Our Journey (the Fourth Book in the Her Weakness series)

Chapter 54

Clarke's POV

It takes longer than usual for us to get ready that morning, initially because I wanted to cuddle more with my girlfriend. Then it was because Raven and Octavia would burst into laughter whenever they reminded each other that Lexa has told them she's a candle ho. Which is hilarious, but not literally-rolling-on-the-floor hilarious. Yet it was for Octavia and Raven.

Lexa and I end up getting up and getting dressed once Raven and Octavia have finished dying laughing and meeting them downstairs for breakfast instead of getting it in bed. I don't trust them to not drop our food with their random bursts of giggles.

We head out into the candle city. Once I explain what brought up the whole "Lexa's a candle ho" discussion, we have to pause to let Raven and Octavia cackle again.

The city is beautiful, and the buildings look really cool. When I brush my fingers along it, it feels rough yet from a distance, the walls look smooth. The lanterns cast a glow on the city, and there are lanterns everywhere. I can't even imagine how many they go through in a day.

"There are so many lanterns and candles. Lexa must be in heaven." Raven jokes.

"Clarke says it better." Octavia says.

"Yeah, Reyes. Stop trying to steal my jokes, make your own." I say, poking her in the side. She squeaks and pouts at me. "That doesn't work on me, Rae. I look at Lexa's cuteness all day, I'm immune to any less cute attempts at manipulating me."

"Are you saying Lexa's cuter than me?" Raven gasps, clutching dramatically at her chest.

"Yes." I say without having to think about it.

Raven pouts again. "Rude."

"Okay. Have you seen her face when we cuddle?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. "Look at this."

After silently making sure Lexa's okay with this, I let go of Lexa's hand in order to wrap my arms around Lexa's waist from behind, resting my head on her shoulder. I can see the light flush on her face and the shy smile that instantly breaks across her face. She turns her head and presses a kiss to my lips.

"I see it now. That's fair. I take back my outrage." Raven says.

I kiss Lexa's cheek and hold her for a second longer before I am back at her side, holding her hand. We continue walking and Lexa explains to us the different types of lighting that they're using and some background information too.

"This city used to be only used to hide in, which is why some of the oldest buildings look hastily built. It is because they were, and often not meant to be permanent. Many of those houses have had to be updated so that they do not collapse or fall apart. People often found they could not stay here for long, too afraid of the darkness that was all around them." Lexa explains.

"I don't blame them. Living in the equivalent of a tent made of like mud and being in the dark constantly? I would want to leave too." Octavia admits.

"Aww, are you afraid of the dark?" Raven coos.

"No, I'm afraid of what might be in the dark. And don't act like you wouldn't be afraid too, Rae. We were taking a walk at night once and something moved nearby and you literally leapt into my arms." Octavia reminds her, to Lexa and I's amusement.

"It was romantic, I leapt into your arms." Raven argues.

"That was not romantic, you yelped and practically tackled me."

They continue to bicker while Lexa continues telling me about this place. "The darkness is still something that keeps many from wanting to live here, but the people who do have learned to adapt. At least one day a week, everyone can have off in order to go to the top of the cliff and get sun. There is a nearly constant farmers market and places to go up there."

"Sounds nice." I murmur.

"It is. I have not been in years, but it is a rather long walk."

"If you want to go, I'll go with you." I say.

Lexa hesitates. "It is a really long walk, Clarke. That is why I hesitate. Do you see the top of the cliff? We would be walking up a steep tunnel that goes higher than that."

I bite back a groan. That sounds like it'll murder my legs. "Ride or die, babe."

Raven and Octavia, who have finally stopped their bickering, aww at my declaration.

"I do not know what that means." Lexa admits.

"It means that if you want to go up there, I'll go with you. Will you give me a back massage afterwards?" I ask.

"Yes, of course." Lexa nods.

"Then I'll definitely go, sure. I'll give you a back massage after too."

Lexa smiles brightly. "Mochof, Clarke."

"I would go, but I don't think it would be good for my leg." Raven says.

"If you would actually like to go, the tunnel is large enough for horses and even wagons."

"So we don't have to walk up? We could just take horses?" I groan.

Lexa smiles at me, chuckling. "Yes, we can. I was curious to see if you were willing to come without a horse."

"You are so giving me a massage afterwards, then." I grumble, but end up beaming at her when Lexa innocently pecks my cheek. She's so cute.

"That was great, Lexa." Raven laughs. "And yeah, I'll go. O, you in?"

"Ride or die, babe." Octavia says seriously. I have no doubt that she actually means it.

"I still am not certain what that means."

"It basically means 'I'll do stuff with or for you even if it's stupid because I love you.' Like me leading an army because Nia captured you."

Lexa nods. "Alright. Then let's ride, Clarke."

I snort in amusement. "Literally, right? We're taking horses? Not hiking all that way?"

"Yes, hodnes. Literally."

Next chapter, they go on top of the cliff! Then the next clan! Thank you all for reading and for your amazing comments! Stay awesome!