Epilogue
Many, many years later…
Clarke was dying. She knew it. Bellamy held her hand as she took her final breaths. He was trying to be strong for her, but he was devastated, pain written all over his face. He never wanted to lose her, not ever. She feebly tried to squeeze his hand back and offered him a small smile. Clarke had many regrets, but she had always tried to be the good guy. She had loved and been loved, and that's more than many could say. Her biggest regret was that she had not loved Lexa sooner. Lexa had promised that she would always be with her, and Clarke believed her, but her death was a wound that even Bellamy could never heal. They had been soulmates, Clarke knew that.
With her dying eyes, Clarke suddenly saw Lexa standing next to Bellamy and felt an indescribable peace wash over her. Lexa reached her hand out to her and smiled. Clarke immediately reached back. Clarke sat up and firmly took hold of Lexa's hand. She swung her legs to the side of the bed and stood up to face Lexa, never letting go of her hand. She looked at her questioningly, blue eyes searching green ones. Her hands moved to hold Lexa's face and Lexa did the same.
"I told you, Clarke, death is not the end," Lexa said gently, hands still holding Clarke's face. "I've been waiting for you. We owe nothing more to our people. It's time to go home now." You are my home, Clarke thought.
Clarke looked back and saw that her body was still on the bed, Bellamy crying over her. She was gone.
"May we meet again," Clarke whispered back to him.
"You will," Lexa said confidently, smiling at her.
Clarke looked at Lexa, eyes shining. She leaned in closer for a kiss and Lexa eagerly met her halfway. Despite all the years that had passed, all the pain, all the grief, none of it mattered anymore because their love had endured. They poured all of their love into the kiss, both understanding the other completely. Words were inadequate. When their lips finally parted, both of them smiled, true smiles that they had rarely given in life. They were happy… and finally free.
"I love you, Clarke. I've always loved you," Lexa said.
"I know. And, I love you, too," Clarke said, full of tenderness. "I'm ready. Take me home, Lexa."
Lexa smiled and held her hand out to Clarke. Clarke's hand easily slid into Lexa's and she held on tight. Lexa took a step forward, and hands clasped, they walked side by side into the light.
Their fight was over.
THE END
Author's Note: Thank you so much to all of you who have embarked on this journey with me and Lexa. This is my first fic, and I wasn't sure what to expect, but you have all been so kind. Thank you to everyone who has stuck with the story, favorited it, followed it, left reviews, etc. It all means so much to me. I truly hope you enjoyed the story and found hope in the ending. As Clarke said, "Lexa was special," and I know she lives on in each of us. I would love to hear any of your feedback and/or ideas for future stories. May we meet again.
