Accidental Date
Clarke fumbled with the vibrating and offensively loud cell phone, nearly dropping the stack of books in her hand. I really need to invest in a backpack, she thought whilst muttering curses and struggling over to a bench in the quad.
Her books landed on the concrete with a thud as she finally managed to slide her thumb over the answer button without looking at the caller. "Hello?" She huffed in annoyance, keeping the phone shoved between her shoulder and ear so her hands were free. She struggled to stack her books, notebooks and papers back together, stuffing her pencil between her teeth.
"Hey, Clarke. It's Lexa. I know you're on your way to Human Developmental Studies so I wanted to call and tell you I'll pick you up from work tonight." The soft crackle of the voice on the other end seemed to settle Clarke's nerves almost instantly. She stopped messing with her books and shifted the phone so she could hold it.
"What? You're not coming to the mall that late! I'll just have Niylah or something drive me." She glanced at her watch, she had six minutes before she needed to be in class. She deduced that she could use a couple to talk to her neglected friend.
Clarke heard the little noise of frustration from the other end. She knew I would be difficult. Lexa always seemed to know what Clarke was going to do before she did it.
"Clarke Griffin, I am picking you up from work tonight. Would it sweeten the deal if I promised dinner?"
"Only if it's Chinese."
"The little buffet place off of Goldenrod?"
Clarke bit her lip, already thinking about their amazing egg rolls, "Please?"
"Of course."
Suddenly remembering her anatomy test tomorrow Clarke groaned, "Wait, I don't think I can. I need to study for this test tomorrow."
"Of course you do," Lexa chuckled good naturedly, "I'll help you study."
"Lex, I can't ask you to do that. That's no fun for you." Clarke pouted and glanced around her sunny surroundings. Campus was busy and the quad was full of students eating their lunches. Clarke relaxed back into the seat, closing her eyes and basking in the warmth of the sun. The weather was beginning to chill as Thanksgiving rolled in and Clarke wasn't looking forward to it. She loved the warmth and the heat too much.
Static echoed through her cell phone and for a second she thought she'd lost Lexa until she spoke again, "Clarke, it is fun for me. I've been seriously neglected and haven't gotten my artist fix in like…a thousand years."
Clarke laughed, "Lexa, I haven't seen you in three days."
"That's practically three thousand years. Now you're having dinner with me and it's almost your birthday. Please let me help you?"
Clarke could mentally draw a picture of Lexa's pouty face. The way her gorgeous garnet green eyes shown and grew wider, like a much cuter version of Puss in Boots. She could feel herself caving even without being able to see her, "Stop making that face."
"What face?" Clarke could hear the grin as Lexa fiend innocence and couldn't help the stupid smile that spread across her own face.
"You know what I'm talking about, it makes me weak."
"Well, then I guess that's a good thing." God, Clarke could hear the smirk now. "Now answer me. I don't want to be sitting outside of the mall and getting stood up."
"Fine, fine. I'll see you tonight. I get off at 8:30," Clarke caved.
"Ha! Yes! Raven and Octavia are going to be so jealous!" She was clearly doing her dorky happy dance that consisted of her lanky limbs being thrown every which way as she wiggled her ass in the cutest way possible.
Clarke laughed, "They could come with."
"Ha! You make me laugh. Hell no, I get you all to myself. They can deal with it," Lexa gloated.
Rolling her eyes, but still unable to contain her smile Clarke rubbed her forehead, "Alright, well I need to get to class. I'll see you tonight."
"Hell yes you will, good luck in Development, I know you'll rock it!" She still sounded way too happy and excited about seeing Clarke for it to be healthy.
"Bye, Lexa."
"Byeeee, Clarke-y."
The line went dead and Clarke laughed, Lexa was too adorable for her own good.
Clarke was just sliding the metal door down over the entrance to the Aeropostale store in the mall. She slid her key into the bolt lock in the corner and twisted, firmly locking the door.
Niylah stood leaning against the wall. They had the same shift, closing and both were completely exhausted. Clarke had had to deal with a customer trying to return a shirt that they had procrastinating on returning, meaning they couldn't anymore. The customer had caused a scene and Clarke had received the full force of the insults that escaped the woman's mouth.
Niylah had been there, trying to get the customer to leave, but she'd have none of it. The two employees had to call security and forcibly remove the woman. To say it was a stressful day was an understatement. Clarke was really looking forward to spending time with Lexa at this point, she had such a calming personality.
"You ready to get out of here?" Niylah asked.
Clarke nodded and rubbed her forehead before opening her bag to put her keys back, "Definitely. Lexa's taking me to dinner."
"God, I wish I had a girlfriend as perfect as her," Niylah sighed wistfully and pushed herself away from the wall. She fell in to step next to Clarke and the two friends headed towards the exit.
Clarke blushed, "She's not my girlfriend." People seemed to think Clarke was dating Lexa all of the time. Sure, Lexa was gorgeous and probably one of the most intelligent people Clarke knew. But, Clarke was busy, too busy for a relationship and Lexa was such a good friend, how could she try to ruin that?
It didn't matter what Clarke felt about Lexa because medical school, work and her clinicals were all too much already. A relationship was like another full time job, no matter how comforting or relaxing it would be to have.
The two of them had become friends through Octavia about five months and it was obvious that they were attracted to each other. But Clarke had resisted, forcing herself to remember school and the nearly overwhelming amount of responsibility that had been thrusted upon her when clinicals started. She couldn't do anything more than a friendship and Lexa seemed to agree without saying so.
"Um, she's not my girlfriend," she blushed and rubbed her hand over the back of her neck.
Niylah shot a sideways look at her friend, "You're kidding! I'd snatch that up as quickly as possible."
Clarke laughed and Niylah held the exit door open, the chilly night air smacking the two of them harshly. "We'll see." She turned to face Niylah as she exited, but Niylah wasn't looking at her anymore. She was looking past her, eyebrows raised in surprise.
Clarke frowned and turned. Lexa's shoulder was resting against the corner of the wall, bouncing on the balls of her feet, probably freezing her ass off. She held a single white and orange rose and a box of chocolate, her eyes focused on Clarke.
"Remember what I said, Clarke," Niylah winked and snapped her fingers, pointing at Lexa. "Scoop that one up or you'll regret it for the rest of your life." Then she was gone and Clarke was left blushing and standing across from Lexa awkwardly.
Lexa pushed against the wall and made her way over, "Hey, these are for you." She waved the items in her hands for emphasis. Clarke shifted her bag to a better position on her shoulder and held her hands out, taking the flower and bringing it closer to her nose.
"Thanks, you didn't have to do all this. I would have been happy with dinner and a study d—session," she avoided the word date, it wouldn't be a good thing to say right now, especially after Lexa had bought her a rose and a box of what looked like expensive chocolates.
Lexa laughed and shoved her hands into the pockets of her jacket. She was dressed in a pair of jeans, black vans and a heavy green sweater with a white t-shirt poking out of the collar. The jacket was her signature leather one that she wore whenever she had the excuse that it was cold outside. Honestly, Clarke knew she just thought she looked really good in it and Clarke definitely agreed.
"Clarke, you're staring."
The red in Clarke's cheeks deepened, "Am not." She turned away. "Are we ready to go?"
Lexa nodded and laughed again, holding out her elbow for Clarke to grab. The blonde looped her arm through the leather clad one and Lexa led her to a black Honda Civic. She politely held the door open for Clarke to settle herself against the tanned leather seat.
"Thanks," Clarke smiled up at Lexa who nodded and grinned back before shutting the door and rushing around to get into the driver's seat.
The brunette shifted in the seat and started the car, "Chinese here we come." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at Clarke, grinning. Clarke couldn't help but smile back, the girl had a smile that you couldn't resist. It brightened her entire face and an entire room, it lifted Clarke's heart every time she saw it.
She settled back in the seat and closed her eyes. Clarke was already feeling more relaxed in the five minutes of Lexa's presence than she had at any moment in the last three days. She turned to head to look at the beautiful driver, who was tapping her fingers on the steering wheel as she waited for a car to drive by so she could turn.
Lexa seemed oddly happy, like an overexcited puppy. She couldn't stop herself from smiling at it, a light, bubbling filling her stomach.
"What's up with you?" she asked curiously.
Lexa whistled softly and made the turn, merging over into the furthest lane before entering the turn lane at the next light. She glanced at the blonde once she was fully stopped. "What do you mean?"
"You literally cannot stop moving. Why are you so happy?"
Lexa pursed her lips and a mischievous glint was evident in her eyes, "Wouldn't you like to know?"
Clarke nodded, "I really, really would. You know how curious I am." She sat up straighter in her seat, giving Lexa her full attention.
The light turned green and bathed the two in its glow as Lexa let off of the brake pedal and made the turn. "How about we get seated and I'll tell you all about it?"
Lexa drove through the plaza and past small shops that had their lights off. It was nearly 9:00 on a Wednesday night, not many places were open except for the Walmart and a couple of restaurants that sat closer to the road. The car coasted slowly down the road until the small red neon sign indicating New China Buffet came into view and Lexa turned down a stretch of abandoned parking spots. They pulled into the nearest one and Lexa turned off the car.
"I think you should tell me know." Clarke said as she pulled herself out of the car. What could have Lexa so excited? She'd only ever seen her like this when they'd watched the women's World Cup and that had been slightly scary. Clarke definitely wasn't new to the diehard fan thing—her dad had been a huge football fan—but Lexa took it to a whole new level.
Lexa chuckled and shut her car door. "I don't think so. Don't forget your flashcard."
"Oh shit," Clarke ducked back into the car and pulled her bag into the seat, opening it and snatching the rubber band wrapped stack of index cards. In her hurry to get out, she didn't account for the height of the car and slammed her head against the handhold. "Ow! Fuck!"
"Shit," the humor was evident in her voice, "Clarke, are you okay?" A soft, cold hand grasped at Clarke's arm and pulled her around to face Lexa.
Clarke nodded, rubbing the tender spot on the back of her head, "Yeah, I'm an idiot."
Lexa couldn't stifle her laughter and after a moment, Clarke let go of her stung pride and laughed too.
"You're not an idiot, Clarke." Lexa sobered, adopting a serious expression and moved Clarke's hand, patting the spot where she'd hit her head. "You're just special." Then she laughed again.
Clarke rolled her eyes, "I thought we were having dinner. Not embarrassing Clarke."
"Oh we are, and you embarrassed yourself. I had nothing to do with it." Lexa laughed and shut the passenger door once Clarke was out of the way. When she noticed the pout on Clarke's lips she wrapped an arm around they younger girl's shoulders.
The pouting continued and Clarke muttered, "Your car's too short. So it technically is your fault for buying a stupid short car."
Lexa gasped, bringing her free hand to her chest, "I find that insulting, my beloved Squid is a very, very good car. It gets 35 miles to the gallon. What do you have to say about your car?"
"My car was a 1967 Chevy C/K so back off. It was a gorgeous baby and I had to sell so I could pay for medical school," Clarke cried out, rubbing her finger under her eyes to emphasize her pain even though she wasn't crying.
The taller girl rolled her eyes, "So dramatic." She let go of Clarke and opened the door, holding it so the blonde could walk through.
Clarke rolled her eyes, "You named your car Squid. Weird trumps dramatic."
"No it doesn't. Squid is a valid name. I'd name a dog Squid too," Lexa stuck her tongue out childishly and rushed forward to open the second door of the entryway. The carpet was a gaudy red and tall thin plants stood in corners, drooping into people's way.
Clarke shook her head, "Gosh, that's ridiculous. You should just buy a squid and name it Squid instead."
Lexa licked her lips and shook her head, using her hands to speak, "No, no, no. Squids are not cuddly creatures. I need warmth and snuggles, not a fish in a fish tank. My mom used to be totally against animals so now that I'm on my own, I intend on getting all of the pets." She was so adamant about it, Clarke couldn't help but laugh. God, this girl is amazing.
A small, elderly Asian woman stepped up behind the reception desk and grabbed two utensil bundles. "Table for two?" She asked in a thick accent Clarke could barely discern. Lexa nodded and smiled, seeming completely capable of understanding the accent.
The little lady walked around the reception and led them to a small table meant for two in the furthest back corner. A tall green plant was shoved in the corner and a heavy leaf fell over the chair snuggled against it. Clarke quickly seated herself on the opposite side so it wouldn't be bothering her.
The Asian woman didn't seem at all interested in starting a conversation with them. She set down the bundles and ran a hand over her shirt. "Enjoy your meal." She nodded formally, her face carefully neutral before turning on her heels and heading back to the reception area.
Lexa cautiously sat down, bending forward as to not touch the plant. Once she was settled, her body was pressed against the wall at an odd angle as she tried to push the leaf out of the way. Her efforts were futile and she ended up huffing out a heavy sigh and glaring at a laughing Clarke.
"I am not sitting here with this plant."
Clarke smirked and leaned forward, resting her chin on her clasped fingers. "You could name is Squid and let it cuddle you."
Lexa's lip twitched upward, even though her eyes never ceased their glaring, "Mockery is not a product of a strong mind, Clarke." She stood quickly. "I'm going to get a plate and find a better table, this place is always empty anyway."
She left after that and Clarke sat there muttering about Mockery is not a product of a strong mind, Clarke and Lexa's ability to talk in riddles so easily. The woman was only twenty two and yet sat there talking like Aristotle. Maybe she needs to stop reading so much philosophy.
Lexa made her way to the two buffet tables of food, grabbing a clean plate. Clarke watched from a distance, admiring the way she bit her lip when she was focused and how she managed to make everything look so graceful. She always had a straight-backed posture that made her look longer and incredibly regal. Her face was uniquely shaped and bathed in the yellow glow of the harsh lights illuminating the food items, her features were softened and cheekbones highlighted.
After a moment, Clarke realized she was staring and sucked in a deep breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Get a grip, Griffin. She's just a friend. You can't afford the distraction right now.
Instead of dwelling on her feelings further, she grabbed their utensils and moved to an empty booth that was capable of sitting four. After ensuring her flash cards were settled against the wall, she got up and headed to the food. She was starving, especially since she'd forgotten to get lunch before work, which meant she hadn't eaten anything since 6:30 that morning.
The two of them settled into the booth after gathering a huge amount of food. There were four plates between the two of them. It was easy to tell that they came to this Chinese food place a lot because they kept shifting plates.
The first time they had come there, Lexa had gotten a bunch of things Clarke had never tried before. She was pretty much a vanilla girl when it came to her Chinese food: fried rice, noodles, and egg rolls was all she really ever dad. Lexa on the other hand ate the Crab Rangoon, coconut shrimp and even their barely cold sushi. She'd convinced Clarke to taste what she got because the blonde had an aversion to seafood.
Now, Clarke would never admit it, but she had an obsession with Crab Rangoon and would steal Lexa's whenever she got it. In turn, Lexa would complain that she was eating all of her food. But, Lexa always got enough for the both of them even when she complained because she knew Clarke would never admit to actually liking what she ate.
During their dinner, they talked about their day and what had happened over the course of the three days they hadn't seen each other. Lexa talked about work and her younger brother while Clarke complained about a patient she literally could not satisfy and others who continued to hit on her. She talked about the crazy customer at work today and Lexa explained that her boss was being a hard ass about her upcoming article. Lexa also mentioned her tests in Ancient Greek Philosophy and Symbolic Logic that she was having the next Monday.
After Clarke was finished eating, she leaned back against the wall, stretching her legs across the rest of the booth. Both of their stomachs were fixing to burst from overeating, but the afterglow of eating such good, albeit greasy, Chinese was heavenly.
"Tell about what's going to you so excited," she said with her eyes closed.
Lexa was resting her head on the wooden board of the booth seat, staring up at the water stained ceiling. A non-commensal grunt escaped her mouth before she struggled to lift her head. Her leather jacket had been discarded before they had started eating and her sweater sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, exposing muscular forearms and callused hands.
She rested her head on her hand and looked at Clarke, who had turned to face her, eyes opened lazily but focused. "Come on, I really want to know."
Lexa sighed, "Alright. Well, you know how I've been submitting my book to publishers?"
Clarke jolted into a sitting position, a grin spreading across her face as she realized where this was going. "What are you saying?" Her voice was shaky with excitement for her friend.
"If you'd be quiet I'll tell you," she paused for emphasis, "Anyway, I submitted it to HarperCollins in New York about eight months ago…I definitely wasn't expecting to hear back for a long time. But, they sent me an email."
"Yes, yes, yes," Clarke was nearly bouncing in her seat, her hands clasped together against her mouth.
"They're willing to publish my book." The words came out in a rush of excitement and almost before they were completely out Clarke was around the table and crashing into Lexa, squealing.
She wrapped her arms wrapped tightly around Lexa's neck, squeezing her close, "I'm so proud of you, Lexa! This is amazing!"
Lexa jolted at the unexpected contact but still wrapped her arms awkwardly around Clarke's back. "Thanks, but they want to set me up with an editor to smooth out some kinks they think they found. Plot holes, grammar and maybe add some suggestions."
Clarke pulled away at that frowning, "Lexa, your grammar is impeccable and your plot is perfect. They don't need to change anything."
Lexa rolled her eyes, "You might think my writing is perfect, Clarke, but these are professional publishers and authors. I'm not perfect so having a couple more sets of eyes on my work will only polish it up."
Blue eyes mimicked Lexa's eye roll and she crossed her arms, "Fine, just don't let them change it too much. I want to read it again before they officially publish it to make sure they didn't mess anything up."
The aspiring author had been working on this one particular plotline for over a year—since before she met Clarke. She'd intended on getting published as soon as possible and Clarke knew she'd put her heart and soul into her characters, plot and situations. Lexa didn't need to change any of it for anyone, but Clarke knew that it was going to be hard for her not to buckle under the pressure of satisfying someone else.
"Fine, fine. I'll let you read it."
"Good," Clarke clapped her hands, "We need to celebrate."
Lexa shook her head, "Not now, you have to study for that anatomy test."
"No, I can do that in the morning before class! We need to go pick up Octavia, Anya and Raven and go party!" Her grin was huge and Lexa couldn't help but match her enthusiasm. She'd never had anyone so excited for something that was for her and not them. Clarke was all about helping and uplifting her friends and that was why she was so attracted to her.
"How about we go out this weekend? You don't have clinicals, right? And you only work the early shift on Saturday?" She rested a hand on Clarke's black clad shoulder.
Clarke slouched down in her seat, a pout showing on those kissable pink lips. Lexa hesitated for a moment, watching them and having the sudden urge to lean in and kiss them. She shook her head, and waited for a response.
"Fine, fine. Saturday night we can party our asses off because you are getting your book published," Another huge smile lit up her face, "Jesus, Lexa, you're getting published. I feel like I'm more excited about this than you are!"
Eyebrows shot up Lexa's forehead, "Hell no, I've just known about it longer. You know that dorky dance I do?"
Clarke nodded, smirking at the memory of her doing it over the phone.
"Well, that's what I did after I finally managed to hang up the phone. I think Anya wanted to kill me I was screaming and dancing and squealing. I turned on some music and made some cake, then I ate it and binge watched a bunch of TV shows and nearly drank an entire bottle of Sangria."
The image that popped up in Clarke's mind made her jealous that she hadn't been there to experience her friend's enthusiasm. She wished that she had been able to help make that cake and finish off that bottle of wine. She also wished she had been there to kiss the unbelievably cheerful smile that lit up a whole room. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to see it."
"You were working, its fine. I haven't told anyone besides you and Anya and Aden, promise. I wanted you to be one of the first people to hear. Now, you need to study for this test. It's nearing 9:30 and you need to make sure you get some actual sleep tonight. I want you home and in bed by 11:00." She booped Clarke's nose which then wrinkled instinctively.
Clarke rolled her eyes and shifted back to her seat, grabbing the flash cards that she'd shoved between her seat and the wall. "Whatever, mom."
"Mentioning your mom really turns me off, Clarke." Lexa winked suggestively before grabbing the set and taking the rubber band off.
I'd love to know what turns you on, Clarke blushed deeply at the thought. She quickly grabbed her water, took a long sip and pressed her chilly hand against her warm, crimson cheek.
"Alright," Lexa shifted in her seat, slipping her Vans off underneath the table before pulling her right leg up to rest her chin on. She shuffled the cards and glanced over the question on one side. Clarke prepared too, settling back against the wall and stretching her legs out across the seat again.
They sat in those positions for hours, Lexa trying to pronounce medical terminology she wasn't even sure the definitions of until Clarke spouted off a bunch of words she wasn't even sure actually were words. Clarke on the other hand, was so focused on remember her notes that she didn't notice Lexa's confusion or utter awe at the amount of things Clarke could fit in her head.
After going through the flashcards twice, with Clarke only missing about ten the first time and three the second, Lexa called it a night. It was nearly eleven already and her head was pounding from just reading through the cards. There was no telling how exhausted Clarke was.
"Alright," Lexa moved to stack the discarded cards together, "I say we call it a night."
Clarke frowned, "We should probably go through it one more time." She bit into her lower lip, worrying it.
It took Lexa a second of admiration and then clearing her throat to focus back on the conversation at hand, "Clarke, you probably know this better than your teacher. Stop stressing out."
"Lex, you don't get it."
"Clarke, I do get it. You just study way more than you need to," she finished wrapping the flashcards in the rubber band and slid them back across the table to Clarke. "Now, let's go. You're tired and so am I."
She stood without waiting for a response from the blonde and pulled her wallet out of her leather jacket after she put it back on. Clarke finally stood as Lexa was sweeping her hair out from underneath the collar of the jacket. Together, they went up to the register where Lexa paid for their dinner and they received two fortune cookies.
On their walk back to the car, both of them ripped open their fortunes. Lexa read hers aloud, "A change is coming." She laughed, "Yes there is, I'm going to be a published author. What's yours say?"
Clarke wasn't paying attention though, Stop putting it off. There is nothing more important than true love. What the hell did that mean? It struck a little too close to home so she folded it up and took a bite of the sweet cookie.
"Clarke? What did yours say?" She reached for it but Clarke snatched her hand away. Lexa frowned and pulled back.
"Sorry," Clarke smiled sheepishly and waved the small piece of paper around. "It's nothing, it's stupid." Clarke berated herself for being so weird. It was a stupid fortune cookie, they weren't real. She held out the slip of paper to Lexa who took it, opened it and read it.
She frowned and glanced at Clarke carefully. She chose her next words wisely, "I hate those true love ones. It just gets believer hopes up, you know?" They finally reached her Civic and Lexa unlocked it, opening the door for Clarke.
The blonde sat down in the seat, her feet still resting on the concrete. Lexa handed her back the fortune and waited for Clarke to settle back into the car so she could close the door.
"Lexa?"
"Yes, Clarke?" She raised an eyebrow and leaned on the car door, waiting for the question that was bound to come. Lexa had learned to read Clarke's subtle expressions and right now, her eyebrows were pulled together, lips pursed and eyes looked at her shoes. Something was obviously on her mind.
"I—Can we get ice cream?" That didn't sound like what she wanted to say, but there was no evidence proving that it wasn't.
"Of course we can, Princess. But it is cold. Are you sure you want ice cream?" Lexa had recently adopted the Blakes' and Raven's pet name for Clarke. It wasn't because she found it to be true, it was just an adopted habit since she was around it so often.
Clarke grinned up at the gorgeous brunette above her, she didn't want this night to end. Not quite yet. Trying to sort out her feelings was a difficult, long process that usually ended with a lot of drinking and then an influx of emotions that exploded all over everyone within a ten mile radius. But this time, Clarke didn't want that to happen.
"Yes, I'm sure. There's a parlor right up the street that's open until 2 am."
"I know it, I've been there before." Lexa grinned before closing the door after Clarke settled back. She rushed around to the other side and got in, starting the car.
Clarke rested her head back against the seat and shut her eyes. There probably wasn't going to be a good time for her to start a relationship with anyone until after clinicals ended. She didn't want a relationship with anyone though, she wanted one with Lexa. Scoop that one up or you'll regret it for the rest of your life. She probably would regret it if she didn't do it. But how was she supposed to provide a stable relationship when she couldn't even get enough sleep at night?
Maybe it was worth it to let all of it go and just feel. They could just figure it out together and let things work themselves out. That is if she wants to be with you. Clarke believed that she was good at reading people, but sometimes Lexa was so aloof, so very nonchalant that it was hard for her to see through that. Maybe I just have to take the leap.
They pulled into the parking lot of the brightly lit ice cream parlor. It was too small for anyone to enter so there were several picnic tables scattered around the area. The two friends approached the window where a red headed teenager was buried in her phone, thumbs flashing across the screen lightning fast.
It took her a moment to realize someone was there and she opened the window with a start. "Hi, what can I get you?" she set down her smartphone and pulled a pad of paper closer, uncapping a ballpoint pen.
Lexa looked at Clarke expectantly while pulling out her wallet.
"No," Clarke grabbed Lexa's forearm before she could withdraw her wallet. "You paid for dinner, I'll pay for dessert."
Lexa opened her mouth to protest, "No, I was taking you out tonight."
"I don't care. This is me thanking you for dinner."
Lexa sighed and reluctantly put her wallet back, when Clarke Griffin wanted something she got it. It was useless to argue. "Fine. I'll have a vanilla in a medium waffle cone."
"Dipped?"
Lexa shook her head, "No thanks. But can I get rainbow sprinkles?" She smirked at Clarke who laughed.
"Always have to have rainbow," Clarke sighed and bumped her shoulder against Lexa's.
Lexa grinned and winked.
"For you?" the teenager asked.
"I'll have swirl in a medium dipped waffle cone please."
"Sprinkles?"
Clarke glanced at Lexa who was smirking. "Yes, rainbow please."
"Alright," she stopped writing and punched in the order on the register. "Eight dollars and thirty-two cents, please."
Clarke yanked a crinkled ten dollar bill out of her pocket and handed it over after smoothing out some of the wrinkles. She received her change and the girl shut the window, moving towards the back of the building to make their ice cream.
Lexa led Clarke to a table near the window they would get their ice cream from. They sat down opposite of each other and Clarke wrapped her arms around herself. She had only brought a light jacket to work and it was zipped up.
"Cold?" Lexa asked.
Clarke nodded, "I didn't plan on being in the cold for so long."
Lexa began taking off her leather jacket before she had even finished answering. "Here."
"Lexa, you're going to get cold?"
Green eyes rolled, "I'm too hot for that." She replied cockily.
"Oh shut up," Clarke laughed and took the jacket, slipping her arms into the warm sleeves and pulling the sides tight around her. Her leg jittered underneath the table as she curled around herself.
Lexa's jacket smelled like her. Obviously. But it relaxed Clarke. It was spicy and slightly earthy. Clarke knew it was some type of Sephora brand perfume because she saw it every time she was in Lexa's room, but for some reason it didn't seem like that was the only scent. Lexa had her own particular smell that just made Clarke feel comfortable.
She didn't realize her nose was buried in the collar until the red-headed employee called their order out. Clarke stood up, "I've got it." She grabbed the two cones.
The young girl smiled at her, "You and your girlfriend are cute."
Clarke blushed a deep red and smiled, grabbing a handful of extra napkins, "Thanks." There was no use in denying it and causing another misunderstanding like with Niylah. Two times in one day, wow Clarke thought.
She brought their ice creams back to the table and handed Lexa her colorful rainbow covered vanilla. "For you, my lady."
"Thanks, Princess," she winked and took the ice cream, shifting the napkin so it was easier for her to hold the cone.
Clarke rolled her eyes and settled back down, resting the large pile of napkins between them. They sat in silence for a couple of minutes, eating their ice cream and lost in their own thoughts. Lexa about Clarke and Clarke about Lexa. If only they could read each other's minds it would be easy to tell they were wondering the same thing. Why the hell aren't we dating, again?
Neither of them voiced their thoughts, but the unspoken feelings they each reciprocated rested heavily on their shoulders. The silence soon became tense and they could both feel it.
"What are you doing Sunday?" Clarke finally asked.
Lexa raised an eyebrow, deep in a swirling lick of her ice cream. She swallowed, the corners of her mouth covered in melted ice cream, a small speck sat on the tip of her chin. "Probably nursing a harsh hang over, why?"
She didn't seem to notice the mess of her face. Clarke grabbed a napkin and leaned over the table, wiping the corners of Lexa's mouth. "I don't have work or anything, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out. We could nurse our hangovers together."
Lexa raised an eyebrow and her lips quirked in amusement. She waited until Clarke finished cleaning her face before responding, "Are you inviting Raven and Octavia along?"
"Those two horn bags? Hell no, they'll probably try to have sex on every surface of the apartment. They'll probably end up going back to Octavia's anyway. So it'll just be us. What do you say?" Clarke settled back on the bench, balling up the napkin in her hand and returning the majority of her attention to her ice cream.
Lexa returned to her ice cream as well and hummed a quiet, "Okay. We can do that." Before taking a large bite out of the top of her food.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Clarke said, wrinkling her nose in disgust.
Lexa swallowed her bite, "What?"
Clarke shook her head and they finished their ice cream in companionable silence. They kept sharing glances and kicking each other underneath the table. The two of them could read the words in the other's eyes and each time they kicked the other it was in response to a snarky comment they could read in their eyes.
Once they had each eaten the last of their individual waffle cones, they decided it was really time to get going. The clock was nearing midnight when Lexa started the car and Clarke let loose a very loud and quiet obscene yawn that made the brunette laugh.
"You need to sleep, we'll be at your place in twenty minutes," she said and patted Clarke's knee reassuringly.
The purr of the engine and the soft in and out of Lexa's breath, lulled Clarke to sleep. She was in that limbo state of mind, half asleep and dreaming about some sort of blurry desert but also conscious that she was really in Lexa's car. When the car stopped, her head jerked forward and she started awake fully, heart pounding.
A warm hand settled on her knee again, "You're okay. We're here." The hand squeezed softly and Clarke rubbed her bleary eyes to look at Lexa. The brunette was smiling at her with a strangle glint in her eyes that Clarke couldn't quite place.
Clarke patted Lexa's hand and unbuckled her seatbelt, "Walk me up?"
"Sure," the car shut off and the two of them got out of the car—Clarke more gracelessly than Lexa. Clarke wrapped Lexa's jacket further around herself when the cold air hit her exposed skin. Lexa noticed the subtle movement and preened slightly at the comfort and possessiveness Clarke conveyed so obviously. She also looks really good in your clothes, a trivial voice murmured in the back of her head and heat rushed through her body at the thought.
Lexa helped Clarke up the stairs to the apartment the blonde shared with her mechanic friend Raven. Clarke was so tired, she leaned heavily against Lexa as the brunette shuffled through her bag for her keys.
"Wait," Clarke grabbed at Lexa's sleeve. She was warm and relaxed, wrapped in Lexa's scent and all she really wanted to do was fall into bed and sleep. But, she needed to tell Lexa something. "Lex."
The brunette lifted her head, making a low humming noise in the back of her throat. She didn't realize how close they really were until their noses nearly brushed. Clarke jolted and Lexa noticed the unfocused, glazed expression in the normally bright and alert eyes. This girl is going to pass out any second.
"I want to tell you something," she didn't pull away and the slight slur in her voice made her sound drunk.
Lexa chuckled, "Tell me."
Clarke frowned and tried to come up with a good way to express her feelings. Words always seemed to desert her when she talked to Lexa, she just couldn't seem to articulate anything the way she wanted to. The words deserted her once again and she let out a frustrated grumble.
She shut her eyes, took a deep breath and looked up into those green eyes that she knew she could drown in if she wasn't careful. "I wanted to say—"
She was cut off by a pair of lips. A pair of lips that belonged to the brunette with the mile-long legs, beautiful cheekbones and the most incredible green eyes Clarke had ever seen. The lip pressed against hers were softer than she had imagined and dreamed.
It took a moment for her to process what was going on and when she finally did, her arms wrapped around Lexa's neck. Her lips began moving off of their own accords and she was pressed flush against the woman she had wanted to be pressed against for months on end.
The kiss was tentative and slow. The two girls were trying to feel out the other, determine what they liked and whether or not this should be continued. Lexa was the first to deepen it, opening her mouth and lightly brushing her tongue over Clarke's lower lip. Her hands found Clarke's hips and quickly pressed her back against the wall.
Heat streaked from Clarke's chest down to her core and it felt like the blood in her veins was being lit on fire. She tangled her fingers in brunette tresses and tugged softly, opening her mouth eagerly. Her mind was pleasantly blank and only the primitive urge to be closer, so much closer was prevalent in her brain. Well, and the fact that it was Lexa finally kissing her. Lexa.
Lexa broke the kiss, breathing heavily and brushed her nose affectionately against Clarke's. Her breath was ragged and they could feel their chests pressing tighter together with each intake of breathe.
"You need to get to bed," Lexa murmured, voice thick and husky with unspoken emotions. She rested her hands on Clarke's clothed hips and their foreheads pressed tightly together. Clarke's eyes were still closed and her fingers softly played with the baby hairs at the base of Lexa's neck. Neither of them made a move to separate.
Lexa continued talking when she didn't get a reply, "We should probably talk about this."
Clarke made a soft noise in the back of her throat and shifted her head from side to side subtly, "It doesn't need to be discussed."
"Well, then you need to go to bed," Lexa finally pulled away to Clarke's utter disdain. Her movements were followed by a high pitched, disapproving whine from Clarke. It was one of those tired whines that made it obvious someone really just wanted to sleep.
Lexa laughed and grabbed Clarke's hand, finally finding the apartment key in her bag. She unlocked the door and stepped into the darkened entrance. Raven was going to be asleep so Lexa only turned on the hallway light, hanging Clarke's bag on the hook by the door, next to Raven's work jacket.
Once her things were settled, Lexa turned to the sleepy blue eyed beauty. "I'll see you this weekend, right?"
"Mmm," the blonde mumbled, stepping closer and wrapping her arms tightly around Lexa, burying her face in the crook of her neck and sucking in a deep breath. "Yeah, this weekend."
"Is your alarm set for your test tomorrow?" Lexa softly ran her fingers through the golden locks before her, mesmerized by their ability to shine in the dim light.
Clarke nodded in Lexa's neck, "God, I'm way too tired for it to be healthy."
Lexa laughed and carefully, unwillingly untangled herself from the younger girl. "Then go to bed, text me tomorrow."
Clarke nodded, but didn't let go of Lexa's hand. Quickly she pulled the taller girl back, tilted her chin up and pressed an affectionate, chaste kiss to pink lips. She sucked in a breath before separating their lips, "I definitely will."
With those last words, Lexa was gone and Clarke was left to her own devices. It was like floating. She changed into her pajamas, a sleepy smile spread across her face. It took more effort than she thought to get herself ready for bed and settle down.
Damn, I think we accidentally went on a date tonight.
A/N: So I could add more to this, but I don't really want to make it into a real story because that's what happened with Don't You Go. But, I mean, I could come up with more if you really want it. It'll just take more time.