A/N: Readers! My favorite people! Here's another chapter in my story. It's basically going to consist of Chloe explaining herself and her difficulties with dipping into the past for those of you that have been wanting to know! Enjoy!


Chapter 7: I'm Gonna Make It Better

The stairs creaked as Chloe and Beca tip toed down to the living room. Amy, CR and Aubrey were in the living room. CR was hunched over in a chair, her elbows on her knees holding a paper towel over her hand. Amy was next to Aubrey, rubbing her back. The smaller blonde was sniffling and hung her head down. Amy was the first to notice the other two.

"Hey, guys," She said quietly, her eyes growing wide. Aubrey's head shot up as did CR's.

"Hey," Beca replied quietly, an unsure look on her face. Beca was pretty good at predicting things. It's why she hated movies. But, whatever was about to happen, Beca had no clue. Beca bit her lip as Chloe stepped out from behind her. While Chloe seemed willing to open up upstairs, she was visibly nervous now. She had a blanket wrapped around her and pulled it tight before speaking, "Brey, could I talk to you... in the kitchen?" Aubrey nodded her head silently and got up to head into the kitchen. Amy and Cynthia Rose gave each other confused looks, attempting to get Beca's attention. The short friend ignored them until Chloe and Aubrey disappeared into the kitchen.

"BECA! What the hell happened to little Red?!" Amy shout-whispered, her eyes as big as beach balls. CR leaned in close, awaiting an answer.

"I'm still not even sure. She's being... vague. But she said she's really embarrassed and feels stupid about the whole situation, and wanted to explain herself. I guess she wanted to clear the air with Aubrey first."

"What's the deal with that guy? And the...ya know, drugs?" CR said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It's not my place to say, but please don't pressure Chloe into saying stuff she doesn't want to." Beca pleaded with her eyes. The two friends nodded.

"What about Aubr-" They were cut off by the louder conversation coming from the kitchen. They would only hear bits and pieces, but all three grew silent trying to decode what was going on in the next room:

"...could you! I mean, seriously!..."
"...wasn't thinking...stupid...hate myself..."
"...don't...just please...why him?"
"Answer me... don't keep things from me...love y-...hurt me..."
"Tom...just...there for me...distrac-..."
"what?...from what?" Aubrey's answers were always a bit more clear, but Beca still had trouble following their conversation.
"Lost it for..."
"I'll say...-ought you were don-"
"I am...moment of weakne-"
"Never again...I can't... not freshman anymore...figured yourself out..."
"No...never again...Brey...gonna do?"
"You have to be honest with them" This was heard loud and clear. Aubrey didn't seem like she was into being quiet."
"...crazy...humiliating...Everything?"
"No...just somethi-"
"Bu-…just…" A big sigh. Beca worried about Chloe. She felt the need to protect her from everyone's curiosities.
"Because of Beca?" Beca's ears perked up at the sound of her name. Amy and CR shot her a curious glance, their faces twitching with concern and interest. Beca shook her head.
"Brey…can't help it…"
"…talk later…come here…" There was a long silence, followed by some barely audible sniffling. Beca hadn't noticed how sweaty her palms had become.

Beca, Amy and Cynthia Rose turned their gazes to each other as the two friends came out into the kitchen. Both girls' eyes were freshly reddened and Amy moved to the ground to make room for them on the couch. Beca sat next to Chloe on arm rest, but Chloe tugged her down next to her. The five Bellas shared the most awkward of silences for what seemed like minutes. Aubrey squeezed Chloe's hand.

"How's your mouth?" CR spoke first, Beca silently thanked her for breaking the ice.

"It's fine," Chloe forced a small smile. "Uhm... I'm okay. Physically. But, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry and thank you. Cynthia Rose, I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy you punching...Tom," This brought soft smiles on everyone's faces. Everyone could feel how tense and nervous Chloe was. And this tension and nervousness made everyone else feel tense and nervous because, well, because this was Chloe Beale. Chloe Beale didn't get uncomfortable. She didn't show shame and regret. It wasn't her. This Chloe was new.

"Anytime," CR offered with a smile, "Not the first time I've thrown a punch and certainly not the last."

Silence and then a sigh from Chloe. Her head was down and Beca saw a tear fall from her ocean blue eyes. "I'm so sorry you guys have to see me like this. I'm so embarrassed. I-I-I just c-can't...I'm sorry," Chloe choked out, trying her best to hold back her tears. Aubrey leaned close to the ginger, whispering something in her ear. Chloe nodded.

"Look, Chloe, don't be embarrassed. I've done coke before. That shit's crazy!" Amy piped in, completely serious. Everyone looked up in shock and awe. "What? I told you, I've wrestled a dingo and crocodile simultaneously You think any person in their right mind would do that sober?" The Bellas couldn't help but let out a small giggle. "Anyways, the point is, that every one makes mistakes and feels stupid or humiliated afterwards, but Chloe, we're your friends. It's not like this is a regular thing...right?"

Chloe nodded her head quickly. "No, it's definitely not. I had a moment of...weakness. It won't happen again. I promise," as she said the last part she looked Aubrey directly in the eyes and the blonde nodded in acceptance.

"Has it happened before?" Amy pried, Beca shooting her a look of what-the-hell-did-I-just-say?! Amy just shrugged. It was already out there, and deep down Beca wanted to know, too.

Chloe breathed in deep and let it out slow. "Okay, I'm going to be really honest with you guys, but I just want to state for the record a few things. One, please don't tell anyone about what happened tonight," Chloe paused, while everyone shook their heads in complete agreement. "Second, is...yes. I've...acted out...before. My freshman year."

"What do you mean, 'acted out'?" Beca pushed, not even realized she said anything. She mentally kicked herself for that.

"Freshman year was kinda rough for me. Aubrey knows. She was the only person who has been there for me," Chloe paused, giving the blonde a kind look. "I met some people that were bad for me. I drank almost every weekend, and sometimes during the week. My grades were shitty, I didn't really have control over myself. I was an awful friend, and almost got kicked off Bellas. Basically, I was a mess. And without Brey, I probably wouldn't even be here right now." Chloe finished, making sure to attempt eye contact with her friends.

"Was there a reason?" Amy asked. Chloe's eyebrow twitched, not understanding. "A reason? Why you partied so hard?"

Chloe hesitated like she was going to say something, but then changed her mind, saying something else. Beca made a mental note to ask her about it later. "Just...new town. New school. New people. It didn't last long. Like, a semester?" Chloe seemed to be asking Aubrey who nodded her head in affirmation.

After a minute or so of silence, Aubrey spoke. "Well, Chloe, I think you should get some rest. Ladies, I don't think I have to remind you that as Bellas, you're sworn to keep your fellow Bella's words to yourself. Tonight is something that doesn't need to leave this house, understand?"

"No need to say anything, Brey," CR regarded, Amy pretending to zip her mouth shut and tossing the key behind her. The friends stood and Cynthia Rose and Amy pulled Chloe into a hug. Chloe whispered another 'thanks' into their ears, and the friends started for the door. "Chlo, if he comes back, just hit us up."

"Yeah, he looks way easier to take than dingoes and crocs combined," Amy said punching the air. Chloe laughed, guaranteeing them Tom wouldn't be back. "Becs, you need a ride?"

Beca stood still, forgetting Jesse had dropped her off. She was about to answer when Chloe interjected, "Actually, Beca, could you hang back for a bit?" Beca agreed and walked her friends to their car. When she stepped back into the living room, Aubrey and Chloe were in a tight embrace. Both their eyes were closed, as if they were trying to soak each other in. Aubrey rubbed her hands up and down Chloe's back as the ginger death gripped onto Aubrey's clothes. Beca shut the door, the clicking sound breaking the best friends' moment. Aubrey quickly kissed Chloe on the head, and moved towards Beca. She pulled the shorter girl into a very abrupt hug, saying a 'thanks' before scurrying upstairs. Beca just smiled. Aubrey Posen thanking her? Again? She could get used to this.

"It's always nice to see you two getting along," Chloe said, smiling.

"Well, I have to say, I'm starting to find her less and less annoying every day." Chloe's smile got bigger. Then, it broke.

"What?"

"Nothing...uhm... Beca..." Her voice trailed off. Beca stepped forward, forcing the redhead to finish. "I wanted you to stay, 'cause I was wondering if you'd spend the night?" She sounded frail and meek, like if this question would cause either of them great pain or sorrow.

"Absolutely," Beca immediately replied, pulling Chloe upstairs.

"Really? I thought you hated sleepovers?"

"Well, this is different. I'm glad you asked, actually," Beca said. Even though tonight was full of awkwardness due to Beca not being sure how to comfort or care for Chloe, it felt good to be honest with her. Sleepovers did actually make Beca feel a little uncomfortable, but she decided to man up. Beca pulled down the blankets on Chloe's queen bed, letting Chloe slide in first. She turned off the light, but luckily, the moon flooded the room, so she didn't eat shit from the doorway to the bed. She climbed in next to Chloe. They were about a foot apart, and Beca closed her eyes. There was so many thoughts racing through her head, but she wasn't sure whether it was okay to blurt them out. Chloe was fidgeting. "What's going on?"

"I'm not comfortable...Can...," Chloe mumbled, hesitant to finish her sentence.

"Can, what?" No answer. "Chlo, what? Do you need another blanket?"

The brunette could feel Chloe shake her head no. She whispered something Beca couldn't catch. "Say it again?"

"...can you..could...would you mind..." Chloe sighed. "I just need you to hold me."

Beca giggled. Chloe sounded so distraught, like this was the worst thing ever. She heard the ginger whimper at her soft chuckle. "No, no. I'm sorry, Chloe. I didn't mean to laugh. It's just, usually you would just do something and not ask if it's okay. You never ask to hug or touch me. I'm kinda used to that by now," Beca uttered.

"That's me invading your space, and right now, I need... Never mind," Chloe turned herself to the wall. In a smooth motion, Chloe felt Beca behind her. The brunette was clumsily trying to bring Chloe in, not knowing what to do with her hands or legs.

"You need me to hold you," Beca finished, "it's okay. And just for the record, at first, I thought your touchy feely-ness was invading, but like I said, I'm used it now. It's okay with me." Beca was flush against Chloe's backside. The ginger was warm and soft. Beca's face met the back of Chloe's neck. Her arms wrapped around Chloe's waist and her legs bent to fit behind her friend's. Usually, when people tried to do this sort of cuddling thing with Beca, she hated it. Never been a big cuddler. Until Chloe. This girl had turned Badass DJ Mitchell into a softie. Well, only when Chloe was around would Beca give into her secret desire to cuddle. Chloe kept Beca's cuddling a secret, but teased her of it often. She could smell the redhead's hair again. God, it smelled amazing. Beca squeezed her tighter, her face closer to Chloe's neck. Unknowingly, and unable to control her body, Beca placed a soft kiss on Chloe's neck. The brunette didn't even realize she did it, until Chloe's body reacted. The ginger tensed momentarily and then melted into Beca. Beca's cheeks grew red at what she had just done.


Chloe's heart started racing. Beca Mitchell, the alleged anti-cuddler, actually held her. That act alone made Chloe feel ten times safer. And then, Chloe felt a light, warm kiss on the back of her neck. Her first reaction was to flinch, only because it was startled her. But then, she felt...happy. She felt the same way she had felt when Beca had spent the night previously. Happy. Safe. Content. Loved. You see, Chloe Beale was born with a terrible need for affection and an even more terrible need to give it. It was how she had always been. It had taken awhile before Beca got used to Chloe's constant hugs, arm linking, and leaning. Being on the other end of Beca's kiss, no matter how platonic or accidental, filled Chloe with peace.

She turned in Beca's arms, facing her. The two friends were only a few inches from each other. Chloe was certain this position would freak Beca out but the smaller girl stayed put. Her arms still held Chloe, and she returned Chloe's gaze. For a good few moments, Beca and Chloe lost themselves in each other's presence. Beca felt like they were in their own world. Everything else disappeared in this moment. She finally got what happened when Aubrey and Chloe had these moments. Times when nothing matter, except the girl in front of you. But, Beca couldn't help but feel their moment, was just a tad different.

Both girls had thoughts running through their brains but neither could find the right words. And again, like some spastic involuntary action, Beca moved her lips to Chloe's forehead, leaving a slightly longer, warmer kiss. Beca cursed herself for doing it, feeling stupid and cheesy, but couldn't stop herself. It was like kissing Chloe made her feel better. She moved to Chloe's cheek, sprinkling on two more kisses. Chloe soaked in every ounce of affection. Having Beca do this, made the ginger's stomach flutter, her heart race and her hands sweat. She gripped onto Beca. The shorter girl broke away from her trance, and muttered a sorry. "No, it's okay. It's making me feel better," Chloe breathed out, missing the contact between her skin and Beca's lips. She could feel Beca pause.

Was this how you comforted people who were sad? By holding them and kissing them? It didn't sound that weird...right? Beca was so not the affectionate type, but Chloe seemed so hurt, and returning the affection Chloe had always offered seemed easy. It felt easy. Somehow, this interaction felt more natural than any type of physical interaction she had earlier that day, with Jesse. She placed another kiss on Chloe's temple. The redhead leaned into Beca's touch. She moved some of the ginger's hair from her face, placing another couple kisses. After every kiss, Beca felt... sort of... warm. All over her body. It was as if holding and kissing Chloe was something that she couldn't stop. She mentally kicked herself, and tried rationalizing this strange form of comfort but Chloe's reactions, small sighs and squeezes turned any red flags off.

Chloe reveled in the attention. She always loved attention, but lately found herself especially enjoying Beca's attention. Whatever Beca was doing, was kind of a big deal. Sure, Chloe knew Beca was a secret cuddler, but this was different. This was... more... intimate. Chloe knew she should turn back over, break up whatever was happening, but it felt too good. It was like having Beca's most intimate affection she had ever offered was a grand prize that Chloe had won. She wanted to soak up every second, knowing another encounter like this wouldn't come around again.

Chloe tried shifting herself, noting not to completely crush Beca's arm, which she was laying on, but desperately trying to not deter Beca. As she did this, Beca was mid-planting a kiss near her jawline. Chloe and Beca's simultaneous movements caused the kiss to land on the corner of Chloe's mouth. Both girls froze. One millimeter over, Beca's lips would have been on Chloe's. The ginger winced at the thought of the lost chance. She felt the brunette's body tense, realizing the almost kiss. It took every bit of energy in Chloe to not lean forward and kiss Beca. Wait... what? Beca's my friend! She was just comforting me, and it was a mistake. Mistake, Beale. Beca wasn't trying to mack on you. You're a wreck, remember? She your best friend. Aubrey or anyone else would have done the same... But that's besides the point. Chloe Beale, you do not like Beca Mitchell. You just like the affection. Focus, Beale, before Beca freaks out!

Chloe breaks from her thoughts and wedges herself into Beca's chest. She forces a laugh, "That was a close one, Mitchell. But thanks for calming me down."

Beca lets out an awkward laugh, "Anytime, Beale. Looks like I still suck at choreo." Chloe replied with a light giggle before whispering good night. Beca follows suit. After a few minutes of silence, Beca can feel Chloe's body completely relax and her breaths grow steady and deep.

Beca mentally face palms. She basically almost just kissed Chloe. What the hell, Beca? What is WRONG WITH YOU? Kissing your friend, even if you're trying to be platonic and comforting, is weird. It's weird! What possessed you to think that was a good idea. Idiot. Why didn't you just stop? Beca paused, trying to answer her own question. She couldn't. It was like her body was reacting and she was watching from the outside. She was being honest earlier when she mentioned sleepovers with Chloe were different. In fact, everything with Chloe was different. While Beca tolerated affection and attempted to enjoy Jesse's hand holding and gentle kisses, Beca didn't know how to react. She was constantly thinking what she should do next. Was doing it right? Long enough? Frequent enough? Sexy enough? Okay, that last one was a stretch. Mitchell, you're not sexy, Inner Beca reminded herself. She huffed. Why was affection, cuddling, touching, everything, easier with Chloe? It felt so natural. It was never forced or questioned, it just was. While Beca adored and really liked Jesse and was constantly trying to be more open with him, it was Chloe who she felt the safest with. It was Chloe who first burst into Beca's life, well, shower actually, and started tearing through her boundaries. Chloe convinced Beca to do Bellas. She brought out Beca's confidence when it came to her mixes and singing. She was there for Beca to vent to or just zone out with. Chloe brought out the secret cuddler in Beca that the brunette never even knew existed. It was Chloe who Beca cared the most for, who Beca felt more comfortable kissing.

Beca's jaw dropped at her own thought process that seemed to spiral out of control. She didn't just admit she liked and preferred kissing and cuddling her best friend over her boyfriend, right? Right?


A/N: Thanks, always for reading, reviewing and following :) I'm not done creating Chloe's past for those of you who aren't completely pleased. You think Beca would let Chloe get away with half-assed answers? Come on! Hope ya'll got the gist of Aubrey's and Chloe's kitchen conversation.
I didn't want to just rush into Beca or Chloe giving into their feelings so easily. To me, their situation would be more complicated than that. Please let me know if any of you think these two are way too out of character. I'm trying to stick to their original personalities, but a girl's gotta switch it up, right? Reviews, por favor! Xoxo!