A/N: Woo new multi-chapter fic! I'm real excited for this one! Especially with all of the sorority connotations that the Bellas have- tight-knit college group, a sisterhood, they have a sorority house etc. This fic will be mostly Bechloe with side Staubrey. And I'm not lying, there is a fair amount of side Staubrey. This story has all of the goodies: romance, humor, drama and more! I hope you guys like it!
Disclaimer: No I don't own Pitch Perfect or any of the characters. Rated M for adult language, references to under age drinking, slight hazing but nothing too bad, and maybe sexual content if that's the way ya'll want it to go. No major triggers. This is just light-hearted fun!
Rushing the Beat
Part I: Rush Week
Chapter 1: So You Want to be an Alpha?
Beca Mitchell is not sorority material.
But her mother was.
And so was her aunt.
And her grandmother.
And her great-grandmother.
Yeah, she was a legacy.
A legacy for the most intelligent, poise, ruthless and cutthroat sorority on the Barden University campus.
Alpha Psi Delta. Or ΑΨΔ in Greek letters.
Mostly referred to simply as 'Alpha's' because that is all that was needed. At Barden, Alpha's were looked to like royalty. Awed and feared all at the same time. Beca wasn't necessarily nervous about college or impending sorority life- just weary.
Her best friend Emily on the other hand...
"Oh-M-Alpha-G!" this place is so frickin' cool!" Emily squealed next to her as she jumped up and down. They had just arrived on campus, their luggage in tow. All black and matching for Beca and a hodgepodge of colors and brands for Emily.
"Woah girl, stop," Beca said, putting a hand on her shoulder. She was literally buzzing with excitement," Think can you cool your junk, Junk?"
"Honestly? Heck no, I've been waiting for this day my whole life. I mean c'mon Beca we're finally freshmen in college. You can't tell me you're not a little bit excited." The taller girl looked at her best friend expectantly.
"...okay I'm a little excited to finally get to take some music tech classes."
"See there ya go! Alright, now let's go see our room!"
"Wow you guys got all of your stuff up here already? I was hoping to help with some heavy lifting!" Beca's dad said looking around after just arriving.
"Yeah Dr. Mitchell, although it did take a couple trips!" Emily said, still all smiles.
"Em, you've known me for two decades and I don't think I've once heard you call me that."
"Sorry Uncle John, we're in your work place so I just thought-"
"That you'd suddenly stop being the second daughter I never had?" He chuckled which made the taller girl blush.
"Haha sorry."
"So are you guys going to the activities fair?"
"What's the point we know we want to rush Alpha Psi Delta, we know sign-ups for rush week are tonight at the kick-off party and we know we have some serious unpacking to do." Beca's face contorted in a look of disgust that made it look like saying the words left a bad taste in her mouth. Her father sighed and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Becs, you don't have to be in Alpha Psi Delta because your mom was. I know how much you hate everything about Greek life."
"That's easy for you to say,"she replied quickly- bitterly. They stared at each other for a few more seconds, her father being the first to break.
"Look...why don't you guys just check the fair out. You might find other clubs- or even other sororities that catch your eye."
"Like mom would ever tolerate me being in another sorority," she chuckled humorlously.
"Look Beca, no matter what you decide I will support you- you too Emily."
"Yeah."
"Alright, I'll leave you girls to it."
"Thanks Uncle John, tell my parents I love them!"
"Will do!"
"Bye dad."
"Good luck on your first day of classes tomorrow!"
He closed the door behind him leaving the girls alone in silence.
"You want to go to the Activities Fair don't you?"
"Please Beca pleeeease!"
"Alright alright, lets go!"
"Okay apparently the Greek booths are towards the West side of the the quad, by the founders fountain- Oh. Found them." It was fairly difficult to miss the fraternity and sorority booths. They were on either side of a circular pathway with a bronze statue in the middle and decked to the nines with their house letters plastered on posters and shirts and buttons and jackets.
"It's like a middle school dance with the boys on one side of the dance floor and girls on the other," Beca quipped.
"Holy cow there are so many people!"
"Look, there are the Alpha's, come on."
Not five steps in the right direction were they intercepted by a girl of average beauty with the letters ΚΚΠ across her quite ample chest with an 'Ask Me For Help' badge.
"Hi you wouldn't happen to both be freshmen looking to rush for a sorority would you?" she asked in a high-pitched, over-excited voice that were like nails on a chalkboard to Beca's decorated ear.
"Um, yeah," Beca replied a little stunned that someone was more peppy than her best friend. But at least Emily was genuine about it. This chick seemed to be as fake as her-
"Well I'm Alyssa and I can answer any questions you may have on any sorority or can direct you to anyone's booth- there's Kappa Kappa Pi (that's me), Sigma Chi, Nu Omega-"
"We're here for Alpha Psi Delta," Beca cut her off.
"You...want to be an Alpha?" She looked the smaller girl up and down condescendingly- hip cocked out and everything.
"Do you have a problem with that?" Beca growled back, never one to back down.
"Hmph, no, it's that booth right over there."
"You mean the booth with the big ΑΨΔ letters that we were walking straight for?"
"Uhh..."
"Yeah. Thanks." Beca pushed past the speechless girl with Emily in tow.
"Beca, I thought we agreed on trying not to make enemies here."
"No, you agreed. I'm prickly by nature. Besides, you know the Alpha's have plenty of enemies."
"That's just how they were when our parents were in school, I'm sure it's changed for the better!"
Beca took one look at the three girls at the ΑΨΔ table and thought that they definitely had changed, just not for the better. Three blondes sat at the table looking prim and proper in dresses and heels- their make-up, hair and jewelry as elegant as could be.
That didn't deter Beca though.
"Well well, are you girls looking to rush?" The blonde in the middle asked. More like stated.
"You bet your pretty prized pony," Beca said with a slightly condescending smile. Whether she became an Alpha or not she immediately knew she was going to enjoy messing with this girl.
"Alpha-scuse me?" Before Beca could say anything witty Emily jumped in.
"What she meant to say was that it's so lovely to meet you all and we hope we're given a chance to be considered for Alpha Psi Delta."
"You're looking to be an Alpha?" she said, looking at in disbelief.
"Umm, Aubrey?" The least scary looking blonde said, looking like she really had something to say and eyeing Beca with intrigue.
"Not now Jessica."
So the leader was Aubrey then.
"No offense but you look a little too...alternative for us. Don't you think Kommissar?"
"I don't know she's a bit scrawny but she looks like she's got some bite."
"Well no offense but it looks to me like you could use some variety and bite," Beca smirked.
"We have an average GPA of 3.8 and the most reputable organization on campus you bitch," Aubrey said through a forced smile.
All of a sudden there was a blur of red and a girl slightly taller than Beca and slightly shorter than Emily was between them.
"Wow Posen, scaring off the freshies already are we?" The disdain on Aubrey's face was immediate.
"Late as always, Beale. God knows how you'll ever able to recruit anyone- which would be a ideal actually." The red head chose to ignore Prissy Posen and turned to Emily.
"Hi, my name is Chloe Beale, President of Beta Epsilon Lambda Alpha- or the Bella's for short."
"I'm Emily Junk- well, technically Hardon-Junk but wow your eyes are so gorgeously blue."
"Aw thank you, that's so sweet."
"Trying to steal my potential pledges Chloe?" Aubrey seethed, standing up as if the height difference would give her more power.
"Oh they're your pledges now? I wouldn't be surprised if they steered clear of the Alpha house for as long as they're here with how you treat them." Chloe turned to Beca now and she was immediately stunned by just how beautiful the other girl was.
The contrast of her fiery hair and glowing crystal blue eyes had her speechless- she kind of short-circuited. Which was weird because as quiet and reserved as she knew she was she always had a witty or smooth comment in her head.
"Chloe," she said again like she hadn't just said it. She stuck her hand out and Beca had to rely on muscle memory to match her movements and shake it.
"Your hands are so soft," she blurted out. Yeah, that wasn't witty or smooth at all.
"Beale would you just go back to your booth!" Chloe gave her a genuine smile before moving over five feet and leaning on the adjacent booth which had ΒΕΛΑ written on its banner, still facing them.
"You guys good back there?" Chloe called to her own executive board.
"Aye aye Mr. President!" a blonde with a British- or maybe it was Australian?- accent replied.
"There. So, what's your name sweetie?" Chloe asked, not taking her eyes off Beca. Aubrey glared.
"Beca. Mitchell. Beca Mitchell is my name."
'What the fuck is wrong with me?' Beca thought, shaking her head to try to get herself to snap out of whatever enchantment this new player to her college game cast.
"Wait. Wait wait wait wait WAIT!" Aubrey cut in, screeching so loud that she got the attention of everyone within a 15 foot vicinity.
"You're THE Beca Mitchell?! As in, an Alpha legacy from the Anderson line?"
"If you're asking if my mom, aunt, grandmother and great-grand mother were all Alpha's then yes. I'm that Beca Mitchell."
"Jessica you're the recruitment coordinator why didn't you tell me that this was Beca Mitchell?"
"I tried to but you wouldn't let me," she said simply. Aubrey looked like she was about to pass out and Chloe was laughing so hard she just might.
"Wait, why is this little troll so special?"
"Oh don't mind Kommissar she's new to the states and doesn't know what certain words mean. Kommissar, Beca comes from a family of Alpha legends. Her great-grandmother was the founder, her grandmother the reason why we have the house we live in today and her mother was the youngest President in Greek Life until-"
"This jiggly ginger right here! First third year president woo!"
"Oh screw off Beale! Beca is an Alpha legacy not a Bella's one."
"Aubrey you know as well as anyone that tradition doesn't concern me as much as it does you."
"I don't need a reminder, Chloe.
"You guys are going to the kick-off party tonight though right?" Jessica asked, trying to change the subject as quick as possible.
"Yeah of course! Wouldn't miss it for the world!" Emily said cheerfully.
"Alright here's a map of where it is and some Alpha's only info for you."
"Thanks," Beca simply said. Jessica seemed a lot more reasonable," Ready to go look around some more Em?"
"Sure! It was nice meeting you girls!"
"Sure thing sweetheart, hope to see you at the rest of the Alpha rush week events." Beca and Emily shuffled off quickly turning their backs in time to miss the glares exchanged between Aubrey and Chloe.
"Woah Becs they really knew you."
"Yeah, I was a little afraid of that. I had no idea it would be this bad."
"Well it can't hurt right? At least we're on their radar now!" Emily was the biggest optimist Beca had ever met. Beca on the other hand would describe herself as a realist. And right now she didn't know if being known as a third generation legacy was going to help or hinder her.
Emily looked like a kid a Christmas as she looked over the pool area drinking everything in. Music was blasting as the giant pool was filled with gyrating college students instead of water. The concession stand had been turned into a make shift bar, kegs and solo cups littered the counter. Lining one of the edges was a set of tables for rush check in, tons of freshmen itching to get a bid.
"So this is the the infamous abandoned pool our parents always talked about. Aren't they worried drunk people might fall in?"
"It looks like they've got a bunch of sober monitors. But oh my god can you believe that this is where your mom and my dad met and became best friends for life!?"
"Yeah it's amazing. C'mon, let's get in line. That one looks shortish. Oops, sorry," Beca apologized when she accidentally bumped into the person in front of them.
"No problem. Hey, I recognize you- you're uh- Beckie? The Alpha's legacy?"
"Ummm Beca actually, you heard that?"
"Duh, the whole quad may as well have heard that. That blonde is way louder than I would of pegged her. Plus, you're cute. I notice cute people a lot more," she winked. Emily tried to stifle a chuckle as Beca's eyes widened," Anyway, I'm Stacie. I'm also a legacy just not from one with a chapter here. What about you?"
"I'm Emily. My dad was in a frat here so not really a legacy."
"I'm sure you'll get a bid regardless. You're pretty cute yourself." Now it was Emily's turn to blush and Beca's turn to laugh.
"Um t-thanks!"
"Alright who's up next!" A guy in a bro tank with the letters ΤΒΜ stitched across his chest called. The three girls shuffled towards the table.
"Alright you girls looking to rush?"
"No actually we're looking for the robotics team," Beca deadpanned," No shit we're rushing."
"Humor, I like it! Sorry about the redundancy it's just standard procedure during Rush week. My name is Jesse Swanson and I'm the VP of Membership and Recruitment for Theta Beta Mu.
"Hey my dad was a Theta!" Emily announced.
"No way! Last name?"
"Junk. Oh I mean Hardon. Hardon- Junk."
"WHAT?! Your dad was Steve Hardon?"
"YEAH!" Beca jumped, these two were a whole new level of optimistic.
"Well which sororities are you girls looking at? I'll try to put in a good word if I can. I know a lot of people in Greek Life."
"Well my heart is set on being an Alpha, this one too," Emily said hip bumping Beca.
"And I'm undecided but I wouldn't mind getting your number," Stacie said, giving Jesse the bedroom eyes.
"I'm flattered but I actually have a girlfriend.
"Just because there's a goalie doesn't mean you can't score."
"Ha good one, you've got some spirit the Bella's would love! Or the Kappa's or A Chi O or- never mind. Here put your names and emails down on the sheet and take a numbered name tag. This is a packet with all rush week info, brief statements about all the Greek chapters we have here at Barden, and just some good resources to have. After that you'll be good to party woo!"
"Great, thanks Jesse. We really hope to see you around," Stacie said suggestively.
"Alright c'mon let's go!" Beca pulled her away while pushing on Emily's back while she gathered all their books and badges.
"Wait I didn't catch any of your names!"
"Emily!"
"Stacie!"
"Beca, unfortunately."
"Have fun!" Jesse called after them.
"So which events are you two going to? All the Alpha ones I suppose," Stacie guessed.
"Yup, gotta make our presence known," Beca sighed," What about you?"
"I like exploring my options."
"Well the Alpha events look awesome," Emily rifled through the book," Okay. Monday: House tours, Tuesday: karaoke, Wednesday is a social with Theta Beta Mu, Thursday: Formal Potluck and 'To Be Announced', Friday: Beer Pong Tournament and Saturday is bid day!"
"Shit that's a lot of interacting."
"Hahaha, if you've got trouble interacting than you might be in the wrong line of work. Are you sure you want to rush?"
"Yes. Yes I am sure," Beca bristled. 'Why do people keep asking me that?' "I just need a drink."
"Me too, let's go!"
"And battle that line? No thank you I'd rather stay sober for a night."
"That's okay! I'll get you something! You stay and make friends we'll be right back!" Emily claimed, pulling Stacie along.
"Wait what- Emily!" She called after her., but the girls had already disappeared through the crowd.
"Heeeeey Beca!" A very obviously tipsy Chloe yelled over the music, bounding over to the abandoned brunette with two cups in her hand," Here you look lonely and sober. Its vodka and lemonade you'll love it."
"Thanks," she took the cup tentatively," So you remember my name huh? It seems that's going around a lot these days."
"Duh, don't you remember? 'Beca Mitchell. Alpha priority number one!'" Chloe said, her voice getting shrill and high, mockingly.
"Ha yeah...I would've given anything to have a picture of Aubrey when I told her my name."
"Well don't tell anyone but I've got plenty of pictures and stories of her that are more than reputation damaging- all obtained legally and consensually of course."
"I bet. So what's the beef with you and the wicked witch of the campus?"
"Oh you think she's bad? No no, the Alpha president is far worse."
"Wait- Aubrey isn't the president?"
"Hmmnope, she's the VP of Communications and Academics."
"Huh, go figure...still though. There's something between you two specifically." Beca saw something pass through Chloe's eyes for the briefest second. Something sad...like guilt or...regret. Maybe she was just imagining it because it was gone in a flash.
"Long story short, our houses have been at war since basically the beginning of our foundation. Actually it started with your great grandmother. Do you know the story of the Alpha's and the Beta's?"
"Do I know the story? Ha, of course. It started when my great-grandma and her best friend started the Alpha's together. But they had a falling out when grams, for lack of a better word, stole her best friends boyfriend. So, her best friend left the Alpha's and started the Beta house next door to remind her everyday that she betrayed her in the worse way." Chloe smiled then. Not the big, all teeth smile like Beca had been seeing all day but a softer, more subdued one.
"It's been awhile since I've heard that story told the right way. To be honest though, it's hard to tell if any story is true when you hear it second hand."
"Well, I've heard it straight from the source."
"Still, I bet it's hard to hear about your family talked about in such a negative light."
"Nah, she was just being honest. She had a lot of regrets- one of the biggest ones being that she betrayed and lost her best friend. In the end though, she was happy with the man she chose, just not with the method she got him. And frankly I am too because I wouldn't be here without either of them choosing that."
"Well, when you put it that way..."
"Wait so, the Bellas are really the Beta's?"
"Yup, the name changed a decade or so ago I think. The last time our two houses had a MAJOR falling out. We broke the rules and tacked on a fourth letter- Alpha- at the end to show that sometimes Alpha's do come last."
"Wow that's some symbolism for you."
"Yeah, and we got a super cute nickname out of it too!"
"Super duper cute," she said sarcastically," so what are you trying to do here? Steal me away?" Beca accused in a way that could almost count as flirting. Almost...she'd probably find that weird later.
"Not at all- I just like making conversation. We can talk about anything you'd like though. Music, movies-"
"You're right Bree- Chloe has taken an unhealthy liking to our legacy. Careful there Beca, Chloe has a tendency for seducing poor, innocent freshmen and bending people to her will." For the first time Beca saw an expression any less than gleeful adorn Chloe's face. It had nothing on the supposed flicker she may or may not have seen earlier. Now she looked hurt.
"Excuse me- do I know you?" Beca spat to the bitchy looking brunette who was standing next to Aubrey.
"Alice Montgomery President of Alpha Psi Delta." Beca blinked twice. She was not expecting that.
"We were just talking Alice. Don't put any false ideas in anyone's head," Chloe defended," I'll see you later Beca." The redhead quickly took off without so much as a glance back. Apparently the rivalry between the Alpha's and the Bella's ran deeper and more personal than even she originally thought.
"Oh hey Chloe!" Emily said passing her with two cups in her hand and no Stacie to be seen.
"Don't count on it Beale!" Aubrey called after the redhead," So sorry you had to deal with her."
"It was fine."
"What happened?" Emily asked confused.
"Nothing of dire importance, and who might you be?"
"Oh, Emily Junk- Beca's best friend and hopefully an Alpha pledge. You're Alice, the President right?"
"How did you know that?" Beca stared at her in surprise.
"Research?"
"Yes I am, glad to know some people come prepared. Speaking of Beca, Aubrey, don't you have anything else to say to our number one priority?"
"I bet you say that to all the girls," Beca winked. Alice immediately went into a fit of very obviously fake giggles.
"Well, Bree?"
"Beca...I just wanted to say I'm sorry for what I said this afternoon. I have to come on strong so I can really get to know people. We don't want just anyone in our house but I apologize for not knowing who your were sooner." It was scripted and not at all genuine but it was the best the blonde could do.
"It's okay, really. I don't want special treatment."
"Oh don't worry, Alpha's may be better than anyone else-"
"A given."
"But all Alpha sisters are equals. We treat each other with respect and dignity." Beca had to suppress the need to snort. Respect and dignity? Yeah, OKAY. "Anyway I can't wait till you see the house- although I'm sure you've been there before even I have considering-"
"I've never been. Only seen pictures." Alice retained a straight face but looked a little pissed off though she tried to hide it.
"Well, I'm sure you'll think it's absolutely gorgeous!"
"I bet." This time the disappointment was more than a little evident. She hadn't expected the most important legacy of her generation be so...sarcastic and stoic and it was getting harder to adjust.
"Well, I've got some presidential matters to take care of. Beca, Emma, I can't wait to see you tomorrow! I have no doubt you'll have no problem getting into the Alpha's she winked before turning to leave.
"It's a-actually Emily..." The tall brunette stuttered out.
"Right, of course, sorry." And then she was gone, leaving them alone with Aubrey, precious time the blonde was quick to capitalize on.
"Listen here Beca you may have Alice fooled but not me."
"I what?"
"You think I'm an idiot? It's so obvious that you want nothing to do with me or my house so I'm not sure why you're even here."
"You'd think I'd be busting my ass here talking to you if I didn't want to be here?"
"Whether you want to be or not, legacy or not, I honestly could care less. But if you do anything to damage the reputation of this proud sisterhood I promise you you'll live to regret it."
"You don't even know me."
"I don't have to, you're showing me everything I need to know and frankly I don't like it. Seriously consider if you want to be with us because if by some curse or miracle you do become an Alpha, you better start acting like one." Before Beca could fire back another snarky reply Aubrey had walked off in the same direction as Alice had left.
"Beca don't-"
"Let's go back to the room," she cut her off, she wasn't in the mood for a lecture. Or a party.
There was some- okay, a lot- of truth to what Aubrey was saying and she hated her even more for it.
For the first time it dawned on Beca that this wasn't going to be as easy as she thought it would be.
Beca and Emily finally got back to their (still mostly packed up) dorm room at around two- Beca flopping down onto the bed with a groan.
"Some first day huh? And we haven't even started classes yet," Emily said tentatively.
"That was awful. I mean come on Em did you hear the way Aubrey talked to me? And there's no way Alice wasn't just being nice. I'm just waiting for her to snap. At least Aubrey was straightforward about her disdain."
"Beca...did you enjoy any part of the day?" Emily practically whined. Beca remained silent.
She actually did find something about the day slighty tolerable.
Or maybe, someone...
Emily took it another way and sighed deeply." Look Beca I know I've always wanted to be in Alpha Psi Delta but you're my best friend and the biological sister I never had. If you don't want to do this-"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" Beca snapped," My dad, Aubrey, Stacie, that Jesse kid- even you!"
"Maybe the reason people keep asking is because every fiber of your being screams that you don't want to!"
Neither girl really got mad at the other- irritated and annoyed yes- but they never got mad or raised their voices.
"Beca...I know that you feel like you have an obligation- no, a duty to be an Alpha. But you don't. You don't. And you shouldn't have to do something you don't want to do."
"I appreciate the concern. I do. But this is something I have to do. For me and for my mom."
"You know that a year ago you would never have imagined following your moms footsteps. You actively would've rebelled against it."
"Yeah well, a year ago she was alive." Emily didn't dare say anything. Not just because she thought it would hurt Beca, but because Rachel Mitchell was like a second mother to her and it hurt Emily to talk about her too," I'm doing this Emily. I need to do this."
Beca got up, put on her headphones and started unpacking. Blatantly ending the conversation.
Emily silently got up and hugged her from behind before helping her unpack.
Beca smiled slightly, she always knew just what to do and Beca loved her for it. Without saying anything- because nothing needed to be said- she went back to quite literally transitioning from her old life to her new one.
Something was for certain though, having all of these people doubt her just made her want to succeed even more. She always loved a challenge.
She just hoped she knew what she was doing.
A/N2: Boom, first chapter out of the gates. I would love to hear your guys' feedback and I'd be happy to take questions or suggestions. Thanks for reading!