A/N: Slight mention of domestic violence.

Chapter 6 - Honey

Noelle left. Chloe left. And now, Beca's contemplating.

Who do I go to? Noelles mad. Is Chloe? She seemed sad, but not angry.

Beca wondered if she should end it with Noelle, knowing she couldn't pursue Chloe. Not right now anyway. Not with Chloe being so broken. She couldn't take advantage of her mental state. But at the same time, Beca's taking advantage of Noelle by keeping her around, only to repress her feelings for Chloe. Even if Chloe did have feelings for her, this wasn't the right time to let them be known. And Beca was beginning to feel like the right time would never come.

Beca stood up, went into her room, threw some clothes on and walked out the door. This is for the best.

Beca knocked and waited patiently.

The door opened and Beca half smiled as she saw her girlfriend poke her head out. She did like Noelle, she was cute, and smart, witty, but not like Chloe.

Of course my mind just goes to Chloe.

Chloe was cute in a way that never gets old, smart in the sense that she would surprise you with the knowledge she had pertained, witty in the way that she came up with comebacks in a snap. Something Beca was seriously jealous of, but this new Chloe was different. She was shy, scared, and quiet. If Beca tried to joke around and be her sarcastic self, it was like Chloe's wit was replaced with utter fear.

"Hey," Beca said.

"Hi." Noelle said, slightly cold.

"Can I come in?"

Noelle nodded and let Beca come in, and she lead them to her couch. Beca sat right next to her, a little closer than she felt comfortable with, but stayed put.

Beca looked into her eyes. She really is beautiful. But not like Chloe. No, not even. No one compares to Chloe. I can explain Noelles beauty. Her eyes are a stunning and unique hazel color, her nose is adorable and her body is seriously killer. But Chloe; Chloe's beauty is not explainable. It's like, Chloe doesn't even have to remotely try. She can be sitting staring at a wall and you would be entranced. The girls beauty was so captivating, even trying to explain it, could leave you tongue tied and dazed.

"Look, I'm sorry about Friday night, and Saturday night, and this morning," Beca said. "but she has been through so much in the last few years, and she needs me right now."

Noelle nodded and looked down.

Just say it. Rip it off like a band aid. Quick and easy.

"Are you breaking up with me?" She quietly asked.

Fuck. Beca may try to convince everyone shes a hard ass, but she hated to disappoint people, and hearing how sad she sounded, Beca just couldn't do it.

"No," Beca stated. I'm such a bitch. "I'm just letting you know the situation. Chloe, that's her name, we have been friends our whole lives. Ever since we were four an she sat next to me on the first day of preschool, we had been inseparable. Then one day things happened and we lost connection. Now she's back, and like I said, she needs me."

Noelle nodded. "I'm sorry I got mad," She said sheepishly. "I got worried that you cheated."

Beca bobbed her head. "I get it. We just need to start spending more time together is all."

Noelle half smiled and she and Beca looked at each other's lips, before Beca leaned in and molded their lips. It was actually nice, Beca had to admit. It got slightly heated quite fast, and Beca pulled back, then sighed when she saw the hurt look on her face.

"Sorry." Beca muttered and surged her lips forward, flinging them backwards, with Noelle landing on her back.

Beca kissed her with as much passion as she could muster, hoping this really was the right decision.

Beca was laying with Noelle in her bed, naked, (They did have good sex, to be honest.) when she got a phone call. She sat up and kissed her softly and then went to pick it up.

Chloe.

"Hey, you ok?" Beca asked, slightly worried. She hasn't called to check on Chloe since she left due to her unplanned escapades.

"No, I'm not. I don't know what's wrong, but," Chloe paused and Beca could her breathing becoming short and quick. "I can't breath. And I feel sick, I feel like I'm going to pass out and I can smell smoke, but I'm positive no ones smoking, the windows are closed."

Beca shot up. "I'll be right there, Chlo. Take deep breaths and don't let yourself pass out." She hung up and quickly searched for her clothing.

"What's wrong?" Noelle asked.

"Chloe, something wrong with her." Beca said as she pulled her pants on, and frantically messed with her bra.

"Oh."

Beca sighed, barely getting her shirt on and then throwing her coat on as she put her boots on.

"I'm sorry, we can spend all day together tomorrow if you want? I know it's your day off and I can make sure I'm not working." Beca said as she searched for her bag.

Noelle nodded. "Sounds good."

Beca smiled and pecked her lips. "I'll text you." She declared as she made her way out quickly.

Noelle huffed. "So much for spending more time together."

"Chlo, open up. It's Beca." Beca said breathlessly as she banged on the door. She tried opening it, but it was locked.

Beca got there in record time. She knew from Noelles place it would take at least a half an hour. She made it in fifteen minutes, some how. Now she was more than tired.

"Chlo!" Beca said again. "Fuck." She muttered under her breath.

The door opened and Beca let out a breath as she saw Chloe. "Are you ok?" Beca gently asked.

Chloe nodded and Beca walked in. "What happened?"

Chloe didn't answer, she sat down on her couch and closed her eyes momentarily. "I don't know," She weakly said. Beca sat next to her.

"Are you okay, now?" Beca asked.

Chloe shrugged, after a few moments Chloe still said nothing.

"Why did you leave earlier?" Beca asked.

Chloe looked up at her, in disbelief. "Why did I," Chloe scoffed. "Why did I leave? Maybe because I was mad. I was upset. I'm tired. I'm tired of everything. I just want to sleep. I want to go to bed and never wake up if it will just make everything stop."

Beca was dumbfounded. Why is she so upset?

"Chlo, I didn't ask you to leave. You stopped talking mid sentence and walked out the door," Beca said. "And I don't understand if you're mad at me or what?"

Chloe pursed her lips and started to shake her leg as she started the hand jitters. Beca stared at her waiting for an answer. She thought about trying to ease her, but found it was no use. Chloe was honestly a nervous wreck. She was tensed up, as her eyes were struggling with salty tears. Chloe closed her eyes and set her head in her hands.

"I'm not mad at you." Chloe barely said.

"So, you left because you were tired? Upset?" Beca asked.

"I don't know," Chloe sighed. "Nothing!" She yelled. Beca jumped at the sound.

Chloe huffed. "I'm tired and I feel nauseous. I want to just go away and never come back. I feel gross and I just want to shower." Chloe voiced. "So, please. Can you just," She paused and looked up to Beca. "go."

Beca titled her head to the side. "You asked me to come," She stated. "So, no. I won't go. I told you that I would be here for you. I told you that if you're having problems, call me and I'll be there in an instant," Beca was surprisingly calm, even though she was rather angry and confused at Chloe's weird behavior. "I told you that you don't have to tell me what's wrong, but I want you to. I want to hear it. So, no. I'm not leaving," She finished with.

With no answer from Chloe, Beca said, "Tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing."

Beca huffed. "Fine," She stated. "Have you taken your medicine today? And how's your neck?"

"I took it. My necks fine. I don't think they're ever gonna go away." Chloe sadly said.

"Well, you're still beautiful." Beca genuinely said.

I don't know why I can say these things to Chloe now. I've never been comfortable telling her she's beautiful, but now, I feel like I have to say it.

Chloe half smiled and covered her face. "I really am an idiot," She mumbled.

Beca chortled, "A little," She said, then she saw Chloe's face become full of sadness, and Beca knew she shouldn't have said that. She lifted Chloe's chin and smiled at her. "I was kidding. How about we finally go dye your hair back to red? And then we go to a late lunch. My treat."

Chloe shyly smiled. "Okay. I'm going to take a shower. If you want you can stay here and then when I'm ready we will go?"

Beca nodded. "Sounds good."

Chloe stood up and scurried into her room.

Okay, something's wrong with her. She left with no explanation, asked me to come over, then wanted me to leave. If she's lying to me about taking her pills...

Beca's thoughts were broken when she heard the front door open and saw Amy walk in.

"Oh, hey, it's you again," Amy paused. "Wait, have you been here since yesterday? Did you and shadow..." Amy trailed off making some weird motions with her hands that Beca couldn't quite figure out, until Amy made a kissy face.

Her eyes went wide, "OH! No, no! Chloe and I- no! We're friends, I- I have a girlfriend." Beca stated.

"You do? You're a lady lover? Damn, I was right. My gaydar is amazing, if I do say so myself." Amy stated proudly.

Beca smirked and shook her head. Amy walked over and sat next to Beca.

"Aren't you supposed to be at work?" Beca asked.

Amy shrugged. "Ahhh... Ehhh... No. I work whenever I want to."

"Really? What do you do?" Beca asked.

Amy leaned into Beca and raised an eyebrow, "Very high tech things that I am not aloud to discuss with midgets."

Beca scowled. "I'm not a midget."

Amy shrugged. "Your legs say otherwise, short stack,"

"Can I ask you something?" Beca said. "About Chloe?"

"Shoot."

Beca shifted, then tucked some hair behind her ear. "Do you know if Chloe has ever, uh, not taken her medicine before?"

"Ah, yeah. Sometimes she doesn't take it, and she'll get really sad. Event more sad than she already is. Sometimes she gets mad and shuts people out. I learned that the hard way," Amy revealed. "When Sarah and I first met-"

"Sarah? Her ex?" Beca interrupted.

"Yep," Amy said, popping the 'p'. "When we first met her she still had some really bad burns and still some bruising, and she wasn't on the medication for it yet. Her and Sarah became pretty close, and Sarah made sure she took her medicine. She took real good care of Chloe," Amy laughed. "Like the time I wrestled a crocodile and dingo simultaneously, they were that close. Except they didn't really wrestle, I don't think at least. Too bad the bitch hurt her."

Chloe's not taking her medicine. I can feel it. "What exactly did this bitc- er, this Sarah girl do to Chloe?" Beca asked.

"Ah, mm, no. Uh-uh. I can't tell you. Classified."

Beca shook her head. "No. I need to know. Chloe said she hit her, but it was twice. Is that it?"

"That's all the shadow said?" Amy asked. "Ah, well. Then she must not want you to know."

"Amy,"

"FAT Amy," She corrected.

"Sorry," Beca said, putting her hands in mock surrender. "Fat Amy, you have to tell me. Chloe is extremely important to me, and if I don't know everything, then I can't help her in full."

Amy nodded. "You can't tell her in told you. Or I'm going to get my fellow gang member CR to beat the shit out of you, midget."

Beca laughed, but then saw how serious Amy's face became and gulped. "Okay. I promise."

"Now," Amy said as she leaned into Beca, "Sarah would hit her, yes, Chloe didn't want to have sex with her, because she is not comfortable with her body imagine. And so Sarah would also verbally abuse her. It was even worse than Tom, from what she's told me. She would say no one would even want her with her scars, bruises and the burns. She told her that she was lucky to be with her, and that shes a piece of shit basically. Never repeat what I just told you. She has never told anyone but me."

Beca nodded. "Thanks, Amy."

Amy stood up, "No problem, midget. So, if the shadow asks where I am just tell her I went out clubbing." Amy stated and walked back into her room.

"Whoa."

After about five more minutes Chloe came back with damp hair, dark wash jeans, a sweater, and boots on. Beca hadn't noticed her since she was very pensive at the moment.

"Becs, you ready?" Chloe asked.

Beca's head snapped up and she had her eyebrows knitted together. Beca wasn't one to call people out if they lied to her, but Chloe was lying. And Beca's angry because, for one, Chloe never used to lie. About anything. She was the bluntest person in the whole world according to Beca. I mean, she told Beca was song she uses to get herself off. She's mad because Chloe is closing herself off, and that's supposed to be Beca's job.

"Yeah, we can go as soon as you take your pills," Beca stated.

"I took them this earlier," Chloe said. "I only take them once a day."

Beca shook her head and walked passed Chloe towards her room, "Beca," Chloe warned. "I took them!"

Chloe ran after her and slammed her door before Beca could enter. Chloe stood in front of her door as Beca waited patiently for an explanation.

"Okay, I haven't taken them. Only because I wasn't home yet, and then when I got home I went haywire. So, if you just go wait on the couch, I'll go and take them."

"You better take them."

"I will."

Beca pivoted and walked to the couch, as Chloe let out a breath of relief and walked inside.

The pair were walking through the crowded streets. No words had been said on either part. They walked fairly close to each other, and Chloe very subtly started inching closer to Beca. She assumed it was because of the mass of people, and not because Chloe wanted to be near her, but then she could feel Chloe's hand brush against hers, she turned her head and saw Chloe looking straight ahead, when Chloe started to play with Beca's fingers. When they used to walk together, Chloe always had a grip on Beca's hand. It was endearing and Beca pretended to hate it, just like she pretended to hate cuddling with Chloe, watching movies with her, doing couple things. When in actuality, Beca lived for Chloe's touch.

"Trying to hold my hand, I see, Beale?" Beca said with a smirk.

Chloe retracted her hand and started walking slightly faster. "Sorry, sorry. I don't know why I, I-" She shook her head quickly. "I shouldn't have, I'm sorry."

Beca sighed and caught up. I can't keep forgetting to not mess around with her.

"It's okay," Beca said. She gripped Chloe's hand and laced their fingers. This isn't cheating? Right? Holding hands with your best-friend? Nope.

Chloe tried not to show how happy she was, but her beaming smile let it be known. Beca chuckled and they continued to walk, and once they got to the small hair salon, they walked in.

"Ready to be red again?" Beca asked.

"More than ready." Chloe answered.

After the whole hair process Chloe was visibly more happier. Her hair was red again. Not a fiery red like it used to be, but not auburn. Right in the middle.

As they were walking back through the streets, Beca couldn't help but keep her eyes glued to Chloe. Her face wasn't as sunken, and her eyes weren't as dull. She looked like Chloe.

Beca noticed they weren't holding hands. She really did miss the girls touch, so she slipped her hand in Chloe's slyly.

All thoughts of Noelle were out the window.

Chloe turned her head as they walked and saw Beca smiling at her.

"Hey, gorgeous."

Beca found herself feeling like she had to remind Chloe of just how beautiful she really was, since she knew Chloe didn't feel it. Who wold feel beautiful after what Chloe's endured?

Chloe laughed breathy and shook her head. "Do you have to work tonight?"

"Oh, shit, I'm not sure. I'll find out," Beca said. She made a sharp turn around a corner, making Chloe squeak, "in the mean time, we are going out to dinner."

"Where?" Chloe asked. She gripped Beca's hand tighter, embracing the warmth.

"Well, definitely not the Italian place," Beca said, as Chloe giggled. "How about..." Beca looked around as they walked to see what restaurants were around. "How's this?" She asked as they abruptly stopped in front of a small cafe.

Chloe examined it and nodded. "Sure," she said.

They walked in and Beca dropped Chloe's hand so she could take off her coat, Chloe then realized she still had no coats, only sweaters and jackets.

It was crowded. And Chloe didn't like crowded places. They were waiting in the line if people who were also waiting. Chloe started to twist the back of her earrings, something she developed as a nervous habit, something about it calmed her. Then she began to shake lock her knees, then let them go. She hadn't even noticed she was doing either action until Beca said, "You ok?"

She replied with a curt nod, and then it was their turn.

"Hi, for two." Beca said.

The lady smiled, and grabbed two menus, leading them to a table. They were seated and Beca replied with a, "thank you,"

At first the noise didn't bother Chloe, at first she was glad to be there with Beca. They started aimlessly talking, having a flirty banter that Beca managed not to say anything to scare or worry Chloe with. And then for some reason, she smelt a certain smell. Not smoke exactly, but a definite smell. They had already ordered their food and were basically finished with eating when the smell became strong, and poignant. It was an odor more than anything. It was Toms smell.

Chloe looked around her, knowing it couldn't be Tom. It's not possible. He's in some prison in Arizona, and Chloe's in a cafe in New York with Beca. Seriously, not possible. But Chloe could smell it.

"Hey, gorgeous, what's wrong?" Beca said as she saw Chloe's go back into her shell that she was out of since her hair change.

Chloe's eyebrows furrowed and her mouth parted as she stated to breath heavily, "I'm fine."

"Chlo, what's wrong?" Beca asked, she placed her hand on Chloe's and looked into her eyes.

"I'm fine. I promise. Can we just go?"

Beca nodded. They stood up and Chloe pulled her bag out, "I have some money,"

Beca shook her head. "Nope," she stated, and handed the money to the man in the front. "Becs,"

"No, I told you this was my treat." Beca said as they waited for the change.

"But Becs, I can't just let you pay."

The man laughed, "I totally understand you honey, my boyfriend does the same thing when we go out."

Chloe's eyes widened and Beca only laughed. "See, honey. I'm just being the sweet girlfriend."

Chloe almost choked, her whatever that was going on stared to fade as Beca tried to lighten the mood, and it became pure anxiety. She knew Beca didn't like her. She knew she wasn't good enough for Beca even if the feelings were mutual. Wait, mutual? Her face was a deep red and she looked like she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.

Beca only laughed and thanked the man. They began to walk back to Chloe's apartment hand in hand, and she noticed how shy Chloe was about the whole ordeal, and Beca couldn't help but think that if that same situation would've happened in the past, Chloe would've gone to town with embarrassing her. And yeah, Beca did secretly wished the words he spoke were true, but in fact, they were nothing but a dying wish. And maybe, a wish was all they would ever be.