Chapter 9

A/N: For those of you that missed my latest announcement, please go back and read the last chapter before this one! There's an extra scene at the end!

Thanks for being so patient with us for taking a little longer with this update!

Beca glanced up at the front door for what must have been close to the fiftieth time since she settled on the couch with her latest book, almost immediately returning her eyes to the page. It was ridiculous really, but she was having trouble toning down her anxiety at the thought of all their family and friends being gone, leaving the two of them alone in the apartment. Beca sat down on the couch with her book about a half hour ago and had yet to read a single sentence, let alone a full page. Her mind was too consumed with how things were different now, how she and Chloe were dating, and how she had a girlfriend.

The sound of a key rattling in a lock had her tossing the book onto the coffee table and jumping up from the couch, eyes trained on the door as it opened at Chloe stepped inside. Beca waited patiently for her to go through her standard routine of closing the door, dropping her keys in the bowl on the corner of the countertop, and placing her purse on top of her shoes under the first stool at the bar. It made her smile, that Chloe was such a creature of habit and could be so organized and so messy at the same time. Beca glanced into the redhead's room enough times before Aubrey's arrival prompted her to basically sandblast it to know that the majority of Chloe's wardrobe never made it into the closet.

Chloe finally met her eyes and the smile she sent Beca's way pushed her to break the silence. "Aubrey get to the airport okay?"

"Yeah, I'm glad she flew out here even if it was a short visit," Chloe answered, moving farther into the apartment towards her.

Beca shoved her hands into her pockets awkwardly, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I guess it wasn't so bad having her here."

Chloe stopped, her eyes studying Beca for a minute. "What's up?"

"Uh... nothing? What do you mean?"

"You're being weird," Chloe answered, looking like she was fighting back a smile. "Is it 'cause we're alone now?"

Beca's eyebrows rose at that, not having prepared for Chloe to hit the nail on the head so soon. "What? No, of course not," she denied, knowing how weak it sounded.

Chloe stopping holding back, letting out a chuckle. "God, you're such a terrible liar. It'd be frustrating if you weren't so cute."

"I am not cute," Beca retorted, pulling her hands from her pockets only to cross them over her chest.

"Oh right... sorry," Chloe murmured moving closer, making Beca shudder at the way her voice dropped. "You're totes fine that we're alone right now... with nothing or no one stopping us or interrupting or..."

Beca swallowed hard at the way Chloe purposefully let that statement hang out in the open, as if the redhead knew exactly where her mind would take it. She knew that they were both well aware of the attraction between them, and Beca also knew that Chloe loved to poke and push and prod at her until she got a reaction, which made her more than a little bit defiant when she recognized it was happening.

"Stop it," she muttered, placing her hands on Chloe's hips to stop her from moving any closer.

Chloe met her eyes, asking, "Do you really want me to?"

Beca sighed, "No, of course not. But... I don't think it's a good idea for us to... to just..."

"Have sex?" Chloe supplied, her grin back in place as she completed the sentence.

Beca shrugged, taking a step back from the redhead. "I mean... it sounds bad, but it's not like I don't want to. I mean... look at you."

Chloe winked at her. "Thanks babe."

Beca knew her eyes widened at the pet name, pushing down the wave of desire that accompanied it. "I just... I really like you. And I also have no idea what I'm doing. But you're different Chlo... and I want this, whatever it is, to be different." She paused for a minute as Chloe's expression turned a little serious, adding, "Also it'll suck if we have to go back to hating each other and having to fake it for our families."

"Always so eloquent," Chloe rolled her eyes. "Bec, I'm glad that you want this to be different. I'm not really the hit it and quit it type, so..."

"No, obviously," Beca said, gesturing with her hand.

Chloe grabbed her hand, waiting patiently for Beca to meet her eyes. "Does this mean to you want me to go back to sleeping in my own bed now that Bree's gone?"

Beca felt something in her chest clench at her words, her brain instantly screaming the answer at her. "Uh, well... let's not be too hasty," she replied, defaulting to humor. "Though it is going to take some getting used to waking up with you wrapped around me every morning."

"What can I say, I'm a cuddler," Chloe wasn't apologetic as she dropped Beca's hand and turned to head back into the kitchen.

Beca was too quick for her, lacing their fingers together and gently tugging her back around into a kiss. She was growing more and more addicted to the way Chloe's lips fit perfectly with her own, having had two nights in a row now to get in some serious practice. Beca pulled back before it could get too heated, grinning at the slightly dazed look on Chloe's face.

"Hungry?"

Chloe's eyes trailed down her body as she nodded, biting her lower lip.

"For food," Beca said firmly, shaking her head.

"Sure, that too," Chloe quipped, her eyes alight when they met Beca's again.

"You're incorrigible. How about I take you out to lunch."

Chloe grinned, before her eyes narrowed and her expression turned suspicious. "Why?"

"What? I can't want to buy my girlfriend lunch? There's nothing suspicious about that!" Beca knew she was busted when her voice went high by the end of her rebuttal.

"Yeah, because that's not suspicious at all," Chloe deadpanned. "Why?"

"Because you're going somewhere with me tonight and I need all the brownie points I can get before then," Beca answered honestly, knowing Chloe was going to put up a fight.

"Where?"

Beca heard the warning in the redhead's tone, and she shifted nervously before replying. "So remember how Stacie works two jobs?"

Chloe cut her off immediately, "Beca Mitchell I am not going with you to a strip club to watch Stacie take her clothes off."

"Would you rather I go alone?" Beca smirked as the conflicted emotions battled across Chloe's face.

"I hate you," Chloe sighed, almost sounding resigned. "I hate you so much. Why are we dating? Maybe more importantly, why are we going to watch Stacie strip?"

It was Beca's turn to make a face, taking a moment before answering, "You're dating me because I'm funny and awesome and an irresistible badass. We're going to watch Stacie strip because I've been making excuses for months now and because she blackmailed me so I could get those days off last week and because I really really don't want to go by myself."

Chloe processed that for a minute, asking, "Why don't you take Jesse?"

"Jesse... as in Jesse who will absolutely encourage any shenanigans Stacie cooks up while we're there in attendance? No, I don't think so," Beca retorted with a shake of her head. "That sounds like a terrible idea."

"Have you told her we're actually dating? Like... not just faking it?"

Beca scowled, "Yes, of course. She was all smug and gloating and "I told you that you liked her" and it was obnoxious."

Chloe raised an eyebrow at her. "So you liked me, huh?"

"Oh my God," Beca replied, exasperated. "That's what you got from that?" At Chloe's own smug nod, Beca crossed her arms again. "I didn't like you. Stacie insisted I did and that the whole fighting thing we used to do was just unresolved sexual tension. But that's Stacie's answer for everything that doesn't involve sex, so I wouldn't get too excited."

Chloe paused, making sure she was done before repeating, "So you liked me, huh?"

"You're really annoying."

"I don't know, Bec... I'm feeling some unresolved sexual tension here," Chloe teased, her hands snaking out to land on Beca's hips. "Maybe we should take care of that."

Beca eyed her, countering with, "Are you going to come with me tonight?"

Chloe hesitated, and Beca recognized she was holding something back. "Seriously, Chlo... what are you worried about?"

Chloe shook her head, suddenly closing off with her mouth forming a tight line.

"Tell me." Beca's voice was gentle, and it was more of a question than a command. "Is it Stacie?"

"It's just..." Chloe sighed, continuing, "You slept with her, Bec. And I get that it was a one-time thing and now you're friends and I know it's not like that, but you're asking me to go with you to see her basically naked and that's all I'm gonna be thinking about. But what am I supposed to do when I also don't want you to go alone?"

"That's fair," Beca frowned, voicing her first thoughts out loud. "I should have gone a while ago, before this whole thing with us... well, became a thing. It wasn't fair of me to ask you to go. I'm sorry, Chlo. I'll tell Stacie I can't make it and figure it out another time."

Chloe's expression turned guilty, and she quickly said, "No... Bec, you should go. We should go," she amended, looking more sure. "She's your friend and you said you'd go and you asked me to go with you and my answer is yes."

Beca shook her head, "No, I mean, you obviously don't want to go and I'm not mad about it. I get it."

"Bec, it's fine," Chloe insisted, meeting Beca's eyes. "You might have to buy me several drinks, but I think I can survive seeing some hot, naked women."

Beca frowned again. "Well that makes it sound like a terrible idea."

Chloe chuckled, leaning in to press a kiss to her lips. "It's a date. Now... I believe you owe me lunch."

Beca hummed affirmatively, chasing Chloe's lips to kiss her again, this time more thoroughly. "Can we make it our first official date? It'd be a hell of a story... our first date to the strip club."

Chloe smiled against her lips, subtly shaking her head no. "Not if you want there to be a second date."

"Technically we've already had a second date," Beca managed before Chloe kissed her again.

"I like you so much more when you're not talking."

Beca snorted, "I should be super offended by that."

"You won this round, babe... take your victories when you can get them," Chloe replied, giving her one more chaste kiss before spinning around and moving towards the door.

Beca pushed through the double doors and exited into the crisp evening air, unwilling to stay in that place a second longer than necessary. To make matters worse, Chloe was right behind her still chuckling about how red her face had gotten when Stacie winked and waved at her during her... routine.

"It's not funny, Chlo," Beca grumbled, shoving her hands into her pockets. "They shined that spotlight on me for like five minutes."

Chloe's smile remained in place. "I think you should be happy she didn't pull you up on stage like that one guy from his bachelor party."

Beca made a face at the memory. "Who has a bachelor party on a Monday anyways?"

"Good question, but you can't fault their enthusiasm. There were at least ten of them and they went all out," Chloe commented.

Beca just shook her head, automatically reaching her hand out for Chloe's as they started the walk back home. Chloe was quite ready to change the topic, her next words making Beca blush and roll eyes at the same time.

"Stacie was pretty good, but I'd have much rather watched you up there."

"In your dreams, Beale. I wouldn't be caught dead on that stage," Beca retorted, feeling Chloe link their fingers together.

Chloe shrugged, leaning into her side as they walked. "I don't know why not... you're hiding some good stuff under all that plaid."

"And if you ever want to see it, we will never speak of this again."

Chloe leaned closer, whispering in her ear, "I do want to see it."

"Is that all you want... to see me naked?" Beca teased back, taking a cue from Chloe's playful tone.

"No, but it's a start," Chloe continued their banter, shooting her a wink. "Hopefully it would be more of a... hands on activity."

Beca swallowed at the thought of Chloe's hands on her body, suddenly questioning their decision to take it slow.

"Aren't you the same girl who took exception two nights ago when I asked you to sleep in my bed?"

Chloe just shrugged, her free hand sliding low across Beca's stomach as they stopped to wait for a light to change. "I had to make you work for it a little bit."

Beca laughed at that, replying, "Oh, but I'm supposed to just give it up?"

"Maybe I'm more persuasive than you are."

"Maybe..." Beca's thought trailed off as Chloe's hand slipped under her shirt, fingertips running over her skin making her inhale sharply. "Maybe you're right."

Chloe beamed at her. "What was that?"

Beca rolled her eyes, leaning in quickly to cover Chloe's lips with her own instead of indulging her ego for another second. The redhead's squeak of surprise was more than worth it, Beca letting her tongue curl insistently for a few seconds before gently leaning back. She felt a pull of satisfaction at Chloe's flushed cheeks and the way it took her a few seconds to breathe normally again.

"You were saying something about my lack of persuasiveness?"

Chloe just shook her head, blushing as the sign switched and they began walking again. "It's really unfair how good you are at that."

Beca chuckled, "Maybe someday you'll stop underestimating me."

"I think you may have a point there," Chloe replied, continuing at Beca's curious expression. "You've done nothing but surprise me every step of the way these past few weeks. It's crazy to me that I've known you for so long and never saw this side of you."

"Well, don't feel too bad. Neither of us made much of an effort, so it's not that surprising to me," Beca said, leaning into Chloe as the redhead wrapped both arms around one of hers. "Once we got a little older we rarely spent time together outside of family stuff and holidays. Speaking of holidays, can you believe Thanksgiving is next week?"

Chloe shook her head, "No, it's crazy how fast time has flown by since we got here."

"Have you made any plans to go home? Booked flights or anything?" Beca asked, realizing they hadn't talked about it yet.

"No..." Chloe trailed off thoughtfully. "Are we going home?"

Beca smirked, "How do you know "we" are doing anything? What if I don't want to spend Thanksgiving with you?"

"I don't know why you wouldn't... I'm obviously the thing you're most thankful for," Chloe shot back playfully, gently nudging her side.

Beca glanced away, hesitating for a few seconds before admitting, "Yeah, you are."

Chloe chuckled, "I was kidding, Bec."

"I wasn't."

Chloe stopped, forcing Beca to as well when she didn't release her grip on the brunette's arm. Beca met her eyes, waiting patiently and nervously for Chloe to figure out her response.

"Remember when I said you weren't charming and didn't have any moves?" Chloe asked, making Beca think for a second before nodding, wondering why she was bringing that up now.

"I was wrong."

Beca broke into a smile, shaking her head. "Yeah well... I don't bust them out for just anyone. And I could never have gotten through the past week with anyone else. I'd have caved after an hour. And no one was more surprised than me when I realized I have feelings for you, but... I don't know... it feels good. And I like being with you... so yeah, I'm pretty thankful to have you in my life."

Beca forced herself to stop rambling, wondering if she would ever get over that nasty habit, and looked up to see Chloe's eyes shining brightly. "Oh fuck, please don't cry. It wasn't that big a deal."

That seemed to help Chloe recover, and she smiled before freeing one hand to turn Beca's face and kiss her soundly.

"I thought it was a very big deal," Chloe murmured, dropping her hand back to Beca's arm and starting to walk again as if nothing had happened. "I have an idea for Thanksgiving..."

Beca sucked in a slow breath, not having escaped that kiss totally unscathed. "Yeah? What's that?"

"Since we just spent a ridiculous amount of time with our parents, why don't we stay here? We can see if Stacie and Parker and Gabe want to join us... Jesse and Molly too."

"Who's Molly?" Beca asked curiously.

Chloe gave a long, drawn out sigh, as if Beca should absolutely know the name. "Jesse's girlfriend? We literally met her two days ago."

Beca frowned, vaguely remembering Jesse with a girl under his arm at their party. "Sure, okay. Brunette?"

"Nope, but good try. Maybe you'll remember her when you see her," Chloe suggested, failing to keep the humor out of her voice.

"Doubtful," Beca replied, not bothered at all. "It's cool, I'll be smooth. So are we hosting this impromptu holiday? I doubt Stacie will have plans. She doesn't talk about her family at all."

Chloe looked sad for a moment. "Then we should definitely host. Or maybe Parker will when I suggest the idea to him... if he and Gabe don't already have plans."

"Great, works either way. We can cram six or seven people into our apartment," Beca said, pausing at the corner to check for traffic before leading them across the intersection towards their building.

Chloe made a happy sound and tucked closer into her side. "Awes, I can't wait."

Beca shook her head, mumbling, "That's still not a thing. Also, I just realized something."

"What?"

"You can't cook... which means I'll be stuck cooking everything," Beca said pointedly, waiting for Chloe to argue with her.

"Good point... and I can cook some things," Chloe said, her words not exactly what Beca was expecting. "We could do it pot luck style, but you'll still have to cook the bird. Think you can handle that?"

Beca frowned for a moment before shrugging. "Sure, why not? How hard could it be?"

"How hard can it be? You're insane."

Beca rolled her eyes. "Stace, not all of us survive on takeout and sex."

Stacie smirked, "Yeah, not everyone is as brilliant as I am."

"Does that mean you'll come?"

"Sure. I don't have anything better to do."

Beca shook her head. "Thanks for the vote of confidence. Besides, I got this. Get ready for the best Thanksgiving dinner of your life."

"Yeah okay Martha Stewart, whatever you say."

Beca glared at her, but was forced to wipe her expression blank as a new customer sat down at the bar in front of her. She got the guy a beer, shooting him a smile when she set it in front of him and accepted his credit card to start a tab.

It was a slow Tuesday, giving her and Stacie plenty of time to catch up since they'd hadn't seen much of each other over the past week.

"So you're actually off the market?" Stacie asked, once they checked on the three people seated at the bar and were once more faced with boredom. "That's so weird."

Beca shrugged, "Yeah, I guess. But Chloe's kind of awesome. The weird part to me is like... how the fuck did we hate each other for so long? It's almost like that was another life."

Stacie chuckled, "You finally allowed yourself to see how hot she is, that's how."

"That's not..." Beca frowned, before continuing, "Okay, that might be part of it, but I think it's more that we both kinda let our guard down."

"Okay, real talk?"

Beca nodded and gestured for her friend to continue.

Stacie hummed for a minute before expanding, "You two are so similar! You're both stubborn, you both have a severe lack of trust towards the other... and maybe people in general, and you both judged the hell outta the other without any reason to. Also, you're both hot... but that doesn't help me make my point," Stacie added thoughtfully, winking at her.

Beca remained silent, considering what the brunette was saying.

"Bec, I told you from day one it sounded like you two were just on the wrong page. Now that you're actually communicating like adults, you realize you just needed to bang out all that sexual tension."

"And there we go," Beca laughed. "I was waiting for the ball to drop."

"You better hope that's not the case," Stacie cracked, laughing at her own joke.

Beca scowled, "Dude... gross."

"I'm just saying..." Stacie trailed off, still laughing. "I take it you haven't yet, then?"

"I'm definitely not discussing that with you," Beca dismissed, grabbing her cup of water from behind the bar and took a sip.

Stacie actually looked sad at that statement. "Well that's a shame, I bet she's wild."

Beca pointed a finger at her, turning serious. "Dude... off limits. Okay?"

"Okay, okay... maybe once you do finally bang it out Chloe will loosen you up and you'll share some details," Stacie sighed dramatically.

"You're so ridiculous... is your mind ever out of the gutter?" Beca questioned, shaking her head.

Stacie nodded, "Of course. I have to sleep sometime. And this is not the place for a serious chat. But fine... let's change the subject. What'd you think of my show?"

Beca flushed, remembering that experience all too well. "I think that was the first and last time I'll ever attend one of your performances."

"Aww, Bec... it couldn't have been that bad," Stacie teased, poking at her shoulder.

"You're a terrific stripper and you should be so proud," Beca deadpanned, already trying to think of a way out of this conversation.

Stacie looked pleased at her compliment despite the sarcasm, though she suddenly turned serious and pointed a finger at her. "Now make me believe you."

Beca stared at her before giving in, knowing her friend deserved at least that much. "Stace, you were really good up there. Definitely the best out of anyone we saw. You're... way more flexible than..." she trailed off, about to say the brunette was way more flexible than she remembered and decided against going down that road.

Stacie grinned widely, "Chloe?"

Beca scoffed, "Than anyone else you... work with. That's what I get for trying to pay you a real compliment."

Stacie pounced on her, hugging her tightly. "Thank you for coming. It really meant a lot to me."

Beca struggled for a moment before giving in and hugging her back. "You're welcome."

"Are you sure you got everything?"

Beca groaned, answering for the tenth time, "Yes, Chlo. I got everything. The turkey is already thawed in the fridge, and I don't care how many times you ask me to… I'm not stuffing it."

Chloe shot her a sad look. "But the turkey is always stuffed at Thanksgiving."

"Then you can call Mel and get her to fly out here tonight to stuff it."

Beca waited the two seconds it took for Chloe to back down, praying this is the last time they have this conversation. She understood Chloe's nostalgia for their usual traditions, but Beca barely felt comfortable enough to cook a turkey, let alone stuff it and dress it or whatever else her mom usually does.

"Okay… I'm sorry," Chloe said, moving out of the kitchen to sit beside Beca on the couch. "I'm sure you'll do a good job."

Beca raised an eyebrow at her as she tossed her book onto the coffee table. "Uh huh... now say it like you mean it."

Chloe hesitated a moment, before leveling her with a heated stare and leaning in closer. "I know you'll do an amazing job cooking that turkey baby."

Beca swallowed hard, murmuring, "Thanks."

Chloe smirked before sitting back and resuming their conversation as if that little exchange never happened. "It's just weird not being home."

"I get it," Beca agreed, shifting to face the redhead. "But think of it this way… we're making new traditions here in LA with our friends. It won't be the same, but it'll be fun."

Chloe smiled at her. "I know… I'm being ridiculous. I'm excited for tomorrow! I get to watch you be all domestic and cook Thanksgiving dinner," she said with a wink.

"Damn right," Beca replied. "Except I'm making the turkey and mashed potatoes, so I'm not sure that qualifies as dinner."

"What is everyone else bringing?"

Beca looked at her. "I haven't told you?" At Chloe's shake of her head, Beca continued, "Well, Jesse and Molly are bringing casseroles… sweet potato and green beans, I think. Stacie doesn't cook, and she made me promise to tell you she's bringing the best rolls and canned cranberry sauce that her stripper money can buy."

Chloe bit her lower lip at that, trying not to laugh.

"So that's me passing on that message. She also said since it was a couple fest she invited Jake, this guy we work with… I think you've met him," Beca said thoughtfully, nodding back at Chloe's nod of agreement.

"Once or twice, I think," Chloe said. "He's tall with a beard?"

"Yep. He's cool," Beca confirmed. "Uh, Parker and Gabe insisted on bringing dessert. Pies and ice cream."

Chloe lit up at that information, asking, "What kind of pies?"

Beca shook her head, "They wouldn't tell me. Parker only said that Gabe was a master baker and we would all die at how amazing it is."

"They haven't let me down yet."

"Chlo, we've known them for like two weeks," Beca laughed.

Chloe shrugged, "I like them. We don't have a lot of friends out here."

Beca hesitated, asking, "We could have invited some of your friends from school. It's not too late."

"I asked a few people, but they were going home," Chloe explained, not looking too upset about it. "I think we've got a good group. It'll be fun."

Beca leaned over, placing a soft kiss on her lips. "It's gonna be great. Our first Thanksgiving on our own." She didn't lean back, giving Chloe the opportunity to kiss her again, this time firmly.

They were still figuring out how to coexist as not only friends, but newly dating and living together. Beca wasn't sure it would go as smoothly as the past week had been, but she certainly wasn't going to complain. Chloe was… fun, and it made her sad at times that they'd spent so many years fighting. The redhead was funny and cheerful and bright, a sharp contrast to her own surliness and sarcasm, but it just worked.

Beca was surprised as Chloe pushed forward, keeping their lips connected as she laid back against the couch, her hands on Chloe's hips as she followed her. There was nothing lacking in their physical connection, both growing increasingly more confident in their attraction to the other. She let her hands slip under Chloe's loose shirt, tracing patterns over her skin.

Chloe pulled back, settling her hips comfortably between Beca's legs, something down and to the side catching her eye. Beca followed her gaze to see her looking at the ring on her left hand.

"Probably should give this back to you, huh?" Chloe said softly, finally meeting her gaze.

Beca hesitated, wondering why this situation and her answer seemed so important. "Well, technically we're still supposed to be engaged," Beca answered slowly, her eyes trained on Chloe's face. "I think you should keep it until we figure out what to do about that, don't you?"

Chloe looked back down at the ring, replying, "It's not weird for you?"

"Is it weird for you?" Beca couldn't help it, needing to know what Chloe was thinking in this moment.

Chloe didn't answer for a long moment, finally saying, "I feel like it should be, but it's not."

Beca suddenly felt more confident, her voice losing the tentative edge and turning firm. "I think you should wear it. All our friends except for Stacie and Aubrey think it's real, so it'd be super weird if all of a sudden we were broken up."

Chloe nodded, finally whispering, "Okay."

Feeling the need to lighten the moment, Beca reached for her hand and brought it up to look at the ring. "Besides, it's a pretty sweet rock, dontcha think? The person who gave you that has incredible taste."

Chloe laughed and leaned down to kiss her again. "She's pretty awesome."

Beca kissed her back, letting her hand slide up over Chloe's shirt to tangle in her hair. "Damn right."

A/N: Thanks as always to my awesome beta Arsto for being the best through a couple tough weeks at work! We're back!

Thanks to all of you for supporting the heck outta this fic!