The atmosphere inside Grounders could only be described as electric. The dance floor was full of beautiful people pulsating to the beat of the music, and the bar was mobbed with equally stunning bodies carrying brightly colored drinks to and from tables and booths. Raven ushered the trio to an empty curved booth facing the bar and waited for everyone to be seated before she started speaking over the music.
"This is our reserved booth for the night, no need to thank me, I know I'm a legend."
Octavia bowed to her as best she could in the booth, and Clarke faked a swoon.
"Listen, my client told me that if we can stand out at all tonight then we might earn an invitation back, so keep that in mind."
Shortly after her announcement Raven decided that she would be the first to make a run to the bar, leaving the Clarke and Octavia to themselves. Both girls settled into a comfortable silence, looking around with fascination written on their faces. The club was bigger than it appeared to be outside, and had a second level that appeared to be devoted wholly to VIP members. After taking time to admire the dance floor, Clarke realized with surprise that the music being played wasn't part of a track. There was a band on a modest stage, playing enthusiastically to the crowd. It was nothing short of impressive, Clarke had to admit. She had been to many clubs, both back in Australia and here in the states, and none of them came close to being as classy and exciting as this one. Raven returned, drawing their attention back to a small tray of shot glasses she had just set down on the table.
"This, ladies, is the Trikru Trio. Before you even open your mouth Blake, I'm aware there's six shots. I ordered two rounds to give you time before your ass has to go handle that madhouse."
She gestured to the mob surrounding the bar before grabbing one of the brightly colored shots off the tray. Clarke grabbed one for herself and brought it up to her mouth, hesitantly smelling it. It smelled nothing like the harsh shots she was used to, the ones that bit at her throat no matter how much a bar tried to dilute them. This mixture smelled almost pleasant, like flowers. She watched as Raven downed her first shot, widened her eyes and grabbed another, shoving it towards Octavia. The younger girl smiled and shrugged, as if she was clearing herself of any of the previous week's stress, and downed the liquid quickly.
"Holy shit! That's amazing Raven! Clarke, you've got to try this."
The blonde nodded and tilted the contents of the glass into her mouth, feeling her own eyes widening in surprise. It did indeed taste amazing, and the three girls quickly polished off the second round Raven had brought back with her. Clarke chuckled and turned her shot glass over on the tray.
"That's going to be dangerous guys, let's keep in mind we all have places to be tomorrow."
Raven rolled her eyes at the blonde, and Octavia just winked as she got up to make her run to the bar. After a couple beats of silence, Clarke turned her attention to the brunette seated adjacent to her. Raven had an unreadable expression on, and her eyes were focused on the upstairs section that overlooked the dance floor. Clarke followed her gaze, and landed on an older woman with stunningly sharp features. She wore a fitted grey pantsuit, and was lazily bringing a drink to her mouth.
"Earth to Reyes, you're beginning to drool."
Raven jumped slightly at Clarke's words, and a light blush covered her cheeks.
"That's Anya Woods. She's the older Woods sister. I honestly didn't expect either of them to be here tonight."
Clarke glanced at the woman again, barely catching the pointed smirk she sent at raven's blushing figure.
"Is her sister up there?"
Raven scanned the balcony quickly.
"I don't see her up there, she's probably busy at another one of their businesses."
Clarke tilted her head slightly as she watched Anya lean back and whisper something to a man beside her. He nodded curtly before disappearing.
"You didn't tell me her name."
Clarke smirked at the obviously flustered brunette.
"I didn't know you were doing a goddamn report on them Griffin. Her name's -"
Raven was interrupted by Octavia huffing over to the booth, balancing three glasses in her hands.
"Good fucking luck up there Griffin, it's a battlefield."
She set the drinks down and took a long sip of hers before chuckling.
"This place has to have the best damn drinks I've ever had."
The three girls spent a bit conversing over their drinks, working up the courage to join the mass of bodies on the dance floor. Once they did Clarke was happily buzzed, and was able to let her body flow smoothly with the music. The girls took turns dancing on and with each other, and eventually breathlessly made their way back to their booth. Not seconds after they settled back in, the man Clarke saw the mysterious Woods sister conversing with earlier appeared. His hands were behind him, chest puffed out in a display of domination. His black dress shirt had a name embroidered onto it, Gustus. After the girls quieted and turned towards him, he looked directly at Raven.
"You, what are your names."
Raven looked from Octavia to Clarke and took a quick swallow before answering.
"Well, uh, my name is Raven Reyes. My friends are Octavia Blake, and Clarke Griffin."
The mountain of a man considered this for a moment before shifting his broad stance, extending the arm that was previously hidden behind him and bringing a tray of more lightly colored shots into view.
"Ms. Woods noticed your glasses were empty, yours in particular Ms. Reyes. Enjoy your night with us ladies."
He placed the tray on the table before turning swiftly and walking towards the stairs, leaving Raven to gape after him, her blush returning. Clarke nudged her gently before taking one of the shots for herself.
"Looks like one of us got noticed at least."
Raven emptied one of the glasses before playfully sticking her tongue out at Clarke and shaking the blush from her face.
"One of us had to, you and Blake are fucking useless."
Lots of description I know, but I had to set the scene! We meet our lovely Commander in the next chapter, so please stay tuned! All feedback is appreciated :)