So I know I said I wouldn't post the next chapter until this coming weekend and yeah well I lied. Well not really lied, user Wahineco just asked so politely in their review that I couldn't deny them or you guys any longer. So here my friends is the next installment. I can't promise the next chapter will be this quick simply because I have yet to start writing it and I've got family coming in the next few days that are staying for the holiday next week.
Just wanted to let you know there's only two chapters left to this fic! It's been a long journey and I seriously can't thank you enough for sticking with me.
Again a huge thank you to my buddy/beta sugarlandaddict23, you rock!
Disclaimer: Nothing, I own absolutely nothing, of the PP franchise, no names, not themes, no songs, nothing. I do own everything else including any and all mistakes...
On with the show!
The Next Afternoon…
Bouncing her crossed legs, Chloe patiently waited for Dr. Worthington in his office. He was running late, something about a last minute important phone call, but that wasn't what she was nervous about. This was supposed to be one of their last couple's sessions and well the other half of her heart left for San Francisco forty-five minutes ago.
They'd had somewhat of a mild disagreement last night. Chloe hesitates to call it anything other than a disagreement because neither of them had raised their voices, thrown insults, or accused the other of anything. It was quite the opposite really, they were calm and talked things out like mature adults in a committed relationship are supposed to. There was still a little bit of lingering unresolved tension resulting from her wanting Beca to stay and Beca needing to leave, but that was it. She'd been a little intense and scared and she honestly wished she would've handled her reaction to the whole situation better.
It was easy to see that Beca didn't want to leave, but Chloe still felt let down. They'd gone through so many highs and lows over the course of the retreat and had come out the other side stronger. But leaving six days before the end of such a major accomplishment in their relationship, well it left her blindsided. In the end she opted to stay, because she needed to finish what she started, but sitting here now makes her feel like she totally drew the short straw and made a huge mistake.
The door opened and Chloe's gaze shifted from the floor to smile at Dr. Worthington.
"Miss Beale," Dr. Worthington greeted after shutting the door, "it's always a pleasure to see your smiling face." Making his way to a chair he returned the smile as he sat, "How are you today?"
"Ok," Chloe rubbed her hands on her knees, "and thanks for moving yesterday's session to today so we could celebrate Beca's birthday. I just wanted to give her a relaxing day."
"Not a problem, my wife and I used the opportunity to take the dog for an afternoon hike." Opening his notebook, Dr. Worthington wrote the date at the top of the page, "And how was Beca yesterday."
"Distant in the morning," Chloe folded her hands in her lap, "but as the day went on she worked really hard to not get stuck in that funk. She talked a lot about her mom and I think that helped things."
"The first significant life event or holiday after really starting a process like this is always the hardest."
Chloe thought for a second then agreed, "I basically told her that too."
"Did it affect her sleeping?"
"She had a few sleepless nights, the worst being on her birthday, but I got up with her and we talked. It was almost like that was the major turning point that she needed," Chloe related honestly knowing Beca wouldn't be upset with anything they were discussing.
Dr. Worthington looked up from his notebook, "Kind of like you at your family's grave?"
Chloe nodded, "Yeah, exactly like that."
"How was she on the days leading up to her birthday?"
"I think she did a lot of internal contemplation," Dr. Worthington didn't say a word, indicating he wanted Chloe to think deeper. "Like I could tell when she was sad or frustrated, but then she'd go for runs or she'd take Gizmo for a walk and she'd always come back home the smiling and happy Beca that I love seeing."
"Was she hiding her grief from you?" Dr. Worthington simply asked and he got a quick no as a response. "Then why do you think she leaves?"
Chloe feels like those random times Beca would be gone was just a way to work her mind around her feelings. Beca found a weird sense of solitude and peace in the quietness of a hike, she'd told Chloe that, and Chloe knew that sometimes talking wouldn't always be the solution that Beca needed. Beca had always been a very quiet and thoughtful person, except now instead of locking herself away in a bedroom or studio to work, Beca wandered. However, the time away never worried Chloe because Beca always came back recharged and in a much better headspace.
"Honestly, I think she's learned to channel her feelings and emotions in healthy ways," Chloe eventually said and Dr. Worthington smiled knowingly as he scribbled away in his notebook. "Before, she'd dive into music and producing to distract herself from her problems. The success and fame she'd created were just byproducts, something she never wanted, but they also became…"
"Easily accessible excuses that could be used to distract herself from her real life problems?" Dr. Worthington questioned, knowing exactly where Chloe's train of thought was going.
"Yeah," nodding Chloe smiled, he took the words right out of her mouth, much more eloquently of course. "I don't think she looks at it that way anymore, I think she sees how damaging living that way was. So, she's teaching herself to deal with it now rather than later."
"That's quite remarkable for such a short amount of time don't you think?"
Chloe couldn't agree more, "Well she's a quick learner."
Dr. Worthington was quick to deny that, "No, it has nothing to do with her ability to learn new things. It's because she wants to change and she wants to put in the effort to be better for herself and for you."
Over the years, Dr. Worthington had met countless individuals and couples who were only going through the motions. But then there were others, like Beca and Chloe, who really wanted to succeed and put the time and effort into making it happen. Things like therapy and a retreat only work if the people involved openly acknowledge that they want to better for themselves and their relationships. And he saw that from day one with them.
Chloe ran her fingers through her hair, "And I see striking similarities in myself too. But I'll admit, I wouldn't be this far along in the process if I didn't have her."
Another proud smile stretched across Dr. Worthington's face, "And she's said that exact same thing."
"Really?"
"Yes, absolutely." Setting his pen down, Dr. Worthington thoughtfully spoke, "She actually gives you a lot of credit for where she's at today."
Chloe's heart fluttered, "And she's totally changed my life too, I wouldn't know what to do without her…but then again so have you."
"Oh it's not me," Dr. Worthington placed a hand against his chest, "I'm just a third party observer asking the questions that make you see things from a different perspective and offer different ways of thinking." He folded his hands in his lap, "You two have done all the work and you've done it together. You look out and take care of each other."
"I've always wanted to take care of her, to take care of anyone really, and be loved for it, but that definition has changed for me now too."
"How so?"
Chloe took a few seconds to collect her thoughts then thoughtfully spoke, "Making sure she eats and sleeps or even doing her laundry isn't what that means to me anymore. I mean that's part of it, but beyond that and the physical part of our relationship," Chloe's face flushed as Dr. Worthington just continued to sit quietly, "emotionally taking care of each other plays just as big a role as all that other stuff. And I can see that we were only doing things halfway before. Now we're totally in it."
"And what else has that taught you?"
Chloe's mind flashed to the other night when she was talking about her sister's last birthday. Telling that one story and explaining how it tortured her for so long, but now how she uses it as motivation, seemed to help Beca more than a hug or kiss ever could. But after that simple talk, Chloe found that she felt lighter in a new and unexpected way.
"That using examples from my past to help her get through a tough time…well that kinda helps me too, you know?" Chloe looked up at the ceiling and shrugged, "Like, she faces one thing and I face another, yet their connected somehow and we both benefit."
"And that's healthy communication…" Dr. Worthington said praise flooding his voice, it took a while to get here, but that's not the point, they made it. "You're not just putting a bandage over what's wrong anymore, you're working through it together," Chloe's eyes fixated back on him. "You're honest with each other, you use compromise instead of conflict, you don't lie or consciously omit things, but most of all, you listen."
Chloe let out a relieved breath, "It hasn't always been easy."
"I never said it would be," Dr. Worthington laughed and so did Chloe, "life isn't easy."
"Understatement of the year," Chloe grinned and Dr. Worthington just continued to chuckle.
"My methods aren't traditional," Chloe knew that was true, it was why she liked Dr. Worthington, it was exactly what she needed. "I look at each person, each couple, and figure out what they need both separately and together and then expand from there. It's part of the reason why I keep such meticulous notes."
"I like that…I also like how you link the similarities in our past, I think it's helped me and us immensely," Chloe fiddled with her watch because she was missing the hand she usually holds.
"I put a strong emphasis on that because it is central to who you are. But I also intentionally pushed you two harder than normal couples while you've been here…" He paused, hoping Chloe had picked up on that fact. "All those things I pushed you on I knew were trigger points, they are for every couple, but they're also 'make or break you'," he used air quotes, "type of situations. Couples either bond and push back or they ignore it and keep pretending things are ok."
Chloe hadn't realized it, but thinking back over the past month she can say he did all that, "And we definitely bonded."
"Very much so," Dr. Worthington grinned. "But I took it a step further, I kept applying pressure, particularly in the physical intimacy department." Chloe just nodded in a way that said she understood. "It was a sensitive spot for you two, but I kept jabbing," he poked his finger in the air, "because I wanted you to quit listening to me and figure out for yourselves that it was a non issue. In the grand scheme of things, it was a lesson on how to handle Beca's notoriety. Because if you can handle me nitpicking on a nonexistent issue face to face, then when you see something stupid in a tabloid or you hear a ridiculous rumor," his hand shot up when Chloe's mouth popped open, "you'll be able to easily brush it off, just like you brushed me and my incessant questions and demands to talk about it off."
"That's so sneaky," a grin formed on Chloe's face, "yet actually genius."
"I get it right every once in a while," Dr. Worthington laughed.
There is going to be more outside pressure on them then a regular couple, so that's why Dr. Worthington altered how he handled them and pushed them to work harder together.
Using the physical intimacy part of their relationship was always the logical choice. He never told them, but he actually agreed with the 'ground rules' they'd set and their decision to not jump back into a sexual relationship without first establishing a better sense trust and openness. But he flipped the tables and simply did it to ignite a reaction that would force them to talk more and work their way around things together. Of course, he manufactured it in a way that made it look like it was all they discussed, but in the end it got the reaction he was going for.
After that he saw how things really changed for them, they became a functioning team again. And he's confident that if they continue down the path they've started that they'll be one of his best success stories.
"Would you like to know something I've noticed about you two? It's something so incredibly simple," Dr. Worthington said with a smile, "and it happens so gradually that most couples don't even realize they're doing it."
"Is it the fact that we smile at each other constantly?" Chloe asked because that was one thing she catches herself doing, even when she's just thinking about Beca.
"Well, that's part of it." Closing his notebook, Dr. Worthington set it on the table next to him, because he wanted the next subject he segued into to come off casual, even though he was aiming for a very specific reaction. "Think back to the first time you two were in my office, how were you sitting?"
"I was here," Chloe placed her hand on the couch then pointed to the identical one across from her, "and Beca was there."
Dr. Worthington nodded, "And you remained that way the entire first week you were here. Then suddenly," he snapped his fingers, "you two were sitting on the same couch, although at opposite ends with about," he stretched his arms out wide, "this much room between you."
It was more like a foot, but regardless Chloe grinned at the point Dr. Worthington was making.
"But then a hand drifted closer," Dr. Worthington can very fondly remember Beca making that move when Chloe was talking about her sister, "and from there you evolved to holding hands and the more you held hands the closer you gravitated towards each other."
"Until eventually we were sitting side by side?" Chloe questioned and Dr. Worthington gave a bright smile.
"The last time she was here," Dr. Worthington pointed to other couch, "she had her arm stretched out along the back of the couch and you were leaning into her side with your hand resting on her leg." Dr. Worthington paused to choose his next words, "It looked so natural, like you two had sat that way a hundred times, and like there was never anything wrong between you."
Dr. Worthington purposely makes notes on couples body language and seating positions during every session. It helps him gauge the progress that's being made and because even when people don't tell the truth, body language never lies.
"It's just," Chloe smiled, "I've always been a very touchy-feely person," she firmly believes it has a lot to do with not getting much physical affection as a kid, "and being close to her, grounds me. She's got this great silent strength and supporter attribute and I can't help but reach out for her and that."
There was an unusually weird lull in their conversation where Dr. Worthington just regarded Chloe with questioning eyes. For the first time, in a long time, she felt just the slightest bit nervous in front of the usually very warm man. He'd set his notebook aside a few minutes ago and to her it seemed like the idle chitchat they'd been having was just meant to pass the time until Beca got here.
Tucking her foot under her leg, Chloe softly spoke, "She's not coming, if that's what you're waiting for."
"I know," Dr. Worthington plainly stated, "I spoke to her earlier on the phone," which was true, it was the whole reason he was late. "She apologized for missing today and for leaving the retreat early."
"Did she at least try to sound sympathetic to you?" Chloe didn't mean for that to sound so harsh, because she really wasn't angry. "Sorry, that came off really callus."
"It sounds like she didn't apologize to you…"
That was a loaded statement and Chloe knew it. He was fishing for information and it was pretty clear that he already had Beca's side of the story.
"No, she did, she apologized all night and all morning." Chloe slumped against the couch.
Overall, Beca's birthday had been great and it wasn't until hours later when they were casually swinging in the hammock, just leisurely kissing and talking, when Beca broke the news that totally blindsided her.
Chloe could tell by Beca's tone, as she relayed the conversation she had with Emily, that she didn't like what was happening. Beca hadn't kept any details from her and Beca even allowed her to ask as many questions as she needed, hell Chloe even saw the PDF copy of the contract Beca signed stating how the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra basically held all the cards when it came to their schedule. Beca really had no choice, she had to go, but the abrupt departure still hurt.
"I feel like there's a but coming on…"
"But…" Chloe's fingers drummed the arm of the couch. "I might have come off as upset with her, but I wasn't upset, she might have thought I was, but I wasn't."
Dr. Worthington reached for his notebook again, "How did you feel?"
"I don't know…" closing her eyes Chloe thought about everything she felt last night and this morning. Opening them again she simply shrugged, "I guess scared would be the best word to describe it."
"Do you think you're scared because you don't think you'll be able to finish this without her?"
"Yeah…" Chloe's eyes dropped to the floor and she felt like crying again, just like she did when Beca's SUV was no longer in sight. "I'm dreading having a tough day and only being able to see her over Skype or talk to her about it on the phone. And I know I shouldn't be this way, because I know there will be times in our life where we'll have to be separated because of our jobs. I know I sound pathetic…"
"You don't…" Dr. Worthington quietly reassured as he reached for his notebook again. "The first separation after going through something as intense as what you two have, will be hard. It'd be hard on anyone and it's ok to feel that way."
"I was just blindsided that she had to leave and then when she left it was really real," Chloe wiped under her eyes. "I was alone again and I don't think I was ready to handle that," her voice cracked at the end.
"I think you are," Dr. Worthington felt like he had Chloe's attention again with how quickly she focused back in on him. "Did you ever think that maybe she has similar feelings, but was trying to be strong for you?" Chloe just gave half a shrug and he knew she'd been so focused on herself and Beca leaving that she hadn't given that much thought. "She was scared of leaving too, she freely admitted that."
"Really?"
"I want you to look at things from her perspective for a few minutes," Dr. Worthington flipped back a few pages in his notebook to the notes he'd taken while on the phone with Beca. "She's come a long way emotionally since she started here."
"Well it's not just here," Chloe corrected. "She started earlier in the summer when she decided to take a break from work and to get help for her mom's death."
Dr. Worthington nodded, that's exactly the response he'd been looking for, "And what was her reasoning for doing that?"
"In her words?" Chloe asked and he nodded. "To quit walking the thin line between ok and not ok, which I get," she said reflecting back on how much that statement also described her life, "I get it more than anybody because I had been doing the same thing for years."
Chloe remembers the moment they were at the Outside Lands Music Festival and Beca told her that. She hadn't seen it then, but she knows now just how hard Beca struggled making the decision to put her career on hold and work on herself. The strange thing was, she saw the same kind of internal struggle in Beca's eyes last night when they were talking. And that's when it dawned on Chloe.
"Do you think she's scared that she'll fall back into that scenario again?" Chloe asked after a moment of silence.
"Yes absolutely, and I think to a certain extent you're scared something similar will happen if you leave." Things were starting to come together and Dr. Worthington was satisfied with the progress they were making. "You know sometimes we become very comfortable in the bubbles we create around ourselves."
Looking out the window, Chloe lightly laughed at how ironic that statement was. Beca had said something similar yesterday, in a totally different context of course, but still very relatable.
"You know, I gave her a Kindle for her birthday." Turning back to Dr. Worthington, Chloe couldn't help but smile because they both were very aware of Beca's love for books. "For as tech savvy as she is, I was always surprised she lugged around printed books, it was something she was comfortable with. But now it's like I opened this whole new world to her. She even said she'd been living in a bubble."
"We're all set in our ways until an outsider," picking up his pen, Dr. Worthington gave a subtle stabbing motion, "bursts that bubble."
Chloe rested her head against the back of the couch and pinched the bridge of her nose, "I've created a bubble here," she didn't even need to look at Dr. Worthington to know how true that statement was. "This is like my safe zone away from the outside world."
"Precisely," Dr. Worthington's voice was gentle, "and Beca said pretty much the same thing."
Lifting her head, Chloe frowned staring at the coffee table, "So, I'm afraid to bust out of the bubble, while Beca had no choice?"
"In essence yes, but you have nothing to worry about," Dr. Worthington easily corrected. "Everyone that comes here, regardless of their length of stay, experiences the 'bubble'," he used air quotes. "The biggest question I get asked is, how will life be different after I leave?"
It was common for most people, in Beca and Chloe's situation, to worry how they will be able to function once life in the real world kicks back in. Life here becomes routine and comfortable and in the blink of an eye that normalcy becomes disrupted. Beca and Chloe's world just got rocked a little sooner, which is very much a real world type of situation.
"We may not always understand why things happen, higher powers or whatever you want to call them," Dr. Worthington continued without interruption, "sometimes want to test us when we least expect it. Today you drew the unlucky short straw."
"Ok, wow," crossing her legs, Chloe was pretty convinced that Dr. Worthington was also a mind reader, "I was totally thinking that before you came in."
Dr. Worthington just laughed, "Does that make you feel lost?"
"Completely."
"Now just imagine how she feels…She didn't leave you simply because she wanted to go home. She left because she had to, that was her short straw." Dr. Worthington began tying everything together. "For the first time in months, for the first time since she's gotten her shit together," they both chuckled at the classic Beca reference, "and for the first time since she met and fell in love with you, she's about undertake something that in her mind," he tapped the side of his head, "is bigger than anything she's ever done before." And he means that in multiple ways too. "This isn't about a song, songs and music are easy for her. No, this is about stepping back into a world that puts her face to face with everything she's been dealing with since the day she decided to take a break and get help."
"Kinda like how my trip back to Roswell was," Chloe questioned.
"Yes, it's exactly like that," Dr. Worthington stated but decided to go bolder and tap into another sensitive topic to get his point across, "But what was the one thing that got you through your time in Roswell?"
"Beca…"
"Who was the one person you needed even though you never asked them to come with you?"
"Beca…"
"Did she ask you to go with her today?"
Chloe diverted her eyes and blankly stared down at her fingers, "No, not outright."
"So she didn't ask you and you didn't ask her to go with you to Roswell right?" Dr. Worthington questioned and Chloe simply shook her head without looking up. "You didn't even tell her where you were going, but you did give her something, I mean she found you even though you were barely speaking."
At the time, Chloe had rationalized that she was so frazzled that she forgot to toss the piece of paper she'd been jotting down hotels on in the trash. Except now, after talking with Dr. Worthington and reflecting back on everything that happened, she knows she left it out and barely visible on purpose. Stacie was staying at her house and was friends with Beca, close friends, and deep down Chloe knew the taller girl would do whatever it took to help Beca, even if it meant doing some low level snooping. And snooping is exactly what Stacie did, because Beca came to her when she needed it most.
"Yes, she did." Chloe knew where this was going and she can't believe how stupid she was last night.
"She came to you even though you were arguing."
"Yes."
Closing his notebook Dr. Worthington set it aside and sat up straighter, "Were you arguing today?"
Chloe's eyes shot to his, "No. We talked about it and she was disappointed when I said I wanted to stay and finish. But she said understood."
"But…" Dr. Worthington rolled his hands again, encouraging her to think deeper.
Feeling guilty, Chloe closed her eyes and slumped in her seat, "But she needs me, she needs me now more than ever, even though she never said anything."
Dr. Worthington pressed his hands together under his chin, "She does…"
"She probably thinks she can do it on her own, just like I thought I could when I went to Roswell. But it turns out I couldn't…Fuck, I'm such an asshole for not seeing how scared she probably is." Chloe cringed and opened her eyes, "Sorry…" Dr. Worthington just smiled, "but I really am," she smacked the arm of the couch.
Sitting back in his chair, Dr. Worthington analyzed the breakthrough. Chloe had rationalized it herself, came to a conclusion, and now he was just waiting to see how she deals with it.
"We all have our asshole moments," Dr. Worthington joked making them both chuckle. "But it's how we recover from them that can either make us a shining star in someone's life or just another asshole…So how are you," he used one finger and pointed directly at Chloe, "going to be Beca Mitchell's shining star?"
One day later…
Clutching her phone in her left hand, Beca stared out the window as Cynthia Rose exited the 101 and followed the signs to the San Francisco Executive Airport. The last two days had blurred into one long exhausting day and she was looking forward to the downtime on the flight and maybe catching a long nap. She hadn't slept more than a couple hours since she left Chloe and it wasn't because her mind was fixated on her mom's death. It was simply because she missed Chloe and hated how she kind of just up and left.
Chloe had been upset, maybe even a little mad, but they surprisingly hadn't fought. Disagreed yes, but fought no. Except, they hadn't really talked since she left and Beca knows that's mainly her fault. Although she'd been super busy with last minute errands for her and Gizmo and she squeezed in couple of final run throughs of the Skyfall song, she hadn't ghosted her girlfriend. They'd exchanged texts all day and surprisingly Chloe seemed to be ok with everything. Chloe had even sent twenty, yes Beca counted, kissy face emojis after she sent a frowning selfie as she ate dinner in the Aubrey's deli alone.
But then Chloe missed her Skype call last night and Beca feared that maybe something had changed. Except she knew that was a stupid assumption when at two in the morning her attention shifted from the book she was reading to an apology text from Chloe. It was simple, Chloe had gone to dinner with Dr. Worthington and his wife and she lost track of time once she got home. And just to reiterate how sad Chloe was, she sent a selfie of her and Billie snuggled up together playfully pouting. It was captioned 'devastatingly missing our favorite snuggle buddy' and was followed by only fourteen kissy face emojis this time. All Beca could do was laugh as she typed out a reply and add her own brand of emojis at the end.
Sure Beca wanted Chloe by her side, needed it really, more than she'd ever tell anyone. She was scared to be doing this alone without her biggest supporter, without her heart. But that pales in comparison to how hard Chloe had worked to get this far. And it was just as important to Beca that Chloe finished what she started as it was for Chloe.
Beca's never been nervous about a recording or producing gig before, but she is today and it's on a whole new level. For the first time, she'll be faced with just about everything she spent so long trying to push away and she's not exactly sure how she's going to react. And what she needed, fuck what she missed more than Chloe's voice, was Chloe's entire calming presence. A single touch or a look from across the room, hell Chloe just sitting in the same room, can ground her better than anything else on the planet. She needs that now more than ever and she was stupid to not have said something.
"Hey Beca," Cynthia Rose called from the driver's seat and they connected eyes in the rearview mirror. "We're about five miles out from the airport."
"Ok thanks," Beca glanced down at her phone then snapped it back up after hearing a chuckle. "What?"
"You know, staring at it like that won't make it ring right?"
Beca just rolled her eyes, "Whatever dude…"
Cynthia Rose rolled the SUV to a stop at a red light, turning slightly in her seat she said, "It's ok to miss her."
Placing her elbow against the door, Beca rested her forehead against her palm and closed her eyes.
"I really need her right now," Beca exhaled, "you have no idea."
Reaching behind her, Cynthia Rose smacked her friend's leg, making eyes shoot open, "Then why didn't you tell her that B?"
"It's not that simple…" An eyebrow shot up making Beca scoff and turn to look back out the window. "Hey, I thought we were stopping there," she tilted her chin at the Lunardi's Gourmet Market, "so I could grab a salad for the flight?"
The light flipped to green and Cynthia Rose turned back to the front and accelerated. Beca was being stubborn and refusing to admit that she should've asked Chloe to come with her. Cynthia Rose wasn't going to push it though, because there was no way to win an argument with Beca when she hadn't slept much and her leg was bouncing like crazy.
"We were, but someone," a finger pointed at Beca over the driver seat headrest, "was late and then made me drive them to Sightglass Coffee for their caffeine fix."
"Hey," holding up both hands Beca fought back a smile, Cynthia Rose could always brighten her day by giving shit right back, "I can't help that I don't like tea and they serve a lot of it in London. I needed one last good cup of coffee before I left."
Cynthia Rose lifted her paper cup, "Thanks again, by the way!"
"No problem dude," Beca grinned, then narrowed her eyes, "however that doesn't solve my food problem."
"Don't worry B, I got you taken care of, because lord knows I'd hate to be on the receiving end of Chloe's wrath if she found out it was my fault that you didn't get to eat," Cynthia Rose said flipping on the right turn signal. "She'll text me at some point today and ask me. She's done it before."
Beca threw her head back and laughed because she's also been on the receiving end of Chloe Beale's wrath and knows exactly what that's like.
"Dude, she's so fucking hot when she's all assertive and shit," Cynthia Rose smirked in the rearview mirror as Beca ran her fingers through her hair. "Who am I kidding," dropping her hand she winked, making Cynthia Rose bust up laughing, "she's just so fucking hot in general."
Cynthia Rose wiggled her eyebrows, "Hotter than Stacie? Cause damn," she lowly whistled, "she's fine."
"Stacie's hot, not my type, but still hot…but Chloe," playfully wiping the sweat off her brow, Beca took in a steadying breath, "Chloe's on like a whole other planet. And her brain and talent is just as sexy as her body."
"You just can't keep that love struck grin off your face talking about her, can you?"
"Because she's the love of my fucking life."
"Girl," Cynthia Rose slapped the steering wheel, "you've got it so bad."
"This is the happiest I've ever been," Beca answered in awe as she reached for her coffee cup. "All that proverbial love shit I could say," she took a quick sip, "I won't, cause it won't do what I feel for her justice."
"Then why do you still seem so tense." All Beca did was very pointedly raise an eyebrow and stare into the rearview mirror making Cynthia Rose choke on air, "N-no shit, how long?"
"To long…"
"Seriously?" Beca just nodded, then shrugged it off. "Not even on your birthday?"
Beca's face flushed at the memory, "Close but no cigar."
"Damn, girl you need to get laaaaaiiiiid," Cynthia Rose dragged out.
"Fuck, that's the least of my worries right now CR," Cynthia Rose flashed a knowing grin in the rearview mirror and Beca couldn't help but laugh. "But on a totally unrelated note, yes, yes I do."
Talking with Cynthia Rose was always fun, they could give each other so much shit about everything and never have to worry about the consequences. But overall Cynthia Rose was just a solid sounding board. She was someone who was far enough removed from the likes of Aubrey and Jesse that her opinions weren't influenced by them and sometimes that's what Beca needed.
Yet, Cynthia Rose was also the person Beca did the most 'guy talking' with. Jesse, of course, was her best friend, but sometimes his hopeless romantic tendencies got in the way of any advice he might give. Plus, Beca was always a little frightened about what he might blab to Aubrey. And the last thing she needs is more dirty looks out of Aubrey, she gets plenty of those already.
"We always seem to get interrupted," Beca let out a frustrated sigh as Cynthia Rose continued to taunt her with a smirk. "But we could get interrupted another fifty times and I wouldn't care, because being with her is worth the wait."
Hearing Beca talk like that was all the proof Cynthia Rose needed to know that this Chloe Beale was going to stick around a long time.
"That's when you know you've found the one."
"And I have," Beca smiled, "she's it for me…" Hearing a grumble, Beca placed a hand over her stomach. "Can we please stop and grab some food? In-N-Out is right next to the airport, I can see it from here and it has a drive thru."
"No can do," Cynthia Rose waved her phone, "I got strict orders from the boss to bring you straight to the airport. I can't afford to stop, because she's way more frightening than Chloe sometimes."
Beca snorted out a laugh, her assistant may be flighty, but she was a stickler for keeping to a schedule.
"Please, Emily is hardly intimidating," Beca taunted.
"Because she won't yell at you," Cynthia Rose exaggerated and Beca just rolled her eyes. "Anyways, I took care of it, while you were signing autographs at the coffee shop, I texted Em. She said she'd swing by In-N-Out and will have it waiting for you on the plane. Oh and she also said no convenient store runs, she had the plane is fully stocked with snacks."
"What would I do without you guys?" Beca laughed shoving her phone in her jacket pocket and adjusting the scarf around her neck.
"Be late for just about every flight you've ever taken," turning into the executive airport Cynthia Rose already saw Emily waiting for them under the small drop off overhang.
"But this flight doesn't matter, it's private." Beca mumbled with her passport hanging from her lips as she shifted through her new bag.
"They still have a schedule to keep," rolling to a stop, Cynthia Rose put the SUV in park and waved to Emily as she reached for the door handle then hopped out. "You're famous B, but not that famous."
"Always gotta keep me humble don't ya," Beca adjusted the beanie down over her ears as her door opened.
"I wouldn't be a good friend if I didn't put your ass in its place every so often."
Beca shivered as she looped her bag over her head then tucked her passport inside her coat pocket. After being at the lake for the past month wearing only shorts and t-shirts, she'd almost forgotten how cold San Francisco could be in December. She's not really going to worry about the temperatures once Chloe gets to London because Chloe always finds creative ways to keep her warm. Plus, she's hoping that they won't leave the hotel room for like a solid day. There is some much needed naked time that they need to attend to and everything else, including sightseeing, can wait.
"Only five minutes late," Emily checked her phone for the eighth time, "I'm impressed."
"Nice to see you too Em," Beca grinned.
"We've got about ten minutes until take off." Emily stated with a hint of authority and Beca elbowed Cynthia Rose who was snickering beside her. "I'm sorry to be a dick about this," she pointed, "but don't stop at the free popcorn station and don't stop at the complementary bar. Go straight," she adjusted her jacket as Beca smirked, "to the plane."
"They got free beer here?" Beca questioned in amusement.
"Go straight to the plane Beca," Emily repeated more sternly with her hands on her hips.
"Fine…"
Emily was in full on business mode and for the most part Beca just went along with it because when Emily arranged a trip it always ran flawlessly.
"Just head through those doors and right to security," Emily pointed to the sliding glass doors with the executive airport logo etched across it. "All you need to show is your passport, I've pre-checked us in already…They are just waiting to weigh and load our bags."
"Works for me." Turning to Cynthia Rose, Beca lifted a fist, "Thanks for the lift dude, I'll see you when I get back? We can grab lunch and a few beers."
"Hell yeah! Call me!" Cynthia Rose bumped her fist with Beca's, "Go kill it."
"Have a great Christmas," Beca waved and Cynthia Rose saluted. Turning, she followed Emily through automatic doors and when they stopped just inside she asked, "I'll see you in a few?"
"Yep, I'm just dropping these off," Emily motioned to Beca's luggage, "then I need to step in the bathroom."
"Cool deal, I'll just wait for you then…" Beca's eyes wandered to the popcorn machine.
Emily poked Beca's shoulder, "Please, go straight to the plane…" Beca's eye flicked back to hers and they both laughed. Deflating slightly she said, "I'm sorry boss lady, but I'm just trying," she snapped her fingers, "to keep things on pace."
"Nahh, it's cool, you're doing awesome Em," shoving her hands in her jacket pockets Beca smiled, "I'm lucky to have you." She didn't think it was possible but Emily looked like Christmas had come early. Pulling her passport out, she tapped Emily's forehead with it, "I'm gonna go get settled, I'm waiting on Chloe to call anyway."
"Ok!"
Taking the baggage handles, Emily abruptly turned and started off toward the small check-in counter leaving Beca a bit perplexed by her assistant's sudden departure.
Not thinking twice about it, Beca bypassed the free beer and popcorn and headed straight through security, which wasn't anything but one rent a cop checking her passport against a flight manifest and putting her bag through a small x-ray machine that he didn't even pay attention to. She was about halfway to the plane when her phone rang and she almost dropped it trying to get it from her pocket.
A dopy grin stretched across her face as she mashed the green answer button and pressed the phone to her ear, "Hey gorgeous…"
"Hey sexy," god just the sound of Chloe's voice makes butterflies erupt in Beca's stomach, "I miss you like crazy."
"I miss you too," Beca shuffled around on her feet, barely inching towards the waiting plane. "I just…I wish you were here."
"Me too," Chloe's voice sounded hopeful, yet Beca took it as her girlfriend trying to sound upbeat and positive despite their present circumstances. "But we'll be together before you know it. That's one thing I can promise."
Beca released a sigh, "Yeah, but like I'm so scared right now. I didn't tell you before I left and that was stupid. I'm…"
"You don't need to apologize," Chloe softly interrupted, "I understand."
Beca tiredly rubbed an eye, "I'm not scared about the music part," Chloe hummed in acknowledgement. "Babe, I'm stepping back into my mom's world, I'm doing this song for her, but I don't know if I'm ready to face all the shit that comes with it."
"I know, but you made it through your birthday," Chloe acknowledged, "and that was much more personal. Making it though that was a huge deal and I'm really proud of you. But this," Beca bit her lip as she listened, "this should be something fun, she would've had fun doing it with you. Just think of it like that."
"Yeah, yeah you're right…" A smile slipped back on Beca's face, "My love, why are you always right?"
A light giggle floated through the phone, "You should know by now that my awesomeness can't really be defined."
"Geez and you call me the goofball," Beca laughed but it quickly fell quiet. As she looks out over the airport and sees planes taxing and taking off in the distance, she's faced with the fact that they are about to be separated by more than just a few hours. Clearing her throat she said, "I miss you so much and I-I don't know if I can do this without you."
"You can…"
Closing her eyes, Beca tried to not let her emotions get the best of her, "Is it bad that I'm freaking out? Because I'm really freaking out."
"Nope, Dr. W says sometimes unexpected things happen to test our strength," Chloe's voice sounded quieter and Beca had to plug her other ear with a finger in order to hear over a departing plane, "This is your test and you're ready…"
"What was yours?" Beca opened her eyes again and focused back on her plane.
Chloe was unusually quiet and Beca removed the phone from her ear to make sure the call hadn't dropped. Eventually she heard, "Leaving the retreat when I know you needed me and I failed. I realize how dumb it was for me to stay, I should've left with you and I'm sorry."
Just hearing Chloe's voice placated all of Beca's worries and fears that she'd been having these last few days. They'd been struggling with the same things and Chloe wasn't mad at her, Chloe was mad at how she handled the situation, because she was just as scared to leave and face the real world as she was.
"It's ok…I still love you."
"I love you more."
"Doubt it," Beca challenged.
The pilot descended the steps of the plane and started his final inspections. And out of the corner of Beca's eye she saw a small cart carrying their luggage approach. There was an unusual amount for just two people and she chuckled as she started slowly walking again.
"What's so funny?" Chloe questioned.
"I never realized Emily was so high maintenance," a giggle permeated through the phone again making Beca grin. "Seriously, I brought two bags and," stopping again she turned to face the cart that was now at the back door of the plane, "she brought three…Chlo quit laughing, I'm watching them load it onto the plane as we speak." That didn't stop Chloe's laughter and it only made the smile on Beca's face grow wider. "Dude she's flying home in a week, why the fuck does she need so much shit?"
"Becs…"
"What? Yeah sorry…"
"God you're so fucking cute, I can just see the little crease between your eyebrows that you always get when you try to figure something out," Chloe's tone was indicative of a huge smile and twinkling eyes. "And I want nothing more than to run out there and kiss you and you know," Beca heard the sexually frustrated sigh, "touch that sexy little ass of yours and stuff."
Beca tossed her head back and laughed, "You trying to start phone sex while I'm standing in the middle of a runway Beale?"
"I'll take sex any way I can get it at this point Mitchell," Chloe teased right back.
"You sound kinda desperate," Beca smirked then followed it up with, "that's fucking hot."
"Well, I want you…bad."
"I'm not gonna lie," Beca lowered her voice even though no one could hear, "the next time we're alone, I not gonna be able to stop."
"Even if we're interrupted?" Chloe taunted.
Beca ran a hand over her face, "Whatever it is can fucking wait, because I need you so bad. Well I need you in general or w-whatever," she fumbled for her words as Chloe laughed, "but also in that way," she paused let out a huff, "I…god how do you make your desperation sound so hot, while I sound like this fumbling fool who…"
"Bec," Chloe stated with a hint of amusement, "you're just horny that's all." Beca snorted out a laugh, her face going bright red, "And that's ok, because I am too."
Adjusting her bag, Beca felt the heat pool between her legs, "If you think that's bad, I've been contemplating whether or not my ridiculous level of sexual frustration was going to help or significantly hinder this recording."
"Have you…" Chloe paused and Beca could just picture that sexy lip biting thing her girlfriend always does before a flirty or dirty comment comes out. "Well, you know…"
"I tried…" Beca's face flushed again and she scratched the back of her neck while debating how tactful to be, "last night, but…yeah no relief whatsoever. In fact, imagining your naked body just made me hornier. So I just stopped."
"Same here…"
"I've actually only gotten myself off a few times since we stopped having sex. And that was only out of necessity, if you get what I mean."
"I do…"
The pilot gave a thumbs up to the ground crew and Beca glanced behind her and saw Emily stepping out the door, "Listen Chlo…"
"You've got to go?" Chloe asked.
"Unfortunately yeah. I promise to call you tonight, how's eight sound?" Chloe hummed in agreement and Beca sighed as she started walking again. "I wish you were here."
The wind whipped past Beca and she shivered as Chloe continued to try and sound upbeat and that warmed her heart, "Me too."
"Hey Chlo…"
"Yeah babe?"
Beca stopped at the bottom of the steps leading up into the plane, "We're ok right? Like you're not upset or mad that I left early?"
"Not in the slightest, and I'm sorry again if I came off as an indirect asshole," Beca lightly chuckled at Chloe's admission. "I was just scared to leave, you're not the only one who didn't say anything."
There was a few silent seconds before Beca said, "I'm just glad that we're on the same page."
"Me too."
Beca braced the handrail as she took the three small steps with ease. "I love you Chloe," ducking her head she entered the plane, "I love you so much."
"I love you too Bec…"
Instead of hearing the response from her phone, the voice came from directly in front of Beca, making her head snap to the right from where she'd been peaking inside the cockpit. She stopped dead in her tracks, because there standing about halfway down the plane stood Chloe Beale, looking just as beautiful as ever.
Just to make sure she wasn't seeing things Beca did a double take, "Chlo?"
Tossing her phone on a nearby seat, Chloe's eyes never left Beca's, "Hey sexy."
Chloe just stood there motionless for a few seconds taking in all her emotions and the emotions radiating off of her girlfriend. Beca just looked so relived, well the surprised look is there too, but it's the other look that Chloe cares about. Because after dropping everything at the retreat, driving over six hours and getting home at midnight last night only to repack again and barely get any sleep so she could be standing here today, right at this moment, well that was probably the smartest decision Chloe has ever made. It's just too bad that it took Beca leaving for her to realize it.
Meeting Beca in the middle of the plane, Chloe reached out fingering the scarf tucked into her girlfriend's coat, "I was looking for this."
"Yeah, I swiped it as I was leaving the other day," fuck Chloe was so beautiful, Beca thought, "I don't regret it, but now you're here so…"
Chloe ran her hands up the lapels of Beca's coat as her eyes flicked down to lips she was finding very hard to resist, "You're so cute Beca Mitchell."
Bouncing in place, Beca stopped the wandering hands, "Are we gonna like kiss now? Because I really need to kiss you."
Nodding, Chloe dipped her head and connected their lips. The kiss was like coming home, like it was something they'd both been waiting for since the minute Beca left the retreat. It wasn't rough and needy, it was tender and smooth, and they were both just savoring the moment.
Fingers sipped to Chloe's hips, pulling her just that little bit closer and making her softly sigh against her love's mouth. God she loved kisses like this, that were gentle and languid, where exploration won out over devouring each other.
Just barely separating, Chloe rasped out, "How was that?"
"A-amazing, I needed that like you wouldn't believe…" A smile grew against Beca's lips, "I can't believe you're here."
"I am and I'm sorry," Chloe began but was silenced with another brief kiss.
"No, no more apologies," Beca whispered as she pulled back, "but I will say," their eyes connected, "thank you Chlo, thank you for coming."
"You're welcome," adjusting the beanie on top of Beca's head, Chloe gave an easy smile. "I love you."
"Oh! Hi Chloe, I didn't know you were coming!" The couple turned to see Emily standing at the front of the plane, fighting back a smile.
"Something tells me you did Em," Beca grinned.
"Nope," Emily knowingly grinned as she made her way down the plane to the couple, her favorite couple, who she was so excited were finally back together. "But I am glad she's here…She can be the," she waved her hand in her boss's direction, "designated Beca wrangler each morning and then I can make sure everything else runs smoothly."
Chloe just giggled seeing the change Emily made from the nervous and endearing girl to the assertive assistant. She wasn't used to it, the Emily she interacts with is usually very smiley and perpetually happy, which she still was, except now it was just disguised in a package Beca always termed 'business mode.'
"Em relax," Beca coolly said in a nonchalant tone as Chloe's hands rested on her shoulders, "I made it on the plane and between you and her," she hiked a thumb towards a no doubt grinning Chloe, "I'll be on time." Emily deflated just slightly in relief, "Besides, when have I ever been late for a recording session?"
Emily pondered that question and Chloe equated it to someone going through a rolodex trying to find a phone number but in the end not coming up with what they were looking for.
Eventually, Emily conceded with a head nod as she shifted her backpack from her shoulders to a nearby seat.
"I'm sorry," Emily began, "but this is the first time I've taken an international trip with you," she fell into one of the seats with a tired sigh. "Most of the time you roll on your own, but this is different, this is huge and you're out now."
Beca barked out a laugh, "Actually, I've been out for a while."
Emily's face went bright red and her eyes went wide and Chloe just laughed, "Sorry, I like didn't mean your sexual preferences," and there was the endearing kind of naiveté Chloe loved, "although I've known that from the beginning, it's not something you hide."
"Em," Beca fought back a smile and eventually it cracked through and she started laughing, "I'm just fucking with you."
"Oh, right," Emily sat a little straighter. Trying to play off her embarrassment, she crossed her legs and glanced out the window. It was all a losing battle because out of the corner of her eye she saw her smiling boss and her boss's equally smiling girlfriend. Turning back to them she said, "Well things are a little more complicated because you're you," her hand waved in Beca's direction, "and Adele is Adele and putting you two together with the Royal Philharmonic at Abbey Road Studios is kinda a logistics nightmare and it's stressing me out."
"It's cool, I have faith in you."
"Yeah?"
"Of course dude! Not only do you run the daily operations at my studio, that's busy enough even without adding me into the equation," Beca smiled over her shoulder as Chloe's arms slipped around her, "but you also keep up with me and my antics and you did that way before I was out…" Chloe giggled behind her and a true Emily smile lit up her assistants face. "Look, this is the biggest gig I'm ever gonna do, I'm not interested in touring or doing gigs, my producing and songwriting load is cut way back, and I'm a teacher now. Oh, and I also plan on marrying this one someday and have our own family," Chloe kissed her cheek. "I've finally got my priorities straight, so logistics wise everything after this should be a breeze. And if that's not enough," she smiled, "you've done awesome so far this trip, all your meticulous preparations are paying off. And things were switched up last minute."
Emily looked like she'd just been given the compliment of a lifetime and Chloe marveled at how Beca knew just the right things to say. Beca was a good boss and it's not because she had a soft spot for Emily, everyone had a soft spot for Emily even Fat Amy who hated to admit it. No, it was because Emily really is great at her job. Emily is dedicated and can handle multiple major things at once and Chloe doesn't know many people Emily's age who can handle that level of responsibility.
"Thanks," Emily said with just the slightest bit of uncertainty.
"Now, for the time being just chill out," Beca got another cheek kiss and when Emily's face morphed into excitement, she blushed brightly. "And dude get used to that, you're gonna be seeing it a lot."
"Sorry, I'm just excited you guys are back together," Emily gushed. "I've missed Bhloe…"
The pilot stepped out of the cockpit to close and lock the door, drawing everyone's attention.
"Good afternoon ladies, I'm Captain James Emerton and along with me is First Officer Adam Rogan, and on behalf of Columbia Records, I just want to welcome you aboard. Now, Miss Junk," he gestured to Emily, "has requested no attendant for the trip, but we'll still check in periodically throughout the journey, but please feel free to let us know if you need anything. There's a phone next to the door or just give us a knock." Before turning his back he added, "Flight time to London's City Airport is around twelve and a half hours, but I'll update you with a more accurate time once we're in the air. Now, please get settled we'll be underway shortly."
The small group watched the pilot wave and step back into the cockpit and gently shut the door behind him and a few seconds later the engines roared to life.
"Chlo, where do you want to sit?" Beca asked glancing around the lavish cabin complete with tables, couches, and the most comfortable and plush first class chairs she's ever seen. "I've never actually flown private and this bitch is huge it could probably hold twenty people."
"Twenty-eight actually," Emily factually commented with a light blush. "This is one of Columbia Records corporate planes, their smaller jets can't travel as far as we need to go…They gave us multiple options and said to choose whatever I deemed necessary for you. And this one looked the most comfortable, so I chose it."
"Well," Beca glanced around the lavish digs again, "I don't think I'll be able to fly commercial ever again."
"They've even offered to fly you two home from Paris if you want," Emily said reaching for her backpack. "Just say the word and I'll let them know and cancel your flights home."
"Word…"
"What?" Emily asked confused.
Chloe laughed and said, "What Beca means is, we'll take Columbia's offer."
Emily nodded and began tapping something out in her phone.
"Columbia Records did this shit right," Beca nodded looking over her shoulder at Chloe, "Now, where shall we sit."
Chloe grinned glancing around, seeing a couch and TV towards the back of the plane she pointed, "How about over there? I'm sure we can find something to watch as we eat."
Beca grinned as she lifted the In-N-Out bag that was sitting next to Chloe's stuff, "Let me guess, Cynthia-Rose texted you and you're the one who picked me up lunch?"
"That I am, and yes," Chloe winked, "I got your burger animal style with extra pickles."
"Best girlfriend ever," Beca punctuated the statement with a peck to Chloe's lips, and then opened the bag. "Is this my cheat day?"
Chloe just shook her head and laughed, "Bec, for all practical purposes we're on vacation, it's ok to be a little lax in the healthy eating department." Stealing a fry, she popped it in her mouth, "Let's get settled so we can eat after takeoff."
"Cool with me, Em do you mind?" Beca called back to her assistant who just waved them off and pulled out her laptop and headphones. Turning back to Chloe she laughed, "She hates takeoffs and landings, I give it twenty minutes before she falls asleep. She needs to sleep," taking Chloe's hand, she started off towards the back of the plane, "kid's been going hardcore preparing for this."
"She's a good assistant, but she cares a lot about you," Chloe commented.
"Yeah well, she's first and foremost my friend," Beca smiled setting her bags in a nearby seat then she quickly did the same for her jacket and beanie. "I told her she could bring Benji along," she said as she sat down and got comfortable, "and that they could go be tourists for a day or two while I recorded, but she insisted on being with me the whole time." Her eyes freely roamed her girlfriend's form as Chloe took off her sweater and tossed it in a nearby chair. "She's probably gonna third wheel it with us a couple of nights and I promised her a ride on the London Eye, is that cool?"
Bending down, Chloe tilted Beca's chin up and gave a simple kiss, "I don't mind, I'd probably be pissed at you if you just made her sit in the hotel every night while she's here."
"Then you'll probably love how I got her tickets to the West End musical of her choice for Christmas."
Plopping down, Chloe watched Beca kick off her shoes, "What did she request?"
"Fucking Hamilton," Beca groaned, "I mean do you realize the strings I had to pull for that? I had to call in a huge favor from Adam Levine who knows James Corden, who somehow knows the director of Hamilton, and I had to promise to join in Adele's Carpool Karaoke when he films it this weekend in London for his New Year's Eve special," Chloe just laughed and kissed her shoulder. "Fuck me Chlo, now I'm stuck doing carpool karaoke!"
"Well at least it's not an interview," Chloe continued to laugh.
"Yeah thank god," Beca sighed, at least she talked her way into having Adele sit in the front seat so she could hide in the back, "but her second choice was Les Mis, which was simple, but Hamilton at Christmas? She better be thankful!"
"You got her both didn't you?" Beca nodded giving Chloe a quick kiss. "You're very sweet."
"I know and it's gonna totally ruin my rep," the plane lurched forward as Beca relaxed her arm along the back of the couch allowing Chloe to cuddle into her side. "But I'll gladly ruin it for you because I also got us Hamilton tickets," a hand latched onto her thigh as Chloe squealed. "I figured a date night would be a nice way to start our vacation after recording is done and Em's on her way home."
"And you say I'm the best girlfriend ever."
"Eh," Beca shrugged, "I have my moments."
Chloe gave another kiss, a little longer and deeper, before pulling back and kicking off her own shoes.
"I'll tell you right now," out of the corner of her eye, Chloe saw Beca's eyebrow arch, turning she pressed her lips right to her love's ear and seductively said, "Play your cards right and you'll totally get the best sex of your life afterwards."
"Chloe Beale," Beca gasped tilting away with a hand clutched to her heart, "you know putting out after a date is so scandalous…"
Tossing her head back, Chloe laughed, she loved when Beca played along like this. It was an aspect of their relationship that she adored.
"That's far from scandalous," leaning in closer Chloe winked, "scandalous is joining the mile high club," her girlfriend visibly shivered, "and that's something I've never done. Wanna join today?"
Beca's face was bright red and as tempting as that sounded and as horny as she was, they couldn't. She wanted much more room to work and she wanted to take her time and she definitely didn't want to have to be quiet. Fuck, she had so much pent up sexual frustration that a tiny ass airplane lavatory isn't where she wants to release it. Plus, she shot a glance over her shoulder to her assistant who just waved and signaled to check her seatbelt, there was the whole Emily situation.
"Chlo," Beca turned back to her girlfriend wearing a serious face, "there are children on board," she lowered her voice to a harsh whisper, "children who are innocent."
"Becs," Chloe pointedly interrupted, "she's been with Benji for months now. I'm pretty sure she's not as innocent as you think. She told me she spent the night at his place last night."
Beca's face scrunched up making Chloe giggle, "Doesn't matter, we still aren't screwing in the bathroom."
Chloe pursed her lips and shrugged, "You're loss baby."
"Chlo, if it's any consolation, I'll sex you up extra good tonight at the hotel. And then," Beca's hand floated higher on her girlfriend's thigh, "when that snowstorm hits and shuts down the city on Wednesday, we'll do it all day."
Chloe's eyes darkened, "And what about Emily?"
"I told her she could have a spa day and order room service," Beca answered. "I planned on just chillin' in my suite and reading. But since you're here, I'll be much more entertained."
"Can we take a bubble bath together?"
"Only if we can raid the mini-fridge."
"You promise we can do all that?"
Beca made an X over her heart, "I swear…I'll even toss in the best room service the Four Seasons Park Lane can offer."
"You know," Chloe's grin matched Beca's, "I would've been sold on the sex alone."
Rubbing Chloe's thigh affectionately, Beca absorbed the happiness radiating off of her girlfriend, "I know…"
It was like things had fallen right back to the way they were at the retreat and Chloe was relieved. Beca wasn't holding any resentment, instead she was happily chatting away like normal. And to Chloe that was perfect and made it so much easier to focus on the present and their future.
When the pilot came on and gave a quick announcement about takeoff, Chloe glanced behind them to check on Emily. The girl had her eyes tightly closed, hands clenched to the arms of the chair and her foot was tapping along to the music she was listening to. The sight made Chloe lightly shake her head and laugh, Beca had been totally serious about Emily's dislike of takeoff and landings and it made Emily look like the endearing kid she met all those months ago.
Turning back around, Chloe found grey-blue eyes trained on her, "What?"
"How'd you get here without me knowing?" Beca asked wearing that lopsided smile that melted Chloe's heart. "Cynthia-Rose is an expert at keeping secret, but Emily not so much. She didn't say a word and usually she's a blabbermouth."
"Despite what you think, Emily can keep a secret," Chloe grinned doing a lock and key motion across her lips.
Actually, Chloe was well aware of Emily's tendency to spoil a surprise. So yesterday, she called Emily last minute and lied saying she could now go and that Beca asked her to call and see if she could be added to the flight manifest. And just to maintain her cover she said that she wouldn't be riding with Beca to the airport because she needed grab some last minute things for Billie and drop everything off at Stacie's new apartment.
Emily totally bought it and it wasn't until Chloe got to the airport that she told Emily what was really going on. And it was actually Emily's idea to hang back with the luggage until Beca got on the plane so Chloe could pull her surprise without any interruptions.
Beca shook her head in amusement, "Well that's a first."
The plane accelerated down the runway, cutting off their conversation and all Chloe did was rest her head on Beca's shoulder and close her eyes. A kiss was pressed to the top of her head as the thumb on Beca's hand lightly rubbed circles against her thigh. She just smiled because everything was right in her world again. This is where she was meant to be.
A few hours later, Chloe was stretched out along the makeshift bed they made by folding out the couch messing with her photo editing program on her laptop as Bridge of Spies played on the TV in front of her. She really wasn't paying attention to either thing because Beca was adorably curled up asleep next to her and more often times than not her eyes drifted down to just watch Beca's even breathing or to run soothing circles along her love's back.
It didn't take more than a couple hours, after they ate lunch, for Beca to start nodding off while trying to focus on whatever book she was reading. Chloe was met with a little grumbling when she insisted Beca lay down, but all complaining stopped when Emily appeared with a couple pillows and blankets and helped them convert the couches into beds. After that, it took less than ten minutes for Chloe to find her girlfriend asleep with her glasses on and Kindle still in her hands. It was an image Chloe had seen countless times and she did the same thing she always does, she gently removed Beca's glasses, powered down the Kindle and set them safely aside.
A light tap on Chloe's shoulder made her close her laptop and look up with a smile, "Hey Em…What's up?"
Emily set two bottles of water down into nearby cup holders, "Just seeing if you guys need anything before I take a nap?"
"We're fine," Beca shifted and threw an arm over Chloe's legs then burrowed her face into Chloe's side before letting out a soft sigh.
Emily just quietly laughed, "So this is what Beca's like in full on sleep mode?"
"Yeah, she's cute when she's not being snarky right?" They both shared an amused smile, "Anyways, she's dead to world," Chloe commented running her fingers through brunette hair, "and if I can move to the other bed we put together," she glanced across the aisle, "I won't be far behind. So go rest, we all need it."
"Yeah tomorrow's a busy day, we go straight from the airport to Abbey Road Studios," Emily rambled off, "where we're getting an intensive private tour, because it's one of Beca's bucket list items and she personally requested it," Chloe just grinned, because she couldn't wait to see where the Beatles and a ton of others created their music either. "Then there's lunch at The Duke of York tavern followed by more studio time so she can begin her prep work. And that's all before we check into the hotel…"
"Em," Chloe rested her hand on the younger girls arm, "Beca already showed me the itinerary you put together. I have no complaints, I'm just tagging along." Emily released a relieved breath, "So go rest, we'll be fine."
Emily nodded and started back down the aisle then stopped and turned back around. She bit her lip as her eyes shifted from Chloe's down to her boss.
"What's wrong?" Chloe eventually asked making Emily look away.
"Please don't ever leave her like that again, you crushed her," Emily's eyes found Chloe's again and she saw the sincerity and apology in them. "She was…she just wasn't the Beca I know or the Beca I see when she's thinking about her mom. You broke her heart and I don't like seeing her that way." Softening her tone she added, "She doesn't let a lot of people into her world and you got in easier than all of us."
"I know…"
"All I want is for her to be happy and you make…"
"Emily," Chloe placed a hand on her rambling friend's arm again, "I love her, I'm in love with her," she corrected, "and she gave me and us a second chance. So, I'm not going to mess up like that again, I promise." She moved her hand to the back of the woman sleeping next to her, who was her everything. "I could sit here and tell you all day how much I love her and that I want to be with her or how I want to marry her, but it's better if I just prove it to you. Will you let me prove it to you?"
"Yes," Emily gave a single head nod then dropped her tough guy act. "Sorry to be, you know, a hardass."
Chloe softly laughed, "It's ok. I like how you're protective of her, she's lucky to have friends like you."
"Ok well, I can go sleep now. I just," Emily nervously wrung her hands together, "had to get that out."
Chloe nodded in understanding then ask, "Can you dim the cabin lights?"
"Sure," Emily gave a small wave as she headed back down the plane.
A couple minutes later the lights went out and Chloe set her laptop aside then punched the button to turn the TV off. Easing out of Beca's small bed, Chloe then rolled her girlfriend to a more comfortable position and adjusted the pillow. Originally, Beca had insisted that they share purely for the snuggling on a cold plane opportunity, but after briefly trying it out they both agreed that they'd only end up with sore backs and necks because of the awkward positions they'd have to sleep in. In the end, Chloe compromised for a quick snuggle until Beca was ready to sleep and well it didn't take very long for Beca to pass out.
After adjusting the blanket, Chloe swept brunette hair out of her loves face and tucked it behind an ear making Beca lean into the touch. Yeah it had only been two days, but god she'd missed the way Beca gravitated toward her like that.
Pressing a kiss to Beca's temple, Chloe whispered, "I love you Bec."
An instant later Beca sleepily mumbled, "Love you…"
Thanks for reading!
Liked it, loved it or hated it? I want to know your thoughts, so drop me a review or shoot me a PM and let me know what you think. Thank you guys so much for all the reviews they help keep me motivated like you wouldn't believe!
I know you guys thought I was going to make Chloe out to be the bad guy, but I just couldn't do that to them, they've been through so much. So she ended up being Beca's shining star in the end!
Sorry there was no M rated stuff this chapter. This chapter was already done and I didn't want to just add it in and seem out of place. However, due to a pretty much unanimous vote I will add it into one of the 2 chapters I have left to this fic (probably the next chapter).
Like I said in my pre-authors note, I don't have an exact timeline when the next chapter will be done and ready to go, but I'm hoping faster than the last two updates. I've got a lot of personal and work stuff going on and I don't want to say things will be done in 2 weeks then not happen. I will get it done as soon as I can!
Until next time...