The Surprise Visit

 

“There you are!”

 

Lexa startled at the sudden noise and looked up from her stack of notes, her glasses slipping slightly down the bridge of her nose. Clarke nonchalantly pushed them back into place, and her fingers left a burning trail on Lexa’s skin before she took the empty seat next to her. “I’ve been trying to find your super secret spot for the past fifteen minutes!”

 

“You have?”

 

“I thought you could use some caffeine.” Clarke reached into her backpack and pulled out a rather tall travel mug and two paper cups. She unscrewed the lid and began to pour, dividing the still steaming liquid into the cups.

 

“Oh,” Lexa reached across the table and placed her hand on Clarke’s, gently stopping her. “Thank you, but I don’t drink coffee.”

 

Clarke spared a glance down to Lexa’s hand still on hers, and Lexa quickly pulled it back, folding her hands in her lap. Clarke smirked at her and continued pouring. “I know that, silly. It’s earl grey tea.”

 

“I… thank you.” Lexa graciously accepted the offered cup of tea and brought it to her lips. The hot paper cup slowly heated her cold hands, and the first sip warmed her chest in a way that had her sighing and relaxing into the back of her chair.

 

Clarke hummed appreciatively as she took her own sip. She set her tea down on the table and leaned forward on her elbows, suddenly very excited. “So... you haven’t updated me on that guy in your Latin America class lately. What’s going on there? Did you shut him down?”

 

Lexa swallowed the gulp of tea she just took and rolled her eyes at Clarke. “I told him I was a lesbian last week.”

 

“And…?”

 

Lexa took in a deep breath and subtly shook her head, annoyance dripping from every inch of her body. “He said, and I quote: ‘Oh, that’s okay. My cousin’s best friend is a lesbian. Should I pick you up at seven tonight?’”

 

“You’re kidding.”

 

“Nope,” Lexa enunciated brutally. “And he’s still asking me after nearly every class to join him for coffee or dinner.”

 

“There is Plan B.”

 

“What Plan B?” It took Lexa less than a second to remember that very elaborate and far-fetched plan that Clarke had concocted on the bus those few weeks ago. “Come on. I’m not going to hit the guy with a rainbow. And I already told you, I don’t even own a rainbow-colored notebook.”

 

Clarke smirked, and without another word, reached into her backpack and pulled out a laptop. Before long, Lexa was back to studying for her midterm to the constant yet calming rhythm of Clarke typing away on her computer.

 

Lexa was just re-familiarizing herself with the Treaty of Tordesillas when she heard the distinct zip of a backpack. She looked up to find Clarke standing, her side of the table completely clear, with her bag slung over her shoulder. “It’s getting pretty late,” she sighed. “I should probably head back to my dorm.”

 

Lexa glanced at her watch, and her eyes widened when she caught the time. “I think I’m done too,” Lexa smiled. “Let me pack up, and we’ll walk out together?”

 

Clarke just returned her smile and nodded, standing to the side as Lexa quickly yet carefully stuffed her notes back into her messenger bag. She stood and gestured for Clarke to lead the way. They walked side by side silently out into the crisp autumn air, their shoulders gently brushing now and then.

 

“My dorm is this way.” Clarke paused in the little fork in the path and gazed almost sorrowfully to the left.

 

“My apartment is down there,” Lexa pointed in the opposite direction.

 

“Oh, off campus. Nice.” Though Clarke’s words and tone were sweet, her eyes betrayed her. “Well, this was fun. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

 

“Of course,” Lexa smiled. “Practice at 4:30.”

 

“Right.” Clarke looked at her feet and expertly kicked at a pebble sending it soaring in the direction of Lexa’s apartment. Lexa’s eyes followed the tiny rock until she heard Clarke speak once again. “Goodnight, Lexa.” Clarke smiled once more, tucked her hands in her coat pocket, and began her trek away from Lexa.

 

Lexa glanced down the softly lit path that led to Clarke’s dorm. She could walk her home. It would add a good half hour to her trek back to her own apartment, but she’d feel good knowing Clarke made it home safely. Or she could bid Clarke good night and head back right away. Her soft pillows and warm blankets were calling her name like a siren’s song, and she’d see Clarke tomorrow afternoon anyway.

 

Lexa should…