Aubreys chest rose and fell rapidly, her eyes wide and locked onto the empty, bloodshot eyes that bore into hers. She knew it could smell her, somehow, it could smell her. She wasnt covered enough, like the others. Beca had tried to help her, tried to make her comfortable, and that was going to get her killed.
Blue. That was all she could seem to focus on. The creatures eyes, were blue.
It got right up to her face, aloud snarl alerting the hoard around her. The roar of all of them was deafening but they hadn't caught her scent. Not like this one had. Her eyes closed, and she squeezed the hand in hers, it being the only way she could think to communicate. What she was communicating? She had no idea. Goodbye maybe?
It was in those few seconds, after closing her eyes, that it grew quiet again. Aside from the barely audible rumble of the hoard around her. She opened her eyes, letting out a breath as the creature in front of her, was slowly lowered to the ground. Chloe pulling her blade out of the back of its head.
She let out a few shuddering breaths as Chloe slowly stood, wiping the blood from her blade across Aubreys shirt, trying to cover more of her scent.
The blonde nodded, her eyes full of tears as Chloe took a breath and they began walking again, unable to react in any other way, less they wanted to alert the hoard, again.
She hadn't felt Chloe release her hand, she didn't feel her move around the creature. Now, as they walked and she stared at the back of the girls head, she couldn't help the emotions that hit her.
Chloe, the soft, sweet girl that she had risked her life protecting, from the living and the dead, was now the one protecting her. She was covered, head to toe in creature blood, and guts and barely flinched. She wasn't the girl Aubrey had known her to be. She was stronger. She wasn't fearless, but she was definitely no longer the skittish, nervous girl she used to be. She didn't spare a second thought, stabbing the creature in the head, silently dropping its body to the ground and walking away. Saving her life. All of their lives.
She was proud of her. And ashamed of herself. She was better than this. She was stronger than this. She couldn't afford to be the weakest in the group. She couldn't bare it. She wouldn't be able to sleep at night, knowing she was the one, that cried, that couldn't handle a little blood. Of course she could.
This was the apocalypse, and she was Aubrey refused to let it break her. Not now, not after she had already come so far. After they had all come so far.
And she sure as hell wasn't going to be the one that got her friends killed because of her own fears. They handled it. She would too.
She took a breath and squeezed Chloe's hand again. She felt the girl return the gesture and carefully, pulled them to a stop.
Beca looked back in confusion, as Stacie and Jesse nearly ran into them.
"I wont risk your safety." She said in hushed voice that carried to all of them, but didn't alert the hoard. Chloe looked at her in concern, as she reached over and took the blade from her hand.
"Bree," Stacie started, but the girl had already stepped away, stabbing the knife into the back of a creatures head. They all instantly moved around her, creating a circle as she lowered it to the ground.
Chloe felt a rush of pride, as she looked to see Aubrey pull the shirt from her head, and smear fresh blood on her face. she pulled her hair back, tying it with one of the few ties she had on wrist, and pushed more blood back over her hair. She grimaced, and felt her stomach churn but she shook it away.
A few moments later, she stood. They looked to see her more fully covered in blood, handing Chloe her knife.
"It smelled me. More would be able too. I couldn't let that happen." She whispered and they all nodded, small smiles of encouragement and pride on their faces.
"You've got this." Jesse said gently reaching up and squeezing her arm.
"Lets do this." Beca said and turned, leading them through the hoard. Untouched.
XXXXXX
Stacie felt the relief flood her system, as they left the hoard, and reached the river. They stayed silent, until they were a fairly good distance away from the dead, and when they saw the river, she could see the tension begin to leave the group.
"Is this it? Is this the same river that is near your cabin?" Chloe asked as they walked along side was deep, and the water was rapid.
Stacie nodded. "It is." She smiled.
"Thank god." Jesse sighed. "Come on lets find a calm spot and get cleaned up."
It took nearly an hour of walking and it had to be nearly midnight, when they finally reached a calm spot in the river.
"Maybe we should wait until morning?" Aubrey asked as a chill ran through her. It was cold now that the sun was down and she knew the river would be even colder.
"Are you sure?" Beca asked. "You don't want to get cleaned up?"
Aubrey looked at herself, then the water. "I don't think its a good idea. The water will be too cold. Maybe it would be safer to sleep this way, nothing will bother us like this." She said motioning to herself.
Beca and Chloe nodded. "She is right." Chloe said lowering down to sit against a large bolder on the edge of the river.
Beca followed after her, taking off her back pack and opening it. She pulled out some water and food as everyone else got comfortable.
"Ill start a small fire." Jesse said, gathering some sticks and dried moss.
It wasn't long before they were warming their hand, their bellies full of dried meat and water.
Chloe and Aubrey drifted off first, each with their heads resting on Beca and Stacie. Jesse smiled as he sprawled out as well.
"Think we are smelly enough to all sleep at the same time?" Beca chuckled and Jesse yawned.
"I think if we reek enough to walk through a hoard, we can all get a few hours of sleep unbothered." Stacie said as she shuffled down, barely disturbing Aubrey's sleep to lie beside her.
Beca smiled as Aubrey curled into her. "She surprised me today." She whispered and Jesse propped his head up, looking at the sleeping blonde.
"Yeah, me too. I think it really scared her, when that creature smelled her. Sucks that that is how it happened, but I think she will be okay." He said.
"She was exhausted." Stacie whispered as she moved a stiff blood dried strand of hair out of the blondes face.
Beca nodded. "She had an emotional day. Makes sense she would be drained. She need the sleep." She said running her fingers through Chloe's hair. "We all do."
Stacie sighed and nodded, as she got comfortable. "Yeah, on that note. Try to get some rest guys. We should reach my cabin by early evening tomorrow." She said and Beca and Jesse looked at each other with small smiles.
"Night, Stace." Beca said as she gently lifted Chloe's head and moved down next to her. She didn't stir as Beca got comfortable and it wasn't long before all five of them were asleep.
XXXXXX
Chloe was the first to wake the next morning and she gently pressed her lips to a clear spot on Beca's cheek to wake her up. Two blue eyes opened and looked up at her.
"Hey sleepy. I thought you might want to get an early start today?" She asked and Beca let her eyes drift away from Chloe's as she stretched.
Chloe watched with a smile for a moment, before Beca winced and her face turned to a look of pain.
"Beca?" She asked worriedly as the younger girl sat up. "What's wrong?"
"My arm." She said reaching down and grabbing the hem of her dirty shirt and pulled it off.
Chloe averted her gaze as she was left in just her bra, as she examined her arm.
"Chloe?"
She turned and looked at her. "Yeah?"
"You don't have to look away." She smirked. "You've seen me like this before."
"Sorry, I didn't want to assume." Chloe said scooting closer and looking at her stitches. Then gently lifted her arm and looked at the ones on the other side.
"They look okay. But we should probably wash could still get irritated."
Beca nodded and pulled her legs up, unlacing her boots and pulling them off as Chloe gently woke the others, not wanting to startle them.
It wasn't long before they were all in the river. They decided it would be a good idea to undress completely and wash out their clothes as much as they could. They had spare clothes, luckily, so they were able to change when they finished washing in the river. Their other clothes hung on tree branches, drying in the sun.
Beca was lacing her boots back up, her damp curls falling over one shoulder, when Stacie approached her. They weren't able to layer their clothes as they had been, seeing as they didn't have much left. This left them a little more exposed than they liked, but they didn't have much of a choice. Stacie and Chloe were left in tank tops, their arms completely exposed until their shirts dried.
Beca wore a tshirt and jeans. She wasnt thrilled about having her stitches exposed, but knew her shirt needed to be clean or it would likely cause an infection.
She looked up at the taller brunette. "What's up?"
"I thought you and I could go hunting? We need some fresh meat and this is a pretty unpopulated area. There is bound to be some good game here."
Beca finished her boots and Stacie reached a hand out helping her up. "Thanks. Yeah that sounds like a good idea." She said grabbing her holster and reattaching it to her thigh. She looked over to where Chloe was organizing their packs, making room and tossing empty bottles to Aubrey to fill with water while Jesse boiled water they had already collected.
"We will be back."Beca said walking over to the redhead and Chloe stood up, reaching around to hold the back of Beca's neck as she gave her a soft kiss.
"Be careful, love." She said and pulled back.
Beca smiled, her cheeks flushed, still getting used to the affection she received from Chloe.
"I will, you too." She said leaning in for another kiss as Stacie knelt down beside Aubrey, doing the same.
Jesse smiled sadly, and continued to boil the water. "Be safe girls." He said as they walked away, Stacie slinging her bow over her shoulder.
"You too." Beca called as they walked into the trees.
They were a few yards away when Stacie spoke.
"He likes her." She said, keeping her eyes forward as she walked. Beca glanced at her, unsure of she heard her right.
When she realized she did she nodded slowly. "Yeah, he does."
Stacie nodded. "I like her, lot. But I know Jesse has been around her longer."
Beca sighed softly. "Only by a couple days." She said. "And hey, you shouldn't worry." She said.
Stacie stiffened. "Who said I was worried?" She asked.
"You wouldn't have mentioned it if you weren't." Beca said. "You see the way he looks at her, just like I do. But, she chose you." She said.
"I can see how he looks at her. Its the same way she looks at you. She wants you, and you have her. You don't need to worry about that. And while Jesse may have that kicked puppy look, he wont ever try and take her from you. He is more respectful than that." She said looking ahead of them.
Stacie smiled lightly. "Thank you Beca."
She nodded. "Anytime." She smiled. "You two are good together."
"You and Chloe too." Stacie said. "From the moment you guys took me in, I could see it. You just fit together."
beca blushed. "Ive never felt like this, with anyone." She said. "She is special."
Stacie looked down with a smile. "Yeah. They both are."
XXXXXX
"Here let me help you with that." Jesse walked over to Chloe as she tried to reach one of the shirts that he slung over a tall branch.
She stepped back as he pulled it down, caressing it in his fingers. "Not quite dry yet." He said handing to her.
She took it. "Yeah, I was going to move it, the sun is brighter over there now." she pointed and Jesse nodded pulling off the rest of the clothes and handing them to her as Aubrey walked up.
"Last bottle." She said holding a water bottle with river water in it.
"Cool. So thats what-"
"Thirteen bottles." Aubrey nodded handing it to him so he could boil it.
"Perfect." He said, sitting down and pouring it into the metal tin they used to purify the water.
Aubrey turned and followed after Chloe, helping her to hang them on a new branch.
"I cant wait to get to the cabin." She said as she straightened out Beca's ripped jeans.
Aubrey let out a breath. "Me either. It will be nice to have a place, again." She said as she threw a shirt over the branch. "These should be dry in the next hour."
"Yeah, hopefully they are back soon, with food. Then we can head out." Chloe said standing back and inspecting her work before they both turned and walked back to sit with Jesse.
It was nearly two hours later, when Stacie and Beca walked back through the trees.
Chloe who had packed the dry clothes into the pack, as well as the water, shot up from where she sat. They figured they would have been back a lot sooner.
"Thank god, we thought you might have gotten lost or something."Chloe said as she approached them.
"Sorry, we couldn't get anything. We were trying to not come back empty handed." she said and Chloe could hear the disappointment in her voice.
Stacie set her bow down in frustration as Aubrey approached her.
"Its okay, you aren't going to get something every time." The blonde said gently, reaching up to move Stacies hair back, but she moved away from her and walked toward the river.
Aubrey watched her go, her brow furrowed in confusion. She looked at Beca. "Did I do something?" She asked, rubbing her hand on her jeans, almost nervously.
Beca shook her head. "No. She is just frustrated. We lost two deer. One of her arrows snapped. It was just a bad hunting day."
Aubrey nodded and looked over to where Stacie was knelt by the river, rinsing her hands in the water. She let out a breath and walked over to her.
"Stace?" She asked softly, kneeling next to her. Stacie sighed and looked at her.
"Hey," She said just as softly, as she dropped down to sit on the edge of the river. Aubrey gave a tight smile and sat as well.
"I'm sorry, for that." Stacie said motioning behind her. "I wasn't trying to take my frustrations out on you."
Aubrey shrugged. "You stepped away from me, Stacie. I wouldn't consider that taking your frustration out on me." She said reaching over slowly, taking her hand.
Stacie squeezed it. "Still, Im sorry."
Aubrey smiled lightly. "I don't want an apology. A kiss wouldn't hurt though." She said and Stacie smiled leaning toward her. Aubrey smiled into the kiss, feeling her stomach flutter. She didn't know it when Stacie first joined them, that she would end up falling hard for her. But she wasn't complaining.
XXXXXX
"Here, you need some water."
Chloe looked up, to see Beca holding an open water bottle out to her. They had been walking for what seemed like hours, it was a particularly humid day, and she was already exhausted. She nodded and took the bottle drinking a few gulps before handing it back. They stayed along the rivers edge, as Stacie instructed. She knew at what point in the river she needed to veer off toward the cabin. The terrain was a little rough, and slippery in a lot of places, they didn't realize this was going tot turn into a hike. But the end result would hopefully be worth it.
Beca had already slipped once, and was limping, from where she smashed her shin on a rock. She refused to stop though, knowing they would be getting there soon and not wanting to waste any more time than necessary.
It was when Chloe stepped on a rock, not realizing how slick it was going to be, and nearly fell straight into the swiftly moving river, that Beca stopped.
They were sitting a few yards away from the river, taking a break, letting Chloe collect herself and snack on the few piece of meat they had left.
"How far are we?" Jesse asked taking the water Aubrey offered him.
Stacie looked at him, then their surroundings. "We should be there in the next hour or so."
This seemed to brighten everyone's mood, and Chloe stood up. "Are we ready then?"
"Are you?" Beca asked standing as well. Chloe nodded excitedly and Beca went to grab the bag she had been carrying when Stacie picked it up.
"I got it." She said. "How's your leg?"
"Just a bruise, I'm sure. Ill be fine. Thank you though." She motioned to the bag.
Stacie nodded and walked back toward the river. They would be there soon and they were all beyond ready.
XXXXXX
When Stacie slowed, and veered off the path they had been walking they all felt their stomach erupt in butterflies. They would be there soon.
About a hundred and fifty yards from the river, they could see a clearing. Just a small one, and Beca and Chloe looked at each other and smiled.
"Get your weapons ready, just in case." Stacie said softly and they all did as they were told, all taking in their surroundings.
"It looks deserted out here." Beca said as they walked. The ground hadn't been disturbed, if the moss coverage was anything to go by. Nothing seemed to have been moved as it might have if someone was living in the area. Sticks that could have been used for fire, dried leaves. It was all untouched.
As they got closer, they could see a small cabin come into view. By the time they were just a few yards from it, they could see Stacie relax. "It looks empty, guys. I think its too far out for anyone to have taken it." She smiled.
Beca and Chloe stopped, looking at the small one story cabin. It was dark, and looked abandoned.
"Lets split up, and make sure." Jesse said. "Aubrey you and Stacie check in side. Chloe and Beca, check the front, I'llcheck the back." He said.
They all nodded and split into their respected directions.
Minutes later, Aubrey was standing on the front porch, softly calling for them. It was clear.
Beca and Chloe stepped onto the wooden porch, followed by Jesse and walked into the cabin. It was dark, and dusty, and perfectly spotless.
Jesse closed the door, and Stacie opened the curtains that covered the large front bay window, flooding it with light. They all stood in the front entrance, looking at the living room with two large couches, they kitchen with non perishable food in the cabinets. The many ways they could protect themselves.
They looked from the room, to each other.
"Welcome home." Stacie smiled.
XXXXXX
It took a few hours, but they were able to completely surround the cabin with noise traps. Fishing wire, and aluminum cans, were strung around the parameter of the cabin. Aubrey and Chloe collected wood for a fire, while Beca and Jesse used their knowledge of homemade alarms to protect the doors and windows and Stacie went out hunting again. It was nearly dusk when she returned and Beca had looked out the kitchen window in time to see her dragging a small deer toward the cabin. She smiled and called for Jesse.
They had debated about it, but after much reassurance from Stacie that they were likely too far out to be seen, they started a fire in the fire place. That is where they cooked the deer meat. By the time they finished eating, they were all practically passed out on the couches. Warm, fed, protected from the elements, as well as any outside threats.
They felt safer than they had in a very long time. "Chloe, Beca you can take the bedroom in the back. Jess, you can have the one across from it, and Aubrey and I will take that one." Stacie nodded at the door that was connected to the living room.
They all nodded tiredly, and stood up to go to their rooms, and Beca stopped. "Thank you, Stacie. For opening your home to us." She smiled as Chloe took her hand.
"I couldn't have got us here with out you. All of you." Stacie said as she too stood up.
Beca smiled softly, as Chloe tugged on her hand. "Goodnight." She said and everyone said their good nights as Jesse checked the doors and windows again before going into his room for the night.
XXXXXX
Chloe fell onto the bed, and moaned as she sunk into it. "Oh my god. This bed is so soft." She said. "Beca, come here, feel this bed."
Beca chuckled. "I'm going to get out of these dirty clothes first." She said.
Chloe lifted up onto her elbows. "We don't have pajamas." She said.
Beca nodded. "I know, but, I don't want to get into a clean bed with these gross clothes have tank tops and some of Jesses shirts. They are long enough to cover us." She said pulling her shirt off and Chloe smiled at her as she stood up.
"True." She said. "Or," she marked playfully as she walked toward Beca, "We could just sleep,in nothing." She winked as she reached her and Beca's face flushed.
"I'm kidding love." Chloe chuckled, seeing her sudden panic. She leaned in, kissing Beca softly before pulling back and taking her shirt off. Beca shook her head at Chloe's antics and pulled off her own shirt.
Soon enough they were both crawling under the soft blankets, in clean tank tops, ready to snuggle up and fall asleep on a soft bed.
They relaxed under the heavy blanket, listening to the crickets outside the window, both feeling the days exhaustion hitting them. However, Chloe wasn't quite ready to sleep and she lifted up, leaning over Beca and kissing her softly.
The smaller of the two smiled into the kiss as she returned it. "What was that for?"
"I just really wanted to kiss you." Chloe said as she leaned back.
Beca turned onto her side, so she faced Chloe. "Yeah?"
"Of course." Chloe said softly. "I always want to kiss you."
Beca could feel the blush creeping up her neck and she was glad it was dark. Chloe had seen her blush far too many times.
"Do it again." She whispered, feeling a bout of confidence hit her. Chloe chuckled and instantly moved in, pressing her lips to Beca's and felt her body get hot, as Beca returned the kiss very enthusiastically.
They were warm, they were safe in the cabin and Chloe couldn't help but let herself get lost in the kiss. Reaching up, she cupped Beca's jaw, holding her in place as she ran her tongue along her lower lip. Beca's body instinctively moved closer to Chloe as she opened her mouth and felt Chloe's tongue against her own. Both of their bodies erupting in goosebumps.
It wasn't long before Chloe was rolling her onto her back and moving on top of her, their kiss deepening as Beca opened her legs, giving Chloe more room and the redhead moaned into her mouth when a small hand tangled into her hair, pulling her closer.
Chloe moved her lips down over Beca's neck and Beca took the chance to catch her breath, the feeling of Chloe's lips on her neck and the hand that was currently moving under her shirt was a lot. Not that she wasn't enjoying it because she most certainly was. However, she had never been in this position before. She and Chloe had kissed and cuddled but this was the furthest they had gone and she would be lying if she said she wasn't freaking out.
It was when Chloe's hips rolled down into hers, causing one of the most incredible feelings she had ever felt and a gasp to leave her mouth, that her eyes open and she reached down, grabbing Chloe's hip, stopping her movement.
"Wait," She said breathlessly.
Chloe stopped immediately, and lifted up to look down at her.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
Beca nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay, I uh-I'm sorry." She said and Chloe s brow furrowed as she carefully got back off of her. Beca instantly missed the contact and before she realized what she was doing, she sat up. Chloe sat up too and reached for her.
"Baby, what's wrong? Did I do something? Did you not want-"
"No, stop." Beca said. "Its not that, I did, I do want it. I'm just-I'm not ready." She said and looked down.
Chloe could make out her features in the little bit of moonlight coming in the window and she could see the embarrassment on her face.
"Beca, hey, look at me." She said, reaching up and taking her face turning her toward her.
"I'm not mad, love. I understand, its okay if you aren't ready. I'm sorry I got a little carried away." She said gently cupping her cheek. "I'd never rush you into anything, its perfectly fine if you aren't ready." She said and Beca looked up at her.
"You're not mad?"
Chloe leaned in and kissed her softly. "Of course not." She said. "Come on lie back down."
Beca did as she was told and soon they were face to face again.
"Thank you, for stopping me. For being honest. I'd never want you to regret anything we do together."
"I don't think I could." Beca smiled.
Chloe curled up close to her. "Get some sleep love."
Beca smiled, getting comfortable as they both drifted off. She had never felt safer, or happier than she did in this moment.
A/N: PLEASE review?! I love love LOVE hearing your thoughts and theories on this story! Thank you for reading!