#were in bed becaws our head hurts

[davepetea]

tumblgrr please dont call p33ple our crushes its so embarrasswing... B#//

[cycwrites]

WIP Things aka Unofficial Fic Tease

In order to remind myself that I’ve left all of you hanging for the rest of my trilogy rewrite, I thought I would post my unbeta’d, unedited, good with the bad chapter 1 for the second movie. I also have hope that it will make me feel guilty for taking so damn long and get back to it. Especially since I’ve basically closed myself off from writing (and the muses) and I’m trying to pry the doors back open because I really do miss sharing my stories with you guys.

I wrote this well over a year ago, along with a 2nd chapter that deals with the Dean’s office, and really just hope you like it. 

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About Damn Time 

Chapter One: So That Happened

Word Count: 2600 -------- ~B~

At the end of Beca’s junior year, two things of note happened.

First: Chloe, once again, made the decision to stay with Beca and the Bellas and failed Russian Lit for the third time.  Beca had tried to talk her out of it, torn between wanting Chloe to move forward in her life beyond Barden and guilt that she was relieved they wouldn’t have to figure out how to work a long distance relationship. She wasn’t ready to try that and couldn’t imagine leading the group without her.  But Chloe had insisted this was where she’d wanted to be and she didn’t feel like she was missing out on anything.

Second: The Bellas were asked to perform at President Obama’s 50th birthday celebration at the Kennedy Center on August 8th.

Beca had laughed when the call had come through the never used landline at the Bella house.

“Good afternoon, this is Mack Johnson and I’m calling on behalf of the White House…”

“Yeah right. Nice try, Jesse.” She hung up and pulled out her cell phone as she walked into the kitchen. Pausing by the counter she typed out a quick message to him.

Beca: I’ve gotta give you points for originality though. You almost sounded like an actual adult.

She poured herself a glass of lemonade before he answered.

Jesse: I’m going to take that as a compliment and ignore the wound to my manly pride, but I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Beca: Whatever you say, ‘Mack.’ If you’d said you were calling from anywhere but the White House I might’ve let you keep talking.

Instead of answering via text, Jesse called her.

“Are you day drinking, Mitchell?” Jesse clucked his tongue. “Without your lesbro? I’m hurt, Becaw.”

“I was going to ask you the same thing.” Beca lifted her glass and took a sip. “What inspired your call today?”

“Uh, your cryptic and confusing texts to me, of course.” Jesse chuckled. “Want to clue me in?”

Beca sighed. “Man you’re committed to this.”

“To what?”

Beca set her glass on the counter. “Fine – you just called me and –” She jumped as the phone in the living room rang for only the second time in her years at Barden. “Pretended… to be… from the White House.”

“I thought you said you weren’t drinking?” Jesse laughed but it sounded distant as Beca watched Chloe answer the phone.

Her girlfriend’s blue eyes went wide and locked on Beca’s as she said, “I’m sorry, did you say you’re calling from the White House?”

“Jesse?” Beca said absently.

“Yes, Beca?” His voice took on an echo as all the blood drained from her face.

“I gotta go pass out now.” She swallowed dryly. “I’ll call you later.”

“Beca wa-”

Beca had remained frozen in the kitchen while Chloe became more and more animated, frantically scribbling down notes on the notepad sitting beside the phone, though her voice was carefully calm and collected. Then she’d run into the kitchen, screaming and jumping in excitement and talking faster than Beca’s shocked mind could process. Drawn by the commotion like a frat boy to a kegger, the rest of the girls soon joined the chaos while Beca still stood frozen by the counter as they swirled around her.

The school had allowed them to stay on campus through the summer so they could discuss songs and choreography. The time had been a whirlwind of security checks and practice and everything they planned needed to be vetted by the performance organizers. Of course, since they’d come to the Bellas after their third ICCA win in a row, there weren’t any real problems.

Until the night of the performance when one set of tangled silks and a desire for no panty lines wrecked everything.

No pun intended.

~B~ Sunday, August 24th, 2014

Beca lay on their bed and stared at the ceiling, listening to Chloe pace beside her.

“I’ve ruined everything.” Pace to the head of the bed. “Destroyed our reputation.” Pace back to the foot. “Made the Bellas a joke.”

Beca sighed and pushed herself up on her elbows. “Chloe. It’s a capella. It’s already a jo-” She stopped as Chloe spun to face her, outraged. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it.” Beca tried a smile. “I was just trying to lighten the mood.” She let it slip when Chloe just stared at her and Beca dropped back down to gaze at the ceiling. “Won’t make that mistake again.”

“I’m the one who gave Amy the green-light to do ‘Wrecking Ball.’” Chloe resumed pacing.

“Because, despite most of her claims, she actually had done some training on the silks before coming to the states.” Beca countered, as she had for the past three weeks. “She was good on them and never once in our rehearsals did she get tangled up.”

“But-”

“No.” Beca cut her off and sat up, pulling her legs up to sit cross legged and face her. “We all agreed to let her do it. It was a group vote.” She softened her voice and held out her hand. “This isn’t all on you, Chlo.”

With a sigh, Chloe took her hand and let herself be tugged onto the bed. Beca stretched back out and Chloe settled against her side. “It feels like it.”

“That’s because you’re the one who looks out for us.” Beca gently rubbed her back. “No one could’ve predicted this, love.”

“No…” Chloe said grudgingly. “But…”

Beca cut her off again. “There’s no buts.”

“Except Amy’s.” Chloe huffed, tension that had begun to fade making her stiffen up again in Beca’s arms. “All over the news.” She groaned. “Why didn’t I just use the cloth I was freaking holding to cover her up?”

“Same reason I didn’t,” Beca said reasonably, having heard a version of this several times before. “My mind went blank and I couldn’t move. I just… kept waiting to wake up.”

“Same.” Chloe pressed her nose to Beca’s shoulder. “I still am. This is such a nightmare.”

“She feels bad.” Beca offered. “It was her idea to do that press conference.” She winced as Chloe snorted.

“Yeah, where she then tried to show her ‘silk burn’ to the entire world.” Chloe sat up and pushed herself off the bed. “Again.” She resumed pacing and Beca’s mind hunted around for anything she could say to defuse things.

“At least we saved Aubrey’s college legacy from Pukegate?” Even as the words were out of her mouth Beca knew they were stupid and wrong.

“And ruined ours with Muffgate.” Chloe snarled.

“I wish I could find the asshole that came up with that. Bet it was those podcast people and of course everyone else jumped on it.” Beca made a face. “It was an accident and eventually there will be another crisis for them to focus on.” She slid over to the edge of the bed and swung her legs over. “It won’t be forever, Chlo.”

Pace, turn. “But tomorrow we go see the Dean.” Pace, turn. “With those podcast people who are apparently actually part of the Collegiate A Cappella Association.”

“They’re still weird and he’s an ass.” Beca stood up and stretched as she heard the door open at the bottom of the stairs. “Think you’ll be able to enjoy yourself at dinner tonight?”

Chloe stopped by the small table they inherited from Aubrey and took a deep breath. “Of course. It’s Amy’s birthday. I’m not going to ruin it for her.” She flashed Beca a small grin, the first in an hour. “Why do you think I’m up here instead of downstairs?”

“Speaking of,” a new voice said from the stairs. “There’s maybe… A situation.” Jessica smiled apologetically when they both looked at her as she reached the top.

Beca sighed. “Of course there is.”

“Do I even want to know?” Chloe pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Probably not, but Stacie sent me to get you.”

“Coward,” Beca muttered. “She knows I can’t hit you because you’re too nice.” She took a deep breath. “Okay, quick like ripping off a band-aid.”

“Amy’s sitting on the couch. With a towel on her lap.” Jessica hesitated.

“That’s… Why is that a big deal?” Chloe asked, confused.

“She’s… commando. Because of her silk burn.” The blonde’s shoulders bounced once but she didn’t say anything else.

“I swear to fucking god I’m going to glue underwear on her,” Chloe muttered under her breath.

Beca was struck by a horrible thought. “Is she sitting on another towel?”

“We were afraid she’d show us if we asked.” Jessica looked at Beca. “That’s when Stacie sent me to get you.”

“Why do I have to do it?” Beca knew she was whining but couldn’t help it.

“Because you’re the captain.” Jessica shrugged again. “You can threaten her with cardio if she tries to flash us again.”

“Yeah but Amy doesn’t always listen to me and I don’t want to have flashbacks.” Beca reluctantly headed for the stairs as Jessica started back down.

“Birthday or not…” Chloe muttered as she followed.

“I’m sure Lilly has a hot glue gun you can use,” Beca mused, not surprised to find Ashley hanging out in the hallway when they left the attic.

“Don’t tempt me.” Chloe didn’t say anything else the entire trip down the stairs.

Beca rounded the corner, passing Jessica and Ashley who had stopped in the entry and came to a halt herself, Chloe running into her back.

All she could see was the back of Amy’s head but she appeared to be looking straight at Lilly who sat cross-legged on the ottoman and staring back.

“Do I even want to know?” Beca turned her head toward Jessica but didn’t take her eyes off the scene.

“I didn’t ask that either,” came the whispered reply.

Beca took a bracing breath then walked into the living room. Despite the reassurance that the covering towel existed, Beca didn’t relax until she saw it for herself. It was nothing personal against Amy, but Beca just didn’t want to see any of the Bellas naked, Chloe being the obvious exception. You never knew when the visual would pop back in your head and Amy had already shown up enough in the past few weeks to last a lifetime.

“Amy.” Beca looked up at a sound from the kitchen and saw Stacie leaning in the doorway with Cynthia Rose and Flo sitting at the center island.

“Captain.” Amy didn’t turn her head or avert her gaze.

“Are you guys in a staring contest?” Beca frowned, looking between the two women. “And if so why?”

“I don’t know,” Amy lifted one shoulder. “All I know is she hasn’t blinked since she sat down and why take the risk of losing.”

Beca felt her eyes twitch at the thought. “Jesus, please cut it out before my eyes start watering.” She stepped between them and Amy closed her eyes in relief.

“Thanks, Shawshank. That was starting to burn.” She started to lift one corner of the towel to wipe her eyes and Beca threw out her hand.

“Nope. That stays there.” Chloe said it before Beca could.

“Please tell me you’re sitting on another towel.” Beca sighed and ran her hand through her hair.

“Of course I am!” Amy actually looked indignant. “I’m not a heathen, Beca.” She rolled her eyes. “The pants I want to wear to dinner are tight, so I’m giving my bits time to breathe first.”

“Now that’s in my head.” Cynthia Rose muttered from the kitchen.

“That’s in all our heads,” Ashley said from the doorway behind them.

“You could always wear that blue skirt,” Chloe offered diplomatically. “That way you’re not uncomfortable for your birthday dinner.”

“I do look hot in that.” Amy thought about it while the rest of them made sounds of agreement. “Alright, you’ve swayed me. And as it’s almost that time, guess I’ll go upstairs and change.” She started to stand as Beca moved back then paused. “If you’d all turn around and give me some privacy while I wrap?”

Beca rolled her eyes as she turned to face the front window that, thankfully, had the curtains drawn. “That’s what you get for being half naked in the public areas of the house.”

“I got bored in my room.” Beca heard Amy stand up and the rustle of fabric. “Alright, I’m decent.”

“Hey!”

Beca jumped at the unexpected shout and looked over her shoulder. Stacie had come out of the kitchen and was pointing at the couch.

“That’s my favorite towel!” Outage filled her face. “I was looking for that for over a week!”

“It’s also the softest towel in the house.” Amy said as she picked it up, tucking the other firmly around her waist. “It’s the only thing that doesn’t hurt when I’m sitting.”

A choked sound from behind her brought Beca’s eyes back around to Chloe, who was biting the inside of her cheek and trying not to giggle. “I’m sure she’ll wash it before she gives it back.”

Beca tried to choke back her laugh and ended up sounding like a pug with a cold as she snickered into her hand.

“I think…” Stacie sighed. “Happy Birthday, Amy. It’s all yours.”

“You sure, Stretch?” Amy threw the towel in question over her shoulder. “I don’t think I’ll need it for much longer.”

“Yup.” Stacie nodded emphatically. “I’ll go get another one this weekend.”

“Thanks, Stacie.” Amy smiled at her before her lips twisted slightly. “Sorry I didn’t ask first.”

“’S okay.” Stacie shrugged. “Now go get changed so we can celebrate your day.”

“Are you allowed to give me orders on my birthday?” Amy mused as she headed for the stairs.

“Probably not,” Beca said. “But I’ll probably do it anyway.”

“Bossy.” Chloe whispered behind her and Beca flashed her a grin.

“Alright.” Beca clapped her hands once. “Show’s over, let’s go get our party outfits on and get some grub. We’ve got a Bella to celebrate.”

Stacie walked past her, shaking her head. “Bossy.”

Beca let her head fall back as she stared at the ceiling. “I can’t with you two.”

“What?” Stacie paused in the door to the entry. “Did we do the thing again?”

“Yup.” Chloe pushed Beca toward the stairs. “I called her that thirty seconds ago.” She high fived Stacie over Beca’s shoulder when the tall woman grinned and held out her hand.

“Score one for us.” Stacie laughed and started up the stairs.

“I hate you guys.” Beca said weakly as she followed.

“Liar,” Chloe laughed and ran her hand down Beca’s back.

“Maybe.” Beca let Chloe go before her.

“Definitely.”

“Yeah yeah,” Beca waved her up the stairs, unable to help admiring the way Chloe’s muscles flexed as she moved. “But seriously, my stomach just woke up and if I don’t feed it soon it’s going to take over the world.”

“Aye aye, Captain.” Stacie saluted as she stepped into her room.

“Smartass,” Beca threw back.

“And you love it.” Stacie closed the door with a laugh.

“Stop flirting with Stacie and let’s go change before you get hangry.” Chloe took her hand and tugged on it.

“She wishes,” Beca muttered but followed Chloe up to their room, ignoring the ‘Often’ that came from Stacie’s room behind them.

‘She’s got bat hearing, I swear.’ Beca thought to herself as she went to the closet to get her outfit for the night.

Tomorrow was still looming over them, but Beca pushed it all away, determined to think about Amy and the Bellas for the rest of the night.

It was one mistake and they’d just won three years in a row. Surely they weren’t in that much trouble.

Right?

[bechloeislegit]

Unrequited

Unrequited - adjective: (of a feeling, especially love) not returned or rewarded.

Beca was getting pissed again, and this has been on for several days now. The Bellas constant teasing about her and Chloe was really getting on her nerves. She had actually told Chloe she liked her and even asked her out. Chloe turned her down, telling Beca she only thought of her as a friend. Beca understood; it wasn’t the first time she’d been turned down and probably wouldn’t be the last. It’s just having to be around the girl every day and having the Bellas riding her all the time was taking its toll on her.

“Beca,” Chloe said. “You’re doing that part all wrong. It’s like this.” Chloe puts her hands on Beca’s hips and starts to move her through the right steps.

“You don’t have to touch me,” Beca snapped pulling away. She softened her tone when she realized how harsh she was being. “Just show me, and I’ll follow you.”

Chloe looked a bit hurt but did as Beca asked.

“Trouble in paradise, Beca?,” Amy asked and snickered.

“Shut up, Amy,” Beca snarled back at her. “I don’t need your shit today.”

“Whoa,” Amy said. “Just because you and Red are having some issues, don’t take it out on me.”

Beca just glared at the Aussie and walked to the other side of the room. Chloe furrowed her brow not sure what to do. Beca was her friend, but they hadn’t really talked much much since Chloe turned her down for a date. She thought Beca understood that she only thought of her as a friend and didn’t see them as anything else.

“Hey, Chloe,” Amy said causing the redhead to look at her. “Better go check on your girlfriend.” Amy snickered again.

“Yeah, Chloe,” CR chimed in. “Maybe you need to up the lady-loving so she’ll be in a better mood.”

Amy high-fives CR and all the girls started laughing.

“That’s enough you two,” Chloe said, noticing how Beca was just glaring at them. She started to say something to Beca but stopped short when Beca yelled at the girls.

“Jesus, could you all just shut the fuck up,” Beca growled. “I’m tired of being the brunt of your so-called jokes. You don’t know shit. I told Chloe I liked her and she doesn’t like me like that. It happens, and life goes on. I’m dealing with it. At least I’m trying to, but having you assholes running your fucking mouths every day is not helping. And, it’s making Chloe uncomfortable. So, I’d greatly appreciate it if you would just shut the fuck up and back the fuck off.” Beca is breathing heavy after her tirade. She looks around, and they are all staring at her with shocked looks on their faces.

“You know what?,” Beca said looking at them. “I’m done. I can’t keep doing this.”

She picked up her stuff and starts to walk out.

“If you walk out that door,” Aubrey shouted as Beca reached the door. “You are no longer a Bella.”

“That’s the idea,” Beca snarked back and walked out.

“Beca, wait,” Chloe called out and started to follow her.

“Chloe,” Aubrey said, grabbing the redhead’s arm. “Let her go. It’s probably for the best.”

Chloe sighed and let Aubrey lead her back to the girls. Chloe spends the rest of the rehearsal just going through the motions. As soon as Aubrey ended rehearsal, Chloe was out the door. She had to find Beca to make sure she was okay. Chloe runs to Beca’s dorm and knocks on her door. She is actually surprised when Beca answers.

“Hey, Chloe,” Beca said and stepped aside to let her enter. “I figured you’d be by.”

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay,” Chloe said as she sat on the edge of Beca’s bed.

“I’m fine,” Beca said and sat in her desk chair.

“About what Amy was saying,” Chloe said. “I’m sorry they made you feel bad.”

“You don’t have anything to apologize for,” Beca said. “I get that you don’t have feelings for me other than friendship. It’s not the first time I’ve been turned down. It’s just having to listen to the Bellas saying all that stuff every single day just bugs me. I see how uncomfortable it makes you but you’re just too nice to say anything. I mean, they just won’t shut up about it no matter how many times I tell them nothing’s going on between us. Having them yapping in my ear about it every day and seeing you look so sad, I just can’t handle it anymore.”

“I’m still sorry, Beca,” Chloe said.

“Stop it,” Beca said. “You were kind and considerate of my feelings when you turned me down. You’ve been nothing but a good friend. I’m not saying this stuff to make you feel bad. I just don’t want you to treat me any differently. And, you do. Every time you look at me I see sorrow and sadness in your eyes. I don’t even know what to say to you. And, stop apologizing because we’re just friends. It’s okay. I like being your friend. I just hope whoever you are dating is worthy of you. And, if they ever hurt you, I’ll kick their ass.”

Chloe stood up and grabbed Beca in a hug. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Beca said as she pulled out of the hug. “I’m going to grab a nap before my shift at the radio station.”

“Okay,” Chloe said. “I have to go shower anyway. I’ll see you tomorrow at rehearsal.”

“I won’t be at rehearsal,” Beca said. “I meant what I said when I walked out. I’m out of the Bellas.”

“Beca, you have to be a Bella,” Chloe said eyes wide in surprise. “We need you.”

“No you don’t,” Beca said. “I’ve said it over and over again. The set Aubrey insists on using is old and tired. You aren’t going to continue to win with it. The Bellas got lucky at Sectionals because Fat Amy went off script. Aubrey doesn’t get that you need to do something different each time.”

“She just wants to win so badly,” Chloe said. “To make up for what happened at Nationals last year.”

“I understand that,” Beca said. “But, let’s just say for argument’s sake that the Bellas make it to Nationals again and, against all odds, win it. What will Aubrey have actually accomplished? All she would be doing is proving to Alice that her set was good enough to win and, if Aubrey hadn’t puked all over the place, Alice would have graduated as Captain of the first all-girl ICCA National Champions. If it were me, I think I’d want to prove that I was a better Captain than Alice and win with my own set. Do something totally different, change things up.”

“Oh, my God,” Chloe said. “I never thought of it that way. If we use the same set and win, Alice will definitely throw it in Aubrey’s face forever. I need to talk to Aubrey.” Chloe goes to the door but before she leaves she stops and looks at Beca. “Please come to rehearsal tomorrow.”

“Sorry, but I can’t,” Beca said. “I’m not apologizing to Aubrey for walking out, and I guarantee she’ll expect me to. I feel like she owes the two of us an apology. She’s the Captain and didn’t bother to even try to stop the others from harassing me and, by association, harassing you.”

“Can you be available if I call you tomorrow?,” Chloe asked. “I will get Aubrey to listen to reason, and I’m going to want to have you there to help us come up with a decent set.”

“I don’t have any other plans,” Beca said. “So, I guess I’ll be around if you need me. But, I’m not apologizing.”

“Fair enough,” Chloe said. “Do you want to get coffee tomorrow?”

“Sure, Beale,” Beca said. “We can get coffee. Just let me know when you’re available.”

Chloe flashes her a smile and leaves. Beca flops down on her bed. Her mind was full of thoughts of Chloe. She knows it’s going to be hard, but she really wants to stay friends with the redhead. At least she’d still be in her life. Beca let out a sigh and tried to fluff up her pillow before laying her head down and drifting off to sleep.

The following morning, after an excruciatingly boring shift at the radio station, Beca got up and dressed. She grabbed her laptop and bag and headed out the door to get some coffee and breakfast. Beca was almost to the diner when she heard Jesse calling her.

“Becaw,” he yelled, and she ground her teeth at the nickname.

She waited for him to catch up to her. He stopped in front of her with a goofy smile on his face.

“Good morning, Becaw,” Jesse said.

Beca had enough. “How many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me that stupid nickname?”

“You love it,” he said with a laugh.

“No, I don’t,” Beca said sincerely. “If you insist on calling me that then we’re no longer friends. And before you say anything, I am not kidding.”

“Jeeze, I’m sorry,” Jesse said. “You should have said something.”

“Jesus Christ, Jesse,” Beca said. “I say something every time you call me that ridiculous nickname. Every. Single. Time.”

“Okay, okay,” Jesse said putting his hands up in defeat. “I get it. I’ll stop.”

“You’d better,” Beca said.

“So, where you headed?,” Jesse asked. “Want to get breakfast?”

“Sure,” Beca said. “I was actually headed to the diner.”

“Great,” Jesse said, putting his arm around Beca’s shoulders. “This can be our first date.”

“Dude, no,” Beca said pulling away from him. “No first date. No dating between us at all.”

“Come on, Beca,” Jesse said. “It’s like I told you on Hood Night. You’re an aca-girl, I’m an aca-boy, and we’re going to have aca-children. It’s inevitable.”

“I’m gay, Jesse,” Beca said. “And, this is not the first time I’ve told you that either.”

“I just thought you were yanking my chain,” Jesse said with a sad puppy dog face.

“What is with people?,” Beca says getting frustrated. “Why won’t anyone believe me when I tell them something? First, the Bellas and now you. You know what? Forget it. I’m going to get some coffee and go back to my dorm. Goodbye, Jesse.”

“Beca, come on,” Jesse said pleadingly. “Just have breakfast with me. Not as a date. Just two friends having breakfast. Okay?”

Beca’s phone pinged with a text message before Beca had a chance to answer Jesse. She saw it was from Chloe and she opened it.

CBeale: Hey, Becs, want to get coffee this morning? My class was canceled and I don’t have Bellas practice until 1:00.

“Sorry, Jesse,” Beca said looking up from her phone. “I already promised to have coffee with Chloe when she was free today. She’s free now, so I’m going to go meet her.”

Beca doesn’t wait for an answer. She turns on her heel and heads to Chloe’s. Jesse calls after her.

“We’re good, right?,” Jesse yells. “Still friends. Right? Beca? Beca!”

Beca ignores him and types out a text to Chloe.

“Oh, good,” Chloe said. “Beca’s on her way here. We’re going to get coffee.”

“Is that really a good idea, Chloe?,” Aubrey asked. “I mean she has feelings for you, and you turned her down when she asked for a date. It could be awkward.”

“We talked about it, Brey,” Chloe said. “We’re friends, and she understands that I don’t feel the same way about her.”

“Everyone can see you obviously like her,” Aubrey said. “Wait. You told her you didn’t feel the same way about her? I thought you turned her down because you were still messing around with Tom.”

“I haven’t been with Tom for months,” Chloe said. “And what do you mean I obviously like her?”

“So, you lied to her,” Aubrey said. “Why?”

“I didn’t lie to her,” Chloe said. “Why would you say that?”

“Because I have eyes,” Aubrey said. “I’ve seen the way you look at her when you think no one’s looking. I see how you are always hugging her and cuddling with her when we have our Bellas bonding nights. It’s no wonder she asked you out.”

“I don’t treat her any differently than I treat any of my other friends,” Chloe said getting a bit angry with Aubrey.

“Keep telling yourself that, Chloe,” Aubrey said. “I’ve been your best friend for four years, and you don’t do all that with me.”

“That’s because you’re not the touchy-feely type,” Chloe said. “I know better.”

“Are you saying that Beca is the touchy-feely type?” Aubrey scoffs and then laughs. “Beca Mitchell is the most closed off person I’ve ever met. She exudes the ‘don’t touch me or die’ vibe. She practically knocked Stacie out when Stacie grabbed her from behind in a hug one day. You’re the only one who she lets do that. We know she only allows you to get away with it because she likes you. Why do you do it?”

Before Chloe can answer, there is a knock on the door. She opened the door to find Beca standing there.

“Hey,” Chloe said.

“Hey, yourself,” Beca said. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yep,” Chloe said and turned by to Aubrey. “I’ll see you at rehearsal.”

Aubrey gave her a wave and Chloe left with Beca. Chloe’s mind was racing with thoughts of what Aubrey had said. She was rather quiet, and Beca could tell something was on her mind.

“Want to get breakfast?,” Beca asked. “We can talk.”

“Okay,” Chloe said. “We can go to the diner.”

“Can we go to the Pancake House?,” Beca asked. “I had an argument with Jesse earlier, and I know he was going to the diner.” She holds up her keys. “I’ll drive.”

Chloe agrees, and they get into Beca’s car. They ride along, and the only noise is the radio as Chloe gets lost in her thoughts again, thinking about what Aubrey said.

“Chloe,” Beca says for the fourth time. “Hey, Earth to Chloe.”

“What?,” Chloe asked coming out of her daze.

“I’ve called your name like four times,” Beca said. “Is everything okay?”

“Um, yeah, everything’s fine,” Chloe said. “Just thinking about, um, Bellas stuff. Why were you trying to get my attention.”

“We’re here,” Beca said.

“Oh, sorry,” Chloe said with a laugh and looking around. “I hadn’t even noticed.”

They enter the Pancake House and order their meals. The waitress leaves and Beca looks at Chloe.

“Are you okay?,” Beca asks. “You’ve zoned out on me a couple of times now.”

“Um, yeah, sorry about that,” Chloe said, blushing. “I’ve been, um, thinking about what I’m going to say to Aubrey. You know, about the set.”

“Oh,” Beca said. “Good luck with that.”

“I still think you should come to rehearsal today,” Chloe said.

“Sorry, Chlo,” Beca said. “I’m doing this for me. I need to get rid of the negative shit in my life, and I don’t feel anything positive when I’m around the Bellas any more. Between Aubrey’s dictatorial leadership and Amy and the rest of them using me as the butt of their stupid teasing and jokes, I leave practice every day angry and frustrated. I can do without it.”

“What about me?,” Chloe asked softly. “Do you see me as ‘negative shit’ in your life?”

Beca laughed and smiled. “No,” she said. “You are one of the few positives in my life. You’re like the best person I know. So, I’ll probably keep you around. At least until I find somebody better.”

“Hey,” Chloe said, and Beca laughed.

The waitress brought their food and set it in front of them. They both thanked her and started eating, chatting about nothing and everything as they ate.

Chloe watched Beca as she told a story about something that happened when she was a kid. She had to smile because Beca’s hands and arms were moving all over the place as she talked. She really looked at Beca.

“Beca’s beautiful,” Chloe thought to herself. “I hadn’t noticed before, but it’s a subtle beauty. The way her stormy blue eyes light up when she talks about music. The smirk she seems to wear constantly. The way her chocolate brown hair hangs down in waves, cascading over her shoulders. It’s no wonder I love her.”

Chloe sat straight up in her seat with a vocal, “Oh.”

“You okay, Chlo?,” Beca asked, concern evident in her voice and on her face.

“Um, yeah,” Chloe said trying to hide the blush that crept up her cheeks. “I just remembered a paper I have due this afternoon, and I’m only half done. I should, uh, probably get back.”

“Oh, okay,” Beca said. “I’ll get the check and drive you back to your apartment.”

The ride to Chloe’s apartment was almost as quiet as the ride to breakfast.

“Oh, before I forget,” Chloe said. “What was my share of breakfast?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Beca said. “My treat this time. You can get it next time.”

“Thank you,” Chloe said. “It’s a date, I mean a deal. It’s a deal.”

Beca gave Chloe a weird look but didn’t say anything. Beca pulled up to Chloe’s building and put the car in park.

“Thanks for driving,” Chloe said as she unbuckled her seat belt.

“Any time, Beale,” Beca said.

“I really wish you’d reconsider coming to practice,” Chloe said.

“Not gonna happen,” Beca said. “I will be around if you happen to talk some sense into Aubrey and you want my help with coming up with a new set.”

“Okay,” Chloe said. “I’m going to go talk to her now.”

“Good luck with that,” Beca said with a small chuckle. “And with your paper.”

“My what?,” Chloe asked, a bit confused. “Oh, right. My paper. Thanks.”

Chloe gets out of the car and tells Beca she’ll see her later. Beca said goodbye and waited for Chloe to enter her building before driving off.

Chloe looked back and watched through the door until Beca’s car was out of sight. She sighed and headed up to her apartment. She entered the apartment and put her keys on the table next to the door. She then went in and sat on the couch and put her head in her hands.

“You okay, Chlo?,” Aubrey asked from her seat at the dining room table.

“You!,” Chloe said, glaring at Aubrey. “This is all your fault.”

“What’s all my fault?,” Aubrey asked.

“You had to put these ideas in my head,” Chloe said. “You had to say something about liking Beca. Dammit, Brey!”

“What happened?,” Aubrey asked, not sure where this was going.

“You got inside my head,” Chloe said, standing and starting to pace back and forth. “I started to look at Beca. Really look at her, and I realized that you were right. I like Beca. Actually, I think I love her.”

“Whoa,” Aubrey said, somewhat shocked. “How did you go from ‘I don’t have any feelings for her’ to ‘I love her’ in less than two hours?”

“I don’t know,” Chloe said running her hand through her hair. “But I did. I mean, one minute she was telling a story about when she was a kid, and I noticed how cute it was that she talked with her hands. And then I really looked at her and noticed how beautiful she is. The way her stormy blue eyes light up when she talks about music. The smirk she seems to wear constantly. The way her chocolate brown hair hangs down in waves, cascading over her shoulders. And I started thinking about how I wished I could find someone like her to love.”

“And then you realized you already had someone like her,” Aubrey finished for her.

“Yeah,” Chloe said with a sigh and fell back onto the couch.

“So,” Aubrey asked with a smirk. “What are you going to do about it? I mean, you already know she likes you like that.”

“I don’t know,” Chloe said, clearly frustrated. “I mean, won’t she think it’s weird that one day I’m saying I only think of her as a friend and the next that I love her. God, this sucks.”

“Just tell her the truth,” Aubrey said. “You were honest when you told her you didn’t the same way she did, but suddenly realized that you did. Feelings are complicated. I’m sure she’ll understand. She may be a bit anti-social and a pain in my ass, but she’s not stupid or heartless.”

“I’ve got to get my mind on something else for a while,” Chloe said. “Let’s talk about the set.”

“The set is fine,” Aubrey said tersely. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“I think there is,” Chloe said. Seeing Aubrey about to interrupt she holds up her hand. “Hear me out. If after what I say doesn’t make you change your mind, then I’ll drop it.”

“Okay,” Aubrey said. “Go for it.”

“What’s the real reason you’re keeping the old set?,” Chloe asked. “And be totally honest with me here.”

Aubrey thought about the question. “It’s tradition, and it got us to the ICCAs last year. That should be enough, right? We win, and I redeem myself for my puking all over the stage. What exactly is Chloe looking for?”

“The set got us to the ICCAs last year,” Aubrey said out loud. “It will get us there this year, and when we win, I’ll have redeemed myself from what happened last year.”

“Will you really?,” Chloe asked. “Redeem yourself.”

“What do you mean?,” Aubrey asked. “Of course I will.”

“OR will you just be showing Alice that the set she created,” Chloe said, “the set she put together was good enough to win and you fucked it up for her?”

“What?,” Aubrey asked, confused by what Chloe was trying to say.

“I mean,” Chloe said, pausing to gather her thoughts. “If we use the same set and, by some small miracle, win with it, you will be handing Alice something to hold over you forever. BUT, if you come up with a new and different set and win, it will all be because of you, not her. You will definitely have redeemed yourself on your own terms.”

Aubrey stared blankly at Chloe for a moment. Her eyes widened as she was struck with an epiphany. “Oh, my God! You’re right. How could I have been so blind as to not see it?”

“I’m glad you agree,” Chloe said, and mumbled under her breath, “finally.”

“We need to come up with a new set, immediately,” Aubrey said.

“I know someone who can help us with that,” Chloe said and looked at Aubrey with a big smile.

“No,” Aubrey said. “No way.”

“Come on, Brey,” Chloe said. “You know she’s good, and she’ll come up with a killer set. You just have to ask her, nicely.”

“She walked out on us,” Aubrey said. “I can’t just allow her back in until she apologizes for walking out.”

“Actually,” Chloe said. “You owe her an apology.”

“How pray tell, do you figure that?,” Aubrey asked.

“She quit because the Bellas were always making her the butt of their stupid jokes,” Chloe said, “and harassing her about me and you never did anything to stop them. You’re the Captain, and you knew it bothered Beca and upset me, yet you never said a word to them about it. I think you were hoping she’d quit because she constantly questioned you about the set and you knew she was right. And, you couldn’t handle the ‘alt-girl with her mad lib beats’ being right about something.”

Aubrey looked down at her hands, embarrassed because she knew Chloe was right.

“Okay, fine,” Aubrey finally said. “I’ll apologize to her and ask her about helping with a new set. Happy?”

“Very,” Chloe said with a big smile and pulled out her phone. “I’ll call her and ask her to come over.”

“Wait,” Aubrey said, causing Chloe to look at her. She stood and walked over to Chloe. She stood over Chloe, and a mischievous smile slowly made its way to her lips. “I’ll apologize and ask her about helping with the set if you tell her how you really feel about her.”

Chloe’s mouth dropped down in shock. “You’re using blackmail on me?” Aubrey just raised an eyebrow and continued to look at Chloe. “Fine. I’ll tell her.”

“Good,” Aubrey said and went to sit back down at the table. “Call her and see if she can come over now. The sooner we get started, the better.”

Chloe placed the call to Beca.

“Hey, Chlo,” Beca answered. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” Chloe said. “Everything is, um, great. I was wondering if you could come over. Aubrey wants to. I need. Um, Aubrey and I both... want... uh, need to talk to you.”

“Um, okay,” Beca said, somewhat hesitantly. “I’ll be over in about 15 minutes.”

“Great,” Chloe said. “See you then.” Chloe ended the call and looked over at Aubrey. “She’s on her way.”

Aubrey nodded and went back to her studies. Chloe starting pacing back and forth, trying to figure out how to tell Beca about her feelings. There was a knock on the door sooner than Chloe had expected. She took a deep breath and went to let Beca in.

“So,” Beca said standing inside the door. “You guys wanted to talk to me?”

“Yeah,” Chloe said hesitantly. “I need to talk to you first, though. Then Aubrey and I need to talk to you.’

“Okay,” Beca said looking at Aubrey and then back at Chloe. “Hey. Are you okay?”

“I’m, uh, yeah,” Chloe said and took Beca’s hand. “Come with me.”

Chloe drags Beca to her room and closes the door. Beca stands with her back to the door and looks at Chloe. “Well?”

“I, uh,” Chloe stammers. “Oh, God. I really don’t know how to say this.”

“Let me guess,” Beca said. “You talked to Aubrey, and she is still dead set on using the same old set. It’s okay. Nothing less than I expected. You didn’t have to call me all the way over here to-”

Suddenly Beca is pushed against the door, and Chloe is kissing her. Beca’s mind goes blank from surprise. But then she realizes that Chloe is kissing her, and she kisses her back. After about a minute, Beca’s eyes fly open, and she pushes Chloe away.

“What the hell, Chloe?,” Beca says holding Chloe at arm’s length. “Is this some kind of a joke?”

“No, Beca, no,” Chloe says grabbing Beca’s hands and holding them to her. “I wanted to tell you that I like you. I mean I really like you as more than a friend.”

Beca just looks at her with a raised eyebrow. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” Chloe says. She pulls herself away from Beca and starts pacing back and forth. “I realized this morning when we were having breakfast. I know it sounds crazy, but I honestly had no idea I had feelings for you. I thought we were just friends and that was it. But, Aubrey said something about the way I look at you and then at breakfast it hit me that I wanted to be more than friends with you. You’re funny and passionate. You have a kind heart even though you try to come off as badass and uncaring. And, I looked at you, really looked at you and I was enthralled at how beautiful you are. You took my breath away. And I really, really like maybe love you.”

Beca is dumbfounded. She truly did not expect this when Chloe asked her to come over.

“Say something,” Chloe said, anxiously looking at Beca. “Please.”

“Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?,” Beca asked. “I know this really romantic little Italian place not too far from campus.”

Chloe walked over to Beca and stands less than a foot away from her. “I’d love to.” Chloe smiled at Beca and Beca smiled back.

Beca closed the gap between them and smashed her lips against Chloe’s. They stand together, kissing for several minutes when they are interrupted by Aubrey pounding on the door.

“That’s enough time,” Aubrey yelled through the door. “Get out here. We’ve got a lot to discuss and very  little time to get things done.”

“I guess this means I’m a Bella again,” Beca said, and Chloe nodded, biting her bottom lip. “And, I’m also guessing Aubrey has decided to change the set.” Chloe nodded again and smile. “Well, I guess we should get to it then.”

“In a minute,” Chloe said and kissed Beca again. Another bang on the door jerked them apart. With a satisfied smirk, Chloe said, “Okay, now we can go.”