Clarke meets the "in –laws" … and someone else. Lexa does some explaining. Someone drops a bomb.
Ok so I'm back to start off this year with a new chapter; hope you still like it enough to stick around for what is to come. I have the slight feeling you may not want to miss the next chapter :P. Comment and tell me your thoughts ( I need them to keep my inspiration going and my muse active.)
"Oh boy!" Octavia blurts out not expecting this development of events at all. She actually came with the hopes of having something fun to tell Raven upon her return but this, this was more than she bargained for. 'Shit,' Octavia remembers someone else. She turns her head to the side and takes a peak at the blonde.
Clarke's eyes are glued to the two teens embracing just a couple steps away. Her jaw is tense and her hands are balled into fists by her sides but other than that she's not giving anything away; only people who really know her could perceive the real thoughts running through her head.
And one of those people is Lexa; who makes the mistake of lifting her gaze toward Clarke, still with the girl clinging onto her neck. She gulps suddenly aware that if Clarke's eyes could spit fire she would be scorched into ashes at that very moment.
"You're here!" The girl pulls back excitedly, but then like out of a trance she looks to the side "oh, Wanheda!" She bows her head flustered by her distraction. "General" she regards Octavia with a nod.
"Sentinel" Clarke enunciates the words through gritted teeth, eyeing the teen up and down.
Octavia nods back, enjoying the expression of sheer terror on Lexa's face.
"Commander?"
The voice of the chief is what breaks the killer glare Clarke is sending the girl as she reluctantly faces him.
"Commander, since you and the General are both here I would like to take the opportunity to discuss something before your tents are set up." He signals for them to move to another area.
His words are lost on Clarke's ears; her mind is preoccupied with more important things. Either way she follows him along with Octavia, hoping her friend is paying attention to what the man is saying. She turns one last time, burning with rage inside at the vision of the blonde girl's hands back on Lexa.
"What is Wanheda doing here?" The girl questions taking a look at Clarke in the distance; impressed by her presence.
"Uh," Lexa quickly changes the subject. "What were you doing in the tower Orita?" Even though it was a strategy to divert the attention she is genuinely curious.
"Well, I joined as a volunteer sentinel a couple months ago. Without you here I had no one to practice with, you know?" Orita shrugs "now if I go to visit you in Polis we can train together," she grins holding onto the lapels of Lexa's jacket.
"Right." Lexa chuckles tensely.
"You're not wearing your bracelet," Orita points out inspecting Lexa's wrist.
"Yeah um," Lexa tries to come up with an excuse and fast, "I forgot sorry. With the excitement of coming home and all it slipped my mind."
"It's fine; I will have to make a new one for you then." When Lexa doesn't say anything back Orita remarks. "But don't just stand there all quiet! I asked to take my recess now so I could talk to you, so tell me everything champion," she jokingly punches Lexa's shoulder.
Lexa gawks at Orita not even knowing where to start.
…
Fifteen minutes later, Clarke enters her tent with a massive headache; followed shortly after by Lexa.
"Clarke, listen…" Lexa begins, only to be cut off.
"I believe you forgot to mention you had a girlfriend." Clarke snarls, opening her bag to retrieve her sleeping clothes.
"She's not my girlfriend!" Lexa clarifies harsher than intended out of desperation. "That's actually what I've been trying to tell you; Orita is my friend, my best friend but…" she hesitates "she seems to have developed feelings for me and I wanted to warn you in case she…" Lexa stops aware that it is a little too late for whatever she was trying to avoid.
"Hmm," Clarke moves to her makeshift bed, turning her back on Lexa to change; evidently not comfortable undressing in front of her. "Are you sure? Cause she acted like you two were really close!" Clarke doesn't bother to hide her sarcasm.
"Ugh!" Lexa rolls her eyes "she's just a friend Clarke; nothing has happened between us, well…" she swallows before confessing "we have kissed once-twice! But it was because she asked me to and that's it, I swear!"
At that Clarke can't help turning to face Lexa, giving her one of her infamous 'are you fucking kidding me' glares. "Right!" she scoffs.
The response gets on Lexa's nerves. "Fuck, I'm telling you the truth! I haven't done anything with Orita or anyone; I…" she steps closer to Clarke, speaking in a lower voice this time, "I was saving myself for you Clarke!"
Clarke stops what she is doing, momentarily affected by the words. Even without meaning to, her head evokes the memory of that night when they finally reconnected and consummated their love once again. 'Lexa was so nervous and scared, there's no way she could have faked that,' Clarke reasons through her doubts. Lexa has proven to be nothing but sincere to her and she decides to trust her. Still something bothers her, so she decides to voice her concern. "OK, if she's just your friend as you say; why couldn't you just tell me? Why so much uncertainty, what made it so difficult?"
Lexa opens her mouth but realizes she doesn't know how to answer that question. She searches her mind for something but she finds nothing. Her silence has prolonged enough and she notices Clarke's frown so she hurries a response that carries only the truth. "I don't know; I just… couldn't do it. I don't know why."
A cold sensation runs down Clarke's spine at Lexa's uncertainty; her face contorts in a mixture of fury and pain, but she quickly puts her walls back up masking her emotions. "Well, then I guess you have something to think about for the next two weeks" she replies in a stern tone. "We'll talk about this later; now go to your parents; they must be very excited to see you."
"OK" Lexa replies with a sigh. And even though she knows it is not the best of moments, she leans in and plasters a lingering kiss on Clarke's cheek hoping it conveys her regret and love. "I'll see you after breakfast."
"Yes, see you then." Clarke doesn't want to turn and look at Lexa as she knows she would find only hurt and disappointment in her expression. Clarke waits a few seconds until she's sure Lexa is gone to expel a long exhale and let her body fall on top of the furs. She tries really hard not to allow her insecurities to take over. 'Lexa already told you what happened, and later you can get into the details and set things straight; now is not the time. You're going to formalize your relationship with her in front of her family, what better reassurance than that? So just be cool.' With a more positive attitude she closes her eyes hoping sleep comes soon.
…
As it is past midnight Lexa is certain her house is locked up and her parents are already in bed so she knocks, dying to see her family.
It doesn't take long to hear someone nearing the front door.
"Strikon!" Lexa's father exclaims at the vision of his daughter. He immediately takes her in his strong arms lifting her off the ground and swirling her around happily.
Lexa laughs holding tightly onto the man; used to his display of affection.
Hearing the commotion Lexa's mother approaches curiously "Lex!" she calls out stunned.
The man lets go of Lexa so she can go and embrace her mother.
"Mom!" Lexa runs to the woman who squeezes her in her arms.
There, in the arms of the woman who gave her this new life, smelling the flowery essence that always accompanied her ever since she could remember, gives Lexa a sense of calmness. The dilemma presented a short while ago is forgotten for the time being; here in her house with her family, everything is just the way it's supposed to be.
"Why didn't you let us know you were coming?" Her mother pulls back, now with her hands on Lexa's face, admiring her daughter, like she wants to be sure she is there for real.
"It was a surprise." She grins.
"What a surprise," her father replies with a similar smile. He comes closer putting his arm around her shoulders.
"Are you doing OK? How do you feel?" Now the woman turns into full concerned mood, caressing Lexa's cheeks with her thumbs.
"How was the training?" Her father adds.
"Yeah I'm fine," she confirms to her mother. "I'll tell you everything in the morning, it's late; besides we don't want to wake up the snacha huh?" She chuckles.
Both her parents shake their heads in terror just remembering the antics of their little boy.
"But um… first there's something we need to discuss before going to bed." She points in the direction of the table.
"Oh OK." Her mother answers, quickly sitting in the chair next to her husband.
"OK." Lexa takes a seat in front of them and takes a deep breath for courage. "I didn't come alone; I came with Cla-the Commander. She will be here later, after breakfast to talk to you both."
"Wanheda is here? And she wants to talk to us?"
"And the General too," Lexa complements.
"What did you do?!"
Lexa glares at her mother. "I didn't do anything mom," she looks kind of offended but continues anyway. "She's here for um personal reasons that she wants to discuss with you."
"Personal reasons?"
"What is it?"
"I-I think she would prefer to give you that information herself."
The older woman gives a quizzical look at her husband who just shrugs having no idea either.
"Oh and dad you don't have to go to work today; the General has already arranged it, you are excused for the rest of the day."
"Really? Alright."
"What am I going to offer them?!" Lexa's mother suddenly expresses with concern. "I have to start thinking about…"
"No need for that mom," Lexa interrupts the rant. "The commander's servants will take care of that, they will bring everything we need; don't worry."
Both Lexa's parents are intrigued by the visit but choose to wait to find out what all this is about.
…
Hours later, with full stomachs, the friends are discussing something in Clarke's tent.
"No big words just go straight to the point and from there you can act accordingly to their responses." Octavia advises Clarke confidently, having already witnessed a similar situation.
"OK," Clarke paces back and forth in her tent revising in her mind the speech she already had prepared, "no big words, got it."
Octavia smirks, just about to make a mocking remark when Lexa enters the tent.
"Hey." She timidly greets not sure how Clarke will receive her.
"Hey," the monosyllable escapes Clarke's lips as she lifts her gaze.
They both stare at each other in silence.
"Right!" Octavia claps her hands uncomfortably when neither of them speaks. "I'll be waiting outside."
Only seconds later and unable to tolerate the awkwardness anymore, Lexa voices "uh, did you sleep well?" The question sounded dumb but she really wants to break the ice with something.
"Yeah I did." It's Clarke short answer.
"OK," Lexa waits a bit then continues. "I already spoke to my parents, they are expecting you."
"Good! Then we should get going." Clarke starts walking out trying desperately to escape but Lexa stops her by grabbing her arm.
"Clarke, wait." Lexa looks Clarke straight in the eyes and is pleased to notice they seem soft and not defensive. With a heavy sigh she begins her apology. "Clarke I'm sorry about…"
"Shhh," Clarke waves a hand in front of her "I told you, later."
Lexa nods understandingly, now focusing on another important topic. "I also wanted to thank you for doing this Clarke. You didn't really have to, after all you're the Commander, but I want you to know it means a lot to me," she expresses sincerely.
"It's no big deal." Clarke shrugs blushing. "I'm just doing the right thing for…"
"Your people?" Lexa's lip curls to one side; now confident enough to joke about the familiar phrase. "I think we're past the stage where you could use that as an excuse to justify how much you care about me Clarke."
Clarke feels her face burning with embarrassment. All these years she thought she had gotten away with it but apparently Lexa saw through it the entire time; either way she tries to save her dignity. "Our relationship; I was going to say I'm doing what's right for our relationship." She groans barely containing a smile when she sees Lexa sneer.
"No, seriously." Lexa pulls Clarke by the waist toward her body so they are face to face, "you're making me feel special Clarke, loved; thank you. I'm sure they are gonna love you just as much as I do." Saying that she closes the distance between their lips and joins them in a soft kiss.
If Clarke offered resistance, it only lasted for a second; her fingers are already twining in wavy brown hair.
With a hum of approval, Lexa pushes Clarke until her ass hits the edge of a table, forcing her to sit down on it and places herself in between the blonde's legs.
Clarke moans at the contact, deepening the kiss. But as much as she's enjoying the sexy make out session, she knows they have to stop, otherwise, it will become something else. "Lex-a-we…" she tries but Lexa shushes her by devouring her mouth. 'Oh God,' Clarke has to make use of all her willpower to actually detach from the delicious treatment she is getting. "Lexa please…" she succeeds at creating distance by pulling her face away "we really need to go."
Lexa pouts with a mixture of adorableness and lust.
"Later baby, we have time." The promise reflects not only in Clarke's words but also in her eyes.
And that's all the convincing Lexa needs. "Yeah, you're right" she pulls away, helping Clarke onto her feet.
Both help each other in looking presentable. They share one last peck before leaving the tent.
"Lets go."
…
Lexa's already nervous mother is startled by the knock on the door. She rushes to receive her guests.
"Madam."
"Oh um…" the woman gets a bit confused when instead of the Commander and the General; it's the servants making their way inside her house.
Her husband puts little Adam down and stands next to her while the kid watches the servants as they place bowls of fruit, drinks and snacks on the table.
When they are done, they quickly leave the house, and that's when Lexa enters, followed closely by Clarke and Octavia.
"Wanheda," the couple say in unison, bowing at the presence of their Commander. "General."
"Good morning." Clarke nods firmly trying to loosen up her usual commander stance.
"Morning." Octavia greets, immediately signaling the guards outside to close the door.
Lexa steps toward her parents, in her best hostess stance. She smiles when her little brother comes to her bowing silently at Clarke and Octavia.
"Hey," Clarke waves at him and chuckles when he blushes and looks down.
"Like sister, like brother." Octavia mutters under her breath.
Before Clarke has the chance to even react, Lexa's father speaks.
"Please, take a seat." The man invites, offering a chair; one that Clarke takes promptly. Then he gazes at Octavia.
"I'll stay where I am, thanks." Octavia remains near the front door.
The remainder of the family takes a seat, including Lexa who sits beside Clarke.
While everyone is busy, Octavia takes out the concealed cellphone from her jacket and without much hesitation activates the camera and presses the record button.
With the uncomfortable silence and the expectant looks, Clarke clears her throat before speaking. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me on such short notice; you must understand it's difficult for me to find some spare time so I took this opportunity to accompany Lexa since she already made plans to come here."
"You have nothing to worry about Commander; it will always be an honor to have you here." Lexa's mother offers humbly.
"We are at your service Wanheda, for anything" her husband adds obligingly.
"I'm glad to hear that," Clarke concedes with a nervous smile. "I'm sure you want to know why I'm here." She rearranges herself in the seat glancing at Lexa briefly; the girl nods confidently at her which prompts her to carry on. "I want to start by saying that since Lexa's arrival in Polis many things have happened; some revelations, discoveries and even some hurting."
Both Lexa's parents pay attention to Clarke's every word and even though they are utterly puzzled, they never interrupt.
"During these past months we've been talking, getting to know each other um, deeply." Clarke turns and offers Lexa a small smile, getting a similar one in return. She wasn't aware she had been shaking her leg until she feels Lexa's hand resting on top of her thigh; and the tiny squeeze that follows next works into giving Clarke the last push to let out the news. "And well I thought it would be appropriate to let you know that I-uh-I'm courting Lexa; that we are in a relationship."
Lexa, a huge grin plastered on her face, watches with amusement her parent's reaction.
Their mouths drop open, the shock evident on their features.
"Presh keryon!"
"Oh wow!"
Clarke can feel her chest tighten; she breaks out in a cold sweat, anxiously awaiting their response.
It feels like an eternity but a few seconds of astonishment Lexa's mother exclaims.
"That's-that's wonderful! I'm so very happy for you," the woman reaches for Lexa's hand.
"Yes this is great news, congratulations."
Clarke lets go of the breath she wasn't aware she was holding in. She turns her head to the side only to be met by Lexa's wink; it calms her down a lot more, so much so she can't help showing her gratitude. "Thank you very much ma'am."
"Jahnisce," Lexa's mother kindly corrects with a smile, "call me Jahnisce."
"And I'm Malku," Lexa's father adds just as politely.
"Right." Clarke chuckles. "And you can call me Clarke," she offers in kind.
The couple burst out laughing.
"No we won't call you that."
"No way."
Clarke's nose crinkles with confusion; she looks at Lexa for an explanation.
Lexa just shrugs; she silently seems to be saying "that's not gonna happen; get used to it."
'I'll have to insist on it in future meetings,' Clarke promises to herself letting the now comfortable atmosphere to take over and proceed with a more casual conversation.
…
A couple hours later with lunch-and Octavia- at the table, they continue to talk animatedly.
Lexa is focused on the conversation until Adam tugs at her sleeve. "What?"
Adam leans forward to whisper into her ear, "is Wanheda your girl?"
The innocent query makes Lexa erupt into a giant beam, "yes she is" she replies with a hushed voice.
"Wow." The boy is in awe "you're lucky, she's really pretty."
"I know." Lexa winks.
The siblings giggle conspiratorially.
"And besides construction, what else do you do Malku, what do you like?" Clarke follows up with another query.
The man is about to reply when Lexa interrupts.
"He loves sparring with the soldiers in the village; Dad is really good with the sword, he was my first mentor," Lexa explains proudly at her father's ability.
"Oh! is that so?" Octavia lifts a brow interested in the information.
Clarke faces the man, eager to learn everything related to Lexa's past. "Were you properly trained or you're just a natural?"
At that Malku's eyes open wide like a deer caught in the headlights. "Oh um… I'm not a natural; but Lexa is," he chuckles nervously. "As soon as I discovered her talent I made sure she got the best training to allow it to grow. During her first years I was the most qualified to do the job since uh …" he glances at his wife insecurely but when he receives an encouraging nod he adds "since I once was a warrior."
Lexa's neck snaps toward her father. "Warrior? You were a warrior?" She makes it sound like a reproach having never heard about it before. As a former heda, hearing about a warrior deserting their duty makes her blood boil.
Jahnisce sends a warning glare at Lexa, one that reads "let him explain."
The teen immediately drops the attitude choosing to hear what her father has to say.
Octavia and Clarke exchange gazes but say nothing.
"Wanheda" Malku starts. "You must believe me when I say I never meant to disrespect your service. I know I should have stayed with my unit and fight in the war and against the rebellion but…" he pauses agitated "… but as soon as the war began I started having dreams, a feeling inside me; the spirits were asking me to leave, to protect my wife and baby. They wouldn't stop urging me Commander so I…I left; I'm sorry."
Clarke and Lexa's eyes find each other's; the explanation making perfect sense to them.
Malku looks down ashamed, comforted by his wife who pats his back soothingly.
"Go figure." Octavia words softly, her brows rising.
Seeing the man so distraught, Clarke hurries to assure him, "there's no need to apologize Malku, I understand completely your reasoning." She considers briefly before finishing "your family is special, you needed to protect them; I probably would have done the same in your situation." Clarke doesn't say this out loud but by "special" she was referring to Lexa. By instinct she reaches for Lexa's hand over the table and interlaces their fingers.
'The spirits needed me alive and safe; they wanted me to reunite with Clarke.' Lexa holds onto her woman's hand tightly, once again having the certainty that her destiny was to come back and be with the love of her life; that they are meant to be.
…
Two hours more of interaction and Clarke decided it was time to part ways.
Octavia excuses herself first, allowing Clarke some privacy with the family, choosing to wait outside for her friend.
"It was nice to share the table in your house." Clarke directs her attention to the couple "you have a very lovely family," Clarke states truthfully scanning the four faces in front of her.
"Thank you very much Wanheda," Jahnisce accepts the compliment with modesty.
"Now that you can visit Lexa in Polis, I'll be happily expecting you all so I can show you a bit more around the city," Clarke promises the family.
"And we can't wait for the opportunity Commander" Malku bows, this time more relaxed.
"Until we meet again." Clarke nods and walks over to the door with Lexa by her side.
"Gimme a moment; I'll come to your tent as soon as I say goodbye" Lexa informs her girl.
"OK, don't take long" Clarke says staring at Lexa's lips with desire.
Not able to resist and not caring that her parents are barely two meters away, Lexa surprises Clarke with a peck.
Clarke blushes feverishly at the action, refusing to look over Lexa's shoulder as she knows Jahnisce and Malku –and even Adam- saw everything. She opens the door and steps outside still embarrassed.
Happy with herself, Lexa sticks her tongue out mischievously "see ya" she chuckles as Clarke walks away shaking her head but with a stupid smile on her face. Lexa closes the door behind her giggling but then sobers up as she wants to clarify something with her father. "Dad I would like to…" a knock at the door interferes with her speech. 'What did she forget?' She opens the door wanting to know what her girlfriend could possibly need.
"Hey!" Orita greets cheerfully.
"O-Orita!" Lexa attempts to mask her surprise, having forgotten about the girl.
"I came by earlier today but the guards wouldn't let me pass" Orita supplies as she goes inside the house. "What happened? Why was Wanheda here?"
"Orita" Lexa gulps, "I think we should talk, privately."
"huh?"
"Oh you came just in time!" Malku comments with excitement.
"Malku…" Jahnisce warns, taking her husband's arm, but he's too distracted to get the message.
"Didn't Lexa tell you? Wanheda came to inform us she's courting Lexa!"
"They are girlfriends!" Adam announces with arms up.
Both Lexa and her mother cringe; already imagining the reaction.
At the same instant all color drains from Orita's face; a heavy feeling of dread taking over her. She jerks her head in Lexa's direction. "Is that true?" She demands, voice trembling.
Lexa can't find her voice; she just shakes her head up and down slowly in silent assent.
Orita gasps, her features twisting in a fast range of emotions that abruptly settle into rage. Without saying one word, she flees from the scene hastily.
"Orita!" Lexa runs after her.
"What happened?" Malku asks, completely lost.
Jahnisce covers her face with her hands helplessly, "Jok."
…
Orita doesn't stop running until she spots Clarke in the distance. "Wait!" She yells getting the woman's attention.
Clarke stops dead in her tracks, having already memorized the voice. 'That fucking girl.' She and Octavia turn around intrigued at the source of the sound; but the words uttered next take them both aback.
"I challenge you Clarke of the Sky People!"