Part II: Six Months Later
Therapy for an Angel
Chloe sat on the couch she’d grown to know very well, her wings folded carefully behind her, trying to look casual and at ease, a steaming cup of coffee cradled in her hands. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the room, a comforting ritual that had become second nature over the past three months. Across from her, Emily leaned back in her chair, her own cup resting on her knee as she regarded Chloe with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
“You know,” Emily began, swirling her coffee absently, “we’ve been doing this every Wednesday for three months now. Coffee, catching up, me filling you in on all the juicy details you missed while you were… well, not here.” She smiled, her tone light but probing. “But I can’t shake the feeling that we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s really on your mind.”
Chloe chuckled softly, her fingers tightening around the mug. “What do you mean? I thought we’d been having some great conversations.”
“Oh, we have,” Emily replied, tilting her head. “But this… this feels like it’s different. Like you’ve been circling around something. So… what’s really going on, Chloe?”
Chloe hesitated, her gaze dropping to the coffee in her hands. She watched the steam curl upward as if searching for answers in its delicate swirls. Finally, she sighed, her voice soft. “I thought I was fine. And I am, mostly. But there’s this… feeling. Like something’s missing, and I don’t know what.”
Emily’s brow furrowed slightly as she leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. “Missing? Can you tell me more about that?”
Chloe sighed again, her wings rustling slightly. “It’s like… I came back to be with them. With Beca, with Aubrey. And they’ve been so wonderful—better than I ever could’ve hoped for. But there’s this restlessness. Like I’m supposed to be doing something else, something more, and I can’t figure out what it is.”
Emily nodded, taking a sip of her coffee before responding. “Do you think it might have something to do with… being an angel?”
Chloe hesitated, her fingers tightening around her mug. “Maybe? I mean, that’s part of it, I guess. But I don’t even know what being an angel means. I have wings, sure, and maybe a few… extra abilities. But I don’t remember where I came from or why I’m here. All I know is that when I came back, the first thing I wanted was to find Beca. She was my reason.”
Emily leaned forward on her seat and very cautiously asked, “Chloe… umm… what do you remember from before? You know up there?”
Chloe’s eyes widened, and after a second she looked away, “I don’t remember anything from before. I remember glimpses, my funeral like I told you, I remember seeing Beca suffering, I remember seeing Aubrey and what she did but…
“You don’t remember heaven?”
“No, I don’t— I’m not even sure there’s such a thing really, maybe there is. But I don’t know. I don’t know what happened, where I came from, or even what it means to be an angel. When I came back the first thing I did was head straight for Beca…” She gave a frustrated laugh. “It’s weird, right? To be an angel on Earth but have no memory of where I came from.”
Emily nodded sympathetically. “That must have felt so… disorienting.
Chloe considered, looking almost guilty. “It was… and I thought… I mean I still—” Chloe bursted out and almost yelled, “I came back for her! She’s my reason!”
Emily reeled back surprised by the sudden intensity, but understanding what this meant, said nothing. The Angel needed to realize whatever she needed to realize on her own.
After another second of silence Chloe spoke up, her voice a trembling whisper, “Right?”
Emily gave her a kind, understanding look. “Is it possible… that maybe—just maybe, that’s just part of it?”
“What? What do you mean?”
Emily continued in a soft and nonjudgmental tone saying, “It’s okay to explore your meaning beyond your relationship.”
Chloe’s eyes widened as she absorbed this, looking both thoughtful and uncertain. “Logically, that makes sense,” she admitted quietly. “But it feels selfish like I’m betraying Beca… them. By wanting more.”
Emily leaned forward, her tone gentle but firm. “Exploring who you are and what you’re here for isn’t a betrayal, Chloe. In fact, it’s the most human thing we can do. It’s existentialism.”
Chloe’s shoulders relaxed a bit, a faint spark of clarity in her expression. “I think… you are right. It’s scary, though.”
Emily smiled encouragingly. “And you’re allowed to be scared. But you don’t have to do it all at once. Just take it one step at a time and remember you’re not alone. You’ve got Beca, Aubrey, and even Stacie. That’s a lot of… supernatural support.”
Chloe nodded, a small smile breaking through her uncertainty. “Thank you, Emily. This… helped.”
Emily gave her a reassuring smile. “Of course, and whenever you want to talk—well, you know where to find me.”
***
The Threat of Good News.
Beca stared at the monitor in front of her, she was fine-tuning her latest track. She bit her nails as she listened to it for the 30th time, her eyes closed as she took in the song. It was good, it worked but it was missing something, but she’d been here before. All she has to do now is stare at it and listen to it repeatedly, obsessively, and she’ll find the missing note, beat… whatever. She’d find it. She always did.
She winced, her train of thought was suddenly derailed by the buzzing of her cell phone vibrating lively on the table in front of her. She sighed heavily, reluctant to break out of her creative spell, and for a second considered hurling it against the wall. But when she noticed the name on the screen she paused.
It was Patricia, the only person she trusted with her gigs.
Still, though, she hated being interrupted when she was entranced by her music. With a reluctant groan, she took off the headphones and answered the call.
“Hey, what’s up?” she said, her tone businesslike and she leaned back in her chair.
The other voice on the other end, spoke rapidly and excitedly. With each word, Beca’s posture shifted. Her initial irritation melted into interest, and then something brighter, excitement.
She nodded as she heard the news. Her nod grew with enthusiasm and her smile grew. Her heart started to race, and her usual reserved demeanor changed into a sincere smile.
This was good news. Really good news.
When the call ended, Beca lowered the phone slowly, staring at it as if the reality of what she’d just heard needed a moment to sink in. Her fingers tightened around the device, her mind whirling with excitement and possibilities. For the first time in what felt like forever, she wanted something—really wanted it. And not for someone else. This was just for her.
She needed someone to tell the good news, it was all starting to feel overwhelming, and in a good way.
She stood up and headed towards the door, a small bounce in her step. But as her hand touched the doorknob, she hesitated.
The implications of this news crept into her thoughts.
How would they take it?
Would they think she was being selfish?
But she wanted this.
No, she deserved this.
Didn’t she? After everything, didn’t she deserve to chase something for herself?
The doubt lingered, but it couldn’t dull the light entirely. She nodded to herself, a spark of determination flaring in her eyes.
“Fuck it,” she muttered under her breath, pulling the door open. She wasn’t going to let fear ruin this. Not this time.
***
A Quiet Restlessness
It was nearing midnight when Beca entered the quiet library, soft candlelight glowed over stacks of old books and weathered leather. Aubrey sat at a heavy, dark oak desk, engrossed in a tome. She felt relaxed and her posture looked softer than usual, a faint, almost contemplative smile crossing her lips.
“Aubrey?” Beca’s voice was gentle as it always was when she entered the library.
Aubrey looked up, momentarily surprised but pleased. Her usual poise melted as she caught Beca’s gaze, and a warmth filled her eyes.
“Hey,” she murmured, closing her book.
Beca shrugged, leaning against the side of the desk with a smirk. She paused, studying Aubrey’s relaxed expression. “You seem… peaceful.”
Aubrey chuckled, her gaze dropping to the worn book. “I suppose I am, for once.” She reached out to touch Beca’s hand, a small but affectionate gesture. “It’s nice having you here.”
Beca’s hand lingered over hers, the connection soft but grounding. After a moment, Beca glanced around. “So I kinda have some news I wanted to share with you and Chlo.” She paused and looked around, “Where is she? I thought she’d be here with you.”
Aubrey’s brow furrows slightly, the gentle warmth replaced by a hint of concern. “Actually, I haven’t seen her all night. She usually comes by to check on me, but tonight…” Her voice trailed off, and she glanced towards the window as if scanning the grounds. A memory flickered in her eyes. “Wait. I think I might know where she is.”
With a soft smile, Aubrey stood and led Beca through the quiet manor halls until they reached a narrow, winding staircase that led up to the roof.
***
Under a full moon, Chloe sat perched on the roof’s edge, her wings wrapping protectively around her as she stared at the night sky. She was lost in thought, the faint crease between her brows the only hint of her inner restlessness. On her lap coiled comfortably was Nami, the once fearsome, giant snake that had been Lilith’s familiar. Now smaller, docile, and just enjoyed being on the angel’s lap. Its scales, once a shimmering black were not a dark emerald color. His eyes were yellow and brilliant, and his intelligence within them was not unlike that of a certain bird.
The snake shifted slightly, its body warm against her legs. Chloe absentmindedly ran her fingers along Nami’s back, her touch light and soothing. The rhythmic movement seemed to calm them both, though Chloe’s thoughts remained tangled.
“What does it mean, Nami?” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “To be an angel?”
Nami lifted its head slightly, tilting it as if considering her question. Its forked tongue darted out again, catching the air in a way that seemed almost inquisitive.
Chloe chuckled softly, her lips curving into a wistful smile. “I know, you don’t have the answers either,” she said, shaking her head. “But sometimes it helps just to say it out loud.”
The snake fixed her with its sharp gaze, its unblinking eyes reflecting the moonlight. It swayed gently, a subtle movement that felt like a nod of understanding. Chloe sighed, her fingers still moving absently over its smooth scales.
“It’s okay, little guy,” she murmured, her eyes drifting back to the sky. “I’ll figure it out. Eventually.”
Aubrey’s voice breaks the quiet. “You know, bird,” she calls with a light smirk, “I thought we’d trained you out of perching and brooding.”
Chloe startled, turned to see both of them walking towards her. Her cheeks flushed, but she managed to give them a weak smile.
“Old habits die hard, I guess,” she replied, her voice soft. She pulled her wings tighter around herself, trying to comfort herself.
Nami hissed quietly at the approaching women, a protective note in its tone. Chloe rested a hand on its head, calming the serpent with a gentle touch. “It’s okay,” she murmured to Nami. “They’re family.”
Beca and Aubrey sat themselves on either side of her, quiet and waiting.
“What’s going on, Chlo?” Beca asked gently.
Chloe sighed, her gaze dropping to her lap. “It’s silly,” she murmured. “But… OK, I came back because I wanted to be here and never leave your side,” She told Beca, her voice softer, almost as if confessing. “But lately… I’ve felt this restlessness, this… feeling like there's something I should be doing. And it makes me feel awful, and guilty because I should be happy, right? I’m finally here with you, but—”
Beca reached out, placing a hand on Chloe’s arm in a grounding gesture, her expression soft with understanding. “Chlo… it’s okay.”
Chloe’s voice cracks slightly as she continues, her tone laced with self-reproach. “I used to feel guilty for dying, for leaving you behind. And now I’m here, I’m finally here… and yet this feeling—it just keeps gnawing at me. It’s like… no matter what, I can’t just be. And I hate myself for it. I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
Aubrey leaned in, her gaze tender as she offered Chloe a gentle smile. “Chloe, you don’t have to apologize. Yes, you’re an angel, but part of you is still human—human enough to wonder, to question, to need purpose. It’s only natural to want answers.” She placed a comforting hand on Chloe’s shoulder. “I know, I did when I first turned.”
Nami slithered higher, coiling slightly around Chloe’s arm as if offering its own kind of support. Chloe glanced at the snake and let out a shaky laugh, her fingers brushing over its head. “I guess you’re with me on this one, huh?”
The serpent flicked its tongue again, brushing lightly against Chloe’s fingers in what felt like a gesture of agreement. Aubrey smiled at the interaction before continuing. “You’re not alone in this, Chloe. If you want, my library is open to you. Ancient texts, angel mythology—it’s not a complete map, but it might help you start piecing things together.”
Chloe’s face lit up with surprise and relief. “Really? That means so much to me… I don’t even know where to start looking, but maybe there’s something in there that can give me a direction.”
Aubrey gave a gentle nod. “If you want I can help you go through some of the volumes.”
“I can help too… though,” Beca thought about it for a second and added with a small embarrassed smile, “I’m not super great with research, so maybe I can make a kickass playlist for you? And… Oh, I can order you a pizza! Like how we used to back in Barden.”
Moved by their support, Chloe’s voice softened. “Thank you. I don’t feel so… lost with you both here.”
Beca squeezed her hand, her gaze steady with conviction. “Whatever you need to figure out, Chlo, I’m here for you.”
Chloe’s face softened as she looked at them both, a small but grateful smile breaking through her worry. Their quiet support steadied her heart.
***
Stacie sat cross-legged on the floor of her room, the soft glow of a desk lamp the only source of light. At the center of her attention was a sleek black pot, home to the striking black Calla Lilies that Beca had given her. The deep, velvety blooms seemed to drink in the light, their dark beauty a stark contrast to the delicate greenery surrounding them. Stacie gently brushed a finger along one of the petals, her touch reverent.
She’d been taking care of it for a few months now. It hadn’t been easy of course, in fact, she had a small journal and its worn pages were filled with handwritten notes and sketches of flowers. Meticulous research she’d done just to make sure these little flowers would survive her care.
Her movements were deliberate, almost meditative, as she tended to the plant. There was something calming about the ritual, a quiet joy in nurturing something so unique. Yet, as she gazed at the lilies, a flicker of emotion crossed her face—a mixture of gratitude and longing.
“They mean ‘transformation,’ don’t they?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “transformation… and renewal.” She smiled faintly, her finger tracing the edge of a petal. “Figures the emo vampire would give me something so dramatic.” She said but there was only gratitude behind the snark.
A faint vibration hummed through the air, so subtle it was almost imperceptible. Stacie stilled, her hand hovering over the lilies as she closed her eyes, focusing on the shift in energy. It was faint but insistent, a ripple that spread through the house like a whisper of unrest.
Her eyes opened slowly, her expression sharpening with curiosity and concern. “What’s this?” she muttered, her fingers trailing over the surface of a polished mirror resting on the table. She placed her hands on either side of the frame, the mirror’s surface rippling like water as her magic took hold.
Images began to form, the hazy outlines sharpening into a scene: Chloe perched on the roof’s edge, her wings drawn close, her expression heavy with thought. Beca and Aubrey were sitting beside her, their concern evident as they leaned in, speaking in soft, supportive tones. Stacie tilted her head, studying the scene, her lips pressing into a thoughtful line.
“Angel trouble,” she murmured, her voice tinged with worry. She hesitated, her fingers brushing the edge of the mirror. “Should I even…?” Guilt flickered across her face at the intrusion, but it was quickly replaced by determination.
Closing the book, Stacie rose to her feet, the mirror’s surface still shimmering faintly. She traced a sigil in the air, her fingers moving with practiced precision as she whispered an incantation. A soft purple glow filled the room, and a portal shimmered into existence.
“Alright, Angel,” Stacie said with a small, rueful smile. “Looks like I’m crashing your pity party.”
She stepped through the portal, the edges of her dress swirling around her as the glow enveloped her. Moments later, she emerged onto the rooftop, her hands raised in a gesture of peace.
***
As Chloe absorbed Beca and Aubrey's support, a gentle hum vibrated in the air, followed by a faint purple glow just behind them. A portal opened quietly, and Stacie stepped through, holding her hands up in a gesture of peace.
“Am I interrupting?” Stacie asked, looking between the three of them with an apologetic smile. “Mind if I join you?”
Chloe looked over, her brow lifting with surprise. “Stacie, you don’t need to ask, of course you can join us.”
Beca and Aubrey just exchanged a quiet glance and shrugged, the stray was back.
Stacie smiled as she approached cautiously, her expression a little more serious than usual. “So I could feel your restless energy. It practically shook the whole house. And… I couldn’t help but overhear?”
“You were snooping weren’t you?” Beca asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Absolutely!” Stacie admitted with a playful smile, “But you’ll be glad I did because if you’re looking for answers, I can help. I know I’ve got the reputation as the resident troublemaker, but—”
Aubrey cut in “A reputation well earned.”
“Fair enough—” the playfulness of her smile faltered but she quickly recovered, “But I also happen to be… kind of a genius,” she said, flashing them all a proud wink. “Ancient languages, mystical research—that’s my jam. How do you think I got so good at magic?”
Beca raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “A genius, huh?”
Stacie grinned, unabashed. “I know, hard to believe,” she replied, shrugging playfully. “But I’m serious. If you need to figure this out, Chloe, I’d love to help you dig through whatever you need to find.” She paused and then turned to Aubrey and asked, “I mean if Aubrey doesn’t mind if I join you in her library of course.”
Aubrey’s eyes narrowed but then shrugged, “It’s fine by me.”
Stacie sighed with relief and turned to Chloe, “What do you think?”
Chloe’s expression softened, clearly touched by the offer. “Really, Stacie? You’d do that for me?”
“Absolutely,” Stacie said, her grin fading into a more earnest expression. “We’ll search high and low. We’ll find answers you didn’t even know you needed.”
Aubrey nodded, looking over at Chloe with a supportive smile. “Sounds like you’ve got a full team ready to help.”
Chloe’s heart warmed as she looked at each of them, her family. “Thanks, you guys.”
The quiet strength of her friends’ support steadied Chloe’s heart, and the feeling of being truly seen, understood, and accepted filled her with a quiet peace.
Aubrey’s eyes suddenly shift to Beca, remembering why she came to find them. “Wait, didn’t you have some news?”
Beca paused, her fingers brushing nervously over the edge of her jacket. She shrugged and gave a nonchalant smile. “Oh, um… my latest song is doing really well on Spotify.” She looked away, hiding the hint of hesitation in her eyes, but her friends’ smiles were warm and proud. This was good enough for now, she’ll find another time to tell them about her upcoming tour to Europe.
My Nightmares
One Tuesday night sometime past 9pm Chloe and Stacie were perusing over one of the ancient texts on angel mythology, but when they glanced over towards Beca they noticed she was quiet, withdrawn, and looked pained.
Chloe noticing it asked carefully, “Becs?”
Beca turned to meet her gaze, there was pain in her eyes, “Hm?”
Chloe walking over asked, “Are you alright babe?”
Beca shook her head slowly and whispered, “Something’s wrong.”
At that moment Aubrey arrived home after an intense individual therapy session with Emily. Her expression remained unusually blank, her eyes slightly unfocused. The usual poise and strength she carried was gone, she looked exhausted.
Beca grimaced, she could feel Aubrey’s pain and she stood up, her eyes wide as she walked towards Aubrey.
“Aubrey,” She asked in a soft whisper, concern in her voice.
Chloe and Stacie paused as they noticed the heavy exchange between the blood-linked vampires, their expressions shifting to concern as they took in the severity of their demeanor.
“Aubrey? Beca?” Chloe’s voice was gentle, her brow creased with worry.
Aubrey glanced over, her expression briefly conflicted, and she looked back at Beca. Between them no words needed to be exchanged. Beca knew Aubrey had a difficult session and she was struggling. Beca opened her arms and Aubrey after a second of hesitation fell into them. Resting her head on Beca’s shoulders.
“It’s OK Aubrey. I’m here” Beca whispered, she didn’t need to, but she felt that he had to say something, for her sake and Aubrey’s. Beca extended an arm signaling Chloe to come in. The redhead didn’t need to be asked twice and joined in the hug, her wings wrapping around them protectively.
“We’re here for you Aubrey,” Chloe whispered to Aubrey.
Stacie looked at the trio holding each other in quiet support. Feeling once more like an outsider looking in. She could feel her old insecurity surface and she looked away and practiced her breathing.
After a quiet moment, Aubrey straightened up and nodded.
“Thanks, I’m alright, I just—” Aubrey distanced herself from Beca and Aubrey and sighed, “Please excuse me, I’ve had a long evening, I think I’ll be retiring to bed.”
Aubrey didn’t wait for them to respond as she brushed past them and headed toward her bedroom.
The girls exchange glances, unsure of how to approach this situation. Beca watched her go, the pain they shared evident in her eyes.
Stacie noticing her pain, grew tired of being on the sidelines, she hesitated and asked, “Can I… place my hand on your shoulder?
Beca turned to Stacie, her eyes misty, and she quietly nodded.
Stacie exhaled with relief and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I don’t know… what to say but, I hope this is helping.”
Beca looked deep into the taller woman’s eyes, unsure of what she was seeing, and shook her head, “I’m going to call it a night, Chlo?” Beca asked looking over at Chloe, who nodded in response.
Chloe started to stand up but Stacie quickly grabbed her arm, stopping her. Beca and Chloe immediately looked at Stacie’s hand. Stacie noticed what she did and then immediately withdrew her hand with a shocked and embarrassed expression.
“Oh God! I’m sorry, I just—” Stacie started to apologize, “But could I borrow Chloe? I just—I’m kinda struggling right now.”
Stacie stared into her eyes, there was a quiet plea in them that Chloe couldn’t help but respond to. Chloe looked over at Beca and gave her a nod.
“It’s OK, I’ll come to bed in a bit.”
Beca hesitated for a second but nodded and turned around towards the bedroom.
Stacie didn’t touch her again, no matter how much she wanted to. She knew she was feeling vulnerable, she knew she was at risk. She could have used her magic but she didn’t, instead, she reached out for help. And that plea was met with divine kindness.
***
The Bedroom Conversation
Beca hesitated outside the door to Aubrey’s bedroom, her hand hovering over the ornate handle. She could feel the heavy emotions rolling off Aubrey, their blood bond acting like a second heartbeat in her chest. With a quiet exhale, she pushed the door open, stepping into the dimly lit room.
Aubrey sat at the edge of the bed, her posture unusually slouched, elbows resting on her knees, her fingers tangled in her golden hair. She didn’t look up as Beca entered, but her voice was quiet, almost brittle.
“I want to be alone.”
Beca shut the door softly behind her, crossing the room with measured steps. “Yeah, well… tough.”
Aubrey huffed a faint laugh, but it was hollow. She didn’t respond as Beca sat beside her, their shoulders brushing. The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words.
“You had a tough session,” Beca ventured, her voice soft but probing.
Aubrey shook her head, her jaw tightening. “It’s not important.”
“It is,” Beca countered, her tone gentle but firm. “If it’s got you this upset, it’s important. To me, at least.”
Aubrey turned her head slightly, her blue eyes glassy as they met Beca’s. “It’s about us.”
Beca’s heart skipped. She shifted, turning more fully toward Aubrey, bracing herself. “Okay. I knew we’d get here eventually. Let’s talk about… us.”
Aubrey swallowed hard, her hands clenching and unclenching in her lap. “Today, Emily asked me to reflect on… coercion and consent. And all I could think about was…” Her voice cracked on the last word, and she turned her head away, as if ashamed to meet Beca’s gaze.
Beca’s brows furrowed, a pang of unease threading through her. “Aubrey…”
Aubrey didn’t let her finish. “Emily was right, I told you to either die or become mine,” she said, her words rushing out like a confession. “That wasn’t love, Beca. I knew it wasn’t love! It was about control. I gave you no real choice, and I’ve been telling myself that you—” She stopped, shaking her head. “I’ve been telling myself that it all worked out in the end, but that doesn’t change what I did to you.”
Beca was silent for a long moment, her mind reeling with the weight of Aubrey’s words. “You’re right,” she said finally, her voice low. “You didn’t give me a choice. And at the time… I was too scared, too lonely, and starved for affection to care.”
“I’m so sorry,” Aubrey whispered, the words trembling with guilt.
Beca’s hand found Aubrey’s, her fingers threading through hers. “I didn’t say that to hurt you. Just… I’m just trying to explain my side of the story. Back then, I was desperate. I felt so alone. And you—” She paused, her throat tightening. “You gave me something to hold onto, even if it wasn’t the right way.”
“I should have—” Aubrey murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “I shouldn’t have—”
“I’m not finished,” Beca cut in, her tone firm but not unkind. “You gave me a connection. But now, I realize it was more than that. You taught me how to survive, how to fight. And yeah, maybe it wasn’t love at first. But it is now.”
Aubrey’s eyes darted to hers, a flicker of hope warring with self-reproach. “How can you say that? After everything—”
“Because I’ve had a lot of time to think about it, what do you think I do when I’m in the garden?” Beca asked, her voice steady. “Look, I’m not that scared little girl anymore. I’ve grown. I’ve learned. And part of that is realizing what I want.”
Aubrey’s voice was barely a whisper. “And what do you want?”
Beca took a deep breath, her grip on Aubrey’s hand tightening. “All I know is that right now, I want to be here with you, and…”
The door creaked open, and Chloe peeked in, her crimson hair falling into her face. “Am I interrupting?”
Both women inside turned to her, the very sight of the angelic being, was enough to start to make them smile.
“Chloe...” Beca finished, relieved at the sight of the redhead, she extended her free hand reaching out to her. “Never, Chlo. Come here.”
Chloe stepped inside, her wings shimmering in the dim light.
“What’s going on?” Chloe asked softly.
Beca glanced up, her expression heavy with unspoken emotion. “Aubrey had a rough session with Emily,” she said quietly.
Chloe’s gaze softened, her wings twitching slightly in concern. Without hesitation, she crossed the room and sitting on the other side of Aubrey wrapped an arm around her shoulders, her wings fluttering softly as she pulled her closer. “It’s going to be alright Aubrey. You’re not alone anymore.”
Aubrey’s breath hitched, and she leaned into Chloe’s embrace, her head resting on the angel’s shoulder. “I don’t know if I deserve this,” she whispered.
Beca’s hand slid over Aubrey’s, her thumb brushing soothing circles against her skin. “You do,” Beca said firmly. “We all do.”
For a moment, the three of them sat in silence, the weight of the moment balanced by the warmth of their closeness. Then, almost instinctively, Chloe turned her head, pressing a soft kiss to Aubrey’s temple.
Aubrey froze, her breath catching as she turned her face toward Chloe. Their eyes met, and Chloe’s lips curved into a small, reassuring smile before she leaned in again, this time capturing Aubrey’s lips in a gentle, lingering kiss.
Beca watched them, her chest relaxed as she felt relieved that Chloe was using her own magic to cheer her up because it was getting scaringly deep. While talking was fine, they really didn’t need words. Kisses were better anyway.
When Chloe pulled back she gave Aubrey a gentle smile and with her thumb wiped away a tear from the vampire's cheek. They smiled a little sheepishly and Chloe noticed Beca was staring.
“I think someone wants to try to cheer you up too,” Chloe said playfully
Aubrey turned to her, her gaze tentative, she could sense Beca’s own lingering desire but still without words she asked permission.
Beca gave her a small nod, and Aubrey’s lips parted as she kissed Beca, just as softly, just as tentatively. The kiss deepened slowly, a wordless apology and a promise of healing wrapped into one.
Chloe shifted closer and timidly pressed a kiss on Aubrey’s neck.
The gentle touch of the Angel’s lips exploring her neck and collarbone made Aubrey gasp into Beca’s kiss.
***
The three of them lay back on the bed, Aubrey sandwiched between her two lovers. Chloe rested her head on Aubrey’s shoulder, her fingers laced with hers, while Beca curled into her other side, her hand resting lightly on Aubrey’s waist.
For a while, there was no need for words. Their breaths evened out, their bodies entwined in a cocoon of shared warmth and love. It wasn’t a solution to everything, but it was a step—a moment of solace in the storm.
Aubrey exhaled softly, her body finally beginning to relax under the soothing weight of her lovers on either side. Chloe’s hand stroked gently over Aubrey’s arm, her fingers trailing in light, comforting patterns. On the other side, Beca pressed a series of soft kisses along Aubrey’s shoulder, each one deliberate and unhurried.
Chloe tilted her head, her lips brushing against the delicate curve of Aubrey’s ear. “You’re so beautiful, Bree,” she whispered, her voice filled with warmth. “We’ve got you.”
Aubrey turned her head toward Chloe, her expression tentative but open as if allowing herself to believe those words for the first time. Chloe smiled, her fingers moving to cup Aubrey’s cheek, guiding her into another kiss. This one was deeper, hungrier, the emotions between them spilling over.
Beca watched them, her chest tightening with a mixture of love and longing. She reached up, threading her fingers into Aubrey’s hair as it was her turn to kiss the vampire’s neck. Aubrey shivered at the touch.
When Chloe pulled back, her lips glistening, she turned to Beca, her eyes bright with affection and desire. “Come here,” she murmured, reaching for her.
Beca leaned in, her lips meeting Chloe’s in a kiss that was tender and full of unspoken promises. Aubrey, still between them, had front-row seats to their tender kiss, her gaze softening as the tension in her chest melted into something warmer, something freer. Slowly, she leaned into Beca, pressing her lips to the side of her neck, her fangs grazing the soft skin just enough to elicit a quiet moan.
Aubrey’s hands moved with newfound confidence, sliding along Beca’s waist and pulling her towards her, breaking Beca’s and Chloe's kiss apart. It wasn’t a sign of jealousy or possession, just pure lust.
Chloe stifled a giggle and watched as Aubrey’s and Beca's kiss grew deeper and more insistent. Beca melted into it, one hand sliding down Aubrey’s back while the other reached for Chloe, pulling her to kiss Aubrey’s collarbone.
Chloe let herself be led, and her hands roamed over both of them, her touch light and teasing. Her lips trailed down Aubrey’s collarbone, pressing soft kisses to the delicate line before moving lower, her breath warm against the vampire’s cold skin.
Aubrey leaned back against the pillows, her head tilting as she gave Chloe access, her fingers tangling in the angel’s fiery hair. Beca followed Chloe's trail, her lips tracing a path down Aubrey’s other side, as her fingers delicately pulled her dress down.
Aubrey shivered as her naked skin was quickly exposed for her two lovers to adore and her usual composure dissolved. “You two—” she whispered, her voice breaking with emotion, “-Are going to undo me.”
Chloe chuckled softly, her lips brushing against Aubrey’s ear as she whispered, “That’s the plan.”
Beca grinned, “Yes it is.”
As the three of them continued their slow, deliberate exploration of each other, Aubrey could feel herself slowly letting go, and the weight of the heavy therapeutic session melted away in the heat of their love and passion for each other.
***
The three slept close together, with Aubrey on the left side, Beca in the middle, and Chloe on the right, their forms gently intertwined. But that peace shattered when Aubrey began to toss and turn, quiet murmurs escaped her lips, pleading for help, for mercy they quickly escalated into distressed whimpers. Beca felt her pain as the first to stir. She sat up groggily and turned to Aubrey.
"Aubrey?" Beca whispered, gently touching her shoulder.
Chloe awoke after a few seconds, and she noticed the tension in the room. She saw Aubrey's strained expression, her face contorted in fear. "She's having a nightmare," Chloe said softly.
Aubrey began thrashing against the sheets. Her eyes were still closed but her mouth opened wide and she hissed, her fangs visible and dangerous, while a sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead and in a sudden, sleep-driven rage, she lunged towards the nearest person, Beca.
Chloe’s hand shot out past Beca, catching Aubrey by the neck just inches before her fangs could make contact. She held Aubrey firmly, her wings unfurling and rising defensively as she braced against the unexpected strength of the vampire in her grip.
Beca, unfazed by the danger, called to her with urgency, her voice trembling, "Aubrey, wake up! It’s just a dream!"
Chloe tightened her hold, her voice laced with fierce protectiveness. "We’re here, Aubrey. You're safe." Yet despite their efforts, Aubrey’s distress only deepened, her thrashing relentless.
Despite their efforts, Aubrey didn’t wake, she was still in a frenzy, and her distress only deepened. At that moment, there's a loud knock on the bedroom door.
"Is everything alright?" Stacie's voice comes from the other side, tinged with genuine concern. “Can I come in?”
Beca glanced at the door and called out, "Yes, come in!"
Stacie entered cautiously, taking in the scene—the disheveled bed, Aubrey's frenzied form, and Beca and Chloe's worried faces as they tried to hold her back. "I heard something and thought I'd check."
Beca looked at Stacie, her expression a mix of worry and helplessness. "She's been like this for a few minutes! We can't seem to wake her!"
Stacie nodded and moved closer. "She’s suffering badly. Must be a hell of a nightmare.”
Chloe looked at Stacie, a familiar spark of fire starting to ignite in her eyes. "What can we do? I don’t want to hurt her!"
Stacie thought about it for a second, and then asked, "I can try a calming spell. Something gentle to ease her nightmares and help her sleep.
“Do it!” Chloe barked.
Stacie hesitated, conflicted, “I can’t… not without her permission."
Beca turned to Stacie and said, "Stacie! If it can help her, then please do it! You have my permission."
Stacie, still unsure hesitated “I uh— I don’t know if I should.”
“Do it! Please! Trust me!” Beca begged desperation in her voice.
Stacie glanced between them, still unsure, but Beca’s desperation was clear, and it pulled at something within her. With a small nod, she approached the bed, lifting her hands to hover over Aubrey’s face. She began to murmur a quiet incantation, words flowing smoothly and softly from her lips. A gentle light radiated from her hands, casting a warm glow over Aubrey’s tense form.
Gradually, Aubrey's thrashing and snarling subsided. Her breathing evened out, and the tension in her face relaxed. The nightmare releases its hold on her. She slowly calmed and fell back asleep.
Stacie stepped back, her expression thoughtful and guilty. “She umm should rest peacefully now.”
Beca reaches out to squeeze Stacie's hand. “Thank you.”
“Was this… OK?” Stacie asked, worry and guilt heavy in her voice.
Beca nodded, “Yes, it was. Thank you.”
Chloe exhaled, her wings lowering and relaxing, “Seriously thank you, I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t helped.”
Beca sighs, conflicted. “I hate seeing her like this.”
Stacie places a reassuring hand on Beca's shoulder. “Me too.”
Chloe wrapped an arm around Beca, pulling her close. “Let’s let her rest, we’ll be right here when she wakes up.”
As Stacie started to step away, Beca caught her arm. “Hey um…”
She looked back, curious. “Yeah?”
“Could you… stay?” Beca’s eyes held a plea. “In case we need you again?”
Stacie blinked, touched by the request. “You really want me to stay?”
Chloe nodded, smiling softly. “Your magic did come in handy.”
Stacie, moved by their trust, nodded and crossed to the nearest chair, settling into it. She sat quietly, watching over them as the trio drifted back to sleep. The room was calm now, a cocoon of peace wrapped around them all.
As the soft light of the late afternoon filtered through the curtains, Stacie remained vigilant, her eyes softening as she took in the sight of her friends sleeping soundly. Finally, she leaned back, her own eyes growing heavy. With a small smile, she closed her eyes, surrendering to sleep.
***
The room was quiet, softened by the warm, dim lighting and the familiar scent of lavender. Emily sat across from the group, her gentle presence a grounding force in the otherwise tense atmosphere. Beca, Chloe, Aubrey, and Stacie had gathered for one of their regular therapy sessions, each of them carrying a different weight.
Emily began, as usual, her voice calm. “Why don’t we start with some updates? Stacie, would you like to go first?”
Stacie shifted in her chair, eyes glancing down before she looked up. “It’s... it hasn’t been easy,” she admitted, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. “But I’m putting in the work, I’m doing the stupid homework. Just... taking things one day at a time.”
Emily nodded, encouraging her with a small smile. “Dude, that's awesome. That’s exactly what you should be doing.”
Stacie gave a brief, grateful smile before looking away. Emily’s gaze moved over the group, eventually landing on Aubrey. Aubrey hesitated, her posture tense. Beca reached out, gently squeezing her hand, giving her the courage to speak.
“Aubrey? You look like you have something you’d like to share.”
“Dr. Junk—” Aubrey started quietly, almost as if she feared saying it out loud would make them more real. “They’ve gotten worse.” She looked down, a hint of shame flickering across her face.
“The nightmares?” Emily asked.
Aubrey nodded, “Last night was bad. I almost hurt Beca.”
Beca squeezed her hand again and added gently. “But you didn’t.”
“That’s because Stacie helped if she hadn’t…” Aubrey started to say, her words drifting off as she imagined the worst.
“I wouldn’t have let anything happen to her, or you for that matter Aubrey.” Chloe stepped in.
Emily’s gaze turned to Stacie, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. “You helped?”
Stacie shifted uncomfortably but held Emily’s gaze. “I used... a calming spell. I wouldn’t have done it without permission, but Beca insisted, and we couldn’t get Aubrey to calm down otherwise.”
Emily thought about this for a second and then said, “I hadn’t considered this… because you all are… supernatural I guess. But usually, with conditions like PTSD, it is not uncommon to prescribe psychotropic medication, like SSRIs or SNRIs along with sleeping aids like Trazodone. But I don’t think those would work for you guys so it makes sense that magic would be the only aid that can help you through the healing process.”
Beca, Chloe, and Aubrey turned towards the witch who could feel herself shrink under their grateful gazes.
Emily continued, “I think as long as it’s discussed openly and the conditions of the magic are thoroughly explained to everyone, then that’s perfectly fine.”
Aubrey sighed, her voice a mix of frustration and vulnerability. “That’s good because the nightmares… the memories of my old master, coming back up. They hurt.” She clenched her hands together tightly.
Emily’s voice softened. “What you’re experiencing is a normal part of the process. PTSD symptoms often worsen before they improve when you’re confronting trauma. It’s important to keep working through it, even if it’s hard.”
Stacie’s jaw tightened. She couldn’t keep the frustration out of her voice. “It’s been six months! She’s been putting in all this work, and she’s still suffering.” Her voice broke an edge of anger in it. “How long is she supposed to keep going through this?”
Emily remained calm, her gaze steady on Stacie. “PTSD recovery is a long journey, Stacie, and that recovery isn’t always a straight line.”
Stacie shook her head, unable to accept it. She looked at the group, her eyes dark with determination. “What if she faced him?” she said, the question laced with a reckless sort of hope. “What if we tracked him down and made him answer for what he did?” Stacie’s words hung heavy in the room, daring anyone to challenge her resolve.
Beca immediately frowned, glancing between Stacie and Aubrey with an uneasy expression, as if seeing the danger in Stacie’s suggestion. “That’s not the answer,” she said, her voice tight with worry.
Chloe watched Stacie intently, her own expression carefully neutral, though a glint in her eyes hinted that she wasn’t entirely opposed to the idea. “Are you sure it isn’t?” she murmured, a flicker of something darker crossing her face as her wings stiffened.
Emily shifted, focusing her attention on Stacie, her tone gentle but firm. “Stacie, I think there’s something more going on here,” she began, her words careful. “This urge to go after him—it's more than just wanting to protect Aubrey, isn’t it?”
Stacie looked taken aback, her jaw setting as she met Emily’s gaze. “This isn’t about me!” She retorted, her voice uncharacteristically defensive, “This is about helping Aubrey find peace.”
Emily’s gaze softened as she continued. “You’ve all been through the unimaginable. It’s normal to want to fight back, to find control even if it's through violence. But that doesn’t mean it’s right.”
Stacie’s face hardened, her fists clenched, and said, with a tight voice. “Aubrey deserves to be free of him, to know he’s no longer out there.”
Beca, sensing the tension, interjected carefully. “We’re trying to put this behind us, going off to face him... it’s dangerous. Not just physically either.”
Stacie’s gaze softened, and for a moment, a flicker of vulnerability crossed her face. “I know it’s risky,” she admitted, her voice lowering. “But I want to do something real, something concrete. Therapy… it helps sure. God knows it’s been helping me. But it doesn’t erase what happened!”
Emily nodded, understanding the weight of Stacie’s words. “Neither does vengeance, I understand wanting tangible results, Stacie. But healing doesn’t always look like a single moment of closure. Sometimes it’s a process that takes time.”
“I think you guys are forgetting something important!” Chloe interjected a bit louder than she meant, everyone turned to look at her and she continued, “We haven’t asked her what she thinks.”
They all turned to Aubrey expectantly.
Aubrey, who had been silently listening, looked away, her expression conflicted. “I don’t know what the answer is,” she murmured. “Part of me… part of me thinks facing him might bring me peace. But I also know it’s not that simple.”
Beca reached out, gently taking Aubrey’s hand. “You don’t have to do this,” she said, her voice soft but steady. “We can just put it behind us.”
“You’re probably right,” Aubrey looked over at Emily, a quiet plea in her eyes, “It’ll get easier right?”
Emily nodded, “It will, this is just the beginning.”
Stacie crossed her arms in front of her chest and leaned back on the couch, still grappling with her own frustration, she nodded, agreeing to shelf the subject. But her resolve hadn’t fully faded.
***
Capacity for Obsession
A couple of quiet evenings had passed, and every time it was time for the vampires to call it a night, Stacie would be there casting a quiet calming spell on Aubrey that would help her sleep through the night. This particular evening the mood was lighter and Beca, and Chloe huddled on the couch in the manor’s cozy den. They were wrapped up in an intense but playful debate over what to watch—Beca insisting on a classic thriller, while Chloe vying for a feel-good romance. Aubrey sat on a chair nearby, reading a book quietly though she couldn’t help but smile as the pair on her couch bantered. The mood was light, warm, and pleasantly ordinary.
Then, as a pause settled over the room, Chloe suddenly looked around, frowning. “Wait… when’s the last time we saw Stacie?”
Beca and Aubrey glanced at each other, a shared realization crossing their faces. “Now that you mention it…” Beca began, “She’s been a little MIA. Maybe she’s just… busy?”
Aubrey’s brow furrowed. “It’s unlike her to just vanish. She’s usually wherever we are.” She gave Beca a look, a hint of concern seeping in. “We should check on her.”
They split up, combing the manor room by room until Chloe, drawn to the quiet solitude of the library, finally found Stacie in a far corner, slumped over a mountain of ancient texts. Her head rested on the pages, dark circles prominent under her eyes, her usually lively face pale and gaunt.
“Stacie!” Chloe called softly, crouching down beside her, worry flaring in her gaze. Hearing her, Beca and Aubrey arrived, taking in the scene. Books on seraphim mythology and ancient Hebrew origins lay open in front of Stacie, scattered around in a haphazard display of late-night research.
Chloe gently brushed back a strand of Stacie’s hair, noticing the exhaustion etched on her friend’s face. “You poor thing,” she murmured, touching her cheek lightly, her fingers warm and soothing.
Beca crossed her arms, concerned. “How long do you think she’s been like this?” she asked quietly.
Aubrey shook her head, her own expression grim. “Too long, if she’s running herself into the ground like this.”
Chloe called Stacie’s name again, this time loud enough to rouse her. Stacie stirred, blinking sleepily as her eyes slowly focused on Chloe’s face. It took her a second to process where she was, her voice groggy as she asked, “What… what time is it?”
“Time for you to get some rest, for starters,” Chloe replied, her tone gentle but firm. “When’s the last time you ate? Or slept?”
Stacie gave a half-hearted shrug, her gaze dropping. “I—I don’t know. I was just… working. I thought maybe I could find something for you.”
Beca and Aubrey exchanged a look of concern. “Stace,” Beca started, her voice soft, “you can’t keep going like this. You look like you’re about to collapse.”
Stacie managed a weak smile, but her weariness was unmistakable. “I just… I wanted to help.”
Chloe took Stacie’s hand, squeezing it gently. “You don’t have to push yourself this hard.”
The girls helped Stacie to her feet and guided her to the living room, settling her onto the couch. Chloe left briefly and returned with a tray of food and a glass of water, setting it down with a tender smile. “Eat, Stacie. Please.”
Stacie picked at the food, still bleary-eyed but grateful. Aubrey and Beca watched quietly, both noticing how much Stacie had changed, how hard she’d been trying. There was a patience and gentleness in her actions that hadn’t been there before, a willingness to care deeply without letting her emotions spiral out of control.
Later, as she finished eating and started drifting off, they covered her with a soft blanket, tucking her in as she muttered a drowsy, “Thank you…”
When Stacie awoke, the room was quiet, and she found Chloe seated beside her, reading one of the texts Stacie had been pouring over. Chloe looked up, her expression warm but thoughtful.
“Learning anything interesting?” Stacie asked, her voice still a little rough from sleep.
Chloe nodded. “There’s so much here, but it still feels like there’s so much more I don’t understand.” She glanced down at the text, a hint of wonder in her eyes.
Stacie frowned sympathetically, feeling the weight of Chloe’s uncertainty. “I hit a dead end last night, I have some leads but…” Stacie’s mood darkened, the leads were people. And people were unpredictable, and they could be uncooperative which meant she’d have to use her charm or her magic and that was the last thing she wanted to do. “Anyway, I’ll keep looking.”
Chloe smiled softly, touched by Stacie’s determination. “Just… don’t wear yourself out, okay?”
Stacie nodded but then realized she had therapy in a few hours—and she hadn’t done her homework. She groaned softly, scrambling to find her notes, a flicker of her old, frantic energy reappearing as she tried to organize her scattered thoughts. Just as she stood up to go to the library and work on her homework, Chloe blocked the doorway, one eyebrow raised.
“Oh no, not this time,” Chloe said, crossing her arms with a mock sternness.
“I have a group in like two hours! And I haven’t done my stupid homework!”
“Fine! But promise me you’ll eat first. And after therapy, you’ll go to bed at a reasonable hour. No more all-nighters.”
Stacie laughed softly, a genuine warmth in her smile. “Alright, alright. I promise Mom!” Stacie said as she ducked past the laughing angel and ran down the hallway.
***
The News
The living room hummed with a quiet peace. Chloe sat cross-legged on the plush carpet, flipping through a book on angel mythology, her fiery hair falling in soft waves around her face. Across from her, Stacie leaned back on the couch, lazily munching on a cookie and occasionally chiming in with half-baked observations about celestial hierarchies. Aubrey was perched in her usual armchair, her notepad balanced on her knee, her expression focused as she scribbled notes in her meticulous handwriting.
Beca walked into the room and looked around, everyone seemed engrossed in their own little worlds. She hated that she was about to shatter this moment of domestic stillness but she couldn’t wait any longer.
“Hey,” she began, her voice louder than intended. “I, uh, need to talk to you guys.”
Chloe immediately perked up, setting her book aside. “Of course, babe! What’s going on?”
Aubrey glanced up, her sharp blue eyes narrowing slightly. “Is everything alright, my Raven?”
Beca shifted awkwardly, her grip tightening on the guitar case. “Yeah, it’s fine. It’s just… I got an offer to go on tour.”
The room stilled for a moment before Chloe’s wings fluttered in excitement, her face lighting up. “Oh my God, Becs, that’s amazing! I’m so proud of you!” She was on her feet in an instant, rushing over to wrap Beca in a tight hug.
“Hell yeah, rock star!” Stacie added with a grin.
Aubrey’s reaction was more reserved, her brows furrowing as she processed the announcement. “A tour?” she asked, her tone neutral but laced with curiosity. “That’s wonderful news. Have you thought about the logistics yet? Traveling, accommodations, safety?”
Beca hesitated, stepping back from Chloe’s embrace. “Yeah, about that… I’ve been thinking, and I think I need to do this on my own.”
Aubrey blinked, her posture stiffening. “On your own?” she repeated, her tone shifting from curiosity to confusion. “What do you mean?”
“I mean…” Beca shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Chloe for reassurance. “I think I need to do this without anyone coming with me. I need to figure it out for myself.
The room was silent for a beat before Aubrey’s expression hardened. “Beca, be serious. You’re a vampire. You can’t just ‘figure it out.’ There are significant logistics to consider—daylight travel, blood storage, security—”
“Aubrey,” Beca interrupted, her voice sharper now. “I’ve thought about it. I know it’s complicated, but this is something I need to do. Alone.”
Aubrey’s eyes narrowed. “Why?” she asked, her tone clipped. “Why would you want to do this alone when you have us to help you?”
Beca continued, her voice rising slightly. “I just… I need to prove to myself that I can do this. That I’m not just—”
“What? Not just what?” Aubrey pressed, her frustration seeping through. “Not just my fledgling? Is that what this is about?”
“Aubrey, stop,” Chloe interjected, her tone firm but gentle. She placed a hand on Aubrey’s arm, her wings flaring slightly. “Let her explain.”
Aubrey pulled back, her jaw tightening as she folded her arms across her chest. “Fine. Explain.”
Beca took a deep breath, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “I um-how do I say this? Well, it's like ever since I became a vampire, my whole life has revolved around this house and this…” Beca gestured towards them, “And I love you guys, I do. But I feel like I’ve lost a part of myself.”
Aubrey’s lips pressed into a thin line, her composure cracking. “And to recover that part of yourself you have to leave us behind?” Leaving me behind?
“It’s not about leaving you!” Beca snapped as she could feel Aubrey’s panic through their blood bond, her voice breaking slightly. “It’s about finding myself. Can’t you understand that?”
“Of course she does,” Chloe said quickly, stepping between them. Her eyes were wide with worry, her hands held up in a placating gesture. “Aubrey’s just… processing. Right?”
Aubrey shot Chloe a sharp look. “This isn’t about processing. This is about her deciding to exclude us without even talking to us first.”
“I’m not excluding you!” Beca shot back, her frustration boiling over.
Stacie, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke up. “Okay, everybody, let’s just take a breath,” she said, her tone unusually firm. “We’re all on the same team here, right?”
“Stacie’s right,” Chloe added, her voice soothing. “Let’s just take a second, and—”
Aubrey’s eyes flashed with annoyance, and she exhaled sharply and almost shouted. “I call a communication circle!”
***
In the Circle We Trust
The four of them sat in a circle on the living room floor. Aubrey sat stiffly, her expression guarded, while Beca sat cross-legged, her jaw set in defiance. Chloe’s wings draped protectively around Beca, her hand resting lightly on her shoulder. Stacie sat between them, looking like a referee in a high-stakes match.
“Ground rules,” Aubrey began, her voice tight. “We listen without interrupting, we respect each other’s feelings, and we stay open-minded.”
“Beca,” Chloe prompted gently. “Why don’t you start?”
Beca took a deep breath, her gaze steady. “I’ve already said most of it, but… I need this. Music has always been my escape and a part of my identity. And ever since I became a vampire, I feel like I’ve lost a piece of that. I need to find it again.”
“But you’ve had gigs!” Aubrey protested.
“One gig! And—” Beca glared at Stacie.
“Oh… and I fucked it up. Didn’t I?” Stacie said softly, guilt etched on her face. “The gig. The release party. I’ve been a disaster.”
Beca paused, her anger ebbing. “Yeah. You did Stray! But… I’ve already dealt with that. This isn’t about what happened then. This is about now. It’s about what I need now.”
Aubrey’s expression softened slightly, but her voice was still strained. “And you need to leave us behind?”
Beca hesitated, her fingers curling into the fabric of her jeans. “Again, I’m not leaving you. It’s about proving to myself that I can still be myself. Not just your fledgling. Not just your lover.”
Chloe’s hand tightened on Beca’s shoulder, her voice steady. “She’s not leaving us, Bree. She’s just… setting a boundary. And I think we need to respect that.”
Aubrey’s gaze darted to Chloe, her frustration bubbling over. “You’re awfully quick to take her side.”
“OK… first of all! I’m not taking sides,” Chloe snapped. “And second of all, if I was going to take sides, you bet your sweet bottom that I’d be taking her side! I’m Team Becs all the way…”
Beca’s eyes widened at Chloe, her heart warming at the angel, “Thanks Chlo, you always had my back”
“Of course babe,” Chloe turned back to Aubrey and added, “This isn’t about sides Aubrey, this is about supporting the woman we both love.”
Aubrey flinched, her defenses crumbling slightly. She turned back to Beca, her voice quieter now. “Then why does it feel like you’re leaving me.”
Beca's eyes started to get misty. “I’m not leaving you… I could never leave you. I just…”
But she couldn’t say anything, she just looked at Aubrey, her eyes still misty. Beca’s throat tightened as she searched for the words.
Aubrey’s eyes remained fixed on her, fear evident in them. Their blood bond speaking quiet volumes. While Chloe looked between them, clearly trying to find something to say, to help ease the tension.
Stacie spoke up, “Can I say something?”
The vampires nodded, whenever Stacie chimed in during the circles she always had a surprising amount of good insight.
“Since we’re talking about teams, you know I’m always Team Aubrey. But… this isn’t about you. It’s about her.” Stacie said, looking at Beca warmly, with a tinge of remorse for her past actions against her. “She’s on her own journey… just like we all are. And Chloe’s right, we have to support her.”
Beca gasped, touched by Stacie’s words. “St— Stacie…”
Everyone turned to Beca, this was the first time the woman said her actual name.
“Y—you called me Stacie?”
“I think you just earned it,” Beca said with a smile.
Aubrey exhaled shakily, nodding slowly. “You’re right,” she said, her voice barely audible. “I’m making this about me, aren't I?”
Beca reached out, taking Aubrey’s hand in hers. “I know you’re scared, but you gotta trust me, this isn’t about pushing you away. It’s about me finding a side of myself I think I lost.”
Aubrey looked away, the sadness turning into a frown as she processed.
Beca frowned as she analyzed Aubrey’s reaction and snapped, “Look! I— I’m not asking for your permission here!”
Aubrey seemed to shrink at that, the thought hadn’t crossed her mind, but it was there. The lingering long-established hierarchy that she was trying to put behind her.
“I’m asking for your support!” Beca finished the anger in her voice turning into a quiet plea.
Aubrey hesitated, then softly nodded, “I'm sorry... I- uh of course you have it… you have my support… Beca.”
Stacie, sensing the tension easing, grinned. “Just for the record if you need a badass road manager, you know where to find me.”
"Or like a security guard," Chloe added with a wink.
"Or anything really..." Aubrey said in a sincere whisper.
Beca chuckled, the tension in her shoulders finally relaxing. She looked over at the three of them and said, “Thanks dorks.”
Chloe smiled, her wings curling around the group. “We’re proud of you, Beca. All of us. Right?” She turned to the rest of the girls.
Stacie quickly nodded, sincerely. And for the first time that night, Aubrey managed a small, genuine smile. “We are,” she agreed softly. “Fly, my Raven. Find the part of you that you’ve lost. And when you’re ready… we’ll be here to welcome you home.”
The room settled into silence, the tension replaced by a quiet understanding. For a moment, none of them spoke, each lost in their thoughts. Then, Stacie cleared her throat, breaking the stillness.
“So, uh…” she began, a crooked grin forming on her face. “Do we like… hug or something?”
Beca raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
“Hey, I’m just saying,” Stacie said, holding up her hands defensively. “It feels like the thing to do. Right, Chloe?”
Chloe blinked, then smiled, her wings giving a little flutter. “I mean… I wouldn’t say no to a group hug.”
Aubrey rolled her eyes, exhaling sharply through her nose. “This is ridiculous.”
“Oh, come on, Bree,” Stacie teased. “You know you secretly love this stuff.”
Beca snorted, glancing around at the others. “Alright, fine. Let’s get this over with.”
With a mix of reluctance and amusement, they shuffled closer together, the awkwardness palpable as they hesitated for a moment. Then, almost at the same time, they leaned in, arms wrapping around one another. It started as a tentative, half-hearted gesture, but as the warmth of the embrace settled in, the awkwardness melted away.
Chloe’s wings unfurled, wrapping around the group like a soft, protective cocoon. For a moment, they simply held each other, the shared closeness dissolving the last remnants of tension.
“Okay,” Stacie murmured, her voice light but genuine. “This is actually kinda nice.”
“Let’s not ruin it,” Aubrey muttered, earning her a soft giggle from the rest of the girls.
Beca relaxed, her head resting lightly against Chloe’s shoulder while her hand found Aubrey's. “Yeah, yeah. But just… don’t let go yet.”
The crackle of the fire filling the quiet space around them. It wasn’t perfect, and it wasn’t easy but it was theirs.
To Be Concluded.