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It was stupid.
It was really fucking stupid.
Upon reflection, Beca thought it was one of the dumbest things she could have done.
She had a quest to fulfil, an important one that held the lives of many people in the balance.
But in her defence, she was partially exhausted and delirious from many days of journeying and juggling with the aftermath of a particularly rough battle at the time, so her decision-making skills weren't exactly in top condition.
Plus Amy on any day equalled trouble and that was without the addition of having access to a bar where they could go off their heads on all kinds of alcoholic beverages.
A promise of just one drink, turning into several, turning into waking up in an unfamiliar room in very little clothing and nursing a wicked hangover wasn't quite how she expected to greet the new day.
She groaned as she rolled onto her other side as her vision slowly started to return to her and her mind started to catch up with reality. Upon her trip to the other side of the bed, she caught sight of a piece of parchment lying on the side table beside her.
She reached out to grab it, bringing it towards her face and blinking a few times as she read the neat and curly script.
"Good morning, sleepyhead ;) I hope you slept well. Meet me downstairs before you leave. - Love, Chloe xxx"
So something had happened.
Beca's mind swam as she tried to search in it for answers.
The name Chloe flashed images of bright red hair, piercing blue eyes, an ever-present smile to die for...
Suddenly everything came back to her.
---
Amy and Beca had been travelling to Dragonsreach - the keep of the city of Whiterun - to aid in bringing news and defending the city from the frequent dragon attacks that had been happening around the area - and after a particularly exhausting encounter with a pack of bandits, they found themselves taking refuge in the nearby small village of Riverwood and in need of a place to stay the night.
They could use the opportunity to properly rest and recover - and besides they'd picked up a good bit of gold during their travels so they deserved to treat themselves to an actual bed for the night - her back was starting to ache from spending nights camping in their makeshift tent and it was getting quite beaten up from exposure to the elements.
Plus sleeping separately from her Nord companion was looking very favourable - she was a blanket hogger (despite Nords typically being known for resisting the cold well, unlike a Bosmer such as herself) and had a tendency to snore, so using an extra few gold to get a separate room for each of them was worth it.
After a few minutes of aimless wandering, they came across a small inn in the middle of the village which seemed safe and trustworthy enough - a freshly painted sign revealing it's name The Bellas - and Beca was too tired to venture any further so that was where they went.
Beca took the initiative of asking to rent the rooms, handing the red-headed woman behind the bar 20 gold for both and receiving two keys in return - along with a bright smile and a seemingly flirtatious wink, which Beca quickly turned away from to hide her growing blush that tinged her pointed ears in a shade of deep red.
Just as they were going to retire to bed, somehow Amy had managed to convince her to stay in the bar and have a couple of drinks...or maybe a lot. Beca had to admit that it didn't seem like a bad idea, really. The inn had a welcoming presence - a warm fire going, a few patrons that weren't being too rowdy and swift, kind service...
Plus if the cute redheaded Breton behind the bar was going to be sticking around, Beca supposed she didn't mind staying for a bit longer before retiring to bed - not that she'd voice this as being the reason, instead opting for the excuse that she was partial to a mead or two.
But clearly she had been staring a bit too noticeably for Amy to have picked up on it - something which she had hoped to avoid. She was a loyal and fierce companion to have but by god, she was pushy and annoying when she wanted to be, especially when it came to anything Beca was sensitive about. It seemed she knew exactly how to push Beca's buttons and the worst part was that she enjoyed doing it.
"Come on, Beca. I dare you to go up and talk to her!"
"What?! No way!" Beca refused, keeping her voice hushed, "And you dare me? What are we, five?"
"You've been staring at that woman since we got here, don't act like you haven't! Fat Amy sees everything!"
"I'm surprised you can see properly at all after all that wine!" Beca bit back, gesturing to the nearly empty wine bottle that sat between them.
"Unlike you, I can handle my alcohol like an expert." Amy demonstrated by taking another long swig.
"Dude, it's not my fault. I'm a wood-elf, I'm basically doomed to be a light-weight with this height!"
"Hey, you said it, not me." Amy threw her hands up in defence, before bringing her arms back to point at her smaller companion and keep her stuck in the spotlight, "But don't get off the subject. I've dared you, you've got to do it! Talk to her!"
"We don't even know if she likes women!" Beca continued listing off her mental list of excuses, not wanting to show that she was being worn down but wanting to find any excuse to get her companion to shut up and drop the subject.
She did like the thought of getting to know the redheaded Breton, from watching her throughout the night as she tended to other patrons and brought them their drinks, she had an aura of mystique about her.
Everything she did was done with the utmost grace and beauty - handing out drinks and food to people, the way she cleaned the counter despite it looking already pretty pristine and Beca didn't think she'd seen her drop that bright smile of hers all night. She brought a warm feeling to the atmosphere - even more so than the log fire that was currently blazing away in the corner.
"So? That's why you've got to go and find out! Also I saw that wink she gave you earlier, I bet you twenty gold that she's a raging lesbian."
Amy did have a surprisingly good knack for reading people but Beca still didn't want to assume. Assuming things never came without trouble of some sort. Beca preferred to deal with cold, hard, provable facts.
It wasn't like it would be impossible for her to be attracted to women. Same sex relationships weren't exactly massively commonplace around Skyrim but if you looked in the right place, you'd be able to find them here and there. People tended to keep to their own business on such matters but they weren't really looked down upon, also chapels did actually bless such relationships nowadays. Not that Beca had kept up with that sort of news anyway... and if she did it was nobody else's business but her own...
When the Wood-Elf didn't respond, Amy prodded further, clearly not giving up the fight.
"If you don't do anything, I'll just go and bring her to you anyway."
Amy would be the death of Beca one of these days, she had just thought (or hoped) it would happen physically in battle somewhere as opposed to socially.
As little as she trusted herself in situations like this, she trusted Amy even less to be a suitable wing-woman for her. She hoped to get through this with as little embarrassment as possible on her end.
When it became clear that Amy wasn't going to budge on this, Beca sighed and took a final big swig of her latest mug of Dragon's Breath Mead, before placing her tankard down and rising from her seat, savouring the strong taste as it slid down her throat.
"Fine!"
She'd had a few drinks and yet she was still entirely too sober for this.
"Go get her, Shawshank!" Amy teased, throwing a fist up in the air and then going back to nursing on her bottle of wine.
Suddenly walking normally seemed impossible - something which wasn't helped by the alcohol floating around her system. She may have stumbled slightly once or twice, she refused to count, trying to keep her attention focused purely on the mission ahead.
As she found herself nearing the bar, her time to shine coming ever closer, the thought occurred to her:
What the actual fuck should she say?
She was Beca Effin' Mitchell - a fond nickname Amy had given her sometime ago to use whenever she needed hyping up - she had fought fierce creatures from all around Skyrim, and now she was somehow being beaten by her own fear of saying hello to a person.
A gorgeous person, she should add - which she thought made the entire situation completely different and the added fear completely warranted.
She'd spoken to many people over the years, surely it should just come naturally? Words should just happen, right?
She wracked her hazy brain, before shooting a quick panicked look back at her friend - who just stuck two thumbs at her and left her flailing. So much for being helpful.
Her presence caught the attention of the barmaid, who ceased wiping the countertop to lean over it and give Beca her full attention - something which already left Beca rather tongue-tied as those captivating eyes were now completely all on her.
"Uh hi."
Well, that was certainly a start.
"What can I do for you, cutie?" She spoke with a flirty tone to her voice. Or perhaps Beca was imagining that?
She was basically dripping with effortless charm and charisma - the things Beca seemed to lack.
"I...uh...."
Watching the stranger flounder around was as endearing as it was painful, so Chloe thought she'd help her out.
"Are you wanting another drink, perhaps?"
As tempted as she was, Beca wanted to remain as clear-headed as possible for now. Or as clear-headed as she could be, already several bottles down.
"No thanks, I just wanted to say that I think you look really nice..."
"Thank you, that's kind of you to say!"
"Sooo..." she started, dragging the word out whilst she pondered where to go next, "Come here often?"
Fuck.
Okay, scratch that. Bring the alcohol and bring plenty of it because she clearly bloody-well needed it. If that's the best she could do then she was doomed.
The woman seemed vaguely amused by the whole situation, which made Beca even more nervous. She didn't know what to think now.
"Are you trying to flirt with me?" She asked incredulously.
She may as well have 'useless lesbian' tattooed on her forehead.
"Uh, yes?" Beca responded, shifting around awkwardly.
"I'm sorry, I don't normally do this kind of thing." Beca moved to take a seat at the bar, deciding it was best to just come out and be honest about it and brace herself for the inevitable rejection that was to come.
"I guessed as much. Forgive me for saying this, but your flirting is pretty shocking,"
There it was. Beca thought this was the quickest she'd ever failed in a conversation.
She could only imagine the conversation the barmaid would have about her later. Sharing some joke with a friend about the strange tipsy woman who had come onto her during work in the least smooth way possible. She should just walk away now and give up whilst she still had some dignity. She could borrow some of Amy's wine and drown her sorrows so she didn't have to embarrass herself attempting to order anything else. Then she could hide away in her room and then sneak out with Amy in the morning - she'd never have to see this woman again. Nobody had to know anything.
"But lucky for you, I think that's very cute."
Holy shit.
The redhead's words caused Beca to suddenly flip her head back up and stare wide-eyed. She hadn't been expecting that.
Did that actually work?
Okay, so she was definitely gay too, right?
Normally she'd cringe at being called cute - she was tough and strong and most certainly not cute, but in this case she found that she didn't mind. The woman could call her anything she wanted (preferably something positive) and she felt like she'd go with it.
"I'm Chloe, Chloe Beale." She stuck her hand out, which Beca then mirrored, their hands meeting in a handshake.
Beca couldn't help but note how soft Chloe's hand was. Beca's hands had been rough for a long time, many years of adventuring and injury taking it's toll, but Chloe didn't seem to mind. Beca wondered how many other thousands of hands she must have shook in her time doing this job.
"Beca Mitchell." She responded, pulling her hand away and letting it rest against the counter.
"A very adorable name for a rugged-looking hunter like you,"
Another compliment? Two could play at that game.
"Thanks. Your name is really nice too."
It didn't roll of the tongue quite as naturally like Chloe's did. Beca wasn't one to just hand out compliments like candy, in fact her compliments were very few and far between, but it meant every one she did give was truly earned and something she really wanted to say.
"So what brings you here? I don't think I've seen you around here before. I'd remember such a pretty face." She put her elbows against the counter and propped her head up with her fists - something that would have seemed unladylike to others but Beca thought was quite endearing. This woman was giving Beca her full attention.
"Dragons." Beca started, pausing to clear her throat and give herself an extra few seconds to let her mind and mouth catch up with each other, "We witnessed a dragon attack back at Helgen and it was heading in this direction so me and my friend have been appointed to travel to Dragonsreach to pass on what we know and help defend the city."
"Wow, so not only are you absolutely gorgeous but you slay dragons too? Where have you been all my life?"
This woman was certainly something else. Always finding a way to make Beca blush an even deeper shade of red and make her heart speed up.
Beca liked to think that she didn't swoon for any person who threw compliments at her, most of the time she was weary about such things as people often had ulterior motives when doing so, but there was something different about Chloe. Everything she said seemed to feel true and honest, like it was exactly how she felt. She wasn't just buttering her up with fake niceties.
She really had to get herself together if she wanted to have a chance to take things further.
She wanted to prove to Chloe that she could do something but flail around like a fish out of water. She was a powerful adventurer who was an absolute beast with a sword and bow for god's sake. She laughed in the face of danger, had come face-to-face with death and had kept herself surviving for this long. She could do this.
If not for herself then at least for her reputation, which would undoubtedly take a massive hit if anyone else saw her like this - she wondered if she'd ever be picked for a job again. There were few Bosmer in Skyrim and even fewer Bosmer adventurers around that people would take a chance on as it was, often being looked down for their short stature, she didn't need anyone thinking she was any less capable. The Great Beca Effin' Mitchell vanquished by her own lack of social skills wasn't the best look.
"What about you, someone like you seems way too good to be working here?"
"Aren't you a charmer," The redhead chuckled, "Truthfully, I've always wanted to be a singer, to perform to adoring crowds and make people smile. I'm just here to help a friend for now, this is her inn."
So this woman liked singing, did she? Beca had a voice! She could do singing! Amy had complimented her voice many times, spending years travelling together around Skyrim had left them with lots of free time to kill and they had used music as a way of passing it.
Perhaps this was just the opportunity she needed, to finally turn the tables and leave the other girl shocked and flustered! To sweep her off her feet! A serenade!
"So you like music? I'm somewhat of a singer myself, you know." Beca boasted, trying to be casual and confident as she leaned back in her seat, very nearly losing her balance in the process.
"Well you're more than welcome to get up and give us a little show." Chloe replied, gesturing to the space behind them and the Bard's discarded lute that lay propped up against the wall.
"Maybe I will." Beca swivelled around in her stool, getting up and walking towards the empty space, catching Amy looking at her curiously from the corner of her eye.
Beca had been in many a tough battle with an audience, but perhaps this would turn out to be one of the toughest she'd faced. There were no terrifying deadly creatures but a tavern of partially inebriated patrons were basically a whole different kind of terrifying creature altogether.
She had learnt many songs and could have easily busted out the ever-popular 'Ragnar The Red' that always seemed to garner positive reactions, but she wondered if she could impress the other girl with something new and different.
Amy and Beca had been known to come up with their own musical compositions together, with whatever they found and whatever inspired them on their travels. It was something special which they kept between themselves, sort of as a mark of friendship and alliance. But maybe now was the perfect time to share one with others - she knew Amy would understand, this was kind of an emergency after all.
So she abandoned the option of picking up the lute and instead reached for a nearby empty tankard that had been left unattended.
She took a deep breath, placing the mug on the end of a table and stood behind it, drawing the attention of some nearby patrons who watched her with curiosity. She began with a series of claps, which reverberated around the room and stunned everyone into silence.
"I got my ticket for the long way 'round
Two bottle of whiskey for the way
And I sure would like some sweet company
And I'm leaving tomorrow, what do you say?"
As she tapped at her cup, using it as a makeshift drum set, and progressed through the verse of her song, she found her nerves disappearing - The sweet and encouraging smile behind the bar egging her on as everyone and everything else seemed to fade away.
She swore that woman and her bright smile was a better confidence-booster than any amount of alcohol. Maybe that was all she needed all this time. Something new that she could let herself drink in.
"When I'm gone
When I'm gone
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my hair
You're gonna miss me everywhere, oh
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone"
A scattered applause broke out in the tavern, some familiar wolf whistles coming from her blonde friend but Beca's eyes immediately sought out the brightening blues behind the bar, the very eyes that had been glued to her and only her since the beginning.
Beca internally celebrated her genius as she marched confidently back over to her new companion, placing the empty tankard on the counter with a bright smile.
"I can't say I've heard that song before but it was beautiful, I'm impressed." Chloe said, nodding her head as she took the mug away.
Beca grinned sheepishly, "Thank you, It's just something me and my friend came up with."
"I think such a wonderful performance deserves another drink," Chloe began bringing out a fresh bottle of mead and popping off the lid before placing it in front of Beca, "Don't worry, it's on the house."
Whilst originally deciding she didn't want to drink anymore, wanting to take the time to fully appreciate her time with the woman, she found she just couldn't say no to her (besides it was free) - so Beca nodded appreciatively and took a gulp of the liquid courage, every drop helping to further dull her senses and let the worries fade out. Alcohol certainly had its way of helping Beca lose some of her stoicism so a little more wouldn't hurt.
"You know you didn't have to do all that just to get my attention?"
Beca looked down in embarrassment, her cheeks flushed as Chloe leant over the counter to whisper in her pointed ear, "Especially because you've already had it since you walked in here earlier."
They stayed like that for a while, just chatting and swapping flirtatious remarks (which were mostly spearheaded by Chloe - who seemed to have some kind of magical power of always knowing what to say and how to say it in a way that garnered the best and most amusing reactions from the Bosmer). Once the initial awkwardness had been left behind, Beca found that Chloe was so easy to be around - which was a godsend for someone as admittedly emotionally constipated as herself.
Beca even managed to find herself conversing relatively normally and without putting her whole foot in her mouth.
Somewhere along the way, they'd gotten progressively closer. After a while they were both practically leaning into each other, their faces mere inches away, as if they were trading secrets. Sharing something that was just for them. Something intimate.
Everything had gotten increasingly fuzzier as the night went on but she barely noticed the change. It was like she had tunnel-vision, her brain was focusing simply just on the woman in front of her and nothing else. It was so easy to just keep drinking, keep blocking out the world so she could just exist with Chloe.
---
"...and that's why we got kicked out of The College Of Winterhold!"
Beca concluded her story, gesturing wildly with her arms as her body swayed. Somewhere in her story, Beca found herself being more expressive. Her movements becoming more and more exaggerated.
"Oh my gosh, you'll have to remind me to never mess with your friend!"
"Oh absolutely, you don't want to mess with Amy!" Beca found herself growing antsy in her current position, fidgeting around to find what felt more comfortable, not being fully aware of how exaggerated her movements were becoming from the effects of her drinking.
As she felt the room spin slightly, she tried to reposition herself, instantly regretting the movement as Beca found herself feeling unsteady and almost sliding off her seat in the process. She was really starting to feel all those drinks in her system now.
"Woah, careful there!" Chloe's arms immediately swung out to steady the tipsy Wood-Elf, only coming away when she was convinced that Beca would be able to stay up by herself.
"I think that's enough for one night, don't you think?" Chloe swooped in, moving the the half-empty tankard out of the line of fire so it was safe from being further consumed or being spilt.
"Aw, you're no fun."
"Beca." Chloe drawled, stretching out her name, her tone adopting something akin to the kind you'd use on a dog to warn it before it did something it shouldn't.
"Okay fine," She slumped in her seat, accepting defeat, "But only because you say so."
She was probably right anyway. It wouldn't do her any good to drink anymore, lest she put an even deeper hole in her pocket. She wasn't exactly swimming in gold and if she was, what she had wouldn't be enough to quarter-fill a kiddie pool.
Plus she didn't remember when the- room around her had started revolving like a windmill but she was positive that it hadn't always been doing that.
"Here, a little something to soak up the alcohol." Chloe said, coming to save the day as she pushed a plate of The Bella's finest salmon in front of Beca - who eyed it with hunger in her eyes.
She was pretty hungry, now that she thought about it. Food sounded good. And by the Nine Divines, it was good. It was very fresh and Beca knew that salmon was supposedly meant to be a good food to have when consuming alcohol.
"Okay, this is freaking delicious!"
Chloe watched her with such a deep-seated fascination, leaning against her elbows that she had propped up on the counter. No more words were exchanged as Beca made her way through the meal, both women just simply enjoying the comfort of each other's presence.
Beca thought it was sweet that Chloe was looking out for her. She could have poured her another drink and just kept them coming, racking up gold for the inn like no tomorrow and yet she encouraged Beca to stop.
Or perhaps she just didn't want her throwing up all over the place and having to deal with it. Whichever option it actually was, Beca preferred to go for the first one.
After polishing it off, clearly having enjoyed every last bite of it, Chloe took away the plate to be cleaned. As she did, she looked out of a nearby window, making note of how dark it had gotten. It was clearly very late now. She wondered when Beca would have to start making tracks. She didn't want the adventurer staying up too late and being exhausted on her quest.
Moving back towards the bar, where Beca sat patiently waiting for her to return, Chloe spoke again, "Perhaps we'd better get you to your room. Come on you wild and crazy alky, I'll take you."
"I'm not drunk, you're just a bit blurry." Beca defended herself, taking the opportunity to just stare at the other woman. Even whilst slightly blurry she was still stunning.
"Sure you're not," Chloe rolled her eyes, but with no malice behind the gesture, "Whatever you need to tell yourself."
She manoeuvred round the bar and held out her hand for Beca to take - wriggling her fingers as the other woman just sat and stared, not yet moving.
"Don't you have to, like, stay at the bar?" Beca asked, as much as she appreciated the help and could probably do with it (also not quite wanting her time with the Breton to end just yet), she certainly didn't want to get Chloe into any trouble. Not even her alcohol-fuelled mind could overpower her common sense and responsible nature.
The last thing she needed was to get this poor woman fired. This poor gorgeous woman.
"My friend can take over, besides I don't want a cutie like you getting herself hurt."
And that was all Beca needed to abandon any worries she had and trail after the remarkable redhead, missing the proud and partially shocked look her drunk friend shot her from across the room as she watched them start to move and disappear from view - before the Nord then turned back and continued her conversation with the man that had joined her at her table and had taken Beca's old seat.
The feeling of her hand in Chloe's kept her from floating away (and toppling over), her hold was so soft but also strong and secure as they walked. She felt safe.
Beca watched on, stars in her eyes, as Chloe tapped a blonde woman on her shoulder and whispered something into her ear. After being on the receiving end of a disapproving glare from said woman, which made her feel slightly uneasy, Chloe carried on pulling Beca further away from the hustle and bustle of the inn and into a room somewhere - she wasn't entirely sure where but she didn't care. She was alone with Chloe and that felt nice.
Closing the door behind her, Beca found herself suddenly feeling a surge of bravery from within. Taking hold of Chloe's hand, she spun her around and pushed her gently against the door, her face mere inches away from Chloe's. So close she could practically feel her breath tickling against her skin. Her eyes immediately found themselves latching onto the other woman's lips as she wet them.
"Uh, maybe we shouldn't..." This time when Chloe spoke, there was a hint of insecurity in her voice, something she hadn't heard from her all night. As if she was scared she'd pushed some kind of boundary. But Beca was feeling bold and was prepared to have her boundaries thoroughly knocked down, welcoming the destruction with open arms.
Beca normally didn't do feelings and she certainly didn't do one night stands - stranger danger and all that. She was more of a keep to herself and pine from afar kinda gal. Self-preservation came first, feelings came never.
But something about the other woman made Beca think differently. Feel differently.
"It's just a kiss." Beca's voice was quiet and slow, like a soothing whisper, drawing the other woman into her spell. Both ladies found themselves leaning in, slowly and steadily, before their lips met - playing a game of push and pull with each other. Each woman giving and taking as they worked to find their rhythm together.
Beca mentally noted how Chloe's lips tasted as sweet as she was.
"You know, I've been wanting to kiss you all night."
"Have you, now? Well, my lips are right here waiting for you."
Their lips met again, this time much hungrier and more forceful. Beca let her hands wander, tracing shapes against Chloe's skin as she mapped her body out - beginning by cupping the redheads cheeks, before sliding their way down to her neck and finding their way underneath her top.
Chloe responded in kind, her hands desperately moving and pulling and pushing against Beca in every direction they could muster. It was like they couldn't get close enough to each other. Both women wanting more.
The Bosmer felt like she could get addicted to it, like Chloe's kiss and touch was more dizzying and dangerous than any of the drinks she had consumed that night.
"Has anyone ever told you that you're gorgeous?" Chloe pulled away for a moment, whispering in a seductive voice that was dripping with desire as her blue eyes sparkled against Beca's own.
If Beca was already putty in Chloe's hands then that comment had fully moulded her, Into what, she didn't know, but she'd be whatever Chloe wanted her to be.
"Has anyone told you that you talk too much?" Beca bit back playfully, pulling her back into a kiss.
"Several people, actually," Chloe chuckled in-between disconnecting and reconnecting their lips, "I have quite the mouth on me."
"That you do." Beca smiled, the double entendre not lost on her.
As they continued to lose themselves in each other, their kisses growing more desperate and heated, Beca found herself wanting more. More of Chloe.
There were only so many teasing touches and honeyed words and compliments she could take before her resolve would start weakening. She jested anyone be able to resist the allure of one, Chloe Beale.
She was partially convinced this woman was some kind of magical seductress, but also fully certain that she would happily let herself succumb to such magic any day.
She broke away from their heated lip lock for only a brief moment, taking the time to regain her breath before letting her lips find their new home on Chloe's neck - revelling at the reaction the redhead gave her in return. The way her head flew upwards, her eyes squeezing shut, the way her lips parted and her breathing became more and more laboured as Beca deepened the kisses, finding pleasure in every part of Chloe she could reach and feel.
As she worked on covering each inch of Chloe's neck, in search of the special spots that garnered the most intense reactions, she decided she'd take things slightly further and make Chloe feel even better - her hands roaming further down her body until they found themselves slipping under the barmaid's top and touching soft, bare skin.
"Beca..." Chloe's voice felt like a ghost. So light that she could almost completely miss it as it dissipated into the air.
The brunette felt a strong ache inside her, her heart racing and body heat rising as her fingers danced towards the edge of the Breton's shirt with intent.
"Beca, wait..." This time her voice had a hint of something else to it, causing Beca to immediately pull away, a spike of worry hitting her in the chest as she gnawed at her lip and her eyes wilted into a worried shape. She hoped she hadn't gone too far.
"I'm sorry. Do you not want to?" She asked, her voice small and demure as she spoke between deep breaths.
"No no, of course I do! I really do. More than you know." Chloe tilted her head downwards, letting her fingers slowly walk up and down Beca's shirt as she spoke, "I just don't think it would be right. Not when you're like this. I don't want you doing something you may regret and I don't want to take advantage of you in anyway.
Beca pouted, "I only had like..." she paused to count on her fingers, "five drinks..." before uncurling all her fingers and flashing a five at her.
She sucked in a breath, "Okay, how about this...We can try this again another time, when you've not been drinking so much, if it's something you find you still want to do?"
Beca couldn't imagine ever not wanting to. To go further and learn even more about Chloe Beale. She was a lot of things but she wasn't stupid enough to turn away something special with the most beautiful woman she'd ever met.
"And if it helps at all, I really liked that."
Beca felt giddy at the idea that she'd done well for Chloe. That she'd been able to do something that she liked.
"Okay, we can do that." She swallowed, completing her words with a satisfied smile and a nod, as if to further drive her point home and cement their promise.
"You okay?" Chloe asked, her eyes checking over the other girl.
"Never better." Beca breathed, slowly coming down from her high. As curious as she was to test the limits, she knew it was better to be safe and was satisfied with stopping there for now. She didn't want Chloe to feel bad over anything they did. And inside herself, she knew that she would rather do something like that at the right time, when it would be something she'd definitely be able to remember.
"Now, shall we get you ready for bed then?" Chloe said, clapping her hands together, "You've had a long day after all."
With that, Beca launched herself down onto the bed, spreading out like a starfish. The bed worked wonders on her aching back as she sunk into it. It was very soft - not as soft as Chloe's skin was but still soft enough. It wasn't the most luxurious and fancy bed in the world (10 gold for a room could only get you so much) but it may as well have been, being just what she needed. It was certainly better than the cold hard ground and her camping tent.
"It's so hot in here!" Beca cried, stretching her arms and legs out and letting them droop, as if she could somehow wring the heat off her that way.
"Take your shirt off, silly."
Chloe was no stranger to intimacy with others and had had a few occasional dalliances throughout her time, but never had she experienced one quite like this, she thought as she watched the tipsy woman try to wriggle herself out of her clothes and launch them into a pile on the floor.
Shaking her head fondly at the disaster of a woman that lay in front of her, she bent down to retrieve the discarded clothing, carefully folding them into a neat pile and placing them on the side. She didn't want Beca's clothes to be all messed up. She knew they'd probably seen much more wear and tear than what a slightly dirty floor could cause but she didn't feel right just leaving them there.
Sober Beca would probably appreciate having un-tarnished clean clothes to wear.
Satisfied with her efforts and knowing Beca was safe in bed and unharmed, she started to make her way towards the door, readying herself to go back and finish the last part of her shift.
"If there's nothing else you need then I'll let you get to sleep now-"
"Wait!" Beca suddenly shot up in bed, causing Chloe to stop in her tracks, turning away from the direction of the door and back to the tired adventurer. They simply stared at each other for a few moments before Beca let out what had been trying to get off her tongue.
"Stay with me?"
Beca didn't quite know what had come over her, but all she knew was that she wanted someone with her. She wanted Chloe with her.
Chloe supposed she could stay for a while. Aubrey could deal with the final few patrons in the bar without her for a bit.
In the end Chloe sighed, giving in (despite putting up little to no resistance and showing no signs of actually disliking the idea), "How can I say no to that face?", causing Beca to light up like an excitable child.
"Is this okay?" Chloe asked, her eyes shimmering with concern as she slid into the remaining space in the bed and got herself comfy under the sheets - both their bodies touching and picking up the heat the other gave off.
Beca didn't even need to think about this. It was the easiest thing she had said all night.
"Yes." Beca spoke, staring right into the other woman's eyes so there would be no doubt, "Definitely."
In a moment of reckless abandon, Beca decided to push even further, just to see if she could get a little bit more from Chloe. She had already come this far. Perhaps it was okay for her to be a bit more selfish.
"Hold me?"
"Who knew you were such a child?" Chloe joked, shifting in her position and gladly taking Beca into her arms, letting the inebriated woman rest her head against her chest.
"But you love me though."
Chloe didn't respond to that but Beca didn't need her to. They settled into a comfortable silence, the only sounds in the room being their breathing as it began to slow from the heaviness of sleep.
Beca couldn't remember the last time she had been held like this and chose to savour every second of it. Chloe's arms felt safe, like home.
She didn't even try to avoid thinking about how close they were. How she could feel Chloe's body against her, how she could smell her perfume and hear her heartbeat as it thumped away. It gave her a warm and fuzzy feeling in her heart. One that helped to carry her away from the world of the awake.
"Good night Beca,"
"Night Chlo..." She felt herself already drifting off, her mind shutting down and everything growing cloudier and heavier. Through the haze, she couldn't help but use her last moments of consciousness to think about what had just happened tonight.
That night Beca learnt many new things; one being all about the incredible enigma that was Chloe Beale, another being that she was actually very happy being the little spoon and the last thing being that maybe it was a bad idea to drink so much when she had a quest to fulfil.
But given how the night turned out, Beca thought she wouldn't have wanted it to turn out any other way. They didn't take things too far or too fast. It was just right. Like it was meant to be this way.
She had never felt quite like this before. Like she was floating above the clouds. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word brought new levels of excitement to her. Giddy and drunk more off her own feelings than alcohol and riding the high it gave her.
Although she would have a monstrous hangover in the morning, which she wasn't particularly looking forward to, she knew it was worth it to be able to leave her pridefulness behind, open herself up and get to spend even just one night with Chloe. She found she didn't even mind sharing her bed and blankets for once. She thought it was something she might even be able to get used to. Maybe one day.
She wanted to always remember this. She didn't want the alcohol to take it away from her, so she held onto it tightly as she finally let herself succumb to a very much-needed rest.
---
She had certainly been right about the killer hangover.
The instant she found herself waking up, a wave of nausea hit her like a sweeping current.
Beca's head was killing her as she slowly unravelled and pieced together the events of last night bit-by-bit. Putting together bits and pieces like a broken jigsaw. There was the drinking, the Amy, the Chloe, the...everything that followed.
She wished she could spend the day in bed but she knew the rest of the journey to Dragonsreach was going to be a complicated and painful one and she hoped and prayed that the dragon didn't decide to attack today but something told her that the sobriety of it's opponents definitely wasn't a priority for a dragon to consider.
With that in mind, she knew she needed to get up and get back on the road as soon as possible.
After managing to keep herself from losing the contents of her stomach, she gathered the rest of her things, slipping back into her clothes from the previous day and for an undecided reason that she chose not to think to deeply about, chose to pocket the note Chloe had left for her, she exited the room and met Amy back downstairs - where she readied herself to receive a painful bout of teasing about the events of last night.
"There she is!" A familiar voice reverberated in her eardrums. One thing about Amy was that you didn't even need to see her, to know she was there, because it was certain that you'd hear her.
She wished she could switch the damn sun off as it streamed through the windows - and that bloody bard, who was strumming his lute across the room and who was way too chipper and loud for any morning, let alone today.
"Morning Shortstack! So, how did it go last night?" The Nord smirked knowingly.
How Amy managed to be functioning this early when she had drunk even more than Beca had last night was a complete mystery.
"I'm not talking to you." Beca huffed as she plonked herself down by her blonde companion. She loved Amy dearly but the last thing she wanted to discuss with her right now was her extracurricular activities (or lack thereof) - even if she knew she inevitably would have all the details forced out of her but that was for a time when she was hopefully not sporting such a nagging headache.
"Fine, but then I suppose I can tell you all about my night. I got absolutely SMASHED!"
Trust Amy to put things so eloquently.
Beca found herself automatically tuning her friend out as she unravelled the tale of her own nightly antics. She just wasn't ready for so much listening and she was certain she didn't really need to be told or know what had gone on.
Suddenly she caught a glimpse of fiery red head in her peripheral vision and she found herself injected with a sudden bout of energy that broke through part of her groggy hangover haze - whipping her head round, a smiling overtaking her lips as she discovered it was who she'd been hoping for.
Chloe looked just as beautiful this morning as last night, a late night combined with an early start not dimming the woman's shine and sparkle in the slightest.
Their eyes met and Beca watched as Chloe lit up even brighter, flashing a cheeky wink her way. She took a few moments to grab two tankards and something round and colourful before Beca registered her figure suddenly growing closer and closer.
Oh shit, was she coming over here?
Maybe she wasn't quite fully awake and functional yet.
Her question was soon answered when she found herself now wedged between two grinning women - suddenly feeling even more self conscious as Chloe brought her face close to her own. Beca forced herself to look away and instead focus on the table - finding a cup of water and an apple being placed down in front of her and another for Amy. It felt easier than letting herself indulge her secret desire to admire and commit the entirety of the redheaded woman's face to memory.
"Good morning sleepyhead, last night was wonderful," The words curled around Chloe's tongue playfully as she ran her fingers down Beca's arm and kept her face dangerously close to the Bosmer. "Sorry that I had to leave you to wake up alone, but duty calls. I brought you these to help you nurse your hangover as an apology."
"It's okay," Beca replied, managing only a few words as she felt herself shrinking under the watchful gazes of her associates, choosing to focus on sipping the water Chloe had brought for her and memorising the coloured pattern of the apple - it was bad enough when it was just Amy but now Chloe was going at her as well. She seemed to have a habit of surrounding herself with people who made it their mission to embarrass her.
"Aw yeah! Free breakfast! I knew I liked you, Red!" Amy chimed in, cheerfully taking a big bite of her own apple and earning an ear-splitting grin from the barmaid. At least Amy would be hopefully kept occupied by her food to partake in much more teasing or to demean her in front of Chloe.
"I hope your friend was okay with you leaving like that, she didn't look too happy with me last night." Beca spoke quietly, casting a glance at the blonde woman behind the bar who had been sending scowls and curious looks over in their direction all morning.
"Oh that's just how Aubrey is, she's protective of me," Chloe waved off the worry and concern, "But she doesn't mean anything by it. She's actually really nice, I promise."
Beca could understand that. Amy was much more of a sex and relationships person than Beca was and although she was her own woman and could do whatever she wanted, Beca always felt like she had to look out for her and make sure the guys she went off with weren't going to hurt her. Beca could only imagine what sort of people Chloe would have throwing advances at her. She hoped she hadn't given the woman a bad impression - inwardly cringing at the thought of how she had possibly come across last night.
"She sounds like she needs to get laid too," Amy jumped in, causing Chloe to laugh again. Beca found herself inwardly cringing at Amy's crassness and she knew it was her way of trying to suitably fish for more clues on details about their night together.
"She's not quite into that sort of thing. I try to tell her to put herself out there but she just says she wants to focus on the business."
"Maybe she just needs to find the right person, the one that would get her to pull her focus away from here for a while." Beca added, her eyes staying on Chloe as she spoke.
"Maybe..." Chloe replied, her voice trailing off as she looked back at the brunette, her gaze seeming almost faraway with something that Beca just couldn't place.
After a bit of time, the water and fruit slowly making tracks through her body and her mind having been given the chance to fully come back down to earth, Beca felt her head clearing more and knew it was probably the best she'd get and that they'd have to make a move soon. Although she found herself being rather reluctant to leave.
Leaving would mean stepping away from Chloe. From that new and exciting but also safe and comforting feeling she had found.
Part of her wondered what happened next. She didn't like the idea that this would be the last she saw her. They'd only known each other less than a day but Beca found that wanted to know her more. Wanting to fill many more days up with Chloe. Talking, drinking, anything. As long as she was with her, anything sounded perfect. And there was that promise last night...
She didn't even know what they 'were'. Beca didn't really know what the etiquette was for this type of situation, it was all new and scary to her. Perhaps she'd have to swallow her pride and actually have a conversation with Amy about this later - who had dealt with this sort of thing many times.
But she was still Beca, a stubborn woman who didn't know how to deal with her own feelings, let alone when it came to her feelings towards others. A woman who was familiar with regret and holding herself back because she couldn't find the right words or didn't dare to speak them.
"We had better start heading out now, if we want to get to Dragonsreach," Beca sighed, downing the last of her water, watching as Chloe visibly deflated, her own heart deflating with her in unison.
"Okay, I'll let you go. The world needs you after all. At least let me give you some food for the road?" Chloe offered, tilting her head slightly as she waited for a response.
"You don't have to do that, you've already given us so much." Beca replied, purposefully ignoring the look Amy was shooting her as if saying 'are you stupid, the cute girl is offering you something for free, take it!'. They knew each other well enough now to know what their different looks and expressions meant.
"Don't worry, it's the least I can do. Wait there!" Chloe scurried away and disappeared momentarily before returning with some fresh bread rolls wrapped up neatly and securely in some paper bindings.
"Thank you Chloe, we really appreciate it." Beca accepted the package, placing it carefully in her knapsack, patting it absentmindedly.
"Anytime. Anything for a pair of heroes like you both!"
They stayed in silence for a moment, the redhead looking like she was debating something as Beca practically could make out the cogs turning in her head. Having made up her mind, Chloe then leaned down to plant a kiss on Beca's cheek, which seemed to clear the last of Beca's brain fog. She felt almost ready for anything now.
"When you're finished saving the world, I'll be waiting here for you." Chloe punctuated her sentence with a signature wink and a fond smile, "Be safe and show that dragon who's boss." she finished before turning away to join her blonde friend behind the bar and tend to her duties.
Now, Beca was no language or flirting expert but it sounded to her like Chloe had invited her to come back. Like she wanted whatever this was to continue. Like their promise had a chance of coming into fruition.
Maybe indulging in relationships wasn't always a bad thing - it gave her a whole new reason to fight, more people she could fight for and protect. More people to live for.
Interrupting her - rather inspirational - train of thought, Amy opened her mouth and spoke with all the tact of a sledgehammer - as if purposefully making sure that the entire world could hear her, or at least that the other patrons in the room could.
"So you DID fuck last night! You definitely owe me now as I helped make it happen! You're most welcome for my services!" Amy prodded her and took a dramatic bow.
"Oh my god, shut up!" Beca screwed her face up and hid her face behind her hands.
A few moments later, she re-emerged from her hiding spot, "Why are you so obsessed with my sex life, again?"
"I'm just looking out for you. It's what I do!"
"Can't you look out for me in any other way?" Beca countered, throwing up her arms.
"Sure I could, but this way is more fun."
Beca turned away from her impossible friend, unable to disguise the grin she wore. She'd let Amy think whatever she wanted to think about the events of last night. She wasn't exactly rushing to correct her, it might even give her some extra respect coolness points.
In a moment that seemed free of teasing, Amy continued, in a tone that sounded much more sincere. A tone that she didn't often hear from her friend.
"I like her, you know, she seems good for you."
"As if I need your approval with who I associate myself with," Beca scoffed, "Besides, you just like her because she gave us free food."
"And she called us heroes!" Amy added eagerly, a huge grin on her face.
"Yeah, she did..." Beca's trailed off, her voice filled with fondness at the thought as a smile crept it's way onto her lips.
Chloe thought they were heroes. That she was a hero.
Chloe had impacted her so much in such a short amount of time, it was so strange to think that they hadn't known each other before yesterday. She never thought she'd find herself feeling so fondly of another person like this, but seeing the way Chloe had looked at her and had spoken to her since they had met, with such genuine care and admiration, did something to Beca.
It was like she didn't have to prove anything to her, like she was enough and already impressive just the way she was. Like Chloe wholeheartedly believed in her. She couldn't imagine many people, especially with a whole business to run, would just willingly give her free food and drinks.
Maybe it was too soon to call it a proper romance, but she couldn't find it in herself to care. Feelings were complicated anyway. She found that she was just excited to see where things could go.
"Well then, we'd better make sure you stay alive so you can come back and get your girl," Amy nudged her as both women stood up.
As they moved towards the door to leave, Beca turned to give one last look back to Chloe - who's eyes had already been searching for her own and they sent each other beaming smiles. Chloe waved animatedly and blew a kiss in her direction, whilst Beca opted for a less enthusiastic but still just as meaningful wave, making a show of catching the kiss and bringing it towards her heart.
As they stepped outside and closed the door behind them, suddenly Beca found herself smiling again, filled with a whole new determination - to save them from this dragon and come back in one piece as fast as she possibly could, her love life was at stake.
The road ahead was long and the fight would be tough, but she was ready. She could face whatever came their way.
"Let's go."