Chapter 12
8 years ago
"I don't want to go," Beca exhales heavily as she lies down the spread out cloth underneath the huge weeping willow at the edge of the Du Pont garden, also called as 'the loo' in alien language.
'Meet me at the loo'
'Okay! Be there in ten'
"But you always do every single year," Chloe who was lying next to her says in the same forlorn tone. The redhead shifts after a few moments, lying on Beca's stomach instead. Looking up at her, she stares as if studying her face, "Because you don't really have a choice, remember?"
Beca groans at her words and instinctively twirls a strand of Chloe's hair around her finger. "I don't even know why he has to bring me back to France every summer. It's not like I do anything there," she complains.
"But your cousins are going to be there and you'll probably be going on cool summer vacations in Greece," Chloe says wistfully before adding, "I want to go to Greece,"
"Yeah, I know but it would be so much better if you were there! Can't you tell your parents to go to France in the summer instead? We can go to Greece together!" Beca asks, still hoping to find a solution to their huge problem. Apparently, it's been a problem of theirs for three years now and yet a solid solution to said problem remains non-existent. They've tried almost everything, getting the flu, acquiring allergies and other absurd excuses just so they can both stay in Maryland.
"I doubt it. They've been planning to go to Florida for ages and then dad's going to take us to New York for some business thing. I'm also meeting up with Aubrey there and she has plans, as she always does, for us to go visit a couple of places she says I should visit with her. I swear, she's got like a notebook filled with just plans for the next ten years or so which she follows very religiously. Because she can't, for the love of god, do anything spontaneous, or at least not listed in that notebook of hers," Chloe drones on, emphasizing some of her words with big hand gestures and adorable pouts from time to time.
Watching her, Beca simply smiles, unable to shake off the happy thought of what it must be like to be spending her summer vacation with her best friend—her only friend. For three years they've suffered having to be apart for about three months every year, and that isn't even counting Christmas vacation. But then if they can be separated for three months, a couple of weeks becomes almost bearable. Almost.
"Becs?" Chloe's voice pulls her back as she looks down at her best friend, bright blue eyes looking at her intently.
"Hm?"
"You're flying away on your own again. Come back to me!" Chloe playfully whines, tugging on the sleeve of Beca's shirt as she does so.
"Why are you are so needy?" Beca chuckles.
"Because I'm talking and you need to listen when I do! It's called being polite. Aren't heirs supposed to be practicing that all the time? And I am needy! I want Beca Mitchell's full attention, now!" Chloe continues, pouting at her as she shifts in her spot to give her those infamous puppy eyes, her cheek now pressed against Beca's stomach.
"What? What was that? I'm sorry I didn't hear you. It's just that the thought of delicious crispy, juicy chicken dipped in gravy and the sizzling sounds of bacon being fried deserves my attention more," Beca counters teasingly, making sure to exaggerate her tone of longing while she bites on her lower lip to keep herself from laughing.
She hears her best friend gasp mockingly in disbelief and Beca should have known better than to ignore Chloe Beale because the consequences are extremely terrible. Before she could even say another word, she is wheezing as Chloe pounces on top of her like a luggage being dropped on to her stomach or like one of those moves those wrestlers do in order for their opponents to tap out. This is then followed by merciless tickling as Chloe grabs on to her sides.
"Give me attention! I want my special Becs Becs attention!" Chloe whines as Beca dissolves into a mixture of giggles and yelps of protests.
"Okay! Okay! Take it! Take all of it! You have it now!" Beca finally gives in and almost instantly the tickle attack stops. When the Du Pont pops one eye open, she sees red hair cascading down, tickling her neck and a wide toothy grin.
"Yay!" Chloe cheers in that cute and small voice she uses whenever she tries to ask Beca for a favour. It's like having a puppy following you around twenty-four seven that nips at your feet for attention. Chloe then rolls off of her, settling down on her back beside Beca as if nothing happened.
"Chlo Chlo gobby mashy wallows," she asks in 'baby' alien language—because a baby version is necessary in times of need—which translates to, 'Please feed me marshmallows' as she grabs the pack of marshmallows next to her and dangles it in front of Beca's face.
"Why do I hang out with you again?" Beca says as she rolls her eyes and sits up, taking the pack of soft sweets to tear it open for her best friend. The Du Pont then proceeds to choose the blue marshmallows to feed to the happy redhead.
"Because you love me?" Chloe says cutely as she sits up to nudge Beca with her shoulder.
Looking up as if asking the heavens why things are so, Beca puffs out air while shaking her head. When she looks back down however, it's like an answer finally popped up in her head, "Ah right, it's because my father didn't allow me to have a pet puppy," she says in mock amazement before softly patting the top of her best friend's head.
Swatting her hand away, the redhead fires her defense, "No puppy can be as charming and as cute as I. That, you should always remember. Without me your life is going to be gray and dull," she pokes at her nose, making Beca wince. "Just admit it, you can't live without me, Becs. I am the mid to your night and the sun to your shine," she says with a look that challenges Beca to say otherwise.
The Du Pont doesn't say anything, not even a scoff or a laugh. Instead, she takes another blue marshmallow and lifts it up for Chloe to bite. And maybe, Chloe doesn't need a direct answer. Beca may be bad at words, especially when said in a way that comes directly from the heart but her answer was already as clear as the sky in a cloudless day, at least to Chloe it was. And for that, she is thankful to have someone like Chloe to understand Beca 'the awkward stuttering mess' Mitchell despite her lack of communication skills. It was like mental telepathy. Chloe always knew.
So without any further words, Chloe rests her head on Beca's shoulder and lets out a heavy sigh, "I'll miss you when summer comes. I'm going to miss you every summer until we enter Victor Barden, it seems. That's about seven summers," she says sadly as they look out into the peaceful and calming view of the lake.
"When I take my place on the high seat. I'm going to change everything," Beca begins after a few quiet moments and one deep intake of air. "No more of that fighting. I'll bring you with me to France! I'll take you anywhere you want to go, do whatever you want to do and eat everything you want to eat! No more goodbyes, ever. You and me, 'till the end. I promise," she softly says determinedly, making Chloe lift her head up from Beca's shoulder to look back at her.
"You'll be such a great, badass leader someday. The best ever! I can already see it! I'd really love to go do all that!" Chloe says, intertwining her fingers around Beca's as she looks down at their hands, the brightness in her eyes diminishing a bit at the thought of the absurd situation between their families.
"I just don't understand all of the hate between… all of them. But when you do become the awesome leader that you are, all of that is going to disappear. We can finally share a room when we grow up too! Also, you and me, lots of hugs 'till the end. I promise!" Chloe finally cheers, a smile returning back in her lips.
"You and your hugging addictio—oh no," Beca doesn't even get to say more as Chloe lunges in for another big bear hug, arms refusing to release her even if she angrily protests. It'll only be useless, Chloe's not letting go.
"Stop…hug…ging…me…too tight—can't breathe… Fine! I promise!" the Du Pont chokes out and soon enough the hug loosens a bit, only a bit though. The redhead continues to hold her until Beca slowly wraps her own arm around Chloe. They sway gently, finding comfort in the warmth they share.
"Hey, I just had a thought!" Chloe suddenly says, finally releasing Beca to look at her excitedly.
"Is it another crazy thought? Or just one of your puppy thoughts?" Beca asks, squinting her eyes at Chloe.
"No, it's something to add into our college bucket list!" Chloe claps, reminding Beca of a seal she saw on one of those water amusement parks she went to with Stacie and Jesse once.
"How about, on our freshman year, we go and trek the mysterious Winter Forest!" Chloe almost squeals in excitement as she searches Beca's face for any sort of approval. However, she remains emotionless with her jaw dropping ever so lightly every now and then. So Chloe continues to pitch in her idea with much more enthusiasm.
"Don't you even want to know what we could discover in there? There could be extra-terrestrial life out there. Real aliens! Or maybe, Pokémon! You know how much I want one Becs," she dreamily sighs.
"Chlo," Beca starts in a serious manner, grabbing on to both Chloe's flailing arms to get her full attention.
When she does, Beca continues, "That's not a bucket list. That's a death wish," she deadpans, diminishing the spark in Chloe's eyes, but not entirely.
"B-But Becs that can be like a great adventure! A once in a lifetime thing! Besides, I heard the werewolves take a stroll in that forest every full moon. So, why can't we? What if we find a house in the middle of the forest and then we can spend summers there instead! You know, like expanding our secret hideout," Chloe thinks out loud as Beca groans.
"Why? Why am I friends with you?" Beca cries out loud towards the sky.
"Gekos Becs Becs wubby Chlo Chlo!" Chloe replies, which then translates into "Because you love me!" as she takes a pink marshmallow and pushes it in Beca's mouth when she tries to throw another teasing insult.
"Becs Becs doughnuts wubby Chlo Chlo," Beca fires back after she swallows the treat, which translates to, "No, I don't" and it makes Chloe pause immediately, staring piercingly back at her. Yet those dark blues focus on the green weeping willow leaves swaying with the wind instead, unable to look at her best friend straight in the eye.
"Becs Becs doughnuts wubby Chlo Chlo?" the redhead asks in a very serious tone and it almost sounds like it's heading into the brink of disappointment and sadness.
The awaited reply comes quietly and in the most awkward like Beca way. It's said with much difficulty after she swallows hard and is barely even audible. Not if you are a vampire though. She does it while glancing briefly at Chloe before looking away afterwards just as quick because flowery words like this aren't something she's used to saying.
"Becs Becs… munchies wubb Chlo Chlo, stars van cosmos,"
I love you…very much, always and forever.
Because when she says it, she means it with all her heart.
8 years later
"It's beautiful," Chloe gasps as her baby blues widen at the sight of fireflies floating all around them. The difference with these fireflies from the ordinary fireflies is its glow. Instead of a bright yellow colour theirs glowed violet lights. Even more amazing was the fact that there were a couple of light blues and reds mixed in a sea of different shades of violet as well. The beautiful glow compliments the dark forest so well. It's very mesmerizing, almost romantic actually.
"We don't have time for this shit," Beca cuts in as she passes by Chloe and harshly swats the fireflies out of her way.
Beca Mitchell, the new and rightful leader of the royal council and of the whole vampire race, the person who obviously holds the highest power. Beca, her ex-best friend for almost four years until Chloe decided to destroy everything. Of course, the universe decides that it's time to get them stuck with each other and in the Winter Forest of all places.
On a side note, admittedly, Beca also happens to be an ex-crush back in high school, junior year. Nobody knew about it, not even Aubrey, since it was a very brief thing. Chloe had gotten over it when the bullying started after that kissing slash annual grand race relay incident. Sometimes she does wonder if she had let Beca win instead. The outcome may have been different. Darius wouldn't have left in disappointment, Beca wouldn't have targeted her all throughout her last years in high school and maybe Chloe could've started to fix what needed fixing instead of being mentally and emotionally tortured by Beca.
Beca Mitchell, the one whom she vows to set things right with. Chloe had meant it, repairing the friendship they lost and staying true to the promises they made before their secret little world broke and fell apart. Now that she knows that there might still be hope. As it seems that there is still a, even if only small, part of Beca that still cares about that broken friendship, Chloe is willing to continue her plan to get her best friend back.
It's just that it'd only be easier if Beca wasn't being rude and basically the worst companion in the world. It's like her big bad alter ego has suddenly taken over since they started to travel by foot hours ago.
So far, they have passed through snake like vines that tried to strangle them alive, ran away from not so friendly bunnies the size of a grown hog—Chloe had never been more disappointed that she couldn't pet one, talking toads who kept insulting them—Beca was on kill mode if Chloe hadn't pulled her away, and then there was those huge singing gold fish that tried to lure them to the edge of the water where they would be eaten alive. Fortunately, vampires have higher tolerance to such temptations, even if they sang in Spanish and sound like Camila Cabello.
'It's Camila, Beca!'
'It's a fat gold fish, Chloe'
'No! No! Wait! I hear Lauren too! It's Camren!'
'Okay, that's it. I'm dragging you away from this bullshit now, whether you like it or not. And for god's sake, stop crying!'
Overall, the Winter Forest clearly has packed a lot of surprises that could put Harry Potter's Forbidden Forest to shame—if only there were unicorns in it too. Although, on second thought, the Winter Forest is too vast to rule out unicorns just yet.
"I'm tired," Chloe admits out loud in a weary tone as she follows Beca who doesn't look like any of Chloe's concerns bother her. So, she tries again.
"Beca,"
No answer.
"Beca, can we please just take a break? A 10 minute break,"
Still no answer.
Okay so maybe a change of approach is needed and Chloe is too tired to care whether it would anger the Du Pont or not. At this point, desperate times call for emergency measures.
"Chlo Chlo pawie myeow," she drags out which translates to, "My feet hurt," because they really do even if she has already broken off the high heels of her precious shoes in order to walk more comfortably.
Talk about sweet success, Beca abruptly stops, her whole body stiffening at the words and Chloe prepares herself for the hurtful insults like 'Your feet would be the least of your worries after those assholes come to stake you in the heart,' and 'Don't you dare talk to me with that disgusting lang—
"Ten minutes, then we move," Beca tells her monotonously as she herself settles near the stream they have been following and drinking water from—better with bacteria that might only make them sick than be weakened by dehydration.
Beca's answer surprises her but then again it's probably because Chloe believes it's her own blood, which the Du Pont has consumed yesterday night that is currently trying to mellow out the snarky brunette when it comes to her. Which means, no matter how cold Beca is being, she can't entirely be mean to her.
Which also means, brownie plus points to team Chlo Chlo.
This ten minute break is a good opportunity, a really good opportunity to re-connect. Maybe even try to subtly tell Beca about the 'method' of how she had recovered so fast the night before. Thus, Chloe settles next to the Du Pont, who seems a bit surprised at the sudden close proximity. Chloe already feels her inch away to give them a certain amount—a disappointing amount—of distance. Chloe hates distance.
Not a chance Becs
"If things didn't go down the way they had, what would you be doing right now?" Chloe begins, subtly moving closer to the Du Pont.
"Surround myself with silence for starters," Beca replies after exhaling heavily.
Ignoring the sarcasm, Chloe continues, "I miss coffee. I'd probably be drinking one right now. Also chocolate chip cookies or a croissant in Café Dawn. Probably chatting with Bree about school and what French movies to watch next," she happily thinks out loud before looking back at Beca to ask. "What's your favourite movie?"
"Those silent movies because I like silence, you know, where nobody is talking," Beca mumbles as she picks on the small shrubs around them.
"You used to cry whenever we watched Dumbo," Chloe softly says with a faint smile at the precious memory. "At that part when Dumbo visits his mother who had been caged because they thought she was aggressive but the truth was she was just protecting him and then she carries and sways him on her trunk before they sadly part again,"
Beca remains silent and Chloe hopes this could finally open the conversation they both had been trying to avoid all these years. She was more than ready despite the discomfort of baring herself to the core. It's been eight years after all. There's no perfect time but now to discuss the wounds that they have been carrying all those years. It's time.
"Then naturally I'd cry when you'd cry. We'd both be crying non-stop until ice-cream, lollipops and marshmallows get involved," she says with a smile before sighing. "How easy it was to just be wrapped up in that little world we created. Simple times," she finishes before facing the Du Pont whose jaw visibly clenches as she looks down at the flowing body of water up ahead with those empty eyes.
So, Chloe tries. Tries breaking into those high and impenetrable walls Beca had fortified and intricately built over time. She has to try, even if she has to force her way inside. She has to. She wants to.
"Beca, I—"
"Ten minutes is up. Let's go,"
Beca immediately stands up, starting to walk away. Away from Chloe and the box of their memories she is holding open in front of her, silently begging for her to take them.
I'm not letting you walk away again
"Beca," she calls out, quickly scrambling up to her feet to follow the Du Pont.
"Beca, wait!" Chloe pleads, picking up her pace and reaching out to the brunette's wrist. When she finally takes hold of the Du Pont's hand, making her stop, only does Chloe feel the loud beating of her own heart. She either makes it or breaks it at this point.
"Becs, please talk to me," she softly says, tightly gripping on to the hand that remains limp and motionless with her touch. Being too focused on Beca, she doesn't see the colour of the leaves turn pink and the fireflies circling around them the moment she holds Beca's hand.
The Du Pont pauses before slowly turning to face her fully, "There's nothing to talk about,"
Her words only make Chloe shake her head in denial. "We do. You know we do and we've been putting it on hold for so long that it's becoming ridiculous! It's been eight years, Becs. Please, at least let me—"
"We were children, Chloe!" Beca spits out, voice raising up a notch enough to bite back the words she wants to speak out. "I don't fucking care about the past nor do I want to relive it again. What's done is done. I'm a Du Pont and you're a Vanderbilt. End of discussion," Beca coldly says as she retracts her hand away from Chloe's, the pink leaves turning pale and the fireflies flying low with their glowing lights flickering, the words spoken out loud creating a huge sting in her chest. The longer she feels it, the heavier it gets. So, it travels upwards until it reaches her eyes, wanting to be released. A deep colour blue painting the leaves, flowers and glowing from the fireflies as if it knew exactly how she felt, the colours splattering out the whispers of her heart.
I won't let you slip away from me again
"You may not care but I do," Chloe chokes out, trying to quell down the sobs stuck at her throat. "You don't want to relive it again? I am haunted by it every single day for the past eight years. I think about it every time I close my eyes. I think about it even when I'm awake. I am not done, Beca. And I know you aren't either. We're so far from done. You can deny it all you want but I know it still affects you too," she sniffs, letting the tears fall freely.
"You wouldn't be acting this way if it doesn't bother you," she adds, stepping closer to the Du Pont whose back was turned to her while the whole forest slowly lights up once again, the fireflies starting to dance around them.
"What I'm done with is keeping this in. I'm done lying to myself. To you. To everybody. I want to—"
She doesn't get another word out as Beca suddenly pushes her down the ground. They both fall at the same time and before Chloe could comprehend what had just happened she feels a swift buzzing sound of what looks like sharp darts zooming past them. Around them, all the fireflies started losing their glow, the plants turn black as the forest slowly decreases its temperature, freezing everything around them.
Chloe only realizes then what is happening, too wrapped up in her emotions to sense the unwelcomed third party. They've been spotted and fear grips her whole system. If it weren't for Beca shielding her from it she would have easily been out cold.
"Run!" Beca yells out as she pulls her back to her feet and pushes her forward, away from the tranquilizers being blasted their way.
A loud bang resounds throughout the forest as Chloe almost trips and stumbles with the impact. Shockingly, the evil forces have brought out the bigger guns and are aiming it near them, trying to put them off balance. Amidst the whole chaos emerging from nowhere, Chloe continues to run with Beca right behind her. She continues on through the unknown direction when she suddenly hears footsteps dashing at her right. A body emerges from the side, leaping up towards her only to fall short, a dagger flying straight to his chest and burying itself straight to his heart. Chloe feels arms holding her backwards to avoid colliding with the now lifeless body. She looks up to find Beca who then pushes her out of the way as another vampire charges right at them.
"Run! Don't stop. No matter what happens, keep going," Beca orders after snapping the vampire's neck ruthlessly.
Chloe shakes off the state of shock in her system as she struggles to get back up her feet and focus on not tripping. Amidst the earth shaking from the bombs being set off and the tranquilizer darts zooming past them, she wobbles a bit before finding her balance and running as hard as she can. Her ears were ringing from the blast but still she could hear Beca's heart pumping from behind her until the beating sounds grow further from her.
Fear fills her up instantly which is why she quickly looks back, finding the Du Pont being held up by three vampires. Another body adds up into the mix, this one coming from behind the Du Pont and putting her arm around her neck in an attempt to choke Beca.
Anger replaces fear and Chloe's looking around until she finds a glimmering rock nearby. It was almost as if it was sparkling for her to see, begging her to take and use it.
She bashes it straight into the back of one of the intruder's head just as Beca flips the female over and kicks another one in the knee, sounds of bones cracking making her wince. Chloe's target stumbles forward but recovers as he now glares at her with every murderous intent in his eyes. She instinctively takes a step back when another sparkling object to her left blinks to catch her attention. Crawling down the ground, her hands take hold of a piece of wood, knees scraping against soil and rock before she turns to swipe it with so much force. It hits the guy's side as he ends up bending down on one knee, face contorting in pain and so much more anger. Chloe, with her front facing the fuming man pushes her feet against the ground, backing away from him as much as possible while he steps at her menacingly.
He never gets to her though. Beca snaps his neck and plunges a newly acquired knife at the center of his chest. Broken necks don't really kill them, it just temporarily makes them unconscious until the bones heal up. Better to finish them off for eternity.
Chloe quickly pulls herself up back to her feet when she feels Beca's hand clasp hers, tugging her along as they start running once more. All the while she squeezes Beca's hand tightly like a silent plea.
Please don't let go
Another loud explosion shakes the ground and this time it has them both falling down apart to the ground a few feet away from each other. Everything suddenly becomes silent with only a buzzing sound ringing in Chloe's ears as she looks around, disoriented and lost. Her fingers dig through dirt as she weakly starts trying to get back on her feet. She sways a bit and almost falls again.
"Becs," she calls out faintly.
A pair of arms take hold of her but it didn't feel right. They weren't soft and secure. It was just cold, calloused and rough. They don't feel like Beca's at all and before she could fight against it, a sharp blade is pressed right near her neck.
"Surrender or she dies," a low voice warns next to her ear. With the ringing in her ears continuing on, it feels as if she was hearing him from underwater. Also, having this person hold her makes her feel so disgusted and mad at the same time. She's never hated anything more.
"Drop your weapon!" he yells out an order and that's when Chloe finally realizes that he wasn't talking directly to her but to Beca.
When her vision steadies, Chloe sees the Du Pont standing still in front of them. Them, meaning a small army of other vampires, moving closer from behind with their tranquilizer guns all aimed at Beca.
"Beca, go! Just leave me!" Chloe desperately screams at the brunette.
"Shut up!" the man growls at her before lowering the knife down to her chest, the spot right on her heart.
"Put the weapon down!" he orders again.
Beca hasn't flinched or even moved an inch but it wasn't until she drops her own blade that Chloe's heart sinks, her head shaking frantically at the realization of what was happening. A tranquilizer dart is fired right towards the Du Pont's neck followed by another one on her thigh and then her arm yet her eyes never leave Chloe's. Those deep blues focused only at her, silently conveying a calming feeling down at her before they shut close.
I won't. I'll be right here, with you
Motel Kuntz
"Somebody just kill me now, please," Claire voices out in disgust while Arthur shakes his head as they all stare in front of the suspicious establishment where a couple, who looked like they are high on something, had just came out of.
"I'm going to be sick," Stella groans as she places a hand over her abdomen. Nate then places a hand to cover her eyes from the offending sight.
"Better?" he asks while Stella mumbles a soft and uncertain 'Yes'
"C'mon, it's not that bad guys," Emily croaks out uncertainly before looking back at her for some sort of encouragement.
It's true that Stacie has had her lovers pay for a room to do some one night of satisfying fun but it's best to take note that all of those rooms are of high class quality in no less than five star hotels or top floor VIP condominium floors. No matter how much she enjoyed sex with the hottest bodies her eyes could find, she was still a Du Pont. She still had class and cheap motels like this one aren't classy, even if they are only staying for a day.
"Let's just get this over with," Aubrey finally says. "We don't have a choice. The sun is about to bathe us all if we don't head in,"
The Vanderbilt takes a step forward, heading to the direction of the motel's entrance. The sight of miss pristine and always perfect, Aubrey Posen, heading towards the entrance of such a sleazy motel is enough to put a smirk on her face. She starts walking, hurrying up until she is close enough for the blonde to hear her.
"Never thought our first morning together would be spent in this dirty love nest," she teases in a low flirty tone.
"Oh well at least one of us is happy to be in her natural habitat. Congratulations, you made it home, it seems," Aubrey replies, eyes straight ahead as she continues to walk. "Maybe you can tell your people to clean up their disgusting bodily fluids before we enter,"
"You wound me, Aubrey," she pouts, putting a hand on her chest in mock hurt. "For someone who hates bodily fluids, your tongue says otherwise. May I just remind you how much you seemed to enjoy swapping saliva with—"
"How about we all just shut up and mind our own business instead of triggering people with their worst memories?" Aubrey quickly cuts her off, her legs walking faster to get away from her presence. She smirks before schooling back her features to a serious expression. Jesse is already getting suspicious of her actions as it is.
Oh but she just can't help it. It's just too fun, playing with the uptight Vanderbilt.
Besides, she's never seen Aubrey this awkward before as she tries to book rooms in a motel. It's all about confidence with this particular Vanderbilt and embarrassing moments like this make her wish she had her phone with her. Only the twins and Stella had brought their phones as they've been posting on social media when the unfortunate turn of events happened. On the Vanderbilts side, it's Aubrey and Scott who has got their phones with them. Unfortunately, all devices are low on battery and are in need of charging. Which is one of the reason why this motel, no matter how cheap and dirty, is their only hope and safe haven.
It's so cheap that Aubrey easily pays for one whole floor because she says she'd rather not hear any drunken couples and horny teenagers going at it all day. She also has every room in that specific floor cleaned up and the establishment is willing to do just that if it means having the Vanderbilt showering them dollars with just a snap of her fingers. Having Aubrey pay is a fair deal since they, the Du Ponts, had bought all the food, gallons of water and other necessary items, and by necessary meaning, weapons, they'd need when they passed through several shops earlier.
It may all seem so cordial and civil with how well they seem to be working together but in reality a couple of fights almost broke out since they left the diner. Arthur and Nate almost got into a fight over the food they were cooking if Jesse hadn't stopped them, Claire almost slapped Nick over some lewd comment—it's no question that he'd slap her back if she did because as he says, 'she's the only exception'. Had it not been for Scott intervening a slap fest would've broken out. Then there's Aubrey throwing fiery daggers at every teasing comment she throws. A couple more arguments keep popping out of nowhere for the smallest of things but overall, it is better than expected and nobody has lost an eye or broken a finger yet.
The same cannot be said however, if Tom, Beca and Chloe had been with them. Surely Tom and Nick are going to be killing each other five seconds after they all met up. While Beca and Chloe are going to be cooking up the third world war with all that tension—sexy tension. Of course, Stacie isn't dumb when it comes to reading between the lines and those two have a lot of unresolved tension, no matter how much Beca denies it.
There's something those two are keeping and she is going to find out about it just as she had found out about Scott and Emily throwing pathetic heart eyes at each other from across the room right this very moment.
They've all decided to eat at Aubrey and Claire's room as it is the biggest one in the floor and clearly the invisible line between the Vanderbilts and Du Ponts was still very much existing. Both families had occupied the opposite ends of the room as they ate and it almost looks like Berlin in 1961. Almost.
They did agree on a few things though. First is that they all travel south once the evening comes before parting. Second, a stricter ceasefire between the two families is forcibly sworn by everybody. And lastly, a pair needs to be awake and on guard every two hours in case those terrible people decide to travel this way.
Stacie's shift happens to be after midday, succeeding Emily and unsurprisingly, Scott. Snooping around wasn't really her thing but when it comes to family matters, snooping is a must. Especially when she needed further proof to her assumptions. Carefully, she walks as quietly as possible, a feat only a vampire can easily achieve. She stops just before the staircase where the two teenagers sat below. The Du Pont and Vanderbilt were sitting side by side with Scott seemingly drawing something on Emily's wrist with a pen. It's adorable and reminded Stacie of a time when she dated this art student who once painted her—naked. Interesting times.
She was just about focusing in on the hushed conversation both of them were happily exchanging when she hears footsteps coming closer. Turning around, she finds Aubrey rolling her eyes at the sight of her. Well, what are the chances that they actually picked the same shift? Ah, Stacie thinks, it's meant to be. At least she wouldn't be easily bored or doze off now that she has someone to annoy.
But first thing's first, Aubrey has to know how to keep quiet in times like this when she is trying to gain precious information regarding the two potential lovebirds. So, she quickly pins the shocked blonde to the wall and puts a hand over her mouth to muffle the protest she was just about to shout at her. Putting a finger to her own lips as she tries to silently give out a warning she hopes Aubrey would get.
When she feels like Aubrey won't scream once she releases her, she slowly uncovers her hand from the Vanderbilt's lips. There's an angry questioning look on Aubrey's face and Stacie motions down the stairs with a slight tilt of her head.
She watches intently as Aubrey takes a peek, her lips parting and her brows furrowing at what she is seeing. She could almost feel the cogs of the Vanderbilt's brain turning and when it clicks, Stacie is pulling her away by the arm from the scene.
Aubrey angrily pulls back her hand from Stacie's grip as she turns to face her. "What in this crazy world is your problem?" the blonde hisses at her and this time its Stacie's turn to roll her eyes.
"You were just about to ruin a very cute moment over there," she says, crossing her arms as she leans her shoulder against the wall.
"Cute? That, whatever it is, is very far from cute!" Aubrey says, pointing over at the direction from they stood a while ago.
"That, over there is beautiful blossoming romance between two individuals who deserve to find love, especially in a time like this," she defends while Aubrey shakes her head.
"I know what romance looks like but when it involves individuals coming from your family and mine that's when it becomes taboo," Aubrey points out before swivelling in her heels to head back to the staircase again.
But she doesn't get to take a step further as Stacie pulls her right back, "Have you been in love at all?" she bluntly asks.
"And why does it matter if I have or not?" Aubrey asks and Stacie's eyebrows are quick to arch up at the defensive stance the Vanderbilt is showing.
Oh
"I see," she slyly adds, realization dawning on her.
"What?" Aubrey counters innocently as Stacie smiles.
"Aww, Aubrey Vanderbilt Posen," she reaches out for the Vanderbilt's wrist to pull her closer. A faint blush appears on those cheeks and it becomes even more prominent when Stacie smoothly tucks a strand of those glossy blonde locks behind her ear when their distance lessens.
"Everyone deserves love no matter how much Beca feels negatively about it," she explains softly. "There's no feeling in the world that can compare to what it's like to love and be loved. It makes you feel like the most beautiful thing in the whole universe and it's like you could do or face anything that comes your way," she continues as she stares into those blue-green eyes. She almost forgets how exquisite they are up close, like rare gems.
"And whether you like it or not, you need love, darling," she slowly says in French, and knowing that Aubrey has actually taken a French class, she wasn't worried about not being understood.
She moves even closer that she can smell the light scent of perfume the blonde always wears. "When the time comes that you do fall so madly in love, then go ahead and try to tell me that I am wrong to defend those two,"
She gently takes the Vanderbilt, who looks too flustered to function, by the hand to press a soft kiss on the back of her fingers, her eyes remained glued to those pretty pair of irises.
"Guys?" Emily's voice breaks the hazy atmosphere as Aubrey almost jumps away from her, jerking her hand away from her hold as if Stacie could burn someone.
"Hey Em," she greets warmly as if nothing happened. She eyes the younger Du Pont's wrist which she subtly tries to hide behind her back. However, Stacie was quick to notice a perfect drawing of a dahlia flower and it brings a smirk to her lips.
"Our two hour shift is over," Emily immediately says, clearing her throat as if to distract her from asking any questions.
"Are you… guys okay?" Scott asks, looking at her then towards his cousin who seemed to be standing awkwardly at the side. "'Cause I can still go on for another shift if…"
"Oh no, you don't have to. We're fine," Stacie answers. "You two should go get some sleep," she adds, ushering them both to their rooms before glancing at the blonde Vanderbilt who was already quickly walking away from her. Smiling, she hurries after her. Maybe she was just so far from done when it comes to the very important topic. A topic she was extremely good at.
Who knows, she might finally crack that hard shell Aubrey Posen keeps hiding behind from?
If this keeps going, this day is going to go down as one of her most interesting days of her life.
A/N:
Oh the irony.
Also, it has come to my attention that some people might be wondering why Aubrey is next in line to become heir and not Tom's sister, Claire. My bad, I haven't quite explained this clearly. The reason is because the Vanderbilts consider themselves as the most pure bloodline since they've only had unions between family and the other three royal bloodlines (the Du Ponts are certainly not a part of their list of royal bloodlines they can mate with, obviously, so three). This means that unlike the Du Ponts who marry people outside family and royal bloodlines, all the Vanderbilt children have equal opportunity to become heir. So, it all goes down to age. Tom being the oldest of all his cousins and the son of the Vanderbilt heir, ultimately becomes next in line. In his absence, it's between Aubrey and Claire who are actually the same age. In short, Aubrey is older than Claire by a few months which makes her next in line.
Thanks Yuzu-chi01 for pointing that one out.
What else haven't I clarified? Oh! the Du Pont twins are both pansexual. So is Stacie. Aubrey's brother, Arthur is gay. Aubrey says she is straight but... we'll see. Chloe and Jesse are bisexual. Beca hates labels although she has once said she's bisexual but then again she seems to be leaning towards women more so, debatable. Stella, Emily, Scott, Claire and Tom are straight.
Oh and I love Camila Cabello and she has to be in this fic because... I love her!
Sa0621: Chloe is the adorable little pest you want to hate but can't. She'll keep clinging until you bring her home. The only way Beca might shake her off is to cut her limbs. But there's no certainty in that one either. Sweet, right, got it- oh on second thought, nope, here have some more angst instead because I'm insane.
kimmania: Thank you! I hope my imagination doesn't lead to disappointment and doom though. :)
Yuzu-chi01: A sadistic Beca? Well, there's that thing in Russia, then Kosovo, then Colombia... and so many more dark secrets Beca keeps. Will it come out though? Maybe. Who knows? Oh and when I said uniting bloodlines, I meant, marriage (a legal binding contract) as in a marriage contract, a house (literally a house for the married couple) and a baby (yep Bechloe baby or any baby conceived by two bloodlines). And no, no extra appendages. I'm actually... not into... that kind of story line... and I respect authors who write stuff about that. I get it, that's their thing but for me... I'm not into that. I'd rather go for the mystical and magical thingy. I agree with you, Bechloe should be canon but what can we do when the movie world is run by hetero people who won't give us what we want and keep queerbaiting us instead! Then there's also the bury your gays thing they keep doing! If they don't plan to do it then stop giving us hope! Okay, I'll end my rant here. Well, keep reading, those slip ups might come back~
Comiiksde: Oh god, you work at the lab? Cool! Do you get to blow shit up? If so, can I blow shit up with you? I want to blow shit up! More Emily and Staubrey, okay, got it! I'll try. And by the way, small hint, yeah something might have happened between Stacie and Aubrey before the chaos happened. It has something to do with French and bodily fluids. ;)
Kasia143: WOW! I'm really loving this scandalous history 101! French aristocrats back then were disgusting, I mean 3-4 times a year? Wtf? And Mickiewicz is crazy. Oh yeah to me, Chloe, jealous or not... does things to me... those gorgeously blue eyes... those legs... oh god... this is why we are single! We fall for people we can't have! Beca in whatever Bechloe universe doesn't know just how lucky she really is. Anyways, putting our pathetic love lives aside, in a much serious note, angst gives you anxiety? Oh dear, for the sake of your mental health, I'm going to say that the next few chapters are going to be filled with a mixture of darkness and angst. Just so you can prepare yourself for what's to come, if you do intend to continue reading (pandas and otters care greatly about mental health, we put it first on our book of rules). Emily is such an exceptional child. Beca taught her well. Staubrey! French and bodily fluids! That's all I have to say to that. You're welcome! Hope you enjoy this chapter- even though it doesn't exactly end in a good note for Bechloe.
Guest: 1,129 chapters. No, just kidding! I'm not actually sure. I type what I feel like typing and all these chapters are done weekly which means I haven't written the ending yet. I have an idea as to how it would all go down though, like bullet point ideas. Also, maybe until the song finishes or stops repeating. I mean, the titles. Read all the titles starting chapter 1. You can sing it... if you know what song it is.
Parziwolf: Don't cry... yet! Save those tears for more incoming angst. Uhm, to vampires it is intimate. You don't just drink other vampire's blood without feeling some sort of... things. I mean, in terms of kissing it's not just a peck on the lips, it's French and so much more! Well, you're a wolf so... you guys probably find these things cute. As cute as your fluffy furs.
Yup, the Tesla was Beca's birthday gift for her before shit happened. That and the fireworks on her birthday. Which is why she got to escape in it. Agreed, she'll be an amazing leader.
Staubrey! Yes!
Thank you for not stabbing me... in the last chapter. I hope you still don't want to stab me in this chapter. The signed copies and VIP passes might take a while but I still hope you get the girl! I'm rooting for ya!
I won't stop writing. I promise. It's a drug. I really can't stop actually. :)
Guest: Glad you thought so!It's exactly like their personalities and character. They are opposites but they compliment each other very well. Thanks!
Thank you to everyone who favorited, followed and commented/reviewed Midnight Sunshine! I love and appreciate all of it. See ya next week. Until then just keep being awesome and don't forget to eat as much ice-cream as you want. Don't let them tell you otherwise. You're amazing and you deserve ice-cream!
