Author's Note: This is a bit longer than the previous chapters. Bear with me. Also, thank you for leaving reviews, it really means a lot that you take time to do that, please continue. :)

"What?!" Chloe raised a high pitched question to her friend that is currently munching her son's favorite biscuits.

"I said I think you need to get laid" she repeated her question that almost choked Chloe from drinking her tea. Chloe is spending her Saturday afternoon with her best friend and Joshua's godmother, Beca Mitchell.

She told Beca what had transpired when Aubrey had unintentionally made her feel things.

"So do you like Chicago?" Aubrey awkwardly blurted out to Chloe as they wait for their son to finish saying goodbye to his friends. After their little moment, Joshua played again with his friends for awhile then he asked them to go home.

"Oh my god, I just met the man Aubrey. Now, I feel awful for the way you treated him!" Chloe said with an unamused smile, her arms crossed in front of her.

"He was staring at you!" Aubrey said like it was enough to justify her actions.

"Joshua introduced us. He even tied Joshua's shoelace and he was kind with him. What do you want me to do, be rude to him?!" Aubrey sinked in her chair, realizing how childish she was with the man.

"I'm sorry,-"

"You shouldn't apologize to me, you should apologize to him", Chloe cut her off and she just hung her head in defeat.

"Fine",-

"Okay, now's your chance!" Chloe cut her off again and pulled her out of her seat. Aubrey looked up and she saw Chicago walking towards them. Aubrey straighten herself and put on her serious face while she flatten the sides of her shirt.

"Hey" he greeted them. He looked like he's trying to be cool and Chloe appreciates his effort.

"Hi!" Chloe greeted cheerfully, Aubrey just nodded politely at the man. She's still trying to intimidate him but it's really hard since she's wearing a yellow shirt that says 'We are the Beales!' across her chest. Chloe tried not to laugh at her ex wife.

"I'm sorry about earlier, I think we had a misunderstanding" he hesitantly said to the couple. Aubrey looked pleased but she tried not to budge even when she felt Chloe pinched her side, but it was painful that she relents to what she wants.

"I'm sorry too for the way I acted earlier, that was totally uncalled for", Aubrey managed to spit out even if it was half hearted.

"No problem here," he raised his hands in surrender and just gave them a boy next door smile that shows off his dimples. Chicago looked at Chloe to which she tried to grin. She bit her lower lip, not really knowing what to say or do as Chicago continue to grin at her.

Hot blood surged through her cheeks, she felt kind of exposed under his stare. All of a sudden an arm slyly circled around Chloe's waist and intentionally touches the skin between her top and pants, then pulled her closer.

Chloe's breath hitched at the contact and quickly turned her eyes to her as if asking what are you doing? She just smirked and paid her attention to Chicago who, finally, stopped making heart eyes at Chloe.

"Yeah, all good here either", she gave a lazy smile before squeezing Chloe's waist that earned a soft gasp from the redhead. Before, she liked it when she knows that Aubrey is being possessive because first, Aubrey never gets jealous and was always confident with herself so it's very rare that she's threatened in their relationship. Second, she felt that she's wanted by the blonde woman.

"Yeah", he awkwardly shifted his gaze back to Aubrey. "I hope you guys enjoy the rest of the day." He said with a genuine smile and it made Chloe feel guilty for Aubrey being an asshat. She sighed and tried to give him an apologetic smile in behalf of Aubrey.

"Thank You, Chicago", Aubrey offered her hand in truce of her self declared war against the man. He accepted and gave her a tight squeeze before nodding curtly, without making heart eyes, to the redhead beside her.

"You look good together, no wonder Joshua is such a handsome little young man." He said and Chloe felt his sincerity and she felt Aubrey totally dropped her guards and smiled genuinely for the first time at him.

"Thank you. Good job on running the school, you're doing one hell of a job" she complimented him and Chloe knew Aubrey meant it. He flashed them a grateful smile before excusing himself.

Chloe got silent all throughout their exchange and when Aubrey looked beside her, Chloe's flushed and she can hear her panting. "Chloe, are you okay?"

Aubrey didn't notice that during her conversation with Chicago, she kept squeezing and rubbing Chloe's side then the occasional skin to skin contact made Chloe's heart rate faster and she's starting to feel another pulse within her.

Chloe looked up and was surprised that their faces was centimeters away and if she just tipped up her head a little, their lips would touch. Aubrey's warm beside her and it makes her stomach dropped as she continue to feel Aubrey's touch. She swallowed thickly and her eyes flutter with the sensation she's feeling.

It's been a while for the redhead since someone has touched her and made her feel wanted and she can't blame her body for betraying her when Aubrey continuously rubs and squeezes her side with a right rhythm.

Aubrey used to hold her like that and her body just recognizes the sensations that it brought to her before. Aubrey finally stopped making patterns on her skin and she took a deep cleansing breath before removing herself from the blonde.

"How did you end up with that conclusion again?"

"Well, Chloe it's been two years you know. You're an adult, you can have a consensual sex with someone you like" Beca shrugged like it was an obvious fact.

"But I'm not saying go ahead and bang your ex wife-,

"Beca!" Chloe cut her off, her face being red as tomato. "I don't need to get laid!" She said with some finality.

"And you know I can't. I have Joshua to think about" Chloe rolled her eyes at her friend. Beca's not really team Aubrey from the beginning of their relationship but she respected Chloe's decision. She has been a great best friend too because she didn't say a word when her relationship fell apart. She held her every night, took care of Joshua, and helped her to get on her feet again.

"Well, Joshua doesn't have to know" Beca smirked and Chloe's reflex was to kick her in her shin which earned a hiss from the brunette.

"Beca! Be serious!" Chloe whined, frustrated because she felt Beca is not taking her seriously.

"Chloe what do you want me to say? You've been untouched since the divorce and I bet longer before that. You're body's telling you something", she winked again at Chloe.

She wants to think that Beca is just being ridiculous and just playing with her. But the more she thinks about it, the more she realizes that maybe,- she quickly shakes her head as if it would help to straighten out her thoughts.

"You're unbelievable, you know that?"

"I'm awesome, thank you very much!" She grinned proudly at Chloe. For a famous music producer, her friend sometimes acts like her son.

"So how are you and blondie?" Beca's voice became serious all of a sudden. She kept her updated for everything that is happening between her and Aubrey. Lately, she's been telling her how it's harder for her to put up some walls between her and Aubrey. She's starting to see the old Aubrey as she sees how good she is with Joshua.

Beca has been adamant that Chloe should always maintain distance between her and Aubrey.

"She has a name you know and she's fine, she's doing great with Joshua." She answered confidently to Beca. She knows Beca's concern is valid and she has every right to be skeptic about her. "She's the best Mama Joshua could ever ask for." She smiled at Beca before going back to cooking their dinner. Beca's staying because it has been awhile since they've seen each other, being a music producer, Beca's everywhere nowadays.

"Okay, just checking. And you? how are you? You aren't falling for her again are you?" She asked with a suspicious tone. Chloe may have sounded like she was gushing over Aubrey when she told Beca how Joshua has made them kiss twice or the way she felt when they were in the aquarium or when she saw Aubrey being good with her words with their son.

Chloe sighed, "No Beca, I'm not falling for her". Before, she never thought that nothing could ever stop her from always admitting how she's madly in love with Aubrey. "It's a bit complicated though", she added and chanced to look at her friend who's watching her every move. She knew there's no point in hiding because Beca can read her.

"Because she's Aubrey. Sweetie, I know she's been great with Joshua and she's making you feel things but you have to be careful, okay?" She said with a caution in her voice. "I know she's familiar and you've loved her ever since but she's not the Aubrey you used to love and to be honest you're also not the Chloe she used to love so don't cling on the past. Live in the present".

It hurts to admit that Beca is right, Chloe knew deep inside of her, she's hoping that they could go back together. Some part of her is still hoping that maybe just a tiny little bit of chance exist for them to get back together. She admires Beca for being the one to call her out and didn't judge her for it.

"When did you become an expert in relationships?" She joked, breaking the sad vibe that has started looming over them.

"I told you, I'm awesome" Beca shrugged proudly at Chloe. "But seriously, I'm here whenever you need me, Red" Beca smirked at the nickname. Chloe playfully sticked out her tongue at her friend.

"Okay, thanks Becs" she tried to smile, it will take a while to really get used to admitting and processing Beca's words.

"Are we going to eat yet? I'm starving Beale!" Beca gladly changed the subject. She really has grown from the aloof alt girl from college into this sensitive and caring woman that is in front of her. She may be famous but she's still humble and down to earth. She has the skills and talents yet she didn't forget about who she is and stayed true to herself. She became her rock and strength when everything else around her became uncertain and shaky.

"Oh don't go being weepy on me now Beale. I don't want our food to be stained by your salty tears!" Beca made a disgusted face, she must have seen she's getting teary eyes because of how much she appreciates her best friend.

They had a sumptuous dinner while catching up in each other's lives. Beca has came back from New York after six months of staying there for her new single. Aside from being a music producer she's also an artist of her own. She's back for a few days before she will fly to Tokyo for a music festival.

Chloe's happy for her best friend but she's a bit worried that she doesn't have someone special at her age. But Beca just brushes her off saying that she don't need one and she can't since she's traveling all the time.

"I'm content in spoiling my godson until he has his own family." Beca grinned while they drink a glass of wine just after their dinner.

"He's turning seven in few weeks, do you have plans?" Beca asked her. She's been planning her son's birthday for a while now but she hasn't finalized anything yet. Chloe shrugged lightly at her friend who frowned at her.

"Why? Are you not planning anything?" Beca looked surprised and annoyed at the same time.

"Relax, I have plans." She winked at Beca and drank the last on her glass.

"Good, cause if you don't, I'm taking him to Disney and we will celebrate it there." Beca jokingly threatened but Chloe knew she half meant it. Leave it to Beca to spoil rotten her son that Chloe and Aubrey implemented a one gift policy when it's his birthday. Usually his gifts would lasts for almost six months because of how many gifts he received from their friends.

"Oohh, I think that's better for me and l can just save up my money" Chloe grinned and it earned her a glare from the brunette.

After a little more catching up they called it a night and Beca went up first since she's very tired from her flight and she needs to rest because in a few days she will travel again. Chloe and Beca together with Aubrey's consent decided that Beca can stay in their house every time she's in town since they consider her family.

Chloe was about to go to her room when she heard her phone rang and without checking the caller ID, she answered it.

"Hello?"

Chloe?

"Aubrey? Why are you calling me at this time of the night?" She already knew the voice from the other end. She checked the time and it's eleven pm.

"I'm just checking in" this made Chloe frown, Aubrey never checked in with her. It was something they've established and Chloe trusts Aubrey enough with their son.

"Okay," she drawled the last letter, "what else?" She sounded suspicious and Aubrey swallowed quietly so that Chloe wouldn't hear.

She knew it's not a good idea to call her at this time. But Aubrey don't want to delay what it is she has to do and she just wants to get it over with.

"Um, nothing. I just wanted to check if you're okay. Is Beca already there?" Aubrey asked hesitantly to the redhead and she can imagine Chloe frowning at her unusual questions.

"Uh, yeah. I'm okay Aubrey. Beca just went up to her room because she's tired." She answered with a weirded out tone on her voice. Aubrey was out of questions then there was a pause before she heard Chloe sighed on the other end.

"Aubrey, what's the matter? Is there something bothering you?" There it is, Chloe knew something's up and she can't hide anymore.

Aubrey took a deep breath, "Okay, I just have something to ask", she paused. It seems like she's sweating but also she feels cold at the same time. She don't know why she's so nervous asking Chloe what she's about to ask.

"Aubrey, just spit it out" Chloe said softly, the ever impatient redhead, Aubrey smiled because it still warms her heart when Chloe is being Chloe.

"I have this event at the office and I kind of-" she fidgeted before she finished her statement. "I need someone to go with and most of the partners are going and they kind of required me to go,-"

"Aubrey! Get to the point!"

"I want to ask ifyouwanttogowithme." She said in one breath and hoped that Chloe got it and she don't have to repeat herself. She felt blood rushed into her cheeks as she tries to breath again.

Chloe became silent, Aubrey held her breath, not wanting to disrupt the silence. She even checked if Chloe hang up on her but she didn't and continues to wait.

"Aubrey," she said her name so soft that Aubrey sure she's about to let her down easy.

"I know it's bit too much, and I know I don't have the right to ask you and I don't even want to be there but they said that I have to be there" she started rambling, "but I don't wanna go there with anyone else, I just want to go with you, even as just friends. I don't want to go alone either because that would be so pathetic of me just like what I am right now, rambling to my ex wife who has better things to do than listen to her lonely ex wife." She said it without really meaning to, she was just surprised that when she started talking she wasn't able to stop. Now she was so embarrassed and wants to just hang up and curl up on her bed and wait until everything is over.

She wouldn't be in this position if the senior partners didn't insist that she should come. Now that she's one of the partners, she just can't say no since well, she is a partner of the firm she worked hard for. Ever since she started working, it was her dream to become a partner so when the opportunity came, she took it and for a while she was happy, her family was happy but Aubrey has come to realize that she's not bound to be happy all the time.

She became a partner but she lost her wife and her marriage fell apart. It was a trade that she didn't expect to face or make but she did and she doesn't know anymore if it's worth it. Though she is always reminded every time she sees Joshua and she can provide all that he needs and more, she knows that his future is secured since Chloe and her are both saving up for his trust fund.

Everything nowadays is only for Joshua, this is the only time that Aubrey thought of herself as she asked Chloe to just join her for one night.

"Aubrey, I'm going to think about it, okay?" Chloe said softly. Aubrey released her breath as she heard her. At least Chloe did not flatly said no to her. Aubrey was never the one who entrusts herself with others but with Chloe, she has learned to trust her not just a wife, but as a partner, best friend and confidant. She knows that the redhead would really think about it.

"Okay, I can work with that" she replied and it is as if a thorn was pulled out of her heart. Not totally but she just hoped that Chloe's answer would be the one that would make it all better for her. "Thanks Chloe." She tried to really poured out to that words her gratitude of considering her favor.

"Okay. Is Joshua alright? Is he asleep?" Chloe asked as she knew that it was very hard for her ex wife to ask her that favor. She understood perfectly what Aubrey is asking her to do but she just can't accept it, she has to really think about it and it includes asking Beca about it. She would hear a handful of it about not rejecting it easily.

Aubrey is her friend, she was even the one who reminded the blonde that even if they're not wives anymore, they're still friends.

"Yes, he is. He had a long day at the park today. Then we did his assignments and read some books." Chloe smiled, she could just imagine how Joshua is sprawled in the bed like there's no tomorrow.

"That's good. You? How are you?" She was surprised at her personal question. It just came out of her mouth even before she realized that she had asked. Aubrey seemed to be shocked too since she wasn't able to answer immediately.

"Yes, I'm good. Thank you for asking. They asked me again for the big case we're handling since they need someone who has adept knowledge in accounting too." She sounded tired and maybe she is and Chloe felt a little bad for Aubrey. She's like the most intelligent person that Chloe knows and it continues to amazes her.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to bore-,"

"It's okay, Attorney" she said cutting her off. She liked calling her that every time Aubrey would sound like she's in the office. It's an endearment that she likes to use at her because of how Aubrey would blush every time she hears it from the redhead.

Aubrey made a small laugh, maybe just like Chloe she remembers the times they shared together with Chloe calling her attorney. There was a silence between them and Chloe got conscious at how comfortable she felt talking to the blonde, and it gave her mixed emotions about it.

"I have to go Aubrey, it was nice talking to you." She bids her goodbye and after she heard Aubrey do the same, she hang up her phone. She went on with her before bed rituals and leave for tomorrow the processing of what just happened.

Aubrey woke up with a rustling beside her, she had a fitful sleep after her conversation with Chloe. She was just grateful that she was not turned down easily, now all she has to do was wait for Chloe's answer.

"Joshua?" She called but he didn't move beside her. When she turned she saw him lying beside her, he has his eyes closed and a scowl on his face. There were drops of sweat on his forehead and he's wheezing.

"Joshua, Honey?" Aubrey leaned over her child. She placed her hand over his forehead to check his temperature. He was burning up then he started shivering under her hand.

"Mama" he mumbled, "not feeling good" Aubrey realized as much. She quickly went to get her medicine box so that she could at least lower down his temperature.

She waited for a few hours after she gave him medicine to take effect. She also put off telling Chloe until she was sure that she can't do anything anymore. She fed him chicken soup but he only had few scoops.

He also puked once after his small meal which got Aubrey very worried now.

When Aubrey had enough of seeing her son not getting better, she decided it's time to bring him to the hospital. She felt guilty for waiting this long but she has to make sure that he really needs treatment.

"Come on Baby, Mama's going to bring you to the doctor." She whispered at Joshua who was so weak to even nod at her. She was just thankful that he's cooperative and he's not crying too much.

"I want Mommy too" he said weakly. Her heart clenched to see her child so weak. She went back to the things they've done yesterday because she was sure he was fine before they went to bed. Though he looked tired but when she asked him, he said he's alright. Her heart sank as she thinks about how will she tell Chloe that she's bringing their son to the hospital.

"Okay Baby, I'm calling Mommy right away." She changed her clothes and decided to just call a cab so she could hold Joshua along the way. She waited until Joshua was admitted to the hospital before she called Chloe.

"Chlo? I need you to come to the hospital now. Joshua was admitted because he had high fever. Hurry." She didn't give Chloe the chance to talk. Their son needs her and that is all that matters to her and Chloe did also know it since her response was she's on her way.

Thirty minutes has passed but neither the doctor or Chloe has arrived and Aubrey's getting antsy on her seat. What the heck is taking them so long, Aubrey thought.

"Aubrey."

It was Chloe who first approached her, panic was all over her face. She was sprinting towards her and Aubrey unconsciously opened her arms for her and gladly accommodated the redhead who started tearing up in her arms.

It's the first time they hugged like that in a long time and Aubrey wished it could have been in better situations so she could at least savor the moment.

"What happened to Joshua? Is he okay?" Chloe removed herself from the blonde immediately and hugged herself instead. Aubrey led her to seat beside her before she started explaining. Chloe looked tired, her hair is in a messy bun, she's in her sweatpants and a jacket and she's wearing some sneakers.

"He had a fever early this morning and I gave him some medicine but it didn't do anything so I brought him here" Chloe looked very worried and Aubrey felt guilty for not telling her sooner.

"Aubrey, Chloe" the doctor called them by name to which they both stood and met her half way.

"Stacie, what happened? Is Joshua okay?" It was Chloe who asked first their friend who is a resident pediatric doctor at the hospital. They were both surprised when one day, Stacie just showed up and told them that she's a doctor at the hospital near them.

"Calm down, he's okay. After some tests that we did, he has the early symptoms of a flu but we gave him some medicines to prevent it and he just needs to rest." Stacie assured them. Aside from each other and Beca, Stacie is one of the people they trust when it comes to Joshua. They both nodded and Aubrey sighed in relief that their son is okay.

Chloe unknowingly lean on Aubrey and the blonde has put her arm around her. Aubrey just realized what position are they in when she felt soft breaths against her neck and a warm feeling nuzzling against her. She felt Chloe relaxed against her and sighed as Aubrey continues to rubbed Chloe's arms where her hand is resting. She missed comforting Chloe like this, she missed holding her and even her warmth. She rested her cheeks against Chloe's head and she almost planted a soft kiss against her temple.

Stacie smirked at them but what ruined the moment was someone clearing her throat behind Stacie.

"Well, that's good to hear" the voice said and when all the three looked over the doctor's shoulders, they saw Beca wearing a sly smirk on her face. Chloe removed herself again from Aubrey and took a seat, the blonde already missed their contact.

"Yeah, thanks Stacie." Chloe said with a grateful smile. She was really relieved that their son is okay. When Aubrey called her, Beca and her were in the living room just talking. They immediately gathered important things and when they realized they're in decent clothes, they hopped into the car and drove to the hospital. Chloe let Beca drive since she's shaking and not in a best way to drive.

Beca dropped her off at the entrance to find some parking. She knew she might have overreacted but no one can judge her since it's her right to worry over her child. This is the first time ever since Joshua was born that they brought him to the emergency.

It was a terrifying experience and Chloe was shaking the whole drive to the hospital. The only thing that helped her stopped the shaking is when she saw Aubrey and embraced her tightly. She felt safe and that's everything is going to be okay. She has always found comfort every time she's in the blonde's arms.

But this is the first time they held each other like that in a long while and Chloe is chastising herself for enjoying it. This is not the time and place for her to feel things that is why she quickly disentangled herself from the blonde.

"He can stay over night so that we could monitor him. If everything is okay tomorrow, you can take him home." Stacie smiled at them reassuringly. She has been Joshua's doctor ever since she came back, Joshua calls her Aunt Doc all the time.

"Thank you Stacie" Aubrey said with relieved expression on her face. Beca went to Chloe's side and patted her back and nodded at Aubrey who's standing near them.

"Can we see him?" It was Beca who asked and made Chloe perked up.

"Yeah, come on. I have already arranged his room" she said confidently and Aubrey was on her side quickly. Beca remained beside Chloe as they walked towards Joshua's room.