Chapter Text
Finals were closing in and any time that wasn't spent studying or in class was now spent sleeping, which in the end wasn't a lot. Both girls were working hard to keep up their high GPAs, especially with scholarships on the line. The stress was piling up, as well as the boredom and growing frustration of not leaving the dorm room.
Sensing the tension in Clarke, Lexa was constantly suggesting they move their studying place. To the library, an empty diner, even outside if the weather allowed it, which wasn't often. There hadn't been snow yet, but the air was definitely getting cold enough, with icy wind seeming to cut straight to their skin, despite how many layers donned.
The two were walking back from a library study session on a day with particularly strong wind. The ends of their coats were flattened against the backs of their legs and Clarke's loose hair was blowing out in front of her. Clarke herself was hunched into her coat in an attempt to keep the biting wind away from her bare neck. Lexa grinned at her girlfriend, happily wrapped up in a scarf that she brought with her from her home, where she was used to the bitterly cold winters.
"You know, when you hunch like that it makes you even shorter. It's cute." Lexa said as they walked along.
Clarke lifted her head enough to be able to shoot Lexa with a strong glare. "I am not shorter than you."
Lexa laughed, "Yes you are."
Clarke stood up straight, exposing her neck to the cold. "I was just hunching. Now I'm as tall as you."
Lexa frowned, "Wait, do you really think we're the same height? Clarke, I have like four inches on you."
Clarke wrinkled her nose. "You do not. One inch, if that."
Lexa narrowed her own eyes at Clarke before turning her head. She looked around for a moment and then called out to a boy who was passing them.
"Excuse me! Which one of us is taller?"
The poor boy looked cold and startled, but he stopped and seemed to analyze them. "You," he finally said, gesturing at Lexa.
"Thank you." Lexa said, pleased. The boy gave a small wave and a confused look before continuing along the path.
"There you have it Clarke," Lexa said, obviously happy with the outcome.
Clarke, however, continued to frown. "I still don't believe you are taller than me. That's just absurd."
"If I'm not taller than you then why do you always ask me to get your hoodies off the top shelf in your closet?"
"Maybe it's because I like the way you look when you stretch up, and the little bit of skin around your waist that shows. Why do you think I wear so many hoodies?"
Lexa gasped dramatically. "Are you saying that you use me?"
Clarke grinned cheekily. "No."
"Well, next time just ask and maybe my whole shirt will come off."
Clarke was quiet as they continued to walk. Then she spoke. "Hey, Lexa?"
"Yea?"
"Will you take your shirt off for me?"
Lexa laughed and bumped her shoulder into Clarke's before staring down at her, lowering her eyelids.
"Anytime."
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Classes ended and in the weekend before finals the group went out to celebrate with pizza. Most of them were on edge, Monty worrying over whether he really was cut out for the higher level biology course, Raven fretting over her engineering project, and even Clarke was beginning to stress over if her art piece would be finished in time.
"I'm just saying," Raven said as she chewed through an unlawfully large bite. "I've been fucked before, but never like this."
"Just to be clear, we are still talking about finals, right?" Monty asked, slightly confused.
Raven just winked at him.
"Yes," Clarke assured Monty, "we are still talking about finals."
Monty sighed in relief and leaned back in his chair. "Well then, I'm fucked too."
"Oh come on guys," Octavia said, tired of their 'we're no good at this' attitude. "We're fucking amazing. And we're gonna ace this shit. Or at least upper 3.0 it. Raven you were practically born for mechanical engineering or whatever it is you do."
Raven mumbled a correction, but it was lost in the next part of Octavia's little speech.
"Jasper I have literally never seen you fail a math test, even that one that Mr. Giravaldi gave us in the ninth grade, remember the one
that was supposed to be impossible?" Jasper nodded but Octavia was already onto Clarke. "And Clarke!" She exclaimed, "You not only did one art piece for your advanced art final last year, but three in the same time limitations, all because you weren't sure which one you would want to go with in the end!"
Clarke let out a soft laugh, "I did do that."
"Lexa, I don't know you very well yet, but as far as I can tell there is literally nothing that can take you down, except maybe Clarke."
Octavia accepted her high five from Raven and ignored the protests from Clarke, already narrowing in on Monty.
"Monty," she said. "Monty, Monty, Monty. Who was it who rigged the intercom system to play nothing but It's Not Unusual just because you wanted to prove your skills? And who was it who was a teacher assistant not only junior and senior year, like allowed, but also freshman and sophomore? And who was it who messed with that asshole's shampoo at summer camp? I've never seen chlorine react so suddenly before."
Monty was grinning now. "Me," he admitted. "But I've done more too, don't think I'm limited."
"Monty my dear, you are limited to nothing. Except maybe a 100 on your finals because I don't think you can go above that."
Monty laughed, already feeling better. If there was one thing Octavia was always sure to be the best at, it was morale booster.
As much as the group enjoyed their time together, with tensions definitely lower than before, they all left early, promising to get together after finals were through for a real party.
Clarke wound her hand into Lexa's own gloved one on the way back to the dorm. A slight ice storm had hit the campus, not enough to close any last minute classes, but enough that the two had to watch their step as they walked slowly along.
"It's so cold." Clarke muttered.
"I like the cold," Lexa responded a little sheepishly.
"Of course you would."
"I don't like the heat though."
"No one likes the heat. Too much sweat and muggy-ness. I like the fall. Less allergies, unlike spring, and the fall has crisp morning air that's not too cold. Plus, all the leaves change colors and it means the holidays are right around the corner. No school, good food, often times presents. Fall is full of promise."
"That's what most people say about spring. I'm with you though, fall is pretty amazing."
"When we get back could you read over my english essay? I think I've got it done. It's pretty cool that for the final all we have to do is hand it in, no timed writing or anything."
"Yea, you got lucky."
Lexa wasn't so lucky, as her english professor required the students to submit a timed essay on a topic that would be decided the day of. The only reassurance was that the essay would be on one of the three main topics that had discussed all semester. Kids who hadn't paid attention would be screwed.
"Of course I'll look over your essay again." Lexa assured Clarke. "Although judging by the last time I looked at it, I don't think you'll need many corrections."
"Just reassurance."
"That I have plenty of."
"Does anyone else know you're this sappy? I feel like if they did Raven would never let you hear the end of it."
"Hey," Lexa said seriously. "If you dare to expose me from my hard as ice cover I'll make sure that you are buried under three solid feet of ice."
Clarke gasped and widened her eyes, "Just let me finish exams first." She whispered, as though frightened.
Lexa had to laugh, looking into her girlfriend's ridiculous expression.
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Back in the room Lexa sat down with a highlighter to read over Clarke's essay while Clarke went to check on Liebling, who sat happily in the warm corner of their dorm room. Clarke was fondly stroking one of the long green leaves when Lexa sat up and put the highlighter down.
"Clarke, it's perfect. It's going to get you an A for sure."
Clarke moved to sit next to Lexa, peering down at her paper. "Really?"
"Definitely." Lexa turned to face Clarke, nose to nose. She leaned forward to kiss her, savoring in the fact that she could now do this, anytime.
Clarke pulled away from the kiss and laughed, "I didn't know my paper was that good."
"Oh it's better."
"Really now? How much better is it?"
Lexa didn't respond and instead forward, letting the paper fall to the ground. She slid her hands behind Clarke's neck, pulling her closer in. Clarke let her own hands slide down to Lexa's waist, then around to her back. Clarke pulled herself up some, angling down at Lexa and enjoying the feeling of actually being taller. Their kiss deepened as Lexa scraped her teeth along Clarke's bottom lip, causing Clarke to press harder against her.
Lexa pulled away to breathe, running her hand through Clarke's hair.
Clarke rested her forehead against Lexa's own and began fiddling with the bottom of Lexa's shirt.
"Could we?" Clarke asked, looking into Lexa's eyes.
Lexa pretended to think for a moment, grinning the entire time. "I mean, why not. You want to, right?"
"Right." Clarke said confidently.
"And I want to, and you're stressed, and this will help."
"It sounds like you're trying to convince me," Clarke said with a laugh. "Like I need convincing."
"Really?" Lexa asked, unable to keep the smile on her face from growing any larger
Clarke leaned back to adjust her position, not missing the way that Lexa's hands stretched out to follow her, not wanting to break any more contact than necessary. Clarke placed one knee at Lexa's side and swung her other knee over, straddling her. She settled herself into Lexa's lap, a warm and comforting weight. She rubbed her hands into Lexa's shoulders, relaxing her. Clarke leaned forward, kissing Lexa softly at first. She began pressing her lips harder into Lexa's own, getting a small noise in approval.
Lexa protested as Clarke pulled back, but was appeased when Clarke immediately began peppering kiss after kiss up and down Lexa's neck. When Clarke got up to right under Lexa's ear, she caused Lexa to squirm. Clarke laughed softly.
"Ticklish?"
"No," Lexa insisted.
In return, Clarke kissed under Lexa's ear, hard. A gasp was pulled from Lexa's mouth and Clarke grinned into the kiss. Satisfied with her work on Lexa's neck, Clarke returned her attention to Lexa's mouth, kissing her until they were moving in sync. Lexa's hands tangled themselves in Clarke's hair, scratching gently at her scalp. Clarke arched into Lexa, reveling in it.
Clarke's own hands found their way onto Lexa's hips, her fingers digging into the soft skin there. As their kiss deepened, Clarke ran her hands lightly up and down Lexa's side. Lexa squirmed as goosebumps appeared on her skin, and Clarke had to pull away slightly so that she could laugh.
"Asshole," Lexa murmured as she pulled Clarke's head back to her own, sucking Clarke's bottom lip in between her own.
In response, Clarke wrapped her hands around Lexa's back, pushing her closer. Lexa pulled away from their kiss, tugging at her own shirt.
"Take it off." She said, lifting her arms.
Clarke grinned at Lexa's eagerness and happily obliged, grabbing at the hem and pulling it slowly off. Once she had it off Lexa's hands began working at the bottom of Clarke's shirt.
"This too," Lexa insisted.
Mimicking Lexa, Clarke lifted her arms and allowed Lexa to pull the shirt off.
Lexa stared at Clarke, taking in her flushed face and mussed hair. She ran a hand gently down Clarke's stomach, grinning as Clarke shivered slightly.
"You've seen me naked before," Clarke said, amused at Lexa's actions.
Lexa shook her head, then lifted her eyes to meet Clarke's own. "Not like this." Lexa surged forward, capturing Clarke in another kiss. She began leaning backward, taking Clarke with her.
Clarke had to drop a hand from where it had continued to explore Lexa's hip, bracing herself against the bed. She followed after Lexa until they were laying down, Clarke hovering over her. Clarke's mouth left Lexa's in favor of kissing down her neck again, this time not stopping at her collarbone but going lower. Her hands found the clasp on Lexa's bra. Clarke's eyes flicked up to Lexa's looking for any sign that Lexa wanted to stop.
Lexa only nodded eagerly, prompting Clarke to continue. Clarke did just that, pulling Lexa's bra off in one easy motion.
Lexa laughed, "Seems like someone's done this before."
"Lexa I take my bra off all by myself every day."
"If you ever need help, let me know."
"You're seriously flirting with me right now?" Clarke asked, lowering herself ever so slowly. "While I'm lying on top of you, kissing you while shirtless, about to have sex?"
Lexa's voice was strained. "Yes."
"Well that's just adorable." Clarke turned her attention to Lexa's exposed breasts, drawing sighs and gasps out of her. Clarke worked her way lower as well, letting her nose run teasingly down Lexa's abdomen before she began toying with the waistband of Lexa's soft sleep shorts.
Lexa lifted her hips up, allowing Clarke to easily slide them off, underwear and all. Clarke paused for a moment, taking in the sight of her flushed girlfriend, hair spread out, one hand gripping Clarke's thigh. She trailed her fingers along Lexa's hip, watching as she lifted her hips in response.
Clarke trailed her fingers even lower, feeling the wetness that had gathered between Lexa's legs. Lexa gasped at the contact, pushing her hips into Clarke's hand.
"Clarke," she muttered, "please."
"As you wish," Clarke said, enjoying the teasing far too much.
She obliged, pushing one finger slowly into Lexa while her thumb brushed lightly against her clit. She picked up the pace slightly at Lexa's encouragement, adding another finger.. She gripped at Lexa's hip with her other hand, pulling her in closer. They found a rhythm together, Lexa grinding down on Clarke's hand that curled inside her.
Lexa clenched her thighs together, lifting her hips up as her orgasm pulsed through her, before finally collapsing down onto the bed. Clarke removed her fingers and pressed a gentle kiss onto the red marks on Lexa's hip before making her way back up to her girlfriend's mouth.
"Good?" Clarke asked between soft kisses.
"Yes. But we're not done yet."
"We're not?" Clarke asked, grinning knowingly.
Lexa pushed up against Clarke, kissing her hard. She maneuvered them so that she was the one hovering above Clarke. "Absolutely not."
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Finals were grueling but manageable. Grades would be released the week after and Lexa wasn't quite sure if the anticipation was literally going to kill her or not. Their college was semester based, with roommates allowed to resubmit applications for the next semester or submit a request to remain in their same dorm. Lexa, not knowing what Clarke was thinking, had both forms in the bag. She snuck her hand in through the open top, fiddling at the corner of them.
She took a deep breath, Clarke would surely want to stay with her, right? But perhaps as their relationship progressed she would think it be best that they had their own space? Lexa found herself making arguments for each side, which honestly was no help at all. She squared her shoulders as she walked along the path, heading back to the dorm after her final exam. Clarke had finished the day before, where another evening of soft touches and lingering hands took place, followed by a grueling study session insisted upon by Lexa.
But now that was over and done and the girls would be returning to their own homes soon. Lexa entered their dorm hall and showed her ID like always, smiling at the lady working the desk. She trudged up the stairs, her boots hanging heavy on her feet, the price she had to pay to have warm toes. When she finally shouldered open the door, Clarke was asleep in her bed, not that it wasn't expected. Lexa dropped her coat and boots by the door and placed her bag on her bed before kneeling down in front of Clarke's own.
"Babe." She whispered.
Clarke made a sound that could almost be considered a real word.
"Babe." Lexa tried again.
Clarke flipped the covers down, a small frown on her face.
"What?" She asked, her hair a mess.
"Hi." Lexa replied, grinning.
Clarke's frown melted into a smile. "Hi," she whispered back. "Done with exams?"
"You know it. I can literally feel the stress going away."
"Does that have anything to do with last night?" Clarke asked as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
Lexa grinned, "Perhaps."
Clarke shifted until she was sitting up against the wall. She pushed the hair out of her face with one hand and patted the empty spot next to her with the other. Lexa happily obliged, fitting herself comfortably against Clarke's warm side.
"How do you think you did?" Clarke asked as she began tracing patterns on Lexa's palm.
"Good, I think. I have high hopes of being legible for this internship next year, granted everything goes well in the spring."
"Of course it'll go well, you're brilliant."
"Thank you." Lexa paused, nervous to continue. "I've actually been thinking about it. The spring, that is."
"What about it?" Clarke asked, turning her head so that she could see Lexa's face a little better.
"Well you know the school allows us to switch roommates during semester break."
Lexa felt Clarke tense slightly next to her and rushed to continue. "We're also allowed to keep the roommates we have, we just have to submit a confirmation letter. I just didn't know what you would want. I have the applications, for both options. I just wanted to be sure with you."
"Well," Clarke said after a moment. "What do you want?"
"To stay with you," Lexa answered, almost too quickly. "But I don't want to overstep any boundaries, so if you think we should have separate rooms, then I'd respect that."
Clarke gave a soft laugh. "You're amazing, just absolutely amazing. You care so much about me and of course I don't want to get a new dorm. I like our dorm and I like being here with you and plus, who would have custody over Liebling?"
Lexa let out a relieved sigh. "You're great, you know that?"
Clarke grinned, "I do try."
Lexa was quiet as she gathered up the courage to speak again. She finally managed to take a breath and begin. "When I was younger my mother told me that love is weakness. We were studying old battles in history, and it made sense. Love made you do stupid things, make rash decisions, lead entire armies into ruin. So, for a long time I thought she was right." Lexa pulled a strand of Clarke's hair into her fingers and took another breath before continuing. "So I tried to live closed off, and then my best friend left and my other best friend died so for a long time I thought that maybe my mother was right. But I realize now that love is a lot more than weakness. It's fearful and it's daunting, but most importantly it's strength and comfort, it's feeling at home with someone, it's not feeling alone. Love gives us courage." A small pause and then, "You give me courage."
"Lexa Woods, are you saying you love me?"
Lexa felt a slow smile spread across her face. She inhaled and it only got bigger. "Yea, yea I think I am. I love you Clarke Griffin."
Clarke pulled herself up from where she had sunk into Lexa's side and pressed her face close to Lexa's own, so that their noses were a breath's width apart. "Well thank god. Because I love you too."
Clarke leaned forward the rest of the way and kiss her, sweet and tender. Clarke pulled back and opened her eyes to see a matching smile on Lexa's face.
"Now," Clarke said. "Where did you say you put the confirmation papers? I want to submit them before the office closes today."
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