+ XXV +

A ding from Chloe's phone signaled that she had a text, and she momentarily paused her task of applying some light make-up to pick the phone up and read it. She felt a warm feeling spread through her chest as she read the text from Jazzlee: OMG! You're finally doing something! I was starting to worry you wouldn't lol. Let me know how it goes! She'd ended it with a plethora of heart and kissy emoticons. Chloe laughed lightly to herself, returned some of the emojis, and set her phone back down on the counter to finish her make-up.

She was getting ready for her date with Aubrey and Beca.

After breakfast Beca had gone back to her dorm until she would meet them halfway between her dorm building and their apartment, and Aubrey and Chloe had enjoyed a simple, calm day. Aubrey had gotten mostly ready way ahead of time - something told Chloe she was just as nervous as she appeared, which consisted of a slight tremor to her hands, and her breathing was a touch labored - but Chloe felt a bit more chill about the whole thing. Not that she wasn't excited out of her mind. She could be cool when she needed to be.

Besides, she figured Aubrey would be grateful if one third of them, or two thirds, could keep themselves together in the case that she couldn't.

Chloe was almost ready herself, she just needed to pick out an outfit. She exited the bathroom and swerved into her bedroom. From Aubrey's she could hear the sound of the blonde pacing a little, and she smiled affectionately. She'd already warned Beca about Aubrey's tendency to get nervous around people she actually liked a lot (Chloe had actually seen her act that way around at least one other person, way back in their first year at Barden, though at the time she hadn't thought much about it) and they'd agreed to both tone things down a touch. They were both fine with going slow. And Chloe kind of knew how Aubrey felt, at least when it came to Beca. The brunette was intense enough already, and when she wanted to be smooth and seductive, damn was she good at it. That much had been firmly established.

Mostly, Chloe just worried that Aubrey was playing it up a lot in her head and also trying to suppress or hide how much she was possibly freaking out. She didn't want the blonde to have to stress about the possibility of puking at some point during the date, but she also guessed that was the teensiest bit inevitable - not that she'd puke, but that she'd stress over the fact that she was might. Chloe reminded herself to say something about it when they went to meet Beca. She wanted all their cards to be out on the table; she was readily going to admit that she was anxious herself, although a voice in the back of her head was telling her it was all going to go fine. That was just how it worked when a werewolf found a potential mate connection. They knew from the start that things had a very high chance of working out, unlike any other relationship they'd had, and Chloe had never felt this way about anyone. Only once before had she ever felt another potential mate in someone, but that had been dashed quickly.

She was still determined to help things go as smoothly as possible, regardless of how close she already felt to Aubrey and Beca.

Once she'd picked out her outfit she went out to the door to make sure her purse was there, then she went to sit on the couch and wait. They were supposed to meet Beca in twenty minutes, and she wasn't surprised when Aubrey practically burst out of her room in the next five. Chloe got up and joined her in the hall; the blonde was wearing a simple pair of black jeans and a yellow long sleeved shirt, and she was putting on a pair of black Converse. Chloe grinned when she caught sight of the Bella scarf tied around her neck, glad that Aubrey had gone with a look that was clearly comfortable for her. Chloe also found it funny that they were both wearing the same outfits they'd worn for auditions at the beginning of last year.

The same outfits they'd worn when they both first really met Beca.

"You look beautiful," she said, in part to announce her presence. Aubrey looked up quickly and her cheeks turned pink with a blush. Her pale green eyes drifted down to take in the ever-so-slightly see-through red button-up Chloe was wearing, with her own pair of dark blue jeans and brown knee high boots. She smiled.

"How crazy would it be if Beca also wore the same outfit from when we all technically met each other?" she scoffed lightly, grabbing her keys from the key ring they had hung up by the door. Chloe beamed right back, and once the two of them had their purses they exited their dorm; Aubrey made sure it was locked and they headed out. After walking a few moments in silence Chloe saw the blonde smile shyly out of the corner of her eye. "I always liked that shirt," she said, punctuating the words with a nervous laugh. "It's just really cute one you. And I like the little horses." She showed her perfectly white teeth in a grin, watching Chloe sideways.

Chloe offered her a little wink and nudged her playfully with her hip. "Thanks, Bree. You know, you're seriously too adorable for your own good. I love it," she said.

Aubrey rolled her eyes, grin morphing into a smirk.

Beca was already waiting for them, hands stuffed in the pockets of her jacket - and of course she was wearing the same long-sleeved gray shirt, black jeans, and faded black boots she'd worn the day of her audition. The jacket was the same she'd worn for the following party in the amphitheater, and her hair was also done up in the same way.

She turned upon hearing their approach and laughed. "Oh my god, really?"

"Wow, Beca, you just had to wear the one shirt of yours that totally shows off your chest, didn't you?" Chloe quipped, although she was also serious; the second she'd forced her attention away from the dangerously low cut of the brunette's shirt, she'd noticed Aubrey was struggling to do the same.

Beca laughed again, the sound light and so much different than her dark chuckle. "You're one to talk, Chlo, wearing that super see-through shirt. I'm surprised I can't see your bra," she teased right back, shooting Aubrey an impish look.

"That's because my bra is red," Chloe said with a playful roll of her eyes, aware of both Aubrey and Beca glancing at her chest in a way they probably thought was subtle. She grinned and, unable to hold herself back any longer, gave them both a quick peck on the cheek. Then she took both of their hands and started dragging them in the direction of Aubrey's car. "Come on! Let's go get dinner and see that movie! I'm so excited and nervous I think I'm going to explode if we dilly-dally any longer."

The restaurant was one they'd all agreed on over text, just a simple but classy place that didn't require a reservation and served things they all liked. For the most part, anyway. Beca ordered one of the least expensive dishes and spent more time staring at it than actually eating it, allowing Chloe to take more than one bite from it when her dish didn't do enough to satisfy her appetite. Aubrey just seemed to be surveying the two of them silently, eating slowly.

"Chloe, you're not going to have any room for popcorn," Aubrey said, frowning when Chloe just took the entire plate away from Beca, who was now sporting a slightly fanged smirk. Aubrey shook her head a little and corrected herself. "Who am I kidding, you could eat everything in the entire restaurant and still have room for popcorn."

"Sorry," Chloe laughed, after swallowing. "But hey, one of us has to make up for what Beca doesn't eat."

"That isn't exactly fair," Beca retorted. The smirk remained in place.

Chloe glanced to Aubrey. They'd forgone a booth so they could sit a bit more in a circle. "Don't worry about not eating much if you're really anxious, Bree," she said. "We can always just take our stuff to go. Hell, I'd even sneak it into the movie theater for you."

"That's okay," Aubrey giggled; the light blush to her cheeks that had been pretty consistent the entire time was practically making Chloe swoon. Aubrey cleared her throat and daintily wiped her mouth with her napkin. "And neither of you should worry about me... losing control," she added, sounding a little awkward and embarrassed.

"That actually kinda reminds me of something," Beca said. Her expression changed to be a bit more serious, instantly shifting the mood at their table. "I was thinking the other day about that whole thing, because I was at the empty pool, and I realized that none of the stuff any of the Bellas brought up was really talked about. I feel bad, 'cause we are like a family - at least, I agree with Amy every time she says that. Anyway, I just thought it might be nice if we kinda did something about that." She flushed; it really only made her look more alive than like she was blushing. "I mean, it's just a suggestion. You two are the captains."

Aubrey nodded a few times. "No, I think you're right. We all need to be close. I feel like I failed a bit in making the Bellas feel like a sisterhood last year, and I'd like to remedy that."

"It'll be even easier if my plan actually works out," Chloe said.

"What plan?" Beca asked, and Aubrey rolled her eyes a tiny bit, frowning in uncertainty.

Chloe shrugged. "I thought it'd be cool if all the Bellas went in on buying a house near campus. I mean, right? That'd be awesome. I've actually already looked and found a place that I think would be totally perfect. I was going to bring it up with the others, but Aubrey isn't too sure about it. What do you think, Becs?"

The brunette tilted her head to the side, tongue darting out to lick her lips. "I don't think it would be a bad idea," she said coyly. "If the others are all into it, why not?"

Aubrey sighed. "Maybe part of me just can't imagine that it would work out well living with everyone... but I also wouldn't be opposed to giving it a shot." Chloe gasped in pretend surprise, although she was a little shocked by how quickly the blonde had agreed. Aubrey gave her a dirty look that was hindered a bit by the tiny smirk pulling at the corner of her lips.

"This is so cool!" Chloe squealed. "I'll tell everyone else first thing tomorrow morning!"

While she returned to eating a bit, Aubrey said to Beca, "There certainly has to be a way we can get everyone to open up some more and elaborate on all those things we brought up."

Beca frowned, and Chloe instantly recognized her overlapping fear and anxiety. "Do you expect Chloe and I to... reveal ourselves?" she asked carefully.

"What? Oh my god, no!" Aubrey said, voice a little high-pitched, eyes going wide. "No, Beca, I would never make you or Chloe do something like that. Whether or not you do is totally up to you two. I would never expect that."

Beca visibly relaxed. "Okay. Sorry, I just... had to ask."

A tension that Chloe hadn't even noticed slipped from her shoulders, and she once again returned to eating. She shared Beca's fear very intimately. There was just no telling how the rest of the Bellas would react to learning such information, though part of her was actually aching to get this secret out in the open. It'd felt good when Aubrey found out (although she still wished the blonde had learned about her true self in totally different circumstances) and also when she and Beca had admitted it to each other, despite sort of already knowing. Now that Beca had brought it up, Chloe kind of wanted the relief that came with the weight of such a secret being lifted from her chest. Beca was also right; the Bellas were a family, a sisterhood. It felt wrong to keep this from her closest friends. She scowled down at her plate, mulling it over a few moments longer. She didn't want to think about it too much right now, so she filed it away for later and engaged back into the conversation Aubrey and Beca were having. They were talking about music. It was familiar and soothing; Chloe forgot very quickly about all the strain they'd had at the beginning of the summer.

Which reminded her... Once there was a lull in conversation, she asked Beca, "What's going on with Ned and Vivianne?"

Beca grimaced. "Ugh. Yeah, I kinda forgot about that. Nadine's been keeping me updated on things, but she can't really say much since they're conducting a private trial. Only the Council members, of course the King, Queen, and anyone on trial are privy to any specifics."

"So they're on trial?" Aubrey asked, frowning.

"Yeah. It's... messy. I mean, the worst thing they actually did was kidnap Chloe and put you and I in danger; everything else was just plotting. I think in regular politics it's charged under 'conspiracy'." Beca grinned, again showing off her fangs a little bit. They seemed to be in a halfway state; not too obvious, but definitely sharper than usual. "You're the lawyer, Bree. Think of it like a typical trial between, like, I dunno, the Supreme Court and two really rich people?" She shook her head. "Like I said, it's messy."

Aubrey nodded. She seemed to appreciate the lawyer comment. "What will happen to them if they're found to be guilty?" she asked.

Chloe snorted and reached for her glass of ice water. "I think the evidence against them is pretty overwhelming. I doubt they have a chance," she snarled bitterly. Aubrey quirked an eyebrow, but Beca's slightly sour expression seemed to suggest she agreed with the redhead's less-than-friendly sentiments towards the vampire prince and princess.

"That's true," Beca huffed. "This is really just to figure out what to do with them."

"Is that why none of us were called in to testify?" Chloe half-joked.

Beca smiled. "Pretty much. I mean, Darragh and Hedevi just took our statements from when we met with them. Same with the Kommissar and Emily. And Nadine did tell me that Max, that one Scottish butler, admitted to everything as well. So did this other guy named Gus."

"Oh, he was awful," Chloe sighed, remembering the multiple times he'd been so rough with her, knocking her around or sedating her. She glared down at her remaining food. He was lucky she hadn't run into him when they'd forced her to turn. "Did I tell you guys he and this Jonathon guy water-boarded me?" she added offhandedly.

Aubrey dropped her fork in surprise - it fell onto her plate loudly - and Beca literally did a spit-take with her water, thankfully to the side so she didn't spew it all over the blonde or Chloe. "Jesus Chirst, Chlo, you can't just say things like that so nonchalantly!" she hissed through her teeth, glancing around at the few people nearby who were giving their table odd looks in quick succession. Beca's chest rose and fell like she was taking a breath. "Are you serious, though? They tortured you?" she said lowly, so as to not be overheard.

Chloe glanced to Aubrey; the blonde was staring at her, wide-eyed and pale. "Um... yeah? But just the once. After that they were mostly, like, gentle with me. Up until they hastened forcing me to turn, anyway." She cocked her head to the side, trying to remember whether or not she'd mentioned the water-boarding before. She guessed she hadn't, since she hadn't had any sort of chance to tell her part of the story without Aubrey and Beca being right there beside her, and she hadn't wanted to freak them out. Well, she'd done that anyway. "I probably should have mentioned that, huh? Or not. The kidnapping was bad enough."

Beca shook her head. "Chloe, the fact that they - did that to you is actually really important. Blame Nadine for my knowing this, but there are certain things the Council or the King and Queen have to alert, uh... your leaders to," she said, once again gazing all around them in a few darts of her eyes. "It's a part of the treaty we all have."

Chloe hadn't thought about that.

"Who's the leader of your pack?" Beca asked.

"My aunt."

She winced a little at the shock that snapped across Beca's face, and her shoulders sank at the sight of it reflected - though not quite as strong - on Aubrey's. "Seriously? You're in one of the prominent families?" Beca said, tone filled with awe.

"I don't like to make a big deal out of it," Chloe sighed, "but yeah. In our pack the third born is usually chosen, but not in the case of my aunt. My mama is the oldest, and my grandma only had two children. They were sort of the leader together for awhile, but when my mama met my dad and realized he was going to be her mate she asked my aunt to take over all by herself, also because she thought she was a better fit to lead. So that's how it's been."

"Aren't you the third born?" Aubrey asked gently.

Dammit, Chloe thought, pursing her lips awkwardly. "Yeah," she muttered.

"Um, well," Beca stammered, "all I mean to say is that Nadine or someone else on the Council will have to alert your aunt to what happened, and go from there."

"This all sounds like a really in-depth process," Aubrey commented.

"For sure."

Chloe let out a silent sigh in relief that the two of them were moving on from the fact that she came from such a prominent family in her community, and that she was potentially going to be pack leader at some point. "What are some of the possibilities for what might happen to them?" she asked.

Beca hummed, brows furrowing in thought. "One thing's for sure, and that's that they won't become king and queen. Ever."

"Does that mean Darragh and Hedevi will have to sire two more people?" Aubrey asked.

"Not necessarily. Sometimes two mates get elected - we've developed this kinda weird system of a democratic monarchy, and I say weird since that's definitely not what it's like in the U.S., and that's the second thing I'm most used to. It's just totally up to them. I think they've still got awhile before they want to step down anyway. Really, it's a little embarrassing for them, that Ned and Vivianne fucked up like this." Beca grimaced again, pausing to take a sip of water. "So yeah, they could either sire two more people and they'll take their places, or there will be an election. To be honest I'm assuming it'll be an election this time around," she said.

"Is there any possibility Ned and Vivianne will be killed for what they did?" Chloe asked, being sure to keep her voice low.

"At this point, I have no idea. They might just be banished. That will probably be easier on Darragh and Hedevi, although only a little."

There was a beat of silence. Aubrey angled her body a bit more in Chloe's direction. "How does politics work for you? Beca's mentioned the royalty and Council that she... has, and they apparently run everything - is it like that at all?" she asked.

Chloe squirmed a little. "No, we don't have royalty. There are clusters of packs that are all run by one person, and they typically have their family as advisors. If anything needs to be decided all the leaders will come together and work things out, then designate one person to go on to bringing the decision up with pack leaders throughout the rest of the world," she explained. "I'll admit, sometimes our wolfish nature will come out, and things can be settled through fighting. But this system has been around for a really long time. Before that there was a lot more... bloodshed. Civil war type things."

Aubrey nodded slowly a few times, looking like she was digesting all the information. An odd look entered her eyes and she wearily glanced to Chloe, then to the table. Her own meal was pretty much forgotten by this point.

"I can tell you want to ask me something I might not like," Chloe half-sighed, though she made sure to smile in hopes that it would help relax the blonde.

"Are werewolves more accustomed to eating humans?" Aubrey blurted.

Chloe flinched a little; at the same time she saw Beca glance around yet again, probably to accommodate for the way Aubrey's voice had risen just a touch. Aubrey actually looked quite appalled that she'd asked such a question. "It's okay," Chloe reassured her, reaching over to rest her hand over hers on the table. "Actually, I'm a tiny bit surprised you haven't asked that sooner. Technically, yes, we were supposed to hunt down and eat humans, but that was really early in our evolution. It was back when the wolf part of our DNA was a lot more prominent, more like a ninety-ten thing, as opposed to the fifty-fifty it is now. At least I think. As we became a bit more balanced we started conditioning ourselves to hunt other mammals - like deer - and taught every young werewolf to do the same."

"Have you ever eaten a human?" Beca asked under her breath. Hardly even a second passed and she grimaced, this time in a way that seemed to say she regretted the question.

"I have," Chloe sighed. "Puberty for werewolves is like a hundred times worse. It's a time in our lives that we have very little control over ourselves during the full moon. Usually we tend to retain senses of right and wrong, despite the human part of ourselves not being present, so we don't do things we've been taught not to. I mean, it's still unfortunately likely that I might attack someone, but not eat them. Except for once, when I was thirteen." She averted her gaze to the table, appetite completely gone. She made a mental note to wave their waiter over when the timing was right (in other words, when they weren't talking about werewolf or vampire things) so they could box up the last of their food. "I felt really bad about it. I was inconsolable for weeks. By the time the next full moon came around I was terrified to turn again. The only thing that calmed me down was both my mama and my aunt telling me they'd stick with me that time."

"Do you usually turn by yourself?" Aubrey asked. She seemed ever so slightly eager to move on from the subject of cannibalism (technically), most likely because they were in such a public place. "I assumed you only did because I also assumed there weren't really any other werewolves at Barden," she added as a bit of an afterthought.

"It's kind of a thing, yeah," Chloe said, shrugging. "To avoid getting territorial, or in fights, although sometimes it isn't so bad. Just think about how regular wolves are. And you're right, there aren't any other werewolves at Barden specifically."

Aubrey narrowed her eyes at that for about a second, but didn't press on it. "That makes sense," she said simply.

"Hey, the movie's in a half hour," Beca said. She had her phone out and looked preoccupied for a moment, but then she glanced up from it and smiled. "Should we get outta here? Continue this conversation in the car?"

They didn't exactly, since all three of them seemed to share a sense of not wanting to talk much more about things in that realm. Chloe didn't mind either way. They had plenty of time to discuss the "heavier" things, but tonight was their first date, and as that seemed to be the guiding philosophy, they found lighter topics to discuss as they drove to the theater.

Once they got seated (Chloe in the middle, so she could hold the extra-large popcorn) the previews started and any vague hints of there being tension about them vanished. Chloe settled back comfortably, propping her feet up on the metal bar in front of them, and glanced to both Aubrey and Beca to shoot them a smile. It sort of astounded her, in this moment, just how comfortable she felt with the two of them.

Beca took a small handful of popcorn and experimentally picked at it. She smirked cheekily at a terrible joke one of the actors in the current preview said.

Aubrey shared the popcorn equally with Chloe, the upper half of her body kind of leaning towards the redhead.

Chloe could practically smell the happiness wafting from them, and she grinned triumphantly. She considered the songs she'd started to write and vowed to herself that she'd finish them, driven by the urge to tell Aubrey and Beca how she felt in such an intimate way.

A/N: I hope y'all are happy with this one. I really liked writing it. Don't worry, more is coming, and our lovely ladies are going to get closer and closer! ;)