Thank you for all you reviews they fuel me better than coffee i genuinly love reading reading them, Danni77 i was planning to do that with Connor but I'll get Lexa to take over at some point maybe? The number trick in this chapter is one i used to love doing on my friends when i was in school and it took them over a year to get it out of me how i did it, they never worked it out for themselves ... Thinking back they might of just not been very smart. Anyway hope you enjoy this chapter, its kind of another filler chapter before all the drama of the next chapter, let me know what you think and happy reading! X
Lexa was seated upright on the old sofa an open book resting on her lap, she kept her eyes closed when she heard the noises of Clarke awaken getting out of bed and quietly walking towards the bathroom even though it was going to be a few more hours until sunrise. The Commander had spent most of the night reading but couldn't stop the glances towards the sleeping blonde every so often, enjoying the relaxed peaceful looks that crossed her face and worrying slightly when she began tossing and turning, mumbling incoherently as another nightmare gripped her, Lexa had been tempted to wake her but it was over just as quickly as it had started.
The sound of returning footsteps reached her ears but instead of returning to bed as Lexa expected Clarke approached her seat and still Lexa kept her eyes closed, she felt the blonde standing closely and kept her breaths even as the book was removed from her lap and she was gently maneuvered in to a sleeping position, her head against the arm of the sofa and legs stretched to the other side then a blanket was draped across her and tucked tightly around her back. The feeling of warmth she felt when Clarke was doing all of this was almost indescribable ... She was so used to taking care of other people and making sure they were safe and she had never really experienced someone doing the same for her, the thought that Clarke must of believed the brunette to be in a deep sleep and taken the time to make sure she was comfortable and warm actually meant a lot even if those small touches didn't seem like such a big deal to anyone else, so instead of revealing that she was actually awake she decided to feign sleep for a while longer.
The glow of red from the rising sun hitting her eyes was the first clue that Lexa had actually fallen asleep, she sat up in a panic the blanket falling from her shoulders, she immediatly spotted Clarke seated in the chair opposite reading the book she had taken earlier, she was relieved the blonde was ok but angry at herself for being so careless ... Anything could of happened while she slept.
"You snore." Clarke grinned turning the page gently.
"You should of woken me." Lexa said obviously irritated.
Clarke observed her coolly "And you are obviously not a morning person grumpy, you were awake most of the night so I thought you may aswell sleep while you have the chance." She explained with a shrug of her shoulder and returning her gaze to the pages in front of her.
"And what if someone had fought their way in and attacked you?" Lexa responded still angry at herself.
Clarke shot her a look that clearly said that wasn't very likely. "If someone got in to this building unnoticed ... Fought and won against all of your guards and then got in here and killed me without you hearing then maybe they deserved their victory."
Lexa grinned in spite of herself. "... Maybe i wouldn't of heard it over my apparent snoring."
Clarke held back her own smirk keeping her face straight. "As loud as that was ... I think the sound of Titus screaming like a little girl would of been heard over it."
Lexa rolled her eyes at the comment, she wished the two would learn to get along and passed this obvious dislike of each other but she wasn't going to even attempt to suggest it at the moment. "How did i end up being all warm and comfortable?" She teased indicating the blanket.
Clarke didn't even look over at the question instead she replied immediately. "The ninja slash warrior slash international super spy that broke in and avoided detection, snuck in here and just as she was about to slit my throat noticed you looked a little cold and slightly uncomfortable so she sorted it out and wrote me a note promising to get me next time."
"Your not even a tiny bit funny." Lexa said shaking her head and relaxing against the back of the sofa again.
"Wasn't trying to be." Clarke shrugged.
The Commander watched the blonde silently amused. "What else did she say in this note and where is it?"
Again without missing a beat Clarke answered. "She was an international super spy Lexa so obviously it self destructed once i read it ... But she did say that she hurt her ribs moving you around so you owe her some breakfast ... Lots of breakfast ... That means you give me your plateful too."
Lexa frowned at the information moving closer to Clarke concern clear on her face. "You hurt your ribs? ... Next time just leave me don't put yourself through more pain for stupid reasons." She demanded instantly regretting faking being asleep when Clarke had moved her.
The blonde rolled her eyes and huffed as she got to her feet. "Seriously it was barely a twinge ok? I took the pain killers my mother left and now no pain ... Its like magic."
"How many do you have left." Lexa asked curiously she was sure Abby ony had a limited suppy given the amount of injured there had been in the earthquake and Clarke had been taking them a lot.
"Those were the last ones."
" ...what if you experience more pain?" Lexa asked guiltily.
Clarke threw her head back and groaned. "Then I'll deal Lexa ok? ... So I think you said something about breakfast ..."
Their early morning meal had consisted of toast and eggs sent up to Clarke's room and the blonde wasted no time digging in, the Commander had to slap away Clarke's hand from her plate on more than one occasion but as it gave her an excuse to touch her again she didn't mind.
"How about i get the last slice of toast if i show you something that will blow your mind?"
Lexa looked at the blonde dubiously. "Really? I'm not falling for another one of your tricks."
Clarke frowned. "Hey! Last time was knowledge ... Can't help it if I'm smarter than you."
Lexa raised the food to her lips as Clarke's hand grabbed her wrist stopping the movement. "Come on what's the worst than can happen?"
"I lose my food ... Again."
"... Maybe ... But I promise you'll see something amazing ... Well slightly impressive ... Kind of."
Enjoying the feel of the blondes hold convinced her to agree more than the promise of amazing things. "Fine."
Clarke's face split in to a wide grin. "Great! ... So think of a number any number you want just make sure its a whole one no ten and a halfs or four and three quarters okay?"
"A whole number." Lexa confirmed. "Okay twenty."
Clarke moaned. "No don't tell me, keep it in your head. Think of a different number."
Lexa nodded.
"Now double it."
Another nod.
"Add ... Ten."
Another nod.
"Halve it."
Yet another nod.
"Now take away the number you first started with." Clarke said with a smile waiting for Lexa to work it out in her head, when she confirmed she had the end number Clarke's grin widened.
"Five."
Lexa's mouth dropped open. "How did you?"
"Genius." Clarke said pointing to herself and removing the toast from Lexa's hand.
"Wait! Do it again give me a chance to work out how you did it."
"Fine ... I'l even switch it up a bit make it harder for me to guess. Got your number?"
"Yes." Lexa grinned.
"Double it ... Add twenty four ... Halve it ... Take away the number you first started with."
Lexa did the calculations quickly in her head, watching Clarke curiously when she finished.
"Twelve." Clarke grinned knowingly.
"How did you do it?"
"I'm afraid I can't divulge that kind of information to those with limited brain power Commander." She replied smugly taking a bite of her reward, taking pity of the confused look on Lexa's face as she was still trying to work it out she guided the half eaten piece of toast gently towards the brunette's mouth which opened gratefully accepting it.
"Don't say I never give you anything." The blonde smiled her eyes lingering on the Commander's lips before heading back to the bathroom.
Lexa couldn't hold back her own grin as she watched Clarke walk away, she hadn't missed the look and her thoughts drifted to what could be happening if the blonde hadn't walked away. Lost in the memory of their kiss last night she failed to notice when Clarke came back in the room looking refreshed.
"So I'm ready to be bored by lessons of buisness interaction with a group of grumpy leaders." Clarke said pulling Lexa from her thoughts.
"What?" Lexa asked slightly confused.
"Teaching me to walk like a leader and talk like a leader ... Toning down my perfection so they don't feel threatened by my awesomeness. ... Any of this ringing any bells?" Clarke teased.
Lexa pulled herself together. "Yes ... Ok let's begin."
Three hours later they were still sat next to each other on the sofa the table in front of them littered with paper containing details of all the different leaders of the coalition, their personalities, what they expected and what Clarke should expect from them in return, which ones were old fashioned in their beliefs, which ones she would have a harder time earning their respect. Lexa pulled forward a new sheet of paper ready to write more information down causing Clarke to throw her head back and groan.
"How much more do you expect me to remember?"
"I thought this would be easy for someone who claims on a daily basis that they are a genuis or complete perfection." Lexa teased earning her a light shove.
"This is why I'm writing everything down so you can go over it when needed, you have days maybe weeks to prepare yourself. The last leader is Drake of the Marsh people, he is young only slightly older than you but he is a ruthless leader, he pretends that he is inexperienced and friendly but that is only to lull you into a false sense of security so don't be fooled, he is smart and a very good fighter ... He has a big ego so you should get on well being so alike." she quipped earning her another playful shove. Lexa hesitated slightly. "He is a womanizer and will definitely try to flatter you in to his bed." Lexa finished somewhat stiffly.
"Is he good looking?" Clarke joked missing the frown Lexa shot her with.
"I don't find men attractive so I'm hardly the best person to ask." Lexa replied coldly. "If you decide to sleep with him try not to let it interfere with the coalition." She stood abruptly jealousy flooding through her again. "I think that's enough for today, go over the notes as you please and remember be respectful but not a pushover, don't be rude unless they are first. Think before you speak and if you aren't sure what to say it's better to say nothing at all."
Lexa knew her change of attitude was sudden but the thought of Clarke sleeping with someone or even finding them desirable made her far from happy, they had shared a kiss less than twenty four hours ago and Clarke was already making comments about someone else. She wasn't usually a jealous person but Clarke was bringing out all these new feelings, maybe it was the uncertainty of where they were heading that caused her to over react. The blonde stood beside her laying a hand on the Commanders shoulder.
"Hey it was just a joke Lexa, you don't seriously think I go around sleeping with everybody that shows an interest do you?"
"I never said that." Lexa replied avoiding eye contact but not moving away from the blondes touch.
"No but you went from Lexa to moody Heda in nought point two seconds." Clarke grinned trying to ease the tension.
Lexa let out the breath she had been holding, she needed to talk to Clarke about last night, she needed answers on how Clarke felt and what direction they wanted to go. Taking the blondes hand in her own she glanced at her apologetically.
"I'm sorry ... I just ... I don't like Drake, I think he's pompous and an idiot ... The thought of him flirting with-"
A knock interrupted the conversation and Lexa released an angry groan, everytime she was about to get somewhere with Clarke someone decides to knock the door.
Letting out a quiet "for fuck sake." that she had heard the blonde and other sky people use caused Clarke to laugh openly.
"It's so weird to hear you curse like us ... I think we're becoming a bad influence on you and your people." She turned toward the door before Lexa could respond.
"Come in." Clarke called.
Conor strolled in nodding his head at both women. "I thought you may want me to take over again so you could attend to the lower levels." he said to his Commander having gotten her message earlier in the day about wanting to speak to Nia again.
"Yes, fine." turning her attention back to Clarke she smiled gently. "We'll continue the conversation later?"
"I think i got the jist of it, be polite, respectful until their rude to me, no jokes, no stealing their food and Drakes a prick."
Connor laughed at Clarke's summary earning a glare from his Commander. "Apologies Heda." He spoke not quite able to hold back the rest of the laugh that tried escaping, Lexa shook her head a smirk evident on her own face.
"The usual Connor, no one you don't trust gets to close and she's not to be left on her own."
He nodded his understanding and watched her leave the room after another glance in Clarke's direction.
"So what's on the agenda today sky girl?"
"Its lunch time so what do you think?"
"Jade's stall? Again?"
"Octavia and Lincoln have gone to Mount Weather with my mother, Lexa's now busy ... I'm hungry and Jade and Nathaniel are my only friends so ... I haven't got a lot of options have I?"
"One ... your always hungry as far as I can tell and two ... Your rude and sarcastic so I'm not surprised they are your only friends ... Try being nicer to people."
Clarke shot him an 'are you stupid' look before replying. "Fuck no."
The Commander sat opposite the Ice Queen watching her silently twirling a small knife in her hand, Nia wasn't supposed be harmed until after Clarke had been given the chance to decide her fate at the next meeting and Lexa knew she wasn't going to leave the room without hurting her but she didn't care about what the consequences were going to be.
"Did you come to visit me for a staring contest Commander?" Nia goaded.
Lexa remained silent noticing the Queens gaze kept flitting to the knife and she was pleased to see uncertainty flash across her face. Nia let out a huff pulling against her chains just for something to do. Her hands had been tied to the table limiting her movements since she arrived over a week ago, she was bought food once a night if she was lucky and even then it was slim pickings getting only leftovers of other peoples dinners and having to ask everytime she needed a drink or use the toilet, it was degrading and Lexa knew it but she didn't care, the Ice Queens comfort was not anywhere on her list of concerns.
"Are you ready to tell me who helped you?"
"I already told you I have no idea what you're talking about."
Her patience was already growing thin and Lexa wasn't in the mood for games, not today. "I want to know who passed you information on Clarke's whereabouts and the fact she was wondering around unguarded."
Nia shrugged her shoulders and looked bored with the conversation. "I don't think i'm going to give you that piece of information Commander ... If you want to make a deal however ..."
"No deal ...Just tell me ... Now."
"No I don't think so, in fact I'm quite enjoying the fact that you don't know who to trust ... Was it him? ... Did she do it ... It must be driving you crazy." Nia finished with a grin before resuming her normal bored expression.
Knowing this was going nowhere just like all the other times she changed the subject to the real reason she came down here. "I saw what you ... Carved in to Clarke ... And I know what you intended to happen by doing it." Lexa spoke her voice dangerously low.
Nia looked up suddenly interested, the usual cold smile returning to her face. "And what was that?"
"You thought ... If Clarke somehow survived your games ... That you had ensured she would be forever reminded of what she did everytime she saw it."
"She did survive ... And she will be forever reminded of what she did ... Poor Clarke." Nia pouted mockingly.
Lexa felt her own smile play along her lips as she kept eye contact. "That's just it Nia, I've taken steps to make sure Clarke doesn't believe the lies you filled her head with ... You failed to kill me ... You failed to kill her ... You failed to break her even ... How pathetic." Lexa tutted. "And you couldn't even leave a lasting impression on a Sky person."
Nia's face fell at the words. "She would of broken in the end they all do, your little rescue party was the only reason for her survival."
Lexa laughed softly. "You had her for over twenty four hours ... No one has lasted that long in your company before ... But she did ... Your losing your touch."
"I've lost nothing!" The Ice Queen spat angrily. "You're acting as if it was bravery that kept her from begging for death when it was nothing but stupidity! Your little whore will be begging for mercy when I am returned to my people."
Lexa reached Nia in a second pressing the knife to her throat. "You will never get the chance to harm another hair on her head ... And you will never be returned to your people."
"She will not call for my death ... Her conscience won't allow it." Nia said confidently but her body stayed stiff making sure the knife didn't break the skin on her neck. "Then we will see just how brave she is ... I hope you've had your fun with her because when I'm through with her I'll send her back to you ... Piece ... By ... Piece."
The knife was dropped as Lexa's hand wrapped around her throat squeezing tightly enough for the Ice Queen to only be able to splutter.
"You will die for your crimes ... I'll make sure of it one way or the other ... Because you Nia ... Are nothing ... You have always been nothing ... And you will die as nothing ... Your name will be forgotten ... And the lives you have tried to destroy and the people who once feared you will live on ... Happily." Lexa smiled and squeezed even harder until Nia's face was a deep purple and her eyes started to bulge, her hands were trying to get Lexa to release her grip but she couldn't reach. Finally letting go the Commander felt a small piece of satisfaction as she watched the woman many people feared gulp air and cough painfully. Picking the knife back up from the floor Lexa advanced on her again taking her time to carve three words in to Nia's own stomach, the screams could be heard all down the corridor ... It seemed she wasn't as brave as Clarke had been.