Chapter 36: Lexa

I sat around the pit listening as Ash, Jose and Reed explained to everyone how we all knew one another and then Reed explained how Jose and he came to be working on the yacht. I still haven't had the chance to ask what Clarke, Ash and Callie were talking about before I sprayed them but at least Clarke is sitting close enough to me so that I can have my arm around her. I can tell that Asher is getting bored and sleepy, so I decide to take him down to his room.

I get up and say, "Asher how about you and I go down and play video games while the adults sit around and talk."

Callie says, "Lexa I can take him down and put him to bed so that you can stay."

"No, I want to take him and play a couple of games as long as that is okay with you."

She looks over at Ash and then says, "That is fine, as long as you are sure you don't mind."

Asher jumps up and says, "Come on Xa, I want to kick your butt on the UFC game."

Callie says, "Fine, but I will be down in about an hour to tuck you into bed."

I got up to leave and I wanted to give Clarke a kiss on the cheek, but I was afraid that she would think that I was pressuring her. So, instead I just told Asher to follow me and we headed downstairs. I took a couple of steps before Clarke says, "Hold on, I'll come with you."

I smile and say, "It's fine, you stay and enjoy yourself. I've just heard or lived all of the stories being told so I don't need to hear them again. I'll be back up once we finish playing and I have him in bed. Really, it's fine."

Clarke looked around at everyone and then back to me, "Are you sure? I am enjoying hearing all the stories."

"I'm sure, Ya Amar. Stay and enjoy yourself, have a few drinks and relax. You deserve it, just don't believe everything those three say about me."

Everyone laughs and as I am walking away, I hear Octavia ask what Ya Amar means and Ash telling them that it means 'My moon' in Arabic. I can just imagine how red Clarke's face is when Jess says, "Aw, that is so sweet. Ashley I can't believe you let her go. I mean she is so…well, she is hot, caring, protective, loyal, can dance like no one's business and not to mention she can sing. She is truly the whole package and romantic on top of that. How can you give up all that for my sister who is none of that?"

I don't hang around to hear what is said after everyone stops laughing, I just continue downstairs with Asher. We play one match on the game before he falls asleep holding the controller. I pick him up and put him to bed before heading back upstairs. I was really looking forward to spending some time with him, but I guess he was tired from playing in the water all day today.

Ash

As Lexa walks away with my son in tow Jess has the nerve to ask me why I would let her go and got back with Callie. I don't really know how to answer that question because it is a complicated one. Luckily, I'm saved by Morrigan saying, "So, who is Lexa fighting?"

I say, "Jewel Budd. Lexa shouldn't be gone long. I doubt Asher will last more than a game or too after today. I don't think she likes to hang around when we are talking about her."

Octavia says, "Yeah, she is kinda shy when it comes to hearing about everything she has accomplished. I'm not sure why, though. I mean if I had been awarded all the medals she has, I would want to brag about them or at least be around when someone else tells the stories. I mean imagine how many chicks she could pick up with some of her stories."

Stefania speaks up and says, "I had no idea that someone as young as Lexa could have accomplished all of the things you all have been talking about. She seems to be an extraordinary person and I look forward to getting to know her better."

Morrigan asks, "Does anyone know anything about this Jewel Budd person?"

Jose says, "From what I have read and seen, she is an accomplished fighter. She started out in Mui Tia and then transferred over to MMA. Her only loses are against big named opponents like Amanda Nunes, Cyborg and Rousey. It is going to be a tough fight for sure, but Lexa can hold her own and we have been working a lot on her capoeira since she decided to take the fight. Not many people know how to defend against it."

I notice that not only is the crew quietly taking everything in but so is Clarke. She hasn't really said a word since Lexa left with Asher. I am about to ask her if she is alright when Jess says, "Clarke, why don't you tell them about how Lexa sang you that song last night at karaoke? I mean it was the most romantic thing I have ever seen how she sang directly to you, even changing some of the wording and then came sliding across the floor and ask you to give her a chance."

When I look at Clarke, her face is crimson red. She looks at the floor and says, "Thanks Jess but I think you just about summed it up and I'm sure that no one wants to hear about that. I'm sure they would rather hear about her time in Afghanistan or fighting in Mickey's tournament."

Lexa walks up and says, "What does no one want to hear about? What did I miss?"

Everyone starts to laugh, and I can't help myself. "Clarke was just about to tell us about how you sang to her last night. I didn't know you liked karaoke?"

Now Lexa is as red in the face as Clarke. Lexa begins stuttering, "Well…um…it was only my second time at karaoke and I really don't remember the first time…but…"

I say, "But?"

"But I wanted her to know how I felt. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"Easy, killer. We are just goofing off. I didn't mean anything…"

"Really Ash, just goofing off. You know what kind of day Clarke has had. Let's not do this tonight, okay?"

"Do what? We are just having a good time getting to know everyone. Your crew was curious about you, that's all. Reed, Jose, and I have replayed our time in the desert, Callie has told them about DC and Jess and Octavia were just getting Clarke to talk about last night. Everyone is just getting to know each other, that's all."

Clarke says, "It's okay Lexa. It's like they said we were all out at the Dragon's Den having a good time drinking and dancing when the DJ said that they were going to open the mic up for karaoke. Octavia made a comment that her and Lexa should sing since everyone liked it the last time they sang. Then Jess decided she wanted Lexa to sing with her also, but Lexa said that she wasn't drunk enough to get up in front of people and sing. I think that O decided it was her mission for the night to get her drunk enough to sing and that is what happened. She was drunk and sang a song directed at me, that's all."

Jess starts to say something, but Lexa cuts her off. "Is that what you really think? That I was just drunk and that's why I sang to you? After everything, do you really think so little of me?"

I say, "Lexa, we are just goofing around. Don't take it so seriously."

She says, "Whatever! I'm glad that everyone is laughing at me. I'm glad that I can amuse everyone." Then she gets up and starts to walk away.