Chapter Text
The table at the Griffin’s home was full. Abby and Jake were sitting together in one end of the rectangular table; Clarke was beside her dad and next to Raven. In front of Clarke and Jake were Lexa and Anya with Titus at the corner of the decorated living room with his own special dog food for the night. This time Titus wore a Santa hat.
Conversation flowed easily, Clarke’s parents were being awesome hosts keeping everyone entertained with Clarke’s toddler Christmas stories to her utter embarrassment. The table was filled with laughter and plenty of jokes and it was pretty obvious by the amount of blushing between Clarke and Lexa, that something had shifted that night and everyone clearly caught it.
The scented candles and the soft Christmas music playing in the background, along with the delicious food and amazing wine completed the joyous evening.
After their very wonderful kiss Clarke and her neighbor, her love, her something had promised to talk more in depth after the Christmas dinner with family and friends.
When Clarke returned home earlier with full blown red cheeks and a happy smile, it was obvious to her friends that their plan worked, which earned them some smacking for sending Titus with the mistletoe in his head but also that earned Raven and Anya Clarke’s gratefulness.
The kiss had been magical, everything that fairy tales told about true love’s kiss had to be how she felt when she claimed Lexa’s plump lips. It was just as the first time, electrifying.
“If everything goes well maybe in a couple of months I can move here. Still need to see what Clarke decides regarding her post-residency options though.” Raven took a sip of the fantastic wine that Lexa provided. “Still gotta keep looking for other places where I can move and work as well.”
“The Arkadia district is right where you wanna move in.” Anya gulped down the last piece of turkey she was chewing before adding. “It’s about 30 minutes from here and it has that vibe you’re going for.”
Raven cocked her brow in interest. “And what vibe is that, Captain?”
“You know, that cool engineering vibe.”
“You got that right.” Raven winked teasingly at the dirty blonde.
Anya grinned happily and resumed eating her food.
“What are your plans when you return?” Abby asked the younger doctor.
“There are some new candidates for my treatment, still need to do more testing but I hope I can provide what those patients need so Raven can create a proper functional prosthetic.”
“That sounds really great, I’m really proud of you kiddo.” Jake raised his glass. “For these two awesome women, keep making some good out there. Cheers!”
Everyone raised their glass and kept celebrating with joy and so much love.
After dessert had been served and everyone on the table was satisfied the joyful gathering moved to the living room to dance.
Anya and Raven were dancing pretty sloppily; Raven was quite tipsy already and Anya was too nervous by the closeness of the talented Latina that her rhythm was nowhere to be found. Clarke danced with her dad while Abby and Lexa picked up the dishes into the kitchen. Titus just remained near the fireplace watching everything with attention keeping himself warm. The snowstorm had hit them full force and it was truly cold outside.
“Oh baby, I’m going to miss you very much.” Jake said, twirling Clarke to the beat of the Christmas song.
“Me too, dad. These past weeks have been pretty amazing. It is going to be hard return to my work after having the time of my life back home.” Clarke leaned into her father’s chest.
Jake surrounded the smaller woman with his arms and kissed the top of her head. “Don’t worry sweetie, home is where your heart is, so as long as you think of us we’ll always be with you.”
“Yeah, I know but what if that’s not enough? What if…” Clarke took a step back to look at her dad. “What if I lose her, dad?”
Jake arched his brows and with a kind smile he cupped his daughter’s face. “Lexa?”
Clarke nodded.
“Baby, you and Lexa have a special bond, you didn’t forget her after you left and I assure you she didn’t forget you either. You two are entwined no matter where you are, honey.”
The blonde resumed dancing with her dad, the new song playing softly in the background. “I love her, dad and if the distance is too much, then what?”
“I know, but you two need to sit down and talk about it. Stop wasting time sweetheart.”
Clarke sighed and shook her head in negative response. “I’ll leave in 48 hours. What’s the point if I have to leave her back anyway?”
“Well baby, Christmas is coming and I want my favorite girls to be happy and in love for a long time. You two have wasted a lot by annoying the hell out of each other. Don’t think any more about the what ifs, forget about the uncertainty of the future and live now, baby. You still have 48 hours left, so make them count!”
Clarke chuckled, “Yeah, that’s true.”
____________
“Thank you, Lexa. As usual you’re so helpful.” Abby finished stacking the dishes into the dishwater.
Lexa dried her hands in a nearby towel. “No problem. Thanks for always having me.”
Abby smiled at the brunette and took her hand in hers. “Could you come with me for a minute?”
Lexa tilted her head but affirmed with a nod.
She followed Abby upstairs, walking behind her silently. Abby stopped inside Clarke’s bedroom and opened the door. Lexa got a bit nervous because why on earth would Abby enter her daughter’s room.
Abby walked to Clarke’s closet and dug a couple of boxes until she got the one she was looking for. Moving to the bed, Abby patted the empty side inviting Lexa to sit.
As the older doctor peeled the lid of the box she smiled at her finding. “Here it is. I think it’s time to give you this back.” Abby pulled out a smaller velvet box and Lexa paled at the view.
“Why- Why do you still have this? I told you I wanted nothing to do with it.” Lexa stood up abruptly from the bed, memories resurfacing and filling her with sadness and anger.
“You did, but you worked so many extra hours at the precinct to buy this, Lexa. I couldn’t let your sacrifice be in vain, sweetheart. This is yours and I believe the time is right for you to have it back.” Abby walked towards Lexa to hand her the box. “You know? I always thought this ring was suitable for someone else.” The older doctor’s slips turned into a teasing smile.
Lexa became slightly nervous. “Did ahm, did Clarke told you what happened?”
Abby laughed shaking her head. “Oh darling, one would have to be blind not to see you two giving each other heart eyes. The rest we can imagine if Raven’s idea worked.”
Lexa chuckled but didn’t deny or accept anything. She took the box opening it, revealing the golden ring she bought years back when she imagined a different future for her. She pulled it out and held it between her fingers.
“You’re so strong, your heart has never been weak. Be bold, Lexa. Be brave and let yourself love once again. My girl truly loves you. Take this chance and be happy.” Abby gave Lexa a soft kiss on her head before leaving the brunette to her own thoughts.
“She’s going to leave, Dr. Griffin. I can’t ruin her life like I did Costia’s.”
“You didn’t ruin her life, Lexa. She made a choice and you weren’t part of it. Don’t let the past define your future, okay?”
Lexa nodded.
“I’ll finish cleaning the table, you go and enjoy the rest of the party with the girls.”
Lexa sat in the bed looking at the ring, more memories coming back to her troubled mind.
After dining Lexa found the perfect time to begin her proposal, she was so nervous but the encouraging smiles of Abby and Jake gave her the courage to finally speak up.
The cop cleared her throat. “It’s been a wonderful evening, thank you for welcoming me once more to your home.” Lexa stated to the Griffins. “I want to share how happy I am with you and my beloved Costia in this special night.” Lexa took a deep breath and took Costia’s hand in hers. “Costia, these almost two years with you have been amazing. You have made me very happy, your friendship and love means everything to me.”
“Lexa...” Costia said very uncomfortable.
Lexa slid her hand in her pocket getting ready to pull out the ring. “Tonight I want to promise you my commitment and my love wi—”
“Lexa, just stop! I uh, I can’t do this anymore!” Costia jumped up from the table.
“What is it?” Lexa frowned and followed Costia closely behind to be able to have some privacy. “Costia what’s wrong?”
Costia turned around to meet Lexa. “I can’t pretend anymore, Lexa. That’s what’s wrong!”
That left Lexa cold in her spot. “Pretend?”
“Yes! I hate this place, Lexa. I’m tired of living in this damn town. I gave up the city for you. I thought that I could be happy here but I hate it!”
“Costia, just calm down, okay. I aah, we can go somewhere else if you don’t like my birthplace. Whatever you need but talk to me, please?”
Costia sighed shaking her head. “Lexa, I care for you but not enough to spend the rest of my life with you. You’re just a cop with a mediocre pay for fuck’s sake.”
That was the moment Lexa’s heart broke into pieces. “What? Costia, why are you telling me this now? Why you didn’t talk to me before with your concerns?”
“I’m sorry Lexa but I’ve been thinking about this and I’m not happy with you, I fell in love with a commander and I’ll I got was a small town girl. You’re lovely and another woman will be happy to be with you but not me. This…” Costia pointed around her. “Is not the life I envisioned for myself.”
Lexa was left speechless, she felt so empty, her heart completely smashed into pieces.
Costia offered an apologetic smile to the Griffins and returned to Lexa’s home. Lexa followed but she stopped when she noticed the bags in Costia’s hand. “You already have everything packed? You already were going to leave?”
Costia stopped a cab and began loading the trunk with her things. “Didn’t I mean anything to you? As if it’s so easy to discard me when I’m not useful to you? I am not enough!?” Lexa was sobbing, her tears running down her face.
“Sometimes love is not enough, Lexa. I’m sorry but my heart is not here and is not yours.”
“Come here kid. Not worth it. Let her go.” Jake grabbed Lexa by the waist keeping the cop in place before Lexa did anything stupid. “Let’s get you back inside.”
Lexa was brought back to the Griffins completely destroyed. She was such an idiot, she thought that for once she was worthy, that she was valuable to someone and yet here she was, a fool of her own weaknesses.
“Get rid of this.” Lexa pulled out the box and left it over the table. “I don’t want to see it again.”
“Heeey, sorry I’m late. Are we ready to pop this bottle or what?” Anya arrived through the door and the scene she found was clearly nothing she had expected to see.
Lexa shut her eyes and inhaled softly, taking deep breaths and calming her racing heart. Reminded herself that she was strong, that she was worthy of love, or at least she desperately wanted to believe the words of Jake and Abby, of Anya after her fallout that night. She had suffered too long already and it scared her to death to go through this heartbreak all over again with Clarke. She had so many doubts, what if long distance didn’t work for them?
She put the ring back in its place and stored the box safely in her pant’s pocket.
///
“Hey, Commander!” Raven raised her glass of wine. “Why don’t you join us and roast Clarkey.”
“Oh shut it, Raven. Lexa clearly doesn’t have time to hear your drunken rambles.” Clarke took a sip of her drink as she patted Titus who was giving company to the trio.
“Gosh, you two are so boring. Anya, you’re the only one that I like.” Raven rolled her eyes and slumped in the big couch with her glass of wine spilling slightly on the couch.
Anya laughed and drank from her wine some more. “Have a drink, Lex!” Anya offered her friend a cup but Lexa declined.
“No thanks, I’m going for a walk.”
“Hey you, come back inside! There’s a friggin’ blizzard out there and you want to walk?” Clarke zipped her jacket to cover from the very strong and freezing wind and stepped outside with Titus closely behind.
Rolling her eyes at Clarke’s usual impulsiveness to never listen to her she turned around. “I’m going home okay? I’m tired, Clarke.” Lexa stated with dryness and walked towards her house.
“That’s not true, Lexa. Please tell me what’s wrong. Is it because of our kiss?” Clarke could see that Lexa was aloof. Her cold demeanor resurfacing.
“Go home, Clarke.” Lexa was going to pull out the keys to open her door but when she did she also pulled by accident the box, falling on the floorboards.
Clarke leaned to pick it up. Her eyes focusing on the gold ring that popped out of it. “This is beautiful.” The small diamond on top of the golden band was simple, yet elegant. Clarke was very impressed by the delicate jewelry piece, a ring that could work perfectly as an engagement ring. “Oh! I uh- Is it yours?”
Lexa took it back and nodded. “Yes.” She entered her place but didn’t shut the door allowing the blonde inside her place where it was warmer.
“Lexa, come on. I’m your something, remember? I’m here for you. You don’t have to carry what’s bothering you by yourself anymore.” Clarke tried reaching for Lexa, but at the minimum touch the brunette flinched so Clarke retracted her hand. “Lexa, please…”
Lexa sighed trying to ignore the obnoxious blonde, she stoked the logs in her fireplace to spread faster the warmth since she was freezing already. “Why do you have to be so annoying?”
“Because you’re being stubborn as hell and I love you!”
Okay, Clarke wasn’t suppose to spill those words out yet, but again, nothing that happened between her and Lexa could be planned.
“I uuuh, yeah, I know it’s like very soon but I love you Lexa Woods and it’s going to be Christmas so let’s put aside our differences and talk for once.”
Lexa couldn’t help it and pulled Clarke for a passionate kiss. It was still very new all of this between them but it felt so familiar, so right. Lexa broke up the kiss and leaned her forehead against Clarke’s.
“I love you too, Clarke. Let’s talk.” Lexa removed her thick jacket hanging it on the perch and grabbed a thick blanket from her couch to sit in front of the fireplace. Clarke did the same removing her winter garments to be more comfortable and joined Lexa along Titus, sitting close to keep warm. The snowstorm had picked up and the short walk from one house to the next left them freezing.
“Years ago I met a girl in Polis. I was obtaining my promotion to commander and I had to stay there for 6 months. That’s where I met Costia.”
“Yeah, I was here when you were in Polis. Talk about bad timing.” Clarke laughed softly and narrowed her eyes recognizing the name Lexa mentioned. “Wait, Costia? My mom said she had a physical therapist until she left.”
“Yes, that’s the one. I met her in a club during one of my free weekends and we hit it off.” Lexa changed her position, sitting a bit straighter to be able to look Clarke in the eye. “I fell in love with her. Costia was gorgeous, and very smart. We got along really well. After I obtained my promotion and being together for months I asked her to move in with me. To come to Tondc and she did.” Lexa pulled out the ring and began playing with it, keeping her hands busy. “She got a job at the clinic with your mom as you mentioned. She was good but she always had greater aspirations to have her own clinic but this was an important first step.” Lexa rolled the gold ring around her fingers losing herself in the glint and beauty of it. “I thought we were okay, that she was happy. We lived for 19 months together here and I was ready to formalize things. Exactly two years ago, I came to dinner with your parents and Costia joined us for the first time. I was going to propose to her that night. Your mother helped me to choose this ring and everything.” She laughed but it sounded empty of life. “I knew Costia was distant lately but I thought it was work related. Right before I popped the question she pulled me apart to speak in private. Costia told me she couldn’t keep living in this town, that she hated it. Costia wasn’t happy. My love apparently wasn’t enough for her either. She had already packed her luggage ready to leave me that night and she did. I’m going to spare you the ugly details of the following days because I was pathetic. That night I swore I wasn’t going to be weak again. That I wouldn’t be a fool anymore.”
“That’s why you stop caring about everything and everyone?”
Lexa tilted her chin in affirmation. “You were right, I chose to stay in this hell of a town and this is what I got. You were clever, becoming a great doctor and staying as far away from home. There’s nothing here for you, Clarke. You should forget about me and go on with your life.”
Clarke rested her hand over Lexa’s thigh. “That’s nonsense! Lexa, I was wrong. The things I said to you that time before you left for the police academy were wrong. I fucked up, okay? I was scared that you becoming a cop was going to endanger you more, so I was in denial, I was worried to death that something bad was going to happen to you. I did what I did best and insulted you and I’m sorry for not being supportive, but Costia can choke! She didn’t deserve you!”
“It doesn’t matter, Clarke. It’s all in the past. I guess I’m destined to be left by the women in my life. First my mother, then Costia and now you.”
“I’m not lea—”
“Don’t!” Lexa spat.
Clarke scooted closer to Lexa, taking the ring from her and putting it back in the box, next she grabbed the cold hands of the brunette and sandwiched them between her own. “Lexa, don’t shut me out. I’m your neighbor, frenemy, lover, and your favorite person in the world. The last thing I want to do is to hurt you. I care about you, always have and always will.”
That had the effect that Clarke wanted, making Lexa chuckle and loosen up.
“You’re so full of yourself, Griffin. Have I told you that?” Lexa smirked.
Clarke grinned and this time she straddled the brunette, her hands reaching for Lexa’s face. Her thumb running smoothly over the pale cheeks careful with the healing bruise. “Actually that’s you Lexa but let’s say it’s a draw between us.”
Lexa circled Clarke’s waist to keep her close, the warmth sending comfort in her body, her heart beating stronger at the soft contact. Lexa was very afraid of putting her heart again on the line for Clarke. There was no stopping Clarke from returning to her duty on the other side of the country. They will have to find a way to make long distance work for them, otherwise there was no hope for them and Lexa needed hope.
No, not hope, she needed a Christmas miracle for this to work.
____________
Clarke pressed herself closer to the cop, inhaling her sweet scent and memorizing the contour of her face. She started to drop kisses along her neck nipping at the hot skin tenderly to leave evidence that this was real.
“I’m not losing you, Lexa. I’ll come back to you.”
“Clarke…” Lexa breathed softly, her nails digging a bit harder on Clarke’s lower back, anchoring herself to the blonde to never let her go.
“Believe in me. Believe in us.” Clarke moved her lips along the fine jawline and reached Lexa’s tip of her nose to drop a kiss and then into her forehead. “I’m not going to give up on us before we have even started.”
“You’re like the best Christmas gift I could ever ask for, Clarke.” Lexa kissed the dimpled chin. “Thank you for reminding me why I love this holiday so much.”
“Thank you, for reminding me how much I love being home.”
“I’m going to miss you.” Lexa nuzzled her nose into Clarke’s neck.
Clarke rested her arms over Lexa’s shoulders to keep her balance. “Me too, but I’ll find my way back home. Back to you.”
“And I’ll be waiting. It takes as long as it takes.”
Lexa claimed Clarke’s lips and began kissing her, Clarke responded with eagerness, with a little desperation because the clock was ticking and she would have to return to her day to day soon.
On cue, fireworks announcing midnight blasted through the air, the rain of colors reflecting on the windows. The two women kissed softly, slowly, carefully. Never stopping the caresses and their devotion for each other.
Lexa was the first to break the kiss away and she was breathless and so so beautiful with her flushed pink cheeks. She was in disbelief that this was still happening. Her tears sliding on her face. Clarke wiped them away and kissed her cheek.
“Merry Christmas, Lexa.”
“Merry Christmas, Clarke.”
Boh resumed kissing with more intensity and desire. Soon the heat of the fireplace and their bodies created a heat wave, where there was too many clothes, too many layers of shirts separating them. The soft kisses turned into clashing tongue and teeth, hands roamed over skin as nails dig around sensitive skin leaving tiny crescent moon marks.
Shifting their positions Lexa helped Clarke leaned down against the blanket and quickly removed her shirt, tossing it around. Clarke was with her jaw slightly open. Lexa was beyond gorgeous.
“Wow, what a time to open my Christmas present.” The blonde smirked and helped Lexa remove her belt with a cocky grin in place. “Best Christmas ever!”
Lexa curved her lips and aided Clarke popping the last couple of buttons of her shirt. Leaving them only in their underwear. Lexa moved over Clarke because she was more than ready to please this amazing woman, covering the blonde with her body. Dilated green eyes watched the blue noticing the concern in her lover.
“Careful there, Commander. Those stitches are fresh.” Clarke traced with her fingertips the tattoo in Lexa’s arm impressed of the ink her neighbor had. She was going to ask about it later. It made Clarke giddy that she was discovering new things about Lexa, even today after 16 years of knowing each other. What a pleasant surprise.
“I’ll be fine, doctor. Now relax and let me take care of you.” Lexa puffed her chest and sank into the smooth expanse of Clarke’s body removing the straps of her very colorful bra, ready to be delighted and to learn the deepest intimacies of her neighbor and lover.
What a magical white christmas!
///
Blinking her eyes slowly, Clarke rolled around the warm sheets that smelled of a combination of sex and that particular scent that was all Lexa. After making love for the first time in a night of discovery and passion in front of the fireplace, Lexa’s wounds were hurting her so they moved the action to Lexa’s bedroom. Clarke fell asleep after leaving Lexa basically knocked out and very tired but with a pleased smile on her face.
They explored each other’s bodies with curiosity and interest, discovering the sinful sounds they both made amidst the throes of passion had been enriching. Tasting each other and loving every portion of skin, every scar and dimple in their bodies deepened that connection they shared since they met when they were two little girls. It was a night to give and receive in equal measure. The result? A wonderful ache between Clarke’s legs and tiny scratches on her back courtesy of Lexa. The groping had been sinfully delicious but very careful, Clarke had made sure to avoid straining Lexa’s wounds more than what she did. Clarke couldn’t wait for Lexa to recover to show her what else she could do with her tongue and shorter but very efficient fingers.
Clarke giggled as she felt a warm tongue on her face. “Hmmm.”
The tongue was lapping at her face with enthusiasm and Clarke scrunched her nose, Lexa was really slobbery in the mornings.
“Baaaabe.” Her husky raspy voice echoed in the silent house and Clarke opened her eyes. “Oh shit! You’re not my babe! Titus, what the fuck? Yuck!” Clarke quickly sat and wiped the saliva from her face.
The dog sat and was looking at her with amusement.
Clarke wiped her face to try to awaken her senses. “Where’s your owner?” Clarke asked the dog and Titus barked once wagging his tail. “Um, okay ah sure, I’ll check by myself, thank you.” Clarke had trouble finding her clothes, it took her around 10 minutes trying to find everything and headed to the washroom to wash her face and brush her teeth (Lexa, as expected had a spare toothbrush in the lower cabinet.)
Lexa was nowhere to be found inside the house, Clarke assumed she abandoned the bedroom early leaving the door ajar and Titus entered the room, and that’s how she was awaken. Clarke hurried up and walked to the porch and that’s when she spotted the gorgeous brunette in a pile of snow sitting with her back on their tree.
“Hey Commander. You left me alone!” Clarke and Titus made it to the tree and she sat beside Lexa whilst Titus ran around the mountains of snow after the snow storm last night.
“Morning Clarke and sorry, I didn’t want to wake you up so early.” Lexa said sheepishly. “You were tired.”
Clarke bumped Lexa with her shoulder. “Hey, I have waaaay more stamina, lemme tell you. I was being careful with your wounds and bruises.”
“I know, I just wanted to let you sleep more.” Lexa smiled content, she was playing with the golden ring again.
“Are you okay?” Clarke rested her hand over her knee, hoping that Lexa wasn’t second guessing their feelings.
“Yes, I’m okay. I just… I really want to believe that we’ll make it work. So umm, I was thinking that this ring could represent a special gift for us and when the time comes I really hope we’re still together and very in love to dug it out.”
“I like that. A promise for us both.”
“You think we’ll make it?”
Lexa pushed the snow aside and made a small hole with her swiss knife she carried in her back pocket and dropped the ring inside covering it with dirt again.
“We will, Lexa. Together.” Clarke offered a gentle smile that Lexa returned.
“Together.” Lexa repeated with hope.
Clarke leaned in to kiss the lips of the beautiful cop because this was a promise, right under their tree and Clarke meant to keep it.
AHEM!
“Well, it seems someone got a very cozy sexy Christmas Eve.” Raven grinned ear to ear, Anya was sporting a similar smile drinking her coffee. “If by the sounds we heard even with the fireworks I bet it was more than cozy.”
“Shut it, Raven.” Clarke blushed furiously. She wasn’t so loud. Was she?
“Perfect! This picture will work for their wedding day, love.” Abby smiled satisfied at the picture she was showing Jake.
“Yup, my two daughters look so in love.” Jake agreed.
“Alright, I’m hungry so hurry up you two. I wanna open some presents!” Raven happly made her way back inside.
“Breakfast is ready, girls.” Abby stashed her camera away and disappeared through the front door.
“Yup, you heard the boss kiddos. We have to open the presents and eat breakfast. You can continue the smooch session later.” Jake winked and followed Abby back inside.
Lexa was shook, that was the first time Jake referred to her as a daughter and it made her feel a thousand butterflies inside. Lexa had always considered the Griffins part of her family but this was basically making it kind of official. “I guess I can start calling Mr. Griffin dad and Dr. Griffin mom. What do you say Clarke?” Lexa teased poking Clarke on the ribs.
“Ugh! I can’t with my parents. They have always been up your ass! Don’t get cocky, Woods.”
Lexa was the first to stand up and offered her hands to aid Clarke up. “They were with the winning team from the start, Clarke.” Lexa shrugged smugly.
“Asshole!”
The two were smiling on their way to the Griffins, holding each other hands as they walked to the porch.
It was a morning filled with happiness, they opened their gifts and there was laughter and joy.
Clarke was really glad she took these vacations, she wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. She opened the package with Lexa’s name.
“Merry Christmas, Bitch coloring book. Really?” Clarke flipped the pages happy to have something to entertain herself whenever she was stressed with work.
Lexa gave her that cute lopsided grin. “For the one I damaged that one time.”
“This is yours, dumbass.” Clarke gave Lexa her gift.
Lexa opened it and her eyes glowed with excitement looking at her new basketball. “Replacing my lucky ball, huh?”
“Yeah, I never apologized for throwing your lucky ball into the garbage truck.”
Lexa laughed and that sound was like a choir of angels for Clarke.
“Come ‘ere, loser.” Clarke pecked Lexa’s lips and of course, Raven and Anya had to whistle and make noise to embarrass them more. Still it was going to be a morning to remember for many years to come.
Yes, Clarke had to leave the next day but she wasn’t going to give up on this. She was going to find a way to come back to Lexa. Because she finally found her place in the world. She found home.
___________
At the sound of her alarm Lexa rolled off her bed and sat, wiping the last remnants of sleep away from her face. She smiled at the portrait standing in her night table, she reached for it and looked at the funny picture she and Clarke took on her first trip to the west coast to visit her.
After Clarke left,Lexa was pretty sad but she tried to stay as positive as she could to make this relationship work.
There was not a day when they didn’t text or called each other when they weren’t so busy with their respective works. They Skyped some days and it was enough but not what they both needed.
So Lexa surprised Clarke for spring break and Clarke proudly showed the cop what she did in the hospital with Raven. After the incredible tour they went for a romantic dinner and had the most amazing sex one could have with their loved one.
After that short visit they still kept in touch as much as they could, missing each other badly. Lexa didn’t consider herself needy, but Clarke’s absence made her sometimes moody. Anya didn’t waste time to point it out laughing at her pining ass. Though her friend wasn’t faring better. Anya was missing Raven way more than she showed.
The next time they surprised each other, Clarke was the one who came for summer to celebrate that she concluded her residency and now was debating on where she was going to continue her work as an incredible ortho surgeon. Lexa kept her mouth shut regarding the topic, she wasn’t going to influence Clarke in any way for her to choose to stay in Tondc. But how badly she wanted for the blonde to return home, to return to her.
It’s been a whole year since they began their relationship in a snowy Christmas Eve. Today was a lonely Christmas for Lexa but that didn’t deter her from celebrating last night with the Griffins and Anya and Raven who began dating as soon as the engineer moved to Tondc four months ago.
Lexa walked to the washroom to take a shower and get ready to go out with Anya and Raven and get some food. The Griffins departed early in the morning to their Mount Weather cabin and Lexa was in charge of checking out their house during their absence.
Once she was all dressed in comfortable jeans and a green ugly sweater that Clarke sent her for Christmas she headed downstairs were Titus was already waiting for her.
“Hey boy!” Lexa patted his head and the dog whined. “Merry Christmas buddy. Is Anya awake yet?” Looking around Lexa doubted it, last night Anya and Raven made some drinking bets and mixed a lot of beverages which of course didn’t end well for either of them.
Sighing, Lexa poured the dog food in Titus plate and took a quick peek to her neighbor's house. The car of Jake wasn’t in the parking lot, meaning that the Griffins were already gone for their trip.
“All looks in order.” Lexa smiled and returned to her kitchen, she disconnected her phone from the charger and sent a quick text to her favorite doctor.
Lexa (8:07 am): Merry Xmas gorgeous. Hope the surgeries you had scheduled went well. Love you.
She stuffed her phone inside her jeans. “Okay bud, be right back, going to get your stuff before we leave.”
Lexa quickly went upstairs, she knocked on Anya’s door briefly. “Hey partner. Wake up, we’re going to be late for breakfast if you don’t get your ass now out of bed!” Lexa made it back to her bedroom and took from her closet the leash to get Titus ready when she noticed that Clarke’s bedroom light was on.
Frowning with confusion Lexa pushed her curtains aside to be able to have a better view of the house. “I didn’t see anyone around.” Lexa look through the patio and front yard, there was only the snowman and smaller decorations in sight. Abby’s car was in place covered with snow but not a single movement from the street.
“Maybe they forgot to turn it off.” Lexa glanced at the windows of the empty house when she caught a shadow behind the curtains on the lower floor.
“Could be a robbery in progress!” Lexa opened her window. “I’m going to surprise them if I enter through Clarke’s bedroom.”
Lexa jumped on the huge oak tree and moved stealthily over the branches being careful not to being spotted by the possible robbers. She landed swiftly in Clarke’s balcony as she always did, she reached for her torso trying to get her gun when she realized she wasn’t wearing her holster since she was off duty today. At least she had her faithful swiss knife in her back pocket.
“Crap!” Lexa swore under her breath. Fists were going to be her first weapon of choice then. She took deep breaths and pushed the french window open.
“OH MY GOOOOOD!”
“JESUS!”
Screams were the first thing that were exchanged after Lexa’s superhero entrance.
“Why on earth you can’t use the door like a normal person, Lexa!?” Clarke picked up the clothes she was hanging from the floor leaving them in her closet before turning to scold her girlfriend.
“I thought they were robbers. Why are you here? I mean, not that I’m happy to see you but you were on the other side of the country yesterday.” Lexa was very confused.
Clarke smiled smugly and went for a quick kiss that Lexa was glad to return. “Merry Christmas, super cop.”
“Merry Christmas, Clarke.” Lexa laced her hand with Clarke, dropping kisses in her hand. “You’re really here.”
“Yup, I wanted to surprise you. But you almost killed me with a heart attack.”
Lexa smiled sheepishly rubbing nervously the back of her neck. “Sorry.”
“I heard we’re going for breakfast. Raven texted me an hour ago.” Clarke moved to her bag to continue unpacking.
“As soon as Anya wakes up we go.” Lexa joined Clarke helping her folding some clothes. “Um, this is a lot of baggage, how long do you plan to stay?” Lexa asked worrying her lip between her teeth.
Clarke turned around and her lips curved widely. “Forever.”
Lexa gasped and faced Clarke again. “What? Are you serious? How?” Lexa began to babble in shock.
Clarke cupped Lexa’s face and kissed her softly. “Shhh, it’s okay babe. I’m back home like I promised. I operated for the last time in the west coast two days ago and signed a contract with Polis General to begin my nano trials with them.”
“Woah, Clarke are you sure that’s what you want to do?” Lexa creased her brows, feeling remorse that maybe Clarke lost a huge opportunity because of her.
Clarke tutted and pulled Lexa into a hug. “Relax, love. I thought about this decision for months. I had a great proposal in New York but Polis offered a deal with mom’s clinic, that as long as I worked with their ortho department they would offer more support to our town clinic. Our people deserve the best health care so I couldn’t say no to that.”
“That’s amazing.” Lexa chirped kissing some more the blonde. “I mean, it’s very noble too. You’re really a good woman, Clarke. You do care about your patients so much.”
“Just like you care for the safety of this town, Lexa. I can only follow your example.”
“Welcome home, Clarke.”
///
The breakfast with her girlfriend and friends had been so much fun. Lexa learned that Raven knew about Clarke’s decision way before but kept her mouth shut. She respected a best friend that kept secrets like that. The four women made their way back to Clarke’s place after a great morning to watch some Christmas movies.
Raven and Clarke went inside with Titus followed by Lexa and Anya who were a bit behind talking.
“You came back to life after seeing Clarke, dumbass.” Anya jabbed at her friend.
“Shut it, you don’t fair better. Everytime Raven throws one of her bad pickup lines I can see your whipped ass in action. When do you plan to move in with her? Things are going so well for you two right now.” Lexa bumped Anya back.
Anya grinned. “I don’t want to make a move and then fuck it up with Raven. She’s amazing and I love spending time with her, so I want to be cautious.”
“Cautious? You spend more time at her home than with me and Titus.”
Anya stopped and looked Lexa in the eyes with mirth. “Ooooh so someone wants to be home alone?”
Lexa rolled her eyes. “You have such a dirty mind, Anya.”
“Oh come on, Commander! There’s nothing wrong wanting to have loud sex in your own home.”
Before Lexa could come up with a snarky rebuttal Clarke welcomed them inside.
“Raven is setting up the movie selection.” Clarke opened the door. “Better hurry if you don’t want to spend the next hours watching her fave movies.”
At that Anya ran inside the house as expected by Lexa.
“Everything okay?” Clarke asked the brunette, she offered her hand and Lexa took it gladly.
“Perfect.” Lexa began pulling Clarke to the yard. “I still have a Christmas present for you, Clarke. Besides that boring book you wanted to read so badly from that lousy magazine writer.”
Clarke laughed and leaned into Lexa’s shoulders as they moved through the snow. “I loved Between the Sheets, Lexa it wasn’t boring!”
“I’m not buying you the sequel though. Too much drama for my taste.” Lexa stopped in front of the oak tree. “If I remember correctly I left something here. A promise of a future together.”
“A Christmas gift under the oak tree.” Clarke smiled. “Yeah, I remember.”
“So it’s okay if we dug it out?” Lexa kneeled on the ground pushing the snow away, awaiting for Clarke’s approval.
“Yeah, it’s Christmas and we’re together and very much in love. I think we’re ready to move on with the next part of our story.”
Lexa finally found the golden ring still intact, she wiped it off and gave it to Clarke, she closed Clarke’s fist over the ring and covered her hand. “Merry Christmas, my love.” Lexa pecked Clarke’s lips.
“Merry Christmas, neighbor. This is our new beginning together.”
WOOF!
Titus jumped around them playfully after running out of the house to greet his owner.
“Oh yeah, you too Titus.” Clarke laughed at seeing Lexa rolling her eyes.
“I can’t believe my dog loves you more than me.”
Clarke shrugged. “What can I say? I’m irresistible.”
“Ha! Your cinnamon rolls are! Don’t fool yourself, Griffin.” Lexa pouted.
“Oh, is that right?” Clarke put on the ring safely in her finger which fitted perfectly and leaned down to make a snowball.
“Clarke, don’t you dare!” Lexa began backtracking.
“Admit that Titus loves me for who I am, Woods!”
“He looooves your cinnamon rolls. It’s the truth, Clarke!” Lexa had to duck out to avoid the snowball Clarke launched.
“Fuck off, asshole!” Clarke surprised Lexa with a double snowball.
Lexa laughed falling into the soil with her arms up in surrender. “Fine. Titus likes you better with your bribery. But I am the one who loves you more.”
Clarke joined Lexa in the snow hugging her, Titus barked in excitement around them. Lexa claimed Clarke’s lips and she was finally home, with the woman she loved enjoying the holiday she liked the most.
Because let’s be real, this was the best time of the year.