They loved each other until the sun slowly woke up above New York City.
"You're so beautiful..." Lexa whispered, earning a small smile from Clarke. She was lying on her side, leaning on her forearm, her hand supporting her head, and her fingers were gently running down the blonde's side, over her hip and up again, her eyes following the movements.
She leaned in, left a kiss on Clarke's forehead, got up and put on a t–shirt and some sweatpants.
"Want anything special for breakfast? Besides coffee, of course."
"I want you to take those clothes off", Clarke smirked, Lexa's smile slightly faded though.
"Clarke, I don't–"
"You're beautiful, Lexa. Don't let anyone ever tell you differently. Bacon would be nice though!"
It was a slow day at the gallery and Clarke had a hard time keeping her eyes open; she was extremely tired thanks to last night's events. She checked her watch and sighed, two hours to go.
"Miss Griffin?" she heard her boss from the other room.
"Yes?"
"As you know, the exhibition will open next week and there's still a lot to do–"
"I'm sorry, I'm trying my best to have everything ready two days before the opening!"
Her boss smiled. "I know that, thanks. I wanted to speak about the artist that jumped off two days ago."
"Right. I mean I'm sorry, his art would've been a great addition. I can try to find a replacement, if you want?"
"I actually wondered whether you'd want to take his place?"
That caught Clarke off guard. Did she hear that right? Did her boss just offer her to present her art? Did he give her the chance she thought she'd never get?
"I– um."
"It was just an idea. I figured you'd be the perfect replacement. You don't have to, if–"
"No no, I'd love to!" she blurted out.
"Great. You'll be given the space of three paintings, anything you want, as long as it fits in the abstract section. Now go and get to work, I'll expect an example tomorrow. Have a nice day, Miss Griffin." With that, he disappeared into his office and left an overwhelmed Clarke behind.
Abby (3:24pm): Hey honey. I know you are busy but I assumed we'd see you today? Love, Mom
Clarke (3:48pm): Mom, I said I'd call as soon as I know about Christmas. I'm with a friend today, I don't have time.
Clarke was already annoyed. Her mother knew that she did not want to spend more time than necessary with her and her husband.
Abby (3:50pm): Maybe you can bring your friend? I'll prepare dinner for 7:00.
Clarke (3:51pm): Sorry mom. Another time
Finn (3:58pm): I know you two have your problems but you could've at least wished her a happy birthday. she's your mom!
SHIT! Clarke's jaw dropped. She really had forgotten her mother's birthday.
Clarke (4:01pm): Hey! Sorry, it's my mom's birthday today. Totally forgot about it, aren't I a great daughter. I really have to go but she kinda invited you too but you don't have to go if you don't want. Think about it, I'd be super happy if you were there to support me! Xx
Lexa (4:05pm): Does she know about us?
Clarke (4:06pm): Nope.
Lexa (4:07pm): Should be fun then! Pick me up whenever you're ready.
Lexa looked beautiful in her black skinny jeans, combined with a loose white blouse and black combat boots. Clarke wore a short white dress, and a black leather jacket.
"Ugh, thanks for driving! Those high heels are killing me. Already! And thanks for not leaving me alone with this dragon." Clarke whined. Lexa had claimed that she wasn't good with parents, but Clarke assured her that being such a great mom that Lexa was, she wasn't worried at all. Honestly, she thought that Abby would actually like Lexa. How could she not, anyway.
"Honey! I'm glad you could make it!" Abby exclaimed happily, hugging her daughter who, for the first time in months didn't back away.
"I'm sorry I forgot your birthday, mom. So..." she handed her a small gift, one of her paintings that she had planned to give her mom for Christmas, "Happy Birthday!"
"Oh sweetie, you didn't have to– you know... but it's really beautiful! Thank you so much!" Abby stated and then looked over to Lexa. "This must be your friend? Sorry that I ruined your plans for today!"
"That's totally fine. It's nice to meet you, Mrs Griffin. I'm Lexa." Lexa replied and offered a handshake.
"Call me Abby, please! None of Clarke's friends calls me Mrs Griffin!" Abby laughed.
"Yeah um, Mom, Lexa and I–"
"Clarke! Soo happy you came! Didn't really think you'd– oh you brought Lexa as well! Hey there! Where's Aden?"
"Probably getting drunk." Lexa joked.
"Yeah sounds just like him!" The siblings laughed but stopped when Marcus appeared at the door.
"Marcus." Clarke nodded.
"You're late. Come in, dinner's ready." He said, completely ignoring Lexa.
Clarke raised an eyebrow and sighed. "That's my stepfather. He's just as great as he seems." she mumbled under her breath. Lexa reached for Clarke's hand and squeezed it reassuringly.
"So, Clarke," Marcus began, "tell us about your job. Or jobs, rather."
"Well there's this exhibition at the gallery that I'm kinda managing and my boss actually just asked whether I'd–"
"Abby, would you pass me the potatoes, please?" Marcus interrupted her.
"–like to present some of my–"
"Anyone want some wine?" He got up and left the room.
"...art." Clarke finished.
"You didn't tell me about that! When did that happen? That's amazing!" Lexa spoke up and turned towards the blonde who smiled back at her.
"Today actually, a few hours ago. Thanks, I know! It's awesome, I'm so freakin' happy!"
"I'm so proud of you! Well, we have to celebrate that!" Clarke nodded and laid her hand on Lexa's thigh under the table and squeezed it.
"Later though..." Clarke winked at her and they turned back to Abby and Finn, who had watched the two women but said nothing. Finn tried to hide his smirk and Clarke wasn't sure whether Abby hadn't notice the intimacy between her and Lexa, or if she just didn't care.
"How's Atom, sweetie?" There it was.
"I don't know, I guess he's okay."
"Why isn't he here?" Abby continued, obviously ignoring her daughter's hint about the situation between her and her ex.
"We broke up like a year ago, mom."
"Oh what a pity. So is there another man in your life then? I'm sure you have hundreds who'd love to take his place!"
"God, mom. No. There's no man in my life. Obviously." Finn tried to gulp down a laughter while Clarke shot him a glance and narrowed her eyes.
"Okay but you're not a teenager anymore, you should think about your future. You don't want to end up alone, do you?"
"Actually, I'm with–"
"Wine anyone?" Marcus interrupted them, again, sat down and started talking about how great Finn was doing at the hospital and that he'll be just as successful as everyone was expecting him to be anyway.
After dinner, Marcus disappeared, claiming he had to finish some work, Abby went to clean the dishes and Lexa offered to help her, and Clarke and Finn sat down on the porch, like they always did after these dinners.
"So you guys are a thing now?"
"Yeah I guess. We haven't really talked about it but–"
"Seriously?! What's there still to talk about? You're all crazy about each other! Have you seen how she looks at you? And how you look at her? Like all heart eyes? So gross!" Finn laughed and earned a hit on his shoulder. "No seriously, I'm happy for you two. Lexa's amazing, and hot as well. She's like all gentleman and stuff. Quite a keeper!"
"Yeah, she is." Clarke emptied her glass and smiled.
The two women said goodbye and left an hour later. Clarke was visibly relieved, she'd expected things to go much worse but actually, it had been okay. Apart from the incident about Atom. But oh well...
"Have you talked to Raven yet?" Lexa asked and turned to Clarke.
"About what?... Oh. No, I– I don't know. I guess I'm waiting for her to make the first step."
Lexa nodded but didn't say anything else, instead took Clarke's hand and intertwined their fingers, until they arrived at Clarke's apartment.
"I had fun today, thanks, Clarke. And don't worry about your mother, I had a good conversation with her in the kitchen. She loves you, I hope you know that. Don't be too hard on her, she's really trying, you know..."
"Yeah I know, babe."
Lexa raised an eyebrow but leaned in for a kiss, which quickly deepened. Clarke felt herself being pushed against the apartment door and pulled Lexa impossibly closer. Just as she slid her fingers beneath Lexa's blouse, they heard Raven from the other side of the door.
"Good lord, girls, some people are trying to sleep here! I'm gonna open the door now, hope you're still fully dressed! – Hi Lexa!"
"Hey Raven! Well, I better go now, I'll have to get up at 5:30 tomorrow. I'll be away for three days. Fancy a dinner when I'm back?"
Clarke nodded, "I'd like that. 5:30 though? Ugh! Anyway, have fun on... tour? Text me when you're free." She leaned in to kiss the brunette. "Good night, Lexa."
"Good night, babe." Lexa smirked and disappeared into the darkness of the staircase.
"She's hot!" Raven grinned and was well aware of the love in Clarke's eyes when the blonde replied, "She's perfect..."