Sometimes an Angel is found in the dark. - K. Webster
After waking up in Beca's apartment, Aubrey and the brunette seemed to come to a mutual agreement. Not a friendship exactly, but any animosity was gone.
Chloe and Aubrey found themselves spending time together outside of the coffee shop visits and often including Beca in outings. Chloe and Beca would drag the blonde out for drinks occasionally or to some up and coming new artist that Beca was following. Aubrey even found herself starting to enjoy the snarky brunette's company.
It was on one of their stops at a local bar that Chloe noticed Aubrey nervously glancing from between the friends to the bar. The usually composed woman even spilled her beer at one point. "Shit, I'm sorry." she muttered, wiping up the spill with their napkins.
"Hey, it's no big deal." The redhead replied, scooting the wet napkins to the edge of their table. "What's up, everything ok?"
Aubrey glanced sideways at Chloe who was gazing at her with a questioning look on her face. The blonde shrugged, embarrassed when Beca also took notice.
"It's nothing." Aubrey said quietly. "It's just that guy-"
"What guy, what'd he do?" Beca interrupted. "Do I need to lay him out?"
The blonde rolled her eyes and smirked. "Easy tiger. He's a huge dork, no need to sweep the leg. He's just…from that grief group I used to go to, his name is Benji."
Chloe followed Aubrey's line of sight where she saw the man on the other side of the bar. She needn't have followed Aubrey's eye though, she could spot him herself. She should have spotted him sooner. The faint swirl of black that seemed to follow his every move. She knew that blackness. He had made his choice, he was lost.
"He's the one who upset you that night isn't he?" Chloe asked, eerily still as she kept her gaze on him.
Aubrey and Beca both noticed the shift in the redhead's mood.
"Um, yeah." Aubrey replied quietly.
Beca narrowed her eyes at her friend and turned to glance at the man over her shoulder. He looked perfectly normal to her. But she knew that look on Chloe's face.
Aubrey couldn't help but wonder what Chloe saw in Benji. She hadn't discussed what the man had proposed. It was too far-fetched to even mention. But the way the redhead was eyeing Benji, it was almost as if she already knew. And clearly did not approve.
Beca and Aubrey attempted to make small talk but the mood of the night had clearly changed. Chloe joined in the conversation when directly engaged but for the most part followed Benji's every move silently. Aubrey was unnerved at seeing the usually bright and cheerful woman so still and subdued.
"Whew, boy, I'm beat." Beca finally said, louder than necessary. "We should just pack it in and head home I think."
Aubrey once again glanced to her right where she saw Chloe narrow her eyes and purse her lips. Finally the redhead nodded. "Yeah, let's go."
Chloe was the first to stand from the booth, again never letting her gaze drop from Benji. Beca and Aubrey stood up behind her, both turning toward the exit.
"Ya know what," Chloe said, suddenly showing more energy than she had all night, "you two go on to the car, I'll meet you there. Gotta hit the little girls room."
"Chloe-"
"It's fine Beca, I'm right behind you." The redhead flashed them both a bright smile as she seemed to be waiting for them to leave. "I'll just be a sec."
Beca clenched her jaw, once again tossing a glance toward the boring looking man seated at the bar. She finally nodded and looped an arm through Aubrey's, helping guide her toward the exit.
Chloe waited for them to slip through the door before she turned on her heel and strode up to the man, still with the faint black mist surrounding him.
"Who are you working with?" She asked lowly when she stepped up behind him.
"I'm sorry, what?" Benji turned, a smile on his face. Until he met Chloe's fierce gaze and he seemed to freeze. "Um…I don't-do I know you?"
"Stay away from her."
"Look, miss-"
"Don't 'miss' me!" Chloe hissed. "I'm really sorry for whatever happened in your life to make you end up where you have. I don't know, but maybe it's not too late for you. Maybe you can still turn back from this path. But either way…stay the fuck away from Aubrey. You can't have her. And I will end anyone, or anything , that tries to drag her into the blackness."
Benji swallowed thickly and Chloe could swear she saw both fear and sadness flicker through his eyes. She felt badly for him, she did. But he made his choice, free will. "Stay away from her."
The redhead turned on her heel and strode out of the bar towards the car. Aubrey and Beca were both standing by it, waiting for her to rejoin.
"You ok there?" Beca asked, almost timidly.
"Yep, just fine." Chloe replied, forcing a bright smile to her face. Without another word, she swiped the keys from the brunette's hand and slid into the driver's seat.
xxxx
The following morning, Choe came for her coffee and pastry as usual. But both Aubrey and Emily could sense a shift.
Chloe was every bit as friendly but she seemed almost on guard, her eyes shifting from customer to customer continuously.
"I hope she's ok." Emily finally said softly as they both watched the redhead sitting off in the darker, cozier section of the shop where she could keep an eye on everyone who came and went, only half of her pastry touched.
Aubrey pursed her lips. "Me too. Maybe I should…check on her."
"Please?" Emily urged. "It's just unnatural and you two seem to have gotten pretty close."
"We do?"
Emily looked at Aubrey as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.. The blonde pinched the bridge of her nose with a sigh. "Just yell if you need me to come back and help cover."
The younger woman glanced around the shop, the customers either taking their purchases and leaving or sitting quietly. No one was waiting to be served. "I think I got it."
Aubrey rolled her eyes but squared her shoulders and slipped from behind the counter. As she approached, Chloe was absentmindedly spinning her paper coffee cup in her hands and glancing from customer to customer. She barely noticed Aubrey approaching. When she did, a genuine smile split her face.
"Hi!"
Aubrey found herself returning the smile, surprised at the small amount of relief she felt at the sight of it. "Hey, can I sit?"
"Of course, you don't even have to ask!"
Aubrey smiled again and gracefully dropped into the chair across from the redhead. "You seem a little…subdued this morning. Everything alright? And remember, you're not allowed to lie."
Chloe opened her mouth to reply but quickly closed it, a wry grin on her face. "Excellent point."
The blonde chuckled and nodded, then crossed her arms and leaned forward on the table expectantly.
"Well…" Chloe began, seeming uncharacteristically unsure of herself. "What did Benjji say…or do, the other night to upset you?"
"Oh, is that all?" Aubrey said with a sigh, leaning back from the table and glancing back over her shoulder to where Emily was emptying spent coffee grinds. "Geez, I was actually worried about you for a second there."
"Aubrey," Chloe said softly, almost urgently.
The blonde snapped her gaze back to the redhead, unused to anything other than exuberant, confidence from the other woman. She shifted closer again to the other woman, giving her full attention.
"What did Benji say that upset you?"
Aubrey exhaled slowly. "Seriously Chloe, it was nothing important."
The look on Chloe's face told Aubrey that the redhead wasn't buying her explanation.
"I don't even believe him so it doesn't matter." Aubrey muttered, once again glancing around to be certain no one was around to overhear.
"Please Aubrey," Chloe replied softly. "Please tell me. No matter how crazy or mental you think this all is. I need to know."
The blonde met Chloe's concerned gaze and sighed. "It is crazy. I don't believe in any of this…bullshit."
Chloe leaned closer, her face the picture of seriousness. "Aubrey, please. What did Benjji say to you?"
Aubrey clenched her jaw and sighed again. She cast her gaze toward the ceiling before finally meeting Chloe's worried gaze. "He said I could see Caleb again, ok?!" she exclaimed in a hushed whisper. "He said he could help me undo and fix what happened. But I don't fucking believe him. Just like I don't fucking believe you're an actual angel. You may be one of the best people I've ever met, and you may have this uncanny ability to make me feel safe and to get me to open up. And you may make me hate life just a little bit less…But that doesn't mean I believe you're what you think you are. I don't believe in any of that shit! Ok?"
Chloe reached for one of Aubrey's hands, squeezing gently. "Ok, ok. I hear you. But Aubrey…I need you to promise me something."
Aubrey clenched her jaw and quickly wiped away a tear with the hand Chloe wasn't grasping tightly. "What? Promise you what?"
Chloe reached for Aubrey's other hand and gazed intently back at the blonde. Aubrey felt her insides twist at the fierce gaze that met her own. "I need you to promise me that you'll stay away from him. I'm serious Aubrey…there are things at play…you may not believe in them, but I assure you they are very real. So if you have come to trust me at all, to care for me at all…Please be careful. What he's suggesting, it's serious and it is not a joke. Please."
Aubrey's stomach rolled uncomfortably as she processed the redhead's words. "Are you telling me you believe him? That he could actually help me get Caleb-"
"No!" Chloe hissed, surprising the other woman with her harsh reply. "No, Aubrey. He cannot take you to Caleb or bring Caleb to you, or anything else he promised you. He's lying . Or deceived. Promise me."
Aubrey thought back to the few short months of knowing Chloe. The redhead had never once been anything but kind and caring towards her. Aubrey trusted her, even if she was in need of a mental health evaluation.
"Ok." Aubrey replied softly, shifting and dropping one of her hands on top of Chloe's where she was still clasped tightly. "I promise. I quit going to group anyway. And besides, one otherworldly being in my life is enough for me."
Chloe's face split into a wide smile at the wink Aubrey tossed at the end. But she could tell Aubrey was being sincere. The redhead visibly relaxed. "Thank you."
"Sure."
They sat smiling at each other, neither willing to move. Until Aubrey realized she was gently stroking Chloe's knuckles with her thumb. The blonde felt a blush rising and gave Chloe's hand one final squeeze before pushing herself back to her feet and turning back toward the counter.
"See you tonight?" Chloe asked, almost shyly.
Aubrey stopped briefly and glanced back to the other woman, still smiling softly back at her. She nodded. "See you tonight."
xxxx
Chloe breathed deeply, enjoying the crisp air. She and Aubrey were enjoying a walk through the small park in town. Aubrey had agreed to give Emily more responsibility at the shop and had even hired a local college kid to help out. Chloe was thrilled the blonde was not slaving away at the shop at all hours anymore.
"Can I ask you a question?"
Chloe was pulled from her thoughts by Aubrey's question and nodded with a smile. "Of course you can."
"Where exactly did you get that jacket?" the blonde asked, smirking. "It's a great jacket. I've never seen one like it…the detail in the wings…the leather is like butter. Seriously, where did you find it?"
Chloe chuckled, immediately lifting her hand to toy with the round neck of the collar. "It was a gift. From my bosses."
Aubrey rolled her eyes. "Right… Them ."
The redhead chuckled again and nodded. "Yep, Them."
"Them." The blonde muttered. "You actually believe what you're saying is true, don't you?"
"I do. And I hope someday you will too."
"I hate organized religion." The blonde said harshly. "Christians-"
"Some of them really give us a bad name." Chloe agreed with a shrug. "But not all. But they are just a very small part. It's so much bigger than one denomination or even region of the world. It's so much bigger than we can even imagine."
Aubrey scoffed. "And what if I see God as a woman?" She asked in a challenging tone.
Chloe continued to smile that patient smile. "Awesome. If that's how you relate, then that's how you relate. This amazing, Almighty Being, is bigger than gender, Aubrey. Bigger than time or space. It's…love! And hope."
The blonde scoffed again and rolled her eyes, immediately thinking of Caleb and the monster who took him. It was as if Chloe could read her mind.
"But also justice." She insisted, coming to a stop and placing a hand on Aubrey's arm. "And judgment of the darkness, the evil. The person who took your boy will not go unpunished, I promise you that Aubrey."
The taller woman swallowed thickly. "And if he decides to turn to your light and love? What then? All is forgiven and he goes on his merry way?"
"Anyone can be forgiven of course but…It's safe to say, anyone who would do something like this, take a child from his loving mother, has already made their choice Aubrey. Already given themselves over to the darkness."
The blonde nodded and quickly wiped a stray tear and started walking again. Chloe fell into step next to her again.
"So, how many times have you done this?" Aubrey asked quietly. "Just shown up in someone's life and inserted yourself?"
Chloe snapped her gaze to the taller woman and could see the smirk playing on her lips. She felt relieved that the blonde was trying to turn the mood lighter instead of simply shutting down.
The redhead smiled and shrugged as they ambled along the path. "Countless times. I really have lost track. But it's not always like this. Sometimes I just pop in and remind someone that they're important and loved and that's it. Sometimes I get to stay longer. Depends on the situation."
"What's made me so important that I get my very own angel following me around day in and day out?"
Chloe chuckled again and stepped sideways, gently bumping the taller woman. "Because you are very loved."
Aubrey glanced at the shorter woman and quirked her brow. "Aren't we all God's children and all equally loved?"
"Of course." The redhead replied, still smiling. "But sometimes a special request gets through."
Aubrey once again came to stop and turned to eye Chloe. Her blue eyes were sparkling with mischief and Aubrey wanted to push for more information. But she didn't. Instead she clenched her jaw and signed.
"It's a nice fantasy Chloe, but it isn't real."
xxxx
"Please?"
"Beca, you know I'm not supposed to show anyone."
"But technically, I've already seen them." The brunette insisted. "So you're not breaking any new rule. And it's just us here. Please?"
Chloe sighed. Beca had a point. The smaller woman had already seen them, accidentally. She glanced around Beca's apartment. The blinds were drawn, they really were alone.
The redhead smirked and in an instant, wings unfurled, a shimmering silvery green. Beca squeaked and jumped backwards.
"Yep, still terrifying." Beca said, placing a hand over her heart to try and calm the beating.
Chloe placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at her new friend. "I prefer to think of them as awe inspiring, thank you very much."
Beca finally chuckled and seemed to relax. "Are they heavy?"
"Nope," the redhead replied, smiling in amusement. "They feel completely natural to me. They are part of me after all."
"It's so crazy that they're not white." The brunette said, eyeing them in wonder. "They always show angels in flowing white with white wings."
Chloe shrugged, still smiling. "Maybe someday…gotta work my way up to it. White wings are reserved for the big guys."
"These look much cooler." Chloe chuckled again as Beca circled her, taking in the sight of her outstretched wings. "Can I touch them?"
"Sure." Chloe responded, still chuckling. She drew her wings in closer to her shoulders, almost wrapping herself up in them as the brunette stepped toward her.
Beca reached and ran her hand through the countless feathers, a smile finally splitting her face. "Fucking awe inspiring, I can agree to that."
Chloe suddenly had a thought and reached toward her wing. She reached and plucked one feather, only wincing slightly at the sting. She twirled the silvery green feather between her fingers and then extended her hand to Beca, offering her the gift.
"Here," Chloe said softly. "The next time you're getting down on yourself thinking you're not giving back, because-"
"I know, I know," Beca interrupted with a fond smile. "Music is The Great Unifier and I'm sharing my gift and spreading love and light more than I'll ever know." She rolled her eyes having heard the speech from her friend now on countless occasions. But she still felt warmth spread every time she heard it.
"Exactly." Chloe said, the picture of seriousness. "So don't forget that. Keep this, maybe it'll help you remember."
Beca took the offered feather and held it almost reverently. "Thank you. I mean it, thank you for…everything."
Chloe smiled widely and nodded. As quickly as they appeared, her wings withdrew and she stretched, rolling her shoulders.
Beca ran a finger over the feather to the tip when she gasped and jerked her hand away. "Shit, dude. That thing is sharp!"
Chloe chuckled and nodded, watching as Beca again tentatively poked at the tip of the quill.
"Seriously, this thing could put an eye out!"
"Well stop poking at it." Chloe said laughing. "If you're afraid you're going to hurt yourself, I can take it back."
"No way." Beca replied. She smiled widely at her friend before slipping into her bedroom to deposit the feather onto her nightstand. "I'm thinking pizza tonight, you in?"
"Heck yes!" Chloe called from the next room. "Extra large!"
xxxx
Aubrey had to admit that her days and nights were almost pleasant. She still felt the crushing ache of losing Caleb. But didn't lash out in self defense or self preservation nearly as often.
Emily and Donald seemed to be keeping the shop running smoothly when she wasn't there. Aubrey had even given Emily her own set of keys and allowed her to open on occasion.
But the nights and closing up were for her and Chloe.
There was something about the other woman that Aubrey simply couldn't name. There was just something. Even Aubrey had to admit it was special. That she was special.
Chloe had even managed to get Aubrey to sing again. The two would blast music while they worked to clean and close up for the evening. It was quickly becoming Aubrey's favorite part of the day.
The two were breathless after dancing around laughing, singing along to the Broadway show tunes Chloe had picked for that night's cleaning. Aubrey felt a shiver at how well their voices blended in harmony as they sang.
"You have a really pretty voice." Chloe breathed, still trying to catch her breath.
The blonde found herself struggling to breathe for a different reason. Chloe was glowing, eyes shining. She was the picture of pure joy. Aubrey found herself aching to be wrapped up in the light that seemed to follow the redhead everywhere she went. For the first time in years, she wanted to be wrapped up in another person.
Aubrey didn't think. She simply closed the distance between them and kissed the shorter woman hungrily. Chloe squeaked in surprise but only paused for a moment before she dropped her hand's to Aubrey's hips and pushed the taller woman back against the counter, never breaking the kiss.
The blonde moaned and tipped her head back, allowing Chloe room to kiss down the column of her long neck. The redhead shifted, her thigh slipping between the taller woman's, applying just the right friction.
"Mmm-office." Aubrey muttered.
Chloe released from her spot, suckling the blonde's neck and pulled back just enough to meet Aubrey's gaze. Aubrey was certain Chloe's eyes had turned a shade darker, desire evident.
The shorter woman nodded but before Aubrey could take her by the hand to lead her back into the back office, Chloe reached and gripped the blonde's thighs, lifting her as if she weighed no more than a feather. She carried the startled woman back into the office, kicking the door closed behind them.
Chloe deposited Aubrey onto the desk and stepped closer, her fingers fumbling for the button of the blonde's jeans. Aubrey moaned. Chloe felt the rumbling of the moan deep into her own core and she crashed their lips together again.
Aubrey bucked when she finally, finally felt Chloe teasing her over the thin fabric of her panties. "Mmm, fuck."
Suddenly, Chloe stilled her hand and Aubrey could have cried. "Shit, Aubrey, is this ok?"
"What?" Aubrey muttered, her mind trying to keep up with the ever changing situation. "Of course-"
"I mean, I just kind of swooped you in here and I hope I didn't hurt you or scare you-consent is so important and really, it should be crystal clear-"
"Chloe!" Aubrey barked, startling the other woman into silence. "Chloe, I consent..to all the things. Please ."
The redhead groaned at the desperation she saw written on the other woman's face and roughly launched herself back at the blonde's lips. Aubrey wrapped an arm around Chloe's shoulders and held on, spreading her legs as best she could from her position pinned to the desk against the wall.
It was enough, Chloe seeming to know exactly what the blonde needed. Aubrey dropped her head to Chloe's shoulder as she caught her breath. She whimpered when the shorter woman eventually pulled her hand from between her legs.
Chloe held Aubrey's gaze as she lifted her fingers to her own mouth and sucked the blonde's wetness, moaning at the taste.
"Holy shit you're…spend the night with me."
Chloe's eyes widened in surprise but she nodded immediately. She was again surprised when the blonde all but shoved her away and hopped from the desk, jeans still unbuttoned and unzipped, loose around her slim hips. She grabbed the redhead by the hand and dragged her from the room.
Instead of heading out to the street to leave, Aubrey pulled Chloe to another doorway in the back of the shop lobby. The doorway led to a staircase and Chloe could barely keep up as the blonde pulled her up the stairwell behind her.
Chloe suddenly found herself in a small studio apartment, the large industrial sized windows allowing the small space to be illuminated in moonlight.
"Wait, you live here?" The redhead mumbled, both already fumbling for buttons and tugging at items of clothing.
"No, not really" Aubrey replied, kissing along the juncture where Chloe's neck met shoulder. "It came with the shop when I bought the building…I just stay here sometimes if I don't feel like going all the way home."
"Con- ah , convenient." Chloe moaned when the blonde began placing hot open mouthed kisses down the valley and sides of her breasts.
Chloe growled and grabbed the taller woman, shoving her backwards toward the lone bed, bathed in the light streaming in.
The blonde landed with a breathy laugh and propped herself on her elbows as Chloe crawled her way up the length of Aubrey's body, bringing their lips together once again. Aubrey closed her eyes and moaned again, reveling in the feel of their bodies pressed tightly together without any barriers.
Chloe eased Aubrey back onto the pillows and began trailing her lips down the length of her neck. Aubrey tilted her head back, her lip pulled between her teeth as the redhead continued to kiss her way down her body.
As Chloe nipped playfully at her hipbone, Aubrey once again opened her eyes. And immediately gasped. Chloe was bathed in the moonlight but her skin still seemed to have taken on an unearthly glow.
"What?" Chloe asked, immediately meeting the blonde's eye in concern at hearing her gasp. "Are you alright?"
Aubrey nodded mutely. She swallowed thickly and gave a shaky smile. "It's just…you're kind of glowing . God you're beautiful. Seriously, you're glowing." The blonde ended in an awed whisper.
Chloe smirked and once again climbed her way back up Aubrey's body. "Glowing huh?" She pressed her lips just under the blonde's ear and released a breathy laugh. "Probably just a trick of the moonlight…And absolutely nothing at all to do with me being an angel."
Aubrey felt her breath catch at the feel of the redhead's words against her neck and ear. She shivered and with her arms wrapped around the shorter woman, she rolled them so that they were both on their sides staring at each other, bodies pressed tightly.
Aubrey chose to ignore the fact that the redhead was now hidden in the shadows between where the light was streaming from the windows, yet her skin was still as bright as the moonlight itself. Instead, she once again felt herself being rolled onto her back and pressed down into the pillows, bright blue eyes holding her the whole way.
xxxx
Aubrey panted contentedly as Chloe finally settled next to her on the pillow, her red hair fanning out wildly.
Chloe pressed a kiss to Aubrey's shoulder, also panting. She lazily draped an arm across the blonde's belly. Aubrey shifted slightly to wrap an arm around the redhead's shoulder.
"You ok?" Chloe whispered.
Aubrey lightly skimmed her fingertips along the bare skin of Chloe's shoulder and nodded. "I am. Are you?"
Chloe shifted and turned her head to meet the blonde's gaze. "For sure." she replied, smiling softly. "I mean, I think I broke 13 regulations and 47 ordinances…but I'm ok with that. They're very forgiving. Besides, I'm an angel, not a saint. Those guys are in a league all their own."
Aubrey rolled her eyes and smirked. "Well…I think you should break at least 3 more."
Chloe's eyes widened and she chuckled. "Is that so? I'm having trouble remembering what's left to break…"
The redhead gasped in surprise as Aubrey twisted and she suddenly found herself on her back staring up at the blonde. "Wow, you're stronger than you look." She breathed, feeling heat coil low in her belly at the sight.
Aubrey smirked again. "Well, I can think of one thing we haven't done yet. Or at least one thing I haven't done yet."
"Oh." Chloe exhaled in a rush as the blonde moved and was suddenly peppering kisses along her inner thigh. "Fuck."
Aubrey nipped with her teeth before soothing the spot with her tongue. She flicked her gaze back to where Chloe was watching her wide-eyed. Aubrey couldn't remember the last time anyone had looked at her with so much warmth.
Chloe saw emotions flicker across Aubrey's face and her heart clenched, assuming the blonde was already having regrets. "Hey, Aubrey, you don't have to..you know. Come on, come back up here."
"Wait what?" Aubrey replied, startled back into the moment.
"Yeah, I'm good." Chloe said with a soft smile. "You really don't have to do this if you don't want to." She reached her hand, expecting the blonde to take it and slink back up to settle next to her. Instead, Aubrey quirked a brow and didn't move.
"Chloe, that is the most fucking ridiculous thing you've ever said. And that's saying something because you have said a lot of pretty far out there things. Believe me…I want to."
"Oh… oh ." Chloe's head fell back and she felt her hips buck involuntarily as Aubrey's lips finally connected to her center.
xxxx
"Chloe…hey, Chloe, are you awake?"
The redhead groaned and let out a huff. "I am now."
Aubrey sat perched on the side of the bed, watching over the shorter woman. She chuckled and tucked a wild strand of hair behind the other woman's ear. Who would have guessed that Little Miss Fucking Sunshine wasn't a morning person.
"Well, I have to get the shop ready to open." Aubrey replied, still grinning. "I just didn't want you to think…well you know."
"As if you'd try to run out on me." Chloe mumbled, burrowing deeper into the pillow. "I wouldn't let you get very far. I know where you work. And live…Kind of."
Aubrey rolled her eyes with a laugh and straightened back to her feet. "Speaking of work…the morning rush will be starting soon so I need to get prepped. Stay and sleep as long as you like."
Chloe grunted and Aubrey was pretty sure the other woman was already asleep again as she slipped down the staircase to the shop with a smile still etched on her face.
xxxx
Chloe eventually rallied and even joined downstairs to help Aubrey, Emily, and Donald. When the morning rush finally ended and they had a minute to breathe, Aubrey and Chloe both dropped into a booth with their own cup of coffee. Emily wandered into the storage room to inventory the goods while Donald sat at the counter playing on his phone.
Chloe and Aubrey sat across from each other, both suddenly shy.
"So…About last night…"
Aubrey chuckled and nodded. "Last night…was pretty great."
"It was, wasn't it?" Chloe replied, eyes sparkling.
"Yeah…It was." Aubrey smiled sadly and Chloe immediately felt the shift in her mood. "It's been years, literally years. And I'm…I don't want to hurt you."
"But…It's ok Aubrey. Just talk to me, that's all I ask." The redhead said softly.
Aubrey felt tears pricking her eyes and she sniffled. Chloe reached and covered her hand with her own, giving a gentle squeeze. The kindness made Aubrey want to cry all the more and she signed. "I just…I'm no good for this…I just can't be…"
"Hey, hey now." Chloe whispered, leaning closer across the booth. "Don't be upset. I'm not exactly a relationship expert here either."
Aubrey lifted her eyes as the redhead ended with a soft chuckle. "Such shitty timing." she whispered.
"How do you mean?" Chloe asked, genuinely curious.
Aubrey sighed with a shrug. "You're pretty fucking great. And you show up when I can barely manage to get myself through the day. I can't give…I can't be a supportive…I'm just fucking wrecked, have been since Caleb. I just wonder what could have happened if we'd met some other time. So…shitty fucking timing."
Chloe felt her heart ache, as it so often did when Aubrey actually opened up and let her see just the depths of her hurt. She squeezed the blonde's hand again. "Shitty timing…or perfect, diving timing?"
Aubrey scoffed but again met her eye.
Chloe smiled sweetly, refusing to let go of her hand. "Seriously, who knows? We don't get to know the future how today will impact us tomorrow."
"What, you mean angels aren't let in on the grand plan?" The blonde replied bitterly.
"Nope, we aren't." Chloe responded, ignoring the biting tone. "But I believe, I know , there is one."
"Look, Aubrey," Chloe continued when Aubrey seemed at a loss for words. "I can't tell you what it means to me that you trust me, that you let me…I'm here because I-because I want to be. I just want to help…No strings, no expectations. You've been carrying this burden alone for so long. Let me be your friend? Please?"
"A friend." Aubrey whispered, her gaze dropping back to their clasped hands. "Ok. I think I can try that. And who knows…maybe a year or two from now I'll be a different person."
Chloe smiled and Aubrey couldn't help but feel the corner of her lip twitching into a smile. The redhead just had that effect on her.
"Who knows." Chloe replied, still smiling. "Maybe we both will be."
"In the meantime," the blonde whispered, once again turning sad. "I shouldn't have-I mean it was amazing and I've never felt so connected…but-"
"I understand." Chloe replied, that same soft, patient smile present. "It was pretty amazing. But it doesn't have to change anything. In fact, makes me even more proud of you for setting boundaries and protecting yourself. So long as you don't actually run out on me…"
Aubrey's breath caught at the genuinely concerned look on the redhead's face. "No way. I've kind of gotten used to having you around. I'm not 'ok' by any means…but when I'm with you, I can't help thinking maybe someday I could be."
Chloe beamed once again and Aubrey was pretty sure the shorter woman's eyes even got a little teary. She squeezed Aubrey's hand one more time with a sigh and pushed herself to her feet. "Well, I should get out of your hair. You've got the lunch rush in a bit. And Beca will be wondering what happened to me. See you tonight?"
"So you do still want to come help me close up?"
"Of course I do." Chloe replied, grinning. "You can't wash all these windows all by yourself. See ya later Aubrey."
The redhead slipped out the door with a wink.
xxxx
"Do my eyes deceive me…or is my friend rocking a walk of shame right now?" Beca asked with a devious grin.
"Oh, ain't no shame in this game." Chloe replied, sauntering into the brunette's kitchen with a smirk. She dropped tiredly into a seat at the table.
"Seriously Chloe," Beca said again, "What a-what happened? Have you really been doing what I think you've been doing?"
Chloe rested her face in her hands before pushing her hair back away from her face, leaving both hands buried in her long locks.
"Yeah…and it was pretty amazing."
"Yeah? So…why don't you seem happier?"
The redhead sighed. "I love her. Like, really love her. And last night was amazing, but I know we can't be together but man it was so great."
"Oh Chloe, is that smart?" Beca asked softly, dropping into a chair across from her friend. "I mean, is that even allowed? Are you allowed to…fuck your charges?"
Chloe snapped her gaze where Beca was smirking. "It wasn't just a fuck, Beca. She was there, really there. And she was free. And I just wanted her to feel loved and seen. She really opened herself up-"
"Apparently." Beca snarked, still smirking.
"Beca!" Chloe hissed, a blush settling. "I'm serious. She's always so guarded and she actually let me in. Not a word Mitchell !"
The brunette cackled and snapped her mouth shut, another snarky comment dying on her lips. "You're just making it so easy for me, you're walking right into the smut jokes. Wide open."
Chloe quirked a brow, fighting to keep a smile from her face. She knew her friend was just trying to ease the tension. And snark was basically her love language.
"Ugh." She dropped her head to the table with a thud.
"But seriously Chloe," Beca continued quietly. "Are you going to get into some kind of trouble for this? Are They going to be pissed?"
"Not so much pissed." Chloe replied. "But definitely disappointed. I technically broke like 47 rules, regulations, and ordinances."
She raised her eyes to meet Beca's slightly darker blue hued gaze and smirked. "But it was totally worth it. I got to help her feel loved and safe in that one moment. Or actually…four moments, it was four." Chloe waggled her eyebrows, her smirk turning to a grin.
"Get it stud." Beca said with a laugh before once again turning somber. "Seriously Chloe, just be careful. Yeah? Please."
The redhead nodded, also turning serious. "I promise…so you're not…mad at me or…disappointed in me or anything?"
"Chloe, of course not." Beca replied, no snarky comment even coming to mind. "You deserve a little love and affection for all that you share with everybody else. I want you to be happy. I just don't want you to get struck down by some almighty heavenly lightning strike or anything. They won't do that will They?"
Chloe laughed and shook her head. "Nope, no hellfire, brimstone, or almighty lightning strikes. Just some solid lecturing and I'll probably have to retake the ethics and proper conduct courses. And I know it can't happen again."
The redhead tilted her chin upward as if talking to the ceiling. "Like really, I know it can't happen again! And I promise I won't break the rules again."
Beca chuckled and also cast her gaze to the ceiling, as if expecting someone to be floating around up in the rafters and beams of her industrial warehouse turned apartment. Nothing. She didn't see anyone or anything. But when she glanced back at Chloe, the redhead had a sweet smile on her face and her eyes were suspiciously moist. The redhead nodded and pressed a hand against her heart with a contented sigh.
"I'm forgiven." She said softly. "They're just so great. I love Aubrey, but They're right, the rules are there for a reason. And I need to be more careful. And more careful with her heart, she's really vulnerable."
Beca nodded, once again flicking her gaze to the ceiling quickly, still seeing nothing. "Ok Chlo, as long as you're ok. And safe?"
At the brunette's quiet question, Chloe smiled and nodded. "Good." Beca continued. "Now go take a shower, you smell like sex."
xxxx
Aubrey watched, her chin perched in her hand where she leaned against the counter. She felt a smile tugging at her lips as Chloe once again danced by, using the mop as a microphone.
" Oh girls..they just wanna, they just wanna..Oh girls, just wanna have fun !"
Their evenings together closing up the shop continued, the only difference was that the two seemed conscious enough to keep a small amount of physical distance between them. But that's not to say both caught the other's gaze lingering from time to time. But neither had crossed any boundary again.
Aubrey found herself laughing at the redhead's antics with her mop microphone. When she realized she was laughing, her smile faded and she felt the familiar, bittersweet melancholy settle over her once again. She was laughing and enjoying the menial task of closing up her shop when her little boy was god only knew where.
She felt tears threatening. But she also thought of how much fun Caleb would have had dancing around the shop with the exuberant redhead.
She felt the crushing ache in her soul that she always felt when she thought of Caleb. But now she found other memories pushing their way into her mind. Instead of the images she constantly created-ghastly images of her little boy suffering, crying, begging her to find him. This time, in her mind's eye she could see him giggling and wiggling as she blew strawberries on his little belly. She could hear the laughter ringing. And she could almost smell the lavender scented soap she used when she bathed him.
Aubrey didn't realize she was crying until felt herself being pulled into Chloe's arms. She let herself be held where they stood behind the counter, each holding tightly to the other.
The blonde pulled away, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Chloe stepped back but remained close, keeping a hand on Aubrey's shoulder. She gently stroked her shoulder with her thumb, a sad smile on her face.
"I'm ok." Aubrey whispered, reaching to wipe the tears from her cheeks. "I was just thinking…remembering."
Chloe nodded, trailing her hand down the blonde's arm to find her hand. She laced their fingers and squeezed. "What can I do?"
Aubrey met her tender gaze and swallowed thickly. "I think you're already doing it. Whatever it is…Maybe you really are an angel."
Chloe's bright smile split her face and she lifted their joined hands to press a kiss to the back of Aubrey's. "Come on you, I think our work here is done for the night."
Aubrey nodded, a tired smile on her own face. They finished their tasks and stepped out onto the sidewalk. Aubrey shivered at the cool night air and wrapped her arms tightly around herself.
Chloe stepped closer and rubbed her arms up and down the taller woman's, her own jacket warding off the chill. Aubrey reached and toyed with the buttery soft leather of the redhead's jacket.
"If you were a gentleman, you'd offer me your coat." Aubrey said with a smirk. "Chivalry is dead I suppose."
Chloe chuckled and wrapped her hand around the blonde's still toying with the soft leather. "Well, I can't give you this one…But I'll find you one like it. In the meantime, come here."
Aubrey smiled and stepped into Chloe's embrace, immediately enjoying the warmth. "That's fair." She whispered. Aubrey wrapped her arms around the shorter woman, her fingers following the stitching on the back of the jacket, detailing the intricate shape of the wings.
They broke apart and Chloe wrapped an arm around the taller woman's waist as they walked toward their parked cars.
"You're off tomorrow right?" Chloe asked as Aubrey clicked her remote, unlocking her doors with a beep.
"Yep, all day. Although I'll probably stop by in the morning to make sure Emily and Donald are handling things ok. And I really should be the one to close up…But afternoon, yes ma'am, I'm off."
Chloe chuckled and rolled her eyes. "We really need to talk about your work ethic. There is such a thing as too little downtime ya know." Aubrey just shrugged, a slight smile on her face.
"Anyway," Chloe continued, "Come over to Beca's for dinner. She's cooking. And yes, it was her idea to invite you. Please?"
Aubrey smiled wryly, already knowing she would agree. She couldn't resist the hopeful expression and slight pout from Chloe. Aubrey was pretty sure the redhead knew it too. "Ok, sounds good."
"Awesome!"
The two said their goodbyes and headed to their respective homes. Both were still grinning when they arrived.
xxxx
Aubrey perused her pantry, wondering what she could cobble together as a side dish for the evening meal with Beca and Chloe. Pasta seemed safe.
Her phone ringing on the counter drew her attention away from the pantry as she was mentally counting out ingredients.
"This is Aubrey Posen."
"Ms. Posen…This is Detective Boyd." The blonde froze, recognizing the voice of one of the detectives working her son's case. He only ever called when they found another child. Reminding her of what happened and that her baby boy was most likely in such a state that only a lab could recognize him as hers. "Ms. Posen, are you there?"
"Yes, I'm sorry. I'm here. What can I do for your Detective?"
The man paused on the other end. She could hear him clear his throat. She raised an eyebrow in annoyance. The man was never hesitant before, and he was wasting her time. She had a side dish to sort out.
"Ms. Posen, I'm so sorry to have to tell you but…We have a positive identification. The laboratory confirmed through the dental records…"
Aubrey felt the earth drop from beneath her feet. She barely managed to stumble to a chair by the kitchen table and slumped into it.
"You're sure. You're sure it's him."
The detective cleared his throat again before he sighed on the other end of the line. "Yes ma'am, the dental records…I'm so sorry Ms. Posen."
Aubrey nodded, barely registering that the other man wouldn't see. She clenched her jaw. "Thank you for telling me."
The detective was still speaking but the blonde stopped listening.
It had all been bullshit. All the Hope and Light that Chloe and even Beca spewed. She could have held onto some of that light while she was still floating in the murky unknown. Maybe Caleb would be one of those kids who turned up years later. It could have happened. But not now. Now, she could definitively say, her child was dead. There was no hope left.
xxxx
"They found Caleb."
Benji jumped slightly, startled by the unexpected sight of Aubrey Posen standing over where he was perched at his desk, office phone cradled between his shoulder and his ear. "Yes Mrs. Brown, the warranty expired three months ago…you should really consider our offer…Actually I'll call you back."
He slammed the phone down and turned his full attention to the obviously distraught woman in front of him. "Aubrey…what-"
"Were you telling me the truth?" She spat. "Can you really help me see him again?"
Benji smiled sadly and stood to his feet, his palms pressed flat as he braced himself against his desk. "It was all true. I personally can't…but I know someone who can."
"What do I have to do?"
The man regarded her with a sad smile. "You just have to trust her. Embrace her. She'll do the rest."
Aubrey clenched her jaw and nodded. "Fine, whatever. Let's just do this."
Benji bent and pulled open a drawer and pulled out a black business card. "Meet me at this address in one hour. I just need to go and pick up a few things…help her prepare."
The blonde took the card from his outstretched hand and immediately felt nausea roll through her. She swallowed it down with a nod and turned on her heel, striding purposefully back out to her car.
She dropped into the driver's seat of her car and gripped the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles were white. She let loose a blood curdling, unearthly scream. She would see her baby boy again, no matter the cost. But she also knew she had to hear Chloe's voice for what she couldn't help but feel would be the last time.
xxxx
"Well hey there." Chloe answered, smiling into the phone. "If you're calling to ask if you can come on over to Beca's early, the answer is yes."
"They found him." The voice on the other end whispered. "They found my baby."
"Oh Aubrey." the redhead replied, sinking into a chair opposite where Beca was sitting. "I'm so sorry. What can I do? Where are-"
"I tried Chloe, I really did." Aubrey muttered miserably into the phone, ignoring the other woman's question. "I wanted to believe you, I did. I wanted to believe in your light and all that bullshit. But I just can't. I give up. I have to see my boy again."
"Wh-Aubrey?" Chloe cried, tension snapping her muscles taught. "Aubrey what's going on? Where are you?"
Beca eyed her friend silently, her brow furrowing in worry at the distressed look on Chloe's face.
"Aubrey please, just tell me where you are. I'll come get you and we'll talk. Please Aubrey."
The line disconnected and the redhead whimpered. "Shit."
"What's going on?" Beca cried.
Chloe seemed almost at a loss for words. "She said they found Caleb. She sounded… fuck ."
"Shit." Beca hissed. "And she didn't give you any idea where she is or where she's going?"
Chloe shook her head, clenching her jaw. She was struggling to control her breathing. "I just…I need a minute ok?"
The brunette eyed her friend worriedly as she pushed herself to her feet and rushed toward the guest bedroom she claimed as her own. "Ok, I'll call my friend Stacie at the police station. She can jump start the missing persons process."
Chloe barely managed a nod before she closed the bedroom door behind her, willing the room to stop spinning so she could think straight. She drew a ragged breath and exhaled slowly. Then another. And another. Her breathing eased and she squared her shoulders.
"I could really use a little help here." Chloe whispered almost desperately, her gaze cast skyward. "I don't ask for much. And I know we have to respect free will and all that. But please. Please . I need to help her. She's…Please help me find her. I-I love her. And yes, I know I promised not to break the rules again. And I haven't, I won't . I do not have any expectations or plans and I will stay as far away from her as You want. Just please…I can't lose her to this darkness. Please. How do I find her? Help me ! Please ."
Chloe inhaled sharply, a sense of calm falling over her. In an instant, she knew. "Thank you." she breathed out, rushing out of the room.
"I know where she is."
Beca jumped to her feet and ran after Chloe as she rushed past her to the car, grabbing her jacket on the way.
xxxx
Aubrey put her car into park when her gps notified her that she had indeed arrived. She looked up at the lone cabin in front of her. She didn't see any other vehicles so assumed Benji hadn't arrived yet.
Until he appeared on the porch of the cabin and waved. She stepped out of the car and slowly approached. She couldn't shake the overwhelming feeling of dread that seemed to be ready to swallow her whole. She shook it off and stepped inside the cabin when he opened the door for her. She followed him through the entryway and into the only other visible room, through double doors. The room seemed to be lit only by flickering candlelight.
"Aubrey…welcome."
Aubrey startled at the presence of another woman in the room. She was blonde, like herself, but this woman was taller and more imposing. She was dressed all in black, with heavy black eye makeup. She smiled and Aubrey felt her blood run cold.
"I understand you've had a rather difficult time lately." The other blonde said in a smooth, clipped accent. If she noticed Aubrey's discomfort, she didn't let on. "I am glad you're here."
Aubrey swallowed down her anxiety and tried to force a smile. "Yeah…Benji said-"
"He's right, you know." The other woman interrupted. "I will gladly help you see your boy again."
"But how?" Aubrey whispered, suddenly feeling like she had made a terrible mistake. "I think maybe I should leave…this…this doesn't feel right."
"I brought her to you, I did what you asked." Benji muttered from where he was standing off to the side of the two blondes. "I brought you someone like you asked. Can I please go now?"
The taller blonde barely spared Benji a glance as she flicked her wrist dismissing him. He scrambled away without looking back. She stepped closer to Aubrey with a sly smile. "You can't go yet. I have something to show you. Free of charge so you know that I can be trusted."
Aubrey gasped as the woman quickly reached and pressed her hands to either side of her head. Aubrey immediately felt the breath leave her lungs as the vision played out in front of her.
Caleb. She could see him. He was playing in the yard, close to the house. Just like he promised. Aubrey preferred he play in the backyard away from the street, but the backyard was fenced and the neighborhood tuxedo cat wouldn't come into the fenced area. But in the front yard, Caleb was free to play with the friendly animal. So long as he promised not to go near the street.
Aubrey felt a sob building as she watched him, so happy. A van pulled to a stop just a few feet away from the driveway of their house. The van had cartoon animals painted on the sides with a cartoon man wearing a lab coat and a stethoscope draped around his neck. There were no windows in the back of the van. Aubrey watched as a man stepped out of the van and rounded closer to the young boy.
"Hey little man." The stranger said with a friendly smile. "I'm a veterinarian, you know a doctor for animals?"
Caleb nodded but didn't approach the man.
The man squatted, able to look Caleb in the eye and signed. "Look buddy, I found a cat just now…black and white, real friendly. Do you know him?"
Caleb perked up and took a step closer. "Yeah, that's Mr. Wiggle Toes. Is he ok?"
The man smiled sadly. "He's hurt. I'm going to try and help him, but I thought maybe he'd like to have a friend with him. What do you say? Will you sit with him while I try and make him feel better? He's just back here."
The man pointed a thumb over his shoulder, motioning toward the van. Caleb only hesitated a second before stepping closer and taking the man's outstretched hand.
Aubrey choked out a sob as she watched her son climb into the van, never to be seen alive again. And only to be identified by his dental records.
When her vision cleared, she met the gaze of the other blonde woman who was grinning wickedly. "I showed you your child. I can do more. If you will let me."
The flowing black dress the taller woman was wearing suddenly transformed and Aubrey gasped, seeing black, swirling, flames surrounding the other woman. Her hands had grown razor sharp talons at the end of each finger. Aubrey pulled away from the now terrifying woman and looked for her escape. The double doors she entered through slammed shut as the woman laughed behind her.
Aubrey turned to face the other woman but pressed herself against the wall, as far away as she could get. She slid to the ground, feeling her breathing coming in shallow gasps.
"Why do you resist me?" The towering figure said smoothly. "I showed you your baby boy. But that was nothing. Let me take you to him."
Aubrey tore her gaze away from the black irises staring back at her, to the woman's outstretched hand.
xxxx
The pair sped out of town, breaking a number of traffic ordinances. Beca could feel the redhead thrumming with energy. They pulled onto a secluded road off the main highway, following it deeper into the woods.
"How do you know where to go?" Beca asked, watching as the woods became thicker around them.
"I just do." the redhead replied. "I can feel it."
The brunette nodded, seeing no reason not to trust the other woman after so long. They drove a bit longer until they came to a stop at a single, secluded cabin. Chloe put the car in park and opened the door. She stepped out and cast her eyes heavenward. She closed her eyes and nodded resolutely before rushing toward the cabin.
She burst through a set of double doors to gain entrance into an inner room, Beca close behind. Chloe felt her stomach drop at the figure that greeted them.
She was tall, blonde, and surrounded by swirling flames and blackness. The figure grinned and flexed her hands, extending talons at the end of each finger. "Hello there." The demon said in a smooth, but clipped accent. "Welcome, I have been waiting for you."
Chloe desperately glanced around the room looking for another blonde head of hair. She found her sitting off to the left, her back pressed flat against the wall and staring at the figure in the middle of the room with wide, frightened eyes.
"You are just in time to witness the choice." The demon said with a smirk. "Come Aubrey, your child awaits. Come to me."
Chloe rushed forward and dropped to her knees in front of Aubrey. The redhead felt warmth spreading from her innermost being and her skin took on an ethereal glow as she prayed that this time she wouldn't fail. She reached for the blonde but didn't touch her.
"Aubrey, Aubrey no. This is not the way." Chloe said softly, but urgently. "This is not going to bring you what you're seeking."
Aubrey was nearly choking on her tears as she stared over Chloe's shoulder at the blonde taunting her with a sneer. "No. She showed me. She said I can be with Caleb again. I want to be with him again…my baby."
"She's lying to you Aubrey." Chloe replied, her shimmering skin taking on an intense hue. "Caleb is not with her. She's lying."
"No!" Aubrey cried, finally meeting Chloe's gaze. "She showed me! I-I saw him. I saw what happened, I saw who took my boy. And she said she can take me to him, I can be with him again."
Chloe's heart shattered at the broken woman before her. The woman she had come to love. "Oh Aubrey. No. She showed you what was . Let me show you what is ."
Beca's eyes widened as she realized what was happening. Chloe's entire glowing faded and became focused into the palm of her hand as she pressed it to Aubrey's heart. "Look at me." The redhead replied intently. The redhead poured every ounce of love she contained, her very unending love, her immortality, into the blonde and willed her to feel it.
Aubrey was immediately drawn in, transfixed.
Time around them stopped. The black swirling and flames around the demon even came to a halt as Aubrey got lost in the impossibly blue eyes before her.
Green fields appeared, flowers of more colors than the blonde could describe. Laughter could be heard from all around and nowhere at the same time. Still Aubrey gazed, her aching soul soothing, even just a bit.
"Mama, there you are!" Aubrey choked on a sob as a small figure came into view, running towards her. He was the picture of youthful joy as he came to a stop in front of her, beaming. "I've been looking for you everywhere!"
"Caleb…baby?"
The boy nodded, still giggling and smiling widely. "Hi mama! Granny J and I have been playing hide and seek. She said we could play until you get here. And then we'll all play together! I love hide and seek!"
"Granny J…" Aubrey muttered, her heart clenching at the nickname of her grandmother who passed away well before she was even a teenager. Back when life was simple. "Granny J is there?"
"Yeah!" Caleb cried, still smiling. "She's my favorite. Except for you!"
Aubrey swallowed thickly as she took in the sight of her baby. Her child ripped from her in the cruelest of ways. "So you're…Ok? You're happy?"
Caleb's smile seemed to soften and turn tender as only a 5 year old can manage while still thrumming with energy. "Yeah mama, I don't even remember the bad thing! This place is aca-awesome! You're coming too right?"
Aubrey held on to Caleb's hopeful smile as the vision faded and she found herself back in her reality. Her crushing reality without her baby boy. She held Chloe's gaze as she felt the loss stabbing her heart all over again. "Was that real?" She whispered brokenly.
Chloe, still with her hand pressed to Aubrey's heart nodded, a sweet, sad smile on her face. "It was. And it is . You can be with Caleb again. But not with her ."
Aubrey blinked and tore her gaze away from the blue eyes full of love and kindness and glanced over Chloe's shoulder where the other blonde sneered at her menacingly, flexing her talons.
"Oh God." Aubrey whispered. "What have I done?"
The demon's evil grin widened and she beckoned the blonde with a long talon. "Come child. Let me take you to your boy. I grow impatient."
Aubrey tore her gaze away from the menacing figure and looked back to Chloe, as radiant as ever, even still, without her angelic glow. "Aubrey, you don't have to go with her, you still have a choice. Please choose light, hope. Please ."
"It was real, what I saw?" Aubrey asked again in a whisper.
Chloe's intense gaze softened and she smiled. "Yes. I promise you, you will see him again. If you choose the light. I promise Aubrey."
"But when?" Aubrey wailed in sorrow.
Chloe lifted her hand from where it was resting against the blonde's heart to gently caress her cheek with a sigh. "When this natural life ends. It's the natural order. This life is full of joy and pain, some of either of those greater for each of us. But if you can just hold on, keep hope and faith, you will be together. For all of eternity. You'll be with him, just where you saw him. But only if you resist. Resist her. I'm begging you." The redhead ended with a desperate whisper.
"Make your choice!" The demon bellowed from behind them. "Your child awaits."
Aubrey's glance flicked from the other blonde form and back to Chloe, who stared back almost desperately. " Please Aubrey."
The blonde held Chloe's gaze and nodded. "I believe you. And I want…I choose…god I don't know what I'm saying. But you, and your…light. I trust you and you believe in...Light, I choose light."
Chloe felt her heart soar and she breathed a sigh of relief she didn't realize she had been holding. "I'm proud of you." she whispered. Tears filled her eyes as she gazed back at the blonde that she had come to love, against the rules.
Aubrey flicked a glance back at the blonde demon who seemed to be growing in rage and stature before focusing back on the redhead in front of her, full of love and calm. "I'm so sorry." Aubrey whispered. "I did this. I brought… her ."
Chloe inhaled deeply, glancing sideways at Beca who had silently taken in the situation before returning her gaze to Aubrey. "No Aubrey. You didn't bring her…they've always been here. And this…This is exactly why I'm here. To deal with… her ."
Chloe turned her gaze to Beca and nodded to her. The brunette clenched her jaw and scooted closer to Aubrey, draping an arm securely around her shoulders.
Chloe's nostrils flared as she clenched her jaw and growled, rising to her feet. She turned to meet her foe, who was smirking with fire and blackness swirling around her. "Tell me your name, demon!"
The creature's smirk widened into a full smile. "I have had many names through the ages. But most often, I have been called 'Kommissar'. You may call me by that name."
"Well, Kommissar, leave." She responded lowly. "This is your only free passage. Leave this place. You've lost…You will not have her soul, she made her choice."
Kommisar laughed menacingly as she eyed the smaller figure before her. "Then I will settle for you, little one. I will rip you to shreds and feed your bones to the hellhounds."
"You can try." Chloe replied, drawing a dagger concealed in her boot and squared her shoulders. Aubrey tensed and gasped as Beca tightened her grip on her shoulder.
"You dare challenge me?" Kommissar taunted. "You cannot defeat me, not in your puny, mortal shell. I know your ways, I know what you have given up, what you have let yourself become. Foolish . And now…you and your god have no chance against me. In fact…you are alone. You are forsaken. You are mortal ."
"You're only partly right." Chloe replied, standing proudly. In an instant, wings unfurled, snapping into place, a shimmering silver green, the stitched wings of her leather jacket now taking on the same silver green hue underneath them. "I may have mortality now, but I am not forsaken. And I am never alone."
Aubrey's breath caught in her throat at the sight of Chloe's massive wings. Beca also flinched, digging her fingers tighter into the blonde's shoulder. "That is equally terrifying, every single time." she muttered.
Chloe squared her shoulders, tightened her grip on her dagger, and advanced on her enemy.
They parried, blade and talons clashing. Chloe twisted, grunting as she thrust and dodged. Aubrey could only stare, so unused to the sight. So unused to seeing the redhead as anything other than sweet, gentle, kindness.
Suddenly, the redhead hissed in pain as Kommmisar's talon sliced into her right side, just above her hip. Chloe stumbled backwards, hand pressed to her wound. She glanced down at the blood seeping through her fingers pressed against the gash. Kommisar laughed menacingly behind her.
Chloe's nostrils flared and she clenched her jaw, her new mortality suddenly hitting her and taking on a whole new reality.
"How does it feel?" Kommisar taunted. "What do you think of this mortality now? Painful isn't it?"
Chloe exhaled slowly and turned slightly, glancing over her shoulder at the two women huddled together behind her. "You need to leave."
The redhead first made eye contact with Aubrey before tearing her gaze away to meet Beca's eye. She hoped and prayed the brunette would understand. The devastated look on Beca's face told Chloe she did.
Chloe licked her dry lips and turned back, drawing a second, shorter dagger out of her left boot. Kommissar just laughed, hands on her hips.
"You cannot possibly hope to defeat me. You are mortal , tiny human."
Chloe swallowed the pain and stood tall, squaring her shoulders. "You're probably right, but you can't touch them. And you can't touch my soul. You might be able to break this body…but I promise you that I'll take bits and pieces of you with me."
Aubrey's eyes widened as she listened to the two fierce figures before her, one pure light and love, the other eternal blackness. "Oh God, no." she whispered, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Chloe glanced back over her shoulder and smiled at the blonde. "It's ok Aubrey. This is what I was created for." She flicked her gaze to Beca. "Get her out of here, please. Protect her."
Beca swallowed a sob, her grip on the blonde's shoulder tightening. She nodded.
"I love you both." Chloe whispered. "Don't forget." She turned back toward her enemy, her grip on each dagger tightening.
"Oh no," Aubrey moaned. "No! Chloe, don't do this, come with us!"
"I can't Aubrey, I'm sorry." Chloe replied. "I have to at least try…"
"Oh fuck." Aubrey muttered. "Then you fucking fight, don't you dare give up! You can beat her, you have to fucking fight! Chloe!"
The redhead nodded, her back still to her friends. "Please go…I don't want you to see..." she said lowly.
Beca scrambled, trying to pull Aubrey to her feet and drag her from the room. The blonde wailed and thrashed against her. "No! Chloe, don't you dare give up! You have to fight, please !"
"Oh she's going to." Beca muttered as she got an arm around the blonde's waist and slung her toward the doorway.
Aubrey continued to kick and fight against the smaller woman's surprisingly strong hold. When they were finally out into the night air, she found herself on the ground, staring back at the building where unnatural flames and light began to seep from the cracks.
"No, Beca, we can't just leave her in there!" Aubrey cried. "We have to help her!"
Beca tightened her hold on the blonde as she struggled to break from her grasp. "No Aubrey, there's nothing we can do now!"
xxxx
Chloe hissed in pain again but drew some satisfaction at the sight of the black blood seeping from Kommissar's new slash mark on her thigh. Her own blood loss was beginning to cloud the edges of her vision. The demon's talons ripping into her back moments ago, where her shoulders and wings met, made remaining on her feet excruciating. Still Chloe squared up, daggers poised, waiting for the next attack.
Kommissar tried to hide the fact that her newest wound rattled her. "It does not have to be this way." She said smoothly. "You do not have to die for your little friends. Join us. I'm sure there is room for you at our table."
Chloe clenched her jaw, casting her eyes heavenward briefly. "No thanks."
With that, she rushed the demon, swinging furiously. Kommissar grunted and stumbled backwards, trying to keep her footing as the smaller woman advanced, already feeling the sting of additional slash wounds. But Kommissar saw an opening and slashed upwards quickly, catching Chloe again on her right side and arm. The dagger in Chloe's right hand dropped uselessly to the ground as she cried out in pain.
The redhead twisted and stumbled forward and raised the dagger in her left hand, hoping to sneak a blow as she felt her strength waning. But Kommissar caught her wrist and grinned evilly. She twisted and Chloe screamed in pain as she felt the bones breaking. But still she held onto the dagger clenched in her fist.
"Enough of this." Kommissar hissed. She grabbed Chloe by the shoulder and speared her with the talon of her left thumb, just under the redhead's collarbone and lifted her from her feet, raising her to eye level.
Chloe released an anguished cry as she felt herself dangling, the blonde demon twisting mercilessly at her broken arm still clutching the dagger.
Please at least let me take her out with me if I have to die, please show me how , the redhead thought, again casting her gaze heavenward. Her wings involuntarily collapsed inward in a futile attempt to shield herself from the death blow she knew was coming.
Try as she might, Chloe was unable to stop Kommissar from viciously twisting her broken arm and thrusting her own dagger deep into her chest cavity. The redhead gasped at the pain, her breath releasing in a rush.
Kommissar's eyes gleamed wickedly. "Slightly to the left or right…and you would have had a quick, painless death. But it is not to be. Not for you little one."
The silver-green feathers of her wings shimmered in her peripheral vision as Chloe struggled to draw breath. She reached with her right hand and plucked one feather as the edges of her vision began to fade to black.
"Thank you" she whispered before summoning the last of her strength and plunging the pointed end of the quill into Kommissar's neck, digging into the demon's flesh with all the strength she had left.
Chloe's lips quirked in a smile when she saw the surprise register on the demon's face. Kommissar released her and clutched furiously at her own neck, the feather having found purchase and ripped through her jugular vein. Black blood oozed between the blonde's fingers where she pressed, unable to staunch the flow.
Chloe dropped to her knees before collapsing onto her back. The staggering demon was the last thing she saw as her eyes slid closed.
xxxx
"Let me go!" Aubrey grunted, trying to break from the small brunette's surprisingly strong hold.
The blonde had been wrestled to the ground as Beca tried her hardest to keep her promise to Chloe. "No! We can't help, we'll just get in her way. Please Aubrey!"
They continued to wrestle on the group when an unearthly scream sounded from inside the cabin. The door to the cabin was slammed open and Kommmissar stumbled out.
"Oh shit." Beca muttered.
The demon let out a growl and seemed intent on running right at them, yet didn't even seem to acknowledge they were there. She broke through the porch railing and fell, landing face down with a thud.
Aubrey and Beca both watched as Kommissar seemed to disintegrate before their eyes. The black swirling that had surrounded her, engulfed her. Finally, the black particles disappeared, leaving no trace of her body other than the silver-green feather that had punctured her neck.
"Holy shit, she did it." Beca whispered.
"Then where is she?" Aubrey replied, already scrambling to her feet and rushing back toward the cabin.
The blonde felt a strangled cry escape her lips at the sight of Chloe laying in the middle of the room. Her wings were twisted unnaturally and Aubrey could hear the other woman's breaths coming in short gasps.
Aubrey rushed and dropped to her knees on Chloe's right side, with Beca following suit and dropping to her other side.
"Oh no." Aubrey moaned, tears beginning to stream down her cheeks as her eyes scanned the battered figure. "This is all my fault. I'm so sorry." She leaned closer and pulled the redhead's limp hand into her lap.
Chloe's eyes fluttered open and she smiled, her eyes still mesmerizingly blue and sharp. "Aub-...'m so proud of you. Your choice."
The blonde choked out a sob and lifted Chloe's hand to press a lingering kiss. The redhead shifted her gaze to her left and Beca too scooted closer. She slipped her hand into Chloe's, clenching her jaw at the sight of the bones broken.
"Beca." The brunette snapped her gaze up to meet Chloe's and both smiled sadly. "My best friend…in all my lives."
Knowing Beca would not be able to formulate a response, but also knowing their bond was secure, the injured woman turned her gaze back to Aubrey. "Take care of…each other."
"Chloe no!" Aubrey wailed, leaning further down over Chloe's prone form. "Please don't go! I only just found you. Why aren't they coming to heal you? They can do that right? Please, heal her!"
Beca was unable to contain a sob as Aubrey looked skyward and begged for the redhead to be healed.
"Not this time." Chloe whispered. "Was…my choice."
Aubrey shook her head, letting her tears fall freely as she looked back down at Chloe, bleeding and struggling to breathe. "Chloe, please stay. I-we need you. You can't go now, not when I finally feel a little hope! You helped me find hope. Please . There has to be something…we can fix this. Tell us what to do!"
Chloe smiled again and twisted her hand, laying her palm flat against the blonde's heart again. Much as she had done what seemed like a lifetime ago now. "Hope…that's what-all I wanted you to have. Hold onto it. Don't forget."
Aubrey covered the redhead's hand, still pressed to her heart and nodded with a sad smile.
"We'll be…all together again." Chloe struggled around a gasping breath. "I'll tell...Granny J. Love you…both."
Her eyes once again slid closed and the ragged breathing quieted. It was eerily quiet as the two friends realized Chloe was gone.
They both continued to hold the redhead's hands, unable to move, until brilliant gold and white lights surrounded her still form. The ethereal glow that she had freely given away returned as Chloe's body was engulfed, the swirling lights making both Aubrey and Beca gasp at their beauty. The swirling mass lifted before dissipating and drifting heavenward.
"She's really gone." Aubrey whispered, still blinking and gazing toward where the lights, where Chloe, had disappeared.
Beca released a shuddering breath, not sure how she was supposed to proceed in this new reality. Her promise to her friend and the gravity of the situation quickly resurfaced into the forefront of her mind however.
The brunette reached a shaking hand and dropped it to Aubrey's shoulder. "Aubrey…we should go." she said softly. "All sorts of… things will be drawn here now. And we don't want to be here when they are."
The brunette quickly stood and tried to pull Aubrey to her feet as well. This time the blonde didn't resist and allowed her friend to drag her away from the cabin.