Notes: Welcome to part 2. Someone in the comments asked me about the tag major character death a while ago and at that time I couldn't recall why I put it up. So I have good news and bad news. The good news is I made an outline of this story and it's looking good, I'm confident I'll be able to finish it. The bad news is I remember now why I put up the tag and it looks like I'm really sticking to it… all I'll say is prepare yourself guys, there are only two major characters in this story. If you can't take it, STOP READING. I will break our bechloe hearts in this one… BUT for me, I think it's bittersweet. You'll see if you stick around.
PS. Sorry this is late. I've been watching too much tennis again. Anyone else here following Roland Garros?
Summary: Chloe goes away to Portland. Beca meets the parents. Bechloe fight and make up. We're going camping. A quick peek at Chloe's background. More Bechloe.
Chapter 8: Intentions (part 2)
Chloe was having breakfast with her parents. They haven't been asking too much questions. They were just happy that Chloe was here. On the third day of Chloe's visit, it was throwing her parents off that she has not once brought out her camera and go out and take pictures.
They knew something was wrong. It was obvious that Chloe was hurting. They were worried but it explained why she wasn't too keen on going out and taking pictures and why she had time off work. It was also obvious to her parents that she was avoiding something or someone with the way she would look at her phone and leave it face down.
Carol would give John a nudge encouraging him to talk to their daughter. Chloe and her dad did always have the better relationship. John would signal to Carol that he's got this. Leave it to him. That was where they were different, John was more patient and would wait for Chloe to come to him whereas Carol would always try too hard and force Chloe to talk to her even when she's not yet ready.
And as if on cue, Carol starts a conversation. "So sweetie how long are you going to be staying here with us? Your father and I have been thinking about going camping next weekend and if you're still here maybe you could join us."
"I would love that. I think I'll still be here by then."
"What about your work?"
John gave Carol a look as if to ask her what the hell she was doing. Carol just ignored him and shrugged.
"I'm taking a break for a bit. I feel overworked." Chloe answers oblivious to her parents' silent exchange.
"Are you feeling sick or anything?" Carol pressed.
"No mom. I'm not sick. I'm fine."
John sighed. "So you met someone then." He said nonchalantly without looking up from his crossword puzzle.
Chloe looks at her dad with her mouth agape. She knew that tone very well. He was teasing her. But how could he deduct that she met someone from that exchange alone? Carol and John exchanged looks and Chloe went back to her neutral expression.
"I don't know what you're talking about dad." Chloe knew it was a mistake to take the bait.
She focused on her food then but she could see her dad looking up from his puzzle and leaned on to the table. He tilted his head and looked to her direction. Chloe could feel his stare on her.
"Did my Chlobear get her heartbroken?" He said it in a very gentle tone.
Carol stopped whatever it was she was doing and was looking at Chloe too. Chloe was racking her brain trying to figure out how to respond. Was she heartbroken? She didn't even know if she was. But why would she be heartbroken anyway? Is this what being heartbroken felt like?
"Oh dear." Carol let out a gasp. "Oh my god John I think she did." She whispers a little too loudly.
Her dad had that look on his face that Chloe was very familiar with. He was about to say something. Chloe knew she had to take control of this situation right now. "Guys stop it. Of course not. That's ridiculous." That was the best Chloe could think of. She's not sure if it sounded convincing.
Chloe's phone then starts ringing and Chloe sees it's Beca calling her again. She rolls her eyes and lets it ring out. She then puts her phone on silent mode.
"Okay." John eventually says. But Chloe knows how he is.
"What?" Chloe asked.
"What?" Her dad asks back.
Chloe shakes her head and looks at both her parents. "You guys are so annoying."
Carol bites her lips and John clears his throat. He was focused on his crossword puzzles again. Just when Chloe looked back down at her plate, she hears her dad say. "I remember my first heartbreak."
"Oh my god. I can't with you two. I swear it's not that. I decided to go on a break so I decided to come visit. That's all." Chloe said this with zero bite and walked away with her plate. She could hear her parents laughing to themselves.
It was an odd feeling though but she couldn't shake it off. So were her parents right? Was she heartbroken?
It's been three days since Chloe went home to Portland and they've barely talked. Chloe wasn't answering her calls and the last text she's received from her is that she made it to her parents' house. That was three days ago.
Beca went to work this morning to attend a meeting on whether or not she should extend her leave. It was agreed that it was best she should. So she was going to have another week off work. She thinks of calling Chloe again but she knew she might just lose it when she hears Chloe's voicemail one more time.
She sees an available computer on her way out and she had a light bulb moment. It was crazy and risky but she was desperate at this point. She looks around and sees everyone else is busy doing their own thing so she makes her way to the computer.
She was just about to look up 'Chloe Beale' when Jessica showed up behind her.
"Whatcha doin?"
Beca jumped but recovered quickly. "Nothing."
"You know for an FBI agent, you're really bad at this."
"What do you mean? Bad at what?"
"Instead of risking getting in trouble by using our computers for personal use. Go to this place instead." Jessica hands her a card.
Dr. Luke Harris, MD – Trauma Surgeon.
"But how did you? When?"
"I know you better than you know yourself sometimes. And besides a young good-looking modelesque doctor isn't that hard to find. You should go to him, I'm sure he won't be able to say no."
"Thanks and I know how you feel about this."
"I know and I'm still not a hundred percent for it but I figured the sooner you know the better for all of us."
Beca ignored Jess but pocketed the card anyway. "Get back to work you crazy. I'm going to enjoy my week off."
"Good luck!" Jessica calls out to her. Beca simply responds by holding up her middle finger as she walked away.
She goes home and starts pacing with her phone in her hand. Luke's card was starting to feel hot in her back pocket.
Beca (2:17pm): Why are you avoiding me? Was it because of the other night?
Beca (2:20pm): Did something happen?
Beca (2:21pm): Chlo please. Just let me know you're okay.
Chloe (2:21pm): I'm okay.
Beca (2:22pm): Can we talk?
Chloe (2:22pm): I'm really tired today. Maybe tomorrow?
That was the last push Beca needed. She takes out Luke's card and packs her things. She had to go see Chloe. She doesn't know how Chloe would react about all of this. She may not like it or really hate Beca when she sees her but Beca felt like at this point if she was going to lose Chloe, she was going to at least put up a fight.
Chloe was having afternoon coffee with her dad. They were watching Carol do gardening. Chloe didn't inherit the green thumb from her mom so it was best she stay away from the gardening.
"What's happening Chlobear? Are you in a creative slump?"
"I guess you can call it that."
"So about this someone you're seeing."
"Dad."
"I may be getting old, but I know when I see someone hurting especially when she's my own daughter."
"I'm fine dad. I promise."
"You know I was never worried when you never introduced us to anyone. I know you and you take these things seriously. I know how strong, independent and intimidating you can be."
Chloe chuckled at how much that was an understatement.
"I understood when you were in the military. You probably never considered it. You were risking your life everyday. Every time you were deployed somewhere, even we didn't know if we were going to see you again and it broke my heart but I was proud and I would support anything that you do."
"Thanks dad. I know how hard those times were for you guys as well."
"Now however I feel like I have to say something. Do you want to know my theory why you're here?"
"Do I?"
John raised his eyebrows once. He took a sip from his coffee gathering his thoughts and Chloe braced herself. Her dad is a very intuitive person.
"Fine. Let's hear it. This better be good dad."
John took his time. "I think you met someone who slowly broke down your walls without you knowing and it caught you off guard. Now love is knocking at your door and you don't know what to do about it, so you ran to here and I love that you chose to come here."
Chloe was nodding. She knew her dad wasn't done so she waited. She tried to keep her best poker face on; careful not to give anything away.
"I think you're scared. Maybe you're protecting yourself from getting hurt but Chlobear pain is the price we pay for love. To not feel pain is to never feel love. Is that a life you want?"
Chloe had to admit her dad was pretty spot on considering he doesn't know about her other job. There was no point arguing with her dad about this. There was no point denying it too. Instead Chloe groans out her frustration. If only he really knew the reason why maybe he could tell her what to do.
Her dad smiled the biggest smile cause he knew what was coming. He could almost see Chloe's walls crumbling.
"Ugh. I hate it when you're right." Chloe finally admits.
"That's what I'm here for."
"I don't know what to do." Chloe admits. It was a nice feeling being able to say it out loud.
"Choose love. You might be surprised."
Chloe was torn. She loves her dad for this but he didn't know the full story. It wasn't that easy Chloe wanted to say. It was way more complicated than that. Some days she thinks they can get over it but there are just some things that love couldn't overcome. When she decided to do what she does, she never realised the price she had to pay for it until she met Beca. That's the real reason why she was heartbroken.
"Thanks dad." Chloe says instead and her dad looked pleased. That was enough for now.
Her phone lights up then and for the first time since she's arrived, she was not that annoyed that it was from Beca. But it wasn't a text from her. Chloe's eyes almost popped out when she read Luke's messages. "Sorry dad, I have to take this call. I'll be right back."
Chloe went up to her room and almost slammed the door. She was pacing. Luke better pick up soon.
Chloe went off as soon as he did. "You gave Beca my parents' address? Are you out of your mind?"
"Chlo calm down. Hear me out."
"Don't tell me to calm down. Oh my god, everyone thinks I've lost it but apparently you've gone insane. My parent's address? Luke!"
"I had no choice. She was going to go all FBI on you."
"What does that even mean?"
"I don't really know maybe like look up your name. I figured it's best to just tell her where your parents lived instead of her finding out things she's not supposed to find out."
"The FBI has nothing on me."
"Well we don't know that and we don't really know for sure what she does and doesn't know."
"I don't even know what you're talking about right now and I swear to god when I get back there, you're going to get it from me."
"I'm sorry. I didn't think it was going to be that bad. I mean you invited her to your apartment."
"That's different!"
"Okay, maybe it's a little different."
"It's a lot different. Where is she now?"
"I don't know. But when she came to see me today, I won't be surprised if she went straight to the airport after that."
Chloe knows it was too late. There was no stopping Beca. She was probably on the plane now on the way to her.
"You're furious now but I think you'll thank me later."
"Don't push it. I will literally be on the next flight just to kick your butt."
"How are you by the way?"
"Not now Luke." Chloe ended the call.
She sat down slowly on the foot of her bed. Her mind was reeling. Not even the pain in her ribs was enough to distract her. She decides to call Beca but it kept going straight to the automated voicemail.
Chloe had to think fast. Beca was definitely on her way.
Chloe (4:35pm): You don't have to come here. I promise we will talk when I get back.
A few hours later, Chloe was about to have dinner with her parents when her phone rang. The moment she saw Beca's name on her screen, she excused herself and answered the call.
"Please tell me you're not here in Portland."
"Meet me."
Chloe sighs. "Bec."
"I'm sorry. But please."
Chloe closed her eyes. At least Beca had the decency not to go straight to her parent's house. "Where are you?"
"I just landed but name a place and I can meet you there."
"Don't move. I'll come get you."
Chloe then ends the call and borrows her dad's car.
"Is everything okay sweetheart?" Her mom asked.
"Yeah mom. I have a friend who's just arrived and I have to pick her up at the airport."
Both her parents perked up when they heard that but didn't say anything and they both had an 'oh' expression.
"I'll be back soon. You guys eat ahead."
Chloe didn't wait for their response and walked out the door.
There was a decent amount of people waiting outside the airport. Chloe spotted Beca holding a medium sized carry on duffel bag in one hand and her phone on the other. Chloe's heart did a little skip. She was happy to see Beca at first and then she was sad again. She stopped in front of her and pressed the window down.
Beca recognised her and got in. She put her bag in the back seat and stared at Chloe. She almost couldn't believe Chloe actually came.
"Hey. Thanks for coming. I hope I wasn't disturbing anything."
"You didn't have to come here."
"I know. I'm sorry but I had to. I really needed to see you. We need to talk."
Chloe nodded. "I know a place."
Chloe didn't know what to expect. She and Beca were quiet and Beca didn't even ask where she was taking her. Chloe decided to drive to Director Park, which is about fifteen minutes from the airport. It was also halfway from her parents' house. She figured it would be the perfect place for them to talk.
Beca should be anxious. They didn't talk anymore after but Beca was happy to be with Chloe again. It was weird. She had this niggling feeling the past few days when Chloe was away that she wouldn't see her again. So being here with Chloe was a huge relief but she was worried. She could still very well lose Chloe after tonight.
Beca then saw Chloe wince in pain in her peripheral that made Beca turn to her. Chloe had an unreadable expression. She sees the bandage on her arm and that's when it hits her. Chloe's ribs were still broken.
"Wait a minute, are you even allowed to drive?"
Chloe didn't look too bothered. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Beca shakes her head. "Pull over. I'm driving."
"It's okay. I'm fine."
"Don't fight me on this. Just pull over and let me drive."
"We're almost there. I promise I'll let you drive from there."
"Okay good. Doesn't it hurt?"
"Just a little."
Beca rolled her eyes. "It's just me. You don't have to act so tough."
"I could say the same about you."
It turned out it didn't matter where she would take Beca cause they ended up talking in the car anyway. The rain was pouring down hard as soon as Chloe parked the car. They both looked out the window and listened to the sound of raindrops hitting the car's roof.
Chloe pulled the hand brake and unbuckled her seatbelt. "What are you really doing here Bec?"
Beca did the same. "I owe you an apology."
"For coming here unannounced or for coercing my friend to tell you where I was?"
"Well now that you put it that way then I guess I owe you several apologies then. But I really wanted to apologise for the other night."
"And it couldn't wait until I got back?" Chloe didn't quite snap at Beca but she wasn't happy about this either.
"No it couldn't and whether you admit it or not you've been avoiding me since that night. I could literally feel you pulling away."
"I was avoiding you. I can admit that. I've been thinking about things too while I've been here."
"And?" Beca said slowly turning to face Chloe.
"I think we're fools if we think we can work this out. We were blinded by the fact that we were both off work. I don't regret spending that time with you. If given a choice I would choose to spend it with you still. But we can't change our realities."
Beca tried searching for anything in Chloe's expression. "Are you breaking up with me? Cause it sounds like you are."
"I am."
"Well you can't cause we're not even together."
"Oh then that makes it easier."
Beca put her finger up. "Not quite. Technically you can't break up with someone who you're not together with."
"Right. I'm sorry."
"And even if we were together, what makes you think I'll accept it? I'm not going to let you break up with me that easily."
Chloe sighs. "Seriously why are you being so stubborn about this?"
"Cause you're worth it. This, what we could have, it's worth it. Why are you so convinced we won't work out?"
"What do you want me to say Bec? You seemed pretty convinced when you ran off that night and don't even deny it."
"No you're right. I did run. But I swear I regretted not staying the second you shut the door and I just needed time to process. I wasn't giving up on us already and I kinda freaked when you left. That's why I'm here. I messed up. I know I messed up but I'm not going anywhere."
Beca took a deep breath before continuing. She's been dying to talk to Chloe about that night.
"There was so much going on that day and I wish I could tell you all about it but you know I can't. I know this is no excuse but I was overwhelmed. I needed some time to process my emotions. You know where I work and what I do and something happened. I feel like I escaped death and it made me guilty at first then scared. Then I realised how short life really is and I shouldn't be holding back."
Chloe was quiet. She knew what Beca was talking about. She even considered confessing right then and there to get it over with and save them both the inevitable heartbreak coming their way if they keep doing this.
Beca kept going. "If we do this, I need you to understand that there is a real possibility it won't be a happy ending. I need us both to understand that."
It was like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders when she let it all out. On the other hand, Chloe couldn't look at Beca. She was scared that Beca would be able to see right through her if she did.
"What if it was the other way around?" Chloe asked almost just to herself.
Beca looks at Chloe almost with wonder and it wasn't because she wasn't expecting it but because she was actually hoping Chloe would ask her exactly that.
Since Beca was quiet, Chloe clarified and asked louder. "What if you were in my position, what would you do?"
Beca doesn't know it but this was Chloe's way to get that assurance she was looking for. It was that little push that she needed. Despite it being more like she was just making excuses for herself.
Beca reached for Chloe's hand and smiled. She already knew her answer. She's known it for a while. "You. I would choose you every time."
Chloe turned to look at Beca for the first time. She wasn't ready for the sweet soft smile that greeted her.
"So please. Choose me." Beca answered Chloe with so much conviction that she didn't really know what to do it. She was being sincere.
Chloe stared back down at their hands that Beca was mindlessly playing with. "I want to choose you. I really do."
It was the truth. In any other circumstance, Chloe would be running to Beca; not away from her. "But I don't know if I can be that selfish."
Chloe slowly pulled her hand away but Beca reached for it back. "What if we were just Beca and Chloe? Don't think about anything else." Beca turned to her seat and was fully facing Chloe now.
"But that's the problem. We're not just Beca and Chloe." Chloe said without taking her eyes away from the windshield. She was back staring at the park just outside and the rain drops that rolled down the windshield.
"What if when we're together we are? I think we will both regret this if we don't give this a real shot."
"We can't just pretend." Chloe had to take a deep breath in when she felt her voice rising. "We can't change who we are and pretend for the sake of having a relationship."
Chloe could hear her father's words in her head over and over. Choose love.
Beca could sense Chloe was conflicted about something. She knew this was a big deal but she can't help but wonder if there was more to it. It was almost like they were talking about two very different things.
"What am I missing here? From the day we saw each other again, you've pushed me away. Why?" Beca was daring Chloe to look at her.
And Chloe did. She looked at Beca and Beca was stunned a bit. She's never seen this look on Chloe before. She couldn't explain what it was. She saw deep hurt and saw how broken she was but she didn't know why.
Beca softened and reached for Chloe's arm. She gave it a light squeeze and rubbed her thumb on the bare skin under the sleeves of her shirt. "Talk to me."
"I just don't think you know what you're saying Beca. I can only reject you so many times, you know."
"I know. So stop rejecting this. Maybe?" Beca shrugged. "I'm going to stop running away too. God I can't believe I was going to run away from this."
Choose love.
Chloe sighed. It was futile. It was hard to fight it when Beca was this determined. Chloe ran the different scenarios in her head. She thought of the best and worst things that could happen. She's always been confident at what she does and she thought the only way she could ruin this with Beca was if she got caught. She's pretty much living a double life already. Is it so wrong to live one of those lives to the fullest?
Choose love.
"For the record." Chloe finally said and Beca was holding her breath. "This isn't cool."
Beca's breath hitched. She felt defeated. "I know I wasn't really thinking straight. I panicked and I missed you so much."
At least she tried. That's what Beca's going to keep telling her self. She did and said what she came here for. She sat back with her shoulders slumped. She hit her head back on the headrest twice with her eyes closed.
She could feel the tears coming. She considered begging one more time. Then she felt Chloe's hand wrap around hers and intertwined their fingers. She opened her eyes and watched Chloe lift her hand up to her lips and felt her kiss her knuckles softly.
"I missed you too. Have you even eaten?"
"What are you doing to me? Rhetorical question by the way. Fuck. I thought you were rejecting me again just then."
"I was going to but you're right. You're worth it too. We owe it to ourselves to at least give it a shot."
Beca lost all self-control at that point. She pulled Chloe and kissed her. Chloe was kissing her back and Beca was so into the kiss that she was moving towards Chloe about to go over the console when she felt Chloe wince again. Beca pulled back almost immediately.
"Oh my god. Are you okay? Did I hurt you?"
"I'm okay. It's okay."
"Fuck I'm sorry I got carried away." Beca said suddenly feeling shy.
"I did too." Chloe said biting her lip, which wasn't helping Beca's need to kiss her again.
"So food." Beca said to distract herself. "I was thinking we could grab something before I go to a hotel."
Chloe raised her eyebrow at that. "Did you actually book a hotel?"
Beca was blushing again. "No but I was going to"
"Come on. I'm sure my parents are wondering already where I went."
Beca hesitated. She opened her mouth to say something only to close it again. The plan was to talk to Chloe and Beca hasn't planned ahead of that but meeting her parents was definitely not part of the plan.
"What? Now you're shy?" Chloe said to Beca.
"It's not that."
"Let's talk about it on the way. My parents would be disappointed with me if I let you stay at a hotel. How long are you here for?"
"Just for a couple of days. I didn't want to inconvenient you too much. What about you? When do you go back? You are going back, right?"
"Of course I'm going back. I might be here for another week or two or three actually. I haven't booked my ticket. I could leave tomorrow, who knows?"
Beca wasn't overwhelmed at how willing she was to drop everything and actually consider moving to Portland should Chloe decide to move here permanently. She kept it to herself though. She didn't want to freak her out.
Chloe texted her parents that they were on their way back and she had her friend with her. It also stopped raining at this point. As she reached for her seatbelt, Beca stopped her.
"Don't think I've forgotten. I'm driving."
Chloe couldn't even argue. Beca was already out of the car. She watched her go over to her side and knocked on her window before opening the door.
Beca didn't say anything and Chloe shook her head. She surrendered and didn't fight anymore. "Okay okay you're driving."
Beca offers her hand to help Chloe out. She was relieved that Chloe took it. She could see Chloe was putting up a strong stance but she could tell she was still in pain with how hard Chloe gripped her hand as she stepped out.
Beca was going to walk Chloe to the passenger's side. "I can walk on my own. Thank you."
Beca bit back her smirk and nodded. She reluctantly let go of Chloe and watched her make her way to the passenger's side. She didn't get in until Chloe did. In fairness to her, Chloe got in the passenger seat without flinching. As soon as she was seated, Beca reached over her and put her seatbelt on for her.
"Thank you but take it down a notch, my parents don't know."
"Are you keeping us a secret? I don't mind I'm just curious."
Chloe snorted out a laugh. "What are you talking about? I meant my ribs."
"So we're not a secret?"
"Just shut up and drive." Chloe placed her phone on the dashboard with the directions.
Beca was proud that she got a laugh out of Chloe. "I'm only half joking. It'll be our little secret."
Carol was excited. The only friends of Chloe's that she has met in the past couple of years are Luke and Lilly. She knows her daughter has such a vibrant personality and could get along with almost anyone but she was such a workaholic. Sometimes she worries that Chloe was letting her life pass her by and it makes her sad that Chloe didn't live her life to the fullest.
She looks to her husband waiting to gush with him but she was weirded out by how nonchalant he's being.
"You've read her message right? She's coming back here with her friend."
"I saw."
"A new friend. Someone we haven't met." Carol pushed further.
"Mmhmm." Was John's only response.
They stared at each other for a while and it was Carol who looked away first. She busied herself instead with reheating the food for Chloe and her friend.
Chloe directed Beca to park the car in the open space in front of their house. Beca looked out and she doesn't have a clue about their home but when she saw it, it was exactly what she expected it to be. Right away you can tell, it was a loving home. Something Beca never really had with her own family until she became a part of Jessica's family.
"So this is where you grew up?"
"Yup. Welcome to our family home. It's just my mom and dad here. My brothers aren't home."
"Brothers?"
"Yeah. I have two big brothers. The oldest is in Canada and the other is backpacking around the world."
Beca was nodding with her eyebrows furrowed.
"What's with the face?" Chloe asked when she saw it.
"Nothing. I can't wait to meet them."
"Stick around then maybe you will."
"Oh I intend to."
Beca suddenly felt nervous when she saw an older version of Chloe standing by the front porch. She already had a big smile on her face looking at the two of them.
Beca followed Chloe and her mom didn't even wait for them to be introduced.
"Hi I'm Carol." She says as she gives Beca a big hug.
"Mom meet Beca."
"It's so lovely to meet you Beca." Carol said with Beca still in between her arms.
Beca was stiff and couldn't even move her arms. "It's nice to meet you too Mrs. Beale."
Carol let go of Beca and Beca was still getting over the embrace when she saw Chloe's dad walking towards them. She quickly straightened up and cleared her throat. She could already feel his intense stare on her. Alarm bells were ringing everywhere for Beca. This was not the best time to panic.
She's never actually dated anyone to the point that she met their parents but this was exactly what her worst nightmare would look like. Chloe is after all his baby girl.
John wasn't as welcoming and warm as he would normally be. Carol has never seen this side of her husband. Even Chloe was surprised by how her dad was acting.
He just stood there with his shoulders square eyeing Beca up and down. He had his lips pursed and eyebrow raised. Carol even went as far as positioning herself between them ready to intervene incase anything goes down. Not that John was that type of guy.
Chloe was trying to get her dad's attention but he doesn't look away from Beca.
"Dad. This is Beca. Beca this is my dad."
"It's nice to meet you sir. I'm sorry for coming here unannounced."
John doesn't let up. He raised his chin and spoke in a very stern voice. "So you're the culprit. What did you do to my Chloe?"
Beca visibly gulped and Chloe choked on her own saliva. Beca now knows where Chloe got her toughness. Chloe was staring at her dad wide eyed. She mouthed at him 'What are you doing?'
She then looks to her mom for help but she was just as confused as her.
Beca gulped again and cleared her throat. "Sir?" It was the best Beca could do.
"Are you dating my daughter?" John continued. Ignoring completely both Chloe and Carol.
"No sir." Beca had to compose herself.
"But you want to. That's why you're here, right?"
Chloe was about to protest but Beca put a hand on her arm. She cleared her throat and held her chin high this time. "Yes sir. I do."
All Chloe could do was shake her head and did a dramatic face palm beside Beca. Beca didn't dare break eye contact with Chloe's father.
Then there was a shift. He smiled and then lightly hits Beca on the shoulder. Beca was actually very scared. "Well then. That's settled. The name's John. I'll leave it to Chloe and support whatever my Chlobear decides. Please come in. Don't be shy." John had that twinkle in his eyes back.
John finally looks at Chloe with his cheeky smile and winked at her. He was very pleased with himself. He also earned a slap from Carol in the process.
"John Edward Beale that was not funny." Carol was hissing at John almost pinching his side.
Beca could hear Chloe's dad chuckling to himself. "Oh come on sweetheart."
Chloe gave her dad a hug and a kiss. "I hate you so much you know that."
"Lighten up Chlobear. I just wanted to clear the air right away."
It warmed Beca's heart to see Chloe's bond with her parents, especially with her dad. It was obvious that they were very fond of each other.
"Come on Bec." It was weird for Chloe. She felt protective over Beca after that. She reached for her arm, gave it a squeeze and didn't let go. "You okay?"
"Yeah of course." Beca's voice may have betrayed her a little bit there but she was more than okay. She was finally able to breathe. "Chlobear?" Beca couldn't resist asking Chloe.
"Ah ah ah." Chloe's dad interrupts her again. "Only I get to call her that."
"Right of course sir. It won't happen again. I promise."
"Dad stop."
"What?" John said as if he was innocent.
Chloe's parents, especially her mom, were like interviewing Beca over dinner. They got to know about her job, where she grew up and a little bit about her family. Chloe knows her parents were being nosy and sometimes she would intervene and assured Beca she didn't have to answer if she wasn't comfortable. But Beca was actually enjoying herself and Chloe appreciated Beca's willingness to be open to them. Admittedly, she learned a lot about Beca too.
John was joking around with Chloe and Beca while they ate but Beca didn't dare let her guard down. She knew he wasn't kidding earlier. He may have laughed it off in the end but she knew what message he wanted to send across and she heard the message loud and clear. She loved how protective John was being and rightfully so.
"So Beca will you still be here on the weekend? We were planning to go camping. You are very much welcome to join us."
"Mom no, she'll be flying back home by then."
"Oh. Well maybe next time then."
Beca looked to Chloe's dad as if silently asking whether he approves of her joining them as well. When he smiled and nodded at her, she gave him a smile back.
"Actually Mrs Beale. I will still be here and I would love to join you for camping."
"Oh that's wonderful." Carol said with her hands clapped together.
"Alright ladies. This has been a delight but I'm afraid I'll have to bid you good night. It's way past my bedtime." John says standing up from his seat.
Beca stood up when he stood up and she's not sure why. Chloe found it cute and put a hand on Beca's leg when she sat back down again. It didn't go unnoticed by Beca that Chloe became a little more touchy feely especially after the unexpected and intense encounter with her dad.
John kissed the top of Chloe's head when he passed her. "Good night Chlobear."
"See you in the morning dad." She smiled up to him.
Chloe then saw her mom moving about in the kitchen. "Mom. Leave that. We'll clean up don't worry. You should go and rest too."
"Okay. Should I ready the guest room or?"
"We'll figure it out." Chloe said.
Beca saw Chloe's dad stop in his tracks halfway up the stairs when he heard Carol ask about sleeping arrangements.
"I'll take the guest room thank you. Honestly the couch would've been fine as well." Beca said.
Carol was horrified. "Nonsense. You're not sleeping on the couch. Not on my watch at least. I'll ready the guestroom for you."
"Mom it's okay I can do it. Go rest."
"No no it's okay I want to do it. It won't be long. Good night you two. Make yourself at home Beca. Chloe you make sure she doesn't sleep on the couch."
"Thank you again Mrs Beale."
"Yes mom good night. I love you."
Carol smiled at them both from the foot of the stairs before heading up. As always, her husband was right about Chloe again. She may not have the same bond with Chloe but never once did she feel jealous about their bond. In fact she felt the exact opposite.
"I have a confession to make." Beca says to Chloe when they were alone and cleaning up. They were standing next to each other facing the sink.
Chloe doesn't look up from washing the dishes. "Hm?"
Beca was the one assigned the drying. "I haven't actually bought a ticket home yet. I wasn't entirely sure how this was gonna go so worst case was me going back to the airport and getting on the next flight back to LA."
Chloe really found rambling Beca adorable. It might be her favourite habit of hers.
Beca looked to Chloe. "What are you smiling about?"
"Nothing."
Beca was curious but she didn't press. Chloe smiling was a good thing. "So when do you plan to go back?"
"Luke wants me to get an x-ray in a few weeks so I figured I'll stay here until then. Since I'm not working and all, I could just hang out with my mom and dad."
"They're pretty cool you know."
"Yeah they're alright."
They stood there in silence again and went back to focusing on the tableware in front of them. Beca was almost blushing by how domestic this all felt. Chloe's been thinking about how to apologise to Beca for her dad's actions. She didn't want Beca to feel ambushed or something.
"About my dad earlier." Chloe began.
Beca put her hand on Chloe's arm. "Please don't. I'm scared shitless but I love what he did. I mean it sucks for me but if it were my daughter I would do the same."
Chloe could see it but she was able to stop herself before her mind completely went there. It was hard enough to fathom a relationship with Beca but to actually envision a future with her too that included a house and kids. Chloe had to draw the line somewhere.
"Okay. Just tell me when it gets too much. My dad's a prankster. He loves the game and right now you have a target on your back. As for my mom, well you saw how she was. So just give me a heads up."
"Aww I'm flattered. You're making me blush again. Careful Chlo. I might get the wrong idea here and think you're worried about me."
Beca usually struggled sleeping anywhere that wasn't her house but she must've been exhausted. She would have slept some more if it wasn't for the incessant ringing of her phone.
Beca answered without looking and just pressed the phone on to her ear.
"I'm gonna go ahead and say everything went well then? Or do I need to come get you?"
Beca groaned. "Everything's fine Jess."
"How was the make up sex?"
"Jessica!" Becca hissed. She knows it was impossible for anyone to hear from her phone. "I'm at her parents' house."
"Oh wow. You met the parents. How was that? I'm surprised you haven't taken off."
"I'm not doing that anymore and it went pretty good actually."
Jessica was smiling to herself. "The sex?"
"Oh my god. Stop."
"I'm kidding. I'm happy for you partner but that doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on her."
"Thanks but what do you mean go easy on her?"
"We have to set a double date. We'd like to meet her properly. We loved Chloe as our photographer but dating you is a different ball game."
"Relax. Don't scare her off just yet. I promise we'll organize something when I get back. Don't you have work to go to?"
"I'm actually just on my way. Also I thought you wanted to know, the Director's back in Washington. You know you have a few more days."
"Nope. Nope. I am not going to see my mom during a mandatory leave. I can already see the look of disgust on her face. I'm not dealing with that."
"What about your dad?"
Beca thought about it. "Yeah maybe."
"Okay good. I'll let you go. Don't have too much fun today."
"Bye Jess."
Beca tried to listen to any noise coming from the outside. But there was nothing but silence. It was impossible that everyone else was still asleep at least Chloe's parents would be up for sure.
She opened her door slowly and took a peek. Her senses were flooded by the smell of coffee so she decides to follow that. It led her to the kitchen and Chloe who had her back to her. She didn't mean to be a perv but Chloe was wearing boxer shorts and a tank top and maybe she enjoyed the view a little too much.
She cleared her throat and Chloe turned around. "Can I help with anything?" Beca offered.
"Oh hey, you're up. Coffee?"
"Please but just show me where."
"No don't worry I'll get it, take a seat. How'd you sleep?"
Beca reluctantly took the seat at the counter. "Yeah good. Where are your parents?"
"They went to the shops for the trip."
"The camping trip? Wow they must be really excited. I thought they said that's happening on the weekend."
"I asked them if we could do it earlier. That way you have time to rest before you go back to work next week."
"You didn't have to do that just cause of me."
"Don't worry about it. They're just happy the trip's happening."
"How are you feeling?" Beca asked pertaining to her ribs.
"Okay. Not great but moving around kinda helps. As long as I don't carry anything heavy or do any sudden twists and turns."
Beca took a sip of her coffee and Chloe continued. "So I know camping wasn't part of the itinerary, did you need to buy anything? Slippers? Clothes, maybe? Underwear?"
Beca blushed at the mention of underwear like a teenager. "I think that's a good idea just to be sure."
Chloe wasn't kidding when she said her parents loved going on camping trips. Beca couldn't get over their mini camper van. They drove to a camping site about two and a half hours away with Beca and Chloe taking her parents' car and convoyed.
John and Beca did most of the work of setting up when they arrived. She offered to help and kept on volunteering so Chloe won't have to do much work. Eventually they were all settled and seated around the fire.
"You know why I love camping with Chloe?" John asked directly at Beca.
"Dad. You say this every time."
"I know I know but Beca's hearing it for the first time. So it doesn't matter if I've said it thousands of times before."
Chloe could only roll her eyes and didn't protest anymore.
"My camping skills are god tier compared to the military. The food, the tent, my fire, location, the company, the ambience, what else can I say?"
Beca looked around waiting for the punch line. Carol and Chloe seemed to get it.
"Wait. Why compared to the military?" She was genuinely confused.
"Chloe served in the military for almost ten years."
Beca turned to Chloe. "Ten years in the military?" She couldn't believe it.
"I joined when I was 19 and he exaggerates. It's really only maybe about seven or eight."
"Seven or eight? Oh my god. What the actual fuck?" Beca quickly turned to Chloe's parents. "Sorry sir. Sorry Mrs B."
Chloe's parents were just amused by Beca's reaction.
"How did I not know this?" Beca asked Chloe.
Chloe shrugged. "I don't know I guess it just never came up."
"But photography had always been Chloe's first love." Carol says. "Personally, I do prefer her doing photography. It makes me sleep better at night. I worry about her brothers enough."
Beca snorts and everyone turns to her. "I'm sorry. It's just that Chloe is very very clumsy. I even worry about her doing photography if I'm being really honest."
Her parents laugh cause this was common knowledge. Chloe gets it. Beca has said over and over again that she's never realised how dangerous it was being a photographer until she met Chloe. Beca really believes being a photographer was not the safest profession.
They made smores and cooked marshmallows over the fire. Chloe's dad even brought out his guitar and they all sang around the fire together. Even Beca joined in sometimes. They told stories about Chloe's childhood and their favourite camping memories. Beca liked how she was slowly becoming part of their family or was that too soon to say?
Just before midnight, her parents called it a night and left Beca and Chloe sitting on a log by the fire.
"So you were in the military? How come you never mentioned it? I feel like a terrible girlfriend for not knowing that."
"Girlfriend?"
"Yeah. I'm manifesting and who knows? You might slip up and agree with me. No take backs when that happens by the way." Beca pointed at Chloe.
Chloe laughs. "You're being childish."
"Are you being shy about this? Is the almighty Chloe Beale blushing?"
"Stop. I'm not."
"Oh you totally are. But seriously I always felt badass that I'm a federal agent but that's nothing now compared to you being in the military."
"Don't get me wrong I'm proud to have served my country but I guess it wasn't for me. Remember when I was telling you how I pursued photography when things didn't work out. But listen and listen closely cause I'll only say this once."
"I'm all ears." Beca leaned closer to Chloe and had her hand cupped to her ear.
"I'll always think you're a badass. It doesn't matter what you do."
"Now you're the one making me blush and flustered."
The feeling suddenly overwhelms Beca as she remembers watching Chloe work. She understands now one of the reasons why she loved watching Chloe take pictures. It didn't matter whether she was using the most expensive camera or the cheapest phone. She was so in her element either way.
"You inspire me a lot you know that?"
"In what way?" Chloe was curious.
"Being a photographer is your dream right?"
"Yeah and I love it."
"I know. So you're living your dream. I want that too. You really inspire me. So much in fact that I think I'm gonna leave the Bureau when I close the current case I'm on."
"What do you mean?"
"Being in the FBI wasn't really my dream, it was my mom's and I wanted her to be proud of me so much that I went for it and now I just feel stuck."
"What's your dream then?"
Beca looks down and starts taking interest on random twigs. "I haven't really told anyone about it."
"That's okay. You don't have to tell me right now. Whenever you're ready."
They were both staring at what's left of the fire.
"I'm really sorry for coming here and please don't get mad at Luke. It's not his fault. I can be very persuasive and I don't regret being here."
"I was gonna go back and you already know where I live and work. I'm sure you still would've found me somehow eventually."
"That is true. I guess I really am your stalker."
"I know you can't tell me much but I also know this leave was mandatory. How are you? Are you good to go back to work next week?"
Beca was blushing again. She can feel her ears and cheeks warm up again. But she has that smirk and she sighs.
"Now what?" Chloe had to ask.
"Nothing. I like it when you're concerned about me. So this is what it feels like when you're girlfriend worries about you."
Chloe could only shake her head. "Seriously though, you okay? I mean I know we can't talk to each other about work but it doesn't mean we can't be there for each other."
Beca rests her head on Chloe's shoulder. "I know it was weird and stalker-ish but I'm really glad I came. I needed this trip too. I feel ready to go back to work now."
"I'm still going to rip Luke apart when I see him but I guess it's not so bad having you here. I missed you too."
Beca and Chloe looked into each other's eyes and it was Beca that looks down to Chloe's lips first.
"You know I would totally kiss you right now but I'm so scared that your dad might see and I want to stay in his good graces. I really do."
Chloe leaned into Beca's ear and brushed her lips on her ear as she spoke. "Then let me make it harder for you to resist kissing me."
Beca shivered at that sensation. She didn't even care how red she was now.
"I have something for you." Chloe handed Beca an envelope.
Beca thought it was random but opened it anyway. "You got me a ticket?"
"Yeah for Sunday night. I'm sorry if I chose the second to the last flight, I just wanted to spend more time with you. I was going to fly back with you cause I figured that's what girlfriends do but with my ribs and all I'm still off work. It's very rare for me to have this much free time. I wanted to spend as much as I can with my parents as well."
Chloe was having too much fun teasing Beca but she meant what she said. She stood up and offered her hand to Beca. "Let's go to sleep?"
"Wait." Beca reached for her hand but pulled Chloe back gently to face her. "What did you just say?"
Chloe gave Beca an incredulous look. "Sorry I booked you a late flight?"
"No, the other thing you said." Beca took a step closer to Chloe.
"I wanted to spend more time with you?"
"No the other thing." Beca took another step closer to Chloe. One more step their noses would touch.
"Bec I said a lot of things." Chloe said softly.
Without breaking eye contact, she wrapped her arms around Chloe's neck and whispered. "The one where you were supposed to fly back with me."
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Oh that. Don't you want to fly back with your girlfriend too?" Chloe said as a matter-of-factly as if she did not just shake up Beca's world. "No? Just me?"
Beca bit her tongue but she had a smile on her face. This girl in front of her would be the death of her. She then starts feeling a bit emotional.
Chloe dropped the act when she saw Beca was about to cry. "Aw Bec. Are you crying?" Chloe said reaching for Beca's face.
"Do you mean it?" Beca asked with a little sniffle.
Chloe kissed Beca softly on the tip of her nose before nodding yes. She was done teasing her.
Beca couldn't resist anymore. She wraps her arms around Chloe's neck and gave her open mouth kisses. She was laughing and crying like a crazy person. She was so happy.
"You're my girlfriend." Beca says in between her kisses.
Their make out session was getting more intense and Beca was leading Chloe to their tent. Chloe put her hands on Beca's shoulder and slowly pulled back and Beca leaned forward chasing Chloe's lips.
"I think we should slow down." Chloe said a little breathless. She was getting a little frustrated too and the frustration was straining her ribs.
Beca nodded. "Right. No you're right. Sorry."
"No it's my freakin' ribs."
"Ah fuck. I feel so elated I keep forgetting about that." Beca then offers her arm to Chloe. "Come on. Let's get you to bed my darling."