Aubrey running from Beca seems like a sign that the kiss was a mistake. She walks slowly back to her dorm, trying not to think about how perfect it felt. But she's very unsuccessful.

Kimmy Jin is asleep when Beca slips into the room and so—as quietly as she can—Beca changes.

However, once she's in bed, sleep doesn't come easily. She's still thinking about the kiss and how it was even better than her day dreams. She really hopes she can kiss Aubrey again.

Aubrey's reaction makes that seem unlikely. But the more Beca thinks about it—and she can't help not—the more Beca wonders if it's that she caught Aubrey by surprise. She's been dealing with her crush for months now. And while Beca does think there is something between them, she also knows that Aubrey's been very singularly focused this year. She's heard it many times from Chloe, especially lately. Maybe tonight is the first time Aubrey's truly realized that there could be something between them.

Beca needs to talk to Aubrey; and it has to be as soon as possible before Aubrey is able to talk herself out of it. Because Beca wants this. She's more content arguing with Aubrey than she is being forced to watch movies with Jesse or even talking music with Chloe. And she knows how it sounds. But Aubrey is an intriguing challenge that Beca wants to explore.

She makes up her mind to wake up early enough to talk to Aubrey before rehearsal. She sets an alarm feeling better that a decision has been made.

She drifts off to sleep, thinking of kissing Aubrey again.

…

Knowing from Chloe that Aubrey gets up early to jog every morning, Beca drags herself out of bed. For once, she's up before Kimmy Jin, so she quickly pulls on whatever is within reach and relatively clean, before rushing out of the room.

The campus is peaceful so early in the morning and it makes Beca, briefly, consider becoming a morning person. Barden's not so bad when there's no one around. She gets herself a cup of coffee and a bottle of water for Aubrey before making her way to the bench Beca knows Aubrey uses to do her cool down stretches.

In her haste, Beca forgot to grab her headphones, so for the first time in forever, she sits outside without music. It's probably better that way; it gives her time to figure out what she's going to say to Aubrey. Beca knows she has to have a game plan. Assuming Aubrey feels the same way she does, Beca knows she'll still have to do some convincing for what happened last night to continue. And Beca's going to do everything she can to be able to kiss Aubrey again, because twice just wasn't enough.

The blonde appears on the path after about ten minutes and Beca congratulates herself on her timing. She's going to take it as a good sign.

Aubrey slows down as she approaches, looking wary. "Beca," she greets.

"Good morning, Aubrey," Beca replies as she holds up the water she brought. "Water?"

"I still need to do my post cardio stretches," Aubrey explains. "Maybe after."

Beca nods, watching Aubrey cross her legs and bend over. "I was hoping we could talk."

Aubrey straightens out, crosses her legs the other way and bends over again as she replies, "I have to admit I'm surprised to see you."

Beca grins. "This is the first time I've been up this early in a long time. But this is important."

Aubrey nods before stretching both her arms out behind her back and bends over again.

It's a bit mesmerizing to watch and Beca has to shake herself to remain focused. "We kissed."

"We did," Aubrey agrees, once she's standing again.

Beca waits for her to say more, but Aubrey just steps into a lunge, right foot forward and then slowly lowers her left knee to the ground. After a moment, she reaches back with her left arm and reaches for her foot.

Once again, Beca forces herself to remain focused, despite the very pleasant view she's being given. "And I would really like to do it again," Beca manages.

Aubrey is slowly rising as Beca says this, but she pauses and stares at Beca. "You would?"

"I would," Beca replies. "What about you?"

Aubrey lunges forward with her left foot. "I'd like that."

Beca feels a wide grin spread across her face as she watches Aubrey lower her right knee to the ground. "Good."

Aubrey grins back as she stretches.

"And I know you have a routine you have to follow before rehearsal," Beca continues. "But I was hoping we could talk after? There are definitely things to talk about."

Aubrey rises out of her stretch and then sits on the ground in front of Beca. She bends her knees and brings her feet together. "I'm relieved to hear you say that," Aubrey says as she leans forward, her hands on her feet. "I just assumed you'd pretend it didn't happen."

"I've been wanting to do that for a while," Beca confesses. Though it's difficult to admit, Beca knows she has to say it for Aubrey to give her a real chance.

Aubrey sits up. "For serious?"

Beca nods as Aubrey slowly stands up. She sits on the bench next to Beca and takes the water bottle. Beca knows she shouldn't stare at Aubrey while she's drinking, but can't seem to help herself.

"Can we talk in your room?" Aubrey asks. "I'm not ready for Chloe to know yet."

"Me neither," Beca admits.

This earns a surprised glance from Aubrey; apparently she hadn't been expecting that.

"Kimmy Jin should be out later," Beca continues. "Stop by whenever." Beca stands. "I'll let you get back to your routine."

Aubrey stands as well. "Thanks. Don't be late for rehearsal."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Beca says. She takes a step forward and kisses Aubrey on the cheek, before strolling away, back towards her dorm.

…

Returning to her room, hoping to shower before rehearsal, Beca is feeling pretty good. It seems that she was right; Aubrey had been surprised by the kiss. But it also seems like she spent the night thinking about it. Beca is so relieved that Aubrey feels the same way she does. She'd been worried that Aubrey would acknowledge her feelings and decide that it wasn't worth pursuing because it would interfere with the Bellas or that it would be too much of a struggle.

Beca tries not to think about what it means that neither of them want Chloe to know. That seems like a tangled mess that Beca's not ready to confront yet.

Instead, Beca tries to focus on getting through rehearsal without the others realizing that anything's changed; and what needs to be talked about with Aubrey after.

Chapter Six: Part Two

The most logical place to observe my moms is Bellas' rehearsal. Everyone agrees it's where the relationship started, even if they didn't know it at the time.

The fact that I attend Barden as well is really helpful at the moment, because I know exactly where their rehearsal space is.

Sneaking in is a little bit more difficult since mom and Aunt Chloe are already there prepping. But I've been taught by the best, both ma and Aunt Lily, so I'm able to get in and find some boxes to hide behind without being detected.

I try to eavesdrop on them, but mom and Aunt Chloe aren't really talking.

They have an easy comradely in my time; they know each other so well and seem to communicate with very few words. It makes sense that it would be true at Barden as well.

It also figures that my moms wouldn't make this easy.

I doze off a bit; it's probably only been a few hours since I jumped into the past, but I'm exhausted.

I wake up to the pounding of feet on the bleachers. Peering around the boxes, I can see them all doing cardio. Though as I watch, Aunt Amy starts to slow until she finally sits in the first row.

Once the cardio is over, they go through the routine again and it seems really on point.

After, mom directs everyone to sit as she gives them all notes. However, when she gets to ma, she pauses for over thirty seconds—I count—and then simply says, "Adequate."

Ma simply meets mom's gaze. I can't see her face, but I can see the others leaning away from her. When mom pronounces her adequate, I, along with everyone else, tense up in anticipation of ma's response.

But ma's, "Whatever" is unexpected by all of us and there's a room wide exhale of tension.

Knowing that I changed how things played out last night makes me wonder what happened on the bus ride back to Barden. Because the others seem to be on edge about something. Mom is actively ignoring it and ma seems indifferent to it. Aunt Chloe is shooting them both questioning looks as they start the routine again.

I must admit I'm a bit confused by what I've seen so far as I've jumped around. Seeing a younger version of Aunt Chloe flirt with this younger version of ma is strange. Ma is definitely not what you'd call a touchy feely person; the exception being me, mom and Aunt Chloe. But a lot of the time it's just that when Aunt Chloe wraps herself around ma, and doesn't get pushed away. And it's not that ma minds. Over the years I've learned to notice when she's tense around people and she's never tense around Aunt Chloe.

But seeing it now, at its origins... I don't know. It feels like Aunt Chloe is waiting for ma to make a move. And now I'm even more worried than I was before. Observing them now, it seems more likely that ma and Aunt Chloe will get together instead of my moms. I've never been more upset that my moms told so few stories of their time together at Barden; it's obvious that I'm missing important pieces of information. Or did ma not getting arrested really have that big of an effect on the timeline?

It's apparent that I need to get them together ASAP.

I watch them go through the routine two more times before mom ends rehearsal and that's only because the mistakes increased significantly the last time—probably because everyone's getting tired.

My moms barely interact; it's mostly glaring at each other, but Aunt Chloe seems to gravitate towards ma quite a bit. Mom watches them with an expression I don't understand.

I study mom trying to comprehend what I'm seeing because it almost seems like jealousy; though it's hard to know, because I've never really seen it. Throughout the years I've seen both my moms get hit on, but the other never seems to get jealous.

…

Growing up, I remember mom being hit on more than ma; though ma did have plenty of people flirt with her. I always found it strange that neither seemed jealous. For a while, I worried that it meant they didn't love each other as much as I thought. I finally ended up asking.

I was twelve and having lunch with my moms and Aunt Chloe. The waitress was blatantly flirting with mom to the point where Aunt Chloe joked that maybe we'd get our meal for free.

I remember watching ma throughout all the flirting, wondering why she didn't seem bothered by it. Ma is so devoted to mom, that I thought for sure she'd be pissed; especially considering mom's wedding ring was obviously visible. Instead, ma seemed intent on answering an email from her agent.

"Beca is better at getting things for free from people," mom told Aunt Chloe. "I usually just get phone numbers."

"Don't be ridiculous, Bree," ma said, looking up from her phone. "People don't hit on me."

"It's that 'fuck off' vibe around you," Aunt Chloe smirked.

"Language," mom hissed, looking towards me.

"Like Beca hasn't swore around her before," Aunt Chloe replied.

"Thanks, Chloe," ma said, not looking up from her email.

"Besides, junior here, knows better, right?"

To this day, I'm still not sure why Aunt Chloe insisted on calling me junior.

Glancing over at ma, still intent on her email, I turned to mom and asked quietly, "How come ma isn't mad about the waitress?"

"Why would I be mad?" ma answered, looking up. "My wife is hot. Course people are going to hit on her."

"Yeah, but—"

"It's not like anything will happen, kid," ma continued. "The real question is why don't more people flirt with her."

Mom was rolling her eyes, though there may have been a slight blush to her cheeks.

"Awww, Becs, you're adorable," Aunt Chloe cooed.

"Quiet Beale," ma retorted. "Wish my—"

"Language."

"...bad attitude worked on you."

Mom leaned closer to me, ignoring the teasing between ma and Aunt Chloe.

"It's about trust," mom explained. "Your ma and I trust each other."

"Yeah, but..." I wasn't sure what I wanted to ask. It's not like I had any relationship experience to go off of. But over the last couple years, I'd noticed more and more how many people flirted with my moms—Aunt Chloe didn't count.

Seeing my struggle, mom said, "Look, sweetie, you know your ma and I don't do much halfway, right?"

I nodded.

"Well, that includes how we feel about each other. We're committed to each other; end of story," mom told me. "So it doesn't matter what other people do, because for us, there's no one else."

I nodded again.

"I know that probably doesn't make much sense to you," mom said. "But—"

"Don't worry about it, junior," Aunt Chloe interjected. "It doesn't make sense to the rest of us, either. But they've been married for almost seventeen years. The rest of us have stopped questioning it."

I nodded once more as the waitress brought us the check. Aunt Chloe grabbed it before anyone else could and began laughing.

Mom sighed and held out her hand. However, before Aunt Chloe could hand it over, ma snatched it out of her hand and looked it over.

"She totally comp'ed your meal," ma chuckled. "Should have ordered something more expensive."

Obviously annoyed, mom stood, yanked the check out of ma's grip and went to pay.

Still grinning, ma looked at me. "You okay, kid?"

"I guess."

"Let me break it down for you then," ma said. "Your mom and I are solid. Nothing's going to change that. So you don't have to worry about us divorcing or whatever. Okay?"

Ma has always been honest with me, to the point of awkwardness, so I knew she wasn't just saying that to make me feel better. "Okay."

"It'll make more sense, later, I promise," ma assured me.

Mom returned at this point, having paid the check, so we left. After that, I really did try to worry less about people flirting with my moms.

…

I still don't quite understand it, truthfully. I just know it works for my moms. But being back in the past, watching them interact—or rather, not interact—has me questioning things all over again. My moms have a great marriage, everyone says so. If I want to make sure that it'll still exist in the future, I need to get them together as close to their original beginning as possible.

An idea pops into my head, so after checking that I'm still out of sight, I punch in my next destination and push the button.

Chapter Six: Part Three

Aubrey had spent the night trying to figure out how she felt about Beca kissing her. She came to the conclusion that it was something she definitely wanted to happen again and the more she thought about her relationship with Beca, the more things clicked into place.

Of course, dating Beca Mitchell wouldn't be easy—or a good idea, but she really wants to. But she also convinced herself that Beca kissing her was some sort of fluke.

And so she'd been shocked to see Beca waiting for her this morning. She had been so sure that Beca would pretend like nothing had happened. She had been preparing herself for it, in fact. It's why she'd been a bit taciturn; that and she hoped Beca would say more, the less Aubrey spoke. Thankfully, Beca had. Having something physical to do, helped her say little; and feeling Beca's eyes on her was a nice boost for her ego. But she'd been even more grateful that Beca seemed to truly understand her; not just her need to keep her routine, but also that she might need a bit of time.

Because of that, Aubrey can admit that she'd been a bit distracted during rehearsal, trying to figure out exactly what she wants to say to Beca. Because if they're going to do this, there have to be some ground rules.

…

Rehearsal has been over for about thirty minutes before Aubrey heads to Beca's room. She needed a bit more time because she's really not sure who she's going to encounter; the argumentative, indifferent Beca she saw earlier in rehearsal or the honest, grinning Beca that was waiting for her this morning.

The door opens seconds after she knocks and Aubrey is ushered inside. She sets her things on the bed and looks around. Freshman dorms don't seem to have changed much since she roomed in one. Beca's side of the room is tidier than she expected and she assumes that Beca spent the past thirty minutes cleaning up. There's a stack of textbooks on the empty corner of her desk, but the majority of the space is taken up with a laptop and mixing equipment. Aubrey stares at it as some things start to fall into place.

"So..." Beca starts. "Do you want to sit down? Or..."

"I think I need to stand, actually," Aubrey tells her, hoping she'll understand.

Beca nods and sits on the desk chair.

They stare at each other for a moment before Aubrey blurts out, "You kissed me."

"And I'd like to do it again," Beca adds.

"I'd like that too," Aubrey replies. "But I don't do causal. If you think that you're going to be dating the Treble and me, then—"

"Aubrey," Beca interrupts. "I swear to you that I am not dating Jesse. My interests have always laid elsewhere."

"Like Chloe?" It slips out before Aubrey even realize what she's asking.

Beca lets out a sound of frustration. "Is that why you don't want her to know?"

"Isn't it the reason why you don't?" Aubrey counters.

"I asked you first," Beca retorts.

"Why are you answering my questions with questions?" Aubrey returns.

"Why do you think I kissed you last night, Aubrey?" Beca asks, standing.

"To stop the argument."

"True," Beca says. "But also because I wanted to."

"Why?"

Beca shrugs. "Because I think you and could be good together."

"We argue all the time," Aubrey points out.

"Yeah, but I like arguing with you," Beca replies.

"We are good at it," Aubrey agrees.

"So maybe we can try dating?"

"We'd have to establish some rules," Aubrey says.

"Definitely," Beca replies, stepping closer. "As long as I get to kiss you again."

"After."

Beca groans.

…

A few hours later, Aubrey leaves Beca's room feeling satisfied. They agreed on the rules and still had time to make out some before Kimmy Jin came back.

She's letting herself be optimistic about it for once. Especially since she and Beca really do seem to be on the same page.

They agreed that their relationship is completely separate from the Bellas. That means that when they're alone together, the Bellas are off topic; though Beca did stipulate that she should be able to ask about Aubrey's previous years as a Bella and Aubrey reluctantly agreed. It also means that during rehearsal, they are not dating. Things done and said during rehearsal will not be influenced by anything shared in private. Likewise, anything said during rehearsal has no bearing on their relationship.

They also both agreed that the only way they'll be able to pull this off is if no one else knows they're dating. Aubrey is beyond relieved about this. She's just not ready to have conversations about this with anyone, but Beca. Luckily, Beca doesn't seem ready, either.

Because of this, they have to act like nothing's changed. Aubrey doesn't think this will be too difficult for her. She knows as far as the Bellas go, she has laser focus. Beca claims it won't be a problem for her either; apparently fighting with Aubrey is her favorite part of rehearsal. Given how Beca feels about the set list, Aubrey has no problems believing that.

The biggest hurdle will be trying to find places they can spend time together without others finding out. Aubrey knows Chloe's schedule and so hanging out at their place is a possibility, but Chloe can be unpredictable, so it's not a sure thing. Meanwhile, Beca lives in a very small dorm room with a roommate she does not get along with. But Beca said she'd try and make peace with Kimmy Jin, so she could at least know her schedule a bit better.

They both agreed to be on the lookout for private places they can hang out. So they have a first date planned, sort of. Though she hates not having all the specifics figured out, she knows they have no choice.

…

Several hours after she and Beca come up with their rules, Aubrey is surprised to get a text from the brunette, asking her to stop by the radio station. She agrees, though it seems risky, anyone—especially the Treble—could see her going there. Though they might not think it's because of Beca, which is what Aubrey supposes is Beca's reasoning.

The station is locked up and dark when Aubrey arrives and there's a part of her that worries that she's fallen for a very elaborate prank. But then the door opens and Beca is quickly pulling her inside.

It's dark in the hallway and Aubrey blinks, trying to see as she hears the click of the door being locked. Her eyes are still adjusting when she feels Beca's arms around her. She, in turn, wraps herself around Beca and leans in for a quick kiss that leads to another and another even longer one.

They're able to eventually stop and Aubrey is led into the station. To Aubrey's surprise, they walk right past the booth and up the rickety old stairs to the rarely used upper area. Beca leads her to the ancient couch that is now covered with a sheet. Beca plops down on it and then pats the space next to her.

Having briefly dated Luke as a sophomore, Aubrey knows exactly how old the couch is and hesitates.

"The sheet is mine," Beca tells her. "And it's clean. I promise."

It's an unexpected, sweet gesture from Beca and so Aubrey joins her.

"I asked Luke if I could hang out here after my shift," Beca explains. "I said I needed space away from my roommate and where Jesse couldn't find me."

"I still can't believe he said yes," Aubrey replies.

"I had to swear on several things that I wouldn't go into the booth," Beca says.

"And he believed you?" Aubrey questions.

"It helps that he likes me better than Jesse," Beca answers.

Aubrey swallows a growl as a flare of jealousy rises upon hearing that.

"Considering that he doesn't like Jesse at all," Beca continues. "That's not saying much. But I'll take what I can get. Especially if it means you and I have a place to meet."

Aubrey can hear the apology in Beca's voice and melts a little at the reassurance, plus the fact that Beca realized that she needed it.

"So this is where you take me on our first date?" Aubrey teases.

"Yep," Beca grins. She leans over the arm of the couch, her head and arm disappearing momentarily. She reappears with two bottles of water. She hands one to Aubrey and keeps the other for herself. "I thought we could talk," she explains. "I have question and I'm sure you do too. Besides... I missed you."

Aubrey glances at Beca, wondering if that's a line because it's only been a few hours; not to mention that they only started... whatever this is today. But Beca seems sincere and so Aubrey lets herself melt a little bit more.

And so that's how they end up sitting next to each other, fingers intertwined, talking. They talk about their classes, a little about their families—Aubrey doesn't say much about her dad, it's too soon for that, but Beca barely says anything about hers either, despite the fact that he's a professor at Barden—Chloe and Aubrey's friendship, Beca and her roommate and music. Aubrey worries slightly that any discussion of music will meander into Bellas territory, but they both manage to follow the first, and most important rule.

They end up stretched out on the couch with Aubrey laying on top of Beca, whose hands are running soothing patterns on Aubrey's lower back, and not really saying much. Aubrey's enjoying the feel of laying on Beca and is surprised how relaxed and peaceful she feels. She feels safe and warm in a way she's not sure she ever has. She wishes that she could freeze this moment forever.

"I could stay like this forever," Beca says softly. "Can you believe how perfect this feels?"

Aubrey shakes her head, knowing Beca can feel it.

"No matter whatever happens after this," Beca continues. "Even if this doesn't work out, it'll all be worth it for this moment."

Aubrey pulls away, sitting up slightly so she can stare at Beca.

"Yeah," Beca replies to Aubrey's unasked question. "I haven't been this happy in a long time."

"And you don't think you're rushing things a bit?" Aubrey questions. "It hasn't even been a full day."

Beca shrugs—which is awkwardly adorable since she's still laying down. "Probably. All I know is I love fighting with you and I love this and like I said, I haven't been this happy in a long time. So for once, I'm trying to enjoy it."

Beca's liberal use of the world love makes Aubrey slightly nervous—it's so too early for that—but she does understand Beca's sentiment; and agrees with it. She's just shocked that Beca would say it so soon.

There must be some panic on her face because Beca says, "I just have this feeling, okay? It's usually about negative things—like when my parents divorced—but they're usually right."

"Which one wasn't?" Aubrey interrupts.

Beca smiles. "That Barden would suck."

Aubrey smacks her on the shoulder.

"Look Aubrey, you and I both know that we're probably going to hurt each other. The way we fight, it seems inevitable. I'm just saying that the good is awesome and makes the bad worth it."

"That's easy to say now," Aubrey tells her.

"Probably," Beca agrees. "But ask me again in a year and I bet my answer is the same."

Aubrey doesn't really have any other argument for Beca, so she lays down and settles against Beca again, loving the way their legs tangle together and that Beca has resumed her nonsensical patters on Aubrey's back.