Everywhere she looked there were letters. Mom probably is not going to find it that amazing… But screw that! This IS amazing!
-You've been staring at your own living room for 2 minutes. And your mouth is open. – Lexa was so amazed with everything around her, that she didn't even notice she had frozen.
-I… It's all just… So perfect! I was just trying to take it all in.
-You're such a nerd. – Lexa didn't even bother to look at Clarke. She's probably looking at me with that contagious smile of hers. Totally mocking me. Which is not fair. My state of awake dreaming is totally her fault. – Once you're finished with the staring at your living room, you might want to look at me again, since I'm holding your actual gift. – My what? Lexa turned around immediately. Clarke was holding something black in her arms, it looked like a piece of clothing, like a cloak. Oh my God! A cloak?! – I heard you were a Ravenclaw…
-Is that what I think it is?!
-Maybe… - Clarke had the biggest smile in her face. – Want to try it on?
-Do I…? Of course I do! – Clarke unfolded the cloak and gave it to Lexa. It was huge and soft and it was blue on the inside, just like the color from Ravenclaw. It's perfect. Lexa put it on and looked down on herself. Without even thinking, she threw herself at Clarke, grabbing her by the waist and twirling her around, one more time that morning. – You're the best friend ever! – This time Clarke didn't scream, instead she threw her arms around Lexa's neck to hold herself.
-Good morning Lexie! I can't believe my little girl is turning 18. – Anya had just get into the living room, trying to mimic mom's voice. – Oh… Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt. Wait. Clarke? What is she doing in here?
Lexa put Clarke down and turned to face her sister, moving Clarke to stand behind her, it was an instinctive move.
-Excuse me? This is my birthday. And she's my friend.
-But, does father know you have a friend over? At this time of the day?
-What? – Lexa was confused. She had thought Anya would be mad at Clarke, like Lincoln was.
-You know his rules. – Anya looked around the living room for the first time, finally seeing all the letters on the floor. – Sis, I know it's your birthday, but you might just have managed to find a way to upset both mom and father, at the same time. – Anya stared at Lexa. – I couldn't be more proud and happy. – Anya was now thrilled, because Lexa was "doomed" – I soo want to see their faces when they see this.
-Really? That's why you're happy?
-Right… Hapotei sis. – Anya waved Lexa off and went into the kitchen.
-Your sister is always so nice. – Clarke looked at Lexa and they both broke into laugh.
-But she is kind of right. My mom is not going to appreciate all this letters on the floor.
-Sorry about that. Maybe we should grab them all. There's more in the kitchen and in the bathroom.
-Wow. You two really wanted to make it seem real.
-That was the point. To make you feel like you had just received your Hogwarts letter, just like Harry Potter did. – Lexa smiled once again. I really do have the best friend ever.
-Thank you. For this. For everything.
-You're welcome. Now let's stop being sappy and start to clean all this. I don't want your parents to thinking I'm a bad influence.
-They would never think that. But you're right. We should definitely clean all this.
Clarke was sitting at the kitchen table with Lexa and her family. She felt welcomed, but at the same time, like she wasn't supposed to be there, listening to their conversations, to their day-to-day interactions. She found herself watching that family interact, as she was watching a movie from afar. Aden and Anya bickering with each other, Lexa always the well-behaved daughter, having a conversation with her mother about her birthday party that night. It was just when her eyes moved to watch Lexa's father, Titus, that she realized she was being watched, as well. Titus was staring at her, with a not so lovely face.
-So, Clarke, tell me about yourself. I heard you want to become a doctor. – The moment Titus spoke, the entire family went quiet. It looked like the king was talking. Clarke felt small. That man, looking down on her, it made her feel so small, like she was nothing.
-Yes, you heard right. I would like to be a surgeon, but I'm yet to decide the field I want.
-And you feel confident that you will get into the college you want? – Why the hell am I being interrogated? I don't have to hear it from my mother, so that I can hear it from him now?
-I do.
-I see… And what college is that exactly?
-Father… - Lexa tried to stop the nonsense interrogation that was happening, but Titus was not pleased yet.
-It's ok Lexa. – Clarke wasn't loving that interaction with Lexa's father, but she was not about to show weakness. – It's the Medical University of Polis.
-Polis. Same as Lexa. – Titus seemed to be pleased with their conversation, so just like that, he went back to eating his breakfast. The rest of the family remained in silence.
-Sorry about that. – Lexa came to whisper in Clarke's ear. – I should've warned you this could happen. He's just… well, my father. – Clarke turned to face her. Lexa didn't have time to back away, which made their noses bump. Both smiling and shy about that, decided to just back away.
-Sorry… And it was ok. With your father, I mean. He reminds me of my mother. – Clarke was about to give her first bite to the pancakes in front of her, when Lexa's mother, Becca, decided to ask her something as well.
-So, Clarke, sweetie, did you bring something to wear tonight, at Lexa's party?
-Uhh… Yes, I brought clothes. – But I'm thinking my clothes will not be good enough for you…
-Did Lexa tell you to bring formal clothes?
-Not really… but I brought a dress to wear tonight. – Becca made a face when Clarke said the word dress.
-Is it ok if I give you one of my gowns to wear tonight? You seem to have the same measures as I have. After breakfast, you'll come with me upstairs, we'll choose the perfect gown for you. – it was not a question, Becca had just given her an order, but to Clarke it felt like an invitation. One that she could not say no to.
-Ok… - Clarke looked at Lexa once again, and she was articulating an "I'm sorry" without sound.
It seemed like all the questions had been made, so Clarke, finally, was able to have her first bite of the pancakes that Aden had made. Chocolate chip pancakes. The moment the food touched her tongue, she moaned without having any control over it. Thanks to God, the bickering between Aden and Anya had resumed, so her moaned was not audible to anyone but herself. So she thought…
-That good? – once again, Lexa was whispering in her ear. – Or were you just hungry? – Clarke's face went from slightly tanned, to red. Clarke swallowed the food in her mouth and looked at Lexa, hitting her in the shoulder.
-It was a bit of both, actually. Just so you know, I'm taking Aden to live with me when I move to Polis. He's going to be my cook. I promise to treat him perfectly fine.
-You came a little late for that, he's already claimed. He's coming to live with me, of course. But don't worry, I'll invite you over sometimes. – They were both laughing
-Excuse me, but I'm not an object! You can't claim me. – Aden had somehow heard their conversation. – I think I'll stay here, cooking for myself. Thank you very much. – Aden crossed his arms over his chest and sat up straight, as to show he had made his final decision.
-Ok strikbro, it will be your missing. – Lexa ruffled Aden's hair and got up. Breakfast was over, so it seemed. Clarke was a little lost about what she was supposed to do at that moment. I should help cleaning, or at least offer my help to do it. She was about to voice her question, when Lexa grabbed her forearm to get her attention. – Hey, we're going to the treehouse. – Treehouse? Of course they have a treehouse. – My mom will be busy for a little bit. She'll call you for the gown trying, don't worry.
-Ok- - Lexa didn't quite give her time to accept it, she just started pulling her through the living room and outside. Clarke had never seen her friend so eager. Lexa was so happy. Knowing that, warmed Clarke's heart. After all she had made Lexa go through, the only thing Clarke wanted, was for her to be happy, especially since it was her birthday.
Clarke hadn't yet seen the yard. It was beautiful and worthy of a queen visit. It was so green. There was a pool to the right, a really big pool. Just next to the pool, a little to the left was, what she thought to be, the area for the barbecue. It had a table, almost as big as the one they had in the living room, and a grill, all covered by an enormous sunblind, shielding the area from the heat of the sun. And there it was, away to the left, a strong and huge tree, with a little house on it. The house was petit, but beautiful in its own way. It even had windows, or so it seemed. It was painted with the same colors from the tree leaves, as to camouflage its existence.
-It's so cute. – Lexa made a proud smile.
-We build it. The three of us, and Lincoln. Come on, let's go inside. – Once again Lexa pulled Clarke with her.
As they were getting closer to the tree, Clarke started to notice a small detail from the house. It had no stairs. How the hell am I going to get up there? Yes, she and Lexa were used to climb that old tree in the park, but this one was way higher. She was ok with the 6 feet she had to climb on the park's tree, but this tree seemed to be way higher, like at least 12 feet. And there's no way I'm climbing that.
Lexa seemed to read Clarke's mind, or her face, because she turned to her. – I know it's high, but believe me, it will be worth it. Also, I'll help you all the way up, and down. There's no need to be scared.
-You're kidding, right? How high is that?
-I'll tell you once we get up there.
-Lexa! I'm not good at climbing! I'm that person that falls by stumbling on her own feet.
-I'm aware of that. I think I've seen that happening once. – Lexa was laughing, remembering that one time Clarke had fell while walking, only because she was uncoordinated by nature.
-It won't be that funny when I fall from that tree. – Lexa looked right into Clarke's eyes, no longer laughing.
-I would never let you fall. – And with those words, somehow, Clarke felt safe.
-Ok. But if anything happens, you cannot say I didn't warn you.
-We'll go in the end, first you'll see Anya and Aden climbing, that way you can see where to put your feet and hands.
Anya was the first one. She started running a little before reaching the tree, gaining impulse so that she could grab, not the first branch, but the third.
-What a show of! – Lexa booed her sister.
In less than three moves, Anya was at house.
Aden went next. – Don't worry Clarke, I'll do it slower, so that you can watch carefully. – And so he did. Aden jumped and grabbed the first branch, using his feet and upper strength to get on top of it. He got to the house slower, but still as easily as Anya. Clarke tried to memorize all the moves and the reentrances where to put her feet and her hands.
-It's our turn. – Lexa was smiling. – Come on, I'll help you get on top of the first branch. – Lexa intertwined her hands, as to Clarke use them as a stool. Clarke put one foot on Lexa's hands and got lifted enough to grab the first branch and get on top of it. Once she was there, Lexa backed away and did the same as Anya, running towards the tree and jumping to grab the third branch, pulling herself up so gracefully. Once up, she turned to Clarke and guided her through all the moves, helping her up at the end.
-See, it wasn't that hard.
-For you, because my heart is beating like a maniac. – Clarke grabbed Lexa's hand and placed it over her heart.
-Wow. It's beating incredibly fast. If you were this scared, it just makes you the bravest person here, because you still did it.
Once her heart calmed down, Clarke was able to appreciate everything around her, including the inside of the treehouse. It looked awesome, for lack of better words to describe it. It had 4 huge pillows, that were probably used as couches, big enough to sit 2 people. It had a rug covering the entire floor, so soft it made Clarke want to be barefoot. And, of course, it had a pile of warm blankets. It was basically a place where you could go to just get away.
-I think I now understand why you don't want stairs.
-No parents aloud up here. The no stairs policy was just to guarantee that. – Anya seemed proud of that policy, as it had been her idea.
Suddenly, music started to play inside the treehouse. Radio music. Clarke looked around and saw Aden with a portable battery radio. The final touch to the house, music. It had to have music.
-We bought this radio because, although we all know how to play the guitar, not always we feel like doing it. – And leaning against the wall, was a rather old acoustic guitar.
-You all know how to play the guitar?
-Lexa is the better one, but we all know how to play at least one song. – Aden and Lexa looked at one another and started laughing, but Anya was not really amused with the conversation.
-Really funny guys… Not everyone can be artsy… - Clarke was slightly out to what they were talking about, and so, Lexa explained it to her.
-Anya only knows how to play one song, and she likes to play it very often. – Anya was now pushing Aden to ground and fighting him, mad that her little brother was laughing at her. – Let's sit, they'll be fighting for a while. – Lexa grabbed one of the pillows and took it with her, while grabbing Clarke to follow her. The house had a kind of balcony without handrails, open to the sky. Lexa dropped the pillow and fell on it, taking Clarke with her. Clarke falling on top of Lexa, both laughing.
-Lexa! Don't do that again, we could've fallen! – Although scared and a little mad, Clarke was feeling happy, and something else she was not ready to admit to. Being on Lexa's lap with her arms around her, hugging her so close, Clarke felt like she was in the right place, with all her skin tingling.
-Sorry… - Lexa let go of Clarke, letting her sit next to her, still on the same pillow. The tingling sensation was still there, because she was still incredibly close to Lexa. – I usually come up here to watch the stars. – Lexa was looking at the sky, marveled with the immensity of blue above her – Is it not beautiful?
-Uhuh… - Clarke agreed with Lexa, although she wasn't even looking at the sky. She was looking at her best friend. Not something, but someone. Someone beautiful. – I mean… Yes, the sky is beautiful. – Clarke realized she was staring at Lexa and immediately looked away, at the sky, what she was supposed to be looking at from the beginning. I really have to stop doing this. What is wrong with me? I agreed, with myself, that I just want her as my friend. So why was I about to drool over her, literally?
They were all up in the treehouse, listening to music and talking about nothing in specific. Anya and Aden had stopped fighting with each other, and had joined Lexa and Clarke on the balcony.
Titus was closed in his office, Lexa could see him from the treehouse, through the floor to ceiling window. He was sitting at his desk, probably screaming at the phone, in his all imposing way. Her mom was definitely getting the house ready for the guests. Lexa used to like her birthday, having all the aunts and uncles coming to see her and giving her presents… But with the years passing, she became older and not so fond of the parties her mom would throw for her. She would be expected to act and talk a certain way, that she didn't like at all. When she was a kid, people didn't ask her to be something she wasn't, but now they did, especially her father.
While lost in her thoughts, Aden, Anya and Clarke were discussing the possibility of going to the pool.
-What do you think Lexa? – Clarke nudge Lexa, to get her attention.
-What?
-Do you want to come swimming?
-I don't care if you're going or not. I'm going for sure. All this heat is starting to melt my skin. – Anya was already up.
-Me too! – Aden would spend days inside the pool if he could. Lexa thought he had been a fish in his pass life.
Aden and Anya were already racing each other down the tree and into the pool.
-You're not going? – Clarke was still sitting next to her, on the same pillow, looking at her. Lexa knew that face. Clarke was trying to read her, trying to decipher if she was ok. As always, her best friend had noticed that her mind wasn't present and that that was something troubling her. Lexa would never be able to hide something from Clarke.
-I just… I like being up here.
-Are you ok? You seem distant. You were so happy 10 minutes ago, what happened?
-Nothing. I was just thinking about the dinner party tonight.
-What about it?
-All my family is coming. I hate that. My father… He expects me to act this certain way… Let's just say that, although this is my birthday, this day is not about me, but about him. If I could, I would just spend the entire day up here, just hanging out, away from all that.
-So, that's why you don't invite friends to your party?
-Kind of. I don't want people to have to deal with these formal dinners with my snob family. If I hate it so much, why would I make my friends go through it? Sorry.
-Sorry? For what?
-You're here. I invited you to this. I didn't even warn you.
-Even if you had warned me, I would still be here. It's your birthday, I wanted to be with you.
-Thanks. Your presence will definitely make things better. We should probably go. – Lexa was starting to feel too close to Clarke. Her mind had spent the entire time reminding her that her skin was touching Clarke's, making it impossible to look at her best friend for more than 1 second. She would not trust herself to look at Clarke for that long, or she would end up kissing her, and that was something she was not eager to repeat. If they were to kiss again, Lexa would not be the one moving forward.
-Maybe we should… - Lexa could feel Clarke looking at her, like two knifes piercing through her neck. She decided to get up, helping Clarke up as well.
-Let's go. I promise, climbing down will be easier.
-Right… I almost forgot about that.
They went down, easily. As they were reaching the ground, Lexa's mom came to get Clarke. Lexa went with them. No way I'm leaving her alone with my mom.
-Lexa, honey, there's no need for you to come with us. You already have your gown ready. Go join your brother and sister in the pool, Clarke will be back in a second. – Lexa looked at Clarke. Her friend was looking back at her, with a questioning look on her face, wondering why Becca wanted to be alone with her. The only answer Lexa was able to give was a shrugging of her shoulders.
(…)
Lexa was talking with her aunt Indra, her father's sister. The coldness ran on that side of the family. Her aunt was rambling about advocacy, or something like that, because Lexa was not paying any attention to it. She could see Lincoln and Anya talking happily about something she couldn't hear. Aden was in the corner with their cousin Luna. Lexa didn't quite like Luna, she always acted like she was better and superior than them. But then again, with aunt Indra being her mother, I kind of understand where she got that trait. Lexa was looking around the room, searching. Clarke. Clarke was the only person she wanted to see, but the only she wasn't finding. She remembered seeing her go upstairs to get changed. Lexa was already wearing her black gown. Her mom had chosen it for her, as always. It was beautiful, for sure, but Lexa didn't quite feel like herself in it. It was a strapless gown, tight around her waist, and then fluid the rest of the way down, slightly longer on the back. Lexa had to wear high heels, make up, and her hair up. She had spent the afternoon getting ready. Her mom would always hire someone to do the makeup and hair. Anya was also dressed properly, with a beautiful burgundy red gown, also long but with an intricate lace backless top. Aden was wearing a dark blue tuxedo with a bow tie, and Lincoln also wearing a tuxedo, a black one. But Clarke was nowhere to be found. Lexa was starting to get impatient. She had no idea what her best friend would be wearing tonight, since her mother hadn't let her see. Lexa was still to know how it had been with Clarke and her mom. They hadn't had time just the two, to talk about it.
-I'm rather proud of you. You made the right choice. – Lexa returned to the conversation, just in time to end it and move along to next family member.
-Thank you, aunt Indra. Now, if you excuse me. – Lexa escaped away from her aunt. She was about to reach the stairs, having decided to go look for Clarke, when her best friend appeared in her field of vision.
It was a moment worthy of a movie. Lexa looking up, her eyes locking with Clarke's. There she was. With a blue gown, but not just any blue. It had every shade of blue from Clarke's eyes. It started darker, like the blue Lexa had seen in Clarke's eyes before she had kissed her, and as it reached the floor, the blue would get lighter, seeming almost white. It looked like the sky, filled with the night stars already disappearing, as the sun started to rise. Beautiful didn't seem enough to describe it. The hair was pulled up, tied in an intricate bun. Lexa stared at her best friend the entire way down the stairs, completely lost in the view in front of her.
-Hi. – Clarke was smiling and blushing.
-Hi… -The sound that came out of Lexa's lips was supposed to be a word, but it came out as a long hoarse sigh.
-You look beautiful. – Me? Have you looked at yourself?
-I… You… - Lexa was having trouble regaining the ability of speaking. – I mean… You look breathtaking.
-I can see that. – Lexa laughed with Clarke. Laughing at my stupidity seems the right thing to do. – Have you remembered how to speak again?
-I'm perfectly capable of speaking. You just… You know. You surprised me. I wasn't expecting to see you coming down the stairs. I was about to go look for you. – That was so believable… or not.
-And now I'm here.
-Yes. And you look beautiful.
-This gown is beautiful. Your mom's entire closet was beautiful, to be honest.
-Her closet is filled with clothes, like that gown, that she has never used.
-So, that's why she offered me this one. This is beautiful, but, like I told her, I can't accept this. This must be as expensive as my car. – Clarke was mesmerized, looking at what she was wearing. – I mean, I can't still believe that I'm wearing this.
-If she offered you that, you should accept it. It will make her happy, if you do.
-I'll think about it then. I just don't think I'll ever have another opportunity to use it.
-You never know. – Lexa extended her hand. – Ready to confront my family?
-I was born ready. – Clarke made a strong face, but Lexa was able to see it in her eyes, that her friend was actually quite terrified.
(…)
Clarke was having a random conversation with Aden, while watching, over Aden's shoulder, Lexa saying goodbye to her aunt Indra. What a cold person… And her daughter, Luna… Hot, but so cold. I think the ice definitely runs in the family. The night had gone by before she could notice. It had been an amazing party, with great food and with not that nice conversations. Lexa's family, from Titus' side, was very blatant about what they thought of people, and were proud to tell it to Clarke's face. Clarke never felt so happy to have a "normal" family. My mom looks like an angel, compared with these people. At some point during the party, the "kids", had joined all together, talking about "kids' stuff", Clarke had discovered, Lexa's cousin, Luna, was going to Polis too, to the same college as Lexa. Lexa did not look thrilled to find that out. For what Clarke was able to understand, Luna and Lexa, had always had some kind of rivalry, one that was fed form their parents. Titus and Indra had passed their rivalry to their kids.
-Clarke? Are you here? I totally lost you. – Aden had realized Clarke was no longer listening to him, and was now following her eyes, trying to see what had caught her attention. – Lexa. Of course, …
-What? – Clarke was so lost in her thoughts and in Lexa, that she forgot about Aden, that was now, at her side, looking at Lexa as well.
-Why are you looking at my sister like that?
-Like what? I'm not. I was just… looking.
-Right… If you say so… - Aden was an observant person. Too observant.
Lexa was coming back inside the house, her face filled with weariness.
-Hey. What are you two doing?
-Clarke was looking at you, so I just joined her. – What?! Aden! I can't believe this kid just said that…
-We were just talking, actually. How are you feeling?
-Tired of being in this dress. Exhausted of pretending to be someone else. – Clarke understood Lexa perfectly, because she was feeling exactly the same. - I'm ready to start the real party.
-Real party? What do you mean? – Clarke was, once again, lost in a sibling's conversation. Aden was already undoing his bowtie, and taking his shoes off. Lexa was untying her hair. A wave of beautiful brown curls came crashing on her shoulders.
-Now, the "kids"' party starts. – Aden even made the air quotes. – We'll go to the tree house and we'll drink and talk. I will mostly talk.
-You're not old enough yet strikbro. - Lexa ruffled Aden's hair, but not even that seemed to make him happy about the not drinking problem. – Let's get out of these gowns and put something comfortable. Pajamas.
-Now that, I want. This shoes are killing me. You should've warned me about these, not your family. – With that they both laughed and went upstairs to Lexa's room.
The moment they got inside the bedroom, Lexa turned her back to Clarke.
-Please, help me unzip the dress. – Clarke had no idea why, but the simple fact of watching the dress flowing down Lexa's back, made her mouth go dry. – Now I'll help you with yours. – It took Clarke a moment to move again, turning around. Lexa's hands were warm and steady. Clarke's bag was already in Lexa's bedroom, although she hadn't put it there. While still holding, her dress up, to not let it fall, Clarke grabbed her pajamas from her bag. Lexa in the other hand, was walking around looking for hers, only in her black bra and panties. Her friend was really confident in her body, and had all the reasons to be. If my body looked like that, I would not have a problem walking around in my underwear.
When they were finally comfortable in their pajamas, they went downstairs and then outside. Clarke could hear Lincoln and Anya in the tree house, as well as music. Climbing the tree was, once again, a huddle of emotions. It was only when Clarke reached the top and saw Lincoln, that she remembered she hadn't talked with him yet. She was planning on doing it, but then a lot of stuff happened that had kept Her from even thinking about it. But now there he was, looking at her, without his usual smile. It looks like he's still not happy with me. Clarke was about to say something to him, when Lexa moved in front of her.
-You. We need to talk. – Lexa was all tense. Clarke grabbed her arm, trying to pull Lexa closer, to stop her from doing, or saying something reckless. – You had no right. Do you hear me? Just because you've known me for years, that does not give you the right to do what you did! You didn't know everything. And I am more than capable of talking for myself!
-I didn't do anything wrong. I just told her what you should've told her, if you had the guts!
-Shof op! I'm perfectly capable of fighting my own battles! And you have no right to act like you know what I want.
-Fine! I was just trying to protect you.
-I don't need protection. And you, of all people, should know that. – Lincoln was a rather strong guy, but somehow, he seemed rather small when interacting with Lexa, especially with her being all tense and mad. – What happened was between me and Clarke, so it was to stay between us. I don't want you to ever do something like that again.
-If that's what you want… I was just doing what I thought was right. You looked terri- - Lincoln didn't finish his sentence. – You're right. I didn't know the all story, so I shouldn't have done anything.
-Exactly. But even if you did, it was between us.
-You're right. I'm sorry. – This time, Lincoln was no longer talking to Lexa, but to Clarke. – I'm sorry for the way I acted, and for what I said.
-Thanks. I know I didn't act right, but I was… I made things right. We made things right.
The atmosphere was super tense and dark, when Aden got to the treehouse.
-I hope you haven't started without me! – Aden was a little ray of sunshine. The moment Lexa heard her brother's voice, she started to relax, coming closer to Clarke. – Did I miss something? Lexa? You seem mad. What happened?
-Nothing, strikbro. We were just acting like grownups for a little bit. But that's over now. You ready to party? – Anya, that had been quiet in her place, just admiring the arguing like if it was a soap opera, decided to talk.
-Of course! I brought snacks.
Things calmed down and went back to normal rather quickly. In less than 10 minutes they were all laughing like if nothing had ever happened. Drinking and dancing like if there was no tomorrow. Aden was a really good singer and dancer, he knew all the lyrics and all the moves. Anya in the other hand preferred to eat, drink and mess with Aden's dance moves. Lincoln had good moves as well. Lexa was perfect at dancing, like she was at pretty much everything. The alcohol ran in their veins, making them dance really close. Clarke had her back turned to Lexa and she was dancing against her. Lexa had her hands skimming Clarke's waist, never touching her but following its moves.
Around four in the morning, Aden went to bed. A little later, Lincoln and Anya followed him, and went to bed as well.
Clarke and Lexa, found themselves laying on top of the pillows, in the treehouse, close to each other, looking at the stars. Clarke was in a state of haze, with all her body numb except for her core, that had spent the entire night burning, making her think of things she didn't want to. Clarke had her face buried in Lexa's neck, completely fuddled with Lexa's smell. They had never been that close. And that was when she did it. The next morning, she would probably blame on the alcohol, but in that moment, her mind was screaming for her to do it. So, she did it. Her lips brushed against Lexa's neck, gently and softly at first, as if she was afraid to get them burned, but then harder and hungrier, as she started to roam closer to Lexa's jawbone. At first, Lexa didn't move, only tensing, but the moment Clarke reached for something more, Lexa gave it to her. Lexa came on top of Clarke, crashing their lips together, finally. This time the kiss was real, Clarke was moving and searching for more, her hands coming to grab Lexa's side, pulling her closer. The kiss was messy and passionate, hungry and eager for more. Lexa's hands reached Clarke's neck, grabbing her hair.
In the midst of it all, Lexa stopped. They stared at each other, breathing heavily and rapidly. Clarke lost herself in the deep forest of Lexa's eyes. That green was so captivating, always changing, so dark at that moment. Lexa was reading Clarke's face, trying to understand what was happening.
-Are you sure? – Those three little words just made Clarke fall deeper in those eyes, in the lust, in that scent, in everything. Their lips crashed once again, and Lexa didn't stop it anymore.
The only thing crossing Clarke's mind was Lexa. They kissed until they had to breathe again. Lexa started kissing Clarke everywhere. Starting by only skimming, without touching, making Clarke squirm under her, to finally tracing paths in Clarke's neck with kisses. Some were hungrier and Clarke knew they would leave a mark the next day. While her lips came to reach Clarke's earlobe, her hands moved further as well, coming to rest under Clarke's breasts. They stayed there for a while, as to ask for permission. When permission was conceded, Lexa bit Clarke's earlobe, pulling it slightly, at the same time, her thumbs brushed against Clarke's nipples, making her writhe under Lexa. Every little thing Lexa did, it just made the heat in Clarke's core intensify. Lexa's hands went back to Clarke's waist, only to come back up, but under Clarke's shirt. While her hands were coming up, Lexa's lips were moving down, already in Clarke's collarbone. Lexa was being as gentle and slower as she could, giving Clarke all the time to say no, if she wanted. When Clarke felt Lexa's thumbs touch her breasts, this time skin with skin, everything stopped. Her mind woke up and her core stopped burning. I'm not ready. Not like this. Lexa felt it and stopped right away.
-Are you ok? Did I go to fast? I'm sorry. – Lexa's face was filled with worry.
-I'm ok. No, it's not that. I just… Could we just… I don't think I'm ready for more…
-Ohh. That's perfectly fine. If you're not ready, then I'll stop. – Lexa moved away, coming to lay beside Clarke, instead of on top of her.
-It's not that I'm not enjoying it, because, believe me, I am. I just… I don't want this to happen while I'm not completely sober.
-You do well to think like that. We don't have to do anything you're not ready for.
-Can we just cuddle.
-Of course. – Clarke moved closer to Lexa, snuggling her nose in Lexa's neck. Lexa put one harm around Clarke, holding her close, and with the other hand, she grabbed a blanket that was nearby, pulling it to cover them from the cool breeze of the night.
Clarke fell asleep right away, something she never did, her mind being peacefully, instead of drowning with thoughts. Lexa kissed Clarke's forehead, before closing her eyes as well. They didn't know why what happened had happened, but they knew it was something that felt right, and that they had time in the future to talk about it.
