Catch Me, I'm Falling

August: Part II

"No."
"Please?"
"Aden, it's August, we aren't watching Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever ."
"It's never too early for Christmas!"
"If we watch that trainwreck of a movie one more time somebody's going to die, and I'll give you a hint, their name rhymes with Hate Him ."
"Harry Potter marathon?" "Acceptable."
Friday nights in the Woods-Pine household were always filled with good-natured bickering over what movies to watch, as had become a tradition. Harry Potter marathons were commonplace, and Aden was donning his favorite pair of Hufflepuff sweatpants and an old gray t-shirt, perfect movie watching attire.
"Wanna go get Linc, Pipsqueak?"
"Yeah, yeah, sure."
On his way out of the in-home theater, Anya threw a pillow at the back of his head, as she always did whenever he exited a room. His cousin claimed that watching him fall was one of the funniest things in the world, and sent projectiles flying at him often, to 'keep him on his toes'. He'd just gotten better at dodging and keeping his balance.
"Hurry up or we're starting without you!"
In a flash, Aden was bolting down the elegant staircase, not paying much attention to what was in front of him, as his blue eyes were fixated on his own feet, concentrating on not tripping and flying down the steps face-first.
"Whoa there, kiddo." Aden yelped as he collided head-on with the soft, yet firm form of his mountain of an uncle, who was making his way towards the stairs from the first floor. Aden looked up sheepishly, a half-smile on his face.
"Sorry, Uncle Gus, Anya said they'd start without me if I didn't hurry." Gustus was a tall, bulking man, who looked extremely intimidating upon first glance. He had a beard worthy of a bear- wrestler, and tattoos covered the expanse of his exposed skin, a product of running his own tattoo parlour, but he was a gentle giant, filled with bad jokes and deep belly-laughter and the warmest hugs. Aden often wondered how his aunt and uncle had gotten together, what with Indra's strict, no-nonsense behavior—which had come as a result of being a highly feared lawyer—being the complete opposite of Gustus's demeanor.
"Of course she did," Gustus chuckled, shaking his head and maneuvering Aden so that the blonde boy was no longer pressed up against his stomach, "just as impatient as her mother, that one." While Anya was adopted, there was no doubt that she was Gustus and Indra's child, right down to her mannerisms. "Better get going if you don't want to get left out."
"Sir, yes, sir!"
With a faux salute and cheeky grin, Aden bolted out of the door, not taking time to worry about such trivial things as shoes, feet gliding over the smooth pavement of their driveway down to the wrought-iron gate, which he scaled quickly, knowing that opening it would take much too long. The community that they inhabited was definitely a high standard of living, what with Indra's income as a top-notch lawyer, as well as her share of the Woods family fortune. While Indra was only a Woods through adoption, Aden's own father, Alexander, loved her dearly, and she'd always been included in the business aspect of things, and often helped with legal matters.
The run to Lincoln's home a few doors over didn't take very long, especially with Aden's speed, flying over the sidewalk and up the driveway to the equally impressive home, rapping on the door several times in rapid succession.
On the fifth knock, the door was opened sharply, and Aden almost fell forward, not prepared for the door to move. It usually took Lincoln much longer to open the door, as he was almost always occupied with homework, or art, or cooking something or other.
"I'm assuming you need Lincoln?"
Aden blinked owlishly as he noticed, for the first time, that the person who had opened the door was decidedly not Lincoln, but a bright smile tugged its way across his face when he recognized her.
"You must be Octavia!" he exclaimed, mischief shining in his eyes, "Lincoln's said a lot about you."
"Only good things I hope," her eyes were sparkling, amusement evident, and she leaned against the doorframe as she talked to the blonde boy, who was considerably shorter than her.
"The best," Aden confirmed.
"O, who's at the do— oh. " Aden shook his head disappointedly when Lincoln approached, covered in flour and definitely not ready for movie night. "It's Friday, isn't it."
"What's special about Friday nights?"
"It's movie night ," Aden sighed dramatically, "and here Lincoln is, breaking tradition, you little natrona ." He slipped into the made-up language, trigedasleng, as easily as breathing. It had been Lexa's idea, when they were younger, to make a language so they could talk without the grownups knowing what they were saying. Now, Lexa used a few of the words for football plays so that the opposition wouldn't know what they were saying.
"Sorry, strikbro ," Lincoln laughed, ruffling Aden's hair, "it's date night, we're making pizza." "Looks like you're getting more flour on your face than in the dough," Aden teased, and Octavia
laughed, "I'll let it slide this once, but if you miss next week, it'll be war."
"I'll make sure he keeps out of trouble," Octavia assured, and Aden nodded, before scampering off in the direction of his own home, leaving the couple behind to enjoy their time together. His eyebrows furrowed when he saw a car pulling into his driveway, unaware that they'd been expecting any company, and he ran behind it, barely squeezing through the gate before it closed again.
He slowed alongside the car as it came to a halt, and peered curiously into the window, stepping back when a girl exited. He recognized her much more quickly than he had Octavia, the carmel colored skin and wildly curly mocha hair a dead giveaway.
"Costia!" he greeted his sister's girlfriend cheerfully, though inwardly he fought the urge to frown. "I didn't know you were coming over."
"Hey, Aden," Costia greeted, coming over to walk next to him as they strolled towards the front door of the elegant home. "Lexa invited me, movie night, right?"
"Yeah, we're marathoning Harry Potter." Costia made a noncommittal noise of recognition as they entered the home, and they made their way up the stairs in relative silence.
While Aden was on relatively good terms with Lexa's girlfriend, he couldn't help but be a little upset at her intrusion on the family tradition. While Lincoln wasn't family by blood, he was the closest thing to a brother Aden had, and wherever Anya was, the peaceful boy was sure to follow. Costia, on the other hand, was a relative outsider, who'd come into their lives rather suddenly over the summer, welcoming Lexa to the football team, as she was the head cheerleader at Arkadia. She was kind, and filled with good intentions, but Aden couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't as serious about his sister as Lexa was about her. Aden loved Lexa dearly, but she had the tendency to fall too hard too fast, usually resulting in only pain for herself.
"Took you long enough, dweeb... Costia? What the fuck are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too, Anya," Costia deadpanned, rolling her eyes before plopping herself down on Lexa's lap, kissing her in greeting. While the two of them were wrapped up in one another, Aden exchanged an annoyed look with his cousin, before feigning gagging, noises and all.
"I invited her," Lexa voiced once she had untangled herself from the clutches of the cheerleader, "that's alright, right?"
"Sure," Anya drawled, doing her best to sound disinterested, "probably should've warned us first, though, I would've brought some bleach to pour in my eyes."
"The two of you are sickening, honestly," Aden agreed, nodding solemnly, his tone light and teasing.
"Deepest apologies," Costia laughed, "I can't help myself, your sister's hot, little dude." "Using me for my body, are you?" Lexa growled, eyes narrowed.
"Well I'm obviously not using you for your intellect," Costia quipped, "seeing as you got..."
Aden tuned the two of them out as he sat down next to Anya, holding a silent conversation with his cousin through a series of looks. She patted his arm comfortingly, as she knew he had an issue with anyone calling him little without express permission, as it was something he'd been bullied about frequently, and hadn't lessened upon his entry to high school. Indra assured him that he was just a late bloomer, but he couldn't help but shy away from the subject.
"Turn on the movie," he whispered, nodding in the direction of the large screen spanning the wall, "I need a distraction." Not even Hedwig's Theme was enough to drown out the sound of giggling and much-too-loud whispers, and the two blondes settled themselves for a night of third and fourth wheeling.
———————————————————————
"Girls! Come help set the table!" "Coming Mama G!"
Saturdays were always filled with life in the Griffin household, as brunch was becoming a weekly tradition.
It had started off with just Abby and Aurora coming together to make food, as they were both coping with the loss of their husbands, and bonded over shared life experience. That, and Clarke was already best friends with the Blake twins, so having them over was no struggle at all. Raven had been the next to tag along, because she spent most of her time drifting between the two houses either way, her mother neither caring nor aware of whatever it was her daughter was doing, so much so that she had a room in both places, which touched her to no end.
Bellamy had continued on to invite Murphy, because the boy needed someplace to escape from his home life, which was just as bad, if not worse, than Raven's, and the snarky, guarded boy flourished somewhat under the nurturing care of 'Mama G' and 'Mama B', warming up to the rest of the gathered audience.
Clarke still thought he was an asshole, of that there was no doubt, but he was a manageable asshole, and he was her friend first and foremost, so she put up with him as one would with an annoying cousin. Somewhat reluctantly at times, but all the same, because he was family.
With the majority of her daughter's friend group already there, Abby had just thrown caution to the wind and told her to invite Monty and Jasper, to which there were obvious pros and cons.
Abby and Aurora absolutely adored Monty, who would help them cook and clean without asking, because that was just the sort of person Monty was, and he gossiped with them about the latest drama within the Food Network , and swapped recipes for baked goods, especially his mother's chocolate cake. Jasper, on the other hand, was regarded with a certain level of wariness, because both mothers knew that he, like Raven—who they'd both begun to regard as their own daughter—had a talent for blowing things up, so the goggle-wearing boy wasn't allowed within a ten foot radius of the kitchen.
"What's cookin, Mama B?" Aurora smiled at Raven as the latina girl paraded through the kitchen, placing a cheek on the woman's cheek. "Oooh, I smell bacon."
"Indeed you do, Raven," Abby laughed, swatting her playfully with the towel she was drying her hands with, "now, get out of my kitchen and go help Clarke set the table."
"Alright, alright, I'm going," Raven muttered, throwing her arms up in surrender, "girl can't even innocently ask what we're eating without getting attacked."
"You know it's because you try to eat everything and end up burning yourself," Clarke pointed out from behind an armful of stacked plates, which she set down on the long dining table gently.
"I do not!" Raven protested hotly. "O, back me up!" The dark haired girl looked up from her phone as she walked into the formal dining room, looking like a deer caught in headlights for a moment, before easily siding with Clarke.
"We left you alone on Thanksgiving for thirty minutes to watch the turkey and when we came back you'd eaten a quarter of the mashed potatoes and almost half of a pie." She paused, as though considering for the first time how much food the girl had actually managed to consume. "I don't know how you managed it, but you did."
"Hey! I was hungry!"
"Aren't you always?" Clarke teased, and Raven's eyes narrowed.
"Are you insinuating something there, Griffin?" Raven motioned towards her body, clearly posturing. "My body was sculpted by the gods themselves. If you look up perfection in the dictionary there are two words following it: Raven Reyes." As she said her own name, she spread her hands, as though framing an invisible marquee.
"And you guys call me the conceited one," Bellamy grumbled as he entered, brandishing silverware in hand, "Raven's way more self-absorbed than I am."
"That's because I , unlike you, have a reason to be self-absorbed, Bell. I mean look at me!"
"I'd pick you first, anytime," Clarke assured seriously, and Raven nodded victoriously, smiling brightly and sticking her tongue out at Bellamy, who was doing his best impression of a wounded puppy.
"Of course you would, I'm awesome." The four continued to bicker about who was the most attractive among them, and were interrupted only by the ringing of the doorbell.
"It's open!" Clarke would have gotten the door herself, but she was too busy holding Raven back, gently lowering her friend's hands, which had been poised to throw forks at Bellamy's head, the freckled boy cowering behind the cover of a plate.
"The awesome has arrived!"
At the sound of her partner-in-pyrokinetics, Raven was sufficiently distracted, and went to high- five the boy, who was brandishing a pitcher of lemonade which he almost dropped in the process, held steady by Monty, who was prepared for these sorts of things.
"Is Monty here?" Aurora peeked her head out of the kitchen and grinned when she saw the korean boy, beckoning him forward. "Come on in and help."
"On my way, Aurora," he assured, "we can talk about our predictions for the finals of Worst Cooks in America ."
"How come Monty gets to go in the kitchen?" Raven whined, a small frown tugging on her lips.
"Because Monty knows how to cook, not blow things up," Octavia reasoned patronizingly, causing her friend to scowl.
"Hey, cooking is a science too, and there's no science that I haven't been able to master... except this one. Cooking is tricky, but I'll get eventually, and then you'll all feel terrible for doubting my skills."
"Raven," Clarke deadpanned, "the day you cook something edible is the day that I befriend Costia Greene."
"Wow, Clarke, I really appreciate how loving and supportive you are, what a great friend."
"Anytime, Rae."
As always, Murphy managed to slink in at the exact moment when everything was already set up and prepared, weaseling his way out of doing any actual work, preferring to reap the benefits and then make his hasty retreat.
"Alright, Raven, you can finally eat."
"Fuck yeah!" At Abby's sharp look, Raven smiled sheepishly. "Sorry Mama G, you know how I feel about your french toast."
"Yeah, Rae, keep it G, we have children in our presence," Clarke teased, eyes shining, "and by children I mean Monty, who is the purest, most innocent of them all." The korean boy shot her an unamused look, discretely flipping her off while pretending to scratch his cheek, escaping the notice of both Abby and Aurora.
"No fighting," the latter suggested firmly, "we don't want a repeat of the Great Food War of Halloween, now, do we?"
Clarke's assembled friends all immediately launched into their retellings of the horrific events of that tragic night, and she sat contentedly in her chair, the stress of school and art and the new thorn in her side named Lexa Woods all but forgotten.
———————————————————————
Monday morning hit Lexa like a metaphorical anvil.
It was a dire fate, compared to movie night just a few evenings ago, with Costia in her lap, fingers roaming ever so gently under the hem of her shirt. They'd giggled and smirked silently to each other throughout the first two movies, Lexa occasionally stealing a kiss when she thought Aden hadn't noticed.
She, of course, hadn't heard Anya's begrudging little mumbles of "get a room" and "don't start exploring her chamber of secrets."
Aden seemed to get a kick out of that.
But, like everything beautiful in Lexa's life, the weekend withered away like a distant memory of a once beautiful, blooming flower, and she was left with Monday.
But of course, Monday had its merits as well. Lexa had been waiting to hear from her coach all offseason about the distinct possibility of scouts coming from the most prestigious institutions to see her play.
She wanted the scholarship more than she'd ever wanted anything in her life. It wasn't a fiscal issue, Lexa's family could afford to send her to college twelve times over, if she were so inclined. It was the principle of the matter. Lexa's parents never really paid enough attention to Lexa, or Aden. Lexa was the one who knew about Aden's insecurities, like his height, or his anxiety when it came to math. Her parents were rapidly becoming a vacancy in her heart.
But Lexa knew she could change that. She could get their attention, even if they were continents away, across vast oceans of apologies and poorly timed skype calls with the "best intentions of putting food on the table and clothes on Lexa's back" as Indra had so staunchly defended them.
The scholarship was a game changer. It meant she'd finally have concrete evidence that she'd mastered something. It meant she could show her parents that she'd thrived under their teachings.
It meant that she'd finally be good enough for them, and that they could come home. If not for her benefit, then for Aden's.
So Lexa had risen with her game face on, donning her tight fitting leggings and a black shirt to match, knowing she'd end up working out with the team before the day was done. She brushed her locks, with soft, rolling wavy texture, parting it over to the side like she always did.
She could feel it within her. Today was the day.
She hustled out of her room when she heard Anya call out, impatiently pacing downstairs, "Woods! If you don't get your ass down, Aden and I are stealing your car!"
Lexa snorted disdainfully at that, a knowing smirk on her lips as she stepped out extra slowly just to worry and annoy Aden and Anya further.
The ride, though relatively short, felt incredibly long, with Lexa behind the wheel, while Aden and Anya were arguing over the radio station.
"Anya!" Aden whined, eyes desperate to make contact with Lexa's from the rearview mirror so that he might get assistance from his sister, who got the final say.
Lexa's thoughts were annoyingly centered on a certain blonde, and then Costia, and then schoolwork. She was practically blind to Aden's puppydog eyes. She did, however, feel his arms brush past hers when he leaned out of his seat, stretching the seatbelt, to turn the dial, effectively sending the speakers into overdrive playing 90s music, the familiar tone of the Spice Girls filling the car.
Anya jerked her head back to glare at him, immediately switching it back to her ever popular hiphop station, which was blaring rap lyrics that Lexa imagined were far too profane for Aden. Then again, he wasn't naive, and she didn't feel like jumping in.
But she did feel the onset of a migraine kicking in. "Guys." She warned, pressing her lips in a firm line.
They didn't seem to hear her.
"This is lame!" Aden complained, kicking the back of Anya's seat.
Lexa's fist clenched around the wheel a little tighter, trying not to imagine the mark his shoe left on the leather interior. "You two..." She warned, tone rising slightly.
"Hey!" Anya rolled her eyes. "I have a rep to protect! No one fucks with me! I can't very well be that badass if we roll in listening to some angsty theatrical bullsh-"
"Okay!" Lexa snapped, hitting the pre-set button once herself, and the car began blasting Bach's Cello Suite in G, effectively relaxing Lexa almost instantly, while Anya and Aden covered their ears for dear life.
"That's why they call you the commander." Aden mumbled, folding his arms in the seat.
"Classical?" Anya scoffed. "Of course. Why am I surprised? You're the most disciplined, boring person on the planet. Like this is gonna help you get laid."
Lexa smirked. "I have no trouble in that department, Anya-"
Before Lexa had fully pulled that car to a stop in the senior parking lot, Aden had thrown the door open, running for dear life at the mention of Lexa's (possibly nonexistent, as far as he knew) sex life. "Bye!" He threw over his shoulder, his backpacking bouncing as he fled.
Anya smirked. "Oh, next time I want him out, I'll just do that."
Lexa rolled her eyes, stepping out with a quick stretch of her back as she made her way to the trunk, lazily slinging her backpack over her shoulder. She then heard the bell ring, and widened her eyes. She thought she had time to leisurely walk to class.
Anya nodded knowingly. "That's what happens when you pine after Costia in the shower, Lex. You damn us all."
Lexa blushed, knowing that Anya was just making things up at an attempt to get her to talk about it. Instead, she yanked a crumbled piece of paper from her trunk, courtesy of Aden's messy lifestyle, and hurled it at Anya, who'd just started walking away, hitting her smack on the back of the head.
Anya turned around and flipped her off, muttering, "It's a good thing you're gifted, or else I'd yank that arm off."
Lexa hustled after her, making her way to the main entrance, stopping as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She whipped around, eyes taking in the familiar face of Titus Trikru, the head football coach who had, essentially, what was a bit of an (athletic) obsession with Lexa.
"Ms. Woods." He cleared his throat.
Anya turned around to eye the intrusion, and upon noticing just who it was, turned tail, muttering a quick, "Hey coach, I'll uh...leave you to it."
Titus watched her go, eyes falling back to Lexa's inquisitive emerald gaze. "My office, for a moment?"
Lexa looked surprised. "I...actually have class now." She admitted, her voice not giving anything away.
Titus waved his hand in the air nonchalantly, and Lexa knew the kind of authority he carried. "I have to teach a class as well. It'll only be a moment. I'll write you a note."
Lexa nodded slowly, following him, eyeing the way he looked so threatening in his crisp shirts and suit jackets, like he owned the place.
She was never fearful of him, like the other students. The simple fact of the matter was: Titus doted on her. He thought she was the greatest player to ever set foot in Arkadia High, and he wanted to be the one to harness her potential and showcase her abilities to the country. "Who's your first teacher?" Titus asked, making his way along the sidewalk, following the green lawn of the main entrance, towards the administration building.
Lexa thought for a moment, the name escaping her for a second. She'd even been introduced in that class. But all she could remember was Clarke Griffin. The blonde, with the intense gaze and the soft hands. The one who'd saved her brother from what certainly would have been a bleak outcome.
"Niylah Crewe." Lexa replied after a pause. "Why?"
Titus nodded. "So I know who to make the note out to." He replied, ascending up the steps to the front of the administration building, holding open one of the swinging double doors, so that Lexa could enter first.
Lexa was led past the secretary's empty desk, down into a hall lit by fluorescent lights, all the way down into the largest office at the end of the hall.
Lexa had heard rumors, mostly sourced from Anya, that Titus strong-armed principal Jaha into giving him his office. Lexa hadn't ever seen that side of Trikru, but she knew he was capable. She'd been lucky- he was floored from the moment he saw her try-out for the typically all-men's team, with Anya as the only other female player. And Anya was a kicker.
Titus didn't forbid her. He didn't say anything, actually. He merely observed, pulled her aside right then and there, and asked her what she thought about a position of leadership. The team later voted her co-captain. The rest was history.
Titus flicked the lights on with a sigh, turning to a huge stack of papers on his desk. The walls were adorned with photos and plaques of past teams, all of them champions for the last decade or so. Lexa felt a fire burn within her, just seeing the pictures. She wanted to badly to be a part of that tradition.
"For you." Titus muttered, throwing one of the envelopes at Lexa.
She caught it between nimble fingers, eyeing the address. "It's open." She replied carefully. "And it's addressed to you. I don't understand."
"It's about you." Titus smiled, a rare sight. "I've gotten one from nearly every school on either coast with a decent football league."
Lexa's eyes widened. "What?" She gaped. "These are from universities?"
Titus nodded. "They're astounded, Lexa. Hell, even the local newspaper wants to do a piece on you."
Lexa gaped. "I haven't even played yet." She spoke, her voice stunned. "I mean, at my old school, yes, but-"
"I promised. If you showed me results, I'd pull the strings." Titus spoke smugly, a satisfied look on his features. He smoothed a hand over his bald head. "And you did. So here are the connections Lexa." He motioned to the stacks upon stacks of letters. "Each one is a scout. Different days, different games, different times."
Lexa's heart was hammering in her chest. She'd expected one or two, but this? Surely it was a mistake. Or a miracle.
"Now, don't let this get to your head, Lexa." Titus murmured, stroking his chin. "I want you to treat every single one of these games like a championship." He glanced at the wall fondly. "I want to see you up there."
Lexa nodded, trying desperately to hide her excited smile. Titus respected her for her stoicism, her pragmatism. She had to maintain that, even if it was a facade.
"Oh!" Titus rose, looking at the clock. "We should get moving. I just wanted to let you know." He reached for a pen out of a mug on his desk, bearing the Arkadia High logo and Grounder warrior on the front. He scribbled a careless note for Lexa, tearing it with a sharp tug and handing it to her.
"Ms. Woods." He began as they started out of his office, down the hall. "Are you finding all of your classes tolerable? Anything I can do to ease your transition into the coming season?" His voice was deep, promising. He wanted to make sure Lexa had no reservations going into the season, and Lexa knew that.
So she milked it.
"Actually..." Lexa blew out a sigh, and Titus stopped dead in his tracks, glancing at her. "I wanted a friend of mine in Niylah Crewe's class, but the class was full. She couldn't get in."
Titus raised a brow questioningly, but Lexa was at it again before he could begin to respond.
"-and I would really appreciate someone reliable to take notes for me in that class, so I could focus on...other things." Her voice was demanding, and she hoped that she wasn't being too forward with her gamble.
Titus nodded stoically. "Her name?" He asked.
"Costia Greene." Lexa answered instantly, excited at the prospect of having someone to sit with in her next class. So everyone, including Clarke, could see her beautiful girlfriend. "She's in economics class now."
Titus nodded, motioning for Lexa to follow as he slipped into one of the inconspicuous doors on the side of the hallway.
Lexa just barely registered that the plaque said "Principal Jaha" on the edge.
Lexa smirked to herself. Scholarship potential and Costia switching into her english class. Today was turning out to be quite the success.
———————————————————————
The English class was dead silent when Lexa walked in nearly twenty minutes after the tardy bell had rung, all smirks and confident looks as she held hands with Costia, who looked equally as relaxed.
Niylah had been lecturing at her podium in the front of the class, going on and on about a stack of books and how the class got to vote on three that they could then read for the rest of the year.
As soon as Lexa stepped in, hand laced with Costia's, Ms. Crewe froze, her mouth parting slightly, her eyes raking Lexa up and down reproachfully.
"Twenty minutes late and you brought a guest, Ms. Woods?" Ms. Crewe asked, disapproval seeping into her usually warm tone. "It is my understanding that student athletes are supposedly held to the highest standards of decorum." She lifted a brow.
Lexa's smirk never faded, but she did dip her head apologetically, and the class erupted into childish whispers.
In the corner of her eye, she saw Clarke's blue gaze piercing her back, and she suddenly felt herself flush slightly.
"Griff, ease up." The Latina, Raven Reyes, hissed. "If you break your art pencils with that grip, you won't be able to afford new ones."
Clarke's pencil clattered to the desk, her mouth still agape, and Lexa realized that she wasn't staring at her, necessarily, but Costia.
Lexa wasn't sure why that made her stomach drop a little in disappointment, the way it did.
"Not a guest, Ms. Crewe." Lexa spoke loftily, and anyone but Clarke could admire her eloquence. She was, after all, the daughter of business tycoons Alexander and Anastasia Woods. Formality suited her. "My deepest apologies for our tardiness, but here's a note from Principal Jaha and Mr. Trikru."
Niylah excepted the pink slip in Lexa's hand with a sharp breath, her eyes scanning the contents of the paper.
"Well..." Niylah exhaled after a moment, a smile returning to her features. "I wasn't aware we had space left, Ms. Greene. I welcome you to the class, then."
Costia smiled back at Niylah and thanked her, allowing Lexa to take her hand and guide her to the seat beside her.
Clarke let out what was best described as a hybrid of a choke and a cough, just barely uttering, "You've got to be kidding", and Octavia leaned forward, hitting her back somewhat uselessly, as if it would coax her to stop.
Niylah was by her desk in an instant, kneeling so that she was face to face with Clarke. "Are you alright Clarke?" She asked gently.
Clarke's cheeks were red and Lexa stared at the way she murmured some bashful response.
Lexa resisted the urge to roll her eyes at that, glancing towards Costia, who'd been whispering to the boy beside her. Lexa had grown accustomed to it. The head cheerleader and star quarterback were bound to be popular, after all.
"Alright." Niylah rubbed Clarke's back reassuringly for just a moment before stepping back to the podium. "So, since you came in late, Ms. Woods...why don't we hear from you? A student has suggested that Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice be our first novel of the year, with a solid amount of support."
Lexa scoffed at that, leaning forward in her seat. Was Niylah challenging her?
"Hardly fit to be called a novel." Lexa responded somewhat pompously, unable to keep a little venom from her tone.
"Are you kidding me?" Clarke Griffin spoke up from her seat, leaning forward, as if to smack Lexa for suggesting such a thing.
Lexa's eyes widened as she took in the insulted looking blonde before her.
So it was her suggestion.
"No, Clarke, I am not." Lexa replied evenly, a smirk on her full lips.
Clarke looked so surprised that Lexa had remembered her name that she actually froze in place.
Niylah smirked, lifting a brow. "Alright. I enjoy a little passion for the subject, ladies, but let's keep this civil. Clarke, in a few brief statements, defend the novel. Lexa, you may have your rebuttal."
"Here we fucking go." Raven mumbled under her breath as Clarke began with gusto.
"Firstly, it's a classic." Clarke began, looking at Lexa pointedly. "It is the quintessential love story. It features a brilliant female protagonist, class struggles, and the beauty of family."
Clarke spoke as if the latter two concepts would be foreign to Lexa, who came from a wealthy, broken background.
Lexa's jaw tightened and Costia whispered, "Babe, don't." But the die had already been cast.
"Ms. Griffin-" Lexa began airily.
Niylah glanced at her sharply and she rephrased.
"Clarke." Lexa spoke and the name sounded sharp and oddly sweet on her lips.
Clarke raised a brow expectantly in response, and the class oohed and aahed at the little rivalry that was rapidly blossoming between both girls.
"If you think that novel is what a romance should be, I'd suggest either investing in therapy, or a boyfriend."
"Or a girlfriend!" Someone chimed from the back of the room with a snicker.
Lexa looked as if she'd been slapped. A girlfriend? So, Clarke Griffin was attracted to women.
Clarke looked about ready to attack Lexa, her face reddening slightly, teeth gritted.
"Whoa, no." Niylah shook her head. "Personal attacks won't be tol-"
"Well maybe it's just outside of your grasp, Woods." Clarke jabbed in a sing song voice. "Might I recommend something for the...athlete in you? Perhaps...AirBud?"
"Holy shit." Octavia's eyes widened as the class erupted into jeering, laughing, and "Ohh's".
Lexa was beyond furious. Who was this girl? Her audacity, her nerve; It riled Lexa to no end. No one had ever spoken to her like that before. And just what was she insinuating? That Lexa, daughter of one of the most successful couples in the country, was a simpleton? An idiot who couldn't appreciate fine literature and hacked balls around all day?
Costia's jaw was agape as she put a hand on Lexa's shoulder. "Lex-"
Niylah pinched the bridge of her nose. "Okay! That's enough, ladies. I will handle both of you after class. I don't want to hear another word out of either of you until then."
Lexa rolled her eyes when Niylah glanced away, leaning back into her chair, eyes boring into Clarke's furious blue gaze.
"Now, let's put it to a class vote." Niylah announced with a sigh of exasperation. "You two are exempt." She added with a sharp glance at Clarke, who looked down shamefully, and then Lexa, who bit her lip in response to keep from saying anything.
"All in favor of Pride and Prejudice as our first book?" Niylah called out, and the hands shot up around Lexa.
Lexa's jaw clenched as she went ahead of Niylah's silent counting and found a grand total of sixteen hands up.
One less and it would have been null.
Clarke smirked at Lexa for a split second before returning back to stoicism.
Niylah smiled. "Alright then. It's settled. Pride and Prejudice, guys. Get your copies by next class." She glanced at Clarke with a friendly smile. "It's a favorite of mine, too, Griffin."
Clarke smiled brightly at her, cheeks rosy, so obviously infatuated. Lexa resisted the urge to gag.
"Now, we're going to have partners." Niylah addressed the class once more. "Study buddies, if you will. I know this is an AP course, and you all think you're above it, but come exam week, you will thank me and shower me with gifts and praise." Niylah smiled as the class let out a collective bark of laughter. "I'm allowing you all to pair up. No more than two people together, please, there's now an even amount of you, thanks to our addition today." Niylah smiled at Costia, who beamed right back.
"Babe." Costia grinned, taking Lexa's hand, re-lacing it with hers. Lexa smiled and pressed a kiss against it, earning some "aww's" from nearby students.
Lexa watched as Raven and Octavia awkwardly smirked at each other, completely forgetting Clarke. Clarke, on the other hand, turned to a particularly familiar boy with an easy going smile.
"Who is that?" Lexa asked aloud, taking in the boy's features.
"Who, Clarke Griffin?" Costia whispered back, fingers still entwined with Lexa's. "She's an all around perfect student, in the art program..."
"No." Lexa responded quickly, but the words remained with her. So this Clarke was an artist like Costia? "Him."
"Oh, that's Nathan Miller." Costia answered, ever the data-base for all things school related. "He's on your team, Lexa."
Lexa nodded slowly. "I thought I recognized him. He just joined up."
Costia shrugged, "You'll meet him soon, I guess. Why? Did he say something?"
Lexa turned to her with a half smile. She shook her head and brushed her thumb over Costia's hand.
"Should we get to work?" Costia asked lowly, clearing her throat.
The rest of the class period was spent in relative silence as everyone discussed their own personalities, prejudices, and thoughts before delving into the story. Lexa wanted nothing more than to be out on the field, preparing for the scouts that were coming in less than a few weeks' time, but she knew she had no choice.
Costia busied herself by going on twitter, admiring how many follower she'd gained since she'd started dating Lexa, the two becoming quite the iconic couple, though Lexa wasn't much for publicity.
The bell rang eventually, and everyone shot out of their seats, including Costia, who looked down at Lexa with a sympathetic glance.
"I can wait." She offered quietly.
Lexa stood, pulling her forward to give her a small, soft kiss. "No, go. I don't want to make you late."
"See you at lunch?" "Yes."
Costia slung her bag over her shoulder and turned, and Lexa's vision was filled with Clarke Griffin, who'd apparently been watching them, gaze hardened, lips curled slightly.
"Girls." Niylah sighed, smoothing out her skirt as she rose from her desk, making her way forward once the room emptied. "I'm really not the type of teacher to hand out detentions. That's more of Trikru's approach." She added that last part with a glance at Lexa, who frowned slightly. "That being said...what happened here today?"
Lexa swallowed the lump in her throat, eyeing Clarke venomously. "I'd like to know as well." Niylah shot her a glare, but Clarke spoke up first.
"I can't speak for her, but I apologize, and it won't happen again from me, Ms. Crewe." Clarke bowed her head and Niylah nodded.
"Do you two have a...history of some sort?" Niylah asked, folding her arms. Lexa scoffed. "Hardly, Ms. Crewe. I met her less than a week ago."
"But everyone knows you." Clarke shot back. "Can you even keep track of all the people you know?" There was some sting in her words, and that wasn't unnoticed by Lexa.
"Okay, you two." Niylah shook her head. "Listen. This class is more than just literature. It's advanced, which means the students are expected to be on their best behavior. I looked into both of your records. Clarke, you are by all means, a perfect student." Niylah smiled at her, and Clarke beamed, chest puffing with pride.
Lexa glanced at Niylah expectantly.
"And Ms. Woods." Niylah clasped her hands together. "You yourself are nothing short of incredible as well."
Lexa smiled and this time Clarke's face fell.
"I don't see why there's reason for this...discourse." Niylah commented. "So as of right now, I'm making you two partners for the next few sections of the novel."
"What?" Clarke scoffed.
"Ms. Crewe, what kind of preposterous-"
"Save the words, Lexa." Niylah smiled through her scolding tone. "I know. You two think I'm crazy."
"What about Costia?" Lexa demanded.
Niylah shrugged. "She can work with Nathan Miller."
Clarke's jaw almost hit the floor. "Really?" She asked in disbelief.
"Yes." Niylah nodded. "Show me you two can handle this, and I'll let you return to your original pairings in a month's time, maybe longer."
Lexa folded her arms, jaw tightening, while Clarke fumed silently.
"Understood?" Niylah proposed swiftly.
"Yes, Ms. Crewe." They answered in unison, avoiding each other's gazes with great dedication.
"Excellent. I'll see you ladies next time. Lexa, I'll look forward to seeing your game." She smiled, and Lexa nodded mutely. "Same for your art show, Clarke."
With that, they found themselves stalking out her door, both girls cursing under their breath.
"You know, I liked you better when you were sticking up for me." Clarke mumbled, whipping around to find Miller waiting for her, eyes widened slightly as he saw his captain approach with Clarke.
"Miller, is it?" Lexa glanced at him.
"Yes." Miller nodded quickly, straightening up at her glance.
"Take care of my girlfriend." She muttered, voice threatening as she whipped around, leaving him stunned in confusion.
———————————————————————
"You did what?"
Busy scrolling through tumblr and ignoring the math homework eyeing him from the desk, Aden
almost didn't hear Anya's surprised, somewhat affronted, words.
While he wasn't usually one for eavesdropping, arguments between his sister and his cousin were always amusing to listen to, so the blonde boy rolled unceremoniously out of his bed, dropping softly onto the carpeted floor, and stealthily making his way closer to Lexa's room, which was where the argument was going down, pressing his ear to the door.
"I asked Titus to get Cos into my English class, no biggie."
Aden frowned into the door, eyebrows furrowing. He didn't need to hear Anya's next words, because they were echoed in his own mind.
While Lexa had all the complaints in the world about Alexander and Anastasia Woods and their arrogance, she sure was acting pretty similarly.
He would never voice his opinions, though, because he knew how much resentment his sister held towards their parents, who had been absent for the majority of his life. It hurt, knowing that they prioritized their business over their own children, and Aden still longed for that parental relationship he was lacking. He wanted to be able to joke around with his dad, and tell his mom about his soccer games, but those weren't the sort of parents that they were.
But Lexa was quickly turning into someone that Aden didn't recognize.
He didn't know what was driving it.
Perhaps the change in schools had affected her more than the girl let on, the utter adoration of the students and faculty going to her head. He'd noticed it, and it was obvious that Anya and Lincoln had as well. Her girlfriend, Costia, did nothing to stop these changes. If anything, the brunette only spurred on Lexa's preening, as the quarterback fluffed up like a peacock whenever Costia was around.
The Lexa Aden remembered, the Lexa who had practically raised him, taught him how to dribble a soccer ball, how to ride a bike, had driven him to self-defense classes when she found out he was getting picked on for his height, that Lexa would never have taken advantage of someone like that.
Well, that was a lie. She might have, because there was a certain level of cunning that the girl possessed, but it wouldn't be for something as trivial as a class in school. There was a reason that Aden bought the girl blue scarves instead of green ones.
He tuned out the arguing as he walked silently back to his own room, returning to his bed and resting in complete silence to just think.
Aden decided then that what Lexa needed was someone new in her life.
Not necessarily a new girlfriend—though he wasn't opposed to the idea of her breaking up with Costia, far from it, actually—but just someone new. Someone that Lexa didn't know well.
Someone who wasn't infatuated with the idea of Lexa Woods. Someone who would see Lexa for who she was, and challenge her on her arrogance and call her out when need be.
He wasn't sure who that person was yet. But he was going to find her.
Putting in his headphones to drown out the sound of yelling, Aden allowed himself to be lulled to sleep by the melodies of the original Star Wars soundtracks, formulating plans in the back of his mind.
As always, Aden woke up at the first sound of his alarm, shooting up quickly, as though the loud, blaring noise had startled him awake. Unlike most mornings, he actually felt awake for once, and went through his morning routine much quicker than usual, leaving him with twenty extra minutes to kill before Lexa drove them to school.
The brunette in question was currently scowling at Anya from across the table, pushing around her oatmeal rather than eating it, and Aden shifted restlessly at the unresolved tension surrounding the two girls. He'd never met a pair of people more stubborn in his entire life, so he knew that neither would apologize any time soon, and that it was up to him to make peace in some way.
The soccer ball resting next to his backpack offered the most logical solution. "Wanna practice for a little bit? I'm a tad rusty."
This, of course, had been a very, very bad idea, but had worked out in the end.
In her attempt to kick the ball to hit Anya in the face, Lexa had accidentally nailed the back of her little brother's head, allowing the ball to ricochet and knock into Aunt Indra's favorite vase, an ivory one with intricate blue detailing.
The three had fled the crime scene quickly, chased out by a yelling Indra, Lexa shouting promises over her shoulder that she would replace it, much to Gustus' despair. He hated that vase.
Nothing brought a family together quite like running away from an angry, towel-weidling lawyer.
As per usual, Aden dropped off the majority of his belongings in his locker upon his arrival to school, trying to delay the inevitable journey to math class for as long as possible. While Trikru favored him because he was Lexa's little brother, the man was still the shittiest teacher he'd ever had the displeasure of encountering, and the mere thought of the class filled Aden with dread.
"Hey! Woods!" Aden turned, closing his locker on instinct, as though preparing himself for a confrontation, but relaxed when he saw the girl from his history class approaching him. Her name was Tris Michaels, a studious girl with a penchant for mischief, who strived to be an athlete above all, hence her intense study of the football practices.
"What's up, Michaels?"
Trailing her was another freshman, a fluffy-haired, brown-eyed boy named Atom Zedd, who Aden only recognized from a game of human bingo in which he'd discovered that the boy had been born in St. Louis, Missouri.
"I was wondering if you could ask your sister if I could shadow a few practices?" Inwardly, Aden couldn't help but roll his eyes. At least she was blunt about it. Most people would try to befriend and then manipulate him in order to establish some sort of connection with Lexa. "I want to try out for the team next year, and want to get as much experience under my belt as possible."
"I'll see what I can do," Aden assured, opening his locker once more, "see you in history."
"Awesome! You're the best Woods, catch you later." She turned to move, motioning for Atom to follow her, but the boy paused, signaling that he'd be a moment.
"Do you want an inside with the football team too?" Aden drawled sarcastically, to which the other boy laughed and shook his head.
"Sorry about her, she can be a little over-enthusiastic about sports. And nah, not really into football, at least, not that kind," he grinned, nodding to the soccer ball wedged on top of a stack of textbooks, "you play?"
"Nope, just keep that there to look athletic," Aden quipped, "yeah, I'm gonna try out for the team. Why?"
"We should play together sometime," Atom offered with a sheepish half-smile, rubbing the back
of his neck awkwardly, "it'd be nice to be able to talk to someone about real football for once."
"I might just take you up on that," Aden responded lightly, warmth spreading in his chest. The prospect of more friends was nice, especially ones he could play soccer with. "Hold on a sec, I'll give you my number."
The two of them exchanged information quickly, finishing right before the first bell rang. The blonde boy's good mood dropped considerably upon entering his own personal nightmare brought to life, but brightened as he saw Ellis doodling on a napping Nam's face.
"He should really learn by now that falling asleep isn't the best course of action," the redhead smirked, finishing the curve of the black mustache with a flourish. "The opportunity for face graffiti is too fantastic to ignore."
"I'll keep that in mind," Aden snorted, "no falling asleep when Ellis is around."
"Damn right," she muttered, straightening in her seat and tucking the marker into the sleeve of her jacket—it was surprisingly cold in hell, Aden had discovered—as Titus walked into the room, hawkish eyes scrutinizing his students.
"Mr. Bui."
Nam's head snapped up so quickly Aden felt the phantom whiplash on his own neck, eyes startled and expression dumbfounded. He could see Ellis biting the insides of her cheeks to keep from laughing, and Aden wasn't much better off.
"I know that freshmen find it particularly hard to acquire facial hair, but might I recommend finding some other way to synthesize it? Marker looks rather juvenile..." His eyes locked onto Ellis for a brief moment, who quickly transformed into the perfect picture of innocence. "Go wash up, this is your first and only warning. No horseplay in my class. Now, turn to chapter..."
Halfway through the class, with Nam snoring softly into his textbook and Ellis attempting to draw fractals, Aden was contemplating how hard he'd have to slam his head onto his desk to earn a concussion to flee the class for the nurse's office, boredom overtaking his hyperactive mind. Staring at the wall had lulled him into a trance-like state, and the soft vibration of his phone from his back pocket nearly made him jump.
Unknown number
Is this Aden? This is Clarke Griffin. I've been assigned as your math tutor. What meeting times are most convenient for you? I'm free after school for about an hour most days.
Young Padawan
Yeah this is Aden. Nice to hear from my savior again. After school works, bc my sister stays after most days. Does starting tomorrow work? I have to grovel to my aunt for breaking her vase tonight.
Master Jedi Clarke
Of course. Good luck with the grovelling. I find there aren't many things chocolate can't help.
Young Padawan
Thanks! I'm gonna need all the luck I can get lol. See you tomorrow, if I live to see another day.
Master Jedi Clarke
May the force be with you, young padawan.
The fact that the ethereal blonde savior was his tutor was exciting enough to lift Aden's spirits once more. The fact that she was apparently a Star Wars fan only made it better, and Aden couldn't help the small grin from gracing his face.
He'd have to get her something as thanks for punching Mulligan in the throat. Chocolate, probably.
Yeah. Chocolate would work.
——————————————————————
Lexa had just finished practicing with the team, spending her time getting to know the various traits, strengths, and weaknesses of her new family.
She had learned several things in that short hour and a half.
Lincoln was one hell of a wide receiver. Well worthy of Lexa's intensive practice and dedication. This team was certainly an adequate home for her skills to flourish.
She'd also learned that she was undoubtedly the leader of this elite group. She made the calls, the plays, and the final decisions.
Titus was content to simply watch while he graded papers from his shady spot in the bleachers, nodding whenever Lexa offered advice to one of her lesser teammates.
So when they finally returned to the sidelines to grab their waters, all sweaty and bruised and battered from Lexa's intensive workout regimen, Anya was the only one who noticed Lexa's fingers flying away at her phone.
"Texting Costco again?" Anya snarked, taking a long sip from her bottle, sweat beading on her forehead.
Lexa rolled her eyes at the nickname. "Why is it that you refer to my girlfriend as a warehouse store?"
Anya smirked at the opportunity. "Because while she's pretty on the outside, her interior is... lacking, and you need to have a certain income to get inside her."
Lexa's eyes widened and her jaw set. "Anya, I swear to fuc-"
Lexa's phone went off several times and Anya seized the opportunity to yank Lincoln's arm, turning away. "Let's make a break for it!" She hissed.
Lincoln just froze, unsure if it was safe to leave without Lexa's dismissal. Lexa, however, was grinning at her phone, completely forgetting that she was still in the middle of an active practice session.
"Cap?" Lincoln asked unsurely, and Anya smacked her forehead at his politeness.
"Dismissed." Lexa through up a hand, and every player sighed in relief, yanking their helmets off, some falling down onto the hot turf with an assortment of thuds.
Lexa eyed her phone, smiling a little at the little hearts beside Costia's name in the messaging app. It read:
Costia ❤️: 3:45 pm
Lex.
Baby when r u done with practice?
Lexa: 3:46 pm
Just now. You're still at the art studio?
Costia ❤️
Yes
Can u come? I wanna show u something.
Lexa
Of course. I'll be there after I change.
Costia ❤️
Just come babe.
Besides, I like a woman in uniform ;)
Lexa chuckled at that, slipping her phone into her bag as she nodded her farewell to Titus before hustling over to the locker room, eager to at least throw on a cleaner jersey and maybe take off her shoulder pads and apply some perfume, knowing Costia was just daydreaming about her in a jersey.
Once Lexa had cleaned up, changed, and managed to look a little less like she'd just ran a marathon in the hot August sun, she made her way all the way across campus, slipping into the cool, welcoming embrace of the air conditioned art studio.
Lexa bit her lip as she quietly left her bag over by the side of the door, not wanting to disturb any of the diligent working artists inside. She saw students and teachers alike, working with any and every medium imaginable, including pottery, paints, and even some stained glass.
Lexa felt strangely out of place. Surely it wasn't from lack of exposure- Lexa was cultured. Her parents had dragged Aden and her through nearly every museum, to every great art exhibit all over the country, hell, even to Europe's magnificent works. And yet, something about the silence of it all frightened Lexa.
It was as if the prospect of being alone with her thoughts was intimidating. Almost as if, if she really got to know herself without the roar of the crowd and the rivals stampeding her at every turn, she wouldn't like who she was. Art was so introspective and painstakingly truthful. Lexa wasn't ready for that.
She made her way over to the back, passing rows of tables, filled with students working and honing their craft. Towards the back, two canvases stood on easels, sporting great unfinished works. It appeared as if the canvases, and easels themselves, were privileges to use, since most everyone else slaved over at a mere table.
Lexa's eyes found Costia, grinning as she motioned to her unfinished work to a lady in a formal looking suit, whom Lexa guessed was the representative from a nearby art school. Her emerald gaze roamed the expanse of Costia's canvas. It was a simple painting, yet very intricate in its design. A flower bloomed at the center, its vines tracing all the way around to the edges of the canvas in intricate loops that gave way to thorns and curls.
Lexa's eyes brightened at the sight, and she couldn't help the way her competitive nature took over and her eyes found the canvas beside Costia's, clearly the work of someone else.
Her breath hitched in her throat. It was otherworldly.
Dollops of mint green paint sat on a pallet nearby. Lexa's eyes found that the artist was painting what appeared to be a forest, filled with dense spruce trees that extended to the horizon, their edges tipped with the soft white ridges of fresh snow, just powdering the tips. The very points of the trees extended into a dark blue, purple, indigo sky- alight with constellations that appeared as if they came from another universe altogether. The placard beneath the easel had tentative handwritten scrawling, reading: Title: "When Earth meets the Sky" by Clarke Griffin, Senior.
And there she was, coming from the back storage room with blue paint on the edge of her fingers, brush in hand, hair pulled into a gorgeously messy blonde bun, her eyes unmistakably widening at the sight of Lexa, roaming the expanse of her jersey clad body before her cheeks went rosy and she flicked her attention back to the work at hand.
"Hey babe."
The voice shook Lexa from her musings. Lexa allowed her gaze to fall to Costia, who had just finished speaking with the representative, who'd strolled away with an approving smile.
" Hi." Lexa answered, allowing Costia to give her a hands-free kiss, unable to melt into it because she was in a paint covered smock. "That's beautiful." She murmured, her eyes tracing each vine.
"You like it?" Costia smirked. "That lady was a rep from the scholarship program."
Lexa's eyebrows raised as she nodded, impressed. "I thought as much. Good news, I take it?"
"Two of us here at Arkadia qualify for the regional art scholarship, and Azgeda High doesn't even have a candidate. If I get that, Lex, I'm in." Costia grinned. "Whatever the school..."
Lexa grinned back, leaning forward to kiss her cheek in a congratulatory manner. "I'm sure you will."
Clarke hadn't said a word, meticulously dapping at a white-hot comet that burst through the sky she'd so expertly crafted.
Lexa felt an odd pull in her stomach. Costia had mentioned she was one of only two who qualified...That must have meant Clarke was her competition. Lexa shoved down the thoughts that threatened to spill over in her mind. Clarke's piece wasn't better. Art was subjective, it wasn't sports. There was no clear, defining way to see which side had truly conquered.
It wasn't better.
" You ready to go to the Dropship and grab some late lunch?" Costia asked with a smile,
returning her brushes to the sink.
Clarke seemed to perk up at the name of the local diner, but did nothing to acknowledge Lexa's presence.
"Yes." Lexa smiled. "But wouldn't you prefer I showered first?"
"The uniform is sexy, Lexa." Costia replied in a sultry voice, taking off her art smock and laying it on the chair beside her. "But...I'll allow it."
Lexa smirked as Costia leaned in to kiss her jaw.
Clarke dropped her brush, and Lexa bent to pick it up for her, but this time, Clarke was much faster, a frown on her face.
"Thanks. I got it this time." Clarke mumbled, whipping away as quickly as she could to go wash it off.
Lexa frowned, and Costia quirked a brow. "This time? She's dropped things on you before?" "Yes." Lexa hummed, lacing her fingers with Costia's. "It's become our way of greeting."
———————————————————————
Mornings were quickly becoming Aden's personal hell.
Not mornings themselves, really, because Aden loved waking up to the smell of his Uncle Gustus's freshly made pancakes and the crackling of bacon on the stove, as well as the spectacle that was his sister and cousin in the morning, but school was now wearing on his cheery resolve. Specifically the class of one Titus Trikru, which he couldn't even complain about at home anymore, seeing as Lexa wouldn't hear a single word against the bald man. Ellis and Nam made it more bearable, but even their presence wasn't enough to relieve him of the ever-growing stack of unfinished homework assignments and the dismal grade sitting in his online portal.
If his parents were around, they would surely kill him.
Alexander and Anastasia Woods were obsessed with perfection, and dedicated their lives to the pursuit of it. He'd grown up in a world filled with seemingly impossible standards and plenty of displeased looks, lived for the rare moments of approval and genuine smiles, craved their affection with every fibre of his being.
Lexa made it bearable, manageable, and now, away from the harsh, judgmental gaze of his parents—it was hard to judge him when they were off in Paris—he knew that he could flourish... if only he had a better math teacher.
"C'mon, brat, we're leaving."
"Chirper as ever, I see, An," he teased, practically skipping ahead of her, expertly dodging the swat she aimed at the back of his head.
"One of these days," she threatened with a shake of her head, "one of these days I'm going to kill you, Ades." He turned, walking backwards, to observe his scowling cousin, a brilliant smile on his face.
"I'm too cute to kill, though."
"I wouldn't count on it," Lexa quipped, "she probably kills puppies in her spare time." Anya made an offended noise, scrunching up her eyebrows and scowling even deeper than she already had.
"I think you're mixing me up with Ontari Queen, which, first of all, fuck you ..." Aden rolled his eyes as the two girls began bickering once more, putting in his headphones and tuning them out, as he usually did.
Upon walking into the bustling halls of Arkadia High, a small smile graced Aden's face when he noticed Atom waiting awkwardly by his locker, hair as fluffy and dishevelled as always, lanky arms swinging at his sides, as though he didn't know what to do with them.
"Hey, Atom," Aden greeted as he walked up, quickly opening his locker and grabbing the things he'd need for first hour, "what's up?"
"Oh, nothing really," Atom said with a shrug of his shoulders, "just wanted to, y'know, say hi." Aden grinned brightly, bending under the weight of his math book slightly.
"Oh—here, let me—" before Aden could protest, Atom had taken the stack of books and notebooks out of Aden's overflowing arms and into his own. Usually, he'd protest at the help, but Atom looked so genuinely concerned and happy to assist that he couldn't help but smile.
"My hero!" Aden cheered, batting his eyelashes overdramatically, missing the way that Atom's throat jumped at the action, pink tinges rising on the taller boy's neck. "How can I ever repay you?" Atom laughed, smiling widely.
"Let me walk you to class?"
"Your wish is my command, brave knight."
The two boys made their way through the bustling halls to Aden's math class, and, for the first time, Aden wasn't dreading entry, mood lifted considerably by Atom's companionship. He opened the door with a flourish, beckoning the fluffy-haired boy inside.
"After you, good sir."
"Where do you sit?"
"Up there, in the front, by the redhead and the sleeping idiot."
As though summoned by his name, Nam shot up, looking around as though there was someone waiting to attack him.
"Whuzzah."
"Nothing, you fell asleep again." Aden grinned at Ellis's teasing tone. "Nobody's going to attack you, you can go back to sleep." The redhead then turned to eye Atom appraisingly as he set Aden's things down on his desk.
"Who's pretty boy?" At the nickname, Atom flushed bright pink, coughing awkwardly.
"That's Atom," Aden said brightly.
"...and he carried your books here for you?"
"Indeed he did," Aden quipped, turning to bat his eyes at the boy, who was still blushing furiously, "isn't he the perfect gentleman?"
"Erm, hi," he offered, waving half-heartedly, still trying to recover from his embarrassment. Ellis regarded him coolly for a few moments longer, before nodding as though in approval.
"I'm Ellis," she introduced herself, "and that sleeping mess behind me is Nam."
"Nice to meet you," Atom responded genuinely, looking up as the first warning bell rang, "I should get going." He shrugged apologetically, before making hopeful eye contact with Aden. "I'll see you later?"
"Of course," Aden agreed, and Atom grinned as he left the room. The blonde boy turned to find Ellis staring at him with a raised eyebrow.
"What?"
"Oh, Aden, my sweet, naive child."
" What?"

The rest of the day progressed rather smoothly, and Aden found himself eagerly anticipating his tutoring session, which was something he'd never thought he'd admit to. The prospect of finally understanding what the hell was happening in his class, as well as seeing his stunning blonde savior was understandably exciting though.
Especially the blonde savior part.
Lexa T-Rexa
You coming to practice tonight?
Strikbro
Nah, got tutoring tonight. See you after?
Lexa T-Rexa
I mean I guess. Later, nerd.
Strikbro
You say the nicest things.

Before he knew it, the day was coming to a close, and he waved to Ellis and Nam as he walked leisurely to the library, where he'd arranged to meet with one Clarke Griffin. She was there waiting for him, conversing with a duo that he immediately recognized as the Blake twins.
Octavia smiled at him in greeting, and he responded in kind. As opposed to with Costia, Aden was quickly coming to adore Lincoln's girlfriend, who was filled with a fiery competitiveness and sharp humor that made him laugh. Her brother, though, he knew nothing of except his name.
Bellamy Blake, while not on a sports team, was one of the most popular students in all of Arkadia High. There was something about his easy charm, wavy hair, and bright smile that made boys and girls alike melt. Anya had complained about him on more than one occasion, citing that she wanted to wipe the smug little smirk right off his face, but wouldn't because he was commonly involved with her friend, Echo.
"Did I keep you waiting?" Aden worried, moving to sit across from Clarke.
"No, don't worry," Clarke assured him, "I just got let out of sixth period a little early, and was telling these two idiots that they didn't have to wait with me."
"Idiots? I'm wounded, Griffin," Octavia balked, "I mean, we all know Bellamy's an idiot, but me? I deserve better than that."
"Hey—!" Aden grinned as the two siblings began bickering, reminding him much of Lexa and Anya, who acted more like sisters than cousins. Clarke rolled her eyes and shooed them out of the room, before turning to face Aden.
"So, what can I help you with..." she trailed off as she noticed Trikru's course outline, and winced. "Trikru?"
"Yeah."
"Looks like you and I are going to be seeing a lot of each other." "Yup, sounds about right."
Clarke, Aden soon decided, was an angel sent down from the heavens.
Her explanations actually made sense, and she was patient with him in a way that most of his private tutors in the past hadn't been. There was something about her voice that made him relaxed and more willing to listen about the intricacies of a subject that he completely and utterly abhorred.
Their session ended up running longer than the designated hour, bleeding into two, but it barely felt like a moment. By the end of it, Aden was the proud owner of an impressive stack of finished homework and completed revisions, and overall felt incredibly satisfied with his progress, which Clarke mirrored, ruffling his hair fondly and offering him a piece of chocolate from the small mountain he'd presented her with as a gift.
They probably would have continued longer, but Aden was interrupted by the constant buzzing of his phone.
"Sorry," he apologized, "that's my sister, I've gotta skedaddle." Clarke brushed his concerns off, smiling kindly.
"No biggie," she assured, "Octavia was gonna be here soon anyways to pick me up, we work at the diner together..." she trailed off, peering down at her own phone. "But you did a great job today, we'll work on the rest tomorrow, and you said you've got a unit test coming up?"
"Yeah."
"Alright, then we'll start on that in two days, gotta make sure you make it through your first Trikru test alive, don't we?"
"Of course, Master Jedi," Aden teased, and Clarke rolled her eyes at him. "You have much to learn, young padawan."
Oh yeah. Definitely the best tutor ever.