AN: So what we've learned from this is that I shouldn't be allowed to write art major aus-especially painting ones-because I become invested and forget that this was supposed to be a two shot. Like honestly this turned into a chapter story just with tiny chapters smooshed together...

Anyways this was getting so long that I decided I needed to post something, SO this is part 1 of the second chapter.

If you feel that this is too much at once feel free to tell me and I will try and split this up/rework it. Also feel free to mention any errors because I know there are some!

Oh I almost forgot, I did some research for what I wanted their painting styles to be like so if anyone is curious Lexa's is based off of Mandy Bundan's work and Clarke is a mix of Howard Cole, Nathan Oliviera, and Hester van Dapperen.


Bottles of nail polish surround Clarke on her pink comforter bed. She eyes both a blue and a silver bottle while waiting for Raven's annoying elevator music to stop. Settling on the baby blue color as a base she starts to unscrew it when Raven's voice greets her with a, "Sup."

"We've got a problem."

"Alrighty then, its crisis time already. What is it?"

"Lexa's going to be in my painting class," Clarke rushes, accidentally painting the side of her big toe blue.

"Niiice. And how is this a problem?" There's a shuffling sound on Raven's end of the phone. Moving on to her next toe Clarke sighs into the phone, "Because I haven't prepared myself for this. I've just been thinking maybe we'll see each other around sometimes once the semester starts. I never thought we'd actually have another class together."

"Still not seeing the issue. You've got a whole 'nother semester to use your Griffin Charms on her," she chuckles.

"I still don't even know what that means Raven. But that doesn't help."

"Come on it's the Griffin Charms. Heart crushing, day ruining—

"None of that sounds positive."

"DAY ruining, mind consuming, tummy butterfly feeling Griffin Charms," Raven continues, pretending like Clarke didn't speak.

"That still wasn't positive. I think you need to reevaluate your definition of charm."

"Who said it was a positive thing, for them. You get in people's heads. You make them love you. It's a very powerful skill that you seem to be underappreciating," Raven laughs.

"Yeah well, if this charm exists it sounds like it's going to drive Lexa away." Halfway done painting her other foot she waits for Raven to come up with a response. "But you're still texting her aren't you?"

"Yeah. Sometimes."

"There you go! Step one complete."


Walking into the painting studio Clarke was engulfed by the familiar smell of paint, dust, and turpentine. Somebody obviously didn't buy odorless. Joining a few other students who were sitting around a thoroughly used and abused table Clarke grabs a stool. "Hey Maya, how was your summer?" She asks giving the girl a friendly smile. Returning the smile Maya pushes a few strands of ebony hair behind her ear, "It was fine. I worked mostly. But can't really complain. Yours?"

"Yeah, it was good. Can't complain either," looking around the room she adds, "You ready for another semester of painting?"

"I think so. Not sure about this abstract thing though. It will be…interesting," she answers fingers tapping on the table.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. I don't really think I'm an abstract person." Maya's next response eludes Clarke. Her focus is instead on the approaching Lexa. And very quickly her attention was drawn to Lexa's exposed bronze arm. Lexa has a tattoo? I never would have guessed. It's pretty sweet though. And hot. Definitely hot. Clarke hopes she's smiling like a normal person and not a creeper as Lexa grabs a stool and sits next to her. "Hello Clarke."

"Hey Lexa," she was definitely smiling too hard, "How was your summer?"

"Busy."

"That sucks. Hey, but how did that thing with your Uncle go?" Clarke turned on her stool. Practically face to face with Lexa. Staring into mildly shocked hazel eyes. Not fully able to keep the surprise out of her voice Lexa replies, "You remembered that?"

"Yeah," Clarke shrugs.

"Wow. It was, it was good."

"Wish I had an Uncle that owns horses. That'd be awesome," Clarke says leaning her head in her palm.

"It is pretty cool," Lexa looks at Clarke through her eyelashes. "I actually got to see some of them race. But my biggest mistake that weekend was forgetting my camera." Clarke nods her head understandingly.


To get themselves thinking abstractly the class had to smush around chunks of playdough, then make a drawing or painting from it. Professor Wallace letting them use any material as long as it was in color. Clarke chose to use chalk pastels. The familiar texture comforting, like her charcoals. Fingers a muddy mess of blues and reds she works away at shading the red underside of her playdough mass. Headphones in. Clarke was in her zone. She hums to herself as she pushes her pastels into the textured paper. Flakes of color catching on the paper's surface, blending with the red layer before it. Her eyes shift to stare down at her playdough chunk. She sets the pastel in her hand down instead grabbing the burnt umber. She only gets two strokes onto the paper when there's a tap on her shoulder that nearly startles her off of her stool. "Shit," she mutters pulling a headphone from her ear. Smile pulling at her lips but not quite there Lexa says, "Sorry." Her right hand goes to rest on her left bicep. "It's cool. You won't be the only one to do that this semester. What's up?" Clarke smiles putting her pastel down carefully.

"Do you happen to have any acrylics with you?" Lexa asks, eyes looking to Clarke's paper briefly before returning to her gaze. Clarke pauses for a second. Then moves on her stool, bending down to open her toolbox. Lexa hears the rustling and shuffling of supplies before Clarke sits up straight. With an apologetic wince she holds out two tubes saying, "I have a white and a black?" Teeth toy with her bottom lip before Lexa murmurs, "May I borrow your black?"

"Sure," Clarke hands it over. Trying to ignore the brush of their fingers. "Have you asked Maya? I'm pretty sure she's using acrylics too," Clarke offers. Shaking her head Lexa says, "Thank you though. I'll return this before class is over."

"Okay." With that Lexa moves back behind her easel. Squirting a bit of black paint onto her palette. Clarke puts her headphone back into her ear. Picking up her pastel.


Wiping an oil and grease stained hand across her forehead Raven rolls out from under the car before sitting up, asking, "Why do you need to go to Ace?"

"I need to buy wood," Clarke answers arms crossed. There's a quirk of Raven's eyebrow as she sets her tools down in a container. Fingers wiping on her overalls. Rolling her eyes Clarke answers, "For a canvas. We have to build the stretcher ourselves now. Some crap about it being a good skill."

"You get to use power tools though right?"

"Yeah."

"Sounds like fun to me," Raven smirks. Clarke can only roll her eyes. As Raven walks passed Clarke she starts to shimmy out of her pants. Tossing them behind her on a wooden chair that barely fits in the corner of the small garage. Grabbing her jeans from a hook she slips them on before putting her brace back in place. When she's dressed in her semi-clean clothes she stands, grabbing her red jacket and keys proclaiming, "Well, let's go."

Tapping her fingers on the glass counter Clarke huffed out another puff of air. Chin in her other hand she eyed the middle-aged worker who was still talking with the bearded man about something. There had to be someone else in this place who would help her. Raven walked off at least five minutes ago stating how she knew how to get a worker's attention. Clarke's pretty sure she saw her former roommate stealing the worker for herself as they turned down another tool aisle. "Some help you are," Clarke mutters. There's a buzz from the door at the front of the store. Shifting her gaze Clarke sees a familiar mass of brown hair, pulled up in a high bun. Lexa's head was down as she looked at a piece of paper in her hands, pen tapping what Clarke assumed to be a list. Catching Clarke's eyes when she looks up Lexa gives a small smile. Changing directions she makes her way over. "You getting wood too?" Clarke asks standing up straight.

"Yeah. I figured better to get it now than wait until Monday."

"Same. Though at the rate these workers are going we'll be here until Monday," Clarke doesn't quite keep under her breath. Lexa's releases a quick chuckle before saying, "Don't worry. I can get someone." As she walks off Clarke thinks to herself, I've heard those words before and yet here I am. But in fact after a few minutes Lexa came walking back with an employee. He was a big dude with a scruffy beard and tattoos on the side of his face. Clarke watched the two. They obviously new each other. The man patting Lexa on the back with one hand as he laughs. The scowl on Lexa's face makes Clarke think the laughter is at her expense. When they finally make it over to Clarke the man asks, "So I am told that you are in need of some wood as well."

"That is correct."

"Alright. Do either of you know what it is you need?" Lexa opens up the bag hanging from her shoulder. Pulling out her folded piece of paper she opens it up quickly before reading, "8ft 1x4s and 8ft ¼ rounds."

"Easy enough. How many." At this Lexa looks to Clarke. Clarke sputters, "Uuuuh two of each? Or maybe it's four."

"We're making canvases. What would you suggest Gustus?" The look he gives Lexa is one of 'How in the world should I know?'

"Wait, I remember. It's definitely two because we have to cut them in half," Clarke answers, "Dante suggested around 4x3 ft as a size. So if we get two 8ft boards they could at the most make a 4x4 ft canvas."

"Sounds good to me. Four 1x4s and four ¼ rounds please Gustus."

"Got it."

"Clarke! Clarke look at how cool this, oh hey Lexa, look at how cool this is, Clarke." Raven sets the tool box on the floor and begins opening drawers and lids talking about the tools and what they could do in ways that go way over Clarke's head. She let's Raven excitedly ramble on for a few more seconds before interrupting, "Don't you already have that stuff?"

"Yeah…but not in a box like this," she pulls one section completely out from the box, "Clarke, it detaches. Come on."

"Do you even really need that?" Clarke laughs. Raven gives her a glare. "That's not the point. Lexa, you think it's cool right. You think I should definitely get it don't you?"

"Um…it looks cool, I guess," she glances at Clarke quickly, "If you want to spend the money on it."

"You where supposed to say 'Yes Raven that's awesome! Clarke is an idiot, of course you should get it!' but fine you two win. I guess I can wait," closing it back up and standing she asks, "You find your wood?"

"Yeah, no thanks to you, Lexa found somebody to get it for us."

"Cool…woah wait…is that it? Those are not fitting in Spacewalker." Turning around Clarke winces. Gustus comes back carrying wood that is taller than him and definitely isn't fitting in Raven's rebuilt, blue Mazda Miata. "Not fitting in my car either. We can get these cut in half right?"

"Yeah…but next time tell me before I get back in the shop Heda," Gustus smirks, eyes still twinkling when he looks to Clarke adding, "Both of you want it cut?"

"Yes please," Clarke answers before giving Lexa a look at she punches Gustus in the arm mumbling something. He walks off with a bark of a laugh. Crossing her arms Lexa is fighting the build of pink on her cheeks. Raising an eyebrow Raven can't help but to ask, "Heda?"

"It's nothing just a nickname," Lexa waves off.

"How often do you come here?" Raven asks eyebrows shooting up.

"Oh, no. He's my uncle. It's like…a childhood nickname…"

"Oh okay, makes sense. I'm interested now though. So expect to be asked about this again at a later time. I won't forget."

"Well, you'll just have to wait then. Weren't you putting that back?" Lexa points to the toolbox still sitting on the tiled floor by Raven's feet.

"Uuugh fine," she bends down to grab it then goes walking off.

"Really, she won't. She's going to ask about it, just wait. If you are unfortunate enough to become friends with her she'll pry it out of you just like she did with mine."

"Your what?"

"Uuugh, my nickname my mom regrettably used around Raven one summer."

"What is it?" Lexa's butterfly inducing smile has made its return. Clarke's mouth going dry suddenly. Blinking she returns the smile stating, "If I don't get to hear the backstory of Heda there's no way I'm sharing mine."

"Hey, but at least you know what mine is," Lexa retorts hands on her hips.

"That is true but I'm still not telling mine."

"What of yours aren't you telling?" Raven pipes in.

"Her nickname that you learned."

"Oooooh that," the grin that grows on Raven's face is one that signals danger.

"Don't you dare Raven," Clarke quickly cover's Raven's mouth. That changes when a warm and disgustingly wet tongue touches her palm. "Gross! Stop hanging around Octavia." Luckily for Clarke as she's wiping her hand on a laughing Raven's shirt, Gustus comes back holding all their wood in both hands. Lexa meets him halfway taking her part of the wood from him. When he makes it to Clarke he hands her, her wood saying, "You both will want to show this piece of paper to the cashier."

"Thank you," they reply at the same time.

"Is their anything else any of you need?"

"No/Nope/I don't think so."

"Aright. Then good luck with your canvases. I'll see you later Heda."

"Bye Gustus." Shifting the wood in her arms Lexa asks Clarke, "Are you going to take this to the studio now?"

"Only if Raven is up for driving me," Clarke gives Raven an innocent look. Rolling her eyes Raven concedes, "Fine. But we're stopping by Mt. Weather to get something to eat before I drop you off."

"You're the best!" Clarke grins blowing Raven a kiss.

"Yeah I am."


Clarke walks into the studio dropping her backpack to the floor by the metal cabinets. Lexa was over at the table. Her hammering echoing throughout the room and even spilling out into the hall. "Are you the only one in here?"

"Yeah. Myles was in here earlier but now it's just me," Lexa grunts pulling out a bent nail from her wood. Noticing the lack of a built stretcher Clarke asks, "Are you going to be ready by tomorrow?"

"Hopefully. The glue only needs to dry for a couple hours right?"

"Yeah. But is the woodshop going to be open then?" Clarke walks over to the storage rack. Pushing aside her portfolio she pulls out her already attached boards and her folded up canvas. In the middle of hammering down another nail Lexa says, "Lincoln says he doesn't mind staying a little later for me. He has some project or something to do. Fuck." Lexa glares at another bent nail. The curve of the nail pointing mockingly to the holes that mark her other failed attempts. Clarke ignores the rush of heat that spiked through her body from Lexa's curse. Making her way over Clarke asks, "You've used a hammer before right?"

"Of course I have," Lexa answers quickly. Sharp glare shifting to Clarke. Raising her free hand up Clarke defends, "I wasn't judging. It was a serious question. One of the girls in my 3D class last year said she never used a hammer before." Exhaling through her nose Lexa pulled out the offending nail. It clattered on to the small pile on the table. Grabbing a new nail from the box Lexa starts to hammer again. It too bends after a few hits. "Shit," Lexa curses this time under her breathe. Clarke tries to contain her laugh. She fails. "What's so funny," Lexa side eyes Clarke with a glare.

"Nothing," Clarke smiles, "It's just, finally you're the one cussing and I can come to your aid." It takes a few moments before Lexa's face softens. A hint of a smile teases the corner of her mouth. "You have a point. Okay Clarke. Help me."

"Start hammering again." Clarke sets her stretcher against the table. Lexa removes the ruined nail before grabbing another, beginning again. She only get's a few hits down when Clarke takes her hand. "You're holding it too far down. You want your hand more towards the end of the handle." Clarke slides Lexa's hand down into place. Hoping that her hands didn't actually become as clammy as she thinks they are. Separating her shaky hands from Lexa's she also advises, "I'd also suggest using more of your arm. Be more fluid, rather than relying on your wrist." As she speaks she demonstrates by motioning her arm in the air like she's using the hammer herself. Lexa's green eyes are piercing into her. Soaking up everything. Clarke doesn't know how anyone can withstand Lexa's gaze. It needs to come with a warning label. When Clarke's arm drops back down to her side Lexa gives her a nod before resuming her hammering. Taking Clarke's advice her arm almost becomes too loose but the force seems to even out. Lexa finally able to hammer down the nail successfully. The proud smirk on her face almost makes Clarke miss the soft, "Thank you."


"All I'm saying is that if you really loved me you'd hook a roomie up."

"One, I don't know him all like that. Two, he's a grad student." Clarke can only shake her head at Octavia who was carrying her wood for her. Setting her toolbox down in front of an easel. Clarke pulls the closest stool next to it. "So! You said so yourself he's a nice guy. Who cares if he's a few years older than us? He's hot!" After dropping the wood into Clarke's section of the storage rack Octavia walks over to the table. She sits down on a stool. Pulling her laptop out of her bag. Clarke sets her painting onto the metal easel, struggling for a few moments adjusting the height. Nearly knocking the painting over twice. Once that's settled she busies herself pulling out her paints and brushes. Setting them next to her glass palette on top of the taboret. When she walks passed Octavia to get her jar of turp from the flammables cabinet Octavia says, "It wouldn't even be that hard you know. Just go get him and pretend like you need help with something. Ask him if you're doing it right."

"It's abstract art, there is no right."

"Oh there's definitely a right. And whatever that mess is on your canvas isn't it."

"Why did I ask you to come with me again?" Now that everything was set up and she was ready Clarke pulls her laptop out of her bag and sets it on a second taboret. She goes through some folders on her desktop finding the picture she's basing the painting off of. It was a picture of the beach her dad used to take her to during the summer. "Because I'm awesome and give you good advice. Now, go get Lincoln and ask him for help." Pointing her finger towards the door, Clarke knows she might as well give in now. With an exaggerated huff she drops her brush, then heads for the door. Octavia's grin is triumphant as she watches her friend do her biding. When Clarke gets to the hall she tries to remember which direction Lincoln's studio is. She's pretty sure it's to the right. When she finds the door that has the name "Lincoln" written on a dry erase board she hesitates. Alright. Okay. You can do this. Just knock on the door Clarke. Shaking out her hands she steps closer to the door, giving a couple loud knocks. Holding her breath she waits for an answer. A tall, palpably muscular man opens the door. A smile quickly fills his face as he asks, "Hey. What can I help you with?"

"Um…I was wondering if you could look at my painting and give me some advice," Clarke says noticing that he had some paint on his face. She's pretty sure he has some on his ear too. "Sure, no problem." He ducks back into the room to set the brushes and pencils in his hands down before stepping on the doorstopper to keep it open. "So what are you working on right now?" He asks.

"An abstract landscape."

"Nice." When they get back into the room Octavia is standing in front of Clarke's painting. Fingers stroking her chin as if she was stroking a beard in thought. Idiot, Clarke laughs in her head. Hearing Clarke and Lincoln walk into the room Octavia turns around. "Clarke I was looking at it some more and I think one of the problems is that there isn't any depth."

"It's abstract. It doesn't need depth."

"Hmmm…well that's not completely true. May I see your reference?"

"Yeah," tapping the spacebar she wakes the computer up before turning it to face him.

"Alright. Well, I agree with your friend somewhat. I think if you made the background more atmospheric, pushing the sky and the horizon of the water further back, it'd make this foreground with the sand-and you?-more interesting." Behind his back Octavia was grinning like the dork she is. Clarke wanted to roll her eyes at her roommate but instead looked to Lincoln and replied, "Okay. But do you think I really need to add myself into the painting? I was just going to put in some sea shells or maybe a sandcastle or something instead."

"I think keeping yourself in there would be more interesting. Especially if you cropped it somehow." He studied the image for a little bit longer. Squinting his eyes different amounts before finally nodding. "Okay," Clarke replied unsurely.

"You don't have to though. Every thing I say is all suggestions. It's your painting."

"Yeah. Okay. Thank you."

"No problem." He gives both Clarke and Octavia a nod before leaving the room.

"I'm coming to the studio with you more often," Octavia proclaims once she's sure Lincoln is out of hearing distance.


"I don't understand you. How are you painting like that? Everything you do is just amazing," Clarke states stopping mid walk behind Lexa. Lexa's cheeks burn pink both from shock and from the compliment. "Thanks."

"No problem. Are you doing the landscape one too?"

"Mhm."

"That's just awesome. It looks like you're making the painting out of letters. Oh, or a puzzle. Yup. It looks like you're painting a puzzle." Checking to make sure Dante wasn't looking Clarke pulls her stool over to Lexa and sits down. Still blushing Lexa gives Clarke a curious look. Green eyes glance down at the stool before meeting blue. "I want to watch you paint for a bit," Clarke explains.

"Oh, okay." Lexa tenses up. Stuck for a moment between letting her brush return to the canvas or grab some color on the palette. Noticing how nervous Lexa suddenly became Clarke adds, "Unless you don't want me too. I don't want you to feel like I'm breathing down your neck or something."

"No, it's fine. You can watch," taking a steadying breath Lexa loosens a bit. Eyes close for a second before she remembers Clarke is looking. With a renewed focus she dabs her brush into the mixed red paint then makes a few strokes on the canvas. Clarke is happy that she can watch Lexa's concentration face again. She missed being able to watch Lexa become absorbed into her task. When Lexa was absorbed in her art she lost focus on some of the little things she normally kept in check. Like how she would sometimes lick her bottom lip. Or the smirk that showed up when things were looking good. But the little flare of her nostrils when she got stuck was Clarke's favorite. Everything she did was cute. She was just too cute. Wide Green eyes snap to Clarke's like lightning. "What?" Lexa squeaks.

"What?" Clarke shoots back. Her own eyes growing in size. Her cheeks matching Lexa's own red ones. Please please pleeeease don't tell me I said that out loud. "Did you, um, you said…Nevermind," Lexa becomes fixated with her painting. Resuming her work as if she didn't know Clarke was there. I totally just said that out loud. Fuck me. Clarke wanted to fall into the biggest crater in the world and never come out. However she couldn't help but notice how the blush was currently reaching Lexa's ears.


Laying down face first on her bed Clarke tried to ignore the shaking of her body that was the result of one Octavia Blake. "I swear I'm going to beat your moping ass if you don't get up." Octavia had enough of the depressing music that was filling Clarke's room from her "Sad Playlist". With a massive roll of her eyes Octavia furiously shakes Clarke's shoulders. "I ruined it O. I ruined everything. She won't even text me back," Clarke laments. Arm thrusting back her phone. Unlocked the screen showing her messaging thread with Lexa. The last three messages all from Clarke. As her arm falls back down Octavia grunts, "You didn't ruin anything."

"I did. I called her cute and scared her away."

"I may not know Lexa…like at all…but I'm pretty sure being called cute isn't enough to scare her away. Now if you told her you wanted to have her babies then she'd probably run for the hills. But cute? Nah. She's probably trying to figure out how to tell you that you're the cute one."

"Tell that to my unanswered texts and cold shouldered conversations."

"I will. After you get your ass up and get dressed," Octavia slaps Clarke's butt for emphasis, "Raven will be here in ten minutes and if you're not ready I'm unleashing her on you." Clarke shoos Octavia away as she sits up. Nearly knocking Octavia out of the small twin bed. "Fine. But I'm not going to enjoy myself."

"Don't you worry about that. I got you covered. Get up. Get dressed. And stop acting like your ass got dumped."

"Whatever," Clarke pushed the brunette off of her bed while making a face at her. Maybe she was overreacting a little bit. Maybe.

Clarke was currently more that a little tipsy. Having had more than a few cups of Monty's moonshine no thanks to Octavia. Said girl was off with Jasper, abandoning Clarke for a promise of a hit from the best stuff the guy could get his hands on. Eyeing a free couch cushion Clarke shuffled her way over as quickly as she could. Sighing happily when she sunk into the cushions. Not a moment later there was a jeans clad body depositing itself on her lap. "Feeling better yet?" Raven asks over the music. Twisting so that she could throw her arm around Clarke's shoulder. "Unfortunately," she replies trying not to smile.

"Good!" Raven sloppily kisses her cheek before shouting, "We're going to the basement!"

"But I just found this comfy couch," Clarke whines being pulled up from the only open seat in the packed Football House.

"Basement's better." Raven pulls her through the house. Barely avoiding bumping into other drunk bodies. When they miraculously make their way down the steep staircase without incident they are greeted with even more bodies. Black lit rooms. And sticky floors worse than the campus bars if you can believe. But in this mass of bodies Clarke was able to smile and jump around with Raven as they sang along with the songs threatening to deafen everyone in the large basement.

By 3 am the three girls were on three different levels of intoxication. Octavia, blacked out and trying to run all the way back home. Raven, insisting that she is no longer drunk and can in fact walk in a straight line. And Clarke, the soberest of them all. "Octavia stop," Clarke calls when the girl is about to run around the corner. "You're not my real mom!" Octavia shouts before erupting into a fit of laughter. Thankfully she stands still, clutching her sides, long enough for them to catch up. Raven taking her hand again. The cool night breeze passing through them. Causing goose bumps to raise on Clarke's bare arms. "So even though I'm totally sober now is it cool if I spend the night in you guys' room?" Raven asks swinging her and Octavia's connected hands.

"Of course."

"I know who Clarke wants in our room," Octavia shouts.

"Octavia you're going to wake the whole street," Raven laughs.

"Clarke lemme see your phone," Octavia says still shouting and practically falling over as she reaches towards Clarke.

"No way. You're getting nowhere near my phone. You can't even walk straight."

"So can. Watch," slipping her hand from Raven's the drunk girl goes running off.

"I definitely said walk and you're definitely not going in a straight line," Clarke laughs as Octavia wobbles around. She wasn't in any condition to be running around but at least they were on a side street. Feeling a hand go into her pocket Clarke protests as Raven holds her phone in her hand. "Octavia may be too drunk, but IIII'm not," she grins typing in Clarke's passcode correctly on the first try.

"Hey! How long have you known that," trying and failing at recovering her phone Clarke watches as Raven goes to her messages.

"You kidding me? Your password is so obvious you should be ashamed." Shaking her head Raven begins to type, making sure to keep the phone out of Clarke's reach.

"I thought it was pretty good. Hey! Raven—fuck why don't I remember your middle name—Reyes give me my phone now or I swear to God I'll—

"Octavia is in the street."

"What? Oh my God. Octavia! What the hell?" Clarke runs over to Octavia who is lying down in the middle of the street giggling. Pulling at the girl's noodle-y arms she proclaims, "What is your drunk ass doing? Get up."

"Lie down with me Clarke, it's like the Notebook!"

"How about we reenact a different scene that won't get us killed," Clarke replies pulling at Octavia's dead weight. It isn't until Raven says, "You can have your phone back!" that Octavia shoots up into sitting position. Then scrambles her way to her feet (falling over twice). Running over to Raven she shouts, "My turn with Clarke's phone!" Not dunk and significantly more coordinated Clarke beats Octavia to Raven. Snatching her phone away ignoring Raven's comment of, "Rude." Clarke opens up her messenger app. Reading the message Raven sent, Sup Heda. Clarke is worried that she scared you away when she accidentally call you cute, it wasn't an accident she totally digs you anyways can you please talk to her so she'll stop moping around like someone kicked her puppy. Youre the best!

"Raven I'm going to kill you!"

OMG PLEASE PLEASE DISREGARD THAT LAST MESSAGE Raven is drunk and got my phone

"What? Tell me she's not going to respond to that."


Clarke may or may not have been avoiding Lexa all class. Ear buds in her ears as soon as she stepped into the studio, she didn't even dare look at Lexa. Lexa never responded to the texts from Raven and Clarke that weekend. But Clarke wasn't going to put too much hope into Lexa having never gotten them. Which means that Clarke had to just avoid her until Lexa completely forgot about the text messages and maybe they can continue being friends. Hopefully. But avoiding Lexa outside of class was easy. Avoiding Lexa inside class was hard. Washing her brushes as quickly as she could Clarke furiously scrubs the bristles on her soapy palm. Moving to the side when another person comes to wash theirs. Why did I use so many today? The one time I need to speed out of here and I'm stuck cleaning a fuck-ton of brushes. Didn't think that through. It takes a few more minutes for the last brush to stop tainting the water blue. Shaking her handful of wet brushes off in the sink Clarke nods a goodbye to Professor Wallace before making her way back to her spot. Stopping when she sees Lexa examining her painting. Inching her way over she clears her throat while she bends down to open her toolbox. Lexa moves over to give Clarke room. The silence between them is awkward. Like more awkward then when Clarke had to face Raven again after learning that the Finn she hooked up with was actually "Idiot Finn" that Raven was on a break with. Very awkward. And unpleasant. Reorganizing her paints inside her toolbox Clarke only jumps a few inches when Lexa states, "Your painting is turning out very well."

"Thank you. I'm happy with it so far." Closing her toolbox she stands, catching Lexa's nod as a response. Picking at the chipped nail polish on her fingers she glances from her painting, to Lexa, to the palette she still needs to put away. As the silence returns between them Clarke inches her way around Lexa carefully. Resuming her cleaning. Lexa's gaze is steady. She doesn't even turn her head as she says, "You're avoiding me."

"Well, you were avoiding me first," Clarke replies ripping a piece of saran wrap from the roll before covering her palette. Furrowed brow Lexa looks at Clarke, "I haven't been avoiding you."

"Not to sound needy but my phone begs to differ."

"Oh. I lost my phone last Friday."

"Really? Oh thank god," Clarke breathes.

"What?"

"Oh! No! Not that you lost your phone, that sucks, its just I've been kinda freaking out about a message Raven sent using my phone."

"You mean the one I'm supposed to disregard?" The smirk on Lexa's face reminds Clarke of Octavia. Except the fluttering in her stomach is something new. "You JUST said you lost your phone," Clarke groans covering her face.

"I did. But I was also going to say that Anya found it this morning."

"Of course she did."

"Did you really think I was avoiding you?"

"Yeah," Clarke mutters. Where was a bus when you needed one to hit you? Grabbing her painting she carries it over to her slot. "Why?" Lexa's voice carried around the room like a taunting echo. Breathing out through her nose Clarke looks anywhere but at Lexa as she shuffles back where her toolbox lies next to Lexa's feet. I think I prefer being ignored. Arms crossed on her chest Clarke tries to come up with a reason that isn't so embarrassing. She's still waiting on that bus to just come crashing into the second floor room they're in, hitting her, and saving her from her misery. Half smirk on her face Lexa answers for Clarke, "You have to call me more than cute to scare me away Clarke." Now Clarke may have imagined the wink that followed that sentence. But Clarke was to stunned by the response to do anything but watch as Lexa walked out of the room. It took students from the next class trickling in to remind Clarke that she needed to leave.


Shit. Adding more yellow ocher to her blob of paint Clarke mixes like she wants to break her palette. "You alright over there?" Clarke almost snaps a sarcastic comment back at Lexa but holds her tongue. Dropping her palette knife and standing up she instead walks over to Lexa and grunts, "I can't make the right color." Lexa's face is inches away from her painting as she meticulously dots the canvas with her brush. She does a few more before scooting back to look at Clarke. Clarke can't help but to laugh, "How'd you get paint on your forehead?" Wiping her forehead with the back of her hand Lexa asks, "What color are you trying to make?" Pout returning to Clarke's face at the reminder of her struggle she walks over to her easel. The scrape of metal on the floor letting her know Lexa is going to follow. "Wow. This looks completely different than what you had in class yesterday." Clarke can't help but stand straighter. Grabbing her reference photo she hands it to Lexa saying, "I'm trying to make a color that portrays anxiety. Instead I'm just frustrating myself." Lexa looks at the image in her hand of various color field paintings and then looks to Clarke's canvas. She looks back and forth for a few minutes. Ignoring the blue eyes watching her. "Your colors are too pure. Muddy up the yellow with like, burnt umber or maybe a bit of ultramarine blue. If you want anxiety you have to make an ugly color."

"Mean like this baby poop green I made," Clarke raises her palette to Lexa.

"Maybe not that color. Unless you want to portray disgust too."

"Alright. Thanks. How's yours going?"

"It's okay. Dante said in my last painting that I needed to work on restraining my color palette. So I'm trying to use only three colors this time. I don't think it's working." Clarke nods understandingly. Catching a glance at her silver watch she does a double take, "Holy shit, it's 12 already. Fuck." Lexa watches as Clarke shoves all of her brushes into her turp jar and swishes them around like she can't do it fast enough. "Are you late for something?"

"No. But I gotta walk back to my dorm tonight. I wanted to be out of here by 11." Clarke wipes her brushes on her towel. Grabbing her bottle of Dawn she walks over to the sink. Biting her lip Lexa watches Clarke clean her brushes for a few seconds. Fingers playing with the edges of the paper that is still in her hands she asks, "Do you want a ride?"

"What?" Clarke calls back turning slightly but still letting water run over her brush. Stepping closer Lexa repeats louder, "Do you want a ride?"

"That'd be awesome. But I don't want to make you go out of your way."

"I don't mind," Lexa shrugs.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I mean it's not like I'd have to walk to my house. Wherever you live can't be too far away."

"You live in a house?" Clarke's eyes widen. Turning off the water she shakes her brushes off. "Yeah. Anya and I rented one this year with some other friends."

"I thought you had to live on campus the first two years," Clarke mutters more to herself than to Lexa. A smile grows onto Lexa's face. One that shows her teeth and Clarke already knows she's about to feel like an idiot. "I'm a junior Clarke."

"Oh. I probably should have known that," an embarrassed chuckle slips out. Turning around so she isn't facing Lexa Clarke finishes cleaning her brushes. "It's okay, I don't think we ever actually discussed what years we are." Moving back to her easel Lexa starts cleaning up her stuff too.

Lexa's car is nice. Like really nice. Like probably brand new. Hands in her lap Clarke tries to soak up as much as she can about Lexa through her car. It was cleaner then Raven's that's for sure. And quieter. Except for the radio playing softly in the background. Fingers shifting on the wheel Lexa clears her throat. "So um where exactly do you live?"

"Oh right. I live on South campus. Mark Hall."

"Okay, I know where that is. I lived on South campus my freshman year. Washington Hall."

"Nice. I have some friends that live there now."

"That's cool." Awkward silence takes over the car again. While stopped at a red light Lexa catches Clarke staring at her through the corner of her eye. Unfazed by being caught staring Clarke is once again stricken with the urge to draw Lexa. Even in the dark illuminated by street lights at almost 1 am Lexa is gorgeous. "How weird would it be if I were to ask if I can draw you sometime?" Scratching at her jeans Clarke looks to Lexa. Her grip tightens on the wheel slightly before loosening again. "Umm. Like for class?"

"No, not really. In fear of sounding like a total creeper I have to admit that you just have a face I really want to draw. And I figured now's as good a time as any to ask."

"Oh," green eyes quickly glance at Clarke before returning to the road, "Well, truthfully, that is kind of a weird question but I mean I know you're not a…creeper…so I suppose I'd be fine being your model sometime."

"Really! That's awesome! Thanks. Wow…I didn't actually expect you to say yes."

"We'll probably be spending multiple nights together in the studio anyways so it's not like it'd ever be inconvenient for me."

"Good point."


"I can't believe you asked her," Octavia grins stealing a fry from Clarke's plate.

"I'm actually proud of her," Raven cuts Clarke's insulted response off, "She's finally doing something about this crush," Clarke flicks Raven in the shoulder, "I mean it's about time."

"That is true."

"I only asked to draw her guys."

"Yeah but from you that's like equivalent to asking her out," Octavia gives Clarke a pointed look while sipping from her smoothie.

"She's right. Especially since it's not for class," Raven nods.

"How do you know it's not for class?"

"Cuz then you'd be drawing me," Octavia says with a smirk.

"I hate you guys sometimes. Don't we have something else to talk about?" Clarke dips her fry into some ketchup before taking a bite.

"Yeah, when are you staying late at the studio and letting me come next? Have you talked to Lincoln?"


"So…what is this?" Octavia tilted her head left and right. She stepped back. Then stepped forward. Raised her hands up, fingers making a square. Laughing Clarke knocked down Octavia's fingers. "It's supposed to be a color field painting. When you stare at it you're supposed to get a feeling or something."

"And…you're going to be graded on this…"

"Yeah."

"Uh…huh…no offense Clarke…but its just puke yellow paint on a canvas. How are you gunna get graded on that?" Arms crossed and hip jutting out Octavia gives Clarke a skeptical look.

"I still have more to do to it O. Dante's probably going to grade it on technique or if it succeeds in capturing my idea."

"Which is…?"

"Anxiety? I'm not really sure anymore. I wanted people to look at it and feel uncomfortable."

"Oh…it just makes me confused. If you want me to be uncomfortable you should put like a hidden image or something in it. Oh! Make it like a more disgusting yellow.

"You should make a hole in the canvas." Clarke and Octavia both jump not expecting another voice. As she turns around Clarke can't help but smile. "Hey Lexa. I thought you weren't coming in tonight?"

"I finished my Com homework sooner than I thought I would. Figured I could spend a couple hours on my painting."

"Hey, can I see yours?" Octavia asks already following Lexa to her easel. Setting down her backpack and toolbox Lexa's shrugs before getting her painting from her rack. When she sets it up Octavia steps back and whistles. "Wow. Lexa that looks awesome. Why aren't you doing something like that Clarke?"

"Thanks," head down she starts pulling out her brushes and paints.

"Lexa and I are doing different things."

"Yeah and yours sucks." Octavia walks closer to Lexa's painting. Stopping when she feels Lexa's gaze on her. "Thanks a lot," Clarke rolls her eyes. Picking up her palette knife she starts mixing her paints. Octavia makes her way back over to Clarke asking, "So…what does Lincoln think about yours?"

"I don't know. He hasn't seen it in weeks."

"Maybe you should go and get him."

"I'm good." Trying to ignore Octavia Clarke dabs her brush into the medium then gets it full of paint. Stitching her way across the canvas she does her best not to look at Octavia. When it's obvious that Clarke is ignoring her Octavia sulks, "You're the worst roommate ever," while marching her way over to the table. "If you want to talk to him so bad why don't you just go. Say you're curious about his work or something."

"What? No. I can't. I'm not even an art major."

"Even more reason," Clarke sets her brush down. Picking up her palette knife she adds, "Say something like you're bored with my painting and I sent you to see his art."

"Have you even seen his art?"

"No. But he's a grad student. It's gotta be good."

"Alright. I'm going to go. But if this bites me in the ass I'm blaming you."

"Just trying to help a roomie out," Clarke calls over her shoulder. Smirk on her face as Octavia goes walking out the room.


"She ditched me," Clarke exclaims staring at the offending text on her phone. Looking across the table to Lexa she says, "See what happens when you try to be a wingman for your roommate. They ditch you."

"Where is she?" Fork stabbing into a few lettuce leaves Lexa's eyes are focused on Clarke's.

"She said Lincoln wants to take her somewhere. He won't tell her where but she asked if it was cool if she left." Tossing her phone to the table Clarke raises her burrito to her mouth, "Remind me to kill her."

"What's the problem? I mean besides the fact she left?" Lexa attempts to keep the smirk off of her face. Rolling her eyes Clarke chews the bite in her mouth quickly. "I wanted to stay late today. She was going to keep me company so we could walk back home together. Now I'm going to have to leave early." She chomps down on her burrito. Green eyes stare down at the graffitied table, a doodle of a two-headed deer catching her attention. Between bites Clarke begins to ramble on about Octavia but Lexa isn't listening. Teeth dig into her bottom lip as she gives her leg a good pinch. "I could give you a ride." Stopping mid sentence Clarke asks, "Really?"

"Yeah, it'd be no trouble. I mean I already know where you live."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah," Lexa shrugs.

"Cool. Thanks. You're a life saver," Clarke beams.

Music blasting in her ears Clarke is seconds away from dancing in front of her easel when a text interrupts her song. Setting the brush in her hand down she pulls her phone out of her pocket. Octavia: Are u dead

What?

Cool ur alive. U planning on coming back sometime tonight? Confused Clarke looks at her clock. 1:45 am. "Shit."

I didn't realize it was so late. Yeah, I'm going to start cleaning up now. I got a ride so don't wait up

Cool. Then Im going to bed.

Okay

"Hey Lexa we need to…" Clarke's words trail off at she sees Lexa's empty spot. Easel and area already cleaned up. Looking around she finds Lexa sitting at the table. She was partially blocked by her laptop but Clarke could see part of her head lying down on her arm. Oh my God. I think she's asleep. Rounding up her brushes Clarke quickly rinses them off in the turp jar before grabbing her soap and dumping them into the sink. Walking back over to the table she hesitates when she gets behind the very much asleep Lexa. Computer screen black the girl had probably been asleep for a while. "Lexa?" She tiptoed around to her other side. "Lexa." She gives a small poke to the girl's shoulder. "Leeeexa." She glances around the room. Note to self, sleeping Lexa is adorable but difficult to wake. Taking in a deep breath she wraps her hand around Lexa's shoulder before giving it a firm shake, "Lexa." Startling awake Lexa jerkingly stands up from her chair. "Sorry. Sorry. It's me. You fell asleep," Clarke explains hands in the air. Breathing heavily it takes a moment for Lexa's eyes to focus. Once her breaths steady she mutters a "Sorry" before sitting back in her seat. Fingers tapping the computer awake. "How long have I been asleep?"

"Not sure. I didn't even notice you leave your easel. But it's almost 2 am. We should probably go."

"What?" Lexa asks between a yawn, which Clarke thought was beyond adorable.

"Yeah. I didn't realize it was so late," Clarke replies turning her phone to face Lexa so she can see the time. Rubbing her face Lexa says, "Okay. Are you ready to go or…?"

"Um, not yet. I still need to clean up," Clarke replies sheepishly.

"Okay."

The drive was mostly silent. For once it wasn't an awkward silence. But it was quiet. Not even the radio was playing. Which in Clarke's opinion Lexa probably needed. This was the fifth time she's nodded off since they got in the car. Fingers clasped together Clarke was becoming more and more worried about letting Lexa drive home by herself. "Here you go," Lexa yawns as her car pulls into the back parking lot of the dorm.

"Thanks," unclicking her seatbelt Clarke watches as Lexa covers up another yawn.

"You're welcome." Fingers playing with the strap of her backpack Clarke opens the door but makes no move to get out. Looking straight ahead she asks, "Do you want to spend the night?"

"Excuse me?" Lexa's eyes become alert, snapping to Clarke.

"Like instead of driving home tonight. If you want you could just spend the night in my dorm."

"I'm fine. Thank you." Lexa's grip on the wheel tightens.

"Lexa. You're exhausted. You can barely keep your eyes open. I don't think you should be driving back."

"I'll be fine. It's not that far away." She yawns.

"Please Lexa?" Lexa makes the mistake of looking at Clarke. Her sleepy brain not powerful enough to say no to the cute, pouting face next to her. "Fine," she exhales.

"Thank you," Clarke grins.


"She spent the night!" Raven exclaims almost dropping the PlayStation controller in her hands.

"Nothing happened," Clarke defends. Pushing random buttons in hope of surviving Raven's attacks on the screen. Tossing popcorn into his mouth Jasper says, "Who cares. The important question is how did you manage to do that?"

"It was late. She was driving me home and she was practically falling asleep at the wheel. So, I asked her to stay. Fuck." As her character dies on screen she passes the controller to Monty.

"Where'd she sleep?" Murphy asks smirk on his face.

"In my bed BUT I slept on the floor before you pervs say anything."

"Wasted opportunity," Raven stage whispers.

"I'm pretty sure, we are not good enough friends to share a bed."

"Won't know until you try it," this time its Monty who adds to the conversation. His tone is simple and matter of fact, rather than teasing like it would have been if it came from anybody else in the room. The door slams open. "The pizza has arrived!" Octavia shouts. The smell of steaming cheese and meats following her in.


Clarke groans as she flips to another page in her sketchbook. Papers crunching and crinkling from her aggression. Lexa attempts to ignore Clarke. Trying to stay focused on finishing her painting. But when she hears a frustrated growl accompanied with paper ripping she sits up. "Need help?"

"No. All my fucking sketches are just fucking amazing."

"Alright. What are you trying to sketch?" Lexa sets her brush down. Standing up and stepping back from her easel she eyes her progress for a moment. This one doesn't look too bad. She was doing a pretty good job staying monochromatic. Nodding to herself she walks over to Clarke. "Uugh. I'm trying to get at least an idea to show Dante tomorrow in class for my next painting. But everything coming from my brain is shit." Clarke wants to throw her sketchbook across the room. The only thing stopping her is the fact she'll have to pick it back up. "Well what's your idea?" Lexa look at the page down in Clarke's lap. Erased pencil smudges being the only marks on there. "I don't even know," throwing her head back with a sigh, Clarke lifts her sketchbook just to slam it back down in her lap. "I want to take another stab at a color field painting. But I want it to be more than just colors."

"Mhm."

"I've been sketching and sketching but all I've got is color field paintings."

"Let me see what you've done," Lexa holds her hand out. Pulling the sketchbook further into her stomach Clarke shakes her head, "There's no use. Everything in it is crap."

"Let me see." Lexa's left hand goes to her hip.

"Fine," reluctantly Clarke hands it over, "But I'm telling you they all suck." Not responding Lexa flips through the last, wrinkly, pages of Clarke's sketchbook. Most of the sketches being rectangles with other shapes within, all varying in shades. Some even having notes about colors. Flipping to the third crinkled page Lexa stops. The sketch was dark and smudged. The eraser used to make streaks around the shadowy image of a body. The body looked as if it was falling. Holding the book out Lexa asks, "What's this one?" Clarke was staring at the painting before her. She glances over at the page Lexa is showing. "I can't do that one."

"Why not?"

"It was a bad idea. I don't like it." Clarke starts to clean some of her brushes. Not facing Lexa. "Well what is it?"

"A nightmare," Clarke whispers. Confused Lexa watches Clarke's back. Waiting for elaboration. When it doesn't come she puts the book down on Clarke's vacated stool. "I think you should consider doing that one. It obviously means something to you."

Clarke doesn't respond. Instead bringing her brushes to the sink.

"Do you need a ride to your dorm?"

"If you don't mind," Clarke hesitates.


"Do you two ever leave?" Maya asks walking into the studio with a smile.

"Hey Maya. And I don't have a life, so for me the answer is no," Clarke grins from her spot next to Lexa at the table. They were knee to knee. Lexa's laptop open between them. "I agree. She doesn't," comes from Lexa, straight faced.

"Rude," Clarke pushes Lexa's shoulder, "Are you working on your painting?" Moving from behind the table to follow Maya. Clarke misses the small smirk on Lexa's face. "Yeah, I'm going to be really busy this week because I have a test in my Human Anatomy class. Figured I'd get a head start on my painting tonight."

"Cool. So which one are you doing?" As Clarke follows Maya around and continues to ask her about her painting Lexa can't help but to watch her. Instead of focusing on the project on her computer that needs to be completed for tomorrow.

Maya had left an hour ago. In her absence Clarke tried, she really tried to help Lexa with her project. (Not that she was much help anyways.) But what was more difficult than telling Lexa if her font choice worked was trying to think about anything but how their legs kept bumping into each other. Or how their hands kept brushing each time Clarke tried to use the track pad to point to something on Lexa's screen. Lexa's skin was soft and warm and Clarke suddenly really wanted to be cuddling with Lexa watching Netflix. So. Logically that meant Clarke needed to get back to work. Fumbling out of her stool and over to her easel she wasted no time putting her headphones in her ears. By the fifth song Clarke was absorbed in covering her canvas in different shades of blue paint. Working on a rectangular 4x2 ft panel, the paint glided against the flat surface. Oil smooth and slick looking almost like watercolors. She lets Kesha take over all thinking. "Touch me and give me that rush, Better pack a toothbrush, Gonna pull an all-nighter," she sings trying to refrain from dancing. Not looking she reaches back to dunk her brush into the turp jar. Feeling her brush hit liquid way before it should, confused she looks down at her brush. "Dammit," quickly pushing brushes and her palette away Clarke runs over to the sink to grab paper towels. Ruined coffee had spilled over the lip of the cup, dripping onto the surface of the taboret. As she wipes up the coffee she hears laughter. Pulling one headphone out she glares at Lexa. Lexa was resting her head on her hand. Laptop closed. "How long have you been watching me?"

"Since your humming turned to all out singing."

"That's specific."

"How about long enough to know that you were going to put your brush in your coffee at some point tonight. I even tried to warn you. But you never heard me," the grin on Lexa's face was smug. Clarke sticks her tongue out. Earning an amused smile. Lexa moves from her seat, grabbing her laptop from the table as she walks towards Clarke. "I think I'm going to go. Do you need a ride or are you good?"

Clarke checks her watch, "I think I'll be okay."

"Alright."

"Hey Lexa?"

"Hm?" Swinging her backpack onto her shoulder Lexa was on her way to the door.

"Would you be up to hanging with me and my friends this weekend?" Clarke's fingers roll one of her brushes on the table.

"What do you have planned?"

"It's supposed to be a movie night. But I wouldn't be surprised if Octavia decides she wants to go out."

"Oh, well…I don't know. Would they be okay with me being there?" Lexa looks to the floor quickly before looking back at Clarke.

"Definitely. They'd probably be excited truthfully," Clarke mutters at the end.

"Um…okay. Sure. I'll have to make sure Anya and Indra aren't dragging me somewhere."

"That's cool. I'll just text you later to remind you."

"Okay. Just text me a day and time."

"I will. See you later."

"Bye." Nearly sprinting out of the room Lexa doesn't want Clarke to see the smile that's taken over her face. Little does she know Clarke's face is beaming with a matching grin.


"You can't just leave! It's supposed to be all of us hanging out," Clarke says. Sitting at her desk Octavia works on perfecting her eyeliner. "As much as I'd love to see you fawn over Lexa all night. Going out with Lincoln sounds better for me."

"Can't Lincoln wait or something?" Clarke checks her phone for the 12th time. No text from Lexa. "What if she changes her mind? What if she doesn't come?"

"She's going to come Clarke," Raven says from her spot on Octavia's bed.

"If you're lucky," Octavia laughs unable to ignore the innuendo. Pink-cheeked Clarke looks at the pile of DVDs on her desk. "What if she doesn't want to watch any of these?"

"Oh my God Clarke. Stop worrying. I promise you she's going to be here and the movie is going to be the last thing on her mind. Speaking of are you really going to wear that?"

"What?" Clarke looks down at her baggy top (stolen from Octavia which was stolen from Bellamy) and sweats.

"Now's time for your Griffin Charms to be put on max. At least try to look cute," Raven walks over to Clarke's dresser. Opening the drawer she knows Clarke keeps her pajamas in. "Hey! I'm always cute. I can wear sweats."

"Not if you want to be kissing her anytime soon," Raven states. She lifts up a few articles of clothing before throwing a tank top and boy shorts at Clarke. "Pick one." Rolling her eyes Clarke concedes. Pulling off her top she grabs the tank. "Okay, which shoes?" Octavia asks ignoring Clarke. On her left foot was a black, lace boot heel. On the right was a sandal styled, strapped silver heel. "Damn O. Tryna get some tonight?" Raven grins.

"Trying. But seriously he's going to be here soon, which ones?" She looks back and forth between Raven and Clarke. "Black ones. They emphasize your legs," Clarke says.

"Thaaank you," kicking off the silver heel she bends down to put the other black shoe on.

"Dat ass!" Raven exclaim smacking Octavia on said ass.

"Thank you," Octavia winks. All three girls laughing. There's a chime from Clarke's phone. "She's here! I'll be right back."

"Go get your girl," Octavia teases.

"Shut up." Clarke leaves the room basically sprinting down the hall and down the flight of stairs. She slows to a casual pace once she reaches the basement doors. Uncontrollable smile on her face she sees Lexa standing outside the door. Lexa was staring down at her phone. Kicking the handicap button with her foot Clarke proclaims, "Welcome back inside The Ark."

"The Ark?" Lexa waits for the door to open fully before stepping inside. The rumble of the door almost drowned out her question. But after a moment Clarke realized what was asked. "Oh yeah. The M fell down from the front of the building a few weeks ago. So everyone's been calling it Ark Hall. Haha, it was fixed but the name's kinda stuck."

"Oh." Clarke leads Lexa up to her room. The walk is silent except for the sounds of their feet. When they reach Clarke's hallway her door is open. Octavia halfway out of it. Making some comment to Raven that Clarke doesn't quite hear. Octavia turns to leave, seeing them she smiles, "Hey Lexa. Sorry I'm bailing. Have fun with these two nerds without me." With a small smile Lexa gives Octavia a gracious once over before replying, "Have fun with Lincoln."

"I will," Octavia winks before heading out. Once she's halfway down the hall she yells back, "Clarke! Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

"Whatever!" Clarke waves Octavia away following Lexa into her room. Raven is sitting at Clarke's desk scrolling through Netflix. Mischievous grin on her face she asks, "Who wants to watch Insidious 2?"

"Raven."

"What? It's my turn to pick the movie. And no we're not watching any rom coms don't even ask."

"But I like them," Clarke says searching the food drawer for popcorn. Finding it she walks over to the microwave. "You can sit anywhere you want Lexa." Nodding Lexa sits down on Clarke's bed. "You may like them but I'm sure Lexa would be more interested in a scary movie! Or at least an action one." Both Raven and Clarke look to Lexa. "Well, I've already seen Insidious. But I don't really have a genre preference."

"That's not helpful." Returning to the screen Raven keeps scrolling. Sounds of popping kernels take over the room. Handing Lexa the stack of DVDs Clarke tries to convince Raven to at least look up the Remember Me trailer. The microwave only gets to beep twice before Clarke is opening the door. She lets it cool for a few seconds before she picks the bag up by it's edges and fills the room with the sounds of shaken popcorn. Opening the bag the smell of hot, buttery popcorn reaches Lexa's nose. Popcorn is dumped into a bowl as Clarke says, "Any options yet Reyes".

"Carrie."

"Which one is it?"

"The newest one."

"With Chloe Grace Mortez?"

"Yup."

"Hm. That's an option. How about you Lexa? Got a movie?"

"I was going to say Pitch Perfect. But I haven't seen the new Carrie movie yet."

"Carrie it is!" Raven presses play not waiting for Clarke.

Anything that has happened within the last 30 minutes of the movie is lost on Clarke. Eyes staring blankly at the screen Clarke was memorizing the feel of Lexa's fingers between hers. All three girls were squished on her bed. Raven insisting 10 minutes into the movie that Octavia's bed had a weird angle. She squeezed her way onto the bed and in Clarke's opinion purposefully pushed Clarke closer to Lexa. Raven even put her leg in Clarke's lap, pinning her down. With Lexa curled up on her other side it was only a matter of time before they touched. What she wasn't expecting was Lexa grabbing her hand and not letting go. She wasn't complaining though. Lexa's fingers were cold, but sometimes Lexa's thumb would rub against the back of Clarke's hand. It was soothing. And completely broke her focus from the movie. "This bitch. She's going to get what's coming to her," Raven says before popping one of the last pieces of popcorn in her mouth.

"Definitely," Lexa nods hand loosening in Clarke's.

"Yeah," Clarke adds after a second. Hoping neither girl has noticed she has no clue what's going on. She attempts to focus on the movie again.

Oh my god. Taking a deep breath in Clarke shakily exhales. The butterflies were awakened in the pit of her belly and they weren't going anywhere. As Lexa became more and more absorbed in the movie, the closer she got to Clarke. Each time Lexa shifts some part of their bodies touch. But it was the tickling of Lexa's loose hair on Clarke's bare arms that was the most distracting. The strands of hair were calling her to Lexa's face. Lexa had a really nice face. Like, really nice. One Clarke wouldn't mind kissing. Raven suddenly started moving about. Pulling herself off of Clarke and out of the bed. Her, "Oh, good song buuut I have to pee," breaks Clarke's stare. Blushing she looks at the tv, not missing Raven's smug grin when she passes in front of her. The door clicks shut. "You were staring," Lexa says. It wasn't accusing. Just stated. Glancing at Lexa Clarke sees that she's even smiling.

"Sorry."

"It's cool. But you've been watching me more than the movie, just so you know."

"Have not," Clarke replies trying to sound insulted. Lexa's smile now matched Raven's in smugness.

"You have."

"Yeah well, maybe if you didn't look so gorgeous all the time I wouldn't." Eyes widening, Lexa's mouth opens and closes for a second. That was not the response she thought she was going to get. As a blush rises on Lexa's cheeks Clarke realizes she may have beaten Lexa at her own game for once. Unable to hold Clarke's gaze Lexa tries to come up with another retort. Clarke, feeling proud of herself, adds, "What? No witty response Heda?" Clarke can't contain her grin as Lexa's whole face quickly becomes red. With a small scoff Lexa reaches behind her, grabbing a pillow, she throws it at Clarke's face. Who begins laughing, catching the pillow before it can actually hit her. "It's not fair that you can use that against me," arms crossed Lexa watches the door, willing away the red from her burning cheeks.

"I'm sorry but I couldn't resist," Clarke laughs.

"Just you wait," Lexa mutters.

"For what?" If Lexa was going to reply to Clarke it's forgotten, as Raven opens the door she barely makes it into the room before Lexa is asking, "Raven what's Clarke's nickname?"

"No! Raven don't tell her." The grin that captures Raven's face is not good for Clarke. Walking towards the bed Raven says, "I'm glad you asked."

"Raven." Clarke warns. She tries to get out of the bed, intent on shutting Raven up. But arms quickly wrap around her. Holding her tight. "Tell me," Lexa smirks. Being wrapped in Lexa's arms is just enough of a distraction for Clarke that Raven can reply grinning, "I will happily tell you Little Griffin's nickname."

"Raven!" Hearing the name Clarke slumps back, leaning her body on Lexa, with a sigh.

"That's it? Little Griffin? That doesn't sound so bad." Lexa let's go of Clarke. Grinning harder, if possible, Raven sits down on Lexa's other side. Giving Clarke's face two taps she says, "The nickname isn't the best part."

"Raven, have I ever told you that I hate you?" Clarke grumbles swatting at the tan finger still poking her.

"You love me," looking to Lexa Raven says, "But. If you want to hear the best part of Clarke's nickname I gotta hear the meaning behind Heda."

"What?!" Lexa replies pushing Clarke off of her like she was the one who asked.

"It's only fair," Raven shrugs.

"Hah-ha!" Clarke says poking Lexa in the arm.

"Fine. Then neither of us will know. We're even now anyways."

"Aaaw come on! Yours can't be that bad!" Raven pouts. She will get the answer out of Lexa some way or another.

Lexa doesn't know how it happened, but next thing she knows she's blinking her eyes open. The room is dark. Looking around she finds a clock. The green numbers 3:15, shine in the dark. Hearing the toilet flush hazel eyes look at the door. Wiping her hands off on her pants Clarke comes strolling in. She starts to automatically crawl into her bed. Stopping still when Lexa shift away. "Oh! Sorry. I didn't wake you up did I?" she whispers.

"No. I don't think so."

"Good." She finishes crawling into the bed this time mindful of Lexa. Lying face to face they stare at each other. Breathing in and out. In the silence their breaths synchronize. Lexa's eyes glance at Clarke's lips quickly. She asks, "When did we fall asleep?"

"You fell asleep halfway through Pitch Perfect."

"Did I? Damn."

"You did," Clarke laughs quietly.

"And Raven?"

"Not sure. I kicked her out of my bed after the movie was over. I think I fell asleep around 2."

"You kicked Raven out, but not me," Lexa grins. She inched closer to Clarke. Their knees bumping together. Noses almost touching. Clarke's words get stuck in her throat. Licking her lips she responds, "Raven snores." With Lexa's dark green eyes trained on her lips, Clarke's breaths become shallow. Has she ever been this close to Lexa's face before? Probably not. She would remember it. Under her sheet Clarke felt like she was burning up. Was Lexa this hot? "Clarke," came a breathy whisper.

"Yeah."

"I'm done waiting."

"Wai—" Clarke's question was muffled by soft lips brushing gently against hers. Followed by a nose bumping into hers. Sighing into the kiss Clarke pulls Lexa closer. Grinning as the kiss becomes harder. The press of Lexa's nose more prominent. After Lexa breaks away from their kiss, breathing heavy, Clarke smirks, "How long have you been waiting to do that?"

"Long enough."