Chapter 38

And here comes the party! Well actually the entire chapter is dedicated to the party and just so you know I'm including the lyrics of the song that inspired this very fic. So I really hope you enjoy the images my words tried to provide. After this I think it will follow one more chapter and the shit will really hit the fan. Please leave comments that will create motivation for me to post soon! Now go ahead and read, have fun!
Thank you Roxy for your beta work! :P

Turns out, having that quick nap was a good idea; they felt quite refreshed when they woke up. But the tranquility is short-lived when they realized it was time to get dressed.

Lexa has already chosen a dress, one her mother made for her some time ago but Clarke's situation is a bit more complicated.

"I have to go and try on a dress the designer gave to me as a gift," Clarke remembers. "I didn't want to seem rude so I accepted it," she justifies.

"That was very kind of you" Lexa praises. Then an idea occurs to her "hey, how about if you get ready there so we can surprise each other with our looks," she wiggles her brows.

Clarke chuckles, "sounds fine by me." She pecks Lexa's lips sweetly. She doesn't bother to offer Lexa anyone to help her dress; she knows her young and former commander girlfriend relishes in her independence and freedom a lot. "See you in a bit then". With that, she purposely leaves her room slowly.

Lexa beams and as soon as her girl is gone, she quickly moves into action to get ready for the party.

…

Not sure about how much time has passed Lexa looks at herself in the full-length mirror, checking if she needs to add anything else. 'So far so good' she thinks, content with her appearance.

At that precise moment, the door opens revealing an already dressed Clarke. Well more like "dressed to kill" Clarke: sleeveless lace blue dress that molds her figure perfectly and accentuates her eyes. A pronounced yet elegant cleavage that extends until a cut out corset waist belt starts.

The last detail –surprisingly- catches Lexa's attention the most.

Clarke just shrugs "what? You looked sexy in these at the summit," she admits with no shame as she places her hands on the belt.

"You look sexy on them too" Lexa replies gulping, liking very much this mixture of sky-grounder look in Clarke.

"Thanks." Clarke approaches, eying Lexa up and down. Contrary to her appearance, Lexa looks all grounder in a typical black dress with a tight leather vest on top. Her dreadlocks ceremoniously arranged and soft makeup covering her eyelids. "This is gonna sound so unsexy for the situation but, your mom has really good taste." She breathes out as her palms caress Lexa's sides.

Lexa, who is unable to speak just stares dumbly at Clarke, who takes the opportunity to lean in and give her a long passionate kiss.

It's short-lasting though.

"C'mon lets get this over with." Clarke takes Lexa by the hand and pulls her softly out.

Still, in a sweet daze, Lexa lets herself be guided but suddenly she seems to remember something. "Wait" she stops abruptly, holding onto Clarke tightly to make her stop too.

"Everything OK?" Clarke's protective side immediately kicks in.

"Yes, I just um… have something for you." Lexa walks leisurely to her side of the bed and retrieves a box adorned with a rope ribbon. "Happy birthday," she nervously says as she hands the box to Clarke.

Intrigued and giddy Clarke takes the present and hurriedly opens it; revealing a beautifully carved wooden necklace in the shape of leaves. She gasps, discarding the box and holding the necklace in her hands.

"I made it myself," Lexa informs timidly, "when I was twelve."

"Oh God babe…" Clarke stares at Lexa in astonishment. "You kept this for 5 years?"

Lexa blushes "yeah, my dad taught me carving when I was a kid, but it wasn't until later that it occurred to me that I wanted to make something special for you. I spent a good number of months practicing so it would be perfect. Every shape, every line was done with you in mind, always you".

Clarke is genuinely touched. "Thank you, Lexa," she lets out as her voice cracks, taking Lexa into her arms. It is now that she begins to realize how hard it must have been for Lexa to wait all those years for the right time to meet her.

Pain and hope, love and war, the contrast that has always characterized their relationship. That necessary balance that confirms they were always meant to be.

Lexa holds tight onto Clarke as she sighs with relief; because finally, the necklace is in its rightful owner's hands and most of all because Clarke loved it.

When they eventually pull away Clarke doesn't waste time in her request. "You know what to do." She hands the necklace to Lexa and turns around.

Happily and carefully Lexa fastens the ornament around Clarke's neck.

"It's perfect" Clarke whispers when she sees it on herself in the mirror.

"Now we can go" Lexa invites.

The couple leaves the room holding hands, looking very much in love.

…

When they arrive at the dining hall the doors are closed but two guards are at the entrance.

As soon as the guards spot Clarke they stand at attention. "Commander, miss" they open the doors wide for them.

Clarke and Lexa cross the threshold but everything is black inside.

"Brace yourself," Clarke warns.

"huh?" Lexa doesn't know what she means until…

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

Lexa is startled by the sudden collective scream which is accompanied by light reflectors directed at them. She squints, covering her face with her hand to keep the brightness away from her eyes.

Clarke looks to the side to make sure her girl is OK. She applies some pressure on their hold to let Lexa know that everything is fine. It's only after she receives Lexa's nod of confirmation that she acknowledges the people attending the party. "Thank you very much, all of you. It's nice to be back this time only to celebrate." She offers sincerely as all of them smile or woo at her. "So what are we waiting for? Let's get the party started," Clarke proclaims earning a big shout from the room.

At that moment a waitress offers Clarke and Lexa a shot.

Lexa eyes Clarke who just shrugs at her while taking one tiny glass. That's all the encouragement she needs to follow suit.

"Cheers," Clarke makes a toast with her people and immediately swallows the contents in one gulp.

The room once again goes insane as the guests chant in unison "COMMANDER, COMMANDER!"

A few seconds more and the music starts, along with a switch in the lights, which suddenly became colorful and dynamic.

The whole scene is quite overwhelming, Lexa has to admit but in a good way. She smirks staring at Clarke, repeating her previous action by drinking the alcohol in one gulp, only causing her older girlfriend to laugh out loud at the face she made due to the taste.

"Birthday bitch," Raven yells, enveloping Clarke with her open arms.

Octavia, standing behind Raven, waits for the friends to detach to embrace Clarke too. "Happy Birthday."

Lexa has just recovered her bearings when she takes in the outfits of the other brunettes. "Oh."

Raven is killing it in a form-fitting white short dress that Lexa can't deny looks perfect on her but she really goes on overload when she glances at Octavia. She's wearing a strapless black leather dress… really short and really tight, and high heels complemented with grounder styled makeup but in a more party way.

"My eyes are up here warrior," Octavia teases posing with a hand on her hip.

"Ye-yes ma'am," Lexa automatically responds lifting her gaze to Octavia's face.

"Someone likes what she sees huh?" Raven follows up with the teasing while leaning on Octavia's shoulder sensually.

It takes an enormous amount of will power from Lexa not to ogle the two women in front of her. Not because she necessarily desires them or something; it has more to do with the fact she's never seen them in those outfits –especially Octavia- and the realization they are actually very hot is very disturbing and fascinating.

Luckily, rescue comes fast enough.

"OK, stop bothering my girlfriend." Clarke grabs Lexa by the arm, "can we just enjoy the party now?" She drags Lexa and coaxes her friends to follow her.

As they walk among the crowd, Clarke stops suddenly earning a confused glare from Lexa. "I think I owe you a dance," she lets out wiggling her eyebrows.

Lexa's eyes light up at the comment, the corners of her lips lifting slowly in an excited smile. She has never seen Clarke "party dance" and her expectations are in full mode.

"Come closer." Clarke takes Lexa by the hips, pulling her toward her own body and without warning, she starts rolling her hips to the rhythm.

Caught off guard Lexa puts her arms around Clarke's neck for support and other than that, she lets Clarke lead the impromptu dance session. Lexa may not be a good dancer, but she thoroughly enjoys watching Clarke moving her body with ease. So different from the somber commander that she presents in front of other people; so different to the strained teenager she got to know in her previous life. Lexa beams as how happy and carefree Clarke looks.

"What?" Clarke –always attentive of her girl- questions while dancing.

"Nothing." Lexa moves her head side to side "you just look… breathtaking."

Clarke chuckles. "You sweet talker," she takes Lexa by the hand, lifts it up and twirls her while at the same time never losing the tempo.

They both laugh and continue dancing to two more songs until Clarke decides it's time for a break. She guides them both to the bar where she orders something soft.

"Happy birthday Commander."

Clarke turns around to the familiar voice, "Myrreh!" She exclaims happily receiving the woman's embrace.

When they pull away Myrreh waves at Lexa before speaking. "This is for you," she hands a small sack to Clarke.

Curiously, Clarke retrieves what is inside the sack and laughs when she sees the contents. "A crown?" She interrogates jokingly.

Myrreh smirks. "I guess Aurora actually listens to Bellamy and his stories."

Clarke shrugs "oh well." Saying that she proceeds to put on the crown with a satisfied smile on her face.

Lexa finds Clarke completely adorable with the cute crown on her head. She is glad to have the chance of getting to see now little glimpses of what would have been a young Clarke having fun with her friends without the responsibilities of their reality. It's a vision Lexa wishes to appreciate more and more with the passing time.

Soon Octavia and Raven join them for a round of drinks.

Raven leans in to whisper something in Clarke's ear. "Your gift is in your room."

Clarke cranes her neck looking at her friend mouthing a silent thank you.

Raven winks and continues with her doings.

After a little while, someone taps Clarke on her shoulder.

"Bellamy," Clarke reacts a bit surprised.

"Hey um." Bellamy looks visibly uncomfortable. "Happy Birthday," he salutes awkwardly.

Clarke nods her acceptance. She notices everyone is distracted so she makes a gesture for him to go to a more private area.

He follows obediently.

There is some tension once they reach their destination but Clarke is quick to dissipate it. "So um, I just wanted to say I don't like the way we are currently."

"I don't like it either," Bellamy quickly replies.

"With that, I'm not saying I have forgotten what you did or that you regained my trust back cause that's gonna take a while." Clarke clarifies. When the man only looks down ashamed, Clarke continues "but I'm willing to give our friendship a chance." She pauses briefly, "for all the years we fought together, for all we went through."

Both remain silent, recalling the years of their youth, the struggles, and the war.

Bellamy is about to say something when Clarke interrupts him with one more condition.

"But you have to promise me you're gonna stay out of my business." She points her finger at him. "That you're gonna offer your support or if you can't then you'll get the hell out of my way". She warns in all seriousness.

"Yes, I promise," Bellamy replies with his hands up in the air. "I have learned my lesson, I promise."

"Good." Clarke nods soberly. Then wanting to break the awkwardness and because she doesn't want to ruin her birthday with negativity she gives him a playful push on his chest.

Both smile shyly.

"It looks good on you…" Bellamy points at Clarke's crown, adding cheekily, "Princess."

"Shut up." Clarke slaps him on the shoulder.

Lexa watches the interaction of the pair in the distance; she twists her jaw in distaste.

"It's hard to understand, I know."

Myrreh's voice interrupts Lexa's train of thought. She debates whether to say something or not. She chooses the latter.

Taking it as permission to continue Myrreh adds, "Their friendship is complicated. You may not like it or understand it but you're gonna have to get used to it. It's harmless…at least nowadays it is" she supplies half-jokingly.

Lexa looks at the two friends again thoughtfully. She remains silent for a few seconds but eventually, she manages a question that sounds more like criticism. "What did you see in him?"

Myrreh snorts. "That's also very complicated." She takes some time, choosing her words carefully before elaborating. "It was a slow process. I, like you, didn't like him one bit, I actually almost killed him when we met." She chuckles when she notices Lexa's amused face. "But after I heard about the events from his perspective I began to comprehend his reasoning... or lack of it." She rolls her eyes and carries on. "I also made my fair share of mistakes you know? Somehow I could relate as the more I got to know him better. It wasn't easy though, it took a decade to get to that point". She sighs, "Love doesn't make sense sometimes."

As much as Lexa dislikes the man, she reluctantly has to agree. "Yeah, I know what you mean." She of all people understands the irony of love. She fell in love in the middle of a war, with a woman who belonged to an "enemy" clan nonetheless. Lexa feels she has no right to judge Myrreh… or Clarke for still being friends with Bellamy for that matter.

Speaking of her cute devil…

"Hey," Clarke reappears embracing Lexa from behind.

Lexa lets herself be consumed with Clarke's love, forgetting about Bellamy for the time being.

"Oh my God, I love that song!" Octavia exclaims suddenly, pushing her way to the dance floor followed by a just as enthusiastic Raven.

Clarke and Myrreh engage in conversation.

For her part, Lexa observes Octavia and Raven dancing. If the way the General was dressing had impressed her, the way she is dancing has completely blown her mind.

Octavia sways her hips sensually attune to the beats, occasionally reaching with her hand for Raven when they were able to sing certain lyrics of the song together.

Lexa is mesmerized by the scene.

During one particular spin, Octavia notices Lexa staring. She smirks devilishly scheming something on the spot. She leans into Raven's ear informing her of her intentions.

And given by the grin the other brunette displays, she is totally into it. Raven pulls Octavia towards her and together they start grinding into each other when the next song began.

Lexa's eyes grow big at the unexpected show and her jaw drops when Octavia suddenly turns giving her back to Raven, rubbing herself into her front.

Myrreh starts laughing when she takes in the scene, prompting Clarke to look too.

"Oh my God, are you kidding me?!" Clarke exclaims annoyed knowing perfectly well for whom they are performing. "Babe?" She approaches Lexa with mild concern but receives no answer. She sighs sympathetically, already aware of how overstimulated and overwhelmed her young girlfriend must be. "Bitches," Clarke mutters begrudgingly.

"If you can't beat them…" Myrreh pats Lexa's shoulder in support "…join them." Saying that she marches to the dance floor and starts dancing along with the crazy duo.

"C'mon lets look around!" Clarke takes Lexa by the hand and starts wondering about the crowded room to distract her from thinking about the infamous show.

They walk around a few seconds until Clarke spots a group that is playing Quarters. "Hey look."

Lexa watches curiously, how one skywoman bounces a coin into a cup and another takes the cup and drinks from it.

"Sorry guys," Clarke approaches the group. "I need to try something" she takes one of the coins and a full cup and places it in front of her on the table. "Check this out." She calls Lexa over before placing the coin on her nose. "I have done this before I promise" Clarke assures after some attempts to avoid the coin from slipping off. Once secured on the bridge of her nose she moves her head slowly down and giving a swift push, she tosses the coin into the cup.

The group cheers as Clarke throws her arms up into the air triumphantly.

Lexa grins impressed and proud of her girlfriend. And her grin turns into laughter when she watches Clarke drink down the contents of the cup in one gulp then stick her tongue out with the coin on it. She is the one now extending her hand to invite Clarke to the dance floor. "Lets go party girl."

And Clarke has no objections.

They dance more readily this time, Lexa feeling more confident and all. Clarke takes advantage of it. This time she turns just as Octavia did grinding her ass on Lexa's front. Lexa likes this new position that facilitates her access to Clarke's body. She roams her hands on Clarke's curves and ass enjoying every second of it. Both get lost in the sensations, teasing and turning each other on without a care in the world. They continue their sensual exchange until the music stops abruptly.

"What the…" Clarke begins complaining but stops when she sees Raven with a mic in her hand on stage.

"Commander? Oh, there you are!" Raven says once she spots Clarke. "I think you have to sit down for this one." With that, she signals a couple of waiters who promptly bring some chairs. "And Lexa, don't worry about what's coming, you are next."

Lexa stares at Raven puzzled. That is until she notices some girls clad in sexy garments coming toward them.

Right there and then the room fills up with some very suggestive music much to the public's delight.

"Oh no wait…" Clarke starts arguing but Octavia pushes her down into one of the chairs.

"Just. Fucking. Enjoy it." Octavia warns glaring at Clarke before standing next to Lexa. "Watch and learn," she pats Lexa's back with a smirk.

Clarke searches for Lexa's eyes to mouth "sorry" before the strippers surround her and start dancing for her.

The vision is not nice for Lexa, but by now, she is able to accept this as just a performance that Clarke's friends prepared just for fun. There was no need to get jealous or insecure.

When the song ends, Clarke murmurs something in one of the stripper's ear. The woman nods and Clarke's face parts into a giant beam.

Raven and Octavia exchange smirks and quickly grab Lexa by the arms.

"Wha…"

"Told ya you were next," Raven informs as she drags Lexa to the same chair.

She doesn't know how it happened but now she's in a sitting position with voluptuous bodies sensually moving closer to her. One of the girls grabs her jaw lifting it up while another pours a shot into her mouth.

Clarke, Raven and Octavia cheer and laugh as they chug down their own shots.

Lexa briefly stares at them nervously and annoyed but then she remembers a phrase, "If you can't beat them, join them." She chuckles to herself. 'Maybe Myrreh is right.' Lexa shrugs determined to try and enjoy the show. Just then one of the girls sits on her lap grinding her body into her. 'This may not be that difficult after all.'

…

The hours passed at the party with Lexa and Clarke having lots of fun. When Lexa was not dancing with her girl she would spend her time talking to Myrreh who was the only one other than her not drinking like a sailor. Now for example that the music had switched from pop electronic to rock they chat while Clarke and Raven drunkenly sing and dance on a considerably less crowded dance floor.

"Is Octavia still at it?" Lexa asks Myrreh.

Myrreh takes a quick glance towards the bar where Octavia is making out with one of the strippers. "Yup. I guess she's got a roommate for the night."

Both grounder girls giggle in complicity. As comfortable silence settles between them Lexa takes the opportunity to check what Clarke is up to.

Clarke is laughing at something Raven said but suddenly she seems to sober up as she notices the first opening notes of a song. She immediately searches for Lexa with her eyes and when she finds her, she gazes at her solemnly.

It doesn't take long for Lexa to realize who Clarke is thinking about while listening to the song.

They don't move they simply stare at each other as the music plays in the background.

Clarke lets out a sly smile when she hears the chorus.

I, I feel so alive
For the very first time
I can't deny you I feel so alive
I, I feel so alive
For the very first time
An' I think I can fly

Raven and Myrreh sense the intimacy of the moment so they quietly leave the lovers alone to give them privacy.

Lexa clings to the words she now knows are meant for her. Never in her life had she experienced a song in that way, dedicated to her, it is a feeling that tugs at her heart in the nicest possible way.

Clarke for her part feels how every single verse sinks into her soul. She closes her eyes for a few seconds inhaling deeply before opening them again to murmur some of the lyrics with her eyes pierced on Lexa's.

Now that I know you I could never turn my back away
Now that I see you I could never look away
Now that I know you I could never turn my back away
Now that I see you I believe no matter what they say

They slowly get closer to each other. When they meet both are already very much in tune with the sentiment, so much so that they share a smile during the last paragraph of the song.

I, I feel so alive
For the very first time
An' I think I can fly.

With the tune finished, they enjoy the stillness of the moment. They bask in the presence of each other; aware of how alive they are… how alive they feel. They know they are so lucky and they don't wanna waste any time. They kiss fervently, thanking destiny for offering them this second chance.

All of a sudden, a romantic melody blares through the speakers, causing them to giggle. Nevertheless, they begin swaying while holding onto each other, continuing with their loving kisses. They relish in their sweet musical connection until their kisses transform into a make-out session and their hands want to roam more than publicly permitted. They know what to do.

"Shall we…" Lexa breathes out with eyes heavy with desire.

"Yeah…" Clarke interrupts suddenly impatient, taking Lexa by the hand and leading her to the bedroom to finally release the pent up sexual tension they have been hoarding throughout the party.