Might As Well

Chapter 3

"You guys weren't kidding about this place, huh?" Clarke asked as they walked into the bar. Everyone was casual and there was a certain sensation to it where providing ambiance lived on the back burner and the results of neglect brought a specific brand of unintended ambiance to the forefront. It was dirty in a way that worked for its aesthetic. The smell of too many cleaning products hung in the air with stale popcorn and sour beer. "I didn't know anything like this still existed in LA. At least not in a way that wasn't planned or ironic."

"I don't like to question miracles when I see them," Octavia said as she waved to Lincoln sitting at the bar. He sat between two women who turned over their shoulders when he waved with glee at his fiancé.

"Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise!" Anya grinned. She and Lexa both had running clothes on and the fresh sweat of activity.

"You didn't say your girl gang was here," Octavia leaned in for a kiss.

"They just showed up!" Lincoln pointed to their full beers. He hopped off his bar stool and offered it to Raven who obliged.

"Clarke! Welcome home!" Anya smiled at Clarke. Lexa perked up at the mention of Clarke's name and paid a touch of extra attention to the way Clarke's careless white t shirt clung and hung in all the right places. "I'll hug you in twenty when this sweat dries!"

"I'm not scared. I'm covered in wine stains. Get over here," Clarke gave Anya a friendly hug.

"I always liked you," Anya chuckled. "Clarke, this is Lexa, my best friend in the whole wide world," Anya gestured at Lexa who sat coolly with a polite half smile on. She had her hair pulled back in a tight bun and wore a damp tank top featuring the shoulders and arms Clarke had been previously admiring. Her neck and chest were still sweaty.

Clarke thought about sex again.

"Hi," Lexa held her hand out to shake. "Lexa," she brightened the tiniest bit when Clarke took her hand.

"Clarke," Clarke replied with a softness that surprised herself.

A fraction of pause teeming with electricity lingered between them.

She was even hotter in person.

"Lexa, Clarke said she'd be your girlfriend," Octavia blurted out. Clarke let out a laugh. Anya whipped her head around to Octavia with a wide, openmouthed smile.

"Jesus Christ," Lexa muttered and looked away. "I'm really sorry for whatever she has said to you. I had nothing to do with it. I am not soliciting a girlfriend." She held her hands up in defense. "I am also not soliciting a fake girlfriend to go to this stupid wedding with me."

"Too bad," Clarke shrugged and took the beer Lincoln offered to her with a grin.

"I'm sorry?" Lexa shook her head.

"That's too bad," Clarke repeated and took a big gulp from her beer. "I totally would've gone with you. I fuckin' love weddings."

"Holy shit, it's happening," Anya whispered and clutched Octavia by the forearm.

"But you don't even know me," Lexa squinted at Clarke, trying to figure her out.

"These two said you're cool," Clarke shrugged and pointed at Raven and Octavia. "And I've got nothing else going on."

"Are you serious right now?" Anya's beer lingered halfway to her mouth, completely forgotten in the excitement of the plan coming together.

"Sure," Clarke's grin grew sheepish when she looked Lexa's way. "Why not?"

"But," Lexa tried.

Nothing came.

"She said she'd do it!" Anya threw her hands in the air.