#cermonial

       her hand retracted immediately. from clarke's shoulder. if words could leave visible marks then burns would have appeared on the palm of her hand, quickly h i d d e n as previously opened palm formed a fist at her side. her expression showed nothing; it was only beneath that evidence of a WOUND festered. causing clarke harm or distress was the last thing she desired, but it seemed she was t r a p p e d in such a role and would remain as such for as long as duty bound her to her people and clarke to hers. lexa swallowed.          ❝  I’M SORRY. ❞

DECLAN ––

❝ I did not realize how uncomfortable I’d feel being back here –– it used to feel like home. ❞ being back in the penthouse again for the first time since she got sober was...different. ❝ but, I don’t think I know what home was. ❞ Fiona shrugs, finally turning to face her brother.

ADAM —

❝ Okay...admittedly, this is awkward. ❞  blue eyes cast downward, refusing to meet his.  ❝ but I wanted to talk to you. ❞ chewing on her bottom lip in consideration for a moment, she continues; ❝ um, i mean, I know I’m a really terrible person –– and probably the last one you’d want to see or talk to right now but, we need to try to clear the air. I mean, I’m going to be around next year; and seeing as we’re both friends with Eli...we’re bound to run into each other. ❞

HOLLY J. ––

❝   you’ll  stand  by  my  side  no  matter  what ,  right ?   ❞ Hands shake –– despite her best efforts for them not to; as she reaches across the table to grasp the hands of her best friend. ❝ whether I go through with this thing or not? because I don’t know if I can. ❞

BIANCA — ❝   okay ,  that’s  really  specific ❞ brows knit together as she listens to the girl speak. ❝ AND makes  me  think  that  you  definitely  did  do  that .   ❞ Fiona playfully smirks as she teases Bianca.