Title: Getting There
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Aubrey/Beca/Chloe, OCs
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Chloe introduces Beca to the rest of her family.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~5,250
A/N: Takes place about a month after A Common Theme
"Do you work this weekend?"
"What? No hello?" Beca replies.
Chloe grins and walks over to the couch, Beca is stretched out on. "Hello you."
"Hi."
"So? Work?"
Beca shakes her head. "Nope. This is my weekend off."
"Good," Chloe replies as she heads towards the bedroom. "Because we're going to see my family this weekend."
"Wait, what?" Beca sits up and calls after the red head. "Since when?"
"Since about three hours ago," Chloe shouts from the bedroom.
"What if I had to work?"
Chloe laughs as she returns. "Bree was certain that you didn't have to."
"And so you asked me then because..."
"Because you said you hate it when Bree and I make decision without including you, even if it's something you're indifferent to."
"Can you blame me?"
"Don't be like that," Chloe says as she flops onto the couch next to Beca. "You know we'd never decide anything important without you."
Beca sighs. "I know. It's just taking some getting used to, this living together thing. Especially because you and Bree are so in sync."
"Hey, if we've—"
"You haven't," Beca interrupts.
"You promise?"
Beca nods.
"Okay," Chloe says.
"Is there a specific reason we're seeing your family this weekend?" Beca asks.
"Because my brother, Ben and his girlfriend, Meg are back from their month long visit to Alaska and so my mom thought it'd be good for us all to get together," Chloe replies.
"Why?"
"Because she's excited about introducing you to the rest of the family," Chloe says.
"More than you?"
"Possibly."
"So we're going?" Beca seems skeptical.
Chloe nods. "It'll be fine. And you need to meet my brothers and their significant others and my nephews and—"
"Okay, already. So we're going."
Chloe smiles in triumphant.
"Please tell me that we don't have to sleep in separate rooms," Beca says.
Chloe shakes her head. "My parents and Danny know. And I plan on telling Drew and Ben this weekend."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" Chloe asks.
Beca shrugs.
"It is," Chloe insists.
"Maybe I just don't want to face your brothers."
"You handled Danny just fine," Chloe points out.
"You mean in between him flirting with me?"
Chloe scowls.
"What if they hate me?" Beca asks. "Or they don't accept the relationship?"
"I don't know," Chloe replies. "But my mom loves you and dad… is getting there."
"I don't want to cause a riff in your family, Chlo," Beca says. "At least my mom and dad were already not talking."
"Beca," Chloe says. "If there's a rift, you're not the one causing it. I am."
"But I'm the reason behind it," Beca insists.
Chloe sighs. "I really don't know how they're going to react. Drew will probably be fine with it eventually, but I really don't know about Ben. He had a tough time accepting my relationship with Aubrey. He's not a homophobe, he just needs extra time to adjust to changes, especially if it's something he's not expecting."
"And no one is ever expecting…"
"Exactly," Chloe smiles. "But it'll be fine. I'm not worried."
…
"Do you think we exclude Beca?" Chloe asks Aubrey.
It's Friday morning and Beca is still sleeping because it's her day off. Aubrey has to be at work by seven-thirty and Chloe by eight, so they're both up and eating breakfast.
"What makes you say that?"
"I don't know," Chloe replies. "I just worry."
"It's better that we're living together," Aubrey says. "The two of us in an apartment and her in the dorm, even if she was here all the time, still probably made it seem like she was… the interloper, I guess."
Chloe nods.
"But now that we're living together, in a new apartment, I think it'll be fine," Aubrey says. "I know it still feels a bit awkward at times, but it's only been a month since we moved in. I think it's going to take a bit more time."
"She's so nervous about meeting my brothers," Chloe volunteers.
"Do you blame her?" Aubrey questions. "Danny hit on her, your dad… Not to mention, you talk about them a lot."
"I do not."
"You do," Aubrey replies. "And since I never talk about my family and Beca's just finally making progress with her dad, I think it throws her off a bit. She doesn't quite know what to do with a tight knit family. I know how she feels."
"Bree…"
"I'm fine, Chlo," Aubrey says. "You're always saying that Beca and I are more alike than we'd rather admit. This is just another example."
"Yeah?"
"And it's not like Beca won't say something if there's a problem," Aubrey continues.
"That's certainly true."
"She'll appreciate you worrying," Aubrey says. "But we'll get there eventually."
"Thanks, Bree."
…
Because it's a five hour drive and Aubrey knows that Beca is still nervous about meeting Chloe's brothers, she suggests that she drive while Beca and Chloe sit in the back, so Chloe can give Beca all the background information Beca feels she needs.
When the day finally arrives, Beca is handed a large three ring binder as she climbs into the back seat.
"What's this?" Beca asks.
Aubrey shrugs. "I made a PowerPoint about Chloe's family and printed it out, I figured it'd be the easiest. Sometimes when Chlo's explaining things, she jumps topics and, especially if she's talking about her family."
Before Aubrey can finish, Beca has tossed the binder in the back seat and pressed Aubrey up against the car as she kisses her. They don't break apart until Chloe taps Beca heavily on the shoulder.
"Not that I'm not enjoying the show," she says. "But I'm not sure we have the time."
"Sorry," Beca says, sheepishly. "It's just I won't be able to do that for a few hours."
"Because I'm so irresistible," Aubrey scoffs.
"Always. Especially when you're being all detail orientated," Beca replies. "And super sweet."
"You have the weirdest turn ons," Chloe retorts.
"It's not my fault that Bree's super hot when she's being all organizational."
"Get in the car already, weirdo," Aubrey says, affectionately.
The next few hours are spent learning about Chloe's family with the help of Aubrey's PowerPoint. Beca's immensely grateful because even with the binder, keeping Chloe on topic takes effort.
Still when they finally arrive at the Beale house, Beca's head is swimming with facts. She now knows that Chloe's dad is a tenth grade science teacher and that Drew's been married to Holly for nine years.
Since it's late, they only exchange minimal small talk with Chloe's parents before being ushered upstairs. The three of them are all staying in Chloe's childhood bedroom. It looks exactly how Beca pictured. The walls are pale yellow and it almost feels like Chloe left behind some of her cheerful optimism.
"No snarky comment?" Aubrey asks Beca.
Beca shrugs. "It's about what I'm expecting, actually."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Aubrey questions.
"Nothing," Beca replies. "It's just whenever I've pictured Chloe's room, it's looked like this."
"So what does—"
"Stop trying to pick a fight, Bree," Chloe interjects. "It's late and I'm tired. You guys can start up the fight in the morning."
"No thanks," Beca says. "All I need is your family thinking I'm some sort of fight instigation."
"They won't think that," Chloe assures her.
"Are you sure?"
Chloe turns to Aubrey. "Look what you started."
"Beca," Aubrey says. "Relax. It'll be just fine. Okay?"
Beca nods slowly. "Okay."
"I just thought a good argument would help relax you," Aubrey explains.
"Maybe when I'm less tired," Beca replies.
…
It's early when Aubrey wakes up, which isn't surprising. What's strange is that Beca is already awake. The brunette isnever awake before Aubrey; in fact, she's usually the last to get up unless she has somewhere to be. Aubrey realizes that Beca might be more nervous than either she or Chloe were aware.
"Hey," she says softly, not wanting to wake Chloe.
Aubrey expects Beca to turn and face Aubrey now that she knows the blonde is awake, but she doesn't. "Morning."
"You're up early," Aubrey continues.
Beca shrugs, causing Aubrey to smirk. "Couldn't sleep."
"You know what will make you feel better?"
"No..." Beca says, cautiously.
"Coffee."
"No, that would be you, Bree."
"Look, I know that you're nervous," Aubrey says. "But Jane already loves you and Mark is getting there."
"You guys keep saying that."
"Because it's true," Aubrey replies. "Maybe you'll feel better if just you and I go down first."
Beca doesn't respond.
"Trust me on this?"
Aubrey feels Beca nod and so the two of them try to quietly slip out of the bed without waking Chloe.
The smell of coffee gets stronger as they enter the kitchen and Aubrey goes directly towards it. She pours herself a cup and takes a sip. When she turns around with another for Beca, she finds the other three watching her in amusement. Beca's smile is full of affection and stops Aubrey from feeling too embarrassed.
"Glad to see that some things never change," Mark says as Aubrey hands Beca a cup of coffee with just a hint of sugar.
"Bree's bloodstream is like sixty percent coffee," Beca adds.
"Only sixty?" Mark questions.
Beca nods. "The other forty is just pure tenacity."
Aubrey smiles as Mark and Jane chuckle. Beca seems to be doing just fine.
"Chloe's still sleeping?" Jane asks.
"Surprisingly," Aubrey replies.
"Well no one's really due until noon," Jane says. "But I'm sure that Drew and Holly will be early."
"And Danny will be late for sure," Aubrey adds.
Jane nods. "He does enjoy playing the lazy college student."
"He graduates next year," Aubrey says. "What is he going to do then?"
"That is an excellent question," Mark replies.
"Are you girls hungry?" Jane asks. "I was going to make pancakes."
"We can wait until Chloe's up," Beca says. "Now that Aubrey has coffee, we're probably safe."
Aubrey elbows Beca who just smirks.
Jane nods and then asks, "So how nervous are you?"
"What? I'm not... um, enough?"
"As long as Chloe is happy," Mark says. "We're happy."
"Yeah?"
He nods.
"Okay," Beca smiles.
…
When Chloe enters the kitchen, her parents are chatting quietly with Aubrey and Beca over coffee. Beca looks much more relaxed.
"Morning."
Everyone greets her as she gets herself a cup of coffee and plops down next to Beca.
"I was thinking of making pancakes for breakfast," her mom says.
"You don't need to go to all that trouble, mom," Chloe says.
"Don't be silly."
Chloe grins. "You should let Beca make."
"I should?"
Beca suddenly looks a bit panicked.
Chloe nods. "She makes awesome pancakes."
"Surprisingly, she does," Aubrey agrees.
"Thanks Bree," Beca grumbles, before turning to Chloe's mom. "I can if you want."
"It seems wrong to put you to work on your first visit," Jane says.
"I disagree," Aubrey says. "Might as well start making her earn her keep."
"Yeah," Chloe adds. "I mean, we're going to be stuck with her for a long time."
"You make a good point," her mom replies.
"Do I get a say in this?" Beca asks.
"So you're saying that you won't make pancakes?" Chloe asks, a bit too innocently.
"So not fair, Beale," Beca mutters.
Chuckling, Chloe's mom says, "If you're really offering..."
Beca rolls her eyes as she stands. "Fine. But if I can't reach something because it's on a high shelf, no one's allowed to make a short joke."
"Spoil sport," Chloe says.
…
Just as predicted, Drew, Holly, Ethan and Zack are the first to arrive. The boys barely manage a hello before they're heading into the back yard to play.
"And who's this?"
"This is my Beca," Chloe says, wrapping her arms possessively around Beca's waist.
"Nice to meet you," Beca says, trying not to feel embarrassed about being embraced from behind with Chloe's head resting atop hers.
"You too," Holly says with a smile.
"So you got dragged along, huh?" Drew asks.
Beca nods.
"How come Chlo's dragging you along to family things?" Drew continues. "No offense."
"I have to," Chloe replies.
"Have to?"
Chloe nods. "Beca's family now, so I wanted her to meet you guys."
"Family, huh?"
Chloe nods again. "We're dating."
"You're dating? What about Aubrey?"
"What about her?"
"Chloe," Drew says.
"The three of us are dating," Chloe answers.
The red head is still wrapped around her and Beca thinks it's more for Chloe's sake than her own as the embrace tightens.
"Oh."
"That's... unexpected," Holly says.
"I take it mom and dad know," Drew says.
Chloe nods.
"And they're okay with it?"
"Mom is," Chloe replies. "Dad is getting there."
"Okay then," Drew says. "Well we should probably go say hi to mom and dad."
"Of course," Chloe replies.
"That was... interesting," Beca says once they're alone.
"That was the reaction I was expecting," Chloe says. "Drew always needs processing time."
"Okay."
"Let's go find Bree."
…
To everyone's surprise, Danny arrives a few moments before Ben and his girlfriend, Meg.
"Did your alarm clock break and you thought it was later?"
"Is that anyway to greet your baby brother?"
"Seriously, Danny," Chloe says, once he lets her go. "It's not even noon yet."
"You said you were bringing Beca," Danny answers. "I didn't want to miss any of the drama."
"Really?" Chloe exclaims, smacking him.
He grins as he nods.
"You're a real asshat little brother."
"Did Drew get all quiet and introspective?" Danny asks.
Chloe sighs. "You know he did."
"He'll come around, sis," Danny says. "Now where's that hot girlfriend of yours?"
"I swear to god, Danny, I will kick you in the balls if you spend the entire day flirting with Beca."
"Noted," Danny gulps.
…
When Ben and his girlfriend, Meg show up a few minutes later, Danny is actually the one that drags them over to meet Beca.
"And this is Beca," Danny says. "Beca, meet Ben, the cool brother and his girlfriend, Meg."
"I heard that," Drew says from across the room.
"Good," Danny retorts.
"Nice to meet you, Beca," Ben says. He turns to Danny. "I didn't realize you were seeing anyone."
"Oh, I'm not," Danny smirks. "Beca is definitely not my date."
Danny seems to be enjoying the introduction a little too much in Beca's opinion.
"Um..."
Beca sighs. "I'm your sister's date."
"My sister, Chloe?"
"How many sisters do you have, dude?" Danny asks.
"Shut up, Danny," Aubrey says, joining the conversation. "Ben. Meg. Nice to see you again."
"Thank god you're here," Beca mumbles.
Aubrey wraps an arm around Beca as she smirks.
"Hello Aubrey," Ben replies.
"Chloe wanted to be the one to tell you," Aubrey says, glaring briefly at Danny. "But the three of us are in a relationship."
"I wouldn't have thought you'd agree to such a thing," Meg grins.
"Is that a compliment or an insult?" Aubrey asks.
"Oh, a compliment, definitely," Meg replies. She smirks at Beca. "Welcome to the family. It's now officially too late for you to run for the hills like you should."
"Hey," Danny says. "We're not so bad."
"You're really saying that after what you just did?" Aubrey asks him.
"I'm trying to help," Danny defends. "Save Chlo the trouble."
"Uh huh."
"The three of you are... together?" Ben questions.
"We are," Aubrey nods.
"Why do I feel like I'm the last one to know?"
"Because you are, bro."
"Only because you are a relentless flirt," Beca retorts.
"Sounds awkward," Meg says.
"I'm not sure who's more appalled that Chloe and Danny apparently have the same taste in women," Aubrey comments. "Oddly enough, I think it might be me."
"No, it's definitely me," Ben says. "I could have gone my entire life without knowing that."
"I think we all could have," Beca says.
…
Chloe spends lunch watching Beca interact with her family. She knows these are the moments Beca was worried about, fitting in and not ruining the Beale family dynamic. Chloe had been concerned about Beca's worry, but Aubrey had assured the red head that once Beca had actually experienced a day with the Beales, it would be fine, that Beca would easily fit in and relax. Chloe should have known that Aubrey was right; after all, she was speaking from experience. Though Beca and Aubrey's family dynamics are quiet different, it still, somehow, put them in similar head spaces.
Her family seems just as taken with Beca, though her older brothers are definitely still withholding judgment; which she expected. Thankfully, her mother is spearheading the campaign of acceptance towards Beca and her brothers have no choice but to follow her lead. What Chloe finds both interesting and slightly annoying is the almost maniacal glee that Meg seems to be experiencing. But then she's always enjoyed the crazy Beale dramatics. Holly, on the other hand, is acting like nothing's changed; as if Beca's always been there. It's such a contrast to Drew's reaction of blatantly staring at Beca whenever he's not involved in a conversation. Chloe just hopes that he'll come around soon.
…
"I don't think Drew likes me that much," Beca tells Jane as she helps clean up after lunch. "He kept staring at me."
"He's just thrown off by the situation," Jane replies. "He definitely wasn't expecting that sort of news."
"I guess that makes sense."
"He'll come around, eventually," Jane continues. "He's just protective of his sister."
"For which I'm glad for."
"How are things going?" Jane asks.
"Fine, I guess," Beca replies. "Summer's pretty calm for me, but their internships have been keeping Bree and Chloe busy."
Jane nods. "They both do better when they're busy."
"They've said as much," Beca says.
"Chloe said you're running the radio station over the summer?" Jane asks.
"Yeah, Luke, the guy who ran it before, graduated, so he left me in charge."
"Impressive," Jane comments.
"Yeah," Beca says. "Between that and running the Bellas, I hope I can handle this next year."
"I'm sure Aubrey will help you with your scheduling if need be."
"Yeah, she probably would."
"Problem?" Jane asks after a long moment.
"Not exactly," Beca replies. "I just... I know it seems like I'm not as ambitious as Bree or Chloe and I hope you know that I'm not... I don't know, pathetic and lazy."
Jane smiles gently. "I know that, Beca, really. I also know that because of your unique relationship situation, being a well known DJ and producer is most likely out of the question for you."
"Yeah..." Beca says. "But they're worth it. My career can contain music another way."
"I have to ask this while we're on the topic," Jane says. "And I apologize beforehand."
"Um... okay."
"According to Chloe, you have the talent and drive to possibly succeed."
"Well, Chloe is really supportive," Beca says.
"She also says that being a DJ has been your dream for years."
"Yeah?"
"You aren't worried that you'll resent them for making you give up your dream?"
"Dreams can change," Beca replies. "What I wanted at sixteen is definitely not what I want at twenty. And I know that's not that long ago for me, but... Falling for Chloe and Bree has... it's made so many things that I thought were difficult, seem easy. And I know I'd never be as happy as a super successful DJ if I didn't have them."
"That's easy enough to say now," Jane says.
"Probably," Beca agrees. "But... You know, for the longest time, music was the only thing that made me feel... I don't know, complete, I guess; especially after my parents' divorce. But when I'm with them... everything just seems to make sense, everything just fits; not just us together, but everything. I guess that's why I'm so certain."
Jane studies Beca for a moment.
"There are no guarantees, of course," Beca continues, nervously. "But the decision feels right."
"Okay..."
"And I know sooner or later, probably when it's closer to graduation for me, Aubrey will sit us all down to have thatconversation. You know, where Chloe's going to med school, what kind of law Bree wants to practice... Which should prove to be interesting."
"What you want to do?" Jane prompts.
"Pretty much," Beca shrugs. "Between the three of us, it'll get figured out."
"You sound pretty sure of yourself," Jane observes.
"I know it's still been less than a year," Beca replies. "But I don't think we would have made it this long if it wasn't serious. The three of us wouldn't have put so much of ourselves into this relationship, if we didn't think it was worth it."
"But you're so young," Jane says.
"Why does everyone act like that means I don't know what I want?"
"The folly of youth?" Jane suggests.
"Yeah, well, whatever you want to call it, my mom doesn't believe me." Beca pauses for a moment. "Please tell me that you do."
"I do," Jane replies. "I admit that I have some concerns, but I've never doubted any of your intentions."
"Okay. Good."
"And I'm sure that Drew and Ben will come around, once they get used to the idea."
"Thanks."
…
Aubrey's enjoying a moment of peace on the porch when the front door swings open and Mark steps out. He sees her sitting and joins her.
"I'm glad you girls could make it," he says.
"Me too."
"You're having a good time?"
Aubrey nods. "I always enjoy spending time with the Beales."
"Well we love having you," Mark replies.
They lapse into silence, both watching the quiet activity of the neighborhood.
"So how nervous was Beca?" Mark asks, breaking the silence.
"Extremely," Aubrey replies. "But she seems to be doing okay."
"Well, Jane is certainly making her support of the relationship quite clear," Mark says. "So everyone knows that disapproval is not an option."
"What about you?" Aubrey asks. "Now that you've had some time to mull it over?"
"Even if I still don't quite get it, I can't argue with the results," Mark replies. "Chloe's the happiest I've ever seen her. And I can even see the change in you."
"For serious?"
Mark chuckles. "You've been with Chloe for three years, Aubrey. I'd like to think we know each other fairly well. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Agreed."
"You seem a bit more relaxed, a bit more willing to take things as they come and honestly, just as happy as Chloe's been lately."
"That's all true," Aubrey agrees. "And even though I'm quite pleased how things are working out, I'm also…"
Mark nods encouragingly.
"If we're the happiest we've ever been," Aubrey continues. "Does that mean that the two years before Beca that we were just kidding ourselves?"
"Course not," Mark replies. "You two were… blissfully in love. That was obvious to all of us; it's why you were so quickly welcomed into the family."
"But…"
"You can't miss what you don't know you need," Mark tells her. "So even though the two of you were incomplete, you just didn't know it. But once you realized it… Not to sound cheesy, but Beca completes the two of you."
Considering Mark's initial response a month ago, Aubrey's blown away by his answer. "It sounds like you've been thinking about this a lot."
He nods. "Jane and I realized that together. Between her certainty and my hesitation, I believe we've reached a happy medium. It's part of the reason we wanted everyone here this weekend. Now that Ben and Meg are back, we felt like the whole family should know."
"You guys don't really believe in keeping secrets," Aubrey agrees.
"And it's worked out well, I think," Mark replies.
"I think so too."
"We're still going to worry, you know," Mark tells Aubrey.
"Of course," Aubrey replies. "You're parents. That's your job."
…
"So this has been a huge let down," Danny says, joining Chloe outside as she watches Ethan and Zack run around the backyard.
"Sorry to disappoint, bro."
"They'll come around," Danny says. "Once they get used to the idea. They just need time."
"I know," Chloe sighs. "Even Drew?"
"Eventually, yes," Danny replies.
"Hey guys."
Chloe and Danny turn to find Drew standing behind them.
"Mind if I talk to Chloe?"
"Course not," Danny says, jumping up. "I'm going to go find Beca."
"Danny, what did I say, earlier?"
"You said the entire day," he replies, smirking. "That means I've got a fifteen minute window, at least." He spins on his heel and gleefully skips inside.
Chloe tries not to growl.
"She's with mom," Drew informs Chloe. "Don't worry, she'll shut him down."
"Well, Beca will, if mom won't," Chloe replies.
"Good."
They watch the boys play some sort of super hero game, Ethan chasing Zack around the yard and making his own sound effects.
"They've definitely grown since Christmas."
"They're kids," Drew replies. "That's their job."
Chloe giggles. "I suppose it is."
"It's good to see you, sis."
"You too, Drew." Chloe waits for him to continue, but he stays quiet as he watches his sons run around the yard. "So, what did you want to talk about?"
"Beca seems nice."
"She's pretty awesome," Chloe agrees.
"And she seems pretty into you," Drew continues.
"Well I'm pretty awesome too."
"The both of you."
"Because Bree is very lovable," Chloe replies.
"I just want you to be happy, you know that right?"
Chloe nods.
"I'm just having trouble wrapping my head around this," Drew says.
"Have you, uh, talked to Holly about it?"
Drew sighs. "A little."
"How does she feel?"
"She doesn't get it," Drew replies. "But she says that doesn't mean it's wrong. After all, you've always danced to your own music, so to speak."
Chloe nods, not wanting to interrupt.
"And she's right; just because I don't understand something, doesn't make it wrong. I just worry. I mean, being bi is one thing, but to be in a relationship with two other people... Are you sure you're ready for that? And all it entails?"
"No," Chloe replies. "But I think they're both worth whatever comes next."
"You're only saying that because you don't know what comes next, Chlo."
"Wait, does this mean, you're okay with it? And that you like Beca?"
Drew nods slowly. "I suppose and at first I was worried about her intentions."
"And now you're not?"
Drew shakes his head.
"When did that change?" Chloe asks. "Because like an hour ago, I'm pretty sure you were still anti Beca."
"I've gained some insight," Drew replies.
"Wow, that's incredibly vague."
"Yet, still accurate."
"Drew."
"What do you want me to say, Chlo? That I accidentally overheard a conversation between mom and your newest girlfriend? That listening to her talk about the relationship removed every bit of doubt I had about her? And that even though I'm still having some issues with it, they're definitely mine and I should be able to work through them, eventually?"
"If that's the truth."
"Well, then you have your answer."
…
"Hey mom," Ben says, entering the kitchen. "Do you mind if I talk to Beca a minute?"
Jane glances at Beca, who nods. "Sure. But be nice."
"I'm always nice," he calls after her.
"That's not what I heard," Beca retorts.
"In my defense, I was only ten."
Beca takes a deep breath. "So what did you want to talk about?"
Ben sits down at the table across from Beca. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm cool with you dating my sister."
"Thank you."
"And even though I don't quite get how you can be in love with two people at the same time," Ben continues. "I also know my sister and if she loves you, then that's enough for me."
"Thanks, Ben."
"But remember this," Ben continues, learning forward and lowering his voice. "If you ever, ever hurt my baby sister, I will hunt you down and have Meg kick your ass because I don't hit women. Are we clear?"
"Crystal," Beca replies, her mouth suddenly dry.
…
"Aubrey."
Still sitting on the porch steps, Aubrey looks behind her. "Danny."
"Are you hiding?"
"Hardly."
"Mind if I join you?"
"If you must."
Danny smirks and then plops down next to Aubrey.
"So did you have something you wanted to say?" Aubrey asks. "Or are you just here to be annoying?"
"Well I was talking to Chloe, but then Drew wanted to, so I had to make myself scarce."
"That was a much faster turn around from him than I was expecting," Aubrey comments.
"I know, right?" Danny replies. "Mom must have knocked some sense into him."
"Do you really think it was that easy?"
Danny shrugs. "No idea. Drew is a mystery."
"What about Ben?"
"Once he recovers from the shock, he'll be fine," Danny assures her. "You know he doesn't do well when he's blindsided."
"You say that like we should have tried to prepare him for the news."
"Ben needs to internalize, just like Drew does," Danny replies. "It's just less dramatic. Drew takes being the oldest way too seriously."
"You only think that because you're the youngest," Aubrey tells him.
"So are you," Danny retorts.
"It's different with me," Aubrey replies.
"Because your family is so formal?"
"Because Susan and Michael are twins and so it's a different dynamic."
"Fair enough."
…
Trying to find Beca, Chloe literally runs into Meg as she enters the kitchen.
"Oh, Meg, sorry," Chloe says. "I was looking for Beca and I guess I wasn't paying attention."
"It's fine," Meg replies. "I think I saw her go out front a few minutes ago, actually."
"Oh. Thanks."
"Can I just say," Meg starts. "That I completely approve of your new relationship?"
"Thank you."
"I was talking to Beca earlier and I can see why you and Aubrey like her. You guys might be insane, but at least you're doing it for the right reasons."
"Why are your compliments are always slightly backhanded, Meg?"
Meg shrugs. "I guess because I'm an uber bitch. But if it makes you feel any better about what I just said, I am being the most sincere I can be."
"Then I guess all I can say is, thanks."
…
"Hey."
Aubrey and Danny look up to find Beca standing behind them.
"You mind if I talk to Bree?" Beca asks.
"Course," Danny says, jumping up. "Anything for the newest member of the family."
"Thanks," Beca replies, sinking down next to Aubrey.
"How are you doing?" Aubrey asks, once Danny's inside.
"Fine. Just missed you."
Aubrey smiles and wraps an arm around Beca, who lets herself sink into the embrace. She kind of loves the fact that Aubrey seems to understand exactly what she's feeling. Beca supposes it's because, from what she's learned of Aubrey's family, the Beales are such a contrast to her own family, just like Beca. What Beca's always found intriguing about her relationship with Aubrey is how similar they really are, once they stop working against each other. Maybe that's the reason they clashed so much in the beginning.
They're enjoying a quiet moment, when the front door quietly swings open and Chloe sits next to Beca. The red head doesn't say anything, just wraps an arm around Beca and scoots closer. Beca leans her head on Chloe's shoulder, pulling both her and Bree closer. She feels Aubrey smile at Chloe as their embrace tightens around her and she sighs in contentment.