So we jump forward nine months or so, to Clarke deciding to ask Lexa to live together. Clarke meets up with a friend to talk about it.

I hope you enjoy. I'm thinking there'll be around five more parts. You guys are amazing with the comments and I really appreciate it! Thanks :-x

Chapter Twenty-One

Nine months or so later

'Clarke!' Bellamy smiled widely and pulled her into a hug as she she joined him at the table of a cute little restaurant not far from her place. 'Taking time off from Lexaing to see me - I'm touched!' he held a hand to his heart dramatically. She swatted him lightly, feeling her cheeks flush,

'Oh shut up, I'm not that bad!'

'I didn't say it was bad,' Bellamy gave her another one armed hug before they both sat down at the small table, 'but you and I haven't hung out alone since...well fuck...since the last time we fucked.'

'Bell,' she whacked him on the arm surprised at her own squeamish reaction. In honesty the notion of sex with anyone who wasn't Lexa felt like an odd concept. It was hard to believe that just over a year earlier she'd never had sex with a girl and now she couldn't imagine ever not having sex with her girl.

'Sorry, sorry...it's just been a long time,' Bellamy could clearly see her reaction and found it amusing rather than offensive.

'And we still see each other all the time...' she rolled her eyes and took a seat at the table with him.

'As a group,' he pointed out. 'Which is all good, don't get me wrong...but you know...this is nice - just you and I. I'm glad you asked me for lunch.'

'I was uh...hoping to get your advice on something...' she began tentatively.

'Lexa?' his smirk was irritating even though he was right.

'Why do you think it's about Lexa? I could be asking about anything! My mom, my dad, your sister and Lincoln...anything! You can't just assume it's about my girlfriend,' she pursed her lips and gave him a hard look, but he just laughed,

'Because you're so ridiculously in love with her you always want to talk about her. I'm surprised you don't prescribe your patients Lexa instead of medicine.'

'Well actually...' she bit her lip sheepishly.

'You actually prescribed a patient Lexa?' Bellamy's grin was blinding. 'Oh my god Clarke!'

'I didn't prescribe her exactly, just her music. You know, the teenager who I suggested it to...well yeah...he said it helped,' she offered defensively.

'I'm sure.'

'I'm not boring am I Bell? I get that you're joking but I mean there are some people who can't talk about anything other than their partner...'

'You mean some people like Lexa?' he teased.

'Shut up,' she hit him. 'I'm being serious. I know we're...you know, into each other. But are we boring?' she wrinkled her nose and he gave a small smile before answering her concern,

'Clarke...you're a medical student who also draws badass post apocalyptic comics. You go to comic con, you go to gigs, you're funny and sassy, and your girlfriend is this amazing musician, who slays people with her music, and rides a motorbike, and can't camp for crap. No neither of you are boring. You don't only talk about each other even if we tease you that you do. You're both intelligent, funny, interesting people. Your relationship is everyone else's life goal. You're like fucking Starksy and Hutch, Rose and Jack, Allie and Noah, Baby and Johnny, Lois Lane and Clark Kent, Mary Jane and Peter Parker, those two chicks from that cheerleader movie, fuck...where are all the epically happy lesbian couples?' he frowned and she gave him a shrug which said "fucking shit isn't it." 'Ellen and Portia,' he yelled triumphantly, and she smiled because even though it wasn't one portrayed in film or TV, it was in the media and they were happy, 'but you're all of those epic relationships on speed Clarke, because you're so fucking sweet and sexy together that being around you is like wanting to hurl from eating too much cotton candy,' he nodded reassuringly and she found a giggle escape,

'I don't know what to make of that,' she admitted.

'You're not boring at all. Not when you're together or apart. You're fun and interesting and interested in others. You're amazing together - people compare their happiness to yours because you're where we all want to be. You're just always together when you can be so I figure that when you're not, I may be hearing about her...and it's fun to tease you...'

'Well yeah...ok,' Clarke conceded because she did want to talk about Lexa. She didn't get to continue as the waitress appeared, chatting with them both and taking their orders, asking about their days and offering to take their picture because they looked so "cute together."

'Why didn't you point out that we're not a couple?' Bellamy asked her when the waitress disappeared to put their order in.

'Because...' she shrugged a little dismissively, but he pushed it,

'Come on Clarke. You can tell me...'

'Oh, it's just that when it's Lexa and I, people always call her my "friend."'

'And? I don't believe that you don't correct them?' he narrowed his eyes.

'Oh I do...all the time. I just get tired and frustrated. I wish society wasn't quite so heteronormative sometimes...'

'Lexa word,' Bellamy coughed over it, making it into a loser sneeze. Clarke grinned at him,

'Actually Anya is the one who's big on heteronormative society stuff. But she's right. I'm here with a girl and everyone assumes she's my friend, and if I'm here with a guy, he's gotta be my date.'

'To be fair, neither of you look like lesbians...'

'Bellamy!' Clarke punched him in the arm - hard.

'What? You don't!'

'That's cos there's no one way for a lesbian to look for fucks sake. We look like girls. You can't make dumb assumptions based on appearance.'

'I'm sorry but with some lesbians I can just tell...'

'And maybe you're right, sure, there are tells, but straight people don't all have to look like you to look straight. So stop with the stereotypes. I'll tell you what definitely does make us look like lesbians? Or like we're together - the fact that we're holding hands, that we kiss. Lean in to each other when we talk. People choose not to see that though!' she huffed.

'Or they're just awkward and don't know what to say and don't want to get it wrong,' he offered.

'Maybe. I think it's just obvious sometimes.'

'But you were just telling me not to make assumptions!' he teased and she flushed a little,

'Yeah - based on appearances. If the woman is sucking face with another woman or holding her hand you can make the assumption that they're together or into each other. But only that she's into that particular girl. I mean she might be bi, a lesbian, pan, trans...'

'I got it Clarke, it's ok,' he reassured with a squeeze to her hand.

'I just would love it for Lexa to be acknowledged as my girlfriend every now and then when we're all over each other. It's only annoying because we're sat here entirely platonically, but because we're a man and a woman every one assumes we must be on a date.'

'Well I'm not your date. I'm Ravens and you're Lexa's.'

'I know,' she sighed a little. 'It didn't bother me at first. I suppose it's better than when someone feels the need to "say something," you know negative stuff. When the waitress comes back I guess I'll thank her for taking the photo and say my girlfriend loved it,' she shrugged.

Some people suck Clarke. I'm not saying the waitress, but the negative people - they do. Don't let them mar your happiness.'

'I don't,' she answered honestly. 'If I show anyone a picture of my girlfriend they can only ever be jealous. She's beautiful, sexy, talented and all around amazing.'

'She is,' Bellamy nodded as he stretched out his legs and grabbed his water. 'So one year of doing a girl...level with me here Clarke. Do you miss...you know...' he tried to gesture his meaning.

'Penis?' she filled in with a loud laugh. Bellamy blushed but gave a concessionary shrug. 'Sorry Bell...your lil guy and I may have had some fun once upon a time, but I don't miss penis in the slightest. Raven gave us a rainbow phallus if we feel the need and you know...there's always strap ons...' she winked as she watched his face get redder as he leaned across the table,

'Is this a rerun of Ask a bisexual night, you know, now you're more...informed?' he teased.

'Oh come on Bell - I know Raven's told you everything I've ever told her and you don't need to ask anything - you can't embarrass me!'

'And you can't embarrass me Griffin, with your causal talk of strap-ons. I'm dating Raven don't forget!'

'Ha, yeah...' she grinned widely. 'I forget sometimes... though you definitely blushed when I mentioned strap-ons -FYI.'

'Well ok,' he conceded.

'So how is it...living with a girl?' she changed the subject toward the direction she wanted it.

'Living with Raven is an experience. There's fucking engine parts and grease everywhere,' he admitted, 'and screws...these tiny fucking screws are always on the floor and if you step on one with bare feet it hurts like fuck. The coffee table is basically her workshop table, and she has at least three kitchen cabinets for parts...'

'And?' she smiled.

'And I love it. I had to make the rule that there were no engine or mechanical...stuff in our room. She banned history books as well. Which is good. Means we can focus on each other in there. And now I know better when to leave her alone and not interrupt her which is good. Our bedroom is a safe bet as she's not concentrating on her stuff!'

'Yeah, don't try and get kinky if she's in "the zone"...'

'Uh, yeah, no, I know that...now...'

'We've all learned that the hard way,' Clarke clarified with a chuckle.

'She's amazing though. Doesn't take any of my bullshit.'

'Raven doesn't take anyone's bullshit.'

'No, she doesn't,' his smile at that pleased her. It was good that they were happy together.

'Do you argue more now that you live together?' she asked and Bellamy laughed,

'Uh yeah...we've always argued but now we definitely argue more. About the most stupid stuff too. Laundry. Washing up. Fucking vacuuming, and of course those damn tiny screws. Apparently if I leave the toilet seat up and she needs to pee in the night she sits down without checking and that's...uh...not pleasant. She thinks you shouldn't flush after you pee to save water. I think it makes the bathroom smell if you don't. The grease from her clothes gets on mine and so I go into college to teach looking like a grease stained scruff bag. I'll do her laundry, but she won't do mine. Who cooks...you name it and we've fought about it,' his smile and dreamy expression said that he didn't mind all that much.

But you're glad you did it?'

'Her building was being torn down, and yeah...it was kind of thrust upon us in that way, but no, I don't regret it at all. When I find those damn screws on the floor or in the couch it's because she's there with me. And the grease...it's not so bad...just a reminder that my girlfriend is brilliant and amazing. I just tell the students that she's a mechanic and I seem instantly more interesting in their eyes because she's interesting, and smart and wonderful. I love living with her. I love waking up with her and going to sleep with her.'

'I want to ask Lexa if we can move in together,' she burst out. It was a badly timed confession, because the waitress appeared at that moment with their food, and she was a chatty one. Clarke didn't even bother mentioning her girlfriend because she feeling tense as she awaited Bellamy's opinion on her decision. Finally the waitress left. 'So? What do you think?'

'I think it makes a lot of sense. When was the last time you actually slept at your place?'

'Uh...' she frowned. 'I don't know.'

'Ok, when was the last time you slept without Lexa?'

'Months...fuck...I don't know...she was at mine for Christmas...shit I don't know...'

'Face it, you're practically living together already. Do you guys fight?'

'Of course,' she flushed a little because they didn't, not really. Bickered occasionally, but even then not much.

'Not so much?' Bellamy gave her a knowing grin.

'I mean we debate stuff and disagree and all that, but fighting? Not loads. I mean, yeah we argue about some stuff. I get grumpy and snappy sometimes and Lexa hates that. Gets all insecure and worried about it, and she doesn't always tell me. I'm messy, as you know, and she walks around the place picking up my mess and making this silly "tsk" noise,' she grinned a little as she demonstrated the noise.

'Haha, yeah I can imagine...'

'But she always looks so cute that I just...you know...mellow her out...'

'How's that then, Clarke?' he teased and she tossed a fry at him.

'I don't know about other stuff... I mean I wash and dry laundry and she puts it away. She cooks so I clean up. I mean I leave the pans some nights and she gets a little grumpy about that. But I don't know...it's more emotional stuff we argue about...you know...but then we talk. And they're never really arguments...there's no plate throwing or swearing...Lexa just...I don't know...even when she's mad she's all in love...'

'I know what you mean. Like cross, but trying not to get mad. Like when we play Pictionary and she wants you to hurry the fuck up and draw, and you're in artist mode... And she does that jaw in the air, eye rolling thing...and gets all sassy, but then is a total sap and compliments you on your picture...'

'Yeah,' she laughed. 'That exactly.'

'So why are you even asking me when you're practically living together and clearly compatible?'

'I don't know...it's just a big step, right?'

'Yeah, of course...but you're practically doing it already...'

'Except my stuff is all in my place, not in hers...'

'But you're not are you? You're at hers the whole time. Where are your medical books?'

'Lexa's.'

'Drawing stuff?'

'Lexa's.'

'Clothes?'

'Split between the two. I have a bunch of stuff at her place though.'

'I think you two would be fine,' he shrugged.

'Does it kill the magic? You know...when you see the other person...warts and all?'

'Raven doesn't have any warts and is lovely enough to love me in spite of mine...ok...can we not call them warts?' He scowled.

'Flaws? Personality quirks? Morning breath, that kind of thing?'

'Character quirks...yeah... Ok so she has some of those, that's true...'

'We all do I guess. I mean there's a reason I live alone - roommates drive me nuts!'

'Lexa wouldn't be a roommate though.'

'No,' she smiled, 'she'd be so much more than a roommate.'

'Exactly. And yeah the initial magic goes...but there's a new magic, a new intimacy and trust. You become close in a different way because the person sharing your bed becomes your family.'

'I want that,' she agreed, surprised at the swell of emotion that came with the admittance. 'I want her forever Bell.'

'So why don't you just ask her to marry you?' he asked softly.

'Oh I will...but you know...living together is the next step, right?'

'I think the next step is up to you guys. Plenty of people get married without living together,' he shrugged a little. Clarke considered it but it didn't feel right, not with how busy she was. Lexa needed to see if she could deal with a doctor girlfriend and she needed to see how the absences were when Lexa was away. She hated Lexa being gone and Trikru had only done short trips, some of which she'd gone on as well, but there was talk of a world tour. A world tour scared her because she was absolutely reliant on having Lexa time. And yes there was FaceTime and messages, and all of that, but it felt like she was suffocating and Lexa was air whenever they were apart.

'I want to do one thing at a time...I don't want to skip ahead...we're heading to Australia at Christmas and I just...I feel like you know...I shouldn't rush it.'

'You guys are going to Aus?' Bellamy was surprised.

'Uh, yeah...the band literally just booked a tour there for December. I have two weeks off that I'm going to head there for. We get to spend actual Christmas together,' she smiled weakly.

'But you're worried about the two weeks before?' he chuckled.

'Bell when did I become so reliant on another person?' she pouted.

'When you fell in love,' he offered and she shrugged,

'I don't know. I thought I loved Finn but it wasn't like this. I literally want to share everything with her. The stupid boring crap and the interesting stuff. My food comes out and I think I should show her how yummy it looks. I sent her the photo the waitress took, you know? I feel like...god...I feel pathetic Bell.'

'There's nothing pathetic about wanting to share things with your girlfriend,' Bellamy shrugged, 'I sent Raven the picture too.'

'It's more than that...sometimes I feel unhealthy because of course I go out without her, and have fun without her, I just prefer it when she's there. I can be independent and so can she, but I'd rather not be.'

'I actually think that's a good thing. And you're too hard on yourself. You and Lexa have plenty of independent things you do. You're at the hospital an awful lot, and she has to rehearse, and will be going off to do gigs - are you really so surprised that you want to spend time together when you can? I mean you're in love with her and she's your best friend.'

'Yeah ok...' she gave a sheepish smile because maybe they weren't as pathetic as she feared. 'And that's why living together makes more sense...easier to have proximity. And I like proximity with her.'

'No kidding,' he rolled his eyes playfully and then took a sip of his beer that had arrived with the food. 'So ask her.'

'I thought I might ask her on our one year anniversary?' she couldn't help but have it sound like a question.

'Good plan?'

'I just...do you think she'll say yes?'

'You're kidding right?' he gawped at her and then began to laugh.

'No, I just...you know she has her apartment as she likes it and maybe she doesn't want to share.'

'I think she'd want to share with you,' Bellamy laughed a little more. 'You're like the walking embodiment of her dream come true - you know, literally everything she's ever wanted. I think you're good Princess.'

'Really?' she knew Bellamy would be honest. It was kind of like asking Raven if you looked good in what you were wearing - she'd be brutal. The thing was, Octavia and Raven wouldn't think before answering this kind of question whereas she could see Bellamy considering all aspects of the situation in the silence that stretched between them. History was a lot of examining evidence from every side and angle so he was good at it.

'She's in love with you,' he summarized and she nodded, 'and you love her. You're both good for each other - caring, make each other laugh, debate crap, have your weird nerdy interests like superheroes and crosswords. I mean you're a bit of a slob and she's super neat, but she never seems terribly bothered by that and I've seen you remembering to use actual fucking coasters...so it seems like you're willing to work on it. You want this relationship to progress right? I mean it's your first relationship with a woman...are you happy never...you know, playing the field?'

'I don't want to play the field,' she responded at once, slightly insulted.

'Don't get stroppy, it's a valid question. You're a sexual person Clarke - no point trying to deny that with me. Maybe you think...'

'Bell, trust me, there is no need for me to play the field. Lexa is amazing in bed and anywhere else we fuck, and she's open to...you know...being experimental and all that...'

'She know your kink?'

'I don't have a kink,' she gave him a frown and stole one of his fries as hers were all gone.

'Uh, yeah you do.'

'What is it?'

'Tying your partner up,' he smirked and she laughed,

'Oh fuck, yeah, she knows all about that. And I even let her tie me up!'

'No way,' Bellamy began to laugh, 'marry her...you clearly love her and trust her!'

'I do,' she nodded and her mind rumbled through memories of Lexa between her legs, her hands tied to her rather obliging headboard.

'Head out of the gutter,' Bellamy punched her arm softly.

'Sorry, sorry,' she bit her lip. 'But yeah...I don't need to play the field. Lexa is all good...great, amazing...fuck...' she clicked on her phone so the picture of her girlfriend appeared. 'Hmmm.'

'Ok, you are a little pathetic,' Bellamy decided.

'Yeah, I think so.'

'Text her. I'm going to the restroom,' he stood with a laugh as she unlocked her phone.

Clarke - What time are you guys going to be done?

Lexa - Ugh it's taking ages and the others want to do run through because Indra thinks they fucked up the wires. I have my clothes here but I won't get a chance to see you before the show:(

Clarke - I could come down and bring you all dinner from that Greek deli you love, the one near my place? We could take it to the park across from you for a twenty minute time out?

Lexa - Oh my god I love you! We were just going to order pizza...so you don't have too..

Clarke - I want to see you! Even if you only love me for my food!

Lexa - I love everything about you! Including your generous heart that brings me and my friends Greek food. They all say you're the best girlfriend ever FYI.

Clarke - Well don't you forget it!

Lexa - I never would! You know that. God I miss you like crazy. That's the main reason I want Greek food - because I want the delivery girl.

Clarke - well that can be arranged ;-)

Lexa - hmmm please. I feel so stressed

Clarke - This gig was supposed to be small:(

Lexa - I know. Sometimes things just fuck up and become difficult for no good reason. At least I have my lucky guitar so it won't be all bad:)

Clarke - Yeah!

Lexa - And you're coming? Then I'll have my lucky you too.

Clarke - Of course I'm coming baby. All of us are!

Lexa - It's you I care about.

Lexa - I do appreciate the others, but you know it's you that I sing too!

Clarke - Sappy lil shit aren't you?

Lexa - Fine - I'll sing to one of my other adoring fans tonight...

Clarke - You calling me an adoring fan?

Lexa - well no...I wasn't, but you are, right? ;-)

Clarke - I'm your number one fan and don't you forget it!

Lexa - It's hard to forget it when you moan it into my pussy after every gig!

Clarke - Fuck! Lexa! You never say the P word!

Lexa - Yeah but it wouldn't have been such an cool comeback if I'd said anything else :-x

Clarke - Yeah because you're always *so* cool when I'm moaning it into your pussy.

Lexa - Clarke!

Clarke - You pussy me then I'm gonna pussy you!

Lexa - Who's going first? Now I'm lost? :-p

Clarke - hahaha

Clarke - And it's always you first after you perform

Clarke - I find you insanely sexy on stage

Lexa - Why do you think I do all these dumb local gigs?

Clarke - You can pretend it's all for the sex but I know you love doing them

Lexa - Maybe I do...but I love them more since you began rewarding me so enthusiastically post performance...It's a Pavlovian response tbh - I perform and then my body expects the best sex in the world

Clarke - No pressure, huh!?

Lexa - Clarke you always exceed any expectation I may have for you and you don't even try. You make me so happy. And you know my body can expects what it damn well likes, but you know I never expect anything - you don't have to reward me with sex!

Clarke - It's alright I was kidding - I can tell you have fun when we're doing it so I'm not worried about *my* performance. And I adore your Pavlovian response. And you will indeed be getting lucky tonight. Guaranteed;)

Lexa - Hmmm.. I wish I could get lucky before I perform:( I could totally get behind tzatziki boobs...

Clarke - You want to get sexy with Greek food! Fucking hell Lexa!

Lexa - I could easily believe you're Aphrodite! You're my goddess

Clarke - You're my cheeseball

Clarke - And I'm pretty sure Aphrodite didn't have tzatziki on her tits

Lexa - Honestly Clarke, it's not an exaggeration. When you're naked and laid out before me, I swear to god, not that I believe in god, but I swear you're the most beautiful thing in the world. You honestly look like a goddess!

Clarke - Well if you want to think that I'm not gonna argue

Lexa - You shouldn't! I've never been more attracted to someone in my life. Still. After over a year of loving you. After nearly a year of having you.

Clarke - You're making me feel all funny inside Lexa

Lexa - I wish I was making you feel funny inside

Clarke - Dirty girl - I was being emotional!

Lexa - I know :-x

Lexa - How's Bellamy?

Clarke - He's good. We haven't hung out just he and I for over a year!

Lexa - Wow.

Lexa - Too much me?

Clarke - Never enough you!

Clarke - Times change right? He has Rae, I have you. O has Lincoln. You guys have won fucking Grammies. Life changes.

Lexa - So long as I have you, life can change all it wants! You're not unhappy with things?

Clarke - Do I seem unhappy?

Lexa - No. But I should ask. You haven't spent alone time with a friend for over a year because of me!

Clarke - We're hanging out tonight at your gig and we were all at Copper Tank on Wednesday night, and he and O met me at the hospital for coffee on Monday. I do fine with seeing my friends.

Lexa - Ok.

Clarke - You're happy? I should ask too!

Lexa - Happier than I have ever, ever been.

Clarke - Me too.

Lexa - Except when you leave your dirty clothes on the bathroom floor;)

Clarke - Don't go there Lex!

Lexa - I was teasing

Clarke - It's fine. You want me to stop dropping my clothes for you I will...

Lexa - Please, don't stop

Clarke - Tell you what, I'll drop all my clothes on the bathroom floor tonight and then sit on the cabinet and spread my legs for you.

Lexa - Deal

Clarke - Unless you'd rather I put my clothes in the wash basket first?

Lexa - Fuck the wash basket. Deal. Fuck - yes take your clothes off anywhere and everywhere. I don't care. But please do.

Lexa - Well when it's just you and I of course:)

Clarke - You're cute!

Clarke - Bell's back. I love you. Greek food for what time?

Lexa - 5.30?

Clarke - Ok baby

Lexa - I love you and thank you

Clarke hugged her phone to her chest for a moment and Bellamy laughed,

'You both do that!' he told her.

'Do what?'

'Hug your phones when you've been texting each other. It's cute.'

'So I'm going to ask her. Easy decision. She's the love of my life.'

'And you're hers.'

'Yeah, I think so.'

A/N

So there are a few parallels in this chapter - from previous chapters. The thing is, Clarke's has come a long way and she's not the same girl she was a year or so earlier. I hope it's not annoying:)