A/N: I just want to thank everyone for the lovely comments and reviews. I'm glad you're enjoying this story and I hope you'll like where it goes. You asked for flashbacks and you're getting them here, it was always my intention to include them and I hope they add to the story in a positive way. As always if you have a moment to leave a review or comment or send me a message on Tumblr please do as it will make my day.
Emily steps onto the bus and looks around. Most of the other Bellas have already taken their usual spots. There's a spot next to Amy but she's not really in the mood to have a conversation about the mating habits of the rabbit species that are indigenous to Tasmania. Amy promised she'd share more of her animal facts the next time she saw her and unfortunately for Emily that time is now. The spot next to Beca is still open too and for a second she reconsiders the spot next to Amy hoping that Chloe will sit next to Beca. It takes her about 30 more seconds to realize that Chloe is already on the bus and in deep conversation with Flo about hair products. She sighs deeply and takes the seat next to Beca.
"What's up kiddo?" Beca asks she sits down.
Emily sort of hates when any of the Bellas call her that and Beca is only like 3 years older than her. She's always been a little kid to the other Bellas though. Aubrey used to bring her candy every time they had Bellas' rehearsals and they always correct themselves whenever they swear around her. She can't count the number of times Beca has started to say fuc…and then said fudge sticks instead. She's not a baby and she wishes the other Bellas understood that. They mean well, she just wants to be treated like a grown up.
"Oh nothing," Emily shrugs, "I'm just err…worried about the car show."
She lies and she's glad Beca can't read her as well as Chloe. What does she have to be worried about; they're only going to the event to scope out Das Sound Machine. Emily is confident that the Bellas have nothing to worry about; they're amazing.
"It'll be fine Em, they're just a bunch of Germans. We all know they don't like fun things."
Emily snorts. Beca has recounted the story of her picnic "date" with Jesse many times over the years, complete with her impression of him saying that he knows why she doesn't like fun things. After the first time she heard the story Emily assumed she would never hear Jesse Swanson's name again. She was certain he would be just some doofus Treblemaker that once had a crush on Beca. She was surprised when she saw Beca run out into the audience to kiss him after the ICCAs. Even more so she was heartbroken for Chloe who cried herself to sleep that night.
Emily watches as Chloe runs out the doors of Lincoln Centre after the Bellas' big win. She has never seen anyone run faster and more perfectly in heels in her life. She knows something is wrong when Chloe doesn't stick around to celebrate with her teammates. She also knows it has something to do with Beca's arms around a certain Treblemaker. Beca's lips are glued to Jesse's and 14-year-old Emily is actually kind of grossed out. She runs after Chloe, even in running shoes she's not as fast as her.
"Chloe," Emily calls out to her once she gets outside, "Chloe, where are you?"
She walks around the corner of the building and finds Chloe sitting on the ground, back to the brick wall, head in her hands. Emily has seen her cry before but it breaks her heart every time. Chloe is hands down her best friend in the world and she hates to see her so upset.
Emily sits down next to the older woman and takes her hand in her own.
"She's an idiot," Emily says bluntly.
Chloe looks up at her, her cheeks are stained with tears but she's sort of smiling.
"Who, Beca?"
Emily nods, "yeah, why is she kissing that goofball when she could be kissing you?"
Chloe laughs lightly. Emily is bright kid but she's also totally naive.
"She's not. He likes her and I guess she likes him."
"You like her."
Chloe doesn't say anything; she doesn't have to. Emily has always been the only person who Chloe will talk to about her feelings for Beca. Not even Aubrey knows about her hopeless crush on Beca, or at least Chloe wasn't the one to tell her about it.
Chloe moves to stand up, keeping a hold on Emily's hand as she pulls the young girl up with her. She wraps her arms around Emily's neck, pulling her into a tight hug. Emily is already as tall as she is and Chloe knows she'll be much taller before she's done growing. She struggles to kiss the top of Emily's head before releasing her.
"What would I do without you kid?"
"Cry alone against the side of a building I guess," Emily says smirking.
Chloe elbows her gently, laughing and throws her arm around her shoulder as they walk back toward the front doors.
Emily realizes how wrong Beca was when they walk into the car show and Das Sound Machine starts their performance. She can't help the involuntary reaction of her jaw; they're disgustingly good. She tries not to look at Chloe who Emily can tell is sweating nervously as she pretends not to be impressed. A capella is kind of Chloe's whole word, it has to suck to see Das Sound Machine performing on what should be her victory tour.
"They were actually really good," Flo says after the performance.
She receives a swift elbow to the ribs from Cynthia Rose and Emily can see Chloe's brow furrow in anger.
"They were pretty terrible, I mean did you see that…"
Emily stops herself. She's never been able to lie well and especially not to Chloe.
"It's fine," Chloe says through gritted teeth, "the Bellas can beat them at their own game."
Emily looks around to see a collection of raised eyebrows and looks of disbelief. Before any of them can say anything else Emily notices the apparent leaders of Das Sound Machine walking towards them.
It only takes a few seconds for a verbal altercation to break out between Beca and Chloe and the German singers. Emily laughs when Beca awkwardly compliments the incredibly tall, blonde leader of the group. The whole thing is pretty funny when she thinks about it. Chloe defends the Bellas as the Germans wish them anything but well at the Worlds.
"Well they're rude," Stacie huffs as they leave the car show.
"Doesn't matter," Chloe says confidently, "We are the Barden Bellas and we have a proud tradition to uphold. There's no way we are letting those duetchbags get the best of us."
It's a little aggressive but Emily is just glad Chloe isn't crying.
The Bellas all clamor back onto the bus, decidedly more disheartened by the very idea of Das Sound Machine than they were this morning. Emily rushes to take the seat next to Flo that had been occupied by Chloe on their drive to the car show. She smiles when Chloe sits down next to Beca, far too close for what Emily is sure is Beca's comfort level. The brunette doesn't flinch though and Emily busies herself by talking the Flo, watching Beca and Chloe out of the corner of her eye.
The bus ride back to the Bellas' house is largely silent with the exception of Flo sharing a story of how it could be a lot worse. Emily genuinely hopes her life really hasn't been as awful as she makes it sound, though she's more inclined to believe Flo's stories than Amy's.
As they get off the bus and head to the house Emily hangs back, watching as Chloe pulls Beca aside. She stands by the bus, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping on their conversation.
"What are we going to do Beca?" Chloe asks, and Emily can hear the desperation in her voice.
"We'll be fine Chloe, I mean that German team is insane but we'll be fine."
"How can you be so chill about all of this Beca? If we don't win at Worlds the Barden Bellas are over."
"It's just a capella Chlo," Beca says calmly and Emily doesn't even have to see Chloe's face to know she's hurt.
Emily watches as Beca heads into the house leaving a distraught Chloe on the steps alone. She waits for a minute before heading up the path and sitting down next to Chloe on the steps. She knows she doesn't have to pretend she didn't hear them. Chloe can read her like a book and the guilt is written all over her face.
"She doesn't mean that," Emily starts, "you know as well as I do that Beca cares about the Bellas, even when she pretends she doesn't care about anything."
"I know Em, it would just be nice if she said it once and a while."
Emily knows exactly what Chloe means. It's been a long time since she's actually heard Beca say how much she cares about the Bellas. They all know she does, she wouldn't still be there if she didn't.
Emily scribbles on her placemat as Mr. Mitchell congratulates Aubrey on their big win at the ICCAs a few nights ago. She's 14 and decidedly too old for the kid's menu but she always takes the crayons when she's offered them anyway. Beca's dad offered to take the Bellas out to dinner to celebrate after they won. Emily gets to tag along, she always does.
Emily eats her chicken strips and listens as the Bellas discuss their favourite moments from the past year. Amy mentions something about the Riff-Off and Bumper. Emily laughs when she stops talking as Aubrey scowls at her. Aubrey has been intense for as long as Emily has known her. Stacie mentions all the hot guys that have turned up to their performances and makes sure not to mention any Trebles by name. Emily doesn't point out that she's seen Stacie on multiple occasions talking to a Treble whose name she doesn't actually know.
When it's Chloe's turn she makes most of the Bellas tear up as she praises them for getting through the highs and lows of their first year as Bellas. She toasts to more years to come. She told Emily a week prior to the competition about her failing Russian Lit and having to take her senior year over again. Chloe says she just let the course get away from her but Emily knows how well versed in obscure Russian Literature Chloe is. She's had to hear Russian poetry as a bedtime story since Chloe started to babysit her as a child. Chloe can't leave the Bellas, Emily knows that's the real reason but she doesn't blame her. The Bellas have been there for her and the real world is kind of scary.
Beca is the last Bella to speak. Her favourite moment is one Emily wasn't privy to. She mentions singing their first mash-up together in an empty pool and finding their sound. Her dad smiles at her from across the table and stands up as Beca takes her seat again.
"Well Beca, you did it. You made it through an entire year of college when you never thought you could. I'm so proud of you."
Beca blushes and Chloe winks at her from across the table.
Her father continues his speech even after they all thought he was done.
"If you still want to go to LA, I'm ready to make good on my promise. We can book your ticket on the next flight. What do you say Becs?"
Emily watches as Beca shakes her head immediately.
"When this year started I thought I knew what I wanted. I wanted to be in LA and I wanted to be making music. I never thought I'd say this but now I know where I belong. I want to stay at Barden because I can keep making music with these girls and LA will always be there in the future. I love you girls too much to leave now. We've got more trophies to win."
Emily can see a tear rolling down Chloe's cheek as Beca finishes her speech. She jumps up from her seat and wraps Beca in a hug. Chloe leans in closer and whispers in Beca's ear but Emily isn't close enough to hear the exchange. Whatever it was Beca is smiling as they both sit back down.
Amy calls for a round of shots before realizing that they're in the US and they are still underage here. The Bellas settle for a round of desserts on Mr. Mitchell and Emily happily eats her sundae. She's happy that Beca is staying; she is definitely one of Emily's favourite people after this year. She's never seen Chloe so happy and she knows it's not just because she's finally an ICCA champion.
A few days later the Bellas are in the midst of a pillow fight when Beca walks into the house with a mysterious envelope. Chloe hops down off the couch to go meet Beca as Emily watches. She is beyond excited when Beca announces that they're going to be singing, finally. She isn't sure yet exactly where they'll be singing but she doesn't particularly care. She's dreamed of being a Bella since she was in kindergarten and now is her chance to prove herself.
She's more than a little creeped out when an hour later they're heading into the basement of a random middle-aged man. Chloe doesn't seem phased by it so Emily just follows her. When the man pulls back the curtain and she sees where they are a sense of relief washes over her. They're just going to be participating in some kind of an a capella competition in this guy's basement. It's weird but at least they're not going to get chopped into little pieces, probably.
Emily waves enthusiastically at Benji when she spots him. They are all kind of confused but Emily just shrugs it off, whatever goes down tonight it's probably going to be a lot of fun.
The middle aged man whose basement they're standing in announces that they're now members of the National A Cappella Laser Ninja Dragon League. Beca snorts beside her, it's ridiculous but also kind of cool, at least Emily thinks so.
She can't help but be intimidated by the other groups, especially Das Sound Machine who somehow look even bigger than they did at the car show. She hangs back and lets the other Bellas take the lead. She wants more than anything to sing a solo and prove herself but everyone is so damn good.
The Trebles get knocked out first and she's torn between being embarrassed and kind of proud of herself for getting a guy so flustered. When they make it to the I Dated John Mayer category she knows she has this. She's kind of a huge John Mayer fan but as she's thinking about a Katy Perry song to start Chloe beats her to the punch with Taylor Swift. This is a lot harder than she ever expected, Chloe has always made it look so easy.
Emily watches as the Bellas go back and forth with Das Sound Machine. 90s Hip Hop jams are way out of her comfort zone, she doesn't even know if she can name more than one. The rest of the girls are on fire though and Emily can't help but smile. A minute or two into the round and Emily finally has her chance. The creepy a capella super fan points to the Bellas and no one steps forward. If she can just think of a song that fits this could be her moment. She can't think of a song that fits though and she's not sure why she does it but she just starts singing her original song.
The booing is the loudest she's ever heard, even louder than when the Sockapellas perform. The Bellas have lost the riff off and it's all her fault. Why the heck did she sing her stupid original song? No one wanted to hear that and it definitely didn't fit the category. She cringes as she replays the moment in her head.
She knows Chloe is mad at her as she stalks out of the basement.
"Chloe, Chloe wait," she calls after her.
She feels a hand grab her arm and she turns around to see Beca.
"Just let her go," Beca advises, "you know how intense she is about winning."
Intense is a bit of an understatement. Emily has seen Chloe flip out over more than a few competitions. Chloe is normally a very fun loving, easy going person but never when it comes to a capella.
"I'm going to go find her," Emily says, removing her arm from Beca's grip.
Chloe is sitting on the steps of the creepy a capella fan's house when she makes it upstairs. She's not crying which is a relief to Emily; she's just staring out into the dark.
"I'm sorry I screwed things up for us in there. I get it if you're pissed and don't want to talk to me," Emily offers, sitting down next to Chloe.
Chloe puts her arm around Emily's shoulder and gives her a squeeze.
"I'm not pissed at you and when have you ever known me to give you the silent treatment? We kind of threw you to the wolves in there. Big, aggressive, German wolves."
Emily smiles, she's relieved that Chloe isn't upset with her. She hates when they fight, even if their disagreements are few and far between and always end with a big hug.
"I just really wanted to prove myself you know, show everyone that I belong here and I'm not just here because I'm a legacy or whatever."
"You don't really think that's why you're here do you, because of me?" Chloe asks, her face softening at Emily's admission.
"It's true though isn't it? I mean you're not even allowed to accept new members this year."
Chloe presses a kiss to Emily's temple.
"Maybe being a legacy got your foot in the door but Emily I promise you that you are a Bella in your own right. You don't have anything to prove and those girls in there would tell you as much if you asked them."
"She's right," Emily hears a voice behind her say.
Both Chloe and Emily turn their heads to see Stacie standing behind them.
"What you did in there was kind of stupid sure but you showed you have the Bella spirit. You want to win and you'll do whatever it takes to get to the top."
A wide grin spreads across Emily's face as Stacie finishes.
"Thanks Stacie!"
"Thank you," Chloe mouths at her friend and fellow Bella.
Chloe takes Emily's hand and they head toward the bus as the rest of the Bellas begin filing out of the house. That wasn't their finest showing and Das Sound Machine got the best of them but they still have time to get it together before Worlds. If Emily has anything to say about it the Bellas will be the champions in Copenhagen. All she needs now is a strategy and well, that can wait until tomorrow morning. Tonight they'll celebrate the almost win over DSM because it could always be worse. They could the Trebles who have to go home and think about losing to both the Tone Hangers and the Green Bay Packers. At least a football team didn't beat them; she'd never be able to live that down.