DISCLAIMER: The "Pitch Perfect" screenplay was written by Kay Cannon and the movie franchise is owned by Gold Circle Films. The song "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" was written by Patty Smyth and Glen Burtnik. The author of this fanfiction does not profit, in any way, from the story. All creative rights to the characters and titles belong to their original creator(s).
AUTHOR'S NOTES: This is for my wonderful girlfriend who is a fan of "Pitch Perfect" and loves me in spite of my current obsession with horror manga.
Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough
"But what if all the tranquility, all the comfort, all the contentment were now to come to a horrifying end?" - Franz Kafka
AUBREY!
Stacie screamed, bolted upright in bed, and fought to get her labored breathing under control. After she calmed herself down, she headed to the bathroom to take a shower and try to forget. As the warm gentle spray washed away the sweat, she reflected on the nightmare that jolted her from a deep sleep; the same nightmare she had almost every night since the day the megalomaniac president's unhinged actions caused hell on earth.
Two years ago, Stacie Conrad was a happy-go-lucky Barden University student singing with the Barden Bellas and having the time of her life. One day, while she was studying in the library, she overheard a conversation that changed her life.
"Yeah, it looks like the rumors are true. The military is developing a virus that will regenerate the dead."
"NO FUCKING WAY!"
"HEY! Keep it down. Yes, fucking way. Dude, they're trying to create a zombie army."
"Oh hell no! That's fucking stupid!"
"Well, we have an idiot for president who is surrounded by a bunch of warmongers."
Normally Stacie would ignore stuff like that, but something in the two young men's tone of voice sent her down the rabbit hole. After doing her own research, she began to formulate a survival plan. She was surprised to find a survivalist living in the woods near the university. According to her research, the man was more than ready for an impending civil war. For months, Stacie quietly did her research and planning while keeping up her cheerful façade whenever she was with the Bellas.
One day, Aubrey noticed something was off with the usually cheerful Stacie, so she waited until after practice to play mother hen. While the Bellas were heading out of the practice room, Aubrey asked Stacie to stay behind. Unbeknownst to the leader of the Bellas, Stacie was nursing a rather big crush on the blonde, so when Aubrey asked her to remain after practice, Stacie was in a complete tizzy by the time everyone cleared out.
Stacie internally told herself to keep calm and above all else, do not do anything stupid. Aubrey sat down and motioned for Stacie to join her. The nervous young woman plopped down in the seat next to Aubrey, trying to be cool, calm, and collected. She ended up painfully sitting on the armrests between two seats.
"Are you alright?" Aubrey asked, concerned.
Stacie just nodded her head, not trusting her voice. After she was seated in the seat next to Aubrey, the blonde spoke.
"Stacie, I noticed your singing was a bit off today. Is there something wrong?"
Stacie shook her head and she internally debated whether or not to disclose the real reason for her distraction.
"Are you sure? You can tell me. I promise to keep it between us," Aubrey assured and placed her hand on top of Stacie's for emphasis.
Stacie suddenly felt like she was underwater and could feel her heart beating in her ears. She opened her mouth to say something, anything, but nothing came out.
"What?" Aubrey asked.
Stacie shook her head.
"Are you absolutely certain there is nothing you need to talk about?" Aubrey asked.
Stacie nodded and stared at the floor. Aubrey caught the deflection and waited for Stacie to look at her. As soon as their eyes met, the smitten brunette knew she was doomed. She swiftly assessed the situation and decided to throw caution to the wind.
"Aubrey?" Stacie softly asked, never breaking eye contact with the blonde.
Aubrey swallowed the lump in throat, "Y…y…yes?"
The shy stammering and bright blush gracing Aubrey's cheeks emboldened Stacie to take a chance. She knew if she was wrong, it would mean the end of her time with the Bellas, but if she was right…
"Are you in love with anyone?" Stacie cautiously proceeded.
Aubrey silently stared at the floor. After several nerve-wracking minutes of silence for Stacie, the blonde finally nodded her head.
"Is it someone at Barden?" Stacie asked.
Aubrey nodded, still staring at the floor.
"A guy?"
Aubrey shook her head, never looking up. Stacie's heart flew up into her throat, hindering her ability to speak.
"Someone in the Bellas?" Stacie croaked.
After more nerve-wracking silence, Aubrey finally nodded, causing the hope in Stacie's heart to soar. The level-headed brunette silently scolded herself and took a deep breath. She dreaded the idea of having to run through the entire roster of current members, so after serious consideration, she started with the most obvious choice.
"Is it Chloe?" Stacie sadly sighed.
Aubrey suddenly looked up and exclaimed, "HOW DID YOU KNOW?!"
The agitated blonde then proceeded to babble rapid-fire questions at Stacie, which the stunned brunette understood two or three at most, so she decided to remain silent and let Aubrey babble. Just as the babbling came to an end, Beca walked in.
"Hey guys, what's up? Why are you still here?" Beca asked.
Stacie shot out of her seat as if it suddenly caught fire, said something incoherent in response, and ran out of the practice room. Beca watched Stacie's departure in utter confusion.
"Hey Posen," Beca stated as she walked over to retrieve the item she forgot earlier.
Beca waited for the snarky comeback from Aubrey. When she did not hear one, she looked at Aubrey, who looked lost and confused. Deciding to let sleeping Bellas lie, Beca shrugged her shoulders and left the practice room. On the way out, she half expected to see Stacie but found Chloe instead.
"Hey Chlo, did you forget something too?" Beca asked.
"No, Amy said I might find you here," Chloe answered.
"What did you need?" Beca absently asked as she stared at Jesse headed towards them.
Chloe followed Beca's line of sight to see what was diverting her best friend's attention.
"Is he drunk? It's the middle of the day," Chloe huffed.
"I don't think so. He doesn't normally drink in the middle of the day," Beca answered as she focused her attention on Jesse.
As Jesse got closer to them, Beca's eyes widened in shock.
"SHIT! CHOLE RUN!" Beca screamed as she pulled on Chloe to come with her.
Beca pulled them back into the practice room and slammed the heavy door shut. As she frantically tried to lock it, Chloe finally came to her senses.
"Beca! What's happening?!" Chloe screeched.
"HELP ME FIGURE OUT HOW TO LOCK THIS FUCKING DOOR!" Beca yelled.
The two best friends figured out how to lock the heavy door and ran into the practice room, where they found Aubrey, still sitting in the same position Beca left her earlier.
"AUBREY!" Beca yelled.
When she did not respond, Beca yelled, "POSEN!"
Aubrey looked through Beca. The frustrated little brunette shook her head and rolled her eyes.
"Beca, what was wrong with Jesse?" Chloe asked.
"I have NO fucking idea, but whatever it is, it's NOT good. Did you see his face?" Beca answered.
"What face? Half of it was…" Chloe began shaking.
"Gone," Beca finished.