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“Axel, come in here a minute, would you?” Alexander Woods calls from his study as his only child walks by the room.“Yes father?” Lexa questions, coming to the doorway.“In here boy, we need to talk.”Lexa doesn’t say anything as she takes a seat, folding her hands in her lap.“It has been awhile since you dated,” her father states.“I have been focused on work,” Lexa points out calmly, knowing getting upset will not help the situation.“Yes, I am sure having your last girl turn out to be a, whatever they call them these days, did not help your confidence.”Lexa bites the inside of her cheek, taking a deep breath to calm herself.“However, the Woods name must go on. You have stopped looking for a wife, so I have started.”“Father, you can’t-”A glare cuts her off. She forces her face to become the stone she’s known for and listens to her father.“I know you care deeply about work. I have been blessed to have a son who truly cares about the company in the same way I do. Your mother and I came together for the company, and I expect you to do the same with your wife.”“So you have already found me a wife? Without my knowledge or thoughts on such a thing?”“There are many factors at stake here Axel, I hope you understand. She is the daughter of a brilliant man who passed away many years ago. In order to use his technology, I had to assure them she would be taken care of. Her mother was pleased with the offer.”“So you used me as a bargaining chip? And her mother used her?” Lexa questions, her jaw sliding back and forth before clinching.“Don’t get that tone with me. You are my child. You are lucky to be here, got it?”“Yes sir. Sorry sir,” Lexa says, not looking away from her father.“Good,” he puts on his reading glasses, “Clarke will be here tomorrow night for dinner. I expect you to be the respectful man I raised you to be.”“Yes sir,” Lexa says, standing up.“And Axel?” he says, stopping her at the doorway.“Yes father?”“Don’t turn this one into a fag. Once is bad enough, but twice is downright disgraceful.”Lexa grits her teeth, “yes sir,” she says, calmly walking to her room.Lexa closes her door, taking great care as to not make too much noise. She throws herself on her bed, not bothering to change out of her dress shirt and slacks.“Fuck,” she mumbles to herself, her arm coming up to cover her eyes.She falls asleep quickly, wondering what her wife is going to be like and if she can get out of it. “I’m being married off? An arranged marriage? It’s the twenty-first century mom, it doesn’t happen like that anymore.”“Clarke, you and I both know I have no say in this,” Abby sighs.“You’re the one who brought me into the conversation!”“I mentioned wanting you to be safe, taken care of. I didn’t suggest arranging a marriage!”“But you didn’t shut it down! He isn’t unreasonable, he’s just good at getting what he wants. I doubt one of his goals is marrying his only son to a random artist,” Clarke points out.“Clarke,” Abby sighs, “I don’t see what’s the big deal. You’re going to be marrying the air to one of the biggest companies in the nation.”“A man who is used to getting everything he wants is going to be my husband. Sounds super safe mom. I don’t know the guy, I don’t know who he is or what he’d expect of me as his wife. I’m not ready to do anything with some random guy mom.”“Axel is a very respectful young man. I wouldn’t agree to it if I thought he might harm you. However, this seems like the perfect time to tell you that you’re going over there tomorrow for dinner with him. If you aren’t okay with it afterwards, then we can talk about it. Woods will give me whatever I want to get his hands on your father’s work.”“And you want me to marry a stranger?” Clarke rolls her eyes.“I want you to be taken care of for the rest of your life Clarke. Axel will take care of you better than I can.”“I can take care of myself Mom. I have been for a long time.”“I want you to be able to focus on your art, not on working. You are talented, and your father would want you to pursue that, instead of working table for your rent. No, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that, I just want you to live your dream. This deal can help you do that.”Clarke sighs, biting the inside of her cheek.“Just go to dinner tomorrow. That’s all I ask. Meet Axel and you two can decide on it together. If he’s an ass, forget about it, okay?”Clarke sighs again, “fine. I’ll go.”“Thank you honey,” Abby smiles, pulling Clarke into a hug and pressing a kiss to her forehead.“Worst comes to worst I’ll just kick him in the dick and run away.”Abby chuckles, pulling Clarke closer, “please don’t do that.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Axel.”

Lexa looks up at the sound, looking at her mother, “yes ma’am?”

“Go put on your red undershirt. Abby just told me Clarke’s wearing red. I don’t know why you’re wearing jeans to meet her anyways.”

Lexa sighs, looking down at her dark green plaid dress shirt that matches her eyes, dark blue tie and dress jacket, paired with a dark wash jean and brown belt.

“I thought this brought out my eyes,” she says, looking at her mother, schooling her features to remain indifferent.

“Do as your mother says,” Alexander orders from his chair across the room.

Lexa bites the inside of her cheek, forcing herself to contain an eyeroll or a sigh as she stands.

“Red shirt and black pants, keep it simple,” Dana calls after her.

Lexa rolls her eyes once she gets out of sight, ideas already forming in her mind. Opening her closet, she grins when she sees her red flannel. Quickly taking off her button up with ease due to the years of practice, she slips on the red shirt. She quickly decides to pair it with a her favorite pair of tan chinos, just to spite her mother.

She walks to her full length mirror, taking in her masculine body. Taking a deep breath she decides to play up her body, knowing how attractive she is to look at. She thinks that if she liked men, she might like her body simply to look at. Nevertheless, she doesn’t like it, as her own body, or a male body in general. Rolling up her sleeves, she flexes, making sure it isn’t too tight, yet tight enough to show how definded her muscles are. She grabs her favorite watch, one Costia got her years ago.

Lexa sighs, turning it over to read the small inscription before putting it on. The rolex fitting into the outfit perfectly.

“Axel! Hurry up, she’s almost here,” her mother yells up the stairs.

Lexa groans, looking at herself once more in the mirror. She quickly unbuttons the top two button on her shirt, showing off the defined line of her pecs, while still remaining respectful. She runs her fingers through her hair quickly, give the inch a much more mused look before quickly walking downstairs again.

Dana doesn’t attempt to hide her reaction to Lexa’s choice in fashion.

“Clarke is closer to my age mother, she probably enjoys trendy styles more than the classics,” she defends, her face remaining stoic.

“I told-”

The doorbell interrupts Dana, which Lexa is grateful for, although she doesn’t allow her face to show such a thing.

“We talk about your disobedience later,” Alexander states, glaring at Lexa before walking to the door.

“Mr. Woods, nice to see you again,” Clarke greets the older man at the door.

“It is my pleasure, Miss. Griffin,” Alexander states, taking her hand in his and pressing a kiss to it as he bows, “please come in.”

“Thank you sir, your home is beautiful,” Clarke states, reciting from what he mother has taught her about rich people.

“Thank you, may I introduce you to my beautiful wife, Dana, and my wonderful son, Axel.”

“Your mother has greatly under exaggerated your beauty my dear,” Dana says, pulling Clarke into a hug, one that is under the guise of motherly, but lacks the warmth.

“Your husband does not speak enough of yours ma’am,” Clarke smiles, fooling the Woods parents completely.

“What a charmer you are dear,” Dana laughs, far too high pitched to be anything less of annoying.

“Come along dear, let's give the children time to talk,” Alexander all but orders, barely touching Dana’s shoulder to guide her out of the house.

With the parents gone, both of them take a deep breath, happy for their prying eyes and ears to be gone.

Lexa offers a charming smile, easily taking Clarke’s hand in hers, bowing much like her father did, “my father is a lier about a lot of things, but your beauty is not one of them,” she says, allowing herself to glance at Clarke’s body.

Only a glance because Lexa is unsure if she can trust herself to look for longer. There are too many feelings in her stomach and chest to think about what it means, too many feelings that feel too close to what she feels alone at night when everybody in the house is sound asleep.

“I’m sorry to say I haven’t heard near enough about you,” Clarke grins, letting her eyes take in the body before her.

Forearms that are begging to be let out of the plaid shirt holding them, a tiny sliver of defined pecs that can only be from hours and hours of training and workouts. A sharp jawline that is oddy feminine and strong at the same time leading up to lips that can only be described as pouty.

“Well maybe we can change that over dinner?” Lexa questions, quirking an eyebrow.

“I’d like that,” Clarke smiles.

Lexa smiles back, easily falling into a role she used to play a lot as she leads Clarke to the dining room. The role of a pretty rich boy with an easy smile, ready to break a lot of hearts for no reason other than he can.

“That was really good,” Clarke states as she plops down onto the couch.

“I’ll let Gustus know you enjoyed it. He loves hearing how good his food is. My parents don’t compliment him enough,” Lexa states, sitting down next to the blonde with much more class.

“I have a feeling they don’t give compliments at all,” Clarke says, kicking off her heels and folding her legs under her.

“Do you want some clothes to change into? You don’t look comfortable in that dress,” Lexa says, watching as the blonde shifts back and forth, trying to get comfortable.

Clarke chuckles, “Axel, that’s a cheap way to ask to see me naked.”

The vision of Clarke naked flashes through her head, causing Lexa to turn red. The act she's been putting on forgotten as she looks to the ground. She takes a deep breath, centering herself, drawing her face into the face of indifference she uses with her parents.

“Hey, I was joking Axel,” Clarke says, grabbing Lexa’s forearm.

“I’m sorry,” Lexa mumbles, drawing her arm into herself and away from Clarke.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Clarke whispers, moving closer to Lexa, taking her hand and intertwining their fingers.

Lexa clenches her jaw and closes her eyes.

“It’s just you and me here. We’re good,” Clarke whispers, and continues to whisper until Lexa calms down.

“I’m sorry Klark, I don’t know what came over me,” Lexa states, her face void of emotion.

Clarke bites the inside of her cheek to stop herself from calling bullshit. It’s obvious to her something happened in Axel’s mind that bothered him.

“Father mentioned you enjoy painting?”

Clarke can’t help her smile. Lexa’s facade breaks, her lip twitching up into a smirk at the look on Clarke’s face.

“I should be mad at you for changing the subject, but yes. I love painting.”

“I would love to support you so you can work on what you love. I’d love to see your art someday in museums.”

“You haven’t even seen it yet, how can you know if it should be in museums?” Clarke laughs.

Lexa shrugs, a huge grin spreading across her face as she relaxes, “I know that whatever someone as beautiful as you creates is going to be just as beautiful.”

Clarke can’t help the blood rushing to her face nor the grin she sports. Lexa smiles softly, getting lost in her own thoughts as she looks at the pink in Clarke cheeks. Thoughts of Clarke calling her by her name, hugging her close, holding her close.

“What are you, a poet?” Clarke laughs.

No, a lesbian

She chuckles, giving Clarke her best ‘boyish grin’ as she says “for you? Anything.”

Clarke shakes her head, ignoring the face her face is turning a deeper shade of red as she smiles.

“Axel? Are you still up?” Dana’s voice calls as they hear the front door open.

“Yes ma’am,” Lexa raises, talking louder, but being careful not to shout, “Clarke and I are in the family room talking.”

“You should take her home soon son, it’s getting late,” Alexander’s voice rings through.

“Yes sir,” Lexa calls, hearing them both make their way up the stairs, towards their bedrooms.

“You don’t have to take me home Axel,” Clarke says, leaning down to strap on her shoes.

Lexa freezes. Standing there has created the perfect view of Clarke’s ample chest, further enhanced by her leaning forward.

The lack of response causes Clarke to look up, blue eyes connecting immediately with green. The automatic flush that covers Lexa’s features causes Clarke to chuckle.

“For being a big bad rich boy, you sure rat yourself out,” she states, not moving from the incriminating position.

Lexa shakes her head, clearing her throat as she looks up at the clock on the wall behind Clarke.

“It’s pretty late, I should take you home.”

“If you were listening instead of ogling, you’d have heard me say I can make it home by myself,” Clarke teases, standing up.

“I insist. It would be my pleasure,” Lexa says.

Clarke sighs, “how about a compromise? Walk me to my car?”

Lexa’s brows furrow as she thinks.

“Come on,” Clarke says, grabbing her hand.

Lexa follows Clarke’s lead, although not letting the blonde drag her, such a thing would be unmanly. They walk through the house hand and hand, then out the front door and to Clarke’s waiting car.

“So, I had a nice time,” Clarke says, leaning against her car, turning to look at Lexa.

“I did too,” Lexa says, trying to ignore how her heart and stomach are both tingling, a mix of pleasant and terrible, all together overwhelming feelings. She can only hope that Clarke isn’t expecting anything more than a goodbye.

“We should do this again,” Clarke phrases as a question.

“We can do it all the time if we’re married,” Lexa points out, feelings pushed to the back, facts in front. She needs to win Clarke over so her father can get the technology, so they can expand, so they can make more money, which in turn will help them grow. She has to win Clarke.

Clarke chuckles, “I see your point,” she mumbles, quickly, before Lexa can even register it, Clarke presses a small kiss to her cheek and dips into her car.

“I’ll text ya stud,” Clarke yells out her widow as she drives away, leaving Lexa both confused and excited.

She smiles to herself all the way to her room before it hits her.

“She doesn’t have my number.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Wow. That’s shitty and amazing at the same time,” Raven Reyes, one of Clarke’s best friends states, having just listened to Clarke’s new situation.“Your mother basically married you off, but it turns out the guy is really hot and sweet? So you might be okay with it?” Octavia Blake, Clarke’s other best friend, sumerizes.Clarke shrugs, taking a sip of her coffee, if one can call the concoction of sugar and flavorings coffee at all.“He’s different than every guy I’ve ever dated. I mean, after we got done eating, her saw I was kinda uncomfortable in my dress, so he offered to let me borrow his clothes.”“He probably just wanted you naked,” Raven points out.“I know, I made that comment myself. He got so red and flustered. I’ve never met a guy like him,” Clarke muses, her cheeks turning pink as she remembers his complements.“You’re blushing,” Octavia point out.“He’s hot, right?” Raven questions.Clarke chuckles, pulling out her phone, “Axel is definitely hot. Plus, he’s got style. I mean, he was just in a flannel and he looked so fucking sexy. Here’s a picture,” she turns her phone, revealing a picture of Axel in a light grey suit, grey vest, paired with a dark blue tie and a dark blue plaid undershirt. His hair is clipped close on the sides, leaving about two inches of curls on the top.“Damn Griffin,” Raven says, letting out a whistle.“Damn, what a stud. ” Octavia questions.“So is he daddy’s boy?” Raven questions.“I’d say he’s more controlled by his parents than anything. Most rich guys are always flaunting their money. I mean, do you remember Cage? Axel seems more, what’s the word? Subdued, I’d say.”“So are you going to marry him?” Octavia questions.Clarke shrugs, “I don’t see the harm. He said he’ll support me being an artist. I’ll be able to focus on painting instead of waiting on tables.”“So a sugar daddy?” Raven questions.Clarke shrugs, “I’m not opposed to a sugar daddy.”“Are you seriously considering this Clarke?” Octavia questions.Clarke sighs, “I mean, why not? If I end up hating him, then I can get a divorce. There’s a shit ton of marriages that start for worse reasons.”“Yeah, but it’s marriage Clarke.”“It’s a piece of paper. I’ll make sure there’s not a prenup, so at the very least I’ll be well off,” Clarke shrugs.“But what about? Ya know?” Octavia questions.Clarke raises an eyebrow in question.“Other marriage duties?” Raven says, giving her a pointed look.Clarke can’t stop the blush that covers her cheeks.“Well, I mean. You saw Axel. It’s not like it’d be the worst thing.”“Someone has a crush,” Octavia sings, causing Clarke to roll her eyes and chuckle.“So, when’s the date? Big huge wedding or small thing?” Raven questions further.“I haven’t said yes yet,” Clarke points out.“Yet.”“Axel.”“Yes sir?” Lexa questions, walking into his office at work.“I just got an update from Abigail Griffin. It seems you were charming enough, even in your hideous outfit,” Lexa bites the inside of her cheek, “you seemed to make a connection with Miss Griffin. She wants to see you again to talk about the marriage.”“Okay.”“I have provided them with your cell phone number. Miss Griffin will be in contact with you later today. Abigail and I have come to the agreement that there will be no prenups. Such a thing would be setting you up for failure. If you do happen to ruin Clarke as you did Costia-”“I didn’t ruin Costia,” Lexa whispers.“Excuse me?” Alexander questions, his voice low and his green eyes cold.“Nothing father. I have some reports to finish is all. Should we be discussing such a personal matter in the workplace? It might lead to other unprofessional conversations.”Alexander stands, his chest puffed out as he stands tall, towering three inches over his only child, green eyes cold as he takes in the body language presented to him.Lexa resist the urge to lower her head, instead meeting his eyes. He reaches out, grabbing her chin roughly, not giving her the option to look away.“You are nothing. You have no personal life, you hear me? Your life is the company and nothing else. You will not disrespect me by talking back ever again.”“Yes sir. Sorry sir,” Lexa says, her voice stronger than what she feels.Alexander stares into her eyes, his hand drifting down to her neck.“You are lucky to be here. Lucky I haven’t,” he trails off, squeezing Lexa’s neck, effectively cutting off her oxygen.Lexa doesn’t move, doesn’t show any signs of weakness. She can feel her chest get tight, her lungs begging for air, her eyes roll back as her head starts pounding.“You’re lucky to be here,” Alexander growls, throwing his child to the ground by their neck, “now get out of my face.”Lexa coughs, her body sucking up the air.“Yes sir,” she mumbles, not bothering to stand up as she crawls out of his office, still coughing.With his door closing behind her, she leans against the wall, her hands coming to her neck, massaging. Still breathing heavy, she stands, forcing her breathing to go back to normal.“Have a good day, Axel,” Nia Knight, Alexander’s assistant says, walking past Lexa and into the office.“Yes ma’am, you too,” Lexa says, taking note of the deeper tone of her voice.Nia doesn’t give her a second glance, nor did she say anything about the fact she just watched the younger one crawl out of the office on their hands and knees.Lexa stands tall, gathering her broken ego and walking to her own office.“Mr Woods, I ran the copies for you, they are on your desk.”“Thank you Harper,” Lexa says, her voice still lower.Harper sighs, following Lexa into her office, closing the door.“Are you okay Axel?” Harper questions, her eyes drawn to Lexa’s throat.“We do not discuss personal matters at work Miss McIntyre,” Lexa states, looking at the reports on her desk.“Of course not,” Harper mumbles, giving Lexa one last glance before going to the door.“Harper?”“Yes sir?” Harper questions, turning at the door.“Thank you, for caring,” Lexa mumbles, giving a smile smile, “you do not need to though, but thank you.”“Of course sir,” Harper nods, “you have my number,” she says, quieter.Lexa nods, as she always does with this happens. Harper settles at her desk, sending some dirty looks towards the office of the head of the company, like always. They don’t talk about it, like always. When Harper leaves she lingers for a few moments, thinking about going in to tell her boss something, but deciding against it, like always.Lexa buries herself in work, not looking up until well into the night. She doesn’t plan on going home, knowing better than to show herself to her father. At two o’clock in the morning a knock at her door surprises her, looking up to find her best friend, she can’t help her smile.“Come on,” Anya says, her eyes looking drawn to Lexa’s throat.“That bad, huh?” Lexa jokes, her voice still a bit deeper than normal.“Let’s go,” Anya whispers, not feeling safe to talk in the office.Lexa sighs, but does as she’s told.“Open.”“Anya, I’m fine.”It only takes a pointed glare for Lexa to comply, opening her mouth wide while Anya shines a light down her throat.“You’re lucky,” Anya whispers as she removes the light.“I’m fine,” Lexa says yet again.“Your voice is deeper. You’ve got swelling and internal bruising. Lexa, people die from this.”Lexa sighs, looking to the ground.“Lexa,” Anya sighs.“I talked back. It won’t happen again. I’m fine,” Lexa says.“It doesn’t matter if you talk back, he’s an abusive piece of-”“I’m okay,” Lexa cuts her off.Anya sighs, glaring at Lexa.“I’m tired An, can I just?”Anya rolls her eyes, “I’ll raid Linc’s closet for you. I know how you get about wrinkles in your shirt.”Lexa sighs, sinking back into the couch as Anya disappears.“He’s not near as fashionable as you,” Anya says, throwing a pair of sweats and a plain grey tee shirt at her.Lexa rolls her eyes, standing up and easily taking off her shirt as Anya busies herself in the kitchen.“You want a beer?” Anya questions.“I’m good,” Lexa mumbles, taking off her pants.Her phone falls to the ground, “shit,” she mumbles, quickly sliding on Lincoln’s sweatpants before picking it back up.“You have someone texting you?” Anya questions as Lexa turns it on to find three text messages.Lexa doesn’t answer, instead clicking on the unknown number. She quickly reads the long text message, then the apology for the length, then the apology for texting so late in the night.“I guess now would be a good time to tell you I’m getting married.”“What?”“Her name’s Clarke. She’s an artist,” Lexa says, putting her phone away.Anya sighs, “Lexa, is this for your father?”Lexa nods, “Clarke’s father left them some important technology, in order for our company to get it, she has to be taken care of. I’ll provide her with whatever she desires, in return we get to use the technology.”“Is that shit even legal? How can your father make you marry a stranger? What kinda person is okay with marrying a random person? I mean, she doesn’t even know you.”Lexa shrugs, folding her shirt.“Are you going to be her sugar daddy or something?”Lexa pauses, thinking for a moment, “I guess that is what we’ll be like, okay we’ll be married.”“God Lexa, is she at least pretty?”Lexa blushes, giving Anya her answer without words.“What does she look like?”“Blonde. Gorgeous blue eyes,” Lexa trails off, thinking about how she felt when their eyes connected.“Ass? Tits?” Anya questions.Lexa’s blush turns two shades dark in an instant, “I’m not going to-”“She’s got both. Damn, they don’t come like that anymore,” Anya cuts her off.“Women come in all shapes and sizes,” Lexa mumbles.“Yeah, but this girl has gotta be a bombshell. What’s her name, Claire?”“Clarke. Clarke Griffin.”“Got it,” Anya pulls out her phone, searching the name quickly.“Damn Lex,” Anya says, “If I liked girls.”“You do like girls, idiot.”“Rude. She ain’t my type, but she’s gorgeous. If you gotta have a sugar baby, she’s what you want. If you’re forced to have kids, they aren’t-”“It’s way too soon to think about such things. I will not allow father to force anybody to have children.”“So he can choke you, force you to marry, but kids are the stopping point?” Anya deadpans.Lexa sighs, rolling her eyes.“Anyways babe, I’m going to go to bed,” Anya says, leaning over and pressing a kiss to Lexa’s forehead.“Don’t call me that,” Lexa says, but her small smirk betrayed her words.“You love it,” Anya points out, going into her room.Lexa shakes her head, laying down on the couch. When Lincoln comes home from work at six am, he finds the sleeping brunette there. He grabs the blanket from the couch and covers her before going to bed himself.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Lexa takes a deep breath, emotionally preparing herself to face Alexander. She pushes open his door, not allowing herself to stop for a moment, knowing better than to show weakness in his presence.

“I finished these reports, they need your final look over,” she says, her voice still a few pitches deeper, as she puts the file on his desk.

She can feel his eyes on her, and she stands tall, meeting his eyes.

“What kind of a man wears makeup?” Alexander questions.

Lexa clenches her jaw, not answering.

“Are you deaf?” Alexander questions, his voice becoming calmer.

“No sir, I am not deaf,” Lexa says, focusing on her breathing.

In, one, two, three. Out, one, two, three. In, one, two, three. Out, one, two, three.

“I will not have my son wearing makeup. You will go wash it off.”

“Sir, the bruises are very defined. I would not want a concerned-”

“Nobody is concerned with you Axel, do not worry,” he cuts her off, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.

“Of course sir,” Lexa nods her head, leaving the room without another word.

“Axel,” Nia calls, stopping Lexa from her track back to her office.

“Yes Miss Knight?” Lexa questions, stopping to turn to the older woman.

“Your father said you would be needing this,” she says, holding out a small travel package of makeup remover wipes.

“Of course, thank you ma’am,” Lexa takes the package.

“My pleasure,” Nia smirks, her eyes going directly to Lexa’s throat.

Lexa doesn’t say a word, instead turning on her heel and going to her office.

“Harper,” Lexa calls as she walks past, waving her hand to direct the younger woman to follow her.

“Yes sir?” Harper questions, closing the door behind them automatically.

“I need you to cancel all appointments for the next two weeks,” Lexa states, ripping open the package and rubbing at her neck.

“Are you sure you should be doing that?” Harper questions, watching as Lexa grits her teeth in pain.

“We talked about discussing personal matters at work, Miss McIntyre.”

“I find it hard not to discuss the huge handprint around your neck,” Harper bites, then adds quickly, “Sir.”

“Miss McIntyre, I suggest you find a way to keep your personal thoughts to yourself, otherwise you may need to find a new line of work,” Lexa says softly.

Harper sighs, glaring at her boss, her mouth opening to say something, then stopping herself.

“I expect you will be busy cancelling and rescheduling my appointment for the next two weeks, you may want to get to it,” Lexa says, her voice and face indiferent.

“Yes sir,” Harper spits, turning on her heel and slamming the door behind her.

Lexa sighs, her handing coming to her temple. She gently massages them, closing her eyes.

“Mr Woods?” Harper says, the door cracking open.

“What is it Harper?” Lexa questions.

“There’s a woman here for you. She says she’s going to be your mother in law?” Harper more questions than says.

“Yes, Mrs Griffin. Send her in please,” Lexa says.

“Axel,” Harper steps into the room, “are you sure? With your…?”

“Send her in Miss McIntyre,” Lexa says again.

“Yes sir,” she nods, leaving Lexa alone again for a second.

Lexa reaches up, gently massaging her bruised neck for a second, clenching her jaw when it hurts. The door opens quickly, relieving none other than Abigail Griffin.

“Mrs Griffin, what a pleasure to finally meet you,” Lexa states, standing up and easily taking her hand, pressing a light kiss to the back of it, “It would seem that my parents didn’t inform me from who Clarke got her beauty.”

Abby doesn’t respond, her eyes glued to the large bruise on Lexa’s neck.

“So, what seems to have brought you to me?” Lexa questions, dropping into her face of indifference, praying to a god she doesn’t believe in that Abby ignore it.

“What happened?” Abby says, her hand coming up to Lexa’s neck, softly touching the bruises.

“Ma’am,” Lexa says, stepping back from the woman, “I am sure you came here for a good reason?” she questions, going to the other side of her desk, easily putting space between herself and the woman.

Abby doesn’t say a word, instead turning on her heel and walking out.

“Ma’am, you can’t go in there without an appointment,” Lexa hears Nia say.

Lexa stands, quickly heading to where she’s sure Abby has gone, to see her father.

“No need to call them Nia, Abby is a family friend,” Alexander states as Lexa gets to the door.

Nia nods, knowing she’s been dismissed.

“What the fuck Woods?” Abby shouts at the man.

“I’m going to need you to calm down, Mrs Griffin, otherwise I will be forced to call security,” Alexander states calmly, not bothering to stand from his desk.

Lexa closes the door, knowing this isn’t a conversation for the office to hear.

“Your son has been choked! There are bruises on his neck, how can I trust him with my daughter if he can’t-”

“Axel is trained in many forms of self defense. We had him put in many classes when we decided he was down growing. He boxes and works out daily. I have complete faith in his ability to protect your daughter in a dangerous situation,” Alexander cuts her off.

Lexa stands there, her face of indifference gone as she digests what her father just said. It’s the nicest thing she’s ever heard from him. It creates a weird feeling in her stomach that she hasn’t felt.

“I think I’m going to be sick, please excuse me,” she says, rushing to the closest bathroom.

She was right, barely getting to the toilet in time, her stomach contents spilling into the toilet.

“Fuck,” Lexa mumbles, wiping her mouth off before getting up and looking at herself in the mirror.

She rebuttons her top button, ignoring the dark purple bruise in the shape of a handprint on her neck. She slowly walks back to her father's office, not walking right in, instead listening.

“He deserved it from whoever did that. He knows how to protect himself.”

“I see.” Abby says, “I will be in contact with you and Axel later.”

Lexa decides now is the time to come in, so she does, almost running into Abby.

“My apologies,” Lexa nods her head.

“Clarke is looking forward to see you again, Axel,” Abby says, gently patting Lexa’s shoulder as she passes.

“Father,” Lexa nods, meeting his eyes.

“Did you plan that?” Alexander questions, voice low, dangerous.

“No sir. She surprised me.”

Alexander nods, with a wave of his hand he dismisses her.

“Are you sure?” Clarke questions, looking at her mother.

“Clarke, I want you to go and see him tomorrow. Do not take no for an answer. He was so… I wouldn’t say broken, but he’s definitely being controlled. Just because he’s a man doesn’t make it any easier for him to get help,” Abby says.

“I mean, I knew his parents were controlling, but I didn’t think… I mean, have you seen Axel? He’s built. I’m sure he could take his father down,” Clarke mumbles, looking down.

“Hey,” Abby says, tilting Clarke’s chin up, “it is not on you to see it, okay? Don’t you dare feel bad for not seeing it.”

“But mom, the signs were already there, I mean, looking back-”

“Exactly, looking back. We can’t live in the past. We are going to get him help.”

“How? The Woods are one of the biggest companies in the world. They aren’t going to let us take their son away from them.”

“I’ll make sure you get your own house. That’ll at least get Axel out from under their roof. We can’t help him unless he helps himself, but we can try.”

“I can’t believe this.”

“Hey, it doesn’t make him any weaker, you know that right?” Abby questions.

“Of course. I can’t believe what it’d be like, to live with someone who could hit you. I can’t… Geez.”

“I want you to know some stuff, before you decide to go ahead with the marriage.”

“I’m going to marry him Mom,” Clarke says, glaring at the woman for suggesting otherwise.

“Abusive tendencies are usually learned. I know right now Axel is a victim, but sometimes, when people come from an abusive household-”

“They pick it up too, I know mom,” Clarke cuts her off, “I trust Axel.”

“You barely know him.”

Clarke shrugs, “Axel is different.”

Abby smiles, raising an eyebrow, “different?”

Clarke chuckles, turning pink, “Oh my gosh Ma.”

“Do we have a crush?” Abby questions with a grin.

Clarke shrugs, shaking her head with a laugh.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Abby smiles, looking over at her daughter.

She gets lost in her thoughts as she watches her only child blush. Flashes of Jake laughing flash in her mind. She reaches out, grabbing Clarke’s hand in hers.

“He’d be so happy.”

“He is,” Clarke says, looking up, as if she could see her father looking down at them.

“I hope we’re doing this right.”

“Here’s the breakdown. We’re giving away dad’s technology, which will be remade within a few year anyways. In return, you get a new house and money for the rest of your days. I get a sugar daddy, and get to help him get out of his father’s grasps. I’d say it’s a fair trade.”

“God Clarke, that’s a really run down of it.”

Clarke shrugs, pressing a kiss to the back of her mother’s hand.

“I don’t want you to worry about me Ma.”

“You’re my baby,” Abby chuckles, turning her hand to cup Clarke’s face, “I’ll always worry,” she whispers, leaning in to press a kiss to Clarke’s forehead.

“I love you,” Clarke whispers.

“BITCH YOU WILL NOT-” Raven cuts herself off, clearing her throat, “Abby, hello.”

Abby chuckles, pressing another kiss to Clarke’s forehead before getting up and saying “I have to go anyways dear. Marcus is probably waiting for me.”

“Don’t think we won’t talk about his Marcus,” Clarke says.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about dear, I love you,” Abby laughs, rushing out of the apartment.

“Sorry for interrupting,” Raven says.

“It’s fine, what’s going on?” Clarke questions.

“Did you hear the news?”

“No? What?”

“BAJA BLAST IS GOING INTO STORES!” Raven yells.

“Oh my god, really? That’s what you’re screaming about?” Clarke shakes her head.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Clarke, I’m super busy,” Lexa says, her hand coming up to rub at her temples.

“I’m going to be your wife, I don’t give a damn how busy you are Axel,” Clarke says into the phone, rolling her eyes.

Lexa sighs, looking at herself in the mirror. Her eyes are automatically drawn to the dark purple bruises around her neck.

“Your mother talked to you, didn’t she?” Lexa questions.

“I talk to my mother everyday,” Clarke says.

Lexa rolls her eyes, “Fine.”

“Great, I’ll text you my address. Come over soon,” Clarke says, hanging up before Lexa can disagree.

“Well fuck me.”

Lexa suppresses a sigh as she walks into the apartment building, forcing her face to become neutral, as if she’s in a business meeting. She bites the inside of her cheek, worry filling her chest as she looks down at the flowers in her hand. It’s a bit overkill, a bouquet of roses and sunflowers. She gets a weird look from the lady at the desk, but puffs out her chest.

Bigger means stronger. Be bigger. Look bigger. Make them think you’re worth something.

Lexa takes a deep breath, clearing her head as she comes to the door of Clarke’s apartment.

Strong. Manly. Cocky, yet not an asshole. Confident. You can do this. For the company. For the company.

She knocks, waiting patiently for the door to open. The door swings open to reveal Clarke. Lexa can’t stop her eyes from glance up and down. Clarke looks amazing, dressed in a graphic tee shirt with the words “Support Positive LGBT Representation” on it, with a pair of black leggings.

“Are those for me?” Clarke questions, a smile as she looks at the flowers.

“Yes, they made me think of you,” Lexa says, smiling back, mostly due to the t-shirt.

“How so?” Clarke questions, taking the flowers and leading Lexa into the apartment.

“They’re pretty,” Lexa shrugs, shutting the door behind her, her eyes going down to Clarke’s ass.

“Well thank you,” Clarke says, coming out with a glass of water, “I don’t own a vase, so I guess a glass will have to do.”

“Oh, my apologies,” Lexa mumbles, looking down.

“It’s fine Axel,” Clarke says, putting the flowers in the center of her cluttered table.

“Take a seat, I know it’s not super clean, but it isn’t going to hurt you,” Clarke nods towards the couch.

“I’m not offended by the fact you are cluttered Clarke,” Lexa states, sitting down on the couch with far more grace than any normal human being has.

“Now,” Clarke plops down on the couch, turning to face Lexa.

“Yes?” Lexa turns towards her soon-to-be wife.

Clarke doesn’t say anything, instead looking down the the bruise on Lexa’s neck, then back up to green eyes, silently asking.

“I’m fine,” Lexa says automatically.

“Your voice is deeper. That means it damaged your vocal cords. Have you been feeling more congested than usual?”

Lexa shakes her head, “no, what does that have to do with anything?”

“Well if it was a violent strangulation, you could’ve vomited during it and then aspirated it into your lungs, causing you to get an infection in your lungs, which can later lead to death.”

“I’m fine Clarke, I promise.”

“Can I touch it?” Clarke questions, her eyes drifting down to it.

“I’d prefer if you didn’t,” Lexa whispers, put her head drifts backwards anyways.

“Hey,” Clarke grabs Lexa’s hand, “I’m not going to force you to do anything, okay?”

The look in Clarke’s eyes causes Lexa’s heart to hurt. Her chest fills with a feeling, one she hasn’t had since Costia, one she refuses to feel.

Clarke can see the moment Lexa shuts down, can see it in her face as it falls into the stoic one she has at the office. Clarke can’t help the sigh she lets out in disappointment.

“Your mother mentioned that you wanted to talk about the wedding?” Lexa questions.

“Yeah,” Clarke nods, “I wanted to ask what you were thinking about. A huge wedding or a small one?”

“Whatever your heart desires.”

Clarke rolls her eyes, leaning back into the couch, letting go of Lexa’s hand. They both ignore the twidge of discomfort they get from letting go.

“I wanted to talk to you are a person Axel. You’re half of this relationship. I know it’s nothing more than business to you but-”

“You are more than business to me Clarke.” Lexa cuts her off, turning to look at her. “You are not some business arrangement to me, you are going to be my wife. My wife will always get whatever she desires.”

“I desire you to be honest with me.”

Lexa sighs, turning to face Clarke, taking her hands.

“As my future wife, I promise to be as honest with you as I possible can,” Lexa says, a tiny voice in the back of her head calling her a liar already.

“Who did that to you?” Clarke questions.

“My father. I disrespected him.” Lexa states, her voice cold once again.

Clarke looks down at their hands, gently rubbing Lexa’s fingers.

“You didn’t fight back?” she whispers.

“No. It’s assault. I’m half his age, I have a history of fighting. If I so much as touched him, my life would be ruined. I’d be in jail for the rest of my life, and I’m not strong enough to survive in jail. It’s better to take what I deserve and live with all the opportunities I am lucky to have,” Lexa says, her voice cold as she recites what she’s been told her whole life.

Clarke sighs, her heart aching for Lexa. She squeezes her hands.

“As your future wife, I want you to stop being abused.”

“As long as I don’t talk back I-”

“I want you to get away from your father. Away from the company,” Clarke says boldly.

Lexa laughs, full out belly laugh. A deep rumble that Clarke would love to hear again, in a situation that’s funny. This isn’t it.

“I am sorry Clarke, but that can not happen,” Lexa giggles, “leave the company? Haha.”

Clarke sighs, nodding, “okay, so that’s a kinda huge thing to ask. Maybe we’ll revisit?”

Lexa chuckles, “sure.”

Clarke rolls her eyes, playfully pushing Lexa’s shoulders, “I think you’re being an asshole.”

“I try,” Lexa flashes her smirk, the one that all the girls in high school loved, even some of the boys.

Clarke can feel the blood rush to her face, but ignores it.

“So big wedding or small?”

“I don’t have many friends, only two, so it’s really up to you.”

“Okay, so we’ll let out parents decide? Because I only have two I want there anyways, but a huge wedding seems like the thing to do. I mean, it’s free to me, so why not have fun?”

Lexa shrugs, “I’ll be at there either way.”

“Good. Another question.”

“Yes?”

“I saw you eyeballing my shirt, what do you think?” Clarke questions.

“I think your breasts look amazing in everything,” Lexa grins again, letting her eyes travel down suggestively, blush coating her features at lying so actively.

Clarke rolls her eyes, but a smile finds its way on her face.

“I think this marriage might be better than either of us thought,” Clarke confesses.

“Yeah,” Lexa glances back down to her shirt, then up to blue eyes, “maybe it will be.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Lex, what are you doing?” Lincoln questions, coming up to the brunette who is punching a punching bag.“I’m working out?” Lexa says, throwing another combination of moves into the bag.“Hey,” Lincoln grabs her arm, effectively stopping her in her tracks.“What?” Lexa sighs, turning towards the man.“What the hell are you thinking?” he questions, taking her hands in his.“Wha- oh.”Lexa looks down to find her hands bloody. Her knuckles have no skin left, blood running down her hands and on the bag.“I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking,” Lexa says, blush covering her face in embarrassment.“Lexa, this isn’t good for you, come on,” Lincoln scolds lightly, grabbing a disinfectant and cleaning off the bag quickly, while pushing Lexa towards his private office.“Fuck,” Lexa whispers to herself as she sits on the bench, waiting for Lincoln to finish disinfecting the bag.“What the hell Lexa?” Lincoln questions as he walks into the room, locking the door behind him.“I was working out,” Lexa defends, gesturing to her body, her tank top drenched.“I taught you how to wrap your hands! You could get an infection or-”“You disinfect everything, I’ll be fine.”“That’s not the point, and you know it,” Lincoln sighs, rolling his eyes as he pulls opens the cabinet.“I’m sorry,” Lexa whispers, looking to the ground, her voice soft.“Hey,” Lincoln whispers, gently raising Lexa’s chin, making her look at him, their eyes connecting, “I’m worried about you, okay? I’m not mad, just worried.”Lexa sniffles, tears in her eyes, but holding them back.“It’s okay Lexa,” Lincoln whispers, wrapping her in a hug.Lexa buries her face into his chest, tears falling.“It’s okay babe,” Lincoln whispers, running his fingers through her short, well kept hair, “I’m here for you Lex, it’s okay.”It takes Lexa a few minutes, during which Lincoln runs his fingers through her hair, calming her, holding her. Lexa takes a deep breath, leaning back and wiping her eyes.“Sorry,” Lexa mumbles, sniffling.“It’s okay Lexa, I’m here for you,” Lincoln whispers.Lexa takes a deep breath, nodding her head.“Alright, let me see those hands,” he orders with a small smile, setting the mood.Lexa bites her lip as Lincoln cleans her cut and bandages it up.“You wanna talk about it?” Lincoln questions quietly.“I’m getting married.”“So I’ve heard,” he whispers, sitting down next to her on the bench.“She’s so nice.”“I don’t see the problem Lex. You want a nice wife.”“She deserves better than me Lincoln. She’s nice and caring. She’s got a heart. She’s gorgeous and she just… She deserves better than me Lincoln. A husband who can take care of her needs. All of them… Unlike me.”“Hey,” Lincoln throws his arm around her, pulling her close, “Lexa. You are a wonderful person. You are sweet and caring. You are one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. You are super attractive, like, I thought I was good looking, but I have girls coming up to me, asking for your number. She is old enough to know what she wants. Yeah, it may be weird since it’s for a business, but she cares about you already it seems. Maybe someday she’ll even love you.”“Yeah, she’ll love Axel,” Lexa spits.“Maybe you’ll be able to show her Lexa,” Lincoln says, patting her thigh.Lexa chuckles dryly.“Just a thought Lex,” Lincoln mumbles, getting up, “I need you to get your ass outa here though, got a class in ten.”“That hottie coming?” Lexa teases, loving the small amount of pink that shines through his dark features.“Shut up,” he lightly pushes her away.Lexa laughs as she walks out of his office.“Miss Griffin, thank you for meeting with me,” Alexander says, bowing as he kisses her hand.“Mr Woods,” Clarke mumbles respectfully.“I-”“I think I should talk first, if you don’t mind,” Clarke cuts him off, not bothering to sit.“Go right ahead.”“I am going to marry your son. In doing so, I am going to care for him as any wife would. I do not want you to lay a hand on him ever again.”“Miss Griffin, I’m afraid I don’t have any idea what you’re-”“Let’s cut the bullshit Alexander, it’ll make everything easier.”Alexander takes a deep breath, his cold green eyes taking in the blonde. Clarke can’t help the shiver she gets as his eyes trail her body.“I see,” he says, picking up the phone, “Miss Knight, turn it off.”Clarke can hear the woman on the other end of the line say “yes sir.” before it goes dead, him placing the phone back on the holder, turning to her.“Please sit,” he says, gathering his paperwork and pushing it to the side.Clarke sighs, but sits regardless, looking over at the man, not backing down.“What do you want, Miss Griffin? Name it, and we can come to an agreement.”Clarke takes a deep breath, looking the man directly in the eyes, trying to make her blue reflect the same level as coldness as his, but knowing hers can never be as cold as his.“I want you to never touch Axel again. He is honest with me, and I can document his injuries and make a case.”“Don’t touch Axel, what else do you want?”“If I convince Axel to leave the company, you will not sabotage him.”“You’ll never get him to leave. This company is his life.”“Then you’ll have nothing to lose by agreeing to these terms.”Alexander nods, gesturing her to continue.“I want our own house. I will not live under your roof, and I do not want Axel under it either.”“Is that all?” Alexander questions, leaning forward.“Yes.”“I can grant you all of those, but I have a price.”“I’m listening.”“You will only take twenty percent when you divorce my son.”“Done.”“You will also, during your marriage, perform your duties. I prefer to have a grandson, but I know you cannot decide that, so I’ll be satisfied with a granddaughter if need be.”Clarke bites the inside of her cheek.“This is merely a business transaction, and I will not give things away for free,” Alexander says.“You are asking a lot.”“I’m not offering anything. You want a deal, I’ve set one out for you.”“Not hitting your son and in return I’ll have to fuck him?”“Is he not attractive enough? I know his last girl turned into a faggot, but I believe it was not due to him. I didn't want him dating her kind anyways.”“Faggot? Her kind?” Clarke questions, biting the inside of her cheek again.“She wasn't our kind, let's leave it at that. When she left him and went right to other girls. Slut, of course, all faggots are. Nonetheless, Axel has taken it to heart, not dating since then. I expect he is in need of release, and you are his wife. His needs are to be your needs. I am going to be funding your art, so think of it as your real job,” Alexander waves his hand, gesturing to nothing.Clarke stands, taking a deep breath.“I expect we have a deal?” he questions, standing from his chair.“Yes sir,” she says, taking his hand.“Pleasure Miss Griffin, or should I say Mrs Woods?”“Not yet,” Clarke whispers, turning on her heel and walking out of the office.“You didn’t,” Raven mumbles, her jaw dropping.“I mean, it’s not like he’ll be expecting a child right away,” Clarke shrugs, taking another bite of her ice cream.“You just let your father in law tell you to have sex,” Raven points out.“I mean, we are going to be married. Axel is a man, I mean, I’m sure he’s expecting it anyways.”Raven sighs, biting into her cone, “I mean, you’re not wrong.”“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Clarke mumbles, eating another spoonful.“Don’t talk about sex while I’m eating,” Raven shoots back.Clarke rolls her eyes.“I thought you were all ‘Axel is different’ like yesterday though,” Raven mumbles.Clarke shrugs, “I mean, he’s sweet and caring, but he’s still a man. I heard today how much of an asshole his father really is.”“Oh?” Raven raises an eyebrow.“Yeah, I guess his ex turned out to be gay, or bi. Left him and then started dating girls. I'm also guessing she wasn't white, or as he put it, 'not our kind'.”“Sounds like a piece of shit. How can people think like that these days? And does Axel know you’re bi?”Clarke shrugs, “I dunno how people can think like that anymore. Axel was eyeing my shirt the other night. You know, that ‘support LGBT’ tee?”“Did he say anything about it?”“No. When I asked, he just said my boobs looked good,” she shrugs.“Well,” Raven looks down at Clarke’s chest, “Axel isn’t wrong, your boobs always look good.”“Thanks babe,” Clarke shakes her head, blush covering her features nonetheless.“Anytime,” Raven winks, causing Clarke to laugh.“You’re just a dork,” Clarke playfully hits her.“Smartest dork in the world,” Raven grins.Clarke just shakes her head with a smile, taking another bite of her ice cream. Maybe this is a good thing .

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Axel.”

Lexa looks up from the papers on her desk, her eyes meeting her father’s.

“Yes sir?” she questions, taking off her reading glasses.

He steps into her office, closing the door behind him. Lexa school her features into the usual look of indifference, flashes of the past times he’s entered her office run through her head. Times where Anya came in hours later to find her still on the floor. To find her in a puddle of her own blood with broken bones, not being able to walk on her own.

“Your fiancée came to visit me today,” he says, looking around the office, not meeting her eyes

“Did she? She didn’t inform me of her visit,” Lexa says, knowing that’s what he’s asking.

“She expressed some extra wishes of hers.”

“Anything I should be informed of?” Lexa questions, not entirely sure what her father is hinting at.

“No,” Alexander states, walking further into the office, leaning down into Lexa’s personal space, his hand roughly grabbing her chin.

Lexa stares forward, her eyes glossing over as he says something. She can’t hear him, can’t see him. Are her eyes closed? She doesn’t remember shutting them.

“Worthless. How dare you think you’re worth anything?” he growls, causing her to flinch backwards, out of his grip, she knows that growl.

“How dare you?” Alexander yells, seemingly growing another foot as he rounds Lexa’s desk, his hand raised to strike her.

Lexa goes blank. She doesn’t feel anything, doesn’t hear anything. All she thinks about is how weak she is. If she hadn’t flinched, she would be fine. She should’ve listened instead of letting herself zone out. It’s been twenty six years, she should know better by now.

Alexander stands, straightening his tie, looking down at his only child with disgust evident on his face. Lexa lies on the floor, her lip busted and bleeding, bruises forming under her skin, her breathing shallow, most likely due to a broken rib or two.

“Tell your fiancée to document this,” he spits before walking out of the room.

Lexa groans, rolling onto her back, although she doesn’t remember turning to her side, or even leaving the chair.

The door opens again, causing Lexa to flinch, her hand coming down to grab at her chest, where it hurts to breath. Her eyes meet the cold blue of Nia Knight, who’s disgust is evident as she takes in Lexa’s form.

“Your father has granted you $900,000 to find a house. You are to take Miss Griffin with you to find a home, as per her request.” Nia states, leaving a folder on Lex’s desk and walking out without a glance back.

Lexa doesn’t move. She doesn’t think as she closes her eyes, focusing on the pain in her chest as she breathes, managing it.

She doesn’t hear her door open. Doesn’t realize how many hours have passed until Anya is kneeling before her, a wet washcloth gently washing the dried blood off her face. Lexa doesn’t make a noise as she watches Anya take her in.

“Can you stand?” Anya questions.

“Yeah,” Lexa groans, moving to sit up.

Anya holds out her hands, helping Lexa get to her feet, trying to ignore the yelps of pain that fall out of Lexa’s mouth. Lexa cries out, falling into her chair with Anya’s help.

“I have to call Lincoln, I can’t get you out of here by myself,” Anya says.

Lexa lets her tears fall, no longer caring. The tears in Anya’s eyes getting to her.

“Please,” Lexa begs, although neither of them know what she’s begging for.

“So you wanna meet him?” Clarke questions, taking a sip of her coffee, if one can call the sugary mess she has coffee at all.

“Are you really asking if I want to meet your husband?” Octavia questions, raising an eyebrow as she takes a sip of her tea.

“I mean, when you put it like that, it sounds kinda stupid to ask,” Clarke blushes, sliding into a high bar stool.

“Well it is kinda stupid to ask,” Octavia shrugs, sliding into the seat across from Clarke.

“It’s weird to think about Axel like that. I barely know him,” she confesses.

“But you want to get to know him?” Octavia questions, raising her eyebrow suggestively.

Clarke can’t help the pink that coats her features, “maybe.”

Octavia opens her mouth to say something, but her eyes drift over Clarke’s shoulder.

“Oh, hottie?” Clarke questions, playfully kicking Octavia’s shin.

“You know it,” she grins, her eyes meeting the man she’s looking off, flashing him a bigger smile before looking back at Clarke.

“What he look like?” Clarke questions, having seen the whole interactive.

“He’s dark, tall, and handsome. Got a cute little mohawk thing going. Oh my gosh, he’s coming this way.”

Clarke turns, letting herself take in the man as he makes his final steps up to their table. His dark skin is flawless, as is his body.

“Hello. I’m sorry for being so forward, but you are gorgeous. I couldn’t help but notice that you girls are here all alone at eleven o’clock at night. Maybe I could give you my number, just in case you need some protection?” he grins, showing off perfectly white teeth, his eyes never leaving Octavia’s.

Octavia grins, leaning towards him, pushing her chest out a little bit.

“I don’t think we need protection, but I will take your number. Maybe I can find other uses for it,” she flirts, letting her eyes fall to his body.

The sound of a phone ringing cuts them off. He offers a look of apology before he takes out his phone, stepping away as he answers.

Clarke and Octavia don’t mean to eavesdrop, but it’s hard to not listen in when there’s only five people in the coffee shop at all.

“Her dad did what? … Yeah, I’ll be there in a bit… Her fiancée probably mentioned it. Fucking idiot…”

Clarke’s blood runs cold at that comment, causing her to miss the rest of his conversation.

“My apologies, I have to run,” he says as he rushes out of the building, giving Octavia a sad glance over his shoulder.

“Awh, I liked him,” Octavia pouts.

Clarke ignores her, taking out her phone and texting.

“What are you doing babe?” Octavia questions, “Who needs to be text at eleven thirty at night?”

“That guy said something about a fiancée saying something stupid. Maybe I said something stupid to Mr Woods.”

“Um, what are the odds that random guy knows Axel? Plus, that guy said ‘her fiancée’, so don’t worry about it.”

Clarke sighs, putting her phone down, “I mean, I guess you’re right.”

“It’s never good to text someone this late. Just text him tomorrow,” Octavia says.

“I guess you’re right,” Clarke sighs, ignoring the bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Hey ik this is kinda odd, but for some reason im worried about you. Can you maybe text me whenever you get up so ik youre good? I just have a bad feeling

Lexa rereads the text a few times, checking to make sure it came from Clarke. It came from Clarke at exactly 2:42 am, to be exact.

Lexa glances at the clock, knowing at the blonde is most likely asleep at six in the morning, but typing out a reply anyways.

I got mugged last night on my way home. I had to call my friend to help me home, but I made it. Some good news though, I am happy to invite you to go house shopping. We can go whenever you have time and check out houses in the area. I await your response.

Lexa ignores the guilt from lying as she pushes send. It’s better to lie than to let Clarke think she caused pain. She’s allowing Lexa to move out, something she’s wanted for years, she’s pure and better than anything Lexa has had in years.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Good morning,” Lexa greets her wife-to-be, green eyes soaking her in.

Blonde hair spills out of her beanie, her lips are painted a soft pink, and she clutches a cup of coffee in her hands.

“Mornin’, sorry I’m late,” Clarke apologizes, taking a sip of her drink.

“Not sorry enough to grab me a coffee too,” Lexa teases, green eyes sparkling so much they’re almost blue.

“Thought a rich boy like you would have his coffee first thing in the morning,” she teases back.

Lexa tries to ignore her heart drop at that single word,

boy

. Her insides screaming at how utterly wrong it is, but she covers it. Quickly she reaches out, snatching the coffee cup from Clarke’s grasp and pretends to take a sip.

Clarke’s jaw drops, letting out a gasp of shock. Before she can say a word the cup is thrust back into her hands.

“I’m joking, I would never,” Lexa apologizes with a chuckle that turns into a pained grunt, her ribs stabbing her into silence.

“Axe?” Clarke questions, touch Lexa’s forearm, “Are you okay?” she questions.

“Yeah,” Lexa nods, closing her eyes and forcing herself through the pain of breathing, “just some bruises.”

“Axel, did your-”

“April! Good morning!” Lexa cuts off the question, turning to the redhead who just showed up.

“Good morning Mr. Woods, Miss Griffin,” she greets with a grin, ignorant of the conversation she stopped.

“Morning,” Clarke greets politely while shooting Lexa a worried glance.

“Let’s go,” Lexa says, turning and ignoring the look, leading the way into the building.

Clarke reaches out, grabbing her hand tight, causing Lexa to freeze for a second.

“Let’s go,” Clarke echoes, squeezing her hand and offering a small smile.

“You two are adorable, reminds me of my husband,” April gushes, pushing ahead of them both.

“So, how many bedrooms are we looking to have?” April questions.

Lexa looks at Clarke, then to their still joined hands with a small smile.

“Um, I don’t know. Two or three?” Clarke questions, looking at Lexa for approval.

Lexa chuckles at the complete shock on April’s face before gently giving Clarke’s hand a squeeze.

“With your price range, we are looking more into five or six bedrooms, ma’am,” she says, not looking up at the blonde or brunette.

“Oh, wow.” Clarke mumbles, looking down.

“Think wild Clarke, money is no objective. What do you want, in your wildest dreams?” Lexa says, her other hand coming to cover the back of Clarke’s turning so she’s facing Clarke completely.

“I’ll give you two a moment alone,” April mumbles, getting up and leaving the room.

“Wow. I knew you guys were rich, but I honestly didn’t even think about living in such a huge place. Like, my dream is just a really nice apartment.”

“Well, now it’s time to make even wilder dreams. You want a bedroom to be a studio, right?”

Clarke nods.

“So at least three bedrooms. Maybe a nice view for you to paint? We can just drive around and look if you want. I mean, April said she had some places she could show us today if we wanted to look.”

“Is that normal?”

“No, but we aren’t really normal, are we?” Lexa jokes.

Clarke chuckles, “I guess we aren’t.”

“Oh geez,” Clarke whispers, blue eyes scanning the large open area of the house.

“This is on the lower end of the budget, with five bedrooms right now, a possible seven. Four and a half bedrooms. A total of twenty rooms, of which I will let you explore on your own. Once you guys are finished, I’ll meet you outside. It does have a gorgeous pool and such. Have fun.”

“Wow, this is amazing,” Clarke says, looking around.

“I think the floor is ugly, myself,” Lexa says, looking down at the tiled floor.

“I guess, but it’s huge,”  she shrugs, walking into the other room.

“It’s not astounding,” points out, looking at the dining room.

“It is for someone who isn’t rich,” Clarke argues, walking past Lexa, into the living room.

“But we are rich Clarke,” Lexa points out, “besides, the tile is ugly, I will not be living in a house with ugly tile.”

“We can change the tile if it bothers you that much,” she shrugs again walking past Lexa again, to the open kitchen, “holy shit Axel, look at this kitchen.”

“The table is weird, why not have a bar instead?” Lexa wonders aloud, at the small table built into the side of the island.

“They might have had kids, who knows? Are you going to be pointing out the bad parts the whole time?”

“I don’t see us in this house is all,” Lexa states, following Clarke up the stairs.

Clarke rolls her eyes, looking into bedroom after bedroom, not commenting on any of them.

“So what do you think?” Lexa questions as they are walking down the stairs again.

“You don’t like it.”

“I asked what you think of it,” Lexa sighs.

“I like it. A few things I can see changing, but it’s nice,” Clarke confesses, taking Lexa’s hand in hers again.

“It’s okay, I would like to see more too,” Lexa says as they come to their agent.

“Now this looks like a rich person home,” Clarke says as they pull up to the waterfront property.

“That wall looks dangerous,” Lexa points out, the side yard ending in a drop to the rocky coastline.

“We could have them build in a fence if that’s a problem for you,” April points out, “This one is a beautiful five bedroom, six bathroom. Fully handicapped accessibility with an elevator to all floors. The top floor can be a guest floor if needed, as it has its own entrance, kitchen and bathroom. A total of fifteen rooms, a deck, porch and patio. I think you’ll both enjoy this one, even with the retaining wall,” their agent explains.

“Thank you,” Lexa says, walking behind Clarke as she explores the large house.

Lexa just watches as Clarke takes in the house, room after room. A beautiful white fireplace, white kitchen cabinets and a deck overlooking the pool. Lexa bites her bottom lip, leaning against one of the railings, her hand coming to her ribs, pain radiating through her ribs.

“Are you okay?” Clarke questions, blue eyes taking in the brunette.

“I’m good, what do you think of this one?” Lexa questions, standing up with no problem.

“I like this one better. We’ll have to go shopping and fill the empty rooms. The bathtub seems amazing.”

“Sounds like you want it,” Lexa teases.

“Maybe. April said she had one more place to show us though,” Clarke says, looking down from the deck to the lake.

“Okay, let's go find her then.”

“Wow,” Lexa mumbles as they walk into the front room, green eyes taking in the wall of windows, looking straight out to the lake.

“This is a steal, just put on the market yesterday. Five bedrooms, four and a half baths, completely beautiful throughout. There is also a pool house with a bathroom. The yard is fenced in, along with a pool. There is also an intercom throughout the house, along with a first class security system. I really think you two are going to love this one.”

“We’ll take it,” Clarke says.

“Clarke, we haven’t-”

“I want it, put in an offer now,” Clarke cuts her off, already seeing herself painting in the scene before her, the beautiful sky from the windows.

“So, are you hungry?” Lexa questions as they walk out of the building, having put on offer on 13 Arkadia Drive.

“Is that a real question?”

Lexa chuckles, ending in a sharp intake of breath as her ribs remind her of their beating the day before.

“Come on, there’s a pizza place right there,” Clarke suggests, nodding towards the building across the street.

“Okay,” Lexa nods, wanting, no, needing to sit down and breath again.

“You sit, I’ll be right back,” Clarke orders, all but pushing Lexa into one of the chairs near the window, “what type do you want?”

“Cheese is fine, thank you,” she answers, sitting down gently, being careful not to bump herself and cause more pain.

Clarke returns quickly, handing Lexa a slice of plain cheese pizza and a water, already eating her piece which is covered with the typical supreme pizza toppings.

“I just got you a water, if you want something else, I can grab it instead,” she explains, taking a sip of her fountain soda.

“Water is great, thank you,” Lexa says, taking a bite of the pizza.

They eat in relative silence, enjoying the pizza.

“I’m going to use the restroom quickly, I’ll be right back,” Lexa says, standing and heading toward the bathroom.

Clarke pulls out her phone, distracting herself from the busy room around her.

“Hey, watch it!” someone yells, drawing Clarke from her twitter screen to see Lexa get shoved.

Lexa loses her breath as she’s roughly shoved, the offender having pushed on her already bruised ribs, falling to the ground. Before she has time to react the blonde is in motion.

“Who the

fuck

do you think you are?” Clarke questions, rounding on the man, fire in her eyes.

“Clarke, it’s fine,” Lexa says, standing up slowly, turning a hand down her back, hoping to calm her.

“Look, the

bitch

is a bigger man than you,” the stranger taunts, turning towards the counter.

“You fu-” her curse cuts off in surprise as Lexa catches her arm, pulled back and ready to throw a punch.

“He’s not worth it,” Lexa says, her other hand wrapping around her chest, as if she could physically hold in the pain.

“Come on, let’s go back to my place,” Clarke orders, linking their hands.

“Clarke I-”

“Please?”

Lexa sighs, she can’t say no to those blue eyes.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Do you want some water?” Clarke questions, heading towards the kitchen, “or a beer?”

“I’m fine, thank you,” Lexa declines, looking around the small apartment, taking in the simple couch and TV in the small living room.

“Sorry, it’s a mess,” Clarke says, motioning to the sketchbooks and pencils littering the table.

“It feels like an artists home,” Lexa says simply, watching as Clarke takes a seat on the couch.

“Sit down Axe, I promise nothing bites.”

“I really should-”

“Please?”

Those blue eyes work wonders, causing Lexa to sigh and take a seat on the other end of the couch.

“I…” Clarke sighs, looking down into her hands, “I’m not sure how to do this,” she confesses.

“Do what?”

Clarke sighs again, shaking her head.

“Look, Axel,” she starts, running a hand through her hair, blue eyes meeting green, “I can’t pretend, okay? I can’t pretend like you aren’t getting abused-”

“I got mugged last night,” Lexa cuts her off.

“Bullshit.”

Lexa blinks, looking at the blonde. Nobody besides Anya has ever said that to her.

“I,” Clarke pauses, sighing again and looking down, “I thought you promised not to lie to me? What happened to that?”

Lexa sighs, closing her eyes, not able to look into those clear blue ones. Not when they’re filling up with water.

“I said I’d be as honest with you as I could. Not that I wouldn’t lie.”

“God damn it Axel. You’re making it hard not to get mad at you,” Clarke says honestly, “I just want the truth.”

The truth? You want the truth? My father beats me all the fucking time! He’d kill me without a second thought if my mother could have more children. Hell, he’d kill her if I failed him and she couldn’t give him another one. And fail him, I have. My whole existence is a failure. I couldn’t even be born the correct way. I’m not even a fucking man. I bet if he knew I’d be dead. It would’ve been like those girls in China, or wherever that is, (I shouldn’t say china, is that racist?) that kill their female babies in hopes of men. Then I wouldn’t fucking be here. The truth isn’t something you could handle. I wish I was dead. I wish I was never born. I-

A hand running through her hair brings her back into the moment. She can’t breathe. There’s water running down her face, she can’t breathe, and someone is holding her?

“Shh. In and out,” Clarke coaches, running her fingers through the curly brown hair, “in and out,” she mumbles.

Slowly Lexa listens, her breathing evening out. Suddenly pain shoots through her ribs, causing her to flinch out of Clarke’s hold, holding onto her own ribs.

Blue eyes watch as she holds herself, taking deep breaths through the pain. Her face void of the usual mask, pain evident.

“Do you want some aspirin?” Clarke questions gently.

Lexa shakes her head, blue eyes watching as the pain fades away, the mask back into place, as if nothing happened.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened,” Lexa says, green eyes connecting with blue.

“You had a panic attack.”

Lexa nods, pressing her lips together, “Yes. I apologize.”

Clarke sighs, running a hand through her hair.

“I don’t want you to apologize Axel. I want to know what’s going on. I mean,” she sighs, “I don’t believe you got mugged for a second. If you did your father would’ve had people out on it, he wouldn’t let his only son get mugged without saying anything. Plus, I mean, look at you.”

Clarke gestures to the brunette’s body, causing Lexa to look down, then back up with a raised eyebrow, confused.

“I mean, you could totally take somebody on. I mean, I know you don’t like to. I mean, you didn’t at the coffee shop, but I know you wouldn’t just let yourself get beat up... Not by a random stranger, at least.”

Lexa sighs, the last comment hitting exactly where it was supposed to.

“I don’t want to fight Axel. I want to help you. I want you out from his grasps. Living with me in our new house, and maybe even working somewhere else, I mean he said…” Clarke goes silent, her eyes wide as he hands come to cover her mouth.

“Oh my god, Axel. I’m so sorry, I did-”

“It wasn’t you,” Lexa cuts her off, shaking her head.

“I… I went and talked to him and…”

“It’s okay Clarke.”

“Is that why you lied?”

“I didn’t want you to blame yourself,” Lexa answers honestly.

“Even though it was my fault? I went and demanded shit from him, of course he would go take it out on you.”

“It’s not your fault he’s abusive, Clarke. He was long before you came into the picture. Long before I even came into the picture.”

“Run away.”

Lexa laughs at the suggestion, causing Clarke to wince.

“Sorry Klark, but that isn’t an option.”

“Then marry me.”

“I thought that was the plan?”

“No, I mean ASAP. Call the courthouse right now. I want to have more power than he does,” Clarke orders.

Lexa raises an eyebrow, “more power?”

Clarke sighs, closing her eyes, “I want to have the power to fight for you if, god forbid, he beats you to a bloody pulp before we move out.”

Lexa blinks.

Blue eyes connect with green.

“I care about you Axel. So marry me.”

“Okay,” Lexa nods, pulling out her phone and calling the courthouse.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Father,” Lexa questions, walking into his office to find him looking out the window.

“Son,” Alexander says, turning to look at Lexa.

His eyes are cold enough to send a chill down Lexa’s spine. She blinks, swallowing her fear as she glances out the window behind him, resisting the urge to cover her bruised ribs.

“I was talking to Clarke last night and she expressed a wish to get married as soon as possible,” she states, looking back to his cold eyes.

“I don’t see how this concerns me,” Alexander says, sitting down at his desk, “I do not want to hear your problems at work Axel. I’ve taught you this.”

“Of course sir, I wanted to know if I had your blessing to marry her in such a ceremony. It is a business arrangement, so I am unsure if it needs to be public or not. I only wished to consult you before I gave her a definite answer,” Lexa says gently, trying not to anger her father while explaining herself.

“The marriage is business, how it happens, I do not care. Do you have anything else? Anything work related, perhaps?” he questions, looking down at the papers on his desk.

“I do have the quarterly reports that require your signature by next saturday. I gave them to Miss Knight last Monday, and I am unsure if you have seen them yet or not.”

“I have not, I will ask her about them. Is that all?”

“Yes sir,” Lexa bows her head, walking out of the room without a glance back.

“Sir,” Harper greets her.

“Miss McIntyre,” Lexa says calmly, a wave of her hand inviting her to follow into the personal office.

“April Jackson called, the homeowners accepted your offer. She is waiting for you to call so you can sign some final paperwork. I suggested she come here for your five o’clock on Friday, as that is when you are free.”

“Thank you. I will inform Clarke of this,” she says as she takes her phone out, already typing out a message to the blonde.

“First name basis already?” Harper questions, raising an eyebrow as she watches her boss.

“She is going to be my wife. I should call her by her name,” Lexa explains, meeting Harper’s raised brow with one of her own.

“Of course, sir, I am merely pointing out that you enjoy to be formal with everybody. She must be something to have you calling her by her name already.”

“She’s special.”

“That is the first thing you’ve said in years that I truly believe,” Harper chuckles before walking out.

“Rude,” Lexa smile herself as her phone buzzes, an answer from the blonde, “but true,” she admits to herself.

“Anya, are you kidding me?” Lexa whines, sitting on top of the closed toilet, arms crossed in defiance.

“Lincoln wants to go look for his mystery girl. It’s the hottest bar in town,” Anya defends, not looking up as she applies her eye liner.

“Why do I have to go?” Lexa questions, glaring the the blonde.

“To support Lincoln in his quest for love. Plus, it’s your last night as a single lady, live a little,” Anya shrugs, putting down her eyeliner.

“I don’t want to go,” she whines, her bottom lip protruding as she pouts.

“You’re acting as if I care,” Anya says dryly, puckering her lips as she applies a dark red lipstick.

“Fuck you,” Lexa mumbles, standing up to storm out of the bathroom.

“Go find something else to wear.”

Lexa freezes, looking down at her dark green dress shirt and black slacks.

“What’s wrong with this?”

Anya rolls her eyes.

“You look like you’re ready for some business, not some biz-ness,” Lincoln jokes as he walks into the bathroom, “now I gotta pee, can you move?”

“Biz-ness. What is this, 2008?” Anya says, putting her lipstick in the cabinet.

“I think I’m funny,” Lincoln defends, shooing them both out of the bathroom.

“I think you’re both in need of something new,” Lexa says as the door closes behind them.

“Says the one who hasn’t told a joke in years.”

“Fuck off,” Lexa pushes her playfully.

“Asshole,” Anya punches her shoulder.

“Ow!” Lexa yells dramatically, clutching the spot on her shoulder, already feeling the bruise forming.

“Girls, please,” Lincoln jokes, playfully separating them as he comes out of the bathroom.

Lexa can’t stop the smile that spreads across her face at the small comment, her heart feeling warm.

“Go get ready,” Anya orders, pushing Lexa towards her bedroom.

“I am ready! I just wanted to come over and watch some HGTV and eat some-”

“We’re going and finding the love of Lincoln’s life!”

“Hey! I just said she’s cute and I’d like to get to know-”

“Let’s go, dumb saps.”

Lexa and Lincoln both roll their eyes, then share a smile before following Anya out of the apartment.

“Oh my god,” Octavia says, almost dropping her beer.

“What?” Raven questions, looking to the door where Octavia is looking.

“Clarke! Look, it’s him!” Octavia says, pointing to the group of people walking in.

Clarke looks up, her eyes immediately meeting green.

“How do you know?” Clarke questions, not looking away from Lexa.

“What?! How do I know? I’ve been at every bar every night since we saw him at the cafe!” she says, slapping Clarke’s shoulder.

Lexa breaks eye contact, turning to say something to her companions, which breaks Clarke from her trance, finally noticing the much taller, much bigger, black man who is walking with Lexa.

“Oh,” she whispers, looking down, stirring her mixed drink, a blue hawaii.

“What one do you know?” Raven questions, looking at the blonde girl with them.

“That’s Axel,” Clarke whispers, taking a sip of her drink.

“Your husband’s here? And you aren’t introducing us?!” Octavia questions, glancing towards the group, that is now ordering drinks at the bar.

“He hasn’t come and said hi yet,” Clarke defends, glancing at Lexa, taking in her dark green shirt with the sleeves rolled up and black slacks.

“Does he always dress like that?” Raven questions.

“Like what?”

“So, nice?”

“He’s the only son of the CEO of Woods Inc, what do you think?” Clarke chuckles.

“Oh shit, here they come,” Octavia comment, watching as the three walk over to the booth where the girls are sitting.

“Hi,” Octavia grins, standing up, her eyes only on Lincoln.

“Hi. I’m afraid I never got your name before. Or your number,” Lincoln says with a charming smile, taking the offered hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it.

“I’m Octavia. Want to go dance, maybe you’ll earn my number?” she flirts back, ignoring the blush coating her cheeks.

“I would love to,” he says, offering only a nod to his companions as they disappear, fading into the dance floor.

“Great, he wouldn’t shut up about her,” Anya says, sliding into the booth next to Raven, “I’m Anya,” she then looks at Clarke, “You’re going to marry that idiot I guess, so that just leaves…” she turns to Raven, raising an eyebrow, “you.”

“Anya!”

“I’d pick you first anyways,” she smirks, her dark eyes trailing up and down the Latina’s body.

“What a mouth,” Raven grins, letting her eyes wander the blonde’s features, “I think we can find better uses for it.”

“I think we might need to leave the married couple alone,” Anya suggests, earning her a grin.

“Anya!”

“Raven!”

The soon to be married couple watches as their friends leave them alone. Lexa coughs, looking down.

“So uh, these seats taken?” she asks, offering a shy smile.

Clarke can’t help her smirk, rolling her eyes as she watches the brunette sit down across from her.

“So, what brings you here?” Clarke questions, watching as Lexa shuffles awkwardly in the seat.

“I uh, Lincoln wanted to find your friend,” Lexa mumbles, looking down into her cup of scotch, blush coating her cheeks.

“Lincoln? That’s a classy name. Sounds good with Octavia,” Clarke muses.

“It does. They seemed to hit it off. He’s been talking about her for like a week now. I think it’s because of all the coffee he’s been getting from that coffee shop,” Lexa jokes.

Clarke chuckles, “I told her to go back there, but she’s a hopeless romantic. Said that if it’s meant to be they’ll find each other again.”

Lexa chuckles herself, “She sounds perfect for Lincoln.”

“I think they’re cute together,” Raven admits, nodding towards the engaged couple at the table across the dance floor.

“A lot better than those other two,” Anya says, glancing at the two dancing wildly together, Lincoln hunched over and pressing kisses to Octavia’s neck as she dances in front of him.

“I think we should get them drunk,” she suggests.

Anya throws her head back as she laughs, downing the rest of her drink before offering the brunette a wolfish grin.

“I think me and you might hit if off too,” she winks, standing up.

“I think I’d enjoy that,” Raven flirts, downing her own drink and following the blonde.

Clarke laughs, throwing her head back. Lexa grins, letting the sound wrap around her heart.

“This is fun,” Clarke admits, dancing to the upbeat music playing.

“It is,” Lexa agrees with a smile, following Clarke’s lead, their hands intertwined.

“Alright lovebirds, it’s getting close to last call,” Anya says, breaking their moment.

“Awh, come on. We’re just getting started!” Clarke argues, turning towards the other blonde.

“Woah,” Lexa says, grabbing Clarke’s hips to stop her from falling.

“Woah,” Clarke echoes, looking into green eyes, “your eyes are pretty.”

“Come on stud muffin, let’s get you home,” Raven says.

It takes a few more tries to get the engaged couple to stop dancing and grab their coats. The uber ride is filled with the couple trading whispered secrets about their friends, laughing the whole way.

“This isn’t home Anya!” Lexa yells as they walk into Raven and Clarke’s apartment.

“No. You’re going to have a sleepover with Clarke,” Anya soothes.

“Because you wanna sleep with Rae!” Clarke accuses, pointing a finger at the taller blonde.

Anya chuckles at the swaying blonde.

“Come on, let’s go to bed,” Raven suggests, grabbing Clarke’s hand and leading her to her own bedroom.

“This isn’t home,” Lexa mumbles to herself.

“No, sleepover, remember? Come on,” Anya grabs Lexa’s hand, leading her to the other two easily.

Anya raises an eyebrow at Raven, taking in Clarke’s new state of dress. Her pants gone, and her bra.

“It’s how she sleeps,” Raven defends with a shrug.

“Come on, let’s go to bed,” the drunk blonde orders, crawling into her own bed.

“Do you want to get undressed at all?” Anya questions, stepping closer to Lexa and lowering her voice, “You don’t have to, Lexa.”

“I wanna cuddle Clarke,” Lexa answers, heading straight to the bed without another glance at her friend.

Raven laughs as Lexa falls into bed, cuddling close to the blonde, both with grins on their faces.

“Let’s go,” Anya orders, turning on her heal and exiting the room.

“Bossy. You bossy in bed too?” Raven questions, following.

“Guess you’re going to find out, aren’t you?” Anya grins over her shoulder as they exit the apartment.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Lexa groans, swallowing the spit in her mouth before digging deeper into the warmth in her arms. She sighs, her hand gently squeezing the softness in it. Attempting to ignore the pounding behind her eyes, she pulls the warmth closer and falls back into the darkness of sleep.

Clarke whines, her head pounding as she stretches. Tensing, she cracks an eye open, looking down at the hand groping her breast, feeling a body behind her. It takes a moment before she remembers what happened last night, flashes of Lexa and her drinking and dancing before being put to bed by Raven and Anya.

She sinks into the warm embrace, feeling the body of the one she’s going to marry behind her. A hand cups her bra-less breast through the oversized tee-shirt she has on. She’s wearing some boxers, and she can feel an extra appendage from the body behind her on her ass even through the pants the brunette wears. Biting her bottom lip, she takes a risk, gently covering Lexa’s hand with her own. She weaves her fingers through Lexa’s, gently cupping her breast. It’s not sexual in any way, just a nice extra warmth. Slowly Clarke drifts back into the darkness.

Lexa jumps awake, the ringing of a phone causing her head to pound.

“Shut it off!” Clarke whines, also waking up due to the noise, her head coming to her own pounding head.

Lexa can’t help her grin at how cute the blonde is, bedhead and whines first thing in the morning. She looks for the noise, zeroing in on Clarke’s jeans, discarded on the bedroom floor.

“It’s from your phone,” Lexa says, nudging the blonde who seems to be burrowing back into the blankets.

“I don’t give a fuck,” she states, pulling the blanket over her head.

Lexa chuckles as she moves from the bed, surprised that the room only spins for a second before going to normal. She makes her way to the discarded jeans, easily finding the phone, still ringing. Without thinking, she answers it.

“Hello, Clarke’s phone,” she states politely, her office voice firmly in place.

“Axel?” Abby questions from the other end.

Lexa winces, walking to Clarke, still buried in the blankets.

“It’s your mother,” she says, thrusting the phone into Clarke’s hand.

“Mom?” Clarke groans.

“Was that Axel?” Abby questions, earning an even louder groan from the blonde, causing Lexa to chuckle.

“Shut up,” she directs at the brunette.

“Yes,” she answers her mother, sitting up and running a hand through her hair, “Our so called friends got us drunk and then dumped us here.”

“Are you home?”

“Yeah,” she answers before looking at Lexa, answering mouthed question, “first door on the left.”

A knock on the front door startles the blonde, an echo of the noise on the phone in her ear.

“Mom,” Clarke groans, rolling out of bed, stumbling her way to the door and letting her mother in.

“Think of this as payback for only telling me last night that you’re getting married today,” Abby states, shoving a coffee into the blonde’s hand as she walks past her, taking a seat on the couch, “Go get ready, we’re going to get you ready for your wedding.”

“It’s a courthouse wedding Mom,” Clarke argues, but heads back to her bedroom, almost running into Lexa coming out of the bathroom.

“Hi,” Lexa offers, reaching out the steady the blonde.

“Hi. Sorry, my mom is here.”

Green eyes widen slightly, looking over Clarke’s shoulder to see Abby’s silhouette sitting on the couch.

“She said she’s going to take me out to get ready for the wedding,” Clarke explains.

Lexa nods, pressing her lips together, “Yes. I should go and get ready too.”

Clarke nods, “I’ll see you later then.”

Lexa nods once, heading towards the door.

“Good morning Mrs Griffin,” Lexa greets.

“Good morning Axel. I’ll see you later. I’m planning on taking everybody out to dinner after the wedding, if that’s alright with you.”

“Sounds perfect.”

Lexa sighs as she stares at her reflection in the mirror. She looks like someone straight from a marriage photo shoot. Her hair slicked back, her hair deciding the do what she wants for once, not a single curl showing. The suit is classic, black and white with a black tie, as she’s unsure of what color Clarke will be wearing.

“Axel,” her mother whispers, standing in the doorway.

Green eyes meet brown that are misty with unshed tears.

“It’s a surprise my hair is laying down,” Lexa states, ignoring the tears and looking back at her reflection.

“Darling you look perfect,” Dana says, walking into the room.

“Thank you, mother,” Lexa states coldly as Dana’s hand comes to her shoulder as she too looks at Lexa’s reflection.

Dana walks in front of Lexa, her hands on Lexa’s shoulders. Lexa watches closely as her mother studies her. A hand tenderly cups her cheek, a warmth Lexa hasn’t felt in years from her mother.

“You’re going to be a wonderful husband, Axel,” Dana whispers, tears in her eyes.

Lexa swallows, unsure of what to say. She stiffens as Dana pulls her into a tight hug.

“Promise you won’t end up like your father Axel. That you’ll be good to your new wife,” she whispers into Lexa’s ear, sniffling as a few tears fall.

“Of course mom,” Lexa whispers back, finally giving in to the hug, wrapping her arms tightly around the smaller woman.

Lexa pulls back when Dana stiffens at the embrace, a gasp of pain having escaped, the puff directly into Lexa’s ear, sending a chill down her spine.

“Mom, are you okay?” Lexa questions, really looking at the woman in front of her.

Her makeup is thicker than normal, no doubt hiding bruises. She’s smaller too, her clothes, normally tight and border on MILF level tight, hang off slightly.

Dana forces a smile, glancing at the corner of the room, telling Lexa all she needs to know as she lies, slightly louder than needed, “Of course, darling. I’m just happy.”

Lexa nods, pulling Dana closer again, careful not to press hard.

“You know I love you, right?” Dana whispers again, looking into green eyes.

Lexa nods, tears filling her own eyes. She could on one hand how many times her mom had admitted to that since she became a teenager.

“I love you too,” Lexa admits, tucking her head into her mother’s neck, “I’m sorry I’m leaving you,” she admits.

Dana lets out a wet laugh, “You’ll be perfect, my love,” she presses a gentle kiss to Lexa’s forehead.

“Do you,” Lexa pulls away, looking into warm brown eyes, “want to come?”

Dana shakes her head, “No darling. I just wanted to see you before you left.”

Lexa sighs but nods, understanding.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Lexa swallows, looking down at her Rolex once again.

“She’s just running behind, I’m sorry,” she apologizes to the court official who grunts in response.

The door bursts open, Clarke rushing in with her mother, Raven, and Octavia in on her heels.

“I’m so sorry,” she apologizes, rushing to Lexa’s side.

“It’s okay,” Lexa offers a warm smile, the tension leaving her body as she takes in her wife, her hair pulled back into a messy bun and wearing black pants paired with a red dress shirt, “you look beautiful,” she compliments.

“Weak,” Anya whispers, lightly shoving the brunette, earning a laugh.

“Are you ready?” the official snaps, the book open.

“Yes, sorry,” Clarke says, grabbing Lexa’s hand.

They share a small smile.

“This is wonderful Abby, thank you,” Lexa says, sitting back down with her plate full of food from the buffet.

“Well it’s no five-star meal, but I figured it would do,” Abby says, taking a sip of her drink.

“Thanks, Mama G,” Raven says as she sits, winking at the older woman, “I’ll come by later to pay for it.”

Clarke groans as Abby blushes, gently swatting at the younger girl.

“Stop it!” she laughs with red cheeks as she takes her seat.

Lexa glances at Anya, raising an eyebrow in question at the interaction. Anya offers a simple shrug as she takes Raven’s hand in hers. Raven laughs, leaning in and whispering something to Anya, causing her to blush.

“So,” Abby starts, looking around at the group of young people around the table, taking in how they have all paired off, “how is everybody doing? I haven’t heard anything about you two,” she muses, referring to Anya and Lincoln.

“I’m Lincoln Elmwood, L-Axel’s best friend, and best man. I apologize for not properly introducing myself before,” Lincoln says, standing and taking Abby’s hand, kissing the back of it.

Raven fakes a gag as Octavia watches with heart eyes.

“Elmwood? Sounds very familiar,” Abby questions as she takes the man in, ignoring the blush on her own cheeks.

“It’s a fairly common surname, I’m afraid,” Lincoln answers, sitting back down and looking at his cousin, speaking without words.

She rolls her eyes before turning towards the older woman.

“I’m Anya Rue. I’m Lincoln’s cousin,” she states, not making a move to offer her hand.

“Anya,” Lexa glares at the older woman, earning an eye roll.

“No, it’s fine dear,” Abby says, offering Lexa a smile, “I’m just glad to meet some of the people Axel chooses to have in his life.”

Lexa blushes, looking down at her plate of food.

“Mom,” Clarke scolds.

“Besides, it seems as though both of you have made impressions on my bonus daughters,” she says, taking in the way Octavia is sitting as close to Lincoln as she can without sitting in his lap and how Raven and Anya’s hands are clasped, under the table of course.

Raven blushes, looking away. Octavia giggles, leaning into Lincoln’s personal space and grinning at Abby.

“Well I can’t speak for Anya, but I know this one has made quite an impression on me too,” Lincoln grins, looking down at Octavia.

“I’m going to puke,” Anya states.

“No, me first. You’ve gotta hold my hair,” Raven jokes, earning her a light punch on the shoulder.

“Let’s eat,” Clarke pleads, digging into her pasta.

Abby opens her mouth to say something, most likely to scold her adult daughter, but Lexa’s phone ringing cuts her off.

“My apologies,” she says, pulling it out and looking at it, she offers an apologetic look as she says “It’s my father, I’ll be right back.”

“It’s okay,” Clarke whispers as Lexa stands, walking outside to take the call.

“Alright, I want the truth,” Abby states, sitting up and offering a glare to Lincoln and Anya both, causing everybody at the table to sober up.

“You both know about Alexander, yes?” she questions, raising an eyebrow, daring them to lie.

Lincoln swallows, sitting up in his seat straighter. Anya sighs, rubbing her temple.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Abby states.

“
Stop
,” Anya says, leaning towards the smaller woman, eyes dark, “I know you’re trying to be a hero, but stop. Alexander isn’t someone to be played with. You’ll only end up hurting your daughter in the end if you try whatever the
fuck
this plan is. If there was a way out, I would’ve gotten Axel out by now. So put that fake smile back on, here he comes.”

Abby gapes at the blonde, everybody’s eyes on her and her outburst.

“Clarke,” Lexa whispers, oblivious to the tension at the table.

“Yes?” Clarke questions, turning to the brunette.

“I have to go to work. I’m sorry to dine and dash, I’ll call you tomorrow?”

“Sounds perfect,” Clarke nods, standing and pulling her into a light hug.

“I’ll come too. I’ve got some stuff to catch up on,” Anya says, following Lexa out of the restaurant, ignoring the pained look of rejection on the Latina’s face as she leaves.

“What happened?” Lexa questions as they get into a taxi.

“Nothing.”

“You’re lying.”

“Yes.”

Lexa sighs, but leans back into the car seat.

“You still like Raven?” she questions.

Anya shrugs.

“You should go for it.”

Anya’s eyebrow raises in question.

“I think you two look good together, even if it causes trouble.”

Anya doesn’t say a word, looking out the window. The ride is silent the rest of the way.

“Thank you,” she whispers as they get out of the taxi, her phone already in hand to call the brunette.

“I’ll call you tonight. You can tell me what happened when I left,” Lexa says.

Anya sighs but nods anyway.

“There’s a stack of paperwork on your desk, your father said it needed to be done tonight,” Harper states as Lexa walks in.

“A stack?” Lexa questions, waving her hand, directing Harper to follow her.

“Enough for a month, no doubt,” Harper says as she follows, pointing out the large stack in the middle of Lexa’s desk.

“Oh fuck me,” Lexa groans, throwing herself into her chair.

“Sorry sir, you’re not my type,” Harper says, earning a laugh from the brunette.

“Not to mention your girlfriend, of course,” Lexa jokes, pulling her reading glasses on.

“Fiancée,” Harper corrects.

Lexa’s eyebrows raise, “Really?”

Harper grins, presenting her hand to her boss, “She asked last night, our anniversary dinner.”

Lexa grins, taking in the simple diamond ring, “It’s beautiful. I’m happy for you two.”

“Thank you. Congratulations to you too, how does it feel to be a married man?”

“About the same,” she answers honestly, looking down at the stack of papers, “I’m sorry, but I really should get started on these.”

“Of course sir. I’ll take a few too if you want?”

“Please and thank you,” Lexa laughs easily, giving Harper a few of the folders.

“Axel.”

The deep voice snaps Lexa from her concentration, looking up to find her father standing in her doorway.

“Yes sir?” she questions, taking off her glasses to meet his eyes.

“You got married at the courthouse today,” he states, glaring at her.

“Yes sir, I did,” she answers, keeping her face free from the confusion she feels.

“You had no press there to take photos, did you?” he questions, looking at her like she’s stupid.

“No, sir. You didn’t-”

He growls, cutting off whatever she was about to say as he comes closer, her going silent instead.

“I didn’t because you should know. Your marriage is for the company. Of course, you needed to make it public, you stupid child. You never use that brain, do you?” he questions.

“No, sir. I’m sorry sir,” Lexa answers, looking down to his chest.

“At least you admit to it,” he says, roughly patting her cheek.

“You two will leave for your honeymoon tomorrow. There will be tons of paparazzi in Hawaii to catch you two all over the islands. I expect you to turn on the charm.”

Lexa nods, “Of course sir. I’ll have to ask Clarke if she can leave tomorrow though. She may have plans.”

Alexander waves his hand dismissively, “Nonsense, her job is to be your wife.”

Lexa swallows but nods in agreement to appease the man before him.

“You can leave your unfinished work for your assistant. Miss Knight will pick it up in the morning,” he says, walking to the door.

“Yes sir,” she nods again.

He stops at the door, turning to look at his only child.

“Axel. You will not make this one a fag. If you do…” he trails off, shaking his head before meeting Lexa’s eyes again, “Do not fuck this up, Axel.”

Lexa nods, ignoring the chill that his eyes cause.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Clarke,” Lexa greets.

“Axel, hi. What’s up?” Clarke questions, breathless.

Lexa ignores the blush coating her cheeks, due to the breathy tone on the blonde, imagines flashing in her mind of the blonde doing

things.

“I uh,” she coughs, clearing her throat, “I wanted to let you know that father bought us a honeymoon to Hawaii.”

Clarke’s hums, her hand continuing its movement under her panties as she pictures her spouse. The cute tiny ears, the dark green eyes that shine with danger, muscles that are always hidden away.

“He expects us to leave tomorrow,” Lexa continues with a wince.

“Tomorrow?” Clarke questions, hand ripping out of her panties, “Tomorrow as in, Thursday tomorrow?”

Lexa winces, “Yeah.”

Clarke groans, standing up and looking around her room, “I’m expected to be ready by tomorrow?”

Lexa sighs, pinching her nose, “I wouldn’t ask you to do such a thing unless it was expected of me,” she admits.

Clarke sighs, “Your father told you to?” she questions.

“I’m sorry Clarke. I would’ve given you more notice if I had known,” Lexa apologizes.

“It’s fine. What time do we leave?” she questions, pulling her suitcase out of her closet.

“Plane leaves at ten in the morning. We should arrive before nine, if possible.”

Clarke nods, “Yeah okay. I’ll be there.”

“I was wondering if perhaps, you would head to Anya’s apartment. She is willing to drive us to the airport, and she has a good parking deck,” Lexa explains.

“Okay, sounds good,” Clarke says, looking around at her clothes.

“I will see you then. Goodnight Clarke.”

“Goodnight Axel.”

Clarke sighs, throwing her phone on the bed and taking in the mess of her room.

“Raven?” she calls, heading to the living room.

“What’s up, babe?” Raven questions from her spot on the couch, laying on her back, her feet thrown over the arm, and her head hanging off the side.

Stop doing that, you’re going to have a stroke,” Clarke chides, “I’ve gotta pack for my honeymoon. We leave tomorrow.”

“Are you for real?” she questions, rolling off the couch and on the floor, looking up at the blonde on her knees.

“Serious as Black,” Clarke jokes, watching as her friend stands.

“Oh my god, I’ve gotta call O,” Raven says, getting up and grabbing her phone from the charger by the wall, her fingers flying across the screen.

“Why?” Clarke questions again, rolling her eyes as Raven ignores her.

Raven continues pacing and texting until there’s a knock on the door.

“Really?” Clarke questions, not moving from her spot as Raven rushes to the door.

“Oh my god, I can hardly believe it. It’s such last minute,” Octavia says as she enters the room, dressed in a too-big tee shirt and leggings.

“Did I interrupt something?” Raven questions, looking at Octavia’s state of dress.

“I was with Lincoln. I lost my shirt, so he gave me his,” she shrugs, “Anyways, come on,” she grabs Raven and Clarke’s hands, pulling them to Clarke’s bedroom.

“Oh no, you two are not-”

Octavia ignores her, throwing the suitcase on the bed and opening it.

“Where are you going?” she questions, looking at the blonde.

“Hawaii.”

Octavia grins, looking at Raven, “Rae, you find that blue bikini. I’ll pick out her underwear.”

“I am more than capable of packing for a weekend trip,” Clarke says, sitting down on her bed and letting them rummage through her dresser regardless.

“It’s not a two-day trip Clarke, it’s your honeymoon,” Raven corrects, “Found it!” she yells, pulling out the top of the bikini in triumph.

“Need the bottoms too,” Octavia orders, throwing a pair of black lace panties towards the suitcase over her shoulder.

“Oh my god, we’re not going to have sex,” Clarke groans.

Raven smirks, “Wanna tell me that wasn’t what you were in here masturbating about before your hubby called?”

Clarke pales, but continues denying it, “I highly doubt we’ll have sex. Axel is-”

“Different, yeah I know. But didn’t you make a deal with his father?” Octavia questions.

“Well,” Clarke shrugs, “I mean-”

“It doesn’t matter, you’re going to Hawaii, you’ve gotta dress your best the whole time. You’re a Woods now,” Raven says, going back to digging through the drawer.

“I actually kept my last name,” Clarke confesses.

Octavia raises an eyebrow, “And daddy Woods was okay with that?”

Raven fakes throwing up, “Don’t call him that, gross.”

Clarke shrugs, “I don’t think he’ll even notice to be completely honest.”

“Here’s to hoping. Now let’s find that real slutty dress.”

“So,” Lincoln grins, sitting down next to Lexa.

“So what?” Lexa questions, checking the time on her Rolex again.

“So you’re going on a honeymoon,” he says, raising his eyebrows twice.

Lexa blushes, looking down, “it’s-”

“Sharing a bed, being newlyweds, something is bound to happen,” Lincoln continues.

“We’re not sharing a bed,” Lexa mumbles, blush coating her cheeks.

Lincoln chuckles, “I doubt the honeymoon suite comes with two beds.”

Lexa pales, her throat suddenly dry at the thought.

“I hope you have fun,” he laughs, pulling Lexa’s beanie down before bolting from the room.

“Dick!” she yells after him, fixing her beanie quickly, glancing down at her watch yet again.

“We won’t be late,” Anya says, walking in from the bathroom.

“I know, I’m worried-”

“About Clarke?” she teases, “Raven is coming over here with her right now, so you can drive yourself to the airport.”

“What? I came over here so my car won’t be sitting in the parking-”

“I’m kidding, calm down. Raven and I are driving. Well, Raven is not driving, but I wanted her to be there for the ride back-”

“Don’t have sex in my car.”

“Technically, it isn’t your car. It’s for the company,” Anya points out.

Lexa sighs, biting her bottom lip.

“Hey, Anya?” Lexa questions quietly, shifting awkwardly on the couch.

“Something wrong?” Anya questions, sitting down next to the younger woman.

“I just… You haven’t told Raven, have you? I know you’ve been with her a lot and I-”

“Lexa,” Anya whispers, grabbing her chin, forcing their eyes to meet.

“I will never tell anybody unless you okay it. I will not out you, ever, okay? I love you, and I will do my best to always protect you, okay?”

Lexa sniffles, wiping the tear in her eyes away, “I know. I just… I don’t know. I’m so worried she’s going to find out and I-”

“Who? Clarke?”

“Yeah…”

“Maybe you should tell her yourself hun,” Anya whispers.

“I-” a knock on the door interrupts whatever she was about to say, causing Anya to press a quick kiss to Lexa’s forehead before rushing to get the door.

“Hi,” Anya greets, pulling Raven in by her hips for a quick kiss, then flashing Clarke a smile, “hello.”

“Hi,” Clarke smiles politely as Raven pulls Anya in for another kiss, seemly touch starved.

“Hey,” Lexa greets, her eyes taking in Clarke’s simple outfit, a blue shirt with ‘Y’allsome’ in red letters across her chest, torn up light blue jeans, and a pair of white headphones around her neck, “you look great,” she compliments.

“Thank you. You look nice too,” Clarke says, taking in the simple white tee shirt, flannel, and black jeans, topped off with a beanie and glasses hanging from her collar.

“Plane rides aren’t so good for my usual attire,” Lexa shrugs explains, her pushing her hands into her pockets.

“Alright lovebirds, let’s go,” Anya orders.

“Says the one who was just sucking face,” Clarke says, easily dishing it right back out.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“So should we act all lovey-dovey?” Clarke questions as they pull into the parking lot of the airport.

“I don’t think the press will be here to see us go off, I think he tipped them off for our return,” Lexa explains.

“You can never be too careful though, you probably should act like you like each other just in case,” Anya says, causing Raven to snicker.

“You make it sound like we hate each other,” Clarke rolls her eyes, grabbing Lexa’s hand as they pull up to the door, Lexa shifting to get out.

“Be safe, use a condom,” Raven yells with a laugh as Clarke gets out, earning her a glare.

Lexa quickly grabs the suitcases out of the back, handing Clarke’s to her. Clarke holds out her other hand, doing a ‘give me’ motion when Lexa doesn’t take it.

“Sorry,” Lexa whispers, taking Clarke’s hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it.

Clarke can’t help her blush, smiling as their fingers weave together, walking into the airport together.

“Are you okay?” Lexa questions, looking up from her book, green eyes taking in her wife.

“I’m fine,” Clarke says, her grip on the seat, knuckles white, contradicting her statement.

“You’re afraid of flying?” Lexa questions gently, having noticed the small difference in Clarke’s movements in the past twenty minutes but having chalked it up to them holding hands.

“I always feel much closer to death flying, than anything else in life,” Clarke says truthfully, “hell, I’d rather be watching my mother in the ER.”

“I’m sorry. If I would’ve known we could’ve-”

“It’s fine Axel,” Clarke cuts her off, “I mean-” the sudden jolt of the plane causes her to freeze, her face going white.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Lexa whispers, her hand easily covers Clarkes, clutching the armrest between them, “hey, look at me?”

Blue eyes wide in obvious fear meet calm green.

“It’s just me and you, okay? We’re safe, right here, okay? I won’t let anything hurt you,” Lexa mumbles, her forehead touching Clarke’s, her voice soft as her fingers run over the back of Clarke’s hand.

“Axel-”

“Shh, just look at me,” Lexa shushes her response, “close your eyes and listen to my voice, okay?”

Clarke bites her bottom lip, ready to protest, but a slight squeeze to her hand has her giving in, her eyes falling shut.

“We’re going to be safe. You’re going to be safe for the rest of your life. I’ll make sure of that, I promise. I’m going to take care of you, for the rest of my life, even if we don’t stay married, I promise you, right now, I’ll protect you from the world. Nothing, airplanes, people, assholes, cars, nothing will ever get to you again. As my wife, I promise to cherish you, to respect you.”

“Axel,” she gasps as the plane starts rolling.

“I know. That’s us moving. We’re trying to keep going forward, even though this is new, we’re going to keep going forward until-”

Clarke tenses as the plane leaves the ground.

“Until we start flying Clarke,” Lexa whispers, sighing as she takes in her wife’s face, her beautiful face.

The plane levels out, and the tension leaves Clarke’s body, her eyes fluttering open, blue meeting green.

“Thank you,” Clarke whispers, their faces inches apart.

“That’s what spouses are for, right?” Lexa questions, leaning back, blush coating her features as she remembers everything she just whispered.

Clarke sighs, noticing a girl across the aisle filming them, her phone pointed at them, obviously having gotten pictures of Lexa comforting her. The girl has the decency to blush, mouthing an apology at getting caught, putting her camera away.

“I’m sorry you’ll have to get used to them,” Lexa whispers, having felt the eyes on her, without having to look.

“Anyways, thank you,” Clarke says, turning her hand upside down to lace her fingers in Lexa’s.

Lexa blushes but says nothing as she looks back down at the forgotten book in her lap, opening it with her one hand. She can’t find it in herself to be annoyed at having to use only one hand, completely content with Clarke taking hold of her right.

“Welcome to Maui Mr. Woods, please follow me to your room. Your suite is separated by a key on a private floor of the Resort and serviced by a dedicated concierge team and staff, our top-level Club Floor provides complete privacy. Only guests staying in rooms and suites on this floor can enter the Club Floor Lounge. We do extensive research on each guest to ensure there will be no paparazzi or any sort of conflict between guests. Everybody here has to sign a clause, stating you will not film or harass any of the other guests unless you have their permission of course. I’m sure you’ll want to take a few pictures of your beautiful wife, of course. You also have a personal assistant assigned to your room, if you want to explore the island or need anything, just push the number 1 on your phone, and they will be there to help or do anything you want to. We like to remind our American guests that we do not need to be tipped. If you need anything else, please let me know,” the dapper dressed man says, obviously the speech practiced and said with ease.

“Thank you,” Lexa says, “I think we have all we need.”

“Number one on the phone to call your assistant,” he reminds, gesturing towards the door for them to go through, before turning on his heel and walking away.

Clarke is the first to push the door open, her mouth dropping open at the expansive suite before her. A private pool, a jacuzzi, a California King size bed, three couches and chairs, two large flat-screen TVs, a whole kitchen, with a full-size stove and fridge, and a door leading to a bathroom that is sure to impress anybody.

“Holy shit,” she remarks, looking around with wide eyes.

“This must have cost a fortune, to import all of these to the island,” Lexa comments, heading to the bed, their suitcases sitting at the end of the bed.

“Does anything impress you?” Clarke questions, watching as Lexa only gives the room another glance.

“The underwater suite in Fiji impressed me a bit. I’d like to go back there. Hawaii isn’t my favorite,” Lexa shrugs as she starts putting her clothes in the dresser.

“Oh my god, you’re such a snob,” Clarke states, heading to her own suitcase.

“I’m not a snob, I’m just not impressed at unnecessary displaces of wealth,” she defends.

“Half of the time I see you, you’re wearing a Rolex,” Clarke points out, giving a pointed look at the watch on Lexa’s wrist.

“That’s-”

“Unnecessarily costly,” Clarke points out, her smirk daring Lexa to argue.

Lexa rolls her eyes, mumbling to herself.

“What was that?” Clarke questions, suddenly right next to Lexa.

“Uh, nothing,” Lexa flushes, stepping away from Clarke.

Clarke chuckles, going back to her own suitcase.

“Anyways, do we have plans?”

“Uh, no? Should I have made plans?”

Clarke smiles at Lexa’s confused look, a warmth in her chest as she chuckles.

“No, I can make them for us instead,” she says, pulling out her phone, “have you done anything fun here before?”

“I biked. I didn’t really bring clothes to bike though,” Lexa says, looking at her collection of the typical ‘Hawaiian shirt’ and shorts, all matching colors.

“I didn’t either. You brought trunks though, right?” Clarke questions, eyeing the pool just through some glass doors.

“I don’t swim,” Lexa states.

“What? You don’t know how-”

“I know how, I just don’t,” Lexa cuts her off.

Clarke raises an eyebrow at the tone of Lexa’s voice, slightly confused, “oh-kay?”

“Sorry,” Lexa apologizes, “I just don’t feel comfortable swimming.”

Clarke’s eyebrows furrow, her eyes taking in Lexa’s body.

“You don’t feel comfortable?” she questions.

Lexa crosses her arms, her body seeming to shrink, “I just…” she mumbles, looking to the ground as she sits down.

“Axel, you know you’re attractive don’t you? I mean, all I’ve never seen you naked, but from what I can see, you’re fucking hot. So many girls would jump at the chance to see you without a shirt on, I mean, you’re ripped,” Clarke says, sitting down next to her on the bed.

Lexa blushes at the compliments, her hand scratching the back of her neck, “yeah…” she mumbles.

“But if you don’t feel comfortable, that doesn’t matter,” Clarke says with a shrug, “I mean, we don’t have to go swimming, it’s whatever.”

“No, you can still go swimming,” Lexa says, “just because I don’t swim, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.”

“It’ll look weird if it’s just me swimming,” Clarke points out.

Lexa sighs, biting her bottom lip, “I guess you could be worth getting my feet wet for? I could just hang out on the side if you feel odd swimming alone,” she offers.

Clarke smiles, “you’d do that for me?”

“Of course,” Lexa says, “I’ll do whatever you want me to.”

“You’re so sweet Axel,” Clarke grins, looking back down at her phone, “now anyway, we’ve gotta go to a luau, of course.”

“They’re pretty cool. Costia-” Lexa cuts herself off.

“You were here with Costia?” Clarke questions, surprised.

“Well, not Maui. Oahu, we visited the USS Arizona memorial and went to a luau. I liked the memorial, she liked the luau,” Lexa says.

“Do you miss her?” Clarke questions softly.

“I mean, I miss my friend,” Lexa shrugs, “do you miss your ex?”

Clarke chuckles, thinking back to the floppy-haired boy, “I miss the sex, even though he was shit at it,” she replied honestly.

Lexa goes red, blush coating her features immediately.

“Even your ears turn red Axel,” she chuckles, her hand absentmindedly coming up to touch them.

Lexa freezes at the touch, her whole body stopping, the only thing she can feel is her heart, beating a mile a minute.

“Sorry,” Clarke whispers, removing her hand.

“Is’kay,” Lexa whispers, turning her head, their eyes connecting.

“You know,” Clarke whispers, her hand coming up and gently cupping Lexa’s jaw, “I’m one of those women.”

It takes Lexa’s brain a few moments to realize what she’s saying. “

So many girls would jump at the chance to see you without a shirt on...”

Her jaw falls open as she turns another shade darker.

“Anyways,” Clarke grins, pulling away and looking back at her phone, “I’d also like to see if we can make it to an island art party. This site says there’s a place here that’ll let you paint, and I didn’t bring like anything with me. Something I already regret. It also says that there’s a Pearl Harbor tour? You said you liked the USS Arizona memorial, so maybe they’d take us over there. If not, we can just hang out at the beach or something. I plan on getting a tan.”

“Okay,” Lexa says, her stomach rumbles.

“I’m guessing we need to go get some food first, let’s go explore,” Clarke says, grabbing Lexa’s hand and pulling her to the door.

“Clarke, I’ve gotta-”

“You’re hungry, I’m hungry, let’s go.”

“We need the cards to the room first,” Lexa defends, pointing to the welcome book on the coffee table, an envelope sticking out, where their key cards most likely are.

“Oh.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“What is panko mahi-mahi?” Clarke questions, reading the sign on the food truck.“Breaded fish with spices. Chicken katsu is basically the same, only with chicken,” Lexa explains, pointing to the dish being handed out to somebody in line in front of them.“What are you getting?”“Seared ahi. I also think I’ll grab some calamari, I believe you’d enjoy it.”“Already ordering for me?” Clarke jokes, flashing a smile with a giggle.“No,” Lexa rolls her eyes, easily returning the smile, “I’m adding to your order. If I had to order for you, I’d go for the all American pulled pork.”“Who in the world goes to Hawaii and orders pulled pork? I want some coconut shrimp, duh.”“Oh yeah, I forgot you were a typical tourist,” Lexa chuckles.“Says the one who only packed Hawaiian shirts for the whole weekend,” Clarke grins, walking to the front of the truck to give her order.“That doesn’t look safe to eat,” Clarke comments as Lexa sits down next to her on the couch, back in their hotel room with their food.“It’s perfectly safe to eat Clarke, it’s like steak tartare or carpaccio.”“I don’t think that meat should be that color red Axel. It needs to be cooked. Are you sure they know what they’re doing?” “Clarke, if it wasn’t safe they wouldn’t be selling it. Have you tried your calamari yet?” Clarke rolls her eyes, ignoring the question in favor of digging into her plate of food in front of her, ignoring the calamari sitting on the coffee table in front of her. The moment she bites into the shrimp, the first layer gives way and juices flood her mouth. She can’t help the moan that escapes as she chews it, thoroughly enjoying her food with no notice to anything or anybody else. Lexa hears Clarke’s throaty moan, her own food halfway to her mouth freezing at the sound. “Axel, you didn’t tell me this was fucking orgasmic,” Clarke says, picking another piece up, releasing another moan.“I… Uh,” Lexa fumbles, her eyes on the blonde, her mouth suddenly too dry to speak.Clarke looks over at her, blue eyes connecting with green.“Sorry,” Lexa mumbles, looking down quickly, heat rushing to her face.Clarke smirks, watching Lexa quickly stuff food into her mouth.“How’s your food, babe?” she questions.Lexa goes stiff at the pet name, almost choking on the food she just piled into her mouth. Picking up a napkin and covering her mouth, she coughs out “what?”“I asked how your food was,” Clarke chuckles, finding Lexa’s panic adorable.“It’s great. Awesome, good. I’m glad you like it.”“Wanna split the calamari with me?” she questions, scooting closer to Lexa and reaching out to the table to swap her plate with the one of calamari.“I don’t-”“Come on, I’m not going to eat all of it. You recommended it,” Clarke argues, using the fork to tear off a bite.“I guess,” Lexa gives in, setting her own plate down and grabbing another fork.“No,” Clarke mumbles, causing Lexa to look at her, “here,” she moves the end of the fork towards Lexa’s mouth.“I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to feed you, not the other way around,” Lexa comments, not opening her mouth.“Pretty sure you’re supposed to be in love with your wife before you marry her too, but we do things a little differently,” Clarke shrugs, moving the fork closer to Lexa.Lexa grabs Clarke’s hand holding the fork, moving it down and making their eyes connect, “I married you for my father, but if you ever doubt your want for our marriage Clarke, we can end it like nothing. I mean-”“Axel, I was joking. Let me feed you, you clueless doof,” Clarke chuckles.Lexa can feel her cheeks turning red at the comment, but opens her mouth for Clarke to feed her anyways. She chews slowly and carefully, not wanting to make a fool of herself. “It’s really good,” she comments.“What, you don’t want to feed me?” Clarke asks, pretending to be offended.Lexa shakes her head, smiling at Clarke’s tone.“I’m so stuffed,” Clarke says, plopping down on the couch next to Lexa.“I told you not to finish it. We have a fridge for leftovers,” Lexa says, not looking up from her book.“I could just fall asleep now.”“Take the bed, I’ll take the couch.”“It’s not late yet,” Clarke whines, “and you’re sleeping in the bed with me, doofus.”“Not that I don’t absolutely love the newly found nicknames, I don’t think telling my wife to take the bed makes me a doofus.”“Saying you’re not sleeping with me, that’s what makes you a doofus,” Clarke explains, leaning against Lexa.“What are you doing?” Lexa questions, her body going tense as Clarke’s back leans against her side.“I wanna sleep,” Clarke says, moving so her head is resting against Lexa’s shoulder.“Why do you want to sleep on me?” “I’m a cuddler, Axel. Don’t you remember from last time?”“Oh,” Lexa states, still tense.Clarke sighs, sadly moving away from Lexa, “can you please just like, hold me until I fall asleep?”“I mean-”“Please?”Lexa sighs, cursing herself for her lack of ability to say no to pretty girls, “fine, let’s go lay on the bed.”“Yay!” Clarke grins, rushing to the bed.Lexa grins to herself, her heart warm as she watches her wife, putting her book down she makes her way to the bed.“Just lay down,” Clarke orders, which Lexa follows easily, laying flat on her back.Clarke crawls into the bed, up to Lexa’s side.“Put your arm out and hold me,” Clarke whispers, resting her head on Lexa’s flat chest, her leg easily sliding in between Lexa’s. Lexa swallows her feelings, the feeling of wrongness overcoming her as she looks down at her flat chest. Her hand comes around Clarke’s shoulder, her hand that is too rough, too strong.“What’s wrong?” Clarke whispers, causing Lexa to jump, having forgotten about the other person on her chest, too inside her head.“Nothing, I’m fine,” Lexa lies.“Axel."
That's not my name! That's what's wrong. You're on my chest. My flat chest. It shouldn't be flat, it should be-
Clarke raises her head off of Lexa’s chest, her hand coming to the middle of it, right over her heart, “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. You are allowed to tell me no.”“It’s not you,” Lexa mumbles, clenching her jaw as the tiny voice in the back of her head screams about everything that’s wrong with her body. “What can I do to help you then?” Clarke questions, “Should I give you space?”Lexa swallows, her mouth suddenly full of spit, her heart racing faster and faster, the start of a panic attack setting in, her chest tightening.“Hey, sit up,” Clarke whispers, gently pulling Lexa up into the sitting position.Lexa’s breathing is coming faster, her brain starting to become overwhelmed, tears filling her eyes.“It’s okay, shh,” Clarke whispers, pulling her head into her chest, “just breathe for me.” Clarke gently runs her fingers through Lexa’s hair, moving so she’s straddling Lexa, hugging her close. “It’s okay. It’s just you and me. Nobody can hurt you, it’s okay. Just breathe for me,” she whispers into Lexa’s ear.Lexa can’t help it when the tears start falling, her sobs muffled into Clarke’s shirt. It takes a long time, both of them lose track of time as Lexa cries. Neither notice when Lexa’s arms wrap around Clarke, holding her close.Lexa calms down, her tears and sobs stop but Clarke doesn’t stop her whispers. She fingers lightly thread through Lexa’s hair, her curls on top, her short sides. Lexa takes a deep breath, preparing herself for the aftermath.She pulls back, looking up at Clarke. Clarke’s hand finds the side of her cheek, easily wiping away her tears.“Are you okay?” Clarke whispers.
No.
“Yeah, I’m sorry. I just…”“You don’t need to explain if you don’t want to,” Clarke whispers.Lexa nods, suddenly exhausted, so she plops backward, flat on her back with Clarke straddling her thighs.“You know, there are easier ways to get your face into my boobs,” Clarke jokes, rolling off Lexa and to her side.Lexa chuckles, “I’ll keep that in mind,” she mumbles, already on her way to sleep.“I hope you do,” Clarke whispers to herself, throwing an arm around Lexa’s stomach and resting her head on Lexa’s biceps before falling asleep herself.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Lexa groans, slowly coming into the land of consciousness. The warmth draped over her tempts her into falling back asleep, to just snuggle closer. Alas, the warmth moving causes her to let out a whine.“I’ll be right back,” Clarke’s warm voice fills her ears.“It’s cold,” Lexa whines, rolling onto her stomach into the spot Clarke just vacated.Wetness causes Lexa to wake up quick, looking down at the spot on the bed.“Shit,” Clarke cusses as she turns on the light in the bathroom, revealing her fear to be true.“Uh, Clarke?” Lexa calls, rolling off the bed.“Fuck,” Clarke mumbles, sitting on the toilet and relieving herself, slowly cleaning herself up.“Hey,” Lexa knocks on the bathroom door, “do you want me to grab you some clothes? You can jump in the shower and I’ll take care of the bed.”“Uh yeah, sure. Thanks,” Clarke says, wiping herself.Lexa rushes to the drawer where Clarke put all her clothes. She swallows, ignoring the feeling like she’s invading Clarke’s privacy. She grabs the darkest pair of shorts she can see, a random shirt. “She said to,” Lexa mumbles to herself before opening Clarke’s underwear drawer. “Wow,” she mumbles, seeing nothing but lace. Black lace set, blue lace set, pink lace set.“That can not be comfortable,” she whispers to herself, picking up the outfit and going to the bathroom door and knocking.“Yeah?” Clarke questions, turning on the shower to let it warm up.“Do you have any underwear that’s not lace? I can’t imagine lace is good for when you’re on your period. And do you have stuff for it? Pads or tampons of whatever?” Lexa questions.“Fuck,” Clarke sighs, opening up the door to stand face-to-face with Lexa, “I don’t have any of that. I kinda forgot about it, getting married and surprise honeymoon and stuff,” she confesses, pink coating her cheeks.“No worries, here’s your darkest pair of shorts and a shirt. I’ll go down to the store and see if I can find some better underwear for you, and grab some stuff. What size are you? Tampons or pads, or both?” Lexa easily questions.“This stuff doesn’t gross you out?” Clarke questions quietly, looking down, “you have a stain on your pants from me.”Lexa looks down to find a patch on blood on her left knee, probability from when she rolled over into the pool Clarke made on the bed.“It happens. I’ll call room service to change the sheets. Hop in the shower, I’ll be back quick,” Lexa says, moving to the dresser where her phone is.“Axel,” Clarke whispers, grabbing Lexa’s wrist, causing her to freeze, going stiff. Memories flash before Lexa’s eyes of all the times her father grabbed her wrist. The pain afterward, the words spit at her, sometimes real spit in her face.“Axel?” Clarke’s voice cuts through the memories, her hand releasing Lexa’s wrist.“Yes?” Lexa questions, blinking the memories away.“Thank you.”Green eyes meet blue, an unspoken conversation taking place. Thank yous and softness, care and warmth traded that says they are more than unwilling spouses.“I’ll hop in the shower,” Clarke whispers, turning on her heel and closing the door.Lexa nods, going to her phone and calling for the personal assistant assigned to the room. Lexa barely has time to change her pants before room service is at the door with clean sheets. Without another word, Lexa slips away, on a mission to find panties and pads and tampons for Clarke.“Clarke?” Lexa knocks on the bathroom door, her arms full.“Great, you’re back,” Clarke sighs, opening the bathroom door.Lexa’s brain short-circuits as her wife stands before her. Her usually blonde hair is dark with highlights. Her face, completely clear of makeup, is completely gorgeous. Her dark beauty marks, one above the left side of her lips and one above her left eyebrow, pop against her light color, a small mole, usually covered by a layer of foundation, pops on her right cheek. Her eyes shine, the blue is brighter than ever as she takes in the array of packages Lexa currently has in her arms. Her shoulders are bare, her skin flawless, no dark burns or tan lines. Her chest covered by a bright white towel.“Jesus Axel, did you buy the whole store?” Clarke’s voice draws Lexa out of her daze.Lexa looks down at her arms, seven packages of panties, two of tampons, and four packages of pads. “I don’t know your size, what you use, or anything like that,” Lexa defends.“Geez, this must’ve cost a lot though,” Clarke says, grabbing the package of boyshorts and a box of tampons, “thank you.”“You don’t need pads too?” Lexa questions as Clarke closes the door.Clarke laughs through the door, yelling “most girls only need one or the other Axe.”Lexa’s eyebrows raise, never having heard that before, granted, she has been male her whole life. “Interesting,” she comments, setting the extra stuff on the bed, looking at the array of female panties she bought. “Boyshorts? Never would’ve guessed,” she whispers to herself, looking at the other cuts she got, something she has researched and knows a lot about.“You really thought girls used both pads and tampons?” Clarke questions as she comes out of the bathroom, fully dressed.Lexa opens her mouth to defend herself, but nothing comes out as she lays eyes on her wife. Her hair is still darker than normal, water from it dripping on her T-shirt, her face clean and her eyes bright. It shoots a feeling through Lexa, her chest filled with awe as she takes Clarke in.“Axel?” Clarke whispers, tilting her head to the side slightly, like a puppy with high pitched noises.“Sorry,” Lexa mumbles, looking down as blood rushes to her cheeks.“Are you okay? I know this is definitely not how I wanted us to start out the day, but I didn’t freak you out-”“You didn’t freak me out, Clarke. It’s a normal thing most women go through.”“If I didn’t freak you out, why can’t you stand to look at me for more than twenty seconds?”Lexa can feel her cheeks get hotter.“I uh… I mean… It’s just that…”“Axel, just spit it out already,” Clarke orders, crossing her arms.“You’re hot,” Lexa confesses, glancing at her.“Oh,” Clarke says, a lightbulb going off in her head as things fall into place in her mind.“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”“Axel,” Clarke sighs, a small smirk coming across her face as she takes in her spouse, red cheeks and fixated on the ground.She walks closer to Lexa, silently thanking God for making them the same height. “Axel,” she whispers, gently touching her flat chest.Lexa snaps at the movement, flinching backward, her arms coming up to cover her chest imminently, “I’m sorry.”“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t touch you without permission. I should know not to do that…” Clarke mumbles.“I have problems, Clarke. Things that make living everyday hard for me. I have triggers, and I have hurt people because of them before. I… I’m broken already Clarke,” Lexa confesses, walking away from Clarke to sit on the couch. “Having triggers doesn’t make you broken Axel,” Clarke says, following her to the couch.“Look, Clarke,” Lexa sighs, swallowing her feelings and looking Clarke dead in the eye, ignoring everything she feels inside, “I-”“No, I’m not talking with you when you look like that,” Clarke says, gesturing to Lexa’s face.“Like what?”“Like this is some business meeting and it doesn’t affect you in the slightest. We were talking about you. I’m not talking to some hollow version of you.”“I’m not-”“You are right now. I can tell by how you’re looking at me. You might not know it Axel, but your eyes always give everything away. I can see when you’re feeling something strongly, and right now, there is nothing there. So I’m not going to do this. Whatever bullshit you were about to give me about how broken and unfixable you are, I’m not going to hear it. I’m your wife, and I’m not putting up with any bullshit. So, whenever you are done acting like you have no feelings, let’s talk. Until then, I’m going to go down to the pool and get my feet wet.”Clarke doesn’t waste a second, grabbing her key card and walking out.Lexa’s walls crumble the moment the door closes behind Clarke, tears running down her face as sobs interrupt her breathing. Feelings too strong course though her, feelings that make her want to do bad things, things she still has scars from on her thighs. Feelings she’s promised not to act on again. Promised Anya and Lincoln and… Costia. 
“Call me.” 
Anya’s voice cuts through her feelings. The bad voices keep yelling as she finds her phone, quickly dialing Anya.“Have you-” Anya’s sarcastic question dies as a sob reaches her through the phone, “babe, I’ve gotta go, I’ll be back,” she whispers to whoever she’s with.“An-” Lexa sobs.“Lexa, it’s okay honey, I’m here.”“I want to do bad things, Anya. Bad, bad things.”“Where’s Clarke at honey? Why isn’t she with you?”“I-i… I’m broken An…”“Honey, shh. Deep breaths for me, okay? One… Two… Three…”“I don’t know how much longer I can do this. I’m living a lie, it makes me wanna die,” Lexa sobs.“Honey,” Anya sighs, her heart hurting.“I just don’t understand him. He’s so cute and sweet one moment, and then it’s like it just becomes too much for him, and he turns into this unfeeling machine,” Clarke confesses into the phone.“Is it like, something to do with his father?” Octavia questions.“I mean, sometimes I think it might be. I’m a touchy-feely person, and he’s not. I mean, he has pretty normal triggers, but other times, it comes out of nowhere. Like, we were laying down and cuddling-”“Ooo!”“Shut up! I was tired and basically demanded him too. Anyways, we were cuddling, and then all of a sudden he was like, having a panic attack. I didn’t even do anything.”“Maybe being touched in general is a trigger?”“Being grabbed is one, defiantly but not just touched. He’s okay with holding hands, and he agreed to cuddle.”“I don’t know babe. I think there’s more to him though. Lincoln always feels weird when we talking about him. I don’t know though, it’s like there’s a huge secret or something about Axel.”“He did say he’s hurt people before…”“Maybe he killed his ex?”“That’s just ridiculous. Have you met him? He couldn’t hurt a fly.”“I’ve seen some videos of him and Linc sparing, and he could kill a man if he wanted to, babe.”“You really don’t think that he did, do you?”“No. Not for a moment, but there is something up with him. Something besides the fact his father is a piece of shit.”“I mean, he’s got like, PTSD or something. He has triggers for sure. Maybe I could get him into a therapist? That way he could get help.”“Highly doubt his father would be okay with that.”“Fuck his father, I’m his wife.”“Oh hey, Linc just got here, I’ve gotta go. Go have fun babe, love ya.”“Love you too.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Clarke takes a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for whatever awaits her behind the closed door to their hotel room. Pressing the key card to the sensor and waiting for it to blink green, she gathers all of her courage to face the enigma of her spouse.“Axel?” she questions, not seeing Lexa at all.“Clarke? You’re back already?” Lexa questions, jumping up from her spot on the floor in front of the fridge, pulling up her shorts quickly.“What are you doing?” Clarke questions, watching Lexa’s shorts turn darker at a spot on her thigh.“Nothing,” Lexa lies, turning around quickly and throwing something into the sink, turning it on to wash her hands.Sirens go off in Clarke’s head and pain fills her chest.“Axel?” she questions, her feet moving her closer without her noticing, her voice soft as if she were talking to a child.Lexa’s eyebrows raise at the change of tone, turning to find the blonde much closer to her than before.“What?” Lexa questions, dread filling her chest at the way Clarke is looking at her like she’s broken.Clarke doesn’t say anything, instead, her hands come out to touch Lexa’s thigh, stopping just before pale hands meet the wetness. Blue eyes look into green, asking for permission.“It’s not what you think,” Lexa whispers, tears filling her eyes at the genuine caring she can see in Clarke’s.“Talk to me Axel,” Clarke pleads, her eyes going down to the wetness.“It’s just water, I promise,” Lexa confesses, a tear falling, “it’s just ice,” she explains, stepping forward so Clarke’s hand presses into her thigh.“Oh thank god,” Clarke sighs, wrapping Lexa in a hug before she thinks about it, her arms wrapping around Lexa and pulling her tight.“I’m sorry,” Lexa whispers into Clarke’s ear, tears falling, but not allowing herself to fall apart.“No, no,” Clarke whispers, pulling back slightly and taking Lexa’s face in her hands, her thumbs wiping away her tears as their eyes connect.“I am so proud of you,” Clarke confesses, “do you hear me? I am so proud of you for this.”Lexa’s eyebrows furrow, “but I shouldn’t-”“Hush,” Clarke orders, tears filling her eyes as she shakes her head, “I am proud of you.”Lexa nods, closing her eyes and holding back more tears. “I’m sorry I hurt you,” Clarke whispers, throwing her arms around Lexa’s shoulders and pulling her closer, “I was way too harsh and-”“It’s okay Clarke,” Lexa whispers, wrapping her arms around Clarke’s midsection.“I care about you so much already Axel,” Clarke whispers into Lexa’s ear, her fingers running through her short hair.“Good thing, I mean, you’re married to me,” Lexa jokes, earning a snort from Clarke as she pulls back.“Come on, you dork. Let’s go do something today,” Clarke smiles, grabbing Lexa’s hand and pulling her towards the door.“Okay,” Lexa grins, letting herself be lead by her wife.“Come on!” Clarke laughs, pulling a reluctant Lexa.“I’m all for you doing this, but I am not an artist Clarke,” Lexa argues, but lets Clarke pull her anyways.“It’s not about how good it is, it’s about the feeling of painting babe!”“Babe?” Lexa questions with a smirk.“Fine, asshole,” Clarke rolls her eyes.Lexa chuckles, sitting down in the stool in front of a blank canvas, her eyes going to the front of the room where a gorgeous painting of what they’re going to make today sits. It’s a beautiful scene, waves to the left side and some palm trees to the right on a beach, a clear sky above it.“Think of that less as an end goal, and more like an inspiration,” Clarke comments, giving Lexa a grin.“I highly doubt they’ll be comparable,” she confesses with a grin, falling silent as the instructor comes to the front of the room.“Oh my god,” Clarke can’t stop the laughter that tumbles out of her mouth as she takes in the painting Lexa has created.“Hey! Don’t laugh at my art!” Lexa scolds.“I’m sorry,” Clarke apologizes, “It’s just… Where are the trees? The land’s on the wrong side. Did you even look at it?”“You told me it’s just an inspiration! I went with it!” she defends.“It’s actually pretty good,” Clarke grins, “abstractly, of course.”“Oh whatever, show me yours then, miss artist.”“It’s Mrs artist, thank you,” Clarke corrects with a grin, turning her painting towards Lexa.“Holy shit,” she mumbles, eyes wide as she takes in the beauty before her.It also looks nothing like the original painting. It has much more texture and depth than the original. There are rock piles in the center and to the side of the waves rolling onto the beach. A small turtle hides among the rock to the right. In the distance to the right side of the painting, there are palm trees reaching towards the sky. Yellow and red and blue come together to form a beautiful sky ombre, the sun must be rising or setting behind them.“You like it?” Clarke questions, her cheeks pink at the silence Lexa is giving her.“You’re an artist,” Lexa whispers.“Well, yeah. That’s one of the reasons we’ve married Axe,” Clarke jokes.“Yeah, like, no. You’re fucking amazing.” Clarke can feel the heat rush to her cheeks so she looks at her shoes before replying “Thanks.”“I mean it, Clarke,” Lexa gushes, moving closer to the painting, “This is going to be hung up in our new house.”“Woah there, I don’t know if it’s worthy of being hung up.”“Nonsense. It’s sentimental now, our honeymoon.”“You’re overdoing it, babe.”Lexa grins, looking at the blushing blonde, “I’m just supporting my wife.” Clarke chuckles, looking at Lexa’s painting again.“We can hang it up, if, and only if, we can hang yours up too.”Lexa laughs, “You think that would get me to change my mind? It’ll only show our guests how great of an artist you are.”Clarke rolls her eyes, “Come on, sweet talker, let’s get out of here.”“Do you think they’ll let us bring them on the plane?” Clarke questions as Lexa sets their paintings against the wall as she flops onto the bed.“Since we’ll be flying back on the jet, yes,” Lexa answers honestly.“Shut up. We are not flying back on a personal jet,” Clarke questions, mouth agape as she looks at the brunette.Lexa chuckles as she opens the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water.“I’m sure we could find a normal plane if you really want to deal with that again,” Lexa jokes, “You didn’t seem like a big fan to start with though.”“Hey!” Clarke yells, fake offended, complete with a hand covering her chest.Lexa laughs, taking a swig of her water as she sits down on the couch.“I’m sorry I’m not used to having a private jet,” Clarke rolls her eyes, groaning as she sits up and heads to her suitcase.“You’re a Woods now, better get used to it.”“I’m not a Woods, actually. I kept my name,” she informs, opening the suitcase.“Wait, really?” Lexa questions, looking at the blonde.“Yeah,” Clarke answers, turning to look at Lexa, raising an eyebrow, “Is that a problem?”“No!” Lexa answers quickly, “No, of course not. I’m all for women doing whatever they want, I just thought that, well…” she sighs.“Thought that I’d want the Woods name?” Clarke questions.Lexa shrugs, trying to ignore the slight tone of offense in Clarke’s voice, “I mean, you did marry me.”Clarke bites the inside of her cheek as she glares at Lexa.“I don’t mean that in a bad way Klark, I’m just pointing out the facts,” Lexa defends, the words sour in her mouth as they spill, her heart clenching as they reach her ears, knowing she’s said the wrong thing.“Just the fact you think I’m some glorified prostitute,” Clarke spits, turning back to her suitcase.
“What? No!” 
Lexa leaps from the couch, quickly closing the space between them, reaching out and grabbing Clarke’s wrist to turn her to look into her eyes.“Don’t fucking touch me,” Clarke growls, moving away from her.Lexa immediately puts her hands in the air, “Okay, I’m sorry. Just, listen to me?” Clarke bites her cheek as she turns, looking into green eyes.“I’m not upset you didn’t take my name Klark. I’m sorry for making you feel like that. I didn’t mean it. I just thought that…” Lexa sighs, at a loss for words.Clarke takes a deep breath, letting out a sigh of her own as she takes in Lexa’s words. “I’m sorry too. I overreacted.”“Can I touch you?” Lexa questions quietly, waiting until Clarke nods to grab her hand, gently leading her to the couch, where they sit facing each other, Lexa not letting go of Clarke’s hand.“I want you to know this, okay? Look at me,” Lexa orders, waiting until she’s gazing into crystal clear blue eyes to continue, “You are my wife. It doesn’t matter what happened before, what your reasons were to agreeing to it, or anything else. My wife is not a glorified prostitute. She is a woman who I get the honor of calling my wife. I get to support her, to see her reach all her dreams. You, Clarke Griffin, are so much more than my wife. I’m kinda glad you didn’t take my name anyways, Griffin suits you.”Clarke chuckles, wiping away a few tears that have spilled due to the speech. Blue eyes meet green again, and Lexa stops breathing. Clarke’s lips are so pink, were they always so pink? That mole, right above her lips, is so beautiful. It should be illegal for someone to be this pretty.“Can I kiss you?” Clarke whispers, her breath caressing Lexa’s lips. Lexa swallows as she leans back, closing her eyes to stop herself from seeing the reaction from the blonde. Clarke watches in curiosity as pain is written on the brunette’s face.“It’s okay to say no Axel,” Clarke whispers, squeezing the hand still holding hers.Lexa bites her bottom lip, still not trusting herself to open her eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m,” Lexa whispers, eyes opening to meet blue, pleading with her to understand, “I’m not ready to be with anyone. Not yet.”Clarke nods, looking away from those green eyes, filled with so many emotions. “Okay, well how about we go for a swim then?” Clarke suggests.“Thank you,” Lexa whispers, pressing a kiss to the back of Clarke’s hand before letting her go.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Clarke takes a deep breath, looking at herself in the mirror. The bright blue bikini set leaves very little to the imagination, something she would’ve loved to tease her spouse about a few hours ago, but now feels like too much. “Aha!” she whispers, spotting a white fluffy robe hanging on the back of the door, provided by the hotel.Quickly she wraps herself in the white fabric, tying it loosely at her hips. She takes another look at her reflection, running a hand through her hair before leaving the small room.“Axe-” the words die in her mouth as she takes in Lexa’s back.Lexa’s back is toned beautifully, black ink starts at the bottom of her spine, branching out to her shoulder, a beautiful tree that Clarke only admires for a second before Lexa is pulling on a tank top, covering up. Lexa turns around, noticing the stunned blonde.“Hey,” Lexa whispers, drawing the blonde out of her mind.“Hey,” Clarke blushes, “Sorry, I just didn’t expect you to have tattoos.”Lexa looks down, blush coating her features, “I just have the one. Father wouldn’t…” “I think you should get more,” Clarke says, finally walking into the room, “I mean if you want more.”“You think so?” Lexa questions.“Yeah. Tattoos are hot as fuck.”Lexa blushes, causing Clarke to chuckle, “Come on, let’s go swimming.”“I will not be swimming, just getting my feet wet,” Lexa reminds her as they exit the room.“Of course, you wouldn’t want to have fun,” she jokes, lightly bumping into Lexa.Lexa chuckles, easily bumping the blonde back as they get into the elevator.Lexa takes a sip of her water as she watches the blonde swim back and forth in the empty pool. Thankfully the room is empty, letting them enjoy in peace.“Come get your feet wet,” Clarke calls, resting against the side of the pool, looking up at Lexa.Lexa sighs but Clarke’s eyes sparkle against the blue water, making her powerless to resist. She walks over, carefully sitting down at the edge of the pool and dipping her feet in.“Happy?” she questions, looking at the blonde.“Very,” Clarke grins, looking up at the brunette.Lexa hums, looking around the room, taking it in. “It’s very pretty here. I understand why people like it,” she confesses.“It’s Hawaii Axel, most people would die at the change to be here,” Clarke says, looking around herself.“I’ll have to take you to Fiji. Show you something even better than this,” Lexa says, thinking of the glass pool at one of the resorts she’s been to.“Maybe for our first anniversary we can go,” Clarke suggests.Green eyes meet blue, eyebrows raised in surprise, “You expect us to make it to then?”Clarke tilts her head, “Well, I’m not really planning on divorcing you. Are you?”“No. Of course not. I just… I haven’t really thought about the future to be honest,” Lexa confesses.“Well,” Clarke hums, taking Lexa’s hand in hers, “I want to think about it.”“Clarke, I-”“I know you aren’t ready yet Axel, that’s okay. But I would really enjoy getting to know my husband.”Lexa’s eyes snap shut. That word ringing in her ears, reminding her of why this can never be. Why Clarke would never really like her if she knew the truth. If she knew she married someone who didn’t even exist. If she knew that Axel was an even bigger lier than she would ever guess.“Hey, get out of your head,” Clarke whispers, gently touching Lexa’s exposed knee.Green eyes snap open at the touch, thoughts forgotten as she takes in the pale hand on her knee.“I want to show you something,” Clarke whispers, pushing her arm into Lexa’s lap.Lexa’s brows furrow as water trickles down her shorts, looking at Clarke’s arm. Clarke takes a deep breath as she spins her arm, showing Lexa the inside of it. Green eyes widen as they take in the pale skin, her hands immediately coming to the skin. “What happened?” Lexa whispers as her fingers run over the pale lines scarring the arm.Clarke chuckles wetly, looking down at the scars she forgets about. Two cross the inside of her arm and one goes lengthways. She swallows down her tears, looking up into caring green forests.“I lost my dad. I… I was there, watching as he died. I thought I couldn’t live without him. I didn’t want to live without him.”Clarke doesn’t realize tears are falling, not until Lexa is wiping them away. “Let’s go to bed,” Lexa whispers, pressing a kiss to Clarke’s forehead.Clarke takes a deep breath and nods. Lexa tries to hide her reaction as Clarke pulls herself out of the water, but the cool air causes her nipples to harden and strain against the wet fabric clinging to her body.“Axel!” Clarke yells too late as Lexa runs straight into the door, falling back on her ass.“Are you okay?” Clarke questions, standing over her and holding back a smirk.“Put on a towel or something,” Lexa grumbles, rubbing her ass as she stands up.Clarke lets out her chuckle, pulling a towel around herself.“You aren’t a virgin, are you?” she questions, wrapping another towel around her hair.“What? No!” Lexa defends as they leave the room, “I’m twenty-eight for god’s sake.”“That doesn’t mean anything, you could still be,” Clarke defends with a laugh.“Well, I’m not.”“You know running straight into a door because you’re looking at a girl is kinda a virgin-like thing to do.”
Or gay.
Lexa doesn’t respond, rolling her eyes instead, earning another laugh from the blonde.“Why did you show me your scars?” Lexa whispers into the darkness, the blonde facing away from her on the other side of the bed.“So you know I struggle with it too,” Clarke answers honestly, turning to face the brunette.“I’ve never tried to kill myself,” Lexa states honestly.“No, but I’m assuming you’ve self-harmed before.”Lexa swallows, thinking about the scars on her thighs. “I have scars on my thighs too Axel, not just on my arm,” Clarke whispers into the darkness.“I don’t… I don’t do that anymore,” Lexa whispers.“I don’t either. My attempt was the last time,” Clarke confesses, running her fingers over the fading scar, “It was almost two years ago. My birthdays are the hardest for me. Getting older without him hurts.”Lexa can’t stop herself, can’t handle the pain in her voice, as she reaches out and intertwines their pinkies. “I haven’t in awhile. I call Anya when I want to and she helps,” she confesses.“I’m sorry I left you alone,” Clarke whispers, tangling their hands together.“Just don’t leave me for good,” Lexa whispers, voice breaking as a tear falls.“Oh Axel,” Clarke sighs, moving closer and wrapping Lexa in a hug, “I’m not planning on going anywhere. For a long time,” she mumbles into short hair.Lexa ignores the voice in the back of her mind telling her it’s all a lie and falls into her wife’s embrace.“Would  you consider going to therapy?” Clarke questions.Lexa shakes her head, whispering an apology into Clarke’s skin. Clarke nods, running a soothing hand down Lexa’s back. “When’s your birthday?” Lexa questions, “So I know when to be there for you.”“October twenty-fourth, but you don’t need to worry. I’ve found reasons to live,” Clarke whispers.Lexa brings their joined hands to her mouth, pressing a kiss to Clarke’s hand. “Me too.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“We really don’t have to do this,” Lexa states as Clarke climbs onto the small plane.

“It’s fine. It’s literally right there. If we did crash, we are going to be close enough to land to swim to safety,” Clarke says.

Lexa bites her lip, the urge to correct the woman strong, but she also doesn’t want to freak her out anymore.

“You realize I’ve already seen the memorial?”

“Yes, but as you said earlier, you didn’t get a tour. This is our honeymoon, I want to spend it doing things

we

want to do.”

“Alright,” Lexa nods, taking Clarke’s hand in hers as the small plane starts it’s take off.

Lexa holds on to Clarke’s hand as they watch the video. What started as a normal day on the island ending with explosions and a death count nobody was ready for. Lexa bites her lip, blinking away her tears as she squeezes the blonde’s hand, offering silent support as she sniffles.

Lexa takes a deep breath, looking at the wall of names. So many names, all connected to someone who lost their life. Someone who’s body could still be under them this very moment.

“Do you have any in your family you lost?” Clarke questions, voice low in respect.

“Not that I know of, but I’m sure there are. Before father, I think a lot enlisted,” Lexa confesses, looking at the two names that share her last name, “Do you?”

“Yeah,” Clarke whispers, pointing to a name, “He was a marine. Twenty-one years old when he died. His brother joined because of the war, then died at eighteen. He’s honored in Honolulu I believe.”

Lexa bites her lip as she takes Clarke’s hand in hers.

“They were just kids. Didn’t even stand a chance,” she whispers.

Clarke leans into Lexa as they look at the names carved into the marble wall.

“Yet we won the war.”

“At what cost?”

Clarke hums, leaving the question unanswered.

“This is the most heartbreaking part,” Lexa whispers as they leave the memorial, walking along the shoreline, the path littered with plaques.

“Quotes from the survivors,” Lexa explains, taking in the words.

Slowly they follow the path, taking the time to read the quotes. Clarke’s breath catches, tears springing to her eyes as she reads one.

Why them and not me?

Ensign Paul H. Backus, USS Oklahoma

Lexa wraps an arm around the blonde, pulling her close as they shed a few tears together.

“Okay, wow,” Clarke says as they enter their hotel room.

“I know. It’s a lot. I’m sorry if it was too much.”

“What? No! I really enjoyed it, even if I was crying like a baby bitch half the time.”

Lexa chuckles as she sits down.

“I can’t believe tonight’s our last night here. It kinda really does feel like a dream,” Clarke admits, sitting down next to the brunette.

“It’s nice to go on vacations, especially with how much our lives have changed in the past few weeks,” Lexa says.

“Geez, we’ve only known each other for a month. That’s crazy.”

“Yeah,” Lexa agrees softly.

“I feel like I’ve known you for so much longer,” Clarke admits, looking into green eyes.

Lexa doesn’t say a word, allowing herself to fall into blue eyes. Slowly, the distance between them shrinks, until their foreheads meet.

“Me too,” Lexa admits, closing her eyes.

Clarke groans, resisting the urge to kiss the brunette, to respect her wishes. She pulls away, standing up and heading to her suitcase to put some distance between them.

“So we should probably get ready for the luau?” she questions, pulling Lexa out of the moment.

“Yes,” Lexa answers, taking a moment to collect herself, raising from the couch and heading outside, looking at the amazing view.

“It’s beautiful here,” Clarke states, coming to stand next to Lexa, looking at the view.

“It is,” Lexa mumbles, looking at the blonde, her face set in stone.

Clarke sighs but ignores it, instead, grabbing the brunette’s hand. She gives a small squeeze, hoping Lexa will understand.

Lexa squeezes back, and Clarke thinks that maybe she understands perfectly.

“Aloha!” a woman greets the couple, dressed in a grass skirt and large headdress, putting shell leis around their necks.

“Aloha,” Clarke grins, eyes wide as she takes in the surroundings.

Lexa chuckles, watching as her wife interacts with the surroundings. It’s decorated beautifully, as most of the island is. She doesn’t pay too much attention to the happenings around her, focused instead on the way Clarke’s face lights up.

“Come on, let’s eat!” Clarke orders, grabbing her hand and leading her to the buffet.

She bites back a laugh as Clarke glares at the purple sweet potatoes, whispering how ‘they aren’t to be trusted’.

She watches as the sunset fades against Clarke’s profile. The fire creates a beautiful red glow as the performers toss fire. It creates an almost unearthly tone to Clarke’s skin.

Clarke turns her head from the men throwing fire, catching Lexa staring directly at her. Blue eyes twinkle in the firelight.

“Let’s take a walk,” Clarke suggests.

Lexa lets herself get pull along. They walk and walk until they can no longer see the resort or hear the people.

Clarke squeezes the hand in hers as she stops to take off her shoes, letting her bare feet feel the sand. Lexa shakes her head, but offers her other hand, easily taking the shoes from Clarke as they continue walking.

The only sound is the waves against the shore. The lights of the island in the distance give only a faint glow around them.

“I’m happy I’m with you,” Clarke whispers as they come to a stop, looking at the ocean.

Lexa notices Clarke shiver as a gust of wind, without thought she pulls the blonde closer. Clarke sinks into the embrace, wrapping her arms around Lexa, tucking her head into her neck.

“I am too.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Clarke, we’ve got to go,” Lexa mumbles, gently shaking the lump of blankets.

“No,” it groans, unmoving from it’s sleeping position.

“Come on,” Lexa tries again, poking at the blonde, “Don’t make me rip the blankets away.”

A blonde head pops out of the lump, blue eyes glaring.

“You wouldn’t.”

Lexa grins, grabbing the blanket easily, “Wanna bet?”

Clarke returns the grin but rolls over, burying herself deeper in the bed. She lets out a shriek as the blanket covering her body is pulled away, the chill of the room blasting all of her senses.

Lexa, now holding the blanket, is frozen as her eyes drink in the blonde’s night time outfit. They started a routine, Clarke going to the bathroom to shower and get ready for bed, Lexa already in bed by the time she’s crawling into bed.

Her clothes aren’t overtly sexy, a red silk tank top, trailing into lace to cover Clarke’s breasts and the tiny shorts, half lace themselves.

Clarke watches as green eyes scan her body, enjoying the way Lexa’s cheeks turn a pretty pink and her smile fade, replaced with a look of longing.

“Sorry,” Lexa apologizes, all but throwing the blanket back at the blonde, rushing to the couch and grabbing her coffee, “We need to get going though.”

Clarke chuckles, taking her time rolling out of bed, enjoying the satisfying pop of her back as she stretches, a sliver of skin becomes exposed at the movement. She bites back a laugh as she hears Lexa choke on her coffee. She raises an eyebrow, feigning ignorance as she looks to the brunette.

“You okay?” Clarke questions innocently.

Lexa glares at the blonde, wiping her chin with a napkin, the coffee having spilled out of her mouth.

“Peachy,” she answers, rolling her eyes.

Clarke chuckles as she opens her suitcase, getting ready for their flight back home.

“I really don’t like this,” Clarke mumbles, as they walk through the airport.

“That’s perfectly normal,” Lexa answers, taking Clarke’s hand in hers.

“Axel Woods!” a man yells, his camera hanging around his neck as he approaches the couple, “Would you like to comment on who this beauty is?”

Clarke watches, amazed as the kind smile she was just given disappears in an intent, replaced with the harsh look of a businessman.

“Who do you work for?” Lexa spits, anger bubbling just under the surface, “Whoever it is didn’t teach you to respect people on vacation.”

“Axe,” Clarke whispers, gently touching her arm, instantly calming the woman before offering a small smile to the unnamed man.

The man has the decency to look a little ashamed of himself but makes no move to leave without an answer.

"I'm Clarke Griffin, Axel's wife," Clarke answers truthfully, "I'm afraid we have to run through, goodbye."

Clarke doesn't wait for a response, easily pulling the brunette away from the man.

"I'm sorry. They annoy me when they talk to me, a lot," Lexa apologizes as they reach their gate

"I get it. I mean, I don't, but I can understand how it might get on your nerves."

"I hate being famous. Even the small bit I am, I hate it," Lexa confesses, turning to talk to the woman at the desk

"The Woods name is a big one to live up to."

Lexa scoffs, thinking of her father.

As if he 'lives up' to anything.

"I apologize in advance for the magazine covers I'm sure will now have your name on them,” Lexa says as they are ushered through a small walkway, heading onto the plane.

Clarke shrugs, "Eh. Maybe more people will look at my art after they google my name."

Lexa hums thoughtfully as they enter the plane. She greets the captain easily with a handshake before leading Clarke to the seats at the back of the plane, not bothering with the extra stuff on the plane.

"I could do a small interview when we get home. I'm sure father would like for us to be very public from here on out,” Lexa says as they sit down.

"I don't really give a fuck about your father Axel," Clarke states.

Lexa smirks, hiding back her urge to laugh at the look of disgust on the blonde's face.

"Well," Lexa offers a small smile to the blonde, "Maybe I would like to show off my wife."

Clarke returns the smile, "I could get behind that."

Clarke sighs as they exit the airport, hands still held.

“What’s wrong?” Lexa questions quietly as they wait for their friends.

“I really liked hanging out with you,” Clarke admits, turning to look at the brunette.

Lexa swallows, looking into clear blue eyes, “I did too.”

“Maybe we should hang out more?”

Lexa smiles, “I’d like that.”

“Hey! Lovebirds. Just kiss already!” A voice yells from the car stopped in front of them, causing them to break apart, both with pink coating their cheeks.

“Shut it, asshole,” Clarke scolds as Raven laughs in the passenger seat.

Clarke sighs as she enters their apartment, Raven on her heels, no doubt ready to integrate her about the weekend trip.

“So, how was your weekend?” she attempts, hopeful the brunette will give her a break.

“Filled with sex. How was your honeymoon?” Raven questions with a wave of her eyebrows.

Clarke laughs, gently punching her friend in the shoulder.

“It was good,” Clarke answers honestly, flashes of the weekend playing in her mind, a small smile on her face.

“Did he make some moves?”

Clarke chuckles, shaking her head, “No. I was defiantly the one making the moves.”

“Oh?”

Clarke can feel the heat in her cheeks, but she ignores it, offering a shrug.

“He’s sweet. He said he’s not ready for a relationship.”

Raven scoffs, “You’re fucking married.”

Clarke shrugs again, “I think he just needs some time.”

“Time for what? He’s been single for like four years or some shit,” Raven points out.

Clarke sighs, sitting down on the couch, “I don’t know Rae, but I’m going to respect his wishes. Until he says he’s ready.”

“So you’re going to wait for him?” Raven questions.

Clarke shrugs yet again, “I dunno. I kinda really like him. Does that make me crazy?”

“Liking your husband? Yeah, sounds insane.”

Raven laughs as Clarke punches her in the shoulder.

“Are you going to talk about it or are you going to sit there looking like that all night?” Anya questions as she takes a bite of her pizza.

“Like what?”

“Like someone just told you recesses is over.”

Lexa scoffs, “I didn’t even like recesses.”

Anya says nothing, continuing to eat her pizza. Lexa sighs, looking at the half-eaten slice on her plate.

“She almost kissed me.”

Anya raises an eyebrow, surprised at the comment, “Almost?”

Lexa huffs, putting her plate on the coffee table and sitting back.

“I said something dumb and she got upset. So I apologized and next thing I know I’m like an inch away from her face. Then she asked if she could kiss me.”

“She asked?” Anya questions.

“Yeah. She’s kind. I mean,” Lexa sighs, thinking back to their conversation in the dark, “I think she understands. Not totally, but she’s sweet and asks questions. She holds me when I have attacks, calms me down.”

“Attacks? You had some?” Anya questions, concerned.

Lexa shrugs, “It’s kinda hard not to get dysphoric when you’re surrounded by your wife in Hawaii.”

Anya sighs, moving to sit next to Lexa on the couch. She intertwines their fingers.

“I think I like her,” Lexa whispers her confession.

Anya squeezes her hand, “I think she likes you too.”

Lexa sighs, “She doesn’t even know who I am.”

Anya bites her lip, disbelief crossing her mind as she utters her suggestion.

“Maybe someday, she will.”

Lexa is silent for a while as they sit there, the TV playing without either paying attention. Lexa’s words are so quiet, Anya wonders if she just imagined them for a second.

“Maybe someday.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Good morning Harper,” Lexa greets, taking a sip of her coffee as she exits the elevator.

“Hello, sir. April was wondering if you could do the meeting today?”

“April,” Lexa’s eyes widen, “Shit.”

“I canceled as soon as I heard, but it was still the morning of. She said she has an opening at four if that’ll work for you,” Harper explains.

“Yes, of course. I’ll call Clarke right now. Thank you, Harper.”

Harper nods, dialing the redhead at once.

“I can’t believe I forgot,” Lexa mumbles to herself as she enters her office, sitting down with her phone in her hand, dialing the blonde.

“Hey,” Clarke greets as she answers the phone.

“Hello. Are you free at four today?”

“Are you asking me out?”

Lexa coughs, her coffee spilling down her shirt.

“No! No, sorry,” Lexa apologizes, opening a drawer and taking out tissues, attempting to clean the mess, “April Avery is ready for us to sign for the house.”

Clarke sighs, “Well not as good as a date, but I guess signing for our house is alright.”

“So you’ll be here?”

“Yes, Axel. I’ll be there.”

“Okay. Good. See you later.”

“See ya.”

Clarke takes a deep breath, looking up at the towering building,

Woods

written in huge letters across the top. Looking down at her phone, she makes sure she isn’t late before gathering her confidence once more.

“Ready,” she whispers to herself before walking into the building.

“Hello, how can I help you today?” the man behind the counter questions, his grey eyes glancing over Clarke’s outfit quickly before looking her in the eye.

“I’m here for Axel,” Clarke says shyly, not liking the look the man is giving her, making her skin crawl like he

knows

she shouldn’t be here like she doesn’t belong.

His eyebrows raise in obvious surprise, “I see,” he spits, voice dripping with disgust as he presses a button.

Clarke bites the inside of her cheek, waiting respectfully.

“Mr. Woods will be out in a moment,” he says, turning around and ignoring the blonde.

Clarke rolls her eyes at his behavior, turning to the opening elevator door, the second one in a row of four.

“Clarke, thank you for coming,” Lexa greets respectfully.

“Of course,” Clarke can’t help her smile at the formalness, easily following Lexa into the elevator.

“I know you were probably busy,” Lexa rambles, awkwardly fiddling with her hands.

“I wasn’t,” she whispers, smirking as she watches Lexa fiddle as they wait for the elevator.

The doors open, revealing a blonde sitting at her desk.

“Oh, uh, Harper.”

“Yes, sir?” Harper says, looking up from her desk.

“Harper, this is Clarke. My wife. Clarke, this is Harper. She does all the hard work for me,” Lexa says.

“Pleasure to meet you,” Clarke smiles, taking Harper’s offered hand.

“I can see why Axel has been so taken by you. You are gorgeous,” Harper flirts, grinning as she lets her eyes travel down the other blonde’s body.

Clarke blushes, unsure of what to say.

“Harper,” Lexa warns, her cold eyes boring into hers.

Harper laughs, throwing her head back, “Sorry sir, I just had to see your reaction,” she confesses.

“Harper is an asshole,” Lexa says seriously as she opens the door to her office, “she’s lucky I like her, otherwise she’d be looking for another job.”

“Woods loves me,” Harper laughs as the door closes behind the couple before getting back to work, a small smile on her face.

“Does she flirt with all the girls you bring back here?” Clarke questions, looking at the huge office, taking in the desk at the end of the room, the table set up to the side, the small couch to the other side with a mini-fridge.

Lexa sighs, thinking of her one and only ex, Costia.

“It’s a complicated story,” Lexa whispers.

“Because your ex likes girls too?” Clarke questions, watching Lexa intently.

“My ex is a lesbian. It’s a joke around the office that I turn girls into lesbians. My father promoted Harper to my personal assistant because she is already gay, and he doesn’t want to risk any of his other employees. One of the stipulations of her promotion was that she has to flirt with any female I bring into the office,” Lexa confesses.

“Is that legal?”

Lexa shrugs, walking over to the small fridge, “would you like something to drink?”

“A water please.”

“Harper was conflicted with such a deal and came to me about it. I suggested she take the promotion regardless. It’s not like her flirting with any girl I bring will lead to anything. She’s been with her girlfriend, well, fiancée, Zoe for about six years, not that she goes around telling people about it.”

Lexa hands Clarke a bottle of water, gesturing towards the table set up, “April should be here soon.”

“So, your ex is gay?” Clarke questions, sitting down.

Lexa sighs as flashes of Costia and her flash through her mind.

“Yes.”

“Does that scare you?”

“No. Why would it?” Lexa questions, brows furrowing as she turns to look at Clarke.

Clarke shrugs, “I dunno. Your father said that’s why you don’t date anymore.”

“My father is a brilliant man, but he has no idea who I am.”

Nobody here does. Only Anya and Lincoln and… And Costia.

“You’re telling me it didn’t bruise your ego?” Clarke prods as she takes a sip of water.

“Our relationship was…” Lexa sighs, attempting to think of a word, “Complicated,” she settles on, “She loved me and I loved her, but sometimes that isn’t enough.”

“My last ex was terrible. He cheated on me, well, he cheated with me. He was with Raven when I met him.”

“Then he didn’t deserve you anyway. Or Raven for the matter.”

Clarke chuckles, “No, he really didn’t deserve either of us.”

The intercom buzzes, cutting of their conversations as Lexa jumps us, letting April into the room

“Hi! Let’s jump right into this,” April says, laying down the folder she’s brought. “I apologize for rushing, but my husband just got paged to surgery and daycare closes at five-”

“That’s perfectly fine, just tell us where to sign,” Clarke cuts off her apology easily.

April smiles gratefully at her, opening the folder, “So I’ve got it all figured out and laid out for you in these papers,” she says as the two women lean in closer.

“Wow,” Clarke says, watching as April walks out.

“How does it feel? Being a homeowner?” Lexa questions, giving the blonde a small smile.

“I don’t know, it doesn’t feel real yet.”

Lexa chuckles softly, “Oh, I also needed to talk to you about something else.”

“You can just bring it up Axel, you don’t have to announce that you’re about to bring up something new,” Clarke smiles.

“Oh,” Lexa falters for a moment, “I guess I just, sometimes go into business mode.”

“It’s okay,” she whispers, gently covering Lexa’s hand with hers, “now, what did you want to say?”

Lexa stares at the pale hand covering hers for a moment, thoughts out the window.

“Axel?”

“Sorry,” Lexa mumbles, shaking her head.

“I uh,” she clears her throat, “I talked to my father about having a meeting with the press about our relationship. He suggested we make up a story about how we met, and then start going out on weekly dates.”

“He wants us to have a meet-cute, and go on cute dates?” Clarke questions with a grin.

“I guess you can look at it that way,” she says, not wanting to break Clarke’s heart with how he really phrased it.

“Well, how do you wanna meet?” Clarke questions, “And did we fall in love at once, or did we date in secret for months?”

Lexa’s brows furrow, “I guess it would make more sense if we fell in love at first sight and got married as soon as possible, given you’ve never been seen around me before.”

“Okay cool. Our eyes meet and we were both goners,” Clarke says dramatically, earning a laugh from the brunette.

“To be fair, your eyes are beautiful,” Lexa compliments.

“Right back at ‘cha,” Clarke winks, earning another laugh before falling into her own.

“Alright, but for real, how did we meet?” Clarke questions.

“I haven’t the slightest idea. We don’t really run in the same circles.”

“We could say at the bar? We did kinda accidentally meet that night,” Clarke suggests.

Lexa shakes her head, “No, father wouldn’t like that. It’d make it out to be like a drunken mistake or something.”

“How about coffee? You do get your own coffee, don’t you?”

“Of course I do. Unless I’m already here. I do have Harper as an assistant after all. Not that I use her as a glorified coffee maker as others in the office do.”

“Well, how about we say that?” Clarke suggest.

“Okay. That sounds good to me,” Lexa agrees.

A buzz interrupts them, Harper’s voice coming over the intercom, informing Lexa of a meeting she needs to attend in her father’s place.

“I’m sorry, I must go.”

“So, when should we do it then?” Clarke questions as Lexa gathers a folder.

“Pick a time and I’ll make it work.”

“What a man, clearing your schedule for your wife already,” Clarke jokes.

Lexa chuckles, looking at Clarke.

Thump Thump Thump Thump

rings in Lexa’s ears as she looks at Clarke. She’s so close, eyes clear as the dead sea. Green eyes glance down to pink lips, her own lips falling open on their own.

Clarke watches as a battle takes place in green eyes, the tension strong. Too strong to move a muscle, she is cursed to watch Lexa.

“Well,” Lexa clears her throat, breaking the tension, blush coating both of their cheeks, “I mean, what man doesn’t clear their schedule for their wife?”

Clarke sighs, biting the inside of her cheek, disappointment filling her chest.

“Thank you Axel. I’ll text you,” Clarke says, gently grabbing Lexa’s forearm as a way of saying goodbye.

“Okay,” Lexa whispers, watching Clarke walkout.

“Well fuck,” she whispers, hurrying out of the room and to the conference room.

After a long day of meetings, the new stain on her shirt commented on once and glared at countless times, but all she can think about is her wife and feelings.

I almost fucking kissed her. After I told her I wasn’t ready. Then I almost went and kissed her. I’m in idiot. I need to talk to someone. Anya will just tell me to tell her. Lincoln won’t even see the problem. I’m going to ruin it. I’ll ruin her for god’s sake! She’s too good to be ruined by me. God, who can I talk to that would understand?

She looks down, frustrated with herself. The light reflects off her Rolex, creating a small rainbow, and suddenly it’s clear.

Costia.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Lexa takes a deep breath, looking at the gold numbers 209 standing out from the blue door. Memories of the past flash through her mind, creating a heavy feeling in her chest. Gathering up her courage, she knocks. She can hear feet coming towards the door, so she takes another deep breath to prepare herself.

The door swings open, revealing Costia in her natural state. Her dark brown curls stand up, creating an afro. Her white tee-shirt hands off her slim frame, contrasting her dark skin.

“Hi Lex,” she greets, offering a small smile, her white teeth shining.

“Hello,” Lexa says, her focus going to the ground until she hears footsteps from inside, snapping her head up.

The new woman offers Lexa a polite smile before wrapping her arms around Costia from behind, her skin the same tone contrasted by her blonde hair.

“I’ll leave you two to it, baby. Text me whenever you’re done,” the blonde whispers into Costia’s ear, pressing a kiss to the side of her neck before slipping past Lexa and out the door.

Costia sighs dreamily, watching her girl disappear.

“So, she seems nice?” Lexa questions, awkwardness setting in.

Costia chuckles, rolling her eyes, “come in Lexa.”

Lexa does as she’s told, following Costia into the apartment, mentally taking note of the things that have changed. New pictures on the walls, bright accent pillows on the couch, a tablecloth on the table, a coffee table, and a new bookcase. She doesn’t say a word as she sits down, her eyes on the bright pillow next to her.

“Konia has definitely taken over,” Costia chuckles, looking at the things that have changed since Lexa’s been there.

“Konia,” Lexa whispers, nodding to herself.

“Lexa, she’s so great. She’s sweet and caring and understanding and I don’t know how I functioned before her,” Costia says, smiling at a picture of Konia on the table.

Lexa swallows the bitter taste in her mouth, looking down at her hands.

“Lexa,” Costia whispers, easily taking Lexa’s hands in hers, “I will always love you. I promise you, nobody will ever touch my heart the way that you do sweetie.”

Lexa sniffles, tears falling already.

“I am so sorry honey. I wish things were different, but they aren’t. I’m in love with my beautiful fiancée. I can’t wait for someone to love you the way she loves me. I’m sorry I couldn’t-” Costia sniffles, choking on her words as tears run down her face.

“You couldn’t love me through this,” Lexa whispers, a sour taste in her mouth.

“I wish I could,” Costia whispers, pulling Lexa into a hug, “I wish I was strong enough Lex. You deserve the world,” she whispers into Lexa’s ear, her hand soothingly running through Lexa’s short hair.

“I don’t-”

“Shut up,” Costia orders, pulling away with a wet chuckle.

Lexa blinks away her tears, looking into the deep brown eyes she fell in love with so many years ago. Costia’s hand running through her hair, her brown eyes filled with tears, looking as beautiful as Lexa remembers from all that time ago.

Lexa takes a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the fight she is 100% sure that is about to occur as she opens the door to her girlfriend's apartment. She takes in the darkness, walking quietly and unsure, the grey couch and white walls bare of any decorations, as she walks towards their bedroom.

“Cos?” Lexa calls as she cracks the door open.

Her heart breaks at the scene before her, Costia drinking straight from a bottle of scotch, dressed in an expensive set of lingerie.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” Costia spits, grabbing a cigarette and lighting up.

“Costia,” Lexa sighs, walking into the bedroom.

“Don’t ‘Costia’ me! You said you’d be home at six for dinner, it is now three in the morning!”

“I’m sorry,” Lexa whispers, looking to the ground.

“You better be. Now come here and make me forget.”

“Lexa.”

“I’m sorry,” Lexa whispers as she is drawn from her memory.

Costia’s hand travels down from the back of her neck, giving a light squeeze to her bicep, “me too.”

“So,” Lexa sniffles, wiping away her tears, “I had something else to tell you about.”

“You mean you didn’t come over just to cry about our past?” Costia jokes, letting out a wet chuckle as she wipes her tears away.

“No, I didn’t. I came here to talk to you about my feelings. I mean, you were always the one I confided in, and I don’t know how to bring it up to anybody else,” Lexa explains.

“You have feelings? Since when?” she jokes, earning a small smile from Lexa.

“I uh…” she trails off.

“Tell me about her first?” Costia coxes, giving Lexa’s forearm an encouraging squeeze.

“She’s,” Lexa can’t stop her small smile, “she’s gorgeous. Absolutely beautiful Cos, inside and out. She’s so caring and always asking if I’m okay with this or that. She’s stubborn as a mule. I mean, she went to my father about…” Lexa trails off, “Cos, she’s so pure.”

“Does she know?” Costia questions, getting her answer immediately by the way Lexa’s body tenses, “I’m sorry. What’s her name?”

“Klark.”

“She sounds good honey, what’s the problem?”

“I uh… I think I like her…”

Costia raises an eyebrow, looking at the younger girl, waiting for something else.

…

“I don’t see the problem Lexa,” Costia says after a long pause.

“Well, uh,” Lexa blushes, scratching the back of her neck, “there’s also the fact we’re married… Because my father and her mother kinda forced us into it.”

“Oh,” Costia says, processing the new information.

Lexa looks down at her hands, biting her lip.

“And you’re getting feelings for this girl, your arranged wife?”

Lexa nods.

“Well, uh…” she struggles for words, “that’s… uh… gay.”

Lexa snorts, laughter falling out. Costia follows easily, their laughter getting rid of all the tension in the room.

“Okay, on a real note,” Costia says, taking Lexa’s hands in hers again, “look at me.”

Lexa takes a deep breath, her face of indifference falling into place as she prepares herself for anything.

“Ew, don’t make that face,” Costia complains, earning her an eye roll, “that’s better.”

Green eyes find brown as Costia takes a deep breath.

“Lexa. I love you so much, and you deserve the world. I say, go for it. Take the risk Lex, from how you talk about her, you like her. The worst thing that can happen is she doesn’t like you, so you’ll just be a sugar daddy. She might be worth is babe, she could be the one.”

Costia takes a deep breath, “I don’t want to make this about me, but after you, I honestly didn’t think I’d ever go out with another trans girl. But then I met Konia.”

Costia grin, thinking back to meeting her girl.

“God Lex. She came in and she didn’t pass at all, but she was so

confident

and

proud

of herself. Marched right up to me and asked me out. Said that it was her day to take risks, as she was in a dress. I took her to the bathroom and did her makeup and got her number. God Lexa, I wish…. I hope someday you come out and are as free as she is. I want you to be free, babe. I want you to come out and be you. I didn’t think I could handle another trans relationship, but I was by her side the whole time. I took the risk and it paid off, and I can’t express how much I want you to find the same happiness, Lexa.”

“I don’t deserve-”

“Don’t you dare say that bullshit, Lexa. Your father is a pile of horseshit and so is everything that comes out of his mouth. You are beautiful Lexa. I hope someday you can realize it. Realize that you are worth the risk.”

Lexa rolls her eyes, untangling her hands from Costia, moving away from the woman, her mouth sour with unspoken words playing on the tip of her tongue, the memory of their breakup flashing before her eyes.

“I’m so fucking sick of this! Of being your dirty little secret!” Costia yells.

“You aren’t my secret! You’re my girlfriend Cos! I don’t know what else you want me to do, I can’t-”

“I’m a fucking lesbian Lexa! I’m dating a GIRL! I want to talk to my friends about my GIRLFRIEND!”

“I’m sorry! I can’t change how I am with the snap of a few fingers!” Lexa yells back.

“My friends can’t stand to fucking look at me! I can’t-”

“How do you fucking think I feel?” Lexa spits, “I can’t do anything as myself! It’s Axel this or Axel that! They can’t even get my name right, let alone my gender. But yeah, I’m sure having your sexuality questioned is so fucking hard! Forgive me for not being born female.”

“That’s not even what this is fucking about! You-”

“Then tell me what it is about! I don’t know what the fuck you want from me! I love you so much it fucking hurts. I can’t change who I am. I’m a Woods. I work late and think about work all the time, it’s in my blood.”

“I can’t do it anymore,” Costia whispers, mostly to herself.

“Do what? Date me?” Lexa spits, anger still radiating in her voice.

Costia takes a deep breath, tears falling. Brown eyes meet green, the sadness in them causes Lexa to lose her breath, all anger gone in an instant.

“Baby?” Lexa questions, unsure and breathless, her heart racing.

“I can’t do it, Lexa. I’m sorry. I’m not-” her own sob cuts her off, “I’m a lesbian. I can’t be with you.”

“Baby, I’m still me. I can, I can change. I can stop working over. I can-”

“Lexa,” Costia sobs, her hand cupping Lexa’s face, “I love you, so much, but I can’t do it anymore.”

“Costia, I-I can change. I can-I can-”

“I can’t be with you unless you come out Lexa. I can’t… I’m not strong enough.”

“I’m a girl Cos, you know I am,” Lexa defends, tears falling.

“I know Lexa, I know baby,” Costia sobs, her hand coming to Lexa’s chest, “I know who you are, my sweet Lexa. I know the truth. I want to date you and love you so much, baby. I can’t. I can’t date Axel too. I can’t love Axel like I love you. I can’t be with Axel. I… I’m so sorry Lexa. I can’t do it.”

“Axel isn’t real.”

“Not to you, no. But to the world? That’s all they see, baby. I’m gay. It’s such a huge part of who I am and I can’t… I can’t give that up.”

“You can say you’re bi, it’s not a big deal?” Lexa pleads.

Costia lets out a wet laugh, tears still falling.

“Okay baby, you come out as bi too then, if it’s that easy.”

Lexa’s eyes fill with tears at the feeling inside her chest, how

wrong

that sounds, even just inside her head.

“I’m sorry,” Costia whispers, leaning in and pressing a kiss to pouty lips, “I’m so sorry baby.”

“I love you,” Lexa cries, tears falling, her breath coming faster.

“I love you so much,” Costia whispers, wrapping Lexa in a hug, pressing kiss after kiss into the shorter woman’s shoulder.

“Please, ba-” Lexa’s voice cracks.

“I’m so sorry,” she soothes, running her fingers through Lexa’s hair, “I’m so sorry.”

“I’m so sorry I made you feel like you weren’t worth it. I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough to take the risk for you Lexa,” Costia whispers, pain evident in her voice, tears falling once again.

It was only because I’m not strong enough. Not because you weren’t.

“I, uh, I need to go,” Lexa instead, standing up.

“Lexa,” Costia grabs her arm, trying to stop her.

Lexa freezes, her whole body going tense as it prepares for more, her eyes slamming shut.

“Oh Lexa,” Costia whispers, letting go of her hold, “I’m sorry honey.”

Lexa takes a deep breath, attempting to calm her racing heartbeat, “I’m fine.”

“I forgot about your triggers. I’m sorry,” Costia apologizes again.

“It’s fine. I’m going to go,” Lexa says, walking towards the door.

“I liked talking with you, Lex. I’d love to hear from you again soon?”

Lexa sighs, turning towards her ex, letting her eyes take in the beauty one last time.

“I don’t think that’d be helpful, for either of us,” Lexa admits in a whisper.

Costia smiles sadly, pulling Lexa into a hug.

“I’ll always love you Lexa,” Costia whispers in her ear.

Lexa doesn’t say a word, wrapping her arms around the body of the one she loved for so many years. Mentally taking note of the changes, her fuller hips and the small swell of her stomach against hers.

“Goodbye,” Lexa whispers, letting go.

“Call me when you’re you,” Costia whispers, gently pressing a kiss to Lexa’s cheek before letting go.

Lexa takes a deep breath, turning on her heel and not looking back.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Hi, nice to see you again,” Lexa greets the reporter with a small hug.

“It’s always nice to get a call from you,” Charlotte offers a polite smile as she pulls away, looking at the blonde, “You must be his wife.”

“Yes, Clarke Griffin. Very nice to meet you,” Clarke says, offering a hand.

“I’m a hugger,” Charlotte says simply, pulling her into a small hug.

Clarke chuckles softly as the woman pulls away, looking over her shoulder and directing two men into the room, one with a large camera, one with a large microphone.

“Alright, so this will be a pretty simple interview. Footage most likely won’t even be shown. Mostly just for me to look at later, okay?” Charlotte explains, “So don’t even bother looking at the camera, just look at me, alright?”

“Sounds simple enough,” Clarke nods, “So should we sit?”

“Yes! The couch over there would be perfect,” she directs.

Lexa sits gracefully on the couch, smirking a little when Clarke plops down without a care.

“What’re you laughing at?” Clarke questions quietly, already knowing, with a playful glint in her eye.

“Nothing,” Lexa lies, her smirk growing into a grin as she looks into blue eyes.

“Well aren’t you two just adorable?” Charlotte says, offering them a small smile.

“Sorry,” Lexa apologizes, blush coating her features.

“Don’t be, you two are super cute!” Charlotte dismisses with a wave of her hand.
Clarke grins, taking Lexa’s hand in hers and scooting closer to the brunette
“So, Clarke, go ahead and tell me a little about yourself.”
“Well, I mean, there’s not very much to say.”

“Lies. Clarke’s an amazingly sweet human being, and an even better artist. The only thing more beautiful than her is her art,” Lexa says honestly.

Clarke’s jaw is hanging open at the kind words that just flowed effortlessly from the brunette.

“Axel,” she whispers.

“She’s very humble too, doesn’t even realize what an amazing person she is. You can see her artwork on her social media’s, right babe?” Lexa says, ignoring the deep blush she is sure she has.

“Yeah,” Clarke mumbles, wiping away a few tears with the back of her hand.

Lexa imminently turns, cupping Clarke’s face and wiping her tears away, forgetting about the interview.

“Don’t cry. Did I say something wrong?” she questions.

“No, you said everything right, you idiot. God,” Clarke sniffles, biting back the three words that want to slip out.

“Wow,” Charlotte’s voice draws them out, “I’ll admit, I thought this was some type of arranged marriage deal or something, but I can see the love. How did you two meet anyway?”

Clarke takes a deep breath before turning back to the woman.

“We met at a coffee shop. I was short a few dollars, and Axel came up and covered it for me.”

“You did? Really?”

Lexa flushes, they hadn’t talked about specifics of the story, only settled on the setting.

“Yeah. She seemed like she needed something good to happen,” Lexa lies.

“Then what happened?”

“Then I kinda went off on him for buying my coffee,” Clarke lies with a laugh, “I said that I didn’t need his pity or anything, but then I turned and saw him…”

Clarke trails off, looking at Lexa beside her, getting lost for a second.

“I asked her out. Those blue eyes, I just had to see her again,” Lexa says.

“I turned him down,” Clarke says with a laugh, “I turned him down and ended up seeing him later that night at the bar. I just knew then, the universe was telling me something.”

“Yeah, it was,” Lexa admits.

“That’s so cute! So how did you two get married?”

Clarke laughs, “We couldn’t wait. We went almost the next day, right babe?”

Lexa chuckles at the nickname, “Yeah.”

“Really? Just jumped right into it?”

Lexa nods, “Yeah. When you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you can’t bear to spend another second without them.”

“Clarke,” Lexa sighs, “This is not what I meant when I suggested we go on a date.”

“You said I got to chose an Italian restaurant in the city, so I did,” Clarke grins, pulling Lexa into the building.

“Pizza is hardly Italian, and this type is Chicago deep dish for god’s sake,” Lexa complains, earning a laugh from the blonde.

“Okay, next time I’ll go to one of your stuffy places, okay? But we’re here now, so might as well enjoy it.”

“Last time we were in a pizza place it didn’t end well,” Lexa says, but follows the blonde.

“Well don’t get into a fight this time,” she teases.

“Shut up,” Lexa laughs.

“Hello,” Lexa greets, standing from her seat and pulling Clarke into a small hug, “You look amazing.”

Clarke blushes as she pulls away, looking around at the high-class restaurant, then to her own dress “I feel very underdressed,” she states, taking in the brunette’s outfit as they sit down.

“Nonsense. That dress is gorgeous,” Lexa says, “I’m wearing tennis shoes, so if anybody is underdressed it’s me.”

"You also look like you're ready to do some taxes at a moment's notice, so I think it evens out."

Lexa chuckles, "Perhaps it does."

The waiter comes by, interrupting their conversation and taking their order.

"I have an advanced copy of the report Miss Charlotte did on us if you'd like to read it. We can edit bits and pieces if there's anything you feel like you want to leave out," Lexa says, pulling out a folder from her briefcase.

"Oh my god, you did not just pull something out of an honest to god briefcase."

Lexa raises an eyebrow, "I did?"

"You're rich."

Lexa tilts her head, confused.

"Like, you're honest to god rich."

Lexa shakes her head, brows furrowing, "We are closing on a house, Clarke. Of course,

we

are rich."

Clarke sighs, looking around and taking in the rich

"I know, I just forget."

Lexa chuckles, pushing the folder to Clarke.

"Well, here's something that might make you remember."

Clarke takes a deep breath as she reads the paper.

I had the wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse into the life of the reclusive and private Axel Woods, heir of Woods Inc, the only son of Alexander Woods himself.

Rumors have surfaced about the man when he was caught in Hawaii with a gorgeous blonde. Some said she was already on the island, some said they were sneaking around and hiding their relationship. The truth is better than all the rumors. The gorgeous blonde is Clarke Griffin, daughter of the late genius Jake Griffin.

They were in the beautiful state of Hawaii enjoying their honeymoon. Yes, you read that correctly, their honeymoon! Axel and Clarke are married!

It’s a shock to all who know anything about the recluse that is Axel Woods, but it seems the sunny blonde has changed him. At first, I was skeptical about the union, thinking it might be an arranged marriage of sorts, but within the first ten minutes of meeting them, I was sold.

They seemed to get lost in each other a few times during the interview. A little touch here and there, and getting lost in each other’s eyes.

They met by chance at a coffee shop, where Axel paid for Clarke’s coffee and asked her out. Clarke rejected him, as she wasn’t, and isn’t, interested in money. Later that night, as fate would have it, they went to the same bar and meet up.

Clarke said that “the universe was telling [her] something” and they rushed to the courthouse the very next day. It seems crazy, but as Axel said: “When you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you can’t bear to spend another second without them.”.

I would normally be sad to say an attractive man is off of the market, but there is no way you could twist this love story into something sad.

Axel himself urges everybody to take a look at his wife’s art, which you can see to the left of the article. In his words, “The only thing more beautiful than her [his wife] is her art.”. Her social media accounts are as listed...

"Axel, that's beautiful," Clarke says honestly.

Lexa grins, "I quite liked it myself too. It should be out in the next issue."

Clarke grins.

"The house also should be ready in a week or two, for us to move into."

"Oh, we should make a party out of it. Invite all our friends over and make them help us unpack," Clarke suggests.

Looking into blue eyes, Lexa is powerless to resist.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Clarke sucks in a deep breath as she enters the house.

“I forgot how beautiful it is,” she states, walking in as her friends follow.

“Cheese and rice! It def hides it’s beauty on the inside. Damn Griff, Axe got any siblings?” Raven jokes as she takes in the large room.

“Yeah, like damn. Does Daddy Woods need any sugar babies?” Octavia joins in with a laugh.

Clarke glares at her, earning her an apologetic look, hands raised in defense.

“Just a joke, I’m sorry. It was insensitive,” she says.

“Okay, before they get here, I was to lay down some rules,” Clarke says, fixing her friends in place with just her eyes.

“Rules?” Raven questions, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, rules. One, don’t break anything. Two, don’t talk about Alexander, at all. Three, don’t touch my husband.”

“Oh, sounds like we got a Mama bear in the house,” Octavia teases with a laugh.

“Shut up,” Clarke grins, pushing her friend softly.

“So when is your husband arriving anyways?” Raven questions, walking down a hallway, ready to explore.

“Any minute. He should also have Anya and Lincoln, so we should be able to unpack rather quickly,” Clarke says.

“It’s it crazy how we all just kinda clicked?” Octavia muses.

“Some things just are meant to be, I guess,” Clarke says.

“You two are a bunch of saps. We’re two groups of attractive people. Hooking up is a no brainer,” Raven yells with a laugh.

“We’re doing more than ‘hooking up’ Rae,” Octavia defends.

“And I’m not even hooking up, I’m just married,” Clarke points out.

“Whatever!” Raven shouts from somewhere deeper in the house.

“Clarke! What bedroom is yours?” Raven questions, a box in her hands.

“Oh,” Clarke blinks, looking to Lexa, “I dunno.”

Lexa chuckles, “You can have your pick Clarke, I don’t mind.”

“I kinda liked the view in that corner bedroom, with the two windows,” Clarke admits.

Lexa’s brow furrows, “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather have the master? It’s much larger and walks out onto the deck.”

Clarke chuckles, “No, I think you’d like the master.”

“You are used to the finer things in like, kid,” Anya joins in, teasing the brunette.

“Oh shut up. I’m at your place half the time,” Lexa laughs, pushing Anya playfully.

“So, what bedroom?” Raven questions.

“Here, I’ll show you,” Clarke says, heading off in the direction of her room, leaving Anya and Lexa.

“What?” Lexa questions.

“You like her,” Anya states, earning an eye roll.

“We’ve already had this discussion.”

“Yeah, but she’s got you whipped,” Anya grins, running out of the room before Lexa can punch her.

“Pizza’s here!” Raven yells, bringing everybody out of their respective rooms as she heads to the newly furnished living room.

“You got pizza?” Lexa questions as she comes into the room.

“Of course we got pizza. First night in a new house has to consist of pizza-”

“And wine!” Octavia grins, pulling a bottle out from the fridge that they’d stashed hours before.

“Pizza and wine?” Lincoln questions with a chuckle, “Not what I would expect, but I’m down.”

“You’re down for anything as long as Octavia’s there,” Anya deadpans, earning a glare from the bigger man and a giggle from Octavia.

“It’s okay babe,” Octavia says, sliding into the seat next to him, almost in his lap, “As long as you’re there, I’m down for anything too.”

Lincoln grins, forgetting about the audience as he pulls Octavia fully on his lap and connects their lips.

“Okay, I’m just going to go gag myself with a spoon,” Raven says, moving from her seat to share a chair with Anya instead.

“Like that is any better," Octavia says as Anya wraps her arms around the other woman.

"How about we just eat our pizza?" Clarke suggests, opening the box.

"Great idea," Lexa says as she finds some plates.

"And there we have Mom and Dad. Gross," Raven states as she leans into Anya's embrace.

Lexa freezes, eyes slamming shut at that single word.

"You okay?" Clarke whispers, gently touching her forearm, "We can kick them out, ya know?"

Lexa fakes a smile as she shakes her head, "No, sorry. Just got lost for a second."

Clarke offers a small smile of her own before continuing to hand out the pizza.

Lexa takes a deep breath as she sits down, only for Anya to catch her eye and whisper.

"Whipped."

Clarke lets out a loud sigh as she leans against the front door, their friends having finally been rounded into their respective ubers. Lexa chuckles at the blonde's actions, causing blue eyes to snap open.

"What?" Clarke questions.

"Nothing," Lexa shrugs, "I enjoyed that quite a lot. It was fun."

"It was, wasn't it?" Clarke muses, following Lexa into the kitchen.

"We'll have to invite them over when it gets warmer and have a pool party. I think Raven mentioned it about a hundred times."

Clarke laughs, "Yeah, she also asked to move in about two hundred too."

"Yes. I was meaning to ask you about that. Would you like for her to move in? I wouldn't be opposed to such a thing if it would make you happy," Lexa says as she opens the fridge, looking for something to drink.

Clarke laughs again, "Anya hasn't told you?"

Lexa tilts her head, "No?"

"Anya's moving in with Raven into our old apartment, and Octavia is moving in with Lincoln."

Lexa's brows raise in surprise, "Isn't that a little quick?"

Clarke shrugs, "I guess 'When you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you can’t bear to spend another second without them.’”

Lexa chuckles, "Ha ha, very funny," she deadpans, pulling the milk out of the fridge, pouring herself a glass.

"Oh, we should make hot chocolate!" Clarke suggests, heading for the cabinet.

"Really?" Lexa questions with a smirk as Clarke grabs the cocoa powder.

"Yeah. When I was little, the first night we moved here, I was like seven and I couldn't sleep. So my dad found me sneaking around the house and he made us hot chocolate and we sneaked around until my mom found us and forced us to go to bed," Clarke explains as she grabs mugs and fills them with milk before putting them in the microwave.

"He sounds like he was a good father," Lexa says sadly as she takes the mugs out of the microwave.

Clarke takes a deep breath as she spoons the powder into her cup.

"He was."

Lexa nods, unsure of what to say as she stirs her hot chocolate.

"I was there when they brought him into the hospital," Clarke whispers, lost in her memory, “I was an intern at the time, on my way to being a doctor…”

Lexa reaches out, gently touching Clarke’s wrist before whispering, “You don’t have to tell me.”

Clarke bites her bottom lip before continuing, “I worked on him. He was burned beyond recognition, the explosion basically burned his face off. I remember the moment I realized. They finally said where he came from and it clicked. Then I looked at him and those eyes were looking at me. I…”

Clarke sighs, wiping her tears away, “I don’t know if he was really aware of what was going on, but he was just looking at me. He knew it was me.”

“Oh, Clarke,” Lexa whispers, easily wrapping the blonde in a hug.

“I couldn’t work after that. I tried for another year, but I couldn’t. I tried to kill myself because I missed him so much, and god,” a sob escapes before she whines, “I miss him so much.”

“Shh,” Lexa whispers, pulling her close.

Lexa holds her wife as she cries into her neck. She runs her hands through her hair and hums quietly.

“Sorry,” Clarke mumbles into Lexa’s shoulder but makes no attempt to move away.

Lexa looks down at the blonde in her arms, taking in the red-rimmed eyes and dripping nose, “Let’s get you to bed.”

Clarke nods, allowing herself to be guided to her bedroom. Lexa helps Clarke in to bed, ignoring how she hasn’t changed in favor of tucking her in.

“Goodnight,” Lexa whispers, one last pat to Clarke’s back.

A hand grabs her wrist, causing her to freeze.

“Stay?”

Lexa can’t say no to those watery blue eyes.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Lexa bites her bottom lip as she assesses the situation. The blonde hair tickling her nose makes it hard for her to concentrate on anything else, but her bladder is demanding she attend to it, not to mention the uncomfortable tightness in her jeans.

She pulls her arm slowly, attempting to remove it from under the blonde without waking her. The sleeping body takes in a deep breath, causing Lexa to freeze.

“Mornin’” Clarke mumbles, voice deep and full of sleep.

“Good morning,” Lexa replies stiffly, still frozen.

Clarke takes a deep breath, rolling over in Lexa’s arms. Lexa holds her breath, shifting her lower body further away from the blonde.

“Hi,” Clarke whispers, looking into green eyes.

Maybe it’s the tone of voice, maybe the way the blue of her eyes sparkled, or maybe it is simply her, but something snaps inside of Lexa.

Clarke’s brows furrow as Lexa’s face hardens, the sparkle and kindness in her eyes gone in an instant.

“What’s wrong?” Clarke whispers, her hand gently caressing the side of Lexa’s cheek.

Lexa sucks in a deep breath at the contact, green eyes slamming shut at the contact.

“Don’t hide from me, please,” Clarke begs, running her thumb over the smooth skin of Lexa’s cheeks.

Lexa opens her eyes, prepared to… do something, but those oceans are so beautiful and Lexa is powerless to deny her plea.

Clarke pulls the sobbing woman into her arms, her fingers carding through her short hair without thought.

“Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here,” Clarke whispers into her ear.

“You can’t promise that,” Lexa mumbles in between her sobs.

Clarke pulls away slightly, tilting Lexa’s head up, hands cupping her face as she stares into green eyes.

“Whatever your demons are, I’ll be here to help you fight them, Axel,” she promises.

Lexa closes her eyes, “You don’t even know me,” she whispers sadly as she pulls away.

Clarke grabs her wrist, looking up at the retreating woman.

“I want to know you,” she whispers.

Lexa looks into hopeful blue eyes and knows. She bites her bottom lip, looking up and blinking back tears.

“I…” she whispers, clenching her jaw before looking back into blue eyes, “I’m not ready,” she admits, shaking her head.

Clarke nods, taking in the woman before her, heart aching for the pain evident in her.

“I’ll be here when you are,” Clarke states, pressing a kiss to the back of Lexa’s hand before letting her run away.

“Maybe he’s gay,” Raven suggests, throwing a handful of popcorn in her mouth.

“He’s not gay,” Octavia shakes her head, “You’ve seen how he looks at Clarke.”

Clarke sighs deeply, glaring at her friends as she turns mutes the movie, obviously, nobody is watching.

“Maybe he’s bi?” Raven suggests.

Clarke rolls her eyes.

“That wouldn’t be a problem. I mean, Clarke’s bi and he hasn’t said anything,” Octavia rebukes.

“I don’t know if he knows I’m bi, actually,” Clarke cuts in.

“You haven’t come out to him?” Octavia questions quickly.

“Why would I?” Clarke defends, “It’s not like we’ve really sat there and talked about all of our exes or anything.”

Raven shrugs, “I just thought you would’ve. You’ve always been proud.”

“I am proud,” Clarke defends, “I just don’t need to go around screaming it to be proud.”

“Aha! You need to come out to him! Then he can tell you whatever it is,” Octavia grins.

Clarke rolls her eyes again, sighing, “That’s not how it works and you know it.”

Octavia huffs, crossing her arms, “Well I don’t see you coming up with any better plans.”

“I didn’t come over here for you two to make plans about my love life anyway,” Clarke spits.

Raven grins, looking at Octavia and waging her eyebrows. Octavia returns the grin before standing up, rushing to Clarke and dropping herself in the blonde’s lap.

“Love life?” she questions, waving her eyebrows seductively as she looks up at the blonde, head in Clarke’s lap.

“Oh my god,” Clarke sighs, covering her eyes with her hands.

“We were giving you life advice, not

love life

advice,” Raven says with a grin.

Clarke sighs again, not looking at her friends.

The noise of the door opening causes Clarke to remove her hands, looking up to find Anya at the door. She raises an eyebrow, looking at Octavia and Clarke in confusion, then to Raven for clarification.

“Clarke likes Axel,” Raven states.

Anya brows furrow further, looking back to the two girls on the couch. She shrugs, shaking her head as she heads to the kitchen without another word, ignoring Clarke’s red cheeks and the twin laughs of Raven and Octavia.

“Raven asked me if you’re gay,” Anya states as they come to a stop, done running.

Lexa chokes, spraying her water over herself. Anya watches unamused as Lexa coughs, clearing her airway and ignoring flush on her cheeks.

“What?” she finally questions, hand on her chest.

Anya rolls her eyes, “You heard me.”

Lexa sighs as she starts walking towards the apartment, “I need context.”

“They were brainstorming reasons as to why you haven’t made a move on Clarke. Raven said the only reason that makes any sense is that you’re gay.”

“What did you tell her?” Lexa questions, suddenly nervous.

“Hey,” Anya whispers, gently grabbing Lexa’s shoulder, the trialing up to her cheek, forcing her to meet her eyes.

“I will never out you. I will never do that to you, okay?” Anya whispers, waiting until Lexa nods to continue.

“I told her you don’t like men. Since I mean, you are really gay. Hey!” Anya yells as she’s pushed off the curb, stumbling slightly.

“You’re an asshole,” Lexa laughs.

“You’re the gayest person I know!” Anya laughs, easily shoving Lexa back.

“You’re a lesbian who’s had sex in the last twenty-four hours, I think that makes you gayer.”

Anya laughs, “Nah babe, you run into walls and fall on your ass at the sight of a girl in a bikini.”

Lexa’s jaw drops, “She told you?”

Anya loses it, laughing so hard she cries, doubling over as Lexa blushes.

“She didn’t tell you,” she mumbles, mostly to herself.

“See, gay,” Anya grins, earning another shove.

“Hi,” Lexa greets as Clarke walks into the kitchen.

“Hey. Smells awesome,” Clarke compliments as she takes a seat at the island counter bar.

“Thank you. It’s something Gustus used to make a lot,” Lexa explains, stirring the sauce.

“Gustus?” Clarke questions, leaning on the counter.

“He’s the chief at my father’s. When I was younger I used to sneak down and help him sometimes,” Lexa grins, thinking of the large man.

“Tell me about him?”

Lexa smiles, beaming at the thought of the man.

“He’s a huge guy. He’s like six foot six or something. He looks like he’d be a mafia boss, or a bodyguard or something. It’s kinda hilarious to see him with his hair tied up and his apron on,” Lexa chuckles at the thought.

“He sounds like a teddy bear,” Clarke grins, watching as Lexa starts chopping up some vegetables.

“Oh, he’s a total bear,” Lexa chuckles, causing Clarke’s eyebrows to shoot up in surprise.

“I caught him looking at his phone once, looking at a picture of him and his boyfriend. I was younger and he made me promise not to tell anybody. At the time I thought he meant being on his phone while on the clock, but now I understand.”

Clarke tilts her head, “Is being gay a bad thing?”

Lexa shakes her head, “Of course not. My father doesn’t approve though, so I doubt our cook being gay would make for a good dinner.” She explains, dumping the veggies in the sauce and stirring.

“He’d probably have a fit if he knew I was bi then,” Clarke says.

Lexa’s eyes snap up, the spoon in her hand stilling. Clarke bites her bottom lip, watching the stunned brunette process.

“That’s cool,” Lexa mumbles, looking back down to the sauce.

“Does that bother you?” Clarke questions softly, watching the brunette move around the kitchen, grabbing two plates.

“No. Why would it?” Lexa questions as she plates the pasta.

“Some guys get jealous about that stuff,” Clarke shrugs as Lexa carefully plates the veggies, pouring the remaining sauce over the pasta.

“I think you should know by now,” Lexa says, putting a plate in front of the blonde, “I’m not like most guys.”

Clarke grins, watching at the brunette digs into the dish.

“No. You’re not,” Clarke agrees, digging in herself.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"How's your girlfriend?" Lexa questions as she leans into the new plush loveseat. "She's great, how's yours?" Lincoln questions with a smirk, taking a drink of his beer. "We're not dating," Lexa states. Lincoln chuckles, "No, of course not. You just go out to very romantic dinners once a week-""That's my father, not us," Lexa defends. "But you two also have dinner together every other night too. I know you wouldn't have asked for my cookbook if you were just cooking for yourself."Lexa blushes, looking down. "I've seen Clarke's Snapchat too. You guys watch a movie almost every night. I'm willing to bet you two end up falling asleep on the couch or some cute shit.""I do not fall asleep on the couch," Lexa argues, earning a grin from the man. "She does though, doesn't she?" He questions. Lexa bites her bottom lip, "maybe.""Yeah, you're dating. Admit it or not, you are.""We are not dating. We're just stuck with each other anyway, so why not be friends?"Lincoln chuckles. "Why is that funny? Am I not capable of making friends?"Lincoln shakes his head, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I'm just saying, from what O has said, she doesn't see you two as friends. She likes you, Lex.""She doesn't even know me," Lexa snaps, crossing her arms. "She's starting to get to know you, Lexa. I've heard her myself gushing about how kind you are, about the food you make. Not once has she mentioned anything about you being attractive."Lexa doesn't respond, looking down at her feet. "I'm just saying, babe. I don’t think she likes you solely because she thinks you’re a guy. Plus, she’s bi anyway.”Lexa sighs, “Just because she’s bi doesn’t mean she’ll like me.”“No, it doesn’t,” Lincoln agrees, “she’ll just like you because you’re still you.” Lexa rolls her eyes.“She’s going to love you, Lex, I know it.”“Axel.”Lexa looks up from her paperwork, surprised to see her father.“Sir,” she questions, rising from her seat as she watches him close the door behind him.“How’s the wife coming along,” he questions, walking around the small office space.“Clarke is fine sir,” Lexa answers, brows furrowing.“Have you consummated your marriage yet,” he questions, looking at the brunette.Lexa’s eyes widen before she starts coughing, choking on her spit.“I’ll take that as a no,” he states, watching as his only child sucks in a breath.“Sir, I-”“No need to explain, my son. I’m sure she hasn’t even tried to hold up her end of the deal.”“The deal?” Lexa questions, confused.“Yes. She is to provide me with a grandchild. I see she has not even attempted to hold up her end,” he states, “I’ll have to talk with her.”“No!”Both of them are surprised at the word that flew out of Lexa’s mouth, Lexa’s eyes widening at her mistake.“No?” Alexander questions, eyes darkening as he walks towards his child.“N-no, I just meant she has. She has tried,” Lexa stammers, sending one pleading look to her father before fixing on the ground.“And you refused her,” he questions in a growl.“I… I didn’t know about the deal,” Lexa explains.Lexa feels like punch before she realizes it’s happening, suddenly she’s on the floor, pain radiating from her eye.“You’re such a worthless excuse for a man. Can’t even use the wife I bought you correctly,” Alexander spits, slapping Lexa across the face.Lexa doesn’t make a sound as she feels blood running down her face from her lip, now bussed open. “Go home and make me a grandchild, or don’t bother coming back,” Alexander says, spitting on his child before leaving the room.Lexa takes a deep breath, leaning back into the floor. She waits, knowing what will happen next.“Sir,” a voice questions from the doorway, right on time.“Can you call Anya for me, Harper?” Lexa questions from her spot on the ground.Harper nods as she enters the room, quickly shutting the door behind her as she walks to the fallen brunette.“Do you need help,” she questions, looking down at Lexa.“I’m fine Harper. Thank you,” Lexa mumbles, groaning as she sits up, a hand coming to her head as the room spins.“You could have a concussion,” Harper says, watching carefully as Lexa hauls herself into her chair. “Anya will check, I’m sure,” Lexa sighs.As if on cue, the door opens and the blonde rushes into the room. Anya doesn’t spare a glance to the other woman, instead, going straight to the brunette. Lexa groans as Anya grabs her chin, tilting her head back as she looks at the trauma as she sits on Lexa’s desk.“Do you have any alcohol wipes?” Anya questions.“I do in my bag,” Harper states, leaving the room to retrieve the wipes.Anya doesn’t say a word, instead gently poking at Lexa’s face.“Anywhere else?” she questions.Lexa shakes her head as Harper returns, handing Anya the wipes.“This will sting,” Anya warns before running the wipe over Lexa’s lip, earning a large intake of breath.Anya quickly wipes the blood away, allowing the cut to clot before taking out a flashlight. “Thank you, Harper. I’ve got it from here,” Anya states, waiting for her to leave before continuing.Anya asks Lexa a few questions, checking to see if she has a concussion.“You seem alright,” Anya states, throwing the bloodied wipes into the trash.“I’m fine. Just a bruise or two,” Lexa jokes, wincing when she smiles, pain radiating from the cut.“What happened?” Anya questions. Lexa sighs, her jaw clenching. “He came in and asked if Clarke and I were having sex. Then got mad when I said we haven’t,” Lexa states, telling the half-truth.“Why would he care?” “I guess he expects us to have children. Said something about having a deal with Clarke,” Lexa’s jaw drops as it clicks into place.“What?” Anya questions.“That must be what they talked about. Him and Clarke. She must have said she’d have a baby in an attempt to get him to stop,” Lexa mumbles, looking down at the ground.Anya sighs, watching her friend digest her emotions.“I’m going to break up with her,” Lexa decides, jaw set.Anya shakes her head, gently cupping Lexa’s face, “No, you’re not.”Lexa’s eyes slam closed, holding in tears. “Lie to your father Lexa. He’ll never know, okay? You’ve got a good thing going with Clarke. Don’t let him ruin it,” Anya states. Lexa takes a deep breath, freezing when Anya presses a kiss to her forehead. “Go home, Lexa. It’s late,” Anya orders before leaving herself.Lexa takes a few moments to enjoy the silence before opening her eyes. She takes one look at the clock before grabbing her coat and heading home.Lexa sighs, taking in the blonde on the couch and the black screen of Netflix, asking if she’s still watching. She must’ve fallen asleep waiting for her to get home so they could hang out. Quietly she grabs the blanket from the chair, walking over to cover up the blonde. Noticing the pad of paper in Clarke’s lap, she moves it to the coffee table without thought before covering her with the blanket. The blonde shifts, turning in her sleep before letting out a soft sigh and relaxing again.“I think I might love you,” Lexa whispers as she takes in the blonde’s relaxed face, gently pressing a kiss to her forehead. She sighs as she stands back up, looking around the room. Her eye catches the sketch pad she had taken from the blonde, still open to what she assumes the blonde was working on. Her heart stops as she takes it in. It’s a drawing of her, or at least it was. It’s obviously her profile but softened. She can see the past lines where Clarke must’ve originally drawn the hairline as she has it now, short with small curls on top. The lines are faint as they’ve been drawn over, a new hairdo placed on her surrogate face. It’s long, trailing down and fading into nothing, pulled back into what must be an array of braids. Clarke jumps, the sounds of someone trying and failing to take in oxygen waking her up. Blue eyes scan quickly, taking in Lexa hyperventilating on the floor where she’s fallen.“Hey, it’s okay,” she soothes, rolling from the couch onto the floor, kneeling in front of the brunette.“It’s okay, you’re safe,” she says, taking Lexa’s hands in hers.“Listen to my voice, okay? In and out. In… and out,” Clarke coaches gently, taking in Lexa’s new black eye and slipt lip.Clarke continues talking Lexa down, slowing her breathing to a normal pace. She lets out a little gasp when Lexa dives forward, tackling her in a hug. She relaxes quickly, wrapping both arms around Lexa, one cupping the back of her neck.“Are you okay?” Clarke questions softly into Lexa’s ear.Lexa pulls back slightly, looking into blue eyes. Clarke reaches out without realizing it, her fingers gently caressing Lexa’s busted lip as she looks at Lexa’s black and swollen eye. Lexa watches was blue eyes dip down, watching her lips and she acts before thinking.Clarke gasps in surprise before sighing, falling into the kiss. It’s softer than any kiss Clarke has ever had before, even as Lexa pulls back slightly, their foreheads still connected.“Axel, I-”“No.”Clarke pulls back, confused as she looks at Lexa.Lexa’s heart pounds as she feels Clarke pulls away, her eyes filling with tears as her mouth opens, spilling everything. “I’m trans. I’m a woman. I’m sorry for not telling you. I know this is a shock and you’ll prob-”Her rambling is cut short as lips press into hers. “I think I might love you,” Clarke admits quietly.Lexa breaks, tears falling quickly, sobs escaping. Clarke pulls her close and runs her fingers through her hair, whispering in her ear. Clarke sighs in content when the sobs stop, Lexa fast asleep and cradled on her chest.“I love you, my wife,” she whispers, pressing a kiss to Lexa’s forehead as she shifts, pulling the brunette closer to her and falling asleep herself.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Lexa groans as she is pulled from sleep. A hand gently touches the side of her face, making her relax into it. Suddenly the gentle touch is replaced by white heat, the cold burns, causing her to cry out in surprise.

“Sorry, but the swelling is pretty bad,” Clarke soothes, a hand gently cupping the other side of her face.

“It’s cold,” Lexa whines but stays put, allowing Clarke to hold the ice against her eye.

“Does your lip hurt?”

“No, it’s fine,” Lexa mumbles.

Clarke nods, mostly to herself since Lexa hasn’t opened her eyes yet. Lexa sighs as she takes in the silence, her mind racing.

She hasn’t said anything about last night. Maybe she’s just being nice and wants to let me down easy. She probably feels bad that she doesn’t like me, so she’s taking care of me. Or maybe she doesn’t believe in trans people. I mean, she seemed nice last night, but I also just started crying. Maybe she wants me to leave. She’s so quiet, maybe thinking of how she’s going to break up with me.

Lexa cracks an eye open, prepared to offer the blonde an out, only to be frozen as those blue eyes are locked on her lips. Clarke seems to notice she’s being watched, blue eyes flicking up to green. Then she whispers the most beautiful words Lexa has ever heard.

“What’s your

real

name?”

Lexa’s so stunned it’s hard to think, hard to answer the simple question. Clarke waits, her hand gently stroking the side of her face that isn’t bruised, waiting for an answer without a rush.

“Lexa,” she whispers.

“Shh, don’t cry,” Clarke whispers, wiping away her tears.

“I’m sorry, I just…”

“It’s okay Lexa, I know this is a lot,” Clarke says, pulling her into a hug.

Lexa leans forward, pushing away the frozen bag at her eye to truly look into blue eyes. Clarke watches the green, waiting for whatever is about to happen. Her eyes widen when lips are pressed to hers.

Clarke easily sinks into the gentle kiss, get hand coming to play with the baby hairs on the back of Lexa’s neck. Lexa pushes harder, easily flipping them on the couch. Clarke lets out a noise of surprise at the sudden change, but Lexa’s lips are pressing against hers, demanding her attention. Lexa presses harder into the kiss, getting lost as her hands come to Clarke’s waist.

God. She’s so sexy and kind. I’m in love with her. If I wasn’t before, I am now. She likes me, no matter what I am. She knows my name now and she hasn’t run away yet.

“Lexa,” the gently whisper brings her back to reality, looking down into blue eyes.

“That sounds good,” Lexa admits, leaning down so their foreheads touch gently.

“It does, doesn’t it?” Clarke chuckles softly, her fingers still wrapped in the baby curls on the back of Lexa’s neck.

“I think I love you.”

Clarke smiles, “Me too.”

The ringing of a phone interrupts their moment, causing Lexa to jump away. The ringtone is factory set, loud and shrill. Lexa scrambles for it, pulling it out of her back pocket and answer. She offers Clarke an apologetic smile before she leaves the room, easily talking to the voice on the other side.

Clarke sighs, licking her lips as she remembers the feeling of Lexa’s lips on hers. She bites her lip as she takes in her surroundings. She picks up the discarded ice pack, easily moving to the kitchen, ignoring the sound of Lexa’s business voice coming from the bathroom as she returns the pack to the freezer.

“Hey,” Lexa calls, entering the kitchen.

Clarke’s heart sinks as she meets green eyes. The mask is firmly in place over Lexa’s normal face.

“I’ve gotta go back to work,” Lexa explains.

Clarke sighs, reaching out and gently cupping Lexa’s face.

“Please,

stay.”

Looking into those blue eyes, Lexa is helpless to resist.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Lexa can’t stop the bounce of her leg as she waits.

“You okay?” Clarke questions, gently touching her leg, putting a momentary still to the movement.

“He’s going to do something, I know it,” Lexa explains, her leg starting to bounce again.

“What can he do? We own our home and-”

“With

his

money Clarke. I don’t have anything of my own, everything is technically

his,”

Lexa mumbles.

Clarke sighs, leaning into the couch, nodding to herself.

“Then we need to leave,” Clarke states, standing up.

“Leave?”

“Yeah. I mean, we don’t have money for this place, so let’s leave.”

“And go where? We don’t have anywhere to go, Clarke,” Lexa says, nervously playing with her Rolex.

“We do. Pack up your stuff. We’re moving,” Clarke orders, heading to her bedroom to grab her stuff.

“I don’t have anything,” Lexa whispers to herself as she watches Clarke disappear into her room.

A knock on the door draws Lexa’s attention away from the blonde. Clarke pokes her head out of the bedroom as Lexa opens the door, revealing two police officers.

“Axel Woods?” the shorter of the two questions, looking Lexa up and down.

“Yes?” Lexa questions, heart-pounding loudly in her ears.

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave this property,” he states, causing Clarke to rush out of the bedroom.

“We own this house, how can you ask us to leave?” Clarke questions with rage filling her chest.

“This property is owned by Woods Inc and the owner has called us to remove you,” the other police officer explains.

“Of course, come on Clarke. Let’s grab your stuff and leave,” Lexa says, touching Clarke’s shoulder, easily guiding her to her bedroom.

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave everything that isn’t yours, clothes included. Alexander made it very clear that you own very little.”

Lexa clenches her jaw, looking down at her clothes.

“I’ll go change,” Lexa mumbles, easily leaving the police and Clarke.

Lexa changes into an outfit she borrowed from Lincoln years before, leaving all she owns behind, except for the Rolex on her wrist as she goes to join the blonde.

“What about that?” One of the officers questions, pointing at her wrist.

“It’s mine. It was a gift,” Lexa defends.

“One pretty expensive gift,” the other one says, moving closer to Lexa.

“You can check the records, I have never bought a Rolex. It’s a gift and I
will
be taking it with me,” Lexa states, the sentence ending in a growl with green eyes glaring at the officers.

“If we find out you’re lying, you’ll have to deal with Woods,” the officer states.

“Good thing they’re not lying then,” Clarke cuts in, handing Lexa a box of her belongings, “take this to my car babe.”

Lexa sends one last glare to the two officers before doing what she’s told, placing the overflowing box into the trunk of the blonde’s jeep.

“You have ten more minutes to grab the rest of your stuff,” an officer orders the blonde, watching intently as she stuffs her suitcase full of as many clothes as she can.

“I’m going to grab your paintings, Clarke,” Lexa calls, heading to one of the abstract pieces hanging from the wall.

“We don’t have room for all of those, just grab my sketchpad from the living room please,” Clarke yells.

Lexa easily finds the sketchpad, still open to the very drawing that gave her the strength to come out. She bites her lip, making a mental note to question Clarke about it later as she picks it up. Looking back to the bedroom, she stops. The paintings they made during the honeymoon sit on the wall.

“Can we find room for our honeymoon paintings?” Lexa questions.

“Those paintings are property of Woods Inc, as you were there for business,” a voice states as the door opens, revealing Alexander himself.

Lexa swallows the spit in her mouth as she takes in her father, eyes automatically going to the ground.

“Fuck you, you asshole,” Clarke spits as she comes out of the bedroom, fire in her eyes.

“Hello to you too, Miss Griffin,” Alexander greets with a cold smile, “I’m sorry you didn’t hold up your end of the deal.”

Clarke shakes her head, grabbing Lexa’s hand and intertwining their fingers.

“I perform my marriage duties perfectly, Alexander. I’m not taking any percent, as we’re not getting a divorce” Clarke spits at him, “I convinced your kid to leave your business. I expect you to hold your end,” she says, pulling Lexa along as she storms out of what was once their dream house.

“I don’t need to do anything. That boy will never make it in the real world,” Alexander yells as Clarke shoves her suitcase and one last box into the backseat.

“Clarke,” Lexa whispers, looking to the ground as her father yells.

Clarke stops, grabbing Lexa’s chin and bringing their lips together softly. She pulls away, their foreheads touching.

“Trust me?” she questions in a whisper.

Lexa bites her bottom lip before nodding.

“Then let’s go.”

Lexa easily jumps into the passenger seat of Clarke’s jeep, ignoring her father’s words as they drive away.

With Clarke’s hand in hers, she isn’t scared.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Lexa bites her lip as they pull into the hospital parking lot. “I’m going to head in and grab the house keys from my mom. We’ll just stay with her for a while,” Clarke explains as she parks the car.“Will she be okay with that?” Lexa questions, biting her bottom lip.“Hey,” Clarke whispers, leaning over the center console to press their foreheads together, blue eyes meeting green, “Trust me.”Lexa nods, gently pressing a kiss to pink lips before allowing the blonde to pull away. Lexa takes another deep breath, mentally preparing herself before exiting the jeep. To her surprise, Clarke is waiting for her. Offering a smile, Clarke holds out her hand, an offering to the brunette. Lexa returns the smile with a grin of her own, easily taking the hand and tangling their fingers together. Clarke grins, moving closer to the brunette and easily stealing a kiss, mindful of the split lip.“I could get used to those,” Lexa whispers.“Me too,” Clarke admits, stealing another kiss before returning to the task at hand.Lexa allows Clarke to pull her along, easily getting lost in the hospital as Clarke tugs her through the winding hallways she knows like the back of her hand. Lexa tries to ignore the way people are looking at her, but her skin crawls as she focuses on the blonde tugging her around. “Mom!” Clarke calls, causing the other blonde to freeze, already headed someone else.Abby turns on her heel, dark eyes scanning over the blonde, then to the brunette standing behind her. “In here,” Abby orders, heading into a supply closet.“Should we really be in here?” Lexa questions as she’s dragged into the small storage room.“You,” Abby points at Lexa, “Sit,” she orders, pointing to a small stool in the corner, “You,” she points at her daughter, “Talk.”Lexa raises an eyebrow but Clarke’s gentle nudge towards the stool forces her to comply.“We left Alexander’s hold,” Clarke says as Abby grabs a bottle of disinfectant and a wipe.“You left?” Abby questions, turning towards the brunette while still talking to the blonde.“The police showed up to escort us out and everything. All we’ve got is a few boxes in the back of my Jeep,” Clarke explains as she watches Abby.“I’m going to clean your lip,” Abby explains, gently taking Lexa’s chin in her hand.Lexa sits still as the older woman wipes the disinfectant over her lip, ignoring the stinging.“Does your head hurt?” she questions, taking out a pen and shining a light in Lexa’s swollen eye.“No,” Lexa answers easily as Abby gently pulls the swollen eye open farther.“She-” Clarke goes silent, realizing her mistake as soon as it came out of her mouth. Abby turns, confused, “What?”“We,” Lexa cuts in, “are homeless.”Abby’s brows furrow, looking at the younger woman, “Nonsense. You’ll live above the garage until you get on your feet.”“Mom-”“You’ll have to pay me back, of course. I’ll take a new painting for my office, thank you,” Abby states, pulling a pair of keys out of her pocket, handing them to her daughter.“Abby, we can’t-”“Of course you can. You’re leaving you’re abusive father, and this is my daughter. I’d love for you to stay with me until you get back on your feet,” Abby cuts Lexa off easily, turning back to her daughter.“There should be some stuff for pasta in the cabinets. I’m staying here tonight, but I’ll be home at about seven tomorrow.”“Okay Mom, thanks,” Clarke says, blushing as Abby presses a kiss to her cheek before leaving them.“Well, that went well, I guess?” Lexa states, scratching the back of her neck.“Yeah, come on. Let’s get out of here,” she says, offering her hand.Lexa grins, easily taking the offered hand and getting swept away.“Raven is calling me. Has been calling me,” Clarke says, looking at her phone, noticing the ten missed calls.“So answer it,” Lexa states, watching the blonde.“Hey,” Clarke says into the device.“Is Axel with you? Anya is going crazy because his phone is disconnected,” Raven says, motioning to the frantic blonde pacing across the room from her.“Yeah,” Clarke nods, looking at Lexa and biting her bottom lip, unsure of what to call her.“You hear that babe? He’s with Clarke,” Raven says, drawing Anya’s attention to her. Clarke listens as the two girls have a conversation on the other line, looking to Lexa.“I guess Anya’s worried about you,” she explains.Lexa nods, “That’s understandable. Can I talk to her?” “Can I talk to Axel?” Anya questions from the other side of the phone.“Yeah, here,” Clarke nods, handing Lexa the phone.Clarke puts the car in drive, heading towards her mother’s house as she half listens as Lexa explains what happened to Anya.“We’re going to move in with Abby for a little while. Just until we get back on our feet,” Lexa says.“We’ll meet you there,” Raven says, now on speakerphone.“You don’t have to. We didn’t have time to grab much,” Lexa says.“Nah, we’ll be there. See you in a bit.”“So… This is it,” Anya whispers, finally having cornered Lexa alone in her new bedroom.“Yeah,” Lexa sighs, looking at the small twin bed, “It’s nice.”“That’s not what I’m talking about,” Anya states, crossing her arms as she looks at Lexa.Lexa sighs, sitting down on the bed.“You finally ran away. After twenty-eight years, you finally got out from under him. Why?” Lexa bites her bottom lip, sighing. “Sheaskedmeto.”Anya raises an eyebrow, earning a much louder and longer sigh from the brunette.“She asked me to stay.” Lexa mumbles, looking down “After I came out to her, she asked me not to go back to work. So I didn’t.” “You came out to her?” Anya questions, surprised. “Yeah, I did.” Anya sighs, looking at the younger woman sitting on the small bed. The memory of them figuring out Lexa’s name plays in her mind. “Good,” she whispers, pressing a kiss to Lexa’s forehead, “I’m proud of you.”“What happened?” Raven questions the blonde.“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Clarke says, digging out a pot from the dishwasher.“You two have kissed like five times in the past hour.”“We had a breakthrough,” Clarke shrugs, filling up the pot with water.“What happened?” Raven questions again, “Come on, I won’t tell.”Clarke shakes her head as she turns on the stove, “I like ‘em, Raven, just leave it alone.”Raven’s brow furrows, “What the fuck Griff?” “Just,” Clarke sighs, pouring in the box of spaghetti, “leave it. Be happy for me, please.”“I am happy for you Clarke.”“I promise I’ll tell you when we’re ready, but until then-”“You’re pregnant?!” Raven whisper yells in surprise.“What?” Clarke drops the spoon she’d been using, turning with wide eyes to the brunette.“Are you?”“No! I’d tell you if I was getting laid, dumbass.”Raven chuckles as Clarke picks up the spoon, shaking her head, “Okay. But you better tell me A. S. A. P.”“Tell you what?” Anya questions as she enters the kitchen from the bedroom, easily coming behind Raven, wrapping her arms around the younger girls’ hips as Clarke rinses off the spoon.“What happened that made them start acting all gross,” Raven explains as she falls back into her lovers embrace.Anya looks up, dark eyes connecting with blue.“They’ve always been gross,” Anya states as her eyes threaten the blonde.“Not like they are now,” Raven argues, ignorant to the conversation taking place in front of her.“You’re supposed to be happy that I’m happy,” Clarke argues, stirring the pasta, turning away from the threatening eyes.“I am.”“Here, let me,” Lexa states as she enters the room, easily taking over from the blonde.“Thanks,” Clarke grins, stealing a kiss before remembering the audience they have, turning red.“See. Gross,” Raven says, turning to Anya.“I see,” Anya smirks, sending an approving wink to Lexa, “Super gross.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Can we talk about it?”

Lexa shifts in the darkness, rolling over to face the blonde. The moonlight barely illuminates her profile, giving her pale skin a bluish tone.

“I don’t want to be insensitive, but I have so many questions,” Clarke explains, easily tangling their fingers together.

“You’ve been nothing but kind, Klark. Ask away,” Lexa mumbles.

“When did you know?”

Lexa chuckles, “I don’t know. I guess I’ve always known. I always liked the girly things, ya know?”

“How’d you know you weren’t gay?” Clarke questions, “I’ve always wondered how someone was able to tell the difference.”

Lexa chuckles, “I’ve always loved girls too much to even question if I didn’t. Women are amazing and beautiful and I just… I knew that’s how I should’ve been.”

“Who else knows?”

“Anya, Lincoln, and Costia.”

“Costia?” Clarke questions, things falling into place, “Is that why you…?”

Lexa sighs, thinking of her former lover.

“It was hard. She knew before we dated that I wasn’t planning on coming out, and she thought she could handle it. But…”

“She couldn’t?” Clarke questions.

Lexa nods, “It hurt a lot, but I understand it now.”

“It must be hard dating someone in the closet,” Clarke mumbles, “Speaking of the closet, I don’t want to force you out or anything, but it’s hard to call you the wrong name.”

“Do you want me to come out?” Lexa questions honestly.

Clarke sits up, pulling Lexa closer, cupping her face and pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.

“I want you to do and be whatever you want baby,” Clarke answers honestly.

Lexa bites her bottom lip.

“I’m scared,” she admits, barley above a whisper.

“I’ll be here the whole way. I promise.”

“Do you… Do you think they’ll accept me?” Lexa questions.

“If they don’t, then they don’t matter. All that matters is you being happy.”

“You make me happy,” Lexa whispers, looking into blue eyes.

“Good. You’re stuck with me,” Clarke jokes, rubbing the side of her nose against the brunettes.

“You’re all I need.”

“Let’s go to sleep. Tomorrow, we’ll start the rest of our lives.”

“Our life. Together.”

Clarke smiles, pressing their lips together before snuggling into the brunette’s side.

“Together,” she agrees.

The room goes silent, both girls heading towards the abyss of sleep. Clarke’s breathing evens out as Lexa’s fingers run through her hair.

“I love you,” Lexa whispers into the darkness.

“I love you, Lexa.”

Lexa rolls them over, so she’s basically on top of the blonde, snuggling into her chest. Clarke’s fingers tangle in her short hair, playing with the small curls.

“We’ll go apply for state aid tomorrow. We’ll get you on the medical card and we’ll get started on your transition. I mean, if that’s what you want-”

“It is.”

“Then we’ll get started. We’ll go shopping and pick out clothes that fit you. You’re also more than welcome to wear mine. We can be that lesbian couple if you want,” Clarke jokes, earning a small chuckle from the brunette.

“I don’t care, Clarke, as long as we’re together,” Lexa whispers.

Clarke grins, pressing a kiss to Lexa’s forehead.

“Together,” she agrees.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Come on Murphy, I know you need people,” Clarke says through the small window to the kitchen.

“You walked out on me Clarke, why in the world would I let you come back?” He questions, not bothering to look up from the cooktop.

“I got married to someone rich. If you got rich, you wouldn’t be in this dump either-”

“Hey! I own this dump!” He complains, glaring at the blonde.

“And you’re in the back cooking eggs,” she deadpans.

Murphy grunts, plating the dish he’d been working on, setting it in the window and ringing the bell to notify the waiter before wiping off his hands and coming out of the kitchen.

“You’re not going to run off again, are you?” He questions as he heads to his desk.

“No. We need jobs like yesterday,” Clarke confesses.

“We?” Murphy questions, digging under the counter for a paper.

“My spouse and me, yeah.”

His eyebrows raise, “You’re still married?”

“Yes,” Clarke rolls her eyes, “Any more personal questions that have nothing to do with my job?”

“Woah man,” Murphy raises his hands in mock surrender as he nods to the new employee form, “I thought we were friends.”

Clarke chuckles, rolling her eyes as she fills out the paper.

“If your guy needs a job too, we could use a cook. No pressure though,” Murphy suggests.

“Thank you. I think they’ve got one lined up though, but maybe part-time?”

“I’ll take all the help I can, Griff. Can you start tomorrow?”

“Yeah, no problem.”

“Come in for opening, we’ll figure out the rest of your schedule before you leave tomorrow, I gotta head back.”

“Thank you Murph,” Clarke grins to herself as she exits the diner, ready for the next chapter of their lives.

“Lic…” Lexa whispers, attempting to find the words.

“I’ve got a trainer spot open, if you want it,” Lincoln says without looking up from the paperwork on his desk.

“Really?” Lexa questions, surprised.

“Yeah, here’s the paper, just sign here,” he says, pushing the paper towards the brunette.

“Just like that? I’ve never had a real job before or-”

“Shut up and take the job,” he laughs, earning a red blush.

“Okay,” she nods, sitting down and filling out the paper.

“Now, for the hard question. Are you coming out, or are you still… Not?”

Lexa sighs, “Not for now.”

Lincoln nods, “I understand.”

“I still need to like, figure some stuff out. Like, what’s the point of coming out if I’m not going to do anything? Really?” Lexa mumbles, focusing on the paper.

“To be more comfortable in yourself. Not everybody transitions Lex.”

“No, I know that,” Lexa explains, “I just… I don’t know. I don’t want to be

that

trans person. The one who comes out but never does anything about it. I mean, it’s fine if other people do that and are okay, but I just… I don’t think I could have everybody call me the right name while I don’t look like me. Not yet, at least.”

“Whatever you want Lexa is what we’ll do.”

“Thank you.”

“Can you start tomorrow? Got a class at six am, and I’d rather not do it myself.”

“Sounds perfect.”

“How did it go?” Lexa questions as the blonde enters their small two-room apartment, located above Abby’s garage, stirring a pot of spaghetti noodles.

“Perfect. He even offered you a job, if you want it,” Clarke smiles as she takes a seat at the bar.

“I got one with Lincoln, a part-time trainer,” Lexa explains.

“You could do both, Murphy needs a cook, mostly for later in the day.”

“Do you think I could do it?” Lexa questions, draining the pasta.

“You’re a good cook babe, I’m sure you could whip up some eggs and burgers.”

Lexa laughs, dumping a can of marinara sauce into the pot before adding the spaghetti back.

“Pasta doesn’t mean I know how to cook, Clarke.”

Clarke shrugs, grinning at the blush she caused, “Better than me.”

“That’s not hard, love,” Lexa jokes, leaning over the counter and stealing a kiss.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Here, fill this out,” Clarke says, handing Lexa a paper as she enters the apartment.

“What is it?” Lexa questions, looking at the paper.

“We gotta fill it out for medical,” Clarke explains, plopping down on the couch.

“Medical? Why? Are you sick?” Lexa questions, following the blonde into the small living room.

“No, but we need medical. How else would we pay for your transition?”

Lexa freezes, eyes wide as she looks at her wife.

“That is something you still want to do, right?” Clarke questions, tilting her head.

“I mean, yeah. But I’m not even out or anything,” Lexa mumbles, scratching the back of her neck.

“Come here,” Clarke orders, making grabby hands at the other woman.

Lexa can’t stop her smile as she takes a seat next to the blonde. Clarke shifts, placing one leg behind the brunette and pulling her against her chest. Lexa grins at the close contact as she falls into place. Clarke gently runs her fingers through Lexa’s hair, playing with the curls on top of her head.

“You don’t have to come out to transition, baby,” Clarke whispers after some time, scratching Lexa’s scalp.

“I can’t really just show up with tits one day with no explanation.”

“Why not?” Clarke shrugs, “Who gives a fuck what anybody thinks, just as long as you’re happy.”

Green eyes connect with blue, “You think so?”

Clarke smiles sadly at the woman in her arms, leaning down and stealing a gentle kiss.

“Fuck the world, baby.”

Lexa grins, shifting to be fully on top of the blonde and reconnecting their lips. Clarke hums into the kiss, enjoying the soft lips against hers.

Clarke licks Lexa’s bottom lip, asking for permission. Lexa grants it, enjoying the taste of Clarke’s tongue in her mouth, following Clarke’s tongue into her mouth. Clarke moans when Lexa’s hand caresses the side of her face.

They lose themselves in the heat of the moment, forgetting the world around them.

“Woah,” Abby says as the enters the apartment, her hand covering her eyes.

Clarke can feel Lexa tense above her as she rips away, but Clarke merely rolls her eyes at her mother.

“We were just kissing Mom, you don’t have to cover your eyes like we’re naked,” Clarke states, sitting up and grabbing Lexa’s hand in hers, preventing her from leaving the room.

Lexa squeezes the hand in hers gratefully as Abby heads to the kitchen, placing a large paper bag on the counter.

“I picked up a few things to get you through the week until you get your paychecks,” she says as she starts putting everything away.

“We could just pick up stuff from the diner Mom. You don’t have to take care of us,” Clarke protests, heading to the kitchen herself to help put things away.

“Have you got your medical paperwork filled out yet?” Abby questions, ignoring the blonde’s comment.

“We were just doing that,” Lexa answers, picking the paper back up from the coffee table.

“Good. The sooner you get coverage, the sooner you can get into therapy,” Abby says.

“Therapy?” Lexa questions.

“Yes. Coming from an abusive household you really need to go to therapy to make sure you won’t bring any baggage into your marriage with my daughter.”

“Mom!” Clarke scolds, “That’s so-”

“It’s fine Clarke,” Lexa cuts her off, “I should get into therapy anyways.”

“Still, it’s not okay to tell someone they need therapy, Mother,” Clarke scolds.

Abby shrugs, “I believe everybody should go to therapy. Those who take offense to that even more than those who don’t.”

Clarke just rolls her eyes.

“It finally came!” Clarke grins as the enters the diner, heading straight to the kitchen window.

“What came, babe?” Lexa questions, looking through the small window.

“Our medical cards. I’m going to set up an appointment for me tonight. Want to set up some for you too?” Clarke grins.

Lexa can’t stop her smile as she watches her wife beaming at her from the small window, having to look away and focus on the hamburger she’s cooking.

“We can talk more when we get home baby,” she answers, grinning wider as Clarke enters the back room, having washed her hands and put on her uniform.

“Okay baby,” Clarke says, leaning in and stealing a kiss.

“I’m not paying you to suck face, Griffin. We got two waiting at the door,” Murphy yells from the counter.

“I’m not a host, I’m a waitress!” Clarke defends, earning a chuckle from Lexa before stealing another kiss.

“Griffin!”

“Gotta go,” Clarke laughs, stealing another kiss before heading back to the front room, ready for her four-hour shift.

“So I did some research,” Clarke admits softly.

“On?” Lexa questions, confused by the softness of Clarke’s voice.

“Transiting, medically, for you.”

“Oh.”

“The easiest place to go for hormones is Planned Parenthood. We can call and set up an appointment tonight if you want,” Clarke suggests.

“What… What does that look like? I haven’t been to a doctor since I was like, fifteen,” Lexa admits.

“Well, we can look it up right now. Basically, I think you meet with a therapist or somebody like that to see if you’re sane, and then they might do a few tests, then you get a prescription. It sounded pretty easy.”

Lexa nods, “I mean, should I start something like that if I’m not out?” she wonders.

“I mean, do you want to start hormon-”

“Yes.”

Clarke chuckles, stealing a kiss just because she can.

“Sorry,” Lexa apologizes, blush coating her cheeks.

“Fuck the world baby. All that matters is your happiness,” Clarke says.

“And yours,” Lexa whispers, stealing a kiss of her own.

“But,” Lexa says, pulling away, “I think I’m ready to come out.”

“Really? To who?”

“Your friends. And your mother. I think they’ll support me,” Lexa admits, looking down as she thinks of their possible reactions.

“Hey,” Clarke whispers, tilting her head up so green eyes meet blue, “They’ll love you for being you.”

Lexa grins, leaning in for another kiss.

“I love you,” she admits, stopping a hair away from pink lips.

“I love you, Lexa,” Clarke whispers back before surging forward and connecting their lips.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Are you serious?” Lexa whines, refusing to break her hold on the blonde’s hips.

“Diane didn’t come in, I gotta,” Clarke grins, pulling Lexa into a hug, “You’ll be fine, they love you.”

“But-”

“They’ll love you just the same, baby. If any give you a hard time I’ll beat them up, okay?”

Lexa chuckles, pulling away from the hug to look into sparkling blue eyes.

“You’d beat up your mom for me?”

“I’d beat her up just because, if I could,” Clarke jokes, laughing herself when Lexa snorts.

“You’re terrible,” she laughs.

Clarke grins, watching the woman before her. Lexa realizes she’s being watched and she pushes her hair back, slightly longer than ever before.

“What?” she questions, ignoring the way she can feel her face heat up.

“You’re so pretty,” Clarke states, leaving no room for argument.

Lexa freezes, breath caught in her throat as the words wash over her. Her wife, a crazy statement it itself, that fact she has a wife, but her wife, the beautiful cis woman she is, is looking at her and saying she’s pretty. It’s better than any dream she’s ever had, warmth fills her from the inside out, starting in her belly and going up to her chest.

“I love you,” Lexa states before crashing her lips into the blondes.

Clarke smiles so big it forces her to break the kiss. Pulling away slightly, Lexa chases her lips, emotions spilling into the kiss. Clarke’s hands come up, gently stroking Lexa’s cheeks as she returns the kiss. She sighs as she pulls away, her hands preventing Lexa from chasing her lips.

“I’ve got to go,” she states sadly, looking at the time on her phone.

Lexa sighs, her bottom lip jutting out as she pouts.

“God, your lips are fucking perfect. An artist’s dream,” Clarke mumbles, her thumb running across them.

A knock on the door interrupts their moment before the door is thrown open, Raven walking in with four two litters of soda in her arms.

“Thanks for waiting for an answer,” Clarke rolls her eyes as she turns towards the door, her hands leaving their spot on Lexa’s face.

“It was a warning, not a question,” Raven states, placing the soda on the bar as Octavia comes in through the open door, three pizza’s in her hands.

“God that smells amazing,” Clarke says, smiling at her friends in greeting.

“Only the best,” Octavia says, sitting the pizza next to the soda.

“Not to ruin the party before it starts, but I’ve got to run,” Clarke informs the girls, earning whines of protest before turning to Lexa, “I’ll see you later,” she says, stealing a kiss before leaving, telling her mom hello on her way out the door.

“So pizza night with Clarke’s hubby and Ma?” Raven jokes, easily finding her way to the TV.

“I’ve been to a few of these movie nights before Raven. I’m almost a regular,” Abby defends, sitting in the chair with a small smirk of amusement.

“I meant no offense Mama G,” Raven defends herself as she sets up the movie.

“Yeah, you’re like the fourth member of our group already,” Octavia states, setting the pizza on the coffee table and grabbing a slice for herself.

“So I guess that makes Axel the new blood?” Abby questions with her smirk still in place as she looks at Lexa.

“Yeah, yeah. Speeches after the movie, I wanna see this,” Raven waves her hand dismissively, pressing play before finding her seat next to Octavia, easily sharing the small blanket.

“So, now that the movie is over,” Lexa says quietly to herself in the mirror, having accused herself to practice in the bathroom before the movie ended.

She shakes her head at herself, nerves filling her stomach. She pulls out her phone, ready to text Clarke and tell her she’s chickened out but finds a text from the girl waiting for her.

I love you, Lexa. You’re strong enough for this, I promise.

She bites her bottom lip and returns to the living room. She’s surprised the movie is over, Raven and Octavia are cuddled together, looking at something on Raven’s phone as Abby moves around the girls, cleaning up the small mess they’ve created thought the night.

Lexa closes her eyes, returning to the headspace that saved her for years.

Show no weakness. Show no fear. You are strong. Show no weakness. No fear.

She can feel the mask fall into place, and then she knows she’s ready to face them.

“I have a confession to make to all of you,” she states, bringing all of their attention to the brunette.

“You’re gay! I called it,” Raven exclaims, causing Lexa’s mask to crack a bit, a small smirk appearing before she can stop it.

“I’m very much in love with my wife,” Lexa says, earning a sigh of defeat from the brunette.

“I uh… I’m usually super good with words, but I don’t really have the words to say this. I don’t feel like a guy. I feel like-”

“You’re trans?! That makes so much fucking sense! Why the hell didn’t I think of that?” Raven interrupts, slapping her forehead.

Octavia chuckles at the brunette, “You owe me money.”

“Transgender? Like, you feel like a woman?” Abby questions, ignoring the two girls as she looks at her daughter’s spouse.

Lexa swallows, settling her shoulders as she looks Abby directly in the eyes.

“I don’t feel like a woman, I am a woman. My name is Lexa.”

Abby’s eyebrows raise as she takes in the person before her. Dark brown eyes never leave green as she searches for answers.

Lexa can’t breathe as Abby seems to look into her soul for answers to questions she's not even asking. She clenches her jaw as she awaits judgment from the woman who owns the roof over her head.

“I think you’ll love beautiful with long hair, Lexa.”

Lexa’s mask breaks. She crumbles, tears streaming down her face and sobs coming instead of breaths.

Abby catches her. She cradles the broken woman like one would a baby. She pulls her close and lets her ruin her shirt, one hand runs through her hair, one rubs her back.

Then there are more hands. Raven and Octavia are there too, rubbing her back and talking to her. They’re all talking to her, yet keeping the conversation going amongst themselves. Slowly, Lexa is able to pull herself back together, the sobs and tears coming to an end.

“I’m sorry,” she says, pulling away from Abby.

“No apologies Lexa. We all understand,” Octavia says, her hand squeezing Lexa’s shoulder.

“Coming out is a scary thing,” Raven nods.

“We’re all here for you honey, just as I’m sure Clarke is,” Abby says, wiping away the last tear from Lexa’s face.

“I just… I didn’t expect this,” Lexa confesses, water filling her eyes again.

The door opens, bringing all their attention to the blonde coming home. Blue eyes widen at the sight before her, her two best friends and her mother standing around her wife, who has been crying.

“What’s going on?” she questions, unsure if Lexa’s come out yet or not.

“We’re just telling your wife we accept her,” Abby states, giving Lexa’s cheek one last caress before pulling away.

“I can’t believe I never guessed trans. I’m an idiot,” Raven says, shaking her head at herself.

“Yes, you are,” Octavia agrees, laughing as she’s pushed away.

“You can say it,” Lexa whispers into Clarke’s shoulder later that night as they lie in bed.

“Say what?” Clarke questions, feigning ignorance.

“Klark.”

“I don’t need to say it,” Clarke grins, “I’m just happy for you.”

Lexa presses a kiss into Clarke’s shoulder.

“But I told you so.”

Clarke’s laugh fills the room as Lexa playfully bites her.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“This is crazy,” Lexa whispers to herself as she looks at the forms in her hands.“Finally feeling real?” Clarke questions gently as she puts the car in park.“We’re really here, ready to change my name,” Lexa states, looking at the papers once again.“We are,” Clarke grins as she looks at the old building.“Well, we’re filing for it,” Lexa takes a deep breath.“We are. That’s step one.”“Baby steps,” Lexa whispers to herself before getting out. Lexa grins as Clarke grabs her hand, tangling their fingers together. “You should’ve worn your thicker coat,” Lexa chides as Clarke cuddles into her side as the wind blows.“Okay Mom,” Clarke jokes, earning a laugh as they enter the building.“Where are you going today?” A man sitting behind a desk questions as they enter.“County Clerk,” Lexa answers easily.“Just remove any and all metal, then step through the detector,” he states, pointing towards the metal detector. Lexa swallows, taking off her Rolex as Clarke takes out her phone, quickly getting through the small area without a problem, sending their boxes through the X-ray scanner.“Take the elevator to the third floor, then follow the signs,” the man states as they exit the scanner.“Thank you,” Clarke offers a friendly smile as she takes Lexa’s hand again, heading towards the elevator.Lexa takes a deep breath as the doors close.“Are you okay?” Clarke questions, running her thumb across the back of Lexa’s hand.“Just worried I guess,” Lexa admits as the doors open.“Come on baby, it’ll be all good,” Clarke whispers as they exit the elevator, following the signs to the clerk’s office.They pass through a series of hallways before coming to a set of double doors, both propped open with a sign above them reading County Clerk’s Office.  “Well, I think we found it,” Clarke jokes as they enter the large room. Lexa’s eyes scan the room quickly, taking in the half library side, shelves full of large books, mostly law-related, a few desks with computers sit on one side, and a large counter cuts the room into fourths, desks and people working behind it.“Hi! What can I help you with today?” An older woman questions the couple.“Hello. We were hoping to file for a name change,” Clarke easily answers, leading Lexa towards the woman.“Alright, there are a few forms that need to be filled out beforehand,” she states, turning around.“I got some here already,” Lexa finds her voice, putting the small stack of papers on the desk.“Oh, wonderful. We do offer some filing online now, just started this month, but since you have the papers done already, I’ll just put these in for you,” she smiles, looking down at the papers.“Awesome,” Clarke grins back, squeezing Lexa’s hand.“Alright, so we’re just going to set up your court date. It’ll be your chosen name vs your legal name. Basically you have to sue yourself for the right to change your name. Your court date will be just going over why you want to change it. Make sure you’re not hiding from anybody or trying to get out of owing money or anything. You’ll have to publish an ad in the paper for one full month before your date, in case anybody wants to protest. They’re super nice about this kind of stuff, just have them fill out this paper and then show up to your date. It’s in a month and two weeks, on the 14th at 11:30.”“That’s it?” Lexa questions.“Just have a filing fee of $331. That excludes the price of the court date and everything.”Clarke’s jaw drops at the price as Lexa nods, handing over the money.“Alright, I’ll print the receipt and get you on your way,” the woman states, turning around and heading to a room in the back.“Three hundred dollars? That’s your whole check Lexa!” Clarke states.Lexa blushes, looking around at the other people working, “Yeah. That’s how much it costs.”“That’s outrageous. That’s a full week of work,” Clarke mumbles, continuing on about how the government is crazy.“It is what it is, my love,” Lexa soothes, bringing the back of Clarke’s hand to her lips, pressing a small kiss there.Clarke sighs, looking at her wife.“How are you so perfect,” she questions, anger melting away.“I’m not,” Lexa answers simply as the woman comes back.“Today’s the day,” Lexa states to herself, taking in her reflection. “You can borrow something of mine if you want, baby,” Clarke offers as Lexa buttons up her dress shirt, borrowed from Lincoln.“I don’t think anything of your would fit me, Klark,” Lexa dismisses as she puts on her Rolex.“Will you please try on this shirt? It’s basically the same thing you already have on,” Clarke questions as Lexa turns towards her, mouth open to argue.Lexa’s mouth closes as she takes in the item in Clarke’s hands. It’s a simple black button-up shirt, almost exactly like the one she’s wearing, just a tad shorter and the buttons on the other side.“Nobody will know but me and you,” Clarke coxes.Lexa takes the offered item, “I guess it does look a lot alike.”“It’s softer too,” Clarke whispers, watching as Lexa hangs the shirt at arm's length. “It’s up to you baby, I just wanted to offer. I’ll finish getting ready,” Clarke says, heading to the bathroom to give Lexa privacy.Lexa sighs as she looks around the courtroom, her thumb running up and down the soft fabric of her borrowed shirt. The courtroom is much smaller than those she’s used to, her butt hurts from the pews, and her heart is racing at the dark eyes of the judge.She smiles as she watches the people before her. An older man finally changing his name legally, even though it’s already correct on his driver’s license, just not on his birth certificate, so he can finally marry the girl of his dreams. A small girl with down syndrome bursts into tears when her adoptive parents explain to her that now she has their last name. “Lexa Griffin VS Axel Woods,” the judge questions as the group heads to the exit.Lexa takes a deep breath as she heads up to the bench.“You want to be called Lexa, correct?” the judge questions, dark eyes meeting green.“Correct,” Lexa nods.“You haven’t been convicted of any felonies in the past five years?”“None, ever.”“You’re not in a large amount of debt and attempting to run from them?”“No debt.”“Then I see no reason to deny your name change. Granted. You have ten days to get to the DMV and change your driver’s license.”“Thank you, your honor,” Lexa states, unable to hold back her smile as she takes the paper.“Should we throw a party for you?” Clarke questions later that night, both in pajamas and laying in bed."For what?” Lexa questions.“Your name.”Lexa chuckles, “Not now. Maybe someday.”“I had something else I wanted to talk about too,” Clarke confesses as she crawls into bed.“I’m not in trouble, am I?” Lexa jokes, earning a small grin.“You know you’re not,” Clarke rolls her eyes, stealing a small kiss.“Then shoot.”Clarke sighs, biting her bottom lip as she looks into green eyes. “Promise you’ll be honest?”“Always baby.”“We’ve been on our own for a few months now, and I don’t want to push you into something you don’t want to do, but we haven’t talked about it at all. We share a bed and kiss a lot and sometimes things get steamy but it always stops before we go any further. I just, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable Lexa.”“You want sex,” Lexa states.Clarke shakes her head, grabbing Lexa’s hand, “I want to know if sex is an option. If it’s not, that’s okay. I just need to know.”Lexa takes a deep breath, eyes closing before letting out a deep sigh and looking back at Clarke.“I’ll have sex if you want to have sex,” she states.Clarke shakes her head, “I don’t want to have sex unless you want to have sex.”Lexa sighs again, bringing the back of Clarke’s hand to her lips. “I would love to have sex with you Klark. I’d love to worship your body the way you deserve. You’re so incredibly sexy all the time baby. I just… When I get excited my body reacts and I don’t enjoy that. But if you want to I can-”“I only want to do stuff you enjoy too,” Clarke cuts her off.“It’s okay baby, I used to do stuff all the time for-”“Not for me. Sex is something both parties should enjoy completely, and if you can’t enjoy it then neither can I.”“I’m not going to make you be celibate to be with me,” Lexa says.“You’re not making me do anything.”Lexa grins, pulling Clarke into a kiss. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be okay enough to have sex Clarke,” Lexa confesses against her lips“Good thing I love you more than sex,” Clarke mumbles, pulling away and pushing a strand of Lexa’s growing hair behind her ear.“You are worth so much baby. I’d give up coffee for you.”Lexa’s eyebrows raise, “Coffee?”Clarke smirks, “Maybe.”Lexa laughs, pulling Clarke into another kiss. “I’d give up coffee for you,” Lexa whispers.“You don’t even drink coffee!” Clarke laughs.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Did I tell you about Anya?” Lexa questions, her hand running through blonde curls.

“What about her?” Clarke questions, humming contently as Lexa scratches her scalp.

“She’s quitting her job.”

“I think Rae might’ve mentioned something about her getting a new one, now that I think about it,” Clarke states.

“She’s worked for my dad for sixteen years.”

“Sixteen?” Clarke exclaims in disbelief, “How old is she anyway? I mean, I know she’s older than us, but how old is she?”

“She’s thirty-six. She started working for my father when she was eighteen,” Lexa says with a chuckle.

“Your father hired an eighteen-year-old?” Clarke questions with a raised eyebrow.

Lexa chuckles before answering, “Anya’s super smart and good at her job. He put her through classes and everything. I think it was mostly because my mom knew I loved Lincoln and didn’t want him to go away.”

“Go away? Why does Anya have anything to do with Lincoln going away?”

Lexa sighs, “I don’t think this is really my story to tell, but I guess you are my wife and should know about the people in my life.”

Clarke tilts her head to the side in confusion.

“When we were twelve Lincoln’s parents got into a car accident. A man with dementia was driving on the wrong side of the highway and hit them head-on.”

“Oh no.”

“Lincoln’s only other relative is Anya, who was eighteen at the time. She stepped up pretty quickly, moved in and applied everywhere. She was getting ready to sell the house and for them to move away. I cried about it to my mom and suddenly Anya had an interview for a position with Woods Inc. Father invited her over for dinner one night and we just kinda clicked,” Lexa explains.

“I would’ve never guessed she raised Lincoln,” Clarke says.

“She didn’t. At most, she was like an older sister. I mean, Linc and I were good kids. We didn’t really need anybody else. I think we helped her as much as she helped us.”

“What do you mean?”

Lexa shrugs, “Anya lost her parents too, so she spent a few years in the foster system. A few months in juvie too. I like to think Lincoln kinda gave her a reason to not go down that path.”

“My respect for her just increased tenfold… Even though I still don’t think she likes me.”

“She doesn’t like most people,” Lexa explains.

Clarke laughs.

“Besides,” Lexa continues, “I like you, so what does it matter what she thinks?”

Clarke grins, kissing Lexa, “That was corny as fuck.”

Lexa grins back, “But it got me a kiss.”

“Anya.”

Anya can feel her blood run cold at the single word. The husk of his voice sends chills down her spine. She takes a deep breath, calming her inner anger at the man as she looks up. His green eyes are the same shade as Lexa’s, but there’s a coldness to them that makes her uncomfortable.

“Sir,” she nods towards him respectfully.

“I heard you put in your two weeks’ notice,” he states, staring her down.

“I did,” Anya confirms.

“Does it have something to do with my sorry excuse of a son?” he spits.

Anya takes a deep breath, remembering the training she’s had, attempting to calm the anger rising inside of her.

“I know you had a soft spot for him, probably because of his love for that little nigger of yours.”

Anya’s eyes snap open, her jaw-dropping.

“If you used some of that medical money we give you, you could change your eyes. Get rid of those squints you’ve got now and be how all people sound be. White.”

Anya moves before she even realizes it, suddenly standing in his personal space and glaring into his eyes.

“You are fucking lucky I don’t knock out your teeth right now, you racist piece of shit. Your so-called son is better off without you, and so am I.”

Anya turns, walking out of the building without a glance back.

“How does this sound?” Lexa asks her wife who is currently draped across her lap.

“You sound like you’re doing a voice,” Clarke answers honestly.

“I am doing a voice,” Lexa deadpans, clenching her jaw.

Clarke sighs, sitting up and facing her wife. Lexa raises an eyebrow as she watches Clarke move to be opposite her on the bed, both sitting criss-cross.

“Here, put your hand on my chest,” Clarke takes Lexa’s hand, placing it dead on her chest.

“This is my chest voice,” Clarke states, her voice lower than normal, “Can you feel it against your hand?”

Lexa nods, feeling the vibrations against her hand.

“Now, I imagine my voice is a balloon. It slowly raises up to my throat,” Clarke says, her pitch rising as she pushes Lexa’s hand up.

“Now it’s my head voice, it comes mostly from my throat, as you can feel,” Clarke explains as Lexa’s hand rests on her throat.

“Now you try baby,” Clarke encourages, moving Lexa’s hand to her own chest.

“I don’t know,” Lexa mumbles, scratching the back of her neck.

“I won’t force you to do anything Lexa, but training makes it easier. If you’d rather be alone, I can leave for a while.”

“I don’t want you to leave,” Lexa confesses with a sigh.

Clarke grins, pouncing forward and causing Lexa to fall backward with a laugh as she peppers kisses on the side of her face.

“I fucking love you,” Clarke grins.

Lexa takes Clarke’s hand in hers and brings it to her chest.

“I,” Lexa starts, allowing Clarke to feel the vibrations from her chest, “love,” she says, making Clarke’s hand trail up her chest, “you,” she states as Clarke’s hand rests on her throat.

“Say that again,” Clarke orders.

Clarke can’t contain her smile as Lexa repeats herself, the vibration coming only from her throat.

“Baby? Are you home?” Clarke calls into the apartment.

“Yeah? What’s up?” Lexa questions as she comes out of the bedroom.

Clarke grins as she walks to her wife. Lexa welcomes her into a hug with a raised eyebrow but allows the blonde to sink into her arms.

“Are you okay?” Lexa questions as she gently caresses Clarke’s back.

“I am,” Clarke nods before looking up at her wife.

“What?” Lexa questions, blush coating her face at the intense stare Clarke is giving her.

Clarke hums, one hand coming to Lexa’s collarbone.

“Talk to me,” Clarke orders.

“I am talking to you Klark,” Lexa rolls her eyes.

Clarke grins, stealing a kiss before saying “You sound like you.”

Lexa’s eyes fill with tears instantly. She’s been practicing every day for the past month, Clarke helping sometimes. Clarke says she sounds good, but it’s hard to get rid of the feeling her voice is too low to sound like a cis female’s.

“I didn’t mean to make you cry baby,” Clarke coos, her hands cupping Lexa’s face and wiping away the tears.

Lexa sniffles, “Good tears.”

“Come on, let’s go to bed baby,” Clarke suggests, taking Lexa’s hand in hers, leading her to their bedroom.

“It’s only six o’clock Clarke,” Lexa protests, but allows herself to be lead.

“Time isn’t real.”

“You’ve got me blocked in babe,” Raven says as she reenters their apartment.

“Just take mine, keys are on the hook,” Anya yells back from the bedroom, refusing to move from her spot in bed.

“Are you sure baby?” Raven questions as she enters the bedroom, smirking as she takes in Anya’s form, nude except for a pair of panties.

“Just don’t die and we’ll be good,” Anya grumbles.

Raven laughs, easily stealing a kiss from Anya before answering, “No dying, okay.”

Anya grunts in response, grabbing a pillow and burying her head in it.

“I’ll see you after work baby,” Raven states, her hand trailing down the middle of Anya’s back in parting.

Anya shivers, cracking one eye open to watch Raven walk out the door.

“I love you,” she whispers to the empty room.

“Clarke, your phone is ringing,” Lexa says as the phone goes off for the second time.

“Ignore it,” Clarke mumbles into her chest, sleep still filling her voice.

“They keep calling,” Lexa says, reaching over the blonde to grab the device from the nightstand.

“Turn it off, I just wanna cuddle,” Clarke whines.

Lexa watches as the call ends, almost immediately followed by it ringing again.

“It’s Octavia,” Lexa states, handing the phone to Clarke.

Clarke groans as she answers it, “What the hell do you want?”

Lexa can feel Clarke’s whole body tense as she listens to the phone. Lexa’s brows furrow as Clarke sits up, now wide awake.

“What hospital?” Clarke questions, causing Lexa’s blood to run cold as she watches Clarke haphazardly pull out clothes to get redressed.

“I’ll be there. Have you called Anya yet?” Clarke questions as she pulls on jeans over her night shorts.

Lexa’s head tilts at the mention of her friend, her mind working overtime to try to put things together.

“Okay, I’ll call her and be there ASAP,” Clarke says, hanging up the phone.

“What happened?” Lexa questions, getting up.

“Raven got into a car accident. She’s at the hospital. We need to call Anya and let her know.”

Anya tilts her head in confusion as someone pounds on her door. She looks out the peephole, confused even more at the sight of Lexa.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Anya questions as she opens the door, brows furrowed.

“Raven’s been in an accident, we’re going to the hospital,” Lexa states, grabbing Anya’s forearm and pulling her along.

“Accident? What happened?” Anya questions, rushing down the hallways, eager to get to Raven.

“Car accident. She’s in surgery right now. Don’t know anything else but that,” Lexa explains as they rush down the stairs.

“Why is she still out there?” Clarke questions as she sits down in the waiting room.

“Anya doesn’t do hospitals,” Lexa explains, sitting down next to the blonde.

“Clarke!”

Clarke turns, finding both Octavia and her mother standing there.

“How is she?” Clarke questions, rushing to them.

“She’s doing good, I just came from the observation deck. Right now they’re trying to save her leg, but she’s going to live.”

Clarke lets out a deep breath, “Thank god.”

“I’ll go tell Anya,” Lexa mumbles, heading to the closest exit.

Anya sighs, pacing outside the hospital. Her heart races and she curses her stupid feelings. Hospitals have always been her biggest weakness.

“It’s Raven. My Raven,” she hypes herself up, then shakes her head, pacing again.

“Anya!” a deep voice pulls her from her mind and instantly calms her as she looks up and her eyes find his.

“Oh thank god you’re here,” Anya says as she throws herself into his arms.

“It’s okay,” Lincoln whispers, easily wrapping his arms around the shorter woman, “It’s okay.”

Lincoln takes in a deep breath as she holds his older cousin close, her heart aching for her.

“Don’t get sappy on me,” Anya states as she pulls away, wiping away a few tears.

“Says the one who threw themselves in my arms,” Lincoln jokes, but it doesn’t feel right.

“It should’ve been me,” Anya whispers.

“Hey, it was an accident. None of the guilt stuff.”

Anya shakes her head, “I went off on Woods yesterday. Now today my car’s hit by a drunk driver at ten-thirty in the morning?”

Lincoln sighs, biting his bottom lip.

“Hey,” Lexa greets as she walks up to the two.

“Any news?” Anya questions quickly.

“Abby said that she’s going to make it, but they’re still trying to save her leg.”

“Her leg?”

Lexa sighs, “I guess they might have to cut it off if they can’t save it.”

“But she’s going to live?” Anya questions.

“Abby feels pretty certain she’ll make it,” Lexa confirms.

“I really shouldn’t allow this,” Abby confesses as she looks around at the five people crowded around the sleeping brunette.

“We’ll leave soon Mom,” Clarke says as she leans over the brunette, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“We will too,” Octavia mumbles, repeating the gesture.

“I’m not leaving,” Anya states, hand firmly holding Raven’s.

Abby sighs, “I’ll tell the staff you’re her fiancée.”

Anya nods in thanks, not looking away from Raven’s sleeping face.

“Call when she wakes up,” Lincoln whispers, gently squeezing Anya’s shoulder.

Raven whimpers, pain radiating through her whole body.

“Baby?” A voice calls to her.

It’s a voice she knows, one she wants to come back to.

“Can you squeeze my hand baby? Or open your eyes?” Anya questions, watching intently, the whimper having caused her heart to start racing.

It’s faint, but she can feel the change in pressure around her hand.

“Good job baby,” Anya praises, leaning forward and pressing a kiss to Raven’s forehead.

As she pulls away, her eyes meet brown, open and hazy, no doubt from the large amount of pain killers she’s on.

“Hi, baby. Here, drink some water,” Anya says, quickly grabbing the bottle and sticking a straw in it before placing the straw against chapped lips.

Anya watches as Raven sucks down the water, downing almost half the bottle in large gulps.

“Don’t choke baby,” Anya warns, something she’s watched Raven do a lot without the added difficulty of being high.

Raven sighs, closing her eyes again and sinking into the pillow.

“What happened?” she questions.

“Car accident. You should rest some more,” Anya suggests.

“I love you,” Raven says, opening her eyes.

Anya takes a deep breath as she looks into brown eyes.

“I love you too.”

Raven grunts as the doctor moves her leg.

“She’s in pain. Stop,” Anya orders from the corner of the room.

The doctor ignores the blonde, continuing to check the leg’s movements, taking note of Raven’s grunts and whimpers.

“I’d suggest a brace and physical therapy,” he states.

“A brace?” Raven questions.

The man offers a sad look, “The muscles in your leg are highly unlikely to be strong enough to support you again, not to mention the pain. I’m guessing your nerves have been compromised too, as your reactions varied greatly to the same actions being done.”

“You’re guessing?” Anya questions.

“An educated guess,” he defends.

“It’s ugly,” Raven complains as Abby shows Anya how to strap the brace to her leg.

“Yes,” Anya agrees.

Abby sighs, “it’s to help you walk, not to look pretty.”

Raven grunts as the straps are pulled tight.

“Now it’s up to you. It shouldn’t be painful, but it will be uncomfortable.”

Raven nods as she stands up. Abby stands behind her, arms ready to catch her if she were to fall. Anya watches as Raven slowly makes her way to the other side of the room. Raven grunts as she slowly turns, having to pick up the heavy brace each move. She can feel the sweat starting to form.

She almost loses her balance as she looks in front of her. Anya is on the floor, on one knee, with a ring in her hands. Raven can feel Abby’s hands helping to keep her steady, but she ignores them as her jaw drops.

“I don’t want anybody to ever say I can’t be in the hospital room with you ever again. I want you to be my wife. Raven Reyes, will you marry me?”

Raven falls forward, diving herself headfirst towards Anya. Abby yelps in surprise, but Anya is ready, easily catching Raven with her own body.

Raven pushes up on her arms to look down at Anya.

“Is that a yes?” Anya questions.

Raven laughs before connecting their lips.

“What the fuck?” Clarke exclaims, “Lexa! Did you know?”

Lexa chuckles as she enters their bedroom, “That Anya was proposing to Raven?”

Clarke’s jaw drops as she lets out an undignified squeak of insult, causing Lexa to let out a deep belly laugh.

“I was sworn to secrecy. Your mom was in on it too,” Lexa explains as she crawls into bed.

“Bitches. All of you.”

“I love you, too.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Do you want me to go with you?” Clarke questions, “I can call in if you want me to go.”

“No baby, it’s alright. I’ll be fine,” Lexa shakes her head as she grabs her coat.

“Are you sure? I really could go,” Clarke questions again, walking into the living room.

“I’m sure, thank you,” Lexa whispers, closing the distance between them.

“I’ll see you after work?” Clarke questions softly, falling into the hug.

“I’ll pick you up,” Lexa suggests.

“Perfect,” Clarke grins before connecting their lips.

Lexa sighs into the kiss, following soft lips as Clarke attempts to pull away. Clarke smiles, causing the kiss to break anyways, Lexa leaning back slightly to look into blue eyes.

“I love you,” she whispers.

“I love you, too. Now you need to get going,” Clarke says, nodding towards the clock on the wall.

“You telling me the time? I must be a good influence on you,” Lexa jokes, leaning down and connecting their lips softly before taking a step back.

“You are,” Clarke whispers, stealing another kiss before heading back to the bedroom.

“Lexa Griffin?”

Lexa takes a deep breath, standing up. The nurse offers a polite flash of a smile as she walks to the door.

“Right this way. You’ll be talking with Erica.”

Lexa turns the corner to come face to face with who she assumes is Erica. She looks up to the woman before her.

“Hi, I’m Erica,” the taller woman offers her hand, her voice deeper than Lexa’s ever was.

“Lexa,” Lexa offers, taking the offered hand.

“Come on into my office, we can talk about some things,” Erica offers, gesturing for Lexa to enter the small room to the right.

Green eyes soak in the small office as she takes a seat on one of the two brown chairs. Completely covering one of the walls is a large trans pride flag, the blue pink and white stripes hiding the wall under it completely. Her eyes trail around the room, taking in the desk with two degrees displayed proudly, and the other walls filled with landscapes using only the trans pride colors, or random inspirational trans-related quotes.

“Alright, so first off I want to let you know a little about me. I’m a trans woman myself, I started transitioning at forty. I’m not a doctor or psychologist, just a trans person here to help you decide if this is what you want. We aren’t here to tell you no, we aren’t gatekeepers. If you want hormones, we will provide them to you. That said, tell me a little about yourself.”

Lexa swallows, eyes looking everywhere but the woman in front of her as she answers “I’m Lexa. I identify as a woman.”

Erica hums, looking down at the paper on her desk.

“When did you first feel that way?” she questions.

“I mean, I first came out at twelve,” Lexa admits, scratching the back of her neck.

Erica’s eyebrows raise in surprise, not expecting such an answer, “And how old are you now?”

“I’m twenty-eight.”

Erica nods, jotting down a note on the paper, “And have started socially transitioning? Do people in your life know?”

Lexa sighs, rubbing her palms on her knees, “Can I be honest?” she questions, looking at the older woman.

Erica turns, “Please.”

“I’ve known I’m a girl since I started puberty. The first day I found a single dark hair on my chest I came out to my best friend. I lived under very unsupportive parents until recently, so I was never in a position where I felt safe to come out until now.”

Erica nods, turning to write something else down before turning back and asking carefully, “You said you lived under unsupportive parents until recently, do you have a support system now? People to take care of you as you undergo changes?”

“Yes.”

“And will they still support you if you change your mind?”

“That won’t happen. I’ve been waiting for this for years.”

Erica nods with a small smile, writing down another note before closing the folder.

“Have you thought of any other paths you’d like to go down? Any surgeries you’d want in the future?”

Lexa blinks.

“I… I haven’t really thought about it.”

Erica flashes a small smile, spinning around in her chair and grabbing a packet.

“This is a packet I put together. It’s got all kinds of resources. From voice training, which I assume you’ve already started a bit, to hair removal, to surgeons in the area who perform transgender surgeries. I know you’ve changed your name, but have you considered changing your gender marker?”

“I… not really?”

“Well here’s the paper for it, just go to the DMV and fill this out, and they’ll change it. Just tell them you’re transitioning.”

“Okay, let’s go over this packet real quick, then you can be on your way,” Erica says, opening the packet.

Lexa listens as the woman goes through each page in detail, surprised at how many support groups there are in the area. She politely smiles as Erica goes through the stuff she has no interest in, and the resources for trans men. It takes about ten minutes for her to finish flipping through the packet, handing it back to Lexa.

“So I’ll just take you over to the exam room. I don’t think you have to give blood today, so you can just sit in the chair.”

Lexa nods, “Thank you,” she offers, sitting down in the brown chair in the corner.

“She’ll be in, in just a few minutes,” Erica says, offering one last kind smile before shutting the door.

Lexa takes a deep breath, closing her eyes for a second before looking around the small room.

It’s like any other exam room. One of those ugly chairs for the patient with the drawers that come out to act as steps, flimsy paper pulled over the leather of the chair. A few posters hand on the walls, information about the female genitalia, a line of pamphlets highlighting all the offered services.

Lexa’s brows furrow as the takes in the object in the corner. It looks like a microphone stand, but it curves sharply to the right. At the end it looks like, she doesn’t even have a clue. Maybe it’s a light. Shaking her head, she turns towards the one thing she can make out, an Alexa on the counter, playing what she assumes to be some sort of white noise. It’s loud and sounds like the speaker is about to give out, the exact opposite effect she’s sure it’s supposed to provide.

A knock startles her out of her thoughts, a black woman with her natural hair in a full afro walks in with a mask over her face.

“How are you doing today baby?” she questions, getting a load of hand sanitizer from the pump on the wall.

“Okay, how are you?” Lexa questions politely.

“We’re doing good today. So I’ve just got a few questions to ask you before she comes in to talk to you,” she explains.

Lexa nods, answering the common questions easily. No, she doesn’t smoke. Not sexually active, if she was she’d use condoms always.

“And, last question, do you want kids?”

Lexa freezes. 
Her childhood plays in her mind. Her mother trying to offer comfort, but falling flat. Her hugs, always cold. Her father’s hard tone. His fists.
Suddenly it’s not her father, but her. Her tone coming out too sharp. The fall of her child’s face, the green turning cold. Her hugs are cold, but she doesn’t know how to change them.
“I...”

Blue eyes replace green as Lexa blinks, her vision changing.

There’s a smaller blonde on Clarke’s hip, her blue eyes shine just as bright as her moms as they look at Lexa. The child reaches out, calling out “Mama” as Lexa takes her into her own arms, her stress melting away.

“Yeah.”

“We’ll send you home with a list of places that can help store your sperm for future use. You’ll want to do that before you go on hormones, as hormones can make you infertile.”

Lexa nods as the woman grabs a pamphlet from the line of many, handing it to Lexa.

“Many of our transgender patients use them, more so our trans men. Depending on your sperm count, you can get it frozen at some other places, so make sure to check around a bit.”

Lexa nods, looking at the pamphlet.

“And she’ll be here in just a few, baby,” the woman says, leaving Lexa alone once again. 
Lexa takes a deep breath, pulling out her phone, ignoring the no phone sign to her left and looking at her lock screen.
It’s a picture she snapped of Clarke months ago when they got pizza after they decided on their house. She sighs deeply, thinking of the house that they’ll never get to see again.
A knock interrupts her thoughts, she quickly stuffs her phone back into her pocket, offering her hand to the small white woman who comes in.

Lexa nods along as the woman explains the changes Lexa can expect, breast growth, decreased hair growth, more emotional, change in orgasms, shrinking of testicles, and going sterile. All things Lexa knows already.

“Okay, well I’m going to prescribe this for you. You go and pick up the medication, then call and make another appointment to come in and I’ll show you how to properly inject yourself. Do you what intramuscular or subcutaneous?”

Lexa gives her a confused look, not knowing what those words are.

“Stomach with a small needle, or thigh with a long one?” she offers with a smile.

“Oh, smaller. Of course.”

“And I have to come back for that?” Lexa questions.

“Yes. We want to make sure you do it the correct way.”

Lexa nods.

“Alright, well that’s about it.”

“Okay, thank you.”

“So you have to go back? Really?” Clarke questions that night.

“Yeah, it sucks but I guess it’s for the best. They wanna make sure I do it right.”

“Did you tell them your wife was an intern? I can show you how to give yourself a shot.”

Lexa chuckles, “I highly doubt it’s hard. Just stick it in and do it, pretty easy.”

Clarke laughs herself, “You’d be surprised how much people mess it up.”

“I don’t doubt that.”

“How was it?” Clarke questions from the bedroom.

“Simple,” Lexa answers, blushing at the thought of what all she did today.

“I told you it would be. Shots are easy,” Clarke explains, walking out of the bedroom.

Lexa’s brows furrow at the dramatic makeup covering Clarke’s face.

“Practicing for tomorrow,” Clarke explains.

Lexa raises an eyebrow, “That’s more makeup than you wore to ours.”

Clarke chuckles, “We had a courthouse wedding babe.”

“So are they?” Lexa questions.

Clarke laughs, shaking her head “We’re surprising Raven.”

“We?”

“Octavia and me. Anya already knows, I thought she told you. We’ve rented out the lab and O got ordained.”

Lexa’s eyebrows jump up in surprise.

“I also got you something too, come on.”

Lexa allows herself to be dragged into their bedroom, smiling at the excitement of the blonde.

Stepping into the doorway, she freezes.

Laid across the bed are two dresses. One is a bright red that reminds Lexa of Raven’s leather jacket, and one is black as night.

“The colors are red and black. Rae is red, and Anya is black. So, since you’re kinda Anya’s maid of honor, I got you a black one.”

“It’s a dress,” Lexa states, still frozen in her spot.

“You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to Lex. Anya’s wearing a suit anyway, but I just… I wanted you to-”

Clarke’s thoughts are cut off my Lexa’s lips smashing into hers. Clarke sighs in relief, a hand coming up to hold Lexa’s forearm as Lexa’s hands are cradling Clarke’s face. Lexa pulls back, both hands leaving Clarke’s face in favor of her own, wiping away her tears as a sob escapes.

“Oh, baby,” Clarke coos, her hand coming to Lexa’s hip.

“Oh,” Clarke gasps in surprise as Lexa suddenly wraps her in a tight hug, her face burying into Clarke’s neck.

“Shh baby,” she soothes, a hand running through Lexa’s hair, now long enough to push behind her ears.

“I love you. Thank you,” Lexa whispers into Clarke’s shoulder.

Lexa smiles shyly at Anya, taking in the nervous blonde while being nervous herself.

“You look good, kid,” Anya offers, looking down at her own hands.

“She’s going to love this,” Lexa whispers, her nerves calming as she talks with Anya.

“I… I hope so,” Anya admits.

A loud crash of the front doors opening breaks them from their moment, both turning towards the door to the room they’re in.

“Why the fuck do I need to be stopping at the lab on my wedding day!?” Raven yells.

Anya goes white as the doors open, revealing Raven angrily looking at her two best friends who just threw open the door. Everything freezes as the brides take in each other.

Lincoln nudges Anya’s side, “Go get her.”

Lexa smiles as she watches Octavia do the same to Raven, tears filling her eyes as she watches the two close the distance between each other.

“I don’t understand,” Raven says, looking around at their closest friends.

“Surprise. This is your wedding and I’m marrying you,” Octavia says.

Raven’s jaw drops, brown eyes trailing around, looking at their closest friends.

“Thank you,” she settles on, looking back at her wife to be.

“Let’s get married, babe,” Anya whispers, leading Raven towards their makeshift altar, one hand going around Raven’s hip to help support her.

Lexa sighs in content as they exchange vows, stealing glances at her wife.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” Clarke questions, not bothering to look up from her spot face down in the bed.

“Being you.”

Clarke chuckles, rolling over to look Lexa in the eye.

“Thank you for being you.”

“I love you.”

“I love you,” Clarke mumbles, connecting their lips once before turning and snuggling into the covers.

Lexa hums to herself, continuing to read her book. She finishes her chapter, closing the book and turning to her sleeping wife.

“You’d make me a good parent, I’m sure,” she admits, earning no response except Clarke’s even breathing.

“And even if we don’t, at least they’re there. Better safe than sorry,” Lexa whispers to herself before turning off the light and allowing herself to follow Clarke into unconsciousness.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Lexa takes a deep breath, the music blasting in her ears as she holds her plank. She glances at the mirror to her left, checking her form. Her eyes connect with Clarke’s, across their new apartment.

“What are you doing?” Lexa questions, pausing her workout and taking out her earbuds to look at Clarke sitting on the couch.

“Watching you,” Clarke admits, blue eyes trailing the sweaty body of her wife.

Lexa rolls her eyes in amusement, pushing off the floor into a pushup, ignoring her wife. Clarke hums, enjoying herself as she watches Lexa continue her workout.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Lexa questions, standing up and starting on her squats.

“Yes,” Clarke answers honestly, eyes drawn to the tight behind of her wife.

Lexa grunts, pushing through the rest of her workout. As she finishes up, she grabs her water bottle, sucking down the water and pushing the flyaways out of her face.

“I can defiantly feel a difference,” Lexa comments, reaching up to stretch her muscles.

“From the estrogen?” Clarke questions, still watching.

“Yeah. Workouts seem to be getting harder.”

“If it helps, I can see a difference too.”

Lexa’s heart sores at the small comment as she looks at her wife.

“You can?” she questions, unsure.

“Oh yeah. You just look… I dunno, softer. Your skin is softer too,” Clarke explains with a shrug.

“You really think so?” Lexa questions softly, looking at the mirror hanging up in the corner.

“Of course. Although, I hope your jawline doesn’t go away completely. It’s just so kissable,” Clarke mumbles, standing up and walking to Lexa to press kisses against it.

“Stop,” Lexa laughs, half-heartedly pushing Clarke away, “I’m all gross.”

“Your sweat tastes better too,” Clarke whispers, licking Lexa’s neck.

“Ew! You’re gross,” Lexa laughs harder, pushing Clarke away to hold her at arm’s length.

“Gross for you,” Clarke wags her eyebrows, sending Lexa into another laughing fit.

“God I love you,” Lexa grins, allowing Clarke to pull her into a hug.

“I love you.”

“Come on,” Clarke says, pulling Lexa to the left by their connected hands.

“What?” Lexa questions as they walk into Victoria’s Secret, “You still have plenty of lotion at home, it’s in the bottom drawer of the dresser.”

“I was thinking that we could find you something,” Clarke suggests as they make their way to the corner, ignoring the other people shopping.

“Me?” Lexa questions, eyes wide.

Clarke pointedly looks down at Lexa’s chest, causing Lexa to do the same.

“I… Do you think they’re big?” Lexa whispers, eyes focused on her chest.

“I don’t think you’ll be getting away without any for much longer, baby,” Clarke whispers, then turns towards the closest display, “Plus you’d look so pretty in these.”

Lexa looks at the display, the bra on the mannequin is completely see-through, little red hearts of confetti lining the top. Clarke watches as the color drains from Lexa’s face at the sight of the lingerie.

“I’m kidding baby, come here,” Clarke whispers, easily dragging her deeper into the store.

“I was thinking more like sports bras for you,” she suggests, pointing at the bras now in front of them.

Lexa swallows, looking at the wall of bras in front of her. They’re much more, well, there. Obviously built for support instead of sexiness, most a single color, black or grey.

“You’re probably an A cup, so you don’t need much padding,” Clarke explains, reaching for a rather simple grey bra, “You can probably get away with no wires too.”

Lexa swallows, looking at the fabric in Clarke’s hand.

“Do you wanna try any of them on, baby girl?” Clarke questions, gently touching Lexa’s shoulder to ground her.

Lexa blinks.

“Okay, maybe we should come back and do this another time. I shouldn’t have-”

“No,” Lexa cuts her off, “I… I’m just… There’s a lot,” she says, nodding towards the wall.

“Overwhelming?” Clarke questions, looking at the bras, nodding as she realizing how many there are.

“Very.”

Clarke nods, “Do you want me to attempt to explain some of it?”

“Please.”

“Okay, so, since we’re looking for you we’re going to look for ones without a lot of padding.”

“Like these?” Lexa questions, gesturing towards the largest bra on the shelf, a massively padded push-up bra.

“Yeah. I mean, I guess we can get you a few with more padding, for days you don’t work at the center. Padding is mostly to either make you look bigger or hold up what you’ve got. Like, mine have padding because I’m a decent size.”

“Makes sense.”

“Sports bras are made for doing sports.”

“That’s kinda a given, Clarke.”

Clarke flushes red, “Shut up,” she orders before stealing a kiss.

“Now, as I was saying. Sports bras are for sports, so they’re made to keep your boobs from going everywhere as you do all your running and jumping and all the stuff.”

“I have noticed some… Uncomfortableness in my chest recently,” Lexa admits.

“Yeah, so something like this would be good for you. Not super thick, just there to kinda, keep you together.”

“Mhm,” Lexa nods, looking at the bras in front of her.

“I would suggest staying away from white. Sweat and white don’t go together.”

“Yeah. What are the numbers and letters?” Lexa questions, feeling the fabric of a few of the bras.

“Oh duh, I should’ve started there. The number is how big around your chest is, and the letter is how big your boobs are. Goes from A on up. I think you’re an A for sure, plus you’re about the same size as me, so I think a 34 would work for you.”

“This one?” Lexa questions, grabbing a black bra.

“Yeah, we should try it on before we buy it though, you never know.”

“Okay. Should we grab more first?”

“Yeah. So we should also get you something to wear when you’re not working out. Bralettes are super cute, and since I’m too big to wear them, you gotta wear them for me.”

Lexa tilts her head in confusion.

“Bralettes are basically bras you can wear as a shirt. They’re over here.”

“Oh. Raven wears these,” Lexa says, taking in the bralettes.

“Yeah, they’re super cute. They don’t really support bigger girls though,” Clarke sighs.

“What size are you?”

“I’m a 34D.”

“They have your size, right here,” Lexa says, grabbing a grey bralette.

“Yeah, but they don’t really look good babe,” Clarke shakes her head.

“Nonsense. You look good in everything.”

Clarke can feel her face heat up at the compliment, “Thank you, but-”

“No buts. We’re going to get this too,” Lexa decides.

Clarke grins, giving in “Okay.”

“Now, what do you think will look good?” Lexa questions, looking at the massive collection.

“Oh, I get to pick?”

“If you want to.”

“I think baby pink would look wonderful on you. Plus some black and grey, for everyday use of course.”

“So the pink is just for you?”

“Baby,” Clarke says seriously, waiting until green eyes connect with hers, “I don’t care what you wear at all. I just want you to be comfortable.”

Lexa grins, “I love you.”

“I can’t believe we got such a good deal,” Clarke grins as they enter their bedroom.

“Good deal? That was a robbery,” Lexa disagrees, setting their bags on the bed.

“You’re a woman babe, the pink tax is real,” Clarke laughs as she plops on the bed.

“That’s not even what the pink tax is,” she grumbles, opening the bag and pulling out her new bras.

“I still think we should’ve gotten some panties too,” Clake mumbles, sitting up and undoing her bra without taking off her shirt.

“Like I told you, you are free to buy them. I’ve got plenty of underwear,” Lexa shakes her head, opening her underwear drawer and putting her new bras in it.

“There’s always room for more,” Clarke argues, throwing her bra towards the hamper, missing completely.

“Clarke,” Lexa scolds, picking it up and placing it in the hamper before pulling out the bralette Clarke got.

“Oh, you want a show?” Clarke questions with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

Lexa flushes, turning away from the blonde.

“I’m joking baby,” Clarke apologizes quickly.

Lexa sighs, “I know. I’m sorry,” she says, heading to their dresser to put away the bra.

“Lexa,” Clarke sighs, standing up as Lexa opens one of her drawers.

Lexa’s jaw drops and suddenly Clarke remembers why they have separate drawers still. Clarke’s cheeks turn a bright red as she looks away from questioning eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Clarke apologizes, biting her bottom lip.

“I uh… Wow,” Lexa says, looking at sex toys in the drawer before her, a collection of dildos and vibrators.

Clarke swallows, “I, you weren’t supposed to find that.”

Lexa blinks.

“Baby?” Clarke questions softly, walking closer to Lexa.

“I…” Lexa sighs, her arms wrapping around her stomach as the tiny voice in her head starts yelling at her.

“Hey, look at me,” Clarke begs, gently crowding into Lexa’s space, waiting until green eyes meet hers to talk.

“I love you, Lexa. I don’t want you to ever feel pressured into doing anything you don’t want to...”

Lexa shakes her head, “I know, and you don’t. I just… I forgot,” she admits.

Clarke sighs, wrapping Lexa into a hug.

“Can I ask you a question that might be one I’m not supposed to ask?” Clarke whispers a few minutes later.

Lexa lets out a small chuckle, pulling away to look into blue eyes. She leans in wordlessly, pressing their lips together softly before nodding.

“Does it bother you that I masturbate?”

Lexa sighs, burying her head back into Clarke’s neck.

“No. It bothers me I’m not the one making you cum,” she admits softly, pressing a kiss to her neck.

Clarke groans, tilting her head to the side to let Lexa continue to kiss her neck.

“I wish I felt good enough in myself to just… Take you,” Lexa continues, her hand clenching Clarke’s hip at the thought.

“Fuck,” Clarke moans, her hand coming up to grasp at Lexa’s hair, now shoulder length.

Lexa sighs, closing her eyes as the voice in the back of her mind kills her mood.

“Does it help that I’m always thinking of you?” Clarke questions.

Lexa groans before connecting their lips roughly, earning a moan from Clarke. Lexa’s hands move quicker than her mind, ripping Clarke’s shirt over her head as they move backwards towards the bed.

Clarke falls backward onto the bed, topless and panting. Lexa’s dark green eyes take in her nude chest. And everything shifts.

It’s as if there was an earthquake, but Lexa’s the only person who felt it. Her eyes slam shut and she concentrates on breathing.

“Baby?” Clarke questions softly, confused at the sudden change in her wife.

Lexa flinches at the word, her hands wrapping around her stomach as she turns away from the blonde.

“I’m sorry,” Lexa whispers, eyes closed tightly.

Clarke takes a deep breath, ignoring the wetness in her panties as she finds her shirt, throwing it back on.

“It’s okay baby girl,” Clarke whispers, slowly walking towards the brunette standing in the center of the room.

“Can I touch you?” Clarke questions softly, waiting for Lexa to nod before molding herself to Lexa’s back, wrapping her arms around Lexa’s stomach.

“I love you, my pretty girl,” Clarke whispers into her ear, “You’re so beautiful. So kind and smart and sweet. I don’t need anything more from you than what you already give me, okay?”

“I want to give you more,” Lexa argues.

“Someday, baby girl. I’m not going anywhere, I promise.”

Lexa sighs, but sinks into the blonde’s plush body.

“Good girl,” Clarke praises, pressing a kiss to Lexa’s neck.

“Mmm,” Lexa hums, turning in Clarke’s arms.

“Better?”

“Mhm,” Lexa connects their lips softly, “I love you.”

“I love you.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Baby?” Clarke questions gently, blue eyes taking in the brunette sitting on the kitchen floor, tear tracks visible down her cheeks.

“Klark? When did you get home?” Lexa questions, wiping away her tears and scrambling to her feet.

“I just got here,” she answers, closing the distance between them and looking into green eyes, “What’s going on?”

Lexa pulls Clarke into a hug, a smile from ear to ear.

“They booked me for my breast augmentation,” she whispers as if saying it too loud with cause it to run away.

“Really?” Clarke questions, pulling away with a huge smile, “Booked?”

“Yes! I’m just so fucking happy,” Lexa admits, tears falling again.

“Me too baby,” Clarke grins, tears filling her eyes as she pulls Lexa back into the hug.

“I can’t believe this is real,” Lexa admits into Clarke’s shoulder, sinking into the hug.

“Believe it, baby girl, it’s all real.”

Lexa chuckles, giving Clarke one last squeeze before pulling away, “Come on,” she orders, intertwining their hands and pulling her towards the bedroom.

“What? Post cry nap time?” Clarke jokes as they enter the bedroom.

“I had another thought,” Lexa admits, grabbing the bottom of her shirt and throwing it off.

Clarke freezes, eyes on the baby pink bra Lexa’s wearing, her dark tan nipples visible through the thin fabric that’s almost see-through. Blue eyes flick back up to green, questioning.

“I showed you mine, how about you show me yours?” Lexa suggests, gently tugging on the bottom of Clarke’s shirt.

“Fuck,” Clarke whispers, ignoring the command as she reaches forward, grabbing Lexa’s hips and pulling her close as she connects their lips.

Lexa falls into the kiss, enjoying as Clarke’s hands leave her hips to cup her face gently. Her own hands find their way to Clarke’s ass, one gently giving it a squeeze.

“Fuck Lexa,” Clarke groans, pulling away slightly and looking into green eyes, her thumb caressing Lexa’s plump bottom lip, “Are you sure about this baby?”

“I want to taste you,” Lexa states, dropping to her knees as her hands come to undo the button on Clarke’s jeans.

“Holy fuck baby,” she moans, helping Lexa pull her jeans off.

Lexa groans herself at the sight of Clarke’s underwear, a simple black pair of boxers than used to be hers. She glances up, meeting blue eyes through her lashes as she leans in, pushing Clarke’s shirt up to press a kiss near her belly button.

Clarke’s thighs squeeze together as she pulls her shirt over her head, then she reaches behind herself, easily undoing her bra and freeing her breasts.

“Fuck,” Lexa mumbles as Clarke throws her bra carelessly, coming back to her feet as her eyes are locked on Clarke’s newly exposed chest.

Clarke wastes no time grabbing Lexa behind the neck and pulling her into a deep kiss. Lexa groans into the kiss, her hands awkwardly settling on Clarke’s hips again, unsure of where to put them. Clarke takes matters into her own hands, grabbing Lexa’s and bringing them to her breasts.

Her moans break their kiss as Lexa starts massaging them, so Lexa leans in further, pressing kisses to the side of her neck, enjoying the new sounds spilling out of the blonde.

“Lexa, fuck,” Clarke groans, her hand on Lexa’s bare stomach, “Can I touch you too?”

Lexa responds by mirroring what Clarke did, taking her hands and leading them to her breasts as she reconnects their lips.

“Oh fuck,” Lexa mumbles in surprise as Clarke’s thumbs graze her nipples through the thin fabric.

Clarke chuckles, “You like that baby?” she questions as she continues.

Lexa nods before connecting their lips again, groaning as Clarke snaps the bottom of the bra, pulling away to whisper, “Take this off?”

She groans, pulling away to pull the bra over her head. Clarke grins, sitting back on the bed to watch her wife, one hand cupping her own breast.

“You’re so fucking hot baby girl,” Clarke groans, her other hand coming to her center as she rubs her nipple.

Lexa chokes on her spit as she takes in her wife. Pale skin and mussed hair, kiss swollen lips, one hand touching herself under the black boxers.

“Come here,” Clarke whines, removing her hand from the boxers and reaching towards the brunette.

Lexa grabs her outstretched hand, meeting blue eyes before taking the glistening fingers into her mouth. Their moans run together as Lexa cleans Clarke’s essence off her fingers.

“Kiss me, baby,” Clarke pleads as Lexa lets go of her wrist.

Lexa’s happy to oblige, crawling up the bed to connect their lips. Their moans mingle as their breasts graze each other as Lexa’s body hovers over Clarke’s. Blue eyes meet green for a moment time stops as Clarke checks in without words, her hand cupping Lexa’s cheek softly. Lexa answers the silent questions by connecting their lips, then pressing a kiss to her chin, then her neck, and trailing down to her breast.

“Fuck Lexa,” Clarke moans as Lexa sucks on her nipple, her hand coming to tangle in Lexa’s hair and pull it to the side, it now past shoulder length.

Lexa grins into Clarke’s breast, her hand coming up to play with the other one as she pulls away slightly, looking at the wet pink bud.

“Can I use your hair tie?” Lexa questions, pulling a strand of hair away from her lips.

“Yeah,” Clarke nods, taking the hair tie from her wrist and offering it to the brunette.

Lexa sits up, gathering her hair and pulling it into a messy ponytail without care.

“I think these need to go,” Lexa mumbles, biting her bottom lip as she plays with the waistband of Clarke’s boxers.

“So take them off,” Clarke challenges, lifting her butt up so she can remove them easier.

Lexa grins in amusement, easily removing them, throwing them without care over her shoulder. Green eyes drink in the newly exposed skin.

“If I would’ve known I would’ve shaved,” Clarke mumbles as Lexa looks at her small tuff of hair.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” Lexa soothes, connecting their lips.

Clarke arches into Lexa’s exploring hands, softly caressing her body as they travel from her breasts to the soft curve of her stomach. One jumps over her center, landing on her thigh, giving the firm flesh a squeeze as Lexa pulls back from the kiss.

“Touch me, please,” Clarke begs before Lexa can speak, opening her legs even wider.

Lexa licks her bottom lip, looking down to watch as her hand slides from Clarke’s thigh to her center.

Clarke’s groan mixes with Lexa’s as she leans down and presses a kiss to Clarke’s neck.

“You’re so wet,” Lexa whispers into her ear, her fingers coated as she explores.

“You drive me crazy baby girl,” Clarke whines, her hips moving to help Lexa’s fingers.

“You like that?” Lexa questions, rubbing Clarke’s clit.

Clarke’s only response is a moan, causing Lexa to smirk. Lexa pulls her fingers away slightly, a string of Clarke’s wetness clings to her fingers.

“Fuck,” Lexa whispers to herself, moving down to settle between Clarke’s thighs.

Lexa runs her clean hand through her ponytail, pulling it behind her as she settles her cheek against the inside of Clarke’s thigh, eyes glued on Clarke’s glistening center.

“Shit! Lexa,” Clarke moans as Lexa’s takes her first lick, her hand shooting down to tangle in Lexa’s hair.

“Mhm,” Lexa hums in response, her hand coming to the small tuft of hair above Clarke’s center, gently pulling her folds open more.

Clarke moans louder as Lexa licks from her entrance up to her clit. Lexa smirks to herself before changing the pattern, licking in circular motions before sucking softly, taking Clarke’s clit into her mouth for a moment before continuing.

“Fuck,” she moans, her hips moving to help Lexa get her every inch.

Lexa swallows, biting her bottom lip before focusing on Clarke’s entrance. She hums, drinking Clarke’s essence from the source, earning even louder moans the further she goes into Clarke.

“Fingers, please,” Clarke begs.

Lexa hums, taking the hand that has touched Clarke before and sucking it into her own mouth before giving Clarke’s clit a gentle rub. Then she positions her middle finger at her entrance, looking up to meet blown blue eyes before sinking into Clarke.

“Fuck, you’re so wet,” Lexa groans as her finger seems to be pulled into Clarke’s depths.

“Shit,” Clarke moans as Lexa’s starts thrusting her finger.

Clarke’s hand moves from Lexa’s hair to her own clit, rubbing harshly as her hips help Lexa’s movement.

“I’m going to cum. Keep doing that,” Clarke orders, her own fingers rubbing viscously as her moans get louder.

Lexa moans herself, speeding up her thrusts and pressing a kiss to Clarke’s thigh.

“Fuck, Lexa!” Clarke yells, throwing her head back as her whole body tenses.

Lexa hums, enjoying the squeeze around her finger, waiting until her body relaxes to remove her finger.

“Come here,” Clarke whispers, a request Lexa fulfills quickly, wiping her hand on the bed as she moves to connect their lips.

“Fuck baby,” Clarke whispers, panting slightly as her hands wrap around Lexa, feeling her bare back.

“You okay?” Lexa questions softly, looking into blue eyes as she brushes a blonde hair to the side.

“Yeah, just… Give me a minute and I’ll take care of you,” she says, still breathing heavy.

Lexa shakes her head, “I’m good baby.”

Clarke raises an eyebrow.

“I’m…” Lexa sighs, “I’m not ready for you to touch me… yet. I just, I couldn’t wait to touch you any longer,” she explains, pink coating her cheeks.

“God, you’re going to make me ready to go again,” Clarke admits.

“I mean, you cumming in my mouth sounds like a pretty good way to celebrate to me,” Lexa grins, pressing a soft kiss to Clarke’s lips, then down her neck.

“Fuck Lex, you’re a fucking minx,” Clarke groans as Lexa’ continues down her body.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Rae, are you kidding me?” Clarke questions into her phone, running a hand through her hair.

“I know, I know. I just… Please?”

“I know you guys like your new house and stuff Rae, but this is supposed to be a surprise for Lexa. It’s our turn to-”

“I know Clarke, just-”

“I ordered her a cake too, Rae. I can’t really just stop by and pick up a cake on our way without telling her what’s going on,” Clarke states, her hands moving even though Raven can’t see them.

“I’ll get O and Linc to pick it up. Just trust me, okay?”

Clarke sighs, shaking her head, ready to argue. There’s a noise on Raven’s side of the phone, faint, but it causes Clarke to pause, trying to make it out. It sounds like someone is screaming or crying, but it’s too faint to make out.

“Just trust me,” Raven states, blocking out the noise, “I gotta go.”

“Rae-”

“I just, I gotta surprise. I mean, it’s not exactly for Lexa, but she’s going to love it. I promise. You just gotta trust me.”

“Rae-”

Clarke pauses in surprise, a scream definitely coming from the other end of the phone.

“‘Love you bye,” Raven states, hanging up the phone without another word, leaving Clarke confused.

“I don’t understand why we’re going to their place. It’s our turn to host,” Lexa states, turning on the car.

“I dunno,” Clarke answers honestly, sending a text reminding Octavia to pick up the cake, “Rae just said she needed it to be at her place. Wouldn’t give me a real reason.”

“Seatbelt,” Lexa orders, earning a small eye roll, waiting until she hears the click to start driving, “Anya wouldn’t say anything either. She’s also been really distant lately, something’s up.”

“Well, I guess we’ll see when we get there,” Clarke shrugs, turning the radio up.

Lexa smirks as Clarke starts singing, grabbing the blonde’s hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it wordlessly as she focuses on driving.

Lexa freezes, green eyes taking in the scene before her. There’s a banner hanging across the archway to the living room that says,

Congrats Lexa!

And in smaller text, handwritten, it states

(for your tits)

, which would be enough to bring tears to her eyes on a normal day. However, she doesn’t even glance at it.

Instead, they’re locked on Anya. Her hair isn’t pulled back or in braids, instead, it’s left down, natural. She’s also topless, dressed on only a pair of sweatpants and her nude-colored bra, but that still isn’t what Lexa’s eyes are focused on.

In her arms, cradled to the nude part of her chest is a sleeping baby. A full head of black messy curls is all Lexa can see.

“Hey,” Anya states, bringing Lexa’s eyes to hers, Lexa’s jaw-dropping.

Even with bags under her eyes, her hair shiny with grease and unbrushed, she is glowing.

“Come meet your niece,” Anya smiles, her hand gently brushing through the child’s black curls.

“You two had a fucking baby!?” Clarke whisper yells, eyes wide and jaw dropped as Raven comes from down the hallway, Octavia and Lincoln on her heels.

Lexa doesn’t listen as Raven replies, instead slowly walking towards Anya, eyes on the baby.

“Her name is Nari,” Anya whispers, smiling as Lexa reaches out, caressing Nari’s back softly, “You want to hold her, Aunt Lexa?”

Lexa’s eyes fill with tears as she looks up, meeting Anya’s eyes.

“I’m her aunt?” Lexa questions softly.

“Well, I mean, we can just call you Lexa-”

“No,” Lexa shakes her head, letting out a wet laugh as she wipes away a tear with the back of her hand, “I just… I never thought I’d be an aunt,” she confesses, smiling as Nari blinks, brown eyes looking up at Lexa.

“Here, hold her,” Anya says, gently handing her to Lexa, “Make sure you support her head, like-” Anya moves Lexa’s hand softly, cupping the back of Nari’s neck, “Perfect.”

Lexa grins, turning and looking at Clarke with a huge grin. Clarke smiles back, warmth filling her chest as she forgets that she was talking to her friends, walking to Lexa and wrapping her arms around her waist, pulling her back against her front.

“I’m an aunt. We’re aunts,” Lexa whispers, gazing at the baby in her arms.

“We are,” Clarke nods, pressing a kiss to Lexa’s shoulder, gazing down at Nari.

“Hey, just because this is a party for you doesn’t mean you get to hog the baby,” Octavia states, breaking them out of their moment.

“Party for me?” Lexa questions, brows furrowing.

Lincoln chuckles, sitting down on the couch, “There’s a banner and balloons when you come in the door, Lex.”

Lexa turns, looking at the door, brows rising as she finds exactly what he said.

“There’s cake in the kitchen too,” Clarke mumbles into her ear.

“Why though?” Lexa questions, still confused.

“For your tits dude,” Raven grins, taking Nari from Lexa gently.

“Yeah, we’re all excited for you,” Octavia nods, grinning as she’s handed the baby.

“Well, thanks,” Lexa blushes, leaning back into Clarke’s embrace, grinning as Clarke walks her towards the chair, then sits down and pulls her into her lap.

“So, how big are you going?” Raven questions.

“Raven,” Anya warns, shooting a look at her wife.

“What?” Raven questions, arms raised, “It’s a legit question. I’m just wondering if I should be expecting like some Clarke level tits or what,” she defends.

Anya rolls her eyes, looking at Lexa, “Ignore her.”

Lexa shrugs, ignoring the heat in her face as Clarke squeezes her hip in support.

“It’s fine. I mean, we’re going to keep it natural looking. Not too big, just maybe a size up or so I think.”

“I mean, you look good now,” Octavia states, causing Lexa to blush even more.

“Okay, stop looking at my girls’ tits,” Clarke states, her hands coming up and hovering over Lexa’s chest, interlocking her hands and attempting to block everybody’s view.

Everybody chuckles, even Lexa as Lexa shakes her head, taking Clarke’s hands in hers, pressing a kiss to the back of her hands.

“Alright, sorry Lex,” Octavia says, “In other news…” she trails off, holding up her hand.

There sits a bright and shiny ring, earning gasps of surprise from Clarke and Raven, smirks from Anya and Lexa.

“You knew already and didn’t tell me, again? Asshole!” Clarke pinches Lexa’s side, earning a laugh.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Are you okay?” Clarke questions softly, trailing her fingers across the back of Lexa’s hand.“I’m nervous,” Lexa admits, sighing as she plays with the gown she’s in.“Hey, Doctor Sloan knows what he’s doing, we have nothing to worry about, okay?”“But like… What if I made the wrong choice? Maybe we should’ve gone for saline and over-”“Hush baby,” Clarke silences her with a kiss, “No more worrying.”Lexa sinks into the kiss, her worry drained away by the softness.“Oh, sorry to interrupt, but it’s about time to get this show started,” Dr. Sloan himself jokes as he comes into the room.Lexa turns pink as Clarke pulls away with a chuckle, squeezing Lexa’s hand.“And we’re ready, right baby?” Lexa nods, squeezing her hand back as Sloan starts going over the surgery once again.“Hey baby, how are you feeling?” Clarke questions softly as Lexa blinks away. Lexa opens her mouth to answer, but instead out comes a cough. Her throat hurts, it’s so sore and dry. “Here, my love,” Clarke coos, pressing a straw to her lips as soon as she stops coughing, “That’s because of the tube. It should feel better in a day or so,” she explains softly.“Fuck,” Lexa groans, throwing her head back, “It hurts. I feel like I got shot. Twice,” she explains, grunting.Clarke smiles softly, gently touching the side of Lexa’s face, “But look.”And Lexa finally looks down. Her chest is covered by bandages. She can feel the tightness where it’s wrapped around her body, keeping it close. The itch of the incisions where they cut into her skin. All of the bad is outweighed, greatly outweighed, by the good.There’s something there. It’s not a small lump that disappears when she shifts, no. There are breasts there. Full handfuls of boob, obvious even under layers of bandages and the gown. “Oh, baby,” Clarke coos as Lexa’s tears start falling.Lexa rolls her eyes at Clarke’s exaggerated eyebrow movements as her eyes meet blue again, having done a track around Clarke’s nude body.“Like what you see?” Clarke questions, continuing to move her eyebrows,Lexa can’t stop her grin as she shakes her head.“Take off your pants. You can sit here and I’ll just wash your hair,” Clarke orders, sitting down against the side of the tub.“Shouldn’t I just like, lean over the tub?” Lexa questions, brows furrowing.“Nah, just sit here. I’ll be careful,” Clarke orders, pointing at the tub.“Okay, but if it gets wet, you’re talking to Sloan,” Lexa states, pulling her pants off and sitting in the tub, hands covering her center, still uncomfortable with Clarke looking at her.“Please, I could take him down,” Clarke jokes, touching Lexa’s shoulder, hoping to put her at ease.“I’m sure you could, love,” Lexa hums as Clarke turns on the spray.“Lean back some more, hold onto your knees.”Lexa clenches her jaw, swallowing as she looks down at herself. Her breasts are covered, still in the compression half shirt to help with swelling, and her bottom is… Well, there’s something there. And there shouldn’t be. “Hey,” Clarke’s voice is gentle, coaxing her back to the moment, “I just gotta wash your hair baby, then we can just go and cuddle in bed, I promise, okay? Don’t even look. Just close your eyes and trust me, okay?”Lexa sighs, looking back at Clarke and offering a small smile of gratitude, reaching out to pull Clarke closer. “Shit,” Lexa curses, having forgotten about the fact she can’t simply reach out, as it pulls on her incision site.“Baby,” Clarke coos, reaching out and cupping Lexa’s chin before leaning over the tub and pressing a soft kiss to her lips. “I love you,” Lexa whispers as Clarke pulls away.“I love you,” Clarke smiles, “Now, lean back.”Lexa smirks, closing her eyes and leaning back, enjoying as Clarke gently wets her hair. Letting out a soft moan as Clarke massages shampoo into her scalp, forgetting about her body as Clarke starts humming a random song.“I love you,” Lexa states as Clarke starts rinsing her hair, not opening her eyes in the slightest. “I love you. Sap.”Lexa bites her bottom lip, eyes focused on her hands, currently sitting in her lap. “Goodmorning Lexa, how’s it going?” Dr. Sloan questions as he enters, looking down at a chart, her glances up, brows raising in surprise as he finds Abby sitting next to Lexa instead of Clarke. “Dr. Griffin, what a surprise,” he nods at her.“Clarke should be here soon, got held up at work,” Abby explains, glancing at Lexa.“Ah, well that happens. How are we feeling today Lexa?” Lexa sucks at her bottom lip before nodding, “I’m good.”“A little nervous huh? That’s typical. Today we get to see your chest for the first time. Now, there might be some swelling and bruising still, so this is not the final look. We’re just going to check and make sure we don’t need any other surgeries, okay?” Lexa nods her understanding.“Alright, well if you wanna just take off your shirt, I’ll help unwrap you, okay?”Lexa nods again, unbuttoning her flannel with ease, clenching her jaw as she does so.“I can leave if you want honey,” Abby offers, gently touching her shoulder.“It’s ‘kay,” Lexa mumbles, sliding her shirt off. “Can you stand up for me?” Dr. Sloan asks, Lexa following his orders, putting her arms up slowly when he asks, attempting not to move as he unwraps her.Lexa takes a deep breath as the compression part is taken off, feeling like it’s the first breath she’s taken in a week. “They look wonderful Lexa,” Dr. Sloan states, his gloved hands poking and checking them.“The incision site will go down?” Abby questions from her seat, her eyes focused on Lexa’s left incision site. “Yes. It looks like this side just got a little more irritated than the other. Most likely reaching for something or moving too quickly,” he explains, touching the area around it, “It should heal on its own without much scarring.”Lexa nods, remembering how she reached for her cereal this morning, and all the other times she reached a little too much. “Here, so you can see the amazing job we did,” Dr. Sloan grins, pulling out a mirror and holding it so Lexa can see.Suddenly Lexa can’t see. Her tears are coming fast as she takes in her chest. They’re full and round and look good, even if they’re an ugly shade of yellow from the bruising. Next thing she knows she’s being hugged, breathing in she knows the sweet smell of shampoo and falls deeper into Clarke’s embrace.“Sorry I’m late doc,” Clarke jokes to Sloan over her shoulder, gently rubbing her hand over Lexa’s back.“I think you burst in at the perfect time,” he chuckles, watching as Lexa regains her composure.“Now, Lexa. My only concern is with your areolas. I know we talked earlier about the possibility of resizing, but-”“No, they’re perfect,” Lexa cuts him off, looking down at them, then into the mirror, then back down.“Well, if you do ever change your mind, I’d also suggest tattoos. Anyways, on to what to expect next…”Lexa doesn’t listen, instead focused on looking at herself. Finally, she can look down and see what should be there. She sighs, clenching her jaw as she thinks of the one thing left that shouldn’t be there. Clarke’s hand tangles in hers and Lexa can’t stop her grin as she looks at her wife. Squeezing her hand in thanks.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Hey, Lexa, what’re you up to?” Lincoln questions as he enters their small break room, sweat glistening as he heads towards the fridge to grab a bottle of water. Lexa sighs, sitting back from the small desk they set up in the corner for her, papers spread across the top, as she pushes her glasses to the top of her head, rubbing at her eyes. “Things aren’t adding up, Linc.”Lincoln’s brows furrow as he takes a sip of his water, “What’ca mean?”“We’re spending way too much money Lincoln. We could be saving so much. And our taxes don’t make any sense, we’re paying way too much,” Lexa explains, pushing the papers towards him.“Chris deals will all of that stuff Lex,” Lincolns waves her off, sitting down on a stool.“No, this can’t be right. Someone is taking some off the top Linc, I’m sure,” Lexa states, standing up, then hissing in pain.“Woah, okay, calm down there,” Lincoln orders, “You’re still recovering.”“I know,” Lexa sighs, standing up slower, “But look, this isn’t right.”“I’ll call Indra, okay? You can explain it to her. You know I don’t do numbers.”Lexa nods, looking down at the paper again, “This is just crazy Linc. She must think we’re doing terrible things over here.”“I mean, she has said she doesn’t understand why we aren’t making more, but Chris just said some stuff and yeah,” he shrugs, scratching the back of his neck.“I always wondered where else he worked to afford his clothes,” Lexa mumbles, clenching her jaw as she looks at the paperwork again.“I always was a bit confused as to why this place didn’t make more,” Indra admits, crossing her arms as she stands up.“It’s surprising you never looked into it. You don’t seem the type to keep a place that isn’t doing well around,” Lexa admits as she takes off her glasses.“I’m not, but Lincoln is someone I’m willing to spend some money on. He’s a good kid. A great person to have around, especially in this neighborhood.” Indra explains, sighing as she continues, “I’m afraid that Chris has worked his last days for me.”“I didn’t like him anyway,” Lexa admits, earning a slight twitch of Indra’s lips, the smallest hint of a smile. “I had a question I’d been meaning to ask you, Lexa,” Indra states, leaning against the desk and crossing her arms.“Uh oh,” Lexa mumbles, sitting taller in her chair as she meets brown eyes.“Have you ever thought about going back into law?”Lexa’s brows raise in surprise, not expecting such a question. Then furrow, confused as to why Indra would ask a question. “I’m working with someone inside Woods Inc, attempting to gather evidence against your father. They mentioned that you were one of the best at finding the legal loopholes, and did a majority of the work Woods claimed for himself.”“I-uh… I wasn’t ever trained, like, in school. So it was illegal.”“Well of course if you came and worked for me, I’d put you through school. That wouldn’t be a problem,” Indra dismisses with a wave of her hand, “I just want to know if you enjoyed it. I wouldn’t want you to do something you don’t enjoy. I know this gym is nice and fun, Lincoln does a good job here, but I see you as so much more than a fitness trainer. My insider does too.”“I… I don’t know what to say,” Lexa admits, biting her bottom lip.“I know it’s a lot. I happened to write this up, in case you didn’t want to answer now. I’ll leave it with you. Let me know what you decide, no rush. I’ve got to go find Chris.”Lexa nods, taking the paper Indra hands her, watching as she exits the room before looking at the paper in her hand. It’s a job offer, which isn’t surprising. What is surprising is the salary amount, well, the fact it is a salary to start with is surprising. Lexa grabs her glasses, sliding them on as she goes through the paper.“What’s up, baby? Work okay?” Clarke questions from the couch as Lexa enters their small apartment.“I’ve got some news,” Lexa admits, rushing towards the blonde, handing her the paper.“What’s this?” Clarke questions, brows furrowed as she looks down at the paper.“Indra offered me a job working for her.”“Indra? Owner of the gym, CEO of Trikru, Indra?”“Yes,” Lexa nods excitedly, taking the paper from Clarke and pointing at a passage, “And she’s going to send me to school so I can be her assistant. And pay me like, three times what I’m making now.”Clarke’s brows rise as she reads the salary number, “Holy shit, Lexa!”“I guess someone who works for my dad still was raving about me, and like, I also found out Chris was stealing some from the gym and an error on the taxes and Indra wants me and-”Clarke’s lips slamming into hers stops her rambling. Lexa's smile grows so big it breaks their kiss, Clarke pulling away to look into green eyes, the smile reflected. “I love you, nerd,” Clarke grins, stroking the side of Lexa’s face. “Love me enough to rub my back?” Lexa questions with a hopeful tilt of her eyebrow.Clarke chuckles, rolling her eyes as she kisses Lexa again.“Go shower first, then I’ll give you a massage.”Lexa grins, “A naked massage?” she wiggles her eyebrows, earning a laugh from the blonde.“Anything you want,” she agrees, “Don’t wash your hair though, I’ll help you tomorrow, okay?” “Or… You could help me now?” Lexa tries.“I wanna finish this sketch first,” Clarke admits, gesturing towards the notebook on the coffee table.Lexa sighs, pouting, “Okay.”Clarke laughs, giving her one last kiss before sending her off to the bathroom with a tap of the butt.“Oh, ho, ho,” Clarke grins, blue eyes taking in Lexa, fresh from the shower, her towel wrapped around her hair.Lexa blushes, rolling her eyes as she heads to her dresser, “Stop ogling me.”“You married me, giving me permission to ogle any time I want,” Clarke defends, eyes taking in Lexa’s back, enjoying the way the muscles ripple as she carefully takes the towel off. She watches as a drop of water slowly makes it way down Lexa’s spine, trailing down the trunk of the tattooed tree. Then Clarke’s taking in the swell of Lexa’s behind, clenching her jaw in want as Lexa steps into a pair of panties. Lexa turns around, not bothering to cover her top half, feeling good enough with just a pair of silky pink panties to face her wife. She smirks as she watches blue eyes slowly trail up her body, stopping on her breasts for a few seconds before continuing up to meet her eyes. “Fuck baby, come here,” Clarke reaches out, making grabbing motions at Lexa, earning another eye roll as Lexa compiles. “You’re so fucking hot, baby girl,” Clarke mumbles, handles settling on Lexa’s hips, pulling her into the space between her legs, looking up at Lexa.Lexa grins, pushing a strand of blonde hair out of Clarke’s face, pushing it behind her ear. Green eyes take her in, soaking in her smooth pale skin, the small moles that litter her face. One about her eyebrow, a smaller and paler one next to her other eyebrow, one on her cheek, one just under her nostril. While all of those ones are beautiful, she leans in to kiss her absolute favorite one, right above her lip, darker than the rest. Clarke, however, ruins her plan, tilting her head up and connecting their lips. It’s soft, their lips caressing each other as Clarke’s hands travel lower, settling firmly on the swell of Lexa’s behind. Lexa grins into the kiss, causing their lips to break apart before Clarke leans away, smiling softly herself.“I love you,” Lexa whispers, her thumb sliding across her second favorite of Clarke’s moles, the one right above her eyebrow.“I love you,” Clarke answers as she gives one of Lexa’s cheeks a firm squeeze, chuckling when Lexa jumps, before pulling away, “Alright, lay down. I’ll get your oil and give you a massage.”Lexa smiles to herself, happily settling into bed, pillows used to not put extra pressure on her breasts, as Clarke rummages through her nightstand. “Use the lavender,” Lexa orders, crossing her arms, using them as a pillow for her head as she closes her eyes.“I am, you flower queen,” Clarke jokes, moving back onto the bed. Lexa jumps in surprise as Clarke squirts the oil onto her back, the cold surprising her. “Clarke,” she scolds lightly, smiling at the dark chuckle Clarke lets out. “Oh!” Lexa gasps in surprise as Clarke stadles her hips, which isn’t the surprising part, the fact she’s naked is. “Didn’t think I’d let you be the only tease, did you?” Clarke questions with a deep chuckle, settling her hips on the swell of Lexa’s ass as she leans forward, her hands rubbing the oil into Lexa’s skin. “Fuck Clarke, your hands are magical,” Lexa moans, raising her hips as she moves slightly to the left, attempting to guide Clarke’s hands.“Hmm,” Clarke moans, her exposed bottom half rubbing against Lexa’s panties, surprising her.“Does that feel good?” Lexa questions from below her, feeling Clarke’s hands stopping.“Mhm,” Clarke hums, “Sorry,” she mumbles, moving her hips away from Lexa as she starts massaging Lexa’s lower back.“Oh fuck,” Lexa moans as Clarke works on a knot, earning a chuckle.“God Lexa, your ass,” Clarke groans, hands sliding lower, massaging the round cheeks.“You like?” Lexa questions, tilting her head to glance back at the blonde.“I wanna ride it,” Clarke admits, watching the skin jiggle under pink silk panties. “Then do it.”Blue eyes shoot to green, wide in surprise. Lexa only chuckles, reaching down and pulling her panties down slightly, just exposing her butt, keeping her other part hidden.“Are you sure baby? You don’t-”“Massage it,” Lexa orders, bringing her knees together and pressing her ass up towards the blonde. “Fuck,” Clarke groans, grabbing the oil and rubbing her cheeks.“Just don’t, like, touch me there. I’m not-”“I know baby,” Clarke soothes, stroking her skin.Lexa smiles to herself, losing herself in the soft touch. Until Clarke shifts, moving to bring herself level with Lexa. Clarke hums, positioning herself, then rubbing against the side of Lexa’s cheek.“Oh fuck,” Clarke groans, easily falling into a rhythm, dragging herself across Lexa.Lexa hums herself, unsurprisingly enjoying the warmth dragging across her butt, knowing it feels good for Clarke is more than enough for her.“Fuck, baby,” Clarke moans, her hips speeding up slightly.Lexa groans, suddenly realizing that this feels good for her too. Her center rubbing against the bed with every thrust of Clarke’s hips. For the first time, it doesn’t feel wrong. A hand in the middle of her back brings her back to the moment, Clarke leaning forward, grabbing her hand, slipping her fingers between Lexa’s, putting her weight on it. Lexa groans, moving her hips too, enjoying the feeling of Clarke sliding over the growing wetness on her ass.“Lexa, baby. I’m going to cum,” Clarke admits, her thrusts speeding up.Lexa moans, reaching behind her with her free hand, grabbing Clarke’s hip, urging her on. Clarke leans back, one hand going onto Lexa’s thigh to support herself as she changes the angle. Her thrust growing longer, the drag against Lexa’s skin longer, feeling even better on her clit. “Faster baby,” Lexa groans, enjoying the feeling she’s experiencing, her nails digging into the side of Clarke’s leg.Clarke moans in response, her hips moving faster as she leans forward, both hands settling on Lexa’s upper back as she speeds up. “Cum for me baby,” Lexa mumbles, her hips moving too. Clarke’s moans take a higher pitch as she leans back again, a hand coming up to tug at one of her nipples. Lexa cums first, with a quiet grunt. It’s different than any other orgasm she’s ever had. Instead of a single few moments of pleasure focused on her parts, it’s different. Coming from her center, but radiating through her entire body as she goes stiff. Lexa’s hips stutter against Clarke’s center, throwing her over the edge. She comes with a high-pitched moan, her body freezing for a second. Then collapsing on top of Lexa’s back, her center rippling a few times before she regains energy to think. Clarke pushes up slightly, gathering Lexa’s hair and pulling it to one side before pressing kisses along her jawline.“That was wonderful. Thank you,” Clarke whispers into her ear, softly biting at the lobe.“I came too,” Lexa admits, her hand leaving the bed and tangling with Clarke’s.“You did, huh?” Clarke questions, smirking as she rolls to Lexa’s side, Lexa rolling her eyes, blush coating her cheeks. “You like being used?” Clarke questions, smirk firmly in place as she watches Lexa’s reaction.Lexa’s eyes slam shut at the question, dirty images flashing across her mind. Clarke in a corset, rubbing against her. Clarke standing above her, using her mouth as Lexa’s hands are tied behind her back. “Someone’s a bit kinky,” Clarke jokes with a small chuckle, a light hand running down Lexa’s arm bringing her back.“Says the one who just rubbed one out against my ass,” Lexa rolls her eyes.Clarke laughs, leaning in and capturing Lexa’s lips. Lexa can’t help but smile again.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The sound of an alarm rings through the apartment. The brunette is the first to move, turning on her side and slapping the clock. She returns to her spot with ease, burying her face into the wild blonde hair, taking a deep breath, enjoying the slight vanilla scent as her eyes drift shut again.“Mmm,” Clarke groans in her sleep, her bottom half moving backward, brushing across Lexa’s front.“Clarke,” she whispers, moving her bottom half away from the blonde, looking down at her excitement.“Mmm,” Clarke moans in her sleep, her body moving backward, searching for the sudden loss of heat.Lexa closes her eyes, focusing on her breathing, attempting to ignore the throbbing in her lower half while trying to stop the uneasy feeling in her gut. She hasn’t had this problem in months, the estrogen helping a lot with it.“Clarke, it’s time to get up,” Lexa states, soft as she can manage while grabbing Clarke’s hips, preventing her from moving.“Mmm, Leksa,” Clarke groans, stretching as she wakes up.The hand on her hip tightens, causing her to freeze, “Lex?” she questions softly, craning her head to look at the brunette."I," Lexa swallows, eyes closed, "I just need a minute.""I'm so-""It's okay, just give me a minute," Lexa cuts off her apology, shaking her head as she lets go of Clarke’s hip.Clarke rolls over, glancing over Lexa's shoulder and at the clock, then back at Lexa. Her eyes are closed, breathing slow and deliberate."Baby, baby, hey, baby," Clarke whispers, taking Lexa's face in her hands, pressing their foreheads together."I'm okay, I just needed a moment," Lexa states, leaning into the touch regardless.Clarke nods, closing her eyes and enjoying the closeness."You know..." Clarke hums, waiting until green eyes meet hers to continue, “If you aren’t feeling terrible, maybe we could do something good to get rid of it. If you want.”Green eyes widen, "I-”“Only if you want to. If you don’t want to, that’s okay. Just a suggestion,” Clarke is quick to clarify. Lexa shakes her head, eyes closing, “I don’t think so.”Clarke nods in understanding, gently caressing Lexa’s cheek. “I love you,” Clarke whispers, looking into green eyes.“I love you,” Lexa whispers back, leaning in close and connecting their lips softly. Clarke sighs happily into the kiss, pulling back and glancing at the time again, letting out another sigh. “Is it time?” Lexa guesses with a small smirk, earning a playful eye roll.“Let’s cancel.”“We can’t cancel our best friend’s wedding,” Lexa chuckles, rolling to her back to get up.“We went to Raven and Anya’s. One out of two is good enough, right?” Lexa shakes her head as she gets up, ignoring the blonde with a grin on her face.“Lex?” Lincoln questions over his shoulder, eyes glancing around the small dressing room.Lexa chuckles, standing up from the chair and coming over to Lincoln.“You should really learn how to do this yourself,” Lexa jokes quietly, reaching out and tying his tie.“That’s what I keep you around for,” He jokes with a nervous smile.“Well I hope I offer more, as I’m pretty sure O knows how to tie a tie,” she jokes.He sighs happily, a small smirk as he thinks of his wife to be. Lexa shakes her head in amusement, softly punching his shoulder.“Awh, who knows. Maybe I could keep you around for some other reason too.”“Yeah, keep your ass out of legal trouble.”He chuckles, shaking his head. He looks around the room again, taking in the few other friends of his, milling around and waiting for the wedding. “You know you could’ve worn a dress, right?” Lincoln says, looking down at her suit, matching the men in the room.“I know. I look good in a suit though,” Lexa jokes, earning a small chuckle from the groom.“It’s your day anyways, don’t need me looking better than you do.”Lincoln shakes his head, but his small grin gives away his true thoughts. A knock interrupts their conversation. With a shared look, they head out the small room, and towards the rest of his life.Lexa holds her breath, her face a stone of indifference to those around her, opposite to the internal struggle inside her. “I find the defendant guilty on all counts…”Lexa can’t stop her grin, pure joy filling her chest at knowing she won her first case. A glance to her mentor, Indra, and she’s quick to fall back into the face of indifference. The small nod she gets moments later from the stoic woman almost breaks it.“It was so amazing,” Lexa says as they head into their apartment, “I didn’t expect-”Her next words are cut off my Clarke’s lips against hers as she’s pushed into the wall. “God, you’re so fucking hot,” Clarke groans, lips trailing down Lexa’s necks. “I-”“In this sexy pantsuit. I want to hear you moan my name,” Clarke whispers in her ear.“Fuck,” Lexa whispers, head tilting back, allowing Clarke better access to her neck.Clarke grins into Lexa’s neck, pushing her body fully against Lexa’s.“Wait-”Lexa can’t help her pout as Clarke immediately pulls away, concerned blue eyes meet glazed green. “I’m sorry,” Clarke whispers.“No, I just. I really want to do this,” Lexa explains, blush coating her cheeks. “You do?” Lexa nods, “I think I’m ready.”“You think?” “I’m ready to at least try. I might have to stop, but I want to try,” Lexa explains, biting her bottom lip.Clarke nods, “Okay, let’s go to the bedroom.”Lexa giggles at their awkwardness as they join hands, heading to their bedroom. Clarke chuckles too, grinning at her wife.“So… Take it off,” Clarke commands with a small giggle as she pushes Lexa back onto the bed.Lexa laughs as Clarke tugs at the bottom of her pants as she focuses on unbuttoning her shirt. Clarke’s yanking pulls Lexa’s panties off at the same time she finally unbuttons her shirt.“I love you,” Clarke grins, climbing onto the bed and laying next to Lexa as Lexa takes off her shirt and bra. Clarke looks at her womanhood, the back into green eyes, “so are you, uh…” Clarke struggles to find a word.“I am aroused, yes,” Lexa answers, pink taking over her cheeks.“Good,” Clarke grins, leaning in and giving her a kiss, “show me what you like baby.”“Well, okay,” Lexa mumbles, looking down at herself.“I ignore this, it makes me feel uneasy, and I just don’t like it,” Lexa explains, “I know it doesn’t make me a man, but a lot of people still feel that way and it’s hard for me to enjoy anything like that with them in the back of me head.”“I understand baby,” Clarke mumbles, pressing a kiss to Lexa’s neck.“A lot of people don’t know this, but I kinda have a vagina now. Where my testes sometimes go into my body? There’s a little space there that,” Lexa moans, her fingers disappearing inside herself. “Wow. So you have two? Or one big one?” Clarke questions, moving down the bed to really watch Lexa.“I have two, but my right one is a bit bigger,” Lexa states, sitting up to watch herself too.They sit in almost silence for a few minutes, Clarke watching intently as Lexa works herself up, small gasps escaping every now and then.“Can I?” Clarke asks after Lexa lets out a loud moan. “Yeah, please,” Lexa nods, removing her hand. “So it’s here?” Clarke questions, her finger where Lexa’s just were. “Yeah, just push into me.”Clarke pushes, causing the loose skin to stretch inwards.“Like that?”“Fuck,” Lexa moans as Clarke slides her finger into her.“Just like you do with me?” Clarke questions, pulling her finger and pushing it back in.“Yeah, just slower. I’m not wet like you are,” Lexa groans, her eyes rolling back as Clarke pushes back in.“Maybe I can fix that?” Clarke mumbles, removing her finger from Lexa and putting it inside herself.“Jesus,” Lexa groans at the sight.“You can just call me Clarke, baby,” she chuckles, removing the finger from herself and entering Lexa again.“Clarke,” Lexa moans.“You like it, don’t you?” Clarke rasps, slowly gaining speed.Lexa groans, her hips moving on their own.Clarke grins, enjoying the sounds of pleasure spilling from her lover. Sounds she hasn’t heard before. They’re quiet, making them that much more precious. “You’re so fucking hot,” Clarke groans.Lexa doesn’t answer, instead reaching down and sliding her hand into Clarke’s pants too, earning a surprised moan.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Lexa sighs as she leans against the door, shutting it with the weight of her body as her eyes close. After a moment, she pulls herself together, sliding off her suit jacket and slipping off her shoes, glancing around at the seemingly empty apartment.

She pulls out her phone, looking for a text from Clarke, only to find nothing except her home screen. She grins at the photo, a picture of Clarke grinning with her pressing a kiss to her cheek. Pulling herself out of the memory of Clarke’s laugh, she hears the faint sound of music and solves the mystery of where her lover is hiding.

She slips down the hallway to their spare bedroom without bothering to flip the lights on, knowing they need to be extra mindful about the bills this month. Her lips tilt into a smile as she hears the sound of the blonde singing along to the song, slightly off-tune. Ever so slowly, as to not disturb Clarke, she pushes open the door.

Clarke hums, unaware of the brunette in the doorway, focusing on the painting before her. Looking down at the colors near her, she adds a bit more brown to make the color darker before mixing it for a moment to add more shadows, causing the figure's jawline to stand out even more.

“Oh my god. Clarke, that looks amazing,” Lexa mumbles, eyes wide as she looks at the painting.

It’s clearly the brunette but transformed from her normal self. Her long brown locks aren’t in their normal ponytail, instead pulled back, looking to be braided. It looks as if she’s wearing warpaint, by the black that trails down her cheekbones. Warpaint is further supported by the hilt of a sword in her hand and how her green-gold eyes look off in the distance as if waiting for an enemy to attack.

Clarke squeaks in surprise, whoring around to look at Lexa, eyes wide in surprise as she stammers, “I uh, it’s not done yet. I uh-”

“It’s beautiful Clarke,” Lexa shakes her head, knowing Clarke will brush off her compliments, “You should post this somewhere when you are done, it’s amazing.”

Clarke feels her cheeks heat up at the praise, stepping back so Lexa can get a better look at the painting as she collects her thoughts.

“I want to finish the series first,” Clarke admits softly, biting the bottom of her lip.

“The series?” Lexa questions, turning to look at her girlfriend.

Clarke bites her bottom lip, looking down.

“You don’t have to show me if you don’t want to baby. I’m sorry for barging in her to start with,” Lexa apologies, gently cupping the side of Clarke’s face.

She shakes her head, “I’m not mad, I’m just… Slightly embarrassed. It’s a lot of paintings of you, borderline creepy.”

“If I look this good in all of them, I’ll forgive you for being a creeper,” Lexa teases, grinning at the small snort she earns.

“A little full of yourself, huh?” Clarke rolls her eyes, but her grin gives away her true feelings.

“All your fault,” Lexa defends, “Telling me I’m beautiful all the time.”

Clarke laughs, playfully pushing Lexa away, “Does that mean you’re an ass too?” she questions as she heads to the other side of the room where her finished paintings are.

“I have an ass, yes,” Lexa clarifies with a grin, following her lover.

“Hell yeah you do,” she winks with another laugh, pulling a canvas out.

“Holy shit Clarke,” Lexa forgets the jokes as she takes in the new painting.

It’s of Lexa, again. This time you can see her braids, an intricate design that would take hours of patience in real life. Black war paint drips down her cheeks from her eyes, her eyes a bright green with just a hint of gold. In her hands is a knife, seemingly being twirled in her hands instead of being used. Between her eyebrows sits a medallion, giving her a more regal aura in the painting.

Clarke pulls out another one, sitting it beside the other one, “This was my first one. Just getting the idea out,” she explains.

It’s a closer look at Lexa’s side, warpaint dripping down like the others, the medallion between her eyes. There looks to a shoulder strap holding a red fabric flowing out of view. Trees and tall buildings litter the background, gold streaks in an artistic fashion add to the otherworldly feel.

“These are amazing Clarke. How did you even think of doing this?” Lexa questions, looking closer at the paintings.

“Well… I had a dream, and I just, came up with this idea...” she shrugs.

“What’s the idea?” Lexa questions, knowing there’s more by Clarke’s voice.

“I mean, I used to imagine you as like, a queen or something, but that doesn’t fit you.”

“It doesn’t? I mean, I was like, rich,” Lexa jokes, earning an eye roll.

“No, you’re a warrior. You’ve fought your battles for years, Lexa. In this world, you’re a commander. You fought so well you lead your people against like, monsters and shit.”

“You mean other people?”

Clarke snorts, shaking her head.

“Come on, let’s go to bed though. I wanna hear all about this world.”

“I need a shower first,” Clarke says, looking down at the different colors of smudges on her arm.

“I’ll whip up something to eat while you shower?” Lexa suggests.

“You’re not going to join me?”

Lexa chuckles at Clarke’s eyebrow movements, shaking her head and rolling her eyes.

“You just want me to wash your hair.”

“Maybe.”

Lexa grins, shaking her head as she follows Clarke to the bathroom.

“So what then?” Lexa questions, looking up at Clarke.

“I don’t know. I haven’t thought of how they’re going to get into the mountain,” Clarke confesses, running her fingers through Lexa’s hair, Lexa’s head on her lap.

“What if you were in it? I bet you could come up with an idea,” Lexa suggests.

“I wouldn’t have anything to do with that in this type of world. I’d be like, a homemaker or some shit. No way I’d be a warrior or high enough to even know you at this age. Maybe after Mom dies or something I’d take her spot.”

“I dunno. Maybe you’re like, inside the mountain and figure out your people are evil and help me?”

Clarke shrugs, “I don’t think so. But that’s a good idea to bring it down, get someone on the inside.”

“I mean, you said the world ended a long time ago, right?”

“Yeah, that’s why you had to fight and stuff. You’ve got like, clans that follow you. You united them against the people in the mountain as I said.”

“So like, some people went into bunkers, right? So people knew it was coming.”

“Yeah? Where are you going with this?”

“What if some people like, went to space or something? Like, you could literally fall from the sky.”

“Ooo. I like that. Hmm… Why would they send me down though? I’d be the same age as you, and I know I wouldn’t just fall from the sky alone.”

“Maybe they like, sent you down as punishment or something? I mean, oxygen has to be limited. Maybe when you fuck up, they send you down to Earth.”

“Are we really creating a whole world just for some paintings where you look hot as fuck?” Clarke questions.

Lexa shrugs, “Why not.”

“It’s pointless, not like anybody is going to care besides us anyway. There’s like, two likes on it.”

“Who cares, we’ll know.” Lexa shrugs, “We’re the only ones who matter anyway. Us against the world, right?”

Clarke grins, leaning down to press a kiss to Lexa’s forehead, “I love you.”

Lexa catches the back of Clarke’s head, bringing her back down for a real kiss, returning the words without speaking them.

“Lexa.”

“Indra?” Lexa’s brows scrunch in confusion, looking up from her paperwork.

“Lexa, this is Jon Ti. He’s interested in your wife.”

Her brows furrow further, “My wife?”

“Her artwork,” Jon is quick to clarify.

“I-What?”

“I’m interested in displaying her collection in my art gallery. My daughter showed me one of her paintings and I recognized you from the office meeting. I know she probably has many offers with her talent, but I’m willing to fight for her. Here’s my card, please get in touch. I have a gallery in about a month if she’s willing.”

“I will, uh, let her know,” Lexa says, dumbfounded as she takes the card and a handshake.

“I can’t believe this is real,” Clarke confesses later that night, grinning ear to ear as she looks down at her phone, notifications still flowing in.

“You’ve got enough work, I can be the trophy wife now,” Lexa jokes as she unwraps her hair, headed over to her sock drawer.

“What are you doing? It’s nude night,” Clarke whines, pouting as Lexa continues to rummage through the drawer.

“I know it is,” Lexa states, voice shaking slightly, just like her hands.

“What’s wrong?” Clarke jumps out of bed, noticing the shake immediately.

As she’s almost in reach, she’s shocked as Lexa drops to the floor, gracefully spinning and landing on one knee. Clarke can feel her jaw hanging open as she looks at Lexa, but can’t close it.

“I know this is silly, and we’re already married, but I want to marry you. Marry you as me, as Lexa. I want to be surrounded by our friends and show our love to everybody. I want to see you walk down an aisle towards me and promise the rest of our lives again. Clarke Elizabeth Griffin, would you marry me, again?”

Clarke can’t answer, tears choking her as she nods, falling to her knees and connecting their lips.

“I fucking love you so much,” Clarke sobs into her shoulder.

“Enough to add yourself to the paintings? I don’t want to be without you in any world, even fictional.”

Clarke laughs at the absurdity of the topic, after a proposal, talking about an imaginary world.

“I’d probably make you crazy, end up killing us all,” she jokes, looking into green eyes.

“Life is about more than just surviving, isn’t it?”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Are you ready Lexa?”

Lexa takes a deep breath, looking to her side to find blue eyes. Clarke offers a small smile of encouragement, giving Lexa enough courage to nod herself, nodding at the doctor.

“I’ll be here once you get out baby,” Clarke promises, pressing a kiss to Lexa’s forehead in parting.

“How are you feeling baby?” Clarke questions softly, pushing a strand of Lexa’s long hair behind her ear, smiling softly to herself at how long it finally is.

“I feel like there’s shit inside me, and not in a good way,” Lexa states honestly, looking down at herself, which is covered by a blanket.

“Well, not shit, but there is. Better than stuff being outside of you?” Clarke questions softly.

Lexa nods, smiling softly as she thinks about it.

“Yeah, it is. A lot.”

“Ten minutes Lexa!” Clarke orders from the bathroom.

“This would be a lot more fun if you did it for me,” Lexa complains, grabbing her dilator and the lube, heading towards the bed.

“One more month before we’re allowed to have sex baby. We both know I’d get carried away,” Clarke argues, putting on her mascara.

“That would be more fun though,” she mumbles to herself, setting a timer for ten minutes.

“Are you going to put on makeup tonight baby?” Clarke questions, looking at herself in the mirror.

“Not tonight, I’m tired. Half want to cancel.”

“We can’t, O says it’s important,” Clarke disagrees as she puts away the make up.

“I bet they’re pregnant.”

“O didn’t drink last time, which is weird, so maybe,” she shrugs as she comes back out of the bathroom, making a point not to look at Lexa as she goes to their dresser.

“I’m so ready to be able to use this thing,” Lexa admits as her timer goes off, slowly removing the dilator.

“Me too,” Clarke admits, watching as Lexa slowly makes her way to the bathroom, cleaning up.

“I think we should get married next month. My first bonus is coming. We could go on our real honeymoon,” Lexa suggests.

“We went to Hawaii Lexa, we don’t need another honeymoon.”

“If I remember correctly, we talked about going to Fiji for our first anniversary. Obviously that didn’t happen, but I want to show you something really beautiful.”

“Well, I guess we can talk more about our honeymoon later, after we get married again. We’ll have to start planning now.”

“We’ll find a time that works with everybody tonight. Simple,” Lexa states, coming out of the bathroom.

“You said you weren’t going to wear makeup.”

“I changed my mind.”

“I would’ve left it out for you, dingus.”

“Dingus?” Lexa laughs, “Been awhile since I heard that one.”

“Been awhile since you’ve been a dingus,” Clarke laughs herself, following the brunette to the living room, easily getting ready to go while playfully teasing each other.

“What do you mean you know?” Octavia questions angrily, looking at her two best friends.

“You didn’t drink the last few times,” Raven shrugs, unbothered as she takes a sip of her beer.

“Yes I did. I made sure it looked like I was drinking from a mike’s hard!” Octavia argues.

Clarke rolls her eyes, “Yeah, you also had lemonade in your fridge, which you never have. Not that hard to figure out babe.”

“Neither of you bothered to ask?”

“We didn’t even talk to each other about it,” Raven laughs.

“Yeah, we figure you’ll tell us whenever you want to,” Clarke shrugs.

“Well, fuck you both. Here’s the first sonogram.”

“Woah, what?”

“Twins?” Clarke grins, looking at the two egg sacs.

“Yeah, twins. Double trouble,” Octavia grins, her hand coming to her stomach.

“Well, I guess me and Lexa need to hurry up with the wedding planning so you can be part of it.”

“Wedding planning?” Raven questions.

“Yeah, we wanna get married again. It’s technically almost our five year, but… Things have changed so much. Hell, I didn’t even marry Lexa. We want to do it right.”

“Your anniversary is in like, three weeks though,” Octavia says, looking at the calendar hanging from the fridge.

“Yes. Are you free to officiate by chance?”

“Officiate what?” Lexa questions as she comes into the kitchen, her arms wrapping around Clarke from behind.

“Yeah, what’s official?” Lincoln questions, brows furrowing as he looks at the date Octavia is circling.

“Are you two finally getting married again?” Anya questions, sneakily grabbing Raven’s butt as she walks past, sitting on her own stool as if she did nothing.

“How did you know?” Clarke questions, looking at the other blonde.

“She helped me go ring shopping,” Lexa admits softly.

“I dunno why though, she’s better with it than I am,” Anya shrugs, taking a swig of her beer.

“So, on your anniversary? It’s a Saturday. I’m free, is everybody else?”

"Stop," Anya commands from her seat in the corner of the room.

Lexa sighs, forcing her hands to her sides. She clenches her jaw, taking in her reflection again.

"You're already married, stop worrying," Anya says, standing up and walking to Lexa's side.

"I know," Lexa mumbles, looking down, "but this time it's real."

Anya chuckles as she pulls Lexa into a hug, mindful of the intricate braids pulling both of their long hair back, "You and Clarke have always been real kiddo."

Lexa tries to laugh, but it comes out as a small sob, tears filling her eyes.

"Hey!" Anya scolds, leaning back and taking Lexa's face in her hands, "Do not screw up your makeup."

Lexa does laugh at that, pulling back and grabbing a tissue to gently dab at her eyes, careful of the mascara.

"You look pretty like this though," Anya whispers mostly to herself as she steps back, taking Lexa in.

The white dress hugs her small curves perfectly, making her ass pop. Her back is exposed, showing off the skin there, the few scars she has unhidden. The sleeves are a beautiful white lace, contrasting her tanned skin. Though the dress, hand-sewn into the design are beads, which catch in the sun beautifully, making the whole look come together.

"Do you really think so?" Lexa questions, turning to look at her best friend.

"Kid, you look prettier than I did on my wedding day," Anya answers honestly, wiping away the single tear that has escaped.

"You wore a suit, not a dress," Lexa points out with a laugh.

"True. I was hotter than you are," she teases, earning a light punch on the shoulder.

A knock at the door interrupts their moments Raven slides into the room. She stops for a moment, dark eyes taking in the bride.

"Jesus Christ Lexa, you're gorgeous," Raven compliments.

Lexa blushes, looking down, "Thank you."

"Your wife is being crazy, she wants to see you but her mom is holding firm but…"

"But?" Lexa questions, a hopeful smile on her face.

Raven grins, grabbing Lexa’s wrist, "Come on, we gotta be quick."

Lexa grins as she is pulled through the back door, giddy at the thought of seeing her wife before the wedding.

“You’ve got five minutes,” Raven states, pushing her into a room.

“Lexa!” Clarke grins, turning around to take in her wife.

“That bad?” Lexa questions, watching the grin drop from Clarke’s face.

“You’re beautiful Lexa,” Clarke states, blue eyes shining as they meet green.

“I am?" Lexa questions honestly, looking down at herself, doubt whispering in her mind.

"Hey," Clarke whispers, gently cupping the side of Lexa's face, "You, Lexa Griffin, are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes on. I can't wait to marry you, again."

Lexa sniffles, blinking rapidly to keep the tears from falling as she looks into her wife's eyes.

"I love you," she whispers, gently pressing their lips together.

"I love you," Clarke answers, pulling Lexa into a hug.

Lexa welcomes the embrace for a minute before pulling back and looking at her wife. She steps back, holding Clarke at arms distance to fully take her in.

Her dress is simpler than Lexa's but no less gorgeous. The lace trails up from the bottom of the dress, creating the illusion that the lace is fitted to the blonde's body, covering her breasts. As with Lexa's dress, there are beads sewn into the swirls of lace, making her shine in the sunlight.

"You are perfect, my love," Lexa whispers, looking back into blue eyes.

Pounding at the door causes them to jump apart.

"Incoming!" Octavia whisper-yells as she storms in, grabbing the brunette and pulling her out the back door.

The door shuts just a second before Abby Griffin storms in, looking around the room suspiciously.

"Where is she?" Abby demands.

Clarke raises an eyebrow, "Who?"

Abby glares at her daughter, sizing her up. She takes a moment before sighing in defeat.

"I guess it was silly for me to think I could keep you two apart, even for the sake of tradition."

Clarke chuckles, "I don't think anything about our relationship has been traditional."

Abby rolls her eyes, "You can't blame me for trying."

Clarke laughs again, pulling her mother into a hug, "I love you Mom, even though you tried to keep me from my wife."

"I'm the only reason you got married in the first place, thank you very much," Abby points out, but leans into the hug.

Clarke laughs, pulling away, “Lexa isn’t a thing like who you thought you set me up with.”

Abby chuckles herself, pushing a strand of hair behind Clarke’s ear, “No. She is much better.”

“She’s perfect mom,” Clarke whispers, looking to the door she just escaped through.

Abby sighs, rolling her eyes as she says “Since you already broke-”

Clarke’s squeal of excitement cuts her off as she’s tackled into another hug, then left before she has a chance to return it, the blonde on her way towards Lexa’s changing room. She chuckles again to herself, looking around the room. Her heart drops as she notices the picture sitting next to Clarke’s phone, both forgotten in her rush to see her wife again.

“Oh honey,” she whispers, picking up the picture of Jake, a candid she took herself, him with a small smirk.

Clarke would be scarred if she knew what happened right after the picture was taken, a thought that has Abby blushing.

“You would’ve loved Lexa, my love,” she whispers.

“Abby? Where is-” Kane questions, quickly taking in the scene before him, easily recognizing the man in the photo, “Oh, I’m sorry,” he apologizes.

“No, it’s okay,” Abby says, setting the picture down and wiping her eyes, “I was just getting caught up in the moment.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Kane whispers, gently wrapping his arms around the small woman from behind.

“I just,” Abby sighs, “I love you, but I miss him sometimes,” she confesses.

“It’s okay to love him too,” he whispers, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

She turns in his arms, burying her head into his chest as she lets out a sob. She cries for her lost love, for Clarke’s lost father, for the moments he missed, for the moments she misses, for how she’s moved on.

“He’d want both of you to be happy, Abby, and I… Well I’m hoping I’m making you happy,” Kane says.

Abby chuckles, pulling away to look into his dark eyes, “You are.”

He smiles, gently pulling away, causing Abby’s brows to furrow as he takes a deep breath. Closing his eyes, he drops to one knee, pulling a box from the inside of his pocket.

“Marcus,” Abby whispers.

“Marry me, Abby. Let me try to make you happy for the rest of our days,” he says, brown eyes full of love.

“I…”

“I already asked Clarke what she thought, and about doing it today. I didn’t want to steal their thunder or-”

“Yes.”

He grins, standing and wrapping his fiancée in a hug, smiling even wider at the squeal of excitement she lets up as he spins them. Laughing, she presses their lips together as they stop spinning.

“I love you.”

Clarke grins as her mother walks into the room, almost shyly.

“Leave her alone Klark,” Lexa whispers into her ear as she pulls the blonde against her front.

“Come on, after how hard of a time she just gave us?” Clarke whines as she sinks into her wife’s hold.

“Woah Mama G, what’s that rock doing there?” Raven questions with a shitty grin, grabbing Abby's hand.

“That’s what Raven is for,” Lexa whispers, earning a chuckle from the blonde as they watch.

Dana smooths her dress down again, looking around and taking in the surroundings. It was quite a walk into the woods to the clearing they have set up; the path was lined with cut out hearts sticking up from the ground. The clearing itself is beautiful. Lit up with strings of fairy lights from above, strung from the trees themselves. The ‘altar’ is a stack of half-cut logs with candles upon them, the flames well contained in the clear containers much larger than the candles themselves.

“He did always love candles… I mean, I guess she did,” Dana muses to herself as she finds her seat, which are logs with a plush cushion on top, falling into the fairytale aesthetic.

Sitting down, her heart is beating rapidly as she thinks of all the things that could go wrong. Trying her best to blend in, she attempts to listen to the whispered conversation, but can’t follow. The well-known tune playing stops the conversation and snaps everybody up, all turning to gaze upon the blonde.

Dana’s breath catches as she takes in her daughter in law. Her hair is pulled back into a beautifully messy bun, a few strands left loose to frame her face. A flower crown seems to blend into the blonde locks, made of pale pink roses and white wildflowers. Her makeup is done lightly, causing her to look like an angel.

Dana figures the woman walking with her is her mother, she can see the resemblance clearly as they walk hand and hand down the aisle. She can’t hear what the woman at the alter is saying, but she figures it’s sweet by Clarke’s reaction, dabbing at her eyes as her mother hands her off. She follows the motions as the tune plays again, turning to watch her only child come down the aisle.

She gasps as she takes in her child, covering her mouth as she looks at the woman walking down the aisle.

She’s beautiful. Gorgeous. Oh, Gods, she’s perfect.

Dana’s dark eyes take in the brunette, the way her body has changed from the boy she thought she knew, not sparing a glance at the man walking her down the aisle, also a boy she once knew. The dress shows off her newly gained curves, the visible smoothness to her skin. Her long hair flows down her back in perfect braids, and she gasps again as she sees scars. Scars that look the same as the ones that cover her own back.

“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” someone whispers to Dana, offering a tissue.

Dana looks at the woman before her, placing her as a girl who works for Alexander and her blood runs cold.

Harper sighs, knowing that look well. She pushes the tissue into Dana’s frozen hand, offering a kind smile.

“She’d be glad you came. She misses you,” Harper whispers, sitting back down as Lexa reaches her wife.

Dana relaxes into the seat, sensing this woman no longer works for Alexander as she watches Lexa take Clarke’s hands.

“You mustn’t tell her,” she whispers, watching the way her only child looks at her wife.

“I won’t,” Harper promises, looking up at the couple, then catching her own wife’s misty eyes.

“I love you,” she whispers to Monroe, pressing a light kiss to her cheek.

“I now pronounce you wife and wife! You may kiss your bride!” Octavia yells in excitement.

Clarke rolls her eyes at her friend as Lexa chuckles, leaning in and pressing a light kiss to her wife’s lips. She pulls away, only for Clarke to chase her, a hand cupping the back of her neck to stop her from escaping as she deepens the kiss.

Clapping and the sounds of cameras draw them apart, suddenly remembering the fact they are in public.

They turn, smiles wide as they look at their friends and coworkers clapping for them. The flashes of cameras reflect off their dresses as the sun dips below the treeline, making them look like the stars themselves.

Lexa grins, looking at her wife, then to their intertwined hands. Clarke gives her hand a gentle squeeze, flashing her a grin before she steals another kiss.

The clinking of glasses draws their attention away from each other and to Anya.

Anya stands, a mask firmly in place as she addresses the room, “I was asked to give a toast, as I am one of Lexa’s closest friends. However, it seems like Lexa has forgotten a part of her past, so I’m handing this duty over to the woman that was Lexa’s best friend for a long time.”

Lexa takes in a deep breath as Costia stands up. She knew Costia was here, had flashed her a smile as she’d walked down the aisle to her wife, but they haven’t talked. She didn’t even know if the invitation would find her until she got the RSVP back.

“Hi. For those who don’t know, I’m Lexa’s ex. I was with Lexa before she came out.”

Lexa takes a deep breath, remembering the times they had together.

“Lexa has always been a wonderful woman on the inside. I loved her so much, hell, I still love her,” Costia admits, brown eyes meeting green, “I always pictured this. Her being free of her past and so wonderfully happy.”

Lexa wipes away a tear, looking down.

“After today, I’m no longer sorry I broke your heart, Lexa,” Costia admits, turning to the blonde, “Clarke.”

Clarke tilts her head, slightly confused.

“Thank you. Thank you for showing this woman that she is strong. For pushing her to do things I wasn’t able to. I’m not sorry anymore, because I can see that you two fly together.”

Lexa grins, leaning into her wife and pressing a kiss to the side of her face.

“I don’t know if Lexa ever told you this, and she might give me shit for sharing this but-”

“Oh god,” Lexa blushes, hiding her face into Clarke’s neck.

“She called me after your honeymoon, she just had to talk to someone. I was expecting something huge, like maybe the fact that she got married in the first place, but that’s not what was bothering her,” Costia chuckles, “She was so worried because, and I quote, ‘I think I like her’.”

Costia pauses her story as the room lets out chuckles.

“I believe my response was along the line of, ‘well that’s gay’.”

Clarke lets out a loud laugh, pressing a kiss to the crown of Lexa’s head. Lexa looks up, falling into the oceans of blue as the room around them fades.

“I love you so much,” Clarke whispers softly.

“I love you,” Lexa leans forward, pressing their lips together.

Lexa grins as she takes in the room. Children play in the corner as adults mull around with glasses of wine, some talking, a few people dancing on the makeshift dance floor, including a few children.

“Lexa!” A familiar voice calls out, bringing Lexa’s attention to the woman she used to dream of marrying.

“Costia,” she greets, squeezing Clarke’s hand in hers.

“Your toast was wonderful,” Clarke compliments with a smile.

Costia grins, “Thank you,” she turns to the side as her wife comes to stand by her side, easily wrapping an arm around her.

“I don’t think I ever introduced you before, this is my wife, Konia,” Costia says.

“Good to finally see the Lexa I heard so much about,” Konia grins, earning a small elbow in the ribs, causing them all to laugh.

“Thank you for being here. It really does mean a lot to me,” Lexa says as she looks into brown eyes.

“I told you to call me when you were you. I miss you, Lexa. I’d love for us to catch up sometime, for old times sake?”

Lexa looks at Clarke, causing her to laugh.

“You don’t need my permission to hang out with an old friend Lex,” she says easily.

"I'd like that."

"Did you see your mo-"

“Mama’s!” a high pitched cry cuts through their conversation as a young boy flings himself into the space between Costia and Konia, hugging both their legs.

Lexa’s jaw drops as she takes in the boy, five or six years old she guesses. His skin the same tone as Costia’s, his unruly hair left free in an afro, dressed in a tux, but his shirt has come untucked from playing.

“What baby?” Costia questions, her hand pushing his hair back from his face easily.

“I made a new friend! Her name is Nari. She’s only four though, but she’s nice.”

“That’s wonderful Zoran,” Konia grins, crouching down to his level and looking up at Lexa, “Can you say hi to mommy’s friend Lexa? She got married today.”

“Hi Lexa!” he beams, “Your dress is really pretty,” then he turns to Clarke, “And so is yours. I also like your hair. I wish mine was yellow like Mamas, but it’s okay. Brown is pretty cool too.”

“Well thank you, Zoran. I like your hair like it is.”

“Thank you,” he turns back to Konia, “Can I go play with Nari now?”

“Yes, but be nice. She’s little still,” Konia says, earning an egger nod before he rushes to his new friend.

“Don’t worry, Nari may be little but she’s already a fighter,” Clarke says with a smile.

“She’s Anya’s little girl,” Lexa supplies, causing Costia’s eyes to light up.

“Really? A little girl?”

Lexa smiles, thinking of her ‘niece’.

“She might be young, but she doesn’t want to be a little girl at all,” Clarke laughs before sharing a story easily.

Lexa watches with a smile as her wife talks to her ex about their niece. She doesn’t hear what’s being said, instead content to watch her wife laugh and joke. Clarke glances at her wife due to the lack of agreement, losing her breath as their eyes meet.

“I understand that quote now,” Costia chuckles, bringing their attention to her.

“Lex, you look at her like she hung the stars in the sky.”

Lexa doesn’t say a word as she pulls Clarke closer, wrapping her arms around her.

“No. She painted them on my heart.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“You’re so beautiful like this,” Clarke whispers as they walk hand in hand on the beach in Fiji a week later.“Like what?” Lexa questions, looking at her wife as the wind pushes her hair back.
“Free.”
“Free?” Lexa questions, tilting her head to the side in confusion, much like a puppy.“Yeah. I haven’t seen you so carefree in, well, ever. It looks good on you,” Clarke explains softly, bringing the back of Lexa’s hand to her lips.“Babe, I’m wearing a bikini covered by a dress on a beach in Fiji, holding hands with the love of my life. Three out of four of those things are things I never thought I’d ever get to say in real life, only in my dreams.”“Three out of four?”Lexa chuckles, “Well, the Fiji part isn’t that weird.”Clarke rolls her eyes, grinning at her wife as an idea pops into her head.“Have you ever thought about having sex in Fiji with the love of your life?”“Well, I’ll admit I was dreaming of it the other night,” Lexa bites her bottom lip, stopping their walk to look at the blonde.“As of last week, you are cleared by your doctor. I called and confirmed,” Clarke licks her lips, aware of the green eyes focused on them. “Hmm, seems like we’re overdue then, aren’t we?” Lexa hums, leaning closer to the blonde, as if for a kiss, but not quite connecting their lips.“We should go back to the hotel first,” Clarke sighs, “As much as I want to throw you down and fuck you here, beach sex isn’t as hot as you think it is.”Lexa laughs, both at the comment and at the change of tone in Clarke’s voice.“Alright babe, let’s go,” Lexa says, easily leading the way back to their hotel.Lexa can’t help her smile as Clarke crowds her, hands around her hips and lips on the back of her neck as Lexa tries to open their hotel room door. The light blinks red, beeping loudly.“You gotta stop for a second so I can focus,” Lexa mumbles, tilting her head to the side and leaning back into the warmth behind her.Clarke hums in response, teeth scraping the skin under her lips softly. She grins at the shiver it elicits from the brunette.“Stop it,” Lexa groans, leaning forward to look at the door better.Clarke sighs, but doesn’t push her luck anymore, hands still firmly on Lexa’s hips as the door finally beeps twice, green lighting up the sensor as Lexa opens it. They both rush in as if it’s a race and they’re mere feet from the finish line.Lexa’s laugh fills the air as she’s grabbed by the hips, pulled back, and pushed into the door, closing it with her body weight. She grins up at her wife as Clarke crowds her, body pressing against her. Clothed breasts against her own, Clarke’s thigh slipping between hers, not yet applying pressure as their foreheads meet, eyes locking.“You’re so fucking hot baby,” Clarke mumbles, biting her bottom lip as she glances down at pink lips.Lexa can feel the heat rushing to her face, and to other places too. Reaching out, her hands land on Clarke’s hips, feeling the slick fabric of the thin swimsuit cover she’s wearing. “Are you going to do something about it? Or just watch me?” Lexa teases, biting her own bottom lip.“Hmm,” Clarke hums, hands moving from Lexa’s hips to the top of Lexa’s hands on her own hips, grabbing them roughly, pinning them above the brunette’s head easily as she leans in closer.Lexa’s breath shakes as Clarke’s lips graze the side of her ear, Clarke whispering “What do you want me to do to you?”Clarke grins as she pulls back slightly to look at her wife’s face, happy to see the red flush coating her cheeks, green eyes closed tightly. “Hmm? Nothing to say now, baby girl?” She teases, one hand trailing down Lexa’s arm, the other still holding her wrists against the door. Her free hand cups the side of Lexa’s face gently, thumb stroking a high cheekbone softly. Green eyes open, pupils larger than normal as they meet blue.“Color?” Clarke questions softly.“Green,” Lexa answers quickly, mouth opening slightly as Clarke’s thumb trails down, gently pulling her bottom lip as her hand goes lower.Lexa’s head tilts back, exposing her neck as Clarke cups it gently, not adding any pressure. Her hand stills for a second before moving back, easily finding the baby hairs at the nape of Lexa’s neck, green eyes closing as she’s pulled forward softly, their lips connecting. Lexa gasps in surprise as the top of her dress comes undone, Clarke’s hand having undone the strap around her neck. Clarke pulls away, chuckling at the brunette’s response as she takes a step back, allowing Lexa to put her hands down.“You surprised me,” Lexa defends, her hands finding purchase on Clarke’s hips without a thought.“I got that,” Clarke teases, blue eyes taking in the newly exposed skin, breasts still trapped in a bikini top, but flat stomach tanned and toned, dress bunched up where her leg is still between Lexa’s.She grins as she takes a step back, causing the dress to fall to the ground around Lexa’s feet, long tanned legs on display now too. Her grin widens as she feels her own dress slip too, falling at her feet, Lexa having undone her own straps as she was taking her in.“You’re so fucking hot,” Clarke mumbles, not giving Lexa time to take in her own exposed skin, pushing her back into the door as their lips connect again, her pale hands cupping Lexa’s bikini-clad breasts.She grins into the kiss as Lexa’s hands wrap around her back, tugging at the strings holding her bikini top on. Stepping back, she chuckles at the groan of disappointment Lexa lets out as she drops to her knees, hands on the outsides of Lexa’s thighs as she looks up, meeting wide green eyes. “Color?” she questions, fingers playing with the thin straps holding the bottom of Lexa’s bikini on.Lexa wets her lips, her mouth way too dry as she answers softly with “Green.”Clarke hums, undoing the straps and letting it fall to join the dress at Lexa’s feet, blue eyes taking in the neatly shaven stip leading to Lexa’s center. Clarke looks up again, meeting green eyes once more. She takes Lexa’s hand from her hip, guiding it into blonde hair.“Pull me away if you want me to stop, okay?” She says, waiting for a nod before looking back down at her next meal.Her hands move to Lexa’s inner thigh, gently directing her to spread more wordlessly before she leans in. “Oh fuck,” Lexa moans, her lower body spasming as Clarke dives in, thankful for Clarke’s hands holding her up.“Mmm,” Clarke hums back, enjoying the taste coating her tongue and the feel of Lexa’s fingers tightening in her hair.Lexa’s thighs shake, her hips moving on their own as the rumble of Clarke’s hum travels through her like never before. Clarke grins, her tongue sliding lower, eager to taste more of Lexa’s sweetness. “Wait,” Lexa groans, softly pulling on Clarke’s hair, but not with enough force to stop her. “Hmm?” Clarke hums in question but doesn’t stop, tongue pushing inside of Lexa, getting coated in her sweet essence. “Oooh,” Lexa moans, throwing her head back and spreading her thighs more, ignoring the dull pain from her head connecting with the door.“What did you say, baby?” Clarke questions as she pulls away for a second, her hand replacing her mouth, coating her fingers with Lexa’s juice.“Mmm,” she hums, not answering as her hand guides Clarke’s head back to her center.“Good girl,” Clarke whispers, mouth taking in Lexa’s clit as she pushes her middle finger into Lexa.“Oh fuck,” Lexa moans.Clarke can feel Lexa’s inner muscles spasming around her finger as she curls it, her tongue softly licking the clit against her lips.“Clarke!” Lexa gasps, pulling Clarke’s head away.Blue eyes snap at the urgency in Lexa’s voice, hand stilling inside of Lexa, “What’s wrong baby?”“I’m going to pee. You gotta stop,” Lexa states, pressing her thighs together.Clarke chuckles, “No baby, that’s just what it feels like.”“No. I’m going to pee,” Lexa disagrees.Clarke shakes her head, forcing Lexa’s legs apart, “Then pee. But you’re not going to,” she states, mouth taking in Lexa’s clit again.“Shit,” Lexa groans as Clarke sucks on her clit, her finger moving inside of her again. “Come on baby girl, let go for me,” Clarke mumbles before sucking her clit into her mouth, her tongue playing with it.“Oh fuck,” Lexa groans, her thighs squeezing together as all her muscles spasm.“Good girl,” Clarke praises, gently helping Lexa slide down the door and into her lap, as her knees gave out.“You did so good baby girl,” Clarke praises, pressing kisses to Lexa’s neck as she pants, slowly regaining her breath.“Fuck,” Lexa sighs, leaning back to look at Clarke, still sitting in her lap.“Yeah?” Clarke grins.“Is it always that good?” Lexa questions.Clarke chuckles, “Well, I mean, I guess we’ll have to keep trying to see.”Lexa rolls her eyes, but her grin gives away her true feelings.“Come on, let’s go to bed,” Clarke suggests. “As long as we are not going to sleep,” Lexa states with a grin, standing up.“Oh, no sleeping on a honeymoon baby,” Clarke laughs, slapping Lexa’s bare ass softly as she gets up, following the brunette to the bed.“Are you ready?” Indra questions, dark eyes taking in the young woman.“As ready as I can be, I guess,” Lexa admits softly, looking down at her folder again, mind racing over all the possibilities.“Stop worrying so much, Lexa. You’ve always been good at this type of stuff,” Harper states.Lexa looks at the woman who was her receptionist for years. A woman who dealt with her father for even longer than she herself did. A woman who went through more than any job is worth, who has put herself into danger for the betterment of others. Who isn’t the first to enter police custody because of Alexander, but hopefully will be the last. “I can’t believe how much evidence you have. I just… I don’t know how he is going to get out of it this time,” Lexa admits. “He’s not getting out of it this time,” Indra states.“Yeah, we have you this time. He’s not getting out of anything,” Harper agrees.Lexa nods, hoping they are correct.“We the jury find the defendant guilty of Sexual Harassment, Harassment, Discrimination and…”Lexa can’t help her smile as they read the list of crimes. She bites her bottom lip, hiding the grin as she looks over, locking eyes with her father. His cold green eyes lock with hers, taking her in. She watches as his eyes widen, eyebrows raising in surprise as he finally recognizes her. “Axel?” He states, looking at her, then they shift to someone behind her.“It’s Lexa,” Lexa corrects, the courtroom fading away as she looks at the man who raised her to fight who she is on the inside, who abused her every chance she got.“You-”“You are over. When you die, alone, the Woods name will end with you. I hope it is soon,” Lexa cuts him off, turning to her wife at her side, ready to leave.“You’re nothing but a-” Alexander’s lawyer cuts him off, whispering in his ear.“Well… He knows who I am now,” Lexa chuckles nervously, looking at her wife.“It doesn’t matter what he knows. Woods Inc. is over,” Indra states, hanging up her phone as she walks in, “I currently have four of five of his biggest supporters pulling out of Woods to invest in Grounder Inc instead.”“I knew once it got out that they would crumble,” Harper states with a smile.“So… What now?” Lexa questions.“Now we go celebrate your win,” Clarke suggests.“That sounds amazing. I need to catch up with you,” Harper states, pointing at Lexa.“How is your girl?” Lexa questions softly.“My wife is amazing, she’ll come out to the bar too. Let’s go.”“Okay, I’ll call the gang,” Clarke grins.Lexa takes a deep breath, taking Clarke’s hand as they head out, ready to celebrate their win.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Alexander stands tall as he walks out of the courtroom, not allowing anybody to say he ran like a coward.

He lost. He lost the battle he was sure he would win, thanks to his only child. He almost didn’t recognize his child, their appearance completely different from the last time he saw them. He left them on the floor of their office with a busted lip and a black eye, far from the worst injuries they’ve had before.

Cutting them off had been easy. He’d almost forgotten about them, expecting to read about their body being found in a river, especially after he heard Clarke was marrying a woman. He never expected for that woman to be his son.

Alexander steps into his car, he decided to drive himself today, as his phone rings. Answering it, his mood quickly turns even sourer. Calls keep coming and coming, people pulling out of his business. He already knows it’s over. There is no rebuilding with this.

He takes a deep breath, knowing if he is going down, he is taking someone with him. He types in the name of the one who did this all.

Lexa Griffin.

He’s angered to find there is no address on anything for his only child. No number to call and track, nothing. Just photos of a wedding.

He squints, looking at a photo of the wedding. There, in the background, sitting next to the receptionist who caused the downfall, is someone who shouldn’t be there.

The one who really caused all of this, by giving birth to his child.

Throwing down his phone, he goes home, ready to end it all.

“Dana!” Alexander’s voice rings through the empty house, causing the woman to freeze in fear.

“Come here, you stupid fucking slut!” he yells, tearing through the house, going directly where he knows she is.

“Alexander?” she questions, coming out from the bedroom, eyes trained on the ground as she shrinks in on herself, attempting to appear even smaller than she is.

“Did you think I wouldn’t find out?” he questions, grabbing her smaller body and slamming it into the wall.

She cries out in pain, only to be thrown to the ground.

“You had contact with our child after I told you not to?” he questions, kicking her in the ribs.

“No!” she cries, “I never-”

A hand around her throat cuts off her words.

“I fucking saw you at their wedding!” he screams in her face, the grip on her neck tightening.

Dana’s eyes light up in realization as he lets go. She gulps in air as he straddles her, pinning her arms to her side.

“Any last words, dear wife of mine?” he questions, eyes cold as he grins down at her.

Dana sucks in one last breath as she accepts her fate.

“I love my daughter.”

Alexander takes another swig of the whiskey as he looks at the speedometer, reaching 100.

“What a way to go,” he says, tossing the bottle out the open window with a laugh before he twists the steering wheel.

“I don’t understand,” Lexa says, “I’m sure I wasn’t left anything, even though he’s dead.”

“No, he had no next of kin, but your mother still had you named. Had even gone behind his back and got your new name on it,” the woman says, pushing the paper towards her.

Lexa blinks back her tears, taking a deep breath to keep the sob inside.

“She also left a note in her will, to you. I’m sure she’d want to you read it. However, I’d like to go over the other stuff first, if that’s okay?”

Lexa nods, looking to the ceiling to keep her tears away.

“You are now the owner of Woods Inc, and all of Alexander’s rental and other properties…”

Lexa’s jaw drops as the woman keeps going. Clarke’s gentle hand on her knee brings her back.

“Sorry, this is just a lot,” Lexa apologizes, “I thought I’d lost all of this a long time ago.”

The woman chuckles, “It seems things have a way of coming back to us.”

“Are you going to read it, baby?” Clarke questions as she wraps her arms around her wife from behind, looking over her shoulder at the folded up paper.

“I’m scared,” Lexa admits, leaning back into her wife’s soft curves.

“Want me to read it first, make sure it’s okay?” Clarke questions.

“Would you?”

“Of course baby,” Clarke presses a kiss to Lexa’s shoulder before taking the note, untangling from her wife as she opens it.

Lexa turns around, watching as Clarke reads. Within seconds she’s crying, a hand coming to cover her mouth to hold in the sobs as she continues reading. By the end, she’s sobbing, pushing the letter into Lexa’s hands.

“Read it,” she mumbles.

Looking down, the first word brings a sob out of Lexa, tears falling.

Clarke rushes to her, pulling her into bed and spooning her as she continues reading. Clarke holds her close, pressing kisses to her shoulder as the sobs get worse.

Lexa feels the pain in her heart as she sobs, putting the letter down and turning into her wife’s embrace, burying her head into her neck.

“I know baby, I know,” Clarke whispers through her own tears as Lexa lets out sounds she’s never heard before, sounds of complete heartbreak.

“I never should’ve left her,” Lexa sobs.

Clarke’s heart breaks as she pulls her impossibly closer, shushing her and holding on tight.

Lexa.

It’s a beautiful name, my child. I suppose you know it’s the opposite of Axel. That might be the reason you chose it for all I know.

Lexa, do you remember that night? When I found your black dress? I’m sure you do. I was so harsh with you. I’m sorry. I wish I would’ve been stronger. I should’ve told you to run away then. I should’ve run away when you were little. Taken you away from him. I will always regret that.

I’m so proud of you, my Lexa. You got out from his grasp. I’m so thankful that Clarke made you find that strength. You are so strong, my child. You’ve always been so kind, even under him, you were always kind. Even when he tried to beat it out of you.

I remember before your wedding, the first one, I came to you as you were getting ready. You tried to be cold, but you never mastered it, my love. I’m so glad you didn’t. I made you promise not to be like your father, but I knew I didn’t need to worry. I hugged you.

I remember the way you pulled away when you realized I was in pain. The look on your face as you looked at me. You saw through all my lies and you pulled me into another hug. Oh, how I long for us to hug again, but if you’re reading this, it means that isn’t going to happen.

You tried to invite me to that wedding, but I couldn’t bring myself to disobey your father to go to it.

But I did this time.

Your past assistant, Harper, she sent me an invite. She was kind to me there, wanted me to stay and see you, but I couldn’t bring myself to do that.

I couldn’t bring myself to meet you because I couldn’t stand the idea of losing you.

I’m sorry. I love you, my daughter.