Corrupted Constructs

Chapter 13

About half an hour into the movie, Lexa presses the pause button as she asks, "I think this really calls for some popcorn. Would you like something else to drink?"

Clarke looks at her, the frozen image on the tv reflecting in her eyes, then she shakes her head, so Lexa makes her way over to the pantry where she pulls out a bag of microwavable corn kernels and she tosses it in the microwave.

While the corn pops, she quickly washes and dries the two now empty mugs after declining Clarke's offer to help, then she returns with two glasses of water before putting the warm popcorn into a large bowl and carrying that over to the couch as well.

Lexa starts the movie up again as she gets comfortable under her blanket with the popcorn on her lap. Then, she looks over at Clarke and says teasingly, "You know, if you want some of my popcorn, you better make your way over here, because there is no way I am leaving my comfortable spot."

Clarke seems to hesitate for a few seconds, but the smell of freshly popped corn must have convinced her, because she soon makes her way over to the large couch and sits down after reaching into the bowl to grab a large handful of popcorn.

Alexandria looks at the blonde in amusement because rather than just taking popcorn from the large bowl as she went, she was using one hand as a smaller bowl. But the amusement quickly evaporates as she realizes that maybe the blonde is trying to avoid any accidental touches after Lexa's rejection.

So, as the movie plays and they peacefully chew on their popcorn, Lexa can't seem to stop her eyes from occasionally wandering over to the blonde. Her face, her arms, her bare legs.

Bare legs that are covered in goosebumps.

Alexandria puts the bowl to the side before lifting the side of her blanket and saying, "You are cold. Come here."

Again, Lexa can sense the hesitation in the blonde, but ultimately, Clarke does scoot a little closer to her so that she can cover her legs with the warm blanket.

Lexa was very aware of the fact that she had several other blankets available for the blonde to use and she really didn't mean to send mixed signals by inviting Clarke closer to her after pushing her away over and over again, but something inside of her just needed Clarke a little bit closer. She just felt drawn to the blonde like a moth to a flame. There was something... special about the other woman and Lexa couldn't place a finger on it, but she just wasn't able to stay away.

Honestly, that was the reason she had even suggested watching a movie together. Or for Clarke to stay over. Because she wouldn't usually start watching tv this late in the evening, not even on a Friday. But it was the only thing she could think of to get to be closer to Clarke for a little while longer. Not only in hopes of being near her, but also, and especially because she didn't want Clarke to pull away again just like she had after she had told the blonde to tone it down with the texts and calls.

On the contrary.

--

Clarke is exhausted at this point after another long week of work with little sleep. She isn't sure how she is going to stay awake after the movie to search Lexa's condo. Really, she probably should have declined watching a movie with Lexa because that might have stopped Lexa from going to bed so late as well, which would have given her the opportunity to start her search sooner. However, if Lexa was planning on staying up and watching a movie regardless, watching it with her was the only way for Clarke to stay awake. Besides, hanging out with Lexa would help the other part of the mission; getting the brunette to trust her more.

But now, Clarke's eyes are slowly slipping closed as her body slumps down further into the couch.

When she wakes up again, Lexa is gently rubbing her hand over Clarke's upper arm in an effort to wake her, the subtitles are playing, and at some point during her short nap, she must have slumped to the side because her head is resting against Lexa's side.