Lexa sits in her car outside Lima Family Funeral Home in Santa Clara, California. She's wearing a knee length black dress with matching black flats. She's wearing a light shade of makeup. She looks beside her, and forces out a smile. Her girlfriend, Clarke Griffin, is wearing a similar black dress with two inch black heels.
"Thanks for coming. I really appreciate it." Lexa says.
"No need for thanks. You're my girlfriend. I'm here whenever you need me." Clarke says pressing a soft kiss to Lexa's cheek. Lexa smiles, and opens her car door. She climbs out, and shuts the door. Clarke joins her on her side, and grabs her hand. She intertwines their fingers together.
"Ready?" Clarke asks.
"As I'll ever be." Lexa says. The two walk across the parking lot, and reach the front doors to the funeral home. Clarke opens the right door, and the two walk in. Two men in suits stand just inside the door.
"Hello. How may I help you?" One of them asks.
"Zayn Stalkhos." Lexa says.
"First door on your right." The man says. Lexa nods, as the two walk near the door. They reach the door, and Lexa walks in. She stands just inside the door squeezing Clarke's hand. Clarke tilts her head to look at her.
"Relax." Clarke says. Lexa just nods in agreement, as she walks down the aisle. her heart almost sinks to her stomach when she sees her two younger siblings. Her 13 year old sister, Alicia, and her 6 year old brother, Jase. The two are sitting next to each other wiping tears from their eyes. Lexa's mother stands next to them. Lexa breathes heavily, and walks up to her mother.
"Mom." Lexa says tapping on her shoulder. Clarke lets go of Lexa's hand when her mother turns around.
"Lex." Her mother says before wrapping Lexa in a tight hug. They stand there in each other arm's for a couple minutes, before Lexa pulls away.
"Sorry, we're later than we expected. Traffic was crazy." Lexa says.
"You're here. That's all that matters." Alexia Stalkos says.
"I know. This is probably the worst timing to do this, but I'm just going to do it anyway. Mom, this is Clarke. Clarke, my mother." Lexa says.
Lexa's mom smiles, and pulls in Clarke for a hug. Clarke is taken back for a second, but realizes the situation.
"It's nice to meet you Clarke. Lexa never stops talking about you." Lexa's mom says after pulling away from a hug.
"Very nice to meet you Mrs. Stalkhos." Clarke says smiling. Lexa walks around Clarke, and kneels in front of her two younger siblings.
"Hey, hey. It's going to be alright." Lexa says as Alicia and Jase look up. Their eyes filled with watery tears. Lexa wrapping her arms around them both.
"We were worried you weren't going to make it." Alicia says.
"I wouldn't miss this. I promise." Lexa says giving her younger sister a kiss on the cheek. She turns to her brother and gives him a kiss on his cheek as well. Clarke stands beside Lexa's mother, and smiles.
"She's always been like that. She protects them with all that she can." Lexa's mother says.
"I can see. I'm an only child, so I'm all that my parents have." Clarke says.
"Well, you're always welcome here Clarke." Lexa's mom says walking over to where Lexa is kneeled.
"It's about to start." Her mother says. Lexa sits beside her sister, and Clarke joins her. Clarke looks at Lexa, and smiles. She gives her a small kiss on her cheek. Lexa smiles, and looks over at Clarke. She grabs Clarke's hand, and intertwines their fingers together. The priest stands atop the podium and clears his throat.
"Welcome family, friends, and everyone here. We are here to celebrate the life of Zayn Thomas Stalkhos. He was a great man, a great husband, and a great father to two girls and one boy. He was beloved in the Santa Clara community." The priest says. Lexa chokes back, and rests her head on Clarke's shoulder. Clarke rubs Lexa's shoulder, and comforts her.
A couple of his friends come up and say a few words about him. Lexa wants to, but she is too afraid of crying too much. The church procession ends, as everyone leaves to go to the cemetery. Lexa and Clarke stand up, and file out of the room. They make their way back to Lexa's car.
"Clarke, can you drive? I can't." Lexa asks.
"Sure. Anything you need." Clarke says helping Lexa into the passenger seat. Clarke walks over, and gets in the driver's seat. She shuts the car door, and starts the car. She follows out of the parking lot following the hearse.
Lexa grabs a tissue from the glove box, and wipes her eyes. She stuffs the tissue in the side of the door.
"I really didn't think I could take much more of that." Lexa says.
"I know. I'm here for you Lex." Clarke says as she turns into the cemetery after the hearse. She parks the car in the grass, and turns off the ignition. Lexa leans her head against Clarke's shoulder. Clarke runs her hands down Lexa's back.
"It's okay. I got you." Clarke says assuring her. Tears run down Lexa's cheeks, and she sniffles. Clarke grabs a tissue and hands it to her. Lexa wipes the tears away, and looks up at Clarke.
"Thanks. I don't think it's possible for me to love you more." Lexa says giving Clarke a quick kiss on her lips.
"Same goes for me Lex." Clarke says smiling.
"Okay, I think I'm ready." Lexa says opening the passenger side door. She climbs out, and shuts the door behind her. Clarke soon joins her by her side. They walk to the tent where the casket sits ready to go in the ground. Lexa sits in one of the seats, and Clarke stands behind her. Her hands braced on Lexa's shoulders.
The priest stands next to the casket, and delivers a few more speeches. Lexa is handed a red and white rose. She swallows thickly as she recognizes the flower. Her father's favorite type of flower. A flower he used to give her mother every year on their anniversary. The priest ends the funeral procession with a prayer.
Lexa stands, and walks up to the casket. She places the flower on the casket, and kisses the casket.
"I love you Dad." She says holding back tears. She walks back over to where Clarke stands. Lexa looks at her mother who is standing next to her.
"Hey, we're going to go back to the house for a little bit. That alright?" Lexa asks.
"Sure. Be safe, love you." She says kissing Lexa on the cheek. Lexa nods as they walk back to the car. Lexa climbs in the passenger seat, as Clarke hops in the driver's seat. She turns the key into the ignition, and drives out of the cemetery.
They arrive at Lexa's house about 20 minutes later. Clarke parks the car in the driveway, and looks at Lexa.
"You good?" She asks.
"Yeah, I'm good." Lexa says climbing out of the car. Clarke hops out of the car, and throws Lexa her keys. Lexa catches them, and Clarke follows her up the steps that lead to the front door. Lexa unlocks the door and walks inside the house. Clarke follows her inside, and shuts the door behind her.
Lexa walks up the steps, and Clarke follows her. Lexa reaches her room, and opens the door. She walks in, and is joined by Clarke. Clarke shuts the door behind her.
Lexa's room is painted a dark red color. A shelf is full with basketball trophies including a couple medals. Multiple posters of UCLA basketball logos are on her wall. Her bed is a queen sized bed. Lexa slips her flats off, and sets them aside. She goes to one of her drawers, and pulls out a pair of red and white athletic shorts. She sets them on the bed, and walks over to her closet. She pulls out a white tank top, and sets it on the bed.
Lexa quickly pulls the dress she's wearing over her head, and tosses it aside. Clarke walks up behind her and wraps her arms around her waist.
"Have I ever told you that you are absolutely gorgeous?" Clarke asks.
"Only every second of everyday." Lexa says.
"Good. Don't want you to forget." Clarke says unwrapping her arms. Lexa smiles, and pulls on her shorts. She throws on the tank top, and turns to look at Clarke. Clarke grabs her hand, and leads her to her bed.
Lexa lies down on the bed, and Clarke joins her. Clarke wraps her arms around Lexa's waist. Lexa stares deep into Clarke's eyes, and smiles big.
"And, you're gorgeous. Don't you ever forget that either." Lexa says.
"You keep saying it, and I won't." Clarke says. Lexa leans in, and connects their lips in a sweet, gentle kiss. It's short, but it's gentle. Something Lexa needs after the events of the past few days.
"And, you're a wonderful kisser." Lexa says.
"You're not too shabby yourself." Clarke says smiling. Lexa buries her face into Clarke's chest. Clarke runs her fingers through Lexa's hair.
"I love you." Lexa says.
"Love you too. Now, get some rest." Clarke says. Soon, Lexa is fast asleep in Clarke's arms. Clarke smiles, and soon falls asleep herself.