Paper Rings
Rated:T
Description: Beca Mitchell never put much stock in getting married. That is until she met Chloe Beale. Now she'll do whatever is needed to make Chloe her's. Follow Beca on her journey to making that come true.
Beca had never imagined wanting to get married or start a family. That was never something she wanted. That is until she met Chloe Beale in her first year at Barden University.
Their love story had been a strange one. They danced around their feelings for close to five years. But one night during the USO tour the truth came out. They'd been together since.
That was four years ago.
But now, Beca knew that she would always love Chloe. That she was her person.
Beca didn't care about marriage, to her it was really just a piece of paper. But Chloe did care. It was always a dream of hers to get married and Beca knew it.
Chloe had told her many times that she didn't really care. That as long as she was with Beca she was okay. But Beca would do anything to make her happy.
So now she stood in a Jewelry store, looking down at engagement rings.
"How may I help you?" A man asked as he walked up to her.
"I need an engagement ring for my girlfriend." Beca explained. She had a pretty good idea what kind of ring Chloe would want, thanks to Aubrey who agreed to help the clueless producer.
She showed him a picture of the ring she had drawn. "Something like this."
"That's very beautiful. Did you draw this yourself?" He asked as he smiled at it.
"Yeah." Beca nodded her head.
"She's a very lucky woman." The jeweler explained. "I have something similar to this actually."
He motioned for Beca to follow him over to a different glass case. He pulled one out and handed it to her.
She smiled down at it. It was relatively the same except for some of the more decorative details on the side.
Beca could imagine this ring on Chloe's finger. She could see it.
"What do you think?" He asked.
"It's beautiful." Beca grined, unable to look away from it.
"What is your price rang looking at?" He asked.
"Price isn't an issue. I want the best." Beca stated without hesitating. Being an artist and producer did have perks. She wanted to give Chloe the absolute best. She deserved nothing less.
"If you were to want to, we could customize and build the ring you want." He explained. "It's a lot more expensive but you could make that picture a reality."
Beca looked at him. "How long does that usually take?"
"It can take up to three months. But more often then not it's only a month." He explained.
Beca nodded her head. She wanted to propose on their fifth anniversary which was a month and a half away. However, if she did have to wait to put this image into a reality, she would do it.
"Yeah, let's do it." Beca nodded her head.
Beca and the guy sat down and converted her dream on paper into a 3D model on the computer. It honestly looked even better like that then what she and Aubrey had come up with.
Once they finished she couldn't help but feel the excitement coursing through her. She knew that Chloe would love it.
"It's amazing." Beca breathed out.
"How long have you and Chloe been together?" He asked. Beca had talked about her the whole time they were designing it.
"It'll be five years next month but we've known each other for nearly 11." Beca explained.
"She's a very lucky woman." He smiled.
Beca shook her head. "I'm the lucky one."
"Well, I will definitely make sure this ring is everything you wanted and more." He smiled at her brightly. "I'll call you if we have any questions and when we get it in."
"Thank you!" Beca stood up. "Would it be possible to get a print out of the ring?"
He smiled, "Of course."
After printing off the picture Beca made her way out of the shop and pulled her phone out. Dialing Aubrey's number she waited.
"Hey, did you do it?" Aubrey's voice filled her ears after a few rings.
"Yeah, I just had him do a custom ring. It actually looks really great." Beca explained. "I'll send you a picture of what it's going to look like. I just really hope she likes it."
"Beca, you could give her a paper ring and she'd cry because of how happy she is. She just wants you." Aubrey stated.
Beca knew she was telling the truth. "I just want it to be perfect."
"It will be." Aubrey promised.
Beca and Aubrey had talked a lot during this whole ordeal. Beca actually turned to Aubrey the first time she realized she wanted to ask Chloe to marry her.
She's the one who's been helping Beca through all of it.
"Have you called her parents yet?" Aubrey asked. Beca knew that it was old fashioned and traditionalist but also knew that that's what Chloe would want, was for her to ask her dads permission. It had nothing to do with getting his approval and everything to do with making Chloe happy.
"I'm actually flying out there next week." Beca explained. "I'm going for work stuff but I'm gunna stop by and take them to dinner. Ask them there."
"Look at you being the romantic." Aubrey laughed.
"Shut up, Posen…" Beca grumbled. This caused Aubrey to laugh.
"So when do you get it?" Aubrey asked curiously.
"Anytime in the next month to month and a half, hopefully." Beca explained.
"Cutting it close to your anniversary." Aubrey observed. "But it'll work out, I know it."
"Yeah, and even if it is a bit late, I'll still make it work." Beca promised. "You're still gunna fly out for it right?"
"Yeah, I wouldn't miss it." Aubrey explained. "It's gunna be such a shock to Chleo that we were actually able to do this together."
Beca and Aubrey laughed over the phone. "First time for everything, Posen."
"True. Well I need to get back to work but make sure you send that picture and keep me updated on how everything goes." Aubrey explained.
"Will do, talk to you later, Bree." Beca hung up the phone and quickly sent the picture to Aubrey, making sure she pushed the right contact.
The next week flew by in a rush and soon Beca found herself walking off of a plane in New York City. This was where she would be doing interviews for her upcoming album as well as (an arguably more importantly) be talk to Chloe's parents. They moved to New York a few years ago and had agreed to meet Beca for dinner, without telling Chloe.
She an interview tomorrow morning for Good Morning America, and then would spend the a few hours doing news paper and magazine interviews. After that she would be allowed to have some time off and that's when she would go have dinner with Shane and Michelle Beale.
Beca pulled her phone out once she got her bag from baggage claim and dialed her girlfriends number.
"Hey, baby! Did you make it to New York?" Chloe's cheerful voice filled Beca's ear and caused an instant smile to fill her face. Chloe always had that affect on her.
"Hey, yeah I made it." Beca explained. "Bit of turbulence in the middle but wasn't too bad."
"That's good, what are you doing today?" Chloe asked curiously.
"I'm having dinner with Jimmy Fallon and his wife." Beca explained. "Theo is gunna be there too."
"Oh that's so cool!" Chloe answered excitedly. "Make sure you get a picture with him! Arent you interviewing with him not tomorrow night but the night after?"
"Yeah, he's my last interview in New York, then I'll be home." Beca explained. She hadn't seen Chloe in a few days since she first stopped in Miami last week for some last minute press opportunities. She was extremely excited to see the red head again and be able to wrap her arms around her. "I miss you so much, Chloe."
"I miss you too, baby." Chloe sighed. "But you'll be home in a few days. How much more press stuff do you have to do after this?"
"The rest of the press tour is going to be from LA. Until the album comes out at least." Beca explained. "But then I'm dragging your ass to the UK with me for the press tour over there."
"Ugh… If I have to." Chloe wasn't much of a sarcastic person but when she pulled it out Beca couldn't help but laugh and roll her eyes affectionately.
"I know, such a hard thing I'm asking of you." Beca laughed. "Hey, I gotta go, but I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay, I love you, Bec." Chloe reminded.
"I love you, Chlo." Beca smiled and hung up the phone. She slipped her sunglasses on and walked out of the front doors of the airport, being immediately bombarded by flashing lights of cameras and people shouting for her attention. Lucky for her, her good old friend, Jake Marshall was by her side and helping her through the crowd.
Normally Beca would make an attempt to stop and sign a few things and talk to some of the fans but they were on a tight schedule that just wouldn't permit it.
Beca turned and waved to everyone though before getting into the black car that was waiting for them.
Beca would never get used to complete strangers vying for her attention.
"Thanks, Jake." Beca smiled once he climbed into the passenger seat just in front of her.
"Sure thing, Beca. Let's get going." He explained.
Jake had been Beca's security leader since she first signed with Khalid. She didn't use him very often unless she was touring or doing press. Everyday life she was usually fine.
The dinner with Jimmy and his wife was great. She always enjoyed spending time with the late night host and was looking forward to seeing him in a few days. The following mornings interviews went well as well.
GMA was always an interesting experience for her… She sang one of her most favorite songs from the album on the show. It was the first time she'd ever publicly performed it and it went really well.
The media interviews were boring and she was answering the same questions over and over again but it was no big deal and soon was over.
Now, Beca stood in front of the full length mirror in her hotel room feeling more nervous right now then she had all day, which was saying something since she performed on national television that morning…
She smiled. This should be easy, right.
She'd spent time with Shane and Michelle so many times, but she'd never done it alone and never with the intension of asking such a huge question.
Beca honestly didn't know what she would do if they said no… Aubrey had assured her that they wouldn't. She had assured her that they loved her and knew that Chloe was happy with her. But still… what if they said no…
Shaking her head Beca kicked all the worry out of her brain. She had to get moving or she'd be late for dinner and that definitely wouldn't look good.
Calling for her ride, Beca made her way down to the lobby of the hotel and into the town car that stood waiting for her. She had told Jake to take the night off as she doubted she would need his assistance tonight.
Beca purposefully made sure she would be ealy as she wanted to be there before the Beale's.
They arrived at the restaurant not that long after Beca.
Shane Beale was a tall man with dark brown hair, that was now starting to gray. He had worked in law enforcement and served as a Prison Guard for many years.
Michelle Beale was an average size woman with red hair and sky blue eyes, just like Chloe's. She worked as a Special Education teacher at a High School and had one of the kindest hearts Beca had ever seen, only rivaled by her daughters.
"Beca, it's so good to see you!" Michelle pulled Beca into a hug, which the Producer returned, smiling as she did so.
"It's so good to see you too, Michelle." Beca pulled apart and stuck her hand out for Shane, who ignored it and pulled her into a hug as well.
"Beca, I'm glad you made the time to see us." Shane explained as she pulled away.
All three of them took their seats and began to talk easily.
"We watched you on Good Morning America, this morning and you did amazing, dear." Michelle gushed. "We're just so proud of you!"
Beca smiled sheepishly. "Thank you."
"That song you sang, remind me what it's called again." Shane asked curiously.
"It's called If the World Was Ending." Beca explained. "It's actually a duet on the album with JP Saxe but for the show I sang it alone."
"It was absolutely beautiful!" Michelle complimented. Shane nodded his head in agreement.
"Thank you both! It means a lot." Beca smiled brightly.
"So how's Chloe doing?" The older red head asked.
"She's good! She's really loving the students in her music class this semester." Beca explained.
Chloe got her teaching degree at the end of last year and had been teaching music and choir at one of the local schools teaching kids 6th through 8th grade.
"She seemed really happy when we talked with her last." Shane explained. "It's good to hear that it's not just a front."
Beca nodded her head. "As far as I can tell she's as happy as ever."
The conversation continued to flow effortlessly throughout the dinner. Beca's nerves began to lessen with each passing moment.
It wasn't until there was a break in the conversation that Beca remembered the purpose behind the dinner. This caused her anxiety to sky rocket again.
"So, Beca. I have a feeling that this dinner wasn't purely to catch up." Shane explained, almost as if he could read Beca's mind.
"Shane…" Michelle reprimanded her husband but Beca waved it off.
"No, if I'm being completely honest, I do have something I'd like to talk to you both about." Beca explained. She looked back and forth between the two incredible people who raised the love of her life. Suddenly the fear and anxiety washed away. "Shane, Michelle, I love Chloe very much. I think you both know that."
The couple both nodded and continued to watch Beca as she spoke.
"She makes me happier then anyone I've ever met. And I hope she can say the same thing about me." Beca stated. "I want Chloe to have the best life possible, she deserves it. And I know that one way of making sure all of her hopes and dreams come true is marriage."
Neither Shane nor Michelle seemed shocked by Beca's words and they didn't seem upset either so Beca continued.
"I uh I guess what I'm saying is, if you'd allow me to, I'd like to ask Chloe to marry me." Beca stated.
A silence fell over the table for a moment before anyone spoke again.
"I would like nothing more." Shane stated and a smile broke across his face.
Michelle stood up and pulled Beca out of her chair and into a hug, tears falling down her face. "Oh you just made me so happy, Beca! I know you're going to be the best wife for our little girl."
Beca laughed and hugged back. Once she was released they all sat down again.
"So that's a yes?" Beca asked with an awkward laugh.
"Of course it's a yes." Shane chuckled. "And even if we said no, not that we would, Chloe would drop us faster then we could blink."
Beca laughed, not sure she could argue against that. Chloe was fiercely protective of Beca.
"So, when are you planning on doing it? Do you have the ring yet?" Michelle asked excitedly. It made Beca laugh because in that moment she reminded her so much of her girlfriend.
"Uh well I don't have the ring yet, but it's getting made and should be done within the next month or so." Beca explained. "If I get it in time, I'd like to ask her on our anniversary. And I'd like for you both to be there."
Shane spoke up this time. "We would love that."
"Do you have a picture of it?" Michelle asked excitedly. Beca laughed and pulled out her phone, passing it over to the woman. She gasped as she studied the ring. "Oh Beca… did you design this yourself?"
"Yeah, with Aubrey's help." Beca explained. "The diamond shape was her but the sides and engraving on the inside was me."
Michelle's eyes were brimmed with tears again. "She's going to love it!"
"I hope so." Beca smiled.
They finished dinner a little while later, all happy and excited.
Walking out together, Beca turned to them just before she got into the car that was waiting for her.
"I'll let you guys know what the plan is." Beca explained. "I really hope you can make it. I know Chloe would want to spend this moment with all the people she loves most."
"We wouldn't miss it for the world, Beca." Michelle promised before hugging her again.
Once she let go, she looked over at her husband and walked away just a little, allowing the two to be alone for a moment.
"Beca, I just want you to know how happy I am that it's you." Shane explained. "I was never sure what this day would feel like when someone came to me and asked to marry my Chlo-bug, but now that it's here and that it's you that's doing it, I couldn't be happier. You make her so happy. I know I can trust you with her."
Beca felt the tears sting behind her eyes. "I will do everything I can to make sure Chloe has the best life possible."
"I know you will." Shane nodded his head. "Thank you for being such a good partner and best friend to her. You changed her life, Beca."
"She changed mine, Shane." Beca countered.
Shane laughed lightly. "That's what a relationship is all about. Not one trying to change the other, but both changing together. Both bringing the best out in each other. You and Chloe do that for one another. It's a rare, beautiful thing."
Shane was about to turn around to reconnect with his wife but stopped. "I know you didn't have to ask me. But I'm glad you did."
"I wouldn't have had it any other way." Beca smiled back. "I just ask that you don't mention our dinner to Chloe, at least not yet anyway."
"Of course, dear." Michelle pipped in. "Darling, we should get going, Beca has had a long day and needs her sleep."
Beca laughed. "It was great to see you both. Thank you for meeting me for dinner."
"Have a safe rest of your press tour, Beca. We expect a signed, hand delivered copy of your newest album.
Beca laughed. "I think that's something I can do."
They bid their farewells and Beca climbed back into the car, feeling amazing.
She was one step closer to making Chloe her wife, and the closer she got, the more she realized this was something she wanted too. She wasn't just doing it because it would make Chloe happy. She was doing it because it would make her happy as well.
*paperrings*
Beca stood nervously in her room, the small, black velvet box in her hand. She had gotten it a week ago and today was the day of hers and Chloe's fifth anniversary.
They had both agreed to not make it a huge deal. Beca was super busy with the press tour and the looming album release date that was just around he corner.
So they had decided just to hang out at home after Chloe got off work.
Little did Chloe know her boss, who was aiding Beca, would call an emergency meeting with the music department. All the other teachers in the music department being in on the whole thing as well.
This would allow Beca time to get everything set up for the evening.
Chloe's parents and Aubrey would be arriving within the hour and for now Beca set up the lights that she and Bree had agreed on.
Emily and Benji were there helping her set it all up and had forced her to go and get ready while they finished up the lights.
So that's what she did. And now she stood in her bathroom, completely ready and staring at the box that held the ring.
It had turned out better then Beca could have imagined.
Just then Beca felt her phone vibrate. She pulled it out and saw it was a text from Chloe.
Chlo: Jackson pulled the music department into an emergency meeting, I'm going to be late. I'm so sorry baby…
Becs: Hey, it's okay. I took the weekend off remember? We have plenty of time to celebrate our anniversary. Do what you need to.
That was true. Beca had taken the weekend off, but it wasn't solely because of the anniversary…
Chlo: I love you, I'll let you know when I'm on my way home.
Becs: I love you too! Stop stressing, Chlo. It's really no big deal.
Chloe set back a simple smiley face.
Beca put her phone away and headed downstairs, just in time to hear the doorbell ring.
She was beaten to the door by Emily. Standing there was Aubrey and Chloe's parents.
"Hey," Beca smiled brightly at them.
"What can we do to help, Shorty?" Aubrey asked with a smirk. Beca shook her head.
"Can you help Emily finish with the lights?" Beca asked. "I'm going to hang up the pictures, Shane, Michelle if you want to help with that, it would mean a lot."
They all set to work to make the night as magical as possible for their favorite red head.
A little while later Beca put the finishing touches on the pictures that hung from the tree, and were illuminated by the twinkly lights. She stood back and smiled. There was a small table under the tree that held a picture of Beca and Chloe on their one year anniversary of dating, next to it was one of their second year, then third year, and finally last years. It made Beca smile to see just how happy they continued to be in their relationship.
Sure, things hadn't always been easy. Beca's career had put a lot of stress on them and their relationship. It still did. But they always managed to figure it out, together. And they always came out of those moments of weakness stronger. Both as individuals and as a couple.
"She's on her way." Aubrey explained to Beca, snapping her out of her thoughts.
Beca turned to Aubrey and smiled. She thought she would be nervous. She thought she would be struggling more then she was. But all she felt was calm.
"Thank you for being here, Bree." Beca smiled at her. The smile was a genuine one and it was returned by a genuine one from Aubrey.
"Of course, Beca." Aubrey nodded her head. "I wouldn't miss this for anything. It's not everyday two of your closest friends get engaged."
Beca nodded.
"Get into place. Shane and Michelle will meet her at the door." Aubrey ordered, going back to her usual self.
Beca had planned to have Shane and Michelle meet Chloe at the door, and bring her out. Aubrey would be recording the whole thing, knowing Chloe would want it. Emily was taking pictures and Benji was helping with the music that would be softly playing in the background. Because this was Beca after all. Music was a necessity.
Beca stood over by the table and shook out her limbs. Tonight her life was going to change forever but all at the same time, stay the same…
Chloe's POV
Chloe was so annoyed. The emergency meeting was just the dumbest thing ever. Jackson had talked about nothing at all… All she wanted was to be home with her girlfriend, celebrate their anniversary with carbs and sex and alcohol. Was that so much to ask?
She pulled out her keys and unlocked the door to their house with ease.
The lights were off, which confused Chloe. Usually Beca had this habit of leaving ever light on in the house.
"Baby, I'm home!" She called as she went about her nightly routine of putting her purse and keys away. She walked further in but was surprised to see her parents standing in the living room.
"Oh my god, mom, dad! What are you doing here?!" Chloe rushed to her parents and pulled them into a hug.
"Hi Chlo." Her mom smiled at her.
"What are…" Chloe began but was cut off.
"Beca asked us to come." Shane answered, knowing the question she was going to ask.
"What? Why?" Chloe asked confused. "Where is Beca?"
"She's waiting for you," Michelle explained. "Come with us."
Chloe was so confused. What the hell was happening?
Her mom and dad turned toward the back door of the house, that led into hers and Beca's back yard. Shane held his elbow out for Chloe to take and she did so hesitantly. Michelle took her daughters other hand in her own. It was then that Chloe noticed Aubrey for the first time.
"Bree?" Chloe asked… "What in the world is happening right now?"
"You'll see." Bree smiled brightly.
Aubrey had her phone out and pointed directly at Chloe. Why was she recording this?
The door to the back porch opened and Chloe saw that Benji was standing there having been the one to open it. He was standing in the way so she couldn't quite see what was happening on the other side but could see a soft glow of light.
Once they walked through the door, Chloe gasped.
Her eyes wandered over her transformed backyard. It was straight out of a movie…
Her eyes landed on Beca, standing underneath the large tree and around her were pictures and lights hung from branches.
The brunette was smiling brightly at her.
Chloe looked at her parents and to her best friend, tears brimming her eyes.
Could this be what she thought it was?
They walked forward until they were at the edge of the tree. Beca stepped forward.
"Hi, baby." She smiled brightly at the confused red head.
"Hi…" Chloe smiled back.
Beca reached out her hand for her girlfriend to take, which she did.
She looked back at her parents and her dad just simply nodded.
"Follow me?" Beca asked. Chloe of course did and they walked over to where Beca had just been standing not that long ago.
Chloe smiled as she took in the pictures. The ones hanging up were of Chloe, Beca and their family. The Bellas, Chloe's family, Beca's family, some of just Chloe and Beca. The pictures on the table Chloe recognized instantly. Each one was taken on their anniversaries of each year. Chloe had insisted they take one.
"Hi." Beca smiled once Chloe's eyes landed on her again.
"Hi." Chloe breathed out, still in awe by the pure beauty of it all.
"You okay?" Beca asked. Of course Beca would be asking that right now.
"Yeah, I'm okay." Chloe smiled reassuringly.
"Chlo, I love you." Beca stated simply. "I love you so much, sometimes it hurts. The moment I met you I knew you would change my life forever. When we met at the activities fair I was so closed off and miserable. I was such a different person. Bitter and angry all the time. But you somehow saw past it all. You've always had this amazing ability to see the good in me, even when no one else could. You snuck past all my defenses without me even realizing it and I couldn't be more grateful for that."
Beca took in a deep breath. "You always believed in me and in my dreams. You pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me to grow beyond what I ever thought was possible. Chloe you saved me and you are the reason I have what I have now. You're my everything, Chlo. I spent so long chasing after a dream of being a music producer but once I had you in my life, you became the only thing I'd ever need again. You are the only thing I need. As long as you're by my side, I can do anything."
Chloe's eyes filled with tears as Beca spoke. She wanted so badly to say something but couldn't find her words.
"Chloe Marie Beale," Beca began, her voice wavering slightly with emotion. Chloe noticed movement from Beca's hand and gasped as she moved it into Chloe's line of sight. In her hand was a small, black velvet box. She met Beca's eyes for a moment. Beca smiled at her and lowered herself down so she was on one knee. "I love you. I will spend the rest of my life loving you. So, will you make that a little easier for me, and be my wife? Chloe will you marry me?"
A small sob escaped through Chloe's mouth.
She had always wanted this moment. The romantic gesture. The love in the air. The ring. But she had accepted that that wasn't what Beca wanted. She was fine with it too. She didn't need to be married to Beca to know that they were fully committed to each other. But she would be lying if she said she wasn't ecstatic right now…
"Oh my god…" Chloe breathed out. She looked down at Beca who had a smile playing on her lips. "Of course."
Beca's smile only grew wider.
"Of course, I'll marry you." Chloe pulled Beca to her feat and captured her lips in her own.
They pulled apart after awhile, Chloe letting out a small laugh.
"I love you." Beca breathed as she smiled so wide it filled her whole face.
"I love you so much, Beca." Chloe could feel the tears running down her cheeks, but she didn't care.
Beca smiled. "So, can I put this think on you?"
Chloe had honestly forgotten about the fact that Beca was holding a ring box. She hadn't even bothered to look down at it, to distracted by the woman she loved on one knee in front of her.
She looked down at the open box, her eyes taking in the full sight and gasped.
The ring was stunning. It was a simple, round diamond. The actual band of the ring was what caught her attention the most. The metal was breaded, with small gaps in each loop, small diamonds sat in the gaps, giving the ring a beautiful shine to it.
It was everything she'd ever wanted, honestly, she would have picked this ring out if she'd been shown it and 100 other rings.
But the thing she loved the most about the ring was what she saw engraved inside of the band.
Titanium
One word. But that one word spoke volumes to her.
Chloe put her hand out and allowed Beca to slide the ring onto it. She smiled down at it. Then looked up to the woman she loved more then anything else.
In that moment the ring could honestly have been paper, it wouldn't change how much this meant to her.
Beca Mitchell was going to be her wife. What more could a girl ask for?