That's Why I Love You

Chapter 22

Lexa

Sunlight peeked in through the window, forcing me to wake. I reluctantly opened my eyes and sighed. I felt the rising motion of a breath next to me and smiled. Instead of having to leave right after we made love the first time, Clarke could stay here now.

Wanting to be closer to her, I turned and wrapped my arm around her waist and pressed my lips against the bottom of her neck, right where my tattoo was on me. Clarke stirred and smiled.

"Has our week of staying in bed started?" Clarke said mischievously. I bit my lip with worry.

Titus still had to be dealt with. I had to talk with the Ambassadors about what happened in Arkadia. As much as I would love to hide Clarke away for myself, the Ambassadors would be angry if I kept our relationship from them, especially if I let Clarke influence my decisions again.

"I..." I said, trailing off. Clarke nodded, understanding.

"It's okay." Clarke murmured.

"You're still an Ambassador, so we'll see each other when I discuss what happened in Arkadia." I said, pulling her hair away from her face. She turned over to face me.

"When we both discuss." Clarke corrected.

I nodded and smiled. "When we both discuss. And you can come with me when I go and train the Nightbloods. Maybe you can join them." I smirked.

Clarke's eyes widened. "Uh...I don't know."

"You don't have to be perfect but..." I trailed off, thinking about Costia. I had been with her right after I took command. My power was questioned by everyone, especially by those who knew about Luna. I hadn't yet realized how many enemies I really had. I hadn't realized the Ice Nation had been one of them. Costia knew less about defending herself than Clarke currently did. Costia wasn't a warrior in any way, so she was even more of an easy target. "I just need you to be safe."

I could tell Clarke knew why I was so worried. She looked up at me and slipped her hand through mine, trailing her thumb over my fingers.

"I'll do it." She said. "But only if you'll teach me."

I smirked. "I would love to."

She leaned up and gently pressed her lips to mine, draping her arm around my neck and pulling me closer. I smiled, thinking about how perfect things were right now, at least for Clarke and I. Yes, Titus may be executed or banished. Yes, Arkadia may have problems with this "Alie" person. And yes, there was the fact that Luna's men attacked me, although I'm sure that was just a misunderstanding. But there wasn't a war to plan or anything separating Clarke and I.

I pulled away and smiled down adoringly at Clarke. She tucked a stand of hair behind my ear. She looked distracted for a moment before focusing back on me.

"I love you." She said surely.

My heart stopped. I looked at Clarke with disbelief. My straight mouth turned into a wide smile as our eyes lit up with joy.

I realized now that I had loved Clarke since Mount Weather. I had loved her everyday since, but it was always in the back of my mind. It never seemed as if she felt the same, so I hid the emotion away to where no one could see it.

But now she could see it. And I wanted her to.

"I love you." I said, melting my lips with hers once again. After we broke apart, Clarke wrapped her arms around my neck and buried her face in it. I pressed my body against hers, feeling every curve on mine.

We stayed like this for what seemed like hours. Just in our own thoughts that seemed to be connected. I loved her. She loved me. All was right with the world as long as I had this knowledge.