Hey there my dear readers! First of all I hope you all had a very nice holiday with your loved ones (including pets :D). This time I'm just bringing you a filler chapter as I think its necessary to add some silly details to this fic, because oh boy what's to follow after Clarke's b-day is gonna be some heavy shit. So be prepared and enjoy the dorkyness while you can. Go read and let me know what you think, as you know I love your comments and they remind me there are people out there who are interested in my work. By the way I wish you a prosperous New Year and that you all achieve your goals. See ya next year!
"Commander".
"Commander".
Lexa overhears the salutations everyone is giving Clarke the moment they set foot on the building's main floor of Arkadia. To her relief as Myrreh had previously informed, no one seemed to care much about her presence as they walked by hand in hand. She decides not to pay attention to the people but the place itself.
It's impressive to say the least. Screens and lights everywhere, doors that open and close by themselves, so many devices. It's almost overwhelming.
Soon enough they stop in front of a door, where their bags have already been placed.
Clarke hits some buttons and it suddenly opens. "Welcome to my crib" she announces jokingly.
"huh" Lexa steps in slowly, taking it all in. "It's bigger than I imagined." She voices pleasantly surprised.
"That's what she said", Clarke crackles.
"What?"
"Nothing, a stupid joke." Clarke shakes her head at her own dumbness. Being in Arkadia really takes a toll on her.
Assuming it's not important, Lexa continues with her exploration. Besides the usual furniture you would find in a skypeople's bedroom somehow she imagined she would see more personal items throughout but she barely notices any. Seems like Clarke doesn't consider this place her home anymore and Lexa doesn't know whether to feel happy or sad about it.
"C'mon lets go eat, I'm starving", Clarke calls out once she brought in their bags.
"Oh, Ok" Lexa doesn't argue and follows her girlfriend to the dining hall.
…
As the automatic doors of the dining hall opens up leaving Clarke in plain sight, everyone attending stands up as a sign of respect.
Clarke, still holding Lexa by the hand, strides to her seat at the table in the middle of the room where familiar faces are already waiting for her.
It's only when she sits down that everyone else does the same.
Lexa sits next to her.
"You can serve the food now", Clarke says to one of the servers.
The woman makes a gesture and other servers enter, filling the tables with steaming dishes.
"Clarkey!" Raven appears out of the blue, immediately embracing Clarke. "Hey Lexa". She greets once she pulls away. "Just wanted to let you know everything is almost set for tomorrow, you're gonna love it", she gives a thumbs up and goes back to her seat.
"I hope so…" Clarke warns as her friend walks back to her seat.
Lexa smiles at her already expectant of what the party will bring.
…
After the meal, many friends took the opportunity to say "hi" to Clarke like Monty, Harper, Miller, Emori and Murphy who wouldn't stop looking at Lexa.
At one point, after Lexa was introduced to everyone, he approached her and started a conversation. "So, you're Lexa huh?" He casually lets out in his usual annoying way. "How old are you? Sixteen?"
"Seventeen" Lexa corrects, cautiously.
"hmm" Murphy nods. "I heard you are a good warrior, that you had a one on one with Octavia. I am wondering where all that skill comes from, I mean being so young and stuff." He eyes her up and down.
"Comes from practice and discipline," Lexa replies with her chin up. "Something hard to achieve for certain people", she ends the sentence staring at his face.
Murphy chuckles, "feisty. I don't know who you remind me of", he ends with a sarcastic tone.
"John", Emori makes her appearance and slaps Murphy on the shoulder.
"Ouch! What? Can't a guy chat with her friend's girlfriend?"
"Sorry about that Lexa, he can be so rude sometimes". Emori apologizes and takes him by the arm effectively pulling him away. "Lets go".
"Ugh you are no fun". He rolls his eyes and lets himself be dragged out but in an abrupt move he twists his body extending his hand toward Lexa.
Lexa draws back quickly, her hand covering her mid-section.
Clarke pushes through the people as soon as she notices Lexa's reaction. "What the hell is going on here?!" Clarke demands, staring at Murphy.
Murphy smirks. "Nothing, I was just playing with your girlfriend". He replies in the most nonchalant way of his.
"Are you OK?" Clarke checks in with Lexa, still eyeing the man.
"Yes, I was just uh, caught off guard", Lexa explains lowering her hand once she realized where it was.
Emori glares at her husband before speaking. "I'm really sorry Lexa for his behavior." She then directs her attention to Clarke. "I apologize for the inconvenience Wanheda; we will retreat now and won't be in your way any longer".
"Hey!" Murphy complains. "I didn't do anything, I was just…."
At that moment two royal guards appear behind Murphy, successfully intimidating him and Emori.
"Murphy, just go", Octavia requests.
"Fine!" He lifts his hands up in fake defeat.
Octavia moves closer to him and whispers harshly "and next time, just fucking ask".
Murphy snorts and whispers back. "What's the fun in that", after that he turns toward Clarke "Wanheda," he bows mockingly. Then he looks at the teen. "Bye, Lexa", he emphasizes the name and winks at her before parting along with Emori as they are escorted away by Octavia and the two guards.
"Lets get out of here". Clarke takes Lexa by the hand and leads her away from the hall.
Once they are outside Clarke speaks out. "I don't know what the hell is wrong with Murphy but I won't let him get close to you again."
Lexa sighs. "I guess he just wanted to verify if I was really the former commander, you know?".
Clarke stops dead in her tracks. "What? Does he believe you…" she grunts and continues on her way. "Whatever, forget about them. Let me show you around Arkadia."
…
To say Lexa was impressed was an understatement. Sure she has grown up learning and observing skypeople's technology and advances in many aspects, but to be surrounded by it was immense. There was no place untouched by machines or by some artifact she didn't know, it was both fascinating and frightening. She could only imagine how it must have been for Clarke to be raised with it. Lucky for her that she has a very intuitive girlfriend who perceived things were getting overwhelming and took her to a more familiar territory.
"… and over there we grow some experimental vegetables, hoping they stick." Clarke informs, pointing into the distance.
"I would like to see that". Lexa comments genuinely interested.
"Sure, we can go another day", she promises. "We should get back now, it's getting late".
With that, both mounted their horses and rode back to the buildings.
…
As they walk back to their destination, Lexa reflects on her first day in Arkadia and realizes that it wasn't as bad as she imagined. She doesn't even consider the incident with Murphy so bad because she already knew he was simply being curious. Obnoxiously curious but he really didn't represent any real threat to her. So to sum it up, everything went smoothly and she couldn't be more relieved.
Perhaps she spoke too soon.
When they reach the entrance of the main building they run into a female guard.
"Cla- commander", she nervously corrects herself when she notices Lexa. Avoiding eye contact she leaves the scene immediately.
It takes Lexa just a few seconds to connect the dots. "In here too?" She exhales in frustration.
Clarke gulps and stares at Lexa with a guilty expression on her face.
Shaking her head Lexa continues walking, this time with less enthusiasm.
By the time Clarke reacts Lexa is already steps ahead of her, so she decides not to say anything, limiting herself to just follow her girlfriend.
Clark's once large bedroom feels awkwardly filled with tension now.
They both silently and separately get ready for bed.
Unfortunately and as if it was a synchronized choreographed act, they finished at the same time so they got into bed slowly; each securing their own side of the mattress.
They remained quiet for a long while, immobile; their soft breathing being the only background noise.
Eventually a voice irrupts in the once silent room.
"So you slept with many people huh?" Lexa asks suddenly, unable to hold back the question that had been haunting her since the incident with the stable girl so many months ago.
There's a long intake of breath coming from Clarke, the question hurts and it shows. She feels her chest tighten up with pressure; it becomes difficult for her to breathe. Nevertheless she responds to Lexa's query truthfully. "Girls", she feels the impulse to clarify. "I've slept with many girls, yes".
Lexa swallows loudly, that being the only sign of her discomfort with the response. She nods to let Clarke know she's listening but other than that she doesn't know what to say.
"It's not that I became a womanizer or a sex addict", Clarke explains when Lexa remains silent. "I told you before I was lost and I needed to feel something. I guess I needed to fill a void, I was hollow", she gulps at the unpleasant memories, "now I know I was lying to myself. The emptiness I felt was not something you fill with a body, but with a heart".
Whether she likes it or not Lexa has to admit what Clarke was saying makes sense. "Yeah, I know what you mean. We are different people; we all have our own way of dealing with our issues".
"That's one way to put it", Clarke shrugs, ashamed. Then, taking advantage of the moment she ventures to ask something herself, a question that has been haunting her mind too. "Why did you really do it, you know sleep with her?"
Lexa exhales harshly with eyes closed.
Seeing that Lexa is struggling with the answer, she helps by elaborating. "I mean was it really plain and simple desire or you wanted to punish me?"
Even though the subject is difficult, Lexa thinks is only fair she responds honestly and openly just as Clarke did. "I guess it was a little bit of both. I have to admit that deep down I was a bit curious." She briefly cranes her neck to gauge Clarke's reaction. When she sees her girlfriend in a meditative state, not angry or mad she continues. "I always knew Orita was attracted to me and a few times I wondered what it would be like to actually be with her, but those thoughts always vanished when I remembered my goal was you. That day though, when you essentially ordered me what to do, I felt hurt, like I was a simple subject to you. So I think all those concealed desires came to me like a perfect way to… hurt you too". By that point she was too embarrassed to look at Clarke so she remains quiet, looking up at the ceiling.
Clarke remains silent for a couple minutes. Then with some hesitation in her voice she ventures. "Do you- do you still think about her?"
"Yes", Lexa answers immediately but clarifies "but not in that way. I just… I just wonder where she is and if she's OK".
Knowing Lexa is telling her the truth and feeling more than certain of their love Clarke offers kindly "Do you want me to send a search party out for her?"
Lexa appreciates the gesture but has to refuse. "No, that's her battle, she chose it. She has to fight it alone."
"OK", Clarke accepts the argument without questioning it. She was once in Orita's place, needing to be away from everyone to clear her head. So she understands. Now she focuses on another subject. "Do you still wanna come for breakfast with my mom?"
"Of course I do!" Lexa replies, "Why wouldn't I want to?"
"I don't know, because of …" Clarke can't find herself to finish the sentence, still ashamed.
They stay quiet this time with less tension than earlier.
A few minutes into it, Lexa scoots closer to Clarke.
Clarke automatically extends one arm so Lexa can cuddle with her.
At that very moment both sigh feeling a sense of completeness that was escaping them a few minutes ago. They bask in their emotional reconnection for quite awhile until Lexa makes a sudden declaration.
"Happy birthday" Lexa whispers, nuzzling her nose into Clarke's neck.
Clarke looks at the clock on her bedside table and notices it's a few minutes after midnight. She smiles softly at the cute salutation of her girlfriend. Never a simple greeting felt so warm and fuzzy in her heart. "Thank you babe".
After that, comfortable in their love they fall sleep in each other's arms.
…
The next morning sweet kisses welcomed the birthday girl but she didn't have too much time to enjoy them as they had a commitment to fulfill.
Lexa was more than nervous. Even though the previous day Abby had welcomed her warmly, this was a more private setting and she felt more exposed. But just one look from Clarke was enough to calm her down and just let things flow.
Standing in front of Abby and Kane's door, Clarke winks at Lexa to reassure her before pressing the doorbell.
In no time an excited Abby opens the door. "Honey!" She takes Clarke in her arms. "Happy birthday", she offers as she kisses her daughter's cheek.
"Thank you mom". Clarke embraces her back, this time displaying more affection.
Abby pulls away first giving Clarke a loving gaze before addressing the other girl. "Good morning Lexa, don't stand out there, come in!" She grabs her by the arm.
"Good mor…" Lexa is dragged inside before she even completes her sentence.
Clarke chuckles and enters right behind her. She's met by an eager Kane who also embraces her.
Lexa takes in the inside of the living room and is surprised to find the table beautifully decorated with floral arrangements, what seems to be yummy food and a two tiered cake. "Oh wow" she whispers to herself.
"Take a seat, you must be starving". Abby shows Lexa where she's supposed to sit.
All of them proceed to take their places.
After a moment of small talk and food tasting, Abby seems to remember something.
"Oh look what I found" she says cheekily, as she places a tablet on the table, for everyone to view.
"Oh God," Clarke rolls her eyes.
"Is that… is that you?!" Lexa questions with a giant beaming smile, while pointing at the photo of a new born baby.
"Yeah, that's my girl", Abby replies tenderly. "Her first picture".
"You look so cute" Lexa remarks sweetly.
Again Clarke rolls her eyes, "do you really have to show those now", she sulks like a little spoiled child.
"Hey, I wanna see them!" Lexa quickly rebuts, taking the tablet off the table to inspect the picture closely. "Are there more?" She wonders curiously.
"Of course!" Abby promptly swipes the screen to the right, showing the image of Clarke at one year old smiling for the camera.
"awww". Lexa can't help exclaim as she continues looking at more pictures of Clarke.
Clarke shakes her head in disapproval, but later on she explains the context of some photographs to her girlfriend.
They enjoy a few hours more of banter with Abby and Kane but they eventually leave to explore more of Arkadia.
"That was very nice", Lexa expresses contently.
"It was", Clarke confirms. "I told you my mom would behave".
Lexa exhales, "yeah I'm surprised, I thought she would bombard me with personal questions and stuff", she admits with a shiver.
"Nah she wouldn't dare, I can assure you that", Clarke says with a sudden strong vibe.
Lexa senses it but prefers not to delve into to it, instead she grabs Clarke by the arm and asks casually, "and where are we going now?"
"hmm". Clarke considers for a few seconds, "how about the medical facilities? Mom won't be there until later so maybe you will feel more relaxed as you are looking around", she proposes.
"Sounds great!"
….
As it happened with the other places Lexa visited, she is impressed by all the technology surrounding the medical center. Clarke patiently explains the uses of certain equipment Lexa hasn't seen in the clinic, and also some material at the laboratory. It all seems fascinating to Lexa.
"I'm making sure we have all of this available in Polis soon too". Clarke shares with her girl.
"That would be really cool" Lexa replies as she silently thinks on how all of these advances would've helped her people in the past, when she was a commander.
"Here's the birthday girl". A male voice calls out, causing Lexa and Clarke to turn around.
"Eric!" Clarke goes to embrace her friend.
"Happy birthday commander". Eric hugs Clarke.
"Thank you", Clarke smiles as she pulls away. "I didn't see you yesterday at the meal."
"Yeah, sorry about that. I had an emergency with a patient, I had to monitor him and stuff, you know how it is", Eric explains showing genuine remorse.
"Oh it's OK, don't worry". Clarke, having a doctor as a mother she completely understands. "Oh Lexa come, this is Eric Jackson the brilliant doctor I told you about and my mom's right hand. Eric this is Lexa my girlfriend".
"Nice to meet you Eric", Lexa nods politely.
"Likewise, Lexa" Eric greets with a kind smile.
Sensing his good vibe and noticing he is not an annoying skyman, Lexa relaxes and excuses herself "if you don't mind I would like to continue watching".
"Sure!"
"Yeah go ahead babe".
Once Lexa has stepped away, Eric seems to remember something. "By the way I got Nina's results; everything seems to be going fine as usual".
"That's great", Clarke expresses, genuinely relieved. Then she adds, "So, is it too early to tell or we can call it a success right now?
Eric grins. "I'm pretty certain we can call it a success".
Both friends share a smile of conspiracy.
"So, you wanna go for it?" Eric nudges Clarke playfully.
Clarke snorts. "Now that one is certainly too early to tell", she responds with eyes locked on Lexa's figure in the distance. Thoughts of the future invade her mind.
"There's no rush buddy, all in due time", Eric hints with optimism.
"In due time" Clarke repeats, never taking her eyes away from Lexa's form.
Sensing the intimacy of the moment Eric feels like sharing. "Well then I guess I may beat you to it".
That works in distracting Clarke from thoughts of Lexa and their future. "Oh, please do, I totally wanna be the witness to that", Clarke challenges with a lifted brow.
They laugh and continue their friendly banter.
…
When it was time to eat Clarke guided Lexa to the dining hall, only to find it closed with a big sign at the entrance that read; "Preparations for the big party in order. Forbidden entrance. Especially you Clarke!"
Clarke grunts. "Of course".
Lexa giggles knowing the culprits of this trick.
"I guess we have no other choice than to…"
"Commander, miss." A guard suddenly appears at the scene and delivers a message. "I've being assigned to take you both to the restaurant. If you would be so kind as to follow me".
Clarke and Lexa exchange looks and silently decide to follow the guard.
Turned out to be a great decision.
A table was already prepared for them at the finest restaurant in Arkadia. A host welcomed them at the entrance along with a lovely bouquet of roses for Clarke. Once they were seated Clarke took the envelope that was obviously addressed to her on the table.
"Happy birthday bitch! This meal is our present to you, so you can leave us in peace to finish the final touches for your party. Hope you enjoy your meal (which is light cause tonight will be the real deal :P) and after this you better take a nap and then get your asses ready cause is gonna be wild baby! Cya later xoxoxox R&O"
Clarke can't help but to laugh out loud at Raven's and Octavia's silliness. She doesn't want to think too much about it so she takes it lightly and chooses to enjoy what's presented to her. "What the hell, lets just eat and wait for the best".
"Wait for the best?" Lexa chuckles at the choice of words and also joins Clarke in her cool attitude. "Your wish is my command birthday girl", she winks in her best flirty style feeling proud when Clarke blushes.
After a delicious round of Clarke's favorite salads and soft deserts, the couple does as they were told by the dynamic duo and go rest to get ready for what the night is bringing.