I can't believe it's been 10 years since Clarke and Lexa slept together. I miss them so much. Thank you for keeping them alive 🩷
Yup this is all that happened and nothing else! 🙂↕️
I truly cannot believe it has been ten years. A decade ago I was waking up in the middle of the night so excited about the possibility of them kissing again and opened tumblr, saw a bunch of posts talking about Lexa’s death and immediately went back to sleep hoping I had misread it. Arrived late to school the next day because I sat in bed staring at posts and videos. Spent the entire day numb. I recall that day so vividly.
Thank you guys for helping me keep them alive and the entire fandom for not forgetting about them 🥹🫡🩷 as far as I'm concerned I'll be here forever 🙂↕️
Lexa has heard the rumors about masc! Clarke's prowess in the bedroom. She knows she shouldn't hook up with Clarke and become another notch on her bedpost. However the way Clarke is looking at her across the room leaves her panties drenched. Lexa should walk away but she's drawn to Clarke. What's the worse that could happen after a one night stand? Well Lexa gets her answer when she misses her period after a few weeks and sees the two lines on the pregnancy test. How will she tell Clarke?
A pleasure to have in class. Straight As valedictorian, college schoolar ship full ride, graduated with honors. Never smoked, waited until 21 to drink, not a single ticket under her name.
Lexa has done just about everything by the book her entire fucking life. A secret jealousy for those who seemed to wing at life and still make it while she walked around with 2 different planners in her purse and a sense of constantly missing out on life.
And Clarke.... Clarke is a friend to some degree. A friend of a friend of a friend. They've hang out many times, Lexa has listened to her wild stories of sex just about anywhere, pretending not to feel the wetness pull between her legs at the way Clarke and the people in the group talked about the woman in bed, the size of her member, just how good she can make anyone feel with her hands, her mouth, her words, her dick. How hard it is to resist her seemingly. The tossed messy blonde bob, the baggy jeans matched with a too tight t-shirt that seems so effortless while fitting her as if it was tailored made.
She is everything Lexa is not. Spontaneous and reckless, a heart of gold and a mind of a whore it seems. There is but a handful of people that have not fallen for Clarke's easy flirting and sarcastic humor. Lexa has been advised to avoid her, how she is good at what she does but she is also great at breaking hearts. And Lexa is far too good and too vanilla to need to experience that.
The forbidden fruit is always the sweetest isn't it?
Lexa made sure to stay away. Polite smiles and nods, superficial conversations that always disappeared the moment more people arrived. But her car broke down in a neighborhood she always drives slightly faster in and Clarke is the only person available to pick her up.
"Just a quick dinner with me Lexa. I promise I don't bite"
Oh, how the snake spews out lines that sound like honey. Dinner became wine and wine tasted so much better from Clarke’s lips than it did on the glass, the crimson more delicious on soft lips.
Clarke's bed is much softer than hers as ever been, a mattress meant for pleasing rather than a doctor recommend, posture correcting one. Her mouth is devious indeed, leaving marks of her sin all over Lexa, her chest quickly painted over in shades of purple, matching the hand prints that adorn her thighs and ass.
Sweet in her praises and ruthless in her fucking, Lexa understands now fully why this is the high of pleasure for so many and why Clarke's remains undefeated at the top of everyone's list. Each thrust sends Lexa closer to heaven, Clarke's mouth tracing her ear as she whispers the more angelic things is the most devilish tone.
Naked in bed alone, the sun pooling in from outside. The smell of coffee and sex in the air.
"You're car is ready for pick up." Her voice is soft and gentle, but there is a rush behind it, as if Lexa as overstayed her welcome.
She nods and stares at her with pleading eyes. Perhaps she can be different? Clarke hesitates with a kiss on her temple and a brush of Lexa’s hair.
"You knew what this was Lexa. You know how I roll. I like you. Don't make this harder."
Her apartment feels too empty when she enter it again. So does her heart. And so does her cunt.
"Im not going tonight, Anya."
"Again? This is the fifth time! I thought you enjoyed hanging out with us."
"I do." Lexa can barely speak too much. Between the idea of looking at Clarke again and the stomach bug she caught, she'd rather stay at home and perhaps open a Bible than going out with the usual group.
"I'm gonna kill her."
"Anya, don't." Its all she manages to say before she feels her dinner come up again.
The first time she had sex she was 22 and had been dating her then girlfriend for nearly a year. She loved her with all her heart. She has always been firm on finding someone she loves, date for 5 years, engages for 2, married for 3 and then children.
She did not think she'd be 33 and looking down at a positive pregnancy test from a one night stand from a girl who would rather learn to suck her own dick before she committed to anything.
"It's not mine." Deafeated and accusatory, as if Clarke thinks if she believes it enough, than it becomes truth.
"Who else's could it be Clarke?" Lexa's voice is tired. She waited three weeks to tell her. Too far along now to end it. Far along enough where the 9 week ultrasound stares back at her like a reminder of her mistake to sleep with a woman who can barely commit to a girlfriend, much less a baby.
Clarke stares at her. There is fear in her eyes, Lexa knows her reflect it too. What the fuck did they get themselves into?
"I dont think I can- a baby is just..." too much commitment. Lexa knows. Oh she is very aware, she has run the numbers, checked pre-schools waiting lists, searched for what schools her address could get this baby into. And what Clarke's address could too. But this wasn't what she had planned for herself either.
"I've made my choice Clarke. Now you have to make yours."
She watches Clarke pick up the ultrasound, as if it looks like much of anything at all. Lexa felt the same. A strange attachment for something she hoped wasn't there.
"What if I am terrible at it? What if I try and I disappoint you both?" Lexa has never seen Clarke look so small. Behind the veil of confidence there seems to be someone deeply afraid of being a disappointment.
Maybe they are more alike than Lexa thought.
The first appointment with them both present feels strange. Barely friends, far from lovers, and both waiting to see their child. Clarke agreed to do this with her, but Lexa can still see the cracks of doubt behind her courage.
She has slept with five more people since they found out. Raven whispers to her its how she's trying to cope, find some sense of her new normal. Lexa shouldn't feel jealous of possessive but carrying Clarke's child seems to have made her crave the woman triple. She understands it now, the way a smile and a fuck can ruin anyone else for her.
"There they are."
Clarke cries. Lexa smiles. The way their hands find one another feels almost desperate, eyes locking as soon as they turn to face one another.
They sleep together again that week.
For the first time since they met, Raven doesn't hear about a new girl for months, instead, she hears the repeat about the same girl over and over again.
Lexa isn't sure how it happens. When Clarke mellows down and seems to no longer fear touching her. Maybe about the same time Lexa stops fearing touching her back. Calling each other girlfriends feels strange given their predicament. Lexa fears putting such a label will cause Clarke to flee. But when it escapes Lexa one day at the supermarket, Clarke simple caresses her bump and smiles.
She still fucks as well as she did. If anything, her dick feels even better now, her hands more gentle on her, her mouth never less desperate to mark.
She still wakes up to coffee and a temple kiss. No longer made to leave with the shame of being one more conquest, Lexa gets to enjoy back rubs and pets. They don't say I love, they dont use pet names. But deep down Lexa knows this feels more real than any of her 5 years of dating before marriage fantasies.
He is born early. So little. Clarke holds him as Lexa is allowed a rest.
Her apartment has been sold. Clarke broke her lease. The house right outside the city center is not what either of them dreamed but it has a brand new nursery and a porch swing. A mess of Clarke's records and art supplies that Lexa didnt even know she had and Lexa’s ethnic sculptures and thrifted paintings. Today they will bring their son home, and Clarke will cry on Lexa’s shoulder about how much she loves him and how thankful she is that she decided to do this. Lexa will whisper about how terrified she was the entire time, how the idea of one day waking up and Clarke being gone haunted her.
Aden is five when Clarke proposes. Seven by the time they marry. At ten he becomes a big brother.
Clarke still boasts about her prowess in bed, although now she always has Lexa to keep her humble when she says something that isnt quite true, although she cannot deny her wife can still get her wet with a simple look, and bring her to orgasm with a soft i love you.
Lexa offers herself as a virgin sacrificial bride to vampire Clarke 👀 She wants Clarke to make her bleed twice in her bedroom, the first when she bites and feeds from her, the second when she fucks and takes her virginity
The daughter of the village priest is offered no freedom.
The daughter of the village priest is soft spoken and and devoted.
The daughter of the village priest must waver any carnal desire and impure sinful thought her mind conjures.
The daughter of the village priest has dreams of a creature of the night taking her away from it all.
The daughter of the village priest has offered herself as sacrificed to end the reign of terror that has befallen on their town.
The daughter of the village priest wears pure white as she is taken to the doors of the church, looking back before the heavy doors are closed one last time, nodding solemnly as a goodbye to her father and the rest of the terrified faces that she has crossed everyday since she came to be.
The creature of the night appears in black smoke the moment the night sky turns black. She wears a cape that reveals little of herself. There is no need, she has revealed herself in dreams.
The creature of the night approaches her with purpose, brushing a strand of brown hair away from her offers neck, revealing sun tanned skin, pure, unbroken, and asks "Who are you that offers herself to me so willingly?"
The daughter of the village priest's lips part, and between the pillow redness of them a whisper parts, confident, desiring "Lexa."
The creature of the night smirks at her and opens the dark cape, enveloping both black and white in smoke, "Tonight you are my bride, forevermore you shall be my wife."
Lexa feels the softness of the bed underneath her, the coldness of a hand on her skin. Lexa has not yet taken a good look at her face but she finds herself enamored and willingly obsessed with her already.
The creature presses her lips against the softness of her bride's neck, not yet breaking skin, preparing the supple flesh for it, eliciting soft moans from a woman who has never felt such tender touch, cold hands agaisnt warm skin before she carefully helps Lexa lay on the bed.
Lexa's green eyes follow the creature's movements, graceful and agile around her, before she fully climbs on top of Lexa’s body and the softess of the candlelight illuminates the face of a young woman much like herself. Pale skin Lexa is sure once adorned blushing cheeks and piercing frozen blue eyes that once held the warmth of the room stare her down as if she is the only drop of water in the desert. With courage of the world, she whispers "what is your name?"
The creature's eyes take a softer expression, the vampiric animals stepping back and the young woman taking center stage "It has been centuries since I have said it loud."
"Then let your bride know so she can whisper it."
The creature captures Lexa’s lips in her own, a gasp following the surprise of Lexa’s first kiss before she melts into the desperation of it. She feels the lace of her dress pulled up, the cold of room hitting her skin instantly. The top of her dress is nearly ripped apart to expose her chest and she feels sharp fangs drag against her hard nipples, causing a moan to ripple through her chest. The room spins around Lexa and she searches desperately for a stable archer and she finds it around the creature's neck, her hand finding nothing but skin, unaware of the nakedness of the body above her, realizing then it is not the room that is cold but the skin that touches her.
The creature places herself at Lexa's entrance and she is shocked at the realization that the tip of a member presses against her entrance, ever so gently opening her up. A similar feeling repeats at the base of her neck where Lexa feels two piercing white fangs pressing on her skin.
The creature paused and whispers "Clarke, my name is Clarke."
Lexa has but a moment to internalize the name before pain washes over her and she sees red, a moaned scream existing her as the coldness of the member enter her warm body, sending a sharp pain that melts into pleasure, followed by a pain that stays, sharp against her pulse as she feels her heart slowly stop beating without conscienceness leaving her, "Clarke!"
Creature and bride lay in bed. Lexa’s head agaisnt the stillness of her new wife's chest, the fullness of it offering the perfect pillow to rest her mind. Her white dress is tainted red both at the bottom and the top, but Clarke has promised her that is the last time she shall bleed from either.
The daughter of the village priest is offered the entire world to explore.
The daughter of the village priest is given the space to speak her mind, every thought that crosses her mind eager to be heard
The daughter of the village priest desires and yearns every carnal moment she is allowed, begs and demands it and is given pleasure without a second thought, every whim and perverted desire answered with enthusiasm.
The daughter of the village priest if virginal no longer.
The daughter of the village priest is now a wife of a creature that will slay her entire village to see her smile.
Yes yess, light au please, im in the mood for canon au 🥹🥹
Okay okay, so I think I've talked about Clarke’s anxiety with the baby before.
Clarke isn't the most kid friendly person you know? And although she was the one who brought up kids as a serios thing, the truth is, she has spent most of Lexa's pregnancy with this buried anxiety that when the baby comes, she won't love her - or even worst, the baby won't love her.
She knows logically that the baby will be highly attatched to Lexa at first of course, but what if she just hates Clarke? What if when she holds the baby all she does is cry and squirm away from her?
What if their baby can tell she is not a good person at all deep down?
And Lexa had managed to soothe some of these worries always good at keeping Clarke's anxieties away. Even as silly as Clarke's "she's not biologically mine. Maybe she wont even get that I'm her mom too" to which Lexa is quick to reply "if she is half me than she will love you fully Clarke".
And then Elaina is born. And the uproar around her birth has died down in their room, now just Lexa napping and Elaina and Clarke. Just this little bundle in Clarke's arms as she rocks her still awkwardly, hyper aware of every sway of her body, every step, every little breath Elaina let's out. This little person has no real idea who Clarke is yet. Maybe she does not love Clarke at all, for the brief moments she's been fully awake only desiring Lexa's hold.
However, Clarke realizes she can do it. Love is stronger than whatever anxiety had been growing inside of her.
Because she loves her more than anything else.
And spirits know what Clarke Griffin wont do for the people she loves. Even if one days it means she'll see her the way clarke does anytime she looks in the mirror.
In many ways her and Lexa are one in the same. But perhaps Clarke is always more scared of the ways they are different. Because Lexa promised to change and soften every edge of hers for Elaina. However, Clarke realizes now that for Elaina, she will sharpen every edge of her being if it means keeping her safe.
I can see masc!Clarke as a tattoo shop owner and helps Lexa pick her next tattoo
She's been getting the itch again, of needle on skin, ink on her body.
With a free weekend ahead and not a single idea what she wants to tattoo next, Lexa decides to take a walk around the city, looking for a tattoo shop who takes walk ins.
It seems everyone has the same idea as her however. 5 shops, all with a full schedule have Lexa wonder if she'd be better off go home a scroll Instagram to find a tattoo shop who can take her at some point this month.
She is about to call it a day when a small corner tattoo shop catches her eye. Its really small, likely not fitting more than 10 people inside. There is a sweet pride flag on the outside that makes Lexa feel more at home.
The door rings as she enters and immediately Lexa is greeted by the scent of incense and coffee. She lets the door close behind her, peaking to see if anyone is inside. When she finds it empty, she calls out, "hello?"
"Just a moment!"
A voice replies from further inside the shop, covered by a makeshift wall of book shelves, probably for some privacy.
"Sorry about that, was cleaning up after my last appointment." A woman appears from behind the shelves, taking off some her gloves, and Lexa has the steady herself against the counter.
Oh be steady my little dyke heart.
Its the tattoo, Lexa is sure of it. She had always had a thing for women with a lot of them. And this girl is covered in them. Short blonde hair with a side shave, baggy jeans that show just enough boxer underneath and a cropped tank top that might as well spell out femme bait for all Lexa is concerned.
"What can I help you with?"
Marry me?
"Humm, I was planning on getting a tattoo." Lexa let's herself trail off the moment she notices the whisps on light happy trail in the girl's stomach.
Better yet, fuck me.
"So far, everything tracks on why you're here." Its an attempted joke that Lexa takes as an exit to her awkward start, chuckling at it.
"I'm sorry. I'm Lexa, I want a new tattoo but I have no idea what I want. Do you take clueless walk-ins?"
"When they are as cute as you are, how can I say no? Im Clarke, by the way." Clarke, apperantly, points to the small corridor that leads behind the bookshelves and Lexa immediately steps in front of her and follows her directions.
As she sits down Clarke offers her a coffee and a folder filled with tattoo designs.
"So these are some of my designs if you want to take a look. Is there anything you like as a starting point?" She sits on the rolling chair as she says it, legs spread open.
Fucking butch confidenc always has me weak.
"Maybe something space related? I always loved those. You design all of there?" Lexa asks, distracted by the art on fhe folder. Geometric meet organic, Clarke's style is clean and beautiful, a mix of minimalism with something more complex.
A smile spreads on Clarke's face at the compliment and Lexa finds herself unable to stare at anything but it.
"Oh yeah. Some I take longer on, other just pop in my head and I have to draw them down. If you want something space related, I have a few examples further down. I've made some individual planets but I've been dying to do a bigger piece, maybe almost a solar system style?"
There is so much enthusiasm in Clarke's voice as she shares her idea, Lexa can suddenly think of nothing else but be the canvas she uses to bring her idea to life.
"We can do that."
That seems to catch Clarke off guard, "I- really? You don't have to really. I mean, although my lines tend to be thin, a back piece would still take a while."
Lexa shrugs. And afternoon here sounds like a delightful plan. "I have no where else to go today."
Clarke's eyes shine and Lexa feels her stomach turn at the sight.
"Okay I have an idea down, let me go grab some paper and I'll show you." She runs out to a back room for a moment and Lexa finds herself alone, smiling after her.
God, you useless useless dyke.
**
They talk. About everything. Lexa hardly feels this at ease with anyone, let alone a random tattoo artist she just met. Most of her sessions happen in silence and she enjoys it that way. But now, shirtless and laying down on the chair, Lexa feels like she could tell Clarke about every trauma of hers completely unprovoked.
She is mid telling Clarke about her last break up when the needle goes over a particularly sensitive part of her spine, making Lexa nearly jump.
As she does, a hand comes to rest on her lower back, sending a jolt of wetness between her legs.
"Baby girl, you can't jump like that, or you'll get a random ink scribble down your back." Clarke's voice is soft, not a hint of reprimand. If anything, she sounds amused with the situation.
Lexa however, feels her face burning at the feeling between her legs, suddenly quiet with embarrassment.
"Are you alright? We can stop if you want." Clarke concern does not help Lexa situation but she still agrees, glad when Clarke brings her her shirt back so she can cover her front if she decides to get up.
"I was too in the zone while talking, I should have warned you." Clarke brings her a glass of water that Lexa gladly downs, feeling like her face might catch fire soon., "You're really red, are you sure you're okay? Did I hurt?"
Lexa immediately shakes her head, embarrassed by what she is about to say next, "It wasn't the pain, don't worry."
Clarke stares confused, fucking adorably confused, before her face lights up with realization.
Scratch that, kill me. Now, please.
"Was it me saying baby girl? I'm so sorry. I started this shop not too long ago and I have mostly tattooed friends and that's just how I talk with them. I didn't think."
How are your friends not all in love with you?
"It's alright, really. I am just not used to hearing that outside of, hmm, the bedroom." Lexa downs the rest of her water, hoping it might drown her.
The smirk that lights up Clarke's face is certainly not helping Lexa’s case.
"Well, I tend to use it as a cute name outside of it." Clarke gets closer to Lexa, her face so close to her Lexa is sure she hear her audibly dry swallow, "although there is a first time for everything" with a swift motion Clarke takes Lexa’s glass from her hand, walking back to place it on the counter.
"Ready to get back to it?"
The air shifts after that. They continue to talk, Clarke's hand resting on the small of Lexa’s back now whenever she isn't in need for it. The conversation changes tone too. Light convo about their past suddenly switches to sex stories and embarrassing turn on, where Lexa learns Clarke got a bone during a massage and Lexa admits to letting a date finger her at the back of a movie teacher.
"Who would have thought you were such a wild girl." Clarke comments with a wink and Lexa chuckles at the comment, before feeling Clarke's hand move ever so slightly closer to her ass and then returning to the small of her back, "all done."
Lexa, still feeling the ghost of the touch gets up slowly, deciding to try her luck, leaving her shirt and modesty behind as she walks towards the mirror, her chest facing Clarke fully. As soon as she looks back at the tattoo, she gasps.
"Oh my god Clarke, it's beautiful." A collection of circles and stars runs down her back in lieu of a solar system, not their own but one from Clarke’s mind. Lines run across the circles, making it abstract in a way.
"Sure is beautiful." At her tone of voice Lexa turns back to Clarke, catching her stare at her, not the tattoo.
Lexa smiles.
Not quite as much as you are handsome. Are you hard?
Lexa feels the wetness once again, noticing the strain rhat is happening in Clarke's pants, the girl not seeming in any way ashamed of it. She knows Clarke noticed her staring.
Once again, Clarke is close to her face, this time her eyes are nearly black.
"I should close in just a bit." Clarke starts, voice suddenly low. Lexa's eyes stare at her lips as she speaks.
Kiss me.
"We could go grab something to it? My treat? As an apology?"
Lexa can do nothing else other than nod, "I might need to go home and change."
You ruined my underwear and you didn't even touch me where I wanted.
"Meet me back here at 5?"
Lexa nods. Clarke brings the card machine to Lexa as she tells her the price. When Lexa hands her her card, Clarke's hand lingers just for a moment against her.
Touch me, please touch me.
"See you soon Clarke." Lexa manages at the door of the store, the fresh air outside crisp against her warm face.
Anything new bouncing around your head for your lonely cove au? It's cold and foggy where I am and it's giving the vibe
It is very windy and rainy here today so we are definitely in the right vibe for lonely cove here too 🙂↕️
(Also I did a very rough island map if you guys wanna see, let me know, I might need to do some adjustments to it)
Clarke's first storm on the island.
Now everyone in the island is used to heavy rains and dulls skies. Its part of living here. Waves as big as houses crashing against the cliffs, the desperate calls of seaguls warning of worse weather ahead.
At this point Clarke has lived through a big storm out at sea, she has feared for her life on a massive ship as it swayed on open see, waves bringing it up and down again. She knows what being in the eye of the storm means.
A storm in the island however... it feels like watching nature out on a show. From Lexa’s open bedroom window, the fire cackling behind her, a massive blanket around her and tea in hand, Clarke marvels at the spectacle in front of her. And then, at the marvel beside her. Wearing nothing but Clarke knitted sweater and warm socks, Lexa’s hair blow softly with the wind outside.
You see, Clarke was raised in the city life. Sometimes she fears she looks it far too much for this small island folk, who treat her kindly but always with the assumption she knows nothing of what she is being told. Lexa however... she looks every bit the island she calls home. She is the lighthouse Clarke looks forward to in the fog of months at sea, the warmth of the fireplace, the constant of a town who seems some times stuck, so little changing in the past 6 years. And at the same time, she is the storm outside. Her eyes, the same sea foam green the ocean turns, her hair free and sea salt coated. She is the wind, the wave and the strength of mother nature herself, and no matter how hard Clarke tries, it seems she will never be able to catch her, always fleeting after too little time together.
"You're staring." Lexa looks ahead. She does not smile but her face is serenity agaisnt the strength of the storm outside. This is her peace.
When a response does not come, Clarke places her mug on the windowsill, arm quickly pulling Lexa towards her. Her lips taste like the ferocity of sea water and the calmness of chamomile and honey.
With the storm raging behind her, Clarke is deliberate with her tongue, her stripped knitted shirt raised above Lexa’s chest as she kneads the softness of her breasts, her heavy breathing missing with the whistles of the wind outside, Clarke's tongue moving at the rhythm of the waves, Lexa looking down at her in the low light of the morning and the candles burning beside them.
Clarke may not be able to catch a storm with her bare hands, but as Lexa comes undone underneath her with the clash of a wave that reaches just below the window, she feels as if this is the closest she'll ever come to tasting it and holding it for just a moment.
Cute thought. Madi begs Clarke to let her take Lexa on a shopping trip to the store so they can have matching dance clothes during her lessons
It comes about because Madi shows up to one of her lessons in this adorable tutu that Lexa immediately recognizes has being from an high end ballet, handmade store. Its beautiful, so well crafted and its almost a shock seeing it on a clumsy yet adorable 5 year old. And she cannot help but comment on it.
Clarke smiles and tells her Madi is obsessed with that store, she had quite a few outfits from there, something thst has Lexa open her eyes wide because this is no cheap place and she cannot believe this little baby has outfits to play pretend with and twirls around the house that cost so much when Lexa is trying to stretch her paycheck and Clarke's sponsorship to make it to her next pair of pointe shoes.
Madi is telling Lexa aaaaaall about the store when she suddenly decides what better way to really show Lexa than to beeeeg her mom to take them there? And if there is one thing little Madi always gets, its her way.
Its exactly like the luxury stores Lexa has walked past downtown except made for a ballerina's dream. The employees speak quick French and are fast to welcome in Clarke and Madi with a smile, no doubt used to them by now, and Lexa is quite shocked, and a little turned on, when Clarke replies to their questions in perfect French, a skill she justifies slightly bashful at Lexa's questioning look, by telling her she spent a season in France learning oil painting from a recluse painter who refused to learn a single word of english. Madi tries to repeat it too but she lacks the control of the language, making her bonjour much less fluent.
They browse the store separately. Clarke follows Madi as she points at items with high price tags and Clarke will pick some and others gently tells Madi she is too little for, earning herself an adorable mopping face from the little girl. Lexa watches this from afar, staring at the different pointe shoes and looking through their price tag, whincing when one after the other the shoes go way above her budget she had already stretched in anticipation for this visit. A employee approaches her with a clear forced smile, asking her if she can help her find anything and Lexa feels that well known shame of asking as casually as she can for their cheaper brands. She is about to, refusing to be brought down by a woman who seems to challenge her with her eyes to try and ask for such a thing when Clarke appears next to her with a smile and says something in french that Lexa cannot understand. Instantly the woman changes her tone and smiles brightly at Lexa, offering for her to sit while she goes pull out some of their premium shoes for her to try on, Lexa's refusal of being able to pay something like that lost on her as she moves about the store.
"Clarke, I can't pay for these shoes."
"Youre not. I am."
Lexa shakes her head, "you already pay for too much, it is my responsibility to make it work with the alloance you provide through the sponsorship!"
"Well, then think of it as a gift." Lexa opens her mouth to complain but Clarke is quicker, "Not from me. From Madi. She watched you stare at the shoes and begged me to get you some 'pretty princess ones'. You wouldn't want to say no to that precious little face would you?"
On the other side of the store, Lexa sees Madi sitting on a bench with a coloring book, clearly needing a break from all the shopping as another woman, an older one this time, stays next to her. She looks adorable. And then she stares back at Clarke's own face, smiling down at her with a charming smirk, "i could never say no to that face."
And so, Lexa leaves the store with a small bag carrying brand new pointe shoes she might never wear so much is the price tag and the thought of breaking those beautiful shoes in. On the other hand, Clarke has about 5 bags total in her hands, and Madi carries one more small one containing an infinite amount of scrunchies for her long hair.
As they are leaving Lexa at her apartment, Madi grabs one of the bags and forced it into Lexa’s hands.
"What is this now?"
Madi giggles like she is keeping a secret against Clarke’s leg who pets her head, a gesture Lexa has seen a million times but still melts her heart seeing the affection between mother and daughter, "You gotta wear it in out next lesson Lexa! Pretty please!!!"
Lexa cannot deny such a precious little thing, "Alright, alright, I will. For you." She looks up at Clarke who smiles at her, "only you."
The red leotard is unconventional but beautiful none the less. The flowy skirt attatched to it is beautifully soft and the exposed back is elegant as can be. No doubt high quality and Lexa fears if she was to wear it to rehearsal she'd hear all the comments about how she spends her sponsorship money on high end attire instead of using it to focus on her job. However here and at home, she can wear this beautiful gift and feel not a bit of shame about it.
"Lexaaaa we maaaatch!!!" Running towards her is a small mini me, wearing a similar yet much more ruffled version of her own leotard.
"We do now, dont we?" Lexa opens her arms to spin the little ballerina around before placing her in front of the mirror where they can both see each other and themselves side by side.
"I look like you!" Madi says it with such wonderful in her voice that makes Lexa emotional, the idea that she is this little girl's inspiration and role model.
"You look beautiful Madi."
"So do you." Lexa catches Clarke's reflection behind them, sitting in her usual spot with Madi's jacket in hand.
"Thank you Clarke." Lexa does not turn around. Perhaps through the mirror the way they hold each others eyes for a second too long feels less intimate so Lexa allows herself to keep her stare there for a moment longer after Clarke looks away and she wonders if her heart will always beat this fast when Clarke compliments her or if she'll be able to not question if the french Clarke speaks leaves a particular taste on her lips.
