Chapter Text
“Lex, you home?” Clarke called from the front door. After their impromptu make-out session the previous day, they went to dinner then talked about what was next. Lexa was completely unsure how to date in a small town where she virtually knew nothing about the area. They decided to have a night in and the brunette offered to cook dinner after Clarke was off work. The doctor had knocked a few times, but got no answer, so she poked her head in the door. “Lexa?”
“In the kitchen!” Clarke made her way through the house to the kitchen where she was blown away by the sight of a candle lit table, with flowers and wine poured. There was also soft, instrumental music playing as Lexa was plating the braised lamb shanks she had prepared.
The blonde walked around the counter and slipped one arm around the cook as she nuzzled her nose into the crook of Lexa’s neck just below her ear. “Hi.”
“Hey you. Go, sit. I’ll bring it over.”
Clarke hummed. “There was a guy outside, he gave me these.” She jingled the set of keys in her hand. “You got a fully loaded Jeep Rubicon?”
Lexa coughed slightly. “Yeah, I did.”
“The BMW wasn’t doing it for you, huh?”
“Oh, no I love the beemer. I just wanted something bigger.”
Clarke eyed her curiously as she sat down at the table, knowing there must be a reason. Lexa had mentioned her love for the care on more than one occasion. “I mean, height wise, it’s larger, yes. But it doesn’t seat more people or anything.”
“I know but I don’t want to put Sam in the car. He’s going to be like ninety pounds. That’s a lot of dog to put into the back seat of a car.” She said their plates down and took a seat across from Clarke at the table.
“Wait. So you bought a new vehicle to make your dog comfortable? Your dog that you haven’t even brought home yet, and who is currently twenty pounds?”
“It’s ridiculous, I know. But -”
Clarke reached over the middle of the table and grabbed Lexa’s hand with a smile. “Hey, it’s not ridiculous. It’s completely adorable and thoughtful.” She rubbed small, slow circles into the back of the nervous hand. “Dinner looks fantastic. Where did you learn to cook like this?”
“Anya’s dad, Anthony. He comes from a long line of Italians, so cooking is in his blood. He’s the chef at one of his restaurants in San Diego.”
Clarke hummed and sipped her wine. “Anya doesn’t not look Italian.”
“Oh, no. She’s adopted, and her brother Lincoln too. He’s sixteen.”
They continue chatting, learning things they hadn’t yet discussed in their nearly two month friendship. Clarke learned Lexa hates lima beans, Lexa learned Clarke doesn't have a favorite color. The night carried on and ended with a steamy make out session that Clarke put an end to before it could progress. The epitome of a perfect first date.
Friday rolled around and Lexa nearly fell out of bed as she got up. The excitement of finally bringing home Sam had hit her full force. She had ordered everything from leashes and training leads to crates and puppy pads. There were three baskets of rope toys, tennis balls and orange water training bumpers. She looked at the alarm clock as still had an hour and a half before Nyko would be at his office, so she decided to run on the treadmill then shower. She could barely contain herself as bounded up the steps to the vet’s office.
“Nyko. I'm here.”
“Lexa! My mom is letting me get one of Sam’s sisters!” Olivia yelled excitedly as she came to a stop in front of the unexpected Blake women. “She said we can raise them together, and they can be best friends since we're sisters and they're brother and sister.”
“Oh of course! That's such a great idea.” She looked to Aurora, who looked somewhat guilty. “Which one are you taking?”
“This one!” Nyko’s booming voice entered the room. “Here ya go, little Liv. She is all chipped and collared and her shots have been given.”
Olivia smiled and clapped her hands together excitedly. “Lexa, this is Hera.”
“Hera? Nice name.” Lexa looked over the puppy. She was sure this was the one that crawled into Clarke's lap that very first day. She was nearly the opposite markings as Sam, more husky looking than shepard.
The young girl shrugged. “Bell likes mythology. Hera is my favorite from his stories.”
“It's a good name, Liv.” Aurora assures as she runs her fingers through her daughter's hair.
“It is a very good name. I am so glad I have an expert to help me raise Sam.” Lexa smiled softly. “We can have play dates and talk them on walks together.”
“Yay! This is so exciting.” Olivia tool the leash from Nyko and Hera pulled and tried to run out the front door. “Okay mom, Hera is ready to go. Let's go home. I'll see you later Lexa!”
“Bye Liv.” The brunette and the Nyko watched as the two Blake's left the office. “So, Nyko. Buddy ol’ pal. Where is my boy?”
“Come on little one. Let's go get him.” Nyko lead them down the hallway to the familiar holding room. “You know, a lot of people have staked their claim on these pups, but you are the only one who has bothered to come and bond with yours. He's a lucky dog to have you, Lexa.”
“I'm just trying to give him the home he deserves.”
Nyko stopped in the doorway to the room after allowing her to pass. He watched silently as Sam excitedly runs to her, knowing she is his human. She clipped her leash to his collar and stands back at full height. “Okay bud, you ready?” The she looked back at Nyko who was giving her a fond smile from his spot. “What?”
“I feel like maybe someone has never told you this Lexa, but you are far more than anyone deserves.” He didn't wait for a response, which Lexa was grateful for because she didn't have one. She stood, silenced for a moment by his kind words, before moving out of the back room. At the front counter Nyko doesn't meet her eye, focusing instead on the paperwork in front of him. “You're good to go. He’s microchipped and everything. If you need something, give me a call.”
“Thanks Nyko. For everything.” She responded genuinely. “Come on Sam, time to go home.”
Once outside, she lead the pup her newest vehicle. She switched the leash to a short, two foot lead. She placed him in the passenger seat then quickly made her way around to the driver side. Once she slid in, she held onto the lead as she backed up out of her parking spot. This was to ensure Sam couldn't fall or jump out of the window of vehicle. Instead of being interested in the window and the passing outside world, Sam was more keen on climbing into Lexa’s lap. She initially pushed him out, trying to drive safely, but after about three minutes of him trying and then whining, she gave in and let him come into her lap. The rest of the drive was spent with Sam’s rear legs planted firmly between hers on the driver's seat as his front paws were on the door arm rest. His tongue was out as he happily watched the world pass. Occasionally, he would look back at Lexa and lick her cheek.
“Okay Sam. We're home.” She unbuckled her seat belt then lifted the puppy as she got out of the car. The first stop was the grass so outside of the garage so that he could relieve himself prior to entering the house. When they finally got into the house, Sam immediately began sniffing every surface he could reach. Lexa followed close behind him, smiling as he moved from item to item. They finally got to the living room and he found his bed, which had a rope toy and a stuffed squirrel in it. He immediately went to the rope toy, picked it up and laid down in his bed as he chewed.
Lexa sat on the couch and flipped on the TV as he settled down. That’s how the rest of the day went, Sam discovering the house as Lexa watched, until Clarke showed up around 6pm.
It was a few hours later, Lexa leaned over the softly snoring body tucked into her side on the couch to reach for her vibrating phone. She was pressed to the back with Clarke stretched out on her side and Sam in front of Clarke, equally as passed out. A smile tugged at her lips as she pressed a kiss to blonde’s temple.
[Octavia 9:30pm] So, remember how I mentioned homecoming is tonight?
[Lexa 9:32pm] Yes. What do you need, liquor? Not happening, you just turned fifteen.
[Octavia 9:36pm] No, I was hoping you would come pick me up?
[Octavia 9:36pm] If you’re busy or whatever with Clarke, I totally understand.
[Octavia 9:36pm] Atom is just being a dick and I want to go home, but I can wait til Bell is ready.
[Lexa 9:37pm] Whoa, whoa. Slow down. I can come get you, it’s not a problem. Text me the address.
[Octavia 9:38pm] Are you sure you don’t mind?
[Lexa 9:38] Positive.
Another message came with the address as Lexa attempted to rouse Clarke from her slumber. The blonde hummed and rolled back slightly, but didn’t wake. Sam, on the other hand, popped up and looked around confused as to what was happening.
“Babe.” Lexa tried again, gently shaking her girlfriend’s shoulder. “Come on babe. Wake up.”
Slowly, Clarke cracked open her eyes. “Hmm?”
“Come on, up to bed.”
“Only if Sam can come too.”
“Oh I see, you’re only using me for my puppy.”
“You caught me.” Clarke smirked. “Although, you are almost equally as cuddly.”
“Cuddle equality for all.” Lexa rose from the couch, then pulled the doctor along by the elbow. “Come on, let’s get you settled then I need to go pick up Octavia.”
The blonde frowned. “She’s not having fun at homecoming?”
“She said that boy she’s sort of seeing, Atom, is being a dick.”
“Oh. Do you want me to come with you?”
They had made it all the way up the stairs during their conversation, now standing at the foot of Lexa’s bed.
“No, it’s okay. I feel like she and I are making real progress in this whole family adjustment thing, ya know? I need to do this stuff on my own for now.”
“I get it.” Clarke shrugged. “I’ll watch Sam and wait for you to come back.”
“Thanks babe. You’re welcome to anything you want from the closet to get more comfortable.” Lexa leaned in and press a chaste kiss to Clarke’s lips before head toward the door. Sam scampered along behind her, trying to follow. “Not you buddy, you have to stay here and protect Clarke from the big bad mirror.” She looked to her girlfriend who snorted a laugh and walked over to collect the puppy. Earlier in the evening, Sam had discovered the floor length mirror and thought his reflection was another dog. Growling, barking and jumping all ensued.
Clarke picked him up then waved his little paw for him. “Say bye to your mama.” Sam cocked his head to the side at Clarke then whined as Lexa stepped out of the door. “Don't worry Sam. She'll be right back, I promise.”
Lexa quickly ran down the stairs, heart breaking slightly as Sam whined loudly through the door. She grabbed her keys from the kitchen counter then hurried into the garage, popped open the driver door of the jeep then hopped in. She drove to the address in Octavia’s text then waited in the jeep after sending the young girl an “i’m here” text. After nearly ten minutes without her half sister showing, Lexa got out and made her way into the house. Not naive to the situation, she knew this was the after party for the homecoming dance. It’s more than likely that most people at the after party never even made it to the dance in the first place. The front porch was occupied by three separate couples making out.
“Typical.” She muttered out loud as she pushed passed the jock leaning on the doorway leering at her. “Don’t even try it.” She shook her head then continued to push into the living room, where most of the party seemed to be gathered. He gazed flicked over all the faces present and she saw no one she recognized. She turned to keep moving through the house when she was tapped on her shoulder.
“You’re Lexa, right?” The short brunette asked with on hand in her back pocket and one hand around a red cup.
“I am. Who are you?”
“Ontari, O’s best friend.”
Lexa nodded. “I see. Nice to meet you. Do you know where she is?”
“In the backyard, talking to Atom.”
“Is Bellamy here?”
Ontari looked around bashfully. “I, uh, think he’s up stairs.”
“Drugs or sex?”
“Uh. What?”
Lexa sighed. “Is he up stairs doing drugs or having sex?”
“Oh. He’s with Hannah, so probably neither. They are probably nerding out over some new scientific discovery or something.”
“Okay.” Lexa moved toward the backyard and Ontari followed. “Are Hannah and Bellamy dating?”
The younger girl snorted. “Oh, he wishes. Hannah has a no dating til she’s accepted to college rule. Bell is so into her though.”
“Ah yes, pining. Been there, done that.” Lexa took note of the kitchen and the girls who were in their bras and panties doing keg stands. No one seemed to be too drunk to still be having fun. She noticed a boy off to the side taking pictures of one of the girls on his phone. She snatched it as she passed.
“Hey!”
“What’s your name?” She questioned as she looked through the pictures. Most of them were of the girls who were standing near the keg with half of their clothes off.
“Jasper. Now give me my phone.”
“Nope.” She looked to Ontari, then to the girls. “Hey, ladies. Does Jasper here have permission to take pictures of you right now?” The girls all shook their head, denying consent. She nodded, then clicked the select all option and deleted all of the photos from the night. “Consent is key, Jasper. No more pictures.” She tossed him his phone back then continued walking out of the house. She finally spotted Octavia once she stepped foot on the back patio.
“No, I know what I saw Atom. You were all over her!”
“I swear I wasn’t. Come on O, you’re being crazy.” Atom rebutted and Octavia looked around at the gathering crowd. She locked eyes with Lexa and then Ontari who was still standing near her sister.
“My ride is here. I’m leaving.”
“Hey!” He reached out and grabbed her by the arm. “Don’t walk away from me. I’m not done talking to you.”
“Let me go Atom.” Octavia lowered her voice to a near growl. She sounded pissed, dangerous even.
“No, we’re going to talk about all of this. Right now.”
“No, you’re going to let me go, and I’ll think about calling you tomorrow or Sunday. You have three seconds to take your hands off me.”
He tightens his grip and pulls her more towards him. “Listen to me, right now -”
He isn’t able to finish his sentence before Octavia’s fist connects with his face. A wicked right cross landed on his left cheekbone causing him to release his grip. She pulled her arm back to swing again, but she was wrapped in two strong arms from behind and pulled away from him.
“Nice shot, but that’s enough.” Lexa whispered as she pulled the younger girl back. “Come on, let’s go.”
“Holy shit O, where did you learn to throw a punch like that?” Ontari yelled excitedly. Her best friend didn’t verbally respond, just nodded her head in Lexa’s direction. “Cool.”
“You need a ride home too?” Lexa looked to Ontari before hopping in the jeep.
“Oh, no. This is my house, thanks though. I’ll tell Bell you left.”
“Thank Ri.”
“No problem O.”
The drive home was wordless, neither one of them knowing what to say. Octavia is the first to speak up when Lexa pulled into her own driveway.
“Uh, I thought you were taking me home?”
“I will, but you landed that punch weird and your hand is swelling. Clarke is here, she can look at it.”
“Clarke is here, huh? Just hanging around your house, waiting for you to come back?”
Lexa chuckles. “She is watching Sam, I brought him home today. Also, we started officially dating for your information, so curb the sarcastic innuendos will ya?”
“Fine, fine. But Bellamy owes me twenty.”
They made their way inside and Lexa instructed the younger girl to sit at the kitchen bar. She tossed her an ice pack and then went up stairs to get Clarke. She opened the door as quietly as possible and found a sleepy blonde propped up against the headboard, reading a book. Sam was next to her and he popped up excitedly as she walked it. He ran to the foot of the bed and jumped toward Lexa. She caught him with a giggle as he started licking her face.
“So, Octavia may or may not have broken a bone in her hand. She’s in the kitchen.”
Clarke sighed deeply. “How?”
“Punched that disrespectful shit of a ‘boyfriend’ of hers in the face. He totally deserved it.” She explained as she nuzzled into Sam’s ruff.
“Well, I am going to need pants then.” The blonde resigned as she slipped from the bed wearing a shirt of Lexa’s and her underwear.
“Sam, remind me to take the twenty Octavia is getting from Bellamy. She owes me.” Lexa groaned as she watch the doctor slowly slip into sweatpants. "This one is going to be the death of me."