Summary: Bechloe trying to balance being in a relationship and going back to work. They will have a surprise guest. It's Chloe's turn to meet Beca's circle. Drunk Chloe and love everywhere despite it all. The usual fluff and angst from me. Don't forget TW: death, shootings, blood.
Chapter 9: Complications
Chloe was rushing since she got out of her shoot. Beca and her had dinner plans and she was running late... again. Beca booked them in a fancy restaurant this time. She left her car to the valet and thanked him. She looked around for Beca as soon as she entered. She spots her seated somewhere in the middle and suddenly felt a little underdressed walking across the room.
"Hey Bec. I'm so sorry I'm late. We couldn't get a certain style right."
Beca's face lights up as she sees Chloe. "Ahh there's my perfectionist."
"Hey it wasn't me. It was the client this time." Chloe put her hand on her shoulders to stop Beca from standing up and leaned down to give her a kiss.
"Have you been waiting long?" Chloe asked as she saw most of the food had already been served and Beca has started eating her main course. "I'm really sorry. I really tried to get here as fast as I could."
"No. It's okay. Sit sit. I'll ask the waiter to bring out your food. I wanted to keep them warm." Beca called for the waiter.
"Yes Madam?" The waiter was shocked to see Chloe like she was convinced Beca already got stood up.
"Can you bring the rest of our food out? Thank you."
"Right away Ma'am."
As soon as the waiter left, Chloe had Beca's full attention. "How was your day? It's good to see you in one piece. Any injuries I should know about?" It has become one of Beca's favourite inside jokes of theirs.
Chloe rolled her eyes. "You don't have to ask me that every time you know."
"I know I joke about it but I really do worry. I'm glad everything's okay."
"I know you do. But what about you? How was your day? I'm so sorry I feel like we haven't caught up properly since I got back."
"No it's okay. I understand. It's probably chaotic for you. You've been gone for a while so I can only imagine the backlog with your work."
Chloe stayed for another five weeks in Portland and has been swamped with work since she's got back a few days ago. She's gone on dates with Beca every other day since she's got back and was late every time.
"Work's been the same. Posen's finally off my back for now. She's still here unfortunately but she's not breathing down my neck anymore so I'm taking that as a win."
Chloe's already gotten used to Beca ranting about Aubrey. She finds it amusing mostly but doesn't really ask further questions.
Beca continues. "I can tell you though I have a babysitting gig coming up."
"Babysitting?" Chloe found that odd. She knew what the underlying meaning of that meant and she couldn't help herself. "Are you being punished or something? What did you do?"
"Being in the FBI had always been my punishment." Beca answered casually. It was hard to tell if it was her just joking around. Chloe's not too sure if she's even conscious about it but it's been happening more often.
"Stop it. You love your job."
"I do. Anyway, as you know I've been doing a lot of surveillance this past few weeks. This new assignment will be a welcomed change. I really can't wait to be out and about too but it won't be for another month." Beca was biting back a yawn that Chloe caught.
"Why do we always go on these dates again? I wouldn't mind a nice night in too just so you know."
"The truth?"
Chloe was intrigued but smirked at Beca. "No. Lie to me."
Beca ignored Chloe's teasing. "I just prefer it."
"More than the comforts of the couch and eating in front of the TV?"
"That's not fair. You know I would love nothing more than doing just that."
"So why are we here then?" Chloe was fishing. She could sense Beca was being hesitant about something. "It's not like we haven't been to each other's places before."
"Yeah but those were different."
"How are they different?"
"We weren't dating then."
"So?"
"I just. I don't think I can trust myself to be alone with you yet and I wanted to really make sure that your ribs were okay. I don't want to risk hurting you just because."
When Chloe realised what Beca was implying, she laughed so loud that heads started turning towards their table. She was wheezing. She was actually worried she might hurt her ribs again. "Holy shit. You are so cute sometimes." She had tears in her eyes. She had to grab her napkin to dab them gently.
"We don't have to do anything you know. You don't have to feel pressured to do anything you're not comfortable with."
"It's not that. I'm not uncomfortable or anything. I literally don't want to hurt you. I know for a fact you haven't done your x-ray so we can't be too sure. Speaking of, you should really schedule that. I'll even come with you."
"I've been so busy since I got back and honestly at this point I'm just waiting for Luke to kidnap me and drag me to the labs."
"Are you not talking to him because he told me where you were?"
Chloe shrugged. "Maybe." She was the one being evasive now.
"Oh I get it." Beca says all smug. "You're more annoyed of the fact that he was right after all."
"Right about what?"
"He said that you'd kill him if he gave me the address but he was willing to risk his life because he had a feeling you wouldn't be too mad if everything worked out. I bet you he's still waiting for a thank you."
"On the contrary, I still don't agree with him. We would have worked it out regardless."
Beca blushed at that and she's not sure why. Maybe it was the way Chloe sounded so sure of them two working it out.
"How did you convince him by the way? How did you get my very trusted friend to betray me like that?"
Beca laughed at Chloe who was feigning hurt but then blushed even more than earlier when she remembered exactly what she said to Luke. Chloe had been curious about this and wanted to hear Beca's version more than Luke's.
"I think betrayal is an overkill."
"Nevertheless it is a betrayal. So? How did you do it? I'm serious I really wanna know."
Beca reached for her iced water. Her cheeks and ears felt very warm. She cleared her throat and met Chloe's unfaltering gaze.
"He didn't tell you?" Beca was trying to buy herself some time before actually confessing.
"He just said that you were going to go full on FBI on me. I'm actually surprised you haven't done that yet. Isn't that one of the perks of being in the FBI?"
"It's true I was going to but we actually do get in trouble for those things. Believe it or not we can't use government resources to stalk potential girlfriends."
"Really? Well that's a shame." Chloe teased back.
"You really wanna know what I said to him?"
"Yes."
Beca took a deep breath and exhaled. "Okay so long story short. I met with Luke during his break at the hospital. He wasn't going to give me the address. He kept apologizing, saying it wasn't his place and to just keep trying to call you."
Chloe nods but doesn't say anything.
"And then I don't know I was just suddenly overwhelmed with my feelings for you that I went on this whole speech. I explained to him how I was falling for you and I think I have. I said to him I think we could really make each other happy and each day that went was a day closer to me losing you for good."
Beca suddenly feeling brave reached over the table and held Chloe's hand. "I love you, Chloe. I really do."
"Oh." Chloe didn't know what to say.
Beca would normally panic in situations like these. She knows they've only been dating for a while and surprisingly it seemed like it was Chloe who was panicking. Between them, Chloe is the impulsive one. Beca gave her hand a tiny squeeze.
"Hey it's okay. You don't have to say it back right now. I was just letting you know and honestly it feels good to say it out loud."
Chloe finally squeezed back. "Thank you."
Their moment was ruined by Chloe's phone ringing. Beca noticed right away that it was a different phone that Chloe took out but she doesn't say anything. It was the first time Beca's seen it and she wonders how long Chloe's had it.
"Hey Bec. I'm so sorry but I have to take this. It's work and I've been dodging this client for weeks."
"No no, please go. I'll be here. I'm not going anywhere."
"Thank you. I'll be right back."
Chloe walked out to the restaurant's patio and made sure she was out of earshot before picking up.
"Lil. This better be good because your timing is terrible."
"Okay I'll make it quick then. When did you last talk to Cap?"
"Not since I left for Portland. So that would be about more or less maybe three months."
Lilly was quiet. It was as if she was making the calculations in her head and trying to trace back Kommissar's movement.
"Why? Am I in trouble?" Chloe knows for sure they already know about her and Beca.
"No no but the last time I talked to her was about two weeks ago. I'm worried. I can't find her."
Lily doesn't get worried easily and for her to call Chloe about this meant it wasn't to be taken lightly but for Chloe it wasn't enough to raise the alarm about Kommissar yet.
"Okay. Talk me through it. What do you mean you can't find her? I do that all the time, I like disappearing off the face of the earth."
Lily at least chuckles at that one. "You going off the grid and her going off the grid are two very different things. No offense."
"How is that offensive? You haven't seen me actually try to go off the grid."
"Chloe seriously. I need you to focus. The last time I was able to track her was five days ago and it was by accident."
"So nothing for five days now. That's okay right? She went missing for almost a month last time. What's the problem?"
"Yes but I could still track her, even if it were a couple of hours delayed. I even tried the emergency number."
"Wait hold on what do you mean when you say you tracked her by accident?"
"I was watching Ralph Salazo. Just to observe then I saw Kommissar was there. I think something big is going on."
Lily wouldn't say that if she weren't serious. Chloe noticed she's been out for too long. "Okay look. I'm out with Beca. I'll meet you at the pub after. You'll be there all night won't you?"
"I'll wait for you here then."
"Keep me posted anyway. I'll see you later. Bye."
Chloe put her phone back in her pocket and stopped for a minute to breathe. She considered for a second if she should try calling Kommissar but she shook her head and decided against it eventually. "Relax. Don't do anything rash yet." She tells herself. "She's okay."
Chloe apologized again to Beca and had to make up a difficult client contacting her. She deflected by trying to focus on things outside of their work instead like the holidays and how Beca would celebrate. Chloe always had to work over the holidays and spend most of her time at Lilly's pub.
She would celebrate with Luke, Lilly and Kommissar with Kommissar setting up headquarters for the holidays since it was too risky for her and Chloe to be spotted together, they almost never actually do.
Beca would normally celebrate her holidays with Jessica and her family. She would find time to at least meet up with her mom and dad once. Beca was actually born out of wedlock. Her dad was now married and she had two younger stepsiblings. Her mom never married. Beca would usually say she married her career and devoted her whole life to it.
Beca and Chloe brought their own cars and when it was time to say goodbye.
"What's happening? Was she kidnapped? What was she doing? Where was it?"
"She didn't look restrained or anything. But there was something. It seemed like they were arguing and then she got on to her bike and followed his car."
"And that's the last time?"
"Yeah then I lost them. I don't know yet but I have a bad feeling about this. I also saw the FBI on to him. Here in LA. I don't want you to be involved yet because with Salazos and the FBI, we both know who they're looking for. But if something happened to her, you're the only one who can save her."
"Don't worry about me. Keep an eye on Ralph Salazo. There must be a reason why she saw him. We're going to get to the bottom of this."
"Do you think she's also thinking Ralph Salazo is the snitch?"
"Probably. I swear she's so annoying when she goes doing things on her own."
"I'll find her."
Beca was working overtime again with Jessica and decided to stay over at Jessica and Ashley's place. It's been a week since she's dropped the L bomb on Chloe. She's starting to overthink but overall it's just mostly her missing Chloe too. They barely saw each other since that night.
"I'm trying my best to understand her. Sometimes I don't know. She's so. I don't even know how to say it. I just can't read her sometimes."
"Maybe it's an artist thing?" Jessica suggested.
"Yeah I've been looking up artists and how they work and it's really interesting. It's almost like when we have an investigation except I guess less risk and more flexible?"
"And we thought dating an FBI agent was hard, right?"
Ash walked in the room and joined them in the kitchen with drinks.
"I also just learned that she has two phones." Beca added. She brought it up not that she was suspicious but because she felt silly to bring it up to Chloe.
Jessica and Ashley looked at each other and exchanged "oohs."
Beca caught this. "What?"
"You know what they say about having two phones, right?"
"What do they say?"
"Sweetheart, don't. You know how paranoid our friend can get." Ashley says holding on to Jessica's shoulder.
Then Beca gets it. "She's not like that you guys. It's her work phone I'm sure." Beca asked again.
"Not important. Anyway, we have yet to officially meet her. When is that happening?"
Admittedly, Chloe had been distracted. She tried to busy herself with her work but she couldn't shake the feeling that Kommissar might be in danger. Between photo shoots and trying to locate Kommissar, she barely had time to see Beca. It was a good thing that Beca was almost just as busy as her.
She rarely contacted Kommissar first. It was only for emergency as in life and death situations. Considering the circumstances, she considered this to be an emergency in their books so she's been trying to call since last night with no luck.
She almost threw her phone at the wall. Kommissar never ignored her emergency calls before. Something isn't right and she hates it. As much as she wanted to go over to Lilly's again, tonight was going to be the perfect distraction. She and Beca were going on a double date with Jessica and Ashley. For Chloe this was like an initiation for her to be officially part of their circle.
Beca originally wanted Jessica and Ashley to come over to her house so all four of them could hangout. But she figured it would be nicer to go out and go on a proper double date. She made reservations at her and Jessica's favourite restaurant.
She offered to pick up Chloe at her place. Her heart still flutters every time she sees Chloe and Chloe was really nice to look at to. She would blush just by the realisation of Chloe actually being her girlfriend.
Chloe got in and leaned in for a kiss. "Hey. You look great as always."
"So do you. You ready?"
"Yup. Let's go."
Beca and Chloe made a bit of small talk. It was their usual when they would tell each other how their days went.
"Are you nervous?" Beca eventually asked.
"Not really."
"It's okay to be nervous."
"I'm really not though. Should I be?"
Chloe was putting up a front. Deep down she was nervous. Of course she's nervous but she will never show it.
The night before…
Chloe went to see Lilly when she got off work. She went straight to the pub from the studio. Beca had to work overtime so Chloe could visit her friend. She was in Lilly's pub at her usual seat by the bar waiting for Lilly to serve her drinks.
"You got it?"
"Yup." Lilly handed her a thumb drive but Chloe just stared at it. Lilly rolled her eyes and put the thumb drive in front of Chloe.
Chloe stared at it some more. She was reluctant to touch it. "That's all of it?"
"Yup. All you asked for is in there."
Chloe sighed. It was as if there was no turning back if she reached for it. "This is ridiculous right? I shouldn't do it? Please tell me I'm being ridiculous and I shouldn't take it."
"No you're not being ridiculous. You're just being you. That's how you were built. Is it okay if I ask why you needed those in the first place?"
"Because I want them to like me."
"Chlo. You don't need that for them to like you."
"But I have to prepare for tomorrow somehow."
Chloe asked Lilly to give her everything there is to know about Jessica and Ashley. Lilly's report included everything, from their childhood, how they met, where they went to school, their family background, their careers, their relationships, likes and dislikes; everything.
"It's not a mission. You don't need a brief. Just be yourself."
Chloe raised her eyebrows and smirked at Lilly. Now she was the one being ridiculous.
"Your other self. You know what I meant."
Chloe kept staring down at her drink and the thumb drive. Then she downed her drink and grabbed the thing and put it in her pocket. Lilly just observed her.
"Let me ask you this. Why didn't you ask me to do a background check on Beca? Is it because you knew enough or you didn't want to know more?"
"No reason. I didn't need to impress her. She already liked me and we just clicked. I didn't want to look her up or something and maybe I wanted to keep our relationship authentic somehow. All things considered."
"Okay." Lilly said pointing to her pocket where the drive was tucked in. "Now how exactly do you expect that to help you tomorrow?"
"I honestly don't know. But thank you for this. It does make me feel a little bit better now."
"You sure it's not the alcohol doing its work?"
"Shut up and just give me a refill."
Lilly shakes her head at her friend. She's never seen Chloe like this and it was amusing. It was a whole new side to her.
Chloe ended up not using the thumb drive and tucked it away in her drawer.
Beca and Chloe were stopped at a light still on their way to the restaurant. Beca relaxes a bit now. She glances at Chloe who seemed to be the same. She reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers.
"You're right. There's no reason to be nervous. This is going to be a fun night. They're really nice and funny once they get comfortable with you. You already know how close we are so it's expected that they can be very protective of me."
Chloe chuckled at that. "Of course. They're your people. What are you so worried about? It's not like I haven't met them before."
"Yeah but that's different."
"Would you feel better if I said I was nervous?"
"I don't know."
"Why are you nervous?"
"I really want you to get along. I really want you to like each other. It would mean a lot to me."
"We will. We all have something in common already."
Jessica and Ashley arrived a few minutes before Beca and Chloe did. They stood up when they saw their friend. Beca introduced them and was very proud to be able to introduce Chloe as her girlfriend to the two most important people in her life.
They weren't seated long when Beca realised there was no point in worrying. Right off the bat, Chloe got along with Jessica and Ashley. Chloe carried herself well and she had no problems joining in their banter. Everything was going perfectly well until Beca had to excuse herself to answer her phone.
"Sorry." She turned to Chloe. "I know we promised no work tonight but I can't really ignore Posen's call."
"No no it's okay. I'll be fine. Don't worry."
"Yeah Bec, we'll take care of her for you." Ash said.
"Alright. I'll be right back you guys."
As soon as Beca left the table and turned the corner, Chloe felt the shift in the air. She's been waiting for it. She knew it was too good to be true and that it was all an act. Chloe saw their intentions a mile away.
It was Jessica who speaks first. "Chloe you know we like you as a person and we respect your work and what you do. We will forever be grateful for what you did for us at our wedding too no matter what."
"It was my pleasure. I was just doing my job. I like you guys too. Beca's really lucky to have you both."
Jessica cleared her throat. She wanted to make sure Chloe understood this very well. "Okay. What we're trying to say here is and please don't take this the wrong way. Beca is like a sister to me. I've known her for more than half my life. It's nothing personal to you. It's just that this isn't the first time she's fallen for girls like you."
"Girls like me?" Chloe raised an eyebrow.
"Yes girls like you. You know gorgeous, the prettiest ones in the room, bubbly, outgoing, glamorous job, can get along with anyone without actually giving anything away, you know mysterious. You're probably sick of people throwing themselves at you. You can have anyone you want. Those kind of girls."
Chloe just nodded. She knew better than to bite back. She stopped eating and dropped her knife and fork. She's lost her appetite. She grabbed her napkin and gently dabbed the sides of her mouth.
"All we ask is you be careful with her. She's not good with this relationship stuff. She cares about you. She may act all tough on the outside but she's really a softie. We would hate to see her hurt."
Chloe just smiled and nod to be polite. She bit her tongue. There was no point in defending herself. These were Beca's friends. It was only right for them to be protective and to be looking out for her.
"Like I said. Beca's really lucky to have you both."
"We like you. We really do. But if this is just one of those casual flings for you, please save us all the heartbreak. Beca isn't into that. She's loyal. Maybe that's your thing or maybe it's not. We don't know. But if it is just a game to you, then stop wasting our time. Beca doesn't let people in that easily and for some reason she really wanted to be with you the moment she met you."
It wasn't just a casual fling for Chloe but knowing what she does, there was only really one way for her to break Beca's heart.
She was prepared for what was coming. She wasn't blindsided by it or anything but boy was she glad when she saw Beca was already walking back to their table. Beca had a smile on her face until she sensed the tension around the table.
"Hey. Sorry about that. What I miss?"
She looked to her friends who were back to their cheerful selves. Chloe had to take a deep breath and put a smile on her own face.
"Not much. Everything okay?" Chloe asked Beca trying to take the focus away from the tension.
"Yeah sorry it was the deputy director. I couldn't ignore her call. But don't worry its nothing too important." Beca then turned to Chloe. She looked a bit tense almost frazzled. Beca couldn't really read her. She reached over to her and squeezed her leg. "You okay?"
"Yeah yeah. I think I just ate too fast. The food's really good though, which is a shame. It's just I realised I haven't eaten all day. But I'm okay, it's nothing wine can't handle." Chloe said wiggling her eyebrows.
Beca raised her eyebrows at that. There was something she couldn't put her finger on but she eventually looked away from Chloe and called a waiter to order her and everyone some wine.
For Beca, the night went perfect. It was better than what she expected. Her friends approved of Chloe and they got along just as she had hoped. It was supposed to be perfect but Chloe had been off and she doesn't know why. It bothered her.
She pulled up in front of Chloe's building and turned to her.
"What's wrong? You okay? Is it still your tummy?"
"Yeah. Sorry. It's nothing. I'm just tired."
That's the lamest excuse and they both know it but Beca doesn't push. Instead she meets Chloe halfway for a kiss.
"I really enjoyed tonight. I appreciated your friends for making the time too."
"Of course. They've been dying to meet you."
"I was too."
Chloe smiled what appeared to be a sad smile to Beca.
"Thanks for driving me. Drive safe and text me when you're home, okay?"
"I will. Good night and I hope you feel better."
Chloe smiled at that and kissed her again before stepping out of the car. Beca hated watching Chloe walk away and wanted to run after her but she was just so lost. What went wrong?
Lilly was finally able to track Kommissar. It was at an abandoned junkyard somewhere in the middle of a very low-income neighbourhood. They didn't have much time to prepare or conduct proper surveillances. So Chloe was going to have to rely on her training and wing it really.
"Alright Chlo. We will only have a twenty-three minute window before the cartel is back."
"You sure she's in there?"
"Yes. But I can't be too sure how many more are inside."
"That's okay." Chloe tightened her vest and loaded her gun. She was in her usual all-black ensembles. The only plus side of going out during the day was she could complete her attire with her matching all black sunnies.
"You good?"
"Yup."
"I'll be here."
"But you know the drill Lil. If I'm not back in thirty minutes, you drive away and leave me. Don't wait a second beyond the half hour and keep driving. Don't stop."
Lilly never actually had to leave Chloe behind before but it was still a very unpleasant SOP. They both looked down at the clock. Chloe sighed.
"It's time."
"Good luck Chlo."
Going inside the junkyard was easy enough. It was a little too easy actually. Chloe simply walked in. There was no one. It almost felt like someone walked in before she did and cleared the path for her.
True enough, she did see a lifeless body as she kept walking. She took her gun out. He still felt warm so she knows whoever did this was still in here somewhere. Then she heard scuffling noises from the other side of the pile of old cars. She slowly follows the sound wary of her surroundings.
She then sees Kommissar in the middle of four thugs trying to fight them off one at a time. At least she's alive was Chloe's first thought. Then she sees one of them taking out a knife and going for the stab. Kommissar was busy fighting the other three. With no hesitation, Chloe shoots him in the head. The others all looked to their friend then looked up to her.
Kommissar took that opportunity to finish the other two while Chloe shot another one in the head. Just by looking at the two guys with bullets in their heads, she knew it was Chloe.
"Chloe?! What the fuck are you doing here?" Kommissar looked around to make sure no one's spotted them. "How did you find me?"
"First of all. Excuse you. Rude. I just saved your life. And second, Lilly found you. Not me."
"Chloe be serious. This isn't a joke."
"I'm not kidding. You got us worried Sar. Now come on let's go."
"What?"
"I'm saving you. Now come on."
"No you guys are mistaken. I didn't need to be saved. I'm on a mission."
"What mission? Lilly was worried and we couldn't contact you. What were we supposed to do? We talked about this."
"Well if you must know. We got it all wrong. It's Ralph Salazo who's working with the FBI."
"I did have a bad feeling about that. That still doesn't explain why you're here solo and why would he help the FBI?"
"Business. It's good for his business. But now he wants you. Well the "reaper" that the FBI wants."
"Why?"
"That's what I want to find out. I've known this guy for a while. I was trying to get him to trust me."
"How?"
"Common enemies." She points to the bodies on the ground. "The FBI, the government, America. I'm sure I can think of something."
"Okay. Since I'm here now, after going through all that hassle. Can we just kill him and get it over with?"
"No we can't do that. Not yet."
"Why not?"
"He claims to have proof of your identity."
"That's impossible." Chloe was tucking away her gun now.
"We can't be too sure."
"We both know he's bluffing Sar. I bet you he's just baiting the FBI."
"I don't know. He wouldn't believe me when I said I was the reaper."
Chloe scoffed. "Of course he wouldn't. You don't fit the profile. Surely you have a better plan than that."
"What? It's possible. Fuck the profile. I could very well be the reaper. Chloe this is important. You have to go."
"In one condition. You can't disappear. Let Lilly be able to communicate with you or at least track you."
"Okay. Now go. I really need you to go right now."
"I'm giving you a week or else I'll go after Salazo myself."
"Deal."
"And just so you know, I cleared my day for this. You owe me every penny I lost today. Actually make that the past three days."
"Yeah yeah whatever. Just get out of here." Kommissar continued to shoo Chloe away and eventually Chloe made her way back to the van where Lilly was waiting.
It was a regular day in the office for Beca until a memo was sent around the office that there appeared to be an attempt to hack into their systems. IT is currently confirming that it was successfully blocked and which of their systems, if any, were compromised. To do this they had to reset the whole database. Beca was assigned an unusual assignment but she was happy to do it.
In the meantime, Aubrey had her own theories about the hack and called on her favourite agents, note the sarcasm, Agents Mitchell and Smith. On a more serious note, there was no indication that the reaper was involved in the hacking but as a precaution Aubrey wanted the witnesses to be transferred ASAP.
Knowing their dedication on the Reaper's case, it wasn't a surprise that they both agreed wholeheartedly with Aubrey's orders. Beca was assigned to pick up Emma Hicks, who was their key witness in the latest reaper case, and escort her to her new safe house.
Ever since Chloe was somewhat assured that Kommissar wasn't in danger and that she was on top of things, she was starting to slowly process the other night. She never did get over the Jessica and Ashley fiasco but she never brought it up to Beca. She couldn't. She realised the reason she couldn't bring it up was because if Beca felt the same as her friends, the hurt would be two-fold. She didn't mind Beca's friends to think of her that way but she wasn't quite ready to face the fact that Beca shared the same views.
Kommissar was the perfect distraction for Chloe and eventually she was able to make more time for Beca. They both did and they got to spend more and more time together. After Beca's never ending insistence that Chloe should get her x-ray done, she's finally done it. As soon as she was cleared, Beca has slept over a few times at Chloe's apartment and vice versa.
This weekend Chloe was staying over at Beca's house. She didn't have her own drawer yet or anything but their sleepovers were becoming more frequent. They found it to be a good balance when they were both busy with work. It was nice to come home to someone even though you only fall asleep next to each other and sneak in quick catch-ups over breakfast or before bed.
So Chloe was waiting for Beca. They already swapped keys to each other's places and Beca said she was running late. They were going for a nice quiet night in. She was humming while preparing their dinner. Beca had texted her that a colleague was coming home with her and that she would explain everything at home.
Beca had to improvise last minute. On their way to Emma's new safe house, Beca was informed that it wasn't ready and it won't be ready for maybe another day or two. Emma's safety was paramount so she decided to have Emma stay with her.
Since she was under the witness protection program, Beca made a plan that she would introduce Emma as Emily. Emily is an agent in training who needed a place to stay and Beca was her mentor.
Emma was okay with that plan. She knows Beca and she trusted her. She was one of the good ones and she did feel safe with her.
Beca parked her car at her spot and led Emma to the house. She turns back to her before opening the front door.
"You ready?"
Emma just nodded yes.
"Don't be shy. Like I said it's just me and my girlfriend here. But don't worry. She's lovely and she won't ask any questions. Let's just stick to the story alright, Emily?" Beca winked at her.
It did help Emma relax a little but this was the first time in months that she's not surrounded by agents in a safe house. It was a weird feeling. She followed Beca in and looked around.
Nothing was out of the ordinary until Emma heard a familiar tune as they walked closer to the kitchen. It was the exact same one she heard on the night of the killing of her old boss. The hairs on the back of her neck were up the moment she heard it. It couldn't be.
"Chlo? We're home." Beca calls out.
Chloe stops her humming when she hears Beca. "Oh hey babe."
Emma watched Beca walk over to where Chloe was and give her a kiss. She could almost feel her heart beating out of her chest. She couldn't believe this was happening. Beca was still oblivious to what Emma was currently going through and Emma couldn't get herself to look at Chloe.
"I have Emily here with me. She's an agent in training. She needs a place to stay for a few days so I offered. I hope that's okay?"
"Nonsense. Of course it's okay. I don't mind and it's your house Bec. Don't worry about me."
Emma was still trying to breathe to keep herself from fainting.
"Okay then let me introduce you. Emily this is Chloe. Chloe Emily."
Chloe looks to Emma and she's not stupid. She recognised her right away but she didn't give anything away and went with the flow.
"Hi. I'm Chloe. It's nice to meet you."
Emily was frozen in her spot. It's like all the blood was drained out of her body. This was definitely the same person she saw that night. She was looking at Beca as if trying to telepathically send the message but then gave up. She has long since accepted her fate and now the reaper has come back for her and there was nothing she or Beca could do about it.
Beca was encouraging her and kept assuring her that it was okay. She felt guilty but she was a fighter. If she was going to be killed tonight, at least she could put up a brave front.
Emma took a deep breath and turned to Chloe. The moment they made eye contact, all Emma felt was fear. For the second time in her life… she had full body chills. Chloe didn't flinch nor did she break eye contact. She kept a sweet smile that for a second Emma doubted whether this was the same person. She was disarming. But she'll never forget Chloe and that voice. The reaper is standing right in front of them and Beca had no clue.
She cleared her throat. "It's nice to meet you too."
Then Emily turned to Beca. "You're so very kind. But I think it's best I stay at a hotel. I don't really want to intrude." Emma said to her almost begging.
Beca walked towards her with concern etched all over her face. "What do you mean? No. Don't worry you'll be safer and much more comfortable here."
Beca noticed she was shaking and she felt bad for overwhelming her.
"You don't have to be scared. Trust me. You're safe here." Beca said in a lower voice for only her to hear.
Emma was nodding but couldn't get her feet to move.
"I'm sure you guys are hungry after a long day and you haven't eaten. Find a spot at the table. The food will be ready in a few."
Emma slowly lifted her gaze to meet Chloe's and they locked eyes for a moment. She never did forget how blue Chloe's eyes were but she never told that to the FBI. Somehow she's scared that the reaper will find out that she's ratted her out to them and that would give her reason to kill her. She's not that surprised her hair wasn't blonde either. It was obvious she was wearing a wig that night.
"We can order take out somewhere if you like to eat something else?" Chloe suddenly said to her. "Thai? Pizza? Chinese?"
"No." Emma finally found her voice. "I'm happy with what we're having. It really smells good too." Emily cleared her throat. "Thank you."
They ate and made small talk while seated around the table. Emma and Chloe were facing each other while Beca took the corner spot. When Beca had to excuse herself to prepare Emma's room, Emma was beyond terrified. But this might be her only chance to maybe save Beca's life at least.
Chloe was staring at her with a soft smile. Emma didn't know what to do. She didn't know what was going on. What was she doing here with Beca?
"That song you were singing." Emma finally spoke up.
"Hm?"
"What is it? Where is it from?"
Chloe nodded. "My mom used to sing it to me a lot when I was younger. It's always been stuck in my head. Do you know it?"
"I've heard it once before."
Chloe nods and wipes her mouth with a napkin. "Why do you think you're still under the witness protection program, Ms. Hicks?"
Emily's fears were confirmed. Chloe did recognise her and knows who she is. Of course she did. "Exactly because of that. I witnessed something I shouldn't have."
"So the FBI thinks your life is in danger?"
"Yes."
"Do you think the same?"
Emma looks up at Chloe. She was scared again. She doesn't know how she managed to not cry and break down in front of her yet. It was terrifying for Emma how calm Chloe was being while having this conversation.
Emma cracked. "Please don't hurt Beca. If you're here for me, then just take me. Don't hurt her or anyone else for my sake."
Chloe starts shaking her head. "I know this isn't the most ideal situation but I'm not here for you. I'm not here to hurt Beca either. And if you ask me, I don't think you're in danger. In fact I don't really understand why you're still under the protection program. You must have valuable information." Chloe said with a twinkle in her eye.
"I'm not dumb. I'm not going to say anything."
"I know you won't. That's exactly why you're alive and I'm telling you your life or Mickey's life or Mary's life isn't in danger. I can assure you that. But of course that's still entirely up to you."
At the mention of her family's name, Emma felt defensive. She thought she was protecting them by keeping them away.
"What do you want from me?"
"Relax. I didn't mention their names to threaten you. I mentioned it so you can continue to make informed decisions."
"Why are you here then? Beca is one of the good ones. Please don't hurt her. I can tell you, they have very little information about you. You don't have to do this."
"Fate played a cruel trick on me when I met her. I don't know why I'm telling you this but we actually met by accident. I didn't know who she was and she obviously didn't know who I was."
"And you're together now? You and I both know how fucked up that is."
"It is. Honestly if things weren't the way they were, it would've been perfect."
"I know I'm not supposed to be scared of you cause somehow I just know you're not going to hurt me. But I can't help but to be scared of you. I don't want to offend you or anything but it doesn't help that you're normal. I think I would have preferred it if you were a monster."
Chloe laughed. She found this girl very amusing. She won't forget how brave she was and she's doing it again tonight. "I get that. I'm supposed to stay over tonight but if it makes you feel better I can just tell Beca that I have to go home. She'll understand."
"No. It's okay. You don't have to do that."
"You sure? You look like you're about to faint."
"Beca's been looking forward to see you all day and it seems like you too are the same."
Chloe tilts her head at Emma but doesn't say anything. She won't deny it. They've both been so busy with work and she does admit she would find herself missing Beca a lot of the time.
Emma was just watching Chloe and how her expressions softened at the mention of Beca.
"Oh my god, you really love her don't you?" It was crazy even for Emma but maybe she has gone mad already but she was starting to feel more relaxed around Chloe.
Chloe doesn't answer and just smiled at Emma. Chloe always went with her instincts and right now, it was telling her that she could trust this girl. Chloe was relieved. She could see how much Beca cared for Emma and the last thing she wanted to do was hurt her.
"I was wondering if you could help me out with something." Emma spoke up again.
"Yeah? With what exactly?" Chloe was curious.
"I want my life back to the way it was. I'm sick of hiding and being scared stuck in a house that isn't mine and will never be mine nor feel like mine. Or I don't know. If things won't go back to normal then at least a fresh start. I can't keep living like this."
Chloe nods. She understood. "Give me time and I'll see what I can do." She was being genuine.
"Thank you."
Beca joined Chloe and Emma in the dining again. The first thing she noticed was the change in Emma. She's no longer as tensed as she was before and is more relaxed. Chloe probably worked her magic.
"Hey you two. Em, you want to follow me upstairs so I can show you where your room is?"
"Sure. Thanks again Chloe. For the food." Emma says to her before following Beca.
"It's my pleasure." Chloe says.
Chloe stands up too and starts clearing the table.
"Chlo please don't clean up. It's my turn. You already cooked. You had work today too. Get some rest."
"Worry about your guest not me."
Beca rolled her eyes. "I swear she's so stubborn sometimes." Beca says to Emma.
"How long have you been dating?"
"Three months maybe officially. It took her forever to say yes to me. I can't even begin to tell you how many times she rejected me."
"If you don't mind, how did you two meet?"
"At a bar actually. Some random guy was hitting on her and I saw she wasn't comfortable so I went over and shooed the guy away. Cute right?"
"Yeah. Wow." Honestly Emma's reaction was mainly due to the fact that she couldn't imagine Chloe needing to be saved from some drunken guy.
"Well that's what I thought at first but it turned out I misread the situation entirely. Instead she said to me that she didn't need saving and that she could handle herself. I didn't even get her name that night."
Emma laughed. That's more like the Chloe she knew, she thought to herself.
"Then by sheer coincidence, I saw her again at my best friend's wedding. She was their wedding photographer."
"She's a photographer?"
"Yeah. She's really good. And I'm not just saying that cause she's my girlfriend. Alright so that's everything. If you need anything else, please call me."
After her conversation with Beca and Chloe earlier, she really wanted to feel okay and feel safe. But she still didn't. Emma decided this was her best chance at running away.
"You're okay with this right?" Beca sat next to Chloe on the couch. She opened her arms and Chloe leaned into her right away.
"Of course I'm okay with this. I love your cuddles."
"I meant if you're okay with Emily being here. It's just for a day or two. I'm like her mentor so when there were issues with her roommate, I couldn't help but offer her a place to stay."
"I know you wouldn't have been able to resist. And of course it's okay. I like her."
"Me too."
"You're not going to get in trouble for having her here, right?"
"Deputy director approved babe."
Emma overheard this but she was still ready to bolt. She waited for them to fall asleep and that's when she was going to run. She waited until midnight. She couldn't sleep and she was too scared to make a sound. When it was time, she listened for a long time and heard nothing. It was quiet. She opened her door slowly and tiptoed down the stairs. She saw the lights were still on and stopped in her tracks when she turned to the couch. Beca and Chloe were curled together with Chloe holding Beca.
Emma suddenly felt guilty. She knew Beca would get in so much trouble for losing a witness under her supervision. She hated the feeling but this was her life. Then she felt scared, if she hurt Beca one way or another, she was sure Chloe was going to come for her. Emma stared at the door. One part of her wants her to just make a run for it but a bigger part of her is making her stay. She sighed and turned around. She couldn't do it.
Chloe slowly opened her eyes and watched Emma walk back up to her room. She held on to Beca tighter and finally gave in to sleep. She knew Emma would do the right thing.
Emma ended up staying over for two nights. Chloe was there for both nights. After their weekend together, Beca was escorting Emma to her new safe house that Monday morning and Chloe went to work. The moment she got in to her studio first thing, Luke was already there to babysit her.
"You are in big trouble my friend." Luke teased her.
"Shut up. How mad is she?"
It wasn't that much of an ambush. She did see his car right outside her studio. She didn't question him being there and just let him hang around the studio. A little later, Kommissar was calling her.
Chloe looked up to Luke first before answering. She could see he was trying so hard to suppress a smile. Luke always did find Kommissar's lectures to Chloe entertaining and this was going to be a long one.
Luke only stayed in the studio when he didn't have work. Otherwise, he would just follow Chloe around. Those were his orders. Just watch her. This happened all the time and Chloe didn't mind it.
Sometime during the week, news came out that Ralph Salazo was killed. The official media release was that he was killed in a buy bust operation. Beca was already informed of what happened to him even before it hit the news. She's been pacing around while waiting for Aubrey to get back to the office. She knows Aubrey met with Ralph Salazo earlier in the week.
"Please tell me you at least got something from him." Beca wasted no time.
"It's not a lot but there is something."
"Okay. That's great. We have a lead then. A lot of people died in this operation. Please tell me it was at least worth it."
"We got a name from him. Kommissar."
"Kommissar… You think that's our reaper?"
"I don't know. That's all anybody has."
"You've got to be kidding me. All those lives lost and all we got is a name."
"It's something."
"So what do we do know about this Kommissar?"
"That's what you're going to tell me in three days. Then we're reporting it to the Director together. So get to work Agent Mitchell."
"I know you said to keep Ralph Salazo between us but can I get permission to let Agent Smith know about this lead so she can help me prepare the report."
"Yes. You have my permission to do that. Actually prepare a team of four. I expect a thorough report."
"Yes Ma'am."
Beca was at the door when she turned back to Aubrey. "Does the reaper have anything to do with Salazo's death?"
"Maybe. There's a team looking into his death. If it turns out the reaper has something to do with it then they will pass it on to you. But right now, I want everything there is to know about Kommissar."
When Chloe heard the news of Ralph Salazo's death, she felt sick to her stomach. She called Kommissar right away.
"I swear to god Sar, I didn't do it." Chloe says the moment she picked up.
"I don't wanna talk about it Chloe."
"Tell me what I can do."
"Right now, there's nothing we can do but wait. The FBI is currently investigating his death. Until we know what they have, we can't do anything. I want you to lie low and rest. I want you to be 100% for the next job."
"Okay. I'll wait for your call then."
The past month has been emotionally and mentally draining for Chloe. When it all comes crashing down on her and it becomes a little too overwhelming, she turned to alcohol to numb herself. She shuts the studio early and heads out. She drives to the other side of the city where she wouldn't normally go. She wanted to be a nobody even just for tonight. All she wants is to be left alone sitting by the bar with a glass of whiskey.
She and Beca didn't have plans tonight so she didn't have to worry about Beca looking for her. So she parked her truck in one of the alleys and went into a pub. She left her phone in the compartment of her car and only brought cash with her.
She could feel eyes on her but she wasn't interested. She had no plans nor was she interested in entertaining anyone, she wouldn't do that to Beca and that's not why she was here.
Chloe was able to enjoy about an hour of silence. She had her glass in front of her. She nodded her head slowly to the music. It was almost therapeutic to her. Until she heard the bell of the door and knew it was someone she knew just by pure instinct.
She didn't need to turn to know who just sat beside her. "I don't know if I made it obvious but I drove all the way here for a reason."
"Well hello to you too." Luke was cheerful. He ordered them more drinks.
"What do you want?
"Nothing. Didn't you want company? And yes I may be following orders but honestly I don't mind having a few bevvies with a friend."
"Luke no offense to you or anything and it's nothing personal I swear but I really want to be alone tonight."
"So would you rather have me watch you from a distance and drink by myself?"
"I would rather you leave me alone, turn around, get in your car and just go home."
"Well I can't do that and I took a cab. Speaking of. Come on, hand me your keys."
Chloe had a history of driving under the influence. It's a miracle she hadn't been booked for it before.
"I was really enjoying my me time."
"Come on. I'm not that bad of a drinking buddy. And besides, I'm going to save you from any unwanted attention. It's your choice. You let me drink with you or you open yourself up to anyone in this bar who wants to hit on you. Your choice." Luke shrugged and took a sip of his drink.
Chloe sighed. She knew he was right. So she reached for her keys in her pockets and handed them to Luke.
"You won't regret this."
They had a few more drinks. They agreed to not talk about work. The more Chloe drank the more her mind wandered to Beca. Soon she started opening up to Luke about her and Beca.
Luke loved to hear it. He was secretly rooting for the two.
Beca worked overtime again and got home pretty late. She checked her phone and didn't see any notification from Chloe. Out of habit she tried calling her but Chloe doesn't pick up. Beca thinks she's still working or already sleeping.
She stopped herself of thinking of other reasons why Chloe wasn't picking up. It wasn't fair to Chloe. She knows how hard Chloe works. She then decides to try again in the morning.
Beca was tossing and turning on her bed. She had her eyes closed the whole time and really tried to sleep. She was able to sleep a little already but woke up as soon as she heard her phone ringing. She saw it was Chloe calling and checked the time. It was a little after 1AM.
"Chlo?"
"Hey Beca it's Luke."
Beca sat up straight. "What's going on? Is Chloe okay?" She hates how she always expected the worst.
"I'm so sorry to bother you. But I lost Chloe."
"What do you mean you lost Chloe? Where are you?"
"We were having a few drinks and I went to the bar to order some more then I went back to our table and couldn't find her anywhere. I was going to call her but as you can see she left her phone with me and I have her car keys. She's been drinking and I wanted to make sure she wasn't going to drive."
Beca was already changing. She had so many questions. She knows Luke and Chloe were really close but sometimes she hoped that Chloe would go to her and not Luke.
"How long ago was this?" She asked Luke who still on the other end.
"I don't know. Half an hour maybe."
She opens her door and sees Chloe getting out of a taxi outside her house.
"Fuck thank god."
"Why? Is she there?"
"Yeah. She's here. Why don't you drop by my place tomorrow?"
"Alright. I'm glad she's safe."
"Me too. Take it easy Luke. Bye."
She ends the call and leaves her phone on the table. She goes to where Chloe is and hugs her. "Oh my god. I was so worried. Are you okay?" She could smell the alcohol and it was obvious Chloe was drunk but she didn't care. When Chloe hugged her back, she hugged her tighter.
"It's okay. I've got you."
"I'm sorry. I know it's late."
"Never. I'm really glad you're here. Come on. Let's get you some water and get you into fresh clothes."
"I'd like that."
Chloe could barely stand up still or walk straight. She leaned into Beca who was guiding her towards the living room. This was probably the most drunk Beca has seen Chloe but she didn't look like she was about to spew or pass out.
Chloe drank the water Beca gave her. Then Beca helped her up the stairs and to the shower. Chloe sobered up a little in the shower. She insisted she could shower on her own. Beca waited for her on the bed. She was listening in the bathroom like a dog. The last thing she wants is Chloe hurting herself.
It wasn't long until Chloe stepped out of the bathroom wearing just one of Beca's oversized hoodies. Beca had to admit Chloe looked really hot right now. Chloe was smiling at her and jumped on the bed literally falling on top of her. Chloe stayed literally on top of Beca and made herself comfortable. She loves it when Beca automatically puts her arms around her and lets out a contented sigh.
"You and your friends are wrong you know?" Chloe said before she could stop herself. The alcohol that was still in her system wasn't helping.
Beca stopped rubbing soothing circles on Chloe's back. "What do you mean? Wrong about what?"
"You're my first. This is my first real relationship. I'm not some player. I mean yeah I slept around in the past but I never played with anyone's feelings. I wouldn't lead anyone on. I haven't slept with anyone else since I met you. I've never even been in love before so just be patient with me. This is all so new to me."
Chloe dropped all of that on Beca just like that and Beca was utterly dumbfounded. That was a lot to unpack.
"Wait wait wait. Hang on. You lost me. Let's go back for a bit. Is that okay?"
Chloe nodded.
"First of all. What in god's name are you talking about?"
Chloe was confused. "I thought I was pretty clear. What did you not understand with what I just said?"
"Okay. How about this." Beca shook her head. "Where is this coming from?"
Chloe was still confused. It was like they weren't on the same page. "You've been in serious relationships before right?" Chloe asked looking up to her.
Beca blushed and avoided Chloe's gaze.
"Don't be shy. It's okay. You can tell me." Chloe encouraged Beca.
"Yes. But they're all in the past." Beca quickly adds. "I'm with you now. I don't dwell on my past relationships."
"Don't worry. I know. I'm not worried about that."
"What are you worried about then? If you're worried my friends don't like you, they do. They just have a weird way of showing it."
"I'm worried that you and your friends are jumping to the wrong conclusions about me. Maybe you're right; maybe I can have anyone I want. Did I ever make you feel that I'm not serious about you? Or are you worried that this is just some fling for me?"
"What? Of course not. Why would you even think that?"
Chloe just sighed and then it all clicked for Beca. It all made perfect sense now. That night when Chloe met Jessica and Ashley, Beca was so sure there was something that happened that night. It bothered her at her wit's end. But no one was saying anything. She was left at the dark. She was left to believe that everything was okay. Maybe that's what she convinced herself to believe.
Now after hearing Chloe being so unsure of herself and knowing Chloe felt like this since that night. Beca started to feel so many things at the same time, anger, rage, guilt, shame, hurt.
"Is that what they said to you?"
Chloe closed her eyes. She could feel Beca stiffen and see her jaws clenching. "I don't mean to start anything."
"I don't know exactly what they said to you that night but if they said anything along the lines of questioning your commitment to this relationship, I don't share that sentiment. Yes I may have the tendency to feel jealous but I would never doubt you."
"Thank you. It's nice to hear you say that. I'm sorry if I even thought that."
"No. Don't say sorry. You have nothing to be sorry about. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for not noticing. You should tell me these things. I want you to be comfortable enough with me to talk to me about these things."
"I know. I was just scared of the possibility you know."
Beca kissed the top of her head. "I'm sorry. I hate that you had to carry that for this long."
"Can we talk about something else?"
"Of course."
They were both quiet for a while. Beca knew Chloe was still awake. She was expecting Chloe to be humming something by now.
"So you've never been in a relationship before?" Beca asked.
"Nope never. Well at least never serious. Just casual flings and hook ups."
"Why?"
"I don't know. I just accepted that maybe it just wasn't in my cards. There was no room for love in my life."
"I find that very very hard to believe. You're one of the most loveable persons I know and you've never been in love."
"Is that really that hard to believe?"
"I'm sorry I don't mean that in a condescending way. I'm just really surprised by that."
"Why?"
"Cause you're you." Beca said as a matter-of-factly.
That made Chloe smile for real for the first time that night.
"Hey promise me something." Chloe said.
"What?"
"Don't get mad at Jessica and Ashley. They love you."
Beca's jaws clenched again. She hated what her friends said to Chloe. She wasn't happy about them right now. And if it wasn't for Chloe almost using her as a pillow, she would've headed off to their place already and demanded answers and an explanation.
"They will hear it from me alright. That's for sure."
"Please don't. They're being good friends."
Beca wanted to keep arguing. Chloe was defending her friends that were clearly in the wrong.
"One more thing Bec." Chloe mumbles. Beca can feel her hot breath on her neck, which sends shivers down her body.
"Hm?"
"I've never been in love until you."
Beca's emotions were all over the place. One second she's fuming in anger thinking about what her friends did then Chloe says things like that and she's all flustered and blushing. She was just processing what Chloe just said when Chloe followed it up with. "I love you too. Sorry it took a while."
"Shh go to sleep and say it again in the morning."
"Okay. Love you." Now Chloe couldn't stop saying it.
"I love you too."
Chloe nuzzled into Beca's neck some more. "You're right. It does feel good to say it out loud."
She could feel Chloe giggling on top of her. "Go to sleep Chlo."
They were quiet again and Beca thought Chloe was sleeping already.
"Love you." Chloe would whisper to her ear.
And Beca would always answer her with. "I love you too."
They went back and forth until Chloe's 'love yous' were replaced by light snores.
Notes: Finally able to update. I got caught up with more tennis, a new game (two point hospital), future chapters, politics (IKR) and of course my day job. How are we doing? I literally click to post an update then run and hide for a couple of days and I'm about to do the same in a bit. Take care loveys.