Chapter VI
It's a mild August afternoon and the sisters are in a peculiar mood. Their parents' fundraiser is tonight and neither of them really want to go, but their parents don't ask them for much, in fact nothing at all except from their appearance at occasional events such as tonight's fundraiser. It's a matter of appearance, they don't even deny it, the image of running a successful company along with a successful family is of high value in their line of business. It's something neither of the sisters really care about, but their parents do and despite everything Lexa and Anya are both mature enough to do this for them. Occasionally. They usually just hit the bar for a while and then leaves early.
"I don't know, babe, you're not selling it," Raven says when Anya sighs heavily at the thought of going to this fundraiser.
"You're not backing out, Rae. I swear I need you there to keep me sane tonight." Anya is so tense that it comes out more of a threat than anything else.
Raven gives her the OK sign, thumb and index finger creating a circle and if smiles can be sarcastic, Raven's smile is one of those. As Anya looks out the window, longingly towards any other situation than this one, Raven looks playfully at Lexa as she lowers her OK sign and flips it so her three loose fingers point downwards instead as she nudges her head towards Anya.
Lexa grins as she realizes Raven is doing the sign for asshole, not because Anya is actually an asshole, but because she loves how Raven doesn't accept any of Anya's bullshit.
"Wait... What does that mean?" Clarke asks confused.
Lexa shakes her head and Raven smirks. "Let's just say that I dated a deaf girl once and she taught me a few swear words... well, signs." Raven grins mischievously wiggling her eyebrows, a grin that turns into an innocent smile as Anya narrows her eyes at her.
Lexa doesn't stop grinning, though. She likes bonding with Raven over sign language because Raven makes it fun and it's their thing, helping each other deal with the part of them that's incomplete. They don't use the word inability, because they're very much able, just not in the conventional sense. To both of them, their bonding is not just moral support but also common understanding of personal experiences.
Clarke had decided not to join Lexa's sign language classes. Not because she didn't want to, in fact she'd do anything Lexa asks of her, whatever she needs it, but this one is up to Clarke and she thinks it should be Lexa's thing. Clarke also really likes the way they communicate now because Lexa not speaking has given them a more intimate way to talk and she doesn't want sign language to mess with that.
Also, she kind of likes asking Lexa to teach her particular words in sign, she likes how proud Lexa smiles while doing so and that's how she knows not partaking in classes was the right decision. For Lexa and for herself.
Love was the first word Lexa taught her by request.
Bacon was the second.
Then Clarke had woken up one morning grinning as she pointed to herself saying 'I', then crossing her arms over her chest as if hugging herself saying 'love' and she knew Lexa was waiting for the 'you' sign, but instead Clarke had done the sign for bacon and Lexa had rolled her eyes at her and disarmed her by pinning her arms over her head as she left slow commanding kisses on Clarke's neck until Clarke's laughter turned into heavy breathing instead.
*
The event is extravagant, for Clarke and Raven at least. There are hors d'oeuvres and expensive champagne and luxurious dresses and tuxedos and bright smiles and firm handshakes all over the place.
To Lexa and Anya it's all a superficial setting, one they grew up hating because it took away their parents.
Both sisters are wearing long black dresses, sparkling in the evening, their braided hair so detailed that Clarke keeps gaping at it wishing she'd brought her sketchbook. Raven is flaunting her sassiness in black dress pants and a red sleeveless top, her leg brace and cane makes for a less polished appearance but her confident bright smile makes up for it. Clarke wears that blue one shoulder dress she knows Lexa loves, it's the same deep blue color as her eyes. Her golden hair is pulled up in a delicate mash of braids entangled in a bun and Lexa has a hard time concentrating on anything else but the fact that Clarke's soft spot, that ticklish spot on her neck is right there out in the open.
"Is that the mayor?" Clarke asks in disbelief.
Lexa has to force her eyes off Clarke's naked shoulder to look at the person she's referring to and yes, it is the mayor. She replies, nodding, an amused smile on her face.
"Wow, your parents are important," Clarke says. What she doesn't know, though, is that there are even more important people joining the event later, as in state government important.
Clarke and Raven shares an impressed look, something neither sisters can relate to anymore.
"I need alcohol," Anya mutters as she leads them towards the bar.
"You need to get laid," Raven scoffs and when Anya glares at her threateningly, she smirks victoriously.
"So, why don't you like these events?" Clarke asks curiously.
Lexa looks to Anya sighing resignedly which in translation means 'please tell her because I can't bear writing all this down'.
"Long story short neither of us wants to be a part of this world and when you grow up being trained to be the perfect little mannequinn in this game you come to hate it really fast. At least, we did. So yeah, free food and free alcohol and all that is nice, but I'd rather just spend my evenings leaning back, throwing my feet onto a coffee table, eat pizza, drink beer, kiss my girlfriend, fall asleep on the couch and drool on the cushions." Halfway through Anya's ranting her scowl turns to a soft smile only meant for Raven who leans in to place a kiss on her cheek.
"I guess that makes sense," Clarke reasons thoughtfully.
"Anya! Alexandra! I'm glad you could make it." A female voice jumps in.
"Mom. Dad." Anya greets them with a fake smile worthy of an Oscar. "This is my girlfriend, Raven Reyes and Lexa's girlfriend Clarke Griffin. Raven, Clarke, this is mom and dad, Indra and Gustus Woods."
"Nice to meet you," Raven says and Clarke chips in with an agreeing nod and a "Thank you for the invitation."
Clarke is a bit surprised. In front of her stand two charming individuals with warm eyes, confident smiles and an integrity that tells Clarke that they are hardworking people working for a cause they strongly believe in. It's not about the money, but the cause. It wasn't the picture Lexa and Anya's stories had created in her mind.
"How are things at the office, Anya?" Gustus asks his oldest daughter.
"It's fine. Still good." Anya replies with no emotion in her voice, like she's used to this question and it's always the same answer.
"Good. And you Alexandra? Still at the... library?" He looks to his youngest and Clarke feels Lexa tense next to her. Lexa nods a yes because it's the easiest way to get this conversation over with. Clarke places a comforting hand on the small of Lexa's back and she immediately feels Lexa relax a bit.
"Still not talking, honey?" Indra says casually, "If you would just let us, we could find you someone to help wi-"
"Mom!" Anya hisses.
"What? I'm just saying your sister can be so much more if she would just accept a little help." Their mom explains in a calm voice.
"See, that's the problem. You refuse to see her as anyone other than what you want her to be, and she's not that person, she never will be. She's so much more." Anya scolds her parents and then looks at her sister. She's debating whether or not leaving this event is the right thing to do. She doesn't want to embarrass Lexa by leaving too early but she also feels the need to protect her sister.
"Coffee table, pizza, beer?" Anya asks Lexa and Lexa smiles at her and shrugs. "Rae? Clarke?" Anya looks to their dates.
"I'm a plus one, I go where Lexa goes," Clarke says, squeezing Lexa's hand and Raven nods her agreement.
"Okay then. Mom, Dad, it's been lovely, let's do this again sometime. We need to go, we've got more important plans tonight." Anya tells her parents as she puts down her champagne flute and walks towards the exit, the other three tagging along as Indra and Gustus Woods stare disbelievingly after them.
"Well, at least they showed up this time," Indra says.
"She's always been rebellious that one," Gustus smiles.
"Yes, she got that from you," his wife says, kissing his cheek.
"They have their stubbornness from you," he chuckles, putting a hand on her hip. "They'll be alright. Come on, let's mingle."
*
"Aaalright. Popcorn, beer, ice cream, sweatpants..." Clarke wiggles her eyebrows suggestively at her audience as she names the last one and then she takes a seat between Lexa and Raven on the couch.
"Before I start this movie I must know..." she looks at Lexa with a raised eyebrow, "Alexandra?"
Lexa shrugs like it's the most normal thing in the world.
"That's all you have to say?" Clarke looks dumbfounded.
Lexa shrugs again, this time with a grin.
"I'll make this easy for you," Anya says. "She's Alexandra in mom and dad's inner circle and Lexa everywhere else."
"Well... I like it. Both." Clarke grins, leaning in to steal a kiss from Lexa's lips.
"Get a room!" Raven smirks. "And start this damn movie before I turn eighty and need a walker to get anywhere."
"Alright... Alright!" Clarke sighs and presses the start button. She leans back and Lexa automatically slides an arm behind her shoulder, tugging her in closer.
About two minutes into the movie she bites her lip thoughtfully. "We need a bigger couch... or an extra couch," she says, mostly to herself, her eyes still on the movie.
"We need a bigger living room before that," Anya contemplates.
Lexa and Raven nods in agreement as it was the most common thing to be discussing during this fundraiser-turned-sweatpants night.
"And a jacuzzi," Raven smiles dreamily and Clarke chuckles because a jacuzzi has always been on the top of Raven's wishlist.
"And a second bathroom," Anya sighs.
"What about you, Lex? What do you need?" Clarke finds her hand and starts drawing circles with her index finger in Lexa's palm.
Lexa's answer is a kiss to Clarke's temple but that's not good enough for Clarke who raises her eyebrow motioning for her to define whatever that kiss means.
Lexa smiles that half smile of hers, the one only meant for Clarke, as she points at Clarke's chest to indicate she only needs 'you', she only needs Clarke. Clarke smiles sheepishly a that and may or may not blush a little, it's hard to tell in the dim light of the living room.
"Oh barf," Raven scoffs. "Do better, Alexandra," she challenges, enunciating every syllable in Lexa's full first name mockingly. Anya snorts and holds her hand up for Raven to a high-five, smirking at her little sister.
Lexa narrows her eyes at the two sitting on the other side of Clarke. Okay, she'll take the challenge.
She really only needs a split second to come to the realization that she has all she needs right here. Clarke who makes her happy, her sister who looks out for her and Raven who's a good friend and makes sure her sister is happy too.
Sure, it gets a little crowded sometimes, but Lexa doesn't mind. She'd rather have everyone in a tiny place than no one in a big place. The only thing she ever really uses at her own apartment is her bed on the few nights she isn't at Clarke's, her clothes that aren't at Clarke's and of course her piano. She goes home most afternoons after work to play the piano for a few hours before going to Clarke's. Yeah, she needs her piano. Always. Nearly as much as she needs Clarke.
Lexa pretends to play the piano, sign for piano, and Clarke smiles because she loved watching Lexa becoming more confident using sign language to communicate. It suits her, Clarke thinks.
"Sis needs her piano, which means we need even more space." Anya smiles, her eyes still on the movie.
"Are you writing a shopping list for our new apartment or something?" Raven teases.
"You never know," Anya shrugs, playing along.
Everyone nods distractedly, still somewhat hung up on the movie.
And there's not one person on that couch that doesn't find Anya's answer plausible.