Small Town, Big Love

Third Person POV

After Clarke leaves the party, Lexa finds a girl to bring home for the night. She’s blonde but her hair is the wrong shade and her eyes aren’t blue, they’re brown. Still, it’s enough for drunk Lexa to pretend for a quick moment that she has Clarke in her arms. Lexa isn’t sure why she feels this way but she does have an inkling that everyone she will ever meet in the future will pale in comparison to the beauty and brains of Clarke Griffin.

Saturday is uneventful for both girls. Clarke spends the day with Octavia and Lexa spends the day with no name from the party. Let’s just say both girls have very different definitions of staying in bed all day. Sunday comes and Clarke gets up bright and early to go to the soup kitchen with Laurel. This time, Clarke picks Laurel up using her Dad’s car and they drive to the church.

“It’s really nice to have company. Lexa used to volunteer with me. It was actually her idea, but she stopped a few years back.” Laurel casually says while looking at Clarke.

“Lexa Woods? She volunteered at a soup kitchen?...on her own volition?” Clarke laughs and Laurel just smiles amusedly.

“You know, Lexa isn’t what she appears to be. She has a bigger heart than most..including me. She just shields the world from ever seeing it.” Laurel nonchalantly says and Clarke grips the steering wheel tighter. Why can’t Lexa just let people in? Why can’t she just let Clarke in? It would make things a hell of a lot easier.

///

“Do you want to grab some food and go back to the lake?” Clarke asks Laurel, clearly enjoying her time with the older Woods.

“I’d love to.” Laurel breathes out.

They go to the diner and pick up milkshakes and burgers to go before driving to the lake. They sit on some rocks and dig into their food.

“So tell me more about your past Clarke.” Laurel says with the same friendly smile on her face. She’s so hard to read. In fact, both Woods’ sisters are.

“Well what do you want to know?” Clarke teases.

“Anything. Everything. Whatever you want to share.” Laurel teases back.

The two talk for quite sometime about ‘anything and everything.’ Clarke doesn’t venture to talk about her mother though. That’s a subject she hasn’t even brought up to Octavia. It’s too sore of a subject. Somehow they get back on the topic of exes though and Clarke is all ears.

“My ex Luna and I are still good friends.” Laurel mentions casually and it doesn’t upset Clarke as much as it should.

“Really? That’s great. I’m not close with Niylah or Wells.”

“Well we were each other’s firsts. We have a strong connection, but we realized we were better off as friends.” Laurel speaks and Clarke goes red.

“Oh well I guess I get that. I mean, I’m still a virgin so I wouldn’t know about that.” Clarke awkwardly rambles. It’s not like she was saving herself for love or anything. With Wells, she wasn’t ready. She was much too young in her opinion. But with Niylah. Well, she came very close to losing her virginity to Niylah. The only reason they didn’t that one night was because Raven bursted into her room without knocking. A few days later, Niylah left for college anyways.

“I didn’t just mean we shared our first time together. We were our first kisses with a girl. It was the first time either of us felt right kissing someone, being with someone. I guess that’s why we still connect so deeply.” Laurel smiles to herself. Does she still have feelings for Luna?

“Oh I see.” Clarke responds dumbly. “So you two still hook up?”

Laurel makes a face and laughs out loud until she snorts adorably. “Oh no. I just meant that we will talk sometimes. Me and Luna are strictly platonic now. She was the first out person I met and vice versa. We realized that a relationship needed a lot more than physical attraction. We just weren’t compatible romantically. She’s a great girl though and I do care for her, just not like that. Does that make sense?” It’s Laurel’s turn to ramble and Clarke just smiles back at her.

“It makes perfect sense.” Clarke answers before taking a bite of her bacon cheeseburger.

“So are you waiting for love?” Laurel lightly asks.

“Hmm?” Clarke is confused for a second but then she gets that Laurel is talking about her still being a virgin. “Oh no. I almost lost it to Niylah. My friend barged in on us though and a few days later, she went off to college. I’m not in any hurry to have sex, but I’m also not waiting for anything special. Whatever happens, happens.”

“I was the same way. Me and Luna actually only had sex a handful of times. It was nerve wracking at first. I was afraid I’d mess up.” Laurel’s cheeks are red. It’s obvious she doesn’t talk about this kind of thing a lot, but she feels comfortable around Clarke.

“Really?” Clarke asks and Laurel nods. “I’m a little nervous for my first time too, but I suppose everyone always is. Any advice?”

“Whenever you do choose to have sex, choose someone who respects you and listens to you. That’s the only advice I have.” Laurel smiles at her, both of their cheeks red due to the topic.

“Thanks Laurel.”

“Of course. You can always talk to me Clarke.”

The rest of the day, they talk about their lives up until now. They avoid the heavier topics like family issues. It’s a nice day between two young girls trying to figure out what they mean to each other.

///

Soccer tryouts are on Tuesday so Laurel and Clarke don’t meet up that day. Clarke decides to tryout for the team.

“Hey. You’re Clarke right? I’m Echo. We have AP biology together third period.” The dark haired girl says with a smile.

“Oh hey. Yeah I recognize you. You’re the one who always shows up late and Mr. Titus bitches at you.” Clarke laughs because this girl knows just how to infuriate their annoying science teacher.

“Don’t even get me started on Titus. That man needs to get laid, he is so wound up.” Echo seems nice. It would be nice to make some new friends, Clarke reasons.

“Anyways, I’m co-captain of the team and I just wanted to let you know that you have real talent. Ontari doesn’t like announcing who’s made the team roster until a week later. She likes to make everyone nervous. But you’re definitely making it.”

“Really?! Thank you so much!” Clarke exclaims.

“Thank yourself. You’ve got good moves.” Echo says in a friendly way.

“Hey, are you going to Lexa’s surprise party for Octavia this Friday?” Clarke asks curiously.

“Yep.” Echo says, popping the ‘p.’ “Everyone who is anyone goes to Lexa Woods’ parties. Are you?”

“Yeah. We should take a celebratory shot together.”

“That sounds great. You’re gonna make a hell of a player.”

Clarke’s day couldn’t get much better than this.

///

Clarke is walking to the bus stop after tryouts when Lexa spots her.

“Griffin!” Lexa calls out, her eyes immediately lighting up when she sees Clarke. Clarke turns around and smiles at her, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

Clarke gulps audibly when she sees Lexa sweaty in her basketball uniform. The girl must have just got off from practice. Her arm muscles are on display as Lexa confidently walks over to Clarke with her duffle bag slung over her body.

“Hey Lexa.” Clarke winces inwardly when her voice cracks at the end of her greeting. Lexa shouldn’t be allowed to wear that uniform. It’s certainly doing things to Clarke. Things that friends don’t think about other friends. Damnit, why does Lexa have to ooze sex appeal?

“You don’t really think I am going to let you take the bus home, do you?” Lexa says sweeter than usual and throws Clarke for a loop. For weeks, Lexa was either sassy or cocky. And now she’s showing Clarke a more gentle side of her. Clarke is very confused.

“It’s fine. I don’t mind.”

“Well I do. That bus stinks and it’s always breaking down. Here, I have Laurel’s car today since my bike is still in the shop.” Lexa starts walking towards the car and turns around only when she realizes Clarke isn’t following.

“Clarke, I really don’t mind. Plus, I kinda want to get to know you better. Ok?” Lexa says softly and Clarke is yet again surprised by Lexa. Lexa isn’t hitting on her that’s for sure. Lexa never tricks anyone into thinking she’s this sweet, caring girl in order to get people into bed. No, everyone who Lexa gets with knows that there will be no feelings attached. So Clarke doesn’t understand what Lexa is doing right now. Could it be possible that she actually cares?

“You want to get to know me better?” Clarke asks incredulously.

“Is that so hard to believe?” Lexa asks quietly, maybe even insecurely.

“No, it’s just surprising.” Clarke looks at Lexa and realizes she might just be letting her in a little. She can’t turn this opportunity down. “Come on Woods. I do believe you offered me a ride.”

Lexa smiles so bright that it’s infectious. Clarke smiles back at her and they get in the car. As soon as they get in the car, Clarke’s stomach grumbles and Lexa laughs.

“You’re hungry.” Lexa plainly states.

“Thanks for telling me or else I would have never figured it out myself.” Clarke teases and Lexa huffs.

“Well do you want to get food then?” Lexa asks, her voice a little short. She doesn’t like sounding vulnerable.

“I can’t, my Dad made dinner.” Clarke says regretfully as she instantly sees Lexa’s face fall. “But you can come over and eat with us if you want.”

Lexa widens her eyes and looks at Clarke once she stops at the red light.

“Dads don’t usually like me.”

“That’s because you’re usually sleeping with their daughters.” Clarke teases and Lexa smiles at her, amused and happy that they are back to their playful banter.

“Still, parents make me uncomfortable.” The way Lexa says the last sentence makes Clarke’s heart ache. Clarke can tell parents are a sore subject for Lexa.

“My Dad is great. He would love you. And he makes a really mean chicken piccata. We can hangout for a bit after if you want too.” Clarke isn’t sure why she’s trying so hard to convince Lexa to come but she is. That’s what friends do, right? They hangout.

“Okay fine.” Lexa huffs and Clarke claps and hollers excitedly. Lexa shakes her head and bites her lip to hide the smile that Clarke Griffin has given her.

///

“Hey Dad! I’m home and I brought a friend to dinner.” Clarke calls out before dropping her bag and taking off her shoes.

“Okay sweetie, I’m just finishing up cooking.” Jake calls out from the kitchen. She looks at Lexa who is standing awkwardly and nervously in the door. She’s never seen Lexa lacking her usual confidence before.

“Lexa, you can come in.” Clarke laughs and Lexa hurries in.

“You take your shoes off in the house?” Lexa mumbles and it’s so quiet that Clarke almost didn’t hear it.

“Yeah. My mom always used to make us do it and I guess it’s just stuck with us.” Clarke says solemnly and of course Lexa picks up on it.

“Why past tense?” Lexa asks hesitantly but instantly regrets it when she sees the sadness enveloping Clarke’s eyes. “Never mind, I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No it’s okay. My mom left us about a year ago. I walked in on her with some pilates instructor. She hasn’t really talked to us since.” Clarke breathes out the words so easily, the words that usually stings her lungs to say. She couldn’t even say these things to Laurel or Raven or Octavia. But it was so easy to talk to Lexa for some reason.

“I’m so sorry Clarke. You know if it makes you feel better, I don’t have a good relationship with either of my parents..more specifically my mother.” Lexa doesn’t know why she’s just shared that. She doesn’t even talk to Laurel about their parents.

Before Clarke can respond, Jake walks in the room with his apron still on.

“Hey girls.” Jake is all smiles and Southern charm.

“Hey Daddy. This is Lexa.” Clarke kisses her Dad’s cheek and Lexa’s posture stiffens.

“Well hey there Lexa.”

“Hello Mr. Griffin. Thank you for having me.” Lexa tries to sound as polite as possible but it’s obvious she’s very nervous.

“Now none of that. You’ll call me Jake and no need for thanking me. You’ll always be welcome at the Griffin’s.” Jake smiles and Lexa is shocked. Her parents are so formal..so cold. They never show emotion. Where do you think Lexa gets it from? But the Griffins. Now they’re a whole different animal. Clarke is so kind and loving, just like her father apparently. Lexa can’t imagine how Clarke’s mother would ever leave them.

“Clarke didn’t even mention that she already had a girlfriend in town. How did you two meet?” Jake asks with a smile on his face. Both Lexa and Clarke choke on their food.

“Mr. Griffin..uh I mean Jake...I’m not - I mean me and Clarke..we aren’t um” Lexa rambles nervously trying to find the right words. She looks over to Clarke who is smiling, enjoying Lexa’s awkwardness a little too much.

“Daddy, what Lexa is trying to say is that we aren’t dating.” Clarke laughs a bit. How could her Dad ever think that?

“Oh well I’m sorry then. The poor girl was so darn nervous, I just assumed this was a ‘meet the parents’ kind of dinner.” Jake smiles before going in the kitchen to grab some more water.

Lexa’s cheeks heat up red in embarrassment. She’s so embarrassed that Jake could tell she was nervous. Clarke obviously noticed too then. God, this is the worst. This is exactly why she doesn’t do this sort of thing.

“Don’t worry. I think it’s sweet you’re all nervous. I like seeing this side of Lexa Woods.” Clarke whispers and squeezes her hand. Lexa’s hand tingles in the most pleasant of ways. She loves being close to Clarke Griffin. Correction : this is definitely not the worst.

///

Dinner goes by smoothly after that and after helping clear the dishes, Clarke and Lexa go upstairs to Clarke’s bedroom. Lexa looks around the room and sees artwork littering the desk and walls.

“Did you draw all this?” Lexa asks in awe.

“Yeah. It’s been a passion of mine I guess since forever.” Clarke rubs the back of her neck just like she does whenever she’s nervous and people are looking at her artwork.

“They’re beautiful. There’s so much emotion in each piece Clarke! God, I wish I could draw like this.” Lexa seems so excited looking at her pieces. It’s like Lexa is slipping into a different personality, her real one perhaps.

“Thank you. And I mean hey, I can’t dribble a ball for the life of me. We all have our talents.” Clarke says while moving closer to Lexa.

“Yeah but this is-” Lexa’s happy voice falls short once she spots a certain sketch. “Is that Laurel?” Lexa picks up the piece and stares closely at it.

“Oh yeah. We were at the lake last week when I sketched that.” Clarke says casually but it’s not casual for Lexa. For Lexa, she’s being enveloped by something foreign to her..jealousy.

“How cute of you two.” Lexa says with unneeded sass. She drops the sketch back on the desk and moves to grab her bag. “I think I should leave, it’s getting late.”

Clarke’s face scrunches up in confusion. Lexa really gives her whiplash with all her emotional back and forth.

“I thought we were gonna hangout.” Clarke plainly states and Lexa turns around. She looks at the confused girl and sighs. Why does she always do this? Why can’t she just deal with things like a normal person instead of running away and doing stupid reckless shit?

“I...I don’t know Clarke.” Lexa struggles to find the right words.

“What don’t you know?” Clarke asks softly, clearly Lexa is struggling right now. She wants to be patient and give Lexa the time to find the right words.

“I don’t know how to do this.” Lexa breathes the words out and it’s like immense weight has been lifted off her shoulders. “I don’t know how to act around you.”

“Lexa, stay with me for a bit. We can just talk and hangout. You do these things with Octavia right? It’ll be easy I promise.” Clarke’s words calm Lexa to a degree, but there’s one problem with them. Octavia is by no means Clarke Griffin.