AN: Guys... I'm sorry. Life is crazy. But I hope you all like it. I'm not giving up on this one.

Hold Me or Leave Me

Chapter Fifteen

(Beca P.O.V.)

What the fuck is that god awful sound! I blindly sling my arm over in the direction of my bed side table in search of my phone. My fingers come in contact with cool wood and as they skitter across its surface I can feel my fingers hit cool metal. Blindly, I grasp for my phone. Through squinted eyes I look at my phone screen. I bite back the urge to hiss at the brightness surrounding me. 7:30am After turning off my alarm I place my phone back down and let out a puff of air. Looking to my right my eyes fall to titan red curls strewn across a pillow. I roll over slowly to make sure I don't wake Chloe up. Deciding against waking her up now I place a quick kiss to her shoulder blade and get up in hopes of not disturbing her. Chloe needs a little extra sleep today. It's going to be a busy one for her.

Coffee is calling my name, so I quietly make my way out of my room. I walk down to the kitchen and pull two mugs from the cabinet. I place my coffee cup under the spout first and the kitchen becomes filled with the strong smell of coffee. I smile as my coffee finishes and I grab my mug. I set it to the side and place Chloe's mug under the spout next. Just as I push the start button I feel arms wrap around my waist and a chin rest on my shoulder.

"You know…" Chloe's voice is right in my ear and it's filled with sleep, sending goosebumps across my skin. "Falling asleep with someone then waking up without them is kind of disheartening." I melt back into Chloe's arms.

"I know. I'm sorry." I turn around in Chloe's arms and wrap mine around her. "I wanted to fix you coffee and bring it up to you. Plus, you have a busy day. A few extra minutes of sleep would do you good." I turn back around facing the counter and attempt to move away from Chloe to get the milk and sugar for Chloe's coffee, but her arms don't move from around me. "Chlo… I need to get stuff for your coffee." I look back at Chloe then shake my head.

"I don't want to let you go. You're soft." Chloe nudges my neck with her forehead as she burrows into me.

"Fine. But you have to move with me." Shaking my head again I make my way to the fridge to grab the milk. Our steps are staggered, and Chloe manages to hold on as I move around the kitchen to get the sugar. "What am I going to do with you Beale?" I make my way back over to the coffee maker and start fixing Chloe's coffee. Once I'm done I turn in Chloe's arms again. "For you." I bring Chloe's coffee up into view and Chloe finally releases me to take the mug.

"Thank you." Chloe smiles then sips her coffee. I turn back and grab mine. When I face Chloe again she has made herself comfortable leaning against the kitchen island counter. My movements falter when I see she is just wearing my white Thrasher hoodie. My eyes travel up and down her legs and I have to tear my eyes away and focus on her face. Chloe as a small smirk on her face. "Like what you see Becs…?" As Chloe sips her coffee she raises an eyebrow. I take a sip of my own coffee and head towards the living room to go back upstairs.

"Wouldn't you like to know? Hurry up. We're late." I head up the steps and when I hear Chloe's bare feet pattering against the wood floors I can't help but smile. I make my way to my room and walk over to my closet. Thankful for the smart decision of showering last night I look at my options. I hear shuffling behind me and I glance over my shoulder at Chloe. "Hey, do you need another shower this morning? I know sometimes you like one in the morning and one at nigh-" When my eyes fall on Chloe my voice catches in my throat as I see her pulling my hoodie off leaving her in a charcoal grey bra and panty set. Everything seems to move in slow motion as she pulls the hoodie all the way off. As she pulls it off of her head her red morning curls cascade around her shoulders and she tosses the hoodie on the bed. Chloe runs a hand through her hair and my heart stops in my chest because…

"Fuck…" Chloe's eyes snap up to me and I can see a smirk working its way on to her lips.

"What did yah say Bec? Didn't hear you." My eyes dart around the room behind Chloe in hopes to find something to cover up with. With a mental sigh I point over her shoulder.

"Truck… there's a life guard truck on the beach." Chloe looks behind her then back at me and raises an eyebrow.

"Hm… okay. No, I don't need to shower again. Can I use your curling iron though?" Chloe starts walking towards the bathroom and I drag my eyes away from her and look back into the closet.

"Yeah sure. Whatever you need." I swallow the forming lump in my throat and focus on my clothes options. I pull out a sheer black button up and a pair of light wash skinny jeans. I toss the outfit on the bed then look back into my closet and the royal blue blazer jacket I have keeps pulling my attention. Deciding it wouldn't hurt to have a pop of color I pull it out and put it on the bed with my outfit. I look back at the bathroom door and Chloe's humming makes its way out. Smiling I quickly take off my sleep shorts and shirt and slip into my jeans. I start buttoning my shirt up as I walk to the bathroom. "You all good in here Beale?" I walk into the bathroom and Chloe has changed into an olive green scoop neck tank top with dark wash short jean shorts. She has some hair wrapped around the curling iron and she meets my gaze in the mirror.

"Yeah… great." I watch as Chloe's eyes look up and down my reflection in the mirror. I quirk an eyebrow up and Chloe's gaze snaps back to her reflection in the mirror.

"You have any room for me to do my make up?" I watch as Chloe shuffles over, so I can stand beside her at the mirror.

"Yeah, come on." Chloe releases the strand of hair from the curling iron then runs her fingers through it. I slide up beside her then grab my make up bag. I look up at the mirror and I can see Chloe looking at me again. Just as I go to question Chloe she drops her eyes and turns to face me.

"You look good Bec. Beautiful. Really beautiful." The sincerity in Chloe's voice sets butterflies free in my chest.

"You don't look so bad either Beale." I bring up my fingers and run them along the exposed skin on her chest. Chloe looks up at me through her eye lashes. Leaning forward I place a kiss to her jaw line then turn back to finish my makeup.

"I love you." Chloe finishes her hair and puts the curling iron down. "I'm going to go finish packing." Chloe places a kiss on my cheek then leaves the bathroom. I finish my makeup and put some moose in my hair for some waves. Once I deem myself presentable I walk out of the bathroom and grab my royal blue heels from my closet. I look back at the bed and see Chloe sitting with her legs crossed on the edge with her bag beside her. I make my way over to her and her sad baby blues meet mine.

"What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?" I kneel down in front of her and place my hands on her thighs. Chloe lets out a sigh and rests her hands on mine.

"Nothing. I just don't want to go. Can't we just spend the day locked away from the world, so I can miss my flight and stay here with you forever?" I chuckle slightly and turn my hands over to I can take hold of Chloe's hand.

"If it was that easy… but you'll be back soon enough. It's just for a little bit." Chloe doesn't look satisfied with my answer, but I see acceptance in her eyes.

"I know. it just really sucks." I stand and offer Chloe a hand to help her stand.

"Totally sucks." Chloe stands, and I slip my heels on. I chuckle slightly at the fact I have to look down at her now slightly. "Let's get out of here. We have to get to work." Chloe reaches for her bag, but I grab it before her and sling it over my shoulder. Just as Chloe goes to protest I place a kiss on her lips then pull away with a raised eyebrow.

"That's not playing fair. Like at all." I laugh slightly and start heading out of my room and Chloe follows. I do some final checks to make sure we both have everything then we head out to the Range Rover. I open Chloe's door then toss her bag in the back. Sliding into the driver's seat I start it up and we head to work. Nothing is said between the two of us, but Chloe keeps a vice grip on my hand, but I don't mind. We make it to the Label's parking garage and we both get out. Just before we get to the sidewalk I take Chloe's hand and stop walking causing her to come jerking back to me. "Really? Was that necessary?" Chloe raises an eyebrow and I smile at her.

"I was just going to give you a heads up. I don't have anyone I'm working with today, but I don't know about anyone else, so you might see some famous people. Just a heads up." Chloe's eyes go wide but she regains her composure and brings over a nonchalant persona.

"Yeah, I understand." I try to hold back by laugh as Chloe tries to play it cool.

"Great. We'll lets go." I hear Chloe take a shaky breath then say the same words as me. I offer her a hand and she gladly takes it. We cross the street and make our way into the Label. Once we enter I feel Chloe walk a little slower taking everything in.

"Who's this pretty lady Beca?" I look from Chloe to Jess behind the administration desk. I tug on Chloe's hand so she's at my side.

"Jess, this is Chloe." Jess gets a look of recognition on her face and I start to worry about what's going to come out of her mouth.

"The Chloe?" Jess offers her hand for a hand shake and Chloe takes it with a wide smile. Chloe then looks between Jess and me.

"I hope that's a good thing." Jess speaks before I can, and I smile.

"Of course. Yes, it's good to see you, to finally meet you!" Chloe laughs, and Jess releases her hand. "Well, Mason is in studio three. He came in with several a coffee tray so I'm sure you three are in for a busy morning." A look of 'oh!' comes on to Jess' face and she looks down at the desk and pulls out a visitor lanyard. "This is for you. Just keep it on you until we can get you a real ID." Chloe takes the lanyard and smiles.

"Thanks." I can see Chloe getting slightly overwhelmed at the reality of this is actually happening. I smile at Jess and I start leading Chloe in the direction of studio three. There is an insistent chatter of people talking on the phone as we walk through the building. I send some hellos to people who say good morning. I see people looking at Chloe curiously, but I know she doesn't mind. We make our way up to the elevators. Once we're behind the closed steel doors I push the number three button and Chloe looks over at me with a big smile. "This is real. Like really real." I laugh slightly and shake my head. Pulling the lanyard from her hand I put it around her neck.

"Very real Chlo." I place a kiss on her cheek. When the doors open we are met with music coming through the speakers in the ceiling. It's not loud. It just lets us know someone is recording. I take Chloe's hand and start leading her down the hallway. I glance over at her and I can't stop the smile that is on my face. Chloe is enamored with the posters and records on the walls. When we make it down to studio three I knock on the door to grab Mason's attention at the mixing deck. When he turns to see us, he smiles and waves us in. Using the key card I have on my hip I let us in.

"There are my two favorite people in the whole world." Mason turns around at the mixing deck and rests against it. Mason is wearing maroon skinny jeans with a pastel pink button up shirt. He's the only guy I knows with this much style. He reaches to his left and grabs one of the coffee cups on the small table beside the mixing deck. As he hands it to me he smiles. "Morning handsome." I take my coffee with a small smile of thanks.

"Morning beautiful." Mason looks at Chloe with a smile and runs a hand through his hair.

"Morning Chloe." Mason reaches back again and grabs another coffee cup from the small table. "I didn't really peg you for that much of a coffee drinker, so I got you a lemon blueberry hot tea. But in case I can get my assistant to run out and get you something different." Chloe smiles at him and takes the offered tea.

"You really didn't have to do that. Though I appreciate it. Thank you." Chloe takes a sip of her tea and Mason smiles and looks over at me.

"So, I've got Tori just finishing up. we finished just as you guys walked in." I nod my head as I stand beside Mason and look left to see past the partition into the recording booth.

"Tori?" I look back at Chloe who is holding the cup of tea in both hands.

"Tori Kelly." Chloe's eyes go wide, and the sound of the recording booth door opening pulls my attention away. Tori is wearing a slate grey t-shirt, black leather jacket and light wash skinny jeans. Tori smiles as she exits the booth and walks over to Mason and I.

"Hey Beca." I nod with a smile to address her back then she looks at Mason. "How was that?" Mason smiles at Tori.

"Great. We can work on more isolated vocals tomorrow morning. But it's no rush to finish. You know we're good on time. I know you have press for your tour this afternoon so get out of here. But first…"Mason motions to Chloe and Tori looks over at her with a sweet smile. "This is Chloe. We signed her this morning. She'll be working on our team." Tori extends a hand in Chloe's direction and smiles wider.

"Nice to meet you Chloe. Welcome to the team." Chloe's mouth has dropped, and she looks like a deer in head lights, but she quickly snaps out of it and takes Tori's hand.

"Nice to meet you too. I love your hair by the way. It's beautiful. You're beautiful. Your voice is beautiful. And talented. So very talented…" Chloe's voice hangs open and Tori giggles. Chloe's mouth snaps shut and a blush spreads across her face. "I'm sorry… that was definitely not creepy." Tori laughs again, and she places a hand on Chloe's shoulder.

"It's fine. The first time I met someone here it was Katy Perry. I made a huge fool of myself. So, believe me. I understand. Well, I need to get out of here. Hopefully I'll see you soon." Chloe smiles and nods her head.

"Absolutely." All three of us watch as Tori walks out of the studio. Mason and I smile smugly but I take a sip of coffee to cover mine. When Chloe turns around she raises a hand. "We do not speak of this." I curl my lips inward to keep from laughing.

"We get it. We understand. She's beautiful and talented… so very talented." I can't hold back my laugh as Mason mimics Chloe's words in a girly voice. Chloe's face falls and she crosses her arms.

"Fine if you want to pick on me I'm leaving." Chloe sets her tea down and heads for the door, but I follow after her.

"Chloooo, don't leave." I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her back to me. "Mason is just playing. Don't go. We want you here. We love you." Chloe lets out a puff of air and I walk around her then place my hands on her hips. "Don't leave me…" I reach up and tuck a loose curl behind Chloe's ear.

"Fine…" I know Chloe was only joking the whole time and I can see her struggling to keep up her upset façade. "But you have to kiss me if you want me to stay. It's only fair." I chuckle slightly and lean to press a kiss to Chloe's lips. As I pull away Chloe bites my bottom lip causing me to come close again. She releases my lip and brings her lips next to my ear. "If you think teasing me is funny then you're dead wrong." Chloe's words are whispered, and they make goosebumps litter my skin. I let out a shaky breath.

"Right… so let's just um… work on a demo…" I clear my throat and step away from Chloe. I don't look up at her as I walk back over to Mason's side, but I know she's got a satisfied grin on her face. Chloe walks up to Mason and takes hold of his slate grey tie.

"Be nice to me. Your job depends on me being competent. Remember that." Watching Chloe be a bad ass to Mason makes a fire start down in my belly. It's a rare side to see of Chloe but god its so fucking hot. Mason nods his head and I see him visibly swallow.

"Right sorry." Chloe's demeanor changes instantly and she lets go of his tie then smiles.

"Great! So, what's up first?" Seeing the emotional whiplash on Mason's face makes me smile.

"We should uhm probably do a demo. For Max. The boss. I asked Tori to leave some sheet music for you." Chloe nods her head and I walk over to the wall of Beats Wireless Headphones. I pick out a pair of metallic teal glossy head phone and hand them over to Chloe.

"These will work until we can order yours." Chloe takes the headphones and looks from them to me.

"I'll get my own?" I nod my head and Mason answers her question.

"Yes, all artists and producers get a customized pair. Those are Tori Kelly's so be careful." Chloe looks down at the blue headphones then up at Mason.

"You said she left sheet music for me?" Mason nods. "Well, I have something written on my phone is it okay if I…?" Mason is nodding his head faster.

"Yeah absolutely. Whatever you want to do." Chloe nods slowly then turns to look at the recording booth.

"Can I use that piano?" Chloe looks between Mason and I.

"Yeah, come on. I'll get you set up in there." I start walking towards the recording booth. I open the door and hold it open for Chloe. "Alright, so if you have a melody in your head for your song we're going to record you playing it. It's okay if you mess up. It happens. After you lay down the melody we'll get your isolated vocals and blend them with the melody." Chloe nods her head as I speak, taking in every word I say.
"It's that easy?" I smile as Chloe then walk over to the piano sitting in the corner.

"That easy. Go ahead and get comfortable." I watch as Chloe sits down and lightly runs her fingers along the black and white keys. "Mason and I will be right outside of the window. If you need something just ask for it." Chloe nods her head and I can see her hyper focusing on the piano keys.

"It's just a base rhythm. Is that okay?" Chloe doesn't look up from the keys as she asks her question.

"Whatever you have is okay." I hook my index finger under her chin causing her to look over at me. "You're going to be amazing." I smile at Chloe lovingly then place a kiss on her forehead. I make my way out of the booth and close the door behind me.

"Whipped, so whipped." I shove Mason in his shoulder then face the glass, so I can keep an eye on Chloe.

"What's so bad about being whipped." Mason chuckles and I look back at him. "She's got a base rhythm we can build off of. She's going to play it through first then we'll layer vocals. Quick and easy." Mason nods in understanding. When I look back at Chloe, she's looking up at me. I send her a smile and give her a thumbs up. Chloe nods letting me know she's ready. "Light it up Mason." Mason turns on the recording setting then sends me a thumbs up and I nod my head at Chloe. Chloe looks down at the keys and starts playing. It's a simple rhythm with just enough carry in the melody to get the song going. Mason walks over to stand beside me.

"I like where this is going. It just enough. I can layer some sounds from the launch pad after we get the vocals." I cross my arms over my chest as I watch Chloe. If you had asked me two weeks ago if I'd be here I would've never guessed it. Chloe spends a couple minutes laying down a melody. When she finishes I walk into the booth.

"That was good. Now we want your vocals. So, go stand in front of the microphone. Mason will play the melody back through the headphones, so you know where you are in the song." I pick up the headphones from where she left them on the top of the piano. Chloe has moved to stand behind the microphone and I walk back over to her. When I get to her I tuck her hair behind her ears then put the headphones on her ears. I smile at her then exit the booth again. Mason is tweaking some nobs on the deck. "When you're ready…" Mason looks over at me then nods his head. He pushes the microphone button on the deck, so his voice comes through the headphones Chloe is wearing.

"Alright Chloe, I'm going to play back your melody. Sing the song how it should be with the melody. You're doing great." Mason sends her a reassuring smile and Chloe smiles back. He presses a button and the piano comes through the speakers in the studio which also means it's coming through Chloe's headphones. I hold my breath as I watch Chloe. She sighs but it's not caught on the microphone. A small smile falls on to Chloe's lips and she looks up at me.

"I can't believe I'm still doing this

I told myself a month ago that I'd be through with this

I'm looking at my phone, wondering if you're at home

I'm kinda tipsy and I don't want to sleep alone."

Chloe's smile grows wider and it makes my heart flutter.

"Somebody told me that someone else was hugging you.

We both know I'm the one that should be loving you

I wish we had a thing, it's such a shame

I still get crazy every time I hear your name

I know it's complicated

But you know I'm impatient."

I can't help but laugh at Chloe's lyrics because they truly do sound like her.

"3AM, yupp I'm texting you once again

Even though I'm hanging with my friends

I can't help it, I can't help myself, no

3AM, I might be looking for my best friend.

And I can't get you out of my head

I can't help it, I can't help myself no."
Chloe flashes me her signature smile and I can see the music getting into her system.

"Kinda stressed like I'm gonna have a heart attack

It's been an hour and you haven't even text me back

Please keep it real, tell me what's the deal

'Cause I miss you, you don't know how this feels."

Chloe starts shifting back and forth in her spot and her eyes have closed. She looks like she's in her element. Like she was born to do this.

"I know it's complicated

This always happens when I'm wasted!"

Chloe hits a high note that gives me goose bumps and her eyes open to meet mine.

"3AM, yupp I'm texting you once again

Even though I'm hanging with my friends

I can't help it, I can't help myself, no

3AM, I might be looking for my best friend.

And I can't get you out of my head

I can't help it, I can't help myself no."

Mason starts laying in some beats with the piano to give the song some more rhythm. I can't stop myself from bobbing my head to the beat.

"I know, I know, I know

It's so wrong

Somebody take away my phone

'Cause I've been drinking all night long

All night long

All night long

I know, I know, I know

It's so wrong

Somebody take away my phone

'Cause I've been drinking all night long

All night long

All night long"

Mason adds some reverb to her voice to give it a small echoing effect. Chloe's smile widens more when she realizes the different sounds coming though her headphones. She brings one hand up to hold one of the ear pieces. I hear Mason flip a couple switches and then moves over the launch pad. As Chloe repeats the chorus he pushes a couple of buttons that add the effect of someone dialing a phone.

"3AM, yupp I'm texting you once again

Even though I'm hanging with my friends

I can't help it, I can't help myself, no

3AM, I might be looking for my best friend.

And I can't get you out of my head

I can't help it, I can't help myself no."

Mason adds some more effects from the launch pad then moves up a few of the slides on the mixing deck that makes the additional beats fade away. Soon the studio is quiet, and it is filled with an excited energy. I quickly make my way into the recording booth to get to Chloe. My eyes don't leave hers as I walk in. Her bottom lip is pulled between her teeth as she bites back a smile. Chloe opens her mouth to say something, but I shake my head then take the headphones off of her ears.

"No, don't speak. Do you feel that? That energy. That vibe. It's a happy vibe. It's got you on a small high right now. I can see it in your eyes. Do you know what that is?" Chloe shakes her head no and I cup her cheeks. "That feeling, that vibe. It's because you just made a master piece. Chlo… you're amazing. The world is going to love you. They are going to love your sound. You're amazing…" I smile at Chloe with love. "I love you." I lean in and place a kiss on Chloe's lips. It's slow and I try to convey all of my love for Chloe in that one kiss. Pulling away slowly I try to meet Chloe's eyes but they have fallen closed. "I'm so happy for you." Chloe opens her eyes and her bright blues meet mine. A wide smile works its way on to Chloe's face.

"When did you get so sappy Mitchell?" I chuckle slightly and step away. "Seriously, who are you and what have you done with my Beca." I run my thumb across her cheek and shake my head.

"She fell in love with you." Chloe goes to comment but nothing comes out. I laugh a little louder this time, but I take her hand and lead her out of the booth. "Come on let's go hear your playback." Chloe and I make out way back out of the booth to where Mason is. He is hunched over the mixing deck with bright orange wireless headphones on.

"What's he doing?" I look at Mason's hands and see him working on a down beat.

"He's doing some editing. Give him a few seconds." Chloe and I watch Mason do some quick editing to Chloe's track. A few seconds later he yanks his headphones off and turns around.

"Bec!" Mason yells as he assumes Chloe and I are still in the recording booth. Chloe and I jump slightly at his sudden outburst. "Oh hey, sorry. When did you two come in?" I look at Mason with a raised eyebrow.

"A few minutes. We were watching you. Did you finish?" Mason spins in the rolling chair he's sitting in then slides over to the in deck computer.

"Yeah, let me know what you think?" Mason clicks a few buttons then Chloe's track plays back. Chloe squeals quietly when she hears her own voice.

"Oh my god." Chloe covers her mouth and lets out another squeal. Mason pauses the track and turns to face Chloe.

"Yeah, I'm so glad I signed you. You're going to go far Chloe. I'll send you the link, so you can have it." Chloe squeals for the third time and I can't help but laugh.

"Oh my god! I have my first single!" Chloe claps quickly in succession. "I can't wait for Bree to hear it." Mason turns around and his mouth opens the same time as mine. Our words come out the same time.

"You can't show everyone! It's still United Records property." Chloe jumps back slightly at the in unison outburst. Mason and I look at each other in slight surprise. Mason gestures at Chloe to let me know that I can speak. I let out a sigh and step towards Chloe. "What we mean is you can't show a lot of people. You can tell Aubrey. Only because I know her, and I know she read over your contract. Sharing or releasing property… music… your songs without Max's consent is a breech in contract. Breech of contract can extend from a hefty fine to immediate termination and suing. We don't want any of that. I know you're excited. Just keep the single in a small circle." I give Chloe a sad smile and her face falls slightly.

"I can't tell the rest of the Bella's?" I take Chloe's hand and when I don't answer Chloe looks over at Mason.

"Not yet. But I can work things out with Max to see if they can find out first. But you won't have to keep this secret for so long. I promise. It's just protocol." Mason flicks his wrist and looks down at his watch. "You two have to get going anyway." I look down at my own watch and see its almost one o'clock.

"Yeah, we should get out of here. You can't be late for your flight." I can literally see a dark cloud start to loom over Chloe and it breaks my heart. It hurts to know she has to go but I know the next time I see her she'll be moving out here with me. A little bit of pain is worth a long time of happiness. I look over at Mason and smile. "Thanks for helping this one. It means a lot. Uhm I'll check you when I get back home?" Mason nods then stands up.

"It was electric working with you today Chloe. You've got a gift." Chloe plasters a fake smile on her face.

"It was great being given this chance." He pulls Chloe in for a hug. When Chloe pulls away Mason shoves her shoulder playfully.

"Now get out of here so you can get here quicker." A partial real smile shines on Chloe's face and Mason sits back down. Chloe looks over at me and I extend a hand that Chloe happily takes. Chloe and I make our way out of the building and we get back in my car.

"We can head straight to the airport, right? Or do I need to go get Jesse and Aubrey?" Chloe shakes her head no and it breaks my heart to see her so sad about leaving. Turning in my seat I face Chloe. "I know this sucks, like really fucking sucks. We just figured things out and you have to go back home. But its just a couple weeks Chlo. You'll be back here before you know it. But sometimes in life we have to do some hard things in life to get some of the things we want the most. If suffering without you for a few weeks means I get to wake up next to you for as long as you want me then its worth it to me…" Chloe's facial expression doesn't change, and it kills me. "I hate seeing you like this…" I turn back around in my seat and start up my car. Words aren't spoken by either of us as we make it to the airport. I get out and grab Chloe's bag. I round the car and meet Chloe on the passenger side. She's standing on the sidewalk with her eyes glued to the ground. "Chlo…" Chloe looks up to meet my gaze and her eyes are glazed over with tears. "Chlo… don't cry." I drop Chloe's bag and I pull her in for a hug. Seeing Chloe's tear filled eyes make tears fill my eyes.

"I know you're right, but it doesn't make it any easier…" Chloe's words are whispered and broken against my neck and it breaks my heart so much more.

"I know. I know. I love you." I pull away, so I can see Chloe's face. Tears are streaming down her cheeks and it hurt to see. Reaching up I use my thumb to wipe her tears away. "Even will tear stained cheeks I've never seen a person more beautiful than you." Chloe chuckles and I cup her cheeks.

"How am I supposed to leave when you keep saying things like that?" I smirk slightly, and the slight facial movement makes the welled tears in my eyes fall. Chloe reaches up and wipes them. "And you tell me not to cry." Chloe and I both chuckle slightly. We fall into a silence and I know we're both putting off the inevitable.

"I can only walk you to the door. I got in the drop off lane." Chloe looks over her shoulder at the door about fifteen feet behind her. Chloe nods her head and I pick up her bag. Chloe takes my free hand and we walk to the door. I walk her through it, but I stop there. "Here's my stop Beale…" Chloe looks around and takes in a deep breath.

"Looks like it is." Chloe looks down at our entwined fingers and I study her face. My eyes fall on the rose gold necklace Chloe has on. It's got an arrow hanging from it that rests on her heart. An idea sparks in my head. I pull my hand away from Chloe's and I reach up and unhook Chloe's necklace.

"Bec, what are you doing?" Chloe looks at me in confusion. Instead of answering I slip the hammered copper ring with my initial on it from my thumb and slip it on to the thin chain.

"Turn around…" Chloe does as I ask, and I put the necklace back on her and she turns to face me with her hand holding the ring. "Now you have something more personal from me than just that Thrasher hoodie I know you stole." I take Chloe's hand that is holding my ring and bring it to my lips. "Now you have something of mine right next to your heart." I place a small kiss on her knuckles then let her hand go. With the way Chloe is looking at me with so much love I'm not sure how much longer I can keep up being the strong one. "Now, get out of here. You're going to miss your flight." I hand Chloe her bag and she takes it. "I love you." Chloe leans in and kisses me. She pulls back just enough to rest her forehead against mine.

"I love you too." I lean forward, and I give Chloe a quick kiss. We both pull away and Chloe starts to head further into the airport. It gets harder to see Chloe and I know it's because of the tears gathering in my eyes but I don't let them fall. Especially when Chloe turns back to me and waves as she walks away. Once she's completely out of view I release the breath I had been holding and the tears finally fall. I turn and start walking back to my car.

"This really fucking sucks…" I hop in the driver's seat and wipe away the tears from my cheeks. "Totally fucking sucks…" With a quiet sniffle and a wipe of the cheek I pull out of the airport drop off lane and head home for the day.