Darker – Chapter 21
Universal Pictures owns all rights of Fifty Shades of Grey and Pitch Perfect…I only own the idea of this twisted mash-up of an alternate universe love story.
Warning! Chapters may include graphic sexual situations (BDSM) which may not be suitable for everyone. Reviews and comments are always welcome. Thank you for reading.
Last time on Darker…
With the lights darkened we took the stage and got into position. Standing side by side Chloe and I were dead center as we faced the crowd and took it all in. Blowing the pitch pipe, I stowed it away in a pocket, found Jesse in the audience and quietly counted off.
"One...two...three...four…"
And now…
We owned it...
After hours of blood, sweat and tears our efforts finally paid off.
Starting us off with a simple timed clap, Chloe and Fat Amy added their component of rubbing their hands together plus a finger snap then Emily and Jessica added their element of finger snaps. Pretty soon all of us were doing something different to create percussion without instruments which led into a complicated sort of hand jive. With coordinating hand slaps we faced each other and let ourselves enjoy the moment as the audience observed us with wonder. This was "Cups" on a grand scale that would set us apart from our competition as we showed discipline and originality. Getting to the end of our introduction we clapped in unison and went for it.
"Who run the world? Girls!" We bellowed out as the stage lit up and colored graphics filled the high definition screen.
Utilizing the entire platform, Stacie and Chloe's choreography was flawlessly executed as my mash-up of many songs was delivered with perfection. This was the most complicated arrangement I'd ever put together, but the best was yet to come.
"We belong to the light, we belong to the thunder. We...belong." Amy belted out her solo as our complex musical number continued.
With the fast paced portion of our set coming to an end, Cynthia Rose led the pack while I sprinted to the back of the stage to remove my headset and grab a hand held mic just as the Bellas held their tone and lights dimmed to darkness.
Standing center stage I waited for my cue as I prepared to deliver my solo with a new kind of confidence I never had before. Some would say I was a completely different person since beginning this journey back in 2012. During my senior year I'd grown up and became a woman, having gone through a sexual awakening and fallen in love with a man who felt the same. With the spotlight on me it was time to lead the Bellas to the second half of our set.
"When tomorrow comes, I'll be on my own, feeling frightened of, things that I don't know, when tomorrow comes, when tomorrow comes…" I sang the beautiful lyrics while looking straight ahead into the sea of spectators.
Joined by the songwriter, Emily and I blended our voices for the next verse and was joined by the rest of the Bellas as stage lighting was expanded to include all of us. For the slower part of our number we opted for simple coordinating hand movements and dance steps so neither would detract from the brand new song we were introducing to the world.
Watching the audience react favorably to our new sound, they mimicked our actions by swaying to the beat which, inspired us to our best performance yet. It felt amazing, as we were doing exactly what we set out to do.
With the next verse growing in intensity, the place lit up like Christmas in Rockefeller Center as the Legacy Bellas, dressed identically to us, came into view and became part of a cappella history. Dividing like the Red Sea we split down the center while generations of Bellas sang back up to give our performance the oomph it needed. With Aubrey at the center of it all, Chloe and I exchanged looks with our friend and former captain, and knew we were crushing it.
Observing the youngest Bella and her mom acknowledge each other on stage had me contemplating my future with Jesse, twenty years from now as we watched our daughter perform a cappella with her all female group, and then wondered if I would be as good a parent as Mrs. Junk was to Emily.
"Because you're my flashlight, you're getting me through the night." Became our mantra as we waved our arms and saw the audience respond to us by waving flashlights.
What in the world...?
Taking a moment to scout out my flashlight, Jesse appeared mesmerized as he waved his own light. Acknowledging him with a wink, I led the Bellas to the finale, bringing our stellar performance to a bittersweet ending.
What happened next couldn't be planned if we tried...
With our individual voices layering flawlessly, the audience joined the Legacy Bellas chorus and sang to us while still lighting up the night's sky. The feeling amongst us was unreal and something we would never forget. Just as the set began, we stood shoulder to shoulder as we sang to the crowd, and then to each other. As a bunch of misfits we came together for the purpose of a cappella, then became friends and finally sisters. We were always there for each other, and with a lifetime of memories to fall back on, we would remember this moment as the time the Barden Bellas dominated the world.
"Getting me through the night…" Emily held the final note that was soon followed by silence and complete darkness.
The crowd erupted like thunder as thousands of flashlights continued to shine like stars in the vast galaxy. The applause went on forever as the stage lights slowly came back on so we could take our bows of appreciation.
Turning to the youngest Bella I pulled out the pitch pipe and presented it to Emily. "You've earned this." She nodded with a smile and understood the significance of my gesture and accepted the token and responsibility that came along with it.
Our moment was soon interrupted by Amy who spun me to face her, picked me up and swung me around like a rag doll.
Damn that girl was strong...
Setting me down on my feet she continued squeezing the life out of me.
"We did it!" Chloe cried, rescuing me from the claws of our crazy Aussie. "Look at them, Beca. Look at your future husband." She was of course referring to Jesse who now had an American flag wrapped around him and was yelling at the top of his lungs. I'd never seen him so excited as he cheered for us, and never thought I could love anyone as much. But there he was, supporting me and my girls, thousands of miles from home.
"And look at yours." I referred to Tom who fell in line with Jesse as they jumped up and down while chanting our name.
"Bellas! Bellas! Bellas!"
"Yeah...I think you're right." Chloe responded wistfully, watching our men make fools of themselves, and not giving a damn how they looked. We hugged each other until the stage crew waved us off so the awards ceremony could begin.
"C'mon Becs, let's go harass those aca-Nazi's." I snickered at my friend's comment and encouraged her to carry on.
Just as we suspected, DSM was nowhere in sight. It looked as though those Germans knew we had kicked their aca-asses and didn't bother to stick around for the judge's decision.
Fucking cowards!
After several groups congratulated us on our performance we quieted down and waited for the official announcement.
"What a show!" The master of ceremonies began as the audience cheered. "In my hand is the final tally from our panel of judges. Do you want to know who's name is in here?" With everyone still cheering we waited with baited breath to see who claimed victory.
"Before we name the winner, let's take this opportunity to acknowledge all of the people behind the scenes who contributed to the success of this event. We would like to thank the event coordinator and their staff, the food and merchandise vendors, all the volunteers who donated their time and of course the many groups who came here from all over the world to represent their countries. Let's give them all a round of applause!"
After a minute or so of clapping, the crowd quieted down.
"We would also like to thank you all for coming out here and for being part of this event that only comes around every four years. Finally, let's show our appreciation to the (ICA), International Committee of A cappella who calculated the scores based on originality, choreography, audience interaction and performance execution." Pausing to electrify the crowd, an envelope was brought to the stage and raised in the air. "Are you ready for the winner?"
With a drum roll cued the emcee cracked the seal, read who the winner was and smiled.
"The 2015 World a cappella championship is awarded to..." After a suspenseful pause, the winner was finally announced. "The United States of America! Barden Bellas!" The cheers were deafening as we let out a bunch of, "Oh, my Gods!" And hugged each other. Tentatively walking back onstage to accept the honor we waved to the audience who were still cheering for us.
Handing over a trophy as tall as Flo, Amy and Stacie held on to each end of the giant golden cup as the envelope with the cracked seal was handed to my co-captain. Stepping up to the mic stand I waited for the applause to die down, then accepted the award on behalf of the Bellas with a simple "Thank You."
Photographers were immediately all over us as we posed for their publications and then directed to a press conference. Sitting at a long table, questions in every language were thrown at us and translated for our understanding and response. As the questions continued, all I could think about was being reunited with Jesse who observed us from a distance.
Suddenly the spotlight was on me. A notable news correspondent from 'CNN' decided to corner me about the man in my life. "Ms. Mitchell, how does your billionaire boyfriend feel about you being here and competing on behalf of the United States?"
Glancing over at Chloe I mouthed, "What should I say?"
Covering the microphone with her hand, Chloe whispered in my ear. "I think you should know, the flashlights were Jesse's idea. Tom told me all about it." With her orbit worthy smile she nodded as I bit my lower lip and decided not to address the question.
"He's right there behind you." I responded with a smirk, looking at Jesse. "Why don't you ask him."
Standing in back, Jesse leaned on a wall with his arms crossed and looked as pleased as punch. With the reporters spinning around it was Jesse's turn to be in the spotlight as he was asked the same question.
"They're all incredible." He praised, looking as delighted as ever. "And I couldn't be more proud of them for coming out here and winning this honor for our country."
"What about your girlfriend?" Another reporter asked.
"What about her?" He asked rhetorically. "She's the most amazing and beautiful woman I've ever known."
My insides literally turned into mush...
"Mr. Swanson." A British reporter from 'The Sun' came forward. "Can we expect a wedding in the near future?"
Still leaning with his arms crossed, Jesse exuded confidence while locking eyes with me. "That all depends on Ms. Mitchell."
Oh shit!
Shaking my head I couldn't believe he put me on the spot like that. I'd reluctantly told the Bellas earlier of the proposal but now the entire world would know soon enough. As the press spun around, all attention was back on me.
With everyone including the Bellas facing me, the room quieted down in anticipation for what I had to say. Bringing the mic closer I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and addressed the elephant in the room.
"Whatever is decided will be between Mr. Swanson and myself." Giving nothing away the reporters groaned because I denied them the exclusive they'd hoped for. "Now if there are no more questions for the Bellas, I believe this press conference is over."
As soon as the Q & A session officially ended, I immediately left the table and briskly walked passed hundreds of members of the press and into Jesse's open arms.
"Congratulations, baby." He beamed and pressed his lips to mine. "I'm officially impressed."
"Thank you." I whispered back, returning the kiss. "I'm glad you were here to see it."
With photographers surrounding us to get that perfect shot, it was strobe light central as our PDA was captured for the world to see, but we no longer gave a damn.
Hearing Jesse's name fall from the lips of several journalists we knew we'd made headline news...again, and people back home would have some questions for us.
I should've been upset for being put on the spot, but I kept thinking about what Chloe had said about the flashlights and what it did for our performance. With my arms around Jesse's neck and his wrapped around my waist, our kiss deepened to the point we needed to be alone.
"Let's get out of here."
Nodding at my suggestion Jesse led us to a secluded area, pressed me into a wall and kissed me as though his life depended on it.
He wasted no time as his hands were quick to unbutton my vest, unclasp my belt, unsnap my pants and pull my white shirt free. With his hands under my blouse, he squeezed my breasts over my barely there bra while his mouth latched onto my neck.
"God I want you!" His desire was apparent by the bulge digging into me. "Seeing you up there. I've never been so turned on."
"Jesse..." I breathed. "I heard what you did for us. Thank you."
My gratitude was followed by me quickly undoing his pants. Reaching inside his fly I found my trophy and dropped to my knees. Pumping him with both hands until it was at its desired firmness I licked the underside from base to tip, sending his dilated pupils to the back of his skull.
With my hands gravitating around his fine ass, I pulled him closer and took him inside. His body shuttered as I feasted on his length and kneaded his family jewels.
"Fuck!" He whisper shouted as I deep throated him like a porn star actress. "You have to stop, I'm not going to…OH GOD!" He choked out, trying to keep his volume down as he was losing all willpower to resist me. "Beca!"
Going all the way down I closed my eyes and relaxed my throat, concentrating on giving all nine inches the attention it deserved. With increased suction he couldn't hold back and provided me with enough nutrients to last a lifetime. Ingesting his release I sucked and swallowed every last drop to show my appreciation for what he'd done for us.
"That's enough!" He was quiet but stern as I was pushed away. Falling back on my ass I laughed as I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand while he stared at me in disbelief. "Nobody has ever taken away my control like that. Ever!" He seemed perturbed as he ran his fingers through his hair, but with darkened eyes and an impressive erection; he was also quite turned on. "What the hell have you reduced me to?"
My inner goddess celebrated with a lit cigarette while my subconscious gave me the stank eye.
"Well...apparently I've gotten really good at blowing your pitch pipe." My snark nearly made him crack a smile. "And I'm not just anybody."
Turning away from me I could tell he was struggling to maintain his composure.
"No you're not, but you need to remember who I am." Turning back to face me, Jesse was fully composed. "Get to your feet and face forward!" Doing as I was told, I turned away from him.
Yanking my pants and underwear down to my ankles, I felt cool air on my exposed skin.
"Hands on the wall in front of you!" He ordered quietly and slapped my bare ass with his open hand that made me yelp. "Spread your legs and stick your ass out!"
With his demeanor changed, he'd slipped into dominant mode and I couldn't be happier because I was getting exactly what my body craved; hot rough victory sex.
Without warning two fingers were jammed inside which made me grunt out.
"Shh...or I won't let you cum." Grabbing a handful of hair he pulled my head back and whispered in my ear while wiggling his fingers inside. "I can feel you tensing but don't cum just yet."
Seriously?
Feeling my knees weaken, he stimulated me until I was on the brink of madness as I mewled softly.
"Isn't this nice." He murmured, nibbling my earlobe while tapping my G-spot. "Almost there..."
The succulent sounds originating from within ignited my need for release while he continued to massage me.
"Cum for me...now." He breathed. "But do it quietly."
And I did...
With my jaw dropped, I let out a silent cry while I tensed around him.
"Good girl." He praised softly, kissing the back of my neck. Kneeling down, he replaced his drenched fingers with his mouth and drank my nectar. Feeling his tongue enter me, I orgasmed again as he devoured my release. "Delicious…" He complimented as if it was the best meal he'd ever had.
When I thought he was done, he stood up and slapped my rear again.
"Such a beautiful shade of pink." He rubbed my ass then spanked it a third and fourth time. Teasing the rim he slipped a finger inside, making me suck in my breath at the unexpected intrusion. "Oh yeah, baby. Feel it." He sighed, pushing his digit passed the second knuckle.
The thought of anal play used to repulse me, but things had changed since the beginning as my curiosity grew along with my sexual appetite. Perhaps it was the excitement of winning a cappella's highest honor or the lust I felt for Jesse, but I couldn't get enough of the sensation and found myself pushing back to feel more.
"Oh really?" He challenged, and added a second finger. It was too much as I saw stars and groaned. "Shh...they'll hear you."
Then this happened...
With him still digging for gold, he slowly pushed his erection inside while reaching around to stimulate my love bud. Being double penetrated and manipulated in this manner was sensory overload as I felt myself spiral into the Twilight Zone.
"It's too much!" I cautioned, straining to stay coherent. "I'm going to trance."
"Fight it!" He demanded, whispering into my ear as he slammed harder into me. "I want you to feel this."
"Oh God! I can't!"
"Do you want me to stop?" He asked, stilling himself; I said nothing because I wanted this just as much as him. "I didn't think so." He paused with a kiss to the back of my neck. "Concentrate on this moment." His calming tone brought me clarity as he resumed his pace and gave me what my body was aching for.
With my eyes rolling back I nearly blacked out as a fever consumed me. With sweat pouring off me, my legs finally gave out and I collapsed.
Just as my knees buckled, Jesse caught me around the waist as a violent climax ripped through my body. To keep me from yelling out, he placed his other hand over my mouth as my body bucked like a bronco. After more deep thrusts I was pressed against the wall as he emptied himself into my depths.
"Fuuuccckkk!" He cursed quietly, still driving into me as his Domme persona faded away. "I feel everything with you."
So do I...
"Yeah?" I squeaked, still breathless. "That's nice."
He chuckled, coming down from his own orgasm as he slowly withdrew. "You still with me?"
"Uh Huh." Was all I could say as I tried to catch my breath. I'd never teetered on the edge of subspace and was actually able to control it. "That was fucking amazing!"
"You're amazing." He praised, spinning me around to face him. "We aim to please, Miss Mitchell." And pressed his lips to mine.
It was raw and rough, and exactly what my libido needed to calm the fuck down. I loved gentle Jesse but also missed the dominant who made me surrender to him so many times before in the Red Room of Pain.
Sometime later…
We regrouped with Tom and the girls back at the hotel we were staying at. Sitting around the same fireplace as earlier, we had cocktails in hand and took turns sharing what each of us planned to do now that graduation and Worlds was behind us.
"Hey ya'll, check this out." Cynthia Rose started as she stood up. "My love is moving to L. A. and we're getting hitched, so y'all can come cuz y'all are invited."
We cheered for our friend who was already working for Universal and now she was finally marrying her life partner now that same sex marriages were legal in her state of residence.
"What about you Fat Amy." Aubrey asked, sipping her umbrella drink. "Still moving to New York with what's his name?"
"Ya...um...about that. I sorta have a confession to make." Amy sat on the edge of her seat and cast her eyes downward with shame. "I'm sorry but I haven't exactly been honest with you."
"What is it, Amy?" A few of us asked. "What's wrong?"
"Okay, brace yourselves." She took a huge breath and exhaled deeply creating a breeze. "I broke the 'no hooking up with a Treble' oath on initiation night."
Our ex-captain's eyes widened probably thinking back to the time she kicked out two Bellas for getting Treble Boned on the same night while Amy looked as guilty as sin.
"Is that it?" Aubrey asked with amusement. "Is there anything else you wanted to confess?"
"Um...well… Yeah. Um...you see… It's just that… Well…"
"Jesus H Christ! Just spit it out already!" My impatience got the best of me as Jesse chuckled at my annoyance while I sat in his lap and chugged my beer. "It can't be that bad. Just tell us!"
"Bumper and I have decided to move to L. A. instead."
"Bumper Allen?" Jesse piped up, waving his long neck as we acknowledged him with nods. "I knew him when I went to Barden!" He continued his tirade. "I mean no disrespect Amy, but that guy is the biggest dick."
"No actually, it's only about three inches, but that doesn't matter." With a few groans and eye rolls, Amy went on. "He would've been here but he's filming The Voice."
"Nice." I commented. "About The Voice thing." And quickly corrected myself earning a few laughs.
"Okay, most of us have known about your hook-ups since hood night, but why do I have the feeling there's more." Stacie pressed on, sipping her Cosmopolitan. "Is there something you're not telling us?"
Amy nodded slowly, then dropped the ultimate aca-bomb.
"Um...well...there's one itty bitty tiny little thing I haven't told anyone." With all eyes on her, she scrunched her face. "This isn't all fat."
"WHAT!?" In perfect synchronization we all choked it out "You're pregnant?"
"Yeah...well...um. Well..." She paused to take a sip of her virgin strawberry margarita. "According to the gyno about five months actually."
"Holy fucking shit!" I had diarrhea of the mouth. Our friend since Freshman year had managed to hide the truth from us that she was knocked up. "Are you okay? I mean, are you happy? Is he happy? Are you both happy? What are you going to do?"
Could I ask anymore questions...
"Dunno Beca. We're just gonna play it by ear."
"Play it by…?" Repeating her question I sighed heavily and couldn't understand how she could be so calm. "Dude! You're having a kid! What's going to happen in a few months after your bouncing baby...whatever enters the wor-?"
"-Well, Beca and I couldn't be happier for you." Jesse interrupted my rant as he spoke on our behalf. "Since we're going to be in the same city, please let us know if there's anything we can do to help."
"Actually there is one thing." For the first time in her life, Amy was serious. "Beca, we first met at an activities fair and then we became Bellas together. You were the first friendship I made at Barden and I've always considered you my closest friend. Bumper Jr. is going to need God Parents, so if you flat butts..."
Jesse and I exchanged looks and erupted with joy. "Oh, my God! Yes!" I squealed as I climbed out of Jesse's lap and accosted her. "We accept!"
Our enthusiasm spread to everyone else as more congratulatory hugs ensued.
Tonight proved I wasn't the only one faced with a life changing event as the prospect of marriage and family had become a common theme as we shared our plans with each other.
With Chloe and Tom returning from their long vacation they decided to live together in her condo while he finished building their dream house in Malibu. Chloe was also finally going to start her Associate Editor position at L.A. Fashion Magazine.
We already knew that Ashley and Jessica were pursuing advanced degrees at Barden but we were surprised to find out they were in a committed relationship and would be staying on as Bellas to help Emily bring up a new generation of a cappella singers.
Lily decided instead of becoming a firefighter that she was just going to travel in time and Flo mentioned she might be deported back to Guatemala and would probably die at sea trying to re-enter the U. S.. Where these two were the biggest weirdos of the bunch, they were also a constant source of entertainment.
Aubrey finally accepted the fact that she was too controlling to make a relationship work and couldn't take orders from any employer, so she went into business for herself. With her father's investment, The Lodge of Fallen Leaves was created for Fortune 500 companies to send their employees to build team working skills. It was the perfect career for Aubrey because barking orders and bending people's wills was right up her alley. Having spent a weekend at her retreat we got a taste of her death defying methods and gave credit to her for whipping us into shape. It was at this time we regained our harmony and found our new sound.
Stacie and her daughter, Hope had already moved to Northern California, where she entered a graduate program at Stanford University and was already counseling patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After a shaky start in college, she made a complete turnabout face, and not only became our key choreographer, she graduated with honors and was now helping others. Having been there for me on more than one occasion, Stacie had become one of my best friends.
By the time it was my turn to speak, I was emotionally affected by the love I felt for these awesome nerds. Jesse must have sensed this as he held me closer while I placed my hand in his and rested my head against his chest.
"You okay?" He whispered, kissing my hair.
"Yeah." I spoke softly. "It's all just hitting me."
"What is? "Aubrey asked with curiosity. "You still haven't told us what you're going to do."
"Well, I think you all know by now what's happening with us." I was of course alluding to the proposal looming over our heads, but needed to address the other issue. "Now that my ex-boss is locked up, I'm going back to work, and I expect you (pointing at Emily) to come to L.A. so we can get that song recorded."
"Wait! Are you being serious?" Emily's youth and vivaciousness was such a godsend to us and exactly what the next generation Bellas needed, and I had the feeling we would be collaborating on more songs in the future. "Do you really mean that?"
Nodding my head, I smiled at the younger girl. "Bellas for life, dude." It was a cheesy saying but somebody had to say it.
"It's not just making music with our mouths," Chloe chimed in. "It's a sisterhood."
"That's right." Aubrey added. "It's up to you now to keep us on top and uphold the traditions of a Bella woman."
"I'll make you all proud." Emily nodded with a brilliant smile. "I promise."
The passing of the torch was complete as the youngest Bella graciously accepted the challenge of being the next captain.
It dawned on me that after tonight, we were considered Legacy Bellas who would always be there to support our successors, just as we were supported during tonight's epic performance.
"When I look back on all of this, I won't remember performing and competing. I'm going to remember you weirdos, and it makes me sad to think it won't ever be like this again." Taking a moment to reflect on recent events, I had become the sentimental one of the group which, was ironic because I started out as the sarcastic alt-girl who thought a cappella was lame and didn't think a college education or forming friendships was important to get through life. I couldn't have been more wrong. "I'm really gonna miss you guys."
"Me too." The same words fell from everyone's lips as we let our emotions run astray.
"These girls will always be a part of your life, and I'm going to make sure of it." Jesse insisted.
"Hey nerd." Addressing him with affection. "They're your friends now."
"Damn straight!" Chloe blurted out on behalf of the Bellas. "So when are you two going to make it official?"
Urgh! Did she have to ask?
"As soon as she says yes."
"Jesse…"
"Babe, take all the time you need." He smiled warmly, hooking a tendril of hair behind my ear-spike. "If you're not ready to get married, then we'll wait. I'm not going anywhere."
Acknowledging him with a kiss, our group of friends gushed at our PDA.
It was an evening of enchantment as we left our mark in a cappella history and spent quality time together, as we reflected on the last few years and contemplated what the future would bring.
That night our group had expanded by two as the Swanson brothers needled their way into the hearts of Chloe and I, and were accepted by the girls. With a few of these girls living in the same city and another being a short flight away, it wasn't going to be as bad as it could have been. However after tonight, there would be no more practicing or rehearsing or late night binging on junk food when we all experienced shark week at the same time. There would be no more agreeing to disagree when several women with strong personalities had different opinions and something to say. We promised to keep in touch but we all knew that things would never be the same.
As it got later we said our tearful goodbyes and retreated to our perspective rooms. Tomorrow the Bellas would be returning home while Jesse and I decided to stay another night and explore the city. Tomorrow would also be the day the world found out about the proposal.
Sometime in the middle of the night...
With neither of us initiating sex we were freshly showered and content in our nakedness as we laid in bed. Propping myself on his chest I decided it was a good time to have the discussion.
"Why do you want to marry me?"
"Because I love you and you're everything I want in a woman."
His words made me feel warm and fuzzy but I needed to stay focused. "How many kids do you want?"
"I don't know. I never thought about it." He replied honestly. "Two or three I guess, but not right away." He paused with a sigh. "I don't want to share you just yet. How about you?"
"I never thought about having any until I met you. I don't have a number in mind." He smiled affectionately at my response. "What about pets?"
"Well, I've never been a cat person." He admitted truthfully. "Dogs all the way, but not small yapping little shits. And you?"
"The same." I agreed. "What's your favorite color?"
"Since meeting you, burgundy," He winked suggestively. "The same color of our favorite tie."
I rolled my eyes at him. "What was it before?"
"Black." He answered quickly. "What's yours?"
"Emerald green." I paused to think of another question. "What sports do you like?"
"Baseball, hockey and soccer. And you?"
"Amy got us into free style wrestling."
"You're kidding." He was surprised. "I would have never guessed that."
I was enjoying our little Q & A session and tried to think of something else I didn't know about him. "What's your favorite meal?"
"A big rare juicy steak." Grinning at me Jesse caught on to my inquiry. "You don't think we're ready for marriage."
"It's not that." I began my reasoning while he looked concerned at the direction I was headed. "It's only been a couple of months. We barely know each other."
"Okay...you're right. We definitely shouldn't become contestants on the Newlywed Game." He joked lightheartedly. "But what we do have is unconditional love, mutual respect and one hell of a sex life."
Flushing at his last comment I couldn't hold back my smirk because he was right. "You're a very dirty man, Mr. Swanson."
"Yes, and you're the perfect woman for me, Miss Mitchell."
"Are you the man for me?"
"Yes." There was no hesitation as he answered with full confidence while looking into my eyes. "I believe the real reason you waited to lose your v-card was because you were looking for someone like me."
"Like you?"
"Yeah...someone who could challenge you and give you exactly what you need."
"And what's that?"
"A partner who can make passionate love to you and a dominant strong enough to make you submit. I'm not clueless, Beca, you've been dropping hints about returning to the playroom ever since you moved in. I know you've struggled with it, but you crave the kinky fuckery just as much as I do, and I'm the only man who can fulfill your needs." He paused to observe my guarded reaction. "You and I aren't that much different and the way I look at it, there isn't anyone else for either of us. That's why we should get married."
Looking away from Jesse it was a lot to take in as the disturbing facts about myself were being revealed. The impact of his words struck me like a bolt of lightning as I thought long and hard about what he was implying. With my covers pulled, there was no more denying who I really was.
"You're right." I spoke softly, locking eyes with him as I finally accepted the ugly truth.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. With Worlds behind them and Beca's startling revelation, what will happen to our favorite couple. Any guesses? A special thanks to those who take the time to post reviews and send PM's with your insights and suggestions.
