Chapter Four

To the Beat of Our Noisy Hearts

Chloe stared at the blank canvas in front of her. Sitting in the same position for well over an hour and not finding a shred of inspiration was more than a little frustrating. Anything would do, she thought. She would paint a fly if she thought it would fulfill her creative need. Knowing it wouldn't, she just continued the staring match. She was fairly sure the canvas was going to win the war.

In the opposite corner of the room, Beca seemed to be having more luck. Her head bobbed in time to the music filtering through her headphones, and she kept writing in her notebook. Chloe snorted. At least one of them was getting some work done.

Blowing out a puff of air, Chloe put down her unused brush and grabbed her sketch pad and pencils. Beca looked up, and Chloe motioned she was going outside. Beca smiled, nodded, and turned back to her mix while Chloe wandered to the deck.

The weather was mild and sunny, which was in keeping with how it was since Beca arrived two weeks prior. Chloe soaked in the sun's warmth, hoping it would help her think of a subject. Nothing came to her for a long time, and just as she was about to give up the perfect picture formed in her mind. After taking a few pencils out of the box, she began to sketch.

It wasn't long before she drew the general outline, and once she studied it, she changed a couple of things before starting on the details and shading. Chloe couldn't help the smile forming on her lips as the pencil flew across the paper, drawing out the image she already knew intimately.

By the time she looked back up at the hills, the sun was hanging low in the sky. She only needed to put some finishing touches on the sketch, but she and Beca had plans for the evening so she closed the pad of paper and went inside.

Beca was still working, and Chloe smiled as she walked down the hall. It was all so domestic, which was something she never imagined either of them doing, but it felt right and natural. Chloe wondered how she ever became such a sap when it came to her own romantic life as she rolled her eyes and stripped down.

When she was growing up she wanted the fairy tale ending, but without the damsel who needed saving. She never quite got that part of the story. Her mother was strong-willed and courageous, and she always taught Chloe to be the same. Even eight years after her death, Chloe still missed her.

She stopped just before she made it to the shower. Things changed for her when her mother died. She lost the fairy tale and began hiding behind her bubbly persona then, never allowing anyone to see her pain. Aubrey was the first person – other than her brother – she let in, and even that was difficult over the years. Chloe didn't like the thought of really caring for someone who was going to leave eventually. Perhaps it was why she and Beca bonded in the first place. They dealt with their pain in different ways, but it was the pain of loss nonetheless.

Whatever it was, Chloe accepted and cherished it. Since the first night in the house, she and Beca settled into a routine which wasn't really a routine. There were certain things they did every day, but on the whole, they tried to do something new. Exploring the area took up much of their time, but they also were experiencing the rich nightlife L.A. offered. It heartened her to see the joy in Beca's eyes as she listened to the thumping rhythms the DJs played.

When the water was warm enough she stepped under the spray. Soon all her musings fell away and, as usual, a song popped into her head. Without thinking, she started to belt out 'That Old Black Magic'. It was an old jazz tune her mother used to sing to her whenever Chloe needed cheering up, and as she ran the washcloth over her body, she couldn't resist closing her eyes and dancing along with the catchy song.

She jumped when Beca's voice joined hers, but she kept singing as Beca took off her clothes and stepped into the shower with her. "We really need to stop meeting like this," Beca said when they finished.

"Do you know every song ever written?"

Beca tapped her temple before grabbing the second washcloth. "Mind like a steel trap. You're just as bad. Ella and David Guetta. You're my ideal woman."

Turning Beca around and tilting the brunette's head under the water, Chloe reached for the shampoo and began washing her girlfriend's hair. "I'm not going anywhere," she replied, massaging Beca's scalp.

Beca leaned into her and reached back to Chloe's hips. "Neither am I, especially if you keep doing that."

The motion shot a jolt of electricity through Chloe, and she struggled to keep her breathing – and everything else – controlled. Her need for Beca was constant, and being naked in a shower with her made things so much worse. She needed to be strong, if only for the time being.

Chloe reluctantly stepped back and began rinsing the shampoo out. "No fooling around before we go out. We have reservations, and I don't want to be late."

Beca groaned in protest, but she dropped her hands. "You're really not going to tell me where we're going?"

"Deal with the surprise. You'll like it. I promise," Chloe said. When she got all the shampoo out of Beca's hair, she began spreading some conditioner in.

"Chloe, you're driving me insane," Beca said in a low tone.

With a chuckle and more than a little reluctance, Chloe removed her hands. "Should I leave you alone?"

"If you want to get out of here on time you will," Beca warned as she put some soap on the washcloth.

Chloe gave Beca a brief kiss on the cheek, tugged her towel from the rack and wrapped it around herself before blowing her hair dry. She just started styling it when Beca joined her.

"Not even a hint?" Beca asked just before she turned on the dryer.

Chloe just flashed a wicked grin and shook her head.

"You're mean," Beca said over the noise.

Chloe didn't respond, but she did pinch Beca's butt as she walked by, causing the brunette to jump and squeal.

"Hey!" Beca said, turning around in an attempt to swat the offending arm, but Chloe ducked out of the way. "Just wait for the payback," she said after she turned the dryer off.

"I'm quivering in fear."

"You should be. Revenge is my specialty," Beca said menacingly.

Chloe pretended to think for a moment. "I though your specialty was the thing you do with your tongue..."

Beca flung off her towel and snapped it, hitting Chloe on her thigh. "That's my hobby."

"You'll have to tell me what the difference is someday," Chloe replied, trying not to stare at Beca's nude body. "Go get dressed. You're distracting me."

Though Chloe wasn't sure how they managed to do so without incident, she and Beca were soon in the car and heading to their first stop. Chloe reached over and pulled Beca's hand onto her lap as they drove into the city.

"Just in case I don't say this later, you're stunning," Chloe said, looking over when they stopped at a light. "Red is perfect on you."

Beca blushed a little, her shade almost matching her tightfitting dress. "You did pick it out."

"But you're the one wearing it." Chloe kissed the top of Beca's hand before hitting the gas again.

"You're taking me to West Hollywood?" Beca asked as they pulled onto Melrose Avenue.

Chloe shrugged. "You'd rather go to McDonald's?"

"It's expensive."

Chloe parked the car and turned to Beca. "I have some money, and I want to give us a nice evening. Can you not over think this?"

"You don't have to. I'm fine with what we've been doing. Chloe, I can't let you do this. Grad students never have any money, and you'll need every cent."

Chloe hated what she was about to say. People always treated her differently when they knew the truth. "If this gets the subject out of the way, here goes. When my grandmother died, she left me a trust fund. I don't have to worry about these things. Can we please just have a good time?"

Beca looked shocked for no more than a moment before she leaned over and kissed Chloe softly. "I'm sorry."

"What? Why are you sorry?"

"You lost her, and nothing replaces a parent or grandparent. And I'm sorry I got a little weird."

"The money thing isn't really an issue with you, is it?" Chloe asked, not quite believing what she was hearing.

"It doesn't change you. Unless it gives you superpowers I don't know about. Then I'll have to sew you a costume or something."

"You sew?"

Beca laughed. "You are so precious. Of course I don't sew. I'd have my band of magical mice do it."

Chloe felt relief flood through her, just before she realized what Beca was saying. "You're a closet superhero lover!"

Beca stuck her nose up. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"So you hate movies, but you like comics. How did I not know this about you?"

"Wait a sec. I never said anything about comics. How did you get comics from magical mice?"

Chloe eyed her and ignored Beca's question. "You do, though, don't you?"

"I'll deny it 'til the day I die. I can't admit to being that much of a nerd."

"I hate to break it to you, but you shifted into total nerdhood when you joined the Bellas. There's no going back from there."

"And it's your fault."

With a laugh, Chloe opened her door. "Let's go get our eat on, Queen of Nerds." Chloe waited until Beca came around the front of the car and, taking her arm, led them into the restaurant.

The pictures on the website didn't do the place justice. Chloe looked around, taking in the mahogany bar in the back to the large brick fireplace in the center of the room. The walls were old brick, and the lighting was subdued. She requested a table in the courtyard when she called a few days prior, and she couldn't wait to see the actual area where they would have their meal.

"Ladies," the maître ď greeted them. "Do you have a reservation?"

Chloe gave the man her name, and he checked the list. "Of course, Ms. Beale. Will you follow me?"

He led them to the courtyard, and Chloe was thankful the place wasn't too crowded yet. The white walls were virtually covered in ivy, giving the area a very natural ambiance. Chloe was still looking around when the man seated them in a corner table. She smiled when she saw the chilled bottle in the wine bucket she requested next to their table.

"Your server will be here momentarily. Shall I pour you a glass?"

Chloe dipped her head. "Please."

He poured a small amount into her glass, and she swirled it around before taking in the scent. After sipping the liquid, she rolled the dry, white wine around her tongue before swallowing. "It's perfect."

"Very good," the gentleman replied as he poured both glasses. "Enjoy your meal."

With a bow, he left so discreetly Chloe hardly noticed, and with the vision in front of her, Chloe knew his discretion was only a small part of it. She wasn't giving lip service before; Beca was truly beautiful. She was beautiful even in ripped jeans and t-shirt with her hair completely askew; Chloe just thought her girlfriend shined a little more for their date.

"I thought you only drank the cheap stuff," Beca said, her mouth turned up in a grin.

Chloe laughed and reached for Beca's hand. "Only when I'm trying to get smashed. This calls for taste, and I don't think they serve Boone's Farm here."

"Don't remind me. That has to be the worst stuff I've ever put in my mouth."

Chloe raised an eyebrow. "And you're counting the cinnamon, too?"

"Okay, Boone's Farm is the second worst thing."

"Ladies, my name is Todd, and I'll be helping you this evening," a lanky man said as he stepped up to the table, opened their napkins, and placed them on the women's laps. "Would you care for a starter?"

Chloe looked to her date. "Beca?"

Beca perused the menu for a moment before shifting her gaze back up. "I'd like an order of the squash."

"Madame?" Todd asked, gesturing towards Chloe.

"I'll have the lamb loin, thanks," Chloe said without taking her eyes off Beca.

Todd made his exit, and Chloe returned to their previous conversation. "What's the third worst thing you've put in your mouth?"

"We aren't playing Truth or Dare," Beca said as she squirmed in her seat.

"It can't be that bad, especially if a tablespoon of cinnamon and Boone's Farm are on the top of the list."

"My mother went through this weird food phase when I was a kid, and she was always trying new and very unusual meats for about six months. It was like being on one of those cooking competition shows, only not nearly as fun because I wasn't watching it. I was living it. She only stopped because she managed to give everyone food poisoning one night."

"Interesting, but you haven't answered my question."

"No judging," Beca said, waiting until Chloe nodded. "She fed us canned alligator."

Chloe burst out laughing, quickly lowering her volume when a couple of diners glared at her. "I didn't even think they could can alligator. What does it taste like?"

"Like burned rubber," Beca said as she turned a very interesting shade of green. "They even put entire chickens into a can."

"That has to be good."

"I have no idea. I almost went vegetarian when my mother bought it, and she ended up throwing it out." Beca put her face in her hand. "I sound like a heathen."

Chloe squeezed the hand she was holding. "You sound like you have an eccentric mom."

"It's one way to look at it," Beca said, revealing her face again. "What's the strangest thing your mom ever did?"

"She used to eat peanut butter and tomato sandwiches whenever she could. It was so bad my grandmother hid the peanut butter," Chloe grinned at the memory, "but it didn't help. Mom just went out and bought more, and Gamma gave up on it after seeing it was a futile effort."

"Okay, that beats cinnamon by a mile," Beca said with a chuckle.

"Oh yeah. She made me taste it once. It didn't stay in my stomach long."

"So gross."

"And canned alligator isn't?" Chloe said, smirking a little.

"I can't believe we're talking about bad food in a place like this. Shouldn't we be discussing the geopolitical ramifications of sturgeons or something?"

Chloe laughed again, though softer than before. "I don't think sturgeons care about the geopolitical ramifications of anything."

Todd came back with their starters, setting them down gracefully. "Have you decided on an entrée?"

"We haven't even looked at the menu," Chloe said apologetically.

"I could recommend something if you'd like."

"Of course," she replied.

"The duck will pair well with the squash, and I would recommend the ricotta dumplings to accompany the lamb."

Beca nodded, and Chloe turned her attention back to Todd. "Great."

"Excellent," he said before disappearing again.

They both took their first bite at the same time, and Chloe saw Beca's eye widen just as much as hers likely did.

"Wow." Beca said after swallowing her first bite. "Seriously, great doesn't begin to cover it. Want a bite?"

"Take one of mine, too," Chloe said as she committed a cardinal sin by reaching across the table and putting some of the squash on her fork. "Mm, you're right. It is good."

Beca followed Chloe's example, and she looked like she was truly savoring her bite of food. "This is almost better than sex."

"Good sex," Chloe amended as she laughed.

"Bad sex doesn't come close to this," Beca said as she took another bite of her starter.

A pleasant silence settled over them as they ate, and Chloe was truly enjoying how Beca reacted to the food. While she certainly had good taste in food, there was a lot Chloe introduced her to over the past few months. When they were at Barden, their regular food nights whenever Aubrey was at the library were true highlights of her senior year. Chloe found she missed those nights and was happy they resumed their food adventures when Beca came to California.

Beca finished just before Chloe did. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say I was in heaven."

"And you know you're not in heaven how?"

Beca laughed. "You really don't want me to get cheesy on you, do you? You know I'm not good at it."

"Give it a try," Chloe encouraged.

"If this were heaven, there wouldn't be a table between us. Or these pesky clothes." Beca said before taking an unsteady breath. "There would just be me loving you with everything I am."

"I really want to kiss you right now," Chloe said softly.

Her desire to kiss Beca wasn't even necessarily about desire; Chloe was overwhelmed by Beca's declaration, and wanted more than anything to express her feelings in something other than words. Chloe needed to touch Beca and feel her physical being just to make sure she was real.

"I doubt anyone's going to care."

"Not the way I want to kiss you," Chloe whispered.

Beca stopped moving and just looked at Chloe. "How do you do that?"

"What?"

"Dismantle me," Beca breathed.

"It's mutual, believe me," Chloe responded in kind. Her need for Beca was deep and constant, and the conversation was distracting her in ways nothing else ever could.

They were both still, and Chloe felt as though Beca's gaze was seeing into her very soul. It both thrilled and scared her, but the fear left quickly. Chloe had tremendous faith in Beca's love, and that faith anchored her. After a moment they both started to recover, and they were back to normal by the time Todd picked up their plates.

"I was productive once," Beca stated when he was gone. "I could form coherent thoughts."

Chloe grinned. "And now?"

"All I can think about is you, naked and doing things to me I can't mention here."

"I can," Chloe said in a low tone. "Do you want to know what I'll do to you when we get home?"

In a feat of bad timing, Todd came back with their dinner. Beca was barely breathing, and Chloe loved the blush of red on her lover's chest. By the time Todd left, Beca had a death grip on her hand.

"Before you say a thing, I'm going to eat. Sex talk can wait."

Chloe arched her brow. She was enjoying having what little upper hand in the conversation she possessed, but she wasn't going to push the point. There would be time for such talk later. In the meantime, she reasoned she didn't have to say a word to get under Beca's skin. Chloe slipped off her shoe and started lightly caressing Beca's calf, and on the first touch, Beca jumped in her chair and almost dropped her fork.

"Sorry," Chloe said, though she really wasn't.

Beca took a ragged breath as Chloe kept running her toe along her lower leg. "I really hate you right now."

"No, you don't," Chloe said with confidence.

"Fuck me," Beca muttered.

"That comes later."

Beca gave up and set her fork down. "I love you, Chloe. I really do. Can we just get through this meal so I can attack you in the car?"

In her surprise, Chloe allowed her foot to fall to the floor. The expression on her face must have alarmed Beca, because before she knew it, her hand was clasped in Beca's small but strong one.

"What? Are you okay?"

"You didn't call me dork," Chloe whispered.

"That look," Beca said, motioning to Chloe's face, "doesn't happen every time I don't say dork."

"You never tell me you love me without it though."

"I guess I'm getting better about the mushy stuff."

Chloe nodded. "You are."

Beca smiled sweetly before releasing Chloe's hand. "So we eat now? I really want to get to the car."

Chloe grinned and began eating. For the rest of the meal, they stole glances at each other between bites, and Chloe was happy just to be in Beca's presence.


"Did you like dinner?" Chloe asked, taking Beca's hand as they left the restaurant.

"Mm-hm," Beca replied, not trusting herself to say anything more.

Somehow Chloe could drive Beca crazy with desire just by her presence, but the flirting in the restaurant truly threatened to make Beca do inappropriate things in public. Though perhaps it wouldn't be her finest moment, it would almost be worth it.

Chloe laughed. "Expressive use of words, Mitchell."

Beca just pulled Chloe closer to her, trying to get as much contact between them as possible. The only thing she could think of was getting her girlfriend in the back seat. She wasn't sure whether Chloe thought she was serious in the restaurant, but Beca wanted nothing more than to ravish her love.

They made it to the car, and instead of going to the passenger side, Beca followed Chloe to the driver's side. "Beca? Are you being chivalrous?"

With a small shake of her head, Beca pushed Chloe against the car, bringing their lips together in a hot, passionate kiss. Beca moaned when she felt Chloe respond, pulling her closer and deepening the touch. There was nothing for Beca except Chloe.

The sound of someone clearing their voice brought them from the heat they created between them. Neither one of them even glanced at the source of the noise. Their eyes were locked on each other.

"So…back seat?" Chloe breathed.

"Oh yeah." Beca opened the door and let Chloe get in first, following behind her and shutting the door behind her.

In spite of her raging desire, Beca took a moment and just looked at Chloe, feeling amazed and awed that the woman before her was in love with her and only her.

"Beca…" Chloe breathed.

Her name brought Beca from her thoughts. "Yeah?"

"You know I feel the same way about you – I can see it in your eyes. Now's not the time for mushy stuff though."

Beca grinned. "What's it time for?" she asked, even though she couldn't wait to have her lips on Chloe's.

"Now is when you're supposed to fuck me until I scream your name."

That was all Beca needed to quickly capture Chloe's lips with her own. She nipped at Chloe's lower lip before her tongue begged entrance, and when Chloe opened her mouth, Beca pulled her girlfriend closer and moaned when Chloe's tongue met hers.

She ran her hand up Chloe's inner thigh, and she spread her legs quickly. When Beca reached Chloe's underwear, she moaned again when she felt how wet they were. Pushing them out of the way, Beca ran one finger through Chloe's wet heat, causing her to arch into Beca.

"Inside. Now," Chloe hissed.

Beca resumed kissing her before plunging two fingers inside while her thumb massaged the sensitive bundle of nerves at Chloe's core. She immediately began moving her hips in time with Beca's thrusts, and Chloe soon threw her head back onto the seat. Beca latched her mouth onto Chloe's exposed neck, and she soon felt Chloe's hand holding Beca's head to her.

Chloe's breath was coming in gasps as Beca kissed her way up to her ear, where she sucked and nipped at her earlobe. "You're so fucking beautiful when you come," she whispered.

Those words seemed to be all Chloe needed as her walls closed down onto Beca's fingers. She bit down on Beca's neck and moaned as her body tensed, and Beca slowly stilled her fingers while continuing to place gentle kisses on Chloe's neck before she removed her fingers completely.

It took a few moments, but Chloe finally opened her eyes and gazed lovingly at Beca. She brought up her hand and cupped Beca's cheek, who leaned into the touch.

"Are you okay?" Beca asked softly.

Chloe nodded. "Just very satisfied."

With a smirk, Beca leaned in and tenderly brought their lips together. "Glad to help."

Chloe deepened the kiss and trailed her fingers down Beca's arm before touching her knee. Tugging at her girlfriend, Chloe pulled her until Beca was straddling her waist, her short dress bunched up around her hips.

Beca rested her hands on Chloe's shoulders as her lover moved her hand up and reaching the apex of her thighs quickly. When Chloe flicked her clit, Beca bucked her hips and dug her fingers into Chloe's skin.

With her free hand, Chloe brought Beca's head down for a searing kiss as she pushed her fingers into her. Beca gasped into her mouth as Chloe began moving inside her while rubbing the sensitive nub.

"Deeper," Beca breathed.

Chloe's thrusts became more powerful, and Beca took as much as she could inside her. As though knowing what she needed, Chloe added a third finger, bringing Beca to a fever pitch. Soon Beca felt her orgasm spreading through her, and when she felt Chloe's fingers plunge into her one last time, her world stopped.

She collapsed onto Chloe, whose fingers were still inside her. Beca slowly regained control over her senses and her breathing evened out. When Chloe gently left her core, Beca shuddered in the aftershocks.

"Fuck, Chlo," Beca said, kissing Chloe's cheek.

"Feel better?" Chloe laughed.

"Much. Can we go home now? I want to make love to you in a real bed."

"Nope. We have one last stop. Then I'm yours for the rest of the night," Chloe said as she gently pushed Beca off her.

"Ugh, fine," Beca said, though she was smiling as she straightened out her clothes. "But you're getting no rest tonight, Beale."

"I didn't think I was," Chloe remarked, opening the door and getting out. She turned around and held her hand out to Beca, who took it and stepped out with her.

It was then Beca realized the parking lot was much busier than it was when they got to the restaurant.

"I'm so glad we have tinted windows."

Chloe chuckled and kissed her forehead. "Not an exhibitionist?"

"It's me we're talking about," Beca said as Chloe let her go and moved around to her side of the car.

Chloe's eyebrow shot up and she shook her head. "No sense of adventure."

Once they were inside, Chloe turned the engine on and backed out of the parking space. Beca took a calming breath. She begrudgingly admitted it did feel dangerous having sex in the middle of a busy parking lot, but she wasn't so sure she wanted to admit it to Chloe.

"Don't even think about hiding the fact that you loved it," Chloe said, causing Beca to do a double-take.

"How did you –"

With a laugh, Chloe took Beca's hand. "I didn't. It was a lucky guess."

"Great," Beca groaned. "Are you…okay with it?"

"Were you not in the back seat with me?" Chloe asked, casting a sidelong glance at her girlfriend. "It can be fun."

Beca, still getting used to the idea she enjoyed that particular aspect of her sexuality, felt a jolt of desire flow through her at Chloe's admission. "I want you so much right now."

Chloe grinned wickedly. "Later," she said as she parked the car. "You want me?" Chloe asked as she leaned over and put her lips centimeters away from Beca's. "Take me."

Before Beca could move, Chloe pulled away and was out of the car. Taking a couple of deep breaths, Beca climbed out herself and came face to face with her lover. "What. The. Hell?"

Chloe smiled and brought Beca to her. "You are so easy to tease. Don't worry. You'll get what you want, just not yet. Now we enjoy the night."

Beca sighed when Chloe grabbed her hand and dragged her to the entrance of the club. It was a little startling to find the club entrance led into a basement, but she went with it. She was even more shocked once they were inside. The space was beautiful.

There was an early twentieth century look to it, with dark stone tiles on the floor. The walls were a mix of concrete and brick, and old, silent movies were playing on the concrete portions. From what she could see, different sections were roped off, all leading around a main bar area. It looked amazing.

Chloe gave the man behind the counter her name, and they were led upstairs, to where a series of tables were set up. From there Beca could see a stage below, and she wondered if it was a dance club as well.

They sat down, and took their menus. Beca wasn't sure why the menus were needed since they already ate, but when she saw the array of cocktails and snacks offered, she understood.

"This is really cool," she said to Chloe.

Chloe smiled at her over her menu. "I found it online, and I had to try it. I'm glad you like it."

"What's the stage for?"

"They have different shows here. Tonight there's music from the 1920s. There were mentions of jazz and ragtime on the site."

Beca, who appreciated most forms of music, was thrilled. Of all the music she listened to live, it was one kind of show she was never able to find. "This is great, Chlo," she said, reaching out for Chloe's hand. "Thank you."

Chloe squeezed her hand. "Don't thank me yet. They could suck. But you're welcome."

The waiter came back, and both women put in their drink orders. When he left, Beca looked at Chloe. "How long have you been planning this?"

"For a week. I wanted our first date to be special."

Beca leaned over and kissed her lover softly. "It is."

Much to Beca's surprise, Chloe blushed. "I'm still not used to this new Beca. You don't really hold back anymore."

Beca shrugged. "I don't really have to. Besides, would you let me?"

Chloe grinned. "Probably not. I still appreciate it."

Moving her mouth to Chloe's ear, Beca whispered, "I love you, and I'm not going to hide it. You're way too important."

Chloe kissed her cheek. "I love you, too."

Beca opened her mouth to say more, but the band came onto the stage and started playing. They both sat with their hands together, listening to the music. As it washed over her, Beca couldn't help but look at the gorgeous woman sitting next to her.

If anyone asked her a month prior what Beca considered happiness to be, she knew her answer would quickly and succinctly be that her first love was and always would be her music. Watching Chloe, though, Beca knew it wasn't true anymore. Chloe took over, and while music made Beca happy, Chloe made her feel complete. More than that, Beca felt safe with her. For someone who didn't trust people, Beca trusted Chloe with her heart. It was an incredibly scary feeling; yet at the same time, Beca found strength in it.

She didn't know what was in store for them or, more specifically, what would happen when she was forced to go back to Barden, but she felt like they could go through anything and still survive.

With Beca's fingers tracing circles on her upper thigh, Chloe felt rather pleased with herself as she drove them home during the early morning hours. Beca enjoyed the date, and so did she. For Chloe it was as near perfect as one could get.

She pulled the car in front of the house, turned off the engine, and they went inside. Chloe, though she felt good, was a little tired from the night, which was a rare thing. Still, standing in the foyer and looking at Beca's slight form, she could feel desire stirring in her again.

"Do you know how beautiful you are?" Chloe said softly as she stepped closer to the smaller woman.

Beca blushed and looked away, but Chloe drew Beca's gaze back to her.

"You are, Beca. Like, really, truly beautiful. In every way, and I love having you in my life," Chloe said, caressing Beca's cheek.

For a second, it looked as though Beca was going to try to make light of Chloe's statements, but instead she leaned into Chloe's touch and closed her eyes contentedly. "You say the best things," Beca whispered, turning her head and kissing Chloe's palm.

No more words were spoken as their lips met in a gentle, loving kiss. Chloe's need grew, and she wrapped her arms around Beca's tiny frame and pulled her close. She lost herself in the embrace, and soon she dimly heard the sound of her zipper being pulled down.

As her dress fell away, Beca's hands began dancing across Chloe's back, reaching up and deftly removing her bra. Suddenly Chloe needed to see more, and she found the zipper at the back of Beca's dress and tugged.

When they stood naked and flush against each other, Chloe pushed Beca to the wall and delighted in the feel of hard nipples in her hands. She broke the kiss, only to leave a wet trail with her lips down Beca's neck. Beca put her hands on Chloe's shoulders and gently pushed her down, and when Chloe's mouth found a nipple, Beca gasped in her pleasure.

Chloe wanted to take her time and truly show her reverence for the woman in her arms, and she did just that. With a familiarity born of practice, she ran her hands over Beca's body, thrilling when the slightest touch elicited a low moan. As she grazed the place where Beca's leg met her hip, Beca hissed and thrust her hips forward, and Chloe dipped her head down further still.

Once she was kneeling, Chloe ran her lips over the expanse of Beca's taut stomach before pulling one of her legs over Chloe's shoulder. When she looked up from her task, she saw Beca gazing at her with absolute love on her features. Finding Beca's hand, Chloe took it in her own before shifting her attention back to her ultimate destination.

Chloe delicately kissed Beca's curls before dipping her tongue into the sweet nectar waiting for her, and Beca's hand gripped hers even tighter as Chloe nipped and sucked at the small bundle of nerves nestled in Beca's center. Hips were moving against Chloe's mouth, and Beca groaned as Chloe continued on, running her tongue along the length of her wetness before plunging into Beca's depths.

Beca shot up, almost pulling out of Chloe's grasp, but she managed to not lose the precious contact, pushing her tongue in deeper and lapping up Beca's juices. The sound of Chloe's name on Beca's lips delighted her, and with one last push, Chloe replaced her tongue with her fingers.

She felt a hand snake through her hair, but Beca wasn't trying to keep Chloe where she was. Instead, Chloe knew Beca was using her to stay standing as her lips joined her fingers in her exploration of Beca's inner sanctum. With each thrust, Beca called Chloe's name in a passionate mantra, and it wasn't long before she felt walls clenching around her fingers and Beca's hand knotting her hair.

Kissing her way back up Beca's body, Chloe held her fingers inside, moving slowly as Beca rode out the aftershocks. When their lips met again, Beca kissed her with such urgency it shocked Chloe, and she began pushing into Beca a little faster, pleased when Beca wrapped her legs around Chloe's waist. With her fingers still inside, Chloe bucked into Beca, moaning low into Beca's mouth as she felt her lover's wetness coat her stomach.

Beca came a second time, arching against Chloe as her body reached ecstasy. When Beca relaxed a little, Chloe slowly removed her hand from Beca's warmth, missing the contact immediately. Beca, breathing heavily and resting her head on Chloe's shoulder, released her hold on Chloe's waist and put her feet on the floor again.

"I love you," Beca whispered, her lips grazing Chloe's neck.

At the words, Chloe turned her head and met Beca's lips in a gentle kiss. She put all the love and tenderness she felt towards Beca into the caress, and at the same time, Chloe never felt more loved than she did in that moment.

Before their caresses could become heated again, Chloe stepped back and took Beca's hand. With a tilt of her head, she motioned for Beca to follow, and they silently went to their bedroom. Beca backed her into the bed, placing her hand on Chloe's chest and pushing her onto the soft sheets. Her deliciously warm body covered Chloe's, and with as tender as Chloe was, Beca began doing what Chloe could only call worshiping her.

"Can you keep your hands up there?" Beca asked after took both of Chloe's wrists and moved them to the headboard.

Chloe nodded as she gripped the wood behind her, loving the anticipation of what was to come, and she didn't have to wait long before her feeling was satisfied. Beca tenderly kissed her as her hands lightly brushed over Chloe's heated skin, and when Chloe tried to move into the touch, Beca laughed softly.

"Be patient, Chlo. You'll get there," Beca said, moving up to press her lips to Chloe's before resuming her exploration.

Chloe stilled her body and closed her eyes, allowing herself to really feel Beca. Soft hands glided over her, never quite touching the areas of her body aching to be touched, and slowly Chloe need was raised to a fever pitch.

When she opened her eyes, Beca was gazing at her with a need more intense than Chloe ever saw in any of her lovers. It thrilled her to see Beca look at her like there was no one else in the world, and she felt as though her entire being was laid bare by that look alone.

Breaking their gaze, Beca placed a soft kiss between Chloe's breasts as her hands brushed across sensitive nipples. Chloe arched into the touch, and Beca didn't still her movements that time. Instead her lips replaced one of her hands, flicking her tongue over the hard bud.

Chloe wanted to beg and plead for more, for Beca to go faster, but there was something beautiful in the slowness of Beca's attention, and Chloe's breath came in quick, shallow movements. She was being pushed over the edge, and Beca's hands weren't even close to where Chloe needed her most.

Lips moved from Chloe's nipple, only to begin winding their way down her body. Beca was indeed worshiping her, tasting every spot she could before stopping just above the apex of Chloe's thighs. With a soft breath on Chloe's heat, Beca kissed the inside of her thigh, slowly kissing the length of Chloe's legs. Beca paid the same rapt attention to them as she had to Chloe's torso, and she was writhing uncontrollably by the time Beca's lips found her upper thigh again.

Chloe risked a glance down just before Beca licked the entire length of Chloe's folds, and her world exploded at the touch after waiting for what felt like an eternity for it. She cried out incoherently as Beca spread her legs wider, her mouth seeming to cover every inch of Chloe's sex.

With one arm Beca held Chloe's hips, while the other joined her mouth in its quest to quench Chloe's thirst for release. She felt two, and then three fingers inside her though Beca kept her hand still for a moment. Again Chloe called out as Beca impossibly added a fourth finger before delving deep inside her.

Chloe tried to hold on, to keep the feeling of being filled completely, but her orgasm built quickly as Beca quickened her pace. Suddenly Chloe needed to see Beca, to feel her mouth on hers, and she released the headboard and pulled Beca's face to hers. Fingers continued to move inside her, and Beca crashed her lips against Chloe's, her tongue entering Chloe's mouth and keeping time with her hand.

Everything but Beca disappeared when her fingers curled inside Chloe, bringing her to heights she never thought she would reach. Her breath came out in jagged gasps she began to come back to earth, and she shook a little as Beca slid her fingers out.

It felt like a long time before Chloe could open her eyes, but when she did she was welcomed by Beca's smiling face. Reaching up and putting her hand around the back of Beca's neck, Chloe pulled her down and kissed her tenderly.

Before anything could escalate again, their lips separated and Beca rested her head on Chloe's chest with a contented sigh. Chloe ran her hand slowly along Beca's side, and delighted in the feel of Beca's warm breath on her chest.

"Best date ever," Beca said quietly.

Chloe laughed and hugged her closer. "I do aim to please."

"This is a huge understatement, but I'm really happy," Beca said after a beat.

"I am, too," Chloe said, kissing the top of Beca's head

"You make me feel things." Beca said softly after a moment. "I've just...I don't know. Things I've never felt before."

"I think it's supposed to be good. Does it scare you?"

Beca looked up at her. "I'm terrified, but only because I don't want to screw this up. And this love. It's stronger than anything I've ever felt, and for once in my life I don't want to do anything but exist with someone else. And I want to do the stupid things couples do," Beca finished with a grin.

Chloe, though moved by Beca's admission, laughed. "What kind of couple things?"

Beca chuckled. "I honestly don't know. I've never wanted to do any of them."

Chloe drew Beca in for a kiss. "I'll show you," she murmured against her lips.

"You'd better. I don't really see Mrs. Baumgartner from down the street showing me," Beca said, smiling mischievously.

With a playful swat to Beca's arm, Chloe laughed again. "Funny, funny girl, especially since there is no Mrs. Baumgartner. We could start tomorrow if you want."

"You already have something planned?"

"I have things I've been thinking of," Chloe said cryptically.

"As long it's as good as tonight was, I'm okay with surprises when you're around."

"Good," Chloe said, placing a soft kiss on Beca's forehead. "I love you," she whispered.

Beca replied by pressing her lips over Chloe's heart before settling back in her original position.

They lay together, and Chloe couldn't find a reason to break the silence. It felt right; they felt right. As she drifted off to sleep, her last thought was of how happy she was.