Love Hate Relationship

Chapter 58

It was Sunday morning, and Lexa was the first to arrive, waiting patiently by the entrance of the paintball venue for the rest of the gang. Aden's school rented out the facility all day, and the different groups paid for two-hour time slots. It was usually a very successful fundraiser. After the games were over, all the participants would be treated to free pizza and soda in the large indoor hall.

Lexa was a little apprehensive. This would be the first time she saw Clarke since their little friendship talk a week ago. She had been lying low since the talk, to give herself time to think and to acclimate to this new relationship. She still had major doubts. Especially when she'd be just making her way through her day, and suddenly a Clarke thought would pop into her head. Clarke at the Jordans, laughing with Lexa, not at her. Clarke squealing on the motorcycle. Or her personal favorite, the look in Clarke's eyes when she was dared, that look of determination, how her eyes got steely blue with resolve, narrowing, her brows coming together. Or the way those same eyes looked after a kiss, sleepy, dreamy, half open. This truce would probably be the death of her. Lexa had a feeling she was playing with fire, and she would be the one to get burned.

Finally, the rest of the gang started to arrive. Clarke came with Finn and John Murphy, and Bell brought his friend Brian Miller from work. Raven and Octavia brought Harper.

Lexa gave a little wave to Clarke, cursing the increased pressure inside her chest as she realized how much she missed her. One week now seemed like a lifetime. Super-duper fucked for sure. She gave herself an empty pep talk, that she could do this, that she could be just friends. Yeah, sure.

Clarke stopped in front of her, smiled and hugged her. Lexa breathed her in, wrapping her snugly against her body, her nose buried in her soft hair.

"Hey you," Clarke said, grasping at Lexa's back, not wanting to let go.

"Hey, how are you Clarke?" Lexa released her and took a step back.

"I'm good. Work's been crazy. I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."

"Well, it's only been a week." Lexa tried to act cavalier.

"Seems longer somehow."

"Hi Lexa," Finn said as he came over.

It looked to Lexa like he was unsure of whether to give a hug or a handshake, so when he came in close she stuck her hand out, leaving no room for miscommunication. She wasn't in the hugging mood when it came to him. "Hi Finn."

John Murphy strolled over to Lexa and she reluctantly shook his hand. "Hey John, how's the nose?"

His face reddened slightly, "It's fine. All good. How are you?"

"I'm fine, thanks."

Everybody else hugged hello and chatted excitedly about the upcoming paintball games.

They checked in at the office, rented protective gear, and got their paintball guns. The gear consisted of helmets with visors, gloves and knee pads. Protective vests were also available, and the girls all made sure to get one, but the boys decided to tough it out. They also offered boots if anyone needed them, but they all declined, each feeling they would be able to move better in their own shoes.

They stood around and listened to the rules of the game. Their group would be on one of the large, outdoor fields. They were playing "Capture the Flag." Each team would get a flag that they would keep at their home base, on opposite ends of the field. The object was to steal the other team's flag and bring it back to their base without being shot. They were also instructed on how to shoot their guns, how to change out the "hopper," which was the cartridge full of paint pellets. Since they were playing three games, they were given three different colors of paintballs, making it easier to tell when someone was shot as they moved through each round.