Chapter 17
“Lexa,” Clarke’s voice came out, just above a whisper as her finger tips traced down the center of Lexa's abdomen.
Lexa inhaled deeply. “Clarke,” she opened her eyes. They were dark with desire, with need.
Blue met green and every question was answered. It was okay.
They were burning for release and it was okay. It was okay to give into it. It was okay to let themselves be engulfed by it, until their aching hunger was sated. It was safe. Safe, because they knew. They knew what the other thought and felt. What they wanted and needed. Something simple, something that left them free. Something that calmed the beast within.
Lexa's right hand reached forward, her fingers slipping around the back of Clarke’s neck and tangling lightly with her hair. Her grip was soft, but strong as she pulled Clarke to her, their lips were only inches apart, they could feel each other's breath, it was torturous.
Finally Lexa leaned forward, bridging the last millimeter of a gap between them. There was a sharp intake of breath, Clarke's hand finding the small of Lexa’s back, their bodies rolling into one another perfectly as small explosions began to erupt beneath their skin. They parted for a moment, just a moment and green met blue…
Lexa’s eyes opened slowly. That did not just happen.
Costia stirred in the bed next to her and she was instantly flushed with guilt. She should not be dreaming about Clarke, while lying in bed next to Costia. Hell, she shouldn’t be dreaming about Clarke at all. She scolded herself quickly before sitting up and slipping into a long t-shirt and a pair of shorts.
As she crossed the room Costia sat up, pulling the sheet up to cover her chest. “Where’re you going?” She asked sleepily.
“To shower,” Lexa answered quickly. “We’re meeting Finn and Clarke in a couple of hours.”
“Mmm,” Costia hummed as she laid her head back onto the pillow and closed her eyes. “I’d rather stay in bed with you.”
“Of course you would,” Lexa smirked. “Sleep a little more. I’ll wake you when I’m finished showering.”
“Okay,” Costia said without opening her eyes.
Lexa quietly exited her room, her body seemed to be burning as she walked down the hallway. She glanced into the living room, spotting Anya texting on the couch as she turned into the kitchen and poured a tall glass of water. Taking a rather large sip, she sighed at the instant relief she felt as the cold spread through her.
“Dehydrated?” Anya asked from the sofa.
“A little,” Lexa replied as she took another large sip.
“Can’t imagine why,” Anya rolled her eyes.
“Oh shush,” Lexa returned the eye roll. “Like, I’ve never had to listen to you.”
Anya chuckled to herself as Lexa walked off to the bathroom.
She stood in the shower letting the hot water wash over her as she pushed the faint memory of her dream far from her thoughts. Where the hell did that come from?
Exiting the bathroom sometime later, Lexa found Anya still sprawled out on the couch texting.
“Who’re you texting?” She asked as she rubbed her hair roughly with a towel.
“Just Raven,” Anya answered as she dropped the phone onto the couch and looked back at her magazine. “I still can’t believe you agreed to have dinner with Finn and Clarke.”
Lexa stopped drying her hair. “I didn’t,” she told her. “It was my idea.”
“Why?” Anya asked, looking up.
“I thought it would be nice,” Lexa shrugged as she went to wake up Costia.
After a somewhat annoying struggle, Lexa finally got Costia to drag herself out of bed and into the shower. Too much time had passed and Lexa kept glancing at the clock while she finished up the final touches on her shadowy eye makeup, Costia needed to pick up the pace. As soon as she had the thought, hands were at her side. She felt Costia's body press against her own as fingernails firmly trailed down to her hips. Lexa sighed into the feeling.
“Damn,” Costia whispered into her ear. “You look…”
“Thank you,” Lexa grinned. “You should really get ready. We have to leave soon.”
Costia growled lightly, but submitted and began to get ready.
A little while later they were standing at the bar inside Polis having a drink while they waited for Clarke and Finn.
“I’m glad you agreed to this,” Lexa told her as she lifted her glass to her lips and took a sip. “I’d like my friends to be able to get to know you better.”
“I’d like to get to know them too,” Costia replied with a smile as she finished her drink in one sip and signaled the bartender for another.
Lexa’s eyes were focused on the other side of the restaurant where Clarke and Finn had just entered. She raised a hand to get their attention and a moment later they were walking toward the bar.
“Hey guys,” Lexa greeted them pleasantly, and as always, placed a chaste kiss on Clarke’s cheek. “You’re late.”
“Sorry,” Finn replied quickly. “Someone wasn’t quite ready.”
“I got distracted,” Clarke laughed defensively and gave him a nudge.
“Music or art?” Lexa questioned knowingly.
“Art,” Clarke replied sheepishly.
Lexa just grinned and shook her head.
“Ready to get a table?” Finn asked.
“Definitely,” Lexa replied quickly.
“So Clarke, have you been working on any new music?” Costia asked as they made their way back across the restaurant. “They speak highly of you at Grounders.”
Both Lexa and Finn stared at Costia. Shit.
“Music is kind of on the back burner right now,” Clarke answered stiffly, but there was no missing the annoyed look in her eyes.
“Ah, I see.” Costia nodded with a smile. “Too bad.”
“Anyway,” Clarke suddenly added. “I’m being featured in an upcoming showcase at the gallery, so really, all of my focus should be there.”
“I’d love to see your work sometime,” Costia replied with a curt smile. “I’m sure it’s very, nice.”
Lexa’s brow furrowed as Clarke’s eyebrows rose slightly and everyone could tell that she was biting on the inside of her cheek.
“Easy enough,” Finn spoke up quickly. “Just turn around,” he pointed to a large painting hanging on the wall behind them.
Costia turned, her smile faltering as her eyes moved across the picture. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
Lexa could tell that Costia had underestimated Clarke’s skill and she didn’t miss the mildly smug look that appeared on Clarke’s face as a result of it. An odd tension settled between them as they waited for their table in silence.
“Come on, our table is ready.” Clarke said briskly when the hostess motioned them forward. Finn followed closely behind, his fists shoved in his pockets.
Lexa started to follow but stopped when she noticed that Costia’s attention was still on Clarke’s painting. “You alright?” She asked as she slipped her hand into Costia’s.
Costia nodded slowly. “It really is beautiful.”
Lexa grinned. It was not the first time that she’d seen someone become mesmerized by Clarke’s work. “I know,” she said softly. “Come on, let’s go sit down.”
Thankfully, by the time they finished ordering their food the tension seemed to be lessening. They chatted though their meal, touching on a variety of topics ranging from business to personal and by the time they were ordering their coffee the tension seemed to have completely subsided.
Unfortunately though, nothing lasts forever.
“I see we have a new face among us this evening.” A familiar voice filled Lexa’s ear.
“Hello Thelonious,” Clarke greeted him warmly as Finn waved. “This is Costia, Lexa’s girlfriend.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Costia,” he said with a smile as he extended his hand to her. “Thelonious Jaha, owner and operator of Polis.”
Costia smiled back at him. “The pleasure is all mine,” she said pleasantly.
“You’re not by chance the same Costia that’s been preforming at Grounders, are you?” He asked curiously.
Ugh. Really? Out of the corner of her eye, Lexa saw Clarke’s shoulders drop and her jaw clench lightly.
“I am,” Costia answered, a proud smile crossing her face.
“I’ve seen your set,” he nodded. “Very moving.”
“Thank you,” Costia said as she slipped her hand into Lexa’s and gave it a squeeze.
“Nice to see you again, Lexa,” he smiled and she returned it.
“Anyway, forgive my interruption, but Clarke,” he redirected his glance, “I was wondering if I might borrow you for just a moment?”
“Of course,” Clarke replied as she slipped out of the booth.
Lexa watched as the two walked away before redirecting her attention to her coffee.
“They seem friendly,” Costia stated as she stirred her spoon around in her cup.
“Clarke’s known him all her life,” Finn explained. “He's been friends with her parents since they were kids.”
“I see,” Costia nodded. “Is that why he has her art hanging in his restaurant?”
Finn shook his head quickly, making his hair flop around his face.
“No, he bought that outright,” Lexa answered in his place. “Back when Clarke was in college.”
“He bought a couple of them actually,” Finn added, “though some went into his personal collection.”
“Impressive,” Costia noted as she took a sip of her coffee.
Lexa only nodded. Clarke’s work spoke for itself.
Ten minutes later Clarke returned with her cheeks flushed pink and a smile that wouldn’t quit. Lexa looked at her curiously.
“What happened?” Finn finally asked.
“Thelonious just offered me a contact to perform in the lounge.” Clarke answered happily, her blue eyes sparkling.
“Here?” Lexa’s eyes went wide with shock.
Being that the list of people that actually got to perform at Polis was very exclusive, it went without saying that this was a huge upgrade from Grounders and also a huge win for Clarke.
“That’s awesome, Princess.” Finn exclaimed as he pulled her into a hug. “Wow.”
“Congratulations,” Lexa said with a warm smile, before her eyes fell on Costia.
Costia seemed to need a moment to find her words. “Well done, Clarke,” she finally told her with a smile. “That's really great.”
“Thank you,” Clarke smiled widely.
They discussed Clarke's conversation with Thelonious for awhile before the check was finally requested and they parted ways. Lexa dropped Costia off at her apartment and just as she pulled into her parking spot at home, her phone began to buzz wildly.
Clarke: Guess who has a contract at POLIS???
O: Holy shit! About time!!!
Jasper: That’s awesome!
Raven: That’s what I'm talking about!
Finn: Damn right!
Monty: Congrats!
Lincoln: Alright, Clarke!
Bellamy: Yeah!!!
Anya: Well done.
Lexa smiled at all of the messages, her heart felt warm. This was exactly what Clarke needed.
Lexa: Polis is lucky to have such a talent.