Disclaimer: I don't own anything familiar (aka Pitch Perfect, High Highs)
Author's (first) note: Two-shot future fic, covering the relationship between Beca and Jesse two years after graduating from Barden. Not exactly chronological, so check the dates.
Part 1: The Breakup (and aftermath)
January 15th, 2016: New York
Jesse grazes his fingers over the velvet box and sighs. It's been six months; it's time to move on, he thinks to himself, cursing under his breath. He still isn't over her. Jesse didn't think he'd ever be over her. Shoving the box back into his coat pocket, he forces a smile. Jesse makes a mental note to stop carrying around the ring to all of his dates.
Jesse waits for his fifth blind date in six months. Donald had claimed that it had been time for him to get out of his post breakup funk a month after Beca had suddenly dumped him. Easy for him to say, Jesse thinks, Donald had Lilly, and in their three and a half years of dating they were still going strong. Jesse envies Donald and Lilly's relationship. Even though Donald had graduated, he and Lilly stayed together. Now, Lilly lives in Seattle doing some sort of modern art thing while Donald is in New York with Jesse, working on his skills as a hip-hop duo with Cynthia Rose. For this date, Donald had practically forced Jesse out the door.
"Dude, you can't just sit here forever" Donald explains, "She's gone"
"I don't care that she isn't here, I don't want to go out on another pointless date where the girl can clearly see that I am not interested!"
"I found this really cool girl, loves movies, smart, funny, extremely attractive. I think you'll like her"
"Really Donald? That doesn't sound like the last four girls you set me up with" Jesse says dryly.
"Come on! You need this. I'm sorry that you and Beca didn't work out, but you can't keep sitting here feeling sorry for yourself. Get out there, be a young gentleman in New York. I don't see why you're so against going out on a single date. IT'S ONE DATE! It's not going to kill you. Besides, you haven't really been yourself since she dumped you" Donald pleads
"I said no"
"Jesse"
"Donald"
"Last date I'll set you up on" Donald bargains, "AS long as you go" he quickly amends.
"Fine"
At seven sharp a girl with long, thick, dark hair and burning green eyes walks into the restaurant. Her face is clear of most makeup, and her hair fell in loose waves. She checks up with the hostess, who points her towards Jesse's table
"Zoe?"
"You must be Jesse." Zoe says, as she sticks out her hand
"I am" Jesse replies with a quick nod.
"So… Jesse, how long have you lived in the city?" Zoe inquires, pulling out her chair.
"Um, only about seven months now. You?"
"Five years now, I think. I first moved here to go to school at Barnard, now I'm working as an intern at the New York Times" Zoe replies, "What do you do?"
"Recently I got hired to work as an assistant to the composer Liam Rickards, who composes for mostly films. He's more of my mentor now rather than a boss." Jesse responds
"Very cool. Where did you go to school?"
"Barden University" replies Jesse in a clipped tone. Many memories of the Trebles, Bellas, and Beca come floating back into his mind.
"Seems like I've hit a sore point" Zoe jokes
"Something like that" Jesse grimaces.
As they continue into the night, Jesse finds that Zoe is a great girl. Jesse learns many things about her and finds that he actually enjoys her company, unlike the other girls that Donald had tried to set him up. But there isn't that spark. He had only ever found that with Beca. Zoe notices the lack of chemistry between them too.
"I hate to be rude, but I don't think this is really working out romantically for either of us" Zoe points out, "I just feel like your heart is set elsewhere, and if we're being completely honest, I just don't feel a spark between the two of us. I would be more than happy just to be friends, because you seem like such a great guy."
"Oh" Jesse responds like a true gentlemen, "If we're still being completely honest, I never wanted to go on this date. I…" He pauses, thinking about whether or not her should bring up his ex into the conversation.
"Tell me about her." Zoe prods.
"What?" Jesse says, panicking slightly at her words.
"Tell me about the girl who you're obviously not over"
Hesitating slightly, Jesse replies, "Her name's Beca, Beca Mitchell"
With those words, Jesse tells the story of his romance with the Beca Mitchell. Zoe learns about acapella (she laughed), their moviecations ('it's a good cause!'), the radio station ('Luke sounds like an asshole'), and his persistence in winning over her heart ('what a hero'). She learns everything about their relationship from friends to lovers ('please don't say lovers') and their relationship as coworkers and rivals. All the while, Jesse waits for the dreaded question.
"Why'd you break up?"
"I don't know"
July 7, 2015: Los Angeles
Beca sighs as she looks at the cracked screen of her phone. She wants so badly to call him and tell him that she would be flying to New York. She can't, she has a dream to follow. Right now, she's almost broke, working as a waitress during the day and a radio show host/DJ at night. It barely pays rent, but she still works with her music, and that was what mattered.
Picking herself off the floor of her tiny one bedroom apartment, she thinks about Jesse. God, it had been hard to leave him on graduation only a month ago. It had been such a short period of time since she last saw him, but the distance between the two of them grew to be monumental. She isn't even really sure on their relationship status. He had told her to follow her dreams, and she had returned the sentiment, neither of them addressing what would happen to them as a couple. Sure, they texted and called each other, but something just seems off every single time they do. Almost every single time they would talk, their conversations were short, one of them being pulled away for other obligations. In Beca's case, she has so many jobs she was juggling that she often had to go to work right then. In Jesse's case, he is always trying to please his employer, or inspiration had struck him right then. I love you's had been exchanged in their phone calls (really only from Jesse), but Beca is feeling less and less stable with their relationship, and more and more sure that they are at the end.
Beca sits down with her mixing equipment and pulls the large headphones over her ears. She leans back in her chair and closes her eyes. One day, she would be that music producer. One day, she would have some sort of stability, without the constant help of her father. One day, she would figure out where she stood with Jesse. One day, she would become the Beca she had always dreamed of being.
Jesse wants nothing more than to fly to LA and propose to Beca right there and then. But he knows better than that. His girlfriend is flighty, if anything. Walking out of the tiny jewelry store, he holds his purchase in hand: a tiny, yet suitable clean-cut triangular diamond attached to a split band of silver that weaved together. His plan is to gauge her feelings when they see each other around Christmastime, and then decide whether or not to propose. Jesse feels confident that they would make it out of their temporary separation.
Recently Beca had been less than receptive to him in general. This had to have been from the stress of her job and the stress that she put on herself to be the best, Jesse thinks. And Jesse makes a point to let her know that he knows she's stressed. Also, she and Jesse are incredibly busy, making their conversations very, very short. Beca is working several jobs, while trying to network her way into a record label, while Jesse is doing odd composing jobs here and there for small short films, all the while working as an assistant to a composer who he had yet to meet. On top of it all, Jesse wants her to feel like she is loved. He always tells her that he loves her, even though in college she rarely said it and she was uncomfortable with the idea of commitment. He knows that she loves him back too, even if she doesn't say it very often. While they never specified what would happen to them as a couple when they left each other, Jesse thinks that his intentions were clear to Beca: You are it for me. Jesse is certain that the seeming distance between the two of them would be closed as soon as they see each other again. Feeling bright, Jesse mounts the subway and rides to his apartment, completely oblivious to the warning signs that Beca had been sending to him ever since graduation.
"Chloe, I'm being serious" Beca pouts at the redhead across the table. They are at a coffee shop that Chloe had taken to, claiming that it was "cute and local", whatever that was supposed to mean. Chloe had moved to LA around the same time that Beca did, seeing the Barden Bellas she had mentored all the way through their college years. Technically speaking, she finished grad school. Chloe moved to LA to pursue her goals as a teacher and frequently checks up on Beca.
"Come on Beca, why are you thinking of breaking up with Jesse?" Chloe questions, "You two have made it through so much!"
"Exactly, at what point will we break? We barely talk to each other, I see him on Skype maybe once a week, and in the whole month that we've been apart, we still haven't defined what's happened to our relationship!" Beca rants rather loudly, disrupting the calm of the coffee shop.
"But you've never needed to, you're Beca and Jesse! The power couple of acapella!" Chloe exclaims (Beca groans at the power couple comment). Chloe adds warily, "Besides, I thought you didn't need commitment"
"I need it now" Beca says, easing out of anger and more into sadness, "He deserves someone who can give him that commitment, and I'm not sure if he'll wait forever for me"
Chloe's gaze softens, "He'll wait forever if that's what it takes"
"But I'm not sure I can give him that forever" Beca claims, finally revealing her true fears for their relationship.
"Jesse, we need to talk"
"OK Becs" Jesse replies warily, "What about?"
"I think we should break up" Jesse heart almost stops.
"What?" Jesse whispers the only word he could manage before breaking out into tears
"The long-distance thing really isn't working out for us" Jesse feels like he is going to vomit. "I'm so sorry Jess"
"But Becs-"
"Goodbye Jesse, I hope you find someone who can make you truly happy"
Jesse needs a drink, or three.
Beca barely makes it through that phone conversation without bursting into tears. She thinks it was only fair to Jesse, so that he could find someone who truly deserved him. Slumping down and clutching the phone to her chest, Beca whispers, "I love you" at Jesse, who isn't on the phone anymore.
Jesse waves the bartender down for one last drink. He thinks about what he's going to do with his life now that the most important person in his life has left him.
"Dude, there you are" Donald exclaims, dragging Jesse towards the door of the bar
"Wh-aat are you doin-"
"Chloe called. She told us about what happened" Benji explains, sliding Jesse out the door.
"I donnnn't care, I'm fiiii-nnneee" Jesse hiccups
"We're getting you home." Benji says calmly, pulling Jesse into a cab. "It'll be alright"
January 15, 2016
"So she just dumped you? No warning?" Zoe exclaims, appalled at the idea.
"I guess there were some signs, but I just loved her- still love her-so much that I was ignoring them." Jesse sighs; he really doesn't want to relive the breakup.
"I'm sorry Jesse, that sucks" Zoe says softly, "I'll tell you something about myself since you've put yourself out there." She takes a deep breath before saying, "I'm honestly not that into guys." Zoe chuckles at Jesse's shocked face, "I mean, sometimes I am attracted to them, but girls have always done it more for me than guys. The only reason I'm on this date was because I haven't exactly told people."
"I hope that one day you'll find the courage you need." Jesse says kindly to her.
"I hope that one day you'll find someone who you love more than her." Zoe comforts Jesse, "Or I hope you find her again"
"I hope so too" Jesse replies, not being clear on what he really wished for. Looking up again Jesse says, "Well that was a surprisingly nice dinner. Thank you for being so understanding."
"Here's my number, call me if Donald is being less than understanding and you just need a friend," Zoe slips a piece of paper towards Jesse, "I guess I'll see you around." She waves at him as she walks out the door.
When Jesse arrives back at his apartment, he wants to forget about the breakup after so delightfully (not) reliving it for his date. So he opens a beer. And another. And another. Not before long, Jesse is piss drunk and he's dialing a familiar number. It keeps ringing until it hits voicemail.
"Hey Becs!" He drunkenly slurs into his phone, "I love you."
Beca looks down at her phone. It's a message from Jesse's number. She knows that she will regret listening to it. Every single time she had previously listened to his drunken ramblings, she's ended up in full on tears, because of his sweetness. She opens it anyways
"Hey Becs!" Drunken Jesse laughs, "I love you. Annnndd I missss youuu. That's right, YOU!" He practically shouts. "I want you back. I want you in New York wiff me… or, or, or! I could move to LA to be wiffff youuuuuuu! God Becs! What happened? I don- hic- even knoww. Love you Becs, alwayzzz will" Drunken Jesse hits the dial tone.
In her head, Beca asks the same question. What happened?
January 16, 2016
Jesse walks into his apartment after work and just wants to sleep. He hasn't done his own composition ever since becoming the mentee of Liam Rickards. He mostly just looks over Liam's work and gives his opinion. He thinks it's partially because he hasn't went out of his way to find small jobs to do. Deep down he knows it's because he hasn't had any inspiration since he and Beca ended things. He scoffs, breakups should be perfect inspiration for composing. No matter, he has a job with decent pay doing what he's always dreamed of doing.
Jesse stalks around his new apartment that he recently moved into after getting what he thinks is a promotion, but he's not really sure. There's not really a hierarchy at his place of work. Liam picks and chooses who he meets and works with. There's been talk that Liam might start a company of composers and he's looking for a partner, but Jesse's not really one to say anything about his place of work. For the first two months working for Rickards, he hadn't even met the guy. Now Jesse works like his personal assistant as Rickards tries to give him some half assed advice. Jesse doesn't really feel like he's getting much from his job with Liam. This is supposed to be Jesse's dream job. It doesn't currently feel like it.
He looks around his apartment, traces – no, clear evidence - of Beca still present. Pictures of them together sit on every flat surface of the apartment; one of her Bellas scarves is tied to the neck of his guitar. If he looks down at his phone and scrolls through his music, he can find every single one of her mixes still on his phone. In his collection of DVDs is marked whether or not Beca liked the movie, while The Breakfast Club sits on its own shelf as their movie with a copy of every ICCA performance and riff-off captured on camera. When he moved into this new apartment, Jesse set up all her leftover toiletries in his bathroom and put away her old clothing and knick-knacks that she had left with him. It's pathetic. He even bought her shampoo, and when he's feeling particularly sentimental of their relationship he uses it. Jesse knows that he really should be trying to get rid of her stuff, by throwing out the toiletries and sending her some of her stuff, and try and move on, but every time he tries to, he ends up in a deeper hole of reminiscence and heartache of their relationship.
Loosening his tie, Jesse sets his laptop bag down on his desk. He changes into his more comfortable long sleeved crew neck shirt and simple jeans. He dreads the call he will surely be getting from Donald today asking him about his date.
Right on cue, his phone rings. It's Donald. Jesse picks up the phone.
"Care to join me, Benji, Cynthia Rose, and Stacie at the bar?"
"What for?" Jesse sighs, not really in the mood to go out. He really just wants to pop The Breakfast Club into his DVD player and watch it with some popcorn.
"Benji has some big news," Donald explains, "You really should check your Facebook more often dude."
"Okay, I'll be there in, like, 20 minutes," Jesse concedes.
"Jesse, over here!" Stacie calls when Jesse walks into the familiar Brooklyn bar. Jesse waves at his college friends. Many of their acapella crew ended up either in New York or in Southern California. Stacie got into medical school at NYU, Cynthia Rose and Donald are working on a hip hop album, and Benji is a freelance actor in the area, doing magic shows for some extra money. As Jesse walks over to his friends, he hears part of their conversation. Stacie is trying to figure out a way to make some money to pay off student loans.
"I mean, I considered auditioning for the Rockettes" she claims, as Jesse recalls her extensive dance training, "I think I would've made it, but I asked one of my friends who dances with them about the rehearsal and performance schedule, and like, it's really intense. I don't think I could do school and the Rockettes."
"Oh hey Jesse!" Benji says happily, "Now that we're all here, I have some important news!"
"Spit it out Benji," Donald says jokingly, "You've can't stop talking about it"
"I got a part in the chorus of On the Town!" Benji exclaims. Congratulations are exchanged between Benji and his friends, and as Jesse hugs Benji, Jesse says,
"Congrats, I knew you could do it." The friends all clamor with excitement and Benji talks about getting free tickets for all of them.
"So Jesse, I hear you went on a date yesterday," Cynthia Rose prods, "How was it?"
"It was fine." Jesse says shortly. Seeing that his friends want a little more information, he continues, "She was great and incredibly sweet, but I didn't feel it… And she's not really into relationships." Murmurs between Stacie and Cynthia Rose are exchanged. They knew that Beca was the cause of his 'not feeling it' and if the knowledge about Beca's life in Los Angeles was anything, Beca hadn't been 'feeling it' with anyone either.
"Come on Jesse, this is the fifth girl who you haven't felt 'it' with, and that's total bullshit. When are you going to get over Beca?" Donald finally says out of exasperation.
"Shit" Jesse thinks he hears Stacie whisper. Jesse freezes and then looks down at his beer. On the outside, he looks fine, but inside Jesse knows that he won't ever be the same without Beca in his life. He looks up again at his friends. He sees the sympathetic from Benji and the looks exchanged between the former Bellas, who clearly know something that's happening with Beca that the Trebles don't known. Jesse's gaze finally settles on Donald, who's giving him an almost challenging look. Donald's stare cools.
"Dude, you haven't been the same since she dumped you, and I know it's been hard. But at some point you have to accept it with a grain of salt and know that there was probably a good reason for it to happen," Donald explains, as the Bellas shoot each other another look, "You haven't composed anything in six months, right? I think you need to use this breakup and actually get something out of it. Write a love theme, an angry theme, a sad theme, or any theme! Put yourself out there, show that bastard Rickards what you can do!"
When he arrives at his apartment, Jesse takes his friends advice. He dusts off the upright piano that was a graduation gift from his parents and pours all of his energies into writing his feelings out. He expresses all of his anger, sadness, fear, and hope into a piece he titles, "Inevitable"
It becomes a huge hit with Liam Rickards.
September 21, 2015
Beca stares at her boss, Ryan Fordham, in shock. After a month of living broke with about two furniture items in her apartment, her bed and a table, Beca got hired to work at stopRecord as a temp. She was able to stop funneling money from her dad, who finally understood what she wanted to do, and quit her job at the restaurant. stopRecord was a small record label that focused on any and all smaller artists that needed a boost. She had been hoping that she would get a permanent job there as a producer.
"You mean, I get a permanent job?" she whispers in awe
"Yes Beca, stopRecord needs you as a producer," Ryan claims, "Congratulations young lady, here's your new contract that we need you to sign. You're also welcome to come to the party we're hosting with some other small independent labels at the end of the week, bring a friend." He winks at her.
Beca can't contain her excitement as she leaves his office, letting out an uncharacteristic squeal. This is the first time she's really smiled since she and Jesse broke up.
September 25, 2015
"Chlo, come on, you look fine!" Beca claims, exasperated with the redhead, "I need to go to this party, Ryan says that there's a band coming that he wants me to produce for!"
"Okay, jeez, Becs, this is the most energy you've had since…" Chloe's voice falters, "Well, you know" Beca's smile slips off her face for a moment. Just then Chloe steps into view in a full-length evening gown.
"Well, Chlo, I don't really know why you're dressed up in a nice dress because it's a casual party," Beca explains. Chloe punches her arm,
"Five minutes, I'll be ready"
25 minutes later, Beca and Chloe walk into the home of the owner of stopRecord, Ryan Fordham. Beca is wearing black jeans and a leather jacket over a simple dark purple tank top. Her black leather combat boots are worn to the sole, while her hair is pulled up into a messy braided bun, the ear spike still in. Chloe, wearing a pink short sleeve sundress with her red curls dangling loosely down her back, follows Beca in. Ryan comes up to greet Beca.
"It's so good to see you here," The older man exclaims, pulling her into a hug. "I'd like you to meet my son, Tom Fordham, he's recently moved to LA to work with me. I thought that I'd introduce you two, since you are the only two around the same age at stopRecord." Ryan claims, dragging a tall blond man into the conversation. Immediately Chloe looks the blond up and down, and mouths to Beca 'he's super cute'. "And who did you bring with you?" Ryan directs at Chloe.
"Oh, this is my friend Chloe, she works as an elementary school teacher. She went to Barden with me." Beca explains
"Well, Beca, there is one more set of people I'd like you to meet, you're going to be their producer." Turning to his son, Ryan asks, "Will you be okay by yourself?"
"Dad, I'm 26, I'll be fine." Eyeing Chloe, Tom adds, "Besides, I've got nice company" Shaking his head, Ryan leads Beca towards two men.
"Beca, I'd like you to meet Oli Chang and Jack Milas of the band, High Highs. Guys, this is your new producer Beca Mitchell." Greetings are exchanged between the three of them as they talk about music and what inspired them. Beca's excitement fills the room. She's finally getting her big chance to become a great producer; she's finally achieving her dream. Yet, something in her gut tells her that she's missing something.
August 18, 2015
"Jesse Swanson," a dark ominous voice calls. Jesse turns around to find Liam Rickards, his "boss" looking down at him.
"Liam Rickards, pleasure to finally meet you sir," Jesse stammers, as he sticks out his hand.
"Eh, cut the crap kid," Rickards says, "I finally listened to your entire demo. When I hired you, I liked your style, but I had only heard a little. Now that I've heard more, I'd like to personally invite you to work as my assistant." Jesse stares at him, dumbfounded, "I know what you're thinking, assistant? Yes, assistant. While you work for me, you get to work with me, learning a little more about the trade. You have a lot of potential, and I'd like to help. Plus, being my personal assistant has better pay than being assistant to one of these douches," Liam gestures to the general office space, crammed with stressed out composers, "You can start with me next Monday. You'll go far with me, I can guarantee it." Jesse stares shell-shocked at Liam Rickards.
"Th-thank you sir." Jesse manages.
"Call me Liam, none of this 'sir' crap." Liam grumbles, "See you Monday, my office, 9 am sharp." Jesse nods his head.
He feels a little lighter knowing that moving to New York has gotten him somewhere. He smiles briefly and thinks about how Beca had always wanted him to follow his dream.
January 2, 2016
The Bellas in Southern California, Beca, Chloe, Aubrey, and Fat Amy, gather around a table at a small café. Chloe works at an elementary school in LA, Aubrey lives in Santa Monica as a businesswoman, and Fat Amy works in LA as a zookeeper and part time DJ. They try and meet together at least once a month for a Bella brunch. They usually all bring their laptops to Skype in some of the other Bellas. This time they get Cynthia Rose and Stacie from New York on Beca's laptop, Lilly in Seattle on Chloe's laptop, and Ashley in Georgia on Aubrey's laptop. Denise and Jessica are apparently busy at the time. Aubrey starts the conversation,
"So Beca, I hear that you're almost done producing your first album!" Aubrey exclaims.
"Um, yeah? I just finished the editing process. The release is going to be probably the 18th of this month." Beca explains.
"Ya know, that's great flat butt," Amy comments, "But do you have any new man candy in your life?"
"AMY!" Aubrey and Chloe scold her.
"What? Just curious, you know you haven't really, well-" Amy inconspicuously thrusts her hips under the table, "You know, since you ended things with Jesse." Beca stares at her meal and tries to come up with a response.
"WELL, you know what else we could talk about?" Chloe asks not-so-subtly, "How's medical school Stacie? How's the city? You can answer too Cynthia Rose" Chloe adds, almost aggressively. Amy lets out a 'sorry, didn't realize it was still a no-no subject'
"Medical school is fine. I'm not really sleeping much, too much studying," Stacie explains. Winking, she adds, "And hot guys."
"The city is great." Cynthia Rose comments, "Becs, could you take a listen to the demo that Donald and I finished?"
"Yeah sure." Beca replies.
"I break records and play them on a record player to hear the screeching of my ancestors." Lilly whispers. The Bellas don't even flinch anymore. "Donald said that it sounds great," She adds.
"Hey Beca, how's Tom Fordham?" Ashley asks, "I hear he's pretty hot"
"He's fine, ask Red, she knows more about him than I do" Beca sips her coffee and jerks a thumb towards Chloe. Chloe's face turns almost as red as her hair.
"Beca!" Chloe squeals.
"Oi! Little Red is getting it on with Beca's boss's son?"
"Amy!" Aubrey exclaims, "Really? We're talking about it here?"
"Just curious" Amy replies, taking a sip of her coffee.
"Okay ladies, does anyone have any major life changes to discuss that aren't inappropriate to talk about in a nice café?" The Bellas groan at Aubrey's comment. Beca finally gives in,
"I was thinking about moving to a nicer apartment at the end of the month," Beca says, "I mean, I have the money now that I got the job. I think it would be nice to live in an apartment where I have real furniture."
"That's great, Beca." Chloe says calmly, "It'll be a good change. A fresh start since – oops!" Her hands fly over her mouth.
"It's fine Chloe," Beca mutters at her coffee, suddenly very interested in the color, "I guess it wasn't meant to be."
All of the Bellas exchange looks at Beca's comment.
January 18, 2016
"Hey Jesse, it's Chloe. Just wanted to give you a little update on life here in LA. Beca's not doing well. I think she misses you. Please don't give up trying to win her back. You two are perfect for each other!" Chloe's bubbly voice rings out on his answering machine. He just stares at it. "Also, quick thing, the High Highs' new album comes out today and it's Beca's first producing credit. Thought you should know. Best of luck in New York! And seriously, don't give up on her."
Jesse puts his head and his hands, and runs his hands through his hair. He paces around his apartment. He feels angry and mad; Beca can't feel that way about him, she broke up with him. But Jesse feels hopeful too. He's not the only one hung up on this break up. He picks up the slip of paper he's held in his wallet since two days previous.
"Hey Zoe, it's Jesse. Can we go out to dinner? Just to talk, of course."
"So her friend called you to tell you that she's doing shitty? And then to give you a career update?" Zoe asks, confused by Jesse's relationship with his ex-girlfriend. Jesse nods.
"I mean, Beca has no right to feel that way, she broke up with me!" Jesse's hand smacks the coffee table in Zoe's apartment. Zoe reaches out to calm him down.
"Okay, from the dumpee standpoint, I understand that it's hard to accept it," Zoe says carefully, "But you have to understand that Beca might have broken up with you because she thought it was what you both wanted. From the very little I know about Beca, she seems like the kind of person who runs away from daunting emotional situations, and the long-distance relationship might not have been working for her. Yes, your heart was ripped to shreds, but you have to understand, Jesse, that she probably smashed part of her heart in the process. I think that you should take Chloe's advice, wait a little while, wait for the timing to be right, I don't know, but if you really think that Beca is the one for you, it will happen." Jesse stares shocked at Zoe's advice.
"Thanks," Jesse replies. He feels like he finally understands the advice that all of his friends have given him. This breakup is only just an obstacle, but he needs to move away from it. If something is meant to be, it will happen. Obviously, he's still hurting, and he's still a little pissed, but he sees more hope now. "Say, do you want to be my Valentine's date, so we don't have to be harassed by our friends?"
"I would love to."
February 14, 2016
Beca pulls up to her new apartment and sighs. She feels successful for the first time since moving to LA. While she got off to a rough start (breaking up with Jesse), Beca thinks that everything is starting to work itself out again. She will achieve her dreams.
Tom and Chloe had offered to help Beca move into her new apartment, but Beca wants to do it by herself. As much as she needed to learn to trust others, it had been a while since she had done anything without the Bellas, her father, or Jesse (god she still loves him). Pulling the key out of her pocket, Beca walks to the back of the moving van. Luckily, since she had been so broke, Beca had very little to transport to her new house. The first thing she does is pull out all two of her furniture items, a beaten desk and a bedframe. She pulls the desk into the elevator, while watching the moving van (well, tries). A tall, lean, man with dark blond curls topping his head notices her.
"Can I help you?" He's impeccably dressed, in a nice button down cardigan combo and dark jeans. A tattoo peaks out of the sleeve of his cardigan on his forearm.
"No, I've got it." Beca replies. Then she rethinks it, "Actually yes, I'm moving in and if you could just watch the van for me while I get my stuff into my apartment that would be great."
"I will do that." He laughs and says, "How can you be so sure to trust a complete stranger?"
"I have good instincts." Beca fires back, "Be a darling and wait there"
An hour later Beca has moved all of her belongings into her apartment with a lot of sweat (a lot, a lot) and banter (with the blond stranger). She figures that she can unpack all of her boxes later and goes down to thank the man.
"Hey, thanks for all the help." Beca says.
"No problem," he flashes his teeth, "Nothing like helping damsels in distress. Can I interest you in going out for a drink with me?"
"Sorry, but I can't. I promised some of my college buddies that I'd come hang out with them as soon as I finished getting all my stuff in my apartment." Beca says as she tries to come up with an excuse to not go out with him
"Are you sure? I mean, the offer still stands for another day." The man writes something on a slip of paper, "My name's Ian, here's my number. Feel free to call me at anytime."
"Thanks for your help Ian, I'm Beca." She replies to be polite, "I guess I'll see you around then. Later"
"Later Beca"
"So this is your apartment." Zoe comments, looking at all the pictures and personal items. "Love the movie collection. I see you hold The Breakfast Club to a completely different standard than the rest of your movies."
"Yeah, that was kind of our movie," Jesse explains, referencing Beca. Since last talking to Zoe, Jesse had cleaned up a little of his 'Beca' stuff. He threw away her old toiletries (because ew), but kept her brand of shampoo in his shower, he collected all of her personal items (except the Bellas scarf) and stored them safely in a box. The pictures and music still stay the same in Jesse's life. He knows he won't forget about Beca, so why try and get rid of her completely?
"I'm guessing this tiny brunette is Beca." Zoe asks, approaching Jesse.
"Yeah, you should be glad that you're here otherwise I'd be making drunken calls to her." Jesse jokes. Zoe shoots him a look of shock. "Yeah, after waking up with a hangover, I'll check my phone and see that I've called her. I can only hope that I didn't do anything dumb over the phone."
"Oh Jess, she really has you good, doesn't she?" Zoe asks sympathetically.
"Yeah." Jesse sighs, "Let's go out to our Valentine's Day party. Don't want to anger Donald." Jesse says, moving on from the subject of Beca.
"Wait, before we leave, I have a small gift for you." Zoe reaches into her purse and pulls out a CD, "I know that you've been getting better with the Beca stuff, but I thought that the CD with her first producer credit might inspire you a little bit.
"Thanks Zoe," Jesse says honestly, "I appreciate it."
And Jesse really does. He appreciates Zoe for not trying to push him off Beca, like his college friends, he appreciates Zoe for actually listening to his problems, he appreciates Zoe for trying to be understanding, he appreciates Zoe for being his first non-college friend, he appreciates Zoe for actually putting up with his shit.
January 30, 2017
Beca walks into her apartment to be bombarded by Chloe.
"I'M GETTING MARRIED, ACABITCH" shouts a hyperactive Chloe, jumping up and down on her couch. She's holding out her left hand to show off her ring to Beca. Beca is taken aback by the redhead's excitement
"Um, Congrats." Beca says weakly, "Now tell me how the fuck you got into my apartment."
"That blond guy let me in," Chloe says, "I rang on your doorbell, and that cutie opened the door. I'm proud of you Becs, tapping that must have been no easy feat." Beca stands there looking horrified at the blond.
"Oh god, I forgot about Ian."
As soon as Chloe leaves her apartment, Beca calls for Ian.
"IAN, GET YOUR ASS OUT OF MY BED AND EXPLAIN TO ME WHY YOU THOUGHT IT WAS OKAY TO LET SOMEONE YOU DIDN'T KNOW INTO MY APARTMENT!" Beca yells. At that moment Beca's phone chimes with texts from every single Bella. Stacie's 'get it girl' is evened out by Aubrey's 'are you using protection?' and complimented by Amy's, 'it's about fuckin' time'. Beca groans loudly. She 'forgot' to tell the Bellas about her new boyfriend.
After Valentine's Day the previous year, Beca decided that it was time to get back out into the dating game. So naturally, she called Ian, the hot stranger who had helped her move in. Beca and Ian had hooked up several times, usually after the release of a new album. Every single time they hooked up, Ian would ask if they were going to go on a date eventually, Beca had always replied no. Up until a month ago.
"Becs, I let her in because you talk about Chloe all the time. I've seen pictures, I know what she looks like." Ian replies, "Besides I knew it was the quickest way to tell your friends that we're dating." He adds with a mischievous grin, as he pulls Beca into a hug.
"Ugh, you're literally the worst." Beca responds with a cheeky grin. Her relationship with Ian was great. Fun. Exciting. Relaxing. It's almost as great as her relationship with Jesse, his picture still in a frame next to her bed. Neither Ian nor Beca had acknowledged the obvious picture of her ex-boyfriend just sitting in her apartment. And that was fine for the both of them.
April 7, 2017
In the past year or so since Beca's first album came out, Jesse had developed a habit for always checking to see if she had produced another artist's work. He has a complete set of Beca's work on his computer and in CD form. He even has the singles and EPs of local artists that Beca had helped who nobody had heard of. His shelf that holds The Breakfast Club now holds the physical copies of Beca's work.
Jesse had also developed a good relationship with Liam Rickards. Jesse isn't composing as much as he would like, but whenever he finishes a piece, Liam is more than happy to critique and give advice to Jesse. Like now, when Jesse's finished composing the theme for a short Pixar film.
"Jesse, this is good, stop beating yourself up, kid," Liam says, "They hired you for a reason."
"I don't know, I just feel like-" Jesse stops his thought as Liam opens his mouth.
"Here's what I think, kid. Add a lighter, more fun percussive beat here, and cut down the strings. It'll be more Pixar." Liam says sarcastically (with jazz hands).
"Okay," Jesse replies, "What if I repeat the theme here," he points at the top of the second page, "but in the lower octave?"
"That's a good idea." Liam says, "Also, you're now my new partner at the Rickards Composing Firm, congrats." He subtly slips into the conversation.
"Yeah, and how about- Wait, what?" Jesse says, dumbfounded.
"You got a promotion." Rickards says, "Relax, enjoy the extra money."
"Th-thank you" Jesse stammers, before adding in his own dorky way, "I won't let you down."
"Take the rest of the day off, you've earned it kid."
June 19, 2017
"Beca, can I see you in my office?" Ryan Fordham asks
"Um, sure, can it wait like 10 minutes? I've got a band on the phone."
"Take your time, it's not terribly urgent."
Beca quickly finishes her conversation with the band on the other line. Fucking douchebags, they all think that they're the next big thing. Fucking Ian, attracting all the douchebag bands to stopRecord. Just because they're dating, doesn't mean that he can invite all of his douchey friends to call stopRecord and ask for Beca. She is going to have a talk with Ian when she gets off of work. Stalking into Ryan's office, she asks in a clipped tone,
"Is this about the wedding? You know, between your son and my best friend?"
"No Beca, I'd like for you to sit down." Beca warily pulls out a chair, and sits down. "Recently I've been corresponding with a company that composes scores for films." Beca shakes her head,
"It seems you've forgotten that I'd rather visit a gynecologist than watch movies."
"Right, Tom told me about that." Ryan states as if remembering a distant memory, "Don't you have a tolerance for The Breakfast Club? Tom says that's the only movie in your apartment." Beca's eyes cast down, "No worries, they want to do something where the composers at their firm work together with a producer at stopRecord. However, we're not entirely sure how this would work. It wouldn't be an all the time thing, but occasionally we might ask a composer and a producer to work together. Now you're probably wondering where you come in. I want you to head the producers for this project. You will work with the head composer on the other team for a trial basis." Beca looks at Ryan Fordham in shock, "I want to promote you to executive producer." Beca's mouth falls open. "You'll still be able to work with your music, but I need someone strong and commanding in charge of this project. I've decided that you're the person for this job."
"Thank you so much." Beca replies, jaw still hinged open, "I won't let you down." And as a second thought, "Hey Fordham, what composing company are we working with?"
"Liam Rickards Firm"
"So what you're telling me is you want me to move to LA, give up my life in New York, and start working with another company on a trial basis because I'm your business partner?" Jesse questions.
"Yup." Liam pops the –p, "One of the reasons I started to work so closely with you was to see if you were cut out for this job. Look kid, I know it's scary to leave everything you know, but you've got this. I'll throw in a little pay bonus. Plus, that money you make will go a little farther in LA than in New York." Jesse looks down at his hands, and thinks about what it would mean to leave New York. It would mean he would leave Zoe, Donald, Benji, hell he would even be leaving Cynthia Rose and Stacie, but he could always call them with his nifty phone. It would mean leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the big city. It would mean leaving the street vendor food, and the cold New York winters, and the lights that never died. But it wouldn't be the worst situation to make a little more money, and have a little change of pace in his life. In fact, it might be nice to leave New York for a little while.
"Okay, I'll do it." Jesse concedes. "When do I move?"
"Great! You leave in a month." Rickards responds with the smug smile, "Better tell your girl that you're moving to LA." He says, gesturing to the picture of Beca Jesse has tacked to his desk.
"Oh, that's not my girlfriend. She's my ex." Jesse replies.
"Jesus, you've had that picture on your desk since I met you, when d'you break up?" Liam prods.
"Um, July 2015." Jesse mumbles
"Well, kid, this is the perfect opportunity to finally get over her then. Jeez, it's been two years!" Liam exclaims
"Here's the thing," Jesse explains, "She lives in LA."
June 23, 2017
"So you're really moving to LA?" Benji questions Jesse, staring incredulously at him. "You know that Beca still lives there, right?"
"Benji, this would really help my career." Jesse explains, "Besides, with the amount of friends we share I was bound to see her at some point. I think I can face her now." Jesse adds unconvincingly, as he stares at his beer.
"Well I think it's time for a change." Zoe says, coming to Jesse's defense. Jesse had invited Zoe, Benji, Donald, Stacie, and Cynthia Rose over to the bar they frequented to tell them the news. To their collective horror and delight, they found out that Jesse and Beca would be living in the same city again. Zoe and Stacie are extremely excited, but nervous. Stacie quickly texts Chloe who she knows will update the SoCal Bellas. Cynthia Rose and Benji are hesitant about Jesse's move, trying to be supportive, while Donald is adamant that Jesse moving to LA is a poor decision. Donald is very aware of what happened to Jesse after Beca dumped him, and is concerned for Jesse if things don't go well this time.
"You know, this is one of the last time's we'll all be hanging out in the city." Jesse says, reminiscing on the two year's he's spent in New York. Sure, he had a lot of hell, living on a tiny salary and all, but he's going to miss the big city. After all, he did make some major changes and get some great news in New York.
He and his friends continue on into the night, pretending that nothing is changing, but the atmosphere is different. At the end of the night they all say a private goodbye to Jesse. First Cynthia Rose comes up to Jesse.
"Yo Jess, be careful in LA. But also enjoy yourself. There's a lot you can do out there. Remember that you'll be surrounded by so many movie makers and music makers, and everyone is so talented, but you've got this." Cynthia Rose reaches out to give him a hug, giving him on last piece of advice, "Don't get to caught up on Beca, what happens, happens, okay? I'm sure we'll talk when you get to LA. Good luck, Treble." She waves at him as she leaves the bar. Next Stacie comes bouncing up to him.
"You've been a great friend, Jesse. I remember when I met you, I thought you were hot and I was totally down to do you," Jesse blushes, "but you were totally Beca's by then. Anyways, have fun in LA. Don't forget about us New Yorkers. Also, don't be afraid to go after Beca. She still misses you. Good luck!" Jesse gives Stacie a hug before she stalks away, earning Jesse several envious looks from other males in the bar. Benji approaches Jesse cautiously.
"Hey former roomie," he greets nervously, "I just want you to know that I'm incredibly proud of you. You're getting your dreams, and I hope this turns out well for you. I mean I think it will." Benji laughs nervously, "I guess what I'm trying to say is, you're incredibly talented and you deserve to find someone who loves you, whether you and Beca find each other again or not. Anyways… I'll miss you when you're in LA."
"Thanks Benji," Jesse replies, "Do you realize this is the first time we'll be living in different cities in five years?"
"I guess you're right." Benji replies, counting the years on his fingers, "I guess I'll see you sometime." He pulls Jesse into a hug, "Promise you'll see me on Broadway?"
"I promise Benji. I'll miss you too." Jesse waves at Benji as he heads out the door. Donald stalks up next. Donald has some different advice for Jesse.
"Swanson, what the fuck?" Donald pushes Jesse's arm playfully, "Why are you leaving? And moving to LA?"
"You know a good luck would be nice." Jesse quips.
"Dude, I know that you'll do fine career wise in LA, but I need to tell you, don't try and find Beca. I know it's tempting, but just think about the last time you spoke to her, and how much of a mess you were. Seriously, have fun in LA, but don't do anything stupid." Jesse and Donald exchange a quick hug, "See you later, dude." Donald calls one last time. Zoe comes up and pulls Jesse into a hug right off the bat.
"She lives in LA, right?" Zoe asks. Jesse nods his head. "Okay, so here's the deal, I don't want you to get hurt, but I also want you to be happy. If you think that Beca will make you happy, go for it. But also remember the time. It's not like you saw her just yesterday and you're just absorbing her back into your life. It'll take some time." Jesse nods again, "Have fun in LA, I know that you can make it, and your music will be stellar. Just remember to be careful, and if it's meant to be, it will happen." She pulls him into another hug, "You've been such a great friend for the past year and a half."
"You too, Zoe, you've been amazing." Jesse says back. "I'll miss you when I'm in LA. Thank you for being so understanding." Zoe releases Jesse from their embrace and waves back at him,
"Call me some time, 'kay?" Jesse nods again in agreement.
Jesse knows that LA will be a change, and he knows that it'll be challenging to get into a groove again, but he knows that LA is going to be a change for the good. He just doesn't know why yet.
July 5, 2017
After celebrating the Fourth of July with his friends in New York, Jesse boarded a red-eye flight to come to LA. He is going to meet with the owner of the record label, stopRecord, and the producer they wanted to head the project on July 7, the day that Beca dumped him two years previous. And Jesse feels incredibly superstitious. Still, Jesse hops off the plane and confidently goes to the baggage claim area. His current plan is to live in a hotel for a few weeks until he finds an apartment, so his furniture and less necessary items still have yet to be shipped to LA. They're sitting in Benji's apartment until further notice.
He hails a cab after getting his suitcase to take him to his hotel, which Liam had so generously paid for…for a week. Jesse looks out the window most of the cab ride and thinks about what his life in LA will be like. He knows that he'll become friends with at least Chloe, if not the rest of the Bellas while he lives here. He thinks that maybe he and Beca can eventually be on speaking terms again. He believes he wants to get Beca back to him, as best friend and/or lover. But all he can do now is sit in a cab looking out at his new home, finally thinking about himself, not what his friends say, in the whole change and wonder: what the hell am I doing?
July 7, 2017
Beca pulls up to Sqirl, a high-end breakfast eatery in LA, dressed in a low-cut, form fitting, burgundy t-shirt and high-waisted black jean shorts, her casual yet 'professional' outfit. Her hair is tied up into a messy bun, her thick makeup is apparent on her face, and, as usual, the ear spike remains. She hopes that Ryan is already there so she doesn't have to explain to the hostess that she's there for the reservation for Ryan, but she's not Ryan. She walks towards the door as quickly as possible in her trusty black combat boots, even though outside the LA heat has started to kick in. Beca opens the door to see Ryan Fordham already sitting at the table with a stack of papers. He smiles when he sees her,
"Beca! Are you ready?" Ryan asks with a smile.
"As ready as I'll ever be to be working on movies," she grumbles as Ryan laughs, "Tell me again, why did I agree to this?"
"Money," he states, "and the promotion."
"Right," Beca smiles to herself. "Tell me about who I'm working with." Ryan pulls out a file.
"Says here that he's 24, just like you. Worked for Liam Rickards since graduating college. He wrote the music for a Pixar short film this year." Beca gives an appreciative look; Pixar is kind of a big deal, if she remembers correctly. Ryan continues, "Also wrote the composition 'Inevitable' that's heard in an independent film somewhere." Looking at his watch he adds, "He should be arriving at any moment now."
Just as Ryan says that, a man with slightly wavy brown hair and gorgeous dark eyes walks into the restaurant.
"Jesse Swanson!" Ryan happily calls.
Shit.
Jesse is running late for his first meeting with stopRecord. He woke up way too early, still being on East Coast time and then fell back asleep, only to wake up late. He rushed out of the hotel as quickly as possible, dressed in a plaid button down with the sleeves rolled up and his nicest pair of jeans. Even though he was told that this was a relatively informal meeting, he still wants to make a good impression. Jesse almost tells the cab driver to speed for his life, but he decides that that would be rude.
After he arrives at the small restaurant and pays for the cab, Jesse hastily crosses the street to open the door. He sees a man, maybe in his fifties talking to a small brunette girl, her face turned away from him. The man looks his way and smiles at him,
"Jesse Swanson!" the man calls him over, "I'm Ryan Fordham." Ryan offers his hand. Taking his hand, Jesse replies,
"It's a pleasure to meet you sir." The man gestures to the woman across the table from him as she turns to face him,
"This is my producer-"
"Beca Mitchell"
AN: Hi again, this is the first real fic writing I've done in a really long time, so any and all feedback is much appreciated.
I hope to have the second part of this story written and uploaded by this Sunday, before I get off from break. The second part will cover how Jesse and Beca figure out their relationship as friends and coworkers, and covers about three months of time rather than two years. I'm not really sure how long the chapter will be, since this one turned out a lot longer than I expected, but I think it will hopefully be around the same length.
Thanks for reading!