Chapter 3
A/N- soooooo I've been getting quite a bit of feedback about what should happen next and while I'd love to answer, I need it to be a surprise, but I'm definitely using your ideas, so thank you all for the input, it's really helpful, and very interesting to hear. More bechloe angsty stuff I guess. Enjoy!
3RD POV
Beca and Chloe hadn't seen much of each other the next week. Both became busy with work and Chloe was overwhelmed with trying to plan the wedding. They would say hi to each other when Beca picked Payton up from dance, but they were never able to talk for long. At the end of the week Chloe was home working on the wedding planning.
Aubrey walked into the room and was surprised to see the girl actually working on it, "wow, this is a first."
"What do you mean?"
"You haven't done much planning since you reconnected with Beca, is everything alright between you two?"
"We're just friends, and yes. We've both been busy, she's working on some contract for a new client. And I have the dance studio to worry about, plus this crap."
"Crap? Is that any way to refer to your wedding?"
"It's just aggravating, I don't want to do all of the work, but Tom is no help."
"Well it would help if you two lived together."
"Again, we didn't want to put money into anything like that until after we knew we'd want to be together forever."
"And are you even sure you want to be with him forever?"
Chloe sighed, "I don't know Bree, things are complicated. Beca and I had a thing, I know we did, but she hurt me. I still love her, and I guess I have hope for us, but I'm with Tom. And I'm happy with him too. And I guess I want to do this with him."
"What's keeping you from fully committing to one of those scenarios?"
Chloe shrugged.
"Just talk to Beca. All this tension between you two is just increasing. I think after you have a talk with her, those lines will become a bit clearer."
Chloe nodded, "I guess you're right, but I don't think either of us really has time to just chat."
"Well have you asked her? Maybe she's waiting on an invitation from you since she initiated the rekindling of your feelings."
"I'll call her in a few minutes it's only noon, not all of us are lucky enough to be off of work by now."
"Please do, you have nothing to lose."
"Okay."
Beca finally managed to negotiate a contract with Emily Junk, the new client, so after signing on to the label, they decided to throw a huge party for later that night. As a result, Beca was at Jesse's having lunch with him and Payton since she would be spending the night with him.
"Well I'm happy for you, Bec. I know you hate all the business stuff about it, and I'm glad you were finally able to finalize the contract with the girl."
"Thanks, I'm pretty happy too, her voice is pretty good."
"Are you excited for the party tonight?"
"Not really, it'll be fun for Emily, but for me it's all official business crap."
"Well try not to be so negative."
"Jess, I don't even have a date. I'm a freaking big time producer, I'm like sorta famous and popular, but I'm gonna show up dateless, I'm such a loser."
"Well, why don't you ask Chloe?"
"She's probably busy with Tom or wedding planning."
Jesse shrugged, "well it doesn't hurt to ask, you've literally got nothing to lose."
"Fine, whatever, I'll call her after lunch, hopefully she's not at work."
Chloe picked up her phone after she gave up on wedding planning and was about to call the brunette when suddenly the girl's contact photo popped up signaling that she was calling.
"Hey, Bec!"
"Hey."
"I was just about to call you."
"Really?"
"Yep. I wanted to see when you were free next."
"Like I said, text me when you're free, I pretty much make my own schedule."
"Oh cool, want to hang out sometime?"
"Uhh...yeah sure," she heard the girl stutter through the phone.
"Awes, I'll text you when I'm free and we can figure out a time then."
"Sounds good."
Chloe hummed in agreement, "so why did you call?"
"Oh, right. Well you see.. I finally signed Emily, and we're having a huge party to like celebrate, and I needed a date. So I was wondering if you'd like to be my date tonight. Just as friends, but you know, you don't have to and-"
"Bec, relax. I'd love to go with you tonight."
"Great," Beca sighed. "I'll pick you up at 6?"
"Okay."
"Cool."
"See you then."
"Yeah, bye."
With that the phone call ended.
Aubrey walked out to see her best friend smiling like a kid in a candy store.
"What's up with you?"
"I can't be happy?"
"You can, but you've been pretty stressed lately."
Chloe shrugged.
"We're you talking to Beca?"
"Maybe," Chloe said as she smirked.
"Well judging by that face, that's a yes. What happened?"
"I'm going to a party tonight."
"Really?"
"Yeah she officially signed on a new client so they're having like a huge party, and she invited me to be her date."
"Date?"
"Not like that!" Chloe hit the blonde on the shoulder. "she invited me to accompany her."
"Sure," Aubrey said sarcastically.
The redhead rolled her eyes and walked towards her room.
"Where are you going?"
"I need to pick out an outfit for tonight."
"Honey, we need to go shopping, you're outfits are not red carpet ready."
"There's, not going to be a red carpet."
"Well it's better to be prepared. Grab your purse were getting you an outfit that will make you turn everyone's head tonight."
Chloe groaned and grabbed her things. Usually she'd never objects to a shopping trip, but she didn't want to buy a new outfit just for tonight, even if she did want to impress the DJ.
After two hours Chloe decided to buy a white and black dress, the upper half was white while the lower was black and it was more gown style. There was also a slit on the left side the revealed her leg. When they arrived home, the dancer had an hour to get ready. She decided to wear her hair down, and wore light make up. Then she found a pair of simple black heels that complimented the dress. Chloe walked out and Aubrey nodded in approval.
"You're going to be making Beca drool all night."
"Gross, Bree. She's not an animal."
"Like you would even care, you want to impress her."
"So what if I do?"
"Just be careful tonight okay?"
"Okay."
Soon after Chloe came out to get Aubrey's approval, there was a knock on the door. Aubrey opened the door, revealing Beca in a stunning silver gown.
"Hey," Beca smiled awkwardly.
"Beca, you look nice."
"Thanks Aubrey, is Chloe ready?"
"yeah," Chloe shouted as she grabbed her things and headed to the door.
Needless to say once the girl's saw each other, very few words were shared. Both girls stood there, taking in the view.
"You look beautiful, Chloe."
"Thanks," she smiled. "So do you. You're so fancy looking, it's like you're ready for prom or like an award show."
Beca chuckled, "well I have to look nice when I'm a music producer. I don't normally dress up this much, but the news about me signing on a new artist spread quick. It's been awhile since I've produced anything, the label wanted to make this a bigger deal than it is."
"Well I hope I'm not underdressed."
"Not at all."
After a short silence Beca spoke up again, "You ready to go?"
"Yeah."
"Don't keep her out late."
"You don't control me, Posen."
"Yeah Bree, don't wait for me, I'll be fine."
"She's in good hands, I promise."
"Don't blow it, Mitchell."
"Roger that."
With that the two girls left and headed out for the studio. Expecting Beca's car outside,the redhead was surprised to see a limo.
"Where's your car, Bec?"
"Oh uh, so you know, I have to arrive in style, so the studio arranged for me and Emily to have a limo take us."
"Is there gonna be a red carpet?"
"I don't know if it'll be red, but yeah I guess you get the idea."
Chloe took a deep breath and nodded, "cool."
Before opening the door, she looked at Chloe, "You don't have to do this."
"No it's fine, it'll be fun."
"Ok."
They got in the limo and for the first time in a while, the two fell into an awkward silence until Beca decided to speak up again, "look I just thought I should warn you, the paparazzi and tabloid groups haven't seen me out in public with anyone but Jesse and some guys from the label, so they'll probably be asking a lot of questions. If it makes you nervous or anxious, don't answer just be polite and I'll try not to be too far away from you."
"We're gonna get separated?"
"Just for the pictures. We'll do some like couple photos, then individual, at least I will, you don't have to. And then they'll interview me, and the celebrity news might bombard you with questions to try and get some fake gossip started."
"Oh, okay. That's cool, well not really, but it's fine. I'll just stay close to you."
"That's totally fine."
It was a short drive to the studio, and Beca noticed the Chloe was getting more nervous. She reached over and held the girl's hand, "don't worry, Chloe. You look beautiful, and either way, they're gonna love you okay?"
Chloe smiled and nodded, "thanks, I needed that."
"I know."
The limo stopped and Beca audibly sighed she looked to Chloe as she saw the driver get out to open the the door.
"Ready?"
Receiving a nod, the door opened and the girls could hear the noise from the crowd of people. There were flashed from cameras illuminating the sky, and the noise was almost too much for the redhead.
Beca smiled, "you sure?"
Chloe nodded once more and Beca stepped out. There was a loud cheer, and then Beca offered a hand to help Chloe get out of the car. Just as Beca suspected, questions started flying out of everyone's mouth about her companion for the evening. Chloe was taken back a little by the noise and lights, but she did her best to relax.
Beca was still holding her hand, and Chloe hated to admit that it was comforting. She didn't want the girl to let go. Her wish was granted, still holding hands, Beca led them down the red carpet. They stopped and posed for a few pictures, and the brunette helped her figure out where to look. Then they separated so that Beca could get pictures by herself. Chloe happily sat back with Beca's security guard that had met them at the edge of the walkway. She smiled as she watched the girl, she was captivated by the younger girl. She was pulled out of her gaze when she noticed Beca pointing over to her.
"Don't forget to take some pictures of my date," the girl smiled.
Chloe heard the girl and started shaking her head.
Beca walked up to her and laughed, "come on, you're on a red carpet, how many times are you gonna get to have your photo taken and possibly put in a magazine?"
"Bec I don't know."
"Come on, Beale. You look gorgeous. I thought you were confident about all that?"
"I am."
"Doesn't seem like it."
Chloe rolled her eyes and gave in, she stepped away from Beca and took a few photos. Once she had enough photos taken, she looked to Beca who smiled and joined her one last time. Then Beca walked over and talked to the photographer, and she handed him a card. The the girl walked back and they walked to the end of the carpet where they were greeted by an interviewer.
"Good evening ladies you look fantastic," the guy said.
"Thanks," the pair replied.
"Beca who is this new arm candy you have?"
"That would be my friend. I'd rather not reveal her name. I don't want her caught up in all this celebrity trash."
"Well alright then," the reporter said awkwardly.
"So Beca, tell me about this new artist you've signed."
"Oh Emily's great. She's young, energetic, and she's got a great voice. She's got some raw talent. I had a few notes on her original music that I assume she's open to, but over all she's great. I'm excited to work with her."
"You're producing the album right?"
"Well yeah, that's my job."
"Right, and what type of songs do you think we should expect?"
"Uh, I don't know. We just signed her this morning. But it seems more like pop, but I mean you never know. It's her album, I want her to show her voice and who she is."
"Awesome, well congratulations on getting another artist to sign on," the man smiled.
"Thank you."
The man turned to the camera and smiled, "Beca Mitchell, everyone."
Beca smiled and waved.
Just as they were about to leave, the man stopped them, "could I get an interview with your date?"
The brunette shrugged, "if she wants, don't force her though."
Chloe smiled and shrugged, "I guess a few questions can't hurt."
"Alright, now what's your name?"
"Uh, I think I agree with Beca, I'll just keep it disclosed for now."
"Okay, okay, and how did you and Beca meet?"
"We went to college together. We were in an acapella group."
"Acapella? She sings?"
"She didn't tell you?"
"No I mean we knew she was talented, but we've never really heard her sing."
"Well maybe you just haven't earned that much of her awesomeness yet."
"Maybe," the man chuckled.
"Is this your first interview?"
"Yeah I'm not famous."
"What do you do?"
"I teach dance."
"Awesome, well I hope you are having fun."
"Oh definitely, it's kinda weird, but it's fun."
"Great well I'll leave you two alone now. Have a nice night."
"Thanks," the two girls replied before walking off.
"You did great," Beca smiled.
"You think?"
"Totally, you should be famous more often," Beca joked.
"I'll think about it," Chloe laughed.
They walked into the studio and saw there were already a bunch of people. They grabbed drinks, walked around, and Beca introduced the older girl until 7.
"Hey so most of the guests have arrived, I have to go give a speech up front, you can move up there or stay back here, but I'll be right back by your side when I'm done."
"Okay," Chloe smiled.
Beca went up to the stage and stood next to Emily. There were a couple photographers that were hired for the event. She smiled and got the guests to settle down.
"Hey everyone, thank you for joining us tonight for this special moment. I'm so glad I was able to sign this girl, she's super talented, and you know it helps me too, but more importantly, it's getting the industry wonderful people to help it thrive. I'm so excited to be working with her, and I can't wait to share this girl's talent with everyone. I'm glad she chose me to produce her first record, and I can't wait to help her show everyone who she is and let her voice be heard. So let's cut to the chase, Emily Junk welcome to Residual Heat. We're all very excited to work with you, and we all wish you the best," Beca smiled and stepped away from the mic. The crowd clapped and beca motioned for Emily to make a speech.
Beca noticed Chloe in the first row and smiled and waved at her. Chloe waved back, and then Beca looked towards the girl at the mic.
"Hi everyone, I'm Emily. I wanted to thank Beca for listening to my demo and choosing me out of all of the other artists. I can't wait for all of you to hear my music. And I'm so grateful for this opportunity."
Everyone clapped and then Beca walked back up to the mic, "well now that all the speeches are done, let the party begin."
She walked off stage and meet up with Chloe who was waiting there awkwardly.
"Hey."
"Hi," Chloe smiled.
"Do you want a drink?"
"Sure."
They walked over to the bar and ordered another drink, then they headed to the dancefloor. Beca had selected the DJ from one of her favorite clubs, and both the girls were dancing the night away. Later on they were both very much drunk. They ignored all personal boundaries, and Chloe was grinding on top of Beca. When the older girl turned to face Beca they found each other's eyes and were pulled into their own world.
It was like they were back at Barden. They even ignored the tension between them. After their starting contest they went back to dancing, both girls speed drinking and kept dancing. They made up their own dances like they did at the initiation parties. It was the most fun either girl's had in a long time. Chloe began to mingle with a few friends of Beca, and Beca found her time to sneak away for fresh air.
She decided to go up to her office. She took a glass of water and a plate of snacks with her. She decided to go up to the balcony that was up on the roof of the building. As one of the best music producers, the label hooked her up with an awesome office, and when she had enough partying, she would escape up to the rooftop. She stood over the trailing, drink in one hand and the plate on the high table next to her.
She enjoyed her time by herself. But tonight she didn't need time away from the crowd, she needed space from Chloe. The girl was driving her crazy. The tension was killing her, and right now she was able to clear her mind and calm down. Her thoughts were running wild, and they were all centered around a particular redhead. Sheet have up to get thoughts and let out a loud scream. Feeling a bit more relaxed, she sat on the sofa and looked out at the city.
Chloe was having so much fun listening to the stories about Beca that she didn't notice the brunette left. She laughed at one story one of the studio engineers had and turned to where she thought the girl was, and was upset when she found the DJ was nowhere in sight. She asked around to see where the girl went, but ear meet with the two same answers: "no idea" or "probably the bathroom."
Chloe went to get some food, her searching made her have an appetite. And she was about to keep looking when she felt her phone vibrating in her purse.
"Hey, Bree."
"How's the party?"
"It's great, but I lost Beca. Can you do me a favor?"
"Sure."
"Can you go through the files in my desk and find Payton's, and then get me Jesse's number? He's the only one I can think of that night know where she is."
"Pretty sure I'm not supposed to do that but fine."
"Thanks."
"I'll text you the number," Aubrey said through the phone.
"Thanks, B."
"Yep, I'll see you at home, bye."
"Bye."
Jesse had just put Payton to bed when he heard his phone go off. He walked to the kitchen and answered it, "hello?"
"Jesse, this is Chloe."
"Hey what's up? Is everything okay?"
"It was until I lost Beca."
"Relax Chloe, I can hear you panicking from here."
Chloe sighed through the phone and Jesse laughed.
"She probably needed some air, check her office. Go to the elevator, she's on the top floor, her door is usually unlocked, you know Beca and safety. Then go up the stairs in the back, and you should find her."
"Alright, thanks Jesse."
"No problem," he hung up and then Chloe put her phone away and followed his directions until she found herself in the girl's office.
She looked around and smiled at the photo of the girls winning the ICCAs. She didn't even know Beca still had a photo of it. As she looked around she saw the record of the albums she's produced and was amazed. She had produced a lot of the albums she listened to, and Chloe didn't even realize it. As she scanned the girl's desk one last time she noticed one picture she hasn't seen in a long time. They were at Universal studios for a long weekend with the Bellas, it was close to Halloween so they spent the night getting scared to death. The photo was the two of them posing with one of the people that was scaring everyone. Chloe acted scared while Beca tried to hide her laughing.
Chloe smiled at the photo, and she felt tears forming in her eyes. She missed the girl, and she missed when they were close. The ICCAs was the last time she'd seen the girl, she was glad the brunette was back in her life. The last thing Chloe noticed was Beca's laptop and headphones, she remembered always seeing the girl with the two things, they were inseparable. She remembered how cute the girl looked working on her mixes. She decided to go up the stairs and she saw Beca on the sofa, facing the city.
"Bec?"
Beca jumped a little at the sudden noise.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I just needed some air, and space," the girl chuckled.
"Yeah I noticed those things get pretty overwhelming."
"Yeah, how'd you know I was up here?"
"I called Jesse."
"That boy is giving away my hiding places."
"Beca are you sure you're okay? You seem kinda off…"
Beca sighed and tapped the seat next to her. Chloe sat down and they both looked out to the city and Chloe smiled, "it's a beautiful view."
Beca looked over the the redhead who was still captivated by the city, "yeah."
Chloe turned to see Beca staring at her, "the city is pretty nice too," Beca added.
Chloe smiled and they both found themselves lost in each other's eyes once more. Subconsciously, they started leaning into each other. Soon Beca felt the girl's breath on her lips, and she cleared her throat and quickly moved further away and looked back out at the view.
Chloe frowned slightly and looked back at the city lights until Beca turned to face her again, "I think we need to talk."
Chloe gulped she knew they needed to talk, but she didn't think they'd have that discussion tonight, "we don't have to."
"Yes we do, we need to talk about what happened."
"Beca it was three years ago, we've both moved on."
"Have we? Because I can't help but notice the tension between us."
Chloe took a deep breath trying to conceal all of the old feelings that were now rushing back to her, she took a deep breath and tried to speak clearly, but her voice broke, "you hurt me."
"Chloe I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, please know that."
Chloe shook her head.
Beca grabbed her hand and Chloe pulled back immediately. Beca frowned, "I didn't want to leave. I left because I thought you hated me. I never saw you after the ICCAs. You just ran off."
"You let me."
"I ran after you."
"What?"
"I saw how sad you were, I wanted to make sure you were okay. I went after you but when I went outside, I couldn't find you. My dad drove me back to campus, and I looked everywhere. I even checked your apartment, but Aubrey said she hadn't seen you."
Chloe was dumbfounded by the news she heard.
"After I found out I was pregnant, Jesse proposed because it was the right thing to do. We chose LA because it's where all the big industries are. I went to your apartment the day we left, and Aubrey said you were in class. I left you a note, but I guess you never got it."
"I didn't know."
"I'm sorry Chloe."
"I was so upset. I went home for a while, finished up all of my classes early, I didn't want to see you. You broke my heart."
"I know," Beca frowned. "I wanted it to be you, Chloe."
"What?"
Beca looked up and felt a tear run down her face. She wiped it off then continued speaking, "at the ICCAs. I didn't want to kiss him, I just got caught up in everything. Then all of a sudden we were kissing. All I kept thinking was he wasn't the one I wanted to be kissing. I wanted it to be you."
Chloe started to cry.
"Chlo I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. Leaving you, breaking your heart, I didn't mean any of it."
"I loved you Beca."
Beca was silent as she heard Chloe confess her feelings, "I loved you too Chloe, why do you think I tried so hard to find out after what happened?"
Chloe shook her head and shrugged, "I was so happy to see you again. It made me so happy. But it brought everything back, and I don't know what I'm supposed to do because everything is coming back."
"Oh," Beca said as she realized what Chloe was saying.
"Things have gotten so complicated, but I realized that nothing ever changed. I used Tom to get over you. Jesse took my moment. I was going to tell you at the ICCAs, and when I saw you two, I just needed to leave."
"Chlo."
"Beca," she said in a shaky voice. "I still love you, I don't know what the hell I'm supposed to do. I really like Tom, and I'm engaged. But the second I heard you and Jesse were divorced, a part of me hoped I would have a chance."
"Chloe maybe this is just because of all the built up tensions and loose ends."
Once Beca said those words she wanted to take them back. She didn't want to upset the girl, but she didn't want to come between the girl's engagement. Beca looked up to Chloe and her heart broke like it did the night of the ICCAs, Chloe was crying and Beca knew it was her fault.
Chloe took a deep breath and looked up at the girl, "do you love me?"
Beca was screaming inside, yes, I always did. But for some reason no words were coming out of her mouth.
Chloe frowned and got off of the sofa to leave. She had just turned away from Beca and was so upset and distracted by her own crying that she didn't hear Beca stand up. Suddenly she felt Beca's hand around her wrist and felt her pull her backwards. Chloe spun around in confusion, and Beca looked at her. Before Chloe could say anything Beca captured the girl's lips in a kiss. Chloe inhaled sharply at the sudden contact, and gasped. Beca set her hands on Chloe's waist, and Chloe held Beca's face. Beca brought one hand up to the back of Chloe's neck and deepened the kiss. Chloe wrapped her arms around Beca's neck, as Beca brought her closer. Beca brought her hands up to wipe the tears off of Chloe's cheeks.
When they both needed air, they pulled away. Neither said a word. Some of the last tears came out of Chloe's eyes, and Beca wiped them away with her thumb. Chloe took a deep, shaky breath, and Beca smiled. Then she leaned in again, and Chloe pressed her lips against the girl's once more. Beca ran her tongue across the girl's lips. They were salty from the girl's tears. Chloe parted her lips along Beca entrance. The two explored each other's mouths. They put in every emotion they had bottled up the past three years. Every single emotion was expressed in their kiss.
When they finally broke apart again, Beca smiled, "I've wanted to do that for 3 years."
A/N- fucking finally though, am I right? Sorry this took so long to update. I finally am back down on a lighter schedule so I'm trying to write more now. Uhm what'd you think? This was actually difficult to write. I didn't want to rush it, but I didn't want to drag it out anymore. The tension was killing me. I hope you all enjoyed. Any comments or suggestions, leave a review. R&R MUCH appreciated (: