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Pitch Perfect 3: Bechloe is Legit
Chapter 14 - Dog Days of the Tour
o0o
Emily is tired. Beca is irritated. They had been working for hours in Beca and Chloe's room, and neither had slept properly. Now they're both seated at the same table, in the same cafe as they had been the day before. Chloe and Aubrey had brought them here after finding them asleep next to Beca's laptop on Chloe's bed. Both young women were exhausted and a bit stiff from sleeping awkwardly.
The two women had spent a good portion of the previous evening attempting to take Emily's writings and make them a song. It had not gone as well as they had hoped. They had talked through a number of ideas, and tried out some things on Beca's laptop, but no matter what they did, they couldn't find that perfect rhythm that would match the lyrics Emily wrote and make it a song. They both had fallen asleep in mid process.
The failures of the previous evening especially peeves Beca. She felt the lyrics Emily had provided were amazing, so she was getting gradually more infuriated when her work didn't yield the results that she desired. She felt she was letting the younger Bella down.
She realizes that if she wants to do a really good job, she would need access to proper equipment, not just her laptop. At one point she had made this complaint outloud, which had prompted Emily to ask what kind of equipment they needed. Beca had immediately thought of DJ Khaled's, but she didn't think that would be available; especially after the Bellas last visit to DJ Khaled's suite.
It all just combined to leave Beca feeling very annoyed and disheartened. Chloe sleeping in Emily and Aubrey's room only added to Beca's irritation. They hadn't had a chance to be alone since the parachuting incident. When they arrived at the base, the Bellas had of course crowded around the three Bellas. Everyone had been so thankful that Beca was safe and couldn't believe Chloe had jumped after her. Everyone could believe that Lily had somehow managed to jump too.
As usual, Chloe seems to have sensed Beca's annoyance and delivers just the right remedy. A fresh cup of the coffee Beca had found so delicious the day before, plus a sweet cinnamon danish-like breakfast pastry the cafe bakes on site that Chloe thought was to die for.
Aubrey mirrors Chloe's actions, bringing Emily a hot chocolate instead of a coffee. She asks them, "How late were you two up?"
When Beca lifts her head up from the table, she smiles at the site of the coffee and pastry. She mumbles her reply, even as she carefully picks up the hot beverage and savors the warmth in her hands. "Three A-M?" It comes out more question than statement.
"Aww, baby," Chloe coos as she runs her hand over Beca's upper back, giving a light massage. She notices Aubrey's raised eyebrow and quickly amends her words to, "Poor baby."
Emily didn't seem to notice Chloe's slip, she nods and says, "Maybe a little over."
This catches Aubrey's attention and distracts her. Emily breaks into a huge smile as she sips at her hot chocolate. She looks rather adorable with a chocolate mustache, grinning in a way that's all Emily Junk. "Thanks, Aubrey." The blonde waves her thanks away as she seats herself.
"So, what's wrong?," Chloe asks Beca softly.
"I just can't get this song right. Nothing I am doing is helping it to come out right. I want Emily's song to be perfect."
"It will be perfect, Beca," Emily assures her. "I have complete faith in you."
"I'm with Emily on this one," Chloe says.
Chloe and Emily's words warm her, even more than the coffee she's drinking.
"We have so little time. If we're going to do an original song during this tour, we have to push through," Beca says, bummed she has to be the downer with these two perpetually upbeat women.
"Even with the condensed timeline, you don't want to push yourself too hard," interjects Aubrey. "It's like my father always says, 'Genius, is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration, but lacking on the former and overdoing the latter only make the results feel forced'."
Beca looks at the blonde and blinks, then says hesitantly, "I'm sorry, Bree, and I mean no offense, but I must be really tired because that bit of your father's advice actually made sense." Aubrey just shrugs it off with a smile.
Beca sighs. "The truth is, I need more equipment than my laptop if we're really going to do this."
"Is there anyway you can get access to the equipment you need?," Aubrey asks.
Beca hesitates, so Chloe answers. "DJ Khaled has the equipment."
"Oh," Aubrey says as the implications dawn on her.
"The good news is 'Mr. Eye Contact' seems to like you," says Emily in a hopeful manner.
"Great," Beca says with mock enthusiasm.
"I think you're going to have to ask Theo," suggests Aubrey.
Chloe doesn't like this idea at all. She speaks up. "Maybe we can find some other equipment?"
Beca shakes her head. "We don't even know where to start looking. As much as I'm not looking forward to it asking Theo for any favors, DJ Khaled's equipment is exactly what we need."
Chloe deflates, but she knows it's true. Beca gets up from the table and Chloe asks her, "You're going now?"
"Yeah," Beca says. "Time is not on our side."
"I'll go with you," Chloe suggests as she goes to get up.
Beca holds up her hands. "Unfortunately, I think our best chance of success is for me to go alone."
Chloe's face drops. She doesn't like this idea at all. Beca sees Chloe's disappointment and gives her a reassuring smile. "I'll be okay."
"Yeah, Chloe," Emily says. "I don't think Beca has anything to be worried about. Theo really seems to like her."
Beca blushes at this, shrugs, and tries to give a silent reassurance to the redhead. Chloe smiles at her and tries to do the same. They each silently wave to each other as Beca leaves.
Again Aubrey raises an eyebrow at the actions of her two friends. Before she can comment on it, Jessica and Ashley step into the cafe with members of Saddle Up. Denise and Cynthia Rose bring up the rear.
"I'm telling you, this place has amazing coffee," Jessica is telling James.
The lead singer for Saddle Up, Jeffrey, is walking just behind. "I don't know. We really love our coffee. We're a bit of coffee snobs."
"Trust us," Denise says. She points to her wife, who has her arm around her shoulders, and says, "Nobody is a bigger coffee snob than my baby here, and she made sure we came back for more."
"What can I say?," CR says as she kisses her wife's cheek. "I like what I like."
Flo starts speaking to the owner of the cafe in fluent Italian, ordering coffees and pastries for everyone. CR looks at her questioningly. The young woman from Guatemala shrugs. "I speak five languages."
"I didn't know that," Jessica says. "Which ones?"
Flo easily rattles off, "Spanish, English, French, Italian, and Portuguese."
Ashley looks over towards where Chloe, Aubrey, and Emily are seated. "Hey y'all, is it okay if we join ya?"
Emily sports her signature smile as she tells them it's okay. The four Bellas sit immediately, while the five members of Saddle Up pull over another table. The Bella's co-captains and Chloe are easily integrated into the conversations that had been going on between the members of the bands as they made their way to the cafe. It is all light morning conversation and easy banter. It reminds Emily and Chloe of the interplay between the Bellas and the Treblemakers after Bumper Allen left.
One of the Saddle Up members, James, Chloe thinks, leans over the table. "So, we heard rumors about y'all's adventure yesterday."
"Oh," Aubrey replies carefully. "What did you hear?"
Jeffrey answers. "That y'all went on a parachuting excursion, which is awesome, and we're jealous."
Jessica points at Chloe. "You have to blame that one for that. She's our head of R&R."
"Oh, yeah?," James says. "We also heard something about one of you jumping after a friend who fell out of the plane?"
"You also want to talk to her," Ashley says as she to gestures to Chloe. The redhead blushes under the attention.
"Is that true?," Jeffrey asks.
Chloe nods and says, "Yeah, it's true."
"I gotta hear this story," James says.
"Maybe we'll tell you when Beca's with us and we've had a few beers. This story definitely has liquor written all over it." This elicits a round of laughter around the tables.
The door to the cafe opens and in walk the four members of Evermoist. Chloe is amazed at how put together the quartet is this early in the morning. Save for their outfits, which are not as flashy as their stage clothes, they all look like they're ready to step onto stage and into the limelight.
"Well, well, well, and they call me Calamity," says the lead singer of Evermoist. "I hear Ginger here is trying hard to earn that mantle." The members of Evermoist all chuckle.
"What can we do for you ladies?" Aubrey's question comes out formal and stiff. She holds her chin high.
Serenity says, "We were just wondering what adventures you have planned for today."
"We do have a trip," says Emily excitedly. "We're going to see the dogs at the K-9 unit."
"Oh, my God! An honest to God field trip. That's so sweet," snarks Calamity.
Choosing to ignore Calamity's snark, Chloe smiles warmly. "Yes it is. Thanks for noticing. You're more than welcome to join." She looks at the members of Saddle Up and says, "You all are."
Calamity scoffs, "As if." She and the other members of Evermoist make their way to the counter to order their own coffees. Calamity and Serenity don't seem happy with this latest exchange with the Bellas.
Jeffrey gives a two finger Boy Scout salute, saying, "We'd be delighted to accompany you."
A small satisfied smile slowly grows on her lips as Chloe feels she won this latest exchange and is more than happy to include Saddle Up in this endeavor. "As my mother always says," she winks at Aubrey, who takes the well meaning jab with grace. "The more the merrier."
o0o
Beca stands outside Theo's room for about five minutes, just standing there contemplating her next action. She really doesn't want to be here, asking this favor. Theo is just a little too intense for her. Still, he has the equipment she needs and Theo did let her utilize it once before. It's worth a shot asking. Well, at least that's what Aubrey suggested.
Beca goes to knock on the door, but before her knuckles strike the wood of the door, she hears, "I was just wondering how much longer you intended to stand there without doing anything?" Theo's voice comes from her left and is stern in its clipped British accent, but this is belied by the amusement Beca can see in his eyes.
"Not that I'm complaining. It makes for a rare and refreshing change to have you coming to me," Theo says with a bit of a chuckle.
"I..." Beca steels herself and forces the words out of her mouth. "I have a favor to ask."
"Really?" There's genuine surprise in his voice.
"Yes, really," Beca huffs. "I need you to do something for me." She fidgets from foot to foot.
"I can't believe Beca Mitchell is asking me for a favor?" A smug smile graces Theo's lips as he regards the petite brunette steadily. "This should be good." He begins rubbing his chin absently. "What kind of trouble have you and your Bellas gotten yourselves into this time?" He fixes her with a look. "It must be something bad if you've brought yourself to ask me for help." Somehow Theo's British accent makes him sound even more smug.
"You know what? Never mind," Beca says as she turns away.
Amusement gives way to surprise, evidenced by the slight arch of Theo's eyebrows. "Okay." When Beca continues to turn away, he grabs her by the upper arm. "I said okay."
Beca looks back at him and then gives a pointed look at his hand. Theo wisely lets go and holds up his hands in surrender. "What can I do for you?" There's actually sincerity in his voice.
Beca turns back to face him and says, "I need you to get me access to the AKGC24 and the rest of DJ Khaled's equipment."
"What?"
"I need access to DJ Khaled's recording equipment," she says it in an exaggerated slowness.
"Why?"
"Are we literally going to go down the whole litany of who, what, why, and when?," Beca asks in irritation.
"Possibly," Theo shrugs, keeping his eyes focused on this fascinating brunette.
"Emily. You know the tallest Bella? She has lyrics to what could be a really great song. We want to use it in our show. But, in order to do that I need access to better equipment. I can't produce it with just my laptop."
"You want to what? Produce a new original song in a couple of days?" Theo is incredulous.
Beca shrugs. "Actually, in a couple of hours."
"I'm almost tempted to say yes, just so I could see this feat," Theo says.
Beca sighs. "Look, I'm not saying I can have this top 40 ready to play on the radio, but I can have it ready for the Bellas to make it their own and perform it."
"So it would be you, and…"
"Emily," Beca offers.
Theo asks for clarification. "Just the two of you?"
"Yeah," Beca nods.
Theo is relieved the redhead won't be there. He blinks slowly as he ponders on Beca's request. She thinks she might see a flicker of something in his eyes. Then a devilish smile settles on his face. One corner of his mouth curves up and his look of amusement becomes more pronounced.
Beca's not sure she likes what his facial expressions are conveying. "Um… what's happening here?" Beca waves her hand towards his face. "I'm not sure I like the look on your face. What's going on in there?"
Theo leans against the wall. "I'm thinking this is a big favor."
"I don't like where this is going," Beca says wearily.
"If you want me to do this favor there are a few conditions," he says. Beca nods slowly, so he continues. "First, I'm there to supervise…"
"What? No way, dude," Beca interrupts.
"The last time the Bellas were in DJ Khaled's suite there was over a million euros worth of damage," he deadpans.
Beca purses her lips for a second, then nods "Okay, fine. You can stay, but only as an observer."
"Great, I'm looking forward to seeing the great Beca Mitchell in action," he says with a smile.
"Don't make this weird dude," Beca replies matter-of-factly.
"Sorry," he says a bit sheepishly. "Second, it's just you and Emily. Nobody else. I don't want all the Bellas coming through the suite." In his mind he's only picturing one particular Bella.
Beca is picturing that same Bella and the disappointed puppy dog eyes she was going to have to face. Still she needs the equipment, and Chloe will understand. Reluctantly, she nods and says, "Agreed."
"Last, but definitely not least, is that you have to have a drink with me after the next show." He's totally sporting the confident smile.
Taken aback, Beca pauses. Theo only smirks, and there it is, that's what Beca was picking up on, the amusement lurking in his eyes again. This riles her up. Beca purses her lips and half-glares at him in response. "Look, dude, I need a favor. Can you help me or not?"
"Yes. If you'll go out for drinks with me," Theo says, his confidence brimming at the moment.
Beca rolls her eyes. She doesn't want to say yes, but she really needs access to the AKGC24 and DJ Khaled's mixing board. Finally, she makes up her mind. "Fine!" She hisses the answer. He arches his right eyebrow in question, and she continues. "Yes, I will go out for drinks with you after the second show," she deadpans.
He smiles. "Then let's set the time."
Beca rolls her eyes.
o0o
It's mid morning when the Bellas, with Saddle Up in tow, arrive at the base's K-9 training facility. It's a rather large facility on the outskirts of the base. Zeke is guiding the group up to a rather large green area that sits behind the main kennel and a fenced in obstacle course.
Chloe is the first to spot Chicago walking towards the group, leading a German Shepherd. She squeals as she moves forward, automatically kneeling down as she reaches the pair. "She's beautiful," Chloe gushes patting the dog gently.
"Well, she's a he, but he thanks you all the same," Chicago chuckles.
"Sorry, boy," Chloe coos as she scratches his muzzle. "What's his name?"
"Detroit," Chicago answers automatically.
"Your dog is named 'Detroit'?," Beca asks, her voice heavy with snark.
"Yes, Detroit is the name of my partner. And, yes, we get ribbing for it, but it grows on you," Chicago says.
"I like it," Chloe says, still focused completely on the dog.
Chicago beams and gives Beca a look like he just scored some point.
Beca notices another soldier approaching with a second German Shepherd. Chicago announces to the group, "This is Staff Sergeant Patterson and his partner. Together we're going to put on a demonstration of the K-9's capabilities." He nods to the other soldier, who walks up next to him. "Staff Sergeant."
Staff Sergeant Patterson gives a wave and says, "Howdy folks and welcome. As the Captain said, my name is Staff Sergeant Sam Patterson, but you can call me Sam. This is my partner, Buzz," he says patting the German Shepherd's head.
The dog moves over to Chloe, his tail wagging. "Hey beautiful," Chloe says now petting two German Shepherds. Her smile is radiant, she's practically beaming.
Beca watches Chloe with the dogs, and just smiles because this is Chloe Beale at her very essence.
The petite brunette decides she could spend an eternity just watching her best friend interacting with the dogs. Unfortunately, she notices Chicago seems to be having the same thoughts.
Sam says, "If you'll excuse us, ma'am, there'll be more time for you all to interact with the K-9s, but first we're going to perform a demonstration."
Chloe frowns and Beca wants to yell at the Staff Sergeant for making Chloe frown, but the cloud passes and Chloe is back next to her. Beca has to fight the urge to take Chloe's hand in hers. She can feel a twitch in her hand, as if it's drawn to Chloe's. She smiles at Chloe and would swear she notes a similar twitch in Chloe's hand.
Chicago and Sam have now positioned themselves in front of the Bellas and Saddle Up. Chicago starts the presentation. "We are a K-9 unit within the Military Police company on this base, though we provide K-9 units to a number of military facilities in the Southern European theater." Chicago is proud of the impressed looks his audience gives him. He flashes Chloe a wink.
"Alright, let's get to the basics. What do we generally use police dogs for? Any guesses?," Chicago asks.
"Search and rescue," Jessica answers.
"Correct," says Chicago.
"Suspect apprehension," Denise says.
"Also correct," says Chicago. "Any other answers?"
Aubrey offers one. "Drug interdiction."
"Yes, another good answer," Chicago says. "Any more?" When no more answers are forthcoming, Chicago starts his spiel. "Those were all great answers. And, yes, we do all those things, but our day-to-day routine is general patrolling. It's just that our partners are dogs. You'll find more often than not our day is just patrolling as any normal military police officer would do, it's just we have the coolest partners." Chicago explains. "But as you noted, there are many situations where a K-9 officer is vital."
"Okay, this is Detroit," he says to the Bellas and Saddle Up. "He and I have worked in the field for about two years, and he also works with me in the training program."
Chicago tells Detroit to sit and stay, and the dog sits back on his haunches and stays. "Now one of the most important things to know when working with one of these dogs, is positive reinforcement. Everything they do right is treated positively. Any bad behaviour is basically ignored. They find someone or something and play is usually used as the reward. Most of you have probably seen this at some point in your life, but we are going to do an example of a suspect chase down today. Now, I need a suspect volunteer."
"Does that mean your gonna set the dogs on that person?," Beca asks.
Chicago nods, "Essentially yes, but…"
"Fat Amy volunteers," Beca announces loudly.
"What?," Fat Amy says.
"That's an excellent idea," seconds Aubrey. She's sporting a huge smile.
"Wait now…," Amy tries to speak up.
"I concur," Emily announces loudly. She and Aubrey share huge grins.
"Now wait…," sputters Fat Amy.
"It really is an excellent idea," adds Ashley.
"But…," more sputtering from Fat Amy.
"I mean you always claim your the best dingo wrestler in Tasmania," Flo says.
Fat Amy looks to all of the Bellas and realizes they are using this as punishment for her causing Beca to get sucked out of the plane and them not getting to parachute.
Finally, Fat Amy's shoulders slump and she says, "Yep, I volunteer," while raising her hand.
Chicago was quite amused by the goings on of the Bellas. They really are a little family unit. "Okay, Amy, if you will accompany Corporal Tillerson and Corporal Jones, they will take you into the facility and get you suited up in the protective suit." He points to two more soldiers standing to the side.
Fat Amy heads off with them and the Bellas can hear the boisterous blonde regale the MPs with tales of dingo wrestling. The Bellas all chuckle at the Aussie's antics.
"Now ladies," Chicago nods to the Bellas, "and gentlemen," he nods to Saddle Up. "While Amy gets ready, we're going to go over to the training course where Staff Sergeant Patterson and I will take our partners through a demonstration of their capabilities, using the obstacles of the course."
The two music groups follow Chicago and the Staff Sergeant towards the training course. Chloe hears a quiet whine. It's distinctively a dog's whine and it sounds quite plaintive. She looks over and sees a sad looking German Shepherd, alone in a cage, lying flat with its head on its paws, looking quite dejected.
"Hey, Zeke," Chloe catches the Captain's attention. "What's the story with that dog?"
Zeke follows her gesture and frowns when he sees the dog she's indicating. "Oh, that's Electra. We've been forced to segregate her."
Chloe is shocked at his statement. "What? Why?"
If anything, Zeke seems more depressed as he contemplates his answer. "Her partner was killed in the line of duty. Electra was also badly hurt." He shakes his head. "It's amazing that Electra even made it into the program. She was the runt of her litter and was actually sent to us by mistake." Zeke looks wistful, memories leaving a sad taste. "We were going to send her back, but Sergeant Snow instantly attached herself to the pup and they became partners."
He looks at Chloe. "They may have been our best team. Unfortunately, they ran across some gun smugglers from Albania and in the ensuing firefight both were wounded. Sergeant Snow fatally. Electra has never recovered. She barely eats and won't let anyone, whether dog or trainer, near her." Zeke shakes his head again. "At some point, we're going to have to put her down."
Chloe's eyes are glistening with unshed tears, her heart breaking at Zeke's story. She looks over at the sad dog. "You can't," she whispers.
"Trust me, we don't want to, but she's been quite violent with both trainers and other K-9s. We've been delaying it as long as we can," Zeke answers. He looks a bit abashed. "Shall we follow the others? Chicago has been dying to show off for you."
Chloe gives another look over to the lonely German Shepherd, then turns back and reluctantly nods. She slowly follows Zeke back to the rest of the group.
Chicago smiles brightly as he sees the redhead join the others. He starts giving his well rehearsed speech, and as he does, Sam takes the dogs through their motions. It's easy to see that they have done this before, because Chicago and Sam trade off who is working with the dogs and who is talking to the audience rather easily.
It's interesting and fun, yet Chloe can't help looking over to Electra. Beca catches her a couple times. She caught what Zeke had told her friend and she just knows that story was breaking the redhead's heart.
They are both distracted from this though, when Fat Amy comes sauntering out in a huge protective suit. It's a forest green puffy suit, that makes Fat Amy look like the Michelin man joined the army. The Bellas all whistle, cheer, and even let out a few catcalls. Chicago explains to everyone, "Amy is wearing a full protection police bite suit. It will protect her from harm as the K-9 units chase her down and subdue her."
Fat Amy follows Sam into the training course and listens to his instructions. At his signal, Fat Amy starts running and Chicago explains what's about to happen. He's about to send the dogs when Emily stops him.
"She could use a little cardio," suggests the young Bella.
Aubrey looks at the younger girl, impressed. "Good call, Emily. Yes, Chicago, give her a little more of a head start."
Chicago grins and waits, everyone enjoying the spectacle of Fat Amy running in the protective suit.
Aubrey looks to her left and has an idea. "Emily," Aubrey says pulling the young girl's attention away from watching Fat Amy run around. "I have another idea." Emily looks at her with furrowed brows. "Just follow me."
Aubrey meets John and Gail as they approach the Bellas. "You can't stop us from being here this time," John says. "This is a public space."
"Of course," Aubrey says with a fake smile. "I was just going to suggest that you might want to get some video of Fat Amy working out with the K-9 patrol dogs."
"Oh, that's good," Gail said. "Hurry, John, let's set up."
"Take all the time you need," Emily says with a smile, catching on to Aubrey's delaying tactic. "Just let us know when you're ready."
John and Gail start setting up. Emily fist bumps Aubrey as they go back and join the other Bellas. Amy is running and looking around for the dogs to attack. She sees they are still being held by Chicago and Staff Sergeant Patterson.
"Come on, dogs," Fat Amy yells huffing and puffing. "Sic me. Attack!" She runs towards the dogs waving her arms and screaming. Detroit looks at her and yawns.
"Oh, come on," Fat Amy says.
"Is the camera on?," Gail asks. "We should get this part, too."
"Just a second," John says. After another minute or two he yells over to Aubrey. "We're ready."
"Okay, Captain, if you will," Aubrey says.
Chicago gives an order and the two dogs are off like lightning. When Amy sees the dogs move she gives a squeal and starts running away from them. They cover the ground in seconds and Detroit launches at the blonde Aussie, going for her shoulder.
Fat Amy actually dodges this first leap but can't avoid Buzz. The German Shepherd grabs hold of Fat Amy's protected forearm, locking his jaw onto it. She tries to shake the dog, but it's jaws are too strong. Detroit leaps again, slamming into the Aussie's back. Fat Amy drops to the ground, and Buzz releases her arm. Detroit immediately grabs Amy's shoulder, holding the suit and growling loudly.
Chicago and Sam both move towards where Fat Amy is. The Bellas and Saddle Up all follow, save for Chloe, who starts walking towards Electra. Beca notices after a second and backtracks to catch up with the redhead.
"Umm, Chlo, what are you doing?," Beca asks, though she already knows.
"Beca, they're going to put down that dog and she's a hero," Chloe says emphatically.
"Umm, yeah, I mean that sucks, but you heard him, she's dangerous now," Beca says sympathetically.
"Pffft," Chloe blows out a dismissive sound. "She's not dangerous." And as if to prove the point, Chloe opens the cage and strides right in.
Beca's eyes grow round in shock at this audacious move. "Chlo," she hisses, desperately trying to not get anyone else's attention, but definitely trying to convey the serious danger of the situation.
Chloe though is on a mission, and while she does slow down her approach, she doesn't stop or hesitate. She just starts talking to the dog and holds out her hand.
"Chlo!" Beca's plea is at stage whisper level now, but it's to no avail. She steps into the cage, preparing herself to yank Chloe away from the dangerous dog, when the German Shepherd shocks her by just licking Chloe's outstretched hand.
The redhead turns to her with a 'see-I-told-you-so' look. Beca rolls her eyes, but can't help the chuckle that escapes her. Of course the dog wouldn't bite Chloe. That would be like trying to destroy a rainbow. She can hear Chloe start to coo and baby talk the dog, who is responding to her scratches and pets. Chloe whispers into Electra's ears, and then when the dog licks her face, she smiles at Beca and says, "Come here, Becs. Electra wants to meet you."
"She told you that?," Beca deadpans, not wanting to get any closer.
"Well, I told her you're my most special and closest friend and asked if she wants to meet you, and she licked my face, so, yeah." Chloe grins. "You want to meet Beca, don't you?" Electra again licks Chloe's face. "See."
Beca shakes her head, but does come over so the dog can smell her hand and give a few licks. Chloe pulls Beca down next to her so they both can pet and scratch the German Shepherd.
Over on the training course, at Aubrey and Emily's suggestions, Fat Amy has been taken down by the pair of dogs on several occasions.
As much as Chicago is enjoying this, he decides it's time to move on. Fat Amy lays flat on her back. Cardio is hard enough. In this ginormous suit, it's deadly. On top of that, having two dogs constantly tackling you, makes this the most intense workout she's had in years.
Detroit decides to take advantage of the Australian blonde laying on the ground and licks up the side of her face. "Gross," she hollers, wiping the slobber off her face.
Chicago calls the dog back, and then looks for Chloe, hoping she's been impressed by the demonstration.
It's his turn to have his eyes widen in horror. He had just clipped the leash to Detroit's collar, so he tosses the leash to Sam and then pushes through the Bellas. When he's past the crowd he takes off at a full sprint. The Bellas and Saddle Up quickly follow.
"CHLOE! What are you DOING!?," Chicago shouts at the redhead as he gets closer .
"I'm showing Electra here some love," Chloe says matter-of-factly, as she scratches the German Shepherd under the jaw. She begins to talk to the dog in an overly cute voice, "Isn't that right girl? Who's a good girl?"
"You don't understand. That dog is dangerous," he cries. He slowly begins to approach the cage.
Chloe fixes him with a look that causes him to come to a halt. "No she's not. She's a hero who has suffered a terrible loss." She's literally using her teacher's scolding voice.
Beca smirks. She's heard Chloe use that voice, especially with the Bellas.
Chicago opens the gate slowly and holds out his hand to the two women. "Chloe, Beca, slowly back out of the cage. This isn't safe."
"It's fine," Chloe tells him, then goes back to baby talking Electra.
"It really isn't," Chicago says, putting a foot into the cage. For the first time Electra growls and rises up on all four legs. Chicago immediately pulls his foot back. When the Captain steps in again. Electra gives a sharp warning bark. Chicago leaps back.
Beca looks up at Chicago with a smug smile and says, "Hmmm, seems that it's only you who isn't safe in here. We seem to be just fine." She scratches Electra behind the ear and whispers, "Good girl."
Chloe giggles at Beca's antics.
"Chloe, please, I beg you. Come out of there," Chicago pleads.
"Okay, fine." Electra whines. Chloe assures the dog, "Everything is going to be fine, Electra. We're going to make things right. I promise."
With reluctance, Chloe follows Beca out of the cage. When she is out of the cage, Chicago grabs her by the arm and pulls her away. The moment he does, Electra starts barking and moves toward the gate. Zeke slams the gate shut and secures it. Both Chicago and Zeke jump back as Electra barks furiously at them.
"What the HELL do YOU think YOU were DOING?!," Chicago Shouts at Chloe.
The redhead crosses her arms and glares at him. Beca steps up to stand on her right and Aubrey is now on her left. The rest of the Bellas form up behind. No one yells at a Bella like that.
Chicago steps back under the hard glares of all the women. "You might want to step back, soldier boy," Cynthia says with a bite of menace.
"You don't talk to Chloe like that," Beca says.
"You don't talk to any Bella like that," Aubrey says.
Chicago steps back again. "Look I'm sorry." He holds his hands up in surrender. "I was just worried about Chloe." He looks Chloe in the eyes. "I was just worried about you."
Chloe doesn't look impressed, she maintains her stance with arms crossed. "What happens to Electra?"
Chicago sighs with remorse. "She's a danger. She'll have to be put down."
"Unacceptable," says Chloe. Her red curls swing back and forth as she shakes her head no.
"What would you have us do?," Chicago asks plaintively.
Without missing a beat, Chloe says, "Give her to us."
Beca is nodding along, enjoying the fact that Chicago has so stuck his foot in it with Chloe. At Chloe's declaration, she automatically agrees. "Yeah-what?" She looks at her best friend in confusion.
"Chloe…," Chicago starts in a condescending tone.
She cuts him off saying, "If you're just going to kill her, then give her to Beca and me." Chloe is in full determination mode.
"You and Beca are going to take a dog back with you?" He looks over at the diminutive DJ before continuing. "To New York?"
Chloe answers automatically, "Yes." They both look at Beca, who suddenly feels trapped in the crossfire. She hesitates, because she actually would be arguing Chicago's side if he wasn't here. Yet one look into Chloe's pure blue eyes and she knows she could never deny the redhead. She looks Chicago in the eyes and says, "Yep. What she just said."
"This is ridiculous," Chicago groans. "It's not like it's up to me."
Chloe unfazed turns to Aubrey. "Bree, can your dad help us?"
The blonde is quiet for a moment, then says, "I don't know, but I'll ask him."
Chloe nods, accepting this. She then turns to Chicago. "Give us time to find a solution."
Chicago holds up his hands. "It's not like I want to do anything to Electra."
"Good," Chloe says and turns back to Electra, squatting down to talk to her through the fence.
Chicago tries to come near, but Electra growls, causing him to back off. Beca squats down, joining Chloe in praising the dog.
Chicago looks to Aubrey and Emily, who shrug and say simultaneously, "It's a Bellas bonding activity."
Chicago looks to the sky and whispers, "God help me."
RJRMovieFan Note: This chapter was also inspired by a brief scene flashed in the outtakes shown during the credits of Pitch Perfect 3. It is a scene of Fat Amy in a police bite protective suit being taken down by a pair of dogs. Again, I wondered how the filmmakers thought about using it, or if it was just a fun activity for the actors. I knew I wanted to incorporate it into our retelling, and have Chloe fall in love with one of the dogs.
BeChloeIsLegit Note: Thanks everyone for all the kind reviews (especially for the last Chapter). I'm glad you are enjoying reading it as much as I'm enjoying working with RJRMovieFan to write it.