A/N Hiii everyone. Okay so here we go on a small confessional into Clarke's life and background. This is just the start of it, but it's all going to happen way different then most think so I hope the surprise is kind of nice also I think I am falling in love with the feisty Clarke but then again who could not fall in love with Eliza Taylor. This chapter is different but I ended up loving it myself. Enjoy and don't forget to review. xoxoxo
Lexa slowly walked around Voss Inc she wasn't sure if she even wanted to approach Voss and Taylor the written path of her future. She knew she wanted her father to meet Clarke so he could see she was everything Lexa thought she was. Her father had said that she was just running around with the blonde but it was so much more than that. It was everything she wanted and because she could feel Clarke's feelings and she was opening up and sharing her own this was the next step. She needed her father to meet Clarke and no matter the outcome nothing would be changing her feelings.
"Have you thought about it enough?" Lexa jumped seeing Gustus standing next to her.
"One day I am going to hang a bell from you so you stop scaring the shit out of me." Lexa laughed nudging his shoulder.
'Why would you do that." Gustus asked wondering what the point of that was.
"It's so when you sneak around we can still hear you because the bell rings." Lexa smiled thinking about how the idea went right over his head.
"That would be no fun." Gustus thought about a bell giving away his sneakiness.
"It would be a lot of fun for the people you don't scare to death." Lexa sat down on the connecting stairs between the two buildings.
"Are you going to talk to him?" Gustus had a feeling he knew why she was going to see him but he wasn't 100% sure.
"I want him to meet Clarke." Lexa said looking up at Gustus for some type of approval.
"I like Clarke a lot. I think she will stand due to his wrath if needed." Gustus thought about the feisty blonde.
"You think?" Lexa was questioning the whole thing.
"She puts up with you." Gustus smiled seeing Lexa's glare.
"You do actually have a point there." Lexa stood telling herself she could do this.
"You better get to it. We both know he has had his coffee by now and is sitting in that office." Gustus watched Lexa turn and he knew that was his exit.
"Thank you Gustus." Lexa turned noticing he was gone. She told herself some how she is going to get a bell on that guy.
Clarke left the girls at the hotel and was headed for her apartment. She needed to shower and change before she approached Lexa about the magazine. She wasn't really mad there was nothing Lexa could do about the media. She of course would be asking what and when the main picture was taken. She didn't care if the media thought she was the dumped one it kept her face off the magazine and her mother out of her business. Even though she knew the talk about Lexa had to be approached at some point she just felt now wasn't the right time. Walking up to her apartment she could see something hanging on her front door. Stepping in front of it she seen the front page of the magazine taped to her door with a note that said Clarke who wit a giant question mark.
"Fuck off." Clarke ripped the magazine and note off her door. She knew exactly who it belonged too and for the sake of her own sanity she turned around flipping off her parking lot area just in case the bitch was still around.
Clarke grabbed a beer out of her fridge and sat up on the counter for a few minutes she needed to think over what was going to really happen with her life being in the media. She knew of the lies and stories that come and go with the life. She thought how weird it was that she had never seen Lexa before in the magazine. It was a popular one she glanced through every now and then but Lexa had also mentioned not dating and being under the radar for awhile after Echo. That was also right around the time Clarke went from being a profound med student to losing her dad and then fiance and back to not wanting to study medical anything again. That was most definitely the story she needed to explain to Lexa. Finishing her beer she jumped off the counter to head to the shower. Grabbing her phone she checked it just in case Lexa text her and instead she seen Octavia's name.
Octavia: I soooo just got laid.
Clarke read the message and wasn't even sure if she wanted to know who, what, where, when and why.
Clarke: Uhhh with who and where. I just left you like a little over an hour ago.
Octavia: Raven duhhh and OMG it was so damn good.
Clarke rolled her eyes knowing what Octavia said was more than likely true she had seen enough satisfied women do the walk of shame with Raven but it was something she didn't want details on. Seeing another text come through she braced herself.
Octavia: We might want to tell Lexa that ummm we might not ever be allowed back in that fancy hotels gym room.
Clarke: Please tell me you didn't.
Clarke's mouth dropped open before she started laughing thinking about Octavia and Raven having sex in the personal fitting room as big as her apartment. It wasn't the smartest place to finally hook up in but then again knowing those two it kind of fit them.
Octavia: Whaatttt Clarke please don't be mad. I'll explain everything that happened later.
Clarke stuck her phone down thinking of what their next girl time was going to be. At least the new message of bitchiness would be discussed since she already knew who left the stupid note on her front door. Stripping down she blasted the hot water. Flipping on her radio she figured it might have been a sign to hear My Girl come blasting out. Singing she told herself it was time to prove exactly who's girl she was and that she wasn't the dumped one.
Lexa knocked on the door of her Father's office. Looking at the nameplate she read it a few times knowing one day president would be on her office door. Thinking about it she told herself she would rather have just her name on the door no need to prove herself with the stupid rolls of the firm.
"Come in." she heard her father's deep voice come from the other side. Taking a deep breath she pushed the door open seeing her father holding up a magazine she never thought possible.
"Hi father I was hoping to talk to you about a few things." Lexa stood knowing there was no point in taking a seat unless he said so.
"Take a seat. I want to discuss a few things with you as well." she watched her father toss the magazine in front of her. Looking down she seeing a picture of herself and Echo she snatched the magazine up to read it closer.
'Shit." she had said it out loud without even realizing her father was gauging her reaction. She seen the picture of her and Clarke kissing in the top corner saying not good enough or dumped. She was sure this was something Clarke had already seen. She was positive Echo had at least did that part for her.
"So you finally wised up." she looked up at her father seeing his smug smile on his face.
"What exactly do you mean?" She had a feeling this wasn't going to be good already. This wasn't the way she planned on telling her father she wanted him to meet Clarke.
"You left blondie to get back with the right girl." she watched her father smile exactly how he would if he had just won a take over.
"Wrong." is all Lexa managed to get out.
"Excuse me?" she heard that stern tone come out. She prepared herself for the fight now.
"I am not nor will I ever be dating Echo again. This magazine is incorrect and you should know better than to believe this stuff." Lexa stood tossing the magazine back down on his desk. She needed to feel taller then him if she was ever going to get this out.
"Then please explain." she knew his anger was getting high with her answer.
"I am still seeing the blonde girl and she is the right girl for me and her name is Clarke." Lexa stood staring directly into his eyes.
"That is absurd and you know it Alexandra." she watched her father sit straight up in his chair gesturing for her to sit again and she refused.
"It's not absurd father and I actually came here today hoping you would put this political view aside on our company and just be my father and meet Clarke." Lexa could hear her voice start to crack.
Clarke walked through the front door of Voss inc. She knew Lexa would be around the place somewhere because where else would the girl be. She was happy leaving her apartment and on the long walk over she didn't run into Echo. She hadn't put it past the girl but she was bitch free for the time being.
"You can wait in her room if you would like." Clarke hadn't noticed Gustus standing in front of her or maybe he just randomly appeared.
"Hi to you as well Gustus." Clarke smiled knowing the guy was the silent shy type but with a heart of steel. She knew exactly why he was the silent type who knew everything but never said anything.
"Hello Clarke I apologize for my rudeness. She is having a discussion with her father but I can lead you to her room and let her know you are waiting." Gustus gestured towards some very awkward looking stairs.
"Sure but is this meeting about that magazine cover." Clarke decided to ask to get a clue on what she was going to walk into.
"No I don't believe so, but I do believe it involves you." Gustus bit at her question so she did have some type of warning.
"Great I so love being the center of attention." Clarke said it sarcastically because it was the last thing she really wanted.
"Lexa cares about you." Gustus spoke up watching the blonde stop in her tracks.
"She spoke to you about me." Clarke wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
"We've spoken yes and I need to know if your feelings for her are true. Especially with what she will be fighting against." Gustus looked into the blondes eyes judging her.
"I'm still standing here aren't I." Clarke stood up for herself knowing she was being judged.
"I think I have been put through a lot walking into a situation I thought was a joke and it turned out to be a billion dollar situation I usually run from. I've had enough spotlight in my life for anyone to ever want and yet I am now the face of a magazine on being the new girlfriend and now being the one who wasn't good enough and yet here I am once again." Clarke knew she might have lost her temper just a little bit with the wave of her hands showing she was still standing in the building but she watched him crack a smile and it made her happy.
"You are a strong willed girl Clarke and I like you." Gustus turned leading the way again.
"I like you too Gustus." Clarke patted him on his shoulder as he opened a door for her to enter a room.
"Don't forget I know everything." Gustus smiled shutting the door knowing his point was taken.
Clarke stood inside of a giant room. If this was a bedroom she was wondering what her bedroom was called maybe a closet. It was built similar to the penthouse. The front room was an easy acceptable lounge area. The vaulted ceilings made the room look even bigger as she started to walk around. She could see an open walkway to the right with a bed in the room. She figured that had to be where Lexa sleeps but she didn't venture that way. Circling to the other side Clarke noticed the book stands with vinyls on it. Lexa wasn't lying when she said she had a collection the shelves were filled with them. Running her fingers down them she could see the whole Motown section and it made sense now why Lexa was always singing the songs. You could tell they were the most used. Clarke bent down to take in the gorgeous record player she had. She was almost afraid to touch it. Walking back around Clarke noticed a lot of the art hanging on the walls along with a few statues and vases. She always thought Lexa had good taste in things and seeing these was proving to be true. Clarke stopped dead in her tracks to see a small square canvas. It was one of hers and she had no idea how Lexa had gotten a hold of it. The last she checked it was finished work at the university and had been hanging in the display case outside the art studio. Some how Lexa had to have asked or purchased it from the university even though it wasn't for sale. She told herself to explain the canvas later on. Clarke jumped hearing someone outside the door but they didn't sound as if they were coming in the room so she walked to the door opening it. She seen two office members or staff walking down the hall hurrying the other way. Clarke knew it was wrong to be nosy but she could see the artwork hanging down all the hallway walls and she figured while looking it wouldn't hurt to see what was farther down the hallways. Looking around she spotted a few offices and then a few other numbers like maybe those were rooms as well.
"May I help you miss." Clarke jumped not realizing someone was behind her.
"Ohhh I'm sorry I was just looking for Miss Voss." Clarke straightened her posture hoping she looked professional since she had dressed up more classier than her normal jeans and a hoodie.
"I believe she is in a meeting down the hall to the left. There is a small waiting area you can take a seat in." the woman nodded her head before walking away.
Clarke let out a deep breath thinking she was about to get kicked out. Walking down the hall she noticed the big Voss and Taylor sign on the wall she must have been walking down some type of extension between the two buildings. Seeing the waiting area Clarke went to sit down but she heard yelling coming from behind the door and it sounded like Lexa's voice so she stepped closer to see if she could hear what was going on.
"Alexandra I don't see why you feel you need to mix with the underclass. I know you might not like having the last name Voss but please at least keep it classy." Clarke heard a guys voice she assumed it was Lexa's father.
"Father you don't know Clarke at all and for you to say that she is underclass just proves it. Not everything is about the social ladder you stand on this is my life." she heard Lexa mention her name and now she knew why Gustus had given her the warning.
"If you ever thought I would allow myself to sit with that blonde over dinner or anything else you have been failing our last name. We both know it will never last and she is not worthy of this last name nor of you." the man yelled this time scaring Clarke but also pissing her off. She couldn't believe he was judging her with her not even being in the room.
"This is not about our damn last name father. This is about my life and who I am. I wish you would understand that I am not asking you to meet her for business reasons. I am asking for me. I want you to know who I want to be with." Clarke couldn't believe what she was hearing. She felt wrong for listening but she was sucked in now.
"She is no one Alexandra. She has no use to you or this company. You should know by now that we have to be on the look out for people who can use us. This girl has no money, no life and wants to be an art student. You need to get your shit together little girl." Clarke stood straight up pissed off now. He knew parts of her life but not all of it and the fact that he was using it against Lexa was down right rude, before thinking she stepped up and swung the door open.
"How dare you." Clarke stood strong in the doorway looking directly at the man standing behind the desk. She didn't dare glance at Lexa she wanted to have her word with her father first.
"How did you get into my firm." the man yelled at her.
"How dare you judge me when you know nothing about me or my life." Clarke stepped into the office.
"You do not belong here." the man pointed to the door as if gesturing her to leave.
"No if you are going to have a conversation about me I feel like it's in my right to listen to it and give my opinion as well because it is my life. I am the one living it." Clarke raised her voice just a little hoping to sound strong.
"This conversation is between myself and my daughter." Clarke could tell he was grasping his anger and pulling it in.
"I'm sorry sir but this conversation is now between the three of us and you are going to hear me out." Clarke stepped forward again standing directly in front of him with just the desk between them now.
Lexa was stunned she didn't know what to say or do. Clarke had just barged into her fathers office unannounced and that is something she wouldn't even do. Clarke sounded pissed and she must have heard part of the conversation from outside the door. Lexa wasn't even sure how she had made her way this far into the building without getting caught. Her father had security everywhere so someone must have helped her.
"My name and status as you would call it is not important. What is important is how your daughter feels about me and how I feel about her. If you would take your uptight personality and drop the act you would realize how much good your daughter actually does. Yes I know you have her in some fancy private law school, who cares. You want her to be just like you and little do you know she is the complete opposite. I hope she takes after her mother because being like you would make her not who she is actually meant to be." Clarke had no idea where she was getting her confidence to be yelling at a man with obvious power but she was tired of knowing Lexa got put down for no reason.
"Young lady how dare you come into my company and into my office when not being allowed. This is considered trespassing and I could easy have you taken out of here in cuffs and then who would be bailing you out with no money. You think my daughter will be able to use her money to get you out? That is a lie because all this money and this last name could keep you in there forever." the man sat down with a smug smile.
Lexa knew it was true. He had friends in high places and having Clarke stare him down with anger and giving him a piece of her mind was not going to end well. She needed to intervene some how.
"Clarke can you please give my father and me a moment." Lexa spoke reaching out to grab Clarke's arm.
"No Lexa it's about time your father got a reality check." Clarke jerked her arm away from Lexa seeing red as she watched Lexa's father smile with humor.
"Sir let me give you some insight on my life. My name is Clarke Griffin." She smirked seeing him snap to attention so she continued.
"Yes I will say it again my name is Clarke Griffin. My mother is the lead trauma surgeon at the local hospital. She has traveled the world helping people in every way her medical degree has let her. She has won the humanitarian award so many times I can't count. She is probably on the list of best doctors in the world if she hasn't topped that already. My father was also a doctor. He specialized in neurology and was also one of the best in his fields. I was taught and molded my whole life to be just like them and I couldn't wait to be a doctor until tragedy hit my family." Clarke stopped to catch her breathe. It was the first time in a long time she mentioned her father in the past tense and to someone she didn't know.
Lexa stood speechless. She knew Clarke's mother was a doctor but she never looked into exactly what kind of doctor she was. She also didn't know a thing about her father nor did she ever ask because she could tell it was a hard topic for Clarke and right this second it was proving to be. She watched Clarke stand strong and firm putting her hand on her father's desk leaning forward to continue her story and she smiled seeing his face drop even further.
"You are the daughter of Abby Griffin." Clarke laughed hearing him question her.
"Yes sir I am the daughter of Abby and Jake Griffin the star couple of the medical world. That was until my father and I got mugged on the side of the street. He was stabbed several times and even with my medical knowledge growing up with my parents I was not able to save him. I learned so many things before stepping into the shoes of my mother and father. I still question myself on why I wasn't able to do anything even though I was hurt myself. I watched my father die on the street and my mother come to the scene screaming at his lifeless body and then at me. Do you know what it feels like standing in a class where you are learning to be a doctor and yet you know in the back of your mind you were not able to save someone already." Clarke stopped to take another deep breathe. She felt Lexa put her hand on her back reminding her she was still there.
"I lived that life sir, and yes I switched my majors and dropped my medical background down the drain for art but you have no idea why nor do you have the right to judge my decisions I get that enough from my mother. My father was an artist. He was the greatest man I'll ever know. He not only taught me the life lessons of being a doctor but he taught me his second passion for drawing. Watching his eyes light up when he was drawing and how happy he was to see me try my hardest to draw exactly like him is my reasoning for not becoming a doctor. Maybe I will go back to medical school maybe I will finish that part of my life but right now I am listening to my father's dying wish. He told me to do what I loved and to never let go of that. I learned after taking a year off and drawing my life away that my passion was art. My life was art so I am following my heart just like he asked me to do" Clarke stepped back from his desk she could feel her voice start to crack thinking of the situation. Watching the man speechless across from her helped her keep her confidence more than she expected.
"Clarke." Lexa finally spoke hoping the girl would finally listen to her but seeing the blonde shake her head she knew she wasn't finished just yet.
"I hope you learn from this moment sir. I hope you learn that your daughter is an amazing woman and yes maybe she is suited for your high society life. Maybe she wants to be a lawyer just like you but your daughter has other passions and other aspects of her life you know nothing about. Did you know she loves to build things? Did you know that she likes to get her hands dirty and give back to the world you know nothing about. She could be an amazing architect if you would give her the chance to follow her passion. I am sure you haven't put foot in that bar next door with your name on it to see that beautiful changes she has made to it with her own mind. You should step back and take a look at yourself and your life before you pass judgement on someone like me. I learned what loss was at a young age and now I am learning what life is at a young age as well. Take a chapter out of my life sir before you lose that chance to know who your daughter really is because trust me it will be your loss." Clarke grabbed Lexa's hand hoping she took that as a sign she was finished. She couldn't believe what she had just spilled what she had said not only to Lexa's father but to Lexa herself because she had just heard part of the story on her life.
"Clarke let's go." Lexa tugged on her hand to lead her out of the office.
"Father." Lexa said looking back seeing him in sitting at his desk. She had never seen him speechless nor had she seen him close his eyes in defeat.
"One more thing sir. It was very unfortunate for us to meet this way but I hope in the future you will accept the invite in meeting me again when the time is right. Also if you plan on sending me to jail don't worry about me taking advantage of your money. I have plenty of my own to bail me out" Clarke turned and walked out of the office without looking back.
Clarke needed to get air or to get as far away from the office as possible. She felt like Lexa knew this a she was dragging them both down the hallway as fast as she could. She turned opening the door to her room leading them straight into the bedroom and out onto the balcony before Clarke had a chance to freak out she felt herself being turned around and Lexa lips on hers.
"You are breathtaking." Lexa spoke to her when she pulled back. She couldn't stop herself from smiling.
"That was stupid I am stupid right?" Clarke felt herself start to panic now that she was away from him.
"No no no you are amazing. I have never seen my father sit in silence with someone yelling at him. He is a lawyer he wins every debate he puts himself in." Lexa shook her head trying to explain to Clarke what exactly she just did.
"He's going to hate me Lexa." Clarke felt Lexa kiss her again and she melted into the kiss. No matter what happened she promised herself she wouldn't lose this.
"No he won't if anything he probably is sitting there pissed off but has more respect for you then he even expected. No one stands up to him, not even me. You just did the most craziest but most confident thing you could have ever done." Lexa hugged Clarke holding on to the girl like she was never going to let go. Clarke had stood up for her but Clarke had also taken the risk to put her story out there in front of her and her father.
"I'm going to jail." Clarke pulled back thinking of how the hell she was going to explain this to her mom.
"I am so sorry about your father." Lexa noticed she stopped Clarke in her tracks.
"I planned on telling you that in a whole different way." Clarke dropped Lexa's hands turning to walk away from Lexa. She gave herself space walking towards the edge of the balcony looking over the bay trying to breath with the space.
"We don't have to talk about it if you don't want too." Lexa stepped up behind her wrapping her arms around her. She knew it was a touchy topic but Lexa needed her to know she she understands loss.
"There is a lot more to the story. I left out a big part of it all that I need to share with you." Clarke didn't want to shut out Lexa. Leaning into her she hoped the girl would understand the other part of the story. The part about Finn, her engagement, the break down and break up.
"When you are ready to talk. I will be here for you." Lexa kissed Clarke's temple. She knew they both had things to talk about but right now she just wanted to be with the girl who stood up for her. She wanted to show how much she appreciated it.
"I can't believe I just did that." Clarke said finally starting to calm down feeling Lexa standing behind her slowly swaying them back and forth.
"No one has ever stood up for me." Lexa whispered in Clarke's ear feeling the girl shiver just a little bit causing her to tighten her grip on the blonde.
"That's a shame Lexa you are beautiful and amazing and deserve to be told it every day." Clarke turned to kiss Lexa again. She pulled the girl tight kissing her slowly with passion. She wanted Lexa to feel her words. Parting her lips she felt there tongues explore. She let Lexa control the kiss exposing herself. Letting Lexa feel she was letting her walls down.
"Clarke I…" Lexa was cut off feeling Clarke's lips touch hers again in a searing kiss full of need this time.
"Shhh come dance with me Lexa." Clarke walked through the doors heading for the record player. She didn't want to think anymore she just wanted to feel. Sliding her fingers down the vinyl selection she stopped on one of her favorites. Pulling it out and sitting the pin down she held out a hand to Lexa.
Clarke had cut her off and it was okay she knew the blonde didn't want to talk anymore she had spilled so much of herself. More than half of it was personal and unexpected but she had done it for her. She stuck up for her and now it was time to stand up for Clarke.
"May I have this dance." Clarke smiled seeing Lexa smirk. She was taking a page out of the brunettes book and asking her to dance with no one around. It was just the two of them and it was all she wanted for the rest of the night. She just wanted to get lost in Lexa and let the rest of the world fade.
"You have great taste." Lexa grabbed Clarke's hand pulling her close hearing Crusin by Smokey Robinson come out of the record player. She felt Clarke relax the second she was wrapped up in her arms. She started to sway them back and forth getting lost in the moment she could hear Clarke hum to the song.
"Baby let's cruise awaayyyy from heeereeee…." Lexa sang the song to her knowing that is exactly what Clarke wanted.
"Let the music take your mind…" Clarke smiled singing back to Lexa. She was falling hard and the best part about it is she didn't care anymore it felt to good to be happy. She listened to Lexa keep singing as she closed her eyes feeling herself start to cry. She just let the tears fall knowing she was finally letting all the pain and hurt from her past go.
"If you want it you got it forevvvveeer…" Lexa trailed off feeling Clarke start to cry against her shoulder. She picked her up and brought her into her bedroom. Laying Clarke down Lexa slid into the bed next to her pulling the blonde into her arms she let her cry.
"Mine, I want you to be mine." Clarke spoke feeling Lexa's hands hesitate for just a second recognizing the words. She didn't say anymore she just let her drained body drift off to sleep hoping everything would be okay when she woke up.
A/N Okay okay so we got a little feisty Clarke with a hard admission into her past life regarding her father. More to that story will come out soon. We got Clarke finally admitting Lexa's words back to her and we also got an ending with just the two of them being open to each other. So what happens next guys... how will the feelings be explored from here? Next up we get another date, college life and the other parent. In what order I don't know yet so be prepared. Thanks for reading and don't forget to review or hit me up with some ideas or maybe your favorite song? xoxoxo