A/N: Hey guys! Thanks for keeping up with the story so far. If you haven't read my end of chapter notes, this is not the end yet my dear friend. The fic will have 30 chapters :)
But for now, here is chapter 25 featuring the Bellas at their best with a few shenanigans and grand gestures thrown in for good measure. Also featuring Luke's nice nudges… but this will mostly be Bechloe and Staubrey (particularly the latter more than the former)
I don't own pitch perfect.
"Guys! Big news!" Beca said running into the rehearsal with a bit of excitement. The Bellas had only started to settle down, each and every one of them tired but fueled with the desire to win. It was only day two of their practice to Nationals, with Aubrey having them start the very next day, working with Beca and Chloe without sleep to make the perfect set-list for Nationals.
"I'm telling you Mitchell, that playlist better be good or you won't ever see the light of day again." Aubrey had joked that night that even Chloe had to chuckle. There was a change in dynamic in their relationship that Beca had found oddly refreshing.
"There's still something missing to it." Beca had noted as she munched on some snacks that Chloe had made to power through the night after Beca's shift.
"I actually have an idea." Chloe had said before pulling out a DVD case, Beca looking at her curiously but nevertheless relenting to see whatever it was that Chloe wanted to show her.
Beca wanted to tell Jesse the next day that Chloe had finally gotten her to watch a movie he's been trying – and failing – to get to watch. But Jesse seemed to be excited of sorts with a news of his own that he willingly shared to her.
So really, that was on Jesse. Although that wasn't necessarily 'battle plans', as Aubrey would call it, that he had shared.
"Wow, you are shockingly on time Beca." Aubrey noted.
"What's up Beca?" Chloe then asked.
"Bumper quit the Trebles." Beca said with a smirk.
"Wait, what?" Aubrey asked, looking a little confused.
"Oh yeah, something about John Meyer I think." Amy said before doubling back with what she said after earning a glare form Aubrey. "I mean, that's what I heard from my little birds."
"Little birds… huh…" Cynthia Rose chuckled.
"Yeah, and apparently hey have Benji to replace him, so the Trebles are scrambling to get things set with the changes they've made."
"Who's Benji?" Ashley asked.
"I think he's the Treble groupie following them around a lot." Jessica offered as an answer.
"Wait, how did you hear about this Beca?" Denise asked.
"Jesse told me. I ran into him earlier…" Beca said, her voice starting to falter after seeing Chloe huff a little. "Anyways, right, we need to practice." Beca mumbled before taking her place.
Another grueling day as a Bella, although this time, Beca was clear about why she was with the Bellas.
Because she wanted to.
"Hey, you okay?" she said, catching up to Chloe on their way out. Aubrey stayed behind a little giving last minute pointers to Jessica and Ashley. The plan was to go back to the apartment, grab dinner, and have Beca working on the arrangement of the latter parts of their set. After that, it was back to the radio station where Beca holds her midnight show, minus the voice changer Stacie had made for her. Aubrey had insisted she join in so they can work even more but she took back the offer after Chloe gave her a look. Chloe instead took Aubrey's place the last two days, keeping Beca's company while she did her thing.
They've talked about pretty much everything, except for a few more things really.
Jesse was included in the bunch of those 'few things'.
"Yeah, what made you ask?" Chloe threw back as they walked side by side.
"It's just, I know, you know, you… well, that thing with Jess back then…"
"I know, Beca, you don't have to check on me if I'm okay with you guys being friends." Chloe replied before biting her lip, "I can't help but still get jealous sometimes though."
Beca nodded. "How about the next time I run into him, I come find you? Or you know, lets plan a hang out or something at Luke's apartment. Jess isn't that bad of a guy, misguided yes, but I think you guy will get along well."
"I just can't get how he could easily give up on you or his feelings for you."
Beca shrugged. "I think he liked me Chloe, but he didn't love me the way you do." Beca simply answered before pulling Chloe to a halt and bringing their lips together for a kiss.
Only to be pushed apart by Aubrey who marched right through them. "Work now, make out later you two. We are on a mission." she commanded.
Beca was a little disappointed by that disruption but Aubrey's plan didn't sound that bad.
She had no idea just how much the thought of kissing Chloe Beale consumed her until she actually had kissed her for the first time.
So for as long as they get to pick up on where they left off later…
Chloe's eyes sparkled as she watched Beca doing her thing. It was kind of a magical thing for her, really. Sitting in the booth with the one and only Midnight DJ.
"Hey guys, Beca here, you're favorite midnight DJ. That was Love Song for No One by John Meyer. Next up here is a special request form the fearless leader of a particular acapella group who's been bugging me to play it on Twitter for a good half hour now. So yeah, here's Leona Lewis with Bleeding Love, Our second to the last song for the hour."
Closed off from love, I didn't need the pain
Once or twice was enough and it was all in vain
Time starts to pass, before you know it you're frozen
But something happened for the very first time with you
My heart melted to the ground, found something true
And everyone's looking round thinking I'm going crazy
Beca's attention shifted from the controls of the dashboard, to the set-list she was mixing on her laptop, and finally to Chloe. "What?" she asked with a smirk. "What are you thinking Beale?"
"Nothing. You just… you look at home with all of this." Chloe noted, leaning back on her own chair that Beca provided her.
"I love it." Beca said with a shrug. "Now what's the matter Chlo, you look like you've got something on your mind?"
Chloe shrugged and smiled but Beca simply eyed her suspiciously. They promised, no secrets, they would talk about anything that bothered them. They both agreed, and Chloe was glad that they had that talk really, that they both wanted to build a relationship with each other. No, Beca wasn't trying out something new, she's all in. And no, Chloe wasn't just bidding her time with Beca, she was serious about this.
They haven't exactly clearly defined everything in their relationship, just that they loved each other, they were together.
But there's still something Chloe hasn't exactly cleared up.
But I don't care what they say, I'm in love with you
They try to pull me away, but they don't know the truth
My heart's crippled by the vein that I keep on closing
You cut me open and I
"Chlo? What is it?" Beca asked, looking up once again, noting the thoughtful look in her eyes. But Chloe shook her head and smiled. There would be time to talk about that. She didn't want to think about it yet, mostly because it felt like she'd be saying goodbye just as they said hello.
The future can wait. She wanted to live with Beca in the now. Besides, to Chloe, they've weathered the worst of storms already.
Surely they can also weather the distance that may keep them apart.
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
"I'm fine Beca. I'm still just a little dazed that this is all happening." Chloe replied.
"It's not going too fast or too slow is it? This…" Beca asked, pointing to both herself and Chloe.
"No Beca, I think we're going through this at just the right pace." Chloe said before leaning over and pressing her lips on Beca's forehead. "Ours."
Beca nodded and smiled nervously, Chloe could tell, this was all new to her.
But something has changed in Beca, from that closed off girl that she met at the activities fair not so long ago.
It was like a metamorphosis really...
Beca groaned. "What is it?" Chloe asked just as they both got into Chloe's room, Beca's shift having finished. Luke kept giving them knowing looks and Beca had to clearly state that no one got burned. For what it was worth though, Chloe wasn't even upset with the teasing, they were keeping mum on their whole thing from the Bellas despite the constant teasing coming from them but really it was mostly because they figured there was nothing to tell.
Why state the obvious, really?
"Nothing, I just thought about it now really. None of this wouldn't have happened if not for Tom." Beca commented, a great distaste in her mouth at the mention of the name. "Gross."
"Now what on earth made you think about that?" Chloe asked amused.
"Just, well, you told me the reason you were in the shower that day you jumped me…"
"I did not jump you." Chloe corrected.
"Fine, cornered me in that stall was because you were with Tom in another stall and you heard me singing. You were at the dorms because you said he was hiding out at his friend's room after some weird dispute with another frat so he couldn't be there. The whole thing, you forcing me into a duet, wouldn't have happened if his predicament didn't happen in the first place"
"You really want to talk about this?" Chloe asked amused. "If you ask me, I think our Fate is more deeply intertwined than that Beca. One way or another…" Chloe said spinning her DJ around to land a kiss on her lips, "..this would have happened."
"I really should go back… to our dorm room… tomorrow night… or Stacie and Amy… they won't let me… hear the end of things." Beca commented in between soft kisses from Chloe and Chloe laughed a little.
"I don't know, I kind of like keeping you hear as my prisoner." Chloe said with a wink. "Besides, Aubrey's lording over us, that's the reason why you're here. To perfect the set-list and work overtime. What do they think would honestly happen? That I'll lay claim on you?"
Beca gave a visible gulp as a reply, her face turning bright red with thoughts that Chloe could only guess and Chloe couldn't help but laugh at how adorable Beca could be when she was all flustered.
But for now, Chloe contented with the blissful innocence of simply sleeping in Beca's arms.
"Beca, I need your help!" Stacie said, bursting into the dorm room the following night. Amy was out with one of her men. Beca had just gotten back from her shift. Chloe being all cuddly, coming along with her. She wouldn't have said no for whatever reason Chloe would've come up with really, but she got what the redhead had meant when she said "I need a break from Aubrey before she drives me completely insane."
Every passing day made Nationals closer and closer and Aubrey wanted perfection despite loosening the reins a little bit.
"You guys are just too saccharine and cute it hurts my teeth and makes my heart swell at the same time." Stacie commented before slumping down the edge of Amy's bed. Beca sat up, followed by Chloe who looked at Stacie curiously. "I'm not disturbing anything now, am I?" Stacie asked, quirking an eyebrow as she pointed out the song playing in the radio.
Something by the Spice Girls, '2 become 1'.
Damn Luke and his subliminal messages, tryna' set the mood for nothing…
And with that thought, Beca wasn't entirely sure if she's upset about the song her step-brother dedicated to 'a few special ladies out there' or the thought that…
Don't go there right now Mitchell…
"Beca, focus!" Stacie said, snapping her fingers and drawing her attention to her. The taller brunette shook her head and chuckled as Beca finally looked up.
"What?" Beca asked, sounding a little too grumpy.
"I said I need your help." Stacie repeated.
"Yeah, I got that, but about what?" Beca clarified.
"Well, you got your girl." Stacie said, waving her hands to point out Chloe's presence. "Help me get mine?"
"Oh." Chloe let out.
"Stacie, I'm not a love guru or something." Beca grumbled. "I'm far from it."
"Exactly my point, and yet here we are, Chloe Beale in your bed." Stacie replied with a teasing smile.
"Sh-shut up." Beca rambled getting all flustered. "What do you have in mind Conrad?" she asked, trying to change the topic.
"Well…" Stacie started to say and how could Beca decline her proposition after hearing it?
Even Chloe was on board with the plan.
It took the rest of the week and some convincing form the Bellas to rehearse the song Beca helped her pick out. Stacie was all but ready to do it, just lay it all out.
The Bellas were already in the Bellas' rehearsal space when Stacie walked in, even Beca was there early with Chloe by her side all roaring and ready to go back her up.
"Thanks guys." Stacie said as she walked up to them.
"I do recall you saying I owed you one Stace, consider my debts repaid. Like all of them." Beca replied. "Even future ones."
"Guys, Aubrey's coming!" Jessica shouted as she ran in. Everyone quickly assumed their positions and the Bellas laid down the beat.
I try to discover
A little something to make me sweeter
Oh baby refrain from breaking my heart
I'm so in love with you
I'll be forever blue
That you gimme no reason
Why you making me work so hard
That you gimme no
That you gimme no
That you gimme no
That you gimme no
Soul, I hear you calling
Oh baby please give a little respect to me
Stacie started singing as soon as Aubrey walked in, leaving the blonde both speechless and confused with what it's all about.
And if I should falter
Would you open you arms out to me
We can make love not war
And live at peace with our hearts
I'm so in love with you
I'll be forever blue
What religion or reason
Could drive a man to forsake his lover
Don't you tell me no
Don't you tell me no
Don't you tell me no
Don't you tell me no
Soul, I hear you calling
Oh baby please give a little respect to me
Stacie and the Bellas were lighting the rehearsal space on fire, it felt like it was working as Aubrey made her way inside.
That is, until she brought her hands together for one hard clap. "Guys, as good as that mini performance was, we don't have time to goof off. If you can put your time and effort to practice on irrelevant things, then you can put twice as much effort into our practice." Aubrey said.
"Don't tell me that went straight above her head?" Beca asked Chloe dryly.
"I don't think so..." Chloe replied in a low voice as all the Bellas raised their protests.
"Why?" Beca asked. "I thought she was actually making progress."
Chloe shrugged. "Maybe she's still not ready? Or you know, she's dead-set focused on Nationals and doesn't want to get distracted."
Stacie huffed, stomping her feet. "Or maybe she's just being stubborn."
"Alright, to your places everyone." Aubrey commanded and everyone else obliged.
Everyone except for Stacie.
"Stacie?" Aubrey asked seeing as she still hasn't budged.
"No." Stacie confidently replied.
"What's this about?" Aubrey asked as calmly as she could.
"You're not listening again." Stacie said starting to sound very exasperated.
Aubrey took a deep breath. "Listening to what?" she asked.
"Me." Stacie simply said before turning to Beca and Amy giving them a knowing look. Amy nodded her approval, looking forward to Plan B – which only Amy, Beca, and by extension Chloe, knew of – while Beca, who at first entertained how funny and scandalized Aubrey might be if they tried to pull it off, was now shaking her head vehemently in disapproval.
After all, Aubrey was currently all business right now and she might not be too happy with what Stacie was plotting right now.
But then again, if she succeeds…
High risks, high rewards.
"Stacie?" Aubrey asked her again just before turning around. Her mind was all made up
And so Stacie went for it.
You're such a flirt, I know you hurt
And so do I, I empathize
I see you out, you never cared
A conversation that we never shared
Stacie started to sing, walking – more like strutting – towards where Aubrey was standing, with Aubrey keeping her arms crossed giving her a questioning look.
But it's so strange, it's something new
Amazing feelings that I have for you
I close my eyes when I'm alone
Wonder what it'd be like to make you moan
Amy started backing her up now, pulling on Beca who reluctantly helped. Aubrey blushed a little, giving Stacie a look, silently pleading to stop.
I wanna give you something better
Than anything you've ever had
A stronger and a faster lover
The world, it disappears so fast
"Stacie…" Aubrey warned but it was too late.
Stacie wasn't sure what happened to her confidence, trying to attract Aubrey's attention and failing a few times. She should've just done this from the start.
Sweet kiwi
Your juices dripping down my chin
So please, let me
Don't stop it before it begins
"Stacie!" Aubrey protested, her face fully flushed. It didn't help that Stacie was pulling out all her moves.
But by then the Bellas had picked up the beat, joining in. Even Chloe. Aubrey started to march to the center of their rehearsal space to disengage the Bellas but Stacie pursued her and now she was surrounded.
So give it up, and don't pretend
And spread your arms and legs across the bed
And when you shake, you won't regret
The things I whisper in your ear
(What?) I said
Aubrey took a deep breath and pulled the nearest chair. She sat down, crossed her legs, her earlier indignation transforming into an acceptance of a challenge as she watched the little impromptu performance.
I wanna give you something better
(You wanna give me something better)
Than anything you've ever had
(Than anything I've ever had)
A stronger and a faster lover
(A stronger and a faster lover)
The world, it disappears so fast
(It disappears so fast)
Stacie was belting it out, giving her all, Aubrey trying to keep an unreadable façade, slightly gritting her teeth.
And Stacie couldn't help but grin. Her eyes meeting Aubrey's, never daring to break her gaze.
She was winning.
I can't wait to take you home
Fingers through your hair
Kisses on your back
Scratch me with your nails
Save me from myself
Show me how to care
Get everything out
Dripping everywhere
Lipstick smeared all over your face
How much longer must we wait?
Don't think that I can wait
Aubrey seemed to calm down, no signs that she was still upset.
Sweet kiwi
Your juices dripping down my chin
So please, let me
Don't stop it before it begins (hey, yeh)
Aubrey chuckled and shook her head, the song nearing its end. She stood up and once again brought her hands together to gather the Bellas attention. "Let's push practice back for an hour." she simply said to the Bellas before addressing Stacie. "I think you and I need to talk."
Stacie nodded and Aubrey walked towards her, pulling her by the hand out of the rehearsal space. Stacie looked back to see the confused looks on the Bellas' faces, her eyes landing on a very amused Beca. She shot her a wink mouthing 'Thank you'.
It was time to address whatever it was going on between her and Aubrey, and she was not going to hold back.
Songs featured in this chapter: 'Bleeding Love' by Leona Lewis; 'A Little Respect' by Erasure (listen to it for the 80s vibe) and a version by Wheatus; and 'Kiwi' by Maroon 5; and a special mention of 'Love Song for No One' by John Meyer and '2 Become 1' by the Spice Girls.
Considering what 'Kiwi' is all about and what the verses were, I still can't believe the context of the chorus flew over my mind once upon a time…
Next chapter focuses on Nationals! So hang tight! :D