Chapter 30

Eternal Lover of the Moon, The Sun

Beca stares up at one of the clear stained glass windows of Corvinn Castle from her room, the room which had been occupied by every single crowned royalty during their reign. As a matter of fact, Kings and Queens have died in that very bed across the room. The size is excessively grand and Beca sighs as the dark clouds drearily loom above, hindering her from seeing the stars. Even the moon has decided to take a vacation, probably with its eternal lover, the sun. There had been reports of an eclipse, she's just not sure when exactly but it's hard to find out if that's true now. Instead of the usual quiet of the night, there's a low rumbling sound of thunder that follows and Beca sighs because the one night she ardently prays that the skies clear up for her, they fail her.

"What a perfect day to get married!" Stacie's voice cuts through her silent thoughts about the weather and echo around the high ceiling of Corvinn Castle's master's bedroom.

Turning around, she eyes her cousin sourly and in a moment, walks towards her with a deadly mission only to be stopped as Stacie raises her hands up.

"Wait! Wait! Before you try to kill me for leaving a month ago without a proper goodbye, can I hug you first and maybe get some celebratory whiskey as well?" Stacie sheepishly grins.

They stand still for a few seconds until she grabs one of the throw pillows of the sofa in lightning speed and hits her cousin with it square on the face.

"Did you know how worried we were? I had to cook for nights. Me! Cooking! For how many nights! Chloe has been spoiling the depressed brats! Jesse won't stop crying! You know that he cannot deal with goodbyes! Don't even get me started with your sister! And what do we get? A fucking letter! Just! A! Fucking! Letter! With a smiley face at the end!" she angrily says as she hits Stacie with another pillow.

"Ow! Ow! Okay, I deserve that first one but this is starting to become abuse. Ow! I'm sorry!"

"Then what? Afterwards it all just, 'Having fun at the pool!' 'Perfect dinner date with delicious Italian cuisines!' 'Waking up with bae'," she quotes, watching Stacie cringe at the mention of her recent posts on social media.

"You're even proudly wearing gold now, you bitch" she points out, eyeing Stacie's beautiful dress scattered with gold.

Nevertheless, Beca wasn't finished yet, pillow in one hand, aimed to fire.

"Okay! Stop it! Or I'm calling Chloe," her cousin threatens and Beca crosses her arms, tilting her head, challenging her to do it.

"I'm sorry, really! At that time, if I had said goodbye, you would've gone psycho at the Vanderbilts and wouldn't have agreed to my decision." Stacie explains, lowering her hands down when she feels that Beca won't hit her again. "Don't you dare deny it! I know you,"

Clearing her throat, Stacie continues to add, "And I'm not the only one wearing gold right now," a smile grows on her lips as she eyes the golden embellishments swirling around on Beca's deep red wedding gown.

Beca studies her for a moment, the grand historical even of what's to happen this night still not having fully sunk in.

She's getting married, tonight. To the love of her life.

"It's not… a bad color on us," Beca finally says, her lips curving slightly to the side.

"No it's definitely not. But honestly, in the end, it's just a color," Stacie adds, smiling before pulling her into a tight hug.

"Are you happy?" she asks.

"I am, very much," Stacie answers and that's more than enough for Beca.

She could have given her the usual 'If she hurts you I'm going to kill her' speech but instead, she puts her arms around her cousin, hugging her back.

"Other than my evil soon-to-be mother in-law, everything is perfect. I love her, Becs," her cousin softly admits when they part and Beca just sighs.

"And oh my god, the sex—"

"Stop! I don't want to know," she quickly puts a finger up, grimacing at her smirking cousin.

"Right, sorry, just too happy that's all," Stacie says even though Beca knows she's clearly not sorry at all.

"By the way, I thought you were getting married on the same week," Beca inquires, remembering about talks regarding a huge Vanderbilt wedding during one of those business dinners.

"Yeah, about that," Stacie starts, rubbing the back of her neck. "Let's just say Aubrey has this habit of over… planning and according to her, you only get married once which is why it has to be done perfectly," Stacie emphasizes, seemingly copying exactly how Aubrey says it. "But if I play my cards right I can convince her to speed it up. I have ordered new lingerie that doesn't really hide anything and I—"

"I do not really want to know about any of my council members' sex life. Ever," Beca interrupts, the grimace back in her face.

"Also, Arthur keeps insisting a surprise bachelorette party for the both of us. Aubrey thinks it will be the worst night of her life. I think otherwise, as long as it's me dancing on that pole in front of her in my new lingerie," Stacie proceeds, not really bothered about sharing too much information.

"I don't think that's how a bachelorette party works," Beca comments again.

"Shut up. I can do whatever I want on my bachelorette party. It's a crime you didn't have one, actually," Stacie points out.

"I don't need or want one,"

"You won't be saying that if it's Chloe dancing up on that pole in lacy under—"

"That's a honeymoon not a bachelorette party and if that's the case, I'd rather go straight to the honeymoon," she blurts out before thinking and Stacie's devious smile makes her a clear winner tonight.

"I can totes feel the excitement," her cousin teases as Beca rolls her eyes. Taking in her very expensive dress, Stacie finally tones down the jokes and gets serious.

"So, are you ready?" she asks as Beca glances at her reflection in the mirror.

There's only one thing left missing. Her crown.

The thought of it brings her to Chloe and how in a couple of hours, she'd be wearing a crown matching Beca's. She's already seen it herself and has envisioned it being adorned on top of Chloe's head. Years ago, such idea wouldn't even have crossed her mind and if at some point it did, the old Beca would have rejected it and placed it in the deepest corner of her heart.

Chloe would be crowned Queen tonight, and not just any sort of Queen. She's about to become Beca's Queen. Which, to the old Beca, is the one position in the world she would never place her most beloved. But Chloe loves Beca, both the Beca who thinks she isn't worth loving and the Beca tonight who believes in second chances, of love and of hope. And maybe the Beca right now still has fears and doubts but Chloe loves Beca. That love is what saved her in those dark times, trusted her when nobody else did and constantly reached out to her when she is drowning.

Love always kills evil.

She looks back at Stacie, a small smile growing in her lips.

"With such perfect weather, of course I am,"

The Du Ponts earn their small little reunion with Stacie's presence but the celebrations are to be put on hold as Beca stands behind the grand hall's massive doors, crown now gloriously resting on top of her head and heart beating fast as everyone in attendance hushes to silence. She feels so much at the moment that she fears collapsing on the floor at some point.

She's been in this position so many times before, awaiting behind doors for the proper introduction and entering as everyone bows down in respect. But this time it's different, it feels different. She's happy and nervous at the same time that her mind races into a million different scenarios. It doesn't even help that she hasn't seen Chloe all night and being separated for that long causes anxiety and uneasiness. Her paranoia kicks in but she quells it down with thoughts of a pleasant future ahead. It has been a while since she's stood in such a formal setting alone.

She'll never be alone after tonight anymore.

Music fills in the whole place as the finest musicians of their generation play together for the grandest event of the century as the entourage begins. Relatives, both Du Ponts and Vanderbilts all walk their part—Stacie gushes excitedly for Scott and Emily because they look good together. Chloe's little cousin serves as the cute ring bearer while the Du Pont twins have aggressively volunteered as flower boys and even the image of them wearing flower crowns while throwing golden roses all over the red carpet looked perfectly endearing—probably the only time they ever did something genuinely. It's absurd sometimes, just thinking about it. It's a wedding like every wedding—okay maybe it's extravagant but still, a wedding. It just so happens that she's a Du Pont walking down the aisle to marry a Vanderbilt, the first ever union between two prestigious bloodlines. Every important person is in the room and for a second there, Beca glances at every corner where threats could strategically enter.

It's a habit she can't get rid of.

Besides, it's only been months since the brutal siege and attack of Corvinn Castle so she can't be blamed for putting up her protective side. Security is extremely tight. She herself had briefed them weeks before the wedding.

Taking up one deep breathe, she looks up towards her uncle Gabin, nodding her head once to let him know that she's ready. He gives her a wide smile before he snaps his fingers and the castle's royal soldiers start to enter in two straight lines led by Gabin himself, retaining the traditions of earlier royal weddings. Her uncle is accompanied by Corvinn's royal generals, decked from head to toe in formal uniform, heads held high as they move in a perfectly synchronized manner. It's the royal army's way of respect for their Queen and also serves as a welcome for their future Queen. Corvinn is going to have another royalty and it's for the one who will be sitting next to Beca's throne.

The music changes, transitioning to the next piece perfectly, playing an orchestra version of one of her favorite songs and Beca takes one deep breather before finally walking down the aisle. Everyone bows in respect as she glances up at the Du Pont and Vanderbilt flags hanging up the high ceilings, a sight you don't see every day.

Somewhere up there, her parents must be proud. They may not be physically able to walk with her today but she feels their presence nonetheless, both of them and her brother's, and that's enough for her. They'd all want this for her.

Being so wrapped up with the details, she only snaps out of it when Stacie nudges her. It's only then that she's realized that she's already reached the steps in front, each of the council heads standing behind Sorina Niculae, the chosen officiate.

It's only right that neither a Du Pont nor Vanderbilt do it to avoid further conflict. There's already too much debate on who's doing what from both sides of the family already—from the flowers to the food.

The Du Ponts are all together in the left while the Vanderbilts in the right because some things are going to have to take while to get used to. The other families, non-elites and ambassadors from all over the world are all present as well, excited to be part of such a historical moment.

Beca is just glad that Stacie's standing next to her because she needs all the support she can get. But it's when her cousin gasps in awe that she finally lifts her gaze up. Her heart almost stops at the sight.

Her Chloe, wrapped in a beautiful golden dress encrusted with red diamonds and a smile that could chase away the rain pouring right on top of the clear glass above them.

Beca never understood why people cry in their own weddings. She's scoffed and rolled her eyes at the idea yet tonight as Chloe walks down the aisle with both her parents, already looking like royalty that rivals the beauty of all the Queens that have graced Corvinn castle, Beca blinks back tears because she's found her, her soulmate, her best friend and she gets to live a life by her side.

Bright blue eyes look right back at her and Beca is reminded of the first time they met. Those very pair of eyes were the first thing she ever saw before hiding behind her mother and now as it turns out, will become the very first thing she sees at dusk and the last thing she sees at the break of dawn for the rest of her life. The feeling is overwhelming, even more so as the distance between them lessens.

It was like being drawn to something so mesmerizing that you can't help but move towards it. Beca takes a few steps down the platform to reach for Chloe's hand. The connection surges a new wave of warm energy spreading all over her and knows that Chloe feels the same way.

Chloe's smile widens as Beca leads her up a couple of steps and right at the center.

"Don't cry," Beca softly tells her as she looks into glassy blue eyes.

"But I will if you do," Chloe replies as they both smile knowingly.

When Sorina steps forward to officially begin the ceremony, they both face her and Beca feels like she's floating in some beautiful dream. One where she says words coming straight from her heart and hears words of love given right back at her. She remembers kneeling down and promising her devotion and loyalty in front of the world before watching in adoration as a matching crown is placed on top of Chloe's head.

But only when she faces her sunshine and kisses her does she fully realize that it's all real.

It's real. It's hers and it's forever.

The celebration continues all through the night with the live music, the fireworks, blood wine, delicious food and dancing. Also, after being crowned, royalty duties kick in almost immediately with the many important guests coming up to their table to give them warm congratulations. In between all of it, Beca doesn't let go of Chloe's hand and Chloe doesn't mind that one bit or the fact that she doesn't get tired hearing her title spoken lovingly from Beca's lips.

"Me and my Queen would love to visit Spain this summer," Beca says to Lucas Ortega and his wife Camila, both happy at the prospect of having royalty visiting their home.

Chloe voices out her excitement in visiting such a beautiful country as it is after all a part of their honeymoon destinations. Travelling had always been their dream ever since they were children which is why picking a place to spend their first few weeks of marriage has become quite tricky. Thus, after what feels like a year of contemplating, they came up with five countries to hop around in. Chloe plans to sneak in another country and Stacie has told her that convincing Beca wouldn't be so hard—especially if she asks during pleasure-inducing activities.

The Ortegas give their well wishes along with one of the finest and rarest wines as a wedding gift before stepping back down to their table, finally giving them both some time for themselves as no one else seems to be moving close.

Chloe sighs in relief, the whole week has already been exhausting with all the preparations, especially with the last two days and now it's all unfolding beautifully. Still, the exhaustion from tonight is suddenly weighing down on her.

Beca lifts up their intertwined hands and when Chloe's attention falls on her she finds her planting a gentle kiss on the back of her palm, a smile springs on her lips. The mere fact that this beautiful woman was now her wife makes her want to jump up and down with joy. But more importantly, she gets to spend every single day showing her just how much she loves her and that's just one of the best things about it.

Unable to resist, she leans forward to give Beca a kiss, happy not to have to hide in corners anymore. She has every right to kiss her wife whenever she wants now.

When Beca's gaze continues to linger on her after Chloe's bold display of affection, she smugly explains, "Thought I should remind people who you belong to now,"

That earns a smirk from the brunette, "It's only been a couple of hours and you're already marking what's yours,"

"It's necessary. We may not be wolves but when cunning wood folk lurking nearby seem to take advantage of the fact that Queens are still allowed to have concubines, I am willing to be feral, Becs," she says before darkly eyeing the whispering ladies in a corner, their eyes subtly flitting seductively over at Beca and throwing flirty smiles whenever the crowned royalty's line of sight falls in their direction.

"Cunning wood folk," Beca's melodious laughter brings her attention back as her jaw slackens because this is a serious matter and her wife thinks it's funny.

"Yes, cunning wood folk, Beca. Snakes, foxes and, and, and—"

"Raccoons," Beca supplies.

"Trash scavengers!" she explodes while Beca's laughter rings in her ears once more, blood almost spilling from the goblet she's holding and as much as the sight of the ever broody Du Pont laughing is a delight, Chloe still is deadly serious about it.

Very serious enough to reach out and make Beca look at her, a hand underneath the brunette's chin to turn that pretty face towards her direction, "I swear, Rebecca Olivia Du Pont, you even for a second think about glancing at those cunning wood folk and I'll—"

"You'll do what Chloe Sofia Du Pont?" Beca's voice drops a tone deeper, an eyebrow arching perfectly and it's unfair because she knows exactly what that does to her.

Soft evil fingers run down Chloe's inner wrist teasingly and she grits her teeth at the strong urge to just melt at the sensual touch. Beca's always been so good at pushing her buttons but that doesn't mean that she doesn't know which buttons to push back.

"I'm told that I have very good aim and the ultimate power to make the Queen bend to my wishes,"

Beca tilts her head to the side, the corner of her lips slightly curving upwards as she murmurs, "Oh dear," leaning forward until Chloe could feel her breath warm on her skin.

"That makes you the most dangerous person in this room then. You're not one to mess with,"

Lips brush softly against the corner of her lips as they make way towards her cheek then her jaw and Chloe smiles knowing it's done. She wins and she loves it every single time she does—which is all the time.

Only there's just one tiny problem.

Every time she wins it ends up in only one scenario.

"And what should I do to appease my Queen? What should I do to assure her that…"

Lips travel to her neck and Chloe bites her lip because it's hard not to get carried away when they've been separated for twenty-four hours prior to the wedding. It had been the most emotional twenty-four hours and even though it ended perfectly, she does not want to go through that again.

"…she's the only one who will ever have that power," Beca mumbles as she stops over her pulse point and Chloe inhales sharply when she feels lips parting to press an open-mouthed kiss on what is considered a vampire's most sensitive spot.

Suddenly the noise in the room dies down and the only thing she could hear is the soft rhythmic drumming of a heartbeat, Beca's heart, pumping blood up towards that precious jugular vein. Her mouth suddenly feels dry and she swallows hard, suddenly feeling parched but it's not water she wants. No other liquid can quench this thirst. No other blood would satisfy her but one and it's throbbing in front of her right this moment, begging her to take the bite.

Someone clears their throat—Gabin—and the noise turns back on. Chloe almost jumps from her seat while Beca just looks like she's trying to quell down the frustration from being interrupted, jaw flexing as she smoothly straightens back up. The Moris have come up to greet them and it's like nothing happened.

The twins are hyping up the party, much to the older Vanderbilts' annoyance. Stacie and Aubrey don't give a care about the hype as they sway together sweetly on the dance floor. Jesse seems to be winning someone's heart again but he isn't the only one because somehow the youngest Conrad looks flustered over someone for the first time and the source happens to be a very pretty blonde female—which definitely solves the mystery as to why none of Stella's male suitors have ever managed to score a date with her. But what takes Chloe's attention the most is when a nervous looking Scott finally gets the courage to go up to Emily's parents and ask their permission to dance with her.

Years ago it would have been impossible but now, Chloe finally sees it, the influence of what she and Beca had fought so hard for, what they had once dreamt of finally coming true.

The walls have finally started crumbling apart.

Ivan Du Pont suddenly has the strict-dad-look on his face but his wife, Katherine, seems to approve with that warm smile. It takes a few tense minutes and by some miracle—or possibly, lots of courage and sincerity from the young Vanderbilt—Emily kisses her father's cheek happily before taking Scott's outstretched hand. When he leads her to the middle of the dance floor, he glances behind Emily and smiles awkwardly at the congratulatory thumbs up Stacie excitedly gives him. Guess, Stacie's expertly concocted love potion is starting to spread around the Vanderbilts even though it gets an accusing look from Aubrey—'I had a feeling you were behind this'

However, when Stacie looks up towards their direction and tips her head up like a signal for a work finally finished, maybe the mastermind of this whole romantic Scott-Emily plot was sitting right next to her all along. Turning to her wife, she finds Beca sipping wine from her cup, slyly hiding a knowing smile and Chloe knows she made the right decision to marry her.

One of the guests comes to their table to congratulate them on their union and Chloe thinks that their intense intimate moment a while ago is long forgotten.

The slow circular patterns Beca is tracing on Chloe's thigh says otherwise.

At what time would be the perfect moment to bail on your own wedding reception?

"Thank you, Your Highness and again congratulations," Benjamin Abbot says as Beca finally makes her way out of the hall towards her quarters, security at her heels.

The party has now shifted in a pace that the younger generation enjoys as the elders started to leave, some settling at the castle's guest rooms while others have flights to catch and businesses to take care of. Chloe has parted from her earlier to spend time with the Vanderbilts as the conversations start to get political—something that can't be avoided even if it happens to be your special day.

She motions over to her uncle Gabin, who steps to her side and promptly reports, "Your wife, the Queen, has left the party half an hour ago and is safe in your room. Laureline escorted her earlier,"

Beca could not count just how many times she has stressed that Chloe's safety is her priority. She had given the heavy responsibility of ensuring Chloe's protection in her absence to her older cousin Laureline—only because she almost outsmarted her in a sparring match once. Almost.

Gabin's words makes her sigh in relief, her heart bouncing when the word wife comes up as she finally makes her way up after a couple of twists and turns.

"Uhm," Gabin suddenly starts before Beca could even enter her room.

When she turns to look at him, she finds him looking rather uncomfortable as he tries to speak, his hand coming up to rub the back of his neck.

"What?" she impatiently asks as she takes off her crown to give it to her waiting assistants who are responsible for keeping it safe.

"Do you want us to… you know… give you a little… uhm—" he tries to say while Laureline rolls her eyes and sighs, deciding to end his internal torture.

"Privacy. He wants to know if it's okay if we should distance ourselves from the room as oppose to protocol since tonight happens to be your wedding night," her cousin finishes without even flinching, just wanting to get it over with, while Gabin awkwardly looks elsewhere despite trying so hard to be at ease.

Centuries' old castles happen to lack soundproof for vampire hearing and instead, amplifies noises as it echoes around the walls. With that fact, a very sensitive topic comes to light. Newly married couples tend to want privacy after the celebrations due to obvious reasons.

Royalties are very specific about this since old customs dictates about how extremely important it is to consummate a marriage on the first day as immediately having an heir is a priority. Purity has also been an issue back then and thankfully they don't live back in a time where evidence is required. Certainly, the times have changed but there are also things that have remained.

"Right, of course," Beca says shortly, posture rigid and clearly nobody is comfortable in this conversation. "I'd appreciate the distance,"

"We'll be… widening the perimeter then," Gabin finally finds his words and yet it still doesn't alleviates the suffocating awkwardness.

"Just leave," Beca finally breathes out in frustration as they all quickly do just that.

Exhaling, she enters the room only to wish that the topic hadn't been brought to her because now she's suddenly feeling this huge pressure being dropped on her shoulders. They have talked about children before and decided to wait for a couple of years before trying. But the fact that it feels like everyone is waiting on it and having this general idea of what she and Chloe would be doing in this room is certainly stressing her out.

It stresses her out to the point where she doesn't hear Chloe call her name from the equally massive bathroom connected to the room and come out to find her standing at the same spot she'd been rooted to for almost five minutes now, looking at the bed covered in rose petals and scented with expensive oils, deciding if it's too late to hop in a plane and fly away to somewhere… private.

"Midnight," Chloe's voice breaks through as she feels a pair of hands cup her face. "Are you okay?"

The question doesn't quickly register as her brain turns into a puddle at those gorgeous blue eyes looking at her worriedly. Chloe's beach curls is damp and she smells like flowers. She now looks fresh, make-up free, which Beca thinks she looks most beautiful, and now clad in a bathrobe—satin bathrobe, for the love of god—How someone could be so attractive without any effort simply awes her to no end.

"Take off your heels,"

The command finally wake her up.

"What?"

"Just take it off. My feet were dead by the time I took mine off. Wearing those high heels for hours, which even though are extremely beautiful, are very uncomfortable," Chloe explains with a grimace and Beca does as she's told, holding on to the redhead. She could almost hear her feet crying in relief.

"There. See? Feels so much better, right?"

She nods and hums in content with a small smile on her lips. Suddenly, her chest slowly feels light. There's really just something about Chloe and how she just makes anyone feel that way, like all the bad things in the world just simply fades in her presence.

"Okay, now come here," she says, tugging Beca along by the hand towards the bathroom.

What greets her is a sight that would make anyone melt after a tiring busy day.

A tub filled with warm water, floating rose petals and scented candles lit up at the side. It's just everything she needs right now. All that and the sweet kiss Chloe plants on her cheek lovingly that is almost enough to make her tear up. All of it makes her feel so loved and it's never not too much. It just keeps overflowing.

"Oh! Did you know one of the Niculaes gave us this very delicious dark chocolate powder?" Chloe tells her excitedly, adorably bouncing on her feet as she lights up at the thought.

"I'm going to make hot chocolate? Want one?"

And how can Beca not say no to that face?

"Sure," she replies just as Chloe cheers happily.

"Alright, just relax. One cup of hot chocolate will be waiting for you when you come out," And before she bolts out excitedly, Beca catches her in time to pull her back towards her so she can give her a kiss.

Because words are simply not enough in moments like this.

Besides, with Chloe, Beca never has to say more for her to understand. She simply does and Beca falls in love harder.

"Oh my god! I can change my Facebook relationship status now! Or should I take this to Instagram first?" Chloe yells as she walks out the bathroom and Beca could only shake her head.

She doesn't exactly know how long she's dipped herself in the tub but when she puts on a bathrobe similar to Chloe's and steps out the bathroom, a cup of hot chocolate is indeed waiting for her while her wife types away on her phone—probably Aubrey or an update of how drunk the young Du Ponts are—legs crossed as she sits at the middle of the bed, the bed where ten people could easily fit in.

Settling down at the side of the bed as she takes a sip of the delicious hot chocolate, she feels the bed move as Chloe crawls to her side, a leg tucked under her thigh and the other hanging down to the floor as she faces Beca.

"Have the twins broke any of the rare sculptures downstairs?" Beca asks after she takes another sip.

"No, but one of them is hanging the other up at the three hundred year old chandelier while posting live videos of the view from above," Chloe sighs and to be honest it's not really the worst thing those two have ever done.

Beca is about to comment about sending security down when soothing fingers massage the nape of her neck down to her back. It's so good that she moans softly, eyes closing as her muscles relax.

"They'll be fine," Chloe reminds her. "I can feel your stress levels spiking up again,"

Beca softly laughs at that because living together has them fully attuned to each other's emotions that they've developed ways to quickly dissipate any signs of distress. Chloe more than her actually. Given the nature of her job and all the various problems flooding with it, Chloe always finds ways to make sure to lighten her burdens. The care she gives is unmeasurable that sometimes on days where she feels less confident, Beca's temper flares at the thought that the redhead has done this for Tom and he probably was a huge ass to take that for granted. He doesn't deserve it and it angers her that there was a time when Chloe wasn't hers.

"What's wrong?" Chloe asks, her hands stilling as Beca's feelings seeps out towards her.

The worried tone makes Beca mentally berate herself for going through dark memories at a time when she's supposed to be forgetting about the past and celebrating the fact that Chloe is her Queen now.

Hers.

She is quick to fix the situation as she buries her head at the crook of Chloe's neck while her arms circle around the redhead's middle, holding her protectively. Possessively.

"Mine," she mumbles against soft skin.

It doesn't take long until Chloe wraps her arms around her, fingers tangled on her dark brown locks.

"Becs, we talked about this already," Chloe softly berates her, knowing exactly how Beca's mind works when she suddenly gets this sudden territorial urges.

Chloe says that Beca reminds her of a cat when she does things like this. An idea Beca tries to prove wrong because those devilish little creatures are far evil than she is and she does not purr—it was just that one time during a very hot moment.

"Sorry, can't help it," she apologizes moments later even though her hold doesn't change and her lips start to move against Chloe's neck, wanting to leave a love bite just because—so everyone can see it.

"We're married now," Chloe reminds her before softly adding, "I am yours,"

Beca's eyes open at those last words because love bites disappear when the sun sets and by the time the moon shines again Chloe's neck will be flawless. Love bites are not marks. Soulmates have marks. Just like the fresh marks that are visible in Stacie and Aubrey's neck, proudly displayed for everyone to see. Marks that stay forever imprinted on your skin even until you die. Beautiful scars, the only blemish that a vampire will ever have, that's what they are. Reminding you that your soul intertwines with another because of a love so intense, it pulls them together as one.

An eternal promise.

"Almost," she corrects, fingers gently wrapping around Chloe's neck as her thumb brushes above that beating pulse.

"Almost mine,"

She feels it quicken, the sound filling up her ears like a sweet melody until she hears nothing but that familiar beating. Her throat dries up and that strong urge to claim clouds her head.

Crowned royalty aren't allowed to mark anyone they fancy so easily with all these formal rules and Beca had almost given up on fighting that desire, struggling not to take that bite every single time Chloe sleeps next to her, neck exposed as if taunting Beca to do what she desperately wants to do. The struggle doubles when they make love that she almost punches through the bed's headboard just to stop herself. She had to stop. Had to prove to them that Chloe is worthy of sitting next to her. Worthy to lead in her absence, capable of sharing the same ideals as she does and giving out crucial decisions for the better of their kind.

A mark done before her coronation and their union would've tainted that.

It's already been an emotional battle what with the unjust brand Chloe had been given by Tom as an outcast. It won't be good to add more fuel to the fire.

So Beca had to wait, agonizingly, but now, there's not a single thing that is keeping her from giving in to her urges. Just one deep bite in a moment of pure pleasure is all it takes. It doesn't help that she remembers just how good it tasted, fresh blood dripping down the pleasure vein. She remembers how extremely addicting it was, Chloe's blood. She had went around the world, took a sip from different bodies and yet that particular sweetness almost nine years ago had ruined it for her.

Once you had the best there's just nothing else that could satisfy you.

When she looks up to beautiful blue irises slowly being tainted into red, she knows that she wasn't alone in her struggle.

Chloe whispers her name but it dies in Beca's lips as she kisses her. It starts slow before building up in a passionate rhythm. Her hand comes up at the back of Chloe's neck while Chloe's fingers continue to tangle around her hair. They break for air, desperate for it just as desperate as they are in leaning back in for more.

Beca leans forward, pushing Chloe down the bed, lips trailing down the redhead's jaw down to her neck where she parts her lips to suck on sensitive flesh. It earns her a breathy moan as she tugs on the knot of Chloe's bathrobe. The fabric loosens and is harshly pulled apart underneath Beca's impatient hands. The very same hands that languidly caress on Chloe's sides, delicately molding tender skin before making its way up to cup soft breasts. It only takes a second before her parted lips replace hands and Chloe lightly arches her back, seeking more as she bites her lower lip to control her soft whimpers, half-lidded eyes shutting close.

The sight of it always makes Beca lose every single ounce of control, her hand sliding down and slipping underneath thin fabric, the only semblance of decency Chloe has left. Fingers caress soft folds and Beca groans at the revelation that Chloe wants it as badly as she does.

Her love lets out a shaky moan, hands clawing on Beca's bathrobe. One strong tug and it easily comes undone, one side slipping from Beca's shoulder where Chloe peppers open-mouthed kisses all over the exposed skin, urging her on.

Swiftly, she tugs on Chloe's underwear, ridding her of it in a second. But before she could continue what she's started, she's forced on her back as Chloe hovers above her, kissing her hard before giving her body the same detailed attention. Red wavy curls tickle her skin as Beca feels her venture down lower, her lips leaving hot trails in every inch of her body until she reaches down the one spot that makes Beca utter curses on her lips.

Her underwear slips off of her and her breathing hitches in anticipation. Her stomach takes a dive at the contact, Chloe nestled perfectly between her thighs and Beca is powerless. It only takes one swirl of Chloe's tongue and she's completely acquiescent. Her hands raking through red hair for more before finding Chloe's hand to keep her grounded.

The pleasure intensifies when Chloe's fingers add into her sweet torture and Beca's jaw slackens to let out a satisfied moan. She grasps at the sheets, back arching, muttering curses along with Chloe's name.

She almost tips over the edge but the sound of beating pulse fills her ears and Beca quickly pulls Chloe back up, swallowing her little squeak of confusion as she greedily kisses her, arms wrapping around her love to hold her in place.

They fit perfectly together. It feels so right, contentment pouring all over Beca's heart. Her hips cradle Chloe's as her legs tangle around her thighs. When she pulls her down, pressing her body against her, they both groan in pleasure. Her thighs lock Chloe in place, keeping her there.

Chloe's bathrobe loosely slips down her shoulders now, bunched up around her arms as she looks down at her and it reminds Beca of their younger years.

Laying down green grass and looking up above swaying leaves that slightly obstruct her view of the night sky. Red hair falling down at her replaces the image of the stars, brushing her cheeks while she reaches out to touch, fingers tracing lines and lingering for a few moments with loving affection.

She loves Chloe, so much. Always had and always will. All those memories they shared are all filled with love. They shared dreams and imaginary worlds, always running hand in hand in all of them. Their bond so great that the distance and years in between them had not managed to kill it even if Beca had tried so many times. She couldn't, not because she didn't have a choice but because deep down she constantly yearned for her deep down.

There are so many things she wanted to say but that's the thing between them, words aren't needed. It's that undying connection that she has with Chloe. They both feel it, know it's there and would remain there for the rest of their lives.

She caresses Chloe's face lovingly as her love melts into it, leaning down to kiss her. Beca closes her eyes and Chloe starts to move against her. The delicious friction makes her fingers claw down the smooth expanse of Chloe's back before squeezing her hips, egging her on. Chloe rocks her hips against hers, burying her face on the crook of Beca's neck. Soft moans of pleasure growing as she increases the pace. It's music to Beca's ears.

Their breathing becomes labored and Chloe repeatedly calls her name reverently. Beca digs her nails into Chloe's skin and it's probably looking like the kind of artwork Beca is certainly proud of.

Chloe's arms are starting to give way with every thrust, ramming into her in an increasing pace, as she lowers herself further down, almost collapsing on top of her. She welcomes her with open arms, wanting to feel every inch of her that when she does, Beca almost cries in pleasure.

Chloe's heart beats against hers and Beca feels their rhythm's matching in one single beating.

Always had, always will.

Her fangs slide down.

Their hips rock harder and Beca clings to her love, grasping Chloe's hair, firmly pressing her into her.

She feels something sharp near her neck and knows… Almost.

One hard thrust and Beca falls completely, huge waves of pleasure crashing down and just when she thinks she's gone, her instincts naturally take over.

Fangs sink into skin deeply without warning. Warm liquid breaks out and slides down Beca's tongue. The addicting taste sends euphoria all over her that she almost doesn't notice the sharp pain in her own neck. But it doesn't end there as a pleasure extremely intense than ever before takes over. Chloe's scream is muffled against Beca's neck and she's sure she'd be screaming herself if her fangs weren't buried deep into soft flesh. Her body convulses uncontrollably and she feels Chloe's nails harshly clawing onto her skin that she's sure it drew blood, her body trembling on top of Beca with the satisfying sensation. Beca isn't fully aware but she's sure that her grip is strong and she knows there will be bruises, the only ones that she will ever give Chloe because Beca is sure to wake up and feel guilty about creating them.

She almost blacks out. Maybe she did for a moment, she's not sure, but when she does come to, rolling down from her high, Chloe's blood is still flowing down her throat, spilling out of her lips and running down Beca's chin, her hand at the back of her love's neck, hungrily drinking her. She doesn't want to stop, the pleasure still ringing all over her body that breathing becomes hard and she knows Chloe feels the same way, Beca's blood probably spilling down the wrinkled sheets.

In between the addicting taste and the already unbearable pleasure, what she didn't expect is the searing pain growing on her chest that it snaps her eyes open, fangs sliding out of Chloe's skin.

Chloe's pained cries makes Beca realize that she's not the only one, her beloved calling out to her as she holds her tighter.

"Chloe… I'm here," she struggles to say, gritting her teeth at the burn and burying her face in Chloe's hair, face contorted into pain.

It was like hot iron being pressed against her chest and carving something on her flesh.

Or her soul.

The pain continues as she whispers Chloe's name.

Then everything goes dark and Beca doesn't remember anything after that.

When she comes to, she panics upon waking up to blood stain sheets, still completely naked and in an unfamiliar room, her hands grasping blindly on to the first thing it touches but when she feels Beca's warmth behind her, Chloe breathes out a sigh of relief.

She moves, turning around only to feel how sore and heavy her body is. Her neck aches painfully, the punctured wound unnaturally having not healed yet but she doesn't regret a thing.

When it comes to Beca there are no regrets.

She curls up to her wife, seeking the comfort and security she always feels next to her. That's when she finds the wounds she herself had inflicted on her. Her bite hasn't healed at all either and Chloe grimaces at how bad it looks. There's dry blood all around Beca's skin, a bruise forming around the wound and Chloe is certain her own neck looks exactly the same.

A couple of minutes passed and Chloe feels the urge to head to the bathroom. She carefully slides out of bed and slipping on her discarded bathrobe, quietly moving, not wanting to wake Beca up but not before pressing a soft kiss on her wife's temple.

However, once her feet are planted on the ground and she takes the first few steps, a sharp pain pierces right at the center of her chest. If she hadn't known better, she'd think that someone threw a knife straight at her heart. It almost knocks her out as she stumbles backwards but instead of falling on to the side of the bed, she grasps on to waiting hands that quickly pull her close.

As soon as the contact happened, the pain swiftly fades like it hadn't been there and Chloe scrambles back into bed, straddling Beca as she hugs her tightly for fear of having that horrible pain course through her again. A pleasant feeling replaces it instead and Chloe closes her eyes as she revels in, softly sighing in contentment and bliss.

"I won't do that again," she mumbles after a while like a regretful child being scolded, still hugging Beca while she runs a hand down Chloe's back soothingly.

"They say it's going to get better after a week," Beca sleepily replies, eyes closed as she rests her head against Chloe's shoulder.

"I almost forgot about that part. Remember how I used to sneak in your room to sleep next to you for three nights after that light bonding ritual we did years ago? This is way worse," Chloe says, smiling at the memory while Beca nods followed by a sleepy yawn that Chloe finds cute.

There's a pause before Beca looks at her, dark blues slowly blinking—which Chloe finds cute because she looked like a kitten—before frowning at the wound on her neck and then looking into her with a sigh.

"C'mon, let's go pee,"

Guess, the communication thing just got even clearer. Like a radio finally finding good signal after all the scratchy frequency sounds.

Sighing in relief, Chloe smiles, "I really need to go," she says, hurriedly fumbling around twisted sheets to grab Beca's bathrobe—she finds it near the edge of the bed—before pulling Beca along with her.

She holds Beca's hand even as she sits in the toilet like it's the most natural thing in the world. They don't let go even as they brush their teeth and definitely not when Beca pulls her inside the shower stall, kissing all that is left from the bruises and stinging scratches from last night. When they walk out the bathroom, freshly showered, hair already dry—they took turns blow drying each other's hair—finally fully clothed, necks patched up with Chloe's unicorn designed band-aids. And maybe she likes it a little too much with how Beca walks around the castle sporting it, more into the meaning it holds rather than the cute rainbow unicorn. Chloe sticks to her side, of course. Hands intertwined and matching wedding rings sparkling proudly for everyone to see.

There's a scheduled semi-formal brunch for everyone. Some looking like a mess after yesterday's hangover and some enjoying the gossip about some scandalous drama last night. Long tables are set up and as usual both she and Beca are seated up front, easily surveying the crowd from where they are positioned.

Jesse is in the middle of the gossip because usually he starts the rumors. His twin brothers, on the other hand, are looking like they just jumped straight out of bed and definitely still hungover as they wore sunglasses and drunk their coffee quietly. Doesn't stop the smirks on their face though as they look over the other tables. Stella is still talking with her special blonde friend, wearing soft smiles and hands brushing every now and then. Stacie and Aubrey almost enters the hall at the same time as they did, looking like they had a great time like they did earlier in the day. Arthur, Aubrey's brother shakes his head fondly at his sister before pulling Stacie to his side to whisper something funny in her ear and it seems clear that those two are now best friends.

Emily surprisingly joins the Vanderbilt table as Scott quickly grabs her a drink and plate of food—which earns another secret hand signal of approval from Stacie. In a matter of minutes, Stella is dragged to the table, coerced by her own sister to introduce her special friend. Jesse follows, bringing the gossip with him—because everyone needs to get a sip of the tea—which then pulls in the twins, now finally interested in socializing.

And it's funny seeing Aubrey try not to yell at the kids—Nick and Nate—for playing with food and trying to start a food fight while Stacie jokingly tells her that this is why she fled to Italy. Even more surprisingly, the twins stop and pout proving that Aubrey is scary good at disciplining people without using force.

But it isn't what really moves Chloe, it's the fact that the young Du Ponts and Vanderbilts are sharing one table, chatting away as if their families hadn't been rivals for ages. There's still bickering and eye rolling but there's also laughter and smiles. And that's already a win on her book.

That's family.

She smiles at the sight of them and squeezes Beca's hand. Her wife squeezes back and when Chloe looks at her, she knows that Beca is thinking the same way.

"It's happening, those dreams we always had. The promises you made," she says, tearing up a bit as she smiles widely. "I told you, you could do it, Midnight," she adds proudly, holding Beca's face tenderly.

"Not without you, Sunshine. Never without you," Beca says, leaning in to her touch, her hand resting on top of hers before planting a gentle kiss on her palm.

"Gekos Becs Becs wub Chlo Chlo?"

"Becs Becs munchies wub Chlo Chlo, stars van cosmos," Beca replies adoringly and Chloe feels it strongly, Beca's emotions flooding straight through her heart that it overwhelms her like symphonies playing grandly.

Chloe doesn't spare another second more as she kisses Beca, looking into her eyes as she softly replies, "Stars van cosmos,"

She glances back down at the table shared by Du Ponts and Vanderbilts before looking back at Beca, a thought in her mind.

A thought easily read by her love.

"Let's go greet the guests then," Beca sighs, giving in, as they both stand up, Chloe tugging Beca's hand excitedly as they make their way around the tables—ultimately figuring that Beca letting herself be hugged by her parents is endearing—until they finally stop by the one table they've been meaning to sit at.

The whole table gets noisier with their arrival, Jesse greets them with what the juicy drama last night was all about, complete with photos, while the twins asks them to pick a side on some ongoing debate—zombie apocalypse or alien invasion. Stacie wiggles her eyebrows at their unicorn band-aids before putting her money down on alien invasion because, 'Spaceships and laser guns! Plus, if they insist on war, we have Beca so, we win.' Aubrey is already betting her money on the zombie apocalypse because 'It'll be easy. They're dumb. Also, isn't that already happening? Cannibalism, duh?' while Arthur is in lawyer mode, already in a heated discussion about Star Wars with the twins. Bread is thrown at somebody—Nate—and it's all a blur of laughter from then on.

It's beautiful, it's chaotic and it's perfect.

It's not so hard to imagine what tomorrow brings now.

Chloe already has a good feeling that this incoming semester is going to be a really good one, especially now that she's facing the future with her soulmate.

Sinking into Beca's loving arms amidst the messy and unorganized discussion around them, Chloe is sure that this right here is only the start of so many happy moments of their life.

Always and until forever

11 years later

Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

Beca looks far away, deep in thought as she sits on the chair of her personal home office, fingers slowly drumming against the expensive wood of her desk. There are papers neatly stacked yet she hasn't as much as glanced at them at all. It'll be midnight in a couple of hours now and her anxiety is only getting worse.

Sighing, she leans her head back on the chair's head rest and closes her eyes. She's also worried and nervous. If anyone knew her, she wasn't exactly the type to overthink things and obsess over them. She's always been precise and calm. Tonight's not that night, apparently.

She needs to anchor herself into something that could help her relax. Just when she decides on what, a knock sounds on the door of her office and with one word, one of her assistants enter to bring the news she's been getting anxious about for weeks now.

Twirling her wedding ring around her ring finger, a habit she's acquired for the past eleven years whenever she gets a little jittery, worried or moody, Beca finally nods and stands up to prepare herself.

Looking at the mirror as her assistants gather around her and style her in beautiful clothes, her thoughts are still a mess. Her modern baroque inspired luxuriously designed mini-length black dress, no matter how simple she thinks it is, screams royalty that she could walk in the room where nobody recognizes her and still be welcomed with a bow.

She's being strapped into matching black designer heels when one of her assistants open a jewelry box for her to approve. Glancing at it, Beca nods in approval as she brushes her fingers on the rose brooch, filled with precious red diamonds, before being pinned on to her long sleeved lace blouse.

Her hair, now longer, is back to its natural brown shade after having it dyed in a lighter color months ago and is styled in loose wavy curls at the ends.

When she is asked if she'd wear her crown she shook her head no. This day may be special but it's an intimate affair as well and wearing the crown isn't necessary in front of family.

Eleven years and she's still Queen.

It wasn't planned at all. She'd happily step down if it wasn't for the unanimous vote that had her still sitting on Corvinn's throne. With the formal title attached to her name, and also with Beca's insistence, the Du Pont house has appointed a new head of the house so she can solely focus on political affairs.

Stella has been a very good head of the Du Pont high seat for years now and Beca is proud of her for that. Emily had controversially declined the title and even though she is the rightful heir, Beca declares that Stella is to be head—the Swanson boys would not want the position either. Besides, Emily had her reasons and Beca knows of them. It's half of the reason Beca considers this day special.

Taking one deep breath, she finally steps out her room and heads downstairs where melodious laughter echoes. She slowly makes her way down to one of the spacious places of the house, the kitchen which is connected to the very grand dining area.

Careful not to clack her heels loudly and disrupt the adorableness happening inside the room, she quietly leans on the entryway, looking at what she considers the only joy of her life, her most precious treasures.

Her lovely wife, still immensely beautiful as ever, Chloe, singing with their sweet little princess, Alessandra Robbyn Du Pont. The little seven year old—fluent in both French and Italian—has inherited the soft brown Du Pont locks and, much to Beca's delight, Chloe's gorgeous baby blue eyes. She's also inherited Chloe's pleading puppy pout whenever she cutely asks for something and Beca always finds it hard to resist that her wife says she's a slave to their baby girl—she's absolutely right.

Her two loves are now twirling around happily in their matching red dresses as their pet cat, the evil warlord and Beca's darling nemesis for eleven years, lounges on one of the counters looking at them in a bored manner. Chloe, also in a lacy mini-dress compliments Beca's outfit with the black intricate designs on it while their daughter giddily sways in her knee-length sleeveless princess dress, rose flowers adorning the upper half of her lovely little dress. Beca almost gushes at the rose flower crown she is wearing.

Unable to stay afar any longer, she crosses the distance between them in time to catch Chloe in her arms.

"Was wondering when you'd stop staring in a corner and join us," Chloe tells her as they sway lightly, Chloe's arms wrapping around her neck. Her smile is as dazzling as ever and Beca couldn't stop herself from leaning in to kiss her.

Eleven years and her heart still flutters happily every single time she holds Chloe lovingly in her arms. Although, there's a little something different about her today and she can't pin point what but before she could say it out loud, Chloe is motioning over their little audience and Beca's attention shifts to their grinning little girl looking up at them, arms already waiting wide open for her.

"And how's my lovely flower angel?" she asks tenderly, kneeling down to receive her daughter's hug. "I'm so sorry that I couldn't join you earlier for breakfast," she sincerely apologizes when her daughter looks back at her.

Thankfully, her daughter is as sweet as her mommy and loves hugs just as much as she loves receiving them. Even Stacie can't believe that something that angelic could literally come out from Beca, opposite of what all her teasing cousins thought her daughter would be—a wild, lazy, broody little monster. She never really got over their comments thanking Chloe for marrying her and dominating their daughter's genetics with her sweet personality.

"Mommy made me my favorite blueberry pancakes!" Alessandra excitedly reports, along with stories of her imaginary little world. And to Beca's dismay, she has to admit there's a little truth to what her cousins think about their daughter because apart from the hair color and other physical attributes she got from Beca, she's definitely a mini version of her wife.

But to her slight relief, there is actually the part of their daughter's personality which she had inherited from Beca. Little Alessandra loves music, adventure, conquering mystical lands with her loyal teddy bear, Mister Buggie Browns, as she runs around the house with her ukulele and oversized captain's hat. It's come to a point where Beca is contemplating on installing a tracking device on her because she keeps escaping her security team—Gabin has reportedly aged fifty years because of her mischief—and eventually making Chloe panic.

"Becs! I don't care how important this meeting is! I've just been gone for a couple hours and now Aly, our baby otter, is missing! This is a red level emergency! Call everyone! Now!"

"What?! I-I left her with Gabin—Oh look! Nothing to worry about. There's our baby girl and she's climbing—Is that our daughter climbing a fucking tree?! No. No. NO."

Anyways, that always ends with an endearing tearful apology from the little Du Pont and her cute very Chloe-like excuses such as, chasing butterflies, hiding treasures from the bad pirates around their wide expanse of land, saving the world and her desire to make a treehouse so she can watch over the baby birds to keep them from falling.

"I also helped mommy wrap Stefan's gift!" Alessandra bounces giddily in Beca's arms and the mention of the name suddenly brings back the anxiety persistently pestering her at the back of her mind.

"I'll give him the gift and then I'm going to welcome him home! We're going to be best, best, best friends!"

Her daughter is so happy and it's the purest thing in the world that Beca hugs her again because there's that familiar sting in her eyes and she blinks them away.

"Also, I told mommy that I want to be an astronaut because astronauts fly up the sun and the moon! Like angels!"

Beca looks up at her wife who smiles proudly at their baby girl's big dreams. Releasing her daughter from the hug, Beca straightens her daughter's dress and looks at her.

"You can be whoever you want to be, with whoever you choose to be—as long as they also love you just as much as I and your mommy does," she immediately adds which earns a fond shake of the head and a sigh from Chloe.

"And go wherever your heart desires. Whatever it is you decide just know, we are right here behind you. Always and forever. We love you so, so, so much, my little flower angel," she says, pressing a gentle kiss on top of her daughter's head before re-adjusting the pretty little flower crown on her head.

"I love you Mama," is the sweet reply she gets before their daughter faces her wife and tells her the same thing too.

In the midst of sweet 'I love you's', someone suddenly clears their throat, interrupting their little moment.

When Beca looks up to find Gabin standing near the doorway and pointing at his watch, she finally stands up knowing that it's time. Alessandra stands in between them as she and Chloe each hold her hands before walking out to greet the rest of their family.

It's Emily's birthday today and it's decided that they all come together to celebrate it at Beca and Chloe's residence.

Not much has change for everyone in eleven years in terms of being the wild, rambunctious group of brats that they are whenever they get together.

What's change however is that they now all are busy with their passions and interests. Of course, Beca is still Queen, keeping the peace and order in their world. Her achievements are now surpassing her father's and she just turned thirty-one. However, despite wanting to lead the military missions across the globe, her wife is hell bent on keeping her feet planted in France. Chloe knows she is the best in that field and there are always going to be times when she cannot change her decision to stay but Beca generally lets Franco Vanderbilt or Yuuka Mori to lead said operations. She now also owns Club Bellissimo, the hottest club in France, when it was sold to her.

Chloe on the other hand, despite being busy with her philanthropic organizations and projects, is busy managing her own theater company where she usually brings their daughter to. Alessandra's love for music has her eagerly coming to work with her mommy. Although, Gabin and Beca's weekly fight trainings is something that competes with that musical interest. There isn't much of a problem though since Chloe competes with Gabin in the shooting range every now and then—they have reached hilarious bets all these years that range from embarrassing to outrageous.

The twins, now both married and with children as mischievous as they are, have started a band called 'The Night Owls' and are constantly night touring—and hooting—around the world. Their biggest hit is actually arranged by Beca herself and now they are planning to beg for her to do their next one as well—'What are cousins for, Beca?' 'Yeah, we'll pay you with love! And Chloe already said yes.'

Jesse has an events and catering company. Every talked about party is hosted by him. Also, he is now freshly married to his soulmate, Benjamin Abbot. Well, who knew Beca was staring at her cousin's elusive soulmate all these years?

Stella, is as mentioned, the appointed head of the noble Du Pont house while balancing her work as a top neuro-surgeon in one of the best hospitals in France—she's also one of the hospital's shareholders but it's a secret. She's still single after a couple of failed relationships but it seems that a feisty and beautiful—non-vampire—doctor Griffin from Cardio might change that.

Stacie owns an art gallery, Aphrodite, where her precious artwork is hung up. Her best art work however is a collaborative project with her wife Aubrey and it's in the form of two beautiful children. Eight year old Violette, whom Alessandra considers as her sister and one year old Alfonso. Violette is growing to be more like Stacie, complete with unmeasurable confidence and sassy sarcasm, while Alfonso is more Aubrey with intelligence that is odd for a one year old and that shiny blonde hair.

Stacie and Aubrey are first to arrive as their hotel is only fifteen minutes away from the house. Alessandra immediately hugs Violette while Chloe gushes at Alfonso in Stacie's arms. Somehow, Chloe and Stacie's friendship has paved way for an unlikely companionship between Beca and Aubrey. They call it companionship since neither of them would stubbornly admit to being close friends and then point out that all they do is try to aim at each other's mistakes—they hang out every first Sunday of the month after council meetings for the past five years at any high end bar where they plan on taking down enemies over wine.

One by one, Beca's cousins arrive with their significant others and children in tow. The noise is starting to grow at the back of the house where the garden party is taking place and it's such a warm atmosphere to be in. There are also extended relatives and friends in attendance, bringing gifts and chatting happily.

Finally, a familiar set of cars arrive and Beca inhales deeply as they step out the front porch. She feels Chloe's hand on her arm, soothing her nerves. She holds a very excited Alessandra close to her, the seven year old already holding her gift.

She watches silently as the vehicles come to a stop. Gabin steps out of one of them, buttoning up his suit formally before bowing at them in respect. Beca nods at him as he moves to open the passenger door of the Du Pont limousine, their family insignia proudly etched on it and all. She holds Chloe's hand tightly as soon as Mia Black steps out the car, followed by a nervous looking eleven year old boy whose face makes Beca's heart clench.

"Mama, can I give my gift to Stefan now?" Alessandra says bouncing in impatience.

Looking down at her daughter, Beca brushes her soft cheeks with her thumb, "Later, angel. Mama will talk to him first, stay here with your mommy," she answers shortly, eyes locking with Chloe's, an understanding wordlessly passing between them.

Softly untangling herself from her daughter's hold and handing her over to Chloe, Beca proceeds to walk down the steps. Every soldier lining up down the steps standing rigid before bowing down simultaneously in respect.

When she reaches Gabin, she finally gets a closer look at her nephew for the first time in eleven years. It's been that long since Beca had fought for half-ling rights and have celebrated the smallest of wins in such a tedious fight.

Mia greets her humbly, bowing down in respect. Stefan does the same, something which his mother most probably taught him to do. When he stands back straight up once more, he places his hands behind his back and holds his head high as he tries not to stare at her.

"Stefan wants to be a soldier when he grows up," Mia tells her after a short exchange of pleasantries and it explains why he is copying Gabin's stance. It's admittedly charming. "Just like his father," Mia adds.

At the mention of his name and his dream, Stefan finally speaks, "I'm so pleased to meet you, Your Highness," he says in French. It's not perfect but it's impressive. His stormy blues glance at her before quickly averting them again when they lock with her own.

"Well then, follow me," she says, lightly cocking her head to the side before turning around to walk towards the side of the mansion and into the path walk lined with trees.

Stefan looks at his mother who urges him to go.

Behind her, she hears light hurried footsteps and hears the beating of his heart increase with each step. Just before they reach the clearing ahead, she lifts up her hand to motion her security to hold back, it's a request for privacy and is highly honored especially when she is in her own home.

She is greeted by a serene view of the lake as she stops by a weeping willow tree where she had spent countless nights lounging under its leaves with Chloe and eventually with their little girl. Interestingly, she used to play with her late brother Stefan in this very place. He used to row a boat to the middle of the lake with Beca who would giggle at his pirate voice. It's truly a special spot and now she's brought his son, her nephew, with her.

"Why do you want to be a soldier?" she asks him, there's a bit of gentleness in her tone but she doubts he could tell. She's always been known to have such a cold first impression to everyone she meets.

The young boy visibly gulps hard and when she turns to him, she finds earnest dark blue eyes looking at her, "I want to protect you,"

The answer shakes her to the core. It's clear just how he is the spitting image of her brother. She sees him in her nephew. He's alive in those curious eyes that it takes her a while to reply to such sincere, bold words.

"Do you know what is required of soldiers?" she asks him and answers without waiting for his reply, "In the face of danger, they are to die for their Queen, Stefan," her voice now softening as she speaks slowly.

"I don't want you to die for me. Your father is very close to my heart. You are my nephew and it's my job to protect you. I swore to him that I would keep you safe,"

"I know, Your Highness" comes the solemn reply, dark blue eyes casting down the ground for a few moments before looking back up at her again with a new found determination.

"But I want to fight by your side just like my father," he says firmly and it breaks her heart because he talks just like him, persistent and determined. Her brother never changes his mind when he decides. His son clearly got that thinking as well.

"When I grow up I want to serve the crown and protect the innocent, protect you. You're…" he trails off, averting his eyes shyly.

"You're my hero. Mom tells me stories about you, everything you've done, how much dad loved you… and that you kept me far from home because you love me. I've… always wanted to m-meet you," he says, tripping with his words before hurriedly adding a nervous 'Your Highness,' which eventually makes Beca's lips unable to resist the urge to curve upwards.

"I'm sorry it took me so long," she softly says. "I've always wanted to meet you too," she finally says as he quickly looks back at her again. It reminded her of how she used to look at her brother in adoration, how his approval meant so much to her and how eagerly she'd follow him around all the time.

"Do you want to live here? With your mother, here, in France?" she asks and his face lights up, eyes wide and hopeful. He nods eagerly and it brings a smile to her face.

"Alright then," she starts as he looks like he could explode any moment but she holds up a finger to tell him that there's something else, "For as long as you stop calling me, Your Highness," she tells him as he nods eagerly again.

"Okay, your—uhm, uhh,"

"Beca, just call me Beca… or Becs. Your father gave me that nickname,"

"Okay… Becs,"

She reaches out to softly touch his head, "You are a Du Pont, Stefan. We are family and family protects each other. But most importantly in family, there's love, trust and loyalty. It runs in your blood, your father's and mine. Always—"

"And until the end?" he completes for her.

A gentle breeze passes and somehow, it's like her brother is there, reminding her that he will always be right there with her, for her and for his son just as he has promised.

"Yes, until the end," she lightly nods before turning to head back to the mansion.

She takes a couple of steps before pausing, looking back at Stefan. She raises her arm, palm open as she offers it to him.

Just as her brother always did.

"You're supposed to walk beside me now, soldier," she says fondly before he runs to her without any hesitation, taking her hand and clutching it tightly with both his own. The contact sends a familiar feeling settling deep in her heart.

They walk back hand in hand as she tells him of happy memories of his father, smiling as he laughs at funny stories of his father sleeping like a sloth on one of the big branches, how he used to carry her around his back while running around in circles and how he looked just as nervous as he was earlier when Beca clumsily fell trying to chase him one time, causing her knee to bleed.

When they return, she finds Chloe talking to Mia, Alessandra by her side. When her daughter spots her, she tugs Chloe's hand excitedly, whispering her permission to go to Stefan.

Her wife looks at her.

Glancing down at Stefan she finds him anxiously looking around, not being accustomed to the presence of vampires or being in the middle of such great attention by everyone in the room as he keeps himself practically glued to her side, half his body hiding behind her, hands gripping her own tightly.

"Stefan," she calls his attention and he is quick to look up at her, ready to do anything she tells him.

"Everyone in this house is your family. You are welcomed to all of their homes," she says just as the twins come running at the back to hold up a huge banner saying, 'Welcome home, Stefany!' which makes Beca frown when Nick slowly and awkwardly covers the letter 'Y', a clear typographical error. It earns them each a slap at the back of the head from Stacie—'You had one job. One!'—while baby Alfonso follows his mother by grabbing at Nate's hair.

They clearly never do anything right even at their age.

Sighing, Beca returns her attention back at her nephew, who now seems slightly less nervous, curiosity getting the best of him as he finds friendly faces around the room and an encouraging smile from his mother.

She pulls him lightly towards Chloe and Alessandra. "This is Chloe, she's my wife," she introduces as Stefan quickly gets into a soldier stance.

"I'm pleased to meet you, Your Highness. My name is Stefan Du Pont," he says as Chloe looks at Beca in amusement.

In a moment, her wife smiles after Beca mentally explains, "Ah, so this our handsome noble soldier! It's very nice to meet you too, Stefan. Call me Chloe," she says warmly before planting a soft kiss on Stefan's cheek. Beca watches him blush endearingly, jaw dropping in pure admiration—heart eyes—and she internally sighs.

Well, there goes loyalty.

Another willing member swearing fealty to team Chlo Chlo.

But it's too early to say that since their little girl is winning hearts more than her mommy nowadays. Before Beca could even introduce her to him, she's already flinging herself towards him for a hug.

"Aly, let him breathe," she softly says and her daughter lets him go, taking her gift from Gabin and handing it over to Stefan.

"Hello, Stefan! I'm your new best friend! My name is Alessandra Robbyn Du Pont," she proudly says with a wide smile while Stefan takes the gift, eyes lighting up as he softly thanks her.

"Mama, will Stefan stay with us? Please, let him stay here! I can share my room with him!" she says with a pleading pout and she looks at Chloe again because Beca keeps telling her that it's Chloe's fault that their daughter has learned the infamous puppy pout which she can never refuse.

Looking back down at her daughter, she prepares to explain because her daughter has this tendency to get too attached to the people she loves. They both had to console a crying Alessandra for several nights when Violette left for Italy the first time. The concept of goodbyes are a very sensitive topic to the young Du Pont princess. She and her uncle Jesse share that same trait.

"Stefan is going to stay with us for a week, angel, but after that he is going to his new home. It's just a couple of minutes away from here so you can visit him all the time, okay?" Beca carefully says but she does wonder if her words settled down in her daughter's mind because after she mentioned a week Alessandra is already bouncing again happily.

"Okay!" her daughter excitedly says before holding Stefan's hand and tugging him towards the rest of the Du Pont children who are now crowding around him.

"Only child, Your Highness?" Mia asks, eyes following Alessandra as she hands a cookie to Stefan.

"Obviously," she says as Mia nods. "We're… actually trying again. Chloe has taken time off from theatre," Beca adds after a slight hesitation but if she wants to have a good relationship with her nephew, considering his mother as family would help make that easier.

"Oh, earlier I couldn't help but notice the beautiful glow your wife has. I honestly thought your Queen was pregnant, Your Highness" Mia smiles and her words suddenly make Beca pause, her gaze tearing from the sweet image of Stefan and Alessandra holding hands to her wife who is now talking with Aubrey.

"Chloe is… always glowing," Beca says as she grabs one of the champagne glasses from one of the passing servers, taking a sip from it immediately before excusing herself.

She heads upstairs to the master's bedroom and waits a couple of seconds until Chloe appears at the door.

"What's wrong?" her wife quickly asks, closing the door behind her to face Beca worriedly, obviously recognizing the mental distress call.

"Chlo, is there's something…" she trails off, running a hand through her hair before locking her eyes with baby blues.

It only takes a moment of unspoken words wrapped in comforting silence until Chloe gently takes her hand and slowly places it against her stomach.

Beca's eyes blur as she blinks multiple times, her face going through a range of emotions before she sputters a shaky whisper of awe, "Really?"

Chloe nods, a smile breaking her lips as her eyes start to brim with tears and it makes Beca gasp because she couldn't believe it even if she could feel the precious life growing inside her wife.

"Why didn't you tell me? I know something was different, I just—I wasn't sure and—oh god, we're going to have a baby! Again!" Beca says with huge smile on her lips, hands cupping Chloe's face as she wipes all those happy tears.

"I just found out yesterday evening and you've been busy with everything—but I was planning to tell you! Either tomorrow night or at least after the party," Chloe hurriedly explains only to be cut off with Beca's lips pressed against hers.

"I love you," she ardently mumbles against Chloe's lips. "You make me so happy,"

Her hand touches Chloe's stomach again as she leans her head against Chloe's, unable to control the big smiles on both their faces.

"I love you too," Chloe whispers back, placing a hand on top of her own before Beca captures her lips once more, whispering back sweet words of love and adoration.

"Becs," Chloe breathes out when Beca's lips trail down to her neck, hands tightly holding her wife close.

"We have a party," Chloe reminds her yet from the weak tone and the soft sighs, Beca just hums distractedly, focused on showering her wife with love. "Downstairs and," Chloe continues but pauses at the small nip as Beca smirks.

Chloe's lips finds hers again, resolve gone, as Beca easily maneuvers her to their bed, lowering her gently and pinning her down the soft mattress.

Wrapped in a series of heated kisses and passionate caresses, they don't notice the footsteps echoing across the hall until the door opens wide, immediately breaking their intimate moment.

"Seriously, Your Highnesses?! This again?!" Aubrey hisses at both of them, bringing up a set of embarrassing memories, while Stacie quickly covers their son's eyes before muttering an, 'I told you' at Aubrey and an, 'Have you no shame? There's a child here and at a family party?' followed by a, 'Kinky. Nice.' to the both of them. She shuts up however, when Aubrey eyes her with a warning look.

"With all due respect, our beloved Queens, we are bringing out the cake now so you two better stop all this horny frolicking and get your asses downstairs. Now," Stacie strictly demands before walking off with hers and Aubrey's son.

A pouting Chloe gets reluctantly dragged away by an impatient Aubrey—because she knows, based on experience, that they'll just get back tothe dirty frolicking once she leaves— fixing her lipstick and straightening her dress while Beca miserably follows behind, doing the same and stopping in front of the mirrors to make sure she looks presentable.

The promising look she exchanges with Chloe is telling that their private celebration and baby announcement will have to wait till this party is over.

For now, there are other important matters to settle like the moment when a blindfolded Emily is led to the middle of the garden, after blowing the candles of her birthday cake, for some surprise only to find her longtime boyfriend Scott standing in front of her.

He slowly gets down on one knee and taking out what seems to be Emily's favorite candy, the same one they secretly shared when they were teenagers, a time when their families would have never allowed something like this to happen.

And now it's a little absurd to think that there had been such a time. Beca glances around the room, finding Aubrey giving Stacie a tender kiss on the cheek, Arthur standing in between Stella and Jesse, looking at his kneeling cousin with a cheeky smile on his face. On the table of birthday gifts, a huge box carefully wrapped in gold is sent with care straight from New York by Claire Vanderbilt with a letter of apology for her absence and a promise to make it up to Emily when she returns to Europe. Her fashion line is unfortunately being launched at the same time for New York fashion week. After her brother's death who knew one Emily Du Pont would warm her icy heart?

Emily, in her part, looked confused with what is happening as she unwraps the candy only to find a beautiful diamond ring instead. There are words written in a question on the wrapper which make her burst into tears of joy as she nods, her answer cemented as she blurts out a very strong 'Yes'.

A minute later, the twins come running again at the back holding party poppers and blasting them up in the air like crazed maniacs. They also tried to light fireworks and ended up burning the outdoor table cloth, causing momentary panic until the situation has been taken care of.

Chloe wraps her arms around Beca, settling comfortably by her side with a grin on her face as they watch what is now one of the most special moments in their family unfolding in front of their eyes. Like instinct, Beca circles her arms around her wife, planting a lingering kiss on the side of her head.

It's been eleven years since Beca's heart has found all the missing broken pieces. All of which Chloe has lovingly put together and stuck to her own beating heart.

She still has nightmares of dark traumatic memories but they only come occasionally now and if they do, they don't leave that cold horrible feeling when she wakes anymore. Because now, she wakes up with Chloe's protective embrace and her daughter's smiling face to keep her sane, knowing that she's stronger than the pain, stronger than all that darkness, knowing that she is capable of love and she deserves it.

There's always going to be a tomorrow and even though it had been a struggle, all she thinks is that if she had given up halfway she'd never wake up today holding her love in her arms and watching all the people she loves gathering around happily around her.

Beca finally settles her gaze over to her daughter who is now glued to Stefan's side. Both children sitting on the steps and eating lollipop. Her nephew gets called by one of his cousins for a game but once he starts to stand up he stops, turns to Alessandra and takes her hand, bringing her with him because they are best friends now and best friends are forever.

Holding her wife's hand, she looks at Chloe, the redhead having felt her gaze on her, turns to look at her as well. A curious look passes Chloe's face before her lips slowly curve up and Beca smiles.

Forever is beautiful.

End.

Author's Note:

August 26, 2018

Dear Readers,

It's been exactly a year since I've written this story. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did writing it. It's not perfect, I know. But I hope it brought you smiles and touched your beautiful hearts because to me that's all that matters (That, coffee and pizza). It's really been a crazy journey, both this story and my personal life. I've been through a lot the past year and writing Midnight Sunshine has become such a big part of my life. Which is why this story is very close to my heart. I've written it with so much love and care (Just like all my other fics but this one really hits so many marks). I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all of you. Especially those who have been commenting since the very beginning and showing their support with all those lovely comments (Parziwolf, Kasia143, Yuzu-Chi01, Comiiksde, Sandrickisreal, etc, I can't name all of you! OMG I'm a failure!). Those praises and comments are words that I will keep dear to my heart. It was those very words that kept me writing, you guys don't know just how special it is for authors when they hear feedback like that (but now you do!). It's what fuels stories like this. And yes I have read ALL of your comments, guys.

I don't know if I'm ready to publish this story to the world. I mean, I made it for Bechloe and because I love writing stories. I don't know if I can ever reach that status of being an author or if I'm good enough to actually make a fuckin' BOOK. Besides, I know nothing about it! But if like say, it happens to be published and turned into a movie what do you think the chances of Anna and Brittany starring in it are? Zero to none percent? Oh well, we can all dream. But if they don't then would Natasha and Elise be available? Or Alycia and Eliza? Cate Blanchett? no?

I'd also like to thank my ex-bestfriend for being the inspiration for this story. We may not have had been able to save or keep our friendship like Beca and Chloe even when we sort of tried, but those four years are years filled with happy memories I will forever cherish. I do forgive you (just like I told you). I'm also sorry that we ended up drifting apart. And thank you for being that annoying idiot (beautiful, well-loved, idiot) and aggressively befriending an extremely socially awkward red panda at a time when I thought little me will forever be a quiet loner sitting at the back of class who gets extremely nervous when the damn teacher tells us to pair up with whomever you want because I didn't have anyone for years. You made me find the confidence that I really needed and for that, I thank you.

Thank you to the music, to Drake whose song Passionfruit has been playing since I've written chapter one. That song got me writing, like for real, that song is addicting!

Thank you to the countless of pizzas that had been harmed in the making of this fanfic.

Thank you to the red pandas and baby otters (that have never been harmed in the making of this fic).

And thank you to those who will be following and subscribing to my next story! (I love shameless self-promotions. Hahahahaha. Just taking advantage of the opportunity. Love me, please.)

If you want to talk to me about anything Midnight Sunshine (or just whatever) related, questions and confusions, my inbox is open. If I don't reply for some reason my Twitter is redhappypanda (excuse the rainbow vomit all over it) and my Tumblr (of course I have Tumblr!) jia-roo

Stay in love, darlings,

Redchocopanda