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reallygroovyninja · 19 days ago

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Eden

The crowd was a living, breathing wave of energy, and Clarke thrived in it. She strutted across the stage, her voice a weapon that commanded the room. The heavy beat of the last song thumped through the venue, a pump-up anthem that had every person on their feet, fists in the air, singing along. Clarke grinned as she belted out the final chorus, sweat dripping down her face, her heart racing with the high of performing.

From the wings, Raven and Octavia stood in the shadows, trying to figure out who Clarke had been eyeing all night.

“It’s gotta be the blonde,” Raven yelled, nodding toward the front row, where a tall blonde had been practically worshipping Clarke from the start. Her eyes were wide, lips mouthing every word Clarke sang, body swaying in time with the music.

Octavia squinted, leaning forward for a better look. “I don’t know. I think it’s the brunette. She’s barely paying attention, and you know how Clarke loves a challenge.”

Raven tilted her head, sizing up the brunette, who stood a few seats over from the blonde. She was texting on her phone and occasionally, she’d glance at Clarke, but mostly she seemed unfazed by the chaos around her.

“True, Clarke could be into that whole 'I’m not interested' vibe,” Raven mused, her eyes flicking between the two women.

They both knew the routine well. By the end of the night, it would be up to them to figure out who Clarke had locked onto. It was a pattern they had grown used to—find the omega Clarke had been watching and somehow convince her to head to Clarke’s hotel room for the night. That’s how it always went, and Raven and Octavia always had to make sure they didn’t screw up the choice.

As the music began to build toward the final note, Raven bit her lip. “So, we picking the brunette, then?”

Octavia nodded. “Yeah, she’s got that unattainable thing going on. Clarke loves to win over omegas like that.”

“Alright,” Raven said, glancing at Clarke as she worked the stage, commanding the crowd like a queen. “We go with the brunette.”

Clarke’s voice hit its peak, the last note hanging in the air for a split second. The crowd exploded, cheering and screaming for more. Clarke turned toward the audience, her lips curling into a wicked smile. Her eyes flashed, and then—just as Raven and Octavia prepared to move—Clarke pointed directly at the blonde in the front row and winked.

Raven and Octavia froze, their mouths dropping open.

“Shit,” Raven muttered, shaking her head in disbelief.

Octavia laughed, slapping Raven’s arm playfully. “We were so close!”

“I swear I thought it was the brunette,” Raven groaned, rubbing her arm.

“Well, guess we know our job,” Octavia said, already moving toward the stairs that would lead them down to the front row. “Let’s go grab blondie before she passes out from excitement.”

Raven smirked. “Yeah, no kidding. Clarke’s gonna have fun with this one.”

As Clarke stood on the stage, basking in the adoration of her fans, Raven and Octavia disappeared into the crowd, ready to find the omega Clarke had picked for the night.

Backstage was buzzing with energy, the air thick with the mix of sweat, alcohol, and post-show euphoria. Clarke leaned against a food table, a bottle of tequila in hand, her leather jacket hanging off her shoulders as she took a long, slow drink. Around her, Bellamy and Finn were celebrating hard, already surrounded by a few fans they had picked to come backstage, their intentions clear.

Finn had his arm slung casually around the waist of a girl who looked like she had been front row, her wide eyes still reflecting the excitement of the night. Bellamy was deep in conversation with two others, a smirk on his face, already halfway through a drink of his own. They all knew how the night would likely end—with them taking these fans back to their rooms for more than just casual conversation.

Clarke watched the scene with a lazy grin, her body still buzzing from the adrenaline of the performance, but her mind already elsewhere. The music, the crowd, the lights—it had all faded. Her focus now was on the blonde she’d been eyeing during the entire show. Every time she locked eyes with her, Clarke could feel the spark. Now, she just wanted to finish this drink and get out of here.

Octavia approached, weaving her way through the crowd of fans and bandmates, stopping in front of Clarke with her usual easy confidence. “Well, good news,” she started with a smirk. “Blonde’s gonna be at the hotel, waiting.”

Clarke’s grin widened, the anticipation creeping through her. She took another swig from the tequila bottle and wiped her mouth, the alcohol doing nothing to calm the growing heat in her body. “Good,” she muttered, rolling her neck. “I’m ready to get out of here. I’m horny as hell.”

Octavia chuckled, crossing her arms as she watched Clarke with amusement. “Yeah, you looked like it. You couldn’t take your eyes off her the whole night.”

Clarke shrugged, unabashed. “What can I say? Girl’s got a vibe.” She tipped the bottle in Octavia’s direction. “The rest of you enjoy the party. I’ve got better things waiting for me at the hotel.”

Octavia nodded, her eyes briefly flicking toward Bellamy and Finn, who were well on their way to making their own connections with the fans lingering nearby. “Don’t worry, we’ll hold down the fort here. You go do what you do.”

Clarke tossed the now-empty bottle on a nearby table and pulled her jacket up. “Tell the driver to get ready,” she said, already turning to head for the door. “I’m not wasting any more time.”

As she left the room, Octavia called after her, “Don’t break her too fast, Clarke. You know how you get.”

Clarke threw a smirk over her shoulder without stopping. “No promises.”

With that, she was out the door, ready to put the night’s performance behind her and focus on what, or who, was waiting for her at the hotel.

Clarke pushed open the door to the hotel room, the dim lighting casting a soft glow across the space. Her eyes immediately landed on the blonde sitting at the end of the bed, her back straight, one leg crossed over the other, casually holding the remote as she watched TV. The moment the blonde noticed Clarke stepping into the room, her eyes widened, and she quickly fumbled to shut off the television, tossing the remote aside as she stood up from the bed.

Clarke’s lips curled into a smirk as she took in the sight of the omega, standing nervously by the bed, trying to compose herself. Without a word, Clarke shrugged off her jacket, letting it slide down her shoulders and fall carelessly to the floor. The soft thud of leather against the carpet made the blonde’s breath hitch.

Clarke took slow, deliberate steps toward her, her presence filling the room as her eyes stayed locked on the omega. The blonde didn’t move, standing rooted in place as Clarke came to a stop right in front of her, the space between them electric. Clarke could feel the tension radiating from the omega, the anticipation hanging heavy in the air.

Clarke tilted her head slightly, her voice low and smooth as she asked, “What’s your name?”

“N-Niylah,” the blonde stammered, her voice soft, but her gaze never left Clarke’s.

A slow grin spread across Clarke’s face, her voice dipping into a teasing growl. “Pretty name,” she murmured. “I’ll be sure to say it when I come… as I fuck you.”

Niylah’s breath caught, her lips parting slightly as Clarke’s words sank in. The heat between them was undeniable, and Clarke didn’t waste another second. She reached up, gently cupping the back of Niylah’s neck, her fingers threading through the blonde’s hair as she pulled her in.

Their lips crashed together in a deep, hungry kiss, Clarke’s tongue parting Niylah’s mouth, tasting the sweet warmth of her. The kiss was intense, passionate, and filled with the promise of what was to come. Niylah melted against Clarke, her hands instinctively gripping Clarke’s waist as if needing to steady herself from the surge of heat rushing through her body.

Clarke deepened the kiss, her hands roaming down Niylah’s back, pulling her even closer as their bodies pressed together, their breaths mingling in a heated exchange.

Clarke didn’t waste any time. As soon as their lips connected, she started tugging at Niylah’s clothes, her fingers quickly finding the hem of the blonde’s shirt and pulling it over her head. She continued kissing her, barely breaking contact, her hands moving to the bra Niylah was wearing, kneading her breasts through the fabric. Niylah gasped into Clarke’s mouth, her body arching into the touch, and Clarke smirked against her lips.

With practiced ease, Clarke’s hands traveled down Niylah’s body, reaching the waistband of her pants. She unbuttoned them, then tugged down the zipper, her knuckles brushing the soft skin of Niylah’s stomach. The omega let out a soft whimper as Clarke pushed the fabric down, making her intentions clear with every movement.

But Niylah wasn’t about to just stand there and let Clarke take control. Her hands were already tugging at Clarke’s shirt, her fingers working quickly to pull it up and over Clarke’s head. Their lips only parted for a second before they crashed together again, the heat between them intensifying. Niylah’s hands moved to Clarke’s back, unhooking her bra and letting it fall to the floor.

Clarke growled low in her throat as Niylah’s fingers found the waistband of her jeans, quickly undoing the button and pulling down the zipper. With one swift motion, Niylah pushed the denim down Clarke’s hips, her movements growing bolder as her eyes flicked down to Clarke’s boxer briefs.

Dropping to her knees, Niylah pressed her face against the front of Clarke’s briefs, inhaling the musky scent of her. Clarke’s breath hitched, her hands finding their way into Niylah’s hair, fingers tightening as Niylah rubbed her cheek against the fabric, her lips brushing lightly over the bulge beneath.

“Fuck…” Clarke muttered, her voice low and ragged as she looked down at the sight of Niylah on her knees, ready and eager.

Niylah’s hands rested on Clarke’s hips, her fingers dipping just inside the waistband of the boxer briefs, teasing the edge as she continued to rub her face against the heated fabric. The anticipation between them hung thick in the air, the promise of what was to come making Clarke’s pulse race even faster.

“Take them off,” Clarke rasped, her voice dripping with hunger as she gazed down at Niylah, who was more than ready to obey.

Niylah didn’t hesitate. As soon as Clarke gave the order, she hooked her fingers into the waistband of Clarke’s boxer briefs and tugged them down. The fabric slipped past Clarke’s hips, and Niylah’s eyes went wide as Clarke’s cock sprang free. She had known Clarke was big—everyone talked about it—but seeing it like this was something else entirely.

Clarke noticed the look in Niylah’s eyes and grinned. “Like what you see?” she asked, her voice low and dripping with arrogance.

Niylah nodded, her breath catching as she shook her head quickly in disbelief, a quiet “Yes” escaping her lips. Without wasting a second, she leaned forward, her hands wrapping around Clarke’s cock as she started to work her magic. Her lips parted, and she took Clarke into her mouth, her tongue swirling as she set a perfect rhythm, her touch skilled and eager.

Clarke groaned, her hand instinctively finding its way into Niylah’s hair again, guiding her as she bobbed up and down. “Fuck, you’re good,” Clarke muttered, her voice coming out in ragged breaths. The way Niylah moved, the way her tongue worked over every inch, was enough to make Clarke’s head spin.

But as good as it felt, Clarke wasn’t ready to lose control like this. She wanted more—she wanted to be inside Niylah, not just come down her throat.

With a frustrated growl, Clarke tightened her grip on Niylah’s hair, pulling her off gently. “Stop,” she panted, her voice hoarse. Niylah looked up at her, eyes wide and lips glistening, as if she was waiting for more.

Clarke smirked down at her, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “I don’t want to come like this. I want to be inside you,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Niylah’s eyes darkened with anticipation, and she stood up slowly, licking her lips as she waited for Clarke’s next command.

“Strip,” Clarke ordered, her voice firm and dripping with hunger. “The rest of the way. And get on the bed.”

Niylah obeyed immediately, slipping out of the rest of her clothes, her body moving with a grace that only made Clarke’s desire burn hotter. Once she was completely bare, Niylah climbed onto the bed, her skin glowing under the soft lighting as she settled in, waiting for Clarke to take her.

Clarke's gaze darkened with lust at the sight of the omega lying there, ready for her. It made the heat building inside Clarke burn even hotter. With a slow, deliberate breath, she spoke, her voice commanding and dripping with intent. “On your hands and knees,” Clarke growled.

Niylah didn’t hesitate. She immediately shifted, positioning herself on all fours, arching her back in a way that made Clarke's cock throb with anticipation. Clarke’s eyes roamed over the perfect curve of Niylah’s body, her skin flushed and glowing in the soft light.

Clarke quickly kicked off her boots and stepped out of her jeans and boxer briefs, leaving her completely bare. She climbed onto the bed with a predatory grace, positioning herself behind Niylah, her hands sliding over the omega’s hips, taking in the warmth of her skin.

Leaning in close, Clarke’s lips brushed Niylah’s ear as she whispered, “I’m going to give you the best fuck of your life.”

Before Niylah could respond, Clarke gripped her hips firmly and thrust into her, the sensation overwhelming them both. Niylah gasped, her body trembling as Clarke filled her completely. Clarke didn’t hold back, immediately setting a relentless pace, her hips slamming into Niylah with precision and power.

The sound of skin slapping against skin echoed through the room, accompanied by Niylah’s moans, growing louder with each thrust. Clarke’s grip tightened as she drove into the omega over and over, her body moving with a desperate hunger. Every inch of Niylah responded to Clarke’s rhythm, her back arching and her breath coming in ragged gasps.

Clarke growled in satisfaction, her focus unwavering as she pounded into Niylah harder, faster, determined to make good on her promise. “You feel so good,” Clarke rasped, her voice hoarse from the exertion. The pleasure building inside her was a fire that threatened to consume her, but she kept control, her only goal now to bring Niylah over the edge before she let herself go.

Niylah's moans filled the room, her body rocking with Clarke’s movements, completely lost to the sensation of Clarke taking her so thoroughly. Clarke knew she was close, could feel it in the way Niylah’s body tightened around her with every thrust, and she wasn’t going to stop until she had the omega completely undone beneath her.

Clarke could feel the power she held over Niylah, knowing full well she could outlast the omega. Every thrust sent shockwaves through Niylah’s trembling body, and Clarke reveled in the way the omega dropped down onto her forearms, gripping the sheets as if her life depended on it. Niylah’s knuckles were white, her body surrendering completely to the rhythm Clarke set.

Without breaking stride, Clarke slid her hand around Niylah’s body, her fingers quickly finding the omega’s swollen, sensitive clit. It only took a few strokes—her touch firm and relentless—and Niylah’s body tensed under her. The omega cried out, her body spasming around Clarke as she came hard, her moans muffled as her face pressed into the bed.

But Clarke wasn’t done. Not by a long shot.

Even as Niylah trembled beneath her, Clarke kept pounding into her, her movements strong and unyielding. She had promised Niylah the best fuck of her life, and Clarke was determined to deliver. Her fingers never stopped, still teasing Niylah’s clit, pushing her beyond what she thought she could handle. Clarke could feel the omega starting to come undone all over again, her body arching and trembling as pleasure coursed through her.

“You’re not done yet,” Clarke growled, her voice rough and full of hunger as she pressed harder against Niylah’s clit, knowing exactly how to bring her to the brink once more.

Niylah’s breath hitched, her body quivering as Clarke thrust into, her pace unrelenting. Every snap of Clarke’s hips drove Niylah closer to another climax, and Clarke could feel her own release building, the heat in her core intensifying with every movement.

Clarke could sense Niylah on the edge again, her cries growing desperate as her body responded to every thrust, every touch. With a groan, Clarke doubled down, pounding into Niylah with everything she had, determined to make the omega come one final time before she let herself go.

Niylah’s body tensed beneath her as she came again, a broken cry escaping her lips as her body shook, completely overwhelmed. Clarke felt the tightness around her, the way Niylah clenched, and it pushed her over the edge too. With one final, powerful thrust, Clarke buried herself deep inside Niylah, her own release crashing through her.

“Niylah,” Clarke growled as her climax hit, her voice hoarse as she filled the omega completely, her body shuddering with the intensity of her release.

For a moment, the only sound in the room was their ragged breathing, the lingering heat of their passion still thick in the air. Clarke stayed pressed against Niylah’s trembling body, her chest rising and falling as the last waves of her orgasm subsided. She smirked, satisfied, knowing she had kept her word.

Clarke pulled out slowly, feeling Niylah’s body tremble one last time before she rolled onto her back, collapsing onto the bed. Niylah let out a quiet sigh, her legs sliding down until she lay on her stomach, her cheek resting against the cool sheets. They both lay there for a moment, the room filled with the sound of their heavy breathing, the heat of the encounter still lingering in the air.

After a beat, Clarke raised herself up, propping on one elbow. She glanced at Niylah and smirked, her voice low as she caught her breath. “That was fun,” she said, her tone casual, as if she were discussing nothing more than a good night out. “You can stay here if you want. Order room service or whatever.”

Niylah blinked, her breath still uneven as she slowly pushed herself up, watching Clarke move. She was confused at first, but as she watched Clarke swing her legs off the bed and start looking for her clothes scattered around the room, realization sank in. Clarke wasn’t staying.

“Are you leaving?” Niylah asked, her voice soft, almost hesitant. She sat up a little more, her eyes searching Clarke’s face for some hint of connection that might make her stay.

Clarke didn’t look up as she stepped into her jeans and fastened them, her tone matter-of-fact. “Yeah, I’ve got my own room. But you’re good to stay here for the night.” She shrugged, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. “Order room service, crash for the night. Check out is at noon.”

Niylah bit her lip, watching as Clarke grabbed her shirt, pulling it over her head and straightening it out. Clarke didn’t miss a beat, her focus already shifting away from the omega who had just been trembling under her touch minutes ago.

As Clarke reached the door, her hand on the knob, she glanced over her shoulder with that same confident smirk. “When I’m back in town for a show, I’d love to fuck you again,” she said, her voice casual but laced with the same raw hunger from earlier.

Niylah nodded slowly, unsure of what to say as Clarke gave her a final wink before opening the door and stepping out into the hallway, leaving the omega alone in the quiet hotel room.

Clarke strolled through the sleek private terminal of the airport, looking effortlessly put together. Her leather jacket hung over her shoulder, sunglasses resting on top of her head, and not a hint of exhaustion on her face. Behind her, Bellamy and Finn trudged along, looking anything but refreshed. Their hair was disheveled, dark circles under their eyes, and both moved sluggishly, as if the weight of the previous night’s fun had finally caught up with them.

Clarke glanced over her shoulder, a smirk playing on her lips. “You two look like hell,” she teased, voice light and full of amusement. “Maybe next time, leave the omegas you fuck in one room and get yourselves a second room like I do. Then you might actually get some sleep.”

Finn shot her a look, eyes barely open behind his dark sunglasses. “Not everyone’s as emotionally unavailable as you, Clarke.”

Bellamy groaned, running a hand through his messy hair. “Yeah, Clarke, we can’t all detach ourselves that easily. Some of us like to… stick around afterward.”

Clarke laughed, shaking her head. “That’s your problem right there. You stick around too long. The key is in and out. Fun in one room, sleep in the other. Works like a charm.”

Before Bellamy or Finn could respond, Octavia and Raven sauntered over, looking far more awake and ready to go. Octavia had her phone in hand, checking something as they approached.

“Plane’s boarding in a few minutes,” Octavia said, glancing up. “Better get your act together before we hit Polis. You guys look like you haven’t slept in days.”

Raven chuckled, nodding toward Clarke. “Guess someone here actually took her own advice and managed to sleep last night.”

Clarke shrugged, grinning as she gestured toward Finn and Bellamy. “I told them. They just don’t listen.”

“Lincoln’s on his way,” Raven added, looking around for their manager. “He’s been finalizing everything for the next show.”

Bellamy groaned, rubbing his temples. “Great, I hope he brought coffee.”

Clarke snickered. “What you need is a nap. But hey, maybe when we’re up in the air, you can catch some Z’s. Assuming you don’t pass out before we even hit the runway.”

Just as she said it, Lincoln came striding toward them from the other side of the terminal, his phone still in hand, his expression focused. As the manager of the band, he was always two steps ahead, juggling logistics and schedules to make sure everything ran smoothly.

“Everyone good?” Lincoln asked as he reached them, pocketing his phone. His gaze shifted from Clarke’s relaxed stance to Bellamy and Finn’s ragged appearance. “We’ve got a tight schedule once we land in Polis. Get what rest you can on the plane.”

Clarke grinned, nudging Bellamy with her elbow. “See? Even Lincoln knows you two look like shit.”

Bellamy groaned again, but couldn’t help but smirk. “Yeah, yeah. Just get me on the plane already.”

Clarke chuckled as they began making their way toward the gate. The private jet was ready, and soon they’d be on their way to the next show. For Clarke, it was just another stop on the tour—another night to do what she did best.

The private jet touched down smoothly in Polis, the hum of the engines fading as the plane taxied to a stop. Inside, Bellamy and Finn were still sprawled out in their seats, having slept the entire two-hour flight. Meanwhile, Clarke had been busy the whole time—jotting down new song lyrics in her notebook while chatting with Raven, Octavia, and Lincoln about the next few shows. Her mind was always spinning with ideas, the energy from the tour fueling her creativity.

As the cabin door opened and the band began to gather their things, Clarke stretched lazily, glancing down at the notebook full of half-finished lyrics. She’d been in a good groove today, but now it was time to focus on the next gig. Finn and Bellamy slowly stirred awake, groaning as they rubbed their eyes.

Lincoln, always on top of the schedule, was already up and moving toward the exit. “Alright, everyone,” he called over his shoulder as they started filing out of the jet and toward the waiting limo. “We’ve got an appearance at the student radio station of Polis University before we can check into the hotel.”

Bellamy and Finn both groaned in unison, still groggy from their nap. “Come on, man,” Bellamy mumbled, rubbing his face. “Can’t we at least hit the hotel first?”

Clarke, however, grinned widely, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Polis University, huh? Sounds like fun.”

Octavia rolled her eyes as they climbed into the limo, sliding into her seat next to Raven. “Clarke, seriously,” she said with a teasing tone, “don’t hit on the freshmen. They may be legal, but not that legal.”

Clarke chuckled, leaning back in her seat. “Relax, O. I’ll behave… probably.”

Lincoln shot her a warning glance but couldn’t help the small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Just keep it professional, Clarke. We’re here for a quick promo, not for you to make another headline.”

Clarke grinned but didn’t say anything, still buzzing from the idea of the stop at the university. Finn and Bellamy grumbled a little more, but Clarke didn’t mind. She was ready to make the most of the appearance, and who knew? There was always a chance something—or someone—interesting might catch her eye at Polis University.

The limo pulled up to the curb in front of a large student building, and the band members inside immediately noticed the sea of students gathered outside. Signs waved above the crowd: Eden Forever ... Clarke, Marry Me ... Finn, I Want to Have Your Baby. The fans were buzzing with excitement, shouting and cheering as soon as they spotted the limo’s arrival.

Clarke smirked as she peered out the tinted windows. “Looks like we’ve got a warm welcome,” she said, adjusting her sunglasses before stepping out of the limo. As soon as her feet hit the pavement, the crowd erupted into deafening cheers.

Bellamy, Finn, and Clarke all waved at the fans, soaking in the energy. Finn shook his head, still half-asleep from the flight but managing a grin as he read the baby-sign. “Really? That one never gets old,” he muttered under his breath.

Clarke laughed. “You should be flattered, Finn. They’re devoted.”

The band took a few moments to snap pictures with some of the students at the front of the crowd. Clarke threw her arms around a few, flashing her signature grin for the cameras. Bellamy and Finn followed suit, offering high-fives and quick selfies as they moved through the sea of hands and excited voices.

After a few minutes, a student with a confident stride approached them. She was tall, with dark hair and piercing eyes, and wore a jacket with the Polis University emblem stitched onto it. She stopped in front of Clarke and the others, offering a polite but brisk smile.

“I’m Ontari,” she said, her tone businesslike. “I’m here to escort you to the station. We’re thrilled to have Eden here at Polis University.”

“Thanks,” Clarke said, offering a casual nod. The group followed Ontari as she led them through the crowd and into the building, leaving the fans still chanting outside.

Once inside, they entered a small lobby. It was a quiet contrast to the chaos outside, the hum of air conditioning filling the space. Posters of upcoming university events lined the walls, and a few couches were scattered around. Ontari turned to face them, still all business.

“You’ll be talking with two of our DJs today, Monty and Harper,” she explained, gesturing to the seating area. “They’re on the air right now, but they’ll be out to greet you shortly.”

“Cool,” Raven said, settling into one of the chairs. Clarke leaned against the arm of a couch, still buzzing from the crowd’s energy outside. Finn and Bellamy flopped onto the cushions, looking slightly more alive than they had on the flight over.

Ontari checked her phone and looked up again. “They’ll be out in just a few. Make yourselves comfortable.”

Monty and Harper emerged from the studio, wide smiles on their faces as they approached the band. Monty, leading the way, extended a hand to Clarke, who was still leaning casually against the couch, her sunglasses now perched on top of her head.

“Hey, I’m Monty,” he said, shaking Clarke’s hand. “We’ve been looking forward to this.”

Harper was right behind him, grinning as she introduced herself. “And I’m Harper. So excited to have Eden here with us.”

Clarke returned the smile, nodding at both of them. “Appreciate it. We’re excited to be here, too.”

Monty and Harper went down the line, shaking hands with Bellamy, Finn, Raven, Lincoln and Octavia. Everyone exchanged quick pleasantries, but the band members seemed more awake and alert now, the initial grogginess from the flight wearing off.

As Monty and Harper settled into seats across from the band, Monty spoke up. “Just so you know, our professor was supposed to join us for this, but she got caught in a meeting. She’ll be here ASAP, though.”

“Got it,” Clarke replied, not fazed. She settled back into her seat, her arms crossed over her chest as she watched Monty and Harper prepare.

“Cool, cool,” Harper said, glancing down at her notepad. “So, we wanted to run through a few of the questions we’ll be asking during the segment. First off, we’ll definitely want to dive into how you guys came up with the name Eden. I know a lot of fans are curious about that.”

Clarke exchanged a knowing look with the rest of the band, a smirk playing on her lips. “That story always gets attention.”

Monty grinned. “I bet. And we’ll also touch on the latest songs—what inspired them, the creative process behind them. We’ve been following your new releases closely.”

Harper added, “We’ll probably ask about how the tour’s been going so far, too. We’ve heard nothing but amazing things about your live performances.”

Clarke nodded, relaxed but engaged. “Yeah, the tour’s been wild. We’ve got some good stories for you.”

Finn leaned forward, chiming in for the first time. “Trust me, the inspiration behind the latest track? People don’t know half of it. Can’t wait to share.”

Harper’s eyebrows raised, clearly intrigued. “We can’t wait to hear it.”

Monty glanced up from his notes. “Anything else you guys want to discuss? We’re happy to cover whatever you think the fans would love to know about.”

Clarke glanced at Lincoln, who gave her a nod, signaling they were good to go. “Nah, that all sounds great. We’re open books—throw whatever you’ve got at us.”

Monty smiled, closing his notepad. “Awesome. We’ll get started after the break. Sit tight for a bit, and then we’ll bring you in.”

The band settled in, the easy energy between them setting the stage for what was sure to be a lively interview.

Monty and Harper led Clarke, Finn, and Bellamy down a short hallway and into the small, cozy studio. The space was filled with shelves lined with records and posters of past guests, and the faint hum of equipment filled the air. They all took their seats near the microphones, sliding on the headphones as they settled in. Clarke, looking relaxed as ever, adjusted the mic in front of her while Bellamy and Finn followed suit, glancing around the room.

Through the glass in the control room, the producer gave a quick wave. “Hey, I’m Jasper,” he said through the intercom, his voice slightly muffled by the glass. “We’re coming back on air in two minutes, so just hang tight.”

Clarke gave a thumbs up, her eyes scanning the room with a casual, confident air. Finn yawned, still shaking off the last bit of post-flight grogginess, while Bellamy leaned back in his chair, waiting patiently for the show to start.

The seconds ticked by, and just before they went live, Monty and Harper adjusted their headphones, exchanging a quick glance before Monty spoke up.

“Alright, we’re back on air, and we’ve got something special for all you listeners out there today,” Monty said, his voice smooth and practiced, immediately grabbing the attention of anyone tuned in. “Joining us in the studio is none other than Eden, one of the hottest bands on the scene right now.”

Harper chimed in, her excitement clear. “That’s right! We’ve got Clarke, Finn, and Bellamy from Eden with us, and we can’t wait to dive into some questions about their tour, their music, and everything in between.”

Clarke leaned into the mic, flashing a grin that was practically audible. “Thanks for having us. It’s great to be here.”

Monty smiled and nodded, leaning forward as he spoke into his mic. “So let’s get right into it. First off, we’ve gotta ask—how did you guys come up with the name Eden? It’s become iconic.”

Clarke glanced at her bandmates, a playful smirk on her lips. “That’s always a fun story. We wanted something that captured the idea of paradise—this idea of creating our own perfect world, you know? But also something with a bit of edge to it. We landed on Eden because it felt like it had this duality. Like, paradise, but with the potential for chaos.”

Finn chuckled beside her. “And let’s be real, we liked how it sounded.”

Harper laughed, nodding. “It definitely sticks. Your fans love it.”

Monty leaned in next, switching gears. “Speaking of your fans, you’ve had a pretty wild tour so far. What’s it been like playing for such massive crowds?”

Bellamy, looking more awake now, took the lead. “It’s been intense, man. The energy’s insane every night. We’ve had some shows where we couldn’t even hear ourselves over the crowd.”

Clarke nodded in agreement, her grin widening. “Honestly, the fans make the shows what they are. We feed off that energy, and it just takes everything to another level.”

Harper jotted down notes as the conversation flowed easily. “That’s awesome. And we’ve gotta talk about the latest single—it’s been blowing up. Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind it?”

Clarke exchanged a glance with Finn, the two of them sharing a knowing look. “Oh, we’ve got stories,” Clarke teased, leaning closer to the mic as the band prepared to give fans a deeper glimpse into their world.

The interview was flowing smoothly. Clarke, Bellamy, and Finn were in their element, answering questions with ease, sharing stories from the tour, and cracking jokes that had Monty and Harper laughing along. The energy in the room was light and relaxed, a natural back-and-forth between the band and the DJs.

Clarke was in the middle of talking about the inspiration behind one of their recent songs when, through the glass of the control room, Jasper motioned to them that a commercial break was coming up in a minute. Clarke gave a small nod to acknowledge it, not missing a beat in her explanation.

“…so that song really came from a place of, like, frustration and—” Clarke stopped mid-sentence, her words trailing off as movement caught her eye. A figure had entered the control room, drawing Clarke’s attention away from the conversation. It was a woman, tall and sharp, her presence commanding even from across the glass.

For a split second, Clarke stared, her thoughts derailed, completely losing her train of thought.

Monty, Harper, and the rest of the band didn’t seem to notice right away, but Raven shot her a quick glance from her spot near the back, noticing the sudden pause.

Clarke blinked, quickly snapping back into focus, her grip tightening slightly around the microphone. “Uh, sorry,” she said, regaining her composure. “What I meant was, the song really came from a place of frustration, but we wanted to channel that into something raw but uplifting, you know? So it’s not just about anger but about the release that comes with it.”

Harper, unaware of the brief moment of distraction, nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, that really comes through in the track. It’s powerful.”

Clarke forced a small smile, her mind still distracted by the figure in the control room. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something about the woman that had thrown her off—something familiar, maybe. But she pushed it aside, knowing they were about to go to a break and that she could collect her thoughts then.

As Jasper motioned that they were on a commercial break, the door to the studio opened, and the woman who had caught Clarke’s attention earlier stepped in. She moved with quiet confidence, her eyes sharp and focused as she approached the group.

“Hi, I’m Dr. Alexandria Woods, but you can call me Lexa” she introduced herself with a polite smile, her voice soft but steady. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be here earlier—I had a meeting.”

Clarke’s heart skipped a beat. Alexandria Woods. The name floated in the air, but it was something else about her that hit Clarke harder. There was an undeniable pull, a connection she couldn’t quite explain. She’d never felt anything like this before with an omega—not this intensity, not this immediate sense of something more.

Clarke sat up a little straighter, suddenly very aware of the way her pulse had quickened. Her eyes locked on the professor, unable to look away, and for a brief moment, it was as if the room faded around them. There was something about the way Lexa carried herself—strong, sure, yet restrained—that tugged at Clarke in a way she hadn’t expected.

Lexa glanced briefly at Clarke, their eyes meeting for just a second longer than what was typical for a quick introduction. Clarke swallowed, trying to regain control of herself. She had never been thrown off like this by an omega—especially not in the middle of something as routine as an interview.

Before Clarke could say anything, Jasper’s voice came through the intercom again. “We’re back on in 30 seconds.”

Alexandria Woods—Lexa, Clarke mentally corrected—gave the group a quick nod and stepped back into the control room with a calm professionalism, though Clarke’s gaze followed her the entire way. She was aware of the hitch in her breath, the way her body seemed almost hyper-aware of Lexa’s presence, even after she had left the studio.

Across the table, Raven and Octavia exchanged confused glances, watching Clarke with raised eyebrows. They shrugged at each other, not entirely sure what they had just witnessed but clearly noticing the way Clarke was affected. Clarke, however, barely noticed them. Her mind was racing, trying to make sense of this sudden and intense reaction.

The countdown ticked down, and the interview was about to resume. But even as Clarke adjusted her headphones and prepared to answer the next question, her thoughts remained firmly on the woman who had just walked out of the room—the omega who had made her feel something she hadn’t expected to ever feel.

As the interview resumed, Clarke answered the questions with practiced ease, but her mind was somewhere else entirely. Every few seconds, her gaze flicked over to the control room, unable to stop herself from glancing at Lexa. Lexa, however, didn’t seem to notice Clarke watching her. She stood in the booth, casually chatting with Jasper, completely focused on whatever they were discussing. Clarke felt a strange tug in her chest each time she saw Lexa’s profile, that same inexplicable pull she had felt when Lexa first entered the room.

Clarke tried to keep her focus on the conversation at hand. Monty and Harper were both throwing enthusiastic questions at the band, but every time Clarke responded, her eyes would drift, even for just a moment, toward Lexa in the booth. Her mind was racing with thoughts, trying to make sense of the connection she felt with this omega she’d just met.

Finally, the interview began to wind down. Monty leaned into his mic, his smile evident even through his voice. “Well, I think we can all agree that was an amazing interview. Thanks again to Eden for joining us today!”

Harper nodded, chiming in. “Yeah, seriously, that was awesome. We loved having you guys here. This was one of the best interviews we’ve done.”

Clarke smiled, shaking their hands and exchanging some final words with them. Finn and Bellamy thanked the hosts as well, laughing at a few jokes about the tour. But as Clarke spoke with Harper and Monty, she couldn’t shake the feeling of something missing. When she turned back toward the control room, Lexa was gone. The booth was empty except for Jasper, who was busy tidying up some equipment. Clarke’s heart sank a little—she hadn’t even noticed Lexa slip out.

Clarke quickly scanned the room, hoping to catch another glimpse of Lexa, but she was nowhere to be found. She couldn’t help the feeling of disappointment that settled over her. The omega who had completely thrown her off her game had just vanished as quietly as she’d appeared.

Raven walked over, giving Clarke a nudge. “Looking for someone?”

Clarke blinked, quickly shaking off the thought. “Nah,” she muttered, trying to act nonchalant. “Just... thought I saw something.”

Octavia, catching the tail end of the exchange, raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything, her smirk saying enough.

Clarke pushed it aside for now, knowing they still had other things to take care of. But she couldn’t deny that Lexa’s absence left her feeling unsettled, a strange ache she couldn’t quite explain lingering in her chest.

After the band wrapped up at the radio station, they headed to their hotel for a bit of downtime before the afternoon sound check. Clarke was quiet during the ride, her thoughts drifting back to Professor Lexa Woods. That brief moment in the studio, the way Lexa had captivated her with just a glance, stuck in her mind more than she cared to admit.

As they pulled up to the hotel, Lincoln was already moving efficiently, making sure everyone had their room keys in hand. "Rest up, sound check in a few hours," he reminded them, giving Bellamy and Finn a stern look as they stifled yawns.

Clarke pocketed her key, watching as the others headed toward the elevators. Before she followed, she caught Raven’s eye and gave her a subtle nod to hang back. Raven paused, falling in step beside her as they lingered in the hotel lobby.

“What’s up?” Raven asked, her voice casual, but the curiosity was clear in her tone.

Clarke glanced around, making sure no one was within earshot, then spoke quietly. “I need you to do me a favor. Get Monty, Harper, and Jasper front row tickets for the concert tonight.”

Raven raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. “Sure, I can do that. No problem.”

Clarke hesitated for a moment, then added, “And... I want Lexa there. Professor Woods. Get her a VIP ticket, backstage pass, everything. Whatever you have to do, I want her at the show.”

Raven’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, her lips twitching into a sly grin. “VIP with a backstage pass, huh? You don’t usually go all out for someone like this. What’s so special about Professor Woods?”

Clarke sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I don’t know, Rae. Just... make it happen.”

Raven chuckled, clearly enjoying Clarke’s unusual display of interest. “Alright, consider it done. I’ll get them all the tickets, and I’ll personally make sure Lexa gets the VIP treatment.”

Clarke relaxed a little, grateful that Raven was taking it in stride. “Thanks. I owe you.”

“You owe me big time,” Raven teased, giving her a playful nudge. “But I’ll get it done. Don’t worry.”

Clarke watched as Raven walked off, her mind still buzzing. She didn’t fully understand the pull she felt toward Lexa, but she knew one thing for sure—she needed to see her again. And tonight, at the concert, she’d make sure of it.

Clarke paced backstage, her hands resting on her hips as she tried to keep her cool. The distant thrum of the opening act's music reverberated through the walls, but her mind was elsewhere. Every so often, she’d sneak a peek out from behind the curtains, her eyes scanning the audience. Monty, Harper, and Jasper were already in their seats near the front, looking excited, chatting amongst themselves. But the two seats reserved for Lexa sat empty, and it gnawed at Clarke.

She glanced at the door leading to the VIP area, hoping, maybe any second now. Lexa could still show up, right? But with each passing minute, the doubt grew. What if Lexa wasn’t coming? Clarke couldn’t shake the nerves that twisted in her gut. She wasn’t usually this wound up before a set—sure, she always had a little adrenaline pumping before a show, but this was different. Tonight, it was bad.

If she does show up, who’s she bringing? The question gnawed at Clarke, feeding her unease. She tried not to think about it, but the thought kept creeping back into her mind. What if Lexa shows up with someone? What if it’s alpha?

Clarke swallowed hard, forcing herself to stay focused. Of course, Lexa would bring a guest. VIP passes were given out in pairs, so it wouldn’t be unusual. But that didn’t mean Clarke liked the idea of Lexa showing up with someone. She quickly shoved the thought away. It’s fine, it’ll be fine, she told herself, though the butterflies in her stomach were getting worse.

The opening act’s set was winding down, the crowd cheering as the band played their last song. Clarke rubbed her palms against her jeans, trying to settle her nerves. She caught Finn and Bellamy exchanging glances nearby, and Finn raised an eyebrow at her.

“You alright?” Finn asked, his tone casual but laced with concern. “You’ve been on edge all night.”

“Yeah,” Bellamy added, leaning against the wall. “You’re never this jittery before a show. What’s up?”

Clarke shot them a quick, tight-lipped smile, trying to brush it off. “I’m fine,” she said, but her voice wasn’t as convincing as she’d hoped. “Just, you know, the usual pre-show stuff.”

Finn gave her a look, clearly not buying it. “Right. Pre-show nerves.”

Clarke didn’t respond, her eyes flicking back to the audience once more. The seats were still empty. She exhaled slowly, mentally preparing herself for the possibility that Lexa might not show. But a part of her—a big part—hoped Lexa would walk through those doors any second now. And if she did, Clarke couldn’t help but hope she’d be alone or, at the very least, with someone who wasn’t going to ruin whatever spark had been lit between them earlier that day.

The opening act wrapped up their set to thunderous applause, and as the band came offstage, the roadies rushed to clear the equipment. The shift in energy backstage was electric as Eden's crew worked quickly to prepare the stage. But Clarke could hardly focus on any of it. Her stomach churned, the nerves twisting tighter with every second, until she couldn’t take it anymore.

Without thinking, she found herself in the bathroom, gripping the sides of the sink and splashing cold water on her face. The sharp, icy drops dripped down her skin, but it did nothing to calm the storm inside her. Clarke stared at her reflection in the mirror, her face drawn tight with tension. Her mind kept spinning back to those two empty seats in the audience. The possibility that Lexa wouldn’t show felt heavier now, and it gnawed at her.

She wasn’t sure how long she had been standing there, lost in her thoughts, when the door creaked open behind her.

“Clarke?” Raven’s voice was low, but the concern was obvious. She stepped inside, her gaze softening when she saw Clarke gripping the edge of the sink. “It’s time. We’re up.”

Clarke blinked, snapping back to reality. She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as she wiped the water from her face with a paper towel. “Yeah, okay,” she muttered, straightening up.

Raven watched her carefully, giving her a small, reassuring smile. “You good? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Clarke forced a weak smile. “Just nerves,” she said, but they both knew that wasn’t the whole story.

Raven didn’t push, though. “Alright. Let’s go kill it.” With that, she turned and walked out, leaving Clarke alone for just another moment.

Clarke followed a beat later, her steps heavy as she moved toward the side of the stage. Finn and Bellamy were already in their positions, waiting for the cue. Clarke hung back, her heart racing in her chest as she prepared herself for what came next.

The crowd was wild, the energy already buzzing with anticipation as the stage lights dimmed. The band’s equipment was in place, and everything was set. Clarke took a breath and glanced out from her position, her eyes naturally drawn to the VIP section, hoping—just hoping—to see Lexa there.

And then she saw her.

Lexa was sitting in one of the reserved seats, her posture calm and composed, watching the stage with quiet intensity. Clarke’s heart skipped a beat. Lexa had come. But it wasn’t just Lexa sitting there—she was with someone.

Clarke’s breath hitched, her stomach sinking as her eyes shifted to the person beside Lexa. It was a tall brunette, her features sharp, and she seemed comfortable next to Lexa, almost too comfortable. Clarke’s jaw tightened as she looked away quickly, willing herself not to get distracted.

You’re here to play a show, Clarke reminded herself, even as her heart twisted with something she didn’t want to name. She shook off the feeling, focusing on the music that was about to pour out of her.

The opening chords rang out, Finn and Bellamy starting up the first song. Clarke stepped forward onto the stage, her heart racing with adrenaline and something deeper, something she couldn’t push away. As the lights hit her and the crowd roared, she took one final glance toward Lexa, hoping to focus on the performance and not the storm brewing inside her.

The lights were bright and hot as Clarke stepped up to the mic, her heart still racing from the sight of Lexa sitting in the audience. She started singing the first few lines of the opening song, her voice smooth and powerful, filling the venue. The crowd erupted, feeding off her energy, but Clarke was doing her best to avoid looking too often in Lexa’s direction. Each time she risked a glance, that pull—so intense, so confusing—seemed to grow stronger.

Song after song, Clarke tried to lose herself in the music, but Lexa was there, always in the corner of her vision, calm and composed, enjoying the show. Her companion, on the other hand, looked less than thrilled, sitting stiffly with barely a flicker of interest crossing their face. Clarke tried to push the distraction away, but it clung to her.

As the set went on, Clarke knew the next song would slow things down—a ballad, one where she usually brought an omega from the audience up on stage to sing to. It was a signature moment for the band, and the fans loved it. Normally, Clarke didn’t think twice about picking someone, but tonight her first instinct was to grab Lexa.

But that felt too strange. Too close. Too risky.

Clarke shifted her weight, her eyes sweeping the crowd, trying to find someone else. Her gaze landed on a redhead near stage left. The girl was beaming up at her, hands clasped together, clearly caught up in the energy of the night.

Perfect.

Clarke flashed a grin as she walked toward the redhead, leaning down to offer her hand. The girl’s eyes went wide with excitement as Clarke helped her onto the stage, the crowd cheering as they saw what was happening. Clarke kept her smile in place, doing what she always did—focusing on the moment, the music, and the connection with the fan.

But as she began to sing, her voice wrapping around the slow, sensual lyrics, her attention drifted. She couldn’t help it. She kept glancing toward where Lexa was sitting, trying to read her expression. Lexa seemed completely at ease, moving to the beat of the music, her lips forming the words as she sang along quietly. Clarke felt a spark of satisfaction seeing Lexa enjoying the concert, her body swaying ever so slightly in time with the song.

But that satisfaction was tempered by the sight of Lexa’s companion. The woman beside her was the opposite of engaged—her arms were crossed, her face neutral, like she’d rather be anywhere else. The contrast was stark, and Clarke’s gaze flicked between them, trying to gauge the dynamic, but nothing about it made sense.

Even as Clarke sang to the redhead, holding her gaze, the connection felt off. Clarke’s mind kept wandering, her thoughts pulling her back to Lexa, to the mystery of her presence and the strange intensity that still hung in the air between them.

The redhead, blissfully unaware of Clarke’s inner turmoil, seemed overwhelmed by the moment, beaming as Clarke sang directly to her. The crowd cheered louder with every line, but all Clarke could think about was Lexa, sitting in the audience, so close yet so out of reach.

When the song finally ended, Clarke gave the redhead a warm smile and helped her back down into the crowd. But as she stepped back to the mic, preparing for the next song, her thoughts were still with Lexa. No matter how hard she tried, Clarke couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight was going to be about more than just the music.

Raven and Octavia stood off to the side in the wings, watching Clarke command the stage as the slow song came to an end. The crowd was electric, feeding off Clarke’s energy, but there was something different about her tonight. Octavia leaned closer to Raven, her voice low enough to keep their conversation private.

“Has Clarke even really looked at any omegas in the audience tonight?” Octavia asked, her brow furrowed in curiosity. “I mean, she’s usually all about picking someone out, but she seems distracted.”

Raven smiled, crossing her arms as she glanced toward Clarke. “O, just enjoy the show. Clarke’s got her eye on one omega tonight, and she’s handling it.”

Octavia raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Raven’s comment. “What do you mean by that? She’s barely given the crowd the usual attention.”

Raven sighed, realizing Octavia hadn’t been in the loop. “So, Clarke pulled me aside earlier,” she began, her voice taking on a more conspiratorial tone. “She asked me to give VIP tickets to Monty, Harper, and Jasper—cool, right? But then she specifically asked for the professor from Polis to be in the audience. You know, Professor Woods? The one who was at the radio station earlier today.”

Octavia’s eyes widened in realization. “Wait, the professor? The omega?”

Raven nodded, the smirk returning to her face. “Yeah, and Clarke’s been locked onto her ever since. She asked me to get her VIP treatment, backstage passes, the whole deal. I mean, I’ve never seen Clarke like this with anyone.”

Octavia glanced back toward the stage, watching Clarke’s subtle glances toward the VIP section. “So that’s why she’s been so weird tonight,” Octavia muttered. “Clarke’s never had this kind of reaction to an omega before.”

“Exactly,” Raven confirmed. “Whatever’s going on, it’s intense. And it’s not like Clarke to get rattled like this, but she’ll figure it out. She’s got this.”

Octavia nodded thoughtfully, watching Clarke as she geared up for the next song. “Guess we’ll just have to see how it plays out.”

“Yup,” Raven agreed, her gaze still on Clarke. “But trust me, she’s only got eyes for one omega tonight.”

As Finn launched into his drum solo, the crowd roared, the rhythm pulsing through the venue as the lights danced across the stage. Clarke took the opportunity to step off to the side, her feet carrying her almost instinctively toward Raven and Octavia, who stood in the wings watching the show.

Raven glanced up as Clarke approached, raising an eyebrow in question. “What’s up?” she asked over the sound of the drums.

Clarke’s eyes flicked briefly to the audience, then back to Raven, her voice low and urgent. “I need you to do me a favor,” Clarke said, her gaze intense. “Try to get Lexa to come backstage after the show. I don’t care what you have to do—just make sure she comes back.”

Raven smirked, the request not surprising given how Clarke had been acting all night. “I’ll do my best,” she promised, giving Clarke a nod. “But no guarantees. She seemed pretty composed out there.”

Clarke pressed her lips into a tight line but nodded in return. “Thanks,” she muttered, her focus already drifting back toward the stage as Finn’s solo hit its final beats. She knew she had to get back in front of the crowd, but the thought of seeing Lexa backstage kept swirling in her mind.

As Clarke stepped back to the center of the stage, ready to jump back into the performance, Octavia leaned over to Raven with a smirk of her own. “Clarke’s got it bad for this omega,” she murmured, shaking her head. “And what? She’s maybe said three words to the professor?”

Raven chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. “I know, right? It’s kind of hilarious. Clarke doesn’t even know what hit her.”

Octavia glanced out at the crowd, her eyes settling on Lexa’s VIP seat, where the professor sat with her companion. “Well, whatever it is, Clarke’s completely hooked.”

As the drum solo ended, Clarke stepped up to the mic, her usual confidence back in place, but Octavia and Raven exchanged knowing looks. They could see the subtle shift in Clarke—the way her focus was split between the performance and the omega sitting in the VIP section.

The night was winding down, the show finally coming to a close after an explosive set. Clarke stood at the center of the stage, feeling the energy of the crowd pulse through her. They were electric, still buzzing, not wanting the night to end. Normally, she would’ve finished after two encore songs, but tonight something was different. As the band wrapped up the second encore, Clarke glanced toward Bellamy and Finn, giving them a subtle nod.

Without warning, Clarke started strumming the opening chords of one of Eden’s early songs on her guitar, a high-energy track from their first album. It was a deep cut, something the fans in the know would recognize immediately. The crowd roared in response, their excitement spiking as Bellamy and Finn exchanged surprised glances but quickly fell into place, joining Clarke’s impromptu decision.

They hadn’t played this song in a long time, but Clarke had felt the urge to end the night on a pumped-up, adrenaline-fueled note. The fans were losing it, and Clarke fed off that energy, her fingers flying across the guitar strings as she belted out the lyrics with passion.

By the time the final note rang out, the crowd was screaming for more, but Clarke knew this was the perfect end. She grinned at the sea of people, stepping up to the mic one last time.

“Thank you, Polis!” she called out, her voice rough but full of satisfaction. “Good night!”

With that, Clarke slung her guitar over her shoulder, giving a final wave as she strode offstage, her heart still pounding. Bellamy and Finn followed behind her, still buzzing from the unexpected third encore.

As soon as Clarke was out of view of the crowd, she exhaled deeply. Her mind was racing, not just from the show but from the thought of what was coming next. There was a meet and greet scheduled after the show, and she hoped Lexa would be there. Clarke’s pulse quickened at the thought.

But before she could see Lexa, she needed to cool down. Sweat clung to her skin, her shirt damp from the heat of the stage lights and the intensity of the performance. She wasn’t about to face Lexa like this—not when she’d been thinking about her all night.

Without a word to anyone, Clarke headed straight to her dressing room. The sound of the crowd still echoed faintly as she shut the door behind her and quickly stripped off her stage clothes. She turned on the shower, letting the cool water wash away the sweat and adrenaline. As she stood under the stream, her thoughts kept circling back to Lexa.

She had no idea what she’d say when she saw her, but one thing was for sure—Clarke wanted to be at her best when she did. She wasn’t going to let Lexa see her looking or feeling anything less than confident.

Clarke stepped into the meet and greet room, her pulse still racing from the high of the concert. This event was special, reserved for VIPs who had paid for the chance to hang out with the band after the show. The room was filled with excitement, fans eagerly awaiting their moment with the band.

Bellamy and Finn were already inside, their voices carrying across the room as they chatted with the fans. Clarke could hear them cracking jokes, drawing laughter from the crowd. She took a deep breath, gave a casual wave as eyes turned toward her, and started making her way through the room, shaking hands and exchanging a few words with the eager fans. But her mind was elsewhere, searching for one person.

At first, she didn’t see Lexa, and it made her stomach twist with nerves she wasn’t used to feeling. Clarke kept moving through the crowd, smiling for selfies and signing autographs, but her attention remained divided. Then, finally, she spotted Lexa’s companion from earlier—the tall brunette who had been sitting next to her at the concert. Her heart skipped a beat, and as she looked past the companion, she saw Lexa.

Lexa stood off to the side with Monty, Harper, and Jasper, all three students clearly over the moon about their VIP access. Clarke’s pulse quickened. She couldn’t help but admire how Lexa carried herself with that same calm, composed air, even in the middle of the post-show chaos.

As Clarke approached, Jasper’s face lit up. He immediately launched into excited chatter, barely able to contain himself. “Clarke! This has been unreal! Thank you so much for the VIP tickets and the backstage passes—we didn’t expect this at all! The show was amazing!”

Clarke grinned, shaking his hand warmly. “I’m glad you guys had a good time, Jasper. You deserved it.”

Monty and Harper joined in, eagerly thanking her for the concert and the tickets. Clarke responded with her usual charm, but she couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Lexa, who hadn’t yet acknowledged her directly. Lexa stood quietly, smiling as her students spoke with Clarke, but there was a quiet confidence about her that made Clarke’s breath catch every time she glanced her way.

While Clarke continued chatting with Monty and Harper, her mind was on Lexa, wondering how she could break away and finally speak with the professor. That magnetic pull was still there, stronger than ever, and Clarke knew she wouldn’t be able to leave tonight without at least one conversation with Lexa.

Clarke signed the last autograph for Monty, then flashed a grin for one final picture with Harper and Jasper before politely excusing herself. She made her way through the crowd, her focus entirely on Lexa. That pull, the one she had felt all night, was still there, and Clarke wasn’t about to let it go unexplored.

As Clarke reached Lexa, she greeted her with a big, charming smile and extended her hand. “Professor Woods, glad you could make it.”

Lexa returned the smile, her handshake confident yet soft. “Thank you, Clarke. The concert was amazing.”

Clarke's attention shifted briefly to the woman beside Lexa. Noticing the glance, Lexa introduced her companion. “This is Anya Forest, a history professor at Polis.”

“Nice to meet you,” Clarke said, shaking Anya’s hand. “Glad you could both be here.”

Anya gave a polite nod, her smile reserved. “It was a great show. You really know how to command a stage.”

Despite the pleasant interaction, Clarke couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty. The dynamic between Lexa and Anya wasn’t quite clear. Something about the way they stood near each other felt comfortable, but it didn’t radiate the usual romantic vibe Clarke was used to picking up on. Were they just colleagues? Friends? Or was there something more?

Clarke smiled politely, but her mind kept spinning. It doesn’t feel romantic... but I’m not sure. The ambiguity gnawed at her, sparking her curiosity even more.

“So, have you two been to a lot of concerts together?” Clarke asked, keeping her tone casual, fishing for clues.

Lexa gave a small, thoughtful smile. “Not many, but we try to make time when we can.”

Clarke nodded, still unable to fully read the situation. Anya seemed perfectly content in the background, offering polite comments, but Clarke couldn’t get a read on whether they were anything more than acquaintances.

For now, Clarke kept the conversation light, but the uncertainty lingered. She knew she’d need more time to figure out exactly what was going on between Lexa and Anya, and why she was so drawn to Lexa in the first place.

Clarke, Lexa, and Anya stood together, chatting casually about the concert. Clarke, trying to ease into the conversation, asked, “So, did you both enjoy the setlist tonight? We threw in a couple of older tracks.”

Lexa smiled, her eyes soft but attentive. “It was great. I recognized some of your earlier songs. It brought back memories.”

Anya nodded in agreement. “Yeah, the energy was unreal. It’s clear why you guys have such a loyal following.”

Clarke grinned. “Glad you liked it. We always try to mix things up for the fans.”

As they continued chatting, Clarke couldn’t help but feel that the conversation was light, yet there was an underlying curiosity she couldn’t ignore. She kept stealing glances at Lexa, still trying to figure out what was going on between her and Anya. Just as she was about to ask another question, Anya glanced down at her watch.

“I’ve got an 8 a.m. class tomorrow,” Anya said, sounding almost apologetic. “I need to head out and get some rest.”

Lexa gave her a small, understanding smile. “Of course. Thanks for coming tonight.”

Anya shifted her gaze between Clarke and Lexa, then asked, “Lexa, do you need me to walk you out? I don’t mind waiting.”

Before Lexa could answer, Clarke jumped in with a reassuring smile. “I can make sure Lexa gets to her car safe. No worries.”

Anya gave a brief nod, clearly satisfied with Clarke’s offer. “Alright, then. I’ll see you around, Lexa,” she said with a wave. “Nice meeting you, Clarke.”

“Nice meeting you too,” Clarke replied, watching as Anya made her way toward the exit.

As soon as Anya was gone, Clarke turned to Lexa, the question she had been holding back finally at the forefront of her mind. “So, Anya seems nice. Are you two...?” Clarke trailed off, hoping for some clarification.

Lexa smiled softly, clearly picking up on Clarke’s curiosity. “We’re just old friends. We were in undergrad together, but we didn’t see each other for a while until I took the job at Polis. We reconnected when I moved back here.”

Clarke exhaled, a small wave of relief washing over her as she nodded. “Got it. I wasn’t sure, you know... the way you two were talking, I wasn’t sure what your relationship was.”

Lexa chuckled softly. “I get it. But no, it’s just friendship. We’ve known each other a long time, but that’s all.”

Clarke smiled, feeling the tension ease between them. She’d been wondering about Anya all night, and now that she knew the truth, she felt more at ease—and even more intrigued by Lexa. The night suddenly felt full of possibilities.

Clarke and Lexa continued to chat, the conversation flowing easily now that the tension from earlier had lifted. They talked about the show, their mutual love for music, and a bit about Lexa’s work. Clarke found herself completely drawn in by Lexa’s calm and thoughtful demeanor. Lexa had a way of making even casual topics feel interesting, and Clarke could feel that magnetic pull growing stronger.

But as the night started to wind down, Clarke knew she had to wrap up her obligations with the fans. She glanced around the room, noticing a few lingering VIPs still hoping for photos and autographs.

Clarke smiled apologetically at Lexa. “Hey, don’t go anywhere. I need to make a few more rounds with the fans before we call it a night. I’ll be right back, though.”

Lexa nodded, her smile soft but understanding. “Take your time.”

Clarke gave a small, playful wink before turning away and heading back into the crowd. As she moved through the room, she posed for last-minute pictures, signed a few more posters, and exchanged some final words with excited fans. She moved quickly but never lost her energy, flashing easy smiles for the cameras.

Yet, the entire time, her mind was still on Lexa. Clarke couldn’t help but glance back toward her whenever she had a chance. Lexa remained near the side of the room, her posture relaxed, watching Clarke with a calm presence that stood out amid the chaotic energy of the meet-and-greet.

A few times, Clarke caught Lexa’s eye and smiled, and each time, Lexa returned the smile—a small but genuine curve of her lips that sent a ripple of warmth through Clarke.

Clarke moved through her remaining fan interactions with ease, but every time her gaze met Lexa’s, that electric connection seemed to flicker stronger, as if drawing them back toward each other.

Clarke finally made her way back to Lexa, weaving through the last of the fans still lingering in the room. As she approached, Lexa gave her a soft, almost apologetic smile.

“I really need to be going,” Lexa said gently. “I’ve got a class to teach tomorrow morning, and it’s getting late.”

Clarke nodded, understanding but not wanting the night to end just yet. “Okay, let's head out,” she offered, motioning toward the exit. “I said I would make sure you got to your car safe and sound.”

As they made their way through the arena and toward the VIP parking area, Clarke couldn’t help but steal glances at Lexa, taking in the calm confidence that seemed to surround her. Behind them, Raven and Octavia trailed at a comfortable distance, casually making sure everything was okay, but giving Clarke her space.

When they reached the VIP lot, Clarke slowed her pace, stopping just a few feet from Lexa’s car. They stood there for a moment, the cool night air surrounding them, their conversation easy but laced with an undercurrent of something more.

“Well, thanks for coming tonight,” Clarke said, feeling a bit of nervousness creeping in, something she wasn’t used to. “It was good to have you here.”

Lexa nodded, offering a small smile. “I’m glad I came. It was a great show, Clarke.”

There was a brief pause, a moment where Clarke considered her next move. She pulled her phone out of her pocket, holding it up casually. “Hey, before you go, mind if I get your number? You know... just in case the band ever wants to come back to campus for something.”

Lexa hesitated, her expression thoughtful as she considered Clarke’s request. Clarke’s heart raced slightly, wondering if she had overstepped, but before she could say anything else, Lexa nodded.

“Sure,” Lexa said, taking Clarke’s phone and entering her number.

Clarke felt a small sense of victory wash over her as she took the phone back. “I’ll text you mine, so you have it,” she added quickly, typing out a quick message and sending it over.

Lexa’s phone buzzed softly in her hand, and she glanced down, now having Clarke’s number as well. “Got it,” Lexa said, tucking her phone away.

They stood there for a moment longer, the night settling around them, and Clarke wasn’t sure what else to say. There was a charge in the air, one that Clarke wanted to explore further, but she knew she had to take it slow.

“I’ll see you around, then?” Clarke said, her voice hopeful but not pushing.

Lexa gave her a small smile, her eyes soft. “Yeah, maybe you will.”

With that, Lexa turned to her car, and Clarke watched her go, her heart still racing as the possibilities hung in the air between them.

Clarke watched as Lexa drove off, her mind still buzzing from the interaction. She stood there for a moment longer, processing everything that had just happened, before turning back toward the arena. As she walked, she caught sight of Raven and Octavia leaning against the side of the building, watching her with curiosity. Their expressions were equal parts amusement and intrigue.

Raven was the first to speak as Clarke approached. “So... how’d it go?” she asked, raising an eyebrow, clearly eager for details.

Clarke let out a small sigh, slipping her hands into her pockets. “I got her number,” she said, though her tone was more subdued than Raven and Octavia probably expected. “But only because I mentioned the band might want to do something at Polis again.”

Raven snorted, shaking her head. “That’s one way to do it.”

Octavia, however, picked up on Clarke’s mood. Her expression softened as she glanced at Clarke. “You okay?”

Clarke stood still for a moment, her thoughts swirling. She had Lexa’s number now, but it didn’t feel like the victory it should have. She had hoped for more, or at least a clearer sense of what was going on between them. But all she felt now was uncertainty.

“I’ll have to be,” Clarke replied, her voice resigned but firm.

Raven and Octavia exchanged glances, but neither pushed her any further. They could see that Clarke was dealing with something new, something she wasn’t used to, and while they were curious, they respected her space.

“Let’s head inside,” Clarke finally said, motioning toward the arena. “We’ve got a long day tomorrow.”

Raven and Octavia nodded, following Clarke back into the building, both of them sensing that whatever was happening with Clarke was far from over.

#12543 words #its unedited so everything is subject to change #unfinished

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