Day 169

"RAAAAh !"

*Thud*

"Lexa !"

The brunette sighed "How many times did I asked you not to scream when you fight ? Be SILENT"

Clarke stood from the ground, rubbing her poor butt "I'm TRYING !"

Lexa shook her head. "Let's try something else." She thought for a moment and Clarke used that little break to drink some water. "What if I gagged you ?"

At that Clarke spat out all the water she had in her mouth to the commander's face then coughed loudly for a few seconds *Excu*cough*se me !?" Despite the water dripping down her face, Lexa was smirking. And Clarke's eyes opened wide "Wait… It… It was a… a JOKE !? You… Commander Lexa made A FUCKING JOKE !? Like, an intended, calculated JOKE !?"

The brunette was frowning now. Why was that SO surprising ? She straightened her back and crossed her arms on her chest. "Yes and you emptied your mouth on my face."

Clarke made a face "Ew… Said like that…"

"What ? It is true."

"This is water."

"That has been in your mouth."

"Ok you have a point, I'm sorry. Can I, maybe make it up to you somehow ?" She asked with a sheepish smile.

Lexa smirked again "Drink it back."

Clarke's jaw dropped "Y-Y-Y-You mean… The water on your face !?". The brunette just nodded. She was serious. "Oh my god… Lexa I-…I-" The blonde stopped mid-sentence when she heard some silent snorting and giggling coming from the bushes behind Lexa. Clarke almost growled. She took of one of her boots and raised it in the air. She glared at Lexa and the brunette understood. She raised her hands in surrender and moved on the right. All obstacles out of her way, Clarke finally threw her shoe at the laughing bush, as hard as she could. She earned a satisfying 'Ouch' and ran to the bush. She grabbed a shirt and pulled, extracting her friend from her hiding place.

"Octavia ! You have exactly 5 seconds to explain what you were doing in there !"

The girl too raised her hands "I'm sorry, I just thought that sharing my wonderful humour with heart eyes could be funny" Octavia tried to hold back but when her eyes fell on the commander's still dripping face she burst out laughing.

The blonde literally dragged her friend to Lexa's feet "And you agreed !?"

Lexa shrugged "It was kinda funny"

"K-K-K KINDA !?" Clarke looked at Octavia, now rolling on the ground hugging her sides. "Octavia I want you to stop teaching her weird stuff !"

A minute or two later Octavia managed to recover and stand. With a hand on Clarke's shoulder she said "Relax princess"

"Relax !? RELAX !?" She shrugged her friend's hand away "You're teaching the commander how to act as a delinquent !"

"Um… Clarke, if I may say-" Lexa tried but Clarke cut her.

"Shut up and wait for your turn !" Lexa jumped. Clarke was mad at her… Sad, she stepped aside and did as said. And Octavia laughed again.

"Come on Clarke don't speak like I'd just broken heart eyes." Clarke tried to slap her shoulder but the brunette dodged and stepped in front of Lexa "Hey Lex, raise your left hand" the commander did as said and immediately Octavia slapped her hand yelling "High five !" before dashing into the woods.

Clarke growled in anger again, pulling at her hair "God this girl ! And she's supposed to be a mother !"

"Clarke ?" asked Lexa in a small voice.

"What ?!"

Nervously the brunette licked her lips, she just HAD TO ask "What's 'heart eyes' ?"

Clarke face palmed and swore to herself she'd kill Octavia the next time she'd see her.

Day 176

"Well, well, well. How are my children doing ?"

Octavia jumped. Luna was really something… She had learned to like her and all but damn… Yeah she was… something.

"Luna, you don't have to come check on me every couple of hours. Clarke and Octavia are doing this job well enough already." Lincoln said with a smile.

The woman huffed "You thought I came for you ? Nonsense." She turned to the little girl on the man's lap "I came for her ! My adorable grandchild !"

Clarke's eyes widened, Octavia's jaw dropped, Lincoln rolled his eyes and Lexa… face palmed. She had learned that from Octavia and quite appreciated the meaning of it.

Luna seemed surprised "What ? We don't have the same blood nor the same people but I raised you young man !"

This time Lexa laughed, laugh tainted by a little bit of what Octavia identified later as jealousy, and once again the two sky people got startled "And I thought you had a good memory… You raised ME Luna. All he did was coming from time to time."

The woman squinted her eyes and approached the commander "Well I raised the wrong one ! I mean, I should've known you'd never give me grandchildren but still !"

She sighed and Clarke asked with a frown "You can't have children ?" Luna burst out laughing but Lexa just crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. Then, and it was really funny to watch, Clarke realised and her face shifted from one expression to another in a matter of millisecond "Oh… Oh ! Oh shit… I- I- I'm sorry ! I didn't… You know what forget it ! Forget I said that !"

Lexa was going to say that she would never forget anything coming out of Clarke's mouth (yes the spat water counts) but the blonde got saved by one of Selina's laughs.

"Haaah… I remember how cute you were when you were a baby Lexa…"

"Luna. When we met for the first time I was around twelve."

The woman shrugged "Yes, that's exactly what I said."

Then the commander saw something cross Octavia's features. She saw the mischievous expression and the ghost of a smirk on her lips when she threw a look at Luna, then Clarke, then Lexa. The brunette had a bad feeling about this…

"Luna, do you have, by any chance, any kind of stories to tell us ? About Lexa as a kid I mean."

Octavia saw Lexa's eyes widen in fear while Clarke's shone with curiosity and Luna's face showed a mix of nostalgia, love and devilish intentions.

"I have TONS of them ! What kind do you want ?" the woman said, turning to Octavia and Clarke eagerly.

Octavia shrugged "The most embarrassing ones, of course !"

Lexa wanted to run away. To flee and hide because she knew perfectly well what kind of stories Luna loved to tell and as much as she was scared that Clarke could hear them the idea of herself being in the same room when it happened was sickeningly scarier. But when slim, pale, soft fingers intertwined with hers, all of this disappeared leaving her empty of any kind of fear and full of the feeling that she was meant to be here.

"Come on Lexa, sit with me." Were the blonde's words that Lexa had managed to remember only years after, because Clarke's touch at that time had made her deaf.

Of course Lexa did as said and sat cross-legged on the ground in front of Luna that had sat on the bed at Lincoln's feet, Selina on her lap while Octavia was on the chair near her husband.

Octavia's inner demon was proud. Her plan to embarrass the commander was perfect. Well until Clarke had managed to turn her off. With her hand in Lexa's the blonde had broken all of Octavia's hopes. The commander had completely disconnected, having eyes only for Clarke and 'if human could kill with heart eyes, Clarke would've been dead buried and decomposed by now' the mother thought. But whatever. She was still going to learn embarrassing things about the commander. That simple thought brought back a smirk on her face.

"I see. Let me think… What about that time she fell in a cesspool and smelled like cow faeces for days ?"

Lincoln shook his head with a grin. He had obviously waited for this story. Later, Octavia learned that it was Luna's favourite. The young mother was eagerly nodding her head. This story sounded like the kind you could use to blackmail someone (not that it was her intention of course).

It was the word 'cesspool' and Clarke's giggle that violently dragged Lexa back to reality. "NO please Luna don't !" She was ready to stand but Clarke clenched her hand, throwing her a deadly look, silently commanding her to sit back down. Luna laughed in sync with Selina when Lexa's butt made contact with the ground again, averting her eyes.

"She said too much already. You can't stop that Lexa." Clarke's words made Lexa's heart race and gave her cold sweat. She swallowed thickly, now only waiting for the sword of her past to bury its blade into her heart.

"Ok so Lexa was 14 if I remember correctly…."

She had been training for two hours in a row when she finally decided she could take a break. But when she turned to the sack of food, she saw a grey ball of fur tearing its head out of the sack, Lexa's delicious, wonderful, divine apple bread in its mouth.

*Give it back !* She yelled at the animal as she was starting to run after it.

The beast looked obese but was strangely agile on the forest's ground. So quick and clever, in its natural element, that Lexa was having a hard time chasing it. Finally after a ten minutes run the thief was starting to slow down. The girl thought that it would be too tired to run in no time and that she could finally catch it and turn it into new gloves. And she was right. The poor thing was exhausted so it rushed to the farm nearby. Lexa followed it in the cow field, in the henhouse, near the dog's kennel to finally come at a stop at the foot of a giant tree.

*Here we are… You might be used to the forest but I'm from tree people you little- !* Yes Lexa was polite. Too polite. She had been surrounded by warriors (and Anya, a not insignificant swear words source) but she had managed to stay how her parents had raised her, incapable of using swearwords. *You piece of glove material !* she finally yelled as she started climbing the tree. A minute or two later she had reached the animal. Well. Almost. She was only one branch under it and the poor thing was too frightened to move. But then it had the bad idea of letting the content of its mouth fall and in an attempt to catch it, Lexa fell.

In her tumble, she hit a few branches, one almost knocking her out. That's probably why when she fell into a thick liquid instead of the ground it didn't shocked her. Until… Until the alarmed screams of a woman and a foul smell flooded her nose. Her eyes opened wide in realisation and she looked at her body, sitting into a huge basin, half immersed. When she heard the woman yell *Watch out !* pointing to the sky, the girl looked up only to feel her face being covered by some heavy, smelly fur and her back being plunged into the basin at the shock. An instant later, the fur on her face had disappeared, leaving her lain down in a cesspool. She stood slowly, trying to ignore the smell and the unpleasant feeling of manure running down her whole body in a steady flow. She tried to ignore the fact that her favourite training gear would be burn by the end of the day with, probably, the majority of her hair…

She swallowed back a sob and held back her tears. She wasn't sure if 'jus drein, jus daun' could be applicable to animal but she swore on that day she'd make herself a new pair of gloves out of this beast's pelt.

"When she came home I had my handmaids peal her out of her clothes and cut her hair short. But even after five bathes she was still smelling like cow shit and pee. I put her in quarantine until she finally smelled like a human being again."

Octavia burst out laughing, Lincoln chuckled and Lexa's face was so flushed and hot she thought that maybe it would be enough to melt the ice queen. But the worst came when she finally looked at Clarke. The poor girl was obviously facing an internal struggle. Her arms were squeezing her belly, her eyes were shut and the corner of her lips were twitching uncontrollably as her body was jolting.

Lexa rolled her eyes before finally releasing the girl "Go ahead and laugh, Clarke."

This was all the girl needed. She laughed louder than Octavia and cried her eyes out. At some point she managed to say 'that explains a lot of things !' but besides that all the sounds escaping her mouth were laughs and giggles. The feeling of being mocked by the woman she cared about was terrible for Lexa but the sight of Clarke, and everyone around her looking truly happy for the first time in… no. for the first time, it was endearing and she ended up laughing with them.

Day 183

"OH MY GOD that feels so good !"

Lexa laughed. "I did not know you had missed hot springs so much."

"Let's just say I had gotten used to it in two years and half."

Lexa sat in the water next to Clarke "I missed it too." She said with a smile "And this source is outdoor. We can bathe while looking at the forest."

Clarke shrugged "I preferred ours." For a moment Lexa wondered if the 'our' included her. She was on the verge of asking when Clarke spoke again. "I hadn't seen you naked in a while too." Lexa blushed slightly "Your wounds have healed correctly. The scars aren't ugly." Lexa just nodded.

There was a huge, very old scar that had always intrigued Clarke. A cross shaped cut just above Lexa's left breast. The brunette jumped when the blonde traced it with her finger. "What happened ?"

Lexa swallowed thickly. But she surprised herself. Her voice wasn't strangled when she said "Costia." She took a deep breath and continued. *When someone's heart is crossed it means that they lost a lover.* Then Lexa grabbed one of her feet, showing the sole. *Feet are for the ones who taught you how to walk.* she turned and pointed one of her shoulder blades *This place are for siblings*

*But there's no scar ?*

*Soon there will be.* she said turning back to face the blonde.

Clarke didn't answered. Instead she resumed her previous ministrations, crossing Lexa's heart again, and again, and again. Until she stopped with a frown. "Lexa, can I take your pulse for a minute ?"

Lexa nodded and Clarke put one hand on the brunette's pulse point and one hand on her own. After a minute she exclaimed "Damn Lexa your heart beats so fast !"

Lexa knew her attraction for Clarke. Lexa knew that Clarke was naked right next to her. Lexa knew that that kind of situation could make her feel uneasy or stressed. But she was used to it and didn't feel particularly tense. She was normal and when she rested one hand on her heart she found nothing surprising. But Clarke was frowning furiously.

"Is that normal for you ?"

"I think so."

"Really ? You don't feel weird or dizzy or…?"

Lexa cocked her head to the side "No, nothing like that. I feel completely normal. Relaxed even."

"Oh…" Clarke was perplexed but eventually dropped it and shrugged. "Maybe it's 'cause you're sportive or something like that. Or maybe the hot water." She finally stated before lying down in the water.

Ten minutes later Clarke had sat back next to Lexa and the brunette noticed her insistent gaze "What is it ?"

Clarke gently grabbed Lexa's jaw with one hand and pulled "Let me see your face for a minute." Lexa did as said and leaned closer. The blonde analysed the three scars on Lexa's face "What you did that day. It was reckless."

"It was. But I had to."

"Indeed. And you could be dead."

"Yes but I am not."

Clarke focused on Lexa's eyes, dropping her hand, just staring at the girl in front of her. Then something completely surreal happened. Or not, Lexa wasn't sure. She saw the blonde look down at what could've only been her lips then with an expression Lexa couldn't quite identified at that time, she looked back into Lexa eyes and asked "Don't you have something to tell me ?"

Lexa frowned "To tell you ?"

Suddenly Clarke pulled back "Ok no, forget it. It's not- It was stupid sorry. Just- Just forget I ever asked that." Lexa wanted to push the girl to talk but in an instant Clarke had stood and was drying herself. Then with a sad smile she added "I'm going. I feel that if I stay a minute longer my motivation for today's training will fade." Lexa stood and Clarke added in a hurry "Oh you, you can stay a little longer if you want, I'm just gonna do some stretching and prepare for later !"

Lexa shook her head "I am coming. I am your trainer, I need to watch you."

Clarke stayed silent until they reached the training area they had settled in a clearing and Lexa wondered if the blonde was hiding something from her.

Day 190

"Here they are ! How's the training going ?"

"Luna" Clarke bowed and the woman did the same.

"She's improving."

"Two short swords huh ?" the woman noticed.

Lexa nodded as Clarke was showing her blades to Luna "Clarke had never trained her arms before so she was uneasy with heavy weapons. We also tried daggers but she wasn't quick enough. She wasn't bad with spear but her balance was off. And then I thought about this. Short light swords."

The woman nodded in acknowledgement taking the blade in her hands, observing it with attention "It is a good choice. I will ask my blacksmith to forge the best blades he can for you."

Clarke bowed again but lower, in recognition. "Thank you Luna"

The woman smiled then in a swift move she attacked Lexa with the blade. Clarke gasped but Lexa had dodged and squat on the ground, a smirk on her lips. "I taught you well child." Stated Luna with a smile. "What about a duel ?"

"Weapons or fists ?"

"Weapons."

"One in particular or all ?"

Luna's grin widened "All."

Lexa echoed her mentor's grin by one of her own "Let's gather the weapons then !"

Twenty minutes later weapons of all sorts were scattered on the fences of the backyard, changed into some kind of large boxing ring. Luna had changed clothes. She was in simple pants and tank top and Octavia, that had joined Clarke in the meantime, released a 'Whoa badass !' in awe at the woman's muscled arms. Lexa heard and huffed. The brunette was in only her bindings and shorts. She was sure the girl could see all her muscles too. Why was Octavia so surprised by Luna when her own body was probably in even better shape ?

The two warriors were in the centre of the ring waiting for a sign to start the fight. Octavia could swear she had never seen Lexa so serious, concentrated and happy at the same time. Who knows why, Selina laughed but at the sound, the two women jumped on a weapon at the same time before taking fighting stances.

Lexa had a sword and Luna a spear.

"Not a very wise choice my dear…"

"You should not underestimate me Luna."

And Lexa threw herself at the woman so fast Clarke barely saw her move. Now the brunette was slicing in weird angles, never breaking eye contact with her mentor, but all her attacks were countered. Lexa was fast but Luna sure was strong and knew how to fight. It was like she could read Lexa's every movement even before the girl had thought about them. Octavia remembered what Indra told her one day. It will always be hard for a pupil to beat their master because the master's knowledge is their student's knowledge plus experience. But still the young mother was surprised. Lexa was leading the fight, slowly pushing the woman to one of the fences. When the woman's back hit the fence she discarded her spear for Clarke's double swords.

"What are the rules ?" the blonde finally asked in a whisper.

"Both of them have five different weapons. Spear, sword, sabre, double blades and daggers. When one weapon hit the ground it is lost for the rest of the fight. Right now Lexa has all her weapons left but Luna just lost her spear. The first unarmed fighter is the loser."

An hour and half later, both fighters were exhausted but they were still fighting as if they were in their first ten minutes only. Octavia was watching attentively, learning as many things as she could.

From her spot on the ring, Lexa could see awe in Clarke's eyes and it made her heart swell with pride.

"Stop devouring her with your eyes and concentrate child !" The woman said as Lexa barely managed to dodge her attack.

Both women had only one weapon left, daggers for Lexa and sabre for Luna.

After a few minutes Selina laughed and suddenly the woman turned to her yelling "Oh my cute honey is encouraging her grand-ma !"

"Focus old woman !" Lexa attacked and this time Luna was the one to barely counter.

Both women laughed before charging at each other again. They danced like that until Luna made a mistake. Her foot slipped a little and an instant later Lexa's blade was on her throat. Octavia whispered "Clarke I think we just found the pride you lost last month !" and the blonde answered with a humourless laugh.

"You fought well child."

As the two women were praising each other in words Octavia couldn't hear, she turned to the blonde. The poor Clarke had her jaw open, almost drooling.

With a mischievous smile, Octavia teased "So, fucking sweaty waists covered in scars are your thing huh ?"

Clarke slapped her friend on her shoulder "Hush. It's hot. Can't help it."

"What's hot ?" asked Lexa with a smile, breath still uneven.

Clarke blushed furiously and stuttered "Th-The weather !"

"I guess you're right. It's spring after all !"

Clarke was looking at Lexa in a perfect mix of awe, admiration, endearment and hunger.

Luna poked Octavia's shoulder to have her attention and whispered in her ear "Why aren't they eating each other out already ?"

The young mother almost choked on her own saliva at the leader of the boat people's words. It was crazy how much the woman resembled Octavia and sometimes it literally scared the hell out of the young brunette. Octavia cleared her throat before answering "Look at Lexa."

Luna did and sighed. The girl was glowing, smiling like an idiot, completely oblivious. "I think I missed something in her education…"