Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A groan slipped from Ava’s lips as she heard her phone’s vibrations from across the bed. Her body killed, her throat ached, and all she wanted to do was sleep.

“Hey Mary, what’s up?” she answered, her voice hoarse from straining her vocals.

“You aren’t planning on going anywhere, are you?” Mary, her friend slash manager questioned, her destressed voice ringing through the speaker. “Someone must have leaked where you were staying, because there’s a frenzy outside of the hotel.”

“Well, thank god it’s my last night here,” She chuckled gravely. “And no, I’m exhausted. I was planning on taking a bubble bath with my best friend Pino Noir. No going out for me.”

“Okay, good,” Mary agreed. “We have Michael trying to clear out the area, but I can’t guarantee how long it will take. Could be hours.”

“Well, like I said, no going out for me. I’m just going to relax and enjoy the rest of my night.”

“Night, Ava,” Mary said.

The call clicked off, and her screen illuminated the darkened hotel room. She needed to get up, she needed to bathe, but her entire body ached. You would think after doing this show 73 times, her muscles would be used to it. But still, she was exhausted.

Against her better judgement, she snatched her phone, rolling on her side. She debated scrolling through her social apps, Facebook, Insta, and Twitter, but the last thing she wanted to do was see the critics reviews of her show.

It’s not that it was a bad concert, in fact, it was quite the opposite. But no matter how perfect she is, even if he hits every dance move, every high note, every smile and wave to perfection, she still is criticized. She is always criticized.

Instead, she finds herself clicking on the dreaded Tinder app, with nothing better to do but laugh at people’s horrible dating profiles. Well, hook up profiles?

She created a profile herself a few weeks ago, when she was bounding the Atlantic for another set of shows, this time in the UK. Stuck on a plane with nothing better to do, she created a profile, even going as far as to use her real name and some behind the scenes photos from tour rehearsals. But not one match, not one swipe. It’s like everyone thought she was a catfish or something.

Now to be fair, she probably would have thought she was too, clearly, she knew the truth.

After several right swipes, and several left swipes just for the heck of it (not that she would ever reply, she was a celebrity after all), she slammed her phone into the mattress, followed by her fists. She slid to the edge of the bed, her feet sliding to the ground like a waterfall.

She knew if she didn’t shower now, she wasn’t going to shower at all.

“Katerina, please stop!” Beatrice yelled as the cat jumped against the wall, desperate to catch the intruder.

Her kitten was only a few weeks old, and she was wild. Beatrice had a hard time sleeping through the night; her cat was constantly chasing specks of dust or pouncing at a dance of light. This time, though, her cat was obsessed with the fly circling their living room.

“Katerina,” Beatrice yelled more aggressively, the cat millimeters away from body slamming her flat screen television. She chucked her phone on the couch and bounded over to catch the feline, but to no avail. As soon as she took a step forward, the fly landed on her phone. She eyed the cat, who sat on the mantle, tail flapping in the breeze.

“Don’t you-”

Before she could even finish her sentence, Katerina leapt from the mantle and onto the couch. She pawed at the phone, but to no with little success; the fly was gone.

“You better not scratch that thing,” Beatrice yelled, glancing at the screen as it now illuminated brighter. The fly buzzed around the cat’s head, before she went on another tirade, this way to the bathroom.

“I’m done! Just don’t break anything!” Beatrice yelled, plopping herself back on the couch.

As she snatched her phone, her eyes devoured the screen and her heart plummeted to the pit of her stomach.

Tinder

You have one new match.

Her face paled and she closed out of the app in an instant. How dare she allow Camila or Lillith to put that on app on her phone! Or was it Camila and Lillith. And when the hell did they have time to download it? And make her a profile?

She thrust her phone across the couch with an exasperated huff and grabbed the book that had somehow managed to stay on her side table during Katerina’s attack. She would not let this bother her. She would not let it ruin her night.

Did her friends think she was that pathetic in the relationship department? Tinder? Come on now. At least they could have installed Plenty of Fish, or an app with more dignity. She internally chuckled, knowing POF was the exact opposite.

She scrunched her eyebrows as she focused on the page in front of her. She read word after word, paragraph after paragraph. Actually, she read the same word after word from the same paragraph over and over, but the words tumbled into her brain and poured straight back out again.

She glanced over at her phone.

“No,” She chided herself. She would not let curiosity get the better of her. She was a mature adult; she did not need to know who swiped on her profile.

The profile that she didn’t even make, mind you.

Her eyes scanned down the manila page before her, as she repeated the cycle again and again and again. Until finally.

“Grrrr.” She grumbled, reaching across the couch and snatching her phone. Who possibly could have matched with her?

Ava glanced over to her phone as she lay in her large, hotel room jacuzzi with a wine glass in her hand. That wasn’t a message, no, that was a notification. What app did she forget to turn her notifications off?

Quickly shaking her hand to dry it off, she reached over to the small shelf holding her phone and the remaining bottle of wine. She hit the unlock button.

Tinder

You have a match!

Ava sat straight up in the tub, bubbles splashing outside of the bath and onto the floor.

“Someone matched with me. Idiot.” She chuckled to herself. Her eyes devoured the profile of one Beatrice Young as she contemplated whether the studious girl reading a book in her profile picture would expose her to the media. She wouldn’t, would she?

Ava S.

whats a pretty girl like you doing on an app like this?

Beatrice felt the vibration from her phone as it danced across the couch. Frustratingly, she huffed, closing her book yet again. Her friends were going to be murdered tomorrow, that’s for sure.

Her face paled as the direct message from Tinder caught her eye. She clicked on the profile and scrolled through the pictures yet again, trying to devour all aspects of the profile. She didn’t know much but online dating, but she knew one thing for sure, this was a catfish.

Beatrice Y.

I would say the same, but I don’t know what you look like.

Before she could put down her phone, a response appeared on the screen.

Ava S.

whats that supposed to mean did I fuck up and delete my profile picture?

Beatrice Y.

Wow, vulgar language for the world’s most famous pop star.

Beatrice Y.

All I’m saying is that you definitely aren’t Ava Silva.

Ava S.

what do u mean im not ava?

Ava S.

I even used a backstage picture!

Beatrice Y.

Yeah

Beatrice Y.

Uh huh

Beatrice Y.

Right

Beatrice Y.

How am I supposed to know those aren’t the first pictures that appear on Google as soon as you search Ava Silva?

Ava S.

I mean you can try to find them but I doubt you will.

Beatrice Y.

Look, just send me your real picture, and we can keep talking. I promise I’m not vain.

Beatrice sat up straighter as she waited, huffing at how ridiculous this truly was.

Beatrice Y.

One that was taken today, specifically. Not one that’s saved in the catfishing folder in your phone.

 Ava slid further down into the water, her fingertips splashing water across the keyboard.

 Ava S.

you r a feisty one, aren’t you? unfortunately the picture is a no go right now. im currently up to my neck in bubbles

Beatrice Y.

Ha, I knew it!

Ava S.

Knew what? That I enjoy bubble baths?

Beatrice Y.

No, that you aren’t Ava Silva. Why would Ava Silva be in the UK anyways?

Ava S.

Have you not been watching the news? I literally just had a three-day tour stint here, closing out in London.

Beatrice Y.

Or that’s what you want me to believe. But you are just a crazed lunatic that follows Ava Silva around the world.

Ava S.

Trust me, I would not have the money for that if I wasn’t, well, me

Ava S.

So, tell me a little bit about yourself, Bea. Do you mind if I call you Bea? I’m going to call you Bea.

Beatrice rolled her eyes at the other woman’s audacity. Was she even a woman? Beatrice’s heart sunk to her feet.

Beatrice Y.

You want to get to know me? If you wanted that, you should have signed up for a different app. Like Match.com.

Ava S.

are you there too? no I didnt join tinder for a hook up. I literally cant even leave my hotel room right now. So you my bubble bath and my bottle of wine are all my entertainment for the night.

Beatrice Y.

Sounds kind of lonely.

Ava S.

it is lonely. it gets lonely I guess.

Ava S.

it isn’t always like this. someone leaked my location.

Beatrice Y.

Let’s say you are Ava Silva.

Ava S.

which I am.

Beatrice Y.

And you put yourself on Tinder.

Ava S.

which I did yes.

Beatrice Y.

And shared your location. Don’t you think it’s possible that you yourself leaked your own location.

Ava S.

nooo

Ava S.

no one believes it’s really me! you dont even believe its really me.

Beatrice Y.

No, no I don’t.

Beatrice waited as Ava’s three bubbles appeared, then disappeared, then reappeared, but a deep growl followed by a hiss echoed down the hallway.

Beatrice Y.

Oh shoot, I got to go. I think my kitten just got stuck in the toilet.

Ava S.

kitten? you have a kitten?

Ava S.

 🐈😺😸😻😽🐈

Ava S.

Send me a pic I bet he is adorable. or she it’s probably a she

The sun’s rays barely reached above the horizon as Beatrice slid out of bed, just in time for her morning ritual; yoga, followed by a half an hour of meditation. As she turned to exit the room and move into her home office, her cell phone vibrated across the nightstand.

Ava S.

do you have any breakfast recommendations in this lovely city

Beatrice sat on the edge of her unkept bed, quickly sending a reply.

Beatrice Y.

Wow, not even a good morning. I am surprised you are up this early.

Ava S.

yeah well I have a flight in a few hours and I dont want to eat at the airport.

Beatrice Y.

Don’t you like, set your own flight times, Ms. Silva?

 Beatrice Y.

Or is this just further proof that you really aren’t Ava.

Ava S.

I went to bed ava and I woke up ava or else there will be a whole bunch of disappointed fans in ireland next week…

Ava S.

so are you saying you don’t have any breakfast recommendations.

Ava S.

oh my god beatrice are you a catfish????

Beatrice Y.

Nope, I’m just me. Just normal Beatrice.

Ava S.

well I think I am beginning to like normal beatrice. I wish we could spend some actual time together but its just flight after flight city after city. Dont ask me why when I literally did the scheduling myself 

Beatrice rolled her eyes at the catfish’s excuses. Not that she was expecting anything different, but well, she really wasn’t expecting her to bring up that topic.

 Beatrice Y.

It’s okay, it was just nice getting to talk to you while you were in town, even if you aren’t the real Ava Silva.

Ava S.

hey now, I didnt say I was going to stop chatting with you I think you are stuck with me now. it would be even easier if you you know gave me your number

Beatrice’s cheeks flushed in embarrassment. There was no way a popular star was flirting with her. There was no way anyone was flirting with her.

Beatrice Y.

The Silver Spoon

Ava S.

what

Beatrice Y.

That’s my recommendation for breakfast. You said you wanted breakfast, right? It’s one of my favorites. I go there all the time. And it’s kind of a little whole in the wall restaurant, so you shouldn’t be found. If your fans aren’t following you from the hotel.

Ava S.

wait so do you believe me now?

Beatrice Y.

I didn’t say that!  

“I hate Mondays,” Lilith grumbled as she joined her friends in line in the small coffee shop. “And Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.”

“I love Monday’s,” Camila chirped with excitement like an early bird arising from its peaceful slumber. “And mornings, I love mornings.”

“Is she always like this?” Lilith asked, rolling her eyes.

“You should know,” Beatrice replied, glancing down at the notification on her phone before slipping it back into her pocket. “You married her!”

Ava S.

waking up this morning was an eye opening experience.

“Yeah, I guess you are right. That is my bad. Should have known better.” Lilith groaned. “I just wish I didn’t have to work all weekend.”

Beatrice Y.

Not for me. I spilled my coffee and now I’m grounded.

“But it was worth the big bonus, right? That’s what you said?” Camila argued.

“Who did you have to babysit this weekend?” Beatrice questioned, snapping her phone to sleep with a flick of her wrist.

“Please don’t become another Camila, Beatrice,” Lilith growled. “You know I literally cannot tell you that.”

“Trust me, I’ve tried.” Camila said. “Something about a stupid NDA. But if you can’t even share it with your wife-”

“Not that, you know, we are all literally running the same company. The company that hired you. That hired us, you just took the job.” Beatrice spoke.

A ding appeared from Beatrice’s pocket. As if by magnetic force, she pulled the phone from her pocket.

Ava S.

oh my god is this our thing now? trading puns like pokémon cards?

“Who is talking to you!” Lilith said, as the cashier took the next person in line.

“I mean, the only ones who text you are right here,” Camila said. “No offense, Bea. You just aren’t very social.”

Beatrice Y.

As long as it makes you smile.

Beatrice sighed; two can play the flirting game. She shoved the phone back into her pocket before her friend’s prying eyes glanced at the screen. “Well, it seems someone decided to download Tinder without my knowledge.”

“And you made a match?” Camila squealed in excitement. “I can’t believe this! I told you Lilith.”

“I didn’t make a match; Katerina made a match for me.” Beatrice replied.

“Yes, you got yourself a wing-kitten,” Camila said excitedly.

“Please shoot me now.” Lilith grumbled.

“Well don’t get too excited, it’s a catfish.” Beatrice said.

“And you know that for certain?” Camila said.

“Yes,” Beatrice said. “She claims to be Ava Silva.”

“Well, she was here for some concerts this weekend, remember I was trying to get us tickets?” Camila said, reminiscing of the fact that she was desperately going to force her best friend to endure a concert of a singer she really didn’t know anything about.

“Going to her concert and personally chatting with her directly is a different story.” Beatrice admitted as she took another step toward the counter. “Trust me, it wasn’t her.”

“I’m going to kill her,” Lilith mumbled under her breath.

“I mean you could ask to Facetime or something,” Camila said excitedly. “I mean who knows, it could be Ava Silva.”

“Oh my god,” The barista gasped as they stepped up to the counter, ease dropping on her regular’s conversation. “Can you believe she came here yesterday morning? Said she was recommended to come here by a friend. And gave us such a large tip that it probably saved me from bankruptcy.”

“Beatrice…” Lilith grumbled.

“Oh my god, it was you, wasn’t it?” Camila squealed. “You told her to come here? We always come here. Of course, that would be your first recommendation.”

“Camila,” Beatrice rolled her eyes even though butterflies were having their own concert in her stomach. “It’s just a coincidence. Promise. I cannot be talking to the real Ava Silva.”

Ava 💕

As soon as I finish this tour, I’m hoping on the plane to see you. You know that right?

Ava typed as she ended yet another day of sound checks. Her heart was both breaking and fluttering at the same time. Over the past few months, the one constant in her life wasn’t the bed she was sleeping in or the city she was staying in; it was Beatrice. Beatrice, the one who got close to her heart, even though she was a million miles away, and in a different time zone.

Ava 💕

Shit, this is probably like the middle of the night. I hope I didn’t wake you or Katerina. I just miss you.

“Ava, can we have one more sound check on Sweet Nothings,” The sound crew leader called. “I think there was an issue with the microphone.”

Ava 💕

Anyways, good morning cutie!

“Yeah, of course,” Ava said, slipping her phone back into her sweatpants pocket and taking the microphone from his hand.

Bea 😽

You are ready to fly straight to me, but you can’t even send me a picture?

Beatrice's smirked. She glanced at the time on the top of the phone, then immediately smacked the clock on her nightstand, turning off the alarm before the incessant sound echoed off her half empty walls.

Bea 😽

I’m just kidding, you know I can’t wait to see you.

Beatrice turned, quickly flashing a picture of the kitten snoozing at the foot of her bed.

Bea 😽

Katerina can’t wait either. She misses you. I miss you. Which is like crazy because we haven’t even met, but I do. Sorry, I should just shut up.

The reply didn’t come until hours later, but it still brought a smile to Beatrice’s face.

Ava 💕

Please don’t shut up. Don’t ever shut up. I love talking to you. And call us both crazy, because I miss you too. Like so much. I honestly feel like there’s a hole in my heart, and it won’t be complete until I get to meet you.

 Ava 💕

Katerina is getting so big! I can’t wait to snuggle up with both of you. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything so bad.

Ava 💕

I promise to send you a picture soon. I’ve just been so busy. And then the few seconds I get to breathe, I’m usually running around with security from either the hotel or the airport.

Ava 💕

The last thing I want to send is a picture of me being a mess. I’m trying to impress you, you know!

Beatrice rolled her eyes. Yet another excuse. Every time Camila asked if she really thought she was talking to Ava Silva, she knew the truth. She knew she wasn’t. She couldn’t be. Because she had heard excuse after excuse.

Bea 😽

I would never think of you as a mess.

Ava 💕

Maybe a hot mess? 😏

Ava 💕

What are you up to this morning? It’s still morning for you, I checked 🥰

Bea 😽

I have a meeting with a potential client soon to try and convince them to sign a contract with our firm.  

Ava 💕

How can you wine and dine them so early in the morning?

Bea 😽

The meeting is at ten. The perfect time for mimosas.

Ava 💕

That sounds delicious. I could go for one right now.

Ava 💕

Think I can bribe my assistant to go get me one? Or do you think that will be considered drinking on the job?

Bea 😽

Knowing you, you could convince them to get you a whole pitcher. How much time do you have?

Ava 💕

Just over a half an hour.

Ava 💕

I’m just lucky I got to talk to you tonight.

Ava 💕

I hate being on the other side of the world. I hate not being able to talk to you whenever I feel like it. I hate having to worry about waking you up but not being able to stop myself from messaging.

Ava 💕

Fuck, I really miss you.

Ava 💕

I already said that. I definitely already said that.  

Bea 😽

Hopefully I’ll get to see you soon. I miss you too, but we’ll talk again, okay? After your show, I’ll still be here. I’ll still be awake.

Beatrice rolled her eyes, she knew there was no possible way they would ever be in the same area, probably the same continent, ever again.

Ava 💕

✈️❤️🌍

Beatrice paused, her eyes locked on the screen as the three bubbles continued to appear.

Ava 💕

Shit, I’m late

Ava 💕

Talk to you soon!

Ava 💕

Good luck with your meeting, though you don’t need it.

Ava 💕

❤️🧡💛💚🤎❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎

Bea 😽

Break a leg, even though you will do great no matter what. You’ve got this! Talk soon! 😘

Beatrice tossed her phone across the bed before exiting the room in a huff of frustration. “I am going to get my heart crushed.”

“Thanks for everything, Mr. Edwards,” Beatrice stood from her seat, crossed over to his side of the table, and shook his hand. “I can’t wait to work with you and make sure your company is a safer place.”

“I will get this contract signed and over to you by Monday,” The man agreed, sputtering around the table to reorganize his belongings. As he tucked his padfolio under his arms, Beatrice led him back through the bar and out the doors with a gentle wave and a friendly smile.

“Thanks for opening so early for us,” Beatrice said, joining the bartender as she polished the last of her glasses before the lunch rush. The businesswoman pulled her wallet from her pocket and slid the corporate credit card across the shiny bar counter.

“Well, you are one of our best customers,” The woman said as she slid the card into the credit card machine. Beatrice folded her hands and leaned up against the bar, yawning from exhaustion. She really needed a nap.

“Breaking news,” The screen above her flashed bright blue as the musical introduction of the local news sang through the speakers. Beatrice grabbed the receipt and her card from the bartender as she partially listened to the announcement. “Police have just reported there has been a fatal explosion at an Ava Silva concert in-”

“Shit, that sucks,” The bartender muttered, leaning her back against the bar as she watched the rolling news footage. “Wasn’t she just here recently? I tried to get concert tickets for the longest time, but I couldn’t.”

“I got to-” Beatrice shoved the receipt and her card into her pocket without returning them to their assigned slots in her wallet. Her face was pallid and her voice shaky. She pointed to the door, and then dashed out of it, before she could take another breath.

Chapter Text

Beatrice took deep breaths as she had pulled her phone out of her blazer pocket in one fellow swoop. No messages. Without allowing herself a second to doubt herself, she quickly dialed her most frequently texted number.

“You have reached the phone number-” The automated voice burned Beatrice’s ears. She clicked the red end button, a mix of anger and sadness overwhelming her. “Why did I think she was going to answer? Of course, she’s not going to answer. Why would she get hurt at an Ava Silva concert. It’s not like she’s actually-”

As Beatrice sped through her mental tirade, her phone illuminated and vibrated in her hand. With shaky fingers, she clicked the green connect button.

“Hello?” She sputtered.

“Bea,” Ava whined, her own voice a sense of desperation and emotion.

“Hey,” Beatrice replied, her own voice cracking with relief. “Are you okay? Where are you? Are you somewhere safe? Did you get injured? Are you at the-”

“Bea, babe,” Ava replied in a tired breath. “I’m okay, really. I mean I’m really fucking paranoid and petrified right now, but I’m okay. I was in the car outside the arena, so I really didn’t-”

Beatrice leaned up against the side of the brick wall, a relieved sigh escaping her lips as Ava rambled on. She could hear a mumble of people in the background, but the woman on the phone seemed to ignore them all.

“I feel like shit because, did someone get killed? Did anyone? Please tell me it wasn’t kids. They won’t tell me anything around here.”

“Darling, breathe,” Beatrice said, though her entire body was still vibrating in fear. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“I know but,” The woman continued. “They want me to get checked out, but I’m fine. They shouldn’t be worried about me; they should be worried about-”

“Because I’m pretty sure you had a concussion!” Beatrice heard another woman yell from the distance. “Followed by a panic attack. You need to get checked out.”

“I am fine!” Ava grumbled. “Can you please just let me have this call?”

“Maybe you should go to the hospital,” Beatrice tried, tucking her free hand into her pocket as her heart attempted to return to its normal pace. “Just to be safe. You are probably in shock and running off adrenaline.”

“Not you too,” Ava groaned.

“Please go? If not for yourself, for your fans,” Beatrice took a deep breath. “For me.”

She heard yet another huff and puff on the phone, followed by a grumble. “Fine, just for you. That’s all you had to say.”

“Really? That was easier than I expected.”

“Can I like… call you later tonight? Please?” Ava pleaded, sounding awfully needy. “Your tonight, not mine.”

“Yes of course,” Beatrice said. “And please keep me updated. I just want to know you are safe.”

Ava 💕

Can I call you?

Beatrice sat at her home office desk, desperate to get some work done after Lilith sent her home sick. Even though she wasn’t sick, maybe she was worried. Maybe she was worried sick? Is that such a thing?

Beatrice didn’t hesitate, immediately hitting the dial button on their ongoing chat. As the phone rang, she left her home office and scooted toward her living room; it was going to be impossible to get any work done anyways.

“Thank god!” Ava answered, her voice ringing with a sigh of relief. Her voice was calm, almost too calm. “I was so scared you would be busy, Bea. And I just wanted to talk to you.”

“Nope, I’m here,” Beatrice said. “Lilith, she’s one of the co-founders of the business with me. She sent me home because I guess I wasn’t being very productive. How are you feeling?”

“Lilith? Do I know your Lilith... Is it that small world,” Ava studied, but instead of continuing her story, she just left a long pause. “I think I’m loopy. I think. Or high? That’s probably the more adult term for it. Yeah, yeah that’s it. The doctors said I had a concussion, but I really don’t remember anything. Mary said I banged my head into the side of the window so hard she was surprised the glass didn’t break. But I’m feeling okay now. Just you know… just okay…”

“But they sent you home?” Beatrice questioned, curling her feet underneath her body as she got comfortable on the couch.

“Yeah, overall, I’m okay. There’s not much they can do for a concussion. They checked to make sure there was no other damage. At least I think that’s what they were doing. Plus, they gave me the good stuff. And it’s not like I’m really alone, you know? Mary made me switch floors and move into a room next to hers, and she’s making me keep my door to her room open. Not that I think I need it but… she bribed me with food so, you know how that goes.”

“Good,” Beatrice said, a smirk cracking on her face at Ava’s exasperated story telling. “I’m glad someone is there to make sure you are okay.”

“I wish it was you,” Ava whined. “I wish you were here holding me, telling me that everything is going to be okay. That it wasn’t my fault. I don’t think I will be able to sleep tonight after everything that happened. Every time I close my eyes, I just see all these kids, these teens, everyone running for safety. I mean they still haven’t officially told me the numbers, but how could I have let this happen? How could it happen at my show?”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Beatrice reminded her. “It wasn’t you. And they caught the guy who did it, you know that right? It had nothing to do with you. And if it wasn’t your concert, it would have been someone else’s.”

“I know, I heard that, but still… I’m just scared, you know. Scared for myself, scared for everyone in the hospital. I want to send them flowers. Or gift baskets or chocolate. Or maybe I can do both.” Ava surmised. “My head fucking hurts. And I swear I can’t keep on the same subject for longer than five seconds. Mary said I was talking her head off.”

“Who’s Mary?” Beatrice asked, hoping to divert Ava off to some other subject.

My Darling Ava 💕

Good morning, honey Bea. thank you for talking to me again last night until I was able to fall asleep… I dont think I would have been able to fall asleep otherwise, plus theres nothing better to fall asleep to than your voice

My Beautiful Bea 😽

I love hearing your cute little snores when you finally fall asleep.

My Darling Ava 💕

I do not snore!! And im sorry for putting you through this. I promise I’m not always this clingy.

My Beautiful Bea 😽

You are allowed to be scared, you know, you are human.

Beatrice sat at the edge of the boardroom table, mindlessly scrolling on her phone as she waited for either Ava to reply, or the others to arrive. Her head pounded and her eyes burned, and quite frankly, she knew she looked like shit. She snatched the small bottle of eye drops from her bag and dabbed a few drops into her eyes, before clenching them tightly. Maybe her friends wouldn’t notice her exhaustion.

She had her presentation loaded up and was ready to debrief her two equals on the next steps surrounding the Edwards contract, which was set to start at the end of the month.

Her recommended page links appeared on her phone as soon as she opened Google, as she found herself staring at no other than Ava Silva’s hurried form. Her phone must have been creeping in on her conversations again.

Ava Silva Spotted in Public for the First Time Since Fatalities

It had been a little over a week, a week since the explosion, a week of her own paranoia, anxiety, and insecurity seeping into her bones. And even worse, Ava was in a new country, holed off in her hotel before her concert this weekend. Beatrice glanced up at the time on the corner of her phone, though her body had its own biological clock ticking as it inched ever so slowly to stage time.

20:00 on the dot. It was always the same time. Never a minute early or a minute late. Ava liked to be punctual, at least that was what the woman on the phone claimed.

Beatrice’s finger scrolled down, her eyes analyzing the picture of the woman she had supposedly talking to online. Adorned in a hoodie with none other than her own name on it.

“Checking out your girlfriend,” Camila chuckled as she snuck into the room with Lilith hot on her tail.

“She’s not my girlfriend,” Beatrice retorted. “And it’s not even her I’m talking to.”

“Stop being so pessimistic!” Camila rolled her eyes as she snatched the phone from Beatrice and zoomed in on the picture.

“You look like shit!” Lilith noted, eyeing her friend up and down with her signature glare and snicker.

“Thanks Lilith, you look great too,” Beatrice grumbled, her fingers itching as Camila continued to tinker on her phone. At least she was able to look over her shoulder.

“But seriously, Beatrice,” Lilith said. “Are you feeling okay? You look like you are coming down with a cold.”

“Just run down,” Beatrice shrugged her shoulders. “I just… I haven’t been able to sleep recently.”

“Did your parents reach out to you? Is that what’s keeping you awake?”

“No,” Beatrice snapped, her lack of sleep affecting her everyday filter. “And why would they care about me?”

“Well, I don’t know, because their daughter runs a security firm that literally oversees the exact same type of events in which a DIY bomb just exploded. Couldn’t they be worried about you?”

“No, Lilith, they still don’t care whether I’m alive or dead.” Beatrice snapped. She reached over, grabbing her phone from Camila’s greasy nubs. “Give me that back.”

“That photos fake anyways.” Camila said, shrugging her shoulders.

“What do you mean, its fake?” Beatrice asked, her vision shooting to Camila in an instant.

“Well, I mean it’s not exactly fake, but its staged.” Camila said, gesturing to Beatrice’s phone yet again. “First off, it wasn’t taken today, it was taken two days ago. When I saved the photo, it gave me the details of when it was taken, and how. It was taken by a Nikon D3400, which is a very popular camera for a rookie photographer, not a professional one.”

“Okay, so the paparazzi was inexperienced, that tells us nothing,” Beatrice said.

“No, but look,” Camila said, zooming in on the photo. “See the placement of the sun, and yet, there’s literally no shadows. Not even coming from the structures in the background.”

“You are a creep,” Lilith said, rolling her eyes but continuing to listen to her wife.

“And Beatrice, tell me, if you were overseeing security for none other than Ava Silva, most likely the richest woman in the world right now, how many bodyguards would you assign her, for her first trip in public since she came close to being in the midst of a national emergency?”

“No less four,” Beatrice said, “More likely eight.”

“And yet there’s only two security guards there. I find that hard to believe.”

Beatrice looked down at her phone, her head slowly nodding in agreement. That makes more sense then-

“Wow, I’m glad we hired you,” Lilith chuckled.

“We literally started this company together, but you know, take all the credit.” Camila said. “But remember, my name is on the outside of the building twice.”

“That’s only because you took my last name as well,” Lilith chuckled. “Okay, are we done analyzing Beatrice’s maybe but kind of girlfriend’s life? Can we get started on this presentation?”

“No,” Camila said, stopping Beatrice as she grabbed the computer mouse from the long shiny table. “Isn’t there something you are forgetting?”

“Uh,” Lilith glanced from the large computer monitor to the corner of the room. “Oh shit, yes, a package arrived for you in the mail yesterday evening after you had already clocked out for the day.”

Lilith moved over, grabbing the white box covered in tape and passed it across the table.

“Must be something important too, it came express.” Camila said, bouncing with joy.

Beatrice looked at her two friends, as each waited with bated breath. “What are you to up to?”

“Nothing,” Lilith said, shrugging. “Promise, we don’t have a clue what it is. But it was opened in the mail room prior to being delivered, as is the case with all our mail. No anthrax, no ticking. It’s safe.”

“No return address either,” Beatrice said. She reached her hand in the package; half expecting the item to bite or stab her. Instead, she pulled out a soft, manila hoodie.

“Holy shit,” Camila said, as her best friend unfolded the exact same article of clothing they just saw the famous singer wearing in the staged photo.

“Which one of you two did this?” Beatrice said, quickly folding the article of clothing and shoving it back in the package.

“We didn’t, I swear,” Camila said.

“Beatrice,” Lilith said, holding up a piece of paper torn from a hotel notebook. Beatrice immediately snatched it from Lilith’s hand.

Please hold me tight and keep me safe. <3 Ava

“I’m going to go bring this to Michael so he can test the validity of this signature.” Camila said, pulling the paper right from Beatrice’s hands.

“No,” The woman said, snatching it back within an instant. “I will deal with this. Now do you guys want to get some work done today or keep tormenting me about my catfish?”

Camila looked over at Lilith, her eyes worried.

My Beautiful Bea 😽

You’ve got this darling, it’s just another show.

“You’re shaking,” Mary acknowledged to a waiting Ava as she perched before her final performance of the night.

“I’m fine, just…” Ava paused. “Cold.”

“You don’t need to lie to me, Ava,” Mary reminded her.

“I think I’m more scared of the show ending than the entire show itself.” Ava said, brushing her hand through her hair, destroying hair and makeup’s final touches.

“It wasn’t because of you and your show, it was because it was the quickest way to harm a lot of people.”

“And that’s supposed to make me feel better?” Ava said. “What makes you think it won’t happen again. I don’t want to die. But even more, I don’t want other people to die.”

“We have increased our security protocol for people coming in and out of the arena. There are more guards on staff, this time, patrolling both the inside and outside of the stadium. Everything will be okay.”

Ava heard the bass pick up, and the crowd went wild. She pointed up to the top of the stage. “I gotta-”

“I’ll be here waiting,” Mary said. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

Ava gave her friend a mock salute, as her body rose through the floor above.

As the roar of the crowd erupted, Mary pulled out her phone and pulled open a new message. “How do you feel about an on-location project?”

“Beatrice, you still look like shit,” Lilith said as Camila slid into the seat beside her.

“And you still have a way with words.” Beatrice retorted. “And it’s your fault for calling this meeting so bloody early in the morning.”

“You are going to like this one.” Lilith said as she opened her padfolio. “We have a large project that we need to begin immediately. On location.”

“Okay,” Beatrice said slowly, opening her laptop and unlocking the screen. “How many people do you need? And where? Because I prefer to choose people that don’t have families if they must pack up and leave tomorrow.”

“Not tomorrow, like tonight, today.” Lilith corrected. “This literally could be a make-or-break contract for us, so I think it’s best if we, the three of us take on the job.”

“That’s a lot easier to say than actually do, Lilith,” Beatrice said. “We could do something like that when we just started the firm, but not now. At least one of us has to stay behind to lead the company.”

“Not necessarily,” Lilith said. “We have cellphones, it’s not like we will be unreachable if a situation arises. Plus, we have been expanding and broadening our employee base for over a year now. We have associates under us, leading each project. I mean, when was the last time you were out on the field?”

“It’s been a while,” Beatrice said. “But doesn’t that give you even more reason to choose a group of the others?”

“Not at all,” Lilith said. “Because there is no one I trust more than the three of us. This is a big project, Beatrice. Huge.”

“Lil, stop teasing her,” Camila urged her wife. “Tell her what the project is.”

“Fine, fine,” Lilith said, muttering. “If you think it’s actually going to make it better, I think it might make it worse.”

“I hate when you two team up against me,” Beatrice huffed.

“It’s Ava, Bea,” Camila interjected. “Her manager texted Lilith last night about adding our firm to oversee security surrounding her upcoming European shows.”

“No,” Beatrice argued, slamming her laptop shut and standing from her seat with such force it smashed against the back wall. “You’re lying. I trusted the two of you when I told you who I was talking to. Through an app that you two downloaded to my phone. I’m not sitting here listening to you tease and make fun of me for having feelings for the first time in my life.”

“You have feelings for her?” Camila smiled she was almost certain her face would crack.

Lilith rushed around the side of the table, blocking the door instantaneously.

“I’m not lying,” Lilith said, poking her friend’s shoulder with each word. “If you just sit back down, I can show you the contract.”

“Did you already sign it?”

“You know I wouldn’t do that without going over it with you,” Lilith said. “But it’s an offer I don’t think we can refuse.”

Beatrice hesitated, looking from Lilith, to Camila, and then back to the door.

“Fine!” Beatrice grumbled as she hesitantly sauntered back around the table and slipped back into her seat. Camila handed Beatrice the contract before Lilith could even sit back down.

“Bloody hell, this is a lot of money,” Beatrice said, skimming through the contract. Sure enough, it was Ava’s corporation’s logo and tax identification number at the top, followed by the singer’s signature at the bottom.

“Do you remember the last time I had was on the field for the weekend, and I was sworn by an NDA that I couldn’t tell anyone who I was guarding? It was Ava. And now, her manager reached out to us to oversee her upcoming concerts. This is exactly what we need to get our name on the map.”

Beatrice shuffled page after page through the contract, her eyes skimming through the millions of words. “And you matched the signatures between the two contracts?”

“They are exactly the same.” Lilith said. “And of course, our lawyers have reviewed the contract, and everything seems reasonable.”

“So, what do they want from us? To have three more eyes on the ground? That’s not going to do anything.”

“From what I understood from Ava’s manager, she doesn’t know if their current security team is sufficient to oversee the current threat. And it seems like their star is certain of their shortcomings.”

Beatrice murmured in agreement as she reshuffled through the documents. It did seem like that from her conversations with the celebrity. Well, the catfish pretending to be a celebrity.

“Has she…” Beatrice paused, wondering if she was being unprofessional. “Never mind.”

“Bea, I’m sorry,” Lilith said. “But Mary didn’t mention you. I’m not sure whether this was communicated with Ava. Nor do I know if she even knows we work together.”

“We don’t want to accept this just for you to get hurt, Bea,” Camila reminded her friend. “It’s just that-”

“It’s an offer we can’t refuse,” Beatrice said, her heart literally breaking in two. “What time do we leave?”

“Theres a flight in three hours, just enough for us to get packed and head to the airport.”

Beatrice ran a frustrated hand through her hair.

“And you can take your kitten.” Camila smirked, even though her insides were screaming in excitement at the thought of this adventure.

“What?” Lilith said. “I didn’t agree to that.”

“No, but come on, who else is going to watch the cutie?” Camila said. “Plus, I looked it up and the airline we are taking will allow cats and dogs as long as we pay the fee.”

“And?” Lilith said.

“Come on, Lil, this is the least we can do for springing this on her.”

“Fine,” Lilith said. “But I’m not cleaning the litter box.”

“Camila, can you make sure to get a blueprint of the stadium and a map of the city before we take off? I want to hash out our plan before we land.”

“You got it, boss.”

“I’m literally your equal but,” Beatrice rolled her eyes. “I’ll text you when I’m done packing.”

My Darling Ava 💕

Hope everything is okay, Bea

Ava swirled around in the office chair as she waited for Mary to arrive for their emergency team meeting. Which she was late to, of course.

“Hey, Aves,” Mary said as she scrambled into Ava’s suite, hands wrapped around a rolled-up stack of paper.

“Okay, what’s wrong. You never call me that.”

“What? Yes, I do,” Mary responded as she slid onto the seat on the opposite side of the couch.

“No, no you don’t.” The singer argued. They could go at this all day if they wanted. That’s what happens when you hire your childhood friend to work for you.

“Okay fine, but I wouldn’t say I did something wrong,” Mary specified. “Just that I did something without your permission.”

“Okay,” Ava spoke slowly. “I mean, you are my manager and I trust you. As long as you didn’t sign me up to like fake date some hot American actor or something, I’m good.”

“Do you remember how you were seconds away from a panic attack during the concert last week,” Mary said. “Before the show, and then before the final performance?”

“Come on Mary, you know that’s nothing to worry about.” The singer’s face turned beat red in embarrassment. “It just, it happens. You know I have anxiety, and this is just a lot. I will get more comfortable with it as time goes on.”

“But I think you might have been right,” Mary responded. “I don’t think our current security team is adequate to oversee our concerts, at least not after what happened.”

“And you are telling me that now?!” Ava shrieked. “Like literally the same day I have to go on stage and perform? We had two shows after that!”

Mary spoke calmly and confidently. “I contracted with a very reputable security firm that can handle overseeing the current security team. I also gave them ability to contract with additional members as necessary.”

Mary unrolled the piece of paper and ran it over the arm of the couch, flattening it before she passed it to the other woman.

“Is this the same company we used in London?” Ava asked as her eyes devoured the contract.

“One in the same.”

“Yes, I get a chance to bother Lilith again.” Ava chuckled. “So, what is she going to be doing? When does she get in?”

“Actually, they are already in,” Mary said. “Just landed about a half an hour ago.”

“They? What did she bring her whole team?”

“No, actually, they plan on overseeing the current team.” Mary continued. “But she is bringing her partners to-”

“Wait, fuck, Beatrice is coming?” Ava said, her face lighting up in excitement. “You are saying she’s here right now? Why the hell are you just telling me now? Sign whatever contracts you need; I’ve got to go see my girl!”

“Wait, Beatrice works for Lilith? Your Beatrice?” Mary stuttered. “The one you haven’t been able to shut up about since we left London. The one I accused of leaking your location to the press since someone was stupid enough to go on Tinder.”

“Yes, yes, I already told you that.” Ava argued. “She doesn’t work for Lilith; she works with Lilith, just on the operational side. The company was founded by the three of them, and they each run different sides of the company. Lilith is just one of the three.”

“Well, god damn baby girl,” she said whistled. “I wish I would have known. I would have invited you to the security meeting this morning.”

Ava glanced down at the smart watch wrapped around her wrist. “It’s okay, I’ve still got about two hours before I need to head to the arena. Can you tell me what their hotel room number is? Oh god, she’s going to flip out. She doesn’t even believe that I am who I am. Should I get her flowers? Or chocolates? Oh god I hope the hotel shop has something I can-”

“Ava, she’s here for a job, a job that began as soon as they stepped off the flight.” Mary reminded her. “The three of them went downtown to talk to the local law enforcement to ensure they are policing the area both before, after, and during the concert.”

“I know I know it’s just…” Ava paused, steadying her haggard breathing. “I’m excited to meet her. Like really meet. I’ve been texting her since London, and I’m pretty sure I’ve been falling asleep to her breathing every night.”

“You are a creep.”

“Don’t tell me you wouldn’t do the same with Shannon if she was long distance.” Ava retorted.

“Yeah, but Shannon and I are actually in a relationship with,” Mary said. “Not like this girl who you have just sent some pictures to.”

“Just one.” Ava glanced down, shyly.

“What?” Mary said.

“She’s only got the pictures I uploaded to my Tinder profile.” Ava replied shyly. “But they weren’t taken by a photographer!”

“You have got to be fucking kidding me.” Mary cursed. “No wonder she thinks you’re a fucking catfish!”

“I know,” Ava sighed, rolling her eyes at Mary’s chiding. “Which is exactly why I need to go see her. Like now.”

“After the concert, baby girl. It’s already been how many months? You can wait just a few more hours.”

Chapter Text

“Hey JC!” Ava called as she saw her lead band member walking through the hallway and past her now opened door, the makeup artist just applying some last whisps of the makeup she disturbed while changing into her outfit. Ava dashed directly into the hallway with so much force that she almost collided directly into JC.

“Hey, what’s up Ava?” He asked, glancing at the woman dressed in all black, as still as a statue as she watched the conversation unfold. “We’ve got about ten minutes until stage time. I was getting ready to round everyone up.”

“Yeah, of course, absolutely.” She agreed. “But I have a favor for you to ask.”

“What?” JC asked, tucking his hands into his tight jean pockets attempting, and succeeding, to look as cool as possible. “Anything, as long as it’s not changing the set list.”

“Well actually-”

“You want to change the set list?” He gasped. “I was just kidding; you are never this impulsive.”

“I don’t want to change it,” Ava breathed. “I just want to add something. You see, there’s this girl-”

“Alright,” JC rolled his eyes. “I don’t need to hear anymore.”

“Can we add Enchanted right after Invisible String?”

“Right before the final quick change?” He asked.

“Yeah, exactly.” Ava agreed.

“I mean we definitely can, but we haven’t sound checked it or anything, so I’m not sure-”

“What if we do like a stripped acoustic version? Would that be better?” Ava asked, her eyes glazing over with hope. “I want to sing it, so whether is acapella or not-”

“No need for acapella,” JC agreed. “We can handle it. Just give me a sign if you change your mind.”

“I’m not going to change my mind.” Ava said excitedly, then wrapped her arms around his shoulders in a tight hug. “Thank you so much JC. You can even be the best man at our wedding.”

“Have you even met this girl?” JC chuckled.

“Fuck all of you today,” Ava chuckled, glancing at the emotionless woman beside her dressing room. “You meet one girl on a dating app, and you never hear the end of it!”

JC smiled. “Ava, I hope it works out. Give me a nod when you are ready to start the song.”

“Thank you!”

“JC we are on in five!” A woman called from beside the stage door. That means Ava had approximately seven minutes. She was ready, she could do this. Though why did she feel more nervous about meeting Beatrice than the overwhelming security threat haunting her.

“Phew,” Ava said, grabbing the towel and a bottle of water from the back of the set. “Is it hot in here or what, Madrid?”

The crowd erupted in roars, and Ava finally took a quick glance above her. She could barely see through the lights, but if she squinted enough, she could see a dark shadow amongst the wires.

“I know you have poured over my set list, day in and day out, memorizing every song for this concert, but I think I’m going to have to change it up tonight. So, I apologize to all the diehard fans.”

The crowd erupted yet again, causing Ava to look away from the dark shadow, and focus on the people in front of her. If she stared at the other girl for too long, she might back out. She might get scared. And she couldn’t, she had to prove this, at least this, to her.

“So, I’ve met this person,” Ava began, listening to the crowd go wild with speculation. “No, fuck that, I met a woman. Sorry for any kids in the audience, but I know how the media bait and switches every word that comes out of my mouth.”

Ava looked over at her shoulder, making eye contact with the lead bandmate, who gave her an encouraging nod.

“And she’s special to me, but I’m not sure if she knows it yet. You see, she’s been thinks that I’m a catfish.”

An unsettled wave of uncertainty passes over the audience.

“How could I ever be a catfish, right? Anyways, I was hoping you could help me out. She’s attending her first concert of mine-”

The crowd erupted in a fit of boos. Ava bit her lip to stop herself from smirking.

“I know, but we won’t hold that against her,” Ava said. “So do you mind if I play this song, and show her just how special she truly is?”

Ava gave JC her final nod, and he thumbed chord after chord.

“There I was again tonight, forcing laughter faking smiles, same old tired, lonely place…”’

“Is she here?” Ava asked as she busted into her dressing room, immediately grabbing a makeup wipe to clear away the disgusting mixture of salt, sweat, and chemicals from her heated face.

“Slow down there, tiger,” Lilith said from the door frame. “We are here for a job, remember? She can’t just run because you called her pretty.”

“Oh, fuck, I didn’t tell her she was pretty,” Ava said, chucking her used wipe into the trash bin. “I should have fucking told her she was pretty. She’s fucking beautiful, I just ruined it before it even started, didn’t I?”

“Do you mind telling me when you are done gay panicking, because I don’t think I can handle much more of this.”

“Can you at least help me unzip this before you go?” Ava said, turning around and showing Lilith that she was unable to reach her zipper.

“What did you do without me?” Lilith asked as she tugged on the back of Ava’s dress and pulled down the zipper.

“It was much quieter; I will tell you that.” Ava chuckled. “Do you think I should like, wait for her?”

“It is probably going to be quite a while, at least a few hours until we get everyone and everything out of here,” Lilith shrugged. “I would say go back to the hotel; I will let her know you were looking for her.”

“You will?” Ava said, her eyes shining with happiness. “You really do like me, don’t you?”

“Oh, bloody hell,” Lilith said with a roll of her eyes. “I just like that you are making my best friend happy. Even if she thinks you are a fucking catfish.”

“Not anymore!” Ava said as she walked over to the vanity and began rummaging through her bag. “Though maybe I should have made it a bit more obvious. Walked out in a yellow and black outfit with wings. You know, like a honeybee! Oh my god that is what I should-”

“Please get me out of this hellhole.” Lilith muttered, rewinding her strides back to the door.

“No, wait!” Ava said, snatching something from her purse and pumping her fist in victory. “Can you like, give this to her when you see her. And can you let her know my room number. Though she probably already knows. Fuck she definitely, already knows. I want her to come see me, no matter the time, okay?”

“Give me this shit,” Lilith said, snatching the card from her fingertips. “Though in case you forgot, I am literally here to watch over you, so I will be escorting you to the hotel.”

“Aw really, thanks Lil!” Ava said with a smirk.

“Do you ever shut up,” Lilith said, slamming the door and waiting for the girl to finish undressing.

Beatrice slowly snuck inside, her kitten clinging to her hoodie as they entered the new territory. Shutting the door behind her, the cat danced in her arms, desperate to investigate. With a hesitant sigh, Beatrice dropped the cat on the side of the couch, hoping she would crawl up in the blanket. But she knew better.

She stood still for a few minutes, listening for any noise in the other room, but she was met with silence. With muted tiptoeing, she followed the light across the suite and towards Ava’s bedroom. She peeked inside, leaning against the door frame to take in the sight of a sleeping Ava, passed out with a book wide open across her chest and her glasses adorned across her face.

“Oh Ava,” Beatrice smirked as she journeyed through the room and towards the other woman’s bedside. With stealth fingertips, she removed the book from Ava’s body, located the bookmark, and slid it onto the nightstand, followed by the younger girl’s glasses. She flipped off the bedside lamp, shut the door almost all the way, and walked back out into the main room.

“Come on Katerina,” Beatrice said as she walked back through the hallway, the cat hot on her toes. She snatched the abandoned blanket and settled on the couch. “Let’s get some sleep before dawn.”

Ava rolled over into bed, the early morning sun peeking through the split in the hotel room curtains. No matter what, she never could adjust the curtains perfectly. With her eyes still clenched shut, she blindly reached for her phone. How long had she been asleep?

It was just before four, she groaned, the bright blue lights burning through her corneas. She squinted as she unlocked her phone, desperate to find a text message from Beatrice, but nothing. She had to be done by now, right?

The light woke her body with each passing second as she tinkered with her phone, texting Mary for any sliver of information. She was going to get killed by the older woman for waking her up, but she didn’t care.

After placing her phone back on the nightstand, she spun back around toward the center of the bed, cuddling further underneath the blankets. Just as she shut her eyes and began to drift to dream world, something furry tickled her face. Her immediate reaction was to swat it away, but as her palm broke through the blankets and toward the source of the disturbance, she found her fingertips sinking into layers and layers of fur. Her eyes shot back open as she wrapped her arms around the almost one year old kitten.

“Katerina!” Ava said excitedly as she pressed her nose into the cat’s middle, pressing a small kiss to the black and gray mane. “How did you find your way into my bed? And does your mommy know you are here?”

Ava pulled the cat into her chest as she ripped the blankets from her body. She padded through the cold hotel suite, her body shivering from the cold. She pulled the kitten closer, hoping the residual body heat would warm her up.

“There she is,” Ava whispered as she rubbed the cat’s chin, which resulted in a purr of appreciation. The cat leapt from Ava’s arms and directly onto the small space behind Beatrice’s legs.

Ava kneeled at the edge of the couch and reached forward, her thumb caressing Beatrice’s cheek as if being guided by some magnetic pull.

“Bea,” Ava attempted to speak calmly and softly, but her voice cracked with emotion and tears welled in her eyes. She was right there; she was finally in front of her. The older girl stirred in her sleep, but still did not wake.

“Babe,” Ava tried again. She leaned forward, her lips finding purchase on Beatrice’s forehead. Finally, with a contented sigh, Beatrice’s eyes blinked once, twice, and then three times.

“Ava,” Beatrice breathed, trying, and failing desperately to hide her smile. “What time is it?”

“It’s still nighttime,” Ava said, her fingertips tracing Bea’s face as if she was in disbelief that the person in front of her was real. “Come back with me to bed. Your curious cat found her way before you did.”

“Katerina,” Bea’s eyes widened in her delusional state. She slowly sat up, her muscles still aching after the countless hours she patrolled tonight. “Did she- did she wake you?”

“She was more than okay in my bed, but someone else was missing,” Ava said, her fingers interlacing with Beatrice’s. With a slight tug, she pulled the other woman from the couch and into her arms. “I am so happy you are here.”

“I am so happy you are real,” Bea chuckled, her eyes fighting to stay open. “But I loved you anyways.”

“I know,” Ava said with a smile, her arms holding tighter onto Beatrice’s waist. She rocked onto her tippy toes, planting a kiss on Bea’s nose. “Let’s get some sleep, we have plenty of time to talk in the morning.”

“Okay,” Beatrice said, a yawn escaping her lips. She let Ava lead her wordlessly into the adjoining room and snuggled beside her in bed. Within seconds, she was fast asleep, her head resting on the other woman’s chest and her arm draped around her waist protectively.  

Ava curled into the wide-open side of the bed, reaching, reaching, and finding nothing. She was gone, yet again. That wasn’t a dream, right? Beatrice wasn’t just a figment of her imagination.

“Get down,” She heard the stern voice whisper-yell from outside the door. She chuckled as a smile adorned her face, and her bare feet padded against the hotel floor.

“I was scared you left,” Ava commented as she slid out into the living area, her short-shorts barely visible underneath her long shirt. “I don’t know how you are awake so early.”

“I didn’t mean to wake you,” Beatrice said. “You can go back to sleep; we will be quiet... We will try to be quiet.”

“Nope,” Ava said as she pirouetted over to the older woman as she stood in front of the window, her eyes meticulously watching her curious kitten. “I can’t believe you are here.”

“We got you some breakfast,” Bea said, gesturing to the counter as she set the kitten back down on the floor. “I don’t know why I said we, I got you breakfast. Not Katerina, she just stayed here. She’s just a-”

“Bea,” Ava said, stepping closer to the taller girl and wrapping her arms around her waist. “Deep breath, it’s just me. There’s no need to be nervous.”

“I know,” Beatrice said, wiggling away from Ava’s embrace. “It’s just, you’re you. And you’re this extremely famous, extremely rich, and extremely loved woman and I’m just-”

“My beautiful, hot, sexy girlfriend,” Ava said as she leaned against the counter, rethreaded their fingers, and tugged Beatrice back into her. “Who is extremely smart, super talented, and not to mention extremely successful. And if everyone had a chance to get to know you, I bet they would love you too. I know I do.”

“I know, you are just a person.” Beatrice said, taking a deep breath. “The same person I have been talking to for countless hours. The same person I have been worried about for nights on end.”

“The same person who has been loving you from afar, who now gets to love you up close,” Ava smirked.

“The same person who I thought was a catfish,” Beatrice said, nodding with a twinkle in her eye.

“I am definitely not a catfish.” Ava said, lifting her hair to tuck the stray hair away from Beatrice’s face. Her chin tilted slightly toward the other woman, and their breath intermingled. “And I know there’s probably a rule or something about having to take you on a first date, but I don’t think I want to wait to kiss you. I don’t think I-”

Ava’s words were pushed back into her mouth as Beatrice leaned in, her mouth immediately finding slotting against on the singers. Ava’s arms tightened around Beatrice’s waist, as if she could not get close enough. Beatrice’s leg slips in between the other woman’s as she pinned her against the counter. Ava’s fingertips slipped underneath the hem of Beatrice’s shirt, finding smooth, muscular yet silky skin, and left a trail of goosebumps in her wake. Her tongue swiped against Beatrice’s bottom lip, not asking, but begging for entrance.

A loud thump followed by a harsh hiss startled the younger woman, forcing her to bite her own tongue in fright. Beatrice glanced over her shoulder, just in time to see a wild tail dart underneath the couch.

“I’m going to put my card down for incidentals.” Beatrice sighed, glancing at the now shredded sheer curtain. “You would think she would be less rambunctious now that she’s getting older.”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” Ava said, planting a kiss on her forehead, then her nose, and finally, her lips. “I’m not sure that’s ever going to happen.”

“Let’s eat our breakfast so you can see Katerina grovel for food in real life.”

“It’s all I ever wanted,” Ava winked.

Months later…

“I can’t do this, it’s too soon, it’s definitely too soon,” Beatrice said as she danced around the kitchen island, nerves filling her to the brim.

“It’s not too soon,” Camila argued.

“Beatrice, will you bloody sit down.” Lilith argued, kicking the bar stool across from her out from underneath the countertop.

“I just-” Beatrice stirred, leaning against the dishwasher. “It hasn’t been that long.”

“She literally got an apartment here as soon as you met in person,” Camila reminded her.

“An apartment that she never seems to use,” Lilith followed.

“And she always makes sure to come home to you, even if there’s only a few days in between her schedule.” Camila continued.

“Not to mention its basically like your year anniversary anyways,” Lilith shrugged her shoulders.

“So, you are actually behind on the lesbian timeline.” Camila smirked.

Beatrice slid onto the stool, groaning. “I don’t like you two teaming against me.”

“And she’s landed,” Lilith said as her phone vibrated across the counter, the security team alerting her to Ava’s safe landing. Less than a second later, Beatrice’s own phone vibrated in her pocket.

“It would have been easier if I could just pick her up,” Beatrice rolled her eyes.

Beatrice still couldn’t help but chuckle at the name Ava saved for herself in her phone.

My Lover💕

Babe I am here and I get to see you soon and hold you soon! I’m having Michael drop me off straight to there, so it shouldn’t be too long. I’ve missed you soooooooooooo much. Love you.

“We literally have promoted Michael just for this reason,” Lilith said, rolling her eyes, even though she could see her focus beginning to dwindle. “You know it’s safer this way. The two of you together is just too much for the world to handle.”

My Honey-Bea💕

I can’t wait until you are here, and I can hold you in my arms. Just got to figure out how to kick Cam and Lilith out. 😉

 “… So you can get on your sexy clothes and -”

“Wait what? I wasn’t listening.” A confused look crossed Beatrice’s face.

“Well that was obvious.” Lilith huffed, causing her friends to roll her eyes.

Beatrice glanced down at her button up shirt and pair of black dress slacks. “Are my clothes not sexy enough?”

“Those are work clothes, Beatrice,” Camila echoed. “Not my I’m-trying-to-get-you-to-move-into-my-house-so-we-can-have-sex-every-day clothes.”

“Come on, Cam,” Beatrice groaned. “You both know she’s going to come off the plane in a jumper and sweats, so I don’t know why you are complaining about my style.”

“Come on Lilith,” Camila said pulling on her wife’s hand. “Let’s let Beatrice get ready alone. Have a good night, Beatrice.”

“Don’t forget to-”

“Go the back routes, wear a hat and sunglasses,” Beatrice rolled her eyes. “This is also literally my job. Which is why I literally rented out the whole restaurant for us.”

“And she’s insecure about the amount of money she’s bringing to the relationship,” Lilith muttered from the entryway. “Have a good night!”

Beatrice took a deep sigh as her house was once again filled with silence. Emptiness. Nothingness. At least for now. Just for now.

With one final glance at her cell phone, she tucked the electronic into the small sleeve in her slacks and wandered bare footed through her own house. As she walked through her hallway, she unbuttoned button after button, sliding her sleeves off her arms and down her shoulders as soon as she entered her room.

“There you are,” Beatrice said, catching sight of her cat curled up on the edge of the bed. On Ava’s edge of the bed. “I was wondering where you were. You’ve been quiet.”

Beatrice thrust her work shirt into the hamper in the corner of the room, then danced over to her closet before finally moving toward her dresser.

“Don’t tell me you’ve been sleeping all day, preparing to spend all night up with our new roommate.” Beatrice dotted on, grabbing a comfortable t-shirt from her drawers. She knew Ava better than anyone, and she knew the last thing she would want would be to have to dress to the nines after a long dragged-out flight. Before she unbuttoned her pants, she leaned over, scratching the curious cat’s chin. As she moved her arm away to continue her task, the cat latched onto it, wide awake and ready to play.

“There’s the Katerina we know and love,” she said, folding her slacks in half before placing them into her hamper. She snatched her favorite pair of shorts and slid them on, before joining her cat on the bed. “What do you think? Do you think she’s going to say yes?”

The cat began to paw at her owner, trying to egg Beatrice on to play.

“I know, I know, of course she’s going to say yes.”

“Say yes to what?” Ava asked, swooping into the room with a smile on her face even after the dauntless hours of travel.

A high-pitched squeal escaped Beatrice’s lips; one she wasn’t even certain she could make until she had met the pop star. The cat darted around the room, before finally slinking underneath the bed in terror. Beatrice leapt to her feet and darted over toward her girlfriend. Ava’s arm snaked around Beatrice’s waist as she pulled her in for a tight hug. Relief poured out from her body as Ava’s embrace warmed her soul.

“You scared me,” Beatrice chuckled, placing a kiss on Ava’s lips as her arms wrapped tighter around her neck. “I didn’t even hear you coming.”

“You would think you would be better at that,” Ava teased. “You know, with your job and all.”

Beatrice rolled her eyes. “How was the flight? And the ride over?”

“The flight was long, but at least it’s the last one for a while, you know? Tour’s over and now we can just focus on us.”

“And your music,” Beatrice finished, dropping yet another kiss to her lover’s lips. “Did anyone follow you here?”

“Nope, not that I saw,” Ava smirked. “Between your team and my PR, I think we might finally have this down. I took a few pictures yesterday around the city, and they will be released to the press once a week. For all intents and purposes, I am still in the United States.”

“Good,” Beatrice said. “I don’t mind sharing you, but I would rather be able to keep you safe for as long as possible. What do you want to do for the night? I made us reservations, but if you are too tired-”

“Impromptu date night? Fuck yes,” Ava said. “Get ready for an hour of me making heart eyes across the table. Should I change, do I need to change?”

“I’m going as is, so it’s up to you,” Beatrice said.

“Alright, somewhere not fancy, you got my number.”

“I mean, after seeing you smiling through the pain of wearing heels for the last week-”

“I was not in pain, what are you talking about?”

“Oh no?” Beatrice chuckled. “It was more like babe, if I have to wear heels one more time I’m going to find the person who invented them and-”

“Alright, alright, I got it,” Ava chuckled. “What time’s the reservation? Do I have time to ravish you with love and affection first?”

“Uh,” Beatrice said, her eyes dropping down to her watch. “No, we should probably get going. Do you want to stop at your apartment before we go?”

“Nope,” Ava answered quickly. “I got everything I need right here. I should probably go check on my plants tomorrow, though. I can’t even remember the last time I have watered them.”

“Camila has taken pride in her plant babysitting duties. I am sure they are all fine.” She announced, though she knew for a fact Camila had to replace the cactus three separate times already.

“Good, I should probably think about moving some of those in here before they all die,” Ava said. “I think they are all safe for Katerina to gnaw on, because I know she won’t be able to resist.”

Beatrice’s eyes widened as her brain comprehended what Ava was saying. Maybe, no, she was definitely going to say yes to her offer.

“You know, thank god you introduced me to this place,” Ava said as she slurped on her milkshake. “When did they start having dinner hours though? Because we should have come here sooner.”

“They don’t,” Beatrice chuckled. “But when I told them it was for you-”

“Using my name for popularity again?” Ava chuckled. “I’m pretty sure you don’t need to.”

“Well, I did if I expected them to sign NDA’s,” Beatrice smirked as Ava rubbed her bare foot against the other woman’s calf. “Its much easier to get them to say yes when it comes to the person who literally saved their restaurant from bankruptcy.”

“Okay, well, I didn’t know I was doing that at the time,” Ava said as her phone vibrated across the table.

“Nope, you are just an anomaly.” Beatrice said as she twiddled her thumbs and watched as Ava read the screen. “Who is it?”

“Tinder?” Ava spoke, a confused look playing across her features. “How is that even possible? I deleted it months ago. Probably almost a year now.”

“What does it say?” Beatrice asked.

“I have one new notification,” Ava said. “Babe, I promise I didn’t-”

“Who’s the notification from?” Beatrice tried yet again.

Ava looked over toward Beatrice in confusion, but opened the app.

“You?” Ava said as her eyes devoured the profile. “Username: Move in with me? Holy shit, how did you-”

Ava glanced up, from her phone where a small jewelry shaped box lay on the table. With trembling hands, she opened it up and found herself staring at her own key.

“I know it’s kind of stupid because we don’t actually use keys to get in, but I know you like metaphors and-”

“Babe, of course I will move in with you,” Ava said, sliding off her seat and moving to sit next to Beatrice. “Though I won’t lie, I thought we were kind of already living together. At least now I won’t have to pretend to care about my apartment that’s literally just there collecting dust.”

Ava slid off the bench and turned toward Beatrice. She leaned over, holding her hand out to her girlfriend. “Dance with me?”

“Ava,” Beatrice groaned as she took her girlfriend’s hand and allowed Ava to catapult her into her arms. “There’s no music.”

“I could sing to you,” Ava smirked, wrapping her arm around the taller woman’s neck. “I know you like it when I sing to you.”

“Ava, people are probably watching us,” Beatrice blushed.

Ava smirked and began swaying the two of them back and forth, singing softly into Beatrice’s ear. “Beatrice, baby, I was feeling so alone, I kept looking until I finally found the right one. Is this in my head, I don’t know what to think. I knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring.”

Ava’s hands slid down Beatrice’s body, one searching intently in her pocket, the other finding purchase in Beatrice’s hand. With practiced movements, she held out the small velvet box, and opened it with the tip of her thumb.

“Marry me Beatrice, we’ll never have to be alone, I love you and that’s all I really know. It doesn’t matter if it’s a white tux or a red dress, it’s a love story baby just say yes.”

“Ava,” Beatrice called, causing Ava to look up and see the tears in the other woman’s eyes.

“Did you like my rendition? I was thinking I should re-release it or something,” Ava smirked, letting out a breath of humor before taking a deep breath to calm her own nerves. “I literally sing in front of hundreds of thousands of people, but this is scarier. Holy shit.”

“Beatrice, I know we don’t have everything figured out right now, but what I do know is I want you there, and I want to be there. At every important moment of our lives, I want to be by your side. Whether that is you standing backstage at my shows, or even just FaceTiming before bed, I don’t ever want to be without you. I know it might not always be easy, sometimes it will even be downright hard, but I know whatever obstacle gets placed in our path, we can get through it, together. So will you, Beatrice Young, make me the luckiest Tinder user ever, and marry me?”  

“Holy shit,” Beatrice muttered. “And I was worried it was too soon to ask you to move in together?”

Ava chuckled, raising their intwined hands and placing a kiss on her fingertips. “So, what do you say? Because I know I’m supposed to be in really good shape, but my knee is about to give out, and you are starting to make me really-”

“Ava,” Beatrice tugged her up from the ground, placing a kiss on her lips. “You have nothing to worry about, of course I will marry you.”

Ava smiled as she dropped kiss after kiss on Beatrice’s lips.

“Babe,” Ava called.

“Hm?”

“You need to let me go so I can slip your ring on your finger.”

“Oh, yeah,” Beatrice giggled, her grip slightly loosening on the other girl.

Ava snatched the ring from the case, the box falling to the ground by her feet. Beatrice held out her right ring finger as Beatrice slipped it on, and then kissed her finger, followed by her cheeks, and then her lips.

“I love you,” Ava smirked.

“I love you, too.” Beatrice said. “I can’t believe this.”

“Were you really worried about me saying yes to moving in? Sheesh.” Ava chuckled. “Cam and Lilith must have been internally dying inside.”

“They knew about this?” Beatrice asked. “No wonder they were trying to get me to dress up.”

“I had to figure out your ring size somehow!” Ava said as they continued to sway to the silent music. “Did you really not see this coming?”

“No?” Beatrice responded. “Was I supposed to?”

“My newest single, I literally sing I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with paper rings.” Ava smirked. “You had to know that was about you!”

“Well, you know, you can never be too sure. You could have written it years ago.” Beatrice’s cheeks blushed as she realized how truly oblivious she was. “I love you.”

My Lover💕

Hey Honey-Bea, I love you

“Ava,” Beatrice whispered as the presenter continued to speak. “You don’t need to text me, I’m literally right beside you.”