Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Beca glanced down at her watch and frowned. It had long since died, just like her phone. She chose to ignore the voice of her father in the back of her head, telling her not to rely too much on technology.

Hopelessly she looked around at the walls for a clock or some indication of the time. She knew there wasn’t any, but still, she had to look. Just in case.

They say casinos rob you of not only money but also time. At least one of those statements rang true. Her eyes fell on the poker table across the room. 8 players, spread out evenly around an oblong table. Among the cowboy hats and sunglasses, there was a mop of blazing hair that stood out.

Chloe sat in the middle of the table. Her cards laid flat in front of her, fingers fiddling with a stack of chips while her blue eyes followed the bets around the circle. Her normal carefree face was sat in such a natural and emotionless pose that Beca could have confused her with a statue.

They were separated by a thick velvet rope and wide-shouldered men with earpieces. People with camera rigs circled the table. This was a big deal poker tournament. Broadcast on TV to the masses in a handful of countries. Beca had to laugh at herself that this tournament likely had more views than any of their acapella shows. If she was honest, it wasn’t fair but then again money talks.

She had laughed at Chloe when she told Beca that she had landed an invite to this game.

“Since when do you play poker?” She had asked

“All the time, that’s what I’m doing on my phone most of the time.” Chloe had responded, not one ounce of sarcasm.

“I thought you were scrolling Instagram or something, I don't know, normal.”

Chloe laughed and wrapped Beca in her arms. “Only sometimes, my love.”

And so they went to Vegas together. Everything paid for. If Beca had thought New York never sleeps, Vegas didn’t even know the word sleep. Lights blazing in the dark desert sky. People moving about. The only difference between night and day was the placement of the sun.

Not that Beca would know where the sun was now. They had been inside for hours. Chloe had worked and won her way to the final table. This was the do-or-die moment.

The man next to Chloe was sweating through his shirt, he kept sipping a whiskey with shaky hands. When it was his turn to bet, he shoved his entire pile of chips into the center of the table before downing his drink.

Beca held her breath. Chloe had enough chips she could match him. But she remained cool and collected. She let go of the chips she was fiddling with and instead tossed her cards, face down in front of her.

“I fold.” She deadpanned and Beca exhaled.

By the time the betting was done, there were only 3 players with cards in the game. The sweaty man was the only one without chips. His entire progress in this tournament depended on him winning this round. The cards were revealed and a man’s dreams were crushed before her eyes. The sweaty man whipped off his tie and threw it down at the table before standing, security swooped in and escorted him away.

And the game went on.

It felt like days before it was Chloe and another person. He was about her age, a perfect jawline, well-trimmed beard. His hair was spiked but in a tasteful way. Even Beca would admit he was attractive. She half expected him to use his looks and maybe his charm to distract Chloe. But both players were too entirely focused on the game to do any kind of flirting.

The man tossed in a large stack of chips, they crashed into the green felt with a soft thud. Attention turned back to Chloe. She peaked at her card, leaving them on the table and lifting only the corner. She tossed more chips, taking from two stacks.

After hours of watching cards and chips move around the table - the end happened so fast Beca almost missed it. Card flipped face side up and it was over. The crowd erupted into applause and cheers. The man stood and ran his hands through his hair. And Chloe…

Chloe was searching for her, for Beca. And Beca was moving to the edge of the rope before she realized what her feet were doing.

Chloe met her at the edge of the game floor, her smile so big and bright. Announcers were shouting something, cameras all pointed at them. And Beca didn’t care. Chloe had just won millions of dollars, more money than Beca had ever seen in her life, but the first thing Chloe did was find her.

“We did it Becs,” she said in a voice that was meant only for Beca’s ears before she leaned in and kissed her.

Beca threaded her hands into the forest fire of hair and all the sounds and flashes of lights around them faded into nothing. Even if Chloe lost, they were always winners as long as they had each other.

Chapter Text

“Beca, I don’t want to do this,” Chloe said, her voice was flat and emotionless as she sat on the edge of their couch.

“What? You?” Beca crossed the room with two cups of tea and one down on the coffee table in front of Chloe. “Dude, that’s some bull shit.”

“I’m serious! I can’t believe I agreed to this, I can’t hit those notes.” She reached forward and fiddled with the string of the teabag.

“Again, bull shit.” Beca put her own mug down and extended her hands to Chloe. “Come on, stand up.”

“Beca…” Chloe whined

“No Becaaa stand up, get your ass off the couch or I will shove you off.”

At this Chloe smirked, “Is that a threat?”

“You’re damn right it’s a threat.” But before Chloe had a chance to argue further Beca had grabbed her wrists and pulled with surprising strength for such a small frame.

“Okay now, we’re going to run through it and you’ll see, you can hit those notes.” Beca continued, once they were both standing. She kept her hold on Chloe’s wrists, resting her thumbs right over the pulse points.

“Seriously, we can just cancel, I’m sure they have a backup singer.” Chloe tried.

“Beale, this is,” Beca shook her head, “very unlike you. What’s going on?”

Chloe looked down, unable to meet the other girl's eyes as she spoke. “I’ve never done a solo without the other girls to back me up on stage. What if I mess up? It will be so obvious and this is such an iconic song. And it’s, like, so easy to tell if someone messes up. Also, I can’t hit those notes, I don’t know why I agreed to d–”

Beca cut her off with a kiss, it was brief but it instantly calmed the wave that threatened to consume her from the insane. She stepped back just far enough that Chloe could see her whole face.

“We’ll all be right there in the front row, and you can hit those notes. You hit those notes every morning in the shower. And every night while you’re flipping through your phone. And randomly while we’re out for a walk. Chloe Beale, you can hit those notes. You’re an amazing singer, you always have been.”

Chloe didn’t respond, her eyes locked onto Beca’s. She wanted to believe her but she was still so nervous. The wave might have died down, but the water was still choppy.

Beca let her hands drop, resting one of her own hip and weaving the fingers of the other into Chloe’s. She began tapping a beat, slow and steady.

“There was a time when men were kind…”

“Beca what are you doing?”

“...and the world was a song, and the song was exciting…”

Beca stepped back, keeping her hand in Chloe’s but giving the girl space. Her thumb now tapping out the same beat into Chloe’s hand. It was a request, an invitation.

“Then, it all went wrong.”

Tap tap tap tap

“I dreamed a dream in times gone by…” Chloe sang, taking the song from Beca who beamed at her.

And Chloe would never get tired of the way Beca smiled at her. Even though the song was somber and emotional, she smiled back at the awkward little dork in front of her.

Through the bright lights of the stage, Chloe could still see that smile, a beacon, welcoming her home as she hit what was arguably the final peak of the song.

“And there are storms we cannot weather, I had a dream my life would be…”

Chloe closed her eyes, singing the last few lines as the orchestra music slowly faded out.

“Now life has killed the dream… I dreamed.”

She opened her eyes to thunderous applause, the Bellas rushing the stage to embrace. Beca managed to scoot in close enough to whisper in Chloe’s ear before they were both crushed both the group hug.

“I told you that you could hit those notes.”

Chapter Text

“Look all I’m saying is, I can do that.” Beca declared, her arms crossed and her eyes locked on the TV.

“Bitch you tripping, five seconds in that cage and you would be flat on your tiny ass.” Cynthia Rose laughed before taking another sip of her beer.

“I still think they should set the cage on fire. It would add excitement!” Amy added.

“That’s an amazing way to have barbecued fighters.” Came a voice in the next room. Chloe popped her head around the corner. “Is it over yet by the way?”

“No, no it just started.” The three girls in the living room said in unison.

“Oh, well I’ll be here if you need anything!” Chloe disappeared back out of sight of the TV.

“One time I was in Perth, fighting six men in a burning warehouse, and no one was barbequed.” Amy shrugged and reached for the popcorn on the coffee table. Cynthia Rose gave her a look but didn’t dive further into yet another wild Amy story.

“Guys, I’m serious,” Beca said, finally pulling her eyes away from the TV as the fight switched to commercials. “I could fight, I have a blackbelt and I got a scholarship to stuffy university. But it didn’t have a music program so what was the point?”

“Holy shit, B, you have a blackbelt?”

“It's always the small ones, I’m telling you, the baby crocs are the most dangerous. Fast, with sharp teeth.” Amy mimed a crocodile chomping down.

Beca shrugged nonchalantly. “Would it be so bad to fight for a few years after we graduate? They make decent money, and I could still work on my music in the downtime.”

“You would do what after you graduate?” Chloe was standing to the side of the couch, beers in hand. She looked like she was about to drop them, something Cynthia Rose noticed and she stood to take the bottles from her. The entire time Chloe’s eyes were boring holes into Beca.

“Fight in the ring?” Beca said, frowning at Chloe’s harsh gaze.

“Beca, you could get hurt! I don’t know how you guys can watch it let alone actually participate. People die in that ring,” The redhead’s voice hitching up a few octaves with the last few words.

“Oh no, trouble in Bloe Land.” Amy said, “Hey CR didn’t we have to go check on that thing?”

“Yeah, yeah, that thing we needed to check. We should go check on that thing, yup.” both women quickly left the living room, leaving Beca and Chloe alone.

“I wouldn’t die, Chloe.” Beca tried, standing now.

“You don’t know that though.” Chloe folded her arms over her chest and looked down at the floor.

“What are you, like, worried about me, dude?”

“I’m always worried about you. Every minute, every day.”

“Don’t you get tired?” Beca crossed the small distance between them.

“You don’t get tired of someone you love.” Chloe raised her head to look at her.

“Ew, don’t get so sappy, Beale.” Beca smiled and took her hand. “But I love you too, you dork.”

“Can you not fight in that ring cage thing? Please? For me?”

“I won’t,” and Beca could feel Chloe relax like the entire house exhaled around them. “I mean... I think I could still fight, but I would have to take all my earrings out every time and that takes forever and is that really worth it?”

At this, Chloe laughed and tugged on their joined hands to bring Beca closer. “Now who’s the dork?”

“Me, your dorky girlfriend with the blackbelt.”

“You’re impossible.”

“And you’re impossi-Beale.” Beca laughed at her own stupid joke and Chloe just shook her head and smiled.

Chapter Text

The sun was high in the sky, blazing down upon them as they ascended the hiking trail. They had been going for less than an hour but Beca was sure she had already sweated off any and all sunscreen, her pale skin burning.

“Come on pipsqueak,” Amy called, she was a few feet in front, leading the charge up the mountain.

“Why does everyone think hiking is fun? Hiking sucks!” Beca complained, shoulders hunched and brow furrowed.

“This was your idea.” Amy reminded her, She looked completely normal like they had just stepped into a coffee shop.

“Well,” Beca huffed as they continued upwards. “Don't listen to me, I have stupid ideas. And how are you not tired?”

“Oh, this?” Amy gestured to the trail “This is nothing compared to the time I was running from the mafia through the Swiss Alps.”

Beca opened her mouth to reply by stumbled over a rock instead. She would have eaten dirt had Amy not caught her.

“Woah there, Tinkerbell.”

“Thank Amy.”

“Oh it's nothing, just don't tell your girlfriend that you owe me a life debt now.” She waved a dismissive hand and kept walking.

Beca frowned, “Chloe is not my girlfriend.”

“Wife then?”

“Amy…”

Amy stopped and turned around causing Beca to nearly crash into her. “Look Polly Pocket, you two are basically dating anyway, why not just ask her out? And before you say anything,” She held up a hand. “I didn’t even say Chloe’s name and that was the first person you thought of when I said girlfriend.”

“No, we’re just… really good friends.”

“Beca, you and me are really good friends. But we don't hold hands all the time or fall asleep in each other's arms. Hell neither of us light up a whole room with our smile when the other walks in.”

“What are you even saying?” Beca shoved her hands into her pockets and stared at a rock off in the distance.

“I’m saying you love her, and everyone but you two, apparently, know that.”

Beca sighed and rolled her neck back and forth, she definitely had a sunburn. “I’m just, scared I guess okay?”

“Beca Mitchell is scared? Ha, that’s a good one.”

“Amy, I’m serious. I’m scared and I don't want to mess things up.”

“Becausssse,” Amy proded

Beca took her hands from her pockets and threw her arms out to either side. “Because I love her! Alright? Geez!”

An older couple walking by gave them a look and picked up their pace a little. Amy threw an arm around Beca’s shoulders.

“There we go, was that so hard? Now we’re going to walk back down, get you some aloe lotion, and you’re going to go ask Chloe out.”

“I hate you.”

“Nah, no you don’t. Come on, tiny lobster, let's go get you your woman.” Amy started walking back down the mountain and Beca took a few beats to smile to herself.

She was going to finally do it, she’s going to officially ask Chloe out. Her shoulders were cooked raw but her stomach was nothing but butterflies.

Chapter Text

Stacie stood up with the bottle of whiskey and moved around the group of Bellas encircling the fire. She poured a heavy shot into everyone’s cups, not even pausing for a second at Emily’s. Which earned her a look from Aubrey, a look she ignored as she returned to her own seat.

“Dude, are you trying to get us blasted?” Beca asked, peaking into her red solo cup.

“Always,” Stacie answered with a wink.

“Let’s just not get so crazy that we blackout please,” Aubrey said, frowning.

“Aubrey, can you not be such a buzzkill, for one night?” Stacie shot back.

“I’m not being a buzzkill, I did not say anything when Emily, who is a minor in the eyes of the law, was provided an illegal subsistence.”

“Yah yah, three, two, one drink pitches!”

It took Beca three gulps to get the large amount of whiskey down. She grimaced as the liquid burned her throat on the way down and glanced over at Chloe. The redhead was sitting next to her on the log, barely more than a few inches of space between them. But to Beca it felt like miles.

“Beale, finish your drink! I’m coming around again!” Stacie shouted.

Chloe tipped her cup back and downed the entire thing in one go without so much as flinching. She held the empty cup upside down then stood and took the bottle out of Stacie’s hands.

“I’m pouring, we can’t afford your pours.”

“Alright, alright,” Stacie held up her hands in defeat and sat back down. “What if we play a game? I ask a question, if you’ve done it, you have to drink.”

“Like Never Have I Ever?” Aubrey questioned.

“Yeah basically, except I control your faith.” Stacie's eyes locked on Beca’s and she smirked. Around the fire, the girls were nodding as Chloe returned to her seat.

“Ok so, drink if you’ve been arrested.”

Beca, Amy, Stacie, and Jessica all took a drink.

Stacie clapped her hands together, “Drink if you’ve been caught having sex.”

A handful of girls took a drink.

“Drink if your body count is higher than 32. Just me? Bottoms up losers!”

“Stacie, this is a dumb game, can we play Kings or something?” Beca complained.

“Hm, we can but first,” Stacie’s eyes flicked from Beca to Chloe before she leaned forward. “Drink if you’ve ever kissed a girl.”

Beca didn’t raise her cup but Stacie, Jessia, Ashley, Cynthia-Rose, and… A movement to her left caught her eyes and she turned to see Chloe finishing her drink. She looked at Beca with a frown.

“Woah, Mitchell hasn’t kissed a girl? I’m shocked. Good thing I didn’t put money on this, I would have lost it all.” Stacie mocked.

“You really haven’t?” Chloe questioned, her tone more sincere.

“No, but you have?” Beca replied.

“Yeah, girls are hot.” Chloe shrugged as Cynthia-Rose whooped in agreement from across the fire.

“Okay, a new game? What about Truth and Dare?” Stacie leaned back in her chair - now a smug look on her face and her red solo cup held loosely in her hand. “I dare little innocent Beca to kiss that smoking hot redhead next to her.”

“What! Dude, no!” Beca held up her hands, thankful that the orange glow of the fire hid the red flushing across her face.

“I don’t mind,” Chloe said softly, gently taking one of Beca’s hands and pulling it back down so her face was no longer blocked.

“No, that’s, no. Stacie why?”

Stacie shrugged and took another drink. “I’m just doing the lord’s work, Mitchell,”

“Do you not want to kiss me?” Chloe asked in a voice that was soft and quiet that it pulled Beca in like water down a drain.

“No, I mean yes, I mean I don’t know,” she stumbled because she did want to kiss Chloe, but she was also terrified of the aftermath. What if this ruined everything?

Chloe reached over and cupped her jaw, and Beca’s whole world slowed down around her as she leaned in.

Their lips met for the first time and Beca launched into the atmosphere. Every nerve, every hair, felt alive and electric. She didn’t hear the cheering from the other girls. Didn’t hear Aubrey of all people saying ‘it's about time’. Didn’t hear Emily crying about how cute they were.

She entire world in that moment was Chloe.

All too soon they broke apart and Beca sat there in a haze. Either the alcohol was stronger than she thought or she was literally floating away. But there was Chloe’s hand in hers, grounding her.

“I’ve wanted to do that for such a long time,” Chloe whispered to her. Beca just nodded, lost in the ocean of Chloe and unable to do anything else but smile at her.

“Another successful mission!” Stacie exclaimed and raised her cup in a salute. “Dare you to do it again.”

“I don’t need a dare,” Beca said, and she leaned in and Chloe met her halfway. Whatever happened after that didn’t matter. Chloe closed the gap between them on the log and her entangled in Beca’s and her head on her shoulder. If this was a dream, Beca never wanted to wake up

Chapter Text

The buzzing of her phone woke her up from a short nap. She silenced it and sat up, running a hand down her face. Whoever it was can send a text if they needed her that badly. Her timer, set for 10 minutes, went off a few seconds later.

Outside her window the whole world was gray. The rain was coming down in sheets, dampening the late afternoon sunlight. It was dreary and uninspiring, but she had so many things to do that she couldn’t afford to sleep any longer.

She had just sat down at her desk when her phone went off again. A sharp exhale filled the otherwise quiet space. She hated phone calls, a text exchange took a few minutes, a phone call could take an hour.

‘INCOMING CALL: Chloe’ read Beca’s cracked phone screen. This annoyed her more than it should have. Chloe of all people knew she despised talking on the phone. Reluctantly she answered anyway.

“Chloe this better be important–”

“Is this Beca Michell?” Came an unfamiliar voice, the tone was formal, emotionless. It made the hairs on the back of Beca’s neck stand up and she sat straighter in the chair.

“Yes, who is this?”

“I’m a nurse down at St. Anne’s Hospital. I’m very sorry to tell you this over the phone but there’s been an accident…”

Beca stopped breathing. Her head pounded. Her face went numb. It felt like she was drowning. She couldn’t hear what the nurse was saying. She didn’t see the road as she drove to the hospital. She didn’t register Aubrey’s arms grabbing her. She didn’t feel them close around her small frame until those arms held her back from running through the double doors.

“Let me go!” she demanded, straining.

“Beca, there’s nothing you can do,” Aubrey said, her voice sounding small and far off.

“You have to let me go!” Beca pleaded through tears that ran down her face like water from a collapsed dam.

“Beca,” Aubrey pulled her down to the floor where the smaller girl all but folded into a ball. She was sobbing before Aubrey said the words she feared hearing out loud.

“She’s gone.”

The days that followed blended into further shades of gray. A drunk driver, roads were too wet, couldn’t stop in time. It was all noise to Beca. To her, it didn’t matter why it only mattered that Chloe wasn’t here. It felt like part of Beca died that day as well. All joy swept away with the rain.

The funeral barely registered to Beca, she drifted like a ghost from the church to the cemetery. How can someone like Chloe, a bright burning light - full of joy and love, just simply be gone? Like a song cut off too soon.

The casket was lowered into the ground and it seemed entirely too small to contain Chloe’s massive presence. The rain came down in large drops, each landing like a thunderclap.

Aubrey, who had previously butted heads with Beca, never once left her side during the whole service. This day, this moment, wasn’t about them, it was about Chloe. Beca might have been Chloe’s girlfriend but Aubrey was her best friend. And so in this moment of grief and pain, Aubrey was there for Beca.

She lead them wordlessly back to the car, drove back to the shared house, and walked Beca to the front door under a black umbrella.

The holidays rolled in with a whimper. Beca had dropped the previous semester, unable to focus on classes. She remained in the house via her father pulling some strings, it was one of the nicer things he had done for her.

It was another gray day, not unlike the others, when the package came. An unimpressive brown cardboard box addressed to Beca. Some unknown force urged to her open it.

Inside there was a present, wrapped in navy blue paper with a yellow ribbon. Bella colors. A card was resting on top. Beca opened the envelope first and her hands started shaking.

My dearest Beca,

You’re probably laughing at me because it's not even Spring yet and I’m ordering this for next Christmas. Look it was a good deal okay? Honestly, this should be a graduation gift, you’ll probably say it’s too much for Christmas. But who wants a sweater in May? Anyway, I hope you like this, and I hope it keeps you warm on those nights when we’re apart. Though I selfishly hope there won't be too many of those nights. I love you so much and I will tell you every day until my last breath.

Yours forever,

Chloe.

Slowly, carefully as if she would break it, Beca unwrapped the gift. Inside the paper was a black cashmere sweater, a crew neck like Beca preferred. She ran a hand over the fabric it was so soft and so very Chloe. Without hesitation, she put the sweater on. It fit perfectly and she smiled through the tears that were gently running down her cheeks. Chloe was still here, in the echoes of the past, and the whispers of the present.

Outside the window, the sun broke through the clouds and the world was a little less gray.

Chapter Text

“Chloe I don't dance, this is so stupid,” Beca complained, stopping in front of the doors to the dance studio.

“Beca, that’s such bull shit and you know it,” Chloe looped her arm around Beca’s elbow as she spoke, prepared to drag the other girl inside if she put up a fight. “You’ve danced in countless Bella’s performances.”

Beca scrunched up her face in detest. “That’s different,”

“There’s music and you’re dancing, explain to me how this is any different.”

“Because, well, the music is different. There’s no beat or catchy lyric to follow,” With her free hand she picked a stay piece of lint of her jacket.

“Are you serious?” Chloe smiled and shook her head, “And here I thought you were the music major. Of course, there’s a beat.”

“Okay fine, but what if I suck? What if I step on your toes and ruin your feet forever and you have to be bedridden because you can’t walk ever again and I’ll try to get you a wheelchair but you’ll be stubborn and refuse to use it and slip further and further into a deep depression and your books won't interest you or music, or me–”

Chloe dropped her arm and moved so she was directly in front of her girlfriend. “Hey,” She placed a hand on each of her shoulders, anchoring Beca back to earth. “Stay here alright? This is just ballroom dancing, is slow and graceful. You can do this.” The other girl was breathing rapidly, eyes squeezed shut. Chloe moved her hands to Beca’s face and just stayed there, the world closing in around them.

“I know new things are scary, but this isn’t new, it's just a different song on the same album you’ve been playing. And I’ll be right here the whole time, alright?”

Beca nodded and exhaled, long and slow, and opened her eyes. A stormy sea meeting calm waters. “I’m sorry, there’s just a lot going on, being here in New York now and new jobs and all that jazz. I’m just hella stressed out.”

“I know,” Chloe leaned in so their foreheads touched. She let the silence take the wheel till she heard Beca’s breathing returning to its normal rhythm. “That’s why we’re doing this though, to take your mind off of everything. We don’t have Bellas practice anymore so you need a new outlet, we both do.”

Beca pulled back and nodded. “Yeah no, you’re right.”

At this Chloe smirked, “I’m always right.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Beale.” She leaned in and kissed Chloe’s cheek before dropping her hand to entangle their fingers.

Chloe pulled her hand away and took a step back from a confused Beca. She stood completely upright, arms held stiffy against her sides, legs together. Then she bowed to Beca and extended a hand. “Lady Mitchell, my I have this dance?”

“God, you’re such a dork, you’re lucky I love you.” Beca laughed and took her hand.

The class, as it turns out, wasn’t so bad after all.

Chapter Text

It was late when Chloe opened the door to her shared apartment. It was a cramped three-bedroom just over the river between Virginia and Washington DC. Expensive but you couldn’t beat the location let alone the view. To afford it they had smashed 4 and a half girls in there. Half because Jessica, being a flight attendant was hardly there. 

She didn’t think anyone was home, it was prime clubbing time. Beca likely had a gig, Amy was likely ‘on the prowl’, Flo always had a comedy show, and that left just Chloe.  

The redhead kicked off her heels and crossed to the large floor-to-ceiling window. The nation’s capital glowed yellow and red against the night sky. It had been a year and she still wasn’t used to this view, it still took her breath away. There was something about city lights that she found enchanting, and maybe this wasn’t the New York of her dreams, it was still something to behold. 

“Fuck!” came a voice from Amy and Beca’s room. It startled Chloe and her eyes quickly glanced around the living room for something to use as a weapon. 

“This mother fucking shit fuck stupid ass piece of fucking shit!” 

Chloe relaxed, she would recognize that tongue anywhere. She didn’t bother knocking on the door, it was open a crack already so she just opened it the rest of the way. There sprawled across the floor was Beca, sitting in a sea of tangled cords and vinyl records. her mixing equipment was askew on her desk. Her laptop was hanging off the side, swinging on its charging cord. The only thing not a mess was Beca’s prized speakers, which sat safe and sound on their custom stands. 

“Are you okay?” Chloe asked, worried. 

Beca whipped her head over to meet the other girl’s eyes before sighing. “Yeah, I just… this is stupid.” She gestured to the mess. 

“What happened?” Chloe came into the room and set her laptop back on the desk and offered Beca a hand. 

“I was mixing a new song and I forgot I didn't have my longer cord plugged in. And well,” She looked down, embarrassed. “I started jamming and I pulled things down and then I tripped and pulled the rest of it down.” 

Chloe laughed and pulled Beca up off the floor. “You got so into your music and knocked everything over like a little kid.” 

“Shut up,” Beca grumbled and began picking up cords 

“Can I hear it? The song I mean?”

“Uh, yeah sure,” Beca dropped the cords in her hands into the box where they normally lived. She moved to her desk  clicking a few things on her laptop. 

A remix of Roses by SAINt JHN started bumping through the speakers. The intro building into a steady pounding bass beat with audio effects added. 

Chloe started moving without realizing it, she smiled at Beca who was nodding to the beat. Chloe kicked the pile of cords to the side and grabbed Beca’s waist, pulling her on the makeshift dancefloor. Beca rolled her eyes but raised her arms and started dancing with Chloe anyway. 

The sony wasn’t very long and Beca’s laptop flipped automatically to the next song. 

Oh, I'll be your daydream, I'll wear your favorite things

The lyrics came as the beat swelled behind them. Chloe was about to ask what song this was when she noticed Beca as red in the face. She was no longer dancing, and moving awkwardly to block her laptop from Chloe’s view. 

“Beca what song is this?” 

“Oh, it's just Roses by The Chainsmokers, no big deal.” Beca’s voice was an entire octave higher and she was staring at Chloe’s shoulder instead of meeting her eyes. 

“You’re making it a big deal though,” Chloe cocked an eyebrow and took a step forward. “Let me see your screen.” 

“Haha, nope that’s okay, I think I have to go take a shower so no more music,” Beca turned to close her laptop when Chloe caught her wrist and stopped her. She felt Beca tense in her grasp as the older woman peered down at the screen. 

The track playing was listed as ‘Roses - or how I feel about Chloe’ 

Chloe let Beca’s arm go and the smaller girl quickly closed her laptop but reminded rooted in the spot. 

“Beca?” Chloe’s voice was gentle and soft, barely above a whisper. It cut through the now silent room like an arrow piercing armor. 

“It’s just a joke,” Beca tried “it was like 4 am when I wrote that.” 

Say you’ll never let me go

“Beca stop,” Chloe said and the other girl stilled. “You like me?” 

Beca shifted from one foot to the other before finally meeting Chloe’s eyes. “Yes.”

Chloe couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her face. Finally, after all this time of dropping hints not wanting to overstep an unspoken boundary with Beca – this was happening. 

“I’ll never let you go,” Chloe responded, taking one of Beca’s hands.

Beca looked at her confused but she took Chloe’s hand in her own. “Oh! The song? You’re responding to that lyric?”

“Yes you weirdo, I’ve been waiting for you to say something for years.” 

“Wait what really?” Chloe was sure if she wasn’t holding onto Beca’s hand the girl would fall over again. 

“I like you too.” 

In the darkness, Beca’s smile shined brighter than the city lights outside the window. 

She already knows that my love is fire.

Chapter Text

“What’s wrong Sara?” Beca asked the young girl who was lingering after music class was dismissed.

“Ms. Mitchell, can I talk to you?” She was shifting from one foot to the other while staring at the carpet, a deep frown causing a crease between her eyebrows.

“Of course, you can always talk to me. But school just let out, won't your mom be mad you’re late?”

Beca had never met the woman, Sara’s dad usually did the parent-teacher nights alone. She honestly had no idea if Sara’s mom would be mad or not.

“Well, that’s the thing. It’s my mom I wanna talk about.”

Beca gestured to some seats, better to be on the same level than behind a desk. This was a personal matter, not a disciplinary action.

“What’s going on?”

Sara didn’t answer at first, she had sat down and immediately started digging through her backpack. Tossing aside books and papers till she pulled out a bag of heart-shaped candies. “Mom and dad have been fighting a lot, and I saw these were on sale because it's past valentines day. I thought it would make her feel better because who doesn’t like hearts? Ms. Mitchell, you like hearts right?”

“Of course,” Beca answered, pushing down a ping of sadness. She used to like those hearts back when she was in college and would get them for Chloe because they were stupid and cheesy and Chloe loved them nearly as much as she loved Beca. Which, back then at least, was a lot.

“Right! Everybody does!” Sara continued, “But I gave these to mom and she started crying! I’ve never seen her cry before! Even when her and dad are fighting, she NEVER cries.” Sara looked down at the bag of candies in her hand.

Beca was never good at comforting emotions, especially in kids, but damn if she didn’t try. “I’m sure your mom is just under a bunch of stress. She probably loved the candies and was just overwhelmed with how nice you were.”

“No,” Sara said, looking back at Beca, her eyes glistening. “She told me to take them to school because she couldn’t look at them right now.”

“I see,”

“So I made her sad, how do I fix it?”

“Well, emotions are weird. So your mom didn’t like the candies, but what if you two had a movie night? You can watch a musical maybe?” Beca offered and tapped the bag of candy. “You know, there are a few people who don’t like these at all, they think they’re gross and taste like chalk.”

“What really? But they’re so cute!” Sara exclaimed and for a brief second Beca was brought right back to the Bellas house and Chloe was saying the exact same thing.

“I know right? It’s so weird.” Beca made a face to further her point and Sara giggled. “You know what everyone likes though?”

“What?” Sara asked her eyes no longer on the verge of tears.

“Music! Come on let’s play a song on the piano and then we can get you out to the carpool line okay?”

“Okay!” Sara lept up and ran over to the piano bench. Beca followed, her fingers had only hit two keys when there was a knock on her open classroom door.

“Sara?” Came a voice that caused all the hairs on Beca’s neck to stand up and she froze in place, hands hovering over the piano keys. “Mrs. Davis said you were still in here, but you have soccer practice, we need to go.”

“Chloe?” Beca said, she was still frozen in place, not daring to look. She wanted to be right but she feared being wrong.

“Becs?” came the response and Beca exhaled a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

She had just stood from the bench when a certain redhead all but tackled her into a hug. “Beca! Oh my god!”

“Chloe holy shi–shirts! You’re Sara’s mom?”

“And you’re Sara’s teacher?” Chloe pulled back to look at Beca but left her hands on the other woman’s shoulders. “She said Ms. Mitchell was teaching music but I didn’t put it together, I didn’t think…” and then a little more quietly so only Beca could hear. “I didn’t want to get my hopes up.”

“You know my mom?” Sara asked, and both women startled, suddenly remembering the kid in the room. Chloe stepped back and the air between them was cold in her absence.

“Yes, we were really good friends in college,” Beca answered, it was all she could do to not take Chloe’s hand in her own.

“More than friends,” Chloe corrected and Beca prayed to every god there ever was that her face wasn’t as red as it felt. Sara beamed at them both and Beca couldn’t believe she didn’t notice before how much she was a slitting image of her mother.

“Do you want to get a coffee later and catch up?”

Chloe smiled and took her hand. “I would love that. You know, Sara gave me those heart-shaped candies last night and all I could think about was you and your goofy smile when you would give them to me.”

“And now here I am!”

“I’ve been so stressed with this divorce and work and I’m just really glad you’re here. I missed you.”

“I missed you too, dude. Like a stupid gross amount.”

Chapter Text

“Can’t you just make a mixtape?” Chloe asked, she was pushing the cart and following Beca around the store. The two had somehow swapped places, she was sure of it. Because she felt tired and moody and Beca was the one who kept pushing forward to each store with the gusto of a teenager.

“A mixtape is just a glorified Spotify playlist that’s harder to listen to,” Beca quipped back before pausing in front of a bedspread display.

“But, it’s the thought that counts right?”

“Hmm, no this is lame,” Beca said mostly to herself, ignoring Chloe’s question. She started walking again and Chloe, leaning more on the cart now, reluctantly followed.

“Are you sure we can find something in the home decor store?” Chloe said, trying for a different question.

“I mean, maybe? I honestly have no idea what to get Flo for her birthday. I just want it to be good and not lame.”

“What did you get her last year?”

“A gift card, which is as lame as they come.” Beca stopped walking and heaved her shoulders before turning to look at Chloe. “Aubrey gives such great gifts, I just want to one-up her for once.”

Chloe smiled and shook her head, “You give good gifts, Beca. But you have to let this competition with Aubrey go. You’re both going to run each other off a cliff at some point.”

“Would you miss me if I fell off a cliff, Beale?” Beca smirked

“Duh you weirdo. If you fell off a cliff and died I would be one of those widows who never gets married again and stands in a black dress looking sadly at the sea.” Chloe placed a hand over her heart and stared off into the distance for added effect.

Beca laughed, “You’re so dramatic, I love you. Let's take a break from shopping and get some coffee.”

“Oh my god, I thought you would never ask, I was suffering Beca. SUFFERING.”

“Sorry, okay? I thought we would have found something by now.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll get some coffee and the caffeine will help you think of something. It’s not like you can get her a signed Shakira vinyl.”

Beca’s eyes went wide. “Chloe! You beautiful gorgeous genius!”

Before Chloe could realize what was happening, Beca was dragging her out to the car while her phone was pressed to her ear with her free hand.

“...And you can? Aw man, thank you so much! We’re even now okay? …yeah, yeah, till next time. I’ll talk to you later, thanks again!” Beca hung up the phone, beaming at Chloe.

“Did you just use your connection to DJ Khaled to get a signed vinyl?” Chloe asked, shaking her head.

“Hey! In my defense, he owed me a favor,” Beca buckled her seatbelt and fist-bumped the air. “Suck it Posen!”

Chloe laughed and started the car, at least shopping was over and coffee was on the horizon.

Chapter Text

“Dude, why the fuck did you offer to make the cupcakes for the rehearsal dinner?” Beca whined, she was standing on the opposite side of the kitchen island, covered in flour.

“Because Amy is already spending so much money on the ceremony, I was trying to be nice!” Chloe shot back. Her hand was on top of the mixer and her red hair had half fallen from its top knot.

“We could have bought them, we could have ordered some from a bakery!” Beca huffed, visibly frustrated. She pointed to the counter behind them where two dozen cupcakes of haphazard sizes sat cooling. “These look like shit!”

“Stop cussing,” Chloe started the mixer and raised her voice to be heard over the whirling motor. “We’re nearly done and they’ll look better when we frost them.”

Beca folded her arms across her chest and exhaled forcefully, a cloud of flour flying up. “They’ll look like a high school bake sale.”

Chloe didn’t respond at first, letting Beca fume for a few moments. She stopped the mixer and pivoted to pour the batter into the waiting tray before sliding it into the oven. Once that was done she wiped her hands and finally addressed the short fuse in front of her.

“So what if they do? Does it matter if they taste good?”

“I… yes? They have to look nice,” Beca left her arms folded but turned her attention to Chloe.

“Why? I’m honestly asking because this is bothering you a lot.”

Beca unfolded and refolded her arms, her face scrunching into a grimace. “This is the first event we’re going to as a couple, like officially,”

“It is, but what does that have to do with cupcakes?” Chloe took a clean kitchen towel and moved to the side of the island where Beca stood.

“Because… I don’t want… I mean I want… I just don't want people thinking I’m bad for you, that I’m holding you back or something.” she looked down.

“Beca, you think messy cupcakes are going to make people think that?” Chloe chuckled, and stepped into Beca’s space, wiping her face with the towel. “No one is going to think that, they know you love me. I think they knew before we did.”

“I don’t know, I’m just nervous. I don’t want to mess this up.”

Chloe put the towel down and leaned in to kiss Beca’s now clean cheek. “You’re doing great, I promise.”

Beca smiled and finally unfolded her arms. She wrapped them around Chloe’s shoulders instead, holding her close.

“Okay, but Aubrey is going to judge the cupcakes.”

“That we can’t help,” Chloe replied, laughing and burying her head in Beca’s neck. They stayed like that, swaying to a song only they could hear till the oven timer went off.

Chapter Text

A loud thud followed by hurried footsteps announced her brother thundering downstairs.

Chloe thought nothing of it. She was sitting at her parent’s kitchen table, drinking a mug of coffee while her mother flipped through the newspaper. It was still early, a sunny Saturday morning of a long weekend at home from college.

“Chloooooooooooooole,” Came her brother's voice, he slid into the kitchen. Already dressed for the day with a mop of untamed red hair sticking out in every direction.

“Hi buddy, good morning!”

He ignored her greeting and slammed a book onto the table. Chloe recognized it instantly and she paused mid-sip.

“Who’s Beca?” He asked her, his hands still on the book, her diary. If her mom noticed her brother’s actions, she was ignoring them.

“She’s a friend in college, she’s on the acapella team with me,” She could already feel her heart rate picking up, she should have left her diary at school.

“But why do you say you love her and you were so excited when she kissed you?” he questioned.

This caught her mother’s attention, she lowered the newspaper and look her reading glasses off to look at her daughter. Chloe couldn’t read her expression nor did she know how to navigate this situation. This wasn’t how she was going to tell her mom.

“And you also said that one night–”

“Okay! Thank you!” Chloe grabbed the book off the table, cutting her brother off mid-sentence. “You shouldn’t be reading this. This is private.”

“If it’s so private why was it stuffed under your hoodie in your suitcase?”

She could kill him, he had gone through her bag and she could kill him.

“Charlie, why don’t you go see if your father needs help with the truck?” her mother cut in, she hadn’t taken her eyes off Chloe.

Charlie beamed and thundered out of the kitchen, leaving the two women alone.

Chloe swallowed the lump in her throat. Her hands were shaking causing the spoon in her coffee tink against the ceramic. She was beyond nervous, it felt like the room was closing in around her.

“Chloe, sweetie…” her mom said in a voice that was so tender and soft that Chloe’s only response was a sob.

Her mom stood and moved to Chloe’s side of the table. She gently took the mug out of her daughter’s hands and wrapped her in a tight hug as Chloe broke down crying.

“Just breathe okay? I’m right here.” She spoke into her daughter’s hair, rubbing circles on her back.

She didn’t know how much time had passed, it seem like a lot and a little all at once. Finally, she pulled back and looked at her mom, blue eyes, the same shade as her own, looked back at her.

“Are you mad at me?” Chloe dared to ask.

“No, of course not,” her mother swiped Chloe’s tears with her thumbs, “Do you love her? This Beca?”

“I do Mom, I love her a lot,” She paused to take a shaky breath, “Is that… Is that okay?”

Her mom pulled her in for a hug again, “Of course sweetie, I just want you to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted and if loving Beca makes you happy then I’m happy.”

Chloe smiled and exhaled, finally relaxing in her mother’s arms.

“I do still want grandchildren though, so you’re going to have to figure that out.”

“Mom!” Chloe laughed and shook her head.

Chapter Text

“Aubrey, slip the man a 20, I want to go faster!” Amy shouted from atop one of the carousel horses, legs swinging back and forth.

“I think this is the top speed, this is a children’s ride after all,” Aubrey responded, she was sitting side-saddle, one hand lightly gripping the pole.

“Don’t have such a stick up your ass,” Stacie called over her shoulder, she was more on the pole than the horse, but no one dared to say anything.

All the Bellas were currently on the ride, having seen there was no line this early in the day. Aubrey had forced them to the traveling carnival the moment it opened. It was so early there was dew on the grass, and the employees drifted around with coffee cups glued to their hands.

Despite the early hour, Chloe was really enjoying herself. It was rare that her ‘family’ of Bellas did things outside the house together that didn’t involve singing or a completion. It was always a breath of fresh air.

She turned on her horse to look at everyone, Cynthia-Rose was pretending to race Jessica and Flo. Ashley was taking selfies. Lily was sitting cross-leg on top of her horse. And Emily, all legs, was practically standing on the platform while being on her horse at the same time.

The super senior turned her head to the side to watch Beca. The brunette, normally sarcastic and serious, was smiling ear to ear. Laughing at everyone’s antics and letting her hair fly freely behind her.

Chloe’s heart swelled and she couldn’t help but smile. It hit her in that moment, surrounded by everyone she loved dearly – she was going to marry that girl.

Chapter Text

“Beca I want to show you something,” Chloe said, gently grabbing Beca by the wrist and leading her out of the Bellas shared kitchen. They were the only ones downstairs at this hour. It was late and everyone was either in the library studying or asleep in their beds.

“Show me what?” Beca ask while doing her best to stay upright as Chloe all but dragged her towards a closed door off the living room. It was white like the walls and Beca had never really paid it any mind, figuring it was a utility closet or something equally as boring.

“Just come on,” Chloe opened the door and flicked on a light switch, illuminating stairs leading to a lower level of the house.

“We have a basement? This whole time we’ve had a basement?”

“You never noticed?”

“No?” Beca answered growing more confused as they descended the stairs.

“Take detective off your list of possible careers,” Chloe mused. She paused at the bottom and flipped another light switch. The basement was a sizable open space with concrete floors and plain walls. Large sheets hung from the ceiling, dividing the place into two sections. One housed weights and exercise equipment, and the other was home to several easels and various art supplies.

“Seriously this has been here the entire time?” Beca’s eyes were darting around the room taking everything in.

“Over here,” Chloe pulled Beca into the art area which was littered with sketches and paintings in various mediums and styles. The vast majority of the art, however, was beautiful watercolor pieces of landscapes and buildings.

Beca stepped into the space and Chloe let her arm go, hanging back. The brunette walked to the nearest painting. It was of the bell tower on campus, blue sky with wispy clouds and framed te structure on either side offering a gentle contrast to the dark windows. She leaned in more closely to read where the artist had signed it and saw ‘CB’. Looking around nearly every canvas in the space was signed ‘CB’.

“Chloe Beale?”

“That’s me,” Chloe said, forcing a smile as Beca turned to her. She had her hands clasped together and her eyes glinted in the light like they were wet with unshed tears.

“Chloe did you paint all these?” Beca asked gesturing around the space and the other girl nodded. “I didn’t know you could paint, Chlo. These are really good! Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“I paint when I’m sad, and I guess I just didn’t want you to think differently of me.”

Beca fought the urge to look around the room at the large collection of art again. She knew it was a lot. Hours, days, years even, of dealing with an inner battle. Instead, she walked back over to Chloe and took her hands in her own.

“I’m not going to judge you or think differently of you because you found a coping method. Which, by the way, thank you for trusting me enough to show me. But Chloe, please don't be afraid to talk to me okay?”

For a moment all Chloe could do was nod until a tear ran down her cheek. Beca swiped it away with her thumb and stepped closer.

“I’m here for you, I love you.”

Chloe nodded again before taking a deep breath, “Do you, I mean you don’t have to, but do you want to sit with me while I paint right now?”

“Chlo, I would love nothing more.”

Chapter Text

“Are you okay?” ” Chloe asked. She was sitting with Beca on the couch in their apartment. The TV playing some nonsense reality show, Amy had put it on an hour ago and had since retreated to her room to sleep.  

Beca had hardly said anything all evening. Her eyes never moved from her laptop. She was deeply engrossed in whatever she was working on, chewing on her bottom lip and bouncing one leg.

“Hey, Earth to Michelle?” 

“Hmm?” Beca finally responded, she turned her head towards Chloe but left her eyes on the screen. 

Chloe took the opportunity to lightly grab Beca’s arm. Blue eyes, glassy and red, slowly shifted to focus to her. Dark undereye bags and disheveled eyebrows rounded the exhausted look Beca wore. 

“When was the last time you slept?” 

“Uh, last night? For like 2 hours? I don’t know. I’ve been so stressed just thinking about these pitch meetings tomorrow. Or whatever day Friday is.” Beca furrowed her brow, her eyes dropping from Chloe to the floor. 

Chloe shifted closer on the couch and moved Beca’s laptop to the coffee table before wrapping her arms around Beca’s small frame.

“I’m just really worried, Chlo,” Beca said, she couldn’t be any closer to Chloe but her voice sounded small and far off. 

“Well, let’s play a game to distract you,” Chloe tried, Beca was too far in her head right now for her own good, she needed a break. 

“What did you have in mind?” 

“It’s like a game of chicken,” Chloe said, pulling back from Beca so she could see her face, “Only you tell me when to stop.” 

“Chicken? What the f–” 

Chloe kissed Beca’s forehead and the younger woman went quiet. Her eyes locked on Chloe like a whip crack, and a grin slowly spread across her face.  

Chloe shifted so she was straddling Beca’s lap. She slowly kissed her temples, her cheekbones, her nose, her jaw, her chin. 

She paused, hovering just over Beca’s lips, a question. Beca’s eyes were still open, watching her. Her arms had found their way to Chloe’s back, hands dancing over the fabric not yet daring to go under. 

“Kiss me,” Beca breathed, her voice low and husky sounding. To hell if anyone saw.  

And Chloe leaned in slowly till their lips met. Beca deepened it instantly as her hands finally graced Chloe’s skin. She became lost in the moment, pressing into Beca until she wasn’t sure where she ended and Beca began. 

Finally, Chloe pulled back for air. Beca’s chest below her was rising and falling in a quick rhythm, her face flushed with rosy cheeks. She left her arms around the redhead’s waist and just looked at her. 

Chloe reached down and hooked her fingers in the hem of Beca’s shirt, “are you sure?” she asked when Beca sat forward slightly in response. They had yet to go this far, just stealing kisses in passing. 

“Yes, are you?” she whispered. 

Chloe tugged Beca’s shirt over her head before discarding it on the floor. Her own shirt followed a second later along with her bra. “Yes,” she breathed.

Beca, distracted with the new view opened her mouth to say something else but Chloe was there again with a kiss. 

The game had been long since forgotten, she trailed down Beca’s neck and across her collarbone. Beca’s hands left Chloe’s body to remove her own bra, her eyes closed’ neck swayed to the side and her mouth slightly agape. 

As soon as the fabric hits the floor Chloe was there. Greedy hands followed by her mouth, her tongue ghosting over the mountain peaks. She wrapped an arm around Beca and guided her so she was laying length wise on the couch before pulling back. 

“You’re so beautiful,” Chloe whispered, the light from the TV casting shadows across her bare skin. She still straddled Beca as if glued there by the heat raging at her center. 

Beneath her, Beca, already flushed, became a shade darker. She smiled in the way only Beca could, it could have been mistaken for a smirk if you didn’t know her. But Chloe knew. 

“I love you,” Beca confessed for the first time, the words tumbling from her lips like she had said it a million times. 

It moved something in Chloe, a final piece clicking into place. A warm feeling spread up to her heart from deep in her core. She leaned down, pressing a kiss into Beca’s lips. Hoping it somehow conveyed even a fraction of the emotion she felt was about to bubble over.

Chloe loved her and was loved in return. Tomorrow didn’t matter, only this moment. Across from them, the TV kept going, outside the city kept moving. But in this moment, in their world, everything was still and perfect.

Chapter Text

Chloe woke up to the smell of coffee, drifting into the dimly lit bedroom as if carried by a song. She reached her hand out only to find an empty bed behind her. Beca had already left the comfort of the covers.

Sitting up she rubbed her eyes and rolled her shoulders, shrugging away the grogginess of the morning. The balcony curtain was open, letting in the light from a sun hidden behind clouds. Soft raindrops hit the glass in a steady rhythm.

Many people disliked rainy days in the city, but Chloe had always enjoyed them. Rainy days were cozy days, sweaters and leggings, warm cups of coffee, a good book, and quiet time with Beca. Who would often tinker away at the piano in the living room on days such as these.

Maybe in the world before, when she would have to rush out the door to get to the office. Maybe she disliked the rain back then. But this was a different world, post-pandemic. Beca worked at home and Chloe had left her job. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do in the future but Beca made enough that Chloe could take her time figuring it out.

“Hey, you’re awake,” Beca said, she had appeared in the doorway, two mugs in hand. Her brown hair was pulled back in a low and loose ponytail. She was still clad in her sleepwear, an oversize t-shirt, and basketball shorts. She could have been wearing a potato sack and Chloe would still find her beautiful.

“Yeah, I was just listening to the rain,” Chloe replied, she took a mug from Beca when the other woman came closer. Taking a sip as Beca walked around to her side of the bed and climbed back in. The coffee was sweet and blonde, the way Chloe preferred. Beca knew and remembered what so many others had never bothered to.

“It’s supposed to rain all day,” Beca said, sipping her own mug – black with two sugars.

Chloe hummed and sat her coffee mug on the bedside table. She shifted to lay with her head on Beca’s chest. The sounds of the rain mixed with Beca’s heartbeat, steady and even. It nearly lulled her back to sleep till she heard Beca sat her own mug down.

“I never use to like the rain,” Beca said, she wrapped one arm around Chloe’s shoulders. Tracing the freckles on her arm with her free hand.

“What changed?”

“You came into my life.”

Chapter Text

“Chlo, there's so much snow outside, I don’t think we’re leaving today.”

Chloe looked up at Beca who was standing at the window. Hands on her hips, clad in black sweat pants and a green Barden University hoodie that she had ‘borrowed’ months ago.

“I don’t think that’s a bad thing though, we have food and water here, plus there's plenty to do.”

Beca huffed, and crossed back to the table, ungracefully plopping down in one of the chairs with a scowl on her face. “But what about classes?”

“Beca, we already graduated.”

“Not us, for Emily.” She gestured vaguely into the cabin proper. It was a large place, five bedrooms with enough beds for every Bella to have her own. Three level, the basement hosting a bar, pool table, and an outdoor patio featuring a hot tub. While the uppermost level offered an unobstructed view of the lake beyond the tree line.

They had rented the cabin out for a long weekend during Emily’s spring break, to celebrate the now senior’s upcoming graduation. They were excepting no snow, just some rain, but Aubrey had purposely booked a place with actives on site. Hence the hot tub and pool table and large kitchen.

It was early still, the sun only just speaking up over the mountains. Chloe had dragged Beca out of bed in hopes of sneaking in some alone time in the hot tub. Only to find Amy and Lily passed out on and under the pool table respectively. The door to the outside was only a few feet away from their sleeping forms, so they abandoned the idea. Retreating instead to the kitchen where coffee was now brewing.

“I think she’ll understand,” Chloe offered, reaching across the table and putting a hand on Beca’s forearm. The touch instantly softened the brunette’s mood and she offered Chloe a smile.

“She’ll understand what?” Emily asked with a yawn. Her eyes then fell on the window, “Oh holy shit, there’s a ton of snow out there!”

“Yeah,” Beca’s mood clouding again, “I don’t think we can leave.”

“Oh well, no classes for me, what a shame,” Emily shrugged and moved to pour herself a cup of coffee.

“Wait, that doesn’t bother you?” Beca asked, turning in her chair to look at the younger girl.

“Uh, no? Why would it? It's one day of classes in my senior year, it's basically a joke away.” Emily shrugged. “Legit, I’m not worried. Plus I get to spend more time with you guys!”

Beca frowned and turned back to Chloe, grumbling under her breath. Over near the stove, Emily was oblivious.

“Becs, what’s wrong? Do you not want to spend more time with everyone?” Chloe asked, she replaced her hand on Beca’s forearm but this time it had no effect.

Beca’s eyes snapped up to meet Chloe’s, “Of course I do, it’s just…” She glanced over her shoulder at Emily who was singing to herself and dancing as she stirred her coffee. “I just want her to do well and graduate.”

“Aw, Beca Mitchell actually cares about people?” Chloe teased, earning an eye roll.

“Oh what? Beca?” Emily joined them at the table, “There’s no way.”

“I know right, it’s crazy! She must be sick or something?” Chloe winked and gave Beca’s arm a playful squeeze.

“Sorry for giving a shit!”

“No, babe, it's very sweet of you,” Chloe stood walked over to her, placing a kiss on the top of Beca’s head.

“Yeah no, it's hella nice of you. But I’m doing okay in school I promise, straight A’s and honors, I can miss a day or two.” Emily said.

This satisfied Beca who leaned back into Chloe’s body. She relaxed further when the redhead wrapped her arms around her shoulders.

“You guys are so cute,” Emily smiled over her mug, her cheeks rosy from the stream.

“Watch it, Junk,” Beca threatened, but it was empty, hidden behind the smile spreading across her face as Chloe leaned down and kissed her cheek. Maybe staying another day or two wouldn't be so bad after all.

Chapter Text

“Just open it already!“ Amy exclaimed, she was sitting in a chair in the Bellas’ living room. The rest of the girls had gathered around in various seats or even standing. The room was full, but it was quiet, everyone was waiting.

Emily was standing off to the side, unable to sit down. She kept putting her hands in and out of her pockets. “Just, like, rip the bandaid off.”

“Give her a minute,” Chloe said, her arm was around Beca’s shoulders. The pair sat on the couch, pressed together on one end, Ashley sat on the other.

Beca wasn’t listening to any of them. She had a large envelope clutched in her hands. It had arrived a few hours ago but she had put off opening it, scared of the contents. All of the Bellas had come together to support her. Even Aubrey – who had never been on amazing terms with her – made the trip.

This was a big deal. Or the ‘biggest deal ever’ as someone put it. Beca had submitted an application to a recording studio. And it wasn’t just any recording studio. This was one of the biggest in the country, and they had reached out to her, encouraging her to apply. Chloe had said this was a good sign, but Beca was nervous.

It would be so easy for them to chuck her demo in the trash and just send a standard rejection number. They probably had a special button for it. Studios rejected hundreds of people right?

“Just open it, chica, it’s not going to murder you.” Flo offered, a few girls around the room nodding.

“And whatever it says, we’re here for you and we love you,” Chloe added

“Well…we’re here for you, the whole love thing? Ehh, I don’t do alphabet mafia stuff, I already have enough mafia stuff to deal with.” Amy threw in.

This earned a laugh from Beca, mainly because it gave her something else to focus on for a moment. She looked up and around the room, feeling so thankful for all these dorks. Next year, after they all graduated, would be hard. She’s not sure what she was going to do about not seeing them every day.

But that was tomorrow Beca’s problem.

Today was about this envelope.

“Alright, here goes nothing.”

She flipped it over and ran her fingers under the flap. The seal came up easy and she pulled the paper out. Her breath hitching on the first words on the sheet.

Chloe looked over and tightened her grip on her shoulders. Beca didn’t have to look over to know she was crying.

“Damnit Mitchell, what does it say? We going to the Grammys or not?” Cynthia-Rose asked, she stood from her place on the floor and moved to take the paper but pulled her arm back.

Beca’s hands were shaking, she was silent and she read and reread the paper.

There was no way.

Surely it didn’t say what she thought it said. There had to be some explanation because this didn’t make any sense.

“Becs, tell them,” Chloe whispered.

Beca nodded and took a deep breath. She looked up at the room, man did she love these girls.

“I got in, this is my contact!” She beamed, holding the paper up for everyone to see.

The whole room exploded with cheers.

“I know you’re basically married to Chloe, but I’m your plus one for all award shows.” Amy declared.

“Can you get me a job at the reception desk?” Came Stacie’s voice.

“Oh my god, Beca! This is amazing!” Emily shouted

A hand landed on Beca’s shoulder and she looked up to see Aubrey. “I’m really proud of you, Mitchell.”

Beca’s heart swelled, hearing that from Aubrey was almost as good as landing this deal with the studio.

Almost.

“I love you so much,” Chloe told between planting kisses on her cheeks “I knew you were going to get it. You’re amazing.”

Beca couldn’t stop smiling.

After graduation was going to be scary, but it was also going to be a great adventure.

Chapter Text

The renaissance fair was crowded, that’s the first thing Beca noticed. There was just an endless sea of people, everywhere she turned. The next thing she noticed was how many of those same people were in costume. Chloe had told her she didn’t need to dress up, but among the masses, she felt awkward in her jeans and tank top.

“Alright, here’s everyone’s tickets. If any of you lose yours on the short walk to the gate over there, you’re on your own.” Aubrey said. She was dressed in a simple period-style green dress with a black bodice.

“Yee of little faith,” Stacie said, snagging her ticket. She also wore a dress, it was hitched up in the font to reveal most of her legs. A leather corset caused her to have a sizable amount cleavage. It wasn’t that different than a normal Stacie outfit, only here at the fair – Beca noticed – it was very much average.

Cleavage was absolutely everywhere, Beca was gay and even she thought it was too much.

“Come on, you have to try a Bee Sting, it's amazing!” Chloe said, tugging on Beca’s arm and dragging her to the entry gate.

“May thy drinking commence!” Stacie shouted and followed them with Aubrey in tow.

Chloe was dressed the most modest among them. She was in a layered dress, blue and white with a high neckline and long wide sleeves. It still looked amazing on her, even if it was lacking pockets and Beca was carrying all her stuff.

It turns out a Bee Sting was a mead drink and Chloe was right, it was amazing. They were sitting at an open-air tavern, squished onto one end of a long crowded table. A band playing themed music on the stage behind them.

Beca rested her wooden mug on her hand, the bottom was cool and a nice relief from the rising temperature. Stacie had made her buy the mug, claiming she couldn’t possibly drink out of a plastic cup. And despite grumbling about the price, she would admit that the mug was pretty cool.

The band finished playing and Stacie disappeared to talk to the lead singer who, she claimed, was worthy of her crown. Whatever that meant.

“Want to browse the shops or check out the Shakespeare show down the hill?” Aubrey asked, she had the day’s program and map spread out on the table.

“Oh, I love shopping! Maybe we can get Beca an outfit!” Chloe clapped her hands together, her eyes already twinkling with possibilities.

“Chlo, no, you said I didn’t have to dress up!” Beca whined, finishing the last of her drink.

“You don’t if you don't want to,” Chloe pursed her lips and tilted her head to the side, “I just think you would look really good in a corset.”

“Ugh, please keep it in your pants,” Aubrey complained as she stood and brushed nonexistent crumbs off her dress.

The shops weren’t far from the tavern, they sported everything from art to musical instruments to full-size replica weapons. Beca was very tempted to buy a sword because who wouldn’t want a sword, till she saw the price. Her credit card, that’s who wouldn’t want a sword.

She was looking at the smaller, and much more reasonably priced daggers when she heard her name being called. Turning she spotted Jessica – standing in front of a cart and waving at her. Chloe and Aubrey were busy at the stained glass shop across the way so Beca walked over to the blonde woman alone.

“Dude, what are you doing here?” Beca asked once she was in earshot, it had been a few months since they had seen other each, not for lack of trying, just life is weird like that sometimes.

“I work here!” Jessica exclaimed her smile wide. “Every day at 2 pm I sing with one of the bands, but outside of that I’m doing this!” She gestured to her cart, it was full of ribbons and string of various colors and lengths.

Beca looked back at her confused, completely missing the sign on the front of the cart that would have told her everything.

“Oh sorry, I do hair wraps and ribbons.” She flicked a latch and a little seat popped out the side. “I don’t have a booth so I just walk around, mobile service I guess.”

“Wow, dude that’s really cool. Do you make good money?”

“I wouldn’t be walking miles in a circle before and after performing if I didn’t,” Jessica said, winking.

“That’s awesome, just remember to drink some water.”

“Of course, oh! Do you want some ribbons? I have darker colors.”

Beca hesitated, though she appreciated Jessica remembering she didn’t like bright colors, which was the majority of her cart. “Uh…”

She looked over at Chloe and Aubrey, they have moved to a jewelry booth, trying on necklaces. Chloe was laughing at something, her smile bright and her head tipped back so the sunlight danced across her features. She would probably love it if Beca got some ribbons in her hair since she wasn’t going to dress up. And it was Jessica, Beca trusted her.

“Yeah, okay let's do it.”

“Sweet, do you want to pick the colors or?”

“Nah dude, go for it,” Beca took a seat where Jessica had gestured and the girl got to work.

Expert hands working various strands of Beca’s long brown hair. The familiar feeling brought her right back to college and preparing for a Bellas show. She missed those days so much it made her heart ache sometimes. But still being in contact with everyone helped a lot. She might not have seen Jessica in months, but it was just a few days ago that they were sending memes back and forth.

In the middle of a festival dedicated to a time long since past, Beca thanked modern technology for keeping her connected to those she loved.

“Aaaaand, done!” Jessica said, she stepped back and handed Beca a small mirror. “Let me know what you think!”

Beca took the mirror, angling it so it lined up with the other one Jessica was holding so she could see the back of her head. Her friend had put 2 small braids in Beca’s hair, leaving most of it loose and down. The braids met in the back of her head, cascading into loose ends that blended with the rest of her hair. Blue ribbons were woven subtly into the braids, and a tasteful bow, dark green in color, held the ends of the braids in place.

“Jess, this is amazing!”

“Thanks! I’ve had lots of practice, and don’t worry about the money, it's absolutely on the house.”

“Jessica!” Chloe shouted, she and Aubrey had walked over and she went in for a hug.

“It’s so good to see you guys!” Jessica said, smiling.

“When do you get off? Would you like to join us for drinks?” Aubrey offered.

Beca stopped listening. Chloe was staring at her, her hands held up to face, hiding a smile Beca knew was there from the way her eyes were scrunched. Beca humored her and turned her head so Chloe could see all of Jessica’s work.

“Jess! You turned her into a princess!” Chloe exclaimed, earning a laugh from Jessica.

“Do you guys want ribbons too? I’ll trade you, braids for beers tonight.”

Chloe reached up a hand and lightly touched Beca’s hair, letting her hand linger on her cheek for a moment. Her eyes, the same shade of blue as Beca’s ribbons showed nothing but love. It was really about the little things in life.

“Totes! Let's do this!” Chloe said, holding her eyes on Beca a moment longer before turning back to the cart.

While Jessica was distracted with the other two Bellas, Beca slipped a few 20’s into her tip jar. She didn’t care that it was all the cash she had on hand, that look in Chloe’s eyes was worth every penny.