Chapter 23: Good Talk
Chloe walked into Aubrey's office expecting a quick, possibly slightly meaningless chat. But then Aubrey motions at the chair on the opposite side of her desk. Chloe steps closer hesitantly.
"Is something wrong?" Chloe tries not to sound nervous as she slides into the chair.
"Not quite." Aubrey fidgeted nervously. It was tricky being boss and best friend. There was a blurry line and sometimes she wished she'd never gotten the promotion so she could still be Chloe's equal. "But its something that could become a problem."
"Okay." Chloe nodded. She wondered if Aubrey had figured out about her and Beca. Had a conversation or kiss been witnessed? Could Aubrey just sense a difference between them after they slept together? Was she going to assign new partners?
"First thing. You were off today. Distracted almost. And I know we didn't give you much time to plan and prep, but there were simple things that you failed to remember from the briefing binder. And you usually read those cover to cover multiple times. But this time? You didn't know the key code to the vault. And you forgot about the alarms and set them off almost ruining the whole mission."
"I'm sorry. I just didn't get much sleep last night." It wasn't a lie.
"That's not all." Aubrey took a deep breath. "Emily Junk came to talk to me once we were on our way home."
"And?" Chloe's tone turned frosty. What could Emily possibly have to say to Aubrey that should involve Chloe.
"She's too nice to say anything directly negative, but she does feel a sense of hostility from you. She really just wanted to know what she could do differently to make you respect her." Aubrey placed her hands on the table.
"She's not a real agent, it's hard to respect someone who has no field experience."
"But she has value to offer. Just because a member of our team doesn't face the bullets, doesn't mean they don't have important jobs. And it certainly doesn't mean they don't deserve respect. You've never had a problem treating other analysts with respect." Aubrey said calmly.
"Fine, I'll work on it." Chloe refrained from rolling her eyes, knowing Aubrey would pounce on that for being disrespectful.
"Good. Because even I could tell how short of a fuse you had with her today. You always talk about professionalism, but this isn't the first time I've seen you be unprofessional with a coworker." Aubrey kept glancing away from Chloe every few seconds as she got it all out.
"What are you talking about?" Chloe shook her head, trying to process all this information.
"Beca." Aubrey stated simply.
"What?" Chloe nearly choked. Oh God, Aubrey did know. How did she find out? "We-that's not...Nothing-" Before she could continue floundering with her words Aubrey chimed in.
"When she first started here you hated her too. You stormed into Captain Littner's office to demand a new partner after one mission. I'm just concerned about your ability to work with others." Aubrey said the last sentence as gently as she could.
"Beca was different." Chloe ran a flustered hand through her hair. "She was just very different from Price and it was an adjustment. I was just frustrated with her attitude and our different personalities. But we got better. And she is a real agent." Aubrey could hear the bitter in her tone at the last sentence. "Emily is an analyst. She acts like a complete fool around Beca. And honestly she's not even that helpful!"
"She knew the code to the door." Aubrey shrugged, knowing that would shut Chloe up. "And yes, I notice that she is a little star struck by Beca. I can easily talk to her about that. But there's no need to be so harsh to her for that. Maybe try talking to her instead of treating her like a child."
"If she'd stop acting like a child and flirting with Beca constantly-" Chloe spat out, then quickly stopped.
"So that's it." Aubrey leaned back in her chair.
"No, that's not what I mean." Chloe rubbed her forehead getting flustered. "Its just a distraction. And you know how Beca is. I don't need her having a distraction on missions."
"Unless that distraction is you?" Aubrey shot an eyebrow up.
"What? No!" Chloe shot back incredulously.
"Look, whatever the deal is with Beca, it isn't affecting your job that I've seen. But you need to get your jealousy under control."
"I'm not jealous-"
"Chloe." Aubrey looked at her firmly. "Be a professional. That's all I'm saying. And don't make Emily feel like this is a hostile work environment. We have enough outside hostility to worry about than to worry about it from coworkers."
"I didn't mean to." Chloe sighed. She knew she was being hard on Emily internally, she didn't realize it had been so obvious to others. "I'll get better. And next mission I won't slip up. I promise. I've just had a lot on my mind."
"You can talk to me you know?" Aubrey seamlessly changed from boss to friend in a matter of seconds. "What's weighing so heavily on your mind that it let it affects you on the job?"
I had sex with my partner who I've been attracted to for months. We haven't had the talk about what we are. I don't want to ruin our partnership or jeopardize any missions. She says things to me on missions that make me weak. The way she looks at me makes me forget everything I'm supposed to remember. How is it possible to feel this strongly for someone after we slept together once. Once! And who knows if we're even dating! Chloe had a freakout in her brain, knowing she couldn't say any of that to Aubrey.
"Just…" Chloe shifted her weight. "Its fine. I just need to get better sleep."
"I hate pulling rank when I'm your best friend. But If something's going to affect your job, Chlo-" Aubrey started.
"I shouldn't have said anything. I promise. I'm good. I was just overly annoyed with Emily. Won't happen again." Chloe waved her hands around, doing her best to pretend she was perfectly fine so she wouldn't have to tell Aubrey the truth.
"I'll have a chat with Emily too."
"Okay, great." Chloe stood up, hoping the conversation was over. "So are we good?"
"Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow. Fat Amy's flying in to help with the next mission. Her team was able to find the second key. So we'll take care of the case and prep for our next mission in the morning." Aubrey stood up, shuffling some papers. "Have a good night. And Chloe?"
Chloe turned around before she was out the door and cocked an eyebrow at her boss/best friend.
"If there is something going on with you and Beca?" Aubrey paused and Chloe felt her heart stop. "You can tell me. I would be happy for you...if that's something you want. I've always thought you would be good together anyway. You wouldn't need to keep something like that from me."
"Okay." Chloe's felt her voice get shaky. "There's nothing though. We're...just partners. Thanks, though." She felt a pang of guilt lying to Aubrey, she hated doing it.
"Please don't hesitate to talk to me about anything. I'm here for you, you know?" The blonde's voice was soft and pleading. Chloe knew she was sincere and was acting more as her best friend than her boss. She had to figure out how to deal with this new Beca situation since Aubrey could already tell something was up with her after literally one day.
"Thanks, Aubrey. I will." Chloe nodded and then bolted out the door. It was a good thing she was headed to Beca's. Maybe if they had a conversation about everything she'd feel better.
Chloe pulled up to Beca's apartment as they had agreed. She nervously fidgeted with her purse and jacket as she walked up the steps to the building. She knew they needed to have a talk about whatever was going on between them. Chloe wanted a relationship, plain and simple. But she was terrified Beca just wanted a partners with benefits situation. That was part of why she ignored her feelings for so long. Self-preservation. So if Beca didn't want a relationship, then they could put an end to things and go back to being just partners before things got too messy. Chloe was strong, she could handle it.
She knocked on the door, wishing she had planned better. She should've prepared a speech. She should've planned different responses for possible things Beca would say. She should've had a bullet point list of things to cover. Instead she was going in blindly.
And then Beca opened the door. Rational, over-thinking, mature Chloe vanished into thin air. Irrational, impulsive Chloe took control. She saw Beca and in a matter of seconds images flashed to her mind of Beca tackling her to protect her from bullets, lying naked in her bed, all the things they did two nights ago. Suddenly, her desire to talk was crushed by her desire for something else. Beca was barely able to utter the word 'hey' when Chloe stepped inside and kissed her so aggressively it almost knocked the brunette over.
"Mmm!" Beca couldn't contain her muffled groan of surprise as she was barely able to reach out to close the door as Chloe pushed her toward the stairs. Beca stepped carefully backwards holding onto Chloe's jacket so she wouldn't accidentally trip and stumble backwards. When they reached the landing Chloe's hands lifted and removed Beca's shirt in one succinct fluid motion. Beca reciprocated, but a little less gracefully as Chloe's shirt got stuck for a brief second. They chuckled for a moment, while catching their breaths before slipping out of their pants.
"I've wanted you all day. Do you have any idea how hard it is to focus on a mission?" Beca grumbled as she trailed kisses along Chloe's neck. Chloe happily tilted her head back, holding onto Beca's shoulders.
"I think I have an idea." She said breathily as Beca roughly pushed her up against the wall. Luckily, Beca didn't have much decoration or it would've fallen and shattered, creating a bit of a distraction. Chloe's hips pushed against Beca's as she guided Beca's lips back to her own. Beca pushed her again, and Chloe let out a small groan mixed with pain and pleasure. She was pretty sure she'd have a bruise or two on her back tomorrow.
Chloe felt her chest heave up and down as she stared at Beca as she dropped to her knees. Beca slowly trailed her hands up Chloe's thighs and slowly brought Chloe's lace underwear down. Chloe took a few raspy deep breaths as she looked down at Beca, who looked back up at her with such intensity it sent a shiver down her spine. She was about to say 'hold on' or 'stop' so they could have the talk, but the Beca's mouth was on her core and her tongue was doing things that made her eyes and head roll back. All thoughts of stopping flew out the window. She let out a satisfied moan as her hand flew to Beca's hair, holding her in place.
Once Beca had taken care of her, very good care of her, Chloe took a moment to catch her breath. She glared at Beca who was standing upright again, licking her lips with that cocky smirk on her face. Chloe could take this chance to talk. But that wouldn't be fair to Beca. She needed to be taken care of first. And Chloe really wanted to kiss that smirk right off Beca's lips.
Chloe bit down on Beca's lips and pushed her by her hips until she fell on her back onto the bed. Chloe hovered over Beca, pausing for a moment. This is ideally how she wanted the night to end up...but she knew she skipped an important step. Beca saw her hesitation and placed a hand on her cheek.
"You okay, Chlo?"
"Yeah...yeah." Chloe swallowed and shook her head as if to clear her mind. This wouldn't exactly be the frame of mind she wanted Beca in to have a serious conversation. And the way Beca was looking at her and touching her more than made up her mind. She pressed every inch of herself against Beca and gave her a firm kiss.
"Wanna piss off the neighbors?" Beca grinned when Chloe leaned back to take a breath.
"Oh, yeah." She nodded as she started kissing down Beca's neck to her collarbone. Beca dug her nails into Chloe's back as their hips started a slow rhythm against each other. Chloe sat up briefly to wrap Beca's legs around her waist. "Don't hold back, Becs." She winked as she started grinding her hips with a firm pressure.
"Oh, fuck." Beca's eyes rolled back as she let Chloe take control and had no intention of being quiet. Neighbors be damned.
A couple hours later, and Beca declaring herself the winner after making Chloe come three times to her own two, they laid together side by side with Beca's arm wrapped around Chloe's waist. Beca felt like her heart had only just reached a normal pace again as she gave Chloe's bare shoulder a kiss. She smiled as she saw the redhead looking like she was sleeping peacefully.
Beca wanted to move her chin to Chloe's shoulder and nuzzle her neck to cuddle for the night. But she knew that sleep wouldn't last long. So she slowly slid her arm out from under Chloe's and carefully slid off the bed, doing her best not to move Chloe. She quietly opened her drawer to put on some sweats and a shirt. With her back turned, she didn't see Chloe peek over her shoulder before turning around to act like she was still asleep. Once she was dressed Beca tiptoed toward the stairs and put her hand on the railing.
"Where are you going?" Chloe asked sleepily, making Beca jump.
"Shit!" Beca turned around and held her chest. "I thought you were asleep."
"Mhm. Where are you going?" Chloe sat up, holding the sheets against her chest.
"Just downstairs. I'm not really tired. But you stay here. Stay asleep, Chlo." Beca rushed over and gave Chloe a kiss on the cheek before turning to go downstairs. Chloe just sat still for a moment, feeling awkward and uncomfortable being alone and naked in Beca's bed while Beca left.
Beca had been playing chess and was turning the board when she saw Chloe descend the stairs, fully dressed with shoes and everything. She sat up straight and looked questioningly at the redhead.
"You're playing chess?" Chloe stared at her for a moment.
"Um..yeah, I just-"
"I think I'm going to head home." Chloe grabbed her purse from the floor where she had dropped it earlier.
"What? Why?" Beca jumped up. "It's well past midnight."
"Because if I'm going to sleep alone, Beca, I'd rather be in my own bed." Chloe sighed like she was exasperated. "You'd obviously rather occupy yourself down here than stay with me."
"Come on, you don't need to leave." Beca made her way over to Chloe who was reaching for the door.
"It feels like this was just a booty call, Beca." Chloe opened the door and made to step outside when Beca rushed up and put her hand on the door. "Its fine, I'm not mad. I'd just like to go home. You have your bed back to yourself. No worries." Chloe shrugged as she shoved past Beca and slipped out the door.
"Chloe, stop!" Beca stepped out the door to stop her but Chloe was already speed walking her way to her car to drive away.
Chloe returned to her apartment allowing a few tears to fall, but angry with herself for letting them. She slammed the door and tossed her purse down as she angrily wiped her eyes.
"What were you thinking?" Chloe shook her head as she talked to herself. "You never should've slept with her. She's your partner. She doesn't do relationships." Chloe grumbled at herself as she poured a generous glass of wine with one of the remaining glasses that hadn't been shattered that night. As she was in the middle of a long sip, she heard a pounding on the door. It had to be Beca, she knew. That girl was just as, if not more so, stubborn than herself.
"What do you want?" Chloe spoke through the door.
"Open the door, Chloe." Beca said calmly but firmly.
"Just say what you need to say and you can go back home." Chloe folded her arms as she stared at the door.
"Open the door or I'm going to start making a scene and get you in trouble with your neighbors for all the wrong reasons." Beca threatened. Chloe huffed in frustration and swung the door open. Before she could move to block Beca from entering, Beca squeezed past her.
"Are you done?" Beca stood in the middle of the room and looked at Chloe with an intense expression.
"Excuse me?" Chloe stood in the doorway, ready for Beca to leave.
"Are you done with your dramatics?" Beca waved her hands. "And are you ready to actually stop being ridiculous and have an adult conversation? And listen to what I have to say?"
"You don't have to explain-" Chloe rolled her eyes and was quickly cut off.
"Would you stop that!" Beca shouted and then Chloe finally closed the door, so the neighbors wouldn't hear. "Stop assuming. You know the saying, it makes an ass out of you and me. Or in this case, it makes a giant ass out of just you. So stop interrupting me and stop thinking you know everything and stop being dramatic so I can freaking talk to you, okay?"
"Fine." Chloe sighed as she took another sip from her glass, a little taken aback at Beca's intensity.
"First of all...tonight was not a booty call. Second, you were the one who basically jumped my bones without even a hello earlier." Beca ran a hand through her hair and let out a stiff laugh.
"Sorry for being attracted to you." Chloe shot back a little harshly.
"I don't want an apology. I was fine with it. It was hot." Beca rubbed her forehead, trying to figure out how to say what she wanted to say. "And I never said I don't want you in my bed. I actually really wanted you to stay. Why...why did you completely freak out?"
"Because you left me alone, Beca. Like this is some hit it and quit it thing."
"That's not it at all!" Beca defended. "I just...you know how I have sleep issues. I just didn't want to wake you up or anything."
"So what? You were just going to sleep on the couch in your own apartment?" Chloe rolled her eyes.
"I mean, maybe. I just know the past two days have been hectic; I wanted to make sure you slept well."
"Well, FYI, I don't sleep well when the person I just had sex with leaves me naked and alone in their bed." Chloe folded her arms and looked at her shoes, feeling embarrassed.
"I'm sorry. I didn't...I didn't mean to make you feel that way." Beca carefully reached for Chloe's arm. Chloe took a deep breath, nodded, and led Beca into the living room.
"I actually went to your place tonight to talk. Not to...as you so eloquently put...jump your bones." Chloe sat back on the couch and ran a hand through her hair.
"What'd you want to talk about?" Beca sat beside her and put her arm across the back of the couch behind Chloe.
"Us." Chloe shrugged as if it was stupid. Beca furrowed her brows but waited for Chloe to continue. Chloe took a deep breath and decided to just go for it. Lay it out there and let the chips fall where they may. "I'm not a fling type of girl, Beca. Or a friends with benefits person. I...I want a...relationship, not a fucky buddy." Chloe paused and looked at Beca, who just kept staring right back. "And I know that probably freaks you out." Chloe stood up to create distance, imagining Beca freaking out in her mind. "I know you're not exactly a huge fan of relationships. So if you want to go back to just being partners before things get messy, that's fine. I can deal with that. And I think we'll still be good partners. Just the physical aspect of our relationship would need to stop. I can't just have sex and it not mean anything." Chloe rambled on and finished her little speech and looked down at Beca who had surprisingly maintained firm eye contact the whole way through.
"Wow." Beca let out a short laugh as she stood up in front of Chloe. "It never meant nothing to me, Chloe. And it was never just sex with you." She shook her head, trying to gather her thoughts. "And I know I've had flings and one night stands in the past, but this-" She pointed between her and Chloe. "This was never just a hook up to me. You're different than anyone I've ever been with. I want... what you want." She shrugged sheepishly. "I think you and me could be like...really awesome. And yeah the sex is amazing and hot, but you and me are like out of this world awesome as a team. I mean, we save the world and shit then have the best sex I've ever had. I mean that's the dream." She laughed nervously.
"Oh my God, I feel so stupid." Chloe covered her face and sunk back into the couch.
"You are far from stupid." Beca laughed as she sat back and put a hand on Chloe's thigh.
"If I'd just said something when we first slept together I could've saved myself a lot of stress." Chloe rolled her eyes.
"True…" Beca chuckled. "But, hey, at least you didn't torture yourself for too long."
They sat in silence for a minute or two, just looking at each other before Beca intertwined their hands.
"So um...Chloe." She acted like she was nervous as she ran a hand through her hair. "Would you, uh, maybe wanna go steady with me?"
"Go steady?" Chloe giggled. "Do I get to wear your class ring or jacket?"
"I knew you had a thing for my leather jacket."
"Shut up." Chloe playfully shoved Beca backwards. "Anyway...yes, in answer to your question. And Beca? Will you be my girlfriend?" Chloe batted her eyelashes in an exaggerated manner.
"Hell yeah." Beca smirked as they leaned in for a kiss. It didn't take long for one or both at the same time to deepen it. Beca pulled back, running a hand along Chloe's cheek. "I don't know if you're still worn out from earlier, but do you maybe feel like making this whole girlfriend thing official." She glanced over at Chloe's door. "And I promise to stay put this time."
"Hell yeah." Chloe winked, stood up and held out her hand that Beca quickly took and allowed herself to be yanked up. They stumbled and fumbled over each other to get to Chloe's room for round two.
Beca, as she had expected, did wake up a little later from a nightmare. She wasn't drenched in sweat at least. Her instincts were to leave and exercise or read or anything. But she would definitely wake Chloe. She also didn't want to leave Chloe again. Sensing Beca's movement, Chloe stirred and rolled over to face the brunette who was sitting up in bed, staring straight ahead, trying to slow her heart rate.
"Becs?" Chloe reached a hand out to place on Beca's forearm. "You okay?"
"Mhm." Beca nodded and swallowed. She hated this feeling. And she hated that Chloe had to see her like this. But she preferred that to the alternative of pissing Chloe off by leaving her.
"Come here." Chloe scooted up a little and eased Beca down so Beca's head was resting on her chest. Beca moved so her body was flush against Chloe and wrapped an arm around her waist. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. This definitely felt good.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Chloe rested her cheek against the top of Beca's head as she stroked her hair.
"No." Beca sighed. "Not right now, at least."
"Okay." Chloe continued letting her fingers run through the silky brown hair. And it really was okay. She knew one day Beca would open up to her. And Chloe had a feeling when she did, it would help more than Beca could realize.
"These make awesome pillows." Beca nuzzled her head against Chloe's breasts, giving one of them a quick squeeze. Chloe huffed a laugh and gave Beca a playful smack on the head before continuing her calming strokes through her hair. It didn't take long for them to fall asleep again. And Chloe swore nothing had ever felt so right as her arms wrapped around Beca as they fell asleep.
Chloe stirred as she felt the sunlight beam in on her face. She felt Beca's arms wrapped around and smiled a sleepy smile, slowly opening her eyes.
"Morning, girlfriend." Beca was already staring at her and Chloe couldn't help but feel a wave of relief rush over her.
"Morning." Chloe's voice was a little raspy and Beca found the morning voice adorable.
"You sound like Yoda." Beca grinned as she placed a kiss on Chloe's forehead.
"The wrinkly old creature from Star Wars?" Chloe shot her head back in offense.
"Dude, its a compliment. He's the best character!"
"Beca…" Chloe bit her lip and ran a finger along Beca's sternum. "If you want this relationship to last, you will never, ever…" And she gave Beca a friendly bop on the nose. "Refer to me as a character from Star Wars."
"Not even Princess Leia?" Beca cocked an eyebrow as she leaned in to give Chloe a kiss when her phone went off. She huffed and rolled her eyes as she leaned over to pick it up.
"Agent Amy Hobart found the second key. We're waiting on you and Agent Beale to come down so we can put an end to this cyber threat." Emily Junk's voice came through the phone and Beca felt awkward, knowing Chloe's feelings.
"Great. We'll be there soon." Beca smiled a tight smile and hung up before Emily could add anything else to the conversation.
"Aubrey?" Chloe asked with a hint of disappointment as she rolled out of the bed to start getting dressed.
"Um..Emily actually. They have the other key. Waiting on us to finish it off." Beca gulped as she pulled her jeans on.
"Why is Emily the one calling?" Chloe pulled on a shirt with a little extra force.
"I don't know." Beca shrugged. "She's the analyst in charge of the case."
"In charge? She doesn't even-" Chloe stopped herself and closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Its fine. I'm going to be nice to her. Or at least civil."
"Where did this change come from?" Beca sounded surprised as she sat to put her shoes on.
"Aubrey had a talk with me." Chloe mumbled.
"Ha! So you were in trouble!" Beca let out a laugh and pointed a finger at the redhead. The gesture earned her a quick slap on the head from Chloe. They quickly finished getting ready, skipping breakfast, and headed to HQ.
Beca and Chloe entered the small room where Fat Amy, Aubrey, Emily, and Captain Littner waited. Emily was hovering over the case with bubbling excitement, while Fat Amy twirled the key in her hand proudly and patiently.
"So, we ready to destroy this thing?" Beca put her hands on the table, eyes on Amy.
"No doubt, Shortstuff." Fat Amy grinned. "I might be getting myself a commendation for this one. The Marelli's and destroying a massive cyber threat. My boss is pretty pleased."
"What about Beca?" Emily looked over her shoulder. Chloe closed her eyes and grinded her teeth. This girl was ridiculous. She should know Agency members never wanted the glory or attention. It only made their job more difficult if they were field agents.
"I don't…" Beca tried to suppress a laugh. "I don't go for that sort of thing. Amy deserves all the credit and praise."
"Thanks, B-Mitch." Fat Amy gave Beca a hearty slap on the shoulder. "I'll be sure to send you a wink or an under the table compliment in my speech."
"Thanks." Beca shook her head an laughed.
"Now, let's finish this bitch." Fat Amy shoved the key over to Emily, and Aubrey just rolled her eyes at her large and in charge FBI counterpart.
Emily inserted the first key, waited as the computer hummed to life. Typed furiously on the keys and then inserted the second key. They all unconsciously leaned forward. Emily continued pushing buttons, waiting, pushing buttons. Then all of a sudden the computer sparked and the screen twitched with green and blue shapes before going black. More sparks came from the computer as it officially died.
"It's done. Game over." Emily let out a breath and smiled around the room.
"Well done, everyone. Agent Hobart, I will be putting in a good word for you with your superiors. Excellent job." Captain Littner shook Amy's hand and gave pats on the back to everyone else.
"Agent Mitchell, it was a pleasure working on this...case...with you." Emily winked at her use of a bad pun. Even Amy grimaced and made a face behind her back.
"Oh, yeah. Thanks. Uh, you too." Beca smiled a tight lip smile.
"And you, too Miss Beale. Agent Beale, sorry!" Emily shook her head, internally chastising herself for the mistake.
"It's fine. Good work, Miss Junk." Chloe smirked, enjoying the fact that she could not so subtly point out that Emily was in fact not an agent.
"Alright, dream team." Aubrey interrupted and resting her hands on Chloe and Beca's shoulders. "My office. We have a new mission for you in a few days. In Germany."
"Germany?" Chloe stopped walking and swung around to glare at Aubrey.
"Yes. Germany." Aubrey nodded.
"I haven't been there since…" Chloe's voice faded out.
"I know. But this is important. And you'll have a few days to prepare before you leave. Now, come on. Let's go over the briefing." Aubrey stepped around them and led the way to her office. Beca gave Chloe a concerned look, that Chloe nervously waved off as she followed Aubrey. Chloe was none to eager to revisit the events of the last time she was in Germany.