Chapter 15
Sunday - November 20th
Beca liked the outlook today. People tended to dislike the cloudy skies and the cooler temperature of winter. The season had connotations of misery and bleakness, apart from the small window that was Christmas. Other than that, winter was something people wanted to be over as soon as possible. They became more irritant because of it.
She loved winter. It wasn't some attempt to seem alternative or cool, she appreciated all the seasons for the unique atmosphere they brought with them. For someone who seemed a little cold and calculated to the outside world, she was surprised at how often she observed the intangible aspects of things.
For her, winter was a time of self-discovery. Her music tended to flourish during the cold months as she was trapped inside keeping warm on most days.
She stepped outside of her apartment at around nine o'clock in the morning. Her attire was a little on the conservative side for the weather, having opted for a pair of jeans, a red plaid shirt, a thin blue sweatshirt and a scarf. She had gone for comfort over practicality.
It was certainly cold, her breath creating visible puffs of gas before dissipating into the chilly breeze. Luckily, there was no snow or frost so she began walking briskly towards her destination.
Chloe.
It was time for an explanation.
Rain. Even in winter, Beca enjoyed the rain. She wasn't one for believing in coincidences or signs but the rain was usually a positive. It rained on the day that Chloe started snuggling her feet against the brunette's. It rained on the day that Chloe told her that she liked her smell. It rained on the day when she realized that she was attracted to Chloe, the love bite imprinted into her memories and still burning against her skin despite it having faded weeks ago.
She didn't speed up or try to cover herself from the water soaking into her clothing and running against her skin. The cooling effect was welcome and liquid helped to calm her nerves.
There was no need to rush. For once, she wasn't panicking.
There was a redheaded girl she had grown extremely fond of that was probably worrying about her. It was just in her nature to worry about the people she cared about. Beca needed to speak to this girl.
She arrived shortly at Chloe's apartment building and made her way up the stairs, dripping all over the wooden floor. Early in the morning, the whole place was rather quiet. The floorboards made slight creaking sounds against her weight.
Chloe's apartment had a wooden door. For a while now, she hadn't needed to knock on it. In fact, she didn't need to knock now. There was a key in her pocket, one the redhead had given her weeks ago.
She chose to knock.
Shuffling and muttering could be heard from behind it before it opened abruptly.
Chloe stood in front of her. She had a hand over one eye rubbing it, clearly having just woken up. Beca loved the older girl's morning mood. When they were together, she would complain that the other girl was lazy and refused to get out of bed. The sight in front of her made her want to grab ahold of Chloe's hand and take her back to the bedroom.
She had been so distracted by seeing Chloe's face again that she failed to notice something further down immediately. The older girl was wearing one of Beca's shirts. It was teal. She had not gone to collect her clothing, which had been piling up, from the redhead's apartment.
The redhead was clearly surprised by her arrival.
"Hey, Chloe," Beca said. "Could I come in? I want to talk to you." Her words came out slowly but there no hesitation.
"You're always welcome here, Beca." It was a reminder that she was the one that ran away but Chloe hadn't delivered it in a spiteful way.
She was still being accepted, even with her mistakes.
The first few tentative steps into the apartment brought her warmth. It was nice to be in this familiar setting again. She made her way to the couch and settled down against it. Chloe went over to the heater and turned it on, causing the faint whisper of water flowing to be heard.
She joined Beca shortly afterwards. It took a moment for either of them to speak but they looked at each other. "Just tell me what's going on, Becs." Her tone wasn't demanding. She was pleading.
"I-I'm sorry it took so long," Beca said.
"It's okay."
Chloe could have been angry, she had every right to be. Yet she was asking for an explanation and using the nickname she had given Beca. The brunette wanted to move across and embrace the other woman.
"I've never had a friend like you, Chloe," she said. It was difficult to decide on just what she wanted to say. There was so much to cover and it all felt like it was going to tumble out.
She continued, not over analyzing her words and just speaking from her heart. "You understand me like no one else. It's almost unfair because you seem to have me figured out yet I'm still discovering new things about you every day."
Her wet clothing was starting to soak the heat from her body. She began to shiver, now playing with her thumbs. "You care about me, even when I push you away, I find you nearby. You're always there for me. I've never been this close with anyone before."
She looked directly at Chloe, letting herself be taken in by the bright blue of the redhead's eyes. Her confidence was returning to her slowly as she became more sure of what she wanted to say.
"You make me happy."
Beca wasn't convinced she was voicing her thoughts properly. She knew that her feelings and emotions regarding other people were sometimes hard to determine. She didn't need to tell Chloe that she made her happy, the older girl already knew that. The reason for the statement was to show that her happiness was more than just a blip of joy, born out of the circumstances. It was a significant part of her life.
"You're my best friend," she continued. "Something I didn't know I needed until I met you."
Again, Chloe didn't need to be told this. Beca just wanted to highlight its importance. The younger girl also found herself enjoying the way it sounded.
"You're an amazing person, Chloe. You're kind, loving and passionate. You fight for the things you love and love with all you can give. It's an admirable trait that makes you open to heartbreak but you're willing to take the risk because you've figured out that the rewards far outway them. It's something everyone else could learn from."
"You make it easier to see the parts about myself that I like."
The rain outside had stopped. The storm clouds above couldn't block out all of the light and which resulted in a dimly lit room that felt cozy. She started to feel warm as the heater began to take effect. Chloe's gaze was still on her. She knew that the redhead would be happy with a simple explanation but that wasn't why she came here.
"I don't know what you saw in me on that first day but I'm glad you made the effort. Otherwise, I'd have gone back to the sales department, having thought I had messed up another opportunity for a relationship. I'd still be alone."
She came here because she wanted the girl sitting next to her to know just how important she was to the brunette.
"Beca, you still haven't told me why you ran."
"I know." She looked away from Chloe. Nights had been spent not sleeping worrying about this truth coming out and now she was going to just spill it here. Unlike before, she was happy to do it but it didn't make the thoughts of the possible outcomes go away.
She took a deep breath and began. "Recently, I've been having these strange feelings. I realized that they were to do with you," she said. "I became scared of them, thinking they would ruin our friendship if I ever voiced them aloud."
"For the past few weeks, those feeling have been growing more and more. Every little interaction we had made them more apparent, to the point where I couldn't brush it off as something else. It's why I ran. I hoped that the distance would help to make my feelings disappear."
"They didn't. In the need to get rid of my feelings, I forgot who I was running from. It was only when I remembered did I realize that I wasn't supposed to be afraid."
Beca's eyes focused on Chloe, she didn't want to falter or back away now.
"Chloe, I'm in love with you."
An intense sense of relief came first at the confession. She had put herself out into the open knowing full when she was open to heartbreak but she did it anyway. Because she didn't want to regret not trying. Even if things didn't work out, she had learned to take risks. And it was all thanks to Chloe.
"I don't care if you can't love me in the same way. I just want you in my life," she finished.
The seconds ticked by, no response coming from the other girl. She just continued to stare.
A sense of dread began to infect Beca. This had been the outcome she had been worried about. To be completely shut out. Tears started to well in her eyes as the silence continued. She didn't want to avert her eyes just yet. Truth be told, she probably deserved this. She had run away and there had to be consequences. Her ability to understand didn't make the sharp pain in her chest any less difficult.
"Chloe, please say something," she begged.
Tears began to trail down her already wet skin. She started blinking and finally looked away.
"You're soaked." Chloe's voice suddenly broke through. She moved closer to Beca, grabbing her hand. "And freezing." Quick motions were executed as the redhead delicately removed the scarf. She wasn't making eye contact with the smaller girl who was busy trying to stop the tears still coming down her face.
Next, the sweatshirt, which was pulled apart and Beca's arms helped out of.
Beca expected rejection to hurt but not this badly. She couldn't stop the tears. Not only was she heartbroken, but she had possibly alienated her friend in the process. It was her fault entirely.
Fingers, warm and light could be felt on her face. They began to wipe away the droplets cascading down. The comforting touch was a surprise and she turned to look at Chloe.
Warm lips pressed against her own. The cold she felt before was quickly forgotten as a transfer of heat started to take place. Arms, soft and familiar wrapped around her neck, pulling her closer to the other girl. This close together, she could feel the water from her clothing diffusing with the thin absorbent fabric of Chloe's shirt.
Chloe was warm. So comfortably warm. The difference in temperature between their bodies made every point of contact that much more apparent as they melted together. Her arms slipped around Chloe's waist and she let out an involuntary moan into the kiss.
It turned out to be a mistake, her mouth opened a little and she soon felt the older girl's tongue slip in. The euphoric feeling was instant as she accommodated the new sensation. Chloe's hands moved into Beca's hair as her fingers ran through the dark locks.
For the few moments that this lasted, Beca allowed herself to enjoy it, forgetting about what would happen afterwards. For the past two weeks, she had been worried about the future and never gave enough time to think about experience the now. She was going to start today.
They broke contact when the need for air became clear, both taking heavy breaths as they disconnected. Beca looked at Chloe to see that she was smiling, the first the brunette had received in two weeks.
"I'm in love with you too, Beca." Her words were clear and her eyes were striking, once again showing their vulnerability.
She kissed her again, this time Beca was faster to react. The second kiss was just as sweet as the first with almost a reassuring quality to it. The brunette had trouble keeping her mind from going numb between touch of Chloe's lips and the words that had come out of her mouth. They kept repeating themselves in her head and she hoped she hadn't misheard.
"Please don't cry, I hate it when you cry. You're forgiven, Beca." Her words were hypocritical as the other girl could see her blinking more, trying to clear the droplets that were forming on her eyes.
Beca pulled her against her chest where Chloe moved up to start peppering kisses on her neck. The brunette could feel the tears escape the redhead's eyes and dampen her neck, along with the gentle touch of her lips.
"I-I've been in love with you for a while. I should have said something. That way, y-you might not have ran," she said.
Beca's embrace began a little firmer. "You're not allowed to blame yourself for this," she replied. "I acted without considering your feelings. I was selfish and as much as you like to tell me that some things are out of my control or not my fault, this one is. So please don't carry an unnecessary burden."
Chloe sniffed and nuzzled against her neck. "I'm so glad you're back. I-I missed you so much." She had abandoned trying to hide her emotions, a foolish idea considering the circumstances. "I know you're cold but could we stay like this for a little longer." Moving her legs up, she sat at Beca's lap. "I'll try and keep you warm."
Beca didn't argue. In fact, the cold was completely forgotten. She was where she belonged.
"You mean so much to me, Beca."
"I'm so sorry, Chloe."
"It's okay. It really is."
Monday - November 21st
Their second night reunited.
The first day had been spent on the couch under the blanket. They quickly got reacquainted with each other, making up for the lost time. Chloe wasn't really sure it was happening. She didn't move from Beca's lap for several hours, constantly kissing her as they cuddled. They both ended up falling asleep there.
She needed to keep a hold of Beca that day. The joy she was feeling was something she had been without for a while and she didn't want it to end. It felt surreal and she worried that she would suddenly wake up.
Her lack of contact with the other girl had made her want to make up for every missed kiss and lingering touch.
She worried she was overwhelming the brunette. But each kiss was returned with the same passion it was delivered. She was delicate and tender, never backing away.
Their first night started slowly, both letting the other know that they were nervous. Each understood where the other was coming from. This type of intimacy with someone close to you is important and there's more fear involved because you don't want to scare them away. At the same time, she trusted Beca with her heart.
She had eased Beca into it, starting with simple kisses and touches. It was an attempt to relax the younger girl and let her know that she loved her. The brunette became confident shortly afterwards and their nerves dissipated when they remembered who they were with.
It was simply another expression of love. One that Chloe knew she wouldn't forget.
Every heated kiss.
Every nervous touch.
Falling asleep in her soulmate's arms.
There was less pressure tonight. Work got in the way of them seeing each other during the day. It had been a frustrating couple of hours. She had rushed home, completely exhausted and collapsed on top of Beca who had been home an hour earlier. The two of them made peanut butter sandwiches and watched television until night came, happy to take things slowly.
She put on one Beca's shirts, the ones that had been left behind and crawled into bed next to her new girlfriend.
"Why did you keep them?" Beca asked, pointing at the shirt. Her question wasn't invalid.
"What did you expect me to do?" Chloe questioned.
"Throw them out, return them. Something other than wearing them."
She took ahold of Beca's hand and squeezed. "To throw them out would mean that I wanted to forget you. Beca, even if you hadn't come back, my memories of you would have always been happy. I didn't throw them out because I never regretted meeting you, spending time with you. Loving you."
She leaned forward and kissed her. It felt so nice to be able to do that. The contact a reminder that the other person was there.
Beca smiled. She then turned and reached down the side of the bed and pulled out her bag. Unzipping it, she took out a small wooden box, the one with the ocarina.
"I've been playing it from time to time, more often recently. It reminded me of you," she said. "I'm still not amazing but I managed to write a song. It's about you."
Chloe knew how important this was to Beca. Up until now, she hadn't heard any of the musician's work and she hadn't pushed, knowing that she would get to hear it when the time was right.
Beca carefully placed the instrument between her lips. She looked towards Chloe for a moment before her eyes seemed to zone out. Fingers took their place over the tiny holes on the surface. Her chest pushed up as she took in air and the first note could be heard.
The sound was light initially combined with extended notes that conveyed a longing. The length of the notes shortened as the song progressed until the middle, where they came out in chipper bursts. Chloe couldn't hide her smile at the way Beca played. She looked so peaceful and confident with the ocarina, like a medieval bard.
As the song neared its conclusion, it began to slow again but the chipper notes were still present, a combination of the beginning and the middle. They intertwined beautifully, the sweet little sugar drops of sound drowned momentarily by the rich chocolatey notes only to have them be laid on top again.
Suddenly, Beca's grip seemed to tighten. The next few notes didn't sound right. The smaller girl's eyes widened.
"Sorry, I still need pr-"
The redhead cut her off with a kiss. "That was beautiful."
She stared into Beca's eyes. "I love you, Beca."
"I love you too."
Chloe didn't need to hear it said. She just liked hearing it. Beca's song sounded like it. She liked that Beca didn't hesitate to say it, always looking straight at her, those hypnotizing sharp blue eyes creating a sense of security.
"How is the book going?"
Beca remembered.
"I've nearly finished it."
The brunette started packing away the instrument. "The ending?" she asked. It was a regular question but there was some apprehension that came with the delivery.
"Clarissa falls in love with Beverly."
"That's it?"
"You'll have to read the rest to find out."
Beca seemed unaffected by the lack of an answer. "It's got a happy ending," she said.
Chloe pouted, a little disappointed that she had guessed so easily. "How do you know? Happy endings are predictable. I might have written something crazy."
"You and I both know that artists don't create things to please others. They wouldn't avoid a happy ending just because it was predictable. That misses the point of art. Having a unique story is important but a unique story and a happy ending are not mutually exclusive," Beca countered. "You know all this, you're just trying to throw me. Besides, that wasn't what gave it away."
"What was it?" Chloe asked, her curiosity peaked.
"You wrote it. There was no way the first book you wrote was going to have an unhappy ending."
She smiled, amused at Beca's observation.
"I was going to dedicate it to you, for believing in me."
Beca laid her head on her pillow. Chloe cuddled into her, placing her head just above the other girl's chest. From here, she could hear her heartbeat. It was steady and soothing.
She shot up from her position, surprising the smaller girl. Looking down, she gazed at her girlfriend.
Beca was looking back up at her. "What's wrong, Chlo?"
"Nothing. Nothing is wrong." Chloe returned to the embrace.
Everything is perfect.
Tuesday - November 22nd
Clearly Chloe was cursed. To forever wallow in work partners who were late for the job. She didn't mind Jake. He was efficient and not boring. There wasn't much more she could ask for. Right now, punctual seemed appropriate.
Storming into Luke's office couldn't become one of her things. It was a lame characteristic that she didn't want to be defined by, no matter how much fun undermining his authority was.
Sighing, she prepared to get up from her desk when she felt a tap on the shoulder.
"Hi, I'm Beca. I think I'm your partner."
She whipped around in her chair immediately and was rendered speechless. Beca stood in front of her with her regular black blazer and skirt combo. There was a big grin on her face and she was carrying two cups of hot liquid.
She sat down next to Chloe. "I got us some tea. You seem really nervous and tea always helps me with that."
Seconds later, with the redhead still not having said a word, she found herself unable to even try as she felt Beca's lips on her.
"I find the best way to deal with awkwardness is to kiss my girlfriend. Over and over again."
Chloe giggled and kissed back.
"How are you here?" she asked.
"Luke's a pushover. I convinced him to give me back my job. He seemed happy about it so I'm not too beat up about forcing him" Beca said nonchalantly.
The two of them reorganized their desk back to way it had been before. Bad Trombonist was taken out of a drawer and placed back to be seen.
Soon it was time to return to work. Despite the time spent apart, she found her bare feet massaging Beca's under the desk. The rest of the workday was spent catching up on the projects missed. For Chloe, it was a reminder of just how much her work was improved by the presence of the smaller girl.
Beca had already dealt with HR so there weren't any worries about public displays of affection and Chloe took every opportunity to indulge in them. Most people didn't seem perturbed. In fact, no one seemed to bat an eyelid, the earlier rumors had clearly had an effect.
As there work day came to a close, she hugged Beca as the brunette shut her computer down. Even with the other girl back at work, she had been reluctant to do anything. She just wanted to enjoy her girlfriend's company. Beca didn't appear to be unresponsive to that desire, willing to abandon work at a moment's notice.
"Thank you, for accepting me back," she said to Chloe.
"Don't thank me. This was all just an excuse to-" She wanted to joke about the incident but it didn't seem right at the time. "You were never going to be rejected, Becs."
Beca took her hand and walked out of the building together. The redhead pressed herself against Beca's side the whole way through the office, down the elevator and onto the street, a big smile plastered across her face the whole time.
The sky was bright and clear despite being the start of winter.
She was rather hoping for a bit of rain.
"You should move in with me," Chloe said.
She had spent more than a few hours thinking about this. The positives were obvious. Beca wouldn't be paying rent on an apartment she wasn't living in. She would be close at all times. The time apart had made the place lifeless. With Beca, It would become more than just Chloe's apartment. It would be their first home.
They were in the living room listening to music. Chloe was ironing and folding clothes. Beca was going through a mountain of paper consisting of bills, things from work and her music notes. At the utterance of the older girl's sentence, her head turned sharply.
"Isn't that a little fast? We only got together a couple of days ago."
"So?" Chloe had been prepared for resistance. Usually it would be difficult to convince Beca to go forward with something like this but not this time. She simply had to make the younger girl see reason.
"Well, they say you shouldn't move in too quickly with your significant other. It can get messy."
"That's because it's a change in the dynamic of the relationship. We've been living together for the past few months without any problems. Is there anything that you could do at your place that you can't do here?" Chloe argued.
"No." Beca averted her eyes, back to the pile of paper. "I just don't want to mess things up. Regardless of how much time I spend here, it becomes something different when we make it official."
"You're right," Chloe replied. "But I believe we can make it work."
Beca opened her mouth, looking to say something before shutting it immediately.
"You know you can tell me anything, Becs."
"Are you worried that I'm going to run away from you again?"
Chloe shook her head. "No, I trust you," she said. "Whenever you have a problem, I just want you to run to me."
Beca looked to be contemplating the idea.
"Okay," she said finally.
"My home feels empty without you, Beca. Because it's not my home, it's ours."
With that, she moved over to Beca and gave her a kiss before returning to her work.
Beca was a supportive, gentle soul, more complex than her outward experience. She cared, deeply, about the people in her life which was why Chloe found it strange that Beca had been as alone as she was. The brunette was naturally protective and put the needs of others before herself, almost to a fault.
She didn't take anything for granted, always cherishing their moments together. When they talked, Chloe was at ease. Her thoughts were considered and respected. As was her affection.
She didn't feel like she needed to prove something to Beca. The other girl was just happy to be with her. Actually, it felt like Beca was there because she wanted to be. Her introverted nature meant she rarely showed affection for others. It was a strength and a weakness in a sense.
Because Beca was so unpracticed at love, she was unable to hide her sincerity and her affection came out like a flood.
Chloe loved her, wanted her close.
Saturday - November 26th
The smell of the beef slow cooking in the oven began to float past her nose and through the open window in the cold midday air. Stacie was busy chopping up vegetables while Aubrey peeled them by her side. From here, they could see out into the street and the park, just high enough off the ground that the people were distinct but the sound of the street minimal.
"Here they come," Aubrey said, pointing the peeler at the pair on the street.
They were both wrapped up in thick coats and scarves. Beca was carrying a tray covered in tin foil, Chloe's arm linked with hers. They were talking animatedly with smiles on their faces.
"They look so adorable together," Stacie commented.
After finding out about the two of them getting together, Stacie demanded that they all have lunch together. It was a cold weekend and she and Aubrey didn't have anything planned which meant they were in danger of staying in bed past midday. She had awoken early in the morning and started preparing the roast only to be tackled into a hug by Aubrey who woke up shortly afterwards.
Truthfully, they both wanted to see Beca and Chloe again. The redhead had been in a miserable mood for the past two weeks and they hadn't seen Beca at all. It would be good to give them a congratulatory meal. She worried that becoming couples would mean that they saw less of each other. Aubrey didn't see it that way but was more than happy to have them for lunch.
Soon, a knock on the door signalled that the two of them had arrived. Stacie continued chopping while Aubrey went to the door.
"Hey, you guys," she said.
"Hey," the two of them said in unison.
Beca handed the tray to the blonde. "We baked a cake. It's our second attempt so it's better than you're going to expect it to be but still not great."
Chloe rolled her eyes and moved into the apartment walking over to Stacie.
"Hey, Stace."
"Hey, you. How are things?"
The redhead smiled before she reached down into the sink and started peeling.
"Good. Really good."
Stacie turned around to face the other two girls. "Bree, could you go get some carrots and some peas? We're out."
Aubrey nodded and grabbed her coat from the hook.
"I'll go with her," Beca said.
As soon as the two shut the door, Stacie dropped her knife and pulled Chloe into a suffocating hug. The other girl was caught by surprise and unable to return the hug, her arms pinned to her sides.
"You did it," Stacie shouted.
Chloe giggled. "No, we did it. Now loosen up so I can breathe," she begged.
The brunette quickly complied which allowed Chloe to return the embrace. She hadn't seen her friend in nearly a week, the last time Chloe had looked miserable. Now, she looked so happy that Stacie found it hard to contain herself. They had both managed to get the girl.
"I have something for you," Chloe said. She walked back to her coat and pulled out a stack of papers. Her walk back was a little slower and she seemed anxious to be rid of the item in her hand.
She handed it to Stacie. It felt thick and heavy in her hand, at least one hundred pages. The top page was white with a black font. It read 'Intertwined Fingers and Raindrops by Chloe Beale'.
"It's my book, at least the first draft of it. Beca has been reading it and insisted that I make a copy for the two of you," the redhead said.
Stacie could tell that she was nervous about it just from her eyes. "Thank you, Chloe." She attempted to turn the cover page when Chloe's hand came down harshly on it.
"Can you not read it while I'm here? It's embarrassing."
Stacie raised her eyebrow. "Why?"
Chloe sighed. "Because it's terrible," she replied. "And it's about Beca and me."
"Now I'm even more excited to read it. Plus I doubt it's that bad. Beca has good taste, it's probably pretty good," Stacie reassured.
"You and Aubrey are in it, I hope you don't mind."
The brunette smiled. "Not at all. What am I in it?"
She could see Chloe's eyes light up as she became a little more confident in her work. "Your name in the book is Suzanne and you work at the local hospital as a doctor. Aubrey's name is Andrea. She works for the town council."
Stacie looked down at the book. "It's got a happy ending, doesn't it?"
The frown that formed on Chloe's face was instant. "Not you too. I'm not that predictable, goddamnit!" she shouted causing the other girl to chuckle.
"Hey, predictably and a unique-" Stacie's replied was cut off by a hand over her mouth.
"I've already been through this with Beca, you two can laugh about my work in your own time."
"For such an optimistic person, you have no faith in your writing."
Instead of a verbal response, Stacie found herself in another hug, Chloe's head now resting on her shoulder. It caught her by surprise.
"Thanks for supporting me, with everything," Chloe whispered.
The taller girl hugged back, her eyes closing and letting herself enjoy their moment. "You helped me too, remember. It's not difficult helping a friend, I'd do it again in a heartbeat."
They remained like that for a while, just enjoying a peaceful moment. A secret rendezvous after a successful mission.
Stacie's worry of losing touch with her friend melted away. Chloe had included her in the book, a sign that the brunette wasn't just a passing acquaintance.
They would be lifelong friends, preserved in writing.
Sunday - November 27th
Early morning. The pair had decided to spend the first few hours of the day in bed. There was a sudden lack of urgency in their lives and time seemed to move at a much slower rate. Winter mornings continued to be cold so staying in bed with a warm body next to them was more than pleasant.
Beca was using her laptop to type out an email to her landlord. To explain that she wasn't going to be a tenant anymore. A couple of sentences were all that could be considered work for her today. Chloe sat beside her, snuggling up to her side while proofreading her book. Both their legs were underneath the blanket and she could feel the heat radiating from the redhead through the thin layers of their pyjamas.
She couldn't help but think about how perfect this was.
They were no longer alone. She had found her soulmate. No matter how difficult things became, Chloe was waiting for her to run into her arms. A loving touch, a comforting warmth. She would wake up next to her every morning, their bodies tangled together, trying to become one.
She felt needed. There was someone that relied on her just as she relied on them. Becoming dependant on each other wasn't a weakness. It actually made them stronger, allowing them to take risks knowing that there was someone to catch them if they fall.
Beca never realized she had so much love in her heart. Every moment with Chloe made it more obvious. She wasn't fully sure how to utilize it but she was looking forward to learning, to showing Chloe just how much she loved her. There would be more unsure moments where she would stumble through something but Chloe always saw her intention. Besides, the other girl was going to outdo her at every turn but she would have fun trying to keep up. It was nice knowing that Chloe wanted her love, whatever kind of love Beca was willing to give.
Life was no longer something she trudged through. Where every day felt roughly the same and the hours ticked by so quickly. A drab existence before she faded into oblivion.
There were discernable moments now, all full of color, implanted in her memory.
She was loved. Chloe's love and affection were nothing like she had ever had before. There were moments where she wasn't sure she was fully appreciating it and times when she felt like there had been a mistake and she wasn't supposed to be getting loved like this. If Chloe were to hear her voice thoughts like that, the older girl would prove her wrong in seconds. It wasn't just Chloe's love that she was unfamiliar with, it was the idea that she deserved it. And Beca was slowly beginning to accept it.
She was happy.
With each other, they were truly themselves. Free of judgement, not having to worry about perception. Safe in the knowledge that they were understood.
Chloe would hold her hand, Beca would interlock their fingers. And they'd step out into the rain, walking slowly. Happy to be with the other.
"What are you thinking about?" Chloe asked.
"You, mostly," Beca said with a smile.
Reaching across, she took one of Chloe's hands catching the other girl's attention. The laptop was shut and the book dropped onto the bed. The redhead was pulled onto Beca's lap where she snuggled against her.
Chloe's hand pressed onto the brunette's shoulders and she looked directly at her. Eyes closed moments later and lips pressed against each other. Beca kissed back, her hands gently cascading down the older girl's back.
"Are you worried about something?" Chloe asked.
"No, I'm just really happy and I'm trying to take it all in."
Chloe's half-awake morning eyes gained a sudden amount of clarity.
"Beca, I'm not sure where life is going to lead me," she said. "But I want you with me every step of the way." Her words were sincere, sounding like they came out after much thought.
"As long as you're there, I don't care where we go."
The End
Thanks for reading!
I can't believe I actually finished it. When I was planning it, I didn't even think I would start writing it so I'm happy I've gotten here. I hope you guys are happy with the ending. I tried to cover everything I wanted to and tied up any loose ends.
I'm disappointed that I have to stop writing these characters here because I've grown attached to them. If you guys are interested in an epilogue, I'd be happy to write one. I've got all kinds of ideas running in my head already. In fact, I probably will write one just because I want to.
This was my attempt at a fanfic and I'm really glad I decided to give it a go because it's a really rewarding experience. At times, it can get a frustrating when dealing with things like writer's block or constant real-life interruptions but it's ultimately worth.
I'm planning on writing another multi-chapter fic at some point but only after I look at some material on improving my creative writing techniques and enlarging my vocabulary. I want my next fic to be an actual step up.
In the meantime, I've got a bunch of one-shots I want to do. Currently, I have 10 one shot ideas, 2 of which are partially written, 2 that are fully planned, 2 that are partially planned and 4 that are just a single sentence idea.
I'd like to thank JustLettie, Slopopina, Baby Darth Dalloway, wolveswithoutteeth, Joshifer4Everlark, until its gone, Tasha1996, FaithSlayerL and kendricksnowhuh for their reviews.
Since this is the last chapter, I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed, favorited and followed the fic throughout. You've all been wonderful and given me the motivation to continue and make my writing better. I'm disappointed that I'm not going to have a reason to message you guys anymore. You're all amazing!
And for the last time, the chapter specific cover images are up on my tumblr, I didn't have much time to work on them as I wanted to get the chapter write and I've sorta run out of ideas for them anyway but I've enjoyed doing them regardless.