clarke's pain. What she needed to take down the vile creature who called himself a man.
And she would stop at nothing to make sure Anthony was behind the very bars that were only feet away from his own office.