A/N – Thanks for reading, I really appreciate the reviews, alerts, and favorites! I don't own much of anything. Here is part 3 of 4.
Chapter Three
Three days later Aubrey and Beca were back at work. It was a Friday and both were looking forward to a quiet day before the weekend. Aubrey arrived before her partner, as usual. When she sat down, she saw yet another envelope with her name on it. She narrowed her gaze as she pulled out a lone card.
Congratulations. But I'm still here.
The blonde clenched her jaw against a sudden chill. She stood to her feet and glanced around the room. Nothing seemed out of place and no one seemed to be paying her any attention. She would have to have a chat with the mail delivery kid.
Aubrey had just stuffed the note and envelope into one of her drawers when Beca came strolling in. She immediately noticed the tense look on her partner's face. "What's up?"
Aubrey glanced up and quickly shook her head. "Nothing. How was your time off?"
Beca quirked a brow at the abrupt topic change but didn't press it. "Great. We should catch serial killers more often. I could get used to this treatment!"
Aubrey had to chuckle. "Well, I'm sure another serial killer will pop up any day now."
"How about you?" Beca asked, perched on the corner of the blonde's desk. "Did Chloe properly congratulate you after you guys left together?"
Aubrey turned a puzzled gaze to her partner. "Properly congratulate? Well…I guess so. She seemed pretty excited about it."
Beca blinked back at the taller woman before clearing her throat with a wry grin. "I meant sex Aubrey. Did you two do the nasty when you left the bar, that is what I was asking."
"What?" Aubrey exclaimed, her cheeks blushing at the realization. "Um, Chloe was drunk. That would have been taking advantage, what do you think I am?"
"Ah, I didn't realize. I was a little wasted myself so I didn't really notice she was drunk. Good thing Jesse was able to help you get her car back to her. How is the sex by the way? Do you actually know what you're doing, have you been with a woman before her?"
The blonde quickly began sorting through papers on her desk as if they were the most important thing in the world. Beca narrowed her eyes at her as she obviously ignored the question.
"You have slept together haven't you?"
"How is that any of your business?" Aubrey snapped, finally glaring at the shorter woman.
Beca ignored her tone and chuckled. "Jesus Christ Aubrey, you two have been together for like months now. How have you not had sex yet?"
"Again, how is this any of your business?" Aubrey hissed again. "This is not the appropriate place to be talking about this anyway. We're at work!"
"Yeah, so?" Beca replied with a smirk. "No one's paying any attention to us. Seriously, you haven't? Is it because you're really not gay? Are you not attracted to her?"
Aubrey sighed, realizing there would be no getting the brunette to drop the subject. "Not that it's any of your business but…no we haven't. Not yet. But Chloe…she asked me to stay over. Tonight. So I assume she wants to…you know. And yes…I'm very attracted to her."
"Um, she's been waiting for months so I'm willing to bet you assume correctly. You're attracted to her but you haven't jumped her yet. What's the matter, you need some pointers or something? Because I'm pretty sure the layout is the same so just-"
"Oh shut up!" Aubrey moaned, dropping her head into her hands.
Beca laughed loudly and hopped up from the desk. "Oh man, I can't wait to hear how this goes."
xxxx
Chloe hummed as she kissed a slow trail down Aubrey's neck. She wrapped an arm around the slender woman and pulled her tighter against her own body. As she squeezed the woman below her, she couldn't help but notice how tense and quiet Aubrey was. She had been quiet all evening.
The redhead grazed her fingers down Aubrey's naked torso and felt the taller woman shiver against her.
"Aubrey," Chloe said softly as she lifted her head to try to find the other woman's gaze in the dark bedroom, "babe, are you ok? You seem a little…tense."
The blonde swallowed thickly but smiled timidly. "Oh yeah…no I'm great. Really, keep going."
Chloe eyed her for a moment more before Aubrey gave her a shaky smile and nodded for her to continue. The redhead smiled and reattached her lips to Aubrey's neck. The blonde released a shaky breath and Chloe once again noticed how stiffly the other woman was lying underneath her.
At seeing the blanket bunched in the blonde's fist tightly, Chloe chuckled and propped herself up on her elbow without breaking her tight hold on Aubrey. "Are you sure you're ok? It's alright if you're not ready. Rumor has it this is supposed to fun ya know."
Aubrey sighed but relaxed slightly at the redhead's cheeky grin. "So I've heard. I'm sorry Chloe…I'm just…a little nervous."
"That's ok." Chloe replied quickly. "You think I'm not a little nervous too? It's scary being vulnerable and I mean…we're naked and you're gorgeous so…This is a lot of pressure. But being nervous the first time is all part of the fun. Learning each other's bodies, where you want to be touched, how fast or slow you want…It's kind of like an exploration…an adventure."
Aubrey smiled tenderly at the shorter woman's words. "You're the sweetest person I've ever met. And you're right, I know. It's just a little extra pressure for me because…well I've never done this before-with a woman I mean."
"Oh I see." Chloe said softly with a tender smile. "Well, Agent Posen, we have all the time in the world. And we're not doing anything until you're ready. So, what do you say we practice our spooning technique tonight? Will you still stay here with me tonight?"
Aubrey stared up into Chloe's eyes as she continued to smile down at her. The blonde felt tears pricking her eyes for some reason but nodded. "You're…I really like you."
Chloe chuckled. "I really like you too Aubrey. Really. So you'll stay?"
Aubrey nodded. Chloe smiled again and leaned back down and pressed a gentle kiss to the blonde's lips before she scooted further down and snuggled close into the taller woman's side. Aubrey wrapped her arms around the redhead and squeezed. Both sighed contentedly.
xxxx
Aubrey stretched as her eyes blinked open. She immediately registered that she wasn't in her bedroom. It was then that the previous night's events came flooding back. The blonde quickly glanced next to her where Chloe was still sleeping soundly.
Even with the embarrassment from the night before in the back of her mind, Aubrey couldn't help but smile at the sight of the other woman. Chloe was on her back, limbs stretching in all directions. She had one palm resting on Aubrey's hip as if holding her in place. Aubrey swallowed thickly as she scanned her eyes down the redhead's body. The sheet was tangled around her waist and legs, leaving her chest exposed.
The blonde glanced away, embarrassed at the wetness she suddenly felt between her legs as she stared at the other woman. She swallowed a moan and tried to force herself to close her eyes and go back to sleep. Instead, Aubrey's eyes snapped open again and she let her gaze settle on Chloe once again.
The sun was just beginning to peak through the blinds and in the early morning light Aubrey found herself unable to look away. She smiled at the freckles she could just make out dotting across the bridge of Chloe's nose and on her shoulders.
The blonde's stomach flipped pleasantly. Aubrey pulled the sheet up to cover Chloe's chest before she carefully slid out of the bed and quickly padded to the bathroom. She smiled at the sight of the toothbrush Chloe had left out for her and quickly put it to use. When she was certain she had gotten rid of her morning breath, she quietly slipped back into the bedroom and back to the bed. She carefully tucked herself back next to the redhead. Chloe mumbled in her sleep and once again placed a hand on the other woman's hip.
Aubrey scooted closer and gently draped an arm across the sleeping woman's body. She smiled again as she settled back onto the pillow, content to nap until the other woman woke.
She didn't have to wait too long until she felt fingers lightly grazing her arm that was still draped over Chloe's hips. The redhead sighed and stretched as she finally roused. "Good morning."
Aubrey squeezed the woman in her arms and pressed a kiss to her temple. "Good morning."
Chloe smiled sleepily and turned to burrow further into the blonde's arms. "Did you sleep ok?"
Aubrey squeezed again and nodded. "I did…Chloe…I'm sorry about last night. If I ruined things…"
The redhead inched back slightly, suddenly more awake. "What? Aubrey…no. You didn't. I love spending time with you. And I meant what I said…we have all the time in the world and we're not doing anything until you're ready. Ok?"
"Ok." Aubrey replied softly. "Well…I think I'm ready."
Chloe blinked in surprise as she stared back into the blonde's steady gaze. She felt herself growing warm under the intense look. "A-are you sure? I mean…there's no rush…"
Aubrey smiled and scooted closer. She timidly reached and cupped the redhead's cheek before once again moving closer and brushing their lips together. Chloe moaned slightly and pulled her closer when Aubrey pressed their lips together again. Aubrey rolled slightly so that her long frame was draped over the redhead's.
"Wait," Chloe said with a smirk, "did you already brush your teeth? Wake up with a little morning wood did we?"
Aubrey blushed at the shorter woman's devious grin. Chloe smirked before once again pulling the blonde closer. "I like a woman with a plan." She murmured moments before their lips met once again.
Aubrey hummed in contentment as Chloe allowed her to deepen the kiss. It was only after a few more moments of kissing that Aubrey's nerves once again surfaced and she clumsily cupped one of Chloe's breasts in her palm.
The redhead smiled when Aubrey once again dropped her head, embarrassed. The shorter woman turned them so they were once again lying side by side but she made certain their bodies were still pressed flush together. She slipped her thigh between Aubrey's legs and had to bite her lip at the wetness she felt.
Chloe tightened her arms around the blonde and smiled tenderly. "Just follow my lead, yeah? Trust me…you'll know what to do."
Aubrey chuckled but her laugh quickly turned to a breathy moan as Chloe trailed a hand down her torso and then dipped between her legs.
xxxx
"Oh my God." Chloe panted midmorning. "You sure you're not a gold star lesbian? Because you are a pro."
Aubrey laughed as she scooted back up her lover's body. "I had a good teacher. And by the way…I'm pretty sure I'm gay for you."
Chloe chuckled and gazed back up at the woman hovering over her. She brushed a stray strand of blonde hair from Aubrey's forehead. "Well that's good news to me. God, you're beautiful."
Aubrey blushed but smiled sweetly. She leaned down and once again pressed their lips together. Before the kiss could progress yet again, Chloe's stomach rumbled loudly, causing both women to giggle.
"I think we'd better get some food into you woman." Aubrey said with one final squeeze. "I need you to keep your strength up…we're both off work all weekend."
Chloe felt her stomach flutter at what the taller woman was insinuating. She once again smiled widely. "I'd better make us pancakes then, carbo load."
xxxx
"Hey stud!" Beca said with a sly grin as Aubrey came sauntering in to work later than usual. "How'd it go Friday night…or does you dragging your ass in here late on a Monday morning tell me all I need to know? Did you have a marathon weekend of fucking?"
Aubrey raised her chin slightly and tried to ignore the brunette even though the shorter woman was once again perched on the edge of her desk and showed no signs of moving.
"Aww, your ears are turning red." Beca continued. "You just try to act all high and mighty all you want. I know you Aubrey Posen and you got laid…finally."
The blonde did indeed feel herself beginning to flush in embarrassment as other agents began to take notice of their conversation. "Keep your voice down!" she hissed. "Why do you always insist on talking about this here? Be quiet!"
Beca barked out a laugh and shook her head. "Nope, not until you dish. So, how'd it go? This was your first time together. And more importantly, your first time with a woman, so how did it go?"
"You're a little too interested in my sex life for my comfort."
"Oh not so much yours," Beca replied with a smirk, "mostly Chloe's. She has been waiting for this for a long time so I just want to make sure you were able to figure out where things are and that she doesn't need someone to head over and help finish her off."
Aubrey clenched her jaw and shot to her feet, glaring at the petite woman. "I'll have you know, I'm pretty familiar with 'where things are' and if the scratch marks on my back are any indication, Chloe is plenty satisfied."
Beca's eyes widened and she fought to keep the grin from her face. "Way to go tiger. And you? You didn't let your nerves get to you and throw up all over her did you? You actually let her touch that icy exterior of yours?"
The blonde clenched her fists and exhaled a shaky breath. She cast one final glare at the brunette before dropping back into her desk chair in stony silence.
Beca eyed her momentarily. "Oh come on Aubrey…I'm just teasing. You know I'm happy for you."
At Aubrey's continued silence, Beca felt a pang of guilt. "Aubrey? Jesus, ok, I'm sorry. That was a low blow. I know you really like Chloe and I'm glad you had a good time together. Come on…Aubrey, talk to me! I'm sorry!"
The blonde smirked and finally glanced up at the floundering woman. "You're not nearly the badass you pretend to be. Look at you, all worried about my feelings. I'm touched."
Beca narrowed her eyes realizing Aubrey had played her. "Bitch."
The blonde laughed as the brunette slid from the desk and sauntered over to her own.
xxxx
"Hey there Beca!"
The brunette glanced up from the file she was scouring and smiled at the sight of Chloe walking toward her, a Bellas Coffee Café bag in hand.
"Well look who it is," Beca replied with a smile, "the hottest ginger to ever hail from Barden University! And she makes a fucking awesome cup of caramel coffee deliciousness."
Chloe chuckled as she began unloading her sack. Beca's stomach growled involuntarily as the redhead spread out pastries and other goodies from her shop on the brunette's desk.
"One salted caramel vanilla latte with a touch of almond and topped with whipped cream, just for you."
"Leave Abe. She'll never love you the way I do!" Beca exclaimed, taking the coffee drink from Chloe's hand.
The redhead laughed at Beca's exaggerated moan as she took the first sip of her coffee. "Why do you call her that, Abe? You know she hates it right?"
"Of course I know." The brunette replied. "You have to admit that your boo can be a little uptight sometimes. So I consider it my duty to get under her skin just enough that she occasionally has a minor snap but avoids a major psychotic break, thus endangering mankind as we know it."
"You're a true civic saint." Chloe said with a chuckle. "But I still don't understand why you call her Abe."
Beca shrugged as she bit into one of the pastries. "Well, when I first started here, all I heard was Aubrey Posen this and Aubrey Posen that. 'You'll learn a lot from her, she's the most able agent in the Bureau'. That's all I heard, how 'able' Aubrey was. So Able Aubrey kind of stuck and then I shortened it to Abe. Don't let her fool you, she loves it."
Chloe laughed again. "I really don't think she does. You're so good for her. Where is she anyway, my boo?"
"Oh she had a meeting with the Deputy Chief about something…new case maybe. I don't know, I just work here. She-hey, there she is! Hey Abe, how'd it go?"
Chloe turned and smiled widely at the sight of Aubrey approaching, her suit crisp and pressed. The blonde glared at her partner before turning a smile to her girlfriend. "Hey babe, what brings you here?"
The redhead scooted slightly where she was perched on the brunette's desk to make room for Aubrey. The blonde dropped onto the desk next to her and pulled her closer to press a kiss to her temple.
"Just thought I'd drop off some goodies on my way home." Chloe replied, leaning into Aubrey's embrace. "Don't worry, I remembered your plain black coffee."
"My girlfriend is the best." Aubrey said, reaching for the coffee.
"Well, I'll get out of your way." Chloe said, hopping up from her spot after a few more minutes of small talk. "I know you all have work to do. Plus I need to get out of here before the gray haired lady at the security desk comes back from her break. I'm pretty sure she got to second base when I came in. She seemed very concerned that I might have some contraband hidden on my person."
"Gladys?" Aubrey asked, immediately bristling. "I'll have a word with her."
Beca snorted out a laugh at the blonde's indignant look. "Jealous Abe? Gladys is making a play for your woman!"
"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?" Aubrey sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
Chloe winked at Beca before once again stepping closer to the blonde and lightly scratching the back of her girlfriend's neck. Aubrey instantly seemed to calm at her touch.
"Ok ladies, I'm off." Chloe said, once again winking at Beca as she pressed a quick kiss to Aubrey's cheek. "Beca, keep up the great work…you know what I mean. And you babe, I'll see you later."
Beca saluted with a smirk, fighting a laugh when Aubrey cast a curious glance her way. But the brunette was quickly forgotten as Chloe leaned in to properly kiss her girlfriend goodbye.
xxxx
"So I got you something."
Aubrey glanced up at Chloe where she was standing next to the couch. She appeared to be hiding something behind her back and had an adorable grin on her face. The blonde felt a warm feeling spreading at the sight of the other woman. That feeling was becoming a common occurrence.
Aubrey grinned widely as Chloe moved to sit next to her on the couch and placed a box in her lap. The blonde chuckled as the shorter woman seemed to be bouncing in excitement. Aubrey opened the box and was surprised to see a small revolver.
"You got me a pistol?" Aubrey asked with a small chuckle. "Chloe, the Bureau gives me a gun…"
"Oh I know." Chloe replied, still grinning. "But a super-agent needs to be armed and ready. And see, it's cute and small so you could hide it somewhere. That way, if a bad guy ever gets your other gun away from you, you'll still have this one. Plus revolvers are super dependable and not likely to jam or malfunction…according to the gun guy. So I want you to promise me you'll carry it."
"Chlo, this is great!" the blonde said, scooting closer to the other woman and pressing their lips together. "I love it, thank you. And I promise, I'll keep it on me. I can even get one of those holsters made for inside your waistband and I almost always wear a suit jacket to hide it so this is perfect. It'll be great."
Chloe nodded excitedly at the idea. She too scooted closer to the blonde and watched as Aubrey pulled the small pistol from the box and examined it closer.
"So where did you get this?" Aubrey asked finally. "Please tell me you didn't get it at a pawn shop, it's probably stolen if you did."
Chloe quickly shook her head. "Oh no way. It was totally legit. This guy in Southside was selling guns out of the trunk of his car. I got it there."
Aubrey's jaw dropped and she snapped her eyes back to where Chloe was trying to keep a straight face. Aubrey relaxed and rolled her eyes when the redhead finally laughed.
"Oh man, you should have seen your face!" Chloe exclaimed. "I promise, it is licensed and registered and everything. I got it from a real gun shop outside of town. So, you really like it?"
"Yes!" Aubrey exclaimed, still smiling widely. "I love it. I love you!"
As soon as she uttered the words they both froze. Aubrey felt an uncomfortable churning in her stomach as Chloe blinked her bright blue eyes back at her. They sat staring at each other, wide eyed, before Chloe finally cleared her throat and Aubrey dropped her gaze. The blonde was certain she wanted to sink right through the floor and disappear.
"I'm sorry, what was that?" Chloe asked softly. "I don't think I heard you."
There was no taking it back. It was out in the open. The image of her father flashed in her mind and Aubrey steeled her nerves. Posens were no cowards. If she was about to be rejected, she would do it with dignity. And then she would retreat home to drown her sorrows in the expensive bourbon she kept for emergencies.
"Um I said…I said that 'I love you.'"
Chloe felt a smile pulling at her lips but Aubrey still refused to meet her gaze. "I still didn't quite catch that…say it one more time, just…you know, maybe a little louder this time."
Aubrey finally noticed the tone of Chloe's voice and she finally glanced up to see the redhead's eyes shining back at her with a wide grin on her face. She sighed, her own smile finally beginning to spread. "I said…I love you."
Chloe reached for Aubrey's hand. She grew serious as she gazed back into the taller woman's eyes. "That's what I thought you said. And I'm glad I heard you right because…I love you too."
Chloe shrugged and bashfully dropped her gaze, still holding tightly to Aubrey's hand. Aubrey had never seen anything so beautiful. "Yeah?" she whispered.
The redhead glanced back up at the smiling woman and nodded. "Yeah. I love you too Agent Posen."
Aubrey reached and cupped Chloe's cheek with one hand before she leaned closer and pressed their lips together again. The kiss grew heated and Chloe eased herself backwards onto the couch, pulling the blonde with her. Aubrey smiled again as she settled herself on top of the redhead and reached to unsnap the button of her jeans.
xxxx
"Hey there, you ok?"
The man glanced up from the cup of coffee he was staring into and met Chloe's concerned gaze. He seemed surprised at the woman's approach but cleared his throat and forced a smile to his face. "Oh yeah, sure. I'm ok. Just a rough day I guess."
Chloe smiled sympathetically and dropped into the chair across from the man. "Well, I'd be happy to listen if you think talking about it would help."
The man looked unsure but the redhead's kind eyes and warm smile broke him down. "Well…it's the anniversary of my boyfriend's death coming up. It'll be five years in a few days and I thought I was handling it ok but…I still really miss him…and I'm kind of a mess."
Chloe reached for the man's hand and gave it a squeeze. "That's really terrible and I'm so sorry. I can't imagine…If I lost my girlfriend I'd be crushed. And it's completely normal for you to still miss him."
He nodded and smiled sadly. "Yeah, I know. It's just some days I can barely function and then I feel guilty for not being able to do what I need to do. I have a lot of plans, a lot that I want to do with my life and if I can't even get out of bed…"
"Hey, hey now." Chloe said, once again squeezing the man's hand. "You can't beat yourself up for your feelings. Some days, maybe you just need to stay in bed. It's nothing to be ashamed of. You've been through something terrible and you deserve to grieve."
The man finally smiled a little wider and squeezed her hand back. "Thanks a lot. I really appreciate it."
Chloe smiled. "Of course. I'm Chloe and you're welcome to come in here any time you need to talk."
"Thanks Chloe, I may just take you up on that." The man stood to his feet, Chloe quickly following his lead. "I'm James by the way." The dark haired man said, extending his hand.
Chloe smiled and accepted his hand just as she happened to glance over his shoulder where she saw Aubrey step into the shop and wave. The redhead waved back before turning her attention back to the young man. He was already gathering his things to exit so she simply reached and gave his arm another squeeze before she quickly walked over the where the blonde was waiting and pulled her in for a tight hug.
"Who was that, another devoted Chloe Beale fan?" Aubrey asked with a grin. "Was he hitting on you? Because I can have him arrested."
The redhead laughed and rolled her eyes. "No, actually he just needed a friend. The anniversary of his boyfriend's death is coming up and he was feeling a little down and just needed to chat."
Aubrey immediately felt guilty for teasing and glanced back to where the man had been sitting but he had already disappeared. "Poor guy. That was really sweet of you."
Chloe shrugged but grinned up the blonde and stepped back into her embrace. "I felt bad for him. But really, while he was talking, all I could think about was what a mess I'd be if I were in his shoes. I worry about you Aubrey."
"I know." Aubrey replied squeezing the shorter woman in her arms. "But like I said, I promise, most days my job is really boring. Besides…I always carry my secret weapon."
Chloe giggled as Aubrey pressed a kiss to her temple. She patted the blonde's back where she could just barely feel the small revolver holstered at the small of Aubrey's back. "Good. So, what can I get you? A caramel macchiato? A vanilla frap?"
Aubrey smirked. "Black coffee. Please."
"Ugh." The redhead groaned. "We've been together for months now. I'm so disappointed in myself for not being able to finally convince you of the wonders of sugar and syrup in coffee. I've failed miserably."
Aubrey laughed as she allowed the shorter woman to pull her up to the counter. "Fine, you can put a little vanilla and peppermint in…but just a little. And what do you want for dinner? I'll pick something up when I get off tonight."
"Pizza." Chloe replied, grinning over her shoulder at her girlfriend as she prepared the coffee drink.
"I should have known." Aubrey replied. "You do love pizza."
"I do love you."
The blonde smiled. "I'll never get tired of hearing that."
"My girlfriend, the FBI Agent…and sap." Chloe replied with a cheeky grin.
Aubrey leaned across the counter, Chloe meeting her halfway. They shared a tender kiss.
Outside on the corner, James stood gazing at the pair through the window. His jaw muscles clenched at the sight of the two and he balled his trembling fists in anger.
xxxx
A few weeks later, Aubrey sighed tiredly as she made her way up the steps to her apartment. It had been a long day at work and she was glad to finally be home. She had a few hours to unwind before Chloe arrived for dinner and the blonde was relieved to have some time to herself.
Another note had arrived at work. 'I'm watching' was printed on a plain white card and it had arrived with just her name on it, no postmark and no return address. Wondering how the notes were getting into the department building without a trace was beginning to drive her a little crazy.
She stopped at her mailbox and pulled out a small stack. The blonde continued to her door, thumbing through the mail disinterestedly until she came across a familiar plain white envelope. Aubrey clenched her jaw and then strode purposefully the remaining distance to her door, slamming it behind her and slinging her suit jacket aside haphazardly. She couldn't be bothered to hang it up immediately as was her custom until she ripped into the envelope.
'Soon.'
Aubrey's hand was trembling slightly as she shoved the note into a drawer of her desk, with the other two that had arrived previously.
xxxx
Chloe arrived at Aubrey's apartment as planned for dinner but she could tell immediately that Aubrey was in a mood. The blonde was stiff in her greeting and seemed distant. Try as she might, pulling the other woman into conversation had proved futile. And so Chloe simply sat at the counter watching as Aubrey meticulously chopped the vegetables she was preparing for the dish.
"Do you need any help?" The redhead finally asked.
Aubrey tossed a halfhearted grin her way and simply shook her head.
Chloe nodded and sighed. Aubrey continued to move around the kitchen preparing the meal without saying more than one or two words if Chloe once again attempted to start a conversation. Finally, the food was in the oven and Aubrey seemed at a loss as to what to do with herself without a task.
Chloe quickly gathered two glasses and a bottle of wine. "Let's sit on the couch. I have a feeling you could use a glass of this."
The redhead sauntered into the next room and Aubrey reluctantly followed, dropping onto the sofa next to the other woman. Chloe poured a glass for her and passed it to her with a smile. Aubrey weakly returned the smile as she took the offered glass.
"Babe, what's wrong." Chloe asked finally. "You've been out of sorts all night. What's going on?"
Aubrey once again stiffened slightly but tried to force a smile to her face. "Nothing's wrong, how was your day?"
Chloe narrowed her eyes at the other woman. "My day was fine. And I've actually already told you all about it…while you were cooking dinner. Which you would know if you had been paying any attention. Which you would have done if there wasn't something wrong. So tell me, what's wrong?"
Aubrey immediately bristled. "I told you, nothing is wrong! Sometimes I just don't feel like talking incessantly ok?"
"Talking incessantly?" Chloe cried incredulously. "You think I talk incessantly? I suppose that's good to know. You could have told me you think I talk too much. Or would you like me to just shut up now? Or should I just leave?"
The blonde rolled her eyes which only served to fuel the redhead's anger. "Don't be ridiculous, why would you leave?"
"Because you obviously don't want company tonight! You've barely said two words to me all evening and I just asked that you tell me what's wrong-"
"I told you, nothing is wrong!" Aubrey snapped, cutting the other woman off. "Would you please just drop it? You just don't know when to quit."
"Oh you mean when to quit and shut my mouth?" Chloe hissed.
"Exactly." Aubrey replied with a sigh, seeming almost relieved. She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose, completely missing the look of anger that flashed over Chloe's face.
The redhead pushed herself up from the couch, the abrupt movement finally drawing Aubrey's attention. Realizing the shorter woman was well on her way to storming out of the apartment, the blonde quickly followed after her.
"Where are you going?" Aubrey yelled. "I made you dinner and now you're just going to leave?"
"Yep." Chloe replied, already shrugging on her jacket. "If you don't want to tell me what's bothering you, fine. But first you ignored me all night and then you picked a fight with me. So yes, I'm leaving."
"You're being ridiculous!" Aubrey exclaimed. "Stop acting like a child, you're an adult."
"Well at least I can communicate like one!" Chloe hissed. "And at least I'm not completely closed off and pushing away the only person around to care that you had a bad day!"
Aubrey clenched her jaw. "I'm not pushing you away. I'm just asking that you back off and give me a little peace and quiet! And now I've wasted an entire evening cooking a meal for you and now you're not even going to stay and eat it. That's a little inconsiderate I think!"
"Oh so, you cooked me dinner so now I'm required to stick around and let you insult me? What, are you going to say that I owe you sex for it too?"
"What?" Aubrey cried with an incredulous laugh. "Now you really are being stupid. And dramatic."
"Ya know, my mother always said you don't really know someone until you've fought with them…I'm starting to think maybe she's right. Sorry to have ruined your night with my incessant talking."
The door slammed shut in Aubrey's face before she could even formulate a response. Seconds later the timer on the stove indicated that dinner was ready.
"Well fuck."