Chapter 35

"Hey how was your Halloween?" Lexa said with a grin on her face as she approached her favourite blonde doctor in the cafe.

"Eventful, I swear people think they can actually pull off the stunts in horror movies and expect to live through them. I can't even tell you how many surgeries I've done in the past 18 hours." As if to drive her point home Clarke yawned. "You're up awfully early? Calling Tokyo again?"

Lexa smiled. "Nope."

Clarke started moving her finger as she swallowed her coffee. "You got a sugar high again didn't you?"

This time the brunette laughed. "No, I'm actually on my way home. I was at the office all night going over a case for a friend. I didn't even realize what time it was." Lexa raised her eyebrow at the look Clarke was giving her. "What? Why do you look so shocked?"

"You have friends?"

"A see your snarky side is out again and yes I have friends. Plenty of them, thank you."

Clarke nodded with a grin. "Sure you do, I thought we ditched Mr. Snookems and Daisy when you were five."

"Really, you're going to bring that up?" Clarke continued to smile. "Rude."

"Walk with me, before I fall asleep standing." Clarke said as she turned on her heels and exited the building surprised that Lexa was keeping up with her. "I see the New York style is starting rub off on you."

"That it is. Where are we walking to, isn't your place, that way?"

Clarke sipped her coffee. "That it is."

Another four blocks later. "Are you going to tell me where we're walking to exactly?" Lexa finally asked. Clarke pointed up and Lexa shook her head. "Seriously?"

"Duty calls. I'm on call still but thanks for the walk. It's nice to have some great eye candy, especially since I didn't get any of the real kind last night." Clarke winked as she backed up towards the hospital doors.

"If candy is what you want, I can definitely help you with that." Lexa grinned before winking.

"Have a good day Lex." Clarke waved over her head before she felt soft fingers brush across her wrist. "Yeah?" She turned around, her heart beating faster than it should, completely unsure of what Lexa was about to do.

"You staying home for thanksgiving?"

Clarke nodded. "Yeah I have that stupid hospital fundraiser."

"Will you come over for dinner then? I'll cook."

"What happened to all those friends of yours?"

Lexa leaned in closer, her lips brushing against Clarke's ear as she spoke. "The most beautiful one is the only one I make dinner for."

It was corny, Clarke knew it was corny but she couldn't help the butterflies that were flying around in her stomach. "Dinner sounds good so long as the football game is on!"

"It will be, J-Dude would be pissed at me if I let you miss the game." Clarke couldn't help but smile at the way Lexa still used her dad's nickname. "And remember Griffin, those little guys are on speed-dial, I can make them happen whenever I want." She winked with a laugh as Clarke rolled her eyes and walked into the hospital.

"Stupid butterflies." She mumbled as she got onto the elevator.

"Stupid what now?" Monroe asked causing her to snap her head up.

Clarke huffed. "Nothing, next time make your presence known."

"Grumpy, I guess Lexa didn't give you a quickie on your break."

Clarke laughed at her friend as she shook her head. "No she did not, ass."

"I'm just saying if it's good, I'd be getting as much as possible, especially from the hottest woman alive." Clarke looked at her friend. "What she is. Everyone is still shocked she's single. I mean all that money, no forget about the money, all that power. That's hot."

"You know damn well she's not like that."

Monroe shook her head. "Outside of work she's not like that but I saw a video of her in a courtroom and damn, girl is good."

"Yes, I know, who do you think taught her?" Clarke winked as she exited the elevator on her floor leaving Monroe alone in the elevator.

"Wait, you should totally bring her to the ball." Clarke turned to see Monroe's hand holding the elevator door open.

"One, night a ball it's a fundraiser. Two, no."

"Fine." Rolling her eyes Monroe let the door close completely this time.

XOXO

Clarke knocked on the apartment door and waited. It was a weird thing to do, especially since she had her own key but it technically wasn't her place anymore, especially with Octavia and Lincoln not being home. After a minute she knocked again. Still nothing. Shaking her head with a laugh she turned the door handle and let herself in. The aroma of thanksgiving dinner hit her like a freight train, and it was the most amazing thing ever.

Walking further into the apartment she heard the familiar sounds of Lexa's vinyl record collection. More specifically her Motown collection. When she walked into the kitchen she saw Lexa swaying and humming as she stirred something on the stove, this explained why she hadn't heard her knocking at the door.

"Smells good, I didn't know when you said dinner that you meant a whole thanksgiving dinner." Clarke grinned as Lexa jumped slightly before turning around.

"Sorry I didn't hear you come in, and of course I meant a whole dinner. I wasn't skimping we aren't in college anymore."

Clarke nodded remembering their celebratory grilled cheese sandwich feasts. "I brought wine." Clarke said as she held up the very large bottle in her hand before handing it to Lexa.

"Perfect but I lost track of time so I'm going to go and change and do something with this hair. I'll be right back."

Clarke shook her head. "Leave your hair the way it is."

"You like it a crazy curly mess?" The blonde nodded. "Fine." Lexa huffed before walking into her room to change.

Five minutes later Lexa came out of her room to see Clarke sitting on the counter eating slices of bread. "If you eat it all now there won't be any left for dinner and get off the counter."

Clarke shook her head no. "As if I'm actually going to do that, this is my sitting counter, plus it gives me a great view of the chef." She winked and Lexa wanted nothing more than to go over and wrap her arms around the blonde but she knew that that wasn't where they were. At least not yet.

"Well everything is in the oven and cooking so this chef is going to sit down in front of the TV and watch the game. Kick off is in ten."

XOXO

Three hours later the pair found themselves sprawled out on the couch, stuffed. "That was seriously really good. You're cooking skills have improved, not that they ever needed to but damn."

Lexa laughed as she turned into head to look at the blonde. "I'm glad you liked it, what can I say I like to cook and I haven't gotten to do it enough."

"Too busy since you moved here?"

Lexa shook her head. "Too busy before I moved here. Costia and I never really ate in much. So I didn't get to cook as much as I like but I did every now and again to distress.

Clarke nodded in understanding. "Makes sense. YES!"

"TOUCHDOWN!" They both yelled at the same time and jumped off the couch and started doing victory dances and jumping up and down.

After about five minutes of yelling in celebration they flopped back down onto the couch laughing. "He would have been proud of you Lex, my dad, he would have been proud of you."

Lexa looked over at Clarke and shook her head. "No, I hurt the one person he loved more than anything."

"We're getting past that, and you aren't the same person you were then."

"Thank you for saying that."

Clarke offered her a small smile. "You've always been a confident little shit but you're a different kind of confident now."

Lexa blushed slightly. "You're far too kind Clarke but he'd be the most proud of you for doing what you said you would despite any obstacle that's gotten in your way. I used to feel like I wasn't good enough, that I was holding you back. I guess that's one reason why I thought you had found someone else, even though deep down I knew better. You are the strongest person I have ever met and you have been the one person outside of my parents that has always been there for me, no matter what. I'm just sorry it took me so long to figure it all out. You were never the problem, it was me and my ego. You deserved your dream, far more than I deserved mine. I'm sorry for letting you down."

"Maybe it all happened for a reason, not that I'm okay with it happening but maybe, just maybe it went down the way it was supposed too. Maybe we had to grow up in order to grow back together."

"Always so wise."

"True, and my wisdom is telling me that we should have some more wine and relax on a night off. Especially since neither of our phones have gone off yet."

"Pumpkin pie and red wine?"

Clarke grinned as Lexa stood up. "Works for me."

A half an hour later they were a little tipsy and giggling on the couch watching the second game of the day. Clarke's head was resting in Lexa's lap, the blanket draped over her legs. "I am far too comfortable with you." Clarke said as she turned so that she could look up at the brunette.

"I feel the same way about you." Lexa couldn't help but notice that Clarke eyes kept drifting towards her lips and she couldn't help but drag fingers slowly up Clarke's arm. Clarke closed her eyes and tried to bury the desire that was building within her. "You okay Clarke?"

Clarke saw the spark in Lexa's eyes and it made it a little harder to breath. "Mhmm, I'm good." She smiled before turning her head back towards the TV.

"I don't think you are but I can help with that."

"You seem to be the only one that can." Clarke mumbled out loud even though she hadn't meant too."

"What was that?"

"Nothing, I'm going to get a drink, you want anything?"

Lexa smiled as Clarke got up. "I'm good thanks."

Two minutes later Lexa walked into the kitchen and saw Clarke drinking a glass of water. Her face looking a little flushed. "You sure you're alright?"

Clarke turned around. "Yeah, positive." She smiled even though she could see a look in Lexa's eyes that she knew all too well.

"You've had a long couple weeks, you must be stressed." Lexa's voice was husky and it was certainly not helping Clarke focus. Before she could respond Lexa took the glass of water out of her hand and lifted her onto the counter.

"Since when are you the one that makes the moves?" Clarke asked through a partial laugh as Lexa stepped between her legs and rested her hands on Clarke's legs.

"When there's a beautiful woman in front of me." Lexa grinned as she ran her hands up and down Clarke's legs. "How's your little problem been?"

Clarke narrowed her eyes and shook her head. "If you must know, it's still a problem."

"Like I said, I can help with that." Lexa's hands slid a little higher up Clarke's legs, her thumbs gently rubbing her inner thighs.

"Sounds like a better dessert than the pie, and the pie was really good." Clarke leaned her forehead against Lexa's as their lips slowly brushed.

Before things could go any further Clarke's phone rang breaking them out of their trance. They ignored it for a minute before Clarke realized whose ring tone it was. "Shit, that's Octavia, I should answer it."

Lexa nodded as she backed up to the other side of the kitchen, not trusting herself. She watched as Clarke slid off the counter and went to retrieve her phone from the living. Five minutes later, when the conversation ended Clarke walked back into the kitchen. "I should probably head out. I have a few meetings in the morning."

"You're welcome to stay."

Clarke smiled. "I know, which is why I should go."

"I'll walk you out."

"Thank you again for dinner, it was amazing. Colour me impressed." Clarke said as she slipped her shoes on as they reached the front door.

"Thank you for joining me." Lexa kissed the blondes cheek after she helped her get her coat on. "Message me when you get home?"

"Of course."

XOXO

"I'm home and safe in bed." Clarke said once Lexa answered the phone.

"Good, I'm glad. Thanks again for coming over. It's a little weird not being home."

Clarke nodded even though Lexa couldn't see her. "I know the feeling, it's a big change."

"It is. I mean I could have flown down there but I don't like using the jet for personal reasons."

"Always so professional." A pause. "I better get to bed. Long day ahead of me tomorrow, meetings and then the stupid fundraiser. I'll talk to you soon though?"

"Of course, good night Griffin."

"Night Lexi."

XOXO

"I can't believe you didn't invite her." Monroe chided as they sat in the limo on the way to the party.

"We're not dating, why would I ask her to come to this boring ass event."

Monroe grinned. "The princess needs her prince, well princess charming."

Fox started laughed. "She's right, plus you need to lock that up before someone else does."

"If someone else wants to, they can. I'm not going to stand in the way."

"Oh whatever, then you'd be really screwed, or actually not screwed at all since she's the only one that can help." Monroe laughed as she received a threatening look from Clarke.

"I hate you both and I don't know why we're friends."

Fox wrapped her arm around Clarke's shoulders. "It's okay, she's gorgeous and so are you. You'd be the hottest power couple ever and I mean if she's that good in bed then it's a win win."

"You two need to work on your schmoozing before we go in there. Otherwise the hospital won't get any donations out of the two of you."

"Sorry we aren't all Malibu princesses." Monroe laughed as she moved to get out of the now stopped limo.

"For the millionth time, I'm not even from Malibu!"

XOXO

An hour later Clarke was talking up an older couple, a martini glass in her hand, her head tilted back laughing even though she hadn't really found the joke funny. She really didn't like having to schmooze with people to get money for the hospital but she knew that it was for the best, especially for her patients. She also happened to be very good at it. People respected her work, and found her to be charming so she used what her mother and father had given her. Talent, wit and hard work. However, she'd be much happier if she could do all of that in sweat pants rather than a ball gown, in fact she'd even settle for her scrubs.

"Good evening everyone, I hope you're all enjoying yourself thus far. I just wanted to take a moment of your time to introduce you to a remarkable woman. Please put your hands together for Miss. Lexa Callaway, CEO of the Callaway Group and a large reason as to why our hospitals continue to be successful."

Clarke's heart leapt into her throat as the spotlight landed at the top of the large staircase. Lexa was standing with her classic beautiful smile shinning brighter than the spotlight that was on her in a cream coloured gown that was adorned with perfect amount of rhinestones. Her hair was in a loose up-do, her lips were red and the diamond earrings and matching necklace completed the outfit in a way that only Lexa could pull off. The crowd continued to clap and Clarke was stuck in awe, barely able to hand onto her martini glass.

"You're all far too kind, thank you so much and thank you for having me tonight. I look forward to speaking with as many of you as possible. On behalf of the Callaway Group, we are excited to be apart of this hospital and many others in hopes that healthcare will be attainable for anyone in need of it." The crowd once again began to clap. "Now without further ado let's have an amazing night, and I look forward to seeing if New York City parties can keep up with the Los Angeles parties that I'm used too. Cheers everyone." She held up the glass of champagne that was in her hand and took a sip before the lights went back to their normal setting.

Clarke however was still transfixed on the woman that was now walking down the stairs as the sound of Frank Sinatra's voice filled the room. She watched as she moved to the bottom of the stairs and talked with a few people before she felt someone touch her arm.

"I'm so sorry I got a little sidetracked."

"You should go and speak with her, I hear she's single." The older woman she had been talking to smiled at her. "She's clearly mesmerized you, a look like that always means something."

"Maybe at some point, but I'm too busy enjoying our conversation."

The couple laughed in sync and shook their heads. "That may have been the case but now someone else deserves your attention. It was lovely speaking with you Miss. Griffin."

XOXO

"Holy shit she's beautiful." Monroe quipped as she and Clarke stood against the bar. "I take it she didn't tell you she was going to be here?"

Clarke shook her head. "No, she didn't." She had tried to make her way over to her ex-girlfriend and now friend but every time she had gotten close someone either pulled her aside or Lexa got pulled aside by yet another person and Clarke never got close enough to say anything at all.

That was nearly two hours ago, so now her and Monroe were taking a breather by the corner bar. Couples were finally starting to occupy the dance floor and Clarke couldn't help but smile at all the happy faces. As much as she wasn't a fan of these fundraisers she did appreciate people having a good time.

"Excuse me, are you Clarke Griffin?" Clarke heard from behind her.

"Yes, indeed I am." And just like that her break was over and she was head first into another conversation with someone she'd probably never see again.

Twenty minutes later Clarke was still in the same conversation and she was hoping that someone, anyone would come over and save her from it. "Sorry to interrupt but I was wondering if I could steal Miss. Griffin away from you." Clarke didn't need to turn around to see whose voice was in the process of saving her.

"Of course Miss. Callaway." The gentleman walked away and before Clarke could turn around Lexa was standing in front of her.

"Care to dance Miss. Griffin?" She extended her hand.

"I'd love too." With that Clarke took her hand and was led towards the dance floor.

"It's quite difficult to get your attention, I've been trying for almost two hours now."

Clarke grinned as she had Lexa kept pace with the other couples on the dance floor. "Funny, I could say the same about you. You sure do know how to work a crowd, your grandfather would be impressed."

Lexa let out a small laugh as she spun Clarke around. "He'd be more impressed with the fact that I managed to get a dance with the most beautiful woman in the room."

"What can I say, I'm a sucker for jazz music and an equally beautiful woman. You knew I was going to be here tonight and yet you never mentioned you would be."

"Some surprises can be fun."

"Is that right, what other surprises are there tonight?"

Lexa grinned and Clarke knew that smile all to well, the brunette was definitely up to something. "I'd tell you but then it would no longer be a surprise."

XOXO

They danced for another half an hour before they both got pulled way. "What do you say to getting out of here soon?" Lexa asked as they made their way off the dance floor.

"I'd like that."

"A half hour?"

Clarke nodded. "Works for me." They smiled at one another before turning away.

"Oh and Clarke," the blonde turned her head to look over her shoulder, "you really are the most beautiful woman in the room." Lexa's eyes were focused on hers and Clarke was sure the rest of the room faded away in that moment.

Exactly twenty minutes later, Clarke picked her clutch up off the table where Monroe and Fox were talking with some of their other colleagues. "Have you two danced like that before?" Fox asked with a sly grin.

"Yes, actually we have."

"We can tell." Monroe winked. "Leaving so soon?"

Clarke nodded. "Unlike some of you, I have to do some actual work tomorrow. Don't drink the place dry ladies." She waved a goodbye over her head as she walked away towards coat check.

When she got there she couldn't help but shake her head as she saw Lexa waiting against the wall, Clarke's coat in her hand. After helping her put it on, Lexa extended her hand once again. "Shall we?"

"Lead the way."

XOXO

"Are you seriously not going to tell me where we're going?" Clarke asked from the back of Lexa's limo.

"You'll see soon enough." Lexa smiled as the city lights continued to flash by.

Sure enough, not long after the conversation Clarke was instructed to close her eyes. Lexa guided her to what seemed to be an elevator. A few short minutes later they stopped walking. "Open your eyes." Lexa whispered into her ear.

Once her eyes were opened and adjusted to the light she saw the city that had stolen her heart in a way she never had before. The large window she was looking out of was the perfect size to really allow you to capture the entire view of the city.

It took her a moment before she finally realized where Lexa had taken her. "Is this what I think it is?" She asked without turning around.

"It is." Lexa stood beside her. "I wanted you to be the first one to see the view."

"It's breath taking."

"Yes it is, like I said I understand how you fell so in love with this city." Clarke finally turned so that she was looking at Lexa. "What is it?" Lexa asked softly.

Clarke shook her head and took in a deep breath. "This is your place?" Lexa nodded and it made Clarke's feet move as she looked around the space and it wasn't until she moved back into the main room that she saw the makeshift bed on the floor. She raised her eyebrows at Lexa who laughed quietly.

"Not like that, I just thought we could unwind and watch the city for awhile after a crazy night."

"You planned this."

"I hoped for it." Lexa grinned before Clarke took her hand and pulled her close. They started dancing even though there was no music playing.

"What are we doing?" Clarke asked, unsure if she really wanted the answer.

"Living in the now."

Clarke liked that answer. "Living in the now sounds good."

Ten minutes later, Clarke was slipping off her shoes, and turning around so that Lexa could unzip the back of her dress. Ten minutes after that she felt Lexa's warm breath traveling down her stomach as she laid on the bed in the middle of the room. The snow starting to fall outside, but neither of them was paying any attention to that. They were far too focused on each other, this time it wasn't about need, it was about want. They wanted to get to know the other again, in a way no one else ever really knew them.

XOXO

"What's with that smirk on your face?" Clarke asked once they were done with round three.

"This was totally a secret date." Lexa grinned as she leaned up on her elbow and looked at the woman next to her."

"It definitely wasn't a date." Lexa continued to smile. "It isn't a date if the other person doesn't agree to it."

"One day you'll realize it was totally a date."

Clarke shook her head as she looked into Lexa's eyes before closing the distance between them once again. They could argue about the finer details later.

TBC…