A/N: Before we get started, I should probably mention that I don't own Pitch Perfect, Pitch Perfect 2 or any associated characters.

Long way 'round
Chapter 1

"And now I'd like to invite Jesse's fiancée, Beca, to say a few words."

Those were the first words I'd heard all day. Jesse's Fiancée. The first bit of the outside world that made it through my walls and I'm not quite sure how but I find myself moving across to the podium.
I don't stop in the centre of the room like I'm sure people expect me to. I don't lay a hand on the coffin and cry like a little girl like I want to. I can't even look at the photo of Jesse.
Because I know if I do I won't make it at all. I have to be strong, just for a little longer.
I promised.
So I keep my head up and my eyes forward and when I get there I force a shaky breath into my lungs.

"I spent so many years pushing away everyone who tried to care about me. I was convinced that I didn't need or want anybody else in my life.
Then this annoying, sappy nerd comes along with his juice pouches and decides I need a moviecation. And right from the beginning he was sweet and caring and absolutely infuriating. I would want nothing more than to be angry and miserable but he would do something to make me laugh, just because he liked seeing me smile.
He made me feel happy, he made me feel safe. He found a way through every wall I had and he made me feel when I just wanted to shut everything away and… and I…"

I stop speaking. I can't think, can't breathe. Tears long held back finally break through and the only thing keeping me upright is my death-grip on the podium.

"I'm sorry," I manage between sobs. "I just… I can't…"

Suddenly there are arms supporting me. I catch a blurry glimpse of red through my tears that could only be Chloe's hair before she pulls me into her embrace and lets me hide my tears in her shoulder.

"I can't do this, Chloe. What am I supposed to do without him?"

I don't how long she holds me like that for, gently rocking me back and forth. I know everyone there is waiting but how can I bring myself to care when he's gone?

"I got my ticket for the long way round."

I swear my heart stops as Chloe's voice, watery and emotion filled but still crystal clear, carries through the hall.

"Two bottle o' whiskey for the way."

I quickly swipe away the tears as Aubrey and Emily stand to add their voices.

"And I sure would like some sweet company."

Cynthia Rose and Fat Amy join in and I can actually hear Lilly's soft soprano flitting across the harmony.

"And I'm leavin' tomorrow, what d'you say?"

All the Bellas, scattered through the hall, are standing now.

"When I'm gone.

When I'm gone.

When I'm gone."

Benji and Donald are the first of the Trebles to their feet.

"You're gonna miss me when I'm gone."

The rest of the guys, even Bumper, quickly weave their way into the heart-wrenching melody.

"You're gonna miss me by my hair."

I don't even try to stop the fresh tears from rolling down my cheeks.

"You're gonna miss me everywhere."

There's not a single person in the hall who isn't crying as the Bellas and Trebles fall silent, waiting for me to finish. It feels like the hardest thing I've ever done but I finally look over at the picture of Jesse. And it's not just Jesse smiling out from the frame. It's a photo of us, taken just after our first ICCA, just after our first kiss. And our smiles are so big you'd swear our heads are about to split in half.

"Oh I know I'm gonna miss you now you're gone."

"I love you, nerd."

The rest of the service passes in a blur of kind words and condolences. I don't even remember how we got to the cemetery but Chloe is still beside me, practically holding me up as the coffin is lowered into the ground.

His family lead the way for people to throw flowers into the grave and Chloe guides me over to the platter of petals. For the first time in what must be hours I step out of the redheads comforting embrace and up to the edge of the grave. The mahogany coffin is adorned with a beautiful, ornate wreath and the photo from the ceremony resting just below it.

"Hi Jesse," I whisper. "I know I'm supposed to leave flowers but…" I reach in to my bag and pull out a DVD, a juice pouch and a small bag of popcorn. "I thought you'd rather have a movie to watch. Don't want you getting bored before I get to wherever you are." I let the juice pouch and popcorn drop down first but I hesitate over the DVD. "Just… please just promise you won't pump your fist every time you watch it ok?"

I hear a quiet chuckle and turn to see Jesse's mum standing behind me, a watery smile across her face. "You don't actually think he'd ever be able to that do you Beca?"

I try to return the smile but I'm pretty sure it just comes out a grimace, "no, not really. But I like to think that if I had asked then he would have tried."

"Yeah he would have. Just to see you scowl at him when he can't hold it in."

I hear her voice hitch and I know she wants to break down even worse than I do. I can't begin to imagine how much she must hurt. I've loved Jesse for seven years but she's loved him for his whole life.

I stumble the couple of steps between us and we sink into a desperate embrace. And as the tears start to fall again I can't honestly say who needs this more.

"I'm so sorry Missus S."

She pulls back and wipes the most recent tears from my eyes.

"Don't you think it's about time you started calling me Anna?"

I don't know why but that makes me choke up even more. I manage to nod my agreement and she guides me back over to the graveside.

"Missus S?... Anna, how are we supposed to go on without him?"

She nudges my hand and I look down at Jesse's much-loved copy of The Breakfast Club. She gently takes it from my fingers and lets it fall into the grave.

"We take the long way 'round."