This will be from Elyse's POV so italics without "" are thoughts and italics in "" is someone speaking German. I will be butcher the written language and most reading will be confused if it is all translated. Enjoy.
10.
It was too much. It was all too much and she was beginning to wonder why she was still here. Still at this record label, still in this State, still in this Country, hell, still in the music industry. Well, she knew why, she did love music but was it her life's work? Did she need to stress out so much about something that started as a hobby? She knew why she stayed though, all she had to do was look at her best friend and her teammates, listen to music, and get sucked in again. Well, that, and her contract.
Elyse let her mind swirl around the same thoughts she has been having for the past couple months. She has not gotten any further than; Das Sound Machine is really good at it. Her team has accomplished so much and she cannot walk away from it in her final year. They have come a long way since she has joined and she has developed well as a performer and leader but this is not her career choice. That thought always brings a bitter taste to her mouth when she realizes she still has to deal with the business side of the music industry even when she does not want to.
So, she is hidden away behind the recording studio, enjoying one of her rare guilty pleasures on a nice day, and taking a break. Why had their manager been so adamant about converting to the U.S.? It had taken months to a get a foot in even with their international recognition and now they are still being treated lower than other artists. Elyse is unsure if it is because they are an acapella group or because they are foreigners. Either way it always puts her on edge when dealing with the studio's manager. Elyse shuts her eyes to the bright Sun and takes a deep breath. Can I get a break?
Elyse is snapped out of her calm state by the loud thud of the employee door opening, closing, and someone huffing about quite loudly. Elyse sighs, I suppose that is all the alone time I get. Elyse eyes her cigarette quickly before deciding to at least finish since she rarely indulges in it. She really does not mean to stand nearby when she hears a woman's voice ranting to herself. Honestly, it is uncomfortable to find herself eavesdropping on something so personally. Elyse figures the woman did not see her where she is so she would wait it out. When she hears what the woman is saying, however, her interest peaks a little. She cannot help it; did she say she would be a professional a capella singer? She is almost finished with her cigarette when she hears singing. It is soft, a little timid, but full of emotion, even from Elyse's somewhat hidden position she can hear it. Elyse listens intently, latching onto every word, trying to recognize the song but failing. By the time the woman finishes singing, Elyse knows she has to meet this person.
She rounds the corner and sprouts the first thing she can think of. Elyse really sees the surprisingly small woman sitting on a bench and she almost forgets what to say next. Through their short conversation Elyse continues to be surprised and amused by the little woman, Beca. She wants to see and hear music come from her beautiful lips and when she hears German leave them instead Elyse swears her heart beats faster. It is a strange reaction to simply talking with someone but Elyse knows it means something important. She would love to tease the woman more just to see that shy look cross her face because it is so adorable. They are interrupted when Pieter comes to get her and a part of her is a little thankful; when Beca asks for her name she almost gave it; without thought.
Elyse walks down the hallway with Pieter and she can tell he is tense about the meeting just like her. The relaxing effect and the lighthearted feeling at meeting Beca do not last long once Das Sound Machine's manager talks shop with the studio's manager. When Elyse first joined DSM she did not mind being directed and watched for every little thing they did but after a few years it is riding her nerves. She is pleasantly surprised to see Beca walk into the room with a coffee for the studio boss.
Elyse watches the smaller woman and can practically feel her nervousness from across the table. It is endearing in a way Elyse did not think she would like. She forgets that they are in a meeting room and that she is the Kommissar when Beca's beautiful eyes trap hers in a stare. The American girl's face is so open with emotion and her eyes shone in a way Elyse never noticed in anyone else's before. When Beca asks if she wants a drink she does not think to answer in English, "I would like a water with lemon, please." Elyse is happy she did not when she sees cute confusion cross Beca's face.
"Why are you speaking German to this girl?" Pieter, her best friend, asks in German. She gives him her look that means she does not plan on answering. He has seen that look often enough to accept it because of the company they keep now.
"Uh- so a water. For you?" The little woman asks the others and Elyse is happy that Beca knows that much German. Really, it is the basics but how it makes me happy. I want to speak to her in my own tongue. A smirk plays across Elyse's lips without her knowledge at the thought of messing with the brunette. She watches the woman leave quickly and the men resume their plan making but she can feel Pieter's eyes watching her. She knows he will pester her about her language slip up.
In all the years that Elyse and Pieter have traveled across countries Elyse has not spoken out of turn in her own native language. The exception would be talking to DSM members, their manager or family, or if a fellow traveler revealed they spoke German as well. It is a rule she keeps for herself so that she does not lose fluency in a language she has learned. Sometimes there can be an exception to a rule. Elyse thinks to herself before Beca is back. Elyse watches her movements closely. A plain glass of water is placed in front of her and Elyse cannot help but smirk at it.
It seems she does not know what a lemon is.
The rest of the meeting passes by in a daze of politics and business that Elyse never took any big interest in. Sure, she looked out for her team and made sure they got what was fair and deserved but it was the business part she despised. She would rather just sing and perform and travel; not worry about percentages, contracts, and networking. For Das Sound Machine, though, she is as present as she can be and knows what to bring up with her manager later. To her knowledge DSM has already signed and whatever act the managers are doing is just to get a feel for the others' business savvy. She really wants to roll her eyes when they finally just shake hands with a 'pleasure to be working with you' and they are dismissed.
As soon as they are directed to a lunch room area for a snack, Pieter rounds on her. "What was that?" She ignores him as she sorts through a fruit basket for something not terribly bruised or old. "Elyse."
She instantly glares at her second in command and takes a quick look around the small room to ensure no one had heard him. It is a bit silly to not want anyone to know your name when in a professional environment but it is what she has gotten use to. She has to be the Kommissar here. "Do not speak lightly here."
Pieter grabs a pear from the basket and asks before taking a large bite. "Do you know that little troll girl?"
She gives him a look saying she is not amused before selecting the best looking apple. "Of course not. I simply made her acquaintance while I was outside."
He swallowed before responding. "It must have been a great introduction. You broke your rule." He smiled smugly then and Elyse knew there was nothing she could say to justify her actions.
"There are exceptions to rules."
Pieter laughs at that. "Do not let the team hear that. The rigid Kommissar will lose her image if they see her bending on the rules." Elyse rolls her eyes at Pieter and his over exaggeration. DSM knows Elyse personally when they have down time but also know she can be quick with the whip when in Kommissar mode. It is something they have gotten use to as well. Her Kommissar image is only important when actively handling business, practice, or performing. Outside of that they know how un-Kommissar the Kommissar is.
"They will not know because you will not say a word to them. There is nothing to say, really. Beca said she knew some German so I spoke a little German." Her tone was shoulder shrug worthy but Kommissar did not physically shrug her shoulders so she remained stiff.
Pieter's eyes lit up like he received tickets to a movie festival. "So, it is Beca now?"
Elyse mentally cringed at her slip up. This was all fodder to her friend's prying and active imagination. "Pieter." She said as sternly as possible to stem his racing thoughts on the matter. He quieted but the look in his eyes told Elyse that he would not drop it for long.
After a while Pieter became bored with the studio and wanted to leave. Elyse agreed but sent him on a little errand to give her time. She really should not be going to find the American girl but the decision was made when she found some sliced lemons in the break room fridge.
After a little snooping and wandering around, Elyse saw the small form of the brunette sitting at a desk with big headphones on. She seemed engrossed with her laptop but that did not deter the Kommissar. She placed a glass of water down beside the girl and leaned casually against the table exhibiting as much confidence as possible. For a moment Elyse was able to just look at Beca's face without her catching onto her presence. She could not describe exactly what it is about her but Elyse knew she was beautiful. The little American was absorbed in her laptop and there was a cute serious look on her face that slightly scrunched her eyebrows.
"Your thinking face is adorable." Elyse did not filter her words but spoke in German regardless so no one could tell what she said. Beca caught on that Elyse was there and removed her headphones.
"I'm sorry. What?" There was that cute, confused look. I never described someone as cute so much before.
Elyse shook her thoughts away and smirked at Beca. "Nothing, little one." The nickname just rolled off her tongue again. She gestured to the glass of water she placed on the table. "Zitrone." Elyse was not sure why she really wanted to tease the brunette but it was already pleasing her. She wanted Beca to know more German because what little she did hear come from Beca got her heart racing.
"Lemon?" Elyse nodded and just waited for Beca to get it. It took a little while. "Seriously? You asked for lemon in your water earlier?"
She is a smart one, the thought brought a smile to Elyse's lips. "Ja."
Beca seemed confused as how to respond and it amused Elyse greatly. "I told you I don't know that much German. And you still didn't tell me your name. It can't be Kommissar, whatever that means, it's not a name."
Elyse's ego just grew almost twice its size but she refused to let that puff her chest in front of Beca. "So you have done some research I see." The thought of Beca being even remotely interested in her was a huge confidence boost.
Beca's gorgeous eyes turned away from Elyse then. "DSM are clients of the label." Beca's forced flat response did not deter her.
"You looked up my name specifically. You are a rather curious little one." Else teased, it was just too fun.
"My name is Beca and I'm not that little." The little brunette responded seriously. "And it's rude to not introduce yourself to someone."
She knew that was true but Elyse was torn between remaining professional and allowing Beca to say her name. She really wanted to hear that but Beca worked in the same place as her. It was much too professional a setting. The way she seemed to pout about it raised a chuckle from Elyse, however, and she thought of a new way to tease Beca.
"You got me there so if it will ease your mind I will introduce myself." Elyse moved to invade Beca's personal space and offered her hand. She waited until a delicate hand was placed in her own before speaking. "You may call me Kommissar."
That seemed to annoy Beca and it made Elyse have to stifle a full smile. "That's not your name though. That's a- that's- well, I don't know but it's not a name."
"You are right. It is my title in DSM." She actually shrugged at that and it made her feel completely uncomfortable for a second. The Kommissar does not shrug. In this moment she was Elyse. She had to change the subject from herself so she turned her attention to Beca's laptop. "What are you working on, little one?"
"It's nothing. Just something I'm making for my friends." Elyse should not like the way Beca was so close to her and laying her hands on the laptop in her own hands. Beca was so close and her scent was something sweet and intoxicating. Elyse saw the familiar setup of a sound mixing program running.
"I would like to hear it." She was curious about what kind of music the little one mixed and if she was any good. She can sing, Elyse knew that, but she hoped she had more in common with the little brunette.
"It's not done. I was just messing around." Beca's almost weak protest caught Elyse's attention. She turned to look into Beca's eyes which did not help her concentration at all.
"I would still like to hear it." She responded distractedly, trying to tear her gaze away while still curiously looking on. Very slowly Beca removed her headphones and handed it over to Elyse. They were too small on her head so she had to adjust it which made her smile. She was excitedly waiting to hear what Beca was working on but she felt a headphone cup moved from her ear.
"This is really rough. I'm still planning where the voices will come in and how the songs will continue to mix" Elyse tried to smile at how adorable Beca was being, mumbling on nervously. Elyse did not know why she would be nervous but she wanted Beca to feel at ease around her.
She smiled reassuringly at her. "It's okay, Beca." It eased her enough to play the song from the beginning. A steady thrumming beat met Elyse's ears and knew it was an electro rock feel. She saw from the corner of her eye Beca's hand moving to interrupt the song and she instantly moved to stop her. The feel of Beca's hand under hers drove her body into a hyper aware state but forced herself not to move or break her concentration on the music. It was a struggle. She immersed herself in the music, letting her mind catch each kick, snare, and vocal change over. Suddenly the notes of Michael Jackson's Thriller came through and it surprised Elyse in a good way. The next song was slowed down a lot to match and the key change did not mesh well with the beginning of the song but Elyse wondered if it was all done on purpose. She did not know Beca's mixing style so she was unsure to voice her thoughts.
When the music ended abruptly Elyse still sat thinking over the mix collectively. It had serious potential and she really wanted to hear how it would sound finished. She removed the headphones from her ears and returned her attention to Beca. "Not bad, little one, though I may have a suggestion or two."
"I told you it's a rough outline." Elyse could hear the defensiveness in her tone and knew it was already a sensitive subject for the brunette.
"I did not mean to offend, however, if you would not like to hear my thoughts; that is fine." She said placating and leaned back against the table. Elyse waited for Beca to respond but she seemed to be grumpy about something. Elyse was unsure about what exactly; she did not say anything bad. She was actually impressed with Beca's skills and could tell she had a good ear for hearing a matching melody in songs that did not seem to mix. She really wanted to hear more of the little one's mixes but did not think that would be accepted from her new acquaintance. Her gaze upon Beca must of gotten on her nerves because eventually Beca snapped at her.
"It is a really good start to a song. I would like to hear it when it is done." Elyse smirked and could not help but be happy she got under the girl's skin in some way. As she made her exit she just had to make one more departing shot. "If your ego can handle it, of course." Elyse smirked widely and hoped that line would plague Beca's thoughts for the rest of the day. At least in that way, she would be on Beca's mind.
The plan may have backfired a little because for the past week Beca had been plaguing Elyse's mind. Every time Elyse laid her eyes on the little brunette she could not help but smile and want to go up to her and tease her. DSM just signed over to the studio and they became busier than Elyse thought they would and she encountered more barriers and headaches than when she worked on their previous albums. Her schedule caused her to only see Beca in passing and never making contact.
It was another long day when Elyse finally had a chance to speak to the young brunette. Elyse had just come from an impromptu meeting with DSM about any song ideas they may have for the album. She knew music evolved and changed but it was a hassle to solidify a choice with so many members and she valued each one's input. It was becoming a headache trying to keep the manager and producers off her back about the album set list. Eventually, they would choose for her and she did not want that at all.
Elyse had wondered by Beca's desk and finally saw her there on her own. Immediately she noticed how far off the woman was with her thoughts. Her gaze was unfocused and her eyebrows scrunched slightly. If Elyse was not in the studio with other people that could she would smile at the brunette's adorable appearance. She quickly approached the brunette. "Venting with your thoughts still make you look crazy, little one."
Beca jumped in her seat and Elyse heard a surprised squeak come from her lips. She smirked at the thought of her little mouse making a mousy noise.
"I'm just thinking." Beca answered quickly, a little gruffly.
"What about? It looks like it is causing you pain to think on it." Elyse teased the brunette.
"Did you just insult me?" Beca snapped back at her and for a moment Elyse wondered if the little woman was having a bad day. She did not want to make it worse for her but she only knew to tease the woman. She tried to shrug off the woman's accusation. She was surprised she actually shrugged too. "That's not a no."
Elyse moved closer to Beca and tried to progress the conversation along. She had been looking forward to this for a long while. "No, it is not. What were you thinking on?" She smiled down at the woman and tried to appear aloof and genuine.
"Aren't you supposed to be recording an album right now?" Elyse did not expect that question or the change of topic. It was the last thing she wanted to think on in the moment.
"We are in the long process of it, yes." Elyse gritted out a response. Surprisingly, she really let out her thoughts about working at the studio on this particular album. She did not mean to show her frustrations, she was more professional than that, but she did want to really talk with the brunette.
Beca hummed quietly in thought. "I wouldn't know what that's like but it sounds tiring."
"Yes, it is. DSM has fifteen members and I try to include everyone's ideas but that gets very...trying." Elyse slightly vents to her. Beca's response is rather quick and her suggestion to mix all the songs together in a medley surprise Elyse. She did not think about that at all. Beca's title suggestions are silly but she thinks beyond that for a few moments. It would really fit well with what DSM is trying out right now. Their usual stuff does not sound anything like a big medley. It would be different and she would love to try something different. Getting it by the manager though would be a challenge. The Kommissar can handle a challenge, though. "That is actually a good idea, little one, thanks."
"Seriously?"
The disbelief in the brunette's tone confused Elyse. "Yes. Why do you seem surprised by my words?" Beca shakes her head in an adorable way and mumbles something about her being the Kommissar and not accepting outside help. Elyse has to give her a little credit for picking up on that. "Usually that would be the case but this particular issue has worn me down. A group of fifteen will do that to you." Elyse allows a small smile through.
"I believe you. I only deal with seven girls but trying to get them to focus sometimes..." She trails off in thought for a moment but Elyse catches on to what she is alluding to. It seems the little one has her own group as well. It makes Elyse smile wider because of the similarity between them.
"Ah, so you are in a group. Tell me about it." Elyse was only slightly surprised that the topic engaged Beca the way it does. There's a lightness in her eyes when she is talking about her group and what she does. It makes her more curious about the kleine Maus so she asks another question about their performances. Elyse watches, captivated by the way Beca talks with her hands subconsciously, and listens intently to her describe it all quickly. Apparently, the little American has a full schedule of a capella responsibilities and working at the studio.
I wonder if there is a certain person taking up her time as well. I hope not. She tries to keep her focus on the conversation about a capella duties and the talk only stalls for a few long moments. Internally, Elyse is building her courage. She does not want to go another week without talking to the mouse again. The fact that Beca does the arrangements for her group has caught her interest and she decides to just suck it up and go for broke.
"Since you do the music for your group, I must ask you to assist me in the arrangements for a project of mine." Calm yourself, Elyse. Don't look too eager. Did that come out too forceful?
"Wait, what? A project like a song?"
"That is what music is in our field, is it not?" Did I say that too harshly? "The project is the idea you came up with so I am sure you can handle it." She stated a little more softly. Elyse was internally panicking that the brunette was just going around in circles because she wanted to say no. Elyse assured her a little more in a way she knew would get the brunette's attention. "You will help me. I assume you are good enough but seeing as how I have not witnessed your skills I am not certain." She says as nonchalantly as possible. What do I say if she says no? Should I goad her more? Why is she squinting at me?
"The Bellas have a gig on Halloween on campus. If you come you'll see exactly how good I am."
Elyse's brain stopped functioning once she understood that last sentence. Granted, her mind was firmly placed in the gutter, but she tried not to think about exactly how good the Maus could be. She quickly gained her functions when she noticed Beca had a smug look on her face. God, I want to wipe that smile off her face. She leaned closer to the brunette, unable to keep her hungry gaze to herself. "Well, how could I refuse coming to witness that?" Her voice dropped low on purpose. She didn't miss the way Beca moved to cover up the effect her voice had on the smaller woman.
Beca moved away to reach for paper and pen, then leaned away in her seat, creating a dissappointing distance between them. Elyse plucked the small square of paper from Beca's hand without losing her gaze on those captivating eyes. She was going to see her more and that thrilled Elyse greatly. She moved to do the same as Beca did with the paper. Any plans DSM or their manager had was thrown out the window at the possibility of seeing the Bella sooner.
"Well, Bella Nina, I will see you there. And see you tomorrow for the project arrangements. I am curious to see how you handle all of DSM." Her own parting words echoed in her mind as she wound her way back through the studio halls. What the hell did I get myself into?
After finishing up at the studio with more business talk that got nowhere, Elyse wandered the rooms of DSM's rented two story house. It was fairly large with plenty of rooms for their members to share. Only herself had her own room because she was the leader. Sometimes it felt like that is where the advantages stopped. Members had tried starting conversations with her but her mind was still on a small brunette and her idea. It was only when Pieter forced her to sit on the large couch in the living room that Elyse knew she needed to share the plan. DSM gathered around on various surfaces, understanding that it was group talk time.
"I believe I have a solution that would work for everyone. A combination of all our selected songs in one arrangement. A medley of DSM's favorites."
Everyone's interests were caught before Elyse finished speaking. They had never done such a large arrangement before. Pieter spoke up as the group chattered amongst themselves. "This is certainly different for DSM, Elyse, what will Fran think?"
Elyse frowned at the mention of their manager. She knew talking him into it would be like pulling teeth but she was determined to get the project going. "I will handle him. What do you all think?" She addressed the group. Her response was an excited yes all around and instant talk about what songs to choose.
"I choose anything by Rammstein!" Hilda exclaimed, she was one of the youngest but most enthusiastic of the group. Elyse stoically looked at her.
"That is much too different from our current style of music, Hil. Think about poor Fitz." The blonde pointed to the short haired blonde man leaning his back against the couch. The group's beatboxer looked offending by being called out on his skills.
"Do not worry about me, Kommissar. I got this." The man gloated smugly. Elyse shook her head teasingly at him.
"I am not sure. Your beats have not been as strong as they use to be." There was a resounding "Oooh" throughout the room as eyes darting from the man to their leader. Fitz raised his eyebrows at the woman in disbelief.
He growled in his beatboxer voice. "You...you hate...you hate me?" Oh no, there he goes. His bass voice growls low as he brings in the song's thumping beat before growling out the lyrics again. "You. You hate. You hate me."
Pieter starts bouncing to the silent beat like a hyper child and Elyse already knows that everyone else is going to join in. Pieter starts the thumping techno sound but harmonizes it quickly when a few others start up. Hilda joins in happily and soon the sounds of Rammstein's Du Hast is bellowing throughout the living room. Elyse smiles amusedly at them all, only half caring that some are not quite in sync, since she is not the Kommissar right now. Elyse busted out laughing when some of the guys stood up and started rocking their upper bodies to the beat, pretending to strum guitars.
She let them enjoy the song a little longer but held both of her arms up to get their attention after a minute. On the top of the beat she dropped her arms and the living room suddenly became quiet. "I am sorry I do not know that song." The group laughed at her joking. "Alright, I understand that you all agree to the medley idea so I want each one of you to think of a song you would like to add. An appropriate song. Something DSM would sing. We will have an official meeting tomorrow to discuss arrangements."
Conversations started up again, everyone running ideas by Pieter and Elyse for another half hour. Eventually they got pulled away to do various things to pass the time. A large group stayed in the living room watching a surprisingly addicting show called Archer. Some went upstairs to their own rooms, Elyse could hear an acoustic guitar strumming in the kitchen, Pieter sat next to her quietly.
"You know what Fran will say about this, Lys. What put it into your head?"
She thought on how to answer that for a moment. Pieter was her best friend and she talked with him about everything so why stop now? She did not want him to talk about the American girl in a teasing way. Already the little vixen had wormed her way into her mind and it had not even been a fortnight since they met. She was getting attached and she knew Pieter would tease in a way that Elyse would secretly like because it gave her a chance to voice her thoughts. It was better to keep those thoughts away though.
"Maybe Das Sound Machine needs to shake things up a little. Try something new." Pieter eyed her profile and she knew his mind was running, trying to figure out what she really meant by that. "I think it will be fun."
He hummed distractedly in agreement like his mind was elsewhere. Elyse patted his leg and stood to exit the living room. Pieter called after her before she could escape. "Who is helping with the arrangements?" Elyse should have known he would ask, they have had two people assist them on songs since signing.
"Beca." She breathed out quickly before darting for the stairs. She could have sworn Pieter's voice echoed throughout the first floor.
"What?!"
I knew I was going to write from Elyse's POV and had so many ideas for her reactions to interacting with Beca and I get to throw in some back story. More of that is coming but the next chapter will pick up where chapter 9 left off. How do you feel about Elyse and the rest of DSM?