"You're living in New York?" Clarke asked still a little shocked.

"I am."

"Since when? Why didn't you call and tell me?" Clarke questioned.

Lexa paused for a minute, knowing she was about to get it. "Since I ran into you at the hospital." She answered sheepishly as she watched the expression change on Clarke's face, thankful that the girl was clearly too tired to really lay into her.

Then it really hit her and Clarke wanted to do nothing more than reach into her bag that was slung over her shoulder and call Octavia. "You're Octavia's 'friend'."

"I don't know what you're talking about snarky Clarkey."

The blonde's eyes narrowed as she pushed her sunglasses up to rest on the top of her head. "Why didn't you tell me? We could have gotten coffee or dinner or something."

"I didn't know how too. What was I supposed to say, hey Clarke, by the way I'm in your city?"

"It's not my city exactly."

Lexa shook her head with a smile. "You know what I meant but how about I buy coffee to make up for it and explain myself?"

"Oh you'll be buying me coffee and then dinner because it's going to take a lot longer than coffee for you to explain yourself Callaway."

Lexa nodded as they started to move towards the coffee shop. Lunging forward at the last moment Lexa opened the door for Clarke to walk through first as they made their way inside.

"Hey Clarke." Jimmy said with a smile and a wink once he noticed whom she was standing with.

"Hi Jimmy, this is Lexa. Lexa my favourite barista of all time, Jimmy."

"Hello." Lexa smiled politely.

"Our strongest blend with an extra shot of espresso, three sugar?" Jimmy said as he looked at Lexa. "But only in the morning! At night it's usually a herbal tea of some sort."

"Damn you are good."

Clarke looked over at Lexa. "How long have you been coming in here?"

"Let me pay and then you can interrogate me."

Lexa smiled as she handed Jimmy a twenty. "Keep the change, you deserve it for putting up with this one for so long."

He laughed and thanked her before moving aside to make their drinks.

Ten minutes later Clarke was grilling into Lexa. "First off, why did you move to New York? You hate New York."

Lexa shook her head. "No, I hated what New York had that I didn't and there have been talks to expand the New York side of the business for a long time now. Dad was originally the one that was going to do it, which is why he was here so often and why he had me running things from the west coast. With his health, he can't take on that kind of responsibility, or rather that stress so the board thought that it should be me. After everything that happened I decided New York would be a fresh start. California is home but it's a nice change."

"And you couldn't tell me this why?"

"I didn't want you to feel pressured or think anything."

Clarke raised her eyebrow. "What like you moved here to get me back?" She noticed the look on Lexa's face and laughed. "Sweetie the thought never crossed my mind. That ship sailed into the Bermuda triangle and is forever lost." She laughed and was happy when she saw Lexa start to relax. "I know how scary this city can be alone, when you don't really know anyone and it seems like everyone else knows the entire city."

"It really does seem that way!"

Clarke nodded as she sipped on her coffee. "Now tell me why you had the guts to tell Octavia but not me? Because if anyone would come to that conclusion it'd be her!"

Lexa leaned back in her chair. "I didn't tell her! Anya did. Which reminds me, I need to kill my best friend."

Clarke laughed and Lexa felt that weird stirring feeling in her stomach again. She didn't want to think about what it meant so for now she ignored it as best she could. "I'm starting to think you just like when I'm pissed at you."

"Definitely not! You pissed at me means I need to sleep with one eye open."

Clarke smirked as she took another sip of her coffee. "You'll be buying me dinner at your earliest convenience to keep that from happening. I want a fancy steak dinner with lobster!"

"Yes dear, I'll also make sure the dessert is on point."

"You know I've been seeing you all over the damn place and I thought it was in my head so you're damn right the dessert will be on point!"

They talked for another hour before Clarke yawned and the need for sleep took over. As they stood outside as Lexa put her riding jacket back on Clarke gave her a brief hug goodbye. "I swear my phone better ring Lexa or I will call your mother."

"I promise. Get some sleep." Clarke nodded with a smile as she adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder before turning on her heels. She got half way down the block before she heard her phone ring.

"Hello?" She answered unsure of who it was because the number was one she didn't recognize.

"Hi Clarke, it's Lexa. So I sort of just moved to New York and I don't really know anyone so I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go to dinner, show me the ropes?"

Clarke stopped walking at the sound of Lexa's phone and shook her head with a laugh before turning around to see Lexa leaning against her bike with a cute little smile on her face. "Cute, real cute Lex. Save the charm for your future wife."

"Maybe I'm talking to her." Even from a distance Clarke saw the over the top cheesy smile on Lexa's face that she knew girls loved. "How's tonight at 8 sound?"

Clarke thought for a moment as the two exes stared at each other from down the street. "Tonight works."

"I'll text you the address of the restaurant."

"You aren't picking me up?"

Lexa laughed. "I'm not trying to get in your pants Clarke, you can walk."

"So you're working until 7:45?"

She saw Lexa look down sheepishly before looking back up. "You know me too well. I'll see you then sleeping beauty."

"Bye Lex." With that Clarke held her phone up for Lexa to see her hit the end call button before turning around and heading home.

XOXO

Donatello's work for you? Clarke read the text with one eye open, a smile taking over her face.

She stretched her arms out with a yawn before she replied. Sounds great but do I even wanna know how you got last minute reservations to one of the most popular restaurants in Brooklyn?

No, you don't. See you there for 8 ;) She shook her head at the wink Lexa had added purposely at the end of her sentence as she tossed her phone onto the other side of her bed before realizing she needed to call and yell at Octavia.

Grabbing her phone once again she scanned her recently called list before finding the name she wanted. It rang a couple of times before she heard the click of someone answering the phone. "Hey asshole!"

"Hi Clarke."

"Sorry Lincoln is the thing you live with around? I need to yell at her."

A pause. "She is, do I even want to know what she did this time?"

"Probably not but I want you to walk up to her casually and turn the phone on speaker."

"Okay, you're good to go."

"Evening asshole!" Clarke yelled before smiling when she heard the sound of clattering dishes.

"You're dead Lincoln!"

"I think you may be dead first. Enjoy your talk, I'm going for my run." Octavia took the phone off speaker and held it to her ear.

"Morning sunshine, I take it the cat's out of the bag?"

"You could have warned me. All that shit about me thinking I was seeing Lexa, when I really was seeing Lexa! You had me thinking it was all in my head!"

Octavia leaned against her counter. "She asked me not to tell and you said we weren't mad at her anymore."

"That doesn't mean you two are allowed to gang up on me any more!"

"Whatever, I love toying with you, it's all the fun I get to have sometimes."

Clarke narrowed her eyes even though she knew Octavia couldn't see her. "Then I won't tell you how dinner goes tonight."

"Dinner? What? With who? Lexa? Bitch I swear to god!" Octavia heard her best friend laugh before the phone clicked and the end call screen came up on her phone. "Women." She huffed to herself before calling Raven.

XOXO

Clarke took over an hour to get ready later that night. She slipped on one of her favourite white blouse and a pair of tight fitting dark wash jeans that hugged her curves in all the right places. She curled her hair until it fell in perfect loose waves around her shoulders. Nodding to herself in the mirror she grabbed her leather jacket off the back of her couch, slipped on a pair or red pumps and headed out.

A twenty-minute cab right later she found herself standing outside the restaurant. It was a beautiful cool night without being too cold. She looked down at her watch and realized she was a little early. She contemplated going inside figuring Lexa might be a little late, especially if she was coming from work but before she could make a move she got the feeling she normally did when Lexa was around.

"Hi." It was a short reply but it was one that knocked the breathe from Clarke's lungs as she turned around to find Lexa standing in front of her. Smile on her face in the a little blue dress with a white colour. Her hair was pinned back so that it was out of her face but hung loose down her back. "You clean up nicely."

Clarke raised her eyebrow and smile. "You look lovely too Lexa." It was a little snarky but mostly it was genuine.

"Shall we?" Clarke nodded as Lexa opened the door for her before stepping in behind her. "Two for Callaway." Lexa told the hostess as the sounds of soft jazz could be heard playing in the background.

"I love this place." Clarke mumbled to no one in particular. Lexa couldn't help but smile at her. "What?"

Lexa shook her head. "Nothing, it's just nice to see you so happy."

"You could have seen it a lot sooner had you not been so stubborn."

"Ah yes, the real reason for this dinner."

Clarke nodded as the hostess led them to their table. "Would you like a bottle of wine to start?" The two shared a look before Lexa moved her hand, a sign Clarke knew to mean that she could order whatever she wanted. She smiled an ordered a bottle of pinot noir, knowing that both her and Lexa liked that type of wine.

XOXO

"I didn't steal you away from Finn tonight did I?"

Clarke shook her head 'no' as she sipped on her second glass of wine. "He's working tonight, we don't have plans until tomorrow."

"Things are going well then?" Lexa asked, finishing her dinner and pushing the plate away from herself.

"Yeah, it's still light and easy so things are okay. How's the non dating going?"

Lexa laughed. "Pretty well actually. I don't have too much free time outside of work. It's mostly work and sleep and occasionally Octavia and I will go to a work out class of some sort."

"Ah that explains why I haven't been getting pestered to go to the gym. Thank you for that. You liking the city so far?"

"I have been here before you know?"

Clarke nodded. "I remember but it's different when you live here."

"It is, but it's been a nice change though it is getting a little cold for my blood."

"I'm sorry for interrupting ladies but my wife and I were just wondering how long you've been together? We sort of had a bet going." The older gentleman excused himself, nearly making Clarke choke on her wine.

Lexa smiled politely. "You're both very sweet…"

"We've been together for about 7 years?" Clarke interrupted before Lexa could finish her sentence.

"See Anthony, I told you it wasn't just young love. Are you planning on getting married?"

Lexa nodded, deciding to play along. "Someday, when the time is right." She looked over at Clarke, their eyes locking for brief moments before looking back at the elderly couple in front of them.

XOXO

"I can't believe you told them that." Lexa laughed as she and Clarke walked out of the restaurant arm in arm laughing.

"I couldn't disappoint them. Did you see how excited they were? Gosh I hope that when I'm that age I'm still that in love with someone."

"With someone, or work?"

Clarke frowned slightly as they started aimless walking, Clarke finally letting go of Lexa's arm. "Someone, smart ass."

"Are you implying Finn isn't the one?"

Clarke laughed and looked up at the sky. "I don't think so, I don't get that feeling with him."

"You make a cute couple though, what's the problem?"

Clarke shrugged. "It just lacks that spark, you know. Especially in the bedroom."

"Oh?" Lexa looked over at the blonde with an excited expression.

"He's just, how to do I put…" Clarke trailed off trying to find the right words to say. "He sucks in bed, and not in the good way. In the very very bad kind of way."

"Tell me you have not been faking it!" Lexa asked, her eyes bright under the shine of city lights. The expression on Clarke's face said it all. "No way."

Clarke nodded with a shake of her head and a laugh. "He tries, he just isn't good at it and I don't have the heart to tell him."

"You have to tell him, help a guy out. He probably has no idea, which is saying something because your fake orgasms are terrible."

"How would you know?" Lexa raised an eyebrow and smirked. "I can honestly say I never faked it with you, thank you."

It was Lexa's turn to shake her head. "Except that time we faked it to piss of Octavia."

Clarke's eyes lit up in remembrance. "I completely forgot about that! That was a fun night."

"Don't feel too bad though, sometimes you just don't mesh with someone sexually even if you have an emotionally bond."

Clarke studied Lexa's features. "No, you and Costia weren't having fun between the sheets?"

"I didn't even remember the first time we did, until I found out that it was because it didn't happen." The words came out without Lexa thinking about it, she also said too much when Clarke was around because it was all too easy.

"Wait, I thought the first time you two were together was when you were in Europe?"

Lexa took a breath as she stopped walking. "I did too but I was also blackout drunk. Turns out I put the wrong pieces together."

"I called you, you know? Like a million times while you were gone." Clarke started walking again.

"I didn't know, I sort of threw my phone into the sea. Yep, got so drunk and threw it right into a large body of water. I wanted to call you when I got home, but I couldn't face you after that. I'm sorry, for being such an asshole."

"It was a long time ago." Lexa nodded, sensing the tone in Clarke's voice change.

"Ice cream?" Lexa asked once she saw the ice cream truck.

The smile reappeared on Clarke's face. "Do you know how much food we just ate and you're asking me if I want ice cream?" Lexa nodded and smiled once she saw the smile on Clarke's face get bigger. "Of course I want ice cream, but only a small one."

"Swirl?" Clarke nodded as Lexa walked up to the window.

A minute later she strode back over to the blonde and handed her the small cone as she started to eat the one in her own hand. "Thank you. Shall we continue walking?"

"I'd like that."

xoxo

A half an hour later they found themselves sitting on a park bench looking out at the park lights. The sound of street performers could be heard in the distance. "You did not defend me too her?"

"Oh I did, never a good idea to defend your ex to your current."

"Yeah, no wonder she dumped your ass."

Lexa laughed. "It's fine, it wasn't meant to be. I just didn't know how to end it myself. We kind of got engaged by accident."

"But you said you had been thinking about it, thinking about it enough to buy a ring."

"Yeah but looking back at it, it was never a good idea. It was what I thought I wanted because it was easy but there wasn't any of that spark you were talking about. We were too much like friends."

Clarke shivered slightly. "I know what you mean."

"Speaking of exes, how come you never told me about Keenan." Lexa watched as Clarke flinched slightly at the sound of her name. "Please don't kill Octavia she didn't mean to tell me, it sort of just came out."

"That's a long story but I was very much in love with her. She was a great girl but she didn't understand me. The things she said to me hurt really bad, so it's sort of a sore subject."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

"It's fine Lex. It too was a long time ago and I learned a lot from it but I'm never going to let anyone dictate my life. I was working so hard to fulfill my dream and looking back on it, it was a great decision. She gave me an ultimatum, work or her. I chose work."

"I'm proud of you, have I told you that?"

Clarke nodded as she shivered once again. "Once or twice." She sniffled a little without intending too.

"Good, sounds like someone is getting sick. We should get you home."

"No, it's my night off, I want to enjoy it."

"That's your sick sniffle Clarke."

Clarke gave Lexa a look as she stood up. "Bitch you don't know me!" She used her best attitude voice as Lexa stood up next to her.

"Who's the bitch, bitch." They both laughed as they continued to walk until the spotted the street performers. They joined the crowd of people watching as the sounds of the trumpet filled their ears. A few couples were dancing and Lexa couldn't help but extend her hand to Clarke.

Clarke pointed at herself causing Lexa too nod. "Why I'd love too." She said in her best southern accent as she took a hold of Lexa's hand.

Lexa pulled her a little closer as they started to dance. "You just say those and we'll beat those birds down to Acapulco Bay. Come fly with me, let's fly away." Lexa sang jokingly as she spun Clarke around.

"This song reminds me of that party your parents made us go too in junior year."

Lexa leaned her head back as she laughed. "It does, the first and last time I ever got drunk off champagne."

"Is that because you ended up walking around in the fountain or because you woke up with a killer migraine?"

"Both and if I do recall correctly you were in the fountain dancing with me."

"Shh, that's a secret." They both laughed as they continued to dance.

XOXO

"This is me." Clarke said once the cab stopped. "Thank you for dinner and the walk."

"Thank you for the company and the mini tour. I had a great time."

"Me too, don't let it be the last time okay?"

Lexa smiled as Clarke opened the cab door and got out before closing it. "I promise, and feel free to call me too. Phone works both ways." Lexa said through the rolled down window.

"Only if you promise not to throw your phone into the sea."

"Touché but I promise."

"Text me when you get back to the hotel?"

"I will. Goodnight Clarke."

"Goodnight Lexa."

With that Clarke backed away from the cab and waved as it started to pull away from the curb. She watched it drive way for a minute before heading up the front steps of her apartment.

A half hour later as Clarke laid down on her couch, fresh from her shower she saw her phone light up on her coffee table.

Home. Thank you again for your company tonight.

She smiled to herself as she read the text. Glad you're home safe. The thanks is all for you, even though you deserved to pay for that meal after not telling me that you were in town. Which I'm still mad about so it's still going to cost you. I mean you could have been enjoying my amazing presence way sooner.

A couple minutes past before she saw her phone light up once more. You should know by now that I'm an idiot but just so you know Keenan is the real idiot. Anyone that truly loves you will understand your dreams and goals and support you in accomplishing them.

Clarke couldn't help but smile as she read Lexa's words. Thank you, that means a lot. It all worked out for the better anyways. Life seems to have a plan for me, even if I don't know exactly what it is.

You and fate, it's meant to be.

Clarke laughed at Lexa's response. Funny, real funny Lex Luther. Have a good night.

Are you going to bed already?

No but I thought you might be since I know it's probably been a long day for you. Clarke replied, keeping her phone in her hand.

I think I have a sugar rush from that ice cream. No sleep for the wicked.

Clarke shook her head as she got comfortable on the couch and put on a movie as she replied to Lexa once again. Two hours later she was fast asleep on her couch, her phone sitting right beside her hand. Yeah, she definitely liked having Lexa as a friend. It was easy and carefree and something about it just felt right.

TBC…