So, This Is Love?

Chapter 15

Red's POV

After Chloe got out of her locker room and met up with her, she felt more conflict on what to feel, this is the most emotions she felt in her whole life. Her anger dispersed the moment Chloe stepped in, she was confused to say the least. All her emotions are scrambled, she wants to be angry at Chloe from stepping in but also wants to be grateful that she cares for her to risk all those perfect records to protect her, Nobody protected her like that before, Maddox used to get her out of trouble but not in the same way she does.

She also wants to cry on how his words deeply affected her, she may not look like it from the outside but it shattered her heart when she was called a disgrace from having feelings for a girl. People are cruel, she knows that especially growing up with one, but how does one cope with all of these? Her whole being broke after seeing Chloe lose herself during training but she knows her emotions more than she does with hers.

It was dark out when they exit the fencing arena, she still doesn’t want to go back to their room. It’s suffocating, even for Chloe as of now, she turns to her and holds her hand as she leads her to the spot under the field bleachers.

“What happened back there, Chlo?” She asks softly.

“I didn't mean to make you worry about that, it's just that- I used to get panic attacks when I get stressed. I used to get them as a kid but I thought when it stopped it wouldn't come back, yet it did after 6 years.”

They sat on the ground, the light of the field is the only thing separating them from the dark. She hears Chloe ask. “Why are we here?”

Shrugging her shoulders. “I feel like our room is suffocating for us right now.”

She saw her nod and shifted closer to her. “A lot of people know, Charles saw us here yesterday.”

Her heart sank a little but it’s bound to happen especially if Charles started spreading the information. “It’s fine, as long as they don’t do anything to us and make you have a panic attack they won't have to deal with me cause I won't be holding back anymore.”

“Are you okay?” She feels her place her hand on her lap.

“I don’t know, I was confused on what that slur meant but I just want him to leave me alone and I couldn’t throw the first punch because you wouldn’t want me to get in trouble.” She puts her head on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Red. I didn't want to either but it’s one thing that he keeps harassing me and it’s another when it’s you.” The girl sighs, her hand moved from her lap to her bandaged hand.

“I can handle myself just fine, Chlo. Did you forget who my mother was?” She stares blankly at their hands.

“I didn’t, that’s why I punched him. You went through so much and I got so protective of not wanting to get you hurt.” She feels her gently trace the outline of her hand.

“What did you and Uma talk about?” She uses her free hand to draw circles on her girlfriend’s lap.

“I almost got suspended on Swords and Shields but to quote her “I am no rule follower”, she didn’t suspend me as long as it won’t happen ever again.” She hears her release a deep sigh.

“I still don’t get why you risked getting in trouble for me.” She feels her hand come up to her cheek and gently turns her head to her.

“Because, I would do anything to protect the person I love.” Chloe smiles a little and gives her a quick peck on her lips.

“What does it mean, Chlo? I want to know.” She almost said it like a whisper.

She hears her sigh. “It’s a homophobic slur for women who love other women, amongst other things.”