Chapter Five
Lexa sat at her desk in the precinct, the sharp tap of her keyboard blending into the background noise of ringing phones and murmured conversations. The clock on the wall ticked closer to 6:00 p.m., and her frustration was mounting.
Lincoln strolled by, holding a coffee cup and looking far too relaxed. "Still grinding on those reports?" he asked, leaning against her desk.
Lexa sighed, rubbing her temple. "Yeah. I’m finishing the one from earlier. I hate leaving loose ends."
Lincoln snorted. "Loose ends? You’ve been at this for the last hour. Let me take over so you can get out of here. You’ve got a date, remember?"
She hesitated, glancing at the screen. "I don’t want to leave you with my mess."
He smirked. "It’s not a mess—it’s just reports. Seriously, go. You’ll hate yourself if you’re late."
Lexa studied him for a moment, then exhaled. "Fine. But I owe you big time."
"Damn right you do," he said with a grin. "Dinner from that taco truck, minimum."
"Done," she said, standing and stretching. "Thanks, Lincoln. You’re a lifesaver."
"Don’t forget it!" he called after her as she headed toward the showers.
Lexa made her way to the locker room and grabbed a fresh towel from the shelf. The precinct showers were far from luxurious, but they got the job done. She stood under the hot water, letting it wash away the stress of the day, the faint sting from the cut on her cheek, and the slight bruising that was beginning to form. The punch had landed harder than she liked to admit, but at least the swelling wasn’t too bad.
Once she was clean, she quickly dried off and changed into a pair of dark jeans and a crisp button-up she kept in her locker for emergencies like this. As she slipped on her jacket, she pulled out her phone and typed out a quick message:
Lexa:Hey, sorry again for being late. Thanks for being patient. I promise tonight will be worth the wait.
She hesitated, then added something sweet to lighten the tone:
Lexa:Can’t wait to see that smile of yours.
She hit send and slid the phone into her pocket, running a hand over her braid to make sure it was neat. With a deep breath, she grabbed her keys and headed for the exit. If she hurried, she might just make it to Clarke’s on time.
Clarke sat on the edge of the couch, nervously bouncing her leg as her eyes darted to the clock on the wall. It was 6:20 p.m., and while Lexa had already told her she’d be running late, Clarke couldn’t help but feel the faint tendrils of anxiety creeping in.
The house was unusually quiet without Lux bustling around. Clarke had taken the time to tidy up after dropping her off, but now everything felt too still, amplifying her nerves. She glanced down at her outfit—a soft blue dress that flattered her figure without trying too hard. Her hair was loose, framing her face, and she’d gone for minimal makeup, opting for a natural look.
She checked her phone for the hundredth time, her heart skipping when the screen lit up with a message.
Lexa:Hey, sorry again for being late. Thanks for being patient. I promise tonight will be worth the wait.
A second buzz followed just moments later.
Lexa:Can’t wait to see that smile of yours.
Clarke let out a small breath, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. She stood and paced the living room, smoothing the fabric of her dress. "Get a grip," she muttered to herself, pausing by the mirror to check her reflection for the third time. Her cheeks were already flushed from anticipation, and she bit her lip, trying to stop overthinking.
Lexa’s messages had been sweet, and Clarke could tell she was making an effort, even with her running late. That thought helped soothe some of the worry, and a small smile tugged at her lips as she typed back:
Clarke:I’ll hold you to that. Drive safe—I’ll be here waiting.
She hit send and set the phone down on the table, taking a deep breath. She was excited, yes, but also terrified of letting her guard down. It had been a long time since she’d put herself out there like this, and the thought of it not working out made her stomach twist.
Still, there was something about Lexa—her honesty, her humor, the quiet confidence that came through even in texts—that made Clarke want to try.
"Okay," she said to herself, brushing her hands over her dress one last time. "It’s just one date. You’ve got this."
And with that, she busied herself by straightening the already tidy coffee table and rearranging a vase of flowers, anything to distract herself while keeping an eye on the clock.
Clarke smoothed her dress for what felt like the hundredth time, the soft fabric brushing against her palms as she tried to steady her racing heart. The knock at the door came sharp and deliberate, sending a ripple of anticipation through her. She took a deep breath, forced a calm she didn’t entirely feel, and made her way to the door.
When she opened it, Lexa stood there, a vision of quiet confidence. Dressed in dark jeans and a crisp button-up with the sleeves rolled to her elbows, Lexa looked effortlessly put together. But there was a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes as they met Clarke’s, a hesitation that softened the usual sharpness of her expression.
“Hi,” Clarke greeted, her voice warm despite the nerves bubbling beneath the surface.
For a moment, Lexa didn’t respond. Her piercing green eyes swept over Clarke with an intensity that made her cheeks flush. Her mouth opened as if to speak, but no words came out. Finally, her lips curved into a soft smile.
“Wow,” Lexa breathed, her voice low and awed. “You look… absolutely stunning.”
Clarke’s heart fluttered, the compliment landing with a weight she wasn’t prepared for. She felt her smile widen, but as her gaze wandered to Lexa’s face, it faltered. Her eyes caught on the faint bruising on Lexa’s cheek and the thin cut tracing just beneath her cheekbone.
“Lexa,” Clarke said, concern and curiosity lacing her voice as she stepped closer. “What happened to your cheek?”
Lexa blinked, her hand instinctively brushing the tender spot. “Oh, that,” she said with a sheepish laugh. “Work. Things got a little… complicated today. But I promise, it’s nothing serious.”
Clarke tilted her head, her brow furrowing. “Okay, but what kind of work leaves you with bruises like that? You’ve been kind of mysterious about it.”
Lexa hesitated, her gaze flickering down for a moment before meeting Clarke’s again. “I guess I haven’t exactly been upfront about that, have I?”
“Nope,” Clarke said, crossing her arms with a playful arch of her brow. “Care to fill me in now?”
Lexa sighed, but her lips twitched with a small, self-aware smile. “I’m a patrol officer. That’s why I’ve been late or distracted—long hours, unpredictable calls, that kind of thing.”
Clarke blinked, her surprise evident as she looked her over again, this time with new understanding. “You’re a cop?”
Lexa nodded, a hint of uncertainty in her expression. “Yeah. I probably should’ve mentioned that sooner. I wasn’t sure how it would come across.”
Clarke stared at her for a moment before her expression softened into something closer to admiration. “You really should’ve led with that, you know.”
Lexa chuckled. “Noted. So… no deal-breaker?”
Clarke shook her head, her grin widening. “Not even close.”
They stepped out into the evening, Clarke’s confusion replaced by a growing curiosity and admiration. As Lexa opened the passenger door for her, she felt a spark of excitement she hadn’t expected. Tonight, it seemed, held more than a few surprises in store.
The soft hum of the car filled the quiet evening as Lexa drove, her hands steady on the wheel. The sky had shifted into twilight, the last traces of daylight fading into the warm glow of streetlights. Clarke glanced at the clock on the dashboard—7:15—and then back at Lexa, admiring how effortlessly poised she seemed, even after what must’ve been a hectic day.
“So,” Clarke began, breaking the comfortable silence, “patrol officer, huh? That must keep you on your toes.”
Lexa smirked, her eyes flicking briefly from the road to Clarke. “It does. Definitely not boring, I’ll give it that.”
Clarke chuckled softly. “I imagine it’s not the easiest job, though. Long hours, unpredictable days…”
Lexa nodded, her smirk softening into something more genuine. “That’s true. But it has its moments. Sometimes, you get to make a difference, and that makes all the chaos worth it.”
Clarke tilted her head, intrigued. “What made you decide to join? Was it something you always wanted to do?”
Lexa considered the question, her expression thoughtful. “Not always. I guess I’ve always been the ‘help where I can’ type. I wanted to do something that mattered, something tangible. This felt right.”
Clarke’s chest tightened at the sincerity in Lexa’s voice. “That’s… really admirable. Not everyone’s cut out for it.”
Lexa glanced at her briefly, her gaze warm. “Thanks. What about you? What made you want to teach? I’m guessing it wasn’t for the paycheck.”
Clarke laughed softly, shaking her head. “Definitely not. I think it’s because I had some really great teachers growing up. They made me feel like I mattered, even when I wasn’t sure I did. I wanted to do that for someone else.”
Lexa nodded, her gaze lingering on Clarke for a moment longer than necessary. “That’s a good reason. I can see that about you—you’ve got this… way of making people feel seen.”
Clarke felt her cheeks warm under Lexa’s gaze. “That’s a high compliment coming from someone who probably does the same thing every day.”
Lexa smirked. “Touché.”
As the car slowed to a stop at a red light, Lexa turned slightly toward Clarke, her voice lowering a touch. “For what it’s worth, I’m really glad we’re doing this tonight.”
Clarke’s breath caught for a moment before she smiled. “Me too.”
The warm, inviting glow of Trattoria Firenze welcomed them as Lexa opened the door and gestured for Clarke to step inside first. The scent of fresh basil, garlic, and baking bread wafted through the air, instantly making Clarke’s stomach growl. She glanced over at Lexa, who seemed effortlessly calm, her posture straight yet relaxed as they approached the host's stand.
“Reservation for two under Lexa Woods,” Lexa said, her tone polite yet confident.
The host, a young man with a friendly smile, scanned the reservation list and nodded. “Right this way, Ms. Woods.”
Lexa placed a gentle hand at the small of Clarke’s back as they followed the host to a cozy, semi-private booth near the back of the restaurant. The seating area was intimate, lit by a flickering candle and surrounded by wooden paneling that offered a sense of privacy from the bustling dining room. Clarke slid into one side of the booth while Lexa took the other, her eyes scanning the space as though ensuring everything was up to standard.
Moments later, a cheerful waitress approached their table with menus in hand. She was in her mid-twenties, with auburn hair tied back in a neat ponytail and a friendly smile.
“Good evening, ladies. I’m Rachel, and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink?”
Lexa glanced at Clarke, silently letting her go first.
“I’ll have a glass of the house red wine, please,” Clarke said with a polite smile.
“And I’ll take a soda water with lime,” Lexa added. “Thank you, Rachel.”
Rachel nodded, jotting down their orders. “Great choices. I’ll be right back with those, and I’ll give you a minute to look over the menus.” She set the menus down on the table and walked off with a practiced grace.
Clarke opened hers, scanning the options, while Lexa took her time, flipping the pages thoughtfully. A comfortable silence fell over them for a moment, broken only by the faint hum of conversation and the soft clinking of glasses from the other tables.
“What are you thinking?” Clarke asked, glancing up.
“Chicken marsala,” Lexa replied, closing her menu with a decisive nod. “You?”
“The butternut squash ravioli sounds amazing,” Clarke said, smiling.
Rachel returned, setting their drinks down with care. “Here we go. A glass of red wine for you,” she said to Clarke, “and soda water with lime for you,” she added, sliding the glass toward Lexa. “Have you decided, or do you need a few more minutes?”
“We’re ready,” Lexa said, handing over her menu. “I’ll have the chicken marsala.”
“And I’ll go with the butternut squash ravioli,” Clarke added.
“Perfect,” Rachel said, taking the menus. “And would you like to add dessert with that? We have tiramisu, cannoli, and a few other options.”
Clarke looked over at Lexa, raising an eyebrow with a playful smile. After a brief pause, Lexa spoke up, her voice light with humor. “We’ll have the tiramisu.”
Rachel smiled, jotting it down. “Great choice. Anything else?”
Lexa hesitated for a moment before looking up, her gaze meeting Rachel’s. “Actually, can you bring the dessert out first?” she asked, her tone warm but firm, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “I think we’ll enjoy it while we wait for the main course.”
Rachel’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Dessert first? That’s a first for me, but I’ll make it happen.”
As Rachel walked away to place the order, Lexa turned to Clarke, a sly smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “You mentioned dessert before dinner when I asked you out,” she said, recalling their earlier conversation.
Clarke’s eyes lit up with a soft laugh, surprised that Lexa had remembered. “I did, didn’t I?” She leaned forward, her voice light but teasing. “I mean, why wait for the good stuff?”
Lexa smirked, clearly pleased that Clarke’s sense of humor matched her own. “Exactly. Life’s too short to follow all the rules.”
Clarke smiled, feeling the warmth between them grow stronger. “I’m glad we’re on the same page,” she said, her heart racing at the thought of how easy it was to talk to Lexa.
“Same here,” Lexa replied, her gaze softening. “And I think this is just the start of a great night.”
"So," Clarke began, her voice casual but laced with curiosity as she took a sip of her wine, "what else do you do when you're not working?"
Lexa paused, considering the question. She hadn’t really thought about it lately. "Well, when I’m not on patrol, I like to be outside," she said, leaning back slightly in her chair. "Hiking, camping... I find it helps me recharge. I like being active, but I also love the peacefulness of nature. You know, just disconnecting from the world for a bit."
Clarke nodded, intrigued. "That makes sense. I can totally understand needing time to just... get away from everything, even if it’s just for a little while." She smiled softly, before adding, "It’s funny, I always imagined someone in your line of work would be more of a city person, you know? Someone who thrives on the hustle and bustle."
Lexa chuckled at that. "Yeah, that’s what people think. But honestly, the city can get overwhelming sometimes. I need that balance. I can’t imagine living without the occasional escape into nature."
Clarke smiled, clearly understanding the appeal. "I get that. I mean, I love the city—my job is here, my life is here—but there’s something about a break from the noise, the busyness. It's like you can breathe again."
"Exactly," Lexa agreed, her voice softening. "Sometimes it’s hard to be still in the chaos."
Clarke tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful. "You know," she said after a beat, "you’re not the first person I’ve heard say that. It’s funny, but I think a lot of people feel like they have to be constantly moving, constantly doing. It’s almost like we forget the value of slowing down, of just being."
Lexa smiled, her eyes meeting Clarke’s. "Maybe we need to remind each other of that sometimes," she said with a small, knowing grin.
Clarke chuckled. "Maybe we do. It sounds like you might be onto something."
Lexa leaned back in her chair, her smile lingering. "I think I could learn to appreciate a little more of that 'slowing down' with the right company."
Clarke raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a playful grin. "Is that your way of saying you’re enjoying the evening?"
Lexa’s smile widened. "Definitely."
Clarke laughed, the sound light and warm. "Good. Because I’m really enjoying it, too."
The warmth between them deepened, the conversation flowing easily, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. The candle flickered, casting a soft light on their faces, and the quiet hum of the restaurant wrapped around them like a comfortable blanket. There was something simple and easy about this moment, something that felt right.
Just then, their dessert arrived, a decadent tiramisu and a slice of rich chocolate cake, both glistening under the soft candlelight. Lexa looked at Clarke, a playful glint in her eyes. "Are you ready for dessert number one?" she teased, her voice soft with amusement.
Clarke eyed the dessert with appreciation, a laugh escaping her lips. "You’re making it hard to say no," she replied. "I was already impressed by your taste in food, but now you’ve got me curious about your dessert choices."
Lexa’s eyes twinkled. "Well, I do have excellent taste."
Clarke grinned. "I think I’m starting to agree."
After they’d finished the meal, the table between them was quiet for a moment, both of them savoring the experience. The tiramisu had been everything Lexa promised, and Clarke was content, leaning back in her seat with a soft smile. She picked up her glass of wine and swirled it, watching the liquid spin before bringing it to her lips.
“That was incredible,” Clarke said, her voice warm with genuine appreciation. She glanced across the table at Lexa. “Not just the tiramisu, but the whole dinner. The pasta—amazing. You really know how to pick a place.”
Lexa leaned back slightly, her eyes lighting up at the compliment. “I’m glad you liked it. I have a few favorites around the city, but I thought tonight deserved something special.”
Clarke smiled and nodded. “Well, you definitely succeeded. I might need to steal your restaurant recommendations in the future.”
“I’m happy to share them, anytime,” Lexa replied with a smirk. She wiped her mouth with the napkin, then set it down on the table before glancing out the window, her thoughts shifting slightly. “Hey, how about we stretch this evening out a little longer?”
Clarke raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you mean?”
Lexa’s lips curled into a playful grin. “Well, we started with tiramisu, but I’m thinking we could go for a walk and grab some ice cream. It’s a nice night out, and I can’t think of a better way to keep things going.”
Clarke’s face lit up at the suggestion, her smile broadening. “Ice cream? After all that tiramisu already?” she laughed softly, glancing at the empty plates on the table. “You really know how to make a night last.”
Lexa chuckled, clearly enjoying the playful banter. “Well, what can I say? Life’s too short to not enjoy dessert twice in one night.”
Clarke leaned forward a bit, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’re definitely right about that. Plus, I can never say no to ice cream. Especially if it’s from one of those little shops with the crazy flavors.”
“You’re speaking my language,” Lexa said with a smile. “I know a place nearby that has the best salted caramel flavor you’ll ever taste.”
Clarke’s eyebrows shot up. “Salted caramel? That sounds dangerously good.”
“Trust me,” Lexa said, her grin widening. “It’s worth the extra calories.”
Clarke hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. “Alright, alright. You’ve convinced me. Lead the way, Lexa.”
Lexa stood first, offering her hand to Clarke with a playful bow. “Your wish is my command, Miss Griffin,” she said with a wink.
Clarke took her hand, feeling the spark of something simple and yet, in its own way, thrilling. “You know, I think I’m really starting to enjoy these unexpected turns in our evening.”
“That’s good to hear,” Lexa replied, her voice a little softer now. “Because I’m just getting started.”
Before they left, Lexa pulled out her card and paid for the meal, leaving a generous tip for their server, Rachel, who had been attentive throughout the night. Clarke watched as Lexa handled it with ease, her confidence shining through. “You really didn’t have to do that,” Clarke said with a smile.
Lexa looked over at her with a soft smile of her own. “It’s my pleasure. You’ve made this night pretty special.”
As they stepped out of the restaurant, the cool evening air wrapped around them like a soft embrace. The city streets were quieter now, with the hum of nightlife in the distance, but for Lexa and Clarke, it felt like they were in their own little world. Lexa led the way, her pace casual, and Clarke fell into step beside her, the comfortable silence between them settling in.
The ice cream shop was only a few blocks away, tucked in between two old brick buildings. A neon sign buzzed softly above the door, and the smell of freshly made waffle cones hit them as they approached.
“So, this is the place?” Clarke asked, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the colorful display of flavors inside the small shop.
Lexa nodded, glancing over at Clarke. “This is the one. Trust me, you’re going to love the salted caramel.”
Clarke chuckled, raising an eyebrow. “You’ve mentioned that flavor a few times already. You really selling it, huh?”
Lexa smirked. “I’m just making sure you’re prepared. It’s a game changer.”
They entered the shop, greeted by the friendly hum of chatter from the handful of people inside. The counter was lined with tubs of ice cream in every color and flavor imaginable, and Clarke couldn’t help but glance over the menu board, though she already knew what she was getting.
The young woman behind the counter smiled at them as they approached. “Hi! What can I get for you tonight?”
Lexa stepped up to the counter first. “One cone with two scoops of salted caramel, please.”
Clarke smiled at the woman. “I’ll have the same. Sounds perfect.”
“Great choices,” the woman said as she began scooping the ice cream. “Anything else?”
“No, that’s it for us,” Lexa said, her attention already shifting to Clarke, her eyes narrowing slightly as she remembered something. “You won’t be disappointed, trust me.”
The woman handed over their cones, and Clarke couldn’t help but give it an appraising look before taking a small bite. “Okay, I’ll admit it... this is pretty good.”
Lexa took a lick of her ice cream, feeling the cool, smooth texture hit her tongue. “I told you.”
As they walked out of the shop, the familiar cool evening air wrapped around them once more, but something shifted between them. Lexa found herself glancing over at Clarke, her pulse quickening slightly as she took in the way the streetlights reflected off her hair, her relaxed expression as they walked side by side.
Without thinking, Lexa reached out, her fingers brushing against Clarke’s hand. At first, it was subtle, just a light touch, but it was enough. Clarke’s breath hitched just slightly, and Lexa’s hand closed around hers, warm and steady.
Clarke’s gaze flicked down, a surprised but pleased smile spreading across her face. She looked up at Lexa, her voice soft but teasing. “I guess we’re holding hands now?”
Lexa shrugged with a playful smirk, her fingers tightening around Clarke’s hand just a little. “Seems like it.”
Clarke laughed, the sound bright and carefree as they continued walking. It felt natural, the way their hands fit together, like they were always meant to.
“So,” Clarke began, her voice softening as they strolled along the street, “what’s your favorite movie?”
Lexa glanced over at her, raising an eyebrow. “That’s a tough one. I’d say The Proposal. All because of Betty White. I can’t get enough of her character. She steals the show.”
Clarke blinked in surprise, then burst into laughter, her hand squeezing Lexa’s just a little tighter. “I’ll admit, that’s not what I expected as your favorite movie. But Betty White? I get it. She’s a national treasure.”
Lexa smirked, her eyes flicking to Clarke as she walked. “Exactly. She’s got this incredible way of stealing every scene she’s in. I’ve watched that movie more times than I can count.”
Clarke chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re full of surprises, you know that?”
Lexa shrugged, her eyes twinkling. “What can I say? Sometimes you need a little light-hearted fun.”
Clarke smiled, her heart fluttering. “I can’t argue with that.”
A comfortable silence settled over them again as they strolled, each lost in their thoughts but content in each other’s company. Clarke’s thoughts lingered on the earlier part of the evening—the dinner, the easy conversation, the way Lexa made her feel so at ease. There was something about the way Lexa moved, the quiet confidence in her, that Clarke found magnetic.
Clarke broke the silence with a soft laugh, her voice warm with a hint of excitement. “You know, I’ve been thinking about my favorite movie.”
Lexa glanced at her, her curiosity piqued. “Oh yeah? What is it?”
Clarke smiled, her eyes lighting up as she spoke. “Notting Hill. It’s just so perfect. A little romance, a lot of humor, and that bittersweet vibe that always gets me.”
Lexa’s smile widened as she nodded. “A solid choice. It’s definitely a classic.”
Clarke gave a playful shrug. “Guilty as charged. Who can resist Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts?”
“Fair point,” Lexa chuckled. “You’ve definitely got a soft spot for romance.”
Clarke laughed softly, a twinkle in her eye. “Guilty again. I mean, it’s just the kind of movie you can watch a million times and never get tired of, right?”
Lexa smiled at her. “I can see that.”
They walked on, their pace slowing as they continued to enjoy each other’s company. The quiet comfort between them grew, their steps in sync, and Clarke couldn’t help but feel like she’d known Lexa far longer than just one evening. There was something effortlessly natural about it all.
After a few more steps, Lexa stopped, gently pulling Clarke to a halt with a soft tug on her hand. The warm light from the streetlamps bathed them in a soft glow, and Lexa turned toward Clarke, her expression softening.
Clarke tilted her head, her smile deepening as she caught the intensity in Lexa’s gaze. “What’s on your mind?”
Lexa took a small step closer, her hand reaching up to brush a stray lock of hair behind Clarke’s ear. “It’s you,” Lexa said quietly, her voice soft but steady. “I really like being with you.”
Clarke’s heart fluttered, the words settling somewhere warm inside her. “I like it too,” she said, her voice just as soft. “More than I thought I would.”
The space between them closed, and Lexa’s expression grew more tender. The air between them seemed to hum, electric with possibility.
Without a word, Lexa moved in, her hand gently cupping Clarke’s cheek. Clarke’s breath caught in her throat as their faces grew closer, the distance between them shrinking. Then, Lexa kissed her—a soft, lingering kiss, tentative at first, as if they were savoring the moment. It was a kiss filled with promise, gentle but deep, as though they were both trying to make sense of the emotions swirling between them.
When they finally pulled back, the world around them seemed to hold its breath, and Clarke’s heart was racing, her chest tight with emotion. She looked up at Lexa, her expression soft, her lips slightly parted as she searched Lexa’s eyes for any sign of hesitation.
But Lexa’s gaze was steady, her lips curling into a small, almost shy smile. “That was...” Lexa trailed off, her voice quieter now, like she wasn’t sure how to put it into words.
Clarke’s smile deepened, her thumb gently brushing over Lexa’s knuckles. “Yeah, it was.”
There was a moment of silence, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was warm, filled with an unspoken understanding. Both of them seemed to be processing the weight of what had just happened. Clarke took a breath, her voice quieter now, more thoughtful.
“Is it always this easy with you?” she asked, half-smiling. “I mean, I feel like I’ve known you longer than just tonight.”
Lexa’s smile softened, her eyes looking at Clarke with a tenderness that made Clarke’s heart skip. “I don’t know. But it feels like it’s been a long time, doesn’t it?”
Clarke nodded slowly, feeling the sincerity of Lexa’s words. There was something special here, something real, that neither of them could deny.
“Yeah,” Clarke agreed, her smile softening. “It really does.”
Lexa gave a small laugh, her voice a little lighter now. “Well, it’s not like I’m complaining.”
Clarke laughed too, the sound easy and genuine, and they stood there for a moment longer, just enjoying the feeling of being close, the night feeling just right.
Finally, Clarke took a small step back, still holding onto Lexa’s hand. “So, what’s next?” she asked, a playful glint in her eyes.
Lexa grinned, her thumb brushing over Clarke’s hand. “How about we walk a little longer? Maybe find a quiet spot to sit and just… enjoy this?”
Clarke’s heart skipped at the suggestion. She nodded, a soft smile spreading across her face. “I’d like that.”
Lexa’s smile deepened, and they continued walking side by side, their hands still connected, the soft night air wrapping around them. The city lights glowed softly ahead as they strolled, no destination in mind, just the simple joy of being together.
Clarke tilted her head, glancing at Lexa with a teasing smirk. “You know, you’re really good at this. You’ve got the charm, the patience, the sweet smile... I think I’m in trouble.”
Lexa laughed, squeezing her hand gently. “I’m just getting started,” she said with a playful wink.
Clarke’s eyes softened, and she couldn’t help but smile back. “I think I’m really glad you are.”
They continued walking through the quiet streets, the night still young and full of possibilities, their laughter blending with the soft hum of the city around them. There was no rush. For once, they both felt like time could slow down and nothing else mattered but the connection they were starting to build.