Thanks for all the support last chapter!

Chapter 13

Beca is nervous.

Like, butterflies in her stomach, nervous.

Palms sweating and heart racing, nervous.

And really, she has no reason to be. But regardless, the closer she gets to Barden University, slightly more dressed up than usual with a black box in her jacket pocket and a small bouquet of roses and sunflowers in her hand, the more nervous she becomes.

Even through her nerves, though, she can't help but smile to herself as she steps off the bus when it pulls up to the stop outside Barden's main entrance, and her stomach settles just a little at the sight. She knows the anxiety will only dissipate more once she sees Chloe's face.

The face that she hasn't seen all day, despite talking on the phone as soon as she woke up this morning, on her lunch break, and before she was leaving. The face that she gets to stare at all night, never once ceasing to be amazed that she has been lucky enough to date this girl for an entire year.

And boy what a year it's been.

Exactly one year ago, she was spending the night in a hospital bed, Macy on one side of her, Chloe on the other. CR had been sitting in the chair beside them after spending two hours signing temporary-guardianship paperwork in one of the conference rooms on the floor. It had been a stressful day, but the two things that made it better, was the fact that Macy was safe and in her arms, and that Chloe had agreed to be her girlfriend.

Somehow, the most wonderful girl in the entire world, had decided to stick by Beca through some of the hardest moments of her life, and the brunette knows she's never going to be able to pay Chloe back. She still can't really fathom it, if she's honest with herself. She knows it was all luck, and maybe a little bit of fate if you believe in that sort of thing, but for some reason, Chloe is still here. Still beside her, and Beca knows she's the luckiest of them all.

The smile grows on her face as she approaches Chloe's building. She wants tonight to be perfect. A nice dinner at the restaurant they had their first date, and then a walk through downtown. It's a little cold, it being February and all, but the winter lights are still up on all the lampposts and Chloe loves to see those, and then they'll head back to the apartment for a night alone. Macy is staying with CR, Chloe finished her homework for the week and doesn't have any other pressing assignments, and it'll be just the two of them.

Beca, and the girl she has fallen so hard and so fast for. The girl that she knows she wants to spend the rest of her life with. There isn't a doubt in her mind.

While the year they've spent together hasn't been the easiest, its difficulties have come more from outside challenges than anything else. Challenges that would make typical eighteen-year-old college students run in the opposite direction. Challenges that made Beca question her capabilities and her sanity at times, challenges that Beca is sure would have crushed her without the redhead by her side.

Chloe never left, though. In fact, she made those challenges surmountable. She made them all but disappear. She has supported Beca through thick and thin, has proven to be this constant force in her life that she can rely on, and that she can love. She's her best friend.

It's kind of remarkable to think about the fact that only a little over four months prior to that fateful day at Jack's, Beca could barely look Chloe in the eye (not that that stopped her – who can avoid those piercing baby blues?). She remembers feeling so anxious around the effervescent redhead, yet so curious all at the same time. It had scared her, without a doubt. Coming straight from the whole Tyler-Tara situation and swearing to herself that she would never let anyone hurt her or Macy like that again, and then there was Chloe Beale… standing there in the guidance office in all her glory, that smile lighting up the dark cloud that had been hanging over Beca's head for so long.

Then somehow, Chloe managed to break down every single barrier that Beca had so meticulously placed around herself. It was like she wasn't even trying. Despite some preliminary challenges, Beca pretty much told Chloe what she wanted to know. She let her in. She allowed Chloe to be in her life – in Macy's – life, in a way that she had never allowed anyone to be in before.

It was terrifying, and exhilarating, and nerve-wracking all at the same time.

But she doesn't regret one second of it. At all.

And Beca will spend the rest of her life showing Chloe how much she means to her. She'll spend the rest of her life thanking her for breaking down those walls. She'll spend the rest of her life promising never to leave, promising to always be there for her, in the way that Chloe has this past year.

Beca will spend the rest of her life loving her more than anything, and that's a promise she'll take to the grave.

Beca takes a shaky breath, standing face-to-face with Chloe's closed door, the regular hustle and bustle of a Wednesday night happening around her in the hallway. She shakes out her hands a little, inhaling and exhaling in an effort to calm her racing heart, before straightening out her jacket, and bringing her fist to the barrier separating her and her girlfriend.

"I want to take you out on a date."

Chloe jumps slightly at the sudden voice, her eyebrows furrowed as she turns to face Beca, who has her little sister curled into her side. The television in CR's apartment is at a low enough volume that Chloe was hardly paying attention, getting lost in her own thoughts about upcoming homework assignments and various things she has to do before the school year ends. Granted, it is only March, so she still has a couple of months, but it's kind of hard not to think about the future and college when that's all your parents and teachers and any adults in your life are willing to talk to you about.

"What?"

Beca chuckles, continuing to run her fingers through Macy's curls. The girl has been sleeping for the past hour, not having gotten very much sleep the night before. It's been three weeks since Beca came home from the hospital and took up residence in one of CR's spare bedrooms. Without a doubt, both her and Macy are feeling the psychological effects of being taken out of yet another foster home. Though Beca won't admit it, she's exhausted, too. Her body took forever to heal, and the thoughts of Jack's hands and mouth all over her keep her up more often than she cares to admit. She knows that Chloe, Macy, and CR, are all aware of her exhaustion. If not for the shadows hanging under her eyes, than definitely because of the late night phone calls to the redhead's phone when she can't fall back asleep, or the cries that apparently wake up the entire apartment.

"I want to take you out on a date. A proper one. We've been dating for almost a month and I want to take you to dinner."

A small smile starts to widen on Chloe's face. They've both been so busy since the hospital – Beca most of all with school and the beginnings of the emancipation proceedings. She's simply been enjoying spending time with her and Macy at CR's apartment, getting any spare minute with the brunette that she can. "We've had dinner before, Bec."

"Yeah, but I mean going out. Getting dressed up, just the two of us, at a nice-ish restaurant, where I can tell you how beautiful you look and kiss you goodnight on your front porch."

Chloe casts a wary glance at the small twelve-year-old sleeping soundly in her sister's arms. The poor girl hasn't been the greatest with Beca leaving. Not to the extent that it was when they first came to Barden, but there is definitely some heightened anxiety and the occasional tear that sneaks out upon Beca saying goodbye. It's starting to get better, but Chloe is sure it's going to take at least a couple more weeks before she can start moving past the trauma. "What about Macy? I don't want to take you away from her."

Beca's heart melts at the question, because this is one of the things that she loves most about Chloe. The fact that she accepts everything about Beca – her life, her past, her sister – without question or hesitation. "She'll be okay for a couple of hours. I can ask CR to stay with her or maybe she can go over to Benji's… I'll have my phone on me, so even if something happens, we won't be unreachable."

It's not like Chloe has to contemplate it for very long. She knew what her answer was going to be before Beca even finished her question. But the fact that Beca wants to take her out, even with everything that's going on in her life right now, just further proves to Chloe how amazingly special the brunette is.

Beca breathes a sigh of relief as soon as the door swings open, Chloe standing in front of her looking as gorgeous as always, dressed in a light blue dress that makes her eyes shine brighter than Beca ever thought was possible.

She shakes her head in disbelief, a shy smile appearing on her face as she does so . "You look stunning."

Chloe chuckles, looking equally as starstruck at Beca, as Beca is at her. "You don't look too bad yourself."

Beca's heart rate slows at the normal banter, taking a step across the threshold to pull Chloe towards her until their lips connect, both of them savoring the connection. When they separate, Beca tucks a loose curl behind Chloe's ear, "Happy Anniversary, Chlo."

Chloe wraps her in an embrace, holding Beca tightly as she has been wishing to do since she woke up this morning. "Happy Anniversary, Bec."

"God, will you two get a room!"

Having been completely mesmerized by Chloe, Beca has been oblivious to the fact that both Stacie and Aubrey are in the room behind them. Beca jolts backward, resulting in the warm hug to end - much to both girls' dismay - and heat to rise in Beca's cheeks. She looks over Chloe's shoulder and glares at Stacie, who is drawing hearts in the air with her fingers, and Aubrey, who is shaking her head at Stacie's juvenile tendencies.

Resisting the urge to flip the leggy brunette off, Beca just focuses her attention on Chloe, handing over the bouquet. "These are for you."

If it's possible, Chloe melts even more, delicately taking the flowers and holding them to her nose to get a whiff of the soft smell. "They're beautiful. Thank you so much."

Aubrey pushes herself up from her desk chair, coming over to the couple. "Want me to find something to put them in?"

Despite not wanting to part with the roses, Chloe nods, giving them to her best friend. "Thanks, Bree."

As Aubrey retreats back into the room, laying the flowers delicately on her desk, Beca slips her hand into Chloe's. "You guys have any plans for tonight?"

Aubrey shrugs, leaning up against the bedpost next to Stacie after exchanging a quick glance with the other girl. "I have homework to finish up, but after that we might just watch a movie or something."

Stacie nods in agreement, "You know, a pretty rocking Wednesday."

Beca snorts. "Sounds it." She gives Chloe's hand a light squeeze, her smile widening at the redhead. "You ready to head out?"

"I just have to grab my bag." Chloe moves quickly to the other side of the dorm, grabbing her purse and shooting a smile to Aubrey and Stacie. "I'll see you guys tomorrow afternoon?"

"Oh, you're not coming back here tonight?" Stacie gives the couple a questioning glance, feigned innocence covering her expression. "Why not?"

Beca blushes once more, while Chloe just waves Stacie's question off with a light laugh and a flick of her hand. "Goodbye, Stace." She gives Aubrey a much more genuine smile. "Bye, Aubrey."

"Have fun, you two." The blonde waves them off as well, leaving Beca and Chloe to make their way out into the hallway, hand-in-hand.

Beca wipes her sweaty palm on the material of her black jeans. She grips Chloe's hand tightly, carefully approaching the hostess station.

The younger girl gives her a small smile, reminding Beca of herself when she's at Fig's. "Hi, table for two?"

Beca shakes her head, her heart pounding in her chest. How could it not? She has the most gorgeous girl standing beside her and she just wants this night to go perfectly. "Um, we have reservations. Under Mitchell."

The hostess glances briefly at her table settings before confirming with a nod. "Perfect, right this way."

The restaurant is dimly light, flickering candles positioned neatly in the center of each table and booth. Beca leads Chloe through the maze, the redhead glancing at her surroundings for the first time. Beca had confirmed with Lisa that Chloe has never been here before and had even come to scout out the location with Macy a few days ago when she made the reservations. It was on the fancy side, but not outrageously expensive, and seemed popular enough on Yelp to be considered as a respectable establishment.

When they get to their table, nestled against one of the side windows of the restaurant, Beca releases Chloe's hand, moving past the hostess to pull one of the chairs out. Chloe gives her a grateful smile, both of them thanking the girl for the menus, before Chloe starts to sit down. "How chivalrous."

Beca helps her to slide the chair back into its position closer to the table, before moving to her own seat, a grin on her face. "That's me."

Chloe continues to look around the restaurant, not even bothering to pick up her menu. "This place looks beautiful. How'd you find it?"

"Just the handy-dandy internet, and some input from some of the regulars at the diner." As Chloe's eyes wander, Beca focuses all of her attention on the redhead sitting in front of her. On the beauty and grace that is Chloe Beale. "I'm glad we're getting a chance to do this."

It's been almost four weeks since Beca first presented the request of wanting to take Chloe on a proper first date. But with Macy and trying to figure out a new routine in CR's apartment and already starting to drown in the legal and financial requirements necessary for the emancipation to go through, it's taken a little while for Beca to get her act together. Luckily, she finally put her foot down and asked for the night off at Fig's, said goodbye to Macy at the apartment under CR's care (with promises to answer any texts or calls, as well as being home before eleven), and here they are.

Chloe reaches out and takes Beca's hand across the table. "Me too. Although, you don't have to take me out to a nice dinner to woo me. I would've been fine eating pizza in CR's guest bedroom."

Beca turns her nose up, using her thumb to stroke the back of Chloe's hand. "Now, that doesn't sound like a way to impress you."

"You don't have to impress me; you already have me."

The corners of Beca's mouth tug upward, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. "And you, me."

"M'lady." As she did a little under a year ago, Beca pulls the chair out from under the same table they sat at during their first date.

Chloe grins, laughing at the gesture. "Why, thank you."

Beca plops down in her own chair, much less gracefully than she had helped Chloe to. "I have to tell you, the hostess looked at me kind of crazy when I requested this specific table with the reservation."

Chloe unfolds her napkin to lay it out on her lap. "Well, clearly she doesn't know the significance."

"Clearly." She meets Chloe's eyes, both girls having their mutual adoration shown back at the other person. "Did you have Bellas' rehearsal today?"

Despite the roughly ten minute walk from Barden to the restaurant, the pair had spent it mostly in silence, wrapped up in each other's arms. They were simply enjoying the other's presence, reminiscing in their own minds about how far they've come since meeting.

"Yeah, we didn't really do much, though." Something flashes across Chloe's face that Beca doesn't quite recognize, but the redhead recovers quickly, doing her best to change the subject as fast as possible. "Macy had another appointment with Dr. Hansen this afternoon, right?"

Beca nods, starting to flip through the menu, not bringing up the fact that Chloe completely changed the course of the conversation. Normally when she asks about the Bellas, Beca gets a full breakdown of each one of the girls on the team. What Fat Amy said, what Alice did, how Jessica and Ashley struggled with choreography. It's strange to have radio silence on the topic, especially since the semis were last weekend and she assumed their dictator of a captain would have them working three times as hard in preparation for the final competition at the end of May. "Yeah, she seems to like her. I mean, it's only her second appointment, but this is twice that she has come out looking… I don't know… lighter, maybe?"

"That's amazing, Bec. I'm so glad that it seems to be going well."

Beca lets out a sigh of relief, leaning back in her chair. "So am I. I was getting a little nervous after the third person was a bust, but Dr. Hansen seems good. Like she knows what she's talking about."

Chloe lays her menu back on the table, having easily decided on what she's getting. "And it's obvious Macy is already starting to trust her if she's already talking."

"Mhmm. She said she doesn't feel like she's analyzing her or whatever. That they're just having a conversation. It'll be good for her."

Chloe reaches across the table to take Beca's hand, giving it a small squeeze. "Well, I for one think you did a pretty amazing job getting her there."

"Are you nervous?"

Beca looks up from where she's been focusing on spinning her spaghetti on her fork. "Nervous? About what?"

Chloe takes a small sip of her water before answering. This night has been nothing short of perfect. Just sitting here with Beca, talking about anything and everything, it's been so blissful and unforgettable. "About the emancipation. About getting custody of Macy."

Wiping her mouth on her napkin, Beca doesn't hesitate to nod. "I'm terrified. I mean, it's been just me and her since I was ten, but this… this is me literally being her parent. I have a kid's life in my hands now."

Chloe lets out a small laugh, despite knowing that Beca's fears are completely valid. They've had shorter conversations about this same topic, but always right before bed or in passing when they both have other things that need to be done. The emancipation was decided so quickly: just about in the span of five minutes following Lisa's suggestion and Meghan's subsequent approval of the plan. While Chloe knows it's always been Beca's goal to get custody of her little sister, it became very real, very quickly.

"You're just what she needs. And you won't be alone. You have me, you have CR, my parents… you two have a whole team behind you. I'm not going anywhere, you know that. You're stuck with me, Mitchell."

Chloe's heart is pounding out of her chest. Not so much from nerves, but more so from excitement. She's been waiting to see Beca all week, waiting to tell her the news. She's just glad that she got said news only two days ago, because she doesn't think she'd be able to keep it a secret for much longer.

But here Beca is, looking as stunning as ever on the first anniversary of what Chloe knows will be a life-long relationship, and she's practically bursting at the seams. Their conversation has been flowing as easily as it always does, the topics switching from one to the next, filled with laughter and loving glances between the two. But her secret has been tugging at the back of her mind. The small box in her purse burning a hole through the material.

She watches as Beca leans back in her chair with a groan, separating herself from the small piece of chocolate cake that they've been sharing.

"I can't eat any more. That last one is all you."

Chloe grins, poking at the fudgy cake with her fork. "Oh, come on, you can't manage half of this last bite?"

Beca shakes her head violently, her loose curls bouncing back and forth as she does so. "Nope. I'm about two seconds away from unbuckling my pants."

"Beca!" Chloe manages through a laugh, glancing briefly at the other couples around them – all much older – to make sure no one heard.

The brunette grins, "I'll do it. You know I will."

Chloe raises an eyebrow in warning. Of course, she knows she will; she's done it before, the last time being at Thanksgiving with her entire family. "Don't you dare. We'll get kicked out and we'll never be able to come back even when we're sixty and in wheelchairs."

Beca doesn't even bother reminding her that she would simply be unbuttoning her pants, not taking them off. Instead, she focuses on the latter half of her statement. "You think we're going to be in wheelchairs when we're sixty?"

This results in a glare from the redhead. "You know what I mean. We're going to be banned, and our kids are going to be banned, and our kids' kids…"

"Kids' kids, huh?"

Chloe's cheeks flush lightly, realizing what she's said. They've talked about never leaving each other, they've talked about always being there for each other, but not very much past that. Certainly not about having kids. Or grandkids, for that matter. Sure, Chloe has always pictured herself as a mom, but Beca herself is practically one already. Who knows if she'll want to do it again. "Um – I mean – I…"

Letting out a hearty laugh, Beca recaptures Chloe's hand, once again rubbing her thumb over the soft skin. "Chlo, it's fine. I'm just giving you a hard time."

She grimaces slightly. "I didn't just freak you out?"

Beca sits back up in her chair. "With the grandchildren thing, maybe, just because that'll hopefully be very far down the road. But with the kid thing? No… I've thought about it, too."

Chloe's eyes widen in surprise, having been thinking this entire time that Beca was just focused on getting Macy through high school and out of her teenage years. "Really?"

With a small shrug, Beca answers. "I mean, yeah. I've seen you with your nephew and I know you've always wanted kids. Plus, why wouldn't I want to be a mom with you? You're the most loving, kind-hearted person in the world, Chlo. You'd be the best mom. Hands down."

While tears spring in her eyes, Chloe can't help but imagine her and Beca sitting in their kitchen ten or so years in the future, with their children running around just enjoying their childhood. As much as Beca thinks that Chloe will be the 'best mom', Chloe knows for a fact that Beca will be amazing herself. She's already seen it with how she acts with Macy.

Despite wanting to savor the moment, Beca is pretty sure that if she doesn't change the subject, she's going to end up saying something really cheesy and/or letting her emotions get the best of her. So, instead, she reaches into her pocket without any more hesitation, pushing the long box across the table to Chloe. "Happy Anniversary, Chlo."

Chloe quirks an eyebrow, her face softening. "You didn't have to get me a present, Beca."

She shakes her head. "Of course I did. It's our first anniversary." Beca gives Chloe a reassuring smile. "Go ahead. Open it."

Allowing the excitement to get the better of her, Chloe carefully slides the top of the box off. Her hand slowly comes to cover her mouth as she sees the silver necklace in front of her. "Oh, Bec…"

It's a simple chain, but the there's a twist of sorts with a sparkling diamond in the center. She knows that she shouldn't be thinking about the cost, but Chloe is sure it couldn't have been cheap, and with how much Beca's been struggling with her finances, she truly hopes that getting her this gift isn't going to set her back.

But, also knowing that if she were to say something, Beca would likely get a little annoyed and potentially offended, so Chloe just lifts her tear-filled eyes to Beca's. "It's gorgeous, Beca, thank you. So much."

Without a word, Beca stands from her seat, delicately lifting the necklace that took her over an hour to pick out and moving to place it on Chloe's neck. Chloe lifts her curls with one hand, touching the necklace lightly with her fingers as it falls against her chest. Her eyes flutter closed when Beca presses her lips to the top of her head, her whisper being the only sound that reaches the redhead's ears.

"Not as gorgeous as you."

When Beca sits back down, Chloe takes a deep breath, not being able to hold her own surprise in any longer. "Okay. Can I give you your gift now?"

Beca lets out a small laugh. "Sure."

Not having waited for Beca's answer, Chloe slides a small white box with a blue ribbon around it, as well as a sealed orange envelope over to Beca. "You have to open the box first."

Beca purses her lips slightly, lifting up the box and shaking it lightly by her ear, noticing almost immediately how empty it feels. Beca catches Chloe's eye across the table. "What is it?"

"Open it and see, you weirdo." Chloe grips her hands together under the table, willing Beca to move faster.

With another chuckle, Beca opens the box carefully, revealing a small piece of paper folded on the cotton insert for the box. Her head quirks to the side as she removes the slip, unfolding it in the dim light of the candle, a phone number staring back at her. She glances up at Chloe. "Are you trying to hook me up with someone else?"

Chloe's jaw drops, "What?! No! Of course not!" She narrows her eyes in Beca's direction as she breaks down laughing, resisting the urge to kick her incredibly loveable girlfriend in the shin.

Beca waits expectantly. "So…"

At the fact that it's finally time, Chloe breaks out into a grin. "It's Alice's phone number."

Beca's eyebrows furrow slightly in confusion. "Alice? Captain of the Bellas, Alice?"

Chloe quickly nods, the words spilling out from her. "After you gave me the sheet music and the flash drive on Saturday, Aubrey, Stacie, and I went back to our room and listened to it. We knew it was going to be good, Beca, but holy cow… it was more than anything we could possibly imagine."

Beca blushes at the compliment, not being able to help herself. After she gave Chloe her months' worth of work, she kind of forgot about it, in all honesty. It was like a weight being lifted from her shoulders, not having that folder full of sheet music staring at her every time she opened her bag. When Chloe didn't bring it back up, she just assumed that it ended up in a drawer somewhere, or that they weren't interested in using it.

"We brought it to the rest of the girls before practice on Monday, and they loved it, too. So, we kind of forced Alice to listen to it, and Bec… she wants you to help arrange it. The vocal arrangements, the choreography, everything. Like a coach or another captain or something." It had taken a little bit more persuasion than Chloe is letting on (and potentially a threat from the entire team to walk out), but still, the end result is the same. Other people were just as impressed with Beca's music as Chloe was. Other people believe in Beca, just like she does.

Well, not just like Chloe does. But pretty close.

With words failing her, Beca just finds herself staring at the redhead sitting across from her. After a few moments, she finds her voice. "Are you serious?"

Chloe nods vigorously, the excitement radiating off of her. "I already told her that you have a pretty intense working schedule and I didn't tell her about Macy specifically, but I did say that you have other commitments, but she said she would work with your schedule. She wants your help, Bec. She wants your music."

Shaking her head in disbelief, Beca stands from her seat and gathers Chloe in her embrace. When she had made the mix and wrote out the arrangements, she wasn't sure what would come of it. But hearing that other people liked it, hearing that she might be able to help Chloe accomplish something that she's been looking forward to all year… it's pretty amazing.

Chloe laughs into Beca's shoulder, gripping on to the back of her jacket and melting into her arms. She had been nervous originally, especially with the fact that Chloe wasn't sure if Beca would even want to help the Bellas. But she can't help but feel relieved that she was wrong.

When they eventually pull away, Beca returning to her seat, Chloe pushes the envelope closer to her. "Okay. Now the second part."

"I don't know how you're going to top the first part," Beca muses more to herself than Chloe as she unhooks the fastener and reaches into the pocket. She pulls out a few pieces of folded paper, her jaw dropping open once more as she reads the information on the first page, and then the second. "Chlo…"

Chloe's grin widens. "Well, how else are you going to see us win Finals with your song?"

With her hands shaking slightly, Beca looks over the papers once more: two round-trip tickets to New York staring up at her. One with her name on it, and one with Macy's. "Chloe, this is too much."

She shakes her head. "Nope. Don't do that. If we're going to win Finals because of you, you're going to be there to see it, Bec. Both you and Macy. I wouldn't want to do it without you."

Despite her best efforts not to, tears start to swell in her eyes. The last time she went on any sort of vacation, she was ten. And now, the love of her life is saying that she's going to get to go on one with her, with her sister, and with Chloe's friends. "We're going to New York?"

Chloe grips her hand, nodding and fighting back her own tears. "We're going to New York."

We're going to New York!