The One Who's Fallen

Chapter 87

Clarke's POV       (Aka clexa fluff)

It doesn't get any easier, waking up early. At least now I have Lexa next to me, even though it's usually her that wakes me up.

Today for some reason I have woken up before her and so I take the time to watch her sleep. She looks so peaceful. Lexa rarely looks like this when she's awake unless she's alone with me. Or after the end of an 'eventful' night.

Lexa's head is resting on my shoulder and she's curled up against my side. I gently run my fingers through her hair. She moves a bit and I freeze, hoping I didn't wake her up. She needs more sleep. Lexa snuggles further against me and sighs sleepily. Her eyes are still closed and I don't see any signs that she's conscious.

I continue running my fingers through her hair until she starts waking up. Lexa inhales deeply and scrunches up her nose like she hates waking up in the morning as much as I do. It's the cutest thing, and I can't resist leaning over and kissing her nose. Immediately, her features smooth out and she smiles widely, her eyes still closed.

Lexa stretches her limbs and blinks her eyes open like a sleepy kitten. My heart melts into a puddle in my chest when she smiles wider when she catches sight of me.

"Morning," I murmur.

"Good morning," Lexa responds, her voice hoarse.

There's noises coming from outside our tent but I ignore them in favor of running my fingers along Lexa's bicep tattoo. She hums contently and lets her head drop back into my shoulder.

"We will need to get up soon," Lexa says quietly.

"That doesn't mean we have to get up now." I grumble back, earning a kiss to the cheek.

"You are right, but you were very nervous yesterday about the radios Raven is building for you."

I groan. Of course I'm nervous. Raven's reassured me that my mom's okay, but I haven't heard from her (for obvious reasons) since I got down here. Also, there's Jaha and the Council's reaction to the Grounders and Lexa's authority to worry about.

"Ugh. Fine." I grumble. I can't move, though. "Babe, if you want us to get up you should get off of me."

"You are comfortable." Lexa states.

She doesn't move for a moment. Then she sits up in bed, the furs falling down around her waist. I take in her exposed skin, reaching up to trace the tattoo on her back. Lexa sighs and leans back into my touch.

"Lex, if you want us to leave this bed anytime soon we should get our clothes on." I say.

I hate that I'm so sensible sometimes. Putting off the inevitable is much more fun than being responsible. Especially when procrastinating means I can stay in bed with Lexa for longer.

Lexa's back is to me so she turns her head in order to be able to see me. I notice the small frown on her face. "Should I wear my warpaint?"

"Why would you need to?" I ask, sitting up as well.

"Raven is a fast worker, and I have little doubt we will end up talking to the ArkKru today. Should I wear it? It may intimidate them into submission."

I laugh, imagining how they would react to seeing her. "Or it could make them defensive and defiant. You should wear your Heda's armor. If you think it will be necessary, or will make you more confident, I won't stop you from wearing your kohl (warpaint)."

"Why would I need to feel confident? I am the Heda, Clarke." Lexa puffs up her chest dramatically, smiling beautifully when I giggle.

"Well, you will be meeting my mother for the first time." I point out, fighting the urge to laugh when I notice the color draining from Lexa's face. "Don't worry, it might take her a while to wrap her head around me dating the gorgeous Grounder Commander, but she will come around. Eventually."

"You think I am gorgeous?" Lexa asks, her cheeks turning a light red.

"That's what you got from that?" I laugh. "Yu ste meizen (you are beautiful)." I kiss her flushed cheek.

"Mochof, ai hodnes (thank you, my love)." Lexa responds.

I swoon. "Okay, we should get going. Otherwise we're not leaving this bed until tomorrow morning."

Lexa nods, still smiling as she stands. The furs stay on the bed and my eyes rake across her body as she bends down to grab her sleep clothes we tossed on the floor last night. She turns and winks at me when she notices I'm staring.

"Stupid responsibilities." I grumble, getting up.

We've been keeping my armor next to Lexa's in her wardrobe, so I walk over to where she is. She takes in my naked body with hunger, trying (and failing) to be subtle with her ogling. I start putting on my clothes while Lexa finishes up. After she's done, I hear her stifle laughter. I look up and notice that Lexa's looking at me. More specifically, my neck.

"What?" I ask, frowning at her.

She directs me towards the small mirror she keeps for when she does her kohl. I look in and gasp, my hand flying to my neck while Lexa bursts out laughing.

"What the heck, Lexa? My neck looks like a hungry vampire got to it!" I complain, turning to Lexa with a scowl. "That is the biggest a hickey I've ever seen! Lex, stop laughing!"

Lexa composes herself quickly, still snickering a bit. "Moba (sorry), Clarke. I did not think it would get that bad."

I study the little exposed skin her armor shows and smirk. "Well, at least I've got revenge. You have one on your collarbone. Oh, and one under your jaw. They're smaller, though."

"Clarke!" Lexa whines, looking in the mirror.

"Now you get to explain to Anya and Luna where you got them," I tease.

"You have to talk to Raven and your mother with that on your neck," Lexa retorts.

I groan. This is going to be an interesting day.

Next chapter, they go talk to Raven and see if the radio's done! Thank you all for reading and for your amazing comments! Stay awesome!