Chapter 25: Looking Hot
Chloe sat straight up, beads of sweat forming on her forehead as her breath caught in her chest. She trembled slightly, using her shirt to dry her face. She checked her alarm clock. It was almost five in the morning. She felt the girl beside her stir.
She stood carefully, tip toeing to the bathroom to splash cold water on her face. She took a deep breath before heading back to bed where she saw Beca perched on her elbow, eyes puffy from being awoken. "You okay?" She grumbled out. God, she's adorable.
"Yeah, just a weird dream I guess," Chloe said quietly, forcing a smile. She crawled back into bed, laying on her back.
Beca eyed her curiously. "About what?"
"Nothing, it's fine, Becs. Go back to sleep."
"You're one of the deepest sleepers I've ever met, so if a dream wakes you up..." She yawned. Her eyes were fixated on Chloe, silently begging for details.
Chloe groaned, "It was stupid. I don't even remember much... There was stupid Tom with a baby and he kept following me, yelling. I kept trying to find you but I couldn't and... it makes me sick."
Beca scooted closer to the shuddering ginger and placed a gentle hand on her stomach. "It was just a dream. I'm right here." Beca leaned forward and kissed Chloe delicately. "Everything's gonna be okay, remember?"
"I hope so," Chloe breathed out. She faced Beca, the brunette's eyes only half open. "Go to sleep, you have class in four hours."
"Do I have to go?"
"Yes! Beca, it's the last day of classes. You need to go," Chloe argued.
Beca huffed, "I wish I was graduating with you..."
"Yeah, me too. But if I can make it this far, you can too."
"Yeah right! You're, like, a genius. You're going to be Indiana Jones." Beca pouted, cuddling closer to Chloe.
Chloe laughed lightly, "Hardly. I'll be lucky if I ever get to go anywhere with my degree. Not many job offers for Arch-Classics majors."
"Then why'd you do it?" Beca asked. Her and Chloe had never spent a lot of time talking about school. Beca was undeclared. She had thought about business and music mostly, but couldn't commit to either.
"Because I love it. You know that." Chloe responded. "Now, it's going to be a hectic week-"
"Again."
"Yes, again. But finals will be over soon enough-"
"And then you're graduating," Beca said, a hint of sadness in her voice.
Chloe kissed her on the head, "I know... Becs, we can talk about that another time. Just close your eyes. Wake me before you leave for class, okay?" Chloe was actually desperate to talk to Beca about their future. It was a lingering thought that invaded her mind every moment and while they had admitted their love, a part of her still worried about Beca's commitment issues. It was too much to discuss at five in the morning.
Beca simply nodded and held Chloe a little tighter as she drifted back into sleep. The ginger rested easier feeling the brunette in her arms, and soon enough, she fell asleep too.
A day later, Chloe stood in the mirror completely frustrated. "I look like an idiot. Phone interviews are easy... this... is too much. It's going to be a travesty!"
Aubrey scoffed from across the room, "Stop. You look totally amazing, as usual. Very professional. Barden wouldn't be inviting you for an interview if they didn't know how awesome you are!"
"Yeah, but other people applying have been on actual digs in Europe and I've only been to Mexico... On vacation. There's no way in hell they'll have me," Chloe frowned, debating on which earrings to wear. She was wearing a dark grey pantsuit with a light peach button down underneath. Her small-heeled shoes made a clicky noise on the floor when she walked and her hair was pulled back into the perfect sock bun. Her makeup was light, but highlighted her blue eyes perfected. In other words, Chloe Beale was dressed to impress. She grabbed her phone when she heard it ring out.
Beca: Hey, can I come over after my shift?
Chloe: Sure! I should be home by then, just let yourself in
Chloe hadn't told Beca about the interview. Barden had one of the most successful, difficult yet opportunistic archaeology-classics programs in the entire US. People who graduated from the arch-classics grad school here became some of the top experts in the field, ranging from the times of the Neanderthals up until Fall of the Roman Empire. Basically, Barden's grad program was the cream of the crop meaning they only accepted the best.
Aubrey sighed when she saw Chloe fiddling with her hair. Again. "Chlo, stop. You look fine. You've wanted this for four years, so just relax. Every grad school you've talked to has loved you-"
"Oh, yeah, which is why I've received all those call backs," Chloe said sarcastically.
"We both know grad schools don't get back to anyone until after graduation," Aubrey offered.
"Yeah, says the girl with the acceptance to grad school," Chloe reminded the blonde.
Aubrey rolled her eyes. It was true. Every grad school had offered Aubrey a spot, including Barden but Aubrey declined each one after receiving the best paid internship in the south. She would spend the next year working for the greatest District Attorney this side of the east coast. It was a spot offered only to three criminal justice majors and she had gotten it. It was definitely an achievement even her father was proud of.
"I'm not even going to grad school! Look, you want this? You got it. I know you. People love you. Just show up, tell 'em why you love what you do, and about all that research you've done on boats and tree ring stuff-"
"Dendrochronology. It's going to change the dating ways!" Chloe said proudly. That part was pretty unique about Chloe's experience. She had spent the last two years helping one of her beloved professors develop a dendro lab at Barden with samples coming from all over the world. While other people thought it was boring or lame, Chloe loved it. Ole marine times were her favorite thing to study.
"See? You've got this. No worries. Want me to take you?" Aubrey said, standing to straighten Chloe's jacket. Chloe let out a small breath, and nodded. "Beca knows you're trying to stay here, right?"
"Well, we haven't really talked about that. It's all still... new. But, she mentioned something yesterday morning about me graduating... and she might have dropped the L bomb-"
"LOVE?! I knew it! Damn, I am so good, I don't even know what to do with myself sometimes. I knew you two loved each other!" Aubrey squealed out. "Oh, Chloe, she's going to be so so so happy when she hears you're staying!"
"If I'm staying-"
"You. Are. Staying. End of story. So there. You hear that, Universe?! Chloe Marie Beale is staying at Barden because she doesn't then I'm going to officially jump off the deep end!" Aubrey rang out, cursing the skies.
Chloe only laughed in response. She loved when she caught Brey being weird or goofy since it didn't happen often. "Alright, calm down. Let's get going. My interview's in a half an hour."
Aubrey winked, "You got this." With that, the best friends headed out the door to Chloe's interview. Aubrey promised to get her friend an hour later and wished her well as she watched the redhead saunter through the Arch Department's doors. She prayed internally that the Chloe Beale she knew would shine and breeze through the interview. The thought of not having Chloe after graduation terrified her. The pair had been through so much together and the reality of Chloe going to some stupid school on the west coast just sounded plain sucky. She crossed her fingers as she drove back home.
Beca strode to the front door of Chloe's apartment, letting herself in like usual. She had a rough time at the station, in particular, an awkward conversation with a certain ex-boyfriend-friend. What she needed most was a hug from her girlfriend. When she stepped inside, Aubrey was laying on the couch, flipping through a magazine. "Hey, is Chloe here?"
"She's at her interview," Aubrey replied without looking up.
"What interview?" Beca asked.
"Her interview with Barden? The Arch-Classics grad program AKA the biggest interview of her life?" Aubrey said with a 'duh' tone.
"WHAT? She didn't even tell me! I wouldn't have gone into the station! Shit-"
"Well, she might have not wanted you to know," Aubrey clarified, sitting up so Beca could join her.
"Why not?"
"Because, it's scary. We're graduating and I don't think she wanted to get her hopes up at staying here. It's a really tough program-"
"So you don't think she'll get it?" Beca frowned.
"No, no. I know she'll get it. But, I think it's something she needed to kinda do on her own. You know?" Aubrey smiled gently.
"Yeah, I guess. I hope she's okay," Beca wished.
"She will be. She's the best at interviews! But, anyways, what's up with you? You seem kinda down," Aubrey asked kindly. It was strange asking Beca how she was but at the same time, it was comfortable.
"Well, today kind of sucked. I saw Jesse," Beca mumbled, sinking further into the couch. "He wouldn't even look at me. He just kept saying 'I need more time' and 'Nothing will ever be the same, you broke my heart' and now I feel like the worst person ever."
"Well, you're not. Also, he is hurt but, Beca, you can't feel bad for doing what your heart wants. Don't feel guilty for loving Chloe, she's a good person to love."
Beca just nodded, feeling a slight stinging in her eyes from determined tears. She remembered the encounter very vividly.
Beca was walking out of the station, scrambling to pull her tangled headphones from her bag when she slammed into someone. She looked up and it was Jesse. "Oh, sorry. Uh, hi."
"Hey," Jesse forced, attempting to push past her. She stopped him.
"Dude, why haven't you returned my messages?" Beca questioned. She hadn't told anyone, but she had been sending him texts every now and then since the break up. He hadn't replied to a single one.
"Busy. My shift starts now," he grumbled.
"Jesse, come on. It's been almost a week-"
"A week? I'm supposed to get over you in a week? Are you fucking kidding? I chase you all year, don't do a damn thing to you and you break my heart. Chloe screws up in less than a week and she's forgiven. No, it's gonna take more than one fucking week."
"Why do you always bring her up?! She hasn't done anything!"
"Oh, so that's why Bumper saw her buying a pregnancy test on Sunday? Already cheating on you, I see-"
"Fuck you, Jesse! That's no one's business except mine and hers! Not yours, not Bumpers. That prick. I expect Bumper to be an asshole, but I never expected it from you." Beca grit her teeth together, trying to keep her cool.
Jesse's face got extremely close to Beca's before he whispered out, "Well, maybe all it takes it the right girl to make someone an asshole. I'm going to work now." He pushed past her finally, slamming the door behind him. Beca stood on the street, completely speechless and like her heart had taken another beating. She could feel tears forming but forced them away, securing her headphones around her ears before heading to Chloe's.
Beca wondered if Jesse would ever forgive her but as the days passed, it seemed less and less likely. They sat silently for a moment, Beca fiddled with her shirt buttons. She decided to change the conversation, "So what are you guys doing for graduation? A party, right?"
"Oh, I'm not even sure. Our mothers have decided to take that into their own hands. I think there's going to be some joint celebration at some hotel. Lots of embarrassing baby pictures and stories of us growing up. I'm just demanding an open bar and Chloe's demands include a dance floor," Aubrey whined out.
"You mean you haven't taken control of the whole thing? Very un-Posen like!" Beca teased, forcing a grin from the blonde.
"Not when the head Posen is in control, then I've got no say in anything. I'm just hoping that it won't be tacky and so help me if I hear the Electric Slide, there will be blood-"
"I could DJ for you," Beca said quietly, unsure of Aubrey's reaction.
The blonde's blue eyes lit up. "BECA! That's literally the best idea you've had... ever! Oh, please, you have to. Everyone already loves your music, and Chloe would obviously be thrilled! Do you mind?"
"No, of course not. As long as your mom doesn't care either." If Aubrey indicated (even slightly) that her mother was worse than her, then Mrs. Posen was the last person Beca wanted to get upset.
"Nope, she doesn't even know where to find a good DJ, so you're in. It's the night before graduation, I'll give you the other details when she tells me!" Aubrey said, clapping her hands.
"Is Uni invited?" Beca said.
"Huh? Well... I mean yes, he's part of my criminal justice group of friends, or whatever, so yeah. But I don't know if he would even go-"
"Of course he would! Brey, he definitely likes you. Remember, don't hide and don't be afraid," Beca repeated the same lines Aubrey had told her so many times before.
"Yeah, yeah. I know, but we'll see. I'm not holding him to anything, he is a Treble after all," Aubrey pointed out. "Speaking of, this Friday is Inauguration Night. Kinda slipped my mind, but I'll be sending everyone a text."
"Inauguration Night? Like Initiation Night?" Beca had never heard of Inauguration Night.
"Sort of, same basic principles. But Friday, Chloe and I will be selecting the new Bellas' captains. It's like Hood Night Part 2, all of the a cappella groups have Inauguration Night the same night so we can celebrate the new captains' positions and the graduating seniors. It's usually... bittersweet. But, super fun." Aubrey's expression went from frowning to smiling. A very bittersweet expression indeed.
"Oh, okay. Yeah, great. That'll be cool. Do we get Boone's farm ag-" Beca was interrupted by the abrupt opening and closing of the front door.
A flash of red joined the friends on the couch. Chloe closed her eyes and spoke out, "That was the longest hour of my life."
"How'd it go?!" Aubrey asked giddily.
"Why didn't you tell me your interview with Barden today?" Beca interrupted.
Chloe opened one eye at her, "'Cause you had your math final, how was it?"
"I got a B. But I woulda came over anyways," Beca redirected.
Chloe opened her mouth to respond but Aubrey grabbed her arm. "Chloe, the interview? How'd it go?"
Chloe sighed, trying to think of the right words to express her thoughts. Her interview didn't go the way she thought it would. Particularly, because it went extremely well. The two interviewers absolutely adored her and loved that she had such a big role in Barden's dendro lab. They praised her good GPA and her involvement with the Bellas, congratulating her recent ICCA win. They chatted about their own research and exciting travels abroad (most of which Chloe had Googled beforehand). She bit her lip, "It well fairly well. Long, but good. I think. They said they'll get back to me by the end of the week or so."
"OHMYGOD! Chloe, that's awesome! I'm sure you rocked it. I can't wait for them to get back to you!" Aubrey clapped her hands together excitedly. Her phone chimed and she reached around to the side table to retrieve it. She furrowed her brow as she read it.
"What?" Beca and Chloe said simultaneously. Chloe flashed Beca a small smile and the DJ returned the notion by intertwining their fingers.
"It's Amy, she said her, Lilly and CR are cracked out on Adderall for their chem test on Thursday. Well, duty calls. I'll catch you guys later. Congrats, Chloe," Aubrey said warmly as she gathered her bag from the hook near the door.
"I didn't get it yet!" Chloe sang out, but Aubrey waved her off as she exited the apartment.
Beca sat quietly, running her thumb over the back of Chloe's hand. Chloe let out a small sigh, internally debating if she should initiate the 'talk' between her and Beca. It sounded too exhausting though.
"You look really pretty," Beca said sweetly, her eyes fixated on their hands. Chloe smiled and kissed the younger girl on the cheek. She stood, and pulled Beca up.
"Can we take a power nap?" Chloe asked. Beca nodded, letting the ginger lead them upstairs.
Once upstairs, Beca collapsed into the redhead's bed face down. She said something but had to repeat it when Chloe didn't understand. "Aubrey told me about Inauguration Night on Friday." She turned her face to Chloe who was standing near her closet.
The ginger took all the bobby pins out of her hair and shook it to ensure they were completely out. Her red curls cascaded down her shoulders, and she tucked her hair behind her ears. She slipped off her jacket. "Yeah, I got the same email as her. Are you excited?" She kicked off her heels absentmindedly.
Beca moved her body to face Chloe, watching as the older girl shed the business attire. She couldn't help but ogle her. She wasn't trying to be appetizing or interesting, but Chloe just was... Chloe. Always something to desire. "Yeah, I guess. Not too excited to see Jesse or Bumper though."
Chloe rolled her eyes, nodding her head in agreement. She shimmied out of her slacks, placing them neatly on her computer chair. Underneath, her stockings fell just under her knees. The peach button down was wrinkled from being tucked in, but now covered just past her hips revealing nude lace underwear. Beca sighed loudly.
"You okay?" Chloe giggled recognizing Beca's I've-got-the-hots-for-you face.
Beca blinked a few times, and waved her hand, brushing her embarrassment off. "Yup, just sleepy." She forced a yawn but her breath caught in her throat when a sudden weight was felt on top of her.
Chloe straddled her, placing her hands on Beca's stomach. "Sleepy, huh? That's too bad 'cause I really just brought you up here to make out with you."
Beca's face turned light pink, and she tried holding back a smirk. "Using me now, are we? Ouch, Beale. Ouch." She ran her hands along Chloe's arms, disliking the fabric that was covering them. "In that case, I don't like this shirt."
"I love this shirt! But it is kinda warm in here." Chloe's voice dropped at least an octave, sounding a little raspier than before. Beca noted how her blue eyes were getting darker as the ginger slowly unbuttoned her shirt. It only took a second or so before her shirt was open revealing a matching nude bra.
Beca inhaled sharply as her own eyes darted from Chloe's to the cleavage and toned stomach in front of her. God, she's so... hot, Inner Beca confirmed. Beca reached inside her shirt, lightly touching her stomach, letting her fingers graze the edge of Chloe's bra.
It took every fiber of control in Chloe to not strip completely down and take Beca right there. But she held still, letting Beca do whatever she wanted. The brunette tugged at the shirt, and the older girl shrugged it off. Chloe was almost completely naked on top of Beca.
The DJ sat forward, and began placing light kisses on Chloe's skin. The ginger immediately got shivers up her spine at the touch of Beca's lips. She closed her eyes, soaking up every touch and kiss. She held in a moan when Beca grabbed her ass. She wasn't sure what got Beca into the mood, but wasn't about to stop her either. She tangled her hands in Beca's dark locks, forcing the younger girl to look at her. She went in for a kiss, but Beca dodged it and kissed her chest instead. Confused, but so turned on, she let it slide.
Beca trailed kiss after kiss on Chloe's chest and neck. Nervous, but curious, she kissed the top of Chloe's breast. The ginger let out a small sound signalling to continue, so she did. Beca kissed a little harder and a second later opened her mouth and bit down lightly. Fighting her nerves, she reached up and cupped Chloe's breast in her hand. Chloe verbalized another moan, snaking her hands around Beca.
Beca squeezed a little harder, liking Chloe's reactions. She alternated between breasts, kissing one and squeezing the other. She always thought it would be hard and scary to be this way with Chloe, but the more she did it... well, it made her want more.
Involuntarily, Chloe ground into Beca's lap. This was starting to be a bit much, if Beca did any more then Chloe would definitely want to-
Click-click. Chloe felt her bra loosen and the straps go limp. She retracted from Beca, grabbing her chest before the bra slipped off. She furrowed her brow at the girl underneath her.
Beca's face turned red and she put her head down, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that."
Chloe used her free hand and cupped Beca's face, "Don't be sorry. I just want you to be sure." She placed a soft, lingering kiss on Beca's lips, feeling the nervous vibe coming from the younger, inexperienced girl. Well, for being inexperienced she sure knows how to get me going...
"I don't think... all the way... right now... today," Beca mumbled feeling completely foolish. She shouldn't have initiated sex if she wasn't going to follow through.
"That's okay, so let's keep it PG-13 at second base?" Chloe smiled kindly, trying to lighten the mood.
Beca nodded but fell back onto the bed. She covered her eyes. "Sorry I'm so awkward." She felt Chloe lay on top of her and Beca wrapped her arms around the older girl.
Chloe kissed Beca's neck, and when she came near her ear she whispered gently, "Hooking up with someone the first time is always awkward... when you're sober."
Beca was about to speak again when she noticed something. She didn't feel Chloe's bra on her back and opened her eyes. She turned her head and saw the bra laying next to her on the other pillow. Her gaze turned back to Chloe, who was grinning mischievously. "You've seen it all before, there's nothing to be nervous about."
"Easy for you to say," Beca squirmed.
"Do you want to stop?"
Beca hesitated. She didn't want to stop, but she couldn't go all the way. Not today. But she was desperate to feel Chloe's skin on her own. "No, let's just stop talking," she stuttered quickly forcing their lips together. Chloe went with it, putting her tongue to work in Beca's mouth. She sneakily crept her hands underneath Beca's shirt and felt Beca tense and relax under her touch. Quickly, she pushed Beca's shirt all the way up revealing a plain grey bra. She latched her mouth to any inch of Beca's skin she could find, licking and tickling the girl under her. She felt her chest pressed against Beca's bare stomach and it sent chills down her spine.
Beca knotted her hands in Chloe's hair, feeling her pulse beating a little harder with every kiss. Chloe's fast hands undid Beca's bra before the DJ could realize and her breath hitched in anxiousness. Chloe gave her a hard kiss as she slowly pulled the garment away. Beca's eyes were squeezed shut, her breathing starting to pick up pace. "Relax, Beca," Chloe whispered into her ear. Their naked torsos met, sending adrenaline through both their veins.
Chloe ran her hands all over Beca, not leaving an inch of skin untouched. She wasn't going to force sex onto Beca, she never would. She wasn't exactly sure why Beca had been so confident the previous weekend with nudity but now flinched under every caress. Chloe chalked it up to the absence of alcohol and continued to massage the younger girl's body with her soft hands. She forced Beca to look at her before kissing her gently. "I know I look pretty hot right now, and this whole thing is kinda turning me on, but if it's too much, we'll stop."
Beca suddenly flipped them over, pressed her body firmly into Chloe's. She ran her hands up Chloe's velvety soft legs, staring intensely into the blue eyes before her. "I don't want to stop yet."
The next day...
Beca and Amy were in the quad, eating a sandwiches after they finished their art history final. Amy sipped on her tea before talking. "So Brey told you about Inauguration Night? You know you're gonna be the new captain, right?"
Beca rolled her eyes. She was fairly certain she had a good chance at the position but had no idea who their former captains were planning on making her co-captain. "You could be one too, Amy."
"Yeah, we'll see how that goes. Stacie, CR and even Lilly have just as good as shot as me," She frowned lightly.
"I'll put in a good word for you," Beca teased, finishing her sandwich.
"You gonna rig the votes 'cause you're screwing one of the captains?" Amy teased back.
Beca lightly smacked her. "Amy! Inappropriate!"
"What? It's true!"
"Dude, so not true!" Beca defended.
"So you guys haven't done your lady sex thing?" Amy laughed out.
Beca narrowed her eyes. "For your FYI, no we haven't-"
"WHAT? Why not? Damn, DJ, I woulda hit that weeks ago!" Amy laughed harder. "Ah, no, I only bat for the boys' team."
"UHM, thanks. No, we said we'd take it slow so..."
"So you haven't done anything?"
"I didn't say that... We sorta hooked up yesterday, pants on. Well my pants were, but that's besides the point," Beca rambled. Her cheeks stung slightly, she knew she was blushing.
"Eh, all in good time," Her expression changed before she asked, "So what if I heard a rumor about maybe some you know maybe buying a pregnancy test? Would this maybe be true?"
Beca huffed, knowing exactly who had started that rumor. "First, Bumper's an asshole and I don't know why you hang around him. Second, yes, Chloe thought she was pregnant because of the whole Tom thing. Bumper humiliated her in the store, she came home had a fucking panic attack and the test came out negative. End of story."
"Whoa, okay. I'm just asking. And I know he's an asshole, but there's just something about him that I need to figure out. But, if you want me to stop talking to him, I will. For the Bellas." Amy declared loyally.
"You don't have to do that. Last thing we need is to rekindle the Bellas-Trebles rivalry. Just be careful with him. He's like a sneaky little ferret, ruining people's days one by one." Beca explained. Amy laughed, because she knew it was true. Rarely would Bumper ever cross Amy though. Secretly, he was afraid of her. In good and bad ways. "Okay, also, I have an idea that I wanted your opinion on."
Amy sipped the last of her tea, "Shoot."
"So Aubrey asked me to DJ at their grad party, and I was thinking it'd be kinda cool if we could do a little aca-performance for them. Like a present or something. Lame?"
"No, Beca! That would be really fun, but we'd have to get it down soon. Their party's next Thursday. What songs do you have in mind?"
"Not sure yet, maybe something from the old set list. Kinda a little dig at Aubrey, but then do some other good stuff. Wanna come over later tonight and we can figure out a set list?"
"Yeah, for sure, DJ. I'll text the other Bellas and tell them. We should start doing choreo tomorrow. Stacie, CR and I can come up with the moves if you get the music." Amy commented.
Beca grinned, she knew Chloe would love seeing them perform at her grad party. It was a perfect idea. She was thinking about the set list momentarily before Amy brought her out of her thoughts. "Huh?" Beca said.
"Present? For Chloe? For graduation?"
"Oh, as in am I getting her one? Yeah... well, I guess I haven't thought about it," Beca admitted.
"I know what you can get her. You naked in bed with a bow. Boom, best present you could get her," Amy giggled.
Beca rolled her eyes, "Oh, you're no help! I'll think of something." But in her mind, Beca Mitchell was thinking that Amy's idea maybe wasn't so bad after all. The friends departed, Amy to the library for a last minute chem cram sesh, and Beca to the station for her afternoon shift of CD stacking and hopefully an hour of DJing.
What Beca was unaware of, was the intense argument happening on the other side of campus between two people she knew very, very well.
A/N: Meh, sorry for lack of updates. Feeling like a loser. But finals after over, I survived my semester of hell and hopefully will update again soon. Xoxo