~C~

In the following weeks things began to change. While they had seemed to always be near each other by chance before, now they practically orbited in each other's gravitational pull.

Beca often invited Chloe to bring her homework to the station while Beca worked, though most of the time Chloe ended up ignoring it in favor of chatting with Beca, Luke, and to a lesser degree, Jesse. He and Beca were still walking on eggshells around each other after the whole Dad/jail fiasco, which Beca had finally told her about.

She couldn't completely blame Jesse for doing it. Chloe had been heading for full panic when Aubrey had stepped in and started giving orders. Later, Chloe realized she had been relieved to have something else to focus on. It was likely planned on Aubrey's part, because had Chloe actually witnessed Beca being handcuffed and put in a police car, she probably would have flipped her lid. Of course, she liked to think she would have convinced Aubrey and the rest of the girls to help come up with bail money before she tried calling Beca's dad.

Once Beca's shift was over, she would invariably feel bad that Chloe didn't get her work done and offer to buy Chloe a cup of coffee. She would then suggest they go to the library, saying she could mix anywhere she could set up her laptop. They would sit on opposite sides of the table, each focused on their own work, but then a pair of eyes would drift up and linger. The weight of them would inevitably draw the other to look and they would sit there for a few minutes, smiling gently, until they looked back down again.

Sometimes they were joined by Stacie on nights Aubrey had a late class. Chloe still had a hard time reconciling the party girl with the studious woman surrounded by textbooks that were at least three inches thick. Even as a freshman Stacie had a better grasp on higher math and chemistry than Chloe did and could put it in terms that were much easier to understand. Beca and Chloe weren't ashamed to immediately take advantage of that fact and soon the three of them, plus Aubrey, had a standing weekly study date at the Bella house.

The change Chloe loved most was movie nights. While in the past they may have shared a blanket, they generally just sat side by side. Unless they fell asleep, then Chloe felt she wasn't responsible for her cuddle needs while unconscious. But now… now Chloe immediately plastered herself against Beca's side. If there was alcohol involved, by the end of the night she was in Beca's lap with her arms around Beca's neck. Beca wouldn't even try to get away; she'd just smile and loop her arms around Chloe's waist, holding her in place.

It didn't take the others long to notice that eventually they didn't need the alcohol anymore for that to happen. Or movie night. It became just… who they were.

The suggestive comments – "Get a room, Shawshank." "Geeze, the tension in here is going to wake up the hunter." "I will make you run cardio if you two don't put away your toners." – flew fast and furious, but while Beca flushed and Chloe grinned, neither of them let go.

Practices were a little more interesting as they were able to keep their eyes off each other even less than their hands. Chloe was able to pull through by sheer force of muscle memory but Beca kept making tiny mistakes which Chloe may or may not have been partially responsible for. There were times that Chloe had noticed Beca's eyes on her legs, usually something requiring a flex that made a muscle stand out. She tested that one day during their warmup stretches and Beca had simply sat there, staring at her.

"Beca!" Aubrey's voice made them both jump. "Pay attention!"

"Here. Present." Beca looked at Aubrey, a mixture of guilt and annoyance on her face. "Accounted for, whatever. Fuck. I'm paying attention!"

"Yeah, no. None of us are buying that." Amy said. "I've seen you run into doors, walls, people on bicycles in the quad…"

"Cars." Stacie offered. "Parked cars, Beca." Beca stared at Stacie and flipped her off, her expression deadpan. Chloe hid a smile; she really did love Beca's Resting Bitch Face.

"Trees." Ashley and Jessica said at the same time.

"Ghosts." Everyone stared at Lilly for several long and uncomfortable seconds.

"Didn't you fall into a bush on the quad once?" Aubrey finally broke the silence. Chloe was surprised that she was engaging in the tease-fest during rehearsal. Maybe the long hours were finally wearing her down.

"Not because of Chloe. That time." Amy offered. "That was because Stacie was doing one of her headstand splits."

"Oh come on." Beca whined. "I can't be held responsible for that. It was distracting!"

"A girl has to keep in practice." Stacie shrugged. "Gotta stay limber."

Chloe watched as Aubrey turned away, ostensibly to get her bottle of water, but Chloe could see the 'Oh, that's right' grin and the faint blush on her face. Chloe remembered that day too. A few of them had started practice early and had cranked up the heat in the auditorium too far by mistake. To cool things down, they'd opened the double doors leading outside. Stacie just happened to be perfectly in the line of sight to anyone walking in. Beca had tripped and fallen into one of the hedges that lined the walkway, a loud squawk and muffled curse announcing her arrival. Aubrey had been at the back of the room going over some notes, but Chloe had seen her stealing frequent looks at Stacie's routine, totally distracted despite her best efforts not to look. She was pretty sure Stacie had noticed too.

"Wait." Beca narrowed her eyes at Amy. "Is that why you keep throwing shit at my head? To see if I'm paying attention?"

Amy pursed her lips. "Maybe." She waited a beat. "Unless that'd make you mad, then no."

"Oh my god, Amy." Beca groaned and visibly calmed herself. "Please stop doing that."

"Yeah, no. It's too much fun, Shawshank."

Things got a little better after that, until two weeks before the semi-finals. Aubrey had them running an all-day rehearsal one Saturday and Chloe had stripped down to her sports bra and leggings as the hours went by. She wasn't sure how exactly it had happened, but suddenly Beca turned right instead of left and ran face first into Aubrey's chest as Chloe sang 'Eternal Flame.'

Chloe bit her lip desperately to control the burst of hysterical laughter that tried to bubble free as the rest of the girls froze. Including Beca, with her face pressed between Aubrey's breasts for what felt like two years but was only two long heartbeats.

Beca pulled back slowly, her face as red as Chloe's hair, her eyes slowly tracking up to Aubrey's face. "Uh." One side of her mouth twitched up in a failed attempt at a smile. "Sorry, Aubrey."

Chloe took a step so she could see more than Aubrey's profile. It wasn't as bad as she'd feared; Aubrey merely looked annoyed, an almost scolding look taking over as she stared at Beca.

"Damnit, Beca!" Aubrey finally spoke. "We've been doing this for months. What is your problem?" She put her hands on her hips.

Beca blew a strand of hair out of her eyes and took another step back. "I don't know. I just…" Her voice dropped and she muttered, "I tripped."

"How… What…" Aubrey trailed off, fire finally beginning to flash in her eyes. "Were you distracted?"

By the guilty expression on her face, Chloe, and probably everyone else, knew that's exactly what had happened. It wouldn't be the first time Beca had looked over her shoulder at Chloe that day, but it was the first time Chloe felt guilty about the teasing she'd been doing.

"Aubrey." Chloe stepped up and put her hand on Aubrey's shoulder. "We've been doing this for almost eight hours. Maybe it's time we call it a night." Aubrey's head snapped around and Chloe knew she was about to protest. She tightened her hand on Aubrey's shoulder. "We can go back to the house and order some food." She dropped her hand to her stomach, Aubrey's gaze following. She knew that Aubrey cared about her and her well-being, even over the need to practice, but she was a little afraid it might not work this time. "What do you say?" Chloe was relieved when the anger she could see dimmed a little.

Aubrey sighed. "Fine." The girls cheered quietly. "But we're adding a few hours to tomorrow to make up for it. We have to be perfect for the semi-finals." The cheers became sighs of exhaustion, but none of them protested as they gathered their gear.

Chloe smiled her thanks and turned to the rest. "Let's regroup at the Bella house after a shower and we'll figure out whose turn it is to pick dinner! Great job today, guys!" She nudged Aubrey who rolled her eyes but relented when Chloe bumped her again.

"Yes. Most of you did good today." Aubrey eyed Beca, who still seemed to be frozen in place. "I know tomorrow will be even better." One eyebrow went up. "Right, Beca?"

Beca's eyes snapped back up to Aubrey's. "Yes, drill sergeant." Aubrey's eyes narrowed. "Shit! I mean, Captain… Aubrey. Captain Aub… Bree?" She took a step back. "Won't happen again." She gave Chloe a quick look and turned to get her stuff, calling over her shoulder. "I'll see you at the house, Chlo." She hesitated and half turned. "Aubrey… I'm sorry I ran into your…" She trailed off, her hands rising as if she was going to grope herself, her fingers rhythmically squeezing invisible breasts as she hesitated. "You know." Aubrey simply stared at her then pointedly glanced down at where Beca's hands were. Frowning, Beca looked down and a new rose color spread instantly over her cheeks as, mortified, she dropped them quickly. "Yeah, I'm just gonna go now."

Chloe had nearly hurt something trying to restrain the giggles that demanded to come out the second Beca's hands lifted. Finally getting herself under control, Chloe watched Beca go while she stayed by Aubrey. "It was just a mistake, Bree." She heard a muffled sound and looked over to see Aubrey's lips twitching. "Are you going to throw up?" She started looking around for the trash can, just in case.

Aubrey shook her head and held up her hand, trying to get herself under control. It wasn't until she looked over that Chloe could see the mirth in her eyes. "Did you see her face?" Aubrey let out a chuckle that she quickly muffled when Stacie passed them; Chloe didn't miss the half smile on Stacie's face, obviously overhearing Aubrey's laugh. "I think she thought I was going to claw her eyes out."

"Bree." Chloe said with affectionate exasperation. "I thought you were going to rip her eyes out."

As the door closed behind the last of them, Aubrey finally let loose the laugh that she'd been holding back. She laughed until she snorted, leaning on Chloe for support. Unable to help herself, Chloe began to laugh with her, picturing Beca's face as she lifted it from Aubrey's chest.

"Oh god," Aubrey choked out. "It was like she was a deer frozen by headlights."

Chloe grabbed Aubrey's arm. "That's because she was frozen in your headlights!"

Their laughter filled the auditorium and by the time they were done, tears were streaming down their faces.

"Holy crap. That felt amazing." Aubrey finally pushed off Chloe and went toward her bag.

"You know, Aubrey." Chloe said, following behind her and wiping at her cheeks. "It wouldn't kill you to let them see this side of you during rehearsal." It was a fine line she was walking, but it was moments like this where she loved Aubrey the most. Where Aubrey let her wicked sense of humor free and she was able to laugh instead of yell. It had been closer to the surface since Christmas and Chloe encouraged it whenever she felt she could get away with it. She reached for the shirt she'd tossed on one of the stadium seats and pulled it over her head.

Aubrey sighed and grabbed her towel. "Chloe." She wiped the tears and sweat off her face, sighing again. "I know you think I'm still too much of a hard-ass in practice. But I…" She trailed off. "Maybe once we're through the semi-finals I'll be able to… to relax." She slung the towel around her neck and picked up her bag. "We just need to make it to the ICCAs so my mistake last year isn't my defining college moment." She said it quickly and without emotion, as if it were just a detail instead of the constant weight over her head.

Chloe gave her a soft smile. "We'll get there, Bree. I just know it." She picked up her own bag. "Now let's go get some food." As if on cue, her stomach growled loudly and her smile turned into a grimace. "I may be hungry."

"Didn't you bring any bars today?" Aubrey asked as they walked toward the door, putting on their jackets.

"No. I forgot."

"Chloe." Aubrey chided.

"Beca brought me a few." Chloe shrugged. "But I ate them already."

"Beca…" Aubrey paused before forcing the rest of it out. "Really seems to care about you."

"I like to think so." Chloe said airily, as if she didn't sometimes still wonder about that same thing. They hadn't shared a bed again since the night of Regionals. They hadn't even kissed again. Not properly – drunken cheek kisses didn't count. But it didn't worry Chloe like she thought it might. Or maybe like she thought it should. The little ways Beca showed her that Chloe meant something were different than she was used to, but no less important. Every door Beca opened for her, every protein bar Beca stored in her bag, every time Beca reached out and took Chloe's hand… All of it told Chloe that they were meant to be together.

Except Chloe was due to graduate in a few months and Beca would be staying at Barden.

She took a deep breath and – not for the first time – pushed that thought away. Despite the fact that the end of the school year seemed to be rushing at her like a freight train, she was determined not to worry about it. She had bigger issues. Like getting Aubrey through to the ICCAs without anyone losing a limb.

Aubrey locked the door behind them and they headed toward the house. After a minute, she spoke up again. "You know, when you told me that you guys kissed the night she was arrested, I wasn't surprised."

"You weren't?" Chloe looked at her out of the corner of her eye, but Aubrey stared straight ahead, her hands in her pockets.

"Not really." Aubrey's tone turned contemplative. "I think I knew it from the moment you pointed her out at the Fair."

"Knew what?" Chloe asked, intrigued. It's not like Aubrey didn't tell her things, but she'd kept quiet about how she felt about Beca and Chloe growing closer. To have it even come up at all was an unexpected, but welcome, surprise.

"That you guys were… probably… maybe… destined to be together." Aubrey's tone was almost wistful before she paused. "Which, I know, doesn't sound like me at all."

"Nope." Chloe laughed. "This is about the last conversation I ever thought we'd have. I'm impressed, Bree."

"Don't be." Aubrey replied quickly. "Just because I think she's good to you doesn't mean that I think she's a Bella. Because the jury is still out there."

"You'll see." Chloe shoulder bumped her as they turned onto their street.

"I told you I'd try and keep an open mind about it once you told me things were… progressing. And what did I say to you in return?" She finally looked at Chloe, one eyebrow arched high.

"To keep our 'toners the hell out of rehearsal.'" Chloe quoted. "Which is apparently easier said than actually done."

"We've only got a few weeks until the semis, Chlo. We have to be perfect." Aubrey said it firmly, as if by sheer will alone she could bend the universe to her will. Which, honestly, wouldn't surprise Chloe in the least if she found out it were true.

"We will, Bree. We will." Chloe reassured her as they approached their door. "Now let's relax for the rest of the night, alright? No worrying about the set, no sneaking off to make notes." She unlocked it and led the way inside. "Tonight, we're going to let our hair down."

"I'll try." Aubrey took off her coat and hung it on one of the newel posts. She stretched and Chloe could hear several pops as things settled into place.

"Maybe Stacie could give you a massage to…" Chloe started but Aubrey pushed her shoulder.

"Shut up." Aubrey headed upstairs. "I don't care that she's eighteen now. I can't let myself be distracted."

Chloe followed her, lips twisted in a frown. "But Aubrey…"

"Final." Aubrey cut her off. "Got it?"

"Yeah." Chloe sighed. 'For now,' she thought to herself. Ever since Stacie had turned eighteen, Chloe had been trying to nudge Aubrey into being more open to the feelings that Chloe knew Aubrey had for the tall freshman. Feelings that she knew were returned, though usually with a touch of confusion whenever she caught Stacie looking at Aubrey when she thought no one else was looking.

Chloe found it interesting that Stacie rarely went out with the same person twice but had remained at least somewhat focused on Aubrey. It had been that way since that kiss at Christmas and Chloe couldn't tell if it was because Stacie couldn't believe Aubrey had held out this long, or because the feelings Stacie had were something more than her usual date nights. Not that Chloe thought Stacie slept with everyone she dated – or that she would even care if she did.

They split to go to their separate rooms but Chloe paused in the doorway. "Hey, Bree?"

"Yeah?" Aubrey looked at her warily.

"I love you." Chloe smiled.

Aubrey's whole face softened as she smiled back. "I love you too, Chlo. What brought that on?"

Chloe shrugged. "Seemed the right time to remind you is all."

"Thanks." Aubrey hesitated, a sly look spreading across her face. "Try not to use all the hot water this time, will you?"

"Blame Stacie." Aubrey's entire expression changed and Chloe was fascinated when she saw the smallest hint of jealousy cross it. "It's her fault that her Christmas presents are waterproof." As Aubrey's face slowly cleared in understanding, Chloe's grin grew. "Tell me you did not just think I was thinking of Stacie when I use-"

"No!" Aubrey cut her off – far too quickly for Chloe to have been wrong – even as she turned red. "Oh my god, I should know better by now than to try and tease you about anything."

"You really should." Chloe shook her head. "But you love me anyway."

Aubrey walked into her room. "Yeah, I do. I don't know why, but I do." She closed the door behind her.

Chloe chuckled to herself as she went into her room to change into a robe. "Yeah, keep telling yourself that you're not distracted already, Bree. One day you may even convince yourself."


~B~

Beca ran into the station, already yelling before she even made it to the booth.

"Hey!" Luke looked up in surprise as she knocked on the window. "This is my track! You're playing my song right now!" Recognition hit as he focused on her and smiled. "That is awesome! You like it?" He took off the headphones and headed for the door, even as she found she couldn't stop yelling. "You put it on the radio! That is amazing!"

When she'd first heard her song on the campus radio, she'd been leaving her dorm to head to the Bellas house for any final inspirational words from Aubrey before their performance tonight. Originally she'd thought she'd accidentally opened her own music playlist, but no, she was in fact on the radios streaming service. She stared at her phone until it finally sunk in that Luke had finally listened to her music. Not only had he listened to her music, he thought it was good enough to play on the actual radio. She texted Chloe immediately, telling her to tune in, as Beca ran across campus toward the station.

Luke stepped out of the booth. "It's a sick beat." As he walked toward one of the racks, she became aware of Jesse leaning over the railing on the second floor.

"Yeah, I always thought her beats were pretty sick." When she didn't answer, he looked down and she could tell it bothered him.

Things with Jesse were never the same after she'd blown up at him outside the jail. They were cordial at work, even able to carry on a civil conversation at times – which was made easier on the nights that Chloe was there – but they weren't the same as they had been prior. She was surprised to realize that she kind of missed him but she wasn't done being angry at him.

"Hey, Becky, listen. Spring Break, I want you to take the night shift." Luke said, unknowingly handing her the first step to her dreams. "Play your music."

Beca couldn't speak yet, didn't trust her voice to not shake, but Luke kept talking and didn't notice.

"The DJ at the Garage does a brilliant version of this, but yours? It's better."

Beca finally found her voice, boosted upward by her pride and confidence in her music. "Yeah it is." She could feel the grin on her face and couldn't have stopped it if she'd tried.

Luke picked out the CD he was looking for from the rack. "I'm going to listen to her tonight. I think you should…" He half shrugged. "You should come with." He headed back toward the booth.

Beca felt her heart drop just the tiniest bit. "I have a thing."

Surprised, he turned to her and finally took in her outfit. "Flight attendant training?"

She shook her head. "It's the Barden Bellas." Maybe the guy into music wouldn't think it was lame, right? "I have the semi-finals tonight." She saw Jesse coming down the stairs behind Luke.

"Really?" She couldn't read his tone, but thought it sounded surprised with a hint of disappointment. "I did not have you pegged as an a cappella girl."

"That's 'cause you don't know 'Becky' like I do." Jesse passed them, staring at Beca. "See you tonight."

She turned to watch him go and Luke went back into the booth. Alone, mostly, she went to the volume control for the room speakers and turned it up, unwilling to let anything get in the way of how amazing it felt to know her music was being played for the entire school.

She reached for her phone and found several text messages from Chloe and two from Aubrey.

Chloe:
BECA! IS THIS YOUR 'BULLETPROOF' MIX THAT YOU PLAYED FOR ME THE OTHER DAY?!

Chloe:
OMG BECA YOU ARE ON THE RADIO!

Chloe:
I CAN'T BELIEVE I KNOW SOMEONE THIS COOL!

Chloe:
I hope you don't mind, but I've just sent out a group text demanding the girls all stop what they're doing long enough to listen to it!

Chloe:
Aubrey has just come into my room and accused me of making everyone late before we're actually late.

Chloe:
I think she just threatened to kill me.

Chloe:
Yup. She *definitely* threatened to kill me. Plus her nose is doing that cute flaring thing.

Chloe:
I also may have just caught her listening to the station when I went in to borrow her curling iron since I still don't know where I left mine.

Chloe:
OMG I forgot to tell you the important part!

Chloe:
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU BECA! 3333

Chloe:
See you soon and expect to be tackled when you get here.

Aubrey:
Just because you're on the radio doesn't mean you can be late. If you're not in that bus by 1300 hours, I will end you.

Aubrey:
Good job, Beca, really. I'm happy for you. Now hurry your little ass up!

Beca laughed out loud as she read them, able to clearly picture the expression Aubrey normally had when she was promising eminent death to a Bella who had drawn her wrath. She looked up at the speakers as she heard her song blend seamlessly into the next one Luke had queued up. She didn't think she could ever explain the rush that was still coursing through her veins at hearing something she had made played by someone other than herself. She looked down at her phone again. 'Though I guess that might not be true. There's two people at least, who know what it's like to achieve a goal they've been dreaming of.' She felt she understood a bit more of Aubrey's drive get back to the ICCAs as she answered Chloe's texts.

Beca:
Consider me braced for impact – just keep in mind that if you muss my hair, Aubrey will take us both out without blinking an eye.

Beca:
And thanks, Chlo. That means a lot coming from you.

Beca:
See you soon.

She flipped back to Aubrey's texts.

Beca:
Message received, Drill Sergeant. Thank you, Aubrey. I'm on my way, I swear.

As she left, she thought there were probably a few more things she wanted to say to Aubrey, now that she understood, at least a little, but they could wait until after the performance, when Aubrey could maybe finally relax for a bit before the ICCAs.

The high carried her the entire way there, letting her forget for a while about the outfit she was wearing that already felt stifling and she hadn't even danced in it yet. She practically trotted up the walkway, eager to see Chloe's face and feel the hug she knew was coming.

She opened the door and stuck in her head. "Guys? I'm on time. Don't kill me."

Aubrey's voice came from upstairs. "And first. I'm impressed. We'll be down in a second."

Beca grinned and stepped all the way in, closing the door behind her. She dropped her bag by the couch and flopped down on the cushion, thinking of their reactions to the news about Spring Break. A sudden flurry of steps on the stairs brought her to her feet, her grin once more practically splitting her cheeks.

"BECA!" Chloe shouted at the top of her lungs, dropping the heels and bag she was holding in either hand, as she made a beeline straight for Beca. "I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!" True to her word she rushed Beca and wrapped her up in a hug tight enough that she lifted Beca off her feet and actually twirled them around.

"Oh my god, Chloe!" Beca laughed and held on. "Put me down!"

Chloe set her down but didn't let go. If anything her arms tightened. "I knew he would listen and love it!" She pulled back to look Beca in the eyes. "I'm so proud of you!" Her eyes dropped to Beca's lips and Beca felt a thrill go through her at the memory of their first kiss and wondering if this would be the second. Feeling Chloe's breath soft against her lips, Beca eyes began to close and they drew closer. Until they were reminded that they were not alone as Aubrey cleared her throat at the entryway.

"Sorry to interrupt." Beca didn't think she sounded sorry at all. "But the rest will be here any minute and I don't think we've got the time for… any of that." Beca looked over at Aubrey, her eyebrow quirked, but before she could say anything, Chloe looked over her shoulder.

"Sorry, Bree. Sometimes things go fast and the next thing you know-" Aubrey's eyes were beginning to widen so Beca quickly covered Chloe's mouth before she finished whatever she was about to say; Beca had a feeling it was going to be purposely overly provocative and she didn't think she could have the thought rolling around her mind for the entire bus trip, much less during the performance.

"Sorry, Aubrey." She cautiously removed her hand from Chloe's mouth, the twinkle in her blue eyes matching the smirk that was uncovered. She half whispered to Chloe, "What am I going to do with you?" Beca widened her eyes as Chloe's grin turned wicked. "Do not answer that right now."

"You're no fun." Chloe pouted for half a second before her smile came back. "Except you're now an official college radio musician type!" She leaned forward and whispered, "That's kind of hot."

Beca felt her cheeks begin to heat. "Thanks, Chlo." She cleared her throat slightly and gently unwound herself from Chloe's arms. "I still can't believe it happened."

Aubrey had been watching them silently but now she stepped into the room. "It was very good." She looked down as she kicked one of Chloe's shoes and sighed. "Really, Chloe?"

Chloe gave Beca a wink and turned around. "Oops." She walked over and stepped into them. "Forgive me?" She leaned forward and kissed Aubrey soundly on the cheek, leaving a perfect lipstick outline of her lips. "Oops," she said again, giggling innocently and fooling absolutely no one.

Aubrey eyed her narrowly before looking back at Beca. "Like I was saying. Your song really was very good, and now I know where all the new music Chloe has been listening to came from." She turned toward the stairs and then half turned back. "Good job, Beca." She walked out of the room and Beca could hear her walking up the stairs, probably to fix the damage Chloe had done to her make-up.

Beca got the feeling that Aubrey had wanted to say more but, for reasons that Beca still did not understand, that was the only thing she could allow herself to say. Maybe that was another thing she could try and unravel after tonight, though she was starting to think that Aubrey's opinion of her was beginning to matter. Which was both annoying and confusing because none of this – of them – were supposed to matter. But it did make her think that maybe she had been right in thinking that the real Aubrey was someone worth getting to know above and beyond the Bellas or even as Chloe's best friend. Someone she wanted to maybe be friends with once this was all over.

Chloe picked up her bag and set it next to Beca's, but before she could say anything else the door opened and Cynthia Rose, Denise and Lilly spilled into the house. They added their bags to the pile and Beca found she was suddenly at the center of a whirlwind of congratulations, back slaps and another hug from Lilly. Beca thought she must be getting used to those because it wasn't quite as terrifying as Christmas, though she did jump when Lilly first appeared in front of her.

By the time Aubrey was back downstairs, the rest of the Bellas, except Amy who was picking up the rental van, were there and all of them were clamoring for copies of her music, just like Chloe had.

Chloe looked at Beca, one eyebrow raised in question. Beca shrugged, trying to downplay how much it meant that they were that interested, and nodded. "I still have the external drive Beca gave me." She held up her hand as they all turned to her demanding she turn it over immediately. "Not now, we don't have time. I'll let one of you have it when we get back and you guys can pass it around."

Beca felt long arms wrap around her from behind and a chin rest on the top of her head. "You've been holding out on me, B." Stacie said. "The Hunter has a thing for the music biz." She lowered her head until she could whisper in Beca's ear. "You now officially qualify for that."

Beca felt panic beginning to stir and found herself looking across the room where Chloe and Aubrey were watching them with almost identical expressions of hastily hidden jealousy. Beca tried to wiggle free, only able to stutter out "Uh, um… Stacie – I don't think –" before Stacie started to laugh.

"Just fucking with you, B." She kissed the side of Beca's head. "The song was amazing though. I can't wait to get my hands on you." She started to walk back to the group, swatting Beca's ass on the way by. "I mean your music."

'Holy shit.' Beca thought as she willed her pulse to slow. 'What even is happening right now?'

"Let's go, Pitches!" Fat Amy burst through the front door. "The party van is here!"

"There better not be a stripper pole in the rental, Fat Amy." Aubrey declared, finally ripping her gaze from Stacie.

"I dunno, Aubrey. That could be fun." Stacie said as she walked past them, one finger trailing down Aubrey's arm as she leaned over to pick up her bag. Beca shared a grin with Chloe when Aubrey's eyes widened then closed.

"They were out." Amy shrugged. "Plus the budget you gave me wasn't big enough anyway." She clapped her hands together. "What're you standing around for? Let's go!"

What followed was a flurry of bodies as bags were grabbed and final checks were done to make sure they'd packed everything they could possibly need before the door was locked and they all filed onto the bus. Aubrey stood at the door and Beca could tell she had a mental checklist that she was going through, making sure everyone was accounted for before they took off.

As they drove across campus, Amy called over her shoulder, "Too bad this van doesn't have any way to hook up anything so Beca could play her music for us."

"Oh my god, I totally forgot to tell you guys!" Beca straightened up where she was sharing the front row with Chloe. "Luke asked me to take over the night shift during Spring Break." Chloe hit her in the arm. "Ow! What was that for?!"

"I can't believe you forgot to tell me that sooner!" Chloe was practically bouncing in her seat. "Beca, that's huge!"

Cynthia Rose leaned over. "That's awesome, Beca! I heard they don't even allow freshmen in the booth."

Beca nodded. "Luke told me that my first day." She felt her lips twist into a smirk and didn't even bother fighting it.

"That's…" Aubrey stopped and Beca turned to look at her. "That's incredible, Beca. I'm proud of you." Her voice was softer, less of the Captain in it and more Aubrey.

Beca heard something under the words, like there was still more Aubrey wanted to say but couldn't, or wouldn't, allow herself. She could almost understand it – Beca still wasn't one to express her own emotions and it's not like they were exactly chummy – so she merely smiled her thanks. It meant something though, that Aubrey obviously meant it enough to say it. 'When did I start caring about what the drill sergeant thinks of me?'

"What are you going to play?" Jessica asked from the back.

"When are you going to be on, exactly?" Denise asked at the same time.

"Honestly, I don't know the details." Beca shrugged. "He was in the middle of a shift when I was leaving, we didn't have time. But when I find out, I'll let you guys know. I promise."

"You better." Chloe exclaimed, poking a finger in her side. "I'm going home for the break and I'll need to know when to tune in."

"I promise, I promise!" Beca rubbed her side. "Just stop poking me!"

"That's not what she said," Stacie teased from behind them.

"Oh my god." Beca groaned. "How long is this drive again?"

"Enough for you to tell me exactly how this morning went. In great detail." Chloe settled down. "Better get started."

"Yes, ma'am." Beca mock sighed before she started to talk.


~B~

The first few hours had gone by rather quickly, with one notable exception.

Fat Amy had a giant burrito thrown at her by that asshole Bumper.

After Cynthia Rose, Lilly and Beca made sure that Amy hadn't actually been shot like she was yelling, they'd gotten Amy's bag from the bus so she could change in the gas stations bathroom. For once Beca was glad that Aubrey insisted that they pack spare outfits and bring them along. They'd gotten back on the road in semi quick order, but Chloe had moved to sit behind Aubrey so they could go over who they thought the competition would be this year. Eventually they had worn out that topic and Chloe had put in her headphones as she looked out the window.

Beca remained behind Amy, trying to plan a week's worth of songs, when she noticed Amy had missed a spot in her clean-up and there was this disgusting burrito spatter behind her ear. She looked around to see if anyone was paying attention, and leaned forward to whisper in Amy's ear. "You've got yourself a little something there."

"Just leave it." Amy whispered back. "It fuels my hate fire."

Beca stared at Amy's profile for several seconds, thinking it was the most serious she'd heard Amy be in a while – since the Riff-Off, actually. She grinned and sat back down, noticing Aubrey's eyes on them as she did so. She waited, but when Aubrey didn't say anything, just tightened her grip on the pitch pipe she held in her hands, Beca settled back in her seat as Chloe's humming turned into singing. Because of course Chloe would be the one to burst into song.

I hopped off the plane at LAX
With a dream and my cardigan.

Cynthia Rose joined her.

Welcome to the land of fame excess
Am I gonna fit in
.

Lilly, Fat Amy and Stacie started to sing with them as Jessica and Ashley provided the music and Beca cut a look back over her shoulder.

Jumped in the cab,
Here I am for the first time
Look to my right and I see the Hollywood sign
This is all so crazy

Beca looked around as the van came alive around her. 'Is this really my life now? Miley Cyrus?'

Then Aubrey joined in, her voice clear and happy.

Everybody seems so famous

Beca closed her eyes, mouthing a silent 'please' that meant everything from 'please stop' to 'please kill me now.'

My tummy's turnin' and I'm feelin' kinda homesick
Too much pressure and I'm nervous,

Everyone suddenly sounded louder, but she kept her arms crossed and her eyes straight ahead, willing herself not to smile. Because it was ridiculous. She was not going to sing no matter what. Not even if it was kind of making her feel like she belonged again.

That's when the taxi man turned on the radio
And the Jay Z song was on

Aubrey and Chloe definitely sounded louder and she saw Aubrey turn toward her. Trying to school her mouth to remain still, she turned and looked at Aubrey, who was looking at her earnestly, then to Chloe who appeared to be passionately serenading her.

"Oh my god!" Beca blurted, laughing. She had to look away from Aubrey and Chloe smiling at her before she gave in. She was not going to sing 'Party in the USA' no matter how catchy the damn song was.

And the Jay Z song was on
And the Jay Z song was on

Stacie was practically in the aisle, Jessica and Ashley standing up behind her on either side to look at Beca. Beca looked back and even Denise and Cynthia Rose were pushed forward to stare at her.

Beca looked between Aubrey, Chloe and Stacie – who wiggled her fingers at Beca as they all fell silent. Waiting. But it was the expression on Chloe's face as she nodded encouragingly and Aubrey's earnest and intense eyes – almost hopeful as the corners of her mouth began to turn up – that broke Beca. With the memory that Aubrey had liked her song on the radio –had said she was proud of Beca – Beca rolled her eyes to the ceiling and gave in. "So I put my-" The rest of them joined her, gleeful and even louder than before. Aubrey actually started bouncing in her seat as they sang.

-hands up
They're playing my song,
And the butterflies fly away
Noddin' my head like, yeah
Movin' my hips like, yeah
I got my hands up,
They're playin' my song
You know I'm gonna be okay
Yeah, it's a party in the USA

One by one they trailed off as the van started to chug and slow down, Amy the only one singing the final lyric until she finally stopped with a quiet "Whoa."

"What the hell?" Aubrey asked.

"Umm… It's pretty cool, actually." Amy gripped the steering wheel and Beca's stomach twisted. "I think we're just running out of gas."

"No, that can't be. You just filled the tank." Aubrey snapped as Beca leaned forward to look at the dash.

Beca's stomach twisted further and dropped. The gage was definitely on empty and she heard the disconcerted mutterings in the back.

"Yeah, I did." Amy hedged. "And… yet… maybe I didn't because I got hit by flying Mexican food." The last was said through gritted teeth as Aubrey shifted in her seat. As the van started to give a few final sputters, Amy cranked the wheel to pull off to the side of the road. As they came to a halt, the engine finally stopping, she announced, "And we're out."

Aubrey's disbelieving voice cut through the silence. "A-ca-scuse me?"

"A-ca-believe it." Amy answered immediately.

Beca watched Aubrey carefully, unsure which way she would go: panic or anger. But Aubrey's brow was knit and her jaw had dropped as she tried to figure out how they were going to get to their performance. She looked a little adrift and Beca felt bad even though none of this was her fault. Aubrey stared out the window into the fields beside them, the most lost that Beca had ever seen her.

"Man, what are we gonna do." Amy asked from the driver's seat.

"Maybe we could call…" Chloe started to say but Aubrey put her hand up.

"No, don't even say it, Chloe. How dare you?" Aubrey's eyes closed but Amy had picked up on it immediately.

"Oh, no, actually that is a really good idea. I've got Bumper's number." She leaned down to get her phone from her purse under her seat.

Confused, Aubrey asked "Why do you have Bumper's number?"

Beca pursed her lips and looked at Aubrey, wondering if she really didn't know what the rest of them did. By the expression on her face, it hadn't even been on Aubrey's radar that Amy and Bumper were friendly.

"Uh…." Amy drug it out as she tried to think of something to say that wouldn't get her yelled at. "Uhhhhhh."

Beca couldn't keep her lips still and if Aubrey looked over at her now she'd probably kill Beca for laughing. But she couldn't help it – while she thought Bumper was a horrible person, she wasn't going to knock Amy for what she did in private. Plus Amy's voice got higher the longer she stalled and for some reason that almost always tickled Beca's funny bone.

Even without looking she knew when Aubrey figured it out because her hands dropped to the seat in utter defeat.

"Amy!" Aubrey barked but whatever else she was going to say was stopped when Chloe touched her shoulder.

"Aubrey, it's the only way." She said it softly.

Aubrey took a deep breath as Amy finally produced her phone and looked back at her.

Beca watched as Aubrey's fingers tightened on the pitch pipe again, her jaw firming as she nodded. "You're right. Go ahead and call them." Beca could tell it cost her to say it but Beca couldn't figure out any other way that would get them to the performance on time.

She sighed as Amy dialed Bumper. She was not looking forward to spending time trapped on a bus with Bumper, Amy, Aubrey and Jesse.

She looked over at Chloe who gave her a wry smile. At least Chloe would be with her.


~B~

It was almost as uncomfortable as Beca had envisioned, but the Trebles had showed up to drive them the rest of the way. It was a bit crowded, Bellas on one side, Trebles on the other, but they fit with all their bags. She figured it was fate having a cosmic laugh at her expense for having Jesse sitting across from her.

"So, Bellas…" Bumper began from the back where he sat next to Amy. "What boring, estrogen-filled set have you prepared for us this evening?" Beca looked up in time to see Aubrey roll her eyes and refuse to answer.

"Um. Excuse me?" Amy said. "But you guys are gonna get pitch-slapped so hard your man boobs are gonna concave."

Amused despite herself, Beca found she was grinning at Jesse.

"Oh, it's like that is it?" He said, smiling back.

Beca shrugged. "Amy claims to be a prophet. I don't have any reason to doubt her yet." He laughed and she felt some of her annoyance with him drain away.

"Nine miles, guys." Donald said from the driver's seat.

"I feel it's time for a last warm-up, fellas. What do you say?" Bumper held up his phone. "Huh?" A note played. "Here we go: You can suck my balls." Beca rolled her eyes as the Trebles followed his lead, smirking at them across the aisle.

Amy hummed a note. "You can lick my ass." Beca saw Aubrey look over her shoulder, but none of the girls sang with her, to Amy's frustration.

"You can suck my balls."

Aubrey finally nodded the okay and for the next five minutes they amused themselves by singing childish lines back to the Trebles.

'I'm so glad we're all adults here,' Beca thought to herself with an eye roll. 'At least we sound good.'


~B~

"Where did he come from?" Stacie whispered harshly to Aubrey.

Beca felt her heart sink while she watched the Footnotes. They were almost as good as the Trebles.

"Shh." Aubrey hissed.

"It's over. There's no way we can beat the Footnotes and the Trebles." Amy said behind her.

Beca didn't want to, but she thought Amy was right. They had mad energy, a great song and there were a lot of them on the stage, led by some guy with an amazing voice. 'And an ego,' she thought, raising her brows as he wiped his brow and stared at her cockily.

Aubrey called them over. "Aca-huddle, now."

Beca turned in time to see Chloe touching her throat, the worry and stress obvious in every line of her body and Beca wished she could offer a hug. Or maybe it was she that needed the hug.

"The top two teams go to the finals, so we just have to beat one of them." Aubrey looked around at them. "And if we do it exactly how we rehearsed it, we will get here, okay?" She turned to Amy. "Exactly." Beca smiled slightly as Amy looked around, wondering why everyone's attention was on her.

"Hands in." Aubrey said with determination.

Beca grit her teeth as Stacie asked her usual, "On three or after three?"

"Screw it. Let's just do it." Aubrey dropped her hand and turned away as they were introduced.

As they walked on stage, Beca took in the larger crowd but strangely enough, though it was only her second time in front of an audience – third if you counted the frat house debacle – she wasn't that nervous. They'd done this enough that she could do it in her sleep – and had. She pushed back the memory of the dream she'd had where she was trapped in the auditorium, Aubrey alternately demanding that she do cardio and dance the routine in the full outfit until she got it perfect.

Aubrey counted, "One, two, three, four."

Beca looked around and spotted one of the crew checking his phone. The audience was sitting still, their faces impassive and lacking any of the animation they'd been showing mere minutes before. She then made the mistake of looking over and seeing the Footnotes making fun of them, two of them in the back actually covering their ears.

Beca felt that contrary spark rise up in her, the one that caused her to do reckless things like punch a guy and wrestle Amy for a trophy. The memory of Aubrey's text 'Good job, Beca, really' floated through her brain, followed by 'It was very good.' The only question was, would Aubrey kill her or be proud of her? Beca let her eyes close, wondering if she dared. Knowing if she was going to do it, she had to do it now so it would blend right with the chorus.

"This time, baby, I'll be, Bulletproof"

Chloe looked back at her, shocked at the change, but kept singing as she looked back up at Aubrey.

Beca continued to harmonize with the rest of them, not stopping when Aubrey broke formation to turn around and look at her. The look she was getting was not from the Aubrey who could have fun. It was definitely not an Aubrey who looked like she was pleasantly surprised by Beca's contribution. This was an Aubrey who was singularly unimpressed and thoroughly pissed off.

Beca looked at Amy who stared back at her, her confusion evident as her moves grew sloppy. 'Jesus, Ames. Maybe a little less fucking shock.'

She looked back out at the crowd, noticing that while they still weren't dancing in their chairs, some of them were finally smiling. To her relief, and the one thing that might save her, several of the judges looked intrigued. If only Amy would stop looking at her like she'd grown horns.

As they closed ranks to start 'Eternal Flame' Beca saw Aubrey turn and look over her shoulder. Almost against her will she felt her eyes drawn up, finding the anger she suspected and a hurt she didn't. She just hoped Aubrey would listen to her explanation before ripping out her vocal cords.

When the set ended, she and Amy led the way off the stage, Chloe not far behind them, when Aubrey pushed her way forward.

"What the hell, Beca?" Aubrey's face was flushed. "Were you trying to screw us up?"

Beca stared at her for a heartbeat. "Are you serious?" Was Aubrey really that focused and blind?

"Newsflash. This isn't the Beca show." Aubrey said snidely.

Beca shook her head in disbelief. "Okay, I'm sorry that I messed you up, but in case you hadn't noticed, everybody pretty much dozed off during our set."

"It's not your job to decide what we do and when we do it." Aubrey snapped. "Why don't you ask the rest of the group how they felt about your little improvisation?"

Beca looked around at the girls she had spent so much time with that she thought of them as friends. Stacie was standing behind Aubrey and wouldn't meet her eyes. Neither would Cynthia Rose or Denise.

But what hurt most was that Chloe stood there, silent, looking anywhere but at Beca. Beca felt her heart begin to ache, wondering if it was actually freezing in her chest. She didn't trust her voice not to crack if she talked to Chloe now, so she turned to Amy instead. "Amy?"

Nodding a little, Amy finally said, "It was cool…" She eyed Aubrey. "But it did take us a little by surprise."

Aubrey latched onto it, all the validation that she needed. "Yeah, a lot by surprise."

Amy made a face and held up her hand, her fingers only an inch apart. "Mmm, a little."

But Aubrey wasn't paying attention. She drew herself up and tugged down her jacket like armor. "I told you she wasn't a Bella." As if that was the worst thing she could think of to say to punish Beca in this moment.

That brought Chloe back to life. "Aubrey, don't."

But it was too little too late. Beca felt herself grin, though she figured it was more of a grimace as she took a verbal swipe at Chloe, selfishly wanting to spread her pain and misery so she didn't feel so damn alone. "No, that's okay. You don't have to pretend you're allowed to have a say in the group, right?" All the things they never talked about landed between them and Beca felt a twinge at the hurt look on Chloe's face. It was the one thing she had been afraid of, that she would screw this up and hurt Chloe. But in those painful, self-torturing thoughts, never had Chloe hurt her first.

"Your attitude sucks. You're a grade-A pain in my ass," Aubrey sneered, bringing Beca's attention back to her, which was a better choice at the moment.

Aubrey meant anger where Chloe meant the pain of once again being second in someone's life. Of never being the one chosen, especially by someone who Beca had let in further than anyone else because she trusted them when obviously she shouldn't have. Or maybe it was Beca at fault all this time. Why would anyone choose her? Maybe she wasn't good enough; would never be enough to matter. Anger was familiar and welcome and burned away the tears that wanted to flow as the hurt in Chloe's eyes grew. Anger was easier to deal with than facing the pain in those blue eyes that ripped at her all the more because it was she who caused it.

Focusing on Aubrey was easier; not just because she'd treated Beca like trash all year but because Beca had felt like maybe she'd finally gotten Aubrey's approval and now… now she'd just ripped it away. Like it was nothing. Like Beca was nothing. She felt like a fool for thinking that she was starting to be part of something and she was never really part of it at all.

Aubrey's eyes went over Beca's shoulder at the sound of footsteps behind them. "You've been spending a lot of time with Jesse. How do we know you're not hooking up with him and cheating on Chloe?"

"Whoa. Whoa. Aubrey, calm down. We're not hooking up, I swear." Jesse's voice came from behind her.

Beca saw red and she rounded on him.

"Jesus Christ! That's perfect. Of course you're here right now." He stared at her and it didn't even matter that he was taking on a kicked puppy dog look. "I don't need your help, okay? Can you back off?"

"Trebles. Time to bring the pain." Benji walked into their crowd, oblivious.

Beca turned back to the girls she had thought maybe were becoming family. Aubrey was staring at her, dismissive disdain in every line of her face. Stacie looked like she wanted to be anywhere but here; like she wanted to say something but was too afraid to in the face of Aubrey's anger. And then there was Chloe.

Chloe looked as hurt and betrayed by Beca's outburst as she did by Chloe's lack of support. As Beca took a step back, both Aubrey and Chloe's faces changed. Aubrey took on the same exact look it had when she kicked out Mary Elise, all of the condescending 'you brought this on yourself' from that day coming through loud and clear. Chloe's head tilted and her gaze sharpened but for the first time Beca couldn't read what was in it.

Beca took another step away from them and licked her lips with a sigh. "If this is what I get for trying…" She turned and walked past a silent Jesse. She wasn't surprised that only one person called after her as she stormed out of the building.

But she was surprised that it hurt when it wasn't Chloe.

She reached the parking lot and took a deep breath of the cool night air, trying to push back the tears that were starting to creep up again. A breeze brushed her cheek and she closed her eyes tightly, willing herself to not start crying in some random parking lot.

'How do we know you're not hooking up with him and cheating on Chloe?' Aubrey's words flashed in her mind and she focused on them instead.

She couldn't believe Aubrey had accused her of that. Even Aubrey knew better, knew that Beca would never have cheated on Chloe, no matter that they never put a name on what they were.

Cheating was one of the only things that Beca hated with all her being. That was how she lost her father to his new wife. She would never put anyone through what her mom had gone through when he left. The scars from that still felt new and were the foundation for every wall she had ever built. For Aubrey to accuse her of that – Beca clenched her fists, briefly wanting to go back in and rip Aubrey a new one.

She looked around, wondering how much it would cost to take a cab back to campus before she remembered she'd walked outside without any of her bags. Going back in right now was not an option and the thought of a bus ride with the Bellas, who had obviously lost, and the Trebles, who were at least in the top two, was like glass in her throat.

"Nice job on stage, Beca."

Beca looked up and saw a few girls she recognized from one of her music classes walking past her. She blinked and looked around, realizing that the building was emptying behind her. She had completely lost track of time and the competition must be over. "Thanks," she replied belatedly. She watched them walk toward one of the cars and took a step forward. "Hey." The blonde she thought was named Claudia turned around and looked at her. "Do you guys think I could catch a ride back with you?"

"Sure. Come on." Claudia waved her over. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah. Just needed some space." Beca said, putting on her seatbelt. "Thanks. When we get back, I'll give you some gas money."

"Don't worry about it." Claudia said as she joined the line of cars exiting the lot. "You can buy me coffee to keep me going during finals."

Beca gave an absent smile and nodded as she looked out the window as they passed the Treble bus, still dark and empty. She didn't know if she was relieved that no one was out there yet, or disappointed.

She spent the drive back to campus in silent contemplation, thumbing through the memories of the past six months and wondering if she regretted any of it. Or if she would change anything. Or what the next four months would look like without Chloe by her side. Without Amy making inappropriate sexual comments at meals. Without Lilly making terrifying declarations that only one of them could hear and were always too afraid to share with the rest. Even without the Aubrey that laughed and joked; who had looked at her so damn earnestly mere hours before, silently encouraging Beca to let go and sing with the rest of them.

She got back later than expected. Claudia and her friends had detoured to a fast food place almost immediately after leaving the auditorium. Beca had declined, not because she didn't have any money, but because the thought of food actually made her feel sick.

It wasn't until she reached for her key that she remembered she had literally nothing with her and hoped that someone still cared enough to bring her stuff back to the Bella house. Not for the first time she thought it would be handy to have Stacie's gift of picking locks. Taking a deep breath she knocked on the door, hoping Kimmy Jin was home.

The door opened almost immediately but instead of the snarky comment Beca had braced for, Kimmy Jin merely turned around and walked back to her desk where she'd apparently been studying late. Beca stepped in and closed the door behind her, confused by the distinct lack of hostility she felt from her roommate. That had never happened before.

Beca turned to her closet, thinking of taking a shower, and saw her bag, coat and purse sitting on her bed, with her phone set on top. A mix of relief and sadness washed over her and she felt like crying all over again.

She swallowed and ignored everything in favor of getting her shower kit together. It had been a long day and a long soak under the water sounded like heaven. At this time of night the showers were usually empty and she could eke out a few extra minutes of hot water. She resolutely did not let herself think of Chloe, which invariably happened every time she had showered since The Incident.

When she was finished, she quickly dressed and padded her way back to her room. She methodically put away her shower gear, put her coat and bag in the closet and finally crawled into bed with her phone where, as expected, she had several texts waiting for her. She read Stacie's first, not quite emotionally ready to see what Chloe had to say first.

Stacie:
Hey, B. As you can see, we brought your stuff back. Chloe packed everything up with hers and we both dropped it off with your roommate. Hope she didn't steal anything.

Stacie:
I'm sorry I didn't say anything after the performance. I know it's useless to say it now, but I thought it sounded amazing and I should have told Aubrey that.

Stacie:
I'm not really good with that kind of fighting and I let myself get intimidated by Aubrey. I'm sorry I let you down.

Stacie:
I saw you get in the car with that group from music class, but please let me know you made it home.

Beca debated for a minute then decided it wouldn't prove anything to let Stacie worry all night.

Beca:
I'm home. All my stuff seems to be here, thanks for bringing it.

Stacie:
Thanks for letting me know, I was starting to worry. Look, I know I'm leaving for spring break at the end of next week, but I'll be back a couple days early. Let me know if you want to have coffee.

Stacie:
Just think about it. I'll let everyone know you're home.

Beca took a breath and opened the second set, these from Chloe.

Chloe:
I'm sorry I didn't say anything when Aubrey blew up at you.

Chloe:
I know it's not any excuse, but it felt like suddenly I had to choose between you both and I froze.

Chloe:
I don't want to do this over text, but I'm afraid that you won't let me see you otherwise.

Chloe:
I never once thought there was anything between you and Jesse. Neither does Aubrey, I swear. She was just lashing out and he happened to walk into her line of sight and provide her with the perfect way to hurt us both.

Chloe:
I know it's too late, but when you left I yelled at Aubrey. Found out she thought we were talking about her behind her back all year. That we made a joke of how… controlling… she can be, when we were alone. And she wanted to hurt us because she felt we betrayed her.

Chloe:
She's not proud of it, but I don't think I could get her to admit it in front of anyone else. That's no excuse for her, what she did was shitty. What
I did was shitty and I just hope that you'll forgive me enough to meet me sometime this week before I leave for break.

Chloe:
Even if you tell me that you never want to see me again.

Beca felt the tears finally slip down her cheeks and turned on her side to face the wall. She couldn't believe how much she wanted to walk out of her dorm and over to the Bella house, just to feel Chloe's arms around her. She hesitated before texting back, not surprised when she got an immediate answer.

Beca:
I'm home. I need some time to think. I can't promise anything right now.

Chloe:
Thanks for letting me know. I won't push, but I really hope you'll say yes.

'Just one damn year.' She thought for the first time in months. 'This was just supposed to be one damn year to make my dad happy. I was never supposed to make friends. Meet someone like Chloe.' Beca stifled a sob.

It really sucked when the one she was running from was the same one she wanted to run to

The only one who could make it stop hurting.


~C~

Chloe watched Beca walk away, wondering if this was a horrible nightmare and could she please just wake the hell up now.

Far too late she turned to her best friend. "Aubrey, it actually went really well." Too late to bring Beca back to her.

"Chloe, stop!" Aubrey couldn't meet her eyes, just turned and walked away, but Chloe could read the pain in her face.

"Excuse me." Jesse walked past her, quiet hurt in his voice. The rest of the Trebles filed past and Chloe bounced a bit between them.

"Oh, my god." She tugged on her jacket like Aubrey had done moments before. "Okay." She let the rest of the Treble's pass and sought out Aubrey.

"No, I'm not going to stop." Chloe hissed as she pushed Aubrey into an empty dressing room. "What the hell was that about, Aubrey? You know Beca isn't sleeping with Jesse!" That seemed safer than everything else for the moment.

"I don't know that. She could be." Aubrey's green eyes blazed at her.

"Aubrey." Chloe chided. "You do know that. She spends all her time with me." She tried to lower her voice from the shout she wanted it to be. "Where the hell did that come from?"

Aubrey spun away but Chloe could still see her reflection in the mirror. "How often to you guys talk about me?"

Chloe blinked, blindsided. "What? What are you talking about?"

Aubrey's eyes closed. "Behind my back." Chloe saw her swallow and wondered if she should grab the trash can by the door. "How often do you do it?"

"We don't talk about you." Chloe said, bewildered. "I mean, I've told her a bit about how we met, how crappy Alice was to us. But…" She trailed off. "Aubrey, talk to me, because right now I have no idea what's going on and I need something to make sense." She took a breath. "What is happening to us right now?"

Aubrey rounded on her. "Beca said something that made it sound like you guys talk about me behind my back. That you do it a lot." When Chloe just stared at her, Aubrey spit out, "'You don't have to pretend you're allowed to have a say in the group.'" Aubrey stared at her, the pain finally visible in her eyes and Chloe flinched as she sensed how deep it ran. "That tripped a little too easily off her tongue for it to have been the first time."

"We don't talk about you that way, Aubrey!" Chloe threw up her hands. "We have… had… an agreement that we didn't talk about the Bellas as a group, we don't talk about you as Captain or how you refuse to listen to anyone else's ideas that could possibly make us better!" Chloe pushed back her own rising anger. "Do you really think that little of me? Do you really think I could do that to you?"

"You? No." Aubrey said, but her chin rose. "Beca, yes."

"Then trust me when I tell you it didn't happen." Chloe's mouth twisted. "She didn't want to put me in the position of having to choose between her and my best friend." Aubrey's mouth opened but nothing came out. Chloe took a deep breath. "We both have a lot of thinking to do. And talking, but right now I have to go find Beca and apologize. You and I will talk at home." She turned to leave, but Aubrey's soft voice caused her to pause in the doorway though she didn't turn around.

"I'm sorry. I'd say I didn't mean to hurt you, but that would be a lie." She sighed, sounding actually defeated for the first time since Chloe had met her. "But I am sorry. I wasn't thinking, just reacting. For that one instant, I saw my best friend talking behind my back with the woman who has challenged me at every turn all year. Talking about me. And I wanted…" Her voice cracked. "I wanted you both to hurt as badly as I was in that second. Jesse just happened to give me the perfect ammunition. And I used it."

"Mission accomplished, Aubrey." Chloe said as she left the room. "Mission fucking accomplished."