That was a shit show.' Murphy muttered.

Clarke watched the credits finally roll to an end before she glanced at Murphy, who was wearing a look of grim defeat.

'He shouldn't have lost his temper like that.' Clarke reasoned.

'I didn't help.'

'You couldn't.' Clarke emphasised. 'And that's okay. Wells needs to wait.'

Murphy groaned, resting his head back on the top of the sofa and looking up at the ceiling. Clarke wished there was something she could say or do but she knew there was nothing. Murphy had to figure his way through this.

'What the fuck is going on with you and Lexa?' Murphy asked, finally looking back to her but it was Clarke's turn to moan.

'I don't know.' Clarke said, with a shrug and Murphy snorted.

'Yeah, right.'

'It's not that simple.' Clarke said, crossing her legs underneath her. 'Every time we talk to each other or are seen together we get hundreds of comments having a go at us, she's already bailed on me once-'

Clarke broke off and shook her head. She didn't know who she was arguing with any more.

'I don't want to look like a fool again.'

Murphy snorted again, and much more loudly.

'Clarke, it's Polis. We all look like fucking fools.'

Clarke said nothing; conceding that he had a point.

'So if you want her why waste time?'

'It's easier just to hide really.' Clarke confessed.

'Yeah,' Murphy drawled, 'believe me, I know.'


Lexa stared at her phone for a minute, wondering what message to send. She knew Murphy talked to few people about how he felt but she was sure Clarke was one of them.

Lexa had actually found herself growing closer to Wells since the end of the season. They'd traded quite a few messages, although she got the distinct impression that Wells was trying to work her out and just what was happening with Clarke. She could hardly blame him. It had been tough watching his and Murphy's relationship fall apart though. They had seemed strangely well suited in their way. No doubt Clarke was going to be in the middle of it all.

Lexa

Hope Murphy's doing okay.

It only took a minute for Lexa's phone to buzz and she quickly opened up her message thread with Clarke.

Clarke

He'll be okay...he's a survivor. I just wish I could help him.

Lexa smiled softly at the screen. If Clarke could have dragged Wells to their apartment and dressed up as Cupid and fixed it all for them then she would have. She'd do anything for the people she cared for.

Lexa

You are helping him.

Clarke

Not very much

Glad we didn't go to the party in the end...Ontari clearly kills all fun

Lexa

Maybe you could lend her your rollerskates and she can finally see what joy is...

Clarke

Haha. I'm not giving her anything of mine.

Lexa

Good plan. You need all the practice you can get.

Clarke

Only if you're still teaching me

Lexa stared at the message for a second. Anya had warned her against pining for someone who didn't want the same things but as far as Lexa was concerned it seemed pathetic to just cut Clarke out of her life. Her feelings would go in time. They had still had a connection that was worth it all. Knowing that Clarke might still feel something was enough anyway.

Lexa

Of course. You need someone to hold you upright.

Clarke

I miss when we were in NY and you were polite and shy.

It took Lexa a minute to think for a response as she was taken aback by the fact Clarke had mentioned their time in New York so willingly and lightly. Clarke had seemed happy to try to erase it from her memory just months ago.

Lexa

Blame Octavia she's been a bad influence.

Clarke

Who knew the great Commander Lexa of Trikru was so weak as to blame her faults on poor Octavia?

Lexa

Whatever method wins the war.

Clarke

Are we at war now?

Lexa

We have been from the moment you insulted my idea of roller skates.

Clarke

I DID NOT INSULT THEM

I just didn't want to die

Which I think is perfectly reasonable.

Lexa

Fine. You can come up with the next idea.

Clarke

Lexa, if you want to hang out just say so.

I mean, we can do something fun but if we're going to keep doing ridiculous things just as an excuse then I am going to end up in the hospital.

Lexa

Clarke, I want to hang out.

Clarke

Thank God. My bruises were getting worried ;)

Lexa

This week?

Clarke

Yes...

Lexa

?

Clarke

Do you fancy hanging out with Wells first?


Lexa sat across from Wells, slightly uncomfortable. She was not used to these sorts of conversations at all. Anya would usually tell people to shut the fuck up about their problems. Lincoln was always the one that was caring. She should have predicted Clarke would have had some plan.

'Clarke sent you because Murphy needs her, right?' Wells asked, resigned.

Lexa struggled for a moment but Wells gave her a stern look and she gave a brisk nod, knowing it was pointless to lie.

'I suppose I'm grateful.' Wells said, giving a bemused chuckle.

'What are you going to do?' Lexa asked.

'What can I do?' Wells asked. 'He hasn't gotten in contact. He doesn't want me around.'

'That's not true.'

Wells took a swig of his bottle of beer and slammed it back down onto the wooden table. He looked annoyed with himself at the action and he withdrew his hands away quickly, as if the bottle might now break if he so much as touched it.

'What has he done to suggest anything else?' Wells asked.

'He tried.' Lexa answered simply.

'Hardly.'

'But he still did.'

Wells scratched his head and stared down at the table. Lexa looked around. It was still early in the afternoon so Hydra Station was not too busy. However, Lexa's heart had dropped when they had come in and seen Ontari, Roan and Costia at a table at the far end of the bar.

Ontari had seen them enter and kept shooting them glances. Costia had offered a small wave and a wide smile and Roan had looked at them curiously at first, but quickly returned his attention back to his girlfriend.

'Wells,' Lexa started, hoping that he wouldn't just walk out if she was too direct, 'I know you like things to be under control. You like to know where you stand and you give all or nothing.'

'But?' He asked expectantly.

'Relationships are complicated. They're not neat a lot of the time, especially the best ones. Don't try to force him. Love him for who he is or move on.'


'I didn't know Lexa and Wells were friends.' Costia said, her eyes on the pair.

'Did Lexa not send you a message?' Ontari smirked and Costia's eyes darted to her with anger. 'They'll be crying over Murphy. Like he's worth it.'

'You would know.' Costia retorted.

'You dated that guy with the hair and the smirk?' Roan asked.

'That's the one.' Costia smiled. 'Although I don't think you're one to talk about hair, Roan.'

Costia's eyes flickered over Roan's hair that ran down the length of his back and he ran his hand over his scalp self consciously. Costia smirked, knowing he was debating chopping it off.

'We did not date.' Ontari sighed, in a bored voice. 'It was one night. He was a waste of time, as Wells has clearly found out.'

'You chased him for a while.' Costia pointed out.

'I chase no one.' Ontari snapped icily.


Murphy leaned against the bar as he watched Bellamy and Finn both knock back shots and they instantly grimaced.

'Sweet.' Finn said, gasping slightly.

'So have you spoken to Wells?' Bellamy asked.

Murphy shook his head

'I'm pretty sure Clarke sent Lexa to talk to him though.' Murphy replied, knowingly. 'Clarke was texting Lexa the other night and she suddenly looked across at me and gave me that 'I have a plan' look.'

Both Bellamy and Finn laughed at that.

'Yeah, that's Clarke.' Bellamy smiled.

'Has that annoyed you?' Finn asked but Murphy shook his head again.

'I'd have told her to fuck off then and there if it did.' Murphy smiled. 'I'm glad someone is talking to Wells.'

'Do you still not want to talk to him?' Finn asked.

'There's nothing really to say.' Murphy said; it was partly the truth; as far as he was concerned, Wells needed to accept that he didn't want to talk about it.

'You guys were good together though.' Bellamy offered.

'Maybe.' Murphy conceded. 'But I'll get over it.'


'So...' Clarke sighed and she leaned against the brick wall and kept her back to the river to look at Lexa, 'the Wurphy stalemate goes on. Wells always did love chess.'

She kew why the game appealed to him. He got to think his way through things and create neat and sophisticated strategies. He also hated playing with Clarke as she would just charge her pieces around the board any way she wanted, but that was Wells. He wanted reason, and she knew just how much this situation would be frustrating him.

'I think he's hurting a lot more than he lets on.' Lexa mused.

'So is Murphy.' Clarke said, sighing again.

Nothing was going to get resolved unless the pair of them talked but that was incredibly unlikely. Murphy couldn't and Wells was far too stuck in his ways.

'Thank you for going to see him.'

Lexa shrugged lightly.

'He's my friend too now.' Lexa smiled.

'Good.' Clarke smiled back. 'I want Polis to be home for you.'

'It already is.' Lexa replied.

Lexa stepped forward and leaned her arms on the wall and stared down at the river. Clarke watched Lexa's hair blowing in the wind gently before turning around and facing the same way as Lexa. The river was shimmering in the mid afternoon sun, and there were several boats passing through. Clarke had no idea where any of them went. In all of her time here she'd never been on any f the river tours offered.

Lexa seemed to watch the activity below, content in the silence.

'You know I do-' Clarke burst out suddenly but Lexa cut her off with her own gentle words.

'I know.' Lexa said, smiling at everything below.

Clarke spun around again, rubbing her temple for a second before she let her arm flap back down hopelessly. She'd been questioned by just about everyone on her relationship with Lexa. Even Murphy was telling her to give it a chance. She glanced at Lexa who still have not moved, before looking down at her feet, memories of New York threatening to overwhelm her.

'We've done everything backwards.' Clarke muttered in disdain.

Lexa finally looked at her, laughing lightly.

'Yes, I think we have.'

'Well...' Clarke started, 'we lived together before we knew each other, we hooked up and we haven't even kissed, and we both know how we feel but I think by this point we've already had two break ups.'

'I look forward to the third.' Lexa joked softly, turning her body to face Clarke who mock glared at her. 'I'm here, for whatever you want in whatever order you want.'

Clarke glared again, but it was slightly more sincere. As much as it would hurt, if Lexa just left again then at least she would know and at least it would be over with. She wasn't sure if she dared to hope that maybe Lexa would stay.

'You're so fucking irritating, I swear to God.' Clarke muttered under her breath.

'Right back at you.' Lexa replied easily.

Clarke turned slowly to face Lexa. Lexa's eyes green eyes were watching her intently but Clarke's gaze darted to Lexa's lips. She swallowed, unsure of whether to take the next step. Lexa's gaze had softened but Clarke knew she would make no move; it had to be her choice. Lexa would never put pressure on her. Clarke gave a shaky breath before inching forwards and pressing her lips against Lexa.

At the feel of Lexa's lips against hers, Clarke struggled not to freeze but she relaxed at the feel of Lexa's fingers stroking her hair and trailing round to her face and jaw line. Lexa began to guide the kiss but she was still tender with her caresses. Lexa's tongue gently lingered over her bottom lip and Clarke deepened the kiss, pulling Lexa closer.

A car horn sounded in the distance but Clarke paid little attention, wondering vaguely how it had taken them both so long to get to this stage given New York.

Clarke pulled back abruptly, as fear erupted in her stomach as she remembered New York. Lexa's eyes were instantly wide with anxiety and Clarke forced herself to soften her gaze, not wanting to worry Lexa.

'I'm sorry-'

'You're not ready?'

'No, I am,' Clarke insisted, but she faltered, 'okay, I'm not - but I want to be. I think.'

'Clarke,' Lexa started, completely confused and Clarke didn't blame her.

'We should go on a date.' Clarke said quickly, making up her mind.

If this thing between them was going to shatter her then it may as well be to the extent that she was crushed to dust, she thought, with dread.

'We can do that.' Lexa said, carefully and still studying Clarke.

'Nowhere public.' Clarke said quickly. 'Octavia and Raven will be a fucking nightmare and just follow us.'

'I can make dinner.' Lexa offered.

'Okay,' Clarke said breathlessly, nodding her head, 'next week. We can do it next week.'

'If you are sure?'

'Yes, Lexa.' Clarke replied. 'I'm sure.'

And there was only a slight resentment at her feelings which seemed to be growing entirely without her consent.


Author's Note: Thank you guys for reading! The date will be the next episode...good luck Clarke's nerves :P