It was a perfect summer day, with golden sunlight streaming through the trees around the lake, casting shimmering reflections on the water. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and splashing, the crisp scent of pine mixed with sunscreen and fresh-cut fruit from their picnic. You, always up for a swim, were out in the water, your blond hair wet and slicked back as you floated on your back, letting the sun warm your face.

Not far from the shore, a cozy setup was arranged on a large blanket under the shade of a tree. Lexa sat cross-legged, her posture relaxed but her gaze sharp as she observed the lake and her surroundings. Beside her, Octavia lounged, sharing a handful of berries with Lexa as they exchanged stories and strategies from battles they’d fought.

„So, when you were under attack in the forest ambush, did you know they’d try to cut off your supply lines first?”

octavia asked, leaning in, her eyes sparking with excitement as she absorbed every word.

lexa nodded, a small smile curving her lips.

“It’s a tactic used often, but it also has its weaknesses. They expect a defensive response, but it’s far more effective to push forward, to throw them off balance.”

meanwhile, you waved to Bellamy, who was seated on the shore with his feet in the water, laughing as Raven tried to push him fully in. Niylah was arranging drinks and snacks on the picnic blanket, while Murphy and Emori were lying on towels nearby, occasionally glancing up to join in the banter but mostly content to bask in the sun together.

you swam back toward the shore, smiling as you overheard snippets of octavia and lexa’s conversation. You waded out of the water, grabbing a towel and joining lexa and octavia on the blanket.

“Talking strategy again, are we?”

you teased, nudging lexa gently.

lexa looked up, her expression softening in that rare way she reserved for you.

“Just sharing some ideas.”

for a while, they all forgot about battles and challenges. They were just friends, enjoying a beautiful day.