Title: On the Fence
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Aubrey/Beca/Chloe, Michael Posen
Summary: Aubrey's brother, Michael makes a surprise visit.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~2,680
A/N: Takes place about a week after All I Need
Now that their Bella career is at its end, Beca can admit that she feeling the loss. Which is why they still get together for jam sessions. It helps. What doesn'thelp is Fat Amy's constant texting. The Australian seems to be under the impression that she'll never see Beca again and is therefore trying to leave Beca with as much Fat Amy-ness as possible. Beca is mostly fine with this, except for the fact that she's trying to study for finals.
So when someone knocks on the door, Beca is loathe to answer it, assuming it's Fat Amy pulling something.
Still Beca has to answer it. So she sets aside her books with a sigh and stands.
At the door is a severe looking tall blond man in a suit, who looks very out of place in the hallway.
"I'm looking for Aubrey Posen," he announces.
"She's in class," Beca tells him.
He sighs and looks at his watch. "What time do you expect her back?"
"Um..." Beca turns and checks the time on the microwave. "Half hour, forty-five minutes."
"Doable," he mutters to himself. "Would it be possible to come in and wait for her?"
"That depends," Beca says. "On who youare."
"Michael Posen," he replies, offering his hand. "Her brother."
Beca shakes his hand, not quite sure how to respond.
"And I presume that you're the infamous Beca," he continues.
Beca nods and steps aside.
Once inside, he glances around the apartment. It's an endless moment before he nods his approval and Beca feels relieved for reasons she can't name.
"Can I get you something to drink?" Beca asks.
"No thank you," he replies. "I have some work to do, so I'll just use the kitchen table and let you return to your studying."
"All right."
Beca settles back on the couch with her notes. It takes a fair amount of restraint for her to not frantically text Chloe, who Beca knows is studying in the library, for help. And so an awkward forty-one minutes pass between them. Beca knows because she ends up checking the time on her laptop every few minutes. She spends most of her time wondering if she should give Aubrey a heads up, but Beca worries about what the blonde would do if she read the text by herself. At least, here at the apartment, Beca will be here for support.
Thankfully, Aubrey and Chloe both arrive home at the same time and the pair enter happily chatting. It stops immediately as they notice the awkward tension in the apartment.
"Hey guys," Beca greets. "Guess who stopped by." She gestures to the now standing Michael.
"Hello Aubrey. Chloe."
"Hey Michael."
"What are you doing here?" Aubrey inquires.
"I had a meeting in Atlanta and I thought we should talk," he replies.
"And so you just show up unannounced?" Aubrey questions.
"I had an unexpected hole in my schedule."
Aubrey rolls her eyes. "Fine. Let's talk." Aubrey gestures towards the second bedroom.
"How long has he been here?" Chloe asks Beca once the bedroom door is firmly shut.
"Forty-one agonizing minutes," Beca groans.
"You really don't like surprises, do you?" Chloe teases.
"What I'm not a fan of surprise visits from possibly disapproving family members," Beca retorts.
Chloe grins.
…
"Next time, some sort of heads up would be appreciated," Aubrey says the moment the door clicks shut.
"I thought perhaps you wouldn't respond," Michael explains.
"No you just wanted to avoid a difficult conversation."
"Do you blame me?" he retorts.
"When'd they tell you?"
"About a month ago," he replies.
"I take it that they told both of you?" Aubrey questions.
He nods.
"I assume from your lack of contact," she says. "That you disapprove, that you both disapprove."
"Cut us some slack, Aubrey," he tells her. "We needed some processing time. It was very unexpected news."
Aubrey nods. "I know."
"So that's her, then?"
"Beca, yes," Aubrey nods.
"She's..."
"Did you come for congratulations or condemnation?" Aubrey asks.
"I'm not really sure," he replies. "I'm having trouble wrapping my head around it."
"And Susan?"
"She's... uh, on the fence," Michael answers.
"Liar."
Michael sighs. "You're acting like the Posens are the only ones giving you resistance."
"They are currently," Aubrey replies.
"Because you told your family last," Michel tells her.
"You don't know that," Aubrey says.
"You really expect me to believe that Chloe waited three years to tell her family?" Michael questions. "I may not know her that well, but from what you've told me about her, I definitely don't believe that."
Aubrey sighs. "Do you blame me for waiting?"
"I wish you would have told me, Aubrey," Michael says. "Hearing it from mom and dad... it wasn't a pleasant conversation."
"And you think telling them was?"
"You're very defensive," Michael observes.
"We both know that no matter how you feel, you're going to side with mom and dad," Aubrey replies.
"That's not—"
"Even if you don't agree," Aubrey finishes. "Because, unlike me, you care what they think. Plus, there's Susan."
"Just because Sue and I are usually on the same page—"
"Try always," Aubrey interjects.
"Doesn't mean that I don't have my own opinions," Michael finishes.
"I know," Aubrey sighs. "I just… even if I was expecting and mostly fine with it, seeing you… I guess I'm just instinctually defensive."
"Are you saying we won't be able to find a happy medium?" Michael asks.
"How long are you in town?" Aubrey asks.
"A few more days," Michael replies. "Why?"
"Maybe the four of us could have dinner together," Aubrey suggests. "That way you can get to know Beca a little and things will be a bit clearer for you?"
Michael seems to be mulling it over, running through his schedule. "Okay. I should be able to meet you guys tomorrow night. Say six?"
Aubrey takes a moment to think about their schedule for the next day. "Yeah. That should work."
"Okay," Michael says. "Where should I meet you?"
"We can eat here," Aubrey tells him.
"I'm not really in the mood for take out," Michael replies.
"Beca will cook," Aubrey explains.
"Um, all right," Michael says.
Aubrey nods. "Good. I'll walk you out."
…
"So you're cooking tomorrow," Aubrey tells Beca once Michael's left.
"It's not my turn," Beca replies from the couch.
"Michael's coming over so he can get to know the two of you better," Aubrey explains.
"Oh."
"So if he doesn't like the food, is that going to be a strike against Beca?" Chloe asks, smirking.
"Real supportive, Chloe," Beca growls.
"I'm not worried about the food," Aubrey replies. "Beca's stuff is always amazing."
"Thanks Bree," Beca says.
…
Beca decides to make salmon, which Chloe teases her about over dinner.
"Don't you think you're trying a little too hard?"
"Or I have a super easy recipe for it, that I can do tomorrow in between studying," Beca retorts.
"I can go shopping tomorrow, if need be," Aubrey says.
Beca nods and begins writing out a shopping list.
"It'll be fine," Chloe tells Aubrey.
"Yeah," Beca adds, looking up from her list. "Worst case scenario, he hates me and you were already thinking that, anyway."
Aubrey rolls her eyes.
"What?" Beca questions. "It's true."
"Just make your list and keep quiet," Chloe teases.
Beca sticks her tongue out at her.
…
Aubrey seems a bit out of sorts when she comes home from the grocery store, so Beca asks her to help make dinner. Aubrey is put in charge of broiling the salmon while Beca puts together the ravioli.
"You want to talk about it?" Beca asks as she starts to sauté the garlic.
Aubrey shakes her head.
Knowing it's best to wait her out, Beca returns her attention to the garlic.
"It's just… I spent so much time concerned about my parents' reactions, that I didn't really give much thought to Michael or Susan. I always just sort of assumed that they'd side with mom and dad. Per usual," Aubrey explains. "The fact that Michael took the time… even if it's only because he was already in the area… I admit, it's throwing me off a bit."
"But it's a good thing, right?" Beca questions. "I mean, that he's actually making an effort?"
"It was unexpected, that's for sure," Aubrey replies.
"Personally, I'm not worried," Beca says.
Aubrey raises an eyebrow, but stays quiet.
"I mean, everyone loves Chloe," Beca explains. "Even after my mom found out, she still did."
Aubrey nods.
"And I have my moments. So I'll do my best to be the captivating, charismatic and fascinating person you fell for and it'll be fine."
Aubrey chuckles.
"Hey, none of that," Beca retorts. "I'm trying to be nice. Let's not ruin the moment."
"Fine," Aubrey says. She looks at the assembled ingredients on the counter. "I'm still not quite sure what you're making here."
"Broiled Salmon and Sweet Potato Ravioli; it's going to be great. Trust me."
"I do," Aubrey replies. "So what wine is Chloe picking up on her way home?"
"I was thinking a light Pinot Noir would work with this," Beca answers. "It usually goes well with grilled or seared salmon."
"Maybe you should go to culinary school," Aubrey suggests.
"Naw, that takes all the fun out of it," Beca says.
It's a fair suggestion though, since Beca really has no idea what she's going to do after graduation. Being a well known music producer is definitely out of the question. Beca appreciates that Aubrey and Chloe haven't really been pushing her towards a decision, just offering suggestions.
"Besides," Beca continues. "I'm not sure I could handle any more school."
"You've done just fine," Aubrey says.
"Thanks. But you know college was never really part of my plan," Beca replies. "Even though having a degree will be nice, for me, you and Chloe are the only good things that have come from me attending Barden."
"What about the Bellas?" Aubrey asks. "Or the improved relationship with your dad?"
Beca sighs. "Okay. So those are good too. But I still stand by my last statement."
"If you're trying to be all sweet and charming to distract me from dinner—"
"I would never—"
"Too bad," Aubrey says. "Because it might be working."
Beca grins.
…
Michael is ten minutes early and if Beca had any doubts about him being Aubrey's brother, they would definitely be erased with that evidence.
They make small talk as the food is set out and seats taken.
"This actually looks amazing," Michael states as he examines his plate.
"It tastes better than it looks," Chloe adds after her first bite.
"Not bad," Aubrey agrees.
Beca smirks. "Aubrey helped."
"And it still turned out this well?" Michael questions. "You are good."
Aubrey rolls her eyes.
"Aubrey was never interested in cooking," Michael explains. "If I remember correctly, she actually failed Home Ec."
"I got a D, thank you very much," Aubrey retorts. "I don't get Fs."
"But a D is okay?" Chloe teases.
"In comparison to a F."
"So Beca," Michael starts. "How did you meet these two?"
"Chloe was shamelessly flirting with me so I'd join the Bellas and Aubrey was blocking her attempt," Beca grins.
"Hey," Chloe says.
"Do you blame me?" Aubrey retorts. "You were very... adversarial."
Beca laughs. "That's one to put it." She turns to Michael. "The previous Bellas had very specific standards. I definitely didn't meet them," she explains, gesturing to her jeans and wrinkled T-shirt.
"Jeez, did you two do it in the kitchen?" Chloe questions.
Beca blushes.
"You do look rather... disheveled," Michael adds.
"I have a rule about having sex while using the stove," Beca says. "So no."
"There's a story there, I haven't heard yet," Chloe grins.
"I didn't want Beca to be anyone other than herself," Aubrey explains. "If you're going to be okay with all of this, we have to be ourselves, be completely honest."
"Pragmatic as always, Aubrey," Michael says.
...
To Beca's horror, Chloe and Aubrey insist on cleaning up, leaving Beca alone at the table with Michael. She sips her wine, wishing she was more of a drinker.
"So Beca," he says. "You're a senior?"
Beca nods.
"So what are your plans post college?" he asks.
"Honestly? I'm not sure," she replies. "It really depends on Chloe and Bree."
He raises an eyebrow at that.
Beca shrugs. "Where they go, I go. It's that simple."
"Is it?"
She nods again.
"Is it because Aubrey managed to convince our parents to give her a million dollars?" he questions.
"I could say no," Beca says. "Because it's true. I made that decision a few years ago. But why should you trust me?"
"Why indeed?"
"I'd hope that you'd trust Aubrey enough to trust her judgment," Beca explains. "After all, she's one of the smartest people I know."
"I do," Michael explains. "To a certain extent. But in matters of the heart... Before Chloe, Aubrey's dating history was horrendous."
"High school dating usually is," Beca says. "But I sort of feel like you're avoiding the real issue here."
"I suppose I am."
Beca nods in encouragement.
"I suppose I'm not ready to... face that yet," he explains.
"Understandable."
"Maybe it's the way I was told," Michael continues. "I wish that Aubrey had felt comfortable enough to tell us herself. But I also understand why she didn't."
"So what's the verdict?" Chloe asks, plopping down next to Beca.
"Jury's still out," Michael replies. "Though that food was incredible."
"Thanks," Beca blushes.
"She's good at earning her keep around here," Aubrey says, sitting down and snatching up Beca's wine glass.
"Hey, that's mine," Beca protests. "Get your own."
Aubrey just smirks and turns to her brother. "It's nice to see you again, Michael."
"Same here, Aubrey," he says.
"You know what?" Chloe says, standing. "Maybe we should give you two a few moments."
"Yeah," Beca says, getting up so quickly, that her chair wobbles a bit. "That sounds like a good idea."
Both Aubrey and Chloe are giving Beca a fond look that she tries to ignore.
"C'mon, goofball," Chloe says. "We should probably be studying."
...
"So they seem... interesting," Michael says, once the bedroom door is firmly shut.
"You still seem confused," Aubrey replies.
"Because I am," he says. "Though I'm not sure that confused is the correct word."
"Uncertain then," Aubrey offers.
"Accurate."
"So where does that leave us?"
Michael seems hesitant, but that's never stopped him before. "Can I ask... what exactly was mom and dad's reaction when you told them?"
"You mean, immediately after?" Aubrey clarifies.
He nods.
"Their usual," Aubrey replies. "Rigid position like they were trying to steal themselves against something appalling."
Michael nods in thought.
"And then they pretended like I hadn't said anything. Or rather that I hadn't said anything out of the ordinary," Aubrey finishes.
"So their usual," Michael concludes.
It's Aubrey's turn to nod.
...
Both Beca and Chloe looks up in surprise when the bedroom door opens and Aubrey slips in, shutting the door behind her.
"Michael left?" Chloe asks.
Aubrey nods. "He said to tell you good bye and thanks for the nice evening."
"You're very calm," Chloe observes.
Aubrey shrugs. "Nothing's... He's still processing."
"That's good, right?" Beca asks.
Aubrey nods. "I suppose."
"So what now?" Chloe asks.
"Now? Now, I guess we wait," Aubrey replies.
"Seriously?" Beca asks.
Aubrey nods again.
"That totally sucks."
Chloe giggles.
"I couldn't agree more," Aubrey says.
"Well, at least Beca didn't completely scare him away," Chloe jokes.
"Me? What about you? Accusing us of doing it in the kitchen?"
"Because it's happened before," Chloe replies.
"And you're so innocent, Beale."
"Hey, I'm not the one that broke the toaster."
"I told you, that was an accident," Beca protests. "And I was the only one here."
"A little solo action?" Chloe banters. "Really, Beca? Two girlfriends isn't enough to satisfy you?"
"That's not what happened and you know it," Beca tells her.
"Hey I wasn't here, so I really don't," Chloe smirks.
Beca growls. "I hate you."