It's only taken me for-fucking-ever but I finally got my ass into gear and wrote something. Whether that something is good? It's not, don't get your hopes up.
I literally didn't re-read this, I just posted it, so there is probably mistakes galore.
Anyway y'all are a bunch of sweethearts and like normal, I appreciate a good yelling at if this has made you stupider by reading it.
I've thought about doing 1 last chapter after this one and I have an idea for it but I don't know if you guys want it? So tell me.
"Now let's get down to the serious stuff now that we got that meat bag outta here," Fat Amy announces loudly into her microphone.
They've all moved to the last staged area and Beca was trying hard to pay attention to what was going on around her (she really didn't want to miss something and then make herself look like an idiot). She really was trying to concentrate but her mind was still buzzing from the previous conversation she just had with Jesse. He seems pretty sure that something could happen between Chloe and her but… that can't be right. She's not sure if he's actually seen Chloe – because if he had then he wouldn't be saying such ridiculous things.
Beca knows that she's not terrible looking, she can definitely scrub up well but what could she offer Chloe, a qualified veterinarian who basically embodies everything good about this world, and the hottest woman that Beca has ever seen. So much self-doubt plagued her mind (which wasn't unusual when it came to people, she was confident as fuck when it came to her music), but then she turned and saw a small (almost shy) smile appear on the red-heads face, who was already looking at her and it made her feel lighter. Beca couldn't help but return the smile to Chloe.
She heard her roommate's (and current torturer) voice booming again and it made her realise that she'd forgotten to listen... again.
'Fuck. I need to go for a hearing test after this. Wait… This is totally not my fault, it's Chloe's and her stupidly beautiful face. God I wish I could stop staring before she thinks I'm a weirdo.'
"Ok now that we know the rules of the next shit-uation, Chicago and Chloe – take your places over there by that curtain for the reveal of your 'mystery date'," the blonde host booms into the microphone. "Shortstack, you come over here with me and we can gawk at the awkwardness."
Beca's head shoots up as she hears her name (the first thing she's heard in a while since her little one-sided staring contest), she walks over to her roommate and spares a passing glance over at Chicago offering his hand to Chloe. It doesn't sit well with her, feeling the slight wave of jealousy wash over her. He wasn't the brightest but he did seem kind of sweet and he was taller and muscular – 2 things Beca was not. She definitely feels insecure for a moment.
Watching the pair walk over to the curtain and wait for it to lift is hard enough, she can't imagine actually having to have a 'first date' with someone in front of an audience! Especially if you don't even get to pick where you go or what you do! She's just glad that she gets to go second, it gives her a chance to prepare for whatever Amy has in store for them.
'Maybe I can go pull the fire alarm and end this before I get humiliated.'
The lights in the place dim and the curtains part and reveal a small restaurant has been built onto the stage. There's a bunch of small tables with other 'couples' already seated and talking amongst themselves. Classically romantic, slow paced music is playing from the speakers in the restaurant and a waiter presents themselves before the pair (Beca refuses to label them a couple lest her not-jealousy boil over and cause some serious embarrassment for her).
Beca watches as Chicago and Chloe (eugh even their names start with the same letter which isn't helped by the images flashing in her mind of a perfect wedding with signs for "C & C" everywhere – she shakes her head to etch-a-sketch those away) are led by the waiter to the table in the middle. It has candles and wine being poured into their glasses – the picture being burned into Beca's eyes now is not pleasant, watching an aesthetically perfect couple having dinner when she kinda-maybe-definitely likes one of them. It's like watching every parent with "traditional" values dreams come true.
The red-head, being ever polite, starts off the conversation between them while they search through the menus. "So Chicago, this is a little weird but so far what I know about you is that you are 32 and in the army. What's that like?"
The brunette man's eyes light up before he answers, "Oh being 32 is great! I'm the oldest in my unit and they all look up to me, although that's probably because I'm taller than them all."
Fat Amy leans over to Beca and whispers, "This chump is hot as balls but dumb as a log. I hope you enjoy mopping the floor with him Shawshank."
Beca turns and looks at her with furrowed eyebrows, "Uhh he is literally what most women look for in a boyfriend. He's pretty and tall and muscular and I'm no taller than a middle-schooler and look like a grumpy racoon."
The blonde laughs a little too loudly and a few people look over at her instead of the awkward 'date' happening in front of them. "BM you cannot seriously believe that he has any chance with this woman. She's been shooting love hearts out of those big blue peepers at you since she first heard your voice."
The short brunette snorts with derision, "Ha very funny. I think you might be confusing the fact that she's a nice person with flirting or something."
Her roommate just looks at her incredulously, probably thinking that she is a lost cause. They both go back to watching this disaster in the making (seriously, no first date could ever be intimate or amazing if there is a couple hundred people witnessing it). It looks just as uncomfortable as when she last looked away.
Chloe is sitting in her seat across from Chicago looking around the room and sipping a wine, almost like she is trying to find a topic of conversation for them. They get brought some bread sticks and there's a sigh of relief from the red-head, grateful for the interruption.
Chicago takes the opportunity to speak up, "So Chloe, I bet being a vet is nice. When did you serve? You are pretty young to be a vet"
Chloe stares up at him in confusion. Beca can't help but actually put her palm to her face. The lingering silence prompts him to continue on, "Like when did you serve in the military?"
The red-head breathes out an awkward laugh, "Oh umm… I'm not a veteran. I'm a veterinarian. I work with animals, like pets and other animals."
'Oh my god – I should pull the fire alarm to save HER! Forget about my embarrassment, Chloe definitely deserves better than this.'
Before anything more can be said, one of the waiters walks past with a tray of drinks and spills them over the both of them. The table and their clothes getting soaking wet. Chloe partially squeaks at the sudden cold intrusion and her 'date' jumps to his feet and attempts to grab the tray to help stop the drinks from spilling only to accidentally head-butt the waiter. The tray of drinks goes crashing to the ground and the glasses smash everywhere, the waiter goes down with it, seemingly unconscious.
There's a loud gasp from the audience and Chicago drops to the ground to help lift up the guy but knocks the whole table over on his way up. Chloe's hands are up at her face, in shock and not knowing what to do in the face of this utter catastrophe.
Beca turns to Fat Amy and nearly shouts, "What the hell was that? Is that supposed to be part of the date?!"
The blonde is laughing so hard she can barely wheeze out any words, "Oh… so stupid… best date… so glad he was in the finals."
The brunette turns back to look at Chloe briefly and feels helpless. She wants to run out there and help but this is clearly part of the design for this last segment – she's not entirely sure if Chloe knows that though. The lights come back on again and Fat Amy pulls herself together and walks out onto the stage again with a towel for Chloe and one for Chicago.
"Well my favourite ranga that was certainly an eye-opening first date! We've learned that in a crisis, Chicago is a hilarious helper. How'd that go for you?"
Wiping herself down as she responds, "Oh, well… I umm… I'd rather just see how the next one goes with Beca before saying anything."
The brunette hears her name and her heart starts pounding in her ears, thumping so loudly she can barely hear herself think. She's panicking and she knows that she shouldn't be. All she has to do is not fuck up as royally as Chicago did and it will be fine, she's a normal person, she can totally make normal conversation if she wants to. Plus as long as she doesn't jump around like a fool and knock everything over she should be fiiiiiiine.
Chicago gets led off the stage to stand where Beca has been and she gets pushed onto it (fucking clipboard guy!). Amy is still talking to the audience about how they have their own fake date now and that Chloe will have to choose one of them to have a real date with (one by themselves and without cameras!) after the show.
Beca walks over to the stage slowly, as if approaching death, eyes wider than she thought humanly possible.
'Listen to Dory's advice from that movie Jesse made you watch – just keep walking, just keep walking, walking, walking, what do we do – we walk, walk, waaaalk! Dayum that's catchy as fuck'
When she arrives in front of Amy and Chloe, she looks up and gives the red-head a shy smile. Chloe shivers because of the cold drinks that are still soaking her clothes so before they can get started, Beca takes her flannel off and puts it around her 'date's' shoulders. Chloe gives her a thankful smile and there is a blush making itself known on both of their faces while the audience gives a loud "Awwwwww". Beca cringes so hard – she totally forgot that they were there again.
Deciding to be bold Beca offers Chloe her hand, like Chicago did, and the red-head takes it gently but firmly. It's the first time they've actually been that close to each other and the warm sensation Beca feels when their hands clasp together travels right down to the tips of her toes as a tingle shoots its way down her spine. Never really being one for 'holding hands' in previous relationships it's weird for Beca to feel a sense of calmness wash over her because of Chloe, in fact she almost feels as if nothing can go wrong during the next few minutes (which is probably a very bad sign).
"Shawshank you are one smooth criminal," Fat Amy states followed with a crude gesture using her tongue. "But now it's time for the last date and Chloe can make her decision of who she wants more – Captain Hardbody or DJ Shortstack here. Let's get this over with!"
The lights dim again and they head over to the other set of curtains which part for them and reveal a very similar looking restaurant setup – couples already dining and candles everywhere. The ambience is supposed to be that of a romantic first date and it seems to succeed… if you can ignore all the people watching and the fact that it's a fake restaurant. They look at each other and Beca shrugs her shoulders at Chloe, trying to convey in a cool demeanour a "well may as well!" kind of vibe, which makes the red-head responds with a quick squeeze to her hand.
The waiter comes out and leads them to the table in the middle and pours them a glass of wine each. The brunette is tempted to just slam that glass back and get rid of her nerves but that will probably give Chloe the impression that she's an alcoholic (and despite what she may think of this whole thing – she really does like this woman). Instead she takes her glass in hand and sips the wine – normally she is a beer or spirits type but this will have to do.
"Soooo Chloe, this is clearly the most desirable first date I could've taken you on," Beca jests.
The red-head chuckles and throws a wink at the brunette, "Oh definitely, one for the memory books for sure."
Beca smiles at the sound of laughter coming from the red-head, after the night she has had it's probably needed. "Well we already know the basics about each other," she points to her own chest, "27, radio host and DJ," then she points to Chloe and says, "30, veterinarian not veteran and loves to sing."
Chloe nods along and adds, "You forgot that you also went to jail for a friend, you're funny and sarcastic and incredibly sexy."
Beca nearly chokes and takes another sip of wine before she manages, "Right… sorry, I guess I also forgot that you are the kindest, most positive and pardon my French here, but holy fuck your eyes are so blue and your hair is… soooo red and I'm really bad at complimenting but I think you get that I'm trying to say you are unbelievably attractive." When she finishes rambling her cheeks are pink and she tries not to look directly at Chloe, half expecting her to throw her wine in her face or just walk off. When she finally does look back at her, the red-head is smirking.
"You are so cute Beca."
The brunette flushes even more, "Well now that I'm sufficiently embarrassed, I thought it might be fair for me to ask you the questions you asked me earlier so I can hear what your answers would be?"
The red-head suddenly claps her hands together excitedly and her eyes go wide with anticipation, "Oh yes! That's a good idea, lay it on me Mitchell."
Beca clears her throat and pretends to imitate Chloe's voice, "Ok so, my first question is: in relationships, do you like to plan the dates, be spontaneous or have the dates planned for you?"
They both start laughing and the vet gently slaps the brunette's arm, "I don't sound like a California girl! Buuuuut to answer your so very well thought out question – as you can tell I can be a very excitable person so I definitely love a good surprise date! That is definitely my favourite kind of date. However I also love putting in effort and showing what I know about the person I'm dating by planning something special for them."
The DJ nods along with interest, "Good answer, good answer. You are definitely not struggling as much as I did. How would your best friends describe you? And you cannot use my amazingly coherent description of you from earlier"
Chloe smiles, she likes that Beca pokes fun at her rambling, "Well my bff Aubrey would probably call me passionate, forward and someone who has no idea what boundaries are, though there is a story behind that."
Beca straightens (her back, she is still super gay) and prompts the red-head to continue, "Oh do go on, I feel I need to hear this after some of my embarrassing revelations tonight."
The vet takes another sip of wine and her eyes sparkle over the rim of the glass when she looks directly at Beca while sipping the liquid. She clears her throat before starting, "Oh well in College I happened to be in an acapella group and we needed new members, so one day I was in the shower and I heard someone singing and kind of joined that person to get them to join my group. It was completely innocent though I swear, I just got caught up listening to their voice."
The brunette raises her eyebrows so high they almost disappear into her hairline, "Wow. That is umm… yeah you definitely have boundary issues but I want to know if they joined or did they kick you out?"
Chloe gives a sultry smile and responds, "Oh they definitely joined. I'm really confident about all this," she gestures to her body.
Beca coughs, not expecting that remark, "You should be." She takes another gulp of wine and braves the last question, "So is a family something that you want out of your next relationship or in your future at all?"
The red-head nods vigorously, "No question. I've always wanted a really big family and I would love to carry a child. I think I was born to be a mother, I nearly became a kindergarten teacher before I started vet school. I would feel empty if it never happened for me I'm pretty sure. I mean, it's a future thing, I'm not ready just yet but in a few years for sure."
Beca just watches the red-head speak and is mesmerized by the desire in her eyes for a family. It makes her heart feel like it wants to jump out of her chest – she's never really put a lot of thought into it until Chloe asked her tonight but now she is pretty sure it's already written into her future. Before she can respond to the answer from the blue-eyed woman before her, she hears a deep voice from beside Chloe.
"Hey there red, you look mighty fine tonight. Can I interest you in a drink?"
They both look up at the greasy haired (although it could be too much gel – it's hard for Beca to say), cocky man with his hand on the back of Chloe's chair while he leans over her – far too close for either of their liking. He's facing the vet and has most of his back to the brunette, ignoring her completely.
Chloe looks uncomfortable with the intense leering that is being directed at her and she shifts in her chair trying to put more space between her and the man. "Oh um… no thank you, I already have a drink."
"You could always use another baby. Tell me your name honey," he tries to sweet talk the red-head.
Beca starts seething, she cannot believe that this man is blatantly hitting on the vet when she is clearly not alone for starters, but why the fuck is he continuing when Chloe is clearly not interested!
"Oh umm, I'm actually on a date already so I'm good," the red-head tries to politely end the attempt at… whatever aggressive form of flirting this man thinks is acceptable.
Without acknowledging anything Chloe has said (in fact he seems to disregard it completely) he continues, "Come on baby, tell me your name. We can go get a drink and go back to my place," he also tries putting a lock of Chloe's hair behind her ear but she shakes her head and moves away further.
"Woah dude, she said no! How about you listen to the lady and move on," Beca interjects. She's getting real tired of this shit.
The man turns to smirk at Beca for a second before turning back to Chloe, "You know that you need me honey. That short thing won't be able to give you what you need. I'll give you the ride of your life." He winks at the vet and then licks his lips, attempting to entice her? Either way Beca feels like she might throw up from disgust and rage at the same time.
The brunette's chair screeches backwards as she stands, honestly unable to believe that this asswipe can't take no for an answer. "Hey! Listen dick, I don't know why you think you are god's gift to woman kind but she's already said she's not interested. Now move the fuck on and stop harassing her."
Chloe is looking up at Beca in awe. She's never been one that could stand up like that – she's confident but not always assertive. The brunette on the other hand is bravely standing up for her when she doesn't even really know her and it warms her heart.
The lights in the studio come back on and Beca barely registers her roommate's voice over her anger, "Well we better end this date there before shortstack ends up back in jail! Thank you Theo my man, that was some ace acting." Fat Amy high fives the greasy man and he turns back to Beca and Chloe to apologize for being a dick.
It takes them a minute to realise that it was a scripted part of the 'date', just like the waiter spilling the tray of drinks during Chicago's 'date' must've been. Beca wants to be mad at Fat Amy, but she sees the look of relief on Chloe's face and a smile that starts to take over. It makes her anger disappear and the red-heads smile must be contagious because one starts to form on Beca's lips as well.
Fat Amy pulls both of them over and Chicago joins them. "So Red you've had the two dates now, how was that experience for you?"
Chloe responds with a chuckle (she can't be feeling too bad now Beca hopes), "Well it was certainly an experience! You know how to keep people on their toes Fat Amy."
The blonde grins at them all, "Ok ok enough chit chat, we are totally running out of time here. Ginger who do you pick for your date – a date that I will have absolutely nothing to do with planning!"
The red-head looks at both Chicago and Beca and breathes out slowly, "Okaaaaay. Well they are both lovely people but I really clicked with one and I feel that there is definitely a lot of potential there. I really want to explore with this person and I hope they feel the same. The person I pick for my date is… Beca!"
The brunette hears her name but it sounds muffled, she thinks that she may have died and she is totally not being dramatic. If she heard correctly, the red-headed goddess has just chosen her over the chiselled moron (Beca knows he's lovely but imagine trying to maintain a conversation with him). A bunch of confetti gets shot out from the ceiling all over them and it takes Fat Amy pushing Beca over to Chloe for her to finally start breathing again.
She's now in front of the red-head and she's not quite sure what to do – half of her is screaming to kiss the red-head and the other half… well, it's also screaming at her to kiss the red-head but it's also reminding her that there is an audience present.
Chloe looks at Beca hopefully and that's all it takes for the brunette to lunge forward and press her lips to the red-heads. It takes a second but Chloe start responding to the kiss and then they are standing in front of this audience, having a first kiss (which is definitely not on Beca's to do list but it's happening). They break apart after a second and Chloe says, "So how bout it DJ, you want to go on a date with me?"
Beca just shakes her head with a smile, "Abso-fucking-lutely Beale."