Title: Ice Skating or Beca Mitchell and Chloe Beale Celebrate Their First Christmas Together Part 1

Rating: T

Era: Post - Caught about eight months after The First Date (Chapter's 15 & 16)

Disclaimer #1: Here ye, here ye let me proclaim this now for the entire fandom to see, Pitch Perfect, its characters, ideas or any references the moves isn't mine. Everything else, including any and all mistakes is!

A/N #1: Well I know it's not Christmas anymore, but I tentatively started this a week before with full intention of posting a short 2-3k word surprise "Christmas Gift" for you guys, but needless to say that didn't happen. So, I won't bore you guys with tales about why it's taken so long other than life and work. Anyways I'm back now and because of my tardiness I made this chapter extra special and extra long, so long in fact that I've broke it into two parts and yes the second part will in fact be M rated. The whole thing is complete and done now I just need to do a major edit on part 2 which hopefully will not leave you hanging very long. I know I always miss deadlines when I make them, but you guys won't have to wait months for the next chapter, I promise, I'm shooting for 2-3 weeks or less (fingers crossed), it just depends on my work schedule!

Shout out #1 goes to JamieJ3 for her prompt of wanted to see Beca and Chloe go ice skating, so I hope you like it! And yes Part 2 of this chapter will show a little bit more ice skating because I needed to cut this chapter somewhere and where I ended it seemed like it worked.

Shout out #2 goes to TogetherYoureBlowie for her prompt of Bechloe's first Christmas together. Sorry it's taken me so long to get it so I hope you like it!

Shout out #3 goes to sugarlandaddict23 for being my beta and at the last minute! It was much appreciated and you were a huge help so thanks!

Now on with the extra long show...

Contrary to popular belief Beca Mitchell doesn't hate Christmas. She just uses the Scrooge persona to get out of god awful activities like decorating, singing carols and the absolute bane of her existence, getting stuck under the mistletoe with someone who thinks shoving a tongue down her throat is the proper way to practice that tradition. That happened once when she was sixteen, she found the guy's sweaty palms traumatizing and she's not a hundred percent sure, but it also may have led her question if girls were her thing too. Regardless of her distaste for certain holiday activities, she still likes looking at Christmas lights, the cold weather and of course the food, especially cookies. She still loves them despite the amount of puke that came out of her after Fat Amy dared her senior year to take three Fireball Whiskey shots, eat twelve decorated dancing Santa sugar cookies and then chase it down with hard apple cider in fifteen minutes.

However, it's virtually impossible to stay uninvolved with all things Christmas when Beca's dating Chloe Beale. Chloe is the living embodiment of the Christmas spirit from November until at least the middle of January. And she found that out the hard way her sophomore year when she came back from Thanksgiving break to find her and Stacie's dorm room decked out in a thousand twinkle lights. It was a borderline fire hazard and it took a smack to the face with a candy cane shaped pillow for her to even realize that Stacie was talking over the Santa Claus Is Coming To Town songblaring through the set of speakers on her desk. All she could do was mumble out a pathetic, "That's not a thing," when Stacie casually mentioned, "Your girlfriend sends her Christmas love."

For months after that Beca questioned how she totally missed Chloe's Christmas obsession the year before and the only thing she came up with was that she'd been a sulky asshole. She'd refused to play secret Santa and attend the Bellas annual Christmas party, instead she spent the night making mixes and eating Cheetos. She was halfway through a bag when Chloe barged in wearing a red sweater with a reindeer face, holding two plates of food and a neatly decorated package.

Instead of making fun of her for not having the obligatory Christmas spirit, reprimanding her for missing an organized bonding activity or bragging about Beale family traditions, Chloe patiently listened and asked enthusiastic questions about what Beca's Christmases were usually like. Chloe was just nice and sweet and never passed any judgment on her and for the first time she felt like she met someone who wasn't fishing for information to use against her later. Chloe truly cared and Beca finally let her guard down more that night as they stayed up until three talking and laughing.

It was also one of those nights where Beca felt her stomach twist and her heart excitedly flutter each time Chloe smiled, laughed or touched her. It was a feeling that was different, it was this magnetic pull that she didn't want to fully acknowledge, because if she did she'd be labeled as that girl who fell for the hottest girl on campus. All she did admit to over the Christmas break was spending an inordinate amount of time thinking about Chloe Beale. And the funny thing was the pretty redhead seemed to have been thinking about her just as much, if all the texts of crazy Christmas song quotes and pictures of random people dressed as Santa were anything to go by.

Yet, now that they're dating and doing all those coupley things Beca swore she'd never do, she kind of doesn't mind being dragged along to holiday parties or music department Christmas luncheons with Chloe in all her festive glory. She goes without putting up much fuss since she loves Chloe more than Santa loves cookies and because she kind of loves playing the part of the doting and attentive girlfriend. She loves retrieving drinks and food all night while adding witty comments here and there. The latter usually makes Chloe playfully roll her eyes, yet she still gets a cheek kiss and a whispered I love you's every chance possible.

It's because of all that and Chloe's insane Disney like expectations of Christmas, that Beca can't escape the holiday spirit. It's also why she's not surprised to hear Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton's Once Upon a Christmas album blasting through her speakers as she pushes her door open a week before heading to Portland for Christmas.

However, Beca wasn't fully prepared for the Christmas explosion that happened in her apartment while she's been at work. Ice sickle lights were hanging from her windows, her entertainment center and bookcase were adorned with red and green garland and twinkle lights framed the living room, kitchen and bedroom doorways. There was entirely too much to take in and everywhere she turned something new to caught her eye. If she wasn't already aware of Chloe's extreme level of preparedness for the Christmas season she would've thought someone paid to have this professionally done as a joke.

The dish Beca habitually uses to store her keys in so they don't get lost was conveniently filled with individually wrapped candy canes, so she tentatively set them next to it before slipping her bag off her shoulder, "Chlo…"

"Coming babe…"

Beca heard that come from somewhere in her bedroom and normally she'd yell back a that's what she said joke, but not today, because her mind was currently somewhere elsewhere.

"Take your time," Beca stated tossing her jacket on the couch and looking around the room in amazement again, "I'm just trying to take it all in…" She said more to herself than to Chloe.

Slowly opening the door, Chloe stuck her head out and listened for the inevitable round of complaints she thought were coming. Yet the only thing she heard was Dolly Parton singing, which meant that her girlfriend hadn't quite come to grips with what she'd done to the apartment. She silently prayed that she hadn't gone too overboard and that Beca would appreciate all the effort she'd put into making their first Christmas as a couple special.

Opening the door Chloe stepped out holding two stockings with their names sewn on the front in mismatched pieces of fabric and held her breath. Stopping at the entry to the living room she found Beca, hands shoved in her back pockets, bent over scrutinizing a snowman she made out of cotton balls.

"That took me like two hours to make," Chloe giggled when Beca jumped from the unexpected voice and turned to look at her.

"It's awesome," Beca grinned. She meant that too, it was perfectly symmetrical, stood about a foot tall and was complete with black marbles for the eyes, a carrot felt nose and a matching plaid scarf and hat, "I've been afraid to touch it, how did you make it so flawless."

"I used Styrofoam balls and put a wooden stake through them so they'd stay together. Then a hot glue gun did the rest," Chloe doesn't know why she feels like a total dork for doing an elementary school arts and craft project, but it had been fun. She's not the best at things like this, but this turned out really great, "So you like it?"

Beca removed her hands from her pockets and took a step closer, her girlfriend's cheeks had a slight tinge of red to them, which was uncharacteristic for someone as confident as Chloe, "Are you kidding, I love it."

"Yeah?"

"Yes, what else did you make," Beca laughed as she was excitedly steered around the room on a mini-tour by a bubbly redhead.

"Oh I also did the penguin fridge magnets and these pinecone people on skis," Chloe pointed to three figures sitting on top of the coffee table. Straight away Beca crouched down to look at them and she watched her girlfriends face light up with a huge smile. Picking up her foot, she poked a kneecap with her big toe to gain Beca's attention, "Oh and I bought those," She motioned towards a couple signs on the wall behind the couch, "Because they reminded me of you."

Standing, Beca let out a snort of laughter reading the green painted sign with yellow eyes stating, Beware a Grinch Lives Here, and the other was red and simply said, No Humbugging Allowed.

"Are you sure you're ok with this," Chloe softly asked.

Turning, Beca warmly smiled and it seemed to put Chloe considerably more at ease, "I'll admit, I didn't expect this at all," She held up a hand preventing the apology that was coming, "But I love it."

"It's not too cheesy," Chloe bit her lip.

Stepping closer Beca laughed, "Oh it's definitely cheesy…" Eyeing the red knit sweater, jeans and green stripped socks Chloe was wearing she knew that just added to the overall appeal, "But it came from your heart, so I can't help but love it."

"Good," Chloe let out a breath she felt like she'd been holding since the front door opened, "Because I want out first Christmas together to be special."

"It already is," Sliding her fingers through Chloe's belt loops, Beca gave a little tug, "Besides, I got the best gift eight months ago."

Moving the final few inches, Chloe closed the gap so that their bodies were completely touching.

"And what was that," Brushing their noses together Chloe already knowing the answer.

"Duh, because we did it," Beca smirked then theatrically staggered back falling onto the couch from the light shove, "I'd only planned to hit it and quit it," She laughed harder as Chloe sat in her lap sporting the worst rendition of annoyance she'd ever seen, "But god your body is just the gift that keeps on giving," She dodged a slap by grabbing the hand in midair, "And now, well fuck, now I'm in love with you so there's no turning back…"

"I'm in love with you too…"

Beca grinned, "Oh so that's like a thing now…"

Silencing the rambling with a kiss Chloe giggled, "Anyone ever tell you," She joked between pecks against smirking lips, "How frustrating it is being your girlfriend?"

"Yes you said that yesterday while grocery shopping," Beca shot back as kisses were peppered along her jaw.

Sitting up Chloe pressed a finger to Beca lips, "Because you pouted when I wouldn't push you in the cart," She tried using a stern tone, but the reaction she got was completely opposite than what she was going for when grey-blue eyes narrowed.

"It was only fitting I ride in a sleigh, you called me your little Christmas elf…"

"Only because you wandered off and I found you in the soup aisle with three cans of Campbell's Chunky Soup and a box of Christmas tree snack cakes…"

"But…"

Chloe shook her head, "No buts Beca, you don't even like Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder and you didn't need the sugar."

"Whatever it was on sale," Beca crossed her arms, still was kind of upset about being forced to put those snack cakes down, "You didn't even give me a change to have my fucking sugar high."

"Hey," Chloe tapped Beca's shoulders to the beat of the music playing in the background. They'd digressed and as much as she'd love to argue about the sugar coma in a box she needed to get back on track, "So since you like what I did with our place."

Beca watched Chloe's mouth snap shut and eyes wander away at the miss reference to this as their apartment. Yes, this wasn't theirs it was hers, but it sure as hell felt like theirs. Since they decided to move in together, Chloe had been spending an increasing amount of time here. So much so that half her closet and the two bottom drawers in her dresser now housed Chloe's things and the same goes for the bathroom. And she just doesn't kind of love it, she loves it, it feels natural and right to come home to Chloe curled up on the couch or singing random top forty hits while making dinner. It's something she can't wait to make a permanent thing in a place they've picked out together.

"Hey it's ok," Beca gently guided Chloe's face back to hers, "Don't worry about saying that," Stroking a cheek she smiled, "Anywhere you are feels like home to me."

"I know," Chloe sighed connecting their fingers and swinging them, "I'm sorry, I just get ahead of myself sometimes."

"No need to apologize," Kissing their joined hands Beca thought for a few seconds, "How about while I'm gone for Christmas lets make a list of places we'd like to live and when I get back we'll go visit them."

"You totes have a deal!"

"Us living together is really happening," Beca loved Chloe's excitement.

Pecking her girlfriend's lips Chloe bounced up and down with delight earning a couple of grunts, "Oh I talked to this super nice realtor last week at the gym."

"Cool," Beca planned on having this conversation before she left to visit her mom, but since they were having it now, she decided to throw her ideas out there, "I've done some figuring and for the same amount of money we'd spend on a three bedroom apartment we can have a really nice house with way more space."

Chloe had just started looking over some websites, forms and other info for first time homebuyers that the lady she'd met had given her. If they decided to go the buying route she'd even offered to sit down and explain the whole process and get all the paperwork started.

"I was leaning more towards a house too and the realtor said she can set up times to view anything we want."

"Awesome," Beca replied.

After that they spent the next twenty minutes discussing things they wanted and didn't want in a house. Their opinions were different in certain aspects and alike in other, but Chloe was confident they'd find a happy medium. The process had to be quick, the lease in her apartment was up soon and it would be a waste of money storing all her furniture only to have to pay to have it moved again two months later.

"So it's agreed," Chloe grinned resting Beca's fingers on her hips, "I'll call the realtor tomorrow to set up a meeting so we can start looking as soon as you get back!"

Beca leaned forward and soundly kissed her girlfriend, "I can't wait to fucking live with you," She whispered against their lips.

"Me too…"

"Now Beale, what's for dinner," Beca lightly pushed Chloe off her lap and stretched out her leg that had fallen asleep, "I'm starving."

Picking up the Christmas stockings Chloe can't believe she got so sidetracked again, "First we need to go over our first Christmas together," When she heard laughter saying what about it she poked a cheek and received a halfhearted scowl, "I've got our festivities all planned, it's going to be a festive celebration," She sang the last words with jazz hands.

Beca raised a skeptical eyebrow, "You do know the actual holiday isn't for like another ten days right?"

"Totally, dumbass," Chloe mocked in a similar tone, "Our Christmas eve has just jumped up a few days. Did you really think I was going to let you leave and we not celebrate our first Christmas?"

"Oh totally," Beca repeated in a peppy, upbeat tone and she got an eye roll which Chloe had clearly picked that up from her, "Just promise me we aren't dressing up in those stupid Victorian era garb and wander the streets of New York eating Figgie Pudding and singing Ole Tannenbaum, because we're not in a fucking Dickens novel."

Chloe's mouth hung open, she never even thought of that, but it was such a good idea. Maybe they could try and squeeze it in somewhere in their already jammed packed week.

Standing, Beca saw an intense contemplation and scheming look, "Oh no, Chlo I'm not doing that shit."

Looking up Chloe grinned, "You're lucky Mitchell, there's no room for it this year."

Beca wiped the fake sweat from her forehead and let out a loud, "Thank god!"

"I can't guarantee that mandatory sing-alongs won't be involved in some way this week, but you won't have to dress up," That wasn't entirely true, Chloe had the perfect Santa hats for them when they decorated the tree.

"Well in that case, I'm at your disposal Miss Beale," Beca joked giving a very dignified curtsy, "When's this little shindig happening?"

"Little? Oh it's all week baby," Chloe confidently stated standing then skipping over to her jacket.

"But I'm off work all week, I planned on sleeping, eating, watching bad TV and having sex," Beca groaned. Looking up at the ceiling she saw Santa, his sleigh and reindeer flying across it and she wondered how the hell they got up there, "But not necessarily in that order."

Stepping up behind Beca, Chloe whispered in an ear, "Oh all that's definitely in the cards Mitchell," Flipping around she slipped her jacket on and winked, "But we're also adding in a little bit of Christmas cheer."

"Fine…"

"Now go put on something comfortable and warm," Chloe slapped Beca's ass to emphasize that it's time to get a move on.

"What dude why?" Beca sidestepped away with her hands behind her back fending off the second slap that was being aimed at her.

"Or you can go naked," Chloe eyed the retreating form with a not so subtle head tilt, "Not that I'd mind, I mean I'm undressing you already and I like what I see."

Halfway to her bedroom Beca stopped, "Get your mind outta the gutter and give me the real reason."

Chloe stepped into her shoes, "Because you don't want pine needles and sap all over your good clothes."

Beca flipped around to glare at her girlfriend when things started registering in her brain, "We are not having sex in Central Park, it's fucking cold outside."

"Now whose mind's in the gutter babe," Chloe laughed, "We're going for dinner then Christmas tree shopping!"

"Oh my god," Chloe heard Beca yell at the same time the bedroom door slammed shut. A minute later it opened and she laughed when her girlfriend stepped out with half a shirt on to question, "I knew something was different, you moved the chair in the corner didn't you?"

"Guilty, I mean we are going to…" Chloe turned the music up and sang along, "Trim the tree and wrap the presents, turn the Christmas music on," Then started dancing around the room, "This Christmas we'll be our first together!"

"You're ridiculous!" Beca screamed over the music hoping to neighbors won't complain. Although it's not like it would really matter, Chloe would just spread her holiday happiness and make everything ok, "That wasn't even the right lyrics!"

"Who cares, besides you love me…"

Laughing, Beca leaned against the doorway watching her girlfriend prance around the room singing at the top of her lungs, "Yeah I kind of do…"

After spending eighty fucking dollars and traipsing to three different tree lots Chloe finally said they had the tree. Beca didn't really care, a Christmas tree was a Christmas tree as far as she was concerned, but Chloe cared, a lot. Chloe had rules and regulations to adhere to and a regular old pine tree just wouldn't cut it. Theirs had to be a fir, a six-foot Fraser Fir to be exactly precise, because Chloe had measured, made detailed notes and drew a diagram for its proper placement. She doesn't really know why it's supposedly more Christmassy than the others, she kind of zoned out eating a piece of pecan pie while being schooled at dinner. To her none of that nonsense mattered, she still thought they all looked the same and smelled exactly like Pine Sol.

After having the tree carefully wrapped so the branches wouldn't snap, they started off in search of a cab. Which ended up being useless, everyone who stopped refused to haul it the measly four blocks to her apartment even after promising a twenty dollar tip. So she ended up paying a delivery fee of forty bucks to have it dropped off in front of her building, where her lovely girlfriend was supposed to help her carry it the rest of the way.

"Oomph," Beca and the tree collapsed against the wall next to her door taking in large gulps of air. The hallway was way longer than anticipated while carrying a fifty pound tree she could barely fit her arms around, "Thanks for all the help babe," She sarcastically stated knocking away a branch that had come lose, "Way to make that a team effort."

Fishing the keys out of her purse Chloe looked up only to burst out laughing at the needles sticking to Beca's beanie and jacket, "I didn't want to break the lights or the other ornaments we bought."

Beca pointedly stared at the two bags situated at her girlfriend's feet, "So you're saying you couldn't hold both those in one hand and the top of the tree, which is the lightest part, in the other?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying," Chloe shot back, "Someone had to guide you, you couldn't see and I refused to let you drag it."

"Chlo I bear hugged this bitch all the way down the hall," Beca screeched. Pushing off the wall she stretched her back and immediately regretted it when the tree started sliding dangerously to the right, "Whoa stay," She patted its fluffy center then wrapped her fingers around the string to securely hold it in place then glared at her girlfriend again, "Christmas is exhausting and now I smell like a fucking Yankee Candle store."

"Oh we haven't even gotten to the good part yet Becs," Chloe stated excitedly. They'd been to an arts and craft store and bought construction paper, stickers, glue and other odds and ends to make old fashioned Christmas decorations and she was pumped, "We're making all kinds of fun stuff tonight like popcorn and cranberry garland and…"

Chloe began listing off their activities before getting interrupted with a grumbled, "Can't wait," Followed by a blunt, "I need a fucking beer."

Chloe freely admits this version of her girlfriend all grouchy and grumpy and cranky was cute and highly entertaining. And it was only enhanced by a red tinged nose and cheeks, rumpled clothes and strands of hair sticking out from beneath an already precariously lopsided beanie. Beca's pleading with her eyes and Chloe really should be opening the door and helping, but she can't pass up the opportunity for a memorable picture of her girlfriends frustratingly annoyed façade next to a tree bigger than both of them.

So Chloe whipped out her phone and took a picture so quick that Beca didn't even get a chance to protest.

"I didn't know we were doing a photo shoot," Beca deadpanned, "You're going to need a better camera to capture this amount of glamorous."

Ignoring the comments from the peanut gallery Chloe shoved the device in her back pocket with a smile and got a sarcastic one in return, "Ok ready to go inside?"

"No, me and Fraser want to hangout in the stained carpet hallway the rest of the night," Chloe stop fiddling with the set of keys and looked up and Beca knew the cynicism wasn't appreciated, but she kept it up anyway. Pulling the tree away from the wall she slung an arm around it, "Bring us a couple of beers before you go to bed, he's sad," She leaned closer shielding her mouth from the tree, "His neighbor on the tree farm got turned into a wreath and a string of garland, it was a tragedy."

Pointing a finger, Chloe eyed her girlfriend, "I will leave you out here if you don't watch it."

"It's ok, I have plenty of kindling," Beca disinterestedly shrugged, "I can keep warm for a night without your sexy body pressed against me."

"I'm gonna ask nicely once more and I better get an appropriate answer," Chloe narrowed her eyes and squared her shoulders in an effort to appear menacing. It was a lost cause because that knowing smirk usually signified Beca could bicker all night, "Are you ready to go inside, because I distinctly remember you," She poked Beca's shoulder harshly earning an ouch, "Promised to, and I quote, rock my world if I let you eat that piece of pecan pie. So, what's your answer babe?"

There was a beat of silence where Beca looked like she was torn between choosing Pepsi over Coke or whether she should supersize those fries at McDonalds. It was a look Chloe sees frequently when she gives an ultimatum. She knows Beca's already formulated a smartass comeback, but is still trying to determine if it'll be funny or piss her off.

Tapping a foot rapidly against the floor Beca lobbed her head back and forth before smugly asking, "Isn't there a song called Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree?"

"Yes," Chloe suspiciously replied inserting the key into the lock. She had no idea where this was going, Beca knew music like the back of her hand so she definitely knew that song.

"Well I'm gonna rock your world all the way around," Beca twirled her finger and suggestively scanned the redhead's body, "This mother fucking Christmas tree tonight."

Chloe immediately laughed as she unlocked the door and pushed it open, "You've totally ruined that song for me."

"Or did I just make it your new jam," Giving a wink Beca gave a pervy smile looking up and down the hall before leaning in to whisper, "Your lady jam."

"Why do I love you," Chloe questioned in amazement bending to pick up the bags.

Before Chloe new it, she was enveloped in a bear hug by a manically laughing Beca and carried into the apartment. It probably looked like one of those scenes out a horror movie where the security camera down the hall records every second of the encounter before she disappears from sight never to be heard from again. However, she'll take this attacker's surprises any day of the week, because the feat of strength from such a tiny person was sexy. And because for a brief second as she's lugged down the hall towards the living room she allows herself to imagine Beca carrying her across the threshold after they're married. Because yeah she wants that more than anything with Beca someday, but she's been struggling with finding an appropriate time to broach the subject. The last thing she wants is to scare Beca into thinking it's what she wants now, because she doesn't, she's not ready for that yet.

Promptly tossing Chloe on the couch Beca was concerned by the lack of laughter, stepping closer she placed a hand on a knee, "I didn't hurt you did I?"

Chloe looked up at the worried face, realizing she'd been quiet too long, "I'm good Bec," She grinned wrapping her fingers around a slender wrist while the other grabbed the sleeve of a jacket, "I just needed," She gave a strong tug, "To really think about why I love you," Beca's balance was sent off kilter and she giggled, "Can you remind me?"

"Oh…" Falling on top of her girlfriend in a heap of arms and legs and elbows poking stomachs Beca laughed loud and hard not even caring that the front door was wide open and their tree was blocking the path to the fire escape, "You love me because I'm awesome and great in the sack…" She struggled against the hands pressed against her cheeks trying to prevent her from inching forward to give a kiss, "And charming and…Jesus," She yelped when the heel of Chloe's shoe dug into the small of her back while wrestling with the hands on her face, "And because I'm the only one who can put up with your freaky Christmas obsession."

"It's not freaky," Chloe barely got out due to the lack of oxygen from laughing so hard. Surrendering her hands she let them fall to Beca's hips, "It's festive."

This was Beca being Beca all goofy and sweet and irresistible, it's the unguarded side not many get to see. It's who Chloe fell in love with and who she'll love for the rest of her life.

"Yeah festively freaky," Pulling off her beanie Beca grinned, "In fact…" She turned it upside down and violently shook it, sending stray fir tree needles into her girlfriend's hair and face, "There now a Christmas tree's thrown up on you too."

"Beca," Chloe squinted still giggling.

"Yeah…"

"Go get the damn tree, because the sooner we set it up and get started on our prearranged activities, the sooner we can start rocking around it."

"I'm on it!" Beca scrambled off the couch and bolted towards the door.

Chloe swears she's never seen Beca Mitchell move faster and after a string of curse words and a few over the top grunts she heard the door get kicked shut. Seconds later a six foot tall tree with a pair of black and white converse poking out beneath slowly walked across the room. If the rest of the week was anything like today, then their first Christmas together was going to be awesome.

The next couple days went by at a fairly normal pace and Beca was surprised by Chloe's relatively low key approach to her favorite holiday. Sure there was still reindeer antlers, a suspicious set of elf ears and snowmen t-shirts to be worn as they decorated the tree, but it was cool. She didn't outwardly complain about much except when the nineteen-sixties Alvin And The Chipmunks Christmas album was played, because that shit, no matter what volume it was listened to was annoying. She's also a sucker and easily manipulated by a certain redhead whose smiles, kisses and hugs melts her entire being faster than Frosty The Snowman on a warm spring day and because Crazy Christmas Chloe is cute.

Despite all the antics and the incident involving a weird song about the thirty-seven days of Christmas sung by "Chloe the Caroler" outside her door while holding their Chinese takeout and a six pack of beer, Beca has still lead somewhat of a normal routine. She has a pretty fucking awesome girlfriend who just gets her and knows that when she's in vacation mode she's not a fully functioning adult before ten.

This morning though as Beca grabs Chloe's pillow and smashes it against the side of her head to drown out the clamor of pots and pans colliding with her kitchen floor, probably isn't one of those sleep in late type of mornings. When it happens again, Beca blindly reaches for her phone, sticks it under the pillow and groans at the illuminated time, a quarter till nine. Pushing the duvet off she dragged herself out of bed she made the decision that whatever Chloe was doing probably could've waited at least another hour.

Padding into the kitchen in search of a strong cup of coffee Beca stopped mid-stride seeing her girlfriend pulling a pan of freshly baked sugar cookies from the oven. All her previous grievances flew out the window because as previously established, she's a slut for sugar cookies. And seeing various trays cooling around her kitchen she couldn't help but grin, she was so eating some of these for breakfast.

"Oh look, Santa's little helper's awake," Chloe stated easing another pan, with what Beca thought looked like snowmen shapes, into the oven.

Stepping fully into the kitchen Beca tilted a mixing bowl so she could see its contents, "I'll forgive the short joke, purely because I love it when you bake."

Over the years Beca has found like a Cracker Jack Box full of hidden things that Chloe's like really fucking good at, but doesn't tell anyone. And one of those prizes is baking and Beca's not talking about slapping a vat of premade cookie dough on a baking sheet and tossing it in the oven. Nope, Chloe makes her stuff from scratch and every type of dessert that's made always looks like something straight out of a Martha Stewart catalogue.

"Awe thanks babe," Chloe grinned, shutting the oven door with her hip. Skipping over she gave a quick kiss, "Morning, love ya."

"Love you too," Scooping a huge piece of raw cookie dough onto her finger Beca eyed it briefly before licking it off, "You're cookies are the shit."

Opening a cabinet Chloe removed two coffee cups and poured them each a glass, "Cream?"

"Please…"

"Oh," Chloe picked up a plate of cookies and held it out, "These are the duds," Removing Beca's fingers from a batch of green icing she laughed, "You can eat these now."

"Yes! Best girlfriend ever," Taking the plate Beca picked up a crooked Christmas tree and bit the top off, "When can I have the real deal," She asked between chews.

"Later tonight," Adding cream and sugar Chloe watched Beca hop onto the counter, shove an overcooked candy cane shaped cookie in her mouth and reach for a cup, "Or tomorrow…"

Dunking the half eaten cookie in her coffee Beca raised an eyebrow, "What why?"

"Because once I'm done baking, we're decorating them together and while the icing sets," Chloe watched the piece of cookie get dramatically swallowed, "Then we'll go have lunch…"

Beca watched Chloe open a pantry door and pullout a big box of gingerbread cookies and a couple containers of premade icing. She didn't know what that meant, instead she asked herself when and how that stuff got in her kitchen because she doesn't remember it there yesterday.

"After that," Holding up a finger Chloe took a sip of coffee, "We're going to Dylan's Candy Bar to stock up on necessities we'll need for our gingerbread building competition tonight."

"Can I use Pop Rocks for my driveway?"

"It's entirely up to you, do whatever you want."

"Yes," Beca gave a fist pump, she was already formulating a plan for the sickest house ever, "I'm so gonna kick your ass the whole way down the gingerbread block."

Beca looked really excited to do this, but that's how the last few days have gone and Chloe couldn't be happier. It's not that they didn't have a great time any other day of the week, it's just that this Christmas is special and exponentially better because her ultimate crush loves her just as much as she loves her ultimate crush. Oh and it also helps that Beca's one spectacular and incredible girlfriend who she doesn't have to daydream about kissing anymore.

Moving between a set of swinging legs Chloe ran her hands up Beca's thighs and smirked, "I think I'll give you a run for your money."

"Never," Beca confidently stated stilling Chloe's wandering fingers, "Remember I'm a grownup who plays with Legos."

"How can I forget, you bought that three hundred dollar Ghostbusters Headquarters set and you've been working on for months." Chloe about keeled over in laughter when Beca suggested they build it together. She knows the real reason it was bought was because her girlfriend secretly likes the movies, but doesn't want to admit it.

"It's close to five thousand pieces, it's hard," Beca defended.

Chloe pecked annoyed lips, "Ok…"

Biting her lip Beca got an interesting idea, "So, since we're building separate houses for this competition, do you think we can do one together? We can set up like a little Christmas village and display it for the rest of the week, then you can take them with you to your parents place."

Chloe wasn't expecting such a timid question and to be honest it sounded like a fun couple's activity so she thought why not, "I'd like that, it'll be ours."

"Yeah…" Beca gave an easy kiss that kind of tasted like sugar cookies. Resting her cheek against the top of Chloe's head she questioned, "Wait who's the judge in this competition, even though it's fairly obvious I'll win."

Laughing Chloe wrapped her arms loosely around Beca's waist and maneuvered her fingers under the grey t-shirt. Her girlfriend was still warm from crawling out of bed and she was completely content standing here and absorbing that feeling. Sure she touched Beca whenever possible before they were together, but now she touches Beca in a way that's unrestricted and unhindered by pent up emotions. And Beca let's her do it without a flinch or muscle tense like everyone else gets when invading that personal bubble. She's the only one allowed to draw patterns on an arm or run her palms against smooth skin whenever she wants.

"Hey Chlo," Beca hummed feeling thumbs trace figure eights above her hips and a head tuck under her chin. The embrace was simple and loving and she loves how they fit together perfectly and how good this feels, "This is nice and I love you."

"I love you too…"

"But you never answered my question…"

Happily sighing she pressed a couple quick kisses to Beca's neck before pulling back, "My parents, they want to help celebrate our Christmas day with an early dinner, do you mind?"

"Of course not it'll be fun."

"Good cause I'm also making them give you a ride to the airport the next day, I'm heading home with them and it's on our way. Besides I want to be with you until the very last second," Seeing a peculiar face Chloe knew exactly what was on Beca's mind, "Don't worry, they have a party to go to that night and will sleep at my apartment. It'll still be us until the next morning…"

"That's not, I mean…" Chloe bit her lip to keep from laughing at the semi-horrified expression and rambling, "I didn't expect, well I did, but…" Beca's face was getting redder by the second, "They're going to know what we're doing, then they'll look at me in a disapproving way the whole car ride because I defiled their daughter and I won't be able to hide it because I'm so bad a lying under pressure…"

Hands were gesturing wildly and the tone was high pitched and nervous and now Chloe felt bad for finding the situation funny when it was clearly distressing Beca.

"Baby calm down," Stilling the flailing hands Chloe gave a gentle smile which was a stark contrast to the completely terrified one she was seeing, "They're probably fully aware of what goes on," That wasn't entirely true, her mom is her best friend and has known from the beginning. It's not something that's openly discussed, it's always kind of just been common knowledge that neither brings up or asks questions about, "I promise they won't say anything…"

"I'm sorry, its just that…" Beca let out a breath blowing stray strands of hair out of her face. It's not like they just started having sex or that she's intentionally being squeamish because she's not ashamed, but it's strange knowing that's why Chloe's parents are purposely avoiding them, "I'm being weird, but I'm just…I don't know private I guess, I'm sorry."

"That's ok," Chloe reassured pecking Beca's lips. When it's just the two of them Beca Mitchell has no qualms about discussing the topic or letting the sexual innuendos fly, but that's where the line's drawn. What she's learned is that Beca has this beautifully expressive side when it comes to that, "Don't ever apologize, I like how you reserve that side for me."

Chloe always knew the right things to say to her, linking their fingers Beca gave a small smile, "I just don't want them thinking that's what our whole relationship is based on."

"Did you want to stop," Chloe teasingly asked raising an eyebrow trying to lighten the mood.

"Having sex," Beca stopped to clarify, "With you…" She vehemently shook her head making Chloe giggle, "Hell no, besides I don't think I can."

Kissing a cheek Chloe grinned letting out a relieved, "Thank god, I don't think I can handle not getting any and having to see your hot self every day."

"How did we not jump each other in college," Beca laughed at how oblivious they were and how the self restraint she had back then doesn't exist any more since they actually started sleeping together, "Because up until eight months ago I never fully understood how sexually frustrated I was."

"Me too," Their sexual chemistry was off the charts and it was downright comical how they can't keep their hands off each other. Patting a cheek Chloe grinned, "It's definitely made you less grumpy."

Beca understood that, "I don't see how anyone can be grumpy when they have a healthy sex life."

"We most certainly have that," Chloe laughed because it was more like they were jumping each other every chance they got.

Beca's features softened remembering how this whole little discussion started, "You do know that's not the only way I show you how much I love you."

"Well it's one pretty spectacular and epic way," Chloe got a slight eye roll and chuckle for that because neither could deny it, "But I get what you mean and you want my parents to know that too."

"Basically yea," Beca shrugged, "I want them to see I'm not just some horny asshole, because I'm committed to you and us."

"I know and they see that too," Chloe smiled, she completely understood all her girlfriends reservations, "They'd never think anything bad especially with the way you take care of me," This was the first serious relationship for either of them and Beca was still struggling with making a good impression, even though she'd already made a pretty damn good one years ago, "They just want me to be happy and you make me happy."

"You make me happy too Chlo," Beca ran her thumbs along the underside of her girlfriends wrists, "Happier than I've ever been."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah…" Beca whispered draping Chloe's arms around her neck and leaning in closer, "Even if my apartment looks like Santa killed a couple elves and the cinnamon smell will linger in my couch cushions for months."

Chloe let out a snort of laughter and playfully bumped their noses together and inched forward mumbling, "You love it," Before connecting their lips.

"At first," Beca said between slow, unrushed kisses, "Years ago…" Cupping Chloe's cheeks she took a breath and tilted her head to dive in for another. Chloe's tongue tasted like hazelnut coffee this time and the soft moan only made her deepen it, "It was kinda frightening," She whispered through labored breathing against swollen lips after separating after the oven timer went off. Opening her eyes she licked her lips, "But yeah I kind of do love it now, because it's you," She grinned bouncing her ankles against the cabinets watching Chloe move away from her and towards the oven, "And I love everything about you."

Picking up a couple potholders Chloe winked, "I love you too babe," Opening the oven door she slid the baking sheet out and motioned to the counter, "Get your cute butt down, I need the space."

"Yes ma'am," Beca laughed taking her plate and hopping off the counter just in time for her vacated spot to be replaced with a hot pan of cookies. Reaching out, her hand got smacked away, "Jesus!"

"I told you eat the duds…"

"Fine," Beca sulked shoving half a Christmas tree in her mouth. As she chewed her eyes followed Chloe around the room until they landed on a stack of cookie cutters, "Hey, you make any reindeer shaped ones yet?"

"Nope…"

"Can I do them," And it was like Chloe had just been given an early Christmas present because before Beca knew it a rolling pin was set aside and she was being dragged towards what she calls the cookie stamping station, "I'll take that as a yes," Seconds later she was positioned next to a bag of powdered sugar and handed the cutout, "Ok show me what technique to use, I'm at your mercy."

"This is going to be so much fun," Chloe happily sang picking a handful of powdered sugar and sprinkling it on the dough in front of Beca.

"Unless you want me on decorating duty," Beca faked a cough while batting away the fine white mist of sugar floating through the air.

Kissing a cheek Chloe grinned, picking up another cutter she demonstrated the proper way and pressure to apply to cut the perfect cookie, "No, no…remember that's our next Christmas Extravaganza activity."

"Ok…" Smirking Beca twirled the cookie cutter around her finger, "Hey Chlo…" She waited until their eyes met before placing her hand in the powdered sugar, "You got something right," She indiscreetly rubbed her hand in it until it was completely coated in white, "Here…" Reaching out she squeezed Chloe's right boob, leaving a white handprint on the dark maroon t-shirt.

Chloe was stunned while Beca cackled obnoxiously beside her, looking down she grabbed a handful of powdered sugar and Beca's face immediately dropped as she ran it though her fingers with purpose, "You're going to pay for that you bitch!"

"Shit…" Was the only word Beca got out before the hand connected with her face.

A few minutes later Beca knew she looked completely ridiculous covered in powdered sugar leaving white footprints trailing across the carpet behind her as she opened her apartment door. After apologizing to a half awake neighbor about the level of noise and promising to keep it down she silently laughed all the way back to the kitchen.

Hip checking Chloe, Beca moved back to her spot and nonchalantly stated, "You owe him a plate of cookies as punishment."

"Why?"

"Because I told him you started it…"

After yesterday's fiasco with the gingerbread houses, Beca finally acknowledged defeat when hers and Chloe's were standing side by side. As usual Chloe's looked professional and hers looked like it was created by an eight year old. She stood no chance in hell of winning, the only thing she was getting from Katherine Beale was pity points and a hard time. Her house was lopsided and the Skittles shingles might've worked if she hadn't eaten a handful during the process, but she'd made it work by adding jellybeans and it looked decent.

However when they built their house together it had been awesome, Chloe had been so patient, showing her tricks and giving her tips that Beca never wanted the night to end. They'd stayed up way past midnight drinking wine and laughing and by the end of the bottle, Chloe was in her lap adding the finishing touches with candy cane light poles. It was far from perfect, but in the grand scheme of things it didn't matter because they'd done it together and it was a whole lot of fun.

Beca had to admit, she was having so much fun spending this week with Chloe doing all kinds of random shit. Their days were busy, but the amount of laughter and food and fun has easily made it stress free and casual. Plus it's just nice spending time with her crazy and spontaneous girlfriend who refuses to let her lounge on the couch, watch Netflix and eat takeout. It seriously makes her slip further in love and for once in her life she's not even going to try and stop it because she's already in over her head, but in a good way. She pretty much can't wait to spend the rest of her life with Chloe Beale, now all she needs is to find the right time and way to say that without making it sound like a marriage proposal. She's not there yet, she doesn't even know if they are there yet, but she eventually will be and she can't wait.

"What did you find Bec," Chloe giggled sliding up beside her girlfriend who seemed to have zoned out looking at the two wooden nutcrackers in her hands.

"Oh," Lifting the leaver on the back of one of the nutcrackers Beca made its jaw move with a grin, "These are so cool, don't you think?"

For the past couple hours they'd been wandering in and out of booths at a Christmas market Chloe found on the internet. It had all sorts of things for sale, from handmade arts and crafts to specialty foods and wine. Unfortunately she had to drag Beca away from the booth selling vinyl records otherwise she'd let her Christmas gifts slip and she'd been doing so good at keeping it a secret. However, twenty minutes ago they'd entered a holiday shop full of unique Christmas knick-knacks and she'd wandered over to a set wood carved elves playing hockey when Beca began closely scrutinizing a display case full of nutcrackers in various sizes and themes.

Beca had been very cute, chatting and joking as the little old lady unlocked the case and pointed out a few of her favorites. Eventually Beca was left to make a decision on her own and Chloe could tell, just by the creased brow barely visible below a blue beanie, that a tough decision was being made. The same four had been picked up then set back down about fifty times.

"They really are," Chloe laughed as she was handed the one looking like Dumbledore so Beca could closely inspect a German man dressed in an Oktoberfest outfit holding a beer and pretzel, "I think you found a winner."

Beca turned the nutcracker so it faced her girlfriend, "Man I don't know which to get…"

"You are so cute," Chloe looped her arm through Beca's and pressed three quick kisses to a cheek. On the forth Beca surprised her by tilting her head and briefly joining their lips, "That was smooth Mitchell."

Beca loved the breathy laugh that got and she gave that wink Chloe loved, "In college that was always on a list of things I constantly wanted to do with you."

Chloe grinned widely, she must've kissed Beca a thousand times like that back then and knowing Beca wanted to turn and kiss her every time was kind of mind blowing, "You know we can check more things off that list if you want?"

"Cool, but…" The underlying seductive tone was there, just barely but it was there, and Beca decided to play along. Leaning closer she spoke low, "Then we'd never leave the bedroom."

"Hmm," Chloe bit her lip, "Can't say I'd complain."

"I didn't think you would."

"Later, now make up your mind slowpoke," Chloe flirtatiously reprimanded lightly kicking her girlfriends backside, "It's time to move on, we've got five blocks of Christmas lights to cover before the piece de resistance…The tree at Rockefeller Center!"

"Ok, ok bossy," Beca shot a playful glare, swatting away the offending foot, "I'll quit being indecisive."

"But don't stop being sexy," Chloe backed out of the small booth blowing kisses. Seeing reddening cheeks was completely adorable and only made her press further, "Does my super-duper hot girlfriend want some hot chocolate for the road?" She singsonged getting a nod and shooing motion from a flustered Beca Mitchell, "I'm warning you now, if you haven't made a purchase in five minutes, I'm singing Jingle Bells at the top of my lungs until you do."

Not even thinking about it Beca slammed both nutcrackers down next to the register and sympathetically smiled at the clerk who was lightly laughing, "I'm sorry about her, someone spiked her spiked Christmas punch."

"New relationship," The lady asked wrapping Beca's purchases in bubble wrap.

"Nope…"

"So threats about singing in a crowded places doesn't scare you?"

Beca just gave a headshake while digging through her wallet as the lady read out the total.

Handing the credit card over Beca shrugged, "Unfortunately not, she's a music teacher, so spontaneous singing is inevitable…" Tapping the pen against the counter she followed it up with, "And I've known all about her crazy antics years before we started dating…"

The lady handed over the card with a chuckle, "At least you know what you're getting into."

Grinning Beca knew there was no other person she'd rather deal with on a daily basis than that crazy redhead. Resting a cheek against her hand she laughed too, "She is absolutely amazing and the best part of my life."

Beca fought back an eye roll at her dreamy tone and comment, it sounded so cliché, but it was all true.

"You two are such a delight together," The older lady slid the receipt across the counter as the brunette blushed mumbling something she didn't quite understand, "Her eyes light up in a unique way when she looks at you."

Beca paused mid-signature to look up with a smile, she knew exactly what was being talked about all to well, "So I've been told, I wish I saw sooner, but whatever, I won in the end."

The two turned hearing the faint sound of Jingle Bells coming from a redhead holding two steaming cups of hot chocolate and looking at her watch, "I think you're about to be serenaded."

"Wouldn't be the first time," Beca laughed finishing her signature and grabbing her bag, "She's on a Christmas crack high, I just deal with it, because I love her."

"I love you too babe," Chloe voice drifted in making everyone laugh before starting the song.

"And on that note," Beca adjusted her beanie as the sounds of Jingle Bells floated into the shop. Backing away she gave a little wave, "I'm out, thanks for all the help."

Stepping into the crowded walkway Beca soundly kissed her girlfriend in an effort to silence the singing. It didn't work though, they just ended up laughing because Chloe didn't even falter, she kept right on singing, although a little muffled, against their connected lips.

Pulling back Chloe grinned handing over a cup of hot chocolate, "Ready to end our Christmas Eve date in style?"

"Lead the way," Beca took a sip from her cup, "Did you put two marshmallows in here," She skeptically asked.

"As if I'd forget," Chloe looped their arms together and started dragging her girlfriend towards the exit.

"Awesome, I'll keep you around."

"Damn right you will!"

Chloe's plan to see as many buildings decorated in Christmas lights as they could was a success and twenty minutes ago they'd finally made it to Rockefeller Center. She's never actually seen the city's yearly tree in person, but the sheer size was enough to put a kink in her neck. There must be a million multi-colored lights hanging on its branches and the star at the top looked like it weighed five hundred pounds due to the amount of crystals it was covered in. This was definitely one of the highlights of the night judging by the hundreds of pictures each of them have taken.

Speaking of her super cute girlfriend, Chloe hadn't seen her since they'd taken a couple pictures together then separated to take some on their own. Standing on her tiptoes she scanned the top of the small crowd in search of the familiar blue hand knitted beanie that was turned up at the edges and sporting a fluffy retro bobble flopping around on top, it's Beca's favorite and it's also the one she loves to steal. When she didn't see it or the traditional black pea coat she moved to the opposite side of the tree.

Rescanning the crowd Chloe spotted Beca leaning against the railing overlooking an ice skating rink. With a grin she made her way over, "There you are…"

Beca felt arms snake around her waist and a chin rest on her shoulder, "Yep, here I am," She said giving a chaste kiss to the corner of Chloe's mouth, pulling back she chuckled, "Your nose is freezing."

"And your kisses are warm," Chloe replied moving to the spot open next to Beca, "Can I have another?"

"As if you had to ask," Wetting her lips Beca drew Chloe closer by the scarf and they met each other halfway. The kiss was short and loving yet she still felt like she needed to take her coat off, Chloe always seemed to do that to her. Breaking away she watched blue eyes flutter open, "I love kissing you, so I'm always willing and able to kiss you whenever possible. Plus…" She rubbed her lips together tasting the peppermint flavor lip balm she knew was applied sometime recently, "I kinda forgot my Chapstick and you always have extra, so it was a twofer."

Throwing her head back Chloe laughed, "You could've just asked, I would've let you use mine."

"No gross…"

"How's that gross," Tugging on a jacket pocket Chloe inched her girlfriend closer.

"Dude there's just things you don't share," Beca said with a straight face and even tone. She swears Chloe's eyes were twinkling just like the Christmas lights, "It's like sharing a toothbrush or socks."

Chloe knew that was a pet peeve, it always has been, and she loves teasing about it any chance she gets, "So let me ask you this," Slipping her arms through Beca's she settled them loosely around the brunette's waist, with a pervy smile she whispered, "How is that gross, when you go down on me on a regular basis?"

For once Beca was glad she could actually blame her red cheeks on the cold, "It's just different ok, besides you never seem to question that," What the hell she could throw out the sexual references just as fast as Chloe, "In fact earlier this week you kinda begged for it."

Sneaking her hands into back pockets, Chloe gave an indiscreet ass squeeze making Beca squeak out a surprised protest and shift her eyes around nervously, "Well what can I say, you're not only the best girlfriend I've ever had, but you're also…"

"Hold that thought," Beca smiled, fishing her vibrating phone from her jacket pocket. She'd gotten a text from her mom after sending a picture of them standing in front of the Christmas tree asking if they could Facetime for a few minutes. Flipping the phone around she let Chloe read the name, "Can we chat for a few minutes?"

"Sure," Chloe nodded, "I'll just go take a few more pictures while you do."

Grabbing a hand as it retreated away Beca shook her head, "She wants to see you too, you know to wish you a Merry Christmas."

"Are you sure?" Getting a nod Chloe put on a bright smile and moved in closer, "How do I look?"

Chloe hadn't met Beca's mom in person yet and they'd only spoken briefly on Skype twice, but that didn't make her any less nervous even after Beca assured her that Sarah Matthews thought she was cool. She and Beca are seriously dating and meeting someone's parents isn't a joke anymore. She can't just float through it without a care in the world like all those other times, this was different, those people she'd never see again. So until they actually meet, in person, and she can fully judge Sarah's reactions, she'll continue to be apprehensive about saying the right thing.

"You're always beautiful," Seeing the hesitation and nervousness Beca laced their fingers together, "My mom's laidback, so don't worry, just be you," She gave a quick kiss then held up the phone to hit the green accept button. A few seconds later a face popped into view, "Hi mom."

"Beca," Sarah smiled at her daughter then shifted her gaze, "Hello Chloe nice to see you."

"You too, Dr. Matthews," Chloe chimed in trying not to sound to chipper while disguising her uneasiness.

The older brunette laughed, "Please, you know you can call me Sarah."

"Right sorry," Chloe gave an apologetic smile, but got a reassuring hand squeeze, "Merry Christmas."

"And the same to you," Sarah happily replied, "What're you two up to tonight?"

"Well this one," Beca motioned to her girlfriend with a head tilt, "Dragged me out to look at Christmas lights under the pretense of getting dinner and a beer," Hearing two different sets of laughter she added, "Still haven't got that beer."

Chloe nudged a shoulder, "Hey I got you a hot chocolate and a kiss."

Sarah brightly smiled at the couple, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt your date."

"Actually tonight's our Christmas eve date," Beca grinned, "Since I leave in two days the girlfriend here," Her face reddened when Chloe pecked her cheek, because she knew she'd get teased for it later, "Surprised me with a whole week of activities to celebrate our first official Christmas together and tomorrow we finally get to give out presents, then have an early dinner with her parents."

"Did you get her something nice," Sarah's question was serious, but Chloe heard the hint of sarcasm, like mother like daughter she thought.

"Yes mother," Beca passively replied rolling her eyes while Chloe softly giggled beside her, "And if she wasn't here, I'd tell you what it is, but you'll have to wait."

"Well you're no fun…"

"That's what I've been told all week," Beca deadpanned

Chloe was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet with excitement, "See your mom agrees with me, Sarah she won't even give me a hint."

"Duh that's why it's called a surprise Chlo," Beca knew she had the best gift, Chloe had no idea it what it was because for the last two months she'd specifically asked questions about something totally different to throw off any suspicions. Chloe was absolutely going to love this gift, they must've looked at it a thousand times every time they entered an electronics store, "I've even caught her snooping."

"You said I being was frustratingly cute."

"Only because you gave me puppy dog eyes and a pout when I called you out."

There was no doubt about it, between the looks, the smiles and body language, Sarah knew her daughter was in love. She was happy the two found their way to each other because Chloe was immensely good for Beca in so many ways. She couldn't wait to meet the person who'd stolen her daughter's heart and personally give the biggest thank you possible for bringing back the fun and loving side of Beca she always knew was there, but had gotten lost in the mix.

"So yeah, if I come home girlfriendless and all mopey you'll know why," Beca gave a solemn frown into the camera, "It means she," Her mom was laughing and she had a feeling Chloe was sticking her tongue out at her yet she just kept up her expressionless face, "Dumped my ass because she couldn't wait like twelve hours to open her gifts."

"Well ok then," Sarah laughed as she pointed into the camera, "Just don't wake me up making angry mixes at three in the morning."

Chloe turned to fully face the phone, "I'm glad I'm not the only one she wakes up with her erratic sleep patterns and blaring music."

"I'm not erratic," Beca defended reeling back slightly, "I just get an idea and I don't want to lose it."

"Babe get serious," Chloe bluntly stated silencing her girlfriend, "I found you four days ago in front of your laptop at five-thirty in the morning wearing a t-shirt, one sock holding a can of Dr. Pepper just," She broke their grasp and used air quotes, "Jotting down a few notes."

"And what did you say, do you know what she said mom," Beca raised an eyebrow at the camera waiting for some type of acknowledgement. When all she got a shrug she continued on, she wasn't losing this battle, "She claimed she was cold and wanted me to come back to bed so we could cuddle."

Chloe smugly smiled, "Actually Sarah I asked for my shirt back, then to cuddle."

"Oh whatever," Beca hid her smile behind a huff of frustration, "I'm sorry I was half asleep and picked the first one up off the floor I could find," She briefly paused, anxiety creeping up as she realized what she'd just revealed to her own mother. She all but said they'd been naked in bed together before she could even think about silencing her fucking mouth. Coughing and hyperventilating all at once she managed a weak, "I m-meant a-after," She took a couple wheezing breaths, "After I took a shower, because we," She gestured wildly between her and Chloe, "Were fully clothed way before that, in fact, a pillow separated us. It was cold outside I couldn't make her sleep on the couch like she usually does when she spends the night," Taking a few steadying breaths she closed her eyes and let more stupidness fly right out of her mouth, "Because you know we're totally celibate, no hanky-panky going on between us."

Chloe wanted to help, but all she could do was just stand there in stunned silence, with a blush running up her cheeks faster than ever before, as the verbal vomit continued to flow from Beca Mitchell's mouth faster than hot lava down the side of a volcano. If Beca didn't want her parents knowing they were having sex, then the mere thought of Sarah Matthews finding out was probably equal to or greater than that level of embarrassment. Yet the nonsense just kept coming and Chloe wanted to smack a hand over Beca's mouth, but she didn't even think that would help. Beca's so called nervous twitch has always been rambling with an extreme case of rambling and cursing, which she's silently thanking god it hadn't gotten that far yet.

Sarah's voice eventually broke all the tension and both girl's movements stilled at the stern, "Rebeca Mitchell!"

"Yes ma'am," The brunette shyly said with downcast eyes.

"We are living in the twenty-first century not the eighteen hundreds, I'm aware of what goes on and you're an adult," Sarah fought back a smile and laughter, it was like she was seeing toddler Beca in trouble again, "Now unless you want to talk about your sex life," She watched her daughter frightfully shake her head no, "Good, then cut the bullshit and let's get back on topic."

"Ok…" Beca let out the breath she'd been holding for what seemed like a solid two minutes, until her thoughts were interrupted by an outburst of laughter from her girlfriend. She couldn't tell if it was nervous or mocking or a mixture of both, but when she looked over and saw the huge grin she had her answer, "What the fuck is so funny Beale?"

"You're mom just owned you," Chloe was clutching her side and could hardly breathe, but eventually said, "She's totally got your number."

"See Chloe you're not the only one who can wrangle Beca," Sarah stated proudly.

"When we meet can I get some pointers," Chloe asked as Beca grumbled.

Picking up a pen Sarah waved it, "I'll start a list."

"Whatever," Beca shifted on her feet, "So guess what Christmassy thing we're doing next mom?"

Beca was so trying to change the subject, but was grasping for straws and Chloe knew that and she couldn't stop her grin from growing, "Oh do tell her baby."

Chloe was toying with her, but Beca was going to flip the tables and instead of following Chloe's lead like she'd been doing all week, she was going to take it and run. They were going to do something so totally cheesy and romantic and couplely that it just screamed Christmas spirit and Chloe was going to love it.

"Well we're in Rockefeller Center, it's Christmas, so we're going to do what everyone else is," Beca paused to glance between her phone and Chloe building the anticipation through silence, "We're going ice skating!"

"Well that sounds like fun," Sarah added knowing that was one of their favorite things to do together, they went all the time before Beca went off to college, they even have a family tradition of going Christmas Day then go home and have dinner, "Did Beca ever tell you she has her own skates here in Portland?"

How the hell was Chloe supposed to compete with that? Ice skating wasn't her forte, like at all, and she tried to not let her face fall to reveal how scared she really was. Instead she plastered on a half smile and kissed Beca's cheek, it was all in vein because she was never very good at hiding her fears, because Beca's eyes said that she knew.

"I can't wait," Chloe added in an upbeat tone relinking their fingers and putting Beca at ease.

After that Beca spent the next few minutes filling her mother in on everything they'd done this week. Chloe just smiled and nodded adding little bits and pieces to the conversation to make it sound like nothing was wrong, even though her heart was beating out of her chest. Finally Beca wrapped things up by confirming flights and stating they needed to go because it was time for their ice skating adventure.

Stepping closer to Beca, Chloe gave a smile and wave, "Bye Sarah and Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you too," Sarah replied, "Beca I'll see you in a couple days and please bring some of those cookies you rave about."

"I will, Chloe already made me set some aside for you," Beca grinned that was one of a handful of stipulations set before they even started the decorating process.

"Oh and Beca," Sarah tried to sound stern pointing into the camera, but couldn't hide her smirk, "Please take care of that girl, she's one of the good ones, she puts up with all your shit," That earned a dramatic eye roll from her daughter and a laugh from the redhead in question.

Beca swears her mom is constantly out to embarrass her whenever possible. Scratching the back of her neck she looked up and gave Chloe a lopsided smile, "I know mom and I will," She paused to let out a sigh and squeezed her girlfriend's hand, "I kinda love her a lot."

"Good…"

"Bye mom, see you soon," With a final wave Beca ended the call and turned to Chloe, "So that was my mom."

Chloe nodded letting out a relieved breath, it was starting to get easier to talk to Beca's mom, well minus the whole sex conversation they disastrously tried to avoid, "Yes it was, you two are pretty similar it's kind of cool, you're much cuter though…

"Well thanks I guess."

"How'd I do, do you think she liked me?"

Beca started leading them away from the Christmas tree and around the skating rink, "You did perfect and how can she not like you," Stopping at the stairs leading down to the entrance she gave a reassuring kiss, "You are like a golden ray of effervescent sunshine that brightens everyone's day when you smile," That made Chloe laugh and visibly relax for a few seconds, "Besides you're like totally hot, she's probably still amazed that I scored someone so completely out of my league."

"And you think I didn't," Giving another kiss Chloe and whispered, "God you've got so much swagger that it turns my brain and insides to mush. You, Beca Mitchell, everything about you is so fucking hot and don't get me started on what's under those clothes because I will drag you home so I can become reacquainted with it."

"Thanks," Beca shyly smiled swallowing the lump in her throat. It was still kind of bizarre hearing Chloe say she was hot, it wasn't bad, but it was something she was still trying to get used to. Hell it'll probably be something she never gets used to, because only a handful of people have ever said that to her. Starting down the stairs she tugged on their joined hands, "Now, quit checking out my ass and let's go skating."

"Oh ok…" Chloe replied following closely behind.

Chloe had silently been hoping that she'd distracted Beca enough to forget about the whole ice skating thing, but yeah that didn't happen. Even as she tears her eyes away from Beca's perfectly shaped ass and scolds herself for getting this turned on at the thought of running her hands all over Beca's body, her fear of ice skating is dangling in the back of her mind. But as she looks at the looming ice in front of her everything comes full circle and she begins to desperately try and come up with a believable excuse not to set foot on it.

The whole time standing in line for their skates Beca was getting a weird vibe. Not a whole lot was said after they entered the building and found a bench for them to sit on and it was worrying. Usually when Chloe's excited about something she's never done about a billion questions are asked, but this was the exact opposite. She just chalked it up to the claustrophobic feel of the room and people shuffling in and out of the small space. Hell the kids jumping and screaming in anticipation was enough to make her feel jittery. Once they were outside she knew things would settle down and they'd enjoy themselves.

Thanking the guy and taking the locker number, Beca started making her way back towards her girlfriend. Chloe was looking very un-Chloe-like with her legs furiously bouncing and a strand of red hair twisted around her finger. It was bothering because there was something Chloe wasn't telling her.

Placing the skates in front of them Beca sat and stilled the bouncy knee, "Chlo," Eyes darted to hers then to the ground, "What's wrong?"

"I'm fine," Chloe curtly replied. Taking a breath she added, "I'm good, everything's good."

That version of I'm fine was forced, Chloe rarely ever answered any question like that.

"You're acting weird, tell me what's wrong," Beca gently ran her thumb over a kneecap trying to get some type of clarification, "I didn't mean to change your plans, I just…" Pinching the bridge of her nose she sighed, "I wanted to do something nice for you since you've gone out of your way to make this whole week special for us," Dropping her hand she fidgeted with a button on her jacket, "I'm sorry I should've asked you first."

Damn, on top of struggling with being scared Chloe could now add guilt to the top of the list. Glancing up she saw the hurt look and it killed her, "Hey don't apologize, you didn't do anything wrong, I promise this is all me," Trying to lighten the mood she added, "Sometimes you're just too perfect of a girlfriend."

Beca watched Chloe slump against the wall and give a smile that looked more timid than anything, "Well can you give me clue about what's wrong, because obviously it's not my girlfriend skills," She heard a little chuckle at the joke, "Do you not want to do this, because we don't have too."

Looking at the ceiling Chloe let out a slow breath, "It's not that I don't, I'm just really pretty terrified right now," Eyes connecting with Beca she saw a softness and understanding in them that made her feel better, "Not really of the activity, it's mainly the whole falling and getting hurt part."

"Ok," Shifting on the bench Beca drummed her fingertips against her thighs, "So you've never done it," She always figured every kid had done some form of skating when they were younger, "That's ok I can work with that."

"No," Chloe shook her head, "I have, once when I was two."

That wasn't a whole lot of information and Beca was really trying to be understanding, but Chloe was acting just a little bit like her by shutting down. She isn't used to Chloe to being so closed off, whatever happened must've been traumatizing and it looked like she was going to have to pry out the information. She was kind of getting a dose of her own medicine and it really made her rethink her own actions the next time she gets upset about something.

"Chlo," Beca scooted closer taking her girlfriends hand between hers, "I love you and you know you can tell me anything, I just want to make this right."

Reaching up Chloe traced the scar peeking out below her beanie, she needed to say something, Beca deserved an explanation, "Ever wonder how I got this?"

"You told me you fell."

"I did," Dropping her hand Chloe loosened her scarf and swallowed the lump growing in her throat, "My grandpa let go of me for five seconds so my mom could get a picture and I tripped knocking my head against a sharp edge of the railing."

"You mean to tell me The Admiral," Beca stressed the last word making the redhead smile. She'd met Chloe's grandfather at the Beale's Fourth of July party and that's what she was jokingly informed her to call him. He was Katherine's father and a retired rear admiral who went to the Naval Academy and had been stationed all over the world before eventually taking a teaching position at his alma mater. He had awesome stories and was absolutely hilarious, "He let his prized grandbaby get hurt," She clutched a hand to her chest, Chloe was his only granddaughter and obviously the favorite, "I find that hard to believe."

Chloe laughed, "Well it's true and every time I see him he asks me how my head is…"

Chloe didn't remember much about the accident, she gets a majority of the story from her parents, but the only thing she does remember the blood and pain. Her grandfather was up for a visit and had the grand idea to take her and her brother ice skating. It was the first time they'd ever done it so they mainly stuck close to the railing slowly working their way around. Everything was going good and she was skating while holding tight to his hands when her mom decided it was picture time. She was barely moving, but when her hands were let go and she tried to skate and smile at the same time her feet got tangled together and she tripped hitting her head against the railing positioned at just the right height.

"So yeah I ended up with fourteen stitches and a scrapped chin," Chloe finished her story in one long breath as Beca gently rubbed her palm with a thumb, "And ever since that day, I haven't gone near an ice or roller skating rink."

No wonder Chloe was all panicky, Beca could see how getting hurt at such a young age would make anyone scared the next time they were faced with it. Chloe didn't really talk about the scar so she pictured something totally different.

Lifting Chloe's hand, Beca pressed a kiss to the back of it, "I'm really sorry, I saw the doubt on when I surprised you, I should've said something then. Instead I dragged you down here and made everything stressful."

"Babe you didn't know," Chloe inched forward to gave a kiss, the last thing she wanted was for Beca to beat herself up about this. It wasn't her intention to not mention something this huge, it just never crossed her mind and it wasn't really a conversation starter, "And I didn't realize I'd still be this freaked out, because it happened so long ago."

"Well," Scratching her neck Beca came up with the perfect solution, "How about instead we go and check out the Bergdorf holiday windows then swing by FAO Schwarz and mess around on the big piano."

"You're just looking for an excuse to go to a toy store."

"And you know I'll buy you a teddy bear since I know you're a sucker for theirs," Beca laughed, although she wouldn't mind stopping by the giant Lego section just to see what was new.

The idea was very sweet and Chloe's heart beat double time at how thoughtful and considerate Beca was being. If it was anyone else they'd be poking fun at her for something that was seemingly inconsequential, but not Beca. Beca is amazing and isn't like other people she's dated, she just rolls with the punches and that's why she has the best girlfriend in the entire world.

Standing Beca stretched out her back before kneeling down, "I'll just go return these and we can go."

"No," Stilling the hands gathering up the skates Chloe lightly tugged on Beca's jacket, "First we're going skating."

Seeing the semi-worried smile Beca shook her head, "No we're not, trust me I'm completely fine with walking right out of here."

"I know you are," Chloe lightly stroked Beca's cheeks, "I think I'm ready to try again…" That wasn't the whole truth, but this was something Beca loves to do and she doesn't want to be a downer. She just wants to see Beca happy and if that means facing one of her biggest fears to make that happen, then so be it. Taking a deep breath she let it out slowly, "But only if you promise not to let go of my hand."

"I can absolutely do that," Beca gave a warm smile and nod. Even if they only made it one time around she wouldn't care, it'd be something they'd experience together and she'd never let go. Plus, she always wants to be the one Chloe leans on for support, "We'll do whatever you want."

Chloe pecked her girlfriend's lips at the sweet tone and words, "Ok, where do we start?"

"That's easy," Settling on the ground Beca picked up Chloe's foot and adjusted the sock, before easing a skate on and lacing it up, "You want it to be snug, but not too tight, how's that feel," Watching Chloe wiggle her foot back and forth she got a thumbs up then started on the right, "Good, we don't want to roll your ankle."

Watching her girlfriend get so excited was pumping Chloe up, "What kind of skates do you have back home?"

Moving back to the bench Beca started slipping hers on, "Oh man those totally gnarly hockey skates that go fast when sharpened," Dropping the laces she turned and added, "But I don't play hockey," In a serious tone leaving no room for questions, "My mom had me try it when I was seven, but I couldn't skate, maneuver the stick and a puck at the same time…It's kind of like my dancing, I'm horrible at synchronized lady dancing, but am perfectly fine moving on my own and looking semi put together."

"Well ok then," Chloe laughed. She loved finding out new little tidbits of information about Beca, it never ceased to amaze her.

"We go just about any day that has a time slot where you don't have to pay," Finishing tying her skates Beca slapped her hands on her knees in an irregular pattern, "It's usually like nine at night, but it's fun and something we always do together."

Every once in a while Beca really opened up about her mom or childhood and this happened to be one of those times. Chloe knew that between the love of art, music and now skating that those two probably helped each other through the tough times more than they realized. She was a hundred percent positive she was going to love Beca's mom once they finally meet.

Beca stood and Chloe wiggled her fingers until they were taken and she was helped to her feet, "Your mom sounds great."

"Yeah she really is…" Beca lovingly smiled. Linking their fingers she started them towards the door, but when Chloe faltered and almost fell, she slowed down so they could take smaller strides until Chloe got used to walking on skates, "You're ok, remember we're in no rush."

"Ok…"

After letting a group of kids file through the door and taking a leisurely walk they'd ended up standing next to one of three entrances spread out along the side of the rink that led out onto the ice. Chloe's heart was pounding, but she was willing to try, even if it was only going from one open door to the next then hightailing it to the closest bar. Whatever the distance was wouldn't be half as big as just stepping onto the ice, because that alone was a major accomplishment.

"You sure you want to do this," Beca asked adjusting her beanie then moving to tuck the edge of Chloe's scarf into her jacket.

"Yes definitely," Bracing her hands along the ledge Chloe peered over the side, it looked like glass and slippery as fuck.

Beca held back her laugh watching her girlfriend's eyes scan the ice, "Trust me it's way better when it looks like that," Settling her hands on top of Chloe's, she bracketed the redhead in by pressing their bodies together, "It's easy to see holes, in fact see that kid in the purple jacket, she's going down in three…two…" They watched arms shot forward, "One…" And the little girl crash to the ground and slide across the ice a few feet, "Nice, I give it a seven."

They laughed when the girl got up, brushed her knees off and took off again with a grin.

Turning her head Chloe gave a quick kiss, "Just wanted to give you more Chapstick."

"I think you had ulterior motives…" Beca added before rubbing them together.

"Me? Never," Chloe chastised with an air of astonishment making Beca chuckle.

Backing away, Beca lead Chloe to an open door, "You know you don't have to do this," She stated feeling her girlfriend's hand sweating, "But I know you'll do great, you always do…"

With that Beca turned back to look up at the Christmas tree towering above them giving Chloe ample time to ultimately make a final decision.

"Thanks," Taking a couple steadying breaths Chloe looked between her feet, the ice and Beca, who was patiently waiting beside her. Finally working up the nerve she adjusted her coat and hesitantly stated, "I think I'm ready."

The voice was insecure and Beca gave their joined hands a few squeezes and softly spoke, "You just give me the word and we'll stop any time you want."

"Ok," Chloe nodded.

Dropping their hands Beca took a couple steps out onto the ice and flipped around testing the slickness. She was an ok skater who could hold her own, but she wasn't any Nancy Kerrigan circa the 1994 Winter Olympics. She couldn't do fancy twirls and flips and spins and shit, she just liked to go fast while trying not to crash. Its just another reckless attribute that she likes to think adds to her growing street cred list.

"Ok, first I want you to brace a hand here," Picking up Chloe's right hand she gently secured it on the outside railing, "And I'll hold your other and like this," She took Chloe's left hand in almost a ballroom dancing, parade her girlfriend around the dance floor and show them off, type of way. Yet she had another reason for doing it, it was the fastest way she could drop it so she could easily catch her girlfriend if things went south, "Good now when you're ready, step out onto the ice."

Chloe kind of just froze like a statue and Beca watched the internal battle that was happening. There was a light frown that said there-is-no-way-in-hell-this-is-happening, but the eyes said they were desperate to try. Now it was just getting those two things in sync and the dead weights, which were her girlfriend's legs, to start moving.

Usually Chloe didn't allow things to get to her, so Beca knew she needed to handle this whole situation extra carefully. Although Chloe wasn't outright saying it she really needed her support right now and it felt nice to be the one to give it. It was weird, they'd done all kinds of things together over the years, but this felt like a reverse of their initial meeting her freshman year where instead of singing it's skating. She was going to have to be the Chloe in this whole scenario, because once her girlfriend bites the bullet and is actually on the ice she wants to give that same radiant smile she was met with all those years ago as she stepped out onto that stage to sing.

"Chlo, babe, look at me," The redhead's eyes snapped to hers and Beca saw the inside cheek being gnawed with worry, "The first step's the hardest," A small smile emerged and she felt she'd won one battle, "Now do you trust me?"

"Yes," Chloe nodded, it was amazing, Beca's whole demeanor and tone softened giving her the confidence to do this and to realize this fear was all in her head. Beca gives her a sense of security like nobody else can and makes her a stronger and better person. Beca constantly brings out the best in her even when she's the most scared, "I trust you more than anyone."

"Good, because I'd never let you fall," Beca calmly stated, "So you ready to do this."

"Absolutely," Chloe boldly stated. Lifting a foot she placed it on the ice and glided it back and forth testing out the slickness before picking up the right and firmly planting it next to her left. With a grin she allowed Beca to guide her a few inches her until they cleared the doorway, "I did it!"

They'd just accomplished something huge and Beca could hear the relief and excitement in her girlfriends voice, "Awesome, I'd give you a high five, but you know, I'll save that for later."

"Deal," Chloe swayed from side to side trying to balance on her skates, but Beca's free hand was right there to steady her. Relaxing she glanced down just to verify she was in fact standing on ice, looking back up she gave a huge grin which was equally returned, "What's next?"

"Well," Beca disinterestedly dragged out smashing her toe pick into the ice, "You know usually I stand in one place and dig holes so I can watch people intentionally fall."

Nudging a shoulder Chloe wobbled around almost losing her footing and falling on her ass. But before that happened her hand was dropped and Beca gripped her upper arm, stilling her movements and stopping the fall before it happened.

"Sorry…" Chloe gave a wary smile, shoves and slaps needed to wait until they were off the ice, "Got a little over confident there."

"It's cool, I told you I'm not going to let you fall," Beca simply stated giving a quick kiss, "How about we start moving a little yeah," She waited until she got a single head nod before briefly explaining how they needed to stay relaxed, bend their knees and slightly lean forward, "Good, great, now when you're ready use your dominant foot and push off while keeping the other one steady."

Chloe closely followed the instructions, barely moving an inch she looked up helplessly and shrugged.

"You're doing great," Beca added, "But this time pretend you're riding a scooter and my arm is the handle bar."

Concentrating Chloe clamped down on her girlfriends arm giving an apologetic frown, but god Beca was being so amazing, that smile never faltered even though she was probably cutting off circulation. All Beca did was whisper reassurances that it was ok and encouraged her to continue when ready.

After a few tries Chloe had successfully moved about ten feet and she excitedly asked, "How was that?"

Beca laughed, she'd done most of the pushing, but Chloe was really trying and it was for lack of a better word, adorable, "It was perfect," Moving closer she adjusted Chloe's back to a more comfortable upright position instead of hunched over. Pecking her girlfriends lips she added, "You're doing great, you'll be skating circles around me in no time."

"Well I've got a great teacher," Chloe brightly said.

"Well when you're good you're good."

"I've heard that before," Chloe replied playfully rolling her eyes.

"Um yeah every time we're in bed," Beca deadpanned.

"Confident much Mitchell?"

Holding up her free hand Beca stopped the comment she knew was coming, "I know you love complimenting my sexual prowess," She watched Chloe throw her head back and laugh, it seemed like the fear from before was gone and she was relieved because now they could start having fun, "But we're on a mission to get you ice skating Beale! Now…" Returning to her calm demeanor she stated, "We can't let one leg do all the work so alternate your feet making short, slow strides," Chloe easily followed her demonstration and she grinned, "Good, just remember to shift your weight and stop whenever you need to."

Chloe didn't reply, instead she searched out Beca's hand and concentrated on skating. She wasn't exactly graceful and more than once her skates got caught making her legs go in opposite directions, but she never hit the ground, Beca always caught her before the inevitable face plant. Beca is such an amazing, kind and caring person and if she hadn't already fallen in love with this wonderful woman then she definitely would've tonight. Beca's guarded exterior and walls were gone, which never happened around strangers let alone in a crowded ice skating rink. What everyone was seeing right now was someone so tender and so caring and it's for her and only her. People are seeing the Beca she sees every day, the person she fell in love with and she's glad they are, because damn did it feel good to be in love with Beca Mitchell and have everyone know it.

Tearing her eyes away from the ice Chloe stopped and looked over at her girlfriend, "I'm sorry what?"

"I said," Beca paused, the concentration written on Chloe's face was so hot and it was doing things to her. She shook away the haze, "We're halfway through our second lap, you're practically a pro," Surprisingly Chloe picked up skating really fast and she didn't have to give more than a little guidance. Sure there were still some unsteady and white knuckle moments, but with each passing minute her girlfriend was gaining confidence. Pointing to her left she smiled, "But I think we should take a break and look at that, because that is one amazing sight."

Moving Beca out of the way with the best push she could muster, Chloe kind of stood there staring in silence. Across the ice was the huge gold statue of Prometheus illuminated in bright white lights, but her eyes didn't linger long, because they were naturally drawn up to the beautiful Christmas tree they'd been standing next to earlier. If she thought the tree was big before well now it was enormous and even more beautiful and spectacular from this angle. It was like something straight out of a movie, the tree was shimmering, glowing almost, it was magical and definitely a major highlight of their night.

"See I told you there'd be a grand finale," Chloe teased eyes never moving from the tree because it was too pretty to look away.

"Yeah no shit," Beca said in awe leaning against the railing and looking up, "I'm so glad you pretended to be afraid of skating, I knew it was just a ploy to make me hold your hand, just so we could see this tree from every angle," She could hear the faint giggles and out of the corner of her eye could see that brilliant smile she fell in love with, "I'm such a sucker for you."

"You'll get no argument from me about that babe…"

Turning to face her girlfriend Beca got an idea, "Can we try something?"

"Sure," Chloe was a little worried when her hands were removed from the railing, but those grey-blue eyes assured her everything would be fine.

Moving behind Chloe, Beca snaked her arms around the small waist, "Just relax I'll do all the work…" Looking both ways she waited for a sizeable gap in the people then pushed away from the wall and let them glide a few feet, "We're not going to the middle," Feeling Chloe tense up she slowly brought them to a stop, "Just far enough to make a Kodak moment," She finished after successfully positioning them with their backs to the tree, "Now where's your phone?"

"Front left inside pocket," Chloe felt a hand unzip her jacket, then reach in and feel around for a few seconds. Elbowing a stomach she heard a whiney protest, "Quit getting fresh Mitchell, I said pocket not boob."

"Oh whatever," Beca laughed removing the phone. She wasn't passing up the opportunity to cop a free feel, she wasn't stupid, "My hand slipped."

"Bullshit…"

"Such language Beale," Unlocking the phone Beca groaned at its newest background picture. She was asleep with a set of reindeer antlers on top of her head and wore a big red clown nose, "Why must you do this to me woman?"

Chloe burst out laughing, she'd done that on a whim, "Because you looked so cute."

"No," Beca forcefully stated, "I look like the reindeer reject who got drunk at the bar last night because they didn't get picked for Santa's sleigh."

"Oh hush…You better be careful or you'll be on his naughty list," Chloe bouncily scolded drumming her girlfriends nose with two fingers then kissing the side of her mouth, "You don't want to get lumps of coal in your stocking."

Tapping on the camera app Beca totally disregarded that last statement, she wasn't going to feed into it, "Anyways, smile…" At the last second she pulled an overly exasperated face with half a dramatic eye roll, while Chloe sported her signature picture perfect megawatt grin, "See…" She laughed at the awesome picture with the tree behind them, "Totally sums up our night, it's perfect."

"Babe no, be serious," Although Chloe loved it she also wanted a nice one, "Try again."

"Ok fine," Resting her chin on Chloe's shoulder Beca smiled, "Ready, say cheese…" Hearing the word repeated she quickly closed her eyes and made it look like she was passed out asleep, complete with her mouth hanging open, "How's that?"

"I swear to god Beca Mitchell," If Chloe had enough balance and skill to turn and deliver a punch, she would, no questions asked. Instead she settled on a using her teacher voice, "Can we please have a couple of pictures for our holiday card that I'm sending the Bellas where you don't look like the immature adolescent that you are?"

"Yes ma'am," Beca stated instantly sobering up from the stern tone, "I promise to not be a weirdo this time."

"Good, now take the damn picture," Chloe scolded and immediately Beca put on her usual endearing smile, leaned in so they were cheek-to-cheek and finally took a normal photo with the tree and buildings displayed behind them, "Now was that so hard?"

Chloe couldn't see it, but she felt the shrug and she heard the whispered, "I guess not."

"Hey lady," Chloe looked down to find the little girl in the purple jacket from earlier brightly smiling up at them and now she had a companion with her.

"Oh hello," Chloe answered with a smile. The pair looked like they were brother and sister and the boy seemed somewhat aggravated to be there, "I'm sorry we'll get out of your way."

The pair shook their heads and this time the boy spoke, "No, our parents sent us over to see if you wanted us to take your picture? I'm twelve and she's six and we know how to work an iPhone."

"Why doesn't that surprise me," Beca mumbled as she scanned the crowd and saw a couple waving at them. Giving them a thumbs up she grinned, "Are those them?"

"Yep," The two said in unison and then the boy held out his hand, "So do you want a picture or not?"

Beca narrowed her eyes at the irritated tone, "Well aren't you bossy?"

"Bec, be nice and lets take a quick picture," Chloe held back a laugh as her girlfriend groaned and tapped in the passcode to her phone before handing it over, "Thank you."

The boy, who Beca was quickly becoming annoyed with started laughing at the background picture, "You look like a nerd."

"Excuse you," Beca moved around Chloe who was covering her mouth attempting to hide her laughter. Shooting a quick glare at the redhead she relinked their fingers then turned and raised an eyebrow at the boy, "That's no way to talk to adults little dude."

"You look twelve and aren't much taller than me," He added making his sister mimic Chloe's stance by covering her mouth as the two continued to laugh.

Chloe was only stirring the pot and Beca was getting ticked off, "Hey!"

"You look more like a sixth grader than a grownup…"

Beca reeled back as she watched two sets of eyes shift between her and the boy, pointing at her girlfriend she asked, "Are you listening to this punk kid Chlo?"

"He's kinda right," Chloe laughed winking at the little girl.

"I swear I can't with you sometimes," Beca chided tossing her hands out in exasperation as Chloe and the little girl laughed harder. Turning back to the boy she scowled down at him, "Why are you even here if you don't want to be?"

The boy nudged his sister, "It was her idea and she wasn't allowed to go by herself."

At least the kids took stranger danger seriously, although Beca doesn't really know why anyone would want to steal this little asshole, "At least she's cute, but you, well you're just…"

"Ok guys, no fighting," Chloe cut in, it was like she was back in school scolding her students. Yet this time it was a little frightening, but stull just as comical, because the one to her left was on the verge to dropping a few F-bombs and the other looked ready to throw a stomach punch that was at the perfect height, "Let's take some pictures then we'll all go our separate ways."

The two watched the boy lift the camera and give them a count down as they setup for the first pose. It was simple, Chloe draped her arms around Beca's neck then pressed a smiled kiss to the cheek of her equally smiling girlfriend. The next one they each lifted a foot off the ice, rested their foreheads together and smiled. She almost busted her ass on that one, but Beca's arms wrapped around her waist, scooping her up and off her feet before that happened. As she stretched her neck to give a thank you kiss she swears she heard another click of the camera. She instantly knew that was going to be her favorite picture of the night, because it was unexpected and spontaneous and perfectly them.

"Wait one more," Beca called out setting Chloe's feet back on the ice.

Beca didn't allow the arms around her midsection to move and without warning she wrapped hers around Chloe's head, used her fingers to keep it steady then stuck out her tongue and licked up the side of her girlfriends face from chin to cheekbone. She didn't even have say take the damn picture because she heard the perfectly timed click. Dropping her arms she reattached their fingers and winked at the little girl who began laughing again.

"What the hell Beca," Chloe asked. She was stunned that something that outrageous just took place on a crowded ice skating rink.

Bowing and waving her free hand at the same time Beca made the little girl laugh uncontrollably, "Chloe loves me."

"Actually," Chloe leaned forward and wiped her wet cheek up and down Beca's face. She could tell that her retaliation was unexpected when the brunette almost fell over. Laughing she added, "I think she's an idiot."

"Dude, that's fucking gross," Beca scrunched up her nose struggling to use Chloe's scarf as a towel.

"Whatever Mitchell," Chloe laughed taking her phone back and pocketing it. She could easily turn this very sexual just like last time, but refrained, because there were innocent children's ears around, "Thanks so much guys."

"Your welcome," The little girl finally said then pointed to Beca, "She's funny."

Chloe nodded squeezing her girlfriend's hand, "Yeah she is and I love her lots."

"You're hair's pretty," The girl added quickly than skated off before Chloe could even reply.

Standing up Beca squared her shoulders and sized the boy up in an intimidating way before asking, "Is there something you needed dude?"

"Yeah," He easily stated crossing his arms, "Your girlfriend sucks at skating, it takes you guys thirty minutes to do a single lap."

Chloe saw Beca's jaw clench and she just prayed that whatever happened next wouldn't cause a scene. It was kind of rude of him to say something like that and it kind of hurt her feelings. She was proud of the progress she'd made and Beca had been nothing but supportive and reassuring allowing her to set the pace the whole time they'd been out here. Half an hour was a bit of an exaggeration, but so what if it did take them that long to go one lap, they were having fun, they were laughing and genuinely just enjoying their time together because they were in no hurry.

Dropping their joined hands Beca motioned the kid closer and crouched down to meet him at eye level. Plastering on a fake smile she spoke though gritted teeth, "Now listen here you little shit," Glancing around she noted how his parents weren't paying attention to them, "This is only her second time skating so you don't get to say things like that, you don't get to make fun of her, because I won't allow it. You can make fun of me all you want, but you will leave her alone. Nobody makes fun of my girlfriend and if I hear you say another thing to her, even if it's just bye, there will be consequences. Am I understood?"

Seriously Beca didn't know why this kid was still hanging around, he was just smugly staring at her and it was infuriating.

"Whatever, I doubt you'd do much damage?"

Beca's knuckles went white as her fingers dug into her thighs at the blatant disregard for her previous comments, "I'll say it again, just in case you missed it, I love this girl more than anything and I will not tolerate you even looking at her wrong, so I suggest you leave."

"And if I don't," He asked in a sickeningly taunting way that made Beca want to reach out and smack the shit out of him.

Despite her better judgment Beca reached out and flicked the boy's forehead right between his the eyes making him stumble back, "I said run along."

Chloe didn't say a single word, it was so hot watching Beca stick up for her, even if it was against a twelve year old with an attitude. She gave an overly pleased smile when the kid finally started moving away from them.

"Hey kid," Beca called out and she could've sworn she just got the middle finger in retaliation, so she added a, "Santa's not real," In a chipper tone while waving, "I'll just let that sink in…"

"Beca I can't believe you said that to him," Chloe chastised hiding a grin while her girlfriend just stared at her in a totally what-the-fuck-was-I-supposed-to-say type of way, "You can't crush kids dreams just because you're mad," Something like that scars a kid for a couple years, at least that was her experience. Kissing a cheek she happily sighed, "But thank you anyways."

Beca just shrugged, "Hey we all gotta find out some time, his day happened to be today."

"You are awful…"

"Yeah well you love me and nobody makes fun of my girl," Beca adjusted her beanie as they started moving again. They were almost back to the railing when she felt a tug on her hand, "What's up?"

Chloe smiled, "I do love you and…" She tested her footing, it seemed steadier and she was ready to try something new, "I'm ready to give it a go without holding on to anything other than your hand."

"You sure," A slow smile crept up her face when Beca got an energetic nod, "We won't venture far away from the side until you're ready and we'll go at your speed."

"That's all I need," Getting a wink Chloe pushed off with her right foot and Beca easily countered.

A/N #2:

Thanks for reading! I hope you guys liked it, let me know...

Like I said before there will be more ice skating (I mean they haven't fallen down yet haha) and the rest of their first Christmas isn't over yet! Part 2 is on the way! Plus you guys are getting a bonus M rated section because I feel like I need to make up my prolonged absence in some way...

I hope you liked how I switched up the better skater of the two. I just thought it be fun to see Beca good at something like skating as opposed to Chloe. We see a lot of Beca's fears so I just thought this would be a great opportunity to show one of Chloe's and do my own take on the scar that BSnow has. It just fit!

You guys response to this fic has been more than I could ever imagine every time I get a PM, review, favorite or follow I'm totally at a loss for words. I seriously can't thank you guys enough, every word of encouragement really means so much to me, even if it's a simple "I loved it" or the lengthy story like reviews detailing exactly what you loved or hated...I just love love love hearing what you guys have think or have to say and I know it takes me forever to get back to you sometimes and i feel bad there's some reviews I never got a chance to respond, but know that I've read each and every one and they holds a special place in my heart. In fact I keep them all in my in box until I post a new chapter for motivation!

So like I said the next chapter will be Part 2 and M rated, so it's already written I just need to do a major edit, but you'll get it sooner rather than later!

Finally, as always, if you got any ideas for what you want to see send them my way or if you just want to chat PM me!

Until Next Time...